Complete Works of Henryk Sienkiewicz

by Henryk Sienkiewicz

  When he saw this, the son of Maia recovered, and, giving obeisance to his parent, began boldly to inculpate Apollo; and flakes of snow fall not so thickly in a storm as fell the eloquent words of Hermes.

  When he had finished, Zeus was silent for a while, and then spoke to Apollo.

  “Is all this true, Radiant One?”

  “True, father,” answered Apollo, “but if thou command me to pay the wager, after the shame which has met me, I will go to Hades, and give light to the shades there.”

  Zeus reflected and considered.

  “Then this woman,” asked he, at last, “remained deaf to thy music, to thy song, and rejected thee with contempt?”

  “She poured a pot of yeast on my head, O Wielder of Thunderbolts!”

  Zeus frowned, and from that frown Ida trembled immediately. Fragments of cliffs rolled to the sea with tremendous report, and forests fell like stalks of grain broken by wind.

  Both gods were frightened, and waited with throbbing hearts for the sentence.

  “Hermes,” said Zeus, “cheat men as much as may please thee, for men like to be cheated. But let the gods alone, for if I should flash up in anger and hurl thee into the ether, thou wouldst fall and sink in the ocean so deeply that even my brother, Poseidon, could not dig thee out with his trident.”

  Divine terror seized Hermes by the smooth knees; but Zeus spoke on, with an ever-increasing voice, —

  “A virtuous woman, especially if she loves another, is able to resist Apollo. But certainly and always a stupid woman will resist him. Eriphyle is stupid, not virtuous; and that is why she resisted him. In this thou hast cheated the Radiant — and thou wilt not get Lampetia, Now, go in peace!”

  The gods departed.

  Zeus sat alone in joyful glory for a while. He looked in silence after the departing Apollo, and muttered, —

  “Oh, it is true, a stupid woman can resist him!” And immediately after, since he had not rested much, he beckoned to Sleep, who, sitting on a neighboring tree in the form of a sparrow-hawk, was awaiting orders from the father of gods and men.

  ON A SINGLE CARD.

  PERSONAGES.

  PRINCE STAROGRODSKI.

  STELLA, his daughter.

  YERZY PRETVITS, STELLA’S betrothed.

  KAROL, COUNT DRAGOMIR, a friend of PRETVITS. COUNTESS MILISHEVSKI.

  YAN, COUNT MILISHEVSKI.

  ANTONI JUK, Secretary of the District Council.

  DOCTOR YOZVOVICH.

  PANI CHESKT.

  PODCHASKI.

  SERVANT.

  ACT I.

  The stage represents a drawing-room with the main door opening on a garden. In the side walls are doors to adjoining chambers.

  SCENE I.

  PRINCESS STELLA, PANI CHESKI.

  PANI CHESKI. Why tell me the news only now? Indeed, my dear Stella, I am inclined to be angry at thee. How is this? I live one verst away; I taught thee before thou wert given into the hands of French and English governesses; I see thee almost daily; I love thee, little girl, with my whole soul; and for weeks thou hast not brought thyself to say: — I am betrothed. Do not torment me longer, at least now, and say who he is.

  STELLA. Guess, mother.

  PANI CHESKI. Since thou sayest mother, do not ask me to guess.

  STELLA. But I wish thee to guess, to say: “Naturally it is he and no other.” Thou wilt not believe how that will flatter me, how it will please me.

  PANI CHESKI. Ah, then it is Count Dragomir.

  STELLA. Ah!

  PANI CHESKI. Dost thou blush? True, he has not been long here; but how pleasant, how sympathetic, how gladsome he is! Oh, my old eyes see clearly, and when I looked at you together, I thought right away: A beautiful couple! perhaps something will come of that.

  STELLA. Nothing will come of it, mother. Count Dragomir is very sympathetic indeed, but my betrothed is Pan Yerzy. —

  PANI CHESKI. Pan Yerzy Pretvits?

  STELLA. Yes. Does this astonish thee?

  PANI CHESKI. NO, my dear child. May God bless thee; why should I be astonished? Only I like Count Dragomir so much that I thought him the man — Pan Yerzy Pretvits! Oh, not in the least! I do not wonder at all that he fell in love with thee. But that too was rather sudden. How long hast thou known him? In my Bervinko I hear nothing of what happens in the neighborhood.

