キャサリン夫人の反対（캐서린 부인의 반대）

プライドと偏見 - 第10章

Pride and Prejudice - Chapter 10

舞踏会の翌日、コリンズ氏はエリザベスにプロポーズする。彼は愛について一言も触れず、結婚すべき理由を長々と並べ立てる滑稽なプロポーズをする。

After the Netherfield ball, Mr. Collins decided that he would propose to Elizabeth. He had been staying with the Bennets for some time, and he believed that Elizabeth would make him an excellent wife.

エリザベスはきっぱりと断る。コリンズは彼女が駆け引きをしていると思い込み、彼女の「ノー」を受け入れようとしない。

He asked Mrs. Bennet for permission to speak to Elizabeth alone, and she was delighted by the request. She was certain that Elizabeth would accept him.

ベネット夫人は激怒し、コリンズと結婚しないなら二度と口をきかないと脅す。一方、ベネット氏はエリザベスにこう言う。「お母さんは、君がコリンズ氏と結婚しなければ二度と口をきかないと言っているが、私は、君が彼と結婚したら二度と口をきかないよ。」

Mr. Collins found Elizabeth in the garden, reading a book. He approached her with great formality, and began to speak.

"My reasons for marrying are, first, that I think it a right thing for every clergyman in easy circumstances to set the example of matrimony in his parish. Secondly, that I am convinced it will add very greatly to my happiness. And thirdly—which perhaps I ought to have mentioned earlier—that it is the particular advice and recommendation of the very noble lady whom I have the honour of calling patroness."

Elizabeth was amused by his speech but tried to listen politely.

"Almost as soon as I entered the house," Mr. Collins continued, "I singled you out as the companion of my future life. But before I am run away with by my feelings on this subject, perhaps it would be advisable for me to state my reasons for marrying—and moreover for coming into Hertfordshire with the design of selecting a wife."

He went on to explain that he wanted to reconcile with the Bennet family by marrying one of the daughters, and that he was certain Elizabeth would accept him.

"But you must know," Elizabeth said, trying not to laugh, "that I cannot accept your proposal."

Mr. Collins was shocked. "I beg your pardon! This is a most unexpected answer."

"I am serious," Elizabeth said. "I cannot marry you. I do not love you, and I would not be happy as your wife."

Mrs. Bennet, who had been listening from behind the bushes, was furious. She entered the garden and scolded Elizabeth for refusing such a good match.

But Elizabeth remained firm. She would not marry a man she did not love, no matter what her mother said.