Reflexio ab equite Polono et amante Patriam facta supra electionem novi Regis Anno 1674 z 1673 r. .......... 179

“REFLEXIO AB EQUITE POLONO ET AMANTE PATRIAM FACTA SUPRA ELECTIONEM NOVI REGIS ANNO 1674” FROM 1673

On November 10, 1673, King Michał Wiśniowiecki died and another interregnum began. The struggle between opposing political camps intensifi ed. Candidates for the Polish throne began to be nominated, with their merits presented. Initially, the pro-Habsburg candidate, Charles V of Lorraine, had a good chance of winning. Supporters of individual candidates presented their merits in various forms. One of the voices in this discussion was an anonymous work entitled “Refl exio ab equite Polono et amante patriae facta super electionem novi regis” from 1673. It emphasized the merits of Charles of Lorraine and disparaged his opponents. “Reflexio” was considered a pasquil and condemned to be burned. The author of the article discusses the circumstances surrounding the appearance of “Refl exio,” its content, and the reaction of deputies to the political assessments contained therein.