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Have you ever met a dragon who was scared of everything? What if the bravest ones turned out to be the most cowardly in the face of real danger? Can courage come from the most unexpected places?
In Poem 10 of the CBSE Class 10 English textbook First Flight, “The Tale of Custard the Dragon” by Ogden Nash takes readers on a delightful journey filled with humour, irony, and an important life lesson. This light-hearted ballad tells the story of a timid dragon named Custard who lives with a group of seemingly brave pets and their owner, Belinda. While everyone mocks Custard for being scared, things take a surprising turn when a real threat appears.
This poem not only entertains but also subtly challenges our ideas about bravery and appearances. Through playful rhymes and an engaging narrative, it teaches us that true courage often lies beneath the surface. Whether you're revising for your exams or exploring the deeper meaning of this humorous tale, this blog will help you understand the poem in a simple, student-friendly way.
The Tale of Custard Dragon Class 10 notes will provide a summary and topic-wise details to help students understand what the story is about. Below, we have provided the links to downloadable PDFs of chapter-wise Notes for class 10 English and that too for different categories of marks.
The Tale of Custard the Dragon by Ogden Nash is a humorous and satirical poem included in the CBSE Class 10 English First Flight textbook. This light-hearted poem uses rhyme and exaggeration to tell a fun story while delivering an important message about courage and perception. Here are the key points and important notes to help you understand and revise the poem effectively.
About the Poet
Message or Moral of the Poem
The Tale of Custard the Dragon delivers a powerful message hidden behind its humorous and playful tone. The main moral of the poem is that true bravery is proven through actions, not words. While the other characters—Ink, Blink, Mustard, and even Belinda—boast about their courage, they all run away when faced with real danger. On the other hand, Custard, who is always shy and scared, is the only one who shows actual courage and defeats the pirate.
The poem teaches us that:
It also subtly mocks the human tendency to return to old habits and ignore the lessons learned. Even after Custard saves everyone, the others go back to pretending they are brave and mocking him, showing how people often fail to accept the truth.
Central Idea
The central idea of the poem is to highlight the contrast between appearance and reality when it comes to courage. Through the character of Custard the Dragon, the poet shows that real strength lies in being calm, composed, and ready to face fear when necessary.
The poem also presents:
In simple terms, the poet wants readers to understand that actions speak louder than words, and courage can come from the most unexpected places.
Through its playful rhyme and light-hearted tone, the poem teaches us not to judge someone by their appearance or behaviour. It shows that real courage is revealed in tough situations, and often comes from the most unexpected places.
The stanza-wise explanation below will help you understand the poem’s deeper meaning, characters, poetic devices, and the message behind this delightful tale.
Stanza 1
Belinda lived in a little white house,
With a little black kitten and a little grey mouse,
And a little yellow dog and a little red wagon,
And a realio, trulio, little pet dragon.
Explanation:
This stanza introduces the main characters. Belinda lives in a small white house with her pets: a black kitten (Ink), a grey mouse (Blink), a yellow dog (Mustard), and a pet dragon named Custard. The phrases “realio, trulio” add a playful, childlike tone.
Stanza 2
Now the name of the little black kitten was Ink,
And the little grey 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:
We learn the names of each pet. Ink the kitten, Blink the mouse, Mustard the dog, and Custard the dragon. Everyone seems brave and proud, but the dragon is seen as a coward—quite ironic given that dragons are usually considered fierce.
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:
Despite being called a coward, Custard looks very dangerous. He has sharp teeth, spikes, scales, a fiery mouth, and sharp claws—everything a fierce dragon should have. The description shows that his appearance is terrifying, but his behaviour is the opposite.
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:
Everyone in the house is described as extremely brave. Belinda is compared to a group of bears, and the pets are described as chasing lions and acting like raging tigers. Meanwhile, Custard is mocked because he only wants to stay safe in his 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 wagon
At the realio, trulio cowardly dragon.
Explanation:
Everyone teases Custard for being afraid. Belinda tickles him too much, and the others call him names like "Percival" (mocking him). They sit in their red wagon, laughing at Custard’s cowardice. This shows how he is unfairly treated.
Stanza 6
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.
Explanation:
Again, this stanza shows how the others make fun of Custard. Belinda laughs loudly, Blink squeaks, and Ink and Mustard sarcastically question Custard's age—as if to say he’s acting like a scared little child.
Stanza 7
Suddenly, suddenly they heard a nasty sound,
And Mustard growled, and they all looked around.
