Clay Lane

The Copy Book

A Library of History and Literature in English

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1603

King Alfred and the Beggar

An everyday act of charity triggered off a series of extraordinary events.

Alfred the Great ruled Wessex (roughly, southern and western England) from 871 to 899, but he had to reclaim it from Danish invaders first. The King had only a handful of loyal men to rely on, and was hiding out on a hill amid the Somerset levels, at that time a marshy lake.

1604

The Ape and the Fox

A valuable lesson when dealing with practised liars.

If you are going to tell outrageous fibs, it is a good idea to do it when there is no one around to contradict you.

1605

The Cat’s Wedding

It’s easier to change how you look than to hide who you are.

Originally, this story was about a weasel, an animal which the ancient Greeks kept for pest control in the way we keep cats. Modern Greek versions of this story make it a story about a cat, as did Victorian storyteller Joseph Jacobs.

1606

The Crow and the Pitcher

Brute force is no substitute for quick thinking.

As the old military maxim goes, Time spent in reconnaissance is seldom wasted.

1607

The Debtor and his Pig

There are no lengths to which some people won’t go.

1608

The Dog and the Bell

Notoriety is often mistaken for fame.

A SPITEFUL little terrier with a penchant for nipping people on the ankle didn’t quite understand why his master had given him a jolly little bell.