Intervene [Intq`vJn]

Presently he came in sight of the cross, and was aware of a most fierce encounter raging on the road before it. There were seven or eight assailants, and but one to keep head against them; but so active and dexterous was this one, so desperately did he charge and scatter his opponents, so deftly keep his footing on the ice, that already, before Dick could intervene, he had slain one, wounded another, and kept the whole in check.

Still, it was by a miracle that he continued his defence (и все же он /лишь/ чудом продолжал свою защиту = обороняться), and at any moment, any accident (и в любой момент, любая случайность), the least slip of foot or error of hand (малейшее скольжение ноги или ошибка руки = если он поскользнется или промахнется), his life would be a forfeit (и его жизнь будет погублена; forfeit — расплата /за проступок и т. п./).

"Hold ye well, sir (держитесь, сэр)! Here is help!" cried Richard (вот помощь = я иду вам на помощь! — крикнул Ричард); and forgetting that he was alone (и забыв, что он один), and that the cry was somewhat irregular (и что такой крик был несколько неуместен; irregular — неправильный, не отвечающий нормам: «нерегулярный»), "To the Arrow! to the Arrow!" he shouted (за /Черную/ Стрелу! — прокричал он), as he fell upon the rear of the assailants (обрушившись на тыл нападавших; to fall — падать).

Irregular [I`regjqlq]

Still, it was by a miracle that he continued his defence, and at any moment, any accident, the least slip of foot or error of hand, his life would be a forfeit.

"Hold ye well, sir! Here is help!" cried Richard; and forgetting that he was alone, and that the cry was somewhat irregular, "To the Arrow! to the Arrow!" he shouted, as he fell upon the rear of the assailants.

These were stout fellows also (они тоже были дюжими парнями), for they gave not an inch at this surprise (ибо они не сдвинулись ни на дюйм от этой неожиданности), but faced about (но развернулись), and fell with astonishing fury upon Dick (и обрушились с поразительной яростью на Дика). Four against one (четверо против одного), the steel flashed about him in the starlight (сталь сверкала вокруг него в свете звезд); the sparks flew fiercely (вовсю: «яростно» летели искры; to fly — лететь); one of the men opposed to him fell (один из людей, противостоявших ему, упал) — in the stir of the fight he hardly knew why (в суматохе драки он едва понял, почему); then he himself was struck across the head (затем его самого ударили по голове; to strike — бить), and though the steel cap below his hood protected him (и хотя стальная шапочка под капюшоном защитила его), the blow beat him down upon one knee (этот удар заставил его опуститься на одно колено: «сбил вниз»; to beat — бить), with a brain whirling like a windmill sail (с мозгом, закружившимся, как лопасть ветряной мельницы).

These were stout fellows also, for they gave not an inch at this surprise, but faced about, and fell with astonishing fury upon Dick. Four against one, the steel flashed about him in the starlight; the sparks flew fiercely; one of the men opposed to him fell — in the stir of the fight he hardly knew why; then he himself was struck across the head, and though the steel cap below his hood protected him, the blow beat him down upon one knee, with a brain whirling like a windmill sail.

Meanwhile the man whom he had come to rescue (тем временем человек, которому он пришел на помощь), instead of joining in the conflict (вместо того чтобы вступить в драку = помочь Дику), had, on the first sign of intervention (при первом признаке вмешательства), leaped aback and blown again (прыгнул назад и дунул снова; to blow — дуть), and yet more urgently and loudly (еще более настойчиво и громко; urgent — срочный, неотложный, необходимый; настойчивый, добивающийся), on that same shrill-voiced trumpet (в ту же трубу с пронзительным звуком) that began the alarm (которая начала тревогу). Next moment, indeed, his foes were on him (в следующее мгновение его враги /набросились/ на него), and he was once more charging and fleeing (и он снова стал атаковать и убегать), leaping, stabbing (бегать, делать выпады), dropping to his knee (припадать на колено), and using indifferently sword and dagger (и использовать с одинаковым успехом меч и кинжал; indifferently — безразлично; одинаково), foot and hand (ногу и руку), with the same unshaken courage (с той же непоколебимой смелостью; to shake — трясти; поколебать) and feverish energy and speed (и горячечной энергией и скоростью; fever — лихорадка).

rescue [`reskjH], urgent [`WGqnt], feverish [`fJv(q)rIS], energy [`enqGI]

Meanwhile the man whom he had come to rescue, instead of joining in the conflict, had, on the first sign of intervention, leaped aback and blown again, and yet more urgently and loudly, on that same shrill-voiced trumpet that began the alarm. Next moment, indeed, his foes were on him, and he was once more charging and fleeing, leaping, stabbing, dropping to his knee, and using indifferently sword and dagger, foot and hand, with the same unshaken courage and feverish energy and speed.

