狂人日記 Diary of a Madman

一I

今天晚上，很好的月光。Tonight, the moonlight is very fine.

我不見他，已是三十多年；I have not seen it for more than thirty years;今天見了，精神分外爽快。seeing it today, my spirits are exceptionally lifted.纔知道以前的三十多年，全是發昏；Only now do I realize that the past thirty-odd years have all been spent in a daze;然而須十分小心。Still, I must be extremely careful.不然，那趙家的狗，何以看我兩眼呢？Otherwise, why would that dog of the Zhao family have looked at me twice?

我不见他，已是三十多年；今天见了，精神分外爽快。才知道以前的三十多年，全是发昏；然而须十分小心。不然，那赵家的狗，何以看我两眼呢？

我怕得有理。My fear is not without reason.

二II

今天全沒月光，我知道不妙。Today there is no moonlight at all; I know this bodes ill.早上小心出門，趙貴翁的眼色便怪：似乎怕我，似乎想害我。This morning I went out cautiously, and Zhao Guiweng's look was strange: as if he feared me, as if he wanted to harm me.還有七八個人，交頭接耳的議論我。There were also seven or eight others, heads together, whispering about me.又怕我看見。Yet afraid I would see them.一路上的人，都是如此。All the people along the way were like this.其中最兇的一個人，張着嘴，對我笑了一笑；The fiercest one among them opened his mouth and gave me a smile;我便從頭直冷到腳跟，曉得他們布置，都已妥當了。a chill ran straight from my head to my heels, and I knew their arrangements were already complete.

今天全没月光，我知道不妙。早上小心出门，赵贵翁的眼色便怪：似乎怕我，似乎想害我。还有七八个人，交头接耳的议论我。又怕我看见。一路上的人，都是如此。其中最凶的一个人，张着嘴，对我笑了一笑；我便从头直冷到脚跟，晓得他们布置，都已妥当了。

我可不怕，仍舊走我的路。But I was not afraid, and went on my way just the same.前面一夥小孩子，也在那里議論我；Ahead, a group of children were also discussing me there;眼色也同趙貴翁一樣，臉色也都鐵靑。their looks were the same as Zhao Guiweng's, and their faces were all iron-blue.我想我同小孩子有什麽讎，他也這樣。I wondered what grudge I could have with children, that they too should be like this.忍不住大聲說：『你吿訴我！』他們可就跑了。I could not help calling out loudly, 'Tell me!' But they ran off.

我可不怕，仍旧走我的路。前面一伙小孩子，也在那里议论我；眼色也同赵贵翁一样，脸色也都铁靑。我想我同小孩子有什么雠，他也这样。忍不住大声说：『你吿诉我！』他们可就跑了。

我想：我同趙貴翁有什麽讎，同路上的人又有什麽讎；I thought: what grudge do I have with Zhao Guiweng, or with the people along the road;只有廿年以前，把古久先生的陳年流水簿子，踹了一腳，古久先生很不高興。the only thing is that twenty years ago I trampled on Mr. Gu Jiu's old ledger book, and Mr. Gu Jiu was very displeased.趙貴翁雖然不認識他，一定也聽到風聲，代抱不平；Though Zhao Guiweng does not know him, he must have heard the rumor and taken up the grievance on his behalf;約定路上的人，同我作寃對。and arranged with the people on the road to be my enemies.但是小孩子呢？But what about the children?那時候，他們還沒有出世，何以今天也睜着怪眼睛，似乎怕我，似乎想害我。At that time they had not yet been born, so why should they too today stare with strange eyes, as if they feared me, as if they wanted to harm me?這眞教我怕，教我納罕而且傷心。This truly frightens me, bewilders me, and grieves me.

我想：我同赵贵翁有什么雠，同路上的人又有什么雠；只有廿年以前，把古久先生的陈年流水簿子，踹了一脚，古久先生很不高兴。赵贵翁虽然不认识他，一定也听到风声，代抱不平；约定路上的人，同我作寃对。但是小孩子呢？那时候，他们还没有出世，何以今天也睁着怪眼睛，似乎怕我，似乎想害我。这真教我怕，教我纳罕而且伤心。

我明白了。I understand now.這是他們娘老子教的！This is what their parents have taught them!

我明白了。这是他们娘老子教的！

三III

晚上總是睡不着。At night I can never sleep.凡事須得硏究，纔會明白。Everything must be studied carefully before it can be understood.

晚上总是睡不着。凡事须得硏究，才会明白。

他們——也有給知縣打枷過的，也有給紳士掌過嘴的，也有衙役佔了他妻子的，也有老子娘被債主逼死的；Those people—some had been put in the cangue by the magistrate, some had been slapped by the gentry, some had had their wives seized by the yamen runners, some had had their parents driven to death by creditors;他們那時候的臉色，全沒有昨天這麽怕，也沒有這麽兇。yet their expressions at that time were nothing like as fearful, nor as fierce, as yesterday's.

他们——也有给知县打枷过的，也有给绅士掌过嘴的，也有衙役占了他妻子的，也有老子娘被债主逼死的；他们那时候的脸色，全没有昨天这么怕，也没有这么凶。

最奇怪的是昨天街上的那個女人，打他兒子，嘴裏說道，『老子呀！Strangest of all was that woman on the street yesterday, beating her son, who said, 'You little wretch!我要咬你幾口纔出氣！』他眼睛卻看着我。I'll bite a few mouthfuls out of you before I'm satisfied!' Yet her eyes were fixed on me.我出了一驚，遮掩不住；I was startled, and could not conceal it;那靑面獠牙的一夥人，便都哄笑起來。and that crowd with the blue-green faces and jutting fangs all burst into laughter.陳老五趕上前，硬把我拖回家中了。Chen Laowu hurried forward and forcibly dragged me back home.

