Explore "A Crown of Straw" by Allen Upward on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
FOR some time after the parting words of the girl, Maximilian and his companion walked on in silence. Johann saw that the King was profoundly affected by what he had just listened to, and did not venture to disturb his reflections. At length Maximilian raised his head, and gave utterance to the thoughts of his mind.
"She is right, Johann. There are some things beyond my power, or yours, to alter. We may change social conditions, we may care for men's health, we may add to the comfort of their lives; but how are we to war against evil passions, how can we prevent such wrongs as that poor creature has suffered, how root out the superstitions which thrive under the name of religion, and darken the whole nature of mankind?"