Sense and Sensibility《理智与情感》--Jane Austen简.奥斯丁

名著阅读

The first part of their journey was performed in too melancholy a disposition to be otherwise than tedious and unpleasant. But as they drew towards the end of it, their interest in the appearance of a country which they were to inhabit overcame their dejection, and a view of Barton Valley as they entered it gave them cheerfulness. It was a pleasant fertile spot, well wooded, and rich in pasture. After winding along it for more than a mile, they reached their own house. A small green court was the whole of its demesne in front; and a neat wicket gate admitted them into it.

旅途开头一段，大家心情抑郁，只觉得道路漫长，索然无味。但是，临近终点的时候，一看到马上就要居住的乡间，兴致就冒了出来，沮丧的情绪顿时被压了下去。而一走进巴顿山谷，大家便都情不自禁地兴奋起来。这地方景色宜人，土质肥沃，林木茂密，牧草丰盛。沿着蜿蜒的山谷走上一英里多路，便来到她们的家，屋前只有个绿茵小院，她们母女几个穿过一道整齐的小门，走进院里。

As a house, Barton Cottage, though small, was comfortable and compact; but as a cottage it was defective, for the building was regular, the roof was tiled, the window shutters were not painted green, nor were the walls covered with honeysuckles. A narrow passage led directly through the house into the garden behind. On each side of the entrance was a sitting room, about sixteen feet square; and beyond them were the offices and the stairs. Four bed-rooms and two garrets formed the rest of the house. It had not been built many years and was in good repair. In comparison of Norland, it was poor and small indeed!--but the tears which recollection called forth as they entered the house were soon dried away. They were cheered by the joy of the servants on their arrival, and each for the sake of the others resolved to appear happy. It was very early in September; the season was fine, and from first seeing the place under the advantage of good weather, they received an impression in its favour which was of material service in recommending it to their lasting approbation.

巴顿乡舍作为一所住宅，尽管太小，倒也舒适紧凑。不过作为一座乡舍，却有不少缺陷，因为房子造得太正规，房顶铺瓦，窗板没有漆成绿色，墙上也没有爬满忍冬花。一条狭窄的穿堂过道，直通屋后的花园。过道两旁各有一间客厅，约略十六英尺见方，客厅向里是下房和楼梯。构成小楼其余部分的，是四间卧室和两间阁楼。房子盖好不多年，修缮得很好。同诺兰的住宅相比，的确显得寒碜、矮小！但是，她们马上擦干了刚进屋时勾起的辛酸眼泪。仆人见主人来了，一个个喜气洋洋，主人也跟着乐了。各人都看在别人的份上，硬是装出高高兴兴的样子。现在是九月初，正赶上好时节。多亏老天作美———天气晴朗，她们初次见到这个地方，就留下了良好，的印象，这对于促使她们长久喜爱这个地方，起到了巨大的作用。

词汇释义

1.melancholy n. 忧沉, 悲哀, 愁思 adj. 忧沉的, 使人悲伤的, 愁思的

A deep melancholy runs through her poetry.
她的诗中贯穿著悲伤的情调.

2.dejection n. 沮丧, 颓丧

The loser sat slumped in dejection.
失败者垂头丧气地坐著, 全身瘫软.

3.wooded ['wudid] adj. 多树林的

The town is wooded everywhere.
该镇上到处都种有树木。

4.demesne [di'mein] n. 土地所有, 私有地, 领地，范围

5.compact adj. 紧凑的,紧密的,简洁的

He received a compact package.
他收到一个扎得很紧的包裹。

6.honeysuckle n. 忍冬, 金银花

Honeysuckle is often an ingredient of some herbal medicine.
金银花常是草药的一种成份。

7.approbation n. 认可, 嘉许

难句解析

1.But as they drew towards the end of it, their interest in the appearance of a country which they were to inhabit overcame their dejection, and a view of Barton Valley as they entered it gave them cheerfulness.

【难句解析】第二句的主干是their interest overcame their dejection；第三句的主干是a view gave them cheerfulness；

【句子翻译】但是，临近终点的时候，一看到马上就要居住的乡间，兴致就冒了出来，沮丧的情绪顿时被压了下去。而一走进巴顿山谷，大家便都情不自禁地兴奋起来。

2.It had not been built many years and was in good repair.

【难句解析】in good repair意思是“处于良好状态”；

【句子翻译】房子盖好不多年，修缮得很好。