圣誕歡歌 3.三幽靈中的第二位
3 The second of the three spirits
3.三幽靈中的第二位
When Scrooge woke up，he realized immediately that the church clock was just going to strike one.He felt sure that the second spirit would Soon visit him.This time he wanted to be ready，so he pulled back all the curtains round his bed himself，and lay there，waiting.At one o'clock，instead of a spirit，a strong light shone down on Scrooge's bed.He felt very frightened.After a few minutes he thought that perhaps the light was coming from the next room，so he got up and went to the door.When he touched it，a strange voice called his name，and asked him to enter.He obeyed.
當(dāng)斯克羅吉醒來的時(shí)候，他立刻發(fā)現(xiàn)教堂的鐘就要敲響1點(diǎn)鐘了。他肯定第二個(gè)幽靈不久就要來看望他了。這次他想做好準(zhǔn)備，所以他自己把他床周圍的簾子都拉開了，躺在那兒等著。1點(diǎn)鐘時(shí)，幽靈沒有來，但一束強(qiáng)光從上面照在了斯克羅吉的床上。他害怕極了。幾分鐘之后，他以為光是從隔壁的房間照過來的，所以他起身下床來到了門口。當(dāng)他的手摸到門時(shí)，一個(gè)奇怪的聲音叫他的名字并讓他進(jìn)去，他聽從了。
Although he recognized it as his own room，it looked very different now.The walls were covered with bright green leaves，and there was a good fire burning in the fireplace.On the floor were big plies of the best Christmas food—wonderful rich dark cakes，warm soft bread，colourful apples and oranges，plates of yellow butter，cooked chickens，boxes of chocolates and sugared sweets.Sitting beside all this was a large，smiling spirit，who called out cheerfully to Scrooge， ‘Come in!Chme in，man!I am the ghost of Christmas Present!Look at me!’
盡管他認(rèn)出這是他自己的房間，但它現(xiàn)在看上去已完全不同。墻壁被鮮亮的綠葉所覆蓋，壁爐里燃燒著熊熊的火焰。地板上擺著大堆的上好的圣誕食品——味道濃郁的巧克力蛋糕、熱乎乎松軟的面包、五顏六色的蘋果和桔子、一盤盤的黃油、燉好的雞、一盒盒的巧克力和糖果。坐在這些東西旁邊的是一個(gè)身材高大、面帶笑容的幽靈，它高興地對(duì)斯克羅吉高聲喊，“請(qǐng)進(jìn)!請(qǐng)進(jìn)，伙計(jì)!我是今日圣誕鬼魂!看著我!”
Since the first ghost's visit，Scrooge was no longer very sure of himself.So although the spirit's eyes were clear and kind，Scrooge was afraid to look straight into its face.But he could see that its body was dressed in a long green robe，its long brown hair fell freely down its back，and its face wore a warm and friendly smile.Light shone from the torch which it was holding in its strong right hand.
自從第一個(gè)鬼魂的來訪，斯克羅吉對(duì)自己就沒了把握。所以盡管幽靈的眼睛明亮且充滿善意，但斯克羅吉還是不敢正視它的臉，但他能看見幽靈身穿一件綠色長袍，它長長的棕色頭發(fā)隨意地散落在背上，它面帶熱情友好的笑容。光是從他強(qiáng)有力的右手握著的火把里發(fā)出的。
‘Spirit，’said Scrooge quietly，‘take me where you want.Last night I learned a lesson which is working now.If you have anything to teach me tonight，let me learn from you.’
“幽靈，”斯克羅吉輕柔地說，“你想帶我去哪兒就去哪兒。昨天晚上我接受了教訓(xùn)，而且這教訓(xùn)現(xiàn)在正在生效。如果今晚你也有什么讓我借鑒的話，請(qǐng)讓我向你領(lǐng)教。”
‘Touch my robe!’said the spirit，and Scrooge obeyed.
“拽著我的長袍!”幽靈說，斯克羅吉從命了。
The food，the room，the fire all disappeared，and they were standing outside in the cold，snowy streets on Christmas morning.Althought the sky was grey and the streets were dirty，the people looked surprisingly cheerful，as they hurried to the bakers'shops with their Christmas dinners，all ready for cooking.The spirit seemed specially interested in poor people.He stood with Scrooge in a baker's doorway and held his torch over the dinners as they were carried past him.Sometimes，when he saw people pushing each other or getting angry，he lifted his torch over their heads，and immediately they became kinder，or stopped arguing，‘because it's Christmas，’they told each other.
食品、房間、爐火都消失了。是圣誕早晨，他們正站在冰天雪地的戶外。雖然天空灰蒙蒙的，街上也很臟，但當(dāng)人們拿著他們的圣誕晚餐匆匆趕往面包房準(zhǔn)備烤制的時(shí)候，他們看上去都出奇的歡喜。幽靈似乎對(duì)窮人特別感興趣。它和斯克羅吉一同站在面包房的門口，當(dāng)晚餐從它面前經(jīng)過時(shí)它把火把照在上面。有時(shí)當(dāng)他看見人們相互擁擠或發(fā)脾氣時(shí)，他把火把舉在他們的頭上，他們立刻就會(huì)變得溫順或停止?fàn)幊常?ldquo;因?yàn)榻裉焓鞘フQ節(jié)，”他們彼此告誡著。
‘What does your torch do，spirit?’asked Scrooge.
“你的火把是作什么用的，幽靈?”斯克羅吉問。
‘It gives a special taste to people's dinners on this day，’answered the spirit.
“它能給人們今天的晚餐帶來特殊的味道，”幽靈回答說。
‘Why do you use it most on poor people?’said Scrooge.
“你為什么大多把它用在窮人身上?”斯克羅吉問。
‘Because poor people need it most，’was the reply.
“因?yàn)楦F人最需要它，”幽靈回答說。
They went on through London，and came to the small house where Scrooge's clerk lived.Here the spirit smiled，and held his torch high over the door.Inside，Bob Cratchit's wife and second daughter，Belinda，in their everyday dresses，but looking clean and pretty，were putting plates on the table for their Christmas dinner.Bob's son Peter was helping to cook the potatoes，and two smaller Cratchits，a boy and a girl，were running round excitedly.Just then the eldest daughter，Martha，arrived home from work.
他們繼續(xù)前行，穿過倫敦，來到了斯克羅吉雇員居住的狹小住處。在這兒幽靈笑了，把他的火把高高地舉過房門。屋里，鮑勃·克拉奇蒂的妻子和二女兒貝琳達(dá)身穿她們平日的服裝，但看起來干凈漂亮，她們正往桌子上擺圣誕晚餐用的盤子。鮑勃的兒子彼得正幫著燒土豆，兩個(gè)再小點(diǎn)的克拉奇蒂，一男一女，正高興地來回跑著。這時(shí)大女兒瑪莎下班回來了。
‘Here's Martha，mother!’cried the two young Cratchits happily.‘We're having a really big chicken for dinner， Martha!’In fact it was only a small chicken，but it seemed large to the excited children.
