[The folk come up and try to seize him.
Akím (motions them back with his arms). Wait! You lads, what d'ye call it, wait, I mean!
Nikíta. Akoulína, I poisoned him! Forgive me, in Christ's name!
Akoulína (jumps up). He's telling lies! I know who did it!
Matchmaker. What are you about? You sit still!
Akím. Oh Lord, what sins, what sins!
Police Officer. Seize him, and send for the Elder! We must draw up an indictment and have witnesses to it! Get up and come here!
Akím (to POLICE OFFICER). Now you—with the bright buttons—I mean, you wait! Let him, what d'ye call it, speak out, I mean!
Police Officer. Mind, old man, and don't interfere! I have to draw up an indictment!
Akím. Eh, what a fellow you are; wait, I say! Don't talk, I mean, about, what d'ye call it, 'ditements' Here God's work is being done.... A man is confessing, I mean! And you, what d'ye call it ... 'ditements!