「雙語」英國威斯特敏斯特大教堂墓碑碑文
英國威斯特敏斯特大教堂(
Westminster Abbey
) 的一個墓碑碑文:
原文:
When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of changing the world。
As I grew older and wiser, I discovered the world would not change, so I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country。 But it, too, seemed immovable。
As I grew into my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt, I settled for changing only my family, those closest to me, but alas, they would have none of it。
And now, as I lie on my deathbed, I suddenly realize: If I had only changed myself first, then by example I would have changed my family。From their inspiration and encouragement, I would then have been able to better my country, and who knows, I may have even changed the world。
中文版:
當我年輕的時候,我的想象力從沒有受過限制,我夢想改變這個世界。
當我成熟以後,我發現我不能夠改變這個世界,我將目光縮短了些,決定只改變我的國家。
當我進入暮年以後,我發現我不能夠改變我的國家,我的最後願望僅僅是改變一下我的家庭。但是,這也不可能。
當我現在躺在床上,行將就木時,我突然意識到:如果一開始我僅僅去改變自己,然後作為一個榜樣,我可能改變我的家庭;在家人的幫助和鼓勵下,我可能為國家做一些事情。
然而,誰知道呢?我甚至可能改變這個世界!
每個人都有屬於自己的世界。僅僅是當好自己世界的“國王”,也許,外面的世界就會變得更加燦爛。