In Fenchurch Street a 'fair child, in costly apparel,' stood on a stage to

welcome his majesty to the city. The last verse of his greeting was in these

words:

Welcome, O King! as much as hearts can think;

Welcome again, as much as tongue can tell —

Welcome to joyous tongues, and hearts that will not shrink;

God thee preserve, we pray, and wish thee ever well.

The people burst forth in a glad shout, repeating with one voice what the child

had said. Tom Canty gazed abroad over the surging sea of eager faces, and his

heart swelled with exultation; and he felt that the one thing worth living for in

this world was to be a king, and a nation's idol. Presently he caught sight, at a

distance, of a couple of his ragged Offal Court comrades — one of them the

lord high admiral in his late mimic court, the other the first lord of the

bedchamber in the same pretentious fiction; and his pride swelled higher than

ever. Oh, if they could only recognize him now! What unspeakable glory it

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would be, if they could recognize him, and realize that the derided mock king

of the slums and back alleys was become a real king, with illustrious dukes

and princes for his humble menials, and the English world at his feet! But he

had to deny himself, and choke down his desire, for such a recognition might

cost more than it would come to; so he turned away his head, and left the two

soiled lads to go on with their shoutings and glad adulations, unsuspicious of

whom it was they were lavishing them upon.

Every now and then rose the cry, 'A largess! a largess!' and Tom responded

by scattering a handful of bright new coins abroad for the multitude to

scramble for.

The chronicler says, 'At the upper end of Gracechurch Street, before the sign

of the Eagle, the city had erected a gorgeous arch, beneath which was a stage,

which stretched from one side of the street to the other. This was a historical

pageant, representing the king's immediate progenitors. There sat Elizabeth

of York in the midst of an immense white rose, whose petals formed elaborate

furbelows around her; by her side was Henry VII, issuing out of a vast red

rose, disposed in the same manner; the hands of the royal pair were locked

together, and the wedding-ring ostentatiously displayed. From the red and

white roses proceeded a stem, which reached up to a second stage, occupied

by Henry VIII, issuing from a red-and-white rose, with the effigy of the new

king's mother, Jane Seymour, represented by his side. One branch sprang

from this pair, which mounted to a third stage, where sat the effigy of Edward

VI himself, enthroned in royal majesty; and the whole pageant was framed

with wreaths of roses, red and white.'

This quaint and gaudy spectacle (это необычное и пышное зрелище) so wrought

upon the rejoicing people (так подействовало на радующихся людей; wrought

— устар. от to work — работать), that their acclamations utterly smothered

(что их восклицания совершенно заглушили; to smother — душить, замять)

the small voice of the child (маленький = слабый голос ребенка) whose business

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536

it was (чьим делом было) to explain the thing (разъяснить эту вещь = картину)

in eulogistic rhymes (в хвалебных стихах). But Tom Canty was not sorry (но Том

Кэнти не жалел об этом: «не был сожалеющим»); for this loyal uproar (ибо

этот верноподданный гам) was sweeter music to him than any poetry (был

сладчайшей музыкой для него, чем любая поэзия), no matter (неважно:

«никакого значения») what its quality might be (каким его качество могло

быть). Whithersoever Tom turned (куда бы Том не обратил) his happy young

face (свое счастливое юное лицо), the people recognized the exactness (люди

признавали точность) of his effigy's likeness to himself (сходства его статуи с

ним самим), the flesh-and-blood counterpart (двойником из плоти и крови); and

new whirlwinds of applause burst forth (и новые вихри аплодисментов

взорвались; to burst forth: «взорваться вперед»).

