The Continental Monthly, Vol. 4, No. 1, July, 1863: Devoted to Literature and National PolicyVarious
History
The Continental Monthly, Vol. 4, No. 1, July, 1863: Devoted to Literature and National Policy
Various
Literature, Modern -- 19th century -- Periodicals; United States -- Politics and government -- 19th century -- Periodicals
We employ two hours in making our toilette; but in order that the time
may not be entirely lost, we learn French proverbs by rote, or madame
reads aloud a new work, which is very moral and quite amusing: 'The
Child's Magazine,' by Madame de Beaumont. I cannot express how charming
I find these tales, narrated by a governess to her pupils. At noon the
Angelus is rung, and we go down to dinner, which usually lasts about two
hours; then, the weather permitting, we take a walk. When we return, we
employ ourselves with our needle, and are now engaged on a piece of
embroidery for the church at Piotrowice. When the daylight fails us, wax
tapers are lighted, and our work is pursued without intermission. We sup
at seven in all seasons, and after supper we have leisure to do as we
please. We converse or play cards. Our little Matthias makes such
comical faces when he fails in getting the card he wishes! He certainly
has the gift of always making me laugh.
The chamberlain is sent to Warsaw once every week, and brings the
letters and papers; the chaplain reads them aloud to us, and to certain
news I pay the most particular attention. My father often reads to us
out of the old chronicles, but I must confess I am much more entertained
by the books written in French. Madame, who does not know a word of
Polish, always reads to us in French, and we thus become accustomed to
the sound of the language. My father only reads to us one evening in the
week. When the carnival comes, farewell to all reading; all then think
of nothing but of playing, dancing, and amusement. The festivals in
Warsaw must be much more splendid than those at our castle. Oh! how I
long to see the magnificent array of a great court!...
But I hear the midday bell, and must say my Angelus, smooth my hair, and
go down to dinner. I will write to-morrow all that I had no time to say
to-day.
Tuesday, _January 2d_.
I was too much occupied yesterday with merely private affairs, and now I
must dilate a little upon public matters. I should be unworthy of the
Polish name, if the interests of our dear country did not occupy my
thoughts in preference to all other subjects. I hear much conversation
upon politics, and I am very attentive to all that is said; since I have
commenced to write my journal, I find my desire to follow closely the
course of events much increased.
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.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account