English reader · Project Gutenberg #84
Chapter 5
Frankenstein; or, the Modern Prometheus. English-only reading by default; you can also choose two-column reading in English and Chinese.
Chapter summary
This reading unit corresponds to Chapter 5 in the Project Gutenberg #84 edition of Frankenstein.
Modern reader note
English
It was on a dreary night of November that I beheld the accomplishment of my toils. With an anxiety that almost amounted to agony, I collected the instruments of life around me, that I might infuse a spark of being into the lifeless thing that lay at my feet. It was already one in the morning; the rain pattered dismally against the panes, and my candle was nearly burnt out, when, by the glimmer of the half-extinguished light, I saw the dull yellow eye of the creature open; it breathed hard, and a convulsive motion agitated its limbs.
How can I describe my emotions at this catastrophe, or how delineate the wretch whom with such infinite pains and care I had endeavoured to form? His limbs were in proportion, and I had selected his features as beautiful. Beautiful! Great God! His yellow skin scarcely covered the work of muscles and arteries beneath; his hair was of a lustrous black, and flowing; his teeth of a pearly whiteness; but these luxuriances only formed a more horrid contrast with his watery eyes, that seemed almost of the same colour as the dun-white sockets in which they were set, his shrivelled complexion and straight black lips.
The different accidents of life are not so changeable as the feelings of human nature. I had worked hard for nearly two years, for the sole purpose of infusing life into an inanimate body. For this I had deprived myself of rest and health. I had desired it with an ardour that far exceeded moderation; but now that I had finished, the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart. Unable to endure the aspect of the being I had created, I rushed out of the room and continued a long time traversing my bed-chamber, unable to compose my mind to sleep. At length lassitude succeeded to the tumult I had before endured, and I threw myself on the bed in my clothes, endeavouring to seek a few moments of forgetfulness. But it was in vain; I slept, indeed, but I was disturbed by the wildest dreams. I thought I saw Elizabeth, in the bloom of health, walking in the streets of Ingolstadt. Delighted and surprised, I embraced her, but as I imprinted the first kiss on her lips, they became livid with the hue of death; her features appeared to change, and I thought that I held the corpse of my dead mother in my arms; a shroud enveloped her form, and I saw the grave-worms crawling in the folds of the flannel. I started from my sleep with horror; a cold dew covered my forehead, my teeth chattered, and every limb became convulsed; when, by the dim and yellow light of the moon, as it forced its way through the window shutters, I beheld the wretch—the miserable monster whom I had created. He held up the curtain of the bed; and his eyes, if eyes they may be called, were fixed on me. His jaws opened, and he muttered some inarticulate sounds, while a grin wrinkled his cheeks. He might have spoken, but I did not hear; one hand was stretched out, seemingly to detain me, but I escaped and rushed downstairs. I took refuge in the courtyard belonging to the house which I inhabited, where I remained during the rest of the night, walking up and down in the greatest agitation, listening attentively, catching and fearing each sound as if it were to announce the approach of the demoniacal corpse to which I had so miserably given life.
Oh! No mortal could support the horror of that countenance. A mummy again endued with animation could not be so hideous as that wretch. I had gazed on him while unfinished; he was ugly then, but when those muscles and joints were rendered capable of motion, it became a thing such as even Dante could not have conceived.
I passed the night wretchedly. Sometimes my pulse beat so quickly and hardly that I felt the palpitation of every artery; at others, I nearly sank to the ground through languor and extreme weakness. Mingled with this horror, I felt the bitterness of disappointment; dreams that had been my food and pleasant rest for so long a space were now become a hell to me; and the change was so rapid, the overthrow so complete!
Morning, dismal and wet, at length dawned and discovered to my sleepless and aching eyes the church of Ingolstadt, its white steeple and clock, which indicated the sixth hour. The porter opened the gates of the court, which had that night been my asylum, and I issued into the streets, pacing them with quick steps, as if I sought to avoid the wretch whom I feared every turning of the street would present to my view. I did not dare return to the apartment which I inhabited, but felt impelled to hurry on, although drenched by the rain which poured from a black and comfortless sky.
I continued walking in this manner for some time, endeavouring by bodily exercise to ease the load that weighed upon my mind. I traversed the streets without any clear conception of where I was or what I was doing. My heart palpitated in the sickness of fear, and I hurried on with irregular steps, not daring to look about me:
Like one who, on a lonely road, Doth walk in fear and dread, And, having once turned round, walks on, And turns no more his head; Because he knows a frightful fiend Doth close behind him tread.
Source: Coleridge’s “Ancient Mariner.”
Continuing thus, I came at length opposite to the inn at which the various diligences and carriages usually stopped. Here I paused, I knew not why; but I remained some minutes with my eyes fixed on a coach that was coming towards me from the other end of the street. As it drew nearer I observed that it was the Swiss diligence; it stopped just where I was standing, and on the door being opened, I perceived Henry Clerval, who, on seeing me, instantly sprung out. “My dear Frankenstein,” exclaimed he, “how glad I am to see you! How fortunate that you should be here at the very moment of my alighting!”
Nothing could equal my delight on seeing Clerval; his presence brought back to my thoughts my father, Elizabeth, and all those scenes of home so dear to my recollection. I grasped his hand, and in a moment forgot my horror and misfortune; I felt suddenly, and for the first time during many months, calm and serene joy. I welcomed my friend, therefore, in the most cordial manner, and we walked towards my college. Clerval continued talking for some time about our mutual friends and his own good fortune in being permitted to come to Ingolstadt. “You may easily believe,” said he, “how great was the difficulty to persuade my father that all necessary knowledge was not comprised in the noble art of book-keeping; and, indeed, I believe I left him incredulous to the last, for his constant answer to my unwearied entreaties was the same as that of the Dutch schoolmaster in The Vicar of Wakefield: ‘I have ten thousand florins a year without Greek, I eat heartily without Greek.’ But his affection for me at length overcame his dislike of learning, and he has permitted me to undertake a voyage of discovery to the land of knowledge.”
“It gives me the greatest delight to see you; but tell me how you left my father, brothers, and Elizabeth.”
“Very well, and very happy, only a little uneasy that they hear from you so seldom. By the by, I mean to lecture you a little upon their account myself. But, my dear Frankenstein,” continued he, stopping short and gazing full in my face, “I did not before remark how very ill you appear; so thin and pale; you look as if you had been watching for several nights.”
“You have guessed right; I have lately been so deeply engaged in one occupation that I have not allowed myself sufficient rest, as you see; but I hope, I sincerely hope, that all these employments are now at an end and that I am at length free.”
I trembled excessively; I could not endure to think of, and far less to allude to, the occurrences of the preceding night. I walked with a quick pace, and we soon arrived at my college. I then reflected, and the thought made me shiver, that the creature whom I had left in my apartment might still be there, alive and walking about. I dreaded to behold this monster, but I feared still more that Henry should see him. Entreating him, therefore, to remain a few minutes at the bottom of the stairs, I darted up towards my own room. My hand was already on the lock of the door before I recollected myself. I then paused, and a cold shivering came over me. I threw the door forcibly open, as children are accustomed to do when they expect a spectre to stand in waiting for them on the other side; but nothing appeared. I stepped fearfully in: the apartment was empty, and my bedroom was also freed from its hideous guest. I could hardly believe that so great a good fortune could have befallen me, but when I became assured that my enemy had indeed fled, I clapped my hands for joy and ran down to Clerval.
We ascended into my room, and the servant presently brought breakfast; but I was unable to contain myself. It was not joy only that possessed me; I felt my flesh tingle with excess of sensitiveness, and my pulse beat rapidly. I was unable to remain for a single instant in the same place; I jumped over the chairs, clapped my hands, and laughed aloud. Clerval at first attributed my unusual spirits to joy on his arrival, but when he observed me more attentively, he saw a wildness in my eyes for which he could not account, and my loud, unrestrained, heartless laughter frightened and astonished him.
“My dear Victor,” cried he, “what, for God’s sake, is the matter? Do not laugh in that manner. How ill you are! What is the cause of all this?”
“Do not ask me,” cried I, putting my hands before my eyes, for I thought I saw the dreaded spectre glide into the room; “he can tell. Oh, save me! Save me!” I imagined that the monster seized me; I struggled furiously and fell down in a fit.
