CHAPTER XIV.
The prince did not show himself to the nobles that day till evening,for he dined with the envoys and some dignitaries with whom he had heldprevious counsel. But orders had come to the colonels to have theregiments of Radzivill's guard ready, and especially the infantry underforeign officers. It smelt of powder in the air. The castle, though notfortified, was surrounded with troops as if a battle was to be foughtat its walls. Men expected that the campaign would begin on thefollowing morning at latest; of this there were visible signs, for thecountless servants of the prince were busied with packing into wagonsarms, valuable implements, and the treasury of the prince.
Harasimovich told the nobles that the wagons would go to Tykotsin inPodlyasye, for it was dangerous to leave the treasury in the undefendedcastle of Kyedani. Military stores were also prepared to be sent afterthe army. Reports went out that Gosyevski was arrested because he wouldnot join his squadrons stationed at Troki with those of Radzivill, thusexposing the whole expedition to evident destruction. Moreoverpreparations for the march, the movement of troops, the rattle ofcannon drawn out of the castle arsenal, and all that turmoil which everaccompanies the first movements of military expeditions, turnedattention in another direction, and caused the knights to forget thearrest of Pan Gosyevski and cavalier Yudytski.
The nobles dining in the immense lower halls attached to the castlespoke only of the war, of the fire at Vilna, now burning ten days andburning with ever-growing fury, of news from Warsaw, of the advance ofthe Swedes, and of the Swedes themselves, against whom, as againstfaith-breakers attacking a neighbor in spite of treaties still validfor six years, hearts and minds were indignant and souls filled withrancor. News of swift advances, of the capitulation of Uistsie, of theoccupation of Great Poland and the large towns, of the threatenedinvasion of Mazovia and the inevitable capture of Warsaw, not only didnot cause alarm, but on the contrary roused daring and a desire forbattle. This took place since the causes of Swedish success wereevident to all. Hitherto the Swedes had not met a real army once, or areal leader. Radzivill was the first warrior by profession with whomthey had to measure strength, and who at the same time roused in thenobility absolute confidence in his military gifts, especially as hiscolonels gave assurance that they would conquer the Swedes in the openfield.
"Their defeat is inevitable!" said Pan Stankyevich, an old andexperienced soldier. "I remember former wars, and I know that theyalways defended themselves in castles, in fortified camps, and intrenches. They never dared to come to the open field, for they fearedcavalry greatly, and when trusting in their numbers they did come out,they received a proper drilling. It was not victory that gave GreatPoland into their hands, but treason and the imbecility of generalmilitia."
"True," said Zagloba. "The Swedish people are weak, for their land isterribly barren, and they have no bread; they grind pine cones, and ofthat sort of flour make ash-cakes which smell of resin. Others go tothe seashore and devour whatever the waves throw up, besides fightingabout it as a tidbit. Terrible destitution! so there are no people moregreedy for their neighbors' goods. Even the Tartars have horse-flesh inplenty, but these Swedes do not see meat once a year, and are pinchedwith hunger unless when a good haul of fish comes."
Here Zagloba turned to Stankyevich: "Have you ever made theacquaintance of the Swedes?"
"Under Prince Krishtof, the father of the present hetman."
"And I under Konyetspolski, the father. We gave Gustavus Adolphus manycrushing defeats in Prussia, and took no small number of prisoners;there I became acquainted with them through and through, and learnedall their methods. Our men wondered at them not a little, for you mustknow that the Swedes as a people always wading in water and havingtheir greatest income from the sea, are divers _exquisitissimi_. Whatwould you, gentlemen, say to what we made them do? We would throw oneof the rascals into a hole in the ice, and he would swim out throughanother hole with a live herring in his mouth."
"In God's name, what do you tell us?"
"May I fall down a corpse on this spot if with my own eyes I have notseen this done at least a hundred times, as well as other wonderfulcustoms of theirs! I remember also that as soon as they fed on Prussianbread, they did not want to go home. Pan Stankyevich says truly thatthey are not sturdy soldiers. They have infantry which is so-so; butthe cavalry--God pity us! for there are no horses in their country, andthey cannot train themselves to riding from childhood."
"Probably we shall not attack them first, but march on Vilna," said PanShchyt.
"True, I gave that advice to the prince myself, when he asked what Ithought of this matter," answered Zagloba. "But when we have finishedwith the others,[19] we will go against the Swedes. The envoys upstairsmust be sweating!"
"They are received politely," said Pan Zalenski, "but they will noteffect the least thing; the best proof of that is that orders areissued to the army."
"Dear God, dear God!" said Pan Tvarkovski, judge of Rossyeni, "howalacrity comes with danger! We were well-nigh despairing when we had todo with one enemy, but now we have two."
"Of course," answered Stankyevich. "It happens not infrequently, thatwe let ourselves be beaten till patience is lost, and then in a momentvigor and daring appear. Is it little that we have suffered, littleendured? We relied on the king and the general militia of the kingdom,not counting on our own force, till we are in a dilemma; now we musteither defeat both enemies or perish completely."
"God will assist us! We have had enough of this delay."
"They have put the dagger to our throats."
"We too will put it to theirs; we'll show the kingdom fellows what sortof soldiers we are! There will be no Uistsie with us, as God is inheaven!"
In the measure of the cups, heads became heated, and warlike ardorincreased. At the brink of a precipice the last effort often bringssafety; this was understood by those crowds of soldiers and thatnobility whom so recently Yan Kazimir had called to Grodno withdespairing universals to form the general militia. Now all hearts, allminds were turned to Radzivill; all lips repeated that terrible name,which till recently had ever been coupled with victory. In fact, he hadbut to collect and move the scattered and drowsy strength of thecountry, to stand at the head of a power sufficient to end both warswith victory.
After dinner the colonels were summoned to the prince in the followingorder: Mirski, lieutenant of the armored squadron of the hetman; andafter him Stankyevich, Ganhoff, Kharlamp, Volodyovski, and Sollohub.Old soldiers wondered a little that they were asked singly, and notcollectively to counsel; but it was a pleasant surprise, for each cameout with some reward, with some evident proof of the prince's favor; inreturn the prince asked only loyalty and confidence, which all offeredfrom heart and soul. The hetman asked anxiously also if Kmita hadreturned, and ordered that Pan Andrei's arrival be reported to him.
