适合谁读
适合希望借助中文辅助阅读哥特文学、早期科幻和英语经典小说的读者。
中文阅读器
书信四
《弗兰肯斯坦》。默认中文单语阅读；也可以切换任意两列语言：English / 中文。
本章摘要
沃尔顿的船被困冰原，先目击一个高大身影乘狗拉雪橇向北而去，随后救起追踪他的欧洲人维克多·弗兰肯斯坦。陌生人逐渐恢复，与沃尔顿建立深厚精神共鸣，并在听到沃尔顿愿为知识牺牲一切的热情后，决定讲述自己的灾难经历作为警告。
现代读者提醒
作品写于十九世纪初，涉及科学观、宗教观、阶级、性别与殖民时代的欧洲社会背景，应结合历史语境阅读。
English
To Mrs. Saville, England.
August 5th, 17—.
So strange an accident has happened to us that I cannot forbear recording it, although it is very probable that you will see me before these papers can come into your possession.
Last Monday (July 31st) we were nearly surrounded by ice, which closed in the ship on all sides, scarcely leaving her the sea-room in which she floated. Our situation was somewhat dangerous, especially as we were compassed round by a very thick fog. We accordingly lay to, hoping that some change would take place in the atmosphere and weather.
About two o’clock the mist cleared away, and we beheld, stretched out in every direction, vast and irregular plains of ice, which seemed to have no end. Some of my comrades groaned, and my own mind began to grow watchful with anxious thoughts, when a strange sight suddenly attracted our attention and diverted our solicitude from our own situation. We perceived a low carriage, fixed on a sledge and drawn by dogs, pass on towards the north, at the distance of half a mile; a being which had the shape of a man, but apparently of gigantic stature, sat in the sledge and guided the dogs. We watched the rapid progress of the traveller with our telescopes until he was lost among the distant inequalities of the ice.
This appearance excited our unqualified wonder. We were, as we believed, many hundred miles from any land; but this apparition seemed to denote that it was not, in reality, so distant as we had supposed. Shut in, however, by ice, it was impossible to follow his track, which we had observed with the greatest attention.
About two hours after this occurrence we heard the ground sea, and before night the ice broke and freed our ship. We, however, lay to until the morning, fearing to encounter in the dark those large loose masses which float about after the breaking up of the ice. I profited of this time to rest for a few hours.
In the morning, however, as soon as it was light, I went upon deck and found all the sailors busy on one side of the vessel, apparently talking to someone in the sea. It was, in fact, a sledge, like that we had seen before, which had drifted towards us in the night on a large fragment of ice. Only one dog remained alive; but there was a human being within it whom the sailors were persuading to enter the vessel. He was not, as the other traveller seemed to be, a savage inhabitant of some undiscovered island, but a European. When I appeared on deck the master said, “Here is our captain, and he will not allow you to perish on the open sea.”
On perceiving me, the stranger addressed me in English, although with a foreign accent. “Before I come on board your vessel,” said he, “will you have the kindness to inform me whither you are bound?”
You may conceive my astonishment on hearing such a question addressed to me from a man on the brink of destruction and to whom I should have supposed that my vessel would have been a resource which he would not have exchanged for the most precious wealth the earth can afford. I replied, however, that we were on a voyage of discovery towards the northern pole.
Upon hearing this he appeared satisfied and consented to come on board. Good God! Margaret, if you had seen the man who thus capitulated for his safety, your surprise would have been boundless. His limbs were nearly frozen, and his body dreadfully emaciated by fatigue and suffering. I never saw a man in so wretched a condition. We attempted to carry him into the cabin, but as soon as he had quitted the fresh air he fainted. We accordingly brought him back to the deck and restored him to animation by rubbing him with brandy and forcing him to swallow a small quantity. As soon as he showed signs of life we wrapped him up in blankets and placed him near the chimney of the kitchen stove. By slow degrees he recovered and ate a little soup, which restored him wonderfully.
Two days passed in this manner before he was able to speak, and I often feared that his sufferings had deprived him of understanding. When he had in some measure recovered, I removed him to my own cabin and attended on him as much as my duty would permit. I never saw a more interesting creature: his eyes have generally an expression of wildness, and even madness, but there are moments when, if anyone performs an act of kindness towards him or does him any the most trifling service, his whole countenance is lighted up, as it were, with a beam of benevolence and sweetness that I never saw equalled. But he is generally melancholy and despairing, and sometimes he gnashes his teeth, as if impatient of the weight of woes that oppresses him.
When my guest was a little recovered I had great trouble to keep off the men, who wished to ask him a thousand questions; but I would not allow him to be tormented by their idle curiosity, in a state of body and mind whose restoration evidently depended upon entire repose. Once, however, the lieutenant asked why he had come so far upon the ice in so strange a vehicle.
His countenance instantly assumed an aspect of the deepest gloom, and he replied, “To seek one who fled from me.”
“And did the man whom you pursued travel in the same fashion?”
“Yes.”
“Then I fancy we have seen him, for the day before we picked you up we saw some dogs drawing a sledge, with a man in it, across the ice.”
This aroused the stranger’s attention, and he asked a multitude of questions concerning the route which the dæmon, as he called him, had pursued. Soon after, when he was alone with me, he said, “I have, doubtless, excited your curiosity, as well as that of these good people; but you are too considerate to make inquiries.”
“Certainly; it would indeed be very impertinent and inhuman in me to trouble you with any inquisitiveness of mine.”
“And yet you rescued me from a strange and perilous situation; you have benevolently restored me to life.”
Soon after this he inquired if I thought that the breaking up of the ice had destroyed the other sledge. I replied that I could not answer with any degree of certainty, for the ice had not broken until near midnight, and the traveller might have arrived at a place of safety before that time; but of this I could not judge.
From this time a new spirit of life animated the decaying frame of the stranger. He manifested the greatest eagerness to be upon deck to watch for the sledge which had before appeared; but I have persuaded him to remain in the cabin, for he is far too weak to sustain the rawness of the atmosphere. I have promised that someone should watch for him and give him instant notice if any new object should appear in sight.
Such is my journal of what relates to this strange occurrence up to the present day. The stranger has gradually improved in health but is very silent and appears uneasy when anyone except myself enters his cabin. Yet his manners are so conciliating and gentle that the sailors are all interested in him, although they have had very little communication with him. For my own part, I begin to love him as a brother, and his constant and deep grief fills me with sympathy and compassion. He must have been a noble creature in his better days, being even now in wreck so attractive and amiable.
I said in one of my letters, my dear Margaret, that I should find no friend on the wide ocean; yet I have found a man who, before his spirit had been broken by misery, I should have been happy to have possessed as the brother of my heart.
I shall continue my journal concerning the stranger at intervals, should I have any fresh incidents to record.
August 13th, 17—.
My affection for my guest increases every day. He excites at once my admiration and my pity to an astonishing degree. How can I see so noble a creature destroyed by misery without feeling the most poignant grief? He is so gentle, yet so wise; his mind is so cultivated, and when he speaks, although his words are culled with the choicest art, yet they flow with rapidity and unparalleled eloquence.
He is now much recovered from his illness and is continually on the deck, apparently watching for the sledge that preceded his own. Yet, although unhappy, he is not so utterly occupied by his own misery but that he interests himself deeply in the projects of others. He has frequently conversed with me on mine, which I have communicated to him without disguise. He entered attentively into all my arguments in favour of my eventual success and into every minute detail of the measures I had taken to secure it. I was easily led by the sympathy which he evinced to use the language of my heart, to give utterance to the burning ardour of my soul and to say, with all the fervour that warmed me, how gladly I would sacrifice my fortune, my existence, my every hope, to the furtherance of my enterprise. One man’s life or death were but a small price to pay for the acquirement of the knowledge which I sought, for the dominion I should acquire and transmit over the elemental foes of our race. As I spoke, a dark gloom spread over my listener’s countenance. At first I perceived that he tried to suppress his emotion; he placed his hands before his eyes, and my voice quivered and failed me as I beheld tears trickle fast from between his fingers; a groan burst from his heaving breast. I paused; at length he spoke, in broken accents: “Unhappy man! Do you share my madness? Have you drunk also of the intoxicating draught? Hear me; let me reveal my tale, and you will dash the cup from your lips!”
Such words, you may imagine, strongly excited my curiosity; but the paroxysm of grief that had seized the stranger overcame his weakened powers, and many hours of repose and tranquil conversation were necessary to restore his composure.
Having conquered the violence of his feelings, he appeared to despise himself for being the slave of passion; and quelling the dark tyranny of despair, he led me again to converse concerning myself personally. He asked me the history of my earlier years. The tale was quickly told, but it awakened various trains of reflection. I spoke of my desire of finding a friend, of my thirst for a more intimate sympathy with a fellow mind than had ever fallen to my lot, and expressed my conviction that a man could boast of little happiness who did not enjoy this blessing.
“I agree with you,” replied the stranger; “we are unfashioned creatures, but half made up, if one wiser, better, dearer than ourselves—such a friend ought to be—do not lend his aid to perfectionate our weak and faulty natures. I once had a friend, the most noble of human creatures, and am entitled, therefore, to judge respecting friendship. You have hope, and the world before you, and have no cause for despair. But I—I have lost everything and cannot begin life anew.”
As he said this his countenance became expressive of a calm, settled grief that touched me to the heart. But he was silent and presently retired to his cabin.
Even broken in spirit as he is, no one can feel more deeply than he does the beauties of nature. The starry sky, the sea, and every sight afforded by these wonderful regions seem still to have the power of elevating his soul from earth. Such a man has a double existence: he may suffer misery and be overwhelmed by disappointments, yet when he has retired into himself, he will be like a celestial spirit that has a halo around him, within whose circle no grief or folly ventures.
