社戲 Village Opera

我在倒數上去的二十年中，只看過兩回中國戲，前十年是絕不看，因爲沒有看戲的意思和機會，那兩回全在後十年，然而都沒有看出什麽來就走了。In the twenty-odd years counting backward from now, I have watched Chinese opera only twice; in the first ten years I never watched it at all, having neither the inclination nor the occasion, and those two times both fell within the latter ten years, yet on both occasions I left without having made out anything at all.

我在倒数上去的二十年中，只看过两回中国戏，前十年是绝不看，因为没有看戏的意思和机会，那两回全在后十年，然而都没有看出什么来就走了。

第一回是民國元年我初到北京的時候，當時一個朋友對我說，北京戲最好，你不去見見世面麽？The first time was in the first year of the Republic, when I had just come to Beijing; a friend of mine said to me then, "Beijing opera is the best—won't you go and see a bit of the world?"我想，看戲是有味的，而况在北京呢。I thought, watching opera is a pleasant thing, all the more so in Beijing.於是都興致勃勃的跑到什麽園，戲文已經開場了，在外面也早聽到鼕鼕地響。So off we went, all in high spirits, to some garden or other; the play had already begun, and even outside we could hear the dong-dong of the drums.我們挨進門，幾個紅的綠的在我的眼前一閃爍，便又看見戲臺下滿是許多頭，再定神四面看，却見中間也還有幾個空座，擠過去要坐時，又有人對我發議論，我因爲耳朶已經喤喤的響着了，用了心，纔聽到他是說「有人，不行！」We squeezed in through the gate, a flash of reds and greens before my eyes, and then I saw that the space beneath the stage was packed with heads; steadying myself and looking around, I noticed a few empty seats in the middle, but when we pushed over to sit down, someone started arguing at me, and since my ears were already ringing with a great clangor, it was only with effort that I made out him saying, "Taken—no good!"

第一回是民国元年我初到北京的时候，当时一个朋友对我说，北京戏最好，你不去见见世面么？我想，看戏是有味的，而况在北京呢。于是都兴致勃勃的跑到什么园，戏文已经开场了，在外面也早听到冬冬地响。我们挨进门，几个红的绿的在我的眼前一闪烁，便又看见戏台下满是许多头，再定神四面看，却见中间也还有几个空座，挤过去要坐时，又有人对我发议论，我因为耳朶已经喤喤的响着了，用了心，才听到他是说「有人，不行！」

我們退到後面，一個辮子很光的却來領我們到了側面，指出一個地位來。We retreated to the back, and a man with a very sleek queue came and led us to the side, pointing out a place.這所謂地位者，原來是一條長凳，然而他那坐板比我的上腿要狹到四分之三，他的脚比我的下腿要長過三分之二。This so-called "place" turned out to be a long bench, but its seat-board was narrower than my upper leg by three-quarters, and his legs were longer than my lower leg by two-thirds.我先是沒有爬上去的勇氣，接着便聯想到私刑拷打的刑具，不由的毛骨悚一作「聳」然的走出了。At first I had no courage to climb up onto it; then it made me think of instruments of torture for private punishment, and unable to help myself, my hair stood on end and I walked straight out.

我们退到后面，一个辫子很光的却来领我们到了侧面，指出一个地位来。这所谓地位者，原来是一条长凳，然而他那坐板比我的上腿要狭到四分之三，他的脚比我的下腿要长过三分之二。我先是没有爬上去的勇气，接着便联想到私刑拷打的刑具，不由的毛骨悚一作「耸」然的走出了。

走了許多路，忽聽得我的朋友的聲音道，「究竟怎的？」我回過臉去，原來他也被我帶出來了。I had gone quite a way when I suddenly heard my friend's voice saying, "What on earth is it?" I turned my face back and found that he too had been led out along with me.他很詫異的說，「怎麽總是走，不答應？」我說，「朋友，對不起，我耳朶只在鼕鼕喤喤的響，並沒有聽到你的話。」He said, quite astonished, "Why do you keep walking and not answer?" I said, "My friend, I'm sorry, my ears have only been ringing with that dong-dong clangor, and I never heard a word you said."

走了许多路，忽听得我的朋友的声音道，「究竟怎的？」我回过脸去，原来他也被我带出来了。他很诧异的说，「怎么总是走，不答应？」我说，「朋友，对不起，我耳朶只在冬冬喤喤的响，并没有听到你的话。」

後來我每一想到，便很以爲奇怪，似乎這戲太不好，——否則便是我近來在戲臺下不適於生存了。Afterward, whenever I thought of it, I found it very strange—it seemed either that the opera was simply too bad, or else that I myself had of late become unfit to survive beneath a stage.

后来我每一想到，便很以为奇怪，似乎这戏太不好，——否则便是我近来在戏台下不适于生存了。

第二回忘記了那一年，總之是募集湖北水災捐而譚叫天還沒有死。The second time I forget which year it was; in any case it was when they were collecting donations for the Hubei flood relief, and Tan Jiaotian was not yet dead.捐法是兩元錢買一張戲票，可以到第一舞臺去看戲，扮演的多是名角，其一就是小叫天。The manner of donating was that two silver dollars bought a theater ticket, good for a seat at the First Stage to watch the opera, performed mostly by famous actors, one of whom was Xiao Jiaotian.我買了一張票，本是對於勸募人聊以塞責的，然而似乎又有好事家乘機對我說了些叫天不可不看的大法要了。I bought a ticket, meaning it merely as a token gesture to satisfy the one soliciting donations, but then it seemed some enthusiast, seizing the chance, told me a great deal about how one simply must not miss seeing Jiaotian.我於是忘了前幾年的鼕鼕喤喤之災，竟到第一舞臺去了，但大約一半也因爲重價購來的寶票，總得使用了纔舒服。So I forgot the dong-dong clangor calamity of some years before, and actually went to the First Stage—though perhaps also half because, having paid dearly for the precious ticket, I felt I really ought to use it to feel at ease.我打聽得叫天出臺是遲的，而第一舞臺却是新式構造，用不着爭座位，便放了心，延宕到九點鐘纔出去，誰料照例，人都滿了，連立足也難，我只得擠在遠處的人叢中看一個老旦在臺上唱。I had learned that Jiaotian came on stage late, and that the First Stage, being of new construction, required no fighting over seats, so I set my mind at rest and dawdled until nine o'clock before setting out; who would have thought that, as usual, the place was full, with scarcely room even to stand, and I had no choice but to squeeze in among the crowd far off and watch an old female-role actor singing on stage.那老旦嘴邊插着兩個點火的紙捻子，旁邊有一個鬼卒，我費盡思量，纔疑心他或者是目連的母親，因爲後來又出來了一個和尚。That old dan had two lit paper spills stuck at the corners of her mouth, with a ghost-attendant beside her; I racked my brains and only then suspected that she might be Mulian's mother, because afterward a monk came out as well.然而我又不知道那名角是誰，就去問擠小在我的左邊的一位胖紳士。But I still had no idea who the famous actor was, so I asked a stout gentleman squeezed in to my left.他很看不起似的斜瞥了我一眼，說道，「龔雲甫！」我深愧淺陋而且粗疏，臉上一熱，同時腦裏也製出了决不再問的定章，於是看小旦唱，看花旦唱，看老生唱，看不知什麽角色唱，看一大班人亂打，看兩三個人互打，從九點多到十點，從十點到十一點，從十一點到十一點半，從十一點半到十二點，——然而叫天竟还没有來。He gave me a sidelong glance, as if he rather despised me, and said, "Gong Yunfu!" Deeply ashamed of my shallow ignorance and carelessness, my face grew hot, and at the same moment my mind fixed the rule that I would never ask again; so I watched the xiaodan sing, watched the huadan sing, watched the laosheng sing, watched I-don't-know-what role sing, watched a great crowd fighting in confusion, watched two or three people fighting each other, from past nine to ten, from ten to eleven, from eleven to half past eleven, from half past eleven to twelve—and still Jiaotian had not come.

