xvi THE AUTHOR TO HER FRIENDLY READERS.

nité, qui la première ait elevée sa voix, du fond de l'impériale Albion, en leur faveur.

"Un jour viendra, et j'ose conserver dans mon cœur cet espoir, que vos accens, qui ont retenti dans le cœur de l'Europe sensible, produiront leur effêt celestial, en ressuscitant l'ombre sanglante de ma chère patrie. "Daignez agréer, madame, l'hommage respectueuse d'un de vos serviteurs le plus devoué,

" &c. &c."

Probably the writer of the above is now returned to his country, his vows having been most awfully answered by one of the most momentous struggles she has ever had, or to which the nations around have ever yet stood as spectators; for the balance of Europe trembles at the turning of her scale.

Thus, then, it cannot but be, that in the conclusion of this my, perhaps, last introductory preface to any new edition of "Thaddeus of Warsaw," its author should offer up a sincerely heartfelt prayer to the KING OF KINGS, the Almighty Father of all mankind, that His all-gracious Spirit may watch over the issue of this contest, and dictate the peace of Poland!

Esher, May, 1831.

SIR PHILIP SIDNEY CONSIGNED HIS EXCELLENT WORK, TO THE AFFECTION OF A SISTER.

I, CONFIDE MY ASPIRING ATTEMPT, TO THE

URBANITY OF THE BRAVE; TO THE MAN OF TASTE,

OF FEELING, AND OF CANDOUR;

TO HIM, WHOSE FRIENDSHIP WILL BESTOW

THAT INDULGENCE ON THE AUTHOR, WHICH HIS JUDGMENT MIGHT HAVE DENIED TO THE BOOK;

TO HIM, OF WHOM FUTURE AGES WILL SPEAK WITH HONOUR, AND THE PRESENT TIMES BOAST AS THEIR GLORY!

ΤΟ

SIR SIDNEY SMITH,

I SUBMIT THIS HUMBLE TRIBUTE OF THE HIGHEST RESPECT, WHICH CAN BE OFFERED BY A BRITON,

OR ANIMATE THE HEART OF

HIS SINCERE FRIEND,

THE AUTHOR

a

THADDEUS OF WARSAW.

THE

TENTH EDITION

IS HUMBLY AND AFFECTIONATELY

INSCRIBED BY ITS AUTHOR,

TO THE MEMORY

OF THE LATE

GENERAL THADDEUS KOSCIUSZKO.

ONE view, in the original design of this work, having been to draw a distinguishing line between the spirit of patriotism, and that of ambitious public disturbance; between the disinterested brave man, and a military plunderer; between true glory, which arises from benefits bestowed, and the false fame which a captain of banditti has as much right to arrogate as the invader of kingdoms; to exhibit this radical difference between the hero and the mere soldier of fortune, the character of General Kosciuszko presented itself as the completest

existing exemplar for such a picture. Enthusiasm supplied the pencil of adequate genius. Though the written portraiture be imperfectly sketched, yet its author has been gratified by the sympathy of readers, not only of her own country, but of that of her hero. The work having gone through so many editions, proves that she did not aspire quite in vain; and the principles of heroic virtue, which she sought to inculcate in her story of Poland, having been pronounced by the great patriot of Poland as not unworthy his approbation, seems, now that he is removed from all earthly influences, to sanction her paying that tribute to his memory, which delicacy forbade during his life.

1 The first publication of this work was inscribed to a British hero, whose noble nature well deserves the title

bestowed upon it by his venerable sovereign-Cœur de Lion. He fully appreciated the character of Thaddeus Kosciuszko; and the author of this sketch feels that she deepens the tints of honour on each name by thus associating them together. May the tomb of the British hero be long of finding its place! That of Kosciuszko has already received its sacred deposit; and, with emotions far from a stranger's heart, this poor offering. is laid on the grave of him who fought for freedom under the banner of a patriot King; who, when riches and a crown were proffered to himself, declined both, because no price could buy the independence of an honest man! Such was General Kosciuszko ! Such was the model of disinterestedness, valour, and of public virtue, which