Will you smile at the enthusiasm I express concerning this divine wanderer? You would not if you saw him. You have been tutored and refined by books and retirement from the world, and you are therefore somewhat fastidious; but this only renders you the more fit to appreciate the extraordinary merits of this wonderful man. Sometimes I have endeavoured to discover what quality it is which he possesses that elevates him so immeasurably above any other person I ever knew. I believe it to be an intuitive discernment, a quick but never-failing power of judgment, a penetration into the causes of things, unequalled for clearness and precision; add to this a facility of expression and a voice whose varied intonations are soul-subduing music.
August 19th, 17—.
Yesterday the stranger said to me, “You may easily perceive, Captain Walton, that I have suffered great and unparalleled misfortunes. I had determined at one time that the memory of these evils should die with me, but you have won me to alter my determination. You seek for knowledge and wisdom, as I once did; and I ardently hope that the gratification of your wishes may not be a serpent to sting you, as mine has been. I do not know that the relation of my disasters will be useful to you; yet, when I reflect that you are pursuing the same course, exposing yourself to the same dangers which have rendered me what I am, I imagine that you may deduce an apt moral from my tale, one that may direct you if you succeed in your undertaking and console you in case of failure. Prepare to hear of occurrences which are usually deemed marvellous. Were we among the tamer scenes of nature I might fear to encounter your unbelief, perhaps your ridicule; but many things will appear possible in these wild and mysterious regions which would provoke the laughter of those unacquainted with the ever-varied powers of nature; nor can I doubt but that my tale conveys in its series internal evidence of the truth of the events of which it is composed.”
You may easily imagine that I was much gratified by the offered communication, yet I could not endure that he should renew his grief by a recital of his misfortunes. I felt the greatest eagerness to hear the promised narrative, partly from curiosity and partly from a strong desire to ameliorate his fate if it were in my power. I expressed these feelings in my answer.
“I thank you,” he replied, “for your sympathy, but it is useless; my fate is nearly fulfilled. I wait but for one event, and then I shall repose in peace. I understand your feeling,” continued he, perceiving that I wished to interrupt him; “but you are mistaken, my friend, if thus you will allow me to name you; nothing can alter my destiny; listen to my history, and you will perceive how irrevocably it is determined.”
He then told me that he would commence his narrative the next day when I should be at leisure. This promise drew from me the warmest thanks. I have resolved every night, when I am not imperatively occupied by my duties, to record, as nearly as possible in his own words, what he has related during the day. If I should be engaged, I will at least make notes. This manuscript will doubtless afford you the greatest pleasure; but to me, who know him, and who hear it from his own lips—with what interest and sympathy shall I read it in some future day! Even now, as I commence my task, his full-toned voice swells in my ears; his lustrous eyes dwell on me with all their melancholy sweetness; I see his thin hand raised in animation, while the lineaments of his face are irradiated by the soul within. Strange and harrowing must be his story, frightful the storm which embraced the gallant vessel on its course and wrecked it—thus!
中文
寄英国萨维尔夫人。
17——年8月5日。
我们遇到了一件非常奇怪的事，我实在忍不住要把它记下来，虽然这些信纸到你手里之前，我很可能已经先见到你了。
上周一，也就是7月31日，我们几乎被冰层包围。冰从四面八方挤向船身，只留下勉强够船漂浮的一点水面。我们的处境相当危险，尤其周围还笼罩着浓雾。于是我们停船等待，希望天气和空气状况会出现变化。
大约下午两点，雾散了。我们看见无边无际、形状不规则的冰原向四面八方铺展开去，仿佛根本没有尽头。几个同伴开始呻吟，我自己也紧张起来，忧虑地观察周围。就在这时，一个奇怪的景象忽然吸引了我们全部注意，让大家暂时忘了自己的处境。大约半英里外，有一辆低矮的雪橇由狗拉着，正向北方飞驰。雪橇上坐着一个外形像人的生物，可身材似乎高大得惊人，他正在驾驭那些狗。我们用望远镜追着看那个旅人迅速前进，直到他的身影消失在远处起伏不平的冰原之间。
这个景象让我们所有人都惊讶得说不出话来。我们原以为自己距离任何陆地都有几百英里，可那个人影似乎说明实际距离并没有想象中那么远。不过，我们被冰困住，根本不可能沿着他的路线追赶，只能尽量仔细观察他走过的方向。
大约两小时后，我们听见冰层下传来海浪的轰鸣。天黑前，冰层终于破裂，船也重新获得自由。不过我们一直等到第二天早晨才启航，因为担心夜里撞上冰层破裂后四处漂浮的大块浮冰。我趁这段时间休息了几个小时。
第二天一亮，我就走上甲板，发现所有水手都挤在船的一侧，似乎正同海面上的什么人说话。原来那里有一辆和昨天见到的很像的雪橇，夜里随着一块大浮冰漂到我们船边。雪橇上只剩一条狗还活着，但里面还有一个人，水手们正在劝他登船。他并不像昨天那个旅人那样，看起来像某个未知岛屿上的野蛮居民，而是一个欧洲人。我刚走上甲板，船长便对他说：“这是我们的船长，他不会让你死在这片海上的。”
陌生人一看见我，便用带着外国口音的英语对我说：“在我登上你们的船以前，能不能先请你告诉我，你们准备去哪里？”
你可以想象我听到这个问题时有多惊讶。眼前这个人已经站在死亡边缘，在我看来，我们的船对他来说应该比世界上任何财富都更珍贵。可他竟先问我们的目的地。我还是回答说，我们正在进行一场前往北极的探索航行。
听见这话，他似乎满意了，这才同意登船。天哪，玛格丽特！你要是看见这个竟然还要先谈条件才肯接受救援的人，一定会惊讶得无法形容。他的四肢几乎冻僵，身体因为疲劳和痛苦瘦得可怕。我从没见过处境这么悲惨的人。我们想把他抬进船舱，可他刚离开外面的冷空气就昏了过去。于是我们又把他抬回甲板，用白兰地擦他的身体，还强行让他喝下一小口。等他稍微恢复一点生命迹象，我们把他裹进毯子里，放在厨房炉子的烟囱附近。过了很久，他才慢慢恢复，还喝了一点汤，身体一下好了不少。
整整两天，他都虚弱得无法说话。我常常担心那些痛苦已经伤害了他的神智。等他稍微恢复以后，我把他移到自己的船舱，只要职责允许，就尽量亲自照顾。我从没见过如此令人着迷的人。他的眼神通常带着一种狂乱，甚至近乎疯狂；可只要有人对他表示一点善意，哪怕只是替他做一件微不足道的小事，他的整张脸便会像被一道温柔而仁慈的光照亮，那种神情我从未在别人脸上见过。不过，大多数时候他都忧郁而绝望，有时还会咬紧牙关，仿佛已经无法忍受压在身上的巨大悲痛。
等客人稍微好一些以后，我费了很大劲才拦住那些想问他上千个问题的水手。他的身体和精神显然都需要彻底休息才能恢复，我不允许大家拿无聊的好奇心折磨他。不过有一次，大副还是问他，为什么会乘着那样奇怪的交通工具跑到这么遥远的冰原上。
他的脸立刻笼罩上一层最深的阴郁，只回答：“为了追一个从我手里逃走的人。”
“你追的那个人，也是用同样的方法旅行的吗？”
“是。”
“那我猜我们见过他。就在救起你的前一天，我们看见一群狗拉着一辆雪橇，上面坐着一个人，从冰原上经过。”
这句话立刻使陌生人警觉起来。他连珠炮似地问了许多问题，打听那个被他称作“恶魔”的家伙去了哪个方向。不久以后，他同我单独在一起时说道：“我一定让你和这些善良的人都产生了很多好奇。不过你太体贴，没有来追问我。”
