44

A HISTORY OF BOHEMIAN

LITERATURE

The Latinity to have been a special favourite. of Cosmas, if we may venture to employ that word when dealing with a writer of the twelfth century, appears

contrasts favourably with that of most of his contemporaries, and in his works we sometimes meet with slight but charming reminiscences of the style of more classic periods. Cosmas' work consists of three books, which were written at different periods and at first appeared separMSS. containing a ately, each book in the earliest Cosmas afterwards^^ub lished h is separate dedication. work as a whole, dedicating it to his friend Severus, provost of Melnik. The work is written in the chrono-

In logical manner universally adopted at that time. the earlier part of the first book, which, beginning with the deluge, deals with the establishment of the Cechs in Bohemia and the reigns of their early princes, Cosmas wisely abstains from giving any dates. From the deluge Cosmas proceeds rapidly to the establishment of Cechus It is interesting from and his companions in Bohemia. the historical point of view to note that all recollection of the earlier inhabitants of the country, both of the Celtic and of the Teutonic race, had already faded out of the memories of the people. Obviously guided by recollections of his classical readings, Cosmas describes the time of the first establishment of the Bohemians in their new homes as if it had been a golden age. " Most happy," he tells us, " was that age, content with moderate expenditure, not inflated by restless pride. The gifts of Ceres and Bacchus were unknown, and indeed did not exist ; their evening meal consisted of acorns and the flesh of wild beasts ; uncorrupted watersprings afforded them wholesome drink. As the splendour of