Life, 1915-08-19 · page 7 of 48
Life — August 19, 1915 — page 7: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page presents a humorous poem by Caroline M. Roberts about a social situation at a bridge club—a popular leisure activity among upper-class women in the early 20th century. The satire mocks how seriously women took bridge competitions and social obligations. Horatio (the hostess) pleads with her guests to cancel their appointments—lunch, theater, lectures, dances—to help her keep "old Ennui" (boredom) "at bay." Three women agree to stay and play bridge, though notably "none of the records mention / A fourth fair player's name," suggesting someone played without proper recognition. The photograph shows what appears to be a theatrical scene of people socializing, likely illustrating the social gatherings referenced in the poem. The satire gently critiques how women prioritized bridge-playing and social status over other commitments.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Horatia at Bridge 'HEN out spake fair Horatia, The hostess of the day, Just as the bridge club rose to go: “Oh, girls, why can’t you stay? For how is time spent better Than at the dear old game? What though we've played all morn- ing— What though engagements claim? “Come cancel your appointments With all the speed ye may, And help me keep old Ennui, Our enemy, at bay; Forgetting luncheon, matinée, Lecture or dance or tea— Now who will bide at cither side And keep at bridge with me?” Then out spake tall Herminia, A reigning beauty she: “Lo, I will bide at thy right side And keep at bridge with thee.” And out spake Spuria Lartia, A fashion leader she: “And I will bide at thy left side And keep at bridge with thee.” As none of the records mention A fourth fair player's name, It must have been with a dummy They played that famous game; And here for the first time ever Is told the tale of how That dauntless three fought off Ennui In the brave days of Now. Caroline M. Roberts, DO YOU PREFER, MY DEAR, A LITTLE CLARET OR SOME CHAMPAGNE?” K I PREFER CHAMPAGNE, GEORGE. AND, BESIDES, WE REALLY OUGHT TO DO ALL WE CAN FOR FRAN comicbooks.com