"This homage has been rendered not to me - for the Polish soil is fertile and does not lack better writers than me - but to the Polish achievement, the Polish genius"

Henryk Sienkiewicz is expressing his humbleness in this quote. He acknowledges that there are much better writers than him in Poland, and that the Polish soil is fertile and capable of producing terrific works of literature. He is humbly accepting the tribute that has actually been rendered to him, but fasts to explain that it is not for him, but for the Polish accomplishment and genius. He is recognizing the excellent achievements of the Polish individuals, and is happy to be a part of it. He is showing his regard for the Polish culture and its individuals, and is happy to be related to them. He is also expressing his admiration for the Polish individuals's imagination and ingenuity, and is proud to be a part of it. He is revealing his gratitude for the Polish people's effort and dedication to their craft, and is proud to be a part of it.