Subject
Avarice -- Juvenile poetry Books
Best books
Robert Browning
The Pied Piper of Hamelin, and Other Poems Every Boy's Library
"The Pied Piper of Hamelin, and Other Poems by Robert Browning" is a collection of poems written in the late 19th century. This work showcases Browning's mastery of narrative poetry, with themes that blend folklore, historical events, and human experiences. The title piece, "The Pied Piper of Hamelin," recounts the tale of a mysterious piper who rid a town of its rat infestation, only to seek revenge when the townspeople refuse to honor their promises. The central poem, "The Pied Piper of Hamelin," describes how the town of Hamelin, plagued by an overwhelming number of rats, seeks help from a piper who promises to deliver them from the vermin in exchange for payment. After luring the rats to their demise in the river, the townsfolk refuse to fulfill their bargain, leading the piper to take away their children in a similarly enchanting manner. Other poems in the collection, such as "Hervé Riel" and "Incident of the French Camp," similarly feature strong characters and vivid storytelling, exploring themes of courage, loyalty, and the consequences of both action and inaction. Overall, the collection reflects Browning's ability to weave complex narratives and evoke deep emotion through his rhythmic and expressive language.
Eliza Lucy Leonard
The Miller and His Golden Dream
"The Miller and His Golden Dream" by Eliza Lucy Leonard is a narrative poem written in the early 19th century. The book presents a moral tale centered around themes of contentment and the pitfalls of greed. It reveals the life of a miller who falls prey to avarice, ultimately leading to his misfortune. The story follows the miller, Whang, who initially leads a humble and content life, working his mill beside a tranquil brook. However, upon hearing tales of a neighbor’s unexpected wealth from a hidden treasure, he becomes consumed by the desire for more. Ignoring the practical demands of his work and wife, Whang succumbs to his obsession, neglecting his mill and household. As fate would have it, he finally discovers a promise of wealth through a dream but, in a twist of irony, he finds that his neglect has led to the destruction of his mill. In his despair, Whang learns a valuable lesson about the importance of contentment and the dangers of unchecked ambition. With the support of his wife, he resolves to restore his fortunes through hard work, ultimately finding happiness in life’s simple blessings.
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