The Knights of the Cross, or, Krzyzacy: Historical Romance
Page 6
CHAPTER V.
After mass Zbyszko thought that if he could only fall upon his kneesbefore the queen and kiss her feet, then he did not care what happenedafterward. But after the first mass, the queen went to her apartments.Usually she did not take any nourishment until noontime, and was notpresent at the merry breakfast, during which jugglers and fools appearedfor the amusement of the king. The old _wlodyka_ of Dlugolas came andsummoned Zbyszko to the princess.
"You will serve Danusia and me at the table as my courtier," said theprincess. "It may happen that you will please the king by some facetiousword or deed, and the Krzyzak if he recognize you, will not complain tothe king, seeing that you serve me at the king's table."
Zbyszko kissed the princess' hand. Then he turned to Danusia; andalthough he was more accustomed to battles than to the manners of thecourt, still he evidently knew what was befitting a knight, when he seesthe lady of his thoughts in the morning; he retreated, and assuming anexpression of surprise, and making the sign of the cross, exclaimed:
"In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost!"
Danusia, looking at him with her blue eyes, asked:
"Why do you make the sign of the cross, Zbyszko, after mass is ended?"
"Because your beauty increased so much, during last night, that I amastonished!"
Mikolaj of Dlugolas, who did not like the new, foreign customs ofchivalry, shrugged his shoulders and said:
"Don't lose time talking to her about her beauty! She is only a bushhardly grown up from the soil."
At this Zbyszko looked at him with rancor.
"You must be careful about calling her a 'bush,'" said he, turning palewith anger; "if you were younger, I would challenge you immediately andwould fight until either you or I were dead!"
"Keep quiet, you beardless boy! I can manage you even to-day!"
"Be quiet!" said the princess. "Instead of thinking about your owndanger, you are seeking a quarrel! I would prefer to find a more steadyknight for Danusia. If you wish to foam, go where you please; but we donot need you here."
Zbyszko felt abashed at the princess' words and began to apologize. Buthe thought to himself that if Pan Mikolaj of Dlugolas had a grown-up son,then sometime he would challenge the son and would not forgive Mikolajfor calling her "bush." Now he determined to be quiet while in the king'scastle and not to provoke anybody, only in case of absolute necessity.
The blowing of horns announced that breakfast was ready; therefore thePrincess Anna taking Danusia by the hand, went to the king's apartments,where the lay-dignitaries and the knights, stood awaiting her arrival.Princess Ziemowita entered first, because being the king's sister, sheoccupied a higher seat at the table. Soon the hall was filled withguests, dignitaries and knights. The king was seated at the upper end ofthe table, having near him Wojciech Jastrzembiec, bishop of Krakow, thebishop, although inferior in rank to the other priests wearing mitres,was seated at the right hand of the king because he was the pope's envoy.The two princesses took the next places. Near Anna Danuta, the formerarchbishop of Gniezno, Jan, was comfortably seated in a large chair. Hewas a descendant of the Piasts of Szlonsk and the son of Bolko, Prince ofOpole. Zbyszko had heard of him at the court of Witold; and now whilestanding behind the princess and Danusia, he recognized the archbishop byhis abundant hair which being curled, made his head look like a_kropidlo_.[45] At the courts of the Polish princes, they called him"Kropidlo," for this reason; and the Knights of the Cross gave him thename of "Grapidla." He was noted for his gaiety and giddy manners. Havingreceived the nomination for the archbishopric of Gniezno, against theking's wish, he took possession of it by military force; for this act hewas deprived of his rank. He then joined the Knights of the Cross whogave him the poor bishopric of Kamieniec in Pomorze. Then he concludedthat it was better to be friendly with the mighty king; he craved hispardon, returned to the country and was now waiting for a vacancy tooccur, hoping that the good hearted lord would let him fill it. He wasnot mistaken as the future proved. In the meantime he was trying to winthe king's heart by merry frolics. But he still liked the Knights of theCross. Even now, at the court of Jagiello where he was not greatlywelcomed by the dignitaries and knights, he sought Lichtenstein's companyand gladly sat beside him at the table.
Zbyszko, standing behind the princess' chair, was so near to the Krzyzak,Lichtenstein, that he could have touched him with his hand. In fact, hisfingers began to twitch, but he overcame his impetuosity and did notpermit himself any evil thoughts. But he could not refrain from lookingeagerly at Lichtenstein's head and shoulders, trying to decide whether hewould have a hard fight with him, if they met either during the war, orin single combat. He concluded that it would not be difficult to conquerthe German. The Krzyzak's shoulder bones appeared quite large under hisdress of grey broadcloth; but he was only a weakling compared with Powalaor with Paszko Zlodziej of Biskupice, or with both of the most famousSulimczyks, or with Krzon of Kozieglowy or with many of the otherknights, sitting at the king's table.
