On a seat cut in the stone beside a turn in the path they came upon Gandalf and Bilbo deep in talk. “Hullo! Good morning!” said Bilbo. “Feel ready for the great council?”
他们一转过弯，就遇见正在讨论事情的甘道夫和比尔博：“哈罗！早安！”比尔博说。“准备好要来开场大会议了吗？”
“You may have a chance later,” said Gandalf. “But we cannot make any plans yet. There is much to hear and decide today.”
“稍后你可能会有机会的，”甘道夫说：“不过还是先别计划太多行程，今天有很多消息要听，很多事情要决定。”
“I feel ready for anything,” answered Frodo. “But most of all I should like to go walking today and explore the valley. I should like to get into those pine-woods up there.” He pointed away far up the side of Rivendell to the north.
“我准备好可以面对任何挑战了，”佛罗多回答：“不过，我其实还是很想要四处散散步，看看那座山谷，想要去那边的松林看看。”他指着瑞文戴尔北边的山坡说道。
Next day Frodo woke early, feeling refreshed and well. He walked along the terraces above the loud-flowing Bruinen and watched the pale, cool sun rise above the far mountains, and shine down. Slanting through the thin silver mist; the dew upon the yellow leaves was glimmering, and the woven nets of gossamer twinkled on every bush. Sam walked beside him, saying nothing. but sniffing the air, and looking every now and again with wonder in his eyes at the great heights in the East. The snow was white upon their peaks.
第二天，佛罗多起了个大早，觉得神清气爽。他沿着喧闹的布鲁南河散步，看着苍白的太陽从远方的山脉后升起，驱散了单薄的银色雾气。黄色树叶上的露珠闪动着光芒，每株灌木丛上几乎都有着晶亮的蜘蛛网。山姆走在他身边，一言不发，只是嗅着清新的空气；偶尔会对东方高耸的山脉投以敬畏的目光，山顶依旧积雪封冻。
Elrond was there, and several others were seated in silence about him. Frodo saw Glorfindel and Gloin; and in a corner alone Strider was sitting, clad in his old travel-worn clothes again. Elrond drew Frodo to a seat by his side, and presented him to the company, saying:
爱隆就在那里，还有其他几个人也跟着坐在他身边。佛罗多注意到葛罗芬戴尔和葛罗音，神行客又再度换回旅行用的破旧衣服，坐在角落。爱隆拉着佛罗多坐到他身边，并且向众人介绍他。
Frodo and Bilbo followed the wizard quickly along the winding path back to the house; behind them, uninvited and for the moment forgotten, trotted Sam.
佛罗多和比尔博跟着巫师沿着小径，很快走向大屋；被遗忘，没有受到邀请的山姆则是跟在众人身后走着。
Suddenly as they were talking a single clear bell rang out. “That is the warning bell for the Council of Elrond,” cried Gandalf. “Come along now! Both you and Bilbo are wanted.”
突然间，正在他们谈话的时候，响起清澈的铃声。“这是爱隆召开会议的提醒铃，”甘道夫大喊着。“快来吧！你和比尔博都要参加。”
Gandalf led them to the porch where Frodo had found his friends the evening before. The light of the clear autumn morning was now glowing in the valley. The noise of bubbling waters came up from the foaming river-bed. Birds were singing, and a wholesome peace lay on the land. To Frodo his dangerous flight, and the rumours of the darkness growing in the world outside, already seemed only the memories of a troubled dream; but the faces that were turned to meet them as they entered were grave.
甘道夫领着众人来到之前佛罗多和朋友们会面的门廊前。秋天清朗的晨光已经毫不吝惜地照在山谷中，潺潺的流水声、鸟儿的啁啾叫声和一股平和之气，充斥着大地。对佛罗多来说，之前的逃亡和外界黑暗扩张的传言，都变得如同恶梦初醒一般地模糊。只不过，他们一路上遇见的人，都显得脸色凝重。
“Here, my friends is the hobbit, Frodo son of Drogo. Few have ever come hither through greater peril or on an errand more urgent.”
“诸位，这位就是哈比人德罗哥之子，佛罗多。他所冒的危险和任务的急迫，是前所未见的。”
He then pointed out and named those whom Frodo had not met before. There was a younger dwarf at Gloin’s side: his son Gimli. Beside Glorfindel there were several other counsellors of Elrond’s household, of whom Erestor was the chief; and with him was Galdor, an Elf from the Grey Havens who had come on an errand from Cirdan the Shipwright. There was also a strange Elf clad in green and brown, Legolas, a messenger from his father, Thranduil, the King of the Elves of Northern Mirkwood. And seated a little apart was a tall man with a fair and noble face, dark-haired and grey-eyed, proud and stern of glance.
他接着又对佛罗多介绍了他之前没有见过的人。葛罗音的身边有另一名比较年轻的矮人：他的儿子金雳。在葛罗芬戴尔旁边有几名爱隆麾下的长老，伊瑞斯特是长老们的领袖；他旁边边则是加尔多。他是名来自于灰港岸，受命于造船者瑟丹来此送信的精灵。另外还有一名全身穿着绿色和褐色衣服的陌生精灵勒苟拉斯，他是幽暗密林的精灵王瑟兰督伊之子，也是国王的信差。在距离大家都有一段距离的地方，还坐着一名高大的人类，他的五官英俊、透露着贵族的气息，表情十分严肃。
He was cloaked and booted as if for a journey on horseback; and indeed though his garments were rich, and his cloak was lined with fur, they were stained with long travel. He had a collar of silver in which a single white stone was set; his locks were shorn about his shoulders. On a baldric he wore a great horn tipped with silver that now was laid upon his knees. He gazed at Frodo and Bilbo with sudden wonder.
他的穿着看起来像是在马匹上赶路的旅人，衣料看起来却很高贵，斗篷的边缘还镶着毛皮。不过，再仔细一看，他身上的衣服也都沾满了旅途上的风霜白色的领口点缀着一枚宝石，头发则是及肩的长度。他身上挂着一条授带，底下则是一具尖端镶银的号角，此刻放在他的膝盖上。他看着比尔博和佛罗多，眼中猛然露出好奇的光芒。
“Here,” said Elrond, turning to Gandalf, “is Boromir, a man from the South. He arrived in the grey morning, and seeks for counsel. I have bidden him to be present, for here his questions will be answered.”
“这位，”爱隆转身对甘道夫说：“就是波罗莫，南方来的人类。他今天一早才刚到这里，想要寻求我们的协助：我特意邀请他过来，因为我们在这里将可以回答他的问题。”
Not all that was spoken and debated in the Council need now be told. Much was said of events in the world outside, especially in the South, and in the wide lands east of the Mountains. Of these things Frodo had already heard many rumours; but the tale of Gloin was new to him, and when the dwarf spoke he listened attentively. It appeared that amid the splendour of their works of hand the hearts of the Dwarves of the Lonely Mountain were troubled.
在这里，我们就不需要重述会议中争辩和讨论的内容了。许多的议题是和外面的世界有关，特别是南方，迷雾山脉东边的土地上的情势。有关这些地方，佛罗多已经听说了很多消息。但葛罗音所说的故事却是他所没有听过的。当他开口时，佛罗多无比专注地倾听着。看来，即使坐拥那么多伟大美丽的建筑，孤山地区的矮人依旧感到非常大的困扰。
“It is now many years ago,” said Gloin, “that a shadow of disquiet fell upon our people. Whence it came we did not at first perceive. Words began to be whispered in secret: it was said that we were hemmed in a narrow place, and that greater wealth and splendour would be found in a wider world. Some spoke of Moria: the mighty works of our fathers that are called in our own tongue Khazad-dum; and they declared that now at last we had the power and numbers to return.”
“许多年以前，”葛罗音说：“我们的同胞开始起了騷动，我们不知道这是从什么时候开始的。人们开始低声交谈，说我们是龙困浅滩，外面的世界不只更宽阔，更有许多丰富的金银财宝。有些人提到了摩瑞亚，这是我们先祖们兴建的雄伟地下矿坑和都市，在我们的语言中被称为凯萨督姆。这些人宣称，我们终于有了足够的力量和数量可以回归到故乡去。”
“Then about a year ago a messenger came to Dain, but not from Moria — from Mordor: a horseman in the night, who called Dain to his gate. The Lord Sauron the Great, so he said, wished for our friendship. Rings he would give for it, such as he gave of old. And he asked urgently concerning hobbits, of what kind they were, and where they dwelt. “For Sauron knows,” said he, “that one of these was known to you on a time.”
“然后，大概是一年之前，有一名信差来到丹恩驾前，但他并非来自摩瑞亚，而是魔多：夜半一名骑士前来丹恩的王宫前叫门。他说，索伦大君想要和我们建交，他愿意赐给我们拥有魔力的戒指，就如同古代一样。而他也十分着急地询问我们有关哈比人的消息；包括了他们是什么种族、居住在哪里等等。‘因为索伦大人知道，’他说：‘你们曾经和一名哈比人交往。’”
“That was nigh on thirty years ago. For a while we had news and it seemed good: messages reported that Moria had been entered and a great work begun there. Then there was silence, and no word has ever come from Moria since.
“这大概是三十年以前的事情了。有一段时间，我们听说了一些好消息。据说他们再度进入了摩瑞亚，开始新的庞大工程。然后，突然就音讯全无，一直到现在，再也没有传来任何相关的消息。”
Gloin sighed. “Moria! Moria! Wonder of the Northern world! Too deep we delved there, and woke the nameless fear. Long have its vast mansions lain empty since the children of Durin fled. But now we spoke of it again with longing, and yet with dread; for no dwarf has dared to pass the doors of Khazad-dum for many lives of kings, save Thror only, and he perished. At last, however, Balin listened to the whispers, and resolved to go; and though Dain did not give leave willingly, he took with him Ori and Óin and many of our folk, and they went away south.
葛罗音叹了口气。“摩瑞亚！摩瑞亚！北方王国的明钻！我们在那边挖得太深，唤醒了不知名的邪恶。自从都灵的子孙逃离该处之后，辉煌的殿堂就已经空虚很久了。但现在，我们又再度回忆起那美好的地方，却又同时唤醒了恐怖的回忆。自从索尔以来，凯萨督姆已经有数千年无人胆敢进入，因为连索尔都战死该处。最后，巴林在这流言的鼓动下，终于决定前往一探究竟。丹恩虽然不情愿让他走，但最后还是让他带着欧瑞和欧林，还有很多同胞一起往南走。”
“The time of my thought is my own to spend,” answered Dain.
“该花多少时间是我的事情，”丹恩回答。
“At that his breath came like the hiss of snakes, and all who stood by shuddered, but Dain said: “I say neither yea nor nay. I must consider this message and what it means under its fair cloak.”
“他一说完这句话，就发出可怕的嘶嘶声，附近所有的人都打了个寒颤，丹恩回答：‘我在这件事情上保留我的选择。我必须要仔细考虑在这么好的条件下，究竟这件事代表什么意义。’”
“At this we were greatly troubled, and we gave no answer. And then his fell voice was lowered, and he would have sweetened it if he could. “As a small token only of your friendship Sauron asks this,” he said: “that you should find this thief,” such was his word, “and get from him, willing or no, a little ring, the least of rings, that once he stole. It is but a trifle that Sauron fancies, and an earnest of your good will. Find it, and three rings that the Dwarf sires possessed of old shall be returned to you, and the realm of Moria shall be yours for ever. Find only news of the thief, whether he still lives and where, and you shall have great reward and lasting friendship from the Lord. Refuse, and things will not seem so well. Do you refuse?”
“一听到这个消息，我们就觉得非常担心，因此没有回答他。然后，他那邪恶的声音变得低沉，甚至有些意图甜言蜜语的感觉。‘要赢取索伦大人的友谊，他只要求这件小事，’他说：‘你必须找到这名小偷，’底下就是他所说的话‘不管他愿不愿意，都必须从他身上拿到一枚微不足道的戒指，这就是他偷走的小东西。相较于索伦大人的善意，这实在是件小事，对你们来说也只是举手之劳。找到这枚戒指，我们就会把矮人祖先所拥有的三枚戒指还给你们，并且将摩瑞亚永世交由你们统治。你只需要找到那小偷的住所，打听他是否还活着，这就可以获得极大的奖赏和索伦大人的友谊。如果你们拒绝，一切恐怕就没有这么顺利了。你们觉得如何？’”
“Consider well, but not too long,” said he.
“好好考虑，但别花太久的时间，”他说。
“Heavy have the hearts of our chieftains been since that night. We needed not the fell voice of the messenger to warn us that his words held both menace and deceit; for we knew already that the power that has re-entered Mordor has not changed, and ever it betrayed us of old. Twice the messenger has returned, and has gone unanswered. The third and last time, so he says, is soon to come, before the ending of the year.
“从那晚之后，我们的酋长就变得忧心忡忡。我们不需要听那堕落的声音，就可以知道对方是个口蜜腹剑的家伙；因为我们已经知道重临魔多的力量并没有改过向善，他从以前就曾经出卖过矮人许多次。那信差回来了两次，但都没有获得答案，他表示，第三次也将会是最后一次，时间则是在今年年底。”
“You have done well to come,” said Elrond. “You will hear today all that you need in order to understand the purposes of the Enemy. There is naught that you can do, other than to resist, with hope or without it. But you do not stand alone. You will learn that your trouble is but part of the trouble of all the western world. The Ring! What shall we do with the Ring, the least of rings, the trifle that Sauron fancies? That is the doom that we must deem.”
“你们来这里的决定很聪明，”爱隆说：“今天你们所听到的将会让你们了解魔王的目的，不管是否有希望，你们都只能抵抗他的力量。但你们并不孤独，你们将会知道这次所遭遇的危机并不仅限于你们，而是整个西方世界的空前危机。魔戒！我们该怎么对付魔戒？这个微不足道的戒指，这个索伦想要的小东西？这是我们必须正视的末日危机。”
“For the present,” said he, and rode into the darkness.
“现在或许还是吧，”他说，接着就转身骑入黑暗中。
“And so I have been sent at last by Dain to warn Bilbo that he is sought by the Enemy, and to learn, if may be, why he desires this ring, this least of rings. Also we crave the advice of Elrond. For the Shadow grows and draws nearer. We discover that messengers have come also to King Brand in Dale, and that he is afraid. We fear that he may yield. Already war is gathering on his eastern borders. If we make no answer, the Enemy may move Men of his rule to assail King Brand, and Dain also.”
“因此，丹恩终于派出我来警告比尔博，让他知道魔王正在打听他的消息；如果可能的话，我还想要知道对方为什么会这么想要这枚微不足道的戒指。同时，我们也寻求爱隆的咨询，因为魔影已经越来越逼近我们的疆域。我们发现那信差也前往拜访谷地的国王布兰德，而他感到非常害怕，我们担心他会让步。布兰德东方的边境已经开始騷动，如果我们再不做出回答，魔王可能就会派出旗下的人类，来推翻布兰德和丹恩。”
Then all listened while Elrond in his clear voice spoke of Sauron and the Rings of Power, and their forging in the Second Age of the world long ago. A part of his tale was known to some there, but the full tale to none, and many eyes were turned t= Elrond in fear and wonder as he told of the Elven-smiths of Eregion and their friendship with Moria, and their eagerness for knowledge, by which Sauron ensnared them. For in that time he was not yet evil to behold, and they received his aid and grew mighty in craft, whereas he learned all their secrets, and betrayed them, and forged secretly in the Mountain of Fire the One Ring to be their master. But Celebrimbor was aware of him, and hid the Three which he had made; and there was war, and the land was laid waste, and the gate of Moria was shut.
所有人都听着爱隆用清朗的声音，描述索伦和权能之戒间的牵扯，以及它们是如何在第二纪元中被铸造出来的过程，在场有些人已经知道了部分的故事，但没人知道整个故事的全貌。当他提到伊瑞詹的精灵铁匠和摩瑞亚之间的友谊，以及他们求知若渴的态度反遭索伦利用时，许多人用着恐惧和惊讶的眼神看着爱隆，因为当时，世间还不知道索伦的邪恶本质，因此欣然接受他的协助。在他们的力量逐渐增加的同时，索伦也学到了所有的秘密；接着他出卖了他们，悄悄地在火山中铸造了统御众戒的至尊魔戒，但赛勒布理鹏即时发现了他的陰谋，将他所打造的三枚戒指隐藏起来；接着就掀起了战争，一时之间大地被战火所蹂躏，摩瑞亚的大门也从此封闭。
“Now, therefore, things shall be openly spoken that have been hidden from all but a few until this day. And first, so that all may understand what is the peril, the Tale of the Ring shall be told from the beginning even to this present. And I will begin that tale, though others shall end it.”
“因此，直到今天为止仅让几人知道的机密情报，必须在此公开谈论。我们必须先将魔戒的来历从头说明，这样，我们才能让所有的人了解这次的处境为何。那么就由我开始，而由其他人代我结束这段历史。”
“That is the purpose for which you are called hither. Called, I say. though I have not called you to me, strangers from distant lands. You have come and are here met, in this very nick of time, by chance as it may seem. Yet it is not so. Believe rather that it is so ordered that we, who sit here, and none others, must now find counsel for the peril of the world.”
“这也是你们被召唤到我身边来的原因。诸位来自异邦的陌生人，虽然不是我通知各位，但我还是用召唤这个说法。你们因缘际会地在这个关键时刻来到这里，看来或许只是巧合，但一切并非这么单纯。不管你们相不相信，我们其实是受到天命齐聚在此，要以我们微薄的力量来处理世界末日的危机。”
Then through all the years that followed he traced the Ring; but since that history is elsewhere recounted, even as Elrond himself set it down in his books of lore, it is not here recalled. For it is a long tale, full of deeds great and terrible, and briefly though Elrond spoke, the sun rode up the sky, and the morning was passing ere he ceased.
然后，他细述在历史上魔戒颠沛流离的过程；由于这段故事已经在前面提过了，因此在这边就不再引用爱隆引述自他渊博历史知识中的资料了。这是个很长的故事，中间充满了陰谋诡计和勇敢牺牲。虽然爱隆尽可能地长话短说，但等到他说完之后，太陽早已高挂天空，清晨也在他的话声中结束了。
Of Numenor he spoke, its glory and its fall, and the return of the Kings of Men to Middle-earth out of the deeps of the Sea, borne upon the wings of storm. Then Elendil the Tall and his mighty sons, Isildur and Anarion, became great lords; and the North-realm they made in Arnor, and the South-realm in Gondor above the mouths of Anduin. But Sauron of Mordor assailed them, and they made the Last Alliance of Elves and Men, and the hosts of Gil-galad and Elendil were mustered in Arnor.
他也提到了努曼诺尔的辉煌和崩溃，以及人皇越过深邃的大海，乘着暴风的翅膀回到中土世界的历史。伟人伊兰迪尔和他的两名儿子埃西铎和安那瑞安都成了史上著名的明君；他们在亚尔诺创建北方王国，在安都因河口的刚铎创建南方王国。但魔多的索伦起兵攻打他们，伊兰迪尔和吉尔加拉德筹组了人类和精灵的最后联盟，大军齐聚亚尔诺。
Thereupon Elrond paused a while and sighed. “I remember well the splendour of their banners,” he said. “It recalled to me the glory of the Elder Days and the hosts of Beleriand, so many great princes and captains were assembled. And yet not so many, nor so fair, as when Thangorodrim was broken, and the Elves deemed that evil was ended for ever, and it was not so.”
