Anton Pavlovich Chekhov. Ward No. 6 (№ 302587)

Nikita clean up after him, beats him terribly with all his might, not sparing his fists; and scared it's not that he's beaten up - you get used to it, and that it stupefied the animal does not respond to the beatings nor sound nor movement, nor with his eyes, but only sways slightly as a heavy barrel.