My Countrymen: 我的同胞们：
It is a relief to feel that no heart but my own can know the personal regret and bitter sorrow over which I have been borne to a position so suitable for others rather than desirable for myself. 想到除了我自己，没有人能够体会我怀着怎样的个人遗憾与深切悲痛，被推上这个更适合别人、而非我本人所向往的位置，我反而感到一丝宽慰。
The circumstances under which I have been called for a limited period to preside over the destinies of the Republic fill me with a profound sense of responsibility, but with nothing like shrinking apprehension. I repair to the post assigned me not as to one sought, but in obedience to the unsolicited expression of your will, answerable only for a fearless, faithful, and diligent exercise of my best powers. 我受命在有限的任期内主持共和国的命运；这一任命所处的情势使我深感责任重大，却没有让我产生丝毫畏缩恐惧。我来到这个交付给我的岗位，并非因为自己追求它，而是服从你们主动表达的意志；我所能负责的，唯有无畏、忠诚、勤勉地竭尽全力。
I ought to be, and am, truly grateful for the rare manifestation of the nation's confidence; but this, so far from lightening my obligations, only adds to their weight. You have summoned me in my weakness; you must sustain me by your strength. 对于国家以这种罕见方式表达的信任，我理应并且确实由衷感激；然而，这份信任非但没有减轻我的义务，反而使其更加沉重。你们在我力量不足时召唤了我，就必须以你们的力量支持我。
When looking for the fulfillment of reasonable requirements, you will not be unmindful of the great changes which have occurred, even within the last quarter of a century, and the consequent augmentation and complexity of duties imposed in the administration both of your home and foreign affairs. 当你们期待我达到合理要求时，也不会忘记，即使仅在过去四分之一个世纪里，国家已经发生了巨大变化，因而治理内政与外交所承担的职责也大幅增加，并且日趋复杂。
Whether the elements of inherent force in the Republic have kept pace with its unparalleled progression in territory, population, and wealth has been the subject of earnest thought and discussion on both sides of the ocean. Less than sixty-four years ago the Father of his Country made "the" then "recent accession of the important State of North Carolina to the Constitution of the United States" one of the subjects of his special congratulation. 共和国的内在力量是否跟上了疆域、人口和财富前所未有的增长，已成为大西洋两岸认真思考和讨论的问题。不到六十四年前，国父还把当时“重要的北卡罗来纳州最近批准《合众国宪法》、加入联邦”列为他特别祝贺的事项之一。
At that moment, however, when the agitation consequent upon the Revolutionary struggle had hardly subsided, when we were just emerging from the weakness and embarrassments of the Confederation, there was an evident consciousness of vigor equal to the great mission so wisely and bravely fulfilled by our fathers. It was not a presumptuous assurance, but a calm faith, springing from a clear view of the sources of power in a government constituted like ours. 然而在那个时刻，革命斗争引发的动荡才刚刚平息，我们也才开始摆脱邦联时期的软弱与困境，人们已经明显意识到，国家拥有足以承担先辈们明智而英勇完成的伟大使命的力量。那不是狂妄的自信，而是源于清楚认识我们这种政府力量来源的平静信念。
It is no paradox to say that although comparatively weak the new-born nation was intrinsically strong. Inconsiderable in population and apparent resources, it was upheld by a broad and intelligent comprehension of rights and an all-pervading purpose to maintain them, stronger than armaments. It came from the furnace of the Revolution, tempered to the necessities of the times. The thoughts of the men of that day were as practical as their sentiments were patriotic. 说这个新生国家虽然相对弱小、内在却十分强大，并不矛盾。它人口不多，表面资源有限，却有对权利广泛而明智的理解，以及维护这些权利的普遍决心作为支撑；这比军备更为强大。它从革命的熔炉中诞生，并按照时代的需要淬炼成形。当时人们的思想如同他们的情感一样，既务实又爱国。
They wasted no portion of their energies upon idle and delusive speculations, but with a firm and fearless step advanced beyond the governmental landmarks which had hitherto circumscribed the limits of human freedom and planted their standard, where it has stood against dangers which have threatened from abroad, and internal agitation, which has at times fearfully menaced at home. 他们没有把丝毫精力浪费在空洞而虚妄的臆想上，而是迈着坚定无畏的步伐，越过此前限制人类自由范围的政府界标，树起自己的旗帜；这面旗帜一直屹立至今，抵御着来自国外的威胁，也抵御着国内时而造成可怕危险的动荡。
