四　荒山 The Barren Hills

冬天，女人們像松樹子那樣容易結聚，在王婆家裡滿炕坐著女人。In winter, women gathered together as easily as pine seeds do; the kang at Wang Po's house was packed full of seated women.五姑姑在編麻鞋，她為著笑，弄得一條針丟在蓆縫裡，她尋找針的時候，做出可笑的姿勢來，她像一個靈活的小鴿子站起來在炕上跳著走，她說：Fifth Aunt was weaving hemp sandals; laughing so hard, she let a needle slip into a crack in the mat, and as she searched for it she struck one comical pose after another — like a nimble little pigeon she stood up and hopped about on the kang, saying:

冬天，女人们像松树子那样容易结聚，在王婆家里满炕坐著女人。五姑姑在编麻鞋，她为著笑，弄得一条针丢在席缝里，她寻找针的时候，做出可笑的姿势来，她像一个灵活的小鸽子站起来在炕上跳著走，她说：

「誰偷了我的針？"Who stole my needle?小狗偷了我的針？」Did the puppy steal my needle?"

「谁偷了我的针？小狗偷了我的针？」

「不是呀！"No, it wasn't!小姑爺偷了你的針！」Your little bridegroom stole your needle!"

「不是呀！小姑爷偷了你的针！」

新娶來的菱芝嫂嫂，總是愛說這一類的話。Lingzhi Sao, the newly married bride, always loved saying things like this.五姑姑走過去要打她。Fifth Aunt went over to hit her.

新娶来的菱芝嫂嫂，总是爱说这一类的话。五姑姑走过去要打她。

「莫要打，打人將要找一個麻面的姑爺。」"Don't hit me — if you hit people, you'll end up with a pockmarked bridegroom."

「莫要打，打人将要找一个麻面的姑爷。」

王婆在廚房裡這樣搭起聲來；Wang Po's voice chimed in from the kitchen like this;王婆永久是一陣憂默，一陣歡喜，與鄉村中別的老婦們不同。Wang Po was always a moment of gloomy silence, then a moment of merriment — unlike the other old women of the village.她的聲音又從廚房打來：Her voice came again from the kitchen:

王婆在厨房里这样搭起声来；王婆永久是一阵忧默，一阵欢喜，与乡村中别的老妇们不同。她的声音又从厨房打来：

「五姑姑編成幾雙麻鞋了？"How many pairs of hemp sandals has Fifth Aunt finished?給小丈夫要多多編幾雙呀！」You must weave plenty more for your little husband!"

「五姑姑编成几双麻鞋了？给小丈夫要多多编几双呀！」

五姑姑坐在那裡做出表情來，她說：Fifth Aunt sat there pulling a face, and said:

五姑姑坐在那里做出表情来，她说：

「哪裡有你這樣的老太婆，快五十歲了，還說這樣話！」"Where else is there an old woman like you — nearly fifty, and still talking like that!"

「哪里有你这样的老太婆，快五十岁了，还说这样话！」

王婆又莊嚴點說：Wang Po spoke again, more solemnly:

王婆又庄严点说：

「你們都年青，哪裡懂什麼，多多編幾雙吧！"You're all young, what do you know — weave plenty more pairs!小丈夫才會希罕哩。」Only then will your little husband treasure them."

「你们都年青，哪里懂什么，多多编几双吧！小丈夫才会希罕哩。」

大家嘩笑著了！Everyone burst into laughter!但五姑姑不敢笑，心裡笑，垂下頭去，假裝在蓆上找針。But Fifth Aunt didn't dare laugh outright; she laughed inside, lowered her head, and pretended to search the mat for the needle.等菱芝嫂把針還給五姑姑的時候，屋子安然下來，廚房裡王婆用刀刮著魚鱗的聲響，和窗外雪擦著窗紙的聲響，混雜在一起了。By the time Lingzhi Sao returned the needle to Fifth Aunt, the room had settled into quiet, and the sound of Wang Po's knife scraping fish scales in the kitchen mingled with the sound of snow brushing against the paper window outside.

大家哗笑著了！但五姑姑不敢笑，心里笑，垂下头去，假装在席上找针。等菱芝嫂把针还给五姑姑的时候，屋子安然下来，厨房里王婆用刀刮著鱼鳞的声响，和窗外雪擦著窗纸的声响，混杂在一起了。

王婆用冷水洗著凍冰的魚，兩隻手像個胡蘿蔔樣。Wang Po washed the ice-cold fish in cold water, her two hands turning the color of carrots.她走到炕沿，在火盆邊烘手。She walked to the edge of the kang and warmed her hands by the brazier.生著斑點在鼻子上的死去丈夫的婦人放下那張小破布，在一堆亂布裡去尋更小的一塊；The woman with the freckled nose, whose husband had died, set down the small tattered cloth and rummaged through a heap of rags for an even smaller scrap;她迅速的穿補。she mended quickly, threading the needle through.她的面孔有點像王婆，腮骨很高，眼睛和琉璃一般深嵌在好像小洞似的眼眶裡，並且也和王婆一樣，眉峰是突出的。Her face resembled Wang Po's somewhat — high cheekbones, eyes set deep like glass beads in sockets that looked like little hollows, and, just like Wang Po, prominent brow ridges.那個女人不喜歡聽一些妖艷的詞句，她開始追問王婆：That woman had no taste for such racy talk, and began to press Wang Po with a question:

王婆用冷水洗著冻冰的鱼，两只手像个胡萝卜样。她走到炕沿，在火盆边烘手。生著斑点在鼻子上的死去丈夫的妇人放下那张小破布，在一堆乱布里去寻更小的一块；她迅速的穿补。她的面孔有点像王婆，腮骨很高，眼睛和琉璃一般深嵌在好像小洞似的眼眶里，并且也和王婆一样，眉峰是突出的。那个女人不喜欢听一些妖艳的词句，她开始追问王婆：

「你的第一家那個丈夫還活著嗎？」"Is your first husband still alive?"

「你的第一家那个丈夫还活著吗？」

兩隻在烘著的手，有點腥氣；The two hands being warmed still carried a faint fishy smell;一顆魚鱗掉下去，發出小小響聲，微微上騰著煙。a fish scale dropped into the fire, making a small sound, and a thin wisp of smoke rose up.她用盆邊的灰把煙埋住，她慢慢搖著頭，沒有回答那個問話。She buried the smoke with ash from the edge of the brazier, slowly shook her head, and did not answer the question.

两只在烘著的手，有点腥气；一颗鱼鳞掉下去，发出小小响声，微微上腾著烟。她用盆边的灰把烟埋住，她慢慢摇著头，没有回答那个问话。

魚鱗燒的煙有點難耐，每個人皺一下鼻頭，或是用手揉一揉鼻頭。The smoke from the burning fish scale was rather hard to bear; everyone wrinkled their noses, or rubbed them with a hand.生著斑點的寡婦，有點後悔，覺得不應該問這話。The freckled widow felt a little regretful, sensing she should not have asked that question.牆角坐著五姑姑的姐姐，她用麻繩穿著鞋底的沙音單調地起落著。In the corner sat Fifth Aunt's elder sister, the rasping sound of her hemp cord threading through a shoe sole rising and falling monotonously.

鱼鳞烧的烟有点难耐，每个人皱一下鼻头，或是用手揉一揉鼻头。生著斑点的寡妇，有点后悔，觉得不应该问这话。墙角坐著五姑姑的姐姐，她用麻绳穿著鞋底的沙音单调地起落著。

廚房的門，因為結了冰，破裂一般地鳴叫。The kitchen door, coated with ice, creaked as if it were cracking apart.

厨房的门，因为结了冰，破裂一般地鸣叫。

「呀！"Ah!怎麼買這些黑魚？」Why buy all these black fish?"

