# LXXXIV explained — The Deluge

> Chapter companion for The Deluge by Henryk Sienkiewicz.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_deluge_se/chapters/lxxxiv
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_deluge_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_deluge_se/chapters