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发表于 2008-3-22 15:11:38
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Pliny’s Letter
C.Plinius Minicoi Fundano Suo S.
Mirum est quam singulis diebus in urbe ratio aut constet aut constare videatur, pluribus iunctisque non constet.
It is amazing how individual days in the city the account balances or seems to balance, when several days are considered together it does not balance.
Nam, si quem interroges, “Hodie quid egist?” respondeat, “Officio togae virilis interfui, sponsalia aut nuptias frequentavi, ille me ad signandum testamentum, ille in advocationem, ille in consilium rogavit.”
For, if you ask someone, “what did you do today?” he would reply, “I was present in the ceremony of manly toga, I attended a betrothal and a wedding, that guy called me for the purpose of signing a will, that guy called me for advocacy, that guy called me for advice.
Haec quo die feceris, necessaria; eadem si cotidie fecisse te reputes, inania videntur, multo magis cum secesseris.
These things, on which day you have done them, seem necessary; if you think about having done them everyday, they seem vain, much more when you have departed (from the city).
Tunc enim subit recordatio: “Quot dies quam frigidis rebus absumpsi!”
For then the recollection comes to mind: “How many days I have spent with such dull things!”
Quod evenit mihi, postquam in Laurentino meo aut lego aliquid aut scribo aut etiam corpori vaco, cuius fulturis animus sustinetur.
Which recollection comes to me, after (I am) in my country estate near Laurentium I either read something or write or also I am free for the body, the soul of which is sustained by these props.
Nihil audio quod audisse, nihil dico quod dixisse paeniteat; nemo apud me quemquam sinistris sermonibus carpit, neminem ipse reprehendo, nisi tamen me, cum parum commode scribo; nulla spe, nullo timore sollicitor, nullis rumoribus inquietor; mecum tantum et cum libellis loquor.
I hear nothing which is wrong for me to have heard, nothing I learn which would displease to have said; no one at my place slanders revile anything with improper conversation, I myself blame no one, unless nevertheless myself, when I write not easily enough; I am disturbed by no expectation, no fear, I am harassed by no rumors; I speak only with myself and with the booklets.
O rectam sinceramque vitam, o dulce otium honestumque ac paene omni negotio pulchrius!
Oh proper and sincere life, Oh sweet and honest leisure and more beautiful than nearly every business.
O mare, o litus, verum secretumque mouseion, quam multa invenitis, quam multa dictatis!
Oh sea, oh shore, true and secret temple of the muses, how much you discover, how much you dictate!
Proinde tu quoque strepitum istum inanemque discursum et multum ineptos labores, ut primum fuerit occasio, relinque teque studiis vel otio trade.
Therefore you also relinquish that hateful noise and empty mad rush and many silly labors, as soon as there will be an opportunity, surrender yourself to your pursuits or leisure.
Satius est enim, ut Atilius noster eruditissime simul et facetissime dixit, otiosum esse quam nihil agere. Vale.
For it is better, as our Atilius also most learnedly and humorously said, to be leisure than to do nothing. Bye. |
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