  STELLA. Three months. My betrothed inherited an estate here from the Yazlovetskis, and came, as thou knowest, from a great distance. He was a near relative of the Yazlovetskis, and is descended himself from a great family. Thou, beloved lady, hast heard of the Pretvitses?

  PANI CHESKI. Nothing and nothing. What do I care for heraldry!

  STELLA. On a time, but whole ages ago, the Pretvitses were related to us. That family is very famous. Oh, otherwise papa would not have consented. Well, Pan Pretvits came here, received the estate left him by the Yazlovetskis, became acquainted with us and —

  PANI CHESKI. And fell in love with thee. In his place I should have done the very same. That raises him in my eyes.

  STELLA. But did he need it?

  PANI CHESKI. NO, dear kitten — be at rest. People laugh at me, I assure thee, because always I see in persons everything that is best. Of a nice family, young, rich, genteel, well-bred, but —

  STELLA. But what?

  PANI CHESKI. Some birds have sung to me, for even I do not remember who told me, that he is somewhat like a storm.

  STELLA. His life was like a storm, but that high hearted man was not broken in it.

  PANI CHESKI. All the better. Listen, my child, such men are the best, the truest. The more I think over the matter, the more sincerely do I congratulate thee.

  STELLA. Thanks, and I am glad that I have been outspoken with thee. I am indeed very lonely here. Papa is always ailing; our doctor has not been in the house for three months.

  PANI CHESKI. But do not annoy us with that doctor.

  STELLA. Thou hast never liked him.

  PANI CHESKI. Thou knowest that I am not prepossessed against people; but I cannot like him.

  STELLA. Dost thou know that they have offered him a chair in the University, and that he is striving for election to the diet? Mother, thou art unjust indeed, for he simply sacrifices himself for us. Such a famous man, and well-to-do, and learned, still he stays with us, though the whole world is open to him. I should certainly have asked his advice.

  PANI CHESKI. Love, my dear Stella, is not a disease — never mind the doctor, let God help him. Tell me better, kitten, but sincerely, dost thou love much?

  STELLA. Seest thou, all passed suddenly. True, Countess Milishevski came also with her son. I saw that I was in question; and I was afraid, though needlessly, that papa might be on their side.

  PANI CHESKI. Thou dost not answer my question —

  STELLA. HOW speak definitely. Yerzy’s life, mother, is a series of heroic deeds, sacrifices, and dangers. Once he was near death, and would not be living to-day had it not been that Count Dragomir saved him. How he loves the Count for that act! Distant deserts, loneliness, continuous suffering are evident on my betrothed. But when his life is unfolded before me, it seems, indeed, that I love that iron man greatly. If thou knew how timidly, and still how lovingly he declared what he feels for me, and added afterward that he knew that his hands were too rough —

  PANI CHESKI. Not too rough, because honest. After what thou hast said, I give all my soul to him.

  STELLA. But still, mother, in spite of all this, I feel at times very unhappy.

  PANI CHESKI. And how is that, Stella? Why?

  STELLA. Because at times we are unable to understand each other. Peelings, mother, are of two classes: one as firm and immovable as cliffs, the other like streams which are transparent. Now when I examine Yerzy’s feelings, I see their greatness and unshaken character; but my soul is not reflected in them as a face in a clear river. I love him, that is true; but at moments it seems to me that I could love him more, that I do not put all the strength of my heart into this at
tachment, and then I feel unhappy.

  PANI CHESKI. I can hardly understand thy words, I take life simply: I love, or not. Ei! Stella dear, the world is so wisely arranged, and God is so good, that nothing is simpler than happiness. But one must not confuse God’s affairs. Be calm, child! Thou art in love terribly. What is the use in talking!

  STELLA. Oh, I need just thy confidence in the future, thy optimism. I knew that thou, dear sincerity, would frown, and say, “What is the use in talking.” Right away I am brighter and more joyous. Only I am a little afraid of our doctor. But what is this? (Looking through the window.) Our gentlemen: Pan Yerzy and Count Dragomir.

  PANI CHESKI (looking through the window). Thy betrothed looks nicely; but so does Count Dragomir. Has he been visiting Yerzy long?

