Original subtitles

ITALY, 1797

["Song of the Polish Legions in Italy" (the original title), was created in 1797,

has been the Polish national anthem since 1926 (lyrics were shortened and changed)]

Praised be Jesus Christ!

God bless you.

- What weapons do you use? - Rifles. We are from the 1st company of the 2nd battalion.

And of which formation?

- Who is your commander? - General Dabrowski!

- I see. - It's nice to meet a compatriot!

FILM BY ANDRZEJ WAJDA

IN THE MEMORY OF THE BRAVE ONES

Baska!

Hey, a sleigh ride!

Play something! A sleigh ride, haha!

Baska, go home!

We've been riding the sleigh for three days now, from one manor to another!

That's right, isn't it, Helenka?

Hey, a sleigh ride!

Bring the bowls, old man!

Who is next?

- The water is cold, sir. - I will warm you up!

- I'll give you 1 red zloty! - The water is cold.

- How about 2 red zloties? - I will go!

I will go too!

Walenty, Kaska! Hurry up!

Come on! Where are you? Bring some bread!

Come in, dear benefactors!

Come in, dear neighbours, my brothers! Welcome!

My nearest neighbour, be in the first pair!

Are you afraid of the monster, miss?

So what, he snapped at me...

It sometimes seems to me that he stays by the window in the rain... And I hear snapping!

- I'm afraid to have a look! - Afraid to have a look...

But it's only wind rumbling...

Stop charming me with your scary stories!

You're a famous adventurer and they say that you slashed Fedel a bit.

- And how come you know me so well, miss? - From your reputation.

I see you for the first time in my life.

- You didn't pay attention to me when I was a child. - You're like a butterfly grown up from a chrysalis.

Helenka.

Now it's Helenka, but who was devouring the aunt with his eyes just a minute ago?

I don't...

I don't care about the aunt!

But...

She's prettier and... more experienced.

I would teach you...

You must be a good professor, sir, that's strange they expelled such a talented person...

- I'm better expelled from school than any accepted one! - Coxcomb!

Go pick up the auntie, because I'm completely... bored with you.

- You will be very happy together! - By a piastowski custom - kiss!

- Drink, scoundrel! - I'll go completely insane!

Would you excuse me sir that I had to stop this absorbing conversation.

I had to welcome these unexpected guests by a traditional Polish custom.

- Can we continue where we stopped? - Yes, please.

Baron von Lipowski, the first imperial commissioner of the Sandomierz Kreisamt

ordered me to express discontent due to your absence at the ceremony of

taking oath of loyalty to the Habsburg Dynasty. Have you received a letter concerning this case?

Maybe. I need paper only for nailing a threshold, but for a trip?

I haven't left the country since the loss of independence and I won't leave it.

No matter what happens!

I can claim it to the first baron of... something... Sandomierz.

Sandomierz Kreisamt.

Maybe, I don't care about those names.

The ceremony was held in the noblest order. The march set off from the suburbs of Josefstadt.

- Pardon? From where? - From the suburbs of... formerly named Podgorze.

- Well well, formerly named. And now it's Josefstadt. - The cavalry, trumpeters, Polish gentry on beautiful horses.

- Gentry, you say. - Polish ladies in carriages, the middle class and clergymen.

- A beautiful spectacle, dear God. - There was a dead silence,

and then the big, antique bell Zygmunt on Wawel started to chime.

Hang the card!

In the evening 6.000 noblemen were having a very good time.

It's good to hear it. Very good.

I live like a hermit in the forest, among wolves and foxes.

Royal, antique Zygmunt's bell.

Let my heart be filled with joy of this day!

Cheers!

Powder smoke does not harm me, but would you desist from shooting, sir.

- From today no man... - What do you want from my men, sir?

Those broken in health and over 60 years old have to be free from any job.

- Load it or I'll smash your head! What else? - Every serf hurt by his master is licenced to file a complaint against him.

Let him try! You're irritating me, you're in a Polish nobleman's house.

I inform that by the order of authorities

serfs will be working for you no longer than 3 days a week, sir!

I am the master here! I am the law!

My forefathers lived here! It's my land, my serfs, my country!

For God's sake, I won't let you!

I'm not afraid of a loaded gun!

Inform the village-mayor, let the whole village gather on the courtly yard!

- Official orders will be read. - Jawor, go and tell the people.

Everyone has to come! It's my order, do you hear me?

Tomek Zawislak will pay a fine for trying to get trees in my forest!

I inform you sir that it will not happen.

Beating is forbidden.

150 twigs! Like in the times of my father, grandfather and great-grandfather!

Are you enjoying yourself alone?

Why are you stuck to this cup?

You neglect your duties.

Helenka!

I'll come to you at night! I'll knock the window shutter three times!

Wait for me! Do you understand me?

Rafciu, father will see you!

What is it?

What is it, dear benefactors?

I'll knock three times... In the heart.

You will, you will.

You know what? You spend too much time with pigs.

With whom should I spend my time?

My little sister, I'll marry you to a prince!

Listen, it sounds beautiful.

An enlightened princess.

Yes, but father is coming!

Everyone's going their own way!

How unbearable is the opression on one's heart

...when one has to part with you, gentlemen and my brothers

I feel it myself! And this separation would be equal to death

if I was not glad to have hope!

Goodbye, dear host!

...hearts joined with a fraternal link are not separating!

[it's in Latin]

64 bottles of Gypsy vodka are gone, and how much honey!

- It was our treat. - Our treat.

Go to the barn.

Why are you lurking? You're plotting a roguery again.

If I see you on Baska once again I'll rip your ears off!

If my horse was wasted, I'd kill you!

Take the newspaper.

Where did we stop?

On the letter of general Bonaparte to the Directorate.

Make it plain so that the point will be noticeable.

Verona, 1796, 29th of...

- Briumer... - What?

It's written...

And what is Briumer?

- I don't know. - Eh, you strapper.

It wasn't worth paying for your school.

- I am so tired, citizens Directors... - Who are citizens Directors?

I don't know...

I'd bang your ear for this 'I don't know', you'd be smarter at once.

- ...as I learned that field marshall Alvinzy - More plain.

- ...is approaching Verona. - You surely don't know what it is.

- I know. It's a city in Italy. - A wise guy!

- I went with divisions of generals Augereau and Massena,

- What? - Augereau and Massena, by the river Etsch.

- Wedge? - Etsch.

General Augereau took the flags and brought them to the end of the bridge.

He stayed there for a couple of minutes, but without any result.

Austrians slaughtered... Frenchmen were scared. You understand, scatterbrain.

I understand.

Read.

He went by himself.

Who? Who went by himself.

Then one who was at the beginning... Bonaparte...

