Clay Lane

The Copy Book

A Library of History and Literature in English

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667

Montagu’s Frolic

John, Duke of Montagu, that irrepressible prankster, identified a sad-faced soldier in the Mall as the perfect mark.

668

Vortigern’s Tower

Geoffrey of Monmouth tells the tale of how Merlin first came to the attention of Britain’s kings.

669

Ranelagh Gardens

Horace Walpole, a loyal patron of Vauxhall pleasure gardens, visits newly-opened rival Ranelagh gardens in Chelsea.

670

A Cock and Horses

When some people talk about compromise, what they mean is that everyone else should compromise for their benefit.

671

The Weakness of Women

Daniel Defoe argues that it is in every man’s interest to watch the women in his life realise their full potential.

672

Trusting the People

William Gladstone complained that some politicians talk about freedom but don’t trust the people enough to let them have any.