King Canute on the Seashore

James Baldwin (1841-1925) was an American editor and author. Gained the world popularity as one of the most prolific authors of school books for children at the end of the last century and the beginning of this. Became famous and widely published textbook editor and children's author in the subjects of legends, mythology, biography, and literary, among others. The story of King Canute on the seashore is a possibly apocryphal anecdote illustrating the piety or humility of king Canute the Great, recorded in the 12th century by Henry of Huntingdon. In the narrative, Canute demonstrates to his flattering courtiers that he has no control over the elements (the incoming tide), explaining that secular power is vain compared to the supreme power of God.