'That Very Mab'

Moonlit waves lap against a hidden island, where the fairy queen Mab summons a chorus of Polynesian spirits to guide a mystic vessel toward a distant shore. In this vivid opening, the ancient English folklore that once fled the Puritan age finds a new home among South‑Sea deities, and the listeners are swept into a dreamscape of singing dolphins, fluttering lights, and a sudden, thunderous surge that pulls the island back to its place. The prose balances lyrical description with a wry commentary on how myth adapts when cultures collide.

Beyond the enchantment, the work unfolds as a series of lively dialogues that probe the origins of religion, the rise of democracy, and the tensions between nihilism and faith. Characters such as a skeptical professor, a pragmatic merchant, and a bemused bishop spar with one another, offering sharp yet playful insights into the social and political currents of the late nineteenth century. Listeners will find a blend of satire, philosophy, and whimsical storytelling that invites both reflection and delight.