Kmita came, but late in the evening, when the hall was lighted and theguests had begun to assemble. He went first to the barracks to changehis uniform; there he found Volodyovski, and made the acquaintance ofthe rest of the company.
"I am uncommonly glad to see you and your famous friends," said he,shaking the hand of the little knight, "as glad as to see a brother!You may be sure of this, for I am unable to pretend. It is true thatyou went through my forehead in evil fashion, but you put me on my feetafterward, which I shall not forget till death. In presence of all, Isay that had it not been for you I should be at this moment behind thegrating. Would more such men were born! Who thinks differently is afool, and may the devil carry me off if I will not clip his ears."
"Say no more!"
"I will follow you into fire, even should I perish. Let any man comeforward who does not believe me!"
Here Pan Andrei cast a challenging look on the officers. But no onecontradicted him, for all loved and respected Pan Michael; but Zaglobasaid,--
"This is a sulphurous sort of soldier; give him to the hangman! Itseems to me that I shall have a great liking to you for the lov
e youbear Pan Michael, for I am the man to ask first how worthy he is."
"Worthier than any of us!" said Kmita, with his usual abruptness. Thenhe looked at the Skshetuskis, at Zagloba, and added: "Pardon me,gentlemen, I have no wish to offend any one, for I know that you arehonorable men and great knights; be not angry, for I wish to deserveyour friendship."
"There is no harm done," said Pan Yan; "what's in the heart may come tothe lip."
"Let us embrace!" cried Zagloba.
"No need to say such a thing twice to me!"
They fell into each other's arms. Then Kmita said, "To-day we mustdrink, it cannot be avoided!"
"No need to say such a thing twice to me!" said Zagloba, like an echo.
"We'll slip away early to the barracks, and I'll make provision."
Pan Michael began to twitch his mustaches greatly. "You will have nogreat wish to slip out," thought he, looking at Kmita, "when you seewho is in the hall tonight." And he opened his mouth to tell Kmita thatthe sword-bearer of Rossyeni and Olenka had come; but he grew as itwere faint at heart, and turned the conversation. "Where is yoursquadron?" asked he.
"Here, ready for service. Harasimovich was with me, and brought anorder from the prince to have the men on horseback at midnight. I askedhim if we were all to march; he said not. I know not what it means. Ofother officers some have the same order, others have not. But all theforeign infantry have received it."
"Perhaps a part of the army will march to-night and a part in themorning," said Pan Yan.
"In every case I will have a drink here with you, gentlemen. Let thesquadron go on by itself; I can come up with it afterward in an hour."
At that moment Harasimovich rushed in. "Serene great mighty banneret ofOrsha!" cried he, bowing in the doorway.
"What? Is there a fire? I am here!" said Kmita.
"To the prince! to the prince!"
"Straightway, only let me put on my uniform. Boy, my coat and belt, orI'll kill thee!"
The boy brought the rest of the uniform in a twinkle; and a few minuteslater Pan Kmita, arrayed as for a wedding, was hurrying to the prince.He was radiant, he seemed so splendid. He had a vest of silver brocadewith star-shaped buttons, from which there was a gleam over his wholefigure; the vest was fastened at the neck with a great sapphire. Overthat a coat of blue velvet; a white belt of inestimable value, so thinthat it might be drawn through a finger-ring. A silver-mounted swordset with sapphires hung from the belt by silk pendants; behind the beltwas thrust the baton, which indicated his office. This dress became theyoung knight wonderfully, and it would have been difficult in thatcountless throng gathered at Kyedani to find a more shapely man.
Pan Michael sighed while looking at him; and when Kmita had vanishedbeyond the door of the barracks he said to Zagloba, "With a fair headthere is no opposing a man like that."
"But take thirty years from me," answered Zagloba.
When Kmita entered, the prince also was dressed, attended by twonegroes; he was about to leave the room. The prince and Pan Andreiremained face to face.
"God give you health for hurrying!" said the hetman.
"At the service of your highness."
"But the squadron?"
"According to order."
"The men are reliable?"
"They will go into fire, to hell."
"That is good! I need such men,--and such as you, equal to anything. Irepeat continually that on no one more than you do I count."
"Your highness, my services cannot equal those of old soldiers; but ifwe have to march against the enemy of the country, God sees that Ishall not be in the rear."
"I do not diminish the services of the old," said the prince, "thoughthere may come such perils, such grievous junctures, that the mostfaithful will totter."
"May he perish for nothing who deserts the person of your highness indanger!"
The prince looked quickly into the face of Kmita. "And you will notdraw back?"
The young knight flushed. "What do you wish to say, your princelyhighness? I have confessed to you all my sins, and the sum ofthem is such that I thank only the fatherly heart of your highnessfor forgiveness. But in all these sins one is not to befound,--ingratitude."
"Nor disloyalty. You confessed to me as to a father; I not only forgaveyou as a father, but I came to love you as that son--whom God has notgiven me, for which reason it is often oppressive for me in the world.Be then a friend to me."
When he had said this, the prince stretched out his hand. The youngknight seized it, and without hesitation pressed it to his lips.
They were both silent for a long time; suddenly the prince fixed hiseyes on the eyes of Kmita and said, "Panna Billevich is here!"
Kmita grew pale, and began to mutter something unintelligible.
"I sent for her on purpose so that the misunderstanding between youmight be at an end. You will see her at once, as the mourning for hergrandfather is over. To-day, too, though God sees that my head isbursting from labor, I have spoken with the sword-bearer of Rossyeni."
Kmita seized his head. "With what can I repay your highness, with whatcan I repay?"
"I told him emphatically that it is my will that you and she should bemarried, and he will not be hostile. I commanded him also to preparethe maiden for it gradually. We have time. All depends upon you, and Ishall be happy if a reward from my hand goes to you; and God grant youto await many others, for you must rise high. You have offended becauseyou are young; but you have won glory not the last in the field, andall young men are ready to follow you everywhere. As God lives, youmust rise high! Small offices are not for such a family as yours. Ifyou know, you are a relative of the Kishkis, and my mother was aKishki. But you need sedateness; for that, marriage is the best thing.Take that maiden if she has pleased your heart, and remember who givesher to you."
