Original subtitles

Film Production Agency "Zespoły filmowe" and Filmoteka Narodowa

Presents

Film by Jerzy Hoffman based on the novel by Henryk Sienkiewicz

DELUGE

Starring

Screenplay

Music

Stenography

Military equipement and costume design

Costume design

Design

Make up

Fencing choreography

Sound

Editing original version

Editing

Production director

Director of photography

Directed by

Hey, anybody in?

Quiet!

Come here!

I beg your pardon!

Which way to Lubicz and Wodokty?

Turn right by the cross for Lubicz,

straight ahead for Wodokty.

Thanks!

You go on to Lubicz!

Good bye!

Hey, where's your mistress?

Here I am.

I'm Andrzej Kmicic.

The wind blew me here straight from camp

to pay my respects.

A lucky wind, I hope.

You knew of Grandpapa's death?

I've already mourned my benefactor.

He's bequeathed Lubicz and you to me.

Don't avert your face, I can't see my legacy.

Oh, what a lovely one!

A hundred masses for my benefactor's soul?

When shall we be wed?

Stay, it's too early, I'm not yet yours.

But you will be, or I'll burn down this house!

You're mine by the will of the dead and your heart.

I don't know yet about my heart

If you won't be mine I'll stab myself!

You say that in jest, sir!

Come, my aunt will have supper sewed.

Whose aunt?

Mine.

Then she's my aunt too!

Kulwiecéwna.

I'd have come earlier,

but war is a matchmaker only with death.

You weren't in a hurry. The ensigns were already back.

I stayed to stalk the foe.

I harassed them so much, there's a price

on my head.

This goose is delicious.

In the name of the Father and of the Son...

The enemy's locked himself in the cities,

the winter's so severe.

My men are worn out, like brooms from

constant sweeping,

so the Hetman assigned us to winter quarters.

I've sent my officers to Lubicz.

They'll come here tomorrow,

to pay their respects to you.

Drink some wine, sir, please.

I'd drink poison if it was from your hands.

Your health!

The more I look at you, the more I want

to marry.

When shall we be wed?

It's untimely to speak of it while in mourning.

Then I'll wither before the time is up.

Deuce take it!

Grandpapa always said you were a hothead.

You must get accustomed to it.

And you must change your habits,

it cannot be like this!

Oh, so you're going to lead me by the nose.

You don't look like a man who is easily led.

They broke a lot of rods in the monastery

teaching me wise maxims.

Which one do you remember best?

When in love,

fall at her feet.

Let me go or I'll be angry and call

my aunt.

A regiment of aunts can't stop me

when I'm eager.

Traitor! Judas!

I'm not, because my kiss is sincere.

Shall I convince you?

Don't you dare!

Where I'm from they say:

ask,

and if it is not given, take it!

I must leave now.

It's late.

You've a long way to Lubicz, and wolves aplenty.

I'll come with my companions

on a visit tomorrow.

Goodnight...

Oh, auntie!

Here's health to my lady!

Bottoms up! Bottoms up!

Well, what is she like?

Very pretty?

Damn it! There's no other like her!

You're lucky to have someone to snuggle up to.

When's the wedding?

When the mourning's over.

Damn the mourning! Children aren't born black but...

...white!

Here's to grandpapa Billewicz, who left you Lubicz!

Stupid! Drinking the health of the dead?

We'll sleep on straw, only don't turn us out!

Stop it.

Whatever is mine, is yours!

He won't abandon us!

Drink up!

He slashed at me like this, and I like this!

One, two, three!

You can't match Kmicic anyway!

Nobody can!

Slice them off!

No one can match him! Just try!

You can't beat me at shooting!

One ducat a shot!

Two! Between the horns!

Three! Five! Pistols!

Loaded?

Straight into the skull! Between the horns!

He missed!

Eight in the middle! Bravo!

Fight! Die! Slay!

Wenches! Wenches!

This mustn't go any further, my reputation is at stake.

I already told girls and households not tell anybody.

Do you love me?

Like my own soul.

Colonel, sir! Stop!

He's one of my soldiers,

something has happened.

What is it, Soroka?

The town is on fire, they're fighting.

Holy mother!

Don't worry.

Who's fighting?

Villagers didn't want to give fodder.

Soldiers took it. They began firing.

Making a terrible row, bells are tolling.

We must go to their aid!

Burn the town! To arms!

Silence!

A horse!

I don't need you!

I don't want a shambles!

Back to Lubicz and wait for me.

But... Sir...

Not a word.

Farewell! Regards.

We can't have our sleigh ride.

Don't worry.

Let's drink some booze, it's cold!

They're from Lubicz.

Yes, Kmicic's companions.

Let's have another.

It smells of mead.

We don't want booze, give us mead!

There are wenches sitting by the fire.

What are you doing, damsels?

Warming our feet.

Warming their feet!!

I know a better way

of warming feet.

Dance and the cold will go away!

We don't need violins, I'll play on my

battle hammer.

Go away!

Perhaps you'd dance with me?

Who are you?

Are you looking for trouble?

No use talking, away with you!

Get out!

I am my own master

when I'm sitting over a pitch of mead.

I don't care for gold

I will gladly drink instead.

I was worried.

My sweet maid!

I was afraid there might be a battle.

A few villagers silenced by soldiers, that's all.

What do you mean "silenced"?

One sword stroke on the head is enough.

But that's murder!

The burghers sent for help.

A few lads and officers came.

I chased them off...

and drove the officers naked in the snow.

Shame on you!

Are you sincere or just pretending?

You'll be brought to trial.

Don't you worry about that.

Everybody is his own master in this country.

If he has a sword and a few men.

Who am I to fear?

I won't marry a man with blood and tears on his conscience.

Don't drive me mad!

What do you want from me?

Just be decent.

Be well.

Farewell.

For God's sake!

Do you want me

to drop dead from my horse?

Don't cry!

For God's sake, don't cry, my dearest!

I'll send them away, I'll make up for everything.

I'll lead a different life.

I'll change.

Anybody in there?

Have they drunk themselves silly?

Rekué, it's me.

Bring me a priest.

Who slaughtered you?

Who did it?

The Butryms.

Come here!

Olenka, wake up!

Wolmontowicze is on fire!

What a disaster!

Wolmontowicze is on fire!

Can you hear me?

Oh, God!

He did it.

Holy Patriarchs,

Pray for him.

From evil death.

