評論
打印
Fellow Citizens:About to undertake the arduous duties that I have been appionted to per form by the chooice of a free people,
同胞們：即將承擔通過自由民眾的選擇而指定我來執行這艱巨責任，
I avail myself of this customary and solemn occasion to express the gratitude which their confidence inspires solemn occasion to express the gratitude which their confidence inspires and to acknowledge the accountability which my situation enjoins.
我借此慣常而莊嚴的機會來表達自己由他們對我之信心的感激，并確認我所處位置所要求的責任。
While the magnitude of their interests convinces me that no thanks can be adequate to the honor they have conferred,
他們愛我之巨大使我深信沒有任何足以感激他們授予我的榮耀，
it admonishes me that the best return I can make is the zealous dedication of my humble abilities to their service and their good.
同時我被告戒我所能做的最好回報就是把我那微薄的能力熱情地貢獻于他們，造福他們。
As the instrument of the Federal Constitution it well devolve on me for a stated period to execute the laws of the United States,
作為聯邦憲法執行者，在指定期間里我被委托來執行美國的法律，
to superintend their foreign and their confederate relations,to manage their revenue,
來監督其外交和聯盟內的關系，來管理其稅收，
to command their forces,and ,by communications to the Legislature,to watch over and to promote their interests generally.
來指揮其軍隊，并通過同立法機構的溝通來守衛和促進其總體利益。
And the principles of action by which I shall endeavor to accomplish this circle of duties it is now proper for me briefly to explain.
現在我應該簡短闡明我將努力完成此期責任所依賴的行動原則。
Considering standing armies as dangerous to free governments in time of peace,and science of both branches of our military service
考慮到常備軍在和平時代對一個自由的國家有危險，
I shall not seek to enlarge our present establishment,
我將不尋求擴大現有的編制，
nor disregard that salutary lesson of political experience which teaches that the miliary should be held subordinate to the civil power.
也不忽略以往政治經驗告訴我們軍隊必須服從于平民政權的有益教訓。
The gradual increase of our Navy,whose flag has displayed in distant climes our skill in navigation and our fame in arms;
我們海軍的逐漸增強，其旗幟在遙遠的異地展示我們航海技術和武力聲名：
the preservation of our forts,arsenals,and dockyards,and the introduction of progressive improvements in the discipline,and science of both branches of our military service
保留我們的堡壘，軍庫和海軍工廠，以及在我們軍事機構的兩軍中引進紀律和科學上的積極改良，
are so plainly prescribed by prudence that I should be excused for omitting their mention sooner than for enlarging on their importance.
這些已被審慎明白地指出而我在此可借口略去提出它們，而非不增大其重要性。
But the bulwark of our defense is the national militia,
但是，我們國防的中流砥柱是武裝的全國人民，
which in the present state of our intelligence and population must render us invincible.
以我們現在的智慧和人口情況，這一定使我們戰無不勝。
As long as our Government is administered for the good of the people,and is regulated by their will;
只要我們的政府管理是為人民的利益，并受到他們意愿的調控；
as long as it secures to us the rights of person and of property,liberty of conscience and of the press,it will be worth defending;
只要向我們保證個人和財產的權利，良知和媒體的自由，它就值得被保護；
and so long as it is worth defending a patriotic militia will cover it with an impenetrable aegis.
而只要它值得被保護，一個愛國的武裝人民將護之以堅不可摧的盾牌。
Partial injuries and occasional mortifications we may be subjected to,
我們也許會遭到局部的傷害和偶爾的損壞，
but a million of armed freemen,possessed of the means of war,can never be conquered by a foreign foe.
但是一百萬掌握戰爭手段的武裝自由人永不可能被一個外來敵人所征服。
To any just system,therefore,
對于旨在加強這一國的自然護衛的任何公正體制，
calculated to strengthen this natural safeguard of the country I shall cheerfully lend all the aid in my power.
我將高興地盡我的權力提供所有幫助。
