MAGNUS THE GOOD AND OTHERS. 109 Dahlmann, for tlio amplest information and such minuteness of detail as miglit almost enable him to be an Advocate, with Silk Gown, in any Court depending on these Grey-geese. Magnus did not live long. He had a dream one night of his Father Olaf's coming to him in shining presence, and announcing. That a magnificent fortune and world-great renown was now possible for him ; but that perhaps it was his duty to refuse it ; in which case his earthly life would be short. "Which way wilt thou do, then ? " said the shining presence. " Thou shalt decide for me. Father, thou, not I ! " and told his Uncle Harald on the morrow, adding that he thought he should now soon die ; which proved to be the fact. The magnificent fortune, so questionable otherwise, has reference, no doubt, to the Conquest of England ; to which country Magnus, as rightful and actual King of Denmarky as well as undisputed heir to drunken Harda-Knut, by treaty long ago, had now some evident claim. The enterprise itself was reserved to the patient, gay and prudent Uncle Harald ; and to him it did prove fatal, — and merely paved the way for Another, luckier, not likelier !
