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| Berszten (II) herb |
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The
following article is a direct translation from the classic
Genealogical and Heraldic reference "Herbarz Polski" by
Kasper Niesiecki S.J., (Lipsk) edition 1839-46.
Neither Paprocki nor Okolski wrote about this
coat of arms. There are two plow wheels, as in the first Berszten
coat of arms. Instead of the third wheel there is a fence
similar to those found at fortifications. There are two
wings above the helmet, back to back and raised up in flight. The
change
was made here in Poland during the time of Zygmunt August in
1563. When Iwan Wasilewicz, Prince of Moscow laid siege to Polock, some were frightened by the shooting and the pressure and
surrendered
to the Czar. Wierzcheleski, the Polish captain from Sleza and of
the coat of arms of Berszten bravely and at length resisted the
enemy's force. After being exhausted and running out of
ammunition they gave
the city over to the Czar. Those who were the first to leave the
city were imprisoned despite the promise that this would not
happen. Wierzcheleski and his men however were generously
pardoned and set free. (Bielski page 613). Wierzcheleski,
upon returning to the king, it is thought, received
the change in the coat of arms.
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