Poor Clerval! What must have been his feelings? A meeting, which he anticipated with such joy, so strangely turned to bitterness. But I was not the witness of his grief, for I was lifeless and did not recover my senses for a long, long time.
This was the commencement of a nervous fever which confined me for several months. During all that time Henry was my only nurse. I afterwards learned that, knowing my father’s advanced age and unfitness for so long a journey, and how wretched my sickness would make Elizabeth, he spared them this grief by concealing the extent of my disorder. He knew that I could not have a more kind and attentive nurse than himself; and, firm in the hope he felt of my recovery, he did not doubt that, instead of doing harm, he performed the kindest action that he could towards them.
But I was in reality very ill, and surely nothing but the unbounded and unremitting attentions of my friend could have restored me to life. The form of the monster on whom I had bestowed existence was for ever before my eyes, and I raved incessantly concerning him. Doubtless my words surprised Henry; he at first believed them to be the wanderings of my disturbed imagination, but the pertinacity with which I continually recurred to the same subject persuaded him that my disorder indeed owed its origin to some uncommon and terrible event.
By very slow degrees, and with frequent relapses that alarmed and grieved my friend, I recovered. I remember the first time I became capable of observing outward objects with any kind of pleasure, I perceived that the fallen leaves had disappeared and that the young buds were shooting forth from the trees that shaded my window. It was a divine spring, and the season contributed greatly to my convalescence. I felt also sentiments of joy and affection revive in my bosom; my gloom disappeared, and in a short time I became as cheerful as before I was attacked by the fatal passion.
“Dearest Clerval,” exclaimed I, “how kind, how very good you are to me. This whole winter, instead of being spent in study, as you promised yourself, has been consumed in my sick room. How shall I ever repay you? I feel the greatest remorse for the disappointment of which I have been the occasion, but you will forgive me.”
“You will repay me entirely if you do not discompose yourself, but get well as fast as you can; and since you appear in such good spirits, I may speak to you on one subject, may I not?”
I trembled. One subject! What could it be? Could he allude to an object on whom I dared not even think?
“Compose yourself,” said Clerval, who observed my change of colour, “I will not mention it if it agitates you; but your father and cousin would be very happy if they received a letter from you in your own handwriting. They hardly know how ill you have been and are uneasy at your long silence.”
“Is that all, my dear Henry? How could you suppose that my first thought would not fly towards those dear, dear friends whom I love and who are so deserving of my love?”
“If this is your present temper, my friend, you will perhaps be glad to see a letter that has been lying here some days for you; it is from your cousin, I believe.”
中文
那是十一月一个阴沉的夜晚，我终于看见自己长期劳动的成果。怀着几乎变成痛苦的焦虑，我把各种赋予生命所需的器具摆在身边，准备把生命的火花注入躺在脚边、毫无生命的躯体。已经是凌晨一点；雨点凄凉地敲打窗玻璃，蜡烛也快燃尽了。就在那半明半灭的微光里，我看见那个生物暗淡的黄色眼睛睁开了；它沉重地呼吸着，四肢因抽搐而震动。
我该怎样描述面对这场灾难时的感受？又该怎样描写这个我花费无数心血、极其小心地塑造出来的可怜生物？他的四肢比例匀称，我也特意挑选了看起来漂亮的五官。漂亮！天哪！他的黄色皮肤几乎遮不住下面肌肉和动脉的结构；头发乌黑发亮，浓密披散；牙齿洁白如珍珠。可这些本来美好的部分，却同他浑浊的眼睛形成更可怕的反差——那双眼睛几乎和周围灰白色的眼眶一样颜色；还有他皱缩的皮肤和笔直乌黑的嘴唇。
人生遭遇的变化，也比不上人的感情转变得快。我辛苦工作将近两年，唯一目的就是给一具没有生命的身体注入生命。为了这个目标，我牺牲休息和健康，怀着远远超过理性的热情追求它。可现在目标终于实现，梦想的美丽一下消失，取而代之的是让我喘不过气的恐怖和厌恶。我无法忍受自己创造的生命体出现在眼前，冲出房间，在卧室里来回走了很久，怎么也无法平静下来入睡。最后，极度疲惫取代了先前的激动，我穿着衣服倒在床上，希望至少能暂时忘记一切。可是没有用。我确实睡着了，却被最疯狂的梦折磨。我梦见伊丽莎白健康美丽地走在因戈尔施塔特街上。我又惊又喜地拥抱她，可当我第一次亲吻她的嘴唇时，那双唇立刻变成死人的青紫色；她的五官开始变化，我发现怀里抱着的是已经去世的母亲的尸体。裹尸布缠住她的身体，我看见蛆虫在法兰绒的褶皱间爬动。我惊恐地从梦中惊醒，额头满是冷汗，牙齿打颤，全身抽搐。就在这时，月光从百叶窗缝隙中挤进来，昏黄地照着房间，我看见了那个可怜的怪物——我创造出来的生命。他掀起床帘，那双姑且称为眼睛的眼睛盯着我。他张开嘴，发出一些无法理解的声音，脸上还挤出一个扭曲的笑容。他也许说了什么，但我没有听清。一只手向我伸过来，似乎想拦住我，我却逃开，冲下楼去。我躲进住所的院子里，整夜都留在那里，极度不安地来回踱步，竖起耳朵捕捉每一点声音，又害怕每一点声音都意味着那具被我可悲地赋予生命的恶魔尸体正在接近。
啊！任何凡人都无法承受那张脸带来的恐怖。即使木乃伊重新获得生命，也不可能像这个可怜生物这样丑陋。我曾在它还没有完成时看过它，那时已经很难看；可当肌肉和关节真正能够运动以后，它变成了一种连但丁都无法想象的东西。
那一夜我过得极其痛苦。有时脉搏跳得又快又猛，仿佛每一条动脉的搏动都能清楚感觉到；有时我又因为虚弱和疲惫，几乎倒在地上。恐惧中还混着失败的苦涩。那些长久以来支撑我的梦想，本来既像食物又像安眠，如今却全部变成地狱；变化发生得如此迅速，毁灭又如此彻底。
终于，阴沉潮湿的早晨来临了。我一夜未睡，双眼酸痛，看见因戈尔施塔特教堂的白色尖塔和钟面，时钟正指向六点。守门人打开院门，我从昨夜的避难所走上街道，飞快地往前走，仿佛想避开那个我担心会在每一个街角突然出现的怪物。我不敢回自己的住所，只能不断向前赶，任凭阴黑而毫无安慰的天空落下大雨，把我全身淋透。
