評論
打印
Mr. Chief Justice, my dear friends, my fellow Americans:
尊敬的大法官，朋友們，同胞們：
The oath that I have taken is the same oath that was taken by George Washington and by every President under the Constitution.
剛才我宣讀的誓言就是喬治．華盛頓總統宣讀過誓言，也是歷屆合法就任的總統宣讀過的誓言。
But I assume the Presidency under extraordinary circumstances never before experienced by Americans.
我想，我這次就任總統，情況之特殊，是美國人民從不曾經歷過的，
This is an hour of history that troubles our minds and hurts our hearts.
這是我們為之傷心痛苦的歷史一刻。
Therefore, I feel it is my first duty to make an unprecedented compact with my countrymen.
所以，我感到當務之急是要和我的國民們做一個史無前例的會面。
Not an inaugural address, not a fireside chat, not a campaign speech just a little straight talk among friends.
不是一次就職演說，不是火爐邊的閑談，不是競選演講，只是一次平常的、朋友間開誠布公的談話。
And I intend it to be the first of many.
這種話是一次，但不是最后一次。
I am acutely aware that you have not elected me as your President by your ballots, and so I ask you to confirm me as your President with your prayers.
我非常清楚，我就任總統不是經由大家投票選舉產生的結果，因此我請你們用祈禱來確認我是你們的總統。
And I hope that such prayers will also be the first of many.
我希望這祈禱也同樣是第一次，不是最后一次。
If you have not chosen me by secret ballot, neither have I gained office by any secret promises.
如果諸位當初沒有匿名投我一票，而我也沒有為贏得總統職位做過任何私下承諾。
I have not campaigned either for the Presidency or the Vice Presidency.
我沒有競選當總統或副總統。
I have not subscribed to any partisan platform.
沒有向任何黨派捐贈。
I am indebted to no man, and only to one woman my dear wife as I begin this very difficult job.
在我開始這個重要工作之際，我只對一人由衷地感激她就是我親愛的妻子。
I have not sought this enormous responsibility, but I will not shirk it.
盡管這份艱巨的責任不是我主動爭取來的，但我也不會逃避此重任。
Those who nominated and confirmed me as Vice President were my friends and are my friends.
那些曾提名并選舉我為副總統的人，過去是我的朋友，現在也是。
They were of both parties, elected by all the people and acting under the Constitution in their name.
他們中既有民主黨人，又有共和黨人，他們都由全民選舉產生，履行憲法賦予他們的職責。
It is only fitting then that I should pledge to them and to you that I will be the President of all the people.
我向他們，也向你們宣誓我將成為全民的總統。我想這么做是恰當的。
Thomas Jefferson said the people are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty.
托馬斯杰斐遜說過，人民是維護我們自由的唯一可靠的保證。
And down the years, Abraham Lincoln renewed this American article of faith asking, "Is there any better way or equal hope in the world?"
若干年后，亞伯拉罕林肯重申了美國人的這一信條，他問道：“除此之外，難道世界上還有更好的途徑和同樣的希望嗎？”
