英语励志美文高中作文
英语经典美文(精选30篇)
在学英语的过程中,阅读非常重要,多读,多看,多背一些文章,对于语感的`形成,内容的积累,都非常关键。以下是英语经典美文(精选30篇),欢迎阅读。
Passage1.WoodpeckerTherearemanyappletreesinagarden.They’regoodfriends.Onedayanoldtreeisill.Therearemanypestsinthetree.Leavesofthetreeturnyellow.Theoldtreefeelsverysadandunwell.Anothertreesendsforadoctorforhim.Atfirst,theysendforapigeon,butshehasnoideaaboutit.Thentheysendforanoriole,andshecan’ttreattheoldtreewell.Thentheysendforawoodpecker.Sheisagooddoctor.Shepecksaholeinthetreeandeatslotsofpests.Atlasttheoldtreebecomesbetterandbetter.Leavesturngreenandgreen.
Passage2.ABusyDayTodayisSunday!OnSundays,Iusuallyplaytheflute.Myfatherusuallyreadsthenewspaper.Mymotherusuallycleansthehouse.Buttodaymymotherisinbed.Sheisill.Myfatherhastodothehousework.Now,heiscleaningthehouse.“Sam,canyouhelpme?”“Yes,Dad!”Now,we’rewashingthecar.Where’smysister,Amy?Sheisplayingmyflute.Whataluckygirl!
Passage3.ThedogandhisreflectionOnedayadogwithapieCEOfmeatinhismouthwascrossingaplankoverastream.Ashewalkedalong,helookedintowater,andhesawhisreflection.Hethoughtthiswasanotherdogcarrying
apieceofmeat.Andhefelthewouldliketohavetwopieces.Sohesnappedatthereflectioninthewater,andofcourse,asheopenedhismouth,thepieceofmeatdisappearedquickly.
Passage4.AnhonestboyTonyissevenyearsold.Heisanhonestandpoliteboy.Oneday,itwasSunday.Tony,hissisterandhismotherstayedathome.HewaswatchingTVandhissisterwasreadingbooks.Hismotherwaswashingclothes.Justthen,hisfathercamebackwithabag
ofpears.Tonylikespearsverymuchandhewanted
toeatone.Hismothergavehimfourandsaid,“Let’ssharethem.”“Whichpeardoyouwant,Tony?”askedhismother.“Thebiggestone,mum.”“What?”saidhismother,“Youshouldbepoliteandwantthesmallestone.”“ShouldItellaliejusttobepolite,mum?”
Passage5.AbirthdaypartyTodayisSusan’sbirthday.Sheisnineyearsold.Herfriendsareinherhomenow.Thereisabirthdaypartyintheevening.Look!Maryislisteningtothemusic.AndTomisdrinkingorangejuice.JackandSamareplayingcardsonthefloor.LilyandAmyarewatchingTV.Someoneisknockingatthedoor.It’sHenry.HebringsabigteddybearforSusan.Theteddybearisyellow.Susanisveryhappy.Allthechildrenarehappy.TheysingabirthdaysongforSusan.
Passage6.TheFarmerandtheSnakeItwasacoldwinterday.Afarmerfoundasnakeontheground.Itwasnearlydeadbycold.TheFarmerwasakindman.Hepickedupthesnakecarefullyandputitunderthecoat.SoonthesnakeBegantomoveanditraiseditsmouthandbitthefarmer.“Oh,Mygod!”saidthefarmer,“Isaveyourlife,butyouthankmeinthatway.Youmustdie.”Thenhekilledthesnakewithastick.Atlasthedied,too.
Passage7.TwoYoungTreesTwoyoungtreesarestandingonthetopofthehill.TheirnamesareTimandAlan.
Oneday,it’ssunnyandwarm.Somebirdsaresinginginthetrees.Thewindblows,andthetreesaretalking.“Whatdoyouwanttobewhenyougrowup?’’asksTim.“I’mnotsure.IthinkIwanttobeachairoradesk.”answersAlan,“MaybeIwanttobe
atoyboxorabaseballbat.Ilikechildren.”“Whatdoyouwanttobewhenyougrowup?”asksAlan.“Me?”saysTim,“Ijustwanttobeatree.Iwanttobe
ahouseforbirdsandspiders.Iwanttohavemanyapples.Andwhenit’ssunnyandhot,peopleandanimalscanstandunderme.”