我这样走了很久，想用身体活动减轻压在心头的重担。我穿过一条又一条街，根本不知道自己在哪里，也不知道自己在做什么。恐惧让我心跳得发疼，我脚步凌乱地匆匆向前，根本不敢回头看。
就像一个人在荒凉道路上， 心怀恐惧向前走； 他曾经回头看过一次， 从此再不敢回首； 因为他知道，一个可怕的恶魔， 正紧紧跟在身后。
来源：柯勒律治《古舟子咏》。
就这样继续走着，我终于来到一家旅店对面，那里通常有各种驿车和马车停靠。我也不知道为什么停下来，只是站了几分钟，盯着一辆从街道另一头驶来的马车。等车靠近，我看出那是一辆瑞士驿车。它正好停在我面前，车门打开时，我看见亨利·克莱瓦尔。他一看见我，立刻跳下车。“我亲爱的弗兰肯斯坦！”他大声说道，“见到你真高兴！太巧了，你竟然正好在我下车的时候站在这里！”
看见克莱瓦尔，我的喜悦无法形容。他的出现立刻让我想起父亲、伊丽莎白和家里所有珍贵的景象。我紧紧握住他的手，一瞬间忘记了自己的恐怖和不幸；几个月来第一次，我突然感到平静而安宁的快乐。于是我非常热情地欢迎朋友，我们一起朝学校走去。克莱瓦尔一路不停谈起共同的朋友，又说起自己终于获准来到因戈尔施塔特有多幸运。“你很容易想象，”他说，“要让我父亲相信，必要的知识并不全部包含在高贵的记账术里，有多困难。说真的，我觉得直到最后离开时，他仍然不信服，因为不管我怎样不停恳求，他总用《威克菲尔德牧师》里那个荷兰校长的话回答我：‘我不懂希腊语，每年照样有一万弗罗林收入；我不懂希腊语，也照样吃得很香。’不过，他对我的爱最后还是战胜了对学问的反感，允许我来知识的国度进行一次探索旅行。”
我说：“见到你让我高兴极了。不过快告诉我，我父亲、弟弟们和伊丽莎白都怎么样？”
“他们都很好，也很快乐，只是因为很少收到你的信，有点担心。顺便说一句，我自己也准备替他们好好教训你一下。不过，我亲爱的弗兰肯斯坦，”他说着突然停下来，认真盯着我的脸，“我刚才竟没发现你病得这么厉害。你又瘦又苍白，看起来像连续守了好几个晚上没有睡觉。”
我回答：“你猜对了。我最近一直全神贯注于一件事，没有给自己足够的休息，你现在也看得出来。不过我希望，我真心希望，这些事情现在已经结束，我终于自由了。”
我浑身剧烈发抖。我连想起昨夜的事情都无法忍受，更不用说提到它。我加快脚步，很快到了学校。这时我忽然想到——这个念头让我全身发冷——那个被我留在房间里的生命也许还在那里，活着，在房里走来走去。我害怕看见怪物，可更害怕亨利看见它。于是我请求他在楼梯下面等几分钟，自己飞快冲向房间。手已经放到门锁上时，我才猛然停住，随即一阵寒战袭来。我猛地把门推开，就像孩子怀疑门后藏着鬼时会做的那样。可什么也没有出现。我小心地走进去：外间空着，卧室里那个可怕的客人也已经不见。我几乎无法相信自己竟然这么幸运。等确定敌人真的逃走以后，我高兴得拍手，马上跑下楼去找克莱瓦尔。
我们一起上楼回到房间，仆人很快送来早餐。可我已经控制不住自己。占据我的不只是快乐；过度敏感让皮肤阵阵发麻，脉搏飞快跳动。我一秒钟也无法安静待在同一个地方，不停跳过椅子、拍手、大声笑。克莱瓦尔起初以为我只是因为他到来而兴奋，可仔细观察以后，他发现我眼神中有一种无法解释的疯狂，而我那毫无节制、没有温度的大笑也让他又惊又怕。
“我亲爱的维克多，”他喊道，“看在上帝的份上，你到底怎么了？别这样笑。你病得太厉害了！这一切到底是怎么回事？”
“别问我！”我一边喊，一边双手遮住眼睛，因为我仿佛看见那个可怕的幽灵正滑进房间，“他会告诉你。啊，救救我！救救我！”我幻想怪物已经抓住自己，疯狂挣扎，最后倒地昏厥。
可怜的克莱瓦尔！他的感受会是怎样？这场他一直满怀喜悦期待的重逢，竟如此奇怪地变成苦痛。可我没有看见他的悲伤，因为我完全失去知觉，很久很久以后才恢复意识。
这就是一场神经性热病的开始，我因此卧床好几个月。在这段时间里，亨利是唯一照顾我的人。后来我才知道，他考虑到父亲年纪已经很大，不适合长途旅行，也知道我的病会让伊丽莎白痛苦不堪，因此一直隐瞒病情的严重程度，没有让家人知道。他知道再没有人能比自己更善良、更细心地照顾我；而且他坚定地相信我会恢复，因此认定自己这样做不是伤害他们，反而是对他们最体贴的帮助。
可实际上，我病得非常严重。毫无疑问，只有朋友无边无际、从不间断的照料，才把我从死亡边缘拉回来。我眼前总会浮现那个被我赋予生命的怪物，并不断在谵妄中谈起它。我的话当然让亨利吃惊。起初，他以为那只是混乱想象中的胡话；可我一次又一次固执地回到同一个主题，最终让他相信，我的病一定源自某件不同寻常而极其可怕的事情。
经过极其缓慢的恢复，而且中间多次反复，吓坏并折磨着我的朋友，我终于渐渐好起来。我还记得，自己第一次重新能够从外界事物中感受到一点快乐时，看见窗外那些落叶已经消失，树枝上长出了嫩芽。那是一个仿佛来自天堂的春天，季节本身也大大帮助我恢复。快乐和爱意重新回到胸中，阴郁渐渐消失。不久，我又变得像那场致命的激情抓住我以前一样开朗。
我喊道：“最亲爱的克莱瓦尔，你对我真好，实在太好了。整个冬天，你原本答应自己要用来学习，却全都耗在我的病房里。我怎么才能报答你？想到因为我让你失望，我心里非常愧疚，不过你一定会原谅我。”
“你只要别再激动，尽快好起来，就已经完全报答我了。既然你现在精神这么好，我是不是可以和你谈一件事？”
我浑身一震。一件事！会是什么？难道他要提到那个我连想都不敢想的存在？
克莱瓦尔看见我脸色变了，说：“冷静些。如果这会让你不安，我就不提。不过，如果你能亲手写一封信，你父亲和表妹一定会非常高兴。他们几乎不知道你病得有多严重，而你长时间没有消息，让他们很担心。”
我说：“就这些吗，我亲爱的亨利？你怎么会以为，我第一个念头不是飞回那些亲爱的朋友身边？我爱他们，他们也完全值得我的爱。”
“既然你现在是这种心情，我的朋友，那么你也许会高兴看到一封已经在这里放了几天的信。我想，是你表妹写来的。”
English
It was on a dreary night of November that I beheld the accomplishment of my toils. With an anxiety that almost amounted to agony, I collected the instruments of life around me, that I might infuse a spark of being into the lifeless thing that lay at my feet. It was already one in the morning; the rain pattered dismally against the panes, and my candle was nearly burnt out, when, by the glimmer of the half-extinguished light, I saw the dull yellow eye of the creature open; it breathed hard, and a convulsive motion agitated its limbs.
中文
那是十一月一个阴沉的夜晚，我终于看见自己长期劳动的成果。怀着几乎变成痛苦的焦虑，我把各种赋予生命所需的器具摆在身边，准备把生命的火花注入躺在脚边、毫无生命的躯体。已经是凌晨一点；雨点凄凉地敲打窗玻璃，蜡烛也快燃尽了。就在那半明半灭的微光里，我看见那个生物暗淡的黄色眼睛睁开了；它沉重地呼吸着，四肢因抽搐而震动。
English
It was on a dreary night of November that I beheld the accomplishment of my toils. With an anxiety that almost amounted to agony, I collected the instruments of life around me, that I might infuse a spark of being into the lifeless thing that lay at my feet. It was already one in the morning; the rain pattered dismally against the panes, and my candle was nearly burnt out, when, by the glimmer of the half-extinguished light, I saw the dull yellow eye of the creature open; it breathed hard, and a convulsive motion agitated its limbs.
中文
那是十一月一个阴沉的夜晚，我终于看见自己长期劳动的成果。怀着几乎变成痛苦的焦虑，我把各种赋予生命所需的器具摆在身边，准备把生命的火花注入躺在脚边、毫无生命的躯体。已经是凌晨一点；雨点凄凉地敲打窗玻璃，蜡烛也快燃尽了。就在那半明半灭的微光里，我看见那个生物暗淡的黄色眼睛睁开了；它沉重地呼吸着，四肢因抽搐而震动。
English
How can I describe my emotions at this catastrophe, or how delineate the wretch whom with such infinite pains and care I had endeavoured to form? His limbs were in proportion, and I had selected his features as beautiful. Beautiful! Great God! His yellow skin scarcely covered the work of muscles and arteries beneath; his hair was of a lustrous black, and flowing; his teeth of a pearly whiteness; but these luxuriances only formed a more horrid contrast with his watery eyes, that seemed almost of the same colour as the dun-white sockets in which they were set, his shrivelled complexion and straight black lips.