Save him, oh Lord.

From all evil...

Open the door!

My horse fell in the forest.

They're after me.

You burnt Wolmontowicze.

Yes, yes, I did!

The Devil coming for my soul, eh?

All right.

What's going on? What do you want?

Kmicic has burnt Wolmontowicze.

Murdered men, women and children.

We killed his people

and now we want his head!

Follow him, why do you stand here?

Isn't he here?

We found his horse.

No, the house was locked up.

Search the stables.

He's escaped to the woods! Follow him!

Stop!

Don't hide him, miss, he's accursed.

I curse him just as you do.

Amen.

Come out, sir!

Take a horse and go!

You've blood on your hands like Cain.

Go and stay away forever!

One seldom meets such worthy people as you.

I couldn't feel better in the Prince's castle.

We thank you, sir, that you decided to

stay here.

Though you'd have had the best care at

the Hetman's court.

I'm all right now, my arm is fit to

wield the sword.

Colonel, sir,

Kmicic has abducted the young lady.

I wonder he dared to come here.

Must be very sure of himself.

After me!

Hide behind the carriages!

To the house!

Break down the door with axes.

Stop! Stop it, hell! We'll talk.

Who's that?

Andrzej Kmicic. Who is there?

Colonel Wolodyjowski.

No time for greetings.

You ruffian, you must account for

the innocent blood you've shed and this abduction.

You wouldn't call me a ruffian at an open door.

Then open it.

Listen carefully.

I have a keg of powder here.

Leave me alone or I'll blow up

the house and everybody in it.

He's mad and ready to do it.

Come out and fight with me.

If you win, you'll go free.

A nobleman's word?

No! Don't do it!

Silence, damn it!

If I don't, he'll blow us all up.

Well, do the poor gentry agree?

They'll swear by their swords

if you like.

Let them swear.

Assemble here, gentlemen.

All those present are my witnesses

that I've challenged Mr Kmicic to a duel,

and I've promised he'll go free if he wins,

without any hindrance on your part.

Swear it!

I swear to God Almighty

and on the Holy Cross. Amen.

Come out!

I trust your word.

Which one is Mr Wolodyjowski?

I am.

Well, you're not a giant.

Where do we fight?

Here.

All right.

I feel sorry for you, I've heard you're

a great soldier.

So I say for the last time:

leave me alone.

Come on!

You asked for it.

Shall we wait until the rain stops?

It's all the same to me.

It's unpleasant to die in such heavy rain.

A Colonel will be buried, so the sky weeps.

Come on, sir!

You use your sword like a flail.

Pick it up!

Finish it, spare the shame.

He's alive, he didn't fall on his back.

Go away!

Now he's mine, not yours.

No butchering. We're knights.

One doesn't finish off a wounded man.

Dress his wound.

Young lady, you're free.

I'm Colonel Wolodyjowski.

Is he dead?

Do not fear, young lady. Kmicic is unconscious.

Without boasting, I'm the one who did it.

By God, answer me, is he dead?

Kmicic?

Just wounded.

Thank you sir.

I've come to ask if you bear me a grudge.

Thank you for coming, sir.

I bear no grudge, I was defeated by a fine man.

So you are the famous Misha': Wolodyjowski?

Strictly speaking, I'm Jerzy Michai,

but Saint George only fought a dragon

and as Saint Michael is the war lord in heaven,

I prefer to have him as my patron saint.

George is certainly no equal to Michael.

How's your health, sir?

It was a near thing.

Where did you learn to fight like that?

At war.

I'm threatened with lawsuits here.

I burnt down Wolmontowicze, that's true.

And hacked up some people.

But my companions were slaughtered too,

like oxen.

And why?

Just because they wanted to dance with some damsels?

Poor souls.

As for abducting the girl,

it's true she saved my life,

but threw me out afterwards,

so what could I do?

Well, I'll tell you, sir.

She loves you.

How do you know she loves me?

I saw her looking at you when

you lay wounded.

She loves you.

If you don't understand, it's because you

had your head split open.

If it was true!

I didn't say she'd marry you.

It is wartime now.

You can render great services to your country.

Win fame for courage

and patch up your reputation.

Is there still time for me to do it?

I have to go to court straight from bed.

There's a remedy for that.

The Lord Hetman's writ.

You are to enlist soldiers and form a regiment.

You'll serve our country and be forgiven.

The Hetman left it to me...

to give you this writ...

...or not.

What are you going to do?

And I am giving you this writ.

I'm happy to see you sir. I'd go through

I'd go through fire for you.

Don't say that, please.

This is Andrzej Kmicic.

Why have we been called here?

We'll probably take the field.

My Lord Hetman invites you to come in, gentlemen!

My Lord Hetman invites you to come in, gentlemen!

Forgive me for keeping you waiting.

But there are so many things to do now.

I summoned you to announce unpleasant news.

Apart from the old war we have a new one.

The Swedes have broken the truce.

A beautiful country and valiant people.

But struggles between magnates,

averse to the king.

What is the news from the Polish camp?

The gentry are assembling sluggishly.

Perhaps we'd better wait

till King Karol Gustav

arrives with the whole army.

I'd advise that if this country had a regular army.

But there's none, I know this country well,

the King is weak and lacks money.

Our forces are more than enough against their gentry.

So I may presume

that this is already our land.

You may, Your Grace, you may.

What do people say?

The Colonels wonder why they were summoned

without their regiments.

Are there many of the gentry?

All the important families.

Call Kmicic.

Did you come with your regiment?

As you said, sir.

Are they reliable people?

They'd go through fire and hell.

I need such men.

And men like you.

Ready for anything.

Such hard times may come

that even the most loyal will waver.

May he who deserts Your Grace

in the hour of danger perish.

Olenka Billewicz is here.

I sent for her,

to reconcile you two.

How can I repay Your Grace for this?

How can I repay for this?

Have faith in me.

Trust me, and believe that whatever I do,

is for the public good.

Don't desert me

when others do.

I swear.

Swear by this crucifix

that you'll not desert me till you die.

Swear by Christ's Passion.

By Christ's Passion

I swear it.

Welcome, gentlemen, brothers!

It's good that you've come.

We need great strength

to save our country,

and to assist me in my endeavours to do so.

I drink your health.

To the Colonels!

Suprema lex

- love of our country.

Long live the Lord Hetmam!

Defensor Patriae!

Lead us against the Swedes!