Passage8.HongkongisaniceplaceHongKongisaniceplace,especiallyinsummer.JulyisahotmonthinHongKong.Butit’sanexcellenttimeforswimming.ThereisabeautifulbeachatRepulseBay(浅水湾).Togetthere,youcantakeabusfromCentral.LotsofpeoplegotothebeachonSundaysandSaturdays.Butifyougoonaweekday,itiswillbenotsocrowded.VisitorstoHongkongneedpassports.Butpeoplefrommanycountriesdonotneedvisas.Hongkongisaniceplaceforholiday.Therearemanyshops.
Passage9.WaterWaterisveryimportantforlivingthings.Withoutwater,theremustbenolifeontheearth.Alltheplantsandanimalsneedwatertodrink,tocookfoodandtocleanourselves.Waterisneededinfarms,factories,offices,schools,familiesandmanyotherplaces.
Waterisfoundinseas,riversandlakes.Itcanbefoundeverywhereintheworld,anditalsocanbefoundintheair.
Passage10.Twins’BedroomThisisthetwins’bedroom.Itisaniceroom.Thetwobedslookthesame.ThisbedisLily’sandthatoneisLucy’s.Thetwinshaveonedeskandtwochairs.Theirclock,booksandpencil-boxesareonthedesk.Theirschoolbagsarebehindthechairs.Someniceflowersareonthedesk.Somenicepicturesareonthewall.Isthereakite?Yes,it’sunderLily’sbed.Thebedroomisverynice.
Passage11.DogsOneoftheanimalsthathelppeoplealotisthedog.Insomecountries,dogspullwagons.Inthecoldnorth,dogspullsleds.
Thereareotherwaysthatdogshelpus,too.Policemenusethemtolookformissingpeople.Soldiersusethemtocarrylettersandmedicine.Onfarms,dogstakecareofsheepandkeeptheminthefields.Atnight,theytakethesheephome.Dogshelptheblindwithwork.Somedogsaregoodandkind.Somedogsaregoodatanotherskill.
Passage12.TheBestJobBettyisalazygirl.Shedoesn’tstudyhard,andshedoesn’thelphermotherwiththehousework,either.“Whatareyougoingtobewhenyougrowup,Betty?”Motherasks.“You’retoolazy.Nojobwilleverfityou.”“ButIknowone,”saysthegirl,“I’mgoingtobeFatherChristmas,”“YouwanttobeFatherChristmas?”Motherissurprised,“Butwhy?”“Becauseheworksonlyonedayinawholeyear.”
Passage13.ACleverMonkeyAlittlemonkeypicksupapumpkinandwantstotakeithome.Butthepumpkinistoobig.Themonkeycan’ttakeithome.
Suddenlyheseesapandaridingabiketowardshim.Hewatchesthebike.“lhaveagoodidea.Icanrollthepumpkin.Itlikesawheel.”
Soherollsthepumpkintohishome.Whenhismotherseesthebigpumpkin,sheissurprisedandsays,“Howcanyoucarryithome?”Thelittlemonkeyanswersproudly,“lcan’tliftit,butlcanrollit.”Hismothersmilesandsays,“Whatacleverboy!”
Passage14.WhatAreStarsLike?Haveyoueverwonderedaboutthestars?Insomeways,starsarelikepeople.Theyareborn.Theygrowold.Andtheydie.Astarisbornfromdustandgas.Slowlythedustandgasmakeaball.Theballgetsveryhot.Thenitstartstogiveofflight.Theyoungstargrowsintoagiant.Manyyearsgoby.Theolderstarbeginstogetsmallagain.Atlastitslightgoesout.Thestar’slifeisover.
Passage15.RadioandTelevisionRadioandtelevisionareverypopularintheworldtoday.MillionsofpeoplewatchTV.Perhapsmorepeoplelistentotheradio.
TheTVismoreusefulthantheradio.OnTVwecanseeandhearwhatishappeningintheworld.However,radioisn’tlost.Itisstillwithus.Andlistenersarebecomingmore.That’sbecauseatransistorradioisn’tlost.Itisstillwithus.Itisveryeasytocarry.Youcanputoneinyourpocketandlistentoitonthebusoryourbikewhenyougotowork.
Passage16.It’scoolbehindyouIt’stwoo’clockintheafternoon.Thesunisshinningandit’sveryhot.NancyhastomeethermotheratthetRainstation.
Nowshe’swalkinginthestreet.Therearenotreesandshe’sfat.Soshefeelsveryhot.Butshedoesn’tfindaboywalkingjustbehindher.Andshemeetsafriendandsays“hello”tohim.“Who’stheboybehindyou?”askstheman.Nowsheseestheboy.Sheisangryandasks,“Whyareyouwalkingbehindme,boy?”“There’snoshadeinthestreet,youknow.”answerstheboy.“It’scoolbehindyou,Ithink.”
