• The Tale of Balen Cover
      by LovelyMay The Tale of Balen by Algernon Charles Swinburne is a poetic retelling of the tragic Arthurian legend of Sir Balin, a knight whose life is marked by loyalty, courage, and a fateful destiny. First published in 1896, the poem follows Sir Balin’s quest for honor and his encounters with themes of fate, vengeance, and the consequences of his actions. Swinburne's vivid, lyrical verse captures the medieval atmosphere of King Arthur's court while delving into the hero’s inner conflict and moral struggles. This work highlights Swinburne’s fascination with chivalric ideals and the tragic beauty of knightly legends, bringing to life one of the darker tales from Arthurian mythology.
    • I‑The tale of Balen Cover
      by LovelyMay In the lush time of hawthorn bloom, the world awakens with light and sweetness, setting the scene for a tale of contrast between the burgeoning joy of spring and the foreshadowed doom. Our protagonist, Sir Balen, a northern knight, embarks on a journey through the rich tapestry of the English landscape, from the lively woods and moors of his homeland beside the Tyne and Tees to the more serene and untested south. As he treks through lands unfamiliar with the heather's glow or the harsh clarion of northern…
    • II-The tale of Balen Cover
      by LovelyMay In the linden-time, when spring turns into summer, a humbler, yet still noble-hearted Balen is released from imprisonment. Despite his lowly status, his spirit remains untarnished, eagerly awaiting the moment to reclaim his destiny. During this period, a distressed maiden clothed in royal garments and burdened by a sword no man could draw—save for a peerless knight—appears before King Arthur. She declares that only a knight of unblemished honor can free her from her anguish by drawing the sword. King…
    • III-The tale of Balen Cover
      by LovelyMay The chapter titled "The Tale of Balen" describes a series of dramatic and mystical events unfolding around Balen, an esteemed figure, whose life is intertwined with profound hope and impending doom. As mythical as the first light of dawn, a series of events unfolds akin to waves driven by the east wind, heralding both life and inevitable doom. Balen, exalted by a fleeting joy, finds himself in the presence of a series of significant individuals, from a lady resembling a delicate windflower, associated with…
    • IV-The Tale of Balen Cover
      by LovelyMay In the poetic and vivid chapter IV of "The Tale of Balen," the narrative soars with the grandeur of its opening imagery, likening the dawn of hope and the relentless passage of time to natural phenomena. As days embody life and death in a cycle of joy and sorrow, hope blossoms and fades with the transient beauty of dew and flowers under the sun's gaze, signifying the fleeting nature of glory and doom that shrouds Balen's fate. The narrative then shifts to a dramatic encounter on a golden moorland, where…
    • V‑The tale of Balen Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter V of "The Tale of Balen" unfolds with poetic reflections on the randomness of fate and the swift repercussions of actions. Merlin reproaches Balen for inadvertently causing a lady's death, warning him of a curse he has now attracted that will bring three kingdoms twelve years of suffering. He tells Balen that he will strike a noble knight with a "dolorous stroke," bringing about long-lasting misfortune. Distraught by this prophecy, Balen expresses a kind of despairing acceptance. As they leave…
    • VI-The tale of Balen Cover
      by LovelyMay In Chapter VI of "The Tale of Balen," set against an autumnal backdrop vivid with life's exuberance, we find Balen, a noble knight, embarking on a journey away from King Arthur and the lavish commendations due for his valor, driven by a mysterious foresight granted by Merlin of impending doom and sorrow. Meanwhile, Arthur yearns for the return of his valiant knights, Balen and Balan, unaware of the fateful paths their lives are destined to tread. Balen encounters a despondent knight lamenting a life…
    • VII-The tale of Balen Cover
      by LovelyMay In the heart of winter, when the world quiets under the snow's embrace and the northern men's spirits rise high against the harsh elements, we find ourselves drawn into the epic journey of Sir Balen, the protagonist of our tale. This is a story of valor, sorrow, and fateful encounters, unfolding in a landscape where the natural world reflects the tumultuous hearts of men. Balen's saga begins with him traversing through harsh and unforgiving territories. The metaphorical wind of fate blows strong against…
    • Chapter

      Preface

      Preface Cover
      by LovelyMay In the preface to "Men, Women and Ghosts," the author outlines the expansive definition of "stories" used in this collection, encompassing narrative poems, tales divided into scenes, and pieces where nature and inanimate objects play central roles. A significant portion of the preface is dedicated to exploring the potential of `vers libre` (free verse), inspired by the rhythmic similarities between poetry and music, notably sparked by the compositions of Debussy. The author describes experiments with…
    • Chapter

      Pickthorn Manor

      Pickthorn Manor Cover
      by LovelyMay Men, Women and Ghosts captures the theme of loss, longing, and the complexity of human emotions through the experiences of its characters. The chapter vividly presents a tale woven around the lives of Lady Eunice and Gervase Deane, set against the backdrop of the English countryside and the tumultuous times of war. Lady Eunice, living in solemn solitude at Pickthorn Manor, receives the heart-wrenching news of the death of her betrothed, Lord Hartwell, killed in action. Despite her grief, she finds a…
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