「呀！怎么买这些黑鱼？」

大家都知道是打魚村的李二嬸子來了。Everyone knew at once that it was Second Aunt Li from Dayu Village.聽了聲音，就可以想像她稍長的身子。From the sound of her voice alone, one could picture her somewhat tall frame.

大家都知道是打鱼村的李二婶子来了。听了声音，就可以想像她稍长的身子。

「真是快過年了？"Is the New Year really coming so soon?真有錢買這些魚？」Do you really have the money to buy all this fish?"

「真是快过年了？真有钱买这些鱼？」

在冷空氣中，音波響得很脆；In the cold air, the sound waves rang out crisp and clear;剛踏進裡屋，她就看見炕上坐滿著人：「都在這兒聚堆呢！the moment she stepped into the inner room she saw the kang packed with people: "So you're all gathered here in a heap!小老婆們！」You little wenches!"

在冷空气中，音波响得很脆；刚踏进里屋，她就看见炕上坐满著人：「都在这儿聚堆呢！小老婆们！」

她生得這般瘦，腰，臨風就要折斷似的；She was so thin that her waist looked as though it would snap in a gust of wind;她的奶子那樣高，好像兩個對立的小嶺。her breasts stood so high they looked like two facing little hills.斜面看她的肚子似乎有些不平起來。Seen from the side, her belly seemed to have grown somewhat uneven.靠著牆給孩子吃奶的中年婦人，望察著而後問：A middle-aged woman nursing her child against the wall studied her, then asked:

她生得这般瘦，腰，临风就要折断似的；她的奶子那样高，好像两个对立的小岭。斜面看她的肚子似乎有些不平起来。靠著墙给孩子吃奶的中年妇人，望察著而后问：

「二嬸子，不是又有了呵？」"Aunt Li, don't tell me you're expecting again?"

「二婶子，不是又有了呵？」

二嬸子看一看自己的腰身說：Aunt Li glanced down at her own waist and said:

二婶子看一看自己的腰身说：

「像你們呢！"Like the rest of you!懷裡抱著，肚子裡還裝著……」One in your arms, and another packed in your belly..."

「像你们呢！怀里抱著，肚子里还装著……」

她故意在講騙話，過了一會她坦白告訴大家：She was deliberately joking; after a moment she told everyone the truth outright:

她故意在讲骗话，过了一会她坦白告诉大家：

「那是三個月了呢？"It's already three months along, you know?你們還看不出？」Can't you tell yet?"

「那是三个月了呢？你们还看不出？」

菱芝嫂在她肚皮上摸了一下，她邪昵地淺淺地笑了：Lingzhi Sao gave her belly a pat, then gave a sly, faint smile:

菱芝嫂在她肚皮上摸了一下，她邪昵地浅浅地笑了：

「真沒出息，整夜盡摟著男人睡吧？」"Really shameless — spending the whole night wrapped around your man, is that it?"

「真没出息，整夜尽搂著男人睡吧？」

「誰說？"Who says?你們新媳婦，才那樣。」It's you new brides who are like that."

「谁说？你们新媳妇，才那样。」

「新媳婦……？"New brides...?哼！Hmph!倒不見得！」That's not necessarily so!"

「新媳妇……？哼！倒不见得！」

「像我們都老了！"As for us, we're already old!那不算一回事啦，你們年青，那才了不得哪！For us it's nothing to speak of; you young ones, now that's really something!小丈夫才會新鮮哩！」Only with a young husband does it stay fresh!"

「像我们都老了！那不算一回事啦，你们年青，那才了不得哪！小丈夫才会新鲜哩！」

每個人為了言詞的引誘，都在幻想著自己，每個人都有些心跳；Drawn in by these teasing words, everyone fell to imagining herself, and every heart beat a little faster;或是每個人的臉都發燒。or every face grew hot.就連沒出嫁的五姑姑都感著神秘而不安了！Even Fifth Aunt, who was not yet married, felt a mysterious unease!她羞羞迷迷地經過廚房回家去了！Flustered with shame, she slipped through the kitchen and went home!只留下婦人們在一起，她們言調更無邊際了！Only the women were left together, and their talk grew even more unbridled!王婆也加入這一群婦人的隊伍，她卻不說什麼，只是幫助著笑。Wang Po too joined this crowd of women, though she said nothing herself, only added her laughter.

每个人为了言词的引诱，都在幻想著自己，每个人都有些心跳；或是每个人的脸都发烧。就连没出嫁的五姑姑都感著神秘而不安了！她羞羞迷迷地经过厨房回家去了！只留下妇人们在一起，她们言调更无边际了！王婆也加入这一群妇人的队伍，她却不说什么，只是帮助著笑。

在鄉村永久不曉得，永久體驗不到靈魂，只有物質來充實她們。In the countryside they would never know it, never experience the soul — only matter filled their lives.

在乡村永久不晓得，永久体验不到灵魂，只有物质来充实她们。

李二嬸子小聲問菱芝嫂；Second Aunt Li asked Lingzhi Sao in a low voice;其實小聲人們聽得更清！though in fact, spoken low, people caught it all the more clearly!

李二婶子小声问菱芝嫂；其实小声人们听得更清！

菱芝嫂她畢竟是新嫁娘，她猛然羞著了！Lingzhi Sao was, after all, a new bride, and she suddenly turned shy!不能開口。She could not bring herself to speak.李二嬸子的奶子顫動著，用手去推動菱芝嫂：Second Aunt Li's breasts quivered as she gave Lingzhi Sao a push with her hand:

菱芝嫂她毕竟是新嫁娘，她猛然羞著了！不能开口。李二婶子的奶子颤动著，用手去推动菱芝嫂：

「說呀！"Come on, tell us!你們年青，每夜要有那事吧？」You're young — surely you have that business every night?"

「说呀！你们年青，每夜要有那事吧？」

在這樣的當兒，二里半的婆子進來了！Just at that moment, Erliban's wife came in!二嬸子推撞菱芝嫂一下：Aunt Li gave Lingzhi Sao another shove:

在这样的当儿，二里半的婆子进来了！二婶子推撞菱芝嫂一下：

「你快問問她！」"Quick, ask her!"

「你快问问她！」

那個傻婆娘一向說話是有頭無尾：That foolish woman always spoke with a beginning but no end:

那个傻婆娘一向说话是有头无尾：

「十多回。」"More than ten times."

全屋人都笑得流著眼淚了！The whole room laughed until tears streamed down!孩子從母親的懷中起來，大聲的哭號。The child, roused from its mother's arms, began to wail loudly.

全屋人都笑得流著眼泪了！孩子从母亲的怀中起来，大声的哭号。

李二嬸子靜默一會，她站起來說：Second Aunt Li fell silent for a moment, then stood up and said:

李二婶子静默一会，她站起来说：

「月英要吃鹹黃瓜，我還忘了，我是來拿黃瓜。」"Yueying wants some salted cucumbers — I nearly forgot, I came for the cucumbers."

「月英要吃咸黄瓜，我还忘了，我是来拿黄瓜。」

李二嬸子，拿了黃瓜走了，王婆去燒晚飯，別人也陸續著回家了。Second Aunt Li took the cucumbers and left; Wang Po went to cook supper, and the others drifted home one by one.王婆自己在廚房裡炸魚。Wang Po fried the fish alone in the kitchen.為了煙，房中也不覺得寂寞。With the smoke rising, the room did not feel so lonely.

李二婶子，拿了黄瓜走了，王婆去烧晚饭，别人也陆续著回家了。王婆自己在厨房里炸鱼。为了烟，房中也不觉得寂寞。

魚擺在桌子上，平兒也不回來，平兒的爹爹也不回來，暗色的光中王婆自己吃飯，熱氣作伴著她。The fish sat on the table; Ping'er did not come home, and Ping'er's father did not come home either; in the dim light Wang Po ate alone, with only the rising steam for company.