第二回忘记了那一年，总之是募集湖北水灾捐而谭叫天还没有死。捐法是两元钱买一张戏票，可以到第一舞台去看戏，扮演的多是名角，其一就是小叫天。我买了一张票，本是对于劝募人聊以塞责的，然而似乎又有好事家乘机对我说了些叫天不可不看的大法要了。我于是忘了前几年的冬冬喤喤之灾，竟到第一舞台去了，但大约一半也因为重价购来的宝票，总得使用了才舒服。我打听得叫天出台是迟的，而第一舞台却是新式构造，用不着争座位，便放了心，延宕到九点钟才出去，谁料照例，人都满了，连立足也难，我只得挤在远处的人丛中看一个老旦在台上唱。那老旦嘴边插着两个点火的纸捻子，旁边有一个鬼卒，我费尽思量，才疑心他或者是目连的母亲，因为后来又出来了一个和尚。然而我又不知道那名角是谁，就去问挤小在我的左边的一位胖绅士。他很看不起似的斜瞥了我一眼，说道，「龚云甫！」我深愧浅陋而且粗疏，脸上一热，同时脑里也制出了决不再问的定章，于是看小旦唱，看花旦唱，看老生唱，看不知什么角色唱，看一大班人乱打，看两三个人互打，从九点多到十点，从十点到十一点，从十一点到十一点半，从十一点半到十二点，——然而叫天竟还没有来。

我向來沒有這樣忍耐的等候過什麽事物，而况這身邊的胖紳士的吁吁的喘氣，這臺上的鼕鼕喤喤的敲打，紅紅綠綠的晃蕩，加之以十二點，忽而使我省悟到在這里不適於生存了。Never before had I waited so patiently for anything, and what was more, there was the stout gentleman beside me panting and wheezing, the dong-dong clangor of drums being beaten on stage, the swaying of reds and greens, and on top of it all midnight—all this suddenly made me realize that this was no place fit for me to survive in.我同時便機械的擰轉身子，用力往外只一擠，覺得背後便已滿滿的，大約那彈性的胖紳士早在我的空處胖開了他的右半身了。At the same time I mechanically twisted my body around and shoved with all my strength toward the outside, feeling that behind me it was already packed full—no doubt that elastic stout gentleman had long since spread his right half into the space I'd left.我後無回路，自然擠而又擠，終於出了大門。With no way back, I naturally squeezed and squeezed again, and finally got out through the main gate.街上除了專等看客的車輛之外，幾乎沒有什麽行人了，大門口却還有十幾個人昂着頭看戲目，別有一堆人站着並不看什麽，我想：他們大概是看散戲之後出來的女人們的，而叫天却還沒有來……On the street there was scarcely a pedestrian to be seen, apart from the carriages waiting expressly for theatergoers; yet at the gate there were still a dozen or so people craning their necks to look at the playbill, and off to one side another cluster stood not looking at anything in particular—I supposed they were there for the women coming out after the show ended, while Jiaotian still had not come...

我向来没有这样忍耐的等候过什么事物，而况这身边的胖绅士的吁吁的喘气，这台上的冬冬喤喤的敲打，红红绿绿的晃荡，加之以十二点，忽而使我省悟到在这里不适于生存了。我同时便机械的拧转身子，用力往外只一挤，觉得背后便已满满的，大约那弹性的胖绅士早在我的空处胖开了他的右半身了。我后无回路，自然挤而又挤，终于出了大门。街上除了专等看客的车辆之外，几乎没有什么行人了，大门口却还有十几个人昂着头看戏目，别有一堆人站着并不看什么，我想：他们大概是看散戏之后出来的女人们的，而叫天却还没有来……

然而夜氣很清爽，真所謂「沁人心脾」，我在北京遇着這樣的好空氣，彷彿這是第一遭了。But the night air was very fresh and cool, truly what one calls "refreshing to the heart and lungs"; it seemed to me the first time I had ever met with such good air in Beijing.

然而夜气很清爽，真所谓「沁人心脾」，我在北京遇着这样的好空气，彷佛这是第一遭了。

這一夜，就是我對於中國戲告了別的一夜，此後再沒有想到他，即使一作「即便」偶而經過戲園，我們也漠不相關，精神上早已一在天之南一在地之北了。That night was the night I bid farewell to Chinese opera; after that I never thought of it again, and even if I chanced to pass by a theater, it meant nothing to me—spiritually we were already as far apart as the ends of the earth.

这一夜，就是我对于中国戏告了别的一夜，此后再没有想到他，即使一作「即便」偶而经过戏园，我们也漠不相关，精神上早已一在天之南一在地之北了。

但是前幾天，我忽在無意之中看到一本日本文的書，可惜忘記了書名和著者，總之是關於中國戲的。But a few days ago, I happened by chance to come across a book in Japanese—I regret I've forgotten the title and the author—at any rate it had to do with Chinese opera.其中有一篇，大意彷彿說，中國戲是大敲，大叫，大跳，使看客頭昏腦眩，很不適於劇場，但若在野外散漫的所在，遠遠的看起來，也自有他的風致。In it was an essay whose gist ran something like this: that Chinese opera, with its great clanging, great shouting, and great leaping about, makes the audience dizzy and light-headed, and is quite unsuited to the theater, but that if performed out in the open, in some scattered spot in the countryside, and watched from a distance, it has a charm all its own.我當時覺着一作「覺得」這正是說了在我意中而未曾想到的話，因爲我確記得在野外看過很好的好戲，到北京以後的連進兩回戲園去，也許還是受了那時的影響哩。At the time it struck me that this was exactly what I had had in mind but never quite managed to think through myself, for I distinctly remember watching a very fine opera out in the countryside once, and it may well be that my going into theaters twice after coming to Beijing was still under the influence of that time.可惜我不知道怎麽一來，竟將書名忘却了。It's a pity that, I don't know how it happened, I have quite forgotten the title of the book.

