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凳子的英文情话短句

时间:2024-11-18 21:28:07

  王尔德童话英文版篇1

  快乐王子的雕像高高地耸立在城市上空—根高大的石柱上面。他浑身上下镶满了薄薄的黄金叶片,明亮的蓝宝石做成他的双眼,剑柄上还嵌着一颗硕大的灿灿发光的红色宝石。

  Thestatueofthehappyprincestandshighabovethecity-atallstonepillar.Hewascoveredwiththingoldleaves,hiseyesweremadeofbrightsapphire,andahugeredgemwasembeddedinthehilt.

  世人对他真是称羡不已。“他像风标一样漂亮,”一位想表现自己有艺术品味的市参议员说了一句,接着又因担心人们将他视为不务实际的人,其实他倒是怪务实的,便补充道:“只是不如风标那么实用。”

  Heistheenvyoftheworld."Hesasbeautifulasaweathervane,"saidacitysenatorwhowantedtoshowhisartistictaste,andthenworriedthatpeoplewouldregardhimasimpractical.Infact,hewasverypragmatic,soheadded,"itsjustnotaspracticalasaweathervane."

  “你为什么不能像快乐王子一样呢?”一位明智的母亲对自己那哭喊着要月亮的小男孩说,“快乐王子做梦时都从没有想过哭着要东西。”

  "Whycantyoubelikethehappyprince?"Awisemothersaidtoherlittleboycryingforthemoon,"thehappyprinceneverthoughtofcryingforanythinginhisdreams."

  “世上还有如此快乐的人真让我高兴,”一位沮丧的汉子凝视着这座非凡的雕像喃喃自语地说着。

  "Imgladtherearesomanyhappypeopleintheworld,"murmuredafrustratedman,gazingattheextraordinarystatue.

  “他看上去就像位天使,”孤儿院的孩于们说。他们正从教堂走出来,身上披着鲜红夺目的斗篷,胸前挂着干净雪白的围嘴儿。

  "Helookslikeanangel,"theorphanagechildrensaid.TheywerecomingoutofthechurchwithbrightredcloaksandcleanwhiteBibsontheirchests.

  “你们是怎么知道的?”数学教师问道,“你们又没见过天使的模样。”

  "Howdoyouknow?"Themathteacherasked,"youhaventseenangels."

  “啊!可我们见过,是在梦里见到的。”孩子们答道。数学教师皱皱眉头并绷起了面孔,因为他不赞成孩子们做梦。

  "Ah!Butweveseenit.Weveseenitinourdreams."Thechildrenreplied.Themathteacherfrownedandstrainedhisfacebecausehedidntapproveofchildrensdreams.

  有天夜里,一只小燕子从城市上空飞过。他的朋友们早在六个星期前就飞往埃及去了,可他却留在了后面,因为他太留恋那美丽无比的芦苇小姐。他是在早春时节遇上她的,当时他正顺河而下去追逐一只黄色的大飞蛾。他为她那纤细的腰身着了迷,便停下身来同她说话。

  Onenight,aswallowflewoverthecity.HisfriendshadbeenflyingtoEgyptsixweeksago,buthestayedbehindbecausehemissedMissreedsomuch.Hemetherintheearlyspring,whenhewasdowntheriverchasingabigyellowmoth.Fascinatedbyherslenderwaist,hestoppedtotalktoher.

  “我可以爱你吗?”燕子问道,他喜欢一下子就谈到正题上。芦苇向他弯下了腰,于是他就绕着她飞了一圆又一圈,并用羽翅轻抚着水面,泛起层层银色的涟漪。这是燕子的求爱方式,他就这样地进行了整个夏天。

  "CanIloveyou?"Askedtheswallow,wholikedtogettothepointatonce.Thereedbentovertohim,soheflewroundandroundher,strokingthewaterwithhiswings,ripplingwithsilver.Thisisthewaytheswallowcourted,andsohewentonallsummer.

  “这种恋情实在可笑,”其他燕子吃吃地笑着说,“她既没钱财,又有那么多亲戚。”的确,河里到处都是芦苇。

  "Thiskindofloveisridiculous,"theotherswallowschuckled."Shehasnomoneyandsomanyrelatives."Indeed,theriverisfullofreeds.

  等秋天一到,燕子们就飞走了。

  Whenautumncomes,swallowsflyaway.

  大伙走后,他觉得很孤独,并开始讨厌起自己的恋人。“她不会说话,”他说,“况且我担心她是个不正经的人,你看她老是跟风调情。”这可不假,一旦起风,芦苇便行起最优雅的屈膝礼。“我承认她是个居家过日子的人,”燕子继续说,“可我喜爱旅行,而我的妻子,当然也应该喜爱旅行才对。”

  Aftereveryoneleft,hefeltverylonelyandbegantohatehislover."Shecanttalk,"hesaid."Besides,Imafraidshesaslut.Yousee,shesalwaysflirting."Itstruethatoncethewindblows,thereedwillperformthemostelegantcurtsey."Iadmitshesahomebody,"continuedtheswallow,"butIlovetraveling,andmywife,ofcourse,shouldlovetraveling."

  “你愿意跟我走吗?”他最后问道。然而芦苇却摇摇头,她太舍不得自己的家了。

  "Willyoucomewithme?"Heaskedatlast.However,thereedshookherhead.Shewastooreluctanttoleaveherhome.

  “原来你跟我是闹着玩的,”他吼叫着,“我要去金字塔了,再见吧!”说完他就飞走了。

  "Soyoureplayingwithme,"heyelled."Imgoingtothepyramids.Goodbye!"Thenheflewaway.

  他飞了整整一天,夜晚时才来到这座城市。“我去哪儿过夜呢?”他说,“我希望城里已做好了准备。”

  Heflewalldayandcametothecityatnight."WhereshallIspendthenight?""Ihopethecityisready,"hesaid.

  这时,他看见了高大圆柱上的雕像。

  Thenhesawthestatueonthetallcolumn.

  “我就在那儿过夜,”他高声说,“这是个好地方,充满了新鲜空气。”于是,他就在快乐王子两脚之间落了窝。

  "Illspendthenightthere,"hecried."Itsagoodplace,fulloffreshair."Sohefellbetweenthefeetofthehappyprince.

  “我有黄金做的卧室,”他朝四周看看后轻声地对自己说,随之准备入睡了。但就在他把头放在羽翅下面的时候,一颗大大的水珠落在他的身上。“真是不可思议!”他叫了起来,“天上没有一丝云彩,繁星清晰又明亮,却偏偏下起了雨。北欧的天气真是可怕。芦苇是喜欢雨水的,可那只是她自私罢了。”

  "Ihaveabedroommadeofgold,"hesaidtohimselfinalowvoiceafterlookingaround,andthenhewasreadytogotosleep.Butjustasheputhisheadunderhiswings,abigdropofwaterfellonhim."Itsincredible!"Hecried,"thereisnocloudinthesky,thestarsareclearandbright,butitsraining.TheweatherinnorthernEuropeisterrible.Thereedlikesrain,butitsjustherselfishness

  紧接着又落下来一滴。

  Andthentherewasanotherdrop.

  “一座雕像连雨都遮挡不住,还有什么用处?”他说,“我得去找一个好烟囱做窝。”他决定飞离此处。

  "Whatstheuseofastatuethatcantkeepouttherain?"Hesaid,"Ihavetofindagoodchimneytomakeanest."Hedecidedtoflyawayfromhere.

  可是还没等他张开羽翼,第三滴水又掉了下来,他抬头望去,看见了——啊!他看见了什么呢?

  Butbeforeheopenedhiswings,thethirddropofwaterfelldownagain.Helookedupandsaw-ah!Whatdidhesee?

  快乐王子的双眼充满了泪水,泪珠顺着他金黄的脸颊淌了下来。王子的脸在月光下美丽无比,小燕子顿生怜悯之心。

  Thehappyprinceseyeswerefulloftears,whichrandownhisgoldencheeks.Theprincesfacewassobeautifulinthemoonlightthattheswallowfeltpity.

  “你是谁?”他问对方。

  "Whoareyou?"Heasked.

  “我是快乐王子。”

  "Imthehappyprince."

  “那么你为什么哭呢?”燕子又问,“你把我的身上都打湿了。”

  "Thenwhyareyoucrying?"Theswallowaskedagain,"youvegotmewet."

  “以前在我有颗人心而活着的时候,”雕像开口说道,“我并不知道眼泪是什么东西,因为那时我住在逍遥自在的王宫里,那是个哀愁无法进去的地方。白天人们伴着我在花园里玩,晚上我在大厅里领头跳舞。沿着花园有一堵高高的围墙,可我从没想到去围墙那边有什么东西,我身边的一切太美好了。我的臣仆们都叫我快乐王子,的确,如果欢愉就是快乐的话,那我真是快乐无比。我就这么活着,也这么死去。而眼下我死了,他们把我这么高高地立在这儿,使我能看见自己城市中所有的丑恶和贫苦,尽管我的心是铅做的,可我还是忍不住要哭。”

  "Before,whenIhadaheartandlived,"saidthestatue,"Ididntknowwhattearswere,becauseatthattimeIlivedinapalacewheresorrowcouldnotenter.Duringthedaypeopleaccompanymetoplayinthegarden,andatnightIleadthedanceinthehall.Thereisahighwallalongthegarden,butIneverthoughttherewasanythingontheothersideofthewall.Everythingaroundmeissobeautiful.Myservantscallmehappyprince.Indeed,ifhappinessishappiness,thenIamveryhappy.Iliveanddielikethis.AndnowthatImdead,theyveputmeupheresohighthatIcanseealltheuglinessandpovertyinmycity.Eventhoughmyheartismadeoflead,Icanthelpcrying."

  “啊!难道他不是铁石心肠的金像?”燕子对自己说。他很讲礼貌,不愿大声议论别人的私事。

  "Ah!Isntheagoldstatuewithaheartofstone?"Saidtheswallowtohimself.Heisverypoliteanddoesntwanttotalkaboutotherpeoplesprivateaffairsoutloud.

  “远处,”雕像用低缓而悦耳的声音继续说,“远处的一条小街上住着一户穷人。一扇窗户开着,透过窗户我能看见一个女人坐在桌旁。她那瘦削的脸上布满了倦意,一双粗糙发红的手上到处是针眼,因为她是一个裁缝。她正在给缎子衣服绣上西番莲花,这是皇后最喜爱的宫女准备在下一次宫廷舞会上穿的。在房间角落里的一张床上躺着她生病的孩子。孩子在发烧,嚷着要吃桔子。他的妈妈除给他喂几口河水外什么也没有,因此孩子老是哭个不停。燕子,燕子,小燕子,你愿意把我剑柄上的红宝石取下来送给她吗?我的双脚被固定在这基座上,不能动弹。”

  "Inthedistance,"thestatuecontinuedinalowandsweetvoice,"thereisapoorfamilylivinginasmallstreetinthedistance.Awindowwasopen,throughwhichIcouldseeawomansittingatatable.Herthinfacewasfulloftiredness,andherroughredhandswerefullofneedleholes,becauseshewasatailor.Sheisembroideringalotusfloweronthesatindress,whichtheQueensfavoritemaidinwaitingtowearatthenextcourtball.Onabedinthecorneroftheroomlayhersickchild.Thechildisfeverishandclamorsfororanges.Hismotherhadnothingbuttofeedhimafewmouthfulsofwater,sothechildkeptcrying.Swallow,swallow,littleswallow,wouldyouliketotakedowntherubyfrommyhiltandgiveittoher?Myfeetarefixedonthisbaseandcantmove."

  “伙伴们在埃及等我,”燕子说,“他们正在尼罗河上飞来飞去,同朵朵大莲花说着话儿,不久就要到伟大法老的墓穴里去过夜。法老本人就睡在自己彩色的棺材中。他的身体被裹在黄色的亚麻布里,还填满了防腐的香料。他的脖子上系着一圈浅绿色翡翠项链,他的双手像是枯萎的树叶。”

  "MyfriendsarewaitingformeinEgypt,"saidtheswallow."TheyareflyingupanddowntheNile,talkingtothebiglotusflowers,andwillsoonspendthenightinthegraveofthegreatPharaoh.ThePharaohhimselfwassleepinginhiscolorfulcoffin.Hisbodywaswrappedinyellowlinenandfilledwithantisepticspices.Hehadalightgreenemeraldnecklacearoundhisneck,andhishandswerelikewitheredleaves

  “燕子,燕子,小燕子,”王子又说,“你不肯陪我过一夜,做我的信使吗?那个孩子太饥渴了,他的母亲伤心极了。”

  "Swallow,swallow,littleswallow,"saidtheprince,"wontyouspendthenightwithmeandbemymessenger?Thechildissohungryandthirstythathismotherisverysad

  “我觉得自己不喜欢小孩,”燕子回答说,“去年夏天,我到过一条河边,有两个顽皮的孩于,是磨坊主的儿子,他们老是扔石头打我。当然,他们永远也别想打中我,我们燕子飞得多快呀,再说,我出身于一个以快捷出了名的家庭;可不管怎么说,这是不礼貌的行为。”

  "IdontthinkIlikechildren,"repliedtheswallow."Lastsummer,Iwenttoariver.Thereweretwonaughtychildren,thesonofaMiller,whoalwaysthrewstonesatme.Ofcourse,theywillnevertrytohitme.Howfastweswallowsfly.Besides,Icomefromafamilyfamousforitsquickness.Butanyway,itsimpolite

  可是快乐王子的满脸愁容叫小燕子的心里很不好受。“这儿太冷了,”他说,“不过我愿意陪你过上一夜,并做你的信使。”

  Butthehappyprincessadfacemadetheswallowfeelbad."Itstoocoldhere,"hesaid,"butIdliketospendthenightwithyouandbeyourmessenger."

  “谢谢你,小燕子,”王子说。

  "Thankyou,swallow,"saidtheprince.

  于是燕子从王子的宝剑上取下那颗硕大的红宝石,用嘴衔着,越过城里一座连一座的屋顶,朝远方飞去。

  SotheswallowtookthehugeRubyfromtheprincessword,tookitinhismouth,andflewovertheroofsofthecity.

  他飞过大教堂的塔顶,看见了上面白色大理石雕刻的天使像。他飞过王宫,听见了跳舞的歌曲声。一位美丽的姑娘同她的心上人走上了天台。“多么奇妙的星星啊,”他对她说,“多么美妙的爱情啊3”

  Heflewoverthetopofthecathedraltowerandsawanangelcarvedinwhitemarble.Heflewoverthepalaceandheardthesongofdancing.Abeautifulgirlwenttotheroofwithhersweetheart."Whatwonderfulstars,"hesaidtoher,"whatwonderfullove."

  “我希望我的衣服能按时做好,赶得上盛大舞会,”她回答说,“我已要求绣上西番莲花,只是那些女裁缝们都太得了。”

  "Ihopemydresswillbereadyintimeforthebigdance,"shereplied."Iveaskedforthelotus,buttheseamstressistoogood."

  他飞过了河流,看见了高挂在船桅上的无数灯笼。他飞过了犹太区,看见犹太老人们在彼此讨价还价地做生意,还把钱币放在铜制的天平上称重量。最后他来到了那个穷人的屋舍,朝里面望去。发烧的孩子在床上辗转反侧,母亲已经睡熟了,因为她太疲倦了。他跳进屋里,将硕大的红宝石放在那女人顶针旁的桌子上。随后他又轻轻地绕者床飞了一圈,用羽翅扇着孩子的前额。“我觉得好凉爽,”孩子说,“我一定是好起来了。”说完就沉沉地进入了甜蜜的梦乡。

  Heflewovertheriverandsawcountlesslanternshanginghighonthemast.HeflewovertheghettoandsawoldJewishpeoplebargainingwitheachotherandweighingcoinsonacopperscale.Atlasthecametothepoormanshouseandlookedinside.Thefeverishchildtossedandturnedinbed,andhermotherwasalreadyasleepbecauseshewastootired.HejumpedintotheroomandputthehugeRubyonthetablenexttothewomansthimble.Thenhegentlyflewaroundthebed,flappingthechildsforeheadwithhiswings."Ifeelsocool,"thechildsaid."Imustbebetter."Withthat,hefellintoasweetdream.

  然后,燕子回到快乐王子的身边,告诉他自己做过的一切。“你说怪不怪,”他接着说,“虽然天气很冷,可我现在觉得好暖和。”

  Thentheswallowwentbacktothehappyprinceandtoldhimwhathehaddone."Doyouthinkitsstrange,"hecontinued,"althoughitsverycold,Ifeelsowarmnow."

  “那是因为你做了一件好事,”王子说。于是小燕子开始想王子的话,不过没多久便睡着了。对他来说,一思考问题就老想困觉。

  "Thatsbecauseyoudidagoodthing,"saidtheprince.Sotheswallowbegantothinkabouttheprinceswords,butsoonfellasleep.Forhim,healwayssleepswhenhethinksaboutproblems.

  黎明时分他飞下河去洗了个澡。“真是不可思议的现象,”一位鸟禽学教授从桥上走过时开口说道,“冬天竟会有燕子!”于是他给当地的报社关于此事写去了一封长信。每个人都引用他信中的话,尽管信中的很多词语是人们理解不了的。

  Atdawnheflewdowntherivertotakeabath."Itsincredible,"saidaprofessorofOrnithologyashewalkedacrossthebridge."ThereareswallowsinwinterSohewrotealonglettertothelocalnewspaperaboutit.Everyonequotesfromhisletter,althoughmanyofthewordsintheletterareincomprehensible.

  “今晚我要到埃及去,”燕子说,一想到远方,他就精神百倍。他走访了城里所有的公共纪念物,还在教堂的顶端上坐了好一阵子。每到一处,麻雀们就吱吱喳喳地相互说,“多么难得的贵客啊!”所以他玩得很开心。

  "ImgoingtoEgypttonight,"saidtheswallow.Hewasfullofenergywhenhethoughtofthedistance.Hevisitedallthepublicmonumentsinthecityandsatonthetopofthechurchforawhile.Everyplace,thesparrowschirpedtoeachother,"whatarareguest!"Sohehadagoodtime.

  月亮升起的时候他飞回到快乐王子的身边。“你在埃及有什么事要办吗?”他高声问道,“我就要动身了。”

  Whenthemoonrose,heflewbacktothehappyprince."DoyouhaveanythingtodoinEgypt?""Imleaving,"heaskedinaloudvoice

  “燕子,燕子,小燕子,”王子说,“你愿意陪我再过一夜吗?”

  "Swallow,swallow,littleswallow,"saidtheprince,"wouldyouliketospendanothernightwithme?"

  “伙伴们在埃及等我呀,”燕子回答说,“明天我的朋友们要飞往第二瀑布,那儿的河马在纸莎草丛中过夜。古埃及的门农神安坐在巨大的花岗岩宝座上,他整夜守望着星星,每当星星闪烁的时候,他就发出欢快的叫声,随后便沉默不语。中午时,黄色的狮群下山来到河边饮水,他们的眼睛像绿色的宝石,咆哮起来比瀑布的怒吼还要响亮。”“燕子,燕子,小燕子,”王子说,“远处在城市的那一头,我看见住在阁楼中的一个年轻男子。他在一张铺满纸张的书桌上埋头用功,旁边的玻璃杯中放着一束干枯的紫罗兰。他有一头棕色的卷发,嘴唇红得像石榴,他还有一双睡意朦胧的大眼睛。他正力争为剧院经理写出一个剧本,但是他已经给冻得写不下去了。壁炉里没有柴火,饥饿又弄得他头昏眼花。”

  "MyfriendsarewaitingformeinEgypt,"repliedtheswallow."Tomorrowmyfriendswillflytothesecondwaterfall,wherethehipposspendthenightinthepapyrus.TheancientEgyptiangodmennongsatonahugegranitethrone.Hewatchedthestarsallnight.Wheneverthestarstwinkled,hewouldmakeajoyfulcry,andthenhewouldbesilent.Atnoon,theYellowlionscomedowntotherivertodrink.Theireyesarelikegreengems.Theirroarislouderthantheroarofthewaterfall.""Swallow,swallow,littleswallow,"saidtheprince,"farawayinthecity,Isawayoungmanlivingintheattic.Hewasworkinghardonapapercovereddeskwithabunchofdriedvioletsintheglassnexttoit.Hehadcurlybrownhair,redlipslikepomegranates,andbigsleepyeyes.Heistryingtowriteaplayforthetheatermanager,butheistoocoldtowriteanymore.Therewasnofirewoodinthefireplace,andhungermadehimdizzy

  “我愿意陪你再过一夜,”燕子说,他的确有颗善良的心。“我是不是再送他一块红宝石?”

  "Idliketospendanothernightwithyou,"saidtheswallow,whohadakindheart."ShallIgivehimanotherruby?"

  “唉!我现在没有红宝石了。”王子说,“所剩的只有我的双眼。它们由稀有的蓝宝石做成,是一干多年前从印度出产的。取出一颗给他送去。他会将它卖给珠宝商,好买回食物和木柴,完成他写的剧本。”

  "Alas!Idonthaveanyrubiesnow."Theprincesaid,"allthatsleftismyeyes.Theyaremadeofraresapphire,whichwasproducedfromIndiamanyyearsago.Takeoutoneandsendittohim.Hellsellittothejewelersothathecanbuybackfoodandfirewoodandfinishhisplay."

  “亲爱的王子,”燕子说,“我不能这样做,”说完就哭了起来。

  "Dearprince,"saidtheswallow,"Icantdothat,"andhebegantocry.

  “燕子,燕子,小燕子,”王子说,“就照我说的话去做吧。”

  "Swallow,swallow,littleswallow,"saidtheprince,"doasIsay."

  因此燕子取下了王子的一只眼睛,朝学生住的阁楼飞去了。由于屋顶上有一个洞,燕子很容易进去。就这样燕子穿过洞来到屋里。年轻人双手捂着脸,没有听见燕子翅膀的扇动声,等他抬起头时,正看见那颗美丽的蓝宝石放在干枯的紫罗兰上面。

  Sotheswallowtookoffoneoftheprinceseyesandflewtotheatticwherethestudentslived.Becausethereisaholeintheroof,swallowscaneasilygetin.Sotheswallowwentthroughtheholeandcameintothehouse.Theyoungmanputhisfaceinhishandsanddidnotheartheflutteroftheswallowswings.Whenhelookedup,hesawthebeautifulsapphireonthedryviolet.

  “我开始受人欣赏了,”他叫道,“这准是某个极其钦佩我的人送来的。现在我可以完成我的剧本了。”他脸上露出了幸福的笑容。

  "Imbeginningtobeappreciated,"hecried."Itmusthavecomefromsomeonewhoadmiredmesomuch.NowIcanfinishmyscript."Therewasahappysmileonhisface.

  第二天燕子飞到下面的海港,他坐在一震大船的桅杆上,望着水手们用绳索把大箱子拖出船舱。随着他们嘿哟!嘿哟!”的声声号子,一个个大箱子给拖了上来。“我要去埃及了!”燕子略道,但是没有人理会他。等月亮升起后,他又飞回到快乐王子的身边。

  Thenextdaytheswallowflewtotheharborbelow.Hesatonthemastofabigshipandwatchedthesailorspullthebigboxoutofthecabinwithropes.Followthemheyyo!Hey,yoThesoundofthevoice,alargeboxtodragup."ImgoingtoEgypt!"Theswallowsaidslightly,butnoonepaidanyattentiontohim.Whenthemoonrose,heflewbacktothehappyprince.

  “我是来向你道别的,”他叫着说。

  "Ivecometosaygoodbyetoyou,"hecried.

  “燕子,燕子,小燕子,”王子说,“你不愿再陪我过一夜吗?”

  "Swallow,swallow,littleswallow,"saidtheprince,"wontyouspendanothernightwithme?"

  “冬天到了,”燕子回答说,“寒冷的雪就要来了。而在埃及,太阳挂在葱绿的棕搁树上,暖和极了,还有躺在泥塘中的鳄鱼懒洋洋地环顾着四周。我的朋友们正在巴尔贝克古城的神庙里建筑巢穴,那些粉红和银白色的鸽子们一边望着他们干活,一边相互倾诉着情话。亲爱的王子,我不得不离你而去了,只是我永远也不会忘记你的,明年春天我要给你带回两颗美丽的宝石,弥补你因送给别人而失掉的那西颗,红宝石会比一朵红玫瑰还红,蓝宝石也比大海更蓝。”

  "Winteriscoming,"repliedtheswallow."Coldsnowiscoming.InEgypt,thesuniswarmontheverdantpalmtrees,andcrocodilesinthemudlookaroundlazily.Myfriendsarebuildingnestsinthetempleintheancientcityofbalbeck.Thepinkandsilverpigeonsarewatchingthemworkandtalkingtoeachother.Dearprince,Ihavetoleaveyou,butIwillneverforgetyou.Nextspring,Iwillbringyoutwobeautifulgemstomakeupfortheoneyoulostbecauseyougaveittoothers.Rubywillberedderthanaredrose,andsapphirewillbebluerthanthesea."

  “在下面的广场上,”快乐王子说,“站着一个卖火柴的小女孩。她的火柴都掉在阴沟里了,它们都不能用了。如果她不带钱回家,她的父亲会打她的,她正在哭着呢。她既没穿鞋,也没有穿袜子,头上什么也没戴。请把我的另一只眼睛取下来,给她送去,这样她父亲就不会揍她了。”

  "Inthesquarebelow,"saidthehappyprince,"standsalittlematchgirl.Allhermatcheshavefalleninthegutter.Theyareuseless.Ifshedoesntbringmoneyhome,herfatherwillbeather,shescrying.Shehadnoshoes,nosocks,nothingonherhead.Pleasetakeoffmyothereyeandsendittohersothatherfatherwontbeather

  “我愿意陪你再过一夜,”燕子说,“但我不能取下你的眼睛,否则你就变成个瞎子了。”

  "Idliketospendanothernightwithyou,"saidtheswallow,"butIcanttakeoffyoureyes,oryoullbeblind."

  “燕子,燕子,小燕子,”王子说,“就照我说的话去做吧。”

  "Swallow,swallow,littleswallow,"saidtheprince,"doasIsay."

  于是他又取下了王子的另一只眼珠,带着它朝下飞去。他一下子落在小女孩的面前,把宝石悄悄地放在她的手掌心上。“一块多么美丽的玻璃呀!”小女孩高声叫着,她笑着朝家里跑去。

  Sohetookofftheprincesothereye,andtookitdown.Hesuddenlyfellinfrontofthelittlegirlandquietlyputthegemonthepalmofherhand.WhatabeautifulpieceofglassCriedthelittlegirl,andsheranhomewithasmile.

  这时,燕子回到王子身旁。“你现在瞎了,”燕子说,“我要永远陪着你。”

  Thentheswallowcamebacktotheprince."Youareblindnow,"saidtheswallow."Iwillalwaysbewithyou."

  “不,小燕子,”可怜的王子说,“你得到埃及去。”

  "No,swallow,"saidthepoorprince,"youhavetogotoEgypt."

  “我要一直陪着你,”燕子说着就睡在了王子的脚下。

  "Illstaywithyouallthetime,"saidtheswallow,sleepingattheprincesfeet.

  第二天他整日坐在王子的肩头上,给他讲自己在异国他乡的所见所闻和种种经历。他还给王子讲那些红色的朱鹭,它们排成长长的一行站在尼罗河的岸边,用它们的尖嘴去捕捉金鱼;还讲到司芬克斯,它的岁数跟世界一样长久,住在沙漠中,通晓世间的一切;他讲纽那些商人,跟着自己的驼队缓缓而行,手中摸着狼冶做的念珠;他讲到月亮山的国王,他皮肤黑得像乌木,崇拜一块巨大的水晶;他讲到那条睡在棕祸树上的绿色大莽蛇,要20个僧侣用蜜糖做的糕点来喂它;他又讲到那些小矮人,他们乘坐扁平的大树叶在湖泊中往来横渡,还老与蝴蝶发生战争。”

  Thenextdayhesatontheprincesshoulderalldayandtoldhimwhathehadseen,heardandexperiencedinaforeigncountry.Healsotoldtheprinceabouttheredherons,whostoodinlongrowsonthebanksoftheNileRiver,catchinggoldfishwiththeirsharpbeaks;aboutSphinx,whowasasoldastheworld,livedinthedesert,andkneweverythingabouttheworld;aboutthebusinessmeninNewYork,whowerewalkingslowlywiththeircamels,touchingtherosarymadebywolfintheirhands;aboutthemoonmountainTheking,whoseskinisasblackasebony,worshipsahugecrystal.Hetalksaboutthebiggreensnakesleepingonthepalmtreeandasking20monkstofeeditwithcakesmadeofhoney.Healsotalksaboutthedwarfs,whotravelacrossthelakeonthebigflatleavesandoftenfightwithbutterflies."

  “亲爱的小燕子,”王子说,“你为我讲了好多稀奇的事情,可是更稀奇的还要算那些男男女女们所遭受的苦难。没有什么比苦难更不可思议的了。小燕子,你就到我城市的上空去飞一圈吧,告诉我你在上面都看见了些什么。”

  "Dearswallow,"saidtheprince,"youhavetoldmealotofstrangethings,butevenmorestrangearethesufferingsofthemenandwomen.Nothingismoreincrediblethansuffering.Littleswallow,justflyovermycityandtellmewhatyouseeonit."

  于是燕子飞过了城市上空,看见富人们在自己漂亮的洋楼里寻欢作乐,而乞丐们却坐在大门口忍饥挨饿。他飞进阴暗的小巷,看见饥饿的孩子们露出苍白的小脸没精打采地望着昏暗的街道,就在一座桥的桥洞里面两个孩子相互搂抱着想使彼此温暖一些。“我们好饿呀!”他俩说。“你们不准躺在这儿,”看守高声叹道,两个孩子又跚蹒着朝雨中走去。

  Sotheswallowflewoverthecityandsawtherichpeopleenjoyingthemselvesintheirbeautifulwesternstylehouses,whilethebeggarsweresittingatthegatestarving.Heflewintothedarkalleyandsawthehungrychildrenwithpalefaceslookinglistlesslyatthedarkstreet.Intheholeofabridge,thetwochildrenhuggedeachothertomakeeachotherwarm."Wearesohungry!"Theysaid."Youmustntliehere,"theguardexclaimed,asthetwochildrenhobbledbackintotherain.

  随后他飞了回来,把所见的一切告诉给了王子。

  Thenheflewbackandtoldtheprincewhathehadseen.

  “我浑身贴满了上好的黄金片,”王子说,“你把它们一片片地取下来,给我的穷人们送去。活着的人都相信黄金会使他们幸福的。”

  "Imcoveredwithgoodpiecesofgold,"saidtheprince."Youtakethemoffonebyoneandsendthemtomypoorpeople.Thelivingbelievethatgoldwillmakethemhappy

  燕子将足赤的黄金叶子一片一片地啄了下来,直到快乐王子变得灰暗无光。他又把这些纯金叶片一一送给了穷人,孩子们的脸上泛起了红晕,他们在大街上欢欣无比地玩着游戏。“我们现在有面包了!”孩子们喊叫着。

  Theswallowpeckedthegoldenleavesonebyoneuntilthehappyprincebecamedark.Hegavethesepuregoldleavestothepooronebyone,andthechildrensfaceswereflushed.Theywereplayinggameshappilyinthestreet."Wehavebreadnow!"Thechildrencried.

  随后下起了雪,白雪过后又迎来了严寒。街道看上去白花花的,像是银子做成的,又明亮又耀眼;长长的冰柱如同水晶做的宝剑垂悬在屋檐下。人人都穿上了皮衣,小孩子们也戴上了红帽子去户外溜冰。

  Thenitbegantosnow,andafterthesnowcametheseverecold.Thestreetlookswhite,likesilver,brightanddazzling;thelongicicleshangundertheeaveslikeswordsmadeofcrystal.Everyoneputonleatherclothes,andthechildrenputonredhatstogoskatingoutdoors.

  可怜的小燕子觉得越来越冷了,但是他却不愿离开王子,他太爱这位王子了。他只好趁面包师不注意的时候,从面包店门口弄点面包屑充饥,并扑扇着翅膀为自己取暖。

  Thepoorswallowfeltcolderandcolder,buthedidntwanttoleavetheprince.Helovedhimsomuch.Whenthebakerdidntpayattention,hegotsomebreadcrumbsfromthedoorofthebakerytosatisfyhishunger,andflappedhiswingstowarmhimself.

  然而最后他也知道自己快要死去了。他剩下的力气只够再飞到王子的肩上一回。“再见了,亲爱的王子!”他喃喃地说,“你愿重让我亲吻你的手吗?”

  Intheend,however,heknewthathewasgoingtodie.Hehadonlyenoughstrengthlefttoflyontheprincesshoulderoncemore."Goodbye,dearprince!"Hemurmured,"willyouletmekissyourhandagain?"

  “我真高兴你终于要飞往埃及去了,小燕子,”王子说,“你在这儿呆得太长了。不过你得亲我的嘴唇,因为我爱你。”

  "ImgladyourefinallyflyingtoEgypt,swallow,"saidtheprince."Youvebeenheretoolong.Butyouhavetokissmylips,becauseIloveyou

  “我要去的地方不是埃及,”燕子说,“我要***亡之家。死亡是长眠的兄弟,不是吗?”

  "ImnotgoingtoEgypt,"saidtheswallow."Imgoingtothehouseofdeath.Deathisasleepingbrother,isntit

  接着他亲吻了快乐王子的嘴唇,然后就跌落在王子的脚下,死去了。

  Thenhekissesthehappyprinceonthelips,fallsathisfeetanddies.

  就在此刻,雕像体内伸出一声奇特的爆裂声,好像有什么东西破碎了。其实是王子的那颗铅做的心已裂成了两半。这的确是一个可怕的寒冷冬日,

  Atthismoment,therewasastrangecrackinsidethestatue,asifsomethingwasbroken.Infact,theprincesleadhearthasbeensplitintwo.Itsreallyaterriblecoldwinterday,

  第二天一早,市长由市参议员们陪同着散步来到下面的广场。他们走过圆柱的时候,市长抬头看了一眼雕像,“我的天啊!快乐王子怎么如此难看!”他说。

  Thenextmorning,themayorwasaccompaniedbythecitysenatorsforawalktothesquarebelow.Astheypassedthecolumn,themayorlookedupatthestatueandsaid,"myGod!WhyisthehappyprincesouglyHesaid.

  “真是难看极了!”市参议员们异口同声地叫道,他们平时总跟市长一个腔调。说完大家纷纷走上前去细看个明白。

  "Itssougly!"Exclaimedthecitysenators,whousuallyspeakthesamewayasthemayor.Afterthat,everyonesteppedforwardtohaveacloselook.

  “他剑柄上的红宝石已经掉了,蓝宝石眼珠也不见了,他也不再是黄金的了,”市长说,“实际上,他比一个要饭的乞丐强不了多少!”

  "Therubyonthehiltofhisswordisgone,thesapphireeyeisgone,andheisnolongergold,"saidthemayor."Infact,heisnotmuchbetterthanabeggarbeggingforfood!"

  “的确比要饭的强不了多少,”市参议员们附和着说。

  "Itsnotmuchbetterthanabeggar,"echoedthecitysenators.

  “还有在他的脚下躺着一只死鸟!”市长继续说,“我们真应该发布一个声明,禁止鸟类死在这个地方。”于是市书记员把这个建议记录了下来。

  "Andthereisadeadbirdlyingathisfeet!"Themayorwenton,"wereallyshouldmakeastatementforbiddingbirdstodieinthisplace."Sothecityclerkwrotedownthesuggestion.

  后来他们就把快乐王子的雕像给推倒了。“既然他已不再美丽,那么也就不再有用了,”大学的美术教授说。

  Thentheyknockeddownthestatueofthehappyprince."Sincehesnolongerbeautiful,hesnolongeruseful,"saidtheUniversitysartprofessor.

  接着他们把雕像放在炉里熔化了,市长还召集了一次市级的会议来决定如何处理这些金属,当然,我们必须再铸一个雕像。”他说,“那应该就是我的雕像。”

  Thentheymeltedthestatueinthefurnace,andthemayorcalledamunicipalmeetingtodecidewhattodowiththemetal.Ofcourse,wehavetocastanotherstatueHesaid,"thatshouldbemystatue."

  “我的雕像,”每一位市参议员都争着说,他们还吵了起来。我最后听到人们说起他们时,他们的争吵仍未结束。

  "Mystatue,"everycitysenatorargued,andtheyargued.ThelasttimeIheardpeopletalkaboutthem,theirquarrelwasnotover.

  “多么稀奇古怪的事!”铸像厂的工头说,“这颗破裂的铅心在炉子里熔化不了。我们只好把它扔掉。”他们便把它扔到了垃圾堆里,死去的那只燕子也躺在那儿。

  "WhatastrangethingTheforemanofthefoundrysaid,"thisbrokenleadcorewillnotmeltinthefurnace.Wehavetothrowitaway."Theythrewitintothegarbageandthedeadswallowlaythere.

  “把城市里最珍贵的两件东西给我拿来,”上帝对他的一位天使说。于是天使就把铅心和死鸟给上帝带了回来。

  "Bringmethetwomostpreciousthingsinthecity,"Godsaidtooneofhisangels.SotheangelbroughtbacktheleadheartandthedeadbirdtoGod.

  “你的选择对极了,”上帝说,“因为在我这天堂的花园里,小鸟可以永远地放声歌唱,而在我那黄金的城堡中,快乐王子可以尽情地赞美我。”

  "Youhavemadetherightchoice,"Godsaid,"becauseinmyparadisegarden,birdscansingforever,andinmygoldencastle,happyprincecanpraisemeheartily."

  王尔德童话英文版篇2

  每天下午,孩子们放学后总喜欢到巨人的花园里去玩耍。

  Everyafternoon,thechildrenliketoplayinthegiantsgardenafterschool.

  这是一个很可爱的大花园,长满了绿茸茸的青草,美丽的鲜花随处可见,多得像天上的星星。草地上还长着十二棵桃树,一到春天就开放出粉扑扑的团团花朵,秋天里则结下累累果实。栖息在树枝上鸟儿唱着欢乐的曲子,每当这时,嬉戏中的孩子们会停下来侧耳玲听鸟儿的鸣唱,并相互高声喊着,“我们多么快乐啊1”

  Thisisalovelybiggarden,fullofgreengrass,beautifulflowerscanbeseeneverywhere,morelikethestarsinthesky.Therearetwelvepeachtreesgrowingonthegrassland,whichbloominspringandbearfruitsinautumn.Thebirdsperchedonthebranchesweresingingjoyfulsongs.Atthistime,thechildrenwouldstoptolistentothebirdsandshouttoeachother,"howhappyweare!"

  一天,巨人回来了。原来他到自己的妖怪朋友科尼西家串门去了,在妖怪家里一住就是七年。七年的时间里他把要讲的话都讲完了,便决定回自己的城堡。进了家门,他一眼就看见在花园中戏耍的孩子们。

  Oneday,thegiantcameback.ItturnedoutthathewenttovisithisGeniefriendkonesishouseandlivedinthegenieshouseforsevenyears.Aftersevenyearsofspeaking,hedecidedtogobacktohiscastle.Enteringthehouse,hesawthechildrenplayinginthegardenataglance.

  “你们在这儿于什么?”他粗声粗气地吼叫起来,孩子们都跑掉了。

  "Whatareyoudoinghere?"Hegrowledandthechildrenranaway.

  “我的花园就是我自己的花园,”巨人说,“谁都清楚,我不准外人来这里玩。”于是,他沿着花园筑起一堵高高的围墙,还挂出一块告示:闲人莫入违者重罚

  "Mygardenismyowngarden,"saidthegiant."EveryoneknowsthatIdontallowoutsiderstoplayhere."Sohebuiltahighwallalongthegarden,andputupanotice:noadmittance,heavypunishment

  他的确是一个非常自私的巨人。

  Heisaveryselfishgiantindeed.

  从此可怜的孩子们没有了玩耍的地方,他们只得来到马路上,但是街道上满是尘土和硬硬的石块,让他们扫兴极了。放学后他们仍常常在高耸的围墙外徘徊,谈论着墙内花园中的美丽景色。“在里面我们多么快乐啊,”他们彼此诉说着。

  Sincethen,thepoorchildrenhavenoplacetoplay,theyhavetocometotheroad,butthestreetisfullofdustandhardstones,letthemdown.Afterschool,theyoftenlingeroutsidethehighwallandtalkaboutthebeautifulsceneryinthegardeninside."Howhappyweareinit,"theytoldeachother.

  春天又来了,整个乡村到处开故着小花,处处有小鸟在欢唱。然而只有自私的巨人的花园却依旧是一片寒冬景象。由于看不见孩子们,小鸟便无心唱歌,树儿也忘了开花。有一朵花儿从草中探出头来,看见那块告示后,它对孩子们的遭遇深感同情,于是又把头缩回去,继续睡觉了。只有雪和霜对此乐不可支。“春天已忘记了这座花园,”他们叫喊着,“这样我们可以一年四季住在这儿了。”雪用她那巨大的白色斗篷把草地蓝得严严实实,霜也让所有的树木披上假装,随后他们还逸来北风和他们同住。北风应邀而至,穿—身毛皮大衣,他对着花园呼啸了整整一天,把烟囱管帽也给吹掉了。“这是个令人开心的地方,”他说,“我们还得把冰雹叫来。”于是,冰雹来了。每天三个钟头他不停地敲打着城堡的房顶,房上的石板瓦被砸得七零八落,然后又围着花园一圈接一圈地猛跑起来。他浑身上下灰蒙蒙的,呼出阵阵袭人的寒气。

  Springiscomingagain.Thewholecountryisfullofflowersandbirds.Butthegardenoftheselfishgiantisstillacoldwinterscene.Becausetheycouldntseethechildren,thebirdsdidntwanttosingandthetreesforgottoblossom.Aflowerpokeditsheadoutofthegrass.Whenitsawthesign,itsympathizedwiththechildrenssufferings,soitdrewbackitsheadandwentontosleep.Onlysnowandfrostarehappyaboutit."Springhasforgottenthisgarden,"theycried,"sowecanlivehereallyearround."Snowmakesthegrassbluewithherhugewhitecloak,frostmakesallthetreespretend,andthentheycometolivewiththeminthenorthwind.Thenorthwindwasinvitedtocome.Wearingafurcoat,heroaredintothegardenalldayandblewoffthechimneycap."Itsahappyplace,"hesaid,"andwehavetocallhail."Sohailcame.Forthreehourseveryday,hekeptpoundingontheroofofthecastle.Thestonetilesontheroofwerescattered,andthenheranaroundthegardenoneafteranother.Hewasgrayalloverandbreathedoutchills.

  “我真弄不懂春天为什么迟迟不来,”巨人坐在窗前望着外面冰天雪地的花园说,“我盼望天气发生变化。”

  "Idontknowwhyspringissolate,"saidthegiant,sittingatthewindowandlookingoutattheicygarden."Ihopetheweatherchanges."

  然而春天再也没有出现,夏天也不见踪影。秋天把金色的硕果送给了千家万户的花园,却什么也没给巨人的花园。“他太自私了,”秋天说。就这样,巨人的花园里是终年的寒冬,只有北风、冰雹,还有霜和雪在园中的林间上窜下跳。

  Butspringnevercameagain,andsummernevercame.Autumngivesthegoldenfruitstothegardensofthousandsoffamilies,butnothingtothegiantsgarden."Hessoselfish,"autumnsaid.Inthisway,thegiantsgardenisacoldwinteralltheyearround,withonlynorthwind,hail,frostandsnowjumpingupanddownintheforest.

  一日清晨,巨人睁着双眼躺在床上,这时耳边传来阵阵美妙的音乐。音乐悦耳动听,他想一定是国王的乐师路经此地。原来窗外唱歌的不过是一只小红雀,只因巨人好长时间没听到鸟儿在花园中歌唱,此刻感到它妙不可言。这时,巨人头顶上的冰雹已不再狂舞,北风也停止了呼啸,缕缕芳香透过敞开的窗廓扑面而来。“我相信春天终于来到了,”巨人说着,从床上跳起来,朝窗外望去。

  Onemorning,thegiantwaslyingonthebedwithhiseyesopen.Atthistime,themusiccamefromhisears.Themusicwassosweetthathethoughtitmustbethekingsmusicianwhopassedby.Itturnedoutthatitwasjustalittlecardinalsingingoutsidethewindow.Becausethegianthadntheardthebirdsinginginthegardenforalongtime,hefeltthatitwaswonderful.Atthistime,thehailonthegiantsheadnolongerdancedwildly,thenorthwindstoppedwhistling,andthefragrancecamethroughtheopenwindow."Ibelievespringhasfinallyarrived,"saidthegiant,jumpingoutofbedandlookingoutofthewindow.

  他看见了什么呢?

  Whatdidhesee?

  他看见了一幕动人的景象:孩子们爬过墙上的小洞已进了花园,正坐在树枝上,每棵树上都坐着一个孩子。迎来了孩子的树木欣喜若狂,井用鲜花把自己打扮一新,还挥动手臂轻轻抚摸孩子们的头。鸟儿们在树梢翩翩起舞,兴奋地欢唱着,花朵也纷纷从草地里伸出头来露着笑脸。这的确是一幅动人的画面。满园春色中只有一个角落仍笼罩在严冬之中,那是花园中最远的一个角落,一个小男孩正孤零零地站在那儿,因为他个头太小爬不上树,只能围着树转来转去,哭泣着不知所措。那棵可怜的树仍被霜雪裹得严严实实的,北风也对它肆意地咆哮着。“快爬上来呀,小孩子1”树儿说,并尽可能地垂下枝条,可是小孩还是太矮小了。

  Hesawamovingscene:thechildrenhadclimbedthroughthesmallholeinthewallandenteredthegarden.Theyweresittingonthebranches,andtherewasachildsittingoneachtree.Thetreesthatwelcomedthechildrenwereoverjoyed.Theydressedthemselvesupwithfreshflowersandgentlystrokedthechildrensheadswiththeirarms.Thebirdsweredancinginthetreetops,singingexcitedly,andtheflowersweresmilingfromthegrass.Thisisreallyamovingpicture.Thereisonlyonecornerofthegardenstillshroudedintheseverewinter.Itisthefarthestcornerinthegarden.Alittleboyisstandingtherealonebecauseheistoosmalltoclimbthetree.Hecanonlywalkaroundthetree,cryingandataloss.Thepoortreewasstillwrappedinfrostandsnow,andthenorthwindroaredatitwantonly."Climbupquickly,child1,"thetreesaid,anddroppeditsbranchesasmuchaspossible,butthechildwasstilltoosmall.

  此情此景深深地感化了巨人的心。“我真是太自私了!”他说,“现在我明白为什么春天不肯到我这儿来了。我要把那可怜的孩子抱上树,然后再把围墙都推倒,让我的花园永远成为孩子们的游戏场所。”他真为自己过去的所做所为感到羞愧。

  Thissituationdeeplyaffectedthegiantsheart."Imsoselfish!"Hesaid,"nowIunderstandwhyspringdoesntcometome.Imgoingtotakethatpoorchildupatree,andthenImgoingtoknockdownthewalls,andmakemygardenaplaygroundforchildrenforever."Hewasreallyashamedofwhathehaddoneinthepast.

  巨人轻轻地走下楼,悄悄地打开前门,走到花园里。但是孩子们一看巨人,都吓得逃走了,花园再次回到了冬天里。唯有那个小男孩没有跑,因为他的眼里充满了泪水,没有看见走过来的巨人。巨人悄悄来到小孩的身后,双手轻轻托起孩子放在树枝上。树儿立即怒放出朵朵鲜花,鸟儿们也飞回枝头放声欢唱,小男孩伸出双臂搂着巨人的脖子,亲吻巨人的脸。其他孩子看见巨人不再那么凶恶,都纷纷跑了回来,春天也跟着孩子们来了。“孩子们,这是你们的花园了,”巨人说。接着他提起一把大斧头,把围墙统统给砍倒了。中午12点,人们去赶集的时候,欣喜地看见巨人和孩子们一起在他们所见到的最美丽的花园中游戏玩耍。

  Thegiantwentdownthestairsquietly,openedthefrontdoorandwentintothegarden.Butwhenthechildrensawthegiant,theyranawayandthegardenwentbacktowinteragain.Onlythelittleboydidntrunbecausehiseyeswerefulloftearsandhedidntseethegiantcoming.Thegiantquietlycametothechildsback,gentlyholdingthechildinbothhandsonthebranch.Thetreeimmediatelyburstoutflowers,andthebirdsflewbacktothebranchestosing.Thelittleboyputhisarmsaroundthegiantsneckandkissedthegiantsface.Whentheotherchildrensawthatthegiantwasnolongersofierce,theyallranback,andspringfollowedthem."Thisisyourgarden,children,"saidthegiant.Thenhepickedupabigaxeandcutdownallthewalls.At12noon,whenpeoplewenttothemarket,theyweregladtoseethegiantplayingwiththechildreninthemostbeautifulgardentheyhadeverseen.

  他们玩了整整一天,夜幕降临后,孩子们向巨人道晚安。

  Theyplayedallday,andwhennightcame,thechildrensaidgoodnighttothegiant.

  “可你们的那个小伙伴在哪儿呢?”巨人问,“就是我抱到树上的男孩。”巨人最爱那个男孩,因为男孩吻过他。

  "Butwhereisyourlittlecompanion?"Thegiantasked,"itstheboyIcarriedtothetree."Thegiantlovedtheboybestbecausehehadkissedhim.

  “我们不知道啊,”孩子们回答说,“他已经走了。”

  "Wedontknow,"thechildrenreplied."Hesgone."

  巨人又说:“你们一定要告诉他,叫他明天来这里。”但是孩子们告诉巨人他们不知道小男孩家住何处,而且从前没见过他,巨人听后心里很不是个滋味。

  Thegiantsaid,"youmusttellhimtocomeheretomorrow."Butthechildrentoldthegiantthattheydidntknowwherethelittleboylived,andthattheyhadneverseenhimbefore.Thegiantwasveryupset.

  每天下午,孩子们一放学就来找巨人一起玩。可是巨人喜爱的那个小男孩再也没有来过。巨人对每一个小孩都非常友善,然而他更想念那个小男孩,还常常提起他。“我多么想见到他啊:”巨人常常感叹道。

  Everyafternoon,thechildrencometoplaywiththegiantassoonastheyfinishschool.Butthelittleboythegiantlovednevercameagain.Thegiantisveryfriendlytoeverychild,buthemissesthelittleboymoreandoftenmentionshim."HowIwanttoseehim,"thegiantoftenexclaimed.

  许多年过去了,巨人变得年迈而体弱。他已无力再与孩子们一起嬉戏,只能坐在一把巨大的扶手椅上,一边观看孩于们玩游戏,一边欣赏着自己的花园。“我有好多美丽的鲜花,”他说,“但孩子们才是最美的花朵。”

  Manyyearspassedandthegiantbecameoldandweak.Hecannolongerplaywiththechildren,canonlysitinahugearmchair,whilewatchingthechildrenplaygames,whileenjoyinghisgarden."Ihavemanybeautifulflowers,"hesaid,"butchildrenarethemostbeautifulflowers."

  冬天的一个早晨,巨人起床穿衣时朝窗外望了望。现在他已不讨厌冬天了,因为他心里明白这只不过是让春天打个吨,让花儿们歇口气罢了。

  Onewintermorning,thegiantgotupanddressedandlookedoutofthewindow.Nowhedidnthatewinteranymore,becauseheknewinhisheartthatitwasjusttoletspringbeatatonandlettheflowersrest.

  突然,他惊讶地揉揉眼,定睛看了又看。眼前的景色真是美妙无比:在花园尽头的角落里,有一棵树上开满了逗人喜爱的白花,满树的枝条金光闪闪,枝头上垂挂着银色的果实,树的下边就站着巨人特别喜爱的那个小男孩。

  Allofasudden,herubbedhiseyesinsurpriseandfixedhiseyes.Theviewwaswonderful:inthecornerattheendofthegarden,therewasatreefulloflovelywhiteflowers.Thebranchesofthetreewereglitteringwithgold.Silverfruitshungonthebranches.Underthetreestoodthelittleboy,whowasthegiantsfavorite.

  巨人激动地跑下楼,出门朝花园奔去。他急匆匆地跑过草地,奔向孩子。来到孩子面前,他脸红脖子粗地愤愤说道,“谁敢把你弄成这样?”只见孩子的一双小手掌心上留有两个钉痕,他的一双小脚上也有两个钉痕。

  Thegiantrandownstairsexcitedly,wentoutandrantowardsthegarden.Heranacrossthegrassinahurrytothechild.Whenhecametothechild,heblushedandsaidangrily,"whodarestomakeyoulikethis?"Therearetwonailmarksonthepalmofthechildssmallhandsandtwonailmarksonhissmallfeet.

  “谁敢把你弄成这样?”巨人吼道,“告诉我,我去取我的长剑把他杀死。”

  "Whodarestomakeyoulikethis?"Thegiantroared,"tellme,Illgetmyswordandkillhim."

  “不要!”孩子回答说,“这些都是爱的烙印啊。”

  "No!"Thechildreplied,"theseareallmarksoflove."

  “你是谁?”巨人说着,心中油然生出一种奇特的敬畏之情。他一下子跪在小男孩的面前。

  "Whoareyou?"Thegiantsaidwithastrangeaweinhisheart.Hekneltdowninfrontofthelittleboy.

  小男孩面带笑容地看着巨人说道:“你让我在你的花园中玩过一次。今天我要带你去我的花园,那就是天堂。”

  Thelittleboylookedatthegiantwithasmileandsaid,"youaskedmetoplayinyourgardenonce.TodayImgoingtotakeyoutomygarden.Thatsheaven."

  那天下午孩子们跑进花园的时候,他们看见巨人躺在那棵树下,已经死了,满身都盖着白花。

  Whenthechildrenranintothegardenthatafternoon,theysawthegiantlyingunderthetree,deadandcoveredwithwhiteflowers.

  王尔德童话英文版篇3

  在加冕典礼的前一天晚上,年轻的国王独自一人坐在他那间漂亮的房子里。他的大臣们按照当时的礼节,头朝地向他鞠了躬,便告辞而去。他们来到皇宫的大厅中,向礼节教授学习最后的几堂课,因为他们当中有几个人的举止还没有经过教化,不用说,这是很不礼貌的事情。

  Thenightbeforethecoronation,theyoungkingwassittingaloneinhisbeautifulhouse.Hisministersbowedtohimheadtoheadinaccordancewiththeetiquetteofthetimeandleft.TheycametothehallofthepalacetolearnthelastfewlessonsfromtheetiquetteProfessor,becausesomeofthemhadnotyetbeentaughthowtobehave.Needlesstosay,itwasveryimpolite.

  这位少年--他仅仅是个少年,不过才十六岁--对他们的离去一点也不觉得难过。他把身体向后靠去,坐在他那绣花沙发的软垫上,长长地舒了一口气,躺了下去,睁着两眼,张着嘴,真像一位褐色的林地农牧神,或一只被猎人刚刚抓获的森林中的小动物。

  Theboy-hewasonlyaboy,butonlysixteenyearsold-wasnotatallsorryfortheirdeparture.Heleanedback,satonthecushionofhisembroideredsofa,tookalongbreath,andlaydownwithhiseyesopenandhismouthopen.ItwaslikeabrownwoodlandGodorasmallanimalintheforestjustcapturedbyahunter.

  说来也巧,他正是猎人们找到的,他们遇到他也差不多是凭运气。当时他光着脚,手里拿着笛子,正跟在把他养大的穷牧羊人的羊群后面,而且他一直把自己看作穷牧羊人的儿子。他的母亲原来是老国王的独生女儿。她偷偷地恋上了一个比她地位低得多的人一一有人说,那人是外地来的,他用笛子吹出魔术般的美妙声音,使年轻的公主钟情于他;另外有人说他是来自意大利里米尼的艺术家,公主对他很器重,也许是太看重他了。他不知怎的突然间从城市里消失了,他那幅没有完成的作品还留在大教堂里--那时小孩才一个星期大,他就从熟睡的孩子母亲身边偷偷抱走孩子,交给一对普通的农家夫妇去照管。这对夫妇自己没有孩子,住在密林的深处,从城里骑马要一天才能到达。不知是像宫廷的御医所宣布的那样因为悲伤过度,或者是像一些人所谈论的那样喝了放在香料酒中的一种意大利急性毒药,反正那位给予这孩子生命的苍白的少女在不到一小时的时间内就死去了。一位忠诚的差人带着孩子跨上马鞍走了,当他从疲惫的马背上俯下身来敲响牧羊人小茅屋简陋的房门时,公主的尸体正被下葬于一个打开的墓穴中,这个墓穴就挖在一个荒凉的教堂墓地里,那里靠近城门。据说在那个墓穴里还躺着另一具尸体,他是一位非常英俊的外地男人,他的双手被反绑着,打了个绳结,胸膛上留着好多血淋淋的伤口。

  Coincidentally,thehuntersfoundhim,andtheymethimalmostbyluck.Atthattime,barefootandfluteinhand,hewasfollowingthesheepofthepoorshepherdwhoraisedhim,andhealwaysregardedhimselfasthesonofthepoorshepherd.Hismotherturnedouttobetheonlydaughteroftheoldking.Shesecretlyfellinlovewithapersonwhowasmuchlowerthanher.Somepeoplesaidthatthemanwasfromotherplaces.Heplayedmagicsoundswithhisflute,whichmadetheyoungprincessfallinlovewithhim.OtherssaidthathewasanartistfromRimini,Italy,andtheprincessvaluedhimverymuch,perhapstoomuch.Hesuddenlydisappearedfromthecity,andhisunfinishedworkwasstillinthecathedral-whenthechildwasonlyaweekold,hesecretlytookthechildawayfromhissleepingmotherandgaveittoanordinarypeasantcouple.Thecouple,whohavenochildrenoftheirown,livedeepinthedenseforest,andittakesadaytogetthereonhorsebackfromthecity.Idontknowifitwasbecauseofexcessivegrief,asannouncedbytheroyaldoctorofthecourt,orakindofacuteItalianpoisonputinthespicewine,assomepeoplehavetalkedabout.Anyway,thepalegirlwhogavethechildlifediedinlessthananhour.Aloyalservantandhischildgotonthesaddleandleft.Whenhebentdownfromhistiredhorseandknockedonthedooroftheshepherdshut,theprincesssbodywasburiedinanopengrave,whichwasduginadesolatechurchyardnearthecitygate.Itissaidthatthereisanothercorpselyinginthattomb.Heisaveryhandsomemanfromotherplaces.Hishandsaretiedbackandtiedwithaknot.Therearemanybloodywoundsonhischest.

  至少,这正是人们私下悄悄相互传递的说法。然而令人确信的是老国王在临终时,不知是由于对自己犯下的大罪而悔恨,或是仅仅因为希望自己的王国不至于落入外人之手,就派人去找回那个少年,并当着宫中大臣的面,承认少年为自己的继位人。

  That,atleast,iswhatpeoplearewhisperingtoeachotherinprivate.However,itiscertainthatwhentheoldkingwasdying,hedidnotknowwhetherheregrettedhisgreatsin,orjustbecausehehopedthathiskingdomwouldnotfallintothehandsofoutsiders,sohesentsomeonetoretrievetheyoungmanandadmittedhimashissuccessorinfrontoftheministersinthepalace.

  似乎就从少年被承认的那一刻起,他就表现出了对美丽事物的极大热情,这便注定了将对他的一生起到巨大的影响。那些陪伴他到预备的房间侍候他休息的仆人,常常讲起当他看见那些华丽的服装和贵重宝石时会兴奋地大叫起来,并且在脱去身上的粗皮衣和粗羊皮外套时简直是欣喜若狂。有时候他确也很怀念他那段自由自在的森林生活,且始终都对占去一天大部分时间的繁杂的宫廷礼节感到忿懑,但这却是座富丽的宫殿--人们把它叫做“逍遥宫”--此刻他一下子成了它的主人,对他来说,这就像是一个专为取悦他而新建成的时髦的新世界;只要他能够从议会厅或会见室里逃出来,他便会跑下那立着镀金铜狮的亮闪闪的斑岩石大台阶,从一个屋子转到另一个屋子,又从一条走廊来到另一条走廊,好像要一个人在美中间找到一付止痛药,或一种治病的良方似的。

  Itseemsthatfromthemomentwhenhewasadmitted,heshowedgreatenthusiasmforbeautifulthings,whichwasdestinedtohaveagreatimpactonhislife.Theservantswhoaccompaniedhimtothepreparedroomtowaitforhimtorestoftentalkedabouthowexcitedhewouldshoutwhenhesawthegorgeousclothesandpreciousstones,andhowecstatichewaswhenhetookoffhiscoarseleathercoatandcoarsesheepskincoat.Sometimeshedidmisshisfreeforestlife,andalwaysresentedthecomplicatedcourtetiquettethattookupmostoftheday,butitwasabeautifulpalace-peoplecalleditthe"carefreePalace"-andnowhebecameitsmaster,andtohim,itwaslikeafashionablenewworldbuilttopleasehim,aslongashecouldIfhecouldescapefromthechamberofParliamentorthemeetingroom,hewouldrundowntheshiningstepsofthespottedrockwiththegildedbronzelion,fromoneroomtoanother,andfromonecorridortoanother,asifoneweretofindapainkilleroracureinbeauty.

  对于这种充满新发现的旅行,这是他对此的称谓--说真的,对他来说这可是真正地在神境中漫游了。有时候会有几位身着披风飘着艳丽丝带的金发宫廷侍卫陪伴着;但更多的时候,他常常是一个人,凭着感觉上的某种敏捷的本能,这差不多是一种先见之明吧,把握到艺术的秘密最好是在秘密中求得,况且美也同智慧一样,钟爱的是孤独的崇拜者。

  Forthisjourneyfullofnewdiscoveries,thisiswhathecallsit-really,forhim,itsarealwanderinginthedivinerealm.SometimestherewillbeseveralgoldenhairedpalaceguardsinCapewithgorgeousribbons;butmostofthetime,heisoftenaperson,withasenseofsomequickinstinct,whichisalmostakindofforesight.Tograspthesecretofart,itisbesttoseekitinsecret.Besides,beauty,likewisdom,islovedbylonelyadmirers.

  这段时期里流传着很多有关他的奇闻怪事。据说有一位胖乎乎的市政长官,代表全城市民出来发表了一大通华丽堂皇的言论,还说他看见他十分崇敬地跪在一幅刚从威尼斯带来的巨画面前,似乎要捍卫对新的众神的崇拜。还有那么一次他失踪了好几个小时,费了好大劲人们才在宫殿内北边小塔的一间小屋里找到了他,他正痴呆呆地凝视着一块刻有美少年阿多尼斯像的希腊宝石。还有人传说亲眼见他用自己的热唇去吻一座大理石古雕像的前额,那座古雕像是人们在修建石桥时在河床中发现的,除像上还刻着罗马皇帝哈得里安所拥有的俾斯尼亚国奴隶的名字。他还花了一整夜时间去观察月光照在安地民银像上的各种变化。

  Duringthisperiod,thereweremanyanecdotesabouthim.ItissaidthatachubbyCitymagistratecameoutonbehalfofthewholecityandmadeamagnificentspeech.HealsosaidthathesawhimkneelingreverentlyinfrontofagiantpaintingjustbroughtfromVenice,asiftodefendtheworshipofthenewgods.Therewasanothertimewhenhedisappearedforseveralhours.IttookalotofeffortforpeopletofindhiminasmallroomintheNorthTowerofthepalace.HewasstaringataGreekgemengravedwiththestatueofAdonis.Itisalsosaidthatheusedhishotlipstokisstheforeheadofanancientmarblestatue,whichwasfoundintheriverbedwhenpeoplebuiltastonebridge.Inadditiontothestatue,thenameofbisnianslavesownedbyRomanemperorHadrianwasengravedonit.Healsospentthewholenightobservingthechangesofthemoonlightonthesilverstatueofandimin.

