When Don Quixote saw himself in open country, free, and relieved from the attentions of Altisidora, he felt at his ease, and in fresh spirits to take up the pursuit of chivalry once more; —
当堂吉诃德看到自己在开阔的乡间，自由，摆脱了阿尔蒂西多拉的照顾，他感到轻松，重新振作起来继续追求骑士精神； —

and turning to Sancho he said, “Freedom, Sancho, is one of the most precious gifts that heaven has bestowed upon men; —
轉向桑丘道：“自由，桑丘，是上天赐予人类的最宝贵的礼物之一； —

no treasures that the earth holds buried or the sea conceals can compare with it; —
地球埋藏的珍宝或海洋隐匿的宝藏都无法与之相比； —

for freedom, as for honour, life may and should be ventured; —
为了自由，为了荣誉，生命可以也应该冒险； —

and on the other hand, captivity is the greatest evil that can fall to the lot of man. —
另一方面，囚禁是人类可能遭遇到的最大的不幸。 —

I say this, Sancho, because thou hast seen the good cheer, the abundance we have enjoyed in this castle we are leaving; —
我说这些，桑丘，因为你已经看到我们享受的这座城堡离开时举行的盛宴和丰盛； —

well then, amid those dainty banquets and snow-cooled beverages I felt as though I were undergoing the straits of hunger, because I did not enjoy them with the same freedom as if they had been mine own; —
然后，尽管那些美味佳肴和冰冻饮料使我感到非常饱食，我却感到像忍受饥饿一样，因为我不能像拥有自己的东西一样自由享用它们； —

for the sense of being under an obligation to return benefits and favours received is a restraint that checks the independence of the spirit. —
因为必须要回报所受的恩惠和好意的感觉是一种限制，阻碍了精神的独立性。 —

Happy he, to whom heaven has given a piece of bread for which he is not bound to give thanks to any but heaven itself!”
得到一个不必向任何人除了上天表示感谢的面包的人是多么幸福啊！”

“For all your worship says,” said Sancho, “it is not becoming that there should he no thanks on our part for two hundred gold crowns that the duke’s majordomo has given me in a little purse which I carry next my heart, like a warming plaster or comforter, to meet any chance calls; —
“尽管尊贵所说的一切，”桑丘说道，“我们也不可不感恩，因为那位公爵管家给了我两百枚金币，我把它们放在一个像肚脐敷或安慰剂一样紧贴在心口处的小钱袋里，以备不时之需； —

for we shan’t always find castles where they’ll entertain us; —
因为我们不会总是能找到愿意招待我们的城堡； —

now and then we may light upon roadside inns where they’ll cudgel us.”
偶尔我们可能会碰到会殴打我们的路边小酒店。”

In conversation of this sort the knight and squire errant were pursuing their journey, when, after they had gone a little more than half a league, they perceived some dozen men dressed like labourers stretched upon their cloaks on the grass of a green meadow eating their dinner. —
在这样的谈话中，骑士和侍从在继续旅程时，大约走了半段路，他们看到一群打扮得像农民一样的十几个人躺在绿色的草地上的地毯上吃午餐。 —

They had beside them what seemed to be white sheets concealing some objects under them, standing upright or lying flat, and arranged at intervals. —
他们身边似乎有覆盖着一些东西的白布，在他们旁边直立或平躺，间隔排列。 —

Don Quixote approached the diners, and, saluting them courteously first, he asked them what it was those cloths covered. —
堂吉诃德走近那些吃饭的人，先客气地和他们打招呼，然后询问那些布料下面藏着什么。 —

“Senor,” answered one of the party, “under these cloths are some images carved in relief intended for a retablo we are putting up in our village; —
“先生，”一名追随者回答道，“这些布下面是一些浮雕图像，是为了我们正在村子里竖立的一幅圣坛画而制作的； —

we carry them covered up that they may not be soiled, and on our shoulders that they may not be broken.”
我们用布遮盖着它们以防弄脏，用肩膀扛着它们以防摔碎。”

“With your good leave,” said Don Quixote, “I should like to see them; —
“若蒙允许，”堂吉诃德说，“我想看看它们； —

for images that are carried so carefully no doubt must be fine ones.”
因为如此小心地携带的图像无疑是精美的。”

“I should think they were!” said the other; “let the money they cost speak for that; —
“我想是的！”另一个人说，“看看它们花费的金钱就知道了； —

for as a matter of fact there is not one of them that does not stand us in more than fifty ducats; —
说实话，我们每个图像的成本都不止五十金币； —

and that your worship may judge; wait a moment, and you shall see with your own eyes; —
为了让大人您评判；稍等片刻，您将亲眼见到； —

” and getting up from his dinner he went and uncovered the first image, which proved to be one of Saint George on horseback with a serpent writhing at his feet and the lance thrust down its throat with all that fierceness that is usually depicted. —
”他一边从饭桌上站起来，一边揭开了第一个图像，它被证明是一尊圣乔治骑在马上，一条蛇扭曲在他脚下，长矛插入蛇喉，如同通常描绘的那样凶猛。 —

