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Stories and ballads for young folks cover

Stories and ballads for young folks

Chapter 37: “THE BANJO.”
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About This Book

A mixed collection of short narratives and lyrical pieces aimed at young readers, blending domestic vignettes, playful adventures, and brief moral sketches. Many items focus on childhood scenes—games, family interactions, small acts of kindness and perseverance—while others drift into fairy-tale or fanciful territory with giants, princesses, and imaginative escapades. Interspersed ballads and poems celebrate nature, simple joys, and consolation, shifting tone between humor, tenderness, and gentle instruction. The pieces are concise and varied, alternating story and verse to amuse, soothe, and offer mild ethical reflections appropriate for a youthful audience.

“THE BANJO.”

Ting-a-ling-a-ling-a-ling,
Ting-a-ling-a-ling,
Ting-a-ling-a-ling, ling,
Ting-a-ling, ling.
Under the window,
Down in the street,
Little brown curly head,
Little bare feet;
Pleadingly lifted,
Slumberous eyes,
Thrumming, fingering,
Nimble hand flies.
Ting-a-ling-a-ling-a-ling,
Ting-a-ling-a-ling,
Ting-a-ling-a-ling, ling,
Ting-a-ling, ling.
Song of the Southland
Over the sea,
Sing, little Napolese,
Sing to me.
“Beautiful Southland
Over the sea,
Gayly and gladly
Sing I of thee!
Ting-a-ling-a-ling-a-ling,
Ting-a-ling-a-ling,
So will I sing,
And so will I sing.
“Purple the mountains,
Purple the wines,
Sunny the hill-slopes
Clad with vines;
Sunny the skies are,
Balmy the air,
Time floateth dreamily,
Dreamily there.
Tirra, la, la, la!
Tirra, la, la,
Viva, viva,
Italia!”
Tattered cap held for
The pennies dropped down;
Off he goes wandering
Over the town,
Thrumming, fingering—,
Ting-a-ling-a-ling,
Ting-a-ling-a-ling, ling,
Ting, ling, ling.