• Ballad: The Bishop And The ‘Busman Cover
      by LovelyMay In "The Bishop and The 'Busman," a whimsical ballad from "The Bab Ballads," we encounter a narrative set in London, centered around a stout, zealous Bishop and a Jewish 'busman named Hash Baz Ben—who also bears the names Jedediah, Solomon, and Zabulon. The Bishop, determined to convert the 'busman to Christianity, embarks on a daily journey with him, riding the Putney bus from Fulham town, proclaiming the 'busman's Jewish identity and religious practices to the amusement and later, the annoyance, 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…
    • Chapter

      PART II.

      PART II. Cover
      by LovelyMay In this whimsical and adventurous chapter of "The Bab Ballads," the narrator embarks on an eccentric quest to discover the author of the charming and elusive cracker mottoes that captivate his Elvira. His journey takes him to celebrated poets—Henry Wadsworth, Alfred Poet Close, and Mister Martin Tupper—in hopes that one of them might be the creator of these witty verses. Each poet, however, denies involvement with the cracker mottoes, and Tupper responds with a cryptic message, illustrating the…
    • Ballad: Lorenzo De Lardy Cover
      by LovelyMay "The Bab Ballads" presents a humorous and whimsical tale in the ballad of "Lorenzo De Lardy." Dalilah De Dardy, wealthy but aging, falls deeply for the charming and handsome Lorenzo De Lardy, a prestigious lord serving in Her Majesty's Guards. Despite Lorenzo's good looks and charm, attracting many a maiden's gaze, he is plagued by financial woes, primarily owing to considerable debts. His financial desperation leads him to frequent escapes to Paris, seeking respite and perhaps fortune in the city's…
    • The Bab Ballads Cover
      by LovelyMay The Bab Ballads by W. S. Gilbert is a delightful collection of humorous and satirical poems accompanied by the author’s own whimsical illustrations. Originally published in the late 19th century, the poems are known for their clever wordplay, absurd scenarios, and sharp wit, showcasing Gilbert’s talent for blending humor with social commentary. Many of these pieces served as inspiration for the celebrated operas he later created with composer Arthur Sullivan. Filled with quirky characters and entertaining narratives, The Bab Ballads remains a timeless classic of light verse and Victorian humor.
    • Ballad: Captain Reece Cover
      by LovelyMay In the spirited ballad "Captain Reece," readers are introduced to the exemplary CAPTAIN REECE, the beloved commander of THE MANTELPIECE. Renowned for his unparalleled dedication to his crew's well-being, CAPTAIN REECE ensures that his men are the epitome of comfort and joy at sea. From dancing madly to entertain them during low spirits to narrating humorous tales from his childhood, he consistently goes above and beyond to uplift his crew. The captain's care extends to providing each man with luxurious…
    • 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…
    • 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…
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