• LETTER–To Lucian of Samosata Cover
      by LovelyMay In a letter to Lucian of Samosata, the author muses over Lucian's current abode in a paradisiacal setting, surrounded by beauty, laughter, and notable companions like Heine, Plato, and others who share Lucian’s wit and clarity of vision. This imaginative paradise serves as a backdrop for expressing deep appreciation for Lucian's enduring satire and wisdom, painting him as the master of mirth and contentment. The author, in a tone blending admiration with wistfulness, wonders about the joy that Lucian’s…
    • LETTER–To Jane Austen Cover
      by LovelyMay In a letter to Jane Austen, the author expresses admiration and critiques on behalf of the contemporary audience. He acknowledges Austen's high artistry in literature but notes her diminishing popularity among modern readers who find her style outdated and her characters too restrained. The author suggests Austen's works lack the sensationalism and dramatic passion that current tastes favor, evident in characters from other popular novels of the time. Despite the critique, he intimately discusses the…
    • LETTER–To Monsieur de Moliere, Valet de Chambre du Roi Cover
      by LovelyMay In a reverent tone, the author initiates a letter to Monsieur de Moliere, expressing immense admiration for Moliere's transformational impact on French comedy, paralleling his achievements with those of Louis XIV for France. Moliere is commended for not only elevating the genre of comedy but also fostering a cultural exchange that saw the English stage significantly influenced by French wit, particularly during times when English playwrights infused their works with a coarser humor unlike the refined taste…
    • LETTER–To Robert Burns Cover
      by LovelyMay In addressing Robert Burns, the person conveys a unique blend of admiration and critique regarding the Scottish poet's influence and legacy. As a figure deeply beloved by his people, Burns is seen as embodying the ideals and foibles of the Scottish spirit—his independence, his love for whisky and the lassies, elevating him to an almost mythic status among Scots. The year marking the centennial of Burns's celebrated Poems published in Kilmarnock is anticipated to spark widespread festivities and an uptick…
    • LETTER–To Lord Byron Cover
      by LovelyMay In a witty and eloquent letter addressed to Lord Byron, the author expresses admiration and critiques surrounding Byron’s legacy, cleverly intertwining praise with the criticisms of contemporaries and later critics. The letter opens humorously, referencing Leigh Hunt's less formal address to Byron and setting the tone for a playful yet insightful scrutiny of Byron's posthumous reputation. The writer humorously laments the fate of Byron's works in an age less receptive to his genius, navigating through…
    • LETTER–To Omar Khayyam Cover
      by LovelyMay In his letter to the Persian poet Omar Khayyam, the author pays homage to Khayyam's philosophical and existential musings, encapsulating the essence of his work while contextualizing it within a broad historical and geographical tapestry. He begins by evoking the imagery of southern breezes tossing rose petals—symbolic of beauty and transience—over Khayyam's grave, a nod to the poet's own verses on life's fleeting nature. This introduction not only sets the letter's reflective tone but also aligns the…
    • LETTER–To Q. Horatius Flaccus Cover
      by LovelyMay In his letter to Q. Horatius Flaccus, commonly known as Horace, the author muses on the nature of the afterlife and whether it offers Horace the same pleasures he enjoyed in life: the beauty of both country and town, and the delights of nature and human company. The letter reflects on Horace's stoic and Epicurean beliefs, dwelling on the theme that death marks an eternal parting, without hope for reunion in the afterlife. Unlike Virgil, who traversed the realms of the dead with hope, Horace's acceptance of…
    • CHAPTER IV — The Circus Boys on the Mississippi Cover
      by LovelyMay In Chapter IV of "The Circus Boys On the Mississippi," titled "Their Curiosity Aroused," Mr. Sparling engages in a light-hearted yet mysterious conversation with Phil, one of the Circus Boys. Mr. Sparling teases Phil about the circus's secret travel plans, which he's been keeping under wraps even from his closest show associates, including Phil. The dialogue reveals Mr. Sparling's significant trust and reliance on Phil's judgment, hinting at the boy's growing importance within the circus…
    • CHAPTER V — The Circus Boys on the Mississippi Cover
      by LovelyMay In Chapter V of "The Circus Boys On the Mississippi," Mr. Sparling, the circus owner, invites Phil and Teddy for a mysterious walk after instructing all performers to pack up, sparking curiosity and gossip among the show people due to the unusual command to prepare to leave the train. As they meander through the town and approach the river, the boys' wonder grows until they spot three yellow boats with "The Sparling Combined Shows" painted on the side, revealing Mr. Sparling's surprise plan to take the…
    • CHAPTER VI — The Circus Boys on the Mississippi Cover
      by LovelyMay During a lively circus performance under the bright glow of gasoline lamps in the grand tent, an unexpected event stirred both performers and audience. Teddy Tucker, a diminutive clown, interrupted the show with an announcement that set the stage for a unique spectacle. He proclaimed that the circus's ostrich had laid an egg, presenting it as a novel attraction amidst the high-flying acts and daring performances. The ringmaster, initially disgruntled, quickly turned the situation into an opportunity,…
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