The King Who Could Not Stop the Sea King Canute was once ruler of England. The members of his court were continually full of flattery. “You are the greatest man that ever lived…You are the most powerful king of all…Your highness, there is nothing you cannot do, nothing in this world dares disobey you.” The king was a wise man and he grew tired such foolish speeches. One day as he was walking by the seashore Canute decided to teach them a lesson. “So you say I am the greatest man in the world?” he asked them. “O king,” they cried, “there never has been anyone as mighty as you, and there never be anyone so great, ever again!” “And you say all things obey me?” Canute asked. “Yes sire” they said. “The world bows before you, and gives you honour.” “I see,” the king answered. “In that case, bring me my chair, and place it down by the water.” The servants scrambled to carry Canute’s royal chair over the sands. At his direction they placed it right at the water’s edge. ...
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