It is the assassin's purpose to make sure work; and he yet plies the dagger,
这是暗杀者的如意算盘。
though it was obvious that life had been destroyed by the blow of the bludgeon.
显然这条生命已经被那致命一击给结束了,但是他还要用匕首再捅上几下。
He even raises the aged arm, that he may not fail in his aim at the heart;
他甚至抬起老人的胳膊,
and replaces it again over the wounds of the poniard!
也许还会察看死者是否还有心跳的迹象,
To finish the picture, he explores the wrist for the pulse! He feels for it,
为了完成整个过程,他用手腕来测探脉搏!他摸索着,
and ascertains that it beats no longer! It is accomplished.
直到确信心脏已经不再跳动!到此,这个过程才算完成。
The deed is done. He retreats, retraces his steps to the window,
暗杀行为实施完毕。他向后退,折回到窗前,
passes out through it as he came in, and escapes.
顺着原路逃匿。
He has done the murder; no eye has seen him, no ear has heard him.
在他实施谋杀的过程中,没有谁目睹这一骇人场景,也没有谁听到响声。
The secret is his own, and it is safe!
他只要严守这个秘密,就是安全的。
Ah! gentlemen, that was a dreadful mistake. Such a secret can be safe nowhere.
啊,先生们,这是个可怕的错误。在这个世界上没有哪里是安全的。
The whole creation of God has neither nook nor corner where the guilty can bestow it, and say it is safe.
万能的上帝不会让犯罪隐匿于角落或无从查知之处而瞒天过海。
Not to speak of that eye which glances through all disguises,
更不用说我们的眼睛能穿透所有伪装,
and beholds everything as in the splendor of noon;
在皎洁的月光下将一切看得清清楚楚。
such secrets of guilt are never safe from detection, even by men.
所谓的犯罪秘密绝对不会幸免于侦查的。人们常说,“杀人凶手会逍遥法外。”