Втрачений континент: історія Атлантиди
6. The Biters Of The City Walls
Theymeantwellenough,itistrue;butthiswasthenewfashion.Heartinesshadcometobeaccountedabarbarismbythisnewculture.
Apairofposturing,smirkingchamberlainstookmeincharge,andusheredmewiththeirflimsygoldenwandstothedaisatthefartherend.ItappearedthatIwastositonPhorenice’sdivan,andeatmymeatoutofherdish.
“ThereisnostinttothehonourtheEmpressputsuponme,”Isaid,asIkneltdownandtookmyseat.
Shegavemeoneofherqueer,sidelonglooks.“Deucalionmayhavemorebeside,ifheasksforitprettily.Hemayhavewhatalltheothermenintheknownworldhavesighedfor,andwhatnoneofthemwilleverget.ButIhavegivenenoughofmyownaccord;hemustaskmewarmlyforthosefurtherfavours.”
“Iask,”Isaid,“first,thatImaysweeptheboundariesclearofthisrabblewhichisclamouringagainstthecitywalls.”
“Pah,”shesaid,andfrowned.“Haveyouappetiteonlyforthesternerpleasuresoflife?MygoodDeucalion,theymusthavebeenrusticfolkinthatcolonyofyours.Well,youshallgivemenewsnowofthetoothsomenessofthisfeast.”
Dishesandgobletswereplacedbeforeus,andwebegantoeat,thoughIhadlittleenoughappetiteforvictualsobrokenandsohighlyspiced.Butifthisfinickingcookeryandtheselusciouswinesdidnotappealtome,theotherdinersinthatgorgeoushallappreciateditalltothefull.Theysataboutingroupsonthepavementbeneaththelight-jetslikeatangleofrainbowsforcolour,andaccordingtothenewcustomtheywentintorapturesandecstasiesovertheirenjoyment.
