The Deluge · Chapter
LXIV explained
Sapyeha's camp at Byala receives Prince Michael Kazimir Radzivill, a patriotic magnate who opposes Boguslav.
What happens
Sapyeha's camp at Byala receives Prince Michael Kazimir Radzivill, a patriotic magnate who opposes Boguslav. Kmita, leading Tartars, harasses Boguslav's retreating army by moving ahead of it, cutting supplies and bridges, and spreading confusion. Sapyeha initially doubts Kmita's actions but later receives prisoners and a letter confirming Boguslav's desperation, prompting a rapid advance.
Themes in this chapter
- Political Intrigue
Sapyeha and Prince Michael debate strategy against Boguslav, balancing caution with the need for swift action.
- National Identity and Resistance
Prince Michael's patriotism and the confederacy's efforts to defend the kingdom against traitors and invaders.
- War and Destruction
Kmita's Tartar raids, burning villages, and the harsh conditions of Boguslav's retreating army.
Characters to notice
- Andrei Kmita
Leads Tartars ahead of Boguslav's army, cutting supplies and bridges, causing confusion and fear.
- Prince Michael Radzivill
Arrives at Sapyeha's camp, a patriotic magnate opposing Boguslav, advises swift action.
- Kryshtofek Sapyeha
Young Pan Krishtof, posted at Yavorov with squadrons and infantry.
- Yan Sapyeha
Hetman commanding the camp at Byala, cautious and weighing plans, later convinced to advance.
- Oskyerko
Officer in Sapyeha's camp, comments on Kmita's actions and the situation.
- Prince Boguslav Radzivill
Retreating, ill and desperate, losing troops and supplies due to Kmita's harassment.
- Anusia Borzobogati
Taken by Boguslav but reported as safe from dishonor due to his illness.
Key passages
“This Radzivill resembled in nothing his kinsmen of Birji. Not less ambitious perhaps than they, but differing in faith, an ardent patriot, and an adherent of the lawful king, he joined with his whole soul the confederacy of Tyshovtsi, and strengthened it as best he could.”
Prince Michael Radzivill was unlike his Birji relatives; though equally ambitious, he was a devout patriot loyal to the rightful king, and he wholeheartedly supported the Tyshovtsi confederacy.
Contrast between Prince Michael and the traitorous Radzivills of Birji.
“The prince, not understanding what had happened, began to lose his head, and sent out party after party, which we cut up notably, so that none of them returned in the same number.”
Boguslav, confused by Kmita's tactics, dispatched repeated patrols that were ambushed and decimated.
Kmita's guerrilla warfare causing panic and losses to Boguslav.
