Chapter 6 Chapter Four

The Duchess left the hospitable Tiniec in the afternoon for Krakow.The knights of that time, when they came to visit some famous person in a larger city or castle, always put on full battle armor.And it is the custom to undress them as soon as they arrive at the door; indeed, it is the custom that the host always invites them to do so by saying something like this: "Take off your armor, my noble lord; Home!" This kind of entrance ceremony is considered to be more decent, and it increases the status of the knight.In keeping with this pompous custom, Macko and Zbyszko put on the two best armor and shoulder pads--won from the defeated Frisian knights--to shine, Trimmed with gold.Mikolai of Drugolas, a man who had seen the world, had seen many knights, and was good at judging the implements of war, recognized at once that these two armors were made by one of the most famous armorers in Milan; Only the wealthiest knights could afford armor; each set was worth a fortune.He concluded that the two Frisians were powerful lords among their own countrymen, and he regarded Maczko and Zbyszko with all the more respect.Their helmets, though no ordinary helmets, were not so costly; but their two tall stallions, in their very handsome coats, were the envy and admiration of the court.Matsko and Zbyszko sat on high saddles and could look down proudly on all the court attendants.Each of them held a spear in his hand; a sword at his side, and an ax in the pommel of his saddle.They had left their shields in the wagon for comfort, but even without the two shields it looked as if they both had gone to war rather than to the town.

Both rode beside the carriage, in which sat the princess, attended by Danusia, and in front of her was a noble lady-in-waiting, Ofka (widow of Kristin of Yazokov). ) and Mikolaj of Drugolas the Elder.Danusia looked at the two steel knights with great interest, while the Duchess took out the box containing the holy relics of St. Ptolomous from her bosom from time to time, and put it to her lips to kiss. "I would very much like to see what bones are inside," she said, "but I would not open it myself, because I do not want to offend the saint; let the bishop of Cracow do it."

Upon hearing this, the prudent Mikolaj of Drugolas replied: "Well, it's a thing too precious to let the box pass into other hands." "You may be right," said the Duchess, after thinking for a moment.Then he added: "For a long time no one has pleased me so much as this noble abbot has given me this gift; and he has allayed my fears of the relics of the Knights of the Crusader." "He spoke wisely and tactfully," said Macko of Bogdaniec. "In Virno, too, they had all sorts of holy relics, and they tried to convince the guests that they were fighting the heretics. What's the use? Our knights saw that one blow of the ax would split the helmet and send their heads to the ground. The saints help men—it would be a sin to say otherwise—but they only help the upright and help those who justly go to war in the name of God. Therefore, my good lady, I think that if there were any more wars, even if all the Germans helped the Knights of the Crusaders, we would overcome them, Because our country is larger, God Jesus will give us greater power. As for the holy things-do we not have a small piece of the Holy Cross in the Holy Cross Monastery?"

"That's absolutely true," said the Duchess. "But our relics are always kept in the monastery, and they take them out when necessary." "It doesn't matter! God's power is boundless." "Really? Tell me, what is the matter?" asked the princess to Mykolaj of Drugolas; and he said: "This is what every bishop would affirm. Although Rome is far apart, the Pope is ruling the world; is there any need to talk about the power of God?" These words completely relieved the princess, and she began to talk about Tiniec and its grandeur.The Mamirs were amazed not only at the riches of the monastery, but at the richness and beauty of the whole country through which they now rode.Here and there were prosperous villages; near them were lush orchards, groves of linden trees with stork nests, and grass-roofed beehives beneath them.On either side of the road was a field of various grains.From time to time, the wind blew the sea-like green grains down, and the blue corolla of Mao Mohua and the reddish wild poppies shone like stars in the sky.On the far side of the field, there is a forest that looks dark from a distance, but is bathed in sunlight; here and there are wet pastures, full of grass, and birds fly around the bushes; and then there are houses. The mountain breeze; the past is the continuous fields; looking around, this is not only a land of prosperity, but also a land of peace and happiness.