The great pageant (великая процессия) moved on (двигалась дальше), and still

on (и еще дальше), under one triumphal arch (под одной триумфальной аркой)

after another (за другой), and past a bewildering succession (и мимо

изумительной череды) of spectacular and symbolical tableaux (захватывающих

и символических картин), each of which typified (каждая из которых

олицетворяла) and exalted some virtue (и превозносила какую-либо

добродетель), or talent, or merit (или талант, или заслугу), of the little king's

(маленького короля). 'Throughout the whole of Cheapside (по всему Чипсайду),

from every penthouse and window (с каждого навеса и окна), hung banners and

streamers (свисали знамена и вымпелы; to hang — висеть); and the richest

carpets (и богатейшие ковры), stuffs (материи), and cloth-of-gold (и золотая

парча) tapestried the streets (устилали улицы) — specimens of the great wealth

(образчики великого богатства) of the stores within (запасов внутри /этих

домов/); and the splendor of this thoroughfare (и великолепие этой улицы;

thoroughfare — оживленная улица; главная артерия /города/, главная дорога)

was equaled in the other streets (было воспроизведено на других улицах; to

equal — уравнять), and in some even surpassed (а в некоторых даже

превзойдено).'

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537

'And all these wonders and these marvels (и все эти диковины и эти чудеса) are

to welcome me (/должны/ приветствовать меня) — me (меня)!' murmured Tom

Canty (пробормотал Том Кэнти).

The mock king's cheeks (щеки потешного короля) were flushed with excitement

(раскраснелись от возбуждения), his eyes were flashing (его глаза сверкали),

his senses swam in a delirium of pleasure (его чувства купались в исступлении

удовольствия; to swim — плавать). At this point (в этот момент), just as he was

raising his hand (прямо когда он поднимал свою руку) to fling another rich

largess (чтобы бросить еще одну богатую милостыню), he caught sight (он

поймал вид = заметил) of a pale, astounded face (бледное, изумленное лицо)

which was strained forward out of the second rank of the crowd (которое было

вытянуто вперед из второго ряда толпы), its intense eyes riveted upon him (его

напряженные глаза прикованные к нему). A sickening consternation

(тошнотворное оцепенение) struck through him (пронзило его; to strike

through: «ударить через»); he recognized his mother (он узнал свою мать)! and

up flew his hand (и вверх взлетела его рука; to fly — лететь), palm outward

(ладонью наружу), before his eyes (перед его глазами) — that old involuntary

gesture (этот старый непроизвольный жест), born of a forgotten episode

(рожденный из забытого эпизода; to bear — рождать; to forget — забывать),

and perpetuated by habit (и увековеченный привычкой). In an instant more (в

следующий момент: «в момент больше») she had torn her way (она пробила

себе путь; to tear — рвать) out of the press (из давки), and past the guards (и

мимо стражников), and was at his side (и подбежала к нему: «и была у его

бока»). She embraced his leg (она обхватила его ногу), she covered it with kisses

(она покрыла ее поцелуями), she cried (она закричала), 'O, my child (о, мое

дитя), my darling (мой дорогой)!' lifting toward him a face (поднимая к нему

лицо) that was transfigured with joy and love (которое было преображенное

радостью и любовью). The same instant (в то же мгновение) an officer of the

King's Guard (офицер из королевской стражи) snatched her away (отхватил ее

прочь = оттащил ее) with a curse (с проклятьем), and sent her reeling back (и

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538

послал ее катящейся назад) whence she came (откуда она пришла) with a

vigorous impulse from his strong arm (энергичным толчком его сильной руки).

The words (слова) 'I do not know you, woman (я не знаю вас, женщина)!' were

falling from Tom Canty's lips (падали с губ Тома Кэнти) when this piteous thing

occurred (когда эта достойная сожаления случилась); but it smote him (но это

поразило его; to smite — ударять) to the heart (в самое сердце) to see her

treated so (увидеть, что с ней так обращаются; to treat — обращаться); and as

she turned (и когда она повернулась) for a last glimpse of him (для последнего

взгляда на него), whilst the crowd was swallowing her from his sight (пока толпа

поглощала ее из его вида), she seemed so wounded (она казалась такой

уязвленной), so broken-hearted (такой убитой горем: «с разбитым сердцем»),

that a shame fell upon him (что стыд напал на него; to fall — падать) which

consumed his pride to ashes (который истребил его гордость в пепел), and

withered his stolen royalty (и засушило = помрачило его украденное

королевское положение). His grandeurs were stricken valueless (его

великолепия стали не имеющими ценности; to strike — бить; value —

ценность); they seemed to fall away from him (они, казалось, отвалились от

него; to seem — казаться) like rotten rags (как гнилые лохмотья; to rot —

гнить).

