The rich who buy on credit and let their money rust;
Foolish is the merchant who'll an idle spendthrift trust.
Foolish is the merchant who'll an idle spendthrift trust.
Poland - 1881 - Poets and Poetry of Poland
Her prayers
Up to the heavens an angel bears ;
On vows no chance shall e'er repeal
Eternity has set her seal.
A THOUGHT.
(From Saphics. )
He has lived long and well whose death enforces
Tears from his neighbors, -- who has made his glory
Heir to himself, -- rapacious time will plunder
All, all -- besides it.
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? 88 POETS AND POETRY OF POLAND.
KONAKSKL*
Stanislaus Hieronim Konarski belongs to the
greatest practical philosophers of the age. It was he
who, having ascertained by his learning and compre-
hensive powers of the mind the vanity and absurdity
of the ways and manners of education and enlighten-
ment practiced in the period in which he lived, by his
writings scattered to the winds the darkness, reinstated
the freedom of thought, and presented to his country^
men fresher models than the old musty Latin works;
implanted into the minds of Polish youth new ideas
tending to moral improvement, and awakened the true
spirit of inquiry after learning. He struck the old
pedantism a heavy blow, introducing in its stead fresh-
ness and naturalness of expression and modern concep-
tions. His works written on the subject had a great in-
fluence on the reform of Polish literature, because they
not only treated on aesthetics but also on moral and
practical philosophy. The most prominent of these
are ' ' De Emendandis Vitiis" and ' ' Yolumina Legum. ' '
The first treats extensively of the defective style of
writing and oratory, but what is most curious and cred-
itable to him is that in order to have his criticism fall
gently upon the works of his predecessors and contem-
poraries, he very good humoredly criticised some of
his own works formerly written, and pointed out his
own defects with unsparing justice. In ' ' Yolumini de
Legum " he endeavored, with much zeal for the public
* Although not a poet was a man of eminent literary talents, and
having created a new epoch in Polish literature deserves an honored
place here.
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? KONARSKI. 89
good, to collect different statutes and scattered consti-
tutions into a settled code of laws. That successful
service to his country accomplished much good, and
was of itself enough to immortalize his name. In his
" Art of Correct Thinking. Without Which There Can-
not Be Correct Speaking. " where, in sensible and
judicious observations he straightens out the mind of
the Polish youth by numerous and well-selected ex-
amples, adducing also specimens of beautiful and per-
fect oratory. The especial merit of this work is that
it contains a great deal of useful matter necessary to
the Polish people of those days. It was the noble aim
of the author to put down prejudices, and lit the mind
for the reception of useful truths. The fourth work of
Konarski was " Of Successful ^Tay and Manner of Ad-
vising. " ^Ve can place that work among those produc-
tions of which the Polish nation has a right to be proud.
You can see in it a true citizen, whose heart burns with
love to his country, and earnestly engaged with the
welfare of his fellow- citizens. In writing this work tor
a people who were not as yet well versed in political
science, and promulgating certain truths contrary to the
common prejudices of the majority, he had to use vari-
ous methods to elucidate, explain, and adapt them to
the understanding of all. The fifth production of this
distinguished man was "Of Religion, of Honest Peo-
ple, and Against the Doctrines of Deism. " wherein the
author endeavors to convince his readers that without
religion morality cannot have solid foundation; hence,
good and virtuous intentions of a community are flimsy
and uncertain unless supported by religious convic-
tions.
Taking it as a whole Konarski" s writings show
genius. His correct views in the matter of presented
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? 90 POETS AND POETRY OF POLAND.
subjects; his lively imagination; broad and sensible
explanations, and above all his power of philosophical
reasoning, emanating from his profound knowledge of
the subjects upon which he treats, places him in the
highest ranks of Polish writers.
Konarski was born in 1700, and received his in-
itiatory education at the institution of the Order of
Piiars, which order he entered in the seventeenth year
of his age, and against the wishes of his powerful rela-
tives.
He was soon transferred thence to the College of
Warsaw as the professor of philosophy. In the year
1725, with the advice of his uncle Tar? o, the bishop of
Posen, he went to Italy, where, in the city of Rome,
he gave lectures on oratory and history. From Rome
he went to Paris, where he closely connected himself
by the ties of friendship with the celebrated Fontenelle,
the great philosopher, orator, and poet. After a lapse
of six years he returned to his country and became
professor of history in Cracow, then lie occupied the
same dignity at Rzeszo? w, and was made Provincial of
his order. In the year 1743 he established a boarding-
school for the youth of the nobles, or Collegium ~No-
bilium. He also established similar schools at Wilno
and Lemberg. At his Warsaw college he arranged the
building so that a part of it was appropriated exclu-
sively for dramatic representations, and dramatic plays
of the most celebrated tragic poets were there repre-
sented, especially the French: Corneille, Racine, and
Crebillon. Konarski had also a great influence in
putting down the liberum veto, receiving for the great
service the hate of second-class nobility.
In 1748 he again left his native land for other coun-
tries. He visited France and the most celebrated acad-
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? KOXAKSKI. 91
emies, and returning to Warsaw employed himself in
finishing his " Collegium," which was opened in 1754.
In 1719 Komorowski, the Primas, sent Konarski to
Rome in an important cause, which mission he fulfilled
with great credit to himself. He lived on terms of
friendship with the most distinguished men of his age,
and almost of all countries, who frequently sought his
advice. He was personally known to Pope Benedict
XIY, to August II and III, as also to Stanislaus Lesz-
czyn? ski, whom he accompanied to Lotaringia (Lorraine).
In France he had insured to him by Louis XY the in-
come of two abbacies. Ranks of dignity which were
frequently offered to him he would never accept; hence,
for the bishopric by Benedict XIY, as also for the
bishopric of Przemys? l by August II, and the same dig-
nity offered him by King Stanislaus Poniatowski, in
Livonia, he only returned thanks but would not accept
of them. The king wishing to honor Konarski for his
great labors ordered a medal to be struck in his honor,
with the inscription, Sapere Auso (To him who dared
to be wise). He died in 1773.
His work, " De Emendandis Vitiis" was published
in Warsaw in 1741; " Of the Art of Correct Think-
ings also in Warsaw in 1767; " The Best Mode in
Advising" in 1760, and " Of Religion " in 1769.