My consciousness...

has made such an... impression...

on the soldiers... that...

A WINTER NIGHT

- Did you call me? - No, aunt.

- What's this? - Dogs.

- Of course there weren't birdies! - They smelled a cat.

- How do you know? - I heard him meow.

- Didn't you hear neighing? - No.

- Why aren't you sleeping yet? - I'm going to bed now.

- Goodnight. - Goodnight.

So you did come to see me.

Were I supposed to wait till you wake up everyone in the house?

Helena!

You've got wet moustache!

Maybe for the next time...

Look for her, quickly!

- Maybe for the next time? - Quick!

What?

- I'll come without it! - Without what?

- Without the moustache! - There's no need!

If you don't like them!

- They're wet! - You'd like an affair, huh?!

What a disgrace! I'm sending you back to your parents tomorrow, with a letter!

Baska!

Baska, go!

For Baska!

THE LONELY ONE

- Come in! - No, master has forbidden. God bless you, Rafal.

Who are you?

A brother.

Captain is very weak, he's ill.

- Did you come alone? - Yes.

- Are your parents alive? - Yes.

- Are they well? - Yes, they're well.

- And Zofka? - She's well, brother.

- But did father order to tell you... - He didn't say anything.

- I didn't see him when I was leaving, he was... in the fields. - In the fields?

Didn't he say goodbye to you?

No.

- 'Cause I... - Tell me, I won't judge you.

- You must have done something silly. - He told me to go away.

- But why? - I overdrove his mare.

- Only for this? - Yes.

What kind of a mare was it?

Baska...

It was Popielatka's calf...

I haven't seen her.

I haven't been home for so long.

Michcik! The supper.

Set the table for two, you understand?

Yes, sir.

You see... I...

ran away from home without saying goodbye, they set dogs on me.

When I came to Tarniny from a cadet school I was an officer.

I had my head full of thoughts, I don't know if you'd understand me...

We believed that we were responsible for the whole country and that we would save it.

Father...

broke my sword with his own hands.

And then...

so many years

and now even a word.

Father didn't know anything about you, brother.

Nor did we.

What were you supposed to know? The same things concerned everyone.

At Szczepociny Prussians hurt me with a bayonet...

I was laying in the field, among dead bodies. This soldier

returned for me at night and took me away.

Generally, there was no use.

I rent this.

I root out junipers, grief is tormenting me.

I can't... I can't talk.

I know.

- Have you heard about it at home? - Yes.

What did they say?

That you were inducing a rebel among serfs to slaughter us.

That's a shame you're silly.

It's prince Gintult.

Captain!

I came for the second time to ask about your health.

Why don't you send for my doctor, as I asked you to?

Why don't you move nearer my place, nearer the world?

I wish I'd be with you more often, Piotrus.

It's so empty in these forests, so morose and strange.

I will give you as a collateral every other village in a more joyful place.

If this is you will, prince...

But I wouldn't like to leave this place.

You know how much I love you.

I read you like a book.

Thoughts are your illness.

Thoughts are gone.

I look at you and I think I'm committing a crime.

Tell me, why do you torment yourself with things which passed a long time ago?

What shall I say?

The best thing for all of us to do is to be silent.

- What more could we do? - We could fight.

Recall those herds of human cattle with swords

with which they shattered every smarter head during the regional assemblies.

Those mugs roaring at the word of command, those shaved, mean and empty heads

- Which were to establish the law, for God's sake! - Why do you recall it, prince?

For you to stop crying over the lack of rights for these herds, over taking away for paradise.

This paradise was barony, was yours. You know it.

Today your speech cannot stamp those painful letters on my heart.

Don't think I became more mean. I did it one more time like then, with your words in my ears.

I devoted myself to delusion. The legions...

Return to the country atoned with blood, our weakness and disgrace cleaned with a fight.

Meanwhile...

Austrian dungeon to which we were thrown in by a betrayal of those, for whom so many died!

It was in April 1799.

I found myself in Mantua.

Locked behind the walls of the city, during a siege lasting for weeks.

Austrian marshall baron Krei broke the left wing of the French army.

The rest of the second Polish legion was locked in Mantua too.

I came to the conclusion that my vised passport is useless,

that I have to wear my artilleryman uniform and stand in the ranks.

I returned from Egypt, the holy land, in different purpose - to get to my country.

Yet my lot entangled me in transitory affairs.

While I was sleeping, steeped in sweat, shivers and darkness,

they announced that the Frenchmen surrendered the town.

The garrison came out with honours, on the grounds of capitulation read aloud in ranks.

The second paragraph claimed that Polish army will be treated entirely like the French Rebublic army.

The legion had an order to close the column, the French army came before us.

I was in a group of Polish officers.

I started with a gunner, in order not to quarrel about ranks with officers who came from battlefield

and not to take advantage of privileges of my name.

We didn't expect anything.

Our thoughts confused because of malaria, were mixed up and mislead.

Stop!

Field marshall Kreide announced that everything that happens,

happens by virtue of the secret paragraph added to the capitulation.

Polish soldiers and officers as subjects to His Majesty the Emperor, as well as Austrian deserters,

will be given away to regiments and battalions to which they belong.

Then the French commander of the city came, the general.

It was him who signed the dishonourable act.

Into what had our despair turn? Our pain, wounds, banishment?

Only the scabs of disgrace...

Memories of insult still wake me up at nights.

Your harsh duties won't beguile me anymore.

- Do you hear me? - I hear you well.

When I came back, I found everything in much better condition than I expected.

Financial matters have never been better! Has corn or land ever been in such a price?

- Grudno is worth three times more than earlier! - If so, it would be easier for me

to play the role of a benefactor. At your expense, prince.

With pleasure!

What is it?

The soldier who took me off the battlefield is your subject.

I would like to show my gratitude to him. But I can't.

Free the citizen... What's his name?

From serfdom... Elevate and make equal to yourself?

- Make him a nobleman? - Not only him, but the whole village.

Can you doubt it?

Thanks to you, I have one day more on this land.

Michcik!

Fall at your feet to the squire! Captain forgave you!

I hate these affectionate scenes! I detest them.

Don't tell me to do one thing: bearing embraces of rabble!

He's a soldier! The same as I am and...

- You freed the rabble so it will dare to come out against us! - Don't talk to me, sir.

You could give an account of it, if you could stand up!

An account?

I can still give an account.

- I could kill you with one stab! - I have the right to choose!

Michcik!

The guns!

- There're witnesses. - What witnesses? I can't see them.

- My brother. - Ah, your brother.

- For me you'll kindly leave citizen Michcik. - It's a soldier!

One, two, three... nine...

Jesus!

