Jump to content

Page:Julian Niemcewicz - Notes of my Captivity in Russia.djvu/76

From Wikisource
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
48
ITINERARY OF THE PRISONERS.

that led plundering parties, came to give in their reports. Everything was specified in these; so many casks, so many dozens of wine, so many stallions and mares, so many thousand florins in money. If the harvest was good, as nearly always was the case, the General laughed, rubbed his hands, and said: “Ochen horosho, ochen horosho,” Very good, very good. Then he sat down to dinner, continually repeating, “Ochen horosho.” Immediately after dinner, he went to take a nap, and slept well. The ladies did the same, for the saying, Remorse does not sleep, was here at fault. These monsters, overloaded with rapine and viands, slept as if they had nothing to reproach themselves with ; thus the last degree of crime is proof against remorse. Towards sunset the clattering of cups and tea-spoons awoke them all, and they sat down immediately to take large cups of chaï or tea. Besides rolls, cakes, preserves, &c., grapes, almonds, and dry figs, were brought in on silver trays. They ate, and played cards until supper