我回答：“当然。我若拿自己的好奇心来打扰你，那实在既无礼又没有人性。”
他说：“可你却把我从那种奇怪又危险的处境里救出来，还善良地把我从死亡边缘拉了回来。”
不久以后，他又问我，冰层破裂时另一辆雪橇会不会已经毁掉。我告诉他，我无法肯定回答，因为冰一直到接近午夜才裂开，而那个旅人很可能在那以前已经抵达安全地方；至于到底怎样，我无法判断。
从那以后，一股新的生命力量仿佛重新注入了陌生人日渐衰弱的身体。他非常急切地想上甲板守候，看看先前出现的雪橇会不会再次进入视野。不过，我已经劝他留在船舱，因为他的身体实在太虚弱，根本承受不了外面湿冷刺骨的空气。我答应派人替他观察，只要发现任何新的东西，马上通知他。
以上就是截至今天，我关于这件奇怪事情的全部记录。陌生人的健康正在慢慢恢复，可他很少说话，而且除了我以外，只要有人进入船舱，他似乎都会不安。尽管如此，他的态度温和有礼，非常让人亲近，所以即使水手们几乎没同他交谈，也都对他很感兴趣。至于我自己，我已经开始像爱兄弟一样爱他。他那始终不散、深不见底的悲伤，也让我充满同情和怜悯。即使现在已经像一艘破船，他仍然如此吸引人、如此可爱；可以想象，在遭受这些苦难以前，他一定是个多么高贵的人。
亲爱的玛格丽特，我曾在一封信里说，茫茫大海上我永远找不到朋友。可如今我真的遇见了一个人；若不是苦难已经摧毁了他的精神，我会非常愿意把他当作自己心灵上的兄弟。
如果以后再发生什么新事情，我会继续间歇记录关于这个陌生人的情况。
17——年8月13日。
我一天比一天更喜欢这位客人。他同时激起我深深的敬佩和怜悯，强烈得让我自己都惊讶。看着这样高贵的人被痛苦摧毁，我怎么可能不感到最深的悲伤？他如此温和，却又如此聪明；他的思想如此有修养；当他说话时，虽然用词经过最精心的选择，却仍然流畅迅速，而且有一种我从未见过的雄辩力量。
他的病现在已经好了很多，经常待在甲板上，看样子仍在等待先于他出现的那辆雪橇。虽然自己非常不幸，他却没有完全被个人痛苦占据，反而仍然真诚关心别人的计划。他常和我谈论我的远征，我也毫不隐瞒地把计划告诉了他。他认真听我解释为什么相信最后会成功，也仔细听我讲为保证成功所做的每一个安排。他表现出的理解和共鸣很容易让我敞开心扉。我说出了心底最真实的话，倾诉灵魂里燃烧的热情。我怀着全部激情告诉他，为了推进这项事业，我愿意牺牲财富、生命和所有希望。和我想得到的知识相比，一个人的生死只是一点微不足道的代价；而且我相信，自己终将获得支配那些威胁人类的自然力量的能力，并把这种力量传给后人。听我说这些话时，他的脸渐渐阴沉下来。起初，我看得出他努力压抑感情。他双手遮住眼睛；当我看见泪水不断从指缝间流下，又听见他起伏的胸中爆发出一声呻吟时，我的声音也颤抖起来，最后说不下去。我停住了。过了很久，他才断断续续地说：“不幸的人！难道你也染上了我的疯狂？难道你也喝下了那杯让人沉醉的毒酒？听我说吧，让我把自己的故事告诉你，听完以后，你一定会把杯子从嘴边打落！”
你可以想象，这些话立刻强烈激起了我的好奇心。可陌生人突然被一阵剧烈悲痛攫住，虚弱的身体承受不住，必须经过好几个小时的休息和安静交谈，他才重新平静下来。
当他终于压住激烈的感情以后，似乎又因为自己成了情绪的奴隶而看不起自己。他强行压下绝望的黑暗统治，又把谈话引回到我个人身上。他问起我的早年经历，我很快便讲完了，可这段谈话又引出许多不同的思绪。我说起自己多么想找到一个朋友，多么渴望同另一个心灵建立一种前所未有的亲密理解；我还说，一个人若没有这种幸福，就很难说自己真正拥有多少快乐。
陌生人回答：“我同意你的看法。如果没有一个比我们更聪明、更优秀、也更亲爱的人——真正的朋友就应该这样——帮助我们完善自身那些软弱和有缺陷的部分，那么我们都只是尚未塑造成形、只完成了一半的生命。我曾经有过一个朋友，他是人类中最高贵的人，所以我有资格谈论友谊。你还有希望，整个世界还摆在你面前，你没有理由绝望。但我——我已经失去一切，也不可能重新开始生活。”
他说这些话时，脸上浮现出一种平静却已经凝固下来的悲伤，让我深受触动。随后他沉默下来，很快便回到自己的船舱。
即使精神已经被苦难击碎，也没有人比他更能深刻感受自然的美。星空、海洋，以及这些奇异地区展现的每一种景象，似乎仍有力量把他的灵魂从尘世痛苦中提升起来。这样的人仿佛拥有双重生命：他可能承受悲惨，被失望压垮；可当他退回自己的内心时，又会像一个被光环包围的天使，在那片光芒之中，任何悲伤和愚蠢都不敢靠近。
你会不会笑我如此热情地赞美这个近乎神圣的流浪者？要是你亲眼见到他，就不会笑了。你读过许多书，又长期远离世俗生活，因此眼光多少有些挑剔；但正因为如此，你反而更能欣赏这个非凡人物身上罕见的优点。我有时试着分析，到底是什么品质让他远远高过我认识的所有人。我想，那是一种近乎直觉的洞察力，一种迅速却几乎从不出错的判断能力，以及对事物原因的深刻理解；这种理解清楚而精确，无人能比。除此以外，他还极善表达，声音中多变的语调像音乐一样，能够征服人的心灵。
17——年8月19日。
昨天，陌生人对我说：“沃尔顿船长，你很容易看出，我曾遭受过巨大而且前所未有的灾难。我一度决定，让这些痛苦的记忆和我一起死去，可你使我改变了决定。你追求知识和智慧，就像我从前一样；我真心希望，当你的愿望得到满足时，它不会像我的愿望那样，变成一条反过来咬你的毒蛇。我不知道讲述自己的灾难对你是否真的有用；不过，当我想到你正在走同我曾经走过的路，也让自己暴露在那些把我变成今天模样的危险中，我觉得你也许能从我的故事里得到一个合适的教训：如果你的事业成功，这个教训可以指引你；如果失败，它也许能安慰你。准备听一些通常被认为不可思议的事情吧。若我们现在身处那些平静普通的自然景色中，我也许会担心你不相信，甚至嘲笑我；可在这些荒凉而神秘的地方，很多事情看起来都是可能的，而不了解自然力量千变万化的人听见这些事，反而会发笑。我也毫不怀疑，我接下来讲述的这一连串经历，本身就包含足以证明真实性的内在证据。”
你很容易想象，听见他主动提出讲述往事，我有多高兴。可是，我又无法忍受他为了叙述不幸而重新经历那些痛苦。我非常渴望听到他答应讲述的故事，一部分是出于好奇，另一部分则是因为我强烈希望，只要自己有能力，就能帮助改善他的命运。我把这些感受都告诉了他。
他回答：“谢谢你的同情，可那已经没有用了。我的命运几乎走到尽头。我只是在等待最后一件事发生，之后就可以安静休息了。”他看出我想打断，便继续说：“我明白你的心情。不过，我的朋友——如果你允许我这样称呼你——你想错了。没有任何事能改变我的命运。听完我的故事，你就会明白，它早已不可逆转地决定了。”
然后，他告诉我，第二天等我有空时，他就开始讲自己的故事。这个承诺让我连连热烈道谢。我已经决定，只要夜里没有职责必须处理，就尽可能按照他的原话，把当天听到的故事记录下来；如果实在忙，也至少先写下笔记。这份手稿一定会给你带来极大的阅读乐趣。可对我来说，我认识这个人，而且是亲耳听他讲述——将来某一天再读这些文字时，我会带着怎样强烈的兴趣和同情啊！甚至现在，当我开始记录时，他浑厚的声音仿佛还在耳边回响；他明亮的眼睛带着忧郁而温柔的神情注视着我；我仿佛又看见他激动时举起那只瘦削的手，看见他灵魂中的光照亮脸上的每一道线条。他的故事一定奇异而令人心碎；到底是怎样可怕的风暴包围了这艘勇敢前进的船，又把它摧毁成今天这副模样！
English
To Mrs. Saville, England.
中文
寄英国萨维尔夫人。
English
To Mrs. Saville, England.
中文
寄英国萨维尔夫人。
English
August 5th, 17—.
中文
17——年8月5日。
English
August 5th, 17—.
中文
17——年8月5日。
English
So strange an accident has happened to us that I cannot forbear recording it, although it is very probable that you will see me before these papers can come into your possession.
中文
我们遇到了一件非常奇怪的事，我实在忍不住要把它记下来，虽然这些信纸到你手里之前，我很可能已经先见到你了。
English
So strange an accident has happened to us that I cannot forbear recording it, although it is very probable that you will see me before these papers can come into your possession.
中文
我们遇到了一件非常奇怪的事，我实在忍不住要把它记下来，虽然这些信纸到你手里之前，我很可能已经先见到你了。
English
Last Monday (July 31st) we were nearly surrounded by ice, which closed in the ship on all sides, scarcely leaving her the sea-room in which she floated. Our situation was somewhat dangerous, especially as we were compassed round by a very thick fog. We accordingly lay to, hoping that some change would take place in the atmosphere and weather.
中文
上周一，也就是7月31日，我们几乎被冰层包围。冰从四面八方挤向船身，只留下勉强够船漂浮的一点水面。我们的处境相当危险，尤其周围还笼罩着浓雾。于是我们停船等待，希望天气和空气状况会出现变化。
English
Last Monday (July 31st) we were nearly surrounded by ice, which closed in the ship on all sides, scarcely leaving her the sea-room in which she floated. Our situation was somewhat dangerous, especially as we were compassed round by a very thick fog. We accordingly lay to, hoping that some change would take place in the atmosphere and weather.
中文
上周一，也就是7月31日，我们几乎被冰层包围。冰从四面八方挤向船身，只留下勉强够船漂浮的一点水面。我们的处境相当危险，尤其周围还笼罩着浓雾。于是我们停船等待，希望天气和空气状况会出现变化。
English
About two o’clock the mist cleared away, and we beheld, stretched out in every direction, vast and irregular plains of ice, which seemed to have no end. Some of my comrades groaned, and my own mind began to grow watchful with anxious thoughts, when a strange sight suddenly attracted our attention and diverted our solicitude from our own situation. We perceived a low carriage, fixed on a sledge and drawn by dogs, pass on towards the north, at the distance of half a mile; a being which had the shape of a man, but apparently of gigantic stature, sat in the sledge and guided the dogs. We watched the rapid progress of the traveller with our telescopes until he was lost among the distant inequalities of the ice.
