Page:Undivine Comedy - Zygmunt Krasiński, tr. Martha Walker Cook.djvu/23

Rh he advanced in his studies, that he was soon able to enter the sixth class in the College of Warsaw. Uncommon powers of intellect, united with a great memory, ardent and unceasing efforts for thorough mental cultivation, distinguished him in his intercourse with his fellowstudents. But however rapid his advances, he failed to satisfy his eager desire for exact and wide learning.

His mother died in 1822, and so bitter was the distress of his father, that he withdrew himself from all social intercourse, save that forced upon him by his official position, and devoted himself exclusively to the advancement of his idolized boy. He followed his mental and spiritual culture with eyes of constant watchfulness, and, at an examination to which the savants interested in the cause of education had been invited, he had the gratification of seeing his son, then but twelve years of age, astonish all present by his accurate knowledge of grammar, literature, geography, and history.

Although Sigismund was too young as yet to take any part in the meetings and discussions of the learned Poles so frequently held in the house of his father, they nevertheless exerted great influence over the precocious boy, and aided in preparing him for the vocation of an author. His susceptible nature readily seized upon whatever appealed to the imagination or soul, and he would often reproduce his impressions for the entertainment and instruction of his companions. When but fourteen years of age, he wrote a tale which he caused to be secretly printed, and then presented to his father, who approved the gift, but forbade all further essays at that time, fearing that the facility of composition might lead his son astray from more severe studies. But the boy stole from the hours allowed for sleep the time to write another tale, entitled "The Grave of the Family of Reichstal." This was followed by another, "Ladislaus Hermann and his Court," written in the style of the novels of Sir Walter Scott, of whose works he was at that time deeply enamored. Both of these tales were printed in 1829.

But a dreadful crisis was approaching in the fate of the dutiful, loving, beloved, and patriotic son. His father