評論
打印
Friends and Fellow Citizens: Called upon to undertake the duties of the first executive office of our country,
朋友們、同胞們: 我應召擔任國家的最高行政長官。
I avail myself of the presence of that portion of my fellow citizens which is here assembled to express my grateful thanks for the favor with which they have been pleased to look toward me,
值此諸位同胞集會之時，我衷心感謝大家寄予我的厚愛。
to declare a sincere conciousness that the task is above my talents,
誠摯地說，我意識到這項任務非我能力所及，
and that I approach it with those anxious and awful presentiments which the greatness of the charge and the weakness of my powers so justly inspire.
其責任之重大，本人能力之淺薄，自然使我就任時憂懼交加。
A rising nation,spread over a wide and fruitful land,traversing all the seas with the rich productions of their industry,
一個沃野千里的新興國家，帶著豐富的工業產品跨海渡洋，
engaged in commerce with nations who feel power and forget right,
同那些自恃強權、不顧公理的國家進行貿易。
advancing rapidly to destinies beyond the reach of mortal eye when I contemplate these transcendent objects,
向著世人無法預見的天命疾奔——當我思考這些重大的目標，
and see the honor,the happiness,and the hopes of this beloved country committed to the issue,and the auspices of this day,
當我想到這個可愛的國家，其榮譽、幸福和希望都系于這個問題和今天的盛典，
I shrink from the contemplation,and humble myself before the magnitude of the undertaking.
我就不敢再想下去，并面對這宏圖大業自慚德薄能鮮。
Utterly,indeed,should I despair did not the presence of many whom I see here remind me that in the other high authorities provided by our Constitution I shall find resources of wisdom,of virtue ,and of zeal on which to rely under all difficulties.
確實，若不是在這里見到許多先生們在場，使我想起無論遇到什么困難，都可以向憲法規定的另一高級機構尋找智慧、美德和熱忱的源泉，我一定會完全心灰意懶。
To you,then,gentlemen,who are charged with the sovereign functions of legislation,and to those associated with you,
因為，負有神圣的立法職責的先生們和各位有關人士，
I look with encouragement for all that guidance and support which may enable us to steer with safety the vessel in which we are all embarked amidst the conflicting elements of a troubled world.
我鼓起勇氣期望你們給予指引和支持，使我們能夠在亂世紛爭中同舟共濟，安然航行。
During the contest of opinion through which we have passed the animation of discussions and of exertions has sometimes worn an aspect which might impose on strangers unused to think freely and to write what they think;
在我們過去的意見交鋒中，大家熱烈討論，各展所長，這種緊張氣氛，有時會使不習慣于自由思想、不習慣于說出或寫下自己想法的人感到不安；
but this being now decided by the voice of the nation,announced according to the rules of the Constitution,
但如今，這場爭論既已由全國的民意作出決定，而且根據憲法的規定予以公布，
All will of course arrange themselves under the will of the law and unite in common efforts for the common good.
大家當然會服從法律的意志，妥為安排，為共同的利益齊心協力。
All,too,will bear in mind this sacred principle,that though the will of the majority is in all cases to prevail,
大家也會銘記這條神圣的原則，盡管在任何情況下，多數人的意志是起決定作用的，
that will to be rightful must be reasonable;that the minority possess their equal rights,
但這種意志必須合理才屬公正；少數人享有同等權利，
which equal law must protect,and to violate would be oppression.
這種權利必須同樣受到法律保護，如果侵犯，便是壓迫。