“瑪莎回來了，媽媽!”兩個(gè)小克拉奇蒂高興地喊著。“晚飯我們能吃到一只真的很大的雞了，瑪莎!”實(shí)際上它不過是一只很小的雞，但對(duì)這些興奮的孩子們來說它似乎很大。
‘My dear，how late you are!’said Mrs Cratchit，kissing her daughter several times.
“我親愛的，你這么晚才回來!”克拉奇蒂太太邊說邊吻了女兒好幾下。
‘We were so busy yesterday，mother!’replied the girl.‘That's why we didn't finish until this morning!’
“我們昨天非常忙，媽媽!”女孩回答說。“所以我們直到今天早晨都沒有干完!”
‘Well!Never mind，now that you're here.God bless you! Sit down by the fire，my dear!’
“哎!既然你回來了就沒關(guān)系了。愿上帝保佑你!親愛的，來坐到火邊來!”
‘No，no!Father's coming!’ried the two young Cratchits.‘Hide，Martha，hide!’
“不，不!爸爸回來了!”兩個(gè)小克拉奇蒂嚷道。“藏起來，瑪莎，藏起來!”
So Martha hid herself，and in came Bob in his thin coat and long white scarf，with his son Tiny Tim in his arms.Poor Tiny Tim!He had not walked since he was born，and although he could pull himself and his thin little legs along with the help of a wooden crutch，he was not strong enough to travel far alone.
所以瑪莎藏了起來，鮑勃身穿他的薄大衣戴著白色的長圍巾走了進(jìn)來，懷里抱著小蒂姆?？蓱z的小蒂姆啊!自從他降生就沒行走過。盡管他借助于一個(gè)木拐杖能夠拖著身軀和他那瘦骨嶙峋的腿往前走，但他畢竟太弱了，一個(gè)人走不了多遠(yuǎn)。
‘Why，where's Martha?’cried Bob，looking round.
“怎么了，瑪莎呢?”鮑勃高聲喊道，并朝四周看了看。
‘Not coming，’said Mrs Cratchit.
“還沒回來呢?”克拉奇蒂太太說。
‘Not coming!’repeated Bob，his cheerful smile disappearing.‘Not coming on Christmas Day!’
“還沒回來!”鮑勃重復(fù)了一遍，他歡快的笑容不見了。“圣誕節(jié)了，還沒回來!”
But Martha didn't like to worry her father for a minute，so she ran out from behind the door and kissed him， while the two young Cratchits showed Tiny Tim the chicken，now ready to eat.
但是瑪莎不想讓父親為她多擔(dān)心一分鐘，所以她從門后跑出來，吻了父親，這時(shí)兩個(gè)小克拉奇蒂在給小蒂姆看那只已經(jīng)燒熟了的雞。
Scrooge and the spirit watched as the family sat down to eat.It was a poor enough meal，but to them it seemed wonderful，and they ate every bit of it.
當(dāng)全家人坐好準(zhǔn)備吃飯時(shí)斯克羅吉和幽靈看著。這是一頓粗茶淡飯，但對(duì)他們來說它似乎是很豐盛的，他們把它吃了個(gè)精光。
‘It's the best chicken I've ever tasted，’said Bob， smiling round at his family， who， with their mouths full，all agreed.
“這是我曾經(jīng)吃到過的最好吃的雞。”鮑勃說，并對(duì)全家人都笑了笑，每個(gè)人的嘴里都塞滿了吃的，他們都表示同意。
And then，the most exciting moment of the day!Belinda put a clean plate in front of each person， and they all turned to look at Mrs Cratchit as she came in from the kitchen.Her face was hot from her morning's work， but she was smiling happily as she carried in-the Christmas pudding， in its little circle of blue fire!接著是這一天最激動(dòng)人心的時(shí)刻!貝琳達(dá)在每個(gè)人面前放了一個(gè)干凈盤子，當(dāng)克拉奇蒂太太從廚房出來時(shí)，大家都轉(zhuǎn)過身看著她。由于從一大早就開始忙，她的臉發(fā)熱，但當(dāng)她把帶著藍(lán)火圈的圣誕布丁拿進(jìn)來時(shí)，她幸福地笑了。
Oh，it was a wonderful pudding!They were all delighted with it.
噢，多好的布丁啊!他們看到它都很高興。
‘It's your greatest success in all the years that we've been married，my dear!’said Bob.
“親愛的，這是我們結(jié)婚這么多年來你做的最成功的一件事!”鮑勃說。
‘Well，I did wonder how much fruit to put in it，’said his wife，‘but， yes， it's a good one!’And she laughed just like a young girl.
“哎，我的確不知道里面該放多少水果，”他妻子說，“不過，是的，它很不錯(cuò)!”她像一個(gè)小姑娘似地樂了。
Nobody said that it was a very small pudding for a large family.Nobody even thought it.No Cratchit ever said or thought things like that.
沒有人說這布丁太小，尤其對(duì)這么個(gè)大家庭來說。沒有人這么想過。
At last，when they had finished their meal，the children cleared the table and washed the plates.Then they all sat round the fire， eating apples and oranges.There was a large bowl of fruit and sugar and hot water and something a little stronger，but only three people could drink at the same time， because the family only owned two glasses and a cup.But this did not worry the Cratchits at all.Now Bob lifted his glass and said，‘A merry Christmas to us all， my dears! God bless us!’
最后，當(dāng)他們吃完飯后，孩子們收拾好桌子并把碗洗干凈了，他們團(tuán)團(tuán)圍坐在爐火旁吃著蘋果和桔子。有一大碗水果、糖、熱水和略含酒精的東西，但只有三個(gè)人可以同時(shí)喝，因?yàn)樗麄兗抑挥袃蓚€(gè)玻璃杯和一個(gè)茶杯，但克拉奇蒂一家并沒因此而犯愁。鮑勃現(xiàn)在舉起杯子說，“祝我們大家圣誕快樂，親愛的!上帝保佑我們!”
The family repeated his wish，and Tiny Tim said，last of all，‘God bless us every one!’He sat very close to his father， on a small chair.Bob held his son's thin little hand in this own.The boy had a special place in his father's heart.
全家人重復(fù)著他的祝愿，最后，小蒂姆說，“愿上帝保佑我們每一個(gè)人!”他緊靠著爸爸坐在一把小椅子上。鮑勃手握著他兒子瘦小的手，這個(gè)男孩在他父親的心目中占據(jù)著特殊的位置。
‘Spirit，’said Scrooge，with an interest that he had never felt before，‘ tell me if Tiny Tim will live.’
“幽靈，”斯克羅吉以他以前從未有過的熱情問，“告訴我小蒂姆是否能活下去。”
‘In the future I see an empty chair by the fire， with a crutch beside it.If these shadows do not change， the child will die.’
“將來我會(huì)看到火旁邊有一把空椅子，邊上有一根拐杖。如果這些影子不變的話，他就會(huì)死去。”
‘No，no!’said Scrooge.‘Oh no，kind spirit!Say that he will live!’
