History of the Late Polish Revolution and the Events of the CampaignHordynski, Joseph
History
History of the Late Polish Revolution and the Events of the Campaign
Hordynski, Joseph
Poland -- History -- Revolution, 1830-1832
'"Since the triumphal passage of the veteran of Liberty, Lyons has
seen nothing so magnificent as the great movement of which the arrival
of the Poles was the signal. From eighty to a hundred thousand souls
marched before the column, upon the road of Bresse, and from far beyond
the faubourgs. Having reached the entrance of the city, escorted by the
elite of its inhabitants, the Poles found themselves in the midst of an
immense crowd, who made the air ring with their cries of enthusiasm and
sympathy. From thence to the Place de Terreaux, the column experienced
extreme difficulty in advancing through the throngs of the delirious
multitude. Words would fail to give the brilliant colors of this truly
sublime picture.
'"Maledictions against the infamous policy of the Cabinets, mingled
with the cries of 'Vive la Pologne!' The accents of generous
indignation were united with those of a deep and heartfelt pity for
those remnants of an exiled people.
'"A banquet was prepared at the Brotteaux. One of the committee
ascended a carriage to conduct hither that young heroine [the
countess Plater, we presume,] who follows to a land of exile her
noble companions in arms, as she had followed them upon the field of
battle. The people had scarcely recognized her, when they precipitated
themselves towards her, unharnessed the horses, and dragged the
carriage in triumph to the place of the assemblage.
'"The banquet was attended by more than five hundred persons, and the
committee had been forced to refuse a great number of subscribers on
account of the smallness of the accommodations.
'"The first toast, given by the president, M. Galibert, was, 'To
immortal Poland!' This toast, enlarged upon with an eloquence full of
warmth and pathos, excited a universal enthusiasm. The French embraced
their noble guests, and it was a touching spectacle--this assembly,
electrified by the most pure emotions of the soul, and in which tears
flowed from every eye.
'"It was affecting to see the physiognomies of the brave Poles during
this solemnity. Many of them understood the French language, and
tears flowed down their cheeks at each of the allusions which the
orators made to their absent country, their crushed revolution. The
young heroine, seated by the side of the president, and who excited a
profound and general interest, could hardly suppress the sobs which
oppressed her.
'"The most perfect order reigned through the whole fete. Not a
gendarme was present, and no excess of the slightest kind occurred.
This countless multitude was calm, notwithstanding the violence of its
emotions. The people proved how little their masters understand them."'
No. IV.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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