When I lay abed,

close to death,

I told myself:

I won't take her by force, by sword and fire,

but win her by good deeds.

I'll restore my good name at war,

and be reconciled with all.

Won't you say just one kind word?

Can I believe you?

You must.

You should.

My Lord Hetman and Mr Wolodyjowski did.

Why would you alone not believe?

I've seen tears shed because of you.

Graves not yet covered by grass.

Grass will cover them.

And I'll wipe away the tears myself.

Do all that first.

Give me

some hope at least.

Many among You

will be surprised

or even horrified by this toast.

But whoever believes and trusts me,

and has the good of the country at heart,

whoever is a loyal friend of the house of Radziwill,

will drink it willingly and repeat after me:

Long live Carolus Gustavus,

King of Sweden!

From this day graciously reigning over us!

Vivat, vivat!

My God!

What have I done!

Your Grace, in Christ's name!

Have mercy on yourself!

Have mercy on us!

Have mercy on Poland!

Don't do it!

Don't implore him,

he's a traitor!

May you die in despair!

May your lineage extinct!

May the devil take your soul, traitor!

Traitor!

Thrice traitor!

Traitor!

Traitor!

Traitor!

Kmicic, come here!

Shame on those who follow the Hetman.

Make your choice!

Jesus!

You swore by the Cross you wouldn't desert me.

I'll be damned

if I keep this oath,

and damned if I don't.

For Christ's sake!

Do you think that I've accepted

Karol Gustav as king forever?

That I want to unite this land with Sweden?

I want to save our country.

And all means to this end are good.

I need power.

But not out of pride.

Let he who is strong enough take it.

But if there's no such man

I'll take it.

What do you want, My Lord?

I want the crown.

Jesus and Mary!

I've surrendered this country to the Swedes

to vanquish other foes with their arms.

But rocky Sweden

has not enough men,

not enough swords

to keep the whole of Poland.

So what will they do?

Whom will they give it to?

I'll take the crown.

And when I've rebuilt

this crumbling edifice,

and made it more powerful,

I'll trample our foes with this foot.

So help me God

and he Holy Cross.

Your Grace!

My mind can't grasp it.

My head is bursting!

What's going on there?

Perhaps help is coming?

Lift me up.

Give us back our Colonels!

It's Oskierko's infantry.

MY men!

I knew they'd claim us.

Tell them to send for your regiment!

Be quiet!

What's that?

The Scottish Regiment.

They're against us.

Our people are attacking.

Kmicic with his riders...

On whose side?

I don't know I couldn't see.

Did he throw down his mace yesterday?

I couldn't see.

To think I had this man at my mercy.

And let him live.

Wolodyjowski saved Your Grace's life.

It was his duty.

But I'll have him shot as a rebel.

You won't do it.

I implore you, My Lord.

Spare him and the others.

Don't refuse me this favour.

And if I refuse?

Then have me shot too.

Remember who you're speaking to,

wretched man!

Don't drive me to despair.

I could have listened to a supplication.

But I won't listen to threats.

Let me serve you with all my heart,

not under compulsion.

Otherwise I'll go crazy.

I wrote their death sentence

in my mind yesterday.

What the Hetman has written,

the future Polish King

can cancel.

You've got a persuasive way,

I can't refuse you anything.

Till the end of the war

I'll put them under Swedish guard.

Thank you, My Lord,

my father.

Your regiment's somewhere near, isn't it?

We could try to escape.

How can we escape?

Who's that officer commanding the convoy?

Roch Kowalski,

Roch Korab Kowalski.

Tom might as well talk to his horse.

He's just as stupid.

And he's an officer?

The Prince liked him.

He breaks horseshoes in his hands.

And he'll carry out

any order no matter what.

I like him very much.

I always prefer to know who I'm dealing with.

Mr Kowalski!

Come closer please.

What do you want?

Have you any liquor?

I have.

Give us some.

Why should I?

If it was forbidden,

you'd have explicit orders.

But you haven't, so give me some.

You can't force me to.

No, but you're allowed to.

It's decent to help an old kinsman,

who, if he'd had married your mother,

would have been your father.

Fine kind of kinsman you are!

By my grandmother,

she was born Kowalska.

And her crest was Korab.

By God, then you're really my kinsman!

Call me uncle.

How is your father?

By God, I've forgotten his first name!

It's Roch, too.

That's right,

Roch begat Roch.

Such is the comnandment.

Are you married?

I certainly am.

I'm Kowalski

and this is my Miss.

I don't want any other.

I don't want any other.

A pity you won't have young Rochs

with her.

I see you're a clever cavalier.

Well, let's drink some more.

Drain it dry.

It seems Mr Zagloba

wore himself out talking

to this stupid lout.

Is he his relative?

Like I'm yours.

Mister Kowalski, your uncle has arrived.

I am Kowalski

and this is my Missus.

Where's my sword?

Jesus Christ!

I don't want to boast, but I did it.

I sent the most stupid officer

so that they wouldn't get him over

to their side, and he betrayed me.

Your Grace shouldn't have sent a Pole.

And make the Swedes think there are no

Poles at my side?

Where's Kmicic?

He went to fetch Miss Billewicz.

Set the regiments ready.

I'll lead them myself!

I have an invitation from the Prince.

I'm glad to see you in good health.

When I arrived,

I saw Olenka, but she

disappeared at once.

It's no small honour for us.

But we cannot go immediately.

You cannot dawdle when the Prince waits.

So it's compulsion.

We are supposed to go to Kiejdany.

What for?

The Prince has asked us.

I told you we should flee

as they won't leave us alone.

Tie us up,

we won't go otherwise.

God will judge who is right, Olenka.

If I, serving the Hetman,

or you calling me a traitor.

But you will go to Kiejdany.

No, we won't.

Our servants will defend us.

Here are my men coming.

You must be in the coach in a moment.

Let's go!

Where to, cavalier?

Wolodyjowski!

At your service.

The biter is bitten.

You've bad luck with me.

I stand in your way for the second time.

You were a swashbuckler then

but now no honest man would duel with you.

Why is that?

Because you're a traitor.

And you've slaughtered soldiers who

wanted to defend our country.

Your last hour has come.

By what right do you judge me?

Pray now, and if you have something

in your defence, say it quick.

Because I doubt if this lady

will intercede for you now.

I don't ask her favour.

Take him behind the barn and shoot him!

Don't let them maul me like a dog.

