What his life was worth

Robert Burns, the great Scottish poet, loved common people and wrote for them. Though he had little formal education, he was well-read and talented. He began to be recognized as a poet when his first poems were published in 1786. He was known as a very witty man.

One day when Burns was walking near the docks, he heard a cry for help. He ran towards the water. At that moment he saw a young sailor jump off a boat that stood near the dock. The sailor began to swim towards the man who was calling for help. Though it was not easy, the sailor saved the man.

The man who was saved from drowning was a very rich merchant. He thanked the brave sailor and gave him a shilling. The sailor was embarrassed.

A large crowd of people gathered round them. All the people considered the sailor to be a hero. They were displeased when the rich man gave the brave sailor only a shilling.

Many of the people shouted loudly and protested against it. But the rich merchant did not pay any attention to them.

At the moment Robert Burns approached the crowd and wondered what the matter was. He was told the whole story.

He was not surprised at the behavior of the rich merchant and said:

“Let him alone. The gentleman is the best judge of what his life is worth”.

common – простой witty – остроумный

docks – доки to drown – тонуть

behavior – поведение Let him alone – оставьте его (в покое)

judge – судья to be worth – 'стоит что-то сделать

Войтик Н. В., Елесина М. А., Фомина Е. В.

Практикум по правилам чтения для студентов I курса неязыковых факультетов. Часть I. Тюмень: Издательство ТюмГУ, 2005.