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

'We Augustus B.A.A.P and M. rex et cetera make known
that we have determined, for the safety of our realm and
for the keeping of our honour, the the worm or dragon
styling himself Chrysophylax the Rich shall be sought out
and condignly punished for his misdemeanours, torts,
felonies and foul perjury. All the knights of our Royal
Household are hereby commanded to arm and make ready
to ride upon this quest, so soon as Master Aegidius A.J.
Agricola shall arrive at this our court. Inasmuch as teh
said Aegidius has proved himself a trusty man and well
able to deal with giants, dragons, and other enemies of the
King's peace, now therefore we command him to ride
forth at once, and to join the company of our knights with
all speed'

People said this was a high honour and next door to being
dubbed. The miller was envious. `Friend Aegidius is rising
in the world,' said he. `I hope he will know us when he
gets back.'
`Maybe he never will,' said the blacksmith.

`That's enough from you, old horse-face!' said the farmer,
mighty put out. `Honour be blowed! If I get back even the
miller's company will be welcome. Still, it is some comfort
to think that I shall be missing you both for a bit.' And with
that he left them.

You cannot offer excuses to the King as you can to your
neighbours; so lambs or no lambs, ploughing or none, milk
or water, he had to get up on his grey mare and go. The
parson saw him off.

`I hope you are taking some stout rope with you?' he said.

`What for?' said Giles. `To hang myself?'

`Nay! Take heart, Master Mgidius!' said the parson. `It
seems to me that you have a luck that you can trust. But
take also a long rope, for you may need it, unless my fore-
sight deceives me. And now farewell, and return safely!'

'Aye! And come back and find all my house and land in a
pickle. Blast dragons!' said Giles. Then, stuffing a great
coil of rope in a bag by his saddle, he climbed up and rode
off.

He did not take the dog, who had kept well out of sight all
the morning. But when he was gone,