  一切稀罕的和昂贵的东西对他的确都有极大的吸引力,使他急切地想得到它们。为此他派出了许多商人,有的被派往北海,向那里的穷渔夫购买琥珀,有的到埃及去找寻那些只有在法老的墓穴中才能找到的绿宝石,据说这种宝石具有非同一般的魔力,还有的去波斯收购丝绒编织的地毯和彩陶,另外很多人就去印度采购薄纱和着色的象牙,月亮宝石和翡翠手镯,檀香和蓝色珐琅以及细毛织披巾。

  Alltherareandexpensivethingshadagreatattractionforhim,andmadehimeagertogetthem.Forthisreason,hesentmanymerchants,someofwhomweresenttotheNorthSeatobuyamberfrompoorfishermenthere,someofwhomwenttoEgypttofindemeraldsthatcouldonlybefoundinthetombsofthePharaohs.Itissaidthattheseemeraldshaveextraordinarymagicpower.SomeofthemwenttoPersiatobuyVelvetcarpetsandpaintedpottery.ManyotherswenttoIndiatobuytulleandcoloredivoryandthemoonJewelryandemeraldbracelets,sandalwoodandblueenamel,andfinewoolwovenshawls.

  然而,最让他费心的还是在他登位加冕时穿的长袍。长袍是金线织的,另外还有嵌满了红宝石的王冠以及那根挂着一串串珍珠的权杖。其实,他今晚所想的就是这个,当时他躺在奢华的沙发上,望着大块的松木在壁炉中慢慢地燃尽。它们都是由那个时代最著名的艺术家亲手设计的,设计式样也早在几个月前就呈交给他过目了,他也下了命令要求工匠们不分昼夜地把它们赶制出来,还让人去满世界找寻那些能够配得上他们手艺的珠宝。他在想象中看见自己穿着华贵的皇袍站在大教堂中高高的祭坛上,他那孩子气的嘴唇上露出了笑容,那双森林人特有的黑眼睛也放射出明亮的光芒。

  However,whatbotheredhimmostwastherobeheworewhenhewascrowned.Therobewasmadeofgoldthread,withacrowninlaidwithrubiesandascepterwithstringsofpearls.Infact,thatswhathewasthinkingabouttonight,whenhewaslyingontheluxurioussofaandwatchingthehugepinewoodslowlyburnoutinthefireplace.Theywerealldesignedbythemostfamousartistsofthatera,andthedesignpatternsweresubmittedtohimafewmonthsago.Healsoorderedthecraftsmentodrivethemoutdayandnight,andsentpeopleallovertheworldtolookforjewelryworthyoftheircraftsmanship.Inhisimagination,hesawhimselfstandingonthehighaltarinthecathedralinhisroyalrobe.Hischildishlipsweresmiling,andhisdarkeyeswereshiningbrightly.

  过了一会儿他站起身来,靠在壁炉顶部雕花的庇檐上,目光环视着灯光昏暗的屋子。四周的墙上挂着代表“美的胜利”的华丽装饰物。一个大衣橱,上面嵌着玛瑙和琉璃,把一个墙角给填满了。面对窗户立着一个异常别致的柜子,上面的漆格层不是镀了金粉就是镶着金片,格层上摆放着一些精美的威尼斯玻璃高脚酒杯,还有一个黑纹玛瑙大杯子。绸子的床单上绣着一些浅白的花,它们好像是从睡眠的倦手中撒落下来的。刻有条形凹槽的高大的象牙柱撑起天鹅绒的华盖,华盖上面大簇的驼鸟毛像白色泡沫一般地向上伸展,一直达到银白色的回文装饰屋顶上。用青铜做的美少年纳西苏斯像满脸笑容地用双手举起一面亮光光的镜子。桌上放着一个紫晶做的平底盆。

  Afterawhile,hegotupandleanedagainstthecarvedeavesatthetopofthefireplace,lookingaroundthedimlylitroom.Onthewallsaroundthemareornateornamentsrepresenting"victoryofbeauty".Alargewardrobe,inlaidwithagateandglass,filledacorner.Facingthewindowstandsanunusualcabinet,onwhichthepaintgridlayeriseitherplatedwithgoldpowderorinlaidwithgoldflakes.OnthegridlayeraresomeexquisiteVenetianglassgobletsandalargeblackagatecup.Therearesomewhitepoppiesembroideredonthesilksheets.Theyseemtofallfromthetiredhandsofsleep.Thelargeivorycolumnswithstripedgroovessupportthevelvetcanopy,andthelargeostrichhaironthetopofthecanopyextendsupwardlikewhitefoam,reachingthesilverywhitepalindromedecoratedroof.ThebeautifulyoungNarcissus,madeofbronze,holdsupabrightmirrorwithbothhandswithasmileonhisface.ThereisaflatbottombasinmadeofAmethystonthetable.

  窗外,他可以看见教堂的大圆顶,隐隐约约的像个气泡浮动在阴暗的房屋上面。无精打采的哨兵们在靠近河边的雾蒙蒙的阳台上来回地走着。在远处的一座果园里,一只夜莺在唱歌。一缕浅浅的茉莉花香从开着的窗户飘了进来。他把自己的棕色卷发从前额朝后掠去,随后拿起一只琵琶,让手指随便地在弦上拨弄着。他的眼皮沉重地往下垂去,一股莫名的倦意袭上身来。在这以前他从来没有这么强烈地并且是如此兴奋地感受到美的东西的魔力和神秘。

  Outsidethewindow,hecouldseethedomeofthechurch,floatinglikeabubbleonthedarkhouse.Listlesssentinelswalkedupanddownthemistybalconyneartheriver.Inanorchardinthedistance,anightingaleissinging.Alightscentofjasminewaftedinthroughtheopenwindow.Heswepthisbrowncurlsbackfromhisforehead,thenpickedupaluteandlethisfingersplayonthestring.Hiseyelidsdroppeddownheavily,andaninexplicablewearinesscameoverhim.Beforethat,hehadneverfeltthemagicandmysteryofbeautysostronglyandexcitedly.

  钟楼传来午夜钟声的时候,他按了一下铃,仆人们进来了,按繁杂的礼节为他脱去袍子,并往他手上洒上玫瑰香水,在他的枕头上撒上鲜花。待他们退出房间后没多久,他就入睡了。

  Whentheclockstruckmidnight,herangthebell,andtheservantscamein,strippedhimofhisgown,andsprinkledroseperfumeonhishands,andsprinkledflowersonhispillow.Notlongaftertheylefttheroom,hefellasleep.

  他睡着后做了一个梦,梦是这样的:

  Afterhefellasleep,hehadadream.Itwaslikethis:

  他觉得自己正站在一间又长又矮的阁楼里,四周是一片织布机的转动声和敲击声。微弱的光线透过格栅窗射了进来,使他看见了那些俯在织机台上工作的织工们憔悴的身影。一些面带病容脸色苍白的孩子们蹲在巨大的横梁上而。每当梭子飞快地穿过经线的时候,织工们便把沉重的箱座抬起,梭子一停下来又立即放下筘座,把线压在一起。他们的脸上露出饥饿难忍的表情,一双双干枯的手不停地震动着,颤抖着。一些赢弱的妇女坐在一张桌边做着缝纫。房间里充满了刺鼻的臭气,空气既污浊又沉闷,四壁因潮湿而滴水不止。

  Hefeltthathewasstandinginalong,lowattic,surroundedbythespinningandknockingoflooms.Thefaintlightcamethroughthegratingwindow,makinghimseethegauntfiguresoftheweaversworkingontheloomtable.Somesickandpalechildrensquattedonthehugebeamsanddied.Whenevertheshuttlefliesthroughthewarp,theweaversliftuptheheavyboxseat.Assoonastheshuttlestops,theyimmediatelyputdownthereedandpressthethreadtogether.Theirfaceswerehungry,andtheirdryhandswereshakingandshaking.Someweakwomensatatatablesewing.Theroomwasfullofpungentodor,theairwasdirtyanddreary,andthewallsweredrippingwithmoisture.

  年轻的国王来到一位织工跟前,看着他工作。

  Theyoungkingcametoaweaverandwatchedhimwork.

  织工却怒冲冲地望着他说,“你为什么老看着我?你是不是主人派来监视我们干活的探子?”

  Theweaverlookedathimangrilyandsaid,"whydoyoualwayslookatme?Areyouthespyourmastersenttowatchourwork

  “谁是你们的主人?”年轻的国王问道。

  "Whoisyourmaster?"Askedtheyoungking.

  “我们的主人!”织工痛苦地大声说,“他是跟我一样的人。其实,我和他之间就这么点区别--他穿漂亮的衣服而我总是破衣烂衫,我饿得骨瘦如柴,他却饱得难受。”

  "Ourmaster!"Criedtheweaverbitterly,"hesjustlikeme.Infact,theresonlyonedifferencebetweenhimandme-hewearsbeautifulclothes,butImalwaysinrags,Imsohungryandskinny,buthessofull."

  “这是个自由的国家,”年轻的国王说,“你不是任何人的奴隶。”

  "Thisisafreecountry,"saidtheyoungking."Youarenotaslavetoanyone."

  “战争时代,”织工回答说,“强者把弱者变为奴隶,而在和平年代富人把穷人变成奴隶。我们必须靠干活来糊口,可是他们给的工资少得可怜,我们会给饿死的。我们整天为他们做苦役,他们的箱子里堆满了黄金,我们的子女还未长大成人就夭折了,我们所爱的那些人的脸变得愁苦而凶恶。我们榨出的葡萄汁,却让别人去品尝。我们种出的谷物,却不能端上我们的饭桌。我们戴着枷锁,尽管它们是无形的;而我们是奴隶,虽然人们说我们是自由人。”

  "Intheageofwar,"repliedtheweaver,"thestrongturntheweakintoslaves,whileintheageofpeacetherichturnthepoorintoslaves.Wehavetoworktomakealiving,buttheirwagesaresosmallthatwewillstarvetodeath.Wetoilforthemallday,theirboxesarefullofgold,ourchildrendiebeforetheygrowup,andthefacesofthosewelovebecomesadandferocious.Wesqueezeoutthegrapejuice,butletotherstasteit.Thegrainwegrowcantbebroughttoourtable.Wewearshackles,thoughtheyareinvisible;Andweareslaves,thoughpeoplesaywearefreemen."

  “所有的人都是这样的吗?”年轻的国王问道。

  "Isthatallofus?"Askedtheyoungking.

  “所有的人都这祥,”织工答道,“不论是年轻的或是年老的,不管是男人或是女人,小孩子或是终年艰辛的人们都一样。商人们压榨我们,我们还得照他们的话去做。牧师们骑马从我们身边走过,口中不停地数着念珠,没有一个人关心我们。穷困张着饥饿的双眼爬过阴暗的小巷,罪恶带着他的酒精面孔紧随其后。早晨唤醒我们的是悲痛,晚上伴我们入睡的是耻辱。但是这些与你有什么关系?你又不是我们中的一员。你的神情是多么的快乐啊!,说完他满脸不高兴地转过头去,并把梭子穿过织机,年轻的国王看见梭子上面织出的是一根金线。

  "Allthepeoplearelucky,"theweaverreplied,"whethertheyareyoungorold,whethertheyaremenorwomen,childrenorpeoplewhoarehardalltheyearround.Themerchantsoppressus,andwehavetodowhattheysay.Thepriestsrodepastus,countingtheirrosarybeads.Noonecaredaboutus.Povertycrawledthroughthedarkalleywithhungryeyes,followedbysinwithhisalcoholicface.Itisgriefthatwakesusupinthemorning,andshamethataccompaniesustosleepatnight.Butwhatdoesthathavetodowithyou?Yourenotoneofus.Howhappyyoulook!Thenheturnedhisheadandputtheshuttlethroughtheloom.Theyoungkingsawthatapieceofgoldthreadwaswovenontheshuttle.

  他心中猛地一惊,赶紧问织工,“你织的是什么袍子?”

  Hewasstartledandaskedtheweaver,"whatkindofRobeareyouweaving?"

  “这是年轻的国王加冕时穿的袍子,”他回答说,“你问这干什么?”

  "Thisistherobethattheyoungkingworewhenhewascrowned,"hereplied."Whatareyouaskingaboutthis?"

  这时年轻的国王大叫一声便醒了,天啊!他原来是在自己的房间里,透过窗户他看见蜜色的大月亮正挂在熹微的天空上。

  Thentheyoungkingwokeupwithacry,myGod!Hewasinhisroom.Throughthewindow,hesawthebighoneymoonhanginginthedimsky.

  他又一次睡着了,再次做起了梦,梦是这样的:

  Hefellasleepagainandhadadreamagain.Thedreamwaslikethis:

  他觉得自己躺在一艘大帆船的甲板上面,一百个奴隶在为船划桨。船长就坐在他身边的地毯上。他黑得像一块乌木,头巾是深江色的丝绸做的。厚厚的耳垂上挂着一对硕大的银耳坠,他的手中象着一架象牙天平。

  Hefelthimselflyingonthedeckofasailboat,withahundredslavesrowingforit.Thecaptainwassittingonthecarpetnexttohim.Hewasasblackasebony,andhisturbanwasmadeofdeepriversilk.Onhisthickearlobehungapairofhugetremella,andhishandslookedlikeanivorybalance.

  奴隶们除了腰间的一块破烂的遮羞布外,全身上下光溜溜的,每个人都与旁边的另一个锁在一起。骄阳热辣辣地射在他们身上,黑人们在过道上跑来跑去的,同时皮鞭不停地抽打在他们身上。他们伸出干枯的双臂往水中划动着沉重的桨。咸咸的海水从桨上飞溅起来。

  Theslaveswereallnakedexceptforaragontheirwaist.Everyonewaslockedwiththeotheronebesidethem.Thehotsunshotatthem,andtheblackpeopleranupanddowntheaisle,whilethewhipkeptbeatingthem.Theystretchedouttheirdryarmsandpaddledheavyoarsintothewater.Saltywatersplashedfromtheoars.

  最后他们来到一个小港湾,并开始测量水的深度。一阵微风从岸上吹来,给甲板和大三角帆上蒙上了一层细细的红沙。三个阿拉伯人骑着野毛驴赶来朝他们投来标枪。船长拿起一张弓,射中了他们其中一人的咽喉。他重重地跌进了海浪之中,他的同伴也仓皇逃占。一位面蒙黄色纱巾的女子骑着骆驼慢慢地跟在后面,还不时地回头看看那具死尸。

  Finallytheycametoasmallharborandbegantomeasurethedepthofthewater.Abreezefromtheshorecoveredthedeckandthesailwithfineredsand.ThreeArabscameonwilddonkeysandshotatthem.Thecaptaintookabowandshotoneoftheminthethroat.Hefellheavilyintothewaves,andhiscompanionsfled.Awomanwithayellowscarfonherfacewasslowlyfollowingheronacamel,andfromtimetotimeshelookedbackatthedeadbody.

  黑人们抛了锚,降下了帆,纷纷来到舱底下,拿出一根长长的吊梯来,梯下绑着铅锤。船长把绳梯从船侧扔下去,把梯的两端系在两根铁柱上面。这时,黑人们抓住一位最年轻的奴隶,打开了他的脚镣,并往他的鼻孔和耳朵里灌满蜡,还在他的腰间捆上了一块石头。他疲惫地爬下绳梯,便消失在海水中了。在他入水的地方冒出了几个水泡。另外一些奴隶在一旁好奇地张望着。在船头上坐着一位驱赶鲨鱼的人,他在单调不停地击着鼓。

  TheNegroesdroppedtheiranchors,loweredtheirsails,andcametothebottomofthecabinoneafteranother.Theytookoutalongladderwithaplumbunderit.Thecaptaindroppedtheropeladderfromthesideoftheshipandtieditstwoendstotwoironpillars.Atthistime,theNegroesseizedoneoftheyoungestslaves,openedhisshackles,filledhisnostrilsandearswithwax,andtiedastonearoundhiswaist.Tired,heclimbeddowntheropeladderanddisappearedintothesea.Therewereseveralblisterswherehewentintothewater.Otherslaveslookedcuriously.Onthebowsatasharkdriver,drummingmonotonously.

  过了一会儿潜水者从水中冒了上来,喘着粗气攀梯而上,右手拿着一颗珍珠。黑人们从他手中夺去珍珠,又把他抛到海里。而奴隶们已靠在桨旁入睡了。

  Afterawhile,thedivercameupfromthewater,pantingandclimbinguptheladder,withapearlinhisrighthand.TheblackmentookthePearlfromhimandthrewhimintothesea.Andtheslaveshadfallenasleepbytheoars.

  他上来了一次又一次,每次都带上一颗美丽的珍珠。船长把珍珠都过了秤,并把它们放进一只绿色皮革的小袋子中。

  Hecameupagainandagain,eachtimewithabeautifulpearl.Thecaptainweighedthepearlsandputthemintoasmallgreenleatherbag.

  年轻的国王想说点什么,可是他的舌头好像给粘在了上牙齿后面,他的嘴唇也动弹不了。黑人们在彼此谈着话,并开始为一串明珠争吵起来。两只白鹤围绕着帆船飞个不停。

  Theyoungkingwantedtosaysomething,buthistongueseemedtostickbehindhisupperteeth,andhislipscouldnotmove.Theblackpeopleweretalkingtoeachotherandbegantoquarreloverastringofpearls.Twowhitecranesareflyingaroundthesailboat.

  这时潜水者最后一次冒出水来,带上来的珍珠比奥马兹岛所有的珍珠都要美,因为它的形状如同一轮满月,白得超过了晨星的颜色。不过他的脸却苍白异常,他一头倒在甲板上,鲜血立即从他的耳朵和鼻孔中迸射而出。他只是颤抖了一下就再也动弹不了啦。黑人们耸耸肩,把他的尸体抛向船舷外的海水中。

  Atthistime,thedivercameoutofthewaterforthelasttime,andthePearlhebroughtwasmorebeautifulthanallthepearlsinomazIsland,becauseitwaslikeafullmooninshape,anditwaswhiterthanthecolorofthemorningstar.Buthisfacewasverypale.Hefellonthedeck,andbloodburstoutofhisearsandnostrils.Hejustshiveredandcouldntmoveanymore.TheNegroesshruggedandthrewhisbodyoverboard.

  船长笑了,他伸出手去拿起那颗珍珠,他一边看着它,一边把它放在自己的前额上并鞠了一个躬。“它应该用来,”他说,“用来装饰年轻的国王的权杖。”说完他朝黑人们打了个手势示意起锚。

  Thecaptainlaughed.HereachedoutandpickedupthePearl.Ashelookedatit,heputitonhisforeheadandbowed."Itshouldbeused,"hesaid,"todecoratetheyoungkingsscepter."Thenhemadeasigntotheblackpeopletolifttheanchor.

  年轻的国王听到这里,突然大叫一声,便醒了过来,透过窗户,他看见那些破晓的长手指正在摘取衰弱的繁星。

  Whentheyoungkingheardthis,hesuddenlycriedoutandwokeup.Throughthewindow,hesawthelongfingersofdawnpickinguptheweakstars.

  他再一次入睡了,做了梦,梦是这样的:

  Hefellasleepagainandhadadream.Thedreamwaslikethis:

  他觉得自己正徘徊在一个阴森森的树林中,树上悬挂着奇形的果子和美丽而有毒的鲜花。他经过的地方,毒蛇朝他嘶嘶地叫着,羽毛华丽的鹦鹉尖叫着从一根树枝飞到另一个枝头上。巨大的乌龟躺在热乎乎的泥潭中睡大觉。树上到处都是猴子和孔雀。

  Hefeltthathewaswanderinginadarkforest,withstrangefruitsandbeautifulpoisonousflowershangingonit.Wherehepassed,theViperhissedathim,andtheGORGEOUSPARROTscreamedandflewfrombranchtobranch.Thegianttortoiseliesinthehotmudandsleeps.Therearemonkeysandpeacocksalloverthetree.

  他走着走着,一直来到树林的边缘,在那儿他看见有好大一群人在一条干枯的河床上做苦役。他们像蚂蚁般地蜂拥至岩石上。他们在地上挖了好些深洞,并下到洞里去。他们中的一些人用大斧头开山劈石,另一些人在沙滩上摸索着。他们连根拔起仙人掌,并踏过鲜红的花朵。他们忙来忙去,彼此叫喊着,没有一个人偷懒。

  Hewalkeduntilhecametotheedgeofthewoods,wherehesawalargegroupofpeopletoilingonadryriverbed.Theyswarmedtotherocklikeants.Theydugdeepholesinthegroundandwentdownintothem.Someofthemusebigaxestocutrocks,othersaregropingonthebeach.Theyuprootedthecactusandsteppedoverthebrightredflowers.Theywerebusy,shoutingateachother,andnoonewaslazy.

  死亡和贪婪从洞穴的阴暗处注视着他们,死亡开口说:“我已经疲倦了,把他们中的三分之一给我,我要走了。”

  Deathandgreedwatchedthemfromtheshadowsofthecave,anddeathsaid,"Imtired.Givemeathirdofthem.Imgoing."

  不过贪婪却摇了摇头。“他们是我的仆人,”她回答说。

  Butgreedshookhishead."Theyaremyservants,"shereplied.

  死亡对她说,“你手中拿的是什么东西?”

  Deathsaidtoher,"whatsinyourhand?"

  “我有三粒谷子,”她回答说,“那跟你有什么关系?”

  "Ihavethreegrainsofgrain,"shereplied."Whatdoesthathavetodowithyou?"

  “给我一粒,”死亡大声说,“去种在我的花园中,只要其中的一粒,我要走了。”

  "Givemeone,"crieddeath,"andplantitinmygarden.Justoneofthem,Illgo."

  “我什么也不会给你的,”贪婪说,说着她把手藏在自己衣服福边的里面。

  "Iwontgiveyouanything,"greedysaid,hidingherhandintheedgeofherdress.

  死亡笑了。他拿起一只杯子,并把它浸在水池中,等杯子出来时里面已生出了疟疾。疟疾从人群中走过,三分之一的人便倒下死去了。她的身后卷起一股寒气,她的身旁狂窜着无数条水蛇。

  Deathsmiles.Hepickedupacupanddippeditinthepool.Bythetimethecupcameout,therewasmalariainit.Malariapassedthroughthecrowd,andathirdofthemfelldownanddied.Acoldairrolledupbehindher,andcountlesswatersnakesranwildlybesideher.

  贪婪看见三分之一的人都死去了,便捶胸大哭起来。她捶打着自己干枯的胸膛,哭叫着说:“你杀死了我三分之一的仆人,你快走吧。在鞑靼人的山上正举行着一场战争,双方的国王都在呼唤你去。阿富汗人杀掉了黑牛,正开往前线。他们用长矛敲击着自己的盾牌,还戴上了铁盔。我的山谷对你有什么用,你没有必要呆在这儿吧?你快走吧,不要再到这儿来了。”

  Greedysawthatonethirdofthepeopleweredead,sohebeathischestandcried.Shebeatherdrychestandcried,"youhavekilledathirdofmyservants.Gonow.ThereisawargoingoninTatarsmountain.Thekingsofbothsidesarecallingforyou.TheAfghanshavekilledtheblackoxandareheadingtothefront.Theybeattheirshieldswithspearsandputontheirhelmets.WhatsmyValleyforyou?Youdonthavetostayhere,doyou?Goon,dontcomehereanymore."

  “不,”死亡回答说,“除非你再给我一粒谷子,否则我是不会走的。”

  "No,"replieddeath,"Iwontgounlessyougivemeanothergrain."

  贪婪一下子捏紧自己的手,牙齿也咬得紧绷绷的。“我不会给你任何东西的,”她喃喃地说。

  Greedclenchedhishandandclenchedhisteeth."Iwontgiveyouanything,"shemurmured.

  死亡笑了。他捡起一块黑色的石头,朝树林中扔去,从密林深处的野毒芹丛中走出了身穿火焰长袍的热病。她从人群中走过,去触摸他们,凡是被她碰着的人都死去了。她脚下踏过的青草也跟着枯萎了。

  Deathsmiles.Hepickedupablackstone,threwitintothewoods,andoutofthewildceleryinthedeepforestcamethefeverintheflamingrobe.Shewalkedthroughthecrowdandtouchedthem.Everyoneshetoucheddied.Thegrassunderherfeetwithered.

  贪婪颤抖起来,把泥土放在自己的头上。“你太残忍了,”她叫着说,“你太残忍了。在印度的好多城市里正闹着饥荒,撒马尔罕的蓄水池也干枯了。埃及的好多城市里也在闹饥荒,蝗虫也从沙漠飞来了。尼罗河水并没有冲上岸来,牧师们正痛骂他们自己的神爱西斯和阿西里斯。到那些需要你的人那儿去吧,放过我的仆人吧。”

  Greedtrembledandputtheearthonhishead."Youarecruel,"shecried."Youarecruel.ManycitiesinIndiaaresufferingfromfamine,andthereservoirsinSamarkandhavedriedup.ManycitiesinEgyptaresufferingfromfamine,andlocustsarecomingfromthedesert.TheNiledidnotcomeashore,andthepriestswerecursingtheirowngods,IsisandAsiris.Gotothosewhoneedyou,andletgoofmyservants

  “不,”死亡回答说,“除非你给我一粒谷子,否则我是不会离开的。”

  "No,"replieddeath,"Iwillnotleaveuntilyougivemeagrainofcorn."

  “我什么东西也不会给你,”贪婪说。

  "Iwontgiveyouanything,"greedysaid.

  死亡再一次笑了,他将手放在嘴上在指缝中吹了一声口哨,只见一个女人从空中飞来。她的额头上印着“瘟疫”两个字,一群饥饿的老鹰在她身旁飞旋着。她用巨大的翅膀蓝住了整个山谷,没有一个人能逃脱她的魔掌。

  Deathsmilesagain.Heputshishandonhismouthandwhistlesbetweenhisfingers.Awomancomesfromtheair.Theword"plague"wasprintedonherforehead,andagroupofhungryeagleswereflyingaroundher.Shelivedinthewholevalleywithherhugewings,andnoonecouldescapeher.

  贪婪尖叫着穿过树林逃走了,死亡跨上他那匹红色的大马也飞驰而去,他的马跑得比风还快。

  Greedyscreamedandranthroughthewoods,anddeathgallopedawayonhisredhorse,whichranfasterthanthewind.

  从山谷底部的稀泥中爬出无数条龙和有鳞甲的怪兽,一群胡狼也沿着沙滩跑来,并用鼻孔贪婪地吸着空气。

  Fromthemudatthebottomofthevalley,countlessdragonsandmonsterswithscalesemerged.Agroupofjackalsalsoranalongthebeachandsuckedtheairgreedilywiththeirnostrils.

  年轻的国王哭了,他说:“这些人是谁?他们在寻找什么东西?”

  Theyoungkingcriedandsaid,"whoarethesepeople?Whataretheylookingfor?"

  “国王王冠上的红宝石,”站在他身后的一个人说。

  "Therubyonthekingscrown,"saidamanstandingbehindhim.

  年轻的国王吃了一惊,转过头去,看见一个香客模样的人,那人手中拿着一面银镜。

  Surprised,theyoungkingturnedhisheadandsawapilgrimlikemanwithasilvermirrorinhishand.

  他脸色变得苍白起来,并开口问道:“哪一个国王?”

  Heturnedpaleandasked,"whichking?"

  香客回答说:“看着这面镜子,你会看见他的。”

  Thepilgrimreplied,"lookinthemirrorandyoullseehim."

  他朝镜子看去,见到的是他自己的面孔,他大叫了一声就惊醒了。灿烂的阳光泻入房屋,从外面花园和庭园的树上传来了鸟儿的歌唱。

  Helookedinthemirrorandsawhisownface.Hewokeupwithacry.Thebrightsunlightpouredintothehouse,andthebirdssangfromthetreesinthegardenandgardenoutside.

  宫廷大臣和文武百官走进房来向他行礼,侍者给他拿来用金线篇织的长袍,还把王冠和权杖放在他面前。

  Courtministersandcivilandmilitaryofficialscameintotheroomtosalutehim.Thewaiterbroughthimarobewovenwithgoldthread,andputthecrownandScepterinfrontofhim.

  年轻的国王看着它们,它们美极了,比他以前见过的任何东西都要美。然而他还记得自己做的梦,于是便对大臣们说:“把这些东西都拿走,我不会穿戴它们的。”

  Theyoungkinglookedatthem.Theyweresobeautiful,morebeautifulthananythinghehadeverseenbefore.Butherememberedhisdream,sohesaidtotheministers,"takeallthesethingsaway.Iwontwearthem."

  群臣都感到很惊讶,有些人甚至笑了,因为他们认为国王是在开玩笑。

  Theministersweresurprised,andsomeevenlaughed,becausetheythoughtthekingwasjoking.

  可是他再次严肃地对他们说:“把这些东西都拿开,不要让我见到它们。虽然今天是我加冕的日子,但是我不会穿戴它们的。因为我的这件长袍是在忧伤的织机上用痛苦的苍白的双手织出来的。红宝石的心是用鲜血染红的。珍珠的心上有死亡的阴影。”接着他对他们讲述了自己的三个梦。

  Buthesaidtothemseriouslyagain,"takeallthesethingsawayanddontletmeseethem.Althoughtodayismycoronationday,Iwillnotwearthem.Becausethisrobeofmineiswovenontheloomofsadnesswithpalehandsofpain.Rubysheartisredwithblood.ThereisashadowofdeathinthePearlsheartThenhetoldthemabouthisthreedreams.

  大臣们听完故事后,互相对视着,低声交谈说:“他一定是疯了,梦还不就是梦吗,幻觉只不过是幻觉罢了,它们不是真的,用不着在意。再说,那些为我们做工的人的生命又与我们有什么相干的?难道一个人没有看见播种就不能吃面包,没有与种葡萄的人交谈过就不能喝葡萄酒了吗?”宫廷大臣对年轻的国王说道:“陛下,我恳求您把这些忧伤的念头抛开,穿上这件美丽的袍子,戴上这顶王冠吧。如果您不穿上王袍,人民怎么会知道您就是国王呢?”

  Afterlisteningtothestory,theministerslookedateachotherandwhispered,"hemustbecrazy.Dreamsaredreams.Hallucinationsarejusthallucinations.Theyarenotreal.Dontcare.Besides,whatdoesthelifeofthosewhoworkforushavetodowithus?Cantamaneatbreadwithoutseeingtheseed,ordrinkwinewithouttalkingtothegrapegrowers?"Thecourtministersaidtotheyoungking,"YourMajesty,Ibegyoutoputthesesadthoughtsasideandputonthisbeautifulrobeandcrown.Ifyoudontputonyourrobe,howcanthepeopleknowthatyouaretheking?"

  年轻的国王望着他。“真是这样吗?”他问道,“如果我不穿王袍,他们就不会知道我是国王了吗?”

  Theyoungkinglookedathim."Isthatso?"Heasked,"ifIdidntweararoyalrobe,wouldnttheyknowIwasking?"

  “他们不会认识您的,陛下,”宫廷大臣大声说。

  "Theywillnotknowyou,yourmajesty,"criedthecourtminister.

  “我从前还以为真有那么一些带帝王之相的人,”年轻的国王回答说,“不过也许正如你所说的,然而我还是不穿这身长袍,而且也不戴这顶王冠,我要像进宫时的那样走出宫去。”

  "Iusedtothinkthatthereweresomepeoplewiththeappearanceofemperors,"theyoungkingreplied,"butmaybe,asyousaid,Istilldontwearthisrobe,andIdontwearthiscrown.IwanttogooutofthepalaceasIdidwhenIenteredthepalace."

  然后他吩咐他们都离去,只留一个侍者来陪他,这个侍者的年中洗了个澡,打开一个上了漆的箱子,从箱中他拿出皮衣和粗羊皮外套,这些都是当年他在山腰上放羊时穿过的。他穿上它们,手里又拿起那根粗大的牧羊杖。

  Thenhetoldthemtoleave,leavingonlyonewaitertoaccompanyhim.Thewaitertookabathinthemiddleoftheyear,openedapaintedbox,andfromtheboxhetookouthisfurcoatandcoarsesheepskincoat,whichhehadwornwhenhewasherdingsheeponthehillside.Heputthemonandpickedupthebigshepherdsstickinhishand.

  这位小侍者吃惊地睁大一双蓝色的眼睛,笑着对他说:“陛下,我看见你的长袍和权杖,可你的王冠在哪儿?”

  Thelittlewaiteropenedhisblueeyeswideinsurpriseandsaidtohimwithasmile,"YourMajesty,Iseeyourrobeandscepter,butwhereisyourcrown?"

  年轻的国王从攀附在阳台上的野荆棘上折下一枝,把它弯曲成一个圆圈,放在了自己的头上。

  Theyoungkingtookabranchfromthewildbrambleonthebalcony,bentitintoacircleandputitonhishead.

  “这就是我的王冠,”他回答说。

  "Thisismycrown,"hereplied.

  这样穿戴好后,他走出房间来到大厅中,显贵们都在那儿等着他。

  Whenhewasdressedinthisway,hewentoutoftheroomtothehall,wherethedignitarieswerewaitingforhim.

  显贵们觉得很可笑,他们中有的人还对他叫道:“陛下,臣民们等着见他们的国王,而您却让他们看到了一位乞丐。”另有一些人怒气冲冲地说:“他使我们的国家蒙羞,不配做我们的主人。”然而,他对他们一言不发,只是朝前走去,走下明亮的斑岩石阶,出了青铜大门,骑上自己的坐骑,朝教堂奔去,小侍者跟在他身旁跑着。

  Thedignitariesthoughtitridiculous,andsomeofthemevencriedtohim,"YourMajesty,thesubjectsarewaitingtoseetheirking,butyoushowthemabeggar."Otherssaidangrily,"hehasdisgracedourcountryandisnotworthytobeourmaster."However,withoutsayingawordtothem,hejustwalkedforward,downthebrightporphyrysteps,outofthebronzegate,mountedhishorse,andrantothechurch,withthewaiterrunningbesidehim.

  百姓们笑了,他们说:“骑马走过的是国王的小丑。”他们嘲笑着他。

  Thepeoplelaughedandsaid,"itsthekingsclownwhorodeby."Theylaughedathim.

  而他却勒住马缅,开口说道:“不,我就是国王。”于是他把自己的三个梦讲给了他们听。

  ButhestoppedMamunandsaid,"no,Iamtheking."Sohetoldthemhisthreedreams.

  一个人从人群中走出,他痛苦地对国王说道:“皇上,你不知道穷人的生活是从富人的奢侈中得来的吗?就是靠你们的富有我们才得以生存,是你们的恶习给我们带来了面包。给一个严厉的主子干活是很艰苦的,但若没有主子要我们于活那会更艰苦。你以为乌鸦会养活我们吗?对这些事你会有什么良方吗?你会对买主说,‘你要用这么多钱来买’,而同时又对卖主说,‘你要以这个价格卖’吗?我敢说你不会。所以回到你自己的宫中去,穿上你的高贵紫袍吧。你和我们以及我们遭受的痛苦有什么相干的?”

  Amancameoutofthecrowdandsaidtothekingbitterly,"emperor,dontyouknowthatthelifeofthepoorcomesfromtheluxuryoftherich?Itsyourwealththatkeepsusalive.Itsyourbadhabitsthatbringusbread.Itshardtoworkforastrictmaster,butitsevenharderifwedonthavethemastertomakeuslive.Doyouthinkcrowswillfeedus?Doyouhaveaprescriptionforthesethings?Wouldyousaytothebuyer,"youwanttobuyitwithsomuchmoney"andatthesametimesaytotheseller,"youwanttosellitatthisprice"?Ibetyouwont.Sogobacktoyourownpalaceandputonyourhighpurplerobe.Whatdoyouhavetodowithusandoursuffering?"

  “难道富人和穷人不是兄弟吗?”年轻的国王问道。

  "Arenttherichandthepoorbrothers?"Askedtheyoungking.

  “是啊,”那人回答说,“那个有钱兄长的名字叫该隐(即《圣经》中杀害弟弟的人)。”

  "Yes,"themanreplied,"therichbrothersnameisCain."

  年轻的国王的眼里充满了泪水,他骑着马在百姓们的喃喃低语中走过,小侍者感到好害怕,就走开了。

  Theyoungkingseyeswerefulloftears.Herodethroughthemurmursofthecommonpeople.Thelittlewaiterwassoscaredthathewalkedaway.

  他来到教堂的大门口时,卫兵们举起他们手中的戟对他说:“你到这儿来干什么?除了国王以外任何人不得入内。”

  Whenhecametothechurchgate,theguardsraisedtheirhalberdsandsaidtohim,"whatareyoudoinghere?Nooneisallowedinexcepttheking."

  一听这话他气得满脸通红,便对他们说:“我就是国王。”说完把他们的戟推开,就走进去了。

  Onhearingthis,heblushedwithangerandsaidtothem,"Iamtheking."Thenhepushedtheirhalberdsawayandwentin.

  老主教看见他穿一身牧羊人的衣服走了进来,吃惊地从宝座上站起来,迎上前去,对他说:“我的孩子,这是国王的服饰吗?我用什么王冠为你加冕?又拿什么样的权杖放在你的手中呢?这对你当然应该是个快乐的日子,而不应是一个屈辱的日子。”

  Whentheoldbishopsawhimcomeindressedasashepherd,hegotupfromhisthroneinsurprise,wentforwardandsaidtohim,"mychild,isthisthekingsdress?WhatcrownshallIcrownyouwith?WhatkindofScepterdoyoutakeandputinyourhand?Itshouldbeahappydayforyou,notahumiliatingday."

  “难道快乐要用愁苦来装门面吗?”年轻的国王说。然后他对老主教讲了自己的三个梦。

  "Shouldhappinessbedisguisedbysorrow?"Saidtheyoungking.Thenhetoldtheoldbishopabouthisthreedreams.

  主教听完了三个梦后,眉头紧锁,他说:“孩子,我是个老人,已进入垂暮之年,我知道在这个大千世界里还有很多邪恶的东西。凶狠的土匪从山上下来,掳去无数小孩,把他们卖给摩尔人。狮子躺在草丛中等待着过往的商队,准备扑咬骆驼。野猪将山谷中的庄稼连根拔起。狐狸咬着山上的葡萄藤。海盗们在海岸一带兴风作浪,焚烧渔船,还把渔民的渔网抢走。在盐泽地带住着麻疯病人,他们用芦苇杆盖起小屋,没有人愿意接近他们。乞丐们在大街上漂流,同狗一起争食吃。你能够让这些事情不出现吗?你愿意让麻疯病人同你一起睡觉,让乞丐同你一起进餐吗?你会叫狮子听你的话,野猪服从你的命令吗?难道制造出这些苦难的上帝还不如你聪明吗?因此,我不会为你所做的事而赞扬你的,我要求你骑马回你自己的王宫中,脸上要露出笑容,并穿上符合国王身分的衣服,我要用金王冠来为你加冕,我要把嵌满珍珠的权杖放在你的手中。至于你的那些梦,就不要再想它们了。这世上的负担已经太重了,是一个人难以承受的;人间的愁苦也太大了,不是一颗心所能负担的。”

  Afterhearingthreedreams,thebishopfrownedandsaid,"son,Imanoldman.Iminmytwilightyears.Iknowtherearemanyevilthingsinthisworld.Ferociousbanditscamedownfromthemountain,capturedcountlesschildrenandsoldthemtothemoors.Thelionlayinthegrasswaitingforthepassingcaravantobitethecamel.Theboaruprootedthecropsinthevalley.Thefoxbitthevineonthemountain.Piratesmadewavesalongthecoast,burnedfishingboatsandrobbedfishermenoftheirnets.ThereareleperslivinginYanze.Theybuildhutswithreedpoles.Noonewantstogetclosetothem.Beggarsdriftedinthestreet,competingwithdogsforfood.Canyoukeepthesethingsfromhappening?Wouldyoulikeleperstosleepwithyouandbeggarstoeatwithyou?Willyoutelltheliontoobeyyouandtheboartoobeyyou?IstheGodwhomadethesesufferingsnotascleverasyou?Therefore,Iwillnotpraiseyouforwhatyouhavedone.Iaskyoutoridebacktoyourownpalacewithasmileonyourfaceandwearclothessuitableforbeingaking.Iwillcrownyouwithagoldencrownandputthescepterfullofpearlsinyourhands.Asforyourdreams,dontthinkaboutthemanymore.Theburdeninthisworldistooheavyforonetobear,andthesorrowintheworldistooheavyforonehearttobear."

  “你就是在这间房子里说这种话的吗?”年轻的国王说。他大步从主教身旁走过,登上祭坛的台梯,站到了基督像前。

  "Isthatwhatyousayinthisroom?"Saidtheyoungking.Hestrodepastthebishop,ascendedthestepsofthealtarandstoodinfrontofthestatueofChrist.

  他站在基督像前,在他的左手边和右手边分别放着华丽的金盆,装黄酒的圣餐杯和装圣油的瓶子。他跪在基督像下,巨大的蜡烛在珠光宝气的神座旁明亮地燃烧着,燃香的烟雾绕成一圆圈蓝色的轻烟飘向屋梁。他低下头去进行祈祷,那些身着硬挺法衣的牧师们纷纷走下了祭坛。

  HestoodinfrontofthestatueofChrist,withmagnificentgoldpotsonhisleftandright,thechaliceforyellowwineandthebottleforholyoil.HekneltdownunderthestatueofChrist.Thehugecandlewasburningbrightlybesidethepearlythrone.Theincensesmokecircledinacircle,andthebluesmokefloatedtotheroofbeam.Heloweredhisheadtopray,andthepriestsinstiffvestmentssteppeddownfromthealtar.

  突然,从外面的大街上传来了喧哗声,一群头戴羽缨的贵族们走了进来,他们手中握着出鞘的宝剑和闪光的钢制盾牌。“做梦的那个人在什么地方?”他们大声嚷道,“那位国王,就是那位打扮得像个乞丐,给我们的国家带来耻辱的男孩在什么地方?我们一定要杀了他,因为他不配统治我们。”

  Allofasudden,therewasaloudnoisefromthestreetoutside.Agroupofnobleswithfeathertasselscamein,holdingsheathedswordsandflashingsteelshields."Whereisthedreamer?"Theyyelled,"whereistheking,theboydressedlikeabeggarandbringingshametoourcountry?Wemustkillhim,becauseheisnotworthytoruleus."

  年轻的国王再一次低下头去祈祷,祷告完毕他便站起身来,转过头去悲伤地望着他们。

  Theyoungkingbowedhisheadagaintopray.Afterthat,hestoodupandturnedtolookatthemsadly.

  啊!看那,阳光透过彩色的玻璃窗照在他的身上,光线在他的四周织出一件金袍,比那件为取悦于他而编织的王袍更加美丽。干枯的枝条怒放出鲜花,那是比珍珠还要洁白的百合花。干枯的荆棘也开花了,开放出比红宝石还要红的红玫瑰。比上等珍珠还洁白的百合花,它们的根茎是由亮闪闪纠银子做成的。比红宝石更红的玫魂,它们的叶子是由金子铸造的。

  Ah!Lookatthat,thesunshinesonhimthroughthecoloredglasswindow,andthelightweavesagoldenrobearoundhim,whichismorebeautifulthanthekingsrobewoventopleasehim.Drybranchesinfullbloomflowers,itisevenwhitethanthePearlLily.Thewitheredbramblealsobloomed,andtheredrosewasredderthanruby.Liliesarewhiterthanpearls.Theirrootsaremadeofglitteringsilver.Moreredthanrubies,theirleavesaremadeofgold.

  他身穿国王的衣服站在那里,珠宝镶嵌的神龛打开了盖子,从光芒四射的圣体匣的水晶上放出异常神奇的光。他身着国王的衣服站在那儿,这里就充满了上帝的荣光,连壁龛中的圣徒们也好像在动。身穿国王的华贵衣服,他站在了他们的面前,风琴奏出了乐曲,喇叭手吹响了他们的喇叭,唱诗班的孩子们在放声歌唱。

  Hestoodinthekingsclothes,thejeweledshrineopeneditslid,andthecrystaloftheradiantcasketgaveoffanextraordinarylight.Hestoodthereinthekingsclothes,anditwasfullofthegloryofGod,andeventhesaintsinthenicheseemedtomove.Dressedinthekingsluxuriousclothes,hestoodinfrontofthem,theorganplayedmusic,thetrumpetersoundedtheirtrumpet,andthechildrenofthechoirweresinging.

  百姓们敬畏地跪下身来,贵族们收回宝剑并向年轻的国王行礼,主教大人的脸色变得苍白,双手颤抖不已。“给你加冕的人比我更伟大。”他大声说道,并跪倒在国王面前。

  Thepeoplekneltdowninawe.Thenoblestookbacktheirswordsandsalutedtheyoungking.TheBishopsfaceturnedpaleandhishandstrembled."ThemanwhocrownsyouisgreaterthanIam."Hecriedandfellonhiskneesbeforetheking.

  年轻的国王从高高的祭坛上走下来,穿过人群朝自己的房间走去。此时没有一个人敢看他的脸,因为那容貌就跟天使一样。

  Theyoungkingcamedownfromthehighaltarandwalkedthroughthecrowdtohisroom.Atthistime,noonedarestolookathisface,becauseitlookslikeanangel.

  王尔德童话英文版篇4

  这一天是公主的生日,她刚满十二岁。灿烂的阳光照在王宫的花园中。

  Itwastheprincesssbirthday.Shewasjust12.Thebrightsunshinewasinthegardenofthepalace.

  虽说她是一个真正的公主,一位西班牙公主,但是她就像穷人家的孩子们一样,每年只能过一次生日,因此举国上下自然而然地就把这当作是一件重大的事情,那就是她过生日这天应该是个晴朗的天气。那一天的确是个晴朗的好天。高高的带条纹的郁金香直挺挺地立在花茎上,像一排列队立正的士兵,并傲慢地望着草地那边的玫瑰花,一边说:“我们跟你们一样美丽无比。”紫色的蝴蝶伴着翅膀上的金粉翩翩起舞,轮流走访着每一朵鲜花;小蜥蜴们从墙上的裂缝中爬出来,躺在白日的阳光下;石榴在火热的阳光下纷纷裂开了嘴,露出了它们血红的心。就连沿着阴暗走廊的刻花棚架上的一串串悬挂着的浅黄色柠搁,仿佛也从这奇妙的阳光中染上了一层丰富的色彩,玉兰花树也张开了它们那重叠着的象牙色的巨大球状花朵,使空气中充满了浓浓的芳香。

  AlthoughsheisarealprincessandaSpanishprincess,shecanonlyhaveabirthdayeveryyearlikethechildrenofpoorpeople.Therefore,itisnaturalforthewholecountrytoregarditasamajorthing,thatis,herbirthdayshouldbeasunnyday.Thatdaywasafinedayindeed.Thetallstripedtulipsstanduprightonthestems,likealineofuprightsoldiers,andlookarrogantlyattherosesoverthegrass,saying,"weareasbeautifulasyou."Purplebutterflydancingwiththegoldpowderonitswings,andvisitingeachflowerinturn;Thelizardsclimbedoutofthecracksinthewallandlayinthesuninthesun;Pomegranatesinthehotsunhaveopenedtheirmouths,revealingtheirbloodredheart.Evenastringoflightyellowcaraganshangingfromthecarvedshedalongthedarkcorridorseemedtohavebeenstainedwitharichcolorfromthewonderfulsunshine.Themagnoliatreesalsoopenedtheirhugeivorycoloredglobularflowers,whichfilledtheairwithstrongfragrance.

  小公主本人同她的伴侣们在阳台上来回地走动着,并绕着石花瓶和布满青苔的古雕像在玩捉迷藏的游戏。在平日里她只被允许同她身分相同的小孩子们玩,因此她总是一个人玩,不过生日这天可以例外。国王已经下了命令,她可邀请任何她喜欢的小朋友来宫中同她一起玩。这些瘦小的西班牙孩子跑动起来的动作还挺优雅的。男孩们头戴大羽毛帽子,身穿飘动的短外套,女孩们手里提着缎子长裙的后摆,并用黑色和银灰色的大扇子护住眼睛遮挡阳光。然而小公主却是他们当中最优雅的一个,打扮得也是最入时的,依照的是当时相当繁杂的款式。她的裙子是用灰色锦缎做的,裙摆和宽大的袖口上绣满了银线,挺直的胸衣上缝着几排名贵的珍珠。两只配着粉红色大玫瑰花的小拖鞋随着她的走动从衣服下边显露出来。那把大纱扇是粉红色和珍珠色的,她的头发像一圈褪色的金黄光环包围着她那张苍白的小脸蛋,上面戴着一朵美丽的白玫瑰。

  Thelittleprincessherselfandherpartnerswalkedbackandforthonthebalcony,playinghideandseekaroundstonevasesandmossystatues.Sheisallowedtoplayonlywithchildrenofheridentityonaregularday,soshealwaysplaysalone,exceptforbirthday.Thekinghasorderedthatsheinviteanychildshelikestocometothepalacetoplaywithher.ThesesmallSpanishchildrenarestillrunninginelegantways.Theboysworebigfeatherhats,flutteringshortcoats,girlsholdingthebackofsatindressesintheirhands,andprotectedtheireyesfromthesunwithbigfansofblackandsilvergray.However,thelittleprincesswasthemostelegantofthem,dressedupinthemosttimelymanner,accordingtothequitemiscellaneousstylesatthattime.Herdresswasmadeofgreybrocade,andthehemandwidecuffswereembroideredwithsilverthread,andthestraightbreastcoatwassewnwithseveralrowsofpreciouspearls.Twoslipperswithbigpinkrosesshowedupunderherclothesasshewalked.Thebigfanwaspinkandpearl,herhairwaslikeafadedgoldenringaroundherpaleface,andonitwaswearingabeautifulwhiterose.

  满面愁容的国王透过宫中的窗户望着他们。站在他身后的是他所憎恨的人,那是他的兄弟,来自阿拉贡省的唐.彼德罗,还有他的忏悔师,来自格兰那达的大宗教裁判官坐在他的身边。国王此时比以往更忧伤,因为他看见小公主一副孩子般严肃的模样向宫中群臣们行礼,另外还看见她甩扇子掩着嘴偷笑那总是陪着她的一脸严肃的阿尔布奎尔基公爵夫人,国王突然想起了年轻的王后,就是小公主的母亲,这在他看来就像是前不久的事情。那时王后从欢乐的国度法兰西来到西班牙,在西班牙宫廷忧郁华丽的生活中不幸去逝了,死时孩子才六个月大,她连园子中杏花的第二次开放也没有看到,也没赶上采集院子中央那棵多节老无花果树上第二年的果子,此刻那儿已是杂草丛生。他爱她爱得太深了,他不能忍受把她埋在自己看不见的墓穴中。一位摩尔人医生为她的尸体做了香料处理,为了回报医生的工作,国王保住了他的生命,因为由于信邪教和行巫术的嫌疑,这位医生已被宗教裁判所判了极刑。她的尸体仍然安放在宫中黑色大理石礼拜堂中铺着织锦的尸架上,还跟十二年前在一个狂风大作的三月天里僧侣们把她抬放到那儿时的模样一个样。国王每月一次,身上裹着黑袍,手里提着一个不透光的灯笼,走进礼拜堂跪在她的身旁,呼唤着:“我的王后,我的王后!”有时他会不顾应有的礼节(在西班牙生活中的任何行为都受到礼节的约束,就连国王的悲痛也不例外),万分悲痛地抓住她戴着珠宝的苍白的手,并狂吻着她那冰凉的化了妆的脸,试图把她唤醒。

  Thesadkinglookedatthemthroughthewindowinthepalace.Behindhimwasthemanhehated,hisbrother,DonPedroofAragon,andhispenitent,andthegrandreligiousmagistratefromgrannada,sittingbesidehim.Thekingwasmoresadthanever,becausehesawtheprincesssalutethecourtiersinachildlikeseriousness,andsawherthrowingafanandlaughingwithhermouthclosed.Theprincesuddenlyrememberedtheyoungqueen,themotherofthelittleprincess,whichseemedtohimassomethingnotlongago.Atthattime,thequeencametoSpainfromFrance,ahappycountry.ShediedinthemelancholyandgorgeouslifeoftheSpanishcourt.Shediedonlysixmonthsold.Shedidntevenseethesecondopeningofapricotflowersinthegarden,andshedidnotcatchupwiththesecondyearofcollectingthefruitsoftheoldfruitlessfruittreesinthecenteroftheyard.Nowitisalreadyovergrownwithweeds.Helovedhersomuchthathecouldnotbeartoburyherinagravethathecouldnotsee.AMoorishdoctorhasperfumedherbodyand,inreturnforhiswork,thekingsavedhislifebecausehewassentencedtoadeathsentencebyareligiousrefereeforbeingsuspectedofcultandwitchcraft.Herbodyisstillonatapestrystandinthepalacesblackmarblechapel,asthemonkscarriedherthereonawindyMarchday12yearsago.Onceamonth,theking,wrappedinblackrobes,carryingalight-prooflanterninhishand,walkedintothechapelandkneltbesideher,calling,"myqueen,myqueen!"Sometimeshewouldignoretheetiquette(anyactinSpanishlifeisboundbyetiquette,eventhegriefoftheking),andseizeherpalehandwithjewelsingrief,andkisshercold,makeup-makingfaceandtrytowakeherup.

  今天他好像又看见她了,就跟他头一次在巴黎的枫丹白露宫中见到她时一样,当时他仅有十五岁,而她更年轻。他俩就是在那个时候正式订婚,出席仪式的有罗马教皇的使节还有法国国王和全体朝臣,那之后他就带着一小束金黄头发返回到西班牙王宫中去了。自打踏上自己的马车那时起,他就一直想着两片孩子气的嘴唇弯下来吻他手的情景。接下来的婚礼是在蒲尔哥斯匆匆举行的,那是两国边境的一座小城市。进入马德里的公开庆典是盛大的,照惯例在拉.阿托卡大教堂里举行了一次大弥撒,并且还搞了一次比平日更庄严的判处异教徒火刑的仪式。将近三百名异教徒,其中不少是英国人,被交与刽子手去烧死在火刑柱上。

  Todayheseemstoseeheragain,justashesawherinthefontainbailupalaceinParisforthefirsttime,whenhewasonly15yearsoldandshewasyounger.Theywereengagedatthattime,attendedbythePopesenvoys,theFrenchkingandallthecourtiers,andthenhereturnedtotheSpanishpalacewithasmallbunchofblondehair.Sincehewasinhiscarriage,hehadbeenthinkingoftwochildishlipsbendingdownandkissinghishand.ThenextweddingwasheldinBurgos,asmallcityontheborderbetweenthetwocountries.ThepubliccelebrationofenteringMadridwasgrand,andamasswasheldinLaAtokaCathedral,andamoresolemnceremonywasheldthanusualforthepunishmentofhereticcremation.Nearly300pagans,manyofwhomwereBritish,werehandedovertotheexecutionerstoburntodeathonthepillaroffire.

  他爱她真是发了狂,很多人都认为是他把国家给毁了,因为当时他们正与英国为争夺新世界的帝国而进行战争。他甚至连一刻钟也不能离开她;为了她,他已经忘记了,或似乎是忘记了国家的一切重大事项;在这种激情的驱使下他达到了如此盲目的可怕地步,以致于他没有发现,那些他为取悦于她而想出来的繁杂礼节,—反而加重了她所犯的奇怪的忧郁病。她死后有那么一段时间,他仿佛发了疯似的。要不是他担心自己离去后小公主会受到自己兄弟的残害的话,说真的,他定会正式退位并隐居到格兰那达的特拉卜教大寺院去,他已经是该院的名誉院长了。他兄弟的残酷无情在西班牙是出了名的,不少人怀疑是他害死了王后,传说王后到他所在的阿拉贡的城堡去走访的时候,他送了一双有毒的手套给王后。甚至在国王以皇家法令宣布举国上下公开哀悼三年之后,他仍旧无法忍受他的大臣们跟他提起续弦的事,当神圣的罗马帝国皇帝本人亲自来向他提出把自己的侄女,一位美丽可爱的波西米亚郡主嫁给他时,他仍吩咐自己的大臣去告诉皇帝,说西班牙国王已经和悲伤结了婚,尽管她只是一个不能生育的新娘,可他却爱她超过任何美人;这个回答的代价是使他的王国失去了富饶的尼德兰诸省,这些省份不久后便在皇帝的鼓动下,由一些改革教派的狂热倍徒领导着,向他发动了叛乱。

  HelovedhersocrazythatmanypeoplethoughthehaddestroyedthecountrybecausetheywerefightingagainstBritainfortheEmpireofthenewworld.Hecouldnotleaveherforevenaquarterofanhour;Forher,hehasforgotten,orseemstohaveforgotten,alltheimportantmattersofthecountry;Drivenbythispassion,hereachedsuchablindandterriblepointthathedidnotfindthattheintricatemannershethoughtoftopleaseherhadexacerbatedthestrangemelancholyshehadmade.Forawhileaftershedied,heseemedtobemad.Ifhewasnotworriedthattheprincesswouldbedamagedbyhisbrotheraftersheleft,hewouldhaveofficiallyabdicatedandrecluseintheterabmonasteryingrannada,andhewouldhavebeenthehonoraryDeanofthehouse.HisbrotherscrueltyandruthlessnesswerefamousinSpain.Manypeoplesuspectedthathekilledthequeen.ItissaidthatwhenthequeenvisitedhiscastleinAragon,hesentapairoftoxicglovestothequeen.Evenafterthekingannouncedhiscountryspublicmourningbyroyaldecreeforthreeyears,hestillcouldntbearthecontinuationofhisministersstorieswithhim.WhentheholyemperoroftheRomanEmpirehimselfcametohimtoproposehisniece,abeautifulandlovelyprincessofBohemia,tomarryhim,hestillorderedhisministertotelltheemperor,SaidtheSpanishkinghasmarriedgrief,althoughsheisonlyabridewhocannotbear,butheloveshermorethananybeauty;ThepriceofthisanswerwastolosehiskingdomsrichprovincesofNederland,which,soonundertheemperorsencouragement,wereledbyfanaticaltimesofreformistsectsandrebelledagainsthim.

  今天他望着小公主在阳台上玩耍的时候,似乎又回想起了他整个的婚姻生活,那是一场强烈而火热的欢愉,同时也因其突然的完结而导致了可怕的痛苦。小公主具备了王后一切可爱的傲慢举止,完全一样的任性的摆头动作,同样弯曲而骄傲的美丽嘴唇,一样漂亮可人的笑容——的确是非常法国式的微笑——小公主不时地抬头望望窗户,或伸出小手让显贵的西班牙绅士吻着。不过孩子们高声的笑声刺着了他的耳朵,明亮而无情的阳光嘲讽着他的哀伤,一股奇怪香料的单调气味,就似是处理尸体用的香料,好像把早晨清新的空气给弄脏了——这或许是他的幻想吧?他把脸埋在双手巾,等小公主再次举头望窗户的时候,窗帘已经垂下,国王也离开了。

  Today,ashewatchedthelittleprincessplayonthebalcony,heseemedtorecallhiswholemarriagelife,whichwasastrongandhotjoy,andalsocausedterriblepainduetothesuddencompletionofher.Thelittleprincesshasallthelovelyarroganceofthequeen,thesamewillfulheadswing,thesamecurvedandproudbeautifullips,asbeautifulandlovelysmile-indeed,averyFrenchsmile-thelittleprincesslooksupatthewindowfromtimetotime,orreachesoutherhandtoletthedistinguishedSpanishgentlemankiss.Butthechildrensloudlaughterprickedhisears,thebrightandmercilesssunshinemockedhissadness,astrangesmellofspice,likespicesforthebody,asifthefreshairofthemorninghadbeensoiled-perhapshisfantasy?Heburiedhisfaceinhistowel,andwhenthelittleprincessraisedherheadagaintolookatthewindow,thecurtainhadfallenandthekingleft.

  她有些失望地撅橛小嘴,并耸了耸肩膀。说实在的,他本应该跟她呆在一起过生日的。那些愚载的国家事务有什么要紧的?或许他又去了那个阴森森的礼拜堂了吧?那儿一直点着蜡烛,而且从未让她进去过。如此好的阳光,大家又这么开心,他可真是太傻了。再说,他会错过看一场人扮的斗牛比赛,比赛的号角已经吹响了,更不用说那些木偶戏和其它精彩的表演了。她的叔父和大宗教裁判官倒是更体谅人。他们已经走到阳台上了,并向她道了贺词。所以她又摆起了她那可爱的头,还拉着唐.彼德罗的手,缓缓走下石阶,朝着耸立在花园尽头的紫绸编织的长长亭廊走去,其他孩子严格地依照次序紧跟在她的身后,即谁的名字最长,谁就走在前头。

  Shepoutedthepininalittledisappointmentandshruggedhershoulders.Tobehonest,heshouldhavebeenwithherforhisbirthday.Whatisthematterwiththestupidstateaffairs?Maybehewenttothedarkchapelagain,right?Therewasacandleallthetimeandneverletherin.Itwassostupidofhimtohavesuchagoodsunshineandeveryonewassohappy.Besides,hewillmissabullfightplayedbypeople.Thetrumpetofthegamehasbeensounded,letalonepuppetplaysandotherwonderfulperformances.Heruncleandthegreatreligiousmagistrateweremoreconsiderate.Theyhadalreadywalkedtothebalconyandcongratulatedher.Sosheputherlovelyheadupagain,andtookDonPedroshand,andslowlywalkeddownthestonesteps,andwalkeddowntothelongPavilionporchofpurplesilkweavingstandingattheendofthegarden.Theotherchildrenfollowedherinstrictorder,thatis,whohasthelongestname,whowillwalkinfrontofher.

  一行由贵族男孩子化装成斗牛士的队伍走出来欢迎她。年轻的新地伯爵,一位十四岁的美少年,用西班牙下级贵族世家的全部优雅举止向她脱帽致敬,并庄重地把她引到竞技场内搭起的看台上安放着的一把镶金的象牙小椅子上坐下。孩子们在她的四周围成一圈,他们一面挥动着手中的大扇子,一面相互交谈着。唐.彼德罗和大宗教裁判官面带笑容地站在人口处。就连那位女公爵——人称侍从女市长的人——一个瘦小而性格不定的女人,带着黄色的翎颌,也一改往日那板起的面孔,一丝像是冷冷的笑容掠过她那皱巴巴的脸,她那没有血色而干瘦的嘴唇也抽动了一下。

  Alineofnobleboysdressedasbullfighterscameouttowelcomeher.Theyoungnewearl,a14-year-oldAmerican,tookoffherhatwiththealltheelegantmannerofthelowerSpanisharistocraticfamilyandsolemnlyledhertoasmallgoldinlaidIvorychaironthestandinthearena.Thechildrenwereinacirclearoundher,wavingtheirbigfansandtalkingtoeachother.DonPedroandthegreatreligiousmagistratestoodsmilingatthepopulation.EventheDuchess,whocalledthemaidmayor,asmall,uncertainwoman,withyellowplumesandafacethathadbeenmadeupofthepast,sweptherwrinkledfacewithacoldsmile,andherbloodyanddrylipsmoved.

