鳳首

Often have I studied the works of talented men of letters and thought to myself that I obtained some insight into their their minds at work. The way of employing words and forming expressions are indeed infinitely varied. But accordingly,the various degrees of beauty and excellence achieved needs must bear criticism. Whwn I composemy own works, I am more keenly of the ordeal. Constantly present is the feeling of regret that he meaning apprehended does not represent the object observed; and, furthermore, words fail to convey the meaning. The fact is, it is not so hard to know as it is to do.
I am therefore writing the essay on Literature to tell of the glorious accomplishments of ancient men of letters, and to comment on the causes of failure and success in writing.Perhaps some other day the secret of this most intricate art may be entirely mastered. In making a handle of an axe by cutting wood with an axe, the model is indeed near at hand. But the adaptability of the hand to the ever-changing (circumstances and inpulses in the process of creation) is such that words can hardly explain. Henceforth follows only what can be said in words.

In the Central Realm the poet views the expanse of the whole universe,
And in tomes of ancient wisdom his spirit rejoices and finds nurture.
His lament for fleeting life is in observance of the four seasons that ever revolve,
His regard for the myriad growing things inspires in him thoughts as profuse.
As with the fallen leaves in autumn's rugour his heart sinks in grief,
So is each tender twig in sweet spring a source of joy.
In frost he finds sympathy at moments when his heart is all frigid purity,
Or far, far, into the highest clouds he makes his mind's abode.
The shining, magnanimous deeds of the world's most virtuous are substance of his song,
As also the pure fragrance which the most accomplished goodness of the past yields.
The flowering forest of letters and treasuries of poetic gems are his spirit's favourite haunts,
Where he delights in nothing less than perfection of Beauty's form and matter.
Thus moved, he will spread his paper and poise his pen
To express what he can in writing.

我自評我的文字水平是這樣的：白話文>現代英文>古文>古英文，陳世驤先生的《文賦》英譯遣詞典雅卻不作高深，以我的水平唸起來竟然鏗鏘舒暢兼有，看看這句"Perhaps some other day the secret of this most intricate art may be entirely mastered."曉唱明白意卻無窮，原文作「他日殆可謂曲盡其妙」，好個the secret of this most intricate art。我是真的用「唸」的一字一句讀完但求默記於心可惜腦子越來越駑鈍越不好使，驚服於先生出入之間化境般悠遊便就一字一句重書一遍。中文原文我邊唸邊用筆書，英文就練練生疏日久的英打吧。
這等譯筆怕要陸機重生才有辦法轉譯回中文得漂亮。
還沒完才剛入港呢！