Introductory note on Robert Southey (Wikipedia)

England and France caine to battle near Blenheim. Years later the people of Blenheim called it a "famous victory," but could not tell whose victory it was. (Volume 41, Harvard Classics)

Battle of Blenheim, Aug. 13. 1704.

Introductory note on James Russell Lowell (Wikipedia)

Huldy, the rustic belle, sat alone peeling apples. She was bashful in her consciousness that Zekle would come soon. When he did, she merely blushed and timidly said: "Ma's sprinklin' clo'es," and then – (Volume 42, Harvard Classics)

Introductory note on Epictetus (Volume 2, Harvard Classics)

Epictetus advises that if a person speaks ill of you, make no defense, but answer: "He surely knew not of my other faults, else he would not have mentioned these only." (Volume 2, Harvard Classics)

Introductory note on Edmund Burke (#2) (Volume 24, Harvard Classics)

When the people of Paris howled because they had no bread to eat, Queen Marie Antoinette exclaimed: "Well, then, let them eat cake!" Such an attitude hastened the revolution. (Volume 24, Harvard Classics)

French royal family imprisoned, Aug. 10, 1792.

Introductory note on Izaak Walton (Volume 15, Harvard Classics)

Minister and witness, bride and groom were arrested by an enraged father when John Donne married his employer's niece. Donne was soon released, but he found himself without money, position or bride. (Volume 15, Harvard Classics)

Isaak Walton born Aug. 9, 1593.