We descend from these sumptuous monuments dedicated to another age
to the well-loved- lyrics of The Savoy Operas (Macmillan. 88. which contain the complete text of W. S. Gilbert's immortal librettos from 1875-1896. Who that first heard, as this reviewer did, years ago, in an ecstasy of boyish delight, the opening chorus in the second act of the Mikado,- or remembers the magnificent entry of Rutland Barrington and how the audience never tired of encoring his songs, but would like to quote from verses that are as witty now as when they were written ? We resist the temptation. -Sir Rupert Murgatroyd (whose leisure and whose riches were ruthlessly employed in persecuting witches), Elsie and Point (who sing of the merryman, moping mum), the Duke of Plaza Toro, the First Lord who polished up the handle of the big front door, and all the jolly company must speak for themselves. Indeed, as we turn these pleasant pages the characters of Gilbert walk-the stage again and sing them- selves into memory. Yum-Yum braids her raven hair and weaves her supple tresses, while the Mikado makes the punishment fit the crime once more. Will a "marriage of true minds," such as Gilbert's to Sullivan's, ever give to the world such light operas again ?
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