第一篇：肯尼迪就職演說評析

美國第三十五任總統John Fitzgerald Francis Kennedy(1917-1963)約翰.弗.肯尼迪1961年元月20日在首都華盛頓國會大廈前發表“就職演說”時，我在讀初中三年級，學的是俄語。直到1980年，我才在美國出版的“English For Today”“今日英語”教材的第五冊里閱讀到了這篇演說，而且還聽了這篇演說的實況錄音。現在這篇演說已被一字未刪地選入《Advanced English》“高級英語”（張漢熙主編，商務印書館出版發行），《21 Century College English》 “二十一世紀大學英語”（復旦大學，交通大學主編;高等教育出版社，復旦大學出版社出版發行）英語教材里作為高等院校的英語學習教材。1980年，那時大學外語教學還是很原始落后的。我想得到英語版的聯合國“人權宣言”，但在當時武漢的中南財經學院圖書館里沒有。找到武漢大學圖書館，那里才只有一本油印的“人權宣言”小冊子。我想得到英文版的“中華人民共和國刑法”這書，武漢的外文書店買不到。我托原北京地院外語老師去北京外國專家局找有關專家打聽此書，專家說，《刑法》英文譯文由他翻譯，正在他手里，由于沒有出版，他不能外借。肯尼迪“就職演說”是在演說之后十九年被我們看到。時過境遷，2009年元月20日，全世界幾乎所有的人都能從網上及各種媒體上聽到，見到，讀到美國第一位黑人總統奧巴馬的“就職演說”。雖然有的人看到的是被有些媒體屏掉了（Recall that earlier generations faced down Fascism and Communism not just with missiles and tanks but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions.我們在此回憶先輩，他們戰勝了法西斯主義和共產主義，靠的不僅是導彈，坦克；更是靠堅定的盟友和不移的信念。），（To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent know that you are on the wrong side of history but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.對于那些通過腐敗，欺騙，壓制異見來統治的人，你們應該知道你們站在了歷史的對立面。但是，如果你們愿意放開緊攥的拳頭，我們會向你們伸出一只手。）這些文字的演說，但是1961年那時代的人能聽到，見到，讀到的是完全不能與今天相比的了！

閱讀翻譯注釋

1、Mr.Chief Justice,President Eisenhower,Vice President Nixon,President Truman,Reverend Clergy,Fellow Citizens,we observe today not a victory of party,but a celebration of freedom – symbolizing an end as well as a beginning – signifying renewal,as well as change.For I have sworn before you and Almighty God the same solemn oath our forebears prescribed nearly a century and three quarters ago.The world is very different now.For man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life.And yet the same revolutionary beliefs for which our forebears fought are still at issue around the globe – the belief that the rights of man come not from the generosity of the state,but from the hand of God.首席法官先生，艾森豪威爾威爾總統，尼克松副總統，杜魯門總統，尊敬的神父，同胞們；我們今天慶祝的不是一次政黨的勝利而是慶祝自由精神的勝利-這不僅象征結束 –這還象征開始 – 意味著更新 – 也意味著變革。我在你們和全能的上帝面前宣讀了將近一百七十年前我們祖先擬定的同一庒嚴的誓言。現在，這世界已完全不同了。人類把消除各種貧窮及毀滅各種形式的生活的力量握在巨手中。然而，在全球，我們祖先為之奮斗的相同的革命信念仍然在爭論之中 – 這信念:人權不是來自國家的慷慨，而是來自上帝之手。

1：the same solemn oath: I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States,and will,to the best of my ability,preserve protest and defend the Constitution of the United States.同一庒嚴的誓詞：我鄭重地宣誓我一定滿懷信心地履任美國總統職務，盡我所能，維持，保護和防衛美國憲法。

2：林肯：four score and seven years ago,八十七年前；肯尼迪在此借用：nearly a century and three quarters ago接近一百七十五年前

2.． We dare not forget today that we are the heirs of that first revolution.Let the word go forth from this time and place,to friend and foe alike,that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans – born in this century,tempered by war,disciplined by a hard and bitter peace,proud of our ancient heritage – and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this nation has always been committed and to which we are committed today at home and around the world.今天，我們不會忘記我們是第一次革命的后代。在此時此地，讓我們的朋友和敵人都聽到我們的講話：火炬已傳到了新一代美國人手里 – 生在本世紀，受過戰爭的考煉，經歷艱難困苦的和平磨煉，以我們古老的傳統而自豪 – 不愿意眼看著，不容忍我們美國一直承諾的,今天在美國及全球仍然在承諾的人權，不斷地遭受踐踏。

3、Let every nation know,whether it wishes us well or ill,that we shall pay any price,bear any burden,meet any hardship,support any friend,oppose any foe,in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty.This much we pledge – and more.讓每一個希望我們好還是希望我們不好的國家知道，我們將不惜一切代價，承受一切負擔，面對各種困難，支持所有朋友，反對一切敵人，以捍衛和爭取自由的勝利。我們保證這些 – 而且不僅如此。

對偶：有意識地把詞意相對的詞語放在對稱的結構中形成對照。結構勻稱，整齊，詞的意義相反而互相襯托，使語言鮮明，使語義加強。

well or ill place and time

friend foe

united,little we can not do,divided,little we can do.(第四段)

If a free society can not help the many who are poor,it can not save the few who are rich.（第六段）

It was the best of times,it was the worst of times，It was the age of wisdom智慧,it was the age of foolishness愚蠢

It was the epoch of belief信仰，it was the epoch of incredulity懷疑

It was the season of light,it was the season of darkness，It was the spring of hope,it was the winter of despair絕望，We had everything before us,we had nothing before us，We were all going direct to heaven,we were all going direct the other way.狄更斯：《雙城記》

Tom gave up the brush with reluctance in his face,but eagerness in his heart.馬克。吐溫：<光榮的刷墻工>

排比：結構相同，意義并重，語氣一致的詞組或句子排列成串，形成一個整體。渲染，壯文勢，廣文義。使文章條理清楚，論點突出。

That we shall pay any price,bear any burden,meet any hardship,support any friend,oppose any foe，There was a song in every heart;there was cheer in every face and a spring in every step.Mark Twain:

