Life, 1901-02-14 · page 11 of 20
Life — February 14, 1901 — page 11: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# "Love's Express" — A Humorous Take on Romance and Railways This page features a whimsical poem by Lucy J. Miller titled "Love's Express," illustrated with an ink drawing of a romantic train journey. The illustrated train carries lovers through various stations with comedic stops: "Engagement Crossing," "Proposal Bridge," and ultimately "Honeymoon" as the final destination. The satire gently mocks courtship rituals by treating romantic progression like a railroad timetable, with named locations representing relationship milestones. Characters include "Dan Cupid" as conductor and passengers with names like "Young Hope" and "Reason"—personified emotions guiding the journey. The humor derives from presenting love's conventional narrative arc as mechanical and predictable as train travel, complete with standardized stops and a predetermined route to matrimony.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
=i aed a LOVE'S EXPRESS. COME: all ye lads and tassies, When nearing Rival Junction Come, every sighing swain, Throw all the switches wide— All aboard for Blissful City— Well sanded, on Proposal Bridge This is the lovers’ train! The engine wheels won't slide. Dan Cupid is conductor, Fire up at Lovers’ Quarrel, Old Story the engine takes, ‘ord or less 5 Young Hope is an able fireman, With Reason at the brakes. Love-at-first-sight gives you passes ‘To stop at What-is-prudent That take you through the gate, "Tis hazardous to try ; And Mutual Understandingyille Go slow at Parental Blessing, Is a pleasant place to wait. And wave a last good-bye. One ring at Engagement Crossing, The conductor calls out soon : “Change cars for Paradise Limited, First stop is Honeymoon!" — Lucy J. Miller. comicbooks.com