中文
我该怎样描述面对这场灾难时的感受？又该怎样描写这个我花费无数心血、极其小心地塑造出来的可怜生物？他的四肢比例匀称，我也特意挑选了看起来漂亮的五官。漂亮！天哪！他的黄色皮肤几乎遮不住下面肌肉和动脉的结构；头发乌黑发亮，浓密披散；牙齿洁白如珍珠。可这些本来美好的部分，却同他浑浊的眼睛形成更可怕的反差——那双眼睛几乎和周围灰白色的眼眶一样颜色；还有他皱缩的皮肤和笔直乌黑的嘴唇。
English
How can I describe my emotions at this catastrophe, or how delineate the wretch whom with such infinite pains and care I had endeavoured to form? His limbs were in proportion, and I had selected his features as beautiful. Beautiful! Great God! His yellow skin scarcely covered the work of muscles and arteries beneath; his hair was of a lustrous black, and flowing; his teeth of a pearly whiteness; but these luxuriances only formed a more horrid contrast with his watery eyes, that seemed almost of the same colour as the dun-white sockets in which they were set, his shrivelled complexion and straight black lips.
中文
我该怎样描述面对这场灾难时的感受？又该怎样描写这个我花费无数心血、极其小心地塑造出来的可怜生物？他的四肢比例匀称，我也特意挑选了看起来漂亮的五官。漂亮！天哪！他的黄色皮肤几乎遮不住下面肌肉和动脉的结构；头发乌黑发亮，浓密披散；牙齿洁白如珍珠。可这些本来美好的部分，却同他浑浊的眼睛形成更可怕的反差——那双眼睛几乎和周围灰白色的眼眶一样颜色；还有他皱缩的皮肤和笔直乌黑的嘴唇。
English
The different accidents of life are not so changeable as the feelings of human nature. I had worked hard for nearly two years, for the sole purpose of infusing life into an inanimate body. For this I had deprived myself of rest and health. I had desired it with an ardour that far exceeded moderation; but now that I had finished, the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart. Unable to endure the aspect of the being I had created, I rushed out of the room and continued a long time traversing my bed-chamber, unable to compose my mind to sleep. At length lassitude succeeded to the tumult I had before endured, and I threw myself on the bed in my clothes, endeavouring to seek a few moments of forgetfulness. But it was in vain; I slept, indeed, but I was disturbed by the wildest dreams. I thought I saw Elizabeth, in the bloom of health, walking in the streets of Ingolstadt. Delighted and surprised, I embraced her, but as I imprinted the first kiss on her lips, they became livid with the hue of death; her features appeared to change, and I thought that I held the corpse of my dead mother in my arms; a shroud enveloped her form, and I saw the grave-worms crawling in the folds of the flannel. I started from my sleep with horror; a cold dew covered my forehead, my teeth chattered, and every limb became convulsed; when, by the dim and yellow light of the moon, as it forced its way through the window shutters, I beheld the wretch—the miserable monster whom I had created. He held up the curtain of the bed; and his eyes, if eyes they may be called, were fixed on me. His jaws opened, and he muttered some inarticulate sounds, while a grin wrinkled his cheeks. He might have spoken, but I did not hear; one hand was stretched out, seemingly to detain me, but I escaped and rushed downstairs. I took refuge in the courtyard belonging to the house which I inhabited, where I remained during the rest of the night, walking up and down in the greatest agitation, listening attentively, catching and fearing each sound as if it were to announce the approach of the demoniacal corpse to which I had so miserably given life.
中文
人生遭遇的变化，也比不上人的感情转变得快。我辛苦工作将近两年，唯一目的就是给一具没有生命的身体注入生命。为了这个目标，我牺牲休息和健康，怀着远远超过理性的热情追求它。可现在目标终于实现，梦想的美丽一下消失，取而代之的是让我喘不过气的恐怖和厌恶。我无法忍受自己创造的生命体出现在眼前，冲出房间，在卧室里来回走了很久，怎么也无法平静下来入睡。最后，极度疲惫取代了先前的激动，我穿着衣服倒在床上，希望至少能暂时忘记一切。可是没有用。我确实睡着了，却被最疯狂的梦折磨。我梦见伊丽莎白健康美丽地走在因戈尔施塔特街上。我又惊又喜地拥抱她，可当我第一次亲吻她的嘴唇时，那双唇立刻变成死人的青紫色；她的五官开始变化，我发现怀里抱着的是已经去世的母亲的尸体。裹尸布缠住她的身体，我看见蛆虫在法兰绒的褶皱间爬动。我惊恐地从梦中惊醒，额头满是冷汗，牙齿打颤，全身抽搐。就在这时，月光从百叶窗缝隙中挤进来，昏黄地照着房间，我看见了那个可怜的怪物——我创造出来的生命。他掀起床帘，那双姑且称为眼睛的眼睛盯着我。他张开嘴，发出一些无法理解的声音，脸上还挤出一个扭曲的笑容。他也许说了什么，但我没有听清。一只手向我伸过来，似乎想拦住我，我却逃开，冲下楼去。我躲进住所的院子里，整夜都留在那里，极度不安地来回踱步，竖起耳朵捕捉每一点声音，又害怕每一点声音都意味着那具被我可悲地赋予生命的恶魔尸体正在接近。
English
The different accidents of life are not so changeable as the feelings of human nature. I had worked hard for nearly two years, for the sole purpose of infusing life into an inanimate body. For this I had deprived myself of rest and health. I had desired it with an ardour that far exceeded moderation; but now that I had finished, the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart. Unable to endure the aspect of the being I had created, I rushed out of the room and continued a long time traversing my bed-chamber, unable to compose my mind to sleep. At length lassitude succeeded to the tumult I had before endured, and I threw myself on the bed in my clothes, endeavouring to seek a few moments of forgetfulness. But it was in vain; I slept, indeed, but I was disturbed by the wildest dreams. I thought I saw Elizabeth, in the bloom of health, walking in the streets of Ingolstadt. Delighted and surprised, I embraced her, but as I imprinted the first kiss on her lips, they became livid with the hue of death; her features appeared to change, and I thought that I held the corpse of my dead mother in my arms; a shroud enveloped her form, and I saw the grave-worms crawling in the folds of the flannel. I started from my sleep with horror; a cold dew covered my forehead, my teeth chattered, and every limb became convulsed; when, by the dim and yellow light of the moon, as it forced its way through the window shutters, I beheld the wretch—the miserable monster whom I had created. He held up the curtain of the bed; and his eyes, if eyes they may be called, were fixed on me. His jaws opened, and he muttered some inarticulate sounds, while a grin wrinkled his cheeks. He might have spoken, but I did not hear; one hand was stretched out, seemingly to detain me, but I escaped and rushed downstairs. I took refuge in the courtyard belonging to the house which I inhabited, where I remained during the rest of the night, walking up and down in the greatest agitation, listening attentively, catching and fearing each sound as if it were to announce the approach of the demoniacal corpse to which I had so miserably given life.
中文
人生遭遇的变化，也比不上人的感情转变得快。我辛苦工作将近两年，唯一目的就是给一具没有生命的身体注入生命。为了这个目标，我牺牲休息和健康，怀着远远超过理性的热情追求它。可现在目标终于实现，梦想的美丽一下消失，取而代之的是让我喘不过气的恐怖和厌恶。我无法忍受自己创造的生命体出现在眼前，冲出房间，在卧室里来回走了很久，怎么也无法平静下来入睡。最后，极度疲惫取代了先前的激动，我穿着衣服倒在床上，希望至少能暂时忘记一切。可是没有用。我确实睡着了，却被最疯狂的梦折磨。我梦见伊丽莎白健康美丽地走在因戈尔施塔特街上。我又惊又喜地拥抱她，可当我第一次亲吻她的嘴唇时，那双唇立刻变成死人的青紫色；她的五官开始变化，我发现怀里抱着的是已经去世的母亲的尸体。裹尸布缠住她的身体，我看见蛆虫在法兰绒的褶皱间爬动。我惊恐地从梦中惊醒，额头满是冷汗，牙齿打颤，全身抽搐。就在这时，月光从百叶窗缝隙中挤进来，昏黄地照着房间，我看见了那个可怜的怪物——我创造出来的生命。他掀起床帘，那双姑且称为眼睛的眼睛盯着我。他张开嘴，发出一些无法理解的声音，脸上还挤出一个扭曲的笑容。他也许说了什么，但我没有听清。一只手向我伸过来，似乎想拦住我，我却逃开，冲下楼去。我躲进住所的院子里，整夜都留在那里，极度不安地来回踱步，竖起耳朵捕捉每一点声音，又害怕每一点声音都意味着那具被我可悲地赋予生命的恶魔尸体正在接近。
English
Oh! No mortal could support the horror of that countenance. A mummy again endued with animation could not be so hideous as that wretch. I had gazed on him while unfinished; he was ugly then, but when those muscles and joints were rendered capable of motion, it became a thing such as even Dante could not have conceived.
