Clay Lane

The Copy Book

A Library of History and Literature in English

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331

Akbar Takes the Plunge

Emperor Akbar’s court physician told his nobles that beneath the waters of a lake was a dry, cosy room, and dared them to find a way in.

332

The Better Man

Two monks vying for the abbot’s chair at one of England’s prestigious monasteries each promised King William Rufus handsome rewards for his favour.

333

Pillars of Justice

A witness appeared before a Calcutta court, only to find that judge and learned counsel were determined to discredit her.

334

A Shabby Suit

When he left Calcutta in February 1799 for a tour of Europe, Abu Taleb Khan scarcely expected to spend so much of his time in England trying to keep out of the courts.

335

This Dreadful Innovation

Edmund Burke explained to the Duke of Bedford that in politics there is very great difference between change and reform.

336

‘A City Greater than London’

In 1585, English merchant Ralph Fitch found himself at the heart of Mughal India, as a guest at the court of Emperor Akbar the Great.