Page:Sienkiewicz - The knights of the cross.djvu/515

Rh "Then perhaps there will be a war with the King of Poland?"

"People say so; both there among Germans and here among us. For this reason the Knights are begging aid at all courts, and the cowls are burning their foreheads, as is usual with scoundrels, for of course the strength of the King is no jest, and Polish knights, should any one mention the Knights of the Cross, would spit on the palms of their hands that same instant."

Yagenka sighed on hearing this, and said,—

"A man has always a pleasanter life in this world than a woman, for, to take an example, thou wilt go to the war, just as Zbyshko and Matsko will, but we shall stay here in the house at Spyhov."

"How can it be otherwise, young lady? You will be here, but in all safety. Terrible even to-day is the name of Yurand to the Germans; I myself saw in Schytno how dread seized them straightway when they learned that Yurand is now in Spyhov."

"They will not come here, we know that, for the swamp defends us, and old Tolima, but it is grievous to stay here and have no tidings."

"When anything happens I will inform you. I knew before our visit to Schytno that two good fellows were preparing to go to the war of their own will from this place. Tolima cannot prevent them, for they are nobles from Lenkavitsa. Now they will go with me, and in case of need, I will hurry one of them hither immediately."

"God reward thee. I have known always that thou hast strong sense in every position, but I shall be grateful till death for thy kind heart and for thy good-will toward me."

"Not wrong of any sort, but benefactions, have I received from you. The knight, your father, took me captive and gave me freedom without ransom, but to serve you was dearer to me than freedom. God grant me, my lady, to shed my blood for you."

"God conduct thee, and go with thee!" answered Yagenka, extending her hand to him.

But he preferred to bend down and kiss her feet, thus giving her greater honor; that done, he lifted his head, and without rising from his knees, said with timidity and submission,—

"I am a simple man, but a noble, and I am your faithful servant—so give me some keepsake for my journey.