At these knights Zbyszko looked with admiration and envy; but hisattention was also attracted by the actions of the king, who at thismoment gathered his hair with his fingers and pushed it behind his ears,as if he was impatient because breakfast was not served. His eyes restedfor a moment on Zbyszko, and at that the young knight felt afraid,fearing that perhaps he would be obliged to face the angry king. This wasthe first time he had thought seriously about the consequences of hisrash action. Until now it had seemed to him to be something remote,therefore not worthy of sorrow.
The German did not know that that youth who dad attacked him so boldly onthe highway, was so near. The breakfast began. They brought in caudle,seasoned so strongly with eggs, cinnamon, cloves, ginger and saffron,that the fragrance filled the whole room. In the meanwhile the foolCiaruszek, sitting on a chair in the doorway, began to imitate thesinging of a nightingale, of which the king was very fond. Then anotherjester went around the table, stopped behind the guests and imitated thebuzzing of a bee so well, that some of them began to defend their heads.Seeing this, the others burst with laughter. Zbyszko had served theprincess and Danusia diligently; but when Lichtenstein began to clap hisbaldhead, he again forgot about his danger and began to laugh. The youngLithuanian _kniaz_, Jamut, who was standing beside him, also laughed atthis very heartily. The Krzyzak having finally noticed his mistake, puthis hand in his pocket, and turning to the bishop, Kropidlo, said a fewwords to him in German; the bishop immediately repeated them in Polish.
"The noble lord says to you," said he, turning toward the fool, "that youwill receive two _skojce_; but do not buzz too near, because the bee isdriven away, but the drones are killed."
The fool took the two _skojce_ given to him by the Krzyzak, and takingadvantage of the license granted at all courts to the fools, answered:
"There is plenty of honey in the province of Dobrzyn;[46] that is why itis beset with the drones. Drive them, King Wladyslaw!"
"Here is a penny from me, because you have said a clever thing," saidKropidlo, "but remember that if the rope break, the beehive keeper breakhis neck.[47] Those drones from Malborg, by whom Dobrzyn is beset, havestings, and it is dangerous to climb to the beehives."
"Owa!" exclaimed Zyndram of Maszkow, the sword bearer of Krakow, "one cansmoke them out!"
"With what?"
"With powder."
"Or cut the beehive with an axe," added the gigantic Paszko Zlodziej ofBiskupice.
Zbyszko's heart was ready to leap with joy, because he thought that suchwords betokened war. Kuno von Lichtenstein understood what was said,because during his long sojourn in Torun and Chelmno, he learned thePolish language; but he would not use it on account of pride. But now,being irritated by the words of Zyndram of Maszkow, he looked at himsharply with his grey eyes and said:
"We shall see."
"Our fathers saw at Plowce[48] and at Wilno," answered Zyndram.
"_Pax vobiscum!_" exclaimed Kropidlo. "_Pax, pax!_ If only the_ksi
ondz_[49] Mikolaj of Kurow, will give up his Kujawian bishopric, andthe gracious king appoint me in his place, I will preach you such abeautiful sermon about the love between Christian nations, that you willsincerely repent. Hatred is nothing but _ignis_ and _ignis infernalis_ atthat; such a dreadful fire that one cannot extinguish it with water, butis obliged to pour wine on it. Give us some wine! We will go on_ops_,[50] as the late Bishop Zawisza of Kurozwenki used to say!"
"And from _ops_ to hell, the devil says," added the fool Ciaruszek.
"Let him take you!"
"It would be more amusing for him to take you. They have not yet seen thedevil with Kropidlo, but I think we shall all have that pleasure."
"I will sprinkle you first. Give us some wine and may love blossom amongthe Christians!"
"Among true Christians!" added Kuno von Lichtenstein, emphatically.
"What?" exclaimed the Krakowian bishop Wysz, raising his head; "are younot in an old Christian kingdom? Are not our churches older than yours inMalborg?"[51]
"I don't know," answered the Krzyzak. The king was especially sensitivewhere any question about Christianity arose. It seemed to him that theKrzyzak wished to make an allusion to him; therefore his cheeks flamedimmediately and his eyes began to shine.
"What!" said he, in a deep voice, "am I not a Christian king?"
"The kingdom calls itself a Christian one," coolly answered the Krzyzak;"but its customs are pagan."
At this many angry knights arose; Marcin of Wrocimowice, whose coat ofarms was Polkoza, Florian of Korytnica, Bartosz of Wodzinek, Domarat ofKobylany, Zyndram of Maszkow, Powala of Taczew, Paszko Zlodziej ofBiskupice, Jaxa of Targowisko, Krzon of Kozieglowy, Zygmunt of Bobowa andStaszko of Charbimowice, powerful and famous knights, victorious in manybattles and in many tournaments. Alternately blushing and turning palefrom anger, gnashing their teeth, they began to shout:
"Woe to us! He is a guest and we cannot challenge him!"
