Айвенго / Ivanhoe

The knight and his followers looked wild and foreign.

Gurth knew the monk. It was the Prior of Jorvaulx Abbey, well known for many miles around as a lover of hunting and banquet. He was from a distinguished Norman family and was friends both with the younger and older aristocrats. He knew little, but it was enough to make an impression, and the high tone which he used in promoting the authority of the church made people believe he was a saint. He was generous and spent the money of his Abbey not only on himself but also on poor peasants.

The Saxons bowed.

“My children,” said the Prior, “is there in this neighbourhood any good man, who, for the love of God, and devotion to Mother Church,[6 - devotion to Mother Church – из преданности матери-Церкви.] will give two of her servants a night’s hospitality?”

The armed rider added: “Tell us, if you can, the road to—how did you call your Franklin,[7 - Franklin – франклин (незнатный свободный человек, владеющий землей в Средневековой Англии).

] Prior Aymer?”

“Cedric,” answered the Prior; “Cedric the Saxon. – Tell me, good fellow, are we near his mansion, and can you show us the road?”

“The road will be uneasy to find,” answered Gurth, “and the family of Cedric go to bed early.”

“Hush,” said the Abbot, “do not speak with this reverend brother like that. He has spent his life fighting the Saracens[8 - Saracens – Сарацинами в Средневековой Европе называли мусульман, особенно когда речь шла о противниках крестоносцев.

] to recover the Holy Sepulchre;[9 - Holy Sepulchre – Гроб Господень, одна из главнейших христианских святынь в Палестине.] he is of the order of Knights Templars.[10 - Knights Templars – рыцари-тамплиеры. Члены одного из трех рыцарско-монашеских орденов, созданных для защиты христианских паломников и государств крестоносцев на Ближнем Востоке. ] He is half a monk, half a soldier.”

“Well, then,” answered Wamba, “you should go on this road until you come to a cross, then take the road to the left and I believe you will have shelter before the storm comes on.