Английские легенды / English Legends

But indeed I was only testing you, for you are so young that I doubted your strength and manliness. It was only a pretence of beating that I meant.”

“This is my request,” said the boy: “if there is to be peace between us you must give to me all that my father left me while he was alive.”

To this Sir John agreed with apparent willingness, and even promised to repair the decayed houses and restore the lands and farms; but though he showed content with the agreement and kissed his brother with affection, yet he was inwardly planning a treachery against the unsuspecting youth.

Shortly after this quarrel between the brothers a wrestling competition was announced, the winner of which would become the owner of a fine ram and a ring of gold, and Gamelyn decided to try his powers. Accordingly he asked a horse from Sir John, who offered him his choice of all the horses in the stable, and then curiously questioned him as to his purpose.

The lad explained that he wished to compete in the wrestling match, hoping to win honour by bearing away the prize; then he mounted his horse and rode away merrily, while the false Sir John locked the gate behind him, praying that he might get his neck broken in the contest.

The boy rode along, rejoicing in his youth and strength, singing as he went, till he drew near the appointed place, and then he suddenly heard a man’s voice crying, “O grief! Alas!” and saw a venerable yeoman wringing his hands[32 - wring one’s hands – в отчаянии заламывать руки].

“Good man,” said Gamelyn, “why are you in such distress? Can no one help you?”

“Alas!” said the yeoman. “Woe to the day on which I was born[33 - woe to sth. – горе тому…]! The champion wrestler here has overthrown my two sons, and unless God help them they will die of their injuries.

I would give ten pounds to find a man to avenge on him for my dear sons.”

“Good man, hold my horse while my groom takes my coat and shoes, and I will try my luck[34 - try one’s luck – попытать удачу] and strength against this champion.”

“Thank God!” said the yeoman.