GSEB Class 10 English Solutions Chapter 10 The Tale of Custard the Dragon

Thinking about the Poem

Question 1. Who are the characters in this poem? List them with their pet names.
Answer: The characters in this poem are Belinda, a little black kitten, a little grey mouse, a little yellow dog, a little pet dragon, and a pirate. The black kitten is known as Ink, the tiny mouse as Blink, the yellow dog as Mustard, and the cowardly dragon as Custard. Custard was a fully grown dragon and could easily protect himself.
In simple words: The poem's characters are Belinda, her black kitten (Ink), grey mouse (Blink), yellow dog (Mustard), a dragon (Custard), and a pirate. Custard was a big dragon who could defend himself well.

Exam Tip: When listing characters, always include their specific descriptions or associated names mentioned in the text for full clarity.

Question 2. Why did Custard cry for a nice, safe cage? Why is the dragon called a 'cowardly dragon'? (August 20)
Answer: Custard cried for a nice, safe cage because it was very fearful. It is called a 'cowardly dragon' because everyone else in the house was quite brave. Belinda was as brave as a barrel of bears. Ink and Blink were described as so brave they could chase lions down the stairs, and Mustard was as brave as an enraged tiger. Compared to them, Custard requested a nice and safe cage, which is why it is given the name 'coward'.
In simple words: Custard wanted a safe cage because he was scared. He's called a 'cowardly dragon' because everyone else was brave, like Belinda, Ink, Blink, and Mustard.

Exam Tip: When explaining character traits, always back your points with specific examples or comparisons from the text.

Question 3. 'Belinda tickled him, she tickled him unmerciful...........' Why?
Answer: Belinda tickled the dragon without mercy because it was very scared and cried for a safe cage. They all laughed at it as it was truly a coward.
In simple words: Belinda tickled the dragon hard because he was scared and wanted a safe cage, making everyone laugh at his fear.

Exam Tip: Pay attention to descriptive words like 'unmerciful' as they reveal character interactions and the dragon's perceived weakness.

Question 4. The poet has employed many poetic devices in the poem. For example, "Clashed his tail like irons in a dungeon”- the poetic device here is a simile. Can you, with your partner, list some more such poetic devices used in the poem?
Answer: In the entire poem, the poet has made extensive use of similes. Apart from simile, another poetic device that has been used is repetition. For example, the repetitive use of the word 'little' in the first stanza helps to emphasize how everything from the house to Belinda to her pets were all small. Also, in the seventh stanza, the poet has made use of incorrect spelling as a rhyme scheme of the poem. He has chosen to write 'winda' instead of 'window' as 'winda' rhymes with 'Belinda', whereas 'window' does not. He has also used alliteration in the poem. For example, in the tenth stanza, 'Custard' has 'clashed' his tail with a 'clatter' and a 'clank'. Similarly, in stanza eleven, the pirate 'gaped' at the dragon and 'gulped' some 'grog'.
In simple words: The poem uses many literary tools. It has similes, like "Clashed his tail like irons in a dungeon." It also uses repetition, like saying "little" many times. The poet sometimes uses incorrect spellings to make words rhyme, such as "winda" for "window." Alliteration is also present, like "clashed his tail with a clatter and a clank."

Exam Tip: When identifying poetic devices, always provide specific examples from the poem to support your answer, explaining how each example demonstrates the device.

Question 5. Read stanza three again to know how the poet describes the appearance of Custard the dragon.
Answer: Custard was a full-grown dragon and could easily defend himself against any danger. He could do so as he had sharp teeth, spikes on his back, scales underneath his belly, and dagger-like toes. He could also breathe fire.
In simple words: Custard was a big dragon with sharp teeth, spikes on his back, scales under his tummy, and sharp toes like daggers. He could also breathe fire and protect himself.

Exam Tip: For descriptive questions, list all physical features mentioned to provide a complete picture of the character.

