[24] The genuine Russian form of saying, "I forgive you."
[25] It would be difficult to devise an outfit more comically unsuited
to the whole style and bearing of the squint-eyed, left-handed Tula
gunsmith. The kaftan of a Court singer (member of the Imperial Choir)
is made of cloth, the hue of an American Beauty rose, elaborately
trimmed with broad gold galloon. All Choristers' kaftans in Russia have
simulated angel-wings on the shoulders and back, as (in the language of
the Cherubimic Hymn in the Liturgy) they represent the Cherubim. The
leather belt is the crowning touch of absurdity.