"THE DELUGE" "Screenplay based on novel by Nobel Prize Winner Henryk Sienkiewicz" "Cast" "Music" "Production Manager" "Photography" "Directed by" "Oh, Jesus!" "Hey, anybody here?" "Hey, people!" "Quiet!" "Hey, peasant!" "Peasant!" "We're neither peasants nor nobility!" "Forgive me, brother!" "Which way leads to Lyubich and Vodokzy?" "Lyubich is left at the cross in the road." "And Vodokzy is straight ahead past Parsuneli." "Thanks!" "You'll go to Lyubich!" "Move on!" "So long, Jedrus!" "Where is your mistress?" "Here I am." "I am Andrzej Kmicic." "I haven't been to Lyubich, yet but I hastened like a bird to bow down at your feet." "The wind, God grant it, brought me here straight from the camp." "Did you know of the death of my grandfather?" "I mourned with hot tears the death of my benefactor." "He promised me Lyubich, and your ladyship." "But you keep turning away from me so that I haven't even gotten a good look at you." "Oh, how nice it is to receive such a dear inheritance." "I'll dedicate a hundred masses to him for this." "When will the wedding take place?" "Not anytime soon." "I am not yours, yet." "But you will be, even if I have to burn this manor down." "You are mine by the deceased's will, and by your heart." "I'm not sure about my heart..." "If you weren't, I would gut myself with a knife." "You say that laughing." "Let's go into the reception room." "Auntie will take care of supper." "Who's aunt?" "Mine." "Well then, she's mine, too." "I am the aunt." "I would've been here sooner, but war is unlike a mother." "It weds men only with death." "You couldn't have been in much of a hurry." "The squadrons came back long ago." "After the lost battle, I stayed there myself to prowl the enemy, and made them so bitter that there's a price on my head." "What a splendid half-goose!" "In the name of the father and son..." "The enemy took refuge in the towns since winter is so bitter." "My men are as ragged as used brooms." "The Hetman assigned us some winter quarters." "I invited the officers to Lyubich." "They'll come tomorrow beating their heads." "Drink, I beg you." "I would even drink poison from your hands." "To you health!" "Dear God..." "The more I look, the more I want to marry you." "When is the wedding?" "It is not becoming to talk of that before the end of the morning." "I will dry up like a chip before that time." "My late grandfather was right, saying you're hot as a fever!" "You must get used to that." "And you should forget it, since it cannot be so!" "You'll be dragging me around on a leash!" "You're not the type to get dragged around on a leash!" "Oh really?" "Do you know how many times the priests at the monastery drilled me to remember the smart maxims?" "And which one do you remember most?" "When you're in love, fall to your knees." "Like this." "Let me go, or I'll be angry." "And my aunt might come in." "If a whole squadron of aunts came in I wouldn't forbid myself the pleasure!" "You are a traitor!" "A Judas!" "Not true, for when I kiss you, it is with sincerity!" "Would you like to be convinced?" "Don't you dare!" "In our land, we say, Ask and if they won't give, take it for yourself." "It's time for me to go." "It's late." "It's a long way to Lyubich, with plenty of wolves." "We will pay you a visit tomorrow with the entire company." "Good night." "God speed." "Oh, Auntie!" "Auntie..." "Sons of bitches!" "Jedrus!" "To my girl's health!" "Chug!" "Chug!" "Chug!" "Chug!" "So how does she look?" "Is she pretty, Jedrus?" "There isn't another like her in the entire world!" "How lucky you are, Jedrus!" "You have someone to cling your head to." "When is the wedding?" "When the morning is over!" "Nonetheless..." "children are not born black, but..." "White!" "Don't you understand?" "White!" "Hurry, hurry, Jedrus!" "The babies in Heaven are eager to be born!" "Don't make the poor things wait for too long." "We'll get drunk out of our minds at the wedding!" "But you can't throw us out!" "Relax!" "What's mine is yours!" "To the health of grandfather Billevich for giving you Lyubich!" "Stupid!" "Drinking to the health of a dead man?" "Stupid, fool!" "Stupid!" "Jedrus!" "We'll even sleep on pea straw." "Just don't drive us out." "Don't worry, Rekuc." "What's mine is yours." "Jedrus won't leave us alone!" "Where will we go?" "We'll go to Jedrus!" "He went like this, and I like that!" "He like this, and I like that!" "One, two..." "Three!" "Swing all you like!" "You'll never equal Jedrus!" "No one will ever equal him!" "No one!" "Jedrus, cut!" "Cut!" "No one can stand before him!" "You won't win against me with a pistol!" "Again?" "One ducat per shot!" "Two!" "Between the antlers!" "Three!" "Five ducats!" "Pistols!" "Right in the skull, between the antlers!" "He missed!" "My turn!" "Right in the middle!" "Bravo, Jedrus, bravo!" "Give it to me!" "Between the antlers!" "Strike!" "Kill!" "Sabers!" "Strike!" "Cut!" "Kill!" "Get the ears!" "Get the ears!" "Girls!" "Oh, Christ!" "Christ!" "Where are Rekuc and Kulvyets?" "They're still sleeping!" "So wake them up!" "I hope people don't talk." "My reputation is at stake, here." "Go hang yourself and your reputation." "It's good for nothing just like ours!" "And who dragged Sir Tumgart in the snow with horses?" "Who broke up the last provincial diets?" "Sir Tumgart forgave me when he was dying." "And all the others, as far as duels are concerned that can happen to the most innocent." "Yeah, I haven't told everyone yet!" "Shut your mouth!" "Or I'll blame it all on you!" "What?" "I told the girls and servants that if a word is said I'll have them beaten with belts!" "Do you love me?" "I love you as I love my soul." "Polkovnik!" "Stop!" "Polkovnik!" "That's one of my soldiers." "Something must have happened." "Polkovnik, the town is on fire." "They're fighting." "Don't worry." "Who's fighting?" "They didn't want to give supplies." "The soldiers started taking it by force." "We besieged the Mayor, and they began firing." "We burnt down two houses." "Now, there's terrible chaos, and the bells are ringing." "We must go to the rescue!" "We need soldiers!" "Silence!" "Get my horse!" "There is no need for you there!" "No need for slashing!" "Go back to Lyubich, and wait for me!" "But Jedrus..." "Not a word!" "Be well, Olenka." "Our party was not a success." "Be well and peaceful." "We would like to pay our respects to Sir Kmicic but it seems like he hasn't come back, yet." "I think he should be back, soon." "He will be very glad to see you, my guardians." "Have you spoken about marriage?" "Sir Kmicic wishes it as soon as possible." "Of course." "Why