“He forgot it on the road from Yaroslav,” answered Zagloba.
The king, instead of being angry, smiled: “I’ll remind him of it.”
“God rules the world.”
“Tell him to visit me; I shall be glad to receive him. But he must hurry, for as soon as my horses are in condition I shall march farther.”
“Then we shall receive your Royal Grace,” said Zagloba, bowing and placing his hand slightly on his sabre.
“I see,” said the king, “that Pan Charnyetski has sent in the embassy not only the best sabres, but the best mouth. In a moment you parry every thrust. It is lucky that the war is not of words, for I should find an opponent worthy of my power. But I will come to the question. Pan Charnyetski asks me to liberate this prisoner, offering two officers of distinction in return. I do not set such a low price on my soldiers as you think, and I have no wish to redeem them too cheaply; that would be against my own and their ambition, but since I can refuse Pan Charnyetski nothing, I will make him a present of this cavalier.”
“Gracious Lord,” answered Zagloba, “Pan Charnyetski did not wish to show contempt for Swedish officers, but compassion for me; for this is my sister’s son, and I, at the service of your Royal Grace, am Pan Charnyetski’s adviser.”
“In truth,” said the king, “I ought not to let the prisoner go, for he has made a vow against me, unless he will give up his vow in view of this favor.”
Here he turned to Roh, who was standing in front of the porch, and beckoned: “But come nearer, you strong fellow!”
Roh approached a couple of steps, and stood erect.