“If you are so confused at hearing my name,” said Zagloba, “think of the confusion of the enemy in the field.”
“And this is Colonel Volodyovski,” finished Kharlamp.
“And he has a famous sabre, and besides is a Radzivill man.” said Harasimovich, with a bow. “The prince’s head is splitting from labor; but still he will find time for such knights, surely he will find it. Meanwhile with what can you be served? The whole castle is at the service of such welcome guests, and the cellars as well.”
“We have heard of the famous meads of Kyedani,” said Zagloba, hurriedly.
“Indeed!” answered Harasimovich, “there are glorious meads in Kyedani, glorious. I will send some hither for you to choose from right away. I hope that my benefactors will stay here long.”
“We have come hither,” said Pan Stanislav, “not to leave the side of the prince.”
“Praiseworthy is your intention, the more so that trying times are at hand.”
When he had said this, Harasimovich wriggled and became as small as if an ell had been taken from his stature.
“What is to be heard?” asked Kharlamp. “Is there any news?”
“The prince has not closed an eye all night, for two envoys have come. Evil are the tidings, increasingly evil. Karl Gustav has already entered the Commonwealth after Wittemberg; Poznan is now occupied, all Great Poland is occupied, Mazovia will be occupied soon; the Swedes are in Lovich, right at Warsaw. Our king has fled from Warsaw, which he left undefended. To-day or to-morrow the Swedes will enter. They say that the king has lost a considerable battle, that he thinks of escaping to Cracow, and thence to foreign lands to ask aid. Evil, gracious gentlemen, my benefactors! Though there are some who say that it is well; for the Swedes commit no violence, observe agreements sacredly, collect no imposts, respect liberties, do not hinder the faith. Therefore all accept the protection of Karl Gustav willingly. For our king, Yan Kazimir, is at fault, greatly at fault. All is lost, lost for him! One would like to weep, but all is lost, lost!”