The Three Bears by Robert Southey
I found the original Three bears in a Children's Literature collection. There is a later verse version by George Nichol in 1839. The story is very similar to the popular tale today. The key difference is that there is no Goldilocks. Instead, there is a bad, swearing old lady. The end has her jumping out the window to condition unknown. Maybe she broke all or bones or maybe she got away. The bears are also portrayed in a more positive light. They are out to let their porridge cool and keep their house very clean. It is interesting that we have an original story that is so much like what is handed down. (Though there are some variations that even predate this one.)
Nicholas Nickleby came from a well-to-do family. His father died, leaving him, his sister and mother to fend for themselves. They travel to Nicholas's uncle for help. However, the Uncle, Ralph is not keen to help them. They struggle with various types of employment, and discover that the Uncle is connected with various nere-do-wells who are "white color scammers". They work through many odd jobs, including getting some renown as a playwright and performer. They finally end up in a comfortable situation at the end, while uncle meets a bad end.