His right arm moved mechanically through some such gesture as canute is supposed to have made when he bade the ocean retire before him, and from his bloodless lips came the memorable words-hollow, metallic, but memorable words-"Gentlemen, be calm!
"Eugene Field, A Study In Heredity And Contradictions"
Slason Thompson
The Missourian was not a fool like King canute, who ordered back the waves.
"The Missourian"
Eugene P. (Eugene Percy) Lyle
334. The famous holy Cross of Waltham, which tradition says was discovered in the following manner: A carpenter, in the reign of canute, living at Lutegaresbyry, had a vision in the night of Christ crucified, by whom he was commanded to go to the parish priest and direct him to walk, accompanied with his parishioners, in solemn procession to the top of an adjoining hill, where on digging they would find a cross, the very sign of Christ's passion.
"A Select Collection of Old English Plays, Volume I."
R. Dodsley