最奇怪的是昨天街上的那个女人，打他儿子，嘴里说道，『老子呀！我要咬你几口才出气！』他眼睛却看着我。我出了一惊，遮掩不住；那靑面獠牙的一伙人，便都哄笑起来。陈老五赶上前，硬把我拖回家中了。

拖我回家。Dragged me home.家裏的人都裝作不認識我；The people at home all pretended not to know me;他們的眼色，也全同別人一樣。their looks were entirely the same as the others'.進了書房，便反扣上門，宛然是關了一隻雞鴨。Once I entered the study, the door was bolted from outside, just as if a chicken or duck were being shut in.這一件事，越教我猜不出底細。This matter left me all the more unable to guess at the truth of it.

拖我回家。家里的人都装作不认识我；他们的眼色，也全同别人一样。进了书房，便反扣上门，宛然是关了一只鸡鸭。这一件事，越教我猜不出底细。

前幾天，狼子村的佃戶來吿荒，對我大哥說，他們村裏的一個大惡人，給大家打死了；A few days ago, a tenant farmer from Wolf Cub Village came to report the famine, and told my elder brother that a great villain in their village had been beaten to death by everyone;幾個人便挖出他的心肝來，用油煎炒了喫，可以壯壯膽子。and several men had dug out his heart and liver, fried them in oil, and eaten them, so as to build up their courage.我插了一句嘴，佃戶和大哥便都看我幾眼。When I put in a word, the tenant and my elder brother both glanced at me several times.今天纔曉得他們的眼光，全同外面的那夥人一模一樣。Only today did I realize that their look was exactly the same as that of the crowd outside.

前几天，狼子村的佃户来吿荒，对我大哥说，他们村里的一个大恶人，给大家打死了；几个人便挖出他的心肝来，用油煎炒了吃，可以壮壮胆子。我插了一句嘴，佃户和大哥便都看我几眼。今天才晓得他们的眼光，全同外面的那伙人一模一样。

想起來，我從頂上直冷到腳跟。Thinking of it, a chill runs from the crown of my head straight down to my heels.

想起来，我从顶上直冷到脚跟。

他們會喫人，就未必不會喫我。If they can eat people, then it is not certain they will not eat me.

他们会吃人，就未必不会吃我。

你看那女人『咬你幾口』的話，和一夥靑面獠牙人的笑，和前天佃戶的話，明明是暗號。Consider that woman's words, 'bite a few mouthfuls out of you,' and the laughter of that crowd with blue-green faces and jutting fangs, and the tenant's words the day before yesterday—clearly these are signals.我看出他話中全是毒，笑中全是刀，他們的牙齒，全是白厲厲的排着，這就是喫人的家伙。I can see that their words are all poison, their laughter all knives; their teeth are all bared white and gleaming in rows—these are the very tools for eating people.

你看那女人『咬你几口』的话，和一伙靑面獠牙人的笑，和前天佃户的话，明明是暗号。我看出他话中全是毒，笑中全是刀，他们的牙齿，全是白厉厉的排着，这就是吃人的家伙。

照我自己想，雖然不是惡人，自從踹了古家的簿子，可就難說了。As I think of myself, though I am no villain, ever since I trampled on the Gu family's ledger, it has become hard to say.他們似乎別有心思，我全猜不出。They seem to have some other design in mind, which I cannot fathom at all.況且他們一翻臉，便說人是惡人。Besides, the moment they turn hostile, they call a person a villain.我還記得大哥教我做論，無論怎樣好人，翻他幾句，他便打上幾個圈；I still remember when my elder brother taught me to write essays, no matter how good a person was, if I found fault with him in a few phrases, he would mark them with circles of approval;原諒壞人幾句，他便說『翻天妙手，與衆不同』。and if I excused a bad person in a few phrases, he would say, 'A marvelous hand that turns the world upside down, quite out of the ordinary.'我那里猜得到他們的心思，究竟怎樣；How could I possibly guess what is really in their minds;況且是要喫的時候。especially now, when it is a matter of wanting to eat someone.

照我自己想，虽然不是恶人，自从踹了古家的簿子，可就难说了。他们似乎别有心思，我全猜不出。况且他们一翻脸，便说人是恶人。我还记得大哥教我做论，无论怎样好人，翻他几句，他便打上几个圈；原谅坏人几句，他便说『翻天妙手，与众不同』。我那里猜得到他们的心思，究竟怎样；况且是要吃的时候。

凡事總須硏究，纔會明白，古來時常喫人，我也還記得，可是不甚淸楚。In all things one must inquire carefully before understanding comes; that in ancient times people often ate one another, I too still remember, though not very clearly.我翻開歷史一查，這歷史沒有年代，歪歪斜斜的每葉上都寫着『仁義道德』幾個字。I opened a history book to check, and this history had no chronology, but on every crooked, scrawled page were written the words 'benevolence, righteousness, morality and virtue.'我橫竪睡不着，仔細看了半夜，纔從字縫裏看出字來，滿本都寫着兩個字是『喫人』！Since I could not sleep anyway, I read closely half the night, until at last I saw words in the cracks between the words—the whole book was filled with just two words: 'Eat people'!

凡事总须硏究，才会明白，古来时常吃人，我也还记得，可是不甚淸楚。我翻开历史一查，这历史没有年代，歪歪斜斜的每叶上都写着『仁义道德』几个字。我横竖睡不着，仔细看了半夜，才从字缝里看出字来，满本都写着两个字是『吃人』！

書上寫着這許多字，佃戶說了這許多話，却都笑吟吟的睜着怪眼睛看我。The book has all these words written in it, the tenant farmer said all those words, yet both look at me with smiling faces and strange, staring eyes.

书上写着这许多字，佃户说了这许多话，却都笑吟吟的睁着怪眼睛看我。

我也是人，他們想要喫我了！I too am a person, and they want to eat me!