thoroughfare [`TArqfeq], eulogistic [ju:lə`Gıstık], tableau [`tжblqu], rivet [`rıvıt]

This quaint and gaudy spectacle so wrought upon the rejoicing people, that

their acclamations utterly smothered the small voice of the child whose

business it was to explain the thing in eulogistic rhymes. But Tom Canty was

not sorry; for this loyal uproar was sweeter music to him than any poetry, no

matter what its quality might be. Whithersoever Tom turned his happy young

face, the people recognized the exactness of his effigy's likeness to himself, the

flesh-and-blood counterpart; and new whirlwinds of applause burst forth.

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539

The great pageant moved on, and still on, under one triumphal arch after

another, and past a bewildering succession of spectacular and symbolical

tableaux, each of which typified and exalted some virtue, or talent, or merit,

of the little king's. 'Throughout the whole of Cheapside, from every penthouse

and window, hung banners and streamers; and the richest carpets, stuffs, and

cloth-of-gold tapestried the streets — specimens of the great wealth of the

stores within; and the splendor of this thoroughfare was equaled in the other

streets, and in some even surpassed.'

'And all these wonders and these marvels are to welcome me — me!'

murmured Tom Canty.

The mock king's cheeks were flushed with excitement, his eyes were flashing,

his senses swam in a delirium of pleasure. At this point, just as he was raising

his hand to fling another rich largess, he caught sight of a pale, astounded face

which was strained forward out of the second rank of the crowd, its intense

eyes riveted upon him, A sickening consternation struck through him; he

recognized his mother! and up flew his hand, palm outward, before his eyes

— that old involuntary gesture, born of a forgotten episode, and perpetuated

by habit. In an instant more she had torn her way out of the press, and past

the guards, and was at his side. She embraced his leg, she covered it with

kisses, she cried, 'O, my child, my darling!' lifting toward him a face that was

transfigured with joy and love. The same instant an officer of the King's

Guard snatched her away with a curse, and sent her reeling back whence she

came with a vigorous impulse from his strong arm. The words 'I do not know

you, woman!' were falling from Tom Canty's lips when this piteous thing

occurred; but it smote him to the heart to see her treated so; and as she

turned for a last glimpse of him, whilst the crowd was swallowing her from his

sight, she seemed so wounded, so broken-hearted, that a shame fell upon him

which consumed his pride to ashes, and withered his stolen royalty. His

grandeurs were stricken valueless; they seemed to fall away from him like

rotten rags.

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540

The procession moved on (шествие двигалось дальше), and still on (и еще

дальше), through ever-augmenting splendors (через постоянно растущие

красоты) and ever-augmenting tempests (и постоянно растущие бури =

восклицания) of welcome (приветствия); but to Tom Canty they were (но для

Тома Кэнти они были) as if they had not been (как если бы их не было). He

neither saw nor heard (он и не видел, и не слышал; to see — видеть; to hear —

слышать). Royalty had lost its grace and sweetness (королевское положение

утратило свою привлекательность и сладостность); its pomps were become a

reproach (его пышность стала упреком). Remorse (угрызения совести) was

eating his heart out (выедали его сердце). He said (он сказал), 'Would God I

were free (пожелал бы Бог, чтобы я был свободен) of my captivity (от моего

пленения)!'

