The Copybook

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

157

By an anonymous artist, c. 1700-1753, via Wikimedia Commons. Licence: Public domain.

A Day in Georgian London John Macky

A foreign tourist writes home with an account of a day in the life of a typical London gentleman.

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158

By Wilhelm Camphausen (1818–1885), via Wikimedia Commons. Licence: Public domain.

The Right Words in the Wrong Order Mr Addison

Such was the reputation of the Prussian army in the days of the Frederick the Great that even foreigners wanted to join.

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159

By Rock Brothers and Payne (London), via Wikimedia Commons. Licence: Public domain.

Pot and Kettle Richard Cobden

Richard Cobden wondered how the architects of the British Empire had the nerve to accuse Russia of imperialism.

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160

Via Wikimedia Commons. Licence: Public domain.

Statesman vs Politician William Cullen Bryant

American journalist and poet WC Bryant numbered Richard Cobden MP among the world’s statesmen, not our politicians.

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161

Via Wikimedia Commons. Licence: Public domain.

Excess Postage Sir Rowland Hill

Rowland Hill calculated that a lower, flatter rate of postage would not only make the public better off and better read, but increase the Revenue.

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162

By an Anonymous artist (1816), via Wikimedia Commons. Licence: Public domain.

Émilie’s Plan Antoine Marie Chamans, Comte de Lavalette

The night before the Comte de Lavalette was to be executed, his wife Émilie came to visit him with a proposal that left him speechless.

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