中文
啊！任何凡人都无法承受那张脸带来的恐怖。即使木乃伊重新获得生命，也不可能像这个可怜生物这样丑陋。我曾在它还没有完成时看过它，那时已经很难看；可当肌肉和关节真正能够运动以后，它变成了一种连但丁都无法想象的东西。
English
Oh! No mortal could support the horror of that countenance. A mummy again endued with animation could not be so hideous as that wretch. I had gazed on him while unfinished; he was ugly then, but when those muscles and joints were rendered capable of motion, it became a thing such as even Dante could not have conceived.
中文
啊！任何凡人都无法承受那张脸带来的恐怖。即使木乃伊重新获得生命，也不可能像这个可怜生物这样丑陋。我曾在它还没有完成时看过它，那时已经很难看；可当肌肉和关节真正能够运动以后，它变成了一种连但丁都无法想象的东西。
English
I passed the night wretchedly. Sometimes my pulse beat so quickly and hardly that I felt the palpitation of every artery; at others, I nearly sank to the ground through languor and extreme weakness. Mingled with this horror, I felt the bitterness of disappointment; dreams that had been my food and pleasant rest for so long a space were now become a hell to me; and the change was so rapid, the overthrow so complete!
中文
那一夜我过得极其痛苦。有时脉搏跳得又快又猛，仿佛每一条动脉的搏动都能清楚感觉到；有时我又因为虚弱和疲惫，几乎倒在地上。恐惧中还混着失败的苦涩。那些长久以来支撑我的梦想，本来既像食物又像安眠，如今却全部变成地狱；变化发生得如此迅速，毁灭又如此彻底。
English
I passed the night wretchedly. Sometimes my pulse beat so quickly and hardly that I felt the palpitation of every artery; at others, I nearly sank to the ground through languor and extreme weakness. Mingled with this horror, I felt the bitterness of disappointment; dreams that had been my food and pleasant rest for so long a space were now become a hell to me; and the change was so rapid, the overthrow so complete!
中文
那一夜我过得极其痛苦。有时脉搏跳得又快又猛，仿佛每一条动脉的搏动都能清楚感觉到；有时我又因为虚弱和疲惫，几乎倒在地上。恐惧中还混着失败的苦涩。那些长久以来支撑我的梦想，本来既像食物又像安眠，如今却全部变成地狱；变化发生得如此迅速，毁灭又如此彻底。
English
Morning, dismal and wet, at length dawned and discovered to my sleepless and aching eyes the church of Ingolstadt, its white steeple and clock, which indicated the sixth hour. The porter opened the gates of the court, which had that night been my asylum, and I issued into the streets, pacing them with quick steps, as if I sought to avoid the wretch whom I feared every turning of the street would present to my view. I did not dare return to the apartment which I inhabited, but felt impelled to hurry on, although drenched by the rain which poured from a black and comfortless sky.
中文
终于，阴沉潮湿的早晨来临了。我一夜未睡，双眼酸痛，看见因戈尔施塔特教堂的白色尖塔和钟面，时钟正指向六点。守门人打开院门，我从昨夜的避难所走上街道，飞快地往前走，仿佛想避开那个我担心会在每一个街角突然出现的怪物。我不敢回自己的住所，只能不断向前赶，任凭阴黑而毫无安慰的天空落下大雨，把我全身淋透。
English
Morning, dismal and wet, at length dawned and discovered to my sleepless and aching eyes the church of Ingolstadt, its white steeple and clock, which indicated the sixth hour. The porter opened the gates of the court, which had that night been my asylum, and I issued into the streets, pacing them with quick steps, as if I sought to avoid the wretch whom I feared every turning of the street would present to my view. I did not dare return to the apartment which I inhabited, but felt impelled to hurry on, although drenched by the rain which poured from a black and comfortless sky.
中文
终于，阴沉潮湿的早晨来临了。我一夜未睡，双眼酸痛，看见因戈尔施塔特教堂的白色尖塔和钟面，时钟正指向六点。守门人打开院门，我从昨夜的避难所走上街道，飞快地往前走，仿佛想避开那个我担心会在每一个街角突然出现的怪物。我不敢回自己的住所，只能不断向前赶，任凭阴黑而毫无安慰的天空落下大雨，把我全身淋透。
English
I continued walking in this manner for some time, endeavouring by bodily exercise to ease the load that weighed upon my mind. I traversed the streets without any clear conception of where I was or what I was doing. My heart palpitated in the sickness of fear, and I hurried on with irregular steps, not daring to look about me:
中文
我这样走了很久，想用身体活动减轻压在心头的重担。我穿过一条又一条街，根本不知道自己在哪里，也不知道自己在做什么。恐惧让我心跳得发疼，我脚步凌乱地匆匆向前，根本不敢回头看。
English
I continued walking in this manner for some time, endeavouring by bodily exercise to ease the load that weighed upon my mind. I traversed the streets without any clear conception of where I was or what I was doing. My heart palpitated in the sickness of fear, and I hurried on with irregular steps, not daring to look about me:
中文
我这样走了很久，想用身体活动减轻压在心头的重担。我穿过一条又一条街，根本不知道自己在哪里，也不知道自己在做什么。恐惧让我心跳得发疼，我脚步凌乱地匆匆向前，根本不敢回头看。
English
Like one who, on a lonely road, Doth walk in fear and dread, And, having once turned round, walks on, And turns no more his head; Because he knows a frightful fiend Doth close behind him tread.
中文
就像一个人在荒凉道路上， 心怀恐惧向前走； 他曾经回头看过一次， 从此再不敢回首； 因为他知道，一个可怕的恶魔， 正紧紧跟在身后。
English
Like one who, on a lonely road, Doth walk in fear and dread, And, having once turned round, walks on, And turns no more his head; Because he knows a frightful fiend Doth close behind him tread.
中文
就像一个人在荒凉道路上， 心怀恐惧向前走； 他曾经回头看过一次， 从此再不敢回首； 因为他知道，一个可怕的恶魔， 正紧紧跟在身后。
English
Source: Coleridge’s “Ancient Mariner.”
中文
来源：柯勒律治《古舟子咏》。
English
Source: Coleridge’s “Ancient Mariner.”
中文
来源：柯勒律治《古舟子咏》。
English
Continuing thus, I came at length opposite to the inn at which the various diligences and carriages usually stopped. Here I paused, I knew not why; but I remained some minutes with my eyes fixed on a coach that was coming towards me from the other end of the street. As it drew nearer I observed that it was the Swiss diligence; it stopped just where I was standing, and on the door being opened, I perceived Henry Clerval, who, on seeing me, instantly sprung out. “My dear Frankenstein,” exclaimed he, “how glad I am to see you! How fortunate that you should be here at the very moment of my alighting!”
中文
就这样继续走着，我终于来到一家旅店对面，那里通常有各种驿车和马车停靠。我也不知道为什么停下来，只是站了几分钟，盯着一辆从街道另一头驶来的马车。等车靠近，我看出那是一辆瑞士驿车。它正好停在我面前，车门打开时，我看见亨利·克莱瓦尔。他一看见我，立刻跳下车。“我亲爱的弗兰肯斯坦！”他大声说道，“见到你真高兴！太巧了，你竟然正好在我下车的时候站在这里！”
English
Continuing thus, I came at length opposite to the inn at which the various diligences and carriages usually stopped. Here I paused, I knew not why; but I remained some minutes with my eyes fixed on a coach that was coming towards me from the other end of the street. As it drew nearer I observed that it was the Swiss diligence; it stopped just where I was standing, and on the door being opened, I perceived Henry Clerval, who, on seeing me, instantly sprung out. “My dear Frankenstein,” exclaimed he, “how glad I am to see you! How fortunate that you should be here at the very moment of my alighting!”
