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But I think that this young knight has made a vow to wear that rope until he has accomplished some knightly deed. During the day, he wears it outside of his armor, but during the night, on the bare flesh." "Sanderus!" called Zbyszko, suddenly "At your service," answered the German, approaching "Ask this knight, who is the most virtuous and the most beautiful girl in the world."
Zbyszko having learned of Jurand's arrival, hastened to him, but with a certain uneasiness in his heart because he was Danusia's father. Nobody could forbid him choose Danusia for the lady of his thoughts; but afterward the princess had betrothed them. What will Jurand say to that? Will he consent? What will happen if he refuse his consent?
Every moment the noise increased, because children here and there began to cry on the porches, and finally, at the very side of the princess, a youthful, sobbing, female voice called out: "For Danusia, Zbyszko! for Danusia!" Zbyszko knew well that it was for Danusia's sake. He was sure that this Teuton had assisted in her capture, and in fighting him, he fought for her wrongs.
"Draw the bed to the window," said the knight to him. The Czech drew the bed to the window, very easily; but he was surprised when Zbyszko told him to open it. He obeyed, however, only he covered his master with his own fur coat, because it was cold outside, although cloudy, and snow was falling.
He also insisted that he take two servants with him for ostentation, and that he dress in his best clothes, to show respect and gratitude to Zych. Zbyszko did as he was asked and went attired as if for a wedding, in his jaka made of white satin, bordered with gold fringe and embroidered with gold griffins.
"They did not remain alone; and even if they had remained by themselves the master was then so feeble that he could not even eat without assistance. And there were already people sent by Jurand waiting for the young lady, and she left the following morning...." "Then Zbyszko has not seen her since?" "No human eye has seen her." Then silence reigned for a while.
The bull's head covered Zbyszko and pressed him to the ground. The two powerful "defenders" of the prince arrived; but they were too late; fortunately the Czech Hlawa, given to Zbyszko by Jagienka, outstripped them, and having seized his broad-axe with both hands he cut the bison's bent neck, near the horns.
But then other, and apparently gentler, thoughts began to enter his head, because, while going down to the horses, he said: "God be blessed that I shall at least embrace her feet!" Meanwhile Zbyszko was impatient to start, because feverishness consumed him, and the affairs of necessity that occupied his attention increased his tortures, thinking constantly of Danusia and Jurand.
Then he suddenly threw down his cap and exclaimed: "By all the relics of Akwizgran! Then those who were at the head of the relief train to Gotteswerder, were Arnold von Baden and old Zygfried von Loeve. That we learned from the letters which were sent to the castle. Were they taken prisoners?" "No!" said Zbyszko, excitedly. "None of the most important! But, by God!
These words angered Zbyszko, and he wondered if it would be proper to challenge the bojarzynek for a fight either on horseback or on foot, with swords or with axes; but he stifled this desire. He dropped his head sadly and surrounded by the archers, went silently to the tower. In the meanwhile everybody's attention in the dining hall was turned to Danusia, who became pale with fright.