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
第10章
《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
维克多在沙莫尼山谷和蒙唐韦尔冰川间寻求自然的安慰，却在冰海上与自己创造的生命体正面相遇。维克多愤怒地指责它杀害亲人并试图攻击；创造物则要求他履行创造者责任，声称自己原本仁慈，是孤独和痛苦把自己变成恶魔，并说“我本该成为你的亚当，却更像堕落天使”。它要求维克多先听完自己的经历，再决定怜悯或毁灭。维克多最终同意，两人进入山上小屋，创造物开始讲述自己的故事。
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
I spent the following day roaming through the valley. I stood beside the sources of the Arveiron, which take their rise in a glacier, that with slow pace is advancing down from the summit of the hills to barricade the valley. The abrupt sides of vast mountains were before me; the icy wall of the glacier overhung me; a few shattered pines were scattered around; and the solemn silence of this glorious presence-chamber of imperial Nature was broken only by the brawling waves or the fall of some vast fragment, the thunder sound of the avalanche or the cracking, reverberated along the mountains, of the accumulated ice, which, through the silent working of immutable laws, was ever and anon rent and torn, as if it had been but a plaything in their hands. These sublime and magnificent scenes afforded me the greatest consolation that I was capable of receiving. They elevated me from all littleness of feeling, and although they did not remove my grief, they subdued and tranquillised it. In some degree, also, they diverted my mind from the thoughts over which it had brooded for the last month. I retired to rest at night; my slumbers, as it were, waited on and ministered to by the assemblance of grand shapes which I had contemplated during the day. They congregated round me; the unstained snowy mountain-top, the glittering pinnacle, the pine woods, and ragged bare ravine, the eagle, soaring amidst the clouds—they all gathered round me and bade me be at peace.
Where had they fled when the next morning I awoke? All of soul-inspiriting fled with sleep, and dark melancholy clouded every thought. The rain was pouring in torrents, and thick mists hid the summits of the mountains, so that I even saw not the faces of those mighty friends. Still I would penetrate their misty veil and seek them in their cloudy retreats. What were rain and storm to me? My mule was brought to the door, and I resolved to ascend to the summit of Montanvert. I remembered the effect that the view of the tremendous and ever-moving glacier had produced upon my mind when I first saw it. It had then filled me with a sublime ecstasy that gave wings to the soul and allowed it to soar from the obscure world to light and joy. The sight of the awful and majestic in nature had indeed always the effect of solemnising my mind and causing me to forget the passing cares of life. I determined to go without a guide, for I was well acquainted with the path, and the presence of another would destroy the solitary grandeur of the scene.
The ascent is precipitous, but the path is cut into continual and short windings, which enable you to surmount the perpendicularity of the mountain. It is a scene terrifically desolate. In a thousand spots the traces of the winter avalanche may be perceived, where trees lie broken and strewed on the ground, some entirely destroyed, others bent, leaning upon the jutting rocks of the mountain or transversely upon other trees. The path, as you ascend higher, is intersected by ravines of snow, down which stones continually roll from above; one of them is particularly dangerous, as the slightest sound, such as even speaking in a loud voice, produces a concussion of air sufficient to draw destruction upon the head of the speaker. The pines are not tall or luxuriant, but they are sombre and add an air of severity to the scene. I looked on the valley beneath; vast mists were rising from the rivers which ran through it and curling in thick wreaths around the opposite mountains, whose summits were hid in the uniform clouds, while rain poured from the dark sky and added to the melancholy impression I received from the objects around me. Alas! Why does man boast of sensibilities superior to those apparent in the brute; it only renders them more necessary beings. If our impulses were confined to hunger, thirst, and desire, we might be nearly free; but now we are moved by every wind that blows and a chance word or scene that that word may convey to us.
We rest; a dream has power to poison sleep. We rise; one wand’ring thought pollutes the day. We feel, conceive, or reason; laugh or weep, Embrace fond woe, or cast our cares away; It is the same: for, be it joy or sorrow, The path of its departure still is free. Man’s yesterday may ne’er be like his morrow; Nought may endure but mutability!
It was nearly noon when I arrived at the top of the ascent. For some time I sat upon the rock that overlooks the sea of ice. A mist covered both that and the surrounding mountains. Presently a breeze dissipated the cloud, and I descended upon the glacier. The surface is very uneven, rising like the waves of a troubled sea, descending low, and interspersed by rifts that sink deep. The field of ice is almost a league in width, but I spent nearly two hours in crossing it. The opposite mountain is a bare perpendicular rock. From the side where I now stood Montanvert was exactly opposite, at the distance of a league; and above it rose Mont Blanc, in awful majesty. I remained in a recess of the rock, gazing on this wonderful and stupendous scene. The sea, or rather the vast river of ice, wound among its dependent mountains, whose aerial summits hung over its recesses. Their icy and glittering peaks shone in the sunlight over the clouds. My heart, which was before sorrowful, now swelled with something like joy; I exclaimed, “Wandering spirits, if indeed ye wander, and do not rest in your narrow beds, allow me this faint happiness, or take me, as your companion, away from the joys of life.”
As I said this I suddenly beheld the figure of a man, at some distance, advancing towards me with superhuman speed. He bounded over the crevices in the ice, among which I had walked with caution; his stature, also, as he approached, seemed to exceed that of man. I was troubled; a mist came over my eyes, and I felt a faintness seize me, but I was quickly restored by the cold gale of the mountains. I perceived, as the shape came nearer (sight tremendous and abhorred!) that it was the wretch whom I had created. I trembled with rage and horror, resolving to wait his approach and then close with him in mortal combat. He approached; his countenance bespoke bitter anguish, combined with disdain and malignity, while its unearthly ugliness rendered it almost too horrible for human eyes. But I scarcely observed this; rage and hatred had at first deprived me of utterance, and I recovered only to overwhelm him with words expressive of furious detestation and contempt.
“Devil,” I exclaimed, “do you dare approach me? And do not you fear the fierce vengeance of my arm wreaked on your miserable head? Begone, vile insect! Or rather, stay, that I may trample you to dust! And, oh! That I could, with the extinction of your miserable existence, restore those victims whom you have so diabolically murdered!”
“I expected this reception,” said the dæmon. “All men hate the wretched; how, then, must I be hated, who am miserable beyond all living things! Yet you, my creator, detest and spurn me, thy creature, to whom thou art bound by ties only dissoluble by the annihilation of one of us. You purpose to kill me. How dare you sport thus with life? Do your duty towards me, and I will do mine towards you and the rest of mankind. If you will comply with my conditions, I will leave them and you at peace; but if you refuse, I will glut the maw of death, until it be satiated with the blood of your remaining friends.”
“Abhorred monster! Fiend that thou art! The tortures of hell are too mild a vengeance for thy crimes. Wretched devil! You reproach me with your creation, come on, then, that I may extinguish the spark which I so negligently bestowed.”
My rage was without bounds; I sprang on him, impelled by all the feelings which can arm one being against the existence of another.
He easily eluded me and said,
“Be calm! I entreat you to hear me before you give vent to your hatred on my devoted head. Have I not suffered enough, that you seek to increase my misery? Life, although it may only be an accumulation of anguish, is dear to me, and I will defend it. Remember, thou hast made me more powerful than thyself; my height is superior to thine, my joints more supple. But I will not be tempted to set myself in opposition to thee. I am thy creature, and I will be even mild and docile to my natural lord and king if thou wilt also perform thy part, the which thou owest me. Oh, Frankenstein, be not equitable to every other and trample upon me alone, to whom thy justice, and even thy clemency and affection, is most due. Remember that I am thy creature; I ought to be thy Adam, but I am rather the fallen angel, whom thou drivest from joy for no misdeed. Everywhere I see bliss, from which I alone am irrevocably excluded. I was benevolent and good; misery made me a fiend. Make me happy, and I shall again be virtuous.”
“Begone! I will not hear you. There can be no community between you and me; we are enemies. Begone, or let us try our strength in a fight, in which one must fall.”
