Page:Julian Niemcewicz - Notes of my Captivity in Russia.djvu/221

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PRISON LIFE.
193

bowed,) records all our good and bad actions, that he rewards a hundred fold the former, but also punishes a hundred fold the latter. On the terrible day of judgment he will ask you to account for the tears and blood you have caused to be shed. You know what awaits reprobate souls; think of the punishments, think of the torments which are reserved for them in the depths of hell.” He became thoughtful, and answered: Chtozh dielat! Chtozh dielat! What shall I do! what shall I do! It seemed, however, that this last argument was not without effect; the flogging for some time became less frequent and less cruel, but this relaxation was of short continuance, and he soon commenced punishing again in the most barbarous manner. This man was naturally bad, and took pleasure in tormenting others. He robbed the prisoners, or rather the public treasury, in everything that passed through his hands, he took delight in retaining our books, and playing all sorts of tricks. The soldiers hated him as well as the prisoners;

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