The Deluge · Chapter
XLIV explained
Pan Sladkovski arrives at the monastery as Miller's envoy but instead delivers news of a growing national uprising against the Swedes, the Khan's advance with Hmelnitski, and the imminent return of King Yan Kazimir.
What happens
Pan Sladkovski arrives at the monastery as Miller's envoy but instead delivers news of a growing national uprising against the Swedes, the Khan's advance with Hmelnitski, and the imminent return of King Yan Kazimir. He urges the defenders to hold firm. Meanwhile, the Swedes receive heavy siege guns and bombard the fortress with unprecedented fury. In a daring night sortie, Babinich (Kmita) blows up the largest Swedish cannon, causing a massive explosion that throws the Swedish camp into chaos, though he does not return to the fortress afterward.
Themes in this chapter
- National Identity and Resistance
Sladkovski's speech rallies the defenders by describing a nationwide uprising against the Swedes, emphasizing the Commonwealth's fight for survival and the sacred duty to resist.
- Religion and Faith
The defenders' trust in the Most Holy Mother, the prior's prayers, and the miraculous protection attributed to the Patroness are central to the chapter's events and morale.
- War and Destruction
The chapter vividly depicts the brutal bombardment, the use of siege guns, fire, and the destruction of the fortress, highlighting the horrors of war.
Characters to notice
- Babinich
Blows up the largest Swedish siege gun in a daring night sortie, causing a massive explosion and throwing the Swedish camp into confusion; does not return to the fortress.
- Stefan Charnyetski
Advises on sortie and witnesses the explosion of the Swedish gun; shouts that Babinich burst the gun.
- Kordetski
Prior who prays for Babinich's safe return after the explosion; remains kneeling on the wall.
- Yan Zamoyski
Opposes a sortie during the night, insisting the enemy is well prepared; later involved in the defense.
- Pan Sladkovski
Arrives as Miller's envoy but delivers news of national resistance, the Khan's advance, and King Yan Kazimir's imminent return; urges the defenders to hold firm.
- Yan Kazimir
Mentioned as the rightful king who is collecting troops and may return to the country.
- Bogdan Hmelnitski
Mentioned as coming with the Khan's horde toward Lvoff.
Key passages
“That I am no knave will be shown straightway. I have become Miller's envoy so as to tell you news so favorable that I could wish, my good lords, to tell it all in one breath.”
Sladkovski declares he is not a traitor and has come as Miller's envoy to deliver extremely good news.
Sladkovski's opening statement to the monks and nobles.
“The country, taught by your example and by your defence, is beginning to throw off the yoke of the Swedes.”
The nation, inspired by your defense, is starting to rebel against Swedish rule.
Sladkovski reports a growing uprising inspired by the monastery's stand.
“I place my hands on these feet of Christ pierced with a nail, and swear that I declare the pure and clean truth.”
I swear on the crucified Christ that I am telling the absolute truth.
Sladkovski swears an oath to convince the defenders of his sincerity.
“He has burst it, he has burst it!”
He has exploded it, he has exploded it!
Charnyetski's exclamation after Babinich destroys the Swedish cannon.