中文
就这样继续走着，我终于来到一家旅店对面，那里通常有各种驿车和马车停靠。我也不知道为什么停下来，只是站了几分钟，盯着一辆从街道另一头驶来的马车。等车靠近，我看出那是一辆瑞士驿车。它正好停在我面前，车门打开时，我看见亨利·克莱瓦尔。他一看见我，立刻跳下车。“我亲爱的弗兰肯斯坦！”他大声说道，“见到你真高兴！太巧了，你竟然正好在我下车的时候站在这里！”
English
Nothing could equal my delight on seeing Clerval; his presence brought back to my thoughts my father, Elizabeth, and all those scenes of home so dear to my recollection. I grasped his hand, and in a moment forgot my horror and misfortune; I felt suddenly, and for the first time during many months, calm and serene joy. I welcomed my friend, therefore, in the most cordial manner, and we walked towards my college. Clerval continued talking for some time about our mutual friends and his own good fortune in being permitted to come to Ingolstadt. “You may easily believe,” said he, “how great was the difficulty to persuade my father that all necessary knowledge was not comprised in the noble art of book-keeping; and, indeed, I believe I left him incredulous to the last, for his constant answer to my unwearied entreaties was the same as that of the Dutch schoolmaster in The Vicar of Wakefield: ‘I have ten thousand florins a year without Greek, I eat heartily without Greek.’ But his affection for me at length overcame his dislike of learning, and he has permitted me to undertake a voyage of discovery to the land of knowledge.”
中文
看见克莱瓦尔，我的喜悦无法形容。他的出现立刻让我想起父亲、伊丽莎白和家里所有珍贵的景象。我紧紧握住他的手，一瞬间忘记了自己的恐怖和不幸；几个月来第一次，我突然感到平静而安宁的快乐。于是我非常热情地欢迎朋友，我们一起朝学校走去。克莱瓦尔一路不停谈起共同的朋友，又说起自己终于获准来到因戈尔施塔特有多幸运。“你很容易想象，”他说，“要让我父亲相信，必要的知识并不全部包含在高贵的记账术里，有多困难。说真的，我觉得直到最后离开时，他仍然不信服，因为不管我怎样不停恳求，他总用《威克菲尔德牧师》里那个荷兰校长的话回答我：‘我不懂希腊语，每年照样有一万弗罗林收入；我不懂希腊语，也照样吃得很香。’不过，他对我的爱最后还是战胜了对学问的反感，允许我来知识的国度进行一次探索旅行。”
English
Nothing could equal my delight on seeing Clerval; his presence brought back to my thoughts my father, Elizabeth, and all those scenes of home so dear to my recollection. I grasped his hand, and in a moment forgot my horror and misfortune; I felt suddenly, and for the first time during many months, calm and serene joy. I welcomed my friend, therefore, in the most cordial manner, and we walked towards my college. Clerval continued talking for some time about our mutual friends and his own good fortune in being permitted to come to Ingolstadt. “You may easily believe,” said he, “how great was the difficulty to persuade my father that all necessary knowledge was not comprised in the noble art of book-keeping; and, indeed, I believe I left him incredulous to the last, for his constant answer to my unwearied entreaties was the same as that of the Dutch schoolmaster in The Vicar of Wakefield: ‘I have ten thousand florins a year without Greek, I eat heartily without Greek.’ But his affection for me at length overcame his dislike of learning, and he has permitted me to undertake a voyage of discovery to the land of knowledge.”
中文
看见克莱瓦尔，我的喜悦无法形容。他的出现立刻让我想起父亲、伊丽莎白和家里所有珍贵的景象。我紧紧握住他的手，一瞬间忘记了自己的恐怖和不幸；几个月来第一次，我突然感到平静而安宁的快乐。于是我非常热情地欢迎朋友，我们一起朝学校走去。克莱瓦尔一路不停谈起共同的朋友，又说起自己终于获准来到因戈尔施塔特有多幸运。“你很容易想象，”他说，“要让我父亲相信，必要的知识并不全部包含在高贵的记账术里，有多困难。说真的，我觉得直到最后离开时，他仍然不信服，因为不管我怎样不停恳求，他总用《威克菲尔德牧师》里那个荷兰校长的话回答我：‘我不懂希腊语，每年照样有一万弗罗林收入；我不懂希腊语，也照样吃得很香。’不过，他对我的爱最后还是战胜了对学问的反感，允许我来知识的国度进行一次探索旅行。”
English
“It gives me the greatest delight to see you; but tell me how you left my father, brothers, and Elizabeth.”
中文
我说：“见到你让我高兴极了。不过快告诉我，我父亲、弟弟们和伊丽莎白都怎么样？”
English
“It gives me the greatest delight to see you; but tell me how you left my father, brothers, and Elizabeth.”
中文
我说：“见到你让我高兴极了。不过快告诉我，我父亲、弟弟们和伊丽莎白都怎么样？”
English
“Very well, and very happy, only a little uneasy that they hear from you so seldom. By the by, I mean to lecture you a little upon their account myself. But, my dear Frankenstein,” continued he, stopping short and gazing full in my face, “I did not before remark how very ill you appear; so thin and pale; you look as if you had been watching for several nights.”
中文
“他们都很好，也很快乐，只是因为很少收到你的信，有点担心。顺便说一句，我自己也准备替他们好好教训你一下。不过，我亲爱的弗兰肯斯坦，”他说着突然停下来，认真盯着我的脸，“我刚才竟没发现你病得这么厉害。你又瘦又苍白，看起来像连续守了好几个晚上没有睡觉。”
English
“Very well, and very happy, only a little uneasy that they hear from you so seldom. By the by, I mean to lecture you a little upon their account myself. But, my dear Frankenstein,” continued he, stopping short and gazing full in my face, “I did not before remark how very ill you appear; so thin and pale; you look as if you had been watching for several nights.”
中文
“他们都很好，也很快乐，只是因为很少收到你的信，有点担心。顺便说一句，我自己也准备替他们好好教训你一下。不过，我亲爱的弗兰肯斯坦，”他说着突然停下来，认真盯着我的脸，“我刚才竟没发现你病得这么厉害。你又瘦又苍白，看起来像连续守了好几个晚上没有睡觉。”
English
“You have guessed right; I have lately been so deeply engaged in one occupation that I have not allowed myself sufficient rest, as you see; but I hope, I sincerely hope, that all these employments are now at an end and that I am at length free.”
中文
我回答：“你猜对了。我最近一直全神贯注于一件事，没有给自己足够的休息，你现在也看得出来。不过我希望，我真心希望，这些事情现在已经结束，我终于自由了。”
English
“You have guessed right; I have lately been so deeply engaged in one occupation that I have not allowed myself sufficient rest, as you see; but I hope, I sincerely hope, that all these employments are now at an end and that I am at length free.”
中文
我回答：“你猜对了。我最近一直全神贯注于一件事，没有给自己足够的休息，你现在也看得出来。不过我希望，我真心希望，这些事情现在已经结束，我终于自由了。”
English
I trembled excessively; I could not endure to think of, and far less to allude to, the occurrences of the preceding night. I walked with a quick pace, and we soon arrived at my college. I then reflected, and the thought made me shiver, that the creature whom I had left in my apartment might still be there, alive and walking about. I dreaded to behold this monster, but I feared still more that Henry should see him. Entreating him, therefore, to remain a few minutes at the bottom of the stairs, I darted up towards my own room. My hand was already on the lock of the door before I recollected myself. I then paused, and a cold shivering came over me. I threw the door forcibly open, as children are accustomed to do when they expect a spectre to stand in waiting for them on the other side; but nothing appeared. I stepped fearfully in: the apartment was empty, and my bedroom was also freed from its hideous guest. I could hardly believe that so great a good fortune could have befallen me, but when I became assured that my enemy had indeed fled, I clapped my hands for joy and ran down to Clerval.