“How can I move thee? Will no entreaties cause thee to turn a favourable eye upon thy creature, who implores thy goodness and compassion? Believe me, Frankenstein, I was benevolent; my soul glowed with love and humanity; but am I not alone, miserably alone? You, my creator, abhor me; what hope can I gather from your fellow creatures, who owe me nothing? They spurn and hate me. The desert mountains and dreary glaciers are my refuge. I have wandered here many days; the caves of ice, which I only do not fear, are a dwelling to me, and the only one which man does not grudge. These bleak skies I hail, for they are kinder to me than your fellow beings. If the multitude of mankind knew of my existence, they would do as you do, and arm themselves for my destruction. Shall I not then hate them who abhor me? I will keep no terms with my enemies. I am miserable, and they shall share my wretchedness. Yet it is in your power to recompense me, and deliver them from an evil which it only remains for you to make so great, that not only you and your family, but thousands of others, shall be swallowed up in the whirlwinds of its rage. Let your compassion be moved, and do not disdain me. Listen to my tale; when you have heard that, abandon or commiserate me, as you shall judge that I deserve. But hear me. The guilty are allowed, by human laws, bloody as they are, to speak in their own defence before they are condemned. Listen to me, Frankenstein. You accuse me of murder, and yet you would, with a satisfied conscience, destroy your own creature. Oh, praise the eternal justice of man! Yet I ask you not to spare me; listen to me, and then, if you can, and if you will, destroy the work of your hands.”
“Why do you call to my remembrance,” I rejoined, “circumstances of which I shudder to reflect, that I have been the miserable origin and author? Cursed be the day, abhorred devil, in which you first saw light! Cursed (although I curse myself) be the hands that formed you! You have made me wretched beyond expression. You have left me no power to consider whether I am just to you or not. Begone! Relieve me from the sight of your detested form.”
“Thus I relieve thee, my creator,” he said, and placed his hated hands before my eyes, which I flung from me with violence; “thus I take from thee a sight which you abhor. Still thou canst listen to me and grant me thy compassion. By the virtues that I once possessed, I demand this from you. Hear my tale; it is long and strange, and the temperature of this place is not fitting to your fine sensations; come to the hut upon the mountain. The sun is yet high in the heavens; before it descends to hide itself behind your snowy precipices and illuminate another world, you will have heard my story and can decide. On you it rests, whether I quit for ever the neighbourhood of man and lead a harmless life, or become the scourge of your fellow creatures and the author of your own speedy ruin.”
As he said this he led the way across the ice; I followed. My heart was full, and I did not answer him, but as I proceeded, I weighed the various arguments that he had used and determined at least to listen to his tale. I was partly urged by curiosity, and compassion confirmed my resolution. I had hitherto supposed him to be the murderer of my brother, and I eagerly sought a confirmation or denial of this opinion. For the first time, also, I felt what the duties of a creator towards his creature were, and that I ought to render him happy before I complained of his wickedness. These motives urged me to comply with his demand. We crossed the ice, therefore, and ascended the opposite rock. The air was cold, and the rain again began to descend; we entered the hut, the fiend with an air of exultation, I with a heavy heart and depressed spirits. But I consented to listen, and seating myself by the fire which my odious companion had lighted, he thus began his tale.
中文
第二天，我整日在山谷中漫游。我站在阿尔韦龙河源头附近；河水从一座冰川中流出，而那座冰川正以缓慢却不可阻挡的速度，从山顶向下推进，仿佛要把整个山谷堵住。巨大山体陡峭的侧壁耸立在眼前，冰川高高的冰墙悬在头顶，周围只散落着几棵折断的松树。帝王般庄严的大自然仿佛在这里设下一个宏伟的会客厅，它肃穆的寂静只被河水喧闹的波涛、巨大冰块断裂落下的声音、雪崩的雷鸣，以及积冰裂开的巨响打破。冰层在永恒不变的自然规律作用下，不断被撕裂、破坏，仿佛只是那些力量手中的玩物。这些崇高壮丽的景象，给了我当时所能接受的最大安慰。它们把我从狭隘而卑微的情绪里提升出来；虽然没有消除悲伤，却让它暂时平静下来。至少，它们也使我暂时不再反复沉浸于过去一个月里那些折磨我的念头。晚上我回去休息，白天看过的宏伟形象仿佛守在我的睡眠周围。纯洁无瑕的雪山顶、闪光的尖峰、松林、破碎荒凉的峡谷，还有在云中翱翔的鹰，全都聚集在梦境四周，仿佛在叫我安静下来。
可第二天早晨醒来时，这些力量都去了哪里？所有鼓舞灵魂的感觉都随着睡眠一起消失，阴暗的忧郁重新笼罩每一个念头。大雨倾盆而下，浓雾遮住群山峰顶，连那些巨大“朋友”的面孔都看不见。可我还是决定穿过它们的雾幕，到云雾深处寻找这些山峰。雨和风暴对我又算什么？我让人把骡子牵到门口，决定登上蒙唐韦尔山顶。我记得第一次看见那片巨大、不断移动的冰川时，它曾怎样影响我的心灵。那幅景象当时让我陷入一种崇高的狂喜，仿佛给灵魂插上翅膀，让它从昏暗世界飞向光明和欢乐。自然中那些可怕而庄严的景象，一直都能使我的思想变得严肃，并让我暂时忘记日常生活的烦恼。我决定不带向导，因为自己熟悉道路，也因为另一个人的存在会破坏这片景色孤独而宏大的气氛。
山路陡峭，却被修成不断回转的短弯，因此仍能克服近乎垂直的山势。这里的景象荒凉得令人恐惧。到处都能看到冬季雪崩留下的痕迹：树木折断倒在地上，有些彻底毁坏，有些弯折后靠在突出的岩石上，或者横压在其他树上。越往上走，道路越常被雪沟切断；石块不断从高处滚落。有一处尤其危险，因为哪怕一点轻微声音，甚至大声说话造成的空气震动，都可能引发足以把说话者埋葬的灾难。这里的松树不高大，也不繁茂，颜色阴沉，使整个景象更显严酷。我低头看着下面的山谷，河流上升起大片雾气，浓浓缠绕在对面群山周围；那些山顶藏进一片均匀的乌云，而黑暗天空不断落雨，进一步加深周围景象带来的忧郁感。唉，人为什么要夸耀自己的感受能力高于动物？这种能力只是让人变得更容易被外界支配。假如人的冲动只限于饥饿、口渴和欲望，也许几乎可以自由；可现在，任何一阵风、偶然一句话，甚至那句话带回的一幅画面，都能推动我们、改变我们。
我们睡下，一个梦就能毒害睡眠。 我们醒来，一个游荡的念头就能污染整天。 我们感受、想象或推理；欢笑或哭泣， 拥抱甜蜜的悲伤，或者把忧虑抛开； 其实都一样：无论快乐还是痛苦， 它们离开的道路永远敞开。 人的昨天永远不会等同明天； 只有变化本身能够长存！
接近中午时，我终于登上高处。我在俯瞰冰海的岩石上坐了一阵。浓雾覆盖着冰川和周围山脉。过一会儿，风把云吹散，我便走下冰川。冰面极不平整，像暴风中的海浪一样起伏，也布满深不见底的裂缝。整片冰原几乎有一里格宽，可我用了将近两个小时才穿过去。对面的山是一面赤裸而垂直的岩壁。从我站的位置看，蒙唐韦尔正好在一里格之外的对面，而它上方则是庄严可怕的勃朗峰。我停在一处岩石凹陷里，凝视这幅巨大而奇异的景象。冰海——更准确地说，这条巨大冰河——在群山之间蜿蜒穿行，周围高峰仿佛悬在空中，笼罩它的深处。冰雪覆盖、闪闪发光的山顶在云层之上的阳光中发亮。原本悲伤的心渐渐涌起一种近似快乐的感觉，我喊道：“游荡的灵魂啊，如果你们真的仍在漂泊，而不是安息在狭窄的墓穴里，那么请让我保留这一点微弱的幸福；或者把我也带走，让我离开尘世的欢乐，成为你们的同伴。”
