美國語文第六冊 第77期:三個警告(1)
人們發(fā)現(xiàn)根最深的那棵樹
Least willing still to quit the ground;
最不情愿的就是離開那塊土地;
T was therefore said by ancient sages,
這是古代智者說的話，
That love of life increased with years
對生活的愛與日俱增
So much, that in our latter stages,
以至于在我們今后的人生舞臺上，
When pains grow sharp, and sickness rages,
當痛苦加深，疾病肆虐時，
The greatest love of life appears.
愈發(fā)顯出對生活的摯愛。
This great affection to believe,
我們相信存在這種大愛，
Which all confess, but few perceive,
所有人都承認，但很少有人認識到，
If old assertions can't prevail,
如果舊有的斷言無法將人說服，
Be pleased to hear a modern tale.
那就欣然聆聽一個同時代的故事吧。
When sports went round, and all were gay,
體育場坐滿了人，所有人都那么快樂，
On neighbor Dodson's wedding day,
在鄰居多德森大婚那天，
Death called aside the jocund groom
死神悄然闖入歡樂的新房
With him into another room;
將他叫到另一個房間;
And looking grave, "You must," says he,
“你必須，”他目光悲戚地說，
"Quit your sweet bride, and come with me."
“離開你可愛的新娘，隨我而去。”
"With you! and quit my Susan's side?
“跟你走!撇下我的蘇珊?”
With you!" the hapless bridegroom cried:
“跟你走!”無助的新郎喊道：
"Young as I am, 't is monstrous hard!
“同我一樣年輕，這是魔鬼的鐵石心腸!
Besides, in truth, I'm not prepared."
而且，說實話，我沒有任何準備。”
What more he urged, I have not heard;
他又說了些什么，我沒聽到;
His reasons could not well be stronger:
他的理由不那么有說服力;
So Death the poor delinquent spared,
于是死神饒恕了這個可憐的有過失的人，
And left to live a little longer.
讓他再茍延殘喘幾時。
