灾祸接踵而至，在大地上泛滥，
财富堆积如山，人们衰朽腐烂。
王公显贵有的发达，有的式微，

随风兴衰生灭，轻易有如吹灰；

而粗莽的农民，是乡土的精英，
一旦遭到毁灭，便会后继无人。

在往昔，英格兰的苦难未发生，
每一寸土地都供养着它的人民；
轻松的劳作出产健康丰富的用品，
刚好满足生活之需，一点不过剩：
纯朴和健康，成为人类的好伴侣；
人的至高财宝，是对财产的无知。
但世道骤变；商业势力冷酷无情
侵占土地，把乡村少年赶出家门；
沿着林间空地，曾有村庄星罗棋布，
如今让位给笨拙的浮华和庞大财富，
每一种贫困都与富裕结为联盟，
愚蠢给傲慢付的账，是阵阵剧痛。
那些丰饶催生花枝的温情的时光，
那些只求立锥之地的平静的愿望，
那些为田园景色增光的健康乐趣，
曾是触目鲜活，辉映着所有绿地，
如今正远离，寻找更仁慈的彼岸，
田园欢乐和淳朴风俗一去不复返。
51 Ill fares the land, to hastening ills a prey,

52 Where wealth accumulates, and men decay:

53 Princes and lords may flourish, or may fade;

54 A breath can make them, as a breath has made:

55 But a bold peasantry, their country's pride,

56 When once destroy'd, can never be supplied.

57 A time there was, ere England's griefs began,

58 When every rood of ground maintain'd its man;

59 For him light labour spread her wholesome store,

60 Just gave what life requir'd, but gave no more:

61 His best companions, innocence and health;

62 And his best riches, ignorance of wealth.

63 But times are alter'd; trade's unfeeling train

64 Usurp the land and dispossess the swain;

65 Along the lawn, where scatter'd hamlets rose,

66 Unwieldy wealth and cumbrous pomp repose,

67 And every want to opulence allied,

68 And every pang that folly pays to pride.

69 Those gentle hours that plenty bade to bloom,

70 Those calm desires that ask'd but little room,

71 Those healthful sports that grac'd the peaceful scene,

72 Liv'd in each look, and brighten'd all the green,--

73 These, far departing, seek a kinder shore,

74 And rural mirth and manners are no more.