Polikey was a court man-one of the staff of servants belonging to the court household of a boyarinia (lady of nobility).He held a very insignificant position on the estate, and lived in a rather poor, small house with his wife and children.

Polikushka
by Leo Tolstoy

Nothing works in modern Britain

God's not working, according to Dawkins. Older women in the BBC are not working, or if they are they're complaining about being underpaid, at least compared to football pundits.

"The sea route to India is easily managed," declared Ahmad ibn Majid, "if one has ability, courage and science." He himself enjoyed all three.

Arabs And The Sea