“不，不!”斯克羅吉說。“噢，善良的幽靈!說他會(huì)活下去的。”
‘If his life does not change soon， he will die before next Christmas.What does that matter?There are too many people in the world，so it's a good thing if some of them die.’
“如果他的生活近期內(nèi)不能改變的話，他在明年的圣誕前就會(huì)死去。這又有什么關(guān)系呢?世界上的人太多了，所以若有一部分死了的話，豈不是件好事嗎?”
Scrooge was ashamed and sad to hear his own words spoken by the spirit.But he lifted his head when he heard his name.
斯克羅吉聽到幽靈重復(fù)著他曾說過的話感到羞愧悲傷。但聽見自己名字的時(shí)候，他抬起了頭。
‘Mr Scrooge!’said Bob.‘Let's drink to Mr Scrooge， whose money has paid for this meal!’
“斯克羅吉先生!”鮑勃說，“讓我們?yōu)樗箍肆_吉先生干杯，是他付的錢使我們才能吃上今天的這頓飯。”
‘His money!’said Mrs Cratchit angrily.‘What can we buy with his fifteen shillings a week? Why should we drink to the health of a hateful，hard，unfeeling，mean old man like Scrooge?’
“他的錢?”克拉奇蒂太太生氣地說。“他一星期給的15先令夠我們買什么的? 我們干嘛要祝一個(gè)像斯克羅吉那樣可恨、刻雹沒有感情、吝嗇的老頭健康?”
‘My dear，’said Bob gently，‘remember it's Christmas.’
“我親愛的，”鮑勃溫柔地說，“記住今天是圣誕節(jié)。”
‘Well，Bob， I'll drink to his health only because of you and because it's Christmas.Long life to Mr Scrooge!A merry Christmas and a happy new year to him! He'll be very merry and very happy，I'm sure!’
“好吧，鮑勃，我祝他健康只是看在你的面子上，況且今天還是圣誕節(jié)。祝斯克羅吉先生長壽。祝他圣誕、新年快樂!我肯定他會(huì)很快樂和幸福的!”When the children heard Scrooge's name，a dark shadow came over their happiness for a while，and they were quiet and a little sad.But five minutes later they were talking，and laughing，and telling stories，ten times merrier than before.They were not a good-looking or a well-dressed family， but they were happy and grateful and loved each other.As they disappeared in the light of the spirit's torch，Scrooge could not take his eyes off them， especially Tiny Tim.
當(dāng)孩子們聽到斯克羅吉的名字時(shí)，不悅籠罩了他們原本高興的笑臉，他們都不出聲了，并且有些沮喪。但10分鐘后他們又開始有說有笑，講故事，比先前要高興十倍。他們一家人長相平平，穿著一般，但他們幸福，對(duì)彼此充滿感激之情并且互愛。當(dāng)他們在幽靈的火把的光下消失的時(shí)候，斯克羅吉的目光無法從他們的身上移開，尤其是小蒂姆。
By this time it was getting dark，and snowing heavily.The spirit took Scrooge into many houses，where fires were burning cheerfully，and food was cooking，and people were merrily welcoming their friends and families into their homes.The ghost was delighted to see all this excitement，and made sure that he lifted his torch over every poor family，to give them more fun，and better food，and greater happiness.
這時(shí)天漸漸黑了，雪下得很大。幽靈帶著斯克羅吉去了很多家，每家都燃燒著歡樂的火焰，燒著吃的，人們都興高采烈地歡迎著他們的朋友和家人的到來。鬼魂看見這興奮的場面很是高興，凡是在窮人家它都把火把高高舉起，目的是給他們帶來更多的歡樂、更好的食品和更多的幸福。
Then the spirit took Scrooge away from the busy capital，to a wild，lonely place in the country，where no trees grew.Here they visited a small stone house， a long way from any town or village， where an old man and woman were singing Christmas carols，with their children and grandchildren.The spirit did not stay long here， but told Scrooge to hold his robe again.
然后幽靈帶著斯克羅吉離開了繁忙的都市，來到了鄉(xiāng)下一個(gè)荒涼、偏僻的地方，這里連一棵樹都不長。在這里他們?nèi)チ艘凰^房子，它離所有的小鎮(zhèn)和村莊都很遠(yuǎn)。房子里一個(gè)老頭和一個(gè)老太太同他們的孩子們一起正唱著圣誕頌歌。幽靈沒有在這久留，它讓斯克羅吉再一次地抓住它的袍子。
‘Where are we going? Not up in the air， surely!’And Scrooge，terribly frightened，looked down as they flew over the land and then over the sea.It was stormy， windy weather， and the waves crashed violently underneath them.
“我們要去哪兒?當(dāng)然不會(huì)是去天上吧!”斯克羅吉嚇得要命，當(dāng)他們飛過田野然后又飛過海洋的時(shí)候，他朝下看著。風(fēng)雨交加，海浪在他們下面咆哮。
The spirit took Scrooge to a lighthouse built on a lonely rock， several miles from land.A light was kept burning at the top， in order to warn sailors to keep away from the dangerous rocks.Two men lived here in this cold， unfriendly place， far away from their families，but the spirit smiled to see them shake hands，wish each other a merry Christmas，and sing a carol together in front of their fire.
幽靈帶著斯克羅吉來到了一座建在一塊孤零零的礁石上的燈塔上，礁石距陸地有數(shù)英里之遙。燈塔頂上有一盞燈一直亮著，為的是提醒水手們遠(yuǎn)離那些危險(xiǎn)的巖石。在這個(gè)冰冷荒涼的地方住著兩個(gè)男人，他們遠(yuǎn)離自己的家人，但當(dāng)幽靈看見他們握手，彼此祝福圣誕快樂并一起在爐火前唱著頌歌時(shí)，它笑了。
Again the spirit and Scrooge flew on，and together they landed on a ship in the middle of the sea.Here every man， although many miles from home，had a kind word for his friend， or thought warmly of his family，because it was Christmas.
幽靈和斯克羅吉繼續(xù)向前飛，他們又都同時(shí)落在了大海中央的一條船上。在這兒，雖然離家甚遠(yuǎn)，但每個(gè)人都向朋友說了一句祝福的話，或者向自己的家人給以溫馨的祝福，因?yàn)榻裉焓鞘フQ節(jié)。
It was a great surprise to Scrooge，while listening to the noise of the wind and waves，to hear a happy laugh.He recognized it as his nephew's，and found himself，with the smiling spirit beside him，in his nephew's bright，warm sitting-room.
當(dāng)斯克羅吉正聽著風(fēng)的吼叫和浪濤的洶涌時(shí)，他很吃驚地聽到了笑聲。他聽出這是他外甥的笑聲，他發(fā)現(xiàn)他和面帶微笑的幽靈一起來到了他外甥明亮溫暖的起居室。
When Scrooge's nephew laughed，everybody who was with him wanted to laugh too.He had that kind of laugh.And at the moment， his very pretty wife and several of his friends were laughing with him.
