The Copybook

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

535

© Хомелка, Wikimedia Commons. Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0.

‘There is No Precedent for Such a Thing!’ Elbert Green Hubbard

When Elizabeth Fry asked if she could lead prayers for the women inside Newgate gaol, the Governor was momentarily confused.

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536

© Qazwsx777, Wikimedia Commons. Licence: Public domain.

A New Year’s Resolution Charles Dickens

Toby ‘Trotty’ Veck used to love hearing the church bells ring the New Year in, but now the chimes make him feel guilty, and afraid for the world.

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537

© John Sutton, Geograph. Licence: CC BY-SA 2.0.

Ranji’s Revenge W. G. Grace

Cricketing legend W. G. Grace tells a story illustrating how fellow-batsman K. S. Ranjitsinhji set about winning the hearts of English cricketers.

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538

© Pavan Kumar N, Wikimedia Commons. Licence: CC BY-SA 3.0 Generic.

Snake Eyes Rudyard Kipling

Rikki-tikki-tavi had never met a cobra before, but when the first thrill of fear had passed he knew what he must do.

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539

By George Cruikshank (1792–1878), from the Bodleian Libraries via Wikimedia Commons. Licence: Public domain.

Bungling Tinkers! Sir Sidney Low

Sir Sidney Low blamed the recent catalogue of war and revolution on out-of-touch diplomats who had tried to hammer the peoples of Europe into artificial unity.

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540

© Jean Housen, Wikimedia Commons. Licence: CC BY-SA 3.0.

St John of Konitsa Clay Lane

Hassan slipped across to Ithaca because it was in British hands and the Turkish authorities on the Greek mainland must not know what he was going to do.

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