The Deluge · Chapter
LXV explained
Kmita reports on Boguslav's movements, and the two armies face each other near Sokolka.
What happens
Kmita reports on Boguslav's movements, and the two armies face each other near Sokolka. Sapyeha praises Kmita's relentless pursuit. Sakovich arrives as an envoy from Boguslav, proposing terms, but the negotiations are tense. Kmita learns that his old servant Soroka has been captured and tortured, and he pleads with Sapyeha to help rescue him. Sapyeha detains Sakovich as a hostage and sends Kmita with a safe-conduct to Boguslav.
Themes in this chapter
- Honor and Betrayal
Sapyeha accuses Boguslav of betraying the country by allying with foreign troops, while Kmita's personal vendetta against Boguslav blurs the line between patriotic duty and private revenge.
- Love and Sacrifice
Kmita's love for Olenka drives him to send Soroka to Taurogi, and his loyalty to Soroka leads him to risk his own safety to rescue the old servant.
- Political Intrigue
The negotiation between Sapyeha and Sakovich involves diplomatic maneuvering, hostage-taking, and the use of safe-conducts, reflecting the complex politics of the war.
Characters to notice
- Andrei Kmita
Reports on Boguslav's movements; his relentless pursuit has weakened the enemy. He is consumed by hatred for Boguslav and is desperate to rescue his servant Soroka.
- Yan Sapyeha
The hetman leading the pursuit; he praises Kmita's efforts, negotiates with Sakovich, and agrees to help Kmita by detaining Sakovich as a hostage.
- Prince Boguslav Radzivill
The pursued prince; he is ill and his forces are exhausted. He sends Sakovich as an envoy and holds Soroka captive.
- Pan Sakovich
Envoy from Boguslav; he delivers a letter and negotiates terms, but is detained by Sapyeha as a hostage.
- Soroka
Kmita's old servant; captured and tortured by Boguslav's men, he revealed Kmita's involvement. Kmita seeks to rescue him.
- Olenka Billevich
Mentioned as being taken to Taurogi by Boguslav; Kmita had sent Soroka to get news of her.
- Anusia Borzobogati
Mentioned as a prisoner taken by Boguslav's forces, sent to Taurogi.
- Yan Zamoyski
Mentioned as one of Anusia's guardians.
Key passages
“I was angry with you for not giving an account of yourself for so long, but I see that you have accomplished more than I could hope for; and if God gives victory, not mine but yours will be the merit.”
Sapyeha tells Kmita that despite his earlier frustration, Kmita's efforts have exceeded expectations and the credit for any victory will belong to him.
Sapyeha acknowledges Kmita's crucial role in the campaign.
“If I am his angel guardian, I must be present at his death.”
Kmita grimly responds that if he is Boguslav's guardian angel, he intends to be there when Boguslav dies.
Kmita's hatred for Boguslav is clear; he seeks personal vengeance.
“We have chased you nearly a hundred and fifty miles, as a hound does a hare. Have you ever heard of a hare proposing to a hound to surrender?”
Sapyeha mocks Sakovich's proposal by comparing Boguslav's retreating army to a hare being chased by a hound, implying surrender is absurd.
Sapyeha dismisses Boguslav's negotiating position as weak.
“I sent him from Lvoff to Taurogi—Prince Boguslav took Panna Billevich to Taurogi—I love that lady. We were to marry—I sent that man to get me news of her.”
Kmita explains that he sent Soroka to Taurogi to gather information about Olenka, whom he loves and intended to marry, after Boguslav took her there.
Kmita's personal motive for sending Soroka is revealed.
