Page:Sienkiewicz - The knights of the cross.djvu/456

18 "I have come to neighbors in good-will."

"And in good-will do we greet thee. A guest is a sacred person."

Old and young Vilk hurried toward Matsko; both pressed his right hand, then gave him the seat of honor at the table. In a moment wood was in the chimney, the table was covered with a mat on which were placed plates full of meat, a pitcher of beer with a flagon of mead, and they set about eating and drinking. From time to time young Vilk cast at Matsko peculiar glances, in which honor for the guest was struggling to overcome hatred for the visitor; but still he served the guest so diligently that he grew pale from exertion, for he was wounded, and deprived of his usual vigor. Curiosity was burning both father and son to know why Matsko had come to them, though neither inquired touching anything, but waited till he should begin of himself to speak.

He, as a polite person, praised food, drink, and hospitality, and only when he had satisfied himself well did he say with a dignified air,—

"It happens more than once that people quarrel, yes, and fight, but peace between neighbors is above everything."

"There is nothing more precious than peace," replied Vilk, with equal dignity.

"When a man must prepare for a long journey it happens also," continued Matsko, "that although he has lived in unfriendliness with some one, he is sorry to leave that man, and will not go without taking farewell of him."

"God reward for the kind word."

"Not word alone, but deed also, for I have come hither."

"We are glad from our souls to see thee. Come every day even."

"Let me honor you in Bogdanets as befits people who know knightly honor, but I must go soon on a journey."

"To war, or to some holy place?"

"I should prefer to go to one or the other of these two, but I am to make a worse visit, for I am going to the Knights of the Cross."

"To the Knights of the Cross?" cried father and son at the same moment.

"Yes," answered Matsko. "But whoso goes among them without being their friend would better make peace with God as well as man, lest he lose not merely life, but eternal salvation."