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

 file:///K|/eMule/Incoming/Incipit%20Liber%20Quartus.html


The laird of Lothian moved his bandage feverishly.
"But it canna have been accident. I could jalouse it had they worn their helms, but they were bonnetiess.
He must have known them."
"We have talked this over often."
"Aye, it is vain."
The old man asked with tragic diffidence: "You don't think you could bring yourself to forgive him,
Gawaine, however it happened? I am not seeking to abandon duty, but if justice could be tempered with
mercy..."
"I will temper it when I hold him at my mercy, not before."
"Well, it is for you to say. Here comes the doctor to tell me I have stayed too long. Come in, doctor,
come in."
But it was the Bishop of Rochester who entered in a bustle, carrying packets and an iron lantern.
"It is you, Rochester. We thought you were the doctor."
"Good evening, sir. And good evening to you, Sir Gawaine."
"Good evening."
"How is the head today?"
"It grows better, thank you, my lord."
"Well, that is excellent news.
"And I," he added archly, "have brought some good news too. The post has come in early!"
"Letters!"
"One for you," he handed it to the King, "a long one."
"Is there ought for me?" asked Gawaine.
"Nothing, I am afraid, this week. You will have better luck next time."
Arthur took the letter to the lantern and broke the seal.
"You will excuse me if I read."
"Of course. We cannot stand on ceremony with the news from England. Dear me, I never thought I
should become a palmer at my time of life, Sir Gawaine, and have to gallivant in foreign parts...."
The bishop's prattle died away. Arthur had made no movement. He had turned neither red nor pale, nor
dropped the letter, nor stared in front of him. He was reading quietly. But Rochester stopped speaking,

file:///K|/eMule/Incoming/Incipit%20Liber%20Quartus.html (96 of 114)14-10-2007 15:44:46
 file:///K|/eMule/Incoming/Incipit%20Liber%20Quartus.html


and Gawaine raised himself on one elbow. They watched him reading, open-mouthed.
"Sir..."
"Nothing," he said, brushing them away with his hand.
"Excuse me. The news."
"I hope..."
"Let me finish, please. Talk to Sir Gawaine."
Gawaine asked: "Is there ill tidings... May I see?"
"No, please, a minute."
"Mordred?"
"No. It is nothing. The doctor says... My lord, I would like to speak to you outside."
Gawaine began to heave himself into a sitting position. "I will be told."
"There is nothing to be upset about. Lie down. We will come back."
"If ye go without telling me, I shall follow."