Английский язык с Марком Твеном. Принц и нищий / Mark Twain. The Prince and the Pauper

CHAPTER XXVII (Глава двадцать седьмая)

THE cells were all crowded (камеры были все переполнены); so the two friends were chained in a large room (так что двое друзей были прикованы в большой комнате) where persons charged with trifling offenses (где люди, обвиняемые в пустяковых нарушениях) were commonly kept (обычно содержались; to keep — держать, хранить). They had company (у них была компания), for there were some twenty manacled (так как было около двадцати закованных в наручники; manacle — наручники) or fettered prisoners here (или связанных заключенных здесь), of both sexes (обоих полов) and of varying ages (и разнообразных возрастов) — an obscene and noisy gang (непристойная и шумная толпа). The king chafed bitterly (король горячился горько) over the stupendous indignity (из-за колоссального оскорбления/унижения; stupendous — изумительный; громадный; огромной важности; dignity — достоинство) thus put upon his royalty (таким образом нанесенного его королевскому достоинству), but Hendon was moody and taciturn (но Хендон был угрюм и молчалив). He was pretty thoroughly bewildered (он был очень основательно озадачен). He had come home (он вернулся домой), a jubilant prodigal (ликующий блудный сын), expecting to find everybody wild with joy (ожидая найти всех дикими от радости) over his return (из-за его возвращения); and instead had got the cold shoulder (а вместо этого получил холодный прием: «плечо»; to get — получить) and a jail (и тюрьму). The promise and the fulfilment differed so widely (обещание и выполнение различались так широко = сильно), that the effect was stunning (что эффект был ошеломляющий); he could not decide (он не мог решить) whether it was (было ли это) most tragic or most grotesque (очень трагично или очень гротескно). He felt much as a man might (он чувствовал себя много = как раз как человек мог быть) who had danced blithely out (который выскочил ликующе наружу) to enjoy a rainbow (чтобы насладиться радугой), and got struck by lightning (и был сражен молнией; to strike — бить).

But gradually his confused and tormenting thoughts (но постепенно его спутанные и мучительные мысли) settled down into some sort of order (установились в некоторый порядок), and then his mind centered itself upon Edith (а затем его мысли сосредоточились на Эдит). He turned her conduct over (он переворачивал ее поведение = обдумывал со всех сторон), and examined it in all lights (и изучал его во всех освещениях), but he could not make anything satisfactory out of it (но он не мог сделать чего-либо удовлетворительного из этого = никакого вывода). Did she know him (узнала ли она его)? — or didn't she know him (или она не узнала его)? It was a perplexing puzzle (это была озадачивающая головоломка), and occupied him a long time (и занимала его долгое время); but he ended, finally, with the conviction (но он закончил, наконец, убеждением) that she did know him (что она все-таки узнала его: «сделала узнать»), and had repudiated him for interested reasons (и отреклась от него по корыстным причинам). He wanted to load her name with curses now (он хотел осыпать ее имя проклятиями теперь); but this name had so long been sacred to him (но это имя так долго было священным для него) that he found he could not (что он обнаружил, что не мог; to find — найти) bring his tongue to profane it (заставить свой язык осквернить его).

Wrapped in prison blankets (закутанные в тюремные одеяла) of a soiled and tattered condition (грязного и потрепанного состояния), Hendon and the king passed a troubled night (Хендон и король провели тревожную ночь). For a bribe the jailer had furnished liquor (за взятку тюремщик поставлял спиртные напитки) to some of the prisoners (некоторым из заключенных); singing of ribald songs (пение непристойных песен), fighting, shouting, and carousing (драки, крики и кутеж), was the natural consequence (было естественным следствием). At last (наконец), awhile after midnight (через некоторое время после полуночи), a man attacked a woman (один мужчина напал на женщину) and nearly killed her (и почти убил ее) by beating her over the head (избивая ее по голове) with his manacles (своими наручниками) before the jailer could come to the rescue (прежде чем тюремщик смог прийти на помощь). The jailer restored peace (тюремщик восстановил мир) by giving the man a sound clubbing (тем, что дал мужчине основательное избиение дубинкой = основательно поколотил) about the head and shoulders (по голове и плечам) — then the carousing ceased (тогда кутеж прекратился); and after that (а после этого), all had an opportunity to sleep (все получили возможность поспать) who did not mind the annoyance (кто не обращал внимания на раздражение = шум) of the moanings and groanings of the two wounded people (стонов и оханий двух раненых людей).

During the ensuing week (в течение последовавшей недели), the days and nights were of a monotonous sameness (дни и ночи были = отличались монотонной одинаковостью), as to events (что до событий); men whose faces Hendon remembered more or less distinctly (люди, чьи лица Хендон запомнил более или менее четко) came, by day, to gaze (поглазеть) at the 'impostor' (приходили днем поглазеть на «самозванца») and repudiate and insult him (и отречься /отказаться признать/ и оскорбить его); and by night the carousing and brawling went on (а ночью кутежи и скандалы продолжались; to go on — продолжаться: «идти дальше»), with symmetrical regularity (с симметричной = такой же регулярностью). However, there was a change of incident at last (однако, произошла перемена наконец). The jailer brought in an old man, and said to him (тюремщик привел внутрь старика и сказал ему; to bring — приносить, приводить):

'The villain is in this room (этот негодяй — в этой комнате) — cast thy old eyes about (взгляни вокруг; to cast — бросать; eyes — глаза) and see if thou canst say (и посмотри, можешь ли ты сказать) which is he (который он).'

thoroughly [`θArəlı], examine [ıg`zæmın], monotonous [mə`nOtənəs]

THE cells were all crowded; so the two friends were chained in a large room where persons charged with trifling offenses were commonly kept. They had company, for there were some twenty manacled or fettered prisoners here, of both sexes and of varying ages — an obscene and noisy gang. The king chafed bitterly over the stupendous indignity thus put upon his royalty, but Hendon was moody and taciturn. He was pretty thoroughly bewildered. He had come home, a jubilant prodigal, expecting to find everybody wild with joy over his return; and instead had got the cold shoulder and a jail. The promise and the fulfilment differed so widely, that the effect was stunning; he could not decide whether it was most tragic or most grotesque. He felt much as a man might who had danced blithely out to enjoy a rainbow, and got struck by lightning.

But gradually his confused and tormenting thoughts settled down into some sort of order, and then his mind centered itself upon Edith. He turned her conduct over, and examined it in all lights, but he could not make anything satisfactory out of it. Did she know him? — or didn't she know him? It was a perplexing puzzle, and occupied him a long time; but he ended, finally, with the conviction that she did know him, and had repudiated him for interested reasons. He wanted to load her name with curses now; but this name had so long been sacred to him that he found he could not bring his tongue to profane it.

