第十六章: 西方之窗 The Window on the West
Sam soon became aware that the Captain was not satisfied with Frodo’s account of himself at several points: what part he had to play in the Company that set out from Rivendell; why he had left Boromir; and where he was now going. In particular he returned often to Isildur’s Bane. Plainly he saw that Frodo was concealing from him some matter of great importance.
山姆很快就听出来，将军对于佛罗多在几个部分的交代感到不满意：他想要弄清楚佛罗多在从瑞文戴尔出发的远征队中，究竟扮演什么样的角色？为什么他会离开波罗莫？现在又准备前往何处？他也不停地针对埃西铎的克星反复质问，很明显，他认为佛罗多刻意隐藏一些重要的关键不让他知道。
It seemed to Sam that he had only dozed for a few minutes when he awoke to find that it was late afternoon and Faramir had come back. He had brought many men with him; indeed all the survivors of the foray were now gathered on the slope nearby, two or three hundred strong. They sat in a wide semicircle, between the arms of which Faramir was seated on the ground, while Frodo stood before him. It looked strangely like the trial of a prisoner.
当山姆醒过来的时候，他以为自己只睡了几个小时，不过却惊讶地发现，时间不但已经到了下午，连法拉墨都已经回来了。他带了很多人一起回来，刚刚那场大战的幸存者，现在似乎都聚集在这个斜坡上，大约有两三百名。他们围成一个马蹄形，法拉墨坐在正中央，佛罗多站在他面前，看起来很像一场对囚犯的审判。
Sam crept out from the fern, but no one paid any attention to him, and he placed himself at the end of the rows of men, where he could see and hear all that was going on. He watched and listened intently, ready to dash to his master’s aid if needed. He could see Faramir’s face, which was now unmasked: it was stern and commanding, and a keen wit lay behind his searching glance. Doubt was in the grey eyes that gazed steadily at Frodo.
山姆从树底下爬了出来，没有任何人注意到他，因此他找了队形的尽头坐了下来，刚好可以看见所有发生的事情。他专注地听着、看着，准备随时有需要就冲到主人身边去。他可以看见法拉墨的面孔，对方现在已经除下了面具；那是张严肃、拥有王者之气的面孔，而那双不断梭移的眼中也有着相当的智能。当他看向佛罗多的时候，灰眸中露出浓浓的疑惑。
“But it was at the coming of the Halfling that Isildur’s Bane should waken, or so one must read the words,” he insisted. “If then you are the Halfling that was named, doubtless you brought this thing, whatever it may be, to the Council of which you speak, and there Boromir saw it. Do you deny it?”
“但是，从字面上来说，就是因为半身人的到来，埃西铎的克星才会再度苏醒，”他坚持道：“如果你就是诗中的半身人，毫无疑问的，你也将这样东西，不管它是什么，带到了那场会议中，波罗莫也看到了这样东西。我的这个推论有错吗？”
Frodo made no answer. “So!” said Faramir. “I wish then to learn from you more of it; for what concerns Boromir concerns me. An orc-arrow slew Isildur, so far as old tales tell. But orc-arrows are plenty, and the sight of one would not be taken as a sign of Doom by Boromir of Gondor. Had you this thing in keeping? It is hidden, you say; but is not that because you choose to hide it?”
佛罗多没有回答。“那么！”法拉墨说：“我希望从你那边知道更多有关它的事情。因为，波罗莫关切的事情和我关切的一样。至少在远古的传说中，杀死埃西铎的是半兽人的箭矢。但到处都可以看到半兽人的箭矢，光是这样的景象，并不会让刚铎的波罗莫认为末日将临。你随身携带这样东西吗？你说它还隐而未现，但是不是由于你选择要将它隐藏起来？”
“Why so, and not Boromir, prince of the City that the sons of Elendil founded?”
“那么，为什么不是波罗莫，伊兰迪尔之子所建造的本城王子有权拥有？”
“No, not because I choose,” answered Frodo. “It does not belong to me. It does not belong to any mortal, great or small; though if any could claim it, it would be Aragorn son of Arathorn, whom I named, the leader of our Company from Moria to Rauros.”
“不，这不是因为我的选择，”佛罗多回答：“这不是属于我的东西。不管强或弱，这东西都不属于任何的凡人；如果有任何人勉强可以担当这个重任，我会说他是亚拉冈，也就是远征队的队长。”
“Because Aragorn is descended in direct lineage, father to father, from Isildur Elendil’s son himself. And the sword that he bears was Elendil’s sword.”
“因为亚拉冈是伊兰迪尔之子埃西铎的直系子孙，而他所继承的长剑，就是伊兰迪尔的圣剑！”
A murmur of astonishment ran through all the ring of men. Some cried aloud: “The sword of Elendil! The sword of Elendil comes to Minas Tirith! Great tidings!” But Faramir’s face was unmoved.
人群中开始窃窃私语，甚至有些人大喊着：“伊兰迪尔的圣剑！伊兰迪尔的圣剑来到了米那斯提力斯！风云将变！”但法拉墨依旧不为所动。
“Maybe,” he said. “But so great a claim will need to be established, and clear proofs will be required, should this Aragorn ever come to Minas Tirith. He had not come, nor any of your Company, when I set out six days ago.”
“或许吧，”他说：“但这兹事体大，即使这位亚拉冈到了我邦，我们也必须要有更确切的证据才行。当我六天之前离开的时候，他或是你的任一位同伴，都没有来到米那斯提力斯。”
“Boromir was satisfied of that claim,” said Frodo. “Indeed, if Boromir were here, he would answer all your questions. And since he was already at Rauros many days back, and intended then to go straight to your city, if you return, you may soon learn the answers there. My part in the Company was known to him, as to all the others, for it was appointed to me by Elrond of Imladris himself before the whole Council. On that errand I came into this country, but it is not mine to reveal to any outside the Company. Yet those who claim to oppose the Enemy would do well not to hinder it.”
“波罗莫可以接受我的说法，”佛罗多说：“如果波罗莫人在这里，他可以回答你的一切疑问。既然许多天前他就已经到了拉洛斯瀑布，并且准备直接前往你的城市；如果你回国，你可能很快就可以从他口中得知答案。我在远征队中的任务，是所有队员都知道的秘密，因为那是伊姆拉崔的爱隆在会议中公开指派给我的任务。为了执行那个任务，我必须来到这块土地，只是我奉命不能对任何远征队成员以外的人揭露这个任务。我只能说，任何抵抗魔王势力的善军，最好都不要阻碍我的工作。”
Frodo’s tone was proud, whatever he felt, and Sam approved of it; but it did not appease Faramir.
不管他内心怎么想，佛罗多的语气都十分的自傲，山姆也觉得心有戚戚焉；但是，很明显的法拉墨对此不以为然。
“So!” he said. “You bid me mind my own affairs, and get me back home, and let you be. Boromir will tell all, when he comes. When he comes, say you! Were you a friend of Boromir?”
“既然如此！”他说：“你要求我不要多管闲事，赶快回国，不要打搅你。当波罗莫出现的时候，他会告诉我一切。你说的是当他回来的时候！你是波罗莫的朋友吗？”
Faramir smiled grimly. “Then you would grieve to learn that Boromir is dead?”
法拉墨露出凝重的笑容。“那么，如果你知道波罗莫已经过世了，你会觉得很难过吗？”
“How then did he die, and how do you know of it? Since you say that none of the Company had reached the city when you left.”
“那么，他是怎么死的？你又是怎么知道的？你刚刚不是说远征队的成员在你离开前，一个也没有抵达你的城市。”
“I would not snare even an orc with a falsehood,” said Faramir.
“即使你是半兽人，我也不会用欺骗的手段对付你，”法拉墨说。
“As to the manner of his death, I had hoped that his friend and companion would tell me how it was.”
“有关他的死讯，我还正想要从他的朋友和同伴口中知道详情。”
Vividly before Frodo’s mind came the memory of Boromir’s assault upon him, and for a moment he hesitated. Faramir’s eyes watching him grew harder. “Boromir was a valiant member of our Company,” said Frodo at length. “Yes, I was his friend, for my part.”
佛罗多的脑海中，栩栩如生浮现了波罗莫抢夺魔戒的神情，他迟疑了片刻，法拉墨的眼神变得更凌厉了。“波罗莫是我们远征队中一位勇敢的队友，”佛罗多最后终于说：“是的，以我的角度来看，我的确是他的朋友。”
“I would grieve indeed,” said Frodo. Then catching the look in Faramir’s eyes, he faltered. “Dead?” he said. “Do you mean that he is dead, and that you knew it? You have been trying to trap me in words, playing with me? Or are you now trying to snare me with a falsehood?”
“我当然会难过！”佛罗多轻描淡写地回答。然后，他注意到法拉墨的眼神，结结巴巴地反问：“过世？”他重复道：“你是说他已经死了，你确定吗？你刚刚只是想要和我玩文字游戏，陷害我？还是你想要欺骗我？”
Sam had been getting more and more impatient and angry at this conversation. These last words were more than he could bear, and bursting into the middle of the ring, he strode up to his master’s side.
山姆听着这对话，感到越来越不耐烦，越来越生气。最后一句话超过了他忍耐力的极限，因此他奋不顾身地冲进众人之中，站到主人身边。
“Many indeed,” said Faramir, “and treachery not the least.”
“这世上的确有许多危险，”法拉墨说：“背叛就是其中一个。”
“But he was alive and strong when we parted. And he lives still for all that I know. Though surely there are many perils in the world.”
“可是，当我们分别的时候，他还活得好好的。就我所知，虽然这世界上有很多危险与挑战，他也没有理由死啊！”
“Begging your pardon, Mr. Frodo,” he said, “but this has gone on long enough. He’s no right to talk to you so. After all you’ve gone through, as much for his good and all these great Men as for anyone else.
“佛罗多先生，请容我插嘴，”他说：“但这已经浪费了够久的时间了，他没有资格对你这样说话。在你为了他们和其它人经历了这么多折磨之后，他更是不应该这样做。”
“See here, Captain!” He planted himself squarely in front of Faramir, his hands on his hips, and a look on his face as if he was addressing a young hobbit who had offered him what he called “sauce” when questioned about visits to the orchard. There was some murmuring, but also some grins on the faces of the men looking on: the sight of their Captain sitting on the ground and eye to eye with a young hobbit, legs well apart, bristling with wrath, was one beyond their experience. “See here!” he said. “What are you driving at? Let’s come to the point before all the Orcs of Mordor come down on us! If you think my master murdered this Boromir and then ran away, you’ve got no sense; but say it, and have done! And then let us know what you mean to do about it. But it’s a pity that folk as talk about fighting the Enemy can’t let others do their bit in their own way without interfering. He’d be mighty pleased, if he could see you now. Think he’d got a new friend, he would.”
“听着，将军大人！”他抬头挺胸，双手插腰地站在法拉墨面前，脸上的表情彷佛是在教训一名年轻的哈比人，不该随便进入别人的果园一样。众人为此交头接耳，但有些人脸上也挂着诡异的笑容：他们可不常见到将军坐在地上，和一个气冲冲的哈比人面对面的景象。“听着！”他说：“你到底在暗示些什么？在魔多派出所有的半兽人猎杀我们之前，不如打开天窗说亮话吧！如果你认为我的主人杀死了波罗莫，然后逃离现场，那你脑袋一定坏掉了！但是，不管如何，至少说出你的想法！然后让我们知道你打算怎么做。我觉得很可惜，口口声声说要和魔王对抗的人，却不能够让其它人尽自己的一份义务。如果魔王可以看见目前的状况，他一定会很高兴的，搞不好还以为有了个新盟友呢！”
Sam sat down heavily with a red face. Faramir turned to Frodo again. “You asked how do I know that the son of Denethor is dead. Tidings of death have many wings. Night oft brings news to near kindred, “tis said. Boromir was my brother.”