话刚说完，我突然看见远处有一个人影正以超越人类的速度向我靠近。他轻松跃过那些我必须小心避开的冰裂缝；随着距离缩短，他的身材也显得超过普通人。我心里一惊，眼前仿佛蒙上一层雾，身体也一阵发软；不过山上的冷风很快让我恢复。等那个身影越来越近，我终于看清——多么可怕、多么令人厌恶的景象！——正是我创造的那个可怜生物。我因为愤怒和恐惧而发抖，决定等它靠近，然后同它进行生死搏斗。它来到面前；脸上混合着深刻痛苦、轻蔑和恶意，而那种非人的丑陋更使它几乎无法让人直视。可我几乎没有真正观察这些；愤怒和仇恨先让我说不出话来，等重新开口时，便把全部憎恶和蔑视化成语言倾泻到它身上。
我喊道：“恶魔！你竟敢靠近我？难道不怕我的手臂把最猛烈的复仇落到你这颗可悲的头上吗？滚开，肮脏的虫子！不，还是留下来吧，让我把你踩成尘土！要是杀死你这个可悲生命，就能让那些被你残忍杀害的人重新活过来，该有多好！”
恶魔回答：“我早料到你会这样迎接我。所有人都憎恨不幸者；那么我这个比所有活着的东西都更痛苦的存在，当然只会遭到更深的憎恨。可你，我的创造者，也厌恶、排斥自己的造物，而我同你之间的联系，只有我们中的一个彻底毁灭才能解除。你打算杀死我。你怎么敢这样玩弄生命？履行你对我的责任，我也会履行自己对你和其余人类的责任。如果你答应我的条件，我会离开你们，让所有人得到安宁；可如果你拒绝，我会不断让死亡吞噬生命，直到它被你剩余朋友的鲜血填满。”
我喊道：“可憎的怪物！你这个恶魔！地狱里的刑罚对你的罪行来说都太轻。可悲的魔鬼！你竟反过来责备我创造了你。来吧，让我熄灭那颗被我如此轻率点燃的生命火花！”
我的愤怒没有边界；我扑向它，内心充满一种生命攻击另一个生命时能够动员的全部力量。
它轻松躲开我，然后说：
“冷静下来！我求你，先听我说完，再把全部仇恨倾泻到我这颗已经注定受苦的头上。难道我受的苦还不够多，你还要继续增加吗？生命也许只是一连串痛苦的积累，可我仍珍惜它，也会保护它。记住，是你把我做得比自己更强壮；我的身高超过你，关节也比你灵活。但我不愿被逼得同你对抗。我是你的造物，如果你也愿意履行欠我的责任，我会温顺服从你这个自然赋予我的主人和君王。弗兰肯斯坦啊，不要对所有其他人讲公平，却唯独践踏我——真正最有资格得到你公正、宽容，甚至感情的存在。记住，我是你的造物。我本该成为你的亚当，却更像那个堕落天使；我没有犯错，你却把我赶出快乐。无论走到哪里，我都看见幸福，唯独我被永远排除在外。我原本仁慈而善良，是痛苦把我变成恶魔。让我得到幸福，我就会重新变得有德。”
我说：“滚开！我不会听你说。你我之间不可能有任何共同之处；我们是敌人。走开，或者就让我们用力量决一死战，其中一个必须倒下。”
它说：“我要怎样才能打动你？无论怎样恳求，也不能让你愿意带着一点善意看待自己的造物吗？它正在求你给予怜悯和同情。相信我，弗兰肯斯坦，我原本是仁慈的；我的灵魂曾经充满爱和人道。可我不是孤独吗？悲惨地、彻底地孤独。你这个创造者都厌恶我，我还能从那些同我没有任何关系的人类身上得到什么希望？他们排斥我、憎恨我。荒凉的山脉和阴沉的冰川才是我的避难所。我已经在这里游荡很多天；只有我不害怕的冰洞可以给我住处，也只有这种住处不会被人类吝啬地拒绝。我欢迎这些冷酷天空，因为它们对我比你们人类更仁慈。假如成千上万的人知道我存在，他们会和你一样拿起武器毁灭我。既然如此，我为什么不能憎恨那些厌恶我的人？我不会同敌人和解。我痛苦，也会让他们分享我的痛苦。不过，你仍有能力补偿我，也有能力保护他们，不让邪恶扩大成一场巨大的灾难；否则，不仅你和你的家人，甚至成千上万的人都可能被卷进愤怒的旋风。让你的同情心动一下，不要轻视我。听我讲自己的故事；听完以后，再按照你认为我应得的结果，选择抛弃我或怜悯我。但先听我说。哪怕人类法律如此血腥，也允许被告在定罪以前为自己辩护。听我说，弗兰肯斯坦。你指控我杀人，可你自己却想带着安稳良心毁掉自己的造物。啊，多么值得赞美的人类永恒正义！不过，我并不求你放过我；我只要你听我说完。之后，如果你能够、也愿意，就毁掉你双手创造的东西。”
我回答：“为什么非要让我想起这些让我一想到自己就是源头和制造者便浑身发抖的事情？可诅咒的恶魔，愿你第一次见到光明的那一天受诅咒！愿创造你的这双手也受诅咒——虽然这等于诅咒我自己！你让我痛苦到无法表达。你已经使我没有余力再思考自己究竟有没有公平对待你。滚开！别让我再看见你那令人憎恶的样子。”
它说：“这样我就替你解脱，创造者。”说着，它把那双我厌恶的手放到我眼前；我立刻用力把它推开。“这样，你就不用看自己厌恶的景象了。可你仍能听我说，也仍可以给予同情。凭我曾经拥有的那些美德，我要求你做到这一点。听我的故事；它很长，也很奇怪，而这里的寒冷不适合你这样娇弱的感受。跟我到山上的小屋去。太阳还高高挂在天空；在它落到你们积雪的悬崖背后、转而照亮另一个世界以前，你会听完整个故事，然后自己决定。一切都取决于你：我是永远离开人类附近，过一种无害的生活；还是成为你们同类的灾祸，并且迅速毁掉你自己。”
说完，它带头穿过冰面，我跟在后面。我的心里充满复杂感情，没有回答。向前走时，我反复衡量它提出的各种理由，最终决定至少听完它的故事。好奇心促使我这样做，而同情则进一步坚定了决定。此前，我一直认定它杀了弟弟，现在我迫切想得到确认或者否认。也是第一次，我开始感到创造者对自己造物负有什么责任，并意识到，在抱怨它的邪恶以前，也许我本该先让它获得幸福。正是这些念头使我答应它的要求。我们穿过冰原，又爬上对面的岩壁。空气寒冷，雨又开始落下。我们进入小屋；恶魔显得得意，我却心情沉重、精神低落。可我已经同意倾听，于是在它点燃的火边坐下，它便这样开始讲述自己的故事。
English
I spent the following day roaming through the valley. I stood beside the sources of the Arveiron, which take their rise in a glacier, that with slow pace is advancing down from the summit of the hills to barricade the valley. The abrupt sides of vast mountains were before me; the icy wall of the glacier overhung me; a few shattered pines were scattered around; and the solemn silence of this glorious presence-chamber of imperial Nature was broken only by the brawling waves or the fall of some vast fragment, the thunder sound of the avalanche or the cracking, reverberated along the mountains, of the accumulated ice, which, through the silent working of immutable laws, was ever and anon rent and torn, as if it had been but a plaything in their hands. These sublime and magnificent scenes afforded me the greatest consolation that I was capable of receiving. They elevated me from all littleness of feeling, and although they did not remove my grief, they subdued and tranquillised it. In some degree, also, they diverted my mind from the thoughts over which it had brooded for the last month. I retired to rest at night; my slumbers, as it were, waited on and ministered to by the assemblance of grand shapes which I had contemplated during the day. They congregated round me; the unstained snowy mountain-top, the glittering pinnacle, the pine woods, and ragged bare ravine, the eagle, soaring amidst the clouds—they all gathered round me and bade me be at peace.
中文
第二天，我整日在山谷中漫游。我站在阿尔韦龙河源头附近；河水从一座冰川中流出，而那座冰川正以缓慢却不可阻挡的速度，从山顶向下推进，仿佛要把整个山谷堵住。巨大山体陡峭的侧壁耸立在眼前，冰川高高的冰墙悬在头顶，周围只散落着几棵折断的松树。帝王般庄严的大自然仿佛在这里设下一个宏伟的会客厅，它肃穆的寂静只被河水喧闹的波涛、巨大冰块断裂落下的声音、雪崩的雷鸣，以及积冰裂开的巨响打破。冰层在永恒不变的自然规律作用下，不断被撕裂、破坏，仿佛只是那些力量手中的玩物。这些崇高壮丽的景象，给了我当时所能接受的最大安慰。它们把我从狭隘而卑微的情绪里提升出来；虽然没有消除悲伤，却让它暂时平静下来。至少，它们也使我暂时不再反复沉浸于过去一个月里那些折磨我的念头。晚上我回去休息，白天看过的宏伟形象仿佛守在我的睡眠周围。纯洁无瑕的雪山顶、闪光的尖峰、松林、破碎荒凉的峡谷，还有在云中翱翔的鹰，全都聚集在梦境四周，仿佛在叫我安静下来。
English
I spent the following day roaming through the valley. I stood beside the sources of the Arveiron, which take their rise in a glacier, that with slow pace is advancing down from the summit of the hills to barricade the valley. The abrupt sides of vast mountains were before me; the icy wall of the glacier overhung me; a few shattered pines were scattered around; and the solemn silence of this glorious presence-chamber of imperial Nature was broken only by the brawling waves or the fall of some vast fragment, the thunder sound of the avalanche or the cracking, reverberated along the mountains, of the accumulated ice, which, through the silent working of immutable laws, was ever and anon rent and torn, as if it had been but a plaything in their hands. These sublime and magnificent scenes afforded me the greatest consolation that I was capable of receiving. They elevated me from all littleness of feeling, and although they did not remove my grief, they subdued and tranquillised it. In some degree, also, they diverted my mind from the thoughts over which it had brooded for the last month. I retired to rest at night; my slumbers, as it were, waited on and ministered to by the assemblance of grand shapes which I had contemplated during the day. They congregated round me; the unstained snowy mountain-top, the glittering pinnacle, the pine woods, and ragged bare ravine, the eagle, soaring amidst the clouds—they all gathered round me and bade me be at peace.
