拥有1个小站，订阅4个话题，关注583个小站
红胡子国王弗雷德里克&巴巴罗萨已经69岁了。他是德国的合法主人。他征服了意大利，曾在罗马帝都加冕为皇帝。他闻名于整个欧洲，人们提到他的名字都会感到害怕。在自己的国家，他是英雄中的英雄。
他本应该安静闲适地度过晚年，但这却不是一个铁石心肠的勇士的愿望。战争已经成了他的消遣，成了他的快乐，为国家获得荣耀是他的抱负。
远在大海另一边的圣地传来了求助...&
&&&&& 红胡子国王弗雷德里克&巴巴罗萨已经69岁了。他是德国的合法主人。他征服了意大利，曾在罗马帝都加冕为皇帝。他闻名于整个欧洲，人们提到他的名字都会感到害怕。在自己的国家，他是英雄中的英雄。
&&&&& 他本应该安静闲适地度过晚年，但这却不是一个铁石心肠的勇士的愿望。战争已经成了他的消遣，成了他的快乐，为国家获得荣耀是他的抱负。
&&&&& 远在大海另一边的圣地传来了求助声。沙漠中的萨拉逊人夺取了耶路撒冷，他们夺取了圣墓&&一个对于每个基督徒来说非常心爱的地方。十字架上神圣的标语被践踏在尘土之中。
&&&&& 整个欧洲陷入巨大的惊慌之中。虔诚的教徒不停奔走，呼吁组织十字军拯救圣地。信奉基督教的王子们召集了一支强大的军队，他们漂洋过海，为把没有宗教信仰的萨拉逊人赶回沙漠老家而进行了勇敢的战斗。
&&&&& 在这样一个非常时期，弗雷德里克&巴巴罗萨能够继续在家享受悠闲吗？对于在混乱的沙场上征战50年的他来说，能够安静地休息吗？假如是那样的话，山间的瀑布也能在悬崖上静止不动了。他下达了命令，任命自己为武装军队的首领，他将率领他们前去保卫圣地。高山、大海、烈日和暴风雨都不能阻挡他前进的步伐。当萨拉逊人听到他前来的消息后，心中充满了沮丧。
&&&&& 初春的一天，他的军队抵达位于小亚西亚的一条大河的岸边。萨拉逊人远在大河对岸。远处萨拉逊军队的旗帜已经进入了视野。然而，这条由雪山融化的冰冷的雪水补给的河流很深，且水流湍急。而且，既没有渡船也没有浅滩。士兵们不敢再向前，停了下来。
&&&&& 弗雷德里克随着他腾跃的战马上下起伏。1000名穿着闪亮盔甲的士兵跟在他的后面。他们是德国的精兵强将，是莱茵地区最勇敢、最优秀的英雄。君主的长胡须在风中飘动，就像燃烧着的红色彗星的尾巴。当他在头顶挥舞着亮闪闪的剑的时候，剑就像一道闪亮的闪电划过。当他坐在马鞍上向内转召集他渴慕的追随者时，他的声音就像滚雷。
&&&&& &在这条河流对面，&他喊道，&有我们要征讨的目标。我看到了小山顶上萨拉逊人的旗子。我听到了他们挑衅的声音。我现在甚至闻到了战争的气味，看到敌人在我们面前四散逃跑。我们为什么停在这里呢？每个勇敢的士兵都跟我来！&
&&&&& 他迅速掉转马头，跳入河流之中。他的1000名身着盔甲的士兵骑着烈马跟随其后。咆哮的河水翻腾得很高，迎接着他们。骑士和战马与洪水进行着英勇的抗争。身上沉重的盔甲使他们沉入河底。没有一个人能够到达远处的河岸。
&&&&& 弗雷德里克?巴巴罗萨是最后一个被击败的。他凭借着大力士一般的力量在河流中间开出一条道路。后来，一个巨大的浪头扑向他，把他从战马上掀了下来，他绝望地卷入湍急的河流中。岸上的士兵眼巴巴地看着这位英雄在视野中消失。他们最后看到他的时候，他红色的胡须还在远处飘动，他的剑还高高地举着。
&&&&& 他们就一直这样看着，直至看不到一个身穿盔甲的骑士或国王勇士，因为河水淹没了一切。于是，他们好像被同一种关心打动，沮丧、痛苦地大喊。他们为失去的领袖哭泣起来，他们为自己艰难的命运叹息。在一个陌生而不友好的土地上，他们被遗弃在那里，没有领路人和指挥官。强壮的人们陷入绝望，无所畏惧的勇士被悲伤击垮了。
&&&&& 正当他们混乱地四处奔跑、尖叫悲号的时候，面前出现了一副令人惊奇的景象。一个穿着长袍的修道士手持十字架，站在了英雄弗雷德里克跳入波涛滚滚河流的地方。他召唤他们听他说。
&&&&& &你们为什么为失去领袖而哭泣呢？&他说道，&他没有死。他已经回到了自己的，也就是你们的国家&&回到了德国，他的穿盔甲的骑士跟随着他。在基夫霍伊泽尔山中诸神的宏伟宫殿中，弗雷德里克?巴巴罗萨与他精心挑选的英雄们正在休息。他要睡在那里，直到老鹰不再围着山峰盘旋。他要在那里休息，直到干一番大事业的时机成熟。钟将会在那个时刻敲响，喇叭也会吹响，他将会与他穿盔甲的骑士向前征服世界。不要再哭泣了，回到你们的祖国，等待你们的勇士国王召唤你们的那天，那个时刻。&
&&&&& 说完这些奇怪的话，奇怪的修道士就消失了。
&&&&& &我们听他的话返回家乡吧，&勇士们喊道。但是，唉，那支军队中没有几个人能够再次看到自己的祖国。
Frederick Barbarossa
&&&&& THREE score and nine years old was the red-bearded king, Frederick Barbarossa. He was by right the master of Germany. He had subdued Italy and had been crowned in the imperial city of Rome. Throughout Europe his name
in his own country he was the hero of heroes.
&&&&& He might have ended his days in quiet and peace, but such was not the wish of the iron-hearted warrior. War wa and the glory of his country was his ambition.
&&&&& From the Holy Land, far over the sea, a call for help was sounded. The Saracens of the desert had captured J they had seized upon the Holy Sepulcher, so dear to every C the sacred banner of the cross had been trailed in the dust.
&&&&& Throughout Europe there was great alarm. Devout men went from land to land preaching a crusade for the delivery of the holy places. Christian princes raised mighty armies and, crossing the seas, fought bravely to drive the unbelieving Saracens back to their native deserts.
&&&&& At such a time could Frederick Barbarossa remain idle at home? Could he rest quietly who had spent fifty years in the turmoil of war? As well could the mountain torrent stand still on the brow of a precipice. He sounded he put himself at the hea he led them forth to the defense of the Holy Land. Neither mountains nor seas nor sun nor sto and dismay filled the hearts of the Saracens when they heard of his coming.
&&&&& On a day in early spring his army arrived upon the banks of a broad stream in Asia Minor. The land of the Saracens was the banners of the Saracen army were seen in the distance. But the stream was deep and rapid, fed by ice-cold torrents from the melting snows of the mountains. There was ne and the soldiers paused, fearing to go forward.
&&&&& Then Frederick rode up and down upon his prancing war steed. A thousand knights, clad in glittering suits of mail, were behind him. They were the flower of Germany, the bravest and best of the heroes of the Rhineland. The emperor&s long beard streamed in the wind like the tail of a flaming red comet. His gleaming sword flashed like lightning as he waved it above his head. His voice was like rolling thunder as he turned in his saddle and called to his eager followers.
&&&&& &Beyond this stream,& cried he, &lies the goal towards which we have been pressing. I see the banners of the Saracens upon the hill tops. I hear their cries of defiance. Even now I smell the battle, and see the enemy fleeing before us. Why do we pause here? Let every brave man follow me!&
&&&&& He turned his horse quickly and plunged into the stream. His thousand mailed knights upon their impatient horses followed him. The roaring waters leaped high to meet them. Horsemen and steeds battled bravely with the flood. They were borne their heavy armor dragge not one was able to reach the farther shore.
&&&&& Frederick Barbarossa was the last to be overcome. With the strength of a giant he fought his way to the middle of the stream. Then a great wave seized upon him. It hurled him from his steed, and bore him helpless along in the trough of the rushing current. The foot soldiers, watching from the shore, soon lost sight of the hero. The last they saw of him was his red beard streaming far behind, and his glittering sword, which he still held upright.
&&&&& They watched until there was no longer any sign of armored knight or warrior king, for the waters had closed over all. Then, as if moved by a single thought, they cried out they wept f they bewailed their own hard fate, thus left without guide or commander, in a strange and unfriendly land. Strong men gave way to despair, and brave warriors who feared no danger were overcome with sorrow.
&&&&& As they ran in confusion hither and thither, shrieking and lamenting, a wonderful vision appeared to them. A holy monk, clad in long robes and holding a crucifix in his hand, stood upon the river bank at the spot from which Frederick the hero had leaped into the waves. He beckoned to them to listen.