山姆胀红着脸，一屁股坐下来。法拉墨再度转向佛罗多。“你刚刚问我怎么知道迪耐瑟的儿子去世了，死讯有许多种传递的方法，俗谚有云，夜风经常将消息传递给血亲──波罗莫是我的哥哥！”
“Patience!” said Faramir, but without anger. “Do not speak before your master, whose wit is greater than yours. And I do not need any to teach me of our peril. Even so, I spare a brief time, in order to judge justly in a hard matter. Were I as hasty as you, I might have slain you long ago. For I am commanded to slay all whom I find in this land without the leave of the Lord of Gondor. But I do not slay man or beast needlessly, and not gladly even when it is needed. Neither do I talk in vain. So be comforted. Sit by your master, and be silent!”
“有耐心点！”法拉墨不带怒气地说：“不要抢在你主人之前说话，因为他比你睿智多了，我也不需要任何人告诉我眼前的危险。即使这样，我还是空出时间来，希望能够在艰难的情况下作出公正判断。如果我和你一样急躁，可能早就把你给宰了；因为，我接受到的命令是杀无赦，完全不需要刚铎统治者的同意。但我不愿毫无意义的宰杀人类或是鸟兽，即使在必要的时候，我也不会感到任何的乐趣；同样的，我也不浪费时间在空谈上。不要担心，坐在你主人旁边，给我安静点！”
A shadow of sorrow passed over his face. “Do you remember aught of special mark that the Lord Boromir bore with him among his gear?”
他的脸上掠过一道阴影。“你还记得波罗莫王子，随身携带有什么特殊的东西吗？”
Frodo thought for a moment, fearing some further trap, and wondering how this debate would turn in the end. He had hardly saved the Ring from the proud grasp of Boromir, and how he would fare now among so many men, warlike and strong, he did not know. Yet he felt in his heart that Faramir, though he was much like his brother in looks, was a man less self-regarding, both sterner and wiser. “I remember that Boromir bore a horn,” he said at last.
佛罗多思考了片刻，担心会有什么进一步的陷阱，同时也不知道这场辩论到底会怎么样结束，他好不容易才从骄傲的波罗莫手中救下魔戒，他根本无法想象要如何逃过这么多骁勇善战的士兵。但是，他心中却隐隐明白，虽然法拉墨和哥哥的外表长得很像，但是却是一个比较不自我中心、更严肃和睿智的人。“我记得波罗莫随身携带了一支号角，”他最后终于说。
“I sat at night by the waters of Anduin, in the grey dark under the young pale moon, watching the ever-moving stream; and the sad reeds were rustling. So do we ever watch the shores nigh Osgiliath, which our enemies now partly hold, and issue from it to harry our lands. But that night all the world slept at the midnight hour. Then I saw, or it seemed that I saw, a boat floating on the water, glimmering grey, a small boat of a strange fashion with a high prow, and there was none to row or steer it.”
“当天晚上我坐在安都因大河旁，在灰白的月光之下看着那不停流动的河水，耳边传来杨柳飘摇的声音。我们就这样不停地监视着河岸，因为奥斯吉力亚斯现在已有部分落入了魔王的掌握，他会从该处派遣部队前来攻击我们。但是，那天半夜，整个世界都仿佛陷入沉睡之中，然后我看见了，或者是在我的梦境中出现了，一艘漂浮在水面上的灰色小船。那艘小船设计十分的特殊，有着高高的船首，船内没有任何人操桨或执舵。”
“You remember well, and as one who has in truth seen him,” said Faramir. “Then maybe you can see it in your mind’s eye: a great horn of the wild ox of the East, bound with silver, and written with ancient characters. That horn the eldest son of our house has borne for many generations; and it is said that if it be blown at need anywhere within the bounds of Gondor, as the realm was of old, its voice will not pass unheeded.”
“你的记性不错，表示你的确应该见过他，”法拉墨说。“那么或许你可以仔细地回想一下：那是一个用东方大陆野牛的角所打磨的号角，利用纯银装饰，上面写有古代的文字。那是我们家族中长子代代相传许多年的传家宝，据说只要在古代刚铎国境中吹响这号角，它的声音就会传到人们的耳中。”
“Five days ere I set out on this venture, eleven days ago at about this hour of the day, I heard the blowing of that horn: from the northward it seemed, but dim, as if it were but an echo in the mind. A boding of ill we thought it, my father and I, for no tidings had we heard of Boromir since he went away, and no watcher on our borders had seen him pass. And on the third night after another and a stranger thing befell me.”
“在我出发的五天以前，也就是距离今天十一天之前，我听见了那号角的声音，听起来似乎是从北方传来的，但是相当微弱，彷佛是从记忆中绵延下来的号角声。我和父亲都认为这是不祥的预兆，因为自从他出发以后我们就没有了他的消息，边境的警卫也没有发现他的行踪。在那之后的第三个晚上，我又遇到了另一个奇特的征兆。”
“A broken sword was on his knee. I saw many wounds on him. It was Boromir, my brother, dead. I knew his gear, his sword, his beloved face. One thing only I missed: his horn. One thing only I knew not: a fair belt, as it were of linked golden leaves, about his waist. Boromir! I cried. Where is thy horn? Whither goest thou? O Boromir! But he was gone. The boat turned into the stream and passed glimmering on into the night. Dreamlike it was, and yet no dream, for there was no waking. And I do not doubt that he is dead and has passed down the River to the Sea.”
“他的膝盖上有一柄断剑，我看见他的身体上有着许多的伤痕──那是我死去的哥哥，波罗莫。我知道他的穿着、他的宝剑、他那张英俊的面孔其中，只少了一样东西：他的号角。此外，有一样东西是我所不熟悉的：一条美丽，由黄金叶子串连起来的腰带系在他腰间。波罗莫！我大喊着：你的号角呢？你到哪里去了？喔，波罗莫！但他就接着消失了。那艘船就漂下河流，闪闪发光地流入河中。那看起来好象一场梦境，但又不是梦，因为我没有醒来。我很确定他已经过世，尸体现在经由大河流入大海中。”
“An awe fell on me, for a pale light was round it. But I rose and went to the bank, and began to walk out into the stream, for I was drawn towards it. Then the boat turned towards me, and stayed its pace, and floated slowly by within my hand’s reach, yet I durst not handle it. It waded deep, as if it were heavily burdened, and it seemed to me as it passed under my gaze that it was almost filled with clear water, from which came the light; and lapped in the water a warrior lay asleep.”
“我立刻感到状况非比寻常，因为船身周围似乎环绕着苍白的光芒。我立刻走到岸边，开始踏入水中，感觉到有股力量在吸引着我；然后，那艘船保持着原先的速度漂向我，它漂到我的手边，但是我并没有伸手去碰它。它吃水很深，仿佛里面装载着什么沉重的物体；在我的眼中，里面似乎装满了清水，那些光芒也就是从这儿来的，在水中沉睡着一名战士。”
Faramir looked closely at it. “It is beautiful,” he said. “Yes, “tis work of the same craft. So then you passed through the Land of Lórien? Laurelindórenan it was named of old, but long now it has lain beyond the knowledge of Men,” he added softly, regarding Frodo with a new wonder in his eyes. “Much that was strange about you I begin now to understand. Will you not tell me more? For it is a bitter thought that Boromir died, within sight of the land of his home.”
法拉墨仔细地看着那别针。“这真美丽！”他说：“是的，这的确就是同样的做工。原来你们曾经通过罗瑞安之境？在古代，它的名字叫作罗伦林多瑞安，但已经许多年没有人类踏入过了。”他柔声呢喃道，用崭新的眼光打量着佛罗多：“有许多神秘的状况我现在才开始了解，你愿意告诉我更多的事情吗？因为如果波罗莫死在可以见到家乡的地方，我会觉得相当遗憾。”
“No more can I say than I have said,” answered Frodo. “Though your tale fills me with foreboding. A vision it was that you saw, I think, and no more, some shadow of evil fortune that has been or will be. Unless indeed it is some lying trick of the Enemy. I have seen the faces of fair warriors of old laid in sleep beneath the pools of the Dead Marshes, or seeming so by his foul arts.”
“我知道的都已经告诉你了，”佛罗多说：“不过，你的故事让我觉得十分不安。我想，你看到的可能只是一个幻觉，某种阴暗的过去或是未来的影像，除非这是魔王的诡计。我在死亡沼泽中曾经看过英勇战士的面孔，或许也同样是在他邪恶魔法的影响下。”
“Alas!” said Frodo. “That was indeed Boromir as I knew him. For the golden belt was given to him in Lothlórien by the Lady Galadriel. She it was that clothed us as you see us, in elven-grey. This brooch is of the same workmanship.” He touched the green and silver leaf that fastened his cloak beneath his throat.
“唉！”佛罗多说：“这的确就是我认识的波罗莫，因为那条金腰带，是在罗斯洛立安由凯兰崔尔女皇所赠送的。你见到我们时，我们身上穿的衣服，就是她所给我们的精灵灰衣，这个胸针就是同样的做工。”他碰碰喉间绿色和银色的叶型别针。
“Yet how could such a thing have happened in truth?” asked Frodo. “For no boat could have been carried over the stony hills from Tol Brandir; and Boromir purposed to go home across the Entwash and the fields of Rohan. And yet how could any vessel ride the foam of the great falls and not founder in the boiling pools, though laden with water?”
“但是这怎么可能会发生呢？”佛罗多问道：“没有任何船只可以通过托尔布兰达多岩的山区，而且波罗莫的提议是准备透过树沐河，再经过洛汗回到故乡。但是，怎么有可能会有船只通过一路上众多的瀑布和激流，安全抵达你当时所在的地方呢？”
“Nay, it was not so,” said Faramir. “For his works fill the heart with loathing; but my heart was filled with grief and pity.”
“不，不是这样的，”法拉墨说：“因为他的诡计会让人心中充满了厌恶，但我当时心中充满了遗憾和悲伤。”
“You passed through the Hidden Land,” said Faramir, “but it seems that you little understood its power. If Men have dealings with the Mistress of Magic who dwells in the Golden Wood, then they may look for strange things to follow. For it is perilous for mortal man to walk out of the world of this Sun, and few of old came thence unchanged, this said.
“你们通过了那隐藏的大地，”法拉墨说：“但是，看来你对它的力量并不了解。如果人类和黄金森林中的魔法女王打过交道，接下来可能会遇到意料之外的状况。因为根据传说，凡人踏进太阳照不到的世界是极端危险的，古代没有多少人离开的时候可以不受影响。”
“From Lórien,” said Frodo. “In three such boats we rowed down Anduin to the Falls. They also were of elven-work.”
“是从罗瑞安来的，”佛罗多说：“我们利用这三艘船一路划过安都因河来到瀑布，它们也是精灵所打造的。”
“Boromir, O Boromir!” he cried. “What did she say to you, the Lady that dies not? What did she see? What woke in your heart then? Why went you ever to Laurelindórenan, and came not by your own road, upon the horses of Rohan riding home in the morning?”
“波罗莫！喔，波罗莫！”他大喊着。“那不死的女王，她究竟对你说了些什么？她看见了什么？你的心中想起了什么？你为什么要去罗伦林多瑞安，却不照着你之前的计划，骑着洛汗的骏马回到家乡？”
“I know not,” said Faramir. “But whence came the boat?”
“我不知道，”法拉墨说：“但那船又是从哪里来的呢？”
“No, I did not know of it,” said Frodo. “But the day when you heard it blowing, if your reckoning is true, was the day when we parted, when I and my servant left the Company. And now your tale fills me with dread. For if Boromir was then in peril and was slain, I must fear that all my companions perished too. And they were my kindred and my friends.”
“是的，我的确完全不知道，”佛罗多说：“但如果你没有听错的话，号角响起的那一天，就是我和我的仆人离开远征队的那一天。你刚刚所说的故事让我十分的害怕。因为，如果当时波罗莫身陷险境，最后甚至阵亡的话，我很担心其它伙伴是否也遭遇了不幸？他们都是我一同出生入死的好友。”
Then turning again to Frodo, he spoke in a quiet voice once more. “To those questions I guess that you could make some answer, Frodo son of Drogo. But not here or now, maybe. But lest you still should think my tale a vision, I will tell you this. The horn of Boromir at least returned in truth, and not in seeming. The horn came, but it was cloven in two, as it were by axe or sword. The shards came severally to shore: one was found among the reeds where watchers of Gondor lay, northwards below the infalls of the Entwash; the other was found spinning on the flood by one who had an errand on the water. Strange chances, but murder will out, this said. And now the horn of the elder son lies in two pieces upon the lap of Denethor, sitting in his high chair, waiting for news. And you can tell me nothing of the cleaving of the horn?”