"Your highness, I shall go wild, I believe! My life, my blood belongsto your highness. What must I do to thank you,--what? Tell me, commandme!"
"Return good for good. Have faith in me, have confidence that what I doI do for the public good. Do not fall away from me when you see thetreason and desertion of others, when malice increases, when--" Herethe prince stopped suddenly.
"I swear," said Kmita, with ardor, "and give my word of honor to remainby the person of your highness, my leader, father, and benefactor, tomy last breath."
Then Kmita looked with eyes full of fire at the prince, and was alarmedat the change which had suddenly come over him. His face was purple,the veins swollen, drops of sweat were hanging thickly on his loftyforehead, and his eyes cast an unusual gleam.
"What is the matter, your highness?" asked the knight, unquietly.
"Nothing! nothing!"
Radzivill rose, moved with hurried step to a kneeling desk, and takingfrom it a crucifix, said with powerful, smothered voice, "Swear on thiscross that you will not leave me till death."
In spite of all his readiness and ardor, Kmita looked for a while athim with astonishment.
"On this passion of Christ, swear!" insisted the hetman.
"On this passion of Christ, I swear!" said Kmita, placing his finger onthe crucifix.
"Amen!" said the prince, with solemn voice.
An echo in the lofty chamber repeated somewhere under the arch, "Amen,"and a long silence followed. There was to be heard only the breathingof the powerful breast of Radzivill. Kmita did not remove from thehetman his astonished eyes.
"Now you are mine,' said the prince, at last.
"I have always belonged to your highness," answered the young knight,hastily; "but be pleased to explain to me what is passing. Why doesyour highness doubt? Or does anything threaten your person? Has anytreason, have any machinations been discovered?"
"The time of trial is approaching," said the prince, gloomily, "and asto enemies do you not know that Pan Gosyevski, Pan Yudytski, and thevoevoda of Vityebsk would be glad to bury me in the bottom of the pit?This is the case! The enemies of my house increase, treason spreads,and public defeats threate
n. Therefore, I say, the hour of trial drawsnear."
Kmita was silent; but the last words of the prince did not disperse thedarkness which had settled around his mind, and he asked himself invain what could threaten at that moment the powerful Radzivill. For hestood at the head of greater forces than ever. In Kyedani itself and inthe neighborhood there were so many troops that if the prince had suchpower before he marched to Shklov the fortune of the whole war wouldhave come out differently beyond doubt.
Gosyevski and Yudytski were, it is true, ill-wishers, but he had bothin his hands and under guard, and as to the voevoda of Vityebsk he wastoo virtuous a man, too good a citizen to give cause for fear of anyopposition or machinations from his side on the eve of a new expeditionagainst enemies.
"God knows I understand nothing!" cried Kmita, being unable in generalto restrain his thoughts.
"You will understand all to-day," said Radzivill, calmly. "Now let usgo to the hall."
And taking the young colonel by the arm, he turned with him toward thedoor. They passed through a number of rooms. From a distance out of theimmense hall came the sound of the orchestra, which was directed by aFrenchman brought on purpose by Prince Boguslav. They were playing aminuet which at that time was danced at the French court. The mildtones were blended with the sound of many voices. Prince Radzivillhalted and listened.
"God grant," said he, after a moment, "that all these guests whom Ihave received under my roof will not pass to my enemies to-morrow."
"Your highness," said Kmita, "I hope that there are no Swedishadherents among them."
Radzivill quivered and halted suddenly.
"What do you wish to say?"
"Nothing, worthy prince, but that honorable soldiers are rejoicingthere."
"Let us go on. Time will show, and God will decide who is honorable.Let us go!"
At the door itself stood twenty pages,--splendid lads, dressed infeathers and satin. Seeing the hetman, they formed in two lines. Whenthe prince came near, he asked, "Has her princely highness entered thehall?"
"She has, your highness."
"And the envoys?"
"They are here also."
"Open!"
Both halves of the door opened in the twinkle of an eye; a flood oflight poured in and illuminated the gigantic form of the hetman, whohaving behind him Kmita and the pages, went toward the elevation onwhich were placed chairs for the most distinguished guests.
A movement began in the hall; at once all eyes were turned to theprince, and one shout was wrested from hundreds of breasts: "Long liveRadzivill! long live! Long live the hetman! long live!"
The prince bowed with head and hand, then began to greet the guestsassembled on the elevation, who rose the moment he entered. Among thebest known, besides the princess herself, were the two Swedish envoys,the envoy of Moscow, the voevoda of Venden, Bishop Parchevski, thepriest Byalozor, Pan Komorovski, Pan Myerzeyevski, Pan Hlebovich,starosta of Jmud, brother-in-law of the hetman, a young Pats, ColonelGanhoff, Colonel Mirski, Weisenhoff, the envoy of the Prince ofCourland, and ladies in the suite of the princess.
The hetman, as was proper for a welcoming host, began by greeting theenvoys, with whom he exchanged a few friendly words; then he greetedothers, and when he had finished he sat on the chair with a canopy ofermine, and gazed at the hall in which shouts' were still sounding:"May he live! May he be our hetman! May he live!"
Kmita, hidden behind the canopy, looked also at the throng. His glancedarted from face to face, seeking among them the beloved features ofher who at that moment held all the soul and heart of the knight. Hisheart beat like a hammer.
"She is here! After a while I shall see her, I shall speak to her,"said he in thought. And he sought and sought with more and moreeagerness, with increasing disquiet. "There! beyond the feathers of afan some dark brows are visible, a white forehead and blond hair. Thatis she!" Kmita held his breath, as if fearing to frighten away thepicture; then the feathers moved and the face was disclosed. "No! thatis not Olenka, that is not that dear one, the dearest." His glanceflies farther, embraces charming forms, slips over feathers and satin,faces blooming like flowers, and is mistaken each moment. That is she,not she! Till at last, see! in the depth, near the drapery of thewindow, something white is moving, and it grew dark in the eyes of theknight; that was Olenka, the dear one, the dearest.
