Thou, of the race of Canute, knowest how popular was the reign of that King. |
There was once a king of England, named Canute, who was a brave and clever man. |
The King Canute mentality, which I believe is damagingly ingrained in City Hall, can no longer hold back the tide of change. |
After the death of Ethelred the Unready in 1016, the throne of England passed to Canute. |
This is the point. If we do not do this, then we will be like King Canute trying to stop the waves. |
It is petty, but his constant railing against human nature reminds one of King Canute ordering the tide to recede. |