But that ear-piercing summons had been heard at last (но этот пронзающий уши призыв был наконец услышан). There was a muffled rushing in the snow (раздался приглушенный топот по снегу; to rush — быстро нестись); and in a good hour for Dick (и в добрый час для Дика = как раз вовремя), who saw the sword-points glitter already at his throat (который видел, как острия мечей поблескивают уже у его горла), there poured forth out of the wood upon both sides a disorderly torrent of mounted men-at-arms (с двух сторон из леса вылился беспорядочный поток конных воинов), each cased in iron (каждый /был/ закован в железо), and with visor lowered (и с опущенным забралом), each bearing his lance in rest (каждый с копьем наперевес), or his sword bared and raised (или с мечом, обнаженным и поднятым /вверх/), and each carrying, so to speak, a passenger (и каждый нес, так сказать, пассажира), in the shape of an archer or page (в форме стрелка или пажа), who leaped one after another from their perches (которые спрыгивали один за другим со своих коней: «насестов»), and had presently doubled the array (и вскоре удвоили войско).

disorderly [dI`sLdqlI], iron [aIqn], passenger [`pxsInGq]

But that ear-piercing summons had been heard at last. There was a muffled rushing in the snow; and in a good hour for Dick, who saw the sword-points glitter already at his throat, there poured forth out of the wood upon both sides a disorderly torrent of mounted men-at-arms, each cased in iron, and with visor lowered, each bearing his lance in rest, or his sword bared and raised, and each carrying, so to speak, a passenger, in the shape of an archer or page, who leaped one after another from their perches, and had presently doubled the array.

The original assailants, seeing themselves outnumbered and surrounded (первоначальные нападающие, видя себя превзойденными в количестве и окруженными), threw down their arms without a word (бросили оружие без единого слова).

"Seize me these fellows!" said the hero of the trumpet (схватите этих ребят! — сказал храбрец с трубой: «богатырь, герой»); and when his order had been obeyed (и когда его приказ был исполнен; to obey — подчиняться), he drew near to Dick and looked him in the face (он приблизился к Дику и посмотрел ему в лицо; to draw near — приблизиться).

Dick, returning this scrutiny (Дик, посмотрев на него в ответ: «вернув этот осмотр»; scrutiny — внимательный, испытующий взгляд; внимательный осмотр; исследование, наблюдение), was surprised to find in one (был удивлен обнаружить в человеке) who had displayed such strength, skill and energy (который проявил такую силу, ловкость и энергию), a lad no older than himself (юношу не старше себя) — slightly deformed, with one shoulder higher than the other (несколько уродливого — с одним плечом выше другого), and of a pale, painful, and distorted countenance¹⁰ (с бледным, болезненным и искаженным = уродливым лицом). The eyes, however, were very clear and bold (глаза, однако, были очень ясны и смелы).

hero [`hIqrqV], scrutiny [`skrHtInI]

The original assailants, seeing themselves outnumbered and surrounded, threw down their arms without a word.

"Seize me these fellows!" said the hero of the trumpet; and when his order had been obeyed, he drew near to Dick and looked him in the face.

Dick, returning this scrutiny, was surprised to find in one who had displayed such strength, skill and energy, a lad no older than himself — slightly deformed, with one shoulder higher than the other, and of a pale, painful, and distorted countenance. The eyes, however, were very clear and bold.

"Sir," said this lad, "ye came in good time for me (сэр, — сказал юноша, — вы пришли в добрый час для меня), and none too early (и вовсе не слишком рано)."

"My lord," returned Dick, with a faint sense (милорд, — ответил Дик, /имевший/ легкое чувство) that he was in the presence of a great personage (что он был перед выдающейся личностью: «в присутствии»), "ye are yourself so marvellous a good swordsman (вы сами такой на диво хороший фехтовальщик) that I believe ye had managed them single-handed (что я думаю, вы справились бы с ними и без посторонней помощи: «одноруким»). Howbeit, it was certainly well for me (но для меня было очень хорошо) that your men delayed no longer than they did (что ваши люди задержались не сильнее: «не дольше», чем вышло: «чем они сделали»)."

