Ulysses - Chapter 2
尤利西斯 - 第二章
Stephen stood before his students at Mr. Deasy's school, teaching history with a weary heart. The boys fidgeted in their seats, barely listening as he spoke of ancient battles and fallen empires. Their young faces showed no comprehension of the weight of history, the burden of the past.
斯蒂芬站在迪西先生学校的学生面前,带着疲惫的心教授历史。男孩们在座位上坐立不安,几乎不听他讲述古代战争和衰落的帝国。他们年轻的面孔显示出对历史重量、过去负担的毫无理解。
"What is a pier, sir?" one student asked, confusing the lesson entirely.
"什么是码头,先生?"一个学生问道,完全混淆了课程。
Stephen sighed. How could he teach these privileged boys about suffering and loss? They knew nothing of poverty, nothing of grief. Their lives stretched before them, unmarked by tragedy.
斯蒂芬叹了口气。他怎么能教这些特权男孩关于苦难和失落?他们对贫穷一无所知,对悲伤一无所知。他们的生活在他们面前展开,没有悲剧的痕迹。
After class, Mr. Deasy summoned Stephen to his office. The old headmaster counted out Stephen's meager wages, coin by coin, lecturing him about thrift and responsibility. Deasy's worldview was simple: work hard, save money, trust in God and England.
下课后,迪西先生把斯蒂芬叫到办公室。老校长一枚一枚地数着斯蒂芬微薄的工资,向他讲授节俭和责任。迪西的世界观很简单:努力工作,存钱,信任上帝和英格兰。
"The Jews are to blame for our troubles," Deasy declared suddenly, his face reddening. "They sinned against the light."
"犹太人应该为我们的麻烦负责,"迪西突然宣布,脸涨得通红。"他们违背了光明。"
Stephen listened politely, though he disagreed. He thought of the Jewish merchants in Dublin, hardworking and honest. Deasy's prejudice was born of ignorance, not wisdom.
斯蒂芬礼貌地听着,尽管他不同意。他想到都柏林的犹太商人,勤劳而诚实。迪西的偏见源于无知,而非智慧。
"I have a letter about foot-and-mouth disease," Deasy continued, thrusting papers at Stephen. "Take it to the newspaper offices. Use your connections."
"我有一封关于口蹄疫的信,"迪西继续说,把文件塞给斯蒂芬。"把它送到报社办公室。利用你的关系。"
Stephen accepted the letter, knowing he would deliver it though he cared nothing for Deasy's agricultural concerns. He needed the money, needed this job, however much he despised it.
斯蒂芬接受了这封信,知道他会送去,尽管他对迪西的农业问题毫不关心。他需要钱,需要这份工作,无论他多么鄙视它。
As he left the school, Stephen felt the weight of obligation pressing down upon him. He owed money to everyone, owed his time to Deasy, owed his life to expectations he could never fulfill.
当他离开学校时,斯蒂芬感到义务的重量压在他身上。他欠每个人钱,欠迪西时间,欠他的生活以他永远无法实现的期望。