The Deluge · Chapter
LXVII explained
Kmita returns safely to Sapyeha with horsemen and his servant, recounting his escape from Prince Boguslav.
What happens
Kmita returns safely to Sapyeha with horsemen and his servant, recounting his escape from Prince Boguslav. Sapyeha advises leaving vengeance to God. Despite exhaustion, Kmita rides to his Tartars under Akbah Ulan, who have blocked Boguslav's retreat by burning bridges and cutting dams. Kmita devises a risky night crossing of the Kamyonka River to flank Boguslav's entrenched infantry. The Tartars and volunteers cross the swampy river, bypass the trenches, and launch a surprise attack, overwhelming the infantry. After the battle, Sapyeha receives a letter from Charnyetski calling for aid against the Swedish king. Kmita sets aside his personal vendetta to join the national cause.
Themes in this chapter
- Honor and Betrayal
Kmita's personal vendetta against Boguslav is set aside for the greater good of the country, reflecting the tension between private honor and national loyalty.
- National Identity and Resistance
Kmita chooses to join the fight against the Swedish king, prioritizing the defense of the Commonwealth over personal revenge.
- Redemption and Transformation
Kmita's decision to abandon his pursuit of Boguslav and answer Charnyetski's call marks a turning point toward patriotic duty and moral redemption.
Characters to notice
- Andrei Kmita
Returns to Sapyeha after escaping Boguslav; leads Tartars in a daring river crossing and flank attack on Boguslav's infantry; decides to prioritize country over private vengeance.
- Yan Sapyeha
Hetman who listens to Kmita's account, advises against excessive vengeance, and later shares Charnyetski's urgent letter; blesses Kmita's decision to join the national cause.
- Akbah Ulan
Tartar leader reporting to Kmita on the destruction of bridges and dams; participates in the river crossing and attack.
- Soroka
Kmita's old servant who asks about going to Taurogi but is told to ride with Kmita instead.
- Prince Boguslav Radzivill
Antagonist whose forces are trapped by Kmita's Tartars; his infantry is attacked and overwhelmed in the night battle.
- Oskyerko
Present with Sapyeha when Kmita recounts his escape.
- Stefan Charnyetski
Sends a letter to Sapyeha calling for reinforcements against the Swedish king.
Key passages
“Learn from this, that whoso carries vengeance too far, from him it often slips away like a bird through the fingers.”
Sapyeha warns Kmita that excessive vengeance can escape one's grasp.
Sapyeha's advice to Kmita after his escape from Boguslav.
“Let private affairs wait! I will meet the enemy at the side of the country!”
Kmita decides to postpone his personal feud and fight for the nation.
Kmita's patriotic choice after reading Charnyetski's letter.
