但有进,不有退(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。
但有进,不有退
in britain's war with france, previous to the revolution in that country, an english drummer, not more than 15 years of age, wandered from his camp too near the french lines. he was seized, and brought before the french commander.
the commander asked who he was. he answered,"a drummer in the english service." unconvinced, the commander sent for a drum, and asked him to beat a couple of marches, which he accordingly did.
the commander's suspicion being not quite removed, he desired the drummer to beat a retreat."a retreat, sir?" replied the youthful briton."i don't know what that is."
this answer so pleased the commander that he dismissed the drummer, and wrote to his general, commending his spirited behaviour.

法国大革命之前,英法两国交战,英军一名不过十五岁鼓手离营,不慎走近法军阵地,被抓到法军指挥官帐下。
指挥官问他是谁。他回答:「我是英军鼓手。」指挥官不相信,叫人拿个鼓来,请他打两首进行曲。鼓手就打给他听。
指挥官还是有点疑心,再请他打撤退鼓。那年轻英国人回答:「先生说撤退?我不知道那是什么。」
指挥官很喜欢这答复,把鼓手放了,还写信给英军将领,称许那鼓手的猛气英风。
【附注】 beat a retreat即「鸣金收兵」,现在常引伸解作「逃走」或「退却」,例如: when the ladies started discussing fashion, i beat a hasty retreat(众女士开始谈时装,我连忙退避三舍)。