"Dunsany, Lord - Plays of Gods and Men" - читать интересную книгу автора (Dunsany Lord)

since the fall of Bleth, then our credulity is
overtaxed. It is possible that a man should lie; it is
not possible that the gods should destroy a city
nowadays.

Voice-of-the-Gods:
O King, have mercy.

King Karnos:
What, would you be sent safe away while your King is
destroyed by the gods?

Voice-of-the-Gods:
No, no, your Majesty. I would stay in the city, your
Majesty. But if the gods do not destroy the city, if
the gods have misled me?

King Karnos:
If the gods have misled you they have chosen your
doom. Why ask for mercy from me?

Voice-of-the-Gods:
If the gods have misled me, and punish me no further, I
ask mercy from you, O King.

King Karnos:
If the gods have misled you, let the gods protect you
from my executioner.

1st Sentry: {Laughs -- aside to 2nd Sentry}
Very witty.

2nd Sentry:
Yes, yes. {Laughs too.}

King Karnos:
If the doom fall not at sunset, why then the
executioner...

Voice-of-the-Gods:
Your Majesty!

King Karnos:
No more! No doubt the gods will destroy the whole city
at sunset.

{The sentries titter. The Prophet is led away.}

Ichtharion:
Your Majesty! Is it safe to kill a prophet, even for