Clay Lane

The Copy Book

A Library of History and Literature in English

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49

Who Can Refute a Sneer?

Clever people have realised that it is easier to get people on your side by mockery than by persuasion.

50

Mind Over Matter

John of Gaunt tries to persuade his son Henry that banishment from England isn’t such a bad thing, if you think about in the right way.

51

Silas Marner Misses his Gold

Silas Marner, the weaver, plans to take a comforting look at his savings while he eats his dinner.

52

Milton! Thou Shouldst be Living at this Hour

William Wordsworth comes back from France and realises with a shock what his own country has become.

53

Money to Burn

Pip receives a visitor from among the criminal classes, but his condescending attempt to play the gentleman rebounds spectacularly.

54

Tough Customer

A little anecdote about a schoolmaster who wasn’t as much of a Wackford Squeers as he appeared to be.