不自由毋宁死中英对照

不自由毋宁死中英对照

不自由,毋宁死,汉语词语,读音是bú zì yóu,wú nìng sǐ。意思是如果失去自由,那么不如去死。源于美国人帕特里克·亨利(1736-1799)1775年3月23日于殖民地弗吉尼亚州议会演讲中的最后一句:“Give me liberty or give me death”。

原文节选:

先生们,不用再徒劳地试图缓和事态。各位可以高喊和平——但和平并不存在。事实上战争已经打响!很快,从北方席卷而来的风暴就将带来隆隆的炮声!我们的弟兄们已经奔赴战场!为何我们还在此袖手旁观?各位先生究竟想要什么?又能得到什么?莫非生命如此珍贵,和平如此美好,竟值得我们以镣铐和奴役为代价来获得?全能的主啊,快阻止他们吧!我不知道别人将选择怎样的道路,但对我来说,不自由,毋宁死!

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 in 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!

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