Question 6. Can you find out the rhyme scheme of two or three stanzas of the poem?
Answer: The rhyme scheme of each stanza of this poem is aabb.
In simple words: In this poem, every stanza follows an AABB rhyme pattern. This means the first two lines rhyme, and the next two lines rhyme.

Exam Tip: To find a rhyme scheme, look at the last word of each line and assign a letter. If words rhyme, they get the same letter.

Question 7. Writers use words to give us a picture or image without actually saying what they mean. Can you trace some images used in the poem?
Answer: Some images used in the poem are 'mouth like a fireplace', 'chimney for a nose', 'brave as a barrel full of bears', 'brave as a tiger in a rage', 'went at the pirate like a robin at a worm', etc.
In simple words: The poem uses vivid pictures like 'mouth like a fireplace' and 'chimney for a nose'. It also says characters are 'brave as a barrel full of bears' or 'brave as a tiger in a rage,' and that someone 'went at the pirate like a robin at a worm'.

Exam Tip: When identifying imagery, look for similes and metaphors that create strong visual or sensory descriptions.

Question 8. Do you find The Tale of Custard the Dragon' to be a serious or a light-hearted poem? Give reasons to support your answer, OR Comment on humour in the poem, 'The Tale of Custard the Dragon'. (August 20)
Answer: The Tale of Custard the Dragon is a light-hearted poem. It is almost a parody. The names of Belinda's pets are all rhyming and funny. Belinda has been compared to a barrel full of bears. The kitten and mouse, both small, could chase lions down the stairs. The little yellow dog was as brave as a tiger, while the dragon was a coward, and they all teased him. However, when the pirate came to their little house, all of them were engulfed in fear and had hidden themselves. Ironically, the 'cowardly' dragon came to their rescue and jumped, snorting like an engine. It clashed its tail and charged at the pirate like a robin at a worm and ate him up. Even as everybody became happy to see the bravery of the dragon, they again came back to glorifying themselves that they could have been twice or thrice braver than the dragon. Finally, at the end of the poem, the situation again came back to the other pets being brave and the dragon being the coward.
In simple words: This is a funny, light-hearted poem, almost a joke. The pet names are silly and rhyme. Belinda and her pets seem brave but get scared when a pirate comes. The 'cowardly' dragon, Custard, surprisingly saves them all. Afterward, everyone goes back to pretending they are brave and Custard is still a coward.

Exam Tip: To determine if a poem is light-hearted or serious, look for humorous comparisons, ironic situations, and playful language. Provide examples to back your claim.

Question 9. This poem, in ballad form, tells a story. Have you come across any such modern song or lyric that tells a story? If you know one, tell it to the class. Collect such songs as a project.
Answer: This is another humorous, light-hearted poem by Ogden Nash that tells a story.

Adventures of Isabel

Isabel met an enormous bear, Isabel, Isabel, didn't care; The bear was hungry, the bear was ravenous, The bear's big mouth was cruel and cavernous. The bear said, Isabel, glad to meet you, How do, Isabel, now I'll eat you! Isabel, Isabel, didn't worry. Isabel didn't scream or scurry. She washed her hands and she straightened her hair up, Then Isabel quietly ate the bear up. Once in a night as black as pitch Isabel met a wicked old witch.

The witch's face was cross and wrinkled, The witch's gums with teeth were sprinkled. Ho, ho, Isabel! The old witch crowed, I'll turn you into an ugly toad! Isabel, Isabel, didn't worry, Isabel didn't scream or scurry, She showed no rage and she showed no rancor, But she turned the witch into milk and drank her. Isabel met a hideous giant, Isabel continued self-reliant. The giant was hairy, the giant was horrid, He had one eye in the middle of his forehead. Good morning, Isabel, the giant said, I'll grind your bones to make my bread.

Isabel, Isabel, didn't worry, Isabel didn't scream or scurry. She nibbled the zwieback that she always fed off, and when it was gone, she cut the giant's head off. Isabel met a troublesome doctor, he punched and he poked till he really shocked her. The doctor's talk was of coughs and chills And the doctor's satchel bulged with pills. The doctor said unto Isabel, Swallow this, it will make you well. Isabel, Isabel, didn't worry, Isabel didn't scream or scurry. She took those pills from the pill concocter, and Isabel calmly cured the doctor. Here is another ballad with a somber undertone. It is written by Sir William Watson.