我也是人，他们想要吃我了！

四IV

早上，我靜坐了一會。In the morning, I sat quietly for a while.陳老五送進飯來，一碗菜，一碗蒸魚；Chen Laowu brought in a meal, a bowl of vegetables and a bowl of steamed fish;這魚的眼睛，白而且硬，張着嘴，同那一夥想喫人的人一樣。the fish's eyes were white and hard, its mouth open, just like that crowd of people who want to eat people.喫了幾筷，滑溜溜的不知是魚是人，便把他兜肚連腸的吐出。After a few mouthfuls, slippery and I could not tell whether it was fish or human, I spat it all out, stomach and guts together.

早上，我静坐了一会。陈老五送进饭来，一碗菜，一碗蒸鱼；这鱼的眼睛，白而且硬，张着嘴，同那一伙想吃人的人一样。吃了几筷，滑溜溜的不知是鱼是人，便把他兜肚连肠的吐出。

我說：『老五，對大哥説，我悶得荒，想到園裏走走。』老五不答應，走了，停一會，可就來開了門。I said, 'Laowu, tell my elder brother I feel terribly stifled and would like to walk in the garden.' Laowu did not answer, and left; after a while, he did come and open the door.

我说：『老五，对大哥说，我闷得荒，想到园里走走。』老五不答应，走了，停一会，可就来开了门。

我也不動，硏究他們如何擺佈我；I did not stir, but studied how they would go about handling me;知道他們一定不肯放鬆。knowing they would certainly not let me go.果然！Sure enough!我大哥引了一個老頭子，慢慢走來；My elder brother led an old man in, walking slowly;他滿眼兇光，怕我看出，只是低頭向着地，從眼鏡橫邊暗暗看我。his eyes were full of a fierce glint, and fearing I would notice, he kept his head lowered toward the ground, stealing glances at me from the side of his glasses.大哥說：『今天你彷佛很好。』我說：『是的。』大哥說：『今天請何先生來，給你診一診。』我說：『可以！』其實我豈不知道這老頭子是劊子手扮的！My elder brother said, 'Today you seem quite well.' I said, 'Yes.' My elder brother said, 'Today I've invited Mr. He to come and examine you.' I said, 'Very well!' In fact, how could I not know that this old man was an executioner in disguise!無非借了看脈這名目，揣一揣肥瘠：因這功勞，也分一片肉喫。It was nothing but using the pretext of taking my pulse to feel how fat or thin I was; for this service, he too would get a share of meat to eat.我也不怕；Yet I was not afraid;雖然不喫人，膽子卻比他們還壯。though I do not eat people, my courage is even greater than theirs.伸出兩個拳頭，看他如何下手。I stretched out my two fists, to see how he would go about it.老頭子坐着，閉了眼睛，摸了好一會，呆了好一會；The old man sat down, closed his eyes, felt my pulse for a good while, and sat blankly for a good while;便張開他鬼眼睛說：『不要亂想。then opened his ghostly eyes and said, 'Don't let your thoughts run wild.靜靜的養幾天，就好了。』Rest quietly for a few days, and you'll be well.'

我也不动，硏究他们如何摆布我；知道他们一定不肯放松。果然！我大哥引了一个老头子，慢慢走来；他满眼凶光，怕我看出，只是低头向着地，从眼镜横边暗暗看我。大哥说：『今天你彷佛很好。』我说：『是的。』大哥说：『今天请何先生来，给你诊一诊。』我说：『可以！』其实我岂不知道这老头子是刽子手扮的！无非借了看脉这名目，揣一揣肥瘠：因这功劳，也分一片肉吃。我也不怕；虽然不吃人，胆子却比他们还壮。伸出两个拳头，看他如何下手。老头子坐着，闭了眼睛，摸了好一会，呆了好一会；便张开他鬼眼睛说：『不要乱想。静静的养几天，就好了。』

不要亂想，靜靜的養！Don't let your thoughts run wild, rest quietly!養肥了，他們是自然可以多喫；Once I'm fattened up, they will naturally get more to eat;我有什麽好處，怎麽會『好了』？what good would that do me—how could it possibly make me 'well'?他們這羣人，又想喫人，又是鬼鬼祟祟，想法子遮掩，不敢直捷下手，眞要令我笑死。This whole crowd of them, wanting to eat people and yet being so furtive about it, scheming to conceal it, not daring to act directly—it's enough to make me die laughing.我忍不住，便放聲大笑起來，十分快活。I could not help it, and burst out laughing aloud, feeling thoroughly delighted.自己曉得這笑聲裏面，有的是義勇和正氣；I myself know that within this laughter there was courage and righteous spirit;老頭子和大哥，都失了色，被我這勇氣正氣鎭壓住了。the old man and my elder brother both turned pale, overawed by this courage and righteousness of mine.

不要乱想，静静的养！养肥了，他们是自然可以多吃；我有什么好处，怎么会『好了』？他们这群人，又想吃人，又是鬼鬼祟祟，想法子遮掩，不敢直捷下手，真要令我笑死。我忍不住，便放声大笑起来，十分快活。自己晓得这笑声里面，有的是义勇和正气；老头子和大哥，都失了色，被我这勇气正气镇压住了。

但是我有勇氣，他們便越想喫我，沾光一點這勇氣。But the more courage I have, the more they want to eat me, so as to gain a little of that courage for themselves.老頭子跨出門，走不多遠，便低聲對大哥說道，『趕緊喫罷！』大哥點點頭。The old man stepped out the door, and before he had gone far, said in a low voice to my elder brother, 'Better eat him soon!' My elder brother nodded.原來也有你！So you are in on it too!這一件大發見，雖似意外，也在意中：合夥喫我的人，便是我的哥哥！This great discovery, though it seemed unexpected, was also to be expected: the one in league to eat me is none other than my own elder brother!

