理水 Curbing the Flood

一I

這時候是“湯湯洪水方割，浩浩懷山襄陵”；It was a time when “the surging floodwaters spread destruction everywhere, vast and mighty, embracing the mountains and overtopping the hills.”舜爺的百姓，倒並不都擠在露出水面的山頂上，有的捆在樹頂，有的坐著木排，有些木排上還搭有小小的板棚，從岸上看起來，很富於詩趣。Lord Shun’s subjects were not, as it happened, all crowded onto the mountaintops that still rose above the water: some were tied to treetops, some sat on wooden rafts, and on some of the rafts little plank huts had even been built; viewed from the shore, the scene was richly poetic.

这时候是“汤汤洪水方割，浩浩怀山襄陵”；舜爷的百姓，倒并不都挤在露出水面的山顶上，有的捆在树顶，有的坐著木排，有些木排上还搭有小小的板棚，从岸上看起来，很富于诗趣。

遠地裏的消息，是從木排上傳過來的。News from distant parts came by way of the wooden rafts.大家終於知道鯀大人因為治了九整年的水，什麼效驗也沒有，上頭龍心震怒，把他充軍到羽山去了，接任的好像就是他的兒子文命少爺，乳名叫作阿禹。At last everyone learned that Lord Gun, after working on the floods for nine full years without the slightest result, had incurred the sovereign’s wrath and been exiled to Yushan; his successor seemed to be his son, young Master Wenming, whose childhood name was Ah Yu.

远地里的消息，是从木排上传过来的。大家终于知道鲧大人因为治了九整年的水，什么效验也没有，上头龙心震怒，把他充军到羽山去了，接任的好像就是他的儿子文命少爷，乳名叫作阿禹。

災荒得久了，大學早已解散，連幼稚園也沒有地方開，所以百姓們都有些混混沌沌。The famine had lasted so long that the university had closed down ages ago, and there was nowhere even to open a kindergarten, so the common people had all grown rather muddleheaded.只在文化山上，還聚集著許多學者，他們的食糧，是都從奇肱國用飛車運來的，因此不怕缺乏，因此也能夠研究學問。Only on Culture Mountain were many scholars still gathered; their provisions were flown in from Qigongguo in flying carriages, so they had no fear of shortages and could therefore continue their scholarly researches.然而他們裏面，大抵是反對禹的，或者簡直不相信世界上真有這個禹。Most of them, however, opposed Yu, or simply denied that any such Yu really existed in the world.

灾荒得久了，大学早已解散，连幼稚园也没有地方开，所以百姓们都有些混混沌沌。只在文化山上，还聚集著许多学者，他们的食粮，是都从奇肱国用飞车运来的，因此不怕缺乏，因此也能够研究学问。然而他们里面，大抵是反对禹的，或者简直不相信世界上真有这个禹。

每月一次，照例的半空中要簌簌的發響，愈響愈厲害，飛車看得清楚了，車上插一張旗，畫著一個黃圓圈在發毫光。Once every month, as usual, a rustling hum would arise in midair, growing louder and louder; when the flying carriage came clearly into view, one could see a flag mounted on it, bearing a yellow circle that emitted a fine radiance.離地五尺，就掛下幾隻籃子來，別人可不知道裏面裝的是什麼，只聽得上下在講話：At five feet above the ground, several baskets would be lowered; outsiders had no idea what they contained and could hear only voices calling back and forth:

每月一次，照例的半空中要簌簌的发响，愈响愈厉害，飞车看得清楚了，车上插一张旗，画著一个黄圆圈在发毫光。离地五尺，就挂下几只篮子来，别人可不知道里面装的是什么，只听得上下在讲话：

“古貌林！”“Good morning!”

“好杜有圖！”“How do you do!”

“好杜有图！”

“古魯幾哩……”“Good luck to you...”

“古鲁几哩……”

“O．K！”“O.K.!”

飛車向奇肱國疾飛而去，天空中不再留下微聲，學者們也靜悄悄，這是大家在吃飯。The flying carriage sped away toward Qigongguo, leaving not the faintest sound in the sky; the scholars, too, fell silent: everyone was eating.獨有山周圍的水波，撞著石頭，不住的澎湃的在發響。Only the waves around the mountain kept striking the rocks and roaring without cease.午覺醒來，精神百倍，於是學說也就壓倒了濤聲了。They awoke from their naps with their spirits increased a hundredfold, and then their theories drowned out the roar of the waves.

飞车向奇肱国疾飞而去，天空中不再留下微声，学者们也静悄悄，这是大家在吃饭。独有山周围的水波，撞著石头，不住的澎湃的在发响。午觉醒来，精神百倍，于是学说也就压倒了涛声了。

“禹來治水，一定不成功，如果他是鯀的兒子的話，”一個拿拄杖的學者說。“我曾經蒐集了許多王公大臣和豪富人家的家譜，很下過一番研究工夫，得到一個結論：闊人的子孫都是闊人，壞人的子孫都是壞人——這就叫作‘遺傳’。“Yu is certain to fail in controlling the floods, if he is Gun’s son,” said a scholar carrying a walking stick. “I have collected the genealogies of numerous princes, high ministers, and wealthy families, and after devoting considerable study to them have reached this conclusion: the descendants of important people are all important, and the descendants of bad people are all bad—this is what is called ‘heredity.’所以，鯀不成功，他的兒子禹一定也不會成功，因為愚人是生不出聰明人來的！”Therefore, since Gun failed, his son Yu is certain to fail as well, for a fool cannot beget a clever man!”

“禹来治水，一定不成功，如果他是鲧的儿子的话，”一个拿拄杖的学者说。“我曾经搜集了许多王公大臣和豪富人家的家谱，很下过一番研究工夫，得到一个结论：阔人的子孙都是阔人，坏人的子孙都是坏人——这就叫作‘遗传’。所以，鲧不成功，他的儿子禹一定也不会成功，因为愚人是生不出聪明人来的！”

“O．K！”一個不拿拄杖的學者說。“O.K.!” said a scholar without a walking stick.

“O．K！”一个不拿拄杖的学者说。

“不過您要想想咱們的太上皇，”別一個不拿拄杖的學者道。“But you must consider our Retired Sovereign,” said another scholar without a walking stick.

“不过您要想想咱们的太上皇，”别一个不拿拄杖的学者道。

“他先前雖然有些‘頑’，現在可是改好了。“Though he was somewhat ‘obstinate’ in the past, he has reformed now.倘是愚人，就永遠不會改好……”If he were a fool, he could never have reformed...”

“他先前虽然有些‘顽’，现在可是改好了。倘是愚人，就永远不会改好……”

“O．K！”“O.K.!”

“這這些些都是費話，”又一個學者吃吃的說，立刻把鼻尖脹得通紅。“你們是受了謠言的騙的。“Th-th-these are all idle words,” another scholar stammered, the tip of his nose instantly swelling bright red. “You have been duped by rumors.其實並沒有所謂禹，‘禹’是一條蟲，蟲蟲會治水的嗎？In fact there is no such being as Yu: ‘yu’ is a worm. Can a w-worm control floods?我看鯀也沒有的，‘鯀’是一條魚，魚魚會治水水水的嗎？”他說到這裡，把兩腳一蹬，顯得非常用勁。In my view there was no Gun either: ‘gun’ is a fish. Can a f-fish control f-f-floods?” At this point he thrust out both legs, visibly exerting tremendous force.

“这这些些都是费话，”又一个学者吃吃的说，立刻把鼻尖胀得通红。“你们是受了谣言的骗的。其实并没有所谓禹，‘禹’是一条虫，虫虫会治水的吗？我看鲧也没有的，‘鲧’是一条鱼，鱼鱼会治水水水的吗？”他说到这里，把两脚一蹬，显得非常用劲。

“不過鯀卻的確是有的，七年以前，我還親眼看見他到昆侖山腳下去賞梅花的。”“But Gun certainly did exist. Seven years ago I saw him with my own eyes going to the foot of Kunlun Mountain to admire the plum blossoms.”

“不过鲧却的确是有的，七年以前，我还亲眼看见他到昆仑山脚下去赏梅花的。”

“那麼，他的名字弄錯了，他大概不叫‘鯀’，他的名字應該叫‘人’！“Then his name has been recorded incorrectly. He was probably not called ‘Gun’; his name ought to have been ‘Man’!至於禹，那可一定是一條蟲，我有許多證據，可以證明他的烏有，叫大家來公評……”As for Yu, he must certainly be a worm. I have abundant evidence proving his nonexistence, which I shall submit for everyone’s impartial judgment...”

“那么，他的名字弄错了，他大概不叫‘鲧’，他的名字应该叫‘人’！至于禹，那可一定是一条虫，我有许多证据，可以证明他的乌有，叫大家来公评……”

於是他勇猛的站了起來，摸出削刀，刮去了五株大松樹皮，用吃剩的麵包末屑和水研成漿，調了炭粉，在樹身上用很小的蝌蚪文寫上抹殺阿禹的考據，足足化掉了三九廿七天工夫。Thereupon he sprang heroically to his feet, produced a scraping knife, stripped the bark from five great pine trees, ground leftover bread crumbs with water into paste, mixed in charcoal powder, and inscribed on the trunks, in tiny tadpole script, his textual researches annihilating Ah Yu—a task that consumed fully three times nine, or twenty-seven, days.但是凡有要看的人，得拿出十片嫩榆葉，如果住在木排上，就改給一貝殼鮮水苔。But anyone wishing to read them had to produce ten tender elm leaves, or, if he lived on a raft, a shellful of fresh water moss instead.