然后，他又转过身面对佛罗多，再度用低沉的声音说话。“德罗哥之子佛罗多，我想这些疑问你都应该可以解答才是，但或许不在此时此地。不过，如果你还是认为我所见所闻只是幻影，那么我可以告诉你这件事。波罗莫的号角真真实实的回到了他的家乡，绝对不是幻影。号角漂流到岸边，但却彷佛被斧头或是长剑砍成两半，一半是在刚铎守望者驻防的地方被发现的，那是在树沐河会流之地的北方；另外一半则是被有任务在身的人在河中发现的。看起来非常巧合，但根据古谚，枉死者不会让自己冤沉大海的。此刻，长子代代相传的号角之碎片，正在迪耐瑟王的膝盖上，而他坐在宝座上等待新的消息。你难道对这号角破碎的消息一点也不知情吗？”
“Go back, Faramir, valiant Captain of Gondor, and defend your city while you may, and let me go where my doom takes me.”
“回去吧，法拉墨，刚铎勇敢的将军，把握机会好好防卫你的城市，而我必须面对末日，前往该去的地方！”
“But whatever befell on the North March, you, Frodo, I doubt no longer. If hard days have made me any judge of Men’s words and faces, then I may make a guess at Halflings! Though,” and now he smiled, “there is something strange about you, Frodo, an Elvish air, maybe. But more lies upon our words together than I thought at first. I should now take you back to Minas Tirith to answer there to Denethor, and my life will justly be forfeit, if I now choose a course that proves ill for my city. So I will not decide in haste what is to be done. Yet we must move hence without more delay.”
“不过，不管他们遭遇到了什么样的命运，佛罗多，我都已经不再对你有所怀疑。如果这些艰苦的日子让我拥有判断人心的能力，那么或许我也能够推断半身人的想法。不过──”他露出了久违的笑容：“佛罗多，你有种奇怪的气质，或许是精灵的味道吧，但是，你似乎比我一开始所想的还要承担更多的责任。我应该把你带回米那斯提力斯，接受我王的裁判。可是，如果我作出了错误的选择，可能会连累到我城邦的命运，因此，我不能够在仓促中决定。不过，我们又不能够在此继续拖延。”
“For me there is no comfort in our speech together,” said Faramir; “but you surely draw from it more dread than need be. Unless the people of Lórien themselves came to him, who arrayed Boromir as for a funeral? Not Orcs or servants of the Nameless. Some of your Company, I guess, live still.”
“我和你一样觉得疑虑不安，”法拉墨说：“但很明显的你太过虑了些，除非是罗瑞安的居民替他安排的，否则会有谁能够替波罗莫安排丧礼？当然不是半兽人或是无名者的奴仆，我猜测，你的同伴还有些人活了下来。”
“Will you not put aside your doubt of me and let me go? I am weary, and full of grief, and afraid. But I have a deed to do, or to attempt, before I too am slain. And the more need of haste, if we two halflings are all that remain of our fellowship.”
“你可否把你的疑虑放到一边，让我离开呢？我非常疲倦，心中充满了哀伤和恐惧，但在我也遭到同样的命运之前，我还是有个任务必须要做。而且，如果远征队只剩下两名哈比人，我们就更不能够拖延了。”
There was nothing for Frodo to do but to fall in with this request, or order. It seemed in any case a wise course for the moment, since this foray of the men of Gondor had made a journey in Ithilien more dangerous than ever.
佛罗多别无选择，只能服从这个要求或是变相的命令。至少目前看起来，这是个还算合理的作法，因为这群刚铎战士刚刚的所做所为，已经让伊西立安曝露在高度危险中。
“Now you, Frodo and Samwise, will come with me and my guards,” said Faramir. “You cannot go along the road southwards, if that was your purpose. It will be unsafe for some days, and always more closely watched after this affray than it has been yet. And you cannot, I think, go far today in any case, for you are weary. And so are we. We are going now to a secret place we have, somewhat less than ten miles from here. The Orcs and spies of the Enemy have not found it yet, and if they did, we could hold it long even against many. There we may lie up and rest for a while, and you with us. In the morning I will decide what is best for me to do, and for you.”
“轮到你们两位了，佛罗多和山姆卫斯，你们两位和我以及两名护卫一起走，”法拉墨说：“如果你们计划往南走，现在也不能够继续走那条路了。这条路在今后好几天之内都会非常危险，在我们执行了这次突袭之后，此地会受到更严密的监控。我想，既然你们今天都已经相当疲倦，恐怕也不能够再往前走多远了，我们要前往距离此地大约十哩左右的秘密藏身处。半兽人和魔王的间谍，截至目前为止还没找到那个地方，即使他们发现了该处，我们也能够在那边以寡击众固守很长的时间。你们可以和我们一起在那边休息一段时间，到了早上，我会决定你和我该怎么做。”
He sprang to his feet and issued some orders. At once the men who were gathered round him broke up into small groups, and went off this way and that, vanishing quickly into the shadows of the rocks and trees. Soon only Mablung and Damrod remained.
他跳了起来，对四周的人发号施令。四周的人群立刻分散成许多小组，往不同的方向散去，很快地隐入岩石和树木的阴影中。不久，只剩下马伯龙和丹姆拉留在原地。
“I broke off our speech together,” said Faramir, “not only because time pressed, as Master Samwise had reminded me, but also because we were drawing near to matters that were better not debated openly before many men. It was for that reason that I turned rather to the matter of my brother and let be Isildur’s Bane. You were not wholly frank with me, Frodo.”
“我之所以会中断那段谈话，”法拉墨说：“并不只是因为山姆先生提醒我的时间紧迫，同时也是因为我们讨论的话题，已经无法在众人面前公开交谈了。是因为这个原因，我才不再追问兄长的状况以及埃西铎克星的详情。佛罗多，你并没有完全说实话。”
“I told no lies, and of the truth all I could,” said Frodo.
“我没有说谎，也已经把所有能说的话都告诉了你，”佛罗多回答。
They set out at once: Mablung and Damrod a little ahead, and Faramir with Frodo and Sam behind. Skirting the hither side of the pool where the hobbits had bathed, they crossed the stream, climbed a long bank, and passed into green-shadowed woodlands that marched ever downwards and westwards. While they walked, as swiftly as the hobbits could go, they talked in hushed voices.
他们立刻就出发，马伯龙和丹姆拉打前锋，法拉墨和佛罗多及山姆则走在后头。他们绕过了哈比人之前盥洗的池子，越过了小溪，爬过一段斜坡，进入森林中，一直往下坡和往西方前进。当他们以哈比人最快的步伐前进的时候，照旧压低声音交谈着。
“I do not blame you,” said Faramir. “You spoke with skill in a hard place, and wisely, it seemed to me. But I learned or guessed more from you than your words said. You were not friendly with Boromir, or you did not part in friendship. You, and Master Samwise, too, I guess have some grievance. Now I loved him dearly, and would gladly avenge his death, yet I knew him well. Isildur’s Bane — I would hazard that Isildur’s Bane lay between you and was a cause of contention in your Company. Clearly it is a mighty heirloom of some sort, and such things do not breed peace among confederates, not if aught may be learned from ancient tales. Do I not hit near the mark?”
“我不怪你，”法拉墨说：“就我看来，你在困境中依旧相当有技巧地传达了部分的事实，不过，我还是从你没有说出口的话语中猜到了不少。你和波罗莫的关系不怎么好，或者是你们离开的时候起了冲突，你，和山姆卫斯先生都一样，我想可能有些不愉快。虽然我十分敬爱他，也很想要为他复仇，但我很了解他的为人。埃西铎克星，我推测它就在你的身上，也是你们远征队彼此猜忌的原因。很明显它是某种强而有力的物品，而这样的东西在盟友之间并不会促进双方的友谊，万一有一方从古代的传说中得知了真相就更是如此。我的猜测是否很接近了？”
“Near,” said Frodo, “but not in the gold. There was no contention in our Company, though there was doubt: doubt which way we should take from the Emyn Muil. But be that as it may, ancient tales teach us also the peril of rash words concerning such things as — heirlooms.”
“的确很接近，”佛罗多说：“但并不完全正确。远征队中没有猜忌，但的确有犹豫不决：我们不确定在离开了爱明莫尔之后该走哪条路。不过，即使是这样，古代的传说也告诉我们不要仓促的评断这──物品。”
“But, Frodo, I pressed you hard at first about Isildur’s Bane. Forgive me! It was unwise in such an hour and place. I had not had time for thought. We had had a hard fight, and there was more than enough to fill my mind. But even as I spoke with you, I drew nearer to the mark, and so deliberately shot wider. For you must know that much is still preserved of ancient lore among the Rulers of the city that is not spread abroad. We of my house are not of the line of Elendil, though the blood of Númenor is in us. For we reckon back our line to Mardil, the good steward, who ruled in the king’s stead when he went away to war. And that was King Eärnur, last of the line of Anárion, and childless, and he came never back. And the stewards have governed the city since that day, though it was many generations of Men ago.”
“可是，佛罗多，请原谅我一开始这么急躁地逼问你有关埃西铎克星的事情，在此时此地实在不太适合，我当时没有时间思考。我们刚打了一场艰苦的战斗，我脑中乱糟糟的。不过，当我和你交谈的时候，虽然我越来越逼近真相，最后我却刻意地避开了主题。虽然我们家族的人拥有努曼诺尔人的血统，但并非伊兰迪尔的直系子孙，我们的血统直溯自马迪尔，他是当时的宰相，在国王御驾亲征的时候担任摄政王，代理朝政。那位国王是伊亚诺，安那瑞安的最后血脉，而且他死时膝下无子。因此，从那天以后，宰相就开始继承了该城的王位，那已经是许多代以前的故事了。”
“Ah, then it is as I thought: your trouble was with Boromir alone. He wished this thing brought to Minas Tirith. Alas! it is a crooked fate that seals your lips who saw him last, and holds from me that which I long to know: what was in his heart and thought in his latest hours. Whether he erred or no, of this I am sure: he died well, achieving some good thing. His face was more beautiful even than in life.”
“啊，那么果然和我所想的一样：你所遭遇到的争执仅限于波罗莫身上，他希望能够把这个东西带到米那斯提力斯去。真是遗憾！命运让你无法告诉我期待已久的真相，也让我无法从最后一个见到他的人口中探索事实：他生命中的最后一刻到底在想些什么。不管他之前是否犯了错，但我知道一件事：他没有白白牺牲，死前的努力至少让他可以瞑目，他脸上的表情比生前的任何时刻都要安祥。”
“It does,” said Frodo. “Yet always he treated Aragorn with honour.”
“的确，”佛罗多说：“但他一直毕恭毕敬地对待亚拉冈。”
“I doubt it not,” said Faramir. “If he were satisfied of Aragorn’s claim, as you say, he would greatly reverence him. But the pinch had not yet come. They had not yet reached Minas Tirith or become rivals in her wars.”
“我毫不怀疑这一点，”法拉墨说：“如果他如同你所说的一样，认同亚拉冈的血统，那么他的确会对他非常尊敬。不过，关键的时刻还没到来，他们还没有机会抵达米那斯提力斯，成为战争中彼此竞争的对手。”
“But I stray. We in the house of Denethor know much ancient lore by long tradition, and there are moreover in our treasuries many things preserved: books and tablets writ on withered parchments, yea, and on stone, and on leaves of silver and of gold, in divers characters. Some none can now read; and for the rest, few ever unlock them. I can read a little in them, for I have had teaching. It was these records that brought the Grey Pilgrim to us. I first saw him when I was a child, and he has been twice or thrice since then.”