中文
大约下午两点，雾散了。我们看见无边无际、形状不规则的冰原向四面八方铺展开去，仿佛根本没有尽头。几个同伴开始呻吟，我自己也紧张起来，忧虑地观察周围。就在这时，一个奇怪的景象忽然吸引了我们全部注意，让大家暂时忘了自己的处境。大约半英里外，有一辆低矮的雪橇由狗拉着，正向北方飞驰。雪橇上坐着一个外形像人的生物，可身材似乎高大得惊人，他正在驾驭那些狗。我们用望远镜追着看那个旅人迅速前进，直到他的身影消失在远处起伏不平的冰原之间。
English
About two o’clock the mist cleared away, and we beheld, stretched out in every direction, vast and irregular plains of ice, which seemed to have no end. Some of my comrades groaned, and my own mind began to grow watchful with anxious thoughts, when a strange sight suddenly attracted our attention and diverted our solicitude from our own situation. We perceived a low carriage, fixed on a sledge and drawn by dogs, pass on towards the north, at the distance of half a mile; a being which had the shape of a man, but apparently of gigantic stature, sat in the sledge and guided the dogs. We watched the rapid progress of the traveller with our telescopes until he was lost among the distant inequalities of the ice.
中文
大约下午两点，雾散了。我们看见无边无际、形状不规则的冰原向四面八方铺展开去，仿佛根本没有尽头。几个同伴开始呻吟，我自己也紧张起来，忧虑地观察周围。就在这时，一个奇怪的景象忽然吸引了我们全部注意，让大家暂时忘了自己的处境。大约半英里外，有一辆低矮的雪橇由狗拉着，正向北方飞驰。雪橇上坐着一个外形像人的生物，可身材似乎高大得惊人，他正在驾驭那些狗。我们用望远镜追着看那个旅人迅速前进，直到他的身影消失在远处起伏不平的冰原之间。
English
This appearance excited our unqualified wonder. We were, as we believed, many hundred miles from any land; but this apparition seemed to denote that it was not, in reality, so distant as we had supposed. Shut in, however, by ice, it was impossible to follow his track, which we had observed with the greatest attention.
中文
这个景象让我们所有人都惊讶得说不出话来。我们原以为自己距离任何陆地都有几百英里，可那个人影似乎说明实际距离并没有想象中那么远。不过，我们被冰困住，根本不可能沿着他的路线追赶，只能尽量仔细观察他走过的方向。
English
This appearance excited our unqualified wonder. We were, as we believed, many hundred miles from any land; but this apparition seemed to denote that it was not, in reality, so distant as we had supposed. Shut in, however, by ice, it was impossible to follow his track, which we had observed with the greatest attention.
中文
这个景象让我们所有人都惊讶得说不出话来。我们原以为自己距离任何陆地都有几百英里，可那个人影似乎说明实际距离并没有想象中那么远。不过，我们被冰困住，根本不可能沿着他的路线追赶，只能尽量仔细观察他走过的方向。
English
About two hours after this occurrence we heard the ground sea, and before night the ice broke and freed our ship. We, however, lay to until the morning, fearing to encounter in the dark those large loose masses which float about after the breaking up of the ice. I profited of this time to rest for a few hours.
中文
大约两小时后，我们听见冰层下传来海浪的轰鸣。天黑前，冰层终于破裂，船也重新获得自由。不过我们一直等到第二天早晨才启航，因为担心夜里撞上冰层破裂后四处漂浮的大块浮冰。我趁这段时间休息了几个小时。
English
About two hours after this occurrence we heard the ground sea, and before night the ice broke and freed our ship. We, however, lay to until the morning, fearing to encounter in the dark those large loose masses which float about after the breaking up of the ice. I profited of this time to rest for a few hours.
中文
大约两小时后，我们听见冰层下传来海浪的轰鸣。天黑前，冰层终于破裂，船也重新获得自由。不过我们一直等到第二天早晨才启航，因为担心夜里撞上冰层破裂后四处漂浮的大块浮冰。我趁这段时间休息了几个小时。
English
In the morning, however, as soon as it was light, I went upon deck and found all the sailors busy on one side of the vessel, apparently talking to someone in the sea. It was, in fact, a sledge, like that we had seen before, which had drifted towards us in the night on a large fragment of ice. Only one dog remained alive; but there was a human being within it whom the sailors were persuading to enter the vessel. He was not, as the other traveller seemed to be, a savage inhabitant of some undiscovered island, but a European. When I appeared on deck the master said, “Here is our captain, and he will not allow you to perish on the open sea.”
中文
第二天一亮，我就走上甲板，发现所有水手都挤在船的一侧，似乎正同海面上的什么人说话。原来那里有一辆和昨天见到的很像的雪橇，夜里随着一块大浮冰漂到我们船边。雪橇上只剩一条狗还活着，但里面还有一个人，水手们正在劝他登船。他并不像昨天那个旅人那样，看起来像某个未知岛屿上的野蛮居民，而是一个欧洲人。我刚走上甲板，船长便对他说：“这是我们的船长，他不会让你死在这片海上的。”
English
In the morning, however, as soon as it was light, I went upon deck and found all the sailors busy on one side of the vessel, apparently talking to someone in the sea. It was, in fact, a sledge, like that we had seen before, which had drifted towards us in the night on a large fragment of ice. Only one dog remained alive; but there was a human being within it whom the sailors were persuading to enter the vessel. He was not, as the other traveller seemed to be, a savage inhabitant of some undiscovered island, but a European. When I appeared on deck the master said, “Here is our captain, and he will not allow you to perish on the open sea.”
中文
第二天一亮，我就走上甲板，发现所有水手都挤在船的一侧，似乎正同海面上的什么人说话。原来那里有一辆和昨天见到的很像的雪橇，夜里随着一块大浮冰漂到我们船边。雪橇上只剩一条狗还活着，但里面还有一个人，水手们正在劝他登船。他并不像昨天那个旅人那样，看起来像某个未知岛屿上的野蛮居民，而是一个欧洲人。我刚走上甲板，船长便对他说：“这是我们的船长，他不会让你死在这片海上的。”
English
On perceiving me, the stranger addressed me in English, although with a foreign accent. “Before I come on board your vessel,” said he, “will you have the kindness to inform me whither you are bound?”
中文
陌生人一看见我，便用带着外国口音的英语对我说：“在我登上你们的船以前，能不能先请你告诉我，你们准备去哪里？”
English
On perceiving me, the stranger addressed me in English, although with a foreign accent. “Before I come on board your vessel,” said he, “will you have the kindness to inform me whither you are bound?”
中文
陌生人一看见我，便用带着外国口音的英语对我说：“在我登上你们的船以前，能不能先请你告诉我，你们准备去哪里？”
English
You may conceive my astonishment on hearing such a question addressed to me from a man on the brink of destruction and to whom I should have supposed that my vessel would have been a resource which he would not have exchanged for the most precious wealth the earth can afford. I replied, however, that we were on a voyage of discovery towards the northern pole.
中文
你可以想象我听到这个问题时有多惊讶。眼前这个人已经站在死亡边缘，在我看来，我们的船对他来说应该比世界上任何财富都更珍贵。可他竟先问我们的目的地。我还是回答说，我们正在进行一场前往北极的探索航行。
English
You may conceive my astonishment on hearing such a question addressed to me from a man on the brink of destruction and to whom I should have supposed that my vessel would have been a resource which he would not have exchanged for the most precious wealth the earth can afford. I replied, however, that we were on a voyage of discovery towards the northern pole.
中文
你可以想象我听到这个问题时有多惊讶。眼前这个人已经站在死亡边缘，在我看来，我们的船对他来说应该比世界上任何财富都更珍贵。可他竟先问我们的目的地。我还是回答说，我们正在进行一场前往北极的探索航行。
English
Upon hearing this he appeared satisfied and consented to come on board. Good God! Margaret, if you had seen the man who thus capitulated for his safety, your surprise would have been boundless. His limbs were nearly frozen, and his body dreadfully emaciated by fatigue and suffering. I never saw a man in so wretched a condition. We attempted to carry him into the cabin, but as soon as he had quitted the fresh air he fainted. We accordingly brought him back to the deck and restored him to animation by rubbing him with brandy and forcing him to swallow a small quantity. As soon as he showed signs of life we wrapped him up in blankets and placed him near the chimney of the kitchen stove. By slow degrees he recovered and ate a little soup, which restored him wonderfully.
中文
听见这话，他似乎满意了，这才同意登船。天哪，玛格丽特！你要是看见这个竟然还要先谈条件才肯接受救援的人，一定会惊讶得无法形容。他的四肢几乎冻僵，身体因为疲劳和痛苦瘦得可怕。我从没见过处境这么悲惨的人。我们想把他抬进船舱，可他刚离开外面的冷空气就昏了过去。于是我们又把他抬回甲板，用白兰地擦他的身体，还强行让他喝下一小口。等他稍微恢复一点生命迹象，我们把他裹进毯子里，放在厨房炉子的烟囱附近。过了很久，他才慢慢恢复，还喝了一点汤，身体一下好了不少。
English
Upon hearing this he appeared satisfied and consented to come on board. Good God! Margaret, if you had seen the man who thus capitulated for his safety, your surprise would have been boundless. His limbs were nearly frozen, and his body dreadfully emaciated by fatigue and suffering. I never saw a man in so wretched a condition. We attempted to carry him into the cabin, but as soon as he had quitted the fresh air he fainted. We accordingly brought him back to the deck and restored him to animation by rubbing him with brandy and forcing him to swallow a small quantity. As soon as he showed signs of life we wrapped him up in blankets and placed him near the chimney of the kitchen stove. By slow degrees he recovered and ate a little soup, which restored him wonderfully.