于是他勇猛的站了起来，摸出削刀，刮去了五株大松树皮，用吃剩的面包末屑和水研成浆，调了炭粉，在树身上用很小的蝌蚪文写上抹杀阿禹的考据，足足化掉了三九廿七天工夫。但是凡有要看的人，得拿出十片嫩榆叶，如果住在木排上，就改给一贝壳鲜水苔。

橫豎到處都是水，獵也不能打，地也不能種，只要還活著，所有的是閒工夫，來看的人倒也很不少。After all, there was water everywhere: no hunting could be done and no land cultivated; so long as one remained alive, one possessed nothing but leisure, and quite a number of people came to read.松樹下挨擠了三天，到處都發出歎息的聲音，有的是佩服，有的是皮勞。For three days they jostled beneath the pine trees, and sighs arose everywhere—some from admiration, others from fatigue.但到第四天的正午，一個鄉下人終於說話了，這時那學者正在吃炒麵。But at noon on the fourth day, a countryman finally spoke up, while the scholar was eating roasted flour.

横竖到处都是水，猎也不能打，地也不能种，只要还活著，所有的是闲工夫，来看的人倒也很不少。松树下挨挤了三天，到处都发出叹息的声音，有的是佩服，有的是皮劳。但到第四天的正午，一个乡下人终于说话了，这时那学者正在吃炒面。

“人裡面，是有叫作阿禹的，”鄉下人說。“況且‘禹’也不是蟲，這是我們鄉下人的簡筆字，老爺們都寫作‘禺’，是大猴子……”“Among men there are some called Ah Yu,” said the countryman. “Besides, ‘Yu’ does not mean a worm. That is merely the abbreviated form we country folk use; gentlemen write it as ‘Yu,’ meaning a great ape...”

“人里面，是有叫作阿禹的，”乡下人说。“况且‘禹’也不是虫，这是我们乡下人的简笔字，老爷们都写作‘禺’，是大猴子……”

“人有叫作大大猴子的嗎？……”學者跳起來了，連忙嚥下沒有嚼爛的一口面，鼻子紅到發紫，吆喝道。“Are there m-men called Great Ape?...” The scholar leapt up, hastily swallowed a mouthful of flour he had not finished chewing, and shouted, his nose turning from red to purple.

“人有叫作大大猴子的吗？……”学者跳起来了，连忙咽下没有嚼烂的一口面，鼻子红到发紫，吆喝道。

“有的呀，連叫阿狗阿貓的也有。”“Why, yes. There are even people called Ah Dog and Ah Cat.”

“有的呀，连叫阿狗阿猫的也有。”

“鳥頭先生，您不要和他去辯論了，”拿拄杖的學者放下麵包，攔在中間，說。“鄉下人都是愚人。“Mr. Niaotou, you should not argue with him,” said the scholar with the walking stick, putting down his bread and stepping between them. “Country people are all fools.拿你的家譜來，”他又轉向鄉下人，大聲道，“我一定會發見你的上代都是愚人……”Bring me your genealogy,” he added, turning to the countryman and raising his voice. “I am certain to discover that all your ancestors were fools...”

“鸟头先生，您不要和他去辩论了，”拿拄杖的学者放下面包，拦在中间，说。“乡下人都是愚人。拿你的家谱来，”他又转向乡下人，大声道，“我一定会发见你的上代都是愚人……”

“我就從來沒有過家譜……”“I have never had a genealogy...”

“我就从来没有过家谱……”

“呸，使我的研究不能精密，就是你們這些東西可惡！”“Pah! It is hateful creatures like you who prevent my research from being exact!”

“呸，使我的研究不能精密，就是你们这些东西可恶！”

“不過這這也用不著家譜，我的學說是不會錯的。”鳥頭先生更加憤憤的說。“先前，許多學者都寫信來贊成我的學說，那些信我都帶在這裡……”“B-but no genealogy is needed for this; my theory cannot possibly be wrong,” Mr. Niaotou said with mounting indignation. “Many scholars have written to endorse my theory, and I have all their letters here...”

“不过这这也用不著家谱，我的学说是不会错的。”鸟头先生更加愤愤的说。“先前，许多学者都写信来赞成我的学说，那些信我都带在这里……”

“不不，那可應該查家譜……”“N-no, the genealogies really ought to be checked...”

“不不，那可应该查家谱……”

“但是我竟沒有家譜，”那“愚人”說。“現在又是這麼的人荒馬亂，交通不方便，要等您的朋友們來信贊成，當作證據，真也比螺螄殼裡做道場還難。“But I have no genealogy,” said the “fool.” “And now, with people scattered and horses in chaos and travel so difficult, waiting for letters from your friends endorsing you and then treating them as evidence would truly be harder than staging a grand ritual inside a snail shell.證據就在眼前：您叫鳥頭先生，莫非真的是一個鳥兒的頭，並不是人嗎？”The evidence is right before us: you are called Mr. Niaotou—Bird-Head. Does that mean you really are the head of a bird and not a man?”

“但是我竟没有家谱，”那“愚人”说。“现在又是这么的人荒马乱，交通不方便，要等您的朋友们来信赞成，当作证据，真也比螺蛳壳里做道场还难。证据就在眼前：您叫鸟头先生，莫非真的是一个鸟儿的头，并不是人吗？”

“哼！”鳥頭先生氣忿到連耳輪都發紫了。“你竟這樣的侮辱我！“Hmph!” Mr. Niaotou was so enraged that even the rims of his ears turned purple. “How dare you insult me so!說我不是人！You say I am not a man!我要和你到皋陶大人那裡去法律解決！I shall take you before Lord Gaoyao and have the matter settled by law!如果我真的不是人，我情願大辟——就是殺頭呀，你懂了沒有？If I truly am not a man, I shall willingly suffer the supreme penalty—beheading, that means; do you understand?要不然，你是應該反坐的。Otherwise, you must suffer the penalty you sought for me.你等著罷，不要動，等我吃完了炒麵。”Just wait there. Do not move until I have finished my roasted flour.”

“哼！”鸟头先生气忿到连耳轮都发紫了。“你竟这样的侮辱我！说我不是人！我要和你到皋陶大人那里去法律解决！如果我真的不是人，我情愿大辟——就是杀头呀，你懂了没有？要不然，你是应该反坐的。你等著罢，不要动，等我吃完了炒面。”

“先生，”鄉下人麻木而平靜的回答道，“您是學者，總該知道現在已是午後，別人也要肚子餓的。“Sir,” the countryman replied with numb composure, “you are a scholar and ought to know that it is already afternoon and that other people grow hungry too.可恨的是愚人的肚子卻和聰明人的一樣：也要餓。The hateful thing is that fools’ stomachs are just like clever men’s: they, too, grow hungry.真是對不起得很，我要撈青苔去了，等您上了呈子之後，我再來投案罷。”於是他跳上木排，拿起網兜，撈著水草，泛泛的遠開去了。I am terribly sorry, but I must go and gather green moss. Once you have submitted your petition, I will come and give myself up.” Thereupon he jumped onto a wooden raft, picked up his dip net, and, gathering waterweed, drifted gently away into the distance.看客也漸漸的走散，鳥頭先生就紅著耳輪和鼻尖從新吃炒麵，拿拄杖的學者在搖頭。The spectators gradually dispersed as well. Mr. Niaotou resumed eating his roasted flour, the rims of his ears and the tip of his nose still red, while the scholar with the walking stick shook his head.

“先生，”乡下人麻木而平静的回答道，“您是学者，总该知道现在已是午后，别人也要肚子饿的。可恨的是愚人的肚子却和聪明人的一样：也要饿。真是对不起得很，我要捞青苔去了，等您上了呈子之后，我再来投案罢。”于是他跳上木排，拿起网兜，捞著水草，泛泛的远开去了。看客也渐渐的走散，鸟头先生就红著耳轮和鼻尖从新吃炒面，拿拄杖的学者在摇头。

然而“禹”究竟是一條蟲，還是一個人呢，卻仍然是一個大疑問。Yet whether “Yu” was, after all, a worm or a man remained a great question.

然而“禹”究竟是一条虫，还是一个人呢，却仍然是一个大疑问。

二II

禹也真好像是一條蟲。Yu really did seem very much like a worm.

禹也真好像是一条虫。

大半年過去了，奇肱國的飛車已經來過八回，讀過松樹身上的文字的木排居民，十個裡面有九個生了腳氣病，治水的新官卻還沒有消息。More than half a year passed; the flying carriage from Qigongguo had already come eight times, nine out of every ten raft dwellers who had read the writing on the pine trunks had developed beriberi, yet there was still no news of the new official in charge of the floods.直到第十回飛車來過之後，這才傳來了新聞，說禹是確有這麼一個人的，正是鯀的兒子，也確是簡放了水利大臣，三年之前，已從冀州啟節，不久就要到這裡了。Only after the flying carriage had come for the tenth time did news arrive that a man called Yu did indeed exist, that he was none other than Gun’s son, and that he had indeed been appointed Minister of Waterworks; three years earlier he had set out under official insignia from Jizhou and would soon arrive here.

大半年过去了，奇肱国的飞车已经来过八回，读过松树身上的文字的木排居民，十个里面有九个生了脚气病，治水的新官却还没有消息。直到第十回飞车来过之后，这才传来了新闻，说禹是确有这么一个人的，正是鲧的儿子，也确是简放了水利大臣，三年之前，已从冀州启节，不久就要到这里了。

大家略有一點興奮，但又很淡漠，不大相信，因為這一類不甚可靠的傳聞，是誰都聽得耳朵起繭了的。Everyone showed a little excitement, but remained largely indifferent and unconvinced, for their ears had grown callused from hearing unreliable rumors of this sort.

