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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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