They proved themselves equal to the solution of the great problem, to understand which their minds had been illuminated by the dawning lights of the Revolution. The object sought was not a thing dreamed of; it was a thing realized. They had exhibited only the power to achieve, but, what all history affirms to be so much more unusual, the capacity to maintain. 他们证明自己有能力解决那个伟大问题；革命初露的曙光曾照亮他们的思想，使他们得以理解这一问题。他们追求的不是梦想中的事物，而是能够实现的事物。他们不仅展现了取得成就的力量，还展现了维持成果的能力；全部历史都证明，后者更加罕见。
The oppressed throughout the world from that day to the present have turned their eyes hitherward, not to find those lights extinguished or to fear lest they should wane, but to be constantly cheered by their steady and increasing radiance. 从那一天直到现在，全世界受压迫的人们始终把目光投向这里；他们看到这些光芒并未熄灭，也不必担心它们减弱，反而不断从其稳定而日益增强的光辉中获得鼓舞。
In this our country has, in my judgment, thus far fulfilled its highest duty to suffering humanity. It has spoken and will continue to speak, not only by its words, but by its acts, the language of sympathy, encouragement, and hope to those who earnestly listen to tones which pronounce for the largest rational liberty. But after all, the most animating encouragement and potent appeal for freedom will be its own history--its trials and its triumphs. 在我看来，我国正是在这方面履行了对受苦人类的最高责任。对于那些真诚聆听倡导最大限度合理自由之声音的人，我们不仅用言语，而且用行动表达同情、鼓励与希望，今后也将继续如此。然而归根结底，对自由最振奋人心的鼓舞和最有力的召唤，仍是我们自己的历史——其中的考验与胜利。
Preeminently, the power of our advocacy reposes in our example; but no example, be it remembered, can be powerful for lasting good, whatever apparent advantages may be gained, which is not based upon eternal principles of right and justice. Our fathers decided for themselves, both upon the hour to declare and the hour to strike. 尤其重要的是，我们倡导自由的力量来自自身榜样；但必须记住，任何榜样若不建立在永恒的权利与正义原则上，无论能获得怎样的表面利益，都不可能产生持久而良好的强大影响。我们的先辈自行决定何时发表宣言、何时奋起战斗。
They were their own judges of the circumstances under which it became them to pledge to each other "their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor" for the acquisition of the priceless inheritance transmitted to us. 他们自行判断在什么情势下，应当彼此宣誓付出“生命、财产和神圣的荣誉”，以取得后来传给我们的无价遗产。
The energy with which that great conflict was opened and, under the guidance of a manifest and beneficent Providence the uncomplaining endurance with which it was prosecuted to its consummation were only surpassed by the wisdom and patriotic spirit of concession which characterized all the counsels of the early fathers. 那场伟大斗争发动时展现的力量，以及在显明而仁慈的上天引领下，人们毫无怨言地坚持到最后胜利所表现的坚忍，只有早期先辈所有决策中体现的智慧、爱国精神和退让胸怀能够超越。
One of the most impressive evidences of that wisdom is to be found in the fact that the actual working of our system has dispelled a degree of solicitude which at the outset disturbed bold hearts and far-reaching intellects. The apprehension of dangers from extended territory, multiplied States, accumulated wealth, and augmented population has proved to be unfounded. 这种智慧最有力的证明之一，是我们的制度实际运行以后，消除了最初曾使勇敢之士和深谋远虑者忧心的一部分顾虑。事实证明，人们对疆域扩展、州数增加、财富积累和人口增长所带来危险的担忧并无根据。
The stars upon your banner have become nearly threefold their original number; your densely populated possessions skirt the shores of the two great oceans; and yet this vast increase of people and territory has not only shown itself compatible with the harmonious action of the States and Federal Government in their respective constitutional spheres, but has afforded an additional guaranty of the strength and integrity of both. 你们旗帜上的星星已接近最初数量的三倍；人口密集的国土延伸到两大洋沿岸；然而，人口和疆域如此大幅增长，不仅与各州和联邦政府在各自宪法权限内协调运作相容，还进一步保障了双方的力量与完整。
