Читать книгу Английские легенды / The English Legends онлайн

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oppressive – жестокий

people – люди, народ

rash promise – опрометчивое обещание

refuse – отказываться

taxes – налоги

upset – огорчённый

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The Earl's taxes were very high, and people in Coventry was very upset about it. So the people were burdened terribly by taxes. Lady Godiva took pity on the people of Coventry, who were suffering grievously under her husband's oppressive taxation. Lady Godiva begged her husband to lower the taxes many times, but he never agreed to. She appealed again and again to her husband, who obstinately refused to do it.

In order to arrange for tax relief, she needled her husband Leofric at every opportunity until one day he made her a rash promise. Finally, the Earl told Lady Godiva that if she rode through the streets completely naked, he would grant her request and lower the taxes:

“Mount your horse, and ride naked, before all the people, through the market of the town, from one end to the other, and on your return you shall have your request.”

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Ясное дело, Леофрик пошутил, потому что considered свою жену religious женщиной. Сама мысль о том, что Годива приняла бы его challenge, застала его врасплох. Он был более чем sure, что его demure жена никогда бы так не поступила.