http://s7/mw690/001PwYYLzy77zlmdYiy06&690

今天在微信公众号看到一篇文章，选自毛姆的《在中国的屏风上》，里面提到两首诗，是辜鸿铭赠予他的墨宝，作为临别留念。原诗不可得见，只有英文释义。我手头的汉语版，也附在后面，和友儿们分享。有谁知道原诗吗？我猜应该是古体诗？文中描述 诗很整饬。（ I took the paper and looked at the Chinese characters. They made an agreeable pattern upon it.）

...

He finished. To dry the ink he scattered a little ash on the paper and rising handed it to me.

 "What have you written?" I asked.

 I thought there was a slightly malicious gleam in his eyes.

 "I have ventured to offer you two little poems of my own."

 "I did not know you were a poet."

 "When China was still an uncivilised country," he retorted with sarcasm, "all educated men could write verse at least with elegance."

 I took the paper and looked at the Chinese characters. They made an agreeable pattern upon it.

 "Won't you also give me a translation?"

 "Tradwtore -- tradittore," he answered. "You cannot expect me to betray myself. Ask one of your English friends. Those who know most about China know nothing, but you will at least find one who is competent to give you a rendering of a few rough and simple lines."

 I bade him farewell, and with great politeness he showed me to my chair. When I had the opportunity I gave the poems to a sinologue of my acquaintance, and here is the version he made. I confess that, doubtless unreasonably, I was somewhat taken aback when I read it.

（I.）

You loved me not: your voice was sweet;

Your eyes were full of laughter; your hands were tender.

And then you loved me: your voice was bitter;

Your eyes were full of tears; your hands were cruel.

Sad, sad that love should make you

Unlovable.

（II.）

I craved the years would quickly pass

That you might lose

The brightness of your eyes, the peach-bloom of your skin,

And all the cruel splendour of your youth.

Then I alone would love you

And you at last would care.

The envious years have passed full soon

And you have lost

The brightness of your eyes, the peach-bloom of your skin,

And all the charming splendour of your youth.

Alas, I do not love you

And I care not if you care.