shouldn't he?" "He is not a fool." "Father Kassyan, say what you have on your tongue." "Do not doze like a rabbit at midday under a ridge." "I am not dozing." "I am only thinking what to say." "Then say what you think." "What I think?" "This is what I think." "Sir Kmicic is a soldier of great fame." "He alone opposed the enemy when everyone else had dropped their hands." "God give us as many such men as possible." "But the company he keeps is worthless." "The first day in Lyubich, they started firing their pistols and at what?" "At portraits of the dead Billewiches!" "Oh Christ." "Sir Kmicic should have put a stop to it for they are his benefactors." "It can't be." "It can't be." "It can, because it happened." "And then they dragged the girls of the house into the room for debauchery." "An offense against God." "Such things have never happened there before." "On the first day, they began with shooting and debauchery!" "The first day!" "Shame and disgrace!" "I thought they had gone wild because of war but now I see they're brutes, staining themselves and him." "We do not blame Sir Kmicic." "We know it is they who tempt him." "That much is known." "He is young and foolish." "Most serene, great, and mighty lady we were astonished not to be let into the house." "I am not, for it is Sunday and I did not see you gentlemen at church." "Most serene, great, and mighty lady... we have come to fall at our benefactress' feet and beg you for help." "We'd like you to order your servants to come with us, armed with rifles." "We will take the town by storm and draw a little blood." "I heard myself how Sir Kmicic commanded you to stay quietly in Lyubich." "It seems to me like he's there to command and you're here to obey." "One would think you were speaking to Sir Kmicic's lackeys." "This is the fourth day Jedrus has been away!" "Sir Kmicic did not go to battle." "He went to punish turbulent soldiers." "I won't give my servants." "How come?" "You won't give?" "For Kmicic?" "You won't spare any help for Jedrus' rescue?" "Do you prefer that some evil fall upon him?" "The only evil that might fall upon him, is your company." "You won't be coming in here." "Be off." "If it were not for Kmicic we would deal with her in our own fashion." "Go ahead." "Go up against Kmicic." "I'll go up against him and you!" "Anytime!" "Okay." "I'll smash the head of the first man who draws his saber!" "Let's drink some vodka, because it's cold!" "From Lyubich?" "Yes." "They're Kmicic's company." "Is that them?" "Again?" "It smells like mead." "I don't want vodka, give me some mead." "Girls, sitting by the fire." "Yes..." "As true as I live." "I wonder what they're doing there?" "Maybe they came here to dance?" "Wait a minute." "We'll see." "What are you doing, ladies?" "Warming our legs." "Warming." "Their legs!" "Those are very pretty feet, indeed!" "I have a better method of warming frozen feet." "Dancing will get rid of that frost!" "We don't need fiddles nor bass." "I'll play for you on the flageolet." "If your grace wants to dance, then dance with me." "And who are you?" "Are you looking for bruises?" "Enough talking." "Get out of here!" "Get out of here!" "I was so worried!" "Oh, my sweetest!" "I was afraid it might turn into a battle." "Not much of a battle!" "The soldiers quieted a few townsmen." "How did they quiet them?" "A saber on the head, and they're quiet as a coward." "God!" "That's murder!" "The people sent for help." "A few stupid fellows came with some officers." "I frightened those men away, but the officers..." "I ordered them chased naked through the snow with braided whips!" "You have neither shame, nor conscience!" "Are you speaking seriously, or just pretending?" "The courts will pursue you!" "Don't worry about that." "Every man is a lord in our Republic as long as he has a sword, and any sort of party." "What will they do to me?" "Who am I afraid of?" "If you are not afraid of anything then know that I fear God's anger, and people's tears!" "You think I don't know what you did in Lyubich?" "Who told you that?" "All the nobles in the district are talking of it!" "I will pay those homespuns for their good will." "But that happened while we were drunk." "I know that those brazen ruffians those murderers persuade you to do everything." "They are not murderers, they are my officers!" "I commanded those officers of yours to leave my house!" "You ordered them to leave?" "Yes." "And they left?" "Yes." "Good God!" "You have the courage of a knight!" "They do have manners before Kmicic!" "You see?" "They left like lambs!" "And do you know why?" "Because they fear me!" "You have to choose between them and I!" "Why should I choose when I have them and you?" "I will not marry a man weighed down by tears and blood!" "Do not make me furious!" "What do you want from me?" "Be honest!" "Farewell." "Good God!" "Do you want me to drop dead?" "Olenka..." "Olenka, don't cry." "For God's sake, don't cry." "I'll send them away." "I'll come to terms with them." "I'll live differently." "I'll be different." "Hey, anyone here?" "Are they drunk, or what?" "Rekuc!" "Rekuc, it's me." "Rekuc!" "Jedrus... a priest." "Who killed you?" "Who killed you?" "The Butryms..." "Farewell!" "Olenka, Olenka, wake up!" "Volmontovichi is burning!" "What a disaster!" "What?" "Volmontovichi is burning!" "Jesus!" "You hear?" "Jesus Christ!" "Holy John the Baptist, pray for us!" "Pray for us!" "Holy Joseph..." "Pray for us!" "All saints and patriarchs..." "Pray for them!" "From evil death..." "Save us, O Lord!" "From the tortures of Hell..." "Save us, O Lord!" "From all evil..." "Open the door." "My horse fell in the forest." "I'm being pursued!" "It is you who burned Volmontovichi!" "I..." "The devils are after my soul." "Fine..." "Close the gate, and go to the servant's hall!" "You go in there!" "Open up!" "What's going on?" "What do you want?" "Kmicic has burned down Volmontovichi!" "He murdered men, women, and children!" "Kmicic did it!" "We killed his men." "Now we want his head!" "Go after him." "Why are you standing around?" "Go after him!" "Is he not here?" "We found his horse in the woods." "He's not here." "The house was closed." "Look for him in the stables and barns!" "He went off into the woods!" "After him, brothers!" "Wait!" "My lady, do not conceal him." "He is a cursed man!" "I curse him, too." "Amen." "Come out!" "Take the horse and leave!" "Olenka..." "There is blood on your hands, like Cain's!" "Be gone forever!" "It is rare, indeed, to find people as honest as you." "I'm even more at ease here than in Keydani." "It is we who should thank