There was danger, therefore, that at his death parties would again be formed, and the civil wars break out anew.

Canute and Emma therefore seem to have acted wisely, and to have done all that the nature of the case admitted to prevent a renewal of these dreadful struggles, by concentrating their combined influence in favor of Hardicanute, who, though not absolutely the heir to either line, still combined, in some degree, the claims of both of them.

Canute also did all in his power to propitiate his Anglo-Saxon subjects.

He devoted himself to promoting the welfare of the kingdom in every way.

He built towns, he constructed roads, he repaired and endowed the churches.