朱子家训是我国古时的家庭礼教文化精华,使人通人事,明事理,而张香桐院士的译文无论从用词,达意,音韵等方面都堪称翻译的典范,现摘抄数篇供大家欣赏。
(1)一粥一饭,当思来之不易。
半丝半缕,恒念物力维艰。
The growing of rice and of grain
Think on whenever you dine;
Remember how silk is obtained
Which keeps you warm and looks fine.
(2)宜未雨而绸缪,勿临渴而掘井。
In periods of drought
Wise birds mend their nest
So when the clouds burst
They snugly may rest;
Never be the fool
Who starts to dig a well in the ground
When he wants a drink of water
And water can’t be found.
(3)与肩挑贸易毋占便宜,
与贫苦亲邻须加温恤。
Bargain you not with the traveler who vends;
Share of your wealth with your neighbors and friends.
(4)居家戒争讼,讼则终凶;
处世戒多言,言多必失。
Don’t take into court your family disputes,
Unpleasant endings emerge from lawsuits;
To comport yourself well in society,
Restrain loose tongue’s impropriety.