&&&&& &Why do you weep for your lost leader?& he said. &He is not dead. He has gone back to his own country and yours&to G and with him are his mailed knights. In the Kyffhauser Mountain, in the great hall of the immortals, Frederick Barbarossa rests with his chosen heroes. He will sleep there until the eagles shall cease to fly around the mountain peaks. He will rest there until the time is ripe for the doing of mighty deeds. Then the bell shall toll the hour, the trumpet shall sound, and he will ride forth with his mailed knights to conquer the world. W but return to your fatherland to wait for the day and the hour when your warrior king shall call you!&
&&&&& And having spoken these words the strange monk vanished.
&&&&& &Let us obey him and return to our homes,& was the cry. But, alas, there were few in that great host who would ever see their fatherland again.
约翰国王是一个极其残忍自私的人，所有的臣民都害怕、憎恨他。 历代国王在法国的领土被他一块又一块地失掉，人们把他称为&无地王&。最后，他沦落到没有属于自己的合法的土地和城堡。 他剥夺他的人民。他与自己的骑士和爵士争吵。他惹怒了所有善良的人。他计划对法国国王菲利普发动战争，并且号召他的爵士们加入。其中一些爵士拒绝了，他就烧毁他们的城堡、毁坏他们的田地。 最后，爵...&
&&&&& 约翰国王是一个极其残忍自私的人，所有的臣民都害怕、憎恨他。&&&&& 历代国王在法国的领土被他一块又一块地失掉，人们把他称为&无地王&。最后，他沦落到没有属于自己的合法的土地和城堡。&&&&& 他剥夺他的人民。他与自己的骑士和爵士争吵。他惹怒了所有善良的人。他计划对法国国王菲利普发动战争，并且号召他的爵士们加入。其中一些爵士拒绝了，他就烧毁他们的城堡、毁坏他们的田地。&&&&& 最后，爵士们聚集在圣埃德蒙斯伯雷，诉说彼此心中的不平。&我们为什么要臣服于这样一个国王的统治下？&几个胆子最大的爵士说道。然而，大多数人还是害怕说出自己的真实想法。&&&&& 斯蒂芬&兰顿是坎特伯雷的大主教，他也在这些人之中，并且没有一个人比他更加提倡自由。他发表了一场激动人心的演讲，即使是胆子最小的人听后也有了勇气。&&&&& &你们是男子汉吗？&他说道。&那么为什么要屈服于这样一个狡诈虚伪的国王？站起来宣告你们的自由。拒绝做这个人的奴隶。要求作为自由人基本权利。把这一要求写下来&&以大宪章的形式，并要求国王签署这个文件。那么，他将会成为你和你的孩子们不受卑劣统治者的不公平行为侵害的永久保障。&&&&&& 爵士们对于如此大胆的发言感到震惊。其中一些人畏惧退缩，然而其中最为勇敢的人的表情和姿态，已经表明他们准备为自由而战。&&&&& &到前面来！&斯蒂芬&兰顿喊道。&来吧，发誓直到约翰国王给予你们应有的权利之前永不停止。发誓从他手中得到宪章，不然你们就和他斗争到死。&&&&&& 英国人从来没有听到过这样的演讲。爵士们按照斯蒂芬&兰顿的指示发了誓。然后，他们把自己的斗士召集到一起，向伦敦进军。胆小的国王害怕了。&&&&& &这些人想要什么？&他问道。&&&&& 他们给他传话，他们要作为英国人的权利，并且直到得到他亲手签署的自由宪章之前，他们是决不会放弃的。&&&&& &哦，好吧！如果这就是所有的要求，你们肯定能够如愿。&他说道。&&&&& 然而，他却用一个又一个的借口敷衍他们。他派遣一个信使前往罗马寻求教皇的帮助。他试图通过最动听的承诺说服斯蒂芬?兰顿，放弃他从事的事业。但是，没有人能够比罗马教皇和坎特伯雷大主教更了解他虚伪的内心。&&&&& 接着，人们从全国各地涌来加入爵士的军队。英国所有的骑士，只有7个人还忠实地追随着国王。&&&&& 爵士把他们的要求列举出来，并由斯蒂芬?兰顿带给国王。&这就是我们想要的，&他们说道，&直到你准许之前是不会有安宁的。&&&&&& 哦，约翰国王气极了！他像一头野兽一般咆哮，他攥紧拳头，在地板上顿足。但是，他看到自己失道寡助。最后，他说他愿意在爵士们确定好的时间和地点签署宪章。&&&&& &时间就定在6月15日，&他们说，&地点就在拉尼米德。&&&&&& 现在的拉尼米德是一个距离伦敦市不太远的绿色草原，国王只带着几个随从前往那里。他在那里与爵士们会面，爵士们身后是一个意志坚定的军队。&&&&& 由斯蒂芬&兰顿和他的朋友们起草的宪章在国王的面前展开。他没什么文化，因此便叫人逐行念给他听。宪章规定：人民不受压迫；尊重城市和自治市镇居民的权利；不得未经公正的审判就进行关押；对于任何人，公平都不应该被延迟或拒绝。&&&&& 脸色气得发白的国王签署了宪章，随即返回温莎公爵城堡。一回到自己的房间，他就像一个疯子一般咆哮起来。他在地板上翻滚，在空中挥拳，咬棍棒、稻草，口吐白沫。他诅咒那些如此恶劣地对待自己国王的爵士和臣民。&&&&& 然而，他陷入绝望。宪章已经签署了，直到今日，英国人仍旧把大宪章作为自己权利和自由的第一道保障。&&&&& 就如人们预料的一样，约翰不久就背弃了自己的诺言。爵士们对他发动了战争，他再也看不到和平的日子。因为愤怒和焦虑，他得了无法治愈的热病。最后，他在罪有应得的轻视和冷落中死去。假如说还有英国人为他落泪，我深表怀疑。&King John and the Magna Charta&&&&& KING John was so selfish and cruel that all the people in his kingdom both feared and hated him.&&&&& One by one he lost the dominions in France which the former kings of England had held. Men called him Lackland, because in the end he had neither lands nor castles that he could rightfully call his own.&&&&& He robbed his people. He quarreled with his knights and barons. He offended all good men. He formed a plan for making war against King Philip of France, and called upon his barons to join him. When some of them refused, he burned their castles and destroyed their fields.&&&&& At last the barons met together at a place called St. Edmundsbury to talk about their grievances. &Why should we submit to be ruled by such a king?& said some of the boldest. But most of them were afraid to speak their minds.&&&&& Stephen Langton, the Archbishop of Canterbury, was with them, and there was no bolder friend of liberty than he. He made a stirring speech that gave courage even to the most cowardly.&&&&& &Are you men?& he said. &Why then do you submit to this false-hearted king? Stand up and declare your freedom. Refuse to be the slaves of this man. Demand the rights and privileges that belong to you as free men. Put this demand in writing&in the form of a great charter&and require the king to sign it. So shall it be to you and your children a safeguard forever against the injustice of unworthy rulers.&&&&&& The barons were astonished at the boldness of this speech. Some of them shrank back in fear, but the bravest among them showed by their looks and gestures that they were ready to make a bold stand for liberty.&&&&& &Come forward!& cried Stephen Langton. &Come, and swear that you will never rest until King John has given you the rights that are yours. Swear that you will have the charter from his hand, or that you will wage war upon him to the very death.&&&&&& Never before had Englishmen heard such a speech. The barons took the oath which Stephen Langton prescribed. Then they gathered their fighting men together and marched upon London. The cowardly king was frightened.&&&&& &What do these men want?& he asked.&&&&& They sent him word that they wanted their rights as Englishmen, and that they would never rest until he had given them a charter of liberties signed by his own hand.&&&&& &Oh, well! If that is all, you shall surely have it,& he said.&&&&& But he put them off with one excuse and another. He sent a messenger to Rome to ask the Pope to help him. He tried, by fine promises, to persuade Stephen Langton to abandon the cause he had undertaken. But no one knew the falseness of his heart better than the Pope and the Archbishop of Canterbury.&&&&& The people from all parts of the country now came and joined the army of the barons. Of all the knights in England, only seven rem-ained true to the king.&&&&& The barons made out a l and Stephen Langton carried it to the king. &These things we will have,& they said， &and there shall be no peace until you grant them.&&&&&& Oh, how angry was King John! He rav h he stamped upon the floor. But he saw that he was helpless. At last he said that he would sign the charter at such time and place as the barons might name.&&&&& &Let the time be the 15th of June,& they said, &and let the place be Runnymede.&&&&&& Now Runnymede was a green meadow not far from the city of London, and thither the king went with his few followers. There he was met by the barons, with an army of determined men behind them.&&&&& The charter which Stephen Langton and his friends had drawn up was spread out before the king. He was not a scholar, and so it was read to him, line by line. It was a promise that the people sho that the rights of the cities and boroughs that no man should be imprisoned
that justice should not be delayed or denied to any one.&&&&& Pale with anger, the king signed the charter, and then rode back to his castle at Windsor. As soon as he was in his own chamber he began to rave like a madman. He he beat th he gnaw he he cursed the barons and the people for treating their king so badly.&&&&& But he was helpless. The charter was signed&the MAGNA CHARTA, to which Englishmen still point as the first safeguard of their rights and liberties.&&&&& As might have been expected, it was not long before John tried to break all his promises. The barons made war upon him, and never again did he see a peaceful day. His anger and anxiety caused him to fall into a fever which nothing could cure. At last, despised and shunned as he deserved to be, he died. I doubt if there was an eye in England that wept for him.
