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

Temples. If our friends are now gods then they must commune with their
priests. Siddhartha goes to pray."
"Then put in no words for me," said Jan, as he poured out another
drink. "I do not know whether I would live through a divine visitation."
Sam smiled. "They are not omnipotent."
"I sincerely hope not," replied the other, "but I fear that day is not
far off."
"Good sailing, Jan."
"Skaal."

Prince Siddhartha stopped on the Street of the Smiths, on his way to
the Temple of Brahma. Half an hour later he emerged from a shop, accompanied
by Strake and three of his retainers. Smiling, as though he had received a
vision of what was to come, he passed through the center of Mahartha, coming
at last to the high, wide Temple of the Creator.
Ignoring the stares of those who stood before the pray-o-mat, he
mounted the long, shallow stairway, meeting at the Temple entrance with the
high priest, whom he had advised earlier of his coming.
Siddhartha and his men entered the Temple, disarming themselves and
paying preliminary obeisances toward its central chamber before addressing
the priest.
Strake and the others drew back a respectful distance as the prince
placed a heavy purse in the priest's hands and said, in a low voice:
"I'd like to speak with God."
The priest studied his face as he replied, "The Temple is open to all.
Lord Siddhartha, where one may commune with Heaven for so long as one
wishes."
"That is not exactly what I had in mind," said Siddhartha. "I was
thinking of something more personal than a sacrifice and a long litany."
"I do not quite follow you . . ."
"But you understand the weight of that purse, do you not? It contains
silver. Another which I bear is filled with gold-- payable upon delivery. I
want to use your telephone."
"Tele . . . ?"
"Communication system. If you were of the First, such as I, you would
understand my reference."
"I do not . . ."
"I assure you my call will not reflect adversely upon your wardenship
here. I am aware of these matters and my discretion has always been a byword
among the First. Call First Base yourself and inquire, if it will put you at
ease. I'll wait here in the outer chamber. Tell them Sam would have words
with Trimurti. They will take the call."
"I do not know. . ."
Sam withdrew the second purse and weighed it in the palm of his hand.
The priest's eyes fell upon it and he licked his lips.
"Wait here," he ordered, and he turned on his heel and left the
chamber.

Ili, the fifth note of the harp, buzzed within the Garden of the Purple
Lotus.