Are you the brother of this philosopher?

- Yes. - I'm Nikodem Hulka.

I'm renting the house from prince now.

- Your brother was a great host, for God's sake! - How's that?

He spoiled the serfs, now they go to work with bad grace! Mostly this, what's his name, Michcik!

- This scoundrel should get a beating! - It's not my business.

- Your brother wasted the farm. - But who rooted out the junipers?!

This one thing's true. Everything has to be renewed here, but it's my business now.

She's got eyes.

- She's beautiful. - Sure she's beautiful.

- Who's she? - The youngest daughter of Gintult, Elzbieta.

A princess.

You have an itch for her, huh?

Am I right?

You are captain Olbromski's brother?

- Yes, sir. - Tell me, are your parents alive?

Yes.

- Did you inform them about the funeral? - Yes, sir.

Good. It's a shame I didn't do it myself.

Maybe we should have waited with the funeral?

- Wait? For them? - Yes.

- They wouldn't come anyway. - Why is that?

They are elderly. Anyway...

What?

- They live far away from here. - So you'll have to tell them the sad news yourself.

Your brother was a friend and a confidant of mine in the times of camp service.

That's why our conversations seemed harsh for those who didn't know our friendship.

Maybe you also found my comments unpleasant.

Of course not.

No-one has to know about it, people would say that I and your borther parted quarrelled.

- You know we parted in peace, although discussing... - Yes.

It shouldn't be mentioned in front of the parents in particular.

- In grief they could imagine something... - I won't... Prince.

Yes?

I can't go back home.

Why is that?

Dear prince... Both of us, me and my brother...

We...

So come to my house, please.

You'll stay as long as you want.

You'll leave when you want.

Memory of your brother wouldn't let me stay in here.

I'm going to Warsaw.

Be willing to treat my house...

like a place of your own.

You can write to your parents that I had an account to settle with Piotr.

I owe him, so we will settle this now.

Now join us.

I hope we will be having potatoes today.

I hate porridge, pearl barley, buckwheat,

with which you fatten us, dear brother.

I think we deserve a prize for this neverending funeral

you told us to bear.

A COURTIER This poor man we haven't even known

must have really mattered to you.

Stop it, please.

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you.

Look at this strange animal. He's a peasant.

Now you associate with rabble.

Elzbieta, I forbid you.

I'm going to Warsaw after dinner.

Play the harpsichord, please.

And try to be more human.

We're all seeing you off, aren't we?

Will you let us?

Of course.

Thank you.

Please, pay attention to what is fashionable in Warsaw,

to report me everything when you come back.

I expect some presents too.

Look at this glutton.

Let's see who's faster!

You fool!

Damn you.

Have a good trip.

Olbromski?

Come here, please.

How did you get this streak, sir?

When we were passing a tree, princess...

bent a little branch of a birch and...

gracefully let it go at me.

- Did you finish school? - Yes. In Sandomierz.

- Do you know Latin and Greek? - Yes, sir.

Then you'll come with me to Warsaw and, if you manage, you'll be my secretary.

Now go to Hulka and wash yourself, otherwise they'll make fun of you.

EXECUTION

I served the chief, God damn it!

Respect me, you mongrel, I'm a soldier!

I fought!

By Kosciuszko!

Michcik!

Pull yourself together, for God's sake!

Or you'll go to the army, I'm telling you!

You come out against your master? You incite people to revolt?

Work on your master's land, like God commanded you to!

Well, Michcik?

Can you see who's your master now?

Respect me, you mongrel! I'm a free man!

Ah, Olbromski, hello.

Mr Hulka, what's going on in here?

Can't you see? But wait!

Who made that mess on your face?

What do you want from me? What could I do?

Why are you looking at me like that?!

What?! What?!

IN PRUSSIAN WARSAW

- I'm the prince's secretary. - The prince is waiting in the library.

You're not attracted to books, are you?

You sowed wheat, rye and even barley.

Yes, sir.

And you were bored to death.

I was bored.

You longed for the world!

I did.

You see, I was roaming the world.

I've been to Italy, Egypt.

- You know, this country in Africa. - I know.

I followed in the footsteps of a general, who carried delusions.

It was Napoleon, you must have heard about him.

I was in Egypt after the war which took place in there,

meanwhile these pyramids, Sphinx, the cities, the lost obelisks

took me so much that I forgot about the aim of my trip.

If you wish, we will write down some things about these distant countries.

Especially about the desert.

It will seem strange to you, but you'll forget about it, I'll explain it to you later.

I'm... at your service, prince.

One more thing. I demand you to remain silent about the things we will

write, read and talk about.

I want you to get used to the thought that you don't know anything about me, don't understand anything.

You will give me a formal, noble word for it. Can you?

I give a word of honour.

You have many rooms in here, choose which one you like.

You'll have just one servant I keep in here.

And now... Read.

You see, I'm almost an ingorant, as far as Latin is concerned.

We return to our meditations.

I have an honour to introduce my secretary.

- It's nice to meet you. - Thanks to him, I make quick progress in my work.

That's very good. Did you come straight from the countryside?

- He's never been in here, knows no-one in Warsaw. Am I right? - Yes, sir.

- He's been sowing and ploughing for years. - Working in soil is the supreme happiness.

That's what I think.

I've never been so fortunate to do it.

Have you ever lived such a moment when the bare ground trembles under the sun?

The water shines and the moss of tiny grass bends... And meanders like faint smoke.

- I've seen it. - At Pelasgijski's there's a different phantom,

which we've admired with prince so many times, haven't we?

- That's right, master. - I'm...

very sorry I overtax your patience. Would you excuse the talkative nature of a soldier?

But... Dear sir...

And now go downtown. I'm glad you haven't been there yet.

It was a test which you've done better than I expected from your lively temperament.

Whenever I encounter the beautiful world of Greeks,

I become pagan.

My emotion is so lazy, so down-to-earth. Only spring manages to move me.

And now let's go back to Augustine.

- I won't get married, I won't hurry up! - I'll woo and have fun with girls!

- Krzysztof Cedro. - In person.

- What are you doing in the capital, wooing? - I'm wooing.

- Who? - Prince Gintult.

- You, to Gintult? - What's strange about that?

- How long have you been here? - For five months.

Five months in this morgue!

- And what are you doing in this palace? - I'm a secretary.

Since Poland is gone, no-one holds any office. What is your prince writing down so secretely?

And you're helping him. It sounds so stupid that it's repulsive.

What shall I do? I don't know anyone in here.

You know me.

And I'm your faithful friend. I know everyone.

One can live delightfully here, I'm telling you.

Can you believe that I've been trying to leave the town for weeks and everyday something nice stops me?

