李唐

好久不翻译了。2015年新年了，报个到。来首深英浅汉的翻译。


在思考我如何失去光明的时候

当我在这个黑暗而宽广的世界里，

思咐我前半生的光明是如何耗失，

并思咐那藏着还不如死掉的天资，

变得毫无价值地寄居在我的躯体，

尽管我用更扭曲的灵魂为主服侍，

禀告我真实的理由免遭他的呵斥，

我却天真地问出本该挡住的怨气：

 “上帝苛求劳作一天，却拒我光日？”

不过在耐心等待后很快有了回执，

“上帝不需要人类的劳作或者天资。

最经得住他温和驾驭的才最称职。

他姿态如此高贵：在他要求的速度里，

有无数使者在海上陆上奔波不息，

那些受恩的也只为主而等待伫立。

Sonnet 19 (Sonnet XIX)

When I consider how my light is spent

John Milton  1608–1674

When I consider how my light is spent,

Ere half my days, in this dark world and wide,

And that one talent which is death to hide

Lodged with me useless, though my soul more bent

To serve therewith my Maker, and present

My true account, lest He returning chide,

"Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?"

I fondly ask; But patience, to prevent

That murmur, soon replies "God doth not need

Either man's work or his own gifts. Who best

Bear His mild yoke, they serve Him best. His state

Is kingly: thousands at His bidding speed

And post o'er land and ocean without rest;

They also serve who only stand and wait."