美國語文第六冊 第264期:英國人的性格(1)
第七十八課 英國人的性格
On the whole, what I have seen raises my preconceived estimate of the English character. It is full of generous, true, and manly qualities.
總的來說，我對英國人性格的預想評價源于我觀察到的慷慨、忠誠和剛毅。
And I doubt if there ever was so high a standard of morality in an aristocracy which has such means for self-indulgence at its command,
我懷疑的是，一個貴族身上是否始終具備如此之高的道德標準，而這個貴族卻任意發(fā)號施令，
and which occupies a position that secures it so much deference.
身居能確保別人對他非常遵從的高位。
In general, they do not seem to abuse their great advantages. The respect for religion at least for the forms of its universal,
大體上而言，他們似乎沒有濫用其本身具有的巨大優(yōu)越性。對宗教的尊重——至少對宗教的各種形式——是普遍現象，
and there are few, I imagine, of the great proprietors who are not more or less occupied with improving their estates,
我以為很少有掌握驚人財產的業(yè)主在波瀾壯闊的政治活動中扮演突出角色的同時，
and with providing for the comfort of their tenantry, while many take a leading part in the great political movements of the time.
對你自己的不動產不理不問，不為自己的佃農提供生活保障。
There never was an aristocracy which combined so much practical knowledge and industry with the advantages of exalted rank.
絕對沒有這樣的貴族，能將如此之多的實用知識與崇高的事業(yè)結合起來。
The Englishman is seen to most advantage in his country home. For he is constitutionally both domestic and rural in his habits.
我們發(fā)現英國人在他自己國家里最有優(yōu)越性。因為從本質上講，無論在家里還是在鄉(xiāng)村他的習慣都能得以保持不變。
His fireside and his farm—these are the places in which one sees his simple and warm-hearted nature more freely unfolded.
他的爐邊和他的農場——在這些地方人們都能發(fā)現他單純和熱心的本性更自由、隨意地顯露出來。
