• LETTER–To Sir Walter Scott, Bart. Cover
      by LovelyMay In the letter to Sir Walter Scott, dated September 8, 1885, at Rodono, St. Mary's Loch, the author vividly praises Scott for his unique charm and influence that transcends time, likening his presence to a reassuring friend from the past. Scott is celebrated for his unparalleled manliness, lack of jealousy, and his contentment with his life, whether it would have been marked by wealth and honor or mere simplicity as a Border sportsman and antiquary. The letter reflects on Scott’s genial nature, which the…
    • LETTER–To Percy Bysshe Shelley Cover
      by LovelyMay In a letter addressed to Percy Bysshe Shelley, the author reflects on Shelley's indifference to public opinion during his life and his minimal concern for posthumous reputation. Despite Shelley's fears that his works would be condemned by future generations, the verdict has been overwhelmingly positive, awarding him immortality of fame, with some dissenters' voices expected to diminish over time. The author mentions critiques that favored Shelley's prose over his poetry and describes Shelley's unique…
    • 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…
    • 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…
    • CHAPTER XIV — The Circus Boys on the Mississippi Cover
      by LovelyMay Following a day marred by an accident, the circus folk of the "Marie" and "River Queen" on the Mississippi River adapt with impressive resilience, engaging in the methodical task of preparing for their nighttime journey. Their spirits remain high as they enjoy a shared meal aboard, with the banter and camaraderie evident amongst them. A humorous conversation about the causes of falls among performers quickly shifts to a witty exchange initiated by Teddy, a Circus Boy known for his quick wit and lively…
    • CHAPTER XV — The Circus Boys on the Mississippi Cover
      by LovelyMay In Chapter XV of "The Circus Boys on the Mississippi," the Sparling circus fleet is navigating downstream smoothly until an unexpected commotion occurs. Teddy, having had a significant role in a previous cabin incident, manages to sleep through the chaos that unfolds later, whereas, Phil and the rest of the circus members are not as undisturbed. The crux of the disturbance is centered around Mr. Cummings, the pilot steering the "Marie." His night is filled with irritation and threats of revenge against…
    • CHAPTER I — The Circus Boys on the Mississippi Cover
      by LovelyMay In the opening chapter of "The Circus Boys On the Mississippi," we meet Teddy Tucker and Phil Forrest, two young performers in the Sparling Combined Shows. The chapter begins with Phil inquiring Teddy about any troubles he might have had with Diaz, a new Spanish clown. Teddy reluctantly admits to a potential misunderstanding, sparked by Phil noticing Diaz's hostile glare at Teddy during a circus performance. The tension between Teddy and Diaz stems from an incident where Teddy disrupted Diaz's act by…
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