Life, 1925-12-03 · page 53 of 84
Life — December 3, 1925 — page 53: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is a humorous poem by Arthur Guiterman illustrated with decorative medieval-style artwork. It's a fairy-tale parody where a knight rescues a maiden from a dragon, but the confrontation becomes unexpectedly reconciliatory. The satire works through subverting expectations: instead of combat, the dragon—described as glaring "like Barney Google" (a popular comic strip character)—admits he captures maidens out of compulsion rather than malice. The knight, moved by the Christmas spirit, agrees to peace and celebration rather than slaying the beast. The joke is gentle social commentary on the futility of conflict. By invoking Christmas themes and even a repentant thief (Dismas, the "good thief" of Christian tradition), Guiterman suggests that the season's values—reconciliation and goodwill—should override conventional antagonism. The ending's toast "to Dragons" humorously elevates the monster to worthy company. This reflects early 20th-century satirical sensibilities: whimsical, literary, and promoting peace and understanding over violence.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
he Dragon's Christmas q KNIGHT, with heavy armor laden, Rode forth to free a lovely Maiden Held captive by an awful Dragon Whose tail alone would fill a wagon. The brave Knight traversed wastes and antres; # Confounding sundry bad Enchanters, And Giants, too, of magic power, He reached the Dragon's gloomy tower. The good Knight blew his lusty bugle; The Dragon glared like Barney Google, * Displaying teeth designed for biting, And groaned, “Aw, what's the use of fighting? “L really do not want this Maiden, Though she’s a Peri 3 out of Aidenn. « I steal these ladies, yes, but as to The reason why,—a dragon has to. “And since contention’s out of reason In this, the festive Yuletide season, (Come in and share my humble platter And let's adjust the little matter.” “Now, by the poor, repentant Dismas!™ $ The Knight replied. “You're right; it’s Christmas, The time for reconciliation, So I accept your invitation.” On Christmas pudding primed with sherry The Dragon, Maid and Knight were merry, And emptied many brimming flagons To “Peace on earth, good will to Dragons!” Arthur Guiterman. comicbooks.com