The 11th-century Danish ruler King Canute was the commander of forces that had made him ruler of England, Denmark, Sweden, and parts of Norway. The king found himself surrounded by sycophants who continually told him how powerful he was. So he ordered his throne carried to the seashore, whereupon he sat down on it. Then he commanded the waves to cease their advance. As the tide continued to rise, Canute's feet, shoes, and chair became wet. He then turned to his courtiers and reproved them for their unjustified flattery. Not even a royal command could halt the tides.