Short passages for reading, drawn from history, legend, poetry and fiction.
By John Morgan (1822–1885), via Buckinghamshire County Museum and Wikimedia Commons. Licence: Public domain.
In 1844, Daniel O’Connell was hauled before a Dublin court to answer charges of seditious conspiracy, and he didn’t stand a chance.
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© Ronald Saunders, Wikimedia Commons. Licence: CC BY-SA 2.0.
William Cowper told Lady Hesketh about a walk beside the river at Olney, and the affecting behaviour of his spaniel Beau.
By James Lonsdale (1777-1839), via the National Portrait Gallery and Wikimedia Commons. Licence: ? Public domain.
Sir Philip Francis told the House of Commons that it must not let ministers manufacture crises as an excuse for grabbing more power.
By Daderot, Wikimedia Commons. Licence: Public domain.
Scottish scholar and clergyman Gilbert Burnet sets before us a picture of a King who was something of a Solomon in his virtues and his vices.
© Olga Burda, Wikimedia Commons. Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0.
Cynewulf encourages his listeners to remain committed to the Christian life, by reminding them of the reward that awaits them.
Emily Beatrice Bland (1864-1951), via Wikimedia Commons. Licence: Public domain.
The lives of men are like voyages across stormy seas, but we no longer have to sail them as if they were uncharted waters.