"I'm a simple little child" from The Zoo by Sullivan and Rowe

Rebecca Hains sings "I'm a simple little child" from The Zoo, a one-act opera by Arthur Sullivan and Bolton Rowe (the pseudonym of B.C. Stephenson), as part of her recital given at the Salem Arts Festival in Salem, MA, June 5, 2009. Accompanied by Thomas Dawkins.

No.11. - SONG - Eliza. I'm a simple little child, And my ways are nice and mild And I never harmed a soul in all my life. I don't know what's wrong, And my principles are strong For this hemisphere of wickedness and strife. I have bracelets it is true, And I've diamonds just a few That are locked up in a chest of drawers at home. And a dressing case with tops Of gold and diamond drops, But I haven't an idea from whence they come. And the bouquets come in showers Of the most expensive flowers That Covent Garden market can provide. While it happened once last year That a park hack did appear The very best of thoroughbreds to ride. I have dresses by the dozen But they're given me by cousins Who have known me ever since I was that high; And tickets for the play Are sent me every day, But I'm sure I never can imagine why. To Greenwich in the season, I have been and for the reason, That I did not like my cousin to offend. But I saved my reputation, To his very great vexation, By driving back to London with his friend. On more than one occasion, After very great persuasion, I have driven down to Richmond with his brother, And once I do remember In the middle of September, To Hampton Court I travelled with another. It is true I went to Dover, When the season was just over, But then it was with George, I should say Harry. And Harry, I mean Charlie, Or was it Thomas Parlie, Was the only man I ever meant to marry! It might have been the other, It might have been his brother, But neither could I ever bear to part. And whichever of the two, It really was it's true, That I loved him from the bottom of my heart.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• gilbert
• sullivan
• rowe
• operetta
• victorian
• zoo
• soprano