The orchestra begins to play; again throngs pass. Ladies are movingaround, shapely cavaliers are glittering; but he, like one blind anddeaf, sees nothing, only looks at her as eagerly as if beholding herfor the first time. She seems the same Olenka from Vodokty, but alsoanother. In that great hall and in that throng she seems, as it were,smaller, and her face more delicate, one would say childlike. You mighttake her all in your arms and caress her! And then again she is thesame, though different,--the very same features, the same sweet lips,the same lashes casting shade on her cheeks, the same forehead, clear,calm, beloved. Here memory, like lightning-flashes, began to bringbefore the eyes of Pan Andrei that servants' hall in Vodokty where hesaw her the first time, and those quiet rooms in which they had sattogether. What delight only just to remember! And the sleigh-ride toMitruny, the time that he kissed her! After that, people began toestrange them, and to rouse her against him.
"Thunderbolts crush it!" cried Kmita, in his mind. "What have I had andwhat have I lost? How near she has been and how far is she now!"
She sits there far off, like a stranger; she does not even know that heis here. Wrath, but at the same time immeasurable sorrow seized PanAndrei,--sorrow for which he had no expression save a scream from hissoul, but a scream that passed not his lips: "O thou Olenka!"
More than once Kmita was so enraged at himself for his previous deedsthat he wished to tell his own men to stretch him out and give him ahundred blows, but never had he fallen into such a rage as that timewhen after long absence he saw her again, still more wonderful thanever, more wonderful indeed than he had imagined. At that moment hewished to torture himself; but because he was among people, in a worthycompany, he only ground his teeth, and as if wishing to give himselfstill greater pain, he repeated in mind: "It is good for thee thus,thou fool! good for thee!"
Then the sounds of the orchestra were silent again, and Pan Andreiheard the voice of the hetman: "Come with me."
Kmita woke as from a dream.
The prince descended from the elevation, and went among the guests. Onhis face was a mild and kindly smile, which seemed still more toenhance the majesty of his figure. That was the same lordly man who inhis time, while receiving Queen Marya Ludwika in Nyeporente,astonished, amazed, and eclipsed the French courtiers, not only by hisluxury, but by the polish of his manners,--the same of whom Jean LaBoureur wrote with such homage in the account of his journey. This timehe halted every moment before the most important matrons, the mostrespectable nobles and colonels, having for each of the guests somekindly word, astonishing those present by his memory and winning in atwinkle all hearts. The eyes of the guests followed him wherever hemoved. Gradually he approached the sword-bearer of Rossyeni, PanBillevich, and said,--
"I thank you, old friend, for having come, though I had the right to beangry. Billeviche is not a hundred miles from Kyedani, but you are a_rara avis_ (rare bird) under my roof."
"Your highness," answered Pan Billevich, bowing low, "he wrongs thecountry who occupies your time."
"But I was thinking to take vengeance on you by going myself toBilleviche, and I think still you would have received with hospitalityan old comrade of the camp."
Hearing this, Pan Billevich flushed with delight, and the princecontinued,--
"Time, time is ever lacking! But when you give in marriage yourrelative, the granddaughter of the late Pan Heraclius, of course Ishall come to the wedding, for I owe it to you and to her."
"God grant that as early as possible," answered the sword-bearer.
"Meanwhile I present to you Pan Kmita, the banneret of Orsha, of thoseKmitas who are related to the Kishkis and through the Kishkis
to theRadzivills. You must have heard his name from Heraclius, for he lovedthe Kmitas as brothers."
"With the forehead, with the forehead!" repeated the sword-bearer, whowas awed somewhat by the greatness of the young cavalier's family,heralded by Radzivill himself.
"I greet the sword-bearer, my benefactor, and offer him my services,"said Pan Andrei, boldly and not without a certain loftiness. "PanHeraclius was a father and a benefactor to me, and though his work wasspoiled later on, still I have not ceased to love all the Billevichesas if my own blood were flowing in them."
"Especially," said the prince, placing his hand confidentially on theyoung man's shoulder, "since he has not ceased to love a certain PannaBillevich, of which fact he has long since informed us."
"And I will repeat it before every one's face," said Kmita, withvehemence.
"Quietly, quietly!" said the prince. "This you see, worthysword-bearer, is a cavalier of sulphur and fire, therefore he has madesome trouble; but because he is young and under my special protection,I hope that when we petition together we shall obtain a reversal of thesentence from that charming tribunal."
"Your highness will accomplish what you like," answered Pan Billevich."The maiden must exclaim, as that pagan priestess did to Alexander theGreat, 'Who can oppose thee?'"
"And we, like that Macedonian, will stop with that prophecy," repliedthe prince, smiling. "But enough of this! Conduct us now to yourrelative, for I shall be glad to see her. Let that work of PanHeraclius which was spoiled be mended."
"I serve your highness-- There is the maiden; she is under theprotection of Pani Voynillovich, our relative. But I beg pardon if sheis confused, for I have not had time to forewarn her."
The foresight of Pan Billevich was just. Luckily that was not the firstmoment in which Olenka saw Pan Andrei at the side of the hetman; shewas able therefore to collect herself somewhat, but for an instantpresence of mind almost left her, and she looked at the young knight asif she were looking at a spirit from the other world. And for a longtime she could not believe her eyes. She had really imagined that thatunfortunate was either wandering somewhere through forests, without aroof above his head, deserted by all, hunted by the law, as a wildbeast is hunted by man, or enclosed in a tower, gazing with despairthrough the iron grating on the glad world of God. The Lord alone knewwhat terrible pity sometimes gnawed her heart and her eyes for thatlost man; God alone could count the tears which in her solitude she hadpoured out over his fate, so terrible, so cruel, though so deserved;but now he is in Kyedani, free, at the side of the hetman, proud,splendid, in silver brocade and in velvet, with the baton of a colonelat his belt, with head erect, with commanding, haughty, heroic face,and the grand hetman Radzivill himself places his hand confidentiallyon his shoulder. Marvellous and contradictory feelings interwovethemselves at once in the heart of the maiden; therefore a certaingreat relief, as if some one had taken a weight from her shoulders, anda certain sorrow as well that so much pity and grief had gone fornaught; also the disappointment which every honest soul feels at sightof perfect impunity for grievous offences and sins; also joy, with afeeling of personal weakness, with admiration bordering on terror,before that young hero who was able to swim out of such a whirlpool.