从前，英国有一个叫约翰的国王。他是一个无足轻重、无所作为的家伙，他比以往任何一个统治者都要卑鄙。
他不是英国的合法国王。因为根据英国法律，王位应该传给他的侄子&&亚瑟王子。但是王子只是一个小孩子，在那个残酷粗蛮的年代，年小势弱是无法与邪恶和强大相抗衡的。约翰轻而易举就把年轻人推到一旁，将他的城堡和财产据为己有，并宣布自己为国王。
&&&&& 从前，英国有一个叫约翰的国王。他是一个无足轻重、无所作为的家伙，他比以往任何一个统治者都要卑鄙。
&&&&& 他不是英国的合法国王。因为根据英国法律，王位应该传给他的侄子&&亚瑟王子。但是王子只是一个小孩子，在那个残酷粗蛮的年代，年小势弱是无法与邪恶和强大相抗衡的。约翰轻而易举就把年轻人推到一旁，将他的城堡和财产据为己有，并宣布自己为国王。
&&&&& 他准许亚瑟去往法国的布列塔尼。在那里，小王子在母亲的城堡中度过了一段时间。约翰也常常去法国，因为在那个年代，那个国家的大部分土地都在英国的统治之下。
&&&&& 法国国王菲利普非常嫉妒约翰，他最大的愿望就是把约翰赶出去，将他的全部财产据为己有。但是，他是一个怯懦的人，尽管常常说要对约翰发动战争，却没有足够的勇气做出任何举动。一天，当他正在思考这件事情的时候，他忽然想到说服亚瑟王子帮助自己也许是一个绝妙的办法。于是，菲利普就邀请这个男孩来巴黎与他见面。
&&&&& &亲爱的小王子，&他说道，&你想不想成为英国的国王？&
&&&&& &这是我最想做的事情，&男孩答道，&因为事实上这是我的权利。如果不是我的叔叔夺走了属于我的东西，我现在应该是英国的国王。&
&&&&& &如果发动战争，你认为你能够召集到多少人呢？&这是菲利普国王问的第二个问题。
&&&&& &我或许可以从我的城堡中召集到500人。&亚瑟说道。
&&&&& &那么好吧，&菲利普说道，&对于你来说，赢回你的英王国是一件容易的事情。照我说的去做，一切都会顺利的。&
&&&&& 然后，他告诉王子如何武装他的士兵，如何带领他们与约翰国王的士兵进行战斗。
&&&&& &当这个国家的人民看到你真的行动起来，他们会及时帮助你的，&他说道，&不久，你就会拥有一支强大的军队，而且你叔叔在法国的所有城堡都将归你所有。与此同时，我将会带领法国军队穿过英吉利海峡，在英国的土地上攻击约翰国王。他是抵挡不住我们两个的，他将会放弃从你那里抢夺的一切。然后，你将会成为英国的国王。&
&&&&& 对于这个计划，亚瑟王子非常满意，并且他向菲利普承诺将会尽自己所能。毋庸置疑，王子肯定会按照这个邪恶的人的吩咐去做，而菲利普却是想利用王子达到自己自私的目的。
&&&&& 对亚瑟王子来说，那天是他最快乐的一天。他带领着自己的一小支军队前进，为了那被不正当剥夺的王位进行战斗。这是一个愚蠢的计划，一开始就毫无希望。跟随着小王子的人本应该告诉他这个事实。然而毫无疑问的是，他们各自有着自己自私的目的，并且很乐意他上当受骗。
&&&&& 那天早上，当他穿越草地的时候，从没有如此开心过。阳光从他闪亮的盔甲上一闪而过，小鸟在路旁鸣叫着。唉，他永远也不会像当时那样开心了。
&&&&& 人们并没有像他期待的那样在路上加入他们，菲利普国王似乎不急于援助他。然而，勇敢的小王子却满怀信心，他带领着自己的军队一直横越这块国土，来到了约翰母亲居住的小镇上。
&&&&& &如果您能够抓到国王的母亲，&他的一些参谋说道，&国王将会为了她放弃一切。&然而，他本应该知道，约翰是一个对任何人都没有爱心的人。
&&&&& 小王子的追随者们轻而易举就占领了这座小镇。然而，镇上所有重要的人物都将自己关在近在咫尺的城堡之中，谅敌人也不敢靠近。
&&&&& 当亚瑟王子和他的骑士包围城堡并试图寻找进去的路时，约翰国王亲自带领几倍于自己的军队前来援助。
&&&&& 这位王子能做什么呢？他的一些追随者背叛了他，转而投向国王的军队。王子带领着剩下的追随者将自己关在小镇中。几天以来，他就像一个年轻的英雄进行着防卫战。一天晚上，当一声巨响爆发后，国王的大批士兵爬上城墙，进入了城镇。警报还没有来得及拉响，那些士兵就占领了这座城镇。小王子在睡梦中就被抓住了。一些骑士在试图保护他时被杀死。其他的人被俘，然后被关到黑暗的地牢中，并将在那里死去。
&&&&& &到我的怀抱里来，亲爱的侄子，&约翰国王说道，当亚瑟被带到他面前时。&再一次握住你的手，我感到很高兴。你与自己亲爱的叔叔玩了一个有趣的游戏，叔叔将会给予你应得的奖赏。&就这样，国王把小王子送到了法赖斯城堡，在得到吩咐之前一直被关在那里。
&&&&& &我应该对你说什么，休伯特，&他对他的头领说道，&这个男孩是我生命中的一个祸害。我什么也做不了，什么也想不了，他一直挡我的路。你明白我的意思吗，休伯特？他将由你来看管。&
&&&&& &是的，&休伯特说道，&我会好好看着他，他再也不会给您惹麻烦了。&
&&&&& 然而，休伯特是一个心地温和的骑士，他无意做任何伤害这个孩子的事情。他把法赖斯城堡中最好的一个房间给了他，就像对待自己的儿子一样温和地对待他。然而，王子却非常不开心。大部分时间，他都从自己牢房的狭窄窗户向外望去，并且希望能够再一次看到自己心爱的老家布列塔尼。
&&&&& 国王原本希望休伯特找个办法结束亚瑟的性命。当他得知那个孩子依旧活着的时候，他比以前感到更加困扰。他把自己的一些朋友召集起来&&一些像他一样邪恶、无所作为的人&&征求他们的意见。
&&&&& &我该拿那个孩子怎么办呢？&他问道。&他折磨着我。只要他还活着，总会有人阴谋策划，让他成为国王。我们该怎样除掉他呢？&
&&&&& &把他的眼睛弄瞎，&一个人说道。
&&&&& &派一个人拿着匕首去刺杀他。&另一个人说道。
&&&&& &把他扔进河流，让他去给鱼当国王。&第三个人说道。
&&&&& 约翰喜欢用匕首刺杀的主意。他对诺曼底骑士威廉?德?布雷说，如果他愿意去刺杀小王子，他将会得到土地和金子这样丰厚的奖赏。然而，威廉爵士拒绝了他，并离开了国王，他说：&我是一个绅士，并不是一个谋杀犯。&
&&&&& 于是，国王想弄瞎男孩的眼睛。他找来两个愿意为了报酬而做这个事情的恶棍，然后把他们送到法赖斯。他们带着国王的命令，把命令给了休伯特：
&&&&& 命令你用通红的烙铁烧瞎男孩的眼睛。为了确保你不会失败，送命令的两个人将会听从你的命令行事。
&&&&& 休伯特读了一遍，然后把它拿给王子看。
&&&&& &亚瑟，&他说道，&我这儿有一个从你叔叔那里来的命令。我请求你看看，然后告诉我你对此事的想法。&当王子看命令的时候，他走开了。
&&&&& &休伯特！&亚瑟说道。
&&&&& &哦，我的王子！&
&&&&& &我能把自己的想法告诉你吗？我认为你不会烧瞎我的眼睛。&
&&&&& &但是国王下了命令，我必须服从。如果我违抗的话，他就会杀了我。&
&&&&& &那么为了救你自己就这样做吧，亲爱的休伯特。但是你怎能这样做呢？这双眼睛从来没有伤害过你。它们从来不曾对你皱眉，将来也不会。还有没有其他的办法？&
&&&&& 休伯特没有回答，而是示意恶棍们进来。他们手中拿着通红的烙铁进来了。王子跑向休伯特，紧紧地抱住双膝。
&&&&& &哦，救救我，休伯特！救救我！&他喊道，&如果必须要这样，你亲自做，让这些人走开。我保证一定会非常安静。当烙铁烧我的时候，我不会退缩，不会大喊大叫的。但是，你亲自做，善良的休伯特。&
&&&&& 心地善良的休伯特无法忍受孩子的悲痛和恐惧。他把恶棍打发出去。&把烙铁给我，&他说道，&我自己动手。&事实上，他们巴不得不做这件残忍的事情。
&&&&& 休伯特把亚瑟带到了城堡的另一个地方，那里有一个很少有人去的房间。&我不会为了你叔叔的财富而伤害你，&他说道，&但是，不能让任何人知道我救了你。那两个人必须带回假消息，你必须躲在这里。我是冒了极大的危险才违抗你叔叔的命令的。&
&&&&& 恶棍们回到国王那里，告诉他命令已经执行了，国王非常高兴。他确信王子现在已经不会阻挡他了，不会再给他制造任何麻烦。有一段时间，他对一切都感到很满意。
&&&&& 最后，休伯特被派到更远的地方去作战。亚瑟留在偏僻的城堡中，不敢走动，也不敢在城墙外露面。一天，一个爱搬弄是非的人把王子仍然安然无恙活着的消息告诉了国王，那个人曾在法赖斯城堡留宿并接受款待。
&&&&& 约翰国王非常愤怒。&休伯特将要为此付出生命！&他喊道。于是，他派人到法赖斯，找到亚瑟的藏身之处。他们把孩子带到了国王远在塞纳河畔的一个城堡。在那里，一个凶残的看守人看着他。他被关押在河流之上一个狭小的房间中，在那里只能听到河流中波浪的拍击声和呼呼的风声。
&&&&& 一天晚上，王子被看守人从睡梦中叫醒，并告诉王子他的朋友在水闸边等着他。王子急匆匆地穿好衣服，跟着看守人顺着狭窄的楼梯走到敞开的门口，门下面就是河流。夜色漆黑，他想知道是不是休伯特来把他从监狱中救出去。他隐隐约约地看到一只小船，上面坐了两个人。他们把自己裹在长袍中，非常安静地坐着。
&&&&& &上船，&看守人低声说道。
&&&&& 王子照吩咐做了，坐在了船尾。然后，持桨的人将小船推进了河流中，一会儿就远远地驶离了城堡。
&&&&& &是你吗，休伯特？&王子对坐在他面前的男子低声说道。男子解开长袍，把脸露了出来。借着从云层后面窥探出来的月光，亚瑟看到那是他的叔叔，而且他手中握着一把匕首。
&&&&& 清晨，当灰蒙蒙的雾霭悬浮在河流上方的时候，人们看到约翰国王和他的船夫顺流而下，驶向国王军队驻扎的营地。亚瑟王子却不在船上，并且从此以后再也没有人看到过他。
King John and Prince Arthur
&&&&& THERE was once a king of England whose name was John. He was a trifling, worthless fellow, and as mean a man as ever wore a crown.