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? 92 POETS AND POETRY OF POLAND.
JSTAPOJSZEWICZ.
Adam Stanislaus Naruszewicz, although brought up
according to the old customs of the country, was never-
theless a quick learner of the new social and political
elements which began to permeate through the higher
and more advanced social circles in Poland; hence he
may be considered as the incarnation of two different
epochs. His writings, therefore, are the depositories
of two contending intervals. In them he boldly educts
the progressive principle, fearlessly attacking the
corruption of the age and handling without gloves the
pretentions of the nobility, indolence, extravagance,
and other national defects.
As a poet he represents two sides, diametrically
opposite to each other : -- one that of a panegyrist, the
other that of a satirist. He wrote odes, satires, fables,
and idyls, which in those times comprised about the
whole poetical cycle, which he considered as his own,
and which would serve him to pave the way to dis-
tinction and fame.
Although there is much of the poetic spirit in his
odes, yetas a whole, emanating from different circum-
stances, adverse to poetic inspiration and replete with
exaggerated flattery, they do not on that account pos-
sess much of poetical value. He had doubtless much
power and poetic ardor, and the spirit of his lyric
poetry could soar higher than any of his contempo-
raries. His lively and fiery imagination opened to him
a rich depository of bold and exalted thoughts; but
this life-giving ardor, this creativeness of imagination,
accompany the poet only when their incitement comes
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? NARUSZEWICZ. 93
from the deep feeling of truth, and when the theme
itself is worthy of poetic inspiration.
Many of his lyrics have only a semblance of decla-
mation, and a superficial luster takes place of emotion.
Their taste and style remind one of the compositions
of the sixteenth century. He speaks as a true lyrist
only when the theme is patriotic citizenship, and the
love of his country warms him up.
In his ]yric muse Naruszewicz constrains himself
to flights of fancy, and in his satires he cannot keep
away from exaggeration, though we may say that in his
satires he very properly points out national defects,
and white furnishing a great many progressive lessons,
he at the same time paints a faithful historical picture
of the blemishes of the existing social system. His
satire of "The Yoices of the Dead," as also " The
Return of the Senators," are written in an old, con-
strained style, full of ludicrous images. Naruszewicz
was very much addicted to the introduction of mytho-
logical personages, which he pours upon his readers
without stint. However, it was the failing of all the
poets of Stanislaus' Age, but Naruszewicz exceeds
them all.
In his satire "The Nobility " Naruszewicz strongly
upheld the privileges of birth ; indeed, he tried to build
a partisan wall between the two different classes which
was very distasteful even to his own kindred. In his
satire "The Folly" he represents a false devotee, or
we may say a downright hypocrite. "The Spoiled
Age " is a continual grumbling that things are not as
they should be. In his " Flattery " he ridiculed the
common national foible of court manners and the bad
influence they had on national literature. " The Lean
Litterateur " is another unique production, reminding
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? 94 POETS AND POETRY OF POLAND.
us of the sad epoch of superficiality when solid sciences
were not appreciated, and hence the true litterateur was
always lean and poor, and as a characteristic type it
went into a proverb.
As to idyllic compositions Naruszewicz had no great
talent. Accustomed to court life and a great friend to
a fashionable world, he could not understand nor ap-
preciate the charms of rural life; indeed, his pastorals
"The Farm-house," "The Happy Marriage," and
"Narcissus," have more of a satirical than of a pas-
toral turn. However, his Polish is pure and correct,
and in his power, freshness, and poetical imagery, he
is superior to Krasicki. Indeed, we find in his satires
many beautiful expressions, -- new and pleasing turns
with which he truly enriched the Polish literature.
Naruszewicz was born in 1733, receiving first rudi-
ments of education at Pin? sk. In 1748 he joined the
order of the Jesuits, which sent him to Lugdun. Re-
ceiving assistance from Prince Czartoryiski he per-
fected himself in learning in France, Italy, and Ger-
many. Returning to his own country he received the
professorship of the Cathedra of Poetry in the Academy
of Wilno, and subsequently of Warsaw. He was so
liked by the king, Stanislaus Augustus, that after the
abolition of the order he resided with him. After
receiving the abbacy of Niemencz? yn he was admitted
to the coadjutorship of the bishopric of Smolen? sk.
He afterward held the office of the Clerk of the Grand
Duchy of Lithuania; finally he was made a bishop.
Stanislaus Augustus honored him with a decoration,
and ordered a medal struck with visages of Sarbiewski
and Naruszewicz. He died in 1796 at Janowce.
His works were published in Warsaw in 1778-1803,
and at Leipzig in 1835. Naruszewicz's biography was
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? NARUSZEWICZ. 95
written by Julian Bartoszewicz in his work u Cele-
brated Men of Poland of the Eighteenth Century,"
published in St. Petersburg in 1S53, in three volumes.
CONSULTATION OF ANIMALS.
In a corner of Africa most remote
Animals, so runs the anecdote,
Those beasts that have. hoofs and those that have claws,
Established government and laws.
With that worthy gentry all prospered well
Or so begun. I'm glad to tell
That harmony reigned throughout the land ;
And, difficult to understand,
Friendship, too, dwelled there, which you will agree
Is what we very seldom see
Among the masses of human kind
(Sorry to bring the fact to mind).
The wolf did not start from his savage lair
To devour goats, and pigs to snare ;
And not till brother in strife with brother
Begun to wrong and wound each other
Was there example harmful in the least
Set before the misguided beast.
It chanced, when hard times fell, the state
Its scanty funds to aggregate
Called council ; with care that nothing should pass
Except in justice to each class
Of animals: -- asses, the goats, and sheep,
That the apportioned tax should keep
Of equal weight, 'mong the high and the low,
And the state burdens ordered so
That each could easily render his share,
The lowly and the millionaire.
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? 96 POETS AND POETRY OF POLAND.
With preparation and dignity great
The worthy councillors of state
A meeting called to settle as they could
These matters for the public good.
The elephant was first to speak, -- said he:
"Citizen animals, most worthy!
Oxen, goats, asses, and mules, and hares, ?
