This magnificent radiance had to come from some force with a great illuminating capacity.

这种特别灿烂的光芒必定是从什么巨大的发光动力发出来的。

The edge of its light swept over the sea in an immense, highly elongated oval, condensing at the center into a blazing core whose unbearable glow diminished by degrees outward.

发光的部分在海面上形成一个巨大的椭圆形，拉得很长，椭圆形中心是白热的焦点，射出不可逼视的光度，这光度渐远渐淡，至于熄灭。

It's only a cluster of phosphorescent particles! exclaimed one of the officers.

那不过是无数磷分子的集合体。一位军官说。

No, sir, I answered with conviction. Not even angel-wing clams or salps have ever given off such a powerful light.

不，我很有把握地答，富拉得或沙尔已之类的动物决不能发出这么强的光度。

That glow is basically electric in nature. Besides . . . look, look! It's shifting! It's moving back and forth! It's darting at us!

这种光只能是电力的光…看！看！它动了!它向前动，又向后移！它向我们冲采了！

A universal shout went up from the frigate.

战舰上处处发出喊声。

Quiet! Commander Farragut said. Helm hard to leeward! Reverse engines!

不要作声，法拉古舰长说，把稳舵，船迎着凤：开倒车！

Sailors rushed to the helm, engineers to their machinery. Under reverse steam immediately, the Abraham Lincoln beat to port, sweeping in a semicircle.

水手们跑到舵旁边，工程师们跑到机器旁边。汽门立刻关掉了，林肯号从左舷转了一百八十度。