評論
打印
Her destiny is our destiny; and the day that her gallant ship goes down, our little boat sinks in the vortex!
一個國家的命運就是我們共同的命運；一個國家雄偉的戰艦沉沒之日，對我們來講不過是一條小船沉在漩渦中而已！
The great experiment is now making, and from its extent and rapid filling up, is making in the West,
現在形成的這一偉大的經驗，從其廣度和迅速累積的程度而言，就是西方的濫觴，
whether the perpetuity of our republican institutions can be reconciled with universal suffrage.
不論我們的共和政體的恒久性是否能通過普選制度而達到和諧一致。
Without the education of the head and heart of the nation, they can not be;
沒有教育這個大腦和國家的核心價值，不可能做到這一點。
and the question to be decided is, can the nation, or the vast balance power of it,
問題的關鍵在于，國家或者其巨大的平衡力量能否富有智慧和優點，
be so imbued with intelligence and virtue as to bring out, in laws and their administration, a perpetual self-preserving energy.
并使之付諸于法律的制定和管理當中，以及具有恒久的保持自我的能力。
We know that the work is a vast one, and of great difficulty; and yet we believe it can be done.
我們清楚這是一個浩大的工程，面臨巨大困難。但是，我們相信這個工程能夠完成。
I am aware that our ablest patriots are looking out on the deep,
我知道我們最杰出的愛國者臨淵而立，
vexed with storms, with great forebodings and failings of heart, for fear of the things that are coming upon us;
為暴風雨，為對不祥的預感和勇氣的喪失所惱，這是基于對即將到來的麻煩的擔心。
and I perceive a spirit of impatience rising, and distrust in respect to the perpetuity of our republic;
我覺察到焦躁情緒正在積郁，不相信我們的共和政體能夠恒久地保持下去。
and I am sure that these fears are well founded, and am glad that they exist.
我可以肯定的是，這些擔心完全有道理，欣然接受這些擔心的存在。
It is the star of hope in our dark horizon.
這是我們黑暗的地平線上升起的希望之星。
Fear is what we need, as the ship needs wind on a rocking sea, after a storm, to prevent foundering.
擔心是我們需要的，正如暴風雨過后在波濤洶涌的海上船只需要風才能防止船帆落下一樣。