鱼摆在桌子上，平儿也不回来，平儿的爹爹也不回来，暗色的光中王婆自己吃饭，热气作伴著她。

月英是打魚村最美麗的女人。Yueying was the most beautiful woman in Dayu Village.她家也最貧窮，和李二嬸子隔壁住著。Her family was also the poorest, and they lived next door to Second Aunt Li.她是如此溫和，從不聽她高聲笑過，或是高聲吵嚷。She was so gentle that no one had ever heard her laugh loudly or raise her voice in a quarrel.生就的一對多情的眼睛，每個人接觸她的眼光，好比落到綿絨中那樣愉快和溫暖。She was born with a pair of tender, expressive eyes, and whenever anyone met her gaze it felt as pleasant and warm as falling into soft cotton down.

月英是打鱼村最美丽的女人。她家也最贫穷，和李二婶子隔壁住著。她是如此温和，从不听她高声笑过，或是高声吵嚷。生就的一对多情的眼睛，每个人接触她的眼光，好比落到绵绒中那样愉快和温暖。

可是現在那完全消失了！But now all that had completely vanished!每夜李二嬸子聽到隔壁慘厲的哭聲；Every night Second Aunt Li heard wretched, piercing cries from next door;十二月嚴寒的夜，隔壁的哼聲愈見沉重了！on the bitterly cold nights of the twelfth month, the groaning next door grew heavier and heavier!

可是现在那完全消失了！每夜李二婶子听到隔壁惨厉的哭声；十二月严寒的夜，隔壁的哼声愈见沉重了！

山上的雪被風吹著像埋蔽這傍山的小房似的。The wind blew the snow on the mountain as though it meant to bury this little house leaning against the slope.大樹號叫，風雪向小房遮蒙下來。The great trees howled, and wind and snow swept down to shroud the little house.一株山邊斜歪著的大樹，倒折下來。A great tree, leaning crookedly at the mountainside, snapped and fell.寒月怕被一切聲音撲碎似的，退縮到天邊去了！The cold moon, as if afraid of being shattered by all these sounds, shrank back to the edge of the sky!這時候隔壁透出來的聲音，更哀楚。At that moment the sounds seeping through from next door grew even more anguished.

山上的雪被风吹著像埋蔽这傍山的小房似的。大树号叫，风雪向小房遮蒙下来。一株山边斜歪著的大树，倒折下来。寒月怕被一切声音扑碎似的，退缩到天边去了！这时候隔壁透出来的声音，更哀楚。

「你……"You...你給我一點水吧！Give me a little water!我渴死了！」I'm dying of thirst!"

「你……你给我一点水吧！我渴死了！」

聲音弱得柔慘欲斷似的：The voice was so weak and pitifully faint it seemed about to break off:

声音弱得柔惨欲断似的：

「嘴乾死了！……"My mouth is parched to death!...把水碗給我呀！」Hand me the water bowl!"

「嘴干死了！……把水碗给我呀！」

一個短時間內仍沒有回應，於是孱弱哀楚的小響不再作了！For a short while there was still no answer, and then the frail, mournful little voice fell silent altogether!啜泣著，哼著，隔壁像是聽到她流淚一般，滴滴點點地。Sobbing, moaning — next door it sounded as though one could hear her tears falling, drop by drop.

一个短时间内仍没有回应，于是孱弱哀楚的小响不再作了！啜泣著，哼著，隔壁像是听到她流泪一般，滴滴点点地。

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日間孩子們集聚在山坡，緣著樹枝爬上去，順著結冰的小道滑下來，他們有各樣不同的姿勢：──倒滾著下來，兩腿分張著下來。By day the children gathered on the hillside, climbing up by clutching the tree branches and sliding down the icy paths, each in some different pose — tumbling down backward, or coming down with legs spread wide.也有冒險的孩子，把頭向下，腳伸向空中溜下來。There were also daring children who slid down headfirst, with their feet stretched up into the air.常常他們要跌破流血回家。Often they went home with cuts and bleeding from falls.冬天，對於村中的孩子們，和對於花果同樣暴虐。Winter was just as merciless to the village children as it was to flowers and fruit.他們每人的耳朵春天要膿脹起來，手或是腳都裂開條口，鄉村的母親們對於孩子們永遠和對敵人一般。Every one of their ears would swell up and fester by springtime, and their hands and feet would crack open in long fissures; the village mothers always treated their children as though they were enemies.當孩子把爹爹的棉帽偷著戴起跑出去的時候，媽媽追在後面打罵著奪回來，媽媽們摧殘孩子永久瘋狂著。When a child stole his father's padded cap to wear and ran off outside, his mother would chase after him, cursing and beating him to snatch it back — the mothers were forever ravaging their children in a kind of endless frenzy.

日间孩子们集聚在山坡，缘著树枝爬上去，顺著结冰的小道滑下来，他们有各样不同的姿势：──倒滚著下来，两腿分张著下来。也有冒险的孩子，把头向下，脚伸向空中溜下来。常常他们要跌破流血回家。冬天，对于村中的孩子们，和对于花果同样暴虐。他们每人的耳朵春天要脓胀起来，手或是脚都裂开条口，乡村的母亲们对于孩子们永远和对敌人一般。当孩子把爹爹的棉帽偷著戴起跑出去的时候，妈妈追在后面打骂著夺回来，妈妈们摧残孩子永久疯狂著。

王婆約會五姑姑來探望月英。Wangpo arranged for Fifth Aunt to come and visit Yueying.正走過山坡，平兒在那裡。As they were crossing the hillside, they saw Ping'er there.平兒偷穿著爹爹的大氈靴子；Ping'er had secretly put on his father's big felt boots;他從山坡奔逃了！he went running down the slope!靴子好像兩隻大熊掌樣掛在那個孩子的腳上，平兒蹣跚著了！The boots hung from the child's feet like two great bear paws, and Ping'er stumbled along!從上坡滾落著了！He went tumbling down the slope!可憐的孩子帶著那樣黑大不相稱的腳，球一般滾轉下來，跌在山根的大樹桿上。The poor child, burdened with those huge black feet so out of proportion to him, rolled down like a ball and crashed into the trunk of a great tree at the foot of the hill.王婆宛如一陣風落到平兒的身上；Wangpo descended upon Ping'er like a gust of wind;那樣好像山間的野獸要獵食小獸一般凶暴。she was as savage as a wild beast in the mountains pouncing upon its young prey.終於王婆提了靴子，平兒赤腳回家，使平兒走在雪上，好像使他走在火上一般不能停留。At last Wangpo took the boots away, and Ping'er went home barefoot; walking on the snow was like walking on fire, and he could not pause for a moment.任孩子走得怎樣遠，王婆仍是說著：However far the child walked, Wangpo went on saying:

王婆约会五姑姑来探望月英。正走过山坡，平儿在那里。平儿偷穿著爹爹的大毡靴子；他从山坡奔逃了！靴子好像两只大熊掌样挂在那个孩子的脚上，平儿蹒跚著了！从上坡滚落著了！可怜的孩子带著那样黑大不相称的脚，球一般滚转下来，跌在山根的大树杆上。王婆宛如一阵风落到平儿的身上；那样好像山间的野兽要猎食小兽一般凶暴。终于王婆提了靴子，平儿赤脚回家，使平儿走在雪上，好像使他走在火上一般不能停留。任孩子走得怎样远，王婆仍是说著：

「一雙靴子要穿過三冬，踏破了哪裡有錢買？“A pair of boots has to last three winters—if you wear them out, where will we find the money for another pair?你爹進城去都沒穿哩！」Even your father went into town without them!”