“但我还是十分旁徨，在迪耐瑟家族中，自古以来就对古代传说投注许多心力。在我家族的宝库中保留了许多古代的历史：书籍或是石板，书写在草叶、岩石、羊皮纸上的记载，甚至是撰写在银叶和金叶之上的各种语言。有些现在已经完全无人能懂，至于其它的记载，则是没有多少人曾打开它们。由于我曾经学过许多种语言，因此我看得懂大多数的记载，就正是这些记载让灰袍圣徒来到我们的城中。当我还是个孩子的时候曾经看过他，那之后他也只来过两三次。”
“And this I remember of Boromir as a boy, when we together learned the tale of our sires and the history of our city, that always it displeased him that his father was not king. ‘How many hundreds of years needs it to make a steward a king, if the king returns not?’ he asked. ‘Few years, maybe, in other places of less royalty,’ my father answered. ‘In Gondor ten thousand years would not suffice.’ Alas! poor Boromir. Does that not tell you something of him?”
“我还记得波罗莫小的时候，当我们一起学习祖先的过去和这座城市的历史时，父亲并非真正国王的事实一直让他非常不高兴。‘如果国王永不归位，到底要几百年才能够让宰相成为国王？’他会这么说。‘在其它比较缺乏忠诚的国家，或许只要几年，’我的父亲回答：‘在刚铎，即使一万年也不会有所改变。’唉！可怜的波罗莫，这样是否让你明白一些有关他的行事作风？”
“Mithrandir we called him in elf-fashion,” said Faramir, “and he was content. Many are my names in many countries, he said. Mithrandir among the Elves, Tharkûn to the Dwarves; Olórin I was in my youth in the West that is forgotten, in the South Incánus, in the North Gandalf; to the East I go not.”
“我们遵照精灵的习惯称呼他为米斯兰达，”法拉墨说：“他也没有多说什么。我在各族中拥有许多名字，’他说：在精灵中是米斯兰达，在矮人中是塔空；当我在远古的西方时，曾经自称为欧络因，在南方被称为因卡诺斯，北方则是甘道夫，但我从来不去东方。”
“Alas! yes,” said Frodo. “I saw him fall into the abyss.”
“很遗憾，我很确定，”佛罗多说：“我亲眼看见他落入了深渊之中。”
“The Grey Pilgrim?” said Frodo. “Had he a name?”
“灰袍圣徒？”佛罗多问道：“他有名字吗？”
“Mithrandir was lost!” said Faramir. “An evil fate seems to have pursued your fellowship. It is hard indeed to believe that one of so great wisdom, and of power — for many wonderful things he did among us — could perish, and so much lore be taken from the world. Are you sure of this, and that he did not just leave you and depart where he would?”
“米斯兰达牺牲了！”法拉墨说：“你的远征队似乎被厄运所诅咒，我实在很难相信，如此睿智、拥有这么强大力量的人会就这么死亡，也带走了无数的知识。他曾经在我邦中施行了许多的奇迹。你真的确定吗？有没有可能他只是暂时离开？”
“Gandalf!” said Frodo. “I thought it was he. Gandalf the Grey, dearest of counsellors. Leader of our Company. He was lost in Moria.”
“甘道夫！”佛罗多说：“我就知道是他。灰袍甘道夫，我最尊敬的朋友，也是我们远征队的领袖，他在摩瑞亚牺牲了！”
“I see that there is some great tale of dread in this,” said Faramir, “which perhaps you may tell me in the evening-time. This Mithrandir was, I now guess, more than a lore-master: a great mover of the deeds that are done in our time. Had he been among us to consult concerning the hard words of our dream, he could have made them clear to us without need of messenger. Yet, maybe, he would not have done so, and the journey of Boromir was doomed. Mithrandir never spoke to us of what was to be, nor did he reveal his purposes. He got leave of Denethor, how I do not know, to look at the secrets of our treasury, and I learned a little of him, when he would teach (and that was seldom). Ever he would search and would question us above all else concerning the Great Battle that was fought upon Dagorlad in the beginning of Gondor, when He whom we do not name was overthrown. And he was eager for stories of Isildur, though of him we had less to tell; for nothing certain was ever known among us of his end.”
“我看得出来这背后有段相当恐怖的故事，”法拉墨说：“或许你可以稍后再告诉我。我现在认为，这个米斯兰达并不只是撰述历史的学者而已，他是在幕后操纵历史运行的一名伟大人物。如果他当时能够为我们解读那段预言，或许我们可以不需要派出信差，就可以清楚地了解预言的意义，但是，他可能不会这么做，因为波罗莫注定要踏上旅途。米斯兰达一向不告诉我们未来会怎么样，也不明说他的目地。我不知道他是如何获得了迪耐瑟的许可，只知道他可以自由的查阅我们的记载。当他愿意教导我的时候（这机会极为少有），我也没从他身上学到多少。他一直以来都专注地搜寻有关刚铎初创时于达哥拉一战的相关记载，我们不愿提及名号的那位魔头，就是在这场战役中被推翻的。他也非常关注有关埃西铎的故事，不过我们在这方面就无法提供太多的消息，因为连我们也不确定他的下落如何。”
“What in truth this Thing is I cannot yet guess; but some heirloom of power and peril it must be. A fell weapon, perchance, devised by the Dark Lord. If it were a thing that gave advantage in battle, I can well believe that Boromir, the proud and fearless, often rash, ever anxious for the victory of Minas Tirith (and his own glory therein), might desire such a thing and be allured by it. Alas that ever he went on that errand! I should have been chosen by my father and the elders, but he put himself forward, as being the older and the hardier (both true), and he would not be stayed.”
“不过，我实在猜不出来这到底是什么东西，但它一定是某种拥有强大力量，会带来厄运的物品，或许是黑暗魔君所制造的某种邪恶武器。如果那是种可以让人取得优势的武器，我毫不怀疑骄傲、无惧的，往往不加思索，将米那斯提力斯的胜利摆在第一位（和他个人的荣耀）的波罗莫，可能会想要取得这东西，甚至受到它的诱惑。当初我就不应该让他前往的！本来在我王和长老们的意见中，应该是由我来执行这任务；但是他自告奋勇前往，既然他是长子，又拥有更多的战斗经验，我只能让贤了。”
Now Faramir’s voice sank to a whisper. “But this much I learned, or guessed, and I have kept it ever secret in my heart since: that Isildur took somewhat from the hand of the Unnamed, ere he went away from Gondor, never to be seen among mortal men again. Here I thought was the answer to Mithrandir’s questioning. But it seemed then a matter that concerned only the seekers after ancient learning. Nor when the riddling words of our dream were debated among us, did I think of Isildur’s Bane as being this same thing. For Isildur was ambushed and slain by orc-arrows, according to the only legend that we knew, and Mithrandir had never told me more.”
法拉墨压低了声音继续说：“但是，我至少知道，或是猜到了这么多，并且将这些当作秘密藏在心里至今：在他离开刚铎和人世间之前，埃西铎从无名者的手中取下了什么东西，我想这就是米斯兰达疑问的解答；不过，当时看起来，这只是研究历史者有兴趣知道的细节而已。即使在我们的梦中出现了那预言之后，我也没有联想到那和埃西铎的克星是同一个东西。因为埃西铎是在半兽人的埋伏之下遭到射死，这是我们唯一所知道的传说，米斯兰达也没有告诉我们更进一步的消息。”
“Neither did the Council,” said Frodo. “Nor do I. I would have nothing to do with such matters.”
“爱隆主持的那场会议也是这么认为，”佛罗多说：“我也一样，如果我有选择，我也不愿意和它有所牵扯。”
“But fear no more! I would not take this thing, if it lay by the highway. Not were Minas Tirith falling in ruin and I alone could save her, so, using the weapon of the Dark Lord for her good and my glory. No, I do not wish for such triumphs, Frodo son of Drogo.”
“不要担心！即使这样东西就放在路边，我也不会想要伸手。就算米那斯提力斯即将沦陷，只有我可以拯救它，我也不愿意使用魔王的武器来对抗敌人。不，德罗哥之子佛罗多，我不需要这样的胜利。”
“For myself,” said Faramir, “I would see the White Tree in flower again in the courts of the kings, and the Silver Crown return, and Minas Tirith in peace: Minas Anor again as of old, full of light, high and fair, beautiful as a queen among other queens: not a mistress of many slaves, nay, not even a kind mistress of willing slaves. War must be, while we defend our lives against a destroyer who would devour all; but I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness, nor the warrior for his glory. I love only that which they defend: the city of the Men of Númenor; and I would have her loved for her memory, her ancientry, her beauty, and her present wisdom. Not feared, save as men may fear the dignity of a man, old and wise.”
“就我来说，”法拉墨说：“我宁愿看到圣白树再度开花结果，银皇冠回到我城，米那斯提力斯重获和平，米那斯雅诺恢复旧观，充满了光明和美丽，如同后中之后一样的尊贵：而不是诸多奴隶中的女王，不，甚至不应该是诸多自愿的奴仆中的善心女王。在我们对抗那吞蚀一切的邪恶时，战争是必要的手段，但我并不因刃利、箭尖而爱用它们，也不因战士可以获得荣耀而喜爱战争。我爱的是他们所致力保卫的，努曼诺尔人的城市，我宁愿让人们回忆它的美丽、它的古典和它的睿智，而不是让人畏惧它的力量；除非，这力量是来自于对于古代智者的尊敬。”
Frodo made no answer. Almost he yielded to the desire for help and counsel, to tell this grave young man, whose words seemed so wise and fair, all that was in his mind. But something held him back. His heart was heavy with fear and sorrow: if he and Sam were indeed, as seemed likely, all that was now left of the Nine Walkers, then he was in sole command of the secret of their errand. Better mistrust undeserved than rash words. And the memory of Boromir, of the dreadful change that the lure of the Ring had worked in him, was very present to his mind, when he looked at Faramir and listened to his voice: unlike they were, and yet also much akin.
佛罗多没有回答，他几乎向自己渴求帮助和忠告的欲望低头了，他想要告诉这个肩负重责大任的青年，他的话语听起来从容睿智，似乎一切都已经了然于胸。但有某种力量阻止了他，他的心中充满了恐惧和哀伤：如果他和山姆真的是九人小队最后的幸存者，那他就成了秘密的唯一保有者，宁可被误会也不能鲁莽地泄漏秘密。当他看着法拉墨，倾听着他的话语时，波罗莫在魔戒诱惑下戏剧性的转变过程，也活生生地出现在他脑海：他们两人虽然不完全一样，但却又有很多方面相同。
“So fear me not! I do not ask you to tell me more. I do not even ask you to tell me whether I now speak nearer the mark. But if you will trust me, it may be that I can advise you in your present quest, whatever that be — yes, and even aid you.”
“因此，不要害怕！我并不打算要求你告诉我更进一步的消息，我甚至不准备问你我刚刚的猜测是否已经接近事实。不过，如果你愿意相信我，或许我可以给予你一些忠告，甚至，在你的任务中协助你。”
They walked on in silence for a while, passing like grey and green shadows under the old trees, their feet making no sound; above them many birds sang, and the sun glistened on the polished roof of dark leaves in the evergreen woods of Ithilien.
他们沉默地走了片刻，像是灰色和绿色的影子通过老树下，脚步声轻得难以察觉；在他们的头顶上，有许多鸟雀鸣唱，太阳照耀在伊西立安长青的森林之上。
Sam had taken no part in the conversation, though he had listened; and at the same time he had attended with his keen hobbit ears to all the soft woodland noises about them. One thing he had noted, that in all the talk the name of Gollum had not once come up. He was glad, though he felt that it was too much to hope that he would never hear it again. He soon became aware also that though they walked alone, there were many men close at hand: not only Damrod and Mablung flitting in and out of the shadows ahead, but others on either side, all making their swift secret way to some appointed place.
山姆完全没有介入这次的对话，他只是静静地倾听着，同时，他也利用哈比人良好的听力分析着四周的一切声响。他注意到一件事情，在这整段交谈的过程中，咕鲁这个名字一次也没有出现过。他很高兴，只不过，他并不敢奢望这个名字会从此永远消失。他很快就注意到，虽然他们只有三个人走在一起，但附近还有许多其它的人类：不只是丹姆拉和马伯龙在阴影中穿梭，还有其它的人在附近游走，全都是以各自不同的路线前往同样一个地点。
Once, looking suddenly back, as if some prickle of the skin told him that he was watched from behind, he thought he caught a brief glimpse of a small dark shape slipping behind a tree-trunk. He opened his mouth to speak and shut it again. “I’m not sure of it,” he said to himself, “and why should I remind them of the old villain, if they choose to forget him? I wish I could!”
