Chapter 5 Ode on a Grecian Urn
Ode on a Grecian Urn
Your committed "silent," perfect virgin,
Nurtured 'silent' and 'long',
O idyllic historian, how can you tell
A flowery story, more magnificent than poetry:
In your form, is it not lingering
The ancient legend, with green leaves as its edge;
Speaking of people, or gods, Dunpi or Arkadi?
Oh, what a man, or God!before dance music
What a passionate pursuit!How the maiden flees!
What bagpipes and drums!What ecstasy!
It is good to hear the music, but if you cannot hear
But more beautiful; so play, bagpipes of tenderness;
Not for the ear, but sweeter,
It plays silent music to the soul;
Beautiful boy under the tree, you can't stop
Even the trees cannot shed their leaves with your song;
Reckless lover, you can never, never kiss,
It's close enough—but don't be bitter;
She won't grow old, though you can't get your wish,
You will always love and she will always be beautiful!
O happy trees!your branches
Does not flake, never leaves spring;
The happy piper does not rest,
His songs are always fresh;
O happier, happier love!
Forever warm, waiting for lover's feast,
Forever passionate heartbeat, forever young;
Happiness is all these transcendent states:
It does not satiate and sadden the soul,
No burning mind, no thirsty lips.
Who are these people, are they all going to sacrifice?
The sacrificial calf, crying to heaven,
Where are you taking it, mystic priest?
Garlands of flowers adorn its smooth waist.
From which small town by the river and the sea,
Or which quiet Fortress mountain village,
Here are these people, on this godly morning?
O town, thy streets are ever quiet;
never come back a soul
Tell someone why you are so lonely.
Oh, the shape of Greece!Beautiful observation!
Men and women adorned with stone carvings,
And the trees, and the trodden grass;
Silent form, you are like "eternity"
Makes man transcend thought: Oh, cold idyll!
When old age withers this generation,
only you as before; in others
In sorrow, you will comfort posterity and say:
"Beauty is truth, truth is beauty," which includes
Everything you know and should know.
Translated by Cha Liangzheng