The Copybook

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

289

By Alf van Beem, Wikimedia Commons. Licence: Public domain.

Lover’s Leap Joseph Addison

Joseph Addison tells the legend of the great Greek poetess Sappho and the Lover’s Leap.

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290

By David Martin (1737–1797), via Wikimedia Commons. Licence: Public domain.

How I Learnt to Write Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin recalls the disciplines he put himself through on the way to becoming one of America’s literary giants.

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291

By Ivan Ayvazovsky (1817–1900), via Wikimedia Commons. Licence: Public domain.

A Royal Rescue Nina Brown Baker

Despite failing health, Peter the Great of Russia leapt into Kronstadt Bay to save some young sailors from a watery grave.

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292

© Fab5669, Wikimedia Commons. Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0.

Diamond Pitt An Indian Mahomedan

Thomas Pitt’s tenure as Governor of Madras was regarded as a golden age, but what he is remembered for is his diamond.

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293

By John Rae (1813-1900), via Wikimedia Commons. Licence: Public domain.

A Perpetual Summer Caroline Chisholm

A transported convict writes home to England urging his wife to join him as soon as possible.

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294

© Lure, Wikimedia Commons. Licence: CC BY-SA 3.0.

An Errand of Love Publius Ovidius Naso (Ovid)

Leander recalls that first night when he dared the perilous waters of the Hellespont, and swam to meet his lover Hero.

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