He had unconsciously dropped back (он бессознательно вернулся; to drop back

— вернуться: «упасть назад») into the phraseology of the first days of his

compulsory greatness (к слогу первых дней своего вынужденного величия).

The shining pageant still went (блистательная процессия все еще шла; to go —

идти) winding like a radiant and interminable serpent (извиваясь, как

сверкающая и бесконечная змея) down the crooked lanes (вдоль по

искривленным улочкам) of the quaint old city (причудливого старого города),

and through the huzzaing hosts (и через выкрикивающие приветствия толпы);

but still the king rode (но все же король ехал; to ride — ездить верхом) with

bowed head and vacant eyes (со склоненной головой и пустыми глазами),

seeing only his mother's face (видя только лицо своей матери) and that wounded

look in it (и тот уязвленный вид в нем).

'Largess, largess (милостыни, милостыни)!' The cry fell upon an unheeding ear

(крик падал на неслышащие уши; to fall — падать).

'Long live Edward of England (да здравствует Эдуард Английский)!' It seemed

as if the earth shook (казалось, как будто земля сотряслась; to shake —

трястись) with the explosion (от взрыва); but there was no response (но не

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541

было ответа) from the king (от короля). He heard it (он слышал это; to hear —

слышать) only as one hears (только как кто-то слышит) the thunder of the surf

(шум прибоя) when it is blown to the ear (когда он долетает до уха; to blow —

дуть) out of a great distance (с большого расстояния), for it was smothered (так

как он был заглушен) under another sound (под другим звуком) which was still

nearer (который был еще ближе), in his own breast (в его собственной груди),

in his accusing conscience (в его обвиняющей совести) — a voice which kept

repeating (голос, который постоянно повторял; to keep — держать, хранить;

to repeat — повторить) those shameful words (эти постыдные слова), 'I do not

know you, woman (я не знаю вас, женщина)!'

The words smote upon the king's soul (эти слова ударяли по душе короля; to

smite — бить) as the strokes of a funeral bell (как удары похоронного колокола)

smite upon the soul of a surviving friend (бьют по душе оставшегося в живых

друга; to survive — выжить, пережить) when they remind him (когда они

напоминают ему) of secret treacheries (о тайных вероломствах) suffered at his

hands by him (стерпленных из его рук тем) that is gone (кто ушел = умер; to go

— идти, уходить).

New glories were unfolded (новые почести раскрывались) at every turning (на

каждом повороте); new wonders (новые чудеса), new marvels (новые

диковины), sprung into view (оказывались в поле зрения; to spring —

прыгать); the pent clamors (потаенные грохотания) of waiting batteries

(ждущих батарей) were released (были выпущены); new raptures poured (новые

выражения восторга изливались) from the throats of the waiting multitudes (из

глоток ожидающих толп); but the king gave no sign (но король не подавал

никакого знака; to give — давать), and the accusing voice (и обвиняющий

голос) that went moaning (который шел, стеная) through his comfortless breast

(через его беспокойную грудь) was all the sound he heard (был всем =

единственным звуком, который он слышал; to hear — слышать).

By and by (мало-помалу) the gladness in the faces of the populace (радость на

лицах народа; populace — простой народ; массы; толпа; чернь) changed a

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542

little (изменилась немного), and became touched (и стала тронутой = в ней

появилось) with a something like solicitude or anxiety (чем-то вроде

беспокойства или тревоги); an abatement in the volume of applause (снижение

громкости аплодисментов) was observable too (было заметно также; to observe

— замечать). The Lord Protector was quick to notice (лорд-протектор был

быстр, чтобы заметить = быстро заметил) these things (эти вещи); he was as

quick to detect the cause (он был так же быстр, чтобы определить причину). He

spurred to the king's side (он поспешил к королю; side — сторона, бок), bent

low in his saddle (склонился низко в своем седле; to bend — гнуться),

uncovered (снял шляпу; to cover — покрывать; to uncover — снимать), and

said (и сказал):