"How knew ye who I was?" demanded the stranger (как вы узнали, кто я? — спросил незнакомец).

"Even now, my lord," Dick answered (даже сейчас, милорд, — ответил Дик), "I am ignorant of whom I speak with (я не знаю: «несведущ», с кем говорю)."

"Is it so?" asked the other (это так? — спросил тот). "And yet ye threw yourself head first into this unequal battle (и все же вы бросились головой вперед в эту неравную схватку; to throw — бросать)."

"I saw one man valiantly contending against many," replied Dick (я увидел одного человека, доблестно сражающегося против многих, — ответил Дик), "and I had thought myself dishonoured not to bear him aid (и я полагал бы себя обесчещенным, если бы не оказал: «не принести» ему помощи)."

unequal [A`nJkwql], valiantly [`vxlIqntlI]

"Sir," said this lad, "ye came in good time for me, and none too early."

"My lord," returned Dick, with a faint sense that he was in the presence of a great personage, "ye are yourself so marvellous a good swordsman that I believe ye had managed them single-handed. Howbeit, it was certainly well for me that your men delayed no longer than they did."

"How knew ye who I was?" demanded the stranger.

"Even now, my lord," Dick answered, "I am ignorant of whom I speak with."

"Is it so?" asked the other. "And yet ye threw yourself head first into this unequal battle."

"I saw one man valiantly contending against many," replied Dick, "and I had thought myself dishonoured not to bear him aid."

A singular sneer played about the young nobleman's mouth (странная усмешка играла на губах: «у рта» молодого дворянина; singular — единичный, единственный в своем роде; необычный, своеобразный, странный) as he made answer (когда он ответил):

"These are very brave words (это очень отважные слова). But to the more essential (но /перейдем/ к более существенному) — are ye Lancaster or York (вы /за/ Ланкастера или /за/ Йорка)?"

"My lord, I make no secret (милорд, я не делаю /из этого/ тайны); I am clear for York," Dick answered (я точно за Йорка, — ответил Дик).

"By the mass!" replied the other (черт побери! — ответил тот), "it is well for you (это хорошо для вас)."

And so saying, he turned towards one of his followers (и, сказав так, он повернулся к одному из своих сторонников).

"Let me see," he continued, in the same sneering and cruel tones (посмотрим, — продолжил он тем же насмешливым и жестоким тоном) — "let me see a clean end of these brave gentlemen (дайте мне увидеть совершенный/ясный: «чистый» конец этих отважных джентльменов: «чистый»). Truss me them up (вздерните их)."

singular [`sINgjqlq], sneer [snIq], essential [I`senS(q)l]

A singular sneer played about the young nobleman's mouth as he made answer:

"These are very brave words. But to the more essential — are ye Lancaster or York?"

"My lord, I make no secret; I am clear for York," Dick answered.

"By the mass!" replied the other, "it is well for you."

And so saying, he turned towards one of his followers.

"Let me see," he continued, in the same sneering and cruel tones — "let me see a clean end of these brave gentlemen. Truss me them up."

There were but five survivors of the attacking party (было только пятеро выживших из нападавших). Archers seized them by the arms (лучники схватили их за руки); they were hurried to the borders of the wood (их поспешно отвели к опушке леса), and each placed below a tree of suitable dimension (и каждого поставили под деревом подходящей высоты: «размера»); the rope was adjusted (была прилажена веревка); an archer, carrying the end of it (один воин, держа: «неся» ее конец), hastily clambered overhead (живо взобрался наверх); and before a minute was over (и прежде чем прошла минута: «была закончена»), and without a word passing upon either hand (и без единого слова, произнесенного с какой-либо стороны), the five men were swinging by the neck (пять человек качались, /подвешенные/ за шею).

survivor [sq`vaIvq], dimension [daI`menS(q)n]

There were but five survivors of the attacking party. Archers seized them by the arms; they were hurried to the borders of the wood, and each placed below a tree of suitable dimension; the rope was adjusted; an archer, carrying the end of it, hastily clambered overhead; and before a minute was over, and without a word passing upon either hand, the five men were swinging by the neck.