4.To those old allies whose cultural and spiritual origins we share,we pledge the loyalty of faithful friends.United,there is little we cannot do in a host of cooperative ventures.Divided,there is little we can do – for we dare not meet a powerful challenge at odds and split asunder.對那些和我們有著共同文化和精神淵源的老盟友，我們保證對摯友的忠誠。團結一致，我們在許多合作事業中將無往不勝。四分五裂，我們將一事無成。-因為，意見分歧，各行其是，我們就不能對付強大的挑戰。

5.To those new states whom we welcome to the ranks of the free,we pledge our word that one form of colonial control shall not have passed away merely to be replaced by a far greater iron tyranny.We shall not always expect to find them supporting our view.But we shall always hope to find them strongly supporting their own freedom – and to remember that ,in the past,those who foolishly sought power by riding the back of the tiger ended up inside.對那些我們歡迎他們加入自由行列的新國家，我們保證對現我們的諾言：一種形式的殖民控制的結束，決不能被更為暴虐的專制來代替。我們不總是指望看到他們支持我們的觀點,但是，我們總是希望看到他們強烈的支持他們自己的自由 – 請記住，在過去，那些靠騎在虎背上愚蠢地尋找力量的人,必葬身虎腹。

1：One form of colonial control shall not have passed away merely to be replaced by a far greater iron tyranny.否定的轉移：

Man does not live that he may eat but eats that he may live.人活著，不是為了吃；但是,吃，人才活下來。

I do not think you are right.The machine did not stop for lack of oil.2：Those who foolishly sought power by riding the back of the tiger ended up inside.There once was a lady from Niger(尼日尓)，Who smiled as she rode on a tiger.They came back from the ride，With the lady inside，And the smile on the face of the tiger.6.To those peoples in the huts and villages across the globe struggling to break the bonds of mass misery,we pledge our best efforts to help them help themselves,for whatever period is required – not because the Communists may be doing it,not because we seek their votes,but because it is right.If a free society cannot help the many who are poor,it cannot save the few who are rich.對那些遍布在另一半地球上的茅屋荒村里，正在奮力打碎窮困鎖鏈的各民族；我們保證，無認需要多長時間，將盡最大的努力，來幫助他們幫助他們自己 – 不是因為共產黨可能做這些，也不是因為我們尋求他們在聯合國里的選票，而是這樣做是正確的。如果自由社會不能幫助那些眾多窮人，那么它就不能拯救少數富人。

7.To our sister republics south of our border,we offer a special pledge – to convert our good words into good deeds,in a new alliance for progress,to assist free men and free governments in casting off the chains of poverty.But this peaceful revolution of hope cannot become the prey of hostile powers.Let all our neighbors know that we shall join with them to oppose aggression or subversion anywhere in the Americas.And let every other power know that this hemisphere intends to remain the mater of its own house.對那些我們邊界以南的各姐妹鄰邦，我們提出特別的保證 – 在為進步而締結成新的聯盟中，把我們良好的諾言轉變成有益的行動，支持自由的人們和自由的政府擺脫貧困的枷鎖。但是，這種充滿希望的和平革命不能成為敵對勢力的犧牲品。讓我們所有的鄰邦知道，我們將和他們一起反對美洲大陸上任何地方的侵略和顛覆。讓所有其他國家知道，西半球的人民決心繼續做自己家園的主人。

8.To that world assembly of sovereign states,the United Nations,our last best hope in an age where the instruments of war have far outpaced the instruments of peace,we renew our pledge of support – to prevent it from becoming merely a forum for invective – to strengthen its shield of the new and the weak – and to enlarge the area in which its writ may run.對聯合國，這個主權國家的世界性議會組織，在戰爭手段遠遠超過和平手段這一時代，我們最美好和最后的希望之所在，我們重申我們對聯合國支持的保證 – 防止它僅僅變成謾罵的講壇 – 加強對新生國家和弱小國家的保護 – 擴大聯合國的決議得以執行的范圍。

9.Finally,to those nations who would make themselves our adversary,we offer not a pledge but a request: that

both sides begin anew the quest for peace,before the dark powers of destruction unleashed by science engulf all humanity in planned or accidental self-destruction.最后，對那些一定要使自己成為我們敵手的國家，我們不是做出保證，而是提出要求：我們雙方重新開始謀求和平，不要等到被科學釋放出的毀滅性的巨大威力因有意或無意的自我毀滅而吞滅全人類。

10.We dare not tempt them with weakness.For only when our arms are sufficient beyond doubt can

we

be certain beyond doubt that they will never be employed.我們決不用軟弱引誘他們，因為只有當我們的武力強大得無可懷疑，我們才能豪不懷疑地確

信這些

武

器

永

遠

不

被

使

用。

11.But neither can two great and powerful groups of nations take comfort from our present course

–

both sides overburdened by the cost of modern weapons,both rightly alarmed by the steady

spread of the deadly atom,yet both racing to alter that uncertain balance of terror that stays the

hand of mankind’s final war.但是，兩個偉大而強有力的國家集團都不能從我們現在的局勢中獲得安慰 – 雙方超負荷地負

擔現代武器的開支，雙方理所當然為致命的原子武器不斷地擴散而憂心忡忡。然而，雙方竟

爭著去改變這種遏制人類最后戰爭不確定的恐怖均勢。

12．So let us begin anew – remembering on both sides that civility is not a sign of weakness,and

sincerity is always subject to proof.Let us never negotiate out of fear.But let us never fear to

negotiate.因此，讓我們重新開始 – 雙方都記住：禮讓并不表示軟弱，誠意永遠需要驗證。讓我們決不

因為害怕而談判。但是，讓我們決不害怕談判。

反復（Repetition）:反復使用同一個詞，句子或段落，借以加強語氣和感情，使文章產生突出 的效果。（羅嗦重復，則是語病）

To those old allies第四段至第九段共重復五次。

So let us begin anew 第十二段至第十六段共享了四次。

We pledge our best effort to help them help themselves.Let us never negotiate out of fear.But let us never fear to negotiate.英國詩人Thomas Hood的

Work – work – work!

Till the brain begins to swim!