「一双靴子要穿过三冬，踏破了哪里有钱买？你爹进城去都没穿哩！」

月英看見王婆還不及說話，她先啞了嗓子。At the sight of Wangpo, before Yueying could even speak, her voice had already gone hoarse.王婆把靴子放在炕下，手在抹擦鼻涕：Wangpo set the boots beneath the kang and wiped the mucus from her nose with her hand:

月英看见王婆还不及说话，她先哑了嗓子。王婆把靴子放在炕下，手在抹擦鼻涕：

「你好了一點？“Are you a little better?臉孔有一點血色了！」There is a little color in your face!”

「你好了一点？脸孔有一点血色了！」

月英把被子推動一下，但被子仍然伏蓋在肩上，她說：Yueying shifted the quilt slightly, but it still lay draped over her shoulders, and she said:

月英把被子推动一下，但被子仍然伏盖在肩上，她说：

「我算完了，你看我連被子都拿不動了！」“I am done for—look, I cannot even lift the quilt!”

「我算完了，你看我连被子都拿不动了！」

月英坐在炕的當心。Yueying sat in the very middle of the kang.那幽黑的屋子好像佛龕，月英好像佛龕中坐著的女佛。The dark, shadowy room resembled a shrine, and Yueying a female Buddha seated within it.用枕頭四面圍住她，就這樣過了一年。Propped up on every side with pillows, she had passed a whole year this way.一年月英沒能倒下睡過。For an entire year, Yueying had not been able to lie down to sleep.她患著癱病，起初她的丈夫替她請神，燒香，也跑到土地廟前索藥。She was afflicted with paralysis; at first her husband summoned spirits for her, burned incense, and even went to the shrine of the Earth God to seek medicine.後來就連城裡的廟也去燒香；Later he went as far as the temples in town to burn incense;但是奇怪的是月英的病並不為這些香火和神鬼所治好。but strangely enough, Yueying's illness was not cured by all that incense or by any god or ghost.以後做丈夫的覺得責任盡到了，並且月英一個月比一個月加病，做丈夫的感著傷心！Afterward, her husband felt that he had discharged his duty; and as Yueying grew worse month by month, he felt aggrieved!他嘴裡罵：He cursed:

月英坐在炕的当心。那幽黑的屋子好像佛龛，月英好像佛龛中坐著的女佛。用枕头四面围住她，就这样过了一年。一年月英没能倒下睡过。她患著瘫病，起初她的丈夫替她请神，烧香，也跑到土地庙前索药。后来就连城里的庙也去烧香；但是奇怪的是月英的病并不为这些香火和神鬼所治好。以后做丈夫的觉得责任尽到了，并且月英一个月比一个月加病，做丈夫的感著伤心！他嘴里骂：

「娶了你這樣老婆，真算不走運氣！“To have married a wife like you—what rotten luck!好像娶個小祖宗來家，供奉著你吧！」It is as though I brought home a little ancestor and now have to make offerings to you!”

「娶了你这样老婆，真算不走运气！好像娶个小祖宗来家，供奉著你吧！」

起初因為她和他分辨，他還打她。At first, when she argued with him, he would even beat her.現在不然了，絕望了！Now he no longer did; he had despaired!晚間他從城裡賣完青菜回來，燒飯自己吃，吃完便睡下，一夜睡到天明，坐在一邊那個受罪的女人一夜呼喚到天明。In the evening, after returning from town where he had sold his vegetables, he cooked his own meal, ate it, and lay down to sleep, sleeping straight through till dawn, while beside him the suffering woman cried out all night until daybreak.宛如一個人和一個鬼安放在一起，彼此不相關聯。It was as though a man and a ghost had been put together, with no connection between them.

起初因为她和他分辨，他还打她。现在不然了，绝望了！晚间他从城里卖完青菜回来，烧饭自己吃，吃完便睡下，一夜睡到天明，坐在一边那个受罪的女人一夜呼唤到天明。宛如一个人和一个鬼安放在一起，彼此不相关联。

月英說話只有舌尖在轉動。When Yueying spoke, only the tip of her tongue moved.王婆靠近她，同時那一種難忍的氣味更強烈了！Wangpo drew close to her, and at once that unbearable odor grew stronger!更強烈的從那一堆污濁的東西，發散出來。Stronger still, it issued from that heap of filth.月英指點身後說：Pointing behind herself, Yueying said:

月英说话只有舌尖在转动。王婆靠近她，同时那一种难忍的气味更强烈了！更强烈的从那一堆污浊的东西，发散出来。月英指点身后说：

「你們看看，這是那死鬼給我弄來的磚，他說我快死了！“Look—these are the bricks that damned ghost brought me; he says I am about to die!用不著被子了！That I have no need of quilts anymore!用磚依住我，我全身一點肉都瘦空。He props me up with bricks; all the flesh has wasted away from my body.那個沒有天良的，他想法折磨我呀！」That heartless wretch—he thinks up ways to torment me!”

「你们看看，这是那死鬼给我弄来的砖，他说我快死了！用不著被子了！用砖依住我，我全身一点肉都瘦空。那个没有天良的，他想法折磨我呀！」

五姑姑覺得男人太殘忍，把磚塊完全拋下炕去。Fifth Aunt thought the man far too cruel and flung all the bricks down from the kang.月英的聲音欲斷一般又說：Her voice seeming about to break off, Yueying said again:

五姑姑觉得男人太残忍，把砖块完全抛下炕去。月英的声音欲断一般又说：

「我不行啦！“I cannot go on!我怎麼能行，我快死啦！」How could I go on? I am about to die!”

「我不行啦！我怎么能行，我快死啦！」

她的眼睛，白眼珠完全變綠，整齊的一排前齒也完全變綠，她的頭髮燒焦了似的，緊貼住頭皮。The whites of her eyes had turned entirely green, and the even row of her front teeth had turned green as well; her hair clung tightly to her scalp as though it had been singed.她像一頭患病的貓兒，孤獨而無望。She was like a sick cat, alone and without hope.

她的眼睛，白眼珠完全变绿，整齐的一排前齿也完全变绿，她的头发烧焦了似的，紧贴住头皮。她像一头患病的猫儿，孤独而无望。

王婆給月英圍好一張被子在腰間，月英說：Wangpo wrapped a quilt securely around Yueying's waist, and Yueying said:

王婆给月英围好一张被子在腰间，月英说：

「看看我的身下，髒污死啦！」“Look underneath me—what horrible filth!”

「看看我的身下，脏污死啦！」

王婆下地用條枝攏了盆火，火盆騰著煙放在月英身後。Wangpo climbed down, raked together the fire in a brazier with a twig, and set the smoking brazier behind Yueying.王婆打開她的被子時，看見那一些排泄物淹浸了那座小小的骨盆。When Wangpo opened her quilt, she saw that the excrement had steeped that little basin of bones.五姑姑扶住月英的腰，但是她仍然使人心楚的在呼喚！Fifth Aunt held Yueying by the waist, but still she cried out so pitifully that it wrung the heart!

王婆下地用条枝拢了盆火，火盆腾著烟放在月英身后。王婆打开她的被子时，看见那一些排泄物淹浸了那座小小的骨盆。五姑姑扶住月英的腰，但是她仍然使人心楚的在呼唤！

「唉呦，我的娘！……“Oh, Mother!…唉呦疼呀！」Oh, it hurts!”

她的腿像一雙白色的竹竿平行著伸在前面。Her legs stretched out parallel before her like a pair of white bamboo poles.她的骨架在炕上正確的做成一個直角，這完全用線條組成的人形，只有頭闊大些，頭在身子上彷彿是一個燈籠掛在桿頭。Her skeleton formed a perfect right angle upon the kang; this human figure composed entirely of lines was broader only at the head, which seemed like a lantern hanging from the top of a pole.

