Life, 1892-01-07 · page 6 of 16
Life — January 7, 1892 — page 6: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# "Life's Fairy Tales" - The Fairy Bishop This page presents a whimsical fairy tale titled "The Fairy Bishop." The story follows Nightley Hightime, a Puritan-descended New York fairy who prefers city life to countryside pleasures. One afternoon, Nightley transforms himself into a kitten to pursue two young women. When boys and a dog chase him, he shapeshifts into a bishop to escape. The satire appears to mock religious hypocrisy and the arbitrary nature of moral authority. By having a frivolous character assume clerical dignity merely as a convenient escape tactic—and being immediately granted respect and shelter—the tale suggests that bishops' authority is superficial costume rather than genuine virtue. The bishop's stated desire for "rest and peace" undercuts his credibility further, implying clergy seek comfort rather than spiritual purpose.
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-LIFE- ahead of the beautiful girls, and, alighting on aconvenient door- step, transformed himself into a most inviting kitten. Now, Nightley Hightime was a married fairy, and he should not have done this. But retribution was close upon him, for two small boys who were passing at that moment immediately tried to catch him, and failing in that set their dog upon him. As luck would have it there was no place to escape, and Nightley, without reflection, sped nervously up some steps, the dog in hot pursuit. His brain was even quicker than his legs, and he made a swift resolve. As he reached the upper step he suddenly faced about and turned himself into a bishop. The dog fell back, paralyzed with astonish- LIFE’S FAIRY TALES. ment. The a stricken boys stood still for an instant, then turned and fled. At that moment the door was jerked open behind him and a gentleman cried: “Get away, you —!" but stopped short when he saw the bishop. —I beg your pardon,” he stammered; “| thought I saw some boys and a dog chasing —" “A kitten,” said the bishop ; “that was myself. Allow me to enter.” The astonished gentleman followed him into the parlor. * You have saved my life,” said the bishop, “at least that was your intention, and I desire to reward you. What is your dearest wish ? “ Rest and peace!" exclaimed the gentleman, “1 aman THE FAIRY wIsHor. IGHTLEY HIGH TIME was a New England fairy | of Puritan descent who preferred the bustle and | excitement of city life tothe quieter pleasures of the coun- try. The Golden City of Manhattan being the only set- tlement in America that offered a metropolitan ex- istence it came about that he spent most of his time there. One afternoon, as he was tloa aimlessly down Fifth Avenue, invisible to others, but seeing everything himself, he noticed two beautiful young ladies, who had picked up a kitten from a door-step. Each girl, after kissing the kitten and pressing it rinst her cheek, handed it to the other, who fondled it ina similar fashion. “ That must be fun,” thought Nightley." Why shouldn't I be in it?” So he burried on UNEXPECTED HONOR. comicbooks.com