218 Results with the "Poetry" genre
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In "The Bab Ballads," the ballad "Thomas Winterbottom Hance" tells the playful tale of an unmatched swordsman in Merry England, Thomas Winterbottom Hance, celebrated for his extraordinary ability to cleave objects like silk handkerchiefs and legs of mutton cleanly in two with his saber, without any strain. His daily practice in Dover draws the ire of Monsieur Pierre from across the channel in Calais. Pierre, proclaiming himself the bravest in France, is irritated and vexed by Hance's saber skills, mocking…-
67.2 K • Ongoing
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Ballad: The Reverend Micah Sowls
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…-
67.2 K • Ongoing
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In "A Discontented Sugar Broker" from *The Bab Ballads*, we are introduced to a prominent figure in the East India broking scene, whose identity remains undisclosed out of respect for privacy. This individual enjoys considerable success in his profession, evidenced by his financial stability, a dedicated spouse, a team consisting of a manager, a few boys, six clerks, and seven porters, and a home free from creditors. Despite this outward prosperity, he harbors a personal dissatisfaction stemming from his…
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67.2 K • Ongoing
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Ballad: The Force Of Argument
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…-
67.2 K • Ongoing
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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…
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67.2 K • Ongoing
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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…
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67.2 K • Ongoing
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Ballad: The Sensation Captain
"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,…-
67.2 K • Ongoing
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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…
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67.2 K • Ongoing
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Ballad: King Borria Bungalee Boo
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,…-
67.2 K • Ongoing
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Ballad: Babette’s Love
Babette was a charming fisher girl from Boulogne, known for her beauty and innocence, spending her days in the Halle or catching shrimp. Her heart is set on marrying an able mariner named Bill, who works for the General Steam-Boat Navigation Company and spends his off-hours dreamily overlooking the port, thoughts possibly adrift to his distant home in Chelsea. Jacot, a customs officer smitten with Babette, confesses his love, only to be rejected as she finds him undesirably thin and declares her affection…-
67.2 K • Ongoing
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