首先来分析一下句子结构:
本句主要是由if和where引导的从句构成的。把这些带有标志词引导的从句摘除,则原句还剩下:
and the seller is either in possession of the goods or otherwise able to control their disposition, the seller must take such steps as are reasonable in the circumstances to preserve them
不过,这里的“and the seller is either in possession of the goods or otherwise able to control their disposition”究竟是和前面的“if he fails to pay the price”构成并列的“条件”从句,还是与“the seller must take such steps as are reasonable in the circumstances to preserve them”构成并列的主句,关键在于连词“and”。
基于前后两个句子之间如果并列应该用连词“and”这一考量,因此,可以断定“and the seller is either in possession of the goods or otherwise able to control their disposition”不是主句的并列句,因为在它和主句之间没有连词“and”,则该句只能是前面“if he fails to pay the price”的并列句。
理清句子结构后,再来看一下本句的词汇。本句术语整体比较简单,这里主要讲一下take delivery of 和disposition:
take delivery of指提货
如:
The Merchant shall take delivery of the Goods within the time provided for in the Carrier's applicable Tariff or as required by the Carrier.
货方应在承运人所用运价本中规定的时间之内或按承运人要求提货。
disposition指处置、处分
如:
final disposition
(对标的物的)最终处分;终局处分
指在法院判决、裁定或决定作出后,不再对当事人的权利和义务进一步确定,并且不再有引起诉讼的进一步的争议,从而达到对标的物的终局性决定。
参考译文:
如果买方推迟收取货物,或在支付价款和交付货物应同时履行时,买方没有支付价款,而卖方仍拥有这些货物或仍能控制这些货物的处置权,卖方必须按情况采取合理措施,以保全货物。他有权保有这些货物,直至买方把他所付的合理费用偿还给他为止。