The Copybook

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

73

By Edvard Munch (1863–1944), via Wikimedia Commons. Public domain.

A Ministering Angel Sir Walter Scott

As Lord Marmion lies dying on Flodden Field, there is no one near to tend him but the woman he has wronged.

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74

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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75

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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76

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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77

© 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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78

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

Invictus W. E. Henley

A memorable poem about triumph over adversity.

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