美国语文第四册 第86期:马(3)

 　　With equal quickness the hunter leaps into his saddle; 猎人同时非常迅速地跳上这匹马，

　　and, in spite of the kicking of the captive, keeps his seat, till, being wearied out with his efforts, 尽管被捕到的马匹会不停地踢来踢去，但只要一直保持骑在马上，直到马匹用尽力气，

　　the horse submits to the guidance of his new master, and is reduced to complete obedience¹. 它就会听从新主人的指挥，变得完全顺从。

　　But, Uncle Thomas, are all horses originally wild? 马斯叔叔，所有的马原来都是野马吗？

　　I have heard that Arabia is famous for raising horses. 我听说阿拉伯人驯马非常有名。

　　Arabia has, for a long time, been noted² for the beauty and speed of its horses. 很长一段时间，阿拉伯国家以其马匹的健美和速度而闻名于世。

　　It is not strange, however, that the Arabian horse should be the most excellent, 这并不稀奇，阿拉伯马是最出色的。

　　when we consider the care and kindness with which it is treated. 我们想想那里的马得到的照料和关怀就能明白。

　　One of the best stories which I have ever heard of the love of an Arabian for his steed, 关于主人对阿拉伯马的爱，这是我听说过的最好的故事是之一。

　　is that related of an Arab, from whom an English officer wished to purchase his horse. 这是一名阿拉伯人，一名英国军官想从这名阿拉伯人那里买他的马。

　　The animal was a bright bay mare³, of fine form and great beauty; 那匹马是一匹亮红棕色的母马，体格健硕，俊美无比。

　　and the owner, proud of her appearance and qualities, paraded her before the Englishman's tent until she attracted his attention. 马的主人为它的外表和体格感到骄傲，骑着它在英国人的帐篷外炫耀，直到引起了英国人的注意。

　　On being asked if he would sell her, "What will you give me?" was the reply. 当被问及愿不愿意将它出售时，主人回答：“你能给我什么？”

　　"That depends upon her age. I suppose she is past five?" "Guess again," said he. “那要看它的年龄。我猜它已经超过五岁了？”“再猜，”他说。

　　"Four?""Look at her mouth," said the Arab, with a smile. 四岁？”“看看它的嘴，”阿拉伯人笑着说。

　　On examination she was found to be about three. 经过检查，发现它大约三岁的样子。

1 obedience   

n.服从，顺从

参考例句：

• Society has a right to expect obedience of the law.社会有权要求人人遵守法律。
• Soldiers act in obedience to the orders of their superior officers.士兵们遵照上级军官的命令行动。

2 noted   

adj.著名的，知名的

参考例句：

• The local hotel is noted for its good table.当地的那家酒店以餐食精美而著称。
• Jim is noted for arriving late for work.吉姆上班迟到出了名。

3 mare   

n.母马，母驴

参考例句：

• The mare has just thrown a foal in the stable.那匹母马刚刚在马厩里产下了一只小马驹。
• The mare foundered under the heavy load and collapsed in the road.那母马因负载过重而倒在路上。