&&&&& He was not the rightful king of E for by the English law the crown ought to have gone to his nephew, Prince Arthur. But the prince was only a child, and in those rude, rough times the young and the weak had but little chance against the wicked and the strong. It was an easy matter for John to push the lad aside, take possession of his castles and treasures, and then proclaim himself king.
&&&&& He allowed Arthur to go to Brittany in France, and there the little prince lived for some time in a castle which had been his mother&s. John himself often went to F for in those days a large part of that country was ruled by the English king.
&&&&& The French king, Philip, was very jealous of John, and there was nothing that he wanted so much as to drive him out of his possessions and take them for his own. But he was a great coward, and although he was always talking about making war upon King John, it was seldom that he found courage enough to do anything. One day as he was thinking about the matter, it occurred to him that it would be a good plan to persuade Prince Arthur to help him. So he invited the boy to come and see him at Paris.
&&&&& &My dear young prince,& he said, &how would you like to be king of England?&
&&&&& &I should like it above all things,& answered the boy, &for indeed it is my right. Had not my uncle taken that which belongs to me, I should even now be wearing the English crown.&
&&&&& &How many fighting men do you think you could muster in case of war?& was King Philip&s next question.
&&&&& &From my own castle, perhaps five hundred,& said Arthur.
&&&&& &Well, then,& said Philip, &it will be an easy thing for you to win back your kingdom of England. Only do as I say, and all will be well.&
&&&&& And then he told the prince how he should arm his men and lead them out to fight against the soldiers of King John.
&&&&& &When the country people see that you are in earnest they will all hasten to help you,& said he.&Soon you will have a large army, and all your uncle&s castles in France will fall before you. In the meanwhile I will cross the English Channel with my French army, and will attack King John in his own country. He cannot withstand both of us. He will give up everything that he has taken from you. And then you shall be king of England.&
&&&&& Prince Arthur was delighted with the plan, and he promised Philip that he would do what he could. But it is doubtful if he would have done anything had it not been for wicked men who wished to use him for their own selfish purposes.
&&&&& It was a proud day for Arthur when he rode out at the head of his little army and marched away to fight for the crown of which he had been so wrongfully deprived. It was a foolish undertaking, and hop and the men who were with the little prince ought to have told him so. But, no doubt, they had their own selfish ends to gain, and were willing that he should be deceived.
&&&&& He had never been happier than when he rode through the meadows that morning, the sunlight flashing from his bright armor, the tall grass rustling in the breeze, the birds singing by the roadside. Alas, he was never to be so happy again.
&&&&& The people did not join him on the road as he expected, and King Philip seemed to be in no hurry to send him help. But the little prince was brave and hopeful, and he led his army straight across the country to a small town where King John&s mother was staying. &If you can capture the king&s mother,& said some of his advisers, &the king will give up everything for her sake.& But he ought to have known that John had no such love as that for anybody.
&&&&& The town was easily captured by the prince& but all the great people shut themselves up in the castle that stood close by, and dared their enemies to come near them.
&&&&& While Prince Arthur and his knights were besieging the castle and trying to find some way to get inside of it, King John himself came to the rescue with an army many times larger than the prince&s.
&&&&& What could the prince do? Some of his men turned against him and went over to the king&s army. With the rest he shut himself up in the town, and there, for several days, he defended himself like a young hero. But one night, when a dreadful storm was raging, a number of the king&s soldiers climbed over the walls and got into the town. Before the alarm could be given, they were masters of the place. The prince was seized upon while he was in bed. Some of his knights were killed while trying to defend him. Others were made prisoners and afterwards thrown into dark dungeons, where they died.
&&&&& &Come to my arms, my dear nephew,& said King John when Arthur was led before him. &Right glad I am to hold your hand again. You have played a lively game with your loving uncle, and your uncle will reward you as you deserve.& And with that he sent the prince to the castle of Falaise, to be kept there until further orders.
&&&&& &I&ll tell you what, Hubert,& said he to his head officer, &that boy is the very bane of my life. I can do nothing, think of nothing, but that he is always in my way. Do you understand me, Hubert? You are his keeper.&
&&&&& &Yes,& said Hubert, &and I&ll keep him so well that he shall never trouble you again.&
&&&&& But Hubert was a gentle knight and had no intention of doing the boy any harm. He gave him the best room in the castle of Falaise and treated him as tenderly as though he were his own son. The prince, however, was very unhappy. He spent much of his time looking out of the narrow windows of his prison and wishing that he could once more see his dear old home in Brittany.
&&&&& The king had hoped that Hubert would find means to put Arthur to death, and when he learned that the lad was still alive he was more troubled than before. He called some of his friends together&men who were as wicked and worthless as himself&and asked their advice.
&&&&& &What shall we do with that boy?& he asked.&He is the torment of my life. So long as he is alive there will be men to plot and plan to make him king. How shall we be rid of him?&
&&&&& &Put his eyes out,& said one.
&&&&& &Send some one with a dagger to visit him,& said another.
&&&&& &Throw him into the river to be king of the fishes,& said a third.
&&&&& King John liked the idea of the dagger. He told William de Bray, a Norman knight, that if he would stab the young prince he should be richly rewarded with lands and gold. But Sir William turned on his heel and left the king, saying, &I am a gentleman and not a murderer.&
&&&&& Then the king thought of putting out the boy&s eyes. He found two ruffians who were willing to do the deed for pay, and sent them down to Falaise. They took with them the king&s order, which they gave to Hubert:
&&&&& You are commanded to burn the boy&s eyes out with red-hot irons. See that you fail not. The men who carry this to you will do your bidding in the matter.
&&&&& Hubert read it and then showed it to the prince.
&&&&& &Arthur,& he said, &I have a message from you uncle. I pray you look it over and tell me & and then he turned away while the prince read.
&&&&& &Hubert!& said Arthur.
&&&&& &Well, my prince!&
&&&&& &Shall I tell you what I think of it? I think that you will not burn out my eyes.&
&&&&& &But the king commands, and I must obey. He will take my life if I refuse.&
&&&&& &Then do it, dear Hubert, to save yourself. But how can you? These eyes never harmed you. They never so much as frowned upon you, nor never shall they. Is there no other way?&
&&&&& Hubert made no answer, but motioned to the ruffians to come in. They came, with the red-hot irons in their hands. The prince ran to Hubert and clasped him about the knees.
&&&&& &Oh, save me, Hubert! save me!& he cried, &If it must be done, but send these men away. I promise that I will be very still. I will not flinch wh I will not cry out. But do it yourself, kind Hubert.&
&&&&& The child&s distress and terror were more than the tender-hearted Hubert could endure. He sent the ruffians away. &Give me the irons,& he said. &I will do it myself.& And they, to tell the truth, were glad enough to be off without doing the barbarous deed.
&&&&& Hubert led Arthur to another part of the castle, into a room that was seldom visited. &I would not harm your eyes for all the treasure that your uncle owns,& he said. &But no one must know that I have saved you. The men must carry back false reports, and you must stay here in hiding. I have taken great risks in disobeying your uncle.&
&&&&& When the ruffians went back to the king and said that his orders had been carried out, he was very much pleased. He felt sure now that the prince was out of the way and would give and for a time all went well with him.
&&&&& At length Hubert was called away to fi and Arthur was left in the lonely castle, not daring to stir out or to show himself beyond the walls. One day a wicked talebearer who had been entertained and fed at Falaise Castle carried the news to the king that the prince was still alive and well.
