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

'How can it be else but true, Prissy (как может это быть иным, нежели правдой, Присси)? Would he say a lie (сказал ли бы он ложь)? For look you, Prissy (потому что смотри, Присси), an it were not true (если бы это не было правдой), it would be a lie (это была бы ложь). It surely would be (это точно была бы /ложь/). Now think on't (теперь поразмысли над этим; on’t = on it). For all things that be not true, be lies (ибо все вещи, которые не правдивы, суть ложь) — thou canst make naught else out of it (ты не можешь сделать ничего другого из этого = с этим уж ничего не поделаешь).'

It was a good, tight argument (это был хороший, непроницаемый = неоспоримый довод), without a leak in it anywhere (без единой протечки в нем где-либо = без единого слабого места); and it left Prissy's half-doubts not a leg to stand on (и он не оставил полусомнениям Присси ни одной ноги, чтобы стоять на /ней/ = разнес их в пух и прах). She considered a moment (она поразмышляла минутку), then put the king upon his honor (затем положилась на честность короля: «поставила королю на его честь») with the simple remark (простым замечанием):

'If thou art truly the king (если ты воистину король), then I believe thee (тогда я верю тебе).'

'I am truly the king (я воистину король).'

bosom [`buzəm], minutely [maı`nju:tlı], spread [spred]

WHEN the king awoke in the early morning, he found that a wet but thoughtful rat had crept into the place during the night and made a cozy bed for itself in his bosom. Being disturbed now, it scampered away. The boy smiled, and said, 'Poor fool, why so fearful? I am as forlorn as thou. 'Twould be a shame in me to hurt the helpless, who am myself so helpless. Moreover, I owe you thanks for a good omen; for when a king has fallen so low that the very rats do make a bed of him, it surely meaneth that his fortunes be upon the turn, since it is plain he can no lower go.'

He got up and stepped out of the stall, and just then he heard the sound of children's voices. The barn door opened and a couple of little girls came in. As soon as they saw him their talking and laughing ceased, and they stopped and stood still, gazing at him with strong curiosity; they presently began to whisper together, then they approached nearer, and stopped again to gaze and whisper. By and by they gathered courage and began to discuss him aloud. One said:

'He hath a comely face.'

The other added:

'And pretty hair.'

'But is ill clothed enow.'

'And how starved he looketh.'

They came still nearer, sidling shyly around and about him, examining him minutely from all points, as if he were some strange new kind of animal; but warily and watchfully the while, as if they half feared he might be a sort of animal that would bite, upon occasion. Finally they halted before him, holding each other's hands for protection, and took a good satisfying stare with their innocent eyes; then one of them plucked up all her courage and inquired with honest directness:

'Who art thou, boy?'

'I am the king,' was the grave answer.