【问】 If his object had been health for health’s sake，the result would still have been well worthany sacrifices of momentary desire that it cost him; but he had a higher purpose.

[原译]如果他的目的是为健康而健康的话，那结果仍然是值得他为一时的欲望而付出任何的代价;但实际他却有更高的目的呢。(钱歌川：《英文一日一题》，P.212)原译文将any sacrifices of momentary desire译为“他为一时的欲望而付出的任何代价”，是否符合原意?

【答】 原译者混淆了a sacrifice of A与a sacrifice to/for A的用法。前者意为“牺牲A”(即A为宾语性的)，后者意为“为……而作的牺牲”。请对比下面的实例：

1. At the sacrifice of his own comfort，he allowed the guest to use his bed.

他牺牲自己的舒适，把床让给客人睡觉。

2. You will gain nothing by the sacrifice of your principles.

你靠牺牲原则是什么也得不到的。

3. A mother who loves her son very much will make many sacrifices for his happiness.(Frank)

非常爱自己儿子的母亲会为他的幸福做出许多牺牲。

4. He gave his life as a sacrifice for his country. (ALD)

他为国牺牲了。

5. Is the sacrifice of one’s health to money-making worth while? (ALD)

牺牲健康去赚钱值得吗?

〔试译〕如果他的目的是为健康而健康的话，那么他牺牲一时的欲望所换来的结果，还是很值得的;但是实际上他却有更高的目的。

(参见worth)