真正的法治(英中对照)

古德明《征服英语》之英语军事故事，古德明，香港英语教育作家，他开了一个《征服英语专栏》，在专栏中专门用英语写了世界近代史上的军事小故事，用英语讲述历史中那些惊心动魄的战争。

真正的法治
when frederick the great of prussia built the palace of sans souci, there happened to be a mill which greatly limited him in the execution of his plan. frederick offered to pay the miller any sum he might demand for it, and besides to build him a mill in a better place. the miller, however, was determined to preserve the inheritance of his ancestors, and would not sell the mill.irritated at his resistance, the king sent for the miller, and said,"do you know that i could take the mill without giving you a farthing?""yes," replied the miller,"if it were not for the chamber of justice at berlin."the king was greatly flattered with this answer, which showed that he was incapable of an act of injustice. he dismissed the miller, and changed the plan of his palace.

普鲁士腓特烈大帝兴建逍遥宫，当地有个磨坊严重阻碍了建筑计划。腓特烈表示，磨坊主人要多少钱他都会买下，此外还答应选个更好地点为那人另建磨坊。可是，那人执意保存祖宗这分遗产，不肯出售。腓特烈被拒，十分气恼，召那人到跟前说：「你知道吗，我不给你一毛钱，都可以取得那个磨坊。」那人回答：「不错，柏林要是没有司法机关，你可以这样做。」这回答令腓特烈十分高兴，因为这等于说他不会做不正当的事。他打发那人离去，然后修改了逍遥宫的建筑计划。
【小启】拙栏文字现辑成《好坏英语》一册，由亮光文化出版，谨此奉告。