美國語文第六冊 第69期:在弗吉尼亞制憲大會(huì)上的演講(5)
這場戰(zhàn)爭比的不單是誰的力量強(qiáng)大，而是取決于誰能保持清醒，誰更主動(dòng)以及誰更勇敢無畏。
Besides, we have no election.
除此之外，我們沒有別的選擇。
If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest.
倘若我們過于怯懦，那么要想現(xiàn)在退出的話已經(jīng)太遲了。
There is no retreat but in submission and slavery!
除了屈服和奴役，沒有別的退路!
Our chains are forged. Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston!
我們的枷鎖已經(jīng)鍛造好了。在波士頓的曠野上，他們手中武器的叮當(dāng)聲已經(jīng)可以聽到!
The war is inevitable; and, let it come!
戰(zhàn)爭是無法避免了，那么干脆讓它來好了!
I repeat it, let it come!
我再重復(fù)一遍，讓它來好了!
It is in vain to extenuate the matter.
低估或者藐視事態(tài)的嚴(yán)重性徒勞無益。
Gentlemen may cry peace, peace; but there is no peace. The war is actually begun.
那些紳士們也許會(huì)呼吁和平，但是和平是不存在的。戰(zhàn)爭實(shí)際上已經(jīng)開始。
The next gale that sweeps from the north, will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms!
席卷北方的下一場圈地之戰(zhàn)已經(jīng)讓我們的耳畔響起武器的錚錚回響聲!
Our brethren are already in the field!
我們的同胞已經(jīng)奔赴戰(zhàn)場!
Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have?
我們?yōu)槭裁催€傻傻地站在這兒發(fā)呆?那些紳士們想要得到什么結(jié)果?他們會(huì)得到什么結(jié)果呢?
Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery?
是高貴的生活還是可愛的和平，這些難道能在鐵鏈和奴役下買得到嗎?
Forbid it, Almighty God!
讓他們拋棄這個(gè)幻想吧，萬能的上帝!
I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death.
我不曉得別人會(huì)怎么做，至于我而言，不自由，毋寧死。