Passage17.Father’sHobbyMydadworksfromMondaytoFridayinabank.heusesthecomputertocountmoney.Hisjobisveryimportantinthebank.
Dadisalsobusyathome.Atweekendshecooksdinner.UsuallyhecooksItalianfood.OnSundayshemakesfivepiecesofpizza.SometimeshecookschickenandmakesChinesefood.Mymumwatchesandhelpshim.Ihelpmydad,too.Iwashthedishes.
Manypeoplethinkitisstrangeforamantocook.Butmydadenjoyshishobby.Cookingrelaxeshim.Heisaweekendcook.
Passage18.Idon’tthinksoJackisagoodboybuthedoesn’tliketousehishead.Heoftensayssomethingwithouthinking.Itmakesothersunhappy.
Mr.Blackteachesmathinaschool.He’soldnowandhelikeschildren.OntheFridayMr.Blackdoesn’tgotowork,becausehe’sillinahospital.AndJack’smotherwillseehimafterdinner.“Iwanttobetherewithyou.”saysJack.“You’rearudeboy.Ican’ttakeyouthere.’’sayshismother.“Don’tworry,mum.Iwon’tdothatagain.Pleasebelieveme.”saysJack.Inthehospital,Jacksaysnothingatfirst.Whenthey’releaving,hesaystoMr.Black,“Youlookfine.Thedoctorsaysyou’regoingtodie,butIdon’tthinkso.”
Passage19.SevendaysinaweekThereareaboutfifty-twoweeksinayear.Andtherearesevendaysineachweek.ThefirstdayofaweekisSunday.TheotherdaysofaweekbetweenSundayandSaturdayareMonday,Tuesday,WednesdayThursdayandFriday.Mondayisthesecondday,Tuesdayisthethirdday,Wednesdayisthefourthday,Thursdayisthefifthday,andFridayisthesixthday.What’sthelastday?Doyouknow?
Passage20.MyspecialFriendIhaveafriendintheU.S.HisnameisDonAdams.Iknowhimverywell,butIhavenevermethim.Wewritetoeachotherallthetime.Mylettersareveryshort.ItisstillhardformetowriteinEnglish.IreceivedaletterfromDonyesterday.Itmakesmeveryhappy.Heiscomingtomycountryforavisitnextsummer.Wearegoingtoseeeachotherforthefirsttime.
Passage21.ADayinMyLifeMyfamilylivesonthisstreet.Inthemorning,myfathergoestoworkandallthechildrengotoschool.Mymothertakesustoschooleveryday.Shedoesthehousework.Shealwayshasherlunchathome,andseesherfriendsintheafternoon.Intheeveningallthechildrencomehomefromschool.Theyalwaysgethomeearly.Myfathergoeshomefromworkandheisoftenlate.AftersuppermytwobrothersandIdoourhomework.Wegotobedatten.
Passage22.TheSeaWhatdoknowaboutthesea?Somepeoplehaveseenitbutothershaven’t.Thesealooksbeautifulonafinesunnydayanditcanbeverytoughwhenthereisastrongwind.Whatotherthingsdoyouknowaboutit?Ofcourse,theseaisverylarge.Intheworldthereismoreseathanland.Ifyouhaveswuminthesea,youknowthattheseaissalty.Riverscarrysaltfromthelandintothesea.Someplacesoftheseaaresaltierthantheotherplaces.DoyouknowtheDeadSea?Itissosaltythatyoucan’tsinkwhenyouareinthewater!Andfishcannotliveinit!
Passage23.AGoodYoungPioneerLiHuaisaYongPioneer.Heisgoingtothepark.Nowheiswaitingforabus.Suddenlyhefindsawatchontheground.Heaskssomepeople,“Whosewatchisit?”Butthewatchisn’ttheirs.Sohegivesthewatchtoapoliceman.
NowLiHuagetsonthebus.Heissittingnearthewindow.Anoldwomangetsonthebus.Shehasnoseat.Sohestandsupandsays,“Hereisaseatforyou,Granny.Pleasesithere”
Passage24.SeahorseThereareallkindsofhorsesintheworld.Butoneofthemyoucan’tride.Itdoesn’tliveonland,butinthesea.Itlooksliketheheadofhorse.Sothepeoplecallitseahorse.Infact,theseahorseisasmallfish.Itlikestoliveinwarmwater.Aseahorsestandsupinthewaterwhenitswims.
