• Ballad:  Gregory Parable, LL.D. Cover
      by LovelyMay In the leafy environs adorned with ivy and bustling with the activity of bees and birds, stood a thatch-roofed, dry rot-free cottage. This quaint dwelling was home to Mary and her scholarly father, Gregory Parable, LL.D., a man of simple pleasures and profound learning. Gregory, an erudite yet childlike scholar, was deeply engrossed in Latin grammars and the ancient texts of Caesar and Balbus, often found pondering their complexities in the early spring green of his garden. Gregory's life was a quiet…
    • Ballad:  First Love Cover
      by LovelyMay In the quaint village of Berkshire, resided the Reverend Bernard Powles, a clergyman beloved by at least a hundred souls who regularly attended his sermons. Among these faithful was Ellen, a modest rustic belle renowned for her simplicity and purity. Despite her plain attire, there was no husband in the town who didn't wish for a wife like Ellen, who became affectionately known as the Village Violet. Her innocence and timid beauty captivated the heart of anyone who met her, including Reverend Powles…
    • Ballad:  Etiquette Cover
      by LovelyMay The ballad "Etiquette" from "The Bab Ballads" tells a humorous yet insightful story about the absurdities of social conventions and the powerful role of personal connections. The tale begins with the sinking of the BALLYSHANNON off the coast of Cariboo, leading to the unfortunate drowning of its crew, captains, and greedy owners. However, two passengers, Young PETER GRAY, a tea taster for BAKER, CROOP, AND CO., and SOMERS, an importer of indigo from Eastern shores, survive by clinging to a mast and…
    • Ballad:  Emily, John, James, And I.  A Derby Legend Cover
      by LovelyMay In the ballad "Emily, John, James, and I," part of the Bab Ballads collection, we are introduced to a tale of rivalry and love set against the backdrop of the Derby. Emily Jane, a dedicated nursery maid, finds herself the object of affection of two very different suitors: James, a gallant Life Guard, and John, a constable with a modest income. The narrator, presenting themselves as a "doggerel bard," humorously interjects personal commentary throughout, aligning themselves with the characters in their…
    • Ballad:  Damon v. Pythias Cover
      by LovelyMay The ballad of "Damon v. Pythias" narrates the extraordinary tale of two inseparable friends, Damon and Pythias, who were known for their unshakeable bond from adolescence through their careers as prosperous merchant princes. Their friendship was a paragon of unity; not even the customary discord between spouses could mar the harmony between the two families. Contrary to expectations that this story leads to a legal dispute that sours their relationship, the litigation mentioned was but a benign contest,…
    • Ballad:  Brave Alum Bey Cover
      by LovelyMay "The Bab Ballads" presents "Ballad: Brave Alum Bey," a whimsical poem about the adventures and bravery of Alum Bey. Living on the banks of the river Stamboul, Alum Bey was noted for his immense courage and calm demeanor, even in the face of danger. Each morning, he collected flowers from his garden to present to Backsheesh, the daughter of Rahat Lakoum, marking their tender relationship. Despite her exquisite cooking skills, Alum Bey had to depart for Seringapatam, leaving behind a heartbroken Backsheesh…
    • Ballad:  Annie Protheroe.  A Legend of Stratford-Le-Bow Cover
      by LovelyMay The ballad of Annie Protheroe is a whimsical yet macabre tale, set in the humble neighborhood of Stratford-le-Bow, where Annie, a young woman with a simple post-office job, harbors love for Gilbert Clay, a renowned, yet gentle, executioner. Gilbert's profession, while dreadful to some, is painted with a romantic hue, as his deeds are from a time where such acts were seen in a different, almost chivalrous light. The couple finds solace and companionship in each other, sharing walks and talks under the…
    • Ballad:  An Unfortunate Likeness Cover
      by LovelyMay In "An Unfortunate Likeness" from *The Bab Ballads*, the narrator, an artist who has dedicated his career to painting William Shakespeare in various stages of his life, encounters an individual with a striking resemblance to the Bard himself. Excitedly, the artist believes this man would serve as the perfect model for his Shakespeare-themed artworks, acknowledging the challenges he has faced in capturing Shakespeare's iconic visage. Despite his numerous attempts to depict Shakespeare in various…
    • Ballad:  A Worm Will Turn Cover
      by LovelyMay In the ballad "A Worm Will Turn" from "The Bab Ballads," we are introduced to Bernard Jupp, a man of unyielding joviality and resilience amidst life's adversities. Bernard's optimism doesn't wane, even under the gloomiest circumstances. He faces life with a smile and a joke, making light of his own hardships. Whether tackling poverty or confronting the misfortunes that befall his family, Bernard retains his unwavering spirit. Bernard's father, once a wealthy man with his own house and park, succumbs to…
    • Chapter

      As It Is

      As It Is Cover
      by LovelyMay In the poem "As It Is," the narrator muses on his wishes for a better world, one with kinder people, less greed, and softer views on the faults of others. Despite his longing for improvement, he accepts the world and its inhabitants as they are, acknowledging that life, with all its sorrow, bitterness, and pain, also brings joy, friendship, and love. He concludes that the world, in all its complexity, is ultimately a place of more gladness than sorrow, suggesting an acceptance of life's imperfections and a…
      Fiction • Poetry
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