Distinguished by the name each bears,
That matters to all should be without wrong,
To the meek sheep or lion strong,
I propose to you in all sincerity,
Without favor or asperity:
Let each one who thinks that in small or great
He has broken the laws of state
Contribute a mark to the treasury;
From this a great auxiliary
Will our country gain, while at the same time
You must reflect, all sorts of crime
In our country's bounds, from west to east,
From north to south, will be decreased. 1 '
" That perhaps might do," said the crafty fox,
Bowing most humbly to the flocks ;
A good-natured grin on his countenance spread
And wagging his yellow tail, said :
" Greater the income, in my opinion,
If young and old of this dominion
Were allowed to apprise their good degrees,
And pay a florin for each of these;
My fame for judgment I'll stake in this way,
A larger sum we could display,
Which would be with the utmost promptness paid,
And never any trouble made.
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? NARUSZEWICZ. 97
Because, may it please your reverence,
They'd rather pay than evidence
Transgression of the law's just scope,
Your honor sees the point -- I hope. "
WHO IS FOOLISH ?
He is foolish who, possessing neither strength nor heart,
With vain empty boasts acts an idle swaggerer's part.
Who with proud assumption wondrous learning will pretend,
And seek to teach a language he does not comprehend.
Or he who marries not as befits his own estate,
For to fret or be fretted will surely be his fate.
Who seeks fortune in cards, profit in a bone, nor knows
Ever that which comes easily as easily goes.
He is foolish who through craft to defraud others tries,
And seeks credit for that purpose in honesty's guise.
He is foolish who drinks when his toes are out, and lives
Beyond his income, taking all while he nothing gives.
A simpleton is he who's by trifles filled with fears,
And he who readily believes each little thing he hears.
The rich who buy on credit and let their money rust;
Foolish is the merchant who'll an idle spendthrift trust.
He is foolish who weekly his losses will bemoan,
Or weds an old woman for the money she may own.
Foolish he who with affairs of state will interfere,
Unfit to aid or council he muddles what was clear.
Who boldly of his creditor asks a loan, although
He has failed to pay a debt contracted long ago.
He is foolish who alone on paper projects makes,
Who leaves unfinished ever the tasks he undertakes.
Who's familiar with unequals shows his lack of sense,
Or who farms from a book or from school gets eloquence,
Who only speaks truth when there's no falsehood at command,
Who amusement seeks with that he does not understand,
Who pays much attention to the talk of common folk,
7
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? 98 POETS AND POETRY OF POLAND.
Who allows a little jest his anger to provoke.
Who -- but there! my paper's out, and some perhaps will say
I am making my remarks in a fault-finding way.
Pray excuse me, sirs, if I have said too much ; at times
A subject has been borne too far by my erratic rhymes.
Poets, and musicians, too, upon extremes will touch,
Often one will play too long, the other say too much.
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? KNIAZN? IN. 99
KNIAZNIN.
Fkancis Dyonisius Rntaznin was a poet whose
writings are characterized by pleasantness, suavity, and
purity of the heart. His vivid conceptions, combined with
great feeling, eminently qualified him for a lyric poet.
He does not soar very high, nor is he carried by sudden
flights of imagination, but whenever he follows his own
inspiration he charms the reader with his wonderful
simplicity. In that respect he may be considered as
equal, if not superior, to Karpin? ski, since his poetry
strikes more deeply into the heart and is richer in
colors and imagery. He wrote with great feeling and
expression.
Among his works we can mention " To a Citizen,"
" Ode on the Centennial Celebration of John Sobieski's
Yictory over the Turks at Vienna, " "To Grace,"
"Rosemary," etc. The construction of Kniaznin's
verse is peculiar to himself; concise in expression, the
selection of soft syllables and natural expression of
thought make his verses very harmonious and grateful
to the ear.
Kniaznin was born in 1750, and was brought up and
educated by the Jesuits; in fact he joined the society,
but after the abolition of the order in 1773 he again be-
came a civilian, and labored assiduously in the great
library of Za? uski. After that he became a secretary
to Prince Czartoryiski at Pu? awy, a hospitable place,
which in those days was in reality a shelter for learned
men. The changeful events of those years, and an un-
happy love, darkened his existence and produced de-
mentia. He died in 1807.
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? 100 POETS AND POETRY OF POLAND.
His complete works were published in Warsaw
1828, and at Leipsic 1835.
A REVERIE.
The goddess of darkness, and silence, and dreams,
Hath spread her black wings o'er a slumbering world,
Care holdeth no longer his empire o'er man
But deep in oblivion's abyss has been hurled.
Majestic the moon riseth up in the sky,
With her maidens of honor, the stars, in her train,
The earth is in solitude gloomy arrayed,
And in silence profound reigns o'er hamlet and plain.
Such a lesson as this once could light up my soul,
And forgetting the troubles and cares of the earth
My mind on the wings of conception would fly,
And give to a thousand imaginings birth.
I hovered in joy o'er the gay land of dreams,
Gave to gladness a smile, and to sadness a tear,
And buoyed in safety on silver-winged hope,
Never let thoughts of the future with bliss interfere.
There fiery and bold as the eagle of Jove
My young spirit roved through the paths of the sky,
I gave to the wind all devices of love,
Smiled at languishing simpers, and laughed at a sigh.
But love stole within my cold heart and there placed
An image of her whose cold hardness I mourn ;
I loved her -- I thought that the world was but her --
I loved -- but alas! was not loved in return.
To-day e'en the ghost of my once blessed hours
Has sank in the earth, and departed from view,
And the flowers of love, to which wishes gave birth,
Have my sighs for their air, and my tears for their dew.
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? KNIAZN? IN. 101
For another has plucked the red rose from the stem,
And the beautiful flower in his bosom will bloom,
Whilst I, like a spirit from heaven cast out,
Am sentenced to Erebus, sorrow, and gloom.
ETERNITY.
Holy Eternity! Thou w T ork of wonder!
In thy belief all virtuous hearts concur ;
Those that have in thee hopeful confidence
Paint thee in tints of rare magnificence !
While others trembling for themselves in fear
Would with doubt's gloom thy sacred light obscure.
The earth and fathomless sea
Are worthy of God's dignity,
And thou wilt forever with them endure! -
Time, in its broken and unbroken flight,
Going we perceive not how and whither,
Is only a small branch from thee grown hither,
Unfolding till it with thee unite.
RELIGION.
Religion, thou blessed and holy name!
Thy sovereignty and thy power how great!
How many virtues rare within thee wait
For hearts that can thy presence truly claim.