Wrapped in prison blankets of a soiled and tattered condition, Hendon and the king passed a troubled night. For a bribe the jailer had furnished liquor to some of the prisoners; singing of ribald songs, fighting, shouting, and carousing, was the natural consequence. At last, awhile after midnight, a man attacked a woman and nearly killed her by beating her over the head with his manacles before the jailer could come to the rescue. The jailer restored peace by giving the man a sound clubbing about the head and shoulders — then the carousing ceased; and after that, all had an opportunity to sleep who did not mind the annoyance of the moanings and groanings of the two wounded people.

During the ensuing week, the days and nights were of a monotonous sameness, as to events; men whose faces Hendon remembered more or less distinctly came, by day, to gaze at the 'impostor' and repudiate and insult him; and by night the carousing and brawling went on, with symmetrical regularity. However, there was a change of incident at last. The jailer brought in an old man, and said to him:

'The villain is in this room — cast thy old eyes about and see if thou canst say which is he.'

Hendon glanced up (Хендон взглянул вверх = поднял глаза), and experienced a pleasant sensation (и испытал приятное ощущение) for the first time since he had been in the jail (в первый раз с тех пор как он был в тюрьме). He said to himself (он сказал себе), 'This is Blake Andrews (это Блейк Эндрюс), a servant all his life in my father's family (слуга всю свою жизнь в семье моего отца) — a good honest soul (добрая, честная душа), with a right heart in his breast (с прямым сердцем в груди). That is, formerly (то есть — раньше). But none are true now (но никто не верен сейчас); all are liars (все лгуны). This man will know me (этот человек узнает меня) — and will deny me, too (и оттолкнет меня тоже), like the rest (как остальные).'

The old man gazed around the room (старик оглядел комнату; to gaze — глядеть, глазеть; around — вокруг), glanced at each face in turn (взглянул на каждое лицо по очереди), and finally said (и наконец сказал):

'I see none here but paltry knaves (я не вижу никого здесь кроме презренных жуликов), scum o' the streets (отбросы улиц; o’ = of). Which is he (который он)?'

The jailer laughed (тюремщик рассмеялся).

'Here (вот),' he said (он сказал); 'scan this big animal (рассмотри хорошенько это большое животное; to scan — внимательно разглядывать), and grant me an opinion (и сообщи мне свое мнение; to grant — даровать).'

The old man approached (старик приблизился), and looked Hendon over (и оглядел Хендона с ног до головы; to look over — оглядеть), long and earnestly (долго и серьезно), then shook his head and said (затем покачал головой и сказал; to shake — трясти, качать):

'Marry, this is no Hendon (черт возьми, это не Хендон) — nor ever was (и никогда не был = им; nor — и не; ever — когда-либо)!'

'Right (точно)! Thy old eyes are sound yet (твои старые глаза здоровы еще). An I were Sir Hugh (если бы я был сэром Хью), I would take the shabby carle and (я бы взял этого потрепанного мужика и) —'

The jailer finished by lifting himself a-tiptoe (тюремщик закончил тем, что поднял себя на цыпочки) with an imaginary halter (с воображаемой веревкой), at the same time making a gurgling noise (в то же время издавая булькающий звук) in his throat (в горле = горлом) suggestive of suffocation (напоминающий удушение). The old man said, vindictively (старик сказал мстительно):

'Let him bless God (да благословит он Бога) an he fare no worse (если с ним будет не хуже; to fare — поживать). An I had the handling o' the villain (если бы у меня было управление этого негодяя = если бы мне попал в руки этот негодяй; o’ = of), he should roast (он бы изжарился), or I am no true man (или я не правдивый человек)!'

The jailer laughed a pleasant hyena laugh (тюремщик рассмеялся приятным смехом гиены), and said (и сказал):

'Give him a piece of thy mind (дай ему кусочек твоих мыслей = поболтай с ним), old man (старик) — they all do it (они все делают это). Thou'lt find it good diversion (ты найдешь это хорошим развлечением).'

Then he sauntered toward his anteroom (затем он побрел к своей приемной) and disappeared (и исчез). The old man dropped upon his knees (старик рухнул на колени) and whispered (и прошептал):

'God be thanked (Бог да будет возблагодарен = слава Богу), thou'rt come again (ты пришел снова = вернулся; ‘rt = art — устар. вместо are), my master (мой хозяин)! I believed thou wert dead these seven years (я думал, что ты был мертв эти семь лет; wert — устар. вместо were от to be — быть), and lo (а глянь), here thou art alive (здесь ты есть = вот ты живой)! I knew thee the moment I saw thee (я узнал тебя в ту секунду, когда я увидел тебя; to know — знать; to see — видеть); and main hard work it was to keep a stony countenance (и главный тяжелый труд был — сохранить каменное выражение лица) and seem to see none here (и казаться не видеть никого здесь = делать вид что, я не вижу никого здесь) but tuppenny knaves (кроме дрянных плутов) and rubbish o' the streets (и отбросы улиц; o’ = of). I am old and poor, Sir Miles (я стар и беден, сэр Майлс); but say the word (но скажи слово) and I will go forth (и я выйду: «пойду вперед») and proclaim the truth (и провозглашу правду) though I be strangled for it (хотя бы я был удавлен за это).'

'No (нет),' said Hendon (сказал Хендон), 'thou shalt not (ты не сделаешь /этого/). It would ruin thee (это бы погубило тебя), and yet help but little (и при этом помогло бы только мало) in my cause (в моем деле). But I thank thee (но я благодарю тебя); for thou hast given me back (ибо ты дал мне назад = вернул; to give — давать) somewhat of my lost faith in my kind (кое-что из = часть моей утраченной веры в мой род = человечество; to lose — терять).'

The old servant became very valuable to Hendon and the king (старый слуга стал очень ценным для Хендона и короля; to become — становиться); for he dropped in several times a day (так как он заходил несколько раз в день) to 'abuse' the former (чтобы «поглумиться» над первым = над Хендоном), and always smuggled in (и всегда протаскивал внутрь) a few delicacies (несколько лакомств) to help out the prison bill of fare (чтобы дополнить тюремное меню; bill of fare — меню: «список еды»); he also furnished the current news (он также поставлял текущие новости). Hendon reserved the dainties for the king (Хендон оставлял лакомства для короля); without them his majesty might not have survived (без них его величество мог бы не выжить; might — мог бы; to survive — выжить), for he was not able to eat the coarse and wretched food (ибо он не был способен есть грубую и дрянную пищу) provided by the jailer (предоставляемую тюремщиком). Andrews was obliged to confine himself to brief visits (Эндрюс был вынужден ограничить себя короткими визитами), in order to avoid suspicion (с тем чтобы избежать подозрения); but he managed to impart a fair degree of information each time (но он умудрялся передавать изрядное количество информации каждый раз) — information delivered in a low voice (информации, произносимой тихим голосом), for Hendon's benefit (для Хендона; benefit — выгода), and interlarded with insulting epithets (и пересыпанной оскорбительными эпитетами) delivered in a louder voice (произнесенными более громким голосом), for the benefit of other hearers (для других слушателей).

pleasant [`plezənt], suggestive [sə`Gestıv], valuable [`væljuəbl]

Hendon glanced up, and experienced a pleasant sensation for the first time since he had been in the jail. He said to himself, 'This is Blake Andrews, a servant all his life in my father's family — a good honest soul, with a right heart in his breast. That is, formerly. But none are true now; all are liars. This man will know me — and will deny me, too, like the rest.'