Work – work – work，Till the eyes are heavy and dim(暗淡)。

Seam(縫合)，and gusset(縫三角形布料)and band（鑲邊，綁扎），Band,and gusset,and seam –

Till over the buttons I fall asleep.And sew them on a dream.描寫工作的繁重，單調，枯燥。

13.Let both sides explore what problems unite us instead of laboring those problems which divide

us.讓雙方探討使我們團結的問題，而不要過分花精力于使我們分裂的那些問題。

14.Let both sides,for the first time,formulate serious and precise proposals for the inspection and

control of arms – and bring the absolute power to destroy other nations under the absolute

control of all nations.讓雙方首次為軍備撿查及軍備控制制定嚴肅精確的計劃 – 把毀滅別的國家的絕對力量置于

所有國家的絕對控制之下。

15.Let both sides seek to invoke the wonders of science instead of its terrors.Together let us

explore the stars,conquer the deserts,eradicate disease,tap the ocean depths,and encourage the

arts and commerce.讓雙方尋求實現科學創造的奇跡，而不是它的恐懼。讓我們一起探索星星，征服沙漠，根治

疾病，開發海底資源，發展藝術，促進貿易。

排比：explore the stars,conquer the deserts,eradicate disease,tap the ocean depths,and

Encourage the arts and commerce.16．Let both sides unite to heed in all corners of the earth the command of Isaiah – to “undo the

heavy burdens and to let the oppressed go free.”

讓雙方團結起來，在地球的每一個角落傾聽先知以賽亜的號令 – “卸下沉重的負擔，讓被壓

迫者獲得自由。

17.And if a beachhead of cooperation may push back the jungle of suspicion,let both sides join in

creating a new endeavor , not a new balance of power,but a new world of law,where the strong

are just and the weak secure and the peace preserved.如果合作的灘頭可以逼退猜疑的叢林，就讓雙方攜手創造一種新的均勢，不是一種新的力量

均勢，而是一個法治的新世界，在那里，強者公允，弱者安全，和平得到保衛。

18．All this will not be finished in the first 100 days.Nor will it be finished in the first 1000 days,nor

in the life of this administration,nor even perhaps in our lifetime on this planet.But let us begin.所有這些不能在本屆政府任期內的第一個一百天里，一千天里，整個任期內完成；甚至也許

在這顆星球上,我們的一輩子都不能完成。但是，讓我們開始吧。

19.In your hands,my fellow citizens,more than in mine,will rest the final success or failure of our

course.Since this country was founded,each generation of Americans has been summoned to give

testimony to its national loyalty.The graves of young Americans who answered the call to service

are found around the globe.同胞們，我們事業最終的成敗不僅掌握在我手中，更是在你們的手中。自這個國家成立以來，一代代美國人被召喚去證明他們對國家的忠誠。響應國家召喚的年青美國人的墳墓遍布全

球。

20.Now the trumpet summons us again – not as a call to bear arms,though arms we need;not as

a call to battle,though embattled we are;but a call to bear the burden of a long twilight

struggle,year in,and year out,“rejoicing in hope,patient in tribulation” – a struggle against the

common enemies of man:tyranny,poverty,disease,and war itself.現在號角又一次在召喚我們 – 不是號召背上武器，雖然我們需要武器；不是號召去戰斗，雖

然我們嚴陣以待；而是號召背上漫長黎明的斗爭重任，年復一年，“滿懷希望而歡欣鼓舞，磨

難中忍耐”-進行反對人類共同敵人的斗爭：暴政，貧窮，疾病及各種戰爭。

21.Can we forge against these enemies a grand and global alliance,North and South,East and

West,that can assure a more fruitful life for all mankind?Will you join in that historic effort?

我們能建立一個把東西南北連在一起的偉大全球聯盟來對付這些敵人，以確保全人類

更為豐碩的生活嗎？你們愿意加入到這一具有歷史意義的行動中來嗎？

22.In the long history of the world,only a few generations have been granted the role of defending

freedom in its hour of maximum danger.I do not shrink from this responsibility – I welcome it.I do

not believe that any of us would exchange places with any other people or any other generation.The energy,the faith,the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all

who serve it – and the glow from that fire can truly light the world.在漫長的世界歷史里，只有少數的幾代人在自由面臨極大危險的時刻被賦予保衛自由的角色。

我不推卸這一責任 – 我歡迎它。我認為我們之中的任何人不會與別人或另一代人交換位置。

我們獻給這一事業的精力，信心，忠誠將照亮我們的國家和所有為國服務的人 – 這火焰發出 的光芒定能真正地照亮全世界。

23.And so,my fellow Americans,ask not what your country can do for you.Ask what you can do for

your country.因此，我的美國同胞們，不要問你們的國家能為你們做些什麼，而要問你們能為你們的國家

做些什麼。

24.My fellow citizens of the world: Ask not what America will do for you,but what together we can

do for the freedom of man.我的世界各國的公民們，不要問美國將為你們做些什么，而要問我們大家一起能為人類的自

由做些什么。

反復：第二十三，第二十四段使用反復的修詞手法。

25.Finally,whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world,ask of us the same high

standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you.With a good conscience our only sure

reward,with history the final judge of our deeds,let us go forth to lead the land we love,asking

His blessing and His help,but knowing that here on earth God’s work must truly be our own.最后，無論我的美國同胞還是世界各國的公民們，請用我們要求于你們的力量和犧牲精

神同樣的高標準來要求我們。我們唯一確信的報賞是對得起我們的良心（我們問心無愧）,歷史是我們行動的最后見證人，讓我們領導我們所熱愛的國家向前進，請求上帝的保佑和幫

助，但是，要知道在這個星球上，上帝的工作真正的是我們自己的工作。

第二篇：肯尼迪就職演說

Inaugural Address(January 20,1961)By John F.Kennedy We observe today not a victory of party but a celebration of freedom, symbolizing an end as well as a beginning, signifying renewal as well as change.For I have sworn before you and Almighty God the same solemn oath our forebears prescribed nearly a century and three-quarters ago.The world is very different now.For man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life.And yet the same revolutionary belief for which our forebears fought is still at issue around the globe, the belief that the rights of man come not from the generosity of the state but from the hand of God.We dare not forget today that we are the heirs of that first revolution.Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans, born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage, and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of these human rights to which this nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world.Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.This much we pledge—and more.To those old allies whose cultural and spiritual origins we share, we pledge the loyalty of faithful friends.United, there is little we cannot do in a host of co-operative ventures.Divided, there is little we can do, for we dare not meet a powerful challenge at odds and split asunder.To those new states whom we welcome to the ranks of the free, we pledge our word that one form of colonial control shall not have passed away merely to be replaced by a far more iron tyranny.We shall not always expect to find them supporting our view.But we shall always hope to find them strongly supporting their own freedom, and to remember that, in the past, those who foolishly sought power by riding the back of the tiger ended up inside.T o those peoples in the huts and villages of half the globe struggling to break the bonds of mass misery, we pledge our best efforts to help them help themselves, for whatever period is required, not because the Communists may be doing it, not because we seek their votes, but because it is right.If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.To our sister republics south of our border, we offer a special pledge: to convert our good words into good deeds, in a new alliance for progress, to assist free men and free governments in casting off the chains of poverty.But this peaceful revolution of hope cannot become the prey of hostile powers.Let all our neighbors know that we shall join with them to oppose aggression or subversion anywhere in the Americas.And let every other power know that this hemisphere intends to remain the master of its own house.To that world assembly of sovereign states, the United Nations, our last best hope in an age where the instruments of war have far outpaced the instruments of peace, we renew our pledge of support to prevent it from becoming merely a forum for invective, to strengthen its shield of the new and the weak, and to enlarge the area in which its writ may run.Finally, to those nations who would make themselves our adversary, we offer not a pledge but a request: that both sides begin anew the quest for peace, before the dark powers of destruction unleashed by science engulf all humanity in planned or accidental self-destruction.講評“肯尼迪總統就職演說詞” ■北京外國語大學 李品偉 選評

