よみうち英語Read the classics by typingNotes Scene 17: The Sundial Message
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Notes on this scene
John connects the instruction with the garden sundial and the papers Elias burned. His father rejects the idea, treats the message as foolish intimidation, and refuses to be driven from his home, even after confirming where the envelope was posted.
Japanese in this scene
- に違いない
- に違いない expresses a strong conclusion: “must be; there is no doubt that.” It is stronger than かもしれない.
- てしまった
- Verb in the て-form + しまった marks completion and often adds regret or an unwanted result: “ended up doing.”
- という
- という links a quoted name, statement, or idea to the noun that follows. It can be translated as “called,” “that,” or “the idea that.”
Full text: original English and Japanese translation
"'What papers? What sundial?' he asked.
「『何の書類だ。どの日時計だ』と父は尋ねました。
"'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the papers must be those that are destroyed.'
「『庭の日時計だよ。ほかにはないからね』と私は言いました。『でも書類というのは、あの焼いてしまった書類に違いない』
"'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. Where does the thing come from?'
「『ふん』と父は、懸命に勇気を奮い起こして言いました。『ここは文明国だ。こんなばかげたことは許されん。どこから来たんだ』
"'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark.
「『ダンディーからだよ』と、私は消印を見て答えました。
"'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such nonsense.'
「『途方もない悪ふざけだ』と父は言いました。『おれが日時計や書類に何の関係がある。こんなばかげたことは相手にせん』