'My liege (мой господин), it is an ill time (это плохое = неподходящее время)

for dreaming (для мечтаний). The people observe thy downcast head (люди

видят твою опущенную голову), thy clouded mien (твое затуманенное

выражение лица), and they take it for an omen (и они принимают это за

/дурное/ предзнаменование). Be advised (будь посоветован = прими совет);

unveil the sun of royalty (сними покров с солнца королевской особы; veil —

покров, завеса), and let it shine (и дай ему воссиять) upon these boding vapors

(на эти зловещие туманы), and disperse them (и рассеять их). Lift up thy face

(подними вверх твое лицо), and smile upon the people (и улыбнись людям).'

So saying (так говоря), the duke scattered (герцог разбросал) a handful of coins

to right and left (пригорошню монет направо и налево), then retired to his place

(затем вернулся на свое место). The mock king did mechanically (потешный

король сделал механически) as he had been bidden (так, как его просили: «как

он был попрошен»; to bid — просить). His smile had no heart in it (его улыбка

не имела сердца в себе = была фальшивой), but few eyes were near enough (но

немногие глаза были близкими достаточно) or sharp enough (или острыми

достаточно) to detect that (чтобы заметить это). The noddings (кивки) of his

plumed head (его украшенной перьями головы) as he saluted his subjects (когда

он приветствовал своих подданных) were full of grace and graciousness (были

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полны изящества и благосклонности); the largess which he delivered from his

hand (подаяние, которое он раздавал из своей руки) was royally liberal (было

по-королевски цедрым); so the people's anxiety vanished (так что беспокойство

людей исчезло), and the acclamations burst forth again (и восклицания

раздались снова; to burst forth: «прорваться вперед») in as mighty a volume as

before (на такой же большой громкости, как прежде).

Still once more (все же еще раз), a little before (немного = незадолго до того,

как) the progress was ended (шествие было окончено), the duke was obliged

(герцог был вынужден) to ride forward (проехать вперед), and make

remonstrance (чтобы совершить увещевание). He whispered (он прошептал):

'O dread sovereign (о грозный суверен)! shake off these fatal humors (стряхни

прочь эти гибельные настроения); the eyes of the world are upon thee (глаза

мира на тебе = направлены на тебя).' Then he added with sharp annoyance

(затем он добавил с резким раздражением), 'Perdition catch that crazy pauper

(гибель пусть схватит = черт побрал бы эту сумасшедшую нищенку)! 'twas

she (это была она; ‘twas = it was) that hath disturbed your Highness (которая

расстроила ваше высочество).'

The gorgeous figure (великолепная фигура) turned a lusterless eye (повернула

тусклый глаз = взгляд) upon the duke (на герцога), and said in a dead voice (и

сказала мертвенным голосом):

'She was my mother (это была моя мать)!'

'My God (Боже мой)!' groaned the Protector (простонал протектор) as he reined

his horse backward to his post (когда он направлял своего коня назад к своему

месту), 'the omen was pregnant with prophecy (знамение было чревато

пророчеством = этот знак предрекал будущее). He is gone mad again (он стал

сумасшедшим снова)!'.

populace [`pOpjulqs], explosion [ıks`plquZ(ə)n], anxiety [жŋ`zaıətı], figure [`fıgə]

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The procession moved on, and still on, through ever-augmenting splendors

and ever-augmenting tempests of welcome; but to Tom Canty they were as if

they had not been. He neither saw nor heard. Royalty had lost its grace and

sweetness; its pomps were become a reproach. Remorse was eating his heart

out. He said, 'Would God I were free of my captivity!'

He had unconsciously dropped back into the phraseology of the first days of

his compulsory greatness.

The shining pageant still went winding like a radiant and interminable

serpent down the crooked lanes of the quaint old city, and through the

huzzaing hosts; but still the king rode with bowed head and vacant eyes,

seeing only his mother's face and that wounded look in it.

'Largess, largess!' The cry fell upon an unheeding ear.