  这真是一场令人叫绝的斗牛赛,在小公主看来比真的斗牛比赛还要好看。那是在帕尔马公爵来看望她父亲时,她被人带去塞维尔看过一场斗牛赛。一群男孩子穿着装饰华丽的马皮衣服在场子内来回跑着,他们挥舞着长矛,上面绑着色彩艳丽的丝带;另一些男孩徒步走着,并在假牛面前舞动着猩红色的大地,当牛冲来时他们就轻松地跳过栅栏;至于牛呢,尽管它只是由柳枝和张开的牛皮做成的,可却跟真牛一样生龙活虎,不过有时它坚持着用后腿绕着场子跑,这却是真牛连做梦也不敢想的事。这牛斗得也不错,孩子们兴奋极了,他们纷纷起身站在了长凳子上,并挥动着手中的带边手绢,大声嚷着:太好了,太好了!那种劲头就跟成年人一样。就这样战斗持续了下去,最后,好几匹人扮的马被戳倒,那位年轻的新地伯爵把牛也压在了地上,他请求小公主允许他给予致命的一击,然后他就用木剑朝那动物猛刺下去。他用力太大,一下子把牛头给刺掉了,这使小罗南先生高兴地大笑起来,他是法国驻马德里大使的儿子。

  Itwasareallyamazingbullfight,anditlookedbetterforthelittleprincessthantherealbullfight.ItwaswhentheDukeofParmacametovisitherfather,andshewastakentoSevilletoseeabullfight.Agroupofboysranbackandforthinthefieldintheirgorgeoushorseskinclothes,wavingspearswithcolorfulribbonsattachedtothem;otherswalkedonfootanddancedscarletearthinfrontoffakecattle,andtheyeasilyjumpedoverthefencewhenthecowsrushedin;andasforcattle,thoughitwasmadeofwillowsandopencowhide,theywerewiththerealcattleItisakindoflivingtiger,butsometimesitkeepsrunningaroundthefieldwithitsbacklegs.Itissomethingthatrealcattlecantevendreamabout.Thebullfightwasgood,thechildrenwereexcited,theygotupandstoodonthebench,wavedtheirhandkerchiefs,shouting:great,great!Thatsthesameenergyasadults.Thebattlecontinued,andfinally,severalhorseswerestabbed,andtheyoungnewEarlpressedthecowontheground,andheaskedthelittleprincesstoallowhimtogivehimadeadlyblow,andthenhestabbedtheanimalwithawoodensword.Hewastoohardtostabthecowoffatonce,whichmadeMr.Ronanlaughwithdelight,thesonoftheFrenchambassadortoMadrid.

  在大家的掌声中,竞技场被收拾干净了,两个身着黄黑制服的摩尔人侍从把倒地的木马庄严地拖走了,接着是一段小小的插曲,由一位法国的走绳索大师在一根绷紧的绳子上完成了一次表演。一些意大利木偶戏表演者在特意建来演木偶戏的一个小戏院中上演了半古典的悲剧《索福尼西巴》。他们的演出非常出色,木偶的动作也十分自然,演出结束时小公主的眼中已充满了泪水。当时真的有好多孩子都哭了,只好拿糖块去安慰他们,就是大宗教裁判官也深受感动,他忍不住对唐.彼德罗说,这些用简单的木头和彩色蜡做成的,并由丝线机械地牵动的东西,竟能表演得如此悲伤和那么不幸,他似乎觉得难以接受。

  Intheapplause,thearenawascleanedup.TwoMoorsinyellowandblackuniformdraggedthefallenTrojanhorseawaysolemnly,followedbyasmallepisode,whichwasperformedbyaFrenchropewalkingmasteronatightrope.SomeItalianpuppetperformersstagedasemiclassicaltragedy,sofenicia,inasmalltheaterthatwasspeciallybuilttoperformpuppet.Theirperformancewasexcellent,puppetmovementswerenatural,andtheeyesofthelittleprincesswerefilledwithtearsattheendoftheshow.Atthattime,manychildrencried,sotheyhadtocomfortthemwithsugar.Eventhemagistratesweredeeplymoved.HecouldnthelpbutsaytoDonPedrothatthesethingsmadeofsimplewoodandcoloredwaxandmechanicallymovedbysilkthreadcouldperformsuchsadnessandmisfortune,whichseemedunacceptabletohim.

  接下来是一个非洲人表演戏法。他提来一只又大又平的篮子,上面盖着一块红布。他把篮子放在场地中央,然后从他的包头帕下面拿出一根奇异的芦管,并吹了起来。不一会儿,红布开始动了,随着芦管声愈吹愈尖,两条金绿色的蛇伸出了它们那古怪的楔形头,并越伸越高,还随着音乐声摇来摆去,就跟水中浮动的植物一样。孩子们看见它们那有斑点的头部和快速吐出的舌头,反而害怕起来,直到看见变戏法者在沙地上变出一棵小桔子树,开出美丽白色的花朵且长出一串串真实的果实后,才又开心起来;后来变戏法者从拉斯.托里斯侯爵的小女儿手中拿起一把扇子,把它变成了一只蓝色的小鸟在亭廊里飞来飞去,还不停地唱着歌,这时他们的兴奋和惊讶真是难以形容。由纽斯特拉丝母院礼拜堂跳舞班的男孩们表演的庄严舞曲,也同样引人人胜。小公主以前从没有见过如此盛大的庆典,这种庆典每年五月在圣母大祭坛前面举办一次,是专为庆祝圣母而举行的。其实,自从一位疯教士(据许多人说他是英国伊丽莎白女王收买了的)想用一块有毒的圣饼谋害西班牙太子阿斯图里亚斯以后,就没有一位西班牙皇室的成员走进过萨拉哥萨大教堂。因此,小公主仅仅是听人说过这种“我们之圣母”的舞蹈,看上去也确实很精彩。男孩们穿着白色天鹅绒做的老式宫廷服装,他们那滑稽的三角帽上缀着银饰物,顶上插着很大的驼鸟毛。他们在阳光下桅舰起舞的时候,那身耀眼的白色服饰在他们黑色面容和长长黑发的衬托下显得更加绚丽夺目。所有的人都被他们的一举一动给迷住了,只见他们在繁杂的舞蹈动作中一直显得庄严尊重,缓缓的舞姿得体而优雅,还气派不凡地鞠着躬。等舞曲一结束,他们就脱下大羽毛帽子向小公主致敬,她很有礼貌地接受了,并许诺送一只大蜡烛给比拉尔圣母的神坛,以回报圣母给她带来的快乐。

  NextisanAfricanperformingtrick.Hebroughtupalarge,flatbasketcoveredwitharedcloth.Heputthebasketinthemiddleofthefield,thentookastrangereedpipefromunderhispurseandblewit.Soon,theredclothbegantomove.Asthereedpipesoundedmoreandmoresharp,twogoldengreensnakesextendedtheirstrangewedge-shapedheads,andthehighertheyreached,theywereshakingwiththemusic,justlikefloatingplantsinthewater.Thechildrenwereafraidoftheirspottedheadsandtongue,andtheywereafraid,andtheywerenothappyuntiltheysawthejugglerturnalittleorangetreeinthesand,andbloombeautifulwhiteflowersandgrowastringofrealfruits;andthenthejugglertookafanfromMarquisTOSlittledaughterandturneditintoablueoneThebirdsofcolorflyandflyinthepavilionGallery,andtheysingsongsconstantly.Theirexcitementandsurpriseareindescribable.Thesolemndancemusicperformedbytheboysinthedanceclassinthechapelofthemothershouseinnewstrasisalsoagreatattraction.Thelittleprincesshasneverseensuchagrandcelebrationbefore,whichisheldinMayeveryyearinfrontofthealtarofthevirgin,dedicatedtothecelebrationofthevirgin.Infact,sinceamadnesspriest(whoissaidtohavebeenboughtbyQueenElizabethofEngland)hastriedtomurdertheSpanishprinceAsturiaswithapoisonouspancake,nomemberoftheSpanishroyalfamilyhasgoneintotheCathedralofsaracosa.Therefore,thelittleprincessjustheardthatthisdanceof"ourvirgin"seemstobewonderful.Theboysweredressedinoldcourtclothesmadeofwhitevelvet,andtheirfunnytriangularcapwascoveredwithsilverornamentsandlargecamelhaironthetop.Whentheyweredancinginthesun,thedazzlingwhitedresswasmoregorgeousagainsttheirblackfaceandlongblackhair.

  这时一队漂亮的埃及人——当时也被称为吉卜赛人—一走进到场子中来,他们盘腿席地而坐,围成一个圈子,开始轻轻地弹奏起他们的弦琴,另一些人伴着曲调舞动起腰身,并用他们尽可能低的声音哼着歌儿,那声音低得如同梦中的微风掠过。他们一看见唐.彼德罗,便朝他皱起了眉头,有的人还露出了恐惧的表情,因为就在数周之前,唐说他们的两个族人被行妖术而给绞死在塞维尔的市场上了。不过美丽的小公主使他们入了迷,这时她朝后靠着身子,一对蓝色的大眼睛从扇子上边望着他们,他们相信像她这徉可爱的人绝不会残忍地对待别人的。于是,他们很安静地弹着琴,他们那长长的尖指甲刚好挨到琴弦,他们的头开始朝前点着,仿佛要入睡似的。突然传来一声尖厉的大叫,孩子们全都大吃了一惊,唐.彼德罗的手赶紧抓住了他短剑的玛瑙剑柄。只见弹琴者们跳起身来,围着场地疯狂地转起圈来,并不停地敲打手鼓,同时用他们那奇特的带喉音的语言唱起了狂放的情歌。随着一声信号的传来,他们又都扑倒在地上,静静地躺着不动了,全场一派寂静,只能听到单调的弦琴声。就这样他们做了几个来回以后,又一下子消失了,等他们再回来时已用链条牵来了一头毛乎乎的棕色大熊,他们肩头上还坐着几只巴巴利的小猴子。大熊十分认真地倒立起身子,干瘦的猴子跟着两个像是它们主人的吉卜赛小男孩在表演着各种各样逗笑的把戏,它们还会挥动小剑和放枪,并且会像国王的卫队那样完成一整套正规军的操练。吉卜赛人的表演的确大获成功。

  AtthistimeabeautifulgroupofEgyptians,alsoknownasGypsies,cameintothefield,satonthefloor,circledinacircle,begantoplaytheirchordsgently,othersdancedtheirwaistsintune,andsangaslowastheycould,aslowaspossible,asabreezeintheirdreams.AssoonastheysawDonPedro,theyfrownedathim,andsomepeopleshowedafear,becausejustafewweeksago,TangsaidthattheirtwopeoplehadbeenhangedinSevillesmarketbydemonizing.Butthebeautifullittleprincessfascinatedthem,andsheleanedback,andapairofbigblueeyeslookedatthemfromthefan,andtheybelievedthatthelovelypeoplelikeherwouldnevertreatotherscruelly.Sotheyplayedthepianoquietly,andtheirlongfingernailsjustwenttothestrings,andtheirheadsbegantopointforwardasiftheyweregoingtosleep.Suddenlyasharpcrycame,andthechildrenwereallsurprised.DonPedroshandgrabbedtheagatehiltofhisshortsword.Onlythemusiciansjumpedup,andturnedaroundthefieldmadly,beatingthedrumsandsingingwildlovesongsintheirpeculiarvoice.Withthesignalcoming,theyallfellontheground,lyingstill,andthewholescenewasstill,onlytohearthemonotonousstrings.Afterdoingafewrounds,theydisappearedagain.Whentheyreturned,theyhadbroughtahairybrownbearwithachain.TheywerestillsittingontheirshoulderssomeBabalimonkeys.Thebearstoodupveryseriously,andtheskinnymonkeysfollowedtwolittleboysliketheirmaster,Gypsy,whowereperformingallsortsoffunnytricks,andtheywouldswingswordsandguns,andcompleteawholesetofregulararmyexerciseslikethekingsguard.TheGypsiesdidhaveagreatsuccess.

  然而整个早上的娱乐活动中最有趣的还要数小矮人的舞蹈。他蹒跚地移动着自己那双弯曲的腿,他那颗畸形的大脑袋左右摇摆着,就这样他跌跌撞撞地冲进到场子中。孩子们见到此情此景都一下子兴奋地大声叫了起来,小公主本人更是大笑不止,以致那位女侍从市长不得不提醒她说,虽然过去西班牙国王的女儿在同等人面前哭过几回,可却从没有皇室家族的公主在比她低下的人跟前如此开怀大笑过呢。不过,小矮人的举动真是让人无法抗拒,即使是西班牙宫廷,这样一个以培养恐怖而著称的地方,也从未见过一个如此吸引人的小怪物。这还是他头一回出场演出。人们仅是在昨天才找到了他,当时他正在树林里疯颠颠地跑着,两个贵族刚好在环城一带的栓皮储树林中偏僻的区域打猎,于是就把他带进宫中,作为献给小公玄的一个惊喜。小矮人的父亲是个穷苦的烧炭人,能够摆脱这个又丑又无用的孩子对他来说真是求之不得。或许真正最有趣的倒是小矮人一点也不知道自己那丑陋的相貌。的确他看上去好开心且精神饱满。孩子们笑了,他也跟他们一样笑得无拘无束。每支舞曲结束时,他便要向他们每一个人鞠一个最滑稽的躬,他对他们点头高兴的样子就好像他的的确确是他们中的一员,并非是上帝以滑稽的方式刻意创造出来让别人戏弄的一个不幸的小怪物。至于小公主,她简直把小矮人给迷住了。他不能够把眼睛从她身上移开,他好像是专为小公主一人跳舞似的。演出结束时,小公主记起了自己曾见过宫廷贵妇们向意大利著名男高音加法奈里抛掷花束的情形,当时罗马教皇把加法奈里从自己的礼拜堂派往马德里,打算用他那最甜美的歌声去医治国王的忧闷;于是小公主便从自己的头发上取下那朵美丽的白玫瑰,一半是开玩笑,一半是为了戏弄那位女侍从市长,把花向场中的小矮人掷了过去,脸上带着最甜蜜的微笑。小矮人把整个事情看得十分认真,他一只手将花朵压在他粗糙的嘴唇下,另一只手按住胸膛跪在她的面前,咧着大嘴笑着,那双明亮的小眼睛放射出欣喜的光芒。

  ButthemostinterestingpartofthemorningsentertainmentwastheDwarfsdances.Hehobbledhisbentlegs,hisdeformedbigheadswayingaround,sohestumbledintothefield.Thechildrencriedoutexcitedlyatthesightofthesituation.Thelittleprincessherselflaughedmorethanherself,sothatthemayorofthewaitresshadtoremindherthatalthoughthedaughteroftheSpanishkinghadcriedseveraltimesinfrontofothers,sheneverhadaroyalfamilywhohadlaughedsomuchbeforethelower.ButtheDwarfsactionsareirresistible,andeventheSpanishcourt,aplaceknownforitscultivationofterror,hasneverseensuchanattractivemonster.Itwasthefirsttimehehadashow.Hewasfoundonlyyesterday,whenhewasrunningmadlyinthewoods.Twonobleswerehuntingintheremoteareaofthesuppositoryforestaroundthecity.Sotheytookhimintothepalaceasasurpriseforxiaogongxuan.Thefatherofthedwarfisapoorcharcoalman,anditishardforhimtogetridofthisuglyanduselesschild.Perhapsthemostinterestingthingisthatthedwarfsdontknowtheiruglylooksatall.Hedoeslookhappyandfullofspirit.Thechildrenlaughed,andhelaughedasfreeastheywere.Attheendofeachdance,hewouldbowtoeachofthemthefunniestbow,andhenoddedtothemasifhewasindeedoneofthem,notanunfortunatemonsterthatGoddeliberatelycreatedtomakeotherstease.Asforthelittleprincess,shewasalmostfascinatedbythedwarf.Hecouldnotremovehiseyesfromher,asifhehaddancedforthelittleprincessalone.Attheendoftheperformance,thelittleprincessrememberedthatshehadseentheladiesthrowingflowersatthefamousItaliantenor,ganeli,whenthePopesentjanariefromherchapeltoMadrid,andintendedtousehissweetestsongtohealthekingsworries;sothelittleprincesstookthebeautifulwhiterosefromherhair,halfplayingHalfofthesmilewastoteasethewaitress,throwingflowersatthedwarfsinthefield,withthesweetestsmileonhisface.Thedwarftookthewholethingseriously,andhepressedtheflowerunderhisroughlipswithonehand,andtheotherhandkneltdowninfrontofher,grinningwithagrin,andthebrightlittleeyesradiatedahappylight.

  这使小公主忘记了尊严,等小矮人跑出场子好长一阵子她还在一个劲儿地笑,并对她的叔父表示想立即让这种舞蹈再表演一次。然而那位女侍从市长却恳求说太阳已经老高了,太热了,她的小公主殿下应该马上回到宫里去,那里已经为她备好了丰盛的宴席,有一个地道的生日蛋糕,上面有用彩糖做出的她名字的大写字母,还有一面飘舞的小银旗。小公主非常庄重地站起身来,并宣布说让小矮人在她午睡时间之后再表演一次,还要求把她的谢意转告给新地伯爵,感谢他那番殷勤的款待,接着她就回自己的房间去了,其他孩子们又依照原先进来时的次序跟着她出去了。

  Thismadethelittleprincessforgetdignity,andshelaughedwithastrongsmileforalongtimewhenthedwarfranoutofthefield,andsaidtoherunclethatshewantedtoletthedancebeperformedagainimmediately.However,theChamberlainmayorpleadedthatthesunwasalreadytoohighandtoohot.Herroyalhighnessshouldreturntothepalaceimmediately,whereshehadpreparedasumptuousbanquetforher,withagenuinebirthdaycake,withcapitalsonhername,andaflagsofsilverflags.Thelittleprincessroseverysolemnlyandannouncedthatthedwarfshouldperformagainafterhernaptime,andaskedforhergratitudetobecommunicatedtothecountofnewlandforhisgracioushospitality,andthenshewentbacktoherroom,andtheotherchildrenfollowedherintheorderinwhichtheyhadcomein.

  当听说小公主叫他去她面前再表演一次,而且还是她亲自下的命令的时候,小怪人真是得意万分。他跑到花园中去,欣喜若狂地亲吻着那朵白玫瑰,得意忘形地做出了许多笨拙而难看的动作。

  WhenIheardthatthelittleprincesstoldhimtogotoherandperformagain,andshehadgivenherorders,thelittleweirdowasveryproud.Herantothegarden,andkissedthewhiteroseecstatically,andmademanyclumsyanduglymovements.

  花儿们对他如此胆大地闯进他们美丽的家园里来非常愤怒,他们看见他在花廊里奔来奔去的,还十分可笑地举着双手挥舞着,他们再也忍受不下去了。

  Theflowersweresoangryathisdaringtoentertheirbeautifulhome.TheysawhimrunningaroundtheflowerGallery,andwavedwiththeirhandsridiculous,andtheycouldnotbearitanymore.

  “他真是太难看了,根本不该让他到我们呆的地方来,”郁金香大声喊道。

  "Hessouglythatheshouldnthavebeenallowedtocomewhereweare,"thetulipshouted.

  “他应该去喝鸦片汤,然后睡上一千年,”红色的大百合花说。这时他们真的怒火万丈了。

  "Heshouldgoforopiumsoupandsleepforathousandyears,"saidthebigredlily.Atthistimetheywerereallyangry.

  “他是个十足的可怕人物!”仙人掌尖叫着说,“啊,他扭得又丑,人又长得矮小,他的头跟腿长得不成比例。他的确使我浑身上下觉得不舒服,如果他走近我身边,我会用我的刺去刺他。”

  "Heisaterribleman!"Thecactusscreamed,"ah,heisugly,andthemanisshort.Hisheadandlegsaredisproportionate.Hereallymakesmefeeluncomfortablealloverme.Ifhecomesnearme,Iwillstabhimwithmyprick."

  “而他却真的弄到了我最美的一朵花,”白玫瑰树惊叹道,“那朵花是我今天早上亲自送给小公主的,作为生日礼物,他却从她那儿把花偷走了。”然后她大叫起来,“小偷,小偷,小偷!”

  "Andhereallygotmymostbeautifulflower,"exclaimedthewhiterosetree."Thatflowerwasgiventothelittleprincessmyselfthismorning,andasabirthdaypresent,hestoleitfromher."Thenshecriedout,"thief,thief,thief!"

  甚至连不爱抛头露面的红色风露草们,这些大家都知道本身就有很多穷亲戚的草们,在看见小矮人时也都厌恶地卷起身子。紫罗兰却温和地说小矮人的确是其貌不扬,可他也没有办法去压他一把。风露草也非常公正地反驳说,那是他主要的缺陷,而人们不该因为他的不治之症而嘲弄他。其实,也有好些紫罗兰觉得小矮人的丑陋是他本人装出来的,假如他面带些愁容,或至少表现出沉思的样子,而不是欢乐地跳上跳下,做出古怪而又傻乎乎的神态,那么他会让人觉得好受许多。

  Eventheredwindgrasswhodoesntliketoshowup,allofthemknowthattherearemanygrassofpoorrelatives,andtheyrollupdisgustinglywhentheyseethedwarfs.Violetsaidgentlythatthedwarfwasindeednotverygood,buthecouldnotpresshim.FengLuCaoalsoretortedfairlythatitwashismaindefect,andpeopleshouldnotmockhimforhisincurableillness.Infact,somevioletthinkthattheuglinessofthedwarfishisown.Ifhehasasadfaceoratleastshowsacontemplation,ratherthanjumpingupanddownhappilyandmakingastrangeandsillylook,hewillfeelmuchbetter.

  至于老日晷仪,他是一位非常了不起的人物,他曾经只向查理五世陛下本人汇报每天的时刻,小矮人的模样让他吃惊不小,几乎忘记用他那长长的有影子的指头标出时间达两分之久。他忍不住对在栏栅上晒太阳的乳白色的大孔雀说,人人都知道,国王的孩子就是国王,烧炭夫的孩子还是烧炭夫,要想事情并非如此,那是不可能的。这种见解得到了孔雀的完全赞同,而且她真的叫起好来:“是的,是的。”声音又大又粗,连住在凉爽的喷水池中的金鱼们也从水中露出头来,询问巨大的石雕海神特里通斯究竟发生了什么事。

  Asfortheoldsundial,hewasaveryremarkableperson.HeoncereportedtohismajestyCharlesVonlyhisdailymoments.Theappearanceofthedwarfsurprisedhim,andalmostforgottomarkitfortwotimeswithhislongshadowfingers.HecouldnthelpbutsaytotheMilkypeacockwhowasbaskinginthefence,everyoneknewthatthekingschildwastheking,thechildofthecharcoalmakerorthecharcoalmaker.Ifitwasnot,itwasimpossible.Theideawasfullyagreedwithbythepeacock,andshereallycalledit,"yes,yes."Loudandthick,evengoldfishincoolwaterpoolscameoutofthewateraskingwhathappenedtotritons,thegiantstonesculptedseagod.

  不过,鸟儿们却喜欢小矮人。他们常在树林中见到他,像个精灵似的追赶着空中的落叶,或者蹲在一棵老橡树的洞子里,与松鼠们一起分享他的坚果。他们一点也不在乎他的相貌丑。是啊,夜莺在夜晚去林子里放声歌唱,月亮有时也会俯下身聆听她甜美的歌声,其实她也没有什么耐看的;再说,小矮人过去对他们一直都很好。在那可怕的严冬里,树上已经没有坚果了,地面被冻得跟铁块似的,狼群也下山来到城门口寻找食物,就在这种时候,小矮人也不曾忘记他们,他总是把自己的小块的黑面包揉成屑给他们吃,不管他的早餐多么少,他总会分一些给他们吃。

  Butbirdslikedwarfs.Theyoftenseehiminthewoods,chasingtheleavesintheairlikeafairy,orsquattingintheholeofanoldoaktree,sharinghisnutswithsquirrels.Theydidntcareabouthisuglyappearanceatall.Yes,Nightingalegoestotheforestatnighttosing,andsometimesthemoonwillbowdowntolistentohersweetsong,butshehasnopatience;besides,thedwarfsusedtobeverygoodtothem.Intheterriblewinter,therewerenonutsonthetree,thegroundwasfrozenlikeiron.Wolvesalsowentdowntothegatetofindfood.Atthistime,thedwarfsneverforgotthem.Healwayskneadhissmallpiecesofblackbreadintocrumbsforthemtoeat.Regardlessofhowlittlebreakfasthehad,hewouldgivethemsome.

  所以他们绕着他飞了一圈又一圈,他们飞过他身边的时候用翅膀轻轻抚摸着他的脸,并相互交谈着。小矮人高兴得不得了,他忍不住把那朵美丽的白玫瑰拿出来给他们看,还告诉他们这是小公主本人亲自给他的,因为她爱他。

  Sotheyflewaroundhim,andtheyflewoverhim,gentlytouchinghisfacewiththeirwingsandtalkingtoeachother.Thedwarfwassohappythathecouldnothelpshowingthebeautifulwhiterosetothem,andtoldthemthatthiswastheprincessherselfgavehim,becauseshelovedhim.

  对他讲的话他们一个字也听不懂,不过这倒没什么关系,因为他们把头偏在一旁,看上去很精明的样子,这就跟了解此事是一样的好,并且也更加容易。

  Theycantunderstandawordtheysaytohim,butitdoesntmatterbecausetheylooksmartwiththeirheadsaside,whichisasgoodasknowingitanditseasier.

  蜥蜴也非常喜欢他,每当他跑累了以后躺在草地上休息的时候,蜥蜴就会在他身上爬来爬去地玩着,拿出浑身的本事去逗他开心。“不是每个人都可以像蜥蜴那样漂亮的,”他们大声说道,“不过这种要求太过分了。而且说起来也有些荒唐,其实他一点也不难看,当然,只要人们团上眼睛,不要去看他。”蜥蜴们天生就是十足的哲学家派头,在没有什么事情可做的时候,或碰上雨天不能外出,他们会一坐就是好几个钟头地思考问题。

  Lizardsalsolikehimverymuch.Whenheistiredandheliesonthegrassforrest,thelizardwillclimbaroundhimandplay,andtakeouthisskillstomakehimhappy."Noteveryonecanbeasbeautifulasalizard,"theycried,"butitstoomuch.Anditsridiculoustosay,buthesnotuglyatall,ofcourse,aslongaspeopleputtheireyestogether,dontlookathim."Lizardsareborntobefullphilosophers,whocantgooutwhentheresnothingtodoorwhenitsraining,andtheysitdownforhourstothink.

  然而,花儿对他们的举止倒是十分地担心,同时对鸟儿的举动也很不安。“这只能表明,”花儿们说,“这种不停地蹦蹦跳跳会产生多么粗俗的影响。像我们这徉有教养的人,总是老老实实地呆在同一个地方。从没有人看见我们在花廊中跳来跳去的,或者在草丛中发疯似的追赶蜻蜓,只要我们想换换空气,我们就会叫园丁来,他会把我们搬到另一个花坛上去。这是很神圣的事,而且也应该如此。可是鸟儿和蜥蜴没有休息的意识,的确鸟儿连一个固定的住址都不曾有。他们只不过是一群像吉卜赛人那样的流浪汉,而且也真该受到同徉的待遇。”于是花儿们露出趾高气昂的样子,一副了不起的神态,并且很得意地望着小矮人从草地上爬起身来,跨过阳台朝宫廷走去。

  However,Huaerisveryworriedabouttheirbehavior,andatthesametime,heisalsoveryuneasyaboutthebirdsbehavior."Itonlyshows,"saidtheflowers,"whatavulgareffectthisconstantskippingcanhave.Welleducatedpeoplelikeusalwaysstayinthesameplacehonestly.Noonehaseverseenusjumpingintheflowergalleryorchasingdragonfliesinthegrass.Ifwewanttochangetheair,wewillcallthegardenerandhewillmoveustoanotherflowerbed.Itsasacredthing,anditshouldbe.Butbirdsandlizardshavenosenseofrest.Indeed,birdsdontevenhaveafixedaddress.TheyarejustagroupofvagabondslikeGypsies,andtheyreallydeservetobetreatedasfellowVagabonds."Sotheflowerslookedveryproud,andwatchedthedwarfsgetupfromthegrassandwalkacrossthebalconytowardsthepalace.

  “他应该一辈子都关在房子里不出门,”他们说,“看看他的驼背,还有他那双拐腿,”说着他们吃吃地笑了起来。

  "Heshouldstayinthehouseallhislife,"theysaid."Lookathishumpandhiscrutches,"andtheychuckled.

  不过小矮人对此是一无所知。他好喜欢这些小鸟和蜥蜴,并且认为花儿是世界上最美丽的东西了,当然要除开小公主。而小公主已经把美丽的白玫瑰给了他,她是爱他的,这就大不一样了。他多么希望自己能跟她一起回到树林中去!她会让他坐在她的右手边,还对他微笑,他永远也不愿从她身边离去,他要她跟自己一块儿玩,并教她各种逗人的把戏。因为尽管他以前从未进过王宫,可他却知道好多了不起的事情。他可以用灯芯草编出小笼子,好把蚱蜢关在里面唱歌,他还会把竹节细长的竹子做成笛子,用它吹出牧神最爱听的曲子。他了解每只鸟儿的叫声,还能把欧椋鸟从树梢上唤下来,或从池塘中唤弧苍鹭。他认识每一种动物的足迹,可以凭着轻微的脚印寻觅到野兔,靠被践踏过的树叶找到狗熊。他知道各种风的轻舞,有秋天里穿着红衣的狂舞,有穿着蓝色草鞋在稻谷上掠过的轻舞,有冬季戴着雪冠的舞蹈,还有春天里吹过果园的慢舞。他知道斑鸠在什么地方做窝,曾有一次一对老斑鸠给捕鸟者抓走了,他就亲自来哺育那些幼鸟,并在一棵砍去了树梢的榆树裂缝中为他们筑起了一个小小的鸠窝。他们都很听话,并习惯了在他的手上找东西吃。小公主会喜欢他们的,还有那些在长长的凤尾草中乱窜的兔子们,和有着硬羽毛和黑嘴的鹒鸟,以及能够弯曲成带刺圆球的刺猬,和会摇头、轻轻地咬嫩叶、慢慢爬行的大智龟。是的,她一定会到林子里来和他一起玩。他会把自己的小床让给她睡,他在窗外看守着直到天亮,不让带角的野兽伤了她,更不能让饥饿的狼群靠近小茅屋。天亮时他会轻轻地敲着窗板把她唤醒,他们会一起到外面去,跳上一整天的舞蹈。在树林里真是一点也不寂寞。有时主教会骑着他的白骡子从这里走过,一边走一边还读着本带图画的书。有时候那些养猎鹰的人戴着他们的绿绒帽子,穿着硝过的鹿皮短上衣从这儿经过,手腕上站着蒙着头的鹰。每到葡萄熟透的季节,采葡萄的人们连手和脚都是紫色的,头上戴着常青藤编的花冠,手里拿着滴着葡萄酒的皮袋子。烧炭人晚上围坐在大火盆的边上,望着干柴在火中慢慢地燃烧,把栗子埋在灰中烘烤。强盗们也从山洞里窜出来跟他们一块儿玩乐。还有一回,他看见一些人排成好看的队伍在长长的尘土飞扬的大路上蜿蜒地朝托列多而去。僧侣们走在队伍的前头,唱着甜甜的歌曲,手里拿着鲜艳的旗子和金十字架,随后跟着披银枣甲执火绳枪和长矛的士兵,在这些人当中走着三个赤脚的人,身着奇怪的黄袍,上面绘满了奇妙的画像,他们的手中拿着点燃的蜡烛。说真的,树林中有非常多值得看的东西。她疲倦了的时候,他便会找一个长满青苔的软海滩让她休息,要不就扶着她走,因为他很结实,尽管他深知自己的个头不算高。他会用红色的蔓草果为她做一串项链,它会跟她衣服上戴的白色珍珠一样美丽,一旦她不欢喜这种项链了,就把它给扔掉,他还会为她做别的。他会给她找来一些皂角和露水浸泡过的秋牡丹,而且小小的萤火虫还可以做她浅黄色头发上的小星星。

  Butthedwarfsknewnothingaboutit.Helikesthesebirdsandlizardsverymuch,andthinksthatflowersarethemostbeautifulthingsintheworld,exceptthelittleprincess.Andthelittleprincesshasgivenhimthebeautifulwhiterose,andsheloveshim,whichisquitedifferent.Howhewishedhecouldgobacktothewoodswithher!Shewouldlethimsitonherrighthandandsmileathim.Hewouldneverleaveher.Heaskedhertoplaywithhimandteachherallkindsoffunnytricks.Becausealthoughhehadneverbeentothepalacebefore,heknewalotofgreatthings.Hecanmakeasmallcageoutofwickergrass,sothatgrasshopperscanbeshutinandsing.Hecanalsomakeafluteoutofthelongandthinbamboo,anduseittoplaythefavoritetuneoftheshepherd.Heknowsthecallofeverybird,andcancallstarlingsfromthetreetops,orheronsfromtheponds.Heknowsthefootprintsofeveryanimal.Hecanfindrabbitswithslightfootprintsandbearswithtrampledleaves.Heknowsallkindsofwinddances,suchasthedanceinredinautumn,thedanceinbluestrawsandalsonrice,thedanceinsnowcapinwinter,andtheslowdanceinorchardinspring.Heknewwhereturtledovesmadetheirnests.Onceanoldpairofturtledoveswerecapturedbyabirdcatcher,hecametofeedtheyoungbirdshimself,andbuiltasmallnestfortheminthecrackofanelmtreewhosetophadbeencutoff.Theywereallobedientandusedtolookingforfoodinhishands.Thelittleprincesswilllikethem,aswellastherabbitsscurryinginthelongcrestedgrass,thePloverwithhardfeathersandblackbeaks,thehedgehogthatcanbendintoathornyball,andthebigsmartturtlethatcanshakeherhead,bitethetenderleavesgentlyandcrawlslowly.Yes,shewillcometoplaywithhiminthewoods.Hewouldgiveherhislittlebedtosleep,andhewouldwatchoutthewindowuntildawn,nottoletthehornedbeasthurther,nottoletthehungrywolvesnearthehut.Atdaybreak,hewouldgentlytaponthewindowsilltowakeherup.Theywouldgoouttogetheranddanceallday.Itsnotlonelyinthewoods.Sometimesthebishopwouldpassbyonhiswhitemule,readingabookwithpictures.Sometimesthefalconspassedbyintheirgreenvelvethats,intheirtanneddeerskinjackets,andontheirwristsstoodthehoodedeagles.Everyseasonwhenthegrapesareripe,thegrapepickershavepurplehandsandfeet,withivycorollaontheirheadsandskinbagsdrippingwithwineintheirhands.Charcoalburnerssitaroundtheedgeofthefirebasinatnight,watchingthedrywoodburnslowlyinthefire,buryingchestnutsintheashtobake.Therobbersalsocameoutofthecavetoplaywiththem.Onanotheroccasion,hesawagood-lookinglineofpeoplewindingalongthelongdustyroadtowardsToledo.Themonkswalkedatthefrontoftheprocession,singingsweetsongs,holdingbrightflagsandgoldencrossesintheirhands,followedbysoldiersarmedwithmusketsandspearsinsilverjujubearmour.Amongthemwalkedthreebarefootmen,dressedinstrangeyellowrobesandcoveredwithwonderfulpictures,withlightedcandlesintheirhands.Seriously,theresalottoseeinthewoods.Whenshewastired,hewouldfindasoftbeachfullofmosstoletherrest,orhelpherwalk,becausehewasverystrong,eventhoughheknewhewasnottall.Hewillmakeanecklaceforherwithredvines.Itwillbeasbeautifulasthewhitepearlsonherclothes.Onceshedoesntlikethenecklace,hewillthrowitawayanddosomethingelseforher.Hewouldgethersomesoaphornanddewsoakedautumnpeony,andthelittlefireflycouldbethelittlestarinherlightyellowhair.

  可是她又在什么地方呢?他问着白玫瑰,白玫瑰回答不了他的问题。整个王宫像是睡着了似的,甚至连那些百叶窗没有关闭的地方,也垂下了厚重的窗帘挡去了投入窗户的光线。他到处转悠着想寻到一处可以进入的地方,最后他瞧了一扇开着的小门。他溜了进去,发现自己来到了一个辉煌的大厅中,他感到要比那树林气派得多,处处金光灿烂,就连地板都是用五颜六色的大石头铺成的,可是小公主并不在那儿,只有几个美丽异常的白石像从他们的绿宝石座上朝下望着他,眼神中满是忧伤和茫然,嘴角上还挂着一丝奇怪的微笑。

  Butwhereisshe?Heaskedwhiterose,whocouldnotanswerhisquestion.Thewholepalaceseemedtobeasleep.Evenwheretheshutterswerenotclosed,heavycurtainswerehungdowntoblockthelightfromthewindows.Hewanderedaboutlookingforaplacetoenter,andfinallyhelookedatanopenlittledoor.Heslippedinandfoundhimselfinasplendidhall.Hefeltmuchmoremagnificentthanthewoods.Eventhefloorwaspavedwithcolorfulstones.Butthelittleprincesswasnotthere.Onlyafewbeautifulwhitestonestatueslookeddownathimfromtheiremeraldseats.Theireyeswerefullofsadnessandloss,andtheirmouthwasstillhangingAstrangesmile.

  在大厅的尽头垂挂着绣工精致的黑天鹅绒帷幔,上面绣着太阳和繁星,都是国王最中意的设计,而且绣的又是他最喜爱的颜色。也许她就躲在那后面?他无论怎样也要去看看。

  Attheendofthehallhungadelicateblackvelvetcurtainembroideredwiththesunandstars,whichwasthekingsfavoritedesignandhisfavoritecolor.Maybesheshidingbehindthat?Hesgoingtoseeitanyway.

  于是他悄悄地走过去,把帷幔拉开。没有人,那儿只不过是另一间房子,可他觉得这间房子比他刚才走过的那间更漂亮。墙上挂着绣着许多人物像的绿色挂毡。那是一幅狩猎图,是几位弗来米西艺术家花了七年时间完成的。这儿曾经是被称为傻约翰的国王的房间,那个疯子国王太喜欢打猎了,在他精神失常的时候,他总是幻想着骑上那些画中蹬起后蹄的大马,拖开那只由一群大猎攻击的公鹿,吹响他那打猎的号角,用他的短剑刺一只奔跑的母鹿。现在这儿改作会议厅了,在屋中央的桌子上放着大臣们的红色文件夹,上面盖着西班牙金色郁金香的印花,以及哈普斯堡皇室的纹章和标识。

  Sohewentoverquietlyandopenedthecurtain.Noone.Itwasjustanotherhouse,buthethoughtitwasmorebeautifulthantheonehehadjustpassed.Onthewallaregreentapestriesembroideredwithfigures.ItsahuntingpicturethatseveralFlemishartistsspentsevenyearson.ThisusedtobetheroomofthekingcalledsillyJohn.Themadkinglovedhuntingtoomuch.Whenhewasinsane,healwaysdreamedofridingonthehorsewithhindhoovesinthepainting,draggingawaythestagattackedbyagroupofbighunters,blowinghishuntinghorn,andstabbingarunningDOEwithhisdagger.Nowitsaconferencehall,andonthetableinthemiddleoftheroomaretheministersredfolders,coveredwithSpanishgoldtulipprints,andtheharpsburgRoyalinsignia.

  小矮人吃惊地朝四周看着,他真有点不敢往前走了。画中那些陌生而沉默的骑马人敏捷地跨越过一片长长的草地,连一点声音也听不见,在他看来这些人就像烧炭夫们讲过的那些可怕的鬼影——康普拉克斯,他们只在夜里外出打猎,要是遇上人,就会把此人变成一只赤鹿,然后去猎取他。但是小矮人想起了美丽的小公主,于是又壮起了胆子。他希望她是一个人呆在那儿,好让他告诉她,他也是爱她的。也许她就在隔壁的那间屋子里。

  Thedwarflookedaroundinsurprise,andhewasalittleafraidtogoforward.Thestrangeandsilentridersinthepaintingquicklycrossedalonggrass,andcouldnothearanysound.Inhisview,thesepeoplewereliketheterribleghoststhatthecharcoalmakershadspokenabout-complacs,whoonlywentouthuntingatnight,andiftheymetsomeone,theywouldturnthemanintoareddeerandthenhunthim.Butthedwarfsrememberedthebeautifullittleprincess,andthentheywerebraveagain.Hehopedshewouldstaytherealonesothathecouldtellherthathelovedhertoo.Maybeshesintheroomnextdoor.

  他从柔软的莫尔人地毯上跑过去,打开了门。没有!她也不在这儿。房间里空空的。

  HeranoverthesoftMorsecarpetandopenedthedoor.No,Shesnothereeither.Theroomisempty.

  这是一间御室,用来接待外国使节的,只要国王同意亲自接见他们,这种事近来不常有了。多年以前,就是在这间屋子里,英国的特使到这儿来安排他们的女王——当时她是欧洲天主教君主之一,与皇帝的长子联姻的。屋子里的帷幔都是用镀金的皮革做成的,黑白两色相间的开花板下面垂挂着沉重的镀金烛架,上而可以架起三百支蜡烛。一个巨大的金光闪闪的华盖上面用小粒珍珠绣出了狮子和卡斯特尔城堡图,华盖下面就是国王的宝座,宝座上盖着昂贵的黑色天鹅绒罩布,罩布上镶着银色的郁金香并且还配着精致的银饰和珍珠穗子。在宝座第二级上面放着小公主用的跪凳,垫子是用银丝线布做成的,就在跪凳下面,靠华盖外面的地方,立着教皇使节的椅子,只有这位使节大人才有权在任何公开的庆典仪式上与国王坐在一起。他那顶主教的帽子,帽上缠着深红色的帽缨,就放在一个靠前边的紫色绣框上。正对着宝座的墙上,挂着一幅查理五世猎装服的画像,像跟真人一样大小,身边还站着一只大猎犬。另一面墙的中央处挂着一幅脉力普二世接受尼德兰诸省朝贡时的画像。在两扇窗户的中间放着一个乌木幅柜,里面放着象牙盘子,盘子上刻着霍尔彭“死亡舞蹈”中的人物,据说,这是这位大师亲自动手刻的。

  Thisisaroyalchamberforforeignenvoys.Itisnotuncommonforthekingtoacceptthempersonally.Yearsago,itwasinthisroomthatBritishenvoyscameheretoarrangetheirQueen-oneoftheEuropeanCatholicmonarchswhomarriedtheeldestsonoftheemperor.Thecurtainsintheroomweremadeofgildedleather,andundertheblackandwhitetwocolorflowerboardhungheavygildedcandlesticks,onwhich300candlescouldbeerected.AhugegoldencoverisembroideredwithsmallpearlstoembroiderthelionandCastellcastle.Underthecoveristhethroneoftheking.Thethroneiscoveredwithexpensiveblackvelvetcoveringcloth,andthecoverclothisinlaidwithsilvertulipsandisalsoequippedwithexquisitesilverornamentsandPearlspikes.Onthesecondstageofthethrone,thereisakneelingbenchforthelittleprincess.Thematismadeofsilverthreadcloth.Underthekneelingbench,andoutsidetheHuagai,thereisachairofthePope.Onlytheenvoyhastherighttositwiththekingatanypublicceremony.Hisbishopshat,whichwaswrappedwithadarkredhat,wasplacedonapurpleembroideredframenearthefront.Onthewallofthethrone,therewasaportraitofCharlesVsuniform,whichwasasbigasahumanbeing,andtherewasabighoundstandingbesidehim.InthemiddleoftheotherwallisaportraitofthetimethatmailipuIIreceivedtributefromtheprovincesofNederland.Inthemiddleofthetwowindowswasaebonycabinetwithivoryplatesengravedwiththecharactersinthe"deathdance"ofholpen,whichissaidtohavebeencarvedbythemasterhimself.

  可是小矮人对眼前豪华的盛景却没有留意。他不愿用自己的玫瑰花来换华盖上的珍珠,更不肯用哪怕一片玫瑰花瓣来换宝座。他所要做的就是在小公主去亭廊之前见上她一面,并要求在他的舞蹈结束之后就跟他一块儿离去。此时在宫中,空气是郁闷而沉重的,然而在树林里风儿却能自由自在地衣着,阳光挥舞着那双金灿灿的双手拔开抖动的树叶。树林中也有鲜花,也许赶不上花园里的花那么鲜艳,但却更加芳香怕人;早春中的风信子花在清凉的山谷和青草的小丘上荡起层层紫色的浪潮;一簇簇黄色的樱草爬满了橡树根的四周;色彩鲜明的白屈莱,蓝幽幽的威灵仙,深红且金黄的萄尾随处可见。榛树上有灰色的茅荑花,顶针花上挂吊着斑迹点点的蜜蜂小屋。栗树的顶部如同白色的星星,而山楂却透着它那苍白的美丽月色。是的,只要他能够找到她,她一定会来的!她会跟他一块儿到美妙的树林中去的,他还会给她跳一整天的舞,逗她开心。想到这几,他的眼睛中露出灿烂的微笑,然后他就走进了另一间房子。

  Butthedwarfsdidnotnoticetheluxuryofthescene.Hewouldnotusehisownroseforpearlsonthecover,andhewouldnotevenusearosepetalforathrone.Allhehadtodowasmeetherbeforethelittleprincesswenttothepavilionandaskedtogowithhimafterhisdance.Atthistime,theairisdepressedandheavyinthepalace,butinthewoods,thewindcandressfreely,thesunwavesthegoldenhandstopulloutthetremblingleaves.Thereareflowersintheforest,whichmaynotcatchupwiththeflowersinthegarden,buttheyaremorefragrantandfrightening;intheearlyspring,thehyacinthflowersinthecoolValleyandgrasshillsrisewithpurplewaves;aclusterofyellowcherrytreescrawlsaroundtheoakroot;thecolorfulwhitequlai,theblueandquietwellingfairy,theredandGoldenGrapetailcanbeseeneverywhere.Hazelnuttreeshavegraycatkins,andthetopneedleflowershangthelittlebeehousewithspotshanging.Thetopofthechestnuttreeislikeawhitestar,whilehawthornisfullofitspaleandbeautifulmoon.Yes,shewillcomeaslongashecanfindher!Shewillgowithhimtothewonderfulwoods,andhewilldanceforherallday,andmakeherhappy.Thinkingofthese,hiseyesweresmilingbrightly,andthenhewalkedintoanotherhouse.

  在所有的房屋中这一间是最明亮和最漂亮的。屋里的四壁上布满了印着浅红色花朵的意大利缎子,缎子上面还点缀着鸟图和可爱的银花;家具是用大块的银子做成的,上面镶着鲜艳的花环和转动的小爱神;在两个大壁炉的前面立着绣有鹏踏和孔雀的大屏风;地板是海绿色的玛瑙,仿佛延伸至遥遥的远方。这里并非他一个人,房间的另一头,在门道的阴影下站着一个小小的人影,正望着他。他心中一颤,从口中进发出一声喜悦的叫声,接着他一下子跑进了屋外的阳光中。他这么做的时候,那个人影也跟着这么做,他完全看清楚那是什么了。

  Thisoneisthebrightestandmostbeautifulofallthehouses.ThefourwallsofthehousearecoveredwithItaliansatinwithlightredflowers,andthesatinisdecoratedwithbirdpicturesandlovelysilverflowers;thefurnitureismadeoflargesilver,withbrightwreathsandsmallrotatinggodsoflove;infrontofthetwofireplaces,therearescreensembroideredwithPengtreadsandpeacocks;thefloorisseagreenagate,asifextendingtoadistantdistance.Thisisnothisone,theotherendoftheroom,standingintheshadowofthedoorway,standingasmallfigure,lookingathim.Hetrembled,andhemadeajoyfulcryfromhismouth,andthenheranintothesunoutsidethehouse.Whenhedid,thefigurefollowedit,andhesawexactlywhatitwas.

  小公主!不,那只是个怪物,是他所见过的最难看的怪物。奇形怪状的样子,非常人一般,驼着背,拐着腿,还有一个摇来摇去的大脑袋和一头鬃毛般的乌发。小矮人皱起了眉头。他笑了,而它也跟着笑,而且还把两只手放在腰间,就跟他的做法是一样的。他嘲笑着向它鞠了一躬,它也对他还了一个礼。他朝它走去,它也走上来迎他,跟他迈着同样的步伐,他停下来,对方也站住了脚步。他惊奇地叫了起来,跑上前去,伸出一只手,而怪物的手也朝他的手伸来,那只手冷冰冰的。他觉得好害怕,又把手挥舞了过去,怪物的手也很快地伸了过来。他再试着往前压去,但有什么光滑而坚硬的东西挡住了他。怪物的脸此时此刻正好贴近了他的脸,脸上似乎充满了恐俱。他把头发从眼睛上抹开。它也摹仿他。他去打它,可它也报以拳头。他对它做出烦恼的样子,它也朝他做鬼脸。他向后退去,它也跟着退去了。

  TheLittlePrincess!No,itsjustamonster.Itsthemostuglymonsterheseverseen.Itwasastrangeshape,veryhuman,hunched,crunched,andalargeheadandamaneofblackhair.Thedwarffrowned.Helaughed,anditfollowed,andheputhishandsonhiswaist,justashedid.Hemadeabowtohimwithalaugh,andhealsogavehimagift.Hewalkedtowardsit,andhecameuptomeethim,andtookthesamepaceashedid.Hestoppedandtheothersidestoodstill.Hecriedinsurprise,ranupandoutwithonehand,andthemonstershandcametohishand,whichwascold.Hefeltsoscared,wavedhishandoveragain,andthemonstershandcameoutquickly.Hetriedtopressforward,butsomethingsmoothandhardwasblockinghim.Themonstersfaceisnowclosetohisface,whichseemstobefulloffear.Hewipedhishairoffhiseyes.Italsoimitateshim.Hewenttohitit,buthealsoreportedhisfist.Hewasannoyedwithit,andhemadeafaceathim.Heretreatedback,anditfollowed.

  它是什么东西呀?他想了一会儿,并朝房屋的四周看了看。真是怪了,不管什么东西在这堵看不见的清水墙上都会重复出现它们原有的模样,是的,墙上有屋里一样的图画,一样的睡椅。门口壁禽中那个躺着的睡牧神,竟也有一个模样相同的孪生兄弟酣睡在那儿,那位站立在阳光中伸出双臂的银维纳斯像也正朝着另一个一样可爱的维纳斯对视着。

  Whatisit?Hethoughtforawhileandlookedaroundthehouse.Itsstrangethatwhateverhappenstotheinvisiblewaterwall,theywillberepeated.Yes,therearethesamepicturesintheroomandthesamecouchonthewall.ThesleepinganimalGodinthebirdatthegatewallhadatwinbrotherwhowassleepinginthesameshape.ThesilverVenus,whostoodinthesunandstretchedouthisarms,waslookingatanotheraslovelyVenus.

  这是回音吗?他曾经在山谷中呼唤过她,她一个字一个字地回应着。难道她也能摹仿眼睛就像她摹仿声音那样?难道她能制造出一个与真实世界一样的假世界?难道物体的影子有颜色、生命和动作吗?难道这会是——?

  Isthisaecho?Hehadcalledherinthevalley,andsherespondedwordbyword.Cansheimitatehereyesasshedoessound?Canshecreateafakeworldliketherealworld?Istheshadowofanobjectcolor,life,andmovement?Isthisgoingtobe--?

  他吃了一惊,便从怀里拿出那朵美丽的白玫瑰,转过身来,吻着花。那个怪物也有自己的玫瑰花,花瓣竟跟他的一模一样!它也在吻花,而且跟他的吻法是一样的,还用它那可怕的动作把花按在自己的胸口上。

  Hewassurprised,andtookoutthebeautifulwhiterosefromhisarms,turnedaroundandkissedtheflower.Themonsteraslikeastwopeashasitsownrose.Itiskissingflowers,anditisthesameashiskissmethod,anditalsousesitsterribleactiontopressthefloweronhischest.

  等他明白了其中的道理的时候,他发出了绝望的狂叫声,趴在地上痛哭起来。原来那个奇丑无比,弯腰驼背的怪物就是他自己。他正是那个怪物,所有的小孩嘲笑的也是他,那位他原以为爱他的小公主——她也只不过是在嘲笑他的丑态,拿他的拐腿寻开心罢了。他们为什么要把他带出树林?林子里没有镜子告诉他,他是多么的丑陋。为什么他的父亲不杀死他,却要出卖他的丑相呢?热泪从他的脸颊上滚滚而下,他把白玫瑰扯了个粉碎。那个趴在地上的怪物也照他的样子做了,还把花瓣撒在空中。它在地上爬着,他朝它看着,它也用皱着眉头的苦脸望着他。他朝一边爬去,不愿再看见它,并用双手捂住自己的眼睛。他像一只受了伤的动物,向阴暗处爬去,并躺在那儿呻吟起来。

  Whenheunderstoodthetruth,hemadeadesperatescreamandcriedontheground.Theoriginalstrangeugly,benthunchbackmonsterishisown.Hewasthemonster,andallthechildrenlaughedathim,andthelittleprincesshethoughtheloved-shewasjustlaughingathisuglyappearanceandhavingfunwithhisleg.Whydidtheytakehimoutofthewoods?Therewasnomirrorintheforesttotellhimhowuglyhewas.Whydoeshisfathernotkillhim,butbetrayhisuglyface?Tearsrolleddownhischeek,andhetorethewhiterosetopieces.Themonsterwholayonthegrounddidthesamethingashedid,andscatteredthepetalsintheair.Hewascrawlingontheground,helookedatit,andhelookedathimwithafrownfaced.Heclimbedtooneside,unwillingtoseeitagain,andcoveredhiseyeswithhishands.Heclimbedtothedarklikeawoundedanimalandlaytheremoaning.

  正在这时小公主带着她的小伙伴们从开着的落地窗中走了进来,当他们看见丑陋的小矮人躺在地上,用紧握的拳头捶打地板的时候,他们忍不住为他那极其滑稽夸张的举动哈哈大笑起来,并围着他观赏起来。

  Atthistime,thelittleprincesscameinwithherlittlefriendsfromtheopenwindow.Whentheysawtheuglydwarflyingonthegroundandpoundingthefloorwithherclenchedfist,theycouldnthelplaughingathisridiculousandexaggeratedbehaviorandwatchinghim.

  “他的舞蹈很有趣的,”小公主说,“而他的演技更加滑稽。的确他差不多跟木偶人一样的好,只是还不够自然而已。”说完她扇起了大扇子,高兴地拍手叫好。

  "Hisdanceisveryinteresting,"saidthelittleprincess,"andhisactingwasmorefunny.Heisalmostasgoodasapuppet,butitisnotnatural."Shefanupabigfanandclapherhandshappily.

  可是小矮人再也没有抬起头来,他的哭泣声越来越弱了,突然他发出一声奇怪的喘息,并在身上抓起来。然后他又倒了下去,一动不动地脑下了。

  Butthedwarfneverlookedupagain,hiscrywasweakerandweaker,andsuddenlyhegaveastrangegaspandgrabbedhim.Thenhefelldownagain,andhewasstill.

  “这可真精彩,”小公主说,又过了一阵子;“不过现在你必须为我们跳舞了。”

  "Itswonderful,"saidthelittleprincess,afterawhile;"butnowyouhavetodanceforus."

  可是小矮人却一声未答。

  Butthedwarfdidnotanswer.

  小公主跺了跺脚,叫起了她的叔父。她叔父此时正和宫廷大臣一起在阳台上散步,读着刚从墨西哥送来的公文,宗教裁判所最近在墨西哥成立了。“我的这个有趣的小矮人生气了,”她大声嚷道,“你一定要把他叫醒,让他为我跳舞。”

  Thelittleprincessstampedherfeetandcalledheruncle.Herunclewaswalkingonthebalconywiththecourtminister,readingtheofficialdocumentjustsentfromMexico,wherethereligiousrefereerecentlyestablished."Myfunnylittlemanisangry,"shecriedout."Youmustwakehimupandlethimdanceforme."

  他们两人相互笑了笑,慢慢地走了进来。唐.彼德罗弯下腰去,用他那绣花的手套打着小矮人的脸,说道:“你必须得跳舞,小怪物,你一定得跳。西班牙及西印度群岛的小公主要开心快乐才对。”

  Theylaughedateachotherandwalkedinslowly.DonPedrostoopeddownandhitthedwarfsfacewithhisembroideredglovesandsaid,"youhavetodance,littlemonster,youmust.ThelittleprincessesofSpainandtheWestIndiesarehappy."

  可是小矮人却一动也不动。

  Butthedwarfsdidnotmove.

  “应该叫个执鞭人来打他一顿,”唐.彼德罗愤愤地说,接着他又回到了阳台上去。不过宫廷大臣却是一副庄重的表情,他跪在小矮人的身旁,把手按在小矮人的胸口上。过了一会儿,他耸了耸肩膀,站起身来,向小公主鞠了个躬,并说道:

  "Heshouldbecalledonawhip,"saidDonPedroangrily,andthenhereturnedtothebalcony.Butthecourtministerwasasolemnexpression,kneelingbesidethedwarfandpressinghishandonthedwarfschest.Afterawhile,heshruggedhisshoulders,stoodup,bowedtothelittleprincess,andsaid:

  “我美丽的小公主,您那位滑稽的小矮人再也不能够跳舞了。真遗憾,他长得这么丑,一定会使国王不开心的。”

  "Mybeautifullittleprincess,yourfunnydwarfcannolongerdance.Imsorry,helookssougly,anditwillmakethekingunhappy."

  “可是他为什么不再跳舞了呢?”小公主笑着问道。

  "Butwhydoesnthedanceanymore?"Askedthelittleprincesswithasmile.

  “因为他的心碎了,”宫廷大臣说。

  "Becausehisheartisbroken,"saidthecourtminister.

  公主皱皱眉头,她那可爱的玫瑰叶嘴唇傲气地朝上撅了一下。“那么以后让那些来陪我玩的人都不带心才行,”她大声说,然后就朝外跑进花园里去了。

  Theprincessfrowned,andherlovelyroseleaflipspoutedproudly."Thenletthosewhocometoplaywithmewithoutheart,"shecried,andranoutintothegarden.

  王尔德童话英文版篇5

  从前有两个穷苦的樵夫正穿越一个大松林往家赶路。那是冬天的一个寒风刺骨的夜晚。地上铺着厚厚的雪,树枝上积压着雪,在他们走过的时候,两旁的小树枝接连不断地被霜折断,他们来到山涧的瀑布前时,霜也一动不动地停在空中,因为冰雪之王已经吻过她了。

  Onceuponatime,twopoorwoodcutterswerecrossingapineforestandheadinghome.Itwasacoldnightinwinter.Therewasthicksnowontheground,andtherewassnowonthebranches.Astheypassedby,thebranchesonbothsideswerebrokenbythefrost.Whentheycametothewaterfallofthemountainstream,thefroststoppedintheairmotionless,becausethekingofsnowandsnowhadkissedher.

  这一夜实在是太冷了,就连鸟兽也不知道该怎么办才好。

  Itwassocoldthisnightthatevenbirdsandanimalsdidntknowwhattodo.

  “噢!”狼一边叫着,一边夹着尾巴从灌木林丛一拐一敲地走出来,“这真是倒霉的天气,政府为什么不想想办法呢?”

  "Oh"Itsabadday.Whydontthegovernmentthinkaboutit?"criedthewolf,andwalkedoutofthebushwithhistail

  “喔!喔!喔!”绿色梅花雀喳喳地叫道,“年迈的地球已经死了,他们已经用白寿衣把她给收殓了。”

  "Oh!Oh!Oh"Theoldearthisdead,andtheyhavetakenherintheirwhitelifeclothes,"thegreenplumblossombirdschirped

  “地球要出嫁了,这是她的结婚礼服,”斑鸠们在一起彼此悄悄地说。他们的小红脚都被冻坏了,不过他们觉得自己有责任用乐观浪漫的看法看待这一切。

  "Theearthisgoingtomarry,thisisherweddingdress,"theturtledoveswhisperedtoeachother.Theirlittleredfeetwerefrozen,buttheyfeltresponsibleforseeingitinaromanticandoptimisticway.

  “胡说!”狼咆哮着说。“我告诉你们这都是政府的过错,如果你们不相信我的话,我会吃掉你们的。”狼有着完全务实的思想,他永远都不会找不到好的论点的。

  "NonsenseThewolfgrowled."Itellyouthatthisisallthefaultofthegovernment,andifyoudontbelieveme,Iwilleatyou."Wolfhasacompletelypragmaticmind,andhewillneverfindagoodargument.

  “唔,就我个人而言,”啄木鸟说,他是一个天生的哲学家,“我关心的不是用作解释的原子理论。如果一件事是什么样子,那么就本该如此,只是眼下实在是太冷了。”天气的确是冷透了。住在高高杉树上的小松鼠们互相摩擦着鼻子来取暖,野兔们在自己的洞中龟缩着身子,甚至不敢朝外而看上一眼。唯一好像欢喜这种天气的只有大角鸥了。他们的羽毛让白霜冻得硬邦邦的,不过他们并不在意,他们不停地转动着他们那又大又黄的眼睛,隔着林子彼此呼唤着,“吐威特!吐威特!吐威特!吐威特!今天的气候多么好呀!”

  "Well,personally,"saidthewoodpecker,anaturalphilosopher,"Imnotconcernedwithatomictheoryasanexplanation.Ifsomethinglookslike,itshouldhavebeen,butitsjusttoocoldrightnow."Itsreallycold.Thesquirrelslivinginthetallfirtreesrubtheirnosestowarmeachother.Thehareshrinksintheirholesandevendarenotlookout.Theonlyonewhoseemstobehappywiththisweatheristhebighornedgull.Theirfeathersmadethefrostfreezehard,buttheydidntcare,theykeptturningtheirbigyelloweyes,callingouttoeachotherthroughtheforest,"tweet!Tweet!Tweet!Tweet!Whatagoodclimatetoday!"

  两个樵夫继续不停地往前赶着路,并起劲地朝自己的手指手上吹热气,脚上笨大的带铁钉的靴子在雪块上踏行着。有一次他们陷进了一个深深的雪坑里去,等他们出来的时候浑身上下白得就跟磨房的磨面师一样,这时石头也是很滑的;有一次他们在坚硬光滑的冰上跌倒了,这冰是沼地上的水结成的,他们身上的柴捆跌落了,他们只好拾起来,重新捆绑好;还有一次他们以为自己迷了路,心中害怕的不得了,因为他们深知雪对那些睡在她怀中的人是很残酷的。不过他们信任那位好心的圣马丁(司旅行之神),他会照顾所有出门的人,于是他们又照来路退回,小心翼翼地迈着脚步,最后他们终于来到了森林的出口处,并看见下面山谷的远处亮着他们所在村庄的灯光。

  Thetwowoodcutterskeptondrivingtheroad,andtheywereblowingheatontheirfingers,andthestupid,bigbootswithnailsontheirfeetwerewalkingonthesnow.Oncetheyfellintoadeepsnowpit,andwhentheycameout,theywereaswhiteasthegrinderinthemill.Thestonewasslippery.Oncetheyfellonthehardandsmoothice,whichwasformedbythewateronthemoor,andthebundlesoffirewoodfell,andtheyhadtopickupandbindthemagain;andonceagaintheythoughttheywereself-containedTheylosttheirway,andtheywereafraidofit,becausetheyknewthatsnowwascrueltothosewhosleptinherarms.ButtheytrustedthekindSaintMartin,whowouldtakecareofallthepeoplewhowentout,andthentheyreturned,andwalkedcarefully,andfinallytheycametotheexitoftheforestandsawthelightinthevillagewheretheywereinthedistancefromthevalleybelow.

  发现自己已脱离了危境,他俩真是欣喜若狂,高兴得大笑起来,大地在他们眼中就好像是一朵银白色的鲜花,月亮如同一朵金花。

  Theyweresoecstaticthattheyhadfoundthemselvesoutofdanger.Theylaughedwithjoy.Theearthseemedtobeasilverwhiteflowerintheireyes,andthemoonwaslikeagoldenflower.

  然而笑过之后,他们又陷入了忧愁,因为他们想起了自己的穷困家境,一位樵夫对另一个人说,“我们为什么要高兴呢,要知道生活是为有钱人准备的,不是为我们这样的穷人?我们还不如冻死在森林中呢,或者让什么野兽抓住我们把我咬死。”

  Butafterlaughing,theyfellintosorrowagain,becausetheythoughtoftheirpoorfamily.Onewoodcuttersaidtoanother,"whyshouldwebehappy?Weshouldknowthatlifeisfortherich,notforthepoorlikeus?Wemightaswellfreezetodeathintheforest,orletanybeastseizeusandbitemetodeath."

