Life, 1927-12-01 · page 32 of 80
Life — December 1, 1927 — page 32: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is a Christmas story rather than political satire. Broun retells the Nativity with realistic, unglamorous detail: the Magi's arrival in Bethlehem occurs during a Roman census, their caravan is noisy and difficult to manage, servants jostle with golden gifts, and the stable scene is crowded and chaotic. The narrative's point appears to be contrasting **earthly commotion with spiritual peace**. Outside the manger, there's clamor—tax collectors, crowds, struggling animals. Inside, the Wise Men kneel in silent reverence. The angels' chorus breaks through, but Mary alone hears it as mere murmur, finding peace in her child's sleep. The story emphasizes how sacred moments exist amid ordinary, messy reality—a meditation on finding tranquility within chaos rather than political commentary.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
pereees ies @ eo Bos ae pee dno m] P through the streets of Bethlehem, beyond the inn, and to the stable door | there came the camels of the Magi. It was the time of taxing by the de- cree of Cwsar and many stood in | doorways as down the caravan there ran the cry of “Halt!” The big beasts moved as cautiously as cats, but from the swarthy drivers rose questioning and com- ment. “Where is this king?” called one, and behind him another shouted, “Go on, you fool; this can't be it.” “Sharp left,” said one, but still another urged, “On, on ahead; keep moving.” The star of wonder rested and the leader, wisest of all, cried, “I say ‘halt’; we've found it.” Up rose the din of kicks and curses. It was not an then a silent night. “Down, devil, down, I tell FAN you.” And grunting camels bit at those who tried WME | to ease the straps and lift the heavy burdens. aH] “Keep your place in linc; stop crowding ve “Where is the door in all this darkness ¥S | The Magi were the first into the manger, but f behind them came the servants bearing gifts. Upon the instant the Wise Men knelt and even the camel drivers did their best not to rattle the golden cups as they swung great sacks down to the straw from off their shoulders. Yet outside the clatter was continued. sey tye BOSSI ES | Silent Night | By Heywood Broun “Not that. It stays. myrrh? Just smell it.” Within, the incense made a drowsy place of rev- erence, Even the eldest of the Magi said no word and expressed himself in adoration. New mem- bers of the caravan who crowded in upon their errands hushed their voices down to whispers. In an upper room of the inn was si g and the sound of cymbals, but all of it came faintly. Of a sudden fell a mighty silence. The camels and the camel drivers stood as figures turned to salt. | Then from far across Judean hills swelled out a mighty chorus. These were not the voices of tax- payers taking ease within their houses. Louder and louder rose the chant, until it filled the sky and burst through t-barred doors. ilory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” As suddenly as it had come it slackened. hem was once again alive. The woman stirred in her sleep. ‘To Mary, alone, the chorus of the heavenly host had been’ a mere vague murmur. tents. The words of the chant were woven into her dream, but of them she remembered just one when she awakened. At the many people moving toward the manger Mary gaz little troubled. “Peace,” she said softly. The child, my baby, sleepeth.” Can't you tell grain from SRR NG: pte ee Bethle- She had no need of signs or por- “Peace. i é poe “a ests oe rt CEES SEE PREEES PRS aa — Page 30 comicbooks.com