The Book of Ballads: Eleventh Edition, 1870
- Language
- EN
- Format
- EPUB
- Size
- 24 MB
Description
"The Book of Ballads: Eleventh Edition, 1870" is a collection of humorous and satirical poems compiled by Sir Martin Theodore. The volume includes a variety of original ballads that address social norms, politics, and historical events through wit and lively characters. The collection incorporates themes ranging from romantic encounters and adventure to societal critique, often employing wordplay and clever depictions of character interactions. The opening poem features a humorous scene involving a Moorish maiden named Zorayda and the knight Alphonzo Guzman, illustrating the playful tone of the collection.
Published in the late 19th century, the book reflects the literary style and social commentary characteristic of that period’s humour. It aims to entertain while subtly critiquing contemporary customs and political issues through humorous verse. The collection exemplifies the tradition of comic balladry that combines satire with lively storytelling, characteristic of Victorian literary humour.
Published in the late 19th century, the book reflects the literary style and social commentary characteristic of that period’s humour. It aims to entertain while subtly critiquing contemporary customs and political issues through humorous verse. The collection exemplifies the tradition of comic balladry that combines satire with lively storytelling, characteristic of Victorian literary humour.
From the opening pages
And so I'm sure to catch it, 'cos he wallops all his nieces." "Oh, maiden, Moorish maiden! wilt thou be ruled by me! So wipe thine eyes and rosy lips, and give me kisses three; And I'll give thee my helmet, thou kind and courteous lady, To carry home the water to thy uncle, the Alcaydè." He lighted down from off his steed—he tied him to a tree— He bent him to the maiden, and he took his kisses three; "To wrong thee, sweet Zorayda, I swear would be a sin!" And he knelt him at the fountain, and he dipped his helmet in. Up rose the Moorish maiden—behind the knight she steals, And caught Alphonzo Guzman in a twinkling by the heels: She tipped him in, and held him down beneath the bub- bling water,— "Now, take thou that for venturing to kiss Al Hamet's daughter!" A Christian maid is weeping in the town of Oviedo; She waits the coming of her love, the Count of Tololedo. I pray you all in charity, that you will never tell, How he met the Moorish maiden beside the lonely well. Original Size Original Size DON FERNANDO GOMERSALEZ From the Spanish of Astley's. Don Fernando Gomersalez! basely have they borne thee down; Paces ten behind thy charger is thy glorious body thrown; Fetters have they bound upon thee—iron fetters, fast and sure; Don Fernando Gomersalez, thou art cap- tive to the Moor! Long within a dingy dungeon pined that brave and noble knight, For the Saracenic warriors well they knew and feared his might; Long he lay and long he languished on his dripping bed of stone, Till the cankered iron fetters ate their way into his bone. On the twentieth day of August—'twas the feast of false Mahound— Came the Moorish population from the neighbouring cities round; There to hold their foul carousal, there to dance and there to sing, And to pay their yearly homage to Al-Widdicomb, the King! First they wheeled their supple coursers, wheeled them at their utmost speed, Then they galloped by in squadrons, tossing far the light jereed; Then around the circus racing, faster than the swallow flies, Did they spurn the yellow sawdust in the rapt spectators' eyes. Original Size Proudly did the Moorish monarch every passing warrior greet, As he sate enthroned above them, with the lamps beneath his feet;
FAQ
Is "The Book of Ballads: Eleventh Edition, 1870" free to download?
Yes, it is free to download — no sign up needed.
What format is the file?
EPUB.
More by Theodore, Sir Martin
Similar books
Reader reviews Be the first
No reviews yet. Be the first to review this book.
Write a review
Protected by reCAPTCHA.