说到这里，爱隆暂停片刻，叹了口气，“这让我又回想起他们旗帜鲜明的样子，”他说：“我当时不禁想起了远古时候贝尔兰大军的鲜衣怒马，当时聚集了那么多勇猛善战的贵族和将领，但那还是比不上山戈洛坠姆被攻破时的战阵气势，精灵们那时以为邪恶已经永远被消灭，但其实并非如此。”
“I was the herald of Gil-galad and marched with his host. I was at the Battle of Dagorlad before the Black Gate of Mordor, where we had the mastery: for the Spear of Gil-galad and the Sword of Elendil, Aiglos and Narsil, none could withstand. I beheld the last combat on the slopes of Orodruin, where Gil-galad died, and Elendil fell, and Narsil broke beneath him; but Sauron himself was overthrown, and Isildur cut the Ring from his hand with the hilt-shard of his father’s sword, and took it for his own.”
“我是吉尔加拉德的先锋，和部队一起进发。我也参与了在魔多黑门之前的达哥拉之战。由于吉尔加拉德的神矛和伊兰迪尔的圣剑，我们拥有压倒性的优势：埃格洛斯和纳希尔是无人能抵抗的神兵利器。我亲眼目睹了在欧洛都因山坡上的最后决战；吉尔加拉德战死，伊兰迪尔阵亡，而纳希尔圣剑断折于他的尸体之下。但最终索伦还是遭遇了败亡，埃西铎利用圣剑的碎片砍断了索伦的手指，并且将魔戒占为己有。”
“You remember?” said Frodo, speaking his thought aloud in his astonishment. “But I thought,” he stammered as Elrond turned towards him, “I thought that the fall of Gil-galad was a long age ago.”
“这些你都记得？”佛罗多吃惊之下竟然失态地大声将心中的疑问讲了出来。“可是我以为，”当爱隆转过头来时，他结巴地说：“我以为吉尔加拉德的亡故是很久以前的事情了。”
“So it was indeed,” answered Elrond gravely. “But my memory reaches back even to the Elder Days. Earendil was my sire, who was born in Gondolin before its fall; and my mother was Elwing, daughter of Dior, son of Luthien of Doriath. I have seen three ages in the West of the world, and many defeats, and many fruitless victories.”
“的确是，”爱隆面色凝重地说：“但我的记忆可以远朔至远古时代。埃蓝迪尔是我的父亲，他是在贡多林陷落之前出生的；而我的母亲则是迪奥之女，迪奥是露西安和多瑞亚斯之子。我看过了西方世界在三个纪元中的起起落落，许多的败亡，许多毫无意义的胜利。”
“This I will have as weregild for my father, and my brother,” he said; and therefore whether we would or no, he took it to treasure it. But soon he was betrayed by it to his death; and so it is named in the North Isildur’s Bane. Yet death maybe was better than what else might have befallen him.
“我要将这当做纪念我父兄的宝物。”他说。因此，不管我们到哪里，他都将它视若珍宝。但不久之后，他就被这戒指出卖，死在战场上。因此，在北方王国中，他们都称呼魔戒为埃西铎克星。但，和他可能遭遇到的命运比起来，死亡或许还是比较幸福的。
At this the stranger, Boromir, broke in. “So that is what became of the Ring!” he cried. “If ever such a tale was told in the South, it has long been forgotten. I have heard of the Great Ring of him that we do not name; but we believed that it perished from the world in the ruin of his first realm. Isildur took it! That is tidings indeed.”
一听到这段话，那陌生人波罗莫插嘴道：“原来这就是魔戒的去向！”他大喊着：“即使南方王国曾经知道这段故事，也早就湮没在历史的洪流之中。我听说过那位我们不愿以其名称之的无名者所拥有的统御之戒；但我们相信这魔戒已经被摧毁在他的第一个领土中，原来是埃西铎拿走了！这真是出人意料！”
“Only to the North did these tidings come, and only to a few. Small wonder it is that you have not heard them, Boromir. From the ruin of the Gladden Fields, where Isildur perished, three men only came ever back over the mountains after long wandering. One of these was Ohtar, the esquire of Isildur, who bore the shards of the sword of Elendil; and he brought them to Valandil, the heir of Isildur, who being but a child had remained here in Rivendell. But Narsil was broken and its light extinguished, and it has not yet been forged again.”
“只有北方的居民知道这事态，而知道的人也少之又少。波罗莫，难怪你从来不曾听过这故事。从格拉顿平原的废墟中，只有三名幸存者跋涉过千山万水回到文明世界。其中一名是欧塔，他是埃西铎的随从，也是圣剑碎片的携带者。他把这碎片交给了瓦兰迪尔。由于出征时瓦兰迪尔还只是个小孩，因此他被留在瑞文戴尔。从此，断折的纳希尔圣剑失去光芒，至今未曾重铸。”
“Alas! yes,” said Elrond. “Isildur took it, as should not have been. It should have been cast then into Orodruin’s fire nigh at hand where it was made. But few marked what Isildur did. He alone stood by his father in that last mortal contest; and by Gil-galad only Cirdan stood, and I. But Isildur would not listen to our counsel.”
“唉！是的，”爱隆说：“让人十分惋惜的是，埃西铎的确拿走了魔戒。我们当时应该立刻将那魔戒丢入欧洛都因的火山口中，在它被铸造的地方摧毁它！但那时没有多少人注意到埃西铎的行为。在那场最后的总帅决斗中，他是人类唯一的幸存者，而吉尔加拉德身边也只剩下我和瑟丹两人，但埃西铎当时听不进我们的劝说。”
“In the North after the war and the slaughter of the Gladden Fields the Men of Westernesse were diminished, and their city of Annuminas beside Lake Evendim fell into ruin; and the heirs of Valandil removed and dwelt at Fornost on the high North Downs, and that now too is desolate. Men call it Deadmen’s Dike, and they fear to tread there. For the folk of Arnor dwindled, and their foes devoured them, and their lordship passed, leaving only green mounds in the grassy hills.”
“在格拉顿平原的屠杀之后，西方皇族的成员逐渐减少；他们位在伊凡丁湖旁边的阿努米那斯城也化成废墟。瓦兰迪尔的后裔则是搬迁到北冈高坡上的佛诺斯特，现在该处也已经砖瓦不存。人们称呼该处为亡者之堤，害怕得不敢靠近。因为亚尔诺的居民不停减少，敌人们将他们鲸吞蚕食，王位就这样灰飞烟灭，化为青山荒冢。”
“Fruitless did I call the victory of the Last Alliance? Not wholly so, yet it did not achieve its end. Sauron was diminished, but not destroyed. His Ring was lost but not unmade. The Dark Tower was broken, but its foundations were not removed; for they were made with the power of the Ring, and while it remains they will endure. Many Elves and many mighty Men, and many of their friends. had perished in the war. Anarion was slain, and Isildur was slain; and Gil-galad and Elendil were no more. Never again shall there be any such league of Elves and Men; for Men multiply and the Firstborn decrease, and the two kindreds are estranged. And ever since that day the race of Numenor has decayed, and the span of their years has lessened.”
“我是否认为最后联盟的胜利毫无意义呢？并非完全如此，但它并没有达成真正重要的目标。索伦被杀死了，但并未被消灭，他的戒指失落了，但并未被摧毁，邪黑塔被击垮，但它的础石并未被破坏，因为这些都是由魔戒的力量所建造的，只要魔戒一日不毁，高塔就会永续存在。在这场战争中，许多的人类和精灵，以及他们的盟友，都战死在沙场上。安那瑞安战死，埃西铎被杀，吉尔加拉德和伊兰迪尔也灰飞烟灭。人类和精灵之间再也不可能结盟，因为人类不停地繁衍，而精灵却逐渐减少，双方渐渐疏离，从那之后，努曼诺尔的血统开始淡薄，他们的寿命也大为减少。”
“In the South the realm of Gondor long endured; and for a while its splendour grew, recalling somewhat of the might of Numenor, ere it fell. High towers that people built, and strong places. and havens of many ships; and the winged crown of the Kings of Men was held in awe by folk of many tongues. Their chief city was Osgiliath, Citadel of the Stars. through the midst of which the River flowed. And Minas Ithil they built, Tower of the Rising Moon, eastward upon a shoulder of the Mountains of Shadow; and westward at the feet of the White Mountains Minas Anor they made, Tower of the Setting Sun. There in the courts of the King grew a white tree, from the seed of that tree which Isildur brought over the deep waters, and the seed of that tree before came from Eressea, and before that out of the Uttermost West in the Day before days when the world was young.”
“在南方的刚铎王国则繁衍兴盛，它的光辉闪耀了一阵子，让人回想起努曼诺尔陆沉之前的盛况。人们建造了高塔和堡垒，开挖出航行大船巨舰的港湾；无数个种族都敬畏人皇的有翼皇冠家徽。他们的主城是奥斯吉力亚斯，星辰堡垒，大河流穿堡垒的正中央。他们还建造了米那斯伊希尔，升月之塔，就位在黯影山脉的东坡上。而在白色山脉的西方山脚下他们打造了米那斯雅诺，落日之塔。在那里，国王在宫殿中种植了一株圣白树，这株植物的种子是当初埃西铎越过大海带过来的，而原先的树木又是来自于伊拉西亚，在那之前则是在来自于上古时代的极西之地。”
“But in the wearing of the swift years of Middle-earth the line of Meneldil son of Anarion failed, and the Tree withered, and the blood of the Numenoreans became mingled with that of lesser men. Then the watch upon the walls of Mordor slept, and dark things crept back to Gorgoroth. And on a time evil things came forth, and they took Minas Ithil and abode in it, and they made it into a place of dread; and it is called Minas Morgul, the Tower of Sorcery. Then Minas Anor was named anew Minas Tirith, the Tower of Guard; and these two cities were ever at war, but Osgiliath which lay between was deserted and in its ruins shadows walked.”
“但是，在那段纷扰的日子中，安那瑞安之子梅兰迪尔过世前没有留下任何的子嗣，因此王室的血脉断绝，圣白树就此枯萎。努曼诺尔的血统开始和凡人的血统混杂在一起。接着，监视魔多之墙的人们松懈下来，许多妖物悄悄地潜回葛哥洛斯。很久之后，魔物突然大举出动，攻下了米那斯伊希尔，将它诅咒成一个恐怖的地方，现在被称做米那斯魔窟，邪法之塔。接着，米那斯雅诺被重新更名为米那斯提力斯，守卫之塔。两座城市陷入永不止休的征战中；在两者之间的奥斯吉力亚斯，则在战火中化为废墟，邪恶的势力在其间游走。”
“So it has been for many lives of men. But the Lords of Minas Tirith still fight on, defying our enemies, keeping the passage of the River from Argonath to the Sea. And now that part of the tale that I shall tell is drawn to its close. For in the days of Isildur the Ruling Ring passed out of all knowledge, and the Three were released from its dominion. But now in this latter day they are in peril once more, for to our sorrow the One has been found. Others shall speak of its finding, for in that I played small part.”
“这种情况已经持续了许久，但米那斯提力斯的王族依旧奋战不懈，替我们阻挡敌人的力量，保护亚苟那斯到海之间的通道畅通。现在，我能够告诉你们的故事已经快到了结尾，因为在那段时间中，埃西铎的统御魔戒逸出历史的轨迹之外，而另外三只权能之戒终于可以不受它的力量影响。但，现在，三只权能之戒又再度陷入危机之中，因为我们很遗憾地发现；至尊魔戒已经再度现世，至于如何找到这魔戒的过程，我就交给其他人，因为在这之中我并没有出到什么力量。”
He ceased, but at once Boromir stood up, tall and proud, before them. “Give me leave, Master Elrond,” said he, “first to say more of Gondor; for verily from the land of Gondor I am come. And it would be well for all to know what passes there. For few, I deem, know of our deeds, and therefore guess little of their peril, if we should fail at last.”
他一停下来，波罗莫就立刻抬头挺胸，自豪地站起来。“爱隆大人，请容我发言，”他说：“先让我告诉诸位有关刚铎的局势。因为在下正是来自刚铎，能让各位知道当地的情势绝对对诸位有利。因为，我想，在座只有极少的几位知道该处所发生的事情，也因此，你们也不知道万一刚铎失守，你们所面临的处境为何。”
“Believe not that in the land of Gondor the blood of Numenor is spent, nor all its pride and dignity forgotten. By our valour the wild folk of the East are still restrained, and the terror of Morgul kept at bay; and thus alone are peace and freedom maintained in the lands behind us, bulwark of the West. But if the passages of the River should be won, what then?”
“别认为刚铎的土地上努曼诺尔的血统已经淡薄，也别认为前人的自尊和骄傲已经消退在历史中。在我们的牺牲奋斗之下，东方蛮族依旧被压制得无法随意入侵；魔窟的邪气也在我们以身为盾的封印之下无法扩散。因此，我们的背后，亦即是整个西方，才能够维持和平和自由。但是，万一河口的通行权被攻下了，又会怎么样呢？”
“Yet that hour, maybe, is not now far away. The Nameless Enemy has arisen again. Smoke rises once more from Orodruin that we call Mount Doom. The power of the Black Land grows and we are hard beset. When the Enemy returned our folk were driven from Ithilien, our fair domain east of the River, though we kept a foothold there and strength of arms. But this very year, in the days of June, sudden war came upon us out of Mordor, and we were swept away. We were outnumbered, for Mordor has allied itself with the Easterlings and the cruel Haradrim; but it was not by numbers that we were defeated. A power was there that we have not felt before.”
“让人担忧的是，这一刻或许不远了。无名的魔王已经再度转生。狼烟再度从被我们称做末日山的欧洛都因山脉中升起。黑暗大地的力量不断增长，我们只能咬牙苦撑。当魔王回归之时，我们的同胞从伊西力安被驱赶出来，眼睁睁地放弃河东方的美丽家园，但我们依旧在该处派驻重兵，不停地騷扰敌人。就在今年，六月时分，魔多突然之间派遣大军来攻，我们遭逢了前所未有的惨败，我们寡不敌众，因为魔多这次和东方人以及残酷的哈拉德林人结盟，但真正让我们遭逢败绩的不是因为数量上的差异，而是我们感应到一股前所未有的力量。”
“Some said that it could be seen, like a great black horseman, a dark shadow under the moon. Wherever he came a madness filled our foes, but fear fell on our boldest, so that horse and man gave way and fled. Only a remnant of our eastern force came back, destroying the last bridge that still stood amid the ruins of Osgiliath.”
“有些人说他们看得见这些力量；在月光下就像是一名巨大的黑衣黑骑士，他们所到之处，敌人尽皆化做嗜血的狂兽，而连我们最勇敢的勇者都感到脊背生寒；人马纷纷让道，就此溃不成军。我们的东方军团只有极少数的人躲过这场大屠杀，他们摧毁了奥斯吉力亚斯废墟中的最后一座桥梁才得以逃出生天。”
“I was in the company that held the bridge, until it was cast down behind us. Four only were saved by swimming: my brother and myself and two others. But still we fight on, holding all the west shores of Anduin; and those who shelter behind us give us praise, if ever they hear our name: much praise but little help. Only from Rohan now will any men ride to us when we call.”
“我就是负责镇守那座桥梁的守军，眼睁睁地看着那座桥梁在我们脚下被摧毁。我们用尽全身力气才泅泳上岸，只剩下我和弟弟以及另外两名士兵。即使遭遇这么重大的打击，我们依旧奋战不懈；勉强守住了安都因河西岸的所有据点。我们所护卫的居民如果有一天知道我们所做出的牺牲，都应该称赞我们；就算有口头的称赞却不会有任何实质的帮助。至今，只剩下洛汗国的骠骑兵团，会在我们有需要的时候前来援助。”
Stronger than Morgul-spells.
齐心胜过魔窟殿，
Seek for the Sword that was broken:
圣剑断折何处去：
There shall be shown a token
该处必有迹显现，
And the Halfling forth shall stand.
半身人挺身而出。
“In that dream I thought the eastern sky grew dark and there was a growing thunder, but in the West a pale light lingered, and out of it I heard a voice, remote but clear, crying:”
“在梦中，我发现东方的天空被乌云笼罩，雷声隆隆作响，但在西方还有一道苍白的光芒闪烁着，从光芒中我听见了一个遥远但清晰的声音大喊着：”
That Doom is near at hand,
末日将临无疑虑，
“In this evil hour I have come on an errand over many dangerous leagues to Elrond: a hundred and ten days I have journeyed all alone. But I do not seek allies in war. The might of Elrond is in wisdom not in weapons, it is said. I come to ask for counsel and the unravelling of hard words. For on the eve of the sudden assault a dream came to my brother in a troubled sleep; and afterwards a like dream came oft to him again, and once to me.”
“在这黑暗的时刻，我越过重重险阻，只为了见到爱隆一面。我单槍匹马地旅行了一百一十天，但我寻求的不是战场上的盟友。爱隆的战力强在他的睿智，而不是他的武器。我是来寻求一段诗文的指引。因为，在那突如其来的袭击之前，我弟弟作了一个梦；在那之后，他又作了同样的梦，我也进入了一样的梦境。”
There shall be counsels taken
此地众人将会面，
For Isildur’s Bane shall waken,
埃西铎克星再见，
In Imladris it dwells;
伊姆拉崔之中现；
Of these words we could understand little, and we spoke to our father, Denethor, Lord of Minas Tirith, wise in the lore of Gondor. This only would he say, that Imladris was of old the name among the Elves of a far northern dale, where Elrond the Halfelven dwelt, greatest of lore-masters. Therefore my brother, seeing how desperate was our need, was eager to heed the dream and seek for Imladris; but since the way was full of doubt and danger, I took the journey upon myself. Loth was my father to give me leave, and long have I wandered by roads forgotten, seeking the house of Elrond, of which many had heard, but few knew where it lay.”
“我只能理解其中的一部分，我们请教父王迪奈瑟，米那斯提力斯之王他对于刚铎的历史极为了解。他只愿意说，伊姆拉崔是精灵语中一座北方遥远山谷的名称，爱隆和其他半精灵等传史者居住在该处。因此，我的弟弟在明白了这危机有多么迫切之后，立刻想要踏上寻找伊姆拉崔的旅程。但由于这旅程充满了危险和忧虑，因此，我决定亲自踏上寻找此地的旅程。我的父王极端不愿让我离开，最后还是只能放手让我走。我踏上了早被众人遗忘的道路，寻找爱隆的居所，许多人都曾听过，却没有多少人知道它确实的位置。”
“He is Aragorn son of Arathorn,” said Elrond; “and he is descended through many fathers from Isildur Elendil’s son of Minas Ithil. He is the Chief of the Dunedain in the North, and few are now left of that folk.”
“他是亚拉松之子阿拉贡，”爱隆说：“他是埃西铎、伊兰迪尔的嫡传子孙，也是北方所剩无几登丹人的领袖。”
“And here in the house of Elrond more shall be made clear to you” said Aragorn, standing up. He cast his sword upon the table that stood before Elrond, and the blade was in two pieces. “Here is the Sword that was Broken!” he said.
“此地就是爱隆的居所，你将看到更多的迹象。”阿拉贡站起来说道。他将配剑解下，置放在爱隆面前的桌上，那是柄断剑。“这就是断折圣剑！”他说。
“Then it belongs to you, and not to me at all!” cried Frodo in amazement, springing to his feet, as if he expected the Ring to be demanded at once.
“那这该是你的，根本不是我的！”佛罗多惊讶地站起来，彷佛预料马上会有人来向他收走这枚魔戒。
“It does not belong to either of us,” said Aragorn; “but it has been ordained that you should hold it for a while.”
