History

The Hospitable Jailer

“The Count set spurs to his horse and rode off, turning his head to look back for fear the Cid should change his mind – a thing that famous man would not do for anything in the world, for never in his life had he gone back on his word.” […]

Human Affairs

King Before Concubine

“Can we guess what affection for his monarch burned in this soldier, who reckoned it better to risk his safety in obvious danger rather than save himself for pleasure.” […]

Greek and Roman

There’s no Escaping Fate

“Cambyses bitterly lamented the cruelty of his lot, and when the Persians saw the king in tears, they tore their clothes, and showed their sympathy by a great deal of crying and groaning.” […]