The Copybook

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

115

© Ian Capper, Geograph. CC BY-SA 2.0.

On Having the Socks Samuel Butler

In Erewhon, apologise by saying you have the socks and everyone will understand.

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116

© psyberartist, Wikimedia Commons. CC BY-SA 2.0.

Dog and Ducking Edward Jesse

A much-provoked Newfoundland loses his patience.

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117

© DrPete (Pete Coleman), Wikimedia Commons. CC BY-SA 2.0.

Cat and Cook Ivan Andreyevich Krylov

A little fable about a cat, a chicken and some wasted words.

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118

By William Barnes Wollen (1857–1936), via Wikimedia Commons. Public domain.

Traitorous Designs King George III

In August, 1775, King George III responded to the news of rebellion in the American colonies.

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119

© Karl and Ali, Geograph. CC BY-SA 2.0.

Then Hate Me When Thou Wilt William Shakespeare

If he is going to drop him, the embattled poet would prefer his friend to get on with it.

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120

© Number 10, Wikimedia Commons. CC BY-SA 2.0.

Ministerial Myopia Henry St John, 1st Viscount Bolingbroke

We all want our politicians to be clever men, but being cunning isn’t the same as being wise.

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