中文
听见这话，他似乎满意了，这才同意登船。天哪，玛格丽特！你要是看见这个竟然还要先谈条件才肯接受救援的人，一定会惊讶得无法形容。他的四肢几乎冻僵，身体因为疲劳和痛苦瘦得可怕。我从没见过处境这么悲惨的人。我们想把他抬进船舱，可他刚离开外面的冷空气就昏了过去。于是我们又把他抬回甲板，用白兰地擦他的身体，还强行让他喝下一小口。等他稍微恢复一点生命迹象，我们把他裹进毯子里，放在厨房炉子的烟囱附近。过了很久，他才慢慢恢复，还喝了一点汤，身体一下好了不少。
English
Two days passed in this manner before he was able to speak, and I often feared that his sufferings had deprived him of understanding. When he had in some measure recovered, I removed him to my own cabin and attended on him as much as my duty would permit. I never saw a more interesting creature: his eyes have generally an expression of wildness, and even madness, but there are moments when, if anyone performs an act of kindness towards him or does him any the most trifling service, his whole countenance is lighted up, as it were, with a beam of benevolence and sweetness that I never saw equalled. But he is generally melancholy and despairing, and sometimes he gnashes his teeth, as if impatient of the weight of woes that oppresses him.
中文
整整两天，他都虚弱得无法说话。我常常担心那些痛苦已经伤害了他的神智。等他稍微恢复以后，我把他移到自己的船舱，只要职责允许，就尽量亲自照顾。我从没见过如此令人着迷的人。他的眼神通常带着一种狂乱，甚至近乎疯狂；可只要有人对他表示一点善意，哪怕只是替他做一件微不足道的小事，他的整张脸便会像被一道温柔而仁慈的光照亮，那种神情我从未在别人脸上见过。不过，大多数时候他都忧郁而绝望，有时还会咬紧牙关，仿佛已经无法忍受压在身上的巨大悲痛。
English
Two days passed in this manner before he was able to speak, and I often feared that his sufferings had deprived him of understanding. When he had in some measure recovered, I removed him to my own cabin and attended on him as much as my duty would permit. I never saw a more interesting creature: his eyes have generally an expression of wildness, and even madness, but there are moments when, if anyone performs an act of kindness towards him or does him any the most trifling service, his whole countenance is lighted up, as it were, with a beam of benevolence and sweetness that I never saw equalled. But he is generally melancholy and despairing, and sometimes he gnashes his teeth, as if impatient of the weight of woes that oppresses him.
中文
整整两天，他都虚弱得无法说话。我常常担心那些痛苦已经伤害了他的神智。等他稍微恢复以后，我把他移到自己的船舱，只要职责允许，就尽量亲自照顾。我从没见过如此令人着迷的人。他的眼神通常带着一种狂乱，甚至近乎疯狂；可只要有人对他表示一点善意，哪怕只是替他做一件微不足道的小事，他的整张脸便会像被一道温柔而仁慈的光照亮，那种神情我从未在别人脸上见过。不过，大多数时候他都忧郁而绝望，有时还会咬紧牙关，仿佛已经无法忍受压在身上的巨大悲痛。
English
When my guest was a little recovered I had great trouble to keep off the men, who wished to ask him a thousand questions; but I would not allow him to be tormented by their idle curiosity, in a state of body and mind whose restoration evidently depended upon entire repose. Once, however, the lieutenant asked why he had come so far upon the ice in so strange a vehicle.
中文
等客人稍微好一些以后，我费了很大劲才拦住那些想问他上千个问题的水手。他的身体和精神显然都需要彻底休息才能恢复，我不允许大家拿无聊的好奇心折磨他。不过有一次，大副还是问他，为什么会乘着那样奇怪的交通工具跑到这么遥远的冰原上。
English
When my guest was a little recovered I had great trouble to keep off the men, who wished to ask him a thousand questions; but I would not allow him to be tormented by their idle curiosity, in a state of body and mind whose restoration evidently depended upon entire repose. Once, however, the lieutenant asked why he had come so far upon the ice in so strange a vehicle.
中文
等客人稍微好一些以后，我费了很大劲才拦住那些想问他上千个问题的水手。他的身体和精神显然都需要彻底休息才能恢复，我不允许大家拿无聊的好奇心折磨他。不过有一次，大副还是问他，为什么会乘着那样奇怪的交通工具跑到这么遥远的冰原上。
English
His countenance instantly assumed an aspect of the deepest gloom, and he replied, “To seek one who fled from me.”
中文
他的脸立刻笼罩上一层最深的阴郁，只回答：“为了追一个从我手里逃走的人。”
English
His countenance instantly assumed an aspect of the deepest gloom, and he replied, “To seek one who fled from me.”
中文
他的脸立刻笼罩上一层最深的阴郁，只回答：“为了追一个从我手里逃走的人。”
English
“And did the man whom you pursued travel in the same fashion?”
中文
“你追的那个人，也是用同样的方法旅行的吗？”
English
“And did the man whom you pursued travel in the same fashion?”
中文
“你追的那个人，也是用同样的方法旅行的吗？”
English
“Yes.”
中文
“是。”
English
“Yes.”
中文
“是。”
English
“Then I fancy we have seen him, for the day before we picked you up we saw some dogs drawing a sledge, with a man in it, across the ice.”
中文
“那我猜我们见过他。就在救起你的前一天，我们看见一群狗拉着一辆雪橇，上面坐着一个人，从冰原上经过。”
English
“Then I fancy we have seen him, for the day before we picked you up we saw some dogs drawing a sledge, with a man in it, across the ice.”
中文
“那我猜我们见过他。就在救起你的前一天，我们看见一群狗拉着一辆雪橇，上面坐着一个人，从冰原上经过。”
English
This aroused the stranger’s attention, and he asked a multitude of questions concerning the route which the dæmon, as he called him, had pursued. Soon after, when he was alone with me, he said, “I have, doubtless, excited your curiosity, as well as that of these good people; but you are too considerate to make inquiries.”
中文
这句话立刻使陌生人警觉起来。他连珠炮似地问了许多问题，打听那个被他称作“恶魔”的家伙去了哪个方向。不久以后，他同我单独在一起时说道：“我一定让你和这些善良的人都产生了很多好奇。不过你太体贴，没有来追问我。”
English
This aroused the stranger’s attention, and he asked a multitude of questions concerning the route which the dæmon, as he called him, had pursued. Soon after, when he was alone with me, he said, “I have, doubtless, excited your curiosity, as well as that of these good people; but you are too considerate to make inquiries.”
中文
这句话立刻使陌生人警觉起来。他连珠炮似地问了许多问题，打听那个被他称作“恶魔”的家伙去了哪个方向。不久以后，他同我单独在一起时说道：“我一定让你和这些善良的人都产生了很多好奇。不过你太体贴，没有来追问我。”
English
“Certainly; it would indeed be very impertinent and inhuman in me to trouble you with any inquisitiveness of mine.”
中文
我回答：“当然。我若拿自己的好奇心来打扰你，那实在既无礼又没有人性。”
English
“Certainly; it would indeed be very impertinent and inhuman in me to trouble you with any inquisitiveness of mine.”
中文
我回答：“当然。我若拿自己的好奇心来打扰你，那实在既无礼又没有人性。”
English
“And yet you rescued me from a strange and perilous situation; you have benevolently restored me to life.”
中文
他说：“可你却把我从那种奇怪又危险的处境里救出来，还善良地把我从死亡边缘拉了回来。”
English
“And yet you rescued me from a strange and perilous situation; you have benevolently restored me to life.”
中文
他说：“可你却把我从那种奇怪又危险的处境里救出来，还善良地把我从死亡边缘拉了回来。”
English
Soon after this he inquired if I thought that the breaking up of the ice had destroyed the other sledge. I replied that I could not answer with any degree of certainty, for the ice had not broken until near midnight, and the traveller might have arrived at a place of safety before that time; but of this I could not judge.
中文
不久以后，他又问我，冰层破裂时另一辆雪橇会不会已经毁掉。我告诉他，我无法肯定回答，因为冰一直到接近午夜才裂开，而那个旅人很可能在那以前已经抵达安全地方；至于到底怎样，我无法判断。
English
Soon after this he inquired if I thought that the breaking up of the ice had destroyed the other sledge. I replied that I could not answer with any degree of certainty, for the ice had not broken until near midnight, and the traveller might have arrived at a place of safety before that time; but of this I could not judge.
中文
不久以后，他又问我，冰层破裂时另一辆雪橇会不会已经毁掉。我告诉他，我无法肯定回答，因为冰一直到接近午夜才裂开，而那个旅人很可能在那以前已经抵达安全地方；至于到底怎样，我无法判断。
English
From this time a new spirit of life animated the decaying frame of the stranger. He manifested the greatest eagerness to be upon deck to watch for the sledge which had before appeared; but I have persuaded him to remain in the cabin, for he is far too weak to sustain the rawness of the atmosphere. I have promised that someone should watch for him and give him instant notice if any new object should appear in sight.
中文
从那以后，一股新的生命力量仿佛重新注入了陌生人日渐衰弱的身体。他非常急切地想上甲板守候，看看先前出现的雪橇会不会再次进入视野。不过，我已经劝他留在船舱，因为他的身体实在太虚弱，根本承受不了外面湿冷刺骨的空气。我答应派人替他观察，只要发现任何新的东西，马上通知他。
English
From this time a new spirit of life animated the decaying frame of the stranger. He manifested the greatest eagerness to be upon deck to watch for the sledge which had before appeared; but I have persuaded him to remain in the cabin, for he is far too weak to sustain the rawness of the atmosphere. I have promised that someone should watch for him and give him instant notice if any new object should appear in sight.
中文
从那以后，一股新的生命力量仿佛重新注入了陌生人日渐衰弱的身体。他非常急切地想上甲板守候，看看先前出现的雪橇会不会再次进入视野。不过，我已经劝他留在船舱，因为他的身体实在太虚弱，根本承受不了外面湿冷刺骨的空气。我答应派人替他观察，只要发现任何新的东西，马上通知他。
English
Such is my journal of what relates to this strange occurrence up to the present day. The stranger has gradually improved in health but is very silent and appears uneasy when anyone except myself enters his cabin. Yet his manners are so conciliating and gentle that the sailors are all interested in him, although they have had very little communication with him. For my own part, I begin to love him as a brother, and his constant and deep grief fills me with sympathy and compassion. He must have been a noble creature in his better days, being even now in wreck so attractive and amiable.
