Introduction to Literary Chinese - Lesson 13, Text 2
Adapted from the 1927 book by J. Brandt
A 公使致外交總長函
A Letter from a Foreign Minister to the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
逕啟者。前經面談各節俱係緊要事件。本公使恐言語之間或有誤會之處茲將。前日互談各事。
The various subjects we discussed together recently, all concerned matters of great importance. I feared lest there might be some misunderstanding in our conversation, and (therefore) have composed a memorandum of the subjects about which we talked.
另繕節略一紙途上。即請貴總長查閱其間。有無舛誤之處即
I beg to send it herewith to Your Excellency and to ask you to examine it and to see if there be any mistakes therein.
希見覆可也。此達順頌日祉。
Hoping that you will favor me with your reply, I avail myself, etc.
B 公使致外交總長覆公使函
A Letter from the Minister of Foreign Affairs to a Foreign Minister.
逕覆者。昨准來函並節略一張。均已閱悉。具見貴公使認眞公事。莫名欽佩。
I received yesterday your letter, with a memorandum enclosed, with which I have fully acquainted myself. From this it can be seen how zealously Your Excellency performs your business. I cannot find words to express my respect to you.
本總長檢查節略所開。均係前日互談各事。其間並無舛誤之處。
I have examined the memorandum. It contains the questions we discussed several days ago, and I find no mistakes therein.
相應將。節略一張附還。即請貴公使查照可也。此覆即頌時祉。
I beg to return the memorandum herewith and avail myself of this opportunity, etc.