Platonov: 2 questions about 'The Locks of Epifan'

[Robert Chandler]

Dear all,

1.
In the first section of 'Epifanskie Shlyuzy', which is set in 1709, Bertrand Perry's brother writes to him in a letter:
Четыре года в дикарях живу, и сердце ссохлось, и разум тухнет.
Is в дикарях "among savages" or "as a savage"?
For four years I have lived as a savage, and my heart has withered and my intelligence dims.

2. Bertrand has arrived in Petersburg, where it is very cold.
  Завернувшись в одеяло, укрывшись сверху морской шинелью из чертового вечного сукна, Бертран дремал,
The combination of  чертового and вечного is striking.  At present the best we have come up with this is this very dull translation:
Wrapped in a blanket over which he had thrown a naval greatcoat made from the toughest, most hard-wearing of cloths, Bertrand dozed,

Obviously, there are possibilities along the lines of "the most devilish tough cloth", but everything I can think of seems a bit silly and jokey.

All the best,

Robert

Robert Chandler, 42 Milson Road, London, W14 OLD

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