Chapter 7 chapter Five

The next morning the two Bogdaniec knights went with Povara to Mass in the cathedral, and also to see the court and the guests who had arrived at the castle.Indeed, Povara met many acquaintances along the way, several of whom were well-known knights at home and abroad.Zbyszko looked at these people with admiration, and secretly promised in his heart that if he did not get the death penalty for insulting Lichtenstein this time, he must try to compete with them in heroism and various chivalrous virtues.Among them was a knight named Topolchik, a relative of the governor of Krakow.He told them that Vytrich Jastersimpietz had returned from Rome, and that he had been sent by the King to send an invitation to Pope Bonidai IX, inviting him to Cracow for the King's Day. Prince Naming Ceremony.Bonaidai had accepted the invitation; though it was not yet known whether he would come in person, he had authorized a messenger to represent him as godfather of the child to be born; Nivasha ①, to prove his special love for the king and queen.

①Bonivasha is a boy's name; Bonnivasha is a girl's name. They also spoke of the coming of Siegsmenda, King of Hungary; they expected him to come, for he always came, whether invited or not, whenever there were banquets and tournaments.He was very fond of such occasions, for he intended to be a ruler, a singer, and the first of all knights, by which he was famous.Povara, Chavesia of Gapov, Dubko of Oresnica, Nassan, and a number of other knights of equal renown recalled with a smile Siegsmenda's last visit, when Vladimir The Slav king privately ordered them not to attack him too hard, but to make room for "the Hungarian guest," who was known all over the world for his vanity and who often wept when he was defeated.But it was the deeds of Witout that were of greatest interest among the knights.They told the story of the magnificent cradle of pure silver, a gift brought from Witout and his wife Anna by the dukes and nobles of Lithuania.Macko spoke of the great conquest planned against the Tartars.The expedition was almost ready, and a great army was already marching east towards Ross.Had the expedition been successful, the king's power would have extended almost to half the world, to the many strange countries of Asia, to the borders of Persia and the coast of Arah.Macko, who had served under Witout before and knew his plans well, was able to speak to them so precisely and so eloquently that before the bell struck a mass of curious people surrounded him. people.The question, he said, was whether or not there would be a crusade. "Witot himself," said he, "though they call him Grand Duke, he was appointed by Achaeans to rule Lithuania; he was only a governor, so the honor will go to the king. How great will be the honor of newly baptized Lithuanians and Poland when they go to a country where the name of the Savior is cursed! Acknowledging that he is the 'son' of King Vladislav, and that he has promised to lead the entire Golden Horde to Jesus Christ."

① King Sigsmenda of Hungary (died in 1437) - a descendant of the Luxembourg dynasty, the fourth brother of the Czech Waclav, and the emperor of the Germanic Empire since 1410.He repeatedly supported the Teutonic Knights during their struggles in Poland and Lithuania. Macko's words were listened with rapt attention; but many did not quite understand whom Witout intended to help, nor whom he was going to conquer; therefore it was asked: "Please be clear. Who are you going to fight with?" "With whom? With the lame Timur!" Matsko replied. Then there was a silence.It is true that the knights of the West often heard the names of Kinolda, Blue Oda, Azovinoda, and others; but they were not familiar with the civil wars of the Tartars.But there is no one in Europe who has not heard of the dreadful lame Timur or Tamerlane.Hearing this name is like hearing the name of Attila in ancient times.He is the "Prince of the World" and "Prince of Generations", the ruler of twenty-seven conquered countries, the Rus of Moscow, the ruler of Siberia and China and even India, the ruler of Baghdad, Ruler of Isbahan, Alep, Damascus—his shadow looms over the deserts of Arabia, over the empires of Egypt and Greece; he is a murderous demon; he builds terrible pyramids of human heads; The victor of all battles, who has never lost a battle, is the "lord of soul and body."

① "Aoda" is a tribal organization of Tatar, also known as "Khanate", and "Golden Aoda" is "Golden Horde". ② That is, lame post book. ③Attila was the king of the Huns in ancient times (406?—453). He once made Tohtemish the king of Kiyoda and Ranoda.Tohtamish considered himself a "son".But when the "son"'s dominion extended from the Arahai to the Crimea, beyond the rest of Europe, he wanted to be an independent ruler.He was thus deposed "with a single finger" by this terrible "father"; he fled to the ruler of Lithuania to ask for aid.Witout decided to restore him, but to do so would have to fight the lame Timur who ruled the world.

① Note to the English translation: The Tatars are divided into many "odas"-this is an imaginary division, there is no exact number. For these reasons his name made a deep impression on the audience.After a short silence, one of the oldest knights, Vytrikh of Yaglov, said: "It is difficult to fight against such an enemy!" "It's also a pointless fight," said Mikolaj of the cautious Drugolas. "Whether it is Tohtamish or some Gutruk to rule over the offspring of the demon kings who live beyond the lands of the tithes, what does it matter to us?"

①The land of tithes refers to the religious country.In the Middle Ages, all believers had to pay tithes to the church. "Tohtemish will convert to Catholicism," Macko replied. "It doesn't matter if he changes or not! Can you trust those bastards who don't believe in Christ?" "However, we are all willing to sacrifice our lives for the name of God," Povara replied. "And for the honor of the knights," added Topolchik, a relative of the governor. Young and beloved wife, but he has joined Duke Wittout's staff." "Undoubtedly," added Jasco Nassian, "whatever terrible sins your soul has committed, if you go to such a war, you will be forgiven and saved."

"And it will live forever," said Povara of Tachev. "Let's fight if we want to. It's better to fight big. Timur conquered the whole world. He has twenty-seven countries under his command. If we defeat him, it will be a great honor to our country." "Why not?" replied Topolchik, "even if he has a hundred kingdoms, let others be afraid of him--we are not! You are so wise! Let us gather ten thousand good guns Spearmen, we are invincible." "And, if we can't conquer the cripple, what country can?" That's what the knights talked about.Zbyszko regretted now that he had not gone with Witout to the deserted steppe.When he was in Wilno, he had come to see Krakow and the court here, and to take part in jousting; , he too can have an honorable death.

But that Yaglov's Vytrikh came to discourage these zealous knights.He has lived to be a hundred years old, and has common sense as rich as his age. "How stupid you are!" he said. "Has none of you ever heard of an apparition of Christ speaking to the Queen? If the Savior Himself condescended to her so lightly, would the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, be less kind to her? That is why , she can see things in the future, as if they are happening in front of her eyes, she once said so." He paused, shook his head, and said: "I've forgotten what she said, but I'll remember it soon."

