成人英语三级阅读理解(84)

Foreigners may scoff, marketing men may try to seduce with alternatives, but the English still carry on doggedly in their devotion to what they consider to be one of the few good things ever to come from elsewhere. While other people stiffen their sinews with something stronger, the English constitution merely demands tea. They have imbued it with almost mystical curative and comforting qualities. In moments of crisis, as a remedy for shock or just at a social gathering someone will suggest tea. It is probably their only addiction.

外国人嘲笑也好，销售商用代用品来诱惑也好，不管怎么样，英国人仍然一如既往地喜爱这种他们视为为数不多的几种上乘外来货之一。别国的人用更烈性的东西来增强体力，但英国人的体质却只需要茶。他们认为，茶具有几乎是神奇的治疗与慰藉功能。在危急的时刻，作为压惊之物，或者聚会时，总会有人提议喝茶。喝茶可能就是他们惟一的嗜好了。