Zawisza Czarny, Sulimczyk, the most famous among the famous, "the modelof knighthood," turned to Lichtenstein with a frown on his forehead andsaid:
"I do not recognize you, Kuno. How can you, a knight, insult a mightynation, when you know that, being an envoy, you cannot be punished forit."
But Kuno quietly sustained the threatening look, and answered slowly andprecisely:
"Our Order, before it came to Prussia, fought in Palestine; even therethe Saracens respected the envoys. But you do not respect them; that isthe reason I called your customs pagan."
At these words the uproar increased. Round the table again were heardshouts: "Woe! Woe!"
But they subsided when the king, who was furious, clasped his hands inthe Lithuanian fashion. Then the old Jasko Topor of Tenczyn, castellan ofKrakow, venerable, grave and dreaded on account of the importance of hisoffice, arose and said:
"Noble Knight of Lichtenstein, if you, an envoy, have been insulted,speak, and severe punishment will be given quickly."
"It would not have happened to me in any other Christian country,"answered Kuno. "Yesterday on the road to Tyniec I was attacked by one ofyour knights, and although he could very easily recognize by the cross onmy mantle who I was, he attempted my life."
Zbyszko, having heard these words, became very pale and involuntarilyglanced at the king, whose anger was terrible. Jasko of Tenczyn wassurprised, and said:
"Can it be possible?"
"Ask the Pan of Taczew, who was a witness of the incident."
"All eyes turned toward Powala, who stood for a while gloomy, and withlowered eyelids; then he said:
"Yes, it is so!"
Hearing this the knights began to shout: "Shame! Shame! The earth willdevour such a man!" Because of this disgrace some of them began to striketheir chests with their hands, and others to rap the silver dishes, notknowing what to do.
"Why did you not kill him?" shouted the king.
"Because his head belongs to the court," answered Powala.
"Have you put him in prison?" asked the castellan, Topor of Tenczyn.
"No. He is a _wlodyka_, who swore on his knightly honor, that he wouldappear."
"But he will not appear!" ironically exclaimed Kuno, raising his head.
At that moment a young voice resounded behind the Krzyzak:
"I did it; I, Zbyszko of Bogdaniec!"
After these words the knights rushed toward the unhappy Zbyszko; but theywere stopped by a threatening nod from the king who began to shout in anangry voice, similar to the rattling of a carriage rolling over thestones:
"Cut his head off! Cut his head off! Let the Krzyzak send it to Malborgto the grand master!"
Then he cried to the young Lithuanian prince standing near.
"Hold him, Jamont!"
The frightened Jamont put his trembling hands on Zbyszko's shoulders.
But the white-bearded castellan of Krakow, Topor of Tenczyn, raised hishand as a sign that he wished to speak; when everybody was quiet, hesaid:
"Gracious king! Let this _comthur_ be convinced that not only yourimpetuous anger, but our laws will punish with death any who insult anenvoy. Otherwise he will think that there are no Christian laws in thiscountry. To-morrow I will judge the offender."
The last words he said quietly and as though no one could change hisdecision. Then he said to Jamont:
"Shut him in the tower. As for you, Pan of Taczew, you will be awitness."
"I will tell about the offence of this lad," answered Powala, looking atLichtenstein.
"He is right!" immediately said some knights. "He is only a lad! Whyshould the shame be put on us all!"
There was a moment of silence, and angry looks were cast at the Krzyzak.In the meanwhile Jamont conducted Zbyszko to the court-yard of the castleand intrusted him to the archers. In his young heart he pitied theprisoner, and this pity was increased by his natural hatred of theGermans. But he was a Lithuanian, accustomed to fulfill blindly theorders of the grand duke; being himself afraid of the king's wrath, hebegan to whisper to the young knight, with kindly persuasion:
"Do you know, what I would do if in your place? Hang myself! It will bethe best! The _korol_[52] is angry; they will cut off your head. Whyshould you not make him joyful? Hang yourself, _druh_.[53] Such is thecustom in my country."
Zbyszko, half dazed with shame and fear, at first did not seem tounderstand the words of the _kniazik_;[54] but finally he understood themand then he was amazed:
"What do you say?"
"Hang yourself! Why should they judge you. You will only afford pleasurefor the king!" repeated Jamont.
"Hang your own self!" exclaimed the young _wlodyka_. "They have baptizedyou but your heathen skin remains on you. Do you not know that it is asin for a Christian to kill himself?"
The _kniaz_ shrugged his shoulders:
"It will not be according to your will. They will cut off your head justthe same."
These words angered Zbyszko, and he wondered if it would be proper tochallenge the _bojarzynek_[55] for a fight either on horseback or onfoot, with swords or with axes; but he stifled this desire. He droppedhis head sadly and surrounded by the archers, went silently to the tower.