大家略有一点兴奋，但又很淡漠，不大相信，因为这一类不甚可靠的传闻，是谁都听得耳朵起茧了的。

然而這一回卻又像消息很可靠，十多天之後，幾乎誰都說大臣的確要到了，因為有人出去撈浮草，親眼看見過官船；This time, however, the news appeared reliable: more than ten days later, almost everyone said the minister was certainly on his way, because a man who had gone out to gather floating weeds had seen the official boats with his own eyes;他還指著頭上一塊烏青的疙瘩，說是為了迴避得太慢一點了，吃了一下官兵的飛石：這就是大臣確已到來的證據。he also pointed to a dark-blue lump on his head and said that, having been a little too slow to get out of the way, he had been struck by a flying stone from the government troops: this was proof that the minister had indeed arrived.這人從此就很有名，也很忙碌，大家都爭先恐後的來看他頭上的疙瘩，幾乎把木排踏沉；From then on the man became famous and exceedingly busy, for everyone rushed to see the lump on his head and nearly trampled his raft beneath the water;後來還經學者們召了他去，細心研究，決定了他的疙瘩確是真疙瘩，於是使鳥頭先生也不能再執成見，只好把考據學讓給別人，自己另去蒐集民間的曲子了。later the scholars even summoned him for close examination and determined that his lump was unquestionably a genuine lump, whereupon even Mr. Niaotou could no longer cling to his prejudice: he had to leave textual research to others and go off to collect folk songs instead.

然而这一回却又像消息很可靠，十多天之后，几乎谁都说大臣的确要到了，因为有人出去捞浮草，亲眼看见过官船；他还指著头上一块乌青的疙瘩，说是为了回避得太慢一点了，吃了一下官兵的飞石：这就是大臣确已到来的证据。这人从此就很有名，也很忙碌，大家都争先恐后的来看他头上的疙瘩，几乎把木排踏沉；后来还经学者们召了他去，细心研究，决定了他的疙瘩确是真疙瘩，于是使鸟头先生也不能再执成见，只好把考据学让给别人，自己另去搜集民间的曲子了。

一大陣獨木大舟的到來，是在頭上打出疙瘩的大約二十多天之後，每隻船上，有二十名官兵打槳，三十名官兵持矛，前後都是旗幟；A great fleet of large dugout canoes arrived some twenty days after the lump had been raised on the man’s head; in each boat twenty soldiers pulled the oars and thirty soldiers held spears, with banners fore and aft.剛靠山頂，紳士們和學者們已在岸上列隊恭迎，過了大半天，這才從最大的船裡，有兩位中年的胖胖的大員出現，約略二十個穿虎皮的武士簇擁著，和迎接的人們一同到最高巔的石屋裡去了。The moment they reached the mountaintop, the gentry and scholars were already standing in ranks on the shore to welcome them respectfully; only after most of the day had passed did two plump, middle-aged dignitaries emerge from the largest boat, surrounded by some twenty warriors in tiger skins, and proceed with the welcoming party to the stone house on the highest peak.

一大阵独木大舟的到来，是在头上打出疙瘩的大约二十多天之后，每只船上，有二十名官兵打桨，三十名官兵持矛，前后都是旗帜；刚靠山顶，绅士们和学者们已在岸上列队恭迎，过了大半天，这才从最大的船里，有两位中年的胖胖的大员出现，约略二十个穿虎皮的武士簇拥著，和迎接的人们一同到最高巅的石屋里去了。

大家在水陸兩面，探頭探腦的悉心打聽，才明白原來那兩位只是考察的專員，卻並非禹自己。Everyone craned and peered from both water and land, making diligent inquiries, and finally learned that the two were merely special commissioners on an inspection tour, not Yu himself.

大家在水陆两面，探头探脑的悉心打听，才明白原来那两位只是考察的专员，却并非禹自己。

大員坐在石屋的中央，吃過麵包，就開始考察。The dignitaries seated themselves in the center of the stone house, ate some bread, and began their inspection.

大员坐在石屋的中央，吃过面包，就开始考察。

“災情倒並不算重，糧食也還可敷衍，”一位學者們的代表，苗民言語學專家說。“麵包是每月會從半空中掉下來的；“The effects of the disaster cannot really be considered severe, and the food supply is still adequate enough,” said a representative of the scholars, an expert in the language of the Miao people. “Bread falls from midair every month;魚也不缺，雖然未免有些泥土氣，可是很肥，大人。there is no shortage of fish either. Though it does taste somewhat muddy, it is very fat, Your Excellency.至於那些下民，他們有的是榆葉和海苔，他們‘飽食終日，無所用心’，——就是並不勞心，原只要吃這些就夠。As for the lower orders, some have elm leaves and others seaweed. They ‘eat their fill all day and never use their minds’—that is, they do no mental labor, so these foods are all they require.我們也嘗過了，味道倒並不壞，特別得很……”We have tasted them ourselves. Their flavor is really not bad—quite distinctive...”

“灾情倒并不算重，粮食也还可敷衍，”一位学者们的代表，苗民言语学专家说。“面包是每月会从半空中掉下来的；鱼也不缺，虽然未免有些泥土气，可是很肥，大人。至于那些下民，他们有的是榆叶和海苔，他们‘饱食终日，无所用心’，——就是并不劳心，原只要吃这些就够。我们也尝过了，味道倒并不坏，特别得很……”

“況且，”別一位研究《神農本草》的學者搶著說，“榆葉裡面是含有維他命W的；“Moreover,” interjected another scholar, a specialist in the Divine Farmer’s Materia Medica, “elm leaves contain vitamin W;海苔裡有碘質，可醫瘰疬病，兩樣都極合於衛生。”seaweed contains iodine and can cure scrofula. Both are extremely hygienic.”

“况且，”别一位研究《神农本草》的学者抢著说，“榆叶里面是含有维他命W的；海苔里有碘质，可医瘰疬病，两样都极合于卫生。”

“O．K！”又一個學者說。“O.K.!” said another scholar.大員們瞪了他一眼。The dignitaries glared at him.

“O．K！”又一个学者说。大员们瞪了他一眼。

“飲料呢，”那《神農本草》學者接下去道，“他們要多少有多少，一萬代也喝不完。“As for drink,” the scholar of the Divine Farmer’s Materia Medica continued, “they have as much as they want—enough to last ten thousand generations.可惜含一點黃土，飲用之前，應該蒸餾一下的。Unfortunately it contains a little yellow earth and ought to be distilled before drinking.敝人指導過許多次了，然而他們冥頑不靈，絕對的不肯照辦，於是弄出數不清的病人來……”I have instructed them many times, but they are so benighted and intractable that they absolutely refuse to comply, thereby producing innumerable invalids...”

“饮料呢，”那《神农本草》学者接下去道，“他们要多少有多少，一万代也喝不完。可惜含一点黄土，饮用之前，应该蒸馏一下的。敝人指导过许多次了，然而他们冥顽不灵，绝对的不肯照办，于是弄出数不清的病人来……”

“就是洪水，也還不是他們弄出來的嗎？”一位五綹長須，身穿醬色長袍的紳士又搶著說。“水還沒來的時候，他們懶著不肯填，洪水來了的時候，他們又懶著不肯戽……”“And did they not cause the flood itself?” interjected a gentleman with five wisps of long beard, dressed in a brown robe. “Before the water came, they were too lazy to fill in the low ground; after the flood came, they were too lazy to bail it out...”

“就是洪水，也还不是他们弄出来的吗？”一位五绺长须，身穿酱色长袍的绅士又抢著说。“水还没来的时候，他们懒著不肯填，洪水来了的时候，他们又懒著不肯戽……”

“是之謂失其性靈，”坐在後一排，八字鬍子的伏羲朝小品文學家笑道。“吾嘗登帕米爾之原，天風浩然，梅花開矣，白雲飛矣，金價漲矣，耗子眠矣，見一少年，口銜雪茄，面有蚩尤氏之霧……“This is what is meant by losing their innate spirituality,” said a Fuxi-dynasty essayist with a handlebar mustache, seated in the row behind, smiling. “I once ascended the Pamir plateau: the celestial wind blew vast and free, the plum blossoms opened, the white clouds flew, the price of gold rose, the mice slept—and there I beheld a youth, a cigar between his lips, the mists of Chiyou upon his face...哈哈哈！Ha ha ha!沒有法子……”There is nothing to be done...”

“是之谓失其性灵，”坐在后一排，八字胡子的伏羲朝小品文学家笑道。“吾尝登帕米尔之原，天风浩然，梅花开矣，白云飞矣，金价涨矣，耗子眠矣，见一少年，口衔雪茄，面有蚩尤氏之雾……哈哈哈！没有法子……”

“O．K！”“O.K.!”

這樣的談了小半天。Thus they talked for nearly half the day.大員們都十分用心的聽著，臨末是叫他們合擬一個公呈，最好還有一種條陳，瀝述著善後的方法。The dignitaries listened with the utmost attention and finally instructed them to draft a joint public petition, preferably accompanied by a memorandum setting forth in full their proposals for dealing with the aftermath.

这样的谈了小半天。大员们都十分用心的听著，临末是叫他们合拟一个公呈，最好还有一种条陈，沥述著善后的方法。

於是大員們下船去了。The dignitaries then returned to their boats.第二天，說是因為路上勞頓，不辦公，也不見客；The next day, it was announced that they were fatigued from their journey and would neither transact official business nor receive visitors;第三天是學者們公請在最高峰上賞偃蓋古松，下半天又同往山背後釣黃鱔，一直玩到黃昏。on the third day, the scholars formally invited them to the highest peak to admire an ancient, canopy-shaped pine; in the afternoon they all went behind the mountain to fish for eels and amused themselves until dusk.第四天，說是因為考察勞頓了，不辦公，也不見客；On the fourth day, it was announced that they were fatigued from the inspection and would neither transact official business nor receive visitors;第五天的午後，就傳見下民的代表。on the afternoon of the fifth day, representatives of the lower orders were summoned to an audience.

