"Michael Ende - Momo" - читать интересную книгу автора (Ende Michael)

R. R. Donnelley & Sons Company, Harrisonburg, Virginia
Set in Baskerville

Except in the United States of America, this book is sold subject to the
con-dition that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, re-sold,
hired out, or otherwise circulated without the publisher's prior consent in
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 subsequent purchaser




Twinkle, twinkle, little star.
How I wonder what you are!
Up above the world so high,
Like a diamond in the sky!
-- Jane Taylor (1783-1827)




PART ONE
Momo and Her Friends



ONE
The Amphitheater

Long, long ago, when people spoke languages quite different from our own, many fine, big cities
already existed in the sunny lands of the world. There were towering palaces inhabited by kings and
emperors; there were broad streets, narrow alleyways and winding lanes; there were sumptuous temples
filled with idols of gold and marble; there were busy markets selling wares from all over the world; and
there were handsome, spacious squares where people gathered to discuss the latest news and make
speeches or listen to them. Last but not least, there were theatres -- or, more properly, amphitheatres.
An amphitheater resembled a modern circus, except that it was built entirely of stone. Seats for
spectators were arranged in tiers, one above the other, like steps lining the crater of a man-made
volcano. Many such buildings were circular, others semicircular, others oval.
Some amphitheatres were as big as football stadiums, others could hold no more than a few
hundred people. Some were resplendent with columns and statues, others plain and unadorned. Having
no roofs, amphitheatres were open to the sky. This was why, in the more luxurious ones, spectators were
shielded from the heat of the sun or from sudden downpours by gold-embroidered awnings suspended
above their seats. In simple amphitheatres, mats woven of rushes or straw served the same purpose. In
short, people made their amphitheatres as simple or luxurious as they could afford -- just as long as they
had one, for our ancestors were enthusiastic playgoers.
Whenever they saw exciting or amusing incidents acted out on stage, they felt as if these
make-believe happenings were more real, in some mysterious way, than their own humdrum lives, and
they loved to feast their eyes and ears on this kind of reality.