"It's the land of King Kazimis," said the Duchess. "It's a real pleasure to live here." ①King Kazimis III was the son of Vladislav Logedek, who ruled Poland from 1333 to 1370. "The Lord Jesus would have been glad to see such a land," replied Mykolai of Drugolas. "It is blessed by God, how could it not be so? People ring bells here, and everywhere Hear the bell! It is well known that the devil cannot bear the sound of the bell, and has to flee into the forest on the Hungarian frontier." "I don't understand," said Mrs. Ofka, widow of Kristin of Yazokov. "Tinets strikes seven times a year, and this Walger of the priests was just talking about it." Fudali, how come you still appear here?"

Mikolai didn't know how to answer this question for a moment, he thought for a while, and then said calmly: "First of all, we still don't know God's intentions very well; second, you have to remember that every time he appears, he is authorized." "Anyway, it always pleases me that we don't spend the night in the Abbey. If I saw such a hell troll, I'd die of fright." "Hey! I don't believe it. They say he's pretty." "Even if he is beautiful, I don't want such a person to kiss me. His mouth must be full of sulfur."

"Look at you, when people are talking about ghosts, you still think of kissing." At this the Duchess, Count Mykolaj, and the two "Vrodikas" of Bogdaniec all laughed.Danusia laughed too.But Ofka of Yazokov turned her angry face towards Mikolai of Drugolas, and said: "I'd rather have him than you." "Ah! don't you call the wolf out of the woods," replied the merry Majur; "this spirit often roams the road between Cracow and Tiniec, especially at dusk; if He heard your words, maybe he will turn into a giant and appear in front of you!"

"Don't talk nonsense!" Ofka replied. But at this moment Matsko of Bogdaniec, who rode on a tall stallion and could see farther than the princess and her ladies in the carriage, reined in his horse and said: "Oh my God, what is this?" "what?" "A mountain giant is coming!" "Could it be that the fake has come true!" cried the Duchess. But Zbyszko got up from his stable and said: "That's right; it's the Walgers Giants, and none other!" On hearing this, the driver reined in his horse, but did not let go of the rein, and crossed himself, for he also saw a tall rider on the opposite hill.

The Duchess had already stood up, but now she sat down, her face pale with fright.Danusia hid her face in the folds of the duchess' dress.The courtiers, ladies-in-waiting, and chanters who had followed the carriage on horseback surrounded the carriage upon hearing the ominous name.The men tried to force a smile, but there was fear in their eyes; the young girls were pale; only Mykolaj of Drugolas remained calm, and tried to comfort the princess, saying: "Don't be afraid, kind lady. The sun hasn't set yet; even in the night St. Pythoromus must have dealt with the Walgers."

At this time, the strange rider had climbed to the top of the mountain, reined in his horse, and stood there motionless, clearly visible in the afterglow of the setting sun.His stature appears to be larger than average.He was not more than three hundred paces away from the Duchess' retinue. "Why did he stop?" asked one of the chanters. "Because we stopped," Macko replied. "He's looking at us all the way as if he were picking something," said another chanter. "If I'm sure he's a man and not a ghost, I'll go over and hit him on the head with my lute. one time."

