Chapter 3 fisherman and his soul 2
The gatekeeper looked out from the door opening, and when he saw the person coming, he pulled down the mortar and said to the person, "Please come in."
In came the young fisherman, and kneeling on a mat of fragrant rushes on the floor, he greeted the priest who was reading his Bible.
said in a low voice, "Father, I have fallen in love with a mermaid, and my soul is preventing me from fulfilling my wish. Please
Tell me how I can get my soul out of me, because I really don't need it anymore.what else does my soul have to me
usefulness?I can't see it, I can't touch it, and I don't understand it. "
But the priest beat his chest and said, "Oh, oh, are you crazy? Did you eat some poisonous weed? Because
Because the soul is the most noble part of a person, it is given to us by God, and we should use it noblely.There is no human spirit in the world
The soul is something more precious, and nothing on earth can compare with it.It is worth all the gold in the world, and
And far more valuable than the rubies of kings.So, my child, think no more about it, for it is an unforgivable
Forgiveness.As for the mermaid family, they were lost, and whoever was with them would be lost too.
They are like the beasts of the earth who know neither good nor evil, for whom Christ died. "
After listening to the priest's stern words of advice, the young fisherman's eyes filled with tears.He stood up and said to the priest
Said: "Father, the fauns live in the forest, they are very happy, and the male mermaids sit on the rocks and play their red and gold
piano.Let me be with them, I beg you, for they live like flowers.As for my soul, if
What good will my soul be to me if it will form a barrier between me and what I love? "
"Carnal love is evil," cried the priest, frowning.
Everything heathen that displeased him was evil.Cursed are the fauns of the forest, and the singers of the sea
To the curse!I have heard their singing at night, trying to lure me away from my lectures.they knock on my window
account, laughing out loud.They whispered stories of poisonous joy into my ears.They lure with all kinds of temptations
Trick me, they come and play tricks on me when I'm praying.They are hopeless.Because they have neither heaven nor heaven in their hearts.
Without hell, they will not praise the name of God,
"Father," cried the young fisherman, "you don't know what you're talking about. Once I caught a
The king's daughter.She is more beautiful than the morning star, and whiter than the bright moon.For her body I would give my soul;
For her love, I would rather not have heaven.Please tell me what I beg of you, and let me go in peace. "
"Go! go!" cried the priest. "Your lover is hopeless, and you too will go down with her."
of. ’ The priest drove him out without a word of blessing. The young fisherman came to the market, and he walked slowly,
He lowered his head, looking sad.
When the merchants saw him coming, they whispered among themselves, and one of them came up to him, calling his name,
He said, "What are you selling?"
"I will sell you my soul," he replied, "buy it from me, I beseech you, for I have
Already hated it.What use is my soul to me?I can't see it, I can't touch it, and I don't understand it. "
But the merchants began to laugh at him, saying: "What use is a man's soul to us? It is worth half a penny."
not worth.Sell your body to us as a slave and we'll dress you in blue and purple and put a
ring, to make you a jester to the great queen.But say no more about the soul, for it is of no use to us, and to
Our work is also worthless. "
The young fisherman said to himself, "How strange this is! The priest told me that the soul is worth as much as all the yellows in the world.
gold, and the merchants say it's not worth even half a broken silver coin. "
So he left the market, walked to the sea, and began to think what he should do.
At noon, he remembered that one of his companions, a man who gathered umbrella grass, once told him that there are such
A young witch who lived in a cave at the entrance of the bay, and how wonderful her witchcraft was.so he
Running off, he couldn't wait to get his soul out of the way.He ran wildly on the beach with a cloud of dust behind him
fog.The young witch, who knew his coming by the itching of her palms, laughed, and pulled her red-haired
spread out.She was standing in the open hole, her red hair falling down over her face, holding a branch in her hand.
Wild hemlock.
"What is it that you lack? What is it that you are lacking?" she asked aloud as he stepped up the cliff, panting
bowed to her. "When the wind is against you, let the fish get into your net? I have a little reed, and as long as I blow
Pick it up, and the carp will swim into the bay.But it comes at a price, beautiful boy, it comes at a price.what are you missing
what?What are you missing?Shall a storm capsize the ship, so that the treasure-laden chests can be blown ashore?my storm
Outshine the wind, for those I serve are stronger than the wind, with a sieve and a pail of water I can send great ships to sea
go down.But it comes at a price, beautiful boy, it comes at a price.What are you missing?What are you missing?I
Know a flower that grows in the valley, which no one knows but me.It has purple leaves and a flower center with a
Star, its juice is white as milk.As long as you touch the queen's tightly closed lips with flowers, she will follow you to the sky
Ya Haijiao.She will rise from the king's bed and follow you all over the world.But it comes at a price, pretty girl
Son, it comes at a price.What are you missing?What are you missing?I can pound toads in a mortar and pound
Thin the good stuff, and stir it with a dead man's hand.Sprinkle the soup on your enemy, while he sleeps
At that time, he will become a black poisonous snake, and his mother will kill him.With one wheel I can turn the moon from
Pulled down from the sky, I can still let you see death in the crystal ball.What are you missing?What else are you missing?but you
Pay me back, pretty boy, you'll pay me back. "
"It's just a little thing I want," said the young fisherman, "but the priest got angry with me for it and threw me
It was blasted out.It's just a trivial matter, and the merchants also made fun of me and refused me thousands of miles away.That's why I came here to find
You, although people say you are evil, but whatever your asking price, I will pay you. "
"What do you want?" the witch walked up to him and asked.
"I will give my soul away," answered the young fisherman.
The Witch grew pale and trembled, and hid her face in her blue shoes. "Beautiful boy, beautiful
Bright child," she murmured, "that's a terrible thing. "
He shook his brown hair and laughed. "My soul is of no use to me," he answered,
"I can neither see it, nor touch it, nor understand it."
"If I tell you, what will you give me?" the witch standing on the high place looked at him with beautiful eyes and asked
road.
