英国语文第六册(双语):直布罗陀包围战(4)
Though vexatiously annoyed from the isthmus, our artillery directed their sole attention to the battering-ships, the furious and spirited opposition of which served to excite our people to more animated exertions. A fire more tremendous, if possible, than ever, was therefore directed upon them from the garrison. Incessant showers of hot balls, carcasses, and shells of every species, flew from all quarters; yet, for some hours, the attack and defence were so equally maintained as scarcely to indicate any appearance of superiority on either side. The wonderful construction of the ships seemed to bid defiance to the powers of the heaviest ordnance.
虽然我们的炮兵由于地峡的缘故而烦恼不堪，但他们的全部注意力都集中在炮舰上，炮舰的猛烈和激烈反而激发了我方的豪情斗志。因此，守备部队发出有史以来最猛烈的攻击。从四面八方不断地飞来滚烫的球、各种各样的尸体和贝壳；然而，在几个小时内，双方的攻守相当，几乎没有显示出任何优势。这艘船建造得如此奇妙，似乎是对最重型武器的蔑视。
In the afternoon, however, the face of things began to change considerably. The smoke which had been observed to issue from the upper part of the flag-ship appeared to prevail, notwithstanding the constant application of water; and the Admiral's second was perceived to be in the same condition.
然而到了下午，情况开始发生很大变化。尽管不断地加水，但观察到的从旗船上部喷出的烟雾似乎占了上风；而海军上将的第二艘船也被认为处于同样的情况。
As night came on, the flames fairly gained the ascendant. The confusion which reigned on board of these vessels soon communicated itself to the whole line. The fire of the battering-ships gradually slackened: that of the garrison, on the contrary, seemed to become more animated and tremendous.
随着夜幕降临，火苗逐渐上升。在这些船上所发生的混乱，不久就蔓延到整条线上。炮舰的火力逐渐减弱，守军的火力反而显得更加猛烈。