The women prayed aloud, but Zbyszko, wishing to show his courage to the princess and Danusia, said: "I'll go and see. I'm not afraid of Walgers!" Danusia screamed: "Zbyszko! Zbyszko!" But he was galloping forward, thinking that if he did meet Walgers, he would be able to spear him. A broken skin. Sharp-eyed Macko said: "Because he's on a mountain, he looks like a giant. He's just a tall, ordinary man, what's the matter! Oh man! I'll go and see too, and don't let him quarrel with Zbyszko." As he rode, Zbyszko considered whether to attack immediately with a spear, or first to see carefully who was standing on the hill.He decided to look at it first, thinking that it would be better, because the closer he got, the smaller the stranger's figure became.He was a huge man, and he rode a horse bigger than Zbyszko's stallion, but not above average size.Also, he wore no armor, but a bell-shaped velvet hat on his head, and a dust coat of white linen, from which a green garment peeked out.He is standing on a mountain and praying.He had evidently reined in his horse in order to finish his vespers. "It's not Walgers," thought the lad. He had come so close that he could almost touch the stranger with his spear.The man, evidently a knight, smiled kindly at him, and said: "Praise Jesus Christ!" "Eternal life." "Is Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Masovia at the foot of the mountain?" "Yes, not bad!" "Then you are from Tinets?" He received no answer, for Zbyszko was too surprised to hear even his question.For a moment he stood like a statue, unable to believe his eyes, because, lo and behold!Behind the stranger, about half a distance from Fourlanes, he saw several mounted soldiers, at the head of which was a knight in full armor, wearing a white cloth cloak with a red cross, and a coat of arms. A steel helmet with a tuft of gorgeous peacock feathers on it. ①One "Furlong" is equivalent to one-eighth of a mile. "A Crusader knight!" whispered Zbyszko.At this moment, he thought that God had heard his prayer, and sent him the German knights whom he had prayed for in Tinets.Of course he could not fail God's grace; therefore, without hesitation--before his mind had time to ponder it over, his heart's astonishment still hadn't calmed down--slumped halfway down in the saddle, took up his spear, and He called out his family's battle cry: "Grache! Grach!" while galloping his horse, he rushed towards the crusader knight. The knight was also taken aback; he reined in his horse, but without taking up his spear, he was only looking ahead, unable to determine whether it was an attack or not. "Take up your spears!" cried Zbyszko, stabbing the horse's belly with the iron point of the stirrup. "Grache! Grache!" The distance between them is getting closer.The crusader knight saw that the opponent was really attacking him, so he reined in his horse and leveled his spear.Zbyszko was about to pierce his chest with the point of his spear, when suddenly a strong hand snapped his spear like a reed; The horse's force was so fierce that the attacker stopped in place as if it had taken root. "You madman, what are you doing?" said a deep, menacing voice: "You are attacking an emissary, and you are insulting the King!" Looking around, Zbyszko recognized the huge, burly man, the giant whom he took for a Walger, frightening the Duchess and her court. "Let go, I'm going to hit the German! Who are you?" he cried, swinging the axe. "Drop the axe! For God's sake! Put down the axe! Listen! I'm going to knock you off your horse!" cried the stranger even more menacingly. "You falsely read His Majesty the King, and you will be punished." With that said, the man turned to the soldiers who were riding behind the crusader knight. "come over!" At this time Macko came, and his face was also aggressive.He knew that Zbyszko had committed a mad act, and that the consequences would be grave; but he was ready to protect him.The whole retinue of the stranger and the crusader knight was but fifteen men, armed with spears and crossbows; so two knights in full armor could hope to defeat them.It also occurred to Maczko that since they were threatened with punishment, it would be better to defeat these people and hide somewhere to avoid the limelight.So at once his face tightened, he opened his wolf-like mouth ready to bite, and riding his horse between Zbyszko and the stranger's horse, sword in hand, he began to ask: "Who are you? What right do you have to interfere?" "It is my right," said the stranger, "that