The Ballad of Semmerwater

Deep asleep, deep asleep,
Deep asleep it lies,
The still lake of Semmerwater
Under the still skies.

And many a fathom, many a fathom,
Many a fathom below,
In a king's tower and a queen's bower
The fishes come and go.

Once there stood by Semmerwater
A mickle town and tall;
King's tower and queen's bower
And the wakeman on the wall.

Came a beggar halt and sore :
"I faint for lack of bread!"
King's tower and queen's bower
Cast him forth unfed.

He knocked at the door of the eller's cot,
The eller's cot in the dale.
They gave him of their oatcake,
They gave him of their ale.

He has cursed aloud that city proud,
He has cursed it in its pride;
He has cursed it into Semmerwater
Down the brant hillside;
He has cursed it into Semmerwater
There to bide.

King's tower and queen's bower,
And a mickle town and tall;
By glimmer of scale and gleam of fin,
Folk have seen them all.

King's tower and queen's bower,
And weed and reed in the gloom;
And a lost city in Semmerwater,
Deep asleep till Doom.
In simple words: Ballads are poems that tell stories. Many modern songs also tell stories, similar to old ballads. The examples provided are "Adventures of Isabel" by Ogden Nash and "The Ballad of Semmerwater" by Sir William Watson.

Exam Tip: Ballads often have a strong narrative and can be traditional or modern. Look for a clear plot, characters, and a setting when identifying a ballad.

GSEB Class 10 English The Tale of Custard the Dragon Additional Important Questions and Answers

Read the following stanzas carefully and answer the questions given below them:

Question 1. Belinda tickled him, she tickled him unmerciful, Ink, Blink and Mustard, they rudely called him Percival, They all sat laughing in the little red wagon At the realio, trulio, cowardly dragon. Belinda giggled till she shook the house, And Blink said Weeck!, which is giggling for a mouse, Ink and Mustard rudely asked his age, When Custard cried for a nice safe cage.
Questions:
(1) Why did Belinda and the others made fun of Custard?
(2) What made Ink, Blink and Mustard compare Custard with the brave knight called Percival?
(3) 'Ink and Mustard rudely asked his age' What does this line say?
Answer:
(1) Belinda and the others made fun of Custard because he was very much afraid all the time.
(2) Percival was a brave knight in the service of King Arthur. While Custard was a coward, so ironically Ink, Blink and Mustard compared Custard with the brave knight called Percival.
(3) 'Ink and Mustard rudely asked his age'. This line once more makes fun of Custard, asking how old he was that he was scared of every little thing.
In simple words: Belinda and friends teased Custard because he was always scared. They compared him to brave Sir Percival, making fun of his cowardice. When Ink and Mustard asked his age, it was another joke about him being afraid of everything.

Exam Tip: When answering questions based on stanzas, directly quote or paraphrase lines that support your explanation of character actions and motives.

Question 2. Pistol in his left hand, pistol in his right, And he held in his teeth a cutlass bright, His beard was black, one leg was wood; It was clear that the pirate meant no good. 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.
Questions:
(1) Describe the appearance of the pirate.
(2) What did Belinda, Mustard, Ink and Blink do on the arrival of the pirate?
(3) Pick out the noun which is used as a verb in the stanza.
Answer:
(1) The pirate had pistols in his left and right hands. He had held a knife in his teeth. He looked very dangerous with his black beard and one wooden leg.
(2) When Belinda, Mustard, Ink and Blink saw the pirate, they were terribly frightened. Belinda turned pale out of fear and started shouting for help. Mustard ran away terrified, uttering a short cry, Ink moved away to the bottom of the household, and Blink ran away into a mousehole.
(3) The noun 'mousehole' is used as a verb, i.e., 'mouseholed'.
In simple words: The pirate looked scary with pistols in both hands, a knife in his mouth, a black beard, and a wooden leg. When the pirate arrived, Belinda went pale and yelled for help. Mustard yelped and ran, Ink hid in the house's lowest part, and Blink quickly hid in a mousehole. The word 'mousehole' is used here as a verb, meaning to hide in a mousehole.