you that your grace was willing to stay with us even though the Hetman's court has much better doctors." "Oh, don't mention it." "All that matters is that my hand is finally fit to use a saber again." "That's splendid indeed, since I heard that you've received a letter from the Hetman saying that in the spring, our men will march again." "That's what I wanted to talk to you about." "The Hetman has sent letters for new conscriptions for me and for Kmicic." "He is a cursed man." "He will not come back here, except maybe for death!" "Will you go under my command?" "Polkovnik, we're already under your command since you were deputy to Sir Billevich, may he rest in peace." "If it were not for you, no one would have survived!" "The Hetman is terribly worried about your horses." "Our horses are good." "You can ride for three days, and they won't get tired." "But they're a small breed, and the people here are so tall." "If you were to form a line on such horses it would look like a squadron sitting on dogs!" "Polkovnik!" "Kmicic has kidnapped the lady!" "Strange that he's dared to stop here!" "It seems like he trusts his power." "How many roads lead to this manor?" "Just this one." "That's good." "Follow me!" "Hide behind the carts!" "To the manor!" "To the doors!" "Break them down with axes!" "Stop!" "Listen!" "Stop it, will you?" "Let's talk!" "Stop!" "Who's speaking?" "The Banneret of Orsha, Kmicic." "And whom am I speaking with?" "Polkovnik Micheal Wolodyjowski." "I greet you!" "This is no time for greetings!" "What do you want?" "You bandit!" "There are people with me who have an account to settle with you for robbery for innocently spilled blood, and for the kidnapped lady!" "You have to yield your life!" "You would not call me a bandit a second time if it were not for this door between us!" "Then open it!" "Listen to me well!" "I have a barrel of gun powder here with me!" "If you do not let me go, I'll blow up the house along with everyone in here, including myself!" "He's a madman!" "He's ready to do what he says!" "Come out here with your saber!" "If you put me down, you can go free!" "Do I have the word of a knight that I'll go free?" "Yes, you do!" "That can't be!" "Quiet!" "If you don't like it then you can blow up here along with him!" "So?" "Do the gray coats agree?" "Yes, and they will swear on their swords, if you wish!" "Let them swear!" "Come together, gentlemen, come together!" "I take all of you as witnesses that I have challenged Sir Kmicic the Banneret of Orsha, to a duel." "And promised him, that if he puts me down he may go free, without any obstacle from you." "Swear it!" "I swear, by the Almighty God and the Holy Cross!" "Amen!" "Well?" "Come out!" "Come out!" "I have put my trust in you." "Who is Polkovnik Wolodyjowski?" "I am." "Oh, you don't look like a giant." "Where shall we fight?" "Here!" "Agreed." "I feel sorry for you, since I've heard that you're a splendid soldier." "Therefore I'll say this one more time, let me go." "Stand your ground!" "You asked for it." "Maybe you would like to wait for it to stop raining?" "It makes no difference to me." "It's a pity to die in such rain." "They'll be burying a polkovnik, so they sky is weeping!" "Stand your ground!" "You swing that like a flail!" "Pick it up!" "Pick it up!" "Just finish it!" "Spare me the shame!" "Let me go!" "He's still alive!" "He's alive!" "He hasn't fallen on his back!" "He's mine, now!" "Not yours!" "I don't want any shambles here!" "Knightly customs!" "We don't slaughter the wounded!" "Dress his wounds!" "Dress his wounds!" "My lady, you are now free!" "Polkovnik Michael Wolodyjowski, at your service!" "Is he dead?" "Don't worry, Kmicic is Iying out there, lifeless." "I am not trying to brag, but I did it!" "For God's sake, answer me!" "Is he dead?" "Kmicic?" "Wounded." "Thank you." "I have come to inquire if you bear ill feelings towards me." "Thank you, your grace, for coming to see me." "I bear no ill feelings because barely anyone can overcome me." "So you're that famous Michael Wolodyjowski!" "Actually, I am Jerzy Michael but since Saint Jerzy only slew the dragon while Saint Michael leads the whole host of Heaven I prefer him as my patron." "It is obvious that Jerzy is nowhere near Michael's equal." "You are probably astonished that I came out alive." "Well, all is not lost you can finish me off whenever you wish." "I did not come here with that intent." "How is your health... your grace?" "I barely came out of it." "When did you learn so much?" "During the wars." "Now they are crushing me with lawsuits." "I did burn down Volmontovichi, that's true." "And people were cut down." "But I also found my company slain like cattle!" "And why?" "Because they wanted to dance with some women!" "As for the kidnapping in truth, she saved my life when I was being hounded but then threw me out, so what was I to do?" "I'll tell you something." "She still loves you." "And how do you know she loves me?" "Because I have eyes." "I saw how she looked at you when you were brought in after the duel!" "She loves you." "If you don't understand that then it's because your reason and your mind are impaired!" "I said she loves you." "I didn't say she wants you." "There's war now." "You can render important services for your country." "You can win with glory, and mend your reputation." "You speak like a sincere friend." "I am not your friend, but I feel sorry for the lady." "And if I persuade you to do the right thing then that will be a good service on my part since you're a good and experienced soldier." "If there's time for me to do the right thing..." "I shall go from bed to court." "And here is the remedy for that." "A letter from the Hetman?" "Which orders you to recruit men, and form a squadron." "If you serve your country, the nobles will forgive you." "The Hetman gave me the choice of giving you this letter, or not." "And what did you decide?" "To give you this letter." "I am very glad to see you." "I would walk into fire after you." "Don't mention it." "This is Sir Andrzej Kmicic, the Banneret of Orsha." "I greet you all, noble gentlemen." "Do you know why we were summoned here?" "Well, most probably to take the field soon but I'm not sure quiet yet." "The Hetman asks you to enter, gentlemen." "The Hetman would like you to enter, gentlemen!" "Forgive me, gentlemen, for making you wait." "But now, my time and attention is being pulled at from all sides." "I asked you here to talk of some troubling news." "On top of the old, there is now a new war." "The Swedes have broken the truce!" "This is a beautiful country, with