the King entrusts me with the security of the suburbs of Cracow, and I am called Povara of Tachev." At this, Macko and Zbyszko glanced at the knight, scabbard their half-drawn swords, and bowed their heads, not because they were frightened, but because they were confronted. The respect of this famous knight.Povara of Tachev was a nobleman of rich birth and a powerful lord.He owns a large estate near Latom, and is one of the most famous knights in the kingdom.The singers sang about him, setting him up as an example of honesty and gallantry, praising his reputation like Chavisha and Farurei in Gapov, Skarbek in Gora, Oresnica in Dubko, Yanko Nanxiang, Mikolai of Moscow Zuofu, and Sentram of Mashikovych and other knights.He was then the king's representative, and to attack him was to send one's head to the executioner's axe. Macko calmed down a little, and said respectfully: "Congratulations to your majesty and heroism." "My lordship, too," replied Povara, "but I would rather not have made your acquaintance in such a tense situation." "Why?" Macko asked. Povara turned to Zbyszko. "What did you do, you young man? You blocked the road in Gyeonggi and attacked the envoy in broad daylight! Do you know the consequences of this behavior?" "He attacked the emissary because he was young and stupid, reckless and thoughtless," Macko said. "But when I have told you the whole situation, you will not judge him so severely." "It was not I who judged him. It was only my duty to put him in chains." "What's the matter?" Macko said, looking gloomy again. "According to the king's order." Having said this, there was silence. "He's a nobleman," Macko said at last. "Then let him swear on his knightly honour, that he will surrender himself to court." "I swear!" cried Zbyszko. "Very well. What's your name?" Macko gave his nephew's name and coat of arms. "If you belong to Her Royal Highness Duchess Janusi, then you should ask her to intercede with the king on your behalf." "We are not her highness's people. We have just come back from Lithuania, from Duke Witout. If only we could not run into any of the court! That's where this trouble comes from." Macko then began to tell what had happened at the inn; he told of the interview with the princess and Zbyszko's oath.Then suddenly he was angry with Zbyszko for having been so reckless as to have brought them into the dire situation they were in; therefore he cried out to him: "I'd rather see you die in Wilno! What have you done, you little beast!" "Well," said Zbyszko, "after that vow, I prayed to the Lord Jesus that I would meet some Germans, and I made a gift to God for it. So I looked Peacock feathers, at the sight of a cloak embroidered with a cross, at once a voice in my heart cried out: 'Go kill the German! It's a miracle!' And I rushed forward; who wouldn't What do you do?" "Listen," stopped Povara, "I don't wish any harm to you. I see very clearly that the boy's crime was not so much malice as youthful indiscretion. I'd be more than happy. I don't care about his behavior and continue on my way as if nothing happened, but unfortunately I can't do it, unless the 'comto' promises not to complain to the king. Go beseech him, maybe he will have mercy on this child." "Tell me to make amends to a crusader knight, and I'd rather go to court!" cried Zbyszko. "It doesn't fit my 'Vrodika' status." Povara of Tachev looked at him sternly and said: "You don't do it smartly. The older generation knows better than you what to do is right, what to do to be a knight. Who doesn't know what I am; but I tell you, if I do it For your matter, I will definitely ask others to forgive me, and I will not feel ashamed because of it." Zbyszko felt ashamed, but after looking around, he replied again: "It's flat here. Rather than ask his pardon, I'd rather fight him on horseback or on foot, to the death, or to the slavery of either." "You idiot!" Macko interrupted him. "Do you want to fight the messenger?" Then, turning to Povara again, he