Life, 1916-01-27 · page 29 of 44
Life — January 27, 1916 — page 29: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This poem addresses "John" (John Bull, the personification of Britain) and appears to be an appeal for Anglo-American solidarity, likely from the World War I era. The piece traces shared English-speaking heritage through centuries of mutual history: Roman and Norman invasions, the Crusades, medieval conflicts like Crécy, and religious/political struggles. The satirical argument suggests that despite occasional disagreements ("squabble we may"), the fundamental kinship between Britain and America (represented by the speaker) is undeniable. The decorative border depicts historical scenes reinforcing this narrative of shared civilization. The poem's point: when global conflict demands choosing allies, America should naturally stand with Britain ("John Bull") based on centuries of cultural and historical connection. This appears to be propaganda encouraging American support for Britain during WWI, framed as an appeal to ancient friendship rather than present politics.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
To An Old Friend HEN we were Celts the Romans came, As you remember, John! Some Norsemen followed, and our name Was Anglo-Saxon for a spell. Then not without a bitter wrench We got our useful dash of French, As you'll remember well. Together, John, as you recall, We went to Palestine. At Crécy 'twas our bowmen tall Who tinkered war's design. We fought the Pope, we fought the Don, And fought each other off and on, Together, always, John! Together, John, a thousand years And seven hundred more; Apart, the merest wink of time— Say, six or seven score. Together, blended, cradled, schooled, Tempered and tried and taught: Apart, by kindred methods ruled And close in trade and thought— We're not so very separate, John! Lo, there, our northern shore! No need to guard what vast expanse Your triple cross floats o’er! Squabble we may—a passing whim— But when the call is “ Who Lines up with us and we with him?” Our choice, John Bull, is you! ELS. M comicbooks.com