Life — February 12, 1903 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "The Judgment of Bishop Valentine" This page presents a medieval-styled poem and illustration about Saint Valentine settling a dispute between a youth and maiden. The narrative describes the young couple quarreling, each accusing the other of theft and dishonesty. Bishop Valentine intervenes, commanding them to make peace and bind themselves together "with one bond." The satire appears to mock sentimentalized Victorian attitudes toward Saint Valentine's Day and romantic love. By presenting the saint as a judge forcing incompatible, quarrelsome people into union "for peace," the piece ridicules the idealized notion that love conquers all differences. Below, brief dialogue between "Todd" and two modern playwrights adds contemporary humor about creative anxiety—unrelated to the main feature.