“Meowch!” cried Ink, and “Ooh!” cried Belinda,
For there was a pirate, climbing in the winda.
Explanation:
The mood suddenly changes when they hear a frightening noise. A pirate is entering through the window. Mustard growls, and everyone panics. This marks the turning point in the poem where real danger appears.
Stanza 8
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.
Explanation:
The pirate is described in detail. He’s armed with pistols and a sword (cutlass), has a black beard and a wooden leg—classic pirate traits. The stanza makes it clear that he is dangerous and up to no good.
Stanza 9
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 danger arrives, all the “brave” characters run away. Belinda screams, Mustard yelps and runs, Ink hides in the basement, and Blink escapes into a mouse hole. Their earlier claims of bravery are shown to be false.
Stanza 10
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:
Contrary to expectations, Custard bravely jumps into action. He makes loud, fierce noises and charges at the pirate like a bird attacking its prey. The comparison to a robin and worm adds humour but also shows his courage.
Stanza 11
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:
The pirate is shocked to see Custard fighting back. He tries to drink some courage from his flask and shoots at Custard, but misses. In the end, Custard eats the pirate completely, saving everyone.
Stanza 12
Belinda embraced him, Mustard licked him,
No one mourned for his pirate victim
Ink and Blink gurgled in delight,
But all of them agreed he was brave, all right.
Explanation:
Everyone is grateful to Custard and shows affection. Belinda hugs him, Mustard licks him, and the others are cheerful. They finally admit that Custard was indeed brave, and they celebrate the victory.
Stanza 13
But presently up spoke little dog Mustard,
“I’d have been twice as brave if I hadn’t been flustered.”
And up spoke Ink and up spoke Blink,
“We’d have been three times as brave, we think.”
Explanation:
Despite Custard’s bravery, the others go back to making excuses. Mustard says he was just nervous, and Ink and Blink claim they would’ve done better. This shows they haven’t really changed.
Stanza 14
And Custard said humbly, “I quite agree
That everybody is braver than me.”
Belinda still lives in her little white house,
With her little black kitten and her little grey mouse,
And her little yellow dog and her little red wagon,
And her realio, trulio little pet dragon.
Explanation:
In the end, Custard stays humble despite being the hero. The poem ends as it began, with everyone back in the little white house. The irony is that nothing has really changed—Custard is still seen as a coward, although readers know the truth.
The Tale of Custard the Dragon is a light-hearted and humorous poem written by Ogden Nash. It tells the story of a little girl named Belinda, who lives in a white house with her pets – a kitten named Ink, a mouse named Blink, a dog called Mustard, and a dragon named Custard.
All the characters boast about how brave they are, except for Custard, who is often seen crying for a "nice safe cage". Because of this, the others mock him and call him a coward. Despite having a fierce appearance—with sharp teeth, spikes, and claws—Custard is the only one who admits his fear.
However, the story takes a surprising turn when a pirate breaks into their home. All the so-called brave pets and even Belinda run away in fear, but Custard faces the pirate head-on. He fights bravely and eats the pirate, saving everyone. After the danger is gone, the others thank Custard for his courage—but soon return to their old ways, pretending to be braver than him. Surprisingly, Custard remains humble and agrees with them, showing that true bravery doesn't need to be loud.
What the Poem Teaches Us
The poem highlights that real courage is shown through actions, not words. It also teaches us not to judge others based on appearances or how they behave in normal situations. Sometimes, the quietest and most fearful ones become heroes when it truly matters.
Ogden Nash brings his poem to life through a fun and imaginative cast of characters. Each character represents a different attitude towards bravery and helps convey the poem’s main message: true courage is revealed through action, not appearance or words. Below is a character-wise analysis:
Custard the Dragon
Nature: Shy, humble, and often scared
Appearance: Fierce – with sharp teeth, spikes, claws, and fire-breathing abilities
Role in the Poem: Though constantly mocked as a coward, Custard is the only one who shows real courage when danger strikes. He defeats the pirate and saves everyone.
Personality Traits:
Message Through His Character: Don’t judge someone by how they appear or behave in everyday life—real strength often lies beneath the surface.
Belinda
Nature: Confident, proud, and playful
Role in the Poem: Belinda sees herself as brave and mocks Custard for being scared. However, she panics and cries for help when the pirate attacks.
Personality Traits:
Ink (The Kitten)
Nature: Mischievous and boastful
Role in the Poem: Claims to be brave and mocks Custard, but hides when the pirate appears.
