Solar Eclipse & Mark Twain

Does the title sound weird?
Today, a solar eclipse would occur in India around 4 p.m. and will last for about 2 hours. Here, it would be partial, but elsewhere in Canada and Russia, it would be total.
An eclipse is intriguing for everyone -from old to young and scientists to students .
Excitement, superstitions and curiosity surround every eclipse.
As per Hindu mythology, the sun is said to be swallowed by two serpents rahu and ketu. Hence astrologers look at solar eclipse as an event that can cast good or bad spell on an individual.
Media makes the most of this event, by telecasting news, views by various astrologers, astronomers and common man. But thanks to this widespread telecast, most of us today are aware as to what causes an eclipse.
As I discussed this with my octogenarian father, he recalled a book "A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's court" by Mark Twain on solar eclipse.
I am not sure how many would have read this or if a copy is even available.
This 1889 novel describes how a Connecticut resident (Hank) goes back in time and is found guilty by the King Arthur. As he along with other prisoners are lined up to the gallows, Hank recalls that the solar eclipse would occur on that day. He challenges the King that if he is not set free, , he would force the sun to set. Hank is naturally ridiculed by the king until it becomes dark due to solar eclipse. All the people present, acknowledge his "greatness".
Let us all appreciate and adore this spectacular natural phenomenon "Eclipse"