'Long live Edward of England!' It seemed as if the earth shook with the

explosion; but there was no response from the king. He heard it only as one

hears the thunder of the surf when it is blown to the ear out of a great

distance, for it was smothered under another sound which was still nearer, in

his own breast, in his accusing conscience — a voice which kept repeating

those shameful words, 'I do not know you, woman!'

The words smote upon the king's soul as the strokes of a funeral bell smite

upon the soul of a surviving friend when they remind him of secret treacheries

suffered at his hands by him that is gone.

New glories were unfolded at every turning; new wonders, new marvels,

sprung into view; the pent clamors of waiting batteries were released; new

raptures poured from the throats of the waiting multitudes; but the king gave

no sign, and the accusing voice that went moaning through his comfortless

breast was all the sound he heard.

By and by the gladness in the faces of the populace changed a little, and

became touched with a something like solicitude or anxiety; an abatement in

the volume of applause was observable too. The Lord Protector was quick to

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notice these things; he was as quick to detect the cause. He spurred to the

king's side, bent low in his saddle, uncovered, and said:

'My liege, it is an ill time for dreaming. The people observe thy downcast

head, thy clouded mien, and they take it for an omen. Be advised; unveil the

sun of royalty, and let it shine upon these boding vapors, and disperse them.

Lift up thy face, and smile upon the people.'

So saying, the duke scattered a handful of coins to right and left, then retired

to his place. The mock king did mechanically as he had been bidden. His smile

had no heart in it, but few eyes were near enough or sharp enough to detect

that. The noddings of his plumed head as he saluted his subjects were full of

grace and graciousness; the largess which he delivered from his hand was

royally liberal; so the people's anxiety vanished, and the acclamations burst

forth again in as mighty a volume as before.

Still once more, a little before the progress was ended, the duke was obliged to

ride forward, and make remonstrance. He whispered:

'O dread sovereign! shake off these fatal humors; the eyes of the world are

upon thee.' Then he added with sharp annoyance, 'Perdition catch that crazy

pauper! 'twas she that hath disturbed your Highness.'

The gorgeous figure turned a lusterless eye upon the duke, and said in a dead

voice:

'She was my mother!'

'My God!' groaned the Protector as he reined his horse backward to his post,

'the omen was pregnant with prophecy. He is gone mad again!'

CHAPTER XXXII (Глава тридцать вторая)

Coronation Day (День коронации)

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LET us go backward (позволим нам = давайте вернемся назад) a few hours (на

несколько часов), and place ourselves (и расположимся) in Westminster Abbey

(в Вестминстерском аббатстве), at four o'clock in the morning (в четыре часа

утра) of this memorable Coronation Day (этого памятного Дня коронации). We

are not without company (мы не без компании = не одиноки); for although it is

still night (ибо хотя это еще ночь), we find the torch-lighted galleries (мы

находим освещенные факелами галереи) already filling up with people (уже

наполняющимися людьми) who are well content (которые совершенно

довольны) to sit still (сидеть смирно) and wait seven or eight hours (и ждать

семь или восемь часов) till the time shall come for them to see (пока время не

придет для них увидеть) what they may not hope to see twice in their lives (что

они не могут надеяться увидеть дважды за свои жизни) — the coronation of a

king (коронацию короля). Yes, London and Westminster have been astir (да,

Лондон и Вестминстер были на ногах; astir — находящийся в движении;

взволнованный, возбужденный; на ногах, вставший с постели; to stir —

шевелиться) ever since the warning guns boomed (прямо с тех пор, как

предупредительные ружья прогремели = дали залп) at three o'clock (в три

часа), and already crowds of untitled rich folk (и уже толпы нетитулованного

богатого народа) who have bought the privilege (которые купили привилегию;

to buy — купить) of trying to find sitting-room (постараться найти место для

сидения; room — место) in the galleries (в галереях) are flocking in

(вваливаются; flock — стадо, стая; to flock — стекаться; приходить толпой,

собираться толпами, стаями) at the entrances (во входы) reserved for their sort

(оставленные для их сорта = для таких людей, как они).

