The French who declaimed among themselves, with the
greatest exaggeration, unconscious that folks were listening the other
side of the door, had proclaimed repeatedly for many years past, that
France was degenerating rapidly and would soon vanish from the earth.
. . . Then why should they resent the scorn of their enemies. . . . Why
shouldn't the Germans share in their beliefs?
The professor, misinterpreting the silent agreement of the Spaniard who
until then had been listening with such a hostile smile, added:
"Now is the time to try out in France the German culture, implanting it
there as conquerors."
Here Argensola interrupted, "And what if there is no such thing as
German culture, as a celebrated Teuton says?" It had become necessary
to contradict this pedant who had become insufferable with his egotism.
Hartrott almost jumped from his chair on hearing such a doubt.
"What German is that?"
"Nietzsche."
The professor looked at him pityingly. Nietzsche had said to mankind,
"Be harsh!" affirming that "a righteous war sanctifies every cause."
He had exalted Bismarck; he had taken part in the war of '70; he was
glorifying Germany when he spoke of "the smiling lion," and "the blond
beast." But Argensola listened with the tranquillity of one sure of his
ground. Oh, hours of placid reading near the studio chimney, listening
to the rain beating against the pane! .
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