斯克羅吉的外甥笑著，和他在一起的人也都想笑，他的笑就具備這樣的感染力。此刻，他漂亮的妻子和他的幾個(gè)朋友和他一起在笑。
‘He said that Christmas was humbug!Ha ha ha!’cried Scrooge's nephew.
“他說圣誕節(jié)是騙人的!哈哈哈!”斯克羅吉的外甥大聲說。
‘That's very bad of him，F(xiàn)red!’said his wife.
“他真是太壞了，弗雷德!”他妻子說。
‘He's a strange old man，’said Scrooge's nephew，‘but I'm sorry for him.His money is no use to him，you see.He isn't at all happy or comfortable，although he's rich.It's sad to think of him sitting alone in his cold room.And so I'm going to invite him every Christmas.He can be cross and miserable if be likes，but I'll go on inviting him and one day perhaps he'll think better of Christmas!’
“他是一個(gè)怪老頭，”斯克羅吉的外甥說，“但我很是為他感到難過。你知道，他的錢沒有給他帶來什么，他既不幸福也不舒服，雖然他有錢。想到他獨(dú)自一人坐在他那冷颼颼的屋子里我心里就不是滋味，所以每個(gè)圣誕節(jié)我都將去邀請(qǐng)他。他愛發(fā)脾氣，那就發(fā)好了，但我會(huì)繼續(xù)邀請(qǐng)他，也許終究有一天他對(duì)圣誕節(jié)的感覺會(huì)好起來的。”
After tea，the cheerful little group sang songs，and played music.Scrooge recognized the song that his little sister used to sing， and remembered sadly what the ghost of Christmas Past had shown him.Later the friends played guessing games，and Scrooge joined in the games with delight.Nobody except the spirit could hear him，but he often guessed the right answer.
下午茶后，這幾個(gè)歡快的人唱歌并演奏音樂。斯克羅吉聽出了他小妹妹過去常唱的那支歌，記起了“昔日圣誕”幽靈給他看過的東西。后來朋友們進(jìn)行了猜謎游戲，斯克羅吉高興地同他們一起猜。只有幽靈能聽見他說什么，但他請(qǐng)的答案大都正確。
‘It's time to go now，’said the ghost，smiling at the old man's childish excitement.
“現(xiàn)在該走了，”鬼魂說，這個(gè)老頭孩子般的興奮勁兒使他覺得好笑。
‘No，spirit，please，let me stay a little longer.Look， they're playing a new game!’
“不，幽靈，請(qǐng)讓我再多呆一小會(huì)兒。看，他們又要做一個(gè)新游戲!”
It was a game called Yes and No，in which Scrooge's nephew had to think of something，and the others had to ask questions to discover what it was.The only possible answers were Yes or No.Scrooge heard that Fred was thinking of a living animal，a wild animal，sometimes an angry animal， which lived in London and walked in the streets.Every time he answered a question，F(xiàn)red could not stop himself laughing.At last，his wife's dark， pretty sister started laughing too.
這個(gè)游戲的名字叫‘是與否’，在這個(gè)游戲中斯克羅吉的外甥要想點(diǎn)什么事情，其余的人便可以問問題以便知道他想的是什么。唯一可能的答案就是‘是和否’。斯克羅吉聽見弗雷德在想一只活著的動(dòng)物，一只野獸，有時(shí)是一只暴怒的動(dòng)物，它生活在倫敦，走在大街上。他每回答一個(gè)問題，弗雷德就情不自禁地大笑。最后他那長得黑黑的漂亮妻妹也開始笑了起來。
‘I know what it is，F(xiàn)red!I know!’she cried out.‘It's your uncle Scro-o-o-o-oge!’
“弗雷德，我知道它是什么!我知道!”她大聲喊道。“它是你舅舅斯克羅——吉!”
Everyone laughed until they cried.What a wonderful game! What a clever idea of Fred's!But at last Fred dried his eyes， and said，‘We've been very merry because of him， so I think we should drink to his health.Here's to Uncle Scrooge!A merry Christmas and a happy new year to the old man!Uncle Scrooge!’
大家都笑得流出了眼淚。多么精彩的游戲啊!弗雷德的主意多妙啊!但最后弗雷德擦干了眼睛說道，“我們剛才很快活是因?yàn)樗晕蚁胛覀儜?yīng)該為他的健康干杯。這一杯是祝斯克羅吉舅舅的!祝他老人家圣誕快樂、新年幸福!斯克羅吉舅舅!”
‘To Uncle Scrooge!’they all cried，cheerfully lifting their glasses.
“祝福斯克羅吉舅舅!”他們異口同聲地喊道，高興地舉起了灑杯。
Uncle Scrooge wanted to thank them，but the spirit hurried him away.The ghost seemed much older now： his brown hair had become grey.
斯克羅吉舅舅想感謝他們，但幽靈催他立刻離開。鬼魂現(xiàn)在看上去老了許多：它棕色的頭發(fā)變成了灰白色。
‘Are spirits' lives so short?’asked Scrooge.
“幽靈的生命如此短暫嗎?”斯克羅吉問。
‘My life in this world ends at midnight tonight.Listen!It's a quarter to midnight now!’
“我的生命在今天午夜時(shí)結(jié)束。聽著，現(xiàn)在離午夜只差一刻鐘了!”The church clock was striking the three quarters.
教堂的鐘正在敲響三刻的時(shí)晨。
‘Excuse me for asking，spirit，’said Scrooge，‘but what are those strange things near your foot?’
“幽靈，請(qǐng)問，”斯克羅吉說，“你腳邊是什么東西?”
‘Oh man， look here!’said the spirit sadly，and brought out from under his robe two ghostly figures， a boy and a girl.They were thin and poorly dressed， with cold， mean eyes and dry，yellow skin， and their faces showed only a frightening and murderous hate.Scrooge had never seen anything so terrible or so sad.
“噢!伙計(jì)，看這個(gè)!”幽靈悲傷地說，并從他的長袍下掏出兩個(gè)鬼魂似的塑像，一個(gè)男孩一個(gè)女孩。他們骨瘦如柴，破衣爛衫，目光冷漠犀利，皮膚干燥發(fā)黃，他們的臉上充滿了可怕的、兇狠的仇恨表情。斯克羅吉從未見到過如此可怕、糟糕的場面。
‘These miserable children are Man's，’said the spirit.‘The boy is Crime.The girl is Need.They will destroy Man if nothing is done about them.’
“這些悲慘的孩子屬于人類，”幽靈說。“男孩叫‘罪惡’，女孩叫‘需要’。如果不為他們做點(diǎn)什么的話，他們將毀掉人類。”
‘Can't anyone help them?’cried Scrooge.
“難道就沒有人能幫助他們嗎?”斯克羅吉高聲問道。
‘Are there no prisons?’said the spirit，turning on Scrooge for the last time with his own words.‘Are there on workhouses?’
“難道沒有看守所嗎?”幽靈說著斯克羅吉自己曾說過的話，并最后一次把臉轉(zhuǎn)向他。“難道沒有濟(jì)貧院嗎?”