有一次，他似乎被某种遭到偷窥的不适感所驱使，突如其来地回过头，发觉有个黑色的小身影隐到树林之中；他准备开口大叫，随即又闭了起来。“我还不能够百分之百确定，”他对自己说：“如果这两个人都不打算再去想他，为什么我又要提醒他们呢？我真希望自己可以把他忘记！”
So they passed on, until the woodlands grew thinner and the land began to fall more steeply. Then they turned aside again, to the right, and came quickly to a small river in a narrow gorge: it was the same stream that trickled far above out of the round pool, now grown to a swift torrent, leaping down over many stones in a deep-cloven bed, overhung with ilex and dark box-woods. Looking west they could see, below them in a haze of light, lowlands and broad meads, and glinting far off in the westering sun the wide waters of the Anduin.
因此，他们继续往前，树林慢慢变得越来越稀疏，地形也逐渐往下倾斜。然后他们又快速地往右转，来到一个狭窄山谷中的小河前：这是远方的池塘所流出的同一条河流，现在已经成了一条越过许多岩石，泛着泡沫的激流。他们往西看去，可以看见笼罩在朦胧微光中的大河安都因，草地披覆四周。
“As you will,” said Frodo. “Even the Elves do likewise at need, and blindfolded we crossed the borders of fair Lothlórien. Gimli the dwarf took it ill, but the hobbits endured it.”
“就请你照着惯例来吧，”佛罗多说：“即使在我们跨越罗斯洛立安边境的时候，精灵们也提出同样的要求。矮人金雳不愿接受，但我们哈比人可是相当不愿惹起争端的。”
“It is to no place so fair that I shall lead you,” said Faramir. “But I am glad that you will take this willingly and not by force.”
“我将要带你去的地方，无法和精灵的住所相提并论，”法拉墨说：“但我很高兴你可以有风度地接受这个建议，不需要我动用武力。”
“Here, alas! I must do you a discourtesy,” said Faramir. “I hope you will pardon it to one who has so far made his orders give way to courtesy as not to slay you or to bind you. But it is a command that no stranger, not even one of Rohan that fights with us, shall see the path we now go with open eyes. I must blindfold you.”
“终于到了，不过，很抱歉，我必须冒犯两位，”法拉墨说：“我希望你们可以谅解一位直到目前为止，还没有下令杀死或是绑起你们的人，从现在开始须要遮住两位的眼睛。这是上级的严格命令，任何外人，即使是和我们并肩作战的洛汗骠骑也不例外，都不能够看到我们即将踏上的道路。”
He called softly and immediately Mablung and Damrod stepped out of the trees and came back to him. “Blindfold these guests,” said Faramir. “Securely, but not so as to discomfort them. Do not tie their hands. They will give their word not to try and see. I could trust them to shut their eyes of their own accord, but eyes will blink, if the feet stumble. Lead them so that they do not falter.”
他低声轻呼，马伯龙和丹姆拉立刻走出森林，回到他身边。“请替这些客人绑上眼罩，”法拉墨说：“绑紧一点，但不要让他们觉得不舒服。不用绑住他们的手，他们愿意保证不会试着偷看，其实我宁愿相信他们会主动闭起眼睛，只是，人快摔倒的时候自然会睁开眼，我不能冒这个风险。请你们带领他们，免得他们跌跤。”
With green scarves the two guards now bound up the hobbits’ eyes, and drew their hoods down almost to their mouths; then quickly they took each one by the hand and went on their way. All that Frodo and Sam knew of this last mile of the road they learned from guessing in the dark. After a little they found that they were on a path descending steeply; soon it grew so narrow that they went in single file, brushing a stony wall on either side; their guards steered them from behind with hands laid firmly on their shoulders. Now and again they came to rough places and were lifted from their feet for a while, and then set down again. Always the noise of the running water was on their right hand, and it grew nearer and louder. At length they were halted. Quickly Mablung and Damrod turned them about, several times, and they lost all sense of direction. They climbed upwards a little: it seemed cold and the noise of the stream had become faint. Then they were picked up and carried down, down many steps, and round a corner. Suddenly they heard the water again, loud now, rushing and splashing. All round them it seemed, and they felt a fine rain on their hands and cheeks. At last they were set on their feet once more. For a moment they stood so, half fearful, blindfold, not knowing where they were; and no one spoke.
两名守卫利用绿色的领巾遮住了哈比人的眼睛，并且将他们的兜帽戴上，几乎连嘴都遮住了。他们很快的一人牵住一人的手，往前方继续走去。佛罗多和山姆对这最后一段路的了解，都是靠着在黑暗中的猜测。过了一会儿之后，他们发现自己走在一条很陡的往下斜坡上，道路持续地缩窄，他们很快的就必须排成一排往前进。守卫走在他们两人背后，将手放在他们肩膀上，指引着他们在两边的山壁中前进。有时他们会来到比较崎岖的地形上，会被暂时抱起来，然后又重新放回地面去。水流的声音一直在右手边，也变得越来越清楚、越来越大声，到了最后，一行人停了下来。马伯龙和丹姆拉将他们转了好几圈，让他们完全失去了方向感，接着他们又往上爬了一段路，温度变得比较冷，水流的声音也变微弱了。然后他们又被抱着走下许多阶楼梯，绕过一个转角，突然间，他们又听见清楚的水流冲激河床的声音，这水声似乎将他们团团包围，细小的水滴落在他们全身。到了最后，他们终于又被放回地面，他们呆立了片刻，心中忐忑不安，完全不知道自己身在何方，也没有人对他们说话。
Then came the voice of Faramir close behind. “Let them see!” he said. The scarves were removed and their hoods drawn back, and they blinked and gasped.
然后，法拉墨的声音从后方传来。“解下他们的眼罩！”他说。两名守卫很快的拿掉他们的领巾和兜帽，他们眨着眼睛，深吸了一口气。
They stood on a wet floor of polished stone, the doorstep, as it were, of a rough-hewn gate of rock opening dark behind them. But in front a thin veil of water was hung, so near that Frodo could have put an outstretched arm into it. It faced westward. The level shafts of the setting sun behind beat upon it, and the red light was broken into many flickering beams of ever-changing colour. It was as if they stood at the window of some elven-tower, curtained with threaded jewels of silver and gold, and ruby, sapphire and amethyst, all kindled with an unconsuming fire.
他们站在打磨过的石板上，地上湿湿的，身后彷佛是从岩石中凿出来的大门和石阶。他们眼前则有一道水幕不停的流动着，近到让佛罗多可以轻易地伸出手来触摸这流水。这瀑布面对着西方，落日光芒成束地溅洒在瀑布上，红光被折射成许多道多彩的光芒。仿佛他们面对的是一座精灵的高塔，窗廉上是挂着多彩珠宝和金银的华美景象，这里似乎有着红宝石、蓝宝石和紫晶石，一切都被熊熊的阳炎所吞食。
“At least by good chance we came at the right hour to reward you for your patience,” said Faramir. “This is the Window of the Sunset, Henneth Annûn, fairest of all the falls of Ithilien, land of many fountains. Few strangers have ever seen it. But there is no kingly hall behind to match it. Enter now and see!”
“至少我们来的时机刚巧，希望能够弥补你们的耐心，”法拉墨说：“这是落日之窗，汉那斯安南，万泉之地伊西立安中最美丽的瀑布，只有极少数的外人曾经看过这里，可惜的是之后并没有华丽的厅堂可以与之相匹配。请进吧！”
Even as he spoke the sun sank, and the fire faded in the flowing water. They turned and passed under the low forbidding arch. At once they found themselves in a rock-chamber, wide and rough, with an uneven stooping roof. A few torches were kindled and cast a dim light on the glistening walls. Many men were already there. Others were still coming in by twos and threes through a dark narrow door on one side. As their eyes grew accustomed to the gloom the hobbits saw that the cave was larger than they had guessed and was filled with great store of arms and victuals.
当他说话的时候，太阳已经落下，流水中的火焰也跟着慢慢地消逝。他们转过身，进入低矮的拱门，立刻发现自己进入了一个石制的大厅，又宽又广，连屋顶都高低不平。潮湿的墙壁上插着几支点燃的火把，让室内充满着微弱的光芒，其它人则是三三两两的从另一边的窄门走进来。当哈比人的眼睛习惯这黑暗之后，他们发现洞穴比之前想象大得多了，里面装满了各式各样的补给和武器。
“Well, here is our refuge,” said Faramir. “Not a place of great ease, but here you may pass the night in peace. It is dry at least, and there is food, though no fire. At one time the water flowed down through this cave and out of the arch, but its course was changed further up the gorge, by workmen of old, and the stream sent down in a fall of doubled height over the rocks far above. All the ways into this grot were then sealed against the entry of water or aught else, all save one. There are now but two ways out: that passage yonder by which you entered blindfold, and through the Window-curtain into a deep bowl filled with knives of stone. Now rest a while, until the evening meal is set.”
“好啦，这就是我们的避难所，”法拉墨说：“并不是个很舒服的地方，但至少可以让你安全地度过一夜，至少这里不会那么潮湿，你也有食物可以吃，只是不能生火。古代的时候流水流进这个大厅，从那扇拱门流出去；但是，古代的巧匠在上面的峡谷中把河道做了改变，让流水从更高的地方化成瀑布流了下来。为了避免流水再度进入这个洞穴，当时的工匠把所有的入口都封闭了，只剩下少数的几个。现在要离开只有两个出口：一个就是你蒙着眼进来的地方，另一个则是穿过那水幕，落进一个满是尖锐岩石的池塘中。你们先休息吧，我们来负责晚饭！”
The hobbits were taken to a corner and given a low bed to lie on, if they wished. Meanwhile men busied themselves about the cave, quietly and in orderly quickness. Light tables were taken from the walls and set up on trestles and laden with gear. This was plain and unadorned for the most part, but all well and fairly made: round platters, bowls and dishes of glazed brown clay or turned box-wood, smooth and clean. Here and there was a cup or basin of polished bronze; and a goblet of plain silver was set by the Captain’s seat in the middle of the inmost table.
哈比人被带到一个角落，还有两张低矮的床铺可以让他们歇脚。在此同时，人们忙碌地在洞穴中奔波，井然有序的在处理千头万绪的事务。他们从墙壁上取下克难的桌板，把它架在架子上，上面放满了餐具，大部分的餐具都十分朴实，不过每个的作工都十分细致。圆盘子、碗、碟都是用打磨光滑的木头或是褐色的黏土所制作的，偶而可以看到桌上摆着黄铜的杯子或是小盆，一个朴素的银杯则是放在最中间的将军座位上。
“You saw and heard nothing, Anborn?” Faramir asked of the latest comer.
“安朋，你什么都没发现吗？”法拉墨询问最后走进来的人。
Faramir went about among the men, questioning each as he came in, in a soft voice. Some came back from the pursuit of the Southrons; others, left behind as scouts near the road, came in latest. All the Southrons had been accounted for, save only the great mûmak: what happened to him none could say. Of the enemy no movement could be seen; not even an orc-spy was abroad.
法拉墨和每一个走进来的士兵交谈，柔声地询问他们。有些人是刚执行完追杀南方人的任务，其它人则是负责担任后卫，肃清道路上的障碍。所有的南方人都已经被消灭了，唯一的例外只有姆马克，没有人知道它的下落如何。直到目前为止，他们都还没有发现敌人有任何动作，在路上连半兽人的间谍都没有。
“Well, no, lord,” said the man. “No Orc at least. But I saw, or thought I saw, something a little strange. It was getting deep dusk, when the eyes make things greater than they should be. So perhaps it may have been no more than a squirrel.” Sam pricked up his ears at this. “Yet if so, it was a black squirrel, and I saw no tail. It was like a shadow on the ground, and it whisked behind a tree-trunk when I drew nigh and went up aloft as swift as any squirrel could. You will not have us slay wild beasts for no purpose, and it seemed no more, so I tried no arrow. It was too dark for sure shooting anyway, and the creature was gone into the gloom of the leaves in a twinkling. But I stayed for a while, for it seemed strange, and then I hastened back. I thought I heard the thing hiss at me from high above as I turned away. A large squirrel, maybe. Perhaps under the shadow of the Unnamed some of the beasts of Mirkwood are wandering hither to our woods. They have black squirrels there, this said.”