但是我有勇气，他们便越想吃我，沾光一点这勇气。老头子跨出门，走不多远，便低声对大哥说道，『赶紧吃罢！』大哥点点头。原来也有你！这一件大发见，虽似意外，也在意中：合伙吃我的人，便是我的哥哥！

喫人的是我哥哥！The one who eats people is my elder brother!

吃人的是我哥哥！

我是喫人的人的兄弟！I am the younger brother of a man who eats people!

我是吃人的人的兄弟！

我自己被人喫了，可仍然是喫人的人的兄弟！I myself may be eaten by others, yet I am still the younger brother of a man who eats people!

我自己被人吃了，可仍然是吃人的人的兄弟！

五V

這幾天是退一步想：假使那老頭子不是劊子手扮的，眞是醫生，也仍然是喫人的人。These past few days I have been considering the matter from another angle: even supposing that old man was not an executioner in disguise, but a genuine doctor, he would still be a man who eats people.他們的祖師李時珍做的『本草什麽』上，明明寫着人肉可以煎喫；In that 'Materia Medica' or whatever it's called, written by their founding master Li Shizhen, it is plainly stated that human flesh can be fried and eaten;他還能說自己不喫人麽？how then can he claim that he himself does not eat people?

这几天是退一步想：假使那老头子不是刽子手扮的，真是医生，也仍然是吃人的人。他们的祖师李时珍做的『本草什么』上，明明写着人肉可以煎吃；他还能说自己不吃人么？

至于我家大哥，也毫不寃枉他。As for my own elder brother, I do him no injustice either.他對我講書的時候，親口說過可以『易子而食』；When he was teaching me from the books, he said with his own mouth that one could 'exchange children and eat them';又一回偶然議論起一個不好的人，他便說不但該殺，還當『食肉寢皮』。and on another occasion, discussing a bad person by chance, he said not only should such a man be killed, but one ought to 'eat his flesh and sleep on his skin.'我那時年紀還小，心跳了好半天。I was still young at the time, and my heart pounded for a long while.前天狼子村佃戶來說喫心肝的事，他也毫不奇怪，不住的點頭。The day before yesterday, when the tenant from Wolf Cub Village came and spoke of eating the heart and liver, he showed no surprise at all, and kept nodding his head.可見心思是同從前一樣狠。This shows that his mind is just as cruel as it was before.既然可以『易子而食』，便什麽都易得，什麽人都喫得。Since one can 'exchange children and eat them,' then anything can be exchanged, and anyone can be eaten.我從前單聽他講道理，也糊塗過去；In the past, when I merely listened to him expounding principles, I let it pass in confusion;現在曉得他講道理的時候，不但脣邊還抹着人油，而且心裏滿裝着喫人的意思。now I realize that when he expounds his principles, not only is there human grease smeared at the corners of his mouth, but his heart is entirely filled with the intent to eat people.

至于我家大哥，也毫不寃枉他。他对我讲书的时候，亲口说过可以『易子而食』；又一回偶然议论起一个不好的人，他便说不但该杀，还当『食肉寝皮』。我那时年纪还小，心跳了好半天。前天狼子村佃户来说吃心肝的事，他也毫不奇怪，不住的点头。可见心思是同从前一样狠。既然可以『易子而食』，便什么都易得，什么人都吃得。我从前单听他讲道理，也糊涂过去；现在晓得他讲道理的时候，不但唇边还抹着人油，而且心里满装着吃人的意思。

六VI

黑漆漆的，不知是日是夜。Pitch dark—I do not know whether it is day or night.趙家的狗又叫起來了。The Zhao family's dog has started barking again.

黑漆漆的，不知是日是夜。赵家的狗又叫起来了。

獅子似的凶心，兔子的怯弱，狐狸的狡猾，……The fierce heart of a lion, the timidity of a rabbit, the cunning of a fox, ...

狮子似的凶心，兔子的怯弱，狐狸的狡猾，……

七VII

我曉得他們的方法，直捷殺了，是不肯的，而且也不敢，怕有禍祟。I know their method: they are unwilling to kill me outright, and moreover dare not, for fear of retribution.所以他們大家連絡，布滿了羅網，逼我自戕。So they have all banded together, spreading a net everywhere, to force me to destroy myself.試看前幾天街上男女的樣子，和這幾天我大哥的作爲，便足可悟出八九分了。Just consider the looks of the men and women on the street these past few days, and my elder brother's conduct these last few days—that is enough to make one understand eight or nine parts of it.最好是解下腰帶，挂在梁上，自己緊緊勒死；Best of all would be to untie my belt, hang it from the beam, and strangle myself tightly to death;他們沒有殺人的罪名，又償了心願，自然都歡天喜地的發出一種嗚嗚咽咽的笑聲。They bear no name of murder, and moreover have had their wish fulfilled, so naturally they all break out joyfully into a kind of muffled, whimpering laughter.否則驚嚇憂愁死了，雖則略瘦，也還可以首肯幾下。Otherwise, if he dies of fright and worry, though somewhat thinner, they can still nod their approval a few times.

