The Copybook

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

91

© Michael Garlick, Geograph. CC BY-SA 2.0.

The Man Who Couldn’t Abide Greed Geoffrey Chaucer

On a money-spinning pilgrimage to Canterbury, a Pardoner says the quiet part out loud.

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92

By Max Liebermann (1847-1935), by Wikimedia Commons. Public domain.

A Well-Tuned Heart Izaak Walton

A road accident made parish priest George Herbert late for his musical evening, but he was not a bit sorry.

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93

© 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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94

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

Dog and Ducking Edward Jesse

A much-provoked Newfoundland loses his patience.

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95

© 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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96

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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