1232 /792 A: ol o! 1 1 4; 3! 5i Ex Libris C. K. OGDEN '* 71 THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES SECOND EDITION OF THE MEMOIRS OF THE Celebrated Dwarf, JOSEPH BORUWLASKI, A POLISH GENTLEMAN. Containing yf faithful and curious Account OF HIS BIRTH, EDUCATION, MARRIAGE, TRAVELS, VOYAGES. WRITTEN BY HIMSELF; AND CAREFULLY REVISED AND CORRECTED. An.l tranjlated from the French by Mr. S. Freeman. Birmingham. PRINTED BV }. THOMPSON*. 179-- 13-33- SUBSCRIBERS. Birmingham. MR. J. Billet, 2 copies S. Toy S. Valiant J. Haflelden, 2 copies J. Beddoes, prefident of the So- ciety for Free Debate Jofeph Smith Samuel Smith Timothy Smith Robert Smith John Miles Jofeph Fearon, Conftablc James Murray Thomas Pardoe William Hallet William Muchal Michael Beafley John Lowe, High-ftreet William Steen Jofeph Blunt Edward Eagle Benjamin Parkes Richard Webfter Robert Blyth Thomas Small IV. SUBSCRIBERS. Mr. J. Olborn S. Timmins Benjamin Parker John Lowe, 4 copies J. Gill, New-ftreet A. Aflimore T. Akerman A. Forreft J. Collard Capt. D. Rufton Mr. John Blount T. Richards A. C. Lageman Peter Brown John Merideth - Twamley - Linwood Mifs Hunt Mr. P. Price Gaultier J. Hawkins King R. B. Morgan Richard Dingley T. Blakemore W. Collins J.Ellis W. Archer W. Mills R. Walford j. Cox. James Bedford Edward Bedford James Davies Mark Sanders SUBSCRIBERS. Mr. John Mooie J. Haywood John Freeth R. Hancock Thomas Clarke Jofeph Taylor Thomas Bell Thomas Wilcox Roger Auftec Henry Dixon R. S. Skey T. Parkes T. Phipfon John Cope Cockle Shipton, 2 copies T. Richards, Gunfmith, Theophilus Richards Ifaac Pratt John Kenrick Thomas Phillips Deeton Law John Barr Wright William Tabberner J. Thompfon, Printer, 6 copies Hereford. Mifs Oliva Lamb Capt. Hatton Mifs Wilfon :Vv Eurnell Stepurnell Rev. Mr. Clark Mr. Rafh VI. SUBSCRIBERS. Mr. James Wathen Francis Baladon Thomas Mrs. Thomas VValwyn Phelps Terry Mr. Hay ward Mrs. Hayward Mr. Lambe Doftor Blunt Mrs. Blunt Mifs Benington Mrs. Griffiths Mifs Griffiths Mrs. Lucy Mrs. Woodhoufe Mr. Jofeph Thomas Mr. William Thomas Mr. T. Cotes Rev. Mr. Core Air. George Terry Mr. Brewfter Rev. Mr. Pope Rev. Mr. Ronderwood Mifs A. Williams, Brecon Mr. William Wathen Gloucefter. Mifs Harriot Saunders Mrs. Foulks Thomas Reynolds, Efq. Mr. Joh<. Cook Mr. Fox, Attorney Sir John Guife Mrs. Hayward SUBSCRIBERS. Vll. Mrs. Raikes Mrs. Nicholls Mrs. Ready Mrs Randall Mrs. Saunders Capt. Trigger Rev. Jofeph Chefton Thomas Mee, P^fq. Charles Hayward, Efq. Quodgley Rev. Samuel Commetine, Norton-Houfe John Wintle, junior^ Efq. Nounham David Arthur Saunders Thomas Davies T. Terry, Bookfeller IVorcejler. Mifs Saunders . Mr. Berwick Mrs. Berwick Mr. Letchmere Mrs. Letchmere Mr. Mr. Mr. Mr. William Hall, Efq. Beverre, near Worcefter Coventry. Mr. Rollafon Mrs. Yardley, High-ftreet r ^ Mrs. Surinfin of Leicefter Shrew/bury. Mifs S. Loxdale Lord de Montalt Vlll. SUBSCRIBERS. Honourable Mr. Maude Mifs Adelaide CongK Mifs Forefter Mr. Hamage Mifs B. Forefter Mifs Owen Mr. G. Dana Mifs Floyd, St John's HiJl Mr. Dana William Smith, Efq. Honourable Mrs. Dana Mifs Bingham Mifs Loxdale Mr. Sulton, Surgeon Mifs B. Smitheman Mr. W. Anwil Rev. Edward Kynaf^pn Mr. Betton Mr. Geary Mr. Podmore Mr. Thomas Vaughan Mifs Edwards -Mr. Hoi lings Mr. Cludde R. de Courcy Mifs Margaret Adams Mr. Edwards Rev. Mr. Lloyd Mr. Bage Mrs. Adams Mr. Ottiev, Mifs Raifrbrd . Thomas Dowdefwell, Efq. Richard Murrhall, Efq. Mifs E. Adams John Lacy SUBSCRIBERS. IX. Mr. Wingfield, The Hall Mr. J. Gate Mr. W. Ferriday Mr. Mafon Mifs Heighway Mr. J. Stedman Mifs C. Rainsford Mr. S. Sandford Mr. Eddowes Mrs. Inge Dr. Darwin Mrs. Hodges Mrs W. Coupland Mifs Owen Mr. J. Loxdale. Bridgnortb. Mifs M. Dethick Geo. Boulton Benjamin Watts Rev. Thomas Dethick James Marfliall Mrs. Dethick Rev. Mr. Blyth Mrs. Allan Mrs. Petty Mrs. Blyth Mrs. Lampit Mrs. Gatcare Rev. W. Ellifon G. Gitton Mifs Smith Mifs Devey Mr. J. A. Burney Mrs. Congreve Rev. Mr. Feutrell X. SUBSCRIBERS. Thomas Barnfield Rev. M. Atterood, Bifherby F. Williams Rev. Thomas Lyfter Mifs Rhodes Mrs. Braithwaite Mifs Snead, Ludlow Rev. Mr. Snead, ditto Mifs Ann Miere, ditto Mifs Cottrell, ditto Rev. Mr. Wellings, ditto Mrs. Foldervey, ditto Dr. Mofeley, ditto Mr. Jofeph Miere, Berington, Mr. Whitfield, Surgeon at Wenlock M. Du Longprey, Cherburg Mr. Charles Mollen, Guernfey Mr. Metivier, ditto Mr. Guiles de St George Sir Robert Goodere, Margaret-ftreet, Cavendifli-fquare, London. Mifs J. Vernon, Welbeck-ftreer, ditto Capt. Baker, No. 4, Wimpole-ftreer, ditto Mrs. V. Corbet, Welbeck-ftreet, ditto Peregrine Deattry, Efq. Berkley-ftreet, Manchefter-fquare, ditto Captain Wells, G. Rogers, Efq. Spring- Gardens, ditto Captain Baker, Parliament-ftreet, ditto Thomas Anfon, Efq. St James's fquare Francis Glanville, Efq. Lower Berkley- Street. Jf jrtman-fquare, ditto Mrs. Adair, Pall-malJ, ditto Mifs Ammall, Eaft-ftreet, Red-Lion- fquare, ditto SUBSCRIBERS. XI. Sir Thomas Fleetwood, Bart. No. 58, Gower- rtreet, Bedford -fquare, London Lady Fleetwood [Oxford, Rev. Charles Neve, B. D. St. John's College, Rev. Henry Harrifon, B. D. Northampton Mr. Samuel Statham, Nottingham Mrs. Froft, ditto Mrs. Gawthern, ditto Mrs. Roe, Fletcher- gate, ditto Thomas Dufty, Market-place, ditt* Mr. Amys, ditto Mr. Allen, ditto Simeon Moreau, Efq. M. C. Cheltenham, Rev. Dr. Small, Briftol Rev. Dr. White, Gloucefter Surinfen, Efq. near Lichfield, Repington, Efq. ditto Drewry Ottlew, Efq. Teddington [folk Thomas Gurdon, Efq. Letton, Thetford, Nor- Mrs. Prattinton, Bewdley, Worcefterfhire Mrs. Berington John Dela Bere, Efq. Efq. Cheltenham Lt. Col. M'Clary, Speenhill, Berks Mr. Buckle, Myth, near Tewkefbury Sir William Altham, near Leatherhead, Surrey Thomas Reynolds, Efq. Briftol, Mrs. Douglas, Teddrington Earl of Dumfries, Ecoffe Rev. Mr. Clutton, Hereford Mifs Calcot, Berwick, near Shrewsbury Mr. Sandford, Wellington, ditto Edward Gatacre, Efq. Gatacre , John Hale, Efq. Hollies, Mr. Plowden, Prefland, Mr. Robert Britton, Sheffield Mifs Horlley, Henley in Arden Mr. James, Junior^ ditto B 2 XU SUBSCRIBERS. Mr. Barber, dit to Mr. Richard Reeve, Henley in Arden Mr. Lea, Attorney, ditto Rev. Mr. Chambers, Studley, 2 copies Mr. Battefon, Birmingham, 2 copies Geo. Bannifter, Efq. Saltcr-ftreot Richard Field, Efq. Blackford Capt. Hunt, Tanworth Mr. Morris, Stratford on Avon J. Brookehoufe, Bromfgrove J. Connard, ditto W. Turton, Dudley S: Nock, ditto Peter Walker, ditto John Eagle, ditto Hickman, ditto R. Parfons, ditto W. Fellows, ditto G. R. Shaw, ditto E. Derby, Rowley Brandon Whiflel, Alcefter Somerville, of Hinkley Haflel, Solyhull Wefton, ditto Pattefon, Smethwick W. Smith, Dunnington-mill, J. Davies, London T. Liddiard, ditto W. Brooke, ditto D. F. Noon, ditto J. Fayner, Liverpool, Kempfon, Cleobury-Mortimer, Chambers, ficulty XXX. PREFACE. ficulty M. Boruwlafki was perfuaded to make thefe omiflions, not with the view that the homage he paid to the feveral perfons fignified might prove beneficial to him, who are all of note in England, but becaufe this homage appeared to him a teftimony of his gratitude, and, as he faid, this motive of his delicacy ought alone to forbid him. We moreover think this hiftory worthy of interesting the upright mind, who only requires of any ob- ject what it is capable of. The facts pointed out in this hif- tory are by no means important : they are in no wife connected with the great events of Europe, which fo i? flrongly PREFACE. XXXI. ftrongly imprefs all nations j they bear a proportion to the object de- fcribed j they are in a manner cor- refpondent to his fize : but extent is not the firft requifite of works of this nature ; the pine-apple is more deli- cious than the gourd ; the humble re- feda fpreads forth a perfume which ne- ver graced the lofty chefnut : In the eye of a philofopher no fludy is con- temptible, no object trivial in itfelf : it is as from the leaves of a ftrawberry- plant, that the author, from the ftu- dies of Nature, has fliot forth into the univerfal fyftem. The little being we now fpeak of, might eafily lead us to reflections as immenfe : but in giving his hiftory, we only mean to fix the public attention on his perfon. We fhall only add, that the facts herein i mentioned XXXli. PREFACE. mentioned are indubitable, and have never been called in queftion by the numerous and refpeftable witnefles now living. MEMOIRS. ERRATA. Page 13, line 6, for Paradice read Paradife. 70 13, nuho read ivbom. toe rnounce read to renounce. I tnotv not read / knew not. is dreadful i e.-wt the man who fhall be King of Poland. MR. BORUWLASKI. 25 Poland. It is alfo known, how Charles kept his word j how Staniflaus, afttr the difgraces of his proteftor, faw himfelf drip- ped of that crown to which he had only afpired through his confcioufnefs of the good he might do to his own country ; how, when he was called back again to the throne, an adverfe faction, fupported by foreigners, rendered the efforts and hopes of the found- eft part of the nation ufelefs and vain. The dangers are likewife well known to which he was expofed ; and the difguifes he was obliged to fubmit to, to effeft an efcape from his enemies. It is known too, that, at laft, peace having fecured him in the tran- quil pofiefiion of the dukedoms of Lorraine and Bar, he carefully employed himfelf to make thofe people lofe the remembrance of their ancient matters. Need I tell here all that he did for that purpofe ? I will only fay, that his buildings at Nancy and Lune- ville appeared to me far fuperior to all that I had feen in many other courfc. c At At our arrival, this monarch received us with that bounty and affability which gain- ed him every heart ; and being of his own country, we were, by his order, lodged in- his palace. With this Prince lived the famous Bebe, till then confidered as the moft extraordi- nary dwarf that ever was feen ; who was, indeed, of a perfectly proportioned ihape, with very pleating features, but who (I am forry to fay it, for the honour of our fpecies) had, both in his mind and way of thinking, all the defects commonly attributed to us. He was at that time about thirty ; when meafured, it appeared that I was much fliorter. At our firft interview he (hewed much fondnefs and friendfhip towards me; but when he perceived that I preferred the com- pany and conversation of perfons of fenfe to hi* own^ and above all, when he faw that the MR. BORUWLASKI. 27 the King took pleafure in my company, he conceived againft me the moil violent jea- loufy and hatred; fo that, had it not been for a kind of miracle, I could not have ef- caped his fury. One day we were both in the apartment of his Majefty. This Prince, having much carefied me, and alked feveral queftions, to which I gave fatisfadtory anfwers, teftified his pleafure and approbation in the moft affectionate manner ; then addreffing Bebe, iaid to him : You fee, Bcbe what a differ-, ence there is between Joujou and you ! He is amiable, chearful, entertaining, and full of knowledge; whereas you are but a little machine. At thefe words, I faw fury fparkle in his eyes ; he anfwered nothing, but his countenance and blufh proved enough that he was violently agitated. A moment after, the King being gtyie to his clofet, Bcb availed himfelf of that inftant to exe- cute his revengeful projeds; and flily ap. c T proaching, 28 MEMOIRS OF preaching, feizcd me by the waift, and en- deavoured to pufh me into the fire. Luckily I laid hold with both hands of an iron hook, by which in chimneys, the (hovels and tongs are kept upright, and thus I prevent- ed his wicked defign. The noiie I made in defending myfelf, brought back the King, who came to my affirtance, and faved me from that imminent danger. He afterwards called for his fervants, put Bebe into their hands, bade them inflict on him a cor- poral punifhment proportioned to his fault, and ordered him never to appear in his prc- fence any more. In vain did I intercede in behalf of the unhappy Bebe, I could not fave him the firft part of his fentence ; and as for the other, his Majefty [did not confent to revoke it but upon condition he fhould beg my pardon. Bebe, with mu<^i reluctance, fubmitted to this humiliation, which very likely made on him a deeper' imprefiion. In effect, he fell fick MR. BORUWLASKI. 