Life, 1883-07-12 · page 7 of 16
Life — July 12, 1883 — page 7: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Analysis of Life Magazine Page 17 This page contains a poem titled "Crytophyllus Concavus" by Edward J. Stevenson about unrequited love in nature—a man listening to bird calls, interpreting them as a mocking "Katy did" comment about his beloved Kate rejecting him. The illustration below depicts a dog-cart (a light carriage pulled by a horse rather than dogs, despite the name) with two well-dressed figures. The caption "The wheels of the dog-cart are heard o'er the land" appears to be a humorous aside, possibly a brief satirical comment, though its specific reference is unclear from context alone. The upper section contains miscellaneous short items including personal ads and brief social commentary typical of Life's satirical format.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Pleasure in this life, alas! is only to be had by snatches, and my leave of absence has drawn to a close. I told my host this morning that he need make out no bill, that I required no acknowledgment from him, but he is childishly eager to be business-like, and is even now, with a great show of mock gravity, scrawl- ing a piece of paper. By Jove, I’ve just received that bill! What a den of thieves have I got into! How shall I get away without paying it? O, here are six men with double- barrelled shot-guns stationed round the house. Let me inscribe it here as a future warning to trusting dis- positions: Bored and Loging fer fore weex at $3.50 a weeck.. $14.00 EXTRYS, Comin thro’ the ri patch at 75 cents a yard. 37.50 Kikking my yeller pup at 373 cents a ki 487.50 Kizzing my hired girl, at $4.00 each. 988.00 Sundries. 400,00 Totle.... 2... cece ee eeeeee eee! $1,626.00 E. L, THAYER. ANTED. Some kind friend to explain to me how this dratted hole in my arm patches up my wounded honor. Address : Knox, Texas Snifflings.— Adv, WHAT is the matter with Bishop McLaren that he wishes to force Rev. Mr. Ritchie into resignation ?—Herald and Presbyter, Probably an Embarras de Ritchie, as it were. ‘LIFE: 17 CRYTOPHYLLUS CONCAVUS. WHEN midsummer'’s tranquil evenings Hush the notes of every bird, Deep within the darkening forest, Shrilly sweet, a cry is heard. “Katy did!" “She did!" “She didn’t!” Something calls from bush and tree. Ah my heart! This pain confesses Nature's reference to thee, For, screenéd round by gathering shadows, Yestereve I sought the wood. There quoth I, “‘ Assertive insect, Does Kate love me? If I could, I would ask herself the question ; But my blushes silence bid. Be my oracle !" For answer, Came a mocking “ Katy did.” Chafing at this flippant fiat, “ Does she hate me then?" I cried. Quick as thought, the taunting creature “Katy did n't!" thrice replied. “Past is past. Unlock the present, Jealous witch,” I called, heart-stirred. So, the wicked woodland sybil Would not say another word. Epwarp J. STEVENSON. THE WHEELS OF THE DoG-CART ARE HEARD O'ER THE LAND. comicbooks.com