The Deluge · Chapter
LII explained
King Yan Kazimir travels through the mountains, gathering support from mountaineers and nobles.
What happens
King Yan Kazimir travels through the mountains, gathering support from mountaineers and nobles. He meets Voynillovich, who reports victories over the Swedes and a growing national resistance. The king is greeted by Marshal Lyubomirski with a grand military display and a feast, where plans for war and alliances with the Tartars are discussed.
Themes in this chapter
- National Identity and Resistance
The chapter depicts the Polish people rising against the Swedish invaders, with mountaineers, nobles, and troops rallying to the king.
- Political Intrigue
Discussions of alliances with the Tartars and the federation against the Swedes highlight the political maneuvering during the war.
Characters to notice
- Yan Kazimir
The king returns to Poland, gathering support and receiving reports of Swedish defeats.
- Pan Voynillovich
Reports his victory over the Swedes at Novy Sanch and updates the king on the national resistance.
- Pan Lyubomirski
Marshal of the kingdom, hosts the king with a grand military display and feast.
- Tyzenhauz
Young magnate accompanying the king, noted as an experienced soldier.
- Stefan Charnyetski
Mentioned as active in the federation against the Swedes, moving between locations.
- Yan Sapyeha
Mentioned as gaining ground at Tykotsin and involved in the federation against the Swedes.
Key passages
“Since the mountaineers gave sure information that on the road to Chorshtyn there was nothing to be heard of other Swedish parties, the retinue of the king turned toward the castle, and soon found themselves on the highway, along which the journey was easiest and least tiresome.”
The king's party, assured by mountaineers that the road was clear of Swedes, headed for Chorshtyn castle via the main highway.
The king's safe passage is facilitated by local intelligence.
“The nuncio, who had left Silesia filled with fear for the king's fate and his own, and for whom the beginning of the journey had increased this fear, was beside himself now with delight, for he was certain that the future would surely bring victory to the king, and besides to the church over heretics.”
The nuncio, initially terrified for the king's safety, became overjoyed as the journey progressed, believing victory was assured.
The nuncio's relief reflects the growing confidence in the king's cause.
“The Polish troops are beating their breasts with one hand, and are beginning to beat the Swedes with the other, said he.”
Voynillovich reported that Polish troops were repenting their earlier submission while simultaneously attacking the Swedes.
A metaphor for the shift from collaboration to resistance.
“Dear country! said Yan Kazimir, God grant me strength to bring thee peace before my bones rest in thy earth.”
The king expressed a heartfelt wish to restore peace to Poland before his death.
Yan Kazimir's emotional connection to his homeland.
“The king understood this intention, and his heart rose in gratitude; every moment therefore he took the marshal by the shoulder, pressed his head and thanked him.”
The king, moved by the marshal's display of loyalty, repeatedly thanked him with gestures of affection.
The marshal's demonstration of power and loyalty reassures the king.