- Just like today. - I'm not stopping you at all.

Oh, Rafal, cheer up!

We have to make up for these five months!

But you're leaving.

Could I?

Who will introduce you to people,

if not me?

It's the world, my child from Sandomierz.

- Stop! Placha's feasting. - Get out of my way before I hurt you.

- For God's sake, the rittmeister will shoot me! - You deserve it for wasting such a beautiful castle!

You scoundrel!

- Who's this man in a gown? - It's the prince.

- What prince? - Prince Jozef Poniatowski, you scatterbrain!

You're here, at last!

Come, come!

But master, I'm not used to wearing this medal.

Your Highness, it's a brand new, Prussian...

- Gentlemen, how hard it is to be a Pole these days. - My God, Pepi, what are you talking about?

What? I am a Prussian, Russian and Austrian general at the same time.

- Gentlemen, I wish you a pleasant evening. - Prince, where are you going?! Pepi!

- At this time I usually take a ride. - King, don't abandon us!

- We want to be with you! - Gentlemen, all of you to one lady?

- It was awfully moving! - So what shall we do now? - Theatre! Fuss!

- Ballet... A drunken party! - A drunken party!

- Krzysztof, you didn't go? - Gentlemen, this is my cousin Olbromski, an heir from Sandomierz.

Pole, sit with us!

You'll get a beating from your father!

We are talking about Woysiatycz, who wanted to join the most excellent company and got into a Mason meeting!

They told him to...

- I don't remember names of riff-raff! - Strange, just when it comes to repaying debts!

And to which Olbromski family do you belong?

- From the grey ones! - They said he's from Sandomierz!

That's enough!

- I drink to you, my brother! What's your name? - Rafal.

Iterum, Rafal! Iterum atque iterum! [one more time]

Look, he won!

Hey, Mr Cedro!

Give me the key.

- Leave him alone, he's a man! - You won't believe, but we're people too!

Olbromski!

- You must be Piotr's relative. - He's my brother!

- And where is he now, this misanthrope? - He's dead.

- That's a shame. He wasn't a rogue like you or me. - He wasn't.

You're a rogue too.

If you weren't, you wouldn't roam the streets with us at night.

Piotr was a smart man. He knew we'd spend all the money on drinking.

And we did so! We spent everything!

Poland isn't dead yet!

Stop! Stop!

- Form ranks! - You scoundrels!

Cedro!

Keep this!

Show them!

To the castle!

Rafal!

Pepi, save us!

Quickly!

...a desolate desert,

blooming with Christ's flowers...

I am pleased with your work.

You appeared to be willing and obedient.

I recommended you to Mr. de With. And he deigned to agree.

You can be closer to us, if you wish to.

You will be accepted in a lodge, in which Mr. de With is the master.

- In a... lodge? - Mr. de With is a Mason of a high rank.

I am important too, so I can vouch for you.

- I am honoured. - That's true.

Your honour will be greater, since you will be accepted along with the master's young wife.

We trust our brothers without reservation.

We trust only them.

THE DISCIPLE'S LODGE

Tell him about our duties:

trust, honesty, obedience, kindness, patience,

courage and silence.

Are you able to fulfill these obligations?

- Yes! - If you say so, I will have to test you.

- Will you dare to go through this test? - Yes.

Go away, you miserable man! I'm leaving you to your fate.

You impudent man, tell us, is it curiosity or true zeal that makes you want to stay with us?

Zeal!

Brother, tell him to go from West to East and offer his prayers to find the light!

Bend your head down.

Lift your legs high.

- How did he perform? - Very good, my reverend.

Therefore, take him to the altar.

Tell him to bend his left knee, put his right hand on the Gospel and put the compassess in his left hand.

Let him put the end of it to his heart. My brothers!

I swear to God in the highest, to the Builder of the whole world, to my honour and salvation...

I will keep the masonry's privacy with supreme diligence.

For confirmation of my oath I kiss the words of my Saviour.

Brother, bring the goblet for blood nearer!

In the name of the Highest Builder of the whole world,

in the name of the greatest freemason lodge,

I accept you as a mason disciple. Stand up!

- What do you demand? - The light.

Zur Ordnung!

Reverend brother, give the newly accepted one the great light.

You have a simple apron.

But you have to know that kings and princes were seen in those disciple's aprons too.

Disciples, one of whom you are now, have such a sign.

We also have a sign of help: Come to me, children and widows!

Come to me, children and widows!

Come to me, children and widows!

As we became brothers, we are connected by a bond of fraternal friendship.

And we maintain a firm feeling of goodwill toward each other.

We are obliged to take the utmost care of our brothers,

each one of whom we help in case of any problems.

We never forget about the connection between us.

- What is the time? - It's noon, my reverend.

Let them bring the discipless!

THE DISCIPLESS' LODGE

Woman, who are you?

- My name is Helena de With. - Are you asking to be accepted in the masons lodge?

Yes.

Give miss de With the first beam of light.

Let the white colour of this apron teach you how innocent your soul must be,

and how pure must be your behaviour.

Let me give you the kiss of peace.

Give it back to your brothers, as well as the word 'Feix', the sign and the touch.

Feix [means 'school of chastity']

And the lodge should be glad to accept our sister, who will be its adornment by her chastity.

[talking in German]

TEMPTATION

Who are you? You, who called me wife?

When I look at waves in the sea, at landscapes, at clouds in the sky -

I see his stare.

For his happiness I would cut my arm off without regret.

And you are repulsive and dreadful in your wisdom and kindness.

With smile of chastity on your face, searching for truth,

with wrinkles on your forehead...

Who are you? You, who called me wife.

The one who was worth these flowers is gone, my brother.

They bloom for her, they praise her.

My soul met her.

You, who scorned me and abandoned me.

You, who trampled on my head, my heart and my soul.

Your guilt is forgiven,

whether you are alive or dead.

MOUNTAINS, VALLEYS

Do you recognize me, my mate Krzysiu?

I'm Rafal Olbromski.

Rafal! How come you are here?

- Do you want to help me in my misery? - Dear God, what are you doing here?

- I'm hopelessly miserable. - My God, what are you talking about?

- Are you going back to Warsaw? - God forbid...

- Back home? - Don't ask me.

- Why are you here in such attire? - Don't ask me!

Where is this army going?

Austrians defeated them completely. Frenchmen won the big battle at Austerlitz.

People say Napoleon can be willing to take care of Polish people!

- Where are you coming from? - From Vienna.

- You're going with me, aren't you? - I would love to, but... Think about it.

There's nothing to think about. In Vienna I tried to get the title of chamberlain.

It was my father's will, I had to do it for him. He forgave me so many things.

I have an Austrian title for him, the one he cared for so much.