beautiful people." "There is no lack of quarreling magnates who are reluctant to support the King." "What is the news from the Polish camp?" "The nobles are gathering themselves very slowly." "Maybe it would be better to wait until King Carol Gustav arrives with the entire army." "If they had a regular army, I would suggest we wait." "But I know this country very well." "There is no regular army." "The King is weak, and deprived of financial means." "Our forces are enough to handle the nobles." "So I can say that this is already our land." "You may, your grace, you may." "At Kircholm, 3,000 Polish cavalry troops smashed 14,000 of our soldiers." "Yes, but those were Hussars." "We'll be going up against the home guard, this time." "Our country has been murdered!" "Treason!" "This is treason!" "Horrible treason!" "A group of our soldiers was running across the camp and nothing could be done about it." "So with my horse's last breath, I came here to Keydani to serve under such a great warrior." "I've marched many times with Polkovnik Wolodyjowski and this reminds me of the old days." "I am truly glad, that in these difficult times God has sent me such a famous soldier." "It is good that you have come here because no service today will remain unrewarded!" "You, too, Polkovnik Wolodyjowski." "I haven't earned anything, yet." "Leave that to me." "He who links his fortune, for good or bad with the Radziwills, will never perish." "I invite you to the feast tonight." "Now, I won't detain you any longer because work is calling." "Ganchof!" "Yes, your Highness?" "What are people saying?" "Everyone is waiting for the order to move out." "Only the Polkovniks are surprised that they've been summoned without their squadrons." "Have all the nobles arrived?" "The most important houses are already here." "Ask Kmicic to come in." "Did you bring the squadron?" "According to your orders, your Highness." "Are your men reliable?" "They are ready to go into the fires of Hell." "Good." "I need men like that." "And like you." "Ready for anything." "Times will get so tough, that even the most faithful might waver." "Whoever deserts your Highness in times of danger should perish a terrible death!" "Miss Billewich is here." "I've sent for her on purpose so that your misunderstanding could be resolved." "How can I repay you, your Highness?" "How?" "Have trust in me!" "Believe that what I do, is for the public good." "Do not desert me, when you see others desert me." "I swear." "Swear on this cross that you won't desert me until your death!" "Swear on the passion of Christ!" "I swear on the passion of Christ!" "I greet you all, gentlemen!" "It is good that you've all come." "We need great strength to save our country and support my efforts to reach that goal!" "I drink to your health!" "Polkovniks!" "Love of the country is our Suprema Lex!" "Long live our Hetman!" "When I lay near death on the bed, I said to myself You will not take her by force, with a saber and fire but you will deserve her only with honorable deeds." "I will win glory during war, and make peace with people." "Do you not have a good word for me?" "Can I believe you?" "You have to!" "You should." "If the Hetman and Polkovnik Wolodyjowski believed in me then why shouldn't you?" "Because I have seen people's tears, as a result of your deeds." "And graves not yet overgrown with grass." "The grass will grow." "And I'll wipe the tears off myself." "Do that first." "At least give me some hope." "The Hetman is to speak." "Gracious gentlemen." "Many of you will be astonished or simply terrified by this toast." "But whoever trusts and believes me whoever wants good for our country whoever is a faithful friend of the Radziwill household will get up voluntarily and repeat after me Long live Carolus Gustavus King of Sweden!" "From this day forth, our gracious ruler!" "Long live!" "Long live!" "Oh God, what have I done?" "Gracious Prince!" "For God's sake!" "Spare yourself!" "Spare us!" "Spare the Republic!" "Do not do this!" "He's a traitor!" "May you die in despair!" "May your entire lineage perish!" "May the devil tear out your soul!" "Traitor!" "Traitor!" "Thrice a traitor!" "Traitor!" "Kmicic to me!" "Guards!" "I am cursed forever!" "Shame on those who remain with the Hetman!" "What are you doing?" "Good God, choose!" "Oh, Jesus!" "Lights!" "Your Highness, it is time to rest." "The cocks have crowed a second time." "I dozed off, and the nightmare was suffocating me." "What is Kmicic doing?" "He was knocking his head against the wall crying about disgrace." "He wanted to run away, but the guards wouldn't let him." "He tried to grab his saber, so they tied him up." "Now, he's lying quietly." "Did Miss Billewich leave?" "There was no order to stop her." "Open the window, it's stifling in here." "My asthma is choking me." "What is Kmicic doing?" "As I said, your Highness, Iying quietly." "Oh, that's right." "You told me." "Send him in here." "And have his fetters taken off!" "Your Highness, he's a mad man!" "Don't worry." "Go!" "You took an oath on the crucifix not to desert me." "I will be damned if I keep that oath and damned if I don't." "It's all the same to me." "What do you think I should do against an enemy one hundred times more powerful?" "Against which I cannot defend this country?" "Die." "If I were to rouse a war now and perish before signing a treaty we would have nothing left of this country." "I will make you a great Hetman." "Don't rush to your death, for that is no great achievement." "Save the country instead!" "Tear yourself in a thousand directions, but don't die for you're not allowed to!" "Save our country!" "I am not a great Hetman." "What does not belong to me is none of my concern." "But as far as being torn in a thousand directions I will be!" "Do you think I put this country under the protection of Carol Gustav forever?" "Do you really think I want to join this land with Sweden?" "...by any means, by any method!" "I need power for that, and not pride!" "Whoever feels they have power can take it but if there's no one, I'll take it!" "What are you striving for?" "What do you want?" "I want the crown!" "Jesus!" "I gave this country to Sweden to use them to stop other enemies." "In this rocky Sweden, there are not enough men not enough sabers to uphold this immense Republic!" "What will happen to this country?" "Whom will it be given to?" "I will take this crown!" "I will rebuild this ruin more powerful than ever!" "And with this foot, I will crush the enemy!" "So help me God, and the Holy Cross!" "Your Highness..." "I cannot grasp that