The Song of Hybrias The Cretan


Composed by J.W. Elliott

Translated from the Greek by Thomas Campbell

1897

Origin : https://nla.gov.au/tarkine/nla.obj-176538640

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. 

The Prince and Betty 📚

'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

Doctor Sally 📚

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

Uncle Dynamite 📚

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