Tell me...

- What month are we having now? - It's November, Rafus.

My master, at last!

What a joy!

You'll have to accompany me during tender family scenes, my love.

- Mary! - Krzysiu!

- Did you bring it? - Of course, you scatterbrain, let me introduce you to our cousin Rafal.

- Cousin? - You have to praise, respect and love him,

he's from Warsaw's clique, he has just returned...

I'll tell you everything, just give me some time...

Thank you.

Dad!

This is my cousin and friend from Warsaw, Rafal Olbromski.

- Welcome! - I took him from his trip by force!

But Krzysiu, from Warsaw? You were to go to Vienna.

It's my fault. I've been to Vienna, but I admit I spent the spring in Warsaw.

Silly boy, he's been to hell because it was on his way.

But I'm so happy, Mr. Rafal.

I remember your father from...

- Let me think... - Yes, father told me.

Rafal returned from the waters. He was looking for...

Shall I say it?

So there's the secret!

But he didn't pick anything.

German girls, Chech girls, Hungarian girls aren't for him.

Walus, I beg you, groats with cracklings!

I thought you'd lose your cheap tastes in Vienna.

Oh, Germans, nation of philosophers and bad cooks, rip my count heart for some fresh lard!

Krzysiu! You say - count?

From today, don't dare calling the master other names that count,

young lady - the countess and me?

Mary, you're a countess thanks to me, sing for our cousin then.

Shh! Hush!

Leave this!

Let's die now.

It would be like this forever, without any change.

It would be like sleeping and never waking up.

But if not? If there's nothing in there?

This is the end, Rafal, that's the border.

SATAN'S POWER

THE END OF PART ONE

THE ASHES

PART TWO

Mary, Mary... Marysia.

It's a beggar, I'll give him some money.

He doesn't want money, he's asking whether we're from Germany.

And whether any of us has been in the army.

Mary, go home now.

Tell your servants to go, if you don't want them to let other poeple know you're helping me.

FAR AWAY ON THE WAR It could have bad consequences for you and me too.

Be calm, nothing will happen to you in this house.

It's been 12 years since they took me to Austrian army.

Marching to foreign countries, fighting with Frenchen, defending the pope.

We got confused as hell when they told us who's waiting for our fortitude.

Some Karol Sardynski, prince of Parma, Herkules from Modena.

I walked through so many paths with my comrades, defending these people.

During the second war [1799] we came down the mountains to Adyga river,

French divisions ran on us. What an upheaval!

There was a completely different battalion in the front guard, walking shoulder to shoulder.

I looked at them with bloody eyes, my rifle falling to the ground, my hair standing on end.

They wore our uniforms, our signs! I was in their row after a second,

then together with my brothers I began to slaugher the enemies with my Austrian rifle.

That was my path in the army.

We saw each other in Vienna, on terrified market square.

What happened to you later?

Poverty. We were deprived of the title of legions and of the soldier's pay,

and forced to board frigates in Livorna.

Where to?

To Antilles.

Tell us something about it.

Here, in the village we know only this and that.

The island seemed to be a paradise when we saw it from a distance.

But we came to our senses soon. They sent us to crush revolts of black people.

Bonaparte ordered us to reestablish slavery on San Domingo.

It was a new war for us. Once it was like that...

There were 400 black men in our army, we suspected they were traitors.

What shall we do with them?

One single battalion won't maintain disscipline among so many black men with guns.

If you set them free, they'll go to the enemy, if you keep them, they'll betray you.

General Fressinet told the black men to stand at roll-call like everyday.

Military custom orders to stand at roll-call without weapons. They didn't expect anything.

Not even 30 minutes passed

they were all dead.

Silence!

- Is that why you went there?! - War is war, God is our judge, not you, master!

Out of 3,700 men only 300 remained alive!

And a dozen or so army officers. When I came back I signed on again.

There was a new army and I was marching again.

My heart was beating faster, because we were going straight to Vienna!

Austerlitz!

We won a big battle there. The Austrian Empire was completely destroyed.

But I wasn't destined to come into my land.

I had to kneel down almost at the door. My leg was shattered and cut off.

Your legs didn't deserve to enter that land.

God must punish people for crimes like yours!

The Lord says 'the revenge is mine'.

To kill free people just for usurper's wish!

Usurper! Look, today this usurper is the master of Vienna, Berlin,

and now he's approaching Poznanski land, Mazowsze, Warsaw!

We've been sheding blood all over the world for 12 years waiting for this moment.

I walked the whole earth through, I won't go with them.

But until sand doesn't cover my eyes, I will find out about the rest.

Until the Emperor is alive.

Rafal...

I know, I know.

My little sister, when we'll be away, tell dad about it and... apologize.

Do it nicely... Tell him that I know how terrible I am for him, but...

I can't live other way. Will you tell him?

Krzysiu!

Krzysztof!

Take care. It's so cold.

And you, sir..? Will you write to me?

I will.

Please, write, because Krzys... will surely forget.

This is address of my friend, chamberliness Olowska.

She lives by the border.

She'll help you when you'll be passing.

Goodbye, Mary.

Krzysiu!

I'll call the farmhands, tie you, lock you up!

For inciting the subjects of the Emperor!

And for putting up resistance against the authorities!

You will be hanged!

Executioner, do your duty!

Accept words of consolation from our Lord Jesus Christ.

Long live the Emperor!

People! You are free! The Emperor said so!

Look, it's the border.

It's so near!

Where's this music coming from? Maybe someone's celebrating nameday!

Why nameday?

I don't know, I just said so.

- Do you know chamberliness Olowska? - I've never seen her! I've heard she's very beautiful!

Well... We'll see.

THE NIGHT AND THE MORNING

Jesus! I thought about it hundred times!

- About what? - The same thing!

I'm glad I can welcome you, gentlemen.

It's horrible, there're so many soldiers in the village they are just crowding.

They are making bonfires at nights, people can't sleep.

- Doesn't it stop you from this risky undertaking? - Not at all.

It's courageous, indeed, I admire your fortitude.

I must warn you, though, that in case of catching they will just put noose on your necks.

Please madam, be entirely honest with us.

- If our crossing was to cause you any distress... - No, I like fighting obstacles.

- Without them life would stagnate with boredom. - Oh, madam...

The plan is: you'll be dancing eagerly, but at night you'll have to leave without hesitation.

For us it's like we already were beyond the border!

- So war will start for us this night! - You abandon one emperor for another without regret, sir?

I adore only one: long live the Emperor!

I heard about your popularity from a man who knows everything what's going on in Vienna.

However, he hasn't accepted Napoleon as the emperor, so maybe it's better for him to stay in Vienna.