"And now," cried the deformed leader (а теперь, — крикнул уродливый предводитель), "back to your posts (назад на свои места), and when I summon you next (и когда я буду сзывать вас в следующий раз), be readier to attend (приходите живее: «будьте проворнее прийти»)."

"My lord duke," said one man (милорд герцог, — сказал один человек), "beseech you, tarry not here alone (умоляю вас, не оставайтесь здесь один; to tarry — медлить, мешкать; пребывать; задерживаться, не покидать какое-л. место). Keep but a handful of lances at your hand (оставьте хотя бы пригорошню = немного воинов при себе: «у своей руки»; lance — пика; копье)."

"Fellow," said the duke (приятель, — сказал герцог), "I have forborne to chide you for your slowness (я воздержался от того, чтобы выбранить тебя за твою нерасторопность; to forbear — воздержаться). Cross me not, therefore (вот и не перечь мне: «следовательно»). I trust my hand and arm (я доверяю своей руке), for all that I be crooked (пусть я и горбат). Ye were backward when the trumpet sounded (вы припозднились, когда звучала труба: «запоздалый»); and ye are now too forward with your counsels (а теперь ты слишком /лезешь/ вперед со своими советами). But it is ever so (но это всегда так); last with the lance and first with tongue (последний на копье и первый на язык = последний в битве и первый в разговоре). Let it be reversed (пусть будет наоборот: «будет перевернуто»)."

post [pqVst], tarry [`txrI], lance [lRns], backward [`bxkwqd]

"And now," cried the deformed leader, "back to your posts, and when I summon you next, be readier to attend."

"My lord duke," said one man, "beseech you, tarry not here alone. Keep but a handful of lances at your hand."

"Fellow," said the duke, "I have forborne to chide you for your slowness. Cross me not, therefore. I trust my hand and arm, for all that I be crooked. Ye were backward when the trumpet sounded; and ye are now too forward with your counsels. But it is ever so; last with the lance and first with tongue. Let it be reversed."

And with a gesture that was not without a sort of dangerous nobility (и жестом, который был не лишен: «не без» некоторого опасного благородства), he waved them off (он отослал их /жестом руки/ прочь; to wave — махать рукой).

The footmen climbed again to their seats behind the men-at-arms (пехотинцы снова взобрались на седла позади всадников), and the whole party moved slowly away (и весь отряд двинулся медленно прочь) and disappeared in twenty different directions (и исчез = ушел в двадцати различных направлениях), under the cover of the forest (под прикрытие леса).

The day was by this time beginning to break (день к этому времени начал пробиваться), and the stars to fade (а звезды — тускнеть). The first grey glimmer of dawn shone upon the countenances of the two young men (первый серый свет восхода упал на лица двух молодых людей; to shine — сиять), who now turned once more to face each other (которые теперь снова повернулись лицом друг к другу; to face — быть лицом к кому-л.).

gesture [`GesCq], dangerous [`deInG(q)rqs], nobility [nq(V)`bIlqtI], cover [`kAvq], countenance [`kaVntInqns]

And with a gesture that was not without a sort of dangerous nobility, he waved them off.

The footmen climbed again to their seats behind the men-at-arms, and the whole party moved slowly away and disappeared in twenty different directions, under the cover of the forest.

The day was by this time beginning to break, and the stars to fade. The first grey glimmer of dawn shone upon the countenances of the two young men, who now turned once more to face each other.

"Here," said the duke, "ye have seen my vengeance (вот, — сказал герцог, — вы видели мою месть), which is, like my blade, both sharp and ready (которая, как мой клинок, остра и быстра). But I would not have you, for all Christendom, suppose me thankless (но я не хотел бы, во имя всего христианского мира, чтобы вы считали меня неблагодарным). You that came to my aid with a good sword and a better courage (вы, пришедший мне на помощь с добрым мечом и еще лучшей отвагой) — unless that ye recoil from my misshapenness (если только вы не отшатнетесь от моего уродства; misshapen — уродливый) — come to my heart (придите к моему сердцу = в объятия)."

And so saying (и, сказав так), the young leader held out his arms for an embrace (юный вождь протянул руки для объятия; to hold out — протянуть).

