
A mischievous narrator introduces us to a young lad whose future is being charted by a flamboyant figure called Ambition. With a silver breast‑plate and a flaming sword, Ambition offers the boy a series of grandiose career paths—from circus performer to naval buccaneer—each more extravagant than the last. The whimsical language turns ordinary childhood wishes into epic quests, while sly commentary hints at the ways society pushes youngsters toward ever‑higher expectations.
As the boy grows, the promises shift from daring escapades to respectable military glory, complete with uniforms, parades, and presidential accolades. Yet even as he climbs the imagined ladders of success, Ambition hovers nearby, ready to rewrite the script. The story playfully explores how dreams are molded, redirected, and sometimes overwhelmed by the relentless whisper of ambition, inviting listeners to reflect on the balance between aspiration and authenticity.
Language
en
Duration
~3 hours (206K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by David Edwards and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This book was produced from scanned images of public domain material from the Google Print project.)
Release date
2007-02-02
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1866–1944
A sharp-eyed Midwestern humorist, he turned everyday American life into witty newspaper columns, fables, and popular stage comedies. His work is remembered for its slangy style, quick social satire, and affectionate take on small-town and city characters alike.
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