The Deluge · Chapter
XXXIX explained
Kmita, under the alias Babinich, arrives at Yasna Gora and warns Prior Kordetski and the assembled nobles of an imminent Swedish attack led by Count Veyhard.
What happens
Kmita, under the alias Babinich, arrives at Yasna Gora and warns Prior Kordetski and the assembled nobles of an imminent Swedish attack led by Count Veyhard. His warning is met with skepticism and harsh questioning, particularly from Pyotr Charnyetski. Despite his frustration, Kmita maintains his composure, offers precious jewels to the monastery, and seeks confession, demonstrating his penitent transformation.
Themes in this chapter
- Religion and Faith
Kmita experiences a profound spiritual transformation during Mass at Yasna Gora, and the monastery's defense is framed as a sacred cause.
- Redemption and Transformation
Kmita struggles to suppress his old violent nature, seeks confession, and offers his wealth to the monastery as an act of penance.
- Political Intrigue
Kmita's warning about Count Veyhard's plans is met with suspicion and debate, reflecting the complex political and military maneuvering of the time.
Characters to notice
- Andrei Kmita
Arrives at Yasna Gora under the alias Babinich, warns of Swedish attack, struggles with his temper but seeks confession and offers jewels to the monastery.
- Kordetski
Prior of Yasna Gora, listens to Kmita's warning with calm authority, questions the credibility of the news, and agrees to hear Kmita's confession.
- Count Veyhard Vjeshchovich
Mentioned as the Swedish commander planning to attack Yasna Gora, though his intentions are doubted by the assembly.
- Pyotr Charnyetski
Interrogates Kmita harshly, questioning his motives and background, but is later impressed by Kmita's display of wealth.
- Yan Zamoyski
Participates in the questioning, expresses doubt about Kmita's warning, and asks about Kmita's expected reward.
- Baron Lisola
Mentioned as the imperial envoy traveling to the King of Sweden, with whom Count Veyhard allegedly shared his plans.
- Tyzenhauz
Mentioned by Charnyetski as a friend and source of information about Kmita's past.
Key passages
“I have come from Jmud, to serve the Most Holy Lady, the suffering country, and my deserted king, against all of whom I have hitherto sinned, and in sacred confession I beg to make a minute explanation.”
Kmita declares he has traveled from Jmud to serve the Virgin Mary, his country, and the king, acknowledging his past sins and requesting confession.
Kmita's statement of purpose and penitence.
“Count Veyhard is going to attack this cloister. The time I know not, but I think it will be soon—I give warning and on you will fall the responsibility if you do not listen.”
Kmita warns that Count Veyhard will soon attack the monastery, and holds the assembly responsible if they ignore him.
Kmita's urgent warning about the Swedish attack.
“There! I have not come here for money! Not for your rewards! These are pearls and other small stones; all taken from the caps of boyars. You see what I am. Do I want a reward? I wish to offer these to the Most Holy Lady; but only after confession, with a clean heart.”
Kmita scatters jewels on the table, insisting he seeks no reward and intends to offer them to the Virgin Mary after confession.
Kmita's dramatic display of wealth to prove his sincerity.
