生如夏花之绚烂

第一章

　　第一节 家庭 The Home

　　I paced alone on the road across the field while the sunset was hiding itslast gold like a miser。

　　The daylight sank deeper and deeper into the darkness，and the widowedland，whose harvest had been reaped，lay silent。

　　Suddenly a boy’s shrill voice rose into the sky。He traversed the darkunseen，leaving the track of his song across the hush of the evening。

　　His village home lay there at the end of the waste land，beyond the sugar-cane field，hidden among the shadows of the banana and the slender arecapalm，the cocoa-nut and the dark green jack-fruit trees。

　　I stopped for a moment in my lonely way under the starlight，and sawspread before me the darkened earth surrounding with her arms countlesshomes furnished with cradles and beds，mothers’hearts and eveninglamps，and young lives glad with a gladness that knows nothing of its valuefor the world。

　　我独自在横跨过田地的路上走着，夕阳像一个守财奴似的，正藏起它最后的金子。

　　白昼更加深沉地没入黑暗之中，那已经收割了的孤寂的田地，默默地躺在那里。

　　天空里突然升起了一个男孩子的尖锐的歌声，他穿过看不见的黑暗，留下他的歌声的辙痕跨过黄昏的静谧。

　　他的乡村的家坐落在荒凉的土地的边上，在甘蔗田的后面，躲藏在香蕉树，瘦长的槟榔树，椰子树和深绿色的贾克果树的阴影里。

　　我在星光下独自走着的路上停留了一会，我看见黑沉沉的大地展开在我的面前，用她的手臂拥抱着无量数的家庭，在那些家庭里，有着摇篮和床铺，母亲们的心和夜晚的灯，还有年轻轻的生命，他们满心欢乐，却浑然不知这样的欢乐对于世界的价值。

　　海 边On the Seashore

　　On the seashore of endless worlds children meet。

　　The infinite sky is motionless overhead and the restless water is boisterous。On the seashore of endless world the children meet with shouts and dances。

　　They build their houses with sand，and they play with empty shells。Withwithered leaves they weave their boats and smilingly float them on the vast deep。Children have their play on the seashore of world。

　　孩子们会集在无边无际的世界的海边。

　　无限的天穹静止地临于头上，不息的海水在足下汹涌。孩子们会集在无边无际的世界的海边，叫着，跳着。

　　他们拿沙来建造房屋，拿空贝壳来做游戏。他们把落叶编成了船，笑嘻嘻地把它们放到大海上。孩子们在世界的海边，做他们的游戏。

　　They know not how to swim，they know not how to cast nets。

　　Pearl-fishers dive for pearls，merchants sail in their ships，while childrengather pebbles and scatter them again。They seek not for hidden treasures，theyknow not how to cast nets。

　　The sea surges up with laughter，and pale gleams the smile of the sea-beach。Death-dealing waves sing meaningless ballads to the children，even likea mother while rocking her baby’s cradle。

　　The sea plays with children，and pale gleams the smile of the sea-beach。

　　On the seashore of endless world children meet。Tempest roams in the pathless sky，ships are wrecked in the trackless water，death is abroad and children play。

　　On the seashore of endless world is the great meeting of children。

　　他们不知道怎样泅水，他们不知道怎样撒网。采珠的人为了珠潜水，商人在他们的船上航行，孩子们却只把小圆石聚了又散。他们不搜求宝藏；他们不知道怎样撒网。

　　大海哗笑着涌起波浪，而海滩的微笑荡漾着淡淡的光芒。致人死命的波涛，对着孩子们唱无意义的歌曲，就像一个妈妈在摇动她孩子的摇篮时一样。大海和孩子们一同游戏，而海滩的微笑荡漾着淡淡的光芒。孩子们会集在无边无际的世界的海边。狂风暴雨飘游在无辙迹的天空上，航船沉碎在无辙迹的海水里，死正在外面活动，孩子们却在游戏，在无边无际的世界的海边，孩子们大会集着。

　　第二节 来源 The source

　　The sleep that flits on baby’s eyes-does anybody know from where itcomes？Yes，there is a rumour that it has its dwelling where，in the fairy villageamong shadows of the forest dimly lit with glow-worms，there hang two shybuds of enchantment。From there it comes to kiss baby’s eyes。

　　The smile that flickers on baby’s lips when he sleeps-does anybody knowwhere it was born？Yes，there is a rumour that a young pale beam of a crescentmoon touched the edge of a vanishing autumn cloud，and there the smile wasfirst born in the dream of a dew-washed morning-the smile that flickers onbaby’s lips when he sleeps。

　　第三节

　　流泛在孩子两眼的睡眠-有谁知道它是从什么地方来的？是的，有个谣传，说它是住在萤火虫朦胧地照耀着林荫的仙村里，在那个地方，挂着两个迷人的腆当怯孩的子蓓睡蕾时。它在便他是唇从上那浮个动地着方的来微吻笑孩子的有两谁眼知的。它是从什么地方生出来的？是的，有生个在谣一传个，浴说在新清月露的里一的线早年晨轻的的梦清中光了，触着当将孩消子未睡消时的，秋微云笑边便上在，他的唇上浮动着。

　　The sweet，soft freshness that blooms on baby’s limbs-does anybodyknow where it was hidden so long？Yes，when the mother was a young girlit lay pervading her heart in tender and silent mystery of love-the sweet，softfreshness that has bloomed on baby’s limbs。

　　甜蜜柔嫩的新鲜生气，花一般地在孩子的四肢上开放着-有谁知道它在什么地方藏得这样久？是的，当妈妈还是一个少女的时候，它已在爱的温柔与子的四肢上开放着。

　　第四节 孩童之道Baby’s Way

　　If baby only wanted to，he could fly up to heaven this moment。

　　It is not for nothing that he does not leave us。

　　He loves to rest his head on mother’s bosom，and cannot ever bear to losesight of her。