  STELLA (looking through the window). Two weeks. Pan Yerzy invited him purposely. They are coming now.

  PANI CHESKI. And the little heart is going, puk! puk!

  STELLA. Oh, be not my enemy, evil woman!

  SCENE II.

  PANI CHESKI, STELLA, YERZY, COUNT DRAGOMIR. DRAGOMIR has his left arm in a sling.

  SERVANT (opening the door). The Princess is in the drawing-room.

  STELLA (greeting). Are you not somewhat late to-day, Pan Yerzy.

  YERZY. Yes, the sun is just setting. But we could not come earlier. Do you know that there was a fire in the neighboring village? We went to it.

  PANI CHESKI. We have heard of it. I suppose a number of houses were burned.

  YERZY. The fire broke out in the morning, and has been quenched just now. About twenty families are without a roof and without bread. We are late also, because the Count had an accident.

  STELLA (with animation). True! His arm is in a sling.

  DRAGOMIR. Nothing serious. If there were no worse wounds in the world, courage would be sold on all market squares. A slight scratch —

  STELLA. HOW did he get it, Pan Yerzy?

  YERZY. I was at the other end of the street at the time, and I could see nothing through the smoke. They told me simply that Karol had rushed into a burning house —

  STELLA. O my God!

  DRAGOMIR (laughing). I think that my deed gains by distance.

  PANI CHESKI. Well, let the gentleman tell it himself.

  DRAGOMIR. People shouted before me that in a house, the roof of which had just begun to burn, was a woman. Then, judging that that female salamander, fearless of fire, was some enchanted beauty, perhaps, I went in through pure curiosity. It was a little dark there from smoke. I looked, and convinced myself firmly that I have no luck in anything; for my salamander was only an old Jewess who was packing broken feathers into a bag. Amid flakes of goose-down she looked like whatever may please you; but not like an enchantress. I screamed that the house was burning; she, in the darkness, took me evidently for a thief, and screamed also, or — we both screamed. At last, seeing that there was no help, I seized the salamander in my arms, and bore her out, fainting from fear, not by the window even, but by the door.

  YERZY. But thou hast not added that the roof fell in and a rafter struck thy arm.

  DRAGOMIR. If that is the way, I will break the bonds of modesty and add, that the mayor made a speech to me. He said something, I think, about a monument which they are to raise in the square to me. But, believe me, Yerzy and his men put the fire out. I think that the village ought to raise two monuments.

  PANI CHESKI. I know that one of you is worthy of the other.

  STELLA. God be praised that nothing worse has met you, Count.

  DRAGOMIR. Something very good has met me, your sympathy.

  PANI CHESKI. And you have mine too; as to Pan Yerzy, I have a question with him.

  YERZY. Touching what, dear lady?

  PANI CHESKI. Ei, Pan Yerzy, Pan Yerzy! (To Stella and DRAGOMIR.) GO you to the Prince, and we will have a little talk here.

  STELLA. Ah, mother, thou, I see, hast the wish to turn Pan Yerzy’s head.

  PANI CHESKI. Quiet, thou rogue! I am just the one to vie with thee. But know, my dear, that every autumn had its spring. Well, go!

  STELLA (to DRAGOMIR). Let us go. Papa is in the garden, and I fear that he is worse again. A pity that the doctor is not here.

  SCENE III.

  PANI CHESKI, YERZY, and, later, STELLA.

  PANI CHESKI. I ought to scold you, Pan Yerzy, as I scolded my young lady, for secrecy. But Stella has told me everything, so I only say: God bless you both!

  YERZY (kissing her hand). Thank you.

  PANI CHESKI. I reared that child from being the smallest little mite; I was ten years with her, so I know what a treasure you are getting. You told her that your hands were too rough. I answered her at once: “Not too rough, because they are honest.” But Stella is a very delicate flower; there is need to love her much, and to guard her. You will be able to do that, — will you not?

  YERZY. What shall I say to you? As far as it is in human power to give happiness to that being who for me is sacred, I wish to give it.

  PANI CHESKI. With all my soul I say: God bless you!