The whole group was one blaze of gold, as the saying is. —
整个群像都金光闪闪，俗话说得好。 —

On seeing it Don Quixote said, “That knight was one of the best knights-errant the army of heaven ever owned; —
在看到这幅画时，堂吉诃德说，“那位骑士是天堂军队中最优秀的骑士之一； —

he was called Don Saint George, and he was moreover a defender of maidens. —
他被称为圣乔治先生，而且他还是一位守护处女的勇士。 —

Let us see this next one.”
让我们看看下一个。”

The man uncovered it, and it was seen to be that of Saint Martin on his horse, dividing his cloak with the beggar. —
那人揭开了它，发现是圣马丁骑着马的图像，他正在将他的斗篷与行乞者分享。 —

The instant Don Quixote saw it he said, “This knight too was one of the Christian adventurers, but I believe he was generous rather than valiant, as thou mayest perceive, Sancho, by his dividing his cloak with the beggar and giving him half of it; —
堂吉诃德一见到它，就说：“这位骑士也是基督教冒险家之一，但我相信他更多是慷慨而非英勇，你可以看出来，桑丘，因为他与乞丐分享了他的斗篷，并给了他一半； —

no doubt it was winter at the time, for otherwise he would have given him the whole of it, so charitable was he.”
毫无疑问，那时候是冬天，否则他会给他整件斗篷，他是如此慈善。”

“It was not that, most likely,” said Sancho, “but that he held with the proverb that says, ‘For giving and keeping there’s need of brains.’”
“大概不是这样的，”桑丘说，“而是他赞同那句谚语，说‘给予和保持都需要脑子。’”

Don Quixote laughed, and asked them to take off the next cloth, underneath which was seen the image of the patron saint of the Spains seated on horseback, his sword stained with blood, trampling on Moors and treading heads underfoot; —
唐吉诃德笑了笑，让他们揭开下一块布，下面露出了坐在马上的西班牙保护神的像，他的剑沾满了鲜血，践踏着摩尔人，踩着头颅； —

and on seeing it Don Quixote exclaimed, “Ay, this is a knight, and of the squadrons of Christ! —
那时唐吉诃德惊呼道，“啊，这是一位骑士，属于基督的骑士中的一位！” —

This one is called Don Saint James the Moorslayer, one of the bravest saints and knights the world ever had or heaven has now.”
这位被称为圣卡利斯·摩尔屠的骑士，世界上曾经有过或者现在仍有的最勇敢的圣人和骑士之一。

They then raised another cloth which it appeared covered Saint Paul falling from his horse, with all the details that are usually given in representations of his conversion. —
然后他们掀开了另一块布，露出了圣保罗从马上跌落的形象，具备通常在他归正的描绘中所给出的所有细节。 —

When Don Quixote saw it, rendered in such lifelike style that one would have said Christ was speaking and Paul answering, “This,” he said, “was in his time the greatest enemy that the Church of God our Lord had, and the greatest champion it will ever have; —
当唐吉诃德看到那幅画的时候，那幺栩栩如生的样子使人觉得基督正在说话，保禄正在回答，“这位，”他说，“在他的时代是上帝我们的主教会所遭受的最大敌人，也是它永远拥有的最伟大的冠军； —

a knight-errant in life, a steadfast saint in death, an untiring labourer in the Lord’s vineyard, a teacher of the Gentiles, whose school was heaven, and whose instructor and master was Jesus Christ himself.”
他在生活中是一位骑士-冒险家，死后成为一位坚定的圣人，是主的葡萄园里不知疲倦的劳动者，外邦人的导师，他的学校是天堂，他的导师和主人却是耶稣基督自己。”

There were no more images, so Don Quixote bade them cover them up again, and said to those who had brought them, “I take it as a happy omen, brothers, to have seen what I have; —
没有更多的图像了，唐吉诃德命他们再次盖上，对那些带来图像的人说：“兄弟们，我视此为吉祥之兆； —

for these saints and knights were of the same profession as myself, which is the calling of arms; —
因为这些圣人和骑士与我同职，那就是军旅的职业； —

only there is this difference between them and me, that they were saints, and fought with divine weapons, and I am a sinner and fight with human ones. —
唯一的不同在于他们是圣人，使用神圣的武器战斗，而我是一个罪人，却使用人类的武器战斗。 —

They won heaven by force of arms, for heaven suffereth violence; —
他们以武力赢得了天堂，因为天堂是受暴力对待的； —

and I, so far, know not what I have won by dint of my sufferings; —
而我迄今为止并不知道我通过遭受苦难获得了什么； —

but if my Dulcinea del Toboso were to be released from hers, perhaps with mended fortunes and a mind restored to itself I might direct my steps in a better path than I am following at present.”
但如果我的多尔西尼亚·德·托波索能从苦难中解脱出来，也许有了翻盘的运气，一个恢复理智的头脑，我也许能朝着比现在更好的道路前进。”

“May God hear and sin be deaf,” said Sancho to this.
“愿上帝听到，罪行的耳朵聋了，”桑乔对此说。

The men were filled with wonder, as well at the figure as at the words of Don Quixote, though they did not understand one half of what he meant by them. —
这些人对唐吉诃德的言行感到惊奇，尽管他们只能理解其中一半的意思。 —

They finished their dinner, took their images on their backs, and bidding farewell to Don Quixote resumed their journey.
他们吃完晚饭，背上拿着他们的物品，向唐吉诃德告别后，继续他们的旅程。

