Chapter 15 death of a convert

The Death of a Blessed Man① Akutagawa Ryunosuke ①The author of this article borrowed the name of an ancient book and wrote it in Japanese classical Chinese, so he also tried to translate it in classical Chinese. Even if one lives to be three hundred years old and lives happily, it is nothing more than a dream compared to the endless pleasures of eternal life. ——Guia do Fecador translated by Qing Chang ②Only those who set their minds to do good things can get incredible fun in the holy religion. ——Translation by Qing Chang Imitatione Chnisti③ ②The name of the person. ③ "Religionist Jingxinglu", the title of the book.

In the old Nagasaki San Luca Church, there was a boy named Luo Lianruo from this country who fell to the ground in extreme hunger on Christmas Eve.When asked about his origin, he said that his family is in heaven and his father's name is God.Everyone laughed, but they couldn't understand its origin, but the sapphire rosary was tied on his wrist, and he knew it was not a pagan religion.So the priest took the next step, and all the people in the hall were not surprised, but they supported him wholeheartedly.Especially because his Dao heart is firm, not like a child, even the elders are surprised by it, thinking that Luo Lianruo is not the reincarnation of Tiantong, but also a son of a good family, so he met him with deep love and compassion.

Luo Lian's face is like a crown jade, her voice is like a little girl's, and her nature is gentle, so she is deeply loved and pitiful.Among the Dharma congregation, there is Simeon, a native of this country, who especially regards Luo Lianruo as a brother, going in and out of each other every day, like a shadow.Simeon was born in a samurai family who served as a daimyo.The blind date between him and Luo Lianruo is like an eagle accompanying a pigeon, or like a grape vine, which is bound by the giant juniper of Lebanon and releases its delicate flowers. The years flow like a stream, three years in a flash.Luo Lianliao has reached the weak crown, and there are rumors at the time that the daughter of an umbrella shop not far from the hall is having an affair with Luo Lianruo.The old man in this shop is also a Catholic, and he often brings his daughter to the church to worship. After praying, his daughter often winks at Luo Lian, who is in charge of the furnace.And every time that woman goes to the church, she must adorn her face and focus on Luo Lianruo, so that she is always looked at by the congregation in the church.Some people said that when they saw a woman in action, they touched Luo Lianruo's feet, and they saw that the two were in close contact with each other.

I heard about it from the priest. One day, he called Luo Lianruo into his room, and asked politely: "It is rumored that you and the girl from the umbrella shop behaved disorderly. Is this true?" Said: "It's absolutely nothing." The priest believed that he was still young and had firm confidence, knowing that his words were absolutely true, so he believed it. But although the priest's doubts were resolved, the rumors among the people who came out of the church were still not subdued. Simeon and Luo Lianruo were like brothers, and they hung in their arms.When Fang Qi first heard the rumors, he was deeply shy, and he also used strict words to inquire, and finally he was ashamed to be with Luo Lianruo.One day, in the back garden of San Luka Church, I found a book written by a girl named Luo Lianruo. There was no one in the room, so I threw Luo Lianruo face to face, threatened and seduced, and questioned again and again, but Luo Lianruo was still only covered by the red glow. , said forcefully, "Although this woman is devoted to Yu, Yu accepted her book and never answered!" But Simeon still didn't believe it, and pursued it endlessly. Human?" After saying that, he left the room, like a bird frightened away.Ximei Angfang deeply regretted his doubts, and suddenly wanted to leave, but suddenly saw Luo Lianruo hurriedly turned back; he jumped up and hugged Ximei, raised his head, and said in a low voice, "It's too much!" With tears on his face, he rushed out again.And the whispering of "I'm too old", I don't understand its meaning in the end, saying that I have indeed had an affair with a woman, and I know that I have done something wrong, so why do I answer Simeon with my harsh words and express my deep apology?

Shortly thereafter, it was rumored that the girl in the umbrella shop was pregnant with Liujia and was free from her father, saying that the fetus in her womb was the descendant of Luo Lianruo.Umbrella Weng was furious and sued the priest.As far as this is concerned, Luo Lianruo has no excuses to explain himself.On that day, the priest discussed with the legal public and decided to punish him for breaking the door.Since Luo Lianlian's house was broken down, he was about to be expelled from the church and his livelihood would be interrupted.But it is a matter of God's glory to detain such a sinner, and it is absolutely impossible.The Dharma congregation, who are usually close to each other, also had to shed tears and put away their suffering outside the door.

