The Deluge · Chapter
XII explained
In the district of Lukovo, Pan Zagloba is playing with the two young sons of Yan Skshetuski, Yaremka and Longinek, when news of the Swedish invasion and the treason at Uistsie arrives via Pan Stanislav Skshetuski.
What happens
In the district of Lukovo, Pan Zagloba is playing with the two young sons of Yan Skshetuski, Yaremka and Longinek, when news of the Swedish invasion and the treason at Uistsie arrives via Pan Stanislav Skshetuski. The Skshetuski brothers and Zagloba discuss the dire state of the Commonwealth, the betrayal by Radzeyovski and the nobles who signed the pact, and plan their next move. They consider going to Warsaw to join the king, but Zagloba advises instead to join the forces of Prince Yanush Radzivill in Lithuania, where Pan Michael Volodyovski is serving. They decide to take Yan's wife Helena and children to safety in the wilderness of Byalovyej, then proceed to Radzivill's banners.
Themes in this chapter
- National Identity and Resistance
The chapter contrasts the widespread treason at Uistsie with the determination of the Skshetuskis and Zagloba to resist the Swedish invasion and defend the Commonwealth.
- Honor and Betrayal
Radzeyovski and the nobles who signed the pact are condemned as traitors, while the Skshetuski brothers and Zagloba uphold their honor by planning to fight.
- War and Destruction
The news of the Swedish advance and the collapse of defenses sets a grim tone, with discussions of the enemy spreading over the country and the need for immediate action.
Characters to notice
- Zagloba
Playing with the Skshetuski boys, recounting old war stories, and advising the Skshetuski brothers on the best course of action against the Swedes.
- Yan Skshetuski
Receives news of the Swedish invasion and the pact at Uistsie; decides to take his family to safety in Byalovyej and then join the fight.
- Stanislav Skshetuski
Brings the dire news from Uistsie, describing the treason and the collapse of resistance; participates in the war council.
- Pan Michael Volodyovski
Mentioned as serving in the Lithuanian quota under Prince Yanush Radzivill; the group hopes to reunite with him.
- Yanush Radzivill
Proposed as the commander to join; Zagloba praises him as an honest man and a soldier who will not surrender to the Swedes.
- Radzeyovski
Blamed for persuading the nobles to betray the country and the king at Uistsie.
Key passages
“Virtue is perishing, and with it the Commonwealth, for nearly all agreed. I, the two Skorashevskis, Pan Tsisvitski, and Pan Klodzinski did what we could to rouse a spirit of resistance among the nobles.”
Stanislav Skshetuski reports that almost all the nobles agreed to the Swedish terms, and only a few tried to stir up resistance.
Highlights the widespread betrayal and the few who attempted to oppose it.
“Not he defends the country and the king who holds to the king's skirts, but he who beats the enemy; and he beats the enemy best who serves under a great warrior.”
Zagloba argues that true defense of the realm comes from fighting the enemy under a capable commander, not just staying close to the king.
Zagloba's pragmatic advice to join Radzivill's forces rather than going directly to Warsaw.
“The fish are dancing, muttered he to himself. Never fear, ye will dance still better when the floodgate is open, or when the cook is scratching you with a knife.”
Zagloba watches fish jumping in the pond and jokes that they will be caught and cooked soon.
Shows Zagloba's earthy humor and the peaceful domestic scene before the war news arrives.