29 fick a fhort time after, and died. Every body attributed his death to his jealoufy, and to the vexation which the difference that was faid to be between us had given him. I fmcerely pitied him, and would not have related this circumftance, but to re- mark, that the fmallnefs of our ftature does not prevent us from experiencing the power of the paflions. Happily for me, when I have been the fport of them, they never in- ipired me with any thing contrary to huma- nity and the laws. It was during my flay at Luneville, that 1 had the honour to cultivate an acquaint- ance with the celebrated Count de Treflan, who was come to refide there a little while. He took much notice of mej and the article Naifi in the Encyclopedic, with an advanta- geous mention of me, is written by him. After having confided and admired all that King Suniflaus has doi^ to embellifh c 3 Nancy 30 MEMOIRS OF Nancy and Lun^ville, we took leave of th good Prince, who gave my benefa&refs let- ters for the late Queen of France, his /daughter, and repaired to Paris. I need not fay, that the firft care of the Countefs Humiefka was to go to Verfailles> where, as a Polander, fhe eafily got admit- tance to the Queen, to whom (he delivered the letters which the King her father had honoured her with. This Princefs, who had preferved much affection for every .thing belonging to her own country, received her Ladyfhip moft gracioufly. Her Ma jefty being informed that I was along with jny benefactrefs, wifhed to fee me ; fhe was aflonilhed at my appearance, the fmallnefs of which (he had no idea of j and after hav* ing afked me many queftions concerning the King her father, Bebe, Poland, and our travels, fhe feemed pleafed with my anfwers> -and did me fo mtich honour as to add, that I was a little prtdigy ; that upon what fhe had fen MR. BORUVVLASKI. 31 feen or ever been told, flie till then deemed the individuals of my fpecies as ill-favoured by nature, as much in mind and intellectual faculties as in body, but that I undeceived her in a very advantageous and pleafing manner. After thefe obliging words, the Queen, addrefiing the Countefs Humiefka, was fo kind as to engage her to repeat her vine often, defiring fhe would bring me with her, and gave orders to admit us whenever we defired it. On our return to Paris, the curiofity I excited drew many vifitors to my protec- trefs ; and in lefs than a week, every perfon of high rank at Court, every perfon of fafhion in town, waited upon her. I could not help indeed being infinitely flattered by this warm enthufiafm, and the numberlefs civilities I was honoured with. The Duke of Orleans, efpecially, having ajiven my pro- c 4 tectrefa 31 " MEMOIRS OF tectrefs the mod elegant entertainments, was in particular very fond of me, and load- ed me with careffes and prefents. I can even fay, that, during our ftay at Paris, this amiable Prince did not pafs a fingle day without giving me .new testimonies of his politenels. I fhould be deficient in gratitude to- wards the Count Oginfki, Grand General of Lithuania, who at that time lived at Paris, if I forgot to mention the particular regard he fhewed to me. His Lordfliip, who came conftantly to pay his vifits to my protec- trefs, made much of me, and carried his complaifance fo far as to teach me the firft principles of mufic j an art, in which, as a man of rank, he had made a very aftonifli- ing progrefs. On feeing that I was intent upon it, and imagining I had a tafte for it, he engaged my benefactrefs to give me for a mafter the celebrated Gavinies, who taught me to play ofc the violin, and afterwards on the MR. BOROWLASKI. 33 the guittar j a talent which often folaces me in moments of trouble and inquietude, infepara- ble from a fituation like mine. But to return to the Count Oginfki :. This nobleman took pleafure in having me near him ; and I re- member one day when he gave a grand banquet to feveral of the moft diftinguifhed ladies,, he put me in an urn in the corner of the chamber ; and feizing a favourable opportunity, I overfet the flowers which enveloped my prifon, when my fudden ap- pearance caufed no (mail fhare of wonder and furprize among the guefis. The ecftafy I excited, with all that was related about my figure, gave rife to an in- cident, which, had not the Queen inter- pofed, might have proved of difagreeable confequence to the Polifh ladies who travel in France j as you will fee : I It had happened by chance, that the Duchefs of Modena, a Princefs of the royal c 5 blood 3* MEMOIRS OF blood of France, had not been at any of the entertainments to which I had been invited. However, her Grace had heard much of me, and all that fhe had been told excited a ftrong propenfity to fee me. Her rank not permitting her to pay the firft vifit to the Countefs Humiefka, fhe determined to write to her, and require her company at a rout which fhe gave ; and as I was the prin- cipal perfon fhe defired to lee, fhe added to the card, especially, do xot forget to bring Joujou. The Countefs Humiefka, who v all the fentiments correfpondent to her illuf- Crious birth; and whofe rank, beauty, and Wealth, had drawn on her every where tha ^noft flattering diflinftions, was greatly of* fended at fuch an invitation ; and not think- ing proper to gratify a curiofity difclofed in year at Paris, in all the pleafures which that capital offers to foreigners ; and the lively humour, the chearfiilnefs and politenefs of its inhabitants, made our ftay delightful. The time at length came, when we were to- leave that place, from whence we fet off for Holland. ^ Every bb"dy knows how the foul of a traveller is impreffed by the novelty of tha fcenes .MR. BORtTWLASKI. 39 fcenes which this country affords. It was then the month of May, a feafon in which it prefents the moft agreeable appearance; and I was ftruck with it in fo lively a man- ner, that notwithftanding the famenefs fo juftly complained of, I cannot recal to my mind without emotion the fenfations I then felt. It would be repeating what has been> faid a thoufand times, if I undertook to de- fcribe it; I will then confine myfelf to fay, that when we arrived at the Hague, this aftonifliing village, which may vie with ci- ties of the firftrank, theCountefs Humiefka was received in the moft affable and polite manner by his Highnefs the Prince Stadt- holder and his family, who did their utmoft to make her ftay agreeable. We, however, made but few acquaintance there j and not being able to ftay long in Holland, we em- ployed ourfelves in viewing the curiofities with which this country Abounds i and at laft, after having taken leave of the Stadt- holder, my benefactrefs too her route through 40 MEMOIRS OF through Germany, and we reached War- faw. My return to my native country made much noife : I had not yet been feen in the capital, but was preceded by the reputation I had acquired in my travels, and for which I was indebted to the generous care of my bencfaftrefs. Befides, I had improved much during my flay in foreign countries j and, as Paris had given me fomewhat of that eafy politenefs which graces manners, and en- hances the lighteft prattle, I was fo happy as to perceive that many perfons, by whom at firft I was looked upon only as an object of mere curiofity, fought my fociety, becaufe they took pleafure in my converfation. Em- boldened by this notice, I went oftener to the ademblies than 1 had done ; and, wiftiing to enlarge the circle of my acquaintance, I cultivated an infimacy with feveral young gentlemen of my age, whofe company feem- to me more ay and interefting than- that of thofe MR. BORUWLASKI. 41 thofe who habitually frequented the Coun- tefs Humidka's houfe. I had infpired my protectrefs with corr- fidence enough to allow me a reafonable li- berty, of which I availed myfelf to go frer quently to the Play. I had always been an -admirer of it j but now new fenfations which began to rife in me, increafed its charms. No longer did I repair thither to admire the finenefs of the play, or the abilities of the performers. The fhow itfelf attracted me; the concourfe of fpectators, but v:omen above all, who ftirring up in me fome kind of new emotions, made me attend the Thea- tre with a degree of rapture. Till then I had lived almoft without conceiving any difference between the fexes j but from the inquietude, the agitation, and the trouble which the prefence of a female caufed in me, I could no longer conceal to myfelf that on this enchanting fexTlepends all our happinefs ; yet was I not able |p define in what and how it might be promoted. The 42 MEMOIRS OF The theatre was alfo the general ren- dezvous of my young friends. They had all the indifcretion of their age, and in- dulged without fcruple the impulfe of their brifk and fprightly imagination. By incef- fantly talking of their pleafures paft, or in project, it was not long before they fupplied me with the knowledge I wanted, and gave a fixed bias to defires till then confuted and incoherent. Women, befides, by their con- tinual railleries at the fhortnefs of my fta- ture, their pleafantries on my refervednefs and circumipeftion," completely cured me of that timidity, which Teemed, as it were afcribed to my fize. My head being filled with the idea of them, my heart ftrongly agitated by the change lately operated in me, I viewed the objects under afpefts more lively and in. terefting ; I wifhed to love ; I did fo already. Woman, in my eyes, had taken quite a new form. They excited my admiration, my fenfibility, my ciefires : but it was fufficient |p be a woman, that title gave her a right to MR. BORUWLASKI. 43 to my rifing paflion : I was fond of the fex, without choice or diftinction j I loved them all: In a word, at the age of twenty-five I was like other young lads at fifteen. Thefe emotions, quite new to me, their charms ; and, perhaps, I had been hap- pier, if I could have been contented with experiencing them, without feeking how tQ gratify defires which every day grew more. prefling. Unhappily, fuch a refiftance is not in the nature of man j prefled by the warmth of my conftitution, I wifhed to fix tfny views upon a particular object. How much was my mind mortified on reflecting upon my ftature, which I confidered as an infurmountable obftacle to the happinefs I Jonged for with fo much ardour ! What, faid I tq myfelf, the moft referved wo- men take me upon their lap ! they em- brace me, they beftow upon me the moft tender carefles, they ufe me like a child 1 How can I hazard, in fuch circumftances, a declaration, 44 MEMOIRS OF- a declaration at which they will only laugh, while I fhall remain covered with eternal ridicule Pit was not an eafy matter to make my pride agree with my defires. The far- ther I was from having the common fize of other men, the more lively I wifhcd that difference might be forgotten, and that I might be treated like them. But experience has taught me that I thought as a child. 