Page:Julian Niemcewicz - Notes of my Captivity in Russia.djvu/175

Rh Gironde in all foreign relations, with the exception of Poland alone. The division of Italy into petty republics, the wresting of Holland from the Stadtholder, and even the conquest of Egypt, were already contemplated at the end of 1793. My friend informed me also that Potocki and Zakrzewski, on account of their bad health, were imprisoned on the other side of the river; that Sokolnicki offered to keep Zakrzewski company, and that Libiszewski was allowed to accompany Wawrzecki, whom they were bringing by another road.

Thus we alleviated the ennui of our situation, sometimes writing to each other, sometimes humming what we wished to say, and, when we had to write at greater length, we resorted to other means, which I will hereafter explain. But, alas ! this sweet consolation did not last long. Mostowski's lady, Princess Radziwill, arrived at St. Petersburg, and was so zealous and assiduous in pressing Zubow, Catherine's favourite, that she obtained, at last, permission for her