With Fire and Sword · Chapter
XXXIX explained
Zagloba, left alone in command of his detachment, feels anxious and lonely, wishing for the company of Skshetuski, Volodyovski, or Pan Longin.
What happens
Zagloba, left alone in command of his detachment, feels anxious and lonely, wishing for the company of Skshetuski, Volodyovski, or Pan Longin. He leads his men toward Zbruch but encounters a peasant wedding party. Initially hostile, he is persuaded to join the festivities, drinks heavily, and becomes thoroughly intoxicated. In his stupor, he imagines the wedding is that of Pan Yan and Princess Helena, then collapses. He experiences terrifying dreams and a sense of being overpowered.
Themes in this chapter
Leadership and Power
Zagloba's insecurity as a leader contrasts with his bluster; he struggles to command effectively and succumbs to distraction.
War and Rebellion
The chapter reflects the tense atmosphere of the uprising, with Zagloba suspecting the wedding party of being rebels.
Characters to notice
- Pan Zagloba
Commands the detachment alone; feels fear and loneliness; joins the wedding feast, drinks heavily, and loses consciousness.
- Pan Skshetuski
Mentioned by Zagloba as a brave and skilled warrior he wishes were with him.
- Pan Volodyovski
Mentioned as a 'wasp' and a reliable fighter; Zagloba hopes he is nearby for support.
- Pan Longin Podbipienta
Mentioned by Zagloba as someone he admires and feels safe with.
- Bogun
Mentioned by Zagloba as a dangerous figure he fears meeting.
- Krivonos
Mentioned by Zagloba as a threat; the peasants deny any connection to him.
Key passages
“It would always be livelier if some one of them were here. To whatever God predestined a man, for that he created him; and those three ought to have been born horseflies, for they love to sit in blood.”
Zagloba wishes for the company of his comrades, whom he compares to horseflies because of their love for battle.
Zagloba reflects on the martial nature of Skshetuski, Volodyovski, and Podbipienta.
“I would rather be alone, for when alone a man trusts to stratagem. But now there are too many of us for stratagems and too few for defence.”
Zagloba feels his detachment is an awkward size—too large for stealth and too small for a fight.
Zagloba's tactical dilemma highlights his unease with command.
“Have mercy, serene knight! Do not ruin poor people! God is our witness that we are innocent. We are not going to a rebellion. We are going from the church at Gusiatyn.”
An old peasant begs Zagloba to spare the wedding party, insisting they are loyal subjects returning from church.
The peasant's plea reflects the fear of nobles' reprisals during the uprising.
“Is it possible that I alone in the universe am not drunk?”
Zagloba, in his intoxication, wonders if he is the only sober person in the world.
Zagloba's drunken delusion underscores his complete inebriation.