The old man gazed around the room, glanced at each face in turn, and finally said:

'I see none here but paltry knaves, scum o' the streets. Which is he?'

The jailer laughed.

'Here,' he said; 'scan this big animal, and grant me an opinion.'

The old man approached, and looked Hendon over, long and earnestly, then shook his head and said:

'Marry, this is no Hendon — nor ever was!'

'Right! Thy old eyes are sound yet. An I were Sir Hugh, I would take the shabby carle and —'

The jailer finished by lifting himself a-tiptoe with an imaginary halter, at the same time making a gurgling noise in his throat suggestive of suffocation. The old man said, vindictively:

'Let him bless God an he fare no worse. An I had the handling o' the villain, he should roast, or I am no true man!'

The jailer laughed a pleasant hyena laugh, and said:

'Give him a piece of thy mind, old man — they all do it. Thou'lt find it good diversion.'

Then he sauntered toward his anteroom and disappeared. The old man dropped upon his knees and whispered:

'God be thanked, thou'rt come again, my master! I believed thou wert dead these seven years, and lo, here thou art alive! I knew thee the moment I saw thee; and main hard work it was to keep a stony countenance and seem to see none here but tuppenny knaves and rubbish o' the streets. I am old and poor, Sir Miles; but say the word and I will go forth and proclaim the truth though I be strangled for it.'

'No,' said Hendon, 'thou shalt not. It would ruin thee, and yet help but little in my cause. But I thank thee; for thou hast given me back somewhat of my lost faith in my kind.'

The old servant became very valuable to Hendon and the king; for he dropped in several times a day to 'abuse' the former, and always smuggled in a few delicacies to help out the prison bill of fare; he also furnished the current news. Hendon reserved the dainties for the king; without them his majesty might not have survived, for he was not able to eat the coarse and wretched food provided by the jailer. Andrews was obliged to confine himself to brief visits, in order to avoid suspicion; but he managed to impart a fair degree of information each time — information delivered in a low voice, for Hendon's benefit, and interlarded with insulting epithets delivered in a louder voice, for the benefit of other hearers.

So, little by little (так, мало-помалу), the story of the family came out (история семьи вышла наружу = выяснилась; to come out — выходить). Arthur had been dead six years (Артур был мертв шесть лет). This loss (эта потеря), with the absence of news from Hendon (вместе с отсутствием новостей о Хендоне), impaired his father's health (повредило здоровье его отца); he believed he was going to die (он верил, что умрет; to be going to — собираться что-то делать), and he wished to see Hugh and Edith settled in life (и он желал увидеть Хью и Эдит устроенными в жизни) before he passed away (прежде чем он уйдет в мир иной: «прочь»); but Edith begged hard for delay (но Эдит просила очень отсрочки), hoping for Miles's return (надеясь на возвращение Майлса); then the letter came (затем письмо пришло; to come — приходить) which brought the news of Miles's death (которое принесло весть о смерти Майлса; to bring — приносить); the shock prostrated Sir Richard (потрясение сломило сэра Ричарда; to prostrate — повергать ниц; опрокидывать); he believed his end was very near (он верил, что его конец был очень близок), and he and Hugh insisted upon the marriage (и он и Хью настаивали на свадьбе); Edith begged for (Эдит попросила о) and obtained a month's respite (и получила месячную отсрочку); then another (потом другую), and finally a third (и, наконец, третью); the marriage then took place (брак затем состоялся: «взял место»; to take — брать), by the death-bed of Sir Richard (у смертного одра сэра Ричарда). It had not proved a happy one (он не оказался счастливым; one — один = брак). It was whispered about the country (шепталось по стране = ходили слухи) that shortly after the nuptials (что вскоре после венчания) the bride found among her husband's papers (невеста нашла среди бумаг ее мужа; to find — найти) several rough and incomplete drafts (несколько недоделанных и неполных черновиков) of the fatal letter (рокового письма), and had accused him of precipitating the marriage (и обвинила его в ускорении свадьбы) — and Sir Richard's death, too (и смерти сэра Ричарда тоже) — by a wicked forgery (злостным подлогом). Tales of cruelty (рассказы о жестокости) to the Lady Edith and the servants (по отношению к леди Эдит и слугам) were to be heard (были быть услышанными = можно было слышать; to hear — слышать) on all hands (во всех руках = со всех сторон); and since the father's death Sir Hugh had thrown off all soft disguises (а со смерти отца сэр Хью отбросил прочь всякое ласковое притворство; to throw — бросать; disguise — маска) and become a pitiless master toward all (и стал безжалостным хозяином по отношению ко всем; pity — жалость) who in any way depended upon him and his domains (кто каким-либо образом зависел от него и его владений) for bread (ради хлеба).

There was a bit of Andrews's gossip (был кусочек = часть сплетен Эндрюса) which the king listened to (которые король слушал; to listen to — слушать) with a lively interest (с живым интересом):

'There is rumor (есть слух) that the king is mad (что король помешан). But in charity (но ради всего святого) forbear to say (остерегайтесь говорить) I mentioned it (что я упомянул это), for 'tis death to speak of it (ибо это смерть — говорить об этом; ‘tis = it is — это есть), they say (говорят).'

His majesty glared at the old man and said (его величество посмотрел свирепо на старика и сказал):

'The king is not mad, good man (король не безумен, добрый человек) — and thou'lt find it to thy advantage to busy thyself with matters (и ты найдешь это к собственной выгоде — заняться делами) that nearer concern thee (которые ближе касаются тебя) than this seditious prattle (чем этого крамольного лепета).'

'What doth the lad mean (что этот мальчик имеет в виду; to mean — иметь в виду)?' said Andrews (сказал Эндрюс), surprised at this brisk assault (удивленный этим резким выпадом) from such an unexpected quarter (с такой неожиданной стороны). Hendon gave him a sign (Хендон подал ему знак; to give — давать), and he did not pursue his question (и он не продолжал своих расспросов), but went on with his budget (но продолжил со своим запасом = сведений; to go on — продолжать: «идти дальше»):

'The late king is to be buried (покойный король должен быть похоронен; to bury — хоронить) at Windsor in a day or two (в Виндзоре через день или два = день-другой) — the sixteenth of the month (шестнадцатого этого месяца) — and the new king will be crowned at Westminster the twentieth (и новый король будет коронован в Вестминстере двадцатого).'

'Methinks they must needs (мне думается, им, должно быть, надо) find him first (найти его сперва),' muttered his majesty (пробормотал его величество); then added, confidently (затем добавил с уверенностью), 'but they will look to that (но они приглядят за этим) — and so also shall I (и так же сделаю я).'

