Page:Sienkiewicz - The knights of the cross.djvu/761

 Rh "The Grand Master Ulrich," said the first herald, "challenges thy majesty, O lord, and Prince Vitold to mortal battle, and to rouse the bravery which evidently is lacking you, he sends these two naked swords."

When he had said this he placed the swords at the king's feet.

Yasko Monjyk of Dombrova interpreted these words, but barely had he finished, when the second herald pushed forth and spoke thus,—

"The Grand Master Ulrich has commanded to inform you also, lord, that if the field for battle is too narrow he will withdraw his troops somewhat so that you should not remain idle in the forest."

Yasko again interpreted his words, and silence followed. But in the king's suite the knights gritted their teeth in secret at such insolence and insults.

Yagello's last hopes were dissipated like smoke. He had waited for an embassy of peace and concord; an embassy of pride and war had come. He raised his tearful eyes, and answered,—

"We have swords in abundance, but I accept these as a presage of victory which God himself sends into my hands through you. And the field of battle will be determined also by Him, to whose justice I turn now and make complaint of the wrongs done my people, and of your pride and injustice."

Two great tears flowed down his sunburnt cheeks. Meanwhile the voices of the knights in the suite were heard saying,—

"The Germans are withdrawing. They are giving the field!"

The heralds rode away, and after a while they were seen again advancing up the hill on their immense horses, and seemed brilliant in the sunlight from silk which they wore above their armor.

The Polish armies advanced somewhat from the forest and thickets in regular order. In front marched the body which was called "the forehead," formed of the most formidable knights; behind them the "main body," and after the main body infantry and mercenaries. In that way was formed between the bodies two long streets through which Zyndram and Vitold were flying; the latter, without a helmet on his head, in splendid armor, was like a flame driven forward by the wind.