Was it your comrade who brought you to this idea?

I think we were both touched by the same feeling. The whole country mounts a horse and wants to fight.

Yes, I heard about it.

And you, sir, are always so eager when it comes to mounting a horse?

I think I was made for a horse.

Oh, Mr. Kalwicki, our dear protector.

- And these are two traitors who want to cross the border. - Don't tell me the names!

- If I'm to be tortured, I won't reveal them! - You'd better keep your mouth shut, sir!

Dear heiress, don't worry. But it's a risky thing!

We can get into such a quagmire that not only boots but legs too will get stuck there!

Let them be there, then!

What else I wanted to say... We'll have to give the soldiers something.

I'm looking for a mark left by my horsewhip.

...maybe some beer. Dear heiress, I don't even want to think what will happen when the master is back!

Good evening, lieutenant!

This way, please.

This is lieutenant Schlussen, he commands the Austrians in the village.

This bastard is a smart man. So, gentlemen, who's tougher for vodka?

My friend!

So although you're such a beanpole, sir, you're still a big drunkard?

We will see!

- Do you dance lancer? - Yes, I do.

- Do you dance it nicely? - Yes.

- Very nicely? - I think so.

So ask me for a dance.

Princess...

I'm not a princess anymore. Those times are gone.

- But you recognized me. - I just couldn't forget, that's all.

I'd prefer to die here, than by the river in the morning.

- I shouldn't have. - What, princess?

I shouldn't have let you be here for even a moment.

Why?

You were a child then.

I wanted to kill you then.

- How about now? - It's all gone.

Now I would dare to grab you as well.

- Be quiet. They're watching us. - I'll say it loud.

You haven't changed at all. How about me?

You're even more beautiful.

I'm begging you...

For what?

Give me one moment with you.

- Won't you come back? - No.

Never?

I can be shot by the border in the morning.

Go to the room where I greeted you, you'll see an open door in there.

Wait there.

I can see you're enjoying yourself.

- Oh, what a dancer you are! - You think so?

You should have joined the ballet a long ago! You wouldn't roam the streets.

You're being nasty, dear Cedro, but not for long.

I'm afraid you'll be dead in the morning!

Go and write down your testament according to the Austrian procedure.

I'll make over to you my tail-coat you danced so nicely in! And the stockings! And the shoes!

- A jealous man is so ridiculous. - Jealous about you?

I did everything you wanted.

Yes.

I'm saying goodbye now.

He's a friend, of course.

I can see you found nicer things to do than sneaking through the border!

Drop it.

Where have you been?!

At the ball.

We'll get killed because of your fancies!

Don't worry! The devil is fond of his own.

- We can go there at daylight if you want. - I'd beat you up for this fooling around, sir!

It's dawning, the horses are ready!

- If I were your father, I'd show you! - God forbid.

Damn you! I'm old, I've a family, why should I lose it?

I'm not going! For God's sake, I'm not going!

Thank God, it worked!

Are we jumping now?

- It's here! - Jump!

May God be with you, boys!

It's late, gentlemen...

It's dawning.

Rafal!

Rafal!

Jump!

Jump!

It's my fault, I've killed him! I wanted to go to war and he got killed!

You know what? You're remarkably suitable for being a soldier!

Losers!

You'd better go to the gallows!

Shoot! Shoot! Hit me!

Belzebubs.

Germans! Scoundrels, Austrians!

I will come to you, limpy dogs! Long live the Emperor!

What will we do now?

Firstly, take your boots off and pour the water out of them!

Long live the Emperor!

Come on!

We have to find the fisherman's house!

Does your husband bring people over the river?

I don't know. Maybe he does, maybe not.

He brought us over, so he does.

Who knows.

He's a fisherman, I don't know about anything.

The one who brought us over... Asked to pay his woman the money and told us to...

Told us to say he will be back in the evening.

So, are you his wife?

Well... Yes.

So, keep it!

It's gold!

Thank you!

Master...

What are you doing?

What are you doing?!

What will you buy the horse for? And the uniform, the saddle?

Take this money, do you hear me?

With 5 ducats she'll be rich anyway! It's an order!

Don't touch me!

You're still moaning.

I told you to leave me alone.

If you want to moan, go by yourself, people would think I'm taking you to the army by force!

What will you buy the officer's uniform for, do you know how much it costs?!

I'll start with being an ordinary soldier.

Are you crazy?

I can do nothing anyway!

Well, that's a different story if you can do nothing.

You know what? Leave me alone!

- For good? - For good!

Wolves will devour you in this forest, little one!

You'd better worry about yourself!

If you say so.

Good luck, sissy boy!

BY THE RIVER RAWKA

To the left! The knee!

The head!

The head.

The cheek, the leg!

We're elegant men now!

Hey.

- Oh, Olbromski! - Howdy, Rafal!

We haven't seen each other for so long!

- You're only a lieutenant? - Yes.

What do you think, where are our regiments now?

They must be in Vienna.

- Aren't you prince's aide-de-camp? - No, I'm an ordinary man.

- Are we winning or losing? - Aide-de-camps should know such things.

I'm not asking you, but these gentlemen.

Rafus, have a drink with us!

Attention!

Now remind yourselves that you are soldiers, gentlemen!

Maybe lousy ones, but still!

- Moreover, it's not a May picnic! - It's an April picnic!

Attention!

- Are you prince's aide-de-camp? - Yes, general.

Show me the cartridge-belt.

- What is this? - Hazelnuts, general.

Pepi, help!

King, help us!

Save us from Fisher!

Shoot!

Now!

Stop! Stop!

About turn! Attack!

Look, the sky is blue.

Stop! Stop, turn round!

Attack the Austrians!

- Have you been wounded, sir? - Only two times!

Come, brothers!

Go!

- Tell general Sokolnicki to withdraw immediately! - Yes, sir.

Hold it!

Forward!

My God!

General!

General, the prince's order is to withdraw!

Fire!

Faster!

BY THE MOUNTAINS

...through the forest, through the woods

dying of starvation...

They respect the soldier

when they feel fear.

Pay him

Jesus from the heavens

because he needs it now...

['Piesn o zolniezu tulaczu' - 'The Song about Wandering Soldier']

Lieutenant Krzysztof Cedro informs about his arrival to Saragossa.

Well, well.

And what do you want here, among infantry, soldier from light cavalry?

I was wounded. My regiment was wasted.

I was told to stay in Saragossa temporarily.

Were you a lieutenant in the light cavalry, sir?

No, I was an ordinary soldier and then a sergeant.

Well, well. A lieutenant out of a sergeant! My God, world is coming to an end.

- There were many ones like me by Somosierra! - No doubt about it.

