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The Worlds of Gilbert and Sullivan

In the first performance of this opera at the Savoy Theatre in London on Wednesday, 2 April 1902, Mr Henry A Lytton played the part of The Earl of Essex. Here are a couple of connections to Gilbert & Sullivan. This is Essex's famous number for baritone. It has been a concert hit ever since. Do join us . . .

The Yeomen of England

Who were the Yeomen - 
The Yeomen of England?
The freemen were the Yeomen,
The freemen of England!
Stout were the bows they bore,
When they went out to war, - 
Stouter their courage for the honour of England.

And Nations to Eastward^{1 2},
And Nations to Westward,
As foemen did curse them,
The Bowmen of England!
No other land could nurse them,
But their Mother-land, old England!
And on her broad bosom did they ever thrive!

Where are the Yeomen - 
The Yeomen of England?
In home-stead and in Cottage
They still dwell in England!
Stained with the ruddy tan,
God's air doth give a man,
Free as the winds that fan
The broad breast of England

And Nations to Eastward,
And Nations to Westward,
As foemen may curse them,
The Yeomen of England!
No other land could nurse them,
But their Mother-land, old England!
And on her broad bosom shall they ever thrive,
Shall they, - shall they ever thrive!

Chorus:-   And Nations to Eastward,
And Nations to Westward,
As foemen may curse them,
The Yeomen of England!
No other land could nurse them,
But their Mother-land, old England!
And on her broad bosom shall they ever thrive,
Shall they ever thrive!

Footnote 1: We have received an e-mail from George Jarrold who asks why we have changed the words of this song. "It should read", he says, "'Spaniards and Dutchmen and Frenchmen and suchmen'. Not 'Nations to westward, etc'" Scribe was very interested to read this and has double-checked all our sources, but be assured we have taken the words from the Vocal Score copyrighted by Chappell & Co, 50 New Bond Street, London, in 1902, a version I have always used to sing the song. Mind you, the copy is styled 'Final Edition' so . . . We would be interested in any further comments on this matter. In the meantime, thank you George for drawing this to our attention. Hope you enjoyed the MusicSmiles version of this wonderful song. Click to return to song.

Footnote 2:  It is always very pleasing to receive follow-up to points raised, and George has again e-mailed us to say that Peter Dawson sang the above words in his recording of the Yeomen of England song. We have again examined our sources but have been unable to trace this recording so cannot verify this. Comments welcome. George has also suggested that we arrange and produce more of Peter Dawson's songs on MusicSmiles, (a request previously made by other visitors). However, although we are sorely tempted (he's one of our favourites too) we are so very busy at the moment developing the G&S aspects of the site. But, we can say that more Edward German is to be included soon - watch this space. Thank you again George (and others) for your very informative comments, which will be seriously borne in mind. Click to return to song.

And Finally! . . .

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