In the bottom of his heart (в глубине души: «на дне своего сердца») Dick already entertained a great terror and some hatred for the man (Дик уже испытывал великий ужас /перед человеком/ и некоторую неприязнь к человеку; hatred — ненависть; неприязнь; to entertain — питать /какое-л. чувство/) whom he had rescued (которого он спас); but the invitation was so worded (но приглашение было так высказано) that it would not have been merely discourteous, but cruel (что было бы не просто неучтиво, но жестоко), to refuse or hesitate (отказаться или колебаться); and he hastened to comply (и он поспешил подчиниться; to comply — делать уступки, идти на уступки; выполнять, осуществлять, исполнять /просьбу, приказание и т. д./).

misshapenness [mIs`SeIp(q)nnIs], entertain [entq`teIn], hatred [`heItrId], comply [kqm`plaI]

"Here," said the duke, "ye have seen my vengeance, which is, like my blade, both sharp and ready. But I would not have you, for all Christendom, suppose me thankless. You that came to my aid with a good sword and a better courage — unless that ye recoil from my misshapenness — come to my heart."

And so saying, the young leader held out his arms for an embrace.

In the bottom of his heart Dick already entertained a great terror and some hatred for the man whom he had rescued; but the invitation was so worded that it would not have been merely discourteous, but cruel, to refuse or hesitate; and he hastened to comply.

"And now, my lord duke," he said (а теперь, милорд герцог, — сказал он), when he had regained his freedom (когда вновь получил свободу = освободился), "do I suppose aright (правильно ли я предполагаю)? Are ye my Lord Duke of Gloucester (вы милорд герцог Глостер)?"

"I am Richard of Gloucester," returned the other (я Ричард Глостерский, — ответил тот). "And you — how call they you (а вы — как зовут вас: «они»)?"

Dick told him his name (Дик назвали ему свое имя), and presented Lord Foxham's signet (и предъявил перстень лорда Фоксэма), which the duke immediately recognised (который герцог немедленно узнал).

regain [rI`geIn]

"And now, my lord duke," he said, when he had regained his freedom, "do I suppose aright? Are ye my Lord Duke of Gloucester?"

"I am Richard of Gloucester," returned the other. "And you — how call they you?"

Dick told him his name, and presented Lord Foxham's signet, which the duke immediately recognised.

"Ye come too soon," he said (вы пришли слишком рано, — сказал он); "but why should I complain (но почему я должен жаловаться)? Ye are like me (вы похожи на меня), that was here at watch two hours before the day (который был здесь наготове за два часа до рассвета: «на посту»). But this is the first sally of mine arms (это первый поход моих войск: «герба»); upon this adventure, Master Shelton, shall I make or mar the quality of my renown (в этом приключении, мастер Шелтон, я либо сделаю, либо погублю качество моей славы = либо стяжаю славу, либо покрою сбя позором). There lie mine enemies (там залегли мои враги), under two old, skilled captains — Risingham and Brackley (под /началом/ двух старых, опытных полководцев — Райзингема и Брэкли) — well posted for strength, I do believe (силы их велики, я полагаю: «расставлены для силы»), but yet upon two sides without retreat (но с двух сторон — без путей к отступлению), enclosed betwixt the sea, the harbour, and the river (зажаты между морем, бухтой и рекой). Methinks, Shelton, here were a great blow to be stricken (мне думается, Шелтон, здесь можно нанести хороший удар; to strike — ударять), an we could strike it silently and suddenly (и мы могли бы нанести его тихо и неожиданно)."

quality [`kwOlqtI], retreat [rI`trJt]

"Ye come too soon," he said; "but why should I complain? Ye are like me, that was here at watch two hours before the day. But this is the first sally of mine arms; upon this adventure, Master Shelton, shall I make or mar the quality of my renown. There lie mine enemies, under two old, skilled captains — Risingham and Brackley — well posted for strength, I do believe, but yet upon two sides without retreat, enclosed betwixt the sea, the harbour, and the river. Methinks, Shelton, here were a great blow to be stricken, an we could strike it silently and suddenly."

"I do think so, indeed," cried Dick, warming (я думаю так, действительно = согласен, — воскликнул Дик, теплея).

"Have ye my Lord Foxham's notes?" inquired the duke (есть ли у вас с собой записки милорда Фоксэма? — спросил герцог).