但是前几天，我忽在无意之中看到一本日本文的书，可惜忘记了书名和著者，总之是关于中国戏的。其中有一篇，大意彷佛说，中国戏是大敲，大叫，大跳，使看客头昏脑眩，很不适于剧场，但若在野外散漫的所在，远远的看起来，也自有他的风致。我当时觉着一作「觉得」这正是说了在我意中而未曾想到的话，因为我确记得在野外看过很好的好戏，到北京以后的连进两回戏园去，也许还是受了那时的影响哩。可惜我不知道怎么一来，竟将书名忘却了。

至於我看那好戲的時候，却實在已經是「遠哉遙遙」的了，其時恐怕我還不過十一二歲。As for the time when I watched that fine opera, it was in truth already "far, far away" by now; at the time I could not have been more than eleven or twelve years old.我們魯鎮的習慣，本來是凡有出嫁的女兒，倘自己還未當家，夏間便大抵回到母家去消夏。It was the custom in our Lu Town that any daughter who had married out, so long as she herself did not yet head a household, would generally return to her mother's home in summer to pass the hot season.那時我的祖母雖然還康健，但母親也已分擔了些家務，所以夏期便不能多日的歸省了，只得在掃墓完畢之後，抽空去住幾天，這時我便每年跟了我的母親住在外祖母的家裏。At that time my grandmother, though still hale and hearty, had already had my mother take on a share of the housework, so mother could no longer go home for the summer for many days at a stretch; she could only, once the grave-sweeping was done, snatch a few days to go and stay a while—and it was then that I would each year go along with my mother to stay at my grandmother's home.那地方叫平橋村，是一個離海邊不遠，極偏僻的，臨河的小村莊；That place was called Pingqiao Village, an extremely out-of-the-way little village by a river, not far from the seashore;住戶不滿三十家，都種田，打魚，只有一家很小的雜貨店。there were fewer than thirty households, all of them farming or fishing folk, and only a single very small general store.但在我是樂土：因爲我在這里不但得到優待，又可以免念「秩秩斯干幽幽南山」了。But to me it was a paradise: for there I not only received special treatment, but could also escape having to recite "Deep and secluded is the southern hill."

至于我看那好戏的时候，却实在已经是「远哉遥遥」的了，其时恐怕我还不过十一二岁。我们鲁镇的习惯，本来是凡有出嫁的女儿，倘自己还未当家，夏间便大抵回到母家去消夏。那时我的祖母虽然还康健，但母亲也已分担了些家务，所以夏期便不能多日的归省了，只得在扫墓完毕之后，抽空去住几天，这时我便每年跟了我的母亲住在外祖母的家里。那地方叫平桥村，是一个离海边不远，极偏僻的，临河的小村庄；住户不满三十家，都种田，打鱼，只有一家很小的杂货店。但在我是乐土：因为我在这里不但得到优待，又可以免念「秩秩斯干幽幽南山」了。

和我一同玩的是許多小朋友，因爲有了遠客，他們也都從父母那里得了减少工作的許可，伴我來游戲。The many little friends who played with me were, on account of my being a guest from afar, all granted leave by their parents to do less work, so as to keep me company at play.在小村裏，一家的客，幾乎也就是公共的。In a small village, a guest at one household is, virtually, a guest of the whole community.我們年紀都相仿，但論起行輩來，却至少是叔子，有幾個還是太公，因爲他們合村都同姓，是本家。We were all much the same age, but in terms of generational rank, they were at the very least my uncles, and some were even my great-grandfathers' peers, because the whole village shared one surname and were all of the same clan.然而我們是朋友，即使偶而吵鬧起來，打了太公，一村的老老小小，也决沒有一個會想出「犯上」這兩個字來，而他們也百分之九十九不識字。Yet we were friends all the same; even if, in the odd quarrel, someone struck a "great-grandfather," not one soul in the whole village, old or young, would ever have thought up the words "an offense against one's elders," and ninety-nine percent of them, besides, could not even read.

和我一同玩的是许多小朋友，因为有了远客，他们也都从父母那里得了减少工作的许可，伴我来游戏。在小村里，一家的客，几乎也就是公共的。我们年纪都相仿，但论起行辈来，却至少是叔子，有几个还是太公，因为他们合村都同姓，是本家。然而我们是朋友，即使偶而吵闹起来，打了太公，一村的老老小小，也决没有一个会想出「犯上」这两个字来，而他们也百分之九十九不识字。

我們每天的事情大概是掘蚯蚓，掘來穿在銅絲做的小鉤上，伏在河沿上去釣蝦。Our business every day was mostly digging up earthworms, threading them onto little hooks made of copper wire, and lying flat at the river's edge to fish for shrimp.蝦是水世界裏的獃子，决不憚用了自己的兩個鉗捧着鉤尖送到嘴裏去的，所以不半天便可以釣到一大碗。Shrimp are the fools of the water world—they never hesitate to grasp the point of the hook with their own two pincers and deliver it straight into their own mouths—so that in less than half a day one could catch a whole bowlful.這蝦照例是歸我喫的。This catch of shrimp was, by custom, always mine to eat.其次便是一同去放牛，但或者因爲高等動物了的緣故罷，黃牛水牛都欺生，敢於欺侮我，因此我也總不敢走近身，只好遠遠地跟着，站着。Next came going out together to graze the cattle, but perhaps because I counted as a higher form of animal, the water buffalo and yellow oxen alike would take advantage of a stranger and dared to bully me, so that I never dared go near them, and could only follow along and stand at a distance.這時候，小朋友們便不再原諒我會讀「秩秩斯干」，却全都嘲笑起來了。At such times my little friends would no longer forgive me for being able to recite "Deep and secluded," but would instead all burst out laughing at me.

我们每天的事情大概是掘蚯蚓，掘来穿在铜丝做的小钩上，伏在河沿上去钓虾。虾是水世界里的呆子，决不惮用了自己的两个钳捧着钩尖送到嘴里去的，所以不半天便可以钓到一大碗。这虾照例是归我吃的。其次便是一同去放牛，但或者因为高等动物了的缘故罢，黄牛水牛都欺生，敢于欺侮我，因此我也总不敢走近身，只好远远地跟着，站着。这时候，小朋友们便不再原谅我会读「秩秩斯干」，却全都嘲笑起来了。

至於我在那里所第一盼望的，却在到趙莊去看戲。But the thing I looked forward to most of all while there was going to Zhao Village to watch the opera.趙莊是離平橋村五里的較大的村莊；Zhao Village was a somewhat larger village, five li from Pingqiao Village;平橋村太小，自己演不起戲，每年總付給趙莊多少錢，算作合做的。Pingqiao Village was too small to put on a performance of its own, so every year it paid over a certain sum to Zhao Village, counting it as a joint undertaking.當時我並不想到他們爲什麽年年要演戲。At the time it never occurred to me to wonder why they should put on opera every single year.現在想，那或者是春賽，是社戲了。Thinking of it now, it was probably the spring sai—the she opera, in other words.

