美国语文第六册 第77期:三个警告(1)
人们发现根最深的那棵树
Least willing still to quit the ground;
最不情愿的就是离开那块土地;
T was therefore said by ancient sages,
这是古代智者说的话，
That love of life increased with years
对生活的爱与日俱增
So much, that in our latter stages,
以至于在我们今后的人生舞台上，
When pains grow sharp, and sickness rages,
当痛苦加深，疾病肆虐时，
The greatest love of life appears.
愈发显出对生活的挚爱。
This great affection to believe,
我们相信存在这种大爱，
Which all confess, but few perceive,
所有人都承认，但很少有人认识到，
If old assertions can't prevail,
如果旧有的断言无法将人说服，
Be pleased to hear a modern tale.
那就欣然聆听一个同时代的故事吧。
When sports went round, and all were gay,
体育场坐满了人，所有人都那么快乐，
On neighbor Dodson's wedding day,
在邻居多德森大婚那天，
Death called aside the jocund groom
死神悄然闯入欢乐的新房
With him into another room;
将他叫到另一个房间;
And looking grave, "You must," says he,
“你必须，”他目光悲戚地说，
"Quit your sweet bride, and come with me."
“离开你可爱的新娘，随我而去。”
"With you! and quit my Susan's side?
“跟你走!撇下我的苏珊?”
With you!" the hapless bridegroom cried:
“跟你走!”无助的新郎喊道：
"Young as I am, 't is monstrous hard!
“同我一样年轻，这是魔鬼的铁石心肠!
Besides, in truth, I'm not prepared."
而且，说实话，我没有任何准备。”
What more he urged, I have not heard;
他又说了些什么，我没听到;
His reasons could not well be stronger:
他的理由不那么有说服力;
So Death the poor delinquent spared,
于是死神饶恕了这个可怜的有过失的人，
And left to live a little longer.
让他再苟延残喘几时。