He began to recall that everyone waited quietly, because everyone believed that the queen could see the future. "Aha!" he said at last, "I remember! The queen said that if every knight went to beat the lame with Witout, the heathen power would be destroyed. But the reason why everyone can't go is because they believe in Christ. The princes have no faith. We have to guard our borders against the Czechs and Hungarians, and against the Knights, for we cannot rely on them. Therefore, if Witout takes only a small group of Polish warriors, then , lame Timur, or his 'Fuyefuda' who lead countless people, will defeat Witout."

"But we are in peacetime now," said Topolchik, "and the Knights will give Witout some help. The Knights of the Crusader cannot do otherwise, even if it is just for show, they have to ask The Holy Father confessed that they were going to fight the heretics. The court attendants all said that Kunno von Lichtenstein came not only to attend the naming ceremony, but also to consult with the king." "That's not him!" exclaimed Macko, startled. "It's really him!" Povara said, turning her head. "God bless; it was he! He did not linger long with the abbot."

"He's in a hurry," Macko replied darkly. Kunno von Lichtenstein walked past them.Matsko and Zbyszko recognized him by the cross embroidered on his cloak; but he did not recognize them both, because the last time he had seen them they had been wearing helmets.As he passed, he nodded to Povara of Tachev, and also to Topolchik; and he and his attendants mounted the steps of the cathedral in style. At this time, the bell rang, disturbing groups of pigeons and crows, indicating that Mass was about to begin.Macko and Zbyszko entered the church with the others, and were very troubled at the thought of Lichtenstein's return so soon.The old knight was disturbed, but the younger one's attention was attracted by the king's ministers.He was surrounded by famous civil servants and military generals.Many of the ministers who, out of foresight and foresight, facilitated the marriage between the Grand Duke of Thuania and the young and beautiful Polish queen have died, and there are not many alive, but everyone respects them very much.The young knight admired the grandeur of the governor of Krakow, Yasko of Tenzin, which combined sternness, dignity, and honesty.He also admired the intelligent appearance of the ministers, and the mighty faces of the knights, with their neatly trimmed foreheads and long curls hanging down their backs and sides.Some also wear hairnets, while others wear ties to keep their hair from being disheveled.The foreign guests--Hungarians, Austrians, and their entourages--were amazed at such exquisite attire; the Lithuanian dukes and nobles, in spite of the summer heat, wore precious furs in order to maintain their splendor. The Russian dukes wore big and stiff clothes, and the backs looked like portraits of Byzantium.Zbyszko awaited the king and queen with the greatest curiosity.He went forward to the side of the deacon's seat, and from behind he could see the two red velvet cushions by the altar, on which the king and queen kneel at mass.He did not wait long; the king came in first through the sacristy door, and before he reached the altar Zbyszko saw him clearly.He has long black and fluffy hair, a thin and clean face, a big and pointed nose, and some wrinkles at the corners of his mouth.The eyes are small, black and shiny.There was a kindly deliberate look on his face, like that of a man who, by a stroke of luck, rises to a position far beyond his expectations, and is constantly considering whether his actions are consistent with his dignified position. Xiang Xiang is always worried about whether he will be viciously criticized.The expression on his face, his every move, and the reason why he always has a little impatience are for this reason.It is conceivable that he will lose his temper suddenly, and if he does not lose his temper, it will be very scary.He was the duke who, outraged by the deceitfulness of the Knights of the Crusaders, shouted to their messengers: "You come to me with a parchment, and I will come to you with a spear! " Now, however, great and earnest devotion overwhelmed this natural fiery temper.In the church he set a good example not only to the newly converted Lithuanian dukes, but also to the Polish lords who had been religious for several generations.The king often kneels on naked stones in order to achieve further penance in the body; he often raises his hands high until he is too tired to support them before letting them hang down.He attended Mass at least three times a day, and when he left the church