  “真是如此,”他的伙伴回答说,“有些人享有的太多了,而另一些人却得到的太少了。不公平已经把世界给瓜分了,除了忧愁之外,没有一件东西是公平分配的。”

  "Thatstrue,"hispartnerreplied,"somepeopleenjoytoomuch,whileothersgettoolittle.Injusticehasdividedtheworld,andnothingbutsorrowisequallydistributed."

  可是就在他们相互悲叹各自的不幸生活时,一件奇怪的事情发生了。从天上掉下来一颗非常明亮,非常美丽的星。它经过其它星星的身旁,从天边滑落了下来,他们惊讶地望着它,在他们看来它似乎就落在小羊圈旁边不到一箭之遥的一丛柳树的后面。

  Butjustastheylamenteachothersunhappylives,astrangethinghappened.Averybright,verybeautifulstarfellfromthesky.Itslippeddowntheskybytheotherstars,andtheylookedatitinsurprise,andintheirviewitseemedtofallbehindaclusterofwillowslessthanashotawayfromthesheepsy.

  “啊!谁要是找到它就可以得到一坛子黄金!”他们惊叫着,跑了出去,他们太想得到黄金了。

  "Ah!Anyonewhofindsitwillgetajarofgold!"Theyscreamed,ranout,theywantedgoldtoomuch.

  其中一人跑得快一些,他超过了同伴,奋力穿过柳树丛,来到了树的另一边,呀!在雪地上的确躺着一个黄金样的东西。他急忙赶过去,弯下身去用手去摸它,它是一件用金线织的斗篷,上面精心地绣着好多星星,并叠成了许多折子。他大声地对自己的同伴说他已经找到了从天上掉下来的财宝,等他的同伴走近时,他俩就在雪地上坐下来,把斗篷上的折子解开,准备把金子拿出来平分。但是,啊呀!里面没有黄金,也没有白银,任何宝物都没有,只有一个熟睡的孩子。

  Oneofthemranfaster,andhesurpassedhiscompanion,andtriedhardtocrossthewillowbushesandcametotheothersideofthetree,ah!Therewasindeedagoldenthinglyingonthesnow.Hehurriedover,bentdowntotouchitwithhishand,acloakmadeofgoldthread,carefullyembroideredwithstarsandfoldedintomanyfolds.Hesaidloudlytohiscompanionthathehadfoundthetreasurethathadfallenfromthesky.Whenhiscompanionapproached,theysatdownonthesnow,anduntiedthefoldonthecloak,andpreparedtotakethegoldoutforasplit.But,ah!Therewasnogold,nosilver,notreasures,onlyasleepingchild.

  其中一人对另外一人说,“我们的希望竟是这样一个痛苦的结局,我们的运气不会好了,一个孩子对一个人会有什么好处呢?让我们离开这儿,走我们的路吧,要知道我们都是穷人,都有自己的孩子,我们不能把自己孩子的面包分给别人的。”

  Onesaidtotheother,"ourhopeissuchapainfulending.Wewillnotbelucky.Whatwillachilddoforoneperson?Letsgetoutofhereandtakeourway.Weareallpoorpeople,weallhaveourownchildren.Wecantdivideourchildrensbreadtoothers."

  不过他的同伴却回答他,“不,把孩子丢在这儿冻死在雪中是一件不好的事情,尽管我跟你一样的穷,还要养活好几口人,锅里又没有什么吃的东西,但是我还是要带他回家,我的妻子会照顾他的。”

  Buthiscompanionreplied,"no,itisnotgoodtoleavethechildheretofreezetodeathinthesnow.AlthoughIamaspoorasyou,Ihavetofeedseveralpeopleandthereisnothingtoeatinthepot,butIwilltakehimhomeandmywifewilltakecareofhim."

  他非常慈爱地抱起小孩,用斗篷包住孩子以抵御严寒,然后就下山回村子里去了,他的同伴对他的傻气和仁慈非常惊讶。

  Hehuggedthechildverylovingly,wrappeditinacloaktoresistthecold,andthenwentdownthehillandwentbacktothevillage,andhiscompanionwassurprisedbyhisstupidityandkindness.

  他们回到村里,他的同伴对他说,“你有了这个孩子,那么把斗篷给我吧,因为我们都知道这应该平分的。”

  Theywentbacktothevillageandhiscompanionsaidtohim,"youhavethischild,thengivemethecloak,becauseweallknowitshouldbesplit."

  然而他回答说,“不,因为这个斗篷既不是你的,也不是我的,它是孩子一人的。”他与同伴道了别,来到自家的门前,敲了起来。

  Buthereplied,"no,becausethecloakisneitheryoursnormine,itisachildsone."Hesaidgoodbyetohiscompanion,cametohisdoorandknocked.

  他的妻子打开门,看见自己的丈夫平安回到她的身边,她伸出双臂搂住他的脖子,吻着他,并从他背后取下柴捆,刷去他靴子上的雪,吩咐他快进屋去。

  Hiswifeopenedthedoorandsawherhusbandreturntohersafely.Sheheldherarmsaroundhisneck,kissedhim,tookthebundlefrombehindhim,brushedthesnowfromhisboots,andtoldhimtogointotheroom.

  不过他对她说,“我在森林中找到一样东西,我把他带回来好让你照顾他。”他站在门口并不进来。

  Buthesaidtoher,"Ifoundonethingintheforest,andIbroughthimbacktotakecareofhim."Hestoodatthedooranddidntcomein.

  “它是什么呀?”她大声问道,“快给我看看,家里是空荡荡的,我们也需要好多东西。”他把斗篷向后拉开,把熟睡的孩子抱给她看。

  "Whatisit?""Letmeknow,thehouseisemptyandweneedalotofthings,"shesaidHepulledthecloakbackandshowedherthesleepingchild.

  “唉哟,我的天!”她喃喃地说,“难道我们自己的孩子还不够多吗?干嘛非要带一个换来的孩子回家?谁知道他会不会给我们带来厄运?我们又拿什么来喂他呢?”她对他生气了。

  "Oh,myGod!""Isntthereenoughofourownchildren?"shemuttered?Whydoyouhavetobringareplacementchildhome?Whoknowsifhewillbringusbadluck?Whatelseshallwefeedhim?"Shewasangrywithhim.

  “不对呀,他可是一个星孩呀,”他回答说,他便把发现孩子的奇异经历讲给她听了。

  "No,heisastarchild,"hereplied,andhetoldherthestrangeexperienceoffindingthechild.

  不过她一点也没有消气,而是挖苦他,气愤地说道:“我们孩子都没有面包吃,难道还要养别人的孩子吗?谁又来照顾我们呢?谁又给我们食物吃呢?”

  Butshewasnotatalldepressed,butsarcasticandsaidangrily,"ourchildrendonothavebreadtoeat,dowehavetoraiseotherpeopleschildren?"?Whowilltakecareofusagain?Whowillgiveusfood?"

  “不要这样,上帝连麻雀都要照顾的,上帝还养它们呢,”他回答说。

  "Dontdothat.Godwilltakecareofsparrows,andGodwillkeepthem,"hereplied.

  “麻雀在冬天不是常会饿死吗?”她问道,“现在不就是冬天了吗?”她丈夫无言以对,只是站在门口不进屋来。

  "Isntsparrowoftenstarvedtodeathinwinter?""Isntitwinternow?"sheaskedHerhusbandwasspeechless,butstoodatthedooranddidnotcomein.

  一阵寒风从树林刮来吹进了敞开的房门,她打了一个寒濒,抖动起来,并对他说,“你不想把门关上吗?屋里吹进一股寒风了,我觉得好冷。”

  Acoldwindblewfromtheforestintotheopendoor,shehitacoldedge,shookit,andsaidtohim,"dontyouwanttoclosethedoor?Therewasacoldwindblowinginthehouse,andIfeltverycold."

  “吹进铁石心肠人家的风不会总是寒冷的吧?”他反问道。女人没有回答他,只是朝炉火靠得更近了。

  "Thewindthatblowsintotheheartofironwillnotalwaysbecold?"Heaskedinreverse.Thewomandidnotanswerhim,butshewasleaningclosertothefire.

  过了一会儿她转过身来,望着他,她的眼里充满了泪水。他一下子冲了进来,把孩子放在她怀中,她吻了吻孩子,又把他放在一张小床上面,那儿是他们家最小的孩子睡觉的地方。

  Afterawhilesheturnedandlookedathim,andhereyeswerefulloftears.Herushedin,putthechildinherarms,shekissedthechild,andputhimonasmallbed,wheretheyoungestchildintheirfamilyslept.

  第二天樵夫取下那件珍奇的金斗篷,把它放在一个大柜子中,他妻子也从孩子脖子上取下戴着的琥珀项链,也放进了大柜中。

  Thenextdaythewoodcuttertooktheraregoldcloakandputitinalargecabinet.Hiswifetooktheambernecklacefromthechildsneckandputitinthebigcabinet.

  就这样,星孩跟樵夫的孩子一块儿长大了,他们坐在一起吃饭,又一起玩耍。他长得一年比一年更英俊,住在村子里的人都为此而感到吃惊,因为别人都是黑皮肤,黑头发,唯独他一个人长得又白又娇嫩,就像精细的象牙一样,他的卷发如同水仙花的花环。他的嘴唇也像红色的花瓣,他的双眼犹如清水河旁的紫罗兰,他的身材恰似田野中还没有人来割过的水仙草。

  Inthisway,thestarchildgrewupwiththewoodcutterschildren,andtheysattogethertoeatandplaytogether.Hegrewmorehandsomeyearbyyear,andthepeoplelivinginthevillageweresurprisedbyit.Becauseotherswereallblackskinandblackhair,hewasonlyonemanwhowaswhiteanddelicate,likefineivory,andhiscurlyhairwaslikeagarlandofNarcissus.Hislipswerelikeredpetals,hiseyeswerelikevioletsbytheclearwaterriver,andhisfigurewasliketheNarcissusgrassthatnoonehadcutinthefield.

  不过他的美貌却给他带来了坏运。因为他变得骄傲、残酷和自私了。对于樵夫的儿女以及村子里的其他孩子们,他都一概瞧不起,并说他们出身低微,而他自己却是高贵的,是从星星上蹦出来的,他自认是他们的主人,把他们都唤着是自己的奴隶。他一点也不同情穷人,也不怜悯那些瞎子、残疾人以及任何有病苦的人,对待他们他反而扔石头,或赶他们到公路上去,命令他们到别处去乞讨,因此只有那些二流子才会第二次到那个村子去要求救济。他也的确是迷恋美的,嘲弄那些孱弱和丑陋的人,不把他们当回事。对他自己却是爱得要命,在夏季无风的时候,他会躺在神父果园中的水井旁,朝井中望着自己脸蛋的动人之处,并为自己的美丽而高兴得笑起来。

  Buthisbeautybroughthimbadluck.Becausehebecameproud,cruelandselfish.Hedespisedthewoodcutterschildrenandtheotherchildreninthevillage,sayingthattheywereoflowbirth,buthewasnobleandjumpedoutofthestars.Herecognizedhimselfastheirmasterandcalledthemslaves.Hewasnotatallinlovewiththepoor,nordidhepitytheblind,thedisabled,oranysick,andtreatedthemwithstonesordrovethemtotheroadandorderedthemtobegelsewhere,soonlythesecondtimethesecondtimethesecondtimetheywouldgotothevillageforrelief.Heisalsoinfatuatedwithbeauty,mockingtheweakanduglypeople,nottakingthemseriously.Heloveshimself.Whenthereisnowindinsummer,hewillliebesidethewellinthefathersorchard,lookatthemovingplaceofhisfaceinthewell,andlaughhappilyforhisbeauty.

  樵夫和他的妻子常常责备他,说:“我们并未像你对待那些孤苦的人那样对待过你,你为什么会如此残酷地对待那些需要同情的可怜人呢?”

  Thewoodcutterandhiswifeoftenblamehimandsay,"wehavenottreatedyouasyoudotothosewhoarelonely.Whydoyoutreatthepoorwhoneedsympathysocruelly?"

  老神父也经常去找他,试图教他学会一些对事物的爱心,便对他说:“飞蝇也是你的弟兄。不要去伤害它。那些在林中飞行的野鸟有它们自身的自由。不要以抓住它们来取乐。上帝创造了蛇蜥和鼹鼠,它们各自都有存在的价值。你是什么人,可以给上帝的世界带来痛苦?就连在农田中的生畜都知道赞美上帝。”

  Theoldpriestoftenwenttohimandtriedtoteachhimhowtolovethings,sohesaidtohim,"flyisalsoyourbrother.Donthurtit.Thewildbirdsthatflyintheforesthavetheirownfreedom.Dontmakefunofcatchingthem.Godcreatedthelizardandthemole,eachofwhichhasitsownvalue.WhoareyouthatcanbringpaintoGodsworld?EventhelivinganimalsinthefieldsknowhowtopraiseGod."

  可是星孩并不理睬他的话,他皱紧眉头,一副很不高兴的样子,走回去找他的伙伴了,去领着他们玩。他的伙伴们也都跟随着他,因为他长得美,且脚步轻快,能够跳舞,还会吹笛和弹奏音乐,不论星孩领他们去什么地方,他们都会去,不论星孩吩咐他们做什么,他们都会去做。他把一根尖芦苇刺进鼹鼠朦胧的眼睛里的时候,他们都开心地大笑,他用石头扔麻疯病人时,他们也跟着大笑。无论他支配他们去干什么,他们都会变得跟他一样的铁石心肠。

  Butthestarchildignoredhiswords.Hefrownedandlookedveryunhappy.Hewentbacktofindhisfriendsandledthemtoplay.Hiscompanionsfollowedhim,becausehewasbeautifulandlightfooted.Hecoulddance,playfluteandmusic.Nomatterwherethestarchildledthem,theywouldgo.Nomatterwhatthestarchildtoldthemtodo,theywoulddoit.Whenhethrustapointedreedintothemoleshazyeyes,theyalllaughedhappily.Whenhethrewastoneattheleper,theyalsolaughed.Nomatterwhathecontrolsthemtodo,theywillbecomeashardheartedashim.

  有一天,一个穷要饭的女人走过村子。她的衣服破破烂烂的,漫长的行程崎岖的道路把她的双脚弄得血淋淋的,她的模样也十分狼狈。因为太疲倦了,她就坐在栗子树下休息了。

  Oneday,apoorbeggingwomanwalkedthroughthevillage.Herclotheswereragged,herfeetwerebloodyfromthelongjourneyandtheroughroad,andshelookedveryembarrassed.Becauseshewassotired,shesatunderthechestnuttreeandhadarest.

  星孩看见她后,便对他的同伴们说,“快看!这么一个肮脏的讨饭女人竟然坐在那棵美丽的绿叶子树下面。来吧,我们把她赶走,她真是又丑又烦人。”

  Whenstarchildsawher,hesaidtohiscompanions,"look!Suchadirtybeggingwomanissittingunderthatbeautifulgreenleafytree.Comeon,letsgetridofher.Shessouglyandannoying

  于是他走了过去朝她扔石头,嘲弄她,她用惊恐的眼光望着熔,一个劲地直直地望着他。樵夫正在附近的草料场里砍木头,看见了星孩的所做所为,他便跑上前来责备他,并对他说:“你的心真是太狠了,没有一点怜悯之心,这个可怜的女人对你做了什么坏事,你要如此地对待她呢?”

  Sohewentoverandthrewastoneatherandmockedher.Shelookedathimwithfrightenedeyesandlookedstraightathim.Thewoodcutterwaschoppingwoodinthenearbypasture.Whenhesawwhatthestarchildhaddone,heranuptohimandscoldedhim.Hesaidtohim,"yourheartissocruelthatyoudonthaveanypity.Whathasthispoorwomandonetoyou?Doyouwanttotreatherlikethis?"

  星孩气得一脸通红,用脚猛跺着地面,并说道,“你是什么人敢来问我做什么?我不是你的儿子,不会听你的话的。”

  Thestarchildflushedwithanger,stampedhisfeetonthegroundandsaid,"whoareyou?DareyouaskmewhatIdo?Imnotyourson.Iwontlistentoyou."

  “你说的一点不假,”樵夫回答说,“但是当我在林中发现你时,我对你不也是动了怜悯之心的吗?”

  "Youreright,"thewoodcutterreplied,"butwhenIfoundyouinthewoods,didntIfeelpityforyou?"

  女人听到这些话后大叫了一声就昏倒在地上了。樵夫把她抱进了自己的家中,他的妻子来照看她,等她从昏迷中醒过来之后,他们为她拿来了吃的和喝的,并吩咐她放宽心。

  Afterhearingthesewords,thewomanyelledandfelltotheground.Thewoodcuttertookherintohishome,andhiswifecametolookafterher.Whenshewokeupfromhercoma,theybroughtherfoodanddrink,andtoldhertorelax.

  可是她既不肯吃,也不肯喝,只是对樵夫说,“你不是说那个孩子是从林中找到的吗?是不是十年前今天的事了?”

  Butshewouldneithereatnordrink,butsaidtothewoodcutter,"didntyousaythatthechildwasfoundinthewoods?Wasittenyearsagotoday?"

  樵夫回答说,“是呀,我是在林中发现他的,就是十年前的今天。”

  Thewoodcutterreplied,"yes,Ifoundhiminthewoods,tenyearsagotoday."

  “发现他时有什么记号吗?”她大声问道,“他的脖子上是不是带了一串琥珀项链?他的身上不是包了一件绣着星星的金线斗篷吗?”

  "Wasthereanysignwhenhewasfound?"Sheaskedaloud,"doeshehaveanambernecklacearoundhisneck?Isnthewrappedinagoldencloakembroideredwithstars?"

  “就是这样,”樵夫回答说,“就跟你说的一模一样。”他从柜子中拿出放在那儿的斗篷和琥珀项链,给她看。

  "Thatsitaslikeastwopeas,"repliedthewoodcutter."Itsexactlythesameasyours."Hetookthecloakandambernecklacefromthecupboardandshowedittoher.

  她一看见这些东西,高兴地哭了起来,说道,“他就是我丢失在林中的小儿子。我求你快叫他来,为了寻找他,我已经走遍了整个世界。”

  Assoonasshesawthesethings,shecriedhappilyandsaid,"heismylittlesonwhowaslostintheforest.Ibegyoutocallhim.Ivetraveledallovertheworldtofindhim

  樵夫和他的妻子赶紧走出去,叫着星孩,并对他说,“快进屋里来,你会在那儿看见你的母亲,她正等着你。”

  Thewoodcutterandhiswifewentoutquickly,calledthestarchild,andsaidtohim,"comeintothehouse,andyouwillseeyourmotherthere.Sheiswaitingforyou."

  星孩充满了惊奇和狂喜地跑进屋里。然而等他看见等他的人是她时,他便轻蔑地笑起来,说,“喂,我母亲在什么地方?我怎么只看见这么个讨饭女人。”

  Thestarchildranintotheroomfullofwonderandecstasy.Butwhenhesawthatshewaswaitingforhim,helaughedscornfullyandsaid,"Hey,wheresmymother?HowcanIonlyseesuchacheapbeggar?"

  女人回答说:“我是你的母亲。”

  Thewomanreplied,"Imyourmother."

  “你是疯了才这么说的,”星孩愤愤地大声暖道。“我不是你的儿子,因为你是一个乞丐,而且又丑又穿得破烂。所以你还是快滚吧,不要让我再看见你这张讨厌的脸。”

  "Youarecrazytosaythat,"thestarchildsaidangrily."Imnotyourson,becauseyoureabeggar,uglyandragged.Soyoudbettergetoutofhere,dontletmeseeyourdisgustingfaceagain."

  “不,你可的确是我的小儿子呀,你是我在森林中生的。”她大声喊道,说着一下子跪在地上,朝他伸出两只胳膊。“强盗们把你从我身边抱走,又把你扔在林里想让你死,”她喃喃地说,“可是我一看见你,就认出了你,我还认得那些信物:全线织的斗篷和琥珀项链。因此我求你跟我走吧,我已经走遍了整个世界,处处去寻找你。跟我走吧,我的儿,因为我需要你的爱。”

  "No,youareindeedmylittleson.Youwerebornintheforest."Shecriedout,kneelingdownandholdingoutherarmstohim."Therobberstookyouawayfrommeandleftyouinthewoodstodie,"shemurmured."ButassoonasIsawyou,Irecognizedyou,andIrecognizedthekeepsakes:allwovencloaksandambernecklaces.SoIbegyoutocomewithme.Ivebeenallovertheworldlookingforyou.Comewithme,myson,becauseIneedyourlove."

  不过星孩一动也不动一下,一点儿也不为她的话而动心,这时除了女人痛苦的哭声外,别的什么也听不到。

  Butthestarchilddidnotmove,andwasnotmovedbyherwordsatall.Atthistime,nothingcouldbeheardexceptthewomanspainfulcry.

  最后他终于对她说道,那声调是非常生硬而残酷的。“假若你真是我的母亲,”他说,“那么你最后还是走得远远的,不要再到这儿来给我丢脸了,因为你知道我以为我是某个星球的孩子,而不是一个乞丐的孩子,就像你刚才对我讲的那样。所以你还是离开这儿吧,不要再让我看见你。”

  Atlasthesaidtoherthatthetonewasveryhardandcruel."Ifyouarereallymymother,"hesaid,"thenyoudbettergofarintheend,anddontdisgracemebycominghereagain,becauseyouknowIthinkImachildofsomeplanet,notabeggarschild,asyoujusttoldme.Soyoudbettergetoutofhereanddontletmeseeyouagain."

  “唉哟!我的儿子,”她大声吼道,“在我离开之前你都不愿意吻我一下吗?因为我经历了多少苦难才找到了你呀。”

  "Ouch!Myson,"sheyelled,"wontyoukissmebeforeIleave?BecauseIvebeenthroughsomuchtofindyou

  “不,”星孩说,“你可是太丑陋了呀,我宁愿去吻毒蛇,去吻蟾蜍,也不要吻你。”

  "No,"saidthestarchild,"youaresougly.Idratherkisstheviper,thetoadthanyou."

  于是那女人便站起身来,伤心地哭泣着走回到森林中去了,星孩看见她走了,他很高兴,便跑回到他的同伴那儿,准备去跟他们一块儿玩。

  Sothewomangotupandwentbacktotheforestwithtearsinherheart.Thestarchildwasveryhappytoseehergo,soheranbacktohiscompanionsandwasreadytoplaywiththem.

  可是当他们看见他跑过来时,都纷纷嘲笑他说,“你怎么跟蟾蜍一样丑陋,同毒蛇一样可恶呢。你快滚开吧,因为我们不能忍受和你在一起玩,”于是他们把他赶出了花园。

  Butwhentheysawhimcoming,theyalllaughedathimandsaid,"howcanyoubeasuglyasatoadandashatefulasapoisonoussnake.Getoutofhere,becausewecantstandplayingwithyou,"andtheydrovehimoutofthegarden.

  星行皱了皱眉头,自言自语地说道,“他们对我讲的究竟是什么呀?我要到水井边去,去那儿看看自己,水井会告诉我我是多么地漂亮。”

  XingXingfrownedandsaidtohimself,"whatdidtheytellme?Illgotothewellandseemyselfthere.ThewellwilltellmehowbeautifulIam

  他便来到了水井边,朝井中望去,啊!他的脸就跟蟾蜍一模一样,他的身子也像毒蛇一样地长了解。他一下子扑倒在草地上,痛哭起来,并自言自语地说,“这一定是我的罪恶给我带来的报应。因为我不认我自己的母亲,并赶走了她,对她又傲慢又残酷。所以我要去,要走遍全世界去寻找她,不找到她我就不休息。”

  Hecametothewellandlookedintothewell,ah!Hisfaceisaslikeastwopeas,andhisbodyisaslongasasnake.Hefelldownonthegrass,criedandsaidtohimself,"thismustbetheretributionofmysin.BecauseIdidntrecognizemyownmotheranddroveheraway.Iwasarrogantandcrueltoher.SoImgoingtogo,Imgoingtotravelallovertheworldtofindher,andIwontrestuntilIfindher."

  这时樵夫的小女儿朝他走了过来,她把手放在他的肩膀上,对他说,“你失去了美貌有什么关系?你还是跟我们呆在一起吧,我不会挖苦你的。”

  Thenthewoodcutterslittledaughtercameuptohim.Sheputherhandonhisshoulderandsaidtohim,"whatdoesitmatterifyouloseyourbeauty?Youdbetterstaywithus.Iwontmakefunofyou."

  他对她说,“不,我对待我的母亲太残忍了,这种惩罚就是对我的恶行的报应。所以我得马上就走,走遍全世界去寻找我的母亲,直到找到她,得到她对我的宽恕。”

  Hesaidtoher,"no,Imtoocrueltomymother.Thispunishmentistheretributionformyevildeeds.SoIhavetogorightawayandtravelallovertheworldtofindmymotheruntilIfindherandgetherforgivenessforme."

  所以他便朝森林跑去,呼唤着他的母亲,叫她回到自己的身边来,但是却没有一点回应。一整天他都在唤她,太阳下山时,他躺下来在树叶铺成的床上睡觉,鸟儿和野兽见到他也都纷纷逃开了,因为它们仍然记得他的残忍,他孤零零地一个呆着,只有蟾蜍会望望他,还有迟钝的毒蛇在他面前爬过。

  Soherantotheforestandcalledforhismothertocomebacktohim,buttherewasnoresponse.Alldaylonghecalledher.Whenthesunwentdown,helaydownonthebedmadeofleavestosleep.Birdsandwildanimalsfledwhentheysawhim,becausetheystillrememberhiscruelty.Hewasalone.Onlytoadswouldlookathim,andslowpoisonoussnakeswouldcrawlinfrontofhim.

  早晨他爬起身来,从树上摘下几个苦草梅吃,然后穿过大森林朝前走去,伤心地哭着。不论他遇到什么,他都要上前询问,是否看见过他的母亲。

  Inthemorning,hegotupandpickedsomebitterplumfromthetreetoeat.Thenhewentthroughtheforestandcried.Whateverhemet,hewouldcomeforwardandaskifhehadseenhismother.

  他对鼹鼠说,“你能够到地底下去,告诉我,我的母亲在那儿吗?”

  Hesaidtothemole,"canyougodowntothegroundandtellmewheremymotheris?"

  鼹却回答说,“你已经把我的眼睛弄瞎了。我又怎么会知道呢?”

  Butthemolereplied,"youhaveblindedme.HowcanIknow?"

  他又对梅花雀说,“你可以飞越好高好高的树顶,可以看见整个世界。告诉我,你能看见我的母亲吗?”

  Hesaidtothefinch,"youcanflyoverthetopofthetreeandseethewholeworld.Tellme,canyouseemymother?"

  梅花雀却回答说,“你为了取乐已经剪掉了我的翅膀,我又怎么能飞起来呢?”

  Theplumfinchreplied,"youhavecutoffmywingsforfun.HowcanIfly?"

  对那只孤零零只身住在杉树上的小松鼠,他开口说道,“我的母亲在什么地方?”

  Tothelittlesquirrelwholivedaloneinthefirtree,hesaid,"whereismymother?"

  小松鼠回答说,“你已经杀死了我的母亲。难道你也想杀死你的母亲吗?”

  Thelittlesquirrelreplied,"youhavekilledmymother.Doyouwanttokillyourmother,too?"

  星孩哭着,低下了头,恳求上帝创造的这些生物们能够宽恕他,并继续穿过森林前进了,寻找那位讨饭的女人。到了第三天他走到了森林的尽头,又来到了平原上。

  Thestarchildcried,loweredhishead,pleadedwiththecreaturesGodcreatedtoforgivehimandwentonthroughtheforesttofindthebeggingwoman.Onthethirddayhewenttotheendoftheforestandcametotheplainagain.

  他走过村子的时候,孩子们都嘲笑他,并朝他扔石头,乡下人甚至连谷仓都不愿让他睡,因为他看上去是那么的脏,生怕他会把贮存的谷物给弄霉了,乡下人雇用的看护人把他给赶走了,这里没有一个人同情他。他也听不到一点关于那个是他母亲的讨饭女人的消息,虽然三年来他走遍了世界各地去寻找他,可他却似乎感到她就在他前面的路上走着,他常常呼唤着她,追赶着她,直到他的双脚被尖硬的石块磨出了血来。但是他始终也追不上她,而那些住在路边的人都说他们没有看见过她,或像她那样的女人,他们都拿他的悲痛寻开心。

  Whenhewalkedthroughthevillage,thechildrenlaughedathimandthrewstonesathim.Thecountrymenevenrefusedtolethimsleepbecausehelookedsodirtythathewouldmouldthegrainhehadstored.Thecarersemployedbythecountrymendrovehimaway.Nooneheresympathizedwithhim.Hecouldnothearanynewsaboutthebeggarwomanhismotherhadbeen.Althoughhehadbeensearchingforhimallovertheworldforthreeyears,heseemedtofeelthatshewaswalkinginfrontofhim.Hecalledforherandpursuedheruntilhisfeetwerecrushedoutofbloodbyhardstone.Buthenevercaughtupwithher,andthosewholivedbythesideoftheroadsaidtheyhadnotseenherorwomenlikeher,andtheyallfoundtheirgriefhappy.

  三年来他走遍了全世界,在这个世界上他既得不到爱,也得不到关心,更得不到仁爱,然而这种世界正是他从前得意的时候为自已制造的呀。

  Hehasbeenaroundtheworldforthreeyears.Hehasneitherlovenorcarenorkindnessinthisworld.However,thisworldwasmadeforhimselfwhenhewasproudofit.

  一天晚上他来到了一座围墙坚固的城市的城门口,该城位于一条河边,他又疲惫又忍着脚痛,但他还是进了城。然而守卫在那儿的士兵们却饮下载来拦住他,语气粗暴地对他说:“你到城市里来干什么?”

  Onenighthecametothegateofacitywithstrongwalls,whichwasonariver,tiredandsufferingfromfootpain,butheenteredthecity.Butthesoldierstherestoppedhimbydrinkingthedownloadandsaidrudely,"whatareyoudoinginthecity?"

  “我在寻找我的母亲,”他回答说,“我恳求你准许我进城去,也许她就在这个城里。”

  "Imlookingformymother,"hereplied,"Ibegyoutoallowmetogointothecity,maybeshesinthiscity."

  然而他们却挖苦他,他们中的一人摆弄着自己的黑胡须,放下手中的盾牌,大声吼道,“说实话,你母亲看见你这个样子,她一定不会高兴的,因为你比沼泽地里的蟾蜍和那儿爬行的毒蛇还要令人恶心。快滚开,快滚开,你的母亲没有住在这座城里。”

  Buttheyweresarcastic,andoneofthem,withhisblackbeard,loweredhisshieldandshouted,"tobehonest,yourmotherwillnotbehappytoseeyou,foryouaremoredisgustingthantoadsintheswampandtheserpentscrawlingthere.Rollon,rollaway,yourmotherdoesntliveinthiscity."

  另一个手中拿着一面黄旗的士兵,对他说,“谁是你的母亲,你为什么要找她呢?”

  Theothersoldier,withayellowflaginhishand,saidtohim,"whoisyourmother,whydoyouwanttofindher?"

  他回答说,“我母亲跟我一样也是个乞丐,我对待她很不好,我恳求你允许我进去吧,好让她给予我宽恕,如果她真的住在这个城中的话。”不过他们仍不让他进城,还用他们的长矛去刺他。

  "Mymotherisabeggarlikeme.Idonttreatherverywell.Ibegyoutoallowmetogoinsothatshecanforgivemeifshereallylivesinthiscity."Buttheystilldidnotlethimintothecity,andtheyusedtheirspearstostabhim.

  这样,星孩只好哭着转身走了,这时有一个人走了过来,这人穿着嵌有金花饰的铠甲,头盔上蹲着一头有翅膀的雄狮,他询问士兵是谁要求要进城来。士兵们回答说,“是个要饭的,他的母亲也是个要饭的,我们已经把他给赶走了。”

  Inthisway,thestarchildhadtocryandturnandwalk.Atthistime,amancame.Hewaswearingagoldcladarmor,andawingedlioncrouchedonhishelmet.Heaskedthesoldierswhoaskedforthecomingintothecity.Thesoldiersreplied,"itsameal,andhismotherisalsoabeggar.Wehavedrivenhimaway."

  “不要,”那人笑着大声地说,“我们可以把这个丑家伙当奴隶卖掉的,他的身价可以值得上一碗甜酒的价钱。”

  "No,"themansaidwithasmile,"wecansellthisuglyguyasaslave,andhispricecanbeworthabowlofsweetwine."

  这时一个年长的相貌丑陋的人从旁经过,他大声说道,“我会出个价钱买下他,”等他付了钱后,就拉着星孩的手,带着他进城去

  Thenanolduglymanpassedby,andhecriedout,"Illpayhimaprice,"andwhenhepaid,hetookthestarboyshandandtookhimtothecity

  他们走过好几条街道,来到一扇小门口,这扇小门就开在行榴树荫下一堵墙的上面。老人用一只刻纹的碧玉戒指在小门上挨了一下,门就打开了,他们走下五级铜阶,来到了一个长满了黑色辖粟花的花园,那里有很多绿色的瓷瓦罐。老人从他的缠头布上取下一条绸纹手帕,用它缚着星孩的眼睛,并赶着星孩在他前面走。等到把绸纹手帕从星孩双眼上拿开时,星孩发现自己在一座地牢中,那儿点着一盏牛角灯。

  Theywalkedseveralstreetstoasmalldoor,whichwasaboveawallundertheshadeoftheduriantree.TheoldmanhitthedoorwithacarvedJasperring,andthedooropened.Theywentdownthefivebronzestepsandcametoagardenfullofblackmilletflowers,wherethereweremanygreenporcelainpots.Theoldmantookasilkhandkerchieffromhisheaddress,tiedittotheeyesofthestarchild,anddrovethestarchildtowalkinfrontofhim.Whenthesilkhandkerchiefwastakenawayfromtheeyesofthestarchild,thestarchildfoundhimselfinadungeon,whereahornlampwaslit.

  老人在星孩面前放上一个木盘装着的发了霉的面包,并对他说,“吃吧,”还用一个杯子盛着有盐味的水,又对他说,“喝吧,”等星孩吃喝完毕,老人便走出去,把门锁上,还用一根铁链把门加牢固。

  Theoldmanputawoodenplateofmoldybreadinfrontofthestarchild,andsaidtohim,"eatit,"andhesaidtohimwithacupofsaltwater,andsaid,"drinkit,"andwhenthestarchildhasfinishedeatinganddrinking,theoldmangoesout,locksthedoorandfirmthedoorwithanironchain.

  第二天老人又来见他,这位老人的确是利比亚魔术师中最能干的一人,他的本领是从住在尼罗河坟墓中的一位大师那儿学来的,老人皱着眉头对他说,“在这座邪教徒的城市城门附近的一个森林中,有三块金币。一块是白金的,另—块是黄色的,第三块金币是红色的。今天你要把白金的那块给我拿回来,如果你拿不回来的话,我就要抽打你一百下。你快快去吧,在太阳落山的时候,我会在花园的门日等你。记住是把白金的拿回来,否则你会倒霉的,因为你是我的奴隶,我花了一碗甜酒的价钱把你买下来的。”他又用那块绸纹手帕绑住星孩的双眼,领着他走出了房子,穿过这座花园,走上五级铜阶。他用戒指打开了那扇小门以后,便把星孩放在街上去了。

  Thenextday,theoldmancametoseehimagain.ThisoldmanwasindeedthemostcapableoneofthemagiciansinLibya.HelearnedhisskillsfromamasterwholivedintheNiletomb.Theoldmanfrownedandsaidtohim,"inaforestnearthegateofthishereticCity,therearethreegoldcoins.Oneisplatinum,theotherisyellow,andthethirdisred.Today,youregoingtogetmetheplatinumone.Ifyoucantgetitback,Illbeatyouahundredtimes.Yougoquickly,whenthesunsets,Iwillwaitforyouatthegateofthegarden.Remembertobringbacktheplatinumone,oryouwillbeunlucky,becauseyouaremyslave.Iboughtyouforabowlofliqueur."Thenhetiedthestarchildseyeswiththesilkhandkerchiefandledhimoutofthehouse,throughthepoppygardenandupthefivecoppersteps.Afterheopenedthelittledoorwithhisring,heputthestarchildinthestreet.

  于是星孩就走出了城门,来到魔术师告诉他的那个森林中。

  Sothestarchildwentoutofthegateandcametotheforestwherethemagiciantoldhim.

  从外面看去,这个森林真是美丽无比,似乎处处都是鸟语花香的景象,星孩兴奋地走了进去。然而森林的美并没有给他带来什么好处,因为不论他要去什么地方,地上都会冒出又粗又尖的荆刺,阻挡住他的去路,凶恶的荨麻会刺他,蓟也用尖刺来扎他,把他搞得疼痛难忍。而且到处也找不到魔术师说的那块白金,尽管他从早上找到中午,又从中午寻找到日落。日落以后他只好转身,一路哭着回去了,因为他明白有什么样的命运在等待着他。

  Lookingfromtheoutside,theforestisreallybeautiful.Itseemsthattherearebirdssingingandflowerseverywhere.Thestarchildexcitedlywalksin.However,thebeautyoftheforestdidnotbringhimanygood,becausenomatterwherehewantedtogo,thickandsharpthornswouldappearonthegroundtoblockhisway,ferociousnettleswouldstabhim,andThistlewouldstabhimwithsharpthorns,whichmadehimpainful.Andthepieceofplatinumthatthemagiciansaidcouldnotbefoundeverywhere,althoughhefoundnooninthemorningandsunsetintheafternoon.Aftersunset,hehadtoturnaroundandcryallthewayback,becauseheknewwhatkindoffatewaswaitingforhim.

  可是就在他来到森林边缘时,他听见了林中某个人的一声痛苦的叫声。他一下子忘记了自己的烦恼,朝那个地方跑去,他看见一只小兔子掉进了猎人设下的陷井里了,

  Butwhenhecametotheedgeoftheforest,heheardacryofpainfromsomeoneintheforest.Heforgothistroublesandrantotheplace.HesawalittleRabbitfallintothetrapsetbythehunter,

  星孩对它很同情,就把它给放了,并对它说,“我自己也才是个奴隶,不过,我可以把你自己还给你。”

  Thestarchildsympathizedwithit,sohereleaseditandsaidtoit,"Iamaslavemyself,butIcangiveyoubackyourself."

  兔子回答他说,“你的确给了我自己,我拿什么来回报你呢?”

  Therabbitreplied,"youdidgiveittome.WhatcanIdoforyou?"

  星孩对它说,“我正在寻找一块白金,可我哪儿也找不到它,如果我不能把它找回来给我的主人,他便会打我的。”

  Thestarchildsaidtohim,"Imlookingforapieceofplatinum,butIcantfinditanywhere.IfIcantgetitbacktomymaster,hewillbeatme."

  “你就跟我来吧,”兔子说,“我会带你去的,因为我知道它藏在什么地方,而且为什么要藏在那儿。”

  "Comewithme,"saidtherabbit,"andIlltakeyoubecauseIknowwhereitshidingandwhyitsthere."

  于是星孩和兔子一起走了,啊!就在一棵老橡树的裂缝中他看见自己要寻找的那块白金。他兴奋得不得了,并抓住了它,对兔子说,“你已经加倍地回报了我为你做的那么一点点事情,我为你表示的小小的恩惠,你已经一百倍地报答了我了。”

  Sothestarchildandtherabbitwenttogether,ah!Inthecrackofanoldoaktree,hesawthepieceofplatinumhewaslookingfor.Hewassoexcitedthathegrabbeditandsaidtotherabbit,"youhaveredoubledthelittlethingsIhavedoneforyou,andyouhaveredoubledmeahundredtimesforthelittlefavorIhaveshownyou."

  “不是的,”兔子回答说,“只不过是我用你对待我的方式,回报了你罢了,”说完兔子就跑开了,星孩也朝城市走去了。

  "No,"repliedtherabbit,"itsjustthatIpaidyoubackthewayyoutreatedme."thentherabbitranawayandthestarchildwenttothecity.

  在城市门口坐着一个麻疯病人,他的脸上盖着一块绿麻布的头巾,他那双眼睛像烧红的炭似地从麻布上的小眼洞里闪着光芒。等他看见星孩走了过来,便敲击着一个木碗,并摇着他的铃,呼唤着星孩,说道,“给我一个钱币吧,否则我会饿死的。因为人们已经把我赶出了城市,也没有一个同情我。”

  Atthegateofthecitysataleper,hisfacecoveredwithaturbanofgreenlinen,andhiseyesglowedlikeburningcoalsfromthesmallholesinthelinen.Whenhesawthestarchildcoming,heknockedonawoodenbowl,ranghisbell,calledthestarchild,andsaid,"givemeacoin,orIwillstarvetodeath.Becausepeoplehavedrivenmeoutofthecity,andnoonesympathizeswithme."

  “唉呀!”星孩大声叹道,“我的钱包里只有一个钱币呀,要是我不把它带给我的主人,他就会打我,因为我是他的奴隶。”

  "OhThestarchildexclaimed,"thereisonlyonecoininmypurse.IfIdontbringittomymaster,hewillbeatmebecauseIamhisslave."

  不过麻疯病人仍旧缠着他,恳求着他,后来星孩终于动了怜悯之心,把白金钱币给了他。

  However,theleperstillpesteredhimandbeggedhim.Later,thestarchildfinallymovedhisheartandgavehimtheplatinumcoin.

  等星孩回到魔术师的房间,魔术师为他打开门,让他进了屋,对他说道,“你取到那块白金钱币吗?”星孩却回答说,“我没有拿到。”于是魔术师一下子朝他扑来,击打着他,并在他面前放了一个空木盘,对他说,“吃吧,”又给了他一个空杯子,说道,“喝吧,”然后又把他推到地牢中去了。

  Whenthestarchildreturnedtothemagiciansroom,themagicianopenedthedoorforhim,lethimin,andsaidtohim,"haveyougottheplatinumcoin?"Butthestarchildreplied,"Ididntgetit."Sothemagicianpouncedonhim,hithim,putanemptywoodenplateinfrontofhim,saidtohim,"eat,"gavehimanemptycup,said,"drink,"andthenpushedhimintothedungeon.

  第二天魔术师又来到他身边,对他说,“如果你今天不能给我拿回那块黄金钱币,我一定要你继续做我的奴隶,并抽打你三百下。”

  Thenextdaythemagiciancametohimagainandsaid,"ifyoucantbringmethatgoldcointoday,Imustkeepyouslaveandbeatyou300times."

  于是星孩又到森林中去了,一整天他都在森林中寻找那块黄金钱币,可是哪儿也找不到。日落时他便坐下来,开始哭了起来,就在哭的时候,小兔子又跑了来,就是他从陷井中救出来的那只小兔子。

  Sothestarboywenttotheforestagain.Hewaslookingforthegoldcoinintheforestallday,buthecouldntfinditanywhere.Atsunsethesatdownandbegantocry.Whenhecried,therabbitcameagain,therabbithesavedfromthetrap.

  兔子对他说,“你为什么哭了?你又在林中寻找什么呢?”

  Therabbitsaidtohim,"whydidyoucry?Whatelsedoyoulookforintheforest?"

  星孩回答说,“我在寻找一块黄金钱币,它就藏在这儿,如果我不能把它带回去的话,我的主人就会打我,并把我当作奴隶对待。”

  "Iamlookingforagoldcoin,anditishiddenhere.IfIcantbringitback,mymasterwillbeatmeandtreatmeasaslave,"thestarreplied

  “跟我来吧,”兔子大声喊着,它穿过林子跑去,直到跑到一个水池旁。那块金币就躺在水池的底部。

  "Comewithme,"criedtherabbit,runningthroughthewoodsuntilherantoapool.Thegoldcoinliesatthebottomofthepool.

  “我不知如何感谢你?”星孩说,“对了,这已经是你第二次救我了。”

  "Idontknowhowtothankyou?""Bytheway,itsthesecondtimeyouhavesavedme,"saidthestar

  “不是的,因为是你首先对我表示了同情,”兔子说完,就飞快地跑走了。

  "No,becauseyoufirstexpressedsympathyforme,"saidtherabbit,andranawayquickly.

  星孩拿到了那块黄金钱币,把它放在钱包中,匆匆地朝城市赶去。可是那个麻疯病人看见他走了过来,就跑上来迎住他,跪倒在他的面前,哭着说,“给我一块钱币吧,否则我会给饿死的。”

  Thestarchildtookthegoldcoin,putitinhiswalletandhurriedtowardsthecity.Butwhenthelepersawhimcoming,heranuptomeethim,felldowninfrontofhim,criedandsaid,"givemeacoin,orIwillstarvetodeath."

  星孩对他说,“在我的钱包里,我只有一块黄金钱币,如果我不把它交给我的主人,他会打我,并让我继续当奴隶的。”

  "Inmywallet,Ihaveonlyonegoldcoin,andifIdontgiveittomymaster,hewillbeatmeandletmecontinuetobeaslave,"thestarboysaidtohim

  然而麻疯病人却仍旧苦苦地哀求,于是星孩又动了同情之心,把这一块黄金钱币又给了他。

  Buttheleprosypatientstillcriedbitterly,sothestarchildmovedhissympathyagainandgavehimthegoldcoin.

  等他回到魔术师的屋中,魔术师为他开了门,让他进来,对他说,“你拿到那块黄金钱币了吗?”星孩便对他说,“我没有拿到它,”魔术师一下子又朝他扑去,抽打着他,并用链条把他锁上,然后把他扔进了地牢中去。

  Whenhereturnedtothemagiciansroom,themagicianopenedthedoorforhimandaskedhimtocomeinandsaid,"haveyougotthatgoldcoin?"Thestarboysaidtohim,"Ididntgetit,"themagicianrushedathim,slappedhim,lockedhimwithchains,andthrewhimintothedungeon.

  第三天魔术师来到他身边,对他说,“如果你今天把那块红色的金币给我带回来的话,我会放了你的,但是你若是带不回来的话,我肯定会把你杀了的。”

  Thenextdaythemagiciancametohimandsaid,"ifyoubringmethatredgoldcointoday,Iwillletyougo,butifyoucantbringitback,Iwillsurelykillyou."

  于是星孩又回到了森林中,一整天他都在寻觅那块红色的金块,但是哪儿也找不到。到了晚上,他坐下身来,哭泣起来,就在他哭的时候,小兔子来到了他的面前。

  Sothestarboyreturnedtotheforest,andhewaslookingfortheredgoldallday,buthecouldntfinditanywhere.Atnight,hesatdownandcried.Justashecried,therabbitcametohim.

  兔子对他说,“你要找的那块红色的金币就在你身后的那个山洞里。所以你不用再哭了,你应该高兴才对。”

  Therabbitsaidtohim,"theredgoldcoinyouarelookingforisinthecavebehindyou.Soyoudonthavetocryanymore.Youshouldbehappy."

  “我如何才能报答你呀,”星孩大声说,“啊,这已是你第三次救我了。”

  "HowcanIrepayyou,"thestarcried,"ah,thisisthethirdtimeyouhavesavedme."

  “不是的,可你才是第一个同情我的人,”兔子说完,就匆匆地跑开了。

  "No,butyouarethefirstonetosympathizewithme,"saidtherabbit,andranawayinahurry.

  星孩进入了山洞中,在最里端的角落他发现了那块红色的金币。于是他把它放进了钱包,急忙返回到城市。那个麻疯病人看见他来了,就站在公路的中央,高声痛哭起来,并对他说,“快给我那块红色的钱币,否则我一定会死的,”星孩又一次同情了他,把那块红色的金币给了他,说道,“你的需要比我大。”然而这时他的心情是沉重的,因为他清楚是什么样的恶运在等待着他。

  Thestarboyenteredthecaveandfoundtheredgoldcoinintheinnermostcorner.Soheputitinhiswalletandhurriedbacktothecity.Theleprosypatientsawhimcoming,stoodinthemiddleoftheroad,criedloudlyandsaidtohim,"givemethatredcoin,orIwilldie,"saidstarboy,onceagainsympathizingwithhim,givinghimtheredgoldcoin,andsaying,"youneedmorethanme."Butatthistimehismoodwasheavy,becauseheknewwhatbadluckwaswaitingforhim.

  可是啊!在他经过城门口的时候,卫兵们都向他鞠躬行礼,口中说道,“我们的皇上多么漂亮啊!”一群市民跟着他,高声欢呼道,“整个世界的确没有比他更漂亮的人了!”星孩却哭了起来,同时对自己说,“他们又嘲笑我了,拿我的不幸寻开心。”人越聚越多,他在人群中迷了路,最后发现自己来到了一个巨大的广场上,这儿正是国王的宫殿。

  Butah!Ashepassedbythegateofthecity,theguardsbowedtohimandsaluted,andsaidintheirmouth,"howbeautifulisouremperor!"Agroupofcitizensfollowedhimandshouted,"thereisnomorebeautifulpersonintheworldthanheis!"Thestarchildcriedandsaidtohimself,"theylaughedatmeagainandfoundhappinesswithmymisfortune."Themorepeoplegathered,helosthiswayinthecrowd,andfinallyfoundhimselfinahugesquare,whichwasthepalaceoftheking.

  王宫的大门打开了,僧侣和大臣们都出来迎接他,他们对他鞠躬行礼,并说,“您就是我们正在恭候的皇上,您就是我国国王的儿子。”

  Thedoorofthepalaceopened,andthemonksandministerscameouttomeethim.Theybowedtohimandsaid,"youaretheemperorwearewaitingfor,youarethesonofthekingofourcountry."

  星孩回答他们说,“我不是国王的儿子,而是一个穷要饭的女人的儿子。你们为何说我漂亮?我知道我的长相有多丑。”

  Thestarchildreplied,"Iamnotthesonoftheking,butthesonofapoorwoman.WhydoyousayImbeautiful?IknowhowuglyIlook."

  这时,那位铠甲上嵌着金花饰,头盔上蹲着一头有翅膀的雄狮的先生,手中举着一面盾牌,大声说道,“我的皇上怎么能说他自己不漂亮呢?”

  Atthistime,thegentlemanwithawingedlioncrouchedonhishelmet,andheldashieldinhishand,andsaid,"howcanmyemperorsayheisnotbeautiful?"

  星孩举头望去,啊!他自己的险又跟从前一样了,他的美貌又恢复如前了,而且他还看到自己的眼中有一种以前从未见过的东西。

  Starboy,raisehisheadandlook,ah!Hisowndangeristhesameasbefore,hisbeautyisrestoredtothepast,andhealsoseessomethinginhiseyesthathehasneverseenbefore.

  僧侣和大臣们跪在他面前,对他说,“一个古老的预言曾经说过,就在今天有—个人要来统治我们。所以,请我们的皇上接受这顶王冠和这根王杖,用他的公正和仁慈来统治我们吧。”

  Themonksandministerskneltinfrontofhimandsaidtohim,"anoldprophecyoncesaidthatthereistoday-oneiscomingtoruleus.Therefore,letourcrownandthisrodbeacceptedbyourcrown,andruleuswithhisjusticeandkindness."

  不过他却对他们说,“我是不配的,因为我连自己的生母都不认,而且在没有找到她之前,在没有得到她宽恕之前,我是不会休息的。所以还是让我走吧,因为我要再次走遍世界各地,我是不会留在这儿的,尽管你们要把王冠和王杖给我,也没有用。”说完这番话后,他就转过身去,朝着通向城门的街上走去,看啊,在士兵们周围挤着的一群人中间,他看见了自己那位讨饭的母亲,在她的身旁站着那个麻疯病人,他就站在大路中间。

  Buthesaidtothem,"Iamunworthy,becauseIdontevenrecognizemymotherandIwillnotrestuntilIfindher,andbeforeIgetherforgiveness.Soletmego,becauseIwillgoallovertheworldagain,andIwillnotstayhere,eventhoughyouwillgivemethecrownandthescepter,itwillnotbeuseful."Afterthat,heturnedandwalkedtowardthestreetleadingtothegate.Look,amongthecrowdofpeoplearoundthesoldiers,hesawhisbeggingmother,standingbesideher,theleprosy,andhestoodinthemiddleoftheroad.

  他突然兴奋地叫了起来,便跑过去,跪下身子,去吻他母亲脚上的伤口,用自己的泪水去洗它们。他把头垂在尘埃中,哭泣着,像一个心碎的人儿,他对她说,“母亲,我在自己得意的时候没有认你。而现在我卑微的时候你就收下我吧。母亲,我曾恩将仇报,请把你的爱给我吧。母亲,我拒绝过你,现在就请你收下你的孩子吧。”可是讨饭的女人没有回答他一个字。

  Hecriedoutofexcitement,andranover,kneltdown,kissedthewoundonhismothersfeet,andwashedthemwithhistears.Hehunghisheadinthedust,crying,likeabrokenheart,andhesaidtoher,"mother,IdidntrecognizeyouwhenIwasproudofmyself.AndnowwhenIamhumble,youtakeme.Mother,Ihavebeenkindtorevenge,pleasegivemeyourlove.Mother,Ihaverejectedyou.Pleasetakeyourchildnow."Butthebeggingwomandidntanswerhimaword.

  他又伸出双手,抓住那个麻疯病人的一双苍白的脚,对他说,“我曾三次同情过你。请叫我的母亲对我说一句话。”可是麻疯病人也不回答他一个字。

  Hereachedouthishandsagain,grabbedapairofpalefeetoftheleprosyandsaidtohim,"Ihavesympathizedwithyouthreetimes.Pleaseaskmymothertosayawordtome."Buttheleprosydidnotanswerhimaword.

  他又哭了起来,说,“母亲,我的痛苦已经大得让我忍受不了啦。你就饶恕我吧,让我回到森林中去。”讨饭的女人把手放在他的头上,并对他说,“起来吧,”麻疯病人也把手放在他的头上,说,“起来吧。”

  Hecriedagainandsaid,"mother,mypainissogreatthatIcantbearit.Forgiveme,andletmegobacktotheforest."Thebeggingwomanputherhandonhisheadandsaidtohim,"getup,"saidtheleper,too,onhishead,andsaid,"getup."

  他站起身来,望着他们,啊!原来他们正是国王和王后。

  Hestoodupandlookedatthem,ah!Itturnsoutthattheyarethekingandqueen.

  王后对他说,“这是你的父亲,你曾救过他。”

  Thequeensaidtohim,"thisisyourfather,andyouhavesavedhim."

  国王说,“这是你的母亲,你用泪水洗过她的双脚。”

  "Thisisyourmother,youwashedherfeetwithtears,"thekingsaid

  他们俯身搂住他的脖子,吻他,并带他进王宫去了,给他穿上漂亮的衣服,并把王冠给他戴在头上,把权杖放在他的手中,从此他统治着座落于河边的这个城市,成为了它的主人。他对所有的人都表现出了极大的公正和仁慈,他赶走了那个邪恶的魔术师,并送了好多财宝给那个樵夫和他的妻子,并把无比的荣誉给了他们的儿女们。他不能容忍任何人虐待鸟兽,且用爱、仁慈和宽恕去教育入民,他把面包送给穷人,把衣服送给赤身露体的人,在这个王国里充满了和平和繁荣。

  Theybentoverhisneck,kissedhim,andtookhimintothepalace,putonhimbeautifulclothes,andputthecrownonhishead,andputthescepterinhishand.Fromthenon,heruledthecity,whichwaslocatedontheriver,andbecameitsmaster.Heshowedgreatjusticeandkindnesstoall.Hedroveawaytheevilmagician,andgavethewoodcutterandhiswifealotofwealthandgavethemgreathonortotheirchildren.Hecouldnottolerateanyabuseofbirdsandanimals,andeducatethepeoplewithlove,kindnessandforgiveness.Hegavebreadtothepoor,andclothestonakedpeople,fullofpeaceandprosperityinthiskingdom.

  然而他的统治时间并不长,因为他受的磨难太深了,遭遇的考验太重了,三年过后,他就去世了。他的后继者却是一个非常坏的统治者。

  However,hisrulewasnotlong,becausehesufferedtoomuchsuffering,andsufferedtoomuchtest,andthreeyearslaterhedied.Hissuccessorwasaverybadruler.

  王尔德童话英文版篇6

  “她说过只要我送给她一些红玫瑰,她就愿意与我跳舞,”一位年轻的学生大声说道,“可是在我的花园里,连一朵红玫瑰也没有。”

  "ShesaidshewoulddancewithmeaslongasIgavehersomeredroses,"criedayoungstudent."Butinmygarden,therewasnoredrose."

  这番话给在圣栎树上自己巢中的夜莺听见了,她从绿叶丛中探出头来,四处张望着。

  Thiswasheardbythenightingaleinhernestintheoaktree,andshelookedaround,lookingoutofthegreenleaves.

  “我的花园里哪儿都找不到红玫瑰,”他哭着说,一双美丽的眼睛充满了泪水。“唉,难道幸福竟依赖于这么细小的东西!我读过智者们写的所有文章,知识的一切奥秘也都装在我的头脑中,然而就因缺少一朵红玫瑰我却要过痛苦的生活。”

  "Icantfindredrosesanywhereinmygarden,"hecried,withbeautifuleyesfulloftears."Well,ishappinessdependentonsuchasmallthing!Ihavereadallthearticleswrittenbythewise,andallthesecretsofknowledgeareinmymind,butIwillliveapainfullifebecauseofthelackofaredrose."

  “这儿总算有一位真正的恋人了,”夜莺对自己说,“虽然我不认识他,但我会每夜每夜地为他歌唱,我还会每夜每夜地把他的故事讲给星星听。现在我总算看见他了,他的头发黑得像风信子花,他的嘴唇就像他想要的玫瑰那样红;但是感情的折磨使他脸色苍白如象牙,忧伤的印迹也爬上了他的眉梢。”

  "Thereisarealloverhere,"saidtheNightingaletohimself,"althoughIdontknowhim,IsingforhimeverynightandIwilltellhisstorytothestarseverynight.NowIfinallysawhim,hishairblackashyacinth,hislipsasredastherosehewanted;buttheemotionaltorturemadehimpaleasivory,andthesadmarksclimbeduphisbrow."

  “王子明天晚上要开舞会,”年轻学生喃喃自语地说,“我所爱的人将要前往。假如我送她一朵红玫瑰,她就会同我跳舞到天明;假如我送她一朵红玫瑰,我就能搂着她的腰,她也会把头靠在我的肩上,她的手将捏在我的手心里。可是我的花园里却没有红玫瑰,我只能孤零零地坐在那边,看着她从身旁经过。她不会注意到我,我的心会碎的。”

  "Theprinceisgoingtohaveadancetomorrownight,"theyoungstudentmuttered,"andtheoneIlovewillgo.IfIsendheraredrose,shewilldancewithmetillthesky;ifIsendheraredrose,Icanholdherwaist,andshewillleanherheadonmyshoulder,andherhandwillbeheldinmyhand.Buttherearenoredrosesinmygarden.Icanonlysittherealoneandwatchherpassby.Shewontnoticeme,myheartwillbreak."

  “这的确是位真正的恋人,”夜莺说,“我所为之歌唱的正是他遭受的痛苦,我所为之快乐的东西,对他却是痛苦。爱情真是一件奇妙无比的事情,它比绿宝石更珍贵,比猫眼石更稀奇。用珍珠和石榴都换不来,是市场上买不到的,是从商人那儿购不来的,更无法用黄金来称出它的重量。”

  "Itisatruelover,"saidtheNightingale,"whatIsingaboutisthepainhesuffered,andwhatIdoispaintohim.Loveisawonderfulthing.Itismorepreciousthanemeraldandrarerthancateyestone."Itisnotforpearlsandpomegranates,whichisnotavailableinthemarket,frommerchants,norcangoldbeusedtoweighit."

  “乐师们会坐在他们的廊厅中,”年轻的学生说,“弹奏起他们的弦乐器。我心爱的人将在竖琴和小提琴的音乐声中翩翩起舞。她跳得那么轻松欢快,连脚跟都不蹭地板似的。那些身着华丽服装的臣仆们将她围在中间。然而她就是不会同我跳舞,因为我没有红色的玫瑰献给她。”于是他扑倒在草地上,双手捂着脸放声痛哭起来。

  "Musicianswillsitintheirgalleries,"saidtheyoungstudent,"playingtheirstrings.Mybelovedwilldanceinthemusicoftheharpandviolin.Shedancedsoeasilyandhappilythatshedidntevenrubherheelsagainstthefloor.Theservantsingorgeousclothessurroundedherinthemiddle.Butshejustwontdancewithme,becauseIdonthavearedroseforher."Sohefellonthegrass,hishandscoveredhisfaceandcried.

  “他为什么哭呢?”一条绿色的小蜥蜴高高地翘起尾巴从他身旁跑过时,这样问道。

  "Whydoeshecry?"Agreenlizard,whoraisedhistailhigh,ranpasthim,andasked.

  “是啊,倒底为什么?”一只蝴蝶说,她正追着一缕阳光在跳舞。

  "Yes,whyisit?"Abutterflysaidshewasdancingafterarayofsunshine.

  “是啊,倒底为什么?”一朵雏菊用低缓的声音对自已的邻居轻声说道。

  "Yes,whyisit?"Adaisywhisperedtoherneighborinalowvoice.

  “他为一朵红玫瑰而哭泣。”夜莺告诉大家。

  "Hecriedforaredrose."TheNightingaletoldyou.

  “为了一朵红玫瑰?”他们叫了起来。“真是好笑!”小蜥蜴说,他是个爱嘲讽别人的人,忍不住笑了起来。

  "Foraredrose?"Theycalled."Itsfunny!"Thelizardsaidhewasamockerymanandcouldnthelplaughing.

  可只有夜莺了解学生忧伤的原因,她默默无声地坐在橡树上,想象着爱情的神秘莫测。

  ButonlyNightingaleunderstandsthecauseofstudentssadness.Shesitssilentlyontheoaktree,imaginingthemysteryoflove.

  突然她伸开自己棕色的翅膀,朝空中飞去。她像个影子似的飞过了小树林,又像个影子似的飞越了花园。

  Suddenlyshespreadoutherbrownwingsandflewintotheair.Sheflewoverthegrovelikeashadow,andflewoverthegardenlikeashadow.

  在一块草地的中央长着一棵美丽的玫瑰树,她看见那棵树后就朝它飞过去,落在一根小枝上。

  Inthemiddleofameadow,therewasabeautifulrosetree,andshesawitandflewtowardsitandfellonasmallbranch.

  “给我一朵红玫瑰,”她高声喊道,“我会为你唱我最甜美的歌。”

  "Givemearedrose,"shecriedinahighvoice."Illsingmysweetestsongforyou."

  可是树儿摇了摇头。

  Butthetreeshookhishead.

  “我的玫瑰是白色的,”它回答说,“白得就像大海的浪花沫,白得超过山顶上的积雪。但你可以去找我那长在古日晷器旁的兄弟,或许他能满足你的需要。”

  "Myroseiswhite,"itreplied,"whiteasthesprayofthesea,whitemorethanthesnowonthetopofthemountain.Butyoucangotomybrother,whoisnearthesundial,orhecanmeetyourneeds."

  于是夜莺就朝那棵生长在古日晷器旁的玫瑰树飞去了。

  SotheNightingaleflewtowardstherosetree,whichgrewnexttothesundial.

  “给我-朵红玫瑰,”她大声说,“我会为你唱我最甜美的歌。”

  "Giveme-aredrose,"shecried,"Illsingmysweetestsongforyou."

  可是树儿摇了摇头。

  Butthetreeshookhishead.

  “我的玫瑰是黄色的,”它回答说,“黄得就像坐在琥珀宝座上的美人鱼的头发,黄得超过拿着镰刀的割草人来之前在草地上盛开的水仙花。但你可以去找我那长在学生窗下的兄弟,或许他能满足你的需要。”

  "Myroseisyellow,"itreplied,"yellowasthemermaidshairsittingonamberthrone,moreyellowthandaffodilsthatwerebloomingonthegrassbeforethemowerwithasicklecame.Butyoucangotomybrother,whoisunderthestudentwindow,orhecanmeetyourneeds."