Fatherhorsecarriestheeggstokeepthemsafeinitspouch.Whentheeggsarehatched,thebabyhorsesswimaway.
Passage25.ACatandaBirdTherearethreetreesnearthehouse.Thereisabigtree,andtwosmalltrees.
Inthebigtreethereisabird.Canthebirdsing?Yes,itcan.What’sunderthebigtree?It’sacat.
“Iwantsomefood,”thinksthecat.“Bird,mygoodfriend,Comehere!It’stimetoplaygames”saysthecat.
“Notoday,thankyou!”saysthebird,“Youcan’tcatchme!Goodbye!”Look!Thebirdisflying!
Passage26.AFlyingFoxAflyingfoxisnotafoxatall.Itisabat.Butthisbatlookslikeafox.Aflyingfoxisverybig.Itlikestoeatfruit.Sometimestheflyingfoxiscalledfruitbat.
Theflyingfoxfliesintofruittrees.Thenthebateatsallthefruit.Sofruitfarmersdonotliketheflyingfox.
Passage27.FlyingBirdsBirdsdon’tflyhighupinthesky.Theairistoothin.
Itishardforbirdstobreatheinthinair.Thinairdoesn’tholdthemup.
Birdsflynearthegroundsothattheycanseewheretheyare.Thebirdslookforplacestheyknow.Thentheydonotgetlost.Somebirdsflysolowovertheoceanthatthewavesoftenhidethem.Manybirdsflyalongdistanceinthespringandautumn.
Passage28.AirAirisallaroundus.Itisaroundusaswewalkandplay.Fromthetimewewerebornairisaroundusoneveryside.Whenwesitdown,itisaroundus.Whenwegotobed,airisalsoaroundus.Weliveinair.Wecanlivewithoutfoodorwaterforafewdays,butwecannotliveformorethanafewminuteswithoutair.Wetakeinair.Whenweareworkingorrunningweneedmoreair.Whenweareasleep,weneedlessair.Weliveinair,butwecannotseeit.Wecanonlyfeelitwhenitismoving.Movingairiscalledwind.Howcanwemakeairmove?Hereisoneway.Holdanopenbookinfrontofyourface,closeitquickly.Whatcanyoufeel?Whatyoufeelisair.
Passage29.ClocksTherearemanyclocksintheBrown’shouse.Theyareindifferentrooms.Abigclockstandsinacornerofthesittingroom.Itisavery,veryoldclock,butitstillkeepsgoodtime.Mr.Brownwindsitonceaweek.
Passage30.SwimmingSwimmingisagoodsport.It’spopular.Peoplelikeswimmingbecausethewatermakespeoplefeelcool.Butiftheyswiminawrongplace,itisverydangerous.Theseyears,somepeoplediedwhentheywereenjoyingthemselvesinwaterandmostofthemwerestudents.Summerholidaywillbethereagain.Iwanttogiveyousomeadvice.First,don’tgetintothewaterwhenyouarealone.Second,don’tgetintothewaterifthereisaNoswimmingsign.Third,youshouldbecarefulinthewater.Ifyourememberthese,swimmingwillbesafeandit’sgoodforyourhealth.
英语经典美文
英语经典美文,人就像茶叶袋,只有放到热水中,你才能知道他们有多强大,以下的英语经典美文,希望可以帮到大家!
英语经典美文【1】
Sometimespeoplecomeintoyourlifeandyouknowrightawaythattheyweremeanttobethere,theyservesomesortofpurpose,toteachyoualessonorhelpfigureoutwhoyouareorwhoyouwanttobecome.Youneverknowwhothesepeoplemaybe-yourroommate,neighbor,professor,longlostfriend,loverorevenacompletestrangerwho,whenyoulockeyeswiththem,youknowthatverymomentthattheywillaffectyourlifeinsomeprofoundway.
有时,一些人一闯入你的生活你便知道他们本就想这么做,其中有着一定的目的 或给你一个教训,或帮助你明白你是谁或你要成为谁。你永远也不知道这些人会是谁,是你的舍友、邻居、教授、久违的朋友、爱人,甚或是一个完全的陌生人。当你与他们四目相对,你便知道他们会以某种深远的方式影响你的生活。
Andsometimesthingshappentoyouandatthetimetheymayseemhorrible,painfulandunfair,butinreflectionyourealizethatwithoutovercomingthoseobstacles,youwouldhaveneverrealizedyourpotential,strength,willpowerorheart.Everythinghappensforareason.Nothinghappensbychanceorbymeansofgoodorbadluck.Illness,injury,love,lostmomentsoftruegreatnessandsheerstupidity-alloccurtotestthelimitsofyoursoul.Withoutthesesmalltests,iftheybeevents,illnessesorrelationships,lifewouldbelikeasmoothlypaved,straight,flatroadtonowhere.Safeandcomfortablebutdullandutterlypointless.
