I could identify the swollen outlines of a ship shorn of its masts, which must have sunk bow first. 认为那是一艘船沉重的船壳，桅杆是折断的，船应该是从前部沉没的。

This casualty certainly dated from some far-off time. 这桩海难肯定是发生在遥远的年代。

To be so caked with the limestone of these waters,  因为船骸上落满了这么多的海中灰尘，

this wreckage must have spent many a year on the ocean floor. 说明船在海底里已经度过了好些年。

What ship was this? 这是一艘什么样的船呢？

Why had the Nautilus come to visit its grave? 为什么“鹦鹉螺号”要来参观它的坟墓呢？

Was it something other than a maritime accident that had dragged this craft under the waters? 难道不是海难才导致这艘船沉入海底吗？

I wasn't sure what to think, but next to me I heard Captain Nemo's voice slowly say: 我一直想着这个问题。这时，我听到尼摩船长走到我的身旁，缓缓地说：

"Originally this ship was christened the Marseillais. “以前，这艘船名叫‘马赛号’战舰。

It carried seventy-four cannons and was launched in 1762. 它装配有74门加农炮，1762年下水。

On August 13, 1778, commanded by La Poype-Vertrieux, it fought valiantly against the Preston. 1778年8 月13日，在拉波普·威尔特利的指挥下，它勇敢地与‘普莱斯通号’战舰进行了战斗。

On July 4, 1779, as a member of the squadron under Admiral d'Estaing, it assisted in the capture of the island of Grenada. 1779年7月4日，它协助德斯坦海军司令的舰队攻下格莱那德港。

On September 5, 1781, under the Count de Grasse, it took part in the Battle of Chesapeake Bay.  1781年9月5日，它在契萨彼得湾参加了格拉斯伯爵指挥的战斗。