“Pontus de la Gardie holds that in his paws, and heavy are the paws, I know him.”
“How is it that Radzivill has fallen, he whose power was equal to that of kings?”
“It is quenching already, quenching—”
“Wonderful are the ordinances of God!”
“The wheel of war changes. But no more of this. Well, what? Do you make up your mind to my proposition? You’ll not be sorry! Come to us. If it is too hurried to-day, think till to-morrow, till the day after, before the heavy artillery comes. These people here trust you evidently, since you pass through the gate as you do now. Or come with letters and go back no more.”
“You attract others to the Swedish side, for you are an envoy of Sweden,” said Kmita; “it does not beseem you to act otherwise, though in your soul who knows what you think? There are those who serve the Swedes, but wish them ill in their hearts.”
“Word of a cavalier!” answered Kuklinovski, “that I speak sincerely, and not because I am filling the function of an envoy. Outside the gate I am no longer an envoy; and if you wish I will remove the office of envoy of my own will, and speak to you as a private man. Throw that vile fortress to the devil!”
“Do you say this as a private man?”
“Yes.”
“And may I give answer to you as to a private man?”