  YERZY. The Princess looks on you as a mother, hence I will talk as frankly as with a mother. My life has been very difficult. At one moment it hung on a thread. I was saved then by Count Dragomir, whom I love and esteem as a brother; but later on —

  PANI CHESKI. Stella told me. You were living far away —

  YERZY. I was among empty steppes, half wild, among strangers, so very lonely and yearning for my country, and the last member of a noble family. Besides a proud soul, though struck by misfortune, as by a hammer, is ashamed to groan, and shuts pain within itself, and great torture comes through this. Indeed, at times, there was not a living being near me.

  PANI CHESKI. God was above the stars, Pan Yerzy.

  YERZY. Oh! that is another thing. But the heart cast on earth must love some one on earth and have some person near it. So with all that need of loving, I prayed God to let me love some person. He heard me and gave her. Do you understand now?

  PANI CHESKI. Oh, I understand!

  YERZY. HOW soon all changed after that! I inherited an estate here, and returned; then I became acquainted with the Princess, and now I love her as the accomplishment of my prayer, as the reward for my suffering, as my heartfelt everything on earth. Oh, be at rest, Pani!

  PANI CHESKI. Indeed I will. My honest Pan Yerzy, be of good cheer, you are worthy of Stella, and with you she will be happy. My golden, my beloved Stella!

  STELLA (appearing in the garden door, and clapping her hands). Perfect news! Perfect news! The doctor will come in a moment; he is in the village. Papa is already calmer and in better humor.

  PANI CHESKI. But do not flutter about, do not run too fast, and grow red from over-exertion. Where is the Prince?

  STELLA. In the garden, he is drinking coffee. He invites you to come.

  YERZY. We will go.

  STELLA (goes in advance, and then halts). But, I beg you not to tell the doctor what has happened between us — I wish to tell him first. I have begged papa already to keep the secret. — [They go out.

  SCENE IV.

  DOCTOR YOZVOVICH enters through the principal door.

  DOCTOR (to SERVANT). Yan! take my things upstairs, the package which I left at the entrance send by a messenger to Pan Antoni, the secretary of the district council SERVANT (bowing). I obey, Pan Doctor! — [Goes out.

  DOCTOR (coming to the front of the stage). At last! after three months of absence. How quiet and calm everything is here! After a while I will greet them as the future member. I have thrown six years into this abyss between us, — iron labor, sleepless nights, science, reputation, and now — let us see! (He approaches the door to the garden.) Here they are; she has not changed any.

  SCENE V.

  Through the garden door enters STELLA, PANI CHESKI, at their side YERZY, behind, DRAGOMIR, on the arm of PRINCE STAROGRODSKI.

  STELLA. Oh, our doctor! our beloved doctor! How are you, Pan Stanislav? We had grown weary waiting for you.


  PANI CHESKI (inclining coldly). Especially the Prince.

  DOCTOR (hissing STELLA’S hand). Good-evening, Princess! And I was in a hurry to return. I have come for a longer time to rest a little. And the Prince, how is he, in health?

  PRINCE (embracing him). Dear boy! Weak, weak! Thou hast acted perfectly in coming. Thou wilt see at once how I am.

  DOCTOR. NOW, Prince, perhaps you will have the kindness to present me to the rest of the society.

  PRINCE. Ah, of course? Doctor Yozvovich, my minister of the interior — I said well, did I not? for thou art occupied with my health, Count Karol Dragomir.

  DRAGOMIR. Your name is at present strange to no one, hence, properly, I should be presented.

  PRINCE (presenting). Pan Yerzy Pretvits, our neighbor, and — (STELLA makes a sign to her father) and this — I wish to say, and this —

  YERZY. I, if I mistake not, am a comrade of your school days.

  DOCTOR. I did not wish to mention it first.

  YERZY. I greet a former comrade heartily. The time is long passed, but we lived intimately. Indeed I am delighted, sincerely, especially after what I have heard of you.

  DRAGOMIR. AS of the good spirit of this house.

  STELLA. Oh, that is true!

  PRINCE. Wait, let me tell what I have to say of him.

  YERZY. HOW many times did the first scholar, Yozvovski, solve problems for Pretvits.

  DOCTOR. YOU have a rare memory.

  YERZY. Yes, comrade, for I remember also that in those days we did not say “Pan” to each other. So now again I greet thee heartily, Stanislav.

  DOCTOR. The heartiness is mutual.

  YERZY. But I remember that after finishing the course, thou didst study law.