Lyrics

Suckling, “I prithee spare me gentle boy”

SONG

by Sir John Suckling

1
I PRITHEE spare me, gentle boy;
Press me no more for that slight toy,
That foolish trifle of an heart:
I swear it will not do its part,
Though thou dost thine, employ'st thy power and art.

From The Way of the World

Songs from Garrick’s The Jubilee published as separate volumes

The success of Garrick’s afterpiece at Drury Lane prompted the publication of numerous cheap versions of the songs. This kind of commercial tie-in helped to disseminate the songs well beyond the playhouse walls.

From The Jubilee

Songs from Garrick’s The Jubilee published as separate volumes

The success of Garrick’s afterpiece at Drury Lane prompted the publication of numerous cheap versions of the songs. This kind of commercial tie-in helped to disseminate the songs well beyond the playhouse walls.

From The Jubilee

Songs from Inkle and Yarico published in the daily press

i. These songs were printed in the Public Advertiser, Aug. 6, 1787

Act I.

DUETT. Mr. Bannister, jun. and Mrs. Kemble.

From Inkle and Yarico

Anon. An excellent BALLAD of GEORGE BARNWELL

An Apprentice in the City of LONDON, who was Undone by a STRUMPET, who caused him thrice to Rob his Master, and to Murder his Uncle in Ludlow, etc. To the Tune of, The Merchant, etc. (London: 1693–4?).

This traditional ballad was first known to be published in the seventeenth century, but the text may predate that. It was meant to be sung to the tune of “The Rich Merchant Man.” An extract of it appears in the print anthology; both parts of the ballad are reproduced in their entirety here.

From The London Merchant