Exam Tip: For descriptive questions, list specific details from the poem. For identifying literary devices or word usage, clearly state the word and its function.

Question 3. 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. Belinda embraced him, Mustard licked him, No one mourned for his pirate victim Ink and Blink in glee did gyrate Around the dragon that ate the pirate.
Questions:
(1) Who is Belinda's dragon?
(2) What did the pirate do? What happened to him finally?
(3) What were the reactions of Belinda and others to Custard?
Answer:
(1) Custard is Belinda's dragon.
(2) The pirate drank some alcohol from his flagon and fired two bullets at Custard but they had no effect on Custard. Finally Custard ate him up.
(3) As Custard ate up the pirate and got Belinda and others out of fear, they were extremely happy. Belinda embraced Custard, Mustard licked him, and Ink and Blink danced joyfully.
In simple words: Belinda's dragon is Custard. The pirate drank alcohol and shot at Custard, but the bullets missed. Custard then ate the pirate completely. Belinda and the others were very happy and relieved; Belinda hugged Custard, Mustard licked him, and Ink and Blink danced with joy.

Exam Tip: When answering multiple-part questions, ensure each part is addressed clearly and separately for complete marks.

Choose the correct figures of speech used in the following lines:

Question 1. 'With a little black kitten and a little gray mouse'.
(a) Metaphor
(b) Repetition
(c) Apostrophe
(d) Synecdoche
Answer: (b) Repetition
In simple words: The phrase uses the word "little" two times to highlight the small size of the kitten and mouse. This repeated use of the same word is called repetition.

Exam Tip: Repetition involves using words, phrases, or clauses multiple times for emphasis or rhythmic effect.

Question 2. 'And a realio, trulio, little pet dragon'.
(a) Internal Rhyme
(b) Oxymoron
(c) Repetition
(d) Both 'A' and 'B'
Answer: (d) Both 'A' and 'B'
In simple words: The words "realio" and "trulio" rhyme within the line (internal rhyme), and they also form an oxymoron by using exaggerated, childlike terms to describe something real.

Exam Tip: Internal rhyme occurs when rhyming words are found within the same line. An oxymoron combines contradictory terms.

Question 3. 'And the little yellow dog was sharp as Mustard'.
(a) Personification
(b) Synecdoche
(c) Simile
(d) Apostrophe
Answer: (c) Simile
In simple words: This line directly compares the dog's sharpness to mustard using the word "as," which is a simile.

Exam Tip: A simile makes a comparison between two different things using 'like' or 'as'.

Question 4. 'Mouth like a fireplace, chimney for a nose'.
(a) Simile
(b) Metaphor
(c) Synecdoche
(d) Both 'A' and 'B'
Answer: (d) Both 'A' and 'B'
In simple words: "Mouth like a fireplace" is a simile because it uses "like" for comparison. "Chimney for a nose" is a metaphor as it directly states the nose is a chimney without using "like" or "as."

Exam Tip: Differentiate between simile (uses 'like' or 'as') and metaphor (direct comparison without 'like' or 'as').

Question 5. 'Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of bears'.
(a) Alliteration
(b) Simile
(c) Personification
(d) Both 'A' and 'B'
Answer: (d) Both 'A' and 'B'
In simple words: The phrase "brave as a barrel full of bears" is a simile because it uses "as" to compare Belinda's bravery to a barrel of bears. It also contains alliteration with the repeating 'b' sound in "brave," "barrel," and "bears."

Exam Tip: Look for both direct comparisons (simile) and repeated initial consonant sounds (alliteration) within the same phrase.

