LovelyMay
Stories
93
Chapters
1,535
Words
3.4 M
Comments
0
Reading
11 d, 22 h
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In the evocative ballad "The Baby's Vengeance" from "The Bab Ballads," we are introduced to the grievous tale of Paley Voltaire of Bromptonville, who lies feverishly ill in a dirty lodging near the Polygon, Somers Town. The poem unfurls the life of Paley, an only child who has squandered an immense inheritance to the point of destitution, haunted by his bad decisions and nearing death. Recommended by a doctor to seek recovery in Madeira, a suggestion Paley cannot afford to follow, he instead requests the…-
69.1 K • Ongoing
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In the ballad "Lost Mr. Blake" from The Bab Ballads, we meet Mr. Blake, a notorious sinner far removed from the norms of respectable Christianity. His weekly routines flaunt conventional piety, including indulging in tobacco and alcohol on Sundays. Despite his disregard for ecclesiastical propriety, such as mocking the disputes over clerical vestments and showing disdain for charity that does not involve direct giving, Blake lives by a code uniquely his own, ignoring societal and religious…
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69.1 K • Ongoing
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"The Two Ogres" in *The Bab Ballads* spins a whimsical yet moralistic tale, perfectly suited for both obedient and mischievous children. This ballad, set in the magical Wickham Wold, introduces us to two distinct ogres representing the extremes of good and evil. The younger ogre is as virtuous as the elder is vile, embodying the dichotomy of character in fantastical form. James M'Alpine, the elder, is a creature of base desires, indulging his appetite with a ruthless efficiency that targets well-behaved…
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69.1 K • Ongoing
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In the ballad "Lieutenant-Colel Flare," the narrator celebrates an unparalleled military unit headed by Colonel Flare, distinguished not by martial prowess but by brotherly love and moral integrity. Unlike typical soldiers, Colonel Flare's men are depicted as innocuous and gentle, abstaining from vices common among their ilk, embodying innocence to the extent of engaging in activities like tatting or doll-nursing — pursuits far removed from the conventional soldierly demeanor. Colonel Flare's leadership…
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69.1 K • Ongoing
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In "Pasha Bailey Ben," a ballad within *The Bab Ballads*, we encounter the dignified yet stout Pasha Bailey Ben, a figure of pride with ten tails and three wives. His life, filled with peculiar presents from pilgrims, showcases the diverse and odd forms of adoration he receives, ranging from onions to cold boiled beef and even telescopes. These varied gifts, seemingly incongruent – like white kid gloves, candlesticks, and potted quails – emphasize the pasha's broad albeit curious influence. Central to…
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69.1 K • Ongoing
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In "The Bumboat Woman's Story," an elderly woman reminisces about her youthful days at sea and her affection for Lieutenant Belaye, a naval officer. Once thriving in her sixties, known for her charm and beloved by the Royal Fleet for her lively eyes, she provided for the ships in Portsmouth Bay, including the HOT CROSS BUN commanded by the kind-hearted Lieutenant Belaye. The lieutenant, skilled in maximizing the prestige of his small gunboat, deceives casual inquiry by conflating its tonnage with the…
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69.1 K • Ongoing
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In the sea-bound legend of Captain Capel Cleggs, our tale unfolds with a vignette of maritime adventure and whimsical enchantment. Captain Cleggs, a man of moral stature if not of notable height, would often bask in the sea air by an open port, showcasing his well-formed legs, a sight so rare and captivating that it drew the attention of mermaid throngs. These sea maidens, unaccustomed to the sight of human legs, marveled at Cleggs’s limbs, considering them superior in beauty and elegance to any…
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69.1 K • Ongoing
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In "An Unfortunate Likeness" from *The Bab Ballads*, the narrator, an artist who has dedicated his career to painting William Shakespeare in various stages of his life, encounters an individual with a striking resemblance to the Bard himself. Excitedly, the artist believes this man would serve as the perfect model for his Shakespeare-themed artworks, acknowledging the challenges he has faced in capturing Shakespeare's iconic visage. Despite his numerous attempts to depict Shakespeare in various…
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69.1 K • Ongoing
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The ballad of Annie Protheroe is a whimsical yet macabre tale, set in the humble neighborhood of Stratford-le-Bow, where Annie, a young woman with a simple post-office job, harbors love for Gilbert Clay, a renowned, yet gentle, executioner. Gilbert's profession, while dreadful to some, is painted with a romantic hue, as his deeds are from a time where such acts were seen in a different, almost chivalrous light. The couple finds solace and companionship in each other, sharing walks and talks under the…
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69.1 K • Ongoing
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In the leafy environs adorned with ivy and bustling with the activity of bees and birds, stood a thatch-roofed, dry rot-free cottage. This quaint dwelling was home to Mary and her scholarly father, Gregory Parable, LL.D., a man of simple pleasures and profound learning. Gregory, an erudite yet childlike scholar, was deeply engrossed in Latin grammars and the ancient texts of Caesar and Balbus, often found pondering their complexities in the early spring green of his garden. Gregory's life was a quiet…
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69.1 K • Ongoing
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