In the meanwhile everybody's attention in the dining hall was turned toDanusia, who became pale with fright. She stood motionless like a waxfigure in a church. But when she heard that they were going to executeZbyszko, then she was seized with great fear; her mouth quivered and atonce she began to cry so loudly and so pitifully, that all faces turnedtoward her and the king himself asked her:
"What is the matter with thee?"
"Gracious king!" said the Princess Anna, "she is the daughter of Jurandof Spychow and this unhappy knight made a vow to her. He promised her totear three peacock tufts from the helmets of the Germans, and havingnoticed such a tuft on the helmet of this _comthur_, he thought that Godhimself had sent the Krzyzak. He did not attack him, lord, throughmalice, but through stupidity; therefore be merciful and do not punishhim, we beseech you on our knees!"
Having sai
d this she arose, seized Danusia by the hand, and rushed withher toward the king, who seeing this began to retire. But both kneeledbefore him and Danusia began to cry;
"Forgive Zbyszko, king, forgive Zbyszko!"
Because she was afraid, she hid her fair head between the folds of theking's dress, kissed his knees and trembled like a leaf. Anna Ziemowitowakneeled on the other side and having clasped her hands, looked at theking on whose face there was visible great perplexity. He retired towardthe chair, but did not push Danusia back, only waved his hands.
"Do not trouble me!" he cried. "The youth is guilty; he has broughtdisgrace on the country! They must execute him!"
But the little hands clung closer and closer to his knees and the childcried more and more pitifully:
"Forgive Zbyszko, king, forgive Zbyszko!"
Now the voices of some knights were heard to exclaim:
"Jurand of Spychow is a famous knight, and the cause of awe to theGermans."
"And that youth fought bravely at Wilno!" added Powala.
But the king excused himself further, although he pitied Danusia.
"He is not guilty toward me and it is not I who can forgive him. Let theenvoy of the Order pardon him, then I will pardon him also; but if theenvoy will not, then he must die."
"Forgive him, sir!" exclaimed both of the princesses.
"Forgive, forgive!" repeated the voices of the knights.
Kuno closed his eyes and sat with uplifted forehead, as if he wasdelighted to see both princesses and such famous knights entreating him.Then his appearance changed; he dropped his head, crossed his hands onhis breast and from a proud man became a humble one, and said with asoft, mild voice:
"Christ, our Saviour, forgave his enemies and even the malefactor on thecross."
"He is a true knight!" said Bishop Wysz.
"He is, he is!"
"How can I refuse to forgive," continued Kuno, "being not only aChristian, but also a monk? Therefore I forgive him with all my heart, asChrist's servant and friar!"
"Honor to him!" shouted Powala of Taczew.
"Honor!" repeated the others.
"But," said the Krzyzak, "I am here among you as an envoy and I carry inme the majesty of the whole Order which is Christ's Order. Whosoeveroffends me, therefore, offends the Order; and whosoever offends theOrder, offends Christ himself; and such an offence, I, in the presence ofGod and the people, cannot forgive; and if your law does not punish it,let all Christian lords know."
After these words, there was a profound silence. Then after a while therecould be heard here and there the gnashing of teeth, the heavy breathingof suppressed wrath and Danusia's sobbings.
By evening all hearts were in sympathy with Zbyszko. The same knights whoin the morning were ready to cut him into pieces, were now consideringhow they could help him. The princesses determined to see the queen, andbeseech her to prevail upon Lichtenstein to withdraw his complaint; or ifnecessary to write to the grand master of the Order, and ask him tocommand Kuno to give up the case. This plan seemed to be the best becauseJadwiga was regarded with such unusual respect that if the grand masterrefused her request, it would make the pope angry and also all Christianlords. It was not likely that he would refuse because Konrad vonJungingen was a peaceable man. Unfortunately Bishop Wysz of Krakow, whowas also the queen's physician, forbade them to mention even a word aboutthis affair to the queen. "She never likes to hear about deathsentences," he said, "and she takes even the question of a simplerobber's death too seriously; she will worry much more if she hear aboutthis young man who hopes to obtain mercy from her. But such anxiety willmake her seriously ill, and her health is worth more to the whole kingdomthan ten knightly heads." He finally said that if anyone should dare,notwithstanding what he had said, to disturb the queen, on that one hewould cause the king's anger to rest and then he threatened such an onewith excommunication.
Both princesses were frightened at such menace and determined to besilent before the queen; but instead to beseech the king until he showedsome mercy. The whole court and all the knights sympathized with Zbyszko.Powala of Taczew declared that he would tell the whole truth; but that hewould also speak in favor of the young man, because the whole affair wasonly an instance of childish impetuousness. But notwithstanding all this,everybody could see, and the castellan, Jasko of Tenczyn made it known,that if the Krzyzak was unrelenting, then the severe law must befulfilled.
