Human character appears to consist of two opposite varieties: one that makes a fetich of the past, and shrinks from changes as from a rude immorality; the other, that dashes forward impatiently after progression and development. In most states these temperaments are brought together in the diversity of persons, and the reforming and conserving influences work out in harmony the course of society. But in Switzerland can be found peasant communities where nothing but conservatives are generated. Time seems to have slumbered among them for centuries; their character has continued ancient in modern times.[92] They have always been and will ever be peasants. They are religious, unaffected, industrious people; shepherds, agriculturists, artisans, soldiers, patriots, and, above all, freemen, full of song, labor, and fight. They wish to be ruled by habits rather than laws, with traditional customs as a legislative code. What matters if the storm rages, and if it snows, if the wind blusters in the pine forest, if a man shut up in his cottage has but black bread and cheese, under his smoky light and beside his fire of turf? Another kingdom opens to reward him, the kingdom of inward contentment; his wife loves him and is faithful; his children round his hearth spell out the old family Bible; he is the master in his home, the owner and protector; and if so be that he needs assistance, he knows that at the first appeal he will see his neighbors stand faithfully and bravely by his side,-- “And each shall care for other, And each to each shall bend, To the poor a noble brother, To the good an equal friend.”