雙語閱讀:凌辱的禮物

The Gift of Insults/凌辱的禮物

雙語閱讀:凌辱的禮物

There once lived a great warrior. Though quite old, he still was able to defeat any challenger.

從前有一位偉大的武士,他雖然已經年邁,但依然所向無敵。

His reputation extended far and wide throughout the land and many students gathered to study under him.

他聲名遠揚,國人皆知,於是許多門生都來到他門下學習。

One day an infamous young warrior arrived at the village. He was determined to be the first man to defeat the great master. Along with his strength, he had an uncanny ability to spot and exploit any weakness in an opponent. He would wait for his opponent to make the first move, thus revealing a weakness, and then would strike with merciless force and lightning speed. No one had ever lasted with him in a match beyond the first move.

一天一個臭名昭著的年輕武士來到了這個村莊。他決心做第一個擊敗這位大師的人。除了力大無窮外,他還有一種非同尋常的能力,那就是發現並利用對手的任何弱點。他往往會等待對手先進攻時暴露出弱點,然後會毫不留情地閃電般出擊。迄今爲止無人能在較量中同他過完第一招。

Much against the advice of his concerned students, the old master gladly accepted the young warrior's challenge. As the two squared off for battle, the young warrior began to hurl insults at the old master. He threw dirt and spit in his face.

大師絲毫不顧滿腹擔憂的學生們的勸阻,欣然接受了年輕武士的挑戰。兩人擺起架勢準備較量,年輕的武士就開始凌辱大師,向他臉上扔泥土,吐口水,一連好幾個小時,對大師極盡侮辱謾罵之能事。

For hours he verbally assaulted him with every curse and insult known to mankind. But the old warrior merely stood there motionless and calm. Finally, the young warrior exhausted himself. Knowing he was defeated, he left feeling shamed.

但大師只是站在那裏默不做聲,紋絲不動。最後,年輕的'武士筋疲力盡。他知道自己已經戰敗,羞愧地離開了。

Somewhat disappointed that he did not fight the insolent youth, the students gathered around the old master and questioned him. “How could you endure such an indignity? How did you drive him away?”

大師沒有向無禮的年輕人動手,對此,門生們有點兒失望,圍過來問他:“您怎能忍受這樣的侮辱呢?您是如何將他趕走的?”

“If someone comes to give you a gift and you do not receive it,” the master replied, “to whom does the gift belong?”

“如果有人送你一件禮物,而你沒有收到,”大師回答道,“那麼,這件禮物是屬於誰的呢?”