“这不属于任何人，”阿拉贡说：“但预言中已经说明了你该继续持有它。”
“Bring out the Ring, Frodo!” said Gandalf solemnly. “The time has come. Hold it up, and then Boromir will understand the remainder of his riddle.”
“献上魔戒，佛罗多！”甘道夫严肃地说。“时机到了，拿出魔戒，波罗莫就会明白他的谜语后半部的意思。”
There was a hush, and all turned their eyes on Frodo. He was shaken by a sudden shame and fear; and he felt a great reluctance to reveal the Ring, and a loathing of its touch. He wished he was far away. The Ring gleamed and flickered as he held it up before them in his trembling hand.
众人突然间安静下来，每个人都看着佛罗多。他突然间觉得有些羞愧、有些恐惧，极端不愿意拿出魔戒，憎恶看到它的模样，希望自己能够躲得远远的。当他用颤抖的手拿起魔戒时，魔戒闪动着邪恶的光芒。
“And who are you, and what have you to do with Minas Tirith?” asked Boromir, looking in wonder at the lean face of the Ranger and his weather-stained cloak.
“你是谁？又和米那斯提力斯有什么关连？”波罗莫好奇地看着这穿着破旧衣物的瘦削汉子。
Boromir’s eyes glinted as he gazed at the golden thing. “The Halfling!” he muttered. “Is then the doom of Minas Tirith come at last? But why then should we seek a broken sword?”
波罗莫一看见那枚金戒指，眼中就闪动着异彩。“这就是半身人！”他喃喃自语：“难道米那斯提力斯的末日终于到了吗？可是，我们为什么要寻找一柄断剑？”
“Behold Isildur’s Bane!” said Elrond.
“这就是埃西铎的克星！”爱隆说。
“The words were not the doom of Minas Tirith,” said Aragorn. “But doom and great deeds are indeed at hand. For the Sword that was Broken is the Sword of Elendil that broke beneath him when he fell. It has been treasured by his heirs when all other heirlooms were lost; for it was spoken of old among us that it should be made again when the Ring, Isildur’s Bane, was found. Now you have seen the sword that you have sought, what would you ask? Do you wish for the House of Elendil to return to the Land of Gondor?”
“预言中所指的并非是米那斯提力斯的末日，”阿拉贡说：“但我们所面临的的确是可怕的末日和极端危险的挑战，因为这柄断折的圣剑就是伊兰迪尔阵亡时所持有的武器。即使其他所有的家传宝物都已失传，这柄断剑依旧是他子孙最珍惜的物品。因为，我族中一直有个传说，当魔戒，埃西铎的克星再现时，这柄圣剑将会重铸。你现在既然已经找到了断剑，你还需要什么？你希望伊兰迪尔的皇室重回刚铎吗？”
“I was not sent to beg any boon, but to seek only the meaning of a riddle,” answered Boromir proudly. “Yet we are hard pressed, and the Sword of Elendil would be a help beyond our hope-if such a thing could indeed return out of the shadows of the past.” He looked again at Aragorn, and doubt was in his eyes.
“我来此不是恳求任何人施恩于我，而只是寻求谜题的解答，”波罗莫骄傲地说：“但我们的确是身陷险境，伊兰迪尔的圣剑确实是我们没有预料到的希望。只是，我们不确定这柄圣剑是否真的能够自蒙尘的历史中再度出现。他又再度看着阿拉贡，眼中露出怀疑的神色。
A light from the shadows shall spring;
光华四射破暗喑。
“I made that up myself,” he whispered to Frodo, “for the Dunadan, a long time ago when he first told me about himself. I almost wish that my adventures were not over, and that I could go with him when his day comes.”
“这是我自己编的，”他对佛罗多耳语道：“那是我遇到登纳丹，他第一次告诉我他的身世时，我写给他的。我当时真希望自己的冒险生涯还没结束，能够在他的时机到来时陪着他一起出去冒险。”
Deep roots are not reached by the frost.
根深怎畏浸霜冰。
From the ashes a fire shall be woken,
百劫火炼将苏生，
All that is gold does not glitter,
精光闪耀非真金，
The old that is strong does not wither,
古而弥坚生不息，
The crownless again shall be king.
无冕王者再为皇。
Frodo felt Bilbo stir impatiently at his side. Evidently he was annoyed on his friend’s behalf. Standing suddenly up he burst out:
佛罗多感觉到比尔博似乎对朋友的反应感到不耐烦。他突然间站起来，大声念诵：
Renewed shall be blade that was broken:
断折圣剑重铸日，
Not all those who wander are lost;
四海云游未迷踪；
“Not very good perhaps, but to the point — if you need more beyond the word of Elrond. If that was worth a journey of a hundred and ten days to hear, you had best listen to it.” He sat down with a snort.
“或许不是非常好，但如果你除了爱隆的保证之外还想要别的东西，这应该已经切中你的需要。如果爱隆的建议值得你跋涉一百一十天，那么你最好乖乖地听对方说些什么。”他哼了一声坐下来。
Aragorn smiled at him; then he turned to Boromir again. “For my part I forgive your doubt,” he said. “Little do I resemble the figures of Elendil and Isildur as they stand carven in their majesty in the halls of Denethor. I am but the heir of Isildur, not Isildur himself. I have had a hard life and a long; and the leagues that lie between here and Gondor are a small part in the count of my journeys. I have crossed many mountains and many rivers, and trodden many plains, even into the far countries of Rhun and Harad where the stars are strange.”
阿拉贡对他笑了笑，又再度转身面对波罗莫。“从我的立场来看，我愿意原谅你的怀疑，”他说：“我和迪奈瑟宫殿中辉煌灿烂的埃西铎和伊兰迪尔实在有很大的差别。我只是埃西铎的子嗣，并非他本人。我过了很长一段极为艰苦的日子，从这边到刚铎的旅程和我的冒险比起来相形失色。我越过了无数高山、河流和平原，我甚至到过星辰排列都有所不同的卢恩和哈拉德等异邦。”
“But my home, such as I have, is in the North. For here the heirs of Valandil have ever dwelt in long line unbroken from father unto son for many generations. Our days have darkened, and we have dwindled; but ever the Sword has passed to a new keeper. And this I will say to you, Boromir, ere I end. Lonely men are we, Rangers of the wild, hunters-but hunters ever of the servants of the Enemy; for they are found in many places, not in Mordor only.”
“但，这世上勉强可称作我家乡的地方还是在北方，因为，瓦兰迪尔的子孙在那边生生不息地居住了很长的一段时间。我们的历史渐渐灰暗，人数慢慢变少，但断剑总是能传给下个继承人。在我结束之前，波罗莫，我一定要说清楚我们的立场。我们这些荒野之中的游侠是寂寞的过客和猎人；我们是魔王爪牙的猎人。黑暗的势力不仅限于魔多，他们还在很多其他的区域出没。”
“If Gondor, Boromir, has been a stalwart tower, we have played another part. Many evil things there are that your strong walls and bright swords do not stay. You know little of the lands beyond your bounds. Peace and freedom, do you say? The North would have known them little but for us. Fear would have destroyed them. But when dark things come from the houseless hills, or creep from sunless woods, they fly from us. What roads would any dare to tread, what safety would there be in quiet lands, or in the homes of simple men at night, if the Dunedain were asleep, or were all gone into the grave?”
“波罗莫，如果刚铎算是自由世界的了望塔，那我们扮演的就是不为人知的守护军。有许多魔物不是你们的高墙和利剑可以阻挡的，你对于领土之外的疆域所知甚少。你刚刚说到了和平和自由，北方大地如果没有我们的牺牲，他们可能根本不知道这四字的含意。他们可能会被恐惧摧毁。但如果有魔物入侵无主的山岗或是不见天日的森林，就必须靠我们去猎杀、驱赶它们。如果所有的登丹人都沉沉睡去，或是踏进墓中，北方大地怎么可能高枕无忧，人们怎能自由自在地在路上漫游？”
“And yet less thanks have we than you. Travellers scowl at us, and countrymen give us scornful names. “Strider” I am to one fat man who lives within a day’s march of foes that would freeze his heart or lay his little town in ruin, if he were not guarded ceaselessly. Yet we would not have it otherwise. If simple folk are free from care and fear, simple they will be, and we must be secret to keep them so. That has been the task of my kindred, while the years have lengthened and the grass has grown.”
“但是，我们所获得的感谢比你们还要少。旅客们怒目以对，乡民们给我们各种各样的绰号。有个住在魔物一天路程中小镇的胖子叫我‘神行客’，如果没有我们不眠不休地看守，这魔物可能让他再也说不出话来，甚至摧毁整座小镇。但我们却不能够因此有所松懈，如果单纯的人们可以免受恐惧和忧虑的困扰，我们就必须让他们继续保持单纯，而且这一切都必须秘密进行，春去秋来，这就是我同胞们永不止息的任务。”
“But now the world is changing once again. A new hour comes. Isildur’s Bane is found. Battle is at hand. The Sword shall be reforged. I will come to Minas Tirith.”
“历史的巨轮又再度开始转动，新的时代开始了。埃西铎的克星已经现世，我们即将面临大战，圣剑必须重铸，我会亲自前往米那斯提力斯。”
“Isildur’s Bane is found, you say,” said Boromir. “I have seen a bright ring in the Halfling’s hand; but Isildur perished ere this age of the world began, they say. How do the Wise know that this ring is his? And how has it passed down the years, until it is brought hither by so strange a messenger?”
“你刚刚说埃西铎的克星已经现世，”波罗莫反问道：“但我刚刚只看见一名半身人手中拿着金戒指；而埃西铎在这个纪元的一开始就已经阵亡，智者们怎么可能知道这就是传说中的克星？这枚戒指又是怎么代代相传，最后出现在这样一名诡异的信差手上？”
“That shall be told,” said Elrond.
“我们会说明这件事情的，”爱隆说。
“But not yet, I beg, Master!” said Bilbo. “Already the Sun is climbing to noon, and I feel the need of something to strengthen me.”
“大人，请先别急！”比尔博说：“现在已经日正当中了，我觉得该找些东西补充精力了。”
“Very well,” said Bilbo. “I will do as you bid. But I will now tell the true story, and if some here have heard me tell it otherwise” — he looked sidelong at Gloin — “I ask them to forget it and forgive me. I only wished to claim the treasure as my very own in those days, and to be rid of the name of thief that was put on me. But perhaps I understand things a little better now. Anyway, this is what happened.”
“好吧，”比尔博说：“遵命。但我这次说的会是真实的故事，在此的诸位可能听过别种版本的说法，”他意味深长地看着葛罗音。“我希望他们能够忘记过去，原谅我。当年我只希望能够将这宝物占为己有，能够摆脱小偷的污名。但是，现在，或许我已经对世事有了更透彻的了解。总之，这就是事实的真相……”
To some there Bilbo’s tale was wholly new, and they listened with amazement while the old hobbit, actually not at all displeased, recounted his adventure with Gollum, at full length. He did not omit a single riddle. He would have given also an account of his party and disappearance from the Shire, if he had been allowed; but Elrond raised his hand.
对于许多人来说，这是个全新的故事；他们惊讶地看着这名老哈比人兴致勃勃地说着之前和咕鲁之间的斗智。他并没有漏掉任何一个谜题，如果不是爱隆插手，他可能还准备一路描述到最后的宴会和他神秘消失的场景。
“I had not named you,” said Elrond smiling. “But I do so now. Come! Tell us your tale. And if you have not yet cast your story into verse, you may tell it in plain words. The briefer, the sooner shall you be refreshed.”
“我还没有介绍你呢，”爱隆笑着说：“现在轮到你了。来吧！告诉我们你的故事。如果你还没把它写成诗歌，你可以用口语的方式报告。时间越短，你就可以越快吃饭。”
“Well told, my friend,” he said, “but that is enough at this time. For the moment it suffices to know that the Ring passed to Frodo, your heir. Let him now speak!”
“说得好，我的朋友，”他说：“现在就先描述到这里吧。我们已经知道魔戒交到你的继承人佛罗多的手上，现在该他说了！”
Then, less willingly than Bilbo, Frodo told of all his dealings with the Ring from the day that it passed into his keeping. Every step of his journey from Hobbiton to the Ford of Bruinen was questioned and considered, and everything that he could recall concerning the Black Riders was examined. At last he sat down again.
接着，佛罗多有些不情愿地开始描述魔戒从到他手中开始那天的情景。他从哈比屯和布鲁南渡口之间的每一步冒险都经过反覆地质问和考虑，他所能够回忆起一切有关黑骑士的资料都经过反覆检证，最后，他终于坐了下来。
“Yes, it made quite a long tale,” answered Frodo. “But the story still does not seem complete to me. I still want to know a good deal, especially about Gandalf.”
“没错，这是个很长的故事，”佛罗多回答道：“但对我来说，这个故事似乎并不圆满，特别是有关甘道夫的部分。”
“Not bad,” Bilbo said to him. “You would have made a good story of it, if they hadn’t kept on interrupting. I tried to make a few notes, but we shall have to go over it all again together some time, if I am to write it up. There are whole Chapters of stuff before you ever got here!”
“真不错，”比尔博对他说：“如果不是因为这些家伙老是打岔，这应该是个不错的故事。我刚刚试着做笔记；不过，如果将来我要把它写下来，晚上有空时我们应该要再谈谈。在你到这边来之前的经历我就可以写上一整个章节了呢！”
Galdor of the Havens, who sat near by, overheard him. “You speak for me also,” he cried, and turning to Elrond he said: “The Wise may have good reason to believe that the halfling’s trove is indeed the Great Ring of long debate, unlikely though that may seem to those who know less. But may we not hear the proofs? And I would ask this also. What of Saruman? He is learned in the lore of the Rings, yet he is not among us. What is his counsel-if he knows the things that we have heard?”
坐在他附近的加尔多也听到他说的话。“你说出了我的心声，”他大喊道，接着转向爱隆说：“贤者可能很有理由证明在半身人小宝库里面的戒指就是至尊魔戒，但我们可以听听其中的证据吗？而且我还要再问一个问题，萨鲁曼呢？他是研究魔戒的专家，这次却没有出现在这里。如果他听过我们刚刚听到的资料，他的意见会是什么？”
“The questions that you ask, Galdor, are bound together,” said Elrond. “I had not overlooked them, and they shall be answered. But these things it is the part of Gandalf to make clear; and I call upon him last, for it is the place of honour, and in all this matter he has been the chief.”
“加尔多，你刚刚的问题其实可以合并为一个，”爱隆说：“我并没有刻意忽略这些问题，等下你也可以得知这确实的答案。但这一切都该由甘道夫来说明，我最后才会请他出面，因为这代表我对他的尊敬，而且这一切的幕后推动者就是他。”
“Some, Galdor,” said Gandalf, “would think the tidings of Gloin, and the pursuit of Frodo, proof enough that the halfling’s trove is a thing of great worth to the Enemy. Yet it is a ring. What then? The Nine the Nazgul keep. The Seven are taken or destroyed.” At this Gloin stirred, but did not speak. “The Three we know of. What then is this one that he desires so much?”
“加尔多，有些人会觉得，”甘道夫说：“佛罗多之所以被追捕，以及葛罗音的故事，都足以证明哈比人的财宝对魔王来说价值连城。但，这不过只是个戒指而已，又怎么样呢？戒灵守护着九枚戒指，七枚矮人戒指不是被夺走，就是已经被摧毁。”葛罗音不安地动了动，并没有发言。“我们知道其余的三枚在哪里。那么，这枚让他饥渴无比的戒指又是什么背景呢？”
“There is indeed a wide waste of time between the River and the Mountain, between the loss and the finding. But the gap in the knowledge of the Wise has been filled at last. Yet too slowly. For the Enemy has been close behind, closer even than I feared. And well is it that not until this year, this very summer, as it seems, did he learn the full truth.”
“的确，在大河的失落和山脉中的重现之间，历史有很长一段时间的空白。但是，即使贤者们所不知道的消息，也藉由我的努力而重见天日，但却已经太晚了，因为魔王已经紧追在后，他比我们想像中的还要近。幸好，直到今年，就是这个夏天，他才知道了事件的全貌。”
“Some here will remember that many years ago I myself dared to pass the doors of the Necromancer in Dol Guldur, and secretly explored his ways, and found thus that our fears were true: he was none other than Sauron, our Enemy of old, at length taking shape and power again. Some, too, will remember also that Saruman dissuaded us from open deeds against him, and for long we watched him only. Yet at last, as his shadow grew, Saruman yielded, and the Council put forth its strength and drove the evil out of Mirkwood and that was in the very year of the finding of this Ring: a strange chance, if chance it was.”
“有些人或许记得，许多年以前，我大胆地侵入位在多尔哥多的死灵法师巢穴，悄悄地刺探他的秘密，并发现了一个惊人的事实：我们的恐惧果然成真了，他就是魔王索伦，经过漫长的时间再度转生到人世间。有些人，也会记得萨鲁曼劝说我们不要公开和索伦为敌，有很长的一段时间，我们对他的扩张袖手旁观。但是，最后，随着他的力量逐渐增长，萨鲁曼也不得不低头，圣白议会使出全力，将邪恶赶出了幽暗密林，就在那一年，魔戒刚好现世，如果这是巧合的话，还真是个奇怪的巧合。”
Gandalf fell silent, gazing eastward from the porch to the far peaks of the Misty Mountains, at whose great roots the peril of the world had so long lain hidden. He sighed.
甘道夫沉默下来，从门廊往东看向遥远的迷雾山脉，看着那块末日危机隐匿了那么久，却无人知晓的区域，他叹了口气。
“But we were too late, as Elrond foresaw. Sauron also had watched us, and had long prepared against our stroke, governing Mordor from afar through Minas Morgul, where his Nine servants dwelt, until all was ready. Then he gave way before us, but only feigned to flee, and soon after came to the Dark Tower and openly declared himself. Then for the last time the Council met; for now we learned that he was seeking ever more eagerly for the One. We feared then that he had some news of it that we knew nothing of. But Saruman said nay, and repeated what he had said to us before: that the One would never again be found in Middle-earth.”
“但是，正如同爱隆所预见的一样，我们已经太迟了。索伦也在监视着我们，早已准备好面对我们发动的攻击，他从九戒灵居住的米那斯魔窟，远远地遥控魔多的运作。他刻意在我们面前示弱，假意逃跑，目的只是在不久之后前往邪黑塔，公开宣称魔王已经再临。然后，圣白议会最后一次召开，我们听说他正在饥渴地寻找至尊魔戒。我们都担心他已经获知了我们所不知道的情报，但萨鲁曼否认这件事情，重复了他之前一直对我们发表了理论：至尊魔戒永远不可能再出现于中土世界。”
“At the worst,” said he, “our Enemy knows that we have it not and that it still is lost. But what was lost may yet be found, he thinks. Fear not! His hope will cheat him. Have I not earnestly studied this matter? Into Anduin the Great it fell; and long ago, while Sauron slept, it was rolled down the River to the Sea. There let it lie until the End.””
“最糟的状况不过是，”他说：“我们的敌人知道魔戒不在我们手中，依旧没人知道它的下落。但他以为魔戒终还有再度出现的一天。别害怕！他的希望会让他分心。我不是已经仔细研究过这件事情了吗？魔戒落入大河安都因中，很久以前，当索伦还在沉睡的时候，这枚戒指早就被冲入海，就让它在那边安息直到万物终局。”
“Time passed with many cares, until my doubts were awakened again to sudden fear. Whence came the hobbit’s ring? What, if my fear was true, should be done with it? Those things I must decide. But I spoke yet of my dread to none, knowing the peril of an untimely whisper, if it went astray. In all the long wars with the Dark Tower treason has ever been our greatest foe.”