I'll go myself.

I'll see if he has any orders on him.

Like Roch had.

Hurry, or they'll be blood stained.

I ordered them to take him far away so

the shots don't scare her.

You'll draw vengeance on our heads.

You must escape, come with us.

Right.

Oh God!

You could at least cross yourself.

None of your business, knave.

Get on with it!

You could have taken the wretch with you,

to do away with him somewhere else.

How can we go, she's scarcely breathing?

It's done.

We'll put her into the coach,

you must flee!

Radziwill's vengeance will spare nobody.

I've stopped the execution!

You did? Why?

Why?

Let me get my breath.

If it wasn't for that worthy man, Kmicic,

we'd all be hanging now

on trees in Kiejdany.

We wanted to kill

our benefactor.

How can this be?

Read this

and you'll have the answer.

"We, Prince Janusz Radziwill, Great Hetman..."

And then...

I'll read it.

"On the intercession

of Andrzej Kmicic"...

"we pardon Colonel Wolodyjowski

and the waif with him"...

He means me.

"And the other Colonels sentenced to

death for mutiny"

"and order them to be confined

in the Birze prison".

"On the intercession of Andrzej Kmicic..."

If you're going to have him shot now,

then, by God,

I'm parting company with you,

and don't want to see you again.

What kind of desperado are you

not to have shown it?

You're free, go wherever you want.

Think twice, I warn you, I'm going

back to Radziwill.

Stay with us, you'll be our good companion.

The Motherland will forgive you.

No.

God will judge who best serves the Motherland!

You, by unleashing civil war,

or I by serving the only man

who can save this country.

To whom did you give your oath:

Radziwill, the King?

The Swedes or Poland?

You're out of your mind.

I knew I couldn't convert you.

Farewell.

Wait!

It's very important.

Tell us.

Did Radziwill promise you we'd

stay alive?

Yes, you were to be kept in prison.

Then know your Radziwill,

who betrays not only his country

but his servitors too.

"After dismissing the convoy shoot

all of these men..."

"but so that the news doesn't spread".

What's this?

The Hetman's letter to the Swedes.

I found it on Roch Kowalski.

I wish I'd perished at your hands.

Make haste, a sword hangs over

our heads here.

With that man left alive,

they won't murder us at once.

Hurry!

We'll be ready by the dawn.

God grant that we meet in better times.

Farewell.

Please remember a soldier who wishes you well.

Accept, sweet flower,

an old man's farewell too.

Where's Kmicic?

He's back, alone.

Call him!

I came too late, they escaped.

I wanted to follow them,

there's a rumour

that all the Polish regiments

have mutinied.

The only profit:

I've brought the girl here.

And you were saved by my letter!

Which letter, Your Grace?

The one written to me or to the Swedes?

So you know?

Yes.

Be gone.

How could you do such a thing to me?

Silent!

I won't be silent!

I was made to feel

ashamed of Your Grace.

I ordered the Swedes to shoot them

to spare you pain.

Look what you've done.

They're at the head of the rebellion.

Your sentiments and my weakness for you

have harmed the country.

Perhaps.

But each day will be greater torture.

You're in despair because of that girl.

When will you marry her?

There'll be some fuss

but next morning

she'll dry her tears.

She doesn't want me, I don't want her.

I won't beg her. I'd like to go away,

to forget.

It's up to you.

You want to leave?

Today if possible.

I'll send you to my brother, Prince Boguslav,

I'm not strong enough

to attack the rebels by myself.

Then you'll carry my letters to King Karolus himself.

Ask him to send me some cavalry and cannons.

I'll crush the rebels.

Have you

an)' request?

My Grace...

Speak up, don't hesitate.

I ask Your Grace to protect her

from harm here.

Be sure of that.

I'm going far away,

I don't know if I'll see you again.

I wanted to leave without a word but

I couldn't.

Let us not part in anger and rancour.

God be with you.

I have no grudge against you.

An evil spirit

has come between us.

Dividing us as though by a sea.

May God guide you.

And show you the right way.

May you leave the one you've strayed to.

Don't speak of it, or we'll quarrel again.

Give me your hand.

Olenka!

Shan't we see each other anymore?

Andrzej!

Leave the traitors

and all will be well.

I can't.

You better not say any more.

God, do we deserve this?

Farewell - for the last time.

Why are you crying?

Don't,

or I'll go crazy!

Are you the Lord Hetman's courtier?

My name is Kmicic

and I'm not a courtier,

only a Colonel.

The famous Kmicic of the last war?

I've heard a lot about you.

This is a letter from My Lord Hetman.

Sit down, cavalier,

Nothing new.

He advises me to move to Taurogi.

Which, as you see, I'm doing.

Here I'd have to declare myself

with the Swedes or against them.

And it's too early for that.

The Lord Hetman

is always late with his advice.

"Think of the Confederates who mutinied against me".

"They'll plunder my estates,

and the beer is strong there".

"Put them to the sword when they're drunk."

Listen, Mr Kmicic.

Pretend to be the Polish King's follower

and a patriot,

and murder those who won't betray the King.

Is there any sense in it?

Your Grace!

I serve the Radziwills with heart and soul.

With your fortune mine also may grow.

But I can't grasp and

comprehend everything.

What do you want then?

My Lord Hetman

all his deeds as being for the good of the country.

Is it only for appearances or the truth?

And if I told you it's for

appearances,

would you refuse to serve us?

My fortune can grow

with that of the Radziwills.

You'll get somewhere.

You see

if we, the Radziwills,

were living in Spain,

France

or even Sweden,

where a son succeeds to the throne,

we'd probably serve the King and Country

and settle for high offices.

But in this country

where the gentry elect the King?

Who can guarantee that some day

they won't choose

to elect a Mr Nobody from Nowhere?

This country is going to hell,

The crown

go to the Lord Hetman.

And come to me after him.

More!

More!

Stop!

Saddle the horses!

They're saddled.

Strap the saddlebags!

They're strapped.

A ducat per head!

Thank you Colonel, sir!

Soroka!

You'll take two men and the packhorses.

Take the road to the woods.

Out of town at gallop!

Yes Sir!

The others load your guns.

Saddle two horses for me!

Go!

Stop!

Are you ready to die?

If you're risking your head, sir,

Why shouldn't we?

I'll reward you just

as well as the Lord Hetman.

May I ask for a reward in advance?