Therefore the knights were still more indignant against Lichtenstein andthey all thought and even said frankly: "He is an envoy and cannot becalled to the lists; but when he returns to Malborg, God will not permitthat he die a natural death." They were not talking in vain, because aknight who wore the girdle was not permitted to say even one word withoutmeaning it, and the knight who vowed anything, was obliged to accomplishhis vow or perish. Powala was the most implacably angry because he had abeloved daughter of Danusia's age in Taczew, and Danusia's tears made hisheart tender.
Consequently, that same day, he went to see Zbyszko, in his undergroundcell, commanded him to have hope, and told him about the princesses'prayers and about Danusia's tears. Zbyszko having learned that the girlthrew herself at the king's feet for his sake, was moved to tears, andwishing to express his gratitude, said, wiping his tears with his hand:
"Hej! may God bless her, and permit me as soon as possible to engage in acombat, either on horseback or on foot, for her sake! I did not promiseGermans enough to her! To such a lady, I ought to vow as many as she hasyears. If the Lord Jesus will only release me from this tower, I will notbe niggardly with her!" He raised his eyes, full of gratitude.
"First promise something to some church," advised the _Pan_ of Taczew;"if your promise is pleasing, you will surely soon be free. Now listen;your uncle went to see Lichtenstein, and I will go see him also. It willbe no shame for you to ask his pardon, because you are guilty; and thenyou do not ask for pardon of Lichtenstein, but an envoy. Are you ready?"
"As soon as such a knight as your grace tells me it is proper, I will doit. But if he require me to ask him for pardon in the same way he askedus to do it, on the road from Tyniec, then let them cut off my head. Myuncle will remain and he will avenge me when the envoy's mission isended."
"We shall hear first what he says to Macko," answered Powala.
And Macko really went to see the German; but he returned as gloomy as thenight and went directly to the king, to whom he was presented by thecastellan, himself. The king received Macko kindly because he had beenappeased; when Macko kneeled, he immediately told him to arise, askingwhat he wished.
"Gracious lord," said Macko, "there was an offence, there must be apunishment; otherwise, there would be no law in the world. But I am alsoguilty because I did not try to restrain the natural impetuosity of thatyouth; I even praised him for it. It is my fault, gracious king, becauseI often told him: 'First cut, and then look to see whom you have hurt.'That was right in war, but wrong at the court! But he is a man, pure asgold, the last of our family!"
"He has brought shame upon me and upon my kingdom," said the king; "shallI be gracious to him for that?"
Macko was silent, because when he thought about Zbyszko, griefoverpowered him; after a long silence, he began to talk in a brokenvoice:
"I did not know that I loved him so well; I only know it now whenmisfortune has come. I am old and he is last of the family. If heperish--we perish! Merciful king and lord, have pity on our family!"
Here Macko kneeled again and having stretched out his arms wasted by war,he spoke with tears:
"We defended Wilno; God gave us honest booty; to whom shall I leave it?If the Krzyzak requires punishment, let punishment come; but permit me tosuffer it. What do I care for life without Zbyszko! He is young; let himredeem the land and beget children, as God ordered man to do. The Krzyzakwill not ask whose head was cut off, if there is one cut. There will beno shame on the family. It is difficult for a man to die; but it isbetter that one man perish than that a family should be destroyed."
"It can not be! I cannot condemn to death a belted knight! It cannot be!It cannot be!"
"And there would be no justice in it," added the castellan. "The law willcrush the guilty one; but it is not a monster, which does not look to seewhose blood is being shed. And you must consider what shame would fall onyour family, if your nephew agreed to your proposal. It would beconsidered a disgrace, not only to him, but to his children also."
To this Macko replied:
"He would not agree. But if it were done without his knowledge, he wouldavenge me, even as I also will avenge him."
"Ha!" said Tenczynski, "persuade the Krzyzak to withdraw the complaint."
"I have asked him."
"And what?" asked the king, stretching his neck; "what did he say?"
"He answered me thus: 'You ought to have asked me for pardon on the roadto Tyniec; you would not then; now I will not.'"
"And why didn't you do it?"
"Because he required us to dismount and apologize on foot."
The king having put his hair behind his ears, commenced to say somethingwhen a courtier entered to announce that the Knight of Lichtenstein wasasking for an audience.
Having heard this, Jagiello looked at Jasko of Tenczyn, then at Macko. Heordered them to remain, perhaps with the hope that he would be able totake advantage of this opportunity and using his kingly authority, bringthe affair to an end.
Meanwhile the Krzyzak entered, bowed to the king, and said:
"Gracious lord! Here is the written complaint about the insult which Isuffered in your kingdom."
"Complain to him," answered the king, pointing to Jasko of Tenczyn.
The Krzyzak, looking directly into the king's face, said:
"I know neither your laws nor your courts; I only know, that an envoy ofthe Order can complain only to the king."