The one who mourned the most was Simeon.Simeon was sympathetic to Luo Lianruo for being expelled, but also angry at his bullying, so when the young man went to the hall in a hurry, he punched him at the door. "Lord, please forgive Simeon, he really doesn't know the truth!" Simeon was terrified when he heard the words, but he stood at the door and continued to dance his old fist to the sky.The rest of the disciples also took the opportunity to hold back their hands, silent and gloomy.According to eyewitnesses at the time, when the storm was approaching, it was colorless and bleak. Luo Lianruo lowered his head abruptly and walked towards the afterglow of the setting sun in the western sky of Nagasaki.

Afterwards, Luo Lianruo changed his old demeanor of the stove-carrying boy of St. Luca, and lived in a courtyard in the suburbs of Beitian. He became a pitiful beggar.In particular, Catholics, who were once the envy of pagans, appeared on the streets, not only being ridiculed by children, but also often suffered from sticks, bricks and stones.Once again, he suddenly suffered from fever and crawled on the side of the Nagasaki road for seven days and nights, moaning desperately.Fortunately, thanks to God's boundless mercy, I was able to linger on for a while. On days when money and rice were not available, wild fruits in the mountains and fish stews on the seashore could be enough for a day's food.At this time, Luo Lianruo still does not forget the daily service of St. Luca Church, praying in the morning and evening, and the rosary on his wrist does not change the luster of sapphire.And every night when the people are quiet, I quietly escape from Beitian courtyard, under the faint moonlight, I go to the front of Luka hall alone, silently praying for the protection of the Lord Jesus.

In the past, Luo Lianruo was alienated from Luo Lianruo for a long time, and he avoided it for fear of not being able to.After the priest, no one showed mercy.Knowing that this shameless young man broke the door, he still has the confidence to go to the hall to pray every night. Although he is boundless by his power, it is still considered improper. Luo Lianruo feels deeply pained about this. The girl from the umbrella shop gave birth to a child after Luo Lianruo broke the house and was less than half a month old. Although the umbrella man was shocked by it, he didn't feel annoyed when he saw the childish appearance of his young grandson.In particular, Simeon, a man who is strong against trolls, heard that the umbrella girl gave birth, and every time he went to the old man's place, he held the baby with his giant arms, looked at his face very well, burst into tears, and never forgot like his younger brother Luo Lianruo and also.The girl from the umbrella shop has been in the dark since Luo Lianruo, and she often looks remorseful, and she doesn't seem very happy about Ximei Ang's visit.

There is a proverb in this country that says: "The stream of light is like an arrow, and it cannot be blocked."The land was suddenly hit by a catastrophe, and Nagasaki City was half burnt to earth overnight, and there was also a big fire.The scene was horrific, like hearing the horn of the final referee, blowing waves in the fiery sky, which made people feel horrified.At that time, the wind was blowing at Weng's house, and the father and daughter left the room in a state of embarrassment. In a hurry, they suddenly lost their children and forgot to put them in the room.Weng Dajing called Tao, but if the woman was not stopped by the crowd, she would almost rush into the valley of fire.But the wind is getting stronger, the fire is getting stronger, and the flames are roaring, trying to burn the stars in the night sky.All the firefighters are in a hurry, but they are fighting to stop the half-turned daughter, who are helpless.Sometimes there is one person who excludes the crowd and enters, and Xime Ang also follows the crowd.This magnificent giant who is not afraid of taking risks, took a look and ran towards the huge fire, but the fire was too strong, thick smoke hit his face, and he made changes several times. It’s the will, it’s beyond human power.” At that time, someone behind Weng suddenly shouted: “God, protect me!” The voice seemed very familiar, and Ximei Ang turned his head to look for what he had come from, and he was shocked. Even suffering.The light of the fire reflected on his pale face, his black hair swept over his shoulders, his eyes were clear and beautiful, and he could be recognized at a glance.Luo Lianruo stood in front of the crowd in the posture of a beggar, staring at the house in the fire with piercing eyes. In the midst of the strong wind and flames, Luo Lianruo jumped forward and rushed towards the fire pillars, fire walls, and fire beam gaps.Simeon suddenly lost his color, hurriedly crossed himself frequently and called out: "God, protect me!" In his mind, he seemed to see in front of St. Luca's Church, in the afterglow of the setting sun, Luo Lianruoxiu's mournful and silent shadow.

