Note 55 — Chapter VI

In a memoir, written twenty-six years previously, i.e., in 1788, the Prince de Ligne had weighed with great sagacity the questions which were from that moment inseparable from the fate of Poland. The preamble describes in delightful and rare terms the Polish character, and conveys a lofty idea of the author’s charm of expression in dealing with his brilliant pictures. ‘Who,’ he exclaims, ‘can fail to love Poland, the Poles, and, above all, Polish women, the mental qualities and courage of the men, the grace and beauty of their fair companions?‘—Author’s note.