e justice....
Chopin in his POLONAISES and in his MAZOURKAS has aimed at
those characteristics, which distinguish the national music
of his country so markedly from, that of all others, that
quaint idiosyncrasy, that identical wildness and
fantasticality, that delicious mingling of the sad and
cheerful, which invariably and forcibly individualize the
music of those Northern nations, whose language delights in
combinations of consonants...."]

He left France in that mood of mind which the English call "low
spirits." The transitory interest which he had endeavored to take in
political changes, soon disappeared. He became more taciturn than ever.
If through absence of mind, a few words would escape him. They were only
exclamations of regret. His affection for the limited number of persons
whom he continued to see, was filled with that heart-rending emotion
which precedes eternal farewells! Art alone always retained its absolute
power over him. Music absorbed him during the time, now constantly
shortening, in which he was able to occupy himself with it, as
completely as during the days when he was full of life and hope. Before
he left Paris, he gave a concert in the saloon of M. Pleyel, one of the
friends with whom his relations had been the most constant, the most
frequent, and the most affectionate; who is now rendering a worthy
homage to his memory, occupying himself with zeal and activity in the
execution of a monument for his tomb. At this concert, his chosen and
faithful audience heard him for the last time!

He was received in London with an eagerness which had some effect
in aiding him to shake off his sadness, to dissipate his mournful
depression. Perhaps he dreamed, by burying all his former habits in
oblivion, he could succeed in dissipating, his melancholy! He neglected
the prescriptions of his physicians, with all the precautions which
reminded him of his wretched health. He played twice in public, and many
times in private concerts. He mingled much in society, sat up late at
night, and exposed himself to considerable fatigue, without permitting
himself to be deterred by any consideration for his health. He was
presented to the Queen by the Duchess of Sutherland, and the most
distinguished society sought the pleasure of his acquaintance. He went
to Edinburgh, where the climate was particularly injurious to him.
He was much debilitated upon his return from Scotland; his