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

At last the final act (наконец последний акт) was at hand (приблизился: «был у руки»). The Archbishop of Canterbury (Архиепископ Кентерберийский) lifted up the crown of England (поднял корону Англии) from its cushion (с ее подушки) and held it out (и протянул ее; to hold out — протянуть: «держать наружу») over the trembling mock king's head (над головой дрожащего потешного короля). In the same instant (в то же мгновение) a rainbow radiance (радужное сияние) flashed along the spacious transept (вспыхнуло вдоль просторного трансепта); for with one impulse (ибо в едином порыве) every individual in the great concourse of nobles (каждый человек в великом сборище дворян) lifted a coronet (поднял корону) and poised it (и стал держать ее) over his or her head (над своей: «его или ее» головой) — and paused in that attitude (и замер в этом положении).

multitude [`mAltıtju:d], vantage [`va:ntıG], entire [ın`taıə], remorse [rı`mO:s]

Let us change the tense for convenience. The time drifted along — one hour — two hours — two hours and a half; then the deep booming of artillery told that the king and his grand procession had arrived at last; so the waiting multitude rejoiced. All knew that a further delay must follow, for the king must be prepared and robed for the solemn ceremony; but this delay would be pleasantly occupied by the assembling of the peers of the realm in their stately robes. These were conducted ceremoniously to their seats, and their coronets placed conveniently at hand; and meanwhile the multitude in the galleries were alive with interest, for most of them were beholding for the first time, dukes, earls, and barons, whose names had been historical for five hundred years. When all were finally seated, the spectacle from the galleries and all coigns of vantage was complete; a gorgeous one to look upon and to remember.

Now the robed and mitered great heads of the church, and their attendants, filed in upon the platform and took their appointed places; these were followed by the Lord Protector and other great officials, and these again by a steel-clad detachment of the Guard.

There was a waiting pause; then, at a signal, a triumphant peal of music burst forth, and Tom Canty, dothed in a long robe of cloth-of-gold, appeared at a door, and stepped upon the platform. The entire multitude rose, and the ceremony of the Recognition ensued.

Then a noble anthem swept the Abbey with its rich waves of sound; and thus heralded and welcomed, Tom Canty was conducted to the throne. The ancient ceremonies went on with impressive solemnity, whilst the audience gazed; and as they drew nearer and nearer to completion, Tom Canty grew pale, and still paler, and a deep and steadily deepening woe and despondency settled down upon his spirits and upon his remorseful heart.