她的腿像一双白色的竹竿平行著伸在前面。她的骨架在炕上正确的做成一个直角，这完全用线条组成的人形，只有头阔大些，头在身子上彷佛是一个灯笼挂在杆头。

王婆用麥草揩著她的身子，最後用一塊濕布為她擦著。Wangpo wiped her body with wheat straw, then finished by cleaning her with a damp cloth.五姑姑在背後把她抱起來，當擦臀部下時，王婆覺得有小小白色的東西落到手上，會蠕行似的。Fifth Aunt lifted her from behind, and as Wangpo wiped beneath her buttocks, she felt tiny white things fall onto her hand, things that seemed to wriggle.藉著火盆邊的火光去細看，知道那是一些小蛆蟲，她知道月英的臀下是腐了，小蟲在那裡活躍。Examining them closely by the light of the brazier, she saw that they were tiny maggots; she knew that the flesh beneath Yueying's buttocks had rotted and that the little worms were thriving there.月英的身體將變成小蟲們的洞穴！Yueying's body was about to become a cavern for the little worms!王婆問月英：Wangpo asked Yueying:

王婆用麦草揩著她的身子，最后用一块湿布为她擦著。五姑姑在背后把她抱起来，当擦臀部下时，王婆觉得有小小白色的东西落到手上，会蠕行似的。藉著火盆边的火光去细看，知道那是一些小蛆虫，她知道月英的臀下是腐了，小虫在那里活跃。月英的身体将变成小虫们的洞穴！王婆问月英：

「你的腿覺得有點痛沒有？」“Do your legs hurt at all?”

「你的腿觉得有点痛没有？」

月英搖頭。Yueying shook her head.王婆用涼水洗她的腿骨，但她沒有感覺，整個下體在那個癱人像是外接的，是另外的一件物體。Wangpo washed the bones of her legs with cold water, but she felt nothing; the whole lower half of the paralyzed woman's body seemed to be attached from outside, some separate object altogether.當給她一杯水喝的時候，王婆問：As she gave her a cup of water to drink, Wangpo asked:

月英摇头。王婆用凉水洗她的腿骨，但她没有感觉，整个下体在那个瘫人像是外接的，是另外的一件物体。当给她一杯水喝的时候，王婆问：

「牙怎麼綠了？」“Why have your teeth turned green?”

「牙怎么绿了？」

終於五姑姑到隔壁借一面鏡子，同時她看了鏡子，悲痛沁人心魂地她大哭起來。At last Fifth Aunt borrowed a mirror from next door; when Yueying looked into it, she began to wail with a grief that pierced the very soul.但面孔上不見一點淚珠，彷彿是貓忽然被斬軋，她難忍的聲音，沒有溫情的聲音，開始低嘎。Yet not a single tear appeared on her face; as though a cat had suddenly been mangled under a blade, her unbearable, warmthless voice began to rasp low in her throat.

终于五姑姑到隔壁借一面镜子，同时她看了镜子，悲痛沁人心魂地她大哭起来。但面孔上不见一点泪珠，彷佛是猫忽然被斩轧，她难忍的声音，没有温情的声音，开始低嘎。

她說：「我是個鬼啦！She said, “I am a ghost!快些死吧！Let me die quickly!活埋了我吧！」Bury me alive!”

她说：「我是个鬼啦！快些死吧！活埋了我吧！」

她用手來撕頭髮，脊骨搖扭著，一個長久的時間她忙亂的不停。She tore at her hair with her hands, her spine twisting and rocking; for a long while she thrashed about without stopping.現在停下了，她是那樣無力。Now she had fallen still, utterly powerless.頭是歪斜地橫在肩上；Her head lolled crookedly across her shoulder;她又那樣微微的睡去。and once more she drifted faintly into sleep.

她用手来撕头发，脊骨摇扭著，一个长久的时间她忙乱的不停。现在停下了，她是那样无力。头是歪斜地横在肩上；她又那样微微的睡去。

王婆提了靴子走出這個傍山的小房。Wangpo picked up the boots and walked out of the little house by the mountain.荒寂的山上有行人走在天邊，她昏旋了！On the desolate mountain, travelers moved along the edge of the sky; her head began to reel!為著強的光線，為著癱人的氣味，為著生、老、病、死的煩惱，她的思路被一些煩惱的波所遮攔。The harsh light, the paralytic woman's odor, and the afflictions of birth, age, sickness, and death clouded her thoughts with waves of anguish.

王婆提了靴子走出这个傍山的小房。荒寂的山上有行人走在天边，她昏旋了！为著强的光线，为著瘫人的气味，为著生、老、病、死的烦恼，她的思路被一些烦恼的波所遮拦。

五姑姑當走進大門時向王婆打了個招呼。When Fifth Aunt reached her own gate, she called a farewell to Wangpo.留下一段更長的路途，給那個經驗過多樣人生的老太婆去走吧！A longer stretch of road remained—let the old woman who had known so many kinds of life walk it alone!

五姑姑当走进大门时向王婆打了个招呼。留下一段更长的路途，给那个经验过多样人生的老太婆去走吧！

王婆束緊頭上的藍布巾，加快了速度，雪在腳下也相伴而狂速地呼叫。Wangpo tightened the blue cloth around her head and quickened her pace; the snow beneath her feet kept company with her, shrieking wildly as it sped along.

王婆束紧头上的蓝布巾，加快了速度，雪在脚下也相伴而狂速地呼叫。

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三天以後，月英的棺材抬著橫過荒山而奔著去埋葬，葬在荒山下。Three days later, Yueying's coffin was carried swiftly across the barren hills to be buried at their foot.

三天以后，月英的棺材抬著横过荒山而奔著去埋葬，葬在荒山下。

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死人死了！The dead were dead!活人計算著怎麼活下去。The living reckoned how they might go on living.冬天女人們預備夏季的衣裳；In winter the women prepared clothes for summer;男人們計慮著怎樣開始明年的耕種。the men considered how to begin the next year's farming.

死人死了！活人计算著怎么活下去。冬天女人们预备夏季的衣裳；男人们计虑著怎样开始明年的耕种。

那天趙三進城回來，他披著兩張羊皮回家。That day Zhao San returned from town with two sheepskins draped over his shoulders.王婆問他：Wangpo asked him:

那天赵三进城回来，他披著两张羊皮回家。王婆问他：

「哪裡來的羊皮？──你買的嗎？……“Where did those sheepskins come from?—Did you buy them?…哪來的錢呢……？」Where did you get the money…?”

「哪里来的羊皮？──你买的吗？……哪来的钱呢……？」

趙三有什麼事在心中似的，他什麼也沒言語。Zhao San seemed to have something on his mind, and said nothing at all.搖閃的經過爐灶，通紅的火光立刻鮮明著，他走出去了。He passed the stove with a swaying gait; the crimson firelight flared bright upon him, and then he went out.

赵三有什么事在心中似的，他什么也没言语。摇闪的经过炉灶，通红的火光立刻鲜明著，他走出去了。

夜深的時候他還沒有回來。Late that night he still had not returned.王婆命令平兒去找他。Wangpo ordered Ping'er to go and look for him.平兒的腳已是難於行動，於是王婆就到二里半家去。Ping'er's feet could scarcely carry him now, so Wangpo went herself to Erli-ban's house.他不在二里半家，她到打魚村去了。He was not at Erli-ban's, so she went on to Fishing Village.趙三闊大的喉嚨從李青山家的窗紙透出，王婆知道他又是喝過了酒。Zhao San's booming voice came through the paper window of Li Qingshan's house, and Wangpo knew that he had been drinking again.當她推門的時候她就說：As she pushed open the door, she said:

夜深的时候他还没有回来。王婆命令平儿去找他。平儿的脚已是难于行动，于是王婆就到二里半家去。他不在二里半家，她到打鱼村去了。赵三阔大的喉咙从李青山家的窗纸透出，王婆知道他又是喝过了酒。当她推门的时候她就说：

「什麼時候了？“Do you know what time it is?還不回家去睡？」Why have you not gone home to sleep?”