after Mass, he seemed relieved and gentle as if he had just awakened from a deep sleep.The courtiers knew that this was the perfect time to ask his forgiveness or to ask him for a gift. Yadwija ​​also came out from the sacristy door.The knights standing near the deacon's seat immediately knelt down when they saw her enter, and although the mass had not yet begun, they were all willing to pay homage to her as if they were a saint.Zbyszko also knelt; those present believed that they had indeed seen a saint whose image would one day be enshrined on the altar of the church.They not only showed her the respect due to a queen, but they adored her for the sake of her holy religious life.People have said that the queen will perform miracles.It is said that she can cure the disease by touching the patient with her hands; it is said that some people who cannot move their hands and feet can move after wearing the clothes worn by the queen.Reliable eyewitnesses testified that they had personally heard Christ speaking to her from the altar.Foreign monarchs all knelt on the ground to pay her respects, and even the Knights of the Crusaders respected her and dared not offend her.Pope Bonival IX called her a pious and excellent daughter of the Church.The world beholds her deeds, and remembers this descendant of the Antigavins and Polish Piastres, the daughter of the mighty Louis, the princess of the most exacting courts, and the The most beautiful woman in the world, who gave up her happiness, her first love, to marry a "savage" Duke of Lithuania, in order to enlist his help in bringing Christianity to the last pagan in Europe country ⑤.What could not be accomplished with all the force of the Germans and at the price of bloodshed, she accomplished with a single sentence.Never did the splendor of an apostle shine upon a brow younger and more charming; never was the office of an apostle united with such self-control; The light of simplicity and seriousness. ① English translation note: that is, the Anjou family in French. ②The first king in Polish chronicle history, ascended the throne in 842. ③ Jadwiga is the youngest daughter of Louis.Louis was originally the king of Hungary, and he was the third king of Poland after Kazimis. ④ According to legend, Jadwiga originally entered into a marriage contract with the Duke of Austria, but later broke the marriage contract and married Agail. ⑤ Grand Duke Achail of Lithuania married Jadwiga and became king of Poland and converted to Catholicism. So the singers sang her praises in all the courts of Europe; knights from the remotest nations came to Krakow to behold the Polish queen; Power and glory were also increased by her marriage to Achael.Only one great sorrow hung over her, and the hearts of the nation, that for many years this daughter of God had been childless. But now this sorrow was removed, and the good news that God had conceived for the queen spread like lightning from the Baltic to the Black Sea, and also to the Carpathus Mountains, and rejoiced all the peoples of this mighty kingdom.In all the foreign courts, save the capital of the Knights of the Crusaders, there was great joy at the good news.Rome sang the "hymn" ①.People in all provinces of Poland firmly believe that whatever the "Holy Woman" asks of God will be granted. ①The original text is "Te Deum", which is Latin, the beginning of a prayer, meaning "We praise you, God". Therefore the people came to her and begged her for their well-being; messengers came from all the provinces and some other countries to ask her to pray for whatever they needed, either for rain, or for the weather in the season of harvest. Sunny; pray for a good housewarming day; pray for a rewarding return from fishing on the lake or hunting in the forest. The knights who dwelt in the castles and towns on the frontiers either became brigands, or killed each other, according to the custom they had learned from the Germans.But at the queen's order they put their swords into their sheaths, freed the captives without ransom, returned the stolen herds, and shook hands with one another.All the afflicted, all the needy, crowd the gates of her castle in Cracow.Her pure soul penetrated into the hearts of the people, and improved the hard fate of the serfs, the arrogance of the lords, and the torture of the judges. She was like a dove of happiness, like an angel of justice and peace, Fly over the country. No wonder everyone is anxiously waiting for that blessed day. The knights watched the queen's figure carefully, wondering how long it would be before the future heir to the throne came into the world.Father Vish, Archbishop of Cracow, known