よみうち英語Read the classics by typingNotes Scene 63: The Reward
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Notes on this scene
The King offers an emerald-set snake ring as a reward. Holmes says the King possesses something he values far more. Asked to name it, he requests the photograph Adler left behind. The King is astonished that Holmes wants Irene’s portrait, but readily agrees to let him have it.
Japanese in this scene
- 報いればよいか
- 報いる means repaying or rewarding. Conditional ば + よい asks what action would appropriately repay Holmes.
- よりもずっと
- より marks the comparison and ずっと strengthens the difference: “far more than.” Holmes values the portrait above the ring.
- さえすればよい
- さえ + conditional すれば makes one action sufficient: all Holmes needs to do is name what he wants.
Background
- Choosing the photograph
- Adler left a photograph of herself in evening dress. Holmes’s preference for it over an expensive ring expresses respect for the person who outwitted him.
Full text: original English and Japanese translation
"I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can reward you. This ring—" He slipped an emerald snake ring from his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand.
「君には大いに恩を受けた。どのように報いればよいか、ぜひ聞かせてもらいたい。この指輪を――」国王はエメラルドをはめ込んだ蛇の指輪を指から抜き、手のひらにのせて差し出した。
"Your Majesty has something which I should value even more highly," said Holmes.
「陛下は、私がそれよりもずっと大切に思うものをお持ちです」とホームズは言った。
"You have but to name it."
「名を挙げてくれさえすればよい」
"This photograph!"
「この写真です！」
The King stared at him in amazement.
国王は驚いてホームズを見つめた。
"Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it."
「アイリーンの写真を！」と国王は叫んだ。「もちろんだ、君が望むのなら」