中文
以上就是截至今天，我关于这件奇怪事情的全部记录。陌生人的健康正在慢慢恢复，可他很少说话，而且除了我以外，只要有人进入船舱，他似乎都会不安。尽管如此，他的态度温和有礼，非常让人亲近，所以即使水手们几乎没同他交谈，也都对他很感兴趣。至于我自己，我已经开始像爱兄弟一样爱他。他那始终不散、深不见底的悲伤，也让我充满同情和怜悯。即使现在已经像一艘破船，他仍然如此吸引人、如此可爱；可以想象，在遭受这些苦难以前，他一定是个多么高贵的人。
English
Such is my journal of what relates to this strange occurrence up to the present day. The stranger has gradually improved in health but is very silent and appears uneasy when anyone except myself enters his cabin. Yet his manners are so conciliating and gentle that the sailors are all interested in him, although they have had very little communication with him. For my own part, I begin to love him as a brother, and his constant and deep grief fills me with sympathy and compassion. He must have been a noble creature in his better days, being even now in wreck so attractive and amiable.
中文
以上就是截至今天，我关于这件奇怪事情的全部记录。陌生人的健康正在慢慢恢复，可他很少说话，而且除了我以外，只要有人进入船舱，他似乎都会不安。尽管如此，他的态度温和有礼，非常让人亲近，所以即使水手们几乎没同他交谈，也都对他很感兴趣。至于我自己，我已经开始像爱兄弟一样爱他。他那始终不散、深不见底的悲伤，也让我充满同情和怜悯。即使现在已经像一艘破船，他仍然如此吸引人、如此可爱；可以想象，在遭受这些苦难以前，他一定是个多么高贵的人。
English
I said in one of my letters, my dear Margaret, that I should find no friend on the wide ocean; yet I have found a man who, before his spirit had been broken by misery, I should have been happy to have possessed as the brother of my heart.
中文
亲爱的玛格丽特，我曾在一封信里说，茫茫大海上我永远找不到朋友。可如今我真的遇见了一个人；若不是苦难已经摧毁了他的精神，我会非常愿意把他当作自己心灵上的兄弟。
English
I said in one of my letters, my dear Margaret, that I should find no friend on the wide ocean; yet I have found a man who, before his spirit had been broken by misery, I should have been happy to have possessed as the brother of my heart.
中文
亲爱的玛格丽特，我曾在一封信里说，茫茫大海上我永远找不到朋友。可如今我真的遇见了一个人；若不是苦难已经摧毁了他的精神，我会非常愿意把他当作自己心灵上的兄弟。
English
I shall continue my journal concerning the stranger at intervals, should I have any fresh incidents to record.
中文
如果以后再发生什么新事情，我会继续间歇记录关于这个陌生人的情况。
English
I shall continue my journal concerning the stranger at intervals, should I have any fresh incidents to record.
中文
如果以后再发生什么新事情，我会继续间歇记录关于这个陌生人的情况。
English
August 13th, 17—.
中文
17——年8月13日。
English
August 13th, 17—.
中文
17——年8月13日。
English
My affection for my guest increases every day. He excites at once my admiration and my pity to an astonishing degree. How can I see so noble a creature destroyed by misery without feeling the most poignant grief? He is so gentle, yet so wise; his mind is so cultivated, and when he speaks, although his words are culled with the choicest art, yet they flow with rapidity and unparalleled eloquence.
中文
我一天比一天更喜欢这位客人。他同时激起我深深的敬佩和怜悯，强烈得让我自己都惊讶。看着这样高贵的人被痛苦摧毁，我怎么可能不感到最深的悲伤？他如此温和，却又如此聪明；他的思想如此有修养；当他说话时，虽然用词经过最精心的选择，却仍然流畅迅速，而且有一种我从未见过的雄辩力量。
English
My affection for my guest increases every day. He excites at once my admiration and my pity to an astonishing degree. How can I see so noble a creature destroyed by misery without feeling the most poignant grief? He is so gentle, yet so wise; his mind is so cultivated, and when he speaks, although his words are culled with the choicest art, yet they flow with rapidity and unparalleled eloquence.
中文
我一天比一天更喜欢这位客人。他同时激起我深深的敬佩和怜悯，强烈得让我自己都惊讶。看着这样高贵的人被痛苦摧毁，我怎么可能不感到最深的悲伤？他如此温和，却又如此聪明；他的思想如此有修养；当他说话时，虽然用词经过最精心的选择，却仍然流畅迅速，而且有一种我从未见过的雄辩力量。
English
He is now much recovered from his illness and is continually on the deck, apparently watching for the sledge that preceded his own. Yet, although unhappy, he is not so utterly occupied by his own misery but that he interests himself deeply in the projects of others. He has frequently conversed with me on mine, which I have communicated to him without disguise. He entered attentively into all my arguments in favour of my eventual success and into every minute detail of the measures I had taken to secure it. I was easily led by the sympathy which he evinced to use the language of my heart, to give utterance to the burning ardour of my soul and to say, with all the fervour that warmed me, how gladly I would sacrifice my fortune, my existence, my every hope, to the furtherance of my enterprise. One man’s life or death were but a small price to pay for the acquirement of the knowledge which I sought, for the dominion I should acquire and transmit over the elemental foes of our race. As I spoke, a dark gloom spread over my listener’s countenance. At first I perceived that he tried to suppress his emotion; he placed his hands before his eyes, and my voice quivered and failed me as I beheld tears trickle fast from between his fingers; a groan burst from his heaving breast. I paused; at length he spoke, in broken accents: “Unhappy man! Do you share my madness? Have you drunk also of the intoxicating draught? Hear me; let me reveal my tale, and you will dash the cup from your lips!”
中文
他的病现在已经好了很多，经常待在甲板上，看样子仍在等待先于他出现的那辆雪橇。虽然自己非常不幸，他却没有完全被个人痛苦占据，反而仍然真诚关心别人的计划。他常和我谈论我的远征，我也毫不隐瞒地把计划告诉了他。他认真听我解释为什么相信最后会成功，也仔细听我讲为保证成功所做的每一个安排。他表现出的理解和共鸣很容易让我敞开心扉。我说出了心底最真实的话，倾诉灵魂里燃烧的热情。我怀着全部激情告诉他，为了推进这项事业，我愿意牺牲财富、生命和所有希望。和我想得到的知识相比，一个人的生死只是一点微不足道的代价；而且我相信，自己终将获得支配那些威胁人类的自然力量的能力，并把这种力量传给后人。听我说这些话时，他的脸渐渐阴沉下来。起初，我看得出他努力压抑感情。他双手遮住眼睛；当我看见泪水不断从指缝间流下，又听见他起伏的胸中爆发出一声呻吟时，我的声音也颤抖起来，最后说不下去。我停住了。过了很久，他才断断续续地说：“不幸的人！难道你也染上了我的疯狂？难道你也喝下了那杯让人沉醉的毒酒？听我说吧，让我把自己的故事告诉你，听完以后，你一定会把杯子从嘴边打落！”
English
He is now much recovered from his illness and is continually on the deck, apparently watching for the sledge that preceded his own. Yet, although unhappy, he is not so utterly occupied by his own misery but that he interests himself deeply in the projects of others. He has frequently conversed with me on mine, which I have communicated to him without disguise. He entered attentively into all my arguments in favour of my eventual success and into every minute detail of the measures I had taken to secure it. I was easily led by the sympathy which he evinced to use the language of my heart, to give utterance to the burning ardour of my soul and to say, with all the fervour that warmed me, how gladly I would sacrifice my fortune, my existence, my every hope, to the furtherance of my enterprise. One man’s life or death were but a small price to pay for the acquirement of the knowledge which I sought, for the dominion I should acquire and transmit over the elemental foes of our race. As I spoke, a dark gloom spread over my listener’s countenance. At first I perceived that he tried to suppress his emotion; he placed his hands before his eyes, and my voice quivered and failed me as I beheld tears trickle fast from between his fingers; a groan burst from his heaving breast. I paused; at length he spoke, in broken accents: “Unhappy man! Do you share my madness? Have you drunk also of the intoxicating draught? Hear me; let me reveal my tale, and you will dash the cup from your lips!”
中文
他的病现在已经好了很多，经常待在甲板上，看样子仍在等待先于他出现的那辆雪橇。虽然自己非常不幸，他却没有完全被个人痛苦占据，反而仍然真诚关心别人的计划。他常和我谈论我的远征，我也毫不隐瞒地把计划告诉了他。他认真听我解释为什么相信最后会成功，也仔细听我讲为保证成功所做的每一个安排。他表现出的理解和共鸣很容易让我敞开心扉。我说出了心底最真实的话，倾诉灵魂里燃烧的热情。我怀着全部激情告诉他，为了推进这项事业，我愿意牺牲财富、生命和所有希望。和我想得到的知识相比，一个人的生死只是一点微不足道的代价；而且我相信，自己终将获得支配那些威胁人类的自然力量的能力，并把这种力量传给后人。听我说这些话时，他的脸渐渐阴沉下来。起初，我看得出他努力压抑感情。他双手遮住眼睛；当我看见泪水不断从指缝间流下，又听见他起伏的胸中爆发出一声呻吟时，我的声音也颤抖起来，最后说不下去。我停住了。过了很久，他才断断续续地说：“不幸的人！难道你也染上了我的疯狂？难道你也喝下了那杯让人沉醉的毒酒？听我说吧，让我把自己的故事告诉你，听完以后，你一定会把杯子从嘴边打落！”
English
Such words, you may imagine, strongly excited my curiosity; but the paroxysm of grief that had seized the stranger overcame his weakened powers, and many hours of repose and tranquil conversation were necessary to restore his composure.
