• 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,…
    • 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…
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