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第三章接见

Chapter 3 The Audience

特雷维尔先生这时正在发脾气,然而他还是礼貌地对达塔尼昂的到来表示了欢迎。见到这个年轻人对他恭敬地深深一鞠躬,他微笑着接受了他的致意。达塔尼昂的贝阿恩口音让他回想起了自己的童年和家乡,不论任何年纪的人想到这些都会露出微笑。

M。 De Treville was at this moment in a very ill—humour,nevertheless he politely saluted the young man,who bowed to the very ground,and he smiled on receiving his compliment,the Bearnese accent of which recalled to him at the same time his youth and his country,a double remembrance which makes a man smile at all ages。

但是,他立刻朝前厅走去,一边走一边对达塔尼昂做了个手势,仿佛是请他允许自己先跟别人谈完,再来跟他谈。特雷维尔连叫了三声,且一声比一声大。刚开始还只是命令的口吻,到了后来他已经非常恼火了。

But stepping almost immediately towards the antechamber,and making a sign to D’ Artagnan with his hand,as if to ask his permission to finish with others before he began with him,he called three times,with a louder voice at each time,so that he went through all the tones between the imperative accent and the angry accent。

阿托斯!

Athos!

波尔托!

Porthos!

阿拉米!

Aramis!

前面我们已经认识了后面这两位火枪手。他俩听到自己的名字后,赶忙应声作答,并立即离开所在的人群,向办公室走来。他们刚一走进办公室,门就立刻关上了。

The two musketeers with whom we have already made acquaintance,and who answered to the last two of these three names,immediately quitted the group of which they formed a part,and advanced towards the office,the door of which closed after them as soon as they had entered。

他们的表情虽不算是十分镇定,但是看起来既不失威严,又显得顺从,这让达塔尼昂非常钦佩。他简直认为这两个人就是半神半人的英雄,而他们的统领就是奥林匹斯山上那位手握雷棍的朱庇特。

Their bearing,though not entirely composed,was full of a dignified and submissive indifference,which excited the admiration of D’ Artagnan,who beheld in these two men demigods,and in their leader an Olympian Jupiter,armed with all his thunders。

这两位火枪手走进办公室、房门随之而关上之后,前厅里本已停止的说话声这时又嗡嗡地继续了起来。刚才的那几声传唤无疑给人们增添了新的话题。特雷维尔先生这时已经皱着眉头一言不发地在屋里踱了三四个来回了,每回都从波尔托和阿拉米的面前经过,而这两个人像在接受检阅一样,一言不发站得笔直。突然,特雷维尔先生在他们面前站住,怒气冲冲地把这俩人从头到脚打量了一遍:你们知道国王都跟我说什么了吗?他大声问道,就在昨天晚上——先生们,你们知道吗?

When the two musketeers had entered,when the door was closed behind them,when the buzzing murmur of the antechamber,to which the summons which had just been made had doubtless furnished fresh aliment,had recommenced,when M。 de Treville had three or four times paced in silence,and with a frowning brow,the whole length of his office,passing each time before Porthos and Aramis,who were as upright and silent as if on parade,he stopped all at once full in front of them,and looking at them angrily from head to foot,Do you know what the king said to me, cried he,and that no longer ago than yesterday evening—do you know,gentlemen?

不,两位火枪手沉默了片刻回答道,不,队长,我们不知道。

No, replied the two musketeers,after a moment’ ssilence; no,sir,we do not。

但是我们希望有幸略闻其详。阿拉米礼貌地补充道,同时极其优雅地鞠了一躬。国王告诉我说他以后要从红衣主教的卫队里挑选火枪手了。

But I hope that you will do us the honour to tell us, added Aramis,in his politest tone and with the most graceful bow。He told me that he should henceforth recruit his musketeers from among the guards of the cardinal。

红衣主教的卫队!

The guards of the cardinal!

