Page:Julian Niemcewicz - Notes of my Captivity in Russia.djvu/213

Rh over all my body, and continual fever and thirst. I drank incessantly, which still increased my illness and weakened my stomach. From this time I must date the origin of a cruel malady, which has poisoned since so many moments of my life, I mean nervous affection. I asked for a surgeon; they sent me a young empty coxcomb, who felt my pulse, and whilst strengthening medicines were necessary, prescribed herbs. I entreated them that they would allow me to go out with a soldier for a walk, at least for a quarter of an hour, but they refused.

This, as well as every other severity to which I was subjected, made me often reflect how barbarous the conduct of certain governments is towards state prisoners, that class of unfortunate individuals, who, deprived of the protection of laws, and the ordinary forms of justice, are pursued, arrested, and condemned at the arbitrary will, suspicion, nay, even caprice, of one sole being who has unlimited power. At the same time accuser and judge, after having gratified his