Krzysztof Dorohostajski’s activities dedicated to the Muses

Abstract

Krzysztof Moniwid Dorohostajski is known as the author of the work Hippica to jest o koniach księgi (Hippica or the books about horses). In a manuscript preserved in the Ossolineum collections in Wrocław (ms. II 185) one can find Dorohostajski’s poems in Latin, Greek and Polish, inscribed by him personally. The longest piece is Lament Rzeczypospolitej Matki po rozjachaniu z nierządnej elekcyjej anno 1587 (The Motherland’s lamentation after leaving the mismanaged election in 1587). This commemorative work inspired by the election of the king of Poland during the third interregnum shows not only the author’s writing technique but also his political affinities. Another Dorohostajski’s poem is entitled Wiosny opisanie (The description of spring). It contains Horatian motifs such as a description of the world awaking after winter, mythological references and reflections on transience. These previously unpublished works have been included in the appendix to the article.