Page:Julian Niemcewicz - Notes of my Captivity in Russia.djvu/189

Rh simply that he had combined improperly his verses from the Bible, and never was discouraged. He had another, and much more useful occupation; this was, to teach his servant to read and write. He also explained to him the Holy Scriptures, but in his own way, for he pretended that the words of Scripture were always symbolical, and that their true sense was only known by those who were conversant in the science of the Cabala. We lived together as good neighbours, and corresponded with each other now and then. He was released two days after me.

The last of the Polish prisoners brought at the same time with Kapostas, was Kilinski. He was a shoemaker by trade, but, born with boldness, activity, and a truly popular eloquence, he became a personage of distinction, as soon as the revolution, and especially the insurrection at Warsaw, had shewn the people his importance and powers. Ten thousand operatives and shopmen were obedient to his voice. It was quite natural