1. Ukraine

But what is the use of naming all his friends! You see they were many; when I have added that they were true, were real friends, what more can I say? I do not pretend to teach how good a thing friendship is. If you have this feeling for someone who is worthy of it, you know what it is worth. The word of a friend, the look of a friend, his hand in yours, make three-fourths of the joy of life. If you have never known this happiness, my words will not teach it to you. Be worthy of having friends, we will talk of friendship afterwards, for until you are, were you wiser than the great Solomon himself, you could understand nothing of it.

Certainly, people could live very happily in a spot like this, if men were like sheep and only wanted rich pasturage.

But the human mind has the right to raise itself to higher aspirations. The true happiness of a people can never be obtained from the mere satisfaction of material wants; moral contentment only can give relish to the food we eat. Now I have already given you to understand, and you have taken the hint, dissatisfaction was everywhere.

The wearied country, drawn in one direction by the Russians, in another by the Polish aristocracy, harassed on both sides, was in open rebellion and regretted bitterly its lost independence. Ukraine was invaded by the Russian troops. The chief of the Muscovite party was loaded with presents and favors by the Tzar, the chief of the Polish party had fortified himself in a city and invited all the friends of liberty to come and join him.

Which side to take?

The times were trying, very trying! The eyes which were ordinarily the driest shed tears, and the wisest heads shook. The children themselves could hardly breathe.