Английский язык с Джонатаном Свифтом Путешествия Гулливера

It was the custom that when punishment had been decided upon, the Emperor made a speech telling of his great mercy and kindness. The people were afraid of such speeches. They knew that the more talk there was of mercy, the more terrible was the punishment and the more innocent the sufferer.

I must confess that I don't know much about these matters (должен признаться, что я не много знаю о = не особенно разбираюсь в этих = таких вещах; matter — вещество; материя; тема, вопрос, дело), but I couldn't see any mercy or favour in the punishment planned for me (но = и я /никак/ не мог увидеть = распознать милосердия или благосклонности в наказании, предуготовленном для меня; to plan — запланировать; задумывать; затевать). Having thought about the choices open to me (поразмыслив о возможностях, открытых для меня; choice — выбор; альтернатива, возможность), I made a decision (я принял решение). In the end, this saved my eyes and also my life (в конечном счете, это = оно спасло мои глаза и также мою жизнь).

I decided to visit the Emperor of Blefuscu (я решил посетить императора Блефуску). I sent a letter to my friend, the Secretary (я послал моему другу секретарю письмо), informing him of my plan (уведомляя = в котором уведомлял его о своем намерении) to set out that morning for Blefuscu (отправиться в то же утро в Блефуску; to set out — выставлять /наружу, напоказ/; выступать /в поход/; отправляться /в путь/). After all, I had been given permission to do so (в конце концов, я ведь получил: «мне было дано» на это разрешение: «сделать так»).

choice [ʧɔɪs], decision [dɪ'sɪʒ(ə)n], also [ɔ:lsəʋ]

I must confess that I don't know much about these matters, but I couldn't see any mercy or favour in the punishment planned for me. Having thought about the choices open to me, I made a decision. In the end, this saved my eyes and also my life.

I decided to visit the Emperor of Blefuscu. I sent a letter to my friend, the Secretary, informing him of my plan to set out that morning for Blefuscu. After all, I had been given permission to do so.

Without waiting for an answer (не дожидаясь ответа), I went to the side of the island where the fleet was (я направился в /ту/ часть острова, где стоял флот). I took up the anchor of a large ship (я поднял якорь большого корабля) and placed my clothes in it (и положил в него свою одежду). Then, pulling the ship (затем, таща = ведя корабль за собою), I swam and waded to the royal port of Blefuscu (я плыл и шел вброд = то вброд, то вплавь я добрался до королевского порта Блефуску). The people had been expecting me (жители /уже/ ждали меня) and two guides directed me to the capital city (и два проводника показали мне дорогу в столицу; to direct — направлять; указывать дорогу), which is of the same name (носящую то же название /что и государство/).

answer [‘ɑ:nsə], pulling ['pʋlɪŋ], guide [ɡaɪd]

Without waiting for an answer, I went to the side of the island where the fleet was. I took up the anchor of a large ship and placed my clothes in it. Then, pulling the ship, I swam and waded to the royal port of Blefuscu. The people had been expecting me and two guides directed me to the capital city, which is of the same name.