"Louis L'amour - sackett02 - To The Far Blue Mountains" - читать интересную книгу автора (L'Amour Louis)

place already ancient when my father played there as a child, and how ancient no
man knew. Many times had the thatch been renewed, and long ago I had watched my
father replace the door. I had come here before first sailing for America, but
now, almost a year later, nothing had changed.
Even Black Tom, who knew the fens, had not known of this place. William knew,
and I. Black Tom looked around, admiringly. "A tidy place! A man could live here
on the eeling alone."
"Aye, but I am for America, Tom, love it though I do. It is a good place, with
the cries of the marsh birds and the glow of the last light on the yellow water
lilies. Nor shall I forget the sound of oars as a boat moves through the fens,
or the way the morning mist lies close above the grass."
"You were born here?"
"In the cottage we just left My father was a soldier home from the wars, given
this land in respect of things done. It was what he wanted, I think, land of his
own and a free, honest life. He had lived by the blade and bow in many a land.
He taught me much the schools teach, and much that no school could teach, and I
honor him for it. He wanted a better life for me, and I shall have it, in
America." Black Tom nodded.
"My father finished his life," I continued, "and made a better foothold for me.
And I in my time shall do the same for my sons. Yet it is honor I wish for them,
honor and pride of person, not wealth. Nor do I wish for titles, or a place near
a Queen or a King, for pride of title or family is an empty thing, b'ke dry
leaves that blow in the cold winds of autumn."
"You have a wife?"
"Nay ... but soon, if all goes well. A bonny lass who will go with me to
America." I considered, and smiled. "It is not so much that I wish to take her
to that wild land, but that she will not be left behind. She's a lovely lass,
and we sail well together. I've a fine ship waiting, a cargo loaded, and she
waits upon the wind ... and me."
"She must be a strong lass, to risk a wild land."
"Aye, and I've thought much upon that, Tom. It is well for men to risk dangers,
for we have broad backs to bear the blows, but I marvel at the courage of women
who go with us, and must think of bearing children alone, and in a far place.
"I wonder sometimes. Why do I go, Tom, when I have this? If Queen Bess drains
the fens I would be a man of wealth, for much of this about us is mine. But I
will not stay for it."
"With me it is different, lad. There's the noose at Tyburn waiting for my neck,"
said Tom.
"Perhaps, Tom. But think you: others like you stay. How many men in Britain
today would sail for America? How many do you know that have lurked in the
towns, hiding or moving from place to place rather than try a new land? They
hide from change. They fear it. We do not."
"What of the savages there?"
"I have known but few, and as their lives need strength, they respect strength.
As they must fight with their enemies, they respect a fighter. As a coward is a
danger to them, they despise a coward.
"There are honest men among them, and dishonest, even as with us. One must deal
fairly, and watch himself against weakness, for they despise that. Give no gift
without reason or they will think it an offering from fear, and kill you out of
hand.