Page:Czecho-Slovak Student Life, Volume 18.djvu/216

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STUDENT LIFE

the church, but only as far as it would change the social standing of the priesthood, and not the dogmatic teaching. Of this we have evidence from an interview granted a representative of the “Národní Listy”. In the course of it, Baar vehemently denied the statement that the Mother Church has become antiquated. He forcefully pointed out that only a rational reformation such as would not result in schism and protestantism was the logical solution of the question. And when asked by this self-same person, what this degeneration into protestant paths would mean, Baar answered, with a mystic light in his eyes: “The Loss of Faith in the true divinity of Christ”. Even when the general apostacy took place, he stood firm in the Catholic ranks although many joined the so called. “Czechoslovak Faith and Religious Sect”. His firmness in this respect was praised even by the university professor Arne Novák in the “Lidové Noviny”.

Toward the end of his life, Baar devoted his undivided attention to Chod folklore. His object was to clear some misconceptions entertained by the public at large regarding Chodsko. For this purpose, he proposed to publish in collaboration with Professor J. Hruška a grammar called “Chodská Čítanka”. When his end came, the manuscript had already been finished, and in the hands of the editor of the literary monthly “Pramen”. He lived in perfect harmony with all his neighbors, having no personal enemies. Following his death many flattering necrologies appeared in the various newspapers. Notable among many were those of Dr. E. Felix in the “Lidové Listy”, in the “Národní Listy”, that of Dr. M. Hušek, and one by Dr. Arne Novák in the “Lidové Noviny”. In this respect Baar was even more fortunate than his friend K. D. Lutinov had been.

Fate did not permit Baar to see his ideal accomplished, yet today, though not fully appreciated, it has a real significance. We hope that perhaps some day, the prejudiced critics of today, will see and understand the real significance of his philosophy and will do homage to his memory.

ARIADNE TO THESEUS

(For the “S. L.” by C. J. Heitzman.)

Over the rugged cliffs, over the gray-green sea,
Gray clouds are flying. . . . .
Not alone do I grieve,—in the gray light of eve
Gray gulls are crying.

Once were the breakers still, once on the calm blue wave
Sea-mews were dreaming.
Now while they startled fly, gray cliffs to grayer sky
Echo their screaming.

So too was my own heart bright as the morning sea—
Now it is dying.
Where white doves made their nest, (and in my aching breast)
Gray gulls are crying.

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