Life, 1916-10-12 · page 3 of 44
Life — October 12, 1916 — page 3: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page presents a poem by Charlotte Becker titled "The Piper Goes," accompanied by two illustrations about departure and wandering. The top illustration shows an ornate gate with small figures on either side, depicting someone leaving through a grand entrance. The bottom illustration, captioned "It's a Wise Child Who Knows Her Father," shows a child being presented to a gathering of well-dressed men and women. The composition suggests a poignant social commentary—likely about illegitimacy or paternity uncertainty, common satirical targets in early 20th-century Life magazine. The child appears to be introduced to a crowd rather than a known father, making the caption's irony pointed: the "wise" child understands that identifying one's father may be impossible or complicated in society.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Y pack is bound together, The winds are calling clear; Have ye not doubted whether I bode contented here? With feet a-dance for hill and down, I fare me forth beyond the town. The Piper Goes Oh, house and spire and tavern, Grim wall and dusty street— I seek a distant cavern, Wild seas and mermaids fleet ; Though gladly gave ye food and rest, Ye would not stay a wearied guest Ye damsels at whose pleasure My pipe would secrets tell— Forgive that this my measure A kiss and a farewell— The piper’s way is far and long, And he but constant to his song! Charlotte Becker. IT’S A WISE CHILD WHO KNOWS HER FATHER