4
i. e. setter dog.
5
Probably the public event was the Decabrist plot against the Tsar, of December 1825, in which the most distinguished men in Russia were concerned. – Translator's Note.
6
When a monk's body is carried out from the cell to the church and from the church to the graveyard, the canticle “What earthly joy…” is sung. If the deceased was a priest as well as a monk the canticle “Our Helper and Defender” is sung instead.
7
i. e. a chime of bells.
8
Literally: “Did you get off with a long nose made at you?” – a proverbial expression in Russia for failure.
9
Gogol is meant.