Page:Taras Bulba. A Tale of the Cossacks. 1916.djvu/97

Rh for a good while already, as though he knew nothing about what was going on.

"What is it, noble sirs? What is your will?" he inquired.

"Come, you are elected Koshevói."

"Have mercy, noble sirs!" said Kirdyaga. "How am I worthy of such an honour? Why should I be made Koshevói? I haven't sufficient sense to discharge such a duty. Could no better man be found in all the Army?"

"Come along, as you're bid!" shouted the Zaporozhtzi. Two of them seized him by the arms; and, although he planted his feet firmly, they finally dragged him to the square, accompanied by shouts, thrusts from the rear with fists, kicks and exhortations.—"Don't hold back, you son of the Devil! Accept the honour, you dog, when 'tis given to you!" In this manner was Kirdyaga conducted into the ring of kazáks.

"Well, noble sirs," yelled those who had brought him, "are you agreed that this kazák shall be your Koshevói?"

"All agreed!" shouted the throng, and the whole plain reverberated for a long time afterward with that shout.