　　Baby knows all manner of wise words，though few on earth can understandtheir meaning。

　　It is not for nothing that he never wants to speak。

　　The one thing he wants is to learn mother’s words from mother’s lips。That is why he looks so innocent。

　　只要孩子愿意，他此刻便可飞上天去。

　　他所以不离开我们，并不是没有缘故。

　　他爱把他的头倚在妈妈的胸间，他即使是一刻不见她，也是不行的。

　　孩子知道各式各样的聪明话，虽然世间的人很少懂得这些话的意义。

　　他所以永不想说，并不是没有缘故。

　　他所要做的一件事，就是要学习从妈妈的嘴唇里说出来的话。那就是他所以看来这样天真的缘故。

　　Baby had a heap of gold and pearls，yet he came like a beggar on to this earth。

　　It is not for nothing he came in such a disguise。

　　This dear little naked mendicant pretends to be utterly helpless，so that he may beg for mother’s wealth of love。

　　Baby was so free from every tie in the land of the tiny crescent moon。

　　It was not for nothing he gave up his freedom。

　　孩子有成堆的黄金与珠子，但他到这个世界上来，却像一个乞丐。

　　他所以这样假装了来，并不是没有缘故。

　　这个可爱的小小的裸着身体的乞丐，所以假装着完全无助的样子，便是想要乞求妈妈的爱的财富。

　　孩子在纤小的新月的世界里，是一切束缚都没有的。

　　他所以放弃了他的自由，并不是没有缘故。

　　He knows that there is room for endless joy in mother’s little cornerof a heart，and it is sweeter far than liberty to be caught and pressed in herdear arms。

　　Baby never knew how to cry。He dwelt in the land of perfect bliss。

　　It is not for nothing he has chosen to shed tears。

　　Though with the smile of his dear face he draws mother’s yearning heart tohim，yet his little cries over tiny troubles weave the double bond of pity and love。

　　他知道有无穷的快乐藏在妈妈的心的小小一隅里，被妈妈亲爱的手臂所拥抱，其甜美远胜过自由。

　　孩子永不知道如何哭泣。他所住的是完全的乐土。

　　他所以要流泪，并不是没有缘故。

　　虽然他用了可爱的脸儿上的微笑，引逗得他妈妈的热切的心向着他，然而他的因为细故而发的小小报哭声，却编成了怜与爱的双重约束的带子。

　　第五节 不被注视的花饰The Unheeded Pageant

　　Ah，who was it coloured that little frock，my child，and covered your sweet limbs with that little red tunic？

　　You have come out in the morning to play in the courtyard，tottering and tumbling as you run。

　　But who was it coloured that little frock， my child？

　　What is it makes you laugh，my little life-bud？

　　Mother smiles at you standing on the threshold。

　　啊，谁给那件小外衫染上颜色的，我的孩子，谁使你的温软的肢体穿上那件红的小外衫的？

　　你在早晨就跑出来到天井里玩儿，你，跑着就像摇摇欲跌似的。

　　但是谁给那件小外衫染上颜色的，我的孩子？

　　什么事叫你大笑起来的，我的小小的命芽儿？

　　妈妈站在门边，微笑地望着你。

　　She claps her hands and her bracelets jingle，and you dance with yourbamboo stick in your hand like a tiny little shepherd。

　　But what is it makes you laugh，my little life-bud？

　　O beggar，what do you beg for，clinging to your mother’s neck with bothyour hands？

　　O greedy heart，shall I pluck the world like a fruit from the sky to place it onyour little rosy palm？

　　O beggar，what are you begging for？

　　The wind carries away in glee the tinkling of your anklet bells。

　　The sun smiles and watches your toilet。The sky watches over you whenyou sleep in your mother’s arms，and the morning comestiptoe to your bed andkisses your eyes。

　　The wind carries away in glee the tinkling of your anklet bells。

　　The fairy mistress of dreams is coming towards you，flying through thetwilight sky。

　　The world-mother keeps her seat by you in your mother’s heart。

　　He who plays his music to the stars is standing at your window with his flute。

　　And the fairy mistress of dreams is coming towards you，flying through the twilight sky。

　　她拍着她的双手，她的手镯叮当地响着，你手里拿着你的竹竿儿在跳舞，活像一个小小的牧童儿。

　　但是什么事叫你大笑起来的，我的小小的命芽儿？

　　喔，乞丐，你双手攀搂住妈妈的头颈，要乞讨些什么？

　　喔，贪得无厌的心，要我把整个世界从天上摘下来，像摘一个果子似的，把它放在你的一双小小的玫瑰色的手掌上么？

　　喔，乞丐，你要乞讨些什么？

　　风高兴地带走了你踝铃的叮当。

　　太阳微笑着，望着你的打扮。

　　当你睡在你妈妈的臂弯里时，天空在上面望着你，而早晨蹑手蹑脚地走到你的床跟前，吻着你的双眼。

　　风高兴地带走了你踝铃的叮当。

　　仙乡里的梦婆飞过朦胧的天空，向你飞来。

　　在你妈妈的心头上，那世界母亲，正和你坐在一块儿。

　　他，向星星奏乐的人，正拿着他的横笛，站在你的窗边。

　　仙乡里的梦婆飞过朦胧的天空，向你飞来。

　　第六节 偷睡眠者Sleep-Stealer

　　Who stole sleep from baby’s eyes？I must know。

　　Clasping her pitcher to her waist mother went to fetch water from the villagenear by。

　　It was noon。The children’s playtime was over；the ducks in the pondwere silent。

　　The shepherd boy lay asleep under the shadow of the banyan tree。

　　The crane stood grave and still in the swamp near the mango grove。

　　In the meanwhile the Sleep-stealer came and， snatching sleep from baby’s eyes，flew away。