中文
第二天，我整日在山谷中漫游。我站在阿尔韦龙河源头附近；河水从一座冰川中流出，而那座冰川正以缓慢却不可阻挡的速度，从山顶向下推进，仿佛要把整个山谷堵住。巨大山体陡峭的侧壁耸立在眼前，冰川高高的冰墙悬在头顶，周围只散落着几棵折断的松树。帝王般庄严的大自然仿佛在这里设下一个宏伟的会客厅，它肃穆的寂静只被河水喧闹的波涛、巨大冰块断裂落下的声音、雪崩的雷鸣，以及积冰裂开的巨响打破。冰层在永恒不变的自然规律作用下，不断被撕裂、破坏，仿佛只是那些力量手中的玩物。这些崇高壮丽的景象，给了我当时所能接受的最大安慰。它们把我从狭隘而卑微的情绪里提升出来；虽然没有消除悲伤，却让它暂时平静下来。至少，它们也使我暂时不再反复沉浸于过去一个月里那些折磨我的念头。晚上我回去休息，白天看过的宏伟形象仿佛守在我的睡眠周围。纯洁无瑕的雪山顶、闪光的尖峰、松林、破碎荒凉的峡谷，还有在云中翱翔的鹰，全都聚集在梦境四周，仿佛在叫我安静下来。
English
Where had they fled when the next morning I awoke? All of soul-inspiriting fled with sleep, and dark melancholy clouded every thought. The rain was pouring in torrents, and thick mists hid the summits of the mountains, so that I even saw not the faces of those mighty friends. Still I would penetrate their misty veil and seek them in their cloudy retreats. What were rain and storm to me? My mule was brought to the door, and I resolved to ascend to the summit of Montanvert. I remembered the effect that the view of the tremendous and ever-moving glacier had produced upon my mind when I first saw it. It had then filled me with a sublime ecstasy that gave wings to the soul and allowed it to soar from the obscure world to light and joy. The sight of the awful and majestic in nature had indeed always the effect of solemnising my mind and causing me to forget the passing cares of life. I determined to go without a guide, for I was well acquainted with the path, and the presence of another would destroy the solitary grandeur of the scene.
中文
可第二天早晨醒来时，这些力量都去了哪里？所有鼓舞灵魂的感觉都随着睡眠一起消失，阴暗的忧郁重新笼罩每一个念头。大雨倾盆而下，浓雾遮住群山峰顶，连那些巨大“朋友”的面孔都看不见。可我还是决定穿过它们的雾幕，到云雾深处寻找这些山峰。雨和风暴对我又算什么？我让人把骡子牵到门口，决定登上蒙唐韦尔山顶。我记得第一次看见那片巨大、不断移动的冰川时，它曾怎样影响我的心灵。那幅景象当时让我陷入一种崇高的狂喜，仿佛给灵魂插上翅膀，让它从昏暗世界飞向光明和欢乐。自然中那些可怕而庄严的景象，一直都能使我的思想变得严肃，并让我暂时忘记日常生活的烦恼。我决定不带向导，因为自己熟悉道路，也因为另一个人的存在会破坏这片景色孤独而宏大的气氛。
English
Where had they fled when the next morning I awoke? All of soul-inspiriting fled with sleep, and dark melancholy clouded every thought. The rain was pouring in torrents, and thick mists hid the summits of the mountains, so that I even saw not the faces of those mighty friends. Still I would penetrate their misty veil and seek them in their cloudy retreats. What were rain and storm to me? My mule was brought to the door, and I resolved to ascend to the summit of Montanvert. I remembered the effect that the view of the tremendous and ever-moving glacier had produced upon my mind when I first saw it. It had then filled me with a sublime ecstasy that gave wings to the soul and allowed it to soar from the obscure world to light and joy. The sight of the awful and majestic in nature had indeed always the effect of solemnising my mind and causing me to forget the passing cares of life. I determined to go without a guide, for I was well acquainted with the path, and the presence of another would destroy the solitary grandeur of the scene.
中文
可第二天早晨醒来时，这些力量都去了哪里？所有鼓舞灵魂的感觉都随着睡眠一起消失，阴暗的忧郁重新笼罩每一个念头。大雨倾盆而下，浓雾遮住群山峰顶，连那些巨大“朋友”的面孔都看不见。可我还是决定穿过它们的雾幕，到云雾深处寻找这些山峰。雨和风暴对我又算什么？我让人把骡子牵到门口，决定登上蒙唐韦尔山顶。我记得第一次看见那片巨大、不断移动的冰川时，它曾怎样影响我的心灵。那幅景象当时让我陷入一种崇高的狂喜，仿佛给灵魂插上翅膀，让它从昏暗世界飞向光明和欢乐。自然中那些可怕而庄严的景象，一直都能使我的思想变得严肃，并让我暂时忘记日常生活的烦恼。我决定不带向导，因为自己熟悉道路，也因为另一个人的存在会破坏这片景色孤独而宏大的气氛。
English
The ascent is precipitous, but the path is cut into continual and short windings, which enable you to surmount the perpendicularity of the mountain. It is a scene terrifically desolate. In a thousand spots the traces of the winter avalanche may be perceived, where trees lie broken and strewed on the ground, some entirely destroyed, others bent, leaning upon the jutting rocks of the mountain or transversely upon other trees. The path, as you ascend higher, is intersected by ravines of snow, down which stones continually roll from above; one of them is particularly dangerous, as the slightest sound, such as even speaking in a loud voice, produces a concussion of air sufficient to draw destruction upon the head of the speaker. The pines are not tall or luxuriant, but they are sombre and add an air of severity to the scene. I looked on the valley beneath; vast mists were rising from the rivers which ran through it and curling in thick wreaths around the opposite mountains, whose summits were hid in the uniform clouds, while rain poured from the dark sky and added to the melancholy impression I received from the objects around me. Alas! Why does man boast of sensibilities superior to those apparent in the brute; it only renders them more necessary beings. If our impulses were confined to hunger, thirst, and desire, we might be nearly free; but now we are moved by every wind that blows and a chance word or scene that that word may convey to us.
中文
山路陡峭，却被修成不断回转的短弯，因此仍能克服近乎垂直的山势。这里的景象荒凉得令人恐惧。到处都能看到冬季雪崩留下的痕迹：树木折断倒在地上，有些彻底毁坏，有些弯折后靠在突出的岩石上，或者横压在其他树上。越往上走，道路越常被雪沟切断；石块不断从高处滚落。有一处尤其危险，因为哪怕一点轻微声音，甚至大声说话造成的空气震动，都可能引发足以把说话者埋葬的灾难。这里的松树不高大，也不繁茂，颜色阴沉，使整个景象更显严酷。我低头看着下面的山谷，河流上升起大片雾气，浓浓缠绕在对面群山周围；那些山顶藏进一片均匀的乌云，而黑暗天空不断落雨，进一步加深周围景象带来的忧郁感。唉，人为什么要夸耀自己的感受能力高于动物？这种能力只是让人变得更容易被外界支配。假如人的冲动只限于饥饿、口渴和欲望，也许几乎可以自由；可现在，任何一阵风、偶然一句话，甚至那句话带回的一幅画面，都能推动我们、改变我们。
English
The ascent is precipitous, but the path is cut into continual and short windings, which enable you to surmount the perpendicularity of the mountain. It is a scene terrifically desolate. In a thousand spots the traces of the winter avalanche may be perceived, where trees lie broken and strewed on the ground, some entirely destroyed, others bent, leaning upon the jutting rocks of the mountain or transversely upon other trees. The path, as you ascend higher, is intersected by ravines of snow, down which stones continually roll from above; one of them is particularly dangerous, as the slightest sound, such as even speaking in a loud voice, produces a concussion of air sufficient to draw destruction upon the head of the speaker. The pines are not tall or luxuriant, but they are sombre and add an air of severity to the scene. I looked on the valley beneath; vast mists were rising from the rivers which ran through it and curling in thick wreaths around the opposite mountains, whose summits were hid in the uniform clouds, while rain poured from the dark sky and added to the melancholy impression I received from the objects around me. Alas! Why does man boast of sensibilities superior to those apparent in the brute; it only renders them more necessary beings. If our impulses were confined to hunger, thirst, and desire, we might be nearly free; but now we are moved by every wind that blows and a chance word or scene that that word may convey to us.