Meanwhile the prince, the sword-bearer, and Kmita had finishedconversation and were drawing near. The maiden covered her eyes withher lids and raised her shoulders, as a bird does its wings whenwishing to hide its head. She was certain that they were coming to her.Without looking she saw them, felt that they were nearer and nearer,that they were before her. She was so sure of this that without raisingher lids, she rose suddenly and made a deep courtesy to the prince.
He was really before her, and said: "By the passion of the Lord! Now Ido not wonder at this young man, for a marvellous flower has bloomedhere. I greet you, my lady, I greet you with my whole heart and soul,beloved granddaughter of my Billevich. Do you know me?"
"I know your highness," answered the maiden.
"I should not have known you; you were still a young, unblossomed thingwhen I saw you last, not in this ornament in which I see you now. Butraise those lashes from your eyes. As God lives! fortunate is the diverwho gets such a pearl, ill-fated he who had it and lost it. Here hestands before you, so despairing, in the person of this cavalier. Doyou know him?"
"I know," whispered Olenka, without raising her eyes.
"He is a great sinner, and I have brought him to you for confession.Impose on him what penance you like, but refuse not absolution, fordespair may bring him to still greater sins."
Here the prince turned to the sword-bearer and Pani Voynillovich: "Letus leave the young people, for it is not proper to be present at aconfession, and also my faith forbids me."
After a moment Pan Andrei and Olenka were alone. The heart beat inOlenka's bosom as the heart of a dove over which a falcon is hovering,and he too was moved. His usual boldness, impulsiveness, andself-confidence had vanished. For a long time both were silent. At lasthe spoke in a low, stifled voice,--
"You did not expect to see me, Olenka?"
"I did not," whispered the maiden.
"As God is true! you would be less alarmed if a Tartar were standinghere near you. Fear not! See how many people are present. No harm willmeet you from me. And though we were alone you would have nothing tofear, for I have given myself an oath to respect you. Have confidencein me."
For a moment she raised her eyes and looked at him, "How can I haveconfidence?"
"It is true that I sinned, but that is past and will not be repeated.When on the bed and near death, after that duel with Volodyovski, Isaid to myself: 'Thou wilt not take her by force, by the sabre, byfire, but by honorable deeds wilt thou deserve her and work out thyforgiveness. The heart in her is not of stone, and her anger will pass;she will see thy reformation and will forgive.' Therefore I swore toreform, and I will hold to my oath. God blessed me at once, forVolodyovski came and brought me a commission. He had the power not togive it; but he gave it,--he is an honorable man! Now I need not appearbefore the courts, for I am under the hetman's jurisdiction. Iconfessed all my offences to the prince, as to a father; he not onlyforgave me, but promised to settle everything and to defend me againstthe malice of men. May God bless him! I shall not be an outlaw, I shallcome to harmony with people, win glory, serve the country, repair thewrongs I have committed. What will you answer? Will you not say a goodword to me?" He gazed at Olenka and put his hands together as ifpraying to her.
"Can I believe?"
"You can, as God is dear to me; it is your duty to believe. The hetmanbelieved, and Pan Volodyovski too. All my acts are known to them, andthey believed me. You see they did. Why should you alone have no trustin me?"
"Because I have seen the result of your deeds,--people's tears, andgraves not yet grown over with grass."
"They will be grown over, and I will moisten them with tears."
"Do that first."
"Give me only the hope that when I do that I shall win you. It is easyfor you to say, 'Do that first.' Well, I do it; meanwhile you havemarried another. May God not permit such a thing, for I should go wild.In God's name I implore you, Olenka, to give me assurance that I shallnot lose you before I come to terms with your nobles. Do you remember?You have written me of this yourself. I keep the letter, and when mysoul is deeply downcast I read it. I ask you only to tell me again thatyou will wait, that you will not marry another."
"You know that by the will I am not free to marry another. I can onlytake refuge in a cloister."
"Oh, that would be a treat for me! By the living God, mention not thecloister, for the very thought of it makes me shudder. Mention it not,Olenka, or I will fall down here at your feet in the presence of all,and implore you not to do so. You refused Volodyovski, I know, for hetold me himself. He urged me to win you by good deeds. But what use inthem if you are to take the veil? If you tell me that virtue should bepractised for its own sake, I will answer that I love you todistraction, and I will hear of nothing else.
When you left Vodokty, Ihad barely risen from the bed but I began to search for you. When I wasenlisting my squadron every moment was occupied; I had not time to eatfood, to sleep at night, but I ceased not to seek you. I was soaffected that without you there was neither life for me nor rest. I wasso deeply in the toils that I lived only on sighs. At last I learnedthat you were in Billeviche with the sword-bearer. Then I tell you Iwrestled with my thoughts as with a bear. 'To go or not to go?' I darednot go, lest I should be treated to gall. I said to myself at last: 'Ihave done nothing good yet, I will not go.' Finally the prince, my dearfather, took pity on me, and sent to invite you and your uncle toKyedani, so that I might fill even my eyes with my love. Since we aregoing to the war, I do not ask you to marry me to-morrow; but if withGod's favor I hear a good word from you, I shall feel easier,--you, myonly soul! I have no wish to die; but in battle death may strike anyman, and I shall not hide behind others; therefore 'tis your duty toforgive me as a man before death."
"May God preserve you and guide you," responded the maiden, in a mildvoice, by which Pan Andrei knew at once that his words had producedtheir effect.
"You, my true gold! I thank you even for that. But you will not go tothe cloister?"
"I will not go yet."
"God bless you!"