both at home and abroad as the most able physician, has not yet announced when the Queen will be due.They were making some preparations; but, as was the custom at the time, all festivities began early and continued for several weeks.In fact, although this lady's figure is a bit thicker, she still maintains her usual grandeur.She was dressed very simply.Formerly, as she had been brought up in a great court, and was more beautiful than any princess of her generation, she had been fond of costly garments, chains, pearls, gold bracelets, and rings; but now, and even for some years, she not only wore She even put on a nun's clothes and even a veil, lest she should be aroused by worldly vanity if she was praised for her beauty.Achaib was overjoyed when he learned of her pregnancy, and immediately ordered her bedroom to be decorated with brocade and jewels, but she refused.She rejected all the prosperity, thinking that the moment of birth is often the moment of death, and decided not to be surrounded by jewels, but to accept the grace that God has promised her in a peaceful and humble environment. She gave her gold, silver and jewels to start a university, or to provide young Lithuanians newly converted to Catholicism to study in foreign universities. The queen consented only to change her nun's attire, and when a mother's wish became a definite fact, she threw off her veil, deeming the garb of the penitent ascetic no longer appropriate. So now everyone gazed with love at her beautiful face: a face not even adorned with gold and jewels could add to its charm.The Queen walked slowly from the sacristy door to the altar, her eyes raised, a prayer-book in one hand, and a rosary in the other.Zbyszko's heart began to beat with excitement when he saw the lily-like face, the blue eyes, the true angelic features, full of peace, kindness, and compassion.He knew that it was God's will that he ought to love the king and queen, and he did; but now a great love filled his heart, and it did not come from outside, but suddenly, like a flame, outburst; and he was filled with the greatest reverence, humility, and sacrifice for her.The young knight Zbyszko was short-tempered; therefore, he felt at once a desire to express in some way a knight's love and loyalty; to perform some feat for her; to run somewhere Conquer someone without risking your life. "I'd better go to Duke Witout," he thought, "for how can I serve this holy lady if there is no war here?" There are other ways to serve besides spears and axes; he almost wants to attack the whole army of the lame Timur alone.He wanted to jump on his horse and do something immediately after Mass.what to doHe himself does not know.All he knew was that he couldn't hold it in for a minute, his hands were burning, his whole heart was on fire. He had long since forgotten about the imminent danger.He even forgot Danusia, and when he thought of her when he heard the children singing in church, he felt that this love was something else.He swore an oath of fidelity to Danusia; he swore to kill three Germans for her, and he must keep his oath.But the queen is above all women.When he thought of how many enemies he should kill for his queen, he saw armour, helmets, and ostrich feathers in droves.Peacock Crested, he felt that even killing all these people was nothing compared to his wish. He gazed at her intently, and pondered with fervor how he should pray for her befitting her nobility, for he did not think ordinary prayers for a queen.He would say: Paernoster, quies in coelis, sancti ficetur nomen tuum.Because in Virno a parade priest taught him this; but perhaps the parade priest himself only knew these two sentences; perhaps Zbyszko himself forgot; Father" The full text of the Lord's Prayer.Now he began to repeat the words over and over again, expressing his thoughts in this way: "Give our beloved lady health, long life, and prosperity; care for her more than anyone else." ①The first line of the Lord's Prayer: Our Father in heaven... These words came from the lips of a man on the verge of death, and therefore there was no more earnest prayer in the whole church. After mass, Zbyszko thought that as long as he could kneel before the queen and kiss her feet, he would not care about the future.But after the first mass the queen went back to her chambers.Usually she eats nothing before noon, and does not take part in the merry breakfast (at which magicians and clowns make appearances to please the King and his guests).The old knight from Drugolas came up and called Zbyszko to the princess. "As my chamberlain, serve Danusia and me at the table," said the Duchess. "It may happen that