have you put to bed*

That's part of the scene

readsomebooks666 Canute is known for his futile attempt to hold back and command the tide, which he lost. The dowager is referencing her futility of her trying to hold back social change, in regards to the Tom/Branson name debate. It could also be referring to the other matter he’s known for; his Danish regent siding with Norway and Sweden to overthrow him. In this way, she is saying her own regent (Mary) allied against her (with Branson), against her (on the name issue).

@@kidragakas You think Canute's famous tidal efforts were futile? To see futility is to see arrogance in his actions, you can only come to this conclusion if you believe the rising tide killed him (it didn't, he died of a fever in his own bed aged 40). That ending makes him a colossal, narcissistic psychopath. (Good myth, bad history) If he doesn't submerge himself ordering nature about, he's a wise, humble and confident leader, warning future generations of the perils of maniacs. Either way here we are still debating his story a thousand years later - so arguably lots of things, but surely not futile.

David Rendall Well I don’t have an opinion on it. But this isn’t about fact necessarily, and more about a known-enough-to-reference framing device for her to use to express her feelings on the matter.

@@kidragakas Thank you for the explanation.