Nearly 40 years ago, a cartoon aired for two years -- then disappeared. (Although 20 years ago it was re-broadcast on Spanish television as Ahi viene cascarrabias, and later on the Sci Fi channel.)

But imagine my delight when a cartoon I last saw at the age of 6 turned up on YouTube.

Here comes the Grump!
Here comes the Grump!

The Grump was based on Yosemite Sam (and his sneezing dragon even appeared in a medieval Bugs Bunny cartoon, according to Wikipedia). He had the same animator, who had also created the Pink Panther, and got his voice from Rip Taylor.

And yeah, I couldn't forget the lyrics.

In a magic place
There's a princess caught in a chase.
And no matter how fast she goes
right on her heels, it goes...

Here comes the grump, here comes the grump.
Here comes the grump!

There's a bip, her pet
And there's Terry, a boy she just met.
And although he's from far away,
He's got to save the day

Here comes the grump, here comes the grump.
Here comes the grump!

The grump's always nagging his
jolly green dragon
but the dragon keeps dragging behind.

Now our friends agree
when you search for the magical key
You must always be at your best
You can't afford to rest.

Here comes the grump, here comes the grump.
Here comes the grump!

The princess's lost rescuer was voiced by Jay North (who'd played Dennis the Menace).

Amazingly, there were only 17 episodes filmed -- each with two ten-minute adventures.

UPDATE: It turns out the closing credits had more lyrics.

Don't you sit and rest
'cause you're really not rid of that pest.
If you think that you're safe and sound
Take a good look around.

Here comes the grump, here comes the grump.
Here comes the grump!