'In the name of (во имя) —'

But the old man got no further (но старик не добрался дальше = не сказал больше; to get — попасть, добраться) — a warning sign from Hendon checked his remark (предупредительный знак от Хендона остановил его замечание). He resumed the thread of his gossip (он возобновил нить своих сплетен).

'Sir Hugh goeth to the coronation (сэр Хью идет на коронацию) — and with grand hopes (и с великими надеждами). He confidently looketh to come back a peer (он уверенно смотрит к тому, чтобы = ожидает вернуться пэром), for he is high in favor (ибо он высоко в милости) with the Lord Protector (у лорда-протектора).'

'What Lord Protector (какого лорда-протектора)?' asked his majesty (спросил его величество).

'His grace the Duke of Somerset (его милость герцог Сомерсетский).'

'What Duke of Somerset (какой герцог Сомерсетский)?'

'Marry, there is but one (черт побери, есть только один) — Seymour, Earl of Hertford (Сеймур, граф Хартфорд).'

The king asked sharply (король спросил резко):

'Since when is he a duke, and Lord Protector (с каких пор он герцог и лорд-протектор)?'

'Since the last day of January (с последнего дня января).'

'And, prithee, who made him so (а, прошу, кто сделал его таковым)?'

'Himself and the Great Council (он сам и Великий совет) — with the help of the king (с помощью короля).'

His majesty started violently (его величество вздрогнул жестоко = сильно). 'The king (король)!' he cried (он вскричал). 'What king, good sir (какой король, добрый сэр)?'

'What king, indeed (какой король, в самом деле)! (God-a-mercy (Боже милостивый), what aileth the boy (что болит у этого мальчика)?) Sith we have but one (раз у нас есть только один), 'tis not difficult to answer (несложно ответить) — his most sacred majesty King Edward the Sixth (Его Святейшее Величество Король Эдуард Шестой) — whom God preserve (которого Бог да хранит)! Yea (да), and a dear and gracious little urchin is he, too (и славный и добрый мальчишка он к тому же); and whether he be mad or no (и сумасшедший он или нет) — and they say he mendeth daily (а говорят, что он поправляется ежедневно = с каждым днем) — his praises (его хвалы = хвалы ему) are on all men's lips (на устах у всех людей); and all bless him likewise (и все благословляют его также), and offer prayers (и возносят молитвы) that he may be spared (чтобы он мог быть пощажен = чтобы он здравствовал) to reign long in England (чтобы править долго в Англии); for he began humanely (ибо он начал человечно; to begin — начинать), with saving the old Duke of Norfolk's life (пощадив жизнь старого герцога Норфолка), and now is he bent on (а сейчас он склоняется к тому, чтобы; to bend — гнуться) destroying the cruelest of the laws (уничтожить жесточайшие из законов) that harry and oppress the people (которые обездоливают и притесняют народ).'

nuptials [`nApSəlz], pitiless [`pıtıləs], humanely [hju:`meınlı]

So, little by little, the story of the family came out. Arthur had been dead six years. This loss, with the absence of news from Hendon, impaired his father's health; he believed he was going to die, and he wished to see Hugh and Edith settled in life before he passed away; but Edith begged hard for delay, hoping for Miles's return; then the letter came which brought the news of Miles's death; the shock prostrated Sir Richard; he believed his end was very near, and he and Hugh insisted upon the marriage; Edith begged for and obtained a month's respite; then another, and finally a third; the marriage then took place, by the death-bed of Sir Richard. It had not proved a happy one. It was whispered about the country that shortly after the nuptials the bride found among her husband's papers several rough and incomplete drafts of the fatal letter, and had accused him of precipitating the marriage — and Sir Richard's death, too — by a wicked forgery. Tales of cruelty to the Lady Edith and the servants were to be heard on all hands; and since the father's death Sir Hugh had thrown off all soft disguises and become a pitiless master toward all who in any way depended upon him and his domains for bread.

There was a bit of Andrews's gossip which the king listened to with a lively interest:

'There is rumor that the king is mad. But in charity forbear to say I mentioned it, for 'tis death to speak of it, they say.'

His majesty glared at the old man and said:

'The king is not mad, good man — and thou'lt find it to thy advantage to busy thyself with matters that nearer concern thee than this seditious prattle.'

'What doth the lad mean?' said Andrews, surprised at this brisk assault from such an unexpected quarter. Hendon gave him a sign, and he did not pursue his question, but went on with his budget:

'The late king is to be buried at Windsor in a day or two — the sixteenth of the month — and the new king will be crowned at Westminster the twentieth.'

'Methinks they must needs find him first,' muttered his majesty; then added, confidently, 'but they will look to that — and so also shall I.'

'In the name of —'

But the old man got no further — a warning sign from Hendon checked his remark. He resumed the thread of his gossip.

'Sir Hugh goeth to the coronation — and with grand hopes. He confidently looketh to come back a peer, for he is high in favor with the Lord Protector.'

'What Lord Protector?' asked his majesty.

'His grace the Duke of Somerset.'

'What Duke of Somerset?'

'Marry, there is but one — Seymour, Earl of Hertford.'

The king asked sharply:

'Since when is he a duke, and Lord Protector?'

'Since the last day of January.'

'And, prithee, who made him so?'

'Himself and the Great Council — with the help of the king.'

His majesty started violently. 'The king!' he cried. 'What king, good sir?'

'What king, indeed! (God-a-mercy, what aileth the boy?) Sith we have but one, 'tis not difficult to answer — his most sacred majesty King Edward the Sixth — whom God preserve! Yea, and a dear and gracious little urchin is he, too; and whether he be mad or no — and they say he mendeth daily — his praises are on all men's lips; and all bless him likewise, and offer prayers that he may be spared to reign long in England; for he began humanely, with saving the old Duke of Norfolk's life, and now is he bent on destroying the cruelest of the laws that harry and oppress the people.'

This news struck his majesty dumb with amazement (эта новость ударила = сделала его величество немым от изумления; to strike — бить), and plunged him into so deep and dismal a reverie (и погрузила его в такую глубокую и мрачную задумчивость: «мечтательность») that he heard no more of the old man's gossip (что он не слышал больше сплетен старика; to hear — слышать). He wondered (он задумался) if the 'little urchin' was the beggar-boy (не был ли «маленький мальчишка» тем мальчиком-попрошайкой; if — ли; beggar — нищий) whom he left dressed in his own garments in the palace (мальчиком, которого он оставил одетым в его собственную одежду во дворце; to leave — оставлять, покидать). It did not seem possible (это не казалось возможным) that this could be (что это может быть), for surely his manners and speech (ибо, конечно, его манеры и речь) would betray him (выдали бы его) if he pretended (если бы он притворился) to be the Prince of Wales (быть принцем Уэльским) — then he would be driven out (тогда он был бы изгнан; to drive out — выгнать: «вытолкнуть наружу»), and search made (и поиск (был бы) совершен) for the true prince (истинного принца). Could it be (могло ли это быть) that the court had set up (что двор поставил; to set up — ставить) some sprig of the nobility (какого-нибудь юнца из дворян) in his place (на его место)? No, for his uncle would not allow that (нет, ведь его дядя не позволил бы этого) — he was all-powerful (он был всесильным) and could (и мог бы) and would crush such a movement (и подавил бы такое движение = развитие событий), of course (конечно). The boy's musings (размышления мальчика) profited him nothing (не дали ему ничего; to profit — приносить пользу); the more he tried to unriddle the mystery (чем больше он старался разрешить эту тайну; riddle — загадка) the more perplexed he became (тем более озадаченным он становился; to become — становиться), the more his head ached (тем больше его голова болела), and the worse he slept (и тем хуже он спал; to sleep — спать). His impatience to get to London (его нетерпение добраться до Лондона) grew hourly (росло с каждым часом; to grow — расти), and his captivity became almost unendurable (и его пленение стало почти непереносимым).

