解説　場面 18「朗読が始まる」

"But I understand that it is something more modern and practical upon which you wish to consult me?"

「ですが、私に相談なさりたいのは、もっと現代の、実際的な問題だと理解していますが」

"Most modern. A most practical, pressing matter, which must be decided within twenty-four hours. But the manuscript is short and is intimately connected with the affair. With your permission I will read it to you."

「まさに今のことです。きわめて現実的で差し迫った問題で、二十四時間以内に決めなければなりません。ですが、この古文書は短く、その件と深い関わりがあります。お許しいただければ読み上げます」

Holmes leaned back in his chair, placed his finger-tips together, and closed his eyes, with an air of resignation. Dr. Mortimer turned the manuscript to the light and read in a high, cracking voice the following curious, old-world narrative:

ホームズは椅子にもたれ、両手の指先を合わせ、諦めたような様子で目を閉じた。モーティマー医師は古文書を明かりへ向け、かすれた高い声で、次のような風変わりな昔の物語を読んだ。

"Of the origin of the Hound of the Baskervilles there have been many statements, yet as I come in a direct line from Hugo Baskerville, and as I had the story from my father, who also had it from his, I have set it down with all belief that it occurred even as is here set forth. And I would have you believe, my sons, that the same Justice which punishes sin may also most graciously forgive it, and that no ban is so heavy but that by prayer and repentance it may be removed. Learn then from this story not to fear the fruits of the past, but rather to be circumspect in the future, that those foul passions whereby our family has suffered so grievously may not again be loosed to our undoing.

「バスカヴィル家の犬の由来には多くの説がある。だが私はヒューゴ・バスカヴィルの直系であり、父からこの話を聞き、父もまたその父から聞いたので、ここに述べるとおりに起こったと固く信じて書き留めた。息子たちよ、罪を罰する同じ正義が、また慈悲深く罪を許すこともあると信じてもらいたい。いかに重い呪いも、祈りと悔い改めによって取り除けぬものはない。ゆえにこの話から学ぶべきは、過去の報いを恐れることではなく、むしろ今後を慎むことである。我が家をかくも苦しめた邪悪な激情が、再び放たれ、我々を破滅させることのないように。