英译中

　　When I was an editor, I always preferred to apologise promptly, whatever the merits of the case, rather than face the expense and, more importantly, the time-consuming complexities and debilitating worry of litigation, libel being one of the least satisfactory branches of the law. When we took a crack at Dr Bodkin Adams, believing him to be dead, and his joyful lawyer phoned me the next morning to tell me he was very much alive, I settled the matter there and then for the sum (if I remember correctly) of ￡450 and an apology. So my advice to editors is, get shot of claims quickly, unless the plaintiff's demands are manifestly unreasonable.

　　我还是编辑的时候，无论情况如何，我总是选择立马道歉，而不是去面对诉讼过程中所发生的费用，更为重要的是，去面对费时耗神的诉讼过程中产生的复杂情况。诽谤法是法律当中最不尽人意的部分。我们曾拿鲍德金·亚当姆斯医生开涮，还以为他已经死了;莅日，他的律师喜滋滋地打电话给我，告诉我亚当姆斯医生还活得好好的，我立时以一笔450 英镑 (如果我没记错的话)的赔偿费和一句道歉的话了结此事。所以，我对编辑们的忠告是：对于赔偿要求要立马了结，除非原告的要求太离谱。

　　Besides, there is something distinguished about a ready apology. It is the mark of a gentleman, more particularly if it is not necessary. It is the opposite of revenge. Bacon wrote, "In seeking revenge, a man is but equal with his enemy, but in forgiving him, he is superior, for it is a princes' part to pardon." So, the person who apologises freely has the moral ball in his court.

　　此外，随时准备好一句道歉的话，是一种高尚行为，特别是在没有必要道歉时而道歉，更显示出一个绅士的特质。道歉与报复相对。培根有云：“夫图报复焉，汝与汝仇等：苟汝恕之，则汝优於汝仇焉;盖宽恕也，王者之风也。”由是，谁把“对不起”常挂在嘴边，谁就在道义上掌握了主动。