With an experience thus suggestive and cheering, the policy of my Administration will not be controlled by any timid forebodings of evil from expansion. Indeed, it is not to be disguised that our attitude as a nation and our position on the globe render the acquisition of certain possessions not within our jurisdiction eminently important for our protection, if not in the future essential for the preservation of the rights of commerce and the peace of the world. 这些富有启示、令人振奋的经验，使本届政府的政策不会受到任何对扩张后果的胆怯预感所支配。确实无法掩饰的是，我国作为一个国家所处的态势及其在全球的位置，使取得某些目前不在我国管辖之下的属地对于国家防卫极为重要，并且未来甚至可能成为维护商业权利与世界和平所不可缺少的条件。
Should they be obtained, it will be through no grasping spirit, but with a view to obvious national interest and security, and in a manner entirely consistent with the strictest observance of national faith. We have nothing in our history or position to invite aggression; we have everything to beckon us to the cultivation of relations of peace and amity with all nations. Purposes, therefore, at once just and pacific will be significantly marked in the conduct of our foreign affairs. 即使取得这些属地，也不会出于贪得无厌的精神，而是着眼于明确的国家利益与安全，并以完全符合最严格国家信义的方式进行。我国的历史和处境没有任何招致侵略之处，却处处促使我们同所有国家培养和平友好关系。因此，公正与和平这两个目标将在我国外交事务中得到鲜明体现。
I intend that my Administration shall leave no blot upon our fair record, and trust I may safely give the assurance that no act within the legitimate scope of my constitutional control will be tolerated on the part of any portion of our citizens which can not challenge a ready justification before the tribunal of the civilized world. 我希望本届政府不在我国光荣记录上留下任何污点，并相信自己可以郑重保证：凡在我依宪法合法控制的范围内，我都不会容许任何一部分公民实施无法立即在文明世界的法庭前证明其正当性的行为。
An Administration would be unworthy of confidence at home or respect abroad should it cease to be influenced by the conviction that no apparent advantage can be purchased at a price so dear as that of national wrong or dishonor. It is not your privilege as a nation to speak of a distant past. The striking incidents of your history, replete with instruction and furnishing abundant grounds for hopeful confidence, are comprised in a period comparatively brief. 如果一届政府不再坚信，任何表面利益都不值得以国家的不义或耻辱这样高昂的代价换取，那么它既不配得到国内信任，也不配得到国外尊重。作为一个国家，你们无法谈论遥远的过去。你们历史中引人注目的事件虽充满教益，也为满怀希望的信心提供充分依据，却都集中在一个相对短暂的时期内。
But if your past is limited, your future is boundless. Its obligations throng the unexplored pathway of advancement, and will be limitless as duration. Hence a sound and comprehensive policy should embrace not less the distant future than the urgent present. 然而，你们的过去纵然有限，未来却没有边界。前进道路尚待探索，无数责任已经遍布其间，并将同时间一样没有尽头。因此，健全而全面的政策既要顾及紧迫的当下，也要顾及遥远的未来。
The great objects of our pursuit as a people are best to be attained by peace, and are entirely consistent with the tranquillity and interests of the rest of mankind. With the neighboring nations upon our continent we should cultivate kindly and fraternal relations. We can desire nothing in regard to them so much as to see them consolidate their strength and pursue the paths of prosperity and happiness. 作为一个民族，我们追求的伟大目标最适合通过和平实现，并且同全人类的安宁与利益完全相容。我们应当同美洲大陆的邻国培养亲切友爱的关系。对于它们，我们最大的愿望莫过于看到它们巩固自身力量，走上繁荣幸福的道路。
If in the course of their growth we should open new channels of trade and create additional facilities for friendly intercourse, the benefits realized will be equal and mutual. Of the complicated European systems of national polity we have heretofore been independent. From their wars, their tumults, and anxieties we have been, happily, almost entirely exempt. 如果随着它们成长，我们能够开辟新的贸易渠道，为友好往来增添便利，由此获得的利益将是平等而相互的。迄今，我们一直独立于欧洲复杂的国家政治体系之外。所幸的是，我们几乎完全没有受到它们的战争、骚乱和忧患波及。