1 was ignorant of the effect fuch wonderful things may produce : above all, I knew not, forgive me, ye fair! to what height female curiofity might foar: I foon knew it. There was then at Warfaw, amongft the French comedians, an actrefs highly diftin- gtiifhed for her talents in the character of a waiting-maid. A certain mixture of teoder- nefs and vivacity rendered her infinitely in- terefting; and though not regularly hand- fome, yet fhe pofiefifed all that was requifite to pleale and 1 feduce. I always faw her with new j>leafure, and openly preferred her to MR. BORUWLASKI. 45 to all others. One night, when flie had made on me a moft particular imprefiion, oo going out of the play-houfe, I met with one of my friends, to whom, intending fome relaxation, I pfopofed a walk; he defired me to excufe him, and confefled that he was going to fup at the little * * *, precifely the fame actrefs. Ah ! exclaimed I with emo- tion, are you acquainted with her ? How- happy are you ! So may you be, when you pleafe, anfwered my giddy young fpark : I will introduce you to her, as my friend, and you may be fure to be well received. This offer I accepted with tranfport, and the very next day 1 was introduced, and welcomed in a manner equal to what I had been made to hope This vifit parTed away merrily, and when I retired, fhe moft earnestly ki- vited me often to repeat it. With what eagernefs didjl avail myfelf of this invitation ! Flow long the moments feemed which were to bring tha of feeing her! 46 MEMOIRS OF her ! With what regret did I fee thofe fly away which I fpent with her ! I was bold enough to declare my pafllon for her ; flic feemed to partake of it, and for a while my illufion made me happy. Pleafed, nay, in- toxicated with this amour, I avoided my young friends, wanted to enjoy within my- felf my imaginary felicity, devoted to my young miftrefs all the moments I could fteal from the decency and duty impofed upon me by the bounty of my benefadlrefs. Let thefe details be forgiven me ; in writing thefe memoirs, I not only mean to defcribe my fize and its proportions, I would likewife follow the unfolding of my fentiments, the affections of my foul; I would fpeak openly; rather tell what I felt than what I did, and demonftrate that, if I can upbraid nature with having refufed me a body like that of other men, fhe has made me ample amends, by endowing me with a fenfibility which, it is true, difplayed itfelf rather late, but, 'even in my conftitutional warmth, fpread MR. BORUWLASKI: 47 Ipread a teint of happinefs, the remembrance of which I enjoy with gratitude and a feel- ing heart. But to return to my charmer, the Abi- gail: Our connection did not laft long; I was fincere in my attachment, and imagin- ing myfelf beloved, fhe made me happy. Therefore, how great muft be my aftonifh- ment, when one day on meeting by chance the very lame young man who had intro- duced me to her, I was told that my little intrigue was known to every body, and fpoken of publicly ; that they bantered my difcretion ; and (he, whom I thought the mod interefted in fecrefy, did not fcruple openly to laugh at my paffion and eagernefs, at the tumultuous emotions fhe had excited in me; that fhe even gloried in it, and produced as no fmall proof of her merit, to have pro- voked in a man of my fize a manner of being apparently fo little '?uited to him. This difcovery funk me down, by humbling my 48 MEMOIRS OF my pride; I thought I loved fmcerely, I had hoped to be as fincerely beloved ; and it was not without extreme grief I law the veil fall, and my illufion difpelled. My benefadtrefs, who was not ignorant of this :ifTair, fent to me a very grave, wife, and fe nfible man, in whom I had the greateft confidence j he ftrongly remonftrated to me on the irregularity of my behaviour, and fet forth the fatal confequences into which I was likely to be hurried away. His reflections affected mej I promifed never more to fre- quent the young men whofe difcourfcs and bad examples had feduced me ; and, by the regularity of my conduct, I foon regained the kindnefs of the Countefs Humiefka, and of her fociety. I had no occafion to repent it. My life was more quiet and happy. The effervef- cence of a juvenile conftitution had pro- cured me fome pleafures j but it was not long MR. BORUWLASKI. 4$ long before I felt the vacuum they left be- hind them. I then began to perceive that fentiment, reciprocal fentiment only, can give animation and livelinefs to pleafures, which without it are nought. I began to comprehend that efteem and confidence only can give birth to a permanent love. In the friendfhip and converfation of wife perfons I fought after a compenfation, and cafily found it. At that time Warfaw was the fcene of rejoicings and amufement. Staniflaus II. had lately afcended the throne of Poland j and this Prince, on whofe virtues and ac- complilhments I need not expatiate, as they are known to all thofe who had the honour to approach him either as a King or a private man, was applying himfelf to retrieve thofe innumerable calamities which a feries of troubles and agitations had o<5cafioned. By his patronage, the arts and fciences were o flujjrilhingj So MEMOIRS OF flourifhing; he gained the affections of his greateft Lojds, who flocked round his per- fon, to evince their attachment. In the midft of thefe rejoicings his Majefty came to fup, on the twelfth night, with the princefs Lubomifka, where I at- tended the Coimtefs Humiefka. The cake being opened, I was chofen king, and had the honour to enter into converfation with his Majefty, and intreated his permiflion, to lay afide in his prefence the prerogative of my newly attained royalty. This pro- pofition from me, afforded great diverfion to the King, who turned to the Countefs, my benefa&refs, and deigned to fignify that my behaviour gave him much pleafure, and faid he was inclined as a mark of his royal favour to beftow an eftate upon me. But my prote&refs's countenance too plainly befpoke her iifapprobation of his generous offer, for it to take place. In MR. BORUWLASKI. 51* In this ftate of tranquillity my days glided away, and I thought that no kind of vexation could trouble fo happy a life. I was then very far from forefeeing that this delicate and tender fentiment upon which was grounded my expectation of a future fe- licity, fhould one day be the caufe of dif- quietude and bitternefs of heart, and would fo powerfully overwhelm my exigence. But before I enter into the particulars of thefe events, which I (hall always behold as the moft interefting of my life, I beg leave to acquaint my reader with fome circum- ftances which belong to the hiftory of my fitter, whofe death I heard of nearly at this epoch. Anaftafia Boruwlafki was feven years younger than myfelf, and of fo fhort a fta- ture, that fhe could exactly {land under my arm j but this can be no m^ter of aftonifh- ment, when what I faid before is remem- bered, that fhe was only two eet two in- ches high at the time of her death. Afto- D 2 infhing 52 MEMOIRS OF nifliing as (he was, for the (hortnefs of her perfon, and the extreme regular piopor- tions of her fhape, with which the niceft fculptor could not have found fault, fhe was (till more fo by the qualities of her heart, and the gentlenefs of her difpofition. She was of a brown complexion, with fine black eyes, well circled eye-brows, very thick hair, and fo much gracefulnefs in all (he did, that added new charms to her figure. Her temper was lively and chear- ful ; her heart, feeling and beneficent. She could not fee a fuffering fellow -creature, without feeking to give relief. The Caf- telane Kaminfka, a very rich lady, was both a friend and a protectrefs to her. She had taken her to her houfe, exprefied for her an unbounded tendernefs, refufed her nothing; and the little Anaftafia availed herfelf of that afcendency, to gratify her own heart, which incited her to generofity. Mv fifteY, like me, had been fo happy as to feel thole tender affections which dif- fufe MR. BORUWLASKI. 53 fufe fo many charms over our lives, and the fweetnefs of which does fo well coun- terpoiie the troubles, the inquietudes and contradictions which they make us fuffer. At twenty, Anaftafia was in love, and with fo much the more pafiion, that her attach- ment was grounded upon the only pleafure of contributing to the happinefs of him who was the object of it. She had neither fears, nor forrows, nor remorfes to endure; and thus fhe might have lived happy, had not jealoufy overpowered her, and too often troubled her repofe. It was not difficult for her benefa&refs to perceive her inclination: fhe mentioned it to her; and this ingenuous, tender and feeling heart did not conceive the fentiments which a young officer of a very handfome fhape and fine figure, who frequented the houfe, had infpired her with. This young gentleman, though of a good family, was not rich; Ana^afia knew it, and endeavouring to find the means of ferving him without hurting his deliiacy, fhe con- trived 54 MEMOIRS OF trived to engage him to play at piquet with her; and generally obliging him to play deep, fhe contrived always to lofe, and thug joined the pleafure of doing him good, to that of avoiding his expreffions of gratitude. I know not how far my filler's fenfibility would have carried her, if during an excur- fion to Leopold fhe had not been feized with the fmall-pox. Unfortunately for me and for her friends, the diforder was without remedy. Recourfe was had in vain to all the helps of the medical art; and within two days fhe died, with the fame tranquil- lity of foul, the fame calmnefs of mind, nay, the fame philofophy with which fhe had lived. I cannot recollect this fad event without fhedding tears, for the lofs of a filler and of a friend. Her benefactrefs was inconfolable, and during many days her health was in danger. She gave the ftricteft orders that nobojty fhould ever fpeak to her of her dear Anaftafiaj even defired me not to cocie to fee her, left my prefence fhould MR. BORUWLASKI 55 fhould open again deep wounds too diffi- cult to be healed ; thus I was deprived of the fatisfaction of mingling my tears with >hers, and of fhewing her my warm, though inefficient, gratitude for all that fhe had done to her young and little friend. Other cares and anxities foon fucceeded thofe which this lofs had caufed me. -I come now to the moft interefting epoch of my life, thole moments, which, beiog fraught with new ideas, new defires, plea- fures far different from thofe I had known, brought likewile new troubles and new difficulties to which I never thought I fhould be expofed. The Countefs Humi- efka's bounty feemed for ever to fecure me from want. As her ladyihip's favour had drawn on me the confideration and regard not only of every perfon in her houfe, but even of all the quality that compofed her fociety, I did not forefee, nor did I find in my heart, the fear of ever Becoming un- worthy of her regard. I was carefled, D 4 fondled 56 MEMOIRS OF fondled and cherifhed; nothing was wanting to my happinefs; and I enjoyed it with fo much the more fecurity, that not knowing reverfes, I foolifhly thought never to endure any. On the other fide, reafon and good counfels having brought me back to more quiet fentiments j I thought thofe tumul- tuous paflions, which for a while had fo vehemently agitated me, were for ever calmed. I imagined that, by confining my affections to marks of gratitude towards fo many perfons who liberally beftowed their kindnefs upon me, I Ihould lead a peaceful life; and that, reclaimed from love and its chimeras, my renouncing it for ever would make me amends for the pains it had oc- cafioned me. But I knew not my own heart j and thefe fine refolutions vanifhed, when I faw a young perfon whom my benefactrefs had lately taken into her hoiife as a lady in waiting, or companion. \ Ifalina Y as defcend from French pa- rents, long fettled in Warfaw, where they enjoyed MR. BORUWLASKI. 