Sancho was amazed afresh at the extent of his master’s knowledge, as much as if he had never known him, for it seemed to him that there was no story or event in the world that he had not at his fingers’ ends and fixed in his memory, and he said to him, “In truth, master mine, if this that has happened to us to-day is to be called an adventure, it has been one of the sweetest and pleasantest that have befallen us in the whole course of our travels; —
圣乔又一次对他主人的学识范围感到惊讶，就好像他从未了解过他一样，因为在他看来，世界上没有一个故事或事件是他不熟悉的，都牢记在脑海中，他对唐吉诃德说：“事实上，我的主人，如果今天发生在我们身上的事情被称为一次冒险，那么在我们整个旅行中，这无疑是最甜蜜和最愉快的冒险； —

we have come out of it unbelaboured and undismayed, neither have we drawn sword nor have we smitten the earth with our bodies, nor have we been left famishing; —
我们平安无事、心情愉悦、既没拉起剑也没跳起来砸地，也没饥肠辘辘； —

blessed be God that he has let me see such a thing with my own eyes!”
愿上帝保佑我能亲眼看到这样的事情！”

“Thou sayest well, Sancho,” said Don Quixote, “but remember all times are not alike nor do they always run the same way; —
“你说得对，桑丘，”唐吉诃德说，“但要记住，时候常常不同，事情也不总是按照同一种方式发展； —

and these things the vulgar commonly call omens, which are not based upon any natural reason, will by him who is wise be esteemed and reckoned happy accidents merely. —
这些素昧平生的人通常称之为兆头，这些兆头并没有根据自然原因，却被智者视为仅仅是幸运的偶然事件。 —

One of these believers in omens will get up of a morning, leave his house, and meet a friar of the order of the blessed Saint Francis, and, as if he had met a griffin, he will turn about and go home. —
有些人会早上起床、离开家门、遇到一位属于圣方济各修会的修士，就好像遇到一只狮鹿，然后转身回家。 —

With another Mendoza the salt is spilt on his table, and gloom is spilt over his heart, as if nature was obliged to give warning of coming misfortunes by means of such trivial things as these. —
门多萨在餐桌上洒了盐，他的心情就会变得沮丧，仿佛自然以这种微不足道的事情来预示即将发生的不幸。 —

The wise man and the Christian should not trifle with what it may please heaven to do. —
智者和基督徒不应该去玩弄上天所愿意做的事。 —

Scipio on coming to Africa stumbled as he leaped on shore; his soldiers took it as a bad omen; —
斯库比奥在来到非洲时跳上岸时绊倒了；他的士兵把这看作是不祥的兆头； —

but he, clasping the soil with his arms, exclaimed, ‘Thou canst not escape me, Africa, for I hold thee tight between my arms. —
但他却伸臂抱住土地，喊道，“非洲，你逃不掉了，我用我的双臂夹住了你。 —

’ Thus, Sancho, meeting those images has been to me a most happy occurrence.”
”因此，桑丘，遇到那些偶像对我来说是一次非常幸运的事件。”

“I can well believe it,” said Sancho; —
“我完全相信，”桑丘说； —

“but I wish your worship would tell me what is the reason that the Spaniards, when they are about to give battle, in calling on that Saint James the Moorslayer, say ‘Santiago and close Spain! —
“但愿您尊重告诉我，为什么西班牙人在要发动战斗时，呼唤那位斩杀穆斯林的圣雅各的时候，会说‘圣地亚哥，封闭西班牙！ —

’ Is Spain, then, open, so that it is needful to close it; —
’ 西班牙难道是开放的，需要封闭吗？ —

or what is the meaning of this form?”
或者这个形式的意思是什么？

“Thou art very simple, Sancho,” said Don Quixote; —
“桑丘，你真是太简单了，”堂吉诃德说。 —

“God, look you, gave that great knight of the Red Cross to Spain as her patron saint and protector, especially in those hard struggles the Spaniards had with the Moors; —
“上帝啊，他把那位红十字大骑士赐给了西班牙，作为她的守护神和保护者，尤其是在西班牙人与摩尔人的艰难斗争中； —

and therefore they invoke and call upon him as their defender in all their battles; —
因此他们在所有的战斗中都祈求和召唤他作为他们的捍卫者； —

and in these he has been many a time seen beating down, trampling under foot, destroying and slaughtering the Hagarene squadrons in the sight of all; —
在这些战斗中，他曾被很多次看到在众目睽睽之下击败，践踏，摧毁和屠杀伊斯兰教的骑兵队伍； —

of which fact I could give thee many examples recorded in truthful Spanish histories.”
关于这个事实，我可以给你讲许多在真实的西班牙历史上记载的例子。”

Sancho changed the subject, and said to his master, “I marvel, senor, at the boldness of Altisidora, the duchess’s handmaid; —
桑丘换了个话题，对他的主人说：“伊莉迪索拉的大胆，公爵夫人的侍女，让我很惊奇； —

he whom they call Love must have cruelly pierced and wounded her; —
“人们所称之为爱情的东西一定残酷地刺穿了她的心； —

they say he is a little blind urchin who, though blear-eyed, or more properly speaking sightless, if he aims at a heart, be it ever so small, hits it and pierces it through and through with his arrows. —
他们说他是一个有点瞎的小顽童，虽然眼睛有点发直，或者更恰当地说是失明，但是只要他瞄准一个心，无论它多么小，他都能击中它，用箭刺穿它。 —

