Page:Julian Niemcewicz - Notes of my Captivity in Russia.djvu/137

Rh or the barbarous deeds of the French revolution, we would, however, have accepted of assistance from that republic. I have been told that the Committee of Public Safety had promised to General Kosciuszko three millions of livres tournois, and some officers of artillery, but I can assure you that we have seen neither a single officer nor a single sou.” “We are aware,” said he, “that those who were at the head of the revolution had the greatest confidence in you; you know all, but you wish to say nothing, and you shall repent it.” “I have no disclosures to make to you, Sir, neither have I the talent for forging tales; as to your menaces, I know that I am in your hands; I expect and am resigned to everything, and am more desirous of death than afraid of it.” “Your life will be spared.” interrupted he, “but you shall never leave this place.” “I left hope behind me when I entered this prison,” replied I. Seeing that those menaces produced no effect, he became all at once composed, assumed the mildest and most affectionate tone, and spared neither