Liszt felt this, and has been exceedingly happy in the short sketch given of Poland.

We actually know more of its picturesque and characteristic customs after a perusal of his graphic pages, than after a long course of dry historical details.
His remarks on the Polonaise and Mazourka are full of the philosophy and essence of history.

These dances grew directly from the heart of the Polish people; repeating the martial valor and haughty love of noble exhibition of their men; the tenderness, devotion, and subtle coquetry of their women--they were of course favorite forms with Chopin; their national character made them dear to the national poet.

The remarks of Liszt on these dances are given with a knowledge so acute of the traits of the nation in which they originated, with such a gorgeousness of description and correctness of detail, that they rather resemble a highly finished picture, than a colder work of words only.

They have all the splendor of a brilliant painting.