　　When mother came back she found baby travelling the room over on all fours。

　　Who stole sleep from our baby’s eyes？I must know。I must find her and chain her up。

　　I must look into that dark cave， where，through boulders and scowling stones，trickles a tiny stream。

　　I must search in the drowsy 98 shade of the bakula grove，where pigeons coo in their corner，and fairies’anklets tinkle in the stillness of starry nights。

　　谁从孩子的眼里把睡眠偷了去呢？我一定要知道。

　　妈妈把她的水罐挟在腰间，走到近村汲水去了。

　　这是正午的时候，孩子们游戏的时间已经过去了；池中的鸭子沉默无声。

　　牧童躺在榕树的荫下睡着了。

　　白鹤庄重而安静地立在檬果树边的泥泽里。

　　就在这个时候，偷睡眠者跑来从孩子的两眼里捉住睡眠，便飞去了。

　　当妈妈回来时，她看见孩子四肢着地地在屋里爬着。

　　谁从孩子的眼里把睡眠偷了去呢？我一定要知道。我一定要找到她，把她锁起来。

　　我一定要向那个黑洞里张望，在这个洞里，有一道小泉从圆的和有皱纹的石上滴下来。

　　我一定要到醉花林中的沉寂的树影里搜寻，在这林里，鸽子在它们住的地方咕咕地叫着，仙女的脚环在繁星满天的静夜里叮当地响着。

　　In the evening I will peep into the whispering silence of the bamboo forest，where fireflies squander their light，and will ask every creature I meet，“Cananybody tell me where the Sleep-stealer lives？”

　　Who stole sleep from baby’s eyes？I must know。

　　Shouldn’t I give her a good lesson if I could only catch her！

　　I would raid her nest and see where she hoards all her stolen sleep。

　　I would plunder it all，and carry it home。

　　I would bind her two wings securely，set her on the bank of the river，andthen let her play at fishing with a reed among the rushes and water-lilies。

　　When the marketing is over in the evening，and the village children sit intheir mothers’laps，then the night birds will mockingly din her ears with：

　　“Whose sleep will you steal now？”

　　我要在黄昏时，向静静的萧萧的竹林里窥望，在这林中，萤火虫闪闪地耗费它们的光明，只要遇见一个人，我便要问他：“谁能告诉我偷睡眠者住在什么地方？”

　　谁从孩子的眼里把睡眠偷了去呢？我一定要知道。

　　只要我能捉住她，怕不会给她一顿好教训！

　　我要闯入她的巢穴，看她把所有偷来的睡眠藏在什么地方。

　　我要把它都夺来，带回家去。

　　我要把她的双翼缚得紧紧的，把她放在河边，然后叫她拿一根芦草，在灯心草和睡莲间钓鱼为戏。

　　黄昏，街上已经收了市，村里的孩子们都坐在妈妈的膝上时，夜鸟便会讥笑地在她耳边说：

　　“你现在还想偷谁的睡眠呢？”

　　第七节 开始The Beginning

　　“Where have I come from，where did you pick me up？”the baby asked its mother。

　　She answered half crying，half laughing，and clasping the baby to her breast，-“You were hidden in my heart as its desire，my darling。

　　You were in the dolls of my childhood’s games；and when with clay I made the image of my god every morning，I made and unmade you then。

　　You were enshrined with our household deity，in his worship I worshipped you。

　　In all my hopes and my loves，in my life，in the life of my mother you have lived。

　　In the lap of the deathless Spirit who rules our home you have been nursedfor ages。

　　“她我把是孩从子哪紧儿紧来的的搂，在你胸，前在，哪半儿哭把半我笑捡地起答来道的？”孩子问他的妈妈说。“你曾被我当做心愿藏在我的心里，我的宝贝。

　　你曾存在于我孩童时代玩的泥娃娃身上；每天早晨我用泥土塑造我的神像，那时我反复地塑了又捏碎了的就是你。

　　你曾和我们的家庭守护神一同受到祀奉，我崇拜家神时也就崇拜了你。

　　你曾活在我所有的希望和爱情里，活在我的生命里，我母亲的生命里。

　　在主宰着我们家庭的不死的精灵的膝上，你已经被抚育了好多代了。

　　When in girlhood my heart was opening its petals，you hovered as afragrance about it。

　　Your tender softness bloomed in my youthful limbs，like a glow in the skybefore the sunrise。

　　Heaven’s first darling，twin-born with the morning light，you have floateddown the stream of the world’s life，and at last you have stranded on my heart。

　　As I gaze on your face，mystery overwhelms me；you who belong to all havebecome mine。

　　For fear of losing you I hold you tight to my breast。What magic has snaredthe world’s treasure in these slender arms of mine？”

　　当我做女孩子的时候，我的心的花瓣儿张开，你就像一股花香似的散发出来。

　　你的软软的温柔，在我青春的肢体上开花了，像太阳出来之前的天空上的一片曙光。

　　上天的第一宠儿，晨曦的孪生兄弟，你从世界的生命的溪流浮泛而下，终于停泊在我的。

　　当我凝视你的脸蛋儿的时候，神秘之感淹没了我；你这属于一切人的，竟成了我的。

　　为了怕失掉你，我把你紧紧地搂在胸前。是什么魔术把这世界的宝贝引到我这双纤小的手臂里来呢？”

　　第八节 孩子的世界Baby’s World

　　I wish I could take a quiet corner in the heart of my baby’s very own world。

　　I know it has stars that talk to him，and a sky that stoops down to his face to amuse him with its silly clouds and rainbows。

　　Those who make believe to be dumb，and look as if they never could move，come creeping to his window with their stories and with trays crowded with bright toys。

　　I wish I could travel by the road that crosses baby’s mind，and out beyond all bounds；

　　Where messengers run errands for no cause between the kingdoms of kings of no history；

　　Where Reason makes kites of her laws and flies them，and Truth sets Factfree from its fetters。