I have a thoroughbred horse and

I don't want to wear him out.

Would you deign to use it till I return?

Then you'd better sell him to me.

I can't, it'd be like

selling a friend.

He's saved me from trouble a hundred times.

And has the added virtue that he bites

the enemy in battle.

Where is this wonder?

In the paddock.

A deer's legs, a wolf's step, an elk's nostrils.

And a woman's breast.

Well broken in.

When you're advancing in a row,

you can drop the reins, he won't pull

ahead one inch.

He keeps in line and the rider's hands are free.

At times one hand was holding a pistol while the other - a sword.

And if the line turns about?

He'll turn about too.

No horse can do that.

Please try, Your Grace.

Two men at your sides with me behind.

I'll give him to you free if he pulls ahead.

All right!

Drop the reins, Your Grace!

Take him!

What's this?

Scoundrels!

Don't you know who I am?

Don't resist or you'll get a bullet.

Traitor!

What about you?

Against whom do you raise your hand?

Easy, you'll wrench my arms!

Let him go.

Where are you taking me?

To the Confederates.

I have your letters,

your villainies will be exposed.

Because I believed in the Radziwills!

What's that?

The horses are dead tired.

It won't be a plentiful place to rest in.

I have some food and vodka.

We must gather strength.

Your Grace will kindly dismount.

Why?

I'll eat and drink in the saddle.

Down on the ground, please.

And you into the ground!

Must be the devil. I smell smoke.

Stupid!

If it was the devil,

you'd smell sulphur, not smoke.

Hey!

Anyone there?

Be on your guard!

Carry the Colonel in.

Soroka...

Yes, Sir?

It was the Prince who shot at me, wasn't it?

What happened to him?

He escaped.

That's bad,

that's very bad.

He killed three of our men

and had the best horse.

So he won.

But we'll meet again.

Soroka!

At your service...

You up already, sir'?

You were sleeping like horses.

One could hack your heads off.

Soroka, we're going to Wolodyjowski.

They'll kill us, Colonel, sir.

I prefer that to being considered a traitor by them.

Show yourself!

What do you want?

Come here!

Don't yell from behind the bushes.

Can two of us advance?

Yes.

A miracle, sir, but I think they're our men.

Where's your second son, Mr Kiemlicz?

Not killed, I hope?

Good God!

Father!

It's Mr Kmicic!

Sweet Jesus!

It's Mr Kmicic!

Come over here!

Well, rascals, do you greet me with guns?

Such a guest!

On your knees, scoundrels!

On your knees!

Who was the first to shoot?

You shot yourself!

He's lying dog! My Lord,

such a guest!

I can't believe my eyes.

Kindly come in, please.

What are you waiting for, blackheads?

Bring some mead!

How do you come to be here?

When the Butryms defeated you

in Wolmontowicze,

we took to the woods.

Misery and hunger.

We live on mushrooms and blueberries.

The cellar is uncovered.

Give us the key, Father.

You'll drink more

than you bring!

I'll fetch it myself.

What are you doing now?

We capture horses.

From whom?

From anybody.

From Swedes too?

Surely.

And if they resist?

We thrash them.

You thrash them?

That's good.

You can take horses from the enemy.

But if you take them from your own people,

then you're rogues,

not nobility.

What do you do with the horses?

Father sells them.

Go cover the cellar!

Mead isn't good for a wound.

Shall I dress it?

That's right, you were my surgeon.

Jesus.

Somebody must have shot you at close quarters, sir.

Kiemlicz! You'll come back under my command

How far are the troops who have mutinied against the Lord Hetman?

3 days by road.

Quicker through the woods.

Kiemlicz!

You'll come back under my command with your sons.

It'll pay off better than horse stealing.

Yes, yes, yes.

It's just hunger and misery.

Only don't try to betray me,

you won't succeed.

That we'll never do.

Do you have something to write with?

I'll see.

I must send a letter,

but through a reliable man.

We'll find one.

Where is he to go?

To the Lord Hetman

but he doesn't need to see him.

It's enough if he delivers it to the first officer he meets.

I have three sheets.

But no ink and no pen.

The pen is here,

and ink can be found.

Passable,

it's easier to cut heads than pens.

Go away now, Mr Kiemlicz.

By God, it's true,

he has our letters!

And there are things in them, that...

But Kmicic

can't make these letters public,

in doing so he'd pass a death sentence upon his girl.

He realizes it's the only way to

keep us in check.

What girl is it?

Olenka Billewicz.

I don't ask her name, only if she's comely.

You don't know her.

Virtue personified, almost a nun.

I've known nuns too.

A defender of the Polish King.

Then we'll multiply his defenders.

Then Kmicic will disclose our secret.

I must guard her like the apple of my eye.

For the time being.

Then I'll give her to you,

or even to your dragoons, I don't care.

Invite her to supper tonight.

I'll have a look

and decide if she's worthwhile.

But don't contradict me,

whatever I say.

The Polish nobility, make me ashamed,

when I compare them to foreign nobility.

A French gentleman

can do the worst act.

But he won't raise

his hand against his king.

Dear God!

What plots against our ex-king

do you refer to?

Who tried to?

I met a certain gentleman on my way here.

That gentleman,

not knowing my true sentiments for our king,

he thought I was his enemy.

He promised to go to Silesia to abduct the King

for a reward,

and deliver him dead or alive to the Swedes.

If he made me such an offer

I'd have him shot without judgment.

Your Grace

alone can punish him.

Because he's your Colonel.

By God! My Colonel?!

Who is he?

Tell me!

His name is Kmicic.

That's not true!

If he's

your relative

or fiancé

I'm sorry to have told you this.

But I advise you to forget him

for he's not worthy of you, miss.

Forgive me, Your Grace,

I was wrong to deny it.

That man is capable of anything.

Quiet!

That'll be...

about ten horses.

Your Grace!

Have arms at the ready but don't shoot.

Who are you?

And you?

A patrol of confederated regiments.

We were sent to look for Swedes,

and suspects.

It seems there are some here,

if they won't answer.

Keep calm. Today one can't distinguish friend

from foe.

We're going to the Confederates.

Is Colonel Wolodyjowski already in camp?

Perhaps he is but who's asking?

Wolodyjowski's friend.

Forgive me, Your Grace,

for not recognizing your rank.

We're Wolodyjowski' soldiers,

we'll take you to him.

Jesus! It's Kmicic! Get him!