  于是夜寓就朝那棵生长在学生窗下的玫瑰树飞去了。

  Sothenightapartmentflewtowardstherosetreethatgrewunderthestudentwindow.

  “给我一朵红玫瑰,”她大声说,“我会为你唱我最甜美的歌。”

  "Givemearedrose,"shecried,"Illsingmysweetestsongforyou."

  可是树儿摇了摇头。

  Butthetreeshookhishead.

  “我的玫瑰是红色的,”它回答说,“红得就像鸽子的脚,红得超过在海洋洞穴中飘动的珊瑚大扇。但是冬天已经冻僵了我的血管,霜雪已经摧残了我的花蕾,风暴已经吹折了我的枝叶,今年我不会再有玫瑰花了。”

  "Myroseisred,"itreplied,"redasthefeetofpigeons,moreredthanthecoralfansthatflutterintheoceancaves.Butwinterhasfrozenmybloodvessels,frostandsnowhavedestroyedmyflowerbuds,thestormhasbrokenmybranchesandleaves,thisyearIwillnothaveroses."

  “我只要一朵玫瑰花,”夜莺大声叫道,“只要一朵红玫瑰!难道就没有办法让我得到它吗?”

  "Ionlyneedarose,"criedtheNightingale,"aslongasaredrose!CantIgetit?"

  “有一个办法,”树回答说,“但就是太可怕了,我都不敢对你说。”

  "Thereisaway,"thetreereplied,"butitsjusttooterribleformetosayittoyou."

  “告诉我,”夜莺说,“我不怕。”

  "Tellme,"saidtheNightingale,"Imnotafraid."

  “如果你想要一朵红玫瑰,”树儿说,“你就必须借助月光用音乐来造出它,并且要用你胸中的鲜血来染红它。你一定要用你的胸膛顶住我的一根刺来唱歌。你要为我唱上整整一夜,那根刺一定要穿透你的胸膛,你的鲜血一定要流进我的血管,并变成我的血。”

  "Ifyouwantaredrose,"saidthetree,"youhavetomakeitwithmusicbymoonlightanddyeitwiththebloodinyourchest.Youmustsingwithyourchestagainstathornofmine.Youwillsingformeallnight,thatthornmustpenetrateyourchest,yourbloodmustflowintomybloodvessels,andbecomemyblood."

  “拿死亡来换一朵玫瑰,这代价实在很高,”夜莺大声叫道,“生命对每一个人都是非常宝贵的。坐在绿树上看太阳驾驶着她的金马车,看月亮开着她的珍珠马车,是一件愉快的事情。山楂散发出香味,躲藏在山谷中的风铃草以及盛开在山头的石南花也是香的。然而爱情胜过生命,再说鸟的心怎么比得过人的心呢?”

  "Itsaveryhighpricetotakedeathforarose,"criedthenightingale."Lifeisveryvaluabletoeveryone.Itisapleasuretositonthegreentreeandseethesundrivinghergoldencarriageandthemoondrivingherpearlcarriage.Hawthorngivesofffragrance,anditisalsofragrantforthewindbellgrasshiddeninthevalleyandtheSouthflowersbloominginthemountain.Butloveisbetterthanlife,andhowcanbirdsheartbebetterthanhumanheart?"

  于是她便张开自己棕色的翅膀朝天空中飞去了。她像影子似的飞过花园,又像影子似的穿越了小树林。

  Soshespreadherbrownwingsandflewoutintothesky.Sheflewoverthegardenlikeashadow,andshepassedthroughthegrovelikeashadow.

  年轻的学生仍躺在草地上,跟她离开时的情景一样,他那双美丽的眼睛还挂着泪水。

  Theyoungstudentwasstilllyingonthegrass,andhisbeautifuleyeswerestilltears,assheleft.

  “快乐起来吧,”夜莺大声说,“快乐起来吧,你就要得到你的红玫瑰了。我要在月光下把它用音乐造成,献出我胸膛中的鲜血把它染红。我要求你报答我的只有一件事,就是你要做一个真正的恋人,因为尽管哲学很聪明,然而爱情比她更聪明,尽管权力很伟大,可是爱情比他更伟大。火焰映红了爱情的翅膀,使他的身躯像火焰一样火红。他的嘴唇像蜜一样甜;他的气息跟乳香一样芬芳。”

  "Behappy,"criedtheNightingale,"behappy,andyouwillhaveyourredrose.Iwillmakeitwithmusicinthemoonlight,giveoutthebloodinmychestanddyeitred.Iaskyoutorepaymeonlyonething,isyouwanttobeatruelover,becausealthoughphilosophyisveryclever,butloveissmarterthanher,althoughpowerisgreat,butloveisgreaterthanhim.Theflamereflectsthewingsoflove,makinghisbodyasredasfire.Hislipsareassweetashoney;hisbreathisasfragrantasthefrankincense."

  学生从草地上抬头仰望着,并侧耳倾听,但是他不懂夜莺在对他讲什么,因为他只知道那些写在书本上的东西。

  Thestudentlookedupfromthegrassandlistened,buthedidntunderstandwhatNightingalewassayingtohim,becauseheknewonlywhatwaswritteninbooks.

  可是橡树心里是明白的,他感到很难受,因为他十分喜爱这只在自己树枝上做巢的小夜莺。

  Buttheoakknewitinhisheart,andhefeltverysad,becausehelovedthelittlenightingale,whichmadeitsnestonhisownbranches.

  “给我唱最后一支歌吧,”他轻声说,“你这一走我会觉得很孤独的。”

  "Singmethelastsong,"hewhispered,"Illfeellonelywhenyouleave."

  于是夜莺给橡树唱起了歌,她的声音就像是银罐子里沸腾的水声。

  Sonightingalesangtooak,andhervoicewasliketheboilingwaterinasilverjar.

  等她的歌声一停,学生便从草地上站起来,从他的口袋中拿出一个笔记本和一支铅笔。

  Whenhersongstopped,thestudentsstoodupfromthegrass,andtookoutanotebookandapencilfromhispocket.

  “她的样子真好看,”他对自己说,说着就穿过小树林走开了一一“这是不能否认的;但是她有情感吗?我想她恐怕没有。事实上,她像大多数艺术家-样,只讲究形式,没有任何诚意。她不会为别人做出牺牲的。她只想着音乐,人人都知道艺术是自私的。不过我不得不承认她的歌声申也有些美丽的调子。只可惜它们没有一点意义,也没有任何实际的好处。”他走进屋子,躺在自己那张简陋的小床上,想起他那心爱的人儿,不一会儿就进入了梦乡。

  "Shelookssobeautiful,"hesaidtohimself,walkingawaythroughthegrove."Itcantbedenied;butissheemotional?Idontthinkshedid.Infact,sheisjustformal,likemostartists,andshehasnosincerity.Shewillnotsacrificeforothers.Sheonlythoughtaboutmusic,andeveryoneknewthatartwasselfish.ButIhavetoadmitthathersingingisalsoabitofabeautifultune.Itsapitythattheydontmakeanysenseandhavenorealbenefits."Hewalkedintotheroom,layonhisownhumblebed,thinkingofhisbelovedson,andsoonwenttosleep.

  等到月亮挂上了天际的时候,夜莺就朝玫瑰树飞去,用自己的胸膛顶住花刺。她用胸膛顶着刺整整唱了一夜,就连冰凉如水晶的明月也俯下身来倾听。整整一夜她唱个不停,刺在她的胸口上越刺越深,她身上的鲜血也快要流光了。

  Whenthemoonwasonthehorizon,theNightingaleflewtowardstherosetree,holdingthethornagainstitwithitsownchest.Shesangallnightwithherchestpricklyontopofherchest,andeventhecoolcrystalmoonleaneddowntolisten.Shesangallnight,andthemoreshestabbedinherchest,thebloodonherwasrunningout.

  她开始唱起少男少女的心中萌发的爱情。在玫瑰树最高的枝头上开放出一朵异常的玫瑰,歌儿唱了一首又一首,花瓣也一片片地开放了。起初,花儿是乳白色的,就像悬在河上的雾霾--白得就如同早晨的足履,白得就像黎明的翅膀。在最高枝头上盛开的那朵玫瑰花,如同一朵在银镜中,在水池里照出的玫瑰花影。

  Shebegantosingthelovesproutingintheheartoftheyoungmanandthegirl.Onthehighestbranchoftherosetree,anunusualrosewasopened,andthesongsangoneafteranother,andthepetalswereopened.Atfirst,flowersweremilkywhite,likehazehangingontheriver-whiteasmorningfeet,whiteasthewingsofthedawn.Therosethatbloomsonthehighestbranchislikearoseshadowinasilvermirrorandinapool.

  然而这时树大声叫夜莺把刺顶得更紧一些。“顶紧些,小夜莺,”树大叫着,“不然玫瑰还没有完成天就要亮了。”

  ButthetreeshoutedtheNightingaletomakethethorntighter."Tightenup,littlenightingale,"criedthetree,"ortherosewillbebrightbeforeitisfinished."

  于是夜莺把刺顶得更紧了,她的歌声也越来越响亮了,因为她歌唱着一对成年男女心中诞生的激情。

  SoNightingaleprickedupmoretightly,andhersongwaslouderandlouder,becauseshesangapassionforthebirthofapairofadultmenandwomen.

  一层淡淡的红晕爬上了玫瑰花瓣,就跟新郎亲吻新娘时脸上泛起的红晕一样。但是花刺还没有达到夜莺的心脏,所以玫瑰的心还是白色的,因为只有夜莺心里的血才能染红玫瑰的花心。

  Afaintredhaloclimbeduptherosepetals,justliketheredglowonthebridesfacewhenthegroomkissedher.ButthethornhasnotreachedtheheartoftheNightingale,sotheheartoftheroseisstillwhite,becauseonlythebloodintheNightingalesheartcandyetheheartoftheredrose.

  这时树又大声叫夜莺顶得更紧些,“再紧些,小夜莺,”树儿高声喊着,“不然,玫瑰还没完成天就要亮了。”

  Atthistime,thetreeshoutedtheNightingaletobetighter."Tightenup,littlenightingale,"thetreeshoutedloudly,"otherwise,therosewillbebrightbeforeitisfinished."

  于是夜莺就把玫瑰刺顶得更紧了,刺着了自己的心脏,一阵剧烈的痛楚袭遍了她的全身。痛得越来越厉害,歌声也越来越激烈,因为她歌唱着由死亡完成的爱情,歌唱着在坟墓中也不朽的爱情。

  SoNightingaleprickedrosemoretightly,stabbedherheart,andasharppainhitherwholebody.Thepainisgettingworseandthesongismoreandmoreintense,becauseshesingsthelovecompletedbydeath,andtheimmortalloveinthegrave.

  最后这朵非凡的玫瑰变成了深红色,就像东方天际的红霞,花瓣的外环是深红色的,花心更红得好似一块红宝石。

  Finally,thisextraordinaryrosebecamedarkred,liketheredglowintheeasternsky.Theouterringofthepetalsisdarkred,andtheheartoftheflowerismoreredlikearuby.

  不过夜莺的歌声却越来越弱了,她的一双小翅膀开始扑打起来,一层雾膜爬上了她的双目。她的歌声变得更弱了,她觉得喉咙给什么东西堵住了。

  ButtheNightingalessingingwasgettingweakerandweaker,andherlittlewingsbegantoflutter,andalayerofmistclimbedhereyes.Hersingingbecameweakerandshefeltsomethingblockedinherthroat.

  这时她唱出了最后一曲。明月听着歌声,竟然忘记了黎明,只顾在天空中徘徊。红玫瑰听到歌声,更是欣喜若狂,张开了所有的花瓣去迎接凉凉的晨风。回声把歌声带回自己山中的紫色洞穴中,把酣睡的牧童从梦乡中唤醒。歌声飘越过河中的芦苇,芦苇又把声音传给了大海。

  Atthistimeshesangthelastsong.Themoonlistenedtothesong,butforgotthedawn,onlytohoverinthesky.Redroseheardthesong,butalsoecstatic,openedallpetalstomeetthecoolmorningwind.Echobringssongbacktopurplecaveinhismountain,wakessleepingshepherdfromhisdream.Thesonggoesoverthereedintheriver,andthereedsendsthesoundtothesea.

  “快看,快看!”树叫了起来,“玫瑰已长好了。”可是夜莺没有回答,因为她已经躺在长长的草丛中死去了,心口上还扎着那根刺。

  "Look,look!"Thetreecried,"therosehasgrown."Butthenightingaledidnotanswer,becauseshehadalreadydiedinthelonggrass,andthethornwasstillinherheart.

  中午时分,学生打开窗户朝外看去。

  Atnoon,thestudentsopenedthewindowandlookedout.

  “啊,多好的运气呀!”他大声嚷道,“这儿竟有一朵红玫瑰!这样的玫瑰我一生也不曾见过。它太美了,我敢说它有一个好长的拉丁名字。”他俯下身去把它摘了下来。

  "Ah,whatagoodluck!""Thereisaredrosehere,"hecried!Ihaveneverseensuchrosesinmylife.Itssobeautiful,IdaresayithasalongLatinname."Hebentdowntopickitoff.

  随即他戴上帽子,拿起玫瑰,朝教授的家跑去。

  Thenheputonhishat,pickeduptheroseandrantotheprofessorshouse.

  教授的女儿正坐在门口,在纺车上纺着蓝色的丝线,她的小狗躺在她的脚旁。

  Theprofessorsdaughterissittingatthedoor,spinningbluesilkonaspinningwheel,andherdogliesatherfeet.

  “你说过只要我送你一朵红玫遗,你就会同我跳舞,”学生高声说道,“这是全世界最红的一朵玫瑰。你今晚就把它戴在你的胸口上,我们一起跳舞的时候,它会告诉你我是多么的爱你。”

  "YousaidthatifIgiveyouaredrose,youwilldancewithme,"thestudentsaidinahighvoice."Itisthemostredroseintheworld.Youputitonyourchesttonight,andwhenwedancetogether,itwilltellyouhowmuchIloveyou."

  然而少女却皱起眉头。

  Butthegirlfrowned.

  “我担心它与我的衣服不相配,”她回答说,“再说,宫廷大臣的侄儿已经送给我一些珍贵的珠宝,人人都知道珠宝比花更加值钱。”

  "Imafraiditdoesntmatchmyclothes,"shereplied."Besides,thenephewofthecourtministerhasgivenmesomepreciousjewelry,andeveryoneknowsthatjewelryismorevaluablethanspending."

  “噢,我要说,你是个忘恩负义的人,”学生愤怒地说。一下把玫瑰扔到了大街上,玫瑰落入阴沟里,一辆马车从它身上碾了过去。

  "Oh,Imgoingtosay,youreaungratefulperson,"thestudentsaidangrily.Oncetherosewasthrownintothestreet,therosefellintothegutter,andacarriageranoverit.

  “忘恩负义!”少女说,“我告诉你吧,你太无礼;再说,你是什么?只是个学生。啊,我敢说你不会像宫廷大臣侄儿那样,鞋上钉有银扣子。”说完她就从椅子上站起来朝屋里走去。

  "Ungrateful!"Thegirlsaid,"Itellyou,youarerude;whatareyou?Itsjustastudent.Ah,Idaresayyouwillnothavesilverbuttonsonyourshoes,likeyournephewofthecourtminister."Thenshestoodupfromthechairandwalkedtowardsthehouse.

  “爱情是多么愚昧啊!”学生一边走一边说,“它不及逻辑一半管用,因为它什么都证明不了,而它总是告诉人们一些不会发生的事,并且还让人相信一些不真实的事。说实话,它一点也不实用,在那个年代,一切都要讲实际。我要回到哲学中去,去学形而上学的东西。”

  "Howfoolishloveis!"Thestudentwalkedandsaid,"itdoesntworkhalfthelogicbecauseitcantproveanything,anditalwaystellspeoplesomethingthatdoesnthappenandmakespeoplebelievesomethingthatsnottrue.Tobehonest,itisnotpracticalatall.Inthattime,everythingshouldbepractical.ImgoingbacktoPhilosophyandlearningmetaphysics."

  于是他便回到自己的屋子里,拿出满是尘土的大书,读了起来。

  Sohewentbacktohishouseandtookoutalargedustybookandreadit.

  王尔德童话英文版篇7

  一天早晨,老河鼠从自己的洞中探出头来。他长着明亮的小眼睛和硬挺的灰色胡须,尾巴长得像一条长长的黑色橡胶。小鸭子们在池塘里游着水,看上去就像是一大群金丝鸟。他们的母亲浑身纯白如雪,再配上一对赤红的腿,正尽力教他们如何头朝下地在水中倒立。

  Onemorning,theoldratcameoutofhishole.Hehadbrightsmalleyesandastiffgraybeard,andhistaillookedlikealongblackrubber.Theducklingsswaminthepond,lookinglikealargegroupofgoldensilkworms.Theirmother,whowaswhiteandsnow,andwithapairofredlegs,wastryingtoteachthemhowtostanddowninthewater.

  “除非你们学会倒立,否则你们永远不会进入上流社会,”她老爱这么对他们说,并不停地做给他们看。但是小鸭子们并未对她的话引起重视。他们太年轻了,一点也不知道在上流社会的好处是什么。

  "Youwillneverbeintheupperclassunlessyoulearntostandup,"shesaidtothem,andkeptshowingthem.Buttheducklingsdidnotpayattentiontoherwords.Theyaretooyoungtoknowatallwhatthebenefitsoftheupperclassare.

  “多么顽皮的孩子呀!”老河鼠高声喊道,“他们真该被淹死。”

  "Whatanaughtychild!"Theoldratshouted,"theyshouldhavedrowned."

  “不是那么回事,”鸭妈妈回答说,“万事开头难嘛,做父母的要多一点耐心。”

  "Itsnotthat,"repliedmotherduck."Itshardtostartwitheverything.Parentshavetobemorepatient."

  “啊:我完全不了解做父母的情感,”河鼠说,“我不是个养家带口的人。事实上,我从未结过婚,也决不打算结婚。爱情本身倒是挺好的,但友情比它的价值更高。说实在的,我不知道在这世上还有什么比忠实的友谊更崇高和更珍贵的了。”

  "Ah:Idontknowthefeelingsofbeingaparentatall,"saidtherat."Imnotabreadwinner.Infact,Iveneverbeenmarried,andIneverintendto.Loveisgoodinitself,butfriendshipismorevaluablethanit.Tobehonest,Idontknowwhatelseinthisworldismorenobleandpreciousthanfaithfulfriendship."

  “那么,请问,你认为一个忠实的朋友的责任是什么呢?”一只绿色的红雀开口问道,此时他正坐在旁边一视柳树上,偷听到他们的谈话。

  "So,whatdoyouthinkistheresponsibilityofafaithfulfriend?"Agreencardinalasked,ashesatnexttothewillowtreeandoverheardtheirconversation.

  “是啊,这正是我想知道的,”鸭妈妈说。接着她就游到了池塘的另一头,头朝下倒立起来,为的是给孩子们做一个好榜样。

  "Yes,thatswhatIwanttoknow,"saidmotherduck.Thensheswamtotheotherendofthepond,andshestoodupwithherheaddowntosetagoodexampleforthechildren.

  “这问题问得多笨!”河鼠吼道,“当然,我肯定我忠实的朋友对我是忠实的。”

  "Howstupidisthisquestion?""Ofcourse,Imsuremyfaithfulfriendisfaithfultome,"theratroared

  “那么你又用什么报答呢?”小鸟说着,跳上了一根银色的枝头,并扑打着他的小翅膀。

  "Sowhatdoyourepay?"Thebirdsaid,jumpedonasilverbranchandflappedhislittlewings.

  “我不明白你的意思,”河鼠回答说。

  "Idontunderstandwhatyoumean,"repliedtherat.

  “那就让我给你讲一个这方面的故事吧,”红雀说。

  "Letmetellyouastoryaboutthis,"saidthecardinal.

  “是关于我的故事吗?”河鼠问道,“如果是这样的话,我很愿意听,因为我特别喜欢听故事。”

  "Isitaboutme?""Ifthatsthecase,IdliketohearitbecauseIliketohearstoriesinparticular,"theratasked

  “它也适合你,”红雀回答说。他飞了下来,站立在河岸边,讲述起那个《忠实的朋友》的故事。

  "Itsforyoutoo,"repliedthecardinal.Heflewdownandstoodbythebank,tellingthestoryofthefaithfulfriend.

  “很久很久以前,”红雀说,“有一个诚实的小伙子名叫汉斯。”

  "Alongtimeago,"saidthecardinal,"therewasanhonestboynamedHans."

  “他是非常出色的吗?”河鼠问道。

  "Isheverygood?"Askedtherat.

  “不,”红雀答道,“我认为他一点也不出色,只是心肠好罢了,还长着一张滑稽而友善的圆脸。他独自一人住在小村舍里,每天都在自己的花园里干活。整个乡下没有谁家的花园像他的花园那样可爱。里面长着美国石竹,还有紫罗兰、有荠,以及法国的松雪草。有粉红色的玫瑰、金黄色的玫瑰,还有番红花,紫罗兰有金色的、紫色的和白色的。随着季节的更迭,耧斗菜和碎米荠,牛膝草和野兰香,莲香花和鸢尾草,水仙和丁香都争相开放。一种花刚凋谢,另一种便怒放开来,花园中一直都有美丽的花朵供人观赏,始终都有怡人的芳香可闻。

  "No,"repliedthecardinal,"Idontthinkheisgoodatall,justagoodheart,andafunnyandfriendlyroundface.Helivesaloneinasmallvillagecottage,workinginhisgardeneveryday.Nogardeninthewholecountryisaslovelyashisgarden.IthasAmericancarnation,violet,shepherdspurse,andFrenchpineandsnowgrass.Therearepinkroses,goldenroses,andcrocus,andviolethasgold,purpleandwhite.Withtheseasonschanging,columbineandshreddedriceshepherdspurse,Achyranthesandwildorchid,lotusandiris,Narcissusandclovesareallcompetingtoopen.Oneflowerjustwithers,theotherisinfullbloom.Therearebeautifulflowersinthegardenforpeopletowatch,andthereisalwaysapleasantfragrancetosmell.

  “小汉斯有许多朋友,但是最忠实的朋友只有磨坊主大休。的确,有钱的磨坊主对小汉斯是非常忠实的,每次他从小汉斯的花园经过总要从围墙上俯过身去摘上一大束鲜花,或者摘上一把香草。遇到硕果累累的季节,他就会往口袋里装满李子和樱桃。

  "Hanshadmanyfriends,butthemostfaithfulfriendwastheMiller.Indeed,therichMillerwasveryfaithfultoHans,whohadtobendoverthewalltopickabunchofflowersorahandfulofherbseverytimehepassedthegardenofHans.Inafruitfulseason,hewouldfillhispocketwithplumsandcherries.

  “磨坊主时常对小汉斯说,‘真正的朋友应该共享一切。’小汉斯微笑着点点头,他为自己有一位思想如此崇高的朋友而深感骄傲。

  "TheMilleroftensaidtoHans,"realfriendsshouldshareeverything."Hanssmiledandnodded,andhewasproudofhisownloftyfriend.

  “的确,有时候邻居们也感到奇怪,有钱的磨坊主从来没有给过小汉斯任何东西作为回报,尽管他在自己的磨坊里存放了一百袋面粉,还有六头奶牛和一大群绵羊。不过,小汉斯从没有为这些事而动过脑筋,再说经常听磨坊主对他谈起那些不自私的真正友谊的美妙故事,对小汉斯来说,没有比听到这些更让他快乐的了。

  "Indeed,sometimesneighborsaresurprisedthattherichMillerhasneverpaidlittleHansanythinginreturn,eventhoughhehasahundredbagsofflourinhisownmill,sixcowsandalargeflockofsheep.However,Hansneverhadanyideaaboutthesethings,andheoftenheardthewonderfulstoriesoftheMillertalkingabouttherealfriendshipwhichwasselfish.ForHans,hewashappierthanhearingthem.

  “就这样小汉斯一直在花园中干着活。在春、夏、秋三季中他都很快乐,可冬天一到,他没有水果和鲜花拿到市场上去卖,就要过饥寒交迫的日子,还常常吃不上晚饭,只吃点干梨和核桃就上床睡觉了。在冬天的日子里,他觉得特别的孤单,因为这时磨坊主从来不会去看望他。

  "SolittleHanshasbeenworkinginthegarden.Hewasveryhappyinspring,summerandautumn.Butwhenwinterarrived,hewouldhaveahungryandcolddaywithoutfruitandflowerstosell.Heoftencouldnteatdinner,andhewenttobedwithsomedriedpearsandwalnuts.Inwinter,hefeltparticularlylonely,becausetheMillerwouldnevervisithim.

  “磨坊主常常对自己的妻子说,‘只要雪没有停,就没有必要去看小汉斯,因为人在困难的时候,就应该让他们独处,不要让外人去打搅他们。这至少是我对友谊的看法,我相信自己是对的,所以我要等到春天到来,那时我会去看望他,他还会送我一大篮樱草,这会使他非常愉快的。’

  "TheMilleroftensaidtohiswife,aslongasthesnowdoesntstop,thereisnoneedtoseeHans,becausewhenpeopleareintrouble,theyshouldbeleftaloneandnotletoutsidersdisturbthem.Itsatleastmyviewoffriendship,IbelieveImright,soIllwaituntilspringcomes,andIllvisithimandhewillsendmeabasketofcherrytrees,whichwillmakehimveryhappy."

  “‘你的确为别人想得很周到,’他的妻子答道。她此刻正安坐在舒适的沙发椅上,旁边燃着一大炉柴火,‘的确很周到。你谈论起友谊可真有一套,我敢说就是牧师本人也说不出这么美丽的话语,尽管他能住在三层楼的房子里,小手指头上还戴着金成指。’

  "Youdothinkverywellforothers,"hiswifereplied.Shewassittinginacomfortablesofachair,withalargestoveoffirewoodburningbesideher,itsreallythoughtful.Youhaveaverybeautifulconversationaboutfriendship.Idaresaythatthepriesthimselfcannotspeaksuchabeautifulword,eventhoughhecanliveinathreestoryhouse,andhehasagoldenfingeronhisfingertips."

  “‘不过我们就不能请小汉斯来这里吗?’磨坊主的小儿子说,‘如果可怜的汉斯遇到困难的话,我会把我的粥分一半给他,还会把我那些小白兔给他看。’

  "ButcantweinviteHanstocomehere?""IfpoorHanshadanydifficulty,Iwouldgivehimhalfmyporridgeandmylittlewhiterabbits,"saidtheMillerslittleson

  “‘你真是个傻孩子!’磨坊主大声渠道,‘我真不知道送你上学有什么用处。你好像什么也没有学会。噢,假如小汉斯来这里的话,看见我们暖和的炉火,看见我们丰盛的晚餐,以及大桶的红酒,他可能会妒忌的,而妒忌是一件非常可怕的事情,它会毁了一个人的品性。我当然不愿意把小汉斯的品性给毁了,我是他最要好的朋友,我要一直照顾他,并留心他不受任何诱惑的欺骗。再说,如果小汉斯来到我家,他也许会要我赊点面粉给他,这我可办不到。面粉是一件事,友谊又是另一件事,两者不能混为一谈。对呀,这两个词拼写起来差别很大,意思也大不一样。每个人都清楚这一点。’

  "Youaresuchasillyboy!"TheMillershouted,"Idontknowwhatitsgoodtosendyoutoschool.Youdontseemtolearnanything.Oh,ifHanscamehere,hewouldhavebeenjealousifhesawourwarmfire,ourrichdinner,andthebarrelofredwine.Jealousywasaveryterriblething,anditwoulddestroyonescharacter.IcertainlydontwanttodestroyHanscharacter.Iamhisbestfriend.Iwillalwaystakecareofhimandpayattentiontohistemptation.Besides,ifHanscametomyhouse,hemightaskmetogivehimsomeflouroncredit,whichIcantdo.Flourisonething,friendshipisanotherthing,andtheycannotbeconfused.Yes,thespellingofthesetwowordsisverydifferentandthemeaningisverydifferent.Everyoneknowsthat."

  “‘你讲得真好’!磨坊主的妻子说,给自己倒了一大杯温暖的淡啤酒,‘我真的感到很困了,就像是坐在教堂里听讲道一样。’

  "Youretalkingsowell!"!TheMillerswifesaid,pouringherselfalargeglassofwarmlightbeer,Ireallyfeelsleepy,justlikesittinginachurchlisteningtosermons.

  “‘很多人都做得不错,’磨坊主回答说,‘可说得好的人却寥寥无几,可见在两件事中讲话更难一些,也更加迷人一些。’他用严厉的目光望着桌子另一头的小儿子,小儿子感到很不好意思,低下了头,涨红着脸,泪水也忍不住地掉进了茶杯中。不过,他年纪这么小,你们还是要原谅他。”

  "Alotofpeopledowell,"repliedtheMiller,"buttherearefewpeoplewhospeakwell.Itcanbeseenthatitismoredifficultandcharmingtospeakinboththings."Helookedatthelittlesonattheotherendofthetablewithsterneyes.Thelittlesonfeltveryembarrassed,loweredhishead,blushed,andtearsfellintotheteacup.Butyoustillhavetoforgivehimforhisage."

  “故事就这么完了吗?”河鼠问。

  "Isthatthestoryover?"Askedtherat.

  “当然没有,”红雀回答说,“这只是个开头。”

  "Ofcoursenot,"repliedthecardinal,"itsjustthebeginning."

  “那么你就太落后了,”河鼠说,“当今那些故事高手们都是从结尾讲起,然后到开头,最后才讲到中间。这是新方法。这些话是我那天从一位评论家那儿听来的,当时他正同一位年轻人在池塘边散步。对这个问题他作了好一番高谈阔论,我相信他是正确的,因他戴着一副蓝色的眼镜,头也全秃了,而且只要年轻人一开口讲话,他就总回答说,‘呸!’不过,还是请你把故事讲下去吧。我尤其喜欢那个磨坊主。我自己也有各种美丽的情感,所以我与他是同病相怜。”

  "Thenyouretoobackward,"saidtherat."Todaysstorytellersstartwiththeend,thentothebeginning,andfinallytothemiddle.Thisisanewapproach.Iheardthesewordsfromacriticthatday,whenhewaswalkingbythepondwithayoungman.Hehadagoodtalkaboutthisquestion,andIbelievehewasright,becausehewaswearingblueglassesandbaldhead.Andassoonastheyoungmanspoke,healwaysreplied,bah!Butpleasetellthestory.IliketheMillerinparticular.Ihaveallkindsofbeautifulemotionsmyself,soIaminlovewithhim."

  “呵,”红雀说,他时而用这一只脚跳,时而又用另一只脚跳。“冬天刚一过去,樱草开始开放它们的浅黄色星花的时候,磨坊主便对他的妻子说,他准备下山去看望一下小汉斯。

  "Oh,"saidthecardinal,whosometimesjumpedwithonefootandanother."Justafterwinter,whencherryblossombegantoopentheirpaleyellowstarblossom,theMillersaidtohiswifethathewasgoingdownthemountaintovisitHans.

  “‘啊,你的心肠真好!’他的妻子大声喊道,‘你总是想着别人。别忘了带上装花朵的大篮子。’

  "Ah,yourheartisverygood!"Hiswifeshouted,youalwaysthinkaboutothers.Dontforgetthebigbasketwithflowersonit."

  “于是磨坊主用一根坚实的铁链把风车的翼板固定在一起,随后将篮子挎在手膀上就下山去了。

  "SotheMillerfixedthewindmillswingswithasolidchain,andthenhetookthebasketoverhisarmandwentdownthemountain.

  “‘早上好,小汉斯,’磨坊主说。

  "Goodmorning,Hans,"saidtheMiller.

  “‘早上好,’汉斯回答道,把身体靠在铁铲上,满脸堆着笑容。

  "Goodmorning,"Hansreplied,leaningagainsttheshovel,smiling.

  “‘整个冬天你都过得好吗?’磨坊主又开口问道。

  "Haveyoubeenallrightallwinter?"AskedtheMilleragain.

  “‘啊,是啊,’汉斯大声说,‘蒙你相问,你真是太好了,太好了。我要说我过得是有些困难,不过现在春天已经到了,我好快活呀,我的花都长得很好。’

  "Ah,yes,"Hanscried,"Iaskyou,youaresogood,great.IwanttosayIhavehadsomedifficulties,butnowspringishere.Iamsohappy.Myflowersareverygood."

  “‘今年冬天我们常提起你,’磨坊主说,‘还关心你过得怎么样了。’

  "Weoftenmentionyouthiswinter,"saidtheMiller,"andwecareabouthowyouhavebeen."

  “‘太感谢你了,’汉斯说,‘我真有点担心你会把我给忘了。’

  "Thankyousomuch,"Hanssaid,"Imalittleworriedyoullforgetme."

  “‘汉斯,你说的话让我吃惊,’磨坊主说;‘友谊从不会让人忘记,这就是友谊的非凡所在,但是只恐怕你还不懂得生活的诗意。啊,对了,你的樱草长得多可爱呀!’

  "Hans,whatyousaidsurprisedme,"saidtheMiller;"friendshipneverforgets,thisistheextraordinaryplaceoffriendship,butImafraidyoudontknowthepoeticmeaningoflife.Oh,bytheway,howlovelyyourcherryblossomis!"

  “‘它们长得确实可爱,’汉斯说,‘我的运气太好了,会有这么多的樱草。我要把它们拿到市场上去卖,卖给市长的女儿,有了钱就去赎回我的小推车。’

  "Theyarereallycute,"Hanssaid,"Imsoluckythattherewillbesomanycherrytrees.Imgoingtotakethemtothemarketandsellthemtothemayorsdaughter,andIllredeemmycartifIhavemoney."

  “‘赎回你的小推车?你的意思是说你卖掉了它?这事你做的有多么傻呀!’

  "Redeemyourcart?Youmeanyousoldit?Howstupidyoudidit!"

  “‘噢,事实上,’汉斯说,‘我不得不那样做。你知道冬天对我来说是很困难的,我也的确没钱买面包。所以我先是卖掉星期日制服上的银钮扣,然后又卖掉银链条,接着卖掉了我的烟斗,最后才卖掉了我的小推车。不过,我现在要把它们都再买回来。’

  "Oh,infact,"Hanssaid,"Ihavetodothat.Youknowwinterisverydifficultforme,andIreallydonthavethemoneytobuybread.SoIsoldthesilverbuttonsonSundayuniforms,thenthesilverchains,thenmybigpipe,andthenmycart.ButImgoingtobuythemallagainnow."

  “‘汉斯,’磨坊主说,‘我愿意把我的小推车送给你。它还没有完全修好,其实,它有一边已掉了,轮缘也有些毛病,但不管怎么说,我还是要把它送给你。我知道我这个人非常慷慨,而且很多人会认为我送掉小车是很愚蠢的举动,但是我是与众不同的人。我认为慷慨是友谊的核心。再说,我还给自己弄了一辆新的小推车。好了,你就放宽心吧,我要把我的小推车给你的。’

  "Hans,"saidtheMiller,"Idliketogiveyoumycart.Ithasnotbeencompletelyrepaired.Infact,onesideofithasgoneaway,andtherimhassomeproblems.Butanyway,Iwillgiveittoyou.IknowImaverygenerouspersonandmanypeoplethinkitsstupidtosendmeoffthecar,butImadifferentperson.Ithinkgenerosityisattheheartoffriendship.Besides,Ialsogotmyselfanewtrolley.Well,takeyourheartoff.Illgiveyoumycart."

  “‘啊,你太慷慨了,’小汉斯说着,那张滑稽有趣的圆脸上洋溢着喜气。‘我会毫不费力地把它修好,因为我屋里就有一块木板。’

  "Ah,youaresogenerous,"saidHans,withjoyonthefunnyroundface."Iwillfixiteffortlesslybecausethereisaboardinmyhouse."

  “‘一块木板!’磨坊主说,‘对了,我正好想要一块木板来修补我的仓顶。那上面有一个大洞,如果我不堵住它,麦子就会被淋湿。多亏你提到这事:一件好事总会产生另一件好事,这真是不可思议。我已经把我的小推车给了你,现在你要把木板给我了。其实,小车比木板要值钱得多,不过真正的友谊从来不会留意这种事的。请快把木板拿来,我今天就动手去修我的仓房。’

  "Aboard!"TheMillersaid,"right,Ijustwantaboardtomendmytop.Thereisabigholeinit.IfIdontstopit,thewheatwillgetwet.Thankstoyourmentionofthis:itsamazingthatonegoodthingalwaysproducesanother.Ihavegivenyoumycart,andnowyouregoingtogivemetheboard.Infact,carsaremuchmorevaluablethanwood,buttruefriendshipneverpaysattentiontothis.Pleasebringtheboardquickly.Iwillgoandrepairmywarehousetoday."

  “‘当然了,’小汉斯大声说,随即跑进他的小屋,把木板拖了出米。

  "Ofcourse,"criedLittleHans,andranintohishutanddraggedtheboardoutofthemeter.

  “‘这木板不太大,’磨坊主望着木板说,‘恐怕等我修完仓顶后就没有剩下来给你修补小推车的了,不过这当然不是我的错。而且现在我已经把我的小推车给了你,我相信你一定乐意给我一些花作回报的。给你篮子,注意请给我的篮子装满了。’

  "Thisboardisnottoobig,"saidtheMiller,lookingattheboard,"ImafraidIwonthaveanylefttomendthecartforyouafterIfinishthetopofthewarehouse,butitsnotmyfault.AndnowIhavegivenyoumycart,andIbelieveyouwillbehappytogivemesomeflowersinreturn.Hereisyourbasket.Pleasefillmybasket."

  “‘要装满吗?’小汉斯问着,脸上显得很不安,因为这可真是一个大篮子,他心里明白,要是把这只篮子装满的话,他就不会有鲜花剩下来拿到集市上去卖了,再说他又非常想把银钮扣赎回来。

  "Doyouwanttofillitup?"littleHansasked,andhewasveryupset,becauseitwasabigbasket.Heunderstoodthatifhefilledit,hewouldnothaveflowerslefttogotothemarketforsale,andhewantedtoredeemthesilverbutton.

  “‘噢,对了,’磨坊主回答说,‘既然我已经把自己的小推车给了你,我觉得向你要一些花也算不了什么。也许我是错了,但是我认为友谊,真正的友谊,是不会夹带任何私心的。’

  "Oh,yes,"repliedtheMiller,"sinceIhavegivenyoumycart,Idontthinkitwouldbemuchtoaskforsomeflowersfromyou.MaybeIamwrong,butIdontthinkfriendship,truefriendship,willbringanypersonalheart."

  “‘我亲爱的朋友,我最好的朋友,’小汉斯喊了起来,‘我这花园里所有的花都供你享用。我宁愿早一点听到你的美言,至于银钮扣哪一天去赎都可以。’说完他就跑去把花园里所有的美丽樱草都摘了下来,装满了磨坊主的篮子。

  "Mydearfriend,mybestfriend,"criedLittleHans,alltheflowersinmygardenareforyoutoenjoy.Iwouldratherhearyourgoodwordsearlier,andIwouldliketoredeemthesilverbuttonanyday."ThenherantopickallthebeautifulcherrytreesinthegardenandfilledtheMillersbasket.

  “‘再见了,小汉斯,’磨坊主说。他肩上扛着木板,手里提着大篮子朝山上走去了。

  "Goodbye,Hans,"saidtheMiller.Hecarriedaboardonhisshoulderandwalkedupthemountainwithabigbasketinhishand.

  “‘再见,’小汉斯说,然后他又开始高高兴兴地挖起土来,那辆小推车使他兴奋不已。

  "Goodbye,"saidHans,andthenhebegantodiguptheearthwithgreatjoy,andthecartexcitedhim.

  “第二天,小汉斯正往门廊上钉忍冬的时候,听见磨坊主在马路上喊叫他的声音。他一下子从梯子上跳下来,跑到花园里,朝墙外望去。

  "Thenextday,ashewasnailingtheporchwithhoneysuckle,heheardtheMillershoutingathimontheroad.Hejumpedofftheladderandranintothegardenandlookedoutofthewall.

  “只见磨坊主扛着一大袋面粉站在外面。

  "TheMillerwasstandingoutsidewithalargebagofflour.

  “‘亲爱的小汉斯,’磨坊主说,‘你愿意帮我把这袋面粉背到集市上去吗?’

  "DearHans,"saidtheMiller,"wouldyouhelpmecarrythisbagofflourtothemarket?"

  一牧,实在对不起,’汉斯说,‘我今天真的太忙了。我要把所有的藤子全钉好,还得把所有的花浇上水,所有的草都剪平。’

  "Imsorryforbeingaherdsman,"Hanssaid,"Imreallybusytoday.Iwillnailallthevineswell,andIwillhavetopouralltheflowersinwater,andallthegrasswillbecutoff."

  “‘啊,不错,’磨坊主说,“我想是的。可你要考虑我将把我的小推车送给你,你要是拒绝我就太不够朋友了。’

  "Ah,yes,"saidtheMiller,"Ithinkso.ButyoushouldconsiderthatIwillgiveyoumycart.Ifyourefuse,Iwillnotbefriendsenough."

  “‘啊,不要这么说,’小汉斯大声叫道,‘无论如何我也不会对不起朋友的。’他跑进小屋去取帽子,然后扛上那大袋面粉,步履艰难地朝集市走去。

  "Ah,dontsaythat,"criedHans,"Iwillnotbesorryformyfriendanyway."Heranintothehuttogethishat,thencarriedthebigbagofflourandwalkedhardtowardsthemarket.

  “这一天天气炎热,路上尘土飞扬,汉斯还没有走到六英里,就累得不行了,只好坐下来歇歇脚。不过,他又继续勇敢地上路了,最后终于到达了集市。在那儿他没有等多长时间,就把那袋面粉卖掉了,还卖了个好价钱。他立即动身回家,因为他担心在集市上呆得太晚,回去的路上可能会遇上强盗的。

  "Itwasahotday,thedustwasflyingontheroad,andHanswasnotabletowalksixmiles,sohewastootiredtositdownandrest.However,hewentontotheroadbravelyagain,andfinallyreachedthemarket.Hedidntwaitlongthere,hesoldthebagofflourandsolditforagoodprice.Hesetouttogohomeimmediatelybecausehewasworriedthathewouldbetoolateatthemarketandthatrobbersmightbemetonhiswayback.

  “‘今天的确太辛苦了,’小汉斯上床睡觉时这样对自己说,‘不过我很高兴没有拒绝磨坊主,因为他是我最好的朋友,再说,他还要把他的小推车送给我。’

  "Itsreallyhardtoday,"Hanssaidtohimselfwhenhewenttobed,"butImgladnottorefusetheMillerbecauseheismybestfriend,andhealsogivesmehiscart."

  “第二天一大早,磨坊主就下山来取他那袋面粉的钱,可是小汉斯太累了,这时还躺在床上睡觉呢。

  "Thenextmorning,theMillerwentdownthemountaintocollecthisbagofflour,butHanswastootiredtosleepinbed.

  “‘我得说,’磨坊主说,‘你实在是很懒,想一想我就要把我的小推车送给你,你本该工作得更勤奋才对。懒情是一件大罪,我当然不喜欢我的朋友是个懒汉了。你当然不会怪我对你讲了这一番直言,假如我不是你的朋友,我自然也不会这么做的。但是如果人们不能坦诚地说出自己的心里话,那么友谊还有什么意思可言。任何人都可以说漂亮话,可以取悦人,也可以讨好人,然而真正的朋友才总是说逆耳的话,而且不怕给人找苦头吃。的确,只要一位真正的忠实的朋友乐意这么做的话,那么原因就在于他知道他正在做好事。’

  "Ihavetosay,"saidtheMiller,"youarereallylazy.IfyouthinkIwillgiveyoumycart,youshouldhaveworkedharder.Lazinessisabigsin.Icertainlydontlikemyfriendasalazyman.Ofcourseyouwontblamemefortellingyouthisstraightword.IfImnotyourfriend,Iwillnotdoit.Butifpeoplecantspeaktheirhearthonestly,thenfriendshipisstillsomethingelse.Anyonecanspeakbeautifulwords,pleasepeople,orbenice.However,realfriendsalwayssaywordsagainsttheirears,andtheyarenotafraidtogivepeoplesuffering.Indeed,aslongasatrueandfaithfulfriendiswillingtodoso,thereasonisthatheknowsheisdoingwell."

  “‘很对不起,’小汉斯一面说,一面揉着自己的眼睛,脱下了他的睡帽,‘不过我真是太累了,我想的只是再睡一小会儿,听听鸟儿的歌声。你知道吗,每当我听过鸟儿的歌声我会干得更起劲的?’

  "Imsorry,"saidHans,rubbinghiseyesandtakingoffhiscap.butImsotired.Ijustwanttosleepalittlelongerandlistentothebirds.Youknow,IlldomorewheneverIhearthebirds?"

  “‘好,这让我很高兴,’磨坊主拍拍小汉斯的肩膀说,‘我只想让你穿好衣服立即到我的磨房来,给我修补一下仓房顶。’

  "Well,thatmakesmehappy,"saidtheMiller,pattingHansontheshoulderoflittleHans."Ijustwantyoutocometomymillimmediatelyingoodclothesandfixtheroofofthewarehouseforme."

  “可怜的小汉斯当时很想到自己的花园里去干活,因为他的花草已有两天没浇过水了,可他又不想拒绝磨坊主,磨坊主是他的好朋友哇。

  "PoorlittleHansthoughtofgoingtoworkinhisgardenbecausehisflowersandgrasshadnotbeenwateredfortwodays,buthedidntwanttorefusetheMiller,whowashisgoodfriend.

  “‘如果我说我很忙,你会认为我不够朋友吗?’他又害羞又担心地问道。

  "IfIsayImbusy,wouldyouthinkImnotafriend?"Heaskedshylyandworried.

  “‘噢,说实在的,’磨坊主回答说,‘我觉得我对你的要求并不过分,你想我就要把我的小推车给你,不过当然如果你不想干,我就回去自己动手干。’

  "Oh,really,"repliedtheMiller,"IdontthinkImaskingyoutoomuch.YouthinkIllgiveyoumycart,butofcourseifyoudontwanttodoit,Illgobackanddoitmyself."

  “‘啊!那怎么行,’小汉斯嚷着说。他从床上跳下来,穿上衣服,往仓房去了。

  "Ah!"WhatcanIdothen?"criedLittleHans.Hejumpedoffthebed,putonhisclothesandwenttothewarehouse.

  “他在那儿干了整整一天,直到夕阳西下,日落时分磨坊主来看他干得怎么样了。

  "Heworkedtherealldayuntilthesunset,andtheMilleratsunsetcametoseehowhedid.

  “‘小汉斯,你把仓顶上的洞补好了吗?’磨坊主乐不可支地高声问道。

  "Haveyoumendedtheholeinthetopofthewarehouse,Hans?"AskedtheMillerinaloudvoice.

  “‘全补好了,’小汉斯说着,从梯子上走了下来。

  "Itsallmended,"saidHans,walkingdowntheladder.

  “‘啊!’磨坊主说,‘没有什么比替别人干活更让人快乐的了。’

  "Ah!""Thereisnothinghappierthanworkingforothers,"saidtheMiller

  “‘听你说话真是莫大的荣幸,’小汉斯坐下身来,一边擦去前额的汗水,一边回答说,‘莫大的荣幸,不过我担心我永远也不会有你这么美好的想法。’

  "Itsagreathonortohearyouspeak,"saidHans,sittingdown,wipingawaysweatfromhisforeheadandsaying,"greathonor,butImafraidIllneverhavesuchagoodideaofyou."

  “‘啊!你也会有的,’磨坊主说,‘不过你必须得更努力些才行。现在你仅仅完成了友谊的实践,今后有一天你也会具备理论的。’

  "Ah!Youwillhaveit,"saidtheMiller,"butyouhavetoworkharder.Nowyouhaveonlycompletedthepracticeoffriendship,andonedayyouwillhavetheory."

  “‘你真的认为我会吗?’小汉斯问。

  "DoyoureallythinkIwill?"AskedHans.

  “‘我对此毫不怀疑,’磨坊主回答说,‘不过既然你已经修补好了仓顶,你最好还是回去休息,因为我明天还要你帮我赶山羊到山上去。’

  "Ihavenodoubtaboutthis,"repliedtheMiller,"butsinceyouhavemendedthetopofthebarn,youdbettergobacktorestbecauseIwantyoutohelpmedrivegoatsupthemountaintomorrow."

  “‘可怜的小汉斯对这件事什么也不敢说,第二天一大早磨坊主就赶着他的羊群来到了小屋旁,汉斯便赶着它们上山去了。他花了整整一天功夫才走了一个来回。回到家时他已经累坏了,就坐在椅子上睡着了,一觉醒来已经是大天亮了。

  "PoorlittleHansdarednotsayanythingaboutit,andtheMillerrushedhisflocktothecottagethenextmorning,andHansdrovethemupthehill.Ittookhimawholedaytogobackandforth.Whenhegothome,hewastired,andhesatinhischairandfellasleep,anditwasalreadymorningwhenhewokeup.

  “‘今天能呆在自己的花园里我会是多么快乐呀。’说着,他就马上去干活了。

  "HowhappyIwouldbetobeinmygardentoday."Hesaidit,andhewenttoworkimmediately.

  “然而他永远也不能够全身心地去照料好自己的花,因为他的朋友磨坊主老是不停地跑来给他派些差事,或叫他到磨坊去帮忙。有时小汉斯也很苦恼,他担心自己的花会认为他已经把它们给忘了,但是他却用磨坊主是自己最好的朋友这种想法来安慰自己。‘再说,’他经常对自己说,‘他还要把自己的小推车送给我,那是真正慷慨大方的举动。’

  "Buthewouldneverbeabletotakecareofhisflowerswithallhisheart,forhisfriend,theMiller,alwayscametohimtosendhimsomeerrands,oraskedhimtohelphiminthemill.SometimesHanswasalsoveryupset,worriedthathisflowerswouldthinkhehadforgottenthem,buthecomfortedhimselfwiththeideathattheMillerwashisbestfriend."Besides,"heoftensaidtohimself,"healsogivesmehiscart,whichisatrulygenerousact."

  “就这样小汉斯不停地为磨坊主干事,而磨坊主也讲了各种各样关于友谊的美妙语句,汉斯把这些话都记在笔记本上,晚上经常拿出来阅读,因为他还是个爱读书的人。

  "SoHanskeptondoingthemainbusinessofthemill,andtheMilleralsospokeallkindsofwonderfulwordsaboutfriendship.Hanswrotetheminhisnotebook,andheoftentookthemoutatnighttoreadthem,becausehewasstillareader.

  “有一天晚上,小汉斯正坐在炉旁烤火,忽然传来了响亮的敲门声。这是个气候恶劣的夜晚,风一个劲地在小屋周围狂欢乱咀。起初他还以为听到的只是风暴声呢,可是又传来了第二次敲门声,接着是第三次,而且比前两次更响亮。

  "Onenight,Hanswassittingbythestoveandbaking,andsuddenlyaloudknockcame.Itwasabadnight,andthewindwaspartakingaroundthehut.Atfirsthethoughthehadheardonlythestorm,butasecondknockcame,followedbyathird,andlouderthantheprevioustwo.

  “‘这是个可怜的行路人,’小汉斯对自己说,而且朝门口跑去。

  "Thisisapoortraveler,"saidHanstohimself,andrantowardsthedoor.

  “原来门口站着的是磨坊主,他一只手里提着一个马灯,另一只手中拿着一根大拐杖。

  "TheformerdoorstoodtheMiller,onewithalampinonehandandabigcaneintheother.

  “‘亲爱的小汉斯,’磨坊主大声叫道,‘我遇到大的麻烦了。我的小儿子从梯子上掉下来了,受了伤,我准备去请医生。可是医生住的地方太远,今晚的天气又如此恶劣,我刚才突然觉得要是你替我去请医生,会好得多。你知道我将要把我的小推车送给你,所以你应该为我做些事来作为回报,才算是公平的。’

  "DearlittleHans,"criedtheMiller,"Ihaveabigproblem.Mylittlesonfellofftheladderandwashurt.Iwasgoingtoaskadoctor.Butthedoctorlivedtoofar,andtheweatherwassobadtonight.Ijustsuddenlyfeltthatitwouldbemuchbetterifyouwenttoaskforadoctorforme.YouknowImgoingtogiveyoumycart,soitsfairthatyoushoulddosomethingformeinreturn."

  “‘当然罗,’小汉斯大声说道,‘我觉得你能来找我是我的荣幸,我这就动身。不过你得把马灯借给我,今夜太黑了,我担心自己跌到水沟里去。’

  "Ofcourse,"criedHans,"Ithinkitsmypleasuretohaveyoucometome.Illleave.Butyouhavetolendmethelamp.Itstoodarktonight.ImafraidIllfallintotheditch."

  “‘很对不起,’磨坊主回答说,‘这可是我的新马灯,如果它出了什么毛病,那对我的损失可就大了。’

  "Imsorry,"repliedtheMiller,"thisismynewlamp.Ifthereissomethingwrongwithit,itwillbeagreatlosstome."

  “‘噢,没关系,我不用它也行。’小汉斯高声说,他取下自己的皮大衣和暖和的红礼帽,又在自己的脖子上围上一条围巾,就动身了。

  "Oh,itdoesntmatter.Idontuseit."LittleHanssaidloudlythathetookoffhisfurcoatandwarmredhat,andputascarfaroundhisneck,andsetoff.

  “那可真是个可怕的风暴之夜,黑得伸手不见五指,小汉斯什么也看不见。风刮得很猛,他连站都站不稳。不过,小汉斯非常勇敢,他走了大约三个钟头,来到了医生的屋前,敲响了门。

  "Itwasaterriblestormnight,sodarkthathecouldnotreachouthisfingers,andHanscouldnotseeanything.Thewindblewsohardthathecouldntstandsteady.However,Hanswasverybrave,hewalkedforaboutthreehours,cametothedoctorshouseandknockedonthedoor.

  “‘是谁呀?’医生从卧室伸出头来大声问道。

  "Whoisit?"Thedoctoraskedloudly,extendinghisheadfromthebedroom.

  “‘医生,我是小汉斯。’

  "Doctor,ImHans."

  “‘什么事,小汉斯。’

  "Whatsthematter,Hans."

  “‘磨坊主的儿子从梯子上跌下来摔伤了,磨坊主请你马上去。”

  "TheMillerssonfelldowntheladderandfellandhurt.TheMilleraskedyoutogoimmediately."

  “‘好的!’医生说,并且叫人去备马。他取来大靴子,提上马灯,从楼上走了下来,骑上马朝磨坊主的家奔去,而小汉斯却步履踏酒地跟在后头。

  "OK!"Andthedoctorsaid,andaskedpeopletoprepareforthehorses.Hetookthebigboots,putonthelamp,andwalkeddownfromtheupstairs,rodeuptothemillmastershouse,whileHansfollowedthewine.

  “然而风暴却越来越大,雨下得像小河的流水,小汉斯看不清他面前的路面,也赶不上马了。最后他迷了路,在一片沼泽地上徘徊着。这是一块非常危险的地方,到处有深深的水坑,可怜的小汉斯就在那里给淹死了。第二天几位牧羊人发现了他的尸首,漂浮在一个大池塘的水面上。这几位牧羊人把尸体抬回到他的小屋中。哀悼仪式的主持人。

  "Butthestormwasgettingbiggerandbigger,anditrainedlikethewaterofariver.Hanscouldnotseetheroadinfrontofhimandcouldnotcatchupwiththehorse.Finallyhelosthiswayandwanderedaboutaswamp.Itwasaverydangerousplace,andthereweredeeppuddleseverywhere,wherepoorlittleHansdrowned.Thenextday,severalshepherdsfoundhisbodyfloatingonthesurfaceofalargepond.Theshepherdscarriedthebodybackintohishut.Thehostofthemourningceremony.

  “‘既然我是他最好的沥友,’磨坊主说,‘那么就应该让我站最好的位置。’所以他穿一身黑色的长袍走在送葬队伍的最前边,还时不时地用一块大手帕抹着眼泪水。

  "SinceIamhisbestfriend,"saidtheMiller,"thenIshouldbeinthebestposition."Sohewalkedinablackrobeatthefrontofthefuneralprocession,andfromtimetotimehewipedhiseyeswithalargehandkerchief.

  “‘小汉斯的死的确对每一个人都是个大损失,’铁匠开口说。这时葬礼已经结束,大家都舒适地坐在小酒店里,喝着香料酒,吃着甜点心。

  "ThedeathofHanswasagreatlosstoeveryone,"theblacksmithsaid.Atthistime,thefuneralwasover,andeveryonesatcomfortablyinthehotel,drinkingspicewineandeatingdessert.

  “‘无论如何对我是个大损失,’磨坊主回答说,‘对了,我都快把我的小推车送给他了,现在我真不知怎么处理它了。放在我家里对我是个大妨碍,它已经破烂不堪,就是卖掉它我又能得到什么。我今后更要留心不再送人任何东西。大方总让人吃苦头。’”

  "Itwasagreatlosstomeanyway,"repliedtheMiller,"yes,Ihavegivenhimmycart.NowIreallydontknowhowtodealwithit.Itwasabighindrancetometoputitinmyhouse.Itwasalreadyinamess,andIcouldgetanythingifIsoldit.Iwillpaymoreattentiontonotsendinganything."Generosityisalwaysapain."

  “后来呢?”过了好一会儿河鼠说。

  "Andthen?"Afterawhiletheratsaid.

  “什么,我讲完了,”红雀说。

  "What,Imdone,"saidthecardinal.

  “可是磨坊主后来又怎样了呢?’河鼠问道。

  "ButwhathappenedtotheMiller?"Askedtherat.

  “噢!我真的不清楚,”红雀回答说,“我觉得我不关心这个。”

  "Oh!Ireallydontknow,"repliedthecardinal,"IdontthinkIcareaboutit."

  “很显然你的本性中没有同情的成分,”河鼠说。

  "Itsclearthatthereisnosympatheticelementinyournature,"saidtherat.

  “我恐怕你还没有弄明白这故事中的教义,”红雀反驳说。

  "Imafraidyouhaventfiguredouttheteachingsofthestory,"thecardinalretorted.

  “什么?”河鼠大声暖道。

  "What?"Theratwarmeduploudly.

  “教义。”

  "Doctrine."

  “你的意思是说这故事里还有一个教义?”

  "Youmeanthereisadoctrineinthestory?"

  “当然了,”红雀说。

  "Ofcourse,"saidthecardinal.

  “噢,说真的,”河鼠气呼呼地说,“我认为你在讲故事之前就该告诉我那个。如果你那样做了,我肯定不会听你的了。其实,我该像批评家那样说一声‘呸!’但是,我现在可以这么说了。”于是他就大喊了一声“呸!”,并挥舞了一下自己的尾巴,就回到了山洞中去。

  "Oh,really,"theratsaid,gasping,"Ithinkyoushouldtellmethatbeforeyoutellthestory.Ifyoudothat,ImsureIwontlistentoyou.Infact,Ishouldsay"bah!"likeacriticButIcansaythatnow."Soheshouted,"bah!",andwavedhistail,andwentbacktothecave.

  “你觉得河鼠怎么样?”母鸭开口问道,她用了好几分钟才拍打着水走上岸来。“他也有好些优点,不过就我而言,我有一个母亲的情怀,只要看见那些铁了心不结婚的单身汉总忍不住要掉下眼泪来。”

  "Whatdoyouthinkoftherat?"Theduckasked,andittookherseveralminutestoclapthewaterandcomeashore."Hehasmanyadvantages,butasfarasIamconcerned,IhaveamothersfeelingthatitisimpossibletoteardowntearswhenIseethesinglemenwhoarenotmarriedwithironheart."

  “我真担心我把他给得罪了,”红雀回答说,“事实是我给他讲了一个带教义的故事。”

  "ImworriedIveoffendedhim,"repliedthecardinal."ThetruthisthatItoldhimadoctrinalstory."

  “啊,这事总是很危险的,”母鸭说。

  "Ah,itsalwaysdangerous,"saidtheduck.

  我完全同意她的话。

  Ifullyagreewithher.

  王尔德童话英文版篇8

  国王的儿子就要结婚了,所以要在举国上下进行庆典。他为自己的新娘已经等了整整一年,最后她还是赶来了。她是一位俄国公主,坐着由六只驯鹿拉的雪橇从芬兰一路赶来的。雪橇看上去像一只巨大的金色天鹅,小公主就安卧在天鹏的两只翅膀之间。那件长长的貂皮大衣一直垂到她的脚跟,她的头上戴着一顶小巧的银线帽子,她的肤色苍白得就如同她一直居住的雪宫的颜色。她是如此的苍白,在她驶过街道的时候,沿街的人们都惊讶地叹道:“她就像一朵白玫瑰!”于是大家纷纷从阳台上朝她抛下鲜花。

  Thekingssonisabouttogetmarried,sohehastocelebratethewholecountry.Hehasbeenwaitingforhisbrideforawholeyear,andshefinallycomes.ShewasaRussianprincess,andshecamefromFinlandonasledgedrawnbysixreindeer.Thesledgelookedlikeagiantgoldenswan,andthelittleprincesslaybetweenthewingsofTianpeng.Thelongminkcoathungtoherheel,andonherheadwasasmallsilvercap,hercomplexionwasaspaleasthecolorofthesnowpalaceshehadbeenlivingin.Shewassopalethatasshedrovethroughthestreet,peoplealongthestreetsighedinsurprise,"sheislikeawhiterose!"Sopeoplethrewflowersfromthebalconytowardsher.

  在城堡的门口王子正等着迎接她的到来。他有一双梦幻般的紫色眼睛和一头金黄色的头发。一看见她来了,他就跪下一条腿,吻了她的手。

  Theprincewaswaitingforhertoarriveatthegateofthecastle.Hehasadreampurpleeyeandablondehair.Assoonashesawhercoming,hekneltdownononelegandkissedherhand.

  “你的照片好漂亮,”他轻声地说,“不过你比照片更漂亮。”小公主的脸一下子就红了。

  "Yourpictureissobeautiful,"hewhispered,"butyouaremorebeautifulthanthepicture."Thelittleprincesssfacewasredatonce.

  “她先前像一朵白攻瑰,”一位年轻的侍卫对身边的人说,“可此刻却像一朵红玫瑰了。”整个宫里的人都快乐无比。

  "Sheusedtobeawhitediamond,"ayoungwaitersaidtothepeoplearoundher,"butnowitslikearedrose."Thewholepalacewasahappyplace.

  这以后的三天中人人都说着:“白玫瑰,红玫瑰;红玫瑰,白玫瑰。”于是国王下令给那个侍卫的薪金增加一倍。不过他根本就没有拿薪水,因此这道加薪的命令对他没有任何作用,然而这被视为一种莫大的荣誉,并按惯例在宫廷报纸上登出。

  Inthethreedaysafterthateveryonesaid,"whiterose,redrose;redrose,whiterose."Sothekingorderedthattheguardssalarybedoubled.Buthedidnotreceiveanysalaryatall,sotheorderforaraisehadnoeffectonhim,butitwasregardedasagreathonorandwaspublishedincourtnewspapersasusual.

  三天过后便举行了婚礼庆典。这是一次盛大的仪式,新郎和新娘在一幅绣着小珍珠的紫色鹅绒华盖下手牵着手走着。接着又举行了国宴,持续了五个小时。王子和公主坐在大厅的首座上,用一只纯清的水晶杯子饮酒。只有真诚的恋人才能用这只杯子喝酒,因为只要虚伪的嘴唇一挨上杯子,杯子就会变得灰暗无光。

  Threedayslater,aweddingceremonywasheld.Itwasagrandceremony,andthegroomandbridewalkedhandinhandunderapurplevelvetcoverembroideredwithlittlepearls.Thentherewasastatebanquet,whichlastedforfivehours.TheprinceandPrincesssatinthefirstseatofthehall,drinkinginapurecrystalglass.Onlysincereloverscandrinkwiththiscup,becauseaslongasthefalselipsarenexttothecup,thecupwillbecomegrayandlight-free.