Question 6. 'Belinda tickled him, she tickled him unmerciful'.
(a) Repetition
(b) Alliteration
(c) Simile
(d) Metaphor
Answer: (a) Repetition
In simple words: The word "tickled" is repeated twice in the line, which is an example of repetition.

Exam Tip: Repetition emphasizes certain words or ideas in a poetic line.

Question 7. 'Meowch! cried Ink, and ooh! cried Belinda'.
(a) Simile
(b) Metonymy
(c) Onomatopoeia
(d) Alliteration
Answer: (c) Onomatopoeia
In simple words: "Meowch!" and "ooh!" are words that imitate the sounds they represent, making them examples of onomatopoeia.

Exam Tip: Onomatopoeia is the formation of a word from a sound associated with what is named (e.g., cuckoo, sizzle).

Question 8. 'Pistol in his left hand, pistol in his right'.
(a) Oxymoron
(b) Repetition
(c) Metaphor
(d) Both 'A' and 'B'
Answer: (b) Repetition
In simple words: The word "pistol" is repeated in this line, which is an instance of repetition.

Exam Tip: Repetition can create rhythm, emphasize an idea, or draw attention to specific words.

Question 9. 'Ink, Blink and Mustard, they rudely called him Percival'.
(a) Personification
(b) Metaphor
(c) Internal Rhyme
(d) Synecdoche
Answer: (a) Personification
In simple words: Giving human qualities, like rudeness, to animals (Ink, Blink, and Mustard) is an example of personification.

Exam Tip: Personification attributes human characteristics to inanimate objects, animals, or abstract ideas.

Question 10. 'And Blink said Weeck! Which is giggling for a mouse'.
(a) Personification
(b) Synecdoche
(c) Onomatopoeia
(d) Apostrophe
Answer: (c) Onomatopoeia
In simple words: "Weeck!" is a sound that imitates a mouse's giggle, making it an example of onomatopoeia.

Exam Tip: Onomatopoeic words mimic the actual sound they describe.

Question 11. 'But Mustard fled with a terrified yelp'.
(a) Metaphor
(b) Transferred Epithet
(c) Apostrophe
(d) Synecdoche
Answer: (b) Transferred Epithet
In simple words: The word "terrified" describes Mustard's yelp, but it's actually Mustard who is terrified, not the yelp itself. This transfer of emotion is called a transferred epithet.

Exam Tip: A transferred epithet attributes a characteristic of a person or thing to another thing associated with them.

Question 12. 'But up jumped Custard, snorting like an engine'.
(a) Anastrophe
(b) Simile
(c) Personification
(d) Both 'A' and 'B'
Answer: (b) Simile
In simple words: The phrase "snorting like an engine" directly compares Custard's snorting sound to an engine using the word "like," which is a simile.

Exam Tip: A simile uses 'like' or 'as' to make a comparison, highlighting a shared quality between two different things.

Question 13. 'He went at the pirate like a robin at a worm'.
(a) Alliteration
(b) Simile
(c) Personification
(d) Synecdoche
Answer: (b) Simile
In simple words: This line uses "like" to compare how Custard attacked the pirate to how a robin attacks a worm, making it a simile.

Exam Tip: Similes create vivid comparisons that help readers visualize the action or characteristic described.

Question 14. 'And up spoke Ink and up spoke Blink'.
(a) Anastrophe
(b) Alliteration
(c) Simile
(d) Metaphor
Answer: (a) Anastrophe
In simple words: Anastrophe means changing the usual word order in a sentence. Here, instead of "Ink spoke up," the phrase "up spoke Ink" is used, which is an anastrophe.

Exam Tip: Anastrophe is often used for poetic effect, emphasis, or to maintain a specific rhythm or rhyme scheme.

Question 15. 'Mustard is as brave as a tiger in a rage'.
(a) Repetition
(b) Alliteration
(c) Simile
(d) Metaphor
Answer: (c) Simile
In simple words: The comparison of Mustard's bravery to a tiger in a rage, using the word "as," is an example of a simile.

Exam Tip: Remember that similes always involve a direct comparison using "like" or "as."