How happy on this earth the man may be
Whose eyes thy truth and glory can perceive;
A guard thou art for all that will believe,
A shield from sin for those that cling to thee.
In trouble, consolation lies in thee ;
Thou bindest man to God with holy chain,
Misfortune linked with hope forgets its pain !
Thou bind'st the Present with Eternity.
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? 102 POETS AND POETRY OF POLAND.
MORAWSKI.
Feancis Morawski differs from other poets in this
respect: that he was named " A Soldier Poet. " Sub-
sequently we see his easy and unrestrained wit soaring
in his fugitive verses, but with such happy turns and
skill, and above all such humor, which in our literature
is exceptional and rare, and belongs neither to the
classic nor romantic school, that we may say he stands
by himself. Morawski's mind was very flexible, he
being a frequenter hot only at camp-societies, but also
a welcome visitor of fashionable salons, giving him an
opportunity to acquire that ease and pleasing mien
which never forsook him even to the last moments of
his life.
When he was twenty he belonged to the classic
school. Between twenty and thirty he waged a liter-
ary war with the so-called romantic school, and
although his letters and satires were only in manu-
script, they circulated freely and had a great repute, as
indeed they were very forcible and witty.
In the fourth decade of his life we see him writing
ballads and romances; in the fifth he is the translator
of "Andromache," and then he finishes his poetic
career by " A Yisit Into the Neighborhood," and a
poem, "The Home of My Grandfather. " They were
indeed all true Polish pictures, -- replete with, and full
of, old-time diction, simplicity of language, and faithful
delineations of historical figures. And thus Morawski,
commencing only as a soldier poet, subsequently goes
through other periods, and with a flexibility peculiar
to himself, -- everything new that came into repute in
the literary world.
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? MORAWSKI. 103
He was born in 1785 in the Great Duchy of Posen,
and received a careful education at Leszno. He after-
ward attended a law school at Frankfurt, and subse-
quently at Kalish. In the year 1806 he served in the
National army and participated in the great wars of
Napoleon, and reached the rank of the chief of staff.
His eulogy, delivered at the funeral ceremony of Prince
Joseph Poniatowski, 23d of December, 1813, was a
splendid effort of oratory. During the existence of
the Duchy of Warsaw he served in the Polish army,
and in 1819 obtained the rank of brigadier-general.
During his sojourn at Warsaw he frequently visited
General Vincent Krasin? ski, whose house was the as-
semblage of distinguished men representing literature.
After the year 1831, having suffered imprisonment at
Wo? ogda, in Russia, he retired to Posen, and settled in
a village called Lubonia, where he wrote poetry, prin-
cipally for a literary publication called "The Friend
of the People," issued at Leszno. He died in 1861.
His works were published at Breslau; then a col-
lection of poetry in 1841; at Leszno in 1851, and St.
Petersburg in 1855. His son published his Fables at
Posen in 1862; Five Poems of Lord Byron at Leszno
in 1853.
A sketch of his life, written by L. Siemien? ski in
the . Polish Review, was published at Cracow in 1866.
GIERMEK. *
Once in Poland's land deep sadness
Filled the people ev'rywhere,
For the Swede with war's fierce madness
Conquered all and none would spare.
* Squire or shield-bearer.
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? 104 POETS AND POETRY OF POLAND.
In the lindens' shadows dreary,
Strayed the army's broken band;
By the camp-fires dumb and weary
Mused the warriors of the land.
When a bard with white hair flowing,
Came the shattered ranks among;
Well they knew those accents glowing,
As he touched his lute and sung:
Olden themes can tell a story
Charming every heart and ear;
Olden tales of valor's glory,
Ev'ry patriot loves to hear.
Once we stood a lofty tower,
And a shield firm-fixed and strong
To repel the foreign power
Moved to work our people wrong.
On the foes of other nations
Fast our Polish arrows poured ;
Sang we Freedom's exultations
And the peace that we adored.
Clash of armies fierce contending,
Anguished moans and trumpets swell,
With pursuits wild thunders blending,
Formed the hymns we knew full well.
Ev'ning's light serene and solemn
Sets Petrolia's fields aglow;
Comes the army's stately column,
Unappalled to meet the foe.
Wagons, caissons, onward sweeping,
Shake the ground with thundrous pace,
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? MORAWSKI. 105
Rich the field for Death's grim reaping,
As the threatening armies face.
On one side in spotless glory
Faith's bright banner fluttered high
O'er brave youths and hetman hoary
For the right prepared to die.
Mad with passion's wild commotion
On the other side arrayed,
Raging like a troubled ocean,
Tartar rabble's ranks displayed.
Sank the sun in blood, as warning
Every one that strife is near;
Carnage dire begins when morning
In the flushed East shall appear.
Now the Polish chief, attended
By trained bearer of his shield,
When the first dusk has descended
Mounts resolved to scan the field.
Now the foes' dark camp surveying.
Rides he numbering fires alight, --
Hears their buzz, their horses' neighing,
And in thought has caused their flight.
Chief restrain thy soaring fancies
Tartars fight with desperate zeal ;
Swift and changeful war's wild chances,
Hark ! those sounds raised peal on peal.
'Tis the Tartars' rabble forces,
All the camp is now alarmed;
Cries the chief : "Quick! to your horses! "
Ghief, -- shield-bearer, -- all are armed.
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? 106 POETS AND POETRY OF POLAND.
Through the darkness dense prevailing,
Through tumultuous rising sound,
'Mid the ranks they rush assailing
The fixed rabble that surround.
Now the young shield-bearer breaking,
From his youth merged fire and life;
In his arm while still unshaking,
Brave-souled hetman led the strife.
Hear they coming in the distance,
Polish warriors! glorious bands!
But too late is their assistance;
Destined they for Tartars' hands.
Youth is taken! -- hetman taken!
'Mid a savage shout prolonged;
Stubborn Khan with anger shaken
Views the captives he has wronged.
With a fierce revenge that never
Boil'd with greater malice, he
Soon decrees the two forever
Shackled foot to foot shall be.
To the skies above them shining,
Lifted they their tear-dimmed eyes;
Yet why sing I their repining
Reveries sad and hopeless sighs?
He who never had to languish
In fell slavery's chains can know
All a captive's bitter anguish,
In the power of ruthless foe.