  “一眼就能看出他们相亲相爱,”那个小侍卫说,“如同水晶一样纯洁!”为这句话国王再次下令给他加薪。“多么大的荣耀啊!”群臣们异口同声地喊道。

  "Atoneglancetheyloveeachother,"saidthelittleguard,"aspureascrystal!"Thekingorderedhimtoraisehissalaryagainforthat."Whatagreathonor!"Theministersshoutedinunison.

  宴会之后举办了舞会,新郎和新娘将要一块儿跳舞,国王答应为他们吹笛子。他吹得很不好,可没有人敢对他那么说,因为他是一国之君。说真的,他只会吹两种调子,并且从来也没有搞清楚他吹的是哪一种,不过也无关紧要,因为不管他吹的是什么,人们都会高喊狂叫:“棒极了!棒极了!”

  Aftertheparty,adancewasheld,andthegroomandthebrideweregoingtodancetogether,andthekingpromisedtoplayfluteforthem.Heblewbadly,butnoonedaredtosaythattohim,becausehewasthekingofacountry.Tobehonest,hecanonlyplaytwotunesandneverknowwhichoneheplays,butitdoesntmatter,becausenomatterwhatheblows,peopleshoutloudly:"great!Great!"

  这次节目的最后一个项目是施放盛大的烟花,燃放的时间正好定在午夜。小公主一生也没有看过放烟花,因此国王下令皇家烟花手要亲自出席当天的婚礼以便施放烟花。

  Thelastprojectoftheshowwastogiveoffabigfireworks,whichwassetatmidnight.Theprincessneversawfireworksinherlife,sothekingorderedroyalfireworkstoattendtheweddingceremonyinpersontogivethem.

  “烟花像什么样子?”有一天早上,小公主在露天阳台上散步时这样问过王子。

  "Whatdoesfireworkslooklike?"Onemorning,thelittleprincessaskedtheprincethiswaywhenshewaswalkingonthebalcony.

  “它们就像北极光,”国王说,他一贯喜欢替别人回答问题,“只是更自然罢了。我本人更喜欢烟花而不是星星,因为你一直都明白它们何时会出现,它们就如同我吹笛子一样美妙。你一定要看看它们。”

  "Theyarelikeauroraborealis,"saidtheking,whoalwayslikedtoanswerquestionsforothers."Itsjustmorenatural.Ipreferfireworkstostars,becauseyoualwaysknowwhentheywillappear,andtheyareaswonderfulasIplayflute.Youhavetoseethem."

  就这样在皇家花园的尽头搭起了一座大台子。等皇家烟花手把一切都准备完毕,烟花们便相互交谈起来。

  Soabigtablewasbuiltattheendoftheroyalgarden.WhentheRoyalFireworkshandhadpreparedeverything,thefireworkstalkedtoeachother.

  “世界真是太美丽了,”一个小爆竹大声喊道,“看看那些黄色的郁金香。啊!如果它们是真正的爆竹,它们会更逗人喜爱的。我很高兴我参加过旅游。旅游大大提高见识,并能除去一切个人的偏见。”

  "Theworldissobeautiful,"criedalittlefirecracker."Lookattheyellowtulips.Ah!Iftheywererealfirecrackers,theywouldbemorelikeable.ImgladIvebeenonatour.Tourismgreatlyimprovesinsightandremovesallpersonalprejudices."

  “国王的花园不是世界,你这个傻爆竹,”一枚罗马烛光弹说,“世界是一个大得很的地方,你要花三天时间才能看遍全世界。”

  "Thekingsgardenisnottheworld,youstupidfirecrackers,"saidaRomancandlelightbullet."Theworldisaverybigplace,andittakesyouthreedaystoseetheworld."

  “任何地方只要你爱它,它就是你的世界,”一枚深思熟虑的转轮烟火激动地喊道。她早年曾恋上了一只旧的杉木箱子,并以这段伤心的经历而自豪。“不过爱情已不再时髦了,诗人们把它给扼杀了。他们对爱情抒发得太多,使人们不再相信那么回事。对此,我一点也不觉得吃惊。真正的爱情是痛苦的、是沉默的。我记得自己曾有过那么一回——可是现在已经结束了。浪漫只属于过去。”

  "Whereveryouloveit,itsyourworld,"athoughtfulwheeloffireworksshoutedexcitedly.Shehadaloveforanoldfirboxinherearlyyearsandwasproudofthissadexperience."Butloveisnolongerfashionable,andpoetshavekilledit.Theyexpresstoomuchaboutlove,sothatpeopledontbelievethatanymore.Imnotsurprisedatall.Trueloveispainfulandsilent.Irememberhavinghadthatonetime-butitsovernow.Romanceisonlyinthepast."

  “胡说!”罗马烛光弹说,“浪漫永远不会消亡,它犹如月亮一样,永远活着。比如,新郎和新娘彼此爱得多么热烈。关于他们的故事我是今天早晨从一枚棕色纸做的爆竹那儿听来的,他碰巧跟我同在一个抽屉里面,并且知道最新的宫中消息。”

  "Nonsense"Romancewillneverdie,itwillbelikethemoon,andwillliveforever,"saidtheRomancandlelight.Forexample,howwarmthebridegroomandbrideloveeachother.Iheardaboutthemfromafirecrackermadeofbrownpaperthismorning.Hehappenedtobeinadrawerwithmeandknewthelatestnewsfromthepalace."

  可是只见转轮烟火摇摇头,喃喃地说,“浪漫已经消亡了,浪漫已经消亡了,已经消亡了。”她和其他许多人一样,相信假如你把同一件事情反复说上许多次,最后假的也会变成真的了。

  Butsawthewheeloffireworksshakehishead,murmured,"romancehasdied,romancehasdied,hasdied."She,likemanyothers,believesthatifyousaythesamethingoverandoveragain,thelastfakewillbecometrue.

  突然,传来一声尖尖的干咳声,他们都转头四下张望。

  Suddenly,asharpdrycoughcame,andtheyallturnedaroundandlooked.

  这声音来自一个高大的,模样傲慢的火箭,它被绑在一根长木杆的顶端。它在发表言论之前,总要先咳上几声,好引起人们的注意。

  Thesoundcamefromatall,arrogantrockettiedtothetopofalongwoodenpole.Beforeitmakesaspeech,italwayscoughafewtimes,whichwillattractpeoplesattention.

  “啊咳!啊咳!”他咳嗽着。大家都认真地听着,只有可怜的转轮烟火仍旧摇着头,喃喃地说,“浪漫已经消亡了。”

  "Ah,cough!Ah,cough!"Hecoughs.Everyonelistenedcarefully,onlypoorroundoffireworksstillshooktheirheads,murmured,"romancehasdied."

  “肃静!肃静!”一只爆竹大声嚷道。他是个政客似的人物,在本地的选举中总能独占鳌头,因此他深知如何使用恰当的政治术语。

  "Silence!Silence!"Afirecrackershouted.Heisapoliticianandalwaysdominatesthelocalelections,soheknowshowtousetherightpoliticalterms.

  “死光了,”转轮烟火低声耳语道,说完她就去睡觉了。

  "Dead,"whisperedthewheeloffireworks,andthenshewenttobed.

  等到周围完全安静下来时,火箭发出第三次咳嗽声,并开始了发言。他的语调既缓慢又清晰,好像是在背诵自己的记录本一样,对他的听众他从来不正眼去看。说实在的,他的风度是非常出众的。

  Whenthesurroundingareawascompletelyquiet,therocketcoughedforathirdtimeandbegantospeak.Histonewasslowandclear,asifhewasrecitinghisownnotebook,andheneverlookedathisaudienceintheeye.Tobehonest,hisdemeanourisveryoutstanding.

  “国王的儿子真是幸运啊,”他说道,“他结婚的日子正好是我要升天燃放的时候。真是的,就算是事先安排好的,对他来说也没有比这更好的了;但话又说回来,王子们总是交好运的。”

  "Thekingssonissolucky,"hesaid,"andhisweddingwasjustwhenIwasgoingtogoupandsetoff.Indeed,evenifitwasarrangedinadvance,itwasnobetterforhim;but,inotherwords,theprincesalwayshadgoodluck."

  “我的妈呀!”小爆竹说,“我的想法却正好相反,我想我们是为了王子的荣誉而升天燃放的。”

  "Mymother!""Ithinktheoppositeistrue,"saidthefirecracker."Ithinkwearegoingtobeontheriseforthehonoroftheprince."

  “对于你来说可能是这样的,”他回答说,“事实上这一点是肯定无疑的。不过对我而言事情就不一祥了。我是一枚非常神奇的火箭,出身于一个了不起的家庭。我母亲是她那个时代最出名的转轮烟火,并以她优美的舞姿而著称。只要她一出场亮相,她要旋转十九次才会飞出去,每转上一次,她就会向空中抛撒七颗粉红的彩星。她的直径有三英尺半,是用最好的火药制成的。我的父亲像我一样也是火箭,他来自法兰西。他飞得可真高,人们都担心他不会下来了。尽管如此,他还是下来了,因为他性格善良。他化作一阵金色的雨,非常耀眼地落了下来。报纸用足吹棒的词句描述他的表演。的确,宫廷的报纸把他称为烟花艺术的一个伟大成就。”

  "Itmaybeforyou,"hereplied,"andinfactitiscertainly.Butitsnotagoodthingforme.Iamaverymagicalrocket,borninawonderfulfamily.Mymotherwasthemostfamousroundoffireworksofhertimeandwasfamousforherbeautifuldance.Aslongassheappears,shewillflyout19times.Everytimesheturns,shewillthrowsevenpinkstarsintheair.Sheisthreeandahalffeetindiameterandismadeofthebestpowder.Myfatherisarocketlikeme.HeisfromFrance.Hefliessohighthatpeopleworrythathewontcomedown.Nevertheless,hecamedownbecausehewaskind.Heturnedintoagoldenrainandfelldownverybrightly.Thenewspaperdescribedhisperformanceinwordsofastick.Indeed,thecourtnewspapercalledhimagreatachievementinfireworks."

  “烟花,烟花,你是指它吗,”一枚孟加拉烟火说,“我知道它是烟花,因为我看见我的匣子上写着呢。”

  "Fireworks,fireworks,doyoumeanit,"saidaBangladeshifireworks."IknowitsfireworksbecauseIseeitonmybox."

  “噢,我说的是火炮,”火箭语调严肃地回答说。孟加拉烟火感到自己受到极大的欺压,并立即去欺负那些小爆竹了,目的是为了表明自己依旧是个重要的角色。

  "Oh,Imtalkingaboutguns,"repliedtherocketinaserioustone.Bangladeshfireworksfeeloverwhelmedandimmediatelybullythefirecrackerstoshowthattheyarestillanimportantrole.

  “我是说,”火箭继续说,“我是说——我说的是什么?”

  "Imean,"therocketcontinued,"Imean-whatamItalkingabout?"

  “你在说你自己,”罗马烛光弹回答说。

  "Youretalkingaboutyourself,"repliedtheRomancandlelight.

  “的确,我知道我正在讨论某个有趣的话题,却被人给粗暴地打断了。我讨厌各种粗鲁的举止和不良行为,因为我是个非常敏感的人。全世界没有哪个人比我更敏感了,对此我深信不疑。”

  "Indeed,IknowImtalkingaboutsomethinginterestingandImbeingcutoffbyaroughcut.IhateallkindsofrudebehaviorsandbadbehaviorsbecauseIamaverysensitiveperson.Ibelievethatnooneintheworldismoresensitivethanme."

  “一个敏感的人是指什么?”爆竹对罗马烛光弹问道。

  "Whatdoesasensitivepersonmean?"FirecrackersaskedtheRomancandlelight.

  “一个人因为自己脚上生鸡眼,便总想着踩别人的脚趾头,”罗马烛光弹低声耳语道。爆竹差一点没笑破肚皮。

  "Apersonalwayswantstosteponotherpeoplestoesbecauseofhisownchickeneyes,"whisperedRomancandlelight.Firecrackersarealmostnotlaughingdowntheirbelly.

  “请问你笑什么呀?”火箭开口问道,“我就一点没有笑。”

  "Whatdoyoulaughat?"Therocketsaid,"Ididntlaughatall."

  “我笑是因为我高兴,”爆竹回答说。

  "IlaughbecauseImhappy,"repliedfirecrackers.

  “这理由太自私了,”火箭脸带怒色地说,“你有什么权利高兴?你应该为别人想想。实际上,你应该为我想想。我总是想着我自己,我也希望别人都会这么做。这就是所谓的同情。这是个可爱的美德,我这方面的德性就很高。例如,假定今天夜里我出了什么事,那么对每一个人来说会是多么的不幸!王子和公主再也不会开心了,他们的婚后生活将会被毁掉;至于国王,他或许经不住这场打击。真的,我一想起自己所处的重要地位,我几乎感动得流下眼泪。”

  "Itsselfish,"saidtherocket,withafuriousface,"whatrightdoyouhavetobehappy?Youshouldthinkaboutitforothers.Infact,youshouldthinkaboutitforme.Ialwaysthinkaboutmyself,andIhopeotherswilldoit.Thatswhatwecallcompassion.Itisalovelyvirtue,andIhaveahighvirtueinthisrespect.Forexample,supposewhathappenedtomethisnight,howunfortunateitwouldbeforeveryone!Theprinceandprincesswillneverbehappyanymore,andtheirlifeaftermarriagewillbedestroyed;asfortheking,hemaynotbeabletowithstandtheblow.Really,IwasalmostmovedtoshedtearswhenIthoughtofmyimportantposition."

  “如果你想给别人带来快乐,”罗马烛光弹说,“那么你最好先不要把自己弄得湿乎乎的。”

  "Ifyouwanttobringhappinesstoothers,"saidtheRomancandlelight,"thenyoudbetternotgetwetfirst."

  “当然了,”孟加拉烟火说,他现在的精神好多了,“这是个简单的常识。”

  "Ofcourse,"saidtheBangladeshifireworks,whoismuchbetteratthemoment,"itsasimplecommonsense."

  “常识,一点不假!”火箭愤愤不平地说,“可你忘了我是很不寻常的,而且非常了不起。啊,任何人如若没有想象力的话,也会具备常识的。然而我有想象力,因为我从没有把事物按照它们实际的情况去考虑,我总是把它们想象成另外一回事。至于要我本人不要流泪,很显然在场的各位没人能够欣赏多情的品性。所幸的是我本人并不介意。能够让我维持一生的唯一一件事就是想到自己要比别人优越得多,这也是我一贯培养的感觉。你们这些人都是没有情感的。你们只会傻笑或开玩笑,好像王子和公主不是刚刚结婚似的。”

  "Commonsense,notfalse!"Therocketsaidangrily,"butyouforgetthatIamunusualandamazing.Ah,anyonewhohasnoimaginationwillhavecommonsense.ButIhaveimagination,becauseIneverthinkthingsaccordingtotheiractualsituation,Ialwaysthinkofthemasanotherthing.Asformenottocry,itisclearthatnooneherecanappreciatethesentimentalcharacter.Fortunately,Idontmindmyself.TheonlythingthatcankeepmealiveistothinkthatIammuchbetterthanothers,whichisalsothefeelingIhavealwayscultivated.Youpeopleareallemotionallyfree.Youjustlaughorjoke,asiftheprinceandprincesswerenotjustmarried."

  “啊,正是,”一枚小火球动情地叫道,“难道不行吗?这是一件多大的喜事呀,我只要一飞到天上去,我就会把这一切都讲给星星听。等我给它们讲起美丽的公主,你会看见星星们在眨眼睛。”

  "Ah,itis,"criedalittlefireballaffectionately,"cantit?Whatajoyitis.AssoonasIflytothesky,Iwilltellthestarsallaboutit.WhenItellthembeautifulprincesses,youwillseethestarsblinking."

  “啊!多么渺小的人生观!”火箭说,“然而这正是我所预料的。你们胸无大志;你们既浅薄又无知。噢,或许王子和公主会到有条深深河流的乡村去住;或许他们只有一个儿子,那个小男孩他王子一样有一头金发和紫色眼晴;或许有一天小男孩会跟保姆一起出去散步;或许保姆会在一株古老的大树下睡觉;或许小男孩会掉进深深的流水中淹死了。多么可怕的灾难啊!可怜的人儿,失去了他们唯一的儿子!这真是太可怕了!我永远也忘不了。”

  "Ah!Whatasmalloutlookonlife!""ButthatsexactlywhatIexpected,"therocketsaid.Youhavenoambition;youareshallowandignorant.Oh,maybetheprinceandprincesswillliveinacountrywithadeepriver;maybetheyhaveonlyoneson,thelittleboyhasblondehairandpurpleeyeslikehisprince;maybeonedaythelittleboywillgooutforawalkwiththenanny;maybethenannywillsleepunderanoldtree;maybethelittleboywillfallintothedeepwateranddrown.Whataterribledisaster!Poorman,losttheironlyson!Thisisterrible!Illneverforget."

  “但是他们并没有失去他们的独子呀,”罗马烛光弹说,“根本就没有任何不幸发主在他们身上。”

  "Buttheydidntlosetheironlyson,"saidtheRomancandlelight,"andtherewasnounfortunatehairowneronthematall."

  “我从没说过他们会发生不幸,”火箭回答说,“我只是说他们可能会。如果他们已经失去了独生子,那么再谈此事还有什么意思。我讨厌那些事后反悔的人。不过一想到他们可能会失去独子,我就会非常难过。”

  "Ineversaidtheywouldhavemisfortune,"therocketreplied,"Ijustsaidtheymight.Iftheyhavelosttheironlychild,whatelseisthepointoftalkingaboutit.Ihatethosewhoregretafterwards.ButImverysadtothinkthattheymaylosetheironlyson."

  “你当然会的!”孟加拉烟火大声嚷道,“实际上,你是我所遇到的最感情用事的人。”

  "Ofcourseyouwill!""Infact,youarethemostemotionalpersonIhaveevermet,"theBangladeshifireworksshouted

  “你是我所遇到的最粗俗的人,”火箭反驳说,“你是无法理解我对王子的友情的。”

  "YouarethemostvulgarpersonIhaveevermet,"therocketretorted."Youcantunderstandmyfriendshipwiththeprince."

  “噢,你甚至还不认识他呢,”罗马烛光弹怒吼道。

  "Oh,youdontevenknowhim,"roaredtheRomancandlelight.

  “我从未说过我认识他,”火箭回答说,“我敢说,如果我认识他,我是不会成为他的朋友的。认识好多朋友,是件非常危险的事。”

  "IneversaidIknewhim,"therocketreplied,"IdaresaythatifIknewhim,Iwouldnothavebeenhisfriend.Itsverydangeroustoknowalotoffriends."

  “说真的你最好还是不要流眼泪,”火球说,“这可是件要紧的事。”

  "Youdbetternotshedtearsifyouarereally,"saidthefireball."Itsamatterofgreatimportance."

  “我敢肯定,对你是非常要紧,”火箭回答说,“可我想哭就得哭。”说先他还真的哭了起来,后水像雨点一样从杆子上流下来,差一点淹死两只正在寻找一块干燥的好地方做窝的小甲虫。

  "Imsureitsveryimportantforyou,"therocketreplied,"butIhavetocryifIwantto."Hecriedfirst,andthenthewatercamedownfromthepolelikerain,andalmostdrownedtwobeetleslookingforadryplacetonest.

  “他必定有真正的浪漫品质,”转轮烟花说,“根本就没有什么可哭的,他却能哭得起来。”接着她长叹一日气,又想起了那个杉木箱子。

  "Hemusthavearealromanticquality,"saidthewheeloffireworks."Thereisnothingtocryatall,buthecancry."Thenshesighedforalongtime,andthoughtofthefirboxagain.

  不过罗马烛光弹和孟加拉烟火却是老大不乐意,他们不停地说着:“胡扯!胡扯!”那声音可真够大的。他们是非常讲实际的,只要是他们反对的东西,他们就会说是胡扯。

  ButtheRomancandlelightbombandBangladeshifireworkswerenothappy,theysaidceaselessly:"bullshit!Bullshit!"Thatsoundisreallyloudenough.Theyareverypractical,andaslongastheyobjecttosomething,theywillsayitisnonsense.

  这时明月像一面银色的盾牌冉冉升起;繁星开始闪烁,音乐声从宫中传来。

  Atthistime,themoonroselikeasilvershield;starsbegantoflash,andmusiccamefromthepalace.

  王子和公主正在领舞。他们跳得可真美,就连那些亭亭玉立的白莲花也透过窗户偷看他俩,频频点头,并打着节拍。

  Theprinceandprincessareleadingthedance.Theydancedsobeautifullythateventhebeautifulwhitelotusflowerspeeredthroughthewindows,andthebigredpoppiesnoddedfrequentlyandbeat.

  随后十点的钟声敲响了,接着十一点的钟声敲响了,然后是十二点。当午夜最后一下钟声敲响时,所有的人都来到了露天阳台上,国王派人去叫皇家烟花手。

  Thentheclockattenstruck,thentheeleven,andthentwelve.Whenthelastbellstruckatmidnight,allthepeoplecametothebalcony,andthekingsentfortheroyalfireworks.

  “开始放烟花吧,”国王宣布说。皇家烟花手深深地鞠了一躬,并迈步向下走到花园的尽头。他带了六个助手,每个助手都本着一根竿子,竿子的顶头捆着一个点燃的火把。

  "Startfireworks,"thekingannounced.TheRoyalFireworkshandboweddeeplyandsteppeddowntotheendofthegarden.Hebroughtsixassistants,eachinlinewithapole,andthetopofthepolewastiedwithalightedtorch.

  这的确是一场空前盛大的表演。

  Itwasindeedanunprecedentedperformance.

  飕飕!飕飕!转轮烟花飞了上去,一边飞一边旋转着。轰隆!轰隆!罗马烛光弹又飞了上去。然后爆竹们便到处狂舞起来,接着孟加拉烟火把一切都映成了红彤彤的。“再见了,”火球喊了一声就腾空而去,抛下无数蓝色的小火星。啪啪!啦啦!大爆竹们也跟着响了,他们真是痛快无比。他们个个都非常成功,只剩下神奇的火箭了。他浑身哭得湿乎乎的,根本就无法升空上天。他身上最好的东西只有火药,火药被泪水打湿后,就什么用场也派不上了。他的那些穷亲戚们,平时他从未打过招呼,只是偶尔讥讽一下,此刻个个都像盛开着的燃烧的全色花朵,飞到天空中去了。好哇!好哇!宫廷的人们都欢呼起来;小公主高兴地笑了起来。

  Whizzing!Whizzing!Thewheelfireworksflewup,andtheywerespinning.Boom!Boom!TheRomancandlelightbombflewupagain.Thenfirecrackersdancedeverywhere,andthenthefireworksinBangladeshturnedeverythingred."Goodbye,"thefireballshoutedandwentoutoftheair,throwingdowncountlesssmallblueMars.Pop!Cheerleading!Thefirecrackersalsowenton,andtheyweresohappy.Theyallsucceededverywell,onlythemagicrocketsleft.Hewaswetwithtearsandcouldnotbelifteduptotheskyatall.Thebestthingonhimisgunpowder.Whenthepowderiswetbytears,itcannotbeused.Hispoorrelativesandrelatives,usuallyheneversaidhello,butoccasionallysneered,atthismoment,alllikethefull-colorflowersinfullbloom,flewtothesky.Whatawonderful!Whatawonderful!Thepeopleofthecourtcheered;thelittleprincesslaughedwithjoy.

  “我猜想他们留着我是为了某个更盛大的庆典时用,”火箭说,“毫无疑问就是这个意思。”他看上去比以前还要傲慢。

  "Iguesstheykeptmeforabiggercelebration,"therocketsaid."Theresnodoubtthatswhatitmeans."Helooksmorearrogantthanbefore.

  第二天工人们来打归清理。“这些人一看就是代表团的,”火箭说,“我要带着尊严来迎接他们。”于是他就摆出一幅威严的样子,庄重地皱着眉头,仿佛在思考什么雪要的问题似的。可是他们一点也没有理睬他,直到要离开的时候,他们中的一人碰巧看见了他。“嘿!”他大喊了一声,“这么破旧的一枚火箭!”说完他便把火箭丢到墙外的阴沟里去了。

  Thenextdaytheworkerscametocleanup."Thesepeoplearedelegationsatfirstglance,"saidtherocket."Iwillmeetthemwithdignity."Soheputoutadignifiedlook,frowningsolemnly,asifthinkingaboutwhatsnowtoask.Buttheyignoredhimatall,andoneofthemhappenedtoseehimuntiltheywereleaving."HeyHeshouted,"suchadilapidatedrocket!"Andthenhethrewtherocketintothegutteroutsidethewall.

  “破旧火箭?破旧火箭?”他在空中一边翻滚着一边说,“不可能!大火箭,那个人就是这么说的。破旧和大这两个发音是非常接近的,的确它们常常是一样的发音。”接着他就掉进了阴沟里。

  "Theoldrocket?Adilapidatedrocket?"Herolledintheairandsaid,"noway!Bigrocket,thatswhatthemansaid.Theoldandbigsoundsareveryclose,andtheyareoftenthesamesounds."Thenhefellintothegutter.

  “这里并不舒服,”他说,“可没准是个时髦的浴场,他们送我来是为了要我恢复健康。我的神经的确受到极大的伤害,我也需要休息了。”

  "Itsnotcomfortablehere,"hesaid,"butitmaybeafashionablebath,theysentmetogetbacktohealth.Mynervesarereallyhurtalot,andIneedtorest."

  这时一只小青蛙朝他游了过来,他有一双明亮闪光的宝石眼睛,和一件绿色斑纹的外衣。

  Thenalittlefrogswamtowardshim,withapairofbrightandshiningjeweleyesandagreenstripedcoat.

  “看来,是个新到的!”青蛙说,“啊,毕竟跟稀泥巴不一样。我只要能享受雨天和一条阴沟,我便会十分幸福。你认为下午会下雨吗?我真希望如此,可你看这蓝蓝的天空,万里无云,多么可惜啊!”

  "Itseemsthatitsanewarrival!"Thefrogsaid,"ah,itsnotthesameasmud.IwillbeveryhappyifIcanenjoyrainydaysandagutter.Doyouthinkitwillrainintheafternoon?Iwishso,butyoucanseethebluesky,thereisnocloudinthesky,howregrettable

  “啊咳!啊咳!”火箭说着便咳了起来。

  "Ah,cough!Ah,cough!"Therocketcoughedasitsaid.

  “你的声音多好听啊!”青蛙大声叫道.“真像是青蛙的呱呱叫声,这种呱呱声当然是世界上最美好的音乐了。今天晚上你可以来听听我们合唱队的演出。我们都在农夫房屋旁的老鸭池中,月亮一升起我们便开始表演。那可太迷人了,人人都睁着双眼躺着听我们唱。其实,就在昨天我还听农夫的妻子对她的母亲说,就是因为我们的存在,使她整夜一点儿也睡不着。能受到这么多人的欢迎,真是谢天谢地。”

  "Howniceyourvoiceis!""Itslikeafrogcroaking,andthatscertainlythebestmusicintheworld,"thefrogcried.Youcancomeandhearourchorusshowtonight.Weareallintheoldduckpondnexttothefarmershouse,andassoonasthemoonrises,webegintoperform.Itwassofascinatingthateveryonewaslyingwiththeireyesopenandlisteningtoussinging.Infact,yesterday,Iheardthefarmerswifesaytohermotherthatbecauseofourexistence,shecouldntsleepallnight.Itsathankgoodnesstobewelcomedbysomanypeople."

  “啊咳!啊咳!”火箭生气地说。由于连一句话也插不进去,他感到非常恼火。

  "Ah,cough!Ah,cough!"Therocketsaidangrily.Hewasveryannoyedthathecouldntevenaword.

  “当然了,美妙的音乐,”青蛙继续说,“我希望你能到鸭池来。我要去看我的女儿们了。我有六个漂亮的女儿,我很担心梭鱼会遇到她们。他是个地道的怪物,会毫不犹豫地拿她们当早餐吃掉的。好了,再见,我们的谈话真让我开心,我信得过你。”

  "Ofcourse,wonderfulmusic,"thefrogcontinued,"Ihopeyoucancometotheduckpond.Imgoingtoseemydaughters.Ihavesixbeautifuldaughters,andImworriedthattheshuttlewillmeetthem.Heisarealmonster,andhewilltakethemasbreakfastwithouthesitation.Well,goodbye,wevehadagreatconversation.Icanbelieveyou."

  “谈话,一点不假!”火箭说,“都是你一个人在说话,那不算谈话。”

  "Talk,notabitoffake!""Itsallyouretalkingonyourown,"therocketsaid."Itsnotaconversation."

  “总得要人听啊,”青蛙回答说,“我也喜欢一个人谈话。这节省时间,且避免争吵。”

  "Ihavetohear,"repliedthefrog."Iliketalkingalone,too.Thissavestimeandavoidsquarrels."

  “可我却喜欢争吵,”火箭说。

  "ButIliketoargue,"saidtherocket.

  “我不希望这样,”青蛙得意地说,“争吵太粗俗了,因为在好的社会中,人人都会持有完全一致的意见。再一次告别了,我看见我的女儿在那边。”说完小青蛙就游走了。

  "Idontwantthat,"saidthefrogproudly,"thequarrelistoovulgar,becauseinagoodsociety,everyonewillhaveacompleteconsensus.IsawmydaughteroverthereagainThenthelittlefrogswamaway.

  “你是个非常讨厌的家伙,”火箭说,“且教养又很差。我讨厌人们只顾谈论自己,就跟你这样,要知道此时别人也想说说话,就像我这样。这就是我所说的自私,自私是十分可恶的事,特别是对于我这种品性的人来说,因为我是以同情心而出了名的。说实在的,你应该以我为学习榜样,你或许找不到比我更好的榜样了。既然你还有机会,你最好把握住,因为我差不多马上就要返回宫中去了。我在宫中是个大宠儿;其实,王子和公主在昨天就为庆祝我而举办了婚礼。当然,这些事你是一无所知的,因为你是个乡巴佬。”

  "Youreaveryannoyingguy,"saidtherocket,"andyourenotwellbred.Ihatepeopletalkingaboutthemselves,justlikeyou.Youknowthatpeoplewanttotalkatthistime,justlikeme.ThisiswhatIcallselfishness,whichisaveryabhorrentthing,especiallyforpeopleofmycharacter,becauseIamnamedaftercompassion.Tobehonest,youshouldtakemeasanexample.Youmaynotfindabetterexamplethanme.Sinceyouhaveachance,youdbetterholdit,becauseImalmostgoingbacktothepalace.Iwasabigdarlinginthepalace;infact,theprinceandprincesshadaweddingyesterdaytocelebrateme.Ofcourse,youknownothingaboutthesethingsbecauseyouarearustic."

  “跟他讲话没有任何益处,”一只蜻蜓开口说,他此刻正坐在一株棕色的香蒲顶上。“没有任何益处,因为他已经走开了。”

  "Itsnogoodtalkingtohim,"saidadragonfly,sittingonthetopofabrowncattailatthemoment."Thereisnobenefit,becausehehasgone."

  “嗯,那是他的损失,不是我的,”火箭回答说。“我不会仅仅因为他不理会我,就停止对他说话。我喜欢听自己讲话,这是我最大的乐趣之一。我常常一个人讲上一大堆话,我可是太聪明了,有时候我连我自己讲的话也不懂。”

  "Well,thatshisloss,notmine,"therocketreplied."Iwillnotstoptalkingtohimjustbecausehedoesntcareaboutme.Iliketolistentomyself,whichisoneofmygreatestpleasures.Ioftenspeakalotofthingsbymyself,butIamtooclever.SometimesIdontevenunderstandwhatIsaymyself."

  “那么你真应该去讲授哲学,”晴蜓说,说完他展开自己一对可爱的纱翼朝空中飞去了。

  "Thenyoushouldhavetaughtphilosophy,"saidQingzhi,andthenhespreadouthislovelypairofwingsandflewintotheair.

  “他不留在这儿可算是傻极了!”火箭说,“我敢说他并不是经常有这样的机会来提高智力的。然而,我一点也不介意。像我这样的天才肯定有一天会得人赏识的。”他往稀泥中陷得更深了。

  "Itsafoolofhimnottostayhere!""Idaresayhedoesnthavesuchachancetoimprovehisintelligenceoften,"therocketsaid.However,Idontmindatall.Ageniuslikemewillsurelybeappreciatedoneday."Hefelldeeperintothemud.

  过了一会儿一只白色的大鸭子向他游了过来。她有一对黄色的腿和一双蹼足,而且由于她走起路来一摇一摆的,便被视为是个大美人。

  Afterawhileabigwhiteduckswamtohim.Shehasapairofyellowlegsandwebbedfeet,andsheisconsideredagreatbeautybecauseshehascomeupandshakesit.

  “嘎,嘎,嘎,”她叫着说,“你的样子多么古怪啊!我可以问问你是怎么生得如此模样的吗?或者是由于一次事故造成的?”

  "GA,GA,GA,"shecried,"howstrangeyoulook!MayIaskyouhowyouwerebornso?Orwasitcausedbyanaccident?"

  “很显然,你一直都住在乡下,”火箭回答说,“不然你会知道我是谁的。不过,我会原谅你的无知。期望别人跟自己一样了不起是不公平的。等你听说我能够飞上天空并撒下一阵金色的雨点后,你一定会感到惊讶的。”

  "Obviously,youvebeenlivinginthecountryallthetime,"therocketreplied,"oryoullknowwhoIam.ButIwillforgiveyourignorance.Itsunfairtoexpectotherstobeasgreatasthemselves.YouwillbesurprisedwhenyouhearthatIcanflyuptheskyandsprinkleagoldenrain."

  “我倒不看重那个,”鸭子说,“因为我看不出它对别人会有什么好处。眼下,要是你能像牛一样地去犁地,像马一样地去拉车,或像牧羊犬那样地照看羊群,那还算是个人物。”

  "Idontvaluethat,"saidtheduck,"becauseIcantseewhatitsgoingtodotoothers.Now,ifyoucanplowlikeacow,pullacarlikeahorse,orlookatthesheeplikeashepherd,itsacharacter."

  “我的好人啊,”火箭用十分高傲的语言大声说道,“可见你是属于下等阶层的。我这样身份的人是永远不会有用的。我们已经有了一定的成就,那就足够了。我本人对各种所谓的勤劳并没有好感,尤其对像你赞赏的那些勤劳更是一点好感也没有。说实话,我一贯认为做艰苦的工作仅仅是那些无事可干的人们的一种逃避方式。”

  "Mygoodman,"therocketcriedoutinaveryproudlanguage."Youareofthelowerclass.Apersonofmystatuswillneverwork.Wehaveachievedsomething,thatsenough.Iamnotverykindtoallkindsofso-calledhardwork,especiallytothosehardworkthatyouappreciate.Tobehonest,Ialwaysthinkthathardworkisjustawayofescapeforthosewhohavenothingtodo."

  “好吧,好吧,”鸭子说,她是个处事平稳的人,也从未跟任何人争吵过,“各人有各人的爱好。我想,无论如何,你要在这儿安家落户了吧。”

  "Well,well,"saidtheduck,amanofsteadyhandling,andneverquarreledwithanyone."Everyonehashisownhobbies.Ithink,anyway,youregoingtosettledownhere."

  “啊!当然不会了,”火箭嚷道,“我只是个过路人,一位有名望的客人。事实是我觉得这地方好无聊。这儿既不宁静,又没有社交生活。说实在的,这儿根本就是郊外。我可能要回到宫里去,因为我注定了要在世界上做一番成就的。”

  "Ah!Ofcoursenot,"therocketshouted."Imjustapasser-by,afamousguest.ThefactisthatIthinkthisplaceisboring.Itsnotquiethere,theresnosociallife.Tobehonest,thisisjusttheoutskirts.Imaybebackinthepalace,becauseIamdestinedtomakesomeachievementsintheworld."

  “我也曾想过要投身于公众事业中去,”鸭子说,“世上有那么多需要革新的事物。老实说,我前些时干过一阵会议的主席工作,我们通过决议谴责一切我们不喜欢的东西。然而,它们好像并没有多大效果。现在我一心从事家务,照看我的家庭。”

  "Ivealsothoughtaboutgettinginvolvedinpublicaffairs,"ducksaid."Therearesomanythingsintheworldthatneedtobeinnovated.Tobehonest,Iworkedaschairmanofthemeetingawhileago,andwepassedresolutionscondemningeverythingwedidntlike.However,theydontseemtohavemucheffect.NowImdedicatedtohouseworkandlookingaftermyfamily."

  “我生来就是为了这个社会的,”火箭说,“我所有的亲戚也都是如此,甚至包括他们中最卑微的。只要我们一出场,随时都会引起广泛的关注。其实还没轮到我出场呢,不过只要我一出现,准会是壮观的场面。说到家务事,它会使人早早地衰老,并无心追求更高的目标。”

  "Iwasbornforthissociety,"rocketsaid."Soareallmyrelatives,eventhemosthumbleofthem.Aslongaswecomeout,itwillattractwideattentionatanytime.Infact,itsnotmyturntoappear,butassoonasIappear,itwillbeaspectacularscene.Whenitcomestohousework,itmakespeoplegrowoldearlyandhavenointentiontopursuehighergoals."

  “啊!更高的生活目标,它们该有多好呀!”鸭子说,“可它倒使我觉得好饥饿。”说完她就朝下游泅水而去,同时还“嘎,嘎,嘎”地叫着。

  "Ah!Higherlifegoals,howgoodtheyshouldbeTheducksaid,"butitmakesmefeelhungry."Withthat,sheswamdownstream,andatthesametimecalled"GA,GA,GA".

  “回来,快回来!”火箭尖声明着,“我有好多话要对你说。”但是鸭子没理会他。“我很高兴她离去了,”他对自己说,“她的思想的确只算得上一般。”他往稀泥中陷得更深了,这时才开始想起天才的寂寞来。忽然有两个小男孩身穿白色的粗布衫,手拿一只水壶,怀里抱着好些柴火,朝岸边跑了过来。

  "Comeback,comeback!"Rockettipdeclared,"Ihavealottosaytoyou."Buttheduckignoredhim."Imgladshesgone,"hesaidtohimself."Hermindisreallyjustaverage."Ashesankdeeperintothemud,hebegantothinkofthelonelinessofgenius.Allofasudden,twolittleboys,dressedinwhitewoolenclothes,withakettleinhandandalotoffirewoodintheirarms,rantowardsthebank.

  “这一定是那个代表团了,”火箭说着,又努力表现出非常庄重的样子。

  "Thismustbethedelegation,"theRocketssaid,tryingtobeveryseriousagain.

  “嘿!”其中的一个孩子叫道,“快看这根旧木棍!我不知道它怎么会在这儿。”他把火箭从阴沟里拾起。

  "HeyOneofthechildrencried,"lookatthisoldstick!Idontknowwhyitshere."Hepickeduptherocketfromthegutter.

  “旧木棍!”火箭说,“不可能!金木棍,这才是他说的。金木棍才是很中听的话。实际上,他把我错当成宫中的某位显贵了。”

  "Oldstick!"Therocketsaid,"noway!Goldenstick,thatswhathesaid.Thegoldenstickisaveryniceword.Infact,hemistookmeforsomedignitaryinthepalace."

  “我们把它放到火里去吧!”另一个孩子说,“它会帮着把水烧开。”

  "Letsputitinthefire!"Anotherchildsaid,"ithelpstoboilthewater."

  于是他俩把柴火堆在一起,把火箭放在最上面,并点燃了火。

  Sotheypiledthefirewoodtogether,puttherocketontop,andlitthefire.

  “这下可太棒了,”火箭大声叫道,“他们要在大白天里把我给燃放了,这样人人都会看见我了。”

  "Thatsgreat,"theRocketsyelled."Theyregoingtosetmeoffinbroaddaylightsoeveryonecanseeme."

  “我们现在去睡觉吧,”他俩说,“睡醒时水壶的水就会烧开了。”说完他们便在草地上躺下身,闭上了眼睛。

  "Letsgotobednow,"theysaid."Thekettlewillboilwhenwewakeup."Thentheylaydownonthegrassandclosedtheireyes.

  火箭浑身都湿透了,所以花了好长时间才把他烤干。不过,到最后火苗还是把他点燃了。

  Therocketwasallwet,soittookalongtimetodryhim.Intheend,however,thefirelithim.

  “现在我就要升空了!”他大叫起来,同时把身体挺得笔直笔直的。“我知道我要飞得比星星更高,比月亮更高,比太阳更高。其实,我会飞得高到——”

  "NowImgoingtotakeoff!"Heyelledandstraightenedhimselfupatthesametime."IknowIwanttoflyhigherthanthestars,higherthanthemoon,higherthanthesun.Infact,Illflysohigh--"

  嘶嘶!嘶嘶!嘶嘶!他垂直朝天空中飞去。

  Hiss!Hiss!Hiss!Heflewstraightintotheair.

  “太棒了!”他叫了起来,“我要这样一直飞下去,我是多么的成功啊!”

  "GreatHecried,"Imgoingtokeepflyinglikethis.HowsuccessfulIam!"

  不过,没有人看见他。

  However,noonesawhim.

  这时他开始感到有一股奇怪的刺痛袭遍全身。

  Thenhebegantofeelastrangetinglingalloverhisbody.

  “现在我就要爆炸了,”他大声喊道,“我要点燃整个世界,我要声威大震,让所有的人在这一年里都不再谈论别的事情。”的确他真的爆炸了。呼!呼:呼!火药爆炸了。这是千真万确的。

  "NowImgoingtoexplode,"heyelled."Imgoingtolightuptheworld,Imgoingtobesopowerfulthatallpeopledonttalkaboutanythingelsethisyear."Itstruethathedidexplode.Whoo!Hoo:Hoo!Thegunpowderexploded.Thisisabsolutelytrue.

  可是没有人听见他,就连那两个小孩也没有听见,因为他俩睡得可熟了。

  Butnooneheardhim,noteventhetwochildren,fortheywerefastasleep.

  接着他所剩下的只有木棍了,木棍掉下去,正好落在一只在阴沟边散步的鹅的背上。

  Thenallhehadleftwasthestick,whichfellonthebackofagoosewalkinginthegutter.

  “天呀!”鹅叫了起来,“怎么下起棍子来了。”说完就跳进河里去了。

  "MyGodThegoosecried,"whydidyougetthestickdown?"Thenhejumpedintotheriver.

  “我知道我会创造奇迹的,”火箭喘息着说,然后他就熄灭了。

  "IknowImgoingtoworkmiracles,"therocketgasped,andthenhewentout.

  王尔德童话英文版篇9

  每天晚上年轻的渔夫都要出海去打鱼,把他的网撒到海里去。

  Everynighttheyoungfishermanwouldgoouttoseatocatchfishandcasthisnetintothesea.

  风从陆地上吹来的时候,他便什么也捕不到,或者最多只能捉到一小点,因为那是一种凶猛的长着黑翅膀的风,就连巨浪也跳起来欢迎它。不过当风朝岸上吹来的时候,鱼儿们便从深海里浮上来,游到他的网里,他把抓来的鱼带到市场上去卖掉。

  Whenthewindcamefromtheland,hecouldcatchnothing,oratmostalittlebit,becauseitwasafiercewindwithblackwings,andeventhehugewavesjumpeduptowelcomeit.Butwhenthewindcameashore,thefishcameupfromthedeepseaandswamintohisnet.Hetookthefishtothemarketandsoldthem.

  每天晚上他都出海打鱼,有一天晚上,收网的时候,网重得很,他差一点没能把网给拖上船来。他笑了,自言自语的说:“我一定是把所有游动的鱼都给捕住了,要不就是把人们当成是奇迹的什么怪物给弄进了网中,再不然就是伟大的女王喜欢的那种可怕的东西。”他使出浑身的劲紧紧地拉着这根粗绳子,直到手臂上长长的血管给拉得冒了起来,就像绕在锅制花瓶上的蓝色彩釉的条纹一样。他又使劲地曳细绳,近了,那个扁平的软木浮圈越来越近了,网终于升出了水面。

  Everynighthewentouttoseatocatchfish.Onenight,whenhetookinthenet,itwassoheavythathealmostcouldntdragitontotheboat.Helaughedandsaidtohimself,"Imusthavecaughtalltheswimmingfish,orImusthavegotpeopleintothenetasmiraculousmonsters,orIcouldhavegottentheterriblethingsthatthegreatqueenlikes."Hetuggedattheropewithallhisstrengthuntilthelongbloodvesselsonhisarmcameout,likethestripesofblueglazeonapotvase.Hetuggedatthestringagain.Ashegotcloser,theflatcorkfloatingringgotcloserandcloser,andthenetfinallyroseoutofthewater.

  不过,网里面既没有一尾鱼,也没有什么怪物,或任何可怕的东西,只有一个熟睡的小美人鱼躺在里面。

  However,therewasnofish,nomonsteroranythingterribleinthenet,onlyasleepinglittlemermaidlayinit.

  她的头发像是湿满满的金羊毛,而每一根头发都如同放在玻璃杯中的细金线。她的`身体白得跟象牙一样,她的尾巴如同银子和珍珠的颜色。银色和珍珠色就是她的尾巴,翠绿的海草缠绕着它;她的耳朵像贝壳,她的嘴唇像珊瑚。冰凉的波浪冲击着她的胸膛,海盐在她的眼皮上闪闪发光。

  Herhairwaslikewetgoldenwool,andeachhairwaslikefinegoldthreadinaglass.Herbodywasaswhiteasivory,andhertailwasthecolorofsilverandpearls.Silverandpearlarehertail,andthegreenseaweedisaroundit;Herearsarelikeshells,herlipsarecoral.Thecoldwavespoundedherchest,andtheseasaltglitteredonhereyelids.

  她有多美啊,年轻的渔夫一见到她,就充满了惊叹。他伸出手去把鱼网拉到自己身边,并俯下身去,把她搂在自己的怀中。他挨着她的时候,她像受惊的海鸥一样大叫了一声,就醒了,她用紫水晶股的眼睛惊恐地望着他,还挣扎着想脱身逃走。可他却紧紧地抱着她,不甘心就这样放她走。

  Howbeautifulsheis!Theyoungfishermanwasfilledwithwonderwhenhesawher.Hereachedouttopullthenettohissideandleaneddowntoholdherinhisarms.Whenhewasnexttoher,shecriedoutlikeafrightenedseagullandwokeup.ShelookedathiminhorrorwithAmethysteyesandstruggledtoescape.Butheheldhertightlyandwasnotwillingtolethergo.

  她看见自己已无法逃脱时,便哭了起来,并说道:“我求求你放了我,我是国王唯一的女儿,我父亲年纪大了,身边没有别的亲人。”

  Whenshesawthatshecouldnotescape,shebegantocryandsaid,"Ibegyoutoletmego.Iamthekingsonlydaughter.Myfatherisoldandhasnootherfamilyaroundhim."

  可是年轻的渔夫却回答说:“我不会放你走的,除非你答应我不论我什么时候叫你,你都要来为我唱歌,因为鱼儿都喜欢听美人鱼的歌声,这样我的网就会装满了。”

  Buttheyoungfishermanreplied,"IwontletyougounlessyoupromisethatwheneverIcallyou,youwillcomeandsingforme,becausethefishliketolistentothemermaidssong,somynetwillbefull."

  “如果我答应了你,你真的会放我走吗?”美人鱼哭着说。

  "IfIpromisedyou,wouldyoureallyletmego?"Saidthemermaid,crying.

  “我一定会放你走的,”年轻的渔夫回答说。

  "Iwillletyougo,"repliedtheyoungfisherman.

  于是她照他所希望的那样做了保证,并以美人鱼的誓言诅了咒。他从她身上松开了胳膊,她带着一种莫名的恐惧颤抖着,沉入到海水中去了。

  Soshepromisedashehoped,andcursedwiththemermaidoath.Hereleasedhisarmfromher,andshesankintothesea,tremblingwithaninexplicablefear.

  每天晚上只要年轻的渔夫外出打鱼,都要唤来美人鱼,她便从海水中冒出来,为他唱歌。海豚们在她的周围游来游去,海鸥们在她的头顶上空盘旋着。

  Everynightwhenayoungfishermangoesoutfishing,shecallsforamermaid,andshecomesoutoftheseaandsingsforhim.Thedolphinswereswimmingaroundher,thegullswerehoveringoverherhead.

  她唱了一首美妙无比的歌。因为她唱的是自己同伴的故事。他们赶着牲口从一个山洞来到另一个山洞,肩头上扛着小牛犊;她还唱起了半人半鱼的海神们,他们长着绿色的长胡须,毛茸茸的胸膛,每当国王经过的时候,就吹响螺旋形的海螺;她唱到了国王的宫殿,那全部都是用城冶造成的,屋顶用诱明的绿宝石蓝成,道路由发光的珍珠铺就;她唱到了海中的花园,那里有巨大的珊瑚大扇整天都在舞动着,鱼儿像银鸟似的穿来游去,秋牡丹攀附在岩石上,粉红色的石竹在黄沙中发出幼芽。她唱起了那些来自北海底部的大白鲸,它们的缚上挂着尖尖的冰柱,她唱到了那些会讲动人故事的女妖们,她们的故事实在奇妙,过往的盲人们不得不用蜡来堵住自己的耳朵,以免听到她们讲的故事,而跳入大海失去性命;她还唱到那些有着高高桅杆的沉船,冻僵的水手们紧抱着帆缆,青花鱼通过开着的舱门游进游出;她唱到了那些小螺蛳,他们都是伟大的旅行家,粘贴在船的龙骨上把世界游了个遍;她唱到了住在悬崖边的乌贼鱼,伸出它们那些长长的黑手臂,只要它们愿意,随时可以叫黑夜降临;她还唱到了鹦鹉螺,她有一艘用猫眼石刻出来的属于她自己的小船,用一张丝绸帆去航行;她唱起那些弹着竖琴的雄性美人鱼,他们可以让大海怪进入梦乡;她唱到一群小孩子,他们捉住滑溜溜的海豚,笑着骑在它们身上;她又唱起了美人鱼,她们躺在白色的泡沫中,伸出手臂向水手们挥动;她唱到了那些身体长得弯弯的海狮,以及长着飘动的鬃毛的海马。

  Shesangawonderfulsong.Becauseshesangthestoryofhercompanion.Theydrovethecattlefromonecavetoanother,carryingcalvesontheirshoulders;Shealsosangtheseagods,halfamanandafish,withlonggreenbeardsandfurrychests,whosoundedspiralconchwheneverthekingpassedby;Shesangtothekingspalace,allofwhichweremadeofcitysmelting,andtheroofwasmadeofbrightemeraldblue,andtheroadwaspavedwithshiningpearls;Shesangtothegardeninthesea,wherehugecoralfansweredancingalldaylong.Thefishweredressedlikesilverbirds,andautumnpeonyclimbedontherocks,andpinkbamboosproutedintheyellowsand.ShesangthebigwhitewhalesfromthebottomoftheNorthSea,withsharpicepillarshangingontheirbinding.Shesangthefemaledemonswhocantellmovingstories.Theirstoriesarewonderful.Theblindpeopleinthepasthavetoblocktheirearswithwaxtoavoidhearingthemandjumpintotheseaandlosetheirlives;Shealsosangtothesinkingshipswithhighmasts,thefrozensailorsholdingthesaillinetightly,andtheblueandwhitefishswaminandoutthroughtheopenhatch;Shesangtothesmallsnail,whoweregreattravelers,andtheystuckthemonthekeeloftheshipandswamtheworldallover;Shesangsquidfishlivingontheedgeofthecliff,extendingtheirlongblackarms,andcouldcallthenightcomewhenevertheywanted;ShealsosangNautilus,whohadaboatofherowncarvedoutofcatseyestone,sailingwithasilksail;ShesangthemaleMermaidwithharps,whocouldmaketheseamonsterdream;Shesangtoagroupofchildrenwhocaughttheslipperydolphinsandrodeonthemwithasmile;ShesangtheMermaidsagain,andtheylayinthewhitefoam,andstretchedouttheirarmstowavetotheseaman.Shesangtothesealions,whichwerecurvedintheirbodies,andtheseahorseswithfloatingbristles.

  在她唱的时候,所有的金枪鱼都从水底下窜上来听她的歌声,年轻的渔夫在它们的四周撒下网,把它们一网打尽,网外的鱼又被他用鱼叉给捉住了。等他的船装满了以后,美人鱼便朝他笑笑,然后就沉入到水底下去了。

  Whenshesang,alltunascameupfromthebottomofthewatertolistentohersong.Theyoungfishermanscatteredthenetsaroundthem,andknockedthemout,andthefishoutsidethenetwerecaughtbyhimwithharpoon.Whenhisboatwasfull,mermaidsmiledathim,andthensanktobottomofthewater.

  然而,她却不愿游近他身旁,让他摸到她。他经常呼唤她,并恳求她,可她就是不愿意;只要他想捉住她时,她便像一头海豹似的,一下子窜入水中,而且那一整天他再也看不见她了。日复一日,他觉得她的歌声越来越动听了。她的歌声是那么的美妙,连他也听得常忘了鱼网和手中的活计,甚至连本行也忘了。金枪鱼成群地游过来,带着朱红色的鳍和突出的金眼,可是他却没有去留意它们。他的鱼叉也闲在了一边,他那柳条篮子里面也是空空的。他张着嘴巴,瞪着惊异的眼睛,呆呆地坐在船上胜听着,一直听到茫茫海雾笼罩在他的四周,游荡的月亮用银白的光辉撒满他褐色的身躯。

  However,shedidnotwanttoswimnearhimtolethimtouchher.Heoftencalledherandpleadedwithher,butshewasunwilling;Aslongashewantedtocatchher,shewouldhavebeenlikeaseal,andshewouldsuddenlyrunintothewater,andhewouldneverseeheranymorethatday.Dayafterday,hefelthersingingwasgettingmoreandmoreattractive.Hersongwassowonderfulthatevenheoftenforgotthenetandtheworkinhishand,eventheline.Tunaswamingroups,withscarletfinsandprominentgoldeneyes,buthedidntpayattentiontothem.Hisharpoonwasalsoidle,andhiswickerbasketwasempty.Heopenedhismouth,staredathisastonishingeyes,satstupidlyontheboatandlistenedtoit.Hehadheardthevastseafogcoveringhimallthetime,andthewanderingmoonwasspreadinghisbrownbodywithsilverandwhitelight.

  有一天晚上,他把她唤来,说道:“小美人鱼,小美人鱼,我爱你,让我做你的新郎吧,因为我太爱你了。”

  Onenight,hecalledherandsaid,"LittleMermaid,mermaid,Iloveyou.Letmebeyourgroom,becauseIloveyousomuch."

  然而美人鱼却摇摇头。“你有一个人的灵魂,”她回答说,“如果你肯送走你的灵魂,那么我才会爱上你。”

  ButMermaidshakeshishead."Youhaveasoulofone,"shereplied,"ifyouwillsendyoursoulaway,thenIwillfallinlovewithyou."

  年轻的渔夫对自己说:“我的灵魂对我有什么用呢?我看不见它,我也摸不着它,我更不了解它。我一定要把它从我身上拿走,这样我就会非常开心了。”接着他发出了幸福的狂叫声,并在彩色的船上站起身来,朝美人鱼伸出了胳膊。“我会把我的灵魂送走的,”他大声说,“你做我的新娘吧,我来做你的新郎,在大海的底部我们共同生活在一起,凡是你歌里唱过的都领我去看一看,凡是你希望的我都尽力去做,我们生活在一起永不分开。”

  Theyoungfishermansaidtohimself,"whatistheuseofmysoulforme?Icantseeit,Icanttouchit,Idontknowit.ImusttakeitfrommesoIllbeveryhappy."Thenhemadeahappyscream,andstooduponthecolorfulboat,andstretchedouthisarmtowardsthemermaid."Iwillsendmysoulaway,"hecried,"youaremybride.Iwillbeyourgroom.Welivetogetheratthebottomofthesea.Allyousinginyoursongswillshowme.Iwilltrymybesttodowhateveryouwant.Wewillneverseparatetogether."

  小美人鱼高兴地笑了,并把脸藏在自己的双手中。

  Themermaidlaughedhappilyandhidhisfaceinhishands.

  “不过我如何才能把灵魂送走呢?”年轻的渔夫大声说,“告诉我我该怎样做,噢,我一定会去做的。”

  "ButhowcanIsendmysoulaway?"Theyoungfishermanshouted,"tellmewhatIshoulddo,oh,Illdoit."

  “啊呀!我也不知道,”小美人鱼说,“我们美人鱼家族是没有灵魂的。”说完她就沉入到水底,若有所思地望着他。

  "Ah!Idontknow,"saidthelittlemermaid,"ourMermaidfamilyhasnosoul."Thenshesanktothebottomofthewater,lookingathimthoughtfully.

  第二天一大早,太阳在山顶上升起还不足一抹高的时候,年轻的渔夫就来到神父家并连敲了三下门。

  Thenextmorning,whenthesunwasrisingonthetopofthemountainlessthanalittlehigh,theyoungfishermancametothepriestshouseandknockedthreetimes.

  看门人从门洞中朝外面望去,等他看清了来人后,便拉下门臼,并对来人说:“请进。”

  Thedoormanlookedoutfromthedooropening,andwhenhesawthepersoncoming,hepulleddownthemortarandsaidtothepersoncoming,"pleasecomein."

  年轻的渔夫走了进来,他跪在地板上散发着芳香的灯心草垫上,向正在读圣经的神父大声说:“神父,我爱上了一位美人鱼,而我的灵魂阻碍着我,使我不能实现自己的愿望。请告诉我,我怎样才能把灵魂从我身上送走,因为我真是用不着它了。我的灵魂对我还有什么用处?我看不见它,也摸不着它,我又不了解它。”

  Theyoungfishermancamein,kneelingonthefloorwithfragrantcordurousmattresses,andshoutingtothepriestwhowasreadingtheBible:"father,Ifellinlovewithamermaid,andmysoulhinderedme,sothatIcouldnotachievemywish.PleasetellmehowIcansendmysoulawayfromme,becauseIreallydontneedit.Whatelsedoesmysouldotome?Icantseeit,Icanttouchit,Idontknowit."

  神父却捶打着自己的胸膛说:“唉呀,唉呀,你是疯了吗?你是吃了什么毒草了吧?因为灵魂是人最高贵的部分,是上帝赐给我们的,我们应该用得高贵才对。世上没有比人的灵魂更珍贵的东西了,地上的任何东西都不能与它相比。它的价值比得上世上所有的金子,而且比国王们的红宝石要值钱得多。所以,我的孩子,不要再想此事了,因为这是一桩不可饶恕的罪过。至于美人鱼家族,他们已经迷失了,而且谁要是与他们在一块儿,也会迷失的。他们就同地上那些不分善与恶的野兽一样,基督不是为他们而死去的。”

  Thepriestbeathischestandsaid,"Oh,oh,areyoucrazy?Whatkindofpoisonousgrassdidyoueat?Becausesoulisthenoblestpartofhumanbeings,anditisgiventousbyGod.Weshoulduseitwithhighquality.Thereisnothingmorepreciousthanthesoulofmanintheworld,andnothingontheearthcanbecomparedwithit.Itisworthmorethanallthegoldintheworld,andmuchmorethantherubiesofkings.So,mychild,dontthinkaboutitanymore,becauseitsanunforgivablecrime.Asforthemermaidfamily,theyhavelost,andanyonewhoiswiththemwillbelost.Theyarelikethebeastsoftheearthwhoarenotgoodandevil,andChristdidnotdieforthem."

  听完神父这番严厉的忠言之后,年轻渔夫的双眼赖满了泪水。他站起身来,对神父说道:“神父,牧神们住在森林中,他们都很快活,雄美人鱼坐在岩石上弹着他们金红色的竖琴。让我跟他们为伍吧,我求您了,因为他们过着跟花儿一样的日子。至于我的灵魂,如果它会在我和我所爱的东西之间形成障碍的话,那么我的灵魂对我会有什么好处呢?”

  Afterhearingthestrictloyaltyofthepriest,theeyesoftheyoungfishermanwerefulloftears.Hestoodupandsaidtothepriest,"priests,theshepherdsliveintheforest,theyareveryhappy,andthemaleMermaidsitsontherockplayingtheirgoldenharp.Letmebewiththem,Ibegyou,becausetheylivethesamedayasflowers.Asformysoul,ifitwouldcreateabarrierbetweenmeandwhatIlove,whatwouldmysouldoforme?"

  “肉体的爱是邪恶的,”神父皱着眉头大声说道,“上帝漫步于他创造的世界所遇到的使他不快的异教东西,都是邪恶的。林中的牧神们应该受到诅咒,海洋中的歌唱者们也该受到诅咒!我在夜晚还听到过她们的歌声,她们要引诱我离开我的讲经课。她们敲我的,窗户,大声笑着。她们往我的耳朵里轻声地讲述那些有毒的欢乐的故事。她们以种种诱惑来引诱我,我在祷告的时候,她们就来戏弄我。她们是没救的了。因为她们心中既没有天堂,也没有地狱,她们更不会赞美上帝的名字,,

  "Theloveofthefleshisevil,"thepriestsaid,frowning,"alltheheresythingsGodhasencounteredintheworldhecreatedthatmakehimunhappyareevil.Theshepherdsintheforestshouldbecursed,andthesingersintheseashouldbecursed!Iheardtheirsongsatnight,andtheyweregoingtoluremeawayfrommysermon.Theyknockedatmywindowandlaughedloudly.Theywhisperedtomyearsstoriesoftoxicjoy.Theyseducedmewithallsortsoftemptations,andwhenIprayed,theycametoteaseme.Theyrenotsaved.Fortheyhavenoheavenintheirhearts,norHell,norpraisethenameofGod,,

  “神父,”年轻的渔夫大叫着说,“你不知道你自己在说什么。有一次我用鱼网捕捉了国王的女儿。她比晨星还要美丽,比明月还要洁白。为了她的肉体,我愿意交出我的灵魂;为了她的爱,我宁愿不要天堂。请告诉我求你的事吧,让我平静地离开吧。”

  "Father,"criedtheyoungfisherman,"youdontknowwhatyouretalkingaboutyourself.OnceIcaughtthekingsdaughterwithafishnet.Sheismorebeautifulthanmorningstar,andwhiterthanthebrightmoon.Forherflesh,Iamwillingtosurrendermysoul;Iprefernotheavenforherlove.PleasetellmewhatIaskyou,letmeleavequietly."

  “去吧!去吧!”神父叫喊起来,“你的情人是无可救药了,你也会跟她一起垮掉的。”神父没有给他说祝福的话就把他赶出了门。年轻的渔夫来到了市场上,他走得很慢,低着头,一副愁眉苦脸的样子。

  "Go!GoThepriestcriedout,"yourloverishopeless,andyouwillfallwithher."Thepriestdrovehimoutofthedoorwithoutgivinghimblessing.Theyoungfishermancametothemarket,andhewalkedslowly,withhisheaddownandafrown.

  商人们见他走来,他们便相互低语起来,他们中的一个人朝他走来,叫着他的名字,对他说:“你要卖什么东西?”

  Whenthemerchantssawhimcoming,theywhisperedtoeachother.Oneofthemcametohim,calledhisnameandsaidtohim,"whatareyouselling?"

  “我要把我的灵魂卖给你们,”他回答说:“我恳求你把它从我身上买去吧,因为我已经讨厌它了。我的灵魂对我有什么用处呢?我看不见它,也摸不着它,我更不了解它。”

  "Iwillsellmysoultoyou,"hereplied,"Ibegyoutobuyitfromme,becauseIhavehatedit.Whatistheuseofmysoulforme?Icantseeit,Icanttouchit,Idontknowit."