thought!" "My head is bursting!" "What's going on out there?" "Maybe help is on the way!" "Help me up!" "Give us back the Polkovniks!" "Give us back the Polkovniks!" "It's the Oskyerko infantry!" "That's my men!" "I told you they would send help!" "If only our squadrons were here!" "...yell for them to send for your squadron!" "Quiet!" "Send for our squadrons!" "Cut down the traitors!" "Quiet!" "What's going on up there?" "Tell us!" "It's the Scottish regiment." "The Scots are against us!" "Our people are attacking!" "Merciful God, don't delay punishment!" "By thunder!" "They fight while we sit here!" "Kmicic!" "Kmicic with the cavalry!" "Who's side is Kmicic on?" "I don't know." "Didn't you see him yesterday?" "Did he throw down his mace or not?" "I didn't see." "I had that man under my saber and I let him go with his life!" "Your Highness, the soldiers say that Wolodyjowski saved your life." "He did his duty." "But now that he's betrayed me I'm giving the order to have him executed." "You won't do that, your Highness." "I implore you that not a hair fall from his head." "I will follow your Highness into fire but do not refuse me this favor!" "And if I refuse?" "Then give the command to have me shot, too!" "Remember, miserable man, who you speak to!" "Do not bring me to desperation, your Highness!" "I will listen to a request but I won't listen to a threat!" "Permit me, your Highness, to serve you not from constraint but from my heart, or else I'll go mad." "I recorded their deaths in my soul yesterday." "What the Grand Hetman decided the future King of Poland can change!" "You've talked to me so well that I can't refuse you anything." "Until the end of the warl will send them into Swedish custody." "Thank you, your Highness... my father." "Go now, and give them the good news." "No, I won't go, your Highness." "It would make it look like I'm bragging." "Do as you wish." "But if so, then waste no time in going after Miss Billewich." "Wolodyjowski's entire squadron is guarding her." "Since she will be here, they'll soften up a little." "Michael, I think your squadron is not far from here." "What are you talking about?" "About escape." "Who's going to escape?" "Who's this officer in command of the convoy?" "That's Roh Kowalski." "From the noble Kowalskis." "You might as well speak to his horse because I'm not sure which one is dumber." "And they made him an officer?" "He pleased the Prince." "He breaks horseshoes with his bare hands." "And if he gets an order he'll follow it, if it means the end of the world!" "I like this officer a lot!" "I always like to know who I'm dealing with!" "Hey, gracious Officer!" "Hey, gracious Kowalski!" "Come closer!" "What do you want?" "Do you have any vodka?" "I do." "Give me some!" "What do you mean, Give me some?" "You see, gracious Kowalski, if it were not permitted then you would have an order not to give me any." "But since you don't have such an order then give me some!" "That sounds like an order." "Order or not, you're allowed to." "And it is proper to assist an older relative who, if he had married your mother, might have been your father!" "What relative are you of mine?" "Through my grandmother, who was born Kowalska and who had a ship on her coat-of-arms!" "Call me uncle!" "How is your father's health?" "God help me, I've forgotten his name..." "Also Roh." "Of course, Roh spawned Roh." "That's according to the commandment!" "Are you married?" "Of course, I am." "I'm Kowalski, and this is Mrs. Kowalska!" "I don't want any other." "That makes sense." "It's just too bad that you can't have young Rohs with her because I see you're a fine cavalier!" "Here, let's drink again!" "Drink to the bottom!" "Listen, gracious Roh, where was Kmicic's army going when we were leaving Keydani?" "After the insurgents." "God knows who the insurgents are, here." "You or they." "How so?" "I do what my Hetman orders me to do!" "Between you and I, the Hetman has rebelled against the King, and our country!" "Don't repeat that to anyone." "But it is so!" "It is not right for me to listen to this." "The Hetman has his superior, and I have mine!" "I like that you speak sincerely, but I was your uncle before Radziwill was your Hetman." "And do you know, Roh, what an uncle is?" "...is an uncle!" "You've calculated that very well but if a man has no father, the Scriptures say that you will listen to your uncle!" "Since in your uncle flows the same blood as in your mother!" "In truth, I am not your mother's brother but my grandmother must have been your grandmother's sister." "Does the Hetman have the right to command you to rise up against your father, mother, grandfather or even your blind, old grandmother?" "Answer me!" "...Against your blind, old grandmother?" "I am Kowalski." "And this is Mrs. Kowalska." "Looks like Sir Zagloba was exhausted by his talk with that fool." "Are they really relatives?" "Like you and I..." "Maybe they could give us some food soon." "Hey, soldier!" "Where's your commander?" "We don't know ourselves where he is!" "He hasn't been back since he crawled out of the wagon earlier." "Those are my men!" "With Zagloba!" "Gracious Kowalski, you uncle is coming to visit you!" "I am Kowalski, and this is Mrs Kowalska." "Where is my saber?" "Jesus of Nazareth!" "King of the Jews!" "Not to brag, but I did it!" "You've utterly ruined me, uncle!" "From today on, whoever wants to say fool can say Roh Kowalski!" "That's true." "Not many people will contradict that." "How could you betray a relative to the Swedes?" "I had an order!" "But now, you don't have that order anymore!" "No, I don't!" "From now on, your superior is Polkovnik Wolodyjowski." "And no one else!" "That's right!" "You have to listen to his orders!" "Yes, I do!" "He will ask you to renounce Radziwill and serve your country!" "What?" "That's an order!" "Yes, sir!" "That's good." "First chance you get, you'll trash some Swedes and traitors!" "An order  is an order!" "I sent the dumbest officer, so that they couldn't turn him." "And even he betrayed me!" "Your Highness, maybe you should not have sent a Pole." "So that the Swedes think that all Poles have deserted me?" "Where is Kmicic?" "Your Highness, he went to get Miss Billewich." "Get two cavalry squadrons ready at once!" "I will lead them myself!" "I have an invitation for you from the Hetman to go to Keydani." "I am glad that you're in good health." "When I drove in, I saw Mrs. Aleksandra in the door but she disappeared at once." "This is no small honor for us." "But we cannot go right now." "It is not proper to delay the Prince's request." "Are we