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

'I pray ye, ladies, seem not to observe his humors, nor show surprise when his memory doth lapse — it will grieve you to note how it doth stick at every trifle.'

Meanwhile Lord St. John was saying in Tom's ear:

'Please you, sir, keep diligently in mind his majesty's desire. Remember all thou canst — seem to remember all else. Let them not perceive that thou art much changed from thy wont, for thou knowest how tenderly thy old playfellows bear thee in their hearts and how 'twould grieve them. Art willing, sir, that I remain? — and thine uncle?'

Tom signified assent with a gesture and a murmured word, for he was already learning, and in his simple heart was resolved to acquit himself as best he might according to the king's command.

In spite of every precaution, the conversation among the young people became a little embarrassing at times. More than once, in truth, Tom was near to breaking down and confessing himself unequal to his tremendous part; but the tact of the Princess Elizabeth saved him, or a word from one or the other of the vigilant lords, thrown in apparently by chance, had the same happy effect. Once the little Lady Jane turned to Tom and dismayed him with this question:

'Hast paid thy duty to the queen's majesty today, my lord?'

Tom hesitated, looked distressed, and was about to stammer out something at hazard when Lord St. John took the word and answered for him with the easy grace of a courtier accustomed to encounter delicate difficulties and to be ready for them:

'He hath indeed, madam, and she did greatly hearten him, as touching his majesty's condition; is it not so, your highness?'

Tom mumbled something that stood for assent (Том пробурчал что-то, что заменяло согласие), but felt that he was getting upon dangerous ground (но почувствовал, что он ступает на опасную территорию; danger — опасность). Somewhat later (несколько позже) it was mentioned (было упомянуто) that Tom was to study no more at present (что Том не должен был больше учиться в настоящее время), whereupon her little ladyship exclaimed (на что ее маленькая милость воскликнула):

''Tis a pity (как жаль: «это жалость»), 'tis such a pity (это так жаль)! Thou were proceeding bravely (ты продвигался прекрасно). But bide thy time in patience (но проведи свое время в терпении = потерпи); it will not be for long (это будет ненадолго). Thou'lt yet be graced with learning like thy father (ты еще будешь благословлен учением, как твой отец), and make thy tongue (и сделаешь свой язык) master of as many languages as his (властелином стольких же языков, что и его), good my prince (мой добрый принц).'

'My father (мой отец)!' cried Tom (вскричал Том), off his guard (забывшись) for the moment (на секунду). 'I trow (я полагаю — устар., /что/) he cannot speak his own (он не может говорить на своем собственном /языке/) so that any but the swine (так, чтобы кто-нибудь, кроме свиней) that wallow in the sties (которые валяются в хлевах) may tell (мог бы разобрать) his meaning (его смысл = что он хочет сказать); and as for learning of any sort soever (а что до какого бы то ни было учения) —'

He looked up (он посмотрел вверх = поднял взгляд) and encountered a solemn warning (и встретил = увидел мрачное предостережение) in my Lord St. John's eyes (в глазах милорда Сент-Джона).