They therefore rode as fast as they could along the snow-covered road. When they arrived it was already after midnight, and the Christmas feast (lit-Shepherd ceremony) was just ended in the castle chapel. Zbyszko heard the lowing of oxen and the bleating of goats, which voices were produced in accordance with the ancient religious custom, in remembrance that the nativity took place in a stable. After the mass, the princess came to Zbyszko. She looked distressed and frightened, and began to question him:
“And Danuska?”
“Is she not here, has Jurand said nothing, for according to what I gathered she lives?”
“Merciful Jesus!… God’s punishment and woe to us! Jurand has not spoken and he lies like a log.”
“Fear not, gracious lady. Danuska remained in Spychow.”
“How do you know?”
“Because t
