KING CANUTE.

By William Makepeace Thackeray

KING CANUTE was weary hearted; he had reigned for years a score,

Battling, struggling, pushing, fighting, killing much and robbing more;

And he thought upon his actions, walking by the wild sea-shore.

‘ Twixt the Chancellor and Bishop walked the King with steps sedate,

Chamberlains and grooms came after, silversticks and goldsticks great,

Chaplains, aides-de-camp, and pages,— all the officers of state.