「什么时候了？还不回家去睡？」

這樣立刻全屋別的男人們也把嘴角合起來。At once all the other men in the room closed their mouths as well.王婆感到不能意料了。Wangpo sensed something she had not expected.青山的女人也沒在家，孩子也不見。Qingshan's wife was not home either, and the children were nowhere to be seen.趙三說：Zhao San said:

这样立刻全屋别的男人们也把嘴角合起来。王婆感到不能意料了。青山的女人也没在家，孩子也不见。赵三说：

「你來幹麼？“What have you come here for?回家睡吧！Go home and sleep!我就去……I will be along…去……」Along…”

「你来干么？回家睡吧！我就去……去……」

王婆看一看趙三的臉神，看一看周圍也沒有可坐的地方，她轉身出來，她的心徘徊著：Wangpo looked at Zhao San's expression, then looked around and saw there was nowhere to sit; she turned and went out, her mind circling uneasily:

王婆看一看赵三的脸神，看一看周围也没有可坐的地方，她转身出来，她的心徘徊著：

──青山的媳婦怎麼不在家呢？—Why was Qingshan's wife not at home?這些人是在做什麼？What were these men doing?

──青山的媳妇怎么不在家呢？这些人是在做什么？

又是一個晚間。Another evening came.趙三穿好新製成的羊皮小襖出去。Zhao San put on his newly made sheepskin jacket and went out.夜半才回來。He did not return until midnight.披著月亮敲門。Clad in moonlight, he knocked at the door.王婆知道他又是喝過了酒，但他睡的時候，王婆一點酒味也沒嗅到。Wangpo knew he had been drinking again, yet when he went to bed she could not smell the least trace of liquor on him.那麼出去做些什麼呢？Then what had he gone out to do?總是憤怒的歸來。She always came back angry.

又是一个晚间。赵三穿好新制成的羊皮小袄出去。夜半才回来。披著月亮敲门。王婆知道他又是喝过了酒，但他睡的时候，王婆一点酒味也没嗅到。那么出去做些什么呢？总是愤怒的归来。

李二嬸子拖了她的孩子來了，她問：Aunt Li the Second came dragging her child along, and asked:

李二婶子拖了她的孩子来了，她问：

「是地租加了價嗎？」"Has the land rent gone up?"

「是地租加了价吗？」

王婆說：「我還沒聽說。」Wang Po said, "I haven't heard about it."

王婆说：「我还没听说。」

李二嬸子做出一個確定的表情：Aunt Li the Second put on a look of certainty:

李二婶子做出一个确定的表情：

「是的呀！"It's true!你還不知道嗎？You still don't know?三哥天天到我家去和他爹商量這事。Third Brother goes to my house every day to talk this over with his father.我看這種情形非出事不可，他們天天夜晚計算著，就連我，他們也躲著。The way things look, something is bound to happen — every night they scheme, and they even hide it from me.昨夜我站在窗外才聽到他們說哩：『打死他吧！Last night I stood outside the window and just caught them saying: 'Let's beat him to death!那是一塊惡禍。』你想他們是要打死誰呢？That's a real menace.' Who do you suppose they mean to kill?這不是要出人命嗎？」Isn't this going to cost a life?"

「是的呀！你还不知道吗？三哥天天到我家去和他爹商量这事。我看这种情形非出事不可，他们天天夜晚计算著，就连我，他们也躲著。昨夜我站在窗外才听到他们说哩：『打死他吧！那是一块恶祸。』你想他们是要打死谁呢？这不是要出人命吗？」

李二嬸子撫著孩子的頭頂，有一點哀憐的樣子：Aunt Li the Second stroked the top of her child's head, looking somewhat pained and pitiful:

李二婶子抚著孩子的头顶，有一点哀怜的样子：

「你要勸說三哥，他們若是出了事，像我們怎樣活？"You must talk Third Brother out of it — if something happens to them, how are people like us supposed to live?孩子還都小著哩！」The children are all still so young!"

「你要劝说三哥，他们若是出了事，像我们怎样活？孩子还都小著哩！」

五姑姑和別的村婦們帶著他們的小包袱，約會著來的，踏進來的時候，她們是滿臉盈笑。Fifth Aunt and the other village women, carrying their little bundles, came by arrangement, and when they stepped inside, their faces were brimming with smiles.可是立刻她們轉變了，當她們看見李二嬸子和王婆默無言語的時候。But they changed at once, when they saw Aunt Li the Second and Wang Po sitting there without a word.

五姑姑和别的村妇们带著他们的小包袱，约会著来的，踏进来的时候，她们是满脸盈笑。可是立刻她们转变了，当她们看见李二婶子和王婆默无言语的时候。

也把事件告訴了她們，她們也立刻憂鬱起來，一點閒情也沒有！The matter was told to them too, and they at once grew gloomy, with not a bit of idle cheer left in them!一點笑聲也沒有，每個人癡呆地想了想，驚恐地探問了幾句。Not a trace of laughter remained; each of them stood dazed in thought a moment, then asked a few questions in fright.五姑姑的姐姐，她是第一個扭著大圓的肚子走出去，就這樣一個連著一個寂寞的走去。Fifth Aunt's elder sister was the first to turn away, her big round belly swaying, and walk out; one after another, in just this way, they went off in loneliness.她們好像群聚的魚似的，忽然有釣竿投下來，她們四下分行去了！They were like fish gathered in a school; when suddenly a fishing rod dropped down among them, they scattered off in all directions!

也把事件告诉了她们，她们也立刻忧郁起来，一点闲情也没有！一点笑声也没有，每个人痴呆地想了想，惊恐地探问了几句。五姑姑的姐姐，她是第一个扭著大圆的肚子走出去，就这样一个连著一个寂寞的走去。她们好像群聚的鱼似的，忽然有钓竿投下来，她们四下分行去了！

李二嬸子仍沒有走，她為的是囑告王婆怎樣破壞著件險事。Aunt Li the Second still had not left; her purpose was to instruct Wang Po on how to head off this dangerous business.

李二婶子仍没有走，她为的是嘱告王婆怎样破坏著件险事。

趙三這幾天常常不在家吃飯；These past few days Zhao San often did not eat at home;李二嬸子一天來過三四次：Aunt Li the Second came three or four times in a single day:

赵三这几天常常不在家吃饭；李二婶子一天来过三四次：

「三哥還沒回來？"Third Brother still hasn't come back?他爹爹也沒回來。」His father hasn't come back either."

「三哥还没回来？他爹爹也没回来。」

一直到第二天下午趙三回來了，當進門的時候，他打了平兒，因為平兒的腳病著，一群孩子集到家來玩。Not until the afternoon of the next day did Zhao San return; as he came through the door, he struck Ping'er, because Ping'er's foot was hurt, and a crowd of children had gathered at the house to play.在院心放了一點米，一塊長板用短條棍架著，條棍上繫著長繩，繩子從門限拉進去，雀子們去啄食穀糧，孩子們蹲在門限守望，什麼時候雀子滿集成堆時，那時候，孩子們就抽動繩索。In the middle of the yard a little rice had been scattered, a long plank propped up on a short stick, a long string tied to the stick, the string running in through the doorsill; the sparrows would come to peck at the grain, and the children crouched at the doorsill keeping watch, and whenever the sparrows had gathered thick in a flock, the children would yank the string.許多飢餓的麻雀喪亡在長板下。Many hungry sparrows perished beneath the long plank.廚房裡充滿了雀毛的氣味，孩子們在灶堂裡燒食過許多雀子。The kitchen was filled with the smell of sparrow feathers; the children had roasted and eaten many sparrows in the stove.