"Five ducats," he said, "and my nets, the wicker house I live in, and the paint job I drive
colorful boats.You just have to tell me how to get rid of my soul, and I'll give you everything I have. "
She laughed mockingly at him, and lashed him with the hemlock. "I can turn autumn leaves into gold," she
replied, "I can also weave the pale moonlight into silver that I like. I serve more than all the kings of the world
are richer, and possess kingdoms as large as they are. "
"Then what shall I give you?" he cried aloud, "if your price is neither gold nor silver
if. "
The witch stroked his hair with her slender white hands. "You gotta dance with me, pretty boy," she said softly
Looking at him with a smile.
"Is that all you want?" asked the young fisherman in amazement, and stood up.
"That's all," she said, smiling at him.
"Then we'll go dance in a secret place after the sun goes down," he said, "and you'll have to tell me when the dance is over."
Tell me what I want to know. "
The witch shook her head. "When the moon is full, wait until the moon is full," she said softly.Then she looked around
Look and listen.A blue bird screams and flies up from the nest, circling on the sand dunes, three spotted
Birds hopped through the gray weeds and whistled to each other.And there was the sound of the waves washing the smooth pebbles below.
So she reached out her hands and pulled him closer to herself, bringing her dry lips close to his ear.
"You must come to the top of the hill tonight," she said softly, "today is the Sabbath, and 'he' will come here
of. "
The young fisherman looked at her in amazement, at her smiling face with its white teeth. "What's that 'he' you said
people? " he asked.
"It doesn't matter," she answered, "you must come to-night and stand under the hornbeam branches and wait for me.
If there is a black dog running towards you, just hit it with a wicker stick, and it will go away.if an owl treats you
Talk, you don't answer it.When the moon is full, I will come to your side, and we will dance together on the grass
dance. "
"But will you promise me that you will tell me how to send my soul away?" he interjected.
She came out into the sun, and the wind gently stirred her red hair. "I swear on a goat's hoof," she replied
Say.
"You are the best of witches," cried the young fisherman, "and I will dance with you on the top of the hill tonight."
dance.Actually, I'd rather you ask me for gold or silver, but since you need such a price, and it's just a matter of mind,
Then you will get your wish. "After speaking, he took off his hat to salute her, bowed deeply, and ran back to the city happily.
in.
The witch watched him go from a distance, and only after his figure disappeared did she return to her cave, and from the carved fir tree
A mirror was taken from the box, placed on a shelf, and a horsewhip was lit on the charcoal glowing in front of the shelf.
Grass to see the mirror through the smoke ring. "He was supposed to be mine," she murmured, pinching her lips angrily.
Fist, "I'm as pretty as she is."
That night, after the moon had risen, the young Fisherman climbed to the top of the hill and stood under the branches and leaves of the hornbeam tree.
Beneath his feet lay the circular sea, like a polished metal target, and the shadows of fishing boats swayed in the small bay.long
A great owl with yellow sulfur eyes called his name, but he ignored it.a black dog towards him
Running over, barking at him.He hit it with a wicker stick, and the dog ran away whining.
At midnight the witches came flying from the sky like bats.Before their heels were firmly planted on the ground, they cried out
Come: "Bah! Here's a man we don't know!" They sniffed around, talked to each other, and made hints.
No.Last came the young witch, her red hair blowing in the wind.She was wearing a dress embroidered with peacocks
A gold velvet dress for her eyes, and a green velvet cap on her head.
"Where is he? Where is he?" the witches screamed when they saw her, but she just laughed.
Laughing, he ran under the hornbeam tree, took the young fisherman by the hand, led him into the moonlight, and began to dance.
Round and round they went, and the young witch danced so high that he could see her crimson shoes
and.At this moment, the sound of galloping horses' hooves came towards the dancers, but there was no sign of the horses, so he felt very scared.
afraid.
"Quicker," cried the Witch, and she put her arms around his neck, her breath hot on his face
superior. "Hurry up, hurry up!" she yelled, and he felt as if the ground under his feet was spinning, and he felt so uncomfortable
Suffering, a great fear came over him, as if something evil was watching him, and finally he noticed
There was a figure in the shadow of it, someone he had never seen before.
It was a man in a black velvet suit, in the Spanish manner.his face has a
Weirdly pale, but his lips looked like a proud rose.He looked so tired, he leaned back
Leaning back, he feebly stroked the hilt of the dagger.Beside him on the grass lay a feathered hat and a pair of
Gold-rimmed riding gloves, embroidered with pearl ornaments of very novel designs.A black bottle leather liner hangs over his shoulder
His slender white hands were covered with rings.Heavy eyelids hung blue over his eyes.
The young fisherman looked at him as if under some spell.At last the eyes of the two met, no matter how he danced
Wherever he went, he seemed to feel that person's eyes were watching him.He heard the young witch laugh, and
So he put his arms around her waist and led her around in a frantic circle.
Suddenly, a dog barked in the woods, and the dancers stopped, and couples walked over and knelt down.
and kissed the man's hand.As people do so, a smile hangs on his proud lips, as if
A little bird touched the water with its wings, making the water smile.However, there was a hint of contempt in his smile, and he was still the same.
He looked intently at the young fisherman.
"Come on! We're going to see him," whispered the witch, and pulled him toward him, driven by a compulsive desire
To do what she begged him to do, and he followed her.But when approaching him, for some reason, he
He made the sign of the cross on his chest and called on the holy name.
No sooner had he done this than the witches screamed like hawks and flew away, and the one who had been looking at him
His pale face was also contorted with pain.The man walked towards the grove and whistled.A horse with a silver bridle
The pony came running to meet him.As he got into the saddle he turned his head and looked sadly at the young fisherman.
The witch with the red hair wanted to fly away too, but the fisherman caught her by the wrist and held her tightly.
"Let me go," she yelled, "let me go. Because you called names that were wrong and made me
Marks we shouldn't see. "
"No," he answered, "I will not let you go unless you tell me the secret."
"What secret?" said the Witch, struggling like a wild cat, and biting her foaming lips.
"You know that," he replied.
Her grass-green eyes were darkened by tears, and she said to the fisherman, "You can tell me anything, except this."
outside. "
He smiled and gripped her hand tighter.
Seeing that she could not escape, she whispered to him, "Actually, I am as beautiful as the daughter of the sea, and I am as beautiful as the daughter of the sea.
The girls who live in the blue water are just as lovely. "As she flattered him, she moved her face to his.