为什么?波尔托急忙问道。

And why so? asked Porthos warmly。

因为他显然觉得他的那桶劣质酒,必须得掺点儿好酒才能喝得有劲儿。

Because he plainly perceives that his piquette1 stands in need of being enlivened by a mixture of good wine。

两位火枪手连眼睛都红了。

The two musketeers coloured up to the eyes。

达塔尼昂不知该如何是好,恨不得钻到一百英尺的地下去。

D’ Artagnan did not know where he was,and would have liked to be a hundred feet underground。

是的,就是这样的,特雷维尔先生越来越激动,继续说道,陛下说得一点都没错,因为我以我的名誉担保,火枪手们在宫廷里确实丢人现眼了。

Yes,yes, continued M。 de Treville,growing warmer as he spoke,and his Majesty was right,for,upon my honour,it is true that the musketeers make but a miserable figure at court。

昨天,红衣主教和国王玩牌时,用我所厌恶的怜悯之情说,就在前天,那几个该死的火枪手、冒失鬼——说到这几个字时,他用了一种更使我反感的讽刺的语气——那些猪殃殃,他又加上一句,同时用他那双山猫眼盯着我说,天很晚了,还在费鲁街的一家酒馆里赖着不走,我的一支卫队(这时我心想他要当面嘲笑我了)只好逮捕了那几个捣乱的家伙。

The cardinal related yesterday,while playing with the king,with an air of condolence not very pleasing to me,that the day before yesterday those damned musketeers,those dare—devils—he dwelt upon those words with an ironical tone still more displeasing to me—those cleavers,added he,glancing at me with his tiger—cat’ seye,had been out late in the Rue Ferou,in a tavern,and that a patrol of his guards (I thought he was going to laugh in my face) had been forced to arrest the rioters。

咄!

Zounds!

这事儿你们一定知道吧!

You must know something about it!

抓了火枪手!

Arrest musketeers!

你们肯定也在其中——肯定在!

You were among them—you were!

不要否认,有人认出你们了,红衣主教还点了你们的名字。

Don’ tdeny it; you were recognized,and the cardinal named you。

都是我的错,对,是我的错,因为你们是我亲自挑选出来的。

But it’ sall my fault; yes,it’ sall my fault,because it is I myself who select my men。

而你,阿拉米,你本来是要去当教士,为什么还来要求当火枪手?

You,now,Aramis,why the devil did you ask me for a uniform when you were going to be so fine in a cassock?

还有你,波尔托,这么漂亮的肩带,难道是用来挂草剑的吗?

And you,Porthos,do you only wear such a fine golden baldric to suspend a sword of straw from it?

至于阿托斯——为什么没见阿托斯!

And Athos—I don’ tsee Athos!

他去哪里了?

Where is he?

队长,阿拉米伤心地说,他病了,很严重!

Sir, replied Aramis,in a sorrowful tone,he is ill,very ill!

你是说他病了——很严重是吗?

Ill—very ill,say you?

那他是什么病?

And what is his malady?

嘿,队长,波尔多怒不可遏地说道,事实是我们是六对六。

Well,captain, said Porthos,quite beside himself,the truth is that we were six against six。

可是我们被暗算了,还没来得及拔出剑,就有两个人被杀死了;还有阿托斯,也受了重伤,比那两个也好不到哪里去。

But we were not captured by fair means,and before we had time to draw our swords two of our party were dead; and Athos,grievously wounded,was very little better。

您是了解阿托斯的。

For you know Athos。

唉,队长,他还两次挣扎着起来,可两次都倒了下去。

Well,captain,he endeavoured twice to get up,and fell again twice。

但是我们绝没有投降——绝没有!

And we did not surrender—no!

而是强行被他们拖走的。

They dragged us away by force。

半路上我们还是逃了。

On the way we escaped。

至于阿托斯,他们以为他死了,于是认为没有必要把他抬走,就把一动不动的他丢在现场了。

As for Athos,they believed him to be dead,and left him very quietly on the field of battle,not thinking it worth the while to carry him away。

这就是事情的全部经过。

Now,that’ sthe whole story。

真见鬼,队长,没有谁总能当常胜将军啊!

What the devil,captain,one cannot win all one’ sbattles!

