The German women are not beautiful, but they are lovable and sweet;
and they are broad-breasted and broad-hipped, like the mothers of
big sons should be. They do not seem to trouble themselves about
their "rights," but appear to be very contented and happy even
without votes. The men treat them with courtesy and tenderness, but
with none of that exaggerated deference that one sees among more
petticoat-ridden nations. The Germans are women lovers, not women
worshippers; and they are not worried by any doubts as to which sex
shall rule the State, and which stop at home and mind the children.
The German women are not politicians and mayors and county
councillors; they are housewives.
All classes of Germans are scrupulously polite to one another; but
this is the result of mutual respect, not of snobbery. The tramcar
conductor expects to be treated with precisely the same courtesy
that he tenders. The Count raises his hat to the shopkeeper, and
expects the shopkeeper to raise his hat to him.
The Germans are hearty eaters; but they are not, like the French,
fussy and finicky over their food. Their stomach is not their God;
and the cook, with his sauces and pates and ragouts, is not their
High Priest. So long as the dish is wholesome, and there is
sufficient of it, they are satisfied.
In the mere sensuous arts of painting and sculpture the Germans are
poor, in the ennobling arts of literature and music they are great;
and this fact provides a key to their character.
They are a simple, earnest, homely, genuine people. They do not
laugh much; but when they do, they laugh deep down. They are slow,
but so is a deep river. A placid look generally rests upon their
heavy features; but sometimes they frown, and then they look
somewhat grim.
A visit to Germany is a tonic to an Englishman. We English are
always sneering at ourselves, and patriotism in England is regarded
as a stamp of vulgarity. The Germans, on the other hand, believe in
themselves, and respect themselves. The world for them is not
played out. Their country to them is still the "Fatherland." They
look straight before them like a people who see a great future in
front of them, and are not afraid to go forward to fulfil it.
GOOD-BYE, SIR (OR MADAM).
End of Diary of a Pilgrimage by Jerome K. Jerome