But he pushed her away, frowning, and said to her, "If you can't do what you promised me, then I'll
To kill you as a false witch. "
Her face turned gray all of a sudden, like a rosewood flower, and she trembled. "In that case," she murmured
He murmured, "This is your soul, not mine. Just do as you say." Then he took out a handful of
A knife with a green snakeskin hilt came and was handed to him.
"What use will this thing be to me?" he asked him puzzled.
She paused for a moment in silence, a look of horror creeping over her face.Then she brushed back the hair that fell over her forehead
Go, and said to him with a strange smile: "What people call the shadow of the human body is actually not the shadow of the body, but the shadow of the soul."
son.You stand on the beach with your back to the moon, and you cut the shadow around your feet with a knife, that's the body of your soul,
Tell your soul to leave you, and it will do what you say.
The young fisherman shuddered. "Is this true?" he asked in a low voice.
"It's true, and I wish I hadn't told you about it," she said aloud, hugging his knees and weeping.
He pushed her away, leaving her in the thick grass, went to the edge of the hill, put the knife in his belt, and began to walk.
mountain to go.
His soul called to him from inside him, saying, "Hey! I have lived with you all these years, and it has been you
servant.Please don't make me leave you, did I do something bad to you? "
The young fisherman smiled. "You didn't do anything to be sorry for me, it's just that I don't need you anymore," he replied,
"The world is huge, there is heaven, there is hell, and those eerie houses in between. Go to what you like
Go somewhere!Don't bother me anymore, because my lover is calling me. "
His soul pleaded with him, but he paid no heed to it, and hopped from rock to rock,
Quick as a wild goat's footsteps, he reached level ground at last on a honey-coloured beach. ,
Standing on the beach with his back to the moon, with his bronze limbs and strong muscles, he looked like a Greek
The statue of Yiyang, many white arms stretched out from the foam of the sea beckoning him, and some hazy figures rose from the waves.
The shadow is saluting him, lying in front of him is his shadow, that is the body of his soul, behind him the honey-colored sky
A bright moon hangs in the sky.
Then his soul said to him: "If you really want to drive me away, you must first give me a heart. The world is
Cruel, let your heart go with me. "
He shook his head and smiled. "If I gave you my heart, what would I have to love my sweetheart?" he exclaimed
shouted.
"No, just have mercy," said his soul, "give me your heart, for the world is too cruel, and I have
some scared. "
"My heart belongs to my love," he replied, "so don't waste time, get out of here quickly
Bar. "
"Should I not love?" asked his soul.
"Go away, for I don't need you anymore," growled the young fisherman, drawing his green snakeskin-hilted knife
Come, cut his shadow around his feet, and the shadow stood up and stood in front of him, looking at him, like that
It's almost no different from himself.
He shrank back, inserted the knife into his belt, and an inexplicable fear came over him. "Come on," he said
Muttering, "Don't let me see your face again."
"No, we shall meet again," said the soul, in a low voice like that of a flute, and when it spoke
He didn't even move his lips.
"How will we meet again?" cried the young fisherman. "You will not follow me into the depths of the sea, will you?"
"Once a year I come here to call you," said the soul, "perhaps there will be a time when you need me."
"What more do I need of you?" cried the young fisherman, "but do as you please."
I plunged my head into the sea, and the half-man, half-fish sea gods blew their horns, and the little mermaids all swam up one after another.
to meet him, and put their arms round his neck, and kissed his mouth.
Then the soul stood alone on the beach, watching them.When they sank into the sea, it cried
Walked through the swamp.
After a year, the spirit returned to the beach and called to the young fisherman, who came up from the bottom of the sea and spoke to him.
It said, "Why did you call me?"
The soul replied, "Come nearer so that I can talk to you, for I have seen many wonderful things."
So he came a little closer, still squatting in the water, resting his head on his hands, and listening.
The soul said to him: "When I left you, I turned to the East and traveled. Everything that comes from the East is
Very smart.I traveled for 6 days and on the morning of the 7th day I came to a hill which is located in the land of the country of the Tatars
superior.I sat in the shade of a tamarisk tree from the sun.The ground was parched and scorched by the heat.people come on the plains
Walking back and forth like a fly crawling over a polished copper plate.
"At noon a cloud of red dust rose from the horizon. When the Tartars saw it, they
He opened his painting bow, jumped on their pony, and galloped in that direction.The women screamed and watched as they ran into the big
In the car, lying and hiding behind the wool curtain.
"At dusk the Tartars came back, but five of them were missing, and among those who came back there were many
hurt.They hitched the horses to the cart, and set off hastily on the road.Three jackals came out of the hole,
Watching from behind them.Then they took a few breaths of air with their noses and ran in the opposite direction.
"After the moon rose, I saw a fire burning on the plain, so I ran in that direction. A group of merchants gathered around
Fire pile sits on the rug.Their camels were hitched to stakes behind them, and the black slaves were setting up in the sand
Tanned tents, and built high walls with overlord trees. "
"As I approached them, the leader of the merchants stood up, drew his knife, and asked me what I did.
"I replied that I was the prince of my country, and that I had escaped from the Tartars, because they wanted me
They are slaves.The headman smiled, and pointed out to me five heads hanging on long bamboo poles.
"Then he asked me who was the prophet of God and I told him it was Muhammad.
"Hearing the name of the false prophet, he bowed deeply, took my hand, and made me sit beside him.
A nigger brought me some mare's milk in a wooden bowl, and a piece of roasted lamb.
"At dawn we were on the road again. I rode on a red-haired camel and walked beside the headman, running errands.
The man carrying a long gun ran in front of us.The soldiers walked on either side of us, and the mules with their wares followed.This
There are forty camels in a caravan, but there are two forty mules.