Whilst these are confined to the nations which gave them existence, and within their legitimate jurisdiction, they can not affect us except as they appeal to our sympathies in the cause of human freedom and universal advancement. But the vast interests of commerce are common to all mankind, and the advantages of trade and international intercourse must always present a noble field for the moral influence of a great people. 只要这些问题局限于产生它们的国家，并处在那些国家的合法管辖范围内，它们就不会影响我们，只会在涉及人类自由与普遍进步时引起我们的同情。然而，商业的广泛利益为全人类所共有，贸易与国际交往的益处必将始终为一个伟大民族发挥道德影响提供崇高舞台。
With these views firmly and honestly carried out, we have a right to expect, and shall under all circumstances require, prompt reciprocity. The rights which belong to us as a nation are not alone to be regarded, but those which pertain to every citizen in his individual capacity, at home and abroad, must be sacredly maintained. 只要坚定而诚实地贯彻这些主张，我们就有权期待，并将在任何情况下要求对方及时给予互惠。我们不但必须重视属于国家整体的权利，也必须神圣地维护每一位公民在国内外以个人身份享有的权利。
So long as he can discern every star in its place upon that ensign, without wealth to purchase for him preferment or title to secure for him place, it will be his privilege, and must be his acknowledged right, to stand unabashed even in the presence of princes, with a proud consciousness that he is himself one of a nation of sovereigns and that he can not in legitimate pursuit wander so far from home that the agent whom he shall leave behind in the place which I now occupy will not see that no rude hand of power or tyrannical passion is laid upon him with impunity. 只要一位公民还能看到国旗上的每颗星都各居其位，那么即使他没有财富为自己买取优待，也没有头衔为自己谋得地位，他也有特权，并且必须被承认有权在王公面前坦然挺立；他可以自豪地意识到，自己属于一个人人皆为主人的国家，而且无论为了正当事业离家多远，他留在我如今所居职位上的代表都会确保，任何粗暴的权力之手或专横的激情都不能加害于他而不受惩罚。
He must realize that upon every sea and on every soil where our enterprise may rightfully seek the protection of our flag American citizenship is an inviolable panoply for the security of American rights. And in this connection it can hardly be necessary to reaffirm a principle which should now be regarded as fundamental. 他必须明白，在我国事业可以正当地寻求国旗保护的每一片海洋和每一方土地上，美国公民身份都是保护美国人权利不可侵犯的铠甲。与此相关，似乎几乎没有必要再次申明一项如今理应被视为根本准则的原则。
The rights, security, and repose of this Confederacy reject the idea of interference or colonization on this side of the ocean by any foreign power beyond present jurisdiction as utterly inadmissible. 为了维护本联邦的权利、安全与安宁，我们断然不能接受任何外国势力在本半球现有管辖范围之外进行干涉或殖民的主张。
The opportunities of observation furnished by my brief experience as a soldier confirmed in my own mind the opinion, entertained and acted upon by others from the formation of the Government, that the maintenance of large standing armies in our country would be not only dangerous, but unnecessary. 我短暂的军旅经历为我提供了观察机会，使我更加确信自政府成立以来其他人一直持有并付诸实践的观点：我国维持庞大的常备军不仅危险，而且没有必要。
They also illustrated the importance--I might well say the absolute necessity--of the military science and practical skill furnished in such an eminent degree by the institution which has made your Army what it is, under the discipline and instruction of officers not more distinguished for their solid attainments, gallantry, and devotion to the public service than for unobtrusive bearing and high moral tone. 这段经历也表明，相关院校以卓越程度提供的军事科学与实用技能十分重要——我完全可以说，它们绝对不可缺少。正是在那些军官的训练和教导下，我们的陆军才有今天；这些军官不仅以扎实学识、英勇品格和献身公共事业著称，也以谦逊举止和高尚道德闻名。
The Army as organized must be the nucleus around which in every time of need the strength of your military power, the sure bulwark of your defense--a national militia--may be readily formed into a well-disciplined and efficient organization. And the skill and self-devotion of the Navy assure you that you may take the performance of the past as a pledge for the future, and may confidently expect that the flag which has waved its untarnished folds over every sea will still float in undiminished honor. 现有建制的陆军必须成为核心；每当国家有需要时，我国军事力量和可靠国防屏障——全国民兵——都可以围绕这一核心迅速组成训练有素、富有效率的队伍。海军的技能与献身精神也向你们保证，可以把过去的表现视为未来的凭据，并且满怀信心地期待：那面曾以纯洁无瑕的旗幅飘扬于每一片海洋之上的旗帜，今后仍将保持同样的荣誉。
