1102 scripta laudativa about the connection, which had previously linked Gembicki and Fr. Papczyński but it should not be overlooked in the examination of reasons that prompted his writing of PLyr. Perhaps, the bishop and St. Stanislaus met during the latter’s visit with his relative and friend, John Papczyński, who was Gembicki’s valet until his death in 1674. However, it is also possible that Fr. Papczyński was the Bishop’s confessor during his stay in Warsaw (from 1663–1667 and from 1668–1669). The most likely reason for writing PLyr could be the fact of the Warsaw College’s receiving some sort of benefice from Gembicki. It is also possible that Fr. Papczyński hoped to get the Bdishop’s help in publishing his work Regina Artium (for which he endeavored greatly in those years), since he was unable to obtain support from the religious authorities. Father Papczyński presented PLyr to Bishop Gembicki on the latter’s name day. Probably, he did so on December 27, 1666, and then sent him the manuscript. It seems that the recipient liked the opus, since he ordered it to be printed by the Elert’s print shop inWarsaw. Contents As it is apparent from the title of the work – Panegyris lyrica – is a work of praise, composed in the form of lyrical metre of the Alcais stanza, reminiscent of the ancient poets, primarily Horace. Following the opening salutation, the author extolled Bishop Gembicki, depicting his life story and recounting his specific achievements. Then he goes on to examine the Bishop’s religious and civic virtues, which the latter displayed in performing ecclesial functions as a Bishop and public functions as a senator. As any other panegyric would, PLyr displayed exaggeration in presenting the merits and achievements of its subject. Indeed, according to the historical sources, Bishop embicki was not an outstanding politician as it could be inferred from PLyr. However, his services to the Church were not exaggerated – he was indeed a good Bishop and did a lot to improve the Church life in the dioceses which he managed. Robert Sawa
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