"From the land of the Tartars we have come to the land of the men who cursed the moon. We saw the griffin on the white
Rocks guarded their gold, and scaled dragons slept soundly in their caves.When we climbed over the mountains, even
We didn't dare to let out the atmosphere, and the heavy snow would fall down and press down on our bodies, and a piece of gauze was tied in front of everyone's eyes.us
As we crossed the valley, the dwarves shot at us from their nests in the trees, and at night we heard the drumming of the wild men
have fun.When we climbed the monkey tower, we put some fruits in front of the monkeys, and they would not hurt us.wait for us to come
When we were in the snake tower, we put some hot milk in copper bowls for them to drink, and the snake let us pass smoothly.During the trip we had three
came to the banks of the Oxumus for the first time.We crossed the river on rafts with bulging brown leather sacks, hippos angry
He was angry at us, as if he wanted to eat us all.The camels also shuddered when they saw them like that.
"The lords of every city-state taxed us, but would not let us enter their gates. They
Throw down bread for us, and honey corn cakes of fine flour, and flatbreads filled with dates, and use every hundred baskets
food for one of our amber beads.
"When the people of the village saw us approaching, they poisoned the wells and fled to the top of the hill. We
The Magdas fought, they were born old, and grew younger every year, and when they were children
and die; we also fought against the Lactroi, who claimed to be the sons of tigers and painted themselves
black and yellow; we also fought against the Orantes, who buried their dead in the tops of trees, while they themselves lived in black
in dark caves lest their god, the sun, kill them; we fought with the Crinians, who worshiped the crocodile
fish, put green glass earrings on it, and feed it with butter and live chickens; we fought with Aga Zhongbai, and they grew
faces like dogs; and we fought the Hiban with horses' feet, who outrun horses.battle us caravan
A third died in battle, another third died of starvation.The rest complained to me in low voices, saying yes
I brought them bad luck.I caught a horned viper from under a stone, and let it bite me.they saw me
There was no sign of poisoning at all, so I became scared.
"In the fourth month, we came to the city of Iller, and when we reached the grove outside the city wall, it was already night, and the air was ten
Very dull, because the moon travels to Scorpio.We pluck ripe pomegranates from the trees, cut them open and drink their sweet juice,
Then we lay on the rug and waited for dawn.
"We got up at dawn and knocked on the city gate. The city gate was made of red copper, with sea dragons carved on it and wings
dragon.The sentry looked down from the battlements and asked what we were doing.The interpreter of the caravan told the other party that we were carrying a lot of
Many commodities come from the island of Syria.They took several of us as hostages and told us that the city gates would not be opened until noon,
We are bidden to wait patiently.
"At noon they opened the city gates. As we entered the city, crowds of people came out of their houses to see us,
A summoner went around the city announcing our arrival with conch shells.We stand in the market, niggers unpack calico bags
Wrapped, opened the carved maple box.After they finished these things, the merchants put out all kinds of strange items, some
Batik sackcloth from Egypt, calico from Ethiopia, purple sponge from Tyre, blue drapery from Heaton
curtains, icy amber cups, fine glass and wonderful crockery.There's a group of women on top of a house looking at me
them.One of them wore a gilded leather mask.
"Monks come to trade with us one day, nobles on the second, artisans and slaves on the third.
them.This is how they treat merchants, as long as they stay in the city.
"We stayed here for a month, and when the moon was short, I felt so bored, so I went to the streets of the city
Went to hang out and came to the garden of the Honjo Shrine.Monks in yellow robes walk quietly through the greenery in black Dali
On the stone-paved road stood a rose-colored monastery dedicated to their god.The door is painted with gold powder, and the top protrudes
The gold ornaments of the shining bull and peacock.The roof was tiled in sea-green tiles, and small bells hung from the overhanging eaves.
Whenever white doves fly by, they beat the bell with their wings, making the locks jingle.
"In front of the monastery there is a clear water pool paved with striped agate. I lay beside the pool and stroked it with my pale fingers.
Those broad leaves.One of the monks came towards me and stood behind me.He wears straw sandals on his feet, and one is a soft snake
One was made of skin, and the other was made of bird feathers.On his head was a black felt monk's hat adorned with a new silver
moon.His robe was woven with seven strips of yellow, and his curly hair was dusted with antimony powder.
"After a short while, he spoke to me and asked me what I wanted.
"I told him my request was to see God.
"'The gods have gone hunting,' said the monk, looking at me strangely with his little squint eyes.
"I replied, 'Tell me what wood he is in, and I'll ride with him.
"He ran his long nails again at the soft fringe at the hem of his robe. 'God is sleeping,' he murmured.
"Again I replied, 'Tell me which bed it is, I'm going to attend to him.'
"'The gods are having a feast,' he exclaimed.
"I replied, 'If the wine is sweet, I will drink it with him, and if the wine is bitter, I will drink it with him too.
go down. '
"He lowered his head curiously, took my hand, dragged me up, and led me into the monastery.
"In the first house, I saw a statue sitting on an emerald throne bordered with a large oriental pearl. The statue was
Carved from ebony, it is life-size.On its forehead was a ruby, thick oil dripped from its hair
Come, fall on its lap.Its feet were red with the blood of a newly slaughtered lamb, and around its waist was a brass belt,
"I said to this monk, 'Is this God?' He answered me, 'This is God,'
"'Take me to God,' I roared, 'or I will kill you.' I touched his hand,
The hand withered away in an instant.
"The monk begged me and said, 'Please my master heal his servant, I will take him to God.'
"So I blew on his hand, and his hand grew back, and he led me into the second room, all the while
Shaking uncontrollably.Here I saw a statue standing on a lotus flower made of emerald, on which hung many
Huge emerald.Carved from ivory, the statue was twice the size of an ordinary man.on its forehead is a
A block of topaz, its breast rubbed with myrrh and cinnamon, holds in one hand a curved emerald scepter and in the other
With a round crystal.There were brass boots on his feet, and a ring of plaster around his thick neck.
"I said to the monk, 'Is this God?' He replied, 'This is God.'
"'Take me to God,' I yelled, 'or I'll kill you,' and I touched his eyes
Eyes, he suddenly became blind.
"The monk begged me, saying, 'Please my lord, heal his servant, and I will lead him to God.'
"So I blew on his eyes, and he regained his sight immediately, and he trembled all over again, and
Take me into the third house.what!It turned out that there were no statues here, nor statues of any kind, but a round
Round metal mirror, placed on a stone altar.
"I said to the monk, 'Where is the god?'