The clock struck twelve.Scrooge looked，but could no longer see the ghost or the children.He was alone again.
鐘敲響了12點(diǎn)。斯克羅吉看著，但他再也看不到幽靈和孩子們了。又剩下他一人了。
3.三幽靈中的第二位
When Scrooge woke up，he realized immediately that the church clock was just going to strike one.He felt sure that the second spirit would Soon visit him.This time he wanted to be ready，so he pulled back all the curtains round his bed himself，and lay there，waiting.At one o'clock，instead of a spirit，a strong light shone down on Scrooge's bed.He felt very frightened.After a few minutes he thought that perhaps the light was coming from the next room，so he got up and went to the door.When he touched it，a strange voice called his name，and asked him to enter.He obeyed.
當(dāng)斯克羅吉醒來的時(shí)候，他立刻發(fā)現(xiàn)教堂的鐘就要敲響1點(diǎn)鐘了。他肯定第二個(gè)幽靈不久就要來看望他了。這次他想做好準(zhǔn)備，所以他自己把他床周圍的簾子都拉開了，躺在那兒等著。1點(diǎn)鐘時(shí)，幽靈沒有來，但一束強(qiáng)光從上面照在了斯克羅吉的床上。他害怕極了。幾分鐘之后，他以為光是從隔壁的房間照過來的，所以他起身下床來到了門口。當(dāng)他的手摸到門時(shí)，一個(gè)奇怪的聲音叫他的名字并讓他進(jìn)去，他聽從了。
盡管他認(rèn)出這是他自己的房間，但它現(xiàn)在看上去已完全不同。墻壁被鮮亮的綠葉所覆蓋，壁爐里燃燒著熊熊的火焰。地板上擺著大堆的上好的圣誕食品——味道濃郁的巧克力蛋糕、熱乎乎松軟的面包、五顏六色的蘋果和桔子、一盤盤的黃油、燉好的雞、一盒盒的巧克力和糖果。坐在這些東西旁邊的是一個(gè)身材高大、面帶笑容的幽靈，它高興地對(duì)斯克羅吉高聲喊，“請(qǐng)進(jìn)!請(qǐng)進(jìn)，伙計(jì)!我是今日圣誕鬼魂!看著我!”
Since the first ghost's visit，Scrooge was no longer very sure of himself.So although the spirit's eyes were clear and kind，Scrooge was afraid to look straight into its face.But he could see that its body was dressed in a long green robe，its long brown hair fell freely down its back，and its face wore a warm and friendly smile.Light shone from the torch which it was holding in its strong right hand.
自從第一個(gè)鬼魂的來訪，斯克羅吉對(duì)自己就沒了把握。所以盡管幽靈的眼睛明亮且充滿善意，但斯克羅吉還是不敢正視它的臉，但他能看見幽靈身穿一件綠色長袍，它長長的棕色頭發(fā)隨意地散落在背上，它面帶熱情友好的笑容。光是從他強(qiáng)有力的右手握著的火把里發(fā)出的。
‘Spirit，’said Scrooge quietly，‘take me where you want.Last night I learned a lesson which is working now.If you have anything to teach me tonight，let me learn from you.’
“幽靈，”斯克羅吉輕柔地說，“你想帶我去哪兒就去哪兒。昨天晚上我接受了教訓(xùn)，而且這教訓(xùn)現(xiàn)在正在生效。如果今晚你也有什么讓我借鑒的話，請(qǐng)讓我向你領(lǐng)教。”
‘Touch my robe!’said the spirit，and Scrooge obeyed.
“拽著我的長袍!”幽靈說，斯克羅吉從命了。
The food，the room，the fire all disappeared，and they were standing outside in the cold，snowy streets on Christmas morning.Althought the sky was grey and the streets were dirty，the people looked surprisingly cheerful，as they hurried to the bakers'shops with their Christmas dinners，all ready for cooking.The spirit seemed specially interested in poor people.He stood with Scrooge in a baker's doorway and held his torch over the dinners as they were carried past him.Sometimes，when he saw people pushing each other or getting angry，he lifted his torch over their heads，and immediately they became kinder，or stopped arguing，‘because it's Christmas，’they told each other.
食品、房間、爐火都消失了。是圣誕早晨，他們正站在冰天雪地的戶外。雖然天空灰蒙蒙的，街上也很臟，但當(dāng)人們拿著他們的圣誕晚餐匆匆趕往面包房準(zhǔn)備烤制的時(shí)候，他們看上去都出奇的歡喜。幽靈似乎對(duì)窮人特別感興趣。它和斯克羅吉一同站在面包房的門口，當(dāng)晚餐從它面前經(jīng)過時(shí)它把火把照在上面。有時(shí)當(dāng)他看見人們相互擁擠或發(fā)脾氣時(shí)，他把火把舉在他們的頭上，他們立刻就會(huì)變得溫順或停止?fàn)幊常?ldquo;因?yàn)榻裉焓鞘フQ節(jié)，”他們彼此告誡著。
‘What does your torch do，spirit?’asked Scrooge.
“你的火把是作什么用的，幽靈?”斯克羅吉問。
‘It gives a special taste to people's dinners on this day，’answered the spirit.
“它能給人們今天的晚餐帶來特殊的味道，”幽靈回答說。
‘Why do you use it most on poor people?’said Scrooge.
“你為什么大多把它用在窮人身上?”斯克羅吉問。
‘Because poor people need it most，’was the reply.
“因?yàn)楦F人最需要它，”幽靈回答說。
They went on through London，and came to the small house where Scrooge's clerk lived.Here the spirit smiled，and held his torch high over the door.Inside，Bob Cratchit's wife and second daughter，Belinda，in their everyday dresses，but looking clean and pretty，were putting plates on the table for their Christmas dinner.Bob's son Peter was helping to cook the potatoes，and two smaller Cratchits，a boy and a girl，were running round excitedly.Just then the eldest daughter，Martha，arrived home from work.
他們繼續(xù)前行，穿過倫敦，來到了斯克羅吉雇員居住的狹小住處。在這兒幽靈笑了，把他的火把高高地舉過房門。屋里，鮑勃·克拉奇蒂的妻子和二女兒貝琳達(dá)身穿她們平日的服裝，但看起來干凈漂亮，她們正往桌子上擺圣誕晚餐用的盤子。鮑勃的兒子彼得正幫著燒土豆，兩個(gè)再小點(diǎn)的克拉奇蒂，一男一女，正高興地來回跑著。這時(shí)大女兒瑪莎下班回來了。
‘Here's Martha，mother!’cried the two young Cratchits happily.‘We're having a really big chicken for dinner， Martha!’In fact it was only a small chicken，but it seemed large to the excited children.
“瑪莎回來了，媽媽!”兩個(gè)小克拉奇蒂高興地喊著。“晚飯我們能吃到一只真的很大的雞了，瑪莎!”實(shí)際上它不過是一只很小的雞，但對(duì)這些興奮的孩子們來說它似乎很大。
‘My dear，how late you are!’said Mrs Cratchit，kissing her daughter several times.