57 enjoyed a happy mediocrity. It is a cuf- tom in Poland for the Lords, as well as Ladies of quality, to take young perfons of good birth, who are brought up at their own charge, and afterwards provided for, either by admitting them into their houfe- hold, giving them in marriage, or procur- ing them civil or military employments. This ancient ufage had its origin in the wide difproportion of fortunes amongft the nobility. According to the conftitution of the country, all noblemen may afpire to the crown, which is elective j fo that the richeft of them attach to themfelves a vaft number of creatures, who upon occafion may fupport their pretenfions. Be that as it may, my benefaclrefs had only confulted her own heart, when fhe took Ifalinaj and this young lady poflefled all the requifites to intereftp and pleafe her. Let me be excufed from defcribing what (he appeared in my eyes; and 'defides, fuch 05 ' as 5 MEMOIRS OF as regard only the figure in the choice of their conforts, know very little of the hu- man heart. To live together, to have for each other that mutual efteem which alone can make us happy, more lading qualities are requifite. Being at this day a father, having found in my wife a fincere friend, who partakes of my pains and pleafures, a fond mother who only delights in educating her children, I know how to fet a proper value on thofe advantages fo much fought after, though they only are gifts which na- ture blindly diftributes. Yet I muft own, there is a perfonal beauty which difclofes that of the foulj and when we meet with fuch tender, fweet and lively countenances, which, being ftrangers to diflimulation and deceit, exhibit in their features the motions they feel, the impreflions they receive, we muft acknowledge, at the very firft mo- ment, that perfcns fo happily endowed are worthy of all our attachment. It is among women efpetially that this ineftimable qua- lity MR. BORUVVLASKI. 59 lity is to be found, which fets off their charms fo advantageoufly: they pofiefs it, notwithftanding all the obftacles that are oppofed to it ; though the aim of their edu- cation inceflandy be to inftruct them how to diflemble their fentiments, and conceal their natural affeftions. May I have refo- lution and wifdom enough to overcome this prejudice in training up my children ! But I fee the evil, and know not the re- medy, or rather have not courage enough to ufe it. It was, however, young ICalina's beauty, which ftruck me at firft fight, and fubdued my heart. But if from that moment the im- preffion was deep and indelible, what a new force did my fentiments receive, when living in the fame houfe, and having every day opportunities to fee her, I could freely ad- mire her lively and chearfui converfation, when I difcovered in her a perpetual viva- city, and that native meekne r s*which was D 6 the 60 MEMOIRS OF the plain index of a feeling heart! From this time my happinefs was affixed to her fate; without fear I difcovered in me all the fymptoms of a violent pafiion; and though I forefaw the numberlcfs obftacles I had to overcome, yet I did not give up my enter- prize, and hoped that by dint of periever- ance and attention, they fhould be at laft furmounted. How different was this pafiion from the tumultuous fenfations which had before dif- turbed me ! I was in love, but a love ac- companied with that refpect and diffidence which are infeparable from a true pafiion. My only defire was to fpend my life with the object that caufed it; and whereas for- merly I had been determined only by the allurements of pleafure and perfonal fatif- faction, which, leaving the heart empty, and bringing diftafte,, flatters our pride but faintly, I felt that the end at which I truly aimed, was the happinefs of the perfon to whom I was MR. BORUWLASKI. 61 was attached ; and that, if I could fucceec 7 to make her happy, there would not be an r thing wanting to my own felicity. My benefaftrefs, charmed at the qua- lities fhe difcovered in her young favourite, took a moft particular liking and interefl in her behalf. Living under the fame roof, and feeing her every day with that fweet familiarity which my fize, her youth and innocence feemed to authorize, I did not lofe a (ingle opportunity of approaching her; I had no other delight than to fee and admire, to love her fecretly. Much time pafled before I could refolve to acquaint her with my . fentiments. Every day I formed this refolution ; but every day the reflections of my mind difcovered ob- ftacles that were more and more invincible, and my fpeech expired ere it reached my lips. Whilft I fuffered every lady to take me on her lap, and fubmi&ed to their fond- nefs and carefles, I was anxioufly cautious \ left 62 MEMOIRS OF left Ifalina fhould do the fame; I flnmned her notice, either with a ferious look, or by ftealing away from her. She often com- plained of being the only one I loved not ; but how little did fhe know the inmoft dealings of my heart! When I would have given my life to enjoy a fingle one of her carcfTes as a friend, I fcorned to receive all thofe fhe would Uvifh on me as on a child: nay, by humbling my pride to the utmoft, they ended with caufing in me fo real and violent a pain, that I cannot defcribe it. It was then I bitterly felt all the difadvantages of my fize. Then all the praifes I was loaded with on every other fide, could not make me amends for the inconveniences I found myfelf liable to. It was then I con- fidered it as the fole obftacle to the only good that could attach me to life: to be upon a level with other men, I would have facrificed both the fondnefs of my bene- fa&refs, and the 'bounty, even 1 will fay, the confideration with which the King and the MR. BORUVVLASKI. 63 the Nobles of his court vouchfafed to honour me. It was not only the fear of becoming unacceptable to Ifalina that dejected my mind. I apprehended that, fhould I fuc- ceed in winning her affe&ion, could I en- gage her to lay afide prejudices, and be re- folved concerning the union of her fate to mine, there would ftill remain many diffi- culties to overcome, either to gain her pa- rents' confent, without which there was no hope left for me, or to obtain the fanftion of my benefaftrefs who undoubtedly would think this marriage ridiculous, and by all means oppofe it. This laft was not the leaft powerful obftacle. Befides my being bound to the Conntefs Humiefka by fen- timents of the mod tender refpect and heartfelt gratitude, I had no fortune ; I was totally indebted to her beneficence for my eafy circumftances. I had, therefore, to fear left I fhould lofe it by marrying againfl her will; 64 MEMOIRS OF will ; I had reafon to be afraid of involving in my misfortunes a young perfon, who, though without fortune herfelf, had by her youth, education, figure, and, above all, by the protection of our common benefactrefs, a right to an advantageous match. Thefe reflections did not all occur to my mind at firft. During more than one year I had been fully taken up with the delight of loving and daily feeing the object of my affections; but at length, when I was come to that point fo natural, wherein to fpeak of our love is irrefiftibly neceflary, they crouded in my imagination, and filled me with anguifh and melancholy. They, in- deed, ought to have made me renounce my pafiion; but do we reafon when in love? My health became vifiby impaired; I was uneafy and anxious beyond concep- tion ; in fhort, fo violent was my fituation, that not being able to remain in this cruel uncertainty,^ I determined on declaring my paflion, MR. BOROWLASKI. 65 paffion, and waited only for a favourable op- portunity, which foon prefented itfelf. One evening when I had been more fad and deje&ed than ufual, chance, or rather the attraction that kept me faft to Ifalina, made me flay the laft in the drawing-room. I then formed the refolution of opening my heart to her, which gave me fuch a look of trouble and perplexity, that fhe could not help being ftruck with. " Pray what is the matter, Joujou ?" faid fhe to me, with the moft ftriking look of concern and pity. " What is the forrow that preys upon you, and which you fo artfully conceal? Is there nobody in whom you can place confidence enough to pour out your heart? You aft unkindly with your friends." And comes this reproach from you, anfwered I with warmth, from you, the only caufe of all my grief? I wifhed to go on, but letting my head fall upon her lap, I could only lifp the words love paflion misfo.ijr.une. ' At 66 MEMOIRS OF At firft, Ifalina's heart ftartled at the pi- tiful (late flie faw me in ; but foon recovering from her furprize, fhe only found the fcene ridiculous. Indeed, Joujou, faid Ihe, you are a child, and I cannot but laugh at your extravagance. Did I ever forbid you to love me ? On the contrary, did I not always upbraid you for your indifference to me ? I did not expect fuch an anfwer, I own; I had much difficulty in making her under- ftand that I did not love her as a child, and would not be loved like a child. At this fhe burft into laughter, told me I knew not what I faid, and left the apartment. More content with having made my declaration, than minding the manner it had been received, I wholly gave myfelf over to the pleafure of knowing that the object of my fondnefs yas apprifed of the pafiion fhe had caufed me to breathe. I reafoned with myfelf, thrt now flie might eafily interpret my MR. BORUWLASKI. 6? my meloncholy, my grief, and my referved- nefs towards her; that fhe could not but attribute them to a ftrong and deep fenti- ment. I ventured to hope, that fuch a fentiment would fpeak in my behalf, and plead my caufe to a delicate and feeling heart. But the fucceeding davs plainly fiiewed that I was miftaken. She incef- fantly bantered mej and indulging herfelf in the gaiety of her imagination, the more I endeavoured to difplay my femiments, and to fpeak to her as a man, the more fhe delighted in ridiculing them, and treated me like a child. She alked me whither I imagined her like my young actrefs ? How many days longer would my fentimenfs laft? I could not return any anfwer; I left her, and inveighed againft her injuftice, and- my misfortune. Unable any longer to reft the heavy melancholy that had feized me through fuch ufage, my ftrength failed me, !> kept my * room 68 MEMOIRS OF room more than two months. She fome- times inquired after my fituation. I feized the firft opportunity of fpeaking to her in private. She allured me fhe had been very much concerned at it: and that if I had liftened more to reafon, if I had loved her as Ihe thought fhe had merited, I might have fpared her this trouble. She promifed me fince I was fo much affected, fhe would banter me no more upon my love. She hoped that on my part, I would entertain more calm fentiments towards her. What comfort did this fpeech infufe into my foul, being fo tenderly expreJTed, it af- fured my happinefs; I then thought I had made fome impreflion on the tender heart of Ifalina. And indeed how could I fail, my love guided by fmcerity, and my mif- fortunes proved my difmtereftednefs. But thefe rapture? were foon interrupted by the Countefs j fhe was fully informed of, and faw with concern my affection for Ifalina, fhe was MR. BORUWLASKI. 