This text describes the stereotypical characteristics of people from France, Italy, and Spain. A Frenchman is depicted as skillful and sociable but fickle in loyalty. An Italian is portrayed as shrewd and modest but fiercely loyal, while a Spaniard is characterized as deceitful yet brave. Each nationality is described with various traits and behaviors.
The Images of Man.
It was instilled from a young age; that if a dog and an Englishman were seen falling into the water, they would first help the dog, and if they had some time left, they might assist the other. To what places can passions lead people? A Frenchman is skillful and agile in his actions and speech. Fickle in loyalty. Easily loving; With good appearance; Capricious in clothing, very talkative and inquisitive. Fairly sociable, knowing everything eagerly; Swift as an eagle; Great and light in enterprise. Fond of enjoyment as much as possible, constantly dancing and joyful. Easily forgets good and evil, and is often somewhat lecherous. An Italian is shrewd in consultations. Loyal Italian. to themselves; Devious in tactics; As beautiful as he wants. Not unpleasant in jokes. Appears learned. He speaks little but well; Eats moderately. Upholds the good laws very strictly. Is solemn in his religion; is a replica of his wife, and without equal jealous; Magnificent in constructions, splendid in churches; but modest in his attire. A Spaniard is deceitful in consultations, Spaniard, disloyal in keeping promises. Being beloved, fearsome in prowess. Stately in clothing, dignified in nature, brave as an elephant. Deep-thinking in science, perseverant in vengeance. Manly in speech; Crazy of nature. Often credulous, brave with his weapons. And his beauty is more akin to a devil than a good angel. It is not new, yet it has long been perceived, that
Translation Notes:
"Geschaftenheyd" can be translated as "prowess" or "skillfulness." "Geschaftenheyd" is used to describe remarkable abilities or qualities.