The Song of Hybrias The Cretan
Composed by J.W. Elliott
Translated from the Greek by Thomas Campbell
1897
Comment
Robert McCrum in it's book "Wodehouse a life" reports that PGW sang this song in the Great Hall school concert on 31 July 1899.
This information sheds new light on John's statement in the extract below from 'The Prince and Betty' dated 1912.
'It's all very well for you, Crump', said John. 'You probably enjoy this sort of thing. I don't. I haven't felt such a fool since I sang Hybrias the Cretan at the school concert. Are you ready? No, it's no good. I don't know what to say'.
The Prince and Betty. 5 Mr Scobell has another idea
Presently he was deep in his game once more, and singing like a nightingale.
My strength's a something – something
sang Lord Tidmouth. And then, more confidently, as one feeling himself on secure ground:
And a right good shield of hides untanned....
He put a red five on a black six.
And a right good shield of hides untanned....
A four of clubs went on the red five.
Which on my arm I ber-huckle....
Doctor Sally. Chapter 8
She could hear him singing in his study now. Something about his wealth being a burly spear and brand and a right good shield of hides untanned which on his arm he buckled – or, to be absolutely accurate, ber-huckled.
Uncle Dynamite. Chapter 5