美国语文第六册 第1期:纽卡斯尔公爵趣事(1)
A laughable story was circulated during the administration of the old Duke of Newcastle, and retailed to the public in various forms.
在纽卡斯尔老公爵主政期间，流传一个有关他的令人忍俊不禁的故事，几经转述公众听到的竟有几个版本。
This nobleman, with many good points, was remarkable for being profuse of his promises on all occasions,
这位绅士可笑之处颇多，以好在各种场合滥施承诺而引人侧目，
and valued himself particularly on being able to anticipate the words or the wants of the various persons who attended his levees, before they uttered a word.
尤好在等待谒见他的各色人等还未开口讲话前就过早道出他们想说的话，满足他们的需要，以此抬高自己。
This sometimes led him into ridiculous embarrassments;
此举有时会令其陷于可笑的尴尬窘境。
and it was this proneness to lavish promises, which gave occasion for the following anecdote:
正是这种慷慨承诺的癖好，才引出下面这则趣事：
At the election of a certain borough in Cornwall, where the opposite interests were almost equally poised, a single vote was of the highest importance.
在康沃尔某一自治镇的选举中，反对的票数几乎与拥护的票数持平，一票之差就能决定命运。
This object the Duke, by well applied argument and personal application, at length attained;
公爵的可笑之处体现在企图通过辩论和个人申请，最终达到目的。
and the gentleman he recommended, gained the election.
结果，他推荐的绅士赢得了选举。
In the warmth of gratitude, his grace poured forth acknowledgments and promises without ceasing, on the fortunate possessor of the casting vote;
一番致谢后，他开始答谢，不停地对幸运地赢得选票的人做出承诺，
called him his best and dearest friend; protested, that he should consider himself as forever indebted to him; and that he would serve him by night or by day.
称他为自己最好和最亲近的朋友。他坚称始终认为自己欠这人的人情，就应该旦夕之间都要为他略尽绵薄之力。”