“我在忙碌中度过了很长的时间，突然间，我的疑虑惊醒过来，转变成恐惧。那哈比人的戒指是怎么来的？如果我的担心属实，我们又该怎么处理这只魔戒？这些是我必须做出决定的大事，但我不敢对任何人开口，担心万一消息走漏，可能反而会造成世界陷入重大的危机。在我们和邪黑塔抗战的这么多年以来，出卖与背叛一直是我们最大的敌人。”
“There I was at fault,” he said. “I was lulled by the words of Saruman the Wise; but I should have sought for the truth sooner, and our peril would now be less.”
“我在那时犯了个致命的错误，”他说：“我被贤者萨鲁曼的甜言蜜语所欺骗；如果我早点发现，就会早点开始寻求真相，我们现在所面临的局势就不会这么危急。”
“We were all at fault,” said Elrond, “and but for your vigilance the Darkness, maybe, would already be upon us. But say on!”
“我们都有责任，”爱隆表示：“如果不是有你锲而不舍的努力，黑暗可能早已降临。继续吧！”
“From the first my heart misgave me, against all reason that I knew,” said Gandalf, “and I desired to know how this thing came to Gollum, and how long he had possessed it. So I set a watch for him, guessing that he would ere long come forth from his darkness to seek for his treasure. He came, but he escaped and was not found. And then alas! I let the matter rest, watching and waiting only, as we have too often done.”
“打从一开始，我心里就觉得不对劲；即使所有理性的证据都叫我不要怀疑，我还是压抑不住内心的那股不安。”甘道夫说：“我想要知道这个东西怎么落到咕鲁手上，他又拥有这东西多久。所以，我派人监视他；预料过不了多久，他就会离开黑暗，前来寻找他的宝物。他的确来了，但他却以狡猾的天性从天罗地网中脱逃，消失得无影无踪。唉，最糟糕的状况来了！我竟然就把事情搁在一旁，等待局势有所变化；就像我们平日那种被动的表现一样。”
“And I,” said Aragorn, “counselled that we should hunt for Gollum. too late though it may seem. And since it seemed fit that Isildur’s heir should labour to repair Isildur’s fault, I went with Gandalf on the long and hopeless search.”
“而我，”阿拉贡接口道：“建议了一件事：虽然看来已经太迟，但我们还是应该立刻开始追捕咕鲁。而且，由埃西铎的子孙来补偿埃西铎犯下的错误看来是理所当然的；因此，我和甘道夫一起进行这漫长而无望的搜捕行动。”
Then Gandalf told how they had explored the whole length of Wilderland, down even to the Mountains of Shadow and the fences of Mordor. “There we had rumour of him, and we guess that he dwelt there long in the dark hills; but we never found him, and at last I despaired. And then in my despair I thought again of a test that might make the finding of Gollum unneeded. The ring itself might tell if it were the One. The memory of words at the Council came back to me: words of Saruman, half-heeded at the time. I heard them now clearly in my heart.
甘道夫描述了他们如何彻底搜索整个荒野地区，甚至连黯影山脉和魔多的外墙都没有放过。“我们听说了一些关于他的传闻，我们猜测他在黑暗的山丘中居住了很长的一段时间；但我们一直没有找到他，最后我放弃了。在绝望中，我想到了一个测试，或许可以不需要咕鲁的协助，就可以确定我们的怀疑。那枚戒指本身可能会透露它就是至尊魔戒，圣白议会中萨鲁曼的发言这时又回到我脑海中，当时我没有多加注意，但那时又清楚地出现在我脑海中。”
“That was seventeen years ago. Soon I became aware that spies of many sorts, even beasts and birds, were gathered round the Shire, and my fear grew. I called for the help of the Dunedain, and their watch was doubled; and I opened my heart to Aragorn, the heir of Isildur.”
“那是十七年前的事了。很快地，我开始感应到有各种各样的间谍聚集在夏尔一带，甚至连无辜的鸟兽都被卷入，我变得担心。因此，我召唤登丹人的协助，他们布下更严密的守卫，最后，迫不得已，我对埃西铎的直系子孙阿拉贡吐露了实情。”
“The Nine, the Seven, and the Three,” he said, “had each their proper gem. Not so the One. It was round and unadorned, as it were one of the lesser rings; but its maker set marks upon it that the skilled, maybe, could still see and read.”
“人类九戒、矮人七戒和精灵三戒，”他说：“每一枚都镶有独特的宝石，但至尊魔戒并非如此。那是枚光滑、毫无装饰的戒指，看来如同毫不起眼的低廉戒指一般，但铸造者在其上留下了线索，或许今日仍有能人能够发现这些迹象。”
“With that thought, I forsook the chase, and passed swiftly to Gondor. In former days the members of my order had been well received there, but Saruman most of all. Often he had been for long the guest of the Lords of the City. Less welcome did the Lord Denethor show me then than of old, and grudgingly he permitted me to search among his hoarded scrolls and books.
有了这个念头，我放弃了这次追踪，飞快赶往刚铎。在过去，我辈于该处受到极大的礼遇，特别是萨鲁曼。通常，他会停留在城中，担任城主的座上宾。但我所遇见的迪耐瑟却没有过去那么友善，他极端不情愿地才容许我在他的众多卷轴和书籍中进行搜索。
“What those marks were he had not said. Who now would know? The maker. And Saruman? But great though his lore may be, it must have a source. What hand save Sauron’s ever held this thing, ere it was lost? The hand of Isildur alone.”
“这是什么线索他就没有说明了；现在谁知道呢？制造者。萨鲁曼呢？但伟大的，虽然他的传说可能是，它必须有一个来源。索伦的手握着什么东西？只有伊西尔德的手。”
“If indeed you look only, as you say, for records of ancient days, and the beginnings of the City, read on! ” he said. “For to me what was is less dark than what is to come, and that is my care. But unless you have more skill even than Saruman, who has studied here long, you will find naught that is not well known to me, who am master of the lore of this City.”
“如果你的确只想要知道的是古代的纪录，这座城建城初期的史料，那么就去吧！”他说：“因为对我来说，未来会比过去要黑暗多了，而我的全副心力必须放在现代。除非你比萨鲁曼还要厉害，否则你是不可能在这边找到什么的。他在此地花了极长的时间研究，却一无所获。我是此城的历史传承者，你不可能找到我所不知道的史实。”
“But in that time also he made this scroll,” said Gandalf; “and that is not remembered in Gondor, it would seem. For this scroll concerns the Ring, and thus wrote Isildur therein:”
“同时，他也写下了该只卷轴，”甘道夫说：“看来，刚铎没人记得这件事情。因为，这卷轴记载的是有关魔戒的事情，埃西铎写道：”
“So said Denethor. And yet there lie in his hoards many records that few now can read, even of the lore-masters, for their scripts and tongues have become dark to later men. And Boromir, there lies in Minas Tirith still, unread, I guess, by any save Saruman and myself since the kings failed, a scroll that Isildur made himself. For Isildur did not march away straight from the war in Mordor, as some have told the tale.”
“这是迪耐瑟的说法。但是，在他大量的藏书中的确有许多资料只有极少数的人能够阅读。因为许多语言的失传，导致后人根本无法看懂先祖的记载，连历史传承者都无法理解其中的内容。波罗莫，米那斯提力斯现在还有一只卷轴，自从国王驾崩之后，只有我和萨鲁曼阅读过，那是埃西铎自己写的卷轴。因为，当初埃西铎并没有如同历史所记载的一样，直接前往魔多开战。”
“Some in the North, maybe,” Boromir broke in. “All know in Gondor that he went first to Minas Anor and dwelt a while with his nephew Meneldil, instructing him, before he committed to him the rule of the South Kingdom. In that time he planted there the last sapling of the White Tree in memory of his brother.”
“或许那是北方人所记载的历史，”波罗莫插嘴道：“刚铎的所有人都知道，他先去米那斯雅诺和表亲梅兰迪尔居住了一段时间，在将南方王国移交给他前，他先试着指导他为王之道。那时，他为了纪念兄长，在该处种下了圣白树的根苗。”
The Great Ring shall go now to be an heirloom of the North Kingdom; but records of it shall be left in Gondor, where also dwell the heirs of Elendil, lest a time come when the memory of these great matters shall grow dim.
统御之戒从此成为北方王国的国宝；但有关它的记载则应该留于刚铎，亦是伊兰迪尔子孙的繁衍之地。以备未来有关这些重要事务的记忆被历史的洪流所冲刷而去。
“And after these words Isildur described the Ring, such as he found it.”
“接下来则是埃西铎描述他所找到的至尊魔戒。”
It was hot when I first took it, hot as a glede, and my hand was scorched, so that I doubt if ever again I shall be free of the pain of it. Yet even as I write it is cooled, and it seemeth to shrink, though it loseth neither its beauty nor its shape. Already the writing upon it, which at first was as clear as red flame, fadeth and is now only barely to be read. It is fashioned in an elven-script of Eregion, for they have no letters in Mordor for such subtle work; but the language is unknown to me. I deem it to be a tongue of the Black Land, since it is foul and uncouth. What evil it saith I do not know; but I trace here a copy of it, lest it fade beyond recall. The Ring misseth, maybe, the heat of Sauron’s hand, which was black and yet burned like fire, and so Gil-galad was destroyed; and maybe were the gold made hot again, the writing would be refreshed. But for my part I will risk no hurt to this thing: of all the works of Sauron the only fair. It is precious to me, though I buy it with great pain.
当我刚捡起它的时候，它烫得如同烙铁一样，连我的手都烫伤了；让我怀疑是否日后都必须背负着这样的疼痛。但是，就在我下笔的同时，戒指开始慢慢冷却，似乎开始缩小，而它的美丽和外型都没有丝毫的减损。之前如同烈火一般的文字现在也开始渐渐黯淡，变得不可辨认。那是用伊瑞詹的精灵语言所撰写的文字；因为魔多绝没有这么细致的语言。我不懂上面所写的文字，我猜想那该是黑暗之地的语言，充满了恶臭和不祥的音调。我不知道上面写些什么邪恶的内容，但我在此抄写一份，免得它就此消失不见。魔戒或许吸收了魔王索伦乌黑双手的高热；吉尔加拉德就是死在那双魔爪之下。或许，如果金戒指经过再度加热，那文字又会出现。不过，我自己可是不敢冒险伤到这宝物；这是索伦的创造物中唯一美丽得不可逼视的作品，我付出了极多的痛苦才换到它，这对我来说极端珍贵。
“There is little need to tell of them,” said Aragorn. “If a man must needs walk in sight of the Black Gate, or tread the deadly flowers of Morgul Vale, then perils he will have. I, too, despaired at last, and I began my homeward journey. And then, by fortune, I came suddenly on what I sought: the marks of soft feet beside a muddy pool. But now the trail was fresh and swift, and it led not to Mordor but away. Along the skirts of the Dead Marshes I followed it, and then I had him. Lurking by a stagnant mere, peering in the water as the dark eve fell, I caught him, Gollum. He was covered with green slime. He will never love me, I fear; for he bit me, and I was not gentle. Nothing more did I ever get from his mouth than the marks of his teeth. I deemed it the worst part of all my journey, the road back, watching him day and night, making him walk before me with a halter on his neck, gagged, until he was tamed by lack of drink and food, driving him ever towards Mirkwood. I brought him there at last and gave him to the Elves, for we had agreed that this should be done; and I was glad to be rid of his company, for he stank. For my part I hope never to look upon him again; but Gandalf came and endured long speech with him.”
“那都不足挂齿，”阿拉贡说：“如果有人必须要走到暗黑之门前，或是踩在魔窟谷的剧毒花朵上，那么他肯定是会有危险的。那时，我最后也放弃了希望，开始回家的旅程。就在同时，在幸运女神的眷顾下，我突然间找到了目标：在泥泞池边的小小脚印，不只如此，那脚印十分新，是没有多久以前造成的。我沿着死亡沼泽的边缘追踪那足迹，最后终于抓到了他。咕鲁当时正在一个静滞的臭池塘旁瞪着水面，我悄无声息地靠近，抓住了他。他浑身都是绿色的烂泥，咬了我一口，而我的反应并不温柔；我猜想，他可能永远都不会喜欢我了。除了齿痕之外，我再也无法从他口中获得其他的东西。我回到家乡的过程是这段旅程中最痛苦的部分，我必须日夜监视他，逼迫他绑着脖子，嘴里塞着东西走在我前面；直到他因为口渴饥饿才有所改变。我必须不停的赶着他往幽暗密林的方向走。最后，我终于把他交给幽暗密林的精灵们看管；因为我们都同意至少必须要这样做。我也乐得可以把这个臭兮兮的家伙丢开。对我来说，我希望永远不要再看到他，但甘道夫到他身边，和他交谈了很长的一段时间。”
“When I read these words, my quest was ended. For the traced writing was indeed as Isildur guessed, in the tongue of Mordor and the servants of the Tower. And what was said therein was already known. For in the day that Sauron first put on the One, Celebrimbor, maker of the Three, was aware of him, and from afar he heard him speak these words, and so his evil purposes were revealed.
“当我找到这些文字之后，我的任务结束了。因为那段文字的确如同埃西铎所推测的，是魔多和魔王仆从使用的语言。上面所写的内容已经为大家所熟知。因为，当索伦戴上至尊魔戒的那一天，三戒的铸造者赛勒布理鹏就从远方感应到了他的语言，听见了他所说的话语；他的邪恶陰谋就这么被揭发于世人眼前。”
“At once I took my leave of Denethor, but even as I went northwards, messages came to me out of Lorien that Aragorn had passed that way, and that he had found the creature called Gollum. Therefore I went first to meet him and hear his tale. Into what deadly perils he had gone alone I dared not guess.”
“我一离开迪耐瑟的领土，就立刻往北走。罗瑞安来的消息指出，阿拉贡往那个方向走，而他找到了那个叫作咕鲁的生物。因此我必须先去和他见面，听听他的说法。我不敢想像他到底冒了多大的危险才找到这个恐怖的生物。”
“And if that is not proof enough, Galdor, there is the other test that I spoke of. Upon this very ring which you have here seen held aloft, round and unadorned, the letters that Isildur reported may still be read, if one has the strength of will to set the golden thing in the fire a while. That I have done, and this I have read:”
“加尔多，如果这还不构成你所认为的铁证，那么还有我之前所提到的那个试炼。只要有人能够拥有足够的意志力，将刚刚你所看到的那枚不起眼的黄金戒指丢入火中，这只戒指上就会出现埃西铎所提到的印记。我就这样做了，下面就是我看到的记载：”
“Yes, long and weary,” said Gandalf, “but not without profit. For one thing, the tale he told of his loss agreed with that which Bilbo has now told openly for the first time; but that mattered little, since I had already guessed it. But I learned then first that Gollum’s ring came out of the Great River nigh to the Gladden Fields. And I learned also that he had possessed it long. Many lives of his small kind. The power of the ring had lengthened his years far beyond their span; but that power only the Great Rings wield.
“没错，那是段又臭又长的对话，”甘道夫说：“但并非一无所获。至少，他告诉我的故事和比尔博今天第一次公开说明的故事是符合的。但这也不是很重要，因为我早就猜到了。真正重要的是咕鲁捡到这枚戒指的地方就是在格拉顿平原附近的安都因大河中。我也知道这戒指在他手中很长的一段时间，魔戒的力量延长了他的寿命，这是只有统御之戒能够拥有的力量。”
Ash nazg durbatuluk, ash nazg gimbatul, ash nazg thrakatuluk agh burzum-ishi krimpatul.
（内容无法翻译）
The change in the wizard’s voice was astounding. Suddenly it became menacing, powerful, harsh as stone. A shadow seemed to pass over the high sun, and the porch for a moment grew dark. All trembled, and the Elves stopped their ears.
法师声音的改变让众人为之一惊，突然间，它变得邪恶、强大，如同岩石般冷酷。似乎有一道陰影遮住了天上的太陽，门廊瞬间变得黑暗。所有的人都忍不住打了个寒颤，精灵掩住耳朵。
“Know also, my friends, that I learned more yet from Gollum. He was loth to speak and his tale was unclear, but it is beyond all doubt that he went to Mordor, and there all that he knew was forced from him. Thus the Enemy knows now that the One is found, that it was long in the Shire; and since his servants have pursued it almost to our door, he soon will know, already he may know, even as I speak, that we have it here.”
“朋友们，还请不要忘记，我更从咕鲁的口中打探出了许多额外的消息。他不愿告诉我们真相，因此他的故事也变得不清不楚。但我至少可以确定，他曾经去过魔多，他一切所知的情报都被拷问出来，因此，魔王才知道至尊魔戒已经出世，被藏放在夏尔很多年。他的仆人几乎追到我们的门口来，不久之后，他也会知道这戒指就在我们这边。”
“And let us hope that none will ever speak it here again,” answered Gandalf. “Nonetheless I do not ask your pardon, Master Elrond. For if that tongue is not soon to be heard in every corner of the West, then let all put doubt aside that this thing is indeed what the Wise have declared: the treasure of the Enemy, fraught with all his malice; and in it lies a great part of his strength of old. Out of the Black Years come the words that the Smiths of Eregion heard, and knew that they had been betrayed:”
“让我们希望这会是仅有的一次，”甘道夫回答道：“的确，爱隆大人，我没有征询你的同意。如果各位不想让这种语言成为全西方的通用语，就请各位放下心中的疑虑：这的确是魔王的珍宝，里面充满了他的邪恶意念，更有他古代注入的强大力量。在黑暗的年代中，伊瑞詹的工匠一听到下面的话语，就知道自己被出卖了：”
“Never before has any voice dared to utter the words of that tongue in Imladris, Gandalf the Grey,” said Elrond, as the shadow passed and the company breathed once more.
“在此之前，从来没人胆敢在伊姆拉崔说出这种语言，灰袍甘道夫。”当陰影掠过，众人恢复呼吸之后，爱隆说。
One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all and in the Darkness bind them.
魔戒全属至尊御，至尊指引诸魔戒，至尊魔戒唤众戒，众戒归一黑暗中。
“Alas! alas!” cried Legolas, and in his fair elvish face there was great distress. “The tidings that I was sent to bring must now be told. They are not good, but only here have I learned how evil they may seem to this company. Smeagol, who is now called Gollum, has escaped.”
“糟糕！糟糕！”勒苟拉斯英俊的脸孔上露出了愁容。“现在该我报告坏消息了。我原先只知道这是个不好的消息，但直到刚刚我才知道这有多糟糕。史麦戈，也就是你们口中的咕鲁，已经逃出我们的掌握。”
All sat silent for a while, until at length Boromir spoke. “He is a small thing, you say, this Gollum? Small, but great in mischief. What became of him? To what doom did you put him?”
一群人沉默了很长的一段时间，最后，波罗莫才打破沉默说道：“这个咕鲁，你说他是个小家伙？在我看来，他的体型虽小，但却做了很糟糕的坏事。他最后怎么了？你是怎么处罚他的？”
“Escaped?” cried Aragorn. “That is ill news indeed. We shall all rue it bitterly, I fear. How came the folk of Thranduil to fail in their trust?”