中文
你可以想象，这些话立刻强烈激起了我的好奇心。可陌生人突然被一阵剧烈悲痛攫住，虚弱的身体承受不住，必须经过好几个小时的休息和安静交谈，他才重新平静下来。
English
Such words, you may imagine, strongly excited my curiosity; but the paroxysm of grief that had seized the stranger overcame his weakened powers, and many hours of repose and tranquil conversation were necessary to restore his composure.
中文
你可以想象，这些话立刻强烈激起了我的好奇心。可陌生人突然被一阵剧烈悲痛攫住，虚弱的身体承受不住，必须经过好几个小时的休息和安静交谈，他才重新平静下来。
English
Having conquered the violence of his feelings, he appeared to despise himself for being the slave of passion; and quelling the dark tyranny of despair, he led me again to converse concerning myself personally. He asked me the history of my earlier years. The tale was quickly told, but it awakened various trains of reflection. I spoke of my desire of finding a friend, of my thirst for a more intimate sympathy with a fellow mind than had ever fallen to my lot, and expressed my conviction that a man could boast of little happiness who did not enjoy this blessing.
中文
当他终于压住激烈的感情以后，似乎又因为自己成了情绪的奴隶而看不起自己。他强行压下绝望的黑暗统治，又把谈话引回到我个人身上。他问起我的早年经历，我很快便讲完了，可这段谈话又引出许多不同的思绪。我说起自己多么想找到一个朋友，多么渴望同另一个心灵建立一种前所未有的亲密理解；我还说，一个人若没有这种幸福，就很难说自己真正拥有多少快乐。
English
Having conquered the violence of his feelings, he appeared to despise himself for being the slave of passion; and quelling the dark tyranny of despair, he led me again to converse concerning myself personally. He asked me the history of my earlier years. The tale was quickly told, but it awakened various trains of reflection. I spoke of my desire of finding a friend, of my thirst for a more intimate sympathy with a fellow mind than had ever fallen to my lot, and expressed my conviction that a man could boast of little happiness who did not enjoy this blessing.
中文
当他终于压住激烈的感情以后，似乎又因为自己成了情绪的奴隶而看不起自己。他强行压下绝望的黑暗统治，又把谈话引回到我个人身上。他问起我的早年经历，我很快便讲完了，可这段谈话又引出许多不同的思绪。我说起自己多么想找到一个朋友，多么渴望同另一个心灵建立一种前所未有的亲密理解；我还说，一个人若没有这种幸福，就很难说自己真正拥有多少快乐。
English
“I agree with you,” replied the stranger; “we are unfashioned creatures, but half made up, if one wiser, better, dearer than ourselves—such a friend ought to be—do not lend his aid to perfectionate our weak and faulty natures. I once had a friend, the most noble of human creatures, and am entitled, therefore, to judge respecting friendship. You have hope, and the world before you, and have no cause for despair. But I—I have lost everything and cannot begin life anew.”
中文
陌生人回答：“我同意你的看法。如果没有一个比我们更聪明、更优秀、也更亲爱的人——真正的朋友就应该这样——帮助我们完善自身那些软弱和有缺陷的部分，那么我们都只是尚未塑造成形、只完成了一半的生命。我曾经有过一个朋友，他是人类中最高贵的人，所以我有资格谈论友谊。你还有希望，整个世界还摆在你面前，你没有理由绝望。但我——我已经失去一切，也不可能重新开始生活。”
English
“I agree with you,” replied the stranger; “we are unfashioned creatures, but half made up, if one wiser, better, dearer than ourselves—such a friend ought to be—do not lend his aid to perfectionate our weak and faulty natures. I once had a friend, the most noble of human creatures, and am entitled, therefore, to judge respecting friendship. You have hope, and the world before you, and have no cause for despair. But I—I have lost everything and cannot begin life anew.”
中文
陌生人回答：“我同意你的看法。如果没有一个比我们更聪明、更优秀、也更亲爱的人——真正的朋友就应该这样——帮助我们完善自身那些软弱和有缺陷的部分，那么我们都只是尚未塑造成形、只完成了一半的生命。我曾经有过一个朋友，他是人类中最高贵的人，所以我有资格谈论友谊。你还有希望，整个世界还摆在你面前，你没有理由绝望。但我——我已经失去一切，也不可能重新开始生活。”
English
As he said this his countenance became expressive of a calm, settled grief that touched me to the heart. But he was silent and presently retired to his cabin.
中文
他说这些话时，脸上浮现出一种平静却已经凝固下来的悲伤，让我深受触动。随后他沉默下来，很快便回到自己的船舱。
English
As he said this his countenance became expressive of a calm, settled grief that touched me to the heart. But he was silent and presently retired to his cabin.
中文
他说这些话时，脸上浮现出一种平静却已经凝固下来的悲伤，让我深受触动。随后他沉默下来，很快便回到自己的船舱。
English
Even broken in spirit as he is, no one can feel more deeply than he does the beauties of nature. The starry sky, the sea, and every sight afforded by these wonderful regions seem still to have the power of elevating his soul from earth. Such a man has a double existence: he may suffer misery and be overwhelmed by disappointments, yet when he has retired into himself, he will be like a celestial spirit that has a halo around him, within whose circle no grief or folly ventures.
中文
即使精神已经被苦难击碎，也没有人比他更能深刻感受自然的美。星空、海洋，以及这些奇异地区展现的每一种景象，似乎仍有力量把他的灵魂从尘世痛苦中提升起来。这样的人仿佛拥有双重生命：他可能承受悲惨，被失望压垮；可当他退回自己的内心时，又会像一个被光环包围的天使，在那片光芒之中，任何悲伤和愚蠢都不敢靠近。
English
Even broken in spirit as he is, no one can feel more deeply than he does the beauties of nature. The starry sky, the sea, and every sight afforded by these wonderful regions seem still to have the power of elevating his soul from earth. Such a man has a double existence: he may suffer misery and be overwhelmed by disappointments, yet when he has retired into himself, he will be like a celestial spirit that has a halo around him, within whose circle no grief or folly ventures.
中文
即使精神已经被苦难击碎，也没有人比他更能深刻感受自然的美。星空、海洋，以及这些奇异地区展现的每一种景象，似乎仍有力量把他的灵魂从尘世痛苦中提升起来。这样的人仿佛拥有双重生命：他可能承受悲惨，被失望压垮；可当他退回自己的内心时，又会像一个被光环包围的天使，在那片光芒之中，任何悲伤和愚蠢都不敢靠近。
English
Will you smile at the enthusiasm I express concerning this divine wanderer? You would not if you saw him. You have been tutored and refined by books and retirement from the world, and you are therefore somewhat fastidious; but this only renders you the more fit to appreciate the extraordinary merits of this wonderful man. Sometimes I have endeavoured to discover what quality it is which he possesses that elevates him so immeasurably above any other person I ever knew. I believe it to be an intuitive discernment, a quick but never-failing power of judgment, a penetration into the causes of things, unequalled for clearness and precision; add to this a facility of expression and a voice whose varied intonations are soul-subduing music.
中文
你会不会笑我如此热情地赞美这个近乎神圣的流浪者？要是你亲眼见到他，就不会笑了。你读过许多书，又长期远离世俗生活，因此眼光多少有些挑剔；但正因为如此，你反而更能欣赏这个非凡人物身上罕见的优点。我有时试着分析，到底是什么品质让他远远高过我认识的所有人。我想，那是一种近乎直觉的洞察力，一种迅速却几乎从不出错的判断能力，以及对事物原因的深刻理解；这种理解清楚而精确，无人能比。除此以外，他还极善表达，声音中多变的语调像音乐一样，能够征服人的心灵。
English
Will you smile at the enthusiasm I express concerning this divine wanderer? You would not if you saw him. You have been tutored and refined by books and retirement from the world, and you are therefore somewhat fastidious; but this only renders you the more fit to appreciate the extraordinary merits of this wonderful man. Sometimes I have endeavoured to discover what quality it is which he possesses that elevates him so immeasurably above any other person I ever knew. I believe it to be an intuitive discernment, a quick but never-failing power of judgment, a penetration into the causes of things, unequalled for clearness and precision; add to this a facility of expression and a voice whose varied intonations are soul-subduing music.
中文
你会不会笑我如此热情地赞美这个近乎神圣的流浪者？要是你亲眼见到他，就不会笑了。你读过许多书，又长期远离世俗生活，因此眼光多少有些挑剔；但正因为如此，你反而更能欣赏这个非凡人物身上罕见的优点。我有时试着分析，到底是什么品质让他远远高过我认识的所有人。我想，那是一种近乎直觉的洞察力，一种迅速却几乎从不出错的判断能力，以及对事物原因的深刻理解；这种理解清楚而精确，无人能比。除此以外，他还极善表达，声音中多变的语调像音乐一样，能够征服人的心灵。
English
August 19th, 17—.
中文
17——年8月19日。
English
August 19th, 17—.
