The Undivine Comedy, and Other Poems/In Memoriam
IN MEMORIAM.
This volume was prepared by the gifted translator as an offering to departed worth and genius, in the person of its author, Count Sigismund Krasinski, and also as opening to her compatriots a glimpse into the rich and peculiar literature of that most unfortunate of modern nations, unhappy Poland.
The translation was with her a labor of love, and its only reward, the pleasure of well-doing and the hope that the work might bear fruit in the hearts of her countrymen. She had been warned repeatedly that the chords were too finely strung to awaken many echoes, but she felt confident that there must be a considerable number of Americans to whom the volume would speak in tones readily understood and warmly welcomed.
She did not live to oversee the issuing of the work, and hence there may remain imperfections which her taste and judgment would finally have eliminated. It seems fitting that we should in this place say a few words with regard to one who labored so assiduously and conscientiously in the cause of simple justice.
Mrs. Martha Walker Cook was born in 1807, at Northumberland, Penna. Her father was Judge J. H. Walker, one of the pioneers of civilization and legal and classical learning in Western Pennsylvania. The career of her brother, Hon. Robert J. Walker, is identified with the history of his country during many eventful years, and the State of New Jersey will not soon forget the varied services of her husband. General William Cook. Rather shrinking from, than occupying, the place thus naturally open to her in the great world, she devoted much time to the improvement of her mind and the instruction of her children. Accomplished in many ways, her epistolary and conversational gifts were of the highest order. She possessed the rare quality of drawing forth from her associates the best that was in them, and the meanest intelligence expanded in her presence as in the sunshine of sympathy and ready comprehension.
Having had her attention called many years ago to the actual condition of Polish music and literature, she was naturally led to a study of the people and their history. The knowledge thus acquired determined her to spare no pains in the diffusion of correct ideas on a subject regarding which there are but few sources of information in the English tongue. Not only did she advocate the cause of Poland by every means in her power, but she always stood ready to welcome the Polish emigrant to America, giving sympathy, friendly counsel, and such aid as the limited circle of her influence would permit. It was one of her most heartfelt gratifications to know that her name was held in esteem and veneration by the Poles on both sides of the Atlantic.
She passed away from the scene of her activity on the 15th of September, 1874.
This work is issued in accordance with her desires, and as a tribute of honor to disinterested labor and love of abstract justice.
THE END.