"He answered, 'There is no god here, but this mirror which you see, for it is the mirror of wisdom which divides heaven and
Everything on the ground is reflected, but the face that is just looking in the mirror cannot be reflected, so looking in the mirror
Those who see may be wise.There are many other mirrors, but those are mirrors of opinion.Only this side is wisdom
mirror.Those who have this mirror know everything in the world, and nothing can be hidden from them, and those who do not
A person who looks in the mirror has no wisdom.Therefore, we regard it as a god, and we worship it.So I looked in the mirror
It looked exactly like what he had said.
"I did a strange thing, but what I did was nothing, because I hid the mirror of wisdom,
In a valley a day's journey from this place.I only beg you to let me enter your body again and be your servant
Go ahead, then you will be smarter than all smart people, and wisdom will be yours.just let me into your body
Go, and there will be no one smarter than you in the world. "
But the young Fisherman laughed. "Love is better than wisdom," he cried, "and the Little Mermaid loves me."
"No, there is nothing better than wisdom," said the soul. "It's better to love," answered the young fisherman
And speaking, he sank to the bottom of the sea, and the soul wept again through the swamp.
The second year passed, and the spirit again came to the beach, calling to the young fisherman, and he emerged from the water
He asked, "Why did you call me?"
The soul replied, "Come nearer so that I can speak to you, for I see many wonderful things."
So he stepped closer, squatted in the shallow water, and supported his head with his hands.listening.
The soul said to him: "After I left you, I turned and traveled south. Everything from the south is precious.
of.I walked for 6 days along the road towards the city of Essite, a red dusty road that even pilgrims don't want to go.
公路，到了第7天，我抬头望去，啊！城市就横躺在我的脚下，因为它就位于山谷里。
“入城的大门有九个之多，每一个城门前都做立着一匹青铜马，每当伯都因人从山上下
来的时候，九匹马便齐声长啸。城墙上都裹着铜皮，哨塔的屋顶也是用黄铜做成的。Every
塔弹都站着一位手握弓箭的射手。日出的时候他用一支箭敲响铜锣；日落的时候，他就会吹
响号角。
“我正准备进城时，守卫拦住了我，问我是什么人。我回答说我是回教徒，正要赶到麦
加城去，那儿有一幅绿色的帐幔，上面有天使们用银字绣出的《可兰经》。我的话使他们充
满了好奇，就让我进去了。
“城里面简直就是一个大集市。你真该跟我一块去的。在那些狭窄的街道上无数只精彩
的纸灯笼像大彩蝶似的在翩翩起舞。风吹过屋顶的时候，这些灯笼一起一浮的，好像一些多
彩的肥皂泡。商人们都坐在自己货摊前的丝毯上面。他们长着直挺挺的黑胡须，他们头帕上
饰满了金币，长串的琥珀和雕花桃核在他们凉冰冰的手指上滑动着。他们中有的卖枫脂香和
甘松油，也有的出售来自印度海各岛屿的奇妙香水，还有浓重的红玫瑰油，以及没药和小钉
子形状的丁香。一旦有人走上去与他们说话，他们便一把一把地将乳香投入炭火盆中，使空
