"T. H. White - The Once and Future King" - читать интересную книгу автора (White T.H)

"I am not a coward."
"If you didn't run away," asked Gaheris, "how came it that Lancelot let you go, after killing the others? It
was in his interest to kill the lot of you, because then there would have been no witnesses." "He broke
my arm." "Yes, but he didn't kill you." "I am telling the truth." "But he didn't kill you."
What with the pain of his arm, and rage, the man began to cry like a child.
"You traitors! It is always like this. Because I am not strong, you side against me. You stand for the
muscular fools, and will not believe what I say. Agravaine is dead, and waked, and you are not going to
punish anybody for it. Traitors, traitors! And it will all be as it was!"
He broke down as the King came in. Arthur, looking tired, walked slowly to the throne and set himself
on it. He motioned to them, to resume their seats. Gawaine slumped back on the bench from which he
had risen, while Gareth and Gaheris. remained standing, observing the King with looks of pity, to the
background of Mordred's sobs. Arthur stroked his forehead with his hand. "Why is he crying?" he asked.
"He was for explaining to us," said Gawaine, "how Lancelot killed thirteen knights, but resolvit on his

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second thoughts that he shouldna kill our Mordred. It was by cause there was a fondness between them
seemingly."
"I think I can explain. You see, I asked Sir Lancelot not to kill my son, ten days ago."
Mordred said bitterly: "Thank you for nothing." "You don't have to thank me, Mordred. Lancelot would
be the right person to thank for that." "I wish he had killed me."
"I am glad he did not. Try to be a little forgiving, my son, now that we are in this trouble. Remember
that I am your father. I shall have no family left, except for you." "I wish I had never been born."
"So do I, my poor boy. But you are born, so now we must do the best we can."
Mordred went over to him with haste, with a sort of shamefaced dissimulation.
"Father," he said, "do you know that Lancelot is bound to come and rescue her?" "I have been expecting
it."
"And you have posted knights to stop him? You have arranged for a strong guard?"
"The guard is as strong as it can be, Mordred. I have tried to be just."
"Father," he said eagerly, "send Gawaine and these two to strengthen them. He will come with great
force."
"Well, Gawaine?" asked the King.
"Thank ye, uncle. I had liefer ye didna ask."
"I ought to ask you, Gawaine, out of justice to the guard which is already there. You see, it would be
unfair to leave a weak guard, if I thought that Lancelot was coming, because that would be treachery to
my own men. It would be sacrificing them."
"Whether ye ask me or no, saving your Majesty, I shallna go. I warned the twa of them at their
outselling that I wouldna have to do with it. I have nae wish to see Queen Guenever burn, and I maun
say I hope she willna, nor will I help to burn her. There ye have it"
"It sounds like treason."
"It may be treason, but I have my fondness for the Queen."
"I also am fond of the Queen, Gawaine. It was I who married her. But where a matter of public justice
arises, the feelings of common people have to be left out"
"I fear I canna leave my feelings."
The King turned to the others.


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