The Manatitlans: or, A record of recent scientific explorations in the Andean La Plata, S. A.Smile, R. Elton
Science
The Manatitlans: or, A record of recent scientific explorations in the Andean La Plata, S. A.
Smile, R. Elton
Science fiction, American
Following close in the rear of English lead, came the Gallic French, who
with chattering volubility and grimace, more than supplied the paucity
of words used by those in advance. In personal characteristics they were
in every respect foreign to their preceding neighbors. Without listening
or replying they all talked in medley, which impressed me with the
conviction that they had no definite ideas beyond the present evidences
of their existence, or hopes of a future free from the predominating
influence of their bodies’ frivolous selfishness. This impression was
confirmed by the tribune, who said that sympathy with, and confidence in
their kind, were alike ignored, each holding that the gratification
afforded by the passing moment, was the only happiness and real hope,
life afforded.
“In accordance with these assumptions, which they verify in act, we have
found them loquaciously factious, and quite as unsettled as their Giga
countrymen and exemplars; expressing in a breath the strongest terms of
wordy affection and hatred for the same person, and in their constantly
recurring civil feuds, destroying their rulers and relatives with less
compunction than individuals of an opposing race. In verity from
frivolous habits in thought and act, they have become despicable
examples of the disorganizing effect of infidelity to Creative
indications designed for our self-control. The French women, as you
observe in the boldness of their public demeanor, are as vivaciously apt
for the illustration of the opposite gender’s instinctive ideas of
happiness in domestic association, as the German are submissive.”
The Spanish knightly representatives next passed in review. As roach
cavaliers, they were far above their predecessors in graceful bearing
and dignity of deportment; but their thoughts were inwardly disposed to
the sole devotion of self-contemplation, looking down from the lofty
pinnacle with supercilious complacency and condescension on all alike,
expecting from others the deferential consideration they paid to
themselves. The women were veiled and demure in bearing, but the
instinctive sparkle of their eyes defied the gauzy fabric’s concealment.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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