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«Oh my! – сказала принцесса. – Дай-ка я посмотрю».

all – все

and – и

as soon as – как только

before – перед

chair – стул, кресло

delicate – изысканный

fish-pond – пруд с рыбой

hall – зал

her – её

lover – ухажёр

luxurious – роскошный

meal – еда

midnight – полночь

No matter that. – И не надо.

Oh my! – Надо же!

pocket – карман

shepherd – пастух

sort – сорт, вид

sweet ally – милая

* * *

As soon as he said why he was visiting, he was taken to a hall where the king's daughter sat ready, prepared to receive her lovers. He was placed in a luxurious chair, and rich wines and spices were set before him, and all sorts of delicate meals. The shepherd was unused to such fare, and ate and drank plentifully, so that he was nearly dozing before midnight.

“Shepherd,” said the lady, “I have caught you napping!”

“No, sweet ally, I was busy fishing.”

“Fishing?” said the princess in surprise. “No, shepherd, there is no fish-pond in the hall.”

“No matter that, I have been fishing in my pocket, and have just caught one.”