至于我在那里所第一盼望的，却在到赵庄去看戏。赵庄是离平桥村五里的较大的村庄；平桥村太小，自己演不起戏，每年总付给赵庄多少钱，算作合做的。当时我并不想到他们为什么年年要演戏。现在想，那或者是春赛，是社戏了。

就在我十一二歲時候的這一年，這日期也看看等到了。That very year when I was eleven or twelve, the season for it gradually came round again.不料這一年真可惜，在早上就叫不到船。Unluckily, that year, most regrettably, no boat could be hired even from the morning.平橋村只有一隻早出晚歸的航船是大船，决沒有留用的道理。Pingqiao Village had only one big boat, the ferry that went out in the morning and returned in the evening, and there was of course no possibility of keeping it back for our use.其餘的都是小船，不合用；All the rest were small boats, unsuitable for the purpose;央人到鄰村去問，也沒有，早都給別人定下了。we sent someone to the neighboring village to ask, but there were none to be had there either—all had already been reserved by others.外祖母很氣惱，怪家裏的人不早定，絮叨起來。Grandmother grew quite vexed, blaming the household for not having reserved one earlier, and fell to grumbling on and on.母親便寬慰伊，說我們魯鎮的戲比小村裏的好得多，一年看幾回，今天就算了。Mother tried to comfort her, saying that the opera in our own Lu Town was far better than that of the little village anyway, that we saw it several times a year, and that it would be quite all right to let today go.只有我急得要哭，母親却竭力的囑咐我，說萬不能裝模裝樣，怕又招外祖母生氣，又不准和別人一同去，說是怕外祖母要擔心。Only I was so anxious I was ready to cry, but mother took great pains to warn me that on no account must I sulk or make a show of it, for fear of upsetting grandmother again, and also forbade me to go along with anyone else, saying she was afraid it would make grandmother worry.

就在我十一二岁时候的这一年，这日期也看看等到了。不料这一年真可惜，在早上就叫不到船。平桥村只有一只早出晚归的航船是大船，决没有留用的道理。其余的都是小船，不合用；央人到邻村去问，也没有，早都给别人定下了。外祖母很气恼，怪家里的人不早定，絮叨起来。母亲便宽慰伊，说我们鲁镇的戏比小村里的好得多，一年看几回，今天就算了。只有我急得要哭，母亲却竭力的嘱咐我，说万不能装模装样，怕又招外祖母生气，又不准和别人一同去，说是怕外祖母要担心。

總之，是完了。In short, it was all over.到下午，我的朋友都去了，戲已經開場了，我似乎聽到鑼鼓的聲音，而且知道他們在戲臺下買豆漿喝。By afternoon, my friends had all gone off, and the opera had already begun; I seemed to hear the sound of gongs and drums, and knew, besides, that they were down beneath the stage drinking soybean milk.

总之，是完了。到下午，我的朋友都去了，戏已经开场了，我似乎听到锣鼓的声音，而且知道他们在戏台下买豆浆喝。

這一天我不釣蝦，東西也少喫。That day I did not go fishing for shrimp, and ate very little besides.母親很爲難，沒有法子想。Mother was quite at a loss, unable to think of anything to be done.到晚飯時候，外祖母也終於覺察了，並且說我應當不高興，他們太怠慢，是待客的禮數裏從來所沒有的。By suppertime, grandmother too finally took notice, and said that I had good reason to be unhappy, that they had been far too neglectful of a guest, in a way quite without precedent in the etiquette of hosting.喫飯之後，看過戲的少年們也都聚攏來了，高高興興的來講戲。After the meal, the young folk who had gone to watch the opera all came gathering back too, in high spirits, talking eagerly about the play.只有我不開口；Only I said nothing;他們都歎息而且表同情。they all sighed and expressed their sympathy.忽然間，一個最聰明的雙喜大悟似的提議了，他說，「大船？Suddenly, Shuangxi, the cleverest of them, seemed to hit upon a great realization and made a proposal. He said, "The big boat?八叔的航船不是回來了麽？」十幾個別的少年也大悟，立刻攛掇起來，說可以坐了這航船和我一同去。Hasn't Eighth Uncle's ferryboat come back?" A dozen or so of the other young folk also saw the light at once, and immediately began urging it on, saying we could take that ferryboat and go together with me.我高興了。I was overjoyed.然而外祖母又怕都是孩子們，不可靠；But grandmother was afraid that, being all children, it would not be safe;母親又說是若叫大人一同去，他們白天全有工作，要他熬夜，是不合情理的。and mother said, too, that if we asked some adult to go along, they had all been working all day, and it would hardly be reasonable to make them stay up through the night as well.在這遲疑之中，雙喜可又看出底細來了，便又大聲的說道，「我寫包票！In the midst of this hesitation, Shuangxi saw through to the heart of the matter and spoke up loudly once more, "I'll give my written guarantee!船又大；The boat is big besides;迅哥兒向來不亂跑；Xun Brother never goes running off recklessly;我們又都是識水性的！」and every one of us, besides, knows how to swim!"

这一天我不钓虾，东西也少吃。母亲很为难，没有法子想。到晚饭时候，外祖母也终于觉察了，并且说我应当不高兴，他们太怠慢，是待客的礼数里从来所没有的。吃饭之后，看过戏的少年们也都聚拢来了，高高兴兴的来讲戏。只有我不开口；他们都叹息而且表同情。忽然间，一个最聪明的双喜大悟似的提议了，他说，「大船？八叔的航船不是回来了么？」十几个别的少年也大悟，立刻撺掇起来，说可以坐了这航船和我一同去。我高兴了。然而外祖母又怕都是孩子们，不可靠；母亲又说是若叫大人一同去，他们白天全有工作，要他熬夜，是不合情理的。在这迟疑之中，双喜可又看出底细来了，便又大声的说道，「我写包票！船又大；迅哥儿向来不乱跑；我们又都是识水性的！」

誠然！And indeed it was so!這十多個少年，委實沒有一個不會鳧水的，而且兩三個還是弄潮的好手。Among these dozen-odd young folk, there truly was not a single one who could not swim, and two or three of them, moreover, were fine hands at riding the tide.

诚然！这十多个少年，委实没有一个不会凫水的，而且两三个还是弄潮的好手。

外祖母和母親也相信，便不再駁回，都微笑了。Grandmother and mother came to trust it too, and raised no more objections, both breaking into smiles.我們立刻一鬨的出了門。At once, in a single joyful rush, we went out the door.

外祖母和母亲也相信，便不再驳回，都微笑了。我们立刻一哄的出了门。

我的很重的心忽而輕鬆了，身體也似乎舒展到說不出的大。My heart, which had been so heavy, suddenly grew light, and my whole body seemed to stretch out to some indescribable largeness.一出門，便望見月下的平橋內泊着一隻白篷的航船，大家跳下船，雙喜拔前篙，阿發拔後篙，年幼的都陪我坐在艙中，較大的聚在船尾。The moment we were out the door, I could see, moored within the moonlit Pingqiao, a ferryboat with a white awning; everyone jumped down into the boat, Shuangxi took up the forward pole, Afa the rear pole, the younger ones sat with me in the cabin, and the older ones gathered at the stern.母親送出來吩咐「要小心」的時候，我們已經點開船，在橋石上一磕，退後幾尺，即又上前出了橋。Just as mother came out to call after us, "Do be careful," we had already cast off and started, the boat knocking once against the bridge stones, drawing back a few feet, and then surging forward again and out past the bridge.於是架起兩枝櫓，一枝兩人，一里一換，有說笑的，有嚷的，夾着潺潺的船頭激水的聲音，在左右都是碧綠的豆麥田地的河流中，飛一般徑向趙莊前進了。Then two oars were set up, one person to each side, changing hands every li; there was laughing and talking, and shouting too, mixed in with the murmuring sound of water churned up at the bow, and through a river flowing between fields all green with beans and wheat on either side, we sped, flying as it were, straight on toward Zhao Village.