中文
17——年8月19日。
English
Yesterday the stranger said to me, “You may easily perceive, Captain Walton, that I have suffered great and unparalleled misfortunes. I had determined at one time that the memory of these evils should die with me, but you have won me to alter my determination. You seek for knowledge and wisdom, as I once did; and I ardently hope that the gratification of your wishes may not be a serpent to sting you, as mine has been. I do not know that the relation of my disasters will be useful to you; yet, when I reflect that you are pursuing the same course, exposing yourself to the same dangers which have rendered me what I am, I imagine that you may deduce an apt moral from my tale, one that may direct you if you succeed in your undertaking and console you in case of failure. Prepare to hear of occurrences which are usually deemed marvellous. Were we among the tamer scenes of nature I might fear to encounter your unbelief, perhaps your ridicule; but many things will appear possible in these wild and mysterious regions which would provoke the laughter of those unacquainted with the ever-varied powers of nature; nor can I doubt but that my tale conveys in its series internal evidence of the truth of the events of which it is composed.”
中文
昨天，陌生人对我说：“沃尔顿船长，你很容易看出，我曾遭受过巨大而且前所未有的灾难。我一度决定，让这些痛苦的记忆和我一起死去，可你使我改变了决定。你追求知识和智慧，就像我从前一样；我真心希望，当你的愿望得到满足时，它不会像我的愿望那样，变成一条反过来咬你的毒蛇。我不知道讲述自己的灾难对你是否真的有用；不过，当我想到你正在走同我曾经走过的路，也让自己暴露在那些把我变成今天模样的危险中，我觉得你也许能从我的故事里得到一个合适的教训：如果你的事业成功，这个教训可以指引你；如果失败，它也许能安慰你。准备听一些通常被认为不可思议的事情吧。若我们现在身处那些平静普通的自然景色中，我也许会担心你不相信，甚至嘲笑我；可在这些荒凉而神秘的地方，很多事情看起来都是可能的，而不了解自然力量千变万化的人听见这些事，反而会发笑。我也毫不怀疑，我接下来讲述的这一连串经历，本身就包含足以证明真实性的内在证据。”
English
Yesterday the stranger said to me, “You may easily perceive, Captain Walton, that I have suffered great and unparalleled misfortunes. I had determined at one time that the memory of these evils should die with me, but you have won me to alter my determination. You seek for knowledge and wisdom, as I once did; and I ardently hope that the gratification of your wishes may not be a serpent to sting you, as mine has been. I do not know that the relation of my disasters will be useful to you; yet, when I reflect that you are pursuing the same course, exposing yourself to the same dangers which have rendered me what I am, I imagine that you may deduce an apt moral from my tale, one that may direct you if you succeed in your undertaking and console you in case of failure. Prepare to hear of occurrences which are usually deemed marvellous. Were we among the tamer scenes of nature I might fear to encounter your unbelief, perhaps your ridicule; but many things will appear possible in these wild and mysterious regions which would provoke the laughter of those unacquainted with the ever-varied powers of nature; nor can I doubt but that my tale conveys in its series internal evidence of the truth of the events of which it is composed.”
中文
昨天，陌生人对我说：“沃尔顿船长，你很容易看出，我曾遭受过巨大而且前所未有的灾难。我一度决定，让这些痛苦的记忆和我一起死去，可你使我改变了决定。你追求知识和智慧，就像我从前一样；我真心希望，当你的愿望得到满足时，它不会像我的愿望那样，变成一条反过来咬你的毒蛇。我不知道讲述自己的灾难对你是否真的有用；不过，当我想到你正在走同我曾经走过的路，也让自己暴露在那些把我变成今天模样的危险中，我觉得你也许能从我的故事里得到一个合适的教训：如果你的事业成功，这个教训可以指引你；如果失败，它也许能安慰你。准备听一些通常被认为不可思议的事情吧。若我们现在身处那些平静普通的自然景色中，我也许会担心你不相信，甚至嘲笑我；可在这些荒凉而神秘的地方，很多事情看起来都是可能的，而不了解自然力量千变万化的人听见这些事，反而会发笑。我也毫不怀疑，我接下来讲述的这一连串经历，本身就包含足以证明真实性的内在证据。”
English
You may easily imagine that I was much gratified by the offered communication, yet I could not endure that he should renew his grief by a recital of his misfortunes. I felt the greatest eagerness to hear the promised narrative, partly from curiosity and partly from a strong desire to ameliorate his fate if it were in my power. I expressed these feelings in my answer.
中文
你很容易想象，听见他主动提出讲述往事，我有多高兴。可是，我又无法忍受他为了叙述不幸而重新经历那些痛苦。我非常渴望听到他答应讲述的故事，一部分是出于好奇，另一部分则是因为我强烈希望，只要自己有能力，就能帮助改善他的命运。我把这些感受都告诉了他。
English
You may easily imagine that I was much gratified by the offered communication, yet I could not endure that he should renew his grief by a recital of his misfortunes. I felt the greatest eagerness to hear the promised narrative, partly from curiosity and partly from a strong desire to ameliorate his fate if it were in my power. I expressed these feelings in my answer.
中文
你很容易想象，听见他主动提出讲述往事，我有多高兴。可是，我又无法忍受他为了叙述不幸而重新经历那些痛苦。我非常渴望听到他答应讲述的故事，一部分是出于好奇，另一部分则是因为我强烈希望，只要自己有能力，就能帮助改善他的命运。我把这些感受都告诉了他。
English
“I thank you,” he replied, “for your sympathy, but it is useless; my fate is nearly fulfilled. I wait but for one event, and then I shall repose in peace. I understand your feeling,” continued he, perceiving that I wished to interrupt him; “but you are mistaken, my friend, if thus you will allow me to name you; nothing can alter my destiny; listen to my history, and you will perceive how irrevocably it is determined.”
中文
他回答：“谢谢你的同情，可那已经没有用了。我的命运几乎走到尽头。我只是在等待最后一件事发生，之后就可以安静休息了。”他看出我想打断，便继续说：“我明白你的心情。不过，我的朋友——如果你允许我这样称呼你——你想错了。没有任何事能改变我的命运。听完我的故事，你就会明白，它早已不可逆转地决定了。”
English
“I thank you,” he replied, “for your sympathy, but it is useless; my fate is nearly fulfilled. I wait but for one event, and then I shall repose in peace. I understand your feeling,” continued he, perceiving that I wished to interrupt him; “but you are mistaken, my friend, if thus you will allow me to name you; nothing can alter my destiny; listen to my history, and you will perceive how irrevocably it is determined.”
中文
他回答：“谢谢你的同情，可那已经没有用了。我的命运几乎走到尽头。我只是在等待最后一件事发生，之后就可以安静休息了。”他看出我想打断，便继续说：“我明白你的心情。不过，我的朋友——如果你允许我这样称呼你——你想错了。没有任何事能改变我的命运。听完我的故事，你就会明白，它早已不可逆转地决定了。”
English
He then told me that he would commence his narrative the next day when I should be at leisure. This promise drew from me the warmest thanks. I have resolved every night, when I am not imperatively occupied by my duties, to record, as nearly as possible in his own words, what he has related during the day. If I should be engaged, I will at least make notes. This manuscript will doubtless afford you the greatest pleasure; but to me, who know him, and who hear it from his own lips—with what interest and sympathy shall I read it in some future day! Even now, as I commence my task, his full-toned voice swells in my ears; his lustrous eyes dwell on me with all their melancholy sweetness; I see his thin hand raised in animation, while the lineaments of his face are irradiated by the soul within. Strange and harrowing must be his story, frightful the storm which embraced the gallant vessel on its course and wrecked it—thus!
中文
然后，他告诉我，第二天等我有空时，他就开始讲自己的故事。这个承诺让我连连热烈道谢。我已经决定，只要夜里没有职责必须处理，就尽可能按照他的原话，把当天听到的故事记录下来；如果实在忙，也至少先写下笔记。这份手稿一定会给你带来极大的阅读乐趣。可对我来说，我认识这个人，而且是亲耳听他讲述——将来某一天再读这些文字时，我会带着怎样强烈的兴趣和同情啊！甚至现在，当我开始记录时，他浑厚的声音仿佛还在耳边回响；他明亮的眼睛带着忧郁而温柔的神情注视着我；我仿佛又看见他激动时举起那只瘦削的手，看见他灵魂中的光照亮脸上的每一道线条。他的故事一定奇异而令人心碎；到底是怎样可怕的风暴包围了这艘勇敢前进的船，又把它摧毁成今天这副模样！
English
He then told me that he would commence his narrative the next day when I should be at leisure. This promise drew from me the warmest thanks. I have resolved every night, when I am not imperatively occupied by my duties, to record, as nearly as possible in his own words, what he has related during the day. If I should be engaged, I will at least make notes. This manuscript will doubtless afford you the greatest pleasure; but to me, who know him, and who hear it from his own lips—with what interest and sympathy shall I read it in some future day! Even now, as I commence my task, his full-toned voice swells in my ears; his lustrous eyes dwell on me with all their melancholy sweetness; I see his thin hand raised in animation, while the lineaments of his face are irradiated by the soul within. Strange and harrowing must be his story, frightful the storm which embraced the gallant vessel on its course and wrecked it—thus!
中文
然后，他告诉我，第二天等我有空时，他就开始讲自己的故事。这个承诺让我连连热烈道谢。我已经决定，只要夜里没有职责必须处理，就尽可能按照他的原话，把当天听到的故事记录下来；如果实在忙，也至少先写下笔记。这份手稿一定会给你带来极大的阅读乐趣。可对我来说，我认识这个人，而且是亲耳听他讲述——将来某一天再读这些文字时，我会带着怎样强烈的兴趣和同情啊！甚至现在，当我开始记录时，他浑厚的声音仿佛还在耳边回响；他明亮的眼睛带着忧郁而温柔的神情注视着我；我仿佛又看见他激动时举起那只瘦削的手，看见他灵魂中的光照亮脸上的每一道线条。他的故事一定奇异而令人心碎；到底是怎样可怕的风暴包围了这艘勇敢前进的船，又把它摧毁成今天这副模样！