Who in grief vain and despairing,
Has bedewed his food with tears,
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? MORAWSKI. 107
'Midst a savage rabble bearing
Pain untold, long suffering years.
Up to the heavens an angel bears ;
On vows no chance shall e'er repeal
Eternity has set her seal.
A THOUGHT.
(From Saphics. )
He has lived long and well whose death enforces
Tears from his neighbors, -- who has made his glory
Heir to himself, -- rapacious time will plunder
All, all -- besides it.
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? 88 POETS AND POETRY OF POLAND.
KONAKSKL*
Stanislaus Hieronim Konarski belongs to the
greatest practical philosophers of the age. It was he
who, having ascertained by his learning and compre-
hensive powers of the mind the vanity and absurdity
of the ways and manners of education and enlighten-
ment practiced in the period in which he lived, by his
writings scattered to the winds the darkness, reinstated
the freedom of thought, and presented to his country^
men fresher models than the old musty Latin works;
implanted into the minds of Polish youth new ideas
tending to moral improvement, and awakened the true
spirit of inquiry after learning. He struck the old
pedantism a heavy blow, introducing in its stead fresh-
ness and naturalness of expression and modern concep-
tions. His works written on the subject had a great in-
fluence on the reform of Polish literature, because they
not only treated on aesthetics but also on moral and
practical philosophy. The most prominent of these
are ' ' De Emendandis Vitiis" and ' ' Yolumina Legum. ' '
The first treats extensively of the defective style of
writing and oratory, but what is most curious and cred-
itable to him is that in order to have his criticism fall
gently upon the works of his predecessors and contem-
poraries, he very good humoredly criticised some of
his own works formerly written, and pointed out his
own defects with unsparing justice. In ' ' Yolumini de
Legum " he endeavored, with much zeal for the public
* Although not a poet was a man of eminent literary talents, and
having created a new epoch in Polish literature deserves an honored
place here.
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? KONARSKI. 89
good, to collect different statutes and scattered consti-
tutions into a settled code of laws. That successful
service to his country accomplished much good, and
was of itself enough to immortalize his name. In his
" Art of Correct Thinking. Without Which There Can-
not Be Correct Speaking. " where, in sensible and
judicious observations he straightens out the mind of
the Polish youth by numerous and well-selected ex-
amples, adducing also specimens of beautiful and per-
fect oratory. The especial merit of this work is that
it contains a great deal of useful matter necessary to
the Polish people of those days. It was the noble aim
of the author to put down prejudices, and lit the mind
for the reception of useful truths. The fourth work of
Konarski was " Of Successful ^Tay and Manner of Ad-
vising. " ^Ve can place that work among those produc-
tions of which the Polish nation has a right to be proud.
You can see in it a true citizen, whose heart burns with
love to his country, and earnestly engaged with the
welfare of his fellow- citizens. In writing this work tor
a people who were not as yet well versed in political
science, and promulgating certain truths contrary to the
common prejudices of the majority, he had to use vari-
ous methods to elucidate, explain, and adapt them to
the understanding of all. The fifth production of this
distinguished man was "Of Religion, of Honest Peo-
ple, and Against the Doctrines of Deism. " wherein the
author endeavors to convince his readers that without
religion morality cannot have solid foundation; hence,
good and virtuous intentions of a community are flimsy
and uncertain unless supported by religious convic-
tions.
Taking it as a whole Konarski" s writings show
genius. His correct views in the matter of presented
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? 90 POETS AND POETRY OF POLAND.
subjects; his lively imagination; broad and sensible
explanations, and above all his power of philosophical
reasoning, emanating from his profound knowledge of
the subjects upon which he treats, places him in the
highest ranks of Polish writers.
Konarski was born in 1700, and received his in-
itiatory education at the institution of the Order of
Piiars, which order he entered in the seventeenth year
of his age, and against the wishes of his powerful rela-
tives.
He was soon transferred thence to the College of
Warsaw as the professor of philosophy. In the year
1725, with the advice of his uncle Tar? o, the bishop of
Posen, he went to Italy, where, in the city of Rome,
he gave lectures on oratory and history. From Rome
he went to Paris, where he closely connected himself
by the ties of friendship with the celebrated Fontenelle,
the great philosopher, orator, and poet. After a lapse
of six years he returned to his country and became
professor of history in Cracow, then lie occupied the
same dignity at Rzeszo? w, and was made Provincial of
his order. In the year 1743 he established a boarding-
school for the youth of the nobles, or Collegium ~No-
bilium. He also established similar schools at Wilno
and Lemberg. At his Warsaw college he arranged the
building so that a part of it was appropriated exclu-
sively for dramatic representations, and dramatic plays
of the most celebrated tragic poets were there repre-
sented, especially the French: Corneille, Racine, and
Crebillon. Konarski had also a great influence in
putting down the liberum veto, receiving for the great
service the hate of second-class nobility.
In 1748 he again left his native land for other coun-
tries. He visited France and the most celebrated acad-
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? KOXAKSKI. 91
emies, and returning to Warsaw employed himself in
finishing his " Collegium," which was opened in 1754.
In 1719 Komorowski, the Primas, sent Konarski to
Rome in an important cause, which mission he fulfilled
with great credit to himself. He lived on terms of
friendship with the most distinguished men of his age,
and almost of all countries, who frequently sought his
advice. He was personally known to Pope Benedict
XIY, to August II and III, as also to Stanislaus Lesz-
czyn? ski, whom he accompanied to Lotaringia (Lorraine).
In France he had insured to him by Louis XY the in-
come of two abbacies. Ranks of dignity which were
frequently offered to him he would never accept; hence,
for the bishopric by Benedict XIY, as also for the
bishopric of Przemys? l by August II, and the same dig-
nity offered him by King Stanislaus Poniatowski, in
Livonia, he only returned thanks but would not accept
of them. The king wishing to honor Konarski for his
great labors ordered a medal to be struck in his honor,
with the inscription, Sapere Auso (To him who dared
to be wise). He died in 1773.
His work, " De Emendandis Vitiis" was published
in Warsaw in 1741; " Of the Art of Correct Think-
ings also in Warsaw in 1767; " The Best Mode in
Advising" in 1760, and " Of Religion " in 1769.
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? 92 POETS AND POETRY OF POLAND.
JSTAPOJSZEWICZ.