我的很重的心忽而轻松了，身体也似乎舒展到说不出的大。一出门，便望见月下的平桥内泊着一只白篷的航船，大家跳下船，双喜拔前篙，阿发拔后篙，年幼的都陪我坐在舱中，较大的聚在船尾。母亲送出来吩咐「要小心」的时候，我们已经点开船，在桥石上一磕，退后几尺，即又上前出了桥。于是架起两枝橹，一枝两人，一里一换，有说笑的，有嚷的，夹着潺潺的船头激水的声音，在左右都是碧绿的豆麦田地的河流中，飞一般径向赵庄前进了。

兩岸的豆麥和河底的水草所發散出來的清香，夾雜在水氣中撲面的吹來；The clear fragrance given off by the beans and wheat on the two banks and by the water-weeds on the riverbed came blowing into our faces, mingled with the mist off the water;月色便朦朧一作「蒙朧」在這水氣裏。and the moonlight grew hazy within that mist.淡黑的起伏的連山，彷彿是踴躍的鐵的獸脊似的，都遠遠地向船尾跑去了，但我却還以爲船慢。The dusky, undulating hills, like the humped backs of iron beasts bounding along, all went rushing off far behind toward the stern, yet still I thought the boat too slow.他們換了四回手，漸望見依稀的趙莊，而且似乎聽到歌吹了，還有幾點火，料想便是戲臺，但或者也許是漁火。They had changed hands at the oars four times when at last we glimpsed, faint and indistinct, Zhao Village, and seemed, besides, to hear the sound of singing and piping, and saw a few points of fire as well, which I guessed must be the stage, though they might also have been fishing lights.

两岸的豆麦和河底的水草所发散出来的清香，夹杂在水气中扑面的吹来；月色便朦胧一作「蒙胧」在这水气里。淡黑的起伏的连山，彷佛是踊跃的铁的兽脊似的，都远远地向船尾跑去了，但我却还以为船慢。他们换了四回手，渐望见依稀的赵庄，而且似乎听到歌吹了，还有几点火，料想便是戏台，但或者也许是渔火。

那聲音大概是橫笛，宛轉，悠揚，使我的心也沈靜，然而又自失起來，覺得要和他濔散在含着豆麥蘊藻之香的夜氣裏。That sound was probably a transverse flute, winding and lingering, which made my heart grow calm, yet also lose itself, feeling that it wanted to dissolve away into the night air laden with the fragrance of beans and wheat and water-weeds.

那声音大概是横笛，宛转，悠扬，使我的心也沈静，然而又自失起来，觉得要和他濔散在含着豆麦蕴藻之香的夜气里。

那火接近了，果然是漁火；Those lights drew nearer, and turned out indeed to be fishing lights;我纔記得先前望見的也不是趙莊。only then did I realize that what I had seen earlier was not Zhao Village after all.那是正對船頭的一叢松柏林，我去年也曾經去游玩過，還看見破的石馬倒在地下，一個石羊蹲在草裏呢。That had been a stand of pine and cypress lying just opposite the bow; I had gone there to play the year before too, and had seen a broken stone horse lying on the ground, and a stone sheep crouching in the grass.過了那林，船便彎進了叉港，於是趙莊便真在眼前了。Once past that grove, the boat turned into a branch channel, and then Zhao Village truly lay right before our eyes.

那火接近了，果然是渔火；我才记得先前望见的也不是赵庄。那是正对船头的一丛松柏林，我去年也曾经去游玩过，还看见破的石马倒在地下，一个石羊蹲在草里呢。过了那林，船便弯进了叉港，于是赵庄便真在眼前了。

最惹眼的是屹立在莊外臨河的空地上的一座戲臺，模胡在遠處的月夜中，和空間幾乎分不出界限，我疑心畫上見過的仙境，就在這里出現了。What caught the eye most was a stage standing alone on the open ground by the river outside the village, hazy in the distant moonlit night, scarcely distinguishable from the empty air around it; I half suspected that the fairyland I had seen in paintings had appeared right there before me.這時船走得更快，不多時，在臺上顯出人物來，紅紅綠綠的動，近臺的河裏一望烏黑的是看戲的人家的船篷。At this the boat went faster still, and before long figures appeared upon the stage, moving in reds and greens, while the river near the stage showed a solid mass of black—the awnings of the boats of those who had come to watch the opera.

最惹眼的是屹立在庄外临河的空地上的一座戏台，模胡在远处的月夜中，和空间几乎分不出界限，我疑心画上见过的仙境，就在这里出现了。这时船走得更快，不多时，在台上显出人物来，红红绿绿的动，近台的河里一望乌黑的是看戏的人家的船篷。

「近臺沒有什麽空了，我們遠遠的看罷。」阿發說。"There's no room left near the stage—let's watch from a distance," said Afa.

「近台没有什么空了，我们远远的看罢。」阿发说。

這時船慢了，不久就到，果然近不得臺旁，大家只能下了篙，比那正對戲臺的神棚還要遠。By now the boat had slowed, and soon we arrived; sure enough we could not get close to the stage, and everyone had to put down the poles even farther off than the spirit-shed directly facing the stage.其實我們這白篷的航船，本也不願意和烏篷的船在一處，而况並沒有空地呢……In truth, our white-awninged ferryboat had, in any case, no wish to mingle with the black-awninged boats, and besides, there was simply no open space left anyway...

这时船慢了，不久就到，果然近不得台旁，大家只能下了篙，比那正对戏台的神棚还要远。其实我们这白篷的航船，本也不愿意和乌篷的船在一处，而况并没有空地呢……

在停船的怱忙中，看見臺上有一個黑的長鬍子的背上插着四張旗，揑着長槍，和一羣赤膊的人正打仗。In the bustle of mooring the boat, I saw upon the stage a black, long-bearded figure with four banners stuck in his back, gripping a long spear, doing battle with a crowd of bare-chested men.雙喜說，那就是有名的鐵頭老生，能連翻八十四個筋斗，他日裏親自數過的。Shuangxi said that was the famous Iron-Head Old Sheng, who could turn eighty-four somersaults in a row—he himself had once counted them in person by daylight.

