1117 introduction entitled Votum Ad Serenissimam Virginem Mariam Reginam Poloniae Pro Sacra Regia Maiestate, whose author is undoubtedly Fr. Papczyński, known for his Marian devotion. It seems that the election of Prince Michael Korybut Wiśniowiecki as King of Poland was very much to Fr. Stanislaus’ liking. When he received the news of this election, he rang the bells to call all, i.e. the Piarists of the Warsaw College, to sing Te Deum laudamus. This is further evidenced by Fr. Papczyński’s presence at the coronation in Krakow, on September 29, 16697. Why was this choice so pleasing to him? It seems firstly, because a Pole, a “Piast”8 was chosen, and not one of the foreign candidates. For this reason, in his Panegiryc, he emphasized this fact frequently and joyfully. Michael Korybut could be regarded not only as the successor of the Jagiellonians, but also of the Piasts or as a “dynasty renovator.” Perhaps, Fr. Papczyński’s acclaim of King Michael was exaggerated, but such was the style of panegyrics, which emphasized more the expected rather than existing virtues. Similarly, the Prince’s “heroic deeds” should also be taken as a tribute to the Baroque style. In fact, Prince Michael Korybut Wiśniowiecki was elected King of Poland as a “Piast” on the strength of his father’s merits rather than the electors’ conviction of his suitability9. Unfortunately, the manner of his governing frustrated not only the hopes of Fa7 In Christus Patiens, Fr. Papczyński described his impressions from the coronation of King Michael as if he were an eyewitness. It seems that he was in the vicinity of Krakow by then. It is also possible that during the coronation of Korybut Wiśnowiecki, Papczyński had a chance to deliver his Panegiryc, since 30 panegyrics in total were read at that time. See W. Kochowski, Roczników Polski Klimakter IV, obejmujący dzieje Polski pod panowaniem Króla Michała, Leipzig 1853, p. 51. 8 The Piast dynasty was the first historical ruling dynasty of Poland. The first documented Polish monarch was Duke Mieszko I (c. 930–992). The Piasts’ royal rule in Poland ended in 1370 with the death of king Casimir III the Great (see Wikipedia). 9 Cf. Polska, jej dzieje i kultura, J. Bystroń et al., Warszawa 1932, t. II, p. 121: “The gentry chose him because they wanted to elect a “Piast” (…). Yet, he was not marked by any special talents or intelligence.”
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