　　我愿我能在我孩子自己的世界的中心，占一角清净地。

　　我知道有星星同他说话，天空也在他面前垂下，用它傻傻的云朵和彩虹来娱悦他。

　　那些大家以为他是哑的人，那些看去像是永不会走动的人，都带了他们 的故事，捧了满装着五颜六色的玩具的盘子，匍匐地来到他的窗前。

　　我愿我能在横过孩子心中的道路上游行，解脱了一切的束缚；

　　在那儿，使者奉了无所谓的使命奔走于无史的诸王的王国间；

　　在那儿，理智以她的法律造为纸鸢而飞放，真理也使事实从桎梏中自由了。

　　第九节 时候与原因When and why

　　When I bring you coloured toys，my child，I understand why there is such aplay of colours on clouds，on water，and why flowers are painted in tints-when Igive coloured toys to you，my child。

　　When I sing to make you dance，I truly know why there is music in leaves，and why waves send their chorus of voices to the heart of the listening earth-when I sing to make you dance。

　　这样的色彩缤纷，为什么花朵上染上绚烂的颜色的原因了-当我给你五颜六当我给你五颜六色的玩具的时候，我的孩子，我明白了为什么云上水上是色的玩具的时候，我的孩子。

　　波浪把它们的合唱的声音送进静听着的大地的心头的原因了-当我唱着使你当我唱着使你跳舞的时候，我真的知道了为什么树叶儿响着音乐，为什么跳舞的时候。

　　When I bring sweet things to your greedy hands，I know why there is honeyin the cup of the flower，and why fruits are secretly filled with sweet juice-when Ibring sweet things to your greedy hands。

　　When I kiss your face to make you smile，my darling，I surely understandwhat pleasure streams from the sky in morning light，and what delight thesummer breeze brings to my body-when I kiss you to make you smile。

　　有蜜，为什么水果里会秘密地充溢了甜汁的原因了-当我把糖果送到你贪得当我把糖果送到你贪得无厌的双手上的时候，我知道了为什么在花萼里会无厌的双手上的时候。

　　当我吻着你的脸蛋儿叫你微笑的时候，我的宝贝，我的确明白了在晨光里从天上流下来的是什么样的快乐，而夏天的微风吹拂在我身体上的又是什么样。

　　第十节 责备Defamation

　　Why are those tears in your eyes，my child？

　　How horrid of them to be always scolding you for nothing？

　　You have stained your fingers and face with ink while writing-is that whythey call you dirty？

　　O，fie！Would they dare to call the full moon dirty because it has smudged its face with ink？

　　For every little trifle they blame you，my child。

　　They are ready to find fault for nothing。

　　You tore your clothes while playing-is that why they call you untidy？

　　O，fie！What would they call an autumn morning that smiles through its ragged clouds？

　　Take no heed of what they say to you， my child。

　　Take no heed of what they say to you， my child。

　　They make a long list of your misdeeds。Everybody knows how you lovesweet things-is that why they call you greedy？

　　O，fie！What then would they call us who love you？

　　为什么你眼里有了眼泪，我的孩子？

　　他们真字是时可墨怕水，玷常污常无谓地责备和你脸！-这就是他们所以骂你龌龊的缘故吗？

　　呵，呸！他们也敢因为圆圆的月儿用墨水涂了脸，便骂它龌龊吗？

　　他们总要为了每一件小事去责备你，我他的们孩所子以。说他你们不总整是洁无的谓缘地故寻吗人？错处。

　　呵，呸！秋之晨从它的破碎的云衣中露出微笑，那么，他们要叫它什么呢？

　　他们对你说什么话，尽管可以不去理睬他，我的孩子。

　　他们把你做错的事长长地记了一笔账。

　　谁都知道你是十分喜欢糖果的-这就是他们所以称你做贪婪的缘故吗？

　　呵，呸！我们是喜欢你的，那么，他们要叫我们什么呢？

　　第十一节 审判官The Judge

　　Say of him what you please，but I know my child’s failings。

　　I do not love him because he is good，but because he is my little child。

　　How should you know how dear he can be when you try to weigh his meritsagainst his faults。

　　When I must punish him he becomes all the more a part ofmy being。

　　When I cause his tears to come my heart weeps with him。

　　I alone have a right to blame and punish，for he only may chastise who loves。

　　你想说他什么尽管说吧，但是我知道我孩子的短处。

　　我爱他并不因为他好，只是因为他是我的小小的孩子。

　　你如果把他的好处与坏处两两相权一下，恐怕你就会知道他是如何的可爱吧？

　　当我必须责罚他的时候，他更成为我的生命的一部分了。

　　当我使他眼泪流出时，我的心也和他同哭了。

　　只有我才有权去骂他，去责罚他，因为只有热爱人的才可以惩戒人。

　　第十二节 玩具Playthings

　　Child，how happy you are sitting in the dust，playing with a broken twig allthe morning。

　　I smile at your play with that little bit of a broken twig。

　　I am busy with my accounts，adding up figures by the hour。

　　Perhaps you glance at me and think，What a stupid game to spoil your morning with！”

　　Child，I have forgotten the art of being absorbed in sticks and mud-pies。

　　I seek out costly playthings，and gather lumps of gold and silver。

　　With whatever you find you create your glad games，I spend both my time and my strength over things I never can obtain。

　　In my frail canoe I struggle to cross 108 the sea of desire，and forget that I too am playing a game。

　　孩子，你真是快活呀，一早晨坐在泥土里，耍着折下来的小树枝儿。

　　我微笑地看你在那里耍着那根折下来的小树枝儿。

　　我正忙着算账，一小时一小时在那里加叠数字。

　　也许你在看我，想道：“这种好没趣的游戏，竟把你的一早晨的宝贵时间浪费掉了！”