于是大员们下船去了。第二天，说是因为路上劳顿，不办公，也不见客；第三天是学者们公请在最高峰上赏偃盖古松，下半天又同往山背后钓黄鳝，一直玩到黄昏。第四天，说是因为考察劳顿了，不办公，也不见客；第五天的午后，就传见下民的代表。

下民的代表，是四天以前就在開始推舉的，然而誰也不肯去，說是一向沒有見過官。The selection of representatives of the lower orders had begun four days earlier, but no one was willing to go, saying he had never met an official before.於是大多數就推定了頭有疙瘩的那一個，以為他曾有見過官的經驗。The majority therefore settled upon the man with the lump on his head, reasoning that he had experience of encounters with officials.已經平復下去的疙瘩，這時忽然針刺似的痛起來了，他就哭著一口咬定：做代表，毋寧死！The lump, which had already subsided, suddenly began to ache as if pricked by needles, and he insisted through his tears that he would rather die than serve as representative.大家把他圍起來，連日連夜的責以大義，說他不顧公移益是利己的個人主義者，將為華夏所不容；Everyone surrounded him and, day and night without respite, reproached him in the name of righteousness, declaring that his disregard for the common good made him an egoistic individualist who would not be tolerated by Huaxia;激烈點的，還至於捏起拳頭，伸在他的鼻子跟前，要他負這回的水災的責任。the more vehement among them even clenched their fists and held them beneath his nose, demanding that he assume responsibility for the present flood.他渴睡得要命，心想與其逼死在木排上，還不如冒險去做公益的犧牲，便下了絕大的決心，到第四天，答應了。He was dying for sleep and thought that, rather than be hounded to death on the raft, he might as well risk sacrificing himself for the public good; so he made a momentous decision and, on the fourth day, consented.

下民的代表，是四天以前就在开始推举的，然而谁也不肯去，说是一向没有见过官。于是大多数就推定了头有疙瘩的那一个，以为他曾有见过官的经验。已经平复下去的疙瘩，这时忽然针刺似的痛起来了，他就哭著一口咬定：做代表，毋宁死！大家把他围起来，连日连夜的责以大义，说他不顾公移益是利己的个人主义者，将为华夏所不容；激烈点的，还至于捏起拳头，伸在他的鼻子跟前，要他负这回的水灾的责任。他渴睡得要命，心想与其逼死在木排上，还不如冒险去做公益的牺牲，便下了绝大的决心，到第四天，答应了。

大家就都稱贊他，但幾個勇士，卻又有些妒忌。Everyone praised him then, though several brave fellows became rather jealous.

大家就都称赞他，但几个勇士，却又有些妒忌。

就是這第五天的早晨，大家一早就把他拖起來，站在岸上聽呼喚。On the morning of that fifth day, everyone dragged him to his feet at daybreak and made him stand on the shore awaiting the summons.果然，大員們呼喚了。Sure enough, the dignitaries summoned him.他兩腿立刻發抖，然而又立刻下了絕大的決心，決心之後，就又打了兩個大呵欠，腫著眼眶，自己覺得好像腳不點地，浮在空中似的走到官船上去了。His legs immediately began to tremble, but he immediately made another momentous decision; having made it, he gave two great yawns and, with swollen eyelids, walked toward the official boat feeling as though his feet never touched the ground and he were floating through the air.

就是这第五天的早晨，大家一早就把他拖起来，站在岸上听呼唤。果然，大员们呼唤了。他两腿立刻发抖，然而又立刻下了绝大的决心，决心之后，就又打了两个大呵欠，肿著眼眶，自己觉得好像脚不点地，浮在空中似的走到官船上去了。

奇怪得很，持矛的官兵，虎皮的武士，都沒有打罵他，一直放進了中艙。Strangely enough, neither the spear-bearing soldiers nor the tiger-skinned warriors struck or cursed him; they let him pass straight into the central cabin.艙裡舖著熊皮，豹皮，還掛著幾副弩箭，擺著許多瓶罐，弄得他眼花繚亂。The cabin was carpeted with bearskins and leopard skins; several crossbows and sets of arrows hung there, and numerous bottles and jars stood about, making his eyes swim.定神一看，才看見在上面，就是自己的對面，坐著兩位胖大的官員。When he had steadied himself and looked again, he saw two large, stout officials sitting at the far end, directly opposite him.什麼相貌，他不敢看清楚。What their faces looked like he did not dare examine closely.

奇怪得很，持矛的官兵，虎皮的武士，都没有打骂他，一直放进了中舱。舱里铺著熊皮，豹皮，还挂著几副弩箭，摆著许多瓶罐，弄得他眼花缭乱。定神一看，才看见在上面，就是自己的对面，坐著两位胖大的官员。什么相貌，他不敢看清楚。

“你是百姓的代表嗎？”大員中的一個問道。“Are you the representative of the common people?” asked one of the dignitaries.

“你是百姓的代表吗？”大员中的一个问道。

“他們叫我上來的。”他眼睛看著舖在艙底上的豹皮的艾葉一般的花紋，回答說。“They told me to come up here,” he answered, his eyes fixed on the mugwort-leaf patterns of the leopard skin spread across the cabin floor.

“他们叫我上来的。”他眼睛看著铺在舱底上的豹皮的艾叶一般的花纹，回答说。

“你們怎麼樣？”“How are you all?”

“你们怎么样？”

“……”他不懂意思，沒有答。“...” He did not understand and gave no answer.

“……”他不懂意思，没有答。

“你們過得還好麼？”“Are you getting along all right?”

“你们过得还好么？”

“託大人的鴻福，還好……”他又想了一想，低低的說道，“敷敷衍衍……“Thanks to Your Excellencies’ boundless blessing, we are doing all right...” After thinking a moment, he added in a low voice, “Scraping by...混混……”Muddling along...”

“托大人的鸿福，还好……”他又想了一想，低低的说道，“敷敷衍衍……混混……”

“吃的呢？”“And what do you eat?”

“有，葉子呀，水苔呀……”“We have food—leaves, water moss...”

“有，叶子呀，水苔呀……”

“都還吃得來嗎？”“Can you manage to eat all that?”

“都还吃得来吗？”

“吃得來的。“We can.我們是什麼都弄慣了的，吃得來的。We are used to managing with anything. We can eat it.只有些小畜生還要嚷，人心在壞下去哩，媽的，我們就揍他。”Only some little brutes still make a fuss. People’s hearts are growing worse, damn them, so we give them a beating.”

“吃得来的。我们是什么都弄惯了的，吃得来的。只有些小畜生还要嚷，人心在坏下去哩，妈的，我们就揍他。”

大人們笑起來了，有一個對別一個說道：“這傢伙倒老實。”The dignitaries burst out laughing, and one said to another, "This fellow is actually quite honest."

大人们笑起来了，有一个对别一个说道：“这家伙倒老实。”

這傢伙一聽到稱贊，非常高興，膽子也大了，滔滔的講述道：As soon as this fellow heard himself praised, he was overjoyed, and grew bolder, launching into an unbroken stream of explanation:

这家伙一听到称赞，非常高兴，胆子也大了，滔滔的讲述道：

“我們總有法子想。"We always manage to find a way.比如水苔，頂好是做滑溜翡翠湯，榆葉就做一品當朝羹。Take water-moss, for instance — the best thing is to make it into a slippery jadeite soup, and elm leaves make a fine 'First-at-Court' broth.剝樹皮不可剝光，要留下一道，那麼，明年春天樹枝梢還是長葉子，有收成。When stripping bark, you mustn't strip it bare — you have to leave one strip, so that next spring the branch tips will still put out leaves, and there'll be a harvest.如果託大人的福，釣到了黃鱔……”And if we're lucky enough to benefit from Your Honor's blessing and catch some eels..."

“我们总有法子想。比如水苔，顶好是做滑溜翡翠汤，榆叶就做一品当朝羹。剥树皮不可剥光，要留下一道，那么，明年春天树枝梢还是长叶子，有收成。如果托大人的福，钓到了黄鳝……”

然而大人好像不大愛聽了，有一位也接連打了兩個大呵欠，打斷他的講演道：“你們還是合具一個公呈來罷，最好是還帶一個貢獻善後方法的條陳。”But the dignitary did not seem to much care for listening anymore; one of them, after yawning twice in a row, cut off his speech, saying, "You'd all do better to draw up a joint petition together — and it would be best if it also came with a memorandum offering methods for the aftermath."

然而大人好像不大爱听了，有一位也接连打了两个大呵欠，打断他的讲演道：“你们还是合具一个公呈来罢，最好是还带一个贡献善后方法的条陈。”

“我們可是誰也不會寫……”他惴惴的說。"But none of us knows how to write..." he said, apprehensively.

“我们可是谁也不会写……”他惴惴的说。

“你們不識字嗎？"You don't know how to read and write?這真叫作不求上進！That's truly what's called having no ambition to better oneself!沒有法子，把你們吃的東西揀一份來就是！”There's no help for it then — just pick out a portion of the food you people eat and bring it along!"

“你们不识字吗？这真叫作不求上进！没有法子，把你们吃的东西拣一份来就是！”

他又恐懼又高興的退了出來，摸一摸疙瘩疤，立刻把大人的吩咐傳給岸上，樹上和排上的居民，並且大聲叮囑道：“這是送到上頭去的呵！Both frightened and delighted, he withdrew, rubbing at the lumps and scars on his skin, and at once passed the dignitary's instructions on to the residents on the bank, in the trees, and on the rafts, calling out loudly as he did: "This is to be sent up to the higher-ups!要做得乾淨，細致，體面呀！……”It must be made clean, fine, and presentable!..."