Father, shall we thrash them?

Thrash them.

Stop!

Stop!

Surrender!

Tie them!

Take the horses and purses!

Take it all!

Hands off!

Holy Mary, it's ours!

Dress their wounds.

A brother's blood

on my hands again.

Oh Christ show me the way

or I shall surely lose my reason.

They're going against Radziwill...

It's a big force.

God grant them victory.

They've proclaimed me

a villain and a traitor all over the country.

Nobody will trust Kmicic,

So, from now on, my name isn't Kmicic.

It is Babinicz,

understand?

Yes, Colonel, sir.

Tell the men that even if

they're flayed I'm Babinicz.

Where are we going, sir?

To the King.

Holy Mar)'-

But which king?

Not the Swedish one.

But His Majesty's taken refuge in Silesia.

We'll go to Silesia.

What have you decided?

To attack the Confederates

with Swedish help.

Now, that's being a Radziwill!

The Swedes only respect the strong.

Go to Taurogi and muster

as many men as you can.

Take the wench with you,

but remember,

if you rape her,

it'll be the ruin of both of us.

It is my dearest wish

to see you happy here.

Thank you, Your Grace.

Forgive me, my lady.

What's happened, Sakowicz?

Forgive us, my lady. What happened there?

A spark fell on the powder.

And who caused the fireworks?

Braun did, My Grace.

Have the guilty man shot.

No,

Your Grace.

I beg you.

Yours only to order,

not to beg.

I'd burn Taurogi for a single smile from you.

The Prince asks that you

deign to accept this gift.

Give him my thanks.

Tell him I'm overjoyed with his gift.

And who are you, kind cavalier?

My name is Braun.

I'm the officer you saved from death.

I owe you my life.

I am at your command.

One more word, cavalier.

Your every word is a favour to me.

Do you know Kmicic?

I've only heard of him.

The Prince told me

that Kmicic offered

to abduct the Polish King.

Is it true?

I don't know, my lady.

But our officers told me

that the Prince met Kmicic

on his way to Kiejdany,

and bought a horse from him.

The Prince came back very agitated.

It might have been then.

Must be an important Swede.

A general.

Stop.

I was sent to meet Your Excellency

by the Swedish King

who was anxious

about the Imperial Envoy.

Sit down, sir.

Is victory

still following

Charles Gustavus?

Some Polish troops have been dispersed,

others have joined us.

A few cities and castles are

still faithful to the Polish King.

Your Excellency,

we are ready to go now.

I've heard

the King of Sweden wants

to take the Czestochowa Monastery.

His Imperial Majesty

has a special sentiment

towards this place.

There are orders

to occupy all strongholds.

The gentry and peasants are already astir.

The Polish King is nearby in Silesia.

Where it is easy

to stir up new revolts.

Excellency,

the Monastery is a stronghold.

I am telling you what I heard.

The Swedes plan to attack the Monastery.

And soon this will happen.

You'd like

us to believe your tidings.

Yes, by God.

What reward did you expect for it?

All this is my war booty.

I wanted to offer it to Holy Mary,

but only after confession, with a clear conscience.

Truth shines through your anger.

But how could we drive the faithful out?

Keep the gates closed day and night?

Reverend Father.

As a soldier I advise you.

Make fast the walls, lock the gates.

For Christ's sake keep the gates locked.

Colonel, Your Grace, we've come to ask you

to release us from service.

Don't you want to defend the Monastery?

Dogs!

Well,

take your pay and away with you.

Don't touch it.

We're not worthy to look upon

the splendours of Czestochowa.

Oh, Holy Virgin, Morning Star.

We're not worthy...

We're not worthy.

But we'll not stop serving you

outside the walls.

We'll be your servants, sir, beyond them.

Away with you.

Your Grace,

a messenger with important tidings

from the Lord Hetman.

I'll receive him tomorrow.

No news from Prince Boguslav?

No, Your Grace.

And from the Swedish King?

The Confederates must have intercepted the letters.

Defeated and besieged,

I'm not needed by anyone.

Boguslav!

Boguslav!

Help.

What do you want?

Take that crown.

Help me.

People!

Jesus!

Where is the Prince?

Lower.

Fire!

Down!

Mad man! You could have been blown to powder!

What? Do we have too much powder?

Then you could load a gun with me and

I'd kill some Swedes after my death.

I didn't expect the clerics

to have such officers.

May I ask your name?

Babinicz.

And I am Kuklinowski, an officer.

You must have heard of me.

My name and sword have won fame in many a war,

not only in this country but also abroad.

Yes, I've heard of you.

Come on in.

No of fence to you, there are only

two real soldiers in Poland.

Kuklinowski in the Kingdom

and Kmicic in the Duchy of Lithuania.

The whole country has surrendered,

the King has fled abroad.

We

Poles

have come here with the Swedes

to prevent sacrilege of this holy place

when the Monastery falls.

And the Monastery must fall,

they're bringing up heavy guns.

But how can we defend it

it if you exasperate the enemy with your resistance.

It can only end in destruction

of this holy church!

My brothers!

Reverend and beloved Fathers!

Don't have this on your conscience.

You didn't build this sanctuary

and it is not only to serve you.

May it bring joy to our sons and grandsons.

I await

your answer,

Reverend Fathers.

So you've failed?

Our priests are stubborn.

Between you and me, they're wrong.

We can't defend ourselves forever.

Yon think they're wrong?

You've got brains.

Show me through the gate,

I've something to tell you.

And I you.

All's burning under your feet,

only fools stay in a burning house.

Perhaps you're afraid to be called a traitor?

Spit on them who call you that!

Join us!

Me, Kuklinowski, make you an offer.

Do you say that

as the Swedish envoy?

I'm not an envoy outside the gate.

I'm speaking for myself.

To hell with this nasty fortress.

So you're speaking for yourself?

Yes.

And can I answer you as yourself?

Why certainly!

Then listen, Kuklinowski,

You're a scoundrel!

A villain and a stinking brute!

What?

A stinking brute!

Is that enough?

Or shall I spit in your face?

That's for you, not the envoy!

Our God he is our stronghold,

Our refuge and protection,

When the foe of truth divine,

Threatens it with destruction

Mother of God and yet virgin,

Blessed by the Lord, Maria,

Mother elected Maria, the Son, our God,

Pray obtain for us, let Him descend...

What do you want?

Father,

the walls won't last more than one day.