Hendon's arts (уловки Хендона) all failed with the king (все потерпели неудачу с королем) — he could not be comforted (он не мог быть успокоен), but a couple of women who were chained near him (но пара женщин, которые были прикованы близ него), succeeded better (преуспели лучше). Under their gentle ministrations (с их нежной заботой) he found peace (он нашел покой; to find — найти) and learned a degree of patience (и научился отчасти терпению; degree — степень). He was very grateful (он был очень благодарен), and came to love them dearly (и полюбил их нежно; to come to — прийти к) and to delight in the sweet and soothing influence of their presence (и радоваться приятному и смягчающему влиянию их присутствия). He asked them (он спросил их) why they were in prison (почему они были в тюрьме), and when they said they were Baptists (и когда они сказали, что они были баптистами), he smiled, and inquired (он улыбнулся и спросил):

'Is that a crime (такое ли это преступление) to be shut up for (чтобы быть заключенным за него) in a prison (в тюрьме)? Now I grieve (теперь я скорблю), for I shall lose ye (ибо я потеряю вас) — they will not keep ye long (они не продержат вас долго) for such a little thing (за такую незначительную вещь).'

They did not answer (они не ответили); and something in their faces made him uneasy (и что-то в их лицах сделало его тревожным = взволновало). He said, eagerly (он сказал, с чувством):

'You do not speak (вы не говорите) — be good to me (будьте добры ко мне), and tell me (и скажите мне) — there will be no other punishment (не будет другого наказания)? Prithee (пожалуйста), tell me there is no fear of that (скажите мне, что нет страха = опасности этого).'

They tried to change the topic (они попытались сменить тему), but his fears were aroused (но его страхи были пробуждены), and he pursued it (и он настаивал на этом):

'Will they scourge thee (они отхлещут тебя)? No, no, they would not be so cruel (нет, нет, они не будут так жестоки)! Say they would not (скажи, что они бы не /сделали этого/). Come, they will not (ну, они не сделают), will they (не правда ли: «сделают они»)?'

The women betrayed confusion and distress (женщины выдали смущение и горе), but there was no avoiding an answer (но не было избежания ответа = ответа было не избежать), so one of them said (так что одна из них сказала), in a voice choked with emotion (голосом, сдавленным волнением):

'Oh, thou'lt break our hearts (о, ты разобьешь наши сердца), thou gentle spirit (ты, нежная душа)! God will help us to bear our (Бог поможет нам вынести нашу) —'

'It is a confession (это признание)!' the king broke in (король прервал; to break in — прервать, ворваться). 'Then they will scourge thee (тогда они отхлещут тебя), the stony-hearted wretches (жестокосердные злодеи; stony — каменистый; heart — сердце)! But oh, thou must not weep (но о, ты не должна плакать), I cannot bear it (я не могу вынести этого). Keep up thy courage (собери свою храбрость) — I shall come to my own (я приду к моей собственности = верну себе свое положение) in time to save thee from this bitter thing (вовремя, чтобы спасти тебя от этой горестной вещи), and I will do it (и я сделаю это)!'

When the king awoke in the morning (когда король проснулся; to awake — просыпаться), the women were gone (женщины исчезли; to go — идти, уйти, исчезнуть).

'They are saved (они спасены)!' he said, joyfully (он сказал весело); then added, despondently (затем добавил уныло), 'but woe is me (но горе мне)! — for they were my comforters (ибо они были моими утешителями).'

reverie [`revərı], grieve [gri:v], arouse [ə`rauz]

This news struck his majesty dumb with amazement, and plunged him into so deep and dismal a reverie that he heard no more of the old man's gossip. He wondered if the 'little urchin' was the beggar-boy whom he left dressed in his own garments in the palace. It did not seem possible that this could be, for surely his manners and speech would betray him if he pretended to be the Prince of Wales — then he would be driven out, and search made for the true prince. Could it be that the court had set up some sprig of the nobility in his place? No, for his uncle would not allow that — he was all-powerful and could and would crush such a movement, of course. The boy's musings profited him nothing; the more he tried to unriddle the mystery the more perplexed he became, the more his head ached, and the worse he slept. His impatience to get to London grew hourly, and his captivity became almost unendurable.

Hendon's arts all failed with the king — he could not be comforted, but a couple of women who were chained near him, succeeded better. Under their gentle ministrations he found peace and learned a degree of patience. He was very grateful, and came to love them dearly and to delight in the sweet and soothing influence of their presence. He asked them why they were in prison, and when they said they were Baptists, he smiled, and inquired:

'Is that a crime to be shut up for in a prison? Now I grieve, for I shall lose ye — they will not keep ye long for such a little thing.'

They did not answer; and something in their faces made him uneasy. He said, eagerly:

'You do not speak — be good to me, and tell me — there will be no other punishment? Prithee, tell me there is no fear of that.'

They tried to change the topic, but his fears were aroused, and he pursued it:

'Will they scourge thee? No, no, they would not be so cruel! Say they would not. Come, they will not, will they?'

The women betrayed confusion and distress, but there was no avoiding an answer, so one of them said, in a voice choked with emotion:

'Oh, thou'lt break our hearts, thou gentle spirit! God will help us to bear our —'

'It is a confession!' the king broke in. 'Then they will scourge thee, the stony-hearted wretches! But oh, thou must not weep, I cannot bear it. Keep up thy courage — I shall come to my own in time to save thee from this bitter thing, and I will do it!'

When the king awoke in the morning, the women were gone.

'They are saved!' he said, joyfully; then added, despondently, 'but woe is me! — for they were my comforters.'

Each of them had left a shred of ribbon (каждая из них оставила лоскут ленты) pinned to his clothing (приколотый к его одежде), in token of remembrance (в знак памяти). He said he would keep these things always (он сказал, что будет хранить эти вещи всегда); and that soon he would seek out (и что скоро он разыщет) these dear good friends of his (этих милых добрых подруг его) and take them under his protection (и возьмет их под свою защиту).