中文
我浑身剧烈发抖。我连想起昨夜的事情都无法忍受，更不用说提到它。我加快脚步，很快到了学校。这时我忽然想到——这个念头让我全身发冷——那个被我留在房间里的生命也许还在那里，活着，在房里走来走去。我害怕看见怪物，可更害怕亨利看见它。于是我请求他在楼梯下面等几分钟，自己飞快冲向房间。手已经放到门锁上时，我才猛然停住，随即一阵寒战袭来。我猛地把门推开，就像孩子怀疑门后藏着鬼时会做的那样。可什么也没有出现。我小心地走进去：外间空着，卧室里那个可怕的客人也已经不见。我几乎无法相信自己竟然这么幸运。等确定敌人真的逃走以后，我高兴得拍手，马上跑下楼去找克莱瓦尔。
English
I trembled excessively; I could not endure to think of, and far less to allude to, the occurrences of the preceding night. I walked with a quick pace, and we soon arrived at my college. I then reflected, and the thought made me shiver, that the creature whom I had left in my apartment might still be there, alive and walking about. I dreaded to behold this monster, but I feared still more that Henry should see him. Entreating him, therefore, to remain a few minutes at the bottom of the stairs, I darted up towards my own room. My hand was already on the lock of the door before I recollected myself. I then paused, and a cold shivering came over me. I threw the door forcibly open, as children are accustomed to do when they expect a spectre to stand in waiting for them on the other side; but nothing appeared. I stepped fearfully in: the apartment was empty, and my bedroom was also freed from its hideous guest. I could hardly believe that so great a good fortune could have befallen me, but when I became assured that my enemy had indeed fled, I clapped my hands for joy and ran down to Clerval.
中文
我浑身剧烈发抖。我连想起昨夜的事情都无法忍受，更不用说提到它。我加快脚步，很快到了学校。这时我忽然想到——这个念头让我全身发冷——那个被我留在房间里的生命也许还在那里，活着，在房里走来走去。我害怕看见怪物，可更害怕亨利看见它。于是我请求他在楼梯下面等几分钟，自己飞快冲向房间。手已经放到门锁上时，我才猛然停住，随即一阵寒战袭来。我猛地把门推开，就像孩子怀疑门后藏着鬼时会做的那样。可什么也没有出现。我小心地走进去：外间空着，卧室里那个可怕的客人也已经不见。我几乎无法相信自己竟然这么幸运。等确定敌人真的逃走以后，我高兴得拍手，马上跑下楼去找克莱瓦尔。
English
We ascended into my room, and the servant presently brought breakfast; but I was unable to contain myself. It was not joy only that possessed me; I felt my flesh tingle with excess of sensitiveness, and my pulse beat rapidly. I was unable to remain for a single instant in the same place; I jumped over the chairs, clapped my hands, and laughed aloud. Clerval at first attributed my unusual spirits to joy on his arrival, but when he observed me more attentively, he saw a wildness in my eyes for which he could not account, and my loud, unrestrained, heartless laughter frightened and astonished him.
中文
我们一起上楼回到房间，仆人很快送来早餐。可我已经控制不住自己。占据我的不只是快乐；过度敏感让皮肤阵阵发麻，脉搏飞快跳动。我一秒钟也无法安静待在同一个地方，不停跳过椅子、拍手、大声笑。克莱瓦尔起初以为我只是因为他到来而兴奋，可仔细观察以后，他发现我眼神中有一种无法解释的疯狂，而我那毫无节制、没有温度的大笑也让他又惊又怕。
English
We ascended into my room, and the servant presently brought breakfast; but I was unable to contain myself. It was not joy only that possessed me; I felt my flesh tingle with excess of sensitiveness, and my pulse beat rapidly. I was unable to remain for a single instant in the same place; I jumped over the chairs, clapped my hands, and laughed aloud. Clerval at first attributed my unusual spirits to joy on his arrival, but when he observed me more attentively, he saw a wildness in my eyes for which he could not account, and my loud, unrestrained, heartless laughter frightened and astonished him.
中文
我们一起上楼回到房间，仆人很快送来早餐。可我已经控制不住自己。占据我的不只是快乐；过度敏感让皮肤阵阵发麻，脉搏飞快跳动。我一秒钟也无法安静待在同一个地方，不停跳过椅子、拍手、大声笑。克莱瓦尔起初以为我只是因为他到来而兴奋，可仔细观察以后，他发现我眼神中有一种无法解释的疯狂，而我那毫无节制、没有温度的大笑也让他又惊又怕。
English
“My dear Victor,” cried he, “what, for God’s sake, is the matter? Do not laugh in that manner. How ill you are! What is the cause of all this?”
中文
“我亲爱的维克多，”他喊道，“看在上帝的份上，你到底怎么了？别这样笑。你病得太厉害了！这一切到底是怎么回事？”
English
“My dear Victor,” cried he, “what, for God’s sake, is the matter? Do not laugh in that manner. How ill you are! What is the cause of all this?”
中文
“我亲爱的维克多，”他喊道，“看在上帝的份上，你到底怎么了？别这样笑。你病得太厉害了！这一切到底是怎么回事？”
English
“Do not ask me,” cried I, putting my hands before my eyes, for I thought I saw the dreaded spectre glide into the room; “he can tell. Oh, save me! Save me!” I imagined that the monster seized me; I struggled furiously and fell down in a fit.
中文
“别问我！”我一边喊，一边双手遮住眼睛，因为我仿佛看见那个可怕的幽灵正滑进房间，“他会告诉你。啊，救救我！救救我！”我幻想怪物已经抓住自己，疯狂挣扎，最后倒地昏厥。
English
“Do not ask me,” cried I, putting my hands before my eyes, for I thought I saw the dreaded spectre glide into the room; “he can tell. Oh, save me! Save me!” I imagined that the monster seized me; I struggled furiously and fell down in a fit.
中文
“别问我！”我一边喊，一边双手遮住眼睛，因为我仿佛看见那个可怕的幽灵正滑进房间，“他会告诉你。啊，救救我！救救我！”我幻想怪物已经抓住自己，疯狂挣扎，最后倒地昏厥。
English
Poor Clerval! What must have been his feelings? A meeting, which he anticipated with such joy, so strangely turned to bitterness. But I was not the witness of his grief, for I was lifeless and did not recover my senses for a long, long time.
中文
可怜的克莱瓦尔！他的感受会是怎样？这场他一直满怀喜悦期待的重逢，竟如此奇怪地变成苦痛。可我没有看见他的悲伤，因为我完全失去知觉，很久很久以后才恢复意识。
English
Poor Clerval! What must have been his feelings? A meeting, which he anticipated with such joy, so strangely turned to bitterness. But I was not the witness of his grief, for I was lifeless and did not recover my senses for a long, long time.
中文
可怜的克莱瓦尔！他的感受会是怎样？这场他一直满怀喜悦期待的重逢，竟如此奇怪地变成苦痛。可我没有看见他的悲伤，因为我完全失去知觉，很久很久以后才恢复意识。
English
This was the commencement of a nervous fever which confined me for several months. During all that time Henry was my only nurse. I afterwards learned that, knowing my father’s advanced age and unfitness for so long a journey, and how wretched my sickness would make Elizabeth, he spared them this grief by concealing the extent of my disorder. He knew that I could not have a more kind and attentive nurse than himself; and, firm in the hope he felt of my recovery, he did not doubt that, instead of doing harm, he performed the kindest action that he could towards them.
中文
这就是一场神经性热病的开始，我因此卧床好几个月。在这段时间里，亨利是唯一照顾我的人。后来我才知道，他考虑到父亲年纪已经很大，不适合长途旅行，也知道我的病会让伊丽莎白痛苦不堪，因此一直隐瞒病情的严重程度，没有让家人知道。他知道再没有人能比自己更善良、更细心地照顾我；而且他坚定地相信我会恢复，因此认定自己这样做不是伤害他们，反而是对他们最体贴的帮助。
English
This was the commencement of a nervous fever which confined me for several months. During all that time Henry was my only nurse. I afterwards learned that, knowing my father’s advanced age and unfitness for so long a journey, and how wretched my sickness would make Elizabeth, he spared them this grief by concealing the extent of my disorder. He knew that I could not have a more kind and attentive nurse than himself; and, firm in the hope he felt of my recovery, he did not doubt that, instead of doing harm, he performed the kindest action that he could towards them.