At that time, the congregation around, seeing Luo Lianruo's indomitable majesty, also forgot his shame of breaking the door, shouted thunderously, and said to each other: "The relationship between parents and children will never be changed. I am ashamed of offending Luo Lianruo, who has been invisible for a long time. Save his blood, and throw himself into the fire pit." Umbrella Weng also felt the same way, watching Luo Lianruo's death, unable to hide his depression, and made a lot of noise. Umbrella Girl knelt on the ground, covered her face with her palms, and prayed wholeheartedly , quietly.The fire hawks flew in the air and fell one after another, thick smoke rolling over the ground, rushing towards them.The female only bowed her head and prayed silently, no longer knowing that there is a world.

At that time, the crowd around the fire suddenly shouted in unison, and saw Luo Lianruo with disheveled hair, holding a child in his arms, coming out of the fire like a god descending.A beam of embers suddenly fell from the sky, the sound was like thunder, and the flames flew up, and there was nowhere to be seen. Only the pillar of melting fire shone like a coral tree. From Simeon to Umbrella, all the people present were startled and dazed when they saw this catastrophe.In the meantime, Umbrella Girl suddenly jumped up from the ground as if being struck by a thunderbolt, then fell down slumped, and then she saw a child whose life or death was unknown rolling towards the ground, Umbrella Girl took it, and immediately hugged her tightly.The power of the emperor is boundless, and the wisdom of the saints is poor. I don't know what words to thank.Ge Luolianruo was placed under the beam of fire, exerting his mortal strength, throwing the child in his hand at the foot of the woman, but the child was unharmed. When Umbrella Girl is prostrate on the ground, crying and joyful, beside her, the Umbrella Old Man who is holding up both arms, is not aware of singing in awe and praising the great mercy of the Heavenly Father.At that time, Ximei Angfangtu rescued Luo Lianruo from the fire, leaped forward, and the sound of Weng's praise suddenly became a prayer, which was heard in the sky.The congregation on the scene also shouted in unison: "God, protect you!" They prayed and cried.Then Jesus Christ, the Holy Son of the Holy Mary, the Lord of our people, listened to the appeal with a hungry and drowned heart, and saw Lorenzo, burnt and burnt, wrapped in the arms of Simeon, saved from the fire carry on. It was a great change in the evening, not the first time. When Luo Lianruo was dying, the congregation came to the front of the church with the help of the congregation, and when she was lying on her back silently, the umbrella girl who was holding a child with tears in her arms suddenly knelt down at the feet of the priest who appeared from the door. In the eyes of everyone, he made an unexpected confession and said loudly: "This child is not a descendant of Luo Lianlian, but a concubine who had an affair with a pagan neighbor!" Prove that his confession is absolutely true. "That's true! Standing around the congregation, everyone who heard it held their breath and forgot about the huge flames that filled the sky." The woman stopped crying again and said: "The concubine fell in love with Luo Lianruo privately, but she had firm confidence and sternly refused. She was selfishly resentful, so she falsely called the son in her womb Luo Lianruo's blood, in order to retaliate. Not even my concubine, for committing such a huge crime, forgetting the safety of my whole body tonight, dare to brave the fire of hell to save my son's life, her kindness is so virtuous, and Jesus is born again, my concubine has suffered a great evil, although my muscles are torn by the devil's claws And die, I am willing." After the woman confessed, she fell to the ground and wept endlessly. At that time, among the religious congregation surrounded by many times, some exclaimed: "Martyrdom!" "Martyrdom!" The voices rose and fell like waves.It is especially because Luo Lianruo has compassion for sinners, even though he is a beggar, he does not defend himself, even if he is a priest like a father and Simeon like a brother, he does not know that he is doing great virtues. Luo Lianruo heard the girl's confession, but nodded her head slightly. At that time, her muscles were scorched, her limbs were disabled, she was silent, but she just listened.Weng Ze wanted to split his heart, so he and Xi Mei Ang jumped beside Luo Lianruo, thinking of help.Luo Lianruo's breathing became more and more rapid, and