Life, 1899-02-09 · page 6 of 20
Life — February 9, 1899 — page 6: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# St. Valentine's Day Content Analysis This page from *Life* magazine presents three romantic poems for St. Valentine's Day (February 14th). The content is entirely literary rather than satirical or political. "Cupid's Saint" by Mary W. Kramer presents a sentimental narrative about Cupid delivering love messages. "Your Choice" by Margarette Tracy offers women options for the type of heart to send ("tender," "marble," or "bold"). "To You" by Tom Mason expresses romantic admiration. The accompanying illustrations—showing a figure in winter clothing, a bird, and a cityscape—are decorative rather than caricatural. This appears to be straightforward Valentine's Day entertainment for the magazine's readers, focused on romantic sentiment rather than social commentary or satire.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
LIFE St. Valentine, bys Day. Cupid’s Saint. OOK Cupid stood a-shiver, Ono bitter winter's mora, His blue lips all a-quiver, His attitude forlorn; A rose array On such a day Served solely to adorn, oa monk, wayfaring Would as a saint His virtue paint Upon some future page. Did some fond memory move him, Some swectness of the past? Did :neroly pity prove him Cupid’s truo friend at last? Suid ho, “ Poor waif, Tl shield thee safe From this flerce, cruel blast.”” Wrapped in his gown he carried Love's dainty messenger ; They staid not, nor they tarried, Till trusted missives were In fair white hands, ‘Their fond demands To read without demur, Then Cupid, with task ended: \ god, from storm and cold, ou last this day defended Within thy gurwent’s fold, Ono who doth get True worship yet From lovers, young and old, “So, from henceforth, believe mo, Til grant, by right divine, als shall receive thee, und thee shine, No need, good priest, To fare ast— Thou art St. Valentine!” Mary W. Kramer, Your Choice. SEND you a heart that is warm, And Isend you a heart that is cold, I send you a heart that is faint, And I send you a heurt that is bold— A lion heart, a chicken heart, Two hearts that beat as one; A heart us white as the starless night ‘That falls when love is done. I send you a heart that is torn, And I beg you will not grievo If I throw ina heart that I've worn Too long upon my sleeve; I send you a heart that is false, And [ send you a heart that is trae; A heart of stone that is not my own— All these I send to you, Choose tender heart or marble heart, Choose humble heart or proud, But do not leave a breaking heart By disappointment bowed. Marguerite Tracy. To You. ‘OU look so warm and cosy Inside those furs, sweetheart— Your cheek are, oh, so rosy! Made thus by Nature's art. Within that muff of sable Youur dainty fingers lie, With rings! Lam not abt To count them if I try. And though ‘tis now all covered, I'm sure, in all the town, No tailor ever hovered O'er such a stuuning gown. Tam your slave! Before you My heart I gladly fling. Why should I not adore you? You're such a costly thing. Tom Masson. ct lan eo ea ean,