美國總統就職演說詞獨具一格，而肯尼迪的講演更是其中一篇為人們注目的代表作，字字句句經過刻意雕琢，有許多值得品味推敲之處。

它講的是美國人為之驕傲的美國歷史傳統，講的是美國的外交政策。

半個世紀以前的國際形勢與今天大不相同：勢不兩立的兩大陣營、激烈的軍備競賽、持續的冷戰局面。這些在文章中可見端倪。

可是，在肯尼迪的全篇演說中，沒有直截了當地對國際形勢進行分析，更沒有一處提到一個國家的名字或具體事例，一切都隱晦、委婉、模糊不清，用的只是to friend and foe alike, to those nations who...等，沒有經歷或不熟悉那一段時期歷史的人也許會摸不著頭腦。不奇怪，這些在一定程度上代表了西方政治家的風格。

21世紀的今天，全球化(globali-zation)成了全世界所關注的問題，也成了人們天天在重復的一個詞語，從形勢上與此篇講演的背景很有可比較之處，但這里我們主要是就此篇講演中如何沿襲古希臘、羅馬的修辭、文風，如何精心選用圣經語言句式，講演稿如何注意音韻效果等問題分別舉例討論而已。因篇幅有限，只選用了前11段，未選全文。inaugural address 指就職演說詞。一般來說，演說詞在英語里是speech,用address這個詞是比較少的。如果要說兩者有什么差別的話，無非是風格上及使用場合上的區別。前者是一個普通的詞，而address從風格上來說更為莊重，指正式的致辭，除了總統演說詞之外，也用于學校畢業典禮上校長的演說詞等。

第一段第一個動詞observe一般作“觀察”解，但這里“觀察”一看就說不通，說不通就可以試著通過上下文來推斷或查一下詞典。如果你的詞典里observe有三個釋義，那么你就要注意第二或第三個釋義了，你的推斷如果是“慶祝”，那就對了，此時它的英語等同語應該是celebrate,其賓語可以是這篇文章中的victory,(a celebration of)freedom。其他常見的搭配還有什么呢？有節日（festivals），有生日（birthdays），有周年紀念（anniversaries）等。這幾個賓語中的birthday因為太普通了，可能用得少些。用得多的應該是anniversaries，因為它較之其他兩個更為莊重。

從選詞風格的角度來說，我們會注意到文章一開始有某些不太常用的詞，如：forebears, prescribes等，可以說forbears這個詞在中、小型詞典中往往是查不到的，你必須查較大的詞典。它的意思是祖先、祖宗，也就是我們一般熟悉的ancestor。兩者用法上有所不同，那就是ancestor的單數很常見，而forebear則總是以復數形式forebears出現，從風格上，更具古風。Collins Co Build的Essential English Dictionary關于這個字的旁注是：N count（可數名詞）/ usu.plural（一般復數）/ Formal（正式）；而ancestor的旁注則沒有后面兩點，由此可見兩者的細微差別。

prescribe這個動詞你不一定見得多，如見到，也多半是它的名詞形式prescription（處方）。prescription是常用詞，而動詞prescribe則較常用于正式場合。關于這個動詞同一詞典有這樣的第2條釋義：If someone prescribes an action or duty, they state formally that it must be carried out.它所指的動作與開醫藥處方是兩回事，意思不是別的而是“命令”，必須執行。

第二段以一個短句開始，與第一段的長句正好相反。唱歌讀詩有節奏，句子與句子、段與段的關聯也有節奏，如果一篇文章自始至終是緩慢而沉重的長句，讀起來就沉重、缺乏起伏。所以第二段的一個短句不單起著承上啟下的作用，而且還有速度上適當調節的作用，賦予了段落一種節奏感。

另外在用詞方面，你會注意到這里又一次出現了forebears，而且還有一個在層次和風格上可與之稱兄道弟的mortal hands與它做伴，在一般情況下我們見到的也許會是...holds in his hands the power to...，這里卻多了mortal這一個大家不一定熟悉的詞。mortal屬非常用詞，詞義可以是：不能不死的，不共戴天的，性命攸關的。在這里應作“凡人的”，“人類的”解。回過頭來想一下：非要這個詞嗎？沒有它不行嗎？當然是人的手，又會是誰的手呢？解答這個問題可以從兩方面來說，一是這是自古以來常用的搭配，無須刨根問底，二是在這里有了mortal這個詞，節奏鮮明，讀起來感覺更好些，...holds in his mortal hands首先有頭韻[h]，接著有2uldz, m0:tl, h*ndz，其中包含的元音（包括一般作為短元音的*）都有一定長度，它們所含濁輔音及旁流音構成的輔音連綴結尾賦予句子濃厚的韻味效果。

講演除了論點清楚，有說服力外，還要考慮如何在公眾場合中取得預期的最佳效果及如何調動人們的情緒，此外還需要掌握很多的技巧。它是一種學問，這種學問西方政治家們都要鉆研，他們往往把它作為一個課程來學習。如果你看過西方政治家的傳記一定已經注意到了這個問題。這實際上是一個始于希臘羅馬時期的西方傳統。對于“瘋狂英語”的倡導人李揚人們多有評論，但有一點是應該肯定的，那就是革“啞巴英語”的命，初學者應如此，達到一定程度后，仍然應該如此。講到這里，我們再來默默讀一下本篇第4段，這里包含的幾組頭韻與尾韻，使句子富有一種鮮明的節奏感、音樂感，如：pay any price, bear any burden, wishes us well or ill, oppose any foe（第４段）這類現象你可以在文章中找到很多，多朗讀一遍就會多發現一個，在此不一一舉例。當然除了頭韻、尾韻還有許多其他隱而不現的手段。以下我們抽出幾個以let開頭的句子作簡略的討論。所選的句子是：

Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch...to which we are committed today at home and around the world.（第3段）Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill,...the success of liberty.(第4段)在這樣一個嚴肅的講演中，也許有人會對出現let somebody do something這樣的結構感到不可思議，因為他們以為let somebody do something只是一個口語中的表達法，如Let me do it.Let's sing the song together.但他們不一定能意識到所提到的let結構有時表達的意思、語氣正好與口語中的截然相反，它們含有的是一種號召、命令的口吻。上面所選的兩個句子譯成漢語當然可以是：讓每個國家都知道，??； 從現在起，從這個地方開始，讓這個信息傳遞到我們的朋友，也傳遞到我們的敵人那里??。再考慮一下，這樣的口氣是否太婉轉了一些而與文章的格調不相稱呢？

為解答這一問題，我們不妨一起看一下當代美國慣用法詞典A Dictionary of Contemporary American Usage(Evans)的有關講解：let is also used to form a peculiar imperative（祈使句）that includes the speaker along with the person addressed, as in Let us be true to each other.這個句子有一種號召的口吻，us也指我們以外的某人或某些人。請再看《圣經》中“創世紀”第1章3，4，15段： 3.And God said, let there be light;and there was light.（上帝說要有光，就有了光。）4.And God saw the light, that it was good;and God divided the light from the darkness.（上帝看光是好的，就把明暗分開了。）

15.And let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth and it was so.（上帝說，天上要有光體，并要發光在天空、普照在大地上，事就這樣成了。）

最后，你一定也已經注意到此文中有不少運用了排比與對偶手段的句子。

如第6段中的United, there is little we cannot...Divided, there is little we can do,...第8段中的...not because the Communists may be doing it, not because we seek their votes，but because it is right.及第3段中的 Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans, born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage, and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of these human rights to which this nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world.這里that賓語從句內所含的修飾語中有連續出現的過去分詞短語：born in..., tempered by..., disciplined by..., 也有連續出現的以形容詞開始的短語proud of..., unwilling to...，也有to which this nation..., and to which we are committed today at home and around the world這樣的定語從句。

第4段中...that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe...也是類似情況的排比。

當然這些排比有時鏗鏘有力，但不當則會顯得累贅、不自然，所以一定要注意恰當運用這種修辭手段。

→如果您認為本詞條還有待完善，請 編輯詞條 詞條內容僅供參考，如果您需要解決具體問題

第三篇：肯尼迪就職演說

肯尼迪就職演說

FRIDAY, JANUARY 20, 196

1Vice President Johnson, Mr.Speaker, Mr.Chief Justice, President Eisenhower, Vice President Nixon, President Truman, reverend clergy, fellow citizens, we observe today not a victory of party, but a celebration of freedom--symbolizing an end, as well as a beginning--signifying renewal, as well as change.For I have sworn I before you and Almighty God the same solemn oath our forebears l prescribed nearly a century and three quarters ago.the world is very different now.For man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life.And yet the same revolutionary beliefs for which our forebears fought are still at issue around the globe--the belief that the rights of man come not from the generosity of the state, but from the hand of God.We dare not forget today that we are the heirs of that first revolution.Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans--born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage--and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this Nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world.Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty.This much we pledge--and more.To those old allies whose cultural and spiritual origins we share, we pledge the loyalty of faithful friends.United, there is little we cannot do in a host of cooperative ventures.Divided, there is little we can do--for we dare not meet a powerful challenge at odds and split asunder.To those new States whom we welcome to the ranks of the free, we pledge our word that one form of colonial control shall not have passed away merely to be replaced by a far more iron tyranny.We shall not always expect to find them supporting our view.But we shall always hope to find them strongly supporting their own freedom--and to remember that, in the past, those who foolishly sought power by riding the back of the tiger ended up inside.To those peoples in the huts and villages across the globe struggling to break the bonds of mass misery, we pledge our best efforts to help them help themselves, for whatever period is required--not because the Communists may be doing it, not because we seek their votes, but because it is right.If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.To our sister republics south of our border, we offer a special pledge--to convert our good words into good deeds--in a new alliance for proGREss--to assist free men and free governments in casting off the chains of poverty.But this peaceful revolution of hope cannot become the prey of hostile powers.Let all our neighbors know that we shall join with them to oppose aggression or subversion anywhere in the Americas.And let every other power know that this Hemisphere intends to remain the master of its own house.To that world assembly of sovereign states, the United Nations, our last best hope in an age where the instruments of war have far outpaced the instruments of peace, we renew our pledge of support--to prevent it from becoming merely a forum for invective--to strengthen its shield of the new and the weak--and to enlarge the area in which its writ may run.Finally, to those nations who would make themselves our adversary, we offer not a pledge but a request: that both sides begin anew the quest for peace, before the dark powers of destruction unleashed by science engulf all humanity in planned or accidental self-destruction.We dare not tempt them with weakness.For only when our arms are sufficient beyond doubt can we be certain beyond doubt that they will never be employed.But neither can two GREat and powerful groups of nations take comfort from our present course--both sides overburdened by the cost of modern weapons, both rightly alarmed by the steady spread of the deadly atom, yet both racing to alter that uncertain balance of terror that stays the hand of mankind's final war.So let us begin anew--remembering on both sides that civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof.Let us never negotiate out of fear.But let us never fear to negotiate.Let both sides explore what problems unite us instead of belaboring those problems which divide us.Let both sides, for the first time, formulate serious and precise proposals for the inspection and control of arms--and bring the absolute power to destroy other nations under the absolute control of all nations.Let both sides seek to invoke the wonders of science instead of its terrors.Together let us explore the stars, conquer the deserts, eradicate disease, tap the ocean depths, and encourage the arts and commerce.Let both sides unite to heed in all corners of the earth the command of Isaiah--to “undo the heavy burdens...and to let the oppressed go free.”

