Life, 1921-02-03 · page 16 of 46
Life — February 3, 1921 — page 16: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains two distinct pieces: **"Invictus"** (top left): A poem by Dorothy Parker presenting self-deprecating humor about the speaker's various social failings—being imperfect, using slang, poor at conversation. The joke is ironic: despite all these flaws, the speaker remains unrepentant ("I never said, 'I'm here to state'"). **"Mr. Wells and Solomon"** (top right): A brief essay humorously questioning whether H.G. Wells could have managed seven hundred wives as Solomon supposedly did, suggesting Wells—despite his intellectual authority as a historian—would struggle with such domestic demands. **The Cartoon** (center): Signed by A.B. Frost, depicts a figure appearing to collapse or fall mid-stride, captioned "It's All in the Fallow Through"—likely a golf reference making a pun on "follow-through," suggesting poor athletic form.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
“LIFE. Invictus ARTHEST am I from perfection’s heights, Faulty am I as I well could be, Still I insist on my share of rights. When I am dead, think this of me: Though I have uttered the words “Yea, bo,” Though I use “ain't” to get a laugh, . Though 1 am wont to explain “Let’s go,” Though I say “ You don't know the half,”"— Black though my record as darkest jet, Give me, I beg, my devil's duc; Only remember, I’ve never yet Said, “How's the world been treating you?” “What could be sweeter?” 1 fondly muse; “You said a mouthful,” I confess; Witnesses testify that I use “Yes, indeedy,” in times of stress; “Oh, it’s a great life.” I loudly claim — “If you don't weaken,” I amend; “TM tell the world” is my middle name; “Well, how's the boy?” I greet a friend. While I acknowledge cach grave defect, Still Tam master of my fate- All that I ask you is, Recollect I never said, “I'm here to state.” “Yours till hell freezes,” I sign my mail; “I'l say it is,” 1 coyly ery; “What's the good word my cheery hail; Bidding farewell, I say “ Bye-bye”; I demand, “ How do you get that way?” “Oh, have a heart,” is all my plea; Speaking of oysters, I sadly say, “T like them, but they don't like me.” Humbly | own to.each one of these, Yet I atone for all my slips; Heap me a measure of credit, please,— “Kiddie” has never passed my lips. Dorothy Parker. Mr. Wells and Solomon R. WELLS in his recent and latest history of the world seems to feel that after all Solomon was not such a cofiiderable man as he seemed. We dislike to differ with such a distinguished authority as Mr. Wells, but, Lord love us, isn’t any man entitled to respect who, at any period of the world’s history, can support seven hundred wives in comparative ease and comfort? Solomon would have been hard put to it in these days. We doubt if he would have pulled through, but at least it might be an inspiration to see a man like that trying to survive. “It’s All in the Follow Through.” comicbooks.com