一直到第二天下午赵三回来了，当进门的时候，他打了平儿，因为平儿的脚病著，一群孩子集到家来玩。在院心放了一点米，一块长板用短条棍架著，条棍上系著长绳，绳子从门限拉进去，雀子们去啄食谷粮，孩子们蹲在门限守望，什么时候雀子满集成堆时，那时候，孩子们就抽动绳索。许多饥饿的麻雀丧亡在长板下。厨房里充满了雀毛的气味，孩子们在灶堂里烧食过许多雀子。

趙三焦煩著，他看見一隻雞被孩子們打住。Zhao San was vexed and irritable; he saw a chicken get caught by the children.他把板子給踢翻了！He kicked the plank over!他坐在炕沿上燃著小煙袋，王婆把早飯從鍋裡擺出來。He sat on the edge of the kang lighting his little pipe, while Wang Po set breakfast out of the pot.他說：He said:

赵三焦烦著，他看见一只鸡被孩子们打住。他把板子给踢翻了！他坐在炕沿上燃著小烟袋，王婆把早饭从锅里摆出来。他说：

「我吃過了！」"I've already eaten!"

「我吃过了！」

於是平兒來吃這些殘飯。So Ping'er came to eat these leftovers.

于是平儿来吃这些残饭。

「你們的事情預備得怎樣了？"How are things coming along with your business?能下手便下手。」If you can strike, then strike."

「你们的事情预备得怎样了？能下手便下手。」

他驚疑。He was startled and suspicious.怎麼會走漏消息呢？How could word have leaked out?王婆又說：Wang Po said further:

他惊疑。怎么会走漏消息呢？王婆又说：

「我知道的，我還能弄隻槍來。」"I know about it. I can even get hold of a gun."

「我知道的，我还能弄只枪来。」

他無從想像自己的老婆有這樣的膽量。He could not imagine that his own wife had such courage.王婆真的找來一支老洋炮。Wang Po really did find an old foreign-style gun.可是趙三還從沒用過槍。But Zhao San had never yet used a gun.晚上平兒睡了以後王婆教他怎樣裝火藥，怎樣上炮子。At night, after Ping'er had gone to sleep, Wang Po taught him how to load the powder, how to load the shot.

他无从想像自己的老婆有这样的胆量。王婆真的找来一支老洋炮。可是赵三还从没用过枪。晚上平儿睡了以后王婆教他怎样装火药，怎样上炮子。

趙三對於他的女人慢慢可以感到可以敬重！Zhao San gradually came to feel his woman deserved some respect!但是更秘密一點的事情總不向她說。But the more secret matters, he still never told her.

赵三对于他的女人慢慢可以感到可以敬重！但是更秘密一点的事情总不向她说。

忽然從牛棚裡發現五個新鐮刀。Suddenly five new sickles were discovered in the cow shed.王婆意度這事情是不遠了！Wang Po reckoned the affair was not far off now!

忽然从牛棚里发现五个新镰刀。王婆意度这事情是不远了！

李二嬸子和別的村婦們擠上門來打聽消息的時候，王婆的頭沉埋一下，她說：When Aunt Li the Second and the other village women crowded up to the door to ask for news, Wang Po lowered her head for a moment and said:

李二婶子和别的村妇们挤上门来打听消息的时候，王婆的头沉埋一下，她说：

「沒有這回事，他們想到一百里路外去打圍，弄得幾張獸皮大家分用。」"There's no such thing. They're thinking of going a hundred li away to hunt, to get some hides for everyone to share."

「没有这回事，他们想到一百里路外去打围，弄得几张兽皮大家分用。」

※※※※※※

是在過年的前夜，事情終於發生了！It was on the eve of the New Year that the affair finally happened!北地端鮮紅的血染著雪地；In the north country fresh red blood stained the snowy ground;但事情做錯了！But the deed was done wrong!趙三近些日子有些失常，一條梨木桿打折了小偷的腿骨。Zhao San had of late been somewhat deranged, and with a pear-wood pole he broke a thief's leg bone.他去呼喚二里半，想要把那小偷丟在土坑去，用雪埋起來。He went to call Er Li Ban, wanting to throw the thief into a pit and bury him under snow.二里半說：Er Li Ban said:

是在过年的前夜，事情终于发生了！北地端鲜红的血染著雪地；但事情做错了！赵三近些日子有些失常，一条梨木杆打折了小偷的腿骨。他去呼唤二里半，想要把那小偷丢在土坑去，用雪埋起来。二里半说：

「不行，開春時節，土坑發現死屍，傳出風聲，那是人命哩！」"No good — come spring, if a corpse turns up in the pit and word gets out, that's a matter of a life!"

「不行，开春时节，土坑发现死尸，传出风声，那是人命哩！」

村中人聽著極痛的呼叫，四面出來尋找。The villagers, hearing the agonized cries, came out from all sides to search.趙三拖著獨腿人轉著彎跑，但他不能把他掩藏起來。Zhao San dragged the one-legged man, running around corners, but he could not hide him.在趙三惶恐的心情下，他願意尋到一個井把他放下去。In his terror, Zhao San wished he could find a well to drop him into.趙三弄了滿手血。Zhao San got his hands covered in blood.

村中人听著极痛的呼叫，四面出来寻找。赵三拖著独腿人转著弯跑，但他不能把他掩藏起来。在赵三惶恐的心情下，他愿意寻到一个井把他放下去。赵三弄了满手血。

驚動了全村的人，村長進城報告警所。It alarmed the whole village, and the village head went into town to report to the police station.

惊动了全村的人，村长进城报告警所。

於是趙三去坐監獄，李青山他們的「鐮刀會」少了趙三也就衰弱了！So Zhao San went to sit in prison, and Li Qingshan and the others' "Sickle Society," lacking Zhao San, grew weak!消滅了！It was wiped out!

于是赵三去坐监狱，李青山他们的「镰刀会」少了赵三也就衰弱了！消灭了！

正月末趙三受了主人的幫忙，把他從監獄裡提放出來。At the end of the first month, with the landlord's help, Zhao San was brought out and released from prison.那時他頭髮很長，臉也灰白了些，他有點蒼老。By then his hair had grown very long, his face had turned somewhat ashen, and he looked a bit aged.

正月末赵三受了主人的帮忙，把他从监狱里提放出来。那时他头发很长，脸也灰白了些，他有点苍老。

為著給那個折腿的小偷做賠償，他牽了那條僅有的牛上市去賣；To pay compensation to that thief with the broken leg, he led his one and only ox to market to sell;小羊皮襖也許是賣了？His little lambskin jacket, perhaps that was sold too?再不見他穿了！It was never seen on him again!