And then, Dick, having explained how he was without them for the moment (и тогда Дик, объяснив как = почему он был без них в этот момент), made himself bold (отважился: «сделал себя отважным») to offer information every jot as good (предоставить информацию столь же точную: «на каждую йоту столь же хорошую»), of his own knowledge (которой он сам владел: «собственного знания»). "And for mine own part, my lord duke," he added (а со своей стороны, милорд герцог = по моему мнению, — добавил он), "an ye had men enough (если бы у вас было достаточно людей), I would fall on even at this present (я бы атаковал прямо сейчас). For, look ye, at the peep of day the watches of the night are over (ибо смотрите, при первом проблеске дня заканчиваются ночные караулы); but by day they keep neither watch nor ward (но днем они не ставят часовых или сторожей) — only scour the outskirts with horsemen (лишь объезжают окраины всадниками = верхами; to scour — рыскать /в поисках чего-л./; тщательно искать /что-л./, прочесывать /местность и т. п./). Now, then, when the night watch is already unarmed (и вот теперь, когда ночной караул уже разоружился), and the rest are at their morning cup (а остальные /сидят/ за утренней чаркой) — now were the time to break them (сейчас самое время разбить их)."

scour [skaVq], jot [GOt]

"I do think so, indeed," cried Dick, warming.

"Have ye my Lord Foxham's notes?" inquired the duke.

And then, Dick, having explained how he was without them for the moment, made himself bold to offer information every jot as good, of his own knowledge. "And for mine own part, my lord duke," he added, "an ye had men enough, I would fall on even at this present. For, look ye, at the peep of day the watches of the night are over; but by day they keep neither watch nor ward — only scour the outskirts with horsemen. Now, then, when the night watch is already unarmed, and the rest are at their morning cup — now were the time to break them."

"How many do ye count?" asked Gloucester (как много вы насчитали? — спросил Глостер).

"They number not two thousand," Dick replied (они не насчитывают и двух тысяч, — ответил Дик).

"I have seven hundred in the woods behind us," said the duke (у меня семь сотен в лесу за нами, — сказал герцог); "seven hundred follow from Kettley (семь сотен следуют из Кэттли), and will be here anon (и скоро будут здесь); behind these, and further, are four hundred more (за ними — и дальше — есть еще четыре сотни); and my Lord Foxham hath five hundred half a day from here, at Holywood (и у милорда Фоксэма пять сотен /на расстоянии/ полудня пути отсюда, в Холивуде). Shall we attend their coming, or fall on (следует ли нам ждать их прихода или напасть)?"

"How many do ye count?" asked Gloucester.

"They number not two thousand," Dick replied.

"I have seven hundred in the woods behind us," said the duke; "seven hundred follow from Kettley, and will be here anon; behind these, and further, are four hundred more; and my Lord Foxham hath five hundred half a day from here, at Holywood. Shall we attend their coming, or fall on?"

"My lord," said Dick, "when ye hanged these five poor rogues (милорд, — сказал Дик, — когда вы повесили тех пятерых негодяев) ye did decide the question (вы решили этот вопрос). Churls although they were (хоть они и были простыми людьми), in these uneasy times they will be lacked and looked for (в эти нелегкие времена их хватятся и будут искать), and the alarm be given (и тревога будет объявлена). Therefore, my lord, if ye do count upon the advantage of a surprise (следовательно, милорд, если вы полагаетесь на преимущество неожиданности), ye have not, in my poor opinion, one whole hour in front of you (у вас нет, по моему скромному мнению, и часа впереди)."

"I do think so indeed," returned Crookback (я /тоже/ так думаю, — ответил горбун). "Well, before an hour (что ж, прежде часа = прежде чем пройдет час), ye shall be in the thick on't (вы будете в самой гуще), winning spurs (завоевывая шпоры = рыцарское звание). A swift man to Holywood, carrying Lord Foxham's signet (одного проворного человека — в Холивуд, с перстнем лорда Фоксэма; to carry — нести); another along the road to speed my laggards (другого — на дорогу, поторопить моих увальней)! Nay, Shelton, by the rood, it may be done (нет, Шелтон, клянусь крестом, это может быть сделано)!"

rogue [rqVg]

"My lord," said Dick, "when ye hanged these five poor rogues ye did decide the question. Churls although they were, in these uneasy, times they will be lacked and looked for, and the alarm be given. Therefore, my lord, if ye do count upon the advantage of a surprise, ye have not, in my poor opinion, one whole hour in front of you."

