"Does that mean that you will not go on with me?"
"I call God to witness that this is out of no ill-will to you; but my conscience tells me not to expose my men to evident destruction, for their blood is precious, and will be of value to the Commonwealth yet."
The prince was silent awhile; then turning to his colonels, he said,--
"You, my old comrades, will not leave me now!"
At these words the colonels, as if impelled by one power and one will, rushed to the prince. Some kissed his garments; some embraced his knees; others, raising their hands to heaven, cried,--
"We are with you to the last breath, to the last drop of blood! Lead us, lead us! we will serve without pay."
"And let me die with you," cried young Pan Aksak, blushing like a girl.
At sight of this the voevoda of Kieff was moved; but the prince went from one to another, pressed the head of each one, and thanked him. A mighty enthusiasm seized on young and old. From the eyes of the warriors sparks flashed; they grasped their sabres from moment to moment.
"I will live with you, die with you!" said the prince.
"We will conquer!" cried the officers. "Against Krívonos! On Polónnoe! Whoever wishes to leave us, let him leave. We will do without aid. We wish to share neither glory nor death."