I have heard it said too that the arrows of Love are blunted and robbed of their points by maidenly modesty and reserve; —
我也听说过爱情的箭矢会被少女的端庄和保留钝化并剥夺它们的尖端； —

but with this Altisidora it seems they are sharpened rather than blunted.”
但看起来，对于这个伊莉迪索拉来说，它们更锋利而不是钝化。”

“Bear in mind, Sancho,” said Don Quixote, “that love is influenced by no consideration, recognises no restraints of reason, and is of the same nature as death, that assails alike the lofty palaces of kings and the humble cabins of shepherds; —
“请记住，桑丘，”堂吉诃德说，“爱情受到没有任何理性限制的影响，不受任何理智的约束，并且与死亡的性质相同，它一样袭击着国王的高耸宫殿和牧羊人的谦卑小屋； —

and when it takes entire possession of a heart, the first thing it does is to banish fear and shame from it; —
当它完全占据了一个心灵时，它做的第一件事就是把恐惧和羞耻从中驱赶； —

and so without shame Altisidora declared her passion, which excited in my mind embarrassment rather than commiseration.”
所以伊莉迪索拉毫不羞耻地宣布了她的激情，这让我的心里感到尴尬而不是怜悯。”

“Notable cruelty!” exclaimed Sancho; “unheard-of ingratitude! —
“这种残忍令人难以置信！”桑丘叫道，“闻所未闻的忘恩负义！ —

I can only say for myself that the very smallest loving word of hers would have subdued me and made a slave of me. —
我只能说，她那极其温柔的一句话就足以让我屈服，让我成为她的奴隶。 —

The devil! What a heart of marble, what bowels of brass, what a soul of mortar! —
鬼才！她怎么有一颗大理石般的心，铁石般的肠子，砂浆般的灵魂！ —

But I can’t imagine what it is that this damsel saw in your worship that could have conquered and captivated her so. —
但我无法想象，这位小姐看上您哪一点，让她能被您征服和俘获。 —

What gallant figure was it, what bold bearing, what sprightly grace, what comeliness of feature, which of these things by itself, or what all together, could have made her fall in love with you? —
到底是哪一点英俊的形象，哪种大胆的举止，哪种活泼的优雅，哪一种容貌的美丽，或者是这些所有因素中的哪一个，让她爱上您的？ —

For indeed and in truth many a time I stop to look at your worship from the sole of your foot to the topmost hair of your head, and I see more to frighten one than to make one fall in love; —
实在是，我多次审视您的从头到脚，看到的更多是让人害怕的东西，而不是让人爱上的样子； —

moreover I have heard say that beauty is the first and main thing that excites love, and as your worship has none at all, I don’t know what the poor creature fell in love with.”
而且我听说美貌是引起爱情的首要和主要因素，而您完全没有美貌，我不知道这可怜的姑娘是如何爱上您的。”

“Recollect, Sancho,” replied Don Quixote, “there are two sorts of beauty, one of the mind, the other of the body; —
“想想看，圣哥，”唐吉柯德回答说，“美有两种，一种是心灵之美，一种是外表之美； —

that of the mind displays and exhibits itself in intelligence, in modesty, in honourable conduct, in generosity, in good breeding; —
心灵之美体现在智慧、谦逊、端庄、慷慨、彬彬有礼上； —

and all these qualities are possible and may exist in an ugly man; —
所有这些品质在一个丑陋的人身上也是可能存在的； —

and when it is this sort of beauty and not that of the body that is the attraction, love is apt to spring up suddenly and violently. —
当吸引的是这种而非外表之美时，爱情可能会突然而猛烈地产生。 —

I, Sancho, perceive clearly enough that I am not beautiful, but at the same time I know I am not hideous; —
我，圣哥，完全清楚地意识到我并不英俊，但同时我也知道我并不丑陋； —

and it is enough for an honest man not to be a monster to he an object of love, if only he possesses the endowments of mind I have mentioned.”
一个诚实的人只要不是怪物，拥有我提到的心灵的才华就足以成为爱情对象。”

While engaged in this discourse they were making their way through a wood that lay beyond the road, when suddenly, without expecting anything of the kind, Don Quixote found himself caught in some nets of green cord stretched from one tree to another; —
他们正在穿过路边的一片树林时，突然间唐吉柯德发现自己被一些绿绳网困住了，在树间拉了一遍； —

and unable to conceive what it could be, he said to Sancho, “Sancho, it strikes me this affair of these nets will prove one of the strangest adventures imaginable. —
他无法理解这是怎么回事，对圣哥说：“圣哥，看来这个网的事情将会是一件奇异无比的冒险。 —

May I die if the enchanters that persecute me are not trying to entangle me in them and delay my journey, by way of revenge for my obduracy towards Altisidora. —
我要是没有被迫害我的魔法师陷入其中，并通过这种方式阻碍我前进，为对阿尔蒂西多拉的顽固报复，我可以去死了。 —