他又恐惧又高兴的退了出来，摸一摸疙瘩疤，立刻把大人的吩咐传给岸上，树上和排上的居民，并且大声叮嘱道：“这是送到上头去的呵！要做得干净，细致，体面呀！……”

所有居民就同時忙碌起來，洗葉子，切樹皮，撈青苔，亂作一團。All the residents at once bustled into activity, washing leaves, slicing bark, scooping up duckweed, in a great tangle of busyness.他自己是鋸木版，來做進呈的盒子。He himself sawed wood planks to make the box for the presentation.有兩片磨得特別光，連夜跑到山頂上請學者去寫字，一片是做盒子蓋的，求寫“壽山福海”，一片是給自己的木排上做扁額，以志榮幸的，求寫“老實堂”。There were two boards polished especially smooth; he ran through the night up to the mountaintop to ask a scholar to write characters on them — one was for the box lid, for which he asked for "Longevity as the Mountain, Fortune as the Sea"; the other was to be a plaque for his own raft, to record the honor, for which he asked for "Hall of Honesty."但學者卻只肯寫了“壽山福海”的一塊。But the scholar was only willing to write the one that said "Longevity as the Mountain, Fortune as the Sea."

所有居民就同时忙碌起来，洗叶子，切树皮，捞青苔，乱作一团。他自己是锯木版，来做进呈的盒子。有两片磨得特别光，连夜跑到山顶上请学者去写字，一片是做盒子盖的，求写“寿山福海”，一片是给自己的木排上做扁额，以志荣幸的，求写“老实堂”。但学者却只肯写了“寿山福海”的一块。

三Three

當兩位大員回到京都的時候，別的考察員也大抵陸續回來了，只有禹還在外。By the time the two great officials returned to the capital, most of the other inspectors had also gradually made their way back, and only Yu was still away.他們在家裡休息了幾天，水利局的同事們就在局里大排筵宴，替他們接風，份子分福祿壽三種，最少也得出五十枚大貝殼。After resting at home for a few days, their colleagues at the Water Conservancy Bureau laid out a great banquet at the office to welcome them back; the contribution shares came in three kinds — Fortune, Emolument, and Longevity — and even the smallest required fifty large cowrie shells.這一天真是車水馬龍，不到黃昏時候，主客就全都到齊了，院子裡卻已經點起庭燎來，鼎中的牛肉香，一直透到門外虎賁的鼻子跟前，大家就一齊嚥口水。That day there truly was a stream of carriages and horses; before dusk had even come, the hosts and guests had all arrived, and lamps had already been lit in the courtyard, the aroma of beef from the cauldrons carrying all the way out to the noses of the guards at the gate, so that everyone swallowed their saliva at once.酒過三巡，大員們就講了一些水鄉沿途的風景，蘆花似雪，泥水如金，黃鱔膏腴，青苔滑溜……After the wine had gone round three times, the great officials began describing the scenery along the waterways they had traveled — reed catkins like snow, mud and water like gold, eels rich and fatty, duckweed smooth and slippery...等等。and so on.微醺之後，才取出大家採集了來的民食來，都裝著細巧的木匣子，蓋上寫著文字，有的是伏羲八卦體，有的是倉頡鬼哭體，大家就先來賞鑒這些字，爭論得幾乎打架之後，才決定以寫著“國泰民安”的一塊為第一，因為不但文字質樸難識，有上古淳厚之風，而且立言也很得體，可以宣付史館的。Once they were somewhat tipsy, they finally brought out the food specimens everyone had gathered from the common people, all packed in delicately made wooden boxes, with characters written on the lids — some in the style of Fu Xi's Eight Trigrams, some in the ghost-weeping script of Cang Jie — and everyone first admired these characters, and after arguing to the point of nearly coming to blows, decided that the one reading "The Nation at Peace, the People Secure" should rank first, because not only were the characters plain and difficult to recognize, carrying the flavor of ancient simplicity and honesty, but the phrasing was also very fitting, worthy of being submitted to the Historiographers' Office.

当两位大员回到京都的时候，别的考察员也大抵陆续回来了，只有禹还在外。他们在家里休息了几天，水利局的同事们就在局里大排筵宴，替他们接风，份子分福禄寿三种，最少也得出五十枚大贝壳。这一天真是车水马龙，不到黄昏时候，主客就全都到齐了，院子里却已经点起庭燎来，鼎中的牛肉香，一直透到门外虎贲的鼻子跟前，大家就一齐咽口水。酒过三巡，大员们就讲了一些水乡沿途的风景，芦花似雪，泥水如金，黄鳝膏腴，青苔滑溜……等等。微醺之后，才取出大家采集了来的民食来，都装著细巧的木匣子，盖上写著文字，有的是伏羲八卦体，有的是仓颉鬼哭体，大家就先来赏鉴这些字，争论得几乎打架之后，才决定以写著“国泰民安”的一块为第一，因为不但文字质朴难识，有上古淳厚之风，而且立言也很得体，可以宣付史馆的。

評定了中國特有的藝術之後，文化問題總算告一段落，於是來考察盒子的內容了：大家一致稱贊著餅樣的精巧。With the appraisal of this uniquely Chinese art form settled, the matter of culture was at last brought to a close, and so they turned to inspecting the contents of the boxes: everyone praised in unison the exquisite craftsmanship of the cakes.然而大約酒也喝得太多了，便議論紛紛：有的咬一口松皮餅，極口歎賞它的清香，說自己明天就要掛冠歸隱，去享這樣的清福；But since they had probably had rather too much to drink, opinions grew scattered and noisy: one man took a bite of pine-bark cake and, praising its delicate fragrance to the utmost, declared that he himself would resign his post and retire into reclusion the very next day, to enjoy such pure and simple happiness;咬了柏葉糕的，卻道質粗味苦，傷了他的舌頭，要這樣與下民共患難，可見為君難，為臣亦不易。another, who had bitten into a cypress-leaf cake, said instead that its texture was coarse and its taste bitter, and it had hurt his tongue — that to share such hardship with the lowly people like this showed how truly hard it is to be a ruler, and no easier to be a minister.有幾個又撲上去，想搶下他們咬過的糕餅來，說不久就要開展覽會募捐，這些都得去陳列，咬得太多是很不雅觀的。A few others rushed forward, wanting to snatch back the cakes these men had bitten into, saying that soon there would be an exhibition held to solicit donations, and all these items would need to be put on display — it would look very unseemly if they were bitten too much.

评定了中国特有的艺术之后，文化问题总算告一段落，于是来考察盒子的内容了：大家一致称赞著饼样的精巧。然而大约酒也喝得太多了，便议论纷纷：有的咬一口松皮饼，极口叹赏它的清香，说自己明天就要挂冠归隐，去享这样的清福；咬了柏叶糕的，却道质粗味苦，伤了他的舌头，要这样与下民共患难，可见为君难，为臣亦不易。有几个又扑上去，想抢下他们咬过的糕饼来，说不久就要开展览会募捐，这些都得去陈列，咬得太多是很不雅观的。

局外面也起了一陣喧嚷。Outside the bureau, too, a commotion suddenly arose.一群乞丐似的大漢，面目黧黑，衣服奇舊，竟沖破了斷絕交通的界線，闖到局裡來了。A band of great fellows looking like beggars, their faces dark and weathered, their clothes strangely old and worn, actually broke through the cordon sealing off traffic and came bursting into the bureau.衛兵們大喝一聲，連忙左右交叉了明晃晃的戈，擋住他們的去路。The guards let out a great shout and hastily crossed their gleaming halberds left and right, blocking the way ahead of them.

局外面也起了一阵喧嚷。一群乞丐似的大汉，面目黧黑，衣服奇旧，竟冲破了断绝交通的界线，闯到局里来了。卫兵们大喝一声，连忙左右交叉了明晃晃的戈，挡住他们的去路。

“什麼？——看明白！”當頭是一條瘦長的莽漢，粗手粗腳的，怔了一下，大聲說。"What's this?! — Look closely!" said the man at the head, a lean and rawboned rough fellow with coarse hands and feet, who paused a moment in surprise and then spoke loudly.

“什么？——看明白！”当头是一条瘦长的莽汉，粗手粗脚的，怔了一下，大声说。

衛兵們在昏黃中定睛一看，就恭恭敬敬的立正，舉戈，放他們進去了，只攔住了氣喘吁籲的從後面追來的一個身穿深藍土布袍子，手抱孩子的婦女。The guards peered closely in the dim light, and at once stood respectfully to attention, raised their halberds, and let them pass — stopping only a woman, panting for breath, who came chasing after them from behind, dressed in a dark blue homespun robe and carrying a child in her arms.

卫兵们在昏黄中定睛一看，就恭恭敬敬的立正，举戈，放他们进去了，只拦住了气喘吁吁的从后面追来的一个身穿深蓝土布袍子，手抱孩子的妇女。

“怎麼？"What's this?你們不認識我了嗎？”她用拳頭揩著額上的汗，詫異的問。Don't you recognize me anymore?" she asked, astonished, wiping the sweat from her brow with her fist.

“怎么？你们不认识我了吗？”她用拳头揩著额上的汗，诧异的问。

“禹太太，我們怎會不認識您家呢？”"Madam Yu, how could we fail to recognize you?"

“禹太太，我们怎会不认识您家呢？”

“那麼，為什麼不放我進去的？”"Then why won't you let me in?"

“那么，为什么不放我进去的？”

“禹太太，這個年頭兒，不大好，從今年起，要端風俗而正人心，男女有別了。"Madam Yu, these days things aren't so good — starting this year, we're to correct customs and rectify the hearts of the people, and men and women are to be kept separate.現在那一個衙門裡也不放娘兒們進去，不但這裡，不但您。Right now there isn't a single office anywhere that lets women in — not just here, not just for you.這是上頭的命令，怪不著我們的。”This is an order from above; it's none of our doing."

