Arthur Sullivan - Reputation and Criticism

Reputation and Criticism

Cartoon from Punch in 1880. It was premature in declaring Sullivan's knighthood, but was accompanied by a parody version of "When I, good friends" from Trial by Jury that summarised Sullivan's career to that date:

"A HUMOROUS KNIGHT."

As a boy I had such a musical bump,

And its size so struck Mr. H,

That he said, "Though you sing those songs like a trump,

You shall write some yourself that will sell more."

So I packed off to Leipsic, without looking back,

And returned in such classical fury,

That I sat down with H and H and B,—

And turned out "Trial by Jury."

But W.S.G. he jumped for joy

As he said, "Though the job dismay you,

Send Exeter Hall to the deuce, my boy;

It's the haul with me that'll pay you."

And we hauled so well, mid jeers and taunts,

That we've settled, spite all temptations,

To stick to our Sisters and our Cousins and our Aunts,—

And continue our pleasant relations.

Yet I know a big Duke, and I've written for Leeds,

And I think (I don't wish to be snarly),

If honour's poured out on a chap for his deeds,

I'm as good-—come, as M or C!

So the next "first night" and the Opéra C.,

Let's hope, if you're able to find him,

You'll cry from the pit, "There's W. S. G.

In the stalls,—with a K behind him!'"

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