Clay Lane

The Copy Book

A Library of History and Literature in English

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1567

Mrs Bold’s Thunderclap

There comes a point in some relationships when words just aren’t enough.

In the gardens of the Rectory at Ullathorne, the ambitious Mr Slope, chaplain to the Bishop of Barchester, declares his ‘love’ for wealthy widow Mrs Bold.

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1568

Mrs Clements

Mrs Clements of Durham is not a household name, but the product she invented is.

Mrs Clement’s innovative process for making hot mustard powder sparked welcome fresh business for farmers and potters in northeast England, and is the secret behind the famous Colman’s of Norwich - and their “bull’s head” logo.

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1569

St Nicholas of the Cats

A very unusual monastery with some very unusual protectors.

When the Empress Helen founded the monastery of St Nicholas in the 4th century, she had no idea that this pleasant corner of Cyprus was plagued by venomous snakes.

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1570

‘Nimrod’

Edward Elgar suffered from depression, and ‘Nimrod’ is his token of thanks to the true friend who supported him through it.

By far the best-known of all Elgar’s ‘Enigma Variations’ is ‘Nimrod’, frequently played at Remembrance services and funerals. But the story behind it suggests that it was intended as music not of loss or parting, but of enduring friendship, and new hope.

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1571

No Dog Exchanges Bones with Another

How do we get the help of millions of people we don’t know? Only by trade.

For some people, ‘trade’ is synonymous with greed and selfishness but Scottish philosopher Adam Smith (1723-1790) did not think so. However greedy or selfish a businessman may be, if he wants to be successful he must spend at least a little time thinking of others, because no one is going to maintain him in comfort out of pity.

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1572

Orpheus and Eurydice

Orpheus would lose his beloved wife Eurydice to death not once, but twice.

Orpheus was taught music, and given a marvellous lyre, by Apollo himself. He out-sang even the Sirens, and so brought Jason and the crew of the Argo to safety. But the love of his life was Eurydice, and he lost her - twice.

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