“没有，大人，”那男子说：“至少没有半兽人。但是，我发现，或是我以为自己看见了某种奇怪的东西。当时天色已经快要黑了，人的视力往往会把东西夸大，或许那只不过是只松鼠。”山姆一听见这描述，立刻竖起耳朵。“但如果是这样，那就是只黑色的松鼠，而且它还没有尾巴。它看起来像是地上的一道阴影一般，当我一注意到它的时候，它就像只松鼠一样飞快地爬上树。您不准我们随意射杀鸟兽，因此我也没有浪费箭矢，反正当时天色也已经太暗了，我实在无法瞄准，那身影也在一瞬间消失在树叶的遮掩中。不过我还是在那边停留了一阵子，因为那景况看起来很可疑，后来我才匆忙地赶回来。我认为我转过头的时候，听见有什么东西对着我发出嘶嘶声，或许是只大松鼠，或许在无名者的阴影之下，有什么幽暗密林来的野兽跑进了我们的森林，根据传说，那边有怪异的黑色松鼠。”
“Perhaps,” said Faramir. “But that would be an ill omen, if it were so. We do not want the escapes of Mirkwood in Ithilien.” Sam fancied that he gave a swift glance towards the hobbits as he spoke; but Sam said nothing. For a while he and Frodo lay back and watched the torchlight, and the men moving to and fro speaking in hushed voices. Then suddenly Frodo fell asleep.
“或许吧，”法拉墨说：“但如果真是这样，这也是个坏兆头，我们可不想要幽暗密林的动物逃到伊西立安的森林来，”山姆认为他在说这个话的时候，飞快地瞄了哈比人一眼，但山姆还是不动声色。他和佛罗多就这么在火把的光芒下躺着，人们压低着声音四处移动，佛罗多就这么睡着了。
Sam struggled with himself, arguing this way and that. “He may be all right,” he thought, “and then he may not. Fair speech may hide a foul heart.” He yawned. “I could sleep for a week, and I’d be better for it. And what can I do, if I do keep awake, me all alone, and all these great Men about? Nothing, Sam Gamgee; but you’ve got to keep awake all the same.” And somehow he managed it. The light faded from the cave door, and the grey veil of falling water grew dim and was lost in gathering shadow. Always the sound of the water went on, never changing its note, morning or evening or night. It murmured and whispered of sleep. Sam stuck his knuckles in his eyes.
山姆挣扎着，和自己内心的想法不停争辩。“他或许没问题，”他想：“或许没这么简单，华美的言辞可能包藏祸心，”他打了个哈欠。“我可以睡上一整个星期，最好把握现在这个时间息，就算我死撑着不睡觉，四周都是这么高大的人类，山姆—詹吉啊！你又能够干些什么？我想一点用也没用，不过，你还是得要熬下去才行。”他最后竟然还是做到了。洞口的光芒渐渐黯淡下来，水幕也不再折射外光进入，慢慢消失在阴影之中。水声的节奏单调而持续着，不管是早晨、傍晚或是深夜，它呢喃着让人昏昏欲睡的节奏，山姆不停地揉着眼睛。
Now more torches were being lit. A cask of wine was broached. Storage barrels were being opened. Men were fetching water from the fall. Some were laving their hands in basins. A wide copper bowl and a white cloth were brought to Faramir and he washed.
又有更多的火把被点亮了，他们开了一桶葡萄酒，储藏食物的桶子也被打开，人们从瀑布里面取了很多水，有些人开始在水盆中洗手。部下们把一个铜盆和白色的毛巾，送到法拉墨面前让他盥洗。
“Put it on the ground, master, if you please!” he said. “Easier for me and you.” Then to the astonishment and amusement of the Men he plunged his head into the cold water and splashed his neck and ears.
“先生，麻烦你把水放在地上就好！”他说：“对你我来说都比较方便。”然后，在那人惊讶的目光下他把头泡进水中，对脖子和耳朵泼水。
“Is it the custom in your land to wash the head before supper?” said the man who waited on the hobbits.
“你的故乡习惯在吃晚饭前洗头吗？”伺候哈比人的男子问道。
“No, before breakfast,” said Sam. “But if you’re short of sleep cold water on the neck’s like rain on a wilted lettuce. There! Now I can keep awake long enough to eat a bit.”
“不，多半都在早餐前，”山姆说：“但是如果你缺乏睡眠，泼冷水在脖子上的效果和春天的及时雨浇在莴苣上一样。好啦！我清醒多了，准备吃晚餐了。”
“Wake our guests,” he said, “and take them water. It is time to eat.”
“叫醒我们的客人，”他说：“也给他们一些水，是该用餐的时候了。”
Frodo sat up and yawned and stretched. Sam, not used to being waited on, looked with some surprise at the tall man who bowed, holding a basin of water before him.
佛罗多坐了起来，伸了个懒腰。山姆并不习惯受人服侍，惊讶地发现一名高大的男子向他行礼，手中捧着一盆水。
They were led then to seats beside Faramir: barrels covered with pelts and high enough above the benches of the Men for their convenience. Before they ate, Faramir and all his men turned and faced west in a moment of silence. Faramir signed to Frodo and Sam that they should do likewise.
他们被带到法拉墨旁边的位子，为了方便他们吃饭，两人的座位是板凳上面放了小桶子，然后再垫上许多张毛皮的杰作。在用餐之前，法拉墨和所有的部下都转向西方，沉默了片刻。法拉墨示意山姆和佛罗多也跟着照做。
“So we always do,” he said, as they sat down: “we look towards Númenor that was, and beyond to Elvenhome that is, and to that which is beyond Elvenhome and will ever be. Have you no such custom at meat?”
“这是我们的习惯，我们会面对努曼诺尔，更是向精灵之乡致敬，也是向那精灵之乡以外的世外桃源致意。你们在用餐前有这样的礼仪吗？”
When all was done Faramir led them to a recess at the back of the cave, partly screened by curtains; and a chair and two stools were brought there. A little earthenware lamp burned in a niche.
在用餐完毕之后，法拉墨带领两人来到洞穴后一个比较隐密的空间里面，借着一道廉幕和外面隔开。此地安放了一张椅子和两张凳子，壁龛中放着一盏粘土烧制的油灯。
“No,” said Frodo, feeling strangely rustic and untutored. “But if we are guests, we bow to our host, and after we have eaten we rise and thank him.”
“没有，”佛罗多突然间觉得自己像个乡巴佬一样。“但是，如果我们受邀用餐，我们会向主人行礼，在吃完之后也会再度行礼，感谢他们的招待。”
“That we do also,” said Faramir.
“我们也会这样做。”法拉墨说。
After so long journeying and camping, and days spent in the lonely wild, the evening meal seemed a feast to the hobbits: to drink pale yellow wine, cool and fragrant, and eat bread and butter, and salted meats, and dried fruits, and good red cheese, with clean hands and clean knives and plates. Neither Frodo nor Sam refused anything that was offered, nor a second, nor indeed a third helping. The wine coursed in their veins and tired limbs, and they felt glad and easy of heart as they had not done since they left the land of Lórien.
在经过这么长的野外旅行和扎营，以及在荒野中独处了那么久的时间之后，这顿饭对哈比人来说像是难得的大餐。他们可以饮用冰凉、香气四溢的醇黄美酒，可以吃着面包和奶油，享受腌肉和干果，以及上好的红色乳酪，而且可以使用干净的刀叉和碟子，或是以双手享用这一切。佛罗多和山姆对所有的食物都照单全收，第一份、第二份，甚至是第三份都是如此。美酒流入他们的血管和疲倦的四肢，自从离开罗瑞安之后，他们很久没有这么轻松的感觉了。
Frodo told many tales, yet always he steered the matter away from the quest of the Company and from the Ring, enlarging rather on the valiant part Boromir had played in all their adventures, with the wolves of the wild, in the snows under Caradhras, and in the mines of Moria where Gandalf fell. Faramir was most moved by the story of the fight on the bridge.
佛罗多描述了整段旅程中的许多经历，不过，他总是会在关键时刻，把故事带离远征队的任务和魔戒，同时，还刻意强调波罗莫在这趟冒险中的英勇事迹，包括在对抗荒野的恶狼时、在高山上和暴风雪搏斗时，在甘道夫丧生的摩瑞亚矿坑中。法拉墨对于桥上的一战极为动容。
Frodo no longer felt sleepy and he was willing to talk. But though the food and wine had put him at his ease, he had not lost all his caution. Sam was beaming and humming to himself, but when Frodo spoke he was at first content to listen, only occasionally venturing to make an exclamation of agreement.
佛罗多不再觉得昏昏欲睡，反而很想要和大家聊聊天。不过，虽然食物和美酒让他放松下来，但并没有让他丧失警觉性。山姆自顾自地哼着歌，在佛罗多开口之后，起初他只是甘愿于倾听，偶尔会发出同意的声音。
“You may soon desire to sleep,” he said, “and especially good Samwise, who would not close his eyes before he ate — whether for fear of blunting the edge of a noble hunger, or for fear of me, I do not know. But it is not good to sleep too soon after meat, and that following a fast. Let us talk a while. On your journey from Rivendell there must have been many things to tell. And you, too, would perhaps wish to learn something of us and the lands where you now are. Tell me of Boromir my brother, and of old Mithrandir, and of the fair people of Lothlórien.”
“你们可能很快又会昏昏欲睡了，”他说：“特别是这位山姆魏斯先生，他在吃饭前连眼都没闭，我不知道他是为了不好意思，还是为了担心我的一举一动。不过，刚吃过饭就睡觉，中间还隔很长一段时间无法用餐对身体实在不好。我们先聊聊天吧！你们从瑞文戴尔一路到这边来，中间一定有很多的故事可以和我分享，或许你们也愿意倾听有关这块土地的故事。告诉我有关波罗莫、苍老的米斯兰达，罗斯洛立安美丽的居民的故事。”
“Maybe, it would have been better had Boromir fallen there with Mithrandir,” said Faramir, “and not gone on to the fate that waited above the falls of Rauros.”
“或许吧，但如果波罗莫和米斯兰达一起葬身在该处会好一点，”法拉墨说：“而不要继续去面对拉洛斯瀑布的命运。”
“It must have irked Boromir to run from Orcs,” he said, “or even from the fell thing you name, the Balrog — even though he was the last to leave.”
“逃离半兽人，对波罗莫来说一定很难忍受，”他说：“即使是躲避你所说的那个妖兽炎魔也是一样。不过，他还是最后一个离开的！”
“Maybe. But tell me now of your own fortunes,” said Frodo, turning the matter aside once again. “For I would learn more of Minas Ithil and Osgiliath, and Minas Tirith the long-enduring. What hope have you for that city in your long war?”
“也许，不过，现在换你告诉我你们的遭遇了，”佛罗多说，再度刻意将话题转开。“这样我才能够更了解米那斯伊西尔和奥斯吉力亚斯，以及永不陷落的米那斯提力斯。在这场漫长的战争中，你的城市有什么战胜的希望？”
“He was the last,” said Frodo, “but Aragorn was forced to lead us. He alone knew the way after Gandalf’s fall. But had there not been us lesser folk to care for, I do not think that either he or Boromir would have fled.”
“他的确是最后一个离开的，”佛罗多说：“亚拉冈也被迫扛下了领导我们的责任。在甘道夫牺牲之后，只有他知道我们该怎么走。如果不是为了要照顾我们这些弱小的队员，我想他和波罗莫都不会愿意离开的。”
“What hope have we?” said Faramir. “It is long since we had any hope. The sword of Elendil, if it returns indeed, may rekindle it, but I do not think that it will do more than put off the evil day, unless other help unlooked-for also comes, from Elves or Men. For the Enemy increases and we decrease. We are a failing people, a springless autumn.”
