The Deluge · Chapter
LXXII explained
The Swedish army, suffering from hunger and demoralization, begins a retreat from Yaroslav under King Karl Gustav.
What happens
The Swedish army, suffering from hunger and demoralization, begins a retreat from Yaroslav under King Karl Gustav. Polish forces under Charnyetski pursue them relentlessly. Meanwhile, Charnyetski sends envoys, including Pan Yan Skshetuski and Zagloba, to negotiate with Pan Lyubomirski, who is marching with his army. Zagloba's flattery wins Lyubomirski's favor, and he agrees to serve under Charnyetski's command, though Charnyetski remains wary of Lyubomirski's ambition.
Themes in this chapter
- War and Destruction
The Swedish army's desperate plundering of villages and the brutal reprisals by Polish 'parties' illustrate the devastation of war.
- Political Intrigue
Charnyetski's strategic maneuvering and Zagloba's flattery of Lyubomirski reveal the political calculations and personal ambitions behind military alliances.
- National Identity and Resistance
The Polish nobles and peasants uniting against the Swedish invaders, and the emphasis on serving the Commonwealth, underscore themes of national resistance.
Characters to notice
- Stefan Charnyetski
Leads the Polish pursuit of the retreating Swedes; sends envoys to Lyubomirski and expresses concern over Lyubomirski's ambition.
- Zagloba
Accompanies Pan Yan Skshetuski as envoy to Lyubomirski; uses flattery to win Lyubomirski's cooperation and boasts of his own martial prowess.
- Yan Skshetuski
Volunteers to go as envoy to Lyubomirski; is praised as a famous knight and witness to the fighting.
- Karl Gustav
The Swedish king orders the retreat from Yaroslav after a council of war; remains on horseback till daylight.
- Arwid Wittemberg
Advises retreat by the San to Sandomir and Warsaw; participates in the council of war.
- Pan Lyubomirski
Marshal marching with a powerful army; is flattered by Zagloba and agrees to serve under Charnyetski's command.
- Roh Kovalski
Briefly speaks in support of Zagloba's boasts about killing Sweno.
- Yan Kazimir
Sends reinforcements and a letter to Charnyetski; is detained by negotiations with the Khan, Rakotsy, and Vienna.
Key passages
“We can return by the San to Sandomir, thence by the Vistula to Warsaw and to Prussia; in that way we shall escape destruction.”
Wittemberg proposes a retreat route via the San and Vistula rivers to Warsaw and Prussia as the only way to avoid annihilation.
Highlights the Swedish desperation and strategic retreat.
“The Commonwealth has not perished, since Lyubomirski has risen up in it.”
Zagloba flatters Lyubomirski by claiming that his rise proves the Commonwealth's resilience.
Shows Zagloba's rhetorical skill in winning Lyubomirski's favor.
“I, Lyubomirski, enter willingly under the command of Charnyetski, praying to God only to send us victory over the enemy!”
Lyubomirski publicly agrees to serve under Charnyetski's command for the sake of the country.
Demonstrates Lyubomirski's nominal submission despite his ambition.
