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The Worlds of Gilbert and Sullivan

Thespis  was G&S's first (and failed) operetta which was all about . . . But we'll tell you that story in due course in our main website. In the meantime this superb song from the 'lost operetta' Thespis survived because it was published separately as sheet music. Called Little Maid of Arcadee it was sung by Sparkeion, one of a troupe of strolling players, to try and cheer up an old friend, troubled with the usual quandaries of one in love. Here's our chance to sing one of the rarest songs in the repertoire. Or maybe dance to it (is it one of Sullivan's earliest gavottes?). Can't you feel your toes twitching? Go on, have a go . . .

Little Maid of Arcadee
(Introduction . . .)

Little maid of Arcadee,
Sat by Cousin Robin's knee,
Thought in face and form and limb
Nobody could equal him.
He was rich and she was fair,
Truth they made a pretty pair,
Happy little maiden she!
Happy maid of Arcadee!
Happy little maiden she,
Happy maid of Arcadee,
Happy maid of Arcadee!

(Wait for a little interlude . . .)

Moments sped as moments will
Rapidly enough; until
After, say, a month or two,
Robin did as Robins do - 
Fickle as the month of May,
Jilted her and ran away,
Wretched little maiden she,
Doleful maid of Arcadee,
Doleful maid of Arcadee.

To her little home she crept,
There she sat her down and wept.
Maiden wept as maidens will,
Grew so thin and pale and ill,
Till another came to woo,
Then again the roses grew - 
Happy little maiden she!
Happy maid of Arcadee!
Happy little maiden she!
Happy maid of Arcadee!
Happy maid of Arcadee!

How about a flight with O Swallow, Swallow!

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