Life, 1923-12-06 · page 26 of 84
Life — December 6, 1923 — page 26: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is a whimsical romantic narrative poem illustrated with silhouette art, not political satire. The story depicts portraits in Wenham Manor that magically come to life on Christmas Eve. The narrative follows Sir Harry—a soldier who fell at Marston Moor (a 1644 English Civil War battle)—whose portrait mysteriously animates. He declares his love to Lady Mary's portrait, a golden-headed unmarried woman. Despite her initial coyness, she accepts him. By Christmas morning, the household discovers both figures now occupy a single frame together, with Bishop William Golding's portrait positioned above them, appearing to bless their union. The "satire" is gentle and sentimental rather than pointed: it plays on the Victorian fascination with ghostly romance and the notion that true love transcends even death and artistic medium. The author is Arthur Guiterman, a popular American humorist and poet of the early 20th century.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Below it bloomed that lovely work, The Lady Mary, golden-headed, Upon whose crypt in Wenham Kirk Is carved the line, “As yet unwedded.” One Christmas Eve when lights were low Sir Harry did as well behooved him; Perhaps the spray of mistletoe Above his lady's portrait moved him. The Portraits’ Christmas N Wenham Manor's portrait hall Beneath the gilded western molding Was hung the portrait known to all As worthy Bishop William Golding. Within her sphere of sweet allure Appeared the form of brave Sir Harry, The youth who fell at Marston Moor, Whom Lady Mary meant to marry. He left his frame; no longer mute, He breathed his love to Lady Mary: On bended knee he urged his suit: The maid was coy, but not too chary: No force may quench the sacred flame Nor hold devoted hearts asunder! And so, when Christmas morning came, The gathered household gaped in wonder. For in one frame (where two had been) The lovers stood in fond communion, While, bland above his youthful kin, The worthy Bishop blessed their union! Arthur Guiterman. Pedna Thomson — comicbooks.com