The Deluge · Chapter
LXXXVII explained
An officer, Pan Byes, brings news of Prince Boguslav Radzivill's disastrous campaign in Podlyasye, where a force led by Babinich (Andrei Kmita) has been harrying his troops.
What happens
An officer, Pan Byes, brings news of Prince Boguslav Radzivill's disastrous campaign in Podlyasye, where a force led by Babinich (Andrei Kmita) has been harrying his troops. Anusia reacts with joy at Babinich's success, while Olenka is troubled by the name Andrei, recalling a traitor. The chapter also depicts the tense atmosphere in Taurogi as they await news of Boguslav's fate, with Kettling offering cautious analysis.
Themes in this chapter
- War and Destruction
The chapter details the devastating campaign in Podlyasye, with constant skirmishes, loss of supplies, and the demoralization of Boguslav's forces.
- Political Intrigue
Boguslav's alliance with the Swedes and the elector, his secret missions, and the manipulation of news reflect the intricate political machinations of the time.
- National Identity and Resistance
The defence of Chenstohova is highlighted as a pivotal event, and the enmity toward foreigners and traitors underscores the struggle for Polish national identity.
Characters to notice
- Anusia Borzobogati
Anusia eagerly questions Pan Byes about Prince Boguslav's campaign, rejoices at Babinich's successes, and expresses her admiration for Andrei Kmita, even threatening to marry Volodyovski if rejected.
- Olenka Billevich
Olenka is present during the news, but grows pale and troubled when Anusia mentions the name Andrei, associating it with a traitor who offered to sell the king.
- Babinich
Babinich (Andrei Kmita) is the subject of the officer's report, credited with leading the successful harassment of Prince Boguslav's forces, causing immense damage and forcing a retreat.
- Prince Boguslav Radzivill
Prince Boguslav is retreating toward Sokolka, suffering from fever and military setbacks, with his campaign undermined by Babinich's attacks.
- Pan Byes
Pan Byes, a Polish noble foreignized and loyal to Prince Boguslav, brings news of the disastrous campaign and is questioned by Anusia.
- Kettling
Kettling, a young officer, visits Olenka and offers a cautious interpretation of the silence from Boguslav's camp, predicting evil from the lack of news.
- Braun
Braun is mentioned as the officer who brings Pan Byes to Olenka and Anusia, and who has been ordered to report news from Prince Boguslav.
- Yan Sapyeha
Sapyeha is mentioned as being two days distant from Boguslav's camp, and his arrival is awaited in Jmud.
Key passages
“The prince is retreating on Sokolka, God grant successfully”
Prince Boguslav is withdrawing toward Sokolka, hopefully with success.
Pan Byes reports the prince's retreat, indicating a failed campaign.
“I will tell the pure truth and hide nothing, thinking that your worthiness will find strength in your soul to hear news less favorable.”
I will be completely honest, believing you are strong enough to handle bad news.
Byes prepares Anusia for unfavorable tidings about Boguslav's situation.
“We rubbed out on the road several bands of peasants; we scattered the forces of the younger Sapyeha, and cut up two squadrons of cavalry with a regiment of good infantry, sparing no one.”
We destroyed peasant bands, defeated the younger Sapyeha's forces, and annihilated two cavalry squadrons and an infantry regiment.
Byes recounts initial successes before the campaign turned sour.
“His name, which your worthiness has divined with such wonderful quickness, is repeated now with fear and rage by every mouth in our camp.”
The name you guessed so quickly is now spoken with fear and anger throughout our camp.
Byes confirms that Babinich is the feared enemy causing Boguslav's troubles.
“Thaws and heat set in, despite, it may be said, the regular order of nature; for we had news that in the south of the Commonwealth there was still severe winter; but we were wading in spring mud, which fastened our heavy cavalry to the earth.”
Unseasonable thaws and mud bogged down our heavy cavalry, while the south still had winter.
The weather hampered Boguslav's forces, giving Babinich's light troops an advantage.
“Who has crushed Prince Boguslav? Maybe Pan Sapyeha? A fig for Sapyeha! Who will crush the Swedes in the same style? Who will exterminate traitors? Who is the greatest cavalier, who is the greatest knight? Pan Andrei, Pan Andrei!”
Who defeated Prince Boguslav? Not Sapyeha! Who will defeat the Swedes and traitors? Andrei Kmita is the greatest knight!
Anusia exuberantly praises Babinich (Andrei Kmita) for his military exploits.
