
Transcribed from the 1920 Macmillan and Co edition of “The Bab Ballads”, also from “Fifty Bab Ballads” 1884 George Routledge and Sons edition by David Price, email ccx074@pglaf.org
THE BUMBOAT WOMAN’S STORY
THE TWO OGRES
LITTLE OLIVER
MISTER WILLIAM
PASHA BAILEY BEN
LIEUTENANT-COLONEL FLARE
LOST MR. BLAKE
THE BABY’S VENGEANCE
THE CAPTAIN AND THE MERMAIDS
A lively assortment of comic verses, this collection invites listeners into the topsy‑turvy world of a bumboat woman who once courted a naval lieutenant, mischievous ogres, and a cast of eccentric sailors. The poems blend witty rhyme with affectionate satire, painting vivid scenes of dockside banter, daring escapades, and the everyday absurdities of 19th‑century life at sea. Each piece is packed with clever wordplay, memorable characters and a gently mocking tone that feels both nostalgic and surprisingly fresh.
The humor swings from gentle ribbing of military pomp to playful twists on folklore, all delivered in a sing‑song rhythm that makes the stories easy to follow and enjoy. Listeners will find themselves chuckling at the earnest yet ridiculous declarations of love, the whimsical battles of “Hot Cross Bun,” and the occasional moral tucked into a light‑hearted stanza. It’s a charming auditory journey through a bygone era’s wit and whimsy.
Language
en
Duration
~2 hours (126K characters)
Release date
1997-06-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1836–1911
Best known as the witty lyricist behind the comic operas of Gilbert and Sullivan, he helped shape Victorian musical theatre with sharp satire, absurd plots, and a wonderfully precise ear for language. His work still feels lively thanks to its mix of elegance, mischief, and memorable songs.
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