Page:Sienkiewicz - The knights of the cross.djvu/109

Rh and it was learned soon from servants that premature labor threatened the lady. The castellan of Cracow sent couriers that same night to the absent king. Early next morning the news thundered throughout the city and the country. Hence all the churches were filled with people, on whom the priests enjoined prayers for the recovery of the queen. All doubt ceased after services. Knightly guests, who had assembled for the approaching solemnity, nobles, deputations of merchants repaired to the castle; guilds and brotherhoods appeared with their banners. Beginning with mid-day the castle of Vavel was surrounded by numberless swarms of people, among whom the king's bowmen maintained order, enforcing peace and quiet. The city was almost depopulated, but from time to time there passed through the deserted streets peasants of the neighborhood, who also had heard of the illness of the idolized lady, and were hastening toward the castle.

Finally, in the main gate appeared the bishop and the castellan, accompanied by the canons of the cathedral, the counsellors of the king, and also knights. They went along the walls, among the people, and, with faces announcing news, began with a stern command to refrain from all outcries, for shouts might injure the sick lady. Then they declared to all in general that the queen had given birth to a daughter.

The news filled the hearts of all with delight, especially since it was known at the time that, though the birth was premature, there was no evident danger for the child or the mother. The crowds began to separate, as it was not permitted to shout near the castle, and each one wished to give way to his delight. Indeed, when the streets leading to the square were filled, songs were heard and joyful shouts. People were not even grieved that a daughter had come to the world. "Was it bad," said they, "that King Louis had no sons, and that the kingdom came to Yadviga? Through her marriage with Yagello the power of the kingdom has been doubled. So will it be this time. Where can such an heiress be found as our king's daughter, since neither the Roman Caesar, nor any king is master of such a great State, such broad lands, such a numerous knighthood! The most powerful monarchs of the earth will strive for her hand, they will bow down to the king and the queen, they will visit Cracow, and from this, profit will come to us merchants; besides, some new kingdom, the Bohemian or the Hungarian, will be joined to ours." Thus spoke the merchants among themselves,