我晓得他们的方法，直捷杀了，是不肯的，而且也不敢，怕有祸祟。所以他们大家连络，布满了罗网，逼我自戕。试看前几天街上男女的样子，和这几天我大哥的作为，便足可悟出八九分了。最好是解下腰带，挂在梁上，自己紧紧勒死；他们没有杀人的罪名，又偿了心愿，自然都欢天喜地的发出一种呜呜咽咽的笑声。否则惊吓忧愁死了，虽则略瘦，也还可以首肯几下。

他們是只會喫死肉的！——記得什麽書上說，有一種東西，叫『海乙那』的，眼光和樣子都很難看；They only know how to eat dead flesh! — I remember reading in some book that there is a creature called the 'hyena,' whose eyes and appearance are both very ugly;時常喫死肉，連極大的骨頭，都細細嚼爛，嚥下肚子去，想起來也教人害怕。『海乙那』是狼的親眷，狼是狗的本家。it often eats dead flesh, chewing even huge bones into fine bits and swallowing them down — the very thought of it is enough to frighten one. The 'hyena' is a kinsman of the wolf, and the wolf is a relative of the dog.前天趙家的狗，看我幾眼，可見他也同謀，早已接洽，老頭子眼看着地。The day before yesterday, the Zhao family's dog looked at me several times — clearly he too is in the conspiracy, and has long since come to an understanding with them; the old man kept his eyes fixed on the ground.豈能瞞得我過。How could he possibly deceive me?

他们是只会吃死肉的！——记得什么书上说，有一种东西，叫『海乙那』的，眼光和样子都很难看；时常吃死肉，连极大的骨头，都细细嚼烂，咽下肚子去，想起来也教人害怕。『海乙那』是狼的亲眷，狼是狗的本家。前天赵家的狗，看我几眼，可见他也同谋，早已接洽，老头子眼看着地。岂能瞒得我过。

最可憐的是我的大哥。The most pitiable one is my elder brother.他也是人，何以毫不害怕；He too is a man — why is he not the least bit afraid;而且合夥喫我呢？and moreover joins the gang in eating me?還是歷來慣了，不以爲非呢？Is it that he has been used to it all along, and does not consider it wrong?還是喪了良心，明知故犯呢？Or is it that he has lost his conscience, and knowingly commits the offense anyway?

最可怜的是我的大哥。他也是人，何以毫不害怕；而且合伙吃我呢？还是历来惯了，不以为非呢？还是丧了良心，明知故犯呢？

我詛呪喫人的人，先從他起頭；I curse the people-eaters — I shall begin with him;要勸轉喫人的人，也先從他下手。and if I am to persuade the people-eaters to turn back, I shall start with him too.

我诅呪吃人的人，先从他起头；要劝转吃人的人，也先从他下手。

八8

其實這種道理，到了現在，他們也該早已懂得，……Actually, by now, this reasoning is something they surely ought to have understood long ago, ……

其实这种道理，到了现在，他们也该早已懂得，……

忽然來了一個人；Suddenly a man arrived;年紀不過二十左右，相貌是不很看得淸楚，滿面笑容，對了我點頭，他的笑也不像眞笑。he was no more than twenty years old or so, and I could not make out his features very clearly; his face was full of smiles, and he nodded at me — though his smile did not look like a real smile.我便問他：『喫人的事，對麽？』他仍然笑着說：『不是荒年，怎麽會喫人。』我立刻就曉得，他也是一夥，喜歡喫人的；So I asked him: 'Is it right to eat people?' Still smiling, he said: 'If it isn't a famine year, how could there be any eating of people?' I knew at once that he too was one of the gang, one who delighted in eating people;便自勇氣百倍，偏要問他。and so, filled with a hundredfold courage, I insisted on questioning him further.

忽然来了一个人；年纪不过二十左右，相貌是不很看得淸楚，满面笑容，对了我点头，他的笑也不像真笑。我便问他：『吃人的事，对么？』他仍然笑着说：『不是荒年，怎么会吃人。』我立刻就晓得，他也是一伙，喜欢吃人的；便自勇气百倍，偏要问他。

『對麽？』'Is it right?'

『对么？』

『這等事問他甚麽。'Why ask about a thing like that.你眞會……You really do…說笑話。……like to joke.…今天天氣很好。』The weather's very fine today.'

『这等事问他甚么。你真会……说笑话。……今天天气很好。』

天氣是好，月色也很亮了。The weather was indeed fine, and the moonlight was very bright too.可是我要問你，『對麽？』But I wanted to ask him, 'Is it right?'

天气是好，月色也很亮了。可是我要问你，『对么？』

他不以爲然了。He did not agree.含含胡胡的答道，『不……』He answered evasively, 'No…'

他不以为然了。含含胡胡的答道，『不……』

『不對？'Not right?他們何以竟喫！』Then why do they actually eat people!'

『不对？他们何以竟吃！』

『沒有的事……』'There's no such thing…'

『没有的事……』

『沒有的事？'No such thing?狼子村現喫；In Wolf Cub Village they're eating people right now;還有書上都寫着，通紅斬新！』and besides, it's all written in the books, fresh red, brand new!'

『没有的事？狼子村现吃；还有书上都写着，通红斩新！』

他便變了臉，鐵一般靑。At this his face changed color, turning iron-blue.睜着眼說，『也許有的，這是從來如此……』With staring eyes he said, 'There may be such a thing — it has always been so…'

他便变了脸，铁一般靑。睁着眼说，『也许有的，这是从来如此……』

『從來如此，便對麽？』'Just because it has always been so, does that make it right?'

『从来如此，便对么？』

『我不同你講這些道理；'I won't argue such matters with you;總之你不該說，你說便是你錯！』in any case, you ought not to speak of it — if you speak of it, then you are in the wrong!'

『我不同你讲这些道理；总之你不该说，你说便是你错！』

我直跳起來，張開眼，這人便不見了。I sprang straight up, opened my eyes, and the man had vanished.全身出了一大片汗。My whole body broke out in a great sweat.他的年紀，比我大哥小得遠，居然也是一夥；He was far younger than my elder brother, and yet he too was actually one of the gang;這一定是他娘老子先教的。this must surely be something his parents taught him first.還怕已經教給他兒子了；And I fear he may already have taught it to his own son;所以連小孩子，也都惡狠狠的看我。that is why even the little children look at me so fiercely.

