美國語文第六冊第1期:紐卡斯爾公爵趣事(1)

所屬教程:?美國語文第六冊

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2020年04月03日

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A laughable story was circulated during the administration of the old Duke of Newcastle, and retailed to the public in various forms.

在紐卡斯爾老公爵主政期間，流傳一個有關(guān)他的令人忍俊不禁的故事，幾經(jīng)轉(zhuǎn)述公眾聽到的竟有幾個版本。

This nobleman, with many good points, was remarkable for being profuse of his promises on all occasions,

這位紳士可笑之處頗多，以好在各種場合濫施承諾而引人側(cè)目，

and valued himself particularly on being able to anticipate the words or the wants of the various persons who attended his levees, before they uttered a word.

尤好在等待謁見他的各色人等還未開口講話前就過早道出他們想說的話，滿足他們的需要，以此抬高自己。

This sometimes led him into ridiculous embarrassments;

此舉有時會令其陷于可笑的尷尬窘境。

and it was this proneness to lavish promises, which gave occasion for the following anecdote:

正是這種慷慨承諾的癖好，才引出下面這則趣事：

At the election of a certain borough in Cornwall, where the opposite interests were almost equally poised, a single vote was of the highest importance.

在康沃爾某一自治鎮(zhèn)的選舉中，反對的票數(shù)幾乎與擁護的票數(shù)持平，一票之差就能決定命運。

This object the Duke, by well applied argument and personal application, at length attained;

公爵的可笑之處體現(xiàn)在企圖通過辯論和個人申請，最終達到目的。

and the gentleman he recommended, gained the election.

結(jié)果，他推薦的紳士贏得了選舉。

In the warmth of gratitude, his grace poured forth acknowledgments and promises without ceasing, on the fortunate possessor of the casting vote;

一番致謝后，他開始答謝，不停地對幸運地贏得選票的人做出承諾，

called him his best and dearest friend; protested, that he should consider himself as forever indebted to him; and that he would serve him by night or by day.

稱他為自己最好和最親近的朋友。他堅稱始終認為自己欠這人的人情，就應該旦夕之間都要為他略盡綿薄之力。”