  可是商人们开始嘲笑他,他们说:“人的灵魂对我们又有什么用呢?它连半个破银币也不值。把你的身体卖给我们当奴隶吧,我们会为你穿上蓝紫色的衣服,在你的手指上戴一个戒指,让你去给伟大的女王当小丑。但是不要再说什么灵魂了,因为它对我们无用,而且对我们的工作也毫无价值。”

  Butthemerchantsbegantolaughathimandtheysaid,"whatistheuseofthehumansoulforus?Itsnotworthhalfabrokensilvercoin.Sellyourbodytousasslaves.Wewillwearblueandpurpleclothesforyou,andaringonyourfingers,andletyoubeaclownforthegreatqueen.Butdontsayanysoul,becauseitsuselessforusanditsnotvaluableforourwork."

  年轻的渔夫对自己说:“这事有多么奇怪呀!神父对我说灵魂的价值比得上全世界的黄金,而商人们却说连半个破银币都不值。”

  Theyoungfishermansaidtohimself,"howstrangeitis!Thepriesttoldmethatthevalueofsoulisbetterthanthegoldoftheworld,whilebusinessmensaythathalfofthesilvercoinsareworthless."

  于是他离开了市场,走到海边,开始思考他该怎么办才好。

  Soheleftthemarket,wenttotheseasideandbegantothinkaboutwhatheshoulddo.

  正午时分,他想起了自己的一位伙伴,那是个采集伞形草的人,曾经对他讲过,有这么一位年轻的女巫,住在海湾入口处的一个洞穴中,她的巫术是如何如何的了不起。于是他便跑步出发了,他迫不及待地要把自己的灵魂给弄掉。他在海滩上狂奔着,身后扬起一股尘雾。年轻的女巫凭着自己的手掌发痒而知道了他的到来,她笑了起来,并把自己的一头红发散开了。她站在敞开的洞口处,一头红发披落下来,包裹着她的脸,在她的手中拿着一枝开放着的野毒芹。

  Atnoon,herememberedoneofhisownpartners,amanwhocollectedumbrellagrass,whooncetoldhimhowwonderfulherwitchcraftwaswhenshelivedinacaveattheentranceofthebay.Soheranandstarted,andhecouldntwaittogethissoulout.Heranonthebeach,andamistrosebehindhim.Theyoungwitchknewhiscomingbyitchingherhand,andshelaughedandspreadherredheadaway.Shestoodattheopening,aredhairfell,wrappedinherface,andinherhandshehadanopenwildcelery.

  “你缺少的是什么?你缺少的是什么?”她大声问道,此时他正气喘吁吁迈上悬崖,俯身向她行礼。“在风向不利的时候,让鱼儿进入到你的网中吗?我有一根小芦苇,只要我吹起它,鲤鱼便会游到海湾里来。不过这是有代价的,漂亮的孩子,这是有代价的。你缺少什么?你缺少什么呢?要一场风暴把船刮翻,以便把满载珍宝的箱子吹到岸上来吗?我的风暴超过了狂风,因为我所服侍的人比狂风更强大,用一个筛子和一桶水我就可以把大船送到海底下去。不过这是有代价的,漂亮的孩子,这是有代价的。你缺少什么?你缺少什么呢?我知道一种生长在山谷中的花,除了我无人知道这种花。它有紫色的叶子,花心上长着一颗星,它的汁像牛奶一样白。只要你用花去碰一下王后的紧闭着的嘴唇,她就会跟着你走到天涯海角。她会从国王的床榻上起来,跟着你走遍世界务地。不过这是有代价的,漂亮的孩子,这是有代价的。你缺少的是什么?你缺少的是什么呢?我能够在碾钵中捣蟾蜍,并把捣好的东西做成稀羹,还用一只死人的手去搅拌它。把羹洒在你仇人的身上,在他入睡的时候,他就会变成一条黑色的毒蛇,他的母亲也会把它给杀死的。用一只轮子我就能把月亮从天上给拉下来,我还可以让你在水晶球里看见死亡。你缺少什么?你还缺少什么呢?不过你要回报我的,漂亮的孩子,你可要回报我的。”

  "Whatareyoumissing?Whatareyoumissing?"Sheaskedloudly,ashewaspantingupthecliffandstoopingtosaluteher."Whenthewindisnotgood,willyouletthefishenteryournet?Ihaveareed,andaslongasIblowit,thecarpwillswimintothebay.Butitsaprice,abeautifulchild,itsaprice.Whatareyoumissing?Whatareyoumissing?Isthereastormtoblowtheboatovertobringthetreasureladenboxashore?Mystormismorethanthewind,becausethepeopleIservearestrongerthanthegale,andwithasieveandabucketofwaterIcansendtheshiptothebottomofthesea.Butitsaprice,abeautifulchild,itsaprice.Whatareyoumissing?Whatareyoumissing?Iknowaflowerthatgrowsinthevalley,andnooneknowsitexceptme.Ithaspurpleleaves,astarintheflowerheart,anditsjuiceisaswhiteasmilk.AslongasyoutouchtheQueensclosedlipswithflowers,shewillfollowyoutotheendoftheworld.Shewillrisefromthekingsbedandfollowyouallovertheworld.Butitsaprice,abeautifulchild,itsaprice.Whatareyoumissing?Whatareyoumissing?Icanpoundtoadsinabowl,makeathinsoupofwhatImash,andstiritwiththehandofadeadman.Sprinklethesouponyourenemy,andwhenhefallsasleep,hewillbecomeablacksnake,andhismotherwillkillit.Icanpullthemoondownfromtheskywithawheel,andIcanalsoletyouseedeathinthecrystalball.Whatareyoumissing?Whatelsedoyoulack?Butyouregoingtopaybacktome,beautifulkids,youregoingtopaymeback."

  “我所想要的只不过是件小事,”年轻的渔夫说,“然而神父却为此跟我生了气,把我给轰了出来。这只是件小事,商人们也拿我开玩笑,拒我于千里之外。所以我才来这儿找你,虽然人们都说你邪恶,但是不论你的开价是多少,我都会付给你的。”

  "AllIwantisasmallthing,"saidtheyoungfisherman."Butthepriestwasangrywithmeandblewmeout.Itwasjustasmallmatter,andthemerchantsjokedatme,refusingmethousandsofmilesaway.SoIcameheretofindyou.Althoughpeoplesayyouareevil,nomatterhowmuchyourofferis,Iwillpayyou."

  “你到底要什么呢?”女巫走到他面前,开口问道。

  "Whatdoyouwant?"Thewitchcametohimandasked.

  “我要把我的灵魂送掉,”年轻的渔夫回答道。

  "Imgoingtosendmysoulaway,"repliedtheyoungfisherman.

  女巫的脸色变得苍白,并发起抖来,还把她的脸藏在蓝色的大履里。“漂亮的孩子,漂亮的孩子,”她喃喃地说,“那可是一件可怕的事情。”

  Thewitchsfaceturnedpaleandtrembled,andhidherfaceinherbluebigshoes."Beautifulchildren,beautifulchildren,"shemurmured,"itwasaterriblething."

  他摇摇自己那头棕色的惩发,笑了起来。“我的灵魂对我已毫无用处,”他回答说,“我既不能看见它,也不能摸到它,更不能了解它”。

  Heshookhisbrownhairandlaughed."Mysoulisnolongerofusetome,"hereplied,"Icanneitherseeitnortouchit,norunderstandit.".

  “如果我告诉了你,你会给我什么呢?”站在高处的女巫用美丽的眼睛望着他,一边问道。

  "WhatwouldyougivemeifItoldyou?"Thewitch,standinghigh,lookedathimwithbeautifuleyes,andasked.

  “五个金币吧,”他说,“还有我的鱼网,我住的柳条编造的屋子,和我驾驶的涂着色彩的船。你只需告诉我如何去掉我的灵魂,我就会把我拥有的一切都送给你。”

  "Fivegoldcoins,"hesaid,"andmynet,mywickermadeuphouse,andthecoloredboatIwasdriving.Youjustneedtotellmehowtogetridofmysoul,andIwillgiveyoueverythingIhave."

  她嘲弄他笑了起来,并用那枝毒芹草抽打着他。“我可以把秋天的树叶变成黄金,”她回答说,“我还可以把惨淡的月色编织成我喜欢的银子。我服侍的人比世界上的所有的国王都更富有,并占有与他们一样大的王国。”

  Shelaughedathimandbeathimwiththepoisonouscelery."Icanturnautumnleavesintogold,"shereplied,"andIcanweavethepalemoonlightintosilverIlike.Iserveamanricherthanallthekingsintheworldandpossessthekingdomasbigastheyare."

  “那么我要给你什么东西呢?”他大声叫喊着,“如果你的代价既不是黄金又不是银子的话。”

  "SowhatdoIwanttogiveyou?""Ifyourpriceisneithergoldnorsilver,"hecriedout

  女巫用她那纤细的白手抚了抚他的头发。“你得陪我跳舞,漂亮的孩子,”她轻轻地说着,还微笑着看着他。

  Thewitchstrokedhishairwithherthinwhitehand."Youhavetodancewithme,beautifulboy,"shesaidsoftly,smilingathim.

  “就只要这个吗?”年轻的渔夫吃惊地问着,并站起了身。

  "Justthisone?"Theyoungfishermanaskedinsurpriseandstoodup.

  “就只有这个,”她一边说,一边微笑着望着他。

  "Itsall,"shesaid,smilingathim.

  “那么等太阳下山后,我们就去一个秘密的地方去跳舞,”他说,“舞跳完后你就得告诉我我想知道的事情。”

  "Thenwhenthesunsets,wellgotoasecretplacetodance,"hesaid."Afterthedance,youhavetotellmewhatIwanttoknow."

  女巫摇摇头。“到了月圆的时候,等到月圆的时候,”她轻声地说。接着她朝四下望了望,并侧耳所了听。一只蓝鸟尖叫着从巢窝中飞了起来,在沙丘上绕着圈子,三只有斑点的小鸟跳跃着窜过灰色的杂草,还相互打着口哨。此外还有下面波浪冲洗光滑的卵石的声音。于是她伸出双手,把他拉到她自己的身边,把干嘴唇靠近他的耳朵。

  Thewitchshookherhead."Whenitcomestothefullmoon,untilitsfull,"shesaidsoftly.Thenshelookeddownatherandlistenedtoherears.Abluebirdscreamedfromthenest,circledaroundthedunes,andthreespottedbirdsleapedacrossthegrayweedsandwhistledateachother.Thereisalsothesoundofthewavesbelowtowashsmoothpebbles.Soshereachedoutherhands,pulledhimtoherownside,andputdrylipsnearhisears.

  “今天晚上你一定要到山顶上来,”她轻声地说,“今天是安息日,‘他’会到这儿来的。”

  "Youmustcomeuptothetopofthemountaintonight,"shewhispered,"itsSabbathandhewillcomehere."

  年轻的渔夫吃惊地望着她,望着她那露出白色牙齿的笑脸。“你说的那个‘他,是什么人?”他开口问道。

  Theyoungfishermanlookedatherinsurprise,athersmilingfacewithwhiteteeth."Theoneyousaidwaswhoishe?Heasked.

  “这倒无关紧要,”她回答说,“今晚你得来,站在鹅耳枥树的枝叶下面,等着我来。如果有一条黑狗朝你跑来,你就用一根柳条去抽打它,它就会走开的。如果有只猫头鹰对你说话,你可不要回答它。等月亮圆了的时候,我就会来到你的身边,我们便在草地上一起跳舞。”

  "Itdoesntmatter,"shereplied,"youhavetocometonight,standingunderthebranchesoftheCarpinustree,waitingformetocome.Ifthereisablackdogrunningtowardsyou,youuseawickertobeatit,anditwillgoaway.Ifanowltalkstoyou,dontanswerit.Whenthemoonisround,Iwillcometoyou,andwewilldancetogetheronthegrass."

  “不过你愿对我保证你会告诉我如何把我的灵魂送走吗?”他这样间道。

  "Butwouldyoupromisemethatyouwouldtellmehowtosendmysoulaway?"Hesaidthisway.

  她来到了阳光底下,风轻轻地吹动着她那一头红发。“我以山羊的蹄子发誓,”她回答说。

  Shecametothesun,andthewindgentlyblewherredhair."Iswearwiththehoofofthegoat,"shereplied.

  “你是女巫中最好的,”年轻的渔夫大声说,“我今天晚上一定到山顶上跟你一起跳舞。其实,我更愿意你向我要黄金或白银,不过你既然需要这样的代价,且是件心事而已,那么你就会如愿以偿的。”说完他脱帽向她行礼,深深地鞠了一个躬,满心欢喜地跑回到城里去了。

  "Youarethebestwitch,"criedtheyoungfisherman."Imustdancewithyouonthetopofthemountaintonight.Infact,Iwouldratheryouaskmeforgoldorsilver,butsinceyouneedsuchapriceanditisamatterofmind,youwilldowhatyouwant."Afterthathetookoffhishatandsalutedher,boweddeeply,andranbacktothecitywithjoy.

  女巫远远地看着他离去,等他的身影消失以后她才回到了自己的洞中,并从刻花的杉木匣子里面取出一面镜子,把它放在一个架子上面,还在架子前面烧得发亮的木炭上燃起马鞭草来,以便透过烟圈来观察镜子。“他本应该是我的,”她喃喃地说着,一边气呼呼地捏紧拳头,“我跟她一样漂亮。”

  Thewitchlookedathimawayfromafar,andwhenhisfiguredisappeared,shereturnedtoherowncave,andtookamirrorfromthecarvedfirbox,putitonashelf,andsetupVerbenaonthecharcoalinfrontoftheshelftoobservethemirrorthroughthesmokecircle."Heshouldhavebeenmine,"shemurmured,clenchedherfistinagasp,"Imasbeautifulassheis."

  那天晚上,月亮升起来以后,年轻的渔夫便爬到了山顶上,站在鹅耳枥树的枝叶下面。在他脚底下横躺着环形海面,像一面磨光的金属的圆靶,渔船的影子在小海湾中晃动着。长着一双黄色硫磺般眼睛的一只大猫头鹰,叫起了他的名字,但是他没有理睬。一条黑狗朝他跑来,对他汪汪地叫着。他用一根柳条向它打去,狗儿哀叫着跑开了。

  Thatnight,whenthemoonrose,theyoungfishermanclimbedtothetopofthemountainandstoodunderthebranchesandleavesoftheCarpinustree.Underhisfeetliesthecircularsea,likeapolishedmetaltarget,andtheshadowofthefishingboatisshakinginthesmallbay.Abigowlwithyellowsulfureyescalledhisname,butheignoredit.Ablackdograntowardshimandbarkedathim.Hehititwithawicker,andthedogranawaycrying.

  午夜时分女巫们像蝙蝠似的从空中飞来了。还没等她们脚跟在地上站稳,她们就叫了起来:“呸!这儿有一个我们不认识的人!”她们用鼻子到处嗅着,相互说着话,还做出暗号。最后赶来的是那位年轻的女巫,她的满头红发在风中飘舞着。她身着一件上面绣满孔雀眼睛的金线绒衣裳,一顶绿色的天鹅绒小帽戴在她的头上。

  Atmidnight,thewitchescamefromtheairlikebats.Beforetheyhadtheirheelsontheground,theycried,"bah!Thereisamanherethatwedontknow!"Theysniffedaroundwiththeirnoses,spoketoeachother,andmadeasign.Finallycametheyoungwitch,whoseredhairwasdancinginthewind.Shewasdressedinagoldvelvetdressembroideredwithpeacockeyesandagreenvelvetcaponherhead.

  “他在什么地方?他在什么地方?”女巫们一看见她就尖声叫着问道,然而她却只是笑了笑,跑到鹅耳枥树下面,牵着年轻渔夫的手,把他领到月光底下,开始跳起舞来。

  "Whereishe?Whereishe?"Thewitchesscreamedandaskedassoonastheysawher,butshejustsmiled,ranundertheCarpinustree,ledtheyoungFishermanshand,ledhimtothemoonlightandbegantodance.

  他们转了一圈又一圈,年轻的女巫跳得老高老高的,他都可以看清楚她那深红色的鞋跟。这时一阵马匹奔驰的蹄声冲着舞蹈者们传了过去,可是并不见马的影子,他便觉得好害怕。

  Theyturnedroundandround,andtheyoungwitchjumpedtallandtall,andhecouldseeherdarkredheel.Atthistime,asoundofhorsegallopinghoofpassedontodancers,buthefeltterrifiedthathedidnotseetheshadowofthehorse.

  “再快一点,”女巫大声说,她伸出胳膊挽着他的脖子,她的气息热乎乎地扑在他的脸上。“快点,再快点!”她大声叫道,他觉得脚下的地面仿佛都旋转了起来,他感到好难受,一股巨大的恐惧袭上身来,似乎有什么邪恶的东西在注视着他,最后他注意到了在岩石的阴影处有一个人,那是先前他不曾见过的人。

  "Hurryup,"criedthewitch,stretchingoutherarmsandholdinghisneck,herbreathonhisface."Hurryup,hurryup!"Shecriedout,andhefeltasifthegroundunderhisfeethadbeenspinning,hefeltsosad,andagreatfearcameup,andsomethingevilseemedtobewatchinghim,andfinallyhenoticedthattherewasamanintheshadowoftherock,whohehadneverseenbefore.

  那是一个男人,身穿一套黑色的天鹅绒服装,是按西班牙式的武葱方式。他的脸有一种古怪的苍白色,可是他的嘴唇却似是一朵饼傲的玫瑰花。他看上去好疲倦的样子,他朝后靠着身子,有气无力地抚弄着短剑的剑柄。在他身边的草地上放着一顶羽毛帽,还有一双镶着金边的骑马戴的手套,上面绣着设计非常新奇的珍珠饰品。他的肩膀上挂着一件黑瓶皮衬里的短外套,他那双纤巧的雪白声手上戴满了戒指。沉重的眼皮垂蓝在他的眼睛上。

  Itwasaman,dressedinablackvelvetsuit,inSpanishstylechives.Hisfacehadastrangepalewhite,buthislipsseemedtobearoseofcakepride.Helookedtired,leaningback,andfeeblystrokingthehiltofthesword.Onthegrassbesidehimwasafeathercap,andapairofgloveswithgildedriding,embroideredwithverynovelpearlornaments.Hehadashortblackbottlelinedjacketonhisshoulder,andhisdelicatewhiteandsleekhandswerefullofrings.Theheavyeyelidwasblueinhiseyes.

  年轻的渔夫望着他,仿佛是中了什么魔法似的。最后两人的眼睛相遇了,不论他跳舞跳到什么地方,他都似乎感觉到那人的一双眼睛一直注视着自己。他听见年轻的女巫笑了,于是便搂住了她的腰身,带着她疯狂地转起了圈来。

  Theyoungfishermanlookedathimasifhehadgotsomethingmagical.Thelasttwomet,andwhereverhedanced,heseemedtofeelthatoneofhiseyeswasstaringathimself.Heheardtheyoungwitchlaugh,andthenhehuggedherwaistandturnedaroundwithhermadly.

  突然,一条狗在林子中叫了起来,跳舞的人都停住了,一对一对的舞伴走了过去,跪下身去,吻着那个男人的手。在人们这样做声时候,一丝微笑桂在了他骄傲的嘴唇上,就像是只小鸟用翅膀挨着了水面,让水挂上笑容一样。不过他的笑容中带着轻视的意味,也仍然一个劲地望着年轻的渔夫。

  Suddenly,adogbarkedupinthewoods,andthedancersstopped.Onepairofdancerswalkedover,kneltdownandkissedthemanshand.Whenpeopledothis,asmileisonhisproudlips,justlikeabirdwithitswingsnexttothewater,letthewaterhangonasmile.Buthissmilewithaslightmeaning,butalsostillastronglookattheyoungfisherman.

  “来呀!我俩去拜见他,”女巫耳语道,并把他拉了过去,一股强行的欲望促使他想要去做她求他去做的事情,他就随着她去了。可在走近他的时候,不知道是为什么的缘故,他在自己的胸前划起了十字,并呼唤着圣名。

  "Comeon!Wewenttoseehim,"whisperedthewitch,pullinghimover,andastrongdesiretomakehimwanttodowhatsheaskedhimtodo,andhewentwithher.Butwhenheapproachedhim,hedidnotknowwhy,hecrossedhischestandcalledfortheholyname.

  他刚刚做完了此事,女巫们便都像老鹰似地尖叫起来,且飞走了,而那张一直望着他的苍白的脸也因痛苦而扭曲了起来。那个人朝小树林中走去,吹起了口哨。一匹戴着银制辔头的小马跑过来接他。他跨上马鞍时,转过头来,悲伤地望了望年轻的渔夫。

  Assoonashehaddoneit,thewitchesscreamedlikeeaglesandflewaway,andthepalefacethathadbeenlookingathimtwistedwithpain.Themanwenttothegroveandwhistled.Aponywithasilverbridlecameandpickedhimup.Ashesteppedonthesaddle,heturnedandlookedsadlyattheyoungfisherman.

  有着一头红发的女巫也想飞走,可是渔夫却抓住了她的手腕,紧紧地捏住不放。

  Thewitchwitharedhairalsowantedtoflyaway,butthefishermancaughtherwristandheldittightly.

  “放开我,”她大声叫着说,“让我去吧。因为你叫出了不应该叫的名字,并做出了我们不应该看到的记号。”

  "Letmego,"shecriedout,"letmego.Becauseyoucallnamesthatshouldntbecalledandmakesignsthatweshouldntsee."

  “不,”他回答说,“除非你把秘密告诉我,否则我是不会放你去的。”

  "No,"hereplied,"Iwillnotletyougounlessyoutellmethesecret."

  “什么秘密?”女巫说,并像一头野猫似的挣扎着,还紧咬着她那冒泡沫的嘴唇。

  "Whatsecret?"Thewitchsaid,strugglinglikeawildcat,stillbitingherfoaminglips.

  “你知道的,”他回答说。

  "Youknow,"hereplied.

  她那双草绿色的眼睛被泪水冲暗了,她对渔夫说:“你向我提什么都可以,除了这个以外。”

  Hergreeneyesweredarkwithtears,andshesaidtothefisherman,"youcantellmeanything,exceptthis."

  他笑了,并把她的手抓得更紧了。

  Helaughedandgrabbedherhandtighter.

  她看见自己是跑不掉了,于是便悄声对他说:“其实,我跟大海的女儿一样美丽,也与那些住在碧蓝海水中的少女们一样可爱。”她一边向他讨好,一边把脸朝他的脸挨过去。

  Shesawthatshecouldntrunaway,andshewhisperedtohim,"infact,Iamasbeautifulasmydaughterinthesea,andaslovelyasthegirlswholiveinthebluesea."Shewasflatteringhimandshewasleaningherfacetowardshim.

  但是他皱着眉头把她推开了,并对她说:“如果你不能做到向我允诺的事情,那么我就要把你当作假女巫来杀死。”

  Buthepushedherawaywithfrownandsaidtoher,"ifyoucantdowhatyoupromisedme,thenIllkillyouasafakewitch."

  她的脸一下子就变成了灰色,像洋苏木的鲜花一样,并颤抖起来。“既然如此,”她喃喃地说,“这是你的灵魂,不是我的。就照你说的那样去做吧。”说完从腰带上取出一把有着绿色蛇皮刀柄的小刀来,并交给了他。

  Herfaceturnedgrayatonce,liketheflowersofthecycado,andtrembled."Now,"shemurmured,"itsyoursoul,notmine.Justdoasyousay."Thenhetookaknifewiththehandleofgreensnakeskinfromhisbeltandhandeditovertohim.

  “这个东西对我会有什么用处呢?”他不解地问他。

  "Whatwillthisthingdotome?"Heaskedhiminapuzzledway.

  她沉默地停顿了一会儿,恐惧的表情袭上了她的脸。随后她把垂在前额的头发向后抹去,古怪地笑着对他说:“人们所说的人体的影子其实并不是身体的影子,而是灵魂的影子。你背对着月亮站在海滩上,然后把你双脚周围的影子用刀切开,那就是你灵魂的身体,叫你的灵魂离开你,它就会按你的话去做的。

  Shepausedforamomentinsilence,andtheexpressionoffearhitherface.Thenshewipedthehairthathungonherforeheadback,andsaidtohimwithastrangesmile,"theshadowofthehumanbodythatpeoplecallisnotactuallytheshadowofthebody,buttheshadowofthesoul.Youstandonthebeachwithyourbacktothemoon,andcuttheshadowaroundyourfeetwithaknife.Thatis,yoursoulsbody,andyoucanleaveyou,anditwilldowhatyousay.

  年轻的渔夫打起了抖来。“这是真的吗?”他低声问。

  Theyoungfishermanshivered."Isthattrue?"Heaskedinalowvoice.

  “这是真的,我倒希望我没有告诉过你这件事,”她大声说,并抱住他的双膝哭了起来。

  "Itstrue,IwishIhadnttoldyouaboutit,"shecried,hugginghiskneesandcrying.

  他把她推开,把她留在繁茂的草丛中,他走到山顶边,把小刀插进他的腰带里,开始下山去。

  Hepushedheraway,leftherinthelushgrass,andhewenttothetopofthehill,andedaknifeinhisbeltandbegantogodownthehill.

  他的灵魂在他的体内呼唤着他,对他说:“喂!我和你一同生活了这么些年,一直是你的仆人。请不要让我离开你,难道我对你做了什么坏事吗?”

  Hissoulcalledhiminhisbodyandsaidtohim,"Hello!Ihavelivedwithyouforsomanyyearsandhavebeenyourservant.Pleasedontletmeleaveyou,haveIdoneanythingbadtoyou?"

  年轻的渔夫笑了。“你没有做什么对不起我的事,只是我不再需要你了,”他回答说,“世界宽阔无比,有天堂,也有地狱,以及位于这两者之间的那些阴森森的房子。去你喜欢去的地方吧!不要再打搅我了,因为我的爱人在召唤我。”

  Theyoungfishermanlaughed."Youdidntdoanythingsorryforme,butIdontneedyouanymore,"hereplied."Theworldisvast,thereareheaven,therearehell,andthegloomyhousesbetweenthem.Gowhereyouliketogo!Dontdisturbmeanymore,becausemyloveiscallingme."

  他的灵魂在苦苦地恳求着他,但是他并不理睬它,而只是从一个岩石跳到另一个岩石,脚步快得似一头野山羊那样,最后他跑到了一块平地上,来到了蜜色的海滩上。,

  Hissoulpleadedwithhimbitterly,butheignoredit,butjumpedfromonerocktoanother,andwalkedasfastasawildgoat,andfinallyherantoaflatgroundandcametothehoneyedbeach.,

  他站在海滩上,背对着月亮,他青铜色的四肢和结实的肌肉,看上去像一座希腊人完成的雕像一洋,从海水的泡沫中伸出好多白色的胳膊在召唤着他,从波浪中升出一些朦胧的身影在向他行礼,在他的面前横躺着他的影子,那就是他灵魂的身体,在他的身后蜜色的天空中悬挂着一轮明月。

  Hestoodonthebeachwithhisbacktothemoon.HisbronzelimbsandstrongmuscleslookedlikeastatueofaGreekman.Heputoutalotofwhitearmsfromthefoamofthesea,callinghimup,showingsomehazyfiguresfromthewaves,salutinghim,andlyingacrosshisshadowinfrontofhim,thatis,thebodyofhissoul,honeycoloredbehindhim.Aroundofbrightmoonhunginthesky.

  这时他的灵魂对他说:“如果你真要赶我走的话,你就得先送一颗心给我才行。世界是残酷的,让你的那颗心跟我为伍一起走吧。”

  Thenhissoulsaidtohim,"ifyoureallywanttodrivemeaway,youhavetosendmeaheartfirst.Theworldiscruel.Letyourheartgowithme."

  他摇了摇头笑了。“如果我把我的心给了你,那么我拿什么去爱我的爱人呢?”他高声喊道。

  Heshookhisheadandsmiled."IfIgiveyoumyheart,whatcanItaketolovemylover?"Heshoutedloudly.

  “不,就发发慈悲吧,”他的灵魂说,“把你的心给我,因为这个世界太残酷了,我有些害怕。”

  "No,bemerciful,"saidhissoul,"givemeyourheart,becausetheworldissocruelthatIamafraid."

  “我的心是属于我的爱人的,”他回答说,“所以不要耽误时间了,你就快点离开这儿吧。”

  "Myheartbelongstomylover,"hereplied,"sodontdelaytime.Youcanleaveherequickly."

  “难道我就不应该爱吗?”他的灵魂问道。

  "ShouldntIloveit?"Askedhissoul.

  “你走吧,因为我不需要你了。”年轻的渔夫吼叫着,他抽出那把绿色蛇皮刀柄的小刀来,在他的双脚四周把他的身影切开去,影子立起了身子就站在他的面前,望着他,那样子简直跟他本人没有区别。

  "Yougo,becauseIdontneedyou."Theyoungfishermanroared,andhedrewouttheknifewiththehandleofthegreensnakeskin,cuthisfigurearoundhisfeet,andtheshadowstoodupandstoodinfrontofhim,lookingathim.Itwasalmostthesameashimself.

  他朝后退缩着,把小刀插进自己的腰带中,一种莫名的恐惧袭上身来。“快走吧,”他喃喃地说,“不要让我再看见你的脸。”

  Heretreatedbackward,andthrusttheknifeintohisbelt,andastrangefearcameonhim."Goaway,"hemurmured,"dontletmeseeyourfaceagain."

  “不,我们一定会再见面的,”灵魂说,它的声音很低,好像笛子的声音,它说话的时候连嘴唇都没有动一下。

  "No,wewillmeetagain,"saidthesoul,whosevoicewaslow,asiftheflutehadnotmovedhislips.

  “我们怎么会再见面呢?”年轻的渔夫大声说,“你不会也跟我到海洋深处去的吧?”

  "Howcanwemeetagain?"Theyoungfishermancried,"youwontgowithmetothedepthsoftheocean,willyou?"

  “我每年都来这儿一次,来呼唤你,”灵魂说,“也许你会有需要我的时候。”

  "Icomehereonceayeartocallyou,"saidthesoul,"maybeyouwillneedme."

  “我还需要你来做什么呢?”年轻的渔夫高声喊道,“不过随你的便吧。”说完他就一头扎进海水中去了,那些半人半鱼的海神们吹响了他们的号角,小美人鱼们也都纷纷游上来去迎接他,并伸出她们的手臂搂着他的脖子,还吻他的嘴。

  "WhatelsedoIneedyoutodo?"Theyoungfishermanshouted,"butjustfollowyour."Thenhewentintothesea,andthegodsofhalfamanandahalfsoundedtheirtrumpets.Thelittlemermaidswamuptomeethim,andstretchedouttheirarmsaroundhisneckandkissedhismouth.

  这时灵魂却孤伶伶地站在海滩上,望着他们。等他们沉入到海水中去以后,它便哭泣着穿过沼泽地走了。

  Atthistime,thesoulstoodaloneonthebeachandlookedatthem.Whentheysankintothesea,itcriedandwalkedthroughtheswamp.

  过了一年时候,灵魂又回到了海滩上,呼唤着年轻的渔夫,他从海底下浮了上来,并对它说:“你为什么要唤我呢?”

  Ayearlater,thesoulreturnedtothebeach,callingfortheyoungfisherman,whofloateddowntheseafloorandsaidtohim,"whydoyoucallme?"

  灵魂回答说:“走近一点,我好与你说话,因为我看见了好多奇妙的东西。”

  Thesoulreplied,"comecloser,Icanspeaktoyou,becauseIseealotofwonderfulthings."

  于是他走近了一点,还蹲在水里,用手托着自己的头,聆听着。

  Sohecamecloser,andsquattedinthewater,holdinghisheadwithhishands,listening.

  灵魂对他说:“在我离开你的时候,我就转向东方去旅行了。一切来自东方的东西都是很聪明的。我旅行了6天,在第7天的早晨,我来到了一座小山,它位于鞑靼人国家的土地上。我坐在一棵柽柳的树荫下躲避太阳。土地干裂了,被炎热烤得发烫。人们在平原上来来回回地走着,如同飞蝇在磨光的铜盘子上面爬来爬去似的。

  Thesoulsaidtohim,"whenIleaveyou,IturntotheEastandtravel.EverythingfromtheEastisveryclever.Itraveledsixdays,andontheseventhmorning,Icametoahill,whichwasonthelandoftheTatarstate.IsatintheshadeofaTamarixtoavoidthesun.Thelandwasdryandhot.Peoplewalkedbackandforthontheplain,asfliescrawledandclimbedoverpolishedcopperplates.

  “在正午的时候,从地平线上升起了一团红色沙尘的云雾来。等鞑靼人看见它时,他们就张开了自己的画弓,并跳上他们的小马,朝着那个方向狂奔而去。女人们尖声叫看跑进大车里,躺藏在毛帘子的后面。

  "Atnoon,acloudofreddustrosefromthehorizon.WhentheTatarssawit,theyopenedtheirbowsandjumpedontheirponiesandraninthatdirection.Thewomenscreamedtoseerunningintothecart,lyingbehindthecurtain.

  “黄昏的时候鞑靼人回来了,只是他们当中少了五个人,而在回来的人中间也有不少人受了伤。他们把马匹套在大车上,便匆匆地赶着大车上路了。三只胡狼从洞子中走出来,在他们的身后注视着。然后它们用鼻子吸了几口空气,就朝相反的方向奔去了。

  "AtdusktheTatarscameback,butfiveofthemweremissing,andmanyofthemwerewoundedamongthereturned.Theyputthehorsesonthecartandhurriedtothebus.Threewolvescameoutoftheholeandwatchedbehindthem.Thentheysniffedafewairandranintheoppositedirection.

  “等到月亮升起来以后,我看见平原上燃起了簿火,便朝那个方向跑去了。一群商人围着火堆坐在地毯上。他们的骆驼拴在他们身后的桩上,那些做奴隶的黑人们正在沙地上搭好硝皮帐篷,并用霸王树筑起了高高的围墙。”

  "Whenthemoonrose,Isawalightfireontheplain,andraninthatdirection.Agroupofbusinessmensatonthecarpetaroundthefire.Theircamelsweretiedtothepilesbehindthem,andtheslavesweresettingupasaltytentonthesandandbuildinghighwallswithoverlordtrees."

  “我走近他们的时候,商人中的头人站与身来,抽出他的刀,问我是干什么的。

  "WhenIapproachedthem,theleaderofthemerchantstoodandtookouthisknifeandaskedmewhatIwasdoing.

  “我回答说我是我那个国家的王子,我是从鞑靼人那儿跑出来的,因为他们要抓我给他们当奴隶。头人笑了,还指给我看了挂在长竹竿上的五个人头。

  "IrepliedthatIwastheprinceofmycountry,andIranoutoftheTatars,becausetheywantedmetobeslavestothem.Theheadlaughedandshowedmefiveheadshangingonthelongbamboopole.

  “随后他问我谁是上帝的先知,我告诉他是谁。

  "ThenheaskedmewhowastheprophetofGod,andItoldhimthathewasMuhammad.

  “听到假先知的名字后,他深深地鞠了一个躬,拉起了我的手,叫我坐在了他的身边。一位黑奴用木制的碗盛了一些马奶给我送来,还有一块烤好的小羊肉。

  "Afterhearingthenameofthefalseprophet,heboweddeeply,pulledupmyhandandaskedmetositbyhisside.Aslavebroughtmesomemaremilkinawoodenbowl,andapieceofroastedlamb.

  “黎明时我们又上路了。我骑在一匹红毛骆驼的身上,跟在头人的旁边走着,一个跑腿的人扛着一根长枪跑在我们的前边。当兵的人走在我们的两边,骡子驮着商品跟在后面。这个商队有四十只骆驼,骡子的数量却有两个四十这么多。

  "Weareontheroadagainatdawn.Irodeonaredcamel,walkingnexttothehead,andarunnerwithalonggunrunninginfrontofus.Thesoldierswalkedonbothsidesofus,andmulesfollowedwithmerchandise.Thecaravanhasfortycamels,andthenumberofmulesistwoandforty.

  “我们从鞑靼人的国土走到了诅咒月亮人的国境中。我们看见鹰头狮身的怪物在白色的岩石上守卫着自己的黄金,有鳞甲的龙在它们的山洞中睡得正香。我们翻过群山的时候,连大气都不敢出,生伯积雪会落下来压住我们的身体,每个人的眼睛前都绑了一块纱布。我们穿越山谷的时候,小矮人们从大树的洞巢中朝我们射箭,夜晚的时候我们听见野人们在击鼓作乐。我们爬过猴塔的时候,就放一些水果在猴子面前,它们就不会伤害我们。等我们来到蛇塔的时候,我们便用铜碗盛些热牛奶给它们喝,蛇就让我们顺利地通过。旅途中我们有三次来到奥克苏姆斯河的岸边。我们坐在扎着胀鼓鼓的棕色皮口袋的木筏上渡过河去,河马怒气冲天地对着我们,像是要把我们通通吃掉似的。骆驼看见它们那样,也都不寒而栗起来。

  "WehavegonefromthelandofTatarstothekingdomofthemooncurse.WeseethemonstersoftheGryphonguardingtheirgoldonwhiterocks,andthescalydragonssleepintheircaves.Whenwecrossthemountains,eventheatmospheredarenotcomeout.Thesnowwillfalldownandholdourbody.Everyoneseyesaretiedwithapieceofgauze.Aswecrossedthevalley,thedwarfsarchedatusfromthenestofthebigtrees,andatnightweheardthewildpeopleplayingdrumsandplayingdrums.Whenweclimbthemonkeytower,weputsomefruitinfrontofthemonkey,andtheywonthurtus.Whenwecametothetower,wewoulddrinksomehotmilkinacopperbowl,andthesnakewouldletuspassthroughsmoothly.Wecametotheshoreoftheoxsumesriverthreetimesduringthejourney.WesatonaraftinbulgingBrownLeatherpocketsandcrossedtheriver,andthehipposwereangryatusasifweweregoingtoeatusalltheway.Camelsshudderedwhentheysawthemlikethat.

  “每一座城邦的郡主都向我们征收税金,但却不愿让我们进入他们的城门。他们从墙头上给我们扔下面包,还有用精粉做的蜂蜜玉米糕,以及装满大枣的面饼,并用每一百个篮子的食物换我们的一粒琥珀珠子。

  "Everycountyinacitycollectstaxesonus,buthedoesnotwantustoentertheirgates.Theythrewusbreadfromthewall,honeycorncakesmadeoffineflour,andpastriesfilledwithdates,andexchangedforoneofouramberbeadsforeveryhundredbasketsoffood.

  “乡村里的居民们一看我们走近了,他们便在水井里放毒药,并逃到山顶上去。我们同马格达人打了仗,他们生下来时就是老人,且一年比一年长得年轻,等他们长成小孩的时候,就会死去了;我们还同拉克特罗伊人打过仗,他们声称自己是老虎的儿子,把自己涂成黄黑两种颜色;我们也同奥兰特斯人打过仗,他们会把死者埋葬在树顶上,而自己却住在黑暗的洞中,生怕他们的神即太阳会杀死他们;我们跟克里尼安人打了仗,他们崇拜的是鳄鱼,给它戴上绿色的玻璃耳环,并用牛油和活鸡去喂养它;我们与阿加中拜打了仗,他们长着狗一样的面孔;我们还同长着马脚的希班人打了仗,他们比马跑得更快。战斗中我们商队有三分之一的人阵亡了,另外三分之一的人因饥饿而死去。剩下的人都低声地抱怨我,说是我给他们带去了厄运。我从一块石头下面捉起一条有角的毒蛇,让它来咬我。他们看见我一点中毒的样子都没有,便害怕起来。

  "Assoonasthevillagerssawusapproaching,theyputpoisoninthewellandfledtothetopofthemountain.Wefoughtwiththemagdales,whowerebornoldpeople,andwereyoungerthanoneyear,anddiedwhentheywerechildren;wefoughtwiththelactroix,claimingtobethesonofthetiger,andpaintedourselvesinyellowandblack;wefoughtwiththeorantes,andtheyburiedthedeadonthetopofthetree,andButwelivedinthedarkcave,afraidthattheirGod,thesun,wouldkillthem;wefoughtwiththecrinians,worshippingcrocodiles,wearinggreenglassearringsandfeedingthemwithbutterandlivechickens;wefoughtwithagazoba,whohaddoglikefaces;wefoughtwithhippianswithhorsefeet,whoranmorethanhorsesComeon.Onethirdofourcaravandiedinthefight,andonethirddiedofhunger.TherestcomplainedquietlythatIhadbroughtthembadluck.Icaughtahornedsnakefromunderastoneandletitbiteme.TheywereafraidtoseethatIwasnotpoisonedatall.

  “到了第四个月,我们来到了伊勒尔市,到达城墙外的小树林时已经是夜里了,空气十分沉闷,因为月亮到天蝎宫去旅行了。我们从树上摘下成熟的石榴,切开来喝里面的甜汁,然后我们躺在地毯上等待着天明。

  "Inthefourthmonth,wearrivediniller,anditwasnightbeforewereachedthegrovesoutsidethewalls,andtheairwasverydull,becausethemoonhadgonetoScorpiopalaceforajourney.Wetooktheripepomegranatefromthetree,cutitopentodrinkthesweetjuice,andthenwelayonthecarpetwaitingfortheday.

  “天刚亮我们就起来了,敲响了城门。城门是用红铜制成的,上面刻有海龙和长了翅膀的飞龙。哨兵从城垛上往下张望着,并问我们是干什么的。商队的翻译告诉对方我们带着很多商品从叙利亚岛而来。他们要了我们几个人作人质,并告诉我们到中午时才能打开城门,吩咐我们耐心等待。

  "Wegotupjustinthemorningandknockedonthegate.Thegateismadeofredcopper,engravedwithseadragonsandwingeddragons.Thesentrylookeddownfromthebattlementsandaskedwhatweweredoing.ThecaravaninterpretertoldtheotherpartythatwecamefromSyriawithalotofgoods.Theyaskedusseveralofustobehostagesandtoldusthatwewouldnotopenthegateuntilnoonandtoldustowaitpatiently.

  “中午时分,他们打开了城门。我们入城的时候,人们一群群地从屋里跑出来看我们,一个召集人到城内各处用海螺通知人们我们的到来。我们站到了集市中,黑奴们打开花布包裹,翻开雕花的枫木箱子。等他们做完了这些事之后,商人们便摆出了各种奇特的物品,有来自埃及的蜡染麻布,有来自埃塞俄比亚的花布,有泰尔城的紫色海绵,有希顿的蓝色帷帘,有冰冷的琥珀杯子,有玻璃精品和奇妙的陶器。一家房屋的顶部有一群女人在看着我们。其中一人戴着一副镀金的皮革面具。

  "Atnoon,theyopenedthegate.Whenweenteredthecity,peoplecameoutofthehousetoseeus,andaconvenercametothecitytoinformpeopleofourarrivalwithconch.Westoodinthemarket,andtheslavesopenedtheclothpackageandopenedthecarvedMaplebox.Aftertheyhaddonethesethings,themerchantsputoutvariousstrangeitems,includingbatiklinenfromEgypt,clothfromEthiopia,purplespongefromtyreCity,bluecurtainofhitton,coldambercup,glassboutiqueandwonderfulpottery.Thereareagroupofwomenlookingatusatthetopofahouse.Oneofthemworeagold-platedleathermask.

  “头一天来与我们交易的是僧侣们,第二天来的是贵族,第三天来的是手艺人和奴隶们。这是他们对待商人的习惯,只要商人们呆在城中的话。

  "Thefirstdayweweredealingwithmonks,noblesthenextday,artisansandslavesthethirdday.Itistheirhabittotreatbusinessmenaslongastheystayinthecity.

  “我们在这儿呆了一个月,等到月缺的时候,我已觉得好无聊,便到城里的大街上到处去闲荡,并来到了本城神社的花园中。身着黄袍的僧侣们静悄悄地穿过绿树丛,在黑色大理石铺就的道路上立着一座玫瑰色的寺院,里面供着他们的神。门是涂过金粉的,上面突出来的是金饰的闪闪发亮的公牛和孔雀。房顶是海绿色瓷瓦铺成的,伸出的屋檐上挂着小铃铛。每当白鸽飞过的时候,它们便用翅膀扑打铃铛,使铃锁叮叮当当地响起来。

  "Westayedhereforamonth,andwhenthemonthwasshort,Iwasbored,andwenttothestreetsofthecitytowanderaroundandcametothegardenoftheshrine.Themonksinyellowrobesquietlywalkedthroughthegreentrees,andontheroadpavedwithblackmarblestoodarosetemple,whichwasfortheirgods.Thedoorwaspaintedwithgoldpowder,andtheglitteringbullsandpeacockswithgoldornamentsprotrudedfromit.Theroofismadeofseagreenporcelaintiles,andthesmallbellshangontheeaves.Whenthepigeonsflyby,theywillusetheirwingstobeatthebell,makingthebelllocktinklewhenthelocalring.

  “寺院的前面有一个用条纹玛瑙铺砌的净水池。我躺在池子旁边,用我苍白的手指抚摸那些宽大的树叶。其中的一位僧侣朝我走来,站在我的身后。他脚上穿着草鞋,一只是软蛇皮做的,另一只是用鸟的羽毛做的。他的头上戴着一顶黑毡的僧帽,帽上装饰着银制的新月。他的袍子上编织着七道黄色条,他堰曲的头发上抹上了锑粉。

  "Thereisaclearpoolofstripedagateinfrontofthetemple.Ilaybesidethepool,strokingthebroadleaveswithmypalefingers.Oneofthemonkscametomeandstoodbehindme.Hewaswearingstrawshoesonhisfeet,onemadeofsoftsnakeskin,theotherwasmadeofbirdsfeathers.Hehadamonkshatwithablackfeltonhishead,anditwasdecoratedwithSilverCrescent.Sevenyellowstripeswerewoveninhisrobe,andantimonypowderwasappliedtohisweirhair.

  “过了一小会儿,他开口对我说话,问我想要什么。

  "Afterawhile,hespoketomeandaskedwhatIwanted.

  “我告诉他我的要求就是想见到神。

  "ItoldhimthatmyrequestwastoseeGod.

  “‘神去打猎了,’僧侣说着,并用他那对小小的斜眼睛奇怪地看着我。

  "Godwenthunting,"saidthemonk,lookingatmestrangelywithhislittleslantedeyes.

  “我回答说,‘告诉我他在哪一个树林,我要与他一块几骑马。

  "Ireplied,"tellmewhichforestheis,andIwillridewithhim.

  “他又用长长的指甲梳理着袍子边上软软的穗子。‘神在睡觉,’他喃喃地说。

  "Hecombedthesoftspikesontheedgeofhisrobewithhislongnails."Godissleeping,"hemuttered.

  “我又答道,‘告诉我是哪一张床,我要去看护他。’

  "Irepliedagain,"tellmewhichbedIamandImgoingtotakecareofhim."

  “‘神在开宴会,’他大声说。

  "Godishavingaparty,"hecried.

  “我回答说,‘如果酒是甜的,我就要与他共饮,而如果酒是苦的,我也会与他一同饮下去的。’

  "Ireplied,"ifwineissweet,Iwilldrinkwithhim,andifitisbitter,Iwilldrinkwithhim."

  “他好奇地低下了头,并拉着我的手,把我曳了起来,领着我走进了寺院。

  "Heloweredhisheadcuriously,andtookmyhand,anddraggedmeupandledmeintothetemple.

  “在第一间房子里,我看见一座雕像坐在用东方大珍珠镶边的翠玉宝座上。这尊雕像是用乌木刻成的,跟真人一样大。在它的额头上有一块红宝石,厚厚的油从它的头发上滴下来,落到它的大腿上。它的双脚是用新宰的小羊羔的血染红的,腰间扎着一根铜带,

  "Inthefirsthouse,Isawastatuesittingonthejadethrone,whichwasborderedwiththeGreatPearloftheEast.ThestatuewascarvedfromEbony,asbigasahumanbeing.Onitsforeheadisaruby,thickoildrippingfromitshairandfallingonitsthigh.Hisfeetwereredwiththebloodofthenewlyslaughteredlamb,andabrassbandwastiedtohiswaist,

  “我对这位僧侣说,‘这就是神吗?’他回答我,‘这就是神,’

  "Isaidtothemonk,isthisGod?"Heansweredme,"thisisGod."

  “‘快带我去见神,’我大声吼道,‘否则我一定要杀了你。’我还摸了一下他的手,那只手一下子就枯萎了。

  "TakemetoGod,"Ishouted,"otherwiseIwillkillyou."Ialsotouchedhishand,whichwitheredinaflash.

  “僧侣恳求着我说,‘请我的主人医治他的仆人吧,我要带他去见神了。’

  "Themonkpleadedtomeandsaid,"pleasemymastertohealhisservant,andIwilltakehimtoGod."

  “于是我便吹了一口气在他的手上,他的手又长好了,他把我领进第二间房子,同时浑身不住地颤抖着。在这里我看见一尊雕像立在用翡翠做成的莲花上面,莲花上面悬挂着好多硕大的绿宝石。这雕像是用象牙雕刻而成的,身材有普通人的两倍那么大。它的前额上是一块黄玉,它的胸部抹着没药和肉桂末,它一只手上拿着一根弯曲的翡翠玉杖,另一只手中握着一块圆圆的水晶。脚上穿着黄铜的靴子,粗壮的脖子上套着一个石膏做的圈子。

  "SoIblewabreathonhishand,andhishandgrewwellagain,andheledmeintothesecondhouse,shakingallover.HereIseeastatuestandingonalotusmadeofjadeite,whichishungwithmanylargeemeralds.Thestatueiscarvedfromivory,twiceaslargeastheaverageperson.Onitsforeheadisapieceoftopaz,itschestiscoveredwithmyrrhandmeatandlaurel,onehandwithacurvedjadestick,theotherhandholdsaroundcrystal.Hewaswearingbrassbootsonhisfeetandacircleofplasteraroundhisthickneck.

  “我对这位僧侣说,‘这就是神吗?’他回答说,‘这就是神。’

  "Isaidtothemonk,isthisGod?"Hereplied,"thisisGod."

  “‘带我去见神,’我大声吼道,‘否则我一定会杀了你的,’我还摸了一下他的眼睛,他一下子就成了瞎子。

  "TakemetoGod,"Ishouted,"otherwiseIwillkillyou."Itouchedhiseyes,andhebecameblindatonce.

  “僧侣恳求着我说,‘请我的主人医治他的仆人吧,我就要领他心见神了。’

  "Themonkpleadedtomeandsaid,"pleasemymastertohealhisservant,andIwillshowhimthespirit."

  “于是我吹了一口气在他的眼睛上,他马上又恢复了视力,而且他又浑身颤抖起来,并带着我走进了第三间房子。啊!原来这儿没有雕像,也没有任何品种的雕像,只是有一面圆圆的金属镜子,放在一个石头祭坛上。

  "AndIblewabreathinhiseyes,andheimmediatelyrecoveredhisvision,andhetrembledagain,andtookmeintothethirdhouse.Ah!Therewasnostatuehere,nostatuesofanykind,butaroundmetalmirror,whichwasplacedonastonealtar.

  “我对僧侣说,‘神在什么地方?’

  "Isaidtothemonks,"whereisGod?"

  “他回答说:‘这儿没有神,只有这面你看见的镜子,因为这是智慧之镜,它把天上和地上的一切东西都反映了出来,但只是朝镜子中看的了的脸是反映不出来的,所以朝镜子中看的人可能是聪明的。有很多其它的镜子,不过那些都是些意见之镜。只有这一面是智慧之镜。那些拥有这面镜子的人们便知道世间的一切,没有什么事可以瞒过他们的,那些没有这面镜子的人就没有智慧。所以,我们把它看成是神,我们也就崇拜它了。我于是便朝镜子里看去,它竟然与他所讲的情况一模一样。

  "Hereplied:thereisnoGodhere,onlythismirroryousee,becauseitisamirrorofwisdom,whichreflectseverythingintheskyandontheground,butonlythefacethatislookinginthemirrorcannotbereflected,sothepersonlookinginthemirrormaybeintelligent.Therearemanyothermirrors,butthosearethemirrorofopinion.Onlythisisthemirrorofwisdom.Thosewhohavethismirrorknoweverythingintheworld,nothingcanbehiddenfromthem,andthosewhodonothaveitwillhavenowisdom.SoweseeitasGod,andweworshipit.SoIlookedaslikeastwopeasinthemirror.

  “我做了一件奇怪的事,不过我做的事算不了什么,因为我把智慧之镜给藏了起来,藏在距这个地方一天行程的一个山谷里面。我只恳求你让我再进入到你的体内,做你的仆人吧,这样你就会比所有聪明的人都要聪明,智慧也就属于你了。就请让我进入到你的身体中去吧,那么世上就不会有比你更聪明的人了。”

  "Ididastrangething,butwhatIdidwasnothing,becauseIhidthemirrorofwisdominavalleyadayfromthisplace.Ionlyentreatyoutoletmeenteryourbodyagain,andbeyourservant,sothatyouwillbewiserthanallthewise,andwisdombelongstoyou.Pleaseletmegointoyourbody,sotherewillbenosmarterpeopleintheworldthanyou."

  然而年轻的渔夫却笑了。“爱情比智慧更好,”他大声叫道、“而且小美人鱼爱我。”

  Buttheyoungfishermanlaughed."Loveisbetterthanwisdom,"hecried,"andthemermaidlovesme."

  “不,没有什么东西比智慧更好的了,”灵魂说。“还是爱更好,”年轻的渔夫回答说,说完便沉入到海底下去了,灵魂又哭泣着穿过沼泽地走了。

  "No,nothingisbetterthanwisdom,"saidthesoul."Loveisbetter,"repliedtheyoungfisherman,andthenhesankdowntothebottomofthesea,andthesoulcriedandwalkedthroughtheswamp.

  第二个年头过去了,灵魂又一次来到了海滩上,呼唤着年轻的渔夫,他便从水中冒出来开口问道:“你为什么唤我呢?”

  Thenextyearpassed,andthesoulcametothebeachagain,callingfortheyoungfisherman,andhecameoutofthewaterandsaid,"whydoyoucallme?"

  灵魂回答说:“走近一点,我好对你讲话,因为我看见好多奇妙的东西。”

  Thesoulreplied,"comecloser,IcanspeaktoyoubecauseIseealotofwonderfulthings."

  于是他步近了一些,并蹲在浅水里,用手托着自己的头.聆听着。

  Sohesteppedcloserandsquattedintheshallowwater,holdinghisheadwithhishands,listening.

  灵魂对他说:“我离开你以后,我就转身向南去旅行了。一切来自南方的东西都是珍贵的。我沿着公路朝着爱西特市走了整整6天,那是一条连香客们都不愿走的红色尘土飞扬的公路,到了第7天,我抬头望去,啊!城市就横躺在我的脚下,因为它就位于山谷里。

  Thesoulsaidtohim,"Ileftyou,andIturnedtotravelsouth.Everythingfromthesouthisprecious.Iwalkedalongtheroadforsixdaystowardsaishte,adustyredroadthateventhepilgrimswouldnotliketotake.Ontheseventhday,Ilookedup,ah!Thecityliesatmyfeet,becauseitisinthevalley.

  “入城的大门有九个之多,每一个城门前都做立着一匹青铜马,每当伯都因人从山上下来的时候,九匹马便齐声长啸。城墙上都裹着铜皮,哨塔的屋顶也是用黄铜做成的。每一个塔弹都站着一位手握弓箭的射手。日出的时候他用一支箭敲响铜锣;日落的时候,他就会吹响号角。

  "Thereareasmanyasninegatesintothecity.Infrontofeachgatestandsabronzehorse.Wheneverthebodouinpeoplecomedownfromthemountain,theninehorsesroartogether.Thewallswerecoveredwithcopper,andtheroofsofthetowersweremadeofbrass.Eachtowerbombhasashooterholdingabowandarrow.Atsunrise,heblowsthegongwithanarrow;atsunset,heblowsthehorn.

  “我正准备进城时,守卫拦住了我,问我是什么人。我回答说我是回教徒,正要赶到麦加城去,那儿有一幅绿色的帐幔,上面有天使们用银字绣出的《可兰经》。我的话使他们充满了好奇,就让我进去了。

  "IwasabouttoenterthecitywhentheguardstoppedmeandaskedwhoIwas.IansweredthatIwasaMuslim,andIwasonmywaytoMecca,wheretherewasagreencurtainwiththeKoranembroideredinsilverbytheangels.Mywordsfilledthemwithcuriosity,sotheyletmein.

  “城里面简直就是一个大集市。你真该跟我一块去的。在那些狭窄的街道上无数只精彩的纸灯笼像大彩蝶似的在翩翩起舞。风吹过屋顶的时候,这些灯笼一起一浮的,好像一些多彩的肥皂泡。商人们都坐在自己货摊前的丝毯上面。他们长着直挺挺的黑胡须,他们头帕上饰满了金币,长串的琥珀和雕花桃核在他们凉冰冰的手指上滑动着。他们中有的卖枫脂香和甘松油,也有的出售来自印度海各岛屿的奇妙香水,还有浓重的红玫瑰油,以及没药和小钉子形状的丁香。一旦有人走上去与他们说话,他们便一把一把地将乳香投入炭火盆中,使空气一下子香味袭人。我看见一个叙利亚人手里握着一根芦苇似的细棍棒,缕缕灰烟从棒子上升起,棒燃着的时候发出的气味与春天中粉色扁桃花的气味是一样的。另一些人在出售一些上面嵌满了乳蓝色土耳其宝石的银手铜和用铜丝串起小珍珠制成的脚环,以及金制的老虎爪,镀金猫的脚爪,豹子也配上了金制的座架,还有穿了眼的绿宝石耳环,以及中间是空的那种翡翠戒指。从茶馆里传来了吉他的音乐声,那些抽鸦片烟的人带着他们苍白的笑容望着行人。

  "Itsabigmarketinthecity.Youshouldhavegonewithme.Inthosenarrowstreets,countlesswonderfulpaperlanternsaredancinglikebigcolorfulbutterflies.Whenthewindblowsovertheroof,theselanternsfloattogether,likesomecolorfulsoapbubbles.Businessmenaresittingonthesilkcarpetsinfrontoftheirstalls.Theyhadstraightblackbeards,theirheadscarvesweredecoratedwithgoldcoins,andlongstringsofamberandcarvedpeachstoneswereslidingontheircoldfingers.SomeofthemsellMaplebutteranddriedpineoil.SomealsosellwonderfulscentfromtheislandsoftheIndiasea,aswellasstrongredroseoil,andmyrrhandsmallnailshapedcloves.Oncesomeonecameuptotalktothem,theywouldthrowfrankincenseintothecharcoalfirepotonebyone,makingtheairfragrant.IsawaSyrianwithareedlikestickinhishand.Thesmokerosefromthestick.Whenthestickwasburning,itsmelledlikepinkalmondsinspring.OthersaresellingsilverhandcopperinlaidwithcreamblueTurkishgems,andfootringsmadeofsmallpearlsstrungwithcopperwires,aswellasgoldtigerclaws,gold-platedCatClaws,leopardswithgoldseats,emeraldearringswitheyes,andemeraldringswithanemptymiddle.Fromtheteahousecamethemusicofguitars,andtheOpiumsmokerslookedatthepedestrianswiththeirpalesmiles.

  “说真的你应该跟我一起去的。卖酒的人肩上扛着黑色的大皮包,用后部在人群中挤出一条通道。他们中的大部分人都卖一种叫西拉兹的酒,它就跟蜜糖一样甜。他们用金属小杯子装上酒出售,并把玫瑰花瓣撒在上面。在市场上站着卖水果的人,他们出售各种水果,有熟透的无花果,带着受伤的紫色鲜肉,还有如同膨香味一样的甜瓜,那颜色像黄玉一样的黄,以及香橼、番石榴和一粒一粒的白葡萄,圆圆的金红色桔子和椭圆形的金绿色柠檬,有一次我看见一头大象走过。它的身上涂着银朱和姜黄,它的耳朵上网着一个朱红丝做的网子。它来到对面的一个货摊前站住了,吃起桔子来,那个卖水果的人只是笑了笑。你想不到他们是多么奇怪的一个民族。他们只要高兴的话就会到卖鸟人那儿去买一只关着一只小鸟的笼子,并把笼子打开让鸟飞走,这样他们会更加开心,等到他们伤心的时候,他们便用荆棘抽打他们自己,以使他们的忧愁越来越大。

  "Seriously,youshouldhavecomewithme.Theliquorsellercarriedalargeblackleatherbagonhisshoulderandusedthebacktosqueezeapassagethroughthecrowd.Mostofthemsellakindofwinecalledsiraz,whichisassweetashoney.Theysellwineinsmallmetalcupsandsprinklerosepetalsonthem.Therearefruitsellersstandinginthemarket.Theysellallkindsoffruits,includingripefigs,purplefreshmeatwithinjuries,melonswiththesamefragrance,yellowastopaz,citron,guavaandwhitegrapes,roundgoldenredorangesandovalgoldengreenlemons.OnceIsawanelephantwalkby.Itsbodyiscoatedwithsilverandturmeric,anditsearsareconnectedwithanetmadeofvermilion.Itcametotheoppositestallandstoppedtoeatoranges.Thefruitsellerjustlaughed.Youcantimaginewhatastrangepeopletheyare.Iftheyarehappy,theywillgotothebirdsellertobuyacagewithabirdinit,andopenthecagetoletthebirdflyaway.Inthisway,theywillbemorehappy.Whentheyaresad,theywillbeatthemselveswiththornstomaketheirworriesbiggerandbigger.

  “一天夜里,我遇见了一些黑奴抬着一个沉甸甸的轿于从集市中走过。轿子是用镀金的竹片做成的,轿杆是朱红色的,还有黄铜做的孔雀装饰。轿窗上挂着薄薄的纱幔,上面绣着甲虫的翅膀和小粒珍珠。轿子走过的时候一个脸色苍白的塞加西亚人从轿里往外望着,笑着注视我。我跟在它后面,黑奴们加快了步伐并皱紧眉头。不过我一点也不在意,我觉得有一股好奇心在驱使着我。

  "Onenight,Imetsomeblackslavescarryingaheavysedanchairwalkingthroughthemarket.Thesedanchairismadeofgold-platedbamboo,thepoleisvermilion,andthepeacockisdecoratedwithbrass.Onthecarwindowhungathinveilembroideredwithbeetlewingsandsmallpearls.Asthesedanchairpassedby,apalesaigarcianlookedoutofthesedanchairandlookedatmewithasmile.Ifollowed,andtheslavesquickenedtheirpaceandfrowned.ButIdontcareatall.Ifeelacuriosityisdrivingme.

  “最后他们在一栋四方形的白房子前停了下来。房子没有窗户,只有一个像墓门一样的小门。他们放下轿子,用一个铜锤连敲了三下门。一个身穿绿色皮长袍的亚美尼亚人从门洞里朝外张望着,等他看见我们后就打开了门,还铺了一张地毯在地上,轿中的女人走了出来。在她进屋的时候,她又转过头来,再一次望着我笑了。我还从未见过像她这么苍白的人。

  "Atlasttheystoppedinfrontofasquarewhitehouse.Thehousehasnowindows,onlyasmalldoorlikeatombdoor.Theyputdownthesedanchairandknockedonthedoorthreetimeswithacopperhammer.AnArmenianinagreenleatherrobelookedoutofthedoor.Whenhesawus,heopenedthedoorandspreadacarpetonthefloor.Thewomaninthesedanchaircameout.Assheenteredtheroom,sheturnedherheadandlookedatmeagain,smiling.Iveneverseenanyonesopaleasher.

  “月亮升起的时候,我又回到了那个地方去寻找那所房子,可是就是找不着。看到这种情况,我便知道那女人是谁了,而且她为什么要对我笑了。

  "Whenthemoonrose,Iwentbacktothatplacetolookforthehouse,butIcouldntfindit.Seeingthis,Iknewwhothewomanwasandwhyshewassmilingatme.