And as snow melts in spring-time, their mutual distrust was nowmelting, and they felt nearer to each other than a moment before. Theirhearts were easier, and in their eyes it grew clear. But still she hadpromised nothing, and he had the wit to ask for nothing that time. Butshe felt herself that it was not right for her to close the road to thereform of which he had spoken so sincerely. Of his sincerity she had nodoubt for a moment, for he was not a man who could pretend. But thegreat reason why she did not repulse him again, why she left him hope,was this,--that in the depth of her heart she loved yet that younghero. Love had brought her a mountain of bitterness, disillusion, andpain; but love survived ever ready to believe and forgive without end.
"He is better than his acts," thought the maiden, "and those are livingno longer who urged him to sin; he might from despair permit himself todo something a second time; he must never despair." And her honestheart was rejoiced at the forgiveness which it had given. On Olenka'scheeks a flush came forth as fresh as a rose under the morning dew; hereyes had a gleam sweet and lively, and it might be said that brightnessissued from them to the hall. People passed and admired the wonderfulpair; for in truth such a noble couple it would have been difficult tofind in that hall, in which, however, were collected the flower of thenobility.
Besides both, as if by agreement, were dressed in like colors, for shewore silver brocade fastened with sapphire and a sacque of blueVenetian velvet. "Like a brother and sister," said persons who did notknow them; but others said straightway, "Impossible, for his eyes aretoo ardent toward her."
Meanwhile in the hall the marshal announced that it was time to beseated at table, and at once there was unusual movement. CountLoewenhaupt, all in lace, went in advance, with the princess on his arm;her train was borne by two very beautiful pages. Next after them BaronSchitte escorted Pani Hlebovich; next followed Bishop Parchevski withFather Byalozor, both looking troubled and gloomy.
Prince Yanush, who in the procession yielded to the guests, but at thetable took the highest place next to the princess, escorted Pani Korf,wife of the voevoda of Venden, who had been visiting about a week atKyedani. And so the whole line of couples moved forward, like ahundred-colored serpent, unwinding and changing. Kmita escorted Olenka,who rested her arm very lightly on his; but he glanced sidewise at thedelicate face, was happy, gleaming like a torch,--the greatest magnateamong those magnates, since he was near the greatest treasure.
Thus moving to the sound of the orchestra, they entered thebanqueting-hall, which looked like a whole edifice by itself. The tablewas set in the form of a horseshoe, for three hundred persons, and wasbending under silver and gold. Prince Yanush, as having in himself aportion of kingly majesty and being the blood relative of so manykings, took the highest place, at the side of the princess; and allwhen passing him, bowed low and took their places according to rank.
But evidently, as it seemed to those present, the hetman rememberedthat this was the last feast before an awful war in which the destinyof great states would be decided, for his face was not calm. Hesimulated a smile and joyousness, but he looked as if a fever wereburning him. At times a visible cloud settled on his menacing forehead,and those sitting near him could see that that forehead was thicklycovered with drops of sweat; at times his glance ran quickly over theassembled faces, and halted questioningly on the features of variouscolonels; then again those lion brows frowned on a sudden, as if painhad pierced them, or as if this or that face had roused in him wrath.And, a wonderful thing! the dignitaries sitting near the prince, suchas the envoys, Bishop Parchevski, Father Byalozor, Pan Komorovski, PanMyerzeyevski, Pan Hlebovich, the voevoda of Venden, and others, wereequally distraught and disturbed. The two sides of the immensehorseshoe sounded with a lively conversation, and the bustle usual atfeasts; but the centre of it was gloomy and silent, whispered rarewords, or exchanged wandering and as it were alarmed glances.
But there was nothing wonderful in that, for lower down sat colonelsand knights whom the approaching war threatened at most with death. Itis easier to fall in a war than to bear the responsibility for it. Themind of the soldier is not troubled, for when he has redeemed his sinswith his blood, he flies from the battlefield to heaven; he alone bendshis head heavily who in his soul must satisfy God and his ownconscience, and who on the eve of the decisive day knows not whatchalice the country will give him to drink on the morrow.
This was the explanation which men gave themselves at the lower partsof the table.
"Always before each war he talks thus with his own soul," said the oldColonel Stankyevich to Zagloba; "but the gloomier he is the worse forthe enemy, for on the day of battle he will be joyful to a certainty."
"The lion too growls before battle," said Zagloba, "so as to rouse inhimself fierce hatred for the enemy. As to great warriors, each has hiscustom. Hannibal used to play dice; Scipio Africanus declaimed verses;Pan Konyetspolski the father always conversed about fair heads; and Ilike to sleep an hour or so before battle, though I am not averse to aglass with good friends."
"See, gentlemen, Bishop Parchevski is as pale as a sheet of paper!"said Stanislav Skshetuski.
"For he is sitting at a Calvinist table, and may swallow easilysomething unclean in the food," explained Zagloba, in a low voice. "Todrinks, the old people say, the devil has no approach, and those can betaken everywhere; but food, and especially soups, one should avoid. Soit was in the Crimea, when I was there in captivity. The Tartar mullahsor priests knew how to cook mutton with garlic in such a way thatwhoever tasted it was willing that moment to desert his faith andaccept their scoundrel of a prophet." Here Zagloba lowered his voicestill more: "Not through contempt for the prince do I say this, but Iadvise you, gentlemen, to let the food pass, for God protects theguarded."
"What do you say? Whoso commends himself to God before eating is safe;with us in Great Poland there is no end of Lutherans and Calvinists,but I have not heard that they bewitched food."
"With you in Great Poland there is no end of Lutherans, and so theysniffed around at once with the Swedes," said Zagloba, "and are infriendship with them now. In the prince's place, I would hunt thoseenvoys away with dogs, instead of filling their stomachs with dainties.Hut look at that Loewenhaupt; he is eating just as if he were to bedriven to the fair with a rope around his leg before the month's end.Besides, he will stuff his pockets with dried fruit for his wife andchildren. I have forgotten how that other fellow from over the sea iscalled. Oh, may thou--"
"Father, ask Michael," said Yan.
