The Deluge · Chapter
LXXXIV explained
Prince Boguslav Radzivill visits Tomash Billevich to apologize for his previous outburst and to ask for the hand of Olenka Billevich in marriage.
What happens
Prince Boguslav Radzivill visits Tomash Billevich to apologize for his previous outburst and to ask for the hand of Olenka Billevich in marriage. He presents himself as a patriot working for peace with Sweden, and convinces the sword-bearer to agree to a secret marriage to avoid complications with his political negotiations. The prince then conspires with Sakovich to arrange the ceremony quickly.
Themes in this chapter
- Political Intrigue
Prince Boguslav manipulates Billevich with patriotic rhetoric to secure a secret marriage, while also plotting with Sakovich to further his own interests.
- Love and Sacrifice
Boguslav claims his love for Olenka drives him to propose marriage, though his actions are intertwined with political calculations.
- Social Class and Nobility
The negotiation over marriage highlights the importance of noble lineage and the perceived gap between the Radzivills and the Billeviches.
Characters to notice
- Prince Boguslav Radzivill
Apologizes to Billevich and proposes marriage to Olenka, using political arguments to secure consent for a secret wedding.
- Tomash Billevich
Initially astonished by the prince's proposal, he is persuaded by Boguslav's patriotic reasoning and agrees to a secret marriage.
- Olenka Billevich
The object of Prince Boguslav's marriage proposal; she is not directly present but is discussed as the intended bride.
- Pan Sakovich
Assists Prince Boguslav in planning the secret marriage and is promised the estate of Prudy as a reward.
Key passages
“My benefactor, I was grievously to blame the last time we met, for I fell into anger in my own house. It is my fault, and all the more so that I gave this affront to a man of a family friendly to the Radzivills. But I come to implore forgiveness.”
Prince Boguslav apologizes to Billevich for his earlier outburst, acknowledging his fault and seeking reconciliation.
Boguslav's opening apology sets the stage for his marriage proposal.
“I, Boguslav, Prince Radzivill, Marshal of the Grand Principality of Lithuania, ask you, Tomash Billevich, sword-bearer of Rossyeni, for the hand of your niece, Panna Aleksandra, chief-hunter’s daughter.”
Prince Boguslav formally requests Olenka's hand in marriage from her uncle.
The formal proposal marks a key moment in the chapter.
“Marry, and then what will be, will be.”
Billevich suggests that the prince should marry Olenka immediately and deal with consequences later.
This advice leads to the plan for a secret wedding.