中文
山路陡峭，却被修成不断回转的短弯，因此仍能克服近乎垂直的山势。这里的景象荒凉得令人恐惧。到处都能看到冬季雪崩留下的痕迹：树木折断倒在地上，有些彻底毁坏，有些弯折后靠在突出的岩石上，或者横压在其他树上。越往上走，道路越常被雪沟切断；石块不断从高处滚落。有一处尤其危险，因为哪怕一点轻微声音，甚至大声说话造成的空气震动，都可能引发足以把说话者埋葬的灾难。这里的松树不高大，也不繁茂，颜色阴沉，使整个景象更显严酷。我低头看着下面的山谷，河流上升起大片雾气，浓浓缠绕在对面群山周围；那些山顶藏进一片均匀的乌云，而黑暗天空不断落雨，进一步加深周围景象带来的忧郁感。唉，人为什么要夸耀自己的感受能力高于动物？这种能力只是让人变得更容易被外界支配。假如人的冲动只限于饥饿、口渴和欲望，也许几乎可以自由；可现在，任何一阵风、偶然一句话，甚至那句话带回的一幅画面，都能推动我们、改变我们。
English
We rest; a dream has power to poison sleep. We rise; one wand’ring thought pollutes the day. We feel, conceive, or reason; laugh or weep, Embrace fond woe, or cast our cares away; It is the same: for, be it joy or sorrow, The path of its departure still is free. Man’s yesterday may ne’er be like his morrow; Nought may endure but mutability!
中文
我们睡下，一个梦就能毒害睡眠。 我们醒来，一个游荡的念头就能污染整天。 我们感受、想象或推理；欢笑或哭泣， 拥抱甜蜜的悲伤，或者把忧虑抛开； 其实都一样：无论快乐还是痛苦， 它们离开的道路永远敞开。 人的昨天永远不会等同明天； 只有变化本身能够长存！
English
We rest; a dream has power to poison sleep. We rise; one wand’ring thought pollutes the day. We feel, conceive, or reason; laugh or weep, Embrace fond woe, or cast our cares away; It is the same: for, be it joy or sorrow, The path of its departure still is free. Man’s yesterday may ne’er be like his morrow; Nought may endure but mutability!
中文
我们睡下，一个梦就能毒害睡眠。 我们醒来，一个游荡的念头就能污染整天。 我们感受、想象或推理；欢笑或哭泣， 拥抱甜蜜的悲伤，或者把忧虑抛开； 其实都一样：无论快乐还是痛苦， 它们离开的道路永远敞开。 人的昨天永远不会等同明天； 只有变化本身能够长存！
English
It was nearly noon when I arrived at the top of the ascent. For some time I sat upon the rock that overlooks the sea of ice. A mist covered both that and the surrounding mountains. Presently a breeze dissipated the cloud, and I descended upon the glacier. The surface is very uneven, rising like the waves of a troubled sea, descending low, and interspersed by rifts that sink deep. The field of ice is almost a league in width, but I spent nearly two hours in crossing it. The opposite mountain is a bare perpendicular rock. From the side where I now stood Montanvert was exactly opposite, at the distance of a league; and above it rose Mont Blanc, in awful majesty. I remained in a recess of the rock, gazing on this wonderful and stupendous scene. The sea, or rather the vast river of ice, wound among its dependent mountains, whose aerial summits hung over its recesses. Their icy and glittering peaks shone in the sunlight over the clouds. My heart, which was before sorrowful, now swelled with something like joy; I exclaimed, “Wandering spirits, if indeed ye wander, and do not rest in your narrow beds, allow me this faint happiness, or take me, as your companion, away from the joys of life.”
中文
接近中午时，我终于登上高处。我在俯瞰冰海的岩石上坐了一阵。浓雾覆盖着冰川和周围山脉。过一会儿，风把云吹散，我便走下冰川。冰面极不平整，像暴风中的海浪一样起伏，也布满深不见底的裂缝。整片冰原几乎有一里格宽，可我用了将近两个小时才穿过去。对面的山是一面赤裸而垂直的岩壁。从我站的位置看，蒙唐韦尔正好在一里格之外的对面，而它上方则是庄严可怕的勃朗峰。我停在一处岩石凹陷里，凝视这幅巨大而奇异的景象。冰海——更准确地说，这条巨大冰河——在群山之间蜿蜒穿行，周围高峰仿佛悬在空中，笼罩它的深处。冰雪覆盖、闪闪发光的山顶在云层之上的阳光中发亮。原本悲伤的心渐渐涌起一种近似快乐的感觉，我喊道：“游荡的灵魂啊，如果你们真的仍在漂泊，而不是安息在狭窄的墓穴里，那么请让我保留这一点微弱的幸福；或者把我也带走，让我离开尘世的欢乐，成为你们的同伴。”
English
It was nearly noon when I arrived at the top of the ascent. For some time I sat upon the rock that overlooks the sea of ice. A mist covered both that and the surrounding mountains. Presently a breeze dissipated the cloud, and I descended upon the glacier. The surface is very uneven, rising like the waves of a troubled sea, descending low, and interspersed by rifts that sink deep. The field of ice is almost a league in width, but I spent nearly two hours in crossing it. The opposite mountain is a bare perpendicular rock. From the side where I now stood Montanvert was exactly opposite, at the distance of a league; and above it rose Mont Blanc, in awful majesty. I remained in a recess of the rock, gazing on this wonderful and stupendous scene. The sea, or rather the vast river of ice, wound among its dependent mountains, whose aerial summits hung over its recesses. Their icy and glittering peaks shone in the sunlight over the clouds. My heart, which was before sorrowful, now swelled with something like joy; I exclaimed, “Wandering spirits, if indeed ye wander, and do not rest in your narrow beds, allow me this faint happiness, or take me, as your companion, away from the joys of life.”
中文
接近中午时，我终于登上高处。我在俯瞰冰海的岩石上坐了一阵。浓雾覆盖着冰川和周围山脉。过一会儿，风把云吹散，我便走下冰川。冰面极不平整，像暴风中的海浪一样起伏，也布满深不见底的裂缝。整片冰原几乎有一里格宽，可我用了将近两个小时才穿过去。对面的山是一面赤裸而垂直的岩壁。从我站的位置看，蒙唐韦尔正好在一里格之外的对面，而它上方则是庄严可怕的勃朗峰。我停在一处岩石凹陷里，凝视这幅巨大而奇异的景象。冰海——更准确地说，这条巨大冰河——在群山之间蜿蜒穿行，周围高峰仿佛悬在空中，笼罩它的深处。冰雪覆盖、闪闪发光的山顶在云层之上的阳光中发亮。原本悲伤的心渐渐涌起一种近似快乐的感觉，我喊道：“游荡的灵魂啊，如果你们真的仍在漂泊，而不是安息在狭窄的墓穴里，那么请让我保留这一点微弱的幸福；或者把我也带走，让我离开尘世的欢乐，成为你们的同伴。”
English
As I said this I suddenly beheld the figure of a man, at some distance, advancing towards me with superhuman speed. He bounded over the crevices in the ice, among which I had walked with caution; his stature, also, as he approached, seemed to exceed that of man. I was troubled; a mist came over my eyes, and I felt a faintness seize me, but I was quickly restored by the cold gale of the mountains. I perceived, as the shape came nearer (sight tremendous and abhorred!) that it was the wretch whom I had created. I trembled with rage and horror, resolving to wait his approach and then close with him in mortal combat. He approached; his countenance bespoke bitter anguish, combined with disdain and malignity, while its unearthly ugliness rendered it almost too horrible for human eyes. But I scarcely observed this; rage and hatred had at first deprived me of utterance, and I recovered only to overwhelm him with words expressive of furious detestation and contempt.