Father,

the culverin must be blown up.

Who's going to do it?

I Will.

Here's a sausage for you, doggy.

Who's there?

Me, Hans.

I'm looking for my ramrod.

Password?

Uppsala.

Hurry up, we're going to start firing soon.

Yes, I will hurry...

I know this bird

He's Babinicz

from the Monastery garrison.

My name isn't Babinicz.

I am

Kmicic.

Kmicic?

It's a name famous throughout Poland.

General, he has no equal among soldiers,

except perhaps me.

Kuklinowski, what do you want?

Do you want me to spare his life?

I want you to give him to me.

This is all I ask for my services.

Kuklinowski, do you want to save him?

Knacker!

All right,

we can talk,

we've time.

Kmicic, I told you there are only two

real soldiers in this country.

Me

and you.

The famous commander, Mr Kmicic,

and Kuklinowski's got him,

and will burn his sides.

Knacker!

Oh yes,

he will burn his sides.

Well, how do you like it, darling?

Not too much right away.

Easy... We've got time.

Who the devil is it?

My Grace, General Miller wants to see you now, sir.

Oh, it's you, Kiemlicz. All right.

Warm, wasn't it?

You can cool down a little now, darling.

I'll be back soon, for a chat.

Who's there?

We came to have a look.

Then look, you've not seen

such a wonder before...

We've been looking for a chance since morning.

Hurry!

Hurry!

Go on! Cut the Colonel's bonds.

The horses are waiting.

How are you feeling, sir?

My legs are a little weak.

Some vodka will help.

Clothes for Mr. Colonel!

I feel better already.

He burnt my side, a little, but it's nothing.

Quick!

I'm all good already.

The horses are waiting.

Oh, no! It cannot be.

I'll stay and wait, for that traitor.

Kiemlicz! What the hell? Are you mad?

Miller's asleep, they didn't let me in. What is it?

An officer's waiting for Your Grace in the stable.

Well, Mr Kuklinowski?

You wanted to be the equal

of Kmicic, you scoundrel?

Be one of his company?

Meet Kmicic then!

I'll let you live,

so that you can

meditate on Kmicic.

Mount the horses. Let's go!

Where to, sir?

To Silesia!

To the King!

I do not say you lie, cavalier.

But if you spoke the truth,

your side should be burnt.

Your majesty!

Let the doubting Thomases touch my wounds.

I do believe you.

I never doubted you were telling the truth.

Your merit and pain will not pass for nothing.

But many spies are sent here.

Prince Boguslav reported

that an attempt on us was planned.

An attempt on Your Majesty?

We were reported there was a man who offered to abduct us.

And bring us dead or alive to the Swedes.

Who was it?

A certain Kmicic.

It's a lie.

It's a lie!

Prince Boguslav is a liar!

Don't believe that traitor, Your Majesty!

He lied to disgrace his enemy!

Lift him up and call a doctor.

Your Grace,

God forbid that I say anything against him,

But he shouldn't be trusted too readily.

Why shouldn't I trust a soldier

who's shed his blood for our country and for us?

I haven't yet lost my throne

if I have such defenders.

He'll stay with me.

But, Your Majesty...

Enough about this.

Let us discuss the matters I summoned you to.

We're going back to Poland.

Your Majesty,

it results from various reports

that the time is ripe to return

and the King's presence

may hasten the victory.

The Tartar Khan has promised his help

if the King returns to the motherland.

You traitor!

Treason!

Wait!

For Christ's sake!

Escape, Your Majesty!

I'll hold them!

Kiemlicz,

Follow me!

Forgive me, my sons.

We forgive. And you forgive us, Father.

I do.

Good people!

Do you know who you've just rescued?

This is your King,

you have saved his life.

Your merits won't be forgotten.

Look for Babinicz!

To think you called him traitor!

It is my fault, Your Majesty.

Look for Babinicz!

I will not leave until I look into his face.

He's still breathing!

Dear God, Babinicz, how shall I repay you?

I'm not Babinicz.

I'm

Kmicic.

You let the Polish King pass.

You let Czarnicki pass.

But Your Majesty...

Your Majesty always has to put his generals' blunders right.

Where is my beloved brother

the Polish King now? Tell me!

Where are the Polish armies?

Any news of the enemy?

None, Your Majesty.

We only broke down some peasants and nobles.

Even if I have to chase my beloved royal brother

all over Poland,

I'll catch him.

Here's to those who were the first to raise their swords

against the traitor Radziwill.

We disobeyed orders

for the first and God grant,

for the last time.

We couldn't do otherwise.

Allegiance must have its limits,

beyond which there is only

guilt and crime.

Speaking of Your Majesty's safety,

It was heard from Prince Boguslav's mouth that...

Was it about Kmicic?

Yes, Your Majesty.

None of that was true, Boguslav was lying.

Call Babinicz.

But tell me what you know

about the man.

He was a great soldier

but terribly wild.

And he discredited himself in Kiejdany.

But he entreated Radziwill

not to shoot us.

Really?

And Radziwill released you?

Mr Zagloba rescued us from captivity.

He drank with the officer saying he was his kin, took his clothes

and went for my regiment.

Without boasting I did it.

Where did you get such wits?

It's a secret, but one must always carry with him

hemp seeds and eat them little by Iitle.

It sharpens the wits enormously.

But Why?

There's oil in hemp

and that oils the brain.

But the oil goes to your belly

not to your brain.

I've got a method for that, too.

One must drink a lot of wine.

The oil, being lighter,

floats on top.

The wine, going to one's head,

carries it up.

What a shrewd fellow!

You'll find a few bottles in your rooms.

Jesus Christ!

Your Majesty! This is Kmicic!

You've known him as a brawler

and Radziwill's ally.

And he's the hero of Czestochowa and my loyal servant,

who shed his blood for me.

This is the new Kmicic.

Meet him and love him, he's worth it.

It was not me he wanted to abduct

but Prince Boguslav.

Embrace him!

I have liked you from the start!

And I you!

What angel has converted you?

Did you find many people with the Hetman?

Just a few foreign officers.

By God,

I'm not asking about soldiers!

Boguslav took Miss Billewicz to Taurogi.

Woe!

She still loves that fellow Kmicic.

That's certain.

You're lucky to have me

as your friend.

Tell me what the devil

has whispered in your ear? Tell me.

I'll be your best man, Your Majesty.

Don't fool, speak up!

There's a defrocked priest here.