“禹太太，这个年头儿，不大好，从今年起，要端风俗而正人心，男女有别了。现在那一个衙门里也不放娘儿们进去，不但这里，不但您。这是上头的命令，怪不著我们的。”

禹太太呆了一會，就把雙眉一揚，一面回轉身，一面嚷叫道：Madam Yu stood stunned for a moment, then raised both eyebrows, and turning around as she went, shouted out:

禹太太呆了一会，就把双眉一扬，一面回转身，一面嚷叫道：

“這殺千刀的！"That thousand-slice wretch!奔什麼喪！Rushing off to whose funeral!走過自家的門口，看也不進來看一下，就奔你的喪！Passing right by his own front door and not even glancing in to look — off you go rushing to your own funeral!做官做官，做官有什麼好處，仔細像你的老子，做到充軍，還掉在池子裡變大忘八！Being an official, being an official — what good does being an official do! Just watch, you'll end up like your old father, exiled for his service and then falling into a pond to turn into a great rotten turtle!這沒良心的殺千刀！……”That heartless thousand-slice wretch!..."

“这杀千刀的！奔什么丧！走过自家的门口，看也不进来看一下，就奔你的丧！做官做官，做官有什么好处，仔细像你的老子，做到充军，还掉在池子里变大忘八！这没良心的杀千刀！……”

這時候，局裡的大廳上也早發生了擾亂。At this same moment, a disturbance had already broken out in the great hall of the bureau.大家一望見一群莽漢們奔來，紛紛都想躲避，但看不見耀眼的兵器，就又硬著頭皮，定睛去看。As soon as everyone caught sight of the band of rough fellows rushing in, they all scattered to hide, but seeing no gleam of weapons, they screwed up their courage again and stared hard to look.奔來的也臨近了，頭一個雖然面貌黑瘦，但從神情上，也就認識他正是禹；Those rushing in had now drawn near, and though the man in front had a dark, gaunt face, from his bearing they recognized him at once as none other than Yu;其餘的自然是他的隨員。the rest, naturally, were his attendants.

这时候，局里的大厅上也早发生了扰乱。大家一望见一群莽汉们奔来，纷纷都想躲避，但看不见耀眼的兵器，就又硬著头皮，定睛去看。奔来的也临近了，头一个虽然面貌黑瘦，但从神情上，也就认识他正是禹；其余的自然是他的随员。

這一嚇，把大家的酒意都嚇退了，沙沙的一陣衣裳聲，立刻都退在下面。This fright drove all the wine out of everyone's heads, and with a rustling of robes they all at once withdrew below.禹便一徑跨到席上，在上面坐下，大約是大模大樣，或者生了鶴膝風罷，並不屈膝而坐，卻伸開了兩腳，把大腳底對著大員們，又不穿襪子，滿腳底都是栗子一般的老繭。Yu strode straight up onto the mat and sat down at the head, evidently with great self-assurance — or perhaps because he suffered from swollen-knee wind — for he did not sit with knees folded but stretched out both legs, pointing the great soles of his feet at the officials; nor did he wear socks, and the soles of both feet were entirely covered in calluses like chestnuts.隨員們就分坐在他的左右。His attendants seated themselves to his left and right.

这一吓，把大家的酒意都吓退了，沙沙的一阵衣裳声，立刻都退在下面。禹便一径跨到席上，在上面坐下，大约是大模大样，或者生了鹤膝风罢，并不屈膝而坐，却伸开了两脚，把大脚底对著大员们，又不穿袜子，满脚底都是栗子一般的老茧。随员们就分坐在他的左右。

“大人是今天回京的？”一位大膽的屬員，膝行而前了一點，恭敬的問。"Did Your Honor return to the capital today?" asked one bold subordinate official, shuffling forward a little on his knees, respectfully.

“大人是今天回京的？”一位大胆的属员，膝行而前了一点，恭敬的问。

“你們坐近一點來！”禹不答他的詢問，只對大家說。“查的怎麼樣？”"Come sit closer, all of you!" Yu said, not answering his question, addressing everyone instead. "How did the inspection go?"

“你们坐近一点来！”禹不答他的询问，只对大家说。“查的怎么样？”

大員們一面膝行而前，一面面面相覷，列坐在殘筵的下面，看見咬過的松皮餅和啃光的牛骨頭。The great officials shuffled forward on their knees while glancing at one another, arranging themselves below the remains of the feast, where they saw the bitten pine-bark cakes and the gnawed-clean beef bones.非常不自在——卻又不敢叫膳夫來收去。They felt extremely uneasy — yet none dared call the stewards to clear it away.

大员们一面膝行而前，一面面面相觑，列坐在残筵的下面，看见咬过的松皮饼和啃光的牛骨头。非常不自在——却又不敢叫膳夫来收去。

“稟大人，”一位大員終於說。“倒還像個樣子——印象甚佳。"Reporting to Your Honor," one official finally said. "It's actually rather presentable — the impression is quite good.松皮水草，出產不少；Pine bark and water plants are produced in no small quantity;飲料呢，那可豐富得很。as for beverages, well, those are truly abundant.百姓都很老實，他們是過慣了的。The common people are all very honest — they're used to living this way.稟大人，他們都是以善於吃苦，馳名世界的人們。”Reporting to Your Honor, they are people renowned the world over for their skill at enduring hardship."

“禀大人，”一位大员终于说。“倒还像个样子——印象甚佳。松皮水草，出产不少；饮料呢，那可丰富得很。百姓都很老实，他们是过惯了的。禀大人，他们都是以善于吃苦，驰名世界的人们。”

“卑職可是已經擬好了募捐的計劃，”又一位大員說。“準備開一個奇異食品展覽會，另請女隗小姐來做時裝表演。"This humble official has already drafted a plan for soliciting donations," said another official. "I propose holding an exhibition of exotic foods, and separately inviting the Lady Nüwei to give a fashion show.只賣票，並且聲明會裡不再募捐，那麼，來看的可以多一點。”We'll only sell tickets, and announce in advance that the bureau will not solicit further donations at the event — that way more people will come to see it."

“卑职可是已经拟好了募捐的计划，”又一位大员说。“准备开一个奇异食品展览会，另请女隗小姐来做时装表演。只卖票，并且声明会里不再募捐，那么，来看的可以多一点。”

“這很好。”禹說著，向他彎一彎腰。"Very good," said Yu, bowing slightly toward him.

“这很好。”禹说著，向他弯一弯腰。

“不過第一要緊的是趕快派一批大木筏去，把學者們接上高原來。”第三位大員說，“一面派人去通知奇肱國，使他們知道我們的尊崇文化，接濟也只要每月送到這邊來就好。"But the most urgent matter first is to quickly dispatch a fleet of great timber rafts to bring the scholars up to the highlands," said a third official. "At the same time, send someone to notify the Kingdom of Qigong, so they know how greatly we honor culture, and have them simply send supplies over here every month.學者們有一個公呈在這裡，說的倒也很有意思，他們以為文化是一國的命脈，學者是文化的靈魂，只要文化存在，華夏也就存在，別的一切，倒還在其次……”The scholars have submitted a joint petition here, which actually makes rather good sense — they hold that culture is the lifeblood of a nation, and scholars are the soul of culture; so long as culture survives, China too survives, and everything else is of secondary importance..."

“不过第一要紧的是赶快派一批大木筏去，把学者们接上高原来。”第三位大员说，“一面派人去通知奇肱国，使他们知道我们的尊崇文化，接济也只要每月送到这边来就好。学者们有一个公呈在这里，说的倒也很有意思，他们以为文化是一国的命脉，学者是文化的灵魂，只要文化存在，华夏也就存在，别的一切，倒还在其次……”

“他們以為華夏的人口太多了，”第一位大員道，“減少一些倒也是致太平之道。"They hold that China's population is far too large," said the first official, "and reducing it somewhat would actually be a path to bringing about great peace.況且那些不過是愚民，那喜怒哀樂，也決沒有智者所玩想的那麼精微的。Besides, those people are nothing but ignorant commoners, and their joys and sorrows are certainly never as subtle as what wise men imagine and ponder over.知人論事，第一要憑主觀。In judging men and assessing affairs, the first thing one must rely on is subjective judgment.例如莎士比亞……”Take Shakespeare, for example..."

“他们以为华夏的人口太多了，”第一位大员道，“减少一些倒也是致太平之道。况且那些不过是愚民，那喜怒哀乐，也决没有智者所玩想的那么精微的。知人论事，第一要凭主观。例如莎士比亚……”

“放他媽的屁！”禹心裡想，但嘴上卻大聲的說道：“我經過查考，知道先前的方法：‘湮’，確是錯誤了。"Bullshit, my ass!" Yu thought to himself, but aloud he said in a loud voice: "Having investigated the matter, I have found that the earlier method — 'damming' — was indeed mistaken.以後應該用‘導’！From now on we ought to use 'channeling' instead!不知道諸位的意見怎麼樣？”I wonder what the opinions of you gentlemen might be?"

“放他妈的屁！”禹心里想，但嘴上却大声的说道：“我经过查考，知道先前的方法：‘湮’，确是错误了。以后应该用‘导’！不知道诸位的意见怎么样？”

靜得好像墳山；It grew as quiet as a graveyard;大員們的臉上也顯出死色，許多人還覺得自己生了病，明天恐怕要請病假了。a deathly color also appeared on the faces of the officials, and many of them felt as though they had fallen ill, thinking they would probably have to ask for sick leave the next day.

静得好像坟山；大员们的脸上也显出死色，许多人还觉得自己生了病，明天恐怕要请病假了。

“這是蚩尤的法子！”一個勇敢的青年官員悄悄的憤激著。"That's Chi You's method!" one bold young official muttered indignantly under his breath.