But these, like many other subjects, will be appropriately brought at a future time to the attention of the coordinate branches of the Government, to which I shall always look with profound respect and with trustful confidence that they will accord to me the aid and support which I shall so much need and which their experience and wisdom will readily suggest. 不过，这些问题同许多其他事务一样，将在以后适当时候提交给政府各个平等部门审议。我将始终对这些部门怀有深切尊重，并深信它们会凭借自身经验与智慧，为我提供我十分需要的协助和支持。
In the administration of domestic affairs you expect a devoted integrity in the public service and an observance of rigid economy in all departments, so marked as never justly to be questioned. If this reasonable expectation be not realized, I frankly confess that one of your leading hopes is doomed to disappointment, and that my efforts in a very important particular must result in a humiliating failure. 在治理国内事务方面，你们期待公职体系恪守廉洁，各部门严格节用，而且这种操守鲜明到不容任何合理质疑。如果这一合理期待不能实现，我坦率承认，你们的一项主要希望必将落空，而我在一个十分重要的方面所作的努力也必将以屈辱的失败告终。
Offices can be properly regarded only in the light of aids for the accomplishment of these objects, and as occupancy can confer no prerogative nor importunate desire for preferment any claim, the public interest imperatively demands that they be considered with sole reference to the duties to be performed. Good citizens may well claim the protection of good laws and the benign influence of good government, but a claim for office is what the people of a republic should never recognize. 公职只能被视为实现这些目标的工具；任职本身不能赋予特权，急切求取升迁也不能构成资格。因此，公共利益迫切要求，衡量公职时只考虑需要履行的职责。善良公民完全有权要求良法保护和善政惠泽，但共和国人民绝不应承认任何人有权索取公职。
No reasonable man of any party will expect the Administration to be so regardless of its responsibility and of the obvious elements of success as to retain persons known to be under the influence of political hostility and partisan prejudice in positions which will require not only severe labor, but cordial cooperation. 任何党派中通情达理的人，都不会期望政府完全不顾自身责任和取得成功的明显条件，把那些众所周知受政治敌意和党派偏见支配的人，留在既需要艰苦工作又需要真诚合作的职位上。
Having no implied engagements to ratify, no rewards to bestow, no resentments to remember, and no personal wishes to consult in selections for official station, I shall fulfill this difficult and delicate trust, admitting no motive as worthy either of my character or position which does not contemplate an efficient discharge of duty and the best interests of my country. I acknowledge my obligations to the masses of my countrymen, and to them alone. 我没有需要兑现的默契，没有需要给予的酬报，没有需要牢记的怨恨，遴选公职人员时也没有个人愿望需要照顾。我将履行这项困难而微妙的职责；任何动机若不以高效履职和国家最大利益为目标，我都不会认为它配得上我的人格或职位。我承认自己对广大同胞负有义务，而且只对他们负有义务。
Higher objects than personal aggrandizement gave direction and energy to their exertions in the late canvass, and they shall not be disappointed. They require at my hands diligence, integrity, and capacity wherever there are duties to be performed. Without these qualities in their public servants, more stringent laws for the prevention or punishment of fraud, negligence, and peculation will be vain. With them they will be unnecessary. 在最近的竞选中，比个人发迹更崇高的目标指引并激励着他们的努力，他们不会失望。凡有职责需要履行之处，他们都要求我确保勤勉、廉洁和才干。如果公职人员不具备这些品质，那么再严厉的法律也无法防止或惩罚欺诈、玩忽职守和侵吞公款；具备这些品质时，严刑峻法也就没有必要。
But these are not the only points to which you look for vigilant watchfulness. The dangers of a concentration of all power in the general government of a confederacy so vast as ours are too obvious to be disregarded. You have a right, therefore, to expect your agents in every department to regard strictly the limits imposed upon them by the Constitution of the United States. 但你们要求警觉监督的并非只有这些方面。像我们这样幅员辽阔的联邦，如果把一切权力都集中在中央政府，危险显而易见，不容忽视。因此，你们有权要求各部门的公职人员严格遵守合众国宪法为他们划定的界限。
