"My friend Zagloba, ask for the maiden too; maybe they will give her to you."
"What do you mean, Cossack? Are you drunk?" cried the princess.
Bogun, in place of an answer, took out Skshetuski's letter, and turning to Zagloba, said: "Read!"
Zagloba took the letter, and began to read it in the midst of deep silence. When he had finished, Bogun crossed his arms on his breast.
"To whom then do you give the girl?" asked he.
"Bogun!"
The voice of the Cossack became like the hiss of a serpent: "Traitors, murderers, faith-breakers, Judases!"
"Sons, to your sabres!" screamed the princess.
The princes sprang like lightning to the walls, and seized their arms.
"Quiet, gentlemen, quiet!" began Zagloba.