208 Results in the "Poetry" category


    • 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…
    • Ballad: Bob Polter Cover
      by LovelyMay Bob Polter was a hardworking navvy of thirty-two, known for his coarse hands and sun-tanned, rough face. Without a wife, he lived simply among his working peers, embodying the characteristics of a decent, albeit imperfect, English working man. Despite his modest indulgence in smoking and a daily pot of beer—which occasionally increased in quantity or led to convivial nights and even fights on Saturdays—Bob was fundamentally a sober, responsible laborer. One day, while at the Nelson's Head, a…
    • Ballad: The Story Of Prince Agib Cover
      by LovelyMay In "The Story of Prince Agib," the tale unfolds with a vibrant invocation to musical instruments, setting the stage for a narrative about Agib, the Prince of Tartary. Agib, depicted as a musically gifted youth, indulges in composing ballet music and playing a variety of instruments, showcasing his artistic versatility. His life takes an unexpected turn during a harsh winter when two starving Tartar minstrels, referred to as the "Ouaits," arrive at his gates. Moved by their plight, Agib welcomes them…
    • Ballad: Ellen McJones Aberdeen Cover
      by LovelyMay They gathered around PATTISON CORBY TORBAY, And played him some tunes in the traditional way. They started with jigs, then to reels they did switch, But PATTISON's mood did not improve one bit. "This is torture," he cried, "not a joyous refrain! Oh, cease your wild playing, it's hurting my brain!" But CLONGLOCKETTY swore by the thistle so sharp, He'd not cease his playing till dawn lit the harp. And so through the night, till the early morn broke, The Highlands resounded with pibroch and smoke. The…
    • Ballad: Peter The Wag Cover
      by LovelyMay Policeman Peter, known for his playful and mischievous nature, is the central figure in this rollicking narrative. Peter, a man of law wrapped in the joys of his comical inclinations, relished leading the unsuspecting astray with his humor-laced guidance. When asked about the time, his responses were absurdly inaccurate, delighting in the confusion of the inquirer. His playful demeanor extended to the streets he patrolled, often sending people in completely wrong directions or involving himself in…
    • Ballad: Ben Allah Achmet; – Or, The Fatal Tum Cover
      by LovelyMay In the quaint county of Sussex, notably in the town of Hooe, lived three uniquely contrasting characters whose lives intertwined in a tale of unrequited love and peculiar malady. The first of these characters was Effendi Khan Backsheesh Pasha Ben Allah Achmet, a Turkish gentleman of considerable note, who found himself smitten with the charm and grace of a local damsel, Emily MacPherson. Despite the grand allure of his Eastern heritage and the opulence that adorned his life, Ben Allah Achmet found himself…
    • Ballad: The Three Kings Of Chickeraboo Cover
      by LovelyMay In the whimsical ballad titled "The Three Kings of Chickeraboo" from "The Bab Ballads," we are transported to the imaginary land of Chickeraboo, where reside three individuals—PACIFICO, BANG-BANG, and POPCHOP. On a particularly sweltering day, they whimsically decide to declare themselves kings, albeit in a modest manner. PACIFICO is adept at playing the "bones," BANG-BANG excels in banjo music, and POPCHOP is known for his remarkable "flap" dance moves. United by a clever scheme, they decide to…
    • Ballad: Captain Reece Cover
      by LovelyMay In the spirited ballad "Captain Reece," readers are introduced to the exemplary CAPTAIN REECE, the beloved commander of THE MANTELPIECE. Renowned for his unparalleled dedication to his crew's well-being, CAPTAIN REECE ensures that his men are the epitome of comfort and joy at sea. From dancing madly to entertain them during low spirits to narrating humorous tales from his childhood, he consistently goes above and beyond to uplift his crew. The captain's care extends to providing each man with luxurious…
    • Ballad: The Reverend Micah Sowls Cover
      by LovelyMay In "The Bab Ballads," the ballad titled "The Reverend Micah Sowls" presents a comedic and critical look at the hypocrisy often associated with moralizing figures of authority, specifically targeting the clergy. The poem begins with an energetic and almost aggressive description of the Reverend Micah Sowls, a clergyman who passionately condemns the stage (theatre) as a domain of evil and immorality, urging his congregation to avoid it at all costs. His fervor is heightened by the presence of his bishop in…
    • Ballad: The Rival Curates Cover
      by LovelyMay Be sure of provocation: Wait till he calls you 'snob,' Or something else as naughty - Then you can do the job, And welcome back to Spiffton!" Thus on his foes he set His minions most observant, 'Twas a most curious bet, Yet, made in all good fervent. But when they reached the spot, They found, instead of strife, A scene that spoke of what's More beautiful in life. HOPLEY, with flute in hand, Played melodies enticing; Around him, o'er the land, Creatures their joy voicing. His curate's garb aside, He wore…
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