The Wasp — 1890 — page 467: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page presents a satirical "Christmas Hymn" with five stanzas framing illustrations of Roman and Christian imagery. The text contrasts pagan Rome's militarism ("the Senator of haughty Rome / Imprinted peace his doctrile night") with Christianity's peaceful message ("In that stable lay new born / The peaceful prince of earth and heaven"). The decorative vignettes show Roman imperial scenes and Christian nativity imagery, arranged vertically. The central illustration depicts a woman with winged cherubs and flowers—likely representing Christmas reverie or spiritual transcendence. The satire appears to critique 19th-century American materialism and immorality by contrasting it with Christian ideals, using Rome's fall as a historical cautionary parallel. The "Christmas Reverie" banner suggests these are idealized dreams rather than contemporary reality.