在停船的怱忙中，看见台上有一个黑的长胡子的背上插着四张旗，揑着长枪，和一群赤膊的人正打仗。双喜说，那就是有名的铁头老生，能连翻八十四个筋斗，他日里亲自数过的。

我們便都擠在船頭上看打仗，但那鐵頭老生却又並不翻筋斗，只有幾個赤膊的人翻，翻了一陣，都進去了，接着走出一個小旦來，咿咿呀呀的唱。So we all crowded to the bow of the boat to watch the fighting, but that Iron-Head Old Sheng did not turn any somersaults after all; only a few of the bare-chested men did, and after turning for a while they all went off, and then out came a xiaodan, singing in a high, wavering voice.雙喜說，「晚上看客少，鐵頭老生也懈了，誰肯顯本領給白地看呢？」我相信這話對，因爲其時臺下已經不很有人，鄉下人爲了明天的工作，熬不得夜，早都睡覺去了，疏疏朗朗的站着的不過是幾十個本村和鄰村的閑漢。Shuangxi said, "Few people watching at night, so even the Iron-Head Old Sheng grows slack—who's willing to show off his skill to an empty house?" I believed this was true, for by then there were not many people left below the stage; the country folk, unable to stay up late on account of tomorrow's work, had mostly already gone off to sleep, and those left standing scattered here and there were no more than a few dozen idlers from this village and the next.烏篷船裏的那些土財主的家眷固然在，然而他們也不在乎看戲，多半是專到戲臺下來喫糕餅水果和瓜子的。The family members of the local landowners in the black-awninged boats were there too, of course, but they hardly cared about watching the opera either; most of them had come chiefly to sit beneath the stage eating cakes, fruit, and melon seeds.所以簡直可以算白地。So the house might just as well be called empty.

我们便都挤在船头上看打仗，但那铁头老生却又并不翻筋斗，只有几个赤膊的人翻，翻了一阵，都进去了，接着走出一个小旦来，咿咿呀呀的唱。双喜说，「晚上看客少，铁头老生也懈了，谁肯显本领给白地看呢？」我相信这话对，因为其时台下已经不很有人，乡下人为了明天的工作，熬不得夜，早都睡觉去了，疏疏朗朗的站着的不过是几十个本村和邻村的闲汉。乌篷船里的那些土财主的家眷固然在，然而他们也不在乎看戏，多半是专到戏台下来吃糕饼水果和瓜子的。所以简直可以算白地。

然而我的意思却也並不在乎看翻筋斗。Yet my own interest, in any case, did not lie in watching somersaults either.我最願意看的是一個人蒙了白布，兩手在頭上捧着一支棒似的蛇頭的蛇精，其次是套了黃布衣跳老虎。What I most wanted to see was a man wrapped in white cloth, holding up in both hands over his head something like a snake-headed staff—a snake spirit—and next after that, a man in a suit of yellow cloth leaping about as a tiger.但是等了許多時都不見，小旦雖然進去了，立刻又出來了一個很老的小生。But though I waited a long while, neither appeared; the xiaodan had indeed gone in, but at once another very elderly xiaosheng came out.我有些疲倦了，託桂生買豆漿去。I grew somewhat weary, and asked Guisheng to go and buy some soybean milk.他去了一刻，回來說，「沒有。He was gone a while, then came back and said, "None to be had.賣豆漿的聾子也回去了。The deaf man who sells soybean milk has gone home too.日裏倒有，我還喝了兩碗呢。There was some in the daytime—I even drank two bowls of it myself.現在去舀—瓢水來給你喝罷。」I'll go now and scoop you a ladle of water to drink instead."

然而我的意思却也并不在乎看翻筋斗。我最愿意看的是一个人蒙了白布，两手在头上捧着一支棒似的蛇头的蛇精，其次是套了黄布衣跳老虎。但是等了许多时都不见，小旦虽然进去了，立刻又出来了一个很老的小生。我有些疲倦了，托桂生买豆浆去。他去了一刻，回来说，「没有。卖豆浆的聋子也回去了。日里倒有，我还喝了两碗呢。现在去舀—瓢水来给你喝罢。」

我不喝水，支撑着仍然看，也說不出見了些什麽，只覺得戲子的臉都漸漸的有些稀奇了，那五官漸不明顯，似乎融成一片的再沒有什麽高低。I did not drink the water, but braced myself and went on watching all the same; I could not really say what I saw, only that the actors' faces gradually grew somehow strange to me, their features growing less and less distinct, as though melting together into a single flat plane with no features standing out at all.年紀小的幾個多打呵欠了，大的也各管自己談話。The younger of us kept yawning, and the older ones each fell to talking among themselves.忽而一個紅衫的小丑被綁在臺柱子上，給一個花白鬍子的用馬鞭打起來了，大家纔又振作精神的笑着看。Suddenly a little clown in a red jacket was bound to a pillar of the stage and beaten with a horsewhip by a man with a grizzled beard, and at that everyone perked up again and watched, laughing.在這一夜裏，我以爲這實在要算是最好的一折。Of that whole night, I considered this in truth to be counted the very best scene.

我不喝水，支撑着仍然看，也说不出见了些什么，只觉得戏子的脸都渐渐的有些稀奇了，那五官渐不明显，似乎融成一片的再没有什么高低。年纪小的几个多打呵欠了，大的也各管自己谈话。忽而一个红衫的小丑被绑在台柱子上，给一个花白胡子的用马鞭打起来了，大家才又振作精神的笑着看。在这一夜里，我以为这实在要算是最好的一折。

然而老旦終於出臺了。But then at last the old female role, the laodan, came on stage.老旦本來是我所最怕的東西，尤其是怕他坐下了唱。The laodan had always been the thing I dreaded most, especially dreading it when she sat down to sing.這時候，看見大家也都很掃興，纔知道他們的意見是和我一致的。At this point, seeing that everyone else too had lost all their spirits, I realized for the first time that their feelings matched my own exactly.那老旦當初還只是踱來踱去的唱，後來竟在中間的一把交椅上坐下了。That laodan at first only paced back and forth as she sang, but then actually sat down in a folding chair set in the middle of the stage.我很擔心；I grew quite anxious;雙喜他們却就破口喃喃的駡。Shuangxi and the others broke out cursing under their breath.我忍耐的等着，許多工夫，只見那老旦將手一抬，我以爲就要站起來了，不料他却又慢慢的放下在原地方，仍舊唱。I waited patiently for a long while; I saw the old female-role actor raise her hand, and I thought she was about to stand up, but unexpectedly she slowly lowered it again to its original place, and went on singing as before.全船裏幾個人不住的吁氣，其餘的也打起呵欠來。Several people in the boat kept sighing, and the rest began yawning too.雙喜終於熬不住了，說道，怕他會唱到天明一作「明天」還不完，還是我們走的好罷。Shuangxi finally couldn't bear it any longer and said, 'I'm afraid she'll go on singing till dawn (in one version, "till tomorrow") and still not finish — we'd better go.'大家立刻都贊成，和開船時候一樣踴躍，三四人徑奔船尾，拔了篙，點退幾丈，回轉船頭，架起櫓，駡着老旦，又向那松柏林前進了。Everyone agreed at once, just as eagerly as when we'd set out; three or four of them ran straight to the stern, pulled up the pole, punted back several zhang, turned the bow around, set up the oars, and cursing the old female-role actor, headed off again toward the pine-and-cypress grove.