What do I care?

He'll tack you together,

but as he's a poor craftsman,

not a member of the guild,

it'll be easy to unpick the stitches.

Do you understand, Your Grace?

Dammit, I understand very well!

Charles Gustavus has summoned me.

I must go in a few days.

Haste will be the explanation

why a paltry cleric marries you.

Some day you'll be hanged, Sakowicz.

It cannot be otherwise.

Quicker.

Close in!

I'm still weak.

We take the field today.

I envy you.

Your time will come,

remember, sword practice every day,

it won't be easy with Boguslav.

One of us is destined to die.

You bend your wrist too much.

A brother wouldn't do more for me.

Look how this candle burns.

What does it augur?

That virtue will melt

tonight like wax.

If it could be done now!

If we could be married at midnight.

Put irons in the fire in case

the Priest refuses.

It won't be necessary, he is

a black villain.

So it'll be a villanous wedding.

Can't be otherwise where

the best man's a pimp.

May I see Olenka?

Your Grace...

She says her grandfather's will forbids her to decide her fate.

And that she wouldn't

marry Your Grace anyway.

Do you hear that, Sakowicz?

I scoff at your decisions and wills!

But we don't.

According to his last will, she must either take the veil

or marry Kmicic.

Who?

Kmicic?

I'll give you Kmicic!

Shut up, you misfit.

Shut up, you withered old maid

or I'll cut your sweet throat.

The girl attacked me,

she had a dagger,

I knocked it out of her hand, as they taught me in ltalia...

Suddenly I felt a terrible pain, I fell into darkness,

my head's still reeling.

The devil must be helping them.

Which of them practices witchcraft?

Not her, she's virtuous.

Perhaps the aunt.

That might be.

The foe has put fire and water

between us and is scoffing at us.

Gentlemen!

He who loves God

and his country - follow me!

Heir to the house of Genghis Khan,

and master of great Hordes.

He will convey our secret thoughts

to Your Majesty.

He is our servant and faithful dog

who will obey Your Majesty to the death.

They'll start killing the innocent

and burning homes.

Your Majesty,

allow me to have these Tartars under my command.

I agree.

If the King sent you as a guide,

you'll show me the way.

The King sent me as commander,

not as a guide.

The Khan rules the Tartars,

not the King.

Then listen to me, Aga.

The Khan gave you to the King

like a dog.

So don't offend the King,

or you'll be taken on a leash

like a dog.

Don't irritate me!

Listen, you son of a goat!

You wanted freedom to plunder, burn and slaughter!

You wanted a guide?

Here's your guide!

Here's your guide!

Look at that, slave!

Give me another horse!

Your Worthiness, they won't cross the river.

Then it's no use hiding.

Lead us to attack, Babinicz!

Gentlemen, to your regiments!

Front to the river!

Fire at the ford!

Your Eminence,

I'd try that ford again.

Take the light cavalry,

cross the river and attack the supply columns.

My Lord,

Kmicic will be killed!

If he has a head on his shoulders,

he'll win, not die.

Now gm!

Cease fire!

That's what I wanted!

Don't kill me! The girl...

Speak up!

What did you do to her?

Spare me, I'll give her back.

I'd give a hundred rascals

like you for one hair of hers.

But I don't believe you!

Traitor and perjurer!

I've given the order the order

she will die if you kill me.

I'd sooner have expected death.

The devil gave orders to kill Olenka if he dies.

You've released a traitor to the Motherland!

Punish me, God, for my sins,

not by my guilt, but by your mercy,

I'll never pass a sentence upon her!

What do you intend to do?

I'm going to Taurogi.

Charles Gustavus is gathering big forces,

I'll be back in two weeks.

Enough!

The Motherland won't perish in two weeks.

Miss Billewicz will bequeath you Wodokty,

together with all the land she owns.

The Monastery will get everything you see here.

Are there many sheep?

Are you preparing to shear them already?

One will be enough for you.

Stop!

Stop!

Is he still alive, or dead?

Alive, but death hovers over him.

He was wounded by the Swedes.

He asked to be taken to Lubicz.

That's where he wants to die.

Hurry!

Lord,

count in his favour that he's dying at the hand of the enemy.

Forgive him.

Have mercy on him.

Soroka?

At your service, sir.

Who is at

Wodokty?

The young lady.

Praise to God!

Did they ask about me?

Every day,

until we told them that you're going to live.

And then they stopped?

Then they stopped.

What do you think of Kmicic, my daughter?

God knows that I don't want to think about him.

But he risked his life

and shed his blood for his country.

When? When the foe was losing.

When he could profit by it.

What's of his contribution in this?

That's true, that's true.

Can a chance wound efface that?

I'd give everything for it not to be so.

But it's done and can't be undone.

Praise be to Jesus Christ.

For ever and ever.

We, Jan Kazimierz, King of Poland,

Grand Duke of Lithuania,

Masovia, Prussia etc. etc. etc.

In the name of the Father the Son and the Holy Ghost, Amen.

We announce hereby to all

that whatever guilt and punishment

weighed upon Andrzej Kmicic,

they must, considering his

subsequent merits

and glory

be wiped away from human memory.

Andrzej Kmicic was beguiled and

persuaded by Prince Radziwill,

but saw his error and not only

did he never promise

to lift his hand against us,

but abducted Prince Boguslav

to avenge us

and the ravaged Motherland.

God, have mercy on me!

Wounded by the Prince,

he recovered and defended the Holy Shrine of Czestochowa,

where he blew up the biggest

Swedish cannon.

Apprehended by the cruel foe

his living flesh

was burnt with fire.

Saved from this predicament

by the Holy Virgin's power,

he came to us, to Silesia,

and during our journey back to the Motherland

defending our person on the battlefield

was found as dead.

Oh God, God!

And when he recovered

owing to our care,

he fought on, till the enemy

was driven away from our country.

Therefore we,

considering all his merits,

have decided to proclaim

them publicly,

so that he no longer be

persecuted by human hate,

but may live in fame

and be generally loved as is due

to a good man.

Well, Olenka... well?

Jedrus,

I'm not worthy to kiss your wounds!

I'm speaking to you now, Andrzej!

It's not enough to risk your life,

slaughter the enemy,

so many men have been killed,

now you must supply our beloved country

with new defenders.

And I trust you won't lack

the courage or the desire to do so.

Vivat!

I wish you every happiness, Colonel!