Page:Julian Niemcewicz - Notes of my Captivity in Russia.djvu/238

210 the unfortunate who suffer there after me, may not know to whom they are indebted for this legacy, the idea of alleviating, though for a short time, their painful life, gives me the sweetest satisfaction, whenever I think of it.

I cannot express the emotion I felt in crossing the threshold of the prison. Having passed the draw-bridge, and the fortress, we bent our steps towards the Neva, which we crossed on the ice. The action of the fresh air, the brightness of the sky, the sight of a splendid city, with its granite and bronze quays, its multitude of noisy people, its carriages and sledges, produced a sort of strange stunning giddiness, and a rush of blood to my head. We passed through the town in sledges. Whilst on our way, Makarow said: “There were great debates in the Council, great opposition to your release, but you are free at last; pray be cautious, the least thing might ruin you.” I thanked him for the interest he took in me, and I must here do him the justice to say, that during all my captivity, he behaved to me as a