然而老旦终于出台了。老旦本来是我所最怕的东西，尤其是怕他坐下了唱。这时候，看见大家也都很扫兴，才知道他们的意见是和我一致的。那老旦当初还只是踱来踱去的唱，后来竟在中间的一把交椅上坐下了。我很担心；双喜他们却就破口喃喃的骂。我忍耐的等着，许多工夫，只见那老旦将手一抬，我以为就要站起来了，不料他却又慢慢的放下在原地方，仍旧唱。全船里几个人不住的吁气，其余的也打起呵欠来。双喜终于熬不住了，说道，怕他会唱到天明一作「明天」还不完，还是我们走的好罢。大家立刻都赞成，和开船时候一样踊跃，三四人径奔船尾，拔了篙，点退几丈，回转船头，架起橹，骂着老旦，又向那松柏林前进了。

月還沒有落，彷彿看戲也並不很久似的，而一離趙莊，月光又顯得格外的皎潔。The moon had not yet set, so it seemed as though we hadn't watched the opera very long after all; and once we left Zhao Village, the moonlight seemed unusually bright and clear again.回望戲臺在燈火光中，却又如初來未到時候一般，又漂渺得像一座仙山褸閣，滿被紅霞罩着了。Looking back, the stage in its lantern-light seemed just as it had before we arrived, hazy and remote again, like a fairy pavilion on some immortal mountain, all wrapped in rosy clouds.吹到耳邊來的又是橫笛，很悠揚；Once again the sound of a flute came drifting to our ears, very melodious;我疑心老旦已經進去了，但也不好意思說再回去看。I suspected the old female-role actor had already gone offstage, but I felt too embarrassed to suggest going back to look.

月还没有落，彷佛看戏也并不很久似的，而一离赵庄，月光又显得格外的皎洁。回望戏台在灯火光中，却又如初来未到时候一般，又漂渺得像一座仙山褛阁，满被红霞罩着了。吹到耳边来的又是横笛，很悠扬；我疑心老旦已经进去了，但也不好意思说再回去看。

不多久，松柏林早在船後了，船行也並不慢，但周圍的黑暗只是濃，可知已經到了深夜。Before long, the pine-and-cypress grove was already behind the boat; the boat wasn't going slowly either, but the darkness all around kept growing thicker, so we knew it was already deep night.他們一面議論着戲子，或駡，或笑，一面加緊的搖船。They talked about the actors as they went, some cursing, some laughing, while rowing the boat harder.這一次船頭的激水聲更其響亮了，那航船，就像一條大白魚背着一羣孩子在浪花裏躥，連夜漁的幾個老漁父，也停了艇子看着喝采起來。This time the sound of water churning at the bow was even louder; the boat was just like a great white fish carrying a group of children leaping through the spray, and even the old fishermen out fishing at night stopped their skiffs to watch and cheer.

不多久，松柏林早在船后了，船行也并不慢，但周围的黑暗只是浓，可知已经到了深夜。他们一面议论着戏子，或骂，或笑，一面加紧的摇船。这一次船头的激水声更其响亮了，那航船，就像一条大白鱼背着一群孩子在浪花里蹿，连夜渔的几个老渔父，也停了艇子看着喝采起来。

離平橋村還有一里模樣，船行却慢了，搖船的都說很疲乏，因爲太用力，而且許久沒有東西喫。When we were still about a li from Pingqiao Village, the boat slowed down; those rowing all said they were exhausted, because they had used too much strength, and besides, they hadn't eaten anything in a long while.這回想出來的是桂生，說是羅漢豆正旺相，柴火又現成，我們可以偸一點來煮喫的。This time it was Guisheng who thought of something, saying that the broad beans were just at their best, and firewood was ready at hand, so we could steal a few to boil and eat.大家都贊成，立刻近岸停了船；Everyone agreed, and at once we brought the boat close to shore and stopped;岸上的田裏，烏油油的便都是結實的羅漢豆。In the fields on the bank, everything glistened dark and glossy — all sturdy broad beans.

离平桥村还有一里模样，船行却慢了，摇船的都说很疲乏，因为太用力，而且许久没有东西吃。这回想出来的是桂生，说是罗汉豆正旺相，柴火又现成，我们可以偸一点来煮吃的。大家都赞成，立刻近岸停了船；岸上的田里，乌油油的便都是结实的罗汉豆。

「阿阿，阿發，這邊是你家的，這邊是老六一家的，我們偷那一邊的呢？」雙喜先跳下去了，在岸上說。'Ah, Afa, this side is your family's field, and this side is Old Liuyi's — which side shall we steal from?' Shuangxi had already jumped down and said this standing on the bank.

「阿阿，阿发，这边是你家的，这边是老六一家的，我们偷那一边的呢？」双喜先跳下去了，在岸上说。

我們也都跳上岸。We all jumped ashore too.阿發一面跳，一面說道，「且慢，讓我來看一看罷，」他於是往來的摸了一回，直起身來說道，「偷我們的罷，我們的大得多呢。」一聲答應，大家便散開在阿發家的豆田裏，各摘了一大捧，拋入船艙中。As Afa jumped, he said, 'Wait a moment, let me have a look first,' and so he felt around back and forth for a while, then straightened up and said, 'Let's steal from ours — ours are much bigger.' With a shout of agreement, everyone scattered through Afa's family's bean field, each picking a big double-handful, and tossing them into the cabin of the boat.雙喜以爲再多偷，倘給阿發的娘知道是要哭駡的，於是各人便到六一公公的田裏又各偷了一大捧。Shuangxi thought that if we stole too many more and Afa's mother found out, she'd cry and curse at us, so everyone then went to Grandpa Liuyi's field and each stole another big double-handful.

我们也都跳上岸。阿发一面跳，一面说道，「且慢，让我来看一看罢，」他于是往来的摸了一回，直起身来说道，「偷我们的罢，我们的大得多呢。」一声答应，大家便散开在阿发家的豆田里，各摘了一大捧，抛入船舱中。双喜以为再多偷，倘给阿发的娘知道是要哭骂的，于是各人便到六一公公的田里又各偷了一大捧。

我們中間幾個年長的仍然慢慢的搖着船，幾個到後艙去生火，年幼的和我都剝豆。Among us, a few of the older boys still went on slowly rowing the boat, a few went to the stern cabin to light the fire, and the younger ones, along with me, all shelled beans.不久豆熟了，便任憑航船浮在水面上，都圍起來用手撮着喫。Before long the beans were cooked, so we just let the boat drift on the water, and everyone gathered round, picking them up with their fingers to eat.喫完豆，又開船，一面洗器具，豆莢豆殼全拋在河水裏，什麽痕迹也沒有了。When we'd finished eating the beans, we set off again, washing the utensils as we went, and threw all the pods and shells into the river, so that not a trace was left.雙喜所慮的是用了八公公船上的鹽和柴，這老頭子很細心，一定要知道，會駡的。What worried Shuangxi was that we had used the salt and firewood from Grandpa Ba's boat — the old man was very careful about such things, and would certainly find out and scold us.然而大家議論之後，歸結是不怕。But after everyone talked it over, the conclusion was that there was nothing to fear.他如果駡，我們便要他歸還去年在岸邊拾去的一枝枯桕樹，而且當面叫他「八癩子」。If he scolded us, we would demand he return the withered tallow-tree branch he'd picked up on the bank last year, and call him 'Scabby Ba' to his face.

