English Original
A man experienced in business was awaiting the judgment of the court in a damages lawsuit he had brought against a railway company. The door opened, and the judge entered.
"Well," said the judge, "I am going to decide your case today. If I decide in your favor, I wonder how you would express your satisfaction?"
"Sir," replied the businessman, "I would risk your anger by offering you half the sum awarded."
"Did I say I was going to decide that case?" said the judge abruptly, as if awakening from a dream. "Dear me, how absent-minded I am. I mean I have already decided it, and judgment has been entered for the full amount you sued for."
"Did I say I would give you one half?" said the businessman, coldly. "Dear me, how near I came to being a rascal. I mean, I am greatly obliged to you."
中文翻译
一位经验丰富的商人正在等待法庭对他起诉铁路公司索赔案的判决。门开了，法官走了进来。
"嗯，"法官说，"我今天就要对你的案子作出裁决了。如果我判你胜诉，我很好奇你会如何表达你的满意之情？"
"先生，"商人回答道，"我愿冒您生气的风险，将判赔金额的一半奉上。"
"我说过我要裁决这个案子吗？"法官突然说道，仿佛从梦中惊醒。"天哪，我真是心不在焉。我的意思是，我已经判决了，而且判给了你所起诉的全部金额。"
"我说过要给你一半吗？"商人冷冷地说。"天哪，我差点就成了个无赖。我的意思是，我非常感谢您。"