Pride and Prejudice - Chapter 7
傲慢与偏见 - 第七章
Mr. Collins, a distant cousin of Mr. Bennet, was the heir to the Bennet estate. He was a clergyman, employed by Lady Catherine de Bourgh, a wealthy and aristocratic lady.
柯林斯先生,贝内特先生的远房表亲,是贝内特财产的继承人。他是牧师,受雇于凯瑟琳·德·鲍夫人,一个富有的贵族女士。
When Mr. Bennet received a letter from Mr. Collins announcing his intention to visit, Mrs. Bennet was delighted. She hoped that Mr. Collins might marry one of her daughters, which would provide for their future.
当贝内特先生收到柯林斯先生宣布访问意图的信,贝内特太太很高兴。她希望柯林斯先生可能娶她的一个女儿,这将为她们提供未来。
"He is a clergyman," she told her husband excitedly. "That is a respectable profession. And he will inherit this estate when you die. It would be perfect if he married one of our girls!"
"他是牧师,"她兴奋地告诉丈夫,"那是受人尊敬的职业。你死后他将继承这房产。如果他娶我们一个女孩那就完美了!"
Mr. Bennet was amused by his wife's excitement. "We shall see what kind of man he is," he said.
贝内特先生对妻子的兴奋觉得好笑。"我们将看看他是什么样的人,"他说。
Mr. Collins arrived a few days later. He was a tall, heavy-looking young man, with a formal manner and a tendency to speak in long, complicated sentences.
柯林斯先生几天后到达。他是个高大、沉重的年轻人,有正式的举止和说长而复杂句子的倾向。
He was full of praise for Lady Catherine and her estate, Rosings Park. He spoke of her wealth and her generosity, and he seemed to consider himself very important by association.
他充满对凯瑟琳夫人和她的房产罗辛斯园的赞美。他说她的财富和她的慷慨,他似乎通过联系认为自己很重要。
"Lady Catherine is the most benevolent of women," he told the Bennets. "She has shown me great kindness and consideration. I am truly grateful to be in her service."
"凯瑟琳夫人是最仁慈的女性,"他告诉贝内特家,"她对我很大仁慈和考虑。我真的很感激在她的服务下。"
Elizabeth found Mr. Collins ridiculous. He was obviously trying to flatter Lady Catherine and gain her favor. But she said nothing, observing him with amusement.
伊丽莎白觉得柯林斯先生可笑。他显然试图奉承凯瑟琳夫人并获得她的恩惠。但她什么也没说,好笑地观察他。
When Mr. Collins asked which of the Bennet sisters he might address as his future wife, Mrs. Bennet immediately suggested Jane.
当柯林斯先生问贝内特姐妹中哪一个可能是他未来的妻子,贝内特太太立即建议简。
"Jane is the eldest," she said. "And the most beautiful. Any man would be fortunate to marry her."
"简是最大的,"她说,"而且最美丽。任何男人娶她都是幸运的。"
But Mr. Collins was informed that Jane was likely to be engaged to Mr. Bingley, so he turned his attention to Elizabeth.
但柯林斯先生被告知简可能要和宾利先生订婚,所以他把注意力转向伊丽莎白。
Elizabeth, however, had no intention of marrying Mr. Collins. She found him tedious and pompous, and she could not imagine spending her life with such a man.
然而,伊丽莎白无意嫁给柯林斯先生。她觉得他乏味傲慢,她不能想象与这样的人度过一生。
But Mrs. Bennet was determined that Elizabeth should accept him, and she began to put pressure on her daughter.
但贝内特太太决心伊丽莎白应该接受他,她开始给女儿压力。