The Wolf

William Shield (1748-1829)

William Shield’s song ‘The Wolf’ was included in the comic opera The Castle of Andalusia, written in the late 18th century. The song was performed by John Edwards and George Sippe at the first Sydney concert, and by John Philip Deane and Joseph Reichenberg at the first Hobart concert.

Lyrics

At the peaceful midnight hour,

every sense and every power

fetter’d lies in downy sleep –

then our careful watch we keep.

While the wolf, in midnight prowl,

bayes the moon with hideous howl,

gates are barred, a vain resistance,

females shriek, but no assistance.

Silence! or you meet your fate! –

your keys, your jewels, cash, and plate,

locks, bolts, and bars soon fly asunder,

then to rifle, rob, and plunder!

Score from The Wolf, a favorite song sung by Mr. Bannister in The castle of Andalusia, the music by Mr. Shield, the words by Mr. O’Keefe (London: G. Walker, c.1800).

The Wolf - Recreation

Performed by Jack Stephens at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music in May 2021. For more on this concert, visit our Reimagined Performances page.