Quod cum in maximo uigore floreret imperii, sedile suum in littore maris cum ascenderet statui iussit. Dixit autem mari ascendenti: 'Tu mee dicionis es, et terra in qua sedeo mea est, nec fuit qui inpune meo resisteret imperio. Impero igitur tibi ne in terram meam ascendas, nec uestes uel membra dominatoris tui madefacere presumas.'
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- This Latin account describes King Cnut commanding the tide not to wet his robe, illustrating the limits of royal power.
- In plain terms
- King Cnut ordered the sea to stop and it did not obey.
- What can you take from it?
- Earthly power has limits against nature.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Can rulers control nature?
- What are the limits of power?
Another view
The historical accuracy of this specific event is debated by scholars.
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