出卖灵魂 The Selling of a Soul
By Sorley MacLean
北京外国语大学 张剑 译析
A poet struggling with the world 8217;s condition,
Prostitution of talents1 and the bondage
With which the bulk of men have been deceived,
I am not, I think, one who would say
That the selling of the soul would give respite2.
But I did say to myself, and not once,
That I would sell my soul for your love
If lie and surrender were needed.
I spoke this haste without thinking
That it was black blasphemy and perversion3.
Your forgiveness to me for the thought
That you were one who would take a poor creature
Of a little weak base spirit
Who could be sold, even for the graces4
Of your beautiful face and proud spirit.
Therefore, I will say again now,
That I would sell my soul for your sake
Twice, once for your beauty
And again for that grace
That you would not take a sold and slavish spirit.
1. prostitution of talents: 出卖才能。这是诗中提到的“世界现状”的一种表现。prostitution：卖淫，滥用。
2. respite: 延缓，缓解。在此指缓解“世界现状”所造成的痛苦和不幸。
3. blasphemy/