being forced to?" "We have to go to Keydani." "What for?" "The Hetman has requested it." "Didn't I say that we should flee because they wouldn't leave us alone?" "You'll have to tie us up and escort us on horseback, or else we won't go!" "Gracious Lady, God will judge who is right I, serving the Hetman, or you, calling me a traitor." "But you will go to Keydani." "We will not go!" "The servants will defend us!" "Oh, my men are coming." "Be in the carriage within two prayers' time!" "To the road!" "Where to, cavalier?" "At your service." "The Cossack caught a Tartar while the Tartar holds him by the head!" "Sir Cavalier, you don't have much luck with me." "This is the second time I'm standing in your way!" "The first time, you were a swaggerer." "This time, you don't even deserve to be challenged by an honest man." "Why is that?" "Because you're a traitor!" "You've cut down honest soldiers who were defending their country, like an executioner." "In other words, your last hour has arrived." "By what right do you judge and execute me?" "Gracious sir, say you prayers, don't ask about rights or quickly give us your defense because I doubt this lady will take your side again..." "I am not asking this lady for mercy." "Take him past the last barn, and put a bullet in his head!" "Don't let them drag me like a dog." "I will go myself!" "Michael, I'll go and see if there aren't any orders from the Hetman on that unfortunate man." "You remember what I found on Roh?" "Hurry up, or the papers will be bloody." "I ordered him to be taken as far as possible so that the muskets don't alarm the lady." "Gracious gentlemen, you will bring calamity on our heads!" "You must flee!" "Come with us, there is no other choice!" "Jesus!" "You could at least cross yourself!" "That's none of your business." "Come on!" "You could have taken that unfortunate man with you and killed him on the road, instead of here!" "How can we leave now, when the lady is half dead?" "We'll put the lady in the carriage, because you must flee." "The Radziwill's vengeance will spare no one." "That's true." "I've stopped the execution!" "You've stopped it?" "Why?" "Why?" "Let me catch my breath!" "If it were not for Kmicic if it were not for that honorable cavalier we would all be hanging from trees at Keydani!" "We were about to kill our benefactor, gentlemen!" "Our benefactor?" "How can that be?" "How can that be?" "Read this letter, and you'll have your answer!" "We, Prince Janusz Radziwill..." "Further!" "... Grand Hetman of..." "Here, give it to me!" "... by intercession of Andrzej Kmicic, the Banneret of Orsha grant Michael Wolodyjowski and that other vagabond their lives Do you hear how they treat me?" "... As well as the other Polkovniks who have been sentenced to death for rebellion." "I order them to be sent to the Birki prison..." "Gracious gentlemen, if you still wish to have him shot then I no longer wish to be part of you company!" "He is a very strange man with as much good in him as there is evil!" "For God's sake, why did you not show us this letter?" "You are free, and you can go wherever you wish!" "Think about that, because I can tell you right now I'm going to go back to Radziwill." "Join us." "You will be considered a friend and brother and our country will forgive you your offences against her." "It's no use." "God will judge who serves our country better you, by starting a civil war or I, by serving the only lord who can save the Republic." "Go your way, I'll go mine." "For God's sake, who did you swear an oath to?" "Radziwill or the King?" "The Swedes, or the Republic?" "You've lost your wits!" "I knew it would be useless to try and convert you!" "Farewell!" "Wait, there's one more thing!" "Tell me once again, gracious cavalier did Radziwill promise you that he'd spare us?" "He did." "You were supposed to be with the Swedes until the end of the war." "Then know that your Radziwill betrayed not only his country, but also his servant!" "They are to be shot after the convoy arrives..." "What is this?" "A letter from the Hetman to the Swedes." "I found this letter on Roh Kowalski!" "It would have been better if I had died at your hands!" "We should go quickly." "There's a sword over our heads." "Since that man has left here alive they don't have a reason to burn us, or kill us." "Hurry up." "We'll leave before dawn." "God grant that we meet again in better times." "Farewell." "Occasionally, try to remember the soldier who's always glad to bend the sky for you." "Please accept this farewell, my dear flower, from an old man." "Where is Kmicic?" "He's come back, your Highness, but without his soldiers." "I know." "Send for him at once!" "I was late." "They escaped." "I wanted to chase them." "I got news that all the Polish squadrons mutinied." "The only good news is that I brought Miss Billewich." "Did my letter save you?" "What letter are you speaking of?" "The one to me, or the one to the Swedes?" "So you know?" "I do." "Get out of here!" "How could you do that to me, your Highness?" "Silence!" "I will not be silent!" "I swallowed shame for you before their eyes!" "I ordered them to be executed by the Swedes to spare you the pain." "Look what's happened because of you!" "Because of your prayers, resistance has grown." "Your sentimentality, and my weakness have done a terrible harm to the country." "That's true, but everyday will bring more pain." "I know where it all came from." "That woman." "When do you want the wedding to be?" "There will be a bit of screaming and if she cries the next day, then she's just a woman!" "I don't want her, and she doesn't want me!" "I'm not asking anything of her, just to be far away." "To forget." "That's your business." "Do you want to leave here?" "Today, if possible." "You'll go to Podlasie, to Prince Boguslaw." "I don't even have enough forces to attack the rebels by myself." "Then you'll take my letters to Carolus." "Ask him to send me cavalry and guns." "I will crush the rebels!" "Do you have any requests to make?" "Your Highness..." "Speak boldly!" "I pray that she suffer no harm while she's here." "I'm going far away." "I'm not sure if I'll see you again." "I wanted to leave without saying goodbye but I couldn't." "I don't want us to part in anger." "God grant you happiness." "I do not harbor ill will against you." "Some evil spirit came between us and separated us like the sea." "May God guide you and steer you onto the right road." "May you leave the one you are erring on." "Give peace, let no misunderstanding come between us again." "Give me your hand for the road." "Olenka, Olenka." "Shall