he was dying, only looking up at the sky with his usually star-like eyes. The priest listened to the woman's confession, the white scarf fluttering in the night wind, stood with his back to the door, and solemnly declared: "Blessed are the repentant, rather than being punished by human hands, it is better to engrave God's precepts and wait for the judgment of the doomsday." Luo Lianruo's life Acting with a deep understanding of the will of Christ is a rare virtue among the congregation in this state. He is a young man..." The priest suddenly fell silent, as if he saw a flash of holy light, and looked familiarly at Luo Lianruo's posture, suddenly Yi Se, described Zhuang Su, with trembling hands, as if seeing a miracle.Tears welled up in the eyes of the withered face.At that time, Simeon and Umbrella first saw this beautiful young man lying silently on his back in front of the Luka hall, reflecting the light of the fire. In the scorched corsage, his young breasts were gradually exposed, shining like jade.But the burnt jade face cannot hide its delicate appearance. "Whoa, Luo Lianruo is a girl! Luo Lianruo is a girl!" Seeing the congregation with their backs behind the fire and surrounding them, all of them were dumbfounded. Luo Lianruo, who was expelled from Lukatang for breaking the sex ring, actually had the same sex as the umbrella girl She is a girl from this country with beautiful eyes. In an instant, everyone was in awe, as if hearing the jade green of God, coming from afar in the starless night sky.So the congregation in front of St. Luca's church, like the wind blowing wheat ears, bowed their heads and knelt beside Luo Lianruo. All they could hear was the howling of flames in the sky.Afterwards, not only Umbrella Girl, but also Simeon, who is like a brother, raised their wrists above Luo Lianruo in silence, listened to the priest's murmur of sutras, and shouted Luo Lianruo's name.The slender girl of this country, with a smile on her face, looked up at the sky and passed away suddenly. This girl is ordinary, that's all she knows, and he has heard nothing, so what's the matter.The dignity of Madam's life is beyond the imprint of this moment, and there is nothing to match her.The world is as vast as the sea of ​​night, rising up in waves, touching the bright light of the new moon, otherwise, it will not be enough to know the meaning of life.Therefore, knowing Luo Lianruo's last is also enough to know Luo Lianruo's life! Yu Qingzang Nagasaki Jesuits published a book called "Leganda Aurea", which is also a transliteration of LEGENDA AUREA.Although the content is not the same as the "golden legend" in Western Europe, in addition to recording the words and deeds of the apostles and saints, it also records the deeds of the Pansi believers, which is a kind of evangelism. The style is divided into two volumes, with Mino paper brushes interlacing weedy Chinese characters and hiragana characters. The printing is not very clear, and it is not known whether it is a letterpress.On the title page of the first volume, the Latin script is written horizontally, and the Chinese characters "1596 years, engraved in the first ten days of March of the second year of Qingchang" are written on the bottom, as two straight lines.On the second side of the calendar, there is a portrait of an angel playing suona, which is not very skilled but is very impressive.The title page of the second volume is the same as that of the first volume, except for the words "Jie Ji Ye in May". The two volumes are about sixty pages each, and the "Golden Legend" contained in the first volume has eight chapters and the second volume has ten chapters.There are also prefaces at the beginning of the two volumes, without the name of the author, and the table of contents in Latin.The preface is not very tame, mixed with grammar like Owen's literal translation, and it can be seen at a glance that it must have come from the hands of Western missionaries. The article "Death of a Blessed Person" collected above is based on the second chapter of the second volume, and it is suspected to be a true record of the remains of the West Church in Nagasaki.However, the records of the fire, "Nagasaki Port Grass" and other books have not been able to confirm whether it happened, and there is no way to determine the time when the fact happened. In the article "The Death of a Fengjiao", I have slightly modified the text for the sake of publication. It is very fortunate that the original work is written in an easy and elegant way, and there is no damage. Made in August 1918 Translated by Lou Shiyi April 1976