“我们有什么希望？”法拉墨回答：“从很久以前我们就不抱持希望了，如果伊兰迪尔的圣剑重临，或许可以协助我们重拾希望；但是，除非精灵或是人类的援军到来，否则那也只不过是昙花一现而已。因为敌长我消，我们是个人口不断减少的民族，是个已经步入秋天的国度。”
“Death was ever present, because the Númenóreans still, as they had in their old kingdom, and so lost it, hungered after endless life unchanging. Kings made tombs more splendid than houses of the living, and counted old names in the rolls of their descent dearer than the names of sons. Childless lords sat in aged halls musing on heraldry; in secret chambers withered men compounded strong elixirs, or in high cold towers asked questions of the stars. And the last king of the line of Anárion had no heir.”
“死亡之气四处蔓延，因为努曼诺尔人的家乡虽然毁灭了，但是他们依旧渴求着万世不变的永生不死。国王建造着比生者住宅还要豪华的陵墓，对于古代的先祖名讳，记忆得比自己子孙之名还要清楚。毫无子嗣的国王枯坐在衰败的王宫中，思索着继承人的问题，在密室中衰老的人们试验着强效的不死药，或是在高而寒冷的塔中观测星象，而安诺瑞安一系的国王，没有留下任何的血脉。”
“It is not said that evil arts were ever practised in Gondor, or that the Nameless One was ever named in honour there; and the old wisdom and beauty brought out of the West remained long in the realm of the sons of Elendil the Fair, and they linger there still. Yet even so it was Gondor that brought about its own decay, falling by degrees into dotage, and thinking that the Enemy was asleep, who was only banished not destroyed.”
“我们在刚铎从不碰触这些邪恶的知识，也不会让无名者在我邦中受到尊崇。西方所迁来的古老智能和美丽，只存在于伊兰迪尔子嗣的国度中，现在依旧没有消散。但是，即使刚铎也面临不同程度的腐败，我们一点一点的退化、偏安于一角，认为魔王陷入了沉睡；但事实上，他只是被赶走，并没有被彻底的消灭。”
“The Men of Númenor were settled far and wide on the shores and seaward regions of the Great Lands, but for the most part they fell into evils and follies. Many became enamoured of the Darkness and the black arts; some were given over wholly to idleness and ease, and some fought among themselves, until they were conquered in their weakness by the wild men.”
“努曼诺尔的人类，绝大多数散居在大陆海岸边的区域，但是其中大部分都已经受到邪恶的诱惑而堕落了。许多人沉陷入黑暗和邪恶的诱惑中，有些人则是无所事事，丧失斗志；有些则是彼此征战，互相削弱力量，直到他们被野人所征服为止。”
“Of our lore and manners they have learned what they would, and their lords speak our speech at need; yet for the most part they hold by the ways of their own fathers and to their own memories, and they speak among themselves their own North tongue. And we love them: tall men and fair women, valiant both alike, golden-haired, bright-eyed, and strong; they remind us of the youth of Men, as they were in the Elder Days. Indeed it is said by our lore-masters that they have from of old this affinity with us that they are come from those same Three Houses of Men as were the Númenóreans in their beginning; not from Hador the Goldenhaired, the Elf-friend, maybe, yet from such of his people as went not over Sea into the West, refusing the call.”
“他们从我们的历史和文化中尽可能地学习，在必要的时候，他们的王族也会使用我们的语言。不过，在大多数的状况下他们还是坚持祖先的文化和记忆，使用自己的北方语言。我们和他们一直十分友好，他们是高壮的男子和美丽的女子，都同样的骁勇善战，金色头发、明亮的双眸，勇气十足的民族。他们让我们想起了远古时候，人类活力十足的初民。根据我们的历史记载，这些骠骑们的确和我们拥有相关连的血缘，他们的祖先也和努曼诺尔人一样是来自于人类最早的三个家族，不是金发哈多，或许是精灵之友。他的子嗣拒绝听从主神的召唤，留在这块大陆上，没有渡海前往西方。”
“So it came to pass in the days of Cirion the Twelfth Steward (and my father is the six and twentieth) that they rode to our aid and at the great Field of Celebrant they destroyed our enemies that had seized our northern provinces. These are the Rohirrim, as we name them, masters of horses, and we ceded to them the fields of Calenardhon that are since called Rohan; for that province had long been sparsely peopled. And they became our allies, and have ever proved true to us, aiding us at need, and guarding our northern marches and the Gap of Rohan.”
“因此，到了第十二代宰相西立安的年代时（我父则是第二十六代），他们骑马前来援助我们在赛勒布兰特上的血战，消灭了侵占我们北方省分的敌人。他们就是洛汗人，牧马王，我们将该处的疆土分封给他们，并且将那边改名为洛汗国，因为那里本来就是我帝国中地广人稀的一个省分。他们就成了我们的忠实盟友，对我们一直十分的支持，只要我们有需要，他们就会前来支持；同时，他们也协助我们守卫北方边境和洛汗隘口这个要冲。”
“But the stewards were wiser and more fortunate. Wiser, for they recruited the strength of our people from the sturdy folk of the sea-coast, and from the hardy mountaineers of Ered Nimrais. And they made a truce with the proud peoples of the North, who often had assailed us, men of fierce valour, but our kin from afar off, unlike the wild Easterlings or the cruel Haradrim.”
“但是，宰相们相形之下却显得更为睿智、更为幸运。睿智，是因为他们从海岸边征召我族中活跃的血族，也从山脉中找寻饱经历练的同胞。他们和北方骄傲的民族签下了和约，他们虽然经常攻击我们，却是自傲、勇敢的民族，也和我们之间有着远亲的关系，和野蛮的东方人或是残酷的哈拉德人完全不同。”
“For so we reckon Men in our lore, calling them the High, or Men of the West, which were Númenóreans; and the Middle Peoples, Men of the Twilight, such as are the Rohirrim and their kin that dwell still far in the North; and the Wild, the Men of Darkness.”
“因此在我们的历史记载中，就将人类分成了上民，西方之人，也就是努曼诺尔人；以及中民，曙光之民，也就是洛汗人和他们依旧居住在北方大地的同胞；最后就是野民，黑暗之人。”
“Yet now, if the Rohirrim are grown in some ways more like to us, enhanced in arts and gentleness, we too have become more like to them, and can scarce claim any longer the title High. We are become Middle Men, of the Twilight, but with memory of other things. For as the Rohirrim do, we now love war and valour as things good in themselves, both a sport and an end; and though we still hold that a warrior should have more skills and knowledge than only the craft of weapons and slaying, we esteem a warrior, nonetheless, above men of other crafts. Such is the need of our days. So even was my brother, Boromir: a man of prowess, and for that he was accounted the best man in Gondor. And very valiant indeed he was: no heir of Minas Tirith has for long years been so hardy in toil, so onward into battle, or blown a mightier note on the Great Horn.” Faramir sighed and fell silent for a while.
“但是，就如同洛汗人变得更文明、更温和的同时，我们也变得更像他们，再也无法声称自己是什么上民了。我们也成为了所谓的中民，曙光之民，但却还拥有别的记忆。因此，我们虽然和骠骑们一样热爱战争和荣誉，以及任何本身良善的事物，它们算是种磨练，也是种手段；我们却也依旧认为战士不应该只知道杀戮和使用武器，但也照样最推崇战士，因为这是我们在这黑暗时代中的需求。我的哥哥波罗莫，是骁勇的战士，也是刚铎的第一勇士；米那斯提力斯已经有许久没有这么勇敢、身先士卒的战士了，也没有人能够像他那样吹响皇家的号角。”法拉墨叹了口气，陷入沉默中。
“No indeed, Master Samwise,” said Faramir, “for I am not learned in Elven-lore. But there you touch upon another point in which we have changed, declining from Númenor to Middle-earth. For as you may know, if Mithrandir was your companion and you have spoken with Elrond, the Edain, the Fathers of the Númenóreans, fought beside the Elves in the first wars, and were rewarded by the gift of the kingdom in the midst of the Sea, within sight of Elvenhome. But in Middle-earth Men and Elves became estranged in the days of darkness, by the arts of the Enemy, and by the slow changes of time in which each kind walked further down their sundered roads. Men now fear and misdoubt the Elves, and yet know little of them. And we of Gondor grow like other Men, like the men of Rohan; for even they, who are foes of the Dark Lord, shun the Elves and speak of the Golden Wood with dread.”
“山姆魏斯先生，我的确没有，”法拉墨说，“因为我并没有特别研究精灵的历史，但是你也触及到了我们逐渐从努曼诺尔人退化为中土居民的一个关键。如果米斯兰达确实和你们同行，而你们也和爱隆交谈过，那么你们应该知道：努曼诺尔人的祖先伊甸们，在第一场大战中和精灵们并肩作战，也因此赢得了海中王国的奖赏，可以从那边眺望到精灵之乡。但是，在这黑暗的年代中，中土世界上的人类和精灵在魔王的诡计下彼此猜忌，随着时间的流逝，慢慢地走上不同的道路。人类现在会怀疑和畏惧精灵，却又对他们一无所知，我们这些刚铎的居民也变得和其它人类一样，像是洛汗人一样，即使他们也同样是黑暗魔君的敌人，依旧会害怕精灵，对黄金森林充满了恐惧。”
“You don’t say much in all your tales about the Elves, sir,” said Sam, suddenly plucking up courage. He had noted that Faramir seemed to refer to Elves with reverence, and this even more than his courtesy, and his food and wine, had won Sam’s respect and quieted his suspicions.
“大人，你的故事中似乎都没有提到有关精灵的事，”山姆鼓起勇气问道。他注意到法拉墨似乎用着非常尊敬的语气来描述精灵；即使法拉墨彬彬有礼、提供了美酒佳肴，但真正赢得山姆信任和尊敬的，还是他的这种态度。
“The Lady of Lórien! Galadriel!” cried Sam. “You should see her, indeed you should, sir. I am only a hobbit, and gardening’s my job at home, sir, if you understand me, and I’m not much good at poetry — not at making it: a bit of a comic rhyme, perhaps, now and again, you know, but not real poetry — so I can’t tell you what I mean. It ought to be sung. You’d have to get Strider, Aragorn that is, or old Mr. Bilbo, for that. But I wish I could make a song about her. Beautiful she is, sir! Lovely! Sometimes like a great tree in flower, sometimes like a white daffadowndilly, small and slender like. Hard as di’monds, soft as moonlight. Warm as sunlight, cold as frost in the stars. Proud and far-off as a snow-mountain, and as merry as any lass I ever saw with daisies in her hair in springtime. But that’s a lot o” nonsense, and all wide of my mark.”
“罗瑞安的女皇！凯兰崔尔！”山姆大喊着：“你应该见见她才对，真的，大人！我只是个哈比人，在家乡的工作是个园丁，但我不擅长吟诗作对，或许偶尔会来上一两首打油诗，但是真正优美的诗歌就不行了，所以我没办法对你彻底描述一切，这得要变成诗歌才能够表现其万一。你得要去找神行客，啊，就是亚拉冈啦，或者是老比尔博先生，才能够听到这些歌曲，但我真希望我能够为她做一首歌。大人，她真的很美！漂亮极了！有些时候像是花海中的高大神木，有些时候又像是纤细美丽的白色雏菊，如同钻石般的坚硬、如同月光般的柔软，好似阳光一样温暖，冰冷如同霜雪一般，傲气如同远方覆雪的山巅，快乐如同戴着花冠在春天跳舞的女子…不过，这都只是我自己的胡言乱语，都无法描述她真正的美貌。”
“Yet there are among us still some who have dealings with the Elves when they may, and ever and anon one will go in secret to Lórien, seldom to return. Not I. For I deem it perilous now for mortal man wilfully to seek out the Elder People. Yet I envy you that have spoken with the White Lady.”
“在我们之中依旧有人千方百计的想和精灵往来，甚至有些人会秘密前往罗瑞安，却极少有人会回来。我不是这样的人，因为我认为凡人不应该主动去寻找这些长生不死的种族。但是，你们和白女皇交谈的经验依旧让我十分羡慕。”
“Yes? Now Boromir you would say?” said Faramir. “What would you say? He took his peril with him?”