Pan Michael was sitting not far away; but he heard nothing, he sawnothing, for he was between two ladies. On his left sat PannaSyelavski, a worthy maiden about forty years old, and on his rightOlenka, beyond whom sat Kmita. Pann
a Syelavski shook her feather-deckedhead above the little knight, and narrated something with greatrapidity. He looked at her from time to time with a vacant stare, andanswered continually, "As true as life, gracious lady!" but understoodnot a word she said, for all his attention was turned to the otherside. He was seizing with his ear the sound of Olenka's words, theflutter of her silver dress, and from sorrow moving his mustaches insuch fashion as if he wished to frighten away Panna Syelavski withthem.
"Ah, that is a wonderful maiden! Ah, but she is beautiful!" said he, inhis mind. "O God, look down on my misery, for there is no lonelierorphan than I. My soul is piping within me to have my own beloved, andon whomsoever I look another soldier stands quartered there. Whereshall I go, ill-fated wanderer?"
"And after the war, what do you think of doing?" inquired PannaSyelavski, all at once pursing up her mouth and fanning herselfviolently.
"I shall go to a monastery!" said the little knight, testily.
"Who mentions monastery here at the banquet?" cried Kmita, joyously,bending in front of Olenka. "Oh, that is Pan Volodyovski."
"There is nothing like that in your head," retorted Pan Michael; "but Ithink I shall go."
Then the sweet voice of Olenka sounded in his ear: "Oh, no need tothink of that! God will give you a wife beloved of your heart, andhonest as you are."
The good Pan Michael melted at once: "If any one were to play on aflute to me, it would not be sweeter to my ear."
The increasing bustle stopped further conversation, for it had come nowto the glasses. Excitement increased. Colonels disputed about thecoming war, frowning and casting fiery glances.
Pan Zagloba was describing to the whole table the siege of Zbaraj; andthe ardor and daring of the hearers rose till the blood went to theirfaces and hearts. It might seem that the spirit of the immortal"Yarema"[20] was flying above that hall, and had filled the souls ofthe soldiers with heroic inspiration.
"That was a leader!" said the famous Mirski, who led all Radzivill'shussars. "I saw him only once, but to the moment of my death I shallremember it."
"Jove with thunderbolts in his grasp!" cried old Stankyevich. "It wouldnot have come to this were he alive now!"
"Yes; think of it! Beyond Romni he had forests cut down to open a wayfor himself to the enemy."
"The victory at Berestechko was due to him."
"And in the most serious moment God took him."
"God took him," repeated Pan Yan, in a loud voice; "but he left atestament behind him for all coming leaders and dignitaries and for thewhole Commonwealth. This is it: to negotiate with no enemy, but tofight them all."
"Not to negotiate; to fight!" repeated a number of powerful voices,"fight! fight!"
The heat became great in the hall, and the blood was boiling in thewarriors; therefore glances began to fall like lightning-flashes, andthe heads shaven on the temples and lower forehead began to steam.
"Our prince, our hetman, will be the executioner of that will!" saidMirski.
Just at that moment an enormous clock in the upper part of the hallbegan to strike midnight, and at the same time, the walls trembled, thewindow-panes rattled plaintively, and the thunder of cannon was heardsaluting in the courtyard.
Conversation was stopped, silence followed. Suddenly at the head of thetable they began to cry: "Bishop Parchevski has fainted! Water!"
There was confusion. Some sprang from their seats to see more clearlywhat had happened. The bishop had not fainted, but had grown very weak,so that the marshal supported him in his chair by the shoulders, whilethe wife of the voevoda of Venden sprinkled his face with water.
At that moment the second discharge of cannon shook the window-panes;after it came a third, and a fourth.
"Live the Commonwealth! May its enemies perish!" shouted Zagloba.
But the following discharges drowned his speech. The nobles began tocount: "Ten, eleven, twelve!"
Each time the window-panes answered with a mournful groan. The candlesquivered from the shaking.
"Thirteen, fourteen! The bishop is not used to the thunder. With histimidity he has spoiled the entertainment; the prince too is uneasy.See, gentlemen, how swollen he is! Fifteen, sixteen!--Hei, they arefiring as if in battle! Nineteen, twenty!"
"Quiet there! the prince wants to speak!" called the guests at once,from various parts of the table. "The prince wishes to speak!"
There was perfect silence; and all eyes were turned to Radzivill, whostood, like a giant, with a cup in his hand. But what a sight struckthe eyes of those feasting! The face of the prince was simply terribleat that moment, for it was not pale, but blue and twisted, as if in aconvulsion, by a smile which he strove to call to his lips. Hisbreathing, usually short, became still shorter; his broad breast welledup under the gold brocade, his eyes were half covered with their lids,and there was a species of terror and an iciness on that powerful facesuch as are usual on features stiffening in the moments before death.
"What troubles the prince? what is taking place here?" was whisperedunquietly around; and an ominous foreboding straitened all hearts,startled expectation was on every face.
He began to speak, with a short voice broken by asthma: "Graciousgentlemen! this toast will astonish many among you,--or simply it willterrify them,--but whoso trusts and believes in me, whoso really wishesthe good of the country, whoso is a faithful friend of my house, willdrink it with a will, and repeat after me, 'Vivat Carolus Gustavus Rex,from this day forth ruling over us graciously!'"
"Vivat!" repeated the two envoys, Loewenhaupt and Schitte; then sometens of officers of the foreign command.
But in the hall there reigned deep silence. The colonels and the noblesgazed at one another with astonishment, as if asking whether the princehad not lost his senses. A number of voices were heard at last atvarious parts of the table: "Do we hear aright? What is it?" Then therewas silence again.
Unspeakable horror coupled with amazement was reflected on faces, andthe eyes of all were turned again to Radzivill; but he continued tostand, and was breathing deeply, as if he had cast off some immenseweight from his breast. The color came back by degrees to his face;then he turned to Pan Komorovski, and said,--
"It is time to make public the compact which we have signed this day,so that those present may know what course to take. Read, your grace!"
Komorovski rose, unwound the parchment lying before him, and began toread the terrible compact, beginning with these words:--
"Not being able to act in a better and more proper way in this moststormy condition of affairs, after the loss of all hope of assistancefrom the Most Serene King, we the lords and estates of the GrandPrincipality of Lithuania, forced by extremity, yield ourselves to theprotection of the Most Serene King of Sweden on these conditions:--
"1. To make war together against mutual enemies, excepting the king andthe kingdom of Poland.
