The Deluge · Chapter
LXII explained
Princess Griselda, concerned about her son Michael's affection for Anusia, permits her departure under Kmita's escort to Pan Sapyeha.
What happens
Princess Griselda, concerned about her son Michael's affection for Anusia, permits her departure under Kmita's escort to Pan Sapyeha. Zamoyski secretly plots to reclaim Anusia by sending a letter ordering her return, but Kmita sees through the ruse, summons his Tartars, and overpowers the escort, flogging them and continuing the journey.
Themes in this chapter
- Political Intrigue
Zamoyski's plot to reclaim Anusia through deception and Kmita's counter-maneuver illustrate the political and personal scheming among the nobility.
- Love and Sacrifice
Princess Griselda sacrifices Anusia's presence to protect her son Michael from a deepening attachment, while Kmita risks his life to honor his word.
Characters to notice
- Andrei Kmita
Escorts Anusia, sees through Zamoyski's trick, and uses his Tartars to overpower the escort.
- Anusia Borzobogati
Departs under Kmita's escort, initially angry and fearful, later terrified during the confrontation.
- Princess Griselda Vishnyevetski
Permits Anusia's departure to protect her son Michael, and interviews Kmita to ensure his trustworthiness.
- Sobiepan Zamoyski
Plots to reclaim Anusia by sending a false order, but his scheme is thwarted by Kmita.
- Roh Kovalski
Mentioned as Prince Michael, who is in love with Anusia but lacks energy to pursue her.
Key passages
“I commit her to your virtue, bravery, and honor, said the princess once more to Kmita; and remember that you have sworn to me to conduct her to Pan Sapyeha without fail.”
The princess entrusts Anusia to Kmita's care, reminding him of his oath to deliver her safely to Pan Sapyeha.
Highlights Kmita's sworn duty and the princess's reliance on his honor.
“Know whom you have met! Pan Zamoyski wished to make a fool of me, a blind instrument. To you he entrusted the functions of a pander, which you undertook, Sir Officer, for the favor of a master.”
Kmita reveals that Zamoyski attempted to deceive him and accuses the officer of acting as a pander for his master.
Exposes the trick and Kmita's defiance of Zamoyski's scheme.
