Hardicanute, who succeeded Harold, whose memory he abhorred, whose corpse he disinterred and flung into a fen [103], had been chosen by the unanimous council both of English and Danish thegns; and despite Hardicanute's first vehement accusations of Godwin, the Earl still remained throughout that reign as powerful as in the two preceding it.

When Hardicanute dropped down dead at a marriage banquet, it was Godwin who placed Edward upon the throne; and that great Earl must either have been conscious of his innocence of the murder of Edward's brother, or assured of his own irresponsible power, when he said to the prince who knelt at his feet, and, fearful of the difficulties in his way, implored the Earl to aid his abdication of the throne and return to Normandy.
"You are the son of Ethelred, grandson of Edgar.

Reign, it is your duty; better to live in glory than die in exile.

You are of mature years, and having known sorrow and need, can better feel for your people.

Rely on me, and there will be none of the difficulties you dread; whom I favour, England favours." And shortly afterwards, in the national assembly, Godwin won Edward his throne.