"2. The Grand Principality of Lithuania will not be incorporated withSweden, but will be joined to it in such manner as hitherto with thekingdom of Poland; that is, people shall be equal to people, senate tosenate, and knighthood to knighthood in all things.
"3. Freedom of speech at the diets shall not be prohibited to any man.
"4. Freedom of religion is to be inviolable--"
And so Pan Komorovski read on further, amid silence and terror, till hecame to the paragraph: "This act we confirm with our signature forourselves and our descendants, we promise and stipulate--" when amurmur rose in the hall, like the first breath of a storm shaking thepine-woods. But before the storm burst, Pan Stankyevich, gray as apigeon, raised his voice and began to implore,--
"Your highness, we are unwilling to believe our own ears! By the woundsof Christ! must the labor of Vladislav and Sigismund Augustus come tonothing? Is it possible, is it honorable, to desert brothers, to desertthe country, and unite with the enemy? Remember the name which youbear, the services which you have rendered the country, the fame ofyour house, hitherto unspotted; tear and trample on that document ofshame
. I know that I ask not in my own name alone, but in the names ofall soldiers here present and nobles. It pertains to us also toconsider our own fate. Gracious prince, do not do this; there is stilltime! Spare yourself, spare us, spare the Commonwealth!"
"Do it not! Have pity, have pity!" called hundreds of voices.
All the colonels sprang from their places and went toward him; and thegray Stankyevich knelt down in the middle of the hall between the twoarms of the table, and then was heard more loudly: "Do that not! spareus!"
Radzivill raised his powerful head, and lightnings of wrath began tofly over his forehead; suddenly he burst out,--
"Does it become you, gentlemen, first of all to give an example ofinsubordination? Does it become soldiers to desert their leader, theirhetman, and bring forward protests? Do you wish to be my conscience? Doyou wish to teach me how to act for the good of the country? This isnot a diet, and you are not called here to vote; but before God I takethe responsibility!"
And he struck his broad breast with his fist, and looking with flashingglance on the officers, after a while he shouted again: "Whoso is notwith me is against me! I knew you, I knew what would happen! But knowye that the sword is hanging over your heads!"
"Gracious prince! our hetman!" implored old Stankyevich, "spareyourself and spare us!"
But his speech was interrupted by Stanislav Skshetuski, who seizing hisown hair with both hands, began to cry with despairing voice: "Do notimplore him; that is vain. He has long cherished this dragon in hisheart! Woe to thee, O Commonwealth! woe to us all!"
"Two dignitaries at the two ends of the Commonwealth have sold thecountry!" cried Yan Skshetuski. "A curse on this house, shame and God'sanger!"
Hearing this, Zagloba shook himself free from amazement and burst out:"Ask him how great was the bribe he took from the Swedes? How much havethey paid him? How much have they promised him yet? Oh, gentlemen, hereis a Judas Iscariot. May you die in despair, may your race perish, maythe devil tear out your soul, O traitor, traitor, thrice traitor!"
With this Stankyevich, in an ecstasy of despair, drew the colonel'sbaton from his belt, and threw it with a rattle at the feet of theprince. Mirski threw his next; the third was Yuzefovich; the fourth,Hoshchyts; the fifth, pale as a corpse, Volodyovski; the sixth,Oskyerko,--and the batons rolled on the floor. Meanwhile in that den ofthe lion these terrible words were repeated before the eyes of the lionfrom more and more mouths every moment: "Traitor! traitor!"
All the blood rushed to the head of the haughty magnate. He grew blue;it seemed that he would tumble next moment a corpse under the table.
"Ganhoff and Kmita, to me!" bellowed he, with a terrible voice.
At that moment four double doors leading to the hall opened with acrash, and in marched divisions of Scottish infantry, terrible, silent,musket in hand. Ganhoff led them from the main door.
"Halt!" cried the prince. Then he turned to the colonels: "Whoso iswith me, let him go to the right side of the hall!"
"I am a soldier, I serve the hetman; let God be my judge!" saidKharlamp, passing to the right side.
"And I!" added Myeleshko. "Not mine will be the sin!"
"I protested as a citizen; as a soldier I must obey," added a third,Nyevyarovski, who, though he had thrown down his baton before, wasevidently afraid of Radzivill now.
After them passed over a number of others, and quite a large group ofnobles; but Mirski, the highest in office, and Stankyevich, the oldestin years, Hoshchyts, Volodyovski, and Oskyerko remained where theywere, and with them the two Skshetuskis, Zagloba, and a great majorityas well of the officers of various heavy and light squadrons as ofnobles. The Scottish infantry surrounded them like a wall.
Kmita, the moment the prince proposed the toast in honor of KarlGustav, sprang up from his seat with all the guests, stared fixedly andstood as if turned to stone, repeating with pallid lips, "God! God!God! what have I done?"
At the same time a low voice, but for his ear distinct, whispered nearby, "Pan Andrei!"
He seized suddenly his hair with his hands. "I am cursed for the ages!May the earth swallow me!"
A flame flashed out on Olenka's face; her eyes bright as stars werefixed on Kmita. "Shame to those who remain with the hetman! Choose! OGod, All Powerful!--What are you doing? Choose!"
"Jesus! O Jesus!" cried Kmita.
Meanwhile the hall was filled with cries. Others had thrown theirbatons at the feet of the prince, but Kmita did not join them; he didnot move even when the prince shouted, "Ganhoff and Kmita, to me!" norwhen the Scottish infantry entered the hall; and he stood torn withsuffering and despair, with wild look, with blue lips.
Suddenly he turned to Panna Billevich and stretched his hands to her."Olenka! Olenka!" repeated he, with a sorrowful groan, like a childwhom some wrong is confronting.
But she drew back with aversion and fear in her face. "Away, traitor!"she answered with force.
At that moment Ganhoff commanded, "Forward!" and the division of Scotssurrounding the prisoners moved toward the door.
Kmita began to follow them like one out of his mind, not knowing wherehe was going or why he was going.
The banquet was ended.
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