The fear of intellectuals to be seen as advocates of reason is the final treason of the clerks. To be cowardly under fire is understandable, but to cower when there is a world to be taught(and to learn from) is contemptible.
害怕知识分子被看作理智的倡导者，这是知识分子对知识和道德价值的最终贬低。在炮火袭击下畏缩尚可理解，而面对一个需要教导（也可从中学习）的世界却当懦夫则是卑鄙的。
He cowered away/back as she raised her hand to hit him.
她扬手打他, 他立即退缩开[向後退缩].
The dog cowered (down) under the table.
那只狗吓得蜷伏在桌子底下.
