Page:The Heimskringla; or, Chronicle of the Kings of Norway Vol 3.djvu/89

 KINGS OF NORWAY. 77 three years, and died * on a bed of sickness in London saga ix. on the 5th of January, and was buried in Paul's church. Englishmen call him a saint. The sons of Earl Godwin were the most powerful Chapter men in England. Toste was made chief of the English Haraid kino^'s army, and was his land-defence man when the Godwim- -,.,, -,, , -, son made kmg began to grow old ; and he was also placed above king of all the other earls. His brother Haraid was always ■^"s^''" • "with the court itself, and nearest to the king in all service, and had the charge of the king's treasure- chamber. It is said that when the king was ap- proaching his last hour, Haraid and a few others were with him. HaraM first leant down over the king, and then said, '' I take you all to witness that the king has now given me the kingdom, and all the realm of England:" and then the king was taken dead out of the bed. The same day there was a meeting of the chiefs, at which there was some talk of choosing a king ; and then Haraid brought forward his witnesses that King Edward had given him the kingdom on his dying day. The meeting ended by choosing Haraid as king, and he was con- secrated and crowned the 13th day of Yule, in Paul's church. Then all the chiefs and all the people submitted to him. Now when his brother Earl Toste heard of this he took it very ill, as he thought him- self quite as well entitled to be king. " I want," said he, " that the principal men of the country choose him whom they think best fitted for it." And sharp words passed between the brothers. King Haraid says he will not give up his kingly dignity, for he is seated on the throne which kings sat upon, and is anointed and consecrated a king. On his side also was the strength of the people, for he had the king's whole treasure.
 * In the year 1066*, according to the Saxon Chronicle.