Page:Julian Niemcewicz - Notes of my Captivity in Russia.djvu/247

Rh Reason itself should show you the necessity of this. New attempts would only draw upon you new misfortunes. I have always been opposed to the partition of Poland. This was an act equally unjust and impolitic, but it is accomplished. For the restoration of your country, the unanimous consent of the three powers to give back what they have taken is necessary. Is there the least probability that Austria, and particularly Prussia, would return their shares? Shall I alone restore mine? shall I weaken myself, whilst they are strengthened? Impossible. Shall I alone carry on war to compel them to it? Still less. My empire is too much in need of peace. You see, then, that you must submit to circumstances, and be quiet.” Marshal Potocki, touched with the Emperor's great frankness and kind disposition towards him, promised sincerely to be peaceable.

From this time, the general topic of the conversation in town and at the court was, the extraordinary favour which the Polish prisoners enjoyed, and how the omnipotent