Page:Zawis and Kunigunde (1895).djvu/19

 is the diffused wisdom which composes and is composed by the world around us.”

“And the hut we are in,” responded the younger with a faint smile, “is a constituent portion of that beauty, and the life of our host is omitted altogether.”

The Jew looked grave, and said he could explain the mystery, he thought, on his principles.

“But how came that book here, think you?” he asked.

“Oh, nothing is more simple,” was the reply. “The doctrines held in this region for two hundred years and more were directly taught by Greeks. Cyril and Methodius were commissioned from Constantinople, and their mission was in full sympathy with the faith that pervaded all Eastern and a large portion of Western Europe for many centuries. Their language also was formally permitted here in compliance with the uninterrupted communication with the Northern Church in Constantinople. It is, however, cultivated now only by a few.”

The speaker here incautiously permitted himself to betray a greater knowledge of the traditions of the country than had been his purpose. He therefore added, “I have heard these things from travelers, because my country was long associated with these regions by trade in furs and silks, and horses and wool.” He then laid down the volume, and after performing his devotions without noticing whether any similar proceeding was observed by his companion, rest was speedily attained in asleep that was as quiet as it was welcome.