&&&&& King John was furious. &Hubert shall die for this!& he cried. Then he sent men to Falaise to find Arthur&s hiding place. They carried the boy far away to one of the king&s castles on the Seine River. There he was put in charge of a very cruel keeper. He was shut up in a narrow room above the river, where the only sounds to be heard were the lapping of the waves and the sighing of the wind.
&&&&& One night the prince was wakened from his sleep by his keeper, who told him that friends were waiting for him at the water gate. He hastened to dress himself, and then followed the keeper down the narrow stairway to the door that opened out upon the river. T and he wondered if Hubert had come to rescue him from his prison. He could see near the door the dim shadow of a boat with two men in it. They were muffled in long cloaks and were sitting very quietly.
&&&&& &Step into the boat,& whispered the keeper.
&&&&& The prince obeyed, and sat down in the stern. Then the man who held the oars pushed the boat off into the stream, and it was soon floating swiftly far away from the castle.
&&&&& &Is that you, Hubert?& whispered the prince to the man who sat in front of him. The man loosened his cloak and lifted his face. Then, as the moon peeped out from behind a cloud, Arthur saw that it was his uncle and that he held a dagger in his hand.
&&&&& In the morning while the gray mists were still hanging above the river, King John and his boatman were seen floating down the river towards the place where the king&s army was encamped. But Prince Arthur nor did any one ever see him again.
英国人民已经有一年的时间没有国王的消息了。他们知道，理查德从圣地出发返回故乡。他们还得知他的船失事了，并谣传他被关在遥远地方的一个监狱中。但是，没有人知道那个地方在哪儿。 理查德在故乡过着快乐生活的时候，培养了一个年轻的诗人，或者称为吟游诗人，这个诗人叫布隆代尔&德内莱。在去圣地之前，理查德在布隆代尔的陪伴下，听着他美妙的歌声度过了许多快乐的时光。由于这个年...&
&&&&& 英国人民已经有一年的时间没有国王的消息了。他们知道，理查德从圣地出发返回故乡。他们还得知他的船失事了，并谣传他被关在遥远地方的一个监狱中。但是，没有人知道那个地方在哪儿。&&&&& 理查德在故乡过着快乐生活的时候，培养了一个年轻的诗人，或者称为吟游诗人，这个诗人叫布隆代尔&德内莱。在去圣地之前，理查德在布隆代尔的陪伴下，听着他美妙的歌声度过了许多快乐的时光。由于这个年轻人有一副罕见的华丽嗓音，能唱出最为动听的旋律。在英国或法国，没有一个人能够与他相媲美。有时，理查德自己谱一些小曲，然后和布隆代尔一起唱。因此，吟游诗人与国王之间产生了一种兄弟般的深挚的情感。&&&&& 在理查德毫无音讯的时候，布隆代尔陷入了深深的忧愁。他在国王冷清的宫殿里走来走去，不愿意为任何人开口唱歌。最后，他说：&我知道主人在一个陌生的地方被囚禁了。我要去找他，我会找到他的，我会把他救出来的。&&&&&& 他手拿竖琴，踏上了找寻之路。他穿越了欧洲许多最有可能找到主人的地方。他一路结交了许多朋友。因为，在那个年代，吟游诗人在每个建有宫殿和木屋的地方都是受欢迎的，布隆代尔美妙的声音让听到他歌声的人都非常高兴。&&&&& 一天，他走到森林边缘的一座旅馆前，便停了下来。这里距离那座坚实的城堡非常近，那座城堡围着用粗糙的灰色石头修建的城墙。&&&&& &那座城堡是谁的？&他问旅馆的主人。&&&&& &那属于奥地利公爵，&旅馆的主人回答道。&不过，公爵还有其他更好的地方，这是他在这里的最后一年了。他一走，特利巴布斯伯爵就会成为城堡的主人。&&&&&& 于是，布隆代尔就问城堡里是否囚禁着犯人，因为他在每个地方都问这个问题。&&&&& &只有一个，&旅馆主人答道。&他被关押在城堡底部的地牢中。我不知道他是什么人。公爵派人严密看守，并且供他好吃好喝，因此，我想那一定是个重要人物。&&&&&& 当晚，布隆代尔在灰色的城堡中，为特利巴布斯伯爵和他的家人演唱。所有听到他歌声的人都赞赏他美妙的嗓音，并且大家都非常欣赏他文雅的举止。他们请求他停留一段时间，因为他使得这个沉闷古老的地方比以往任何一天都快乐。&&&&& 第二天早晨，布隆代尔围着高塔徘徊。他看到墙壁上有一道裂缝，猜想这是下面的地牢唯一能够射进阳光的地方。他在一块大石头上坐了下来，为他的竖琴调音。然后，他就唱起了一首歌，那是在十字军东征之前的昔日快乐时光中，他与国王一起唱过的歌。
&&&&& 仙女小姐，你是如此的美丽
&&&&& 所有见过你的人都是如此欣喜；
&&&&& 然而你却那么冰冷，
&&&&& 没有人能够爱上你，
&&&&& 然而我对此却很高兴，
&&&&& 你比任何人都爱我。&&&&& 这是这首歌的前半部分。当他唱完这段之后，他停了下来。然后，他听到从阴暗地牢的深处，理查德国王用清晰而又悲凉的声音唱起了余下的部分：
&&&&& 我的心伤痛不已，
&&&&& 如果你的爱也是如此不专一，
&&&&& 向周围所有的人绽放微笑，
&&&&& 虽然不是出于真心。
&&&&& 我宁愿忍受憎恨，
&&&&& 也不愿与他人分享爱。&&&&& 布隆代尔跳了起来，他内心充满了喜悦。&哦，理查德！哦，我的国王！&他忘情地喊道。然后，他急忙跑开，开始想办法让主人获得自由。&&&&& 他去求助德国君主和法国国王，最后回到英国，告诉人们理查德被奥地利公爵残忍地关押在监狱中。&&&&& 法国国王很乐意理查德被关押在监狱中，因为他是自己最憎恨的敌人。德国君主显得稍微友好一些。然而，他的许多骑士和勇士都说，英国国王受到如此卑贱地对待，是一件耻辱的事情。&&&&& 于是，法国国王控告理查德曾经在两国征讨圣地时，试图毒死他。由于这个原因，法国国王要求理查德应该被带出地牢，接受德国最高法院对他此举的审判。他希望通过这种方式摆脱这个棘手的囚犯。&&&&& 理查德的辩护非常感人，许多人听后都流下了眼泪。由于长期的关押，他变得脸色苍白、身体虚弱，他讲述了奥地利公爵是如何虐待他的。他向人们揭发法国国王如何阴谋置他于死地。然后，他评论了自己在圣地的战斗，并大叫战争中的喊的那句&上帝助我！上帝助我！&&&&&& 高等法院找不到任何宣判他有罪的证据。因此，判决他只要向国王和公爵支付赎金，就可以将其释放。&&&&& 赎金是布隆代尔和理查德的母亲&&埃莉诺王后设法筹集的。布隆代尔凭借他的竖琴和美妙的嗓音，激起了英国人的同情心，结果他们付出了比要求的数目更多的钱。他们拿出了自己所有活动资产的四分之一，我们也许怀疑有哪个国王值这么多的钱。埃莉诺王后亲自带着钱前往法国，把钱交到国王和公爵的手中。当异常勇猛的理查德重新成为自由的人时，迎接他回归祖国的第一个人就是布隆代尔。&King Richard and Blondel&&&&& FOR more than a year the English people heard no tidings of their king. They knew that Richard had started home from the Holy Land. They had heard, too, of his shipwreck, and it was rumored that he was held as a prisoner in some distant land. But nobody knew where that land was.&&&&& Now Richard in his happier days at home had trained up a young rhymer, or minstrel, whose name was Blondel de Nesle. Before going to the Holy Land, he had spent many a pleasant hour in Blondel's company, listening to his beautiful songs. For the young minstrel had a rare, rich voice, full of the
and no other singer in England or France could excel him. Sometimes Richard himself had composed little songs which he and B and a strong love, like that of two brothers, had sprung up between the minstrel and the king.&&&&& Very sad was Blondel when no news could be heard of Richard. He wandered hither and thither about the king&s lonely palace, and would not open his mouth to sing for anybody. At last he said, &I know that my master is a prisoner in a strange land. I I I will save him.&&&&&& With his harp in his hand he set out on his quest. He traveled through many lands in that part of Europe where he would be most likely to find his master. He made friends wherever he went. For in those days minstrels were welcome in every palace and in every hut, and Blondel's wonderful voice delighted all who heard it.&&&&& One day he stopped at a little inn by the edge of a great forest. It was quite near to a strong castle which was surrounded by high walls of rough, gray stones.&&&&& &Whose castle is that?& he asked of the innkeeper.&&&&& &It belongs to the Duke of Austria,& was the answer. &But the duke has other and finer places, and it is now a year since he was last here. While he is away the Count Tribables is master of the castle.&&&&&& Then Blondel inquired if there were any pri for he asked that question in every place he visited.&&&&& &Only one,& answered the innkeeper. &He is kept in the dungeon at the bottom of the tower. I know not who he is. The duke keeps a close watch upon him and feeds him well, and so I think he must be somebody.&&&&&& That evening Blondel sang before the Count Tribables and his family in the gray castle. All who heard him praised his fine voice and loved him for his gentle manners. They begged for he had made the dreary old place merrier than it had been for many a day.&&&&& The next morning Blondel wandered around to the great tower. He saw a slit in the wall which he knew was the only means by which light was let into the dungeon below. He sat down on a block of stone and tuned his harp. Then he began to sing a song which he and King Richard had sung together in the old happy days before his master had gone crusading:
&&&&& This was the fi and when he had sung it he paused. Then, far down in the dismal dungeon, he heard the clear but mournful voice of King Richard singing the rest&
&&&&& Blondel sprang to his feet, his heart filled with delight. &O Richard!O my king!& he cried in ecstasy. Then he hurried away, to do what he could to secure his master's liberty. He went to the emperor of Germany and to the king of France, and finally back to England, telling how Richard was cruelly kept in prison by the Duke of Austria.&&&&& The king of France would have been glad to leave R for he was one of his bitterest foes. The emperor of Germany was but
yet many of his knights and warriors said that it was a shame to treat the king of England so meanly. Then the French king accused Richard of having tried to poison him when both were crusading in the Holy Land. Upon this, the emperor ordered that Richard should be brought out of his dungeon and made to plead his case before the high court of Germany. He hoped in this way to get rid of the troublesome prisoner.&&&&& Richard pleaded his case so well that many who heard him wept. Pale and weak from his long imprisonment, he told how the Duke of Austria had abused him. He showed how the French king had plotted to have him put to death. Then he spoke of the battles he had won in the Holy Land, shouting the war cry of &God help us! God help us!&&&&&& The high court had nothing to gain by declaring him guilty. And so it was decided that he should be set free on the payment of a large ransom to the emperor and the duke.&&&&& It was Blondel and Queen Eleanor, Richard&s mother, who helped to raise the ransom. With his harp and his fine voice, Blondel so wrought upon the feelings of the English people that they paid more willingly the price that was required of them. They gave the value of one fourth of all the movable property that they owned, and we may well doubt whether any king was worth so much. Then Queen Eleanor herself carried the money to Germany and put it in the hands of the emperor and the duke. And when Richard the Lion-hearted was at last a free man again, in his own country, it was Blondel who first welcomed him back.