连蓬佩都在法尔萨利阿打过败仗;弗朗西斯一世,他的盛名不在任何人之下,不是也在帕维亚吃了败仗吗。

The great Pompey lost that of Pharsalia; and Francis the First,who was,as I have heard say,as good as any one else,nevertheless lost the battle of Pavia。

请容我禀告,我还干掉他们一个卫士,而且是用他自己的剑,阿拉米说,因为我的剑在第一个回合就被打折了。

And I have the honour of assuring you that I killed one of them with his own sword, said Aramis,or mine was broken at the first parry。

至于是把他杀死,还是刺伤了,先生,您看怎么合适吧。

Killed him,or poniarded him,sir,as is most agreeable to you。

不过,我恳请您,队长,阿拉米看到队长稍稍消了点气,趁机大胆请求道——队长,我恳请您不要提阿托斯受伤的事。

But pray,sir, continued Aramis,who,seeing his captain relenting,took courage to make a petition—pray,sir,do not say that Athos is wounded。

如果这事传到国王的耳朵里,他肯定会绝望的;他的伤势很重,那一剑从肩膀一直刺进胸膛,所以恐怕——

He would be in despair if that should come to the ears of the king; and as the wound is very serious,seeing that after crossing the shoulder it penetrates into the chest,it is to be feared—

正在此时,挂毯被掀开了,流苏下出现了一张高贵、英俊,但却异常苍白的脸。

At this instant the tapestry was raised,and a noble and handsome face,but frightfully pale,appeared under the fringe。

阿托斯!两位火枪手喊道。

Athos! cried the two musketeers。

阿托斯!特雷维尔先生也喊道。

Athos! repeated M。 de Treville to himself。

队长您召见我,阿托斯对特雷维尔先生说,声音虚弱但却非常平静——听同伴们说您召见我,我便赶来听令。

You have sent for me,sir, said Athos to M。 de Treville in a feeble yet perfectly calm voice—you have sent for me,as my comrades inform me,and I have hastened to receive your orders。

队长,我来了,您有什么吩咐?

I am here,sir; what do you want with me?

这位火枪手像往常一样穿着整齐的制服,束着腰带,边说着,边迈着坚定的步子走进了办公室。

And at these words the musketeer,in irreproachable costume,belted as usual,with a firm step entered the room。

他这种坚强的表现让特雷维尔先生感动不已,赶忙迎上前去。

M。 de Treville,moved to the bottom of his heart by this proof of courage,sprang towards him。

我正告诉这两位先生,他说,我不允许我的火枪手拿生命去做无谓的冒险,因为勇敢的人对国王来说是很宝贵的,国王也知道他的火枪手是天下最勇猛的人。

I was about to say to these gentlemen, added he,that I forbid my musketeers to expose their lives needlessly; for brave men are very dear to the king,and the king knows that his musketeers are the bravest fellows on earth。

把手给我,阿托斯!

Your hand,Athos!

还没等这位刚来的火枪手对这种热情作出反应,特雷维尔先生就一把抓起了他的右手,使劲地握住了,一点也没注意到尽管阿托斯在忍着,但还是露出一丝痛苦的神情,脸色比刚来时更加苍白了。

And without waiting until the newcomer should himself respond to this proof of affection,M。 de Treville seized his right hand,and pressed it with all his might,without perceiving that Athos,whatever might be his self—command,allowed a slight murmur of pain to escape him,and,if possible,grew paler than he was before。

房门一直没关,阿托斯的到来引起了一阵巨大的骚动。虽然尽量隐瞒他受伤这件事,但现在还是人尽皆知了。

The door had remained open,so strong was the excitement produced by the arrival of Athos,whose wound,though kept as secret as possible,was known to all。

队长最后那几句话令前厅里响起了一阵满意的欢呼声,有两三个火枪手甚至激动过头,头从挂毯缝里探了进来。

A loud murmur of satisfaction hailed the last words of the captain,and two or three persons,carried away by the enthusiasm of the moment,appeared through the openings of the tapestry。

特雷维尔先生正要严厉指责这种违反规矩的行为,却突然感觉到阿托斯的手痉挛了一下,转眼一看,才发现阿托斯已经快要晕过去了。

Doubtless M。 de Treville was about to reprehend severely this infringement on the rules of etiquette,when he suddenly felt the hand of Athos contract within his,and upon turning his eyes towards him,perceived he was about to faint。

