Life, 1893-03-23 · page 5 of 18
Life — March 23, 1893 — page 5: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Analysis of Life Magazine Page 181 This page contains three separate humorous pieces: 1. **"Three Wishes"** (top): A fairy-tale styled story where a goblin grants a man three wishes. The satire critiques human folly—the man wastes his wishes on immediate desires (food, drink) rather than lasting happiness, then foolishly squanders his final wish. The moral: people are inherently unwise. 2. **"To an Old Fashion-Plate"** (bottom left): A poem mocking changing fashion standards. References "grandma's gown" becoming outdated, satirizing how quickly fashions shift and how previous generations' style choices become ridiculous to new ones. 3. **"Following His Bent"** (bottom right): A political cartoon about Senator Hill, presenting him as a man who would "rather be wrong than be President"—suggesting he prioritizes obstinacy over leadership.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
| NCE toa mana goblin came And said to him ** If you will name ‘Three wishes, whatsoe’er they be, They shall be granted instantly. Think of three things you deem the best, Express your wish—'‘we do the rest.’"" ‘*O, Goblin!" cried the man, ** indeed You're just the kind of friend I need. Hunger and Want I've known thus far, I fain would learn what Riches are.” “Then,” cried the Goblin, ‘* learn it well, Riches are title deeds to Hell! Now wish again.” “Alack a day !”" Exclaimed the man. ‘* I've thrown away, And all for naught, a chance immense; I only wish I had some sense !" ‘The Goblin waved his wand—the Dunce To his surprise was wise for once. And being wise, he laughed, and said: ‘Tam a fool—would I were dead!" * *# #© © #8 @ «© “Granted !" the Goblin yell'd, You'll never be so wise again.” Oliver Herford. TO AN OLD FASHION-PLATE. 'D to the garret wall, for many years You've been a never-failing source of jest, And every youngster’s merry laugh would ring While wondering how folks ever could have dressed In such a crazy and outlandish thing. But times have changed, and now, behold! my dears, A very different tune we'll have to sing, For grandma's gown, exhumed from mouldy chest, Is “very swagger” — “really sweet "—this Spring ! ** DY Jove,” said Lighter, as he stepped off of the scales, “ I've lost five pounds!" FOLLOWING HIS BENT. * You oughtn’t to kick about that,” remarked Brightside; $f Q ENATOR HILL is a remarkable man.” “‘suppose you had been an “Yes. He’s one of the few men this country has THE LIGHT FANTASTIC TOW. Englishman.” produced who would rather be wrong than be President.” comicbooks.com