"Lem - Automathew's Friend" - читать интересную книгу автора (Lem Stanislaw)

honest counsel--to destroy me, me, your only companion. It's true
that in this way you at least acquired some purpose in life, so for
that alone you owe me gratitude. Strange, though, that you should
find so hateful the thought of my surviving..."
"Surviving? That remains to be seen!" snarled Automatthew.
"No, really, you are too much. Here's a thought. Why not place me on
the buckle of your belt? It's steel, and steel I think is harder
than rock. Worth a try, though personally I'm convinced it's quite
useless, yet I'd like to be of help..."
Automatthew, albeit with a certain reluctance, finally followed this
suggestion, but all he succeeded in doing was cover the surface of
his buckle with tiny pit holes, produced by frenzied blows. When
even the most desperate of his strokes proved harmless, Automatthew
fell into a truly black despair and, sapped of strength, stared
dully at the metal mote, which spoke to him in its high-pitched
voice:
"And this is supposed to be an intelligent being! He falls into deep
dejection because he cannot wipe off the face of the earth the only
fellow creature he has in all this dead expanse! Tell me, dear
Automatthew, aren't you just a little ashamed of yourself?"
"Shut up, you worthless chatterbox!" hissed the castaway.
"Why should I shut up? If I'd wished you ill, you know, I would have
shut up long ago, but I remain your true electrofriend. I will keep
you company in your death agonies like a steadfast brother, no
matter what you do, and no, you will not cast me into the sea, my
dear, for it is always better to have an audience. I will be the
audience of your final throes, which thereby surely will turn out
better than they would in utter isolation; the important thing is
emotion, it matters not what kind. Hatred for me, your genuine
friend, will sustain you, give you courage, lift up your spirits,
impart to your groans a true and convincing ring, also it will
systematize your twitchings and bring order to each of your last
moments, and that is no small thing... As for myself, I promise I
shall speak little and avoid commenting, for were I to do otherwise,
I might--without meaning to--break you with an excess of friendship,
which you could not withstand, since to tell the truth you have a
nasty character. However I shall manage this as well, and, by
returning kindness for unkindness, conquer you, and in this way save
you from yourself--out of friendship, I repeat, but not blind
friendship, for affection does not close my eyes to the baseness of
your nature..." These words were interrupted by a roar, that issued
suddenly from the breast of Automatthew.
"A ship! A ship!! A ship!!!" he shrieked wildly and, jumping to his
feet, began to run back and forth along the shore, hurling stones in
the water, waving his arms with all his might, but mainly screaming
at the top of his voice until he grew completely hoarse--all without
need, for a ship was clearly approaching the island and before very
long had sent out a rescue boat.