Protestantism in Poland and Bohemia - James Aitken Wylie

was "the Augustan age of Polish literature;" the
half-century that followed, dating from the close of
the sixteenth century, showed a marked and most
melancholy decadence in every department of
mental exertion. It was but too obvious that
decrepitude had smitten the national intellect. The
press sent forth scarcely a single work of merit;
capable men were disappearing from professional
life; Poland ceased to have statesmen fitted to
counsel in the cabinet, or soldiers able to lead in
the field. The sciences were neglected and the arts
languished; and even the very language was
becoming corrupt and feeble; its elegance and fire
were sinking in the ashes of formalism and
barbarism. Nor is it difficult to account for this.
Without freedom there can be no vigour; but the
Jesuits dared not leave the mind of their pupils at
liberty. That the intellect should make full proof of
its powers by ranging freely over all subjects, and
investigating and discussing unfettered all
questions, was what the Jesuits could not allow,
well knowing that such freedom would overthrow
their own authority. They led about the mind in
chains as men do wild beasts, of whom they fear
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