The Deluge · Chapter
LIII explained
King Yan Kazimir visits the wounded Andrei Kmita in Lyubovlya.
What happens
King Yan Kazimir visits the wounded Andrei Kmita in Lyubovlya. Kmita confesses his true identity as the outlaw who served Radzivill and betrayed the country, but now seeks forgiveness. He recounts his past deeds, including his attack on Hovanski, his service under Radzivill, and his conversion after seeing Boguslav Radzivill's treachery. He denies ever plotting to kidnap the king, attributing the accusation to Boguslav's revenge for Kmita's attempt to capture him. The king, moved by Kmita's confession and service at Yasna Gora, offers conditional forgiveness.
Themes in this chapter
- Redemption and Transformation
Kmita's confession and plea for forgiveness embody his transformation from a traitor serving the Radzivills to a loyal servant of the king, seeking redemption through service and truth.
- Honor and Betrayal
The chapter explores the tension between honor and betrayal, as Kmita recounts his oath to Radzivill, his subsequent disillusionment, and his attempt to capture Boguslav to restore his honor.
- Political Intrigue
The Radzivills' schemes, including Boguslav's plot to become Grand Prince and the false accusations against Kmita, highlight the intricate political machinations of the period.
Characters to notice
- Andrei Kmita
Reveals his true identity to the king, confesses his past treason, and seeks forgiveness. Describes his service under Radzivill, his attack on Hovanski, and his attempt to capture Boguslav Radzivill.
- Yan Kazimir
Visits the wounded Kmita, listens to his confession, and offers conditional forgiveness while expressing concern over the alleged plot to kidnap him.
- Prince Boguslav Radzivill
Accused by Kmita of being the chief traitor, inventing the letter against Kmita out of revenge, and revealing his true intentions to destroy the Commonwealth.
- Yanush Radzivill
Mentioned as the hetman who led Kmita into treason, using an oath to bind him, and whose plans Kmita initially supported.
- Pan Michael Volodyovski
Mentioned as having seized Kmita but later releasing him due to letters showing Kmita saved his life.
- Olenka Billevich
Mentioned as Kmita's beloved who despised him as a traitor after the Kyedani treaty, though she remained loyal to the king.
- Bogdan Hmelnitski
Mentioned in the context of the Radzivills' treason and the broader conflict.
- Kordetski
Implied through reference to Yasna Gora, where Kmita served the king faithfully.
Key passages
“I am Andrei Kmita, the banneret of Orsha.”
Kmita reveals his true identity to the king.
Kmita confesses his real name and past, acknowledging his earlier deception as Babinich.
“By the salvation of my father and mother, by the wounds of the Crucified, it is untrue!”
Kmita swears on the crucifix that he never plotted to kidnap the king.
Kmita vehemently denies Boguslav's accusation, using a crucifix to emphasize his innocence.
“I carried him off from the middle of his court and of his whole army. I wanted to cast him bound”
Kmita describes his attempt to capture Prince Boguslav Radzivill.
Kmita explains his failed attempt to abduct Boguslav as an act of vengeance and to prove his loyalty.
“The soul changed in me in one moment, as if a thunderbolt had shaken it.”
Kmita describes his sudden conversion after hearing Boguslav's true intentions.
Kmita's realization of the Radzivills' treachery leads to his transformation and desire to serve the king.
