英语名篇诵读 不自由，毋宁死(二)（在线收听）

Give Me Liberty, or Give Me Death (Ⅱ) 

不自由，毋宁死(二)

Patrick Henry(帕特里克·亨利)

They tell us, sir, that we are weak — unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But

when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week or the next year? Will it be when we are

totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather

strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying

supinely on our backs, and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall

have bound us hand and foot? Sir, we are not weak, if we make a proper use of those means which

the God of nature has placed in our power. Three million of people, armed in the holy cause of

liberty and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our

enemy can send against us. Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God

who presides over the destinies of nations; and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us.

The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we

have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest.

There is no retreat, but in submission and slavery！ Our chains are forged. Their clanking

may be heard on the plains of Boston！ The war is inevitable — and let it come！！ I repeat it,

sir, let it come！！！

It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, peace, peace — but there is

no peace. The war is actually begun！ The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our

ears the clash of resounding arms！ Our brethren are already on the field！ Why stand we here

idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as

to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God！ — I know not what

course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death！

他们告诉我们，先生们，我们太弱，对付不了这么可怕的敌人。但是我们什么时候才

能变得更强大呢？会是下周或是下一年吗？难道要等我们全部解除了武装、每一个家庭都

驻上一个英国卫兵我们才能强大吗？犹豫不决，不采取行动就意味着我们加强力量了吗？

难道我们应该仰卧着获取有效的抵抗能力，拥抱欺骗性的希望幽灵，直到敌人捆住我们的

手脚吗？先生们，我们并不虚弱，只要我们恰当地利用自然之神赋予我们的那些资源。三

百万人为自由神圣的事业武装起来，在自己的国度里，是任何敌人派来镇压我们的力量都

不可抵挡的。此外，先生们，我们也不是孤军作战。有一个公正的上帝主宰着各国的命

运，为我们召唤来朋友参加我们的战斗。先生们，这场战役的胜利不只是属于强者，还属

于机警的、主动的、勇敢的人。再说，先生们，我们没有选择。如果我们低三下四地去乞

求和平，现在为时已晚，难以退出战斗了。没有退路，除非屈从去当奴隶！我们的锁链已

经锻就，它们的咣当声正从波士顿的平原上传来！这场战争不可避免了——那就让它来

吧！！我再说一遍，先生们，让它来吧！！！

要为这件事找借口是徒劳的。绅士们可以大呼小叫，和平，和平——可是实际上没有

和平。战争实际已经打响，来自北方的下一场飓风将吹来武器铿锵的撞击声。我们的兄弟

们已经上了战场！我们为什么站在这里无所事事！先生们究竟希望什么？他们想要什么？

难道生命就这么宝贵，和平就这么甜美，要用锁链和当奴隶为代价去购买吗？不，万能的

上帝！——我不知道别人选择什么道路，可是就我而言，不自由，毋宁死！