The hours drag along (часы тянутся), tediously enough (нудно достаточно). All

stir has ceased for some time (все движение прекратилось на какое-то время),

for every gallery has long ago been packed (так как каждая галерея давно /уже/

была заполнена). We may sit now (мы можем присесть теперь), and look and

think at our leisure (и смотреть и думать на досуге; at leisure — на досуге; не

спеша). We have glimpses (мы имеем взгляды = смотрим) here and there and

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yonder (сюда и туда и вон туда), through the dim cathedral twilight (сквозь

смутные сумерки собора), of portions of many galleries and balconies (на части

многих галерей и балконов), wedged full with people (набитых дополна

людьми), the other portions of these galleries and balconies (другие части этих

галерей и балконов) being cut off (будучи отрезаны; to cut — резать) from

sight (от вида = взгляда) by intervening pillars (вмешивающимися = стоящими

на пути колоннами) and architectural projections (и архитектурными

выступами). We have in view (мы имеем в виду = мы видим) the whole of the

great north transept (целый большой северный трансепт) — empty (пустой),

and waiting for England's privileged ones (и ожидающий привилегированных

лиц Англии). We see also the ample area or platform (мы также видим

обширную площадку или помост), carpeted with rich stuffs (устланную

богатыми тканями), whereon the throne stands (на которой трон стоит). The

throne occupies the center of the platform (трон занимает центр помоста), and is

raised above it (и поднят над ней) upon an elevation of four steps (на высоте

четырех ступенек). Within the seat of the throne (в сиденьи трона) is inclosed a

rough flat rock (вложен неотесанный плоский камень) — the Stone of Scone

(Сконский камень) — which many generations of Scottish kings sat on (на

котором сидели многие поколения шотландских королей; to sit — сидеть) to

be crowned (чтобы быть коронованными), and so it in time (и так он через

какое-то время) became holy enough (стал священным достаточно) to answer a

like purpose (чтобы отвечать = служить той же цели) for English monarchs (для

английских монархов). Both the throne and its footstool (и трон, и его

подставка для ног) are covered with cloth-of-gold (покрыты золотой парчой).

Stillness reigns (тишина царит), the torches blink dully (факелы мигают тускло),

the time drags heavily (время тянется тяжело = медленно). But at last the

lagging daylight (но наконец медлящий дневной свет) asserts itself (заявляет о

себе), the torches are extinguished (факелы погашены), and a mellow radiance

suffuses the great spaces (и мягкое сияние заливает огромные пространства).

All features of the noble building are distinct now (все черты благородного

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здания отчетливы сейчас), but soft and dreamy (но мягки и туманны), for the

sun is lightly veiled with clouds (ибо солнце слегка закрыто облаками).

leisure [`leZə], reign [reın], suffuse [sə`fju:z]

LET us go backward a few hours, and place ourselves in Westminster Abbey,

at four o'clock in the morning of this memorable Coronation Day. We are not

without company; for although it is still night, we find the torch-lighted

galleries already filling up with people who are well content to sit still and

wait seven or eight hours till the time shall come for them to see what they

may not hope to see twice in their lives — the coronation of a king. Yes,

London and Westminster have been astir ever since the warning guns boomed

at three o'clock, and already crowds of untitled rich folk who have bought the

privilege of trying to find sitting-room in the galleries are flocking in at the

entrances reserved for their sort.

The hours drag along, tediously enough. All stir has ceased for some time, for

every gallery has long ago been packed. We may sit now, and look and think

at our leisure. We have glimpses here and there and yonder, through the dim

cathedral twilight, of portions of many galleries and balconies, wedged full

with people, the other portions of these galleries and balconies being cut off

from sight by intervening pillars and architectural projections. We have in