阿托斯刚才一直在竭力忍住疼痛,但这一刻终于忍不住了,一下倒在地上,像是死了一样。

At the same instant Athos,who had rallied all his energies to contend against pain,at length overcome by it,fell upon the floor as if he was dead。

波尔托和阿拉米立即抬起他们的同伴,特雷维尔先生赶忙打开门在前面给他们引路。Immediately M。 de Treville opened the door and pointed the way to Porthos and Aramis,who carried off their comrade in their arms。

等到大家都走了,特雷维尔先生关上了门,转过身后才发现,房间里只剩下他和那个年轻人了。

When all had gone out and the door closed,M。 de Treville,on turning round,found himself alone with the young man。

刚才发生的事有点扰乱了他的思维。

The stirring event which had just taken place had in some degree broken the thread of his ideas。

他开始询问这位固执的拜访者的来意。

He inquired what was the desire of his persevering visitor。

达塔尼昂于是重复了一下自己的名字,特雷维尔先生猛然想起来之前发生的事,这才明白了眼前的情景是怎么回事。

D’ Artagnan then repeated his name,and in an instant,recalling his memory of the past and the present,M。 de Treville was in possession of the situation。

对不起,他微笑着说——对不起,我亲爱的同乡,我把您完全给忘了。

Pardon me, said he,smiling—pardon me,my dear compatriot,but I had entirely forgotten you。

可是有什么法子呢?

But what help is there for it?

一个队长就相当于一个大家庭里的父亲,甚至比一个普通家庭的父亲所承担的责任还要大。

A captain is nothing but a father of a family,charged with even a greater responsibility than the father of an ordinary family。

士兵们都是些大孩子,可是我又必须执行国王的命令,尤其是红衣主教的命令——Soldiers are big children; but I maintain that the orders of the king,and more particularly the orders of the cardinal,should be executed—

达塔尼昂情不自禁地露出了微笑。

D’ Artagnan could not restrain a smile。

看到这样的笑容,特雷维尔先生意识到他所面对的可不是一个傻瓜,于是他话题一转,直奔主题。

By this smile M。 de Treville judged that he had not to deal with a fool,and changing the subject,came straight to the point。

我和您父亲关系很好,他说道,

I loved your father very much, said he。

那我能为他的儿子做些什么呢?

What can I do for the son?

快点告诉我——因为我的时间不是由我自己做主的。

Tell me quickly—my time is not my own。

队长先生,达塔尼昂说,我离开塔布到这里,就是为了请您看在往日交情的份上,能让我穿上火枪手的制服。

Sir, said D’ Artagnan,on leaving Tarbes and coming hither,it was my intention to request of you,in remembrance of the friendship which you have not forgotten,the uniform of a musketeer。

但是看了刚才那两个小时所发生的事,我明白了这份荣誉的价值,我现在担心自己不够格。

But after all that I have seen during the last two hours,I have become aware of the value of such a favour,and tremble lest I should not merit it。

年轻人,特雷维尔先生回答道,那的确是一份荣誉,可它也并不像你想象的,或者说你看上去的那样遥不可及。

Well,young man, replied M。 de Treville,it is,in fact,a favour,but it may not be so far beyond your hopes as you believe,or rather as you appear to believe。

但是,陛下对此已经做过决定,所以,我不得不遗憾地告诉你,每一个想要成为火枪手的人都必须先经受严厉的考验,比如参与行动并有出色的表现,或是在稍差一些的部队里呆过两年才行。

Yet his Majesty’ sdecision is always necessary,and I inform you with regret that no one becomes a musketeer without the preliminary ordeal of several campaigns,certain brilliant actions,or a service of two years in some regiment less favoured than ours。

达塔尼昂没有回答,只默默地鞠了一躬,知道了要成为一名火枪手这么难,他就更加渴望能早日穿上那身制服了。

D’ Artagnan bowed without replying,feeling his desire to don the musketeer’ suniform vastly increased by the difficulties which he had learned must precede the attainment of it。

但是,特雷维尔先生接着说道,同时双眼锐利地紧盯着他的小同乡,仿佛要看穿他的心思一样——但是看在你父亲和我是老朋友的份上,就像我刚才提到过的,年轻人,我还是能为你做点事的。

