The Deluge · Chapter
LXXIX explained
The sortie partially succeeds as Boguslav's division enters the city.
What happens
The sortie partially succeeds as Boguslav's division enters the city. Pan Sapyeha suffers from a new 'confusion' that could harm his reputation. Kmita, impatient to interrogate the captured Scot Hassling about Taurogi, is sent on a scouting expedition. Hassling falls ill, and Zagloba relays that Boguslav is with the king's brother at a fortified camp on the Narev and Bug. The king arrives with his army, warmly embraces Sapyeha, and the armies exchange joyful shouts. Meanwhile, the king blesses Babinich (Kmita) holding a dangerous position under heavy Swedish bombardment.
Themes in this chapter
- War and Destruction
The chapter depicts intense siege warfare, with bomb and shell fire, trenches, and heavy casualties on both sides.
- National Identity and Resistance
The arrival of King Yan Kazimir and the unity of Polish and Lithuanian armies symbolize the national struggle against foreign occupation.
- Political Intrigue
Kmita's secret interest in Hassling's statements about Taurogi and Boguslav's movements hint at deeper political plots.
Characters to notice
- Andrei Kmita
Impatient to interrogate Hassling about Taurogi; sent on a scouting expedition; later holds a dangerous position under fire, refusing relief.
- Zagloba
Relays Hassling's statements about Boguslav; expresses fury at the idea of releasing Wittemberg; emotionally greets the king.
- Yan Sapyeha
Suffers internally from a new 'confusion' that could affect his fame; warmly embraced by the king upon his arrival.
- Yan Kazimir
Arrives with his army; blesses Babinich (Kmita) holding the fort; warmly embraces Sapyeha in view of both armies.
- Prince Boguslav Radzivill
His division enters the city; he is ill from rage and melancholy after defeat at Yanov; moves to Pomerania with troops.
- Tyzenhauz
Mentions that Pan Grodzitski will send reinforcements; has keen eyesight; rides with the king.
- Roh Kovalski
Frightened by Zagloba's outburst; later thunders 'Uncle will make a tumult!'
- Stefan Charnyetski
Mentioned as having placed himself in the way of Swedish forces, preventing them from relieving Warsaw.
Key passages
“The sortie had attained its object only in part; though Boguslav's division had entered the city, the sortie itself had not done great things.”
The attack achieved only partial success: Boguslav's forces got into the city, but the overall assault failed to accomplish much.
Opening summary of the sortie's limited effectiveness.
“Pan Sapyeha alone suffered internally, because a new 'confusion' had met him from which his fame might be seriously affected.”
Only Sapyeha was inwardly troubled, as a fresh scandal threatened to damage his reputation.
Sapyeha's personal distress over a potential blot on his honor.
“He said nothing, only set his teeth; for he had changed greatly already, and had learned to defer private affairs for public service.”
He remained silent and clenched his jaw, having transformed enough to prioritize duty over personal matters.
Kmita's growing discipline and sense of duty.
“I would rather lose that position,' said the king all at once, 'than that Babinich should die.'”
The king declared he would sooner surrender the fort than lose Babinich.
The king's high regard for Babinich (Kmita).
“Vivat Yoannes Casimirus!' 'Long life to the armies of the crown!' 'Long life to the Lithuanians!'”
Cheers erupted for King Yan Kazimir, the crown forces, and the Lithuanian troops.
The joyful acclamation between the united armies.
