Wagner's Parsifal in New York
"There, there, gentlemen," Mr. Adams told us. "You demand too much from America. A score of years ago something very interesting happened to me. You will find it interesting to hear this.
The first time Wagner's Parsifal was presented in New York I went, of course. I love Wagner very much. I took my place in the seventh row and prepared to listen.
Beside me sat a large red-haired gentleman. Five minutes after the beginning of the performance I noticed that the red-haired gentleman was asleep. That would not have been so terrible if in his sleep he had not leaned on my shoulder and emitted a quite unpleasant snore. I wakened him. But a minute later he was again asleep, all the time leaning his head on my shoulder, as if it were a pillow. Gentlemen, I am not a mean man, but I could not endure this. With all my strength I shoved my elbow into the red-haired gentleman's side.
He awakened and stared at me for a long time with an uncomprehending look. Then I saw suffering on his face. 'I beg your pardon, sir,' he said, but I am a very unhappy man. I came from San Francisco to New York for two days only, and I have many things to attend to. But in San Francisco I have a wife, who is a German. You know, sir, the Germans are crazy people; they are mad about music. My wife is no exception.
When I was leaving, she said, "James, give me your word that you will go to the first performance of Parsifal. What a treat to be at the first performance of Parsifal! Since I cannot go, at least you must go. You must do it for me. Give me your word of honour." I gave her my word, and we business people know how to keep our word. And so, I am here, sir!'
I advised him to go back to the hotel, since he had already kept his word and there was no danger that he would become a dishonest person, and he immediately ran away after warmly pressing my hand. You know, I liked that red-headed gentleman. You must not judge Americans too harshly. They are an honest people. They deserve the utmost respect."(И. Ильф, Е. Петров. Одноэтажная Америка)
В 8. Mr. Adams heard Wagner’s music in
New York
San Francisco
Paris
Washington
В 9. Mr. Adams was
1. glad to sit near the red-haired man
2. angry
3 annoyed
4. upset
B 10. Mr. Adams was
1. a disagreeable man
2. an ignoble man
3. a unpleasant man
4. a mean man
В 11. The red-haired man was there because he
1. wanted to see as many as possible
2. was fond of music
3. promised his wife to go to the first performance
4. wanted to sleep
В 12. Mr. Adams assured him
1. that he was an honest man
2. that he loved his wife
3. that he was a dishonest person
4. that his wife would believe him
В 13. Mr. Adams liked that red-headed gentleman because he
1. he was honest
2. he was polite
3. he was open-hearted
4. he was cunning
B 14. Americans are
1. a dishonest people
2. an upright people
3. a fair people
4. a true people
|
B 8 |
B 9 |
B 10 |
B 11 |
B 12 |
B 13 |
B 14 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|