Judge, 1918-03-09 · page 3 of 36
Judge — March 9, 1918 — page 3: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This satirical poem and illustration by Charles Sarka depicts a demonic figure conducting a "Dance of Death" with various grotesque characters. The verse criticizes modern civilization, suggesting that contemporary society—despite claims of progress through science and reason—has merely masked ancient barbarism under a modern veneer. The poem specifically references "Huns" turning back time "with Vandal rage," likely alluding to Germanic militarism and World War I destruction. The satire argues that claims of enlightenment and civilization are hollow; humanity has regressed to primitive savagery. The Devil conducts this macabre dance, implying that modern warfare and societal collapse represent a return to chaos and destruction beneath the facade of progress.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Tes of n the 1, her an fur visible unity, “Are plied. } well,” heart II his 1 this Drawn by Cuartes SARrKa The Madman’s By J. A HE Devil, from his ancient state deposed, T Perforce must fiddle while his Chief performs, In frenzied celebration of his crimes, His Madman’s Dance of Death. And fit it is That those in minor partnership look on, Their human traits erased by lust for blood And hate of all on earth that men hold dear; Dance of Death . Watpron For they have shown, beneath a modern guise, A frenzied savagery the Goths would shame. The ages that have fled from zxons dark Had blessed the world with light, with wis- dom’s pledge, And grown rare arts with science manifold. These Huns have turned time back with Vandal rage. When they are gone begins another age. comicbooks.com