In those days wandering minstrels were welcome everywhere.

当时，浪迹天涯的吟游歌手到处受欢迎，

where wild rabbits are not generally regarded as a pest but as a sport and a useful food supply,

野兔在法国一般不被当作有害动物，而被视为打猎取乐的玩物和有用的食物来源。

But, of the vertebrates, unpredictable Nature selected only snakes (and one lizard).

不过，当它们相互撕打时，毒液就成了利弊参半的武，可以杀死对方，也可以被对方的毒液杀死。

The great advantage of taking medicine is that it makes no demands on the taker beyond that of putting up for a moment with a disgusting taste,

对服药人别无其他要求，除了暂时忍受一下令人作呕的味道外，

will finally become so steep that we can live no longer,

但最终会急转直下，我们也无法再活下去了。

to overcome all but the most instantly fatal illnesses and accidents.

了暴病而死或意外事故外，至少足以克服一切一般疾病和事故。