The great scheme of our constitutional liberty rests upon a proper distribution of power between the State and Federal authorities, and experience has shown that the harmony and happiness of our people must depend upon a just discrimination between the separate rights and responsibilities of the States and your common rights and obligations under the General Government; and here, in my opinion, are the considerations which should form the true basis of future concord in regard to the questions which have most seriously disturbed public tranquillity. 我们的宪政自由宏图建立在州政府与联邦政府之间适当分配权力的基础上。经验表明，人民的和谐幸福取决于准确区分各州分别享有的权利、承担的责任，以及你们在中央政府之下共同享有的权利、承担的义务。在我看来，面对那些最严重扰乱公共安宁的问题，这些考虑应当构成未来和睦的真正基础。
If the Federal Government will confine itself to the exercise of powers clearly granted by the Constitution, it can hardly happen that its action upon any question should endanger the institutions of the States or interfere with their right to manage matters strictly domestic according to the will of their own people. 只要联邦政府把自己限制在行使宪法明确授予的权力之内，它对任何问题采取的行动就几乎不可能危及各州制度，也不会干涉各州依照本州人民意愿管理纯属内部事务的权利。
In expressing briefly my views upon an important subject rich has recently agitated the nation to almost a fearful degree, I am moved by no other impulse than a most earnest desire for the perpetuation of that Union which has made us what we are, showering upon us blessings and conferring a power and influence which our fathers could hardly have anticipated, even with their most sanguine hopes directed to a far-off future. 我简要表达对一个近期把国家搅动到近乎可怕程度的重大问题的看法，唯一动机是最诚挚地希望联邦长存。正是联邦造就了今天的我们，为我们带来福祉，并赋予我们力量与影响；即使先辈们以最乐观的希望遥望未来，也几乎无法预见这些成就。
The sentiments I now announce were not unknown before the expression of the voice which called me here. My own position upon this subject was clear and unequivocal, upon the record of my words and my acts, and it is only recurred to at this time because silence might perhaps be misconstrued. With the Union my best and dearest earthly hopes are entwined. 我现在宣布的主张，在人民表达意志、召唤我来到这里以前并非不为人知。我的言论和行动记录清楚而明确地表明了我在此问题上的立场；此刻再次提及，只是因为沉默或许会遭到误解。我在人世间最美好、最珍贵的希望都同联邦交织在一起。
Without it what are we individually or collectively? What becomes of the noblest field ever opened for the advancement of our race in religion, in government, in the arts, and in all that dignifies and adorns mankind? From that radiant constellation which both illumines our own way and points out to struggling nations their course, let but a single star be lost, and, if these be not utter darkness, the luster of the whole is dimmed. 没有联邦，无论作为个人还是整体，我们又算什么？那个人类曾为宗教、政府、艺术以及一切提升和美化人类的事业开辟的、前所未有的崇高舞台，又将何去何从？那片璀璨的星座既照亮我们的道路，也为艰难奋斗的国家指明方向；只要其中失去一颗星，即使并非陷入完全黑暗，整体的光辉也会黯淡。
Do my countrymen need any assurance that such a catastrophe is not to overtake them while I possess the power to stay it? It is with me an earnest and vital belief that as the Union has been the source, under Providence, of our prosperity to this time, so it is the surest pledge of a continuance of the blessings we have enjoyed, and which we are sacredly bound to transmit undiminished to our children. 当我仍有力量阻止这种灾难时，同胞们还需要我保证灾难不会降临吗？我怀有一种真挚而坚定的信念：在上天庇佑下，联邦一直是我们迄今繁荣的源泉；同样，联邦也是我们继续享有既有福祉的最可靠保证，而我们负有神圣义务，必须把这些福祉完整无损地传给子孙。
The field of calm and free discussion in our country is open, and will always be so, but never has been and never can be traversed for good in a spirit of sectionalism and uncharitableness. The founders of the Republic dealt with things as they were presented to them, in a spirit of self-sacrificing patriotism, and, as time has proved, with a comprehensive wisdom which it will always be safe for us to consult. 我国始终开放冷静而自由的讨论空间，今后也将如此；然而，带着地域主义和刻薄敌意在其中活动，过去不曾、将来也绝不可能产生善果。共和国缔造者以自我牺牲的爱国精神面对现实问题；时间已经证明，他们具有全面的智慧，我们在任何时候借鉴这种智慧都是稳妥的。
