Three Recruits

时间：2007-12-24 07:48:16

（单词翻译:单击）

A FARMER, an Artisan, and a Labourer went to the King of their
country and complained that they were compelled to support a large
standing¹ army of mere² consumers, who did nothing for their keep.

"Very well," said the King, "my subjects' wishes are the highest
law."

So he disbanded his army and the consumers became producers also.
The sale of their products so brought down prices that farming was
ruined, and their skilled and unskilled labour drove the artisans
and labourers into the almshouses and highways. In a few years the
national distress³ was so great that the Farmer, the Artisan, and
the Labourer petitioned the King to reorganize the standing army.

"What!" said the King; "you wish to support those idle consumers
again?"

"No, your Majesty," they replied - "we wish to enlist⁴."

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1 standing
n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的
参考例句：
After the earthquake only a few houses were left standing.地震过后只有几幢房屋还立着。 They're standing out against any change in the law.他们坚决反对对法律做任何修改。

2 mere
adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过
参考例句：
That is a mere repetition of what you said before.那不过是重复了你以前讲的话。 It's a mere waste of time waiting any longer.再等下去纯粹是浪费时间。

3 distress
n.苦恼，痛苦，不舒适；不幸；vt.使悲痛
参考例句：
Nothing could alleviate his distress.什么都不能减轻他的痛苦。 Please don't distress yourself.请你不要忧愁了。

4 enlist
vt.谋取(支持等)，赢得；征募；vi.入伍
参考例句：
They come here to enlist men for the army.他们来这儿是为了召兵。 The conference will make further efforts to enlist the support of the international community for their just struggle. 会议必将进一步动员国际社会，支持他们的正义斗争。