The Tale of Custard the Dragon Notes Poem 7 English Class 10

Notes For All Chapters English First Flight Poems Class 10 CBSE

1. About the Poem

• Written by Ogden Nash, a famous poet of humorous verse.
• This poem is a ballad (a story told in verse with rhythm and rhyme).
• It is humorous and light-hearted, almost like a parody of bravery.

2. Main Characters

• Belinda
  • A little girl who lives in a small white house.
  • Very brave – “as brave as a barrel full of bears.”
• Ink (Kitten)
  • A small black kitten.
  • Pretends to be very brave – “chased lions down the stairs.”
• Blink (Mouse)
  • A little grey mouse.
  • Also shown as brave like Ink.
• Mustard (Dog)
  • A little yellow dog.
  • Very brave – “as brave as a tiger in a rage.”
• Custard (Dragon)
  • The pet dragon of Belinda.
  • Physically very strong:
    • Big sharp teeth.
    • Spikes on top, scales underneath.
    • Mouth like a fireplace, nose like a chimney.
    • Toes sharp like daggers.
  • However, emotionally weak – considered a coward.
  • Always cried for a “nice safe cage.”

3. Behaviour Before the Pirate Incident

• Belinda and her pets always teased Custard.
• They mocked him for being a coward.
• Belinda tickled him, Ink, Blink, and Mustard called him names.
• Everyone laughed at him while Custard kept asking for safety.

4. The Pirate Incident

• Suddenly, a pirate entered the house through the window.
• Pirate’s description:
  • Pistols in both hands.
  • A shining cutlass (sword) in his teeth.
  • Black beard and a wooden leg.
• Everyone got frightened:
  • Belinda cried for help.
  • Mustard (dog) ran away in fear.
  • Ink (cat) hid.
  • Blink (mouse) disappeared into his hole.
• Only Custard the dragon faced the danger:
  • Jumped up like an engine.
  • Fought fiercely with clanging and clattering.
  • Pirate fired bullets, but they missed.
  • Custard killed and ate the pirate.

5. After the Fight

• Belinda hugged Custard in happiness.
• Mustard licked him.
• Ink and Blink danced in joy.
• But very soon:
  • Mustard said he could have been braver if he was not surprised.
  • Ink and Blink claimed they would have been even braver.
• Custard, being humble, agreed that everyone else was braver than him.
• Life returned to normal – Custard again cried for a safe cage.