Short passages for reading, drawn from history, legend, poetry and fiction.
Anonymous photo circa 1870, via Wikimedia Commons. Licence: Public domain.
In an enduring fable from the Kathasaritsagara, an Indian merchant explains how he acquired his nickname.
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By Raja Ravi Varma (1848–1906), via Wikimedia Commons. Licence: Public domain.
The lovely Shakuntala is wooed by a great King, but almost at once he forgets her.
© Rene Boulay, Wikimedia Commons. Licence: CC-BY-SA 3.0.
Over a hundred young Greeks were slated to be shot after resistance fighters and British forces sabotaged an airfield.
From the Walters Art Museum, via Wikimedia Commons. Licence: Public domain.
The Rivers Son and Narmada rise together in the hills of Amarkantak, but because of Johilla they never meet again.
By John Constable (1776-1837), via Tate Britain and Wikimedia Commons. Licence: Public domain.
Alice was given a choice between her carriage and lady’s maid on the one hand, and Richard Grey on the other.
© Фальшивомонетчик, Wikimedia Commons. Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0.
Herbert Bury distinguished two kinds of overseas investment, and only one was worthy of Englishmen.