Adam Stanislaus Naruszewicz, although brought up
according to the old customs of the country, was never-
theless a quick learner of the new social and political
elements which began to permeate through the higher
and more advanced social circles in Poland; hence he
may be considered as the incarnation of two different
epochs. His writings, therefore, are the depositories
of two contending intervals. In them he boldly educts
the progressive principle, fearlessly attacking the
corruption of the age and handling without gloves the
pretentions of the nobility, indolence, extravagance,
and other national defects.
As a poet he represents two sides, diametrically
opposite to each other : -- one that of a panegyrist, the
other that of a satirist. He wrote odes, satires, fables,
and idyls, which in those times comprised about the
whole poetical cycle, which he considered as his own,
and which would serve him to pave the way to dis-
tinction and fame.
Although there is much of the poetic spirit in his
odes, yetas a whole, emanating from different circum-
stances, adverse to poetic inspiration and replete with
exaggerated flattery, they do not on that account pos-
sess much of poetical value. He had doubtless much
power and poetic ardor, and the spirit of his lyric
poetry could soar higher than any of his contempo-
raries. His lively and fiery imagination opened to him
a rich depository of bold and exalted thoughts; but
this life-giving ardor, this creativeness of imagination,
accompany the poet only when their incitement comes
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? NARUSZEWICZ. 93
from the deep feeling of truth, and when the theme
itself is worthy of poetic inspiration.
Many of his lyrics have only a semblance of decla-
mation, and a superficial luster takes place of emotion.
Their taste and style remind one of the compositions
of the sixteenth century. He speaks as a true lyrist
only when the theme is patriotic citizenship, and the
love of his country warms him up.
In his ]yric muse Naruszewicz constrains himself
to flights of fancy, and in his satires he cannot keep
away from exaggeration, though we may say that in his
satires he very properly points out national defects,
and white furnishing a great many progressive lessons,
he at the same time paints a faithful historical picture
of the blemishes of the existing social system. His
satire of "The Yoices of the Dead," as also " The
Return of the Senators," are written in an old, con-
strained style, full of ludicrous images. Naruszewicz
was very much addicted to the introduction of mytho-
logical personages, which he pours upon his readers
without stint. However, it was the failing of all the
poets of Stanislaus' Age, but Naruszewicz exceeds
them all.
In his satire "The Nobility " Naruszewicz strongly
upheld the privileges of birth ; indeed, he tried to build
a partisan wall between the two different classes which
was very distasteful even to his own kindred. In his
satire "The Folly" he represents a false devotee, or
we may say a downright hypocrite. "The Spoiled
Age " is a continual grumbling that things are not as
they should be. In his " Flattery " he ridiculed the
common national foible of court manners and the bad
influence they had on national literature. " The Lean
Litterateur " is another unique production, reminding
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? 94 POETS AND POETRY OF POLAND.
us of the sad epoch of superficiality when solid sciences
were not appreciated, and hence the true litterateur was
always lean and poor, and as a characteristic type it
went into a proverb.
As to idyllic compositions Naruszewicz had no great
talent. Accustomed to court life and a great friend to
a fashionable world, he could not understand nor ap-
preciate the charms of rural life; indeed, his pastorals
"The Farm-house," "The Happy Marriage," and
"Narcissus," have more of a satirical than of a pas-
toral turn. However, his Polish is pure and correct,
and in his power, freshness, and poetical imagery, he
is superior to Krasicki. Indeed, we find in his satires
many beautiful expressions, -- new and pleasing turns
with which he truly enriched the Polish literature.
Naruszewicz was born in 1733, receiving first rudi-
ments of education at Pin? sk. In 1748 he joined the
order of the Jesuits, which sent him to Lugdun. Re-
ceiving assistance from Prince Czartoryiski he per-
fected himself in learning in France, Italy, and Ger-
many. Returning to his own country he received the
professorship of the Cathedra of Poetry in the Academy
of Wilno, and subsequently of Warsaw. He was so
liked by the king, Stanislaus Augustus, that after the
abolition of the order he resided with him. After
receiving the abbacy of Niemencz? yn he was admitted
to the coadjutorship of the bishopric of Smolen? sk.
He afterward held the office of the Clerk of the Grand
Duchy of Lithuania; finally he was made a bishop.
Stanislaus Augustus honored him with a decoration,
and ordered a medal struck with visages of Sarbiewski
and Naruszewicz. He died in 1796 at Janowce.
His works were published in Warsaw in 1778-1803,
and at Leipzig in 1835. Naruszewicz's biography was
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? NARUSZEWICZ. 95
written by Julian Bartoszewicz in his work u Cele-
brated Men of Poland of the Eighteenth Century,"
published in St. Petersburg in 1S53, in three volumes.
CONSULTATION OF ANIMALS.
In a corner of Africa most remote
Animals, so runs the anecdote,
Those beasts that have. hoofs and those that have claws,
Established government and laws.
With that worthy gentry all prospered well
Or so begun. I'm glad to tell
That harmony reigned throughout the land ;
And, difficult to understand,
Friendship, too, dwelled there, which you will agree
Is what we very seldom see
Among the masses of human kind
(Sorry to bring the fact to mind).
The wolf did not start from his savage lair
To devour goats, and pigs to snare ;
And not till brother in strife with brother
Begun to wrong and wound each other
Was there example harmful in the least
Set before the misguided beast.
It chanced, when hard times fell, the state
Its scanty funds to aggregate
Called council ; with care that nothing should pass
Except in justice to each class
Of animals: -- asses, the goats, and sheep,
That the apportioned tax should keep
Of equal weight, 'mong the high and the low,
And the state burdens ordered so
That each could easily render his share,
The lowly and the millionaire.
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? 96 POETS AND POETRY OF POLAND.
With preparation and dignity great
The worthy councillors of state
A meeting called to settle as they could
These matters for the public good.
The elephant was first to speak, -- said he:
"Citizen animals, most worthy!
Oxen, goats, asses, and mules, and hares, ?
