如果你是一位朋友,曾經(jīng)做過錯事,不論在思想、言語還是行為上,那么你的精神境界一般而言會有局限性;
if thou hast given one unmerited pang to that true heart, which now lies cold and still beneath thy feet;
假若你的心臟確實產(chǎn)生了不適的劇痛,你就應該在溫度較低的地方平躺下來;
then be sure that every unkind look, every ungracious word, every ungentle action, will come thronging back upon thy memory, and knocking dolefully at thy soul;
然后可以肯定的是每一種近乎殘酷的神情,每一句勉強的話語和每一個缺乏教養(yǎng)的行為,都會從記憶深處復活,令人沮喪地敲打和拷問著你的靈魂;
then be sure that thou wilt lie down sorrowing and repentant on the grave, and utter the unheard groan, and pour the unavailing tear;
此后在鬼門關前你肯定要忍受悲哀和悔恨的折磨,發(fā)出無人能聽到的嘆息,涌出徒勞的眼淚;
more deep, more bitter, because unheard and unavailing.
之所以更深沉和辛酸,是因為無人能聽到和徒勞無益。
Then weave thy chaplet of flowers, and strew the beauties of nature about the grave;
接下來,人們?yōu)槟憔幓ㄈ?,為墳墓點綴大自然的美;
console thy broken spirit, if thou canst, with these tender, yet futile, tributes of regret;
用這些溫馨然而無甚意義的東西安慰你那顆破碎的心,聊表惋惜;
but take warning by the bitterness of this, thy contrite affliction over the dead, and henceforth be more faithful and affectionate in the discharge of thy duties to the living.
但是,通過悲痛借以告誡,你對撒手人寰已經(jīng)悔悟,從此以后將更忠實和充滿深情地履行你對活人的責任。