Page:Sienkiewicz - The knights of the cross.djvu/401

Rh going to the bandits to ransom Danusia, and he commanded me to wait for him. Well, I waited till news came from Schytno that Yurand had murdered Germans and had himself fallen. O, Gracious Lord! the land of Spyhov was burning beneath me, and I came near running mad. I put men on horseback to avenge Yurand's death, but Father Kaleb said: 'Thou canst not take the castle, and do not begin war. Go to the prince; they may know something there of Danusia.' So I came, and happened in here just as that dog was barking about the wrong done the Order and the madness of Yurand. I took up his gauntlet because I had challenged him earlier, and though I know nothing, I know this one thing exactly, that they are hellish liars, without shame, faith, or honor. See, Gracious Prince, they stabbed De Fourcy and tried to cast the blame of that deed on my attendant. As God lives! they slaughtered De Fourcy like a bullock, and then came to thee, lord, for restitution and vengeance. Who will swear that they did not lie to Yurand, and have not lied now to thee? I know not where Danusia is, but I have challenged this man; for though I should have to lose my life, death is sweeter to me than is life without her who in all the world is my dearest."

When he had said this he forgot himself; he tore the net from his head and the hair fell over his shoulders; he seized it and sobbed grievously. Anna Danuta, afflicted to the depth of her soul by the loss of Danusia, placed her hand on his head in compassion for his sufferings, and said,—

"God will aid, bless, and comfort thee!"