Life, 1903-10-08 · page 5 of 20
Life — October 8, 1903 — page 5: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains three separate pieces of humor: 1. **Top illustration**: A classical scene depicting a man reclining while a woman tends to him—likely satirizing romantic idealization or courtship dynamics of the era. 2. **"To My Dog"** (poem by Jean Ingelow): A sentimental Victorian poem celebrating a dog's loyalty, contrasting romantic love with a pet's unconditional devotion. It's unclear if this is sincere or gently mocking Victorian sentimentality. 3. **"His Assistant"** (joke): Two lawyers discuss an assistant who knows nothing about law—he's kept only to "draw up wills." This is a straightforward legal profession joke mocking incompetent staff or the minimal qualifications required for certain clerical positions. 4. **Bottom cartoon**: A dog outside a barber shop labeled "Black Eyes Painted," seeking "the place I've been looking for." The humor plays on the dog's black eyes and the shop's services.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Briseis: Achilles : To My Dog. mpuey sing of love, Virgi Hero's for Greek J. Brought t Abelard’s love for Heloise, their graves The mark of it; and these are passions all a's love for Paul ; nder, whom the waves her feet lifeless beyond recall ; Of which the But yet mental poet raves. other love, and not the least, ho part, yet hearts confide, Firm as the Heathen’s worship for the East, Loyal and true it cometh to abide; e that needeth neither oath nor priest, The love of beast for man and man for beast. Then, Poet, place it in Love's catalogue, His love for me and mine for my old dog. Jean Rushmore. His Assistant. pose LAWYER: Does your assistant know anything about law ? Seconp Lawyer: Not a thing. draw up wills. We only keep him to WHAT WOULD YoU Do IP 1 DIScOv 1D BE TICKLED TO DEATH, 1M SURE. ENED YOUR VULNEMABLE sPoT * GocleTyY GIRL (to Class in the Slums): Then, children, “7 Ican expect you all at my home, 22,401 Fifth Avenue, for a little party on next Saturday? Don't forget the number of the house, 22,401 Fifth Avenue. Litt_e SLUMLET: Front or rear, teacher? ‘JUST THE PLACE I'VE BEEN LOOKING Por.” comicbooks.com