And he went around through the hall, stopped before acquaintances, not sparing titles in his speech,—“Lord brother,” “dear neighbor;” and more than one gloomy face grew bright under the warm rays of the magnate’s favor.
“But it is not possible,” said those who till recently looked on his deeds with dislike, “that such a lord, such a lofty senator should wish ill to his country; either he could not act differently from what he has acted, or there is some secret in this, which will come out for the good of the Commonwealth.”
“In fact, we have more rest already from one enemy who does not wish to light about us with the Swedes.”
“God grant that all turn out for the best.”
Some, however, shook their heads, or said with a look to one another, “We are here because they put the knife to our throats.”
But these were silent; meanwhile others, more easily brought over, said in loud voices, to be heard by the prince,—
“It is better to change the king than ruin the Commonwealth.”
“Let the kingdom think of itself, but we will think of ourselves.”
“Besides, who has given us an example, if not Great Poland? Extrema necessitas, extremis nititur rationibus! Tentanda omnia!”
“Let us put all confidence in our prince, and trust him in everything. Let him have Lithuania and the government in his hands.”