　　孩子，我忘了聚精会神玩耍树枝与泥饼的方法了。

　　我寻求贵重的玩具，收集金块与银块。

　　你呢，无论找到什么都会去做你的快乐的游戏，我呢，却把我的时间与力气都浪费在那些我永不能得到的东西上。

　　我在我的脆薄的独木船里挣扎着要航过欲望之海，竟忘了我也是在那里做游戏了。

　　第十三节 天文家The Astronomer

　　I only said，“When in the evening the round full moon gets entangledamong the branches of that Kadam tree，couldn’t somebody catch it？”

　　第十四节

　　But dada[elder brother]laughed at me and said，“Baby，you are the silliestchild I have ever known。The moon is ever so far from us，how could anybodycatch it？”

　　I said，“Dada how foolish you are！When mother looks out of her windowand smiles down at us playing，would you call her far away？”

　　Still said，“You are a stupid child！But，baby，where could you find a net bigenough to catch the moon with？”

　　I said，“Surely you could catch it with your hands。”

　　But dada laughed and said，“You are the silliest child I have known。If itcame nearer，you would see how big the moon is。”

　　I said，“Dada，what nonsense they teach at your school！When motherbends her face down to kiss us does her face look very big？”

　　But still dada says，“You are a stupid child。”

　　我不过说，“当傍晚圆圆的满月挂在迦昙波1的枝头时，有人能去捉住它吗？”

　　哥哥却对我笑道：“孩子呀，你真是我所见到的顶顶傻的孩子。月亮离我们这样远，谁能去捉住它呢？”

　　我说，“哥哥，你真傻！当妈妈向窗外探望，微笑着往下看我们游戏时，你也能说她远吗？”

　　哥哥还是说：“你这个傻孩子！但是，孩子，你到哪里去找一个大得能逮住月亮的网呢？”

　　(1) 迦昙波，原名Kadamba，亦作Kadamba，学名Namlea，意译“白花”，即昙花。

　　我说：“你自然可以用双手去捉住它呀。”

　　但是哥哥还是笑着说：“你真是我所见到的顶顶傻的孩子！如果月亮走近了，你便知道它是多么大了。”

　　我说，“哥哥，你们学校里所教的，真是没有用呀！当妈妈低下脸儿跟我们亲嘴时，她的脸看来也是很大的吗？”

　　但是哥哥还是说，“你真是一个傻孩子。”

　　第十五节 云与波Clouds and Waves

　　Mother，the folk who live up in the clouds call out to me-“Weplay from the time we wake till the day ends。

　　We play with the golden dawn，we play with the silver moon。”

　　I ask，“But，how am I to get up to you？”They answer，“Cometo the edge of the earth，lift up your hands to the sky，and you will be taken up into the clouds。”

　　“My mother is waiting for me at home，”I say。“How can I leave her and come？”

　　Then they smile and float away。

　　But I know a nicer game than that， mother。

　　I shall be the cloud and you the moon。

　　妈妈，住在云端的人对我唤道-

　　“我们从醒的时候游戏到白日终止。

　　我们与黄金色的曙光游戏，我们与银白色的月亮游戏。”

　　我问道：“但是，我怎么能够上你那里去呢？”

　　他们答道：“你到地球的边上来，举手向天，就可以被接到云端里来了。”“我妈妈在家里等我呢，”我说，“我怎么能离开她而来呢？”

　　于是他们微笑着浮游而去。

　　但是我知道一件比这个更好的游戏，妈妈。

　　我做云，你做月亮。

　　I shall cover you with both my hands，and our house-top will be theblue sky。

　　The folk who live in the waves call out to me-

　　“We sing from morning till night；on and on we travel and know not wherewe pass。”

　　I ask，“But，how am I to join you？”They tell me，“Come to the edge of the shore and stand with your eyes tight shut，and you will be carried out upon the waves。”

　　I say，“My mother always wants me at home in the evening-how can I leave her and go？”

　　Then they smile，dance and pass by。

　　But I know a better

　　第十六节

　　game than that。

　　I will be the waves and you will be a strange shore。

　　I shall roll on and on and on，and break upon your lap with laughter。

　　And no one in the world will know where we both are。

　　我用两只手遮盖你，我们的屋顶就是青碧的天空。

　　“我们从早晨唱歌到晚上；我们前进又前进地旅行，也不知我们所经过的是什么地方。”

　　我问道：“但是，我怎么才能加入你们队伍里去呢？”

　　他们告诉我说：“来到岸旁，站在那里，紧闭你的两眼，你就被带到波浪上来了我。”：“傍晚的时候，我妈妈常要我在家里-我怎么能离开她而去呢！”

　　于是他们微笑着，舞动着奔流过去。

　　但是我知道一件比这个更好的游戏。

　　我是波浪，你是陌生的岸。

　　我奔流而进，进，进，笑哈哈地撞碎在你的膝上。

　　世界上就没有一个人会知道我们俩在什么地方。

　　第十七节 金色花The Champa Flower

　　Supposing I became a champa flower，just for fun，and grew on a branch high up that tree，and shook in the wind with laughter and dancedupon the newly budded leaves，would you know me，mother？

　　You would call，“Baby，where are you？”and I should laugh to myself andkeep quite quiet。

　　I should slyly open my petals and watch you at your work。

　　When after your bath，with wet hair spread on your shoulders，you walkedthrough the shadow of the champa tree to the little court where you say your prayers，you would notice the scent of the flower，but not know that it came from me。

　　假如我变了一朵金色花1，只是为了好玩，长在那棵树的高枝上，笑哈哈地在风中摇摆，又在新生的树叶上跳舞，妈妈，你会认识我么？

　　你要是叫道，“孩子，你在哪里呀？”我暗暗地在那里匿笑，却一声儿不响。

　　我要悄悄地开放花瓣儿，看着你工作。

　　当你沐浴后，湿发披在两肩，穿过金色花的林荫，走到你做祷告的小庭院时，你会嗅到这花的香气，却不知道这香气是从我身上来的。

　　When after the midday meal you sat at the window reading Ramayana，and the tree’s shadow fell over your hair and your lap，I should fling my weelittle shadow on to the page of your book，just where you were reading。

