This document provides a short biography of Adam Mickiewicz, a famous Polish poet. It notes that he first gained attention for his collection of ballads and romances, which opened the romantic era in Polish literature. His most famous work was the dramatic poem "Forefathers' Eve", which portrayed Poland's role in Europe and equated the suffering of the Polish nation with the Passion of Christ. The document also includes an excerpt from Mickiewicz's poem "Ode to Youth".