亚历山大率领着自己的一小支军队占领了亚洲的西部地区。
&整个世界都是我的国土。&他说道。
他征服了波斯&&当时世界上最强大、最富有的国家。他烧毁了强大的城市提尔。他成了埃及的主人，并在尼罗河的河口附近建造了一座辉煌的新城市，并根据自己的名字命名为亚历山大。
&埃及的西边是什么？&他问道。
&只是广阔无边的沙漠，&部下回答道,&...&
&&&&& 亚历山大率领着自己的一小支军队占领了亚洲的西部地区。
&&&&& &整个世界都是我的国土。&他说道。
&&&&& 他征服了波斯&&当时世界上最强大、最富有的国家。他烧毁了强大的城市提尔。他成了埃及的主人，并在尼罗河的河口附近建造了一座辉煌的新城市，并根据自己的名字命名为亚历山大。
&&&&& &埃及的西边是什么？&他问道。
&&&&& &只是广阔无边的沙漠，&部下回答道,&世界最远的地方只有沙子、沙子、炙热的沙子，除此以外什么都没有。&
&&&&& 于是，亚历山大带领着军队回到了亚洲。他占领了伟大的幼发拉底河上的国家。他越过里海沿岸的草原，爬过似乎俯瞰世界的雪山，在一片荒凉的土地向北方凝望。
&&&&& &这里的那面是什么？&他问道。
&&&&& &只有冰冻的沼泽，&部下回答道,&一英里又一英里，一英里又一英里，世界的最远方除了冰雪覆盖的荒野和大片的冰之外，什么也没有。&
&&&&& 于是，亚历山大带领军队回到了南方。他攻占了印度的大部分土地。他让一个又一个富有的国家向他臣服。最后，他来到恒河前。他想要跨越河流，然而他的士兵不愿意跟随他。
&&&&& &我们不想再往远处去了。&他们说道。
&&&&& &这条神奇河流的东方是什么？&亚历山大问道。
&&&&& &只是蔓藤缠绕的森林，&部下回答道，&一英里又一英里，一英里又一英里，一直延伸到世界的最远方，其他什么也没有。&
&&&&& 于是，亚历山大下令造船。他让这些船在一条称作印度河的河流下水启航，船载着他的军队顺流驶向大海。
&&&&& &更远的地方是什么呢？&他问道。
&&&&& &只是没有人迹的水域，&部下回答道。&一英里又一英里，一英里又一英里，一直延伸到世界的最远方，除了深深的大海，其他什么也没有。&
&&&&& &真的，&亚历山大说道，&世界上有人居住的地方都是我的王土。西方、北方、东方、南方，再没有可以征服的地方了。但是，这个王国毕竟太小了！&
&&&&& 然后，他坐下哭泣起来，因为没有其他地方可以让他征服了。
Why Alexander Wept
&&&&& ALEXANDER with his little army overran all the western part of Asia.
&&&&& &The world is my kingdom,& he said.
&&&&& He conquered Persia, which was then the greatest and richest country known. He burned the mighty city of Tyre. He made himself the master of Egypt. He built, near the mouth of the Nile River, a splendid new city which he called, after his own name, Alexandria.
&&&&& &What lies west of Egypt?& he asked.
&&&&& &Only the great desert,& was the answer.&To the farthest bounds of the earth there is nothing but sand, sand, burning sand.&
&&&&& So Alexander led his army back into Asia. He overran the country beyond the great river Euphrates. He crossed the grassy plains that lie along the shores of the Caspian Sea. He climbed the snowy mountains that seem to overlook the world. He gazed northward upon a desolate land.
&&&&& &What lies beyond?& he asked.
&&&&& &Only frozen marshes,& was the answer. &Mile after mile, mile after mile, to the farthest bounds of the earth there is nothing but fields of snow and seas of ice.&
&&&&& So Alexander led his army back toward the south. He overran a large part of India. He subdued one rich city after another. At last he came to a mighty river called the Ganges. He would have crossed the river, but his soldiers would not follow him.
&&&&& &We go no farther,& they said.
&&&&& &What lies to the east of this wonderful stream?& asked Alexander.
&&&&& &Only tangled forests,& was the answer. &Mile after mile, mile after mile, to the farthest bounds of the earth there is nothing else.&
&&&&& So Alexander caused ships to be built. He launched them on another river called the Indus, and with his army floated down to the sea.
&&&&& &What lies farther on?& he asked.
&&&&& &Only trackless waters,& was the answer. &Mile after mile, mile after mile, to the farthest bounds of the earth there is nothing but the deep sea.&
&&&&& &Truly, then,& said Alexander, &all the inhabited world is mine. West, north, east, south, there is nothing more for me to conquer. But, after all, how small a kingdom it is!&
&&&&& Then he sat down and wept because there were not other worlds for him to conquer.