“这是蚩尤的法子！”一个勇敢的青年官员悄悄的愤激著。

“卑職的愚見，竊以為大人是似乎應該收回成命的。”一位白須白髮的大員，這時覺得天下興亡，系在他的嘴上了，便把心一橫，置死生於度外，堅決的抗議道：“湮是老大人的成法。‘三年無改於父之道，可謂孝矣。’——老大人升天還不到三年。”"In this humble official's foolish opinion, I venture to think Your Honor ought perhaps to rescind this decision," said an official with white beard and white hair, who at this moment felt as though the rise and fall of the empire rested upon his own mouth, and so, steeling his heart and setting aside all thought of life or death, protested firmly: "'Damming' was the established method of the late lord your father. 'To make no change for three years to the ways of one's father may be called filial' — it has not yet been three years since the old lord ascended to heaven."

“卑职的愚见，窃以为大人是似乎应该收回成命的。”一位白须白发的大员，这时觉得天下兴亡，系在他的嘴上了，便把心一横，置死生于度外，坚决的抗议道：“湮是老大人的成法。‘三年无改于父之道，可谓孝矣。’——老大人升天还不到三年。”

禹一聲也不響。Yu made not a single sound in reply.

禹一声也不响。

“況且老大人化過多少心力呢。"Besides, think how much effort the old lord expended.借了上帝的息壤，來湮洪水，雖然觸了上帝的惱怒，洪水的深度可也淺了一點了。He borrowed the息壤 (self-growing soil) from the Lord on High to dam the floodwaters, and although this incurred the wrath of the Lord on High, the depth of the floodwaters was indeed reduced somewhat.這似乎還是照例的治下去。”另一位花白鬚髮的大員說，他是禹的母舅的干兒子。It would seem best to simply carry on governing as before, according to precedent." So said another official with grizzled beard and hair, who was the adopted son of Yu's maternal uncle.

“况且老大人化过多少心力呢。借了上帝的息壤，来湮洪水，虽然触了上帝的恼怒，洪水的深度可也浅了一点了。这似乎还是照例的治下去。”另一位花白须发的大员说，他是禹的母舅的干儿子。

禹一聲也不響。Yu made not a single sound in reply.

禹一声也不响。

“我看大人還不如‘幹父之蠱’，”一位胖大官員看得禹不作聲，以為他就要折服了，便帶些輕薄的大聲說，不過臉上還流出著一層油汗。“照著家法，挽回家聲。"I think Your Honor would do better to 'carry on and remedy the father's faults,'" said a fat, large official, who, seeing Yu remain silent, took it to mean he was about to yield, and so said loudly with a touch of flippancy, though a film of oily sweat still ran over his face. "Follow the family precedent, and restore the family's good name.大人大約未必知道人們在怎麼講說老大人罷……”Your Honor probably doesn't know how people have been talking about the old lord..."

“我看大人还不如‘干父之蛊’，”一位胖大官员看得禹不作声，以为他就要折服了，便带些轻薄的大声说，不过脸上还流出著一层油汗。“照著家法，挽回家声。大人大约未必知道人们在怎么讲说老大人罢……”

“要而言之，‘湮’是世界上已有定評的好法子，”白鬚髮的老官恐怕胖子鬧出岔子來，就搶著說道。“別的種種，所謂‘摩登’者也，昔者蚩尤氏就壞在這一點上。”"In short, 'damming' is a good method already agreed upon by the whole world," the white-bearded old official hastily interjected, fearing the fat man would blunder into trouble. "As for all these other so-called 'modern' notions, it was precisely on this point that Chi You himself came to ruin long ago."

“要而言之，‘湮’是世界上已有定评的好法子，”白须发的老官恐怕胖子闹出岔子来，就抢著说道。“别的种种，所谓‘摩登’者也，昔者蚩尤氏就坏在这一点上。”

禹微微一笑：“我知道的。Yu smiled faintly: "I know all this.有人說我的爸爸變了黃熊，也有人說他變了三足鱉，也有人說我在求名，圖利。Some say my father turned into a yellow bear, some say he turned into a three-legged turtle, and some say I am seeking fame and chasing profit.說就是了。Let them say what they like.我要說的是我查了山澤的情形，徵了百姓的意見，已經看透實情，打定主意，無論如何，非‘導’不可！What I want to say is this: I have investigated the conditions of the mountains and marshes, sought out the opinions of the common people, and having now seen clearly into the true state of things, I have made up my mind — no matter what, it must be 'channeling,' and nothing else!這些同事，也都和我同意的。”These colleagues of mine here all agree with me on this."

禹微微一笑：“我知道的。有人说我的爸爸变了黄熊，也有人说他变了三足鳖，也有人说我在求名，图利。说就是了。我要说的是我查了山泽的情形，征了百姓的意见，已经看透实情，打定主意，无论如何，非‘导’不可！这些同事，也都和我同意的。”

他舉手向兩旁一指。He raised his hand and pointed to both sides.白鬚髮的，花鬚髮的，小白臉的，胖而流著油汗的，胖而不流油汗的官員們，跟著他的指頭看過去，只見一排黑瘦的乞丐似的東西，不動，不言，不笑，像鐵鑄的一樣。The officials — white-bearded, grizzled-bearded, pale and smooth-faced, fat and sweating with oil, fat and not sweating with oil — all followed the direction of his finger, and saw a row of dark, gaunt, beggar-like figures, unmoving, unspeaking, unsmiling, as if cast from iron.

他举手向两旁一指。白须发的，花须发的，小白脸的，胖而流著油汗的，胖而不流油汗的官员们，跟著他的指头看过去，只见一排黑瘦的乞丐似的东西，不动，不言，不笑，像铁铸的一样。

四Four

禹爺走後，時光也過得真快，不知不覺間，京師的景況日見其繁盛了。After Lord Yu departed, time truly passed swiftly, and before anyone quite noticed, the capital's condition grew visibly more prosperous by the day.首先是闊人們有些穿了繭綢袍，後來就看見大水果舖裡賣著橘子和柚子，大綢緞店裡掛著華絲葛；First it was the wealthy who began wearing robes of tussah silk; then oranges and pomelos appeared for sale in the great fruit shops, and fine figured silk hung in the great silk-and-satin stores;富翁的筵席上有了好醬油，清燉魚翅，涼拌海參；the feasts of the rich now featured good soy sauce, clear-stewed shark's fin, and cold-dressed sea cucumber;再後來他們竟有熊皮褥子狐皮褂，那太太也戴上赤金耳環銀手鐲了。and later still they even had bearskin cushions and fox-fur jackets, while their wives had taken to wearing pure gold earrings and silver bracelets.

禹爷走后，时光也过得真快，不知不觉间，京师的景况日见其繁盛了。首先是阔人们有些穿了茧绸袍，后来就看见大水果铺里卖著橘子和柚子，大绸缎店里挂著华丝葛；富翁的筵席上有了好酱油，清炖鱼翅，凉拌海参；再后来他们竟有熊皮褥子狐皮褂，那太太也戴上赤金耳环银手镯了。

只要站在大門口，也總有什麼新鮮的物事看：今天來一車竹箭，明天來一批松板，有時抬過了做假山的怪石，有時提過了做魚生的鮮魚；One had only to stand at the front gate to always find something novel to look at: today a cartload of bamboo arrows would come by, tomorrow a shipment of pine planks; sometimes strange rocks for building rockery gardens were carried past, sometimes fresh fish for making raw fish slices;有時是一大群一尺二寸長的大烏龜，都縮了頭裝著竹籠，載在車子上，拉向皇城那面去。and sometimes it was a great crowd of large tortoises, each a foot or more long, all with heads drawn in, packed into bamboo cages loaded onto carts, being hauled off toward the imperial city.

只要站在大门口，也总有什么新鲜的物事看：今天来一车竹箭，明天来一批松板，有时抬过了做假山的怪石，有时提过了做鱼生的鲜鱼；有时是一大群一尺二寸长的大乌龟，都缩了头装著竹笼，载在车子上，拉向皇城那面去。

“媽媽，你瞧呀，好大的烏龜！”孩子們一看見，就嚷起來，跑上去，圍住了車子。"Mama, look, what huge tortoises!" the children would shout as soon as they saw them, running up to surround the cart.

“妈妈，你瞧呀，好大的乌龟！”孩子们一看见，就嚷起来，跑上去，围住了车子。

“小鬼，快滾開！"You little devils, get away from there at once!這是萬歲爺的寶貝，當心殺頭！”These are treasures for His Majesty — mind you don't lose your heads!"

“小鬼，快滚开！这是万岁爷的宝贝，当心杀头！”

然而關於禹爺的新聞，也和珍寶的入京一同多起來了。But along with the entry of these treasures into the capital, news concerning Lord Yu also grew more and more abundant.百姓的簷前，路旁的樹下，大家都在談他的故事；Under the eaves of the common people's homes, under the trees by the roadside, everyone was telling stories about him;最多的是他怎樣夜裡化為黃熊，用嘴和爪子，一拱一拱的疏通了九河，以及怎樣請了天兵天將，捉住興風作浪的妖怪無支祁，鎮在龜山的腳下。most of all, how at night he turned into a yellow bear, and using his mouth and claws, dug and cleared out the Nine Rivers bit by bit, and how he had summoned heavenly soldiers and generals to capture the monster Wuzhiqi, who stirred up wind and waves, and pinned it down beneath Turtle Mountain.皇上舜爺的事情，可是誰也不再提起了，至多，也不過談談丹朱太子的沒出息。As for the affairs of the Emperor Shun, however, no one brought them up anymore — at most, people merely spoke a little of how good-for-nothing Crown Prince Danzhu was.

