
audiobook
Transcribed from the 1913 Thomas J. Wise pamphlet by David Price, email ccx074@pglaf.org
A vivid anthology of ancient‑style ballads invites listeners into a world of misty highlands and restless seas. The opening verses of “The Song of Deirdra” weave a mournful farewell to the beloved hills of Albyn, where chieftains feast and secret loves bloom amid the clash of hunters and the echo of distant war drums. The lyrical voice captures the raw emotions of longing, jealousy, and oath‑bound devotion, setting a tone that feels both timeless and intimate.
In “The Diver,” the drama shifts to a storm‑tossed shoreline where a king’s golden goblet becomes the prize of a perilous test. A young stripling steps forward, daring the swirling whirlpool that has terrified nobles and knights alike, and the narrative builds with vivid descriptions of crashing waves and the roar of the abyss. The ballad’s rhythm and vivid imagery make the listener feel the tension of the dive and the bravery of a heart that chooses honor over safety.
Language
en
Duration
~17 minutes (16K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2009-05-15
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1803–1881
A restless traveler, gifted linguist, and vivid storyteller, he turned life on the road into books that still feel adventurous and alive. Best known for The Bible in Spain and Lavengro, he wrote with unusual energy about language, wandering, and the people he met across Europe.
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