And if a beachhead of cooperation may push back the jungle of suspicion, let both sides join in creating a new endeavor, not a new balance of power, but a new world of law, where the strong

are just and the weak secure and the peace preserved.All this will not be finished in the first 100 days.Nor will it be finished in the first 1,000 days, nor in the life of this Administration, nor even perhaps in our lifetime on this planet.But let us begin.In your hands, my fellow citizens, more than in mine, will rest the final success or failure of our course.Since this country was founded, each generation of Americans has been summoned to give testimony to its national loyalty.The graves of young Americans who answered the call to service surround the globe.Now the trumpet summons us again--not as a call to bear arms, though arms we need;not as a call to battle, though embattled we are--but a call to bear the burden of a long twilight struggle, year in and year out, “rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation”--a struggle against the common enemies of man: tyranny, poverty, disease, and war itself.Can we forge against these enemies a grand and global alliance, North and South, East and West, that can assure a more fruitful life for all mankind? Will you join in that historic effort?

In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger.I do not shank from this responsibility--I welcome it.I do not believe that any of us would exchange places with any other people or any other generation.The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it--and the glow from that fire can truly light the world.And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country.My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world, ask of us the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you.With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God's work must truly be our own.中文譯文：

我們今天慶祝的并不是一次政黨的勝利，而是一次自由的慶典；它象征著結束，也象征著開始；意味著更新，也意味著變革。因為我已在你們和全能的上帝面前，作了跟我們祖先將近一又四分之三世紀以前所擬定的相同的莊嚴誓言。

現今世界已經很不同了，因為人在自己血肉之軀的手中握有足以消滅一切形式的人類貧困和一切形式的人類生命的力量。可是我們祖先奮斗不息所維護的革命信念，在世界各地仍處于爭論之中。那信念就是注

定人權并非來自政府的慷慨施與，而是上帝所賜。

我們今天不敢忘記我們是那第一次革命的繼承人，讓我從此時此地告訴我們的朋友，并且也告訴我們的敵人，這支火炬已傳交新一代的美國人，他們出生在本世紀，經歷過戰爭的鍛煉，受過嚴酷而艱苦的和平的熏陶，以我們的古代傳統自豪，而且不愿目睹或容許人權逐步被褫奪。對于這些人權我國一向堅貞不移，當前在國內和全世界我們也是對此力加維護的。

讓每一個國家知道，不管它盼我們好或盼我們壞，我們將付出任何代價，忍受任何重負，應付任何艱辛，支持任何朋友，反對任何敵人，以確保自由的存在與實現。

這是我們矢志不移的事--而且還不止此。

對于那些和我們擁有共同文化和精神傳統的老盟邦，我們保證以摯友之誠相待。只要團結，則在許多合作事業中幾乎沒有什么是辦不到的。倘若分裂，我們則無可作為，因為我們在意見分歧、各行其是的情況下，是不敢應付強大挑戰的。

對于那些我們歡迎其參與自由國家行列的新國家，我們要提出保證，絕不讓一種形成的殖民統治消失后，卻代之以另一種遠為殘酷的暴政。我們不能老是期望他們會支持我們的觀點，但我們卻一直希望他們能堅決維護他們自身的自由，并應記取，在過去，那些愚蠢得要騎在虎背上以壯聲勢的人，結果卻被虎所吞噬。

對于那些住在布滿半個地球的茅舍和鄉村中、力求打破普遍貧困的桎梏的人們，我們保證盡最大努力助其自救，不管需要多長時間。這并非因為共產黨會那樣做，也不是由于我們要求他們的選票，而是由于那樣做是正確的。自由社會若不能幫助眾多的窮人，也就不能保全那少數的富人。

對于我國邊界以內的各姐妹共和國，我們提出一項特殊的保證：要把我們的美好諾言化作善行，在爭取進步的新聯盟中援助自由人和自由政府來擺脫貧困的枷鎖。但這種為實現本身愿望而進行的和平革命不應成為不懷好意的國家的俎上肉。讓我們所有的鄰邦都知道，我們將與他們聯合抵御對美洲任何地區的侵略或顛覆。讓其它國家都知道，西半球的事西半球自己會管。

至于聯合國這個各主權國家的世界性議會，在今天這個戰爭工具的發展速度超過和平工具的時代中，它是我們最后的、最美好的希望。我們愿重申我們的支持諾言；不讓它變成僅供謾罵的講壇，加強其對于新國弱國的保護，并擴大其權力所能運用的領域。

最后，對于那些與我們為敵的國家，我們所要提供的不是保證，而是要求：雙方重新著手尋求和平，不要等到科學所釋出的危險破壞力量在有意或無意中使全人類淪于自我毀滅。

我們不敢以示弱去誘惑他們。因為只有當我們的武力無可置疑地壯大時，我們才能毫無疑問地確信永遠不會使用武力。

可是這兩個強有力的國家集團，誰也不能對當前的趨勢放心--雙方都因現代武器的代價而感到不勝負擔，雙方都對于致命的原子力量不斷發展而產生應有的驚駭，可是雙方都在競謀改變那不穩定的恐怖均衡，而此種均衡卻可以暫時阻止人類最后從事戰爭。

因此讓我們重新開始，雙方都應記住，謙恭并非懦弱的征象，而誠意則永遠須要驗證。讓我們永不因畏

懼而談判。但讓我們永不要畏懼談判。

讓雙方探究能使我們團結在一起的是什么問題，而不要虛耗心力于使我們分裂的問題。

讓雙方首次制訂有關視察和管制武器的真誠而確切的建議，并且把那足以毀滅其它國家的漫無限制的力量置于所有國家的絕對管制之下。

讓雙方都謀求激發科學的神奇力量而不是科學的恐怖因素。讓我們聯合起來去探索星球，治理沙漠，消除疾病，開發海洋深處，并鼓勵藝術和商務。

讓雙方攜手在世界各個角落遵循以賽亞的命令，去“卸下沉重的負擔??(并)讓被壓迫者得自由。”

如果建立合作的灘頭堡能夠遏制重重猜疑，那么，讓雙方聯合作一次新的努力吧，這不是追求新的權力均衡，而是建立一個新的法治世界，在那世界上強者公正，弱者安全，和平在握。

凡此種種不會在最初的一百天中完成，不會在最初的一千天中完成，不會在本政府任期中完成，甚或也不能在我們活在地球上的畢生期間完成。但讓我們開始。

同胞們，我們事業的最后成效，主要不是掌握在我手里，而是操在你們手中。自從我國建立以來，每一代的美國人都曾應召以驗證其對國家的忠誠。響應此項召喚而服軍役的美國青年人的墳墓遍布全球各處。

現在那號角又再度召喚我們--不是號召我們肩起武器，雖然武器是我們所需要的；不是號召我們去作戰，雖然我們準備應戰；那是號召我們年復一年肩負起持久和勝敗未分的斗爭，“在希望中歡樂，在患難中忍耐”；這是一場對抗人類公敵--暴政、貧困、疾病以及戰爭本身--的斗爭。

我們能否結成一個遍及東西南北的全球性偉大聯盟來對付這些敵人，來確保全人類享有更為富裕的生活?你們是否愿意參與這歷史性的努力?