we see each other again?" "Mr. Andrzej, leave those traitors and everything will be..." "I cannot." "Better not to say anything." "For God's sake, why does this happen to us?" "Farewell for the last time." "Why do you cry?" "Don't cry." "Or I'll go mad." "You are the Hetman's attendant?" "My name is Kmicic." "And I am not his attendant, but a polkovnik." "Kmicic?" "The same Kmicic famous from the last war?" "I have heard much about you." "With your help, my brother will crush the rebels." "I'm happy to get to know you more." "So what's going on in Keydani?" "I've been extremely bored here in Podlasie." "I have speared all the bears in the region and all the women here stink of sheepskin which my nose cannot stand." "Here is a letter from the Hetman." "Please, have a seat, gracious cavalier." "Nothing new." "The Hetman advises me to move to Taurogi which, as you see, I am doing." "In Podlasie I would have to go against the confederates or the Swedes, but it's still too early for that." "Until the issue of the war is determined your options have to be open." "The Hetman..." "The Hetman is perpetually late with his advises." "Listen to this." "...and those confederates who have mutinied just think if they went to Jan Kazimierz!" "They're getting ready to loot my estate and when they get drunk off of my strong beer that's when you should have them slain!" "I have to go to Taurogi, while at the same time arrange the slaughter of the confederates." "Pretend to be a partisan of Jan Kazimierz and a patriot while cutting off the people..." "Is there sense in any of that?" "Your Highness, I serve the Radziwills and your fortune, with my name and soul." "My fortune may increase, but I don't pretend to understand everything that happens." "What is it you want then, cavalier?" "I would like instruction, but I'm not sure..." "That depends on your question, and my mood." "The Hetman defends all his acts as for the good of the Republic." "Is that all pretext, or is it truth?" "And if I said it was pretext would you stop serving him then?" "My fortune will increase with the Radziwills." "You will be a man." "You see, Mr. Kmicic..." "If we Radziwills lived in Spain, France, or Sweden where the son inherits the throne after the father we would probably serve the King and country content with the highest offices." "But here, in this land where the King is elected by the nobles?" "Who can assure us, that some day out of nowhere, they might decide to put Mr. Pieglasiewicz from Psia Wolka on the throne?" "And we Radziwills, according to tradition will have to come and kiss his Pieglasiewicz hand!" "It is time to finish this!" "The Republic is a red cloth at which everyone pulls." "But we Radziwills have decided that we should be left with enough cloth to make a robe." "Devils are taking the Republic!" "And there is a custom in this country that when someone is dying even his relatives pull the pillow out from under him..." "I, and the Hetman, have determined to render that special service to the Republic!" "The crown must be for the Hetman." "And then for me." "What's the matter, Mr. Kmicic?" "I am tired from the road and my head is spinning." "It's from the wound I recently got in a duel." "Go and rest." "The Hetman wrote that you're taking a letter to the King of Sweden." "Come here before leaving and I'll give you a letter for him, too." "More!" "More!" "Enough!" "Saddle the horses!" "They're saddled!" "Fasten the packs!" "They're fastened!" "A ducat for each of you!" "Thank you, Polkovnik!" "Soroka." "Take two men with you on horses and go by the main road towards the forest." "Yes, sir." "The others, have your pistols loaded." "Saddle two horses for me." "Go!" "Stop!" "Are you ready for death?" "Since you risk your head why shouldn't we risk ours?" "Here is the letter." "When you see the Swedish King assure him that I am his adherent but that I must pretend not to be in the meantime." "Is there anyone who isn't forced to do so?" "Anyone who wants to do anything great must pretend." "That is true." "Take care of yourself, cavalier." "I won't let the Hetman deny you your reward." "If that's the case, your Highness then I would request my reward in advance." "I took a horse of high-blood from Keydani and I'm worried about tiring him out on the road." "I would ask that you use and look after him until I come back for him." "You might as well sell him to me." "That would be like selling a friend." "He's saved me a hundred times from danger and on top of that, he loves to bite the enemy!" "And where is this wonder of yours?" "Before the gate." "I guess this is he." "Bring him here." "No, I'll mount him myself." "A deer's eyes and legs, a wolf's gait, an elk's nostrils." "And the breast of a woman!" "Well?" "The horse is well taught!" "So well, that if you're trotting in a line he won't move out of line by more than half his nose!" "Therefore, the rider can have both hands free." "On more than one occasion, I had a saber in one and a pistol in the other!" "And if the line turns around?" "Then he will too, without breaking the line." "No horse can do that." "Why don't you try yourself, your Highness." "Two men will ride on the sides, and I behind." "I'll give him to you for free if he moves out more than half his length!" "All right." "Stop." "Forward!" "Drop the reigns, your Highness!" "Seize him!" "What's this?" "Ruffians!" "Do you know who I am?" "Resistance is useless!" "Or you get shot!" "Traitor!" "And what about you?" "Do you know who you've raised your hands against?" "Go to Hell!" "Let go, or you'll tear my hands out!" "Let his hands go!" "Do you want a ransom?" "No!" "Where are you taking me?" "To the confederates!" "I have your letters!" "Your treachery will be known!" "You are a fool, Mr. Kmicic!" "Yes, for believing in the Radziwills!" "What's the matter?" "The horses are extremely tired." "Some rest this is going to be!" "There is nothing here!" "We have food and spirits!" "Good, we'll need strength." "I beg you to dismount, your Highness." "Why?" "I'll eat and drink in the saddle." "Please get on the ground." "And you into the ground!" "Jesus!" "He's alive!" "Some evil spirit must have brought this smoke!" "You fool!" "If it was the Devil we would be smelling sulfur, and not smoke!" "Hey, people, is there anyone there?" "Bring the polkovnik in." "Soroka..." "Your grace." "Did the Prince fire at me?" "What happened to him?" "He escaped." "That's bad." "Very bad!" "He knocked down three of our people and he took the best horse!" "Then he is the victor but we'll meet again!" "Soroka!" "Yes, sir..." "You're