我们中间几个年长的仍然慢慢的摇着船，几个到后舱去生火，年幼的和我都剥豆。不久豆熟了，便任凭航船浮在水面上，都围起来用手撮着吃。吃完豆，又开船，一面洗器具，豆荚豆壳全抛在河水里，什么痕迹也没有了。双喜所虑的是用了八公公船上的盐和柴，这老头子很细心，一定要知道，会骂的。然而大家议论之后，归结是不怕。他如果骂，我们便要他归还去年在岸边拾去的一枝枯桕树，而且当面叫他「八癞子」。

「都回來了！'Everyone's back!那里會錯。There's no way it could be wrong.我原說過寫包票的！」雙喜在船頭上忽而大聲的說。I said all along I'd guarantee it!' Shuangxi suddenly called out loudly from the bow.

「都回来了！那里会错。我原说过写包票的！」双喜在船头上忽而大声的说。

我向船頭一望，前面已經是平橋。I looked toward the bow, and up ahead was already Pingqiao.橋脚上站着一個人，却是我的母親，雙喜便是對伊說着話。Standing at the foot of the bridge was a person — it was my mother, and it was to her that Shuangxi had been calling out.我走出前艙去，船也就進了平橋了，停了船，我們紛紛都上岸。I went out to the front of the cabin, and just then the boat entered Pingqiao; we stopped the boat, and one after another we climbed ashore.母親頗有些生氣，說是過了三更了，怎麽回來得這樣遲，但也就高興了，笑着邀大家去喫炒米。Mother was rather annoyed, saying it was already past the third watch — why had we come back so late — but she was soon pleased again, and smilingly invited everyone to come eat fried rice.

我向船头一望，前面已经是平桥。桥脚上站着一个人，却是我的母亲，双喜便是对伊说着话。我走出前舱去，船也就进了平桥了，停了船，我们纷纷都上岸。母亲颇有些生气，说是过了三更了，怎么回来得这样迟，但也就高兴了，笑着邀大家去吃炒米。

大家都說已經喫了點心，又渴睡，不如及早睡的好，各自回去了。Everyone said they had already had a snack and were sleepy besides, so it was better to go to bed early, and each went off home.

大家都说已经吃了点心，又渴睡，不如及早睡的好，各自回去了。

第二天，我向午纔起來，並沒有聽到什麽關係八公公鹽柴事件的糾葛，下午仍然去釣蝦。The next day, I didn't get up until nearly noon, and I hadn't heard of any trouble arising over the matter of Grandpa Ba's salt and firewood; in the afternoon I went to fish for shrimp as usual.

第二天，我向午才起来，并没有听到什么关系八公公盐柴事件的纠葛，下午仍然去钓虾。

「雙喜，你們這班小鬼，昨天偷了我的豆了罷？'Shuangxi, you little devils, you stole my beans yesterday, didn't you?又不肯好好的摘，踏壞了不少。」我抬頭看時，是六一公公棹着小船，賣了豆回來了，船肚裏還有賸下的一堆豆。And you wouldn't even pick them properly, you trampled quite a few.' When I looked up, it was Grandpa Liuyi, rowing his little boat back after selling beans, with a heap of leftover beans still in the bottom of the boat.

「双喜，你们这班小鬼，昨天偷了我的豆了罢？又不肯好好的摘，踏坏了不少。」我抬头看时，是六一公公棹着小船，卖了豆回来了，船肚里还有賸下的一堆豆。

「是的。'Yes.我們請客。We were treating ourselves.我們當初還不要你的呢。We didn't even mean to take yours in the first place.你看，你把我的蝦嚇跑了！」雙喜說。Look, you've scared off my shrimp!' said Shuangxi.

「是的。我们请客。我们当初还不要你的呢。你看，你把我的虾吓跑了！」双喜说。

六一公公看見我，便停了楫，笑道，「請客？——這是應該的。」於是對我說，「迅哥兒，昨天的戲可好麽？」When Grandpa Liuyi saw me, he stopped rowing and said with a laugh, 'Treating yourselves? — That's only right.' Then he said to me, 'Brother Xun, was yesterday's opera good?'

六一公公看见我，便停了楫，笑道，「请客？——这是应该的。」于是对我说，「迅哥儿，昨天的戏可好么？」

我點一點頭，說道，「好。」I nodded and said, 'Good.'

我点一点头，说道，「好。」

「豆可中喫呢？」'And were the beans any good to eat?'

「豆可中吃呢？」

我又點一點頭，說道，「很好。」I nodded again and said, 'Very good.'

我又点一点头，说道，「很好。」

不料六一公公竟非常感激起來，將大拇指一翹，得意的說道，「這真是大市鎮裏出來的讀過書的人纔識貨！To my surprise, Grandpa Liuyi grew quite moved, and raising his thumb, said proudly, 'Now that's someone who's been to school in the big town — only such a person really knows good stuff when he tastes it!我的豆種是粒粒挑選過的，鄉下人不識好歹，還說我的豆比不上別人的呢。My bean seeds were picked out one by one, but these country folk don't know good from bad — they even say my beans aren't as good as other people's.我今天也要送些給我們的姑奶奶嘗嘗去……」他於是打着楫子過去了。Today I'll take some for our Auntie to try as well...' And with that he rowed off with his oar.

不料六一公公竟非常感激起来，将大拇指一翘，得意的说道，「这真是大市镇里出来的读过书的人才识货！我的豆种是粒粒挑选过的，乡下人不识好歹，还说我的豆比不上别人的呢。我今天也要送些给我们的姑奶奶尝尝去……」他于是打着楫子过去了。

待到母親叫我回去喫晚飯的時候，桌上便有一大碗煮熟了的羅漢豆，就是六一公公送給母親和我喫的。By the time Mother called me back to eat dinner, there was a big bowl of boiled broad beans on the table — the very ones Grandpa Liuyi had sent for Mother and me to eat.聽說他還對母親極口誇獎我，說「小小年紀便有見識，將來一定要中狀元。I heard he had also praised me to Mother in the highest terms, saying, 'Such a young child and already so discerning — he's sure to come first in the examinations one day.姑奶奶，你的福氣是可以寫包票的了。」但我喫了豆，却並沒有昨夜的豆那麽好。Auntie, your good fortune is something we can vouch for.' But when I ate the beans, they weren't nearly as good as the beans of that night before.

待到母亲叫我回去吃晚饭的时候，桌上便有一大碗煮熟了的罗汉豆，就是六一公公送给母亲和我吃的。听说他还对母亲极口夸奖我，说「小小年纪便有见识，将来一定要中状元。姑奶奶，你的福气是可以写包票的了。」但我吃了豆，却并没有昨夜的豆那么好。

真的，一直到現在，我實在再沒有喫到那夜似的好豆，——也不再看到那夜似的好戲了。Truly, right up to now, I have never again tasted beans as good as those that night — nor have I ever again seen an opera as good as the one that night.

真的，一直到现在，我实在再没有吃到那夜似的好豆，——也不再看到那夜似的好戏了。

一九二二年十月。October, 1922.