• 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: Sir Guy The Crusader Cover
      by LovelyMay In the spirited ballad titled "Sir Guy The Crusader," we are introduced to Sir Guy, a valiant and muscular knight celebrated as a crusader. Dedicated to fighting and invasion, he was a favorite of Dickey de Lion and stood as a symbol of valor and determination. Within this tale of chivalry and love, we encounter Lenore, a stunning Saracen maiden with a remarkable beauty that captivated all. Despite her allure, Lenore faced domestic strife, under the harsh rule of her father, a bagman from Aden, and the odd…
    • Chapter

      Ballad: Haunted

      Ballad: Haunted Cover
      by LovelyMay "The earth holds here a social case, Haunted in life by too much surface." In this chapter, we're introduced to a man haunted not by the traditional ghosts of folklore but by the specters of social obligations and faux pas. The author engages us with a portrayal of hauntings of a peculiar kind—ones that society bestows. From Black Monday and its associated dread of school days with their loathsome routines, to the haunting memories of a love lost at seventeen to an "elderly Colonel," the narrative…
    • 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 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,…
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