Well then let me tell them that if these nets, instead of being green cord, were made of the hardest diamonds, or stronger than that wherewith the jealous god of blacksmiths enmeshed Venus and Mars, I would break them as easily as if they were made of rushes or cotton threads. —
那么让我告诉他们，如果这些网不是用绿色的绳子制成，而是由最坚硬的钻石，或者比那位嫉妒心重的铁匠之神用来困住维纳斯和火星的更坚固的材料制成，我会像它们是芦苇或棉线一样容易地把它们打破。 —

” But just as he was about to press forward and break through all, suddenly from among some trees two shepherdesses of surpassing beauty presented themselves to his sight — or at least damsels dressed like shepherdesses, save that their jerkins and sayas were of fine brocade; —
但就在他要勇往直前，冲破一切的时候，突然从树丛中出现了两位无以匹敌的美丽牧羊女——或者至少穿着像牧羊女一样的少女，只不过他们的短上衣和长裙是用精美的织锦做成的； —

that is to say, the sayas were rich farthingales of gold embroidered tabby. —
也就是说，长裙是金色刺绣的华丽法兰绒制成的。 —

Their hair, that in its golden brightness vied with the beams of the sun itself, fell loose upon their shoulders and was crowned with garlands twined with green laurel and red everlasting; —
他们的头发，那金黄的明亮光彩与太阳本身的光芒相较，披散在肩上并戴着用绿月桂和红色常春藤编成的花环； —

and their years to all appearance were not under fifteen nor above eighteen.
表面所有的状况看起来都不低于十五岁，也不超过十八岁。

Such was the spectacle that filled Sancho with amazement, fascinated Don Quixote, made the sun halt in his course to behold them, and held all four in a strange silence. —
这样的景象让桑丘感到惊讶，让堂吉诃德着迷，让太阳停在他的轨道上注视着她们，使得四人陷入了一种奇怪的沉默。 —

One of the shepherdesses, at length, was the first to speak and said to Don Quixote, “Hold, sir knight, and do not break these nets; —
牧羊女中的一位最终开口对堂吉诃德说：“等一下，勇士，不要破坏这些网； —

for they are not spread here to do you any harm, but only for our amusement; —
因为它们没有摆在这里是要伤害你，只是为了我们的娱乐； —

and as I know you will ask why they have been put up, and who we are, I will tell you in a few words. —
既然我知道你会问为什么设置这些网，以及我们是谁，我会用几句话告诉你。 —

In a village some two leagues from this, where there are many people of quality and rich gentlefolk, it was agreed upon by a number of friends and relations to come with their wives, sons and daughters, neighbours, friends and kinsmen, and make holiday in this spot, which is one of the pleasantest in the whole neighbourhood, setting up a new pastoral Arcadia among ourselves, we maidens dressing ourselves as shepherdesses and the youths as shepherds. —
在一个距离此地大约两里的村庄，有很多有品质和富裕的绅士们和达官贵人，一群朋友和亲戚商定一起带着他们的妻子，儿子和女儿，邻居，朋友和亲属来到这个地方度假，这是附近最宜人的地方之一，我们少女打扮成牧羊女，年轻人打扮成牧羊人。 —

We have prepared two eclogues, one by the famous poet Garcilasso, the other by the most excellent Camoens, in its own Portuguese tongue, but we have not as yet acted them. —
我们准备了两首牧歌，一首是著名诗人加西拉索的，另一首是最优秀的卡莫埃斯用葡萄牙语写的，但我们还没有演出。 —

Yesterday was the first day of our coming here; —
昨天是我们来到这里的第一天； —

we have a few of what they say are called field-tents pitched among the trees on the bank of an ample brook that fertilises all these meadows; —
我们在河边的大树间搭起了几个所谓的野营帐篷，河水灌溉所有的草地； —

last night we spread these nets in the trees here to snare the silly little birds that startled by the noise we make may fly into them. —
昨晚我们在这里的树上布置了这些网，以便捕获被我们制造的声响吓飞到网中的愚蠢小鸟。 —

If you please to he our guest, senor, you will be welcomed heartily and courteously, for here just now neither care nor sorrow shall enter.”
如果您愿意成为我们的客人，先生，您将受到热情和有礼貌的欢迎，因为在这里现在不会有烦恼或忧愁。”

She held her peace and said no more, and Don Quixote made answer, “Of a truth, fairest lady, Actaeon when he unexpectedly beheld Diana bathing in the stream could not have been more fascinated and wonderstruck than I at the sight of your beauty. —
她保持沉默，不再说话，唐吉柯德回答道：“真的，最美丽的女士，Actaeon当他意外看到黛安娜在小溪中沐浴时，可能不会比我看到你的美丽更着迷和惊讶。” —

I commend your mode of entertainment, and thank you for the kindness of your invitation; —
我赞赏你的款待方式，感谢你的邀请之恩； —

and if I can serve you, you may command me with full confidence of being obeyed, for my profession is none other than to show myself grateful, and ready to serve persons of all conditions, but especially persons of quality such as your appearance indicates; —
如果我能为你效劳，你可以放心地吩咐我，因为我专门服务于各种人，尤其是像你这样高贵的人； —

and if, instead of taking up, as they probably do, but a small space, these nets took up the whole surface of the globe, I would seek out new worlds through which to pass, so as not to break them; —
如果这些网的面积不止占据一小部分地球表面，我会寻找新的世界穿过，这样就不会破坏它们； —

and that ye may give some degree of credence to this exaggerated language of mine, know that it is no less than Don Quixote of La Mancha that makes this declaration to you, if indeed it be that such a name has reached your ears.”
也许你对我这夸张的言语不甚相信，但请知道这就是吉诃德，马拉沙的吉诃德向你做出这样的宣言，如果这个名字曾传到你的耳朵中；