Distinguished by the name each bears,
That matters to all should be without wrong,
To the meek sheep or lion strong,
I propose to you in all sincerity,
Without favor or asperity:
Let each one who thinks that in small or great
He has broken the laws of state
Contribute a mark to the treasury;
From this a great auxiliary
Will our country gain, while at the same time
You must reflect, all sorts of crime
In our country's bounds, from west to east,
From north to south, will be decreased. 1 '
" That perhaps might do," said the crafty fox,
Bowing most humbly to the flocks ;
A good-natured grin on his countenance spread
And wagging his yellow tail, said :
" Greater the income, in my opinion,
If young and old of this dominion
Were allowed to apprise their good degrees,
And pay a florin for each of these;
My fame for judgment I'll stake in this way,
A larger sum we could display,
Which would be with the utmost promptness paid,
And never any trouble made.
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? NARUSZEWICZ. 97
Because, may it please your reverence,
They'd rather pay than evidence
Transgression of the law's just scope,
Your honor sees the point -- I hope. "
WHO IS FOOLISH ?
He is foolish who, possessing neither strength nor heart,
With vain empty boasts acts an idle swaggerer's part.
Who with proud assumption wondrous learning will pretend,
And seek to teach a language he does not comprehend.
Or he who marries not as befits his own estate,
For to fret or be fretted will surely be his fate.
Who seeks fortune in cards, profit in a bone, nor knows
Ever that which comes easily as easily goes.
He is foolish who through craft to defraud others tries,
And seeks credit for that purpose in honesty's guise.
He is foolish who drinks when his toes are out, and lives
Beyond his income, taking all while he nothing gives.
A simpleton is he who's by trifles filled with fears,
And he who readily believes each little thing he hears.
The rich who buy on credit and let their money rust;
Foolish is the merchant who'll an idle spendthrift trust.
He is foolish who weekly his losses will bemoan,
Or weds an old woman for the money she may own.
Foolish he who with affairs of state will interfere,
Unfit to aid or council he muddles what was clear.
Who boldly of his creditor asks a loan, although
He has failed to pay a debt contracted long ago.
He is foolish who alone on paper projects makes,
Who leaves unfinished ever the tasks he undertakes.
Who's familiar with unequals shows his lack of sense,
Or who farms from a book or from school gets eloquence,
Who only speaks truth when there's no falsehood at command,
Who amusement seeks with that he does not understand,
Who pays much attention to the talk of common folk,
7
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? 98 POETS AND POETRY OF POLAND.
Who allows a little jest his anger to provoke.
Who -- but there! my paper's out, and some perhaps will say
I am making my remarks in a fault-finding way.
Pray excuse me, sirs, if I have said too much ; at times
A subject has been borne too far by my erratic rhymes.
Poets, and musicians, too, upon extremes will touch,
Often one will play too long, the other say too much.
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? KNIAZN? IN. 99
KNIAZNIN.
Fkancis Dyonisius Rntaznin was a poet whose
writings are characterized by pleasantness, suavity, and
purity of the heart. His vivid conceptions, combined with
great feeling, eminently qualified him for a lyric poet.
He does not soar very high, nor is he carried by sudden
flights of imagination, but whenever he follows his own
inspiration he charms the reader with his wonderful
simplicity. In that respect he may be considered as
equal, if not superior, to Karpin? ski, since his poetry
strikes more deeply into the heart and is richer in
colors and imagery. He wrote with great feeling and
expression.
Among his works we can mention " To a Citizen,"
" Ode on the Centennial Celebration of John Sobieski's
Yictory over the Turks at Vienna, " "To Grace,"
"Rosemary," etc. The construction of Kniaznin's
verse is peculiar to himself; concise in expression, the
selection of soft syllables and natural expression of
thought make his verses very harmonious and grateful
to the ear.
Kniaznin was born in 1750, and was brought up and
educated by the Jesuits; in fact he joined the society,
but after the abolition of the order in 1773 he again be-
came a civilian, and labored assiduously in the great
library of Za? uski. After that he became a secretary
to Prince Czartoryiski at Pu? awy, a hospitable place,
which in those days was in reality a shelter for learned
men. The changeful events of those years, and an un-
happy love, darkened his existence and produced de-
mentia. He died in 1807.
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? 100 POETS AND POETRY OF POLAND.
His complete works were published in Warsaw
1828, and at Leipsic 1835.
A REVERIE.
The goddess of darkness, and silence, and dreams,
Hath spread her black wings o'er a slumbering world,
Care holdeth no longer his empire o'er man
But deep in oblivion's abyss has been hurled.
Majestic the moon riseth up in the sky,
With her maidens of honor, the stars, in her train,
The earth is in solitude gloomy arrayed,
And in silence profound reigns o'er hamlet and plain.
Such a lesson as this once could light up my soul,
And forgetting the troubles and cares of the earth
My mind on the wings of conception would fly,
And give to a thousand imaginings birth.
I hovered in joy o'er the gay land of dreams,
Gave to gladness a smile, and to sadness a tear,
And buoyed in safety on silver-winged hope,
Never let thoughts of the future with bliss interfere.
There fiery and bold as the eagle of Jove
My young spirit roved through the paths of the sky,
I gave to the wind all devices of love,
Smiled at languishing simpers, and laughed at a sigh.
But love stole within my cold heart and there placed
An image of her whose cold hardness I mourn ;
I loved her -- I thought that the world was but her --
I loved -- but alas! was not loved in return.
To-day e'en the ghost of my once blessed hours
Has sank in the earth, and departed from view,
And the flowers of love, to which wishes gave birth,
Have my sighs for their air, and my tears for their dew.
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? KNIAZN? IN. 101
For another has plucked the red rose from the stem,
And the beautiful flower in his bosom will bloom,
Whilst I, like a spirit from heaven cast out,
Am sentenced to Erebus, sorrow, and gloom.
ETERNITY.
Holy Eternity! Thou w T ork of wonder!
In thy belief all virtuous hearts concur ;
Those that have in thee hopeful confidence
Paint thee in tints of rare magnificence !
While others trembling for themselves in fear
Would with doubt's gloom thy sacred light obscure.
The earth and fathomless sea
Are worthy of God's dignity,
And thou wilt forever with them endure! -
Time, in its broken and unbroken flight,
Going we perceive not how and whither,
Is only a small branch from thee grown hither,
Unfolding till it with thee unite.
RELIGION.
Religion, thou blessed and holy name!
Thy sovereignty and thy power how great!
How many virtues rare within thee wait
For hearts that can thy presence truly claim.
How happy on this earth the man may be
Whose eyes thy truth and glory can perceive;
A guard thou art for all that will believe,
A shield from sin for those that cling to thee.