“我親愛的，你這么晚才回來!”克拉奇蒂太太邊說邊吻了女兒好幾下。
‘We were so busy yesterday，mother!’replied the girl.‘That's why we didn't finish until this morning!’
“我們昨天非常忙，媽媽!”女孩回答說。“所以我們直到今天早晨都沒有干完!”
‘Well!Never mind，now that you're here.God bless you! Sit down by the fire，my dear!’
“哎!既然你回來了就沒關(guān)系了。愿上帝保佑你!親愛的，來坐到火邊來!”
‘No，no!Father's coming!’ried the two young Cratchits.‘Hide，Martha，hide!’
“不，不!爸爸回來了!”兩個(gè)小克拉奇蒂嚷道。“藏起來，瑪莎，藏起來!”
So Martha hid herself，and in came Bob in his thin coat and long white scarf，with his son Tiny Tim in his arms.Poor Tiny Tim!He had not walked since he was born，and although he could pull himself and his thin little legs along with the help of a wooden crutch，he was not strong enough to travel far alone.
所以瑪莎藏了起來，鮑勃身穿他的薄大衣戴著白色的長圍巾走了進(jìn)來，懷里抱著小蒂姆?？蓱z的小蒂姆啊!自從他降生就沒行走過。盡管他借助于一個(gè)木拐杖能夠拖著身軀和他那瘦骨嶙峋的腿往前走，但他畢竟太弱了，一個(gè)人走不了多遠(yuǎn)。
‘Why，where's Martha?’cried Bob，looking round.
“怎么了，瑪莎呢?”鮑勃高聲喊道，并朝四周看了看。
‘Not coming，’said Mrs Cratchit.
“還沒回來呢?”克拉奇蒂太太說。
‘Not coming!’repeated Bob，his cheerful smile disappearing.‘Not coming on Christmas Day!’
“還沒回來!”鮑勃重復(fù)了一遍，他歡快的笑容不見了。“圣誕節(jié)了，還沒回來!”
But Martha didn't like to worry her father for a minute，so she ran out from behind the door and kissed him， while the two young Cratchits showed Tiny Tim the chicken，now ready to eat.
但是瑪莎不想讓父親為她多擔(dān)心一分鐘，所以她從門后跑出來，吻了父親，這時(shí)兩個(gè)小克拉奇蒂在給小蒂姆看那只已經(jīng)燒熟了的雞。
Scrooge and the spirit watched as the family sat down to eat.It was a poor enough meal，but to them it seemed wonderful，and they ate every bit of it.
當(dāng)全家人坐好準(zhǔn)備吃飯時(shí)斯克羅吉和幽靈看著。這是一頓粗茶淡飯，但對(duì)他們來說它似乎是很豐盛的，他們把它吃了個(gè)精光。
‘It's the best chicken I've ever tasted，’said Bob， smiling round at his family， who， with their mouths full，all agreed.
“這是我曾經(jīng)吃到過的最好吃的雞。”鮑勃說，并對(duì)全家人都笑了笑，每個(gè)人的嘴里都塞滿了吃的，他們都表示同意。
And then，the most exciting moment of the day!Belinda put a clean plate in front of each person， and they all turned to look at Mrs Cratchit as she came in from the kitchen.Her face was hot from her morning's work， but she was smiling happily as she carried in-the Christmas pudding， in its little circle of blue fire!接著是這一天最激動(dòng)人心的時(shí)刻!貝琳達(dá)在每個(gè)人面前放了一個(gè)干凈盤子，當(dāng)克拉奇蒂太太從廚房出來時(shí)，大家都轉(zhuǎn)過身看著她。由于從一大早就開始忙，她的臉發(fā)熱，但當(dāng)她把帶著藍(lán)火圈的圣誕布丁拿進(jìn)來時(shí)，她幸福地笑了。
Oh，it was a wonderful pudding!They were all delighted with it.
噢，多好的布丁啊!他們看到它都很高興。
‘It's your greatest success in all the years that we've been married，my dear!’said Bob.
“親愛的，這是我們結(jié)婚這么多年來你做的最成功的一件事!”鮑勃說。
‘Well，I did wonder how much fruit to put in it，’said his wife，‘but， yes， it's a good one!’And she laughed just like a young girl.
“哎，我的確不知道里面該放多少水果，”他妻子說，“不過，是的，它很不錯(cuò)!”她像一個(gè)小姑娘似地樂了。
Nobody said that it was a very small pudding for a large family.Nobody even thought it.No Cratchit ever said or thought things like that.
沒有人說這布丁太小，尤其對(duì)這么個(gè)大家庭來說。沒有人這么想過。
At last，when they had finished their meal，the children cleared the table and washed the plates.Then they all sat round the fire， eating apples and oranges.There was a large bowl of fruit and sugar and hot water and something a little stronger，but only three people could drink at the same time， because the family only owned two glasses and a cup.But this did not worry the Cratchits at all.Now Bob lifted his glass and said，‘A merry Christmas to us all， my dears! God bless us!’
最后，當(dāng)他們吃完飯后，孩子們收拾好桌子并把碗洗干凈了，他們團(tuán)團(tuán)圍坐在爐火旁吃著蘋果和桔子。有一大碗水果、糖、熱水和略含酒精的東西，但只有三個(gè)人可以同時(shí)喝，因?yàn)樗麄兗抑挥袃蓚€(gè)玻璃杯和一個(gè)茶杯，但克拉奇蒂一家并沒因此而犯愁。鮑勃現(xiàn)在舉起杯子說，“祝我們大家圣誕快樂，親愛的!上帝保佑我們!”
The family repeated his wish，and Tiny Tim said，last of all，‘God bless us every one!’He sat very close to his father， on a small chair.Bob held his son's thin little hand in this own.The boy had a special place in his father's heart.
全家人重復(fù)著他的祝愿，最后，小蒂姆說，“愿上帝保佑我們每一個(gè)人!”他緊靠著爸爸坐在一把小椅子上。鮑勃手握著他兒子瘦小的手，這個(gè)男孩在他父親的心目中占據(jù)著特殊的位置。
‘Spirit，’said Scrooge，with an interest that he had never felt before，‘ tell me if Tiny Tim will live.’
“幽靈，”斯克羅吉以他以前從未有過的熱情問，“告訴我小蒂姆是否能活下去。”
‘In the future I see an empty chair by the fire， with a crutch beside it.If these shadows do not change， the child will die.’
“將來我會(huì)看到火旁邊有一把空椅子，邊上有一根拐杖。如果這些影子不變的話，他就會(huì)死去。”
‘No，no!’said Scrooge.‘Oh no，kind spirit!Say that he will live!’
“不，不!”斯克羅吉說。“噢，善良的幽靈!說他會(huì)活下去的。”
‘If his life does not change soon， he will die before next Christmas.What does that matter?There are too many people in the world，so it's a good thing if some of them die.’