　　(1) 原名champa，亦作Champak，学名Michelia Champaca，印度圣树，木兰花属植物，开金黄色碎花。泽名亦作“瞻波迦”或“占博迦”。

　　But would you guess that it was the tiny shadow of your little child？

　　When in the evening you went to the cow-shed with the lighted lamp in yourhand，I should suddenly drop on to the earth again and be your own baby oncemore，and beg you to tell me a story。

　　“Where have you been，you naughty child？”

　　“I won’t tell you，mother。”That’s what you and I would say then。

　　当你吃过中饭，坐在窗前读《罗摩衍那》，那棵树的阴影落在你的头发与1 膝上时，我便要投我的小小的影子在你的书页上，正投在你所读的地方。

　　但是你会猜得出这就是你的小孩子的小影子吗？

　　当你黄昏时拿了灯到牛棚里去，我便要突然地再落到地上来，又成了你的孩子，求你讲个故事给我听。

　　“你到哪里去了，你这坏孩子？”

　　“我不告诉你，妈妈。”这就是你同我那时所要说的话了。

　　第十八节 仙人世界Fairyland

　　If people came to know where my king’s palace is，it would vanish into the air。

　　(1)《罗摩衍那》《Ramayana》为印度叙事诗，相传系蚁垤（Valmiki）所作。今传本形式约为公元二世纪间所形成。全书合为七卷，共二万四千颂，皆系叙述罗摩生平之作。罗摩即罗摩犍陀罗。十年王之子悉多之夫。他于第二世（Treta yaga）入世，为毗湿奴神第七化身。印度人看他为英雄，有崇拜他如神的。

　　The walls are of white silver and the roof of shining gold。

　　The queen lives in a palace with seven courtyards，and she wears a jewelthat cost all the wealth of seven kingdoms。

　　But let me tell you，mother，in a whisper，where my king’s palace is。

　　It is at the corner of our terrace where the pot of the tulsi plant stands。

　　The princess lies sleeping on the far-away shore of the sevenimpassable seas。

　　There is none in the world who can find her but myself。

　　如果人们知道了我的国王的宫殿在哪里，它就会消失在空气中的。

　　墙壁是白色的银，屋顶是耀眼的黄金。

　　皇后住在有七个庭院的宫苑里；她戴的一串珠宝，值得整整七个王国的全部财富。

　　不过，让我悄悄地告诉你，妈妈，我的国王的宫殿究竟在哪里。

　　它就在我们阳台的角上，在那栽着杜尔茜花的花盆放着的地方。

　　公主躺在远远的隔着七个不可踰越的重洋的那一岸沉睡着。

　　除了我自己，世界上便没有人能够找到她。

　　She has bracelets on her arms and pearl drops in her ears；her hair sweepsdown upon the floor。

　　She will wake when I touch her with my magic wand，and jewels will fallfrom her lips when she smiles。

　　But let me whisper in your ear，mother；she is there in the corner of ourterrace where the pot of the tulsi plant stands。

　　When it is time for you to go to the river for your bath，step up to that terraceon the roof。

　　I sit in the corner where the shadows of the walls meet together。

　　Only puss is allowed to come with me，for she knows where the barber inthe story lives。

　　But let me whisper，mother，in your ear where the barber in the story lives。

　　It is at the corner of the terrace where the pot of the tulsi plant stands。

　　她臂上有镯子，她耳上挂着珍珠；她的头发拖到地板上。

　　当我用我的魔杖点触她的时候，她就会醒过来，而当她微笑时，珠玉将会从她唇边落下来。

　　不过，让我在你的耳朵边悄悄地告诉你，妈妈，她就住在我们阳台的角上，在那栽着杜尔茜花的花盆放着的地方。

　　当你要到河里洗澡的时候，你走上屋顶的那座阳台来吧。

　　我就坐在墙的阴影所聚会的一个角落里。

　　我只让小猫儿跟我在一起，因为它知道那故事里的理发匠住的地方。

　　不过，让我在你的耳朵边悄悄地告诉你，那故事里的理发匠到底住在哪里。

　　他住的地方，就在阳台的角上，在那栽着杜尔茜花的花盆放着的地方。

　　第十九节 流放的地方The Land of the Exile

　　Mother，the light has grown grey in the sky；I do not know what the time is。

　　There is no fun in my play，so I have come to you。It is Saturday，our holiday。

　　Leave off your work，mother；sit here by the window and tell me where thedesert of Tepantar in the fairy tale is？

　　The shadow of the rains has covered the day from end to end。

　　The fierce lightning is scratching the sky with its nails。

　　When the clouds rumble and it thunders，I love to be afraid in my heart andcling to you。

　　妈妈，天空上的光成了灰色了；我不知道是什么时候了。

　　我玩得怪没劲儿的，所以到你这里来了。这是星期六，是我们的休息日。

　　放下你的活计，妈妈，坐在靠窗的一边，告诉我童话里的特潘塔沙漠在什么地方？

　　雨的影子遮掩了整个白天。

　　凶猛的电光用它的爪子抓着天空。

　　当乌云在轰轰地响着，天打着雷的时候，我总爱心里带着恐惧爬伏到你的身上。

　　When the heavy rain patters for hours on the bamboo leaves，and our windows shake and rattle at the gusts of wind，I like to sit alone in the room，mother，with you，and hear you talk about the desert of Tepantar in the fairy tale。

　　Where is it，mother，on the shore of what sea，at the foot of what hills，in the kingdom of what king？

　　There are no hedges there to mark the fields，no footpath across it by which the villagers reach their village in the evening，or the woman who gathers dry sticks in the forest can bring her load to the market。With patches of yellow grass in the sand and only one tree where the pair of wise old birds have their nest，lies the desert of Tepantar。

