Life — October 2, 1902 — page 14: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

SN SNe The “Open Sesame.” S*. PETER turned the telltale leaves ; I waited While alphabet he scanned, with breath abated And fear and trembling rife. Sudden he fixed me with his awful frown : “T find you in these pages written down As one who's taken Lire ; That you have broke the Law there's no mistaking. ‘Therefore depart ye hence!” Then I essayed with accents slow and quaking To utter a defense : “That I have taken Lire I-do admit; In fact, dear Saint, I'm rather proud of it, For Lire is very taking ; Beside,” I said, ‘your Saintship! There are others.” With that I pointed to my waiting brothers Who compassed me about, And then there came a shout with one accord : “We all take Lire!” the mighty concourse roared. Good Peter, half in doubt, Turned o'er the book. ‘*'Tisa mistake, I see. 'Tis Live's subscription list they've handed me ; We keep it here to use when business crams. The ones writ here pass in without exams.” ‘The portal opened, and with happy din Those who had taken Lirg went singing in. Sarah S, Pratt, comicbooks.com