Gloriosi igitur Suegnomagni regis inclita soboles licet omnis paternę uirtutis industriam innata sibi emularetur prudentia, insignissimus noster Cnuto — quem sedes postmodum apostolica, summo pontifice presidente quampluribusque tam presulibus quam et religiosi ordinis uiris assidentibus, seu propter sensus caniciem uel uite sinceritatem et candorem seu pro hoc, quod eum in canone sanctorum connumerandum decernebat, Canutum censeri instituit — ueluti inter gemmas preciosas effulgens carbunculus non tam patria imitari studia quam et proprii monimenti gesta posteris conabatur tradere celebria.

Crescebat enim in eo morum honestorum prudentia cum uenuste iuuentutis gratia; unde superna tandem prouidente clementia in regni processit fastigia. Acer quippe erat ingenio, specie dignus imperio, oculis uiuacibus, armis et animo strennuus, mentisque industria sermonis prodebatur facundia. Et quia neque uolentis neque currentis, sed miserentis est dei, et ab initio exorientis seculi electi mansionibus ęternis in regia sempiterni patris sunt locandi, dominus in eo elegantem sibi satellitem formabat, quem ex regię dignitatis fascibus comitem supernorum et martyrem faciebat.

The illustrious offspring of the glorious King Sweyn Estridsson, though all his children strove by natural wisdom to emulate their father’s virtues, was surpassed by Canute, our own prince. He was later declared worthy of sainthood by the Apostolic See itself, under the authority of the supreme pontiff, with many bishops and men of the religious orders in attendance — whether because of the maturity of his judgment, the purity and brightness of his life, or because it was divinely ordained that he should be numbered among the saints.

Like a glowing carbuncle shining among precious gems, Canute sought not only to imitate the pursuits of his ancestors, but also to leave behind celebrated deeds of his own as an example for future generations. In him grew a prudent concern for honorable conduct together with the vigor of youth. At last, through the providence of divine mercy, he was raised to the heights of royal power.

He was keen in intellect, worthy of rule in appearance, bright-eyed, resolute in arms and spirit, and his disciplined mind revealed itself in eloquent speech. And since it is not the one who wills or the one who runs, but God who shows mercy — and since from the beginning of the world the chosen are destined for eternal dwellings in the palace of the everlasting Father — the Lord was shaping in him a noble servant for Himself, one whom He would raise from royal dignity to companionship with the heavenly host and to martyrdom.