气一下子香味袭人。我看见一个叙利亚人手里握着一根芦苇似的细棍棒，缕缕灰烟从棒子上
升起，棒燃着的时候发出的气味与春天中粉色扁桃花的气味是一样的。另一些人在出售一些
上面嵌满了乳蓝色土耳其宝石的银手铜和用铜丝串起小珍珠制成的脚环，以及金制的老虎
爪，镀金猫的脚爪，豹子也配上了金制的座架，还有穿了眼的绿宝石耳环，以及中间是空的
那种翡翠戒指。从茶馆里传来了吉他的音乐声，那些抽鸦片烟的人带着他们苍白的笑容望着
行人。
“说真的你应该跟我一起去的。卖酒的人肩上扛着黑色的大皮包，用后部在人群中挤出
一条通道。他们中的大部分人都卖一种叫西拉兹的酒，它就跟蜜糖一样甜。他们用金属小杯
子装上酒出售，并把玫瑰花瓣撒在上面。在市场上站着卖水果的人，他们出售各种水果，有
熟透的无花果，带着受伤的紫色鲜肉，还有如同膨香味一样的甜瓜，那颜色像黄玉一样的
黄，以及香橼、番石榴和一粒一粒的白葡萄，圆圆的金红色桔子和椭圆形的金绿色柠檬，有
一次我看见一头大象走过。它的身上涂着银朱和姜黄，它的耳朵上网着一个朱红丝做的网
son.它来到对面的一个货摊前站住了，吃起桔子来，那个卖水果的人只是笑了笑。你想不到
他们是多么奇怪的一个民族。他们只要高兴的话就会到卖鸟人那儿去买一只关着一只小鸟的
笼子，并把笼子打开让鸟飞走，这样他们会更加开心，等到他们伤心的时候，他们便用荆棘
抽打他们自己，以使他们的忧愁越来越大。
“一天夜里，我遇见了一些黑奴抬着一个沉甸甸的轿于从集市中走过。轿子是用镀金的
竹片做成的，轿杆是朱红色的，还有黄铜做的孔雀装饰。轿窗上挂着薄薄的纱幔，上面绣着
甲虫的翅膀和小粒珍珠。轿子走过的时候一个脸色苍白的塞加西亚人从轿里往外望着，笑着
注视我。我跟在它后面，黑奴们加快了步伐并皱紧眉头。不过我一点也不在意，我觉得有一
股好奇心在驱使着我。
“最后他们在一栋四方形的白房子前停了下来。房子没有窗户，只有一个像墓门一样的
小门。他们放下轿子，用一个铜锤连敲了三下门。一个身穿绿色皮长袍的亚美尼亚人从门洞
里朝外张望着，等他看见我们后就打开了门，还铺了一张地毯在地上，轿中的女人走了出
Come.在她进屋的时候，她又转过头来，再一次望着我笑了。我还从未见过像她这么苍白的人。
“月亮升起的时候，我又回到了那个地方去寻找那所房子，可是就是找不着。看到这种
情况，我便知道那女人是谁了，而且她为什么要对我笑了。
“你真该跟我一起去的。在新月节那天，年轻的皇帝从他的宫中走出来，到庙里去祈
prayer.他的头发和胡须都用玫瑰花瓣给染红了，他的脸颊上抹了一层细细的金粉，他的手掌和
脚心都用着红花染成了黄色。
“太阳升起的时候他身着银袍从宫中走了出来，日落的时候他又穿着金袍回到宫中。人
们都趴在地上把脸藏起来，可我不会那样做。我站在一个卖枣子的摊位前，等待着。皇帝看
见我时，他便抬他那画过的眉毛，停住了脚步。我静静地站在那儿，并不向他跪拜。人们对
我的大胆吃惊不小，都劝我快从城中逃走。我不理睬他们，却走到那些出售外来神祗的贩子
们中去，与他们坐在一起，这些人不论如何在这儿都是遭人憎恨的，等我把自己所做的． —
切告诉给他们之后，他们人人都绘了我一个神像，并请我离开他们。
“那天夜里，我躺在石榴街茶馆里的一个垫子上面，皇帝的卫兵走了进来，把我带进了
in the palace.进了宫以后，他们把每一扇门都一个个地关上了，还加上了门锁。里面有一个大院
子，四周环绕着一个拱廊。四周的墙都是用白色的雪花石膏做成的，到处都嵌有蓝色和绿色
的瓷瓦。柱子是绿色大理石做的．地上铺着一种桃花色的大理行。我以前从没有见过像这样
的东西。
“我跨过院子的时候，两个戴面纱的女人从阳台上往下望着，还开口骂我，守卫急勿匆
地走着，他们手中的矛尖在磨光的地板上发出响声。他们打开一道精致的象牙门，我发现自
己已经来到有七个坛子的带水的花园中了。园里种的是郁金香、牛眼菊、银光闪闪的芦荟，
一股喷泉在昏暗的空中悬挂着像是一根细长的水晶棒。柏树就像燃烧完了的火把。in such
一棵柏树上有只夜莺在唱着歌。
“在花园的尽头有一个小亭子。我们走近它的时候，两位太监出来迎住我们。他们走起
路来，肥胖的身躯左右摇摆着，还用他们那黄色眼皮的眼睛好奇地打量着我。其中的一人把
卫士长拉到他必边，低声向对方耳语着什么。另一个不停地拿出香锭放在嘴里嚼起来，这些
香锭都是他以做作的姿势从一个淡紫色的椭圆形的盒子中取出的。
“片刻之后卫士长把卫兵们遣散了。他们回到宫中去了，两个太监跟在后面慢慢地走
着，一边走一边从树上摘下甜甜的桑果吃。那位年长的太监曾回过头来，带着恶意的笑容望
着我。
“然后卫士长示意我走到亭子中去。我毫无胆怯地向前走去，拉开那幅沉重的帘子，我
就进去了。
“年轻皇帝躺在上了色的狮皮长椅上休息着，他的手腕上栖息着一只白隼。他的身后站
着一个头戴铜帽的牛比亚黑人，赤棵着上半身，两只穿了眼的耳朵上垂着一副沉甸甸的耳
环。长椅旁边的桌子上放着一把弯曲的大钢刀。
“皇帝一看见我，便皱起了眉头，对我说道，'你叫什么名字？你不知道我就是这个城
市的皇帝吗？'不过我并没有回答他。
“他用手指头指了指钢刀，那个牛比亚人一下子抓住刀，冲着我用足了劲朝我砍过来。
刀片嗖嗖地穿透了我的身体，可是并没有伤我分毫。而那个人却扑倒在地上，等他站起身
时，他的牙齿害怕的直打颤，他自己也躺到长椅后面去了。
“皇帝马上跳了起来，从武器架上取下一根长矛，他朝我投了过来。我一把抓住了飞过
来的长矛，并把矛杆折成两段。他又用箭射我，可是我举起了双手，箭在飞行途中就停住
up.紧接着他从白皮腰带中抽出一把短剑，刺入牛比亚黑人的咽喉，他担心这个奴隶会讲出
他那些不体面的事情。那人像一条给人践踏了的蛇一样扭曲起来，嘴里也流出了鲜红的泡沫。
“那个人一死，皇帝就转向我，用一张镶了花边的紫色绸料小手绢，揩去额上亮闪闪的
