Life, 1889-09-19 · page 12 of 18
Life — September 19, 1889 — page 12: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Explanation for Modern Readers This page from *Life* magazine contains several short satirical pieces and accompanying illustrations: **"To Eros"** is a humorous poem about a man juggling three romantic interests (Lalage, Doris, and Phyllis) while simultaneously pursuing wealth—he asks the god of love to settle "three hundred thousand" on one of them, revealing his mercenary motives. **The "Gazley/Tangle" dialogue** satirizes honor culture: a man demands an apology for being told to "go to Jericho" (a dismissive biblical phrase). Tangle's casual resolution mocks the absurdity of such disputes. **"Our New Help"** jokes about a domestic servant's confusion over whether new clothing should be pants or a skirt—likely poking fun at either immigration confusion or gender ambiguity. **The "Automatic Revolver Fan"** gag shows a salesman pitching an invention to the editor, who literally flees—satirizing both intrusive salesmen and editors avoiding unwanted visitors. **The final joke** about Jennie's rescue plays on expectations: readers expect her to marry the rescuer, but he's a Newfoundland dog, subverting sentimental romance tropes.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
*LIFE: TO EROS. ] ET lovers complain that their love's unrequited— + Lalage and Doris and Phyllis all three With a fervor intense which I've hardly invited And astonishing ard all madly love me; And tho’ when with Phyllis my heart's all aflame, My feelings for Doris I find much the same, And still fair Lalage I profoundly adore— Omnipotent Eros what would’st thou have more? A heart in three fragments I lay at thy shrine, A favorable hearing, I pray Yree be mine, Merely settle a trifle on one of the three— Some three hundred thousand or so let it be ;— When, praising the bounty which grants my request With a soul filled with peace and a mind set at rest; And without hesitation I further would state I'd follow rejoicing the leadings of Fate. Mabel Lousie Fuller, Gazer (presenting his card): V represent my friend, Mr. Dolley. You grossly insulted him last night, and he demands an apology or satisfaction, sir. TANGLE: 1 don't remember insulting anybody. Gaz You told him to go to Jericho, sir, TANGLE: Oh, yes, I believe I did. So Dolley feels bad about it does he ? Gazey: Yes, sir. He demands an apology. TANGLE: Well, I don’t want any ill feeling between us. tell him he needn't go. You may Our New Help: Twe missis Satp 1 WAS TO DHRESS IT FOR THE COMPANY, RUT DIVIL A WORD DID SHE SAY WHETHER I SHOULD PUT IT IN PANTS OR A skirt! Visitor: Is THE EDITOR IN? Editor (as he docs the vanishing act): Y-E-£-8. Visitor: Excuse ME, BUT I ONLY WISH TO SHOW YOU THE PATENT AUTOMATIC REVOLVER FAN, ONLY TWENTY-FIVE CENTS EACH. ERRITT: Jennie had a narrow escape from drowning last week. De Garry: Going to marry the fellow who pulled her out, I suppose ? MERRITT: Hardly. You see the rescuer (was a Newfoundland. comicbooks.com