And the East Wind spread out his great wings; they shone like lightning in harvest time, or the nort hern lights in winter. Farewell, farewell, resounded from the trees and flowers. Storks and pelicans, like a long streaming ribbon, flew after him, accompanying him to the boundary of the garden. "Now we will begin our dances," said the Fairy; "and when the sun is sinking, while I am dancing with thee, thou wilt see me beckon, thou wilt hear me say, 'Come with me'; but do not follow. For a hundred years I mus t repeat this call to thee every evening; every day thy strength will increase, till at last thou wilt not even think of following. This evening will be the first time-I have warned thee!" The Fa iry then led him into a large hall of white transparent lilies; their yellow stamens formed little golden harps, sending forth clear sweet tones resembling those of the flute. And the sun was setting; the whole sky was like pure gold; and the lilies shone amid the purple gleam, like the loveliest roses. The Prince saw the background of the hall opening, where stood the Tree of Knowledge in a splendour which dazzled his eyes; a song floated over h im, sweet and gentle as his mother's voice. It seemed as if she said, "My child; my dear, dear child!" Then the Fairy beckoned gracefully, saying, "Come with me, come with me!" and he rushed to he r, forgetting his promise, even on the first evening. | 然后,东风张开他宽大的翅膀,翅膀闪耀着像秋天收成时的雷电,或者是冬天的北极光。 再见!再见的余音不时地在树木和花间回响着。 许多鹳鸟和鹈鹕像一条飘动的长缎带跟在东风后面飘扬,陪着他飞到天国乐园的边界。 「现在让我们来跳舞。」公主说:「当太阳渐渐沉落下去时,我们还在跳舞,那时你会看到我对你招手示意,并对你说:『跟我来!』你千万不要跟随我。 我每天晚上必定重复这样的呼唤达一百年之久,每过一天,你的坚定力就能增加一分,一直到最后你丝毫不想跟随了。 今天晚上就是第一次──我已经警告过你了。」 公主于是带王子走进一个由透明的白色莲花形成的大厅,莲花的黄色雄蕊形成小小的金色竖琴,发出清脆柔和的声音,跟那些笛子的声音相似。 太阳渐渐西沉了,整个天空成为灿烂的金色,莲花散发出紫色的闪光,很像可爱的玫瑰花。 王子看见大厅的背景部分是开放着的,智能树发出炫目的光芒,让他的眼睛颇感刺眼。在他的头上飘荡着歌声,甜美轻柔得就像母亲的声音。 母亲好象在说:「我的孩子!我亲爱的,亲爱的孩子!」 然后公主很优雅地向他招手示意说:「跟我来!跟我来!」于是王子就冲向公主。才第一个晚上,他便把自己的誓言忘得一干二净。 |