Shadows——Richard Monckton Milnes

影子

陈绍鹏 译

They seem'd, to those who saw them meet,

他们平日的相遇，

The casual friends of every day;

像是交情不深的朋友；

Her smile was undisturb'd and sweet,

她的微笑平静而温柔，

His courtesy was free and gay.

他的举止随意而不庄重。

But yet if one the other's name

但如果对方的姓名

In some unguarded moment heard,

在某个不经意的瞬间响起，

The heart you thought so calm and tame

原以为无动于衷的心

Would struggle like a captured bird:

会像被捕获的鸟一样挣扎：

And letters of mere formal phrase

仅仅是书信里客套的言语

Were blister'd with repeated tears,—

信纸就因行行的泪滴而皱起，——

And this was not the work of days,

这般情景并非出现于几天光阴，

But had gone on for years and years!

而是年复一年的触物伤情！

Alas, that love was not too strong

唉，对于少女的害羞和男人的自尊而言

For maiden shame and manly pride!

这段爱情不够强烈！

Alas, that they delay'd so long

唉，当彼此寻求的幸福就在身边

The goal of mutual bliss beside!

他们却耽误了太长时间！

Yet what no chance could then reveal,

那段无法表露的感情，

And neither would be first to own,

谁都不愿率先坦承自己的爱意，

Let fate and courage now conceal,

如今现实只能让人悔恨，

When truth could bring remorse alone.

将缘分与勇气隐匿。