KING CANUTE
Beside the ocean's swelling tide
Beside the ocean's swelling tide
Canute, the king, once wandered --
But suddenly he stopped his stride
And arrogantly pondered.
"All men," he mused, "bow down to me,
But how they'd gasp in wonder,
If I could rule the mighty sea
And hush its voice of thunder!"
His courtiers who strode with him
Encouraged him to try it;
Said they: "No man disputes your whim,
Nor would the sea defy it!"
With this, "O Sea," cried King Canute,
Your tides I now determine.
Dare not approach my royal boot
Or splash my robe of ermine!
Obey me, Sea, and heed my word:
Retreat! Waves, flow not forward!"
He paused, abashed, as undeterred,
The shouting sea rolled shoreward.
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| Leo Harrington |
Then said Canute, as thoughtfully
He sought the palace doorway:
"A greater power commands the sea
Than I, the king of Norway!
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