Just then the jailer came in (как раз тогда тюремщик вошел внутрь; to come in — войти внутрь) with some subordinates (с несколькими подчиненными) and commanded that the prisoners be conducted (и приказал, чтобы заключенные были препровождены) to the jail-yard (в тюремный двор). The king was overjoyed (король был очень обрадован) — it would be a blessed thing (это была бы благословенная вещь) to see the blue sky (увидеть голубое небо) and breathe the fresh air (и подышать свежим воздухом) once more (снова). He fretted and chafed at the slowness (он беспокоился и раздражался на медлительность) of the officers (офицеров), but his turn came at last (но его очередь подошла наконец) and he was released from his staple and ordered (и он был освобожден из своей скобы = своих оков и получил приказ; to order — приказывать) to follow the other prisoners (последовать за другими заключенными), with Hendon (с Хендоном).

The court, or quadrangle (площадка, или четырехугольный двор), was stone-paved (был вымощен камнем; to pave — мостить), and open to the sky (и открыт небу). The prisoners entered it (заключенные вошли в него) through a massive archway of masonry (через большую арку каменной кладки), and were placed in file (и были поставлены в шеренгу), standing, with their backs against the wall (стоящие, с их спинами против стены = у стены). A rope was stretched (веревка была протянута) in front of them (перед ними), and they were also guarded by their officers (и они также охранялись своими офицерами). It was a chill and lowering morning (это было морозное и хмурое утро), and a light snow (и светлый снег) which had fallen during the night (который нападал в течение ночи; to fall — падать) whitened the great empty space (выбелил гигантское пустое пространство) and added to the general dismalness (и прибавил к общей мрачности; dismal — мрачный; гнетущий, тягостный; зловещий) of its aspect (его вида). Now and then (порой: «сейчас и тогда») a wintry wind shivered through the place (ледяной ветер дрожал = проносился по этому месту) and sent the snow eddying (и закручивал снег маленькими вихрями; to send — посылать; to eddy — завихряться) hither and thither (сюда и туда).

In the center of the court stood two women (в центре двора стояли две женщины; to stand — стоять), chained to posts (прикованные к столбам). A glance showed the king (один взгляд показал королю) that these were his good friends (что эти = это были его добрые подруги). He shuddered (он вздрогнул), and said to himself (и сказал себе), 'Alack (увы), they are not gone free (они не ушли свободными; to go — идти, уйти), as I had thought (как я полагал; to think — думать). To think that such as these (подумать, что такие, как они) should know the lash (должны познать порку; lash — бич; the lash — порка)! — in England (в Англии)! Ay, there's the shame of it (да, вот позор этого) — not in Heathenesse (не в языческом мире; устар. вместо совр. heathendom — язычество; heathen — языческий), but Christian England (но в христианской Англии)! They will be scourged (они будут избиты плетьми); and I, whom they have comforted (а я, кого они утешали) and kindly entreated (и ласково увещевали), must look on (должен смотреть дальше) and see the great wrong done (и видеть великую несправедливость сделанной; to do — делать); it is strange, so strange (это странно, так странно)! that I, the very source of power (что я, самый источник власти) in this broad realm (в этом обширном королевстве), am helpless to protect them (беспомощен = не могу защитить их). But let these miscreants (но пусть эти подлецы) look well to themselves (позаботятся о себе; to look to — заботиться: «смотреть к»), for there is a day coming (ибо тот день приходит) when I will require of them (когда я потребую от них) a heavy reckoning for this work (тяжелой расплаты за это дело). For every blow (за каждый удар) they strike now (который они нанесут сейчас; to strike — бить) they shall feel a hundred then (они испытают сотню тогда).'

A great gate swung open (большие ворота отворились; to swing open — распахнуться: «качаться открытыми») and a crowd of citizens (и толпа горожан) poured in (хлынула внутрь; to pour — лить). They flocked around the two women (они столпились вокруг этих двух женщин), and hid them from the king's view (и скрыли их от глаз: «из вида» короля; to hide — прятать). A clergyman entered (священник вошел) and passed through the crowd (и прошел сквозь толпу), and he also was hidden (и он также был скрыт; to hide — прятать). The king now heard talking (король теперь услышал разговор; to hear — слышать), back and forth (взад-вперед), as if questions were being asked and answered (как если бы вопросы были задаваемы и отвечаемы), but he could not make out (но он не мог разобрать; to make out — понять: «сделать наружу») what was said (что было сказано). Next there was a deal of bustle and preparation (затем было много суеты и приготовлений; deal — некоторое количество), and much passing and repassing (и много прохождения и обратного хождения = туда-сюда) of officials (чиновников) through that part of the crowd (через ту часть толпы) that stood (которая стояла; to stand — стоять) on the further side (спереди: «на передней стороне») of the women (от женщин); and while this proceeded (и пока это происходило) a deep hush (глубокое молчание) gradually fell upon the people (постепенно упало на = охватило людей; to fall — падать).

subordinate [sə`bO:dənət], thither [`ðıðə], heathen [`hi:ðən]

Each of them had left a shred of ribbon pinned to his clothing, in token of remembrance. He said he would keep these things always; and that soon he would seek out these dear good friends of his and take them under his protection.

Just then the jailer came in with some subordinates and commanded that the prisoners be conducted to the jail-yard. The king was overjoyed — it would be a blessed thing to see the blue sky and breathe the fresh air once more. He fretted and chafed at the slowness of the officers, but his turn came at last and he was released from his staple and ordered to follow the other prisoners, with Hendon.

The court, or quadrangle, was stone-paved, and open to the sky. The prisoners entered it through a massive archway of masonry, and were placed in file, standing, with their backs against the wall. A rope was stretched in front of them, and they were also guarded by their officers. It was a chill and lowering morning, and a light snow which had fallen during the night whitened the great empty space and added to the general dismalness of its aspect. Now and then a wintry wind shivered through the place and sent the snow eddying hither and thither.

In the center of the court stood two women, chained to posts. A glance showed the king that these were his good friends. He shuddered, and said to himself, 'Alack, they are not gone free, as I had thought. To think that such as these should know the lash! — in England! Ay, there's the shame of it — not in Heathenesse, but Christian England! They will be scourged; and I, whom they have comforted and kindly entreated, must look on and see the great wrong done; it is strange, so strange! that I, the very source of power in this broad realm, am helpless to protect them. But let these miscreants look well to themselves, for there is a day coming when I will require of them a heavy reckoning for this work. For every blow they strike now they shall feel a hundred then.'

A great gate swung open and a crowd of citizens poured in. They flocked around the two women, and hid them from the king's view. A clergyman entered and passed through the crowd, and he also was hidden. The king now heard talking, back and forth, as if questions were being asked and answered, but he could not make out what was said. Next there was a deal of bustle and preparation, and much passing and repassing of officials through that part of the crowd that stood on the further side of the women; and while this proceeded a deep hush gradually fell upon the people.

