A multi-panel cartoon by Karel Stroff from Humoristické listy (Prague, 1910)
I must visit humanity again. It seems to have become too wanton. They will come after me with disinfectants, but I’m not afraid of that, it no longer applies to me.
Pardon me, I am a representative of the “Chiseler”* scythe factory. We have excellent, proven wares of great quality, please give it a test. We have fifty first-prize awards, thousands of commendations, we deliver to all parts of the world under the most advantageous payment terms and —
*(very loosely; no bonus for noticing the ethnic stereotype employed)
That was a terrible man! He spoke to me as if I was completely stupid!
Zounds! What kind of diabolical invention is this? There has never been such a thing…
That cost me dearly! My ears are buzzing, my head is splitting…
But I will not give up and I will bravely go on — What kind of monster is going over there?
Achoo! Achoo! Ugh, taxi. Yuck, yuck, yuck…!
And the crows fell upon his tortured body…
Sic Transit Pestilentia 