中文
话刚说完，我突然看见远处有一个人影正以超越人类的速度向我靠近。他轻松跃过那些我必须小心避开的冰裂缝；随着距离缩短，他的身材也显得超过普通人。我心里一惊，眼前仿佛蒙上一层雾，身体也一阵发软；不过山上的冷风很快让我恢复。等那个身影越来越近，我终于看清——多么可怕、多么令人厌恶的景象！——正是我创造的那个可怜生物。我因为愤怒和恐惧而发抖，决定等它靠近，然后同它进行生死搏斗。它来到面前；脸上混合着深刻痛苦、轻蔑和恶意，而那种非人的丑陋更使它几乎无法让人直视。可我几乎没有真正观察这些；愤怒和仇恨先让我说不出话来，等重新开口时，便把全部憎恶和蔑视化成语言倾泻到它身上。
English
As I said this I suddenly beheld the figure of a man, at some distance, advancing towards me with superhuman speed. He bounded over the crevices in the ice, among which I had walked with caution; his stature, also, as he approached, seemed to exceed that of man. I was troubled; a mist came over my eyes, and I felt a faintness seize me, but I was quickly restored by the cold gale of the mountains. I perceived, as the shape came nearer (sight tremendous and abhorred!) that it was the wretch whom I had created. I trembled with rage and horror, resolving to wait his approach and then close with him in mortal combat. He approached; his countenance bespoke bitter anguish, combined with disdain and malignity, while its unearthly ugliness rendered it almost too horrible for human eyes. But I scarcely observed this; rage and hatred had at first deprived me of utterance, and I recovered only to overwhelm him with words expressive of furious detestation and contempt.
中文
话刚说完，我突然看见远处有一个人影正以超越人类的速度向我靠近。他轻松跃过那些我必须小心避开的冰裂缝；随着距离缩短，他的身材也显得超过普通人。我心里一惊，眼前仿佛蒙上一层雾，身体也一阵发软；不过山上的冷风很快让我恢复。等那个身影越来越近，我终于看清——多么可怕、多么令人厌恶的景象！——正是我创造的那个可怜生物。我因为愤怒和恐惧而发抖，决定等它靠近，然后同它进行生死搏斗。它来到面前；脸上混合着深刻痛苦、轻蔑和恶意，而那种非人的丑陋更使它几乎无法让人直视。可我几乎没有真正观察这些；愤怒和仇恨先让我说不出话来，等重新开口时，便把全部憎恶和蔑视化成语言倾泻到它身上。
English
“Devil,” I exclaimed, “do you dare approach me? And do not you fear the fierce vengeance of my arm wreaked on your miserable head? Begone, vile insect! Or rather, stay, that I may trample you to dust! And, oh! That I could, with the extinction of your miserable existence, restore those victims whom you have so diabolically murdered!”
中文
我喊道：“恶魔！你竟敢靠近我？难道不怕我的手臂把最猛烈的复仇落到你这颗可悲的头上吗？滚开，肮脏的虫子！不，还是留下来吧，让我把你踩成尘土！要是杀死你这个可悲生命，就能让那些被你残忍杀害的人重新活过来，该有多好！”
English
“Devil,” I exclaimed, “do you dare approach me? And do not you fear the fierce vengeance of my arm wreaked on your miserable head? Begone, vile insect! Or rather, stay, that I may trample you to dust! And, oh! That I could, with the extinction of your miserable existence, restore those victims whom you have so diabolically murdered!”
中文
我喊道：“恶魔！你竟敢靠近我？难道不怕我的手臂把最猛烈的复仇落到你这颗可悲的头上吗？滚开，肮脏的虫子！不，还是留下来吧，让我把你踩成尘土！要是杀死你这个可悲生命，就能让那些被你残忍杀害的人重新活过来，该有多好！”
English
“I expected this reception,” said the dæmon. “All men hate the wretched; how, then, must I be hated, who am miserable beyond all living things! Yet you, my creator, detest and spurn me, thy creature, to whom thou art bound by ties only dissoluble by the annihilation of one of us. You purpose to kill me. How dare you sport thus with life? Do your duty towards me, and I will do mine towards you and the rest of mankind. If you will comply with my conditions, I will leave them and you at peace; but if you refuse, I will glut the maw of death, until it be satiated with the blood of your remaining friends.”
中文
恶魔回答：“我早料到你会这样迎接我。所有人都憎恨不幸者；那么我这个比所有活着的东西都更痛苦的存在，当然只会遭到更深的憎恨。可你，我的创造者，也厌恶、排斥自己的造物，而我同你之间的联系，只有我们中的一个彻底毁灭才能解除。你打算杀死我。你怎么敢这样玩弄生命？履行你对我的责任，我也会履行自己对你和其余人类的责任。如果你答应我的条件，我会离开你们，让所有人得到安宁；可如果你拒绝，我会不断让死亡吞噬生命，直到它被你剩余朋友的鲜血填满。”
English
“I expected this reception,” said the dæmon. “All men hate the wretched; how, then, must I be hated, who am miserable beyond all living things! Yet you, my creator, detest and spurn me, thy creature, to whom thou art bound by ties only dissoluble by the annihilation of one of us. You purpose to kill me. How dare you sport thus with life? Do your duty towards me, and I will do mine towards you and the rest of mankind. If you will comply with my conditions, I will leave them and you at peace; but if you refuse, I will glut the maw of death, until it be satiated with the blood of your remaining friends.”
中文
恶魔回答：“我早料到你会这样迎接我。所有人都憎恨不幸者；那么我这个比所有活着的东西都更痛苦的存在，当然只会遭到更深的憎恨。可你，我的创造者，也厌恶、排斥自己的造物，而我同你之间的联系，只有我们中的一个彻底毁灭才能解除。你打算杀死我。你怎么敢这样玩弄生命？履行你对我的责任，我也会履行自己对你和其余人类的责任。如果你答应我的条件，我会离开你们，让所有人得到安宁；可如果你拒绝，我会不断让死亡吞噬生命，直到它被你剩余朋友的鲜血填满。”
English
“Abhorred monster! Fiend that thou art! The tortures of hell are too mild a vengeance for thy crimes. Wretched devil! You reproach me with your creation, come on, then, that I may extinguish the spark which I so negligently bestowed.”
中文
我喊道：“可憎的怪物！你这个恶魔！地狱里的刑罚对你的罪行来说都太轻。可悲的魔鬼！你竟反过来责备我创造了你。来吧，让我熄灭那颗被我如此轻率点燃的生命火花！”
English
“Abhorred monster! Fiend that thou art! The tortures of hell are too mild a vengeance for thy crimes. Wretched devil! You reproach me with your creation, come on, then, that I may extinguish the spark which I so negligently bestowed.”
中文
我喊道：“可憎的怪物！你这个恶魔！地狱里的刑罚对你的罪行来说都太轻。可悲的魔鬼！你竟反过来责备我创造了你。来吧，让我熄灭那颗被我如此轻率点燃的生命火花！”
English
My rage was without bounds; I sprang on him, impelled by all the feelings which can arm one being against the existence of another.
中文
我的愤怒没有边界；我扑向它，内心充满一种生命攻击另一个生命时能够动员的全部力量。
English
My rage was without bounds; I sprang on him, impelled by all the feelings which can arm one being against the existence of another.
中文
我的愤怒没有边界；我扑向它，内心充满一种生命攻击另一个生命时能够动员的全部力量。
English
He easily eluded me and said,
中文
它轻松躲开我，然后说：
English
He easily eluded me and said,
中文
它轻松躲开我，然后说：
English
“Be calm! I entreat you to hear me before you give vent to your hatred on my devoted head. Have I not suffered enough, that you seek to increase my misery? Life, although it may only be an accumulation of anguish, is dear to me, and I will defend it. Remember, thou hast made me more powerful than thyself; my height is superior to thine, my joints more supple. But I will not be tempted to set myself in opposition to thee. I am thy creature, and I will be even mild and docile to my natural lord and king if thou wilt also perform thy part, the which thou owest me. Oh, Frankenstein, be not equitable to every other and trample upon me alone, to whom thy justice, and even thy clemency and affection, is most due. Remember that I am thy creature; I ought to be thy Adam, but I am rather the fallen angel, whom thou drivest from joy for no misdeed. Everywhere I see bliss, from which I alone am irrevocably excluded. I was benevolent and good; misery made me a fiend. Make me happy, and I shall again be virtuous.”