you please the king with a few witty remarks, or some antics, and if the crusader recognizes you, he sees you serving me at the king's table, and he will not complain to the king. gone." Zbyszko kissed the princess's hand, and looked at Danusia; though he knew court etiquette less than war, he evidently understood what it was to be a knight when he met his lover in the morning. Identity: He took a step back, feigned surprise, crossed himself, and shouted: "Father, Son and Holy Spirit above!" Danusia looked at him with her blue eyes, and asked: "Zbyszko, why do you sign the sign of the cross after Mass is over?" "Because after one night, your beauty has increased again, which amazed me!" Mikolai of Drugolas did not like this strange custom of foreign knights, shrugged his shoulders and said: "Don't waste your time talking to her about her beauty! She's just a young grass." Zbyszko heard this and looked at him resentfully. "You must be careful not to call her 'tender grass,'" he said, turning pale with rage. "If you were younger, I would immediately challenge you to a fight to the death!" "Shut up, you brat! Even if it's a duel today, I can handle you!" "No noise!" said the Duchess. "You don't think about your danger, and you're quarreling again! I'd rather get Danusa to find a more reliable knight. If you want to be angry, do so; we don't need you here." Zbyszko was ashamed of what the princess had said, and apologized to the princess.But he thought to himself that if Lord Mykolaj of Drugolas had a grown son, he would challenge his son one day and never forgive Mykolaj for calling her "tender." Grass".Be calm now in the king's castle, and never mess with anyone unless absolutely necessary. The blast of horns announced that breakfast was about to be served; and the Duchess Anna took Danusia by the hand and went to the king's chambers, where many secular dignitaries and knights were waiting for her.Princess Ziemowit came in first, and since she was the King's sister, she took the seat.In a few moments the hall was filled with guests, high priests, and knights.The King sits at the top, flanked by the Bishop of Krakow and Vjtrikh Jaschenwaz.The latter, though inferior to the other mitered priests, sat at the right hand of the king, because he was the Pope's emissary.Below that are the two duchesses.Next to Anna Danuta sat Jan, ex-Gniezno Archbishop, comfortably seated in a large chair.He was a descendant of the Piast family of Silesia, the son of Polko, Duke of Opor.Zbyszko had heard his name at Witout's court.Now he was standing behind the Duchess and Danusia, and he recognized the archbishop by his thick hair, whose curly hair made his head look like a clopetero.It was for this reason that he was called "Cropitro" at the courts of all the Polish dukes, and "Glapitra" even by the Knights of the Crusader.He was known for his flashy habits and indiscretions.He had just been nominated as a candidate for the archbishop of Gniezno, and against the king's wishes, he usurped the office by force.For this, he was stripped of his title.So he went to the Knights of the Crusader, and they installed him as a poor bishop at Kamenets in Pomosyria.Then again he thought it was not as good as the mighty king's reconciliation; he begged the king's pardon, returned to his country, and now waited for the vacancy, which he hoped the good sovereign would let him fill.It turned out later that his calculation was not wrong.Soon he really won the king's favor by his way of smiling.But he still couldn't forget his love for the Knights of the Crusaders.Even in the old court of Achaean, where the senior priests and knights are not very popular with him, he is still trying to win over Lichtenstein, and sits happily beside him. ① Refers to senior priests who are not religious in the monastery. ②The former Gniezno Archbishop Yang, that is, Jan Kropitro (died in 1421), the bishop of Wroclav, had close ties with the Teutonic Knights. ③The brushes for sprinkling holy water in Polish churches are made of wood shavings. Zbyszko was standing behind the princess's chair, so close to the crusader Lichtenstein that he could almost touch him with a raised hand.In fact, his fingers were already twisting.But he still restrained his impatience and prevented bad thoughts from arising.But he couldn't help looking eagerly at Lichtenstein's head and shoulders, thinking in his mind whether to fight him hard if he met him in battle or in a duel.He decided that it would be easy to subdue the German.This crusader knight was dressed in gray cloth, and his shoulder blades were very broad; but he was compared with Povara, or Bashiko Zirokiai of