69 was determined to ufe her utmoft endea- vours to fruftrate our intentions. She fent Ifalina immediately to her parents, and at the fame time kepjt me fhut up in my room for a fortnight together. Thus con- fined, (he difcharged my footman, and put another in his place whom fhe thought fhe could rely on ; but contrary to her expecta- tions he was entirely at my difpofal -, for by his means I eftablifhed a correfpondence with my beautiful Ifalina. Caglioftro, at the inftigation of the Countefb, came to me a few days after, and earneftly folicited me to appeafe my bene- faflrefs by renouncing Ifalina. Without the leaft hefitation, I boldly declared, I would fooner part with my life. I ihall take this opportunity of relating how this Caglioftro had infmuated himfelf into the good graces of the Counters Humiefka, t This adventurer having matfe a great noife in France, on his arrival* at War- law, 7 o MEMOIRS OF faw, artfully introduced himfelf to the Prince Poninfki under the character of a great chymift, in pofieffion of the philofo- pher's flone, or art of making gold. But his fame was of a fhort duration; for the Count Poninfki, a literati, watched him attentively through his operations, and clearly proved him an ignoramus or rather an impoftor. During his difgrace he was favourably re- ceived by the Countefs my Benefadrefs, not with any confidence of his fkill in the philofopher's flone, but rather as a phyfi- cian to who fhe confided the care of her health. But here fhe was moft egregioufly deceived j for in a fhort time, fhe was re- duced to an alarming and dangerous ftate, which her brother the Count Rewifki per- ceiving, endeavoured to remove her ill placed confidence in a flranger, and made ufe of his power to banifh him the king- dom. The nrmber of follies this man has propagated is fufficiently known throughout all Europe*- The MR. BORUWLASKI. 71 The Countefs of Humiefka perceiving me determined, became furious, and fetting me at liberty, declared I had only to chule either toe rnounce my paffion for Ifalina, or quit her houfe immediately: I preferred the latter, as will be feen in the two follow- letters to my dear Ifalinaj and thefe only I fhall trouble my readers with in all our correfpondence. Joujou to Ifaltna. November 20, 1780. M Y captivity, my charming friend, is now at an end j I have facrificed all for your fake, and if I lofe you I will renounce, yea, I will renounce, life itfelf ! This morn- ing one of the principal officers of the houfe came with a meflage from the Countefs to inform me, if I had not cringed my refo- lution, I muft leave the houfe for ever: that is not poflible, I exclaimed; l>it reflecting * on 7 i MEMOIRS OF on what conditions alone I could remain, I calmly anfwcred, I was ready to depart; but I intreated he would tell my bene- faftrefs how fincerely I was affected in in- curring her refentment, and befought her to pardon my oppofing her will; which no- thing could have urged me to, but the dread of forfeiting all my hopes of happi- nefs; and that the kindnefs with which (he had formerly treated me, fhould never be erafed from my memory. I am now at large ; but on beholding the houle where I had fo long been the dar- ling, I burft into tears; how painful a fitua- tion to a heart like mine; who while loft in love, bears the reproach of ingratitude. I know nor where to direct my courfe; pennylefs, a forlorn wanderer, my fituation is dreadful; lave, it is thou alone can fupport me: yes, love infpired me to ad- drefs myfelf'io Prince Cafimir the King's brother, MR. BORUWLASKI. 73 brother j his affability, his gentle manners, you are well acquainted with. You are not ignorant how much he interefted him- felf in all that concerned me. I was not deceived in my expectations : he knew ajl except my departure, at which he was much furprized. Make yourfelf eafy, Joujou, fays he, you fhall not want: I will never for- fake you; come and fee me foon. I will importune the King in your behalfj you know he loves you, and I am fure he will protect you. Thefe kind exprefllons have animated my drooping Ipirits. Dear Ifalina, be kind, and we fhall yet be happy. 'But permit me to fee you to fpeak to you and repeat a thoufand and a thoufand times, with my laft breath, you are all the hope the delight of the faithful and tender Joujou. Joujou to Ifalina. No-Jtmber 47, 1780. THE Prince fent for me this morning, my charming friend. . How can f exprefs E to 74 MEMOIRS OF to you my grateful fentiments for his nu- merous favours ? he afked me if I would return to the Countefs Humiefka, and he would ufe all his influence to foften her; or if I was refolved to marry my dear Ifalina; fo he exprefied himfelf. I anfwered him, that I was exceedingly forry to have forfeit- ed the protection of the Countefs ; but that my heart could never fubfcribe to her hard conditions. Obtain then the mother's con- lent, replied this amiable prince, and all will yet be \vell. You fee, my lovely friend, they think your fentiments fympathize with mine. 1 durft not acknowledge I had not your confent ; that would have fpoiled all. Can you refufe it me, my kind Ifalina ? Can you harbour a thought that would deftroy the man who adores you ? I am to be prefented to his Majefty ; he has promifed his illuf- trious brother to provide for me. Thus all our anxieties for fubfiftence ceafe : I exped: v an annuity. Dart then, my charmer, a ray of hope* and I will kneel at your mother's feet : fh- will yield to my fupplications, fee- ing MR, BORUWLASKI. 75 ing me ib well protected. All my hopes are concentred in my Ifalina's tendernefs ; but confider, that the lead indifference, the leaft delay, may deftroy for ever the hopes of happinefs in your tender and affectionate Joujou. I waited upon Ifalina's mother, whofe confent I obtained; I faw my fair friend again, a friend, whofe inexhauftible ftock of gaiety makes fo happy a contraft with my temper, that I foon buried in oblivion all the vexations I had endured. The Prince Chamberlain kept his word j he was fo kind as to prefent me to his Majefty, who ap- proved of my marriage, and granted me an annuity of an hundred ducats. The Pope's Nuncio waoted to prevent it, by a ridicu- lous pretext j but the King prevailed over this obftaclej and fome time after, the per- formance of the ceremony roke all the barriers that had been oppofed to my fe- licity. , E 2 Yes, 7$ MEMOIRS OF Yes, it is true, I have'facrificed for this happinefs eafe and tranquility. It has been for me the fource of a thoufand inquietudes, refpefting either the fubfiftence of myfclf and family, or that of my children for the future. Yet, for thefe eight years that I have enjoy- ed it, I have found that nothing in the world is preferable to the fatisfaftion of pouring our inquietudes, our hopes, our fears into the bofom of a true friend united to our fate, whofe tender and feeling foul relieves our pains by fharing them, and enlivens our pleafures with a far greater delight. I Should MR. BORUWLASKI. 77 1 Should have been too happy in my new ftate, if it had been pofiible that folely minding the prefent I had not caft an eye on the future; but man is not formed for a pure and perfeft felicity; difquietudes poifon his enjoyments ; and it but too often hap- pens that from thefe very enjoyments arife his difquietudes. Notwithstanding my in- experience, I foon perceived that the King's favours would hardly be fufficient for our maintenance ; and through much delicacy feverely anticipating the neceflities my new confort muft fubmit to, the livelinefs of my fentiments towards her ftill increafed the bitternefs and horror of my reflections. Al- though accuftomed to the luxury and mag- nificence which had furrourfted us in the houfe of my benefadtrefs, yet without grief, and even with a kind of pleafure, f we Ihould E 3 have 78 MOIRS OF have embraced a middle ftation of life, the only one, perhaps, which gives to the ten- der and delicate fentiments their full fcope and energy. But the queftion was not of expences more or lefs confiderable, we were likely to want even the necefiaries of life ; and I confefs that the idea of feeing a be- loved wife involved in mifery, did not long permit me to enjoy the happinefs of pofieff- ing her. It was needful to take fome ftep ; but the choice was fo much the more difficult, as having received no other education but fuch as was analogous to my fize, and the ftation which the Countefs Humiefka feem- ed to have afcribed to me, I poffefied at mod a few agreeable talents, which would not offer me any refource. In this perplexity, my protectors were the firft who fuggefted to me the idea* of a fecond journey. The Prince Chamberlain, efpecially, feconded this project He intimated to me, that hav- ing MR. BORUWLASKI. 79 ing been kindly received in the principal Courts of Europe, when I accompanied my benefactrefs, they would fee me again with the fame pleafure ; and on knowing that I was a father, and without fortune, this pofition would increafe the intereft I had infpired, and in a decent manner procure me the means of leading, at my return, a peaceful and tranquil life. I gave myfelf up to this idea. I fpoke of it to the King, who not only vouchfafed to approve of my plan, but, even wifhing to grant me a particular teftimony of his bounty, ordered the Matter of the Horfe to fupply me with a convenient coach. Hav- ing alfo taken all neceflary meafures, and being provided with letters of recommenda- tion, I left Warfaw the 2 1 ft of November, 1780, and reached Cracow the 26th in the evening. This town, formerly the capital of Po- land, and where the coronation or the Kings E 4 was 8o MEMOIRS OF v.as performed, is now no more than a fron- tier town, upon the viftula, which feparates what remains of Poland to the Common- wealth, from that 'part which the Auftrians have invaded. An illnefs having befallen my wife, we were obliged to (lay there. On her recovery, I fet out for Vienna, not- vfithftanding the cold was exceffive. We reached there on the 1 1 th of Fe- bruary, 1781; but, unluckily for me, death had juft before deprived the world of the illuftrious Maria Therefa. A mournful forrow pervaded the whole town ; and, as if every one had loft his wife, his parent, the deepeft grief was imprefied on all their fea- tures. All public entertainments, even con- certs, were fufpended. They only talked of the lofs that had befallen them; of the magnanimity with which this heorine had fupported adv*erfe events. They recollected thofe difaftrous times, when, forced to leave her refidepce, and holding her fon in her arms, (he had excited, amongft the Hunga- rians, MR. BORUWLASKI. 