said: "You must forgive him, my lord. He has grown rough at war. Perhaps it would be better to keep him from speaking to the German, so as not to insult him instead. I will take care of that. I will." Go and beg his forgiveness. If this 'Comto' is willing to fight, then I will challenge him when he has completed his mission." "He's a knight of a distinguished family; he doesn't fight anyone," Povara replied. "What? Don't I wear a knight's belt and spurs? Even a duke could fight me." "That's all right; but don't tell him that unless he asks for it; I'm afraid he'll be offended if you challenge him to a duel. Well, God bless you!" "I'm going to humble myself for you," Macko said to Zbyszko. "Wait!" He walked up to the crusader knight.The knight sat motionless on his tall stallion, looking like an iron statue, listening indifferently to their conversation.Macko, having acquired Germanic language during the long war, explained to the "Komto" what had happened in Germanic; sent the knight in a tuft of peacock feathers, and at the end he begged forgiveness for the child's insolence. The face of that "Komtou" remained motionless.He looked at Macko calmly and arrogantly with his head held high, and his cold silver-gray eyes expressed indifference and the utmost contempt.This Bogdaniec "Vrodika" saw it.Although he still spoke politely, he began to feel disgusted in his heart.He spoke more and more unnaturally, and his swarthy face flushed.Obviously, Macko was trying to suppress his anger in front of this arrogant guy who looked like no one else. Povara saw this and, because of his kindness, decided to help Macko.In his youth he went to the courts of Hungary, Burgundy, and the Czech Republic, lived as a knight, and learned the Germanic language, so now he says in this language, in a conciliatory and humorous tone: "You see, my lord, this noble 'comto' considers the whole affair insignificant. Young men, not only in our kingdom, but in any country, cannot help being a little rash; noble knights know neither sword nor sword, Nor will the law be used to fight children." Lichtenstein passed Macko and Zbyszko without saying a word, stroking his yellow mustache. A terrible rage made the hair stand on end under their helmets, and their swords were gripped tightly. "Wait, you scoundrel!" said the old "Vrodika" through gritted teeth. "Now I want to make an oath to you: I will come to you when you finish your mission." Povara was also very sad in his heart. He said: "Wait! The Duchess must say something nice about the boy, or he's going to be in trouble!" Having said this, he overtook the crusader knight, stopped him, and talked with him a little while, very warmly.It annoyed Macko and Zbyszko even more to see that the German knight looked at Povara with less pride than he had just looked at them.After a while Povara came back and said to them: "I was going to intercede for you, but he is a hard-hearted man. He said that if you would do what he wanted, he would not complain to the king." "any request?" "He said: 'I'm going to stop on the way to pay homage to the Duchesses of Masovia, tell them to go there too, dismount, take off their helmets, and stand there with bare heads begging my pardon.'" At this point Povara, looking at Zbyszko sternly, added: "I know that it is difficult for a man of noble birth to do this; but I must warn you that if you refuse firmly, no one knows what will happen to you-perhaps to the executioner's knife. Ghost." Matsko's and Zbyszko's faces were frozen.Then there was silence. "What to do?" Povara asked. Zbyszko replied calmly and with the utmost dignity, as if in this conversation he had suddenly grown twenty years older: "Well, the power of God is omnipresent!" "What do you mean by that?" "I mean, even if I had two heads, the executioner would have both heads off, but I have only one honor, and I would never tarnish it." Povara became serious, turned to Macko and asked: "what do you say?" "I say," replied Macko gloomily, "I