我直跳起来，张开眼，这人便不见了。全身出了一大片汗。他的年纪，比我大哥小得远，居然也是一伙；这一定是他娘老子先教的。还怕已经教给他儿子了；所以连小孩子，也都恶狠狠的看我。

九9

自己想喫人，又怕被別人喫了，都用着疑心極深的眼光，面面相覷。……Wanting to eat others themselves, yet afraid of being eaten by others, they all eye one another with looks of the deepest suspicion. ……

自己想吃人，又怕被别人吃了，都用着疑心极深的眼光，面面相觑。……

去了這心思，放心做事走路喫飯睡覺，何等舒服。If they could cast off this mindset, and go about their work, walking, eating, and sleeping with an easy mind — how comfortable that would be.這只是一條門檻，一個關頭。It is only a threshold, a single turning point.他們可是父子、兄弟、夫婦、朋友、師生、仇敵和各不相識的人，都結成一夥，互相勸勉，互相牽掣，死也不肯跨這一步。Yet they — fathers and sons, brothers, husbands and wives, friends, teachers and students, enemies, and people who do not even know one another — have all banded together into one gang, urging one another on, restraining one another, and would rather die than take this one step.

去了这心思，放心做事走路吃饭睡觉，何等舒服。这只是一条门槛，一个关头。他们可是父子、兄弟、夫妇、朋友、师生、仇敌和各不相识的人，都结成一伙，互相劝勉，互相牵掣，死也不肯跨这一步。

十10

大淸早，去尋我大哥；Early in the morning, I went to look for my elder brother;他立在堂門外看天，我便走到他背後，攔住門，格外沈靜，格外和氣的對他說：he was standing outside the hall door gazing at the sky. I walked up behind him, blocked the doorway, and, with unusual calm and unusual gentleness, said to him:

大淸早，去寻我大哥；他立在堂门外看天，我便走到他背后，拦住门，格外沈静，格外和气的对他说：

『大哥，我有話吿訴你。』'Elder Brother, I have something to tell you.'

『大哥，我有话吿诉你。』

『你說就是。』他趕緊回過臉來，點點頭。'Go ahead and say it.' He quickly turned his face around and nodded.

『你说就是。』他赶紧回过脸来，点点头。

『我只有幾句話，可是說不出來。'I have only a few words to say, but I find it hard to get them out.大哥，大約當初野蠻的人，都喫過一點人。Elder Brother, most likely, in the beginning, savage people all ate a bit of human flesh.後來因爲心思不同，有的不喫人了，一味要好，便變了人，變了眞的人。Later, because their minds diverged, some stopped eating people, and, striving wholeheartedly to be good, changed into men — into true human beings.有的卻還喫，——也同蟲子一樣，有的變了魚、鳥、猴子，一直變到人。Some, however, still went on eating — just like insects: some of them changed into fish, into birds, into monkeys, and went on changing all the way into men.有的不要好，至今還是蟲子。Some did not strive to be good, and to this day remain insects.這喫人的人比不喫人的人，何等慚愧。How ashamed these people-eaters ought to be, compared with those who do not eat people.怕比蟲子的慚愧猴子，還差得很遠很遠。Their shame is probably far, far less than the shame insects feel before monkeys.

『我只有几句话，可是说不出来。大哥，大约当初野蛮的人，都吃过一点人。后来因为心思不同，有的不吃人了，一味要好，便变了人，变了真的人。有的却还吃，——也同虫子一样，有的变了鱼、鸟、猴子，一直变到人。有的不要好，至今还是虫子。这吃人的人比不吃人的人，何等惭愧。怕比虫子的惭愧猴子，还差得很远很远。

『易牙蒸了他兒子，給桀紂喫，還是一直從前的事。'When Yi Ya steamed his own son and gave him to Jie and Zhou to eat, that was already a story from long, long ago.誰曉得從盤古開闢天地以後，一直喫到易牙的兒子；Who would have thought that ever since Pangu separated heaven and earth, people had been eaten on and on, right down to Yi Ya's son;從易牙的兒子，一直喫到徐錫林；and from Yi Ya's son, on and on down to Xu Xilin;從徐錫林，又一直喫到狼子村捉住的人。and from Xu Xilin, on and on again to the man caught in Wolf Cub Village.去年城裏殺了犯人，還有個生癆病的人，用饅頭蘸血舐。Last year, when a criminal was executed in the city, there was even a man with consumption who dipped a steamed bun in the blood and licked it.

『易牙蒸了他儿子，给桀纣吃，还是一直从前的事。谁晓得从盘古开辟天地以后，一直吃到易牙的儿子；从易牙的儿子，一直吃到徐锡林；从徐锡林，又一直吃到狼子村捉住的人。去年城里杀了犯人，还有个生痨病的人，用馒头蘸血舐。

『他們要喫我，你一個人，原也無法可想；'As for their wanting to eat me — you alone, of course, can do nothing about it;然而又何必去入夥。but why then must you join their gang?喫人的人，什麽事做不出；People-eaters are capable of anything;他們會喫我，也會喫你，一夥裏面，也會自喫。they can eat me, and they can eat you too — even within the same gang, they will eat one another.但只要轉一步，只要立刻改了，也就人人太平。But if you would only turn about, only reform at once, then everyone could live in peace.雖然從來如此，我們今天也可以格外要好，說是不能！Even though it has always been so, today we could make a special effort to be good, and say: it cannot be done!大哥，我相信你能說，前天佃戶要減租，你說過不能。』Elder Brother, I believe you are able to say it — the day before yesterday, when the tenant farmers wanted to reduce their rent, you said it could not be done.'

