Clay Lane

The Copy Book

A Library of History and Literature in English

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319

A Conqueror Has No Friends

When Alexander the Great threatened the people of Scythia, their ambassadors reminded him that a conqueror has many more burdens to carry than an ally has.

320

Caesar Crosses the Rubicon

When Julius Caesar defied the Senate’s explicit order to resign his military command, he knew there could be no turning back.

321

The Desolation of Delhi

In 1327, Mohammad bin Tughluq gave every man, woman and child in Delhi just three days’ notice to quit.

322

Sunspots and Wheat Prices

William Herschel showed that variations in the brightness of the sun were causing climate change, but hardly anyone believed him.

323

Jane Seymour

It was a bitter moment for Anne Boleyn when she saw that what she herself had done to poor Catherine of Aragon, Jane Seymour was about to do to her.

324

Counsel’s Duty to his Client

When King George IV tried to divorce Queen Caroline with maximum embarrassment, her barrister warned that two could play at that game.