“逃出去？”阿拉贡失声大喊：“这真是个坏消息。恐怕这都是我们的错。瑟兰督伊的精灵怎么会辜负他人的托付？”
“He is in prison, but no worse,” said Aragorn. “He had suffered much. There is no doubt that he was tormented, and the fear of Sauron lies black on his heart. Still I for one am glad that he is safely kept by the watchful Elves of Mirkwood. His malice is great and gives him a strength hardly to be believed in one so lean and withered. He could work much mischief still, if he were free. And I do not doubt that he was allowed to leave Mordor on some evil errand.”
“他被关在监狱里面，但我们没有残酷地对待他，”阿拉贡说：“他之前已经吃了很多苦。毫无疑问地，他曾经受到过严刑拷打，而对索伦的恐惧依旧深深地印在他心中。不过，我很庆幸他依旧在幽暗密林的精灵看守下。他的怨念十分强烈，足以赐与这瘦小的家伙让人难以置信的力量。如果他逃了出来，可能会造成更多的危险。我猜想，当初魔多派他出来可能是执行某种邪恶的任务。”
“You were less tender to me,” said Gloin with a flash of his eyes as old memories were stirred of his imprisonment in the deep places of the Elven-king’s halls.
“你们对我可就没那么好了，”葛罗音眼中精光一现，他回想起了当年遭到精灵国王囚禁的情景。
Gloin rose and bowed, and Legolas continued. “In the days of fair weather we led Gollum through the woods; and there was a high tree standing alone far from the others which he liked to climb. Often we let him mount up to the highest branches, until he felt the free wind; but we set a guard at the tree’s foot. One day he refused to come down, and the guards had no mind to climb after him: he had learned the trick of clinging to boughs with his feet as well as with his hands; so they sat by the tree far into the night.
葛罗音站起身，深深一鞠躬。勒苟拉斯继续道：“在天气好的时候，我们会领着咕鲁在森林里面散步。有一株离群甚远的大树是他最喜欢攀爬的地方，我们经常会让他爬到树顶，感受那自由吹拂的空气；但我们随时都会在树下安排一名守卫。有一天，他爬了上去，却拒绝再爬下来，而我们的守卫又不想要跟着爬上去。咕鲁手脚并用的攀爬能力十分惊人，连我们都比不上，因此，守卫继续在树下站岗，等待他下来。
“Not through lack of watchfulness,” said Legolas; “but perhaps through over-kindliness. And we fear that the prisoner had aid from others, and that more is known of our doings than we could wish. We guarded this creature day and night, at Gandalf’s bidding, much though we wearied of the task. But Gandalf bade us hope still for his cure, and we had not the heart to keep him ever in dungeons under the earth, where he would fall back into his old black thoughts.”
“这并非因为我们的疏忽，”勒苟拉斯说：“但或许和我们的善良待人有关，而且，我们怀疑这犯人拥有外人的帮助，他们对我们知之甚详。在甘道夫的要求下，我们日夜监视这只生物，即使我们非常疲倦也不敢松懈。甘道夫还特别交代我们，他或许是治得好的，我们又不忍心让他终日被囚禁在不见天日的地洞中；这可能会让他恢复原先的习惯。”
“Now come!” said Gandalf. “Pray do not interrupt, my good Gloin. That was a regrettable misunderstanding, long set right. If all the grievances that stand between Elves and Dwarves are to be brought up here, we may as well abandon this Council.”
“别这样！”甘道夫说：“亲爱的葛罗音，不要这么耿耿于怀。当年是个天大的误会，你们之间应该早就误会冰释了吧！如果在此又重复当年精灵和矮人的旧怨，那这次会议不如解散好了。”
“We have failed to recapture Gollum. We came on his trail among those of many Orcs, and it plunged deep into the Forest, going south. But ere long it escaped our skill, and we dared not continue the hunt; for we were drawing nigh to Dol Guldur, and that is still a very evil place; we do not go that way.”
“我们之后就再也抓不到咕鲁了。我们跟踪他和一大群半兽人的足迹到了森林的深处，一直往南走，但是不久之后，他们就进入了依旧邪恶的多尔哥多；那超出了我们的能力范围，我们无法进入那个邪恶的地方。”
“It was that very night of summer, yet moonless and starless, that Orcs came on us at unawares. We drove them off after some time; they were many and fierce, but they came from over the mountains, and were unused to the woods. When the battle was over, we found that Gollum was gone, and his guards were slain or taken. It then seemed plain to us that the attack had been made for his rescue, and that he knew of it beforehand. How that was contrived we cannot guess; but Gollum is cunning, and the spies of the Enemy are many. The dark things that were driven out in the year of the Dragon’s fall have returned in greater numbers, and Mirkwood is again an evil place, save where our realm is maintained.
“就在那无星无月的一天晚上，半兽人悄无声息地攻击了我们，不久之后我们就将他们击退了。虽然他们人数众多、骁勇善战，但森林可是我们的故乡，他们只惯于在山中行动。当战斗结束时，我们发现咕鲁逃跑了；他的守卫不是被杀，就是被俘虏了。就我看来，这场攻击就是为了拯救他而来，而他也早就知道这件事情，但我们猜不出来他是怎么办到的。不过，咕鲁非常狡猾，魔王的爪牙又遍布各地，这之中必定有关联。恶龙被击溃时一并被赶走的魔物又再度大举入侵；除了我们管辖的地方之外，幽暗密林又再度成为一个充满邪气的地方。”
“Well, well, he is gone,” said Gandalf. “We have no time to seek for him again. He must do what he will. But he may play a part yet that neither he nor Sauron have foreseen.
“唉，好吧，他逃走了，”甘道夫说：“我们也没有时间再度去找寻他，只能任由他去了。但是，或许，他会扮演的角色，是索伦也无法预见的。”
“At the end of June I was in the Shire, but a cloud of anxiety was on my mind, and I rode to the southern borders of the little land; for I had a foreboding of some danger, still hidden from me but drawing near. There messages reached me telling me of war and defeat in Gondor, and when I heard of the Black Shadow a chill smote my heart. But I found nothing save a few fugitives from the South; yet it seemed to me that on them sat a fear of which they would not speak. I turned then east and north and journeyed along the Greenway; and not far from Bree I came upon a traveller sitting on a bank beside the road with his grazing horse beside him. It was Radagast the Brown, who at one time dwelt at Rhosgobel, near the borders of Mirkwood. He is one of my order, but I had not seen him for many a year.
“到了六月底的时候，我人已经到了夏尔；但心中有些不安和焦虑，我骑着马到达那块土地的南方边界。因为我有种邪恶的预感，彷佛有什么灾难躲过了我的眼睛，却继续朝我靠近。我所收到的情报包括了刚铎的战斗和失败，当我听到魔影再生的消息时，我不禁感到脊背生寒。可是，我在那边只有遇到几名从南方逃出的难民。虽然他们什么都不说，但在我看来，他们似乎有什么难言之隐。我又继续沿着夏尔的东方和北方行走，最后沿着绿大道赶路。我在距离布理不远的地方遇到了一名坐在路边的旅人；他的马匹在他身边安静地吃着草。那是褐袍瑞达加斯特，他曾经居住在罗斯加堡，亦即是靠近幽暗密林的地方。他是吾辈之一，但我已经有许多年没遇过他了。”
“And now I will answer Galdor’s other questions. What of Saruman? What are his counsels to us in this need? This tale I must tell in full, for only Elrond has heard it yet, and that in brief, but it will bear on all that we must resolve. It is the last Chapter in the Tale of the Ring, so far as it has yet gone.
“现在，我得回答加尔多其他的问题了。萨鲁曼呢？他为什么在这关键的时刻没有出现？这段故事我必须从头描述，因为之前只有爱隆听过，而且还只是精简版的内容。等我说完之后，一切的谜底都会解开了，这是魔戒传说最新的一个篇章。”
“The enemy must have some great need or purpose,” said Radagast; “but what it is that makes him look to these distant and desolate parts, I cannot guess.”
“魔王一定有什么重大的陰谋，”瑞达加斯特说：“否则他才不会派出亲信来这么偏远的地方大肆搜索，但我却猜不出他真正的目的。”
“Gandalf! ” he cried. “I was seeking you. But I am a stranger in these parts. All I knew was that you might be found in a wild region with the uncouth name of Shire.”
“甘道夫！”他大喊着：“我正要找你。可是我对这附近的路不熟。我只知道你可能出现在一个叫作夏尔的小地方。”
“Your information was correct,” I said. “But do not put it that way, if you meet any of the inhabitants. You are near the borders of the Shire now. And what do you want with me? It must be pressing. You were never a traveller, unless driven by great need.”
“你的情报很正确，”我说：“不过，如果你遇到那里的居民，千万别这么跟他们说。你已经十分靠近夏尔的边界了。你找我干什么？这一定很重要。除非有重大事情，否则你很少出门旅行。”
“What do you mean? ” said I.
“你这是什么意思？”我问。
“I knew then what I had dreaded without knowing it.”
“我那时才知道自己在担心些什么。”
“I have an urgent errand,” he said. “My news is evil.” Then he looked about him, as if the hedges might have ears. “Nazgul,” he whispered. “The Nine are abroad again. They have crossed the River secretly and are moving westward. They have taken the guise of riders in black.”
“我有个很紧急的任务，”他说：“我带来的是坏消息，’然后他看着四周，彷佛一草一木都有可能偷听到他所说的话。“戒灵，”他对我耳语道：“九戒灵已经再度出世了，他们秘密地渡过大河，朝西方移动，伪装成黑袍骑士的模样便于行动。”
“I have been told that wherever they go the Riders ask for news of a land called Shire.”
“根据我的情报来源，这些骑士四处打听着一个叫作夏尔的地方。”
“I will go to Saruman,” I said.
“我马上去找萨鲁曼。”我说。
“The Shire,” I said; but my heart sank. For even the Wise might fear to withstand the Nine, when they are gathered together under their fell chieftain. A great king and sorcerer he was of old, and now he wields a deadly fear. “Who told you, and who sent you? ” I asked.
“就是这个夏尔，”说，一颗心直往下沉。因为当九戒灵听命于堕落的首领时，连贤者都害怕当面对抗他们。他过去是个伟大的法师兼国王，人们现在对他的感觉只剩下要命的恐惧。“谁告诉你的，又是谁派你来的？”我问道。
“Saruman the White,” answered Radagast. “And he told me to say that if you feel the need, he will help; but you must seek his aid at once, or it will be too late.”
“白袍萨鲁曼，”瑞达加斯特回答：“他还告诉我，如果你觉得有需要，他愿意伸出援手，但你必须马上去找他帮忙，否则一切都太迟了。”
“And that message brought me hope. For Saruman the White is the greatest of my order. Radagast is, of course, a worthy Wizard, a master of shapes and changes of hue; and he has much lore of herbs and beasts, and birds are especially his friends. But Saruman has long studied the arts of the Enemy himself, and thus we have often been able to forestall him. It was by the devices of Saruman that we drove him from Dol Guldur. It might be that he had found some weapons that would drive back the Nine.
“这个消息让我重新燃起了希望，因为白袍萨鲁曼是我辈中最伟大的巫师。当然，瑞达加斯特也是个不错的巫师，他擅长变色和变形，对于药草非常有知识，飞禽走兽都是他的朋友。萨鲁曼则是精研魔王的历史，才能让我们预先料到他的一举一动。我们是靠着萨鲁曼的计谋，才能够将魔王赶出多尔哥多，或许他已经找到了对付九戒灵的武器。”
“Then you must go now,” said Radagast; “for I have wasted time in looking for you, and the days are running short. I was told to find you before Midsummer, and that is now here. Even if you set out from this spot, you will hardly reach him before the Nine discover the land that they seek. I myself shall turn back at once.” And with that he mounted and would have ridden straight off.
“那你最好赶快去，”瑞达加斯特说：“我为了找到你，浪费了不少时间。他告诉我必须在夏至之前找到你，现在就已经是夏至了。即使你立刻出发，也很难在九戒灵找到他们的目标之前抵达，我必须立刻赶回去。”话一说完，他就骑上马，准备立刻离开。
“However, I wrote a message to Frodo, and trusted to my friend the innkeeper to send it to him. I rode away at dawn; and I came at long last to the dwelling of Saruman. That is far south in Isengard, in the end of the Misty Mountains, not far from the Gap of Rohan. And Boromir will tell you that that is a great open vale that lies between the Misty Mountains and the northmost foothills of Ered Nimrais, the White Mountains of his home. But Isengard is a circle of sheer rocks that enclose a valley as with a wall, and in the midst of that valley is a tower of stone called Orthanc. It was not made by Saruman, but by the Men of Numenor long ago; and it is very tall and has many secrets; yet it looks not to be a work of craft. It cannot be reached save by passing the circle of Isengard; and in that circle there is only one gate.”
“无论如何，我写了封信通知佛罗多，相信旅店的店主会将信件寄给他。我天一亮就启程，最后终于来到了萨鲁曼的居所。那是位在极南的艾辛格附近，就在迷雾山脉尽头，离洛汗隘口不远的地方。波罗莫会告诉你在他的家园，白色山脉和迷雾山脉之间，有块很宽广的河谷。艾辛格是个被峭壁所包围的山谷，这些陡峭的岩壁如同城墙一样将它紧紧包围，在山谷中央有座名为欧散克的岩塔，这不是萨鲁曼建造的，而是多年以前努曼诺尔的居民打造的。这座参天高塔里面蕴藏了很多秘密，但看起来又不像是由人力所造成的。不穿越峭壁是无法进入这座高塔的，而周围的峭壁却又只有一个入口。”
“I will do that,” he said, and rode off as if the Nine were after him.
“我会的。”接着，他就彷佛被戒灵追赶一般，行色匆匆地离开了。
“Stay a moment! ” I said. “We shall need your help, and the help of all things that will give it. Send out messages to all the beasts and birds that are your friends. Tell them to bring news of anything that bears on this matter to Saruman and Gandalf. Let messages be sent to Orthanc.”
“等等！”我说。“我们可能会需要你的帮助，还有一切可能的助力。对你所有的飞禽走兽朋友送出讯息，告诉它们把任何有关这件事的消息，告知萨鲁曼和甘道夫，也把消息送到欧散克塔去。”
“I could not follow him then and there. I had ridden very far already that day, and I was as weary as my horse; and I needed to consider matters. I stayed the night in Bree, and decided that I had no time to return to the Shire. Never did I make a greater mistake!”
“我当时没办法马上跟着他走。那天我已经骑了很长的一段距离，人马都很疲惫了。我必须要仔细想一想。那晚我待在布理，决定不能浪费时间回到夏尔去。这是我犯下的第二个大错！”
“Late one evening I came to the gate, like a great arch in the wall of rock; and it was strongly guarded. But the keepers of the gate were on the watch for me and told me that Saruman awaited me. I rode under the arch, and the gate closed silently behind me, and suddenly I was afraid, though I knew no reason for it.”
“那天晚上我到了巨大的岩石拱门口，看见重兵驻守在该处。不过，门口的守卫在等待我的到来，告诉我萨鲁曼正在等我。我立刻走进拱门内，大门无声地关闭起来。突然间，毫无来由地，我感到非常害怕。”
“But I rode to the foot of Orthanc, and came to the stair of Saruman and there he met me and led me up to his high chamber. He wore a ring on his finger.”
“不过，我还是继续骑着马，来到了萨鲁曼的居所之前。他和我在门口的阶梯上会面，并且请我到他的房间去谈话，我注意到他的手上戴着一枚戒指。”
“Have you indeed, Gandalf the Grey! ” he scoffed. “For aid? It has seldom been heard of that Gandalf the Grey sought for aid, one so cunning and so wise, wandering about the lands, and concerning himself in every business, whether it belongs to him or not.”
“是吗，灰袍甘道夫！”他轻蔑地说：“请求协助？听说灰袍甘道夫一向不需要别人的帮助，他又聪明又睿智，在荒野中四处奔波，插手一切该管和不该管的事务。”
I looked at him and wondered. “But if I am not deceived,” said I, “things are now moving which will require the union of all our strength.”
我看着他，心中不禁起了疑心，“如果我的情报正确，”我说：“现在是需要大家团结一致的时刻。”
“So you have come, Gandalf,” he said to me gravely; but in his eyes there seemed to be a white light, as if a cold laughter was in his heart.
“甘道夫，你终于来了。”他面色凝重地对我说，但他的眼中却闪烁着异光，彷佛正露出不可告人的笑容。
“Yes, I have come,” I said. “I have come for your aid, Saruman the White.” And that title seemed to anger him.
“是的，我来了，”我说：白袍萨鲁曼，我请求你的协助。’这个称号似乎让他勃然大怒。
“I looked then and saw that his robes, which had seemed white, were not so, but were woven of all colours. and if he moved they shimmered and changed hue so that the eye was bewildered.”
“我看着他，这才注意到之前看来如同白色的袍子并不是那么回事。他的袍子是用许多种颜色织成，只要他一走动，就会不停地变色，让人为之目眩。”
“The Nine have come forth again,” I answered. “They have crossed the River. So Radagast said to me.”
“九戒灵又再度出世了，”我回答道：“根据瑞达加斯特的情报，他们已经渡过了大河。”
“Radagast the Brown! ” laughed Saruman, and he no longer concealed his scorn. “Radagast the Bird-tamer! Radagast the Simple! Radagast the Fool! Yet he had just the wit to play the part that I set him. For you have come, and that was all the purpose of my message. And here you will stay, Gandalf the Grey, and rest from journeys. For I am Saruman the Wise, Saruman Ring-maker, Saruman of Many Colours! “
“褐袍瑞达加斯特！”萨鲁曼哈哈大笑，这次他不再掩饰他的不屑。“豢鸟人瑞达加斯特！天真的瑞达加斯特！蠢汉瑞达加斯特！他唯一的智力就是扮演我赋予他的角色，因为你来了；我送信给你的目的也就仅止于此。灰袍甘道夫，你将在此好好休息，不用再忍受旅途奔波。我是萨鲁曼，贤者萨鲁曼，铸戒者萨鲁曼，彩袍萨鲁曼！”
“I liked white better,” I said.
“我比较喜欢白色！”我说。
“That may be so,” he said, “but the thought is late in coming to you. How long. I wonder, have you concealed from me, the head of the Council, a matter of greatest import? What brings you now from your lurking-place in the Shire? “
“或许吧，”他说：“但你想到这个念头的时机也太晚了。我怀疑，你到底把那件最重要的事情刻意隐瞒了我多久？我是议长，而你竟然有事不愿告诉我！是什么风把你从夏尔的藏身地吹过来的？”
“White! ” he sneered. “It serves as a beginning. White cloth may be dyed. The white page can be overwritten; and the white light can be broken.”
“白色！”他不屑地说：“那只是个开始，白衣可以染色，白色的书页可以写上文字，白光可以折射呈七彩的光线。”
“You need not speak to me as to one of the fools that you take for friends,” said he. “I have not brought you hither to be instructed by you, but to give you a choice.”
“你不需要用那种和你的傻瓜朋友讲话的态度说教，”他说：“我叫你来不是为了听你废话，而是给你选择的机会。”
“In which case it is no longer white,” said I. “And he that breaks a thing to find out what it is has left the path of wisdom.”
“而那光线就不再纯净了，”我说：“为了找寻事物本质而加以破坏的人，已经背离了智慧之道。”
He drew himself up then and began to declaim, as if he were making a speech long rehearsed. “The Elder Days are gone. The Middle Days are passing. The Younger Days are beginning. The time of the Elves is over, but our time is at hand: the world of Men, which we must rule. But we must have power, power to order all things as we will, for that good which only the Wise can see.
