• Ban and Arriere Ban Cover
      by LovelyMay Ban and Arrière-Ban by George Meredith is a historical novel set in the medieval period, blending romance, adventure, and intrigue as it follows the lives of knights and noble families. The story explores themes of loyalty, honor, and personal conflict, focusing on the complex relationships between its characters as they navigate societal expectations and the challenges of chivalric duty. The novel's title refers to the medieval French legal terms for summoning all able-bodied men to arms, reflecting the novel's focus on military and familial obligations.
    • 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: Thomas Winterbottom Hance Cover
      by LovelyMay 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…
    • Ballad: The Yarn Of The “Nancy Bell” Cover
      by LovelyMay In "The Yarn of the Nancy Bell," narrated by an ancient sailor found between Deal and Ramsgate, unfolds a gruesome tale of survival at sea. The elderly naval figure, with his unkempt hair and lengthy beard, chants a peculiar song of being the sole survivor of the Nancy Bell, claiming to embody every role aboard from captain to cook, and even the crew of the captain's gig. His wild gestures and frayed appearance suggest a man touched by hardship and madness, a notion that does little to quell the listener's…
    • Ballad: The wind blows towards the lee, Willow! But though I sigh and sob and cry, No Lady Jane for me, Willow! Cover
      by LovelyMay In the ballad from "The Bab Ballads," the sorrowful tale of young Joe, a sailor under the command of Captain Joyce, unfolds with a melancholy tune. Joe laments his unrequited love for Lady Jane, believing his lowly status as a sailor to be the barrier between them. Captain Joyce, frustrated with Joe's constant mourning and banjo-playing, wishes Joe had chosen a different path, perhaps less musical and more befitting a sailor. Despite Captain Joyce's harsh methods of discipline, including a sentence of…
    • Ballad: The Troubadour Cover
      by LovelyMay In the ballad "The Troubadour" from *The Bab Ballads*, a narrative unfolds outside a castle, where a dedicated troubadour plays his music. Within the castle's dismal dungeon, a maiden, trapped and despairing, hears his songs and responds, her heart heavy with sorrow. Despite not knowing her face or name, the troubadour vows not to rest until she is freed, motivated simply by her sad plight. Encouraged by his resolve, the maiden halts her tears and wails, singing gratefully in response to his…
    • 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: 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: 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: 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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