Puck, 1878-05-01 · page 5 of 16
Puck — May 1, 1878 — page 5: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is a humorous serialized story told through sequential illustrations, not political satire. The narrative follows Albert Egbert, a young man seeking his fortune in medieval times. The sequence depicts: a colloquy about his residency (panel 9), complaints about poor food (10), a confrontation with his father (12), emotional family drama (14), and ultimately reconciliation with the help of a feudal lord and princess (16). The satire appears gentle rather than political—mocking pretentious medieval romance conventions and the overwrought emotional displays of period narratives. The crude drawings and exaggerated poses parody the melodrama typical of medieval legends, offering comedic relief through absurdist family dysfunction portrayed in pseudo-historical dress.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
PUCK. A LEGEND OF MEDIAEVAL TIMES. (CONCLUDED.) g. A colloquy ensues wherein Albert Egbert learns that his new-found friend has been a re- sident here since he was three months old. Albert Egbert is about to inquire the cost of permanent board when— 11. “ My wife?” cries the feudal lord, col- 12, The youth remarks, ‘ That is too thin.” 13. A reconciliation is effected. (N. B.— “ He takes after his father,” says Albert Egbert. The reader will observe the emotional tenden- ‘Thereupon he perceives a medal on his son’s cies of the family.) lapsing. neck. ro. The young man implies that the fare is not good. He has subsisted for now nearly eighteen years on his early recollections of his mother, whom the world calls Deodand Aurelia. 14. The father is carried away by his emo- 1g. Lives there a man with soul so dead, 16. The first business transacted at the tions, and the son is carried away by his father. _ As has not often, often said, meeting of the re-united family is to give the (Slow music.) “ This is the feudal lord, my father”? youth aname, After this, Albert Egbert, the The line of march is in the direction of the Princess Deodand and the young man embrace cloister. each other, and live happily thereafter. Pic- tures can convey no idea of their happiness. comicbooks.com