在世界的悠久歷史中，只有很少幾個世代的人賦有這種在自由遭遇最大危機時保衛自由的任務。我決不在這責任之前退縮；我歡迎它。我不相信我們中間會有人愿意跟別人及別的世代交換地位。我們在這場努力中所獻出的精力、信念與虔誠、將照亮我們的國家以及所有為國家服務的人，而從這一火焰所聚出的光輝必能照明全世界。

所以，同胞們：不要問你們的國家能為你們做些什么，而要問你們能為國家做些什么。

全世界的公民：不要問美國愿為你們做些什么，而應問我們在一起能為人類的自由做些什么。

最后，不管你是美國的公民或世界它國的公民，請將我們所要求于你們的有關力量與犧牲的高標準拿來要求我們。我們唯一可靠的報酬是問心無愧，我們行為的最后裁判者是歷史，讓我們向前引導我們所摯愛的國土，企求上帝的保佑與扶攜，但我們知道，在這個世界上，上帝的任務肯定就是我們自己所應肩負的任務。

第四篇：肯尼迪就職演說

肯尼迪就職演說(John F.Kennedy: Inaugural Address)

約翰·肯尼迪自幼受到良好的教育，最后讀了哈佛大學和斯坦福大學，1940年畢業。第二次世界大戰中肯尼迪加入美國海軍，在對日作戰中負傷。戰后，肯尼迪29歲即當選為議員，后三次連任。他在1953 年9月12 日與杰奎琳·布維爾結婚，生有二子一女。

1960年肯尼迪參加總統競選。他提出“新邊疆”的競選口號，倡導在科學技術、經濟發展、戰爭與和平等各個領域開拓新天地。1961年，肯尼迪在選民投票過程中以極小的差距贏得總統的位置，擊敗了共和黨人尼克松，成為美國歷史上最年輕的總統，也是第一個羅馬天主教總統。

在肯尼迪的就職演說中說道：“不要問你的國家能為你做什么？而要問你能為你的國家做什么。”作為總統，他開始履行他的競選承諾再次使美國運轉起來。他上臺后并非一切如愿。任職開始就遇到了美國入侵古巴慘敗的事實。他為了尋得平等的權利采取有力措施，要求新公民權利立法。他給予民族文化的質量和藝術在一起至關重要的社會中心角色。他希望美國恢復老的任務作為致力于人權的革命的最早的民族。由于發展和和平小組的聯盟，他對發展中國家的幫助為美國人帶來理想主義。1963年，正當肯尼迪躊躇滿志要進一步干一番事業的時候，他遇刺身亡。

我的美國同胞們，不要問你的國家能為你做些什么，而要問你能為你的國家做些什么。

my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you;ask what you can do for your country.Vice President Johnson, Mr.Speaker, Mr.Chief Justice, President Eisenhower, Vice President Nixon, President Truman, Reverend Clergy, fellow citizens:

We observe today not a victory of party, but a celebration of freedom--symbolizing an end, as well as a beginning--signifying renewal, as well as change.For I have sworn before you and Almighty God the same solemn oath our forebears prescribed nearly a century and three-quarters ago.The world is very different now.For man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life.And yet the same revolutionary beliefs for which our forebears fought are still at issue around the globe--the belief that the rights of man come not from the generosity of the state, but from the hand of God.We dare not forget today that we are the heirs of that first revolution.Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans--born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage, and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world.Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival and the success of liberty.This much we pledge--and more.To those old allies whose cultural and spiritual origins we share, we pledge the loyalty of faithful friends.United there is little we cannot do in a host of cooperative ventures.Divided there is little we can do--for we dare not meet a powerful challenge at odds and split asunder.To those new states whom we welcome to the ranks of the free, we pledge our word that one form of colonial control shall not have passed away merely to be replaced by a far more iron tyranny.We shall not always expect to find them supporting our view.But we shall always hope to find them strongly supporting their own freedom--and to remember that, in the past, those who foolishly sought power by riding the back of the tiger ended up inside.To those people in the huts and villages of half the globe struggling to break the bonds of mass misery, we pledge our best efforts to help them help themselves, for whatever period is required--not because the Communists may be doing it, not because we seek their votes, but because it is right.If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.To our sister republics south of our border, we offer a special pledge: to convert our good words into good deeds, in a new alliance for progress, to assist free men and free governments in casting off the chains of poverty.But this peaceful revolution of hope cannot become the prey of hostile powers.Let all our neighbors know that we shall join with them to oppose aggression or subversion anywhere in the Americas.And let every other power know that this hemisphere intends to remain the master of its own house.To that world assembly of sovereign states, the United Nations, our last best hope in an age where the instruments of war have far outpaced the instruments of peace, we renew our pledge of support--to prevent it from becoming merely a forum for invective, to strengthen its shield of the new and the weak, and to enlarge the area in which its writ may run.Finally, to those nations who would make themselves our adversary, we offer not a pledge but a request: that both sides begin anew the quest for peace, before the dark powers of destruction unleashed by science engulf all humanity in planned or accidental self-destruction.We dare not tempt them with weakness.For only when our arms are sufficient beyond doubt can we be certain beyond doubt that they will never be employed.But neither can two great and powerful groups of nations take comfort from our present course--both sides overburdened by the cost of modern weapons, both rightly alarmed by the steady spread of the deadly atom, yet both racing to alter that uncertain balance of terror that stays the hand of mankind's final war.So let us begin anew--remembering on both sides that civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof.Let us never negotiate out of fear, but let us never fear to negotiate.Let both sides explore what problems unite us instead of belaboring those problems which divide us.Let both sides, for the first time, formulate serious and precise proposals for the inspection and control of arms, and bring the absolute power to destroy other nations under the absolute control of all nations.Let both sides seek to invoke the wonders of science instead of its terrors.Together let us explore the stars, conquer the deserts, eradicate disease, tap the ocean depths, and encourage the arts and commerce.Let both sides unite to heed, in all corners of the earth, the command of Isaiah--to “undo the heavy burdens, and [to] let the oppressed go free.”?