In trouble, consolation lies in thee ;
Thou bindest man to God with holy chain,
Misfortune linked with hope forgets its pain !
Thou bind'st the Present with Eternity.
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? 102 POETS AND POETRY OF POLAND.
MORAWSKI.
Feancis Morawski differs from other poets in this
respect: that he was named " A Soldier Poet. " Sub-
sequently we see his easy and unrestrained wit soaring
in his fugitive verses, but with such happy turns and
skill, and above all such humor, which in our literature
is exceptional and rare, and belongs neither to the
classic nor romantic school, that we may say he stands
by himself. Morawski's mind was very flexible, he
being a frequenter hot only at camp-societies, but also
a welcome visitor of fashionable salons, giving him an
opportunity to acquire that ease and pleasing mien
which never forsook him even to the last moments of
his life.
When he was twenty he belonged to the classic
school. Between twenty and thirty he waged a liter-
ary war with the so-called romantic school, and
although his letters and satires were only in manu-
script, they circulated freely and had a great repute, as
indeed they were very forcible and witty.
In the fourth decade of his life we see him writing
ballads and romances; in the fifth he is the translator
of "Andromache," and then he finishes his poetic
career by " A Yisit Into the Neighborhood," and a
poem, "The Home of My Grandfather. " They were
indeed all true Polish pictures, -- replete with, and full
of, old-time diction, simplicity of language, and faithful
delineations of historical figures. And thus Morawski,
commencing only as a soldier poet, subsequently goes
through other periods, and with a flexibility peculiar
to himself, -- everything new that came into repute in
the literary world.
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? MORAWSKI. 103
He was born in 1785 in the Great Duchy of Posen,
and received a careful education at Leszno. He after-
ward attended a law school at Frankfurt, and subse-
quently at Kalish. In the year 1806 he served in the
National army and participated in the great wars of
Napoleon, and reached the rank of the chief of staff.
His eulogy, delivered at the funeral ceremony of Prince
Joseph Poniatowski, 23d of December, 1813, was a
splendid effort of oratory. During the existence of
the Duchy of Warsaw he served in the Polish army,
and in 1819 obtained the rank of brigadier-general.
During his sojourn at Warsaw he frequently visited
General Vincent Krasin? ski, whose house was the as-
semblage of distinguished men representing literature.
After the year 1831, having suffered imprisonment at
Wo? ogda, in Russia, he retired to Posen, and settled in
a village called Lubonia, where he wrote poetry, prin-
cipally for a literary publication called "The Friend
of the People," issued at Leszno. He died in 1861.
His works were published at Breslau; then a col-
lection of poetry in 1841; at Leszno in 1851, and St.
Petersburg in 1855. His son published his Fables at
Posen in 1862; Five Poems of Lord Byron at Leszno
in 1853.
A sketch of his life, written by L. Siemien? ski in
the . Polish Review, was published at Cracow in 1866.
GIERMEK. *
Once in Poland's land deep sadness
Filled the people ev'rywhere,
For the Swede with war's fierce madness
Conquered all and none would spare.
* Squire or shield-bearer.
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? 104 POETS AND POETRY OF POLAND.
In the lindens' shadows dreary,
Strayed the army's broken band;
By the camp-fires dumb and weary
Mused the warriors of the land.
When a bard with white hair flowing,
Came the shattered ranks among;
Well they knew those accents glowing,
As he touched his lute and sung:
Olden themes can tell a story
Charming every heart and ear;
Olden tales of valor's glory,
Ev'ry patriot loves to hear.
Once we stood a lofty tower,
And a shield firm-fixed and strong
To repel the foreign power
Moved to work our people wrong.
On the foes of other nations
Fast our Polish arrows poured ;
Sang we Freedom's exultations
And the peace that we adored.
Clash of armies fierce contending,
Anguished moans and trumpets swell,
With pursuits wild thunders blending,
Formed the hymns we knew full well.
Ev'ning's light serene and solemn
Sets Petrolia's fields aglow;
Comes the army's stately column,
Unappalled to meet the foe.
Wagons, caissons, onward sweeping,
Shake the ground with thundrous pace,
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? MORAWSKI. 105
Rich the field for Death's grim reaping,
As the threatening armies face.
On one side in spotless glory
Faith's bright banner fluttered high
O'er brave youths and hetman hoary
For the right prepared to die.
Mad with passion's wild commotion
On the other side arrayed,
Raging like a troubled ocean,
Tartar rabble's ranks displayed.
Sank the sun in blood, as warning
Every one that strife is near;
Carnage dire begins when morning
In the flushed East shall appear.
Now the Polish chief, attended
By trained bearer of his shield,
When the first dusk has descended
Mounts resolved to scan the field.
Now the foes' dark camp surveying.
Rides he numbering fires alight, --
Hears their buzz, their horses' neighing,
And in thought has caused their flight.
Chief restrain thy soaring fancies
Tartars fight with desperate zeal ;
Swift and changeful war's wild chances,
Hark ! those sounds raised peal on peal.
'Tis the Tartars' rabble forces,
All the camp is now alarmed;
Cries the chief : "Quick! to your horses! "
Ghief, -- shield-bearer, -- all are armed.
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? 106 POETS AND POETRY OF POLAND.
Through the darkness dense prevailing,
Through tumultuous rising sound,
'Mid the ranks they rush assailing
The fixed rabble that surround.
Now the young shield-bearer breaking,
From his youth merged fire and life;
In his arm while still unshaking,
Brave-souled hetman led the strife.
Hear they coming in the distance,
Polish warriors! glorious bands!
But too late is their assistance;
Destined they for Tartars' hands.
Youth is taken! -- hetman taken!
'Mid a savage shout prolonged;
Stubborn Khan with anger shaken
Views the captives he has wronged.
With a fierce revenge that never
Boil'd with greater malice, he
Soon decrees the two forever
Shackled foot to foot shall be.
To the skies above them shining,
Lifted they their tear-dimmed eyes;
Yet why sing I their repining
Reveries sad and hopeless sighs?
He who never had to languish
In fell slavery's chains can know
All a captive's bitter anguish,
In the power of ruthless foe.
Who in grief vain and despairing,
Has bedewed his food with tears,
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? MORAWSKI. 107
'Midst a savage rabble bearing
Pain untold, long suffering years.
