rs. The Landgrave was highly
diverted, and after I obtained my freedom, restored me the manuscript
written in my own blood.

About the time that my last attempt at escaping failed, General
Krusemarck came to my prison, whom I had formerly lived with in habits of
intimacy, when cornet of the body guard. Without testifying friendship,
esteem, or compassion, he asked, among other things, in an authoritative
tone, how I could employ my time to prevent tediousness? I answered in
as haughty a mood as he interrogated: for never could misfortune bend my
mind. I told him, "I always could find sources of entertainment in my
own thoughts; and that, as for my dreams, I imagined they would at least
be as peaceful and pleasant as those of my oppressors." "Had you in
time," replied he, "curbed this fervour of yours, had you asked pardon of
the King, perhaps you would have been in very different circumstances;
but he who has committed an offence in which he obstinately persists,
endeavouring only to obtain freedom by seducing men from their duty,
deserves no better fate."

Justly was my anger roused! "Sir," answered I, "you are a general of the
King of Prussia, I am an Austrian captain. My royal mistress will
protect, perhaps deliver me, or, at least, revenge my death; I have a
conscience void of reproach. You, yourself, well know I have not
deserved these chains. I place my hope in time, and the justness of my
cause, calumniated and condemned, as I have been, without legal sentence
or hearing. In such a situation, the philosopher will always be able to
brave and despise the tyrant."

He departed with threats, and his last words were, "The bird shall soon
be taught to sing another tune." The effects of this courteous visit
were soon felt. An order came that I should be prevented sleeping, and
that the sentinels should call, and wake me every quarter of an hour;
which dreadful order was immediately executed.

This was indeed a punishment intolerable to nature! Yet did custom at
length teach me to answer in my sleep. Four years did this unheard of
cruelty continue! The noble Landgrave of Hesse-Cassel at length put an
end to it a year before I was released from my dungeon, and once again,
in mercy, suffered me to sleep in peace.

Under this new affliction, I wrote an Elegy which may be found in the
second volume of my works, a few lines of which I shall cite.

Wake me, ye guards, for hark, the quarter strikes!