古时候，在亚洲的西部，有一个富饶美丽的地方，它就是佛里吉亚。
那个地方的人们与希腊人有血缘关系，他们过着快乐富裕的生活。居住在大山里的人们拥有金矿和上好的大理石采石场；居住在山谷中的人们拥有高产的葡萄园和橄榄园；居住在小山之间的人们养着大群的羊，出产世界上最为优良的羊毛。
长久以来，这些纯真质朴的人们不曾拥有一位国王。每个人都...&
&&&&& 古时候，在亚洲的西部，有一个富饶美丽的地方，它就是佛里吉亚。
&&&&& 那个地方的人们与希腊人有血缘关系，他们过着快乐富裕的生活。居住在大山里的人们拥有金矿和上好的大理石采石场；居住在山谷中的人们拥有高产的葡萄园和橄榄园；居住在小山之间的人们养着大群的羊，出产世界上最为优良的羊毛。
&&&&& 长久以来，这些纯真质朴的人们不曾拥有一位国王。每个人都根据自己的想法，心甘情愿地做着对大家都有益的事情，因此，也没有必要选举一位统治者。然而，没过多久，当这些人逐渐变得聪明以后，每个人开始按照自己的意愿，为自己谋私利。采金矿的人偷吃附近山谷里的邻居种植的葡萄和橄榄。种植葡萄的农夫开始宰杀居住在小山之间的人们养殖的羊。牧羊人偷取山地人从矿山挖出的金子。紧接着，一场悲惨的战争爆发了，昔日富饶的乐土被不幸和苦痛笼罩着。
&&&&& 在这个国家，仍然生活着许多善良的人们，他们目睹了这些令人痛心的情景，心中十分悲痛。&或许这样会好起来，&他们说，&如果我们像其他国家那样拥有一位国王。他会惩罚罪犯，并制定法律保护所有善良的人。&然而，他们无法在他们之间选举出一位国王。每个人都标榜自己是统治者的最佳人选，如果不能从这些人中选出一个最聪明的人，他们将会无休无止地厮杀。
&&&&& &既然我们不知道该如何解决，&那个聪明人说道，&我们就请教诸神吧。我们派人去请示阿波罗的神谕，让他知晓我们的困扰。或许他能够告诉我们该如何去做。&
&&&&& 所有人都对这个提议表示赞同，于是，一个使者就被派去请示神谕。
&&&&& 阿波罗的庙宇远在大海的彼岸，许多个星期过后，使者回来了。于是，居住在大山、平原和丘陵的所有显赫人物都聚集在都城附近，恭听使者带回来的神谕。
&&&&& &神使没有告诉我什么，&信使说道。&他只是重复这两句诗：
&&&&& 在一辆行驶的破旧四轮马车上，你们将会看到国王，他会给你们不幸的国家带来和平。
&&&&& 除此以外，我没有从他那里听到别的话。&
&&&&& 人们听到神的答案，感觉更加困惑了。他们不清楚神谕的意思，然而，他们确信那一定暗示着什么。正当所有的人围在信使周围疑惑地议论纷纷的时候，忽然一阵轮子发出的吱吱喧嚣声传入人们的耳中。他们望过去，看到一辆牛拉四轮车在公路上缓慢地爬行。四轮车上装载着干草，一个谦恭的农民与妻儿坐在干草垛上。人们都非常熟悉这个农民。他就是戈耳狄俄斯，这个国家最忠厚的劳动者。在小山脚下，人们就可以看到半遮半露在树木之间的简陋小屋以及被蔓生植物覆盖的屋顶，那就是他的家。
&&&&& 当四轮车的吱吱声越来越近时，其中一个聪明人突然喊道&&
&&&&& 在一辆行驶的破旧四轮马车上，你们将会看到国王！
&&&&& 另一个人接着讲完诗句&&
&&&&& 他会给你们不幸的国家带来和平。
&&&&& 人们听到了，恍然大悟。他们大喊着跑向不知所措的农民，向他致敬。他们跑到了他的牛车前。他不得不把车停在了路中央。
&&&&& 当他们在他面前鞠躬行礼时，一些人喊道：&向我们的国王致敬！&
&&&&& &佛里吉亚的国王万岁！&其他人喊道。
&&&&& &朋友们，这到底是怎么回事？&戈耳狄俄斯问道，一边坐在干草垛上往下看。&我请求你们不要大声喧闹，以防惊吓到我的牛。&
&&&&& 于是，他们就把神谕告诉了他，并且宣称他必须成为他们的国王。
&&&&& &好吧，&他终于答道，&如果神谕要我成为你们的国王，我一定会做你们的国王。但是，我们要先拜祭促成此事的伟大的诸神。&
&&&&& 于是，他驾着牛车径直驶向丘庇特的小庙，那座庙宇俯瞰着小镇。他给牛卸下轭，把它们牵进庙中。就像当时人们所做的那样，他拉着牛围着祭坛转圈，把它们的血放进了一个巨大的木碗中。然后，当他开始祈祷的时候，他把血泼了出来，作为对强大的丘庇特神的祭礼。
&&&&& &牛车也一样，&他说道，我将要呈献给指定或废除国王的伟大的神。接着，他把牛车拉进了庙宇的里面。然后，他拿来牛轭，把它横放在牛车末端杆子上，并用一根树皮绳绑紧。他绑牛轭时打结的动作是如此熟练，以至于人们都看不到绳子的末端隐藏在哪里，绳子是怎样系的。
&&&&&& 然后，他开始履行国王的责任。
&&&&& &对于一个国王的职责，我知之甚少，&他说道，&但是我会尽自己最大的努力。&
&&&&& 他是一个英明的统治者，从此人们之间再也没有发生纠纷。他制订的法律是如此公正，没有一个人胆敢违反。从山区到平原，都被和平与富饶所护佑。
&&&&& 戈耳狄俄斯国王的牛车放在丘庇特的庙中，让所有来这里的陌生人瞻仰。这些陌生人对于他把牛轭绑在牛车上的技术大加赞赏。
&&&&& &只有真正的伟人才能把绳结打成那样。&一些人说道。
&&&&& &你说得不错，&庙宇的神说道，&但是，能够把它解开的人更加伟大。&
&&&&& &那怎么可能呢？&拜访者说道。
&&&&& &戈耳狄俄斯只是这个小小的佛里吉亚的国王，&庙宇的神回答道，&但是，解开他出色杰作的人将会成为世界的统治者。&
&&&&& 自那以后，每年都有许许多多的人来这里看戈尔迪绳结。来自四面八方的王子和勇士们试图解开它，但是没有一个人找到过绳头，他们甚至都不知道从何下手。
&&&&& 几百年过去了。戈耳狄俄斯国王已经去世很久了，人们记得他只因为他打的一个神奇的绳结。不过，他的四轮车仍然放在丘庇特的小庙中，牛轭仍旧绑在牛车末端的杆子上。
&&&&& 后来，一位年轻的马其顿国王漂洋过海来到佛里吉亚。这位年轻国王就是亚历山大。他征服了整个希腊。他挑选了一批人，组成一个小军队，带领他们横渡大海来到亚洲，并且在战斗中击败了波斯国王。佛里吉亚不敢不对他伏首称臣。
&&&&& &那个神奇的戈尔迪绳结在哪里？&他问道。
&&&&& 他们把他领到丘庇特庙，并且给他看那辆装着牛轭、车杆的牛车，它还是戈耳狄俄斯当年留在那里时的模样。
&&&&& &有关这个绳结的神谕是什么？&他问道。
&&&&& &神谕说，能够解开这个绳结的人将会称王整个世界。&
&&&&& 亚历山大仔细地看着绳结。他找不到绳头，但是那有什么关系呢?他举起剑，一下就把它砍成很多段，牛轭便掉在地上。
&&&&& &就是这样，&年轻的国王说道，&我砍开了戈尔迪打的复杂绳结。&
&&&&& 于是，他率领着他的一小支军队征服了亚洲。
&&&&& &整个世界都是我的国土了。&他说道。
The Gordian Knot
&&&&& IN the western part of Asia there is a rich and beautiful region which in olden times was called Phrygia.
&&&&& The people of that country were related to the Greeks, and they were well-to-do and happy. Those who lived in the mountains had mines of gold and quarries of fine marble. Those who dwelt in the valleys had fruitful vineyards and olive orchards. Those whose homes were among the hills kept great flocks of sheep, the wool from which was the best in the world.
&&&&& For a long time these simple-hearted people had no king. Every man was willing to do what he knew was the best for all, and so there was no need of a ruler. But by and by, as they grew wiser, every man began to do that which he thought was best for himself alone. The gold diggers ate the grapes and olives of their neighbors in the valleys. The vine growers killed the sheep of the dwellers in the hills. The shepherds stole the gold which the mountaineers had dug from their mines. And then a miserable war began, and the land that had been so prosperous and happy was filled with distress and sorrow.
&&&&& There were still many wise and good men in the country, and these were much grieved at the sad state of affairs. &It would be better,& said they, &if we had a king as other people have. He would punish the doers of wrong, and would make laws for the good of all.& But they could not choose a king among themselves. Each man claimed that he himself was the best fitted to be t and, had it not been for one of the wisest among them, they would have ended by fighting one another.
&&&&& &Since we do not know what to do,& said this wise man, &let us ask the gods. Let us send to the oracle of Apollo and make our troubles known. Perhaps it will tell us what to do.&
&&&&& All were pleased with this plan, and a messenger was sent to consult the oracle.
&&&&& The temple of Apollo was far across the sea and many weeks passed before the messenger returned. Then all the best people from the mountains, the plains, and the hills met together near the chief town to hear what the oracle had told him.
&&&&& &The oracle did not tell me very much,& said the messenger. &It merely repeated these two lines of poetry:
&&&&& I could not get another word from it.&
&&&&& The people were much puzzled by this answer of the oracle. They could not understand it, and yet they felt sure that it meant something. While all were standing around the messenger and wondering and talking, suddenly the loud creaking sound of wheels was heard. They looked and saw a slow-moving ox wagon creeping along the road. The wagon was loaded with hay, and on the hay sat a humble peasant with his wife and child. Everybody knew the peasant well. It was Gordius, the faithfulest workingman in all that country. His poor little hut, with its vine covered roof, could be seen half hidden among trees at the foot of the hill.
&&&&& Suddenly, as the creaking wagon drew near, one of the wise men cried out&
&&&&& And another completed the rhyme,&
&&&&& The people heard and understood. With a great shout they ran forward and greeted the bewildered peasant. They ran in front of his wagon. He was obliged to stop in the middle of the road.
&&&&& &Hail to our king!& said some，as they bowed down before him.
&&&&& &Long live the king of the Phrygians!& shouted others.
&&&&& &My friends, what does all this uproar mean?& asked Gordius, looking down from his high seat on the hay. &I pray you not to frighten my oxen with your noise.&
&&&&& Then they told him what the oracle had said, and declared that he must be their king.
&&&&& &Well,& he finally answered, &if the oracle has said that I am your king, your king I must be. But first, let us do our duty to the great beings that have brought all this about.&
&&&&& Then he drove straight on to the little temple of Jupiter that overlooked the town. He unyoked the oxen and led them into the temple. Just as people did in those days, he slew them before the altar, and caught their blood in a great wooden bowl. Then, while he prayed, he poured the blood out as a thank offering to mighty Jupiter.
&&&&& &The wagon, too,& said he, &will I give to the great Being by whom kings& and he drew it into the inner part of the temple. Then he took the ox yoke and laid it across the end of the wagon pole and fastened it there with a rope of bark. And so deftly did he tie the knot about the yoke that the ends of the rope were hidden and no man could see how to undo it.
&&&&& Then he went about his duties as king.
&&&&& &I don't know much about this business,& he said, &but I'll do my best.&
&&&&& He ruled so wisely that there was no more trouble among the people. The laws which he made were so just that no man dared to disobey them. The land was blessed with peace and plenty from the mountains to the plains.
