38.) TR.] [Footnote 3302: Cf.

on the antiquity of this sort of mind, evident from the beginning of society and of French literature, my "History of English Literature," vol.I., and "La Fontaine et ses fables," pp.10 to 13.] [Footnote 3303: In relation to this sentiment, read La Fontaine's fable of "The Rat and the Elephant." La Fontaine fully comprehended its social and psychological bearing.

"To believe one's self an important personage is very common in France....

A childish vanity is peculiar to us.
The Spaniards are vain, but in another way.

It is specially a French weakness."] [Footnote 3304: Beugnot, "Memoires," I., 317.