# LXIV explained — The Deluge

> Chapter companion for The Deluge by Henryk Sienkiewicz.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_deluge_se/chapters/lxiv
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_deluge_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_deluge_se/chapters