Question 16. 'And Mustard growled, and they all looked around'. (March 20)
(a) Antithesis
(b) Litotes
(c) Onomatopoeia
(d) Hyperbole
Answer: (c) Onomatopoeia
In simple words: "Growled" is a word that sounds like the noise it describes, which is an example of onomatopoeia.

Exam Tip: Onomatopoeia is a common device that brings sensory experience directly into the text through sound words.

Answer the following questions in three to four sentences each:

Question 1. Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of bears, Identify two poetic devices used in the above line.
Answer:
(a) As brave as a barrel – Simile.
(b) Brave, a barrel full of bears – Alliteration.
In simple words: The line "Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of bears" uses two literary tools. First, it is a simile because it compares Belinda's bravery to bears using "as." Second, it has alliteration with the repeating 'b' sound in "brave" and "barrel."

Exam Tip: Always provide clear examples for each poetic device identified, explaining why it fits the definition.

Question 2. Why did Belinda cry for help? Who came to her help?
Answer: Belinda cried for help because she was afraid of the pirate who had come. The pirate was dangerous and scary, making her feel helpless. Custard, the dragon, came to her rescue.
In simple words: Belinda screamed for help because she was terrified of the pirate. Custard, the dragon, was the one who helped her.

Exam Tip: For cause-and-effect questions, clearly state the reason for an action and the resulting event or helper.

Question 3. How did Belinda's pets other than Custard face the pirate?
Answer: All the animals other than the dragon used to boast about their bravery and made fun of the dragon. But when the pirate entered the house, all got scared and ran away and disappeared except Custard, the dragon.
In simple words: All of Belinda's pets, except Custard, often bragged about how brave they were and teased the dragon. However, when the pirate came into their house, they all became frightened, ran off, and hid themselves.

Exam Tip: Highlight the contrast between the pets' usual behavior and their reaction to a real threat.

Question 4. How did each of Belinda's pets react at the sight of the pirate?
Answer: Each of Belinda's pets ran away and hid. They were scared at the sight of the pirate. Mustard fled with a terrified yelp, Ink trickled down to the bottom of the household, and Blink strategically mouseholed.
In simple words: All of Belinda's pets got scared and ran away to hide when they saw the pirate. Mustard yelped and ran, Ink hid low in the house, and Blink quickly went into a mousehole.

Exam Tip: When asked about individual reactions, specify what each character did, not just a general statement.

Question 5. Give a brief description of the pirate in the poem 'The Tale of Custard-The Dragon'.
Answer: The pirate entered from the window. He had pistols in his left and right hand. He held a bright cutlass in his teeth. His beard was black and one leg was wood.
In simple words: The pirate came through the window, holding pistols in both hands and a shiny sword in his teeth. He had a black beard and a wooden leg.

Exam Tip: Include key physical details and actions that portray the pirate's menacing nature.

Question 6. Belinda was a sweet little girl who lived in her sweet little white house. Who else lived with her in that house? OR Who all lived in a white house with Belinda?
Answer: Belinda lived in a white house with Ink - a black kitten, Blink - a grey mouse, Mustard – a yellow dog, Custard – a dragon, and a red wagon.
In simple words: Belinda lived in her white house with a black kitten named Ink, a grey mouse named Blink, a yellow dog named Mustard, a dragon named Custard, and a red wagon.

Exam Tip: List all characters clearly, along with their identifying descriptions or names, to ensure a complete answer.

Question 7. Why did everyone make fun of the dragon?
Answer: Everyone in the house made fun of the dragon because he always cried for a safe cage, whereas others used to boast about their bravery.
In simple words: The dragon was teased by everyone because he constantly wished for a safe cage. In contrast, the other pets often bragged about their own courage.

Exam Tip: Emphasize the contrasting behaviors (Custard's fear vs. others' boasts) as the reason for the teasing.