中文
这就是一场神经性热病的开始，我因此卧床好几个月。在这段时间里，亨利是唯一照顾我的人。后来我才知道，他考虑到父亲年纪已经很大，不适合长途旅行，也知道我的病会让伊丽莎白痛苦不堪，因此一直隐瞒病情的严重程度，没有让家人知道。他知道再没有人能比自己更善良、更细心地照顾我；而且他坚定地相信我会恢复，因此认定自己这样做不是伤害他们，反而是对他们最体贴的帮助。
English
But I was in reality very ill, and surely nothing but the unbounded and unremitting attentions of my friend could have restored me to life. The form of the monster on whom I had bestowed existence was for ever before my eyes, and I raved incessantly concerning him. Doubtless my words surprised Henry; he at first believed them to be the wanderings of my disturbed imagination, but the pertinacity with which I continually recurred to the same subject persuaded him that my disorder indeed owed its origin to some uncommon and terrible event.
中文
可实际上，我病得非常严重。毫无疑问，只有朋友无边无际、从不间断的照料，才把我从死亡边缘拉回来。我眼前总会浮现那个被我赋予生命的怪物，并不断在谵妄中谈起它。我的话当然让亨利吃惊。起初，他以为那只是混乱想象中的胡话；可我一次又一次固执地回到同一个主题，最终让他相信，我的病一定源自某件不同寻常而极其可怕的事情。
English
But I was in reality very ill, and surely nothing but the unbounded and unremitting attentions of my friend could have restored me to life. The form of the monster on whom I had bestowed existence was for ever before my eyes, and I raved incessantly concerning him. Doubtless my words surprised Henry; he at first believed them to be the wanderings of my disturbed imagination, but the pertinacity with which I continually recurred to the same subject persuaded him that my disorder indeed owed its origin to some uncommon and terrible event.
中文
可实际上，我病得非常严重。毫无疑问，只有朋友无边无际、从不间断的照料，才把我从死亡边缘拉回来。我眼前总会浮现那个被我赋予生命的怪物，并不断在谵妄中谈起它。我的话当然让亨利吃惊。起初，他以为那只是混乱想象中的胡话；可我一次又一次固执地回到同一个主题，最终让他相信，我的病一定源自某件不同寻常而极其可怕的事情。
English
By very slow degrees, and with frequent relapses that alarmed and grieved my friend, I recovered. I remember the first time I became capable of observing outward objects with any kind of pleasure, I perceived that the fallen leaves had disappeared and that the young buds were shooting forth from the trees that shaded my window. It was a divine spring, and the season contributed greatly to my convalescence. I felt also sentiments of joy and affection revive in my bosom; my gloom disappeared, and in a short time I became as cheerful as before I was attacked by the fatal passion.
中文
经过极其缓慢的恢复，而且中间多次反复，吓坏并折磨着我的朋友，我终于渐渐好起来。我还记得，自己第一次重新能够从外界事物中感受到一点快乐时，看见窗外那些落叶已经消失，树枝上长出了嫩芽。那是一个仿佛来自天堂的春天，季节本身也大大帮助我恢复。快乐和爱意重新回到胸中，阴郁渐渐消失。不久，我又变得像那场致命的激情抓住我以前一样开朗。
English
By very slow degrees, and with frequent relapses that alarmed and grieved my friend, I recovered. I remember the first time I became capable of observing outward objects with any kind of pleasure, I perceived that the fallen leaves had disappeared and that the young buds were shooting forth from the trees that shaded my window. It was a divine spring, and the season contributed greatly to my convalescence. I felt also sentiments of joy and affection revive in my bosom; my gloom disappeared, and in a short time I became as cheerful as before I was attacked by the fatal passion.
中文
经过极其缓慢的恢复，而且中间多次反复，吓坏并折磨着我的朋友，我终于渐渐好起来。我还记得，自己第一次重新能够从外界事物中感受到一点快乐时，看见窗外那些落叶已经消失，树枝上长出了嫩芽。那是一个仿佛来自天堂的春天，季节本身也大大帮助我恢复。快乐和爱意重新回到胸中，阴郁渐渐消失。不久，我又变得像那场致命的激情抓住我以前一样开朗。
English
“Dearest Clerval,” exclaimed I, “how kind, how very good you are to me. This whole winter, instead of being spent in study, as you promised yourself, has been consumed in my sick room. How shall I ever repay you? I feel the greatest remorse for the disappointment of which I have been the occasion, but you will forgive me.”
中文
我喊道：“最亲爱的克莱瓦尔，你对我真好，实在太好了。整个冬天，你原本答应自己要用来学习，却全都耗在我的病房里。我怎么才能报答你？想到因为我让你失望，我心里非常愧疚，不过你一定会原谅我。”
English
“Dearest Clerval,” exclaimed I, “how kind, how very good you are to me. This whole winter, instead of being spent in study, as you promised yourself, has been consumed in my sick room. How shall I ever repay you? I feel the greatest remorse for the disappointment of which I have been the occasion, but you will forgive me.”
中文
我喊道：“最亲爱的克莱瓦尔，你对我真好，实在太好了。整个冬天，你原本答应自己要用来学习，却全都耗在我的病房里。我怎么才能报答你？想到因为我让你失望，我心里非常愧疚，不过你一定会原谅我。”
English
“You will repay me entirely if you do not discompose yourself, but get well as fast as you can; and since you appear in such good spirits, I may speak to you on one subject, may I not?”
中文
“你只要别再激动，尽快好起来，就已经完全报答我了。既然你现在精神这么好，我是不是可以和你谈一件事？”
English
“You will repay me entirely if you do not discompose yourself, but get well as fast as you can; and since you appear in such good spirits, I may speak to you on one subject, may I not?”
中文
“你只要别再激动，尽快好起来，就已经完全报答我了。既然你现在精神这么好，我是不是可以和你谈一件事？”
English
I trembled. One subject! What could it be? Could he allude to an object on whom I dared not even think?
中文
我浑身一震。一件事！会是什么？难道他要提到那个我连想都不敢想的存在？
English
I trembled. One subject! What could it be? Could he allude to an object on whom I dared not even think?
中文
我浑身一震。一件事！会是什么？难道他要提到那个我连想都不敢想的存在？
English
“Compose yourself,” said Clerval, who observed my change of colour, “I will not mention it if it agitates you; but your father and cousin would be very happy if they received a letter from you in your own handwriting. They hardly know how ill you have been and are uneasy at your long silence.”
中文
克莱瓦尔看见我脸色变了，说：“冷静些。如果这会让你不安，我就不提。不过，如果你能亲手写一封信，你父亲和表妹一定会非常高兴。他们几乎不知道你病得有多严重，而你长时间没有消息，让他们很担心。”
English
“Compose yourself,” said Clerval, who observed my change of colour, “I will not mention it if it agitates you; but your father and cousin would be very happy if they received a letter from you in your own handwriting. They hardly know how ill you have been and are uneasy at your long silence.”
中文
克莱瓦尔看见我脸色变了，说：“冷静些。如果这会让你不安，我就不提。不过，如果你能亲手写一封信，你父亲和表妹一定会非常高兴。他们几乎不知道你病得有多严重，而你长时间没有消息，让他们很担心。”
English
“Is that all, my dear Henry? How could you suppose that my first thought would not fly towards those dear, dear friends whom I love and who are so deserving of my love?”
中文
我说：“就这些吗，我亲爱的亨利？你怎么会以为，我第一个念头不是飞回那些亲爱的朋友身边？我爱他们，他们也完全值得我的爱。”
English
“Is that all, my dear Henry? How could you suppose that my first thought would not fly towards those dear, dear friends whom I love and who are so deserving of my love?”
中文
我说：“就这些吗，我亲爱的亨利？你怎么会以为，我第一个念头不是飞回那些亲爱的朋友身边？我爱他们，他们也完全值得我的爱。”
English
“If this is your present temper, my friend, you will perhaps be glad to see a letter that has been lying here some days for you; it is from your cousin, I believe.”
中文
“既然你现在是这种心情，我的朋友，那么你也许会高兴看到一封已经在这里放了几天的信。我想，是你表妹写来的。”
English
“If this is your present temper, my friend, you will perhaps be glad to see a letter that has been lying here some days for you; it is from your cousin, I believe.”
中文
“既然你现在是这种心情，我的朋友，那么你也许会高兴看到一封已经在这里放了几天的信。我想，是你表妹写来的。”