Page:Henryk Sienkiewicz - Potop - The Deluge (1898 translation by Jeremiah Curtin) - Vol 1.djvu/605

Rh and it will make the worst impression. You do not know — for no foreigner, not a papist, can know — what Chenstohova is to this people. Very important for us are those nobles, who yielded so readily; those magnates; the quarter troops, who together with the hetmans, have come over to our side. Without them we could not have done what we have done. With their hands we have occupied half the country, — nay, more than half; but let one shot fall at Chenstohova, — who knows? perhaps not a Pole will remain with us. So great is the strength of superstition ! A new most terrible war may flame up!"

Miller recognized in his soul the justice of Sadovski's reasoning, all the more since he considered monks in general, and the Chenstohova monks in particular, wizards, — that Swedish general feared enchantments more than guns; still wishing to irritate, and maybe prolong the dispute, he said, —

"You speak as though you were prior of Chenstohova, or as if they had begun to pay you a ransom."

Sadovski was a daring soldier and impulsive, and because he knew his value he was easily offended.

"I will not say another word," answered he, haughtily.

Miller in his turn was angry at the tone in which the above words were spoken.

"I will make no further request of you," said he; "Count Veyhard is enough for me, he knows this country better."

"We shall see!" responded Sadovski, and went out of the room.

Count Veyhard in fact took his place. He brought a letter, which he had received from Varshytski with a request to leave the cloister in peace; but from this letter the obstinate man drew counsel directly opposed.

"They beg," said he to Miller; "therefore they know that there will be no defence."

A day later the expedition against Chenstohova was decided upon at Vyelunie.

It was not kept a secret; therefore Father Yatsek Rudnitski, provost of the monastery at Vyelunie, was able to go in time to Chenstohova with the news. The poor monk did not admit for one moment that the people of Yasna Gora would defend themselves. He only wanted to forewarn them so that they might know what course to take and seek favorable conditions. In fact, the news bowed down the minds of the monks. In some souls courage