Biscupitri, or with the two most famous Sulim. Cheek was but a coward, either compared with Kirthon of Kirsigrove, or with many other knights who sat at the king's table. Zbyszko looked at the knights with mixed admiration and envy; but his attention was also drawn to the behavior of the king.I saw the king brushing his hair back with his fingers, as if he was impatient because breakfast had not been served.His eyes lingered on Zbyszko for a moment, and the young knight worried that the king was about to get angry with him.Only then did he seriously consider for the first time the consequences of his reckless actions.Before this, he always thought that this was an indifferent matter, not worth worrying about. The German did not know that the young man who had so boldly attacked him on the road was now at his side.Breakfast begins.The wine soup① was brought in, and the soup was thick with eggs, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and saffron, and the whole room was immediately filled with a rich fragrance.At this moment the clown Shalushik, who was sitting on a chair by the door, began to sing after the voice of the nightingale, which the king liked to hear.Then another clown walks around the table.He quietly stopped behind the guests and made the buzzing sound of bees. The sound was so realistic that several guests held their heads to avoid being stung.When the others saw this, they burst out laughing.Zbyszko served the princess and Danusia courteously; but when Lichtenstein patted his bald head, he forgot his own danger and laughed too.Yamot, the son of Governor Smolensk, who was standing beside him, also laughed heartily at the sight.At last the crusader knight, realizing his mistake, put his hand in his pocket, and turning to bishop Clopitro, addressed him something in German, which the bishop immediately repeated in Polish. ①Wine soup is a drink made of wine, ale, bread, sugar, spices and eggs, and it is also used as a tonic ② The jester in the medieval court is a kind of comedian who makes funny performances during meals or banquets to entertain the guests of honor. "My noble lord tells you," he said, turning to the jester, "that you can get two 'skoyetris'; but don't get too close to the buzzing, or the bees will be driven away, and the idle Drones are to be killed too." The jester took the two skoyetris that the knights of the crusader had given him, and, relying on all the royal concessions granted to buffoons, replied: "Duburzun Province has a lot of honey, so it's surrounded by idle drones. Get rid of them, King Vladislav!" ① Note to the English translation: The province of Duborzin was occupied by the Knights of the Crusaders due to an illegal agreement with Vladislav Opolchik. "Here is a penny from me, for you have said that wisely," said Clopitro, "but remember, if the rope breaks, the hive-keeper will break his neck. ① Surrounded Those Marburg drones in Dublin are stinging, so it's dangerous to climb up to the hive." ① Note to the English translation: The hive on the tree is used as a metaphor; the person in charge of the hive must climb a rope to get honey from the hive. ②Refers to the Knights of the Crusaders, and Marburg is the base camp of the Knights. "Oh wow!" shouted Cracow's swordmaster, Sentram of Mahikovic, "that'll smoke them out!" ① This is a military officer with a high title.Centram of Mahikovich was the commander-in-chief of the armies of the Kingdom of Poland. "What do you smoke with?" "With gunpowder." "Or chop off the hive with an axe," added Bashiko Zirochiai of Bishkopitri, a burly man. Zbyszko's heart jumped with joy, for he thought these words foreshadowed war.Kunno von Lichtenstein understood what was being said, for he had learned Polish during his long stay in Tologne and in Herme; but he refused to speak it out of pride.But now he was irritated by the words of Sentram of Mahikowitch, and his gray eyes fixed him sharply, and said: "We'll see." "Our ancestors saw it at Plovtre and at Wilno," replied Sentram. ① Note to the English translation: A famous battle took place here, in which the Germans were defeated by King Vladislav Logedek. "Pax vobiscurm!" cried Clopitro. "Pax! Pax! If only Father Mikolaj of Gurov will relinquish his Gujavin bishopship, the good king will appoint me to take his place, and I will make a beautiful speech on the love between Christian nations.的讲道，使你们恳切地悔恨。憎恨只是ignis③，而且是ignis infernalis④；这种可怕的火，用水是扑灭不了的，必须泼上葡萄酒。给我们来些酒！让我们来作乐一下吧，像已故的主教，古罗兹文基的查维夏常说的一样！” ①拉丁文，意为“祝你平安！” ②拉丁文，意为“安静！安静！” ③拉丁文，意为“人”， ④拉丁文，意为“魔火”。 “也像魔鬼所说的那样，由作乐而入地狱，”小丑夏鲁息克接着说。 “让魔鬼捉你去！” “要是魔鬼捉了你，那才更加有趣哩。人们还没有见过魔鬼拿着克罗辟特罗①呢，但是，我想，我们大家都会享到那种乐趣。” ①此处指洒圣水的刷子。 “我将首先给你洒圣水。