“While other defensive states have fortified ports with water, mountains inaccessible, we have nothing … The fields and roads leading to Poland from all directions are perfect for the enemy, spacious; he will act, give way, enter, leave, get food, and take prisoners as and where he wants. In our very hands, in our breasts and in our throats, our munitions are our mountains, our waters, and the castles, walls and embankments of Poland.”
– a certain Grabowski, 16th century