“如果他的生活近期內(nèi)不能改變的話，他在明年的圣誕前就會(huì)死去。這又有什么關(guān)系呢?世界上的人太多了，所以若有一部分死了的話，豈不是件好事嗎?”
Scrooge was ashamed and sad to hear his own words spoken by the spirit.But he lifted his head when he heard his name.
斯克羅吉聽到幽靈重復(fù)著他曾說過的話感到羞愧悲傷。但聽見自己名字的時(shí)候，他抬起了頭。
‘Mr Scrooge!’said Bob.‘Let's drink to Mr Scrooge， whose money has paid for this meal!’
“斯克羅吉先生!”鮑勃說，“讓我們?yōu)樗箍肆_吉先生干杯，是他付的錢使我們才能吃上今天的這頓飯。”
‘His money!’said Mrs Cratchit angrily.‘What can we buy with his fifteen shillings a week? Why should we drink to the health of a hateful，hard，unfeeling，mean old man like Scrooge?’
“他的錢?”克拉奇蒂太太生氣地說。“他一星期給的15先令夠我們買什么的? 我們干嘛要祝一個(gè)像斯克羅吉那樣可恨、刻雹沒有感情、吝嗇的老頭健康?”
‘My dear，’said Bob gently，‘remember it's Christmas.’
“我親愛的，”鮑勃溫柔地說，“記住今天是圣誕節(jié)。”
‘Well，Bob， I'll drink to his health only because of you and because it's Christmas.Long life to Mr Scrooge!A merry Christmas and a happy new year to him! He'll be very merry and very happy，I'm sure!’
“好吧，鮑勃，我祝他健康只是看在你的面子上，況且今天還是圣誕節(jié)。祝斯克羅吉先生長壽。祝他圣誕、新年快樂!我肯定他會(huì)很快樂和幸福的!”When the children heard Scrooge's name，a dark shadow came over their happiness for a while，and they were quiet and a little sad.But five minutes later they were talking，and laughing，and telling stories，ten times merrier than before.They were not a good-looking or a well-dressed family， but they were happy and grateful and loved each other.As they disappeared in the light of the spirit's torch，Scrooge could not take his eyes off them， especially Tiny Tim.
當(dāng)孩子們聽到斯克羅吉的名字時(shí)，不悅籠罩了他們原本高興的笑臉，他們都不出聲了，并且有些沮喪。但10分鐘后他們又開始有說有笑，講故事，比先前要高興十倍。他們一家人長相平平，穿著一般，但他們幸福，對(duì)彼此充滿感激之情并且互愛。當(dāng)他們在幽靈的火把的光下消失的時(shí)候，斯克羅吉的目光無法從他們的身上移開，尤其是小蒂姆。
By this time it was getting dark，and snowing heavily.The spirit took Scrooge into many houses，where fires were burning cheerfully，and food was cooking，and people were merrily welcoming their friends and families into their homes.The ghost was delighted to see all this excitement，and made sure that he lifted his torch over every poor family，to give them more fun，and better food，and greater happiness.
這時(shí)天漸漸黑了，雪下得很大。幽靈帶著斯克羅吉去了很多家，每家都燃燒著歡樂的火焰，燒著吃的，人們都興高采烈地歡迎著他們的朋友和家人的到來。鬼魂看見這興奮的場面很是高興，凡是在窮人家它都把火把高高舉起，目的是給他們帶來更多的歡樂、更好的食品和更多的幸福。
Then the spirit took Scrooge away from the busy capital，to a wild，lonely place in the country，where no trees grew.Here they visited a small stone house， a long way from any town or village， where an old man and woman were singing Christmas carols，with their children and grandchildren.The spirit did not stay long here， but told Scrooge to hold his robe again.
然后幽靈帶著斯克羅吉離開了繁忙的都市，來到了鄉(xiāng)下一個(gè)荒涼、偏僻的地方，這里連一棵樹都不長。在這里他們?nèi)チ艘凰^房子，它離所有的小鎮(zhèn)和村莊都很遠(yuǎn)。房子里一個(gè)老頭和一個(gè)老太太同他們的孩子們一起正唱著圣誕頌歌。幽靈沒有在這久留，它讓斯克羅吉再一次地抓住它的袍子。
‘Where are we going? Not up in the air， surely!’And Scrooge，terribly frightened，looked down as they flew over the land and then over the sea.It was stormy， windy weather， and the waves crashed violently underneath them.
“我們要去哪兒?當(dāng)然不會(huì)是去天上吧!”斯克羅吉嚇得要命，當(dāng)他們飛過田野然后又飛過海洋的時(shí)候，他朝下看著。風(fēng)雨交加，海浪在他們下面咆哮。
The spirit took Scrooge to a lighthouse built on a lonely rock， several miles from land.A light was kept burning at the top， in order to warn sailors to keep away from the dangerous rocks.Two men lived here in this cold， unfriendly place， far away from their families，but the spirit smiled to see them shake hands，wish each other a merry Christmas，and sing a carol together in front of their fire.
幽靈帶著斯克羅吉來到了一座建在一塊孤零零的礁石上的燈塔上，礁石距陸地有數(shù)英里之遙。燈塔頂上有一盞燈一直亮著，為的是提醒水手們遠(yuǎn)離那些危險(xiǎn)的巖石。在這個(gè)冰冷荒涼的地方住著兩個(gè)男人，他們遠(yuǎn)離自己的家人，但當(dāng)幽靈看見他們握手，彼此祝福圣誕快樂并一起在爐火前唱著頌歌時(shí)，它笑了。
Again the spirit and Scrooge flew on，and together they landed on a ship in the middle of the sea.Here every man， although many miles from home，had a kind word for his friend， or thought warmly of his family，because it was Christmas.
幽靈和斯克羅吉繼續(xù)向前飛，他們又都同時(shí)落在了大海中央的一條船上。在這兒，雖然離家甚遠(yuǎn)，但每個(gè)人都向朋友說了一句祝福的話，或者向自己的家人給以溫馨的祝福，因?yàn)榻裉焓鞘フQ節(jié)。
It was a great surprise to Scrooge，while listening to the noise of the wind and waves，to hear a happy laugh.He recognized it as his nephew's，and found himself，with the smiling spirit beside him，in his nephew's bright，warm sitting-room.
當(dāng)斯克羅吉正聽著風(fēng)的吼叫和浪濤的洶涌時(shí)，他很吃驚地聽到了笑聲。他聽出這是他外甥的笑聲，他發(fā)現(xiàn)他和面帶微笑的幽靈一起來到了他外甥明亮溫暖的起居室。
When Scrooge's nephew laughed，everybody who was with him wanted to laugh too.He had that kind of laugh.And at the moment， his very pretty wife and several of his friends were laughing with him.
斯克羅吉的外甥笑著，和他在一起的人也都想笑，他的笑就具備這樣的感染力。此刻，他漂亮的妻子和他的幾個(gè)朋友和他一起在笑。
‘He said that Christmas was humbug!Ha ha ha!’cried Scrooge's nephew.