有时,一些事情发生了,它们看上去是那么可怕、痛苦和不公;但细想一下你就会明白,如果没有去努力克服这些难题,你将永远也不会知道自己的潜能、力量、意志力和内心。任何事情的发生都是有原因的,没有一件事是偶然发生的或是因了某种好运或厄运发生的。疾病、伤害、爱、真正的伟大的消逝和完全的愚蠢――所有这一切的发生都是对你的精神极限的考验。不管这考验是一些事件、疾病或是某种关系,没有了它们,生活都将只剩下阳光大道,安稳、舒适,但却单调、没有意义,不会通往任何地方。
Thepeopleyoumeetwhoaffectyourlifeandthesuccessesanddownfallsyouexperience-theyaretheoneswhocreatewhoyouare.Eventhebadexperiencescanbelearnedfrom.Thoselessonsarethehardestandprobablythemostimportantones.
你遇到的那些影响你的生活的人和你所经历的成功或失败,都会让你看清自己。即使是不好的经历,也能让你从中得到教训。这些教训是最严酷的,但也可能是最重要的。
Ifsomeonehurtsyou,betraysyouorbreaksyourheart,forgivethemfortheyhavehelpedyoulearnabouttrustandtheimportanceofbeingcautioustowhomyouopenyourheartto.Ifsomeonelovesyou,lovethembackunconditionally,notonlybecausetheyloveyou,butbecausetheyareteachingyoutoloveandopeningyourheartandeyestothingsyouwouldhaveneverseenorfeltwithoutthem.
如果有人伤害了你、背叛了你、或让你心碎,原谅他们吧,因为他们帮助你懂得了什么是信任,也让你明白了对那些你敞开心扉交往的人保持谨慎的重要性。如果有人爱你,那么也无条件地爱他们吧,不光因为他们爱你,也因为他们教会了你如何去爱,如何打开心扉、张开眼睛去感受那些没有他们你便不能看到或感受到的世间的种种。
Makeeverydaycount.Appreciateeverymomentandtakefromiteverythingthatyoupossiblycan,foryoumayneverbeabletoexperienceitagain.
让每一天都过得有意义吧。享受生命中的每一刻,尽你所能从中汲取,因为以后你可能没有机会再有同样经历。
Talktopeopleyouhavenevertalkedtobefore,andactuallylisten.Letyourselffallinlove,breakfreeandsetyoursightshigh.Holdyourheadupbecauseyouhaveeveryrightto.Tellyourselfyouareagreatindividualandbelieveinyourself,forifyoudon'tbelieveinyourself,nooneelsewillbelieveinyoueither.Youcanmakeofyourlifeanythingyouwish.Createyourownlifeandthengooutandliveit.
与那些你从没打过招呼的人互相交谈聆听吧,让自己沐浴爱河吧,自由地冲破藩篱,让你的眼界更加高远吧。抬起你的头,因为你有权利这样做。相信自己,告诉自己你很了不起,因为如果连你自己都不相信自己,别人又怎能相信你?你能够按自己的意愿生活。去创造出自己的生活,然后走出来享受生活吧。
"Peopleareliketeabags-youhavetoputtheminhotwaterbeforeyouknowhowstrongtheyare."
人就像茶叶袋,只有放到热水中,你才能知道他们有多强大。
英语经典美文:妈妈的双手【2】
俗语云: 子不嫌母丑 ,你小时候有没有过这样的经历,假如是妈妈对你说你哪一点做得不好,你可能会记仇很长很长时间,甚至都不会忘记,而你嫌弃的说自己母亲的缺点后,母亲却很快的就忘记了,因为假如你对母亲的爱是从地球到月亮那么多,母亲的爱却是从地球到月亮再从月亮回到地球还要多,她会原谅你的一切。
Nightafternight,shecametotuckmein,evenlongaftermychildhoodyears. Followingherlongstandingcustom,she'dleandownandpushmylonghairoutoftheway,thenkissmyforehead.