But, continued M。 de Treville,fixing upon his compatriot a look so piercing that it might be said he wished to read the thoughts of his heart—but on account of my old companion,your father,as I have said,I will do something for you,young man。

今天我就给皇家学校的校长写一封信,明天他就会免费接收你入学了。

I will write a letter to—day to the director of the Royal Academy,and to—morrow he will admit you without any expense to yourself。

请不要拒绝我的这点心意。

Do not refuse this little service。

有时连那些出身显赫、最富有的贵族子弟想这样还不行呢。

Our best—born and richest gentlemen sometimes solicit it without being able to obtain it。

在那里,你可以学习骑马、各种剑术,还能学习跳舞。

You will learn riding,swordsmanship in all its branches,and dancing。

您还会认识很多称心的朋友,也可以不时来看看我,告诉我你的情况,看我是否可以帮助你些什么。

You will make some desirable acquaintances,and from time to time you can call upon me,just to tell me how you are getting on,and to say whether I can be of any service to you。

达塔尼昂虽然对官场里的规则一无所知,但还是觉出了这次接待有些冷淡。

D’ Artagnan,stranger as he was to all the manners of a court,could not but perceive a little coldness in this reception。

哎,先生,他说道,我现在才知道,把家父写给您的引荐信给弄丢了,是多么可惜啊。

Alas,sir, said he,I can but perceive how sadly I miss the letter of introduction which my father gave me to present to you。

我也感到很奇怪,特雷维尔先生回答道,你这么大老远地赶来,竟然没带这个要紧的东西,那可是我们可怜的贝阿恩人出门在外必要的旅费。

I certainly am surprised, replied M。 de Treville,that you should undertake so long a journey without that necessary viaticum,the only resource of us poor Bearnese。

先生,我原本是有的,感谢上帝,而且是好好的一封引荐信,达塔尼昂喊道,可是这封信被人卑鄙地偷走了。

I had one,sir,and,thank God,such as I could wish, cried D’ Artagnan,but it was perfidiously stolen from me。

然后他把在默恩镇发生的事原原本本地讲了一遍,还把那个陌生绅士的容貌详细地描述了一下,他慷慨激昂、绘声绘色的讲述令特雷维尔先生听得入了迷。

He then related the adventure at Meung,described the unknown gentleman with the greatest minuteness,and all with a warmth and truthfulness that delighted M。 de Treville。

这事可真有点奇怪,特雷维尔先生沉思了一会儿,说道,

This is all very strange, said the latter,after meditating a minute。

你说你提到了我的名字,而且还很大声?

You mentioned my name,then,aloud?

是这样,先生,我承认这么做不够慎重。

Yes,sir; I certainly committed that imprudence。

可是我还能怎么办呢?

But why should I have done otherwise?

您的鼎鼎大名,会是我这一路上的护身符。

A name like yours was to serve me as a buckler on my way。

您可以想象,我是不是得经常依靠它的保护!

You can fancy whether I often hid myself behind it or no!

恭维在当时很时兴,特雷维尔先生也很喜欢听奉承的话,国王甚至红衣主教一样如此。Flattery was at that period very much in fashion,and M。 de Treville loved incense as well as a king,or even a cardinal。

他不禁露出了一个十分满意的笑容,但这笑容很快又消失了,他又把话题转到在默恩镇发生的事上。

He could not then refrain from a smile of evident satisfaction; but this smile soon disappeared,and returning to the adventure at Meung,

告诉我,他接着说,这位绅士的脸颊上是不是有一个很小的疤痕?

Tell me, continued he,had not this gentleman a slight scar on his cheek?

对,像是被子弹擦伤的。

Yes,such a one as would be made by the grazing of a ball。

他是不是长得很英俊?

Was he not a fine—looking man?

是的。

Yes。

身材挺拔?

Of lofty stature?

对。

Yes。

是不是肤色白皙,棕色的头发?

Of pale complexion and brown hair?

是的,没错,就是他!

Yes,yes,that is he!

这是怎么回事,先生,难道您认识这个人吗?

How is it,sir,that you are acquainted with this man?

如果哪天我再碰见他,我发誓,我一定要找到他,即使到了地狱——

If ever I should meet him again,and I will find him,I swear,were it in hell—

他是在等一位女人吗?特雷维尔先生继续问道。

He was waiting for a woman? continued Treville。

他同要等的那个女人交谈了一分钟,便立刻启程离开了。

He at least departed immediately after having conversed for a minute with the one for whom he was waiting。

您知道他们谈话的内容吗?

You do not know what was the subject of their conversation?

他交给她一个盒子,还说盒子里有给她的指示,并且交代她到了伦敦后才能打开盒子。He gave her a box,told her that box contained her instructions,and desired her not to open it before she arrived in London。

那是个英国女人吗?

Was this an Englishwoman?

他叫她米拉迪。

He called her Milady。

是他!

It is he!

一定是他!特雷维尔先生低声地说,

It must be he! murmured Treville。

我还以为他在布鲁塞尔呢!

I thought he was still at Brussels!

噢,先生,如果您认识这个人,达塔尼昂大声说,请告诉我他是谁,来自哪里。O sir,if you know who and what this man is, cried D’ Artagnan,tell me who he is and whence he is。

然后您就什么也不用管了——甚至也不必理会我要当火枪手的请求了。

I will then release you from all your promises—even that of procuring my admission into the musketeers。

因为我要去报仇,这才是头等大事。

For,before everything,I wish to avenge myself。

年轻人,你可得当心啊!特雷维尔先生大声说,

Beware,young man! cried De Treville。

如果你在街上碰到他,那你千万要走另一边。

If you see him coming on one side of the street,pass by on the other。

不要去碰这样一块大石头,你会像块玻璃一样被撞得粉碎。

Do not cast yourself against such a rock; he would break you like glass。

即便是这样也阻止不了我,达塔尼昂回答道,要是哪天我遇见他了——

That thought will not prevent me, replied D’ Artagnan,if ever I should happen to meet with him—

眼下,你如果肯听我的劝,还是别去找他了。特雷维尔先生说着,把他的小同乡独自留在他们谈话的窗台那里,自己走到书桌前坐下,开始写他答应过的那封推荐信。

In the meantime,if you will take my advice,you will not seek him, said Treville,and leaving his young compatriot in the embrasure of the window,where they had talked together,he seated himself at a table,in order to write the promised letter of recommendation。

这期间,达塔尼昂实在无事可做,于是一边在玻璃窗上敲着进行曲的拍子,一边看着外面一个个相继走过的火枪手。眼睛跟着他们,直至他们消失在大街拐角处。

While he was doing this D’ Artagnan,having no better employment,amused himself with beating a march upon the window,and with looking at the musketeers,who went away,one after another,following them with his eyes till they disappeared at the bend of the street。

特雷维尔先生写完之后,把信封好,起身来到年轻人身边,准备把信交给他。

M。 de Treville,after having written the letter,sealed it,and rising,approached the young man in order to give it to him。

可就在达塔尼昂伸手要接信的时候,特雷维尔先生吓了一跳。只见他的被保护人突然跳了起来,脸涨得通红,冲出办公室,嘴里还喊道:哎,该死!这回他可别想再逃走了。But at the very moment that D’ Artagnan stretched out his hand to receive it,M。 de Treville was highly astonished to see his protege make a sudden spring,become crimson with passion,and rush from the room,crying,Ah,sblood! he shall not escape me this time。

谁?谁?特雷维尔先生问道。

Who? who? asked M。 de Treville。

就是他,偷我信的家伙!达塔尼昂回答说,

He,my thief! replied D’ Artagnan。

喂,那个偷信贼!说着就消失不见了。

Ah,the traitor! and he disappeared。

真是个疯子!特雷维尔先生小声说道。

The devil take the madman! murmured M。 de Treville。

特雷维尔从一些葡萄里榨出葡萄汁,然后往里加了些水。

A liquor squeezed out of grapes,when they have been pressed,and water poured upon them。

我以前不知道,特雷维尔用一种柔和的语气回答说,

I did not know that, replied M。 de Treville in a somewhat softened tone。

我想,红衣主教是言过其实了。

The cardinal exaggerated,as I perceive。 9zr4OVb34XxN2aisio+6YwGhvRXLHUO5lp63bzwksfnUuSZbrRdPv8VSIKXwV+MM

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