他站了起来，开始滔滔不绝；彷佛他已经为了这次演说准备了很久。“远古已经消逝了，中古则刚过不久，现代正要展开。精灵的历史已经过去了，我们的世代正要开展。这是人类的世界，必须由人类统治。在这之前，我们必须要获得力量，获得足以维持秩序的力量，这是只有我们贤者能看得到的美好未来。”
“And listen, Gandalf, my old friend and helper! ” he said, coming near and speaking now in a softer voice. “I said we, for we it may be, if you will join with me. A new Power is rising. Against it the old allies and policies will not avail us at all. There is no hope left in Elves or dying Numenor. This then is one choice before you. before us. We may join with that Power. It would be wise, Gandalf. There is hope that way. Its victory is at hand; and there will be rich reward for those that aided it. As the Power grows, its proved friends will also grow; and the Wise, such as you and I, may with patience come at last to direct its courses, to control it. We can bide our time, we can keep our thoughts in our hearts, deploring maybe evils done by the way, but approving the high and ultimate purpose: Knowledge, Rule, Order; all the things that we have so far striven in vain to accomplish, hindered rather than helped by our weak or idle friends. There need not be, there would not be, any real change in our designs, only in our means.”
“听着，甘道夫，我的老朋友和最好的助手！”他靠近我，柔声说：“我说我们，因为我期待你和我并肩努力，一个新的力量正在崛起，旧的秩序、联盟和政治都无法抵抗我们的意志，精灵、濒死的努曼诺尔人都毫无希望。你的眼前，我们的眼前只有一个选择，我们应该要加入那个力量。甘道夫，这才是正确的选择，他就快要获胜了，愿意协助他的人将会获得丰厚的奖赏。随着他力量的增加，他忠实的朋友也会跟着茁壮，像是你我这样的贤者，只要耐心等待，最后终有可能引导这力量的方向。我们可以静心等待，保留实力，容忍可能发生在我们眼前的邪恶之事，一切都是为了最终的奖赏：知识、统治、秩序。这些愿景是我们之前努力，却未尝得见的。这都是因为我们弱小朋友的掣肘和拖累。我们不需要，也不会修正我们的理想，只需要改变我们的手段。”
“He came and laid his long hand on my arm. “And why not, Gandalf? ” he whispered. “Why not? The Ruling Ring? If we could command that, then the Power would pass to us. That is in truth why I brought you here. For I have many eyes in my service, and I believe that you know where this precious thing now lies. Is it not so? Or why do the Nine ask for the Shire, and what is your business there? ” As he said this a lust which he could not conceal shone suddenly in his eyes.
“他走上前，握住我的手臂。‘为什么不要呢，甘道夫？’他低语道：‘为什么？为什么不要至尊魔戒？如果我们可以操控那力量，世界就将落入我们的掌控中。这才是我找你来的真正原因。我手下有许多耳目听命于我，我相信你一定知道这宝物在哪里。是吧？不然，为什么九戒灵会询问夏尔的位置，你又来这边干什么？’话声一断，他的眼中就露出再也无法掩饰的浓浓渴望。”
“Saruman,” I said, “I have heard speeches of this kind before, but only in the mouths of emissaries sent from Mordor to deceive the ignorant. I cannot think that you brought me so far only to weary my ears.”
“萨鲁曼，”我说：“我以前听过这样的说法，但那是魔多派来的使者愚弄无知者的花招。我实在无法想像，你让我大老远赶来，只为了搬弄这些老套。”
He looked at me sidelong, and paused a while considering. “Well, I see that this wise course does not commend itself to you,” he said. “Not yet? Not if some better way can be contrived? “
他意味深长地看着我，思索着。“好吧，看来你没办法明白这方法中蕴含的智慧，”他说：“至少目前还没办法，是吗？即使可以达成无数的良善目标你也不愿意？”
“Saruman,” I said, standing away from him, “only one hand at a time can wield the One, and you know that well, so do not trouble to say we! But I would not give it, nay, I would not give even news of it to you, now that I learn your mind. You were head of the Council, but you have unmasked yourself at last. Well, the choices are, it seems, to submit to Sauron, or to yourself. I will take neither. Have you others to offer? “
“萨鲁曼，”我开始退离他面前：“一次只能有一个人配戴至尊魔戒，你也知道得很清楚。别用那套我们、我们的说法来瞒天过海！我现在已经了解你的想法，我绝不愿意把魔戒送到你手上，不，你甚至连它的消息也得不到。你的确是议长，但现在你也揭露了自己真正的身分。看来，你口中所谓的选择其实只是服从索伦，或是服从你吧。我两个都不接受，你还有别的提议吗？”
He was cold now and perilous. “Yes,” he said. “I did not expect you to show wisdom, even in your own behalf; but I gave you the chance of aiding me willingly. and so saving yourself much trouble and pain. The third choice is to stay here, until the end.”
他露出冷漠的眼神。“有的，”他说：“即使是为了你自己好，我本来也不预期你会展现出任何的智慧，但我还是给你自愿协助我的机会，替你省下许多的麻烦和痛苦，第三个选择是留在这里，直到一切结束。”
“Until what end? “
“直到什么结束？”
“That may not prove to be one of the lighter matters,” said I. He laughed at me, for my words were empty, and he knew it.
“这不会只是小事的。”我说。他对我大笑，因为他也知道我只是虚张声势。
“They took me and they set me alone on the pinnacle of Orthanc, in the place where Saruman was accustomed to watch the stars. There is no descent save by a narrow stair of many thousand steps, and the valley below seems far away. I looked on it and saw that, whereas it had once been green and fair, it was now filled with pits and forges. Wolves and orcs were housed in Isengard, for Saruman was mustering a great force on his own account, in rivalry of Sauron and not in his service yet. Over all his works a dark smoke hung and wrapped itself about the sides of Orthanc. I stood alone on an island in the clouds; and I had no chance of escape, and my days were bitter. I was pierced with cold, and I had but little room in which to pace to and fro, brooding on the coming of the Riders to the North.
“他们抓走我，将我孤单一人关在欧散克塔的顶层，那里是萨鲁曼观星的地方，唯一的出入口是一个几千阶的狭窄楼梯，底下的山谷又有数百尺之遥。我看着那座山谷，这才发现原先充满生气和绿意的大地，已经成了满是坑洞和熔炉的残破景象。恶狼和半兽人居住在艾辛格，萨鲁曼正在悄悄地集结大军，为了将来和索伦对抗，他的努力让整个欧散克地区飘汤着恶臭的黑烟。我站在这黑色烟海中的孤岛上，找不到任何逃脱的方法，可说是度日如年。那里寒风刺骨，我只能在斗室中终日踱步，满脑子都只能想着黑骑士的身影。”
“Until you reveal to me where the One may be found. I may find means to persuade you. Or until it is found in your despite, and the Ruler has time to turn to lighter matters: to devise, say, a fitting reward for the hindrance and insolence of Gandalf the Grey.”
“直到你告诉我至尊魔戒的下落。我也许能找到方法说服你，或者是等我自己找到魔戒，到时，权倾天下的统治者应该还有时间考虑某些小事。举例来说，像是如何处罚那个无知恼人的灰袍甘道夫……”
“I saw you!” cried Frodo. “You were walking backwards and forwards. The moon shone in your hair.”
“我看见过你！”佛罗多大喊：“你那时不停地踱步，月光照在你的头发上。”
Gandalf paused astonished and looked at him. “It was only a dream” said Frodo, “but it suddenly came back to me. I had quite forgotten it. It came some time ago; after I left the Shire, I think.”
甘道夫停下来，惊讶地看着他。“哪只是一个梦，”佛罗多不好意思地说：“但我刚刚才想起来，我几乎都快忘记这件事情了，我想那是在我离开夏尔不久之后。”
“That the Nine had indeed arisen I felt assured, apart from the words of Saruman which might be lies. Long ere I came to Isengard I had heard tidings by the way that could not be mistaken. Fear was ever in my heart for my friends in the Shire; but still I had some hope. I hoped that Frodo had set forth at once, as my letter had urged, and that he had reached Rivendell before the deadly pursuit began. And both my fear and my hope proved ill-founded. For my hope was founded on a fat man in Bree; and my fear was founded on the cunning of Sauron. But fat men who sell ale have many calls to answer; and the power of Sauron is still less than fear makes it. But in the circle of Isengard, trapped and alone, it was not easy to think that the hunters before whom all have fled or fallen would falter in the Shire far away.”
“即使萨鲁曼其他的说法都是谎言，我也能够确定九戒灵确实复苏了。在前往艾辛格之前，我就已经从可靠的管道获得了确实的消息。我开始替夏尔的朋友担忧，但心中依旧暗存一丝希望。因为，如果佛罗多照着信件的内容，立刻出发，他应该会在黑骑士之前抵达瑞文戴尔。我的恐惧和希望却都意外落空了，因为，我的希望关键在于布理的一名胖老板身上，而我的恐惧则是奠基于索伦已经彻底恢复力量的假设上。卖酒的胖老板有许多事情要忙，而索伦的力量也没有完全恢复。但是，当我被孤单地困在艾辛格时，我实在很难想像曾经横扫世界的黑骑士竟然在遥远的夏尔遇上了阻碍。”
“At first I feared, as Saruman no doubt intended, that Radagast had also fallen. Yet I had caught no hint of anything wrong in his voice or in his eye at our meeting. If I had, I should never have gone to Isengard, or I should have gone more warily. So Saruman guessed, and he had concealed his mind and deceived his messenger. It would have been useless in any case to try and win over the honest Radagast to treachery. He sought me in good faith, and so persuaded me.
“一开始我十分害怕，萨鲁曼既然已经堕落了，瑞达加斯特多半也和他同流合污。但是，我在和他会面的时候并没有发现他有什么异样，如果当时有任何的异状，我绝对不会到艾辛格来自投罗网，或者我至少会小心提防。因此，萨鲁曼猜到我的反应，他刻意隐瞒这信差真正的目的，没有任何人可以说服诚实的瑞达加斯特欺骗任何人。他诚心诚意地告诉我这件事，因此才能说服我。”
“Then it was late in coming,” said Gandalf, “as you will see. I was in an evil plight. And those who know me will agree that I have seldom been in such need, and do not bear such misfortune well. Gandalf the Grey caught like a fly in a spider’s treacherous web! Yet even the most subtle spiders may leave a weak thread.
“那可能来得有点迟了，”甘道夫说：“你等下就会知道了。我那时完全无计可施，认识我的人都会明白我极少遇到这么进退维谷的处境，因此实在没办法妥当地应付它。灰袍甘道夫竟然如同苍蝇一般被困在蜘蛛狡诈的网中！不过，即使是最狡猾的蜘蛛也有大意的一天。”
“That was the undoing of Saruman’s plot. For Radagast knew no reason why he should not do as I asked; and he rode away towards Mirkwood where he had many friends of old. And the Eagles of the Mountains went far and wide, and they saw many things: the gathering of wolves and the mustering of Orcs; and the Nine Riders going hither and thither in the lands; and they heard news of the escape of Gollum. And they sent a messenger to bring these tidings to me.
“这就是萨鲁曼失策的地方。因为瑞达加斯特没有理由不照我说的去做，因此，他立刻前往幽暗密林，和他过去的朋友会面。迷雾山脉的雄鹰翱翔天际，目睹世事的运转：恶狼的集结和半兽人的整编，以及九戒灵四出寻找猎物的景象。他们也听说了咕鲁的逃亡；因此派出一名信差前来通风报信。”
“How far can you bear me? ” I said to Gwaihir.
“你可以载我飞多远？”我问关赫道。
“So it was that when summer waned, there came a night of moon, and Gwaihir the Windlord, swiftest of the Great Eagles, came unlooked-for to Orthanc; and he found me standing on the pinnacle. Then I spoke to him and he bore me away, before Saruman was aware. I was far from Isengard, ere the wolves and orcs issued from the gate to pursue me.”
“因此，在夏天快要结束的时候，在一个月夜，巨鹰中最快的风王关赫不请自来地到欧散克塔通知我们。他发现我就站在塔顶。接着，在萨鲁曼发现之前，我要求它赶快将我载走。在恶狼和半兽人部队开始搜捕我之前，我已经远离了艾辛格。”
“Are the Men of Rohan still to be trusted, do you think? ” I said to Gwaihir, for the treason of Saruman had shaken my faith.
“你认为洛汗的居民还值得信任吗？”我问关赫，萨鲁曼的背叛撼动了我的信心。
“Many leagues,” said he, “but not to the ends of the earth. I was sent to bear tidings not burdens.”
“非常远，”他说：“但不可能到世界的尽头。我的任务本来是送讯，而不是送货。”
“Then I must have a steed on land,” I said, “and a steed surpassingly swift, for I have never had such need of haste before.”
“如此一来，我必须要在地面上找到座骑，”我说：“而且必须是一匹前所未见，如风般的良驹；此刻全世界的安危都系于我的速度之上。”
“Then I will bear you to Edoras, where the Lord of Rohan sits in his halls,” he said; “for that is not very far off.” And I was glad, for in the Riddermark of Rohan the Rohirrim, the Horse-lords, dwell, and there are no horses like those that are bred in that great vale between the Misty Mountains and the White.
“那么我就载你去伊多拉斯，洛汗国王的王宫所在地，”它说：“因为那距离这并不远。’我很高兴，因为又被称做骠骑国的洛汗国是牧马王们居住的地方，在迷雾山脉到白色山脉之间的区域中，就以该处放牧的骏马最为优良。”
“Then he must be a noble beast indeed,” said Aragorn; “and it grieves me more than many tidings that might seem worse to learn that Sauron levies such tribute. It was not so when last I was in that land.”
“连你都这么说，它一定是马中之王，”阿拉贡说，“一想到索伦每年都会收到这样的骏马，就让我更为忧虑，我上次踏上那块土地时并不是这样的。”
“He set me down in the land of Rohan ere dawn; and now I have lengthened my tale over long. The rest must be more brief. In Rohan I found evil already at work: the lies of Saruman; and the king of the land would not listen to my warnings. He bade me take a horse and be gone; and I chose one much to my liking. but little to his. I took the best horse in his land, and I have never seen the like of him.”
“在黎明之前，他就在洛汗国把我放了下来。啊，我之前浪费了太多时间描述我的经历，接下来得要短一点才行。我在洛汗发现已经有邪恶的势力开始运作，当地的国王不愿意倾听我的警告，他要求我取了马之后赶快离开。我选了一匹自己很满意的马，却让他极为不悦，那是他的土地上最顶尖的骏马，我从来没看过这么壮伟的神驹。”
“Nor is it now, I will swear,” said Boromir. “It is a lie that comes from the Enemy. I know the Men of Rohan; true and valiant, our allies, dwelling still in the lands that we gave them long ago.”
“我愿意担保，它现在也不是如谣言中所说的一样，”波罗莫说：“这是魔王散播出来的谣言。我了解洛汗的人们，他们真诚勇敢、是我们唯一的盟友，至今还居住在我们当年送给他们报恩的土地上。”
“They pay a tribute of horses,” he answered, “and send many yearly to Mordor, or so it is said; but they are not yet under the yoke. But if Saruman has become evil, as you say, then their doom cannot be long delayed.”
“他们每年会对魔多朝贡马匹，”他回答道：“据说数量还不少。这是谣传，我并没有证实过，但他们至少还没有投效黑暗阵营。不过，如果像你所说的一样，连萨鲁曼都已经转投黑暗，那么他们的末日也不远了。”
“True indeed!” said Gandalf. “And there is one among them that might have been foaled in the morning of the world. The horses of the Nine cannot vie with him; tireless, swift as the flowing wind. Shadowfax they called him. By day his coat glistens like silver; and by night it is like a shade, and he passes unseen. Light is his footfall! Never before had any man mounted him, but I took him and I tamed him, and so speedily he bore me that I reached the Shire when Frodo was on the Barrow-downs, though I set out from Rohan only when he set out from Hobbiton.
“你说的没错！”甘道夫说：“它们之中有一匹马的高贵血统必定可以直溯天地初开之时。他的毛皮在白昼时晶亮如白银，夜晚时闇沉如幽影，如同隐形的神驹一般穿梭在大地上。他的脚步踏雪无痕！从来未曾有人类能够跨上他健壮的马背；但我驯服了他，说服他载着我横越重重险阻，因此，我才能够在佛罗多刚离开哈比屯的时候从洛汗国出发，却在他刚到古墓岗的时候就赶到夏尔。”
“The shadow of Mordor lies on distant lands,” answered Aragorn. “Saruman has fallen under it. Rohan is beset. Who knows what you will find there, if ever you return?”
“魔多的暗影正向四面八方扩张，”阿拉贡回答道：“萨鲁曼已经沉沦了，洛汗正摇摆不定。谁知道你下次回到那里时会遇到什么？”
“Not this at least.” said Boromir, “that they will buy their lives with horses. They love their horses next to their kin. And not without reason, for the horses of the Riddermark come from the fields of the North, far from the Shadow. and their race, as that of their masters, is descended from the free days of old.”
“至少不会像你们说的那样，”波罗莫说：“他们绝不会利用马匹来换取自己的性命，他们疼爱马匹仅逊于对同胞的感情。这不是没有道理的。因为骠骑国的良驹都是来自于未受魔影污染的北方，而它们和牧马王一样，血缘都可以追溯到远古的高贵血统。”
“I can’t abide changes,” said he, “not at my time of life, and least of all changes for the worst.”
“我不喜欢这样的改变，”他说：“至少别在我这辈子，也别是这么糟糕的改变。”
“Worst is a bad word,” I said to him, “and I hope you do not live to see it.” But amidst his talk I gathered at last that Frodo had left Hobbiton less than a week before, and that a black horseman had come to the Hill the same evening. Then I rode on in fear. I came to Buckland and found it in uproar, as busy as a hive of ants that has been stirred with a stick. I came to the house at Crickhollow, and it was broken open and empty; but on the threshold there lay a cloak that had been Frodo’s. Then for a while hope left me, and I did not wait to gather news, or I might have been comforted; but I rode on the trail of the Riders. It was hard to follow, for it went many ways, and I was at a loss. But it seemed to me that one or two had ridden towards Bree; and that way I went, for I thought of words that might be said to the innkeeper.
“最糟糕这个字最好不要常用，”我对他说：“我希望你这辈子都不会看到所谓的最糟糕到底是什么样子。”不过，我还是从他的闲聊之中打探出来，佛罗多不到一周前离开了哈比屯，黑骑士就在同一天傍晚来到他所住的小丘。我心内充满恐惧地继续赶路。我来到雄鹿地，发现当地兵荒马乱，彷佛是被打翻的蜂巢或是蚁窝一样。我来到了溪谷地的小屋，那里有被强行闯入的痕迹，已经一个人也不剩，可是，在门口却有一件佛罗多穿的斗篷。有很长的一段时间，我感到彻底地绝望，心灰意冷之下，我根本懒得打听消息，直接离开了溪谷地。如果我当时再冷静一些，或许会知道让我安心的好消息，但我当时一心只想着跟踪那些黑骑士，那对当时的我来说是非常困难的一件事情；他们的蹄印分散开来，而我又觉得心慌意乱，平静不下来。在我仔细地观察之后，勉强发现有一两道痕迹是指向布理的，所以，我觉得该去找旅店老板谈谈。
“But fear grew in me as I rode. Ever as I came north I heard tidings of the Riders, and though I gained on them day by day, they were ever before me. They had divided their forces, I learned: some remained on the eastern borders, not far from the Greenway. and some invaded the Shire from the south. I came to Hobbiton and Frodo had gone; but I had words with old Gamgee. Many words and few to the point. He had much to say about the shortcomings of the new owners of Bag End.
