But Lichtenstein cared only for the opinion of Zawisza, because he was noted all over the world for his knightly deeds, his knowledge of the laws of chivalry and his great exactness in keeping them. In the most entangled affairs in which there was any question about knightly honor, they used to go to him even from distant lands. Nobody contradicted his decisions, not only because there was no chance of victory in a contest with him, but because they considered him "the mirror of honor." One word of blame or praise from his mouth was quickly known by the knighthood of Poland, Hungary, Bohemia (Czech) and Germany; and he could decide between the good and evil actions of a knight.
Therefore Lichtenstein approached him as if he would like to justify his deadly grudge, and said: "The grand master himself, with the chapter, could show him clemency; but I cannot."
"Your grand master has nothing to do with our laws; our king can show clemency to our people, not he," answered Zawisza.
"I as the envoy was obliged to insist upon punishment."
"Lichtenstein, you were first a knight, afterward an envoy!"
"Do you think that I acted against honor?"
"You know our books of chivalry, and you know that they order us to imitate two animals, the lamb and the lion. Which of the two have you, imitated in this case?"
"You are not my judge!"
"You asked me if you had committed an offence, and I answered as I thought."
"You give me a hard answer, which I cannot swallow."
"You will be choked by your own malice, not by mine."
"But Christ will put to my account, the fact that I cared more about the dignity of the Order, than about your praise."
"He will judge all of us."
Further conversation was interrupted by the reappearance of the castellan and the secretary. They knew that the sentence would be a severe one, and everyone waited silently. The castellan sat at the table, and, having taken a crucifix in his hand, ordered Zbyszko to kneel.
The secretary began to read the sentence in Latin. It was a sentence of death. When the reading was over, Zbyszko struck himself several times on the chest, repeating; "God be merciful to me, a sinner!"
Then he arose and threw himself in Macko's arms, who began to kiss his head and eyes.
In the evening of the same day, a herald announced at the four corners of the market place with the sound of trumpets, to the knights, guests and burghers assembled, that the noble Zbyszko of Bogdaniec was sentenced by the castellan's court to be decapitated by the sword.