have brought up this boy. Our family depends on him, because I am old; but he cannot do what the German wants, even at the cost of his life." It can't be done either." At this point his stern face began to tremble, and at last, out of great love for his nephew, he embraced the child and cried: "Zbysig! Zbysig!" ① Zbyszko's nickname. The young knight was startled, put his arms around his uncle and said: "Oh! I didn't know you loved me so much." "You two are true knights," said Povara. "I will not imprison the young man, who has given me the honor of being a knight, and has given me the right to surrender; no one can trust men like you. Don't be sad! The German intends to stay a day or two in Tinets; therefore I have the opportunity to go to the king first, and try to smooth the matter before the king first, so that he will not be angry. I am glad , was able to break this spear in time——I think it is lucky!" However, Zbyszko said: "Even if it takes my life, at least I have to break his bones to be satisfied." "That makes me wonder that you, who know how to cherish your own honor, don't understand that by doing so you are degrading our entire country!" Povara replied impatiently. "I know that well," said Zbyszko, "but I regret my inability." Povara turned to Macko and said: "You know, my lord, that if the boy's indiscretions can go unpunished this time, you ought to put a little peaked cap on his head, like a falcon's hood! Otherwise, he'll die a terrible death. " "If your lordship does not tell the king about it, he will get away with it." "But what are we going to do with this German? We can't keep his mouth shut!" "It's true! It's true!" So saying, they returned to the princess's retinue.Povara's servants followed them.From a distance, among the hats of a group of Majurs, the trembling peacock feathers and bright helmet of the crusader knight could be seen shining in the sun. "Crusader knights have a strange temper," said Tarchev's knight. "When a crusader is in trouble, he is as patient as a marching priest, as humble as a sheep, as sweet as honey, and you will hardly find a kinder man. But, As long as he feels confident, he is more arrogant and cruel than anyone else. Obviously, their hearts are made of stone by God. I have seen many peoples, and I have often seen with my own eyes that true knights are not as generous as their knights Men, always say to yourself: 'If I trample this defeated enemy underfoot, my reputation will not necessarily increase.' But, at a time like this, a crusader knight is ruthless. Either you strangled him, or he caused you to suffer! That emissary is such a person! He not only wants you to apologize, but also to make you lose face. But I am very glad that he did not do so." "Tell him to wait and see!" cried Zbyszko. "Be careful not to let him see that you are worrying about your thoughts, lest he be complacent." Having said this, they went over to the retinue, to join the Duchess's court.The envoys of the Knights of the Crusader looked at them with pride and contempt; but they pretended not to see them.Zbyszko stood beside Danusia and told her that Krakow could be seen from this hill; at the same time Maczko was telling a singer about the great strength of Lord Tachiv, how he He snapped the spear in Zbyszko's hand like a piece of dry grass. "Why did he break it?" asked the singer. "Because the kid was joking and attacked the German." The chanter, who was of noble birth, thought that such an attack was no joke; but seeing that Macko spoke lightly, he did not regard it as a serious matter.The German was indignant when he saw them doing this.He glanced at Macko and Zbyszko.At last he saw that they had no intention of dismounting, or of showing him any courtesies.Thereupon a grim look came into his eyes, and he took his leave at once to the Duchess. His lord Tachev could not help laughing at him, and said to him at parting: "Come on, brave knight, and do not be afraid. There is peace within the borders, and no one