The "Morning Advertiser" thought that "There is an evident attempt to copy the creations of a foreign composer who is so popular at the present time, and who has written some charming music for the gods and goddesses "en bouffes."" Others accused Sullivan of blatant copying. The "Athenaeum" wrote that the music "was arranged and composed by Mr A. S. Sullivan (the first verb was not in the bills as it ought to have been)". One critic thought that the duet for Sparkeion and Nicemis, "Here far away from all the world", was one of the "single best items of the piece". In 1873, the arranger Joseph Rummell (who had arranged Sullivan's "Merchant of Venice" score for the piano) wrote to Sullivan, asking about the song, with a view to publication. The composer replied, ""Thespis" is not published but if you like I will send you the Full Score of the Duet in question", but nothing came of it.