Stanza-wise Explanation of The Tale of Custard the Dragon by Ogden Nash
Stanza 1:
“Belinda lived in a little white house,
With a little black kitten and a little gray mouse,
And a little yellow dog and a little red wagon,
And a realio, trulio, little pet dragon.
”Explanation:
Belinda, the protagonist, lives in a small white house with her peculiar companions: a black kitten, a gray mouse, a yellow dog, and a little red wagon. Among them is an unusual pet—a dragon named Custard, described as “realio, trulio” to emphasize its authenticity. This stanza sets a whimsical and playful tone, creating a world full of charm and imagination.
Stanza 2:
“Now the name of the little black kitten was Ink,
And the little gray mouse, she called him Blink,
And the little yellow dog was sharp as Mustard,
But the dragon was a coward, and she called him Custard.
”Explanation:
Belinda names her pets in a quirky manner:
Ink (the kitten), Blink (the mouse), and Mustard (the dog).
The dragon is named Custard, hinting at his personality—though large and fierce in appearance,
he is timid and cowardly.
The irony of this characteristic is central to the poem’s humor.
Stanza 3:
“Custard the dragon had big sharp teeth,
And spikes on top of him and scales underneath,Mouth like a fireplace,
chimney for a nose,And realio,
trulio, daggers on his toes.
”Explanation:
Custard is vividly described as a stereotypically fearsome dragon with sharp teeth,
spikes, and fiery breath.
However, despite his formidable appearance,
his personality contradicts his looks, making him an endearing character.
Stanza 4:
“Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of bears,
And Ink and Blink chased lions down the stairs,
Mustard was as brave as a tiger in a rage,
But Custard cried for a nice safe cage.
”Explanation:
The poem humorously contrasts the bravery of the other characters with Custard’s cowardice.
Belinda and her pets are depicted as courageous and daring, while Custard,
despite being the most powerful,
seeks safety in a cage.
Stanza 5:
“Belinda tickled him, she tickled him unmerciful,Ink, Blink, and Mustard,
they rudely called him Percival,
They all sat laughing in the little red wagonAt the realio, trulio, cowardly dragon.
”Explanation:
Belinda and the other pets mock Custard for his lack of bravery.
They even call him “Percival,” a knight associated with cowardice in Arthurian legends,
adding humor to the story.
Their teasing highlights Custard’s difference from the group.
Stanza 6
“Belinda paled, and she cried Help! Help!But Mustard fled with a terrified yelp,Ink trickled down to the bottom of the household,And little mouse Blink strategically mouseholed.
”Explanation:
When a pirate suddenly appears, everyone panics and runs away, except Custard. This moment is crucial, as it begins to challenge the group’s perception of bravery and cowardice
.Stanza 7:
“But up jumped Custard, snorting like an engine,Clashed his tail like irons in a dungeon,With a clatter and a clank and a jangling squirm,He went at the pirate like a robin at a worm.
”Explanation:
Custard surprises everyone by confronting the pirate with courage and ferocity. The poet uses vivid similes to portray Custard’s strength and determination, contrasting sharply with his usual timid behavior.
Stanza8:
“The pirate gaped at Belinda’s dragon,And gulped some grog from his pocket flagon,He fired two bullets, but they didn’t hit,And Custard gobbled him, every bit.
”Explanation:
Custard fearlessly defeats the pirate by eating him whole, proving his bravery when it truly matters. This act shifts the group’s perspective on Custard’s true worth.