"I do think so indeed," returned Crookback. "Well, before an hour, ye shall be in the thick on't, winning spurs. A swift man to Holywood, carrying Lord Foxham's signet; another along the road to speed my laggards! Nay, Shelton, by the rood, it may be done!"

Therewith he once more set his trumpet to his lips and blew (с этим/и словами/ он снова приложил трубу к губам и подул; to set — установить; to blow — дуть).

This time he was not long kept waiting (в этот раз его не заставили долго ждать; to keep — держать). In a moment the open space about the cross was filled with horse and foot (через мгновение открытая местность у креста была наполнена конными и пешими воинами: «конем и ногой»). Richard of Gloucester took his place upon the steps (Ричард Глостерский занял свое место на ступенях; to take — брать), and despatched messenger after messenger (и отослал гонца за гонцом) to hasten the concentration of the seven hundred men (чтобы ускорить сосредоточение семисот человек) that lay hidden in the immediate neighbourhood among the woods (которые прятались по соседству в лесах; to lie — находиться; to hide — прятать); and before a quarter of an hour had passed (и прежде чем прошла четверть часа), all his dispositions being taken, he put himself at their head (всем распорядившись/отдав все приказы, он встал во главе их; to take — брать; to put — ставить; disposition — расположение, размещение в каком-л. порядке; распоряжение, управление чем-л.; dispositions — приготовления), and began to move down the hill towards Shoreby (и двинулся вниз по холму к Шорби).

blew [blH], hasten [`heIs(q)n]

Therewith he once more set his trumpet to his lips and blew.

This time he was not long kept waiting. In a moment the open space about the cross was filled with horse and foot. Richard of Gloucester took his place upon the steps, and despatched messenger after messenger to hasten the concentration of the seven hundred men that lay hidden in the immediate neighbourhood among the woods; and before a quarter of an hour had passed, all his dispositions being taken, he put himself at their head, and began to move down the hill towards Shoreby.

His plan was simple (его план был прост). He was to seize a quarter of the town of Shoreby (он /должен/ был захватить квартал города Шорби) lying on the right hand of the high road (лежащий по правую руку от большой дороги), and make his position good there in the narrow lanes (и как следует укрепиться там, в узких переулках: «сделать свою позицию хорошей») until his reinforcements followed (пока подкрепление не подойдет).

If Lord Risingham chose to retreat (если бы лорд Райзингем решил отступать; to choose — выбирать), Richard would follow upon his rear (Ричард бы последовал за ним: «за его тылом»), and take him between two fires (и взял бы его между двух огней); or, if he preferred to hold the town (или, если он предпочтет удерживать город), he would be shut in a trap (он будет заперт в ловушке; to shut — запирать), there to be gradually overwhelmed (чтобы быть там постепенно побежденным; to overwhelm — преодолеть) by force of numbers (силой чисел = превосходством в численности).

His plan was simple. He was to seize a quarter of the town of Shoreby lying on the right hand of the high road, and make his position good there in the narrow lanes until his reinforcements followed.

If Lord Risingham chose to retreat, Richard would follow upon his rear, and take him between two fires; or, if he preferred to hold the town, he would be shut in a trap, there to be gradually overwhelmed by force of numbers.

There was but one danger (была лишь одна опасность), but that was imminent and great (но она была грозная и большая; imminent — надвигающийся, близкий, грозящий, нависший, неотвратимый, неизбежный, неминуемый /об опасности и т. п./) — Gloucester's seven hundred might be rolled up and cut to pieces in the first encounter (глостеровы семь сотен могли быть атакованы с флангов и порезаны на кусочки в первой стычке; to cut — резать), and, to avoid this, it was needful (и, чтобы избежать этого, было нужно) to make the surprise of their arrival as complete as possible (сделать неожиданность их появления настолько полной, насколько возможно).

The footmen, therefore, were all once more taken up behind the riders (пешие поэтому были все снова усажены за всадниками; to take up — подхватить), and Dick had the signal honour meted out to him (а Дику выпала великая честь; to mete — распределять, назначить; signal — поразительный, выдающийся, замечательный; знаменательный) of mounting behind Gloucester himself (сесть на коня за самим Глостером). For as far as there was any cover the troops moved slowly (пока было хоть какое-то укрытие, отряды двигались медленно), and when they came near the end of the trees that lined the highway (а когда они подошли к концу = границе деревьев, которые окаймляли дорогу), stopped to breathe and reconnoitre (остановились, чтобы отдышаться и разведать местность; reconnoitre — вести разведку, разведывать; производить рекогносцировку /изучать противника и местность в районе предстоящих боевых действий/).

mete [mJt], reconnoitre [rekq`nOItq]

There was but one danger, but that was imminent and great — Gloucester's seven hundred might be rolled up and cut to pieces in the first encounter, and, to avoid this, it was needful to make the surprise of their arrival as complete as possible.

