Английский язык с Джонатаном Свифтом. Путешествия Гулливера

There were some other articles, but these are the most important ones. During the debates about my impeachment, the Treasurer and Admiral had wanted me to be put to death in a painful manner. They wanted to set fire to my house at night, then shoot me with poisoned arrows. Most of the Ministers were against me, but His Majesty wanted to treat me more kindly and to spare my life.

The Emperor had asked for the opinion of Reldresal, Principal Secretary for Private Affairs (император спросил мнение Релдресела, главного секретаря по тайным делам), who had always been my friend (который всегда был моим другом). Reldresal made it clear (ясно высказал мысль) that because of my good work (что по причине моей хорошей работы), and his belief (и его убеждения; belief — вера; мнение, убеждение) that an Emperor should show mercy (что император должен проявлять милосердие = … следует быть милосердным; неопределенный артикль an показывает, что речь идет об императоре вообще, а не о каком-то конкретном), he would prefer to let me live (он предпочел бы оставить меня в живых: «позволить мне жить»).

opinion [q'pInjqn], clear [klIq], belief [bI'lJf]

The Emperor had asked for the opinion of Reldresal, Principal Secretary for Private Affairs, who had always been my friend. Reldresal made it clear that because of my good work, and his belief that an Emperor should show mercy, he would prefer to let me live.

The punishment he suggested was (наказание, которое он предложил, состояло в том) that both my eyes should be put out (чтобы выколоть мне оба глаза: «что должны быть выколоты…»; to put out — выставлять; выгонять; устранять; погасить). In that way, the Emperor would be seen as merciful (таким образом, император явит всем свое милосердие: «будет видеться /со стороны/ милосердным»), and the loss of my eyes would not put an end to my physical strength (а потеря глаз не нанесет ущерба моей физической силе; to put an end to smth. — положить конец чему-л.). He pointed out that my strength might still be useful to His Majesty (он указал /на то/, что моя сила еще может быть полезна его величеству). Reldresal thought it would be enough for me to see through the eyes of the Ministers (полагал, что для меня будет достаточно смотреть /на все/ глазами министров), since that is what the greatest princes do (поскольку так поступают: «это есть /то/, что делают» /даже/ величайшие монархи).

suggest [sq'Gest], physical ['fIzIk(q)l], useful ['jHsfVl]

The punishment he suggested was that both my eyes should be put out. In that way, the Emperor would be seen as merciful, and the loss of my eyes would not put an end to my physical strength. He pointed out that my strength might still be useful to His Majesty. Reldresal thought it would be enough for me to see through the eyes of the Ministers, since that is what the greatest princes do.

Many did not agree with this suggestion (многие не согласились с этим предложением). The Admiral, Bolgolam, was very angry (был очень разгневан). He wondered (он /сказал, что/ удивляется) why the Secretary would spare the life of a traitor (почему = тому, что секретарь желает сохранить жизнь изменнику). And if I was able to put out a fire in her Majesty's apartment (и /что/ если я был способен потушить пожар в покоях ее величества), I might, at another time, drown the whole palace (в другой раз я, возможно, затоплю весь дворец). I might use my strength to return the enemy's fleet (я могу употребить свою силу для того, чтобы возвратить вражеский флот = возвратить врагу его флот). He had good reason to think I was a Big-Endian at heart (/и/ у него имеются веские основания думать, что в глубине души: «в сердце» я — тупоконечник). And, since treason begins in the heart (и так как измена зарождается: «начинается» в сердце), he believed that I should be put to death (он считает, что я должен быть предан казни).

angry ['xNgrI], drown [draVn], heart [hRt]

Many did not agree with this suggestion. The Admiral, Bolgolam, was very angry. He wondered why the Secretary would spare the life of a traitor. And if I was able to put out a fire in her Majesty's apartment, I might, at another time, drown the whole palace. I might use my strength to return the enemy's fleet. He had good reason to think I was a Big-Endian at heart. And, since treason begins in the heart, he believed that I should be put to death.