Jagiello's small eyes flashed with impatience; he stretched out his handhowever, and accepted the complaint which he handed to Tenczynski.
The castellan unfolded it and began to read; but the further he read, themore sorrowful and sad his face became.
"Sir," said he, finally, "you are seeking the life of that lad, as thoughhe were dangerous to the whole Order. Is it possible that the Knights ofthe Cross are afraid even of the children?"
"The Knights of the Cross are not afraid of anyone," answered the_comthur_, proudly.
And the old castellan added:
"And especially of God."
The next day Powala of Taczew testified to everything he could before thecourt of the castellan, that would lessen the enormity of Zbyszko'soffence. But in vain did he attribute the deed to childishness and lackof experience; in vain he said that even some one older, if he had madethe same vow, prayed for its fulfillment and then had suddenly perceivedin front of him such a crest, would also have believed that it was God'sprovidence. But one thing, the worthy knight could not deny; had it notbeen for him, Zbyszko's spear would have pierced the Krzyzak's chest.Kuno had brought to the court the armor which he wore that day; itappeared that it was so thin that Zbyszko with his great strength, wouldhave pierced it and killed the envoy, if Powala of Taczew had notprevented him. Then they asked Zbyszko if he intended to kill theKrzyzak, and he could not deny it. "I warned him from afar," said he, "topoint his lance, and had he shouted in reply that he was an envoy, Iwould not have attacked him."
These words pleased the knights who, on account of their sympathy for thelad, were present in great numbers, and immediately numerous voices wereheard to say: "True! Why did he not reply!" But the castellan's faceremained gloomy and severe. Having ordered those present to be silent, hemeditated for a while, then looked sharply at Zbyszko, and asked:
"Can you swear by the Passion of our Lord that you saw neither the mantlenor the cross?"
"No!" answered Zbyszko. "Had I not seen the cross, I would have thoughthe was one of our knights, and I would not have attacked one of ours."
"And how was it possible to find any Krzyzak near Krakow, except anenvoy, or some one from his retinue?"
To this Zbyszko did not reply, because there was nothing to be said. Toeverybody it was clear, that if the _Pan_ of Taczanow had not interposed,at the present moment there would lie before them not the armor of theenvoy, but the envoy himself, with pierced breast--an eternal disgrace tothe Polish nation;--therefore even those who sympathized with Zbyszko,with their whole souls, understood that he could not expect a mildsentence.
In fact, after a while the castellan said:
"As you did not stop to think whom you were attacking, and you did itwithout anger, therefore our Saviour will forgive you; but you had bettercommit yourself to the care of the Most Holy Lady, because the law cannotcondone your offence."
Having heard this, Zbyszko, although he expected such words, becamesomewhat pale; but he soon shook his long hair, made the sign of thecross, and said:
"God's will! I cannot help it!"
Then he turned to Macko and looked expressively at Lichtenstein, as if torecommend him to Macko's memory; his uncle nodded in return that heunderstood and would remember. Lichtenstein also understood the look andthe nod, and although he was as courageous as implacable, a cold shiverran through him--so dreadful and ill-omened was the face of the oldwarrior. The Krzyzak knew that between him and that knight it would be aquestion of life or death. That even if he wanted to avoid the combat, hecould not do it; that when his mission was ended, they must meet, even atMalborg.[56]
Meanwhile the castellan went to the adjoining room to dictate thesentence to a secretary. Some of the knights during the interruption camenear the Krzyzak, saying:
"May they give you a more merciful sentence in the great day ofjudgment!"
But Lichtenstein cared only for the opinion of Zawisza, because he wasnoted all over the world for his knightly deeds, his knowledge of thelaws of chivalry and his great exactness in keeping them. In the mostentangled affairs in which there was any question about knightly honor,they used to go to him even from distant lands. Nobody contradicted hisdecisions, not only because there was no chance of victory in a contestwith him, but because they considered him "the mirror of honor." One wordof blame or praise from his mouth was quickly known by the knighthood ofPoland, Hungary, Bohemia (Czech) and Germany; and he could decide betweenthe good and evil actions of a knight.
Therefore Lichtenstein approached him as if he would like to justify hisdeadly grudge, and said:
"The grand master himself, with the chapter, could show him clemency; butI cannot."
"Your grand master has nothing to do with our laws; our king can showclemency to our people, not he," answered Zawisza.
"I as the envoy was obliged to insist upon punishment."
"Lichtenstein, you were first a knight, afterward an envoy!"
"Do you think that I acted against honor?"
"You know our books of chivalry, and you know that they order us toimitate two animals, the lamb and the lion. Which of the two have you,imitated in this case?"
"You are not my judge!"
"You asked me if you had committed an offence, and I answered as Ithought."
"You give me a hard answer, which I cannot swallow."