　　当大雨倾泻在竹叶子上好几个钟头，而我们的窗户被狂风震得格格发响的时候，我就爱独自和你坐在屋里，妈妈，听你讲童话里的特潘塔沙漠的故事。

　　它在哪里，妈妈，在哪一个海洋的岸上，在哪些个山峰的脚下，在哪一个国王的国土里？

　　田地上没有此疆彼壤的界石，也没有村人在黄昏时走回家的，或妇人在树林里检拾枯枝而捆载到市场上去的道路。沙地上只有一小块一小块的黄色草地，只有一株树，就是那一对聪明的老鸟儿在那里做窝的，那个地方就是特潘塔沙漠。

　　I can imagine how，on just such a cloudy day，the young son of the king isriding alone on a grey horse through the desert，in search of the princess who liesimprisoned in the giant’s palace across that unknown water。

　　When the haze of the rain comes down in the distant sky，and lightningstarts up like a sudden fit of pain，does he remember his unhappy mother，abandoned by the king，sweeping the cow-stall and wiping her eyes，while herides through the desert of Tepantar in the fairy tale？

　　See，mother，it is almost dark before the day is over，and there are no 119 travellers yonder on the village road。

　　我能够想像得到，就在这样一个乌云密布的日子，国王的年轻的儿子，怎样地独自骑着一匹灰色马，走过这个沙漠，去寻找那被囚禁在不可知的重洋之外的巨人宫里的公主。

　　当雨雾在遥远的天空下降，电光像一阵突然发作的痛楚的痉挛似的闪射的时候，他可记得他的不幸的母亲，为国王所弃，正在扫除牛棚，眼里流着眼泪，当他骑马走过童话里的特潘塔沙漠的时候？

　　看，妈妈，一天还没有完，天色就差不多黑了，那边村庄的路上没有什么旅客了。

　　The shepherd boy has gone home early from the pasture，and menhave left their fields to sit on mats under the eaves of their huts，watching thescowling clouds。

　　Mother，I have left all my books on the shelf-do not ask me to do mylessons now。

　　When I grow up and am big like my father，I shall learn all that mustbe learnt。

　　But just for to-day，tell me，mother，where the desert of Tepantar in the fairytale is？

　　牧童早就从牧场上回家了，人们都已从田地里回来，坐在他们草屋的檐下的草席上，眼望着阴沉的云块。

　　妈妈，我把我所有的书本都放在书架上了-不要叫我现在做功课。

　　当我长大了，大得像爸爸一样的时候，我将会学到必须学到的东西的。

　　但是，今天你可得告诉我，妈妈，童话里的特潘塔沙漠在什么地方？

　　第二十节 雨天The Rainy Day

　　Sullen clouds are gathering fast over the black fringe of the forest。

　　O child，do not go out！

　　The palm trees in a row by the lake are smiting their heads against thedismal sky；the crows with their draggled wings are silent on thetamarind branches，and the eastern bank of the river is haunted by a deepening gloom。

　　Our cow is lowing loud，tied at the fence。

　　O child，wait here till I bring her into the stall。

　　乌云很快地集拢在森林的黝黑的边缘上。

　　孩上，不要出去呀！

　　湖边的一行棕树，向暝暗的天空撞着头；

　　羽毛零乱的乌鸦，静悄悄地栖在罗望子的枝上，河的东岸正被乌沉沉的暝色所侵袭。

　　我们的牛系在篱上，高声鸣叫。

　　孩子，在这里等着，等我先把牛牵进牛棚里去。

　　Men have crowded into the flooded field to catch the fishes as they escapefrom the overflowing ponds；the rain water is running in rills through the narrowlanes like a laughing boy who has run away from his mother to tease her。

　　Listen，someone is shouting for the boatman at the ford。

　　O child，the daylight is dim，and the crossing at the ferry is closed。

　　许多人都挤在池水泛溢的田间，捉那从泛溢的池中逃出来的鱼儿，雨水成了小河，流过狭街，好像一个嬉笑的孩子从他妈妈那里跑开，故意要恼她一样。

　　听呀，有人在浅滩上喊船夫呢。

　　孩子，天色暝暗了，渡头的摆渡船已经停了。

　　The sky seems to ride fast upon the madly-rushing rain；the water in theriver is loud and impatient；women have hastened home early from the Gangeswith their filled pitchers。

　　The evening lamps must be made ready。

　　O child，do not go out！

　　The road to the market is desolate，the lane to the river is slippery。The windis roaring and struggling among the bamboo branches like a wild beast tangledin a net。

　　天空好像是在滂沱的雨上快跑着；河里的水喧叫而且暴躁；妇人们早已拿 着汲满了水的水罐，从恒河畔匆匆地回家了。

　　夜里用的灯，一定要预备好。

　　孩子，不要出去呀！

　　到市场去的大道已没有人走，到河边去的小路又很滑。风在竹林里咆哮着，挣扎着，好像一只落在网中的野兽。

　　第二十一节 纸船Paper Boats

　　Day by day I float my paper boats one by one down the running stream。

　　In big black letters I write my name on them and the name of the villagewhere I live。

　　I hope that someone in some strange land will find them and knowwho I am。

　　I load my little boats with shiuli flowers from our garden，and hope thatthese blooms of the dawn will be carried safely to land in the night。

　　I launch my paper boats and look up into the sky and see the little cloudssetting their white bulging sails。

　　我每天把纸船一个个放在急流的溪中。

　　我用大黑字写我的名字和我住的村名在纸船上。

　　我希望住在异地的人会得到这纸船，知道我是谁。

　　我把园中长的秀利花载在我的小船上，希望这些黎明开的花能在夜里平平安安的带到岸上。

　　我投我的纸船到水里，仰望天空，看见小朵的云正张着满鼓着风的白帆。

　　I know not what playmate of mine in the sky sends them down the air to race with my boats！

