CHAP. XXI.
_The prisoners expectations raised: a terrible disappointment: some of
the chief carried to prince Menzikoff's palace: their usage there.
Horatio set at liberty, and the occasion_.
Our captives had soon after a new matter of rejoicing: a Polander in the
service of Muscovy, who had been taken prisoner by the Swedes, and was
discharged and sent home, with a great number of others, by the
unparallell'd generosity of Charles XII. was one of the guards who now
did duty in the prison. It was often his turn to bring them their poor
allowance of provision; and having some pity for their condition, as
well as gratitude for a people who had used him and his companions in a
different manner, told them, that they might be of good heart, for, said
he, you will soon be set at liberty:--our emperor has enough to do to
keep his ground in Ukraina: Charles is as victorious as ever:--the
prince of the Cosaques, one of the bravest men on earth, next to
himself, has entered into an alliance with him:--king Stanislaus is
sending him succours from Poland:--a powerful reinforcement is coming to
him from Lithuania; and when these armies are joined, as I believe they
already are, nothing can withstand them:--you will hear the Swedish
march beat from this prison walls,--and perhaps see your present
conquerors change places with you; and, to confirm the truth of what I
say, continued he, I can further assure you that the czar, before I left
the camp, was in the utmost confusion:--his council, as well as army,
were at a stand, and he had twice made overtures of peace, and
been refused.
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