On the Field of Glory: An Historical Novel of the Time of King John SobieskiSienkiewicz, Henryk
History
On the Field of Glory: An Historical Novel of the Time of King John Sobieski
Sienkiewicz, Henryk
Poland -- History -- John III Sobieski, 1674-1696 -- Fiction
"Oh! Pan Yatsek could--but as to reparation this is the best reparation
in his case: declare to Pan Yatsek that you feel no offence toward him,
and that you believe in his innocence. After that my guardian will be
forced to do him some justice, and justice from us is due to Pan
Yatsek."
"I see that you have not been so very bitter against him, since you are
now taking his part with such interest."
"I do so because I feel reproaches of conscience, and I wish no
injustice to any man, besides, he is alone in the world, and is in
great, very great, poverty."
"I will tell you," answered Pan Serafin, "that in my own mind I have
decided as follows: your guardian, as a hospitable neighbor, has
declared that he will not let me go till my son has recovered; but both
my son and the Bukoyemskis might go home even to-morrow. Still, before
I leave here I will visit most surely Pan Yatsek and Father Voynovski,
not through any kindness, but because I understand that I owe them this
courtesy. I do not say that I am bad, still, I think that if any one in
this case is really good you are the person. Do not contradict me!"
She did contradict, for she felt that for her it was not a question
merely of justice to Yatsek, but of other affairs, of which Pan
Serafin, who knew not her maiden calculations, could know nothing.
Her heart, however, rose toward him with gratitude, and when saying
good-night she kissed his hand, for which Pan Gideon was angry.
"He is only of the second generation; before that his people were
merchants. Remember who thou art!" said the old noble.
CHAPTER VI
Two days later Yatsek went to Radom with the ten ducats to dress
himself decently before the journey. Father Voynovski remained at home
brooding over this problem: "Whence am I to get money enough for the
equipment of a warrior, for a wagon, for horses, a saddle-horse, and an
attendant, all of which Yatsek must have if he cares for respect, and
does not wish men to consider him nobody?"
Especially did it become Yatsek to appear in that form, since he bore a
great, famous name, though somewhat forgotten in the Commonwealth.
A certain day Father Voynovski sat down at his small table, wrinkled
his brows till his white hair fell over his forehead, and began then to
reckon how much would be needed. His "animalia," that is, the dog
Filus, the tame fox, and a badger, were rolling balls near his feet;
but he gave them no attention whatever, so tremendously was he occupied
and troubled, for the "reckoning" refused to come out in any way, and
failed every moment. It failed not merely in details, but in the main
principles. The old man rubbed his forehead more and more violently and
at last he spoke audibly.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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