给我们一些葡萄酒，愿天主教徒之间亲密无间！” “愿真正的天主教徒之间亲密无间！”昆诺·封·里赫顿斯坦着重地加了一句。 “什么？”克拉科夫的主教维什喊道，一面抬起头来：“难道你不是在一个古老的天主教王国里么？我们的教堂不是比你们玛尔堡的教堂更古老么？” “我不知道，”十字军骑士回答。国王对于任何有关天主教的问题是特别敏感的。他觉得这个十字军骑士是在讽刺他；因此，他立刻双颊排红，眼睛也发亮了。 “什么！”他说，声调很深沉，“我不是一个天主教国王么？” “这个王国自称是一个天主教国家，”这十字军骑士冷冷地回答：“但是它的风俗习惯却是异教徒的那一套。” 许多骑士听了这话，都愤怒地站了起来；弗罗契莫维崔的玛尔青，他的纹章是“波尔科扎”①，科里特尼查的弗洛林，沃杰内克的巴尔多希，科皮仑尼的陀玛拉特，玛希科维支的盛特拉姆，塔契夫的波瓦拉，比斯古披崔的巴希科·齐洛琪埃伊，泰戈维斯科的雅哈，科席格罗维的克尔丛，伏伏瓦的齐格门特和查皮莫维崔的斯泰希科，他们都是强大而著名的骑士，在许多次战役和比武中所向无敌。他们气得脸色一会儿红，一会儿白，一个个咬牙切齿地喊道： ①“波尔科扎”（Polkoza）：意为“半只山羊”。 “恨只恨他是一个客人，我们不能向他挑战！” 查维夏·却尔尼·苏里姆契克，是骑士中最最著名的骑士，是“骑士界的模范”，他蹙着前额，转向里赫顿斯坦说道： “我真弄不懂你，昆诺。作为一个骑士，你怎么能侮辱一个强大的国家，况且你也知道，无非因为你是一位使者，才不会因此受到惩罚。” 但是昆诺安静地接受着这个威胁的眼色，慢吞吞地、一字不苟地回答道： “我们骑士团在来到普鲁士之前，曾经在巴勒斯坦作过战；甚至那边的撒拉逊人都尊重使者。但是你们不尊重使者，因此我才称你们的习惯是属于异教徒的。” 这些话激起了一阵喧哗。桌子周围再一次听到了叫喊声： “可恨！可恨！” 但是，当暴怒的国王照立陶宛人的样式紧握住双手的时候，他们都平静了下来。于是，登青的雅斯柯·托波尔老头，这个受尊敬的、庄严的并由于他的官职显要而令人害怕的克拉科夫的总督，站起身来说： “高贵的里赫顿斯坦骑士，假如您，一位使者，受到了侮辱，就说出来吧，我们会立刻严厉惩办。” “在任何别的天主教国家，我决不会碰到这样的事，”昆带回答。“昨天，在到蒂涅茨来的路上，我受到你们一个骑士的袭击，尽管他凭我斗篷上的十字，一下子就能认出我是什么人，他还是企图谋害我的生命。” 兹皮希科听了这一席话，脸色顿时变得苍白，不由得看了国王一眼，只见国王显出一脸可怕的怒容。登青的雅斯柯吃了一惊，说道： “这可能么？” “问一问塔契夫的爵爷吧，他是这件事的见证人。” 所有的目光都转到波瓦拉身上，他搭拉着眼皮，阴郁地站了一会，然后说： “是的，是这样！” 骑士们听了，都叫喊起来：“可耻！可耻！大地将吞没这种人！”由于这件不光彩的事，有些人竟捶起胸来，另一些人敲着银盘，不知道该怎么办。 “你为什么不杀掉他？”国王喊道。 “因为他的头是属于宫廷的，”波瓦拉回答。 “你把他下了狱没有？”登青的托波尔总督问道。 “没有。他是一个骑士，他凭他骑士的荣誉起了誓，他会投案的。” “但是他不会投案的！”昆诺用讥刺的口吻叫道，一面昂起头来。 这时候十字军骑士的身后响起了一个年轻的声音： “是我干的；我是波格丹涅茨的兹皮希科！” 听了这几句话，骑士们都向着不幸的兹皮希科冲了过去；但是国王狠狠地摇了摇头把他们止住了。国王用一种类似马车驶过石子路所发出的嘎嘎声怒冲冲地嚷道： “斫他的头！斫他的头！让这位十字军骑士带着他的头到玛尔堡去送给大团长！” 于是，他向站在旁边的年轻的立陶宛公爵喊道： “逮住他，雅蒙脱！” 惊吓的雅蒙脱把他发抖的双手按在兹皮希科的肩上。 兹皮希科把苍白的脸转向他说：“我不会逃跑的……” 但是，白胡子的克拉科夫总督，登青的托波尔，举起手来，表示他想说话；等到大家都安静下来，他说： “仁慈的国王！让这位'康姆透'知道，我们把一个侮辱使者的人处以死刑，不仅是由于您怒不可遏，而且也是根据我们法律的规定。否则他还以为在这个国家里，没有天主教的法律呢。明天我就来审判这个罪犯。” 最后这一句话，他说得那么心平气和，仿佛谁也不能改变他这个决定似的。于是他对雅蒙脱说： “把他关在塔楼里。至于您，塔契夫的爵爷，由您来作见证。” “我将把这个孩子犯罪的经过说出来，”波瓦拉回答，一面望着里赫顿斯坦。 “他说得对！”立刻有几个骑士说。“他不过是个孩子！为什么要把这羞耻加到我们大家身上呢！” 沉默了一会儿，大家都对那个十字军骑士怒目而视。这时候雅蒙脱领着兹皮希科走到城堡的庭院里，把他交给了弓箭手。在他年轻的心里，他可怜这犯人，而且由于他天生憎恨日耳曼人，因此就越发怜悯这个罪犯。但他是一个立陶宛人，习惯于盲目执行大公的命令；他自己又害怕国王的盛怒，因此好心地向这个年轻的骑士低声劝说道： “你知道，如果我处在你的地位，我会怎样做么？我会自己吊死！这是最好的办法！国王发怒了，反正要斫你的头。你为什么不让他高兴呢？你自己吊死吧，我的朋友。这就是我们国家的习惯。” 兹皮希科由于羞惭和恐惧，简直茫然若失，开头似乎听不懂这个小公爵这番话的用意，后来听懂了，大为惊讶，问道： "What did you say?" “你自己吊死！伺必让他们来审判你。你只要使国王称心就是了！”雅蒙脱又说了一遍。 “你去自己吊死吧！”年轻的“弗罗迪卡”喊道。“原来你尽管受了洗，可你的异教徒本性还没有改变。难道你不知道，对一个天主教徒说来，自杀是一宗罪孽么？” 这个公爵耸耸肩说： “事情不会让你如意的。横竖他们要析你的头。” 这些话使兹皮希科恼火了，他不知道是否可以向这位贵族少爷来一次挑战，骑在马上决斗也好，徒步也好，挥剑抡斧都行，但他还是抑制住了这个念头。他忧愁地垂下头来，由弓箭手们包围着，门声不响地向塔楼走去。 这当儿餐厅里每个人的注意力都集中在达奴莎身上，只见她已经吓得面如死灰。她一动不动地站在那里，简直像是教堂里的一尊蜡像。当她听到他们要处死兹皮希科的时候，她更是吓得嘴唇发抖，放声大哭，哭得那么伤心，使得所有的人都转过脸来看她，连国王本人也问她： "What happened to you?" “仁慈的国王！”公爵夫人安娜说，“她是斯比荷夫的尤仑德的女儿，刚才那个不幸的骑士对她起过誓。他答应给她从日耳曼人的头盔上拔下三簇孔雀毛来，所以他一发现这位'康姆透'的头盔上有这样一簇羽毛，就以为这是天主亲自把这个十字军骑士送来的。王上，他袭击他，并不是出于恶意，而是出于愚蠢；因此请求工上大发慈悲，不要惩罚他，我们跪下来求您！” 说着，她就站起身来，拉了达奴莎的手，同她一起奔向国王跟前，国王看了就想引退；但是她们两人已在他面前跪下，达奴莎哭求着： “饶恕兹皮希科吧，国王，饶恕兹皮希科吧！” 她因为很害怕，便把那长着金发的头藏在国王衣服的襞缝中，吻他的双膝，像一片叶子似地簌簌发抖。公爵夫人安娜·齐叶莫维特跪在另一边，合著双手望着国王。国王的脸上分明露出十分为难的神情。他坐到后面去一点，但并没有推开达奴莎，只是挥了挥手。 “别来难为我！”他大声说。“这青年犯了罪；他使整个国家丢了脸！必须把他处死！” 但是那双小手把他的双膝越抱越紧，这孩子也越哭越伤心了： “饶恕了兹皮希科吧，国王，饶恕了兹皮希科吧！” 有几个骑士也在叫嚷了： “斯比荷夫的尤仑德是一位著名的骑士，也是日耳曼人的眼中钉。” “再说，那个青年在维尔诺打仗打得很勇敢！”波瓦拉补充说。 可是，尽管国王也怜悯达奴莎，他还是为自己辩解： “他不是对我犯了罪，我无从宽恕他。要是骑士团的使者能宽恕他，我也能宽恕他；如果这位使者不能宽恕，他就作死不可。” “饶了他吧，昆诺，”查维夏·却尔尼·苏里姆契克说，“大团长本人不会因此而责备你的。” “饶恕他吧，阁下！”两位公爵夫人都喊道。 “饶恕他吧，饶恕他吧！”骑士们一再地说。 昆诺闭着眼睛，仰起头，坐在那里，仿佛很乐于看到两位公爵夫人和这些有名的骑士们在恳求他。忽然间他的态度变了、他低下了头，双手交叉在胸口，从一个骄傲的人变成了一个谦逊的人，轻柔地说： “我们的救世主基督，饶恕过他的仇人们，甚至饶恕了那个把他钉在十字架上的作恶者。” “他是个真正的骑士！”维什主教说。 "Not bad!" “我怎么能不饶恕呢？”昆诺继续说，“我不但是个天主教徒，也是个修道士呀！因此，作为基督的仆人和托钵修道士，我诚心诚意地饶恕他！” “向他致敬！”塔契夫的波瓦拉喊道。 “致敬！”其他的人也说了一遍。 “但是，”十字军骑士说，“我是作为一个使者来到你们这里的，我代表着整个骑士团的尊严，也就是天主的教团的尊严。因此，谁冒犯了我，就是冒犯了骑士团；谁冒犯了骑士团，就是冒犯了基督本身。这样一种罪过，我，在天主和人民的面前，是不能宽恕的。如果你们的法律不惩罚这种行为的话，就要让所有天主教的君主都知道这件事。” 他讲过这番话之后，是一片深沉的静默。过了一会儿，到处都能听见咬牙切齿声，克制着暴怒的人们的沉重呼吸声，达奴莎的啜泣声。 到了晚上，所有的人都同情兹皮希科了。就是那些早上还决意要把他千刀万剐的骑士，现在也在考虑怎样来帮他的忙了。两位公爵夫人决定去见王后，恳求她来说服里赫顿斯坦撤回他的控诉；或者必要的话，写信给骑士团的大团长，请他命令昆诺放弃这件讼事。这个计划看来是最好不过的了，因为雅德维迦受到如此非凡的尊敬，如果大团长拒绝她的请求，就会使得教皇以及所有天主教的君主发怒。他也不可能拒绝，因为康拉德·封·荣京根是个和气的人。不幸克拉科夫的维什主教，他也是王后的御医，禁止她们向王后提起这件事，哪怕说一句也不行。“她从来不喜欢听到死刑，”他说，“她甚至把处死强盗这样一个简单的问题也看得十分严重。她要是听到这个年轻人希望获得她的慈悲，她会很不安的。这种烦恼将会使她得到重病，而她的健康对于整个王国又是比十个骑士的头颅还要贵重。”他最后说，如果有人不听他的话，敢于打扰王后，他就要使国王对那个人不客气；接着，他又威吓说，对这样的人，要施以绝罚罪①。 ①即被逐出教会，这是教会中最严重的一种处罚。受绝罚罪者在天主教国家中往往无法立足于社会。 两位公爵夫人都被这种威胁吓住了，决定在王后面前闭口不谈这事，而去恳求国王，祈求他宽恕兹皮希科。整个朝廷里和所有的骑士都同情兹皮希科。塔契夫的波瓦拉声称他将说出全部真相来，而且他还要为这青年说些好话，因为整个事件不过是出于他一时的幼稚鲁莽而已。尽管如此，每个人都看得出，总督登青的雅斯柯也公开说，如果这个十字军骑士硬心到底，那末，就必须按照严峻的法律来办事了。 因此，骑士们对里赫顿斯坦愈加愤慨了。他们不仅心里这么想，而且率直地说了出来：“他是一位使者，不能叫他到比武场去；但是他回到玛尔堡去，天主必定使他不得好死。”他们不是空口说说的，因为一个束了骑士腰带的骑士是连一句空话也不许说的。一个骑士许了什么愿，就得实现，否则就只有死。波瓦拉气得顶厉害，因为他在塔契夫有一个与达奴莎同年的钟爱的女儿，达奴莎的眼泪使他也伤心起来。 因此，他当天到地牢里去看兹皮希科，嘱咐他要保持希望，还把两位公爵夫人为他祈祷和达奴莎为他痛哭的事都告诉了他。兹皮希科一听得那姑娘为了他而跪在国王面前，不禁感动得流下泪来。为了表示他的感激，他用手擦去眼泪，说道： “嗨！