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!
POLICE OFFICER. The Elder!
AKÍM. Let God's work be done, I mean, and then you, I mean, you do your business!
NIKÍTA. And, Akoulína, my sin is great towards you; I seduced you; forgive me in Christ's name! [Bows to the ground before her].
AKOULÍNA [leaves the table] Let me go! I shan't be married! He told me to, but I shan't now!