208 Results in the "Poetry" category


    • Ballad: The Force Of Argument Cover
      by LovelyMay The ballad "The Force of Argument" tells the story of Lord B., a nobleman who sought the representation of the borough of Turniptopville-by-the-Sea. He was a man of significant stature, both physically and socially, entering the local scene with ambitions to charm and to lead. Within this setting, he immersed himself in the social dances and the communal gatherings, exerting his presence among the local gentry and the common folk alike. At the heart of this tale lie two young women, Ann Pond and Mary…
    • Ballad: The Ghost, The Gallant, The Gael, And The Goblin Cover
      by LovelyMay In the suburban outskirts, where the land was yet untamed, an unlikely duo wandered: an elderly ghost, embodying the essence of a bygone era, and an influential goblin, bursting with the vigor of youth and mischief. Their spectral and fantastical nature set them apart, one echoing the grandeur of tragic tales, the other a figure straight from a comedy's liveliest scenes. Amidst their stroll, aimed at aiding digestion with light exercise, they stumbled upon a debate that would stir the tranquil air: which…
    • Ballad: The Phantom Curate.  A Fable Cover
      by LovelyMay In "The Phantom Curate. A Fable," we are introduced to a bishop, albeit without revealing the location of his diocese, who significantly burdens his clergy with conventional expectations, rigorously limiting their freedoms and scrutinizing their actions for any hint of unintentional sin. Despite his upright intentions and dedication to setting examples, his strict approach towards ensuring his priests avoid even harmless pleasures underlines his adherence to maintaining appearances rather than fostering…
    • Ballad: The Sensation Captain Cover
      by LovelyMay "The Sensation Captain," a ballad from "The Bab Ballads," tells the quirky tale of Captain Parklebury Todd, a Navy officer renowned for his bravery, wisdom, and a peculiar love for creating sensations and surprises. Unlike the typical valorous traits of noble captains, Todd's unique folly lies in his penchant for startling others, especially with unexpected 'booms' and disguises, driven by an innocent fascination with mystique and the element of surprise. Todd's life, dominated by this singular obsession,…
    • Ballad: At A Pantomime.  By A Bilious One Cover
      by LovelyMay In the dim confines of a damp dressing room within the grand Theatre Royal, World, an actor, his face shrouded by a flowing wig and his jaws adorned with a lengthy beard, prepares for his seasonal performance in the cherished pantomime, "HARLEQUIN LIFE AND DEATH." Draped in a gown designed to exaggerate his frail form, he stands ready, urging for the limelight to shine upon the stage, transforming him into the embodiment of jolly Old Christmas. As the curtain rises, the darkness of the stage symbolizes…
    • Ballad: King Borria Bungalee Boo Cover
      by LovelyMay In "King Borria Bungalee Boo" from *The Bab Ballads*, the story vividly narrates the peculiar and darkly humorous tale of a man-eating African king, Borria Bungalee Boo, and his four loyal subjects. The king, known for his fearsome appetite, faces a dire situation when the kingdom runs out of food, pushing him to the brink of desperation for a meal. His loyal subjects, once more numerous but reduced in number due to the king's dietary habits, are introduced with colorful names: haughty Pish-Tush-Pooh-Bah,…
    • The Bab Ballads Cover
      by LovelyMay The Bab Ballads by W. S. Gilbert is a delightful collection of humorous and satirical poems accompanied by the author’s own whimsical illustrations. Originally published in the late 19th century, the poems are known for their clever wordplay, absurd scenarios, and sharp wit, showcasing Gilbert’s talent for blending humor with social commentary. Many of these pieces served as inspiration for the celebrated operas he later created with composer Arthur Sullivan. Filled with quirky characters and entertaining narratives, The Bab Ballads remains a timeless classic of light verse and Victorian humor.
    • Ballad: Gentle Alice Brown Cover
      by LovelyMay In the humorous ballad "Gentle Alice Brown" from *The Bab Ballads*, we follow the tale of Alice Brown, the daughter of a feared robber in a small Italian town. Unlike the grim nature of her family's profession, Alice’s tale takes a whimsical turn when she finds herself enamored with a handsome young gentleman she spies from her window, a sorter in the Custom-house, who innocently passes by her home each day. Despite the initial innocence of her crush, the narrative unfurls Alice’s confessions to the…
    • Ballad: The Periwinkle Girl Cover
      by LovelyMay In the whimsical "Ballad: The Periwinkle Girl" from *The Bab Ballads*, the narrator playfully critiques the rush to judgment and the follies of youth through a tale that intertwines love, status, and the humble winkle. The protagonist starts by reflecting on his youthful disdain for winkles, based on the notion that they offer none of the pleasures of flirting, dancing, or smoking. This perspective shifts dramatically upon the introduction of Mary, a charming seller of winkles whose beauty and allure make…
    • Ballad: Thomson Green And Harriet Hale (To be sung to the Air of “An ‘Orrible Tale.”) Cover
      by LovelyMay In the whimsical ballad of Thomson Green and Harriet Hale, a tale unfolds that is as amusing as it is implausible, best captured by the recurring sentiment, "Twaddle twaddle twaddle twaddle twaddle twaddle twum!" Thomson Green, an auctioneer with an annual income of three hundred pounds, happens upon Harriet Hale, a pianoforte instructor of some repute, in the charming confines of Regent's Park. Their initial encounter, marked by Green's offhand admiration for the day's beauty, sparks a romance that…
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