愿天主祝福她，同时允许我尽快地去为她作一次战斗，骑马出战也好，徒步也好！我答应为她俘获的日耳曼人还不够！对这样一位小姐，应该是她今年几岁，我就许给她几个日耳曼人。只要主耶稣能把我从这个塔楼里释放出去，我一定毫不吝啬地报答她！”于是他抬起了他那充满了感激之情的眼睛。 “首先向一个教堂许点愿吧，”塔契夫的爵爷劝告道：“如果你许的愿能取悦上帝，你一定会很快得到释放。你听着：你叔叔去看里赫顿斯坦去了，我也要去看他。去求他宽恕，并不是你的耻辱，因为你犯了罪；况且你又不是去向里赫顿斯坦祈求宽恕，而是向一个使者求宽恕。你愿意么？” “既然像您阁下这样一位骑士告诉我这样做是合适的，我就一定这么做。不过，如果他像在蒂涅茨来的路上那样要我向他祈求宽恕，那我宁可让他们斫掉我的头。我的叔叔还活着，等到使者的使命结束，他会替我报仇的。” “我们且先听听他对玛茨科说些什么吧，”波瓦拉回答。 玛茨科当晚真个去看这个日耳曼人了，回来时脸上阴郁得像黑夜一样。然后又由总督亲自陪他去见国王。国王已经心平气和了，和善地接见了玛茨科。玛茨科跪下了，他立即叫他起来，问他有什么请求。 “仁慈的君主，”玛茨科说，“犯了罪，就必须惩罚；否则，世界上就没有法律了。我也有罪，因为我没有设法制止那个青年的急躁脾气，我甚至还赞扬了他这一点。这是我的错处，仁慈的国王，因为我常常告诉他：'先去斫杀，然后再看看你伤害的是谁。'那样做在战争中是对的，但是在宫廷场合就错了！他是个像金子一样纯洁的人，也是我们家族唯一的后代！” “他给我和我的王国带来了羞耻，”国王说：“这种事我能对他开恩么？” 玛茨科不吭声了，因为他一想到兹皮希科，就非常难受。静默了好一会儿，他才开始唉声叹气地说： “我真不知道我是多么疼爱他；只在目前灾祸临头的时候，我才知道。我老了，他是我们家族唯一的后代。如果他死了——我们也完嘤！慈悲的国王和君主，可怜可怜我们家族吧！” 说到这里，玛茨科又跪了下去，一面伸出他那两条因久经沙场而消瘦的胳膊，一面噙着眼泪说： “我们保卫过维尔诺，天主赐给了我们正当的战利品；我要把它留给谁呢？如果那个十字军骑士一定要惩罚，就惩罚好了；但是允许我来承当这个惩罚吧。没有兹皮希科，我还要活着干什么呢？他还年轻；让他去赎回田地，生男育女，完成天主交给男人的天职吧。那个十字军骑士只要有个人给析了头就是了，他不会过问析掉的是谁的头。那也不会羞辱我们的家族。要一个人死是不容易的；但是，与其要毁灭一个家族，那还不如死掉一个人。” 说着，他紧紧抱住国王的双腿。国王开始眨着眼睛，足见他已受了感动。他终于说道： “不能这样做！我不能把一个束骑士腰带的骑士宣判死刑！不能这样做！不能这样做！” “而且这么做就没有是非了，”总督接着说。“法律要制裁的是犯罪的人，它可不是一个闭着眼睛乱杀人的妖怪。你也必须想一想，如果你的侄子同意你这个建议的话，你们家族将会受到多大的耻辱。这不但对他不体面，对他的子女也是件不体面的事。” 玛茨科答道： “他是不会同意的。但如果不让他知道就这么办了的话，他会替我报仇的，正如我一定会替他报仇一样。” “啊！”登青斯基①说，“还是去劝那个十字军骑士撤回控诉吧。” ①即克拉科夫的总督登青的雅斯柯。 “我已经请求过他了。” “他怎么样？”国王伸长着脖子问道：“他怎么说来着？” “他这样回答我：'你们本来就应该在蒂涅茨的路上向我求饶，你们当时不肯，现在我也不肯了。'” “你们当时为什么不求他呢？” “因为他要我们下马，站着道歉。” 国王把头发往后一掠，正要说什么，只见一个宫廷侍从进来通报：里赫顿斯坦骑士请求谒见。 听到这通报，亚该老看看登青的雅斯柯，又看看玛茨科。他命令他们留下来，也许是指望趁这个机会，运用他国王的威信，把这件事了结。 这时，那个十字军骑士进来了。他向国王鞠了个躬，说道： “仁慈的君主！我已把在贵国所遭受的侮辱写成了这一份书面控诉状。” “向他控诉吧，”国王指着登青的雅斯柯回答道。 那个十字军骑士直望着国王的脸，说： “我既不懂得贵国法律，也不了解贵国的诉讼手续；我只知道，骑士团的使者只能向国王本人控诉。” 亚该老的小眼睛里闪出暴躁的光芒；可是，他伸出手来，接下了那份控诉书，交给了登青斯基。 总督把它打开诵读；但是他越念下去，脸上越是阴郁。 “阁下，”他终于说了，“您要那孩子偿命，仿佛他是危害了整个骑士团似的。难道十字军骑士团连孩子都怕么？” “十字军骑士团不怕任何人，”“康姆透”傲慢地回答。 老总督便接着说： “尤其是不怕天主。” 第二天，塔契夫的波瓦拉在总督的法庭上从各方面作证，以减轻兹皮希科的罪名。但是，尽管他把这事件归之于幼稚无知、缺乏经验，还是没有效果；尽管他说，即使是一个年长的人，发过这种誓，祈求天主让他实现自己的誓言，一旦看见眼前突然出现了这样一簇冠毛，也会认为这是天主的赐予，可是这样说也没有效果。但是有一件事是这位高尚的骑士自己也无法否认的——如果不是亏了波瓦拉拦阻，兹皮希科的矛早已刺穿了地的胸口。昆诺把他在那大穿的甲胄带到了庭上；这套甲胄看来很单薄，如果塔契夫的波瓦拉当时没有从中阻止，凭兹皮希科的膂力，早就把它刺穿，这位使者早就没有命了。于是他们问兹皮希科，他是否蓄意杀害这个十字军骑士，这点他也不能否认。他说，“我老远就警告了他，要他端起枪矛，要是他大声回答一下，说他是一位使者的话，我就不会袭击他了。” 那一大批为了同情这孩子而赶到法庭来的骑士们，听了这话很满意，大家立即七嘴八舌地说：“对啊！他为什么不答话呢？”但是，总督的脸依然又阴郁又严峻。他命令那些到庭的人安静，自己又思考了一会儿，然后严厉地注视着兹皮希科，问道： “你能当着我们受难的天主发誓说，当时你没有看到斗篷，也没有看到斗篷上的十字么？” “不！”兹皮希科回答。“要是我没有看到十字，我就会认为他是我们的骑士，也就不会袭击他了。” “那末，在克拉科夫附近，除掉使者，或者他的随从之外，怎会遇到任何十字军骑士呢？” 兹皮希科没有回答这个问题，因为这没有什么可以回答。大家对这问题却十分清楚：当时如果不是塔契夫的爵爷从中拦阻，那末现在出现在他们面前的就不是这个使者的甲胄，而是给刺穿了胸口的使者本人了——那样一来，就给波兰民族造成了一项永久的耻辱了；因此，即使那些衷心同情兹皮希科的人也明白，减刑是没有指望了。 其实，过了一会儿，总督又说话了： “由于你当时并没有好好地想一想你是在袭击谁，你这样做也并非出于盛怒，因此，我们的救主将会饶恕你；不过，你最好还是把你的灵魂呈献给圣母吧，因为法律不能赦免你的罪行。” 兹皮希科听了这番话，虽然觉得不出所料，但他的脸色仍然有些发青；不过，他立刻晃了晃他的长发，画了个十字，说道： “这是天主的意旨！我怎么拗得过！” 于是他转向玛茨科，一面意味深长地望望里赫顿斯坦，仿佛示意玛茨科记住这个人。他的叔父点点头，表示会意，一定记住这个人。里赫顿斯坦也懂得这一瞥和点头的含意；尽管他既不讲情面，又十分大胆，却不禁全身打了一阵寒颤——这位老战士的脸多么可怕，多么不祥啊。这个十字军骑士知道，他和那个骑士之间存在的是一个你死我活的问题。他知道，即使他要避免决斗，也办不到；他知道，等他的使命一结束，即使在玛尔堡，他们也少不了要见面。 这时候总督走到隔壁房间去给书记口授判决书。同时有几位骑士走到那个十字军骑士身边说道： “但愿在最后审判日，你会获得比较仁慈的判决！” 但是，里赫顿斯坦只注意听取查维夏的意见，因为查维夏是以他的骑士功勋、他对于骑士法规的知识以及他本人的严格遵守骑士法规而闻名“于世的。在最难处理的案件中，如果有任何问题牵涉到骑士的荣誉，人们都路远迢迢地赶来向他求教。他的决定从来没人反驳，这不仅是因为同他争论决没有获胜的机会，而且因为人们都认为他是一部“荣誉宝鉴”。凡是从他口里说出来的一句责备或赞美的话，很快就传遍了波兰、匈牙利、波希米亚（捷克）和日耳曼的骑士界；他能判定一个骑士的行动是善还是恶。 因此，里赫顿斯坦走到他跟前去，仿佛要给自己这满怀的深仇大恨来一番辩白似的，说道： “大团长本人，以及神甫会①也许能够宽容他，我可办不到。” ①十字军骑士团的团员大会称为神甫会 “你们的大团长同我们的法律毫不相干；能够宽容我们人民的是我们的国王，可不是你们的团长。”查维夏回答。 “我作为一个使者，不得不坚持惩罚。” “里赫顿斯坦，你首先是一个骑士，其次才是一位使者！” “你以为我做得不光彩么？” “你是熟悉我们的骑士经典的，经典上要求我们效法两种野兽：羊与狮。在这个案件中，你效法的是羊还是狮？” “你不配审判我！” “你问我你是否做得不光彩，因此我才照我自己的想法回答你。” “你这种回答我受不了，简直要叫我噎死。” “叫你噎死的是你自己的坏心眼，而不是我的恶意。” “但是，基督会了解我的心地，我关心的是骑士团的尊严，而不是你的赞美。” “我们统统都要受到主的审判的。” 总督和书记的再度出现，打断了他们的谈话。他们都知道判决一定会很严厉，每个人都肃静地等待着。总督就座之后，便拿起一座耶稣受难像，命令兹皮希科跪下。 书记开始用拉丁文念判决书。这是一份死刑判决书。念完之后，兹皮希科捶了几下胸口，一遍又一遍地说：“天主宽恕我，我是个罪人！” 于是，他站了起来，扑到玛茨科怀里。玛茨科吻他的头，吻他的眼睛。 当天晚上，一个传令官在市场四方，以号角向在场的骑士们、客人们和市民们宣告：波格丹涅茨的贵族兹皮希科，已由总督法庭判处死刑。 但是，玛茨科请求延期处决，马上就得到了批准，因为那时候，总是给囚犯以充分的时间处理他们的产业，同时使他们能够安心归命于天主。里赫顿斯坦本人也不想坚持早日执行判决，因为他明白，既然骑士团的受侵犯的尊严得到了补偿，那末再去得罪这位有权势的君主就是失策了。他被派来谒见这位有权势的君主，不仅是为了参加王太子的命名典礼，也是来谈判杜勃尔润省问题的。但延期执行的主要原因还是王后的健康问题。维什主教甚至不愿意她在生育之前听到有关执行死刑的问题；他很有理由地认为，这样一件事情是难以瞒过王后的。她一定会感到愁苦，从而大大损害她的健康。因此，他们准许兹皮希科多活几个礼拜，也许还会更长些，让他安排后事，和他的亲友诀别。 玛茨科每天都去看他，竭力安慰他。他们很悲伤地谈到兹皮希科这次未能免于一死，尤其悲伤地谈到他们家族将会断宗绝嗣。 “除非你结婚，否则没有别的办法，”兹皮希科有一次说。 “我宁可去找一个远亲做后嗣，”悲伤的玛茨科回答。“眼看他们就要斫你的头，我哪里有心思想到女人呢。即使我不得不结婚，也得先向里赫顿斯坦下了骑士挑战书，为你报过仇再说。别担心！” “天主将报答你。我至少还有这份喜悦！我知道你是不会饶过他的。你将怎样为我报仇呢？” “等他结束了使者的任务，也许会发生一场战争！如果发生战争的话，我一定在打仗之前，向他下挑战书，跟他个对个决斗一场。” “在平地上决斗么？” “在平地上决斗；骑马或徒步都行；非战个你死我活不可，决不活捉。如果不打仗，那我就到玛尔堡去，用我的矛去叩城堡的大门，并且命令号手宣布我要向昆诺作一次你死我活的挑战。他逃避不了这场决斗的！” “他当然不会拒绝。你一定会打败他的。” “打败？我打不过查维夏、巴希科，也打不过波瓦拉；但是，毫不吹牛，像他那样的人，两个我都收拾得了。叫那个恶棍十字军骑士等着瞧吧！那个弗里西安骑士，不是比他还强么？可我是怎样劈开他的头盔，直努到斧头劈不下去才住手