"You will be choked by your own malice, not by mine."
"But Christ will put to my account, the fact that I cared more about thedignity of the Order, than about your praise."
"He will judge all of us."
Further conversation was interrupted by the reappearance of the castellanand the secretary. They knew that the sentence would be a severe one, andeveryone waited silently. The castellan sat at the table, and, havingtaken a crucifix in his hand, ordered Zbyszko to kneel.
The secretary began to read the sentence in Latin. It was a sentence ofdeath. When the reading was over, Zbyszko struck himself several times onthe chest, repeating; "God be merciful to me, a sinner!"
> Then he arose and threw himself in Macko's arms, who began to kiss hishead and eyes.
In the evening of the same day, a herald announced at the four corners ofthe market place with the sound of trumpets, to the knights, guests andburghers assembled, that the noble Zbyszko of Bogdaniec was sentenced bythe castellan's court to be decapitated by the sword.
But Macko obtained a delay of the execution; this was readily granted,because in those days they used to allow prisoners plenty of time todispose of their property, as well as to be reconciled to God.Lichtenstein himself did not wish to insist upon an early execution ofthe sentence, because he understood, that as long as he obtainedsatisfaction for the offended majesty of the Order, it would be badpolicy to estrange the powerful monarch, to whom he was sent not only totake part in the solemnity of the christening, but also to attend to thenegotiations about the province of Dobrzyn. But the chief reason for thedelay was the queen's health. Bishop Wysz did not wish even to hear aboutthe execution before her delivery, rightly thinking, that it would bedifficult to conceal such an affair from the lady. She would feel suchsorrow and distress that it would be very injurious to her health. Forthese reasons, they granted Zbyszko several weeks, and perhaps more, oflife, to make his final arrangements and to bid his friends farewell.
Macko visited him every day and tried to console him. They spokesorrowfully about Zbyszko's inevitable death, and still more sorrowfullyabout the fact that the family would become extinct.
"It cannot be otherwise, unless you marry," Zbyszko said once.
"I would prefer to find some distant relative," answered the sorrowfulMacko. "How can I think about women, when they are going to behead you.And even if I am obliged to marry, I will not do it, until I send aknightly challenge to Lichtenstein, and seek to avenge your death. Do notfear!"
"God will reward you. I have at least that joy! But I know that you willnot forgive him. How will you avenge me?"
"When his duty as an envoy has ended, there may be a war! If there bewar, I will send him a challenge for single combat before the battle."
"On the leveled ground?"
"On the leveled ground, on horseback or on foot, but only for death, notfor captivity. If there be peace, then I will go to Malborg and willstrike the door of the castle gates with my spear, and will order thetrumpeter to proclaim that I challenge Kuno to fight until death. Hecannot avoid the contest!"
"Surely he will not refuse. And you will defeat him."
"Defeat? I could not defeat Zawisza, Paszko, nor Powala; but withoutboasting, I can take care of two like him. That scoundrel Krzyzak shallsee! That Fryzjan knight, was he not stronger? And how I cut him throughthe helmet, until the axe stopped! Did I not?"
Zbyszko breathed with relief and said:
"I will perish with some consolation."
They both began to sigh, and the old nobleman spoke with emotion:
"You mustn't break down with sorrow. Your bones will not search for oneanother at the day of judgment. I have ordered an honest coffin of oakplanks for you. Even the canons of the church of Panna Marya could nothave any better. You will not perish like a peasant. I will not permitthem to decapitate you on the same cloth on which they behead burghers. Ihave made an agreement with Amylej, that he furnish a new cloth, sohandsome that it would be good enough to cover king's fur. I will not bemiserly with prayers, either; don't be afraid!"
Zbyszko's heart rejoiced, and bending toward his uncle's hand, herepeated:
"God will reward you!"
Sometimes, however, notwithstanding all this consolation he was seizedwith a feeling of dreadful loneliness; therefore, another time when Mackocame to see him, as soon as he had welcomed him, he asked him, lookingthrough the grate in the wall:
"How is it outside?"
"Beautiful weather, like gold, and the sun warms so that all the world ispleased."
Hearing this, Zbyszko put both his hands on his neck, and raising hishead, said:
"Hej, Mighty God! To have a horse and to ride on fields, on large ones!It is dreadful for a young man to perish! It is dreadful!"
"People perish on horseback!" answered Macko.
"Bah! But how many they kill before!"
And he began to ask about the knights whom he had seen at the king'scourt; about Zawisza, Farurej, Powala of Taczew, about Lis of Targowiskoand about all the others; what they were doing; how they amusedthemselves; in what honest exercises they passed the time? And helistened with avidity to Macko who told him that in the morning, theknights dressed in their armor, jumped over horses, broke ropes, triedone another's skill with swords and with axes having sharp ends made oflead; finally, he told how they feasted and what songs they sang. Zbyszkolonged with heart and soul to be with them, and when he learned thatZawisza, immediately after the christening, intended to go somewherebeyond Hungary, against the Turks, he could not refrain from exclaiming:
"If they would only let me go! It would be better to perish among thepagans!"