Personality Traits:
Blink (The Mouse)
Nature: Timid but pretends to be tough
Role in the Poem: Like Ink, Blink shows off but runs away when danger arrives.
Personality Traits:
Mustard (The Dog)
Nature: Fierce-sounding but not courageous in action
Role in the Poem: Described as a brave, tiger-like dog, but runs away from the pirate
Personality Traits:
Each character in The Tale of Custard the Dragon represents a different side of human behaviour. The poem uses humour and irony to show that those who boast about their bravery may not always be truly courageous, while those who are quiet and fearful may become heroes when it matters the most.
Ogden Nash cleverly uses various poetic techniques in his poem to enhance both its humour and meaning. Some of the key devices include:
Rhyme Scheme:
The poem is written in rhyming couplets, which creates a smooth, catchy rhythm. This pattern makes the poem enjoyable to read and easy to remember, helping maintain a light-hearted and engaging tone.
Exaggeration:
Nash uses exaggeration to create comedy and highlight the differences between the characters. A good example is the timid dragon Custard, who surprisingly defeats a fearsome pirate. This twist adds an amusing and unexpected element to the story.
Personification:
The animals in the poem are given human emotions and traits, such as bravery, fear, and pride. By personifying the characters, Nash helps readers relate to them more easily, while also adding to the poem’s playful and humorous nature.
The Tale of Custard the Dragon by Ogden Nash is more than just a funny poem—it holds real value for Class 10 CBSE students, both from a learning and exam point of view. Here’s why this poem is important and should be studied seriously:
Carries a Strong Moral Message
The poem teaches a timeless lesson: real bravery lies in action, not in words. This message is essential for students, as it helps them reflect on character, values, and personal growth—topics often tested in long-answer or value-based questions.
Frequently Asked in CBSE Board Exams
CBSE often includes questions from this poem in board exams, including:
Understanding this poem well increases your chances of scoring higher marks.
Rich in Literary Devices
The poem uses many poetic techniques like:
These are important for literary appreciation questions, which are common in both school tests and board exams.
Enhances Critical Thinking
Despite its playful tone, the poem encourages students to think beyond the surface. It helps you understand how society often misjudges people based on their appearance or behaviour. This is useful for building deeper comprehension and writing skills.
Easy to Understand, Fun to Learn
Unlike some heavy or complex poems, The Tale of Custard the Dragon is written in simple, rhythmic language. Its storytelling style makes it enjoyable, which means students can remember it easily and revise it quickly before exams.
This poem is a perfect mix of fun and learning, and it carries great weight in your CBSE Class 10 English exam. If you understand its summary, theme, characters, and poetic devices, you’ll be well-prepared to answer any question related to it in the board exam.
Understanding The Tale of Custard the Dragon by Ogden Nash may seem easy at first, but many students lose marks in exams because of simple errors. Below are some common mistakes to avoid, so you can perform better in your CBSE Class 10 English exams.
Misunderstanding the Theme
Mistake: Some students think the poem is just a silly, fun story for children.
Correction: The poem may have a playful tone, but it carries an important message—true bravery is shown through actions, not loud words or appearance.
Confusing the Characters
Mistake: Students often mix up the names and traits of Ink, Blink, Mustard, and Custard.
Correction:
Ignoring Irony and Humour
Mistake: Many students don’t identify the poem’s use of irony—where Custard, who is teased for being cowardly, is actually the bravest.
Correction: Make sure to mention irony in long-answer questions, as it shows a deeper understanding.
Skipping Poetic Devices
Mistake: Some answers fail to mention poetic techniques like rhyme, alliteration, repetition, and onomatopoeia.
Correction: Always refer to at least one or two literary devices when answering extract or analysis questions to score full marks.
Writing Incomplete Summaries
Mistake: Students sometimes focus only on the fight with the pirate and forget the beginning and ending parts.
Correction: A good summary should include:
Forgetting the Poem’s Tone
Mistake: Treating the poem too seriously or as tragic.
Correction: Remember, the poem uses a light-hearted, humorous, and playful tone, even though it delivers a strong moral message.
Using the Wrong Tense or Voice
Mistake: Mixing past and present tense while explaining or summarising.
Correction: Stick to the past tense when describing events in the poem, and avoid passive voice where not needed.
Tips to Avoid These Mistakes
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can write more effective answers in your CBSE Class 10 English exam. Understanding both the fun and the meaning behind The Tale of Custard the Dragon will help you score higher and enjoy the poem too.
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