already on your feet, your grace." "You slept like oxes!" "I could have cut off your heads!" "Soroka, we're going to go see Wolodyjowski." "They'll cut you to pieces, polkovnik!" "I would rather die, then be considered a traitor!" "Show yourself!" "What do you want here?" "Come out here!" "Why hurt your voice screaming!" "Can we both come out?" "You can!" "It must be a miracle, polkovnik but I think those are our people." "And where is the other son, Mr. Kiemlicz?" "Has he fallen?" "Jesus!" "It's Sir Kmicic!" "Jesus!" "Sweet Jesus!" "It's Sir Kmicic!" "Come out!" "Come out!" "Son of a bitch!" "You greet me with a gun?" "Such a guest!" "On your knees, rogues!" "On your knees!" "Which one of you fired first?" "You did..." "Look, he lies like a dog, your grace!" "Such a guest!" "I can't believe my eyes!" "Please, come in!" "Why are you standing around?" "To the cellar!" "Bring the mead!" "How did you get here?" "When the Butryms knocked you in Volmontovichi, we hid in the forest." "Now we live on muchrooms and berries..." "It's locked." "Give us the padlock key, father." "Padlock key..." "I know you, you gypsies!" "You'll drink more than you'll bring!" "I'll go get it myself." "So what are you doing now?" "We take horses." "From whom?" "Whoever comes along." "Did you manage to take any horses from Swedes?" "Of course." "What if they defend themselves?" "You beat them?" "That's good." "You're free to take from the enemy but taking from your own makes you robbers!" "And not nobles!" "What do you do with these horses?" "Father sells them." "Go and cover the cellar!" "Mead is not good for the wound." "Should I dress it?" "Yes, I forgot you were my barber." "Jesus!" "He must have been really close when he shot at your grace!" "Kiemlicz." "Yes, your grace?" "Tell me, how close are the troops who rebelled against the Hetman?" "About three days by road and a little longer through the forest." "You'll come back with your sons under my command." "It will bring you more profit than horse robbery!" "Yes, I'll go." "I am a poor man, now." "Don't try to betray me, or you'll regret it!" "We don't ever betray!" "Do you have something to write with?" "I'll look for something." "I have to send a letter." "Do you have a reliable man?" "Such a man can be found." "Where does he have to go?" "To the Hetman." "But he won't have to see him in person." "All he has to do is give the letter to the first officer he comes across." "Here's the paper." "But no pen nor ink." "There's a quill and we can find some ink." "It's much easier to cut throats than to cut a quill." "Leave me alone, worthy Kiemlicz." "It's true." "In God's name, it's true." "He has our letters!" "And there's things in there that..." "But Kmicic cannot publish those letters because that would be sentencing the maiden to death." "He understands it's the only way he can have us!" "What maiden is this?" "Miss Billewich." "I'm not asking her last name, but if she's beautiful." "You don't know this girl." "She is a walking virtue, almost a nun." "We know some nuns, too." "She is Jan Kazimierz's biggest adherent!" "Then he'll increase his adherents." "Kmicic will publish those letter for sure!" "I must guard her like the eyes in my head, for now!" "Then I'll give her to you or to your dragoons, I don't care." "I give you my word, that I won't take her by force." "And I always keep my word when given in private." "When given in politics, it's different." "Invite her to supper tonight so that I may see her and decide if she's worth sinking my teeth into." "But don't contradict me during supper no matter what I say!" "Proposals were made for me." "Her grace, the Queen of France, was so kind..." "With the Princess of Rohan?" "With another one, too, De La Forse." "They were graceful ladies... ..but we have even more graceful ones here." "And I wouldn't even have to leave this hall to find them." "There are none around here who could match your highness in fortune or in birth." "Permit me, my benefactress, to deny for I do not think that a noble Polish lady is in any way inferior to a noble French lady." "Second of all, it is not a novelty for a Radziwill to marry a noble lady." "A very affable lord..." "That is how I've always understood it although I have been ashamed of Polish nobles when compared to French noble for while the French noble will permit the worst he would never betray his lord." "For God's sake, what betrayal against our ex-King is your grace speaking of?" "Who is responsible?" "I met a certain noble on the road." "Not knowing my true feelings for the King thought I was an enemy." "Thinking I wanted a reward, he asked me to go to Silesia to kidnap Jan Kazimierz and deliver him to the Swedes, dead or alive." "If he had offered me such a proposal I would have him shot without a trial!" "I wanted to do so, too but we spoke face to face and people would have cried out about the tyranny of the Radziwills!" "He shouldn't have been let go alive." "He deserved to be impaled!" "Your Highness is the only one who can punish him  since he's your polkovnik." "In God's name!" "My polkovnik?" "Who is it?" "Who?" "Tell me." "His name is Kmicic." "That's not true." "If he is your relative or betrothed then I am sorry I have mentioned this." "But cast him out of your heart because he is not worthy of you, my lady." "Forgive me, your Highness." "I made an unseemly contradiction." "Anything is possible for that man!" "Quiet!" "That's about ten horses..." "Your grace!" "Have your pistols ready, but don't fire!" "Who are you?" "And you?" "Answer my question!" "By what right do you ask?" "We're part of a confederate squadron sent out to look for Swedes, and suspicious people." "It seems we've found some since they won't say who they are!" "Don't be angry, worthy soldier." "It's hard to distinguish friends from enemies." "We're riding to meet some confederates." "Is polkovnik Wolodyjowski at the camp?" "Maybe he is." "Who's asking?" "His friend." "Forgive me, your grace, for not having had recognized your rank." "We're Wolodyjowski's soldiers." "We'll take you to see him." "Jesus, it's Kmicic!" "Take him down!" "Should we beat them?" "Beat them!" "Stop!" "Stop!" "Surrender!" "Tie them up!" "Take the horses and money!" "Take everything!" "Keep away, rogue!" "Mirror of Wisdom!" "Dress his wounds!" "I swear on the Cross and Passion of the Lord that I did not want this fight!" "Take the wounded and tell the truth that you fell upon us and we had to defend ourselves." "Again, I have my brothers' blood on my hands!" "Jesus, what should I do so that I don't go mad?"