in the rear Koritski. A murmur of applause was heard
among the prince's cavalry at the sight of the deep Ger-
man ranks. Their collars red, on their shoulders shining
muskets, they marched thirty in a rank, with the step of
a single man, strong and thundering. Tall, sturdy fellows
all of them, -- old soldiers who had been in more than
one country and in more than one battle, for the most
part veterans of the Thirty Years' War, skilled, disciplined,
and experienced.

When they marched up to the prince, Osinski cried,
"Halt!" and the regiment stood as if foot-bound to the
earth; the officers raised their staffs, the standard-bearer
raised his standard, and waving it three times, lowered
it before the prince. "Vorwarts!" commanded Osinski,
"Vorwarts!" repeated the officers, and the regiments ad-
vanced again. In the same way but in almost better
form, did Koritski present his troops. At the sight of all
this the soldiers' hearts were rejoiced; and Yeremi, judge
beyond judges, put his hands on his hips with delight,
looked, and smiled, -- for infantry was just what he wanted,
and he was sure that it would be difficult for him to find
better in the whole world. He felt increased in power,
and hoped to accomplish great things in war. The suite
began to speak of different military topics and of the
various kinds of soldiers to be seen in the world.

"The Zaporojian infantry is good, especially behind
intrenchments," said Sleshinski; "but these are better,
for they are better drilled."

"Of course a great deal better!" said Migurski.

"But they are heavy men," said Vershul. "If I had to
do it, I should undertake to tire them out with my Tartars
in two days, so that on the--third I could slaughter them
like sheep."

"What are you talking about? The Germans are good
soldiers."

To this Pan Longin Podbipienta answered in his sing-
ing Lithuanian voice: "How God in his mercy has endowed
different nations with different virtues! As I hear, there is
no cavalry in the world better than ours, and again neither
our infantry nor the Hungarian can be compared with the
German."

"Because God is just," remarked Zagloba. "For instance,
he gave you a great fortune, a big sword, and a heavy hand,
but small wit."