Chapter 38 Chapter Four

The whole court, including knights and ladies, was worried about Zbyszko, because everyone loved him; and according to Jurand's letter, no one doubted that the reason was on the side of the Teutons.Besides, everyone knew that Rotgier was one of the most famous knights of the order.His squire, Van Krist, probably deliberately advertised among the Mazovia nobles that his master, before he became an armed priest, sat in the honorary seat of the Knights of the Crusaders, and that the seat of honor was Only those world-renowned knights who have conquered the Holy Land, or won battles with giants, dragons, and extraordinary wizards can be seated.The Majurs heard these words of Wan Krist, and heard him brag that his master had fought five opponents alone several times with a Mitrikaudea in one hand and an ax or sword in the other. , everyone became more and more worried about Zbyszko.Someone said: "Oh, if only Jurand was here, he can handle two, and no German has escaped him yet, but this young man--no!-- For the German surpassed him in strength, age, and experience."

① "Wan" is a kind of appellation of Dutch names, just like "Feng" in Germans and "De" in French. Therefore, they all regretted that they had not accepted the challenge, thinking that if it were not for Jurand's letter, they would have accepted the challenge, "all because of the fear of God's judge..." So for mutual comfort, they thought of Ma Zovszj and the names of Polish knights in general who have beaten so many Western knights in court jousts and duels; There is almost no knight in the world who can match him.There were, however, those who had great hopes for Zbyszko, who said: "He must not be underestimated! It is said that he once broke the heads of several Germans in a fair and admirable way. ’ And their confidence was especially strengthened when they saw the actions of Zbyszko’s squire, the Czech Hlaval.It turned out that on the eve of the duel, the youthful attendant, hearing Van Krist talking about Rotgiel's victories that no one had ever heard of, grabbed Van Krist by the beard and let him He turned his face to the sky and said:

"If you don't feel ashamed to lie in front of everyone, then lift your head up and say it again so that God can hear it too!" He held Van Krist's Huyu in time enough to say the "Lord's Prayer"; and when he let him go, he asked him where he came from, and he said he was from "Froddy card", the opponent challenged him to a duel with an axe. When the Majurs saw this behavior, they were very happy, and some said: "Such a man will probably not be soft on the battlefield; as long as truth and God are on the side, those two Teutonic dogs will not survive!"

But Rotgier's words still confused everyone, and many people could not calmly decide which side the truth was on, and even the Duke himself became confused. So on the night before the duel he summoned Zbyszko to a council in which only the princess was present.he asked: "Are you sure that God will bless you? How do you know that they took Danusia? Has Jurand missed anything from you? Because, you see, this is Jurand's letter, It's in Father Kaleb's handwriting, and his own stamp, Jurand says, knowing that the Teutons didn't do it. What did he tell you?" "He said it wasn't the work of the Teutons."

"Then how can you risk your life to beg God to judge?" Zbyszko was silent.But he saw his mouth twitching and tears in his eyes. "I know nothing, Your Grace," he said. "We left here with Jurand, and on the way I confessed to him that we were married. Then he lamented that it might be a sin against God; and when I told him it was God's will, he let it go. He took it easy and forgave me. All along the way, he just said that no one would snatch Danusia except the Crusader knights. As for what happened afterwards, even I don’t know! That time it was the one who gave me the medicine The woman who came to the forest palace was accompanied by another messenger to Spyhof. They closed the door and negotiated with Juhed. I don’t know what they said, but after they talked, they Even Jurand's own servant did not recognize Jurand, because his face was almost dead. He told us: "Danusia was not taken by the Teutons," and he compared de Bergov and All the prisoners in the dungeon were released, God knows why! Then he rode away alone, without a warrior or servant... He said he was riding to the robbers to redeem Danusia, and told me to wait He. I waited and waited, and at last I heard news from Schüdtno that Jurand had killed the Germans, and that he himself had died in battle. Oh, my lord! Like an ant on a hot pot, going crazy. I told my men to mount horses and go to avenge Juhed, but Father Kaleb said: 'You can't take that castle, don't start a war. Go to the Duke Go there, maybe they know something about Danusia there." So I came with Halava, and when I arrived, I heard the dog barking and saying something about the grievances of the Teutons, especially Lund's madness... My lord, I accept his challenge, because I challenged him first, although I know nothing, but I know after all that they are all vicious liars-shameless, No honor, no credit! Just think, merciful lord, that they stabbed de Fauci to death, and they want to lay the blame on my squire! By God! They killed him like an ox. Stabbed to death, but came to tell you that you want revenge and compensation! Then who can guarantee that they didn't deceive Jurand first, and now they deceive your highness?... I don't know, I don't know Danu Where is Sha, but I challenge him, because even if I die, I would rather die than live without dearest Danusia, who is dearer in all the world!"

After he finished these words in one breath, he pulled down the hair band on his head suddenly, and his hair fell down on his shoulders. He held on to his hair tightly and cried sadly.The Duchess Anna Danuta, who was also grieved at the loss of Danusia, felt sorry for him when she saw him in such pain, and laying her hands on his head, said: "May God help you, comfort you, and bless you!"