　　When night comes I bury my face in my arms and dream that my paper boats float on and on under the midnight stars。

　　The fairies of sleep are sailing in them，and the lading is their baskets full of dreams。

　　我不知道天上有我的什么游伴把这些船放下来同我的船比赛！

　　夜来了，我的脸埋在手臂里，梦见我的纸船在子夜的星光下缓缓地浮泛前去。

　　睡仙坐在船里，带着满载着梦的篮子。

　　第二十二节 水手The Sailor

　　The boat of the boatman Madhu is moored at the wharf of Rajgunj。

　　It is uselessly laden with jute，and has been lying there idle for ever so long。

　　If he would only lend me his boat，I should man her with a hundred oars， and hoist sails，five or six or seven。

　　I should never steer her to stupid markets。I should sail the seven seas andthe thirteen rivers of fairyland。

　　But，mother，you won’t weep for me in a corner。

　　I am not going into the forest like Ramachandra to come back only afterfourteen years。

　　I shall become the prince of the story，and fill my boat with whatever I like。

　　船夫曼特胡的船只停泊在拉琪根琪码头。

　　这只船无用地装载着黄麻，无所事事地停泊在那里已经好久了。

　　只要他肯把他的船借给我，我就给它安装一百只桨，扬起五个或六个或七个布帆来。

　　我决不把它驾驶到愚蠢的市场上去。

　　我将航遍仙人世界里的七个大海和十三条河道。

　　但是，妈妈，你不要躲在角落里为我哭泣。

　　我不会像罗摩犍陀罗1似的，到森林中去，一去十四年才回来。

　　我将成为故事中的王子，把我的船装满了我所喜欢的东西。

　　I shall take my friend Ashu with me。We shall sail merrily across the seven seas and the thirteen rivers of fairyland。

　　We shall set sail in the early morning light。

　　When at noontide you are bathing at the (1) 罗摩犍陀罗即罗摩。他是印度叙事诗《罗摩衍那》中的主角。为了尊重父亲的诺言和维持弟兄间的友爱，他抛弃了继承王位的权利，和妻子悉多在森林中被放逐了十四年。

　　pond，we shall be in the land of a strange king。

　　We shall pass the ford of Tirpurni，and leave behind us the desert ofTepantar。

　　When we come back it will be getting dark，and I shall tell you of all that wehave seen。

　　I shall cross the seven seas and the thirteen rivers of fairyland。

　　我将带我的朋友阿细和我做伴，我们要快快乐乐地航行于仙人世界里的七个大海和十三条河道。

　　我将在绝早的晨光里张帆航行。

　　中午，你正在池塘里洗澡的时候，我们将在一个陌生的国王的国土上了。

　　我们将经过特浦尼浅滩，把特潘塔沙漠抛落在我们的后边。

　　当我们回来的时候，天色快黑了，我将告诉你我们所见到的一切。

　　我将越过仙人世界里的七个大海和十三条河道。

　　第二十三节 对岸The Further Bank

　　I long to go over there to the further bank of the river， Where those boats are tied to the bamboo poles in a line；

　　Where men cross over in their boats in the morning with ploughs on theirshoulders to till their far-away fields；

　　Where the cowherds make their lowing cattle swim across to the riverside pasture；

　　Whence they all come back home in the evening，leaving the jackals to howl in the island overgrown with weeds，Mother，if you don’t mind，I should like to become the boatman of the ferry when I am grown up。

　　我渴想到河的对岸去。

　　在那边，好些船只一行儿系在竹杆上；

　　人们在早晨乘船渡过那边去，肩上扛着犁头，去耕耘他们的远处的田；

　　在那边，牧人使他们哞叫着的牛游泳到河旁的牧场去；

　　黄昏的时候，他们都回家了，只留下豺狼在这满长着野草的岛上哀叫。

　　妈妈，如果你不在意，我长大的时候，要做这渡船的船夫。

　　They say there are strange pools hidden behind that high bank， Where flocks of wild ducks come when the rains are over，and thick reedsgrow round the margins where waterbirds lay their eggs；

　　Where snipes with their dancing tails stamp their tiny footprints upon theclean soft mud；

　　Where in the evening the tall grasses crested with white flowers invite themoo-nbeam to float upon their waves。

　　Mother，if you don’t mind，I should like to become the boatman of theferry-boat when I am grown up。

　　据说有好些古怪的池塘藏在这个高岸之后。

　　雨过去了，一群一群的野鹜飞到那里去，茂盛的芦苇在岸边四围生长，水鸟在那里生蛋；

　　竹鸡带着跳舞的尾巴，将它们细小的足印印在洁净的软泥上；

　　黄昏的时候，长草顶着白花，邀月光在长草的波浪上浮游。

　　妈妈，如果你不在意，我长大的时候，要做这渡船的船夫。

　　I shall cross and cross back from bank to bank，and all the boys and girls ofthe village will wonder at me while they are bathing。

　　When the sun climbs the mid sky and morning wears on to noon，I shallcome running to you，saying，“Mother，I am hungry！”

　　When the day is done and the shadows cower under the trees，I shall comeback in the dusk。

　　I shall never go away from you into the town to work like father。

　　Mother，if you don’t mind，I should like to become the boatman of the ferryboat when I am grown up。

　　我要自此岸至彼岸，渡过来，渡过去，所有村中正在那儿沐浴的男孩女孩，都要诧异地望着我。

　　太阳升到中天，早晨变为正午了，我将跑到你那里去，说道：“妈妈，我饿了！”

　　一天完了，影子俯伏在树底下，我便要在黄昏中回家来。

　　我将永不同爸爸那样，离开你到城里去做事。

　　妈妈，如果你不在意，我长大的时候，要做这渡船的船夫。