2015年4月5日星期日

一�酒杯|HK Appledaily Supplement

一個酒杯|HK Appledaily Supplement

一個酒杯

During the period of occupation of France by the allied troops after the Battle of Waterloo, a Prussian officer, drinking with some Austrians, joined in toasting military exploits with some cordiality when an Austrian, by way of compliment, proposed to drink to the Battle of Waterloo, a favourite theme of Prussian pride,① calling to the waiter to bring a bottle of champagne and six glasses.

The Prussian, taking fire② at the paltry honour intended for his achievement, bawled out with an expression of contempt: "Waiter! bring me six bottles of champagne and one glass!"

滑鐵盧戰役之後,法國遭盟軍佔領。有一天,一個普魯士軍官和幾個奧地利軍官一起喝酒,見大家為一些戰爭功業舉杯,也欣然奉陪。一個奧地利軍官要給他面子,建議為滑鐵盧戰役乾杯:普魯士軍人特別以這場戰役為榮。①那奧地利軍官叫侍者給他們一瓶香檳,六個酒杯。

那普魯士軍官卻認為,這個乾杯建議,對他的戰功來說,簡直不成敬意。他怒火中燒,一臉不屑的神氣,高聲叫道:「侍者,給我六瓶香檳,一個酒杯!」

①及時來援,未必得勝。

②Take fire本義是「着火」,引伸解作「激動」或「動怒」,例如:She took fire at the prospect of going on holiday(她想到將去度假,就十分興奮)。

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