Now, by command (теперь, по команде), the masses parted and fell aside (толпы разошлись и распались по сторонам; to part — делиться; to fall — падать), and the king saw a spectacle (и король увидел зрелище; to see — видеть) that froze the marrow in his bones (которое заморозило костный мозг в его костях; to freeze — заморозить). Fagots had been piled (вязанки хвороста были сложены) about the two women (вокруг двух женщин), and a kneeling man (и стоящий на коленях человек) was lighting them (поджигал их)!

The women bowed their heads (женщины склонили свои головы), and covered their faces with their hands (и закрыли лица руками); the yellow flames (желтые языки пламени) began to climb upward (начали подниматься кверху; to begin — начинать) among the snapping and crackling fagots (среди потрескивающего и щелкающего хвороста), and wreaths of blue smoke (а кольца голубого дыма) to stream away (струиться прочь) on the wind (по ветру); the clergyman lifted his hands (священник поднял руки) and began a prayer (и начал молитву; to begin — начинать) — just then (прямо тогда) two young girls (две маленькие девочки) came flying (вбежали: «пришли бегом»; to fly — летать) through the great gate (сквозь огромные ворота), uttering piercing screams (издавая пронзительные крики), and threw themselves (и бросились; to throw — бросать) upon the women at the stake (к женщинам у столба). Instantly they were torn away by the officers (немедленно они были оторваны офицерами = их оттащили; to tear — рвать; away — прочь), and one of them was kept in a tight grip (и одна из них была удержана в мертвой хватке; to keep — держать, хранить), but the other broke loose (но другая вырвалась; to break loose — вырваться; to break — рвать, ломать; loose — свободный, не связанный), saying she would die (говоря, что она хочет умереть) with her mother (со своей матерью); and before she could be stopped (и прежде чем она могла быть остановлена) she had flung her arms (она обвила руками; to fling — кидать) about her mother's neck again (вокруг шеи ее матери снова). She was torn away once more (ее оттащили снова; to tear away — отрывать), and with her gown on fire (и с ее платьем горящим: «на огне»).

Two or three men held her (два или три человека держали ее; to hold — держать), and the burning portion of her gown (и горящая часть ее платья) was snatched off (была оторвана прочь) and thrown flaming aside (и брошена, пылающая, в сторону), she struggling (она борющаяся = пока она боролась) all the while (все это время) to free herself (чтобы освободиться), and saying (и говорящая = говорила) she would be alone in the world now (что она будет одинока в целом мире теперь), and begging (и умоляя = умоляла) to be allowed (чтобы ей позволили: «быть допущенной») to die with her mother (умереть с ее матерью). Both the girls screamed continually (обе девочки кричали непрерывно), and fought for freedom (и боролись за свободу; to fight — сражаться); but suddenly this tumult was drowned (но внезапно эта суматоха была потоплена) under a volley of heart-piercing shrieks (под потоком душераздирающих криков; heart — сердце; to pierce — пронзать) of mortal agony (предсмертной агонии). The king glanced (король взглянул = перевел взгляд) from the frantic girls to the stake (от обезумевших девочек к столбу), then turned away (затем отвернулся прочь) and leaned his ashen face (и прислонил свое пепельное = бледное лицо) against the wall (к стене; against — против), and looked no more (и больше не смотрел). He said (он сказал), 'That which I have seen (то, что я увидел), in that one little moment (в этот маленький момент), will never go out from my memory (никогда не исчезнет: «не выйдет наружу» из моей памяти), but will abide there (но пребудет там); and I shall see it all the days (и я буду видеть это все дни), and dream of it all the nights (и видеть это во сне все ночи), till I die (пока я не умру). Would God I had been blind (пожелал бы Бог, чтобы = лучше бы я был слепым)!'

Hendon was watching the king (Хендон наблюдал за королем). He said to himself (он сказал себе), with satisfaction (с удовлетворением), 'His disorder mendeth (его умственное расстройство проходит; to mend — чинить, поправиться); he hath changed (он изменился), and groweth gentler (и становится мягче; to grow — расти; становиться). If he had followed his wont (если бы он следовал своему обыкновению), he would have stormed (он бы бушевал = наорал) at these varlets (на этих негодяев), and said he was king (и сказал бы, что он король), and commanded (и приказал бы) that the women be turned loose unscathed (чтобы женщины были отпущены невредимыми). Soon his delusion will pass away (скоро его мания пройдет прочь; delusion — заблуждение, иллюзия, ложное представление) and be forgotten (и будет забыта), and his poor mind (и его бедный разум) will be whole again (будет целым = здоровым снова). God speed the day (Бог да ускорит = приблизит этот день)!'

That same day (в тот же самый день) several prisoners were brought in (несколько заключенных были привезены; to bring — приносить, привозить) to remain overnight (чтобы остаться на ночь), who were being conveyed (которых конвоировали), under guard (под стражей), to various places in the kingdom (в различные места в королевстве), to undergo punishment (чтобы подвергнуться наказанию) for crimes committed (за преступления совершенные). The king conversed with these (король поговорил с этими = с ними) — he had made it a point (он сделал это смыслом = он нарочно), from the beginning (с самого начала), to instruct himself (просвещать = просвещал себя) for the kingly office (для королевской должности) by questioning prisoners (расспрашивая узников) whenever the opportunity offered (когда ни представится возможность; to offer — предлагать) — and the tale of their woes (и рассказ об их бедах) wrung his heart (терзал его сердце; to wring — крутить, скручивать, выламывать; терзать). One of them (одна из них) was a poor half-witted woman (была бедная полоумная женщина) who had stolen a yard or two of cloth (которая украла ярд или два = ярд-другой ткани) from a weaver (у ткача) — she was to be hanged for it (она /должна/ была быть повешена за это; to hang — вешать). Another was a man (другой был человек) who had been accused (который был обвинен) of stealing a horse (в краже лошади; to steal — красть); he said the proof had failed (он сказал, что свидетельские показания провалились = не подтвердились), and he had imagined (и он вообразил) that he was safe from the halter (что он был в безопасности от веревки; safe — находящийся в безопасности); but no (но нет) — he was hardly free (он был едва свободен) before he was arraigned (прежде чем он был привлечен к суду; to arraign — привлекать к суду) for killing a deer (за убийство оленя) in the king's park (в королевском парке); this was proved (это было доказано; to prove — доказывать) against him (против него), and now he was on his way (и теперь он был на пути) to the gallows (на виселицу). There was a tradesman's apprentice (там был подмастерье ремесленника) whose case particularly distressed the king (чье дело особенно огорчило короля); this youth said (этот юнрша сказал) he found a hawk one evening (что он нашел ястреба одним вечером; to find — найти) that had escaped from its owner (который убежал от своего владельца), and he took it home with him (и он взял его домой с собой; to take — брать), imagining himself entitled to it (воображая себя имеющим на это право; to entitle — давать право); but the court convicted him (но суд признал его виновным) of stealing it (в краже его), and sentenced him to death (и приговорил его к смерти).

fought [fO:t], tumult [`tju:mAlt], arraign [ə`reın]

Now, by command, the masses parted and fell aside, and the king saw a spectacle that froze the marrow in his bones. Fagots had been piled about the two women, and a kneeling man was lighting them!