汗珠，对我说道，'你是先知吗？是我不该伤害的，或者是一个我不能伤害的先知的儿子
?我恳求你今晚就离开我的城市吧，因为只要你还在城中，我就不再是这里的主人了。 '
“我回答他说，'给我一半你的财产，我就走。把你的财富给我一半，我就会离开的。'
“他牵着我的手，把我领到花园中。卫士长看见了我，他吃了一惊。太监们看见了我，
他们的膝头颤抖不已，吓得纷纷跪在了地上，
“宫中有一间屋子，八面都是用红云斑石修筑的围墙，铜皮装饰的天花板上悬掉着一些
灯。皇帝触摸了一面墙，墙就自动打开了，我们走进了里而的一个长廊，廊里点了好多火
炬。在长廊两旁的壁禽中，放着很多巨大的酒缸，里面装得满满的都是银币。我们来到了长
廊的中央，皇帝说了一句平日听不到他说的什么话，一道装有秘密弹簧的花岗岩石大门一下
子就弹开了，他用手挡住他的脸，以免他的眼睛给弄得发花。
“你不会相信这是个多么奇妙的地方吧。一个巨大的乌龟壳里装满了珍珠，巨型月亮石
的空处里堆满了红色宝石。黄金都收藏在象皮箱中，金粉就放在皮制的瓶中。还有猫眼石和
青玉，猫眼石放在水晶杯中，青玉放在翡翠杯中。圆圆的绿柱宝石整整齐齐地排列在细薄的
象牙碟子上面，在一个角落里堆满了丝铜袋子，有的袋子中装的是绿松石，另一些袋子中装
的是绿玉。象牙做的角杯中盛满了紫色的玉英石，黄铜角杯中装满了玉髓和红玉髓。用杉木
做的梁柱上挂着一串串的黄色山猫石。在平坦的扁圆形盾牌上堆放着红玉，它们既像葡萄酒
的颜色又像是青草的色彩。然而我对你说的这些仅仅是那儿的十分之一罢了。
“等皇帝把他自己的手从脸上拿开时，他对我说，'这就是我的财宝屋，这里面的东西
有一半是你的了，照我答应你那样的去做吧。我还会送你骆驼和赶骆驼的人，他们会照你的
吩咐去做，把你那一份财宝带到你想去的世界上的任何地方。这件事今天晚上就得办，因为
我不愿让太阳，他是我的父亲，看见在我的城市里竟会有一个我杀不死的人。 '
“不过我对他说，'这儿的黄金都是你的，白银也是你的，珍贵的珠宝和值钱的东西全
It's all yours.对我来说，我不需要这些东西。我不会向你要任何东西，不过戴在你手指上的那
个小戒指我倒想要。 '
“皇帝皱起了眉头，'这只是个铅戒指呀，'他大声说，'也不值什么钱。所以还是带
上你那一半财宝，离开我的城市吧。 '
“'不，'我回答说，'我什么都不要，只要那个铅戒指，因为我知道那里面写着什
么，也知道它有什么用处。 '
“皇帝却颤抖起来，哀求着我说，'把全部的财宝都拿去，快离开我的城市吧。我那一
半财富也归你了。 '
“不过我做了一件奇怪的事，但那也算不了什么，因为就在那个山洞我把这个财富指环
给藏了起来，它离这儿有一整天的路程。也就只是一天的路程，那戒指正等着你的到来。Who
要是占有了这个戒指，他会比世界上所有的国王都富有。去吧，把它拿到手，全世界的财富
就都归你了。 "
然而年轻的渔夫却笑了。“爱情比财富更重要，”他大声喊道，“而且小美人鱼非常爱
I. "
“不，没有什么比财富更重要的了，”灵魂说。
“爱情更好，”年轻的渔夫回答道，说完他又一头扎进海底深处，灵魂只好哭泣着穿过
沼泽走了。
第三个年头又过去了，灵魂又从陆上下来到了海边，呼唤着年轻的渔夫，于是渔夫从水
中冒出来，说道：“你唤我是为了什么？”
灵魂回答说：“走近一点，我好对你说话，因为我看见了奇妙的事情。”
因此渔夫走近了，并蹲在浅水中，用手托着自己的头，聆听着。
灵魂开口说道：“在一座我知道的城市中，有一家小旅店就位于一条河边。我跟水手们
坐在那儿，他们饮着两种不同颜色的葡萄酒，吃着大麦做的面包，还有放上醋用桂叶包着的
小咸鱼。就在我们坐着逗乐的时候，走进来一个上了年纪的人，他的肩上披着一个皮制的毯
子，还拿着一把嵌有两个琥珀角的琴。正在这时也就是在他把毯子铺在地板上，用弦拔弹响
他那把琴弦的时候，一个面戴细纱罩的少女跑了进来，并在我们面前跳起舞来。虽然她戴了
面纱，可是她的双脚却是光着的。她赤着双脚，在毯子上跳来跳去，真像跳舞的那个城市离
这儿只有一天的路程。 "
此刻，年轻的渔夫听到了灵魂的这番话后，他想起了小美人鱼因为没有脚，不能跟他跳
舞的情形。于是他的心中升起了极大的欲望，他对自己说：“只不过就一天的路程，我还可
以回到我爱人的身边。”他笑了，便从浅水中站起身来，大步朝岸上走去。
来到干干的岸上后他又一次笑了，并向灵魂伸出双臂。他的灵魂也无比欣喜地大叫一声
就朝他奔了过来，进人到他的体内，这时年轻的渔夫便看见在他面前伸展的沙地上出现了他
自己的影子，那就是他灵魂的身体。
他的灵魂对他说：“我们不要耽误了，立即到那儿去吧，因为海神们会妒嫉的，而且还
有好多怪物也听他们的。 "
于是他们匆匆上路了，整个夜晚他们都在月色下赶路，第二天白昼他们又顶着烈日前
进，当天晚上他们来到了城市。
年轻的渔夫对他的灵魂说：“这就是你对我说过的那座她跳舞的城市吗？”
他的灵魂回答说：“不是这座城市，是另外一座。不过我们可以进去看看。”
于是他们进了城，穿过一些街道，他们路经珠宝街的时候，年轻的渔夫看见在一个货摊
上放着一只美丽的银杯子。他的灵魂对他说，“拿走那个银杯子，把它藏起来。”
他便拿起那只银杯子把它蒙在长袍的搁缝中，他们赶快出城走了。
他们离开城走了三英里之后，年轻的渔夫皱起了眉头，并把银杯子给扔掉了，对他的灵
魂说：“你为什么要叫我拿起杯子藏起来呢？因为这可是一件坏事呀。”
然而他的灵魂回答他说：“不要生气，不要生气。”
第二天晚上他们又来到一个城市，年轻的渔夫对他的灵魂说：“这就是你对我说过的她
跳舞的那座城市吗？ "
他的灵魂回答他说：“这不是那座城市，而是另外一座。不过我们得进去。”
他们便进了城，穿过了好几条街。他们走过草鞋街的时候，年轻的渔夫看见一个小孩正
站在一个水缸边。他的灵魂对他说：“去打那个孩子。”于是他动手打小孩，把小孩都打哭
了，过后他们又赶紧匆匆地离开了城市。
