The Copybook

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

55

By John Ruskin, via Wikimedia Commons. Public domain.

The Court of the Past John Ruskin

We should not force ourselves and ‘our values’ onto the writers of the past.

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56

By George Goodwin Kilburne (1839-1924), via Wikimedia Commons. Public domain.

Arthur’s Prayers Thomas Hughes

On his first night in a school dorm, Arthur dared not do anything without seeking approval — with one exception.

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57

By Thomas Hudson (1701-1779), Wikimedia Commons. Public domain.

Robbery With Respect Charles Greville

A thief was reluctantly obliged to relieve King George II of his valuables.

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58

© Friedrich Böhringer, Wikimedia Commons. CC BY-SA 3.0.

Unfair Competition Anonymous

Mousetraps are proof of human ingenuity, but also human ingratitude — so Tom does something about it.

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59

By an unknown photographer, via Wikimedia Commons. Public domain.

Invictus W. E. Henley

A memorable poem about triumph over adversity.

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60

© Katie Thebeau, Wikimedia Commons. CC BY-SA 2.0 generic.

Tree of Life Edith Louise Marsh

Jacques Cartier made history and made friends along the St Lawrence, but then threw all that goodwill away.

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