The women bowed their heads, and covered their faces with their hands; the yellow flames began to climb upward among the snapping and crackling fagots, and wreaths of blue smoke to stream away on the wind; the clergyman lifted his hands and began a prayer — just then two young girls came flying through the great gate, uttering piercing screams, and threw themselves upon the women at the stake. Instantly they were torn away by the officers, and one of them was kept in a tight grip, but the other broke loose, saying she would die with her mother; and before she could be stopped she had flung her arms about her mother's neck again. She was torn away once more, and with her gown on fire.

Two or three men held her, and the burning portion of her gown was snatched off and thrown flaming aside, she struggling all the while to free herself, and saying she would be alone in the world now, and begging to be allowed to die with her mother. Both the girls screamed continually, and fought for freedom; but suddenly this tumult was drowned under a volley of heart-piercing shrieks of mortal agony. The king glanced from the frantic girls to the stake, then turned away and leaned his ashen face against the wall, and looked no more. He said, 'That which I have seen, in that one little moment, will never go out from my memory, but will abide there; and I shall see it all the days, and dream of it all the nights, till I die. Would God I had been blind!'

Hendon was watching the king. He said to himself, with satisfaction, 'His disorder mendeth; he hath changed, and groweth gentler. If he had followed his wont, he would have stormed at these varlets, and said he was king, and commanded that the women be turned loose unscathed. Soon his delusion will pass away and be forgotten, and his poor mind will be whole again. God speed the day!'

That same day several prisoners were brought in to remain overnight, who were being conveyed, under guard, to various places in the kingdom, to undergo punishment for crimes committed. The king conversed with these — he had made it a point, from the beginning, to instruct himself for the kingly office by questioning prisoners whenever the opportunity offered — and the tale of their woes wrung his heart. One of them was a poor half-witted woman who had stolen a yard or two of cloth from a weaver — she was to be hanged for it. Another was a man who had been accused of stealing a horse; he said the proof had failed, and he had imagined that he was safe from the halter; but no — he was hardly free before he was arraigned for killing a deer in the king's park; this was proved against him, and now he was on his way to the gallows. There was a tradesman's apprentice whose case particularly distressed the king; this youth said he found a hawk one evening that had escaped from its owner, and he took it home with him, imagining himself entitled to it; but the court convicted him of stealing it, and sentenced him to death.

The king was furious (король был яростен = в ярости) over these inhumanities (из-за этих проявлений бесчеловечности), and wanted Hendon to break jail (и хотел, чтобы Хендон «сломал тюрьму» = устроил побег) and fly with him to Westminster (и полетел = устремился с ним в Вестминстер), so that he could mount his throne (чтобы он смог воссесть на свой трон) and hold out his scepter (и протянуть свой скипетр; to hold out — протянуть: «держать наружу») in mercy over these unfortunate people (в милости к этим несчастным людям) and save their lives (и спасти их жизни). 'Poor child (бедное дитя),' sighed Hendon (вздыхал Хендон), 'these woeful tales (эти горестные рассказы) have brought his malady upon him again (принесли его болезнь на него снова; to bring — приносить) — alack (увы), but for this evil hap (если бы не эта злая судьба), he would have been well (он был бы здоров) in a little time (в малое время).'

Among these prisoners was an old lawyer (среди этих узников был старый адвокат) — a man with a strong face (человек с решительным лицом) and a dauntless mien (и неустрашимым выражением лица). Three years past (три года прошедшие = назад), he had written a pamphlet (он написал памфлет; to write — писать) against the Lord Chancellor (против лорда-канцлера), accusing him of injustice (обвиняя его в несправедливости), and had been punished for it (и был наказан за это) by the loss of his ears (потерей своих ушей) in the pillory (у позорного столба) and degradation from the bar (и исключением из адвокатского сословия), and in addition (и вдобавок) had been fined L3,000 (был оштрафован на 3000 фунтов) and sentenced to imprisonment for life (и приговорен к заключению на жизнь = пожизненному). Lately he had repeated his offense (недавно он повторил свое нарушение); and in consequence (и следовательно) was now under sentence (/должен/ был по приговору) to lose what remained of his ears (потерять, что оставалось от его ушей), pay a fine of L5,000 (заплатить штраф в 5000 фунтов), be branded on both cheeks (быть заклейменным на обеих щеках), and remain in prison for life (и остаться в тюрьме на /всю/ жизнь).

'These be honorable scars (это почетные рубцы),' he said (он сказал), and turned back his gray hair (и повернул = отвел назад свои седые волосы) and showed the mutilated stubs (и показал изуродованные обрубки) of what (того, что) had once been his ears (когда-то было его ушами; once — когда-то).

The king's eye burned with passion (глаза короля загорелись от гнева). He said (он сказал):

'None believe in me (никто не верит в меня) — neither wilt thou (не поверишь и ты; neither — и не). But no matter (но неважно: «никакого значения») — within the compass of a month (в пределах месяца) thou shalt be free (ты будешь свободен); and more (и более того), the laws that have dishonored thee (законы, которые обесчестили тебя), and shamed the English name (и опозорили английское имя = имя Англии), shall be swept from the statute-books (будут вымараны из свода законов; to sweep — мести, уничтожать; statute — закон). The world is made wrong (мир создан неправильным), kings should go to school to their own laws (короли должны идти в школу к своим собственным законам = изучать их) at times (временами), and so learn mercy (и так научиться милосердию).'

lawyer [`lOıə], mien [mi:n], dishonor [dı`sOnə]

The king was furious over these inhumanities, and wanted Hendon to break jail and fly with him to Westminster, so that he could mount his throne and hold out his scepter in mercy over these unfortunate people and save their lives. 'Poor child,' sighed Hendon, 'these woeful tales have brought his malady upon him again — alack, but for this evil hap, he would have been well in a little time.'

Among these prisoners was an old lawyer — a man with a strong face and a dauntless mien. Three years past, he had written a pamphlet against the Lord Chancellor, accusing him of injustice, and had been punished for it by the loss of his ears in the pillory and degradation from the bar, and in addition had been fined L3,000 and sentenced to imprisonment for life. Lately he had repeated his offense; and in consequence was now under sentence to lose what remained of his ears, pay a fine of L5,000, be branded on both cheeks, and remain in prison for life.

'These be honorable scars,' he said, and turned back his gray hair and showed the mutilated stubs of what had once been his ears.

The king's eye burned with passion. He said:

'None believe in me — neither wilt thou. But no matter — within the compass of a month thou shalt be free; and more, the laws that have dishonored thee, and shamed the English name, shall be swept from the statute-books. The world is made wrong, kings should go to school to their own laws at times, and so learn mercy.