- Of course you've no idea about infantry. - That's not true, captain.

Really? So what, my love?

I can walk on my two legs like anyone else.

Oh, well. We'll see.

In a moment!

We'll be having a holiday in an hour, lieutenant.

You'll go with my men on your two legs, sir, and see yourself if it's so easy to be a foot soldier.

- Is that clear? - Yes, sir.

March off.

And he said that

he has never read about it in any book

that a knight errant would die in his bed

so peacefully and in the christian way

like Don Kichote,

who among sighs and tears of those

who were there,

passed away.

Forgive my harshness,

Wyganowski.

I'm tired of this, it has lasted for too long.

I fought in Italian legions, but haven't seen such a war yet.

I'm glad I'll serve under a good officer.

- If I can help you with anything, sir... - I'm fine.

But tell me what Engracia is.

It's a name of a gate and a street too. We will be capturing it today.

You haven't seen many storms, have you?

That's right.

The response to our ultimatum was 'knife battle'.

We'll see it during the storm.

May I warm myself a bit? It's cold.

Nights are cold.

- You fellows serve under captain Wyganowski? - And so what?

- Nothing, we'll be capturing Saragossa together. - Capturing, huh?

It's a tough city, sir. We already broke many teeth on it and we'll break many more.

If only we knew whether this road leads in our way.

- Yes... - Where else could this road lead? To Poland!

We are ordinary serfs. It's everything the same for us - digging, fighting.

They tell a serf to live - he lives, they tell him to die - he dies.

But that's true - it would be easier to die knowing that this road leads to our country.

Sir!

We are free soldiers now, fighting for the Emperor.

But when the war is over and we'll be beaten by our masters, who will acknowledge our merits?

You won't be beaten up anymore!

Who was born a serf will be a serf!

Even if he walked the earth round, every road will lead to the same job, on someone else's land.

- Every road except this one! - Why not this one?

Because this road is righteous.

When this war will come to an end, there will be no masters and serfs, but Poles.

Everyone will be equal.

You will see!

And who will make it happen?!

- The Emperor! - Did he tell you?

I know it, he will make it happen! And we will help him!

And what if he won't?

- It would be wonderful. - Everyone would be equal.

ALWAYS HEROIC

Forward!

Forward, boys!

Forward! To the barricade!

To the barricade!

We've got girls, come here!

Old hags, get out!

Come on!

Help!

Boys!

- Brother, let her go! - Get lost!

I'm telling you, let her go!

Hey, you had enough time, now it's my turn!

- Take this boy away! - Go on!

You...

I rescued you from disgraceful death! And you don't let me have this girl!

I'm asking you!

If you live until this evening I don't have any brother in this regiment!

Come on! Now it will be our death or great glory! Their strength is behind that door!

- You'll go by yourself. - We'll be in the middle, between two barricades.

And if they see what we have done here, to their aunts and to their cousins!

- Come here! - Leave me alone, I'll go by myself!

Come here, I'm telling you! I'm the master now!

Ready for the attack!

Go!

Long live the Emperor!

Shoot!

Turn left! Go!

Stop! Turn right!

Load! Bite the charge!

Shoot!

You stand out, sir. These glorious red stains on your pants - bravo.

Yes, I killed many people today.

- Very good, young man. - I even killed one of them with my bare hands.

War serves for it - for everyone to have the opportunity to kill as many people as one wants.

You should get a prize, do you want one of these nuns? A whole group of maidens from Jerusalem.

What a shame - not even one blonde! Not even one.

- I won't stay here. - Why is that?

- I only want to sleep. - Sleep during such a feast?

I haven't been sleeping for long.

Here you have the cells to sleep, but they are occupied by nuns entertaining unknown knights!

- If it were for me... - Say it, young man.

I can assure you that mass raping speeds up the surrender far more better than bombing.

Moreover, what do you want?

I prefer my boys to be here than to get killed, they were murdering in cold blood themselves.

Come on, I have something special for your little heart. Look! 5 or 6 men attacked her.

They torn her dress off and saw the unexpected obstacle on her beautiful chest.

Everything won except this detail.

It's like Saragossa. Captured, won... "We will make use of you" and so what? A dead body.

Have it if you want.

I would order the army to march past you.

I suppose you, captain, aren't harsh like Scipio Africanus?

I've nothing to do with any Scipio!

I'm made of ash and dust.

Look.

What's this?

Resignation.

I can't stand this service, it's killing me.

I didn't join the army to burn Spanish serfs alive! My soul is on their side.

Too bad!

This war will never end! I know what kind of war can be ended and when.

- They can't be defeated because they are right! - One can argue about that!

What do they defend, goods from the convent? Inquisition, feudal lords?

Ignorant people! Which Pole would fight for a throne succession?

- And who are you fighting for? - For the country!

Oh, yes! Did our blood shed in Saragossa support our case somehow?

Napoleon needs his army for himself, not for us!

He abandons defenceless Poland for prince Ferdinand, while we're geting killed in Castile and Aragon!

- Is war there too? - Yes! Austrians set off to Warsaw.

But there at least I'll know what I'm fighting for!

I'm going back.

- Come back with me to the country. - Can I lie down in here?

Go on and sleep, little scum. Wait, I'll show you the way...

Yet I'm the commander of this convent.

Wait.

Traitor.

Captain! It's the guide for the staff.

How are you, Pedro?

I'm fine, captain.

Let's go. We have to take the documents to the general headquarters...

by the shortest way.

- Lieutenant! Lieutenant! - Hush!

Lieutenant!

- What happened? - A disaster! They killed our captain!

- Whom? - Captain Wyganowski.

Who, when?!

It was the Spanish guide! We found the captain by the city walls!

Please go now, lieutenant! Soldiers don't want to take him out of the field!

- Why? - I don't know, it's about some military stuff.

Captain.

Why do you have mercy on him, officer?

He was a traitor, not worth a Polish uniform. He asked for resignation!

He wanted to save his own skin.

He was a coward and a renegade!

Gentlemen! He's a soldier! Honour him!

Then you honour him! He's not a soldier anymore.

All of us will fight today and he asked for release only for himself!

It's just, let him rot in this heat!

IMPERIAL ROUTE

Can I take some oats for my horse?

Look out, man. I suspect something is not right.

Eat.

And the child?

Fine, let them eat.

- Is everything fine, Pole? - Yes.

Bye, my little boy.

Take it.

Eat, little boy, why are you crying?

SOLDIER'S LOT

What happened to you?

Swords in hands! Go!

A horse! Give me a horse!

Tell me, sir. I forgot the name of this ravine.

Somosierra!

Hooray!

Long live the Emperor!

Long live the Emperor!

HALLUCINATIONS

Long live the Emperor!

