美国语文第五册 第102期:马萨诸塞州的监狱叛乱(2)

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　　and were alarmed at the consequences likely to ensue from the conflict necessary to restore order. 他们因可能引发冲突而产生严重后果倍感警觉，并试图恢复常规秩序。

　　They huddled² together, and could scarcely be said to consult, as the stoutest³ among them lost all presence of mind in overwhelming fear. 囚犯们乱哄哄地拥挤成团，与警方谈判磋商几乎无法进行，由于极度恐惧，哪怕内心最坚强的人也会失去正常心智。

　　The news rapidly spread through the town, and a subordinate officer, of the most mild and kind disposition⁴, hurried to the scene,  监狱暴乱的消息迅速地传遍整个小镇，一位性情温和、宅心仁厚然而级别较低的警官闻讯后匆忙赶到现场，

　　and came calm and collected into the midst of the officers. 冷静自若地走进狱方警官们中间。

　　The most equable-tempered and the mildest man in the government was in this hour of peril⁵ the firmest. 面对一触即发的危险境地，他的神情最为坚毅。

　　He instantly dispatched a request to Major Wainright, commander of the marines stationed at the Navy Yard, for assistance, 那位警官即刻向韦恩赖特海军少将发出求救，少将为驻扎附近海军基地陆战队的指挥官，

　　and declared his purpose to enter into the hall and try the force of firm demeanor⁶ and persuasion⁷ upon the enraged⁸ multitude. 然后向同僚们陈述他将走进餐厅的意图与目的，即以强势态度表现震慑力威严，并劝导说服愤怒的罪犯。

　　All his brethren exclaimed against an attempt so full of hazard, but in vain. 他的同僚无不大呼小叫地阻止他实施任何冒险举动，然而无济于事。

　　They offered him arms, a sword and pistols, but he refused them,  他们让他随身带上一把匕首和一支手枪，他仍然拒绝携带任何武器进去。

　　and said that he had no fear, and, in case of danger, arms would do him no service; 他对同事们说，他毫不畏惧，即便真有危险，这些刀枪根本帮不上忙。

　　and alone, with only a little rattan⁹, which was his usual walking stick, 于是，不过拿了那根平日他走路用的拐杖，

　　he advanced into the hall to hold parley¹⁰ with the selected, congregated¹¹, and enraged villains¹² of the whole commonwealth¹³. 然后独自一人走进大厅，与美国联邦恶贯满盈、最为暴虐以及怒火中烧的囚徒们开始谈判。

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