will attack you except a few rough children." "Although the customs in this country are strange, I only ask for your companionship, not your protection," Lichtenstein replied, "I hope to meet you again here at the court and elsewhere." There was a threatening tone in this last sentence, so Povara replied solemnly: "As long as God allows." Having said this and saluted, he turned around, shrugged his shoulders, and said (in a low voice that could be heard by those nearby): "Skinny! I could pick you up from the saddle with the point of a spear, and lift you up in the air to finish the three-way Lord's Prayer." So he began to talk to the Duchess, with whom he was very well acquainted.Ana Danuta asked him what he did on the road.He reported to her that the King had ordered him to keep law and order in the surrounding suburbs, for many wealthy guests were still coming to Cracow at this time.Then he told her about Zbyszko's folly.Since he considered that there was still enough time to ask the princess to come to Zbyszko's protection, he did not overemphasize the seriousness of the matter so as not to spoil the joyous atmosphere.The princess laughed at the boy's eagerness to get a tuft of peacock feathers; the others, hearing of the breaking of the spear, admired Lord Tachev very much, especially because he did it with one hand. His lord Tatchev, who was somewhat vain, was delighted to be praised.Finally, he tells of some of the feats by which he became famous; mentioning especially some of his performances at the court of Philip the Bold in Burgundy.He tells of one of those occasions when he caught an Attinin knight in the tournament arena, took him from his saddle, and threw him into the air, even though the knight was in full armor, to no avail.Philip the Bold gave him a gold ingot for that feat, and the queen gave him a velvet breastplate, which he now wears on his helmet. ① Refers to the people in the northeastern part of France. Everyone was amazed when they heard this, but Mykolaj of Drugolas said: "In this frail age, there is no longer a man as strong as I was when I was young. Now if you find a nobleman who can break a breastplate, draw a crossbow without a crank, or can Bend a short sword with his fingers, and he immediately thinks he is a man of great strength. But in the old days, girls could do such things." "I don't deny that the people of the past were stronger than the people of today," Povara replied, "but there are also people with great strength. In terms of strength, God has not been stingy with me, but I don't think I am a man in this kingdom." The strongest man. Have you ever seen Chavisha of Gabov? He's stronger than me." "I've seen him. His shoulders are as broad as the beams of the Krakow clock." "So, what about Dubko of Oresnica? Once, in the arena set up by the Knights of the Crusaders in Tozyne, he defeated twelve knights and won glory for himself and for our country. .” "But our Majur Stashiko Ciorek is stronger than your Excellency, or Tsavesha and Dubko as you say. It is said that he took a When you pinch the cork, the juice comes out.①” ①Author's original note: historical facts. "I can juice it too," Zbyszko said.He didn't wait for others to ask him to prove it, so he went to break a branch, squeezed it hard, and the juice really leaked out. "Oh, my God!" exclaimed Ofka Yazokov, "don't go to war; it would be a pity if such a man should die in the field without being married." "What a pity indeed!" Macko answered, suddenly saddened. Only Mikolaj of Drugolas and the Duchess laughed.Everyone else was praising Zbyszko's physical strength.In those days strength was praised more than any other quality, and the young girls cried out to Danusia, "You must be glad!" What good do you get on a flattened stick.Zbyszko, who had forgotten all about the crusader knight, was so proud that Mykolaj of Drugolas, wanting to kill his pride, said: "There are many men stronger than you; therefore do not be so proud of your strength. I have