Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Eyes, saws, ships and horsewhips.


Much like a hundred-year-old flirty text message, this love letter is written in a puzzling language of icons called a rebus. It was discovered in the Swansea University Archives, among the minutes of the temperance society (they who abstain from the drinking of alcohol) and dates back to 1890. Transcript follows:

My Dearest Fanny,

I am writing these few lines to tell you that I cannot live any longer without you. I worship you always. I think you are a beauty and the nicest girl I ever saw and I adore you. Oh exquisite Fanny, do not despise me for loving you so well. I shall be broken-hearted if you desert me. Can you meet me on Monday night, when I will take you to the Star Music Hall. I hate that Bill Robinson, who is hanging after you and I intend to horsewhip him when I see him. I shall be delighted to hear from you at once. Do not let my suit be fruitless. Reply by next post to

Your loving

William Weightman

4 comments:

Roy said...

different world, same issues. :(

the sourcerer said...

exactly!

andreajane said...

faaaaabulous. i would love one of those ;-) the shortest letter taking the longest time to decode...and enjoy. how romantic. what a great find x

arcadia said...

ek is mal hieroor ;-)