“他說圣誕節(jié)是騙人的!哈哈哈!”斯克羅吉的外甥大聲說。
‘That's very bad of him，F(xiàn)red!’said his wife.
“他真是太壞了，弗雷德!”他妻子說。
‘He's a strange old man，’said Scrooge's nephew，‘but I'm sorry for him.His money is no use to him，you see.He isn't at all happy or comfortable，although he's rich.It's sad to think of him sitting alone in his cold room.And so I'm going to invite him every Christmas.He can be cross and miserable if be likes，but I'll go on inviting him and one day perhaps he'll think better of Christmas!’
“他是一個(gè)怪老頭，”斯克羅吉的外甥說，“但我很是為他感到難過。你知道，他的錢沒有給他帶來什么，他既不幸福也不舒服，雖然他有錢。想到他獨(dú)自一人坐在他那冷颼颼的屋子里我心里就不是滋味，所以每個(gè)圣誕節(jié)我都將去邀請(qǐng)他。他愛發(fā)脾氣，那就發(fā)好了，但我會(huì)繼續(xù)邀請(qǐng)他，也許終究有一天他對(duì)圣誕節(jié)的感覺會(huì)好起來的。”
After tea，the cheerful little group sang songs，and played music.Scrooge recognized the song that his little sister used to sing， and remembered sadly what the ghost of Christmas Past had shown him.Later the friends played guessing games，and Scrooge joined in the games with delight.Nobody except the spirit could hear him，but he often guessed the right answer.
下午茶后，這幾個(gè)歡快的人唱歌并演奏音樂。斯克羅吉聽出了他小妹妹過去常唱的那支歌，記起了“昔日圣誕”幽靈給他看過的東西。后來朋友們進(jìn)行了猜謎游戲，斯克羅吉高興地同他們一起猜。只有幽靈能聽見他說什么，但他請(qǐng)的答案大都正確。
‘It's time to go now，’said the ghost，smiling at the old man's childish excitement.
“現(xiàn)在該走了，”鬼魂說，這個(gè)老頭孩子般的興奮勁兒使他覺得好笑。
‘No，spirit，please，let me stay a little longer.Look， they're playing a new game!’
“不，幽靈，請(qǐng)讓我再多呆一小會(huì)兒。看，他們又要做一個(gè)新游戲!”
It was a game called Yes and No，in which Scrooge's nephew had to think of something，and the others had to ask questions to discover what it was.The only possible answers were Yes or No.Scrooge heard that Fred was thinking of a living animal，a wild animal，sometimes an angry animal， which lived in London and walked in the streets.Every time he answered a question，F(xiàn)red could not stop himself laughing.At last，his wife's dark， pretty sister started laughing too.
這個(gè)游戲的名字叫‘是與否’，在這個(gè)游戲中斯克羅吉的外甥要想點(diǎn)什么事情，其余的人便可以問問題以便知道他想的是什么。唯一可能的答案就是‘是和否’。斯克羅吉聽見弗雷德在想一只活著的動(dòng)物，一只野獸，有時(shí)是一只暴怒的動(dòng)物，它生活在倫敦，走在大街上。他每回答一個(gè)問題，弗雷德就情不自禁地大笑。最后他那長得黑黑的漂亮妻妹也開始笑了起來。
‘I know what it is，F(xiàn)red!I know!’she cried out.‘It's your uncle Scro-o-o-o-oge!’
“弗雷德，我知道它是什么!我知道!”她大聲喊道。“它是你舅舅斯克羅——吉!”
Everyone laughed until they cried.What a wonderful game! What a clever idea of Fred's!But at last Fred dried his eyes， and said，‘We've been very merry because of him， so I think we should drink to his health.Here's to Uncle Scrooge!A merry Christmas and a happy new year to the old man!Uncle Scrooge!’
大家都笑得流出了眼淚。多么精彩的游戲啊!弗雷德的主意多妙啊!但最后弗雷德擦干了眼睛說道，“我們剛才很快活是因?yàn)樗晕蚁胛覀儜?yīng)該為他的健康干杯。這一杯是祝斯克羅吉舅舅的!祝他老人家圣誕快樂、新年幸福!斯克羅吉舅舅!”
‘To Uncle Scrooge!’they all cried，cheerfully lifting their glasses.
“祝福斯克羅吉舅舅!”他們異口同聲地喊道，高興地舉起了灑杯。
Uncle Scrooge wanted to thank them，but the spirit hurried him away.The ghost seemed much older now： his brown hair had become grey.
斯克羅吉舅舅想感謝他們，但幽靈催他立刻離開。鬼魂現(xiàn)在看上去老了許多：它棕色的頭發(fā)變成了灰白色。
‘Are spirits' lives so short?’asked Scrooge.
“幽靈的生命如此短暫嗎?”斯克羅吉問。
‘My life in this world ends at midnight tonight.Listen!It's a quarter to midnight now!’
“我的生命在今天午夜時(shí)結(jié)束。聽著，現(xiàn)在離午夜只差一刻鐘了!”The church clock was striking the three quarters.
教堂的鐘正在敲響三刻的時(shí)晨。
‘Excuse me for asking，spirit，’said Scrooge，‘but what are those strange things near your foot?’
“幽靈，請(qǐng)問，”斯克羅吉說，“你腳邊是什么東西?”
‘Oh man， look here!’said the spirit sadly，and brought out from under his robe two ghostly figures， a boy and a girl.They were thin and poorly dressed， with cold， mean eyes and dry，yellow skin， and their faces showed only a frightening and murderous hate.Scrooge had never seen anything so terrible or so sad.
“噢!伙計(jì)，看這個(gè)!”幽靈悲傷地說，并從他的長袍下掏出兩個(gè)鬼魂似的塑像，一個(gè)男孩一個(gè)女孩。他們骨瘦如柴，破衣爛衫，目光冷漠犀利，皮膚干燥發(fā)黃，他們的臉上充滿了可怕的、兇狠的仇恨表情。斯克羅吉從未見到過如此可怕、糟糕的場面。
‘These miserable children are Man's，’said the spirit.‘The boy is Crime.The girl is Need.They will destroy Man if nothing is done about them.’
“這些悲慘的孩子屬于人類，”幽靈說。“男孩叫‘罪惡’，女孩叫‘需要’。如果不為他們做點(diǎn)什么的話，他們將毀掉人類。”
‘Can't anyone help them?’cried Scrooge.
“難道就沒有人能幫助他們嗎?”斯克羅吉高聲問道。
‘Are there no prisons?’said the spirit，turning on Scrooge for the last time with his own words.‘Are there on workhouses?’
“難道沒有看守所嗎?”幽靈說著斯克羅吉自己曾說過的話，并最后一次把臉轉(zhuǎn)向他。“難道沒有濟(jì)貧院嗎?”
The clock struck twelve.Scrooge looked，but could no longer see the ghost or the children.He was alone again.
鐘敲響了12點(diǎn)。斯克羅吉看著，但他再也看不到幽靈和孩子們了。又剩下他一人了。
