Svatopluk Čech

“ Aaron buys everything: Worn-out clothes; maidens' purity; old umbrellas; honor; hair; genius—Aaron buys the whole world. Why not buy character? Character, in these days, is a rare article. There are many, many people with no character—"
Alfred gazed with horror at the speaker. The last rays of the setting sun stole in and added to the Jew's repulsiveness. The bag in his hand grew fiery red, the ragged hair and beard changed into golden threads, gold sparkled in the folds of his garment, played over his wrinkled face—even his eyes shone like two ducats. ”

“ For a moment the bystanders in bewilderment looked from his lordship to old Foltyn and back again; then each for himself decided that loyalty demanded blind following of the noble example, and all began to laugh, the steward and his wife rather nervously; the happy-go-lucky Beruska and the fat footman with all their hearts. Even her ladyship smiled lightly, and very charmingly. ”

“ Yes, gold is the god of our century; the heavens proclaim its glory above that of the moon, the dollar is more beautiful than the stars. On earth all rulers bow before gold; in divers shapes and under various names we worship it. Some call it religion; others love; many call it law, and still others speak of it as wicked Mammon; but one and all, they pay it honor. For gold we preach; shed blood on the battle-field; sacrifice ourselves for our country; love humanity; work with hands and brain ”

“ The steward’s assistant, Beruska, with a mournful look was bidding a silent farewell to a delicious piece of roast meat over which his superior’s fork was ominously hovering when old Foltyn with his drum rushed into the dining room. Pale, with eyes staring wildly, forehead damp with perspiration, lips moving mutely, one stick beating the air nervously, the old man presented a queer sight. ”

“ The baron chided the footman for his superfluous flesh, and ordered him out into the fields for a walk. The steward and his wife behind locked doors were counting and sorting stores of preserved fruits.
In this idyllic, peaceful hour it happened to strike Foltyn’s old head that his Marie was tarrying rather unnecessarily in her ladyship’s rooms. He put the thought away, but it came back again and again, with greater force.
“What is she doing there so late?” he muttered under his moustaches. “Her ladyship is not there to be keeping her.” ”

“ For a moment Alfred gazed into the distance as if he saw there a beautiful vision. Then he rubbed his eyes and repeated with a sigh:
"I will not sell!"
"Well, just as the master wishes. Keep your character and your poverty. Aaron will keep his money. Good day."
He threw the ducats back among the others so that they rang out, placed the bag in his bosom, and started to go. At the door, he turned.
"Aaron has a good heart," he said, "and cannot leave a righteous man in want. ”

“ Indeed, one member of the family in his day became footman to one of the barons and consequently also the pride and boast of his numerous kinsfolk ever after.
Now, then, old Foltyn stood before the castle with his drum, to all appearance as if he intended to drum up the village council for some important official business. In truth, alas! the drumming was only a signal to an army of old women who worked on the manorial fields that the hour of noon rest had expired. ”

“ Written orders, rumors, tales such as travel from one estate to the other, and their fancies, combined to produce vivid pictures of the noble individuals who like gods with unseen hands, from the distance ruled their humble fates. ”

“ All because our authors have no idea of the real value of money. Modest sums they scorn. An income short of twenty or thirty thousand is beneath their notice. Who has ever read of a hero who had a salary of forty-five dollars a month, for instance? ”

“ They are comparatively cheap, for they are not durable, they must be carefully guarded from the wind. Political leaders generally present each other with them. In this box I keep Respectable Characters, mostly trash—but what does my master care for my boxes? ”