6 DECEMBER 1969, Page 8

King Canute

CHRISTOPHER HOLLIS

`. . % Who, like Canute, thought that he could turn back the waves' (Daily Paper).

Canute was King of England— And a mighty king was he.

He knew that, though he ruled the land, He could not tame the sea.

He told his silly courtiers, 'I know because I've tried.

I plant my throne upon the shore

But cannot stop the tide.'

Yet to succeeding ages The journalists will say Canute was fool enough to think He'd keep the waves away.

As cakes were burnt by Alfred And Cole called for his pipe, So runs the tale of King Canute, Which they keep set in type.

So runs the tale in Fleet Street, And who could want to know What some poor stuffy really did A thousand years ago?