And, if a beachhead of cooperation may push back the jungle of suspicion, let both sides join in creating a new endeavor--not a new balance of power, but a new world of law--where the strong are just, and the weak secure, and the peace preserved.All this will not be finished in the first one hundred days.Nor will it be finished in the first one thousand days;nor in the life of this Administration;nor even perhaps in our lifetime on this planet.But let us begin.In your hands, my fellow citizens, more than mine, will rest the final success or failure of our course.Since this country was founded, each generation of Americans has been summoned to give testimony to its national loyalty.The graves of young Americans who answered the call to service surround the globe.Now the trumpet summons us again--not as a call to bear arms, though arms we need--not as a call to battle, though embattled we are--but a call to bear the burden of a long twilight struggle, year in and year out, “rejoicing in hope;patient in tribulation,”?a struggle against the common enemies of man: tyranny, poverty, disease, and war itself.Can we forge against these enemies a grand and global alliance, North and South, East and West, that can assure a more fruitful life for all mankind? Will you join in that historic effort?

In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger.I do not shrink from this responsibility--I welcome it.I do not believe that any of us would exchange places with any other people or any other generation.The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it.And the glow from that fire can truly light the world.And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you;ask what you can do for your country.My fellow citizens of the world, ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world, ask of us here the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you.With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God's work must truly be our own.

第五篇：肯尼迪就職演說 Inaugural Address

John F.Kennedy

Inaugural Address

delivered 20 January 1961

Vice president Johnson, Mr.Speaker, Mr.Chief Justice, president Eisenhower, Vice president Nixon, president Truman, reverend clergy, fellow citizens:

We observe today not a victory of party, but a celebration of freedom--symbolizing an end, as well as a beginning--signifying renewal, as well as change.For I have sworn before you and Almighty God the same solemn oath our forebears prescribed nearly a century and three-quarters ago.The world is very different now.For man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life.And yet the same revolutionary beliefs for which our forebears fought are still at issue around the globe--the belief that the rights of man come not from the generosity of the state, but from the hand of God.We dare not forget today that we are the heirs of that first revolution.Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans--born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage, and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world.Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival and the success of liberty.This much we pledge--and more.To those old allies whose cultural and spiritual origins we share, we pledge the loyalty of faithful friends.United there is little we cannot do in a host of cooperative ventures.Divided there is little we can do--for we dare not meet a powerful challenge at odds and split asunder.To those new states whom we welcome to the ranks of the free, we pledge our word that one form of colonial control shall not have passed away merely to be replaced by a far more iron tyranny.We shall not always expect to find them supporting our view.But we shall always hope to find them strongly supporting their own freedom--and to remember that, in the past, those who foolishly sought power by riding the back of the tiger ended up inside.To those people in the huts and villages of half the globe struggling to break the bonds of mass misery, we pledge our best efforts to help them help themselves, for whatever period is required--not because the Communists may be doing it, not because we seek their votes, but because it is right.If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.To our sister republics south of our border, we offer a special pledge: to convert our good words into good deeds, in a new alliance for progress, to assist free men and free governments in casting off the chains of poverty.But this peaceful revolution of hope cannot become the prey of hostile powers.Let all our neighbors know that we shall join with them to oppose aggression or subversion anywhere in the Americas.And let every other power know that this hemisphere intends to remain the master of its own house.To that world assembly of sovereign states, the United Nations, our last best hope in an age where the instruments of war have far outpaced the instruments of peace, we renew our pledge of support--to prevent it from becoming merely a forum for invective, to strengthen its shield of the new and the weak, and to enlarge the area in which its writ may run.Finally, to those nations who would make themselves our adversary, we offer not a pledge but a request: that both sides begin anew the quest for peace, before the dark powers of destruction unleashed by science engulf all humanity in planned or accidental self-destruction.We dare not tempt them with weakness.For only when our arms are sufficient beyond doubt can we be certain beyond doubt that they will never be employed.But neither can two great and powerful groups of nations take comfort from our present course--both sides overburdened by the cost of modern weapons, both rightly alarmed by the steady spread of the deadly atom, yet both racing to alter that uncertain balance of terror that stays the hand of mankind's final war.So let us begin anew--remembering on both sides that civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof.Let us never negotiate out of fear, but let us never fear to negotiate.Let both sides explore what problems unite us instead of belaboring those problems which divide us.Let both sides, for the first time, formulate serious and precise proposals for the inspection and control of arms, and bring the absolute power to destroy other nations under the absolute control of all nations.Let both sides seek to invoke the wonders of science instead of its terrors.Together let us explore the stars, conquer the deserts, eradicate disease, tap the ocean depths, and encourage the arts and commerce.Let both sides unite to heed, in all corners of the earth, the command of Isaiah--to “undo the heavy burdens, and [to] let the oppressed go free.”1

And, if a beachhead of cooperation may push back the jungle of suspicion, let both sides join in creating a new endeavor--not a new balance of power, but a new world of law--where the strong are just, and the weak secure, and the peace preserved.All this will not be finished in the first one hundred days.Nor will it be finished in the first one thousand days;nor in the life of this Administration;nor even perhaps in our lifetime on this planet.But let us begin.In your hands, my fellow citizens, more than mine, will rest the final success or failure of our course.Since this country was founded, each generation of Americans has been summoned to give testimony to its national loyalty.The graves of young Americans who answered the call to service surround the globe.Now the trumpet summons us again--not as a call to bear arms, though arms we need--not as a call to battle, though embattled we are--but a call to bear the burden of a long twilight struggle, year in and year out, “rejoicing in hope;patient in tribulation,”2 a struggle against the common enemies of man: tyranny, poverty, disease, and war itself.Can we forge against these enemies a grand and global alliance, North and South, East and West, that can assure a more fruitful life for all mankind? Will you join in that historic effort?

In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger.I do not shrink from this responsibility--I welcome it.I do not believe that any of us would exchange places with any other people or any other generation.The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it.And the glow from that fire can truly light the world.And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you;ask what you can do for your country.My fellow citizens of the world, ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world, ask of us here the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you.With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God's work must truly be our own.