  “你真该跟我一起去的。在新月节那天,年轻的皇帝从他的宫中走出来,到庙里去祈祷。他的头发和胡须都用玫瑰花瓣给染红了,他的脸颊上抹了一层细细的金粉,他的手掌和脚心都用着红花染成了黄色。

  "Youshouldhavegonewithme.Onnewmoonday,theyoungemperorcameoutofhispalaceandwenttothetempletopray.Hishairandbeardweredyedredwithrosepetals,hischeekswerecoveredwithfinegoldpowder,andhispalmsandfeetweredyedyellowwithredflowers.

  “太阳升起的时候他身着银袍从宫中走了出来,日落的时候他又穿着金袍回到宫中。人们都趴在地上把脸藏起来,可我不会那样做。我站在一个卖枣子的摊位前,等待着。皇帝看见我时,他便抬他那画过的眉毛,停住了脚步。我静静地站在那儿,并不向他跪拜。人们对我的大胆吃惊不小,都劝我快从城中逃走。我不理睬他们,却走到那些出售外来神祗的贩子们中去,与他们坐在一起,这些人不论如何在这儿都是遭人憎恨的,等我把自己所做的.—切告诉给他们之后,他们人人都绘了我一个神像,并请我离开他们。

  "Atsunrisehecameoutofthepalaceinasilverrobe,andatsunsethecamebackinagoldrobe.Peoplearelyingonthegroundhidingtheirfaces,butIdontdothat.Istoodinfrontofaboothsellingdatesandwaited.Whentheemperorsawme,heraisedhiseyebrowsandstopped.Istoodtherequietly,notkneelingtohim.Peopleweresurprisedatmyboldnessandadvisedmetorunawayfromthecity.Iignoredthem,butwenttothedealerswhosoldforeigngodsandsatwiththem.Thesepeoplewerehatednomatterhowtheywerehere.AfterItoldthemwhatIhaddone,theyalldrewastatueofmeandaskedmetoleavethem.

  “那天夜里,我躺在石榴街茶馆里的一个垫子上面,皇帝的卫兵走了进来,把我带进了宫中。进了宫以后,他们把每一扇门都一个个地关上了,还加上了门锁。里面有一个大院子,四周环绕着一个拱廊。四周的墙都是用白色的雪花石膏做成的,到处都嵌有蓝色和绿色的瓷瓦。柱子是绿色大理石做的.地上铺着一种桃花色的大理行。我以前从没有见过像这样的东西。

  "Thatnight,IwaslyingonamatinthepomegranateStreetteahouse,andtheemperorsguardscameinandtookmeintothepalace.Afterenteringthepalace,theyclosedeverydooronebyone,andlockedthedoor.Thereisalargecourtyardsurroundedbyanarcade.AllaroundthewallsaremadeofWhiteAlabaster,withblueandgreenporcelaintilesembeddedeverywhere.Thepillarsaremadeofgreenmarble.Thegroundiscoveredwithakindofpeachblossomdalihang.Iveneverseenanythinglikethisbefore.

  “我跨过院子的时候,两个戴面纱的女人从阳台上往下望着,还开口骂我,守卫急勿匆地走着,他们手中的矛尖在磨光的地板上发出响声。他们打开一道精致的象牙门,我发现自己已经来到有七个坛子的带水的花园中了。园里种的是郁金香、牛眼菊、银光闪闪的芦荟,一股喷泉在昏暗的空中悬挂着像是一根细长的水晶棒。柏树就像燃烧完了的火把。在这样的一棵柏树上有只夜莺在唱着歌。

  "AsIsteppedacrosstheyard,twoveiledwomenlookeddownfromthebalconyandscoldedme.Theguardswalkedinahurry,theirspeartipsmakingasoundonthepolishedfloor.TheyopenedadelicateIvorydoor,andIfoundmyselfinagardenwithsevenjarsandwater.Thegardenisplantedwithtulips,cows-eyechrysanthemums,andsilveryaloes.Afountainishanginginthedimairlikeaslendercrystalstick.Cypressislikeaburningtorch.Thereisanightingalesinginginsuchacypress.

  “在花园的尽头有一个小亭子。我们走近它的时候,两位太监出来迎住我们。他们走起路来,肥胖的身躯左右摇摆着,还用他们那黄色眼皮的眼睛好奇地打量着我。其中的一人把卫士长拉到他必边,低声向对方耳语着什么。另一个不停地拿出香锭放在嘴里嚼起来,这些香锭都是他以做作的姿势从一个淡紫色的椭圆形的盒子中取出的。

  "Thereisasmallpavilionattheendofthegarden.Asweapproachedit,twoeunuchscameouttomeetus.Astheywalked,theirfatbodiesswayedfromsidetoside,andtheylookedatmecuriouslywiththeiryelloweyelids.Oneofthemtooktheguardtohissideandwhisperedsomethingtoeachother.Theotherkepttakingoutthelozengesandchewingtheminhismouth.Theselozengesweretakenoutofalavenderovalboxinanartificialposture.

  “片刻之后卫士长把卫兵们遣散了。他们回到宫中去了,两个太监跟在后面慢慢地走着,一边走一边从树上摘下甜甜的桑果吃。那位年长的太监曾回过头来,带着恶意的笑容望着我。

  "Amomentlater,thechiefoftheguarddismissedtheguards.Theywentbacktothepalace.Thetwoeunuchswalkedslowlybehindthem,pickingsweetmulberryfruitsfromthetreestoeat.Theoldeunuchoncelookedbackatmewithamalicioussmile.

  “然后卫士长示意我走到亭子中去。我毫无胆怯地向前走去,拉开那幅沉重的帘子,我就进去了。

  "Thenthechiefguardbeckonedmetogotothepavilion.Iwentforwardwithoutfear,drewbacktheheavycurtain,andwentin.

  “年轻皇帝躺在上了色的狮皮长椅上休息着,他的手腕上栖息着一只白隼。他的身后站着一个头戴铜帽的牛比亚黑人,赤棵着上半身,两只穿了眼的耳朵上垂着一副沉甸甸的耳环。长椅旁边的桌子上放着一把弯曲的大钢刀。

  "Theyoungemperorisrestingonthecoloredlionskinbench,andawhiteFalconperchesonhiswrist.Behindhimstoodablackcowboyinacopperhat,withabareupperbodyandheavyEarringshangingfromhistwopiercedears.Onthetablenexttothebenchwasabigcurvedsteelknife.

  “皇帝一看见我,便皱起了眉头,对我说道,‘你叫什么名字?你不知道我就是这个城市的皇帝吗?’不过我并没有回答他。

  "Whentheemperorsawme,hefrownedandsaidtome,"whatsyourname?DontyouknowthatIamtheemperorofthiscity?"ButIdidntanswerhim.

  “他用手指头指了指钢刀,那个牛比亚人一下子抓住刀,冲着我用足了劲朝我砍过来。刀片嗖嗖地穿透了我的身体,可是并没有伤我分毫。而那个人却扑倒在地上,等他站起身时,他的牙齿害怕的直打颤,他自己也躺到长椅后面去了。

  "Hepointedatthesteelknifewithhisfinger,andtheniubiamangrabbedtheknifeandchoppedatmewithallhisstrength.Thebladeswishedthroughmybody,butitdidnthurtmeatall.Butthemanfelltotheground,andwhenhegotup,histeethtrembledwithfear,andhehimselflaybehindthebench.

  “皇帝马上跳了起来,从武器架上取下一根长矛,他朝我投了过来。我一把抓住了飞过来的长矛,并把矛杆折成两段。他又用箭射我,可是我举起了双手,箭在飞行途中就停住了。紧接着他从白皮腰带中抽出一把短剑,刺入牛比亚黑人的咽喉,他担心这个奴隶会讲出他那些不体面的事情。那人像一条给人践踏了的蛇一样扭曲起来,嘴里也流出了鲜红的泡沫。

  "Theemperorimmediatelyjumpedup,tookaspearfromtheweaponrackandthrewitatme.Igrabbedtheflyingspearandfoldeditintwo.Heshotmewithhisarrowagain,butIraisedmyhandsandthearrowstoppedontheway.ThenhedrewadaggerfromhiswhitebeltandthrustitintothethroatoftheNegro.Hewasafraidthattheslavewouldtellhisshamefulthings.Themantwistedlikeasnakethathadbeentrampledon,andtherewasabrightredfoaminhismouth.

  “那个人一死,皇帝就转向我,用一张镶了花边的紫色绸料小手绢,揩去额上亮闪闪的汗珠,对我说道,‘你是先知吗?是我不该伤害的,或者是一个我不能伤害的先知的儿子吗?我恳求你今晚就离开我的城市吧,因为只要你还在城中,我就不再是这里的主人了。’

  "Assoonasthemandied,theemperorturnedtome,wipedthesweatoffhisforeheadwithapurplesilkhandkerchiefwithlace,andsaidtome,"areyouaprophet?IsitsomethingIshouldnthurt,orisitthesonofaprophetIcanthurt?Ibegyoutoleavemycitytonight,becauseaslongasyouarestillinthecity,Iwillnolongerbethemasterhere."

  “我回答他说,‘给我一半你的财产,我就走。把你的财富给我一半,我就会离开的。’

  "Isaidtohim,"givemehalfofyourpropertyandIllgo.GivemehalfofyourwealthandIllleave."

  “他牵着我的手,把我领到花园中。卫士长看见了我,他吃了一惊。太监们看见了我,他们的膝头颤抖不已,吓得纷纷跪在了地上,

  "Hetookmebythehandandledmetothegarden.Whenthechiefguardsawme,hewassurprised.Whentheeunuchssawme,theirkneestrembledandfelltothegroundinhorror,

  “宫中有一间屋子,八面都是用红云斑石修筑的围墙,铜皮装饰的天花板上悬掉着一些灯。皇帝触摸了一面墙,墙就自动打开了,我们走进了里而的一个长廊,廊里点了好多火炬。在长廊两旁的壁禽中,放着很多巨大的酒缸,里面装得满满的都是银币。我们来到了长廊的中央,皇帝说了一句平日听不到他说的什么话,一道装有秘密弹簧的花岗岩石大门一下子就弹开了,他用手挡住他的脸,以免他的眼睛给弄得发花。

  "Thereisaroominthepalace,whichissurroundedoneightsidesbyredmarble,withsomelightshangingfromthecopperceiling.Theemperortouchedawall,thewallopenedautomatically,wewentintoacorridorinthecorridor,corridorlitalotoftorch.Inthewallbirdsonbothsidesofthecorridor,therearemanyhugewinejarsfullofsilvercoins.Whenwecametothemiddleofthecorridor,theemperorsaidsomethingthathecouldnothearonweekdays.Agranitegatewithasecretspringpoppedopen.Hecoveredhisfacewithhishandsothathiseyeswouldnotbedazzled.

  “你不会相信这是个多么奇妙的地方吧。一个巨大的乌龟壳里装满了珍珠,巨型月亮石的空处里堆满了红色宝石。黄金都收藏在象皮箱中,金粉就放在皮制的瓶中。还有猫眼石和青玉,猫眼石放在水晶杯中,青玉放在翡翠杯中。圆圆的绿柱宝石整整齐齐地排列在细薄的象牙碟子上面,在一个角落里堆满了丝铜袋子,有的袋子中装的是绿松石,另一些袋子中装的是绿玉。象牙做的角杯中盛满了紫色的玉英石,黄铜角杯中装满了玉髓和红玉髓。用杉木做的梁柱上挂着一串串的黄色山猫石。在平坦的扁圆形盾牌上堆放着红玉,它们既像葡萄酒的颜色又像是青草的色彩。然而我对你说的这些仅仅是那儿的十分之一罢了。

  "Youwontbelievewhatawonderfulplaceitis.Ahugetortoiseshellisfullofpearls,andtheemptyspaceofthegiantMoonstoneisfullofredgems.Goldiscollectedinelephanttrunk,andgoldpowderisputinleatherbottle.Thereareopalandsapphire.OpalisputincrystalcupandsapphireisputinEmeraldcup.RoundberylstoneswereneatlyarrangedonthinIvoryplates,andinonecornerwerestackedwithsilkandcopperbags,somecontainingturquoise,otherscontainingemerald.Thehorncupmadeofivoryisfullofpurplejade,andthebrasshorncupisfullofchalcedonyandredchalcedony.ThebeamsandcolumnsmadeofChinesefirarehungwithstringsofyellowBobcatstones.Ontheflatoblateshieldlaytherubies,whichwerethecolorofbothwineandgrass.ButwhatIsaidtoyouisonlyonetenthofthatthere.

  “等皇帝把他自己的手从脸上拿开时,他对我说,‘这就是我的财宝屋,这里面的东西有一半是你的了,照我答应你那样的去做吧。我还会送你骆驼和赶骆驼的人,他们会照你的吩咐去做,把你那一份财宝带到你想去的世界上的任何地方。这件事今天晚上就得办,因为我不愿让太阳,他是我的父亲,看见在我的城市里竟会有一个我杀不死的人。’

  "Whentheemperortookhishandoffhisface,hesaidtome,"thisismytreasurehouse.Halfofthethingsinitareyours.DoasIpromisedyou.Iwillalsosendyoucamelsandcameldrivers.Theywilldowhatyoutellthemtodoandtakeyourshareoftreasuretoanyplaceintheworldyouwanttogo.Thishastobedonetonight,becauseIdontwantthesun,whoismyfather,toseeamaninmycitywhoIcantkill."

  “不过我对他说,‘这儿的黄金都是你的,白银也是你的,珍贵的珠宝和值钱的东西全都是你的。对我来说,我不需要这些东西。我不会向你要任何东西,不过戴在你手指上的那个小戒指我倒想要。’

  "ButIsaidtohim,"thegoldhereisyours,thesilverisyours,thepreciousjewelsandvaluablethingsareyours.Forme,Idontneedthesethings.Iwontaskyouforanything,butIdlikethatlittleringonyourfinger."

  “皇帝皱起了眉头,‘这只是个铅戒指呀,’他大声说,‘也不值什么钱。所以还是带上你那一半财宝,离开我的城市吧。’

  "Theemperorfrowned."itsjustaleadring,"hesaidaloud."itsnotworthmuch.SoIdbettertakehalfofyourtreasureandleavemycity."

  “‘不,’我回答说,‘我什么都不要,只要那个铅戒指,因为我知道那里面写着什么,也知道它有什么用处。’

  "No,"Ireplied,"Idontwantanything,justtheleadring,becauseIknowwhatswritteninitandwhatstheuseofit."

  “皇帝却颤抖起来,哀求着我说,‘把全部的财宝都拿去,快离开我的城市吧。我那一半财富也归你了。’

  "Buttheemperortrembledandbeggedme,"takeallthetreasuresandleavemycity.Halfofmywealthbelongstoyou."

  “不过我做了一件奇怪的事,但那也算不了什么,因为就在那个山洞我把这个财富指环给藏了起来,它离这儿有一整天的路程。也就只是一天的路程,那戒指正等着你的到来。谁要是占有了这个戒指,他会比世界上所有的国王都富有。去吧,把它拿到手,全世界的财富就都归你了。”

  "ButIdidastrangething,butitwasnothing,becauseitwasinthatcavethatIhidthisringofwealth,whichwasawholedaysjourneyfromhere.Itsjustadaysjourney.Theringiswaitingforyou.Whoeverownstheringwillbericherthanallthekingsintheworld.Goahead,takeitandyouwillhaveallthewealthoftheworld."

  然而年轻的渔夫却笑了。“爱情比财富更重要,”他大声喊道,“而且小美人鱼非常爱我。”

  Buttheyoungfishermanlaughed."Loveismoreimportantthanwealth,"hecried,"andthelittlemermaidlovesmeverymuch."

  “不,没有什么比财富更重要的了,”灵魂说。

  "No,nothingismoreimportantthanwealth,"saidthesoul.

  “爱情更好,”年轻的渔夫回答道,说完他又一头扎进海底深处,灵魂只好哭泣着穿过沼泽走了。

  "Loveisbetter,"theyoungfishermanreplied,andthenhedivedintothebottomoftheseaagain,andhissoulhadtocryandgothroughtheswamp.

  第三个年头又过去了,灵魂又从陆上下来到了海边,呼唤着年轻的渔夫,于是渔夫从水中冒出来,说道:“你唤我是为了什么?”

  Thethirdyearpassed,andthesoulcamedownfromthelandtothesea,callingfortheyoungfisherman.Sothefishermancameoutofthewaterandsaid,"whatdoyoucallmefor?"

  灵魂回答说:“走近一点,我好对你说话,因为我看见了奇妙的事情。”

  Thesoulreplied,"comeclosersothatIcanspeaktoyou,forIhaveseenwonderfulthings."

  因此渔夫走近了,并蹲在浅水中,用手托着自己的头,聆听着。

  Sothefishermanapproachedandsquattedintheshallowwater,holdinghisheadinhishandandlistening.

  灵魂开口说道:“在一座我知道的城市中,有一家小旅店就位于一条河边。我跟水手们坐在那儿,他们饮着两种不同颜色的葡萄酒,吃着大麦做的面包,还有放上醋用桂叶包着的小咸鱼。就在我们坐着逗乐的时候,走进来一个上了年纪的人,他的肩上披着一个皮制的毯子,还拿着一把嵌有两个琥珀角的琴。正在这时也就是在他把毯子铺在地板上,用弦拔弹响他那把琴弦的时候,一个面戴细纱罩的少女跑了进来,并在我们面前跳起舞来。虽然她戴了面纱,可是她的双脚却是光着的。她赤着双脚,在毯子上跳来跳去,真像跳舞的那个城市离这儿只有一天的路程。”

  Thesoulsaid,"inacityIknow,thereisasmallhotelbyariver.Isattherewiththesailors,whodranktwodifferentcolorsofwine,atebarleybread,andlittlesaltedfishwrappedincinnamonleaveswithvinegar.Whileweweresittingandamusing,anelderlymancameinwithaleatherblanketoverhisshoulderandapianowithtwoamberhorns.Justthen,justashewaslayinghisblanketonthefloorandpluckinghisharpwithastring,agirlinaveilcameinanddancedinfrontofus.Thoughshewasveiled,herfeetwerebare.Shesbarefootedandshesdancingontheblanket.Itslikethecitywhereshesdancingisonlyadayswalkfromhere."

  此刻,年轻的渔夫听到了灵魂的这番话后,他想起了小美人鱼因为没有脚,不能跟他跳舞的情形。于是他的心中升起了极大的欲望,他对自己说:“只不过就一天的路程,我还可以回到我爱人的身边。”他笑了,便从浅水中站起身来,大步朝岸上走去。

  Atthismoment,whentheyoungfishermanheardthewordsofthesoul,herememberedthatthelittlemermaidcouldnotdancewithhimbecauseshehadnofeet.Sohisheartroseagreatdesire,hesaidtohimself:"justonedaysjourney,Icanreturntomyloversside."Helaughed,gotupfromtheshallowwaterandstrodetowardtheshore.

  来到干干的岸上后他又一次笑了,并向灵魂伸出双臂。他的灵魂也无比欣喜地大叫一声就朝他奔了过来,进人到他的体内,这时年轻的渔夫便看见在他面前伸展的沙地上出现了他自己的影子,那就是他灵魂的身体。

  Whenhecametothedryshore,helaughedagainandextendedhisarmstohissoul.Hissoulcriedoutwithgreatjoyandrantowardshim.Thentheyoungfishermansawhisownshadowonthesandstretchinginfrontofhim,whichwasthebodyofhissoul.

  他的灵魂对他说:“我们不要耽误了,立即到那儿去吧,因为海神们会妒嫉的,而且还有好多怪物也听他们的。”

  Hissoulsaidtohim,"letsnotdelay.Letsgothereimmediately,becausetheseagodswillbejealous,andtherearemanymonsterswhowilllistentothem."

  于是他们匆匆上路了,整个夜晚他们都在月色下赶路,第二天白昼他们又顶着烈日前进,当天晚上他们来到了城市。

  Sotheywentontheirwayinahurry.Allnighttheywereontheirwayinthemoonlight.Thenextdaytheywentforwardagainstthefiercesun.Thatnighttheycametothecity.

  年轻的渔夫对他的灵魂说:“这就是你对我说过的那座她跳舞的城市吗?”

  Theyoungfishermansaidtohissoul,"isthisthecitywhereshedancesthatyoutoldmeabout?"

  他的灵魂回答说:“不是这座城市,是另外一座。不过我们可以进去看看。”

  Hissoulreplied,"itsnotthiscity,itsanotherone.Butwecangoinandhavealook."

  于是他们进了城,穿过一些街道,他们路经珠宝街的时候,年轻的渔夫看见在一个货摊上放着一只美丽的银杯子。他的灵魂对他说,“拿走那个银杯子,把它藏起来。”

  Sotheywentintothecityandcrossedsomestreets.Astheypassedthejewelrystreet,theyoungfishermansawabeautifulsilvercuponastall.Hissoulsaidtohim,"takethatsilvercupandhideit."

  他便拿起那只银杯子把它蒙在长袍的搁缝中,他们赶快出城走了。

  Hetookthesilvercupandcovereditintheseamofhisrobe.Theywentoutofthecityquickly.

  他们离开城走了三英里之后,年轻的渔夫皱起了眉头,并把银杯子给扔掉了,对他的灵魂说:“你为什么要叫我拿起杯子藏起来呢?因为这可是一件坏事呀。”

  Threemilesaftertheyleftthecity,theyoungfishermanfrowned,threwawaythesilvercupandsaidtohissoul,"whydoyouwantmetotakethecupandhideit?Becauseitsabadthing."

  然而他的灵魂回答他说:“不要生气,不要生气。”

  Buthissoulsaidtohim,"dontbeangry,dontbeangry."

  第二天晚上他们又来到一个城市,年轻的渔夫对他的灵魂说:“这就是你对我说过的她跳舞的那座城市吗?”

  Thenextnighttheycametoanothercity.Theyoungfishermansaidtohissoul,"isthisthecitywhereyoutoldmeshedanced?"

  他的灵魂回答他说:“这不是那座城市,而是另外一座。不过我们得进去。”

  Hissoulreplied,"thisisnotthatcity,butanotherone.Butwehavetogoin."

  他们便进了城,穿过了好几条街。他们走过草鞋街的时候,年轻的渔夫看见一个小孩正站在一个水缸边。他的灵魂对他说:“去打那个孩子。”于是他动手打小孩,把小孩都打哭了,过后他们又赶紧匆匆地离开了城市。

  Theywentintothecityandcrossedseveralstreets.Whentheypassedthestrawsandalstreet,theyoungfishermansawachildstandingbyawatertank.Hissoulsaidtohim,"goandbeatthatchild."Sohebegantobeatthechildrenandmadethemcry.Thentheyleftthecityinahurry.

  他们离开城市后走了三英里,年轻的渔夫突然生起气来,对他的灵魂说:“你为什么叫我打那个小孩,这可是一件坏事呀?”

  Threemilesaftertheyleftthecity,theyoungfishermansuddenlygotangryandsaidtohissoul,"whydoyouaskmetobeatthatchild?Itsabadthing."

  然而他的灵魂却回答说:“不要生气,不要生气。”

  Buthissoulreplied,"dontbeangry,dontbeangry."

  第三天晚上他们来到了另一座城市,年轻的渔夫对他的灵魂说:“这就是你对我说过的那座她跳舞的城市吗?”

  Thethirdnighttheycametoanothercity.Theyoungfishermansaidtohissoul,"isthisthecitywhereshedancesthatyoutoldmeabout?"

  他的灵魂回答他说:“也许就是这座城市吧,所以我们还是进去看看吧。”

  Hissoulsaidtohim,"maybeitsthecity,soletsgoinandhavealook."

  他们便进了城,穿过了好几条街,不过年轻的渔夫怎么也找不到那间位于河边的小旅店。城市里的人都好奇地望着他,他开始害怕起来,并对他的灵魂说:“我们还是走吧,因为用一双白脚跳舞的人不在这儿。”

  Theywentintothecityandcrossedseveralstreets,buttheyoungfishermancouldnotfindtheInnbytheriver.Peopleinthecitylookedathimcuriously.Hebegantobeafraidandsaidtohissoul,"letsgo,becausethemanwhodanceswithwhitefeetisnothere."

  可是他的灵魂却回答说:“不,我们还是留下来吧,因为夜里太黑,途中会遇上强盗的。”

  Buthissoulreplied,"no,wedbetterstay,becauseitstoodarkatnight.Wellmeetrobbersontheway."

  他便在市场上坐下来休息了,过了一会儿走过一个戴头巾的商人,他有一件鞑靼人的布织斗篷,在有节的芦苇杆头上还绑着一个牛角灯笼。商人对他说:“你为什么还坐在市场上呢,你没有看见货摊都关门了,东西都打好包了吗?”

  Hesatdowninthemarketandhadarest.Afterawhile,hepassedabusinessmanwithaturban.HehadaTatarsclothcloakandahornlanterntiedtotheheadofareedpole.Themerchantsaidtohim,"Whyareyoustillsittinginthemarket?Dontyouseethatthestallsareclosedandeverythingispacked?"

  年轻的渔夫回答他说:“我在这座城里找不到那个小旅店,我又没有亲戚留我在此过夜。”

  Theyoungfishermanreplied,"Icantfindthatinninthiscity,andIhavenorelativestostayhereforthenight."

  “我们不都是亲戚吗?”商人说,“不都是由一个上帝创造出来的吗?所以就跟我去吧,我有一间客房。”

  "Arentweallrelatives?"Themerchantsaid,"isntitallcreatedbyoneGod?Socomewithme.Ihaveaguestroom

  因此年轻的渔夫站起身来,跟着商人到他的家里去了。等他穿过一个石榴园走进屋中时,商人便用铜盘为他端来了玫瑰花水,让他洗干净手,还送来熟透的甜瓜让他解渴,以及一碗米饭和一块烤小羊肉让他充饥。

  Sotheyoungfishermangotupandfollowedthemerchanttohishouse.Whenhewalkedintothehousethroughapomegranategarden,themerchantbroughthimrosewaterfromacopperplatetowashhishands.Healsobroughtripemelonstoquenchhisthirst,andabowlofriceandapieceofroastlambtosatisfyhishunger.

  这一切进行完了以后,商人就领他来到了客房,并叮嘱他好好休息。年轻的渔夫谢过了他,并吻了商人手指上戴的戒指,随后就躺在了染了色的山羊毛毯上而。他用一床黑色的羊羔毛被子盖好身体以后,就呼呼地入睡了。

  Afterallthis,themerchanttookhimtotheguestroomandtoldhimtohaveagoodrest.Theyoungfishermanthankshim,kissestheringonthemerchantsfinger,andthenliesdownonthedyedgoatblanket.Afterhecoveredhimselfwithablacklambquilt,hefellasleep.

  离天亮还有三个小时,天依旧是黑乎乎的时候,他的灵魂便唤醒了他,并对他说:“快起来,到商人的房间里去,到他睡觉的房间里去,把他杀死,拿走他的金子,因为我们需要它。”

  Threehoursbeforedawn,whenitwasstilldark,hissoulwokehimupandsaidtohim,"getup,gotothemerchantsroom,gototheroomwherehesleeps,killhimandtakehisgold,becauseweneedit."

  年轻的渔夫起了床,朝商人的房间里爬去,在商人的脚边放着一把弯刀,在商人身边的那个盘子里装着九个黄金小包。渔夫伸出手去拿那把弯刀。就在他的手刚刚挨到刀时,商人一下子惊醒了,他跳起来自己抓住刀,朝着年轻的渔夫大声吼道:“难道你要以怨报德吗?你要用流淌的鲜血来回报我对你的善举吗?”

  Theyoungfishermangotoutofbedandcrawledintothemerchantsroom.Hehadamacheteatthemerchantsfeetandninegoldpacketsintheplatebesidehim.Thefishermanreachedoutforthemachete.Assoonashishandgottheknife,themerchantwokeup.Hejumpedup,grabbedtheknifeandyelledattheyoungFisherman:"doyouwanttorepayyourkindnesswithresentment?Doyouwanttorepaymykindnesstoyouwithyourflowingblood?"

  这时他的灵魂对年轻的渔夫说,“去打他。”于是他就把商人给打晕了过去,然后抓起九包金子,匆匆地穿过石榴园逃走了,朝着启明星的方向出发了。

  Thenhissoulsaidtotheyoungfisherman,"goandbeathim."Soheknockedthemerchantunconscious,grabbedninebagsofgold,ranawaythroughthepomegranategarden,andsetoutinthedirectionofthestar.

  他们离开城市三英里之后,年轻的渔夫捶打着自己的胸膛,对他的灵魂说:“你为什么要我杀了商人,还抢走他的黄金?你真是太坏了。”

  Threemilesaftertheyleftthecity,theyoungfishermanbeathischestandsaidtohissoul,"whydoyouwantmetokillthemerchantandtakehisgold?Youaresobad."

  然而他的灵魂却回答说:“不要生气,不要生气。”

  Buthissoulreplied,"dontbeangry,dontbeangry."

  “不,”年轻的渔夫大声喊道,“我平静不了,因为你要我做的一切事情都是我所恨的。你也让我恨,我要你告诉我为何要教我做这种事。”

  "No,"criedtheyoungfisherman,"Icantcalmdown,becauseeverythingyouaskmetodoiswhatIhate.Youmakemehateyou,too.Iwantyoutotellmewhyyoutaughtmetodothis."

  他的灵魂回答说:“过去你把我送到世界上去的时候,你并没有给我一颗心,所以我学会了去做这一切事情,而且也喜欢这样。”

  Hissoulreplied,"whenyousentmetotheworldinthepast,youdidntgivemeaheart,soIlearnedtodoallthesethings,andIlikeit."

  “你在说什么?”年轻的渔夫喃喃地说。

  "Whatareyoutalkingabout?"Murmuredtheyoungfisherman.

  “你是知道的,”他的灵魂回答说,“你知道得很清楚。你难道忘记了你没有送给我一颗心吗?我不相信。所以不要自寻烦恼,也不要为我担心,请放心吧,因为世上没有除去不掉的痛苦,也没有享受不到的快乐。”

  "Youknowit,"hissoulreplied."Youknowitverywell.Haveyouforgottenthatyoudidntgivemeaheart?Idontbelieveit.Sodontworryaboutyourself,anddontworryaboutme.Pleaserestassured,becausethereisnopainthatcantberemoved,andthereisnohappinessthatcantbeenjoyed."

  年轻的渔夫听到这些话后,他浑身发抖起来,对他的灵魂说:“不,你是很坏的,甚至使我忘记了我的爱人,并用多种诱惑来引诱我,还使我的双脚踏上了罪恶之路。”

  Whentheyoungfishermanheardthesewords,hetrembledalloverandsaidtohissoul,"no,youaresobadthatIforgetmylover.Youseducemewithmanytemptationsandsetmyfeetontheroadofsin."

  他的灵魂回答他说:“你过去把我送到世界上去的时候,你并没有给我一顾心啊,所以我学会了去做这一切事并喜欢做这些事。来吧,让我们到另一座城市去,去寻乐子吧,因为我们已有了九包黄金。”

  Hissoulsaidtohim,"whenyousentmetotheworld,youdidntcareforme,soIlearnedtodoallthesethingsandliketodothem.Comeon,letsgotoanothercityandhavefun,becausewealreadyhaveninebagsofgold."

  然而年轻的渔夫拿出九包黄金后就一下子扔在了地上,并用脚猛踩着。

  However,theyoungfishermantookoutninebagsofgoldandthrewthemonthegroundandsteppedonthemwithhisfeet.

  “不,”渔夫大声吼道,“我和你之间没有任何关系了,我也不会再跟你到什么地方去了,就跟我从前送走你那样,我现在也要那样赶你走了,因为你对我没有任何好处。”说完他转过身去背朝着月亮,用那把绿色蛇皮刀柄的小刀,准备把他自己身体的影子,也就是他的灵魂之躯从他双脚的四周切开。

  "No,"roaredthefisherman,"Ihavenothingtodowithyou,andIwillnevergoanywherewithyouagain,justlikeIusedtosendyouaway,andIwilldriveyouawaynow,becauseyouarenotgoodforme."Thenheturnedhisbacktothemoon,andwiththegreensnakeskinknife,hewasreadytocuttheshadowofhisownbody,thebodyofhissoul,fromaroundhisfeet.

  然而他的灵魂连动都不动一下,不想离开他,也不理睬他的命令,还对他说:“那个女巫教给你的魔法已经不再管用了,因为我不可能离开你,你也不可能把我赶走了。一个人一生中只能把他的灵魂送走一次,但是他一旦把自己的灵魂收了回来,就得永远地留住它了,这既是对他的惩罚,也是给他的回报。”

  However,hissouldidntevenmove.Hedidntwanttoleavehimandignoredhisorders.Hesaidtohim,"themagicthatthewitchtaughtyounolongerworks,becauseIcantleaveyouandyoucantdrivemeaway.Amancanonlysendhissoulawayonceinhislife,butoncehetakeshissoulback,hehastokeepitforever.Thisisnotonlyapunishmentforhim,butalsoarewardforhim."

  年轻的渔夫脸色开始发白,握紧自己的拳头,大声叫着:“她没有告诉我这一点,她骗了我啦。”

  Theyoungfishermanturnedpale,clenchedhisfistandcriedout,"shedidnttellmethat.Sheliedtome."

  “不,”他的灵魂回答说,“不过她对她自己崇拜的那个‘他’可动了真心的,她要做他永远的仆人。”

  "No,"hissoulreplied,"butshecanmovethe"he"sheworships.Sincerely,shewantstobehiseternalservant."

  年轻的渔夫此刻已明白他再也不能够赶走他的灵魂,况且是—个邪恶的灵魂,还要永远与他为伍,他一下子倒在地上伤心地哭了起来。

  Nowtheyoungfishermanknewthathecouldneverdriveawayhissoul.Besides,hewasanevilsoulandwouldalwaysbewithhim.Hefelltothegroundandcried.

  天明时分,年轻的渔夫站起身来,对他的灵魂说:“我要绑住我的双手,免得我会照你的吩咐去做,我还要闭紧嘴巴,免得我说出休想让我说的话,我要回到我所爱的人居住的地方去。我甚至要回到海里去,回到她过去经常唱歌的那个小海湾去,我要唤她上来,告诉她我做过的坏事以及你对我做过的坏事。”

  Atdaybreak,theyoungfishermanstoodupandsaidtohissoul,"IwillbindmyhandssothatIwillnotdoasyoutellme.IwillalsokeepmymouthshutsothatIwillnotsayanythingIcantsay.Iwillgobacktotheplacewheremybelovedlives.Illevengobacktothesea,tothelittlebaywheresheusedtosing,andIllcallherupandtellherthebadthingsIvedoneandthebadthingsyouvedonetome."

  他的灵魂诱惑着他,说:“谁是你的爱人?让你非回到她那儿去不可?世上有很多比她漂亮的美人。萨马里斯的舞女们可以学各种鸟兽的姿态跳舞。她们的脚用凤仙花染成了红色,她们手中握着好多小铜铃。她们一边跳一边笑,她们的笑容跟清溪一样明净。跟我走,我带你去见她们。你为那些罪恶的事操那份心是为了什么呢?难道那些美味可口的东西不是做来给人吃的吗?难道喝起来甘甜的东西里面放进了毒药吗?不要自寻烦恼了,跟我到另一个城市去吧。这儿附近就有一座小城市,里面有一个百合树的花园。在这个可爱的花园中住着一些白孔雀和有着蓝色胸脯的孔雀。当它们的尾巴向着太阳展开的时候,就像象牙的圆盘和镀金圆盘一样。给它们喂食的女人还为它们跳舞取乐,有时候她用手跳舞,有时候用脚跳。她的双眼染成了锑色,她的鼻孔长得像燕子的翅膀。在一个鼻孔中用小钩子挂着一朵用珍珠刻成的花儿。她一边跳舞一边英,脚踝上的一对银锈子像银铃似的响着。所以不要再自寻烦恼了,跟我到这座城市去吧。”

  Hissoulseducedhimandsaid,"whoisyourlover?Youhavetogobacktoher?Therearemanybeautiesintheworldwhoareprettierthanher.ThedancersinSamariscandanceinallkindsofanimalandbirdpostures.TheirfeetweredyedredwithImpatiens,andtheyheldmanysmallcopperbellsintheirhands.Theyaredancingandlaughing.TheirsmileisasclearasQingxi.Comewithme.Illtakeyoutomeetthem.Whatdoyouwanttoworryaboutthoseevilthings?Arentthosedeliciousthingsmadeforpeopletoeat?Istherepoisoninsomethingsweettodrink?Dontworryaboutit.Followmetoanothercity.Thereisasmallcitynearherewithalilygarden.Inthislovelygardenlivesomewhitepeacocksandpeacockswithbluebreast.Whentheirtailsspreadouttowardsthesun,theyarelikeIvorydisksandgildeddisks.Thewomanwhofeedsthemdancesforfun,sometimeswithherhandsandsometimeswithherfeet.Hereyesweredyedantimony,andhernostrilswerelikethewingsofaswallow.Inanostrilwithasmallhookhangingwithapearlcarvedflowers.Asshedanced,apairofsilverrustsonheranklesranglikesilverbells.Sostopworryingaboutyourselfandcomewithmetothiscity."

  可是年轻的渔夫却没有回答他的灵魂,而是用沉默的封条封闭住自己的嘴,还用绳子紧紧绑着自己的双手,起身回到了他出来的地方,甚至回到了他的爱人过去常常唱歌的那个小海湾。尽管他的灵魂,一路上不停地引诱他,可是他却从未答复,他也不愿去做他的灵魂要他去做的任何坏事,他内心的爱情的力量真是太大了。

  Buttheyoungfishermandidnotanswerhissoul.Instead,heclosedhismouthwithasilentsealandtiedhishandstightlywitharope.Hegotupandwentbacktotheplacewherehecameout,eventothesmallbaywherehisloverusedtosing.Althoughhissoulluredhimalltheway,heneveranswered,andhedidntwanttodoanythingbadthathissoulaskedhimtodo.Thepowerofhisinnerlovewassogreat.

  等他来到了大海的边上,他才把手上的绳子解开,将沉默的封条从嘴上撕去,他呼唤着小美人鱼。然而她并没有来会他,他呼唤了整整一天,恳求着她,结果却还是看不见她。

  Whenhecametotheedgeofthesea,heuntiedtheropeandtorethesilentsealfromhismouth.Hecalledforthelittlemermaid.However,shedidnotcometomeethim,hecalledforawholeday,imploringher,butstillcannotseeher.

  他的灵魂嘲笑着他,说:“你一定是没有从你的爱人那儿得到多少欢乐。你就像是大旱天里往漏船上倒水的人。你把你的一切都给予了出去,却没有得到丝毫的回报。你最好还是跟着我,因为我知道欢乐谷在什么地方,还有那儿有什么东西。”

  Hissoullaughedathimandsaid,"youmustnotgetmuchjoyfromyourlover.Yourelikeamanpouringwaterintoaleakyboatinadrought.Yougiveeverythingyouhave,butyougetnothinginreturn.Youdbetterfollowme,becauseIknowwherehappyvalleyisandwhatsthere.

  不过年轻的渔夫并没有回答他的灵魂,他在岩石的裂缝中用树条为自己编造了一个房子,在那儿住了一年。每天清晨他都呼唤着美人鱼,每天中午他又呼唤她的名字,到了晚上他仍唤着她来。然而她再也没有从海中出来会他,他也不能够在大海的任何地方找到她,虽然他已在洞穴中,在碧水下,在海潮的漩涡里,或者在海底深处的井中,到处都去寻找过,但始终不见她的身影。

  Buttheyoungfishermandidntanswerhissoul.Hemadeupahouseforhimselfinacrackintherock,andlivedthereforayear.Everymorninghecalledthemermaid,everynoonhecalledhername,andatnighthestillcalledher.However,shenevercameoutoftheseatomeethim,andhecouldnotfindheranywhereinthesea.Althoughhehadsearchedeverywhereinthecave,underthebluewater,inthewhirlpooloftheseatide,orinthewelldeepunderthesea,heneversawher.

  尽管他的灵魂不停地甩邪恶来引诱他,还对他悄悄地说着些可怕的事情,但是这些都没有能够阻止他,他的爱情的力量真是太大了。

  Althoughhissoulkeptcastingeviltolurehim,andwhisperedsometerriblethingstohim,noneofthesecouldstophim.Thepowerofhislovewassogreat.

  一年的时间过去了,灵魂在他的体内暗想:“我已经用邪恶引诱了我的主人,可是他的爱比我强大。现在我要用善来引诱他,他也许会跟着我走的。”

  Ayearlater,thesoulthoughtinhisbody,"Ihaveseducedmymasterwithevil,buthisloveisstrongerthanmine.NowIwilltempthimwithkindness,andhemayfollowme

  于是他对年轻的渔夫说道:“我给你讲过世界上的欢乐的事情,而你却不听我的。现在我只好告诉你世间的痛苦了,这也许是你想听的。说真的,痛苦是这个世界的主人,没有一个人可以从它的网中逃出去。有些人缺少的是衣服,另一些人缺少的是面包。有穿着紫袍坐着的寡妇,也有穿着破衣的寡妇。在沼泽地上走来走去的是麻疯病人,他们相互之间都非常残酷,乞丐们在公路上来来往往,他们的袋中空空如也。在各个城市的街道上行走着的是饥荒,不要发生。你看你的爱人不原来回应你的呼唤,那么你为什么还要停留在这儿唤你的爱人呢?爱到底是什么,你竟要为此付出如此高的代价?

  Sohesaidtotheyoungfisherman,"Ivetoldyouaboutthejoysoftheworld,butyoudontlistentome.NowIhavetotellyouthepainintheworld.Maybethatswhatyouwanttohear.Really,painisthemasteroftheworld,noonecanescapefromitsnet.Somepeopleareshortofclothes,othersareshortofbread.Therewerewidowssittinginpurplerobes,andtherewerewidowsinrags.Walkingupanddowntheswamparelepers.Theyareverycrueltoeachother.Beggarscomeandgoontheroad,andtheirbagsareempty.Onthestreetsofeverycityisfamine.Dontletithappen.Yousee,yourloverdidntrespondtoyourcall,sowhydoyoustayheretocallyourlover?Whatonearthislove,youhavetopaysuchahighpriceforit?

  然而年轻的渔夫并不回答,他的爱的力量太大了。每天清晨他都要呼唤美人鱼,每天中午又要去呼唤她,夜里还要唤着她的名字。可是她从没有从海里出来会他,他也没有能够在海洋的任何地方找到她,尽管他去海中的河流上去寻过她,在波浪下的谷里觅过她,甚至在被黑夜染成紫色的海洋上,以及被黎明抹成灰色的海洋中,都不能找到她的影子。

  However,theyoungfishermandidnotanswer.Hislovewastoopowerful.Everymorninghewouldcallthemermaid,everynoonhewouldcallher,andatnighthewouldcallhername.Butshenevercameoutoftheseatomeethim,andhewasnotabletofindheranywhereinthesea,eventhoughhewenttotheriversintheseatofindher,inthevalleyunderthewavestofindher,evenintheoceandyedpurplebynight,andintheoceanpaintedgraybydawn,hecouldnotfindhershadow.

  第二年又过去了,一天晚上正当年轻的渔夫孤单单地坐在树条造的房子中时,灵魂便对他说:“喂!现在我是用恶来引诱你,我也用善来引诱了你,而你的爱比我更强大。因此,我不会再引诱你了,不过我恳求你让我进入到你的心中,这样我就会跟从前一样与你呆在一起了。”

  Thenextyearpassed,andonenight,astheyoungfishermanwassittingaloneinthehousemadeoftreestrips,hissoulsaidtohim,"Hello!NowItemptyouwithevil,andItemptyouwithgood,andyourloveisstrongerthanmine.Therefore,Iwillnottemptyouanymore,butIbegyoutoletmeintoyourheart,sothatIwillstaywithyouasbefore."

  “你当然可以进来,”年轻的渔夫说,“因为在你没有心而去世界上流浪的那些日子里,你一定吃了不少苦头。”

  "Ofcourseyoucancomein,"saidtheyoungfisherman,"becauseyoumusthavesufferedalotinthosedayswhenyouhadnohearttowanderaroundtheworld."

  “哎呀!”他的灵魂叫了起来,“我找不到什么地方可以进去呀,你的这颗心被爱缠得太紧了。”

  "Ohdear!"Hissoulcriedout,"Icantfindaplacetogoin.Yourheartistootightwithlove."

  “可我倒希望我能够帮助你,”年轻的渔夫说。

  "ButIwishIcouldhelpyou,"saidtheyoungfisherman.

  就在说这句话的时候,从海洋中传来了好大一声哀叫,它跟美人鱼家族中的谁死的时候人们听到的那种声音一模一样。年轻的渔夫一下子跳了起来,离开了他的树条屋,朝海滩跑去。黑色的波浪急匆匆地朝岸边扑打过来,波浪载着一个比银子更白的东西。它跟浪头一样的白,飘在波涛上面活像是一朵鲜花。浪头把它从波涛中抢走,泡沫又把它从浪头手中夺去,最后是海岸接受了它,于是在年轻渔夫的脚下,他看见了小美人鱼的身体。她躺在他的脚下死去了。

  Justaslikeastwopeas,thevoiceoftheseacamefromthesea,whichwasexactlythesameasthevoiceheardbythemermaidfamily.Theyoungfishermanjumpedup,lefthistreehouseandrantothebeach.Theblackwavescamerushingtowardstheshore,carryingsomethingwhiterthansilver.Itisaswhiteasthewaves,floatingonthewaveslikeaflower.Thewavesnatcheditfromthewaves,andthefoamtookitawayfromthewave.Finally,thecoastacceptedit,soatthefootoftheyoungfisherman,hesawthebodyofthelittlemermaid.Shelaydeadathisfeet.

  这位痛苦的泪人儿一下子扑倒在了她的身边,他吻着她那冰冷的红嘴唇,抚弄着她头发上打湿了的琥珀。他扑倒在沙滩上,躺在她的身边,哭得像一个因兴奋而颤抖的人,他用自己褐色的双臂把她紧紧地拥在胸中。她的嘴唇是冰冷的,但他依旧吻着它。她头发上的蜜色是咸的,可他仍然带着痛苦的快乐去品尝它。他吻着她那双紧闭的眼皮,她眼角上挂着的浪花还没有他的眼泪咸。

  Thepainfultearfulmanfelldownbesideher,kissinghercoldredlipsandstrokingthewetamberinherhair.Hefelldownonthebeachandlaybesideher,cryinglikeapersonshakingwithexcitement.Heheldhertightlytohischestwithhisbrownarms.Herlipswerecold,buthestillkissedit.Thehoneycolorinherhairwassalty,buthestilltasteditwithpainfulpleasure.Hekissesherclosedeyelids,andthesprayonhereyesisnotassaltyashistears.

  他对着死尸忏悔起来。他把自己要倾述的苦难经历都贯进了她的耳朵里了。他把她的两只小手挽在自己的脖子上,并用他的手指头去抚摸她那细细的咽喉管。他此时的快乐变得越来越痛苦了,而痛苦中又充满了奇妙的快感。

  Heconfessedtothedeadbody.Heputallthesufferingshewantedtotellintoherears.Heputhertwolittlehandsaroundhisneckandstrokedherthinthroatwithhisfingers.Hishappinessbecamemoreandmorepainful,andthepainwasfullofwonderfulpleasure.

  黑色的海水愈来愈近了,白色的泡沫像麻疯病人一样地哀叫着。海洋用它那白色的泡沫来抢夺海岸。从海王的官廷中又传来了哀苦的叫声,在遥远的大海上半人半鱼的海神们用号角吹出他们那嘶哑的声音。

  Theblackwaterwasgettingnearerandnearer,andthewhitefoamwaswhininglikealeper.Theseausesitswhitefoamtorobthecoast.Fromtheofficialhalloftheseakingcamethecryofsorrow.Inthedistantsea,theseagodsofhalfmanandhalffishblewouttheirhoarsevoicewiththeirhorns.

  “快逃走吧,”他的灵魂说,“因为海水越来越近了,如果你还呆着不走的话,它会杀死你的。快逃走吧,因为我好害怕,我知道你的心对我关闭着的,原因是你的爱太大了。快逃到一个安全的地方去吧。你一定不会不送给我一颗心,就把我送到另一个世界上去吧。”

  "Runaway,"saidhissoul,"becausetheseaisgettingcloserandcloser,andifyoustay,itwillkillyou.Runaway,becauseImsoafraid,Iknowyourheartisclosedtome,becauseyourloveistoobig.Runtoasafeplace.Youwillnotsendmetoanotherworldwithoutgivingmeaheart."

  然而年轻的渔夫并没有听他灵魂的话,却只是不停地呼唤着小美人鱼,并说道:“爱情比智慧更好,比财富更宝贵,比人类女儿的脚更漂亮。烈火烧毁不了它,海水淹没不了它。我在黎明时唤过你,可你没有回答我。月亮听见了你的名字,可你还是不理睬我。因为我离开你是千错万错,我这一走反而害了我自己。但是你的爱始终伴着我,它永远都是强大的,没有什么可以阻止得了它,不论我面对的是恶也好,是善也罢。现在你已经死了,因此我一定要跟你一起***。”

  However,theyoungfishermandidnotlistentohissoul,butkeptcallingforthelittlemermaidandsaid,"loveisbetterthanwisdom,morepreciousthanwealth,andmorebeautifulthanthefeetofhumandaughters.Firecantburnit,seacantsubmergeit.Icalledyouatdawn,butyoudidntanswerme.Themoonheardyourname,butyoustillignoredme.BecauseIleaveyouisathousandmistakes,Ileftinsteadofmyownharm.Butyourloveisalwayswithme,itisalwaysstrong,nothingcanstopit,nomatterwhatIfaceisevilorgood.Nowthatyouaredead,Imustdiewithyou."

  他的灵魂又恳求他离开,但是他不肯,他的爱太深了。海水越来越近了,它要它的波涛把他盖住,此刻他知道死期已近,他便疯狂地吻着美人鱼冰冷的嘴唇,他的那颗心呀都碎了。就在他的心充满了太多的爱而破碎的时候,灵魂找到一个入口就进去了,就跟从前那样与他合为一体了。海水终于用它的波涛淹没了这位年轻的渔夫。

  Hissoulpleadedwithhimtoleave,butherefused,andhislovewastoodeep.Theseawasgettingcloserandcloser,anditaskeditswavestocoverhim.Nowheknewthatthedeathwasapproaching,andhekissedthemermaidscoldlipsmadly,andhisheartwasbroken.Justashisheartwasfullofloveandbroken,thesoulfoundanentranceandentered,anditwasintegratedwithhimasbefore.Theseafinallydrownedtheyoungfishermanwithitswaves.

  早晨,神父去给大海祝福,因为海水闹腾得太厉害了。与神父一起去的有僧侣和乐手,以及手持蜡烛的人,摇着香炉的人,还有好大一群人。

  Inthemorning,thepriestwenttoblessthesea,becausetheseawassonoisy.Withthepriestthereweremonksandmusicians,andpeopleholdingcandles,peopleshakingincenseovens,andalargegroupofpeople.

  等神父来到海滩上时,他一下就看见年轻的渔夫躺在浪头上淹死了,在他的胳膊中还紧紧地抱着小美人鱼的尸体。神父皱紧眉头往后退去,在胸前划了个十字符号后,他便大声喊着说:“我不会祝福大海和海里的任何东西了。美人鱼家族是该受到诅咒的,也该诅咒那些与他们来往的人。至于他呢,他为了爱情而抛弃了上帝,所以躺在这个被上帝裁判而给杀死的情妇的身边,抬走他的尸体和他情妇的尸体,把他们埋在漂洗场地的角落里,上面不放任何标志,也不要做任何记号,这样就不会有人知道他们安息在什么地方。因为他们生前是该诅咒的,他们死后也是该诅咒的。”

  Whenthepriestcametothebeach,hesawtheyoungfishermanlyingonthewavedrowning,holdingthebodyofthemermaidinhisarm.Thepriestfrownedback,andafterdrawingacrosssignonhischest,heshouted,"Iwillnotblesstheseaandanythinginthesea.".Themermaidfamilyshouldbecursed,anditshouldcursethosewhoarewiththem.Asforhim,heabandonedGodforlove,sohelaybesidethemistresswhowaskilledbytheGodsjudge,carriedawayhisbodyandhismistressbody,buriedtheminthecorneroftherindground,withoutanysignormark,sothatnoonewouldknowwheretheyrest.Fortheywerecursedbeforetheywereborn,andtheyshouldcurseaftertheirdeath."

  人们按照他的吩咐去做了,在漂洗场地的角落里,那儿没有长一棵香草,他们就在地上挖了个深坑,把死尸放了进去。

  Theydidashetoldthemto.Inthecorneroftherindground,therewasnoherbgrowingthere,andtheydugadeepholeinthegroundandputthedeadbodyin.

  第三年又过去了,在一个神圣的日子里,神父来到了礼拜堂上,他要把上帝的伤痕显示给人们看,他还要给他们讲上帝的仇恨。

  Thethirdyearpassedagain.Onasacredday,thepriestcametothechapel,andhewantedtoshowthewoundsofGodtopeople,andhealsotoldthemaboutGodshatred.

  等他给自己穿好了法衣后,他就进了礼拜堂,在祭坛上行礼,这时他看见祭坛上放满了他以前从未见过的奇异的鲜花。这些花看上去很奇怪,却又是异样的美丽,花儿的美使他难受,它们的气味在他的鼻孔中闻着很香。他觉得开心起来,却不知道为什么开心起来。

  Whenhehaddressedhimselfinhisrobes,hewentintothechapelandsalutedit,whenhesawthealtarfullofstrangeflowershehadneverseenbefore.Theflowerslookedstrange,buttheywerealsodifferentbeauty.Thebeautyoftheflowersmadehimuncomfortable.Theirsmellwasveryfragrantinhisnostrils.Hefelthappy,buthedidntknowwhy.

  随后他打开了圣龛,在里面的圣饼台上烧了香,把美丽的圣饼拿给人们看,然后又把它藏在帐幔后面,他开始对人们说话,还想向人们讲述上帝的愤怒。但是那些白花的美使他心烦意乱,花儿的气味在鼻子里闻起来好香,而另外一句话走进了他的嘴唇,他讲述的不是上帝的愤怒,却是那个叫做“爱”的上帝。他为什么要这么说,他自己也不知道。

  Thenheopenedtheshrine,burnedincenseonthetable,showedthebeautifulonetopeople,andthenhiditbehindthetentcurtain.HebegantotalktopeopleandwantedtotellpeopleaboutGodsanger.Butthebeautyofthewhiteflowersupsethim,thesmelloftheflowerssmelledinhisnose,andanotherwordcameintohislips.HetoldnottheangerofGod,buttheGodcalledlove.Whyhesaidthat,hedidntknowhimself.

  神父说完的时候,人们就哭了,神父回到了寺院中放圣器的地方,眼里充满了泪水。执事们走了进来,为他脱去法衣,给他脱下白麻布法服,以及腰带、饰带和丝带。他站在那儿就跟在梦境中似的。

  Whenthepriestfinishedspeaking,peoplecried.Thepriestreturnedtotheplacewherethesacredwareswereplacedinthetemple,andhiseyeswerefulloftears.Thedeaconscamein,tookoffthegarmentsforhim,andtookoffthelinengarments,andthebelts,theribbonsandtheribbons.Hestoodthereasifhewereinadream.

  等他们为他解衣宽带之后,他看着他们,开口说道:“坛上放的是什么花?它们是从哪儿来的?”

  Aftertheyundressedthebroadbandforhim,helookedatthemandsaid,"whatflowersareonthealtar?Wheredidtheycomefrom?"

  他们回答他说:“我们说不出它们是些什么花,可它们来自于漂洗场地的那个角落。”神父浑身发抖,并回到自己的住处,开始祷告起来。

  Theyreplied,"wecanttellwhatflowerstheyare,buttheycomefromthecorneroftherinsedground."Thepriesttrembledandreturnedtohishomeandbegantopray.

  早上,天刚刚发亮的时候,他同僧侣、乐师们以及手持蜡烛的人,摇香炉的人,以及一大群人们来到大海边,向大海祝福,也向海中一切野生的东西祝福。他还祝福了牧神,以及在森林中跳舞的小东西们,还有那些从树叶中朝外偷窥的亮眼睛的东西们。他对上帝创造的世间一切东西都祝了福,人们充满了快乐和惊奇。不过从此以后漂洗场地的角落里再也没有长出任何种类的鲜花了,那儿变得跟从前一样荒凉了。美人鱼家族再也不像往常那样游进这个海湾里来了,因为他们到大海的其它地方去了。

  Inthemorning,justbeforedawn,hecametotheseawithmonks,musiciansandcandleholders,incenseshakersandalargegroupofpeopletothesea,andtoallthewildthingsinthesea.Healsoblessedthegods,thelittlethingsdancingintheforest,andthebrighteyesthatpeepedoutoftheleaves.HeblessedallthethingsGodcreatedintheworld,andpeoplewerefullofjoyandwonder.Butnoflowersofanykindhavebeengrowninthecornersoftherindingsitesincethen,whichhasbecomeasdesolateasever.ThemermaidfamilyneverswamintotheBayasusual,becausetheywenttotherestofthesea.

  王尔德童话内容简介

  王尔德是19世纪英国最伟大的艺术家之一,以其剧作、诗歌、童话和小说名世。在风流才子那颓废唯美、狷狂放浪的表面姿态下,是一颗纯美纯善,永难泯灭的童心。而这可贵童心一经与卓绝才智结合,便诞生了《王尔德童话》。它不仅为作者奠定了文学声名的基石,更成为世界文学宝库中的传世佳作。其语言纯正优美堪称典范,其意境高洁悠远益人心智,值得向每一个童稚未凿的孩子、每一位葆有赤子之心的成人郑重推荐。本书收录了王尔德《快乐王子》等全部九篇童话。

  作者简介

  奥斯卡·王尔德(OscarWilde,1854年-1900年),英国作家、戏剧家、诗人。他生于都柏林,毕业于牛津大学。虽然他主要以成人作家而著称,但他的早期作品中有两本童话集:《快乐王子故事集》和《石榴之家》已载入英国儿童文学史册。

  在王尔德的墓碑上,他被誉为“才子和戏剧家”。的确,他是当之无愧的戏剧家。在他事业的顶峰,最具代表的是他的几部大戏,如《温德摩尔夫人的扇子》、《理想的丈夫》等,都是一时绝唱。说到“才子”,早在王尔德为世人所知之前,年仅二十四岁,他的诗作就荣获大奖;在他短短的创作生涯中(享年四十六岁),行文演论,无处不是智趣横生。然而他事业的起飞,风格的形成,可以说都源于童话,也正是他的第一部童话集问世之后,人们才真正将他视为有影响的作家。英国《典雅》杂志将他和安徒生相提并论,说他的《自私的巨人》堪称“完美之作”,整本童话集更是纯正英语的结晶。他的“为艺术而艺术”的美学观点影响颇广。

王尔德童话简介

  王尔德在童话中所用的语言词藻对情爱的修饰近乎一种浮华的美,这种美也吸引着我们去阅读他的童话作品。

  王尔德童话图书简介

  王尔德是19世纪英国最伟大的艺术家之一,以其剧作、诗歌、童话和小说名世。在风流才子那颓废唯美、狷狂放浪的表面姿态下,是一颗纯美纯善,永难泯灭的童心。而这可贵童心一经与卓绝才智结合,便诞生了《王尔德童话》。它不仅为作者奠定了文学声名的基石,更成为世界文学宝库中的传世佳作。其语言纯正优美堪称典范,其意境高洁悠远益人心智,值得向每一个童稚未凿的孩子、每一位葆有赤子之心的成人郑重推荐。本书收录了王尔德《快乐王子》等全部九篇童话。

  王尔德和他的童话

  在他安息处的墓碑上,王尔德被誉为“才子和戏剧家”。的确,他是当之无愧的戏剧家。在他事业的顶峰,最具代表的是他的几部大戏,如《温德摩尔夫人的`扇子》、《理想的丈夫》等,都是一时绝唱。说到“才子”,早在王尔德为世人所知之前,年仅二十四岁,他的诗作就荣获大奖;在他短短的创作生涯中(享年四十六岁),行文演论,无处不是智趣横生。然而他事业的起飞,风格的形成,可以说都源于童话,也正是他的第一部童话集问世之后,人们才真正将他视为有影响的作家。英国《典雅》杂志将他和安徒生相提并论,说他的,《自私的巨人》堪称“完美之作”,整本童话集更是纯正英语的结晶。

  1888年5月,他的第一部童话集《快乐王子及其它》(包括《快乐王子》、《夜莺和玫瑰》、《自私的巨人》、《忠诚的朋友》和《神奇的火箭》)出版了。这本书立刻轰动一时,书的作者也成了人们注目的中心。1891年12月,他的另一部童话集问世——《石榴之屋》,收有四部童话:《少年国王》、《小公主的生日》、《渔夫和他的灵魂》和《星孩》。这部书并未像王尔德的第一本童话那样立即受列欢迎,而是渐渐地,特别是在王尔德死后,才成为家喻户晓的故事集。

  1885年和1886年,王尔德的两个儿子先后出生,当了父亲的王尔德在和儿子们耳鬓厮磨之中一定获得了许多灵感。他的儿子后来回忆说:“(父亲)有时会跃在育婴室的地上,轮番装成狮子、狼、马,平时的斯文形象一扫而空……玩累了时,他会让我们静静听他讲童话故事,讲冒险传说,他肚子里有讲不完的故事……”童心是童话的源泉,所以童话和儿童有不解之缘;而童话引申出的意义,却可以和保有童心、乐于幻想的成年人共鸣。王尔德很追求语言的表达效果,他的童话,讲述性的特点很强。看他的童话,犹如听着琅琅上口的叙述,韵律无穷。几乎所有和王尔德熟识的人在回忆他时,都会提到王尔德无以伦比的口才。看他的童话,每每让人觉得,这位生活在19世纪维多利亚时代的伟大作家,依然在和我们娓娓交谈,而我们被他的谈吐折服了、迷惑了,像所有听过他讲话的人一样。

  机趣和戏剧性,几乎孪生于他所有的童话中,也是他童话最吸引人的地方。王尔德善于用华丽的笔法和生动的比喻造成机趣的描写风格,而他每一篇童话所贯穿的善良与美丽形象所经历的变迁——心的破裂与死亡,以及其中的对抗和冲突所产生的戏剧性的效果——紧紧扣住读者的心弦。王尔德将人性的至美归于至爱,像《快乐王子》中的王子和燕子;《夜莺与玫瑰》中的夜莺。几乎每一个童话都有一个因为至爱而变得至美的形象,体现了王尔德追求理想艺术的初衷,无愧为这位“为艺术而艺术”之始祖的佳作。一次,王尔德给儿子讲《自私的巨人》,竟然情不自禁哭了起来。儿子问他为什么哭了,王尔德说,真正美丽的事物总会使他流下眼泪。

  两部童话集在许多方面有区别,体现了作者风格的转变。第二部童话文体更趋华丽,《圣经》体的代名词出现得更为经常。王尔德强调他的作品是以理想的而不是复写的方式来描写现实,也是对摹拟生活的当代艺术的反弹。不过有时这种“反弹”稍嫌太过,使得故事节奏变慢,失去了应有的明快生动。

  有谁会想到,这位19世纪最伟大的英国文学家,在临死的时候竟会一文不名,连房租都得由朋友代付?王尔德的一生经历了大起大伏,时而如日中天,时而一落千丈。这位不齿于摹拟生活,追求理想艺术的文学家,却发现自己的童话《快乐王子》惊人地预写了自己的一生。无数后来的学者试图评价王尔德的功过,我想引其中的一评作为归结:“他属于我们这个时代更多于属于维多利亚那个时代。现在,远离了那些丑闻,岁月肯定了他最优秀的著述,他安静地来到我们面前,杰出而高大,讲着寓言和哲理,欢笑而又哭泣,如此娓娓不绝,如此风趣不俗,如此确凿不移。”(理查得·伊曼)