81 rians, that patriotic fermentation which had impelled them to do fo much for her fake. Whilft they expatiated' with complacency upon the means fhe had employed to re- tftablifti her affairs, upon the glorious treaty which put an end to a war apparently threat- ening her in its origin with a total deftruc- tion ; on the other hand, with new regrets, enumerated the pains fhe had fmce taken, the cares (he had been at to reftore fuch of her provinces as had been defolated by war, to render the moft advantageous to her fubjeds the peace Ihe had procured them. In the midft of this general mourning, I renewed my acquaintance with moft ot the noblemen I had the honour to fee in my former travels. Even I may venture to fay, that his Excellency the Prince de Kaunitz received my vifit with every mark of benevolence and pleafure. As at that time his Imperial Majefty, Joftfch II. held no court, all the nobility aiiembled every E 5 evening, 8a MEMOIRS OF evening in the Prince's hotel (where his re- lation, the C. Clarifla, received the guefts) j he did me fo much favour as to prefcnt me to this aflembly, and engage me often to come and fpend the evening. There I had the honour to become acquainted with his Excellency Sir Robert Murray Keith, the Britifh Ambafiador, who has been the prin- cipal caufe afterwards of my paffage into England. There alfo I had occafion to be convinced, that the great occupations of the Prince de Kaunitz, his fuperior talents, known to every one, in comprehending at one view the mod extenfive and complicate affairs, in forefeeing all their confequences, and preventing the events refulting from them, did not hinder him from looking on the minuteft objects, the lead worthy of fix- ing his attention. For, having fent for the meafure of my. fize, which he had carefully taken when I was at Vienna, 1761, with the Countefs fclumiefka, he fhewed to us, that from that 'time to 1781, I had grown up- wards MR. BORUWLASKI: 83 wards of ten inches. Which appeared as much furprifing to thofe who, not having feen me before, did not conceive how, this moment (1781) being hardly in fize like a child, I could have been ten inches (horter; as to thofe who, having feen me twenty years before, thought they obferved in me as much difference, as there is between a youth of twelve and a grown man of thirty. Notwithftanding thefe fine appearances, and the profeflions of friendfhip I received every where, my journey did not anfwer the intended purpofe. My hopes, it is true, were grounded upon a concert; but though I muft have waited until the mourning was over, yet I had ftill new difficulties to over- come, new obftacles to furmount. A crowd of Virtuofi were infcribed o| the catalogue, at the royal theatre; and if I had been obliged to wait for my turn, Ijmight have been kept a great way back. Happily for E 6 me, 84 MEMOIRS OF me, my prote&ors in general, and efpecially Mr. Gunter, Secretary to his imperial Ma- jefty, fo much prefied Mr. Dorval, the ma- nager of the houfe, that I was preferred be- fore the others ; and they were even fo kind as to manage for me, and conduct the con- ceit and the expences. I was fo fortunate as to be honoured with a numerous aflembly, and almoft all the nobility was prefent. I attempted in a fhort fpeech to exprefs my gratitude to them j I wanted likewife to make an apo- logy before that fame nobility, who, twenty years ago, having feen me furrounded with the eclat of greatnefs, faw me now re- duced to the fad neceflity of appearing in public. I was at thft time very far from think- ing, that, through neceflity of providing for the moft efiential wants of life, I Ihould be obliged to c expofe myfelf to view for mo- ney. MR. BORUWLASKI. 85 ney. The education I had received, the manner in which I had lived till now, con- tributed to make me look upon this refource as bentath me ; and though all the perfons concerned for my welfare endeavoured to bring me to that refolution, yet I had ftill much reluctance to take it. Above all, the Baron de Breteuil, then ambaflador from the court of France to that of Vienna, was inceffantly preflmg me thereon. Do not * believe,' faid he to me one day, ' my little f friend, that concerts will always be fuffi- * cient to anfwer your expences, and to pro- ' cure you a fupport j you muft needs give * up pride, or choofe mifeiyj and if you do * not intend to lead the moft unhappy life; c if you wifh to enjoy, in future, a ftate of < tranquillity, it is indifpenfable you fhould ' refolve to make exhibition of yourfelf.' The next day the Prince df Kaunitz fpoke to me in the fame manner amidft a crowd- ed levee. His Excellency Sir Robert Mur- ray Keith was prefent ; he prevailed upon me 86 MEMOIRS OF me to go over to England, in preference to France, which was the country I intended firft to vifit. The Prince fupported this advice, and earneftly defired the Ambafla- dor to intereft himfelf for me. His Excel- lency promifed me letters of recommenda- tion to the greateft perfonages at the Bri- tifh Court j the Prince made him on ac- knowledgment for it, and affured him he would feek every opportunity to fhew him how fenfible he was of all that was done to his little friend. If all thefe reafons did not entirely pre- vail, at leaft they acted upon me ; and I re- folved to leave Vienna, being fupplied with the beft letters of recommendation to many Princes of Germany. But before I fpeak of the kind welcome I met with in the fe- veral Courts I f vifited, I think it a duty to mention the beneficence of the Countefs Feguctte, Tfho infifted on my not fetting out till I hfcd previoufly made a journey to Pre/bourg; MR. BOROWLASKI. 87 Prefbourgj and not only defrayed all the expences of this tour, but even added a pre- fent. I ftaid there only the necefiary time to give a concert j and from thence I went to Lintz, where the Count de Thierheim, Governor of Low Auftria, and fbn-in-law to the Prince de Kaunitz, loaded me with kindnefles. He was fo good as to lend me for the concert his band of muficians : this band was compofed of fifteen young men, all good performers, the eldeft of whom was not feventeen. The audience being very thinly attended, occafioned this to be faid: Little concert, little mufic, little players, and little receipt. I ought not to omit an in- genious faying of the Countefs de Thier- heim, then between fix and feven. This fine young lady did not ceafe to look at me all the concert 3 when it was over, fhe ran to her papa, and clinging ^ound his neck, earneftly begged he would buy her this little man. Well ! what would^you do with him, my dear child ? faid the Count to herj be fides, 88 MEMOIRS OF befides, we have no apartment for him. let that be no obftacle, papa, replied (he, I will keep him in mine, will take the ut- moft care of him, have the pleafure of dreff- ing and adorning him, of loading him with carefles and dainties. In a word, they had much ado to perfuade her that it was not poflfible to purchafe the little man like a doll. The next place where I flopped at was Ratifbon; but not finding the Prince de la Tour et Taxis, 'who was then at his eftate at Tefchen, I went immediately to Munich, where her Royal Highnefs the Ele&refs Dowager, whom I had the honour to vifit twenty years before, was very glad to fee me again, and fhewed me the fame kind- nefs as at the time of my former journey. She perfectly lemembered the particular pleafure her illuftrious hufband had in con- verfing witheme, and the fpecial favour he had done me"', by prefenting me with a chafed gold MR. BORUWLASKI. 89 gold box, made by himfelf. She prefented me to His Mod Serene Highnefs, the now reign- ing Elector. I was often invited to the af- femblies at Court, and every time I was the fubject of general converfation. They took great pleafure in tracing back many events and circumftances of my former appearance in that town ; this in particular, when at the aflembly, feveral charming ladies were eager to take me on their lap and clafp me in their arms : I could not help obferving to them that, being twenty-two, I had the feel- ings of a man, though in fize like a child. His Moft Serene Highnefs was fo good as to appoint a day for the concert, all the ex- pences of which he defired to clear. After having taken my leave of theii HighneiTes, I directed my route to Tefchen, where, being arrived, I fent to the Prince de la Tour and Taxis, tha?I might be per- mitted to pay my refpects to him. He an- fvvered that he had often feefi men of my fpecies, 90 MEMOIRS OF fpecies, and had no curiofity to fee any more, except one who had travelled with the Countefs Humiefka, whom he had al- ways defired to fee, without ever having had it in his power. When he was told that I was not only the very fame he had defired to meet with, and that I was the bearer of letters from the Princefs his daughter, and the Prince Radziwill his fon-in-law, which would confirm the fact, he fent a carriage for me. After having bowed to the Prince and all his court, I approached His Highnefs, and told him that one of the moft charming ladies in the world had charged me to em- brace him with all my heart. Without giv- ing me time to finifh my phrafe, the Prince lifted me up in his arms, faying, c 'Tis ' with great pleafure, my little man.' Then, having put me e on the ground again, he afked me, < Who had charged me with fo ' agreeable a^commiflion ? I immediately delivered MR. BORUWLASKI. 9 i delivered to him the letters of the Prince his fon-in-law, and of the Princefs his daugh- ter j and told him that, the day before my fetting out from Warfaw, having waited on the Princefs to receive her orders, fhe had been fo kind as to embrace me, and fay, f It was on condition I would return this ' kifs to her papa.' She afterwards had enjoined me to prefs him to take a trip to Poland, to fee a daughter who loved him tenderly, and to whofe happinefs his pre- fence only was wanting j fhould he not de- termine on it, nothing could hold her back ; but fhe would fet out immediately, not be- ing able to live any longer without the plea- fure of feeing him. During all this recital, the Prince's fenfibility was not equivocal; his eyes fpaikled with tears 3 and, after hav- ing read the letters, he embraced me again, afked many queftions of the manner I had parted from the Countefs HuWefka, of my marriage, of what had induced me to un- dertake new travels j and, feermng fatisfied with 92 MEMOIRS OF with my anfwers, he faid, f You muft needs ' be fatigued, go to reft ; I will give orders c that you want nothing. It will be proper ' for you to fpend here four or five days, to f walk about and enjoy the benefit of the 1 air.' When I went home I faw that the Prince's orders had preceded me ; and during four or five days I (laid at Tefchen, there was nothing but feafts and entertain- ments. In fine, when I took my leave of His Highnefs, he engaged me to pay a vifit to the Prince de Wallerftein his fon-in-law, who at that time refided at Honnaltheim, his country-feat. This propofal was too agreeable to be refufed. o Being arrived at Honnaltheim, I was prefented to the Prince de Wallerftein, by whom, confidering the recommendation I had from his father-in-law, I could not fail to be kindly received. But though he wel- comed me with all the affability and polite - nefs imaginable, I foon perceived that he was MR. BORUWLASKI. 93 was labouring under a dark melancholy, and feemed to value life only for his extreme at- tachment to the Princefs his daughter, then four years old. I was foon informed of the caufe of this fadnefs, in which all his court took the greateft concern ; and my aftonilhment ceafed when I was told, that the moment which made him a fa- ther, deprived him of a charming and adored confort, for whom he had mourn- ed ever fince. She who was to complete his happinefs, had plunged him into this ftate of apathy and infenfibility, fubfequent to the moft violent ravings, which had alarmed his court, firft for his life, and after- wards for his fenfes. Yet, notwithftanding this fadnefs, as my figure and manners feemed to amufe the young Princefs, and nothing could make any impreflion upon him but what interefted this child, the Prince did me the honour to attend my concert. j Till then, I had no reafon but to applaud myfelf for the expedient I had taken of tra- velling; 94 MEMOIRS OF veiling ; I had every where been feen with pleafure, and met with much civility. But nothing can be compared to the reception I found at the court of his Moft Serene High- nefs the Margrave of Anfpach, at Trierf- dorff; nor can I find expreflions ftrong enough to defcribe the fentiments of re- fpeftful gratitude I fhall always have for this amiable Prince, whofe generous treat- ment has made the deepeft impreffions on my heart. 