中文
“冷静下来！我求你，先听我说完，再把全部仇恨倾泻到我这颗已经注定受苦的头上。难道我受的苦还不够多，你还要继续增加吗？生命也许只是一连串痛苦的积累，可我仍珍惜它，也会保护它。记住，是你把我做得比自己更强壮；我的身高超过你，关节也比你灵活。但我不愿被逼得同你对抗。我是你的造物，如果你也愿意履行欠我的责任，我会温顺服从你这个自然赋予我的主人和君王。弗兰肯斯坦啊，不要对所有其他人讲公平，却唯独践踏我——真正最有资格得到你公正、宽容，甚至感情的存在。记住，我是你的造物。我本该成为你的亚当，却更像那个堕落天使；我没有犯错，你却把我赶出快乐。无论走到哪里，我都看见幸福，唯独我被永远排除在外。我原本仁慈而善良，是痛苦把我变成恶魔。让我得到幸福，我就会重新变得有德。”
English
“Be calm! I entreat you to hear me before you give vent to your hatred on my devoted head. Have I not suffered enough, that you seek to increase my misery? Life, although it may only be an accumulation of anguish, is dear to me, and I will defend it. Remember, thou hast made me more powerful than thyself; my height is superior to thine, my joints more supple. But I will not be tempted to set myself in opposition to thee. I am thy creature, and I will be even mild and docile to my natural lord and king if thou wilt also perform thy part, the which thou owest me. Oh, Frankenstein, be not equitable to every other and trample upon me alone, to whom thy justice, and even thy clemency and affection, is most due. Remember that I am thy creature; I ought to be thy Adam, but I am rather the fallen angel, whom thou drivest from joy for no misdeed. Everywhere I see bliss, from which I alone am irrevocably excluded. I was benevolent and good; misery made me a fiend. Make me happy, and I shall again be virtuous.”
中文
“冷静下来！我求你，先听我说完，再把全部仇恨倾泻到我这颗已经注定受苦的头上。难道我受的苦还不够多，你还要继续增加吗？生命也许只是一连串痛苦的积累，可我仍珍惜它，也会保护它。记住，是你把我做得比自己更强壮；我的身高超过你，关节也比你灵活。但我不愿被逼得同你对抗。我是你的造物，如果你也愿意履行欠我的责任，我会温顺服从你这个自然赋予我的主人和君王。弗兰肯斯坦啊，不要对所有其他人讲公平，却唯独践踏我——真正最有资格得到你公正、宽容，甚至感情的存在。记住，我是你的造物。我本该成为你的亚当，却更像那个堕落天使；我没有犯错，你却把我赶出快乐。无论走到哪里，我都看见幸福，唯独我被永远排除在外。我原本仁慈而善良，是痛苦把我变成恶魔。让我得到幸福，我就会重新变得有德。”
English
“Begone! I will not hear you. There can be no community between you and me; we are enemies. Begone, or let us try our strength in a fight, in which one must fall.”
中文
我说：“滚开！我不会听你说。你我之间不可能有任何共同之处；我们是敌人。走开，或者就让我们用力量决一死战，其中一个必须倒下。”
English
“Begone! I will not hear you. There can be no community between you and me; we are enemies. Begone, or let us try our strength in a fight, in which one must fall.”
中文
我说：“滚开！我不会听你说。你我之间不可能有任何共同之处；我们是敌人。走开，或者就让我们用力量决一死战，其中一个必须倒下。”
English
“How can I move thee? Will no entreaties cause thee to turn a favourable eye upon thy creature, who implores thy goodness and compassion? Believe me, Frankenstein, I was benevolent; my soul glowed with love and humanity; but am I not alone, miserably alone? You, my creator, abhor me; what hope can I gather from your fellow creatures, who owe me nothing? They spurn and hate me. The desert mountains and dreary glaciers are my refuge. I have wandered here many days; the caves of ice, which I only do not fear, are a dwelling to me, and the only one which man does not grudge. These bleak skies I hail, for they are kinder to me than your fellow beings. If the multitude of mankind knew of my existence, they would do as you do, and arm themselves for my destruction. Shall I not then hate them who abhor me? I will keep no terms with my enemies. I am miserable, and they shall share my wretchedness. Yet it is in your power to recompense me, and deliver them from an evil which it only remains for you to make so great, that not only you and your family, but thousands of others, shall be swallowed up in the whirlwinds of its rage. Let your compassion be moved, and do not disdain me. Listen to my tale; when you have heard that, abandon or commiserate me, as you shall judge that I deserve. But hear me. The guilty are allowed, by human laws, bloody as they are, to speak in their own defence before they are condemned. Listen to me, Frankenstein. You accuse me of murder, and yet you would, with a satisfied conscience, destroy your own creature. Oh, praise the eternal justice of man! Yet I ask you not to spare me; listen to me, and then, if you can, and if you will, destroy the work of your hands.”
中文
它说：“我要怎样才能打动你？无论怎样恳求，也不能让你愿意带着一点善意看待自己的造物吗？它正在求你给予怜悯和同情。相信我，弗兰肯斯坦，我原本是仁慈的；我的灵魂曾经充满爱和人道。可我不是孤独吗？悲惨地、彻底地孤独。你这个创造者都厌恶我，我还能从那些同我没有任何关系的人类身上得到什么希望？他们排斥我、憎恨我。荒凉的山脉和阴沉的冰川才是我的避难所。我已经在这里游荡很多天；只有我不害怕的冰洞可以给我住处，也只有这种住处不会被人类吝啬地拒绝。我欢迎这些冷酷天空，因为它们对我比你们人类更仁慈。假如成千上万的人知道我存在，他们会和你一样拿起武器毁灭我。既然如此，我为什么不能憎恨那些厌恶我的人？我不会同敌人和解。我痛苦，也会让他们分享我的痛苦。不过，你仍有能力补偿我，也有能力保护他们，不让邪恶扩大成一场巨大的灾难；否则，不仅你和你的家人，甚至成千上万的人都可能被卷进愤怒的旋风。让你的同情心动一下，不要轻视我。听我讲自己的故事；听完以后，再按照你认为我应得的结果，选择抛弃我或怜悯我。但先听我说。哪怕人类法律如此血腥，也允许被告在定罪以前为自己辩护。听我说，弗兰肯斯坦。你指控我杀人，可你自己却想带着安稳良心毁掉自己的造物。啊，多么值得赞美的人类永恒正义！不过，我并不求你放过我；我只要你听我说完。之后，如果你能够、也愿意，就毁掉你双手创造的东西。”
English
“How can I move thee? Will no entreaties cause thee to turn a favourable eye upon thy creature, who implores thy goodness and compassion? Believe me, Frankenstein, I was benevolent; my soul glowed with love and humanity; but am I not alone, miserably alone? You, my creator, abhor me; what hope can I gather from your fellow creatures, who owe me nothing? They spurn and hate me. The desert mountains and dreary glaciers are my refuge. I have wandered here many days; the caves of ice, which I only do not fear, are a dwelling to me, and the only one which man does not grudge. These bleak skies I hail, for they are kinder to me than your fellow beings. If the multitude of mankind knew of my existence, they would do as you do, and arm themselves for my destruction. Shall I not then hate them who abhor me? I will keep no terms with my enemies. I am miserable, and they shall share my wretchedness. Yet it is in your power to recompense me, and deliver them from an evil which it only remains for you to make so great, that not only you and your family, but thousands of others, shall be swallowed up in the whirlwinds of its rage. Let your compassion be moved, and do not disdain me. Listen to my tale; when you have heard that, abandon or commiserate me, as you shall judge that I deserve. But hear me. The guilty are allowed, by human laws, bloody as they are, to speak in their own defence before they are condemned. Listen to me, Frankenstein. You accuse me of murder, and yet you would, with a satisfied conscience, destroy your own creature. Oh, praise the eternal justice of man! Yet I ask you not to spare me; listen to me, and then, if you can, and if you will, destroy the work of your hands.”
