The Deluge · Chapter
XXXIV explained
Prince Yanush Radzivill delays his campaign into Podlyasye, awaiting Swedish reinforcements from Pontus de la Gardie, who deliberately makes him feel his dependence.
What happens
Prince Yanush Radzivill delays his campaign into Podlyasye, awaiting Swedish reinforcements from Pontus de la Gardie, who deliberately makes him feel his dependence. Meanwhile, Prince Boguslav Radzivill proposes using Olenka Billevich as a hostage to force Kmita to surrender compromising letters. The cousins discuss Kmita's dangerous nature and the need to retrieve the letters, with Boguslav offering to take Olenka to Tanrogi. News arrives that the confederates, now led by Zagloba, have united and fortified at Byalystok, prompting Yanush to finally order his forces to march.
Themes in this chapter
- Political Intrigue
The Radzivill cousins plot to use Olenka as a hostage to force Kmita to surrender letters, while Yanush maneuvers to secure Swedish support and delay his campaign.
- Honor and Betrayal
Boguslav gives his word as a cavalier not to use violence against Olenka, yet plans to use her as a political pawn; Yanush's betrayal of the Commonwealth is deepened by his alliance with Sweden.
- Love and Sacrifice
Olenka's devotion to Kmita is noted by Yanush, and her potential sacrifice as a hostage is central to the Radzivills' scheme.
Characters to notice
- Yanush Radzivill
Waits for Swedish reinforcements, discusses using Olenka as a hostage, and orders his squadrons to prepare for the road after learning of the confederates' unification under Zagloba.
- Prince Boguslav Radzivill
Proposes taking Olenka to Tanrogi to use her as leverage against Kmita, and discusses methods to retrieve the letters.
- Olenka Billevich
Discussed as a hostage; Boguslav plans to take her to Tanrogi to force Kmita to surrender the letters.
- Andrei Kmita
Mentioned as the holder of compromising letters; the Radzivills plot to retrieve them by using Olenka as a hostage or by sending an assassin.
- Zagloba
Reported as the commander of the confederates at Byalystok, having fortified a camp and gathered forces, causing Yanush's anger.
- Pontus de la Gardie
Delays sending reinforcements to Yanush Radzivill, making the prince feel his dependence.
- Ganhoff
Takes command of the cavalry in Yanush's division; a fearless soldier who dares not approach the prince in his wrath.
- Pan Kharlamp
Mentioned as leading dragoons in the prince's forces.
Key passages
“I give my word of a cavalier that I will not constrain her; and a word given in private I always keep. In politics it is another thing. It would be a shame for me indeed if I could gain nothing by her.”
Boguslav promises not to use force against Olenka, but admits that in political matters he might break his word, and considers it shameful if he cannot exploit her.
Boguslav's duplicity: he claims to honor private promises but sees political manipulation as separate.
“It is necessary to give them time, said the prince, to seize one another by the heads. They will gnaw one another to pieces; their power will disappear without war; and then we will strike on Hovanski.”
Yanush Radzivill believes that the confederates will destroy each other through internal conflict, allowing him to attack Hovanski without a fight.
Yanush's strategic miscalculation, as the confederates later unite under Zagloba.
