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
This prince was proprietor of the beautiful town of Pulawa, which
Nature and Art have united to make one of the finest in Europe. The
reader will, perhaps, be pleased with a short description of this
place, which no traveller in the north of Europe will fail to visit.
The little town of Pulawa is situated about eighteen leagues south of
Warsaw, on the main road to Lemberg in Gallicia, on the right bank
of the Vistula. The windings of this noble stream are so happily
turned as to present a prospect of both its sides, till it reaches
the horizon. The breadth of the river near this town is nearly three
English miles. Its shores are broken into little hills covered with
wood, in the intervals of which fine villages meet the eye, and in the
distance are seen the picturesque ruins of Casimir. The town of Pulawa
itself is situated on the declivity of a high bank, which declines
toward the river in the form of an amphitheatre. This declivity is laid
out as a garden in the purest taste, terminating, toward the river,
in extensive meadows, planted with groves of oaks and poplars, and
enlivened by herds of Tyrolese cattle, cottages, shepherds' cabins, &c,
in various styles of building. This garden surrounds Pulawa, and is
itself surrounded by great parks, which extend several leagues beyond
it in every direction. These are intersected by beautiful avenues of
linden trees. Among the many works in marble, statues, obelisks, &c,
the temple of Sibylla, with its magnificent statue of alabaster, is
distinguished, as is also the statue of a nymph in one of the grottos,
a masterpiece of sculpture. The palace, consisting of a main building
with two wings, is a noble piece of architecture. Its apartments are
rich and splendid. Prince Czartoriski has the largest library in
Poland, and the greatest private library in Europe, which is open to
the public.
Czartoriski happened to be in Pulawa when the revolution broke out.
Summoned to the helm of the state by the nation, he hastened to devote
his exertions to his country. Laudable as his previous career had
been, it was excelled by his conduct during the struggle, in which he
represented the _beau ideal_ of virtue and patriotism. Through all the
stormy changes of popular opinion he continued firm and unwavering,
having but one view, one aim, the good of his country. He carried
to the chief magistrate's seat the same calmness, the same mildness
which had characterised his private life. He was never actuated by
passion. He considered all Poles as brethren. Though in the sixtieth
year of his age, he did not shrink from the fatigues of war, but
constantly accompanied Skrzynecki, to whom he was much attached, in his
marches, and was at his side in many battles. His whole character was
essentially noble.]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account