How about this one

Shakespeare Quote of the Week:
From Richard II
..
This royal throne of kings, this sceptred isle,
This earth of majesty, this seat of Mars,
This other Eden, demi-paradise,
This fortress built by Nature for herself
Against infection and the hand of war,
This happy breed of men, this little world,
This precious stone set in the silver sea,
Which serves it in the office of a wall
Or as a moat defensive to a house,
Against the envy of less happier lands,—
This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England.

We used to recite this at school. There's more. It's a pity we blessed few do not keep up these old traditions


I had a bit of trouble trying to get on the blog this morning - I was directed to the sign-up. But I stuck to it and finally got to the Dashboard. Lovely morning here. Got a new washing machine - like yours, Julian. Hotpoint Aquarius. Trouble is we cannot hear it. Wonderful. Mum is hanging out the washing!