Casanova's partner in crime the Prince de Ligne (1735-1814) was a considerable match for his Italian friend when it came to the art of seduction. A regular guest at Europe's wittiest salons, the Prince was a connoisseur of a great many things, not least the charms of the fairer sex. It was in Warsaw, however, that the Prince experienced one of his most pleasant surprises, and he wrote to a friend of his discovery: 'Polish ladies' he enthused, 'have a grace, a charm and an abandon superior to those of women of all other parts of the world.'
Today, travellers continue to be struck by the charms of Polish ladies. And there can be no denying that they do have a certain je ne sais crois. But how does one break the ice with these intriguing creatures? Indeed, quaint customs still appear to persist, as you may gather on witnessing Polish gents kissing the hands of the ladyfolk. Do the younger generation still indulge in this Three Musketeers gesture?
If you're feeling a little bewildered then never fear. For if cupid's arrow strikes you down whilst you're travelling through this fair country, we may just be able to help out. We asked an exacting Polish lady to share her thoughts on the matter of chivalry and she very graciously presented us with the following discourse. So, without further ado, here are a few classic expressions that may help you to step into Casanova's well-heeled shoes (and a couple of more general tips on the way to a Polish lady's heart). Bonne Chance mes amis!
Henri, Duc de Pommes Frite
Polish Chivalry: A Survivor's Guide (An adaption of 'When the World Was Still in Order: Polish Gentlemen, Courtesy & Beyond' by Marta Urbanska, Hereditary Cupbearer of Krupnik)
For the Beginners:
General remark: Away with the bloody understatement! Compliments rule supreme!
Raczki caluje laskawej Pani Dobrodziejce...sciele sie do nozek. - I kiss your hands, Madam, my gracious benefactor - I fall prostrate at your feet.
(CLASSIC old fashioned, very 19th or even 18th c. charm – needless to say, I love it.
Or to your feet? I never did so myself as you might imagine, therefore to or at – positively no idea)
Pani uroda mnie zachwyca i oniesmiela... Brak mi slow – Your beauty is clearly intimidating…the words are missing, or perhaps it is beyond description…
Pani uroda mnie olsniewa. Jestem wprost bez tchu – Your beauty is dazzling. Leaves me stunned and breathless...
Wyglada Pani wprost zniewalajaco – You look absolutely captivating (and never say 'quite' captivating or quite whatever, as English quite is often understood as Polish not quite…or not strong enough, sad but true.)
Wyglada Pani swiezo jak wiosenny poranek – You look as fresh as a spring morning (not my case of course… )
Zyczenie laskawej Pani jest mi rozkazem – Your wish is my command, Milady (guess who likes it most)
Czy zechce Pani zaszczycic mnie chwila swego uroczego towarzystwa? – Would you care to honour me with a little while of your precious time and charming company?
Niebo blednie wobec barwy Pani oczu.... The skies are pale compared to the colour of your eyes. (Very classic and so we move to the next chapter)
For the advanced:
Czy nie zechcialaby Pani udac sie ze mna na niewielki spacer? Would you care to grace me with a little walk?
And after they are gone, he may always ask: Czy nie zechcialaby Pani obejrzec mojej kolekcji znaczkow, lub kolekcji motyli? Would you like to see my collection of stamps, or my collection of butterflies? Which is a classic witty but explicit proposal…very aptly. When she refuses, he could say:
Pani inteligencja mnie doprawdy zdumiewa – Your brightness leaves me stunned indeed!
P. S. But absolutely sincerely and seriously flowers here are always a classic must, as is a kiss on the hand, even with the completely young chicks, regardless of words! As is paying for everything… A Polish lady worthy of a gentleman’s fatigue will be repulsed if she has to pay even for coffee, especially one who did not spend 6 years abroad in the rude West devoid of manners…not to mention soul. Think of Grzesio Cieplinski!!! 'He who does not know Polish ladies does not know life.' At all.
M for Manners
Well it looks like you've got your work cut out chaps.... I think you'll need another Bonne Chance, or Wszystkiego Najlepszego as they say in this fair land.
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