It is not a fit thing for their mouse-like natures." Thus spoke the hetman; and after he had finished his speech he still continued to shake his head, which had grown grey in Cossack service.
All who stood there were deeply affected by his speech, which went to their very hearts.

The oldest in the ranks stood motionless, their grey heads drooping.

Tears trickled quietly from their aged eyes; they wiped them slowly away with their sleeves, and then all, as if with one consent, waved their hands in the air at the same moment, and shook their experienced heads.

For it was evident that old Taras recalled to them many of the best-known and finest traits of the heart in a man who has become wise through suffering, toil, daring, and every earthly misfortune, or, though unknown to them, of many things felt by young, pure spirits, to the eternal joy of the parents who bore them.
But the army of the enemy was already marching out of the city, sounding drums and trumpets; and the nobles, with their arms akimbo, were riding forth too, surrounded by innumerable servants.

The stout colonel gave his orders, and they began to advance briskly on the Cossack camps, pointing their matchlocks threateningly.