Chiding Poem by Luo Zhihai

★ Chiding
☆ Poetry by David Bates


Reproach will seldom mend the young,
If they are left to need it;
The breath of love must stir the tongue,
If you would have them heed it.

How oft we see a child caressed
For little faults and failings,
Which should have been at first suppressed
To save the after railings!

If, when the heart would go astray,
You would the passion smother,
You must not tear the charm away,
But substitute another.

Thus it is pleasant to be led,
If he who leads will measure
The heart's affection by the head,
And make pursuit a pleasure.


▲ Chinese Translation

★ 责骂

☆ [美国] 大卫•贝茨（1809-1870） 诗
☆ [中国] 罗志海 (1954-) 译


责骂很少会恢复年轻
如果他们都被骂走了
爱的气息必须巧若簧舌
如果你想让他们听你的

多少次我们看到孩子亲吻
为了小小过错失败
最初不妨忍一忍
后面的篱笆要修复保存

如果你的心灵误入歧途
激情窒息被绑住
魅力不能离开挣脱
取而代之另一个

于是被带进快乐幸福
如果他领先测量揣度
大脑心意真爱
继续追求愉快


2015年6月25日翻译
On June 25,2015, Translation