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XXVI

The Royal Estate Is Seized. The King and His Retinue Take Refuge in St. Alban's Church

The History of King Sweyn Estridsson and His Sons and of the Martyrdom of King Canute the Holy

The rebellious multitude, having followed the leader of their madness already mentioned, surged together in a mass toward the seat of royal authority, rushing headlong into every crime. The snorting of horses, the roar of the crowd, and the clash of weapons filled the sky; the running and charge of men shook the ground. Dust rose from the earth and spread high and wide into the air, so that, though daylight still remained, it cast a murky darkness like night, wrapping even those already blinded in mind in a fog of confusion.

As evening approached, the devout hero — preparing to attend the evening service and to entrust himself and his companions to the maker of all things — went with only a few faithful men, his companions in labor and, as it is right to believe, soon to be his companions in reward, to the basilica of the precious martyr Alban, situated not far away. The rest sought whatever hiding places they could find, concerned for their present lives.

The hostile host, however, closed in on all sides, storming and occupying both the royal residence and its surrounding courtyards. Some attempted to break into the sanctuary where the devout leader and his companions were gathered; others tried to smash the doors of the basilica; some sought to bring in fire; the rest pressed on either to seize him alive or to stand over the fallen.

But the fire was extinguished by the dew of heavenly power, and the steadfast young defenders inside took their stand at the doors, boldly barring entry with weapons and fighting most valiantly for their prince. Meanwhile the most devout king sought the eternal King — not with the deceit of Herod, but with the humility of David — confessing himself truly guilty of sin and confessing God as truly and wholly God. Persisting not only in sincere confession but also strengthening himself with the sacrament of the life-giving communion, he enriched the altars with gifts as if of gold and silver. His companions did the same, while at intervals others resisted the enemy with weapons so that no opening might be left.

At last, as the multitude of the conspirators rushed in from every side and pressed all around the walls of the church, the monstrous Piper stood outside before the doors. He called out the most faithful steward of the royal treasury as if challenging him to single combat, demanding that he face him if he possessed any courage or strength. When the man promptly came out from within, they struck one another with heavy blows and were both wounded. The faithful steward fell gloriously inside, while Piper survived a little longer, preserved for a clearer demonstration of divine vengeance.

For after being carried home, seized by a fierce demon, he attacked everything around him with bites and hands, tearing and smashing objects, foaming at the mouth, shouting hideously, uttering wild and unheard-of words, openly confessing his treacherous crime. At last, biting off his own tongue, he ended his life miserably and horribly, as his wicked spirit departed.