The Copybook

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

271

By Hans Holbein the Younger (?1497-1543), via Wikimedia Commons. Licence: Public domain.

An Admirable English Custom Desiderius Erasmus

Dutch scholar Desiderius Erasmus urged Fausto Andrelini not to miss out on England’s enchanting contribution to good manners.

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272

By Peter Monamy (1681–1749), via Wikimedia Commons. Licence: Public domain.

Liberty and Prosperity John Trenchard

There are solid reasons why countries with lower taxes and less regulation tend to be more prosperous.

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273

By Thomas Rowlandson (1756–1827), via Wikimedia Commons. Licence: Public domain.

‘God Never Sends Mouths Without Sending Meat’ William Cobbett

Riding through Sussex, William Cobbett comes across a large family relaxing together in front of their charming cottage.

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274

Thomas Hearne (1744–1817), via Wikimedia Commons. Licence: Public domain.

Economy – With a Dash of Love Wilkie Collins

Gabriel Betteredge’s cottage was cosy, his employment rewarding and his status respectable, but his cup of happiness was not quite full.

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275

By Leslie Ward (1851–1922), via Wikimedia Commons. Licence: Public domain.

Liberty and the Magistrate John Trenchard

The citizen should not dutifully accept government intrusion as the price of community life.

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276

From the Walters Art Museum, via Wikimedia Commons. Licence: Public domain.

Treat Me Like a King! Flavius Arrianus

When Porus, the Indian king, surrendered to Alexander the Great at Jhelum, he had only one request to make of him.

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