MEADOWLARK. 



lively way the libretto would demand, but the melody 

 was correct: 



(All with descending slides) 



A moment later, however, another bird spoiled the 

 whole effect by finishing the song the wrong way, thus 





Meadowlarks, and birds in general, for that matter, are 

 prone to take unwarranted liberties with operatic scores, 

 as is witnessed by the following bit from Gilbert and 

 Sullivan's Ruddygore, which came from a Meadowlark 

 in the vicinity of Boston: 



m- 



"Hail the bridegroom and the- 



He hailed the bridegroom but drew the line at the bride; 

 why did he not finish? 



J J. L 



i 



4 



'tfdil the bridegroom and 



bride. 





61 