“怎么样？你刚刚要说波罗莫如何？”法拉墨追问道：“你准备要说什么？他把自己的危险带进罗瑞安？”
“Then she must be lovely indeed,” said Faramir. “Perilously fair.”
“那么她一定真的非常美了，”法拉墨说：“美到让人觉得危险。”
“I don’t know about perilous,” said Sam. “It strikes me that folk takes their peril with them into Lórien, and finds it there because they’ve brought it. But perhaps you could call her perilous, because she’s so strong in herself. You, you could dash yourself to pieces on her, like a ship on a rock; or drownd yourself, like a hobbit in a river. But neither rock nor river would be to blame. Now Boro –” He stopped and went red in the face.
“我对于你所谓的危险不太了解，”山姆说：“但是我刚刚才想到，人们多半会把自己背负的危险带入罗瑞安森林，也因此才会在那边遇到危险。或许你的确可以称她为危险，因为她拥有极度让人慑服的力量；你如果对她贸然采取任何的行动，可能都会像是船只撞上岩石一样破碎，或是像哈比人在河中溺水一样，但是，你不能因此责怪河流或是岩石。说到波罗莫──”他停了下来，胀红着脸不敢再继续。
“Yes sir, begging your pardon, and a fine man as your brother was, if I may say so. But you’ve been warm on the scent all along. Now I watched Boromir and listened to him, from Rivendell all down the road — looking after my master, as you’ll understand, and not meaning any harm to Boromir — and it’s my opinion that in Lórien he first saw clearly what I guessed sooner: what he wanted. From the moment he first saw it he wanted the Enemy’s Ring!”
“是的，大人，请您见谅，我认为您的哥哥的确是个好人，但你应该也对他有些了解。从瑞文戴尔出发以后，我就一路观察他，仔细注意他的一言一行；请您原谅我的小心眼，不过我这都是为了主人的安全，对波罗莫没有任何不敬的意思。我个人认为，他在罗瑞安第一次清楚地了解自己，意识到我早就猜到的那个想法：他真正想要的东西。从那一刻，他才知道自己想要的是魔王的戒指！”
“Save me!” said Sam turning white, and then flushing scarlet. “There I go again! When ever you open your big mouth you put your foot in it the Gaffer used to say to me, and right enough. O dear, O dear!”
“天哪！我干了什么好事！”山姆脸色煞白，接着又涨成猪肝色。“我又来了！老爸常常对我说：你如果想要张开大嘴，最好把脚塞进去！他这次又对了。喔，天哪，天哪！”
“Sam!” cried Frodo aghast. He had fallen deep into his own thoughts for a while, and came out of them suddenly and too late.
“山姆！”佛罗多大吃一惊地喊道。他刚刚正陷入沉思，才醒神却发现自己已经太迟了。
“Now look here, sir!” He turned, facing up to Faramir with all the courage that he could muster. “Don’t you go taking advantage of my master because his servant’s no better than a fool. You’ve spoken very handsome all along, put me off my guard, talking of Elves and all. But handsome is as handsome does we say. Now’s a chance to show your quality.”
“听着，大人！”他转过身，鼓起所有的勇气面对法拉墨。“请您千万不要因为仆人的愚蠢而占我主人的便宜。你之前的话一直都冠冕堂皇，一直谈着有关精灵什么的，让我丧失了戒心。但是，我们常说冠冕堂皇者必有其可取之处，此刻正好是证明你真正人格的机会！”
“So it seems,” said Faramir, slowly and very softly, with a strange smile. “So that is the answer to all the riddles! The One Ring that was thought to have perished from the world. And Boromir tried to take it by force? And you escaped? And ran all the way — to me! And here in the wild I have you: two halflings, and a host of men at my call, and the Ring of Rings. A pretty stroke of fortune! A chance for Faramir, Captain of Gondor, to show his quality! Ha!” He stood up, very tall and stern, his grey eyes glinting.
“看起来的确是，”法拉墨非常轻柔、非常慢地说，脸上露出奇异的笑容：“原来这就是一切谜团的解答！被人认为早已被摧毁的魔戒。波罗莫试着抢夺这枚戒指？你们逃了出来？然后一路奔逃，竟然来到我的面前！在这块荒野中，你们这两名哈比人落在我手里，而我还有一群部队听我的号令，戒中之戒就在我的面前。这真是太幸运了！这是刚铎大将法拉墨展现高洁德行的机会！哈！”他站了起来，高大而严肃，双眼中闪动着光芒。
“Alas for Boromir! It was too sore a trial!” he said. “How you have increased my sorrow, you two strange wanderers from a far country, bearing the peril of Men! But you are less judges of Men than I of Halflings. We are truth-speakers, we men of Gondor. We boast seldom, and then perform, or die in the attempt. Not if I found it on the highway would I take it I said. Even if I were such a man as to desire this thing, and even though I knew not clearly what this thing was when I spoke, still I should take those words as a vow, and be held by them.”
“对波罗莫来说真是太严酷了！这是太严苛的考验了！”他说：“我的心情变得更沉重了，你们两位远方的旅人，竟然背负着人类的重担！可惜的是，你们对于人类的判断力并没有我对于半身人一样的准确。刚铎都是言出必行的人。我们极少开口，但只要誓言一出，我们就会谨守诺言，死而后已。我之前说过，就算在路边发现它，我也不愿拿走它，即使我渴望这拥有无比力量的物品，就算我当时并不知道它是什么，但我也会把这句话当作誓言，谨守我的承诺。”
“But I am not such a man. Or I am wise enough to know that there are some perils from which a man must flee. Sit at peace! And be comforted, Samwise. If you seem to have stumbled, think that it was fated to be so. Your heart is shrewd as well as faithful, and saw clearer than your eyes. For strange though it may seem, it was safe to declare this to me. It may even help the master that you love. It shall turn to his good, if it is in my power. So be comforted. But do not even name this thing again aloud. Once is enough.”
“我并不是利欲熏心的人，或者这么说，我知道有些危险是人类必须躲避的。安心坐下！山姆魏斯，不要担心，如果你刚刚是不小心说漏了嘴，就把它当作命运的安排吧。你的那颗心不只忠诚，更刁钻精明，看得比你的那双眼睛要清楚。或许你现在会觉得很奇怪，但这件事情让我知道却是毫无影响的，甚至对于你最敬爱的主人是有帮助的，如果在我的能力范围之内，我甚至可以给予他协助。不要担心，但是，也请你不要再提到这东西了，一次就够了！”
Frodo and Sam sprang from their stools and set themselves side by side with their backs to the wall, fumbling for their sword-hilts. There was a silence. All the men in the cave stopped talking and looked towards them in wonder. But Faramir sat down again in his chair and began to laugh quietly, and then suddenly became grave again.
佛罗多和山姆从凳子上跳了起来，背靠着墙并排地站着，摸索着他们的剑柄。一片寂静。山洞里所有的人都停止了说话，惊奇地看着他们。但法拉墨又坐在椅子上，开始安静地笑起来，然后突然又变得严肃起来。
The hobbits came back to their seats and sat very quiet. Men turned back to their drink and their talk, perceiving that their captain had had some jest or other with the little guests, and that it was over.
哈比人回到座位上，非常安静地坐着。人们重新又转回头去吃吃喝喝，以为刚刚将军和小客人们聊得太起劲了，现在已经恢复了平静。
“Well, Frodo, now at last we understand one another,” said Faramir. “If you took this thing on yourself, unwilling, at others’ asking, then you have pity and honour from me. And I marvel at you: to keep it hid and not to use it. You are a new people and a new world to me. Are all your kin of like sort? Your land must be a realm of peace and content, and there must gardeners be in high honour.”
“好吧，佛罗多，我们终于对彼此都开诚布公了，”法拉墨说：“如果你是由于其它人的要求，才不情愿地收下这东西，那么我对你致上敬意及同情；而且，我也对于你竟然能够拥有这种自制力，可以将它收起来而不去用它，也感到十分敬佩。对我来说，你代表了一个全新的种族，更带来了一个全新的世界。你的同胞们都像你一样吗？那么你的国度一定是个和平安祥的地方，园丁在那边一定极受尊敬。”
“Not all is well there,” said Frodo, “but certainly gardeners are honoured.”
“我们那里并不是天堂，”佛罗多说；“但的确很尊敬园丁。”
“But folk must grow weary there, even in their gardens, as do all things under the Sun of this world. And you are far from home and wayworn. No more tonight. Sleep, both of you — in peace, if you can. Fear not! I do not wish to see it, or touch it, or know more of it than I know (which is enough), lest peril perchance waylay me and I fall lower in the test than Frodo son of Drogo. Go now to rest — but first tell me only, if you will, whither you wish to go, and what to do. For I must watch, and wait, and think. Time passes. In the morning we must each go swiftly on the ways appointed to us.”
“不过，即使在花园里面，人们也一定会觉得疲倦的，就像是这世界上的所有生物一样。你又离家很远，疲惫不堪，今晚就聊到这里为止，睡吧，两位，把握时间好好休息，不要担心！我不想要看它、碰触它，甚至是更了解它（我目前所知道的就已经够了），否则那危险将会尾随着我，可能让我在考验中败给佛罗多先生。两位可以尽管休息──不过，如果你们愿意的话，在那之前，请先告诉我你们想去哪里，要做些什么。因为我必须观察、等待和周详的思考。时间过得很快，明天一早，我们就必须赶快前往指定的会合地点。”
Faramir stared at him for a moment in grave astonishment. Then suddenly he caught him as he swayed, and lifting him gently, carried him to the bed and laid him there, and covered him warmly. At once he fell into a deep sleep.
法拉墨极为惊讶地打量着他。然后，突然间，法拉墨抱住摇摇晃晃的佛罗多，温柔地将他抱起，并且将他放在小床上，替他盖好被子，他立刻就陷入了深深的沉睡中。
Another bed was set beside him for his servant. Sam hesitated for a moment, then bowing very low: “Good night, Captain, my lord,” he said. “You took the chance, sir.”
旁边的另外一张床是给他的仆人睡的。山姆迟疑了片刻，然后深深一鞠躬：“晚安，将军大人，”他说：“大人，你接受了考验。”
Frodo had felt himself trembling as the first shock of fear passed. Now a great weariness came down on him like a cloud. He could dissemble and resist no longer. “I was going to find a way into Mordor,” he said faintly. “I was going to Gorgoroth. I must find the Mountain of Fire and cast the thing into the gulf of Doom. Gandalf said so. I do not think I shall ever get there.”
虽然起初的震惊已经过去了，但佛罗多还是觉得自己在微微地发抖，他突然间觉得自己的双肩彷佛有千斤般沉重，他已经没有办法再强打起精神了。“我得要找条路进入魔多，”他用微弱的声音说：“我准备要前往葛哥洛斯盆地，我必须要找到火之山，并且将这东西丢进末日裂隙中。甘道夫是这样告诉我的，我不认为我有能力到达那里。”
Faramir smiled. “A pert servant, Master Samwise. But nay: the praise of the praiseworthy is above all rewards. Yet there was naught in this to praise. I had no lure or desire to do other than I have done.”
法拉墨笑了：“山姆魏斯先生，你真是个唐突的仆人，不过，我还是认为有德者的称赞是最值得珍惜的。不过，您的赞美其实对我没有多大的意义，因为我本来就没有受到任何的引诱或是有冲动做出别的决定。”
“Yes sir, and showed your quality: the very highest.”
“是的，大人，你也证实了你的人格是最高洁的。”
“Did I so?” said Faramir.
“是吗？”法拉墨说。
“Ah well, sir,” said Sam, “you said my master had an Elvish air; and that was good and true. But I can say this: you have an air too, sir, that reminds me of, of — well, Gandalf, of wizards.”
“啊，好吧，大人，”山姆说：“你说过我的主人有种精灵的气质，你的看法很正确。请容我补上一句，你也有种特殊的气质，大人。这让我想起，想起──好吧，巫师甘道夫。”
“Maybe,” said Faramir. “Maybe you discern from far away the air of Númenor. Good night!”
“或许吧，”法拉墨说：“你看到的气质，可能是来自遥远的努曼诺尔。晚安！”
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