"For example, the grand hetman of Lithuania!"
"But in this province, where I am commander, there is also no lack of heretics, as in Tykotsin and other towns; therefore to obtain the blessing of God on our undertaking at its inception, a manifesto will be issued, that whoso is living in error must turn from it in three days, and those who will not do that will have their property confiscated to the army."
The knights looked at one another with astonishment. They knew that there was no lack of adroit reason and stratagem in Zagloba, but they did not suppose him to be such a statesman and judge of public questions.
"And you ask," continued Zagioba, with triumph, "where we shall get money for the army ? But the confiscations, and all the wealth of the Radzivills, which by confiscation will become army property ? "
"Will there be right on our side?" asked Volodyovski.
"There are such times at present that whoever has a sword is right. And what right have the Swedes and all those enemies who are raging within the boundaries of the Commonwealth?"
"It is true!" answered Pan Michael, with conviction.
"That is not enough!" cried Zagioba, growing warmer; "another manifesto will be issued to the nobles of Podlyasye, and those lands in the neighboring provinces which are not yet in the hands of the enemy, to assemble a general militia. These nobles must arm their servants, so that we may not lack infantry. I know that many would be glad to appear, if only they could see some government. They will have a government and manifestoes."
"You have, in truth, as much sense as the grand chancellor of the kingdom," cried Volodyovski.
"Mead, Pan Michael! — A third letter will be sent to Hovanski, telling him to go to destruction; if not, we will smoke him out of every town and castle. They (the Northerners) are quiet now in Lithuania, it is true, and do not capture castles; but Zolotarenko's men rob, going along in parties of one or two thousand. Let him restrain them, or we will destroy them."
"We might do that, indeed," said Pan Yan, "and the troops would not be lying idle."
"I am thinking of this, and I will send new parties to-day, precisely to Volkovysk; but some things are to be done, and others are not to be omitted. I wish to send a fourth