他们离开城市后走了三英里，年轻的渔夫突然生起气来，对他的灵魂说：“你为什么叫
我打那个小孩，这可是一件坏事呀？ "
然而他的灵魂却回答说：“不要生气，不要生气。”
第三天晚上他们来到了另一座城市，年轻的渔夫对他的灵魂说：“这就是你对我说过的
那座她跳舞的城市吗？ "
他的灵魂回答他说：“也许就是这座城市吧，所以我们还是进去看看吧。”
他们便进了城，穿过了好几条街，不过年轻的渔夫怎么也找不到那间位于河边的小旅
店。城市里的人都好奇地望着他，他开始害怕起来，并对他的灵魂说：“我们还是走吧，因
为用一双白脚跳舞的人不在这儿。 "
可是他的灵魂却回答说：“不，我们还是留下来吧，因为夜里太黑，途中会遇上强盗
of. "
他便在市场上坐下来休息了，过了一会儿走过一个戴头巾的商人，他有一件鞑靼人的布
织斗篷，在有节的芦苇杆头上还绑着一个牛角灯笼。商人对他说：“你为什么还坐在市场上
呢，你没有看见货摊都关门了，东西都打好包了吗？ "
年轻的渔夫回答他说：“我在这座城里找不到那个小旅店，我又没有亲戚留我在此过
night. "
“我们不都是亲戚吗？”商人说，“不都是由一个上帝创造出来的吗？所以就跟我去
吧，我有一间客房。 "
因此年轻的渔夫站起身来，跟着商人到他的家里去了。等他穿过一个石榴园走进屋中
时，商人便用铜盘为他端来了玫瑰花水，让他洗干净手，还送来熟透的甜瓜让他解渴，以及
一碗米饭和一块烤小羊肉让他充饥。
这一切进行完了以后，商人就领他来到了客房，并叮嘱他好好休息。年轻的渔夫谢过了
他，并吻了商人手指上戴的戒指，随后就躺在了染了色的山羊毛毯上而。他用一床黑色的羊
羔毛被子盖好身体以后，就呼呼地入睡了。
离天亮还有三个小时，天依旧是黑乎乎的时候，他的灵魂便唤醒了他，并对他说：“快
起来，到商人的房间里去，到他睡觉的房间里去，把他杀死，拿走他的金子，因为我们需要
it. "
年轻的渔夫起了床，朝商人的房间里爬去，在商人的脚边放着一把弯刀，在商人身边的
那个盘子里装着九个黄金小包。渔夫伸出手去拿那把弯刀。就在他的手刚刚挨到刀时，商人
一下子惊醒了，他跳起来自己抓住刀，朝着年轻的渔夫大声吼道：“难道你要以怨报德吗？
你要用流淌的鲜血来回报我对你的善举吗？ "
这时他的灵魂对年轻的渔夫说，“去打他。”于是他就把商人给打晕了过去，然后抓起
九包金子，匆匆地穿过石榴园逃走了，朝着启明星的方向出发了。
他们离开城市三英里之后，年轻的渔夫捶打着自己的胸膛，对他的灵魂说：“你为什么
要我杀了商人，还抢走他的黄金？你真是太坏了。 "
然而他的灵魂却回答说：“不要生气，不要生气。”
“不，”年轻的渔夫大声喊道，“我平静不了，因为你要我做的一切事情都是我所恨
of.你也让我恨，我要你告诉我为何要教我做这种事。 "
他的灵魂回答说：“过去你把我送到世界上去的时候，你并没有给我一颗心，所以我学
会了去做这一切事情，而且也喜欢这样。 "
“你在说什么？”年轻的渔夫喃喃地说。
“你是知道的，”他的灵魂回答说，“你知道得很清楚。你难道忘记了你没有送给我一
颗心吗？I do not believe.所以不要自寻烦恼，也不要为我担心，请放心吧，因为世上没有除去不
掉的痛苦，也没有享受不到的快乐。 "
年轻的渔夫听到这些话后，他浑身发抖起来，对他的灵魂说：“不，你是很坏的，甚至
使我忘记了我的爱人，并用多种诱惑来引诱我，还使我的双脚踏上了罪恶之路。 "
他的灵魂回答他说：“你过去把我送到世界上去的时候，你并没有给我一顾心啊，所以
我学会了去做这一切事并喜欢做这些事。来吧，让我们到另一座城市去，去寻乐子吧，因为
我们已有了九包黄金。 "
然而年轻的渔夫拿出九包黄金后就一下子扔在了地上，并用脚猛踩着。
“不，”渔夫大声吼道，“我和你之间没有任何关系了，我也不会再跟你到什么地方去
了，就跟我从前送走你那样，我现在也要那样赶你走了，因为你对我没有任何好处。”说完
他转过身去背朝着月亮，用那把绿色蛇皮刀柄的小刀，准备把他自己身体的影子，也就是他
的灵魂之躯从他双脚的四周切开。
然而他的灵魂连动都不动一下，不想离开他，也不理睬他的命令，还对他说：“那个女
巫教给你的魔法已经不再管用了，因为我不可能离开你，你也不可能把我赶走了。一个人一
生中只能把他的灵魂送走一次，但是他一旦把自己的灵魂收了回来，就得永远地留住它了，
这既是对他的惩罚，也是给他的回报。 "
年轻的渔夫脸色开始发白，握紧自己的拳头，大声叫着：“她没有告诉我这一点，她骗
了我啦。 "
“不，”他的灵魂回答说，“不过她对她自己崇拜的那个'他'可动了真心的，她要做
他永远的仆人。 "
年轻的渔夫此刻已明白他再也不能够赶走他的灵魂，况且是—个邪恶的灵魂，还要永远
与他为伍，他一下子倒在地上伤心地哭了起来。
天明时分，年轻的渔夫站起身来，对他的灵魂说：“我要绑住我的双手，免得我会照你
的吩咐去做，我还要闭紧嘴巴，免得我说出休想让我说的话，我要回到我所爱的人居住的地
方去。我甚至要回到海里去，回到她过去经常唱歌的那个小海湾去，我要唤她上来，告诉她
我做过的坏事以及你对我做过的坏事。 "
他的灵魂诱惑着他，说：“谁是你的爱人？让你非回到她那儿去不可？世上有很多比她
漂亮的美人。萨马里斯的舞女们可以学各种鸟兽的姿态跳舞。她们的脚用凤仙花染成了红
色，她们手中握着好多小铜铃。她们一边跳一边笑，她们的笑容跟清溪一样明净。跟我走，
我带你去见她们。你为那些罪恶的事操那份心是为了什么呢？难道那些美味可口的东西不是
做来给人吃的吗？难道喝起来甘甜的东西里面放进了毒药吗？不要自寻烦恼了，跟我到另一
个城市去吧。这儿附近就有一座小城市，里面有一个百合树的花园。在这个可爱的花园中住
着一些白孔雀和有着蓝色胸脯的孔雀。当它们的尾巴向着太阳展开的时候，就像象牙的圆盘
和镀金圆盘一样。给它们喂食的女人还为它们