English Original
The soldiers, weary, hot, and grimy from relentless marching and fighting, were addressed by their general one day. "Men," he announced, "I have good news and bad news. Which would you like first?"
"The good news!" they all shouted.
"Very well," said the General. "The good news is that each of you will receive a complete change of clothing."
"Hurrah!" chorused the soldiers.
"And now for the bad news," he continued. "Jack, you will change with John. John, you will change with Tom. Tom, you will change with Robert. Robert..."
中文翻译
士兵们因连续行军作战而疲惫不堪、浑身燥热、满身污垢。一天，将军对他们宣布：“士兵们，我有一个好消息和一个坏消息。你们想先听哪个？”
“好消息！”他们齐声喊道。
“很好，”将军说，“好消息是你们每个人都将领到一套全新的衣服。”
“乌拉！”士兵们欢呼起来。
“现在说坏消息，”他继续说道，“杰克，你和约翰换。约翰，你和汤姆换。汤姆，你和罗伯特换。罗伯特……”