“可是，我越骑越感到恐惧。我一路往北走，一路听到的都是黑骑士们的行踪，虽然我日夜不休地赶路，但他们一直保持一段距离，就是追不上。我后来发现，他们兵分多路：有些骑士留在夏尔的东方边界，距离绿大道不远的地方；有些骑士则是从南方入侵夏尔。等我抵达哈比屯的时候，佛罗多已经出发了，但我还来得及和老詹吉打探一下消息。我们讲了很多，却没有什么重点，他对于袋底洞的新主人真是抱怨连连。”
“Changes for the worst,” he repeated many times.
他一直重复着“最糟糕的改变。”
“What did you do to him?” cried Frodo in alarm. “He was really very kind to us and did all that he could.”
“你对他做了什么？”佛罗多突然紧张地大喊：“他对我们很好很好，他真的已经尽力了！”
“Strider! ” I cried, shouting for joy.
“神行客！”我高兴地大喊出声。
“Ass! Fool! Thrice worthy and beloved Barliman! ” said I. “It’s the best news I have had since midsummer: it’s worth a gold piece at the least. May your beer be laid under an enchantment of surpassing excellence for seven years! ” said I. “Now I can take a night’s rest, the first since I have forgotten when.”
“啊！你这个老笨蛋！可爱的巴力曼哪！”我说：“这是我今年夏天以来听到最好的消息了，至少应该赏你一枚金币！愿你的啤酒未来七年年年香醇！”我说：“现在我终于可以好好休息一晚了，我根本不记得上次安睡是什么时候了。”
“Butterbur they call him,” thought I. “If this delay was his fault, I will melt all the butter in him. I will roast the old fool over a slow fire.” He expected no less, and when he saw my face he fell down flat and began to melt on the spot.
“他们都叫他奶油伯，”我想：“如果佛罗多的延迟和他有关，我会把他身上的所有奶油都烧融，把这个家伙用慢火好好烤熟。”看来，他似乎早就猜到我的脾气；因为，当我一出现的时候，他立刻趴在地上大声求饶，真的跟融化了一样。
Gandalf laughed. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I did not bite, and I barked very little. So overjoyed was I by the news that I got out of him, when he stopped quaking, that I embraced the old fellow. How it happened I could not then guess, but I learned that you had been in Bree the night before, and had gone off that morning with Strider.
甘道夫哈哈大笑。“别担心！”他说：“俗话说得好，会咬人的狗不叫。我虽然没大叫多少声，但也没有咬人。当他停下连珠炮似的告饶声，告诉我那宝贵的消息之后，我高兴得快飞上天，当场就抱住这老家伙，哪还有时间慢火烘烤他！我那时猜不到背后的真相，只打听出来你们前一天晚上出现在布理，一早和神行客离开当地。”
“Yes, sir, I am afraid so, sir,” said Butterbur, mistaking me. “He got at them, in spite of all that I could do, and they took up with him. They behaved very queer all the time they were here: wilful, you might say.”
“是的，大人，很遗憾是他，大人，”奶油伯误会了我大呼的意思，连忙想要解释：“我已经尽力了，但他还是骗到了他们，而且他们一群人和他腻在一起，似乎拆都拆不散。当他们在这里的时候，表现非常怪异，我只能说他们很坚持、很倔强，听不进别人的话。”
“So I stayed there that night, wondering much what had become of the Riders; for only of two had there yet been any news in Bree, it seemed. But in the night we heard more. Five at least came from the west, and they threw down the gates and passed through Bree like a howling wind; and the Bree-folk are still shivering and expecting the end of the world. I got up before dawn and went after them.”
“因此，当天我就在该处过夜，思索着黑骑士的下落。因为，从布理的留言看来，似乎只有两名黑骑士出现，但到了晚上，我又遇到了出乎意料的状况，至少有五名黑骑士从西方冲来，他们撞倒大门，如同狂风呼啸一般经过布理；布理的居民浑身发抖地等待世界末日到来。于是，我天没亮就起床了，紧跟着他们而去。”
“I galloped to Weathertop like a gale, and I reached it before sundown on my second day from Bree-and they were there before me. They drew away from me, for they felt the coming of my anger and they dared not face it while the Sun was in the sky. But they closed round at night, and I was besieged on the hill-top, in the old ring of Amon Sul. I was hard put to it indeed: such light and flame cannot have been seen on Weathertop since the war-beacons of old.”
“我马不停蹄地冲向风云顶，离开布理第二天日落我就赶到了该处——但他们甚至到得比我还早。他们感应到我的怒气，又不敢在白天对抗我，因此暂时离开了。但是，当晚，我就在阿蒙苏尔了望塔的遗迹中受到围攻。我当时的确被逼到绝境，使出了浑身解数才把他们打退，当时的强光和烈焰，想必足以和远古时的猛烈烽火相比。”
“I do not know, but it seems clear to me that this is what happened. Their Captain remained in secret away south of Bree, while two rode ahead through the village, and four more invaded the Shire. But when these were foiled in Bree and at Crickhollow, they returned to their Captain with tidings, and so left the Road unguarded for a while, except by their spies. The Captain then sent some eastward straight across country, and he himself with the rest rode along the Road in great wrath.”
“我当时还不确定，但眼前的种种迹象让我判断出确实的情况。他们的首领悄悄地藏在布理南边的地方，同时有两名黑骑士穿越布理，另四名则入侵夏尔。但是，当他们在布理和溪谷地都遭遇挫败时，他们回来向首领报告。因此，路上的监控出现了一段空隙，只有他们的间谍在观察着路上的情况。首领听到消息之后大怒，立刻派出两名骑士直接往东进发，而他则和其余的骑士怒气冲冲地沿着东方大道赶路。”
“At sunrise I escaped and fled towards the north. I could not hope to do more. It was impossible to find you, Frodo, in the wilderness, and it would have been folly to try with all the Nine at my heels. So I had to trust to Aragorn. But I hoped to draw some of them off, and yet reach Rivendell ahead of you and send out help. Four Riders did indeed follow me, but they turned back after a while and made for the Ford, it seems. That helped a little, for there were only five, not nine, when your camp was attacked.”
“天一亮，我就把握机会朝着北方逃。我当时想不到更好的事情可以做。佛罗多，一方面在荒野中要找到你实在太不可能，另一方面九名骑士还紧跟在我后面，因此，我只能相信阿拉贡的实力。不过，我当下也决定设法引走一些黑骑士，希望能够在你们之前赶到瑞文戴尔求救兵。一开始的确有四名骑士跟踪我，但不久之后他们就撤了回去，看来是朝渡口的方向走。这至少帮上了一点小忙，才让你们的营地当时只有遭到五名戒灵攻击。”
“I reached here at last by a long hard road, up the Hoarwell and through the Ettenmoors, and down from the north. It took me nearly fourteen days from Weathertop, for I could not ride among the rocks of the troll-fells, and Shadowfax departed. I sent him back to his master; but a great friendship has grown between us, and if I have need he will come at my call. But so it was that I came to Rivendell only three days before the Ring, and news of its peril had already been brought here-which proved well indeed.”
“在穿过伊顿荒原，跨越狂吼河，不眠不休地赶路之后，我终于抵达了瑞文戴尔。我花了十四天的时间。我会花这么久的时间，是因为实在没办法骑马通过食人妖领域的多岩地形，因此，我也把神驹影疾请回他的主人身边。这段时间虽短，但我们之间已经培养出深刻的友谊，如果我有需要，它必定会回应我的召唤。不过，也因为这样，我只比魔戒早了三天到达；幸好，坏消息也在我之前抵达了此地。”
“This is grievous news concerning Saruman,” he said; “for we trusted him and he is deep in all our counsels. It is perilous to study too deeply the arts of the Enemy, for good or for ill. But such falls and betrayals, alas, have happened before. Of the tales that we have heard this day the tale of Frodo was most strange to me. I have known few hobbits, save Bilbo here; and it seems to me that he is perhaps not so alone and singular as I had thought him. The world has changed much since I last was on the westward roads.”
“萨鲁曼的变节是非常糟糕的消息，”他说：“因为我们太过相信他，让他参与了每一次的会议。看来，不管为了什么目的，太过投入研究魔王的一言一行都会带来厄运。唉，但是，这样的堕落和叛变在历史上也曾经发生过。在今天我所听到的故事中，以佛罗多的最为奇特。看来，他似乎并没有我所想像中的那么孤单无助，西方的道路和我上次踏上时相比，已经改变了许多。”
There was silence. At last Elrond spoke again.
四下陷入一阵沉寂，最后，爱隆开口了。
“And that, Frodo, is the end of my account. May Elrond and the others forgive the length of it. But such a thing has not happened before, that Gandalf broke tryst and did not come when he promised. An account to the Ring-bearer of so strange an event was required, I think.”
“所以，佛罗多，我就要说完了，希望爱隆和其他人原谅我的多话。但是，甘道夫打破誓约，无法依约前来的事情并无前例，我想，我必须对魔戒持有者详细说明这一切才行。”
“The Barrow-wights we know by many names; and of the Old Forest many tales have been told: all that now remains is but an outlier of its northern march. Time was when a squirrel could go from tree to tree from what is now the Shire to Dunland west of Isengard. In those lands I journeyed once, and many things wild and strange I knew. But I had forgotten Bombadil, if indeed this is still the same that walked the woods and hills long ago, and even then was older than the old. That was not then his name. Iarwain Ben-adar we called him, oldest and fatherless. But many another name he has since been given by other folk: Forn by the Dwarves, Orald by Northern Men, and other names beside. He is a strange creature, but maybe I should have summoned him to our Council.”
“古墓尸妖有很多其他的名字，而老林也曾经是个拥有许多传说的地方；现在的老林只不过是一个庞大森林的部分残余林地罢了。有段时间，从夏尔到艾辛格西方的登兰德之间长满了参天的古木。我曾经去过该处一次，也见识了许多的珍禽异兽，但我忘记了庞巴迪这个角色。如果他真的是那么多年以前在山丘和林地间漫游的同一个生物；即使在当时，他也已经是世上最古老的生物。当时我们不是这样叫他的，我们叫他伊尔温—班尔达，最老的无父者。矮人称他为佛恩、北方人称他为欧罗德，除此之外还有许多名称。他是个奇异的生物，或许我应该召唤他参加这次会议。”
“Well, the Tale is now told, from first to last. Here we all are, and here is the Ring. But we have not yet come any nearer to our purpose. What shall we do with it?”
“好的，这段故事已经从头到尾全都说完了。我们人在这里，魔戒也在此处，但这场会议的真正目的还没开始呢。我们到底该拿它怎么办？”
“He would not have come,” said Gandalf.
“他不会愿意出席的。”甘道夫说。
“No, I should not put it so,” said Gandalf. “Say rather that the Ring has no power over him. He is his own master. But he cannot alter the Ring itself, nor break its power over others. And now he is withdrawn into a little land, within bounds that he has set, though none can see them, waiting perhaps for a change of days, and he will not step beyond them.”
“不，我不会这么看待这件事情，”甘道夫说，“你应该这么说，魔戒没有力量影响他，他是自己的主人，但他无法影响魔戒，也无法破除它对其他人的影响。而且，他现在又躲进了自己所设定的疆界中；在不引人注目的状况下悄悄等待天命的转变，他不会愿意踏出这疆界的。”
“Could we not still send messages to him and obtain his help?” asked Erestor. “It seems that he has a power even over the Ring.”
“至少我们可以通知他，获取他的协助？”伊瑞斯特说：“看起来他甚至能够控制魔戒。”
“But within those bounds nothing seems to dismay him,” said Erestor. “Would he not take the Ring and keep it there, for ever harmless?”
“但是，在那疆界中，似乎没有任何力量胆敢忤逆他，”伊瑞斯特说：“难道他不能够将魔戒收藏在该处，让它变得无力损及世间？”
“No,” said Gandalf, “not willingly. He might do so, if all the free folk of the world begged him, but he would not understand the need. And if he were given the Ring, he would soon forget it, or most likely throw it away. Such things have no hold on his mind. He would be a most unsafe guardian; and that alone is answer enough.”
“不，”甘道夫说：“他不会自愿这样做的。如果全世界爱好和平的人一起恳求他，他或许会同意，但他不可能明白其中的意义。如果他被交付予魔戒，他可能会很轻易地忘了它，甚至不小心将它弄丢，这种事情对他来说并不重要。他将会是最不让人放心的保管者，光是这一点就足以回答你的疑问了。”
“But in any case,” said Glorfindel, “to send the Ring to him would only postpone the day of evil. He is far away. We could not now take it back to him, unguessed, unmarked by any spy. And even if we could, soon or late the Lord of the Rings would learn of its hiding place and would bend all his power towards it. Could that power be defied by Bombadil alone? I think not. I think that in the end, if all else is conquered, Bombadil will fall, Last as he was First; and then Night will come.”
“可是，”葛罗芬戴尔说：“即使将魔戒送到他身边，也只能延迟黑暗降临的日子。他离我们很远，我们不可能在丝毫不被任何间谍发现的状况下把魔戒送回去。即使我们办到了，很快地，魔戒之王就会打探出它藏匿的地方，然后，他会使出浑身解数来获得这枚戒指。庞巴迪可以单身抵抗这力量吗？我不这么认为。我觉得，到了最后，如果一切都沦陷了，庞巴迪也会跟着沦落。他是开始，但也是终末，到了那时，永夜就会真正降临。”
“I know little of Iarwain save the name,” said Galdor; “but Glorfindel, I think, is right. Power to defy our Enemy is not in him, unless such power is in the earth itself. And yet we see that Sauron can torture and destroy the very hills. What power still remains lies with us, here in Imladris, or with Cirdan at the Havens, or in Lorien. But have they the strength, have we here the strength to withstand the Enemy, the coming of Sauron at the last, when all else is overthrown?”
“我只听过伊尔温这个名字，”加尔多说：“但我认为葛罗芬戴尔说的对，他并没有阻止魔王的力量，除非大地本身有意愿阻止魔王。但，我们也知道索伦可以硬生生地将山丘铲平，不留任何痕迹。足以抵抗魔王的力量在我们身边，在伊姆拉崔，在灰港岸的瑟丹身上、在罗斯洛立安之中。但是，就算是我们，或是他们，难道能够在普世皆已沦陷的状况下抵挡索伦的魔力吗？”
“I have not the strength,” said Elrond; “neither have they.”
“我不行，”爱隆说：“其他人也没这个力量。”
“Then, said Glorfindel, “let us cast it into the deeps, and so make the lies of Saruman come true. For it is clear now that even at the Council his feet were already on a crooked path. He knew that the Ring was not lost for ever, but wished us to think so; for he began to lust for it for himself. Yet oft in lies truth is hidden: in the Sea it would be safe.”
“那么，”葛罗芬戴尔说：“让我们将它丢到深海中，让萨鲁曼的谎言成真。因为，即使在当年召开议会的时候，他的心思很明显地就已经扭曲了。他知道魔戒并没有永远消失，但又想要这样说服我们，因为他想要将它占为己有。不过，谎言中往往隐藏着许多真相：把它丢到海中的确可以解决许多问题。”
“But Gandalf has revealed to us that we cannot destroy it by any craft that we here possess,” said Elrond. “And they who dwell beyond the Sea would not receive it: for good or ill it belongs to Middle-earth; it is for us who still dwell here to deal with it.”
“但甘道夫刚刚的说法告诉我们，此地没有任何力量可以摧毁魔戒，”爱隆说：“而居住在海外仙境的生命，也不可能愿意接收这样东西。这是中土世界的产物，应该留给依旧居住在大地上的人去对付。”
“Then if the Ring cannot be kept from him for ever by strength” said Glorfindel, “two things only remain for us to attempt: to send it over the Sea, or to destroy it.”
“那么，如果我们不能够以力量阻止魔王获得魔戒，”葛罗芬戴尔说：“那么就只剩下两个选择，一个是将它送到海外，或者是将其摧毁。”
“Not safe for ever,” said Gandalf. “There are many things in the deep waters; and seas and lands may change. And it is not our part here to take thought only for a season, or for a few lives of Men, or for a passing age of the world. We should seek a final end of this menace, even if we do not hope to make one.”
“这不能一劳永逸地解决问题，”甘道夫说：“深海中有许多生物，谁能够保证沧海永远不会变桑田？如果我们只能够阻挡他几次春秋流转、或是几世人的变换，甚至只是一整个纪元；我们都不应该下这种决定。即使毫无希望，我们也应该力图找到永远解决这威胁的办法。”
“And that we shall not find on the roads to the Sea,” said Galdor. “If the return to Iarwain be thought too dangerous, then flight to the S‚a is now fraught with gravest peril. My heart tells me that Sauron will expect us to take the western way, when he learns what has befallen. He soon will. The Nine have been unhorsed indeed but that is but a respite, ere they find new steeds and swifter. Only the waning might of Gondor stands now between him and a march in power along the coasts into the North; and if he comes, assailing the White Towers and the Havens, hereafter the Elves may have no escape from the lengthening shadows of Middle-earth.”
“这样一来，我们就不可能在往大海的路上找到方法，”加尔多说：“如果把魔戒还给伊尔温太危险，现在想要逃往大海更一定险阻重重。我猜测索伦一旦知道确切的状况，他会预料我们往西方走，而这情报一定会很快传到他耳中的。九戒灵的确失去了座骑，但对他们来说只是一次小小的挫败；他们必定可以找到更快、更恐怖的座骑。现在，唯一能够阻止他横扫整个海岸，杀到北方来的只有逐渐没落的刚铎。只要他克服了这最后的障碍，攻破了白色要塞和灰港岸，连精灵都将无法逃离中土世界。”
“Long yet will that march be delayed,” said Boromir. “Gondor wanes, you say. But Gondor stands, and even the end of its strength is still very strong.”
“他的入侵并没有那么迫在眉睫，”波罗莫说：“你说刚铎已经逐渐没落，但刚铎现在还好好地存在着，即使它开始没落了，它的国力依旧十分强盛。”
“Then,” said Erestor, “there are but two courses, as Glorfindel already has declared: to hide the Ring for ever; or to unmake it. But both are beyond our power. Who will read this riddle for us?”
“那么，”伊瑞斯特说：“我们眼前就只有两条道路了，正如同葛罗芬戴尔之前所说的一样：将魔戒永远藏匿起来，或是摧毁魔戒。但我们两个都办不到。谁能够替我们解决这个两难？”
“And yet its vigilance can no longer keep back the Nine,” said Galdor. “And other roads he may find that Gondor does not guard.”
“就算如此，我们眼前的证据就是它的实力已经不足以封印九戒灵，”加尔多说：“魔王更有可能找到刚铎没有防守的其他道路。”
“None here can do so,” said Elrond gravely. “At least none can foretell what will come to pass, if we take this road or that. But it seems to me now clear which is the road that we must take. The westward road seems easiest. Therefore it must be shunned. It will be watched. Too often the Elves have fled that way. Now at this last we must take a hard road, a road unforeseen. There lies our hope, if hope it be. To walk into peril-to Mordor. We must send the Ring to the Fire.”
