We rested for some time at Wilna; the Emperor thence followed the movement of his armies, and occupied himself also with organizing the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, of which this town, as is well known, is the capital.  As the Emperor was often on horseback, I had sufficient leisure to acquaint myself thoroughly with the town and its environs.  The Lithuanians were in a state of enthusiasm impossible to describe; and although I have seen during my life many fetes, I shall never forget the joyous excitement of the whole population when the grand national fete of the regeneration of Poland was celebrated, which owing either to a singular coincidence, or the calculation of the Emperor, was appointed for the 14th of July.  The Poles were still uncertain as to the ultimate fate which the Emperor reserved for their country; but a future bright with hope shone before their eyes, until these visions were rudely dispelled by the Emperor’s reply to the deputation from the Polish confederation established at Warsaw.  This numerous deputation, with a count palatine at its head, demanded the integral re-establishment of the ancient kingdom of Poland.  This was the Emperor’s reply:—­

“Messieurs, deputies of the Confederation of Poland, I have heard with interest what you have just said.  Were I a Pole, I should think and act as you have done, and I should have voted like you in the assembly at Warsaw; for love of country is the first virtue of civilized man.

“In my position I have many opposing interests to reconcile, and many duties to fulfill.  If I had reigned at the time of the first, second, or third division of Poland, I would have armed all my people to sustain you.  As soon as victory permitted me to restore your ancient laws to your capital and to a part of your provinces, I have done so readily, without, however, prolonging a war which would have shed the blood of my subjects.

“I love your nation.  For sixteen years I have seen your soldiers by my side on the fields of Italy as on those of Spain.

“I applaud all that you have done; I authorize the efforts you wish to make; and all that depends on me to carry out your resolutions shall be done.

“If your efforts are unanimous, you may indulge the hope of forcing your enemies to recognize your rights.  But in these countries, so distant and so extensive, any hope of success can be founded only on the unanimous efforts of the population which occupies them.

“I have maintained the same position since my first appearance in Poland.  I should add here that I have guaranteed to the Emperor of Austria the integrity of his States, and I could authorize no movement tending to disturb him in the peaceful possession of what remains to him of the Polish provinces.  Let Lithuania, Samogitia, Witepsk, Polotsk, Mohilow, Wolhynia, Ukraine, and Podolia be animated by the same spirit I have seen in great Poland, and Providence will crown with success the holiness of your cause; it will recompense this devotion to your native country which has made you such an object of interest, and has obtained for you the right to my esteem and protection, on which you may rely under all circumstances.”