The footmen, therefore, were all once more taken up behind the riders, and Dick had the signal honour meted out to him of mounting behind Gloucester himself. For as far as there was any cover the troops moved slowly, and when they came near the end of the trees that lined the highway, stopped to breathe and reconnoitre.

The sun was now well up (солнце теперь было довольно высоко), shining with a frosty brightness out of a yellow halo (сияя с морозной яркостью из желтого ореола), and right over against the luminary (и прямо напротив этого светила), Shoreby, a field of snowy roofs and ruddy gables (Шорби — поле заснеженных скатов и красных коньков крыш), was rolling up its columns of morning smoke (испускал столбы утреннего дыма). Gloucester turned round to Dick (Глостер обернулся к Дику).

halo [`heIlqV], luminary [`lHmIn(q)rI], column [`kOlqm]

The sun was now well up, shining with a frosty brightness out of a yellow halo, and right over against the luminary, Shoreby, a field of snowy roofs and ruddy gables, was rolling up its columns of morning smoke. Gloucester turned round to Dick.

"In that poor place," he said (в этом жалком местечке, — сказал он), "where people are cooking breakfast (где люди готовят завтрак), either you shall gain your spurs (либо вы заработаете шпоры = рыцарство) and I begin a life of mighty honour and glory in the world's eye (а я начну жизнь почестей и славы в глазах мира), or both of us, as I conceive it (либо оба мы, как я понимаю), shall fall dead (падем мертвыми) and be unheard of (и о нас /никто/ не услышит; to hear — слышать; un- — не-). Two Richards are we (мы два Ричарда). Well, then, Richard Shelton, they shall be heard about, these two (что ж, Ричард Шелтон, о них услышат, об этих двоих)! Their swords shall not ring more loudly on men's helmets (их мечи не будут звенеть громче по шлемам воинов) than their names shall ring in people's ears (чем их имена прогремят в ушах людей)."

conceive [kqn`sJv]

"In that poor place," he said, "where people are cooking breakfast, either you shall gain your spurs and I begin a life of mighty honour and glory in the world's eye, or both of us, as I conceive it, shall fall dead and be unheard of. Two Richards are we. Well, then, Richard Shelton, they shall be heard about, these two! Their swords shall not ring more loudly on men's helmets than their names shall ring in people's ears."

Dick was astonished at so great a hunger after fame (Дик был поражен такой большой жаждой славы: «голодом»), expressed with so great vehemence of voice and language (выраженной с такой пылкостью голоса и языка; vehemence — сила; горячность, страстность), and he answered very sensibly and quietly (и он ответил очень благоразумно и спокойно), that, for his part, he promised he would do his duty (что, со своей стороны, он обещает выполнить свой долг), and doubted not of victory if everyone did the like (и не сомневается в победе, если каждый поступит так же).

Dick was astonished at so great a hunger after fame, expressed with so great vehemence of voice and language, and he answered very sensibly and quietly, that, for his part, he promised he would do his duty, and doubted not of victory if everyone did the like.

By this time the horses were well breathed (к этому времени кони хорошо отдышались), and the leader holding up his sword and giving rein (и когда вождь взмахнул мечом и отпустил поводья), the whole troop of chargers broke into the gallop (целый отряд скакунов помчался галопом; to break into — внезапно начать) and thundered, with their double load of fighting men (и прогрохотал со своим двойным грузом воинов), down the remainder of the hill (вниз по оставшейся части холма) and across the snow-covered plain (и через покрытую снегом равнину) that still divided them from Shoreby (которая все еще отделяла их от Шорби).

double [dAbl]

By this time the horses were well breathed, and the leader holding up his sword and giving rein, the whole troop of chargers broke into the gallop and thundered, with their double load of fighting men, down the remainder of the hill and across the snow-covered plain that still divided them from Shoreby.