日本科幻文学 经典科幻文学:《宇宙尽头的餐馆》第2章8

经典科幻文学:《宇宙尽头的餐馆》第2章8  

“If you have enjoyed the experience of this drink
” continued the machine
“why not share it with your friends?”
“Because
” said Arthur tartly
“I want to keep them. Will you try to prehend what I’m telling you? That drink…”
“That drink
” said the machine sweetly
“was individually tailored to meet your personal requirements for nutrition and pleasure.”
“Ah
” said Arthur
“so I’m a masochist on diet am I?”
“Share and Enjoy.”
“Oh shut up.”
“Will that be all?”
Arthur decided to give up.
“Yes
” he said.
Then he decided he’d be dammed if he’d give up.
“No
” he said
“look
it’s very
very simple… all I want… is a cup of tea. You are going to make one for me. Keep quiet and listen.”
And he sat. He told the Nutri-Matic about India
he told it about China
he told it about Ceylon. He told it about broad leaves drying in the sun. He told it about silver teapots. He told it about summer afternoons on the lawn. He told it about putting in the milk before the tea so it wouldn’t get scalded. He even told it (briefly) about the history of the East India Company.
“So that’s it
is it?” said the Nutri-Matic when he had finished.
“Yes
” said Arthur
“that is what I want.”
“You want the taste of dried leaves boiled in water?”