Сборник самых известных английских легенд. Уровень 1

As soon as[5 - as soon as – как только] he said why he was visiting, he was taken to a hall where the king’s daughter sat ready, prepared to receive her lovers. He was placed in a luxurious chair, and rich wines and spices were set before him, and all sorts of delicate meals. The shepherd was unused to such fare, and ate and drank plentifully, so that he was nearly dozing before midnight.

“Shepherd,” said the lady, “I have caught you sleeping!”

“No, sweet ally[6 - sweet ally – милая], I was busy fishing.

”

“Fishing?” said the princess in surprise. “No, shepherd, there is no fish-pond in the hall.”

“No matter that[7 - No matter that. – И не надо.], I have been fishing in my pocket, and have just caught one.”

''Oh my![8 - Oh my! – Надо же!]” said she. “Let me see it[9 - Let me see it. – Дай-ка я посмотрю.].”

The shepherd cleverly drew a fish out of his pocket and showed it to her, and she said it was the finest she had ever seen.

About half an hour afterwards, she said, “Shepherd, do you think you could get me one more?”

He replied, “Maybe,” and after a little while he brought out another.

It was finer than the first, and the princess was so delighted that she gave him leave to go to sleep[10 - she gave him leave to go to sleep – она отпустила его спать], and promised to excuse him to her father[11 - excuse him to her father – оправдать его перед отцом].

In the morning the princess told the king to his great astonishment that the shepherd must not be beheaded, for he had been fishing in the hall all night.

The shepherd agreed.

But when the king heard how the shepherd had caught such beautiful fish out of his pocket, he asked him to catch one in his own royal pocket.

The shepherd agreed, bid the king lie down, and pretended to fish in his pocket while he had another fish hidden and ready in his hand. At last he gave the king a prick with a needle, held up the fish, and showed it to the king.

And even though the king did not delight in such a fishing method, nevertheless the princess and shepherd were united the same day and lived for many years together.

Упражнения

1. Выберите правильный вариант:

1. Taking his bead, he trudged to the court to try his fortune.

2. Taking his bottle and bag, he trudged to the court to try his fortune.

3. Taking his sheep, he trudged to the court to try his fortune.

4. Taking his children, he trudged to the court to try his fortune.

2.