“Ah! friend of my soul,” instantly exclaimed the other shepherdess, “what great good fortune has befallen us! —
“啊！我心爱的朋友，”另一位牧羊女立刻说道，“我们真是大大幸运！” —

Seest thou this gentleman we have before us? —
“你看看我们面前的这位绅士吗？ —

Well then let me tell thee he is the most valiant and the most devoted and the most courteous gentleman in all the world, unless a history of his achievements that has been printed and I have read is telling lies and deceiving us. —
让我告诉你，他是全世界最勇敢、最忠诚、最有礼貌的绅士，除非他身上所印刷的那部有关他业绩的历史是在撒谎欺骗我们。 —

I will lay a wager that this good fellow who is with him is one Sancho Panza his squire, whose drolleries none can equal.”
我赌这位善良人正与他同行者是他的侍从桑丘潘萨，他的滑稽耐人寻味。”

“That’s true,” said Sancho; “I am that same droll and squire you speak of, and this gentleman is my master Don Quixote of La Mancha, the same that’s in the history and that they talk about.”
“没错，”桑丘说，“我就是你说的那个滑稽的侍从，这位绅士是我的主人，马拉沙的吉诃德，那部历史记载并为人所谈论的那位。”

“Oh, my friend,” said the other, “let us entreat him to stay; —
“哦，我的朋友，”另一位说，“让我们恳求他留下来； —

for it will give our fathers and brothers infinite pleasure; —
这会给我们的父亲和兄弟们带来无尽的欢乐； —

I too have heard just what thou hast told me of the valour of the one and the drolleries of the other; —
我也听过你告诉我的有关那位的勇气和这位侍从的滑稽； —

and what is more, of him they say that he is the most constant and loyal lover that was ever heard of, and that his lady is one Dulcinea del Toboso, to whom all over Spain the palm of beauty is awarded.”
更甚的是，大家都说他是有史以来最忠诚、忠实的情人，他的女士是多西妮亚·德尔托波索，整个西班牙都认为她是最美丽的女子。”

“And justly awarded,” said Don Quixote, “unless, indeed, your unequalled beauty makes it a matter of doubt. —
“当之无愧，”吉诃德说，“除非，当然，你无与伦比的美丽使人怀疑。” —

But spare yourselves the trouble, ladies, of pressing me to stay, for the urgent calls of my profession do not allow me to take rest under any circumstances.”
不必劳您们了，女士们，请不要再勉强我留下，因为我职业使然，毫不容情地要我远离休息。

At this instant there came up to the spot where the four stood a brother of one of the two shepherdesses, like them in shepherd costume, and as richly and gaily dressed as they were. —
就在这时，一位牧羊女的兄弟走到了他们四人所站立的地方，他和她们一样穿着牧羊人装，衣着豪华而花哨。 —

They told him that their companion was the valiant Don Quixote of La Mancha, and the other Sancho his squire, of whom he knew already from having read their history. —
他们告诉他，他们的同伴就是勇敢的曼恰庄的堂吉诃德，另一个则是他的侍从桑丘，他已经从阅读他们的故事中认识了他们。 —

The gay shepherd offered him his services and begged that he would accompany him to their tents, and Don Quixote had to give way and comply. —
这位时髦的牧羊人主动提出帮助，请求堂吉诃德跟他一起去他们的帐篷，而堂吉诃德只能让步并同意。 —

And now the gave was started, and the nets were filled with a variety of birds that deceived by the colour fell into the danger they were flying from. —
网罗起来，各种鸟儿赶到，被这些颜色所迷惑，掉入了它们正逃离的危险。 —

Upwards of thirty persons, all gaily attired as shepherds and shepherdesses, assembled on the spot, and were at once informed who Don Quixote and his squire were, whereat they were not a little delighted, as they knew of him already through his history. —
三十多名穿着牧羊人和牧羊女服装的人在场，立即得知堂吉诃德和他的侍从是谁，看到这一幕，他们都感到很高兴，因为他们通过他的历史已经认识了他。 —

They repaired to the tents, where they found tables laid out, and choicely, plentifully, and neatly furnished. —
他们走进帐篷，发现摆满了桌子，摆设得精美、丰盛、整洁。 —

They treated Don Quixote as a person of distinction, giving him the place of honour, and all observed him, and were full of astonishment at the spectacle. —
他们把堂吉诃德当作贵宾，给了他最尊贵的位置，所有人都留意着他，并对这个场面感到惊讶。 —

At last the cloth being removed, Don Quixote with great composure lifted up his voice and said:
最后揭开桌布后，堂吉诃德镇静地开口说:

“One of the greatest sins that men are guilty of is — some will say pride — but I say ingratitude, going by the common saying that hell is full of ingrates. —
“人类犯下的最大罪孽之一是 — 有人会说是骄傲 — 但我说是忘恩负义，按照俗语说，地狱满是忘恩负义的人。 —

