The Deluge · Chapter
LVIII explained
News of the Tyshovtsi confederation spreads, and Wittemberg's manifesto backfires, increasing resistance.
What happens
News of the Tyshovtsi confederation spreads, and Wittemberg's manifesto backfires, increasing resistance. King Yan Kazimir receives Volodyovski, who reports the death of Yanush Radzivill and the fall of Tykotsin. The king reveals that Babinich is actually Kmita, now a hero of Chenstohova, and reconciles him with Volodyovski. Kmita and Volodyovski embrace, and the king prepares to send Volodyovski to aid Charnyetski.
Themes in this chapter
- National Identity and Resistance
The Tyshovtsi confederation and the popular reaction to Wittemberg's manifesto highlight the growing national resistance against Swedish occupation.
- Redemption and Transformation
Kmita's transformation from a self-willed associate of Radzivill to the defender of Chenstohova and a faithful servant of the king is a central arc in this chapter.
- Political Intrigue
The revelation of Prince Boguslav's calumny against Kmita and the king's careful handling of loyalties reflect the complex political maneuvering of the time.
Characters to notice
- Pan Michael Volodyovski
Arrives in Lvoff with a squadron from Sapyeha, reports Radzivill's death and the fall of Tykotsin, and is reconciled with Kmita.
- Yan Kazimir
Receives Volodyovski, reads Sapyeha's report, grants the grand baton of Lithuania to Sapyeha, and reveals Babinich's true identity as Kmita.
- Andrei Kmita
Presented as Pan Babinich, revealed by the king as the defender of Chenstohova, reconciled with Volodyovski.
- Zagloba
Mentioned as having freed Volodyovski and his comrades from Radzivill's captivity; praised by the king as 'vir incomparabilis'.
- Yanush Radzivill
Reported dead; his soul went out as the final storm approached Tykotsin.
- Yan Sapyeha
Sent a squadron under Volodyovski to the king; granted the grand baton of Lithuania by Yan Kazimir.
- Stefan Charnyetski
Mentioned as the commander Volodyovski will be sent to assist.
- Roh Kovalski
Mentioned as having letters found on him that revealed the plot to send Volodyovski and others to Birji to die.
Key passages
“I greet thee, famous soldier! Much water has flowed down since we lost sight of thee. I think that we saw thee last at Berestechko, all covered with blood.”
The king warmly welcomes Volodyovski, recalling their last meeting at the battle of Berestechko.
Yan Kazimir acknowledges Volodyovski's long service and sacrifice.
“Radzivill might have been the first pearl in this glorious kingdom, if pride and the errors which he committed had not withered his soul. It is accomplished! Inscrutable are the decisions of God!”
The king reflects on Radzivill's potential and downfall, accepting his death as divine judgment.
Yan Kazimir laments Radzivill's treason while acknowledging his former greatness.
“Here stands the Hector of Chenstohova, to whom, next to Kordetski, Yasna Gora owes most; here stands the defender of the country and my faithful servant, who covered me with his own breast and saved my life when in the pass I had fallen among the Swedes as among wolves.”
The king reveals that Babinich is actually Kmita, praising him as the hero of Chenstohova and his personal savior.
Kmita's redemption is publicly affirmed by the king, clearing his name from Prince Boguslav's calumny.
