Russia, moreover, had to turn her attention elsewhere.

At the time of Nicholas Chopin's arrival, Poland was dreaming of a renascence of her former greatness, and everyone was looking forward with impatience to the assembly of the Diet which was to meet the following year.

Predisposed by sympathy, he was soon drawn into the current of excitement and enthusiasm that was surging around him.
Indeed, what young soul possessed of any nobleness could look with indifference on a nation struggling for liberty and independence.

As he took a great interest in the debates and transactions of the Diet, he became more and more acquainted with the history, character, condition, and needs of the country, and this stimulated him to apply himself assiduously to the study of the national language, in order to increase, by means of this faithful mirror and interpreter of a people's heart and mind, his knowledge of these things.

And now I must ask the reader to bear patiently the infliction of a brief historical summary, which I would most willingly spare him, were I not prevented by two strong reasons.