The Real Thing and Other Tales

races, and even to many primitive peoples: but though this is perfectly true, it is also no less certain that the spirit of the nation manifests itself in the manner of their telli

Molly. I mean that higher sort of morality which was the mainspring of Protestantism. It is often supposed that Protestantism is [xiv]very unfavourable to the development and preservation of folk tales; but those of

was allowed to remain for a moment, reverting very soon to the strict limits of probability. It is the very same method which, for example, Mr. Wells employs in some of his novels. That the Slav nations h

k, was also the greatest Czech satirist. This spirit may [xv]also be seen in the present collection; but in every case the story-teller, instead of assuming the attitude of the morality preacher or of

e truth and justice at last had conquered. Alas! to the victims of Habsburg rule and Austrian bayonets the bare possibility seemed utterly excluded. And yet why should they not dream of such a land? Amo quia absurdum! But at the very moment their humorous ego could not suppress a sneer. Yes, even in that wonderland which their fancy painted

to-day Czechs are fighting bravely in every Allied army and in their own national units formed in Russia. May their Austrian oppr