The Koschevoi, in accordance with his duty, will accompany one half in pursuit of the Tatars, and the other half can choose a hetman to lead them.

But if you will heed the words of an old man, there is no man fitter to be the commanding hetman than Taras Bulba.

Not one of us is his equal in heroism." Thus spoke Bovdug, and paused; and all the Cossacks rejoiced that the old man had in this manner brought them to an agreement.

All flung up their caps and shouted, "Thanks, father! He kept silence for a long, long time, but he has spoken at last.

Not in vain did he say, when we prepared for this expedition, that he might be useful to the Cossack nation: even so it has come to pass!" "Well, are you agreed upon anything ?" asked the Koschevoi.
"We are all agreed!" cried the Cossacks.
"Then the council is at an end ?" "At an end!" cried the Cossacks.
"Then listen to the military command, children," said the Koschevoi, stepping forward, and putting on his cap; whilst all the Cossacks took off theirs, and stood with uncovered heads, and with eyes fixed upon the earth, as was always the custom among them when the leader prepared to speak.