Kmita was silent.
«Well, why are you silent?» exclaimed Radzivill, in a loud voice. «I will make you grand hetman in my place and voevoda of Vilna. You must not die, for that is no achievement, but save the country. Defend the occupied provinces, avenge the ashes of Vilna, defend Jmud against Swedish invasion, nay, defend the whole Commonwealth, drive beyond the boundaries every enemy! Rush three on a thousand; die not,--for that is not permitted,--but save the country.»
«I am not hetman and voevoda of Vilna,» answered Kmita, «and what does not belong to me is not on my head. But if it is a question of rushing the third against thousands I will go.»
«Listen, then, soldier! Since your head has not to save the country, leave it to mine.»
«I cannot!» said Kmita, with set teeth.
Radzivill
