The Little Slaves of the HarpThe padrone were often known to the families of the children or were from the same villages. While some were cruel exploiters who compelled obedience through terror and abuse a view promoted by a few, well publicized cases the lot of most of these children was similar to that of child apprentices and helpers in other trades. Public reactions to the child performers were different in each city and reflected the host society's view of the influx of