中文
它说：“我要怎样才能打动你？无论怎样恳求，也不能让你愿意带着一点善意看待自己的造物吗？它正在求你给予怜悯和同情。相信我，弗兰肯斯坦，我原本是仁慈的；我的灵魂曾经充满爱和人道。可我不是孤独吗？悲惨地、彻底地孤独。你这个创造者都厌恶我，我还能从那些同我没有任何关系的人类身上得到什么希望？他们排斥我、憎恨我。荒凉的山脉和阴沉的冰川才是我的避难所。我已经在这里游荡很多天；只有我不害怕的冰洞可以给我住处，也只有这种住处不会被人类吝啬地拒绝。我欢迎这些冷酷天空，因为它们对我比你们人类更仁慈。假如成千上万的人知道我存在，他们会和你一样拿起武器毁灭我。既然如此，我为什么不能憎恨那些厌恶我的人？我不会同敌人和解。我痛苦，也会让他们分享我的痛苦。不过，你仍有能力补偿我，也有能力保护他们，不让邪恶扩大成一场巨大的灾难；否则，不仅你和你的家人，甚至成千上万的人都可能被卷进愤怒的旋风。让你的同情心动一下，不要轻视我。听我讲自己的故事；听完以后，再按照你认为我应得的结果，选择抛弃我或怜悯我。但先听我说。哪怕人类法律如此血腥，也允许被告在定罪以前为自己辩护。听我说，弗兰肯斯坦。你指控我杀人，可你自己却想带着安稳良心毁掉自己的造物。啊，多么值得赞美的人类永恒正义！不过，我并不求你放过我；我只要你听我说完。之后，如果你能够、也愿意，就毁掉你双手创造的东西。”
English
“Why do you call to my remembrance,” I rejoined, “circumstances of which I shudder to reflect, that I have been the miserable origin and author? Cursed be the day, abhorred devil, in which you first saw light! Cursed (although I curse myself) be the hands that formed you! You have made me wretched beyond expression. You have left me no power to consider whether I am just to you or not. Begone! Relieve me from the sight of your detested form.”
中文
我回答：“为什么非要让我想起这些让我一想到自己就是源头和制造者便浑身发抖的事情？可诅咒的恶魔，愿你第一次见到光明的那一天受诅咒！愿创造你的这双手也受诅咒——虽然这等于诅咒我自己！你让我痛苦到无法表达。你已经使我没有余力再思考自己究竟有没有公平对待你。滚开！别让我再看见你那令人憎恶的样子。”
English
“Why do you call to my remembrance,” I rejoined, “circumstances of which I shudder to reflect, that I have been the miserable origin and author? Cursed be the day, abhorred devil, in which you first saw light! Cursed (although I curse myself) be the hands that formed you! You have made me wretched beyond expression. You have left me no power to consider whether I am just to you or not. Begone! Relieve me from the sight of your detested form.”
中文
我回答：“为什么非要让我想起这些让我一想到自己就是源头和制造者便浑身发抖的事情？可诅咒的恶魔，愿你第一次见到光明的那一天受诅咒！愿创造你的这双手也受诅咒——虽然这等于诅咒我自己！你让我痛苦到无法表达。你已经使我没有余力再思考自己究竟有没有公平对待你。滚开！别让我再看见你那令人憎恶的样子。”
English
“Thus I relieve thee, my creator,” he said, and placed his hated hands before my eyes, which I flung from me with violence; “thus I take from thee a sight which you abhor. Still thou canst listen to me and grant me thy compassion. By the virtues that I once possessed, I demand this from you. Hear my tale; it is long and strange, and the temperature of this place is not fitting to your fine sensations; come to the hut upon the mountain. The sun is yet high in the heavens; before it descends to hide itself behind your snowy precipices and illuminate another world, you will have heard my story and can decide. On you it rests, whether I quit for ever the neighbourhood of man and lead a harmless life, or become the scourge of your fellow creatures and the author of your own speedy ruin.”
中文
它说：“这样我就替你解脱，创造者。”说着，它把那双我厌恶的手放到我眼前；我立刻用力把它推开。“这样，你就不用看自己厌恶的景象了。可你仍能听我说，也仍可以给予同情。凭我曾经拥有的那些美德，我要求你做到这一点。听我的故事；它很长，也很奇怪，而这里的寒冷不适合你这样娇弱的感受。跟我到山上的小屋去。太阳还高高挂在天空；在它落到你们积雪的悬崖背后、转而照亮另一个世界以前，你会听完整个故事，然后自己决定。一切都取决于你：我是永远离开人类附近，过一种无害的生活；还是成为你们同类的灾祸，并且迅速毁掉你自己。”
English
“Thus I relieve thee, my creator,” he said, and placed his hated hands before my eyes, which I flung from me with violence; “thus I take from thee a sight which you abhor. Still thou canst listen to me and grant me thy compassion. By the virtues that I once possessed, I demand this from you. Hear my tale; it is long and strange, and the temperature of this place is not fitting to your fine sensations; come to the hut upon the mountain. The sun is yet high in the heavens; before it descends to hide itself behind your snowy precipices and illuminate another world, you will have heard my story and can decide. On you it rests, whether I quit for ever the neighbourhood of man and lead a harmless life, or become the scourge of your fellow creatures and the author of your own speedy ruin.”
中文
它说：“这样我就替你解脱，创造者。”说着，它把那双我厌恶的手放到我眼前；我立刻用力把它推开。“这样，你就不用看自己厌恶的景象了。可你仍能听我说，也仍可以给予同情。凭我曾经拥有的那些美德，我要求你做到这一点。听我的故事；它很长，也很奇怪，而这里的寒冷不适合你这样娇弱的感受。跟我到山上的小屋去。太阳还高高挂在天空；在它落到你们积雪的悬崖背后、转而照亮另一个世界以前，你会听完整个故事，然后自己决定。一切都取决于你：我是永远离开人类附近，过一种无害的生活；还是成为你们同类的灾祸，并且迅速毁掉你自己。”
English
As he said this he led the way across the ice; I followed. My heart was full, and I did not answer him, but as I proceeded, I weighed the various arguments that he had used and determined at least to listen to his tale. I was partly urged by curiosity, and compassion confirmed my resolution. I had hitherto supposed him to be the murderer of my brother, and I eagerly sought a confirmation or denial of this opinion. For the first time, also, I felt what the duties of a creator towards his creature were, and that I ought to render him happy before I complained of his wickedness. These motives urged me to comply with his demand. We crossed the ice, therefore, and ascended the opposite rock. The air was cold, and the rain again began to descend; we entered the hut, the fiend with an air of exultation, I with a heavy heart and depressed spirits. But I consented to listen, and seating myself by the fire which my odious companion had lighted, he thus began his tale.
中文
说完，它带头穿过冰面，我跟在后面。我的心里充满复杂感情，没有回答。向前走时，我反复衡量它提出的各种理由，最终决定至少听完它的故事。好奇心促使我这样做，而同情则进一步坚定了决定。此前，我一直认定它杀了弟弟，现在我迫切想得到确认或者否认。也是第一次，我开始感到创造者对自己造物负有什么责任，并意识到，在抱怨它的邪恶以前，也许我本该先让它获得幸福。正是这些念头使我答应它的要求。我们穿过冰原，又爬上对面的岩壁。空气寒冷，雨又开始落下。我们进入小屋；恶魔显得得意，我却心情沉重、精神低落。可我已经同意倾听，于是在它点燃的火边坐下，它便这样开始讲述自己的故事。
English
As he said this he led the way across the ice; I followed. My heart was full, and I did not answer him, but as I proceeded, I weighed the various arguments that he had used and determined at least to listen to his tale. I was partly urged by curiosity, and compassion confirmed my resolution. I had hitherto supposed him to be the murderer of my brother, and I eagerly sought a confirmation or denial of this opinion. For the first time, also, I felt what the duties of a creator towards his creature were, and that I ought to render him happy before I complained of his wickedness. These motives urged me to comply with his demand. We crossed the ice, therefore, and ascended the opposite rock. The air was cold, and the rain again began to descend; we entered the hut, the fiend with an air of exultation, I with a heavy heart and depressed spirits. But I consented to listen, and seating myself by the fire which my odious companion had lighted, he thus began his tale.
中文
说完，它带头穿过冰面，我跟在后面。我的心里充满复杂感情，没有回答。向前走时，我反复衡量它提出的各种理由，最终决定至少听完它的故事。好奇心促使我这样做，而同情则进一步坚定了决定。此前，我一直认定它杀了弟弟，现在我迫切想得到确认或者否认。也是第一次，我开始感到创造者对自己造物负有什么责任，并意识到，在抱怨它的邪恶以前，也许我本该先让它获得幸福。正是这些念头使我答应它的要求。我们穿过冰原，又爬上对面的岩壁。空气寒冷，雨又开始落下。我们进入小屋；恶魔显得得意，我却心情沉重、精神低落。可我已经同意倾听，于是在它点燃的火边坐下，它便这样开始讲述自己的故事。