Long live the Emperor!

Sir!

I abandoned my father's house, I thought my land will be free...

And now I'm on unfamiliar land!

Tell me I didn't fight in vain, that it was for my land!

Emperor! Emperor!

So be it.

Long live Poland!

SANDOMIERZ [a city]

- I won't let anyone in! - You won't?

That's what we were looking for!

- It's the heiress' bed! - Good, lieutenant will be comfortable there!

I won't let you! I have a strict order!

- And I'm strictly cancelling this order! - I forbid you!

Quiet! Lieutenant needs some rest, do you understand?

Greetings for the heiress!

Lie there, if you want. The doctor told me you were wounded. Where?

In my arm, general.

I was asking about the battle. The doctor is concerned about your wound, not me.

In a clash... I mean... During a patrol, general.

- Your name? - Olbromski.

There was a cadet Olbromski in the school. Later he was an officer in Republic of Poland.

- It was my older brother. - Aha.

- Aren't you asleep? - No, general.

- Don't you intend to die? - No, general.

- Are you sure? - Yes.

Then listen to me. Watch over me and I'll sleep till dawn.

Do you understand? Till dawn. When it is dawning, you'll wake me up.

I will.

General..?

What do you want?

- There will be a battle tomorrow. - What a discovery.

Let me stay by your side.

As whom?

- As... - Say it, quickly.

- Aide-de-camp. - Oh.

I have no right to do this. I'm only a brigade's general.

And you're a wounded little officer.

When I become the main leader I won't forget we slept in one bed.

I don't know where my regiment is. Let me stay with you until I find it.

Fine.

Wake me. And sweep the terrace, please.

Go to hell.

General, it's time.

Time to what?

- General, it's dawning! - Get out.

General, no more sleep!

- What, are they attacking? - Yes, they are!

I guess I'll never get enough sleep.

So let's get started, in the name of God.

- General, you let me stay with you. - What shall I do with you, huh?

- Make me an aide-de-camp. - Aha.

You think we came to Sandomierz to make parties?

You have to know that there are four times more Austrians than us.

There's only a handful of us left, the rest is in Spain.

It will be a slaughter. The fate of our country is on the scale.

- And where is your regiment? - I don't know.

Then you'll get to know it.

General...

- Do you speak German? - Yes.

I'll need you as an interpretor in case of capturing a prisoner.

- Why are you undone? - It's because of the bandage.

Bandage? Let me look at you.

First regiment, huh? Were you fighting in the battle of Tczew?

- Yes. - And in the battle of Gdansk?

Yes, general.

Olbromski.

You are similar to your brother.

He was a decent officer, although a sentimentalist

and a cry-baby. So let's go!

Prince.

It was in the ground.

Rafal?

Olbromski!

- So you're in the army now. - And prince is among us too.

Not exactly, I'm not in Sandomierz because of the will to fight with Austrians.

I'm fulfilling my duty, you should understand me.

I don't know if I can talk with you like then. You treated me in a strange way.

- You left me without a word. - My father called for me.

Don't bother to lie, you father wrote to me, he wanted to know where you are.

- We used to recall you with the master. - Is mayor de With in here?

No.

- Where is he? - In front of God. The master got killed.

In the battle against us!

And why are you here, prince?

I observe the course of human matters.

- What a strange purpose in the moment of country's misery. - You think so?

I was in a battle. One has to have faith! Who would go there to see how others die?

You talk like a soldier. One can see another place for himself in there.

- I don't understand! - You were a disciple of hard neck and sensual eyes.

- Where are you coming from? - From general Sokolnicki.

- With good news? - Yes.

- Remember to respect St Jacob! - What can I do?

- Aren't you evacuating with us, prince? - Evacuating?

- The Austrians will be here any moment! - You're leaving them the church?

When they come, we'll bomb the church!

I won't let you.

Stop! Don't give them St Jacob! Stop, for God's sake!

Load!

Shoot!

- General! - What?

- Don't ruin the church! - Who told you to come to me, sir?

- No-one. - So? Shoot!

Gather all your forces, general, you'll manage to defend it!

I have no forces now. I'll make this hovel fall on the Austrians!

- Hold the order, general! - Take him away from me!

Soldiers! Don't listen to this order!

Come to me, children and widows!

Come to me, children and widows...

Pull the fuse out and put it out!

Execute him!

You are downgraded!

Michcik!

There, Gintult!

Kill me, scoundrel...

Hush, master, don't dare to speak!

Michcik, we have to go home, to Tarniny. The prince is dying.

THE CORNER ROOM

He won't pull through it.

- Was he stabbed with a sabre? - With a bayonet.

- We've been running away for 3 days and 3 nights. - From whom were you running away, sir?

From the Austrians.

It's not a disgrace.

- I can see you're in an officer's uniform. - Yes.

You're an officer.

Yes, father.

That's good for me, a dying man, to see you wearing a Polish uniform,

like I used to wear while fighting for the country.

- I was sent off by the general... - Your mother passed away.

Zofka is pregnant, her husband is in the army.

The Austrians!

Run after them!

The devil knows how many of them there are!

Kacper, go to the village, get the men! Take Zofka!

Go!

Couldn't you defend him, you bastard?!

I did, but other men didn't come to help.

THE HOUSE

Go, my boy. Go!

Lieutenant! I'm informing that...

- What, you old Austrian? - I'm... informing that a guest is coming!

Krzysztof!

Krzysztof!

- What a God damn horse you have! - It's the Iberian horse.

- Are you coming from there? - Yes, I needed to have a good horse for such an expedition.

- For an expedition? - To the great war!

Oh, yes, I see. How could one stand 3 years without war.

- 70.000 Poles set off. - You're going again?

- In July our 5th corps set off to Moscow. - I don't know about anything, I meet no people.

That's why I came for you.

I'm very glad.

As you can see, I'm building a house.

- You're building a house. - I got the land, I've to finally get to work.

I won't be lazing around forever.

Will you go to the war?

- If master... - He served in the Austrian army, against us.

Lieutenant, I deserted 6 times, got beaten up 3 times in prison,

I appeared before court... I couldn't get to my people!

- He went to our side in Sandomierz. Now he's here. - How do you like it here?

- Well, the place is fine, but... - But what?

- But there could be more sand! - More sand.

There's much rock, but there could me more sand...

Yes.

It's time for me to go.

Won't you stay with me for a while?

I already strayed off the path too much.

Goodbye, Rafal.

Goodbye.

One more thing. I heard about your case. You probably don't know it was discontinued.

I checked it myself.

I don't care. I'm more like a peasant than a soldier now.

THE WORD OF HONOUR

Long live the Emperor!

Long live the Emperor!