This sin, so far as it has lain in my power, I have endeavoured to avoid ever since I have enjoyed the faculty of reason; —
这种罪孽，只要在我有理智的时候，我努力避免; —

and if I am unable to requite good deeds that have been done me by other deeds, I substitute the desire to do so; —
如果我无法用行动来回报别人对我的好事，则我会用愿望来回报; —

and if that be not enough I make them known publicly; —
如果愿望还不够，我会公开披露这些好事; —

for he who declares and makes known the good deeds done to him would repay them by others if it were in his power, and for the most part those who receive are the inferiors of those who give. —
因为那些声明并公开自己得到的好事的人，如果能力允许，会用其他好事来回报，而大多数接受好处的人比给予好处的人低下; —

Thus, God is superior to all because he is the supreme giver, and the offerings of man fall short by an infinite distance of being a full return for the gifts of God; —
所以，上帝无上高贵，因为他是最高慷慨的赠与者，而人类的奉献远远不足以报答上帝的赐予。“ —

but gratitude in some degree makes up for this deficiency and shortcoming. —
但是在某种程度上，感恩弥补了这种不足和缺陷。 —

I therefore, grateful for the favour that has been extended to me here, and unable to make a return in the same measure, restricted as I am by the narrow limits of my power, offer what I can and what I have to offer in my own way; —
因此，我对这里向我提供的恩惠心存感激，但由于我的力量受限，无法偿还同样程度的恩惠，我以我自己的方式提供我所能提供的一切； —

and so I declare that for two full days I will maintain in the middle of this highway leading to Saragossa, that these ladies disguised as shepherdesses, who are here present, are the fairest and most courteous maidens in the world, excepting only the peerless Dulcinea del Toboso, sole mistress of my thoughts, be it said without offence to those who hear me, ladies and gentlemen.”
因此，我宣布，我将在这通往萨拉戈萨的高速公路中间，连续两天保持这样一个说法：这里出现的扮成牧羊女的女士们是世界上最美丽、最有礼貌的少女，除了无与伦比的多尔西涅亚·德尔托博索，她是我心目中独一无二的女主人，这样说并不会冒犯到可听到的人们，女士们和先生们。”

On hearing this Sancho, who had been listening with great attention, cried out in a loud voice, “Is it possible there is anyone in the world who will dare to say and swear that this master of mine is a madman? —
听到这个，一直在认真倾听的桑丘大声喊道：“世上难道会有人敢说并发誓说，我的主人是个疯子吗？ —

Say, gentlemen shepherds, is there a village priest, be he ever so wise or learned, who could say what my master has said; —
请说，各位牧羊人，难道会有村里的神甫，无论多么智慧或学识渊博，会说出我的主人所说的话吗？ —

or is there knight-errant, whatever renown he may have as a man of valour, that could offer what my master has offered now?”
或者有骑士，不管他作为一名英勇之士享有怎样的声望，能提出我主人现在提出的条件吗？”

Don Quixote turned upon Sancho, and with a countenance glowing with anger said to him, “Is it possible, Sancho, there is anyone in the whole world who will say thou art not a fool, with a lining to match, and I know not what trimmings of impertinence and roguery? —
唐吉诃德面带愤怒地转身对桑丘说：“难道世上会有人会说你不是个蠢货，还有这身神经病和无知的外衣和我不知道什么恶作剧和无赖行径的点缀？ —

Who asked thee to meddle in my affairs, or to inquire whether I am a wise man or a blockhead? —
是谁让你介入我的事务，或者询问我是智者还是蠢人呢？ —

Hold thy peace; answer me not a word; saddle Rocinante if he be unsaddled; —
安静一点，不要回答我，如果罗西南特没有被解下马鞍，请解下马鞍； —

and let us go to put my offer into execution; —
让我们去实施我的提议； —

for with the right that I have on my side thou mayest reckon as vanquished all who shall venture to question it; —
因为有我这边的正当理由，敢质疑的人都可以视为战胜； —

” and in a great rage, and showing his anger plainly, he rose from his seat, leaving the company lost in wonder, and making them feel doubtful whether they ought to regard him as a madman or a rational being. —
”然后勃然大怒，愤然离开座位，让在座的观众们惊愕困惑，使他们怀疑他到底是个疯子还是一个理智的人。 —

In the end, though they sought to dissuade him from involving himself in such a challenge, assuring him they admitted his gratitude as fully established, and needed no fresh proofs to be convinced of his valiant spirit, as those related in the history of his exploits were sufficient, still Don Quixote persisted in his resolve; —
尽管他们试图劝说他不要卷入这样的挑战，向他保证他们已完全承认他的感激之情，不需要进一步的证明来确信他的勇敢精神，因为他的生平事迹已足够，但唐吉诃德仍然坚持他的决定； —

and mounted on Rocinante, bracing his buckler on his arm and grasping his lance, he posted himself in the middle of a high road that was not far from the green meadow. —
骑着罗西南特，挽着盾牌，紧握长矛，他立在一条不远处的高速公路中间。 —

Sancho followed on Dapple, together with all the members of the pastoral gathering, eager to see what would be the upshot of his vainglorious and extraordinary proposal.
桑丘骑着多纳普，和牧羊人团聚的成员们一起，急切地想看看他这一荒唐而非凡的提议会有怎样的结果。

Don Quixote, then, having, as has been said, planted himself in the middle of the road, made the welkin ring with words to this effect: —
唐吉诃德，就如前所述，立足在路中央，高声喊道： —

