Ulysses - Chapter 16
尤利西斯 - 第十六章
Bloom guided Stephen to a cabman's shelter, a late-night establishment serving coffee and food to Dublin's nocturnal workers. The place was shabby and poorly lit, but it offered warmth and sustenance.
布卢姆引导斯蒂芬到一个马车夫避难所,一个深夜营业的场所,为都柏林的夜间工作者提供咖啡和食物。这个地方破旧且光线昏暗,但它提供了温暖和食物。
They sat at a grimy table, and Bloom ordered coffee and buns. Stephen was recovering slowly, his mind clearing as the alcohol wore off. He seemed disoriented, uncertain how he had ended up in this place with this strange older man.
他们坐在一张肮脏的桌子旁,布卢姆点了咖啡和面包。斯蒂芬正在慢慢恢复,随着酒精的消退,他的思维变得清晰。他似乎迷失方向,不确定自己是如何和这个陌生的老人一起到这个地方的。
An old sailor told improbable stories of his adventures at sea, claiming to have traveled the world and witnessed incredible events. The other patrons listened skeptically, knowing the tales were mostly fabricated but enjoying them nonetheless.
一个老水手讲述着他在海上冒险的难以置信的故事,声称自己周游了世界,目睹了令人难以置信的事件。其他顾客怀疑地听着,知道这些故事大多是编造的,但还是很享受它们。
Bloom tried to engage Stephen in conversation, asking about his plans and ambitions. Stephen responded vaguely, still guarded and suspicious. He didn't understand why Bloom was helping him, what the older man wanted in return.
布卢姆试图与斯蒂芬交谈,询问他的计划和抱负。斯蒂芬含糊地回答,仍然保持警惕和怀疑。他不明白为什么布卢姆要帮助他,这个老人想要什么回报。
"You're talented," Bloom said. "You could do great things with your life. But you need to take care of yourself, be more practical."
"你很有才华,"布卢姆说。"你可以用你的生活做伟大的事情。但你需要照顾好自己,更实际一些。"
Stephen smiled bitterly. Practical advice from a practical man. But what did Bloom know of art, of the sacrifices required to create something meaningful? Still, there was kindness in Bloom's concern, genuine compassion.
斯蒂芬苦笑。来自一个实际的人的实际建议。但布卢姆对艺术了解什么,对创造有意义的东西所需的牺牲了解什么?不过,布卢姆的关心中有善意,真正的同情。
They discussed music, and Bloom mentioned Molly's singing career. Perhaps Stephen could give her lessons, help her improve her technique? It would be a way for Stephen to earn money while pursuing his own artistic goals.
他们讨论音乐,布卢姆提到莫莉的歌唱事业。也许斯蒂芬可以给她上课,帮助她改进技巧?这将是斯蒂芬在追求自己的艺术目标的同时赚钱的一种方式。
Stephen considered the offer noncommittally. He was tired, emotionally drained from the day's events. All he wanted was to sleep, to escape consciousness for a while.
斯蒂芬不置可否地考虑这个提议。他累了,从一天的事件中情感上筋疲力尽。他只想睡觉,暂时逃离意识。
Bloom paid for their refreshments and suggested they continue to his home. Stephen agreed, too exhausted to argue or make other plans.
布卢姆支付了他们的茶点费用,建议他们继续去他家。斯蒂芬同意了,太疲惫而无法争论或制定其他计划。