Every measure tending to strengthen the fraternal feelings of all the members of our Union has had my heartfelt approbation. To every theory of society or government, whether the offspring of feverish ambition or of morbid enthusiasm, calculated to dissolve the bonds of law and affection which unite us, I shall interpose a ready and stern resistance. I believe that involuntary servitude, as it exists in different States of this Confederacy, is recognized by the Constitution. 凡是有助于加强联邦所有成员兄弟情谊的措施，我都衷心赞同。对于任何企图瓦解联结我们的法律与情感纽带的社会或政府理论，无论它源于躁动的野心还是病态的狂热，我都会立即予以坚决抵制。我相信，联邦不同州现存的非自愿奴役制度得到宪法承认。
I believe that it stands like any other admitted right, and that the States where it exists are entitled to efficient remedies to enforce the constitutional provisions. I hold that the laws of 1850, commonly called the "compromise measures," are strictly constitutional and to be unhesitatingly carried into effect. 我相信，它同其他获得承认的权利一样成立，而实行这一制度的州有权获得有效救济，以执行宪法条款。我认为，一八五〇年的法律，也就是通常所称的“妥协措施”，完全符合宪法，必须毫不迟疑地贯彻执行。
I believe that the constituted authorities of this Republic are bound to regard the rights of the South in this respect as they would view any other legal and constitutional right, and that the laws to enforce them should be respected and obeyed, not with a reluctance encouraged by abstract opinions as to their propriety in a different state of society, but cheerfully and according to the decisions of the tribunal to which their exposition belongs. 我相信，共和国依法设立的各级权力机关有义务像看待其他任何合法宪法权利一样，看待南方在这方面的权利；执行这些权利的法律应当受到尊重和遵守，不应因抽象地议论这些法律在另一种社会状态下是否适宜而心存勉强，而应欣然遵守，并服从负责解释这些法律的司法机关所作的判决。
Such have been, and are, my convictions, and upon them I shall act. I fervently hope that the question is at rest, and that no sectional or ambitious or fanatical excitement may again threaten the durability of our institutions or obscure the light of our prosperity. 这些一直是、现在仍是我的信念，我将据此行事。我热切希望这一问题已经平息，不再有地域性、野心勃勃或狂热的煽动威胁我国制度的长久存续，或遮蔽国家繁荣的光芒。
But let not the foundation of our hope rest upon man's wisdom. It will not be sufficient that sectional prejudices find no place in the public deliberations. It will not be sufficient that the rash counsels of human passion are rejected. It must be felt that there is no national security but in the nation's humble, acknowledged dependence upon God and His overruling providence. 但我们希望的根基不可建立在人的智慧之上。仅仅不让地域偏见进入公共议事并不足够，拒绝人类激情产生的鲁莽主张也不足够。我们必须认识到，国家的安全只能来自整个民族谦卑而自觉地依靠上帝及其统御万物的天意。
We have been carried in safety through a perilous crisis. Wise counsels, like those which gave us the Constitution, prevailed to uphold it. Let the period be remembered as an admonition, and not as an encouragement, in any section of the Union, to make experiments where experiments are fraught with such fearful hazard. Let it be impressed upon all hearts that, beautiful as our fabric is, no earthly power or wisdom could ever reunite its broken fragments. 我们已经安然度过一场严重危机。那些如同当年创立宪法时一样明智的主张占据上风，使宪法得到维护。联邦任何地区都应把这段时期铭记为警诫，而不是把它当作鼓励，去进行风险如此可怕的试验。所有人都应牢记，我们的国家结构纵然美好，一旦破碎，世间任何力量或智慧都无法把碎片重新结合。
Standing, as I do, almost within view of the green slopes of Monticello, and, as it were, within reach of the tomb of Washington, with all the cherished memories of the past gathering around me like so many eloquent voices of exhortation from heaven, I can express no better hope for my country than that the kind Providence which smiled upon our fathers may enable their children to preserve the blessings they have inherited. 此刻，我站在这里，几乎可以望见蒙蒂塞洛的青翠山坡，仿佛也伸手可及华盛顿的陵墓；所有珍贵的往昔记忆汇聚在我身边，如同来自天国的无数雄辩声音向我劝勉。我能为祖国表达的最好愿望，就是那位曾向先辈微笑的仁慈上天，也能帮助他们的子孙守护继承而来的福祉。