“Ho ye travellers and wayfarers, knights, squires, folk on foot or on horseback, who pass this way or shall pass in the course of the next two days! —
“嘿，路过的旅行者和行人，骑士，侍从，无论是步行还是骑马的，如果你们经过这条路或者在接下来的两天内经过这里的话！ —

Know that Don Quixote of La Mancha, knight-errant, is posted here to maintain by arms that the beauty and courtesy enshrined in the nymphs that dwell in these meadows and groves surpass all upon earth, putting aside the lady of my heart, Dulcinea del Toboso. —
请知道，拉曼恰的堂吉诃德骑士，已经在这里布置好了，准备以武力维护这片草原和树林里的女仙们所蕴含的美丽和礼仪超越了地球上所有人，当然，除开我心爱的女士杜尔西内娅·德尔托博索。 —

Wherefore, let him who is of the opposite opinion come on, for here I await him.”
因此，反对者可以前来，我在此等候。”

Twice he repeated the same words, and twice they fell unheard by any adventurer; —
他重复了两遍同样的话，但没有一个冒险家听到； —

but fate, that was guiding affairs for him from better to better, so ordered it that shortly afterwards there appeared on the road a crowd of men on horseback, many of them with lances in their hands, all riding in a compact body and in great haste. —
然而命运却正好引导着事情发展得越来越好，很快之后，路上出现了一群骑马的人，其中许多人手持长矛，骑在一起，急匆匆的前行。 —

No sooner had those who were with Don Quixote seen them than they turned about and withdrew to some distance from the road, for they knew that if they stayed some harm might come to them; —
唐吉诃德身边的人一看到他们，就立刻掉头并且远离路边，因为他们知道如果留在原地可能会遭到一些伤害； —

but Don Quixote with intrepid heart stood his ground, and Sancho Panza shielded himself with Rocinante’s hind-quarters. —
但唐吉訶德心怀无畏，站定在原地，桑丘·潘薩则以洛辛安特的后躯遮挡自己。 —

The troop of lancers came up, and one of them who was in advance began shouting to Don Quixote, “Get out of the way, you son of the devil, or these bulls will knock you to pieces!”
枪骑队赶到，领先的一名枪手开始对唐吉訶德喊道：“滚开，你这魔鬼的儿子，不然这些公牛会把你撞成碎片！”

“Rabble!” returned Don Quixote, “I care nothing for bulls, be they the fiercest Jarama breeds on its banks. —
“群氓！”唐吉訶德回答道，“我对公牛毫不畏惧，即使是哈拉马河岸最凶猛的品种。” —

Confess at once, scoundrels, that what I have declared is true; —
快坦白吧，恶棍们，我所宣称的是真实的； —

else ye have to deal with me in combat.”
否则你们就得与我进行战斗。”

The herdsman had no time to reply, nor Don Quixote to get out of the way even if he wished; —
牧人没时间回复，唐吉訶德也没时间躲避，即使他愿意； —

and so the drove of fierce bulls and tame bullocks, together with the crowd of herdsmen and others who were taking them to be penned up in a village where they were to be run the next day, passed over Don Quixote and over Sancho, Rocinante and Dapple, hurling them all to the earth and rolling them over on the ground. —
于是一群凶猛的公牛和温顺的阉公牛，连同给它们带路去一个村庄把它们关起来的牧人和其他人，都从唐吉訶德、桑丘、洛辛安特和达普尔身上压过去，将它们全部推倒在地并在地上滚动着。 —

Sancho was left crushed, Don Quixote scared, Dapple belaboured and Rocinante in no very sound condition.
桑乔备受打击，唐吉柯德受到惊吓，多脚驴被殴打，罗森安特也状况不佳。

They all got up, however, at length, and Don Quixote in great haste, stumbling here and falling there, started off running after the drove, shouting out, “Hold! —
然而，他们最终都站了起来，唐吉柯德举步维艰，东倒西歪地匆匆追赶着这群牲畜，大喊：“站住！等等！你们这些恶棍，有一位骑士正在等着你们，他可不是那些说‘为了一个飞行的敌人铺一座银桥’的人。” —

stay! ye rascally rabble, a single knight awaits you, and he is not of the temper or opinion of those who say, ‘For a flying enemy make a bridge of silver. —
然而，逃离的人马并没有为此停下来，也没有理会他的威胁，就像去年的浮云一样。 —

’” The retreating party in their haste, however, did not stop for that, or heed his menaces any more than last year’s clouds. —
疲倦使唐吉柯德停了下来，比受辱更愤怒，他坐在路上等待三人桑乔、罗森安特和多脚驴追上来。 —

Weariness brought Don Quixote to a halt, and more enraged than avenged he sat down on the road to wait until Sancho, Rocinante and Dapple came up. —
当他们到达时，主人和仆人再次骑上马，没有回去向这个模仿阿卡迪亚的假象告别，他们怀着更多的屈辱而不是满足继续他们的旅程。 —

When they reached him master and man mounted once more, and without going back to bid farewell to the mock or imitation Arcadia, and more in humiliation than contentment, they continued their journey.
They all got up, however, at length, and Don Quixote in great haste, stumbling here and falling there, started off running after the drove, shouting out, “Hold!