EDWARD THE CONFESSOR.

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wishes of that people , in restoring the Saxonline, and in humbling the Danes, from whom he,as well as they, had reason to dread , as theyhad already felt, the most grievous oppressions.On the other hand, there subsisted a declaredanimosity between Edward and Godwin , onaccount of Alfred’s murder; of which the latterhad publicly been accused by the prince, andwhich he might believe so deep an offence, ascould never , on account of any subsequentmerits, be sincerily pardoned. But their commonfriends here interposed ; and representing thenecessity of their good correspondence, obligedthem to lay aside all jealousy and rancour, andconcur in restoring liberty to their native country.Godwin only stipulated , that Edward , as apledge of his sincere reconciliation , shouldpromise to marry his daughter Edith a ; andhaving fortified himself by this alliance , hesummoned a general council at Gillingham, andprepared every measure for securing the successionto Edward. The English were unanimous andzealous in their resolutions ; the Danes weredivided and dispirited : Any small opposition,which appeared in this assembly, was brow beatenand suppressed ; and Edward was crowned king,with every demonstration of duty and affection.

The triumph of the English, upon this signaland decisive advantage , was at first attendedwith some insult and violence against the Danes;but the king, by the mildness of his character,soon reconciled the latter to his administration ,

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