夜复一夜,她总是来帮我来盖被子,即使我早已长大。这是妈妈的长期习惯,她总是弯下身来,拨开我的长发,在我的额上一吻。
Idon'trememberwhenitfirststartedannoyingme herhandspushingmyhairthatway.Butitdidannoyme,fortheyfeltwork-wornandroughagainstmyyoungskin.Finally,onenight,Ilashedoutather: "Don'tdothatanymore yourhandsaretoorough!"Shedidn'tsayanythinginreply. Butneveragaindidmymothercloseoutmydaywiththatfamiliarexpressionofherlove. Lyingawakelongafterward,mywordshauntedme. Butpridestifledmyconscience,andIdidn'ttellherIwassorry.
我不记得从何时起,她拨开我的头发令我非常不耐烦。但的`确,我讨厌她长期操劳、粗糙的手摩擦我细嫩的皮肤。最后,一天晚上,我冲她叫: 别再这样了 你的手太粗糙了! 她什么也没说。但妈妈再也没有象这样对我表达她的爱。直到很久以后,我还是常想起我的那些话。但自尊占了上风,我没有告诉她我很后悔。
Timeaftertime,withthepassingyears,mythoughtsreturnedtothatnight. BythenImissedmymother'shands,missedhergoodnightkissuponmyforehead. Sometimestheincidentseemedveryclose,sometimesfaraway. Butalwaysitlurked,hauntingly,inthebackofmymind.
时光流逝,我又想到那个晚上。那时我想念我妈妈的手,想念她晚上在我额上的一吻。有时这幕情景似乎很近,有时又似乎很遥远。但它总是潜伏着,时常浮现,出现在我意识中。
Well,theyearshavepassed,andI'mnotalittlegirlanymore. Momisinhermid-seventies,andthosehandsIoncethoughttobesorougharestilldoingthingsformeandmyfamily. She'sbeenourdoctor,reachingintoamedicinecabinetfortheremedytocalmayounggirl'sstomachorsootheaboy'sscrapedknee.Shecooksthebestfriedchickenintheworld……getsstainsoutofbluejeanslikeInevercould……andstillinsistsondishingouticecreamatanyhourofthedayornight.
一年年过去,我也不再是一个小女孩,妈妈也有70多岁了。那双我认为很粗糙的手依然为我和我家庭做着事。她是我家的医生,为我女儿在药橱里找胃药或在我儿子擦伤的膝盖上敷药。她能烧出世界上最美味的鸡……将牛仔裤弄干净而我却永远不能……而且可以在任何时候盛出冰激凌。
Throughtheyears,mymother'shandshaveputincountlesshoursoftoil,andmostofherswerebeforeautomaticwashers!
这么多年来,妈妈的手做了多少家务!而且在自动洗衣机出现以前她已经操劳了绝大多数时间。
Now,myownchildrenaregrownandgone.MomnolongerhasDad,andonspecialoccasions,Ifindmyselfdrawnnextdoortospendthenightwithher.SoitwasthatlateonThanksgivingEve,asIdriftedintosleepinthebedroomofmyyouth,afamiliarhandhesitantlystoleacrossmyfacetobrushthehairfrommyforehead. Thenakiss,eversogently,touchedmybrow.
现在,我的孩子都已经长大,离开了家。爸爸去世了,有些时候,我睡在妈妈的隔壁房间。一次感恩节前夕的深夜,我睡在年轻时的卧室里,一只熟悉的手有些犹豫地、悄悄地略过我的脸,从我额头上拨开头发,然后一个吻,轻轻地印在我的眉毛上。
Inmymemory,forthethousandthtime,Irecalledthenightmysurlyyoungvoicecomplained: "Don'tdothatanymore yourhandsaretoorough!"CatchingMom'shandinhand,IblurtedouthowsorryIwasforthatnight. Ithoughtshe'dremember,asIdid. ButMomdidn'tknowwhatIwastalkingabout. Shehadforgotten andforgiven longago.
在我的记忆中,无数次,想起那晚我粗暴、年青的声音: 别再这样了 你的手太粗糙了! 抓住妈妈的手,我冲口而出因为那晚,我是多么后悔。我以为她想起来了,象我一样。但妈妈不知道我在说些什么。她已经在很久以前就忘了这事,并早就原谅了我。
Thatnight,Ifellasleepwithanewappreciationformygentlemotherandhercaringhands. AndtheguiltIhadcarriedaroundforsolongwasnowheretobefound.
那晚,我带着对温柔母亲和体贴双手的感激入睡。这许多年来我的负罪感已经消失无踪。
英语励志美文【3】
WhiletakingmyboatdowntