• 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…
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      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 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: The Reverend Micah Sowls Cover
      by LovelyMay In "The Bab Ballads," the ballad titled "The Reverend Micah Sowls" presents a comedic and critical look at the hypocrisy often associated with moralizing figures of authority, specifically targeting the clergy. The poem begins with an energetic and almost aggressive description of the Reverend Micah Sowls, a clergyman who passionately condemns the stage (theatre) as a domain of evil and immorality, urging his congregation to avoid it at all costs. His fervor is heightened by the presence of his bishop in…
    • Ballad: A Discontented Sugar Broker Cover
      by LovelyMay In "A Discontented Sugar Broker" from *The Bab Ballads*, we are introduced to a prominent figure in the East India broking scene, whose identity remains undisclosed out of respect for privacy. This individual enjoys considerable success in his profession, evidenced by his financial stability, a dedicated spouse, a team consisting of a manager, a few boys, six clerks, and seven porters, and a home free from creditors. Despite this outward prosperity, he harbors a personal dissatisfaction stemming from his…
    • 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…
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