天真與經驗之歌[36] 流浪兒
The Little Vagabond
流浪兒
Dear mother, dear mother, the Church is cold;
親愛的媽媽、親愛的媽媽、教堂可真冷。
But the Alehouse is healthy, and pleasant, and warm.
但酒店里卻暖和，使人健康又開心：
Besides, I can tell where I am used well;
而且我能知道在那兒過得好。
Such usage in heaven will never do well.
在天堂里我可絕沒這么逍遙。
But, if at the Church they would give us some ale,
不過如果在教堂他們肯給我們點啤酒，
And a pleasant fire our souls to regale,
再給一爐旺火讓我們的靈魂享受享受：
We'd sing and we'd pray all the livelong day,
我們就會在漫長的日子里唱歌又祈禱，
Nor ever once wish from the Church to stray.
也就一點不想離開教堂到處亂跑。
Then the Parson might preach, and drink, and sing,
于是牧師就要祈禱，喝酒，又唱歌，
And we'd be as happy as birds in the spring;
我們也會像春天里的鳥兒那樣快樂：
And modest Dame Lurch, who is always at church,
而那位總是在教堂的文靜的跛腿女先生，
Would not have bandy children, nor fasting, nor birch.
就不會有彎腿的孩子、不禁食也不打人。
And God, like a father, rejoicing to see
而上帝就像一個父親，他高興地看到
His children as pleasant and happy as He,
他的孩子們都跟他一樣地快樂逍遙：
Would have no more quarrel with the Devil or the barrel,
也不會再跟魔鬼或酒鬼爭吵個沒完，
But kiss him, and give him both drink and apparel.
卻是親吻他，給他喝酒又給他衣服穿。
