帕布莉卡蜉蝣[1]
蜉蝣之羽，
衣裳楚楚。
心之忧矣，
于我归处！
蜉蝣之翼，
采采衣服。
心之忧矣，
于我归息！
蜉蝣掘阅[2]，
麻衣如雪。
心之忧矣，
于我归说[3]！
蜉蝣的羽毛，
像鲜亮的衣裳。
我的心里忧伤，
究竟归处在何方！
蜉蝣的翅膀，
像明亮的衣服。
我的心里忧伤，
究竟归息在何方！
蜉蝣掘洞飞出，
洁白如雪麻衣服。
我的心里忧伤，
究竟归宿在何方！
注释：
[1] 蜉蝣：虫名，羽极薄而有光泽，多朝生暮死。
[2] 掘阅：即“掘穴”，掘土而出。
[3] 说：即“税”，歇息。
The Ephemera[1]
The ephemera’s wings
Like morning robes are bright.
Grief to my heart it brings;
Where will it be at night?
The ephemera’s wings
Like rainbow robes are bright.
Grief to my heart it brings;
Where will it rest by night?
The ephemera’s hole
Like robe of hemp snow-white.
It brings grief to my soul:
Where may I go tonight?
[1]This was directed against Duke Zhao of Cao (reigned 661—651 B. C. )occupied with frivolous pleasures and oblivious of important matters. The small State of Cao was extin guished by Duke Jing of Song in 487 B. C.