『他们要吃我，你一个人，原也无法可想；然而又何必去入伙。吃人的人，什么事做不出；他们会吃我，也会吃你，一伙里面，也会自吃。但只要转一步，只要立刻改了，也就人人太平。虽然从来如此，我们今天也可以格外要好，说是不能！大哥，我相信你能说，前天佃户要减租，你说过不能。』

當初，他還只是冷笑，隨後眼光便凶狠起來，一到說破他們的隱情，那就滿臉都變成靑色了。At first he only sneered coldly; then his eyes grew fierce and savage, and the moment I laid bare their hidden secret, his whole face turned blue.大門外立着一夥人，趙貴翁和他的狗，也在裏面，都探頭探腦的挨進來。Outside the main gate stood a crowd of people; Zhao Guiweng and his dog were among them too, all craning their necks and edging their way in.有的是看不出面貌，似乎用布蒙着；Some had faces I could not make out, as though covered with cloth;有的是仍舊靑面潦牙，抿着嘴笑。others still had their pallid, greenish faces and jagged teeth, lips pressed together in a smile.我認識他們是一夥，都是喫人的人。I recognized them as being of the same gang, all people-eaters.可是也曉得他們心思很不一樣，一種是以爲從來如此，應該喫的；Yet I also knew their minds were not all alike: one kind believed that, since it had always been so, people ought to be eaten;一種是知道不該喫，可是仍然要喫，又怕別人說破他，所以聽了我的話，越發氣憤不過，可是抿着嘴冷笑。another kind knew it should not be done, yet still wanted to do it, and, fearing others might expose them, grew all the more indignant on hearing my words — yet still only pressed their lips together in a cold sneer.

当初，他还只是冷笑，随后眼光便凶狠起来，一到说破他们的隐情，那就满脸都变成靑色了。大门外立着一伙人，赵贵翁和他的狗，也在里面，都探头探脑的挨进来。有的是看不出面貌，似乎用布蒙着；有的是仍旧靑面潦牙，抿着嘴笑。我认识他们是一伙，都是吃人的人。可是也晓得他们心思很不一样，一种是以为从来如此，应该吃的；一种是知道不该吃，可是仍然要吃，又怕别人说破他，所以听了我的话，越发气愤不过，可是抿着嘴冷笑。

這時候，大哥也忽然顯出凶相，高聲喝道：At this moment, my elder brother too suddenly took on a fierce look, and shouted in a loud voice:

这时候，大哥也忽然显出凶相，高声喝道：

『都出去！'Everyone out!瘋子有什麽好看！』What is there to see in a madman!'

『都出去！疯子有什么好看！』

這時候，我又懂得一件他們的巧妙了。It was then that I understood one more of their clever tricks.他們豈但不肯改，而且早已布置；Not only were they unwilling to reform — they had already made their arrangements;預備下一個瘋子的名目罩上我。they had prepared the label of 'madman' in advance, to clap over me.將來喫了，不但太平無事，怕還會有人見情。That way, when they eat me in the future, not only will there be no trouble at all — I daresay some may even earn gratitude for it.佃戶說的大家喫了一個惡人，正是這方法。What the tenant farmer spoke of, everyone together eating one wicked man, is precisely this same method.這是他們的老譜！This is their old formula!

这时候，我又懂得一件他们的巧妙了。他们岂但不肯改，而且早已布置；预备下一个疯子的名目罩上我。将来吃了，不但太平无事，怕还会有人见情。佃户说的大家吃了一个恶人，正是这方法。这是他们的老谱！

陳老五也氣憤憤的直走進來。Chen Lao-wu too came storming straight in, full of indignation.如何按得住我的口，我偏要對這夥人說，How could they possibly hold my mouth shut? I was determined to say to this crowd of people,

陈老五也气愤愤的直走进来。如何按得住我的口，我偏要对这伙人说，

『你們可以改了，從眞心改起！'You can still reform — reform from the bottom of your hearts!要曉得將來容不得喫人的人，活在世上。You must know that in the future there will be no place in the world for people who eat people to go on living.

『你们可以改了，从真心改起！要晓得将来容不得吃人的人，活在世上。

『你們要不改，自己也會喫盡。'If you do not reform, you will end up devouring one another entirely.卽使生得多，也會給眞的人除滅了，同獵人打完狼子一樣！——同蟲子一樣！』Even if you breed in great numbers, you will still be wiped out by true human beings — just as hunters wipe out wolves! — just like insects!'

『你们要不改，自己也会吃尽。即使生得多，也会给真的人除灭了，同猎人打完狼子一样！——同虫子一样！』

那一夥人，都被陳老五趕走了。That whole crowd was driven off by Chen Lao-wu.大哥也不知那里去了。My elder brother too had gone off somewhere, I knew not where.陳老五勸我回屋子裏去。Chen Lao-wu urged me to go back into my room.屋裏面全是黑沈沈的。Inside the room it was all dark and gloomy.橫梁和椽子都在頭上發抖；The beams and rafters trembled above my head;抖了一會，就大起來，堆在我身上。after trembling for a while, they grew larger, and piled themselves down upon me.

那一伙人，都被陈老五赶走了。大哥也不知那里去了。陈老五劝我回屋子里去。屋里面全是黑沈沈的。横梁和椽子都在头上发抖；抖了一会，就大起来，堆在我身上。

萬分沈重，動彈不得；They were unbearably heavy, and I could not move at all;他的意思是要我死。their intent was to make me die.我曉得他的沈重是假的，便掙扎出來，出了一身汗。I knew that their heaviness was false, so I struggled free, breaking out in a sweat all over.可是偏要說，Yet still I insisted on saying,

万分沈重，动弹不得；他的意思是要我死。我晓得他的沈重是假的，便挣扎出来，出了一身汗。可是偏要说，

『你們立刻改了，從眞心改起！'Reform at once — reform from the bottom of your hearts!你們要曉得將來是容不得喫人的人，……』You must know that in the future there will be no place for people who eat people, ……'

『你们立刻改了，从真心改起！你们要晓得将来是容不得吃人的人，……』

十一11

太陽也不出，門也不開，日日是兩頓飯。The sun does not come out, and the door does not open; day after day there are just two meals.