为著给那个折腿的小偷做赔偿，他牵了那条仅有的牛上市去卖；小羊皮袄也许是卖了？再不见他穿了！

晚間李青山他們來的時候，趙三懺悔一般地說：In the evening, when Li Qingshan and the others came, Zhao San spoke as though in repentance:

晚间李青山他们来的时候，赵三忏悔一般地说：

「我做錯了！"I did wrong!也許是我該招的災禍；Perhaps this was a disaster I brought on myself and deserved;那是一個天將黑的時候，我正喝酒，聽著平兒大喊有人偷柴。It was at a time when the sky was about to darken; I was drinking, when I heard Ping'er shout loudly that someone was stealing firewood.劉二爺前些日子來說要加地租，我不答應，我說我們聯合起來不給他加，於是他走了！A few days before, Squire Liu the Second had come saying he wanted to raise the land rent; I refused, saying we'd band together and not let him raise it, and so he left!過了幾天他又來，說非加不可。A few days later he came again, saying it absolutely had to be raised.再不然叫你們滾蛋！Otherwise, he said, clear out!我說好啊！I said, fine!等著你吧！Just wait and see!那個管事的，他說：你還要造反？That steward of his said: you still mean to rebel?不滾蛋，你們的草堆，就要著火！If you don't clear out, your haystacks are going to catch fire!我只當是那個小子來點著我的柴堆呢！I took it that this fellow had come to set my woodpile alight!拿著桿子跑出去就把腿給打斷了！I grabbed the pole and ran out, and broke his leg!打斷了也甘心，誰想那是一個小偷？Even having broken it I'd have been content — who would have thought it was a thief?哈哈！Ha ha!小偷倒霉了！The thief was the unlucky one!就是治好，那也是跌子了！」Even if he's cured, he'll be a cripple for life!"

「我做错了！也许是我该招的灾祸；那是一个天将黑的时候，我正喝酒，听著平儿大喊有人偷柴。刘二爷前些日子来说要加地租，我不答应，我说我们联合起来不给他加，于是他走了！过了几天他又来，说非加不可。再不然叫你们滚蛋！我说好啊！等著你吧！那个管事的，他说：你还要造反？不滚蛋，你们的草堆，就要著火！我只当是那个小子来点著我的柴堆呢！拿著杆子跑出去就把腿给打断了！打断了也甘心，谁想那是一个小偷？哈哈！小偷倒霉了！就是治好，那也是跌子了！」

關於「鐮刀會」的事情他像忘記了一般。About the matter of the "Sickle Society," he seemed as if he had forgotten it.李青山問他：Li Qingshan asked him:

关于「镰刀会」的事情他像忘记了一般。李青山问他：

「我們應該怎樣剷除二爺那惡棍？」"How should we go about rooting out that scoundrel, the Second Squire?"

「我们应该怎样铲除二爷那恶棍？」

是趙三說的話：These were the words Zhao San had once spoken:

是赵三说的话：

「打死他吧！"Let's beat him to death!那個惡禍。」That menace."

「打死他吧！那个恶祸。」

還是從前他說的話，現在他又不那樣說了：They were still the words he had spoken before — but now he no longer spoke that way:

还是从前他说的话，现在他又不那样说了：

「鏟鋤他又能怎樣？"What good would rooting him out do?我招災禍，劉二爺也向東家（地主）說了不少好話。I brought this disaster on myself, and Squire Liu the Second has also said quite a few good words for me to the landlord.從前我是錯了！Before, I was wrong!也許現在是受了責罰！」Perhaps now I've simply received my punishment!"

「铲锄他又能怎样？我招灾祸，刘二爷也向东家（地主）说了不少好话。从前我是错了！也许现在是受了责罚！」

他說話時不像從前那樣英氣了！As he spoke he no longer had the bold spirit he once had!臉是有點帶著懺悔的意味，羞慚和不安了。His face carried something of repentance now, shame and unease.王婆坐在一邊，聽了這話她後腦上的小髮卷也像生著氣：Wang Po sat off to one side, and hearing this, even the little curls at the back of her head seemed to bristle with anger:

他说话时不像从前那样英气了！脸是有点带著忏悔的意味，羞惭和不安了。王婆坐在一边，听了这话她后脑上的小发卷也像生著气：

「我沒見過這樣的漢子，起初看來還像一塊鐵，後來越看越是一堆泥了！」"I've never seen a man like this — at first he looked like a piece of iron, but the longer I look, the more he's turned into a heap of mud!"

「我没见过这样的汉子，起初看来还像一块铁，后来越看越是一堆泥了！」

趙三笑了：「人不能沒有良心！」Zhao San laughed: "A man can't be without a conscience!"

赵三笑了：「人不能没有良心！」

於是好良心的趙三天天進城，弄一點白菜擔著給東家送去，弄一點土豆也給東家送去。So the good-conscienced Zhao San went into town every day, carrying a load of cabbages to deliver to the landlord, and getting some potatoes to deliver to the landlord too.為著送這一類菜，王婆同他激烈地吵打，但他絕對保持著他的良心。Over sending these vegetables, Wang Po fought and quarreled with him fiercely, but he held fast to his conscience all the same.

于是好良心的赵三天天进城，弄一点白菜担著给东家送去，弄一点土豆也给东家送去。为著送这一类菜，王婆同他激烈地吵打，但他绝对保持著他的良心。

有一天少東家出來，站在門階上像訓誨著他一般：One day the young landlord came out, stood on the doorstep, and as if lecturing him, said:

有一天少东家出来，站在门阶上像训诲著他一般：

「好險！"That was a close call!若不為你說一句話，三年大獄你可怎麼蹲呢？If I hadn't put in a word for you, however would you have sat out three years in prison?那個小偷他算沒走好運吧！That thief, I suppose he just didn't have good luck!你看我來著手給你辦，用不著給他接腿，讓他死了就完啦。Look, I'll handle it and see to it for you — no need to have his leg set, just let him die and it'll be over.你把賣牛的錢也好省下，我們是『地東』、『地戶』哪有看著過去的……」You can save the money from selling your ox too — we're landlord and tenant, how could I just stand by and watch..."

「好险！若不为你说一句话，三年大狱你可怎么蹲呢？那个小偷他算没走好运吧！你看我来著手给你办，用不著给他接腿，让他死了就完啦。你把卖牛的钱也好省下，我们是『地东』、『地户』哪有看著过去的……」

說話的中間，間斷了一會，少東家把話尾落到別處去：In the middle of speaking he paused a moment, and the young landlord let the end of his sentence trail off to another matter:

说话的中间，间断了一会，少东家把话尾落到别处去：

「不過今年地租是得加。"Still, this year the land rent has to go up.左近地鄰不都是加了價嗎？Haven't all the neighboring landholders raised theirs?地東地戶年頭多了，不過得……Landlord and tenant, we go back many years, still it has to be...少加一點。」a little less of an increase."

「不过今年地租是得加。左近地邻不都是加了价吗？地东地户年头多了，不过得……少加一点。」

過不了幾天小偷從醫院抬出來，可真的死了就完了！Before many days had passed the thief was carried out of the hospital, and indeed he had died, and that was the end of it!把趙三的牛錢歸還一半，另一半少東家說是用做雜費了。Half of the money from Zhao San's ox was given back to him; the other half, the young landlord said, had gone toward miscellaneous expenses.

过不了几天小偷从医院抬出来，可真的死了就完了！把赵三的牛钱归还一半，另一半少东家说是用做杂费了。

二月了。It was February.山上的積雪現出毀滅的色調。The snow piled on the mountain showed the colors of ruin.但荒山上卻有行人來往。Yet on the desolate mountain there were travelers coming and going.漸漸有送糞的人擔著擔子行過荒涼的山嶺。Gradually men carrying manure appeared, shouldering their loads across the desolate ridges.農民們蜇伏的蟲子樣又醒過來。The peasants, like hibernating insects, woke again.漸漸送糞的車子忙著了！Gradually the manure carts grew busy!只有趙三的車子沒有牛挽，平兒冒著汗和爹爹並架著車轅。Only Zhao San's cart had no ox to pull it; Ping'er, sweating, harnessed himself to the shafts alongside his father.

二月了。山上的积雪现出毁灭的色调。但荒山上却有行人来往。渐渐有送粪的人担著担子行过荒凉的山岭。农民们蜇伏的虫子样又醒过来。渐渐送粪的车子忙著了！只有赵三的车子没有牛挽，平儿冒著汗和爹爹并架著车辕。

地租就這樣加成了！And so the land rent was raised!

地租就这样加成了！