双语·《伊索寓言》 孔雀和朱诺

THE PEACOCK AND JUNO

The Peacock was greatly discontented because he had not a beautiful voice like the nightingale, and he went and complained to Juno about it. “The nightingale's song,” said he, “is the envy of all the birds; but whenever I utter a sound I become a laughing-stock.” The goddess tried to console him by saying, “You have not, it is true, the power of song, but then you far excel all the rest in beauty: your neck flashes like the emerald and your splendid tail is a marvel of gorgeous colour.” But the Peacock was not appeased. “What is the use,” said he, “of being beautiful, with a voice like mine?” Then Juno replied, with a shade of sternness in her tones, “Fate has allotted to all their destined gifts: to yourself beauty, to the eagle strength, to the nightingale song, and so on to all the rest in their degree; but you alone are dissatisfied with your portion. Make, then, no more complaints. For, if your present wish were granted, you would quickly find cause for fresh discontent.”

孔雀和朱诺

孔雀因为自己的声音不如夜莺好听而非常不满，便去向朱诺抱怨。“夜莺的歌声令所有鸟都妒忌，而我只要一发声，就立刻沦为笑柄。”女神试图安慰他：“你的确没有动听的歌声，但你的美丽远胜其他鸟，你的脖子如祖母绿般闪耀，你多彩的尾羽缤纷琳琅，简直就是奇迹。”但是孔雀却不满意：“我这样的声音，有那么美丽又有什么用？”朱诺再开口时声音中透着严厉：“命运赐予众生各自的天赋，给了你美丽，给了鹰力量，给了夜莺歌声，每人都有各自的份额，但是你却不满意自己分得的财富。不要再抱怨了。如果满足了你现在的愿望，你很快便会生出其他不满来的。”