In days of doubt, in days of painful meditations concerning the destinies of my fatherland, thou alone art my prop and my support, O great, mighty, just and free Russian language!—Were it not for thee, how could one fail to fall into despair at the sight of all that goes on at home?—But it is impossible to believe that such a language was not bestowed upon a great people!
June, 1882.
ENDNOTES:
[1] See endnote to "Old Portraits," in this volume.—TRANSLATOR.
[2] The Vigil-service (consisting of Vespers and Matins, or Compline and Matins) may be celebrated in unconsecrated buildings, and the devout not infrequently have it, as well as prayer-services, at home.—TRANSLATOR.
[3] Meaning the odour of the oil which must be used in preparing food, instead of butter, during the numerous fasts.—TRANSLATOR.
[4] The custom of thus dressing up as bears, clowns, and so forth, and visiting all the houses in the neighbourhood, is still kept up in rustic localities. St. Vasíly's (Basil's) day falls on January 1.—TRANSLATOR.
[5] An arshín is twenty-eight inches.—TRANSLATOR
[6] A park for popular resort in the suburbs of Moscow.—TRANSLATOR
[7] Incorrectly written for Poltáva.—TRANSLATOR