The Copybook

Short passages for reading, drawn from history, legend, poetry and fiction.

1033

By George Romney (1734-1802), via Wikimedia Commons. Licence: Public domain.

An Easy Life Frederick Marryat

Mr Easy believes he has missed out on fatherhood, and having nothing else to do, turns to political campaigning.

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1034

© TrickyH, Wikimedia Commons. Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0.

Gideon’s Fleece Clay Lane

Gideon is chosen by God to save Israel from the Midianites, but doubts his fitness for the task.

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1035

Avraham Graicer, via Wikimedia Commons. Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0.

Say ‘Shibboleth!’ Clay Lane

Jephthah’s sentries at the crossings of Jordan devise a fool-proof way to tell friend from foe.

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1036

By Zoltan Kluger (1896–1977), via Wikimedia Commons. Licence: Public domain.

Gideon Recruits an Army Clay Lane

Gideon prepares to drive the Midianites out of Israel, but first he has to make it a fair fight.

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1037

Jim Greenhill, Wikimedia Commons. Licence: Public domain.

Gideon’s Snare Clay Lane

While spying out the enemy’s camp, Gideon hears something which fills him with renewed confidence.

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1038

© Fortysix Vie, Geograph. Licence: CC-BY-SA 2.0.

Mark Antony Catches a Kipper Plutarch

The surprisingly sensitive Roman commander was hoping to impress a girl with his angling skills.

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