XXXII
Canute Is Raised from the Grave. The Death of Olaf Hunger. Erik Evergood Becomes King
The History of King Sweyn Estridsson and His Sons and of the Martyrdom of King Canute the Holy
Requieuit autem rex deo dilectus Canutus et martyr egregius eodem in loco annis bis quaternis et mensibus fere ter ternis, Olauo regni eius successore imperante, usque dum, crebrescentibus uirtutum miraculis, communi consilio et pari uoto cleri totius et populi, singulis pontificibus cum multitudine cleri aggregatis sacrisque ossibus igne examinatis, ex humi mole sustollitur et ad basilicam australem, insigni lapideo tabulatu a fundamentis erectam, sed nondum penitus constructam, nunc uero postmodum eius nomini consecratam, sollempniter aduehitur ibique saxeo sarcofago positus in cripta reconditur.
Illo autem e terra leuato, euidentibusque signis eum dei sanctum fore declarato, rex Olauus, quem eius regni successorem prediximus, quo etiam regnante fames et pestilentia, morbus et hostium metus Dacie terminos occupauerat, egritudine tactus, ueluti uirtutum non electus inspector, uita simul et regno excessit, protinusque totius exercitus electione et populi acclamatione prestantissimus Hericus deo prouehente elementisque fauentibus ad regni iura conscendit et totius Dacię principatum pari omnium uoluntate atque monarchiam obtinuit.
Moxque eo ad imperium euecto, utpote conuersis temporibus, copia frugum arridebat, rerum opulentia exuberabat, pacis securitas ut Salomonis quondam temporibus uniuersos exhilarabat, quia et ipse regibus per circuitum ac potentibus prudentia strennuus et consilio prouidus apparebat. His ergo temporibus, pacis securitate ueluti oportunitate concessa, diuina ad preciosi martyris pignora crebrescunt magnalia, et militis sui preconia superni regis in dies adauget potentia.
Cęcis namque uisus redditur, surdis auditus restituitur, mutorum lingua resoluitur, manus arefactę restituuntur, debilium gressus reparantur, lazarica cutis emundatur, et omnibus opem in nomine Ihesu petentibus sanitatis pariter et cęlestis clementię auxilia conferuntur. Fama autem uirtutum latius diffusa confluit undecumque multitudo fldelium eius exorare suffragium, ut, quem † irritauerant persequendo, eius patrocinio iuuarentur, sceleris commissi ueniam deuotione fideli expetendo.
King Canute, beloved of God and illustrious martyr, rested in that place for eight years and nearly nine months while Olaf, his successor, ruled the kingdom. During this time, as the fame of miracles steadily increased, a common decision was reached by clergy and people alike. All the bishops assembled with a great multitude of clergy, and after the holy bones had been examined by fire, the body was raised from the earth and solemnly transferred to the southern basilica — built from its foundations with notable stonework, though not yet fully completed, and later dedicated in his name. There he was placed in a stone sarcophagus and laid to rest in the crypt.
When he had been lifted from the ground and unmistakable signs declared him to be a saint of God, King Olaf, whom we have mentioned as his successor — during whose reign famine, pestilence, disease, and fear of enemies had afflicted the lands of Denmark — was struck by illness and departed both life and kingdom, as one not chosen to witness such virtues. Immediately thereafter, by the unanimous choice of the army and the acclamation of the people, the most distinguished Erik was raised to the rights of kingship, God promoting him and even the elements favoring his rule. By the shared will of all, he obtained the monarchy and rule over all Denmark.
As soon as he was elevated to power, the times themselves seemed transformed. Crops were abundant, wealth flourished, and the security of peace gladdened everyone, as in the days of Solomon of old. For he appeared strong in prudence and foresight, both to neighboring kings and to powerful rulers.
In these times, when peace provided the opportunity, divine wonders multiplied at the relics of the precious martyr, and the power of the heavenly King daily increased the renown of his soldier. Sight was restored to the blind, hearing to the deaf, speech to the mute; withered hands were healed, the lame regained the use of their legs, diseased skin was cleansed, and to all who sought help in the name of Jesus were granted both healing and the aid of heavenly mercy.
As the fame of these miracles spread more widely, crowds of the faithful gathered from every direction to seek his intercession — so that those who had once provoked him through persecution might now be helped by his patronage, earnestly seeking forgiveness for their crimes through faithful devotion.