But this could not be done. In the meanwhile something else happened.Both princesses of Mazowsze had not ceased to think about Zbyszko, whohad captivated them by his youth and beauty. Finally the PrincessAlexandra Ziemowitowna decided to send a letter to the grand master. Itwas true that the grand master could not alter the sentence, pronouncedby the castellan; but he could intercede with the king in favor of theyouth. It was not right for Jagiello to show any clemency, because theoffence was an attempt on the life of the envoy; but if the grand masterbesought the king, then the king would pardon the lad. Therefore hopeentered the hearts of both princesses. Princess Alexandra being fond ofthe polished monk-knights, was a great favorite with them also. Veryoften they sent her from Marienburg, rich presents and letters in whichthe master called her venerable, pious benefactress and the particularprotectress of the Order. Her words could do much; it was probable thather wishes would not be denied. The question now was to find a messenger,who would be zealous enough to carry the letter as soon as possible andreturn immediately with the answer. Having heard this, the old Mackodetermined without any hesitation to do it.
The castellan promised to delay the execution. Full of hope, Macko sethimself to work the same day to prepare for the journey. Then he went tosee Zbyszko, to tell him the good news.
At first Zbyszko was filled with as great joy, as if they had alreadyopened the door of the tower for him. But afterward he became thoughtfuland gloomy, and said:
"Who can expect anything from the Germans! Lichtenstein also could askthe king for clemency; and he could get some benefit from it because hewould thus avoid your vengeance; but he will not do anything."
"He is angry because we would not apologize on the road to Tyniec. Thepeople speak well about the master, Konrad. At any rate you will not loseanything by it."
"Sure," said Zbyszko, "but do not bow too low to him."
"I shall not. I am going with the letter from Princess Alexandra; that isall."
"Well, as you are so kind, may God help you!"
Suddenly he looked sharply at his uncle and said:
"But If the king pardon me, Lichtenstein shall be mine, not yours.Remember!"
"You are not yet sure about your neck, therefore don't make any promises.You have enough of those stupid vows!" said the angry old man.
Then they threw themselves into each other's arms. Zbyszko remainedalone. Hope and uncertainty tossed his soul by turns; but when nightcame, and with it a storm, when the uncovered window was lighted byill-omened lightnings and the walls shook with the thunder, when finallythe whistling wind rushed into the tower, Zbyszko plunged, into darkness,again lost confidence; all night he could not close his eyes.
"I shall not escape death," he thought; "nothing can help me!"
But the next day, the worthy Princess Anna Januszowna came to see him,and brought Danusia who wore her little lute at her belt. Zbyszko fell attheir feet; then, although he was in great distress, after a sleeplessnight, in woe and uncertainty, he did not forget his duty as a knig
ht andexpressed his surprise about Danusia's beauty.
But the princess looked at him sadly and said:
"You must not wonder at her; if Macko does not bring a favorable answer,or if he does not return at all, you will wonder at better things inheaven!"
Then she began to weep as she thought of the uncertain future of thelittle knight. Danusia wept also. Zbyszko kneeled again at their feet,because his heart became soft like heated wax in the presence of suchgrief. He did not love Danusia as a man loves a woman; but he felt thathe loved her dearly. The sight of her had such an effect on him that hebecame like another man, less severe, less impetuous, less warlike.Finally great grief filled him because he must leave her before he couldaccomplish the vow which he had made to her.
"Poor child, I cannot put at your feet those peacock crests," said he."But when I stand in the presence of God, I will say: 'Lord, forgive memy sins, and give _Panna_ Jurandowna of Spychow all riches on earth.'"
"You met only a short time ago," said the princess. "God will not grantit!"
Zbyszko began to recollect the incident which occurred in Tyniec and hisheart was melted. Finally he asked Danusia to sing for him the same songwhich she was singing when he seized her from the falling bench andcarried her to the princess.
Therefore Danusia, although she did not feel like singing, raised herclosed eyes toward the vault and began:
"If I only could get The wings like a birdie, I would fly quickly To my dearest Jasiek! I would then be seated On the high enclosure: Look my dear Jasiulku----"
But suddenly the tears began to flow down her face, and she was unable tosing any more. Zbyszko seized her in his arms, as he had done in the innat Tyniec and began to walk with her around the room, repeating inecstasy:
"If God release me from this prison, when you grow up, if your fathergive his consent, I will take you for my wife! Hej!"
Danusia embraced him and hid her face on his shoulder. His grief whichbecame greater and greater, flowed from a rustic Slavonic nature, andchanged in that simple soul almost to a rustic song:
"I will take you, girl! I will take you!"