太阳也不出，门也不开，日日是两顿饭。

我揑起筷子，便想起我大哥；I pick up my chopsticks, and at once I think of my elder brother;曉得妹子死掉的緣故，也全在他。I know that the reason my little sister died lies entirely with him too.那時我妹子纔五歲，可愛可憐的樣子，還在眼前。At that time my little sister was only five years old, and her lovable, pitiable little figure is still before my eyes.母親哭個不住，他卻勸母親不要哭；Mother wept without stopping, yet he urged Mother not to cry;大約因爲自己喫了，哭起來不免有點過意不去。probably because he himself had eaten her, and to weep over it made him feel rather too uneasy.如果還能過意不去，……If he was still capable of feeling uneasy, ……

我揑起筷子，便想起我大哥；晓得妹子死掉的缘故，也全在他。那时我妹子才五岁，可爱可怜的样子，还在眼前。母亲哭个不住，他却劝母亲不要哭；大约因为自己吃了，哭起来不免有点过意不去。如果还能过意不去，……

妹子是被大哥喫了，母親知道沒有，我可不得而知。Whether my sister was eaten by my elder brother, and whether Mother knew of it, I have no way of knowing.

妹子是被大哥吃了，母亲知道没有，我可不得而知。

母親想也知道；I imagine Mother knew too;不過哭的時候，卻並沒有說明，大約也以爲應當的了。only, when she wept, she never said so outright — probably she too considered it something proper and to be expected.記得我四五歲時，坐在堂前乘涼，大哥說爺娘生病，做兒子的須割下一片肉來，煑熟了請他喫，纔算好人；I remember that when I was four or five years old, sitting in front of the hall enjoying the cool air, my elder brother said that when one's father or mother falls ill, a son must cut off a piece of his own flesh, cook it thoroughly, and offer it to them to eat, before he can be counted a good son;母親也沒說不行。Mother didn't say it was wrong, either.一片喫得，整個的自然也喫得。If a piece could be eaten, then naturally the whole of it could be eaten too.但是那天的哭法，現在想起來，實在還教人傷心，這眞是奇極的事！But the way she cried that day—thinking of it now—is still enough to break one's heart. This is truly the strangest thing!

母亲想也知道；不过哭的时候，却并没有说明，大约也以为应当的了。记得我四五岁时，坐在堂前乘凉，大哥说爷娘生病，做儿子的须割下一片肉来，煑熟了请他吃，才算好人；母亲也没说不行。一片吃得，整个的自然也吃得。但是那天的哭法，现在想起来，实在还教人伤心，这真是奇极的事！

十二Twelve

不能想了。I can't bear to think of it any more.

四千年來時時喫人的地方，今天纔明白，我也在其中混了多年；A place that has been eating people for four thousand years—only today did I understand it, and that I myself had been mixed up in it for many years too;大哥正管着家務，妹子恰恰死了，他未必不和在飯菜裏，暗暗給我們喫。Elder brother was in charge of the household just then, and it was just when my little sister died—it's quite possible he mixed her into the food and secretly gave it to us to eat.

四千年来时时吃人的地方，今天才明白，我也在其中混了多年；大哥正管着家务，妹子恰恰死了，他未必不和在饭菜里，暗暗给我们吃。

我未必無意之中，不喫了我妹子的幾片肉，現在也輪到我自己，……It's quite possible that, without knowing it, I too ate several pieces of my sister's flesh, and now it's my own turn, ……

我未必无意之中，不吃了我妹子的几片肉，现在也轮到我自己，……

有了四千年喫人履歷的我，當初雖然不知道，現在明白，難見眞的人！I, who carry a record of four thousand years of man-eating—though I did not know it at first, I understand now—how hard it is to face real human beings!

有了四千年吃人履历的我，当初虽然不知道，现在明白，难见真的人！

十三Thirteen

沒有喫過人的孩子，或者還有？Are there perhaps still children who have not yet eaten people?

没有吃过人的孩子，或者还有？

救救孩子……Save the children……

（一九一八年四月。）(April, 1918.)

据《中华人民共和国著作权法释义》，法人作品应满足三点要求：（1）由法人（或其他组织，以下简称“法人”）主持创作，而非工作人员自发进行；（2）创作思想及表达方式体现法人意志；（3）由法人负责，而非执笔者。（详情）According to the Interpretive Commentary on the Copyright Law of the People's Republic of China, a work by a legal person must satisfy three requirements: (1) it is created under the direction of the legal person (or other organization, hereinafter "legal person"), rather than spontaneously by staff members; (2) the creative intent and mode of expression embody the will of the legal person; (3) responsibility for the work rests with the legal person, not with the person who actually wrote it. (Details)

《魯迅全集》由魯迅先生紀念委員會於1938年出版。The Complete Works of Lu Xun was published in 1938 by the Mr. Lu Xun Memorial Committee.編輯委員會成員有蔡元培、馬裕藻、許壽裳、沈兼士、茅盾、周作人、許廣平等，實際負責工作的是鄭振鐸和王任叔，工作人員則有唐弢、謝澹如、胡仲持等。The editorial committee's members included Cai Yuanpei, Ma Yuzao, Xu Shoushang, Shen Jianshi, Mao Dun, Zhou Zuoren, and Xu Guangping, among others; the work was actually carried out by Zheng Zhenduo and Wang Renshu, with staff members including Tang Tao, Xie Danru, and Hu Zhongchi, among others.

《鲁迅全集》由鲁迅先生纪念委员会于1938年出版。编辑委员会成员有蔡元培、马裕藻、许寿裳、沈兼士、茅盾、周作人、许广平等，实际负责工作的是郑振铎和王任叔，工作人员则有唐弢、谢澹如、胡仲持等。