'Tis to the Mademoifelle Clai- ron I am indebted for it; and with the great- eft pleafure do I embrace this oportunity of paying her my homage for fuch a favour. That diftinguifhed actrefs, after having ac- quired fo univerfal and fo well merited a re- putation, feeking only to enjoy a peaceful and eafy life in the circle of a chofen fociety, fpent every fummer at Trierfdorff, where (he was detained by the kindnefs, I will ven- ture to fay, the tender friendfhip His High- nefs honoured 'ner with. Having had the advantage of being acquainted with her at Paris in rmVfirft travels, being at fupper one evening MR. BORUWLASKI. 95 evening with the Princefs Galien, the Ruf- fian AmbafTadrefs, Ihe faw me again with new pleafure, and was fo obliging as to pre- fent me to the Margrave. She reprefented to him, in fo affecting and lively a manner, the difference of my prefent fituation from what I had enjoyed when protected by the Countefs Humiefka, that fhe infpired this good Prince with that uncommon intereft he has fince taken in me. I had the honour to partake of his table almofl every day ; after dinner I was admitted to play at fhittle- cock with Her Highnefs j and, as I was telerably fkilful at this exercife, which fuits my fize fo well, they leemed to take great pleafure in feeing me play. I pafled fix weeks in that delightful place, amidft pleafures, entertainments, and that friendly protection which is fo flatter- ing when it comes from the great. I can- not remember without feeding the utmoft fenfe of endlefs gratitude, with what good- d nature 96 MEMOIRS OF nature their Highneflts offered to take care of my daughter j I do not ceafe to praife the blefied day that procured me fo illuf- trious a benefactor, when I recollect how earneft this good Prince was to calm my in- quietudes for the fate of this child ; and that on perceiving her mother's grief to part with an only child, he deigned to addrefs me with thefe remarkable words, which are dill echoed to the bottom of my heart: ' My friend, it is not only a Prince's word * I give you to take care of your child, re- c ceive that of an honed man, and be af- ' fured that I will provide for her.' O ! my daughter, I fhall leave you no inheritance ; reduced inceffantly to druggie with fortune, your father is compelled to feck for every poflible means of providing for his fubfid- ence ; but here he bequeaths you to the fa- cred word of a magnanimous Prince, and, fhould you know how to value fo great a favour, your rtappinefs mud neceflarily be the confequence. * Some MR. BORUWLASfH. 97 Some days after we prepared to fet out, and on taking our leave, Her Highnefs ddgned to give us repeated affurances of the fate of our child. I could not make any other return but my tears, for fo many tokens of beneficence, and it was with the brttereft regret I tore myfelf from a place which I had fo much reafon to be partial to, which every thing has contributed to render interefting to me. On leaving Trierfdorff, my only care was to haften my journey, that I might reach England as foon as pofilble. I have already obferved that his Excellency Sir Robert Murry Keith, had prevailed upon me to take this rout, by having aflured me a thoufand times that I could not fail of making a brilliant fortune, in a country were generofity and greatnefs of foul, are reckoned among the charac^eriftic virtues of the nation. o Therefore, 98 MEMOIRS OF Therefore, after having pafled rapidly through, Franckfort, Mayence, and Man- heim, I went to Strafburg, where I had the ' honour to give a concert, under the protec- tion of the Princefs Chriftiana, to whom I alfo had the honour to prefent a letter of recommendation from the Ele&ofefs of Ba- varia her fitter, who politely engaged me to fpend feveral evenings at her court. The night before my departure, I received from her hands a handfome gold box, of three colours, which (he had ordered to be made for me, and v;hich cruel necefllty has com- pelled me to didfofe of during my refi- dence in London. I afterwards directed my courfe to Bruf- fels, where I had the honour to be prefented to the governor and his lady of the Low Countries; all the nobility welcomed me with much kindnefs; I was even permitted to prefide at a concert in an elegant room fitted up for their aflemblies, of which they defrayed MR. BORUWLASKI. 99 defrayed the expences. Meeting with fome unexpected difappointments, this concert did not anfwer my expectations. But the generous public by no means imputed the blame to me, and I had every reafon to be fatisfied with their proceedings. I remained at Brufiells during two months, then I em- barked for Oftend. I had never been at fea, nor ever beheld this proud element. Judge then with what amazement and admiration 1 contemplated fo tremendous a fpeftacle, fuch a depth and extent of boifterous waters, upon which I was foon to expofe my own life, and what I held deareft in the world. I confidered the main as likely to be my grave; and my apprehenfions were very nearly realized. During a pafiage of four days we were con- tinually tofled in ftorms, our mafts broke, our fails were carried away; and if to my own fituation is added that which I fuffered for the ftate of my wife, who was afflidled with great ficknefs and fpitting of blood, which nothing could flop; it^may eafily be F 2 conceived joo MEMOIRS OF conceived the fatisfaftion I felt on our get- ting out of the packet. We landed at Mar- gate, the aoth of March, 1782, and a few days after fet out for London, where we ar- rived without any other accident. We had brought with us a number of recommendatory letters to many of the firft nobility. I immediately made ufe of thole directed to their Graces the Duke and Duchefs of Devonfhire; and though I had every where heard them praifed for their politenefs, their affability, their defire of obliging, yet I foon learnt by myfelf that true merit is always fuperior to the higheft renown. This illuftrious couple received me moft gracioufly, and condefcended to fay : that having heard of my misfurtunes, they defired I would have recourfe to them if I wanted any thing. The Duchefs after- wards afked me many queftions, with that affability and feeling concern, which, far from denoting an "eager curiofity, only wait for anfwers that may give occafion to be- ftow favours. In effeft, having been in- formed MR. BORUWLASKI. 101 formed that I was not lodged conveniently, and that for want of fpeaking the language, I could hardly provide for my neceffaries, fhe immediately gave orders to procure me a comfortable lodging at her own expence; this we held fome months. The very next day, Her Grace having been informed that my wife- was ill, fent Dr. Walker to attend her) and I efteem this not the fmalleft fa- vour of the Duchefs to have procured me the acquaintance of fo refpe&able a gen- tleman, whofe friendfhip to me has not ceafed during my ftay in England, beftow- ing upon me and my family, his cares and remedies with generofity, in a manner that puts it entirely out of my power to ac- knowledge what I feel. His firft vifit was pleafant enough. The Duchefs had not informed him of the fpe- cies of man whofe wife fhe kfired him to attend ; coming into the apartment he took me for a child. Being near hu. patient's F 3 - bed, 102 MEMOIRS OF bed, he was taken up with afking her quef- tions, and I, on my part, with thanking him, recommending the care of my wife j and as the tone of my voice is much above my ftature, fo he was at a lofs to conceive from whence came the fpeech that was di- rected to him. My wife perceiving his embarafiment, told him who I was. Going to take my leave of the Duchefs, I was prefented to Lady Spencer, who was pleafed to appoint a day to receive me at her houfe. And there I had the happinefs of feeing his Royal Highnefs the Prince of Wales, to whom my Lady gracioufly pre- fented me; and the Prince received me with his ufual affability, which gains him univerfal efteem. Soon after my arrival in London, there appeared a fbtpendous giant; he was eight feet four inches high ; was well proportioned, had a pleafing countenance, and what is not 1 common MR. BORUWLASKI. 103 common in men of his fize, his ftrength adequate to his bulk, He was then two and twenty years of age ; many perfons wilhed to fee us in company, particularly the Duke and Duchefs of Devonfhire, my worthy protectors, who with Lady Spencer, propofing a day to fee the giant, I offered to accompany them that they might view fo great a contraft as his great, and my little ftature, muft naturully afford them. I went, and I believe we were equally aftonifhed. The giant remained fometime mute. Then (looping very low he offered me his hand, which I am fure would have inclofed a dozen like mine. He paid me a genteel compliment, and drew me near to him, that the difference of our fize might ftrike the fpectators the better : the top of my head fcarce reached his knee. About this time I was 1 vifited by His Royal Highnefs the Duke of Gloucefter, at whofe door T had called as foor^as I arrived, to deliver a letter which His riighnefs the Margrave iC4 MEMOIRS OF Margrare of Anfpaeh had favoured me with for him. But as I had not been fortunate enough to meet him, he thought proper to furprize me with a vifit incognito: but Mr. Cramer, the firft violin, engaged at his Majcfty's concert, who having come to fee me, met with his Royal Highnefs, and thus preventing his remaining any longer incog- nito, gave him an opportunity of aflfuring me I might depend he would do all in his power to oblige me. From that time this amiable prince has not ceafed to favour me with proofs of his protection. Unhappily for me, the epoch of his Royal Highnefs's travels was fixed, and I felt the mortifica- tion of feeing him fet out foon after my arrival. i The Duchefs of Devonfhire, as well as her whole family, ftill continued to take the moft lively inter Jft in all that related to me, well knowing that my fituation was be- neath my biiyh, education, and fentiments j Ihe recommended me to all her acquaint- ance. MR. BORUWLASKI. 