&&&&& All strangers who came to the temple of Jupiter were shown King Gordius' and they admired the skill with which he had fastened the yoke to the wagon pole.
&&&&& Only a very great man could have tied such a knot as that,& said some.
&&&&& &You have spoken truly,& said the &but the man who shall untie it will be much greater.&
&&&&& &How can that be?& asked the visitors.
&&&&& &Gordius is king only of the small country of Phrygia,& was the answer. &But the man who undoes this wonderful work of his shall have the world for his kingdom.&
&&&&& After that a great many men came every year to see the Gordian knot. Princes and warriors from every land tried to untie it； but the ends of the rope remained hidden, and they could not even make a beginning of the task.
&&&&& Hundreds of years passed. King Gordius had been dead so long that people remembered him only as the man who tied the wonderful knot. And yet his wagon stood in the little temple of Jupiter, and the ox yoke was still fastened to the end of the pole.
&&&&& Then there came into Phrygia a young king from Macedonia, far across the sea. The name of this young king was Alexander. He had conquered all Greece. He had crossed over into Asia with a small army of chosen men, and had beaten the king of Persia in battle. The people of Phrygia had not the courage to oppose him.
&&&&& &Where is that wonderful Gordian knot?& he asked.
&&&&& They led him into the temple of Jupiter and showed him the little wagon, with the yoke and wagon pole just as Gordius had left it.
&&&&& &What was it that the oracle said about this knot?& he asked.
&&&&& &It said that the man who should undo it would have the world for his kingdom.&
&&&&& Alexander looked at the knot carefully. He could not find
but what did that matter? He raised his sword and, with one stroke, cut it into so many pieces that the yoke fell to the ground.
&&&&& &It is thus,& said the young king, &that I cut all Gordian knots.&
&&&&& And then he went on with his little army to conquer Asia.
&&&&& &The world is my kingdom.& he said.
几千年以前，亚洲有一位名叫克罗伊斯的国王。他统治的国家并不大，但是人民生活富足，并以富有闻名于世。据说，克罗伊斯是世界上最富有的人。直到今天，他的名字仍然很有名气，人们在形容一个人非常富有的时候常常说&像克罗伊斯一样富有&。
国王拥有让自己感到快乐的一切&&土地、房子、奴隶、华美的衣服以及精致的东西。他想不出能有什么东西能够令他更加舒服和满意。&我是...&
&&&&& 几千年以前，亚洲有一位名叫克罗伊斯的国王。他统治的国家并不大，但是人民生活富足，并以富有闻名于世。据说，克罗伊斯是世界上最富有的人。直到今天，他的名字仍然很有名气，人们在形容一个人非常富有的时候常常说&像克罗伊斯一样富有&。
&&&&& 国王拥有让自己感到快乐的一切&&土地、房子、奴隶、华美的衣服以及精致的东西。他想不出能有什么东西能够令他更加舒服和满意。&我是世界上最快乐的人，&他说道。
&&&&& 一年夏天，发生了这样一件事情：一位伟人漂洋过海来到亚洲旅行。这个人叫索伦，他是希腊雅典的立法者。他以智慧而著称，在他去世之后的几个世纪中，对于有学问人的最高的称赞就是&他就像索伦一样聪明&。
&&&&& 索伦听说了克罗伊斯。于是，一天他就去那座漂亮的宫殿拜访他。克罗伊斯从没有像现在这样高兴和自豪，因为世界上最聪明的人成了他的客人。他领着索伦走进了宫殿，带他参观了豪华的房间、精美的毯子、柔软的睡椅、奢华的家具、画以及书籍。然后，又邀请他到外面参观他的花园、果园和马厩。他让索伦参观了数以千计珍贵漂亮的宝贝，这是他从世界各地收集而来的。
&&&&& 晚上，当最聪明的人和最富有的人共进晚餐的时候，国王对他的客人说：&现在，请你告诉我，索伦，你认为谁是世界上最快乐的人？&他想索伦会说&克罗伊斯&。
&&&&& 聪明人沉默了一分钟，说道：&我记得雅典曾经生活着一个穷人，他的名字叫忒耳斯。我毫不怀疑，他是最快乐的人。&
&&&&& 这并不是克罗伊斯想要的答案，但是他没有表现出失望，而是问：&你为什么这样认为？&
&&&&& &因为，&他的客人答道，&忒耳斯是一个诚实的人，他通过辛勤劳动把自己的孩子抚养长大，让他们接受良好的教育。当他们长大成人，能够独立生活后，他就参加了雅典军队，并且在保卫国家时勇敢地献出了自己的生命。您能想到任何一个比他更应感到幸福的人吗？&
&&&&& &也许没有，&克罗伊斯答道，他因失望而变得呼吸不畅。&但是，你认为谁应该排在忒耳斯之后呢？&他现在非常确信，索伦会说&克罗伊斯&。
&&&&& &我记得，&索伦说道，&应该是两个生活在希腊的年轻人。他们很小的时候父亲就去世了，他们生活贫困。然而，他们像男子汉一样劳动，一家人在一起，并且奉养着身体衰弱的母亲。他们年复一年地辛勤劳作，除了让母亲能够舒适生活外，别无他求。最后母亲去世的时候，他们把自己所有的爱都献给了雅典&&他们的祖国，并且为国家奉献了光荣的一生。&
&&&&& 这时，克罗伊斯发怒了。&为什么？&他问道，&你为什么不考虑我，将我的财富和权利视若无物？你为什么把这些穷苦的劳动者置于最富有的国王之上？&
&&&&& &哦，国王，&索伦说道，&直到您去世之前，没有人能够断定您是否快乐。因为没有人会知道将有什么灾难降临到您的身上，或者这种荣耀被什么悲惨所代替。&
&&&&& 许多年以后，亚洲出现了一位强大的国王，他的名字是塞勒斯。他率领军队从一个国家征战到另一个国家，推翻了许多王国，将他们吞并为他的伟大帝国&&巴比伦的一部分。国王和他的财富无法与这位强大的勇士相抗衡。他尽自己所能抵抗了一段时间。后来，他的国家被侵吞了，华丽的宫殿被烧毁，他的果园和花园被摧毁，他的财富被掠走了，他自己也沦为阶下囚。
&&&&& &克罗伊斯的顽强抵抗，&塞勒斯国王说道，&给我们造成了很大的麻烦，我们失去了大量优秀的士兵。把他带出去，给那些胆敢阻碍我们道路的小王国的国王点教训。&
&&&&& 于是，士兵抓起克罗伊斯，把他拖到了市场，并从始至终粗暴地对待他。然后，他们堆起了一大堆干柴，并从他那座昔日漂亮宫殿的废墟上搬来一些木头。当他们把这一切准备就绪之后，就把这个不幸的国王绑在中间，一个士兵赶忙去拿来一支火炬，点起了火。
&&&&& &现在我们将会看到一丛欢快的火焰，&那些野蛮的家伙说道，&现在，他所有的财产又能帮他什么呢？&
&&&&& 当可怜的克罗伊斯满身伤痕、血流不止地躺在那堆柴火上时，没有一个朋友来抚慰他的不幸。这时，他想起几年前索伦对他说的话&一个人死亡之前，没有人能够断定他幸福与否&。于是他呻吟道：&哦，索伦！哦，索伦！哦，索伦！&
&&&&& 在这个时候，塞勒斯碰巧从这里驶过，并且听到了他的呻吟声。&他说什么呢？&他问士兵。
&&&&& &他说，&索伦，索伦，索伦！&&其中一个士兵答道。
&&&&& 于是，这位首领来到近前问克罗伊斯：&你为什么呼唤索伦的名字？&
&&&&& 起初，克罗伊斯沉默不语。但是，当塞勒斯温和地重复了一遍他的问题后，他把索伦拜访他的宫殿以及所说的一切都娓娓道来。这段话深深地打动了塞勒斯。他想起了那句话&没有人能够知道自己将会遭遇什么样的不幸，或者所有的荣耀将会被什么样的悲惨所取代。&因此，他想知道是否有一天，他也会失去现在的权势，落在敌人的手中绝望地挣扎。
&&&&& &总之，&他说道，&对于那些身陷不幸的人们是否应该给予仁慈和友爱？我要像其他人对我那样对待克罗伊斯。&于是，他让克罗伊斯重获自由，并且从此以后像对待最敬重的朋友那样对待他。
&As Rich as Croesus&
&&&&& SOME thousands of years ago there lived in Asia a king whose name was Croesus. The country over which he ruled was not very large, but its people were prosperous and famed for their wealth. Croesus himself was said to be the rich and so well known is his name that, to this day, it is not uncommon to say of a very wealthy person that he is &as rich as Croesus.&
&&&&& King Croesus had everything that could make him happy&lands and houses and slaves, fine clothing to wear, and beautiful things to look at. He could not think of anything that he needed to make him more comfortable or contented. &I am the happiest man in the world,& he said.
&&&&& It happened one summer that a great man from across the sea was traveling in Asia. The name of this man was Solon, and he was the lawmaker of Athens in Greece. He was
and, centuries after his death, the highest praise that could be given to a learned man was to say, &He is as wise as Solon.&
&&&&& Solon had heard of Croesus, and so one day he visited him in his beautiful palace. Croesus wa