然而关于禹爷的新闻，也和珍宝的入京一同多起来了。百姓的簷前，路旁的树下，大家都在谈他的故事；最多的是他怎样夜里化为黄熊，用嘴和爪子，一拱一拱的疏通了九河，以及怎样请了天兵天将，捉住兴风作浪的妖怪无支祁，镇在龟山的脚下。皇上舜爷的事情，可是谁也不再提起了，至多，也不过谈谈丹朱太子的没出息。

禹要回京的消息，原已傳布得很久了，每天總有一群人站在關口，看可有他的儀仗的到來。News that Yu was about to return to the capital had already been circulating for a long time; every day a crowd of people stood at the checkpoint, watching to see if his procession might be arriving.並沒有。It never was.然而消息卻愈傳愈緊，也好像愈真。Yet the news grew more and more urgent as it spread, and seemed also to grow more and more credible.一個半陰半晴的上午，他終於在百姓們的萬頭攢動之間，進了冀州的帝都了。On a morning of mixed cloud and sun, he at last entered the imperial capital of Jizhou, amid a sea of common people's heads all craning to see.前面並沒有儀仗，不過一大批乞丐似的似員。There was no procession out in front at all — only a great crowd of beggar-like attendants.臨末是一個粗手粗腳的大漢，黑臉黃須，腿彎微曲，雙手捧著一片烏黑的尖頂的大石頭——舜爺所賜的“玄圭”，連聲說道“借光，借光，讓一讓，讓一讓”，從人叢中擠進皇宮裡去了。Last of all came a rawboned, rough-handed big fellow, dark-faced with a yellow beard, his legs slightly bowed, holding in both hands a piece of jet-black, pointed-topped great stone — the "Dark Jade Tablet" bestowed by Lord Shun — saying over and over, "Excuse me, excuse me, make way, make way," as he squeezed through the crowd and into the palace.

禹要回京的消息，原已传布得很久了，每天总有一群人站在关口，看可有他的仪仗的到来。并没有。然而消息却愈传愈紧，也好像愈真。一个半阴半晴的上午，他终于在百姓们的万头攒动之间，进了冀州的帝都了。前面并没有仪仗，不过一大批乞丐似的似员。临末是一个粗手粗脚的大汉，黑脸黄须，腿弯微曲，双手捧著一片乌黑的尖顶的大石头——舜爷所赐的“玄圭”，连声说道“借光，借光，让一让，让一让”，从人丛中挤进皇宫里去了。

百姓們就在宮門外歡呼，議論，聲音正好像浙水的濤聲一樣。The common people cheered and talked among themselves outside the palace gates, their voices sounding just like the roar of the tidal bore on the Zhe River.

百姓们就在宫门外欢呼，议论，声音正好像浙水的涛声一样。

舜爺坐在龍位上，原已有了年紀，不免覺得疲勞，這時又似乎有些驚駭。Lord Shun sat upon the dragon throne; being already advanced in years, he could not help feeling weary, and at this moment he also seemed somewhat startled.禹一到，就連忙客氣的站起來，行過禮，皋陶先去應酬了幾句，舜才說道：As soon as Yu arrived, he hurriedly rose to his feet out of courtesy and performed the proper obeisance; Gao Yao first exchanged a few pleasantries, and then Shun said:

舜爷坐在龙位上，原已有了年纪，不免觉得疲劳，这时又似乎有些惊骇。禹一到，就连忙客气的站起来，行过礼，皋陶先去应酬了几句，舜才说道：

“你也講幾句好話我聽呀。”"Won't you say a few good words for me to hear as well?"

“你也讲几句好话我听呀。”

“哼，我有什麼說呢？”禹簡截的回答道。“我就是想，每天孳孳！”"Hmph, what is there for me to say?" Yu answered curtly. "I only think — every day, tirelessly, tirelessly!"

“哼，我有什么说呢？”禹简截的回答道。“我就是想，每天孳孳！”

“什麼叫作‘孳孳’？”皋陶問。"What does 'tirelessly' mean?" asked Gao Yao.

“什么叫作‘孳孳’？”皋陶问。

“洪水滔天，”禹說，“浩浩懷山襄陵，下民都浸在水里。"The floodwaters rose to the heavens," Yu said, "vast and mighty, encircling the mountains and submerging the hills, and the people below were all soaking in the water.我走旱路坐車，走水路坐船，走泥路坐橇，走山路坐轎。On dry land I rode in a cart, on water I went by boat, over mud I used a sledge, and in the mountains I took a sedan chair.到一座山，砍一通樹，和益倆給大家有飯吃，有肉吃。When we came to a mountain, we'd cut down some trees — Yi and I together made sure everyone had rice to eat and meat to eat.放田水入川，放川水入海，和稷倆給大家有難得的東西吃。We drained the water from the fields into the rivers, and from the rivers into the sea — Ji and I together made sure everyone had rare delicacies to eat.東西不夠，就調有餘，補不足。When things ran short, we transferred the surplus to make up the shortfall.搬家。Moved house.大家這才靜下來了，各地方成了個樣子。”Only then did everyone settle down, and each region took proper shape."

“洪水滔天，”禹说，“浩浩怀山襄陵，下民都浸在水里。我走旱路坐车，走水路坐船，走泥路坐橇，走山路坐轿。到一座山，砍一通树，和益俩给大家有饭吃，有肉吃。放田水入川，放川水入海，和稷俩给大家有难得的东西吃。东西不够，就调有余，补不足。搬家。大家这才静下来了，各地方成了个样子。”

“對啦對啦，這些話可真好！”皋陶稱贊道。"Right, right, well said indeed!" Gao Yao praised.

“对啦对啦，这些话可真好！”皋陶称赞道。

“唉！”禹說。“做皇帝要小心，安靜。"Ah!" said Yu. "Being a ruler requires care and calm.對天有良心，天才會仍舊給你好處！”Keep a clear conscience before Heaven, and Heaven will go on favoring you!"

“唉！”禹说。“做皇帝要小心，安静。对天有良心，天才会仍旧给你好处！”

舜爺歎一口氣，就託他管理國家大事，有意見當面講，不要背後說壞話。Sovereign Shun sighed, and entrusted him with the great affairs of state, telling him that if he had objections he should voice them to his face, not speak ill behind his back.看見禹都答應了，又歎一口氣，道：“莫像丹朱的不聽話，只喜歡遊蕩，旱地上要撐船，在家裡又搗亂，弄得過不了日子，這我可真看的不順眼！”Seeing that Yu had agreed to it all, he sighed again and said, "Don't be like Danzhu, who wouldn't listen, who loved nothing but idle wandering, who'd go poling a boat on dry land, and who made such a mess at home that life became unbearable — that's something I truly cannot stand to look at!"

舜爷叹一口气，就托他管理国家大事，有意见当面讲，不要背后说坏话。看见禹都答应了，又叹一口气，道：“莫像丹朱的不听话，只喜欢游荡，旱地上要撑船，在家里又捣乱，弄得过不了日子，这我可真看的不顺眼！”

“我討過老婆，四天就走，”禹回答說。“生了阿啟，也不當他兒子看。"I took a wife, and left four days later," Yu replied. "When Ah Qi was born, I didn't even treat him as my son.所以能夠治了水，分作五圈，簡直有五千里，計十二州，直到海邊，立了五個頭領，都很好。That's how I managed to tame the floods, dividing the land into five zones spanning a full five thousand li, comprising twelve provinces reaching all the way to the seacoast, and setting up five chieftains — all of them doing very well.只是有苗可不行，你得留心點！”Only the Youmiao are still unruly — you'll need to keep an eye on them!"

“我讨过老婆，四天就走，”禹回答说。“生了阿启，也不当他儿子看。所以能够治了水，分作五圈，简直有五千里，计十二州，直到海边，立了五个头领，都很好。只是有苗可不行，你得留心点！”

“我的天下，真是全仗的你的功勞弄好的！”舜爺也稱贊道。"My realm has truly been set right entirely thanks to your achievements!" Sovereign Shun likewise praised him.

“我的天下，真是全仗的你的功劳弄好的！”舜爷也称赞道。

於是皋陶也和舜爺一同肅然起敬，低了頭；At this, Gao Yao too joined Sovereign Shun in a gesture of solemn respect, bowing his head;退朝之後，他就趕緊下一道特別的命令，叫百姓都要學禹的行為，倘不然，立刻就算是犯了罪。after withdrawing from court, he lost no time in issuing a special decree ordering the common people to model themselves on Yu's conduct — anyone who failed to do so would at once be deemed a criminal.

于是皋陶也和舜爷一同肃然起敬，低了头；退朝之后，他就赶紧下一道特别的命令，叫百姓都要学禹的行为，倘不然，立刻就算是犯了罪。

這使商家首先起了大恐慌。This threw the merchants into a great panic before anyone else.但幸而禹爺自從回京以後，態度也改變一點了：吃喝不考究，但做起祭祀和法事來，是闊綽的；But fortunately, ever since His Excellency Yu had returned to the capital, his manner had changed somewhat: he was not particular about food or drink, yet when it came to performing sacrifices and rituals, he spared no expense;衣服很隨便，但上朝和拜客時候的穿著，是要漂亮的。he dressed very casually in ordinary life, but when attending court or paying calls, his attire had to be splendid.所以市面仍舊不很受影響，不多久，商人們就又說禹爺的行為真該學，皋爺的新法令也很不錯；So the marketplace was not, after all, much affected, and before long the merchants were once again saying that His Excellency Yu's conduct was truly worth emulating, and that Lord Gao's new decree was excellent too;終於太平到連百獸都會跳舞，鳳凰也飛來湊熱鬧了。and in the end there was such peace and prosperity that even the hundred beasts danced, and the phoenix flew in to join the festivities.

这使商家首先起了大恐慌。但幸而禹爷自从回京以后，态度也改变一点了：吃喝不考究，但做起祭祀和法事来，是阔绰的；衣服很随便，但上朝和拜客时候的穿著，是要漂亮的。所以市面仍旧不很受影响，不多久，商人们就又说禹爷的行为真该学，皋爷的新法令也很不错；终于太平到连百兽都会跳舞，凤凰也飞来凑热闹了。

一九三五年十一月November, 1935