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As for our ancient quarrels with the Soplicas, for them I have a

little penknife that is better than a lawsuit; and, if Maciej

gives me the aid of his switch, then we two together will chop

those Soplicas into fodder."

"Bravo!" said the Count, "your plan, of Gothico-Sarmatian stamp,

pleases me better than the wrangling of advocates. See here!

Through all Lithuania we will make a stir by an expedition such

as has not been heard of for many a long day. And we shall enjoy

it ourselves. For two years have I been abiding here, and what

fighting have I ever seen? With boors over a boundary line! Our

expedition, however, promises bloodshed; in one such I took part

during my travels. When I tarried in Sicily with a certain

Prince, brigands bore away his son-in-law into the mountains, and

insolently demanded a ransom from his kinsfolk; we, hastily

gathering our servants and vassals, attacked them: I killed two

robbers with mine own hand; I was the first to break into their

camp; I freed the prisoner. Ah, my Gerwazy, how triumphant, how

beautiful was our return, in knightly-feudal style! The populace

met us with flowers-the daughter of the Prince, grateful to the

deliverer, with tears fell into my embraces.