Answer the following questions in five to six sentences each:

Question 1. Why do you think Custard, the dragon, was called a coward? How was Custard able to save all his house-mates from the pirate? What values should Belinda have possessed so that Custard too could have been among her favourites?
Answer: The dragon appeared to be a coward as he always cried for a nice safe cage so he was called a cowardly dragon. Later, when the pirate entered the house with pistols in his left and right hand, everyone was scared and ran away and disappeared, except Custard who faced him boldly and attacked him, hit him hard with his forceful tail and gobbled every bit of him. Belinda should have been nice to him. She should have made him feel comfortable and safe in the house instead of laughing and making fun of him with other pets. Belinda should have been protective towards him.
In simple words: Custard was called a coward because he always cried for a safe cage. However, when a pirate attacked, all the other pets ran and hid. Only Custard bravely faced the pirate, hitting him with his tail and eating him. Belinda should have been kind and protective towards Custard, making him feel safe, instead of teasing him with the other pets.

Exam Tip: Discuss both the perceived and actual bravery of Custard, and suggest moral lessons related to kindness and support for those who seem weak.

Question 2. Describe the fight between the dragon and the pirate.
Answer: The dragon had big sharp teeth, and spikes on top of him and scales underneath but everyone laughed at him as he always cried for a nice, safe cage whereas everyone boasted about their bravery. But when the pirate entered, all were scared and ran away and disappeared except Custard who faced him boldly, attacked him, hit him hard with his forceful tail and gobbled every bit of him. All of them later felt obliged to Custard for saving their lives.
In simple words: The dragon, Custard, was often mocked for being a coward, despite his fierce appearance. When the pirate attacked, all the other pets hid in fear. Custard, however, bravely confronted the pirate. He attacked with his sharp teeth and forceful tail, eventually eating the pirate whole. After this, everyone felt grateful to Custard for saving them.

Exam Tip: Detail the sequence of events during the fight, emphasizing Custard's surprising courage and the contrast with the other pets' reactions.

The Tale of Custard the Dragon Summary in English

The Tale of Custard the Dragon Introduction:

Frederic Ogden Nash (August 19, 1902 - May 19, 1971) was an American poet well-known for his light verse, of which he wrote over 500 pieces. With his unconventional rhyming schemes, he was declared the country's best-known producer of humorous poetry.

The Tale of Custard the Dragon Summary:

Belinda lives with her pets in a white house. These pets are a black kitten, a grey mouse, a yellow dog, and a dragon. They all use a red wagon when they want to go out somewhere. The kitten being black is known as Ink, the mouse being tiny as Blink, the dog being yellow as Mustard, and the dragon being cowardly as Custard. Custard was a full-grown dragon and could easily defend himself against any danger, for he had sharp teeth, spikes on his back, scales beneath his belly, and dagger-like toes.

He could also breathe fire. Belinda, Ink, Blink, and Mustard were all brave, even though they were much smaller in size than Custard, but Custard was so cowardly that he preferred to be caged if that would keep him safe. Belinda tickled him, and Ink, Blink, and Mustard ironically compared him with the brave knight called Percival, who had been in the service of King Arthur to show him how unlike Percival he really was. Belinda and the others all made fun of Custard for being so afraid all the time. Whenever Custard wanted to be put in a cage, Belinda and Blink giggled to their heart's content, and Ink and Mustard asked him how old he was that he was scared of every little thing. Belinda and her pets all heard an unpleasant sound.

Mustard, sensing trouble, started growling. Ink and Belinda cried out in horror, and finally they saw that a pirate was climbing into their house through a window. The pirate had guns in both hands and a knife between his teeth. He also had a beard and a wooden leg. All in all, his appearance was quite sinister. Belinda started to cry for help, Mustard ran away, Ink hid in the basement or attic, and Blink went into his mousehole. Custard surprised everyone with his actions.

He jumped up and started snorting in indignation and anger. In fact, it sounded like an engine revving. Then Custard beat his tail against the floor, and that sounded like the metal chains in a dungeon being banged against one another. Finally, he charged towards the pirate in the same way that a bird charges at a worm that it will eat. The Pirate knew that he had no chance of winning against the dragon, so he just stared at