Life, 1894-08-02 · page 3 of 16
Life — August 2, 1894 — page 3: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Analysis of Life Magazine Page (Volume XXIV, Number 605) This satirical page features "For Sale," a poem about auctioning off a poet's possessions. The central cartoon depicts a grotesque figure (likely representing a failed or struggling poet) with exaggerated features, offering various items for sale including "a muse, a laurel band, / A Pegasus" and "a case of Hippocrene" (the mythical fountain of poetic inspiration). The satire mocks impoverished poets forced to liquidate their metaphorical and literal assets. The accompanying dialogue between a "Hospital Physician" and "Patient" provides comedic relief about someone bruised from hardship. The imagery—particularly the classical references and the pathetic presentation of once-noble poetic symbols now being auctioned—suggests commentary on the struggling artistic class, treating high literary aspirations with irreverent humor typical of Life's satirical approach.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
VOLUME XxIV. “FOR SALE.” (Ballade of a Poet on quitting his business.) [SOR sale: a poet's quills and pen, A shabby muse, a laurel band, A Pegasus who'll trot again If guided by a skillful hand. For sale: a muse, a glass of sand ; Proclaim it where they most are seen . f Who deal in verses through the land. For sale: a case of Hippocrene ! “PATE It's just the thing for rhyming men, Tt makes a fellow’s‘brain expand, SAND Transforms the trappings of his den To groves and hills where breezes fanned west Pa Anacreon’s brow, and Sappho planned Her splendid lyrics, lithe and green. For sale : a wreath, a rhyming wand, For sale : a case of Hippocrene ! Those things at auction, all, at ten ; Come early, or I fear you'll stand. For sale: proclaim it loudly then, A muse, a Pegasus, a strand Of bays that’s marked ** Apollo's brand.” Come early, if your taste is keen— At least one visit I demand. For sale : a case of Hippocrene ! ENVOL. O muse! look not so big and grand, I have a right to sell, I ween ; I've broken now with your command, a case of Hippocrene ! Pitts Duffield. For sale OSPITAL PHYSICIAN: You are all bruised up, I see. Parient: Yes. I came in an ambu- lance. THE SUMMER SEA, “AS IF THIS EARTH IN FAST THICK PANTS WERE BREATHING." —“ Kubla Khan.” Coleridge, comicbooks.com