105 ance. I ought to diftinguifh in the number the Countefs of Egremont, fince it is to her I owe the obligation of being prefented to their Majefties. Her Ladyfhip having been informed that I was fpoken of at Court, fluffed one of my fhoes with cotton, and fent it to the queen ; this exciting their cu- riofity, their Majefties condefcended to ap- point a day for me to attend them. It was on the 23d of May, 1782, that my Lady Egremout was fo kind as to take me to her Majefty. The King and all the Royal Family were prefent. His Majefty condefcended to bid me fit down, and afked me many queftions. H. R. H. the Prince of Wales often interrupted the converfation by witty and agreeable falliesj and the young Princes and Princefles recovering from the firft aftonifhment I had caufed them, en- tered with me into the familiarities which characterizes youth. In fine, I had the honour to ftay four hours with* their Ma- F 5 * jefties; io6 MEMOIRS OF jefties; and having ufed all my efforts to pleafe them, I enjoyed the fatisfaftion of feeing that, in fome refpeft, I had not failed in my aim. Thefe exertions, however, were near being fatal to me; I came home with a fever, and the very next day fell danger- oufly ill. His Majefty did me the favour to fend his phyfician, Sir Richard Jebb, by whofe care, together with that of our good friend Dr. Walker, I recovered in a fort- night. The public have fpoken very freely with regard to that vifit ; it has been mentioned in fome news-papers, that I received from Their Majefties a confiderable fum of mo- ney j but it is with this report as with many others which are founded on conjectures only. If it had the lead foundation in truth, I would not have omitted any of its parti- culars i as T confider it my duty to declare all MR. BORUWLASKL 107 all the favours I have been indulged with. The faft is, that His Majefty vouchfafed to treat me as a Polilh gentleman ; and though it is an honour to receive favours from a King, yet thefe marks of royal condefcend- ance obliterated every idea of intereft. But alas ! we muft fupprefs the dictates of felf-love, when the matter in queftion is to provide for the fubfiftence of thofe who are deareft to us j it was foon necefiary that this laft confideration fhould prevail with me above all others. Befides, though it were poffible to have always recourfe to generous benefactors, do we not experience more painful, more humiliating fentiments, in inceffantly importuning them, than if by fome other means we could fucceed in pro- curing ourfelves a decent maintenance? Such were the refledli^ns which arofe in my mind, from my own fituation, and which met with the approbation of thofe to * whom io8 MEMOIRS OF whom I communicated them. They ad- vifed me to give concerts ; afterwards they prevailed upon me to make an exhibition of myfelf, and the preflure of want and the call of nature, had flifled in my heart all that feemed (hocking to me in iuch an expedient. The firft concert I gave was at Carlifle Iloufe, Soho. My Lady Egremont always anxious for my welfare, was frightened at the expence it occafioned me, and which actually amounted to eighty guineas; but I was amply indemnified, the aflembly being both brilliant and numerous j and if that enthufiafm had continued, fome concerts given now and then would have been fuf- ficient to fet me above mediocrity: this, however, did not happen j for having at- tempted a few weeks after to give another at the fame ploce, I fcarcely cleared my expencesj half the nobility were gone to the country, the others were departing, and I was MR. BOROWLASKI. 109 was obliged to think of new means of fupporr. At the beginning of the winter follow- ing I went to Bath, where I met with moft of my protectors. At my return to Lon- don, refpect and gratitude led me to the door of the Duchefs of Devonfhire, but notwithftanding many attempts, it was im- pofiible for me to obtain admittance. I was afraid I had incurred her Grace's difplea- lure; when Lady Clermont aflured me that this powerful protedtrefs ftill entertained the fame fentiments for me, and I fhould foon be convinced of it. This converfation recalled to my mind what feveral Lords, who about fix months before met at my apartment, made me hope for. The defign was to open a fub- fcription, at the head of wkich the moft il- luftrious of my protectors would be put, to fecure me an eafy and decent iffmintenance for no MEMOIRS OF for the remainder of my days. They had come fo often to queftion me upon this fubjeft, and the concern they feemed to have for me was fo evident, that for a while I ventured to flatter myfelf that this project would take place ; but it failed, and I faw myfelf deprived of profitable and honour- able fupport. I was then compelled to try fome other plan, as the vifits I received would by no means fupport the expences. I therefore determined to renew my concerts, the pro- fits arifing gave me a temporal relief; and I fet out for Ireland in the month of April, 1783. But forefeeing this trip would be longer than I expected, I Hopped at Briftol, intending to learve it in a week, but re- mained there two months, and I have no reafon to complain : for though I did not intend to ftay ib long, I enjoyed every fa- tisfa&ion I could wifh ; which I attribute in part to t^ie marks of friendfhip fhewn w me MR. BORUWLASKI. in me by Mr. Humberry, and the humane difpofitions of the inhabitants. I have fince renewed my vifit to this truly opulent city, and was honoured with many diftinguifhed teftimonies of the benevolence of its inha- bitants, as elevated in fentiment as their city in fplendour. From thence I went to Chefter, where the civilities and kindnefs I met with detained me fever, weeks. It was during my flay there, I got ac- quainted with one of thofe men, who, hav- ing received of nature, wit and good ap- pearance, think themfelves exempt from being principled with honour and upright- nefs, and who, compelled through their want of conduct to leave their own country, eftablifti their refources in foreign lands, upon the credulity and good faith of thofe whom they find means to jnfpire with con- fidence. This man afiumcd the name of* Marquis de Montpellier, and for a while was very cautious not to come 'to my apart- ments but among great folks, with whom he H9 MEMOIRS OF he drove to act an officious part, in order to give me a good opinion of his connec- tions. Nor did he fail in his defign ; as he had artfully perfuaded me that he enter- tained intimacy with the firft nobility of Ireland, that, if he would attempt it, no- thing could be fo eafy for him as to procure me there a fubfcription of two thoufand five hundred guineas, that for this purpofe he had only to fet out before me, to fecure an houfe, and announce my coming, in order to prepare their minds for my reception, fo that I could not help giving credit to all the chi- meras he lulled me with. Thus the pretended Marquis fet out, having my full powers ; and I followed him in a fortnight after. We had a fortunate pafiage, and as Lady Clermont had condefcended to give me a letter for the mafter of the packet, I had much reafon to be pleafed witk the attentions and care of the captain and all his crew, who, not- withftanding ~ny entreaties, however prefT- ing I was, would not accept even the leaft gratification for their trouble. On my ar- rival MR. BORUWLASKI. rival in Dublin I hoped to have found a houfe ready for me -, but was extremely fur- prized at meeting my fellow in an inn near the port, where he had announced me for a great Lord, and, thanks to his provident cares, I fared very daintly, not yet perceiv- ing that I was his dupe. Nay, it was not till a fortnight after, that being informed by refpe&able perfons, both of the pretended Marquis's character, and the harm that fuch an acquaintance would do me, I had wifdom enough to get rid of this parafite, by giving him money to crofs the fea again. When I fet out from London, my pro- tectors had been fo attentive as to fupply me with letters of recommendation, as well ~o His Grace the Lord Lieutenant, as to the :hief Lords and mod of the diflinguiflied Indies in Ireland. My Lord Viceroy fent or me to his Court, on an afllmbly-day, and :o judge by my reception, I afforded them mich pleafure. Some time aCer he was Tucceeded ii 4 MEMOIRS OF fucceeded by His Grace the Duke of Rut- land, under whofe patronage and that of the Duchefs, I had the honour to give the Irifh nobility a concert and ball at the Ro- tunda, in May, 1784. The afiembly was extremely brilliant; Her Grace the Vice Reine was the principal ornament. 4 His Grace the Duke of Leinfter, on this occafion gave me a gracious reception. His greatnefs of foul, his bounty, are written with indelible characters in the hearts of many unhappy creatures, whom he relieves during the feverity of the winter, both in town and his country-feats, in a manner as judicious as charitable. I myfelf law an aft of humanity, which 1 am in duty bound to relate. As he pafTed on horfeback through Dame-flreet, an unlucky fervanr, whofe foot had dipt as he was getting behind a coach, fell between the hind wheel and the body. Happily for the man, the Duke at that infant, was near the coach; he alights, MR. BORUWLASKI. 115 alights, and flying to the horfes, (lops them, and takes out the poor fellow, whom one turn more of the wheel would have crufhed to death. After remaining near two years in Ireland, much longer than I intended, in compliance to feveral prefiing intreaties, I at length fet out, and rapidly travelling through Liver- pool, Manchefter and Birmingham, repaired to Oxford, where I made a . confiderable flay. One day a gentleman came and defired me to go and fpend the evening at about eight or nine miles diftance. He would not tell the place, but allured me that a car- riage fhould take me thither, and I fhould not repent my vifit. I complied with his requeft j and how great was my furprize, when I found myfelf conveffed to the mag- nificent palace at Blenheim, where Their Graces the Duke and DucheO of Marl- borough n6 MEMOIRS OF borough welcomed me in the moft affable manner. The Duchefs herfelf vouchfafed to fhew the apartments, and point out all the curious pieces they contain. I played upon the guitar. At length I returned to London in March, 1786, after about three years ab- fence. I met there with the Grand General of Lithuania, the Count Oginfki, who had fhewn me fo much kindnefs during my flay at Paris. He feemed to take much plea- fure in feeing me again, and promifed to affift me on all occafions with his name and credit. This was a moft favourable opportunity for me to perform another concert under the infpeftion of this nobleman, fo approved for talents of every kind, who had deigned to teach me th firft elements of mufic. The day appointed was the joth of June. His Royal Mighnefs the Prince of Wales promifed MR. BORUWLASKI. 117 pro mi led to be prefent. He had at dinner with him on that day, His Highnefs the Prince de Mecklenburgh, and wifhing to fhew me to this Prince, he fent his carriage for me. I found Their -Highnefies at ta- ble, with whom I fat down a full hour, and from thence fet out for the concert. Though it was tolerably well performed, and before a chofen aflembly, yet I fhould have fuffered a lofs, if the generous Count Oginfki had not paid Mr. Gallini aU the charges of it. About that time I was informed that His Grace the Duke of Marlborough wifh- ed to have one of my fhoes, to place it in his cabinet among other rarities: I had had too much reafon to be flattered with this nobleman's affability not to fend him a pair of them immediately, to which I joined the only pair of boots I had m^de for me, which I brought from Poland: His Grace was very well pleafed with this jpnark of at- tention. It u8 MEMOIRS OF It v/as about this time in agitation to give the public an hiftory of my life. Mauy per- fons of quality, as well as naturalifts, prefied me to undertake it; and I received a num- ber of fubfcriptions j His Royal Highnefs the Prince of Wales was gracioufly pleafed to be at the head of the fubfcribers. There- fore I ought only to mind this tafk, and do my belt endeavours to render fuch work, according to the very fmall abilities I had, worthy the patronage of fo many peifons, who condefcended to intereft themfelves for me. But let me be permitted to pafs over in filence all the difficulties and crofies I met with, in an undertaking which required many recollections, and more time than was imagined at firft. I will only fay, and that with the utmoft gratitude, that I could never have brought it about, without the bounty of the Princefs Lubomirfka, who deigned to enter, into the minuted detail of my fituation, and on feeing I was expofed to vexations fr