"Роджер Желязны. Lord of Light (Лорд Света, engl) " - читать интересную книгу автора

began to purr. He pressed buttons cast in the likenesses of animals and
demons. There came then a flashing of lights along the lengths of the Nagas,
the two holy serpents who twisted about the transparent face of the machine.
He edged closer.
The man drew down upon the lever that grew from the side of the machine
cast in the likeness of the tail of a fish.
A holy blue light filled the interior of the machine; the serpents
pulsed redly; and there, in the midst of the light and a soft music that had
begun to play, a prayer wheel swung into view and began spinning at a
furious pace.
The man wore a beatific expression. After several minutes, the machine
shut itself off. He inserted another coin and pulled the lever once more,
causing several of those nearer to the end of the line to grumble audibly,
remarking to the effect that that was his seventh coin, it was a warm day,
there were other people waiting to get some praying done and why did he not
go inside and render such a large donation directly to the priests? Someone
replied that the little man obviously had much atoning to do. There then
began some speculation as to the possible nature of his sins. This was
accompanied by considerable laughter.
Seeing that there were several beggars waiting their turn in line, the
prince moved to its end and stood there.
As the line advanced, he noted that, while some of those who passed
before the machine pushed its buttons, others merely inserted a flat metal
disc into the mouth of the second tiger on the opposite side of the chassis.
After the machine had ceased to function, the disc fell into a cup and was
retrieved by its owner. The prince decided to venture an inquiry.
He addressed the man who stood before him in line:
"Why is it," he asked, "that some men do have discs of their own?"
"It is because they have registered," said the other, without turning
his head.
"In the Temple?"
"Yes."
"Oh."
He waited half a minute, then inquired, "Those who are unregistered,
and wish to use it-- they push the buttons?"
"Yes," said the other, "spelling out their name, occupation, and
address."
"Supposing one be a visitor here, such as myself?"
"You should add the name of your city."
"Supposing one is unlettered, such as myself-- what then?"
The other turned to him. "Perhaps ''twere better," he said, "that you
make prayer in the old way, and give the donation directly into the hands of
the priests. Or else register and obtain a disc of your own."
"I see," said the prince. "Yes, you are right. I must think of this
more. Thank you."
He left the line and circled the fountain to where the Sign of the Awl
hung upon a pillar. He moved up the Street of the Weavers.
Three times did he ask after Janagga the sailmaker, the third time of a
short woman with powerful arms and a small mustache, who sat cross-legged,
plaiting a rug, in her stall beneath the low eave of what once might have