"J.R.R. Tolkien - Farmer Giles of Ham" - читать интересную книгу автора (Tolkien J.R.R)

dragon. `I shall be ruined.'

`You deserve it,' said Giles.

`You can choose between being ruined and being killed
where

you lie.' He brandished Tailbiter, and the dragon cowered.
`Make up your mind!' the people cried, getting bolder and
drawing nearer.

Chrysophylax blinked; but deep down inside him he
laughed: a silent quiver which they did not observe. Their
bargaining had begun to amuse him. Evidently they
expected to get something out of it. They knew very little
of the ways of the wide and wicked world = indeed, there
was no one now living in all the realm who had had any
actual experience in dealing with dragons and their tricks.
Chrysophylax was getting his breath back, and his wits as
well. He licked his lips.

`Name your own price!' he said.

Then they all began to talk at once. Chrysophylax listened
with interest. Only one voice disturbed him: that of the
blacksmith.

`No good 'll come of it, mark my words,' said he: `A worm
won't return, say what you like. But no good will come of
it, either way.'

`You can stand out of the bargain; if that's your mind,' they
said to him, and went on haggling, taking little further
notice of the dragon.

Chrysophylax raised his head; but if he thought oг
springing on them, or of slipping off during the argument he
was disappointed. Farmer Giles was standing by, chewing
a straw and considering; but Tailbiter was in his hand, and
his eye was on the dragon.

`You lie where you be!' said he, `or you'll get what you
deserve, gold or no gold.'

The dragon lay flat. At last the parson was made
spokesman and he stepped up beside Giles. `Vile Worm!'
he said. `You must bring back to this spot all your ill-gotten
wealth;
and after recompensing those whom you have injured we will