Page:Undivine Comedy - Zygmunt Krasiński, tr. Martha Walker Cook.djvu/519

Rh her children. Accomplished in many ways, her epistolary and conversational gifts were of the highest order. She possessed the rare quality of drawing forth from her associates the best that was in them, and the meanest intelligence expanded in her presence as in the sunshine of sympathy and ready comprehension.

Having had her attention called many years ago to the actual condition of Polish music and literature, she was naturally led to a study of the people and their history. The knowledge thus acquired determined her to spare no pains in the diffusion of correct ideas on a subject regarding which there are but few sources of information in the English tongue. Not only did she advocate the cause of Poland by every means in her power, but she always stood ready to welcome the Polish emigrant to America, giving sympathy, friendly counsel, and such aid as the limited circle of her influence would permit. It was one of her most heartfelt gratifications to know that her name was held in esteem and veneration by the Poles on both sides of the Atlantic.

She passed away from the scene of her activity on the 15th of September, 1874.

This work is issued in accordance with her desires, and as a tribute of honor to disinterested labor and love of abstract justice.

EDITOR.