乔治・华盛顿致爱妻
You may believe me, when I assure you in the most solemn manner that, so far from seeking this employment, I have used every effort in my power to avoid it, not only from my unwillingness to part with you and the family, but from a consciousness of its being a trust too great for my capacity； and I should enjoy more real happiness in one month with you at home than I have the most distant prospect of finding abroad； if my stay were to be seven times seven years. But as it has been a kind of destiny that has thrown me upon this service, I shall hope that my undertaking it is designed to answer some good purpose……
solemn：Deeply earnest, serious, and sober.
unwillingness： 不愿意, 不情愿
I shall rely confidently on that Providence which has heretofore preserved and been bountiful to me, not doubting but that I shall return safe to you in the fall. I shall feel no pain from the toil or danger of the campaign； my unhappiness will flow from the uneasiness I know you will feel from being left alone. I therefore beg that you will summon your whole fortitude, and pass your times agreeably as possible. Nothing will give me so much sincere satisfaction as to hear this, and to hear it from your own pen.
heretofore： Up to the present time； before this； previously.
toil：Exhausting labor or effort：
summon：To call together； convene.召集；召唤
fortitude： Strength of mind that allows one to endure pain or adversity with courage. 坚韧，刚毅承受痛苦或逆境的勇气，不屈不挠
您应当相信我，当我以最庄严的方式向您保证时，我没有谋求这个职位，我已就我所能竭力回避这个职位。不仅仅是我不愿意与您和家人离别，还因为我有自知之明，深感力不从心，难以胜任，我宁愿与您在家一个月享受人间的天伦之乐，要是我在那呆七七四十九年，这乐趣是在异乡的最高期望也无法比拟的。既然命中注定委任于我，我只愿接受此任以实现崇高的目标……我将完全依赖于上帝，上帝一直在保佑和厚待我。
今秋我一定安全无恙地回到您的身边。我不会因军营的磨练和危险而感痛苦。您独自一人在家，我知道您会感到不安，您的不安却会使我忧心忡忡。正因如此，我求您鼓足勇气，尽可能愉快地欢度时光。再也没有比这更令我欣慰，再也没有什么比您亲笔写信能给我欣慰的了。
英语 散文本文地址：http://www.dioenglish.com/writing/essay/43888.html