“这里没有人办得到，”爱隆神色凝重地说：“至少没有人能够预言采取任何一种方法的未来会怎么样。不过，我现在已经确定该怎么做了。朝西的路看起来最容易，因此我们不能将它纳入考量。它一定受到重重包围和监视。精灵们已经太常取道该处逃离中土世界。至少，以我目前的观点来看，我们必须要采取一条困难、没人猜想得到的路途。如果这世界还有希望，这是我们唯一的机会。直入虎穴、闯入魔多，置之死地而后生，我们必须要将魔戒送回铸造它的烈火中。”
Silence fell again. Frodo, even in that fair house, looking out upon a sunlit valley filled with the noise of clear waters, felt a dead darkness in his heart. Boromir stirred, and Frodo looked at him. He was fingering his great horn and frowning. At length he spoke.
现场再度陷入一片死寂。即使在这座美丽的屋子中，俯瞰着充满清澈水声的山谷，佛罗多还是觉得心头飘过一片浓重的乌云。波罗莫不安地变换着姿势，佛罗多转头注视着他，他玩弄着腰间的巨大号角，皱眉思索着，最后，他终于忍不住开口了。
“Alas, no,” said Elrond. “We cannot use the Ruling Ring. That we now know too well. It belongs to Sauron and was made by him alone, and is altogether evil. Its strength, Boromir, is too great for anyone to wield at will, save only those who have already a great power of their own. But for them it holds an even deadlier peril. The very desire of it corrupts the heart. Consider Saruman. If any of the Wise should with this Ring overthrow the Lord of Mordor, using his own arts, he would then set himself on Sauron’s throne, and yet another Dark Lord would appear. And that is another reason why the Ring should be destroyed: as long as it is in the world it will be a danger even to the Wise. For nothing is evil in the beginning. Even Sauron was not so. I fear to take the Ring to hide it. I will not take the Ring to wield it.”
“唉，可惜，”爱隆说道：“我们不能够使用统御魔戒。历史的教训一次又一次地证明了这点。这是专为索伦打造的宝物，其中充满了邪气。波罗莫，它的力量强大到没有人能够任意指使操纵；除非他们本身已经拥有极强大的力量，但即使对这些人来说，魔戒都是致命的吸引力，它所造成的欲望足以腐蚀人心。就拿萨鲁曼当例子好了，如果任何一名贤者戴上魔戒，推翻魔多之王的统治；最后他只会坐上索伦的宝座，另一名闇王必定就此诞生。这也是魔戒必须被摧毁的另一个理由：只要它还存在于这个世间，连贤者都无法抗拒它的力量。万物天性本善，连索伦一开始也是如此；因此，它最大的危险是在于腐蚀人心的能力，我不敢亲自收藏魔戒，更不愿使用魔戒。”
“I do not understand all this,” he said. “Saruman is a traitor, but did he not have a glimpse of wisdom? Why do you speak ever of hiding and destroying? Why should we not think that the Great Ring has come into our hands to serve us in the very hour of need? Wielding it the Free Lords of the Free may surely defeat the Enemy. That is what he most fears, I deem.”
“我不明白，”他说：“萨鲁曼的确是个叛徒。难道他的看法就不值得参考吗？你们为什么只是想着躲避和摧毁？为什么我们不把来到手中的统御魔戒当作是协助我们的契机？爱好自由的王者配戴上魔戒必能征服魔王，我认为这才是他最害怕的事情。”
“The Men of Gondor are valiant, and they will never submit; but they may be beaten down. Valour needs first strength, and then a weapon. Let the Ring be your weapon, if it has such power as you say. Take it and go forth to victory!”
“刚铎的战士勇猛善战，他们绝不低头，但还是有可能被击败。勇猛善战的战士必须先有力量，再搭配上强大的武器。若这魔戒如同你们所说，拥有这么强大的力量，就让它成为诸位的武器。拿起这武器，光荣地迎向胜利！”
“Nor I,” said Gandalf.
“我也不愿意。”甘道夫说。
Boromir looked at them doubtfully, but he bowed his head. “So be it,” he said. “Then in Gondor we must trust to such weapons as we have. And at the least, while the Wise ones guard this Ring, we will fight on. Mayhap the Sword-that-was-Broken may still stem the tide — if the hand that wields it has inherited not an heirloom only, but the sinews of the Kings of Men.”
波罗莫狐疑地看着两人，最后还是低下头对两人行礼。“那也只能这样了，”他说：“刚铎只能倚靠它现有的武器。至少，我们可以在智者巩卫魔戒时，放心地继续战斗。或许断折的圣剑将会是一切问题的解答——希望持有者不只继承了人皇的血统，更继承了人皇的力量。”
“Who can tell?” said Aragorn. “But we will put it to the test one day.”
“谁知道呢？”阿拉贡说：“但终有一天他必须接受这样的试炼。”
“Then be comforted,” said Elrond. “For there are other powers and realms that you know not, and they are hidden from you. Anduin the Great flows past many shores, ere it comes to Argonath and the Gates of Gondor.”
“那么，就请安心吧，”爱隆说：“这世界上有许多你不知道、也看不见的力量。大河安都因在流到刚铎大门之前，它经过了许多地方，每个地方都拥有各自抵抗魔王的方法。”
“Still it might be well for all,” said Gloin the Dwarf, “if all these strengths were joined, and the powers of each were used in league. Other rings there may be, less treacherous, that might be used in our need. The Seven are lost to us — if Balin has not found the ring of Thror which was the last; naught has been heard of it since Thror perished in Moria. Indeed I may now reveal that it was partly in hope to find that ring that Balin went away.”
“但是，”矮人葛罗音说：“如果这些力量都能够团结起来，每个势力都能够并肩作战，这才是万民之福。其他的戒指或许没有这么险恶，可以援助我们。如果巴林没有找到索尔之戒，也是最后一枚戒指，那我们的七戒都已失去。我现在可以告诉诸位，巴林就是为了想要找到这枚戒指，才甘愿身涉险地。”
“May the day not be too long delayed,” said Boromir. “For though I do not ask for aid, we need it. It would comfort us to know that others fought also with all the means that they have.”
“但愿这一天不要太远，”波罗莫说：“因为，虽然我没有要求各位的帮助，但我们的确迫切需要援助。如果我们能够知道其他人也在尽其所能地作战，至少可以觉得心安。”
“Ah, alas!” cried Gloin. “When will the day come of our revenge? But still there are the Three. What of the Three Rings of the Elves? Very mighty Rings, it is said. Do not the Elf-lords keep them? Yet they too were made by the Dark Lord long ago. Are they idle? I see Elf-lords here. Will they not say?”
“啊，真是太可惜了！”葛罗音大喊着：“我们要到什么时候才能够复仇？但是，还有精灵的三戒是我们的希望。这三戒的下落呢？根据传说，它们是非常强而有力的戒指。难道这些戒指不在精灵贵族的手中吗？这三枚不也是闇王很久以前打造的吗？难道他们就这样袖手旁观？我在这里看见了精灵贵族，他们为什么不说话？”
The Elves returned no answer. “Did you not hear me, Gloin?” said Elrond. “The Three were not made by Sauron, nor did he ever touch them. But of them it is not permitted to speak. So much only in this hour of doubt I may now say. They are not idle. But they were not made as weapons of war or conquest: that is not their power. Those who made them did not desire strength or domination or hoarded wealth, but understanding, making, and healing, to preserve all things unstained. These things the Elves of Middle-earth have in some measure gained, though with sorrow. But all that has been wrought by those who wield the Three will turn to their undoing, and their minds and hearts will become revealed to Sauron, if he regains the One. It would be better if the Three had never been. That is his purpose.”
精灵们一言不发。“葛罗音，你之前莫非没有听清楚我所说的话吗？这三戒不是索伦打造的，他也从来未曾染指，但我们不能够泄漏任何有关它们的秘密。即使在受到你质疑的时刻，我也只能够说这么多。他们并没有袖手旁观，但这些戒指并非做来当作战争或是征服的工具：这不是它们的能力。打造他们的工匠并不想要力量、权势或是财富；他们想要的是理解、创造和医疗，让一切不受污染。这些力量是中土世界的精灵牺牲许多才换来的。如果索伦重获至尊魔戒，那么这三戒所行的一切善事，都将变成他们致命的弱点，反而让索伦有机会得知他们的行踪和思绪。如果这样，三戒不如根本不存在比较好，而这也是魔王的用意。”
“Balin will find no ring in Moria,” said Gandalf. “Thror gave it to Thrain his son, but not Thrain to Thorin. It was taken with torment from Thrain in the dungeons of Dol Guldur. I came too late.”
“巴林在摩瑞亚找不到任何戒指的，”甘道夫说：“索尔将戒指传给了他的儿子索恩，但索恩却没有传给索林。索恩在多尔哥多的地牢中受尽拷打之后，被迫交出了戒指，我到得太迟了。”
“But what then would happen, if the Ruling Ring were destroyed as you counsel?” asked Gloin.
“可是，如果众戒之王照您所说的被摧毁了，那又会怎么样？”葛罗音问道。
“Yet all the Elves are willing to endure this chance,” said Glorfindel “if by it the power of Sauron may be broken, and the fear of his dominion be taken away for ever.”
“但是，所有的精灵都愿意承受这个风险，”葛罗芬戴尔表示：“只要这样做能够消除索伦的力量，让他永远不能统治世界。”
“We know not for certain,” answered Elrond sadly. “Some hope that the Three Rings, which Sauron has never touched, would then become free, and their rulers might heal the hurts of the world that he has wrought. But maybe when the One has gone, the Three will fail, and many fair things will fade and be forgotten. That is my belief.”
“我们也不确定，”爱隆哀伤地回答：“有些人希望索伦从未染指的三戒将会获得自由，可以修复魔王对这世界所造成的伤害。但是，可能至尊魔戒一毁灭，三戒也会跟着消失，许多美丽的事物都将跟着消失和被遗忘。我认为后者是比较可能的情况。”
“Thus we return once more to the destroying of the Ring,” said Erestor, “and yet we come no nearer. What strength have we for the finding of the Fire in which it was made? That is the path of despair. Of folly I would say, if the long wisdom of Elrond did not forbid me.”
“那么我们又回到讨论如何摧毁魔戒的阶段了，”伊瑞斯特说：“但我们只是在原地打转，我们有什么实力可以找到铸造它的火焰？这是一条绝望的道路。如果睿智的爱隆了解我的意思，我该说这是一条愚蠢的道路。”
“Despair, or folly?” said Gandalf. “It is not despair, for despair is only for those who see the end beyond all doubt. We do not. It is wisdom to recognize necessity, when all other courses have been weighed, though as folly it may appear to those who cling to false hope. Well, let folly be our cloak, a veil before the eyes of the Enemy! For he is very wise, and weighs all things to a nicety in the scales of his malice. But the only measure that he knows is desire, desire for power; and so he judges all hearts. Into his heart the thought will not enter that any will refuse it, that having the Ring we may seek to destroy it. If we seek this, we shall put him out of reckoning.”
“绝望，或是愚蠢？”甘道夫说：“这不是绝望，绝望是那些坚持看见结局，放弃一切希望的人所感受到的煎熬。我们不是这样的人。所谓的智慧必须要认清眼前的道路，挑出别无选择的方向。虽然，对那些保持着虚假希望的人来说，这可能是愚蠢的行为；就让愚蠢成为我们的掩护，遮挡魔王的目光！他诡计多端，会时常将一切的事物在他邪恶的天秤上衡量着、算计着。但他内心只有欲望，也因此用欲望衡量世间众生。他绝对不会想到有人竟然能够拒绝魔戒，手中握有魔戒的我们竟然想要摧毁它，如果这是我们的抉择，他将措不及防。”
“Very well, very well, Master Elrond!” said Bilbo suddenly. “Say no more! It is plain enough what you are pointing at. Bilbo the silly hobbit started this affair, and Bilbo had better finish it, or himself. I was very comfortable here, and getting on with my book. If you want to know, I am just writing an ending for it. I had thought of putting: and he lived happily ever afterwards to the end of his days. It is a good ending, and none the worse for having been used before. Now I shall have to alter that: it does not look like coming true; and anyway there will evidently have to be several more Chapters, if I live to write them. It is a frightful nuisance. When ought I to start?
“说得好，说得好，爱隆大人！”比尔博突然说：“不要多说了！我已经明白你的意思了。比尔博是开始这一切的愚蠢哈比人，自然应该由比尔博来结束这一切，或是结束他自己的愚行。我在这里过得很舒服，书也写得很顺利。如果你们有兴趣的话，我的书也快写完了。我本来想要在最后加上：他从此过着幸福快乐的日子。这个结局很不错，即使之前有很多人用过也无损它的杰出。看来，这恐怕不能成真了，我得修改结局才行。如果我能够活着写下它们的话，看来我还有好几个章节可以写呢！这可真让人放心不下。我们什么时候离开？”
“At least for a while,” said Elrond. “The road must be trod, but it will be very hard. And neither strength nor wisdom will carry us far upon it. This quest may be attempted by the weak with as much hope as the strong. Yet such is oft the course of deeds that move the wheels of the world: small hands do them because they must, while the eyes of the great are elsewhere.”
“至少目前是这样，”爱隆说：“即使它险阻重重，我们也必须走上这条道路，不管是再多的力量或是智慧，都不足以帮助我们度过难关。这次的任务，弱者可能和强者拥有一样的机会。但这不就是天地万物之理吗？弱小者为生命而搏斗，刚强者却大意将头转向他方。”
Boromir looked in surprise at Bilbo, but the laughter died on his lips when he saw that all the others regarded the old hobbit with grave respect. Only Gloin smiled, but his smile came from old memories.
波罗莫哭笑不得地看着比尔博；但是，当他注意到所有人都以尊重的眼光看着这老哈比人时，他脸上的笑容也跟着敛去。只有葛罗音继续保持笑容，但这笑容是来自于古老的记忆。
“Of course, my dear Bilbo,” said Gandalf. “If you had really started this affair, you might be expected to finish it. But you know well enough now that starting is too great a claim for any, and that only a small part is played in great deeds by any hero. You need not bow! Though the word was meant, and we do not doubt that under jest you are making a valiant offer. But one beyond your strength, Bilbo. You cannot take this thing back. It has passed on. If you need my advice any longer, I should say that your part is ended, unless as a recorder. Finish your book, and leave the ending unaltered! There is still hope for it. But get ready to write a sequel, when they come back.”
“当然，亲爱的比尔博，”甘道夫说：“如果这一切真的是由你开始的，自然该由你结束它。但你太了解没有人可以说这事情是他开始，任何的英雄在历史中其实都只扮演一小部分的角色。你不需要跟我们敬礼！我们知道你是真心的，也不怀疑你的勇气。但是，比尔博，有件事情你必须明白，你不能够把这样东西送回去，魔戒已经不属于你的了。如果你还需要我的忠告，我会告诉你，你的主戏已经演完了，你必须扮演好记录者的角色，尽管写完你的书，不需要更改结局！我们还有希望的。不过，他们回来的时候，请记得替他们写本续集。”
Bilbo laughed. “I have never known you give me pleasant advice before.” he said. “As all your unpleasant advice has been good, I wonder if this advice is not bad. Still, I don’t suppose I have the strength or luck left to deal with the Ring. It has grown, and I have not. But tell me: what do you mean by they?”
比尔博笑了。“你以前的忠告从来没这么好听过，”他说：“既然你所有逆耳的忠言都是为了我好，那我想这次应该也不坏。我的确不认为自己拥有足够的力量和运气来对付魔戒。它成长了，但我没有。可是，我不明白，你口中的他们是谁？”
“Exactly! And who are they to be? That seems to me what this Council has to decide, and all that it has to decide. Elves may thrive on speech alone, and Dwarves endure great weariness; but I am only an old hobbit, and I miss my meal at noon. Can’t you think of some names now? Or put it off till after dinner?”
“我就知道！他们又是谁呢？我猜想这必须要由这次的会议决定，就跟所有的一切一样。精灵只靠讲话就可以过活，矮人吃苦耐劳，但我只是个老哈比人，肚子饿了就想吃饭。你现在就可以告诉我这些人的名字吗？还是你准备晚饭后再说？”
“The messengers who are sent with the Ring.”
“就是派去护送魔戒的远征队成员们。”
No one answered. The noon-bell rang. Still no one spoke. Frodo glanced at all the faces, but they were not turned to him. All the Council sat with downcast eyes, as if in deep thought. A great dread fell on him, as if he was awaiting the pronouncement of some doom that he had long foreseen and vainly hoped might after all never be spoken. An overwhelming longing to rest and remain at peace by Bilbo’s side in Rivendell filled all his heart. At last with an effort he spoke, and wondered to hear his own words, as if some other will was using his small voice.
没有人回答。正午的铃声响了，依旧没人说话。佛罗多看着所有人，但没有人看着他，会议现场的每个人都低下头，彷佛在努力地沉思着。他觉得心头沉重，彷佛自己在等待着死刑的宣判，却又暗自希望永远不要听到结局。他心中只想要永远地待在比尔博身边，在瑞文戴尔好好享受平静的气氛。最后，他十分勉强地开口，自己也怀疑究竟能不能听到口中发出的声音。
“I will take the Ring,” he said, “though I do not know the way.”
“我愿意带走魔戒，”他说：“但我不知道未来的路该怎么走。”
Elrond raised his eyes and looked at him, and Frodo felt his heart pierced by the sudden keenness of the glance. “If I understand aright all that I have heard,” he said, “I think that this task is appointed for you, Frodo; and that if you do not find a way, no one will. This is the hour of the Shire-folk, when they arise from their quiet fields to shake the towers and counsels of the Great. Who of all the Wise could have foreseen it? Or, if they are wise, why should they expect to know it, until the hour has struck?
爱隆抬起头，看着他，佛罗多觉得自己彷佛突然被两道尖锐的光芒刺穿。“如果我对刚刚会议中所有讨论都没有误解，”他说：“那这个任务本来就该属于你，佛罗多。如果你不知道未来该怎么走，就没有其他人会知道了。这是属于夏尔居民的一刻，他们必须从平静的田野中站起，晃动圣哲们的高塔。哪一位贤者能够预料到这样的情景？或者应该这么说，如果他们真的够睿智，怎么可能在事件发生前知道真相呢？”
“But you won’t send him off alone surely, Master?” cried Sam, unable to contain himself any longer, and jumping up from the corner where he had been quietly sitting on the floor.
“大人，你应该不会让他孤身前往吧？”山姆再也忍不住了，从他之前一直悄悄坐着的角落跳了出来。
“But it is a heavy burden. So heavy that none could lay it on another. I do not lay it on you. But if you take it freely, I will say that your choice is right; and though all the mighty elf-friends of old, Hador, and Hurin, and Turin, and Beren himself were assembled together your seat should be among them.”
“这是个沉重的责任。没有人可以把这样的责任交到任何人肩上。这并非是我托付给你的责任。但如果你自愿接受，我会夸奖你正确的抉择；如果有朝一日，我们召集所有伟大的精灵之友；包括了哈多、胡林、图林，甚至连贝伦都会出席，阁下必定在这些伟人之间有一席之地。”
“No indeed!” said Elrond, turning towards him with a smile. “You at least shall go with him. It is hardly possible to separate you from him, even when he is summoned to a secret council and you are not.”
“的确不会！”爱隆笑着转过身面对他。“至少你应该跟他一起去，看来很难将你们两个分开，即使这是次秘密会议，我们没有邀请你也是一样。”
Sam sat down, blushing and muttering. “A nice pickle we have landed ourselves in, Mr. Frodo!” he said, shaking his head.
山姆坐了下来，涨红着脸嘀咕着，“佛罗多先生，这次我们可惹上大麻烦罗！”他摇着头说。
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