"Asimov, Isaac - Cleon the Emperor" - читать интересную книгу автора (Asimov Isaac)

He turned to one of the officials at his side, and said, УWhat is the gardener's name?Ф

УSire, it is Mandell Gruber. He has been a gardener here for twenty-two years.Ф

The Emperor nodded, and said, УAh, Gruber. How glad I am to meet a worthy and hard-working gardener.Ф

УSire,Ф mumbled Gruber, his teeth chattering. УI am not a man of many talents, but it is always my best I try to do on behalf of your gracious self.Ф

УOf course, of course,Ф said the Emperor, wondering if the gardener suspected him of sarcasm. These men of the lower classes lacked the finer feelings that came with refinement and manners. It was what always made any attempt at democratic display difficult.

Cleon said, УI have heard from my First Minister of the loyalty with which you once came to his aid, and your skill in taking care of the grounds. The First Minister tells me that he and you are quite friendly.Ф

УSire, the First Minister is most gracious to me, but I know my place. I never speak to him unless he speaks first.Ф

УQuite, Gruber. That shows good feeling on your part, but the First Minister, like myself, is a man of democratic impulses, and I trust his judgment of people.Ф

Gruber bowed low.

The Emperor said, УAs you know, Gruber, the Chief Gardener, Malcomber, is quite old and longs to retire. The responsibilities are becoming greater than he can bear.Ф

УSire, the Chief Gardener is much respected by all the gardeners. May he be spared for many years so that we can all come to him for the benefit of his wisdom and judgment.Ф

УWell said, Gruber,Ф said the Emperor carelessly, Уbut you very well know that that is just mumbo-jumbo. He is not going to be spared, at least not with the strength and wit necessary for the position. He himself requests retirement within the year and I have granted him that. It remains to find a replacement.Ф

УOh, Sire, there are fifty men and women in this grand place who could be Chief Gardener.Ф

УI dare say,Ф said the Emperor, УBut my choice has fallen upon you.Ф The Emperor smiled graciously. This was the moment he had been waiting for. Gruber would now, he expected, fall to his knees in an ecstasy of gratitude.

He did not, and the Emperor frowned.

Gruber said, УSire, it is an honor that is too great for me, entirely.Ф

УNonsense,Ф said Cleon, offended that his judgment should be called into question. УIt is about time that your virtues are recognized. You will no longer have to be exposed to weather of all kinds at all times of the year. You will have the Chief Gardener's office, a fine place, which I will have redecorated for you, and where you can bring your familyЧYou do have a family, don't you, Gruber?Ф

УYes, Sire. A wife, and two daughters. And a son-in-law.Ф

УVery good. You will be very comfortable and you will enjoy your new life, Gruber. You will be indoors, Gruber, and out of the weather, like a true Trantorian.Ф

УSire, consider that I am an Anacreonian by upbringingЧФ

УI have considered, Gruber. All worlds are alike to the Emperor. It is done. The new job is what you deserve.Ф

He nodded his head and stalked off. Cleon was satisfied with this latest show of his benevolence. Of course, he could have used a little more gratitude from the fellow, a little more appreciation, but at least it was done.

And it was much easier to have this done than to settle the matter of the failing infrastructure.

Cleon had, in a moment of testiness, declared that whenever a breakdown could be attributed to human error, the human being in question should forthwith be executed.

УA few executions,Ф he said, Уand it's remarkable how careful everyone will become.Ф