not seen it, but my father has seen much more difficult things. It happened at the time of Charles the Emperor of Rome. At the court, King Kazimis visited there with a large number of court attendants. Among the court attendants was Stashiko Ziorek, the son of "Voyevda" Antertrey, Has always been known for crossbow power. The Emperor boasted that he had a Czech who could strangle a bear. They held a show and the Czech strangled two bears in succession. Our king, not to be outdone, said: 'But he I can't subdue my Ziorek.' So they agreed that the two men must have a duel within three days. Many ladies and famous knights came. The Czech and Ziorek were in the castle square Go to the gladiatorial fight. The bout didn't last long. Before they could wrestle together, Ziorek broke the Czech's spine and shattered all his ribs, killing him and earning it to the king. Great honor. ② From then on, people called him Romignath ③. Once he alone in the bell tower raised a big clock that could not be lifted by twenty men. ④” ①Wojewoda was the commander-in-chief who held military power before the thirteenth century.Since the fourteenth century, he has been a local administrator, equivalent to a governor and governor, in charge of local administration and the army. ②Author's Note: Historical Facts ③意即折断别人骨头的人。 ④作者原注：历史事实。 “他多大？”兹皮希科问。 “他很年轻！” 这当儿塔契夫的波瓦拉正骑着马，走在公爵夫人的右侧。他俯身向着她，把兹皮希科的冒失事件的严重性据实告诉了她，还请她在国王面前为兹皮希科说几句话。公爵夫人因为喜欢兹皮希科，听了这消息，十分发愁和不安。 “克拉科夫的主教是我的朋友，”波瓦拉说：“我一定请求他和王后一起去求情；这孩子的保护人愈多愈好。” “如果王后能答应为他说一句好话，他就连一根头发也不会受到损伤。”安娜·达奴大说：“国王崇拜王后的虔敬和才能，尤其是现在，她再也不会蒙受不孕的羞惭。不过国王钟爱的妹妹齐叶莫维特公爵夫人也正住在克拉科夫；您必须去找她。我这方面一定尽力做去；但那位公爵夫人是他的亲姊妹，我不过是他的嫡堂姊妹。” “国王也爱您的，仁慈的夫人。” “唉，但是程度不同，”她带着一点忧愁的意味回答：“我不过是链条上的一个环节，她可是整整一根链条；我不过是一张狐皮，她可是一张黑貂皮。他所有的亲属当中，没有一个比得上阿列克山特拉①那样受到他的挚爱。” ①即齐叶莫维特公爵夫人。 他们边走边谈，不觉来到了克拉科夫。从蒂涅茨来，一路上都是车马拥挤，这里尤其拥挤。他们遇到许多带着仆人到城里去的贵族地主，有的全身武装，有的穿着夏天的装束，戴了草帽，有的骑马，有的同他们的妻女坐着马车，都想来看看这一场期待已久的比武。有些地方，一路部挤满了商人们的货车，这些货车要付了通行税才能到克拉科夫去。货车上装运着蜡、谷物、盐、鱼、兽皮、麻和木材。另外一些从城里来的货车则装满了布匹、一桶桶的麦酒和各种商品。现在克拉科夫已经在望了，看得见国王的花园、四郊的爵爷们和市民们的房屋、教堂的围墙和尖塔了。他们越走近这城市，车辆就越多，到了城门口，几乎不能通行。 “多伟大的城市啊！世界上简直没有比得上它的。”玛茨科说。 “总是像赛会，”有个吟唱者答道：“您多久没到这儿啦，阁下？” “很久很久啦。可是我依旧像第一次看到这场面时一样惊奇，因为我们刚从一个荒僻的地方回来呢。” “据说打从亚该老王朝以来，克拉科夫就有了很大的发展。” 这倒是实在的；自从立陶宛的大公爵登位以后，庞大的立陶宛和俄罗斯等国家都开放贸易了，因此这个城市增加了人口、财富和建筑，变成了世界上最重要的城市之一。 “十字军骑士团的许多城市也都非常漂亮，”一个身材很胖的吟唱者说。 “只要我们能占领其中一个，”玛茨科说，“我们就可以得到一批了不得的战利品了！” 可是塔契夫的波瓦拉正在想别的事情；也就是说，正在想着兹皮希科由于一时鲁莽而造成的目前十分危险的处境。塔契夫的爵爷，虽然在战争时期性子暴烈、不讲情面，可是在他宏伟的胸怀中，却有一颗温柔的心；他比旁人更清楚，这个罪犯将会受到什么处罚，因此他可怜他。 “我想了又想，”他又向公爵夫人说，“究竟要不要把这事情告诉国王。如果那个十字军骑士不去告状，那就没有事；万一他去告状，那就不如先把一切都告诉国王，免得他发怒。” “这个十字军骑士只要有机会毁灭什么人，他是不会放过的，”公爵夫人回答：“不过，我打算教那年轻人加入我们的朝廷。也许国王对于我们的某一位宫廷侍从会特别宽大些。” 她把兹皮希科找来。他听了这番情况，立即跃下马来，吻了她的双手，高高兴兴地做了她的宫廷侍从。他这样高兴，倒不是为了自己的安全着想，而是为了可以更亲近达奴莎。 波瓦拉问玛茨科道： “你们要在什么地方歇脚？” “在客店里。” “现在任何客店都没有空房间了。” “那末，我们到商人阿米雷伊家里去；他是我的熟人，也许他会让我们在他家里过夜。” “请到我家里去吧。您的侄子可以同公爵夫人的宫廷侍从们住在城堡里，但是他最好不要接近国王。一个人在脾气刚发的时候要干的事，冷静以后就不会干了。您同我一起住可以更舒适些，更安全些。” 玛茨科因为波瓦拉很关心他们的安全，心里倒感到有些不安；他感激地向波瓦拉道了谢，于是他们进城了。但这时候，他们两个人也跟兹皮希科一样，一看到眼前的繁华世界，暂时便把危险忘却了。在立陶宛和在边疆上，他们只看见个别的城堡，维尔诺是他们所知道的比较重要的唯一城市，但那是一个建筑简陋和遭受过破坏的城市；而这里有许多商人的房屋却比立陶宛大公的宫殿都要华丽。不错，这里也有许多木屋；可是即使这些木屋，它们那高耸的墙壁和屋顶，那些镶在铅皮中的玻璃窗，也够使人惊奇了。玻璃窗反映出了落日的余辉，不禁使人以为屋里着火了。市场附近的几条街道上，有许多装潢考究的红砖屋和石屋，像兵士似的并排站着，阔的阔，窄的窄，但都有着高高的拱顶厅屋，而且门上都有我们主耶稣基督的受难像或是一幅至尊圣母马利亚像。有几条街上，一眼可以看到两排房屋，屋上是一片蔚蓝的天空，中间是一条石子路；放眼看去，两边尽是商店接着商店。店里摆满了上等的外国货，玛茨科由于看惯了战争的景象和俘获的战利品，贪婪地望着这些商品。但这两个人一看到那许多公共建筑物，越发显得惊奇了：广场上的圣母马利亚教堂：“苏根尼崔”①；设有大酒窖用以出售着斯维得尼卡麦酒的市政厅；此外还有其他的教堂，阔幅绒布仓库，专供外国商人使用的巨大的“商场”②；再过去又是一所建筑物，里面有公用秤、浴室、箍桶作场、蜡作场、银作场、金作场、酒坊、堆积在所谓“斯黑罗泰姆托”周围的山也似的麦酒桶，——总之，一个不熟悉城市生活的人，甚至于一座富裕小城的所有主，想象都想象不出的财富，这里应有尽有。 ①英译本注：是一座可以作各种用途的大建筑物，特别是作为一种阔幅绒布的仓库，它的名字是从波兰文sukno来的。（按苏根记崔是克拉科夫的一座大商场，最初专卖绒布；一五五五年被火焚毁，后来重建为一般大商场。） ②原文为mercatorium，是一种商业组织，类似旧式的商场。 波瓦拉引着玛茨科和兹皮希科到圣安娜街上他的屋里去，拨给他们一个大房间，把他们介绍给他的侍从，然后到城堡去了，他从城堡回来吃晚饭已经是深夜了。 有几个朋友同着他来，他们吃了一顿丰盛的有酒有肉的晚餐。只是主人却很忧郁。最后当客人们告辞的时候，他对玛茨科说： “我跟一个会写文章又懂法律的掌札神甫说了，他说，侮辱一个使者就等于犯了死罪。因此，祈求天主，但愿那个十字军骑士别去告状。” 听了这话，两位骑士都带着忧伤的心情回到自己房里去了，虽然他们晚餐时还是比其他的客人更加欢乐。玛茨科连党都睡不着，他们上床后不久，他向他的侄子说： “兹皮希古？” "what?" “我从各方面考虑了一下，认为他们不会把你处死的。” “你看不会么？”兹皮希科瞌睡蒙眬地反问一句。 可是，他一翻身向着墙壁就睡着了，因为他实在十分疲倦了。