Page:Sienkiewicz - The knights of the cross.djvu/294

270 Zbyshko was lying. The princess followed, not wishing to lose sight of their pleasure.

Zbyshko was very sick, but seeing Danusia, he turned to her with face pale from pain, and asked,—

"But the Cheh, my berry, has he returned?"

"What matter about him? I bring better news. Our lord has belted thee as a knight, and here are the things which he has sent by me," said she, placing the belt and golden spurs at his side.

Zbyshko's pale cheeks flushed with delight and astonishment; he looked at Danusia, next at the insignia; then he closed his eyes, and asked,—

"How could he belt me as a knight?"

But when at that moment the princess came in, he raised himself on his arms somewhat and thanked her, asking pardon of the gracious lady because he could not fall at her feet, for he divined at once that through her intercession it was that such fortune had befallen him. She commanded quiet, however, and with her own hands helped Danusia to lower his head to the pillow.

Meanwhile the prince entered, and with him Father Vyshonek, Mrokota, and a number of others. From a distance Prince Yanush gave a sign with his hand that Zbyshko was not to move, and then, sitting down by the bedside, spoke as follows:—

"It is no wonder to people, as you know, that there is reward for noble and valiant deeds; were there not, honor would go unconsidered, and injustice would move through the world without punishment. Since thou hast not spared thy life, and with loss of health hast defended us from terrible sorrow, we permit thee to gird thyself with the belt of a knight, and to be henceforth in renown and in honor."

"Gracious lord," answered Zbyshko, "I should not grieve for ten lives—"

He was unable to continue, both from emotion and because the princess placed her hand on his lips, when Father Vyshonek forbade him to speak. But the prince continued,—

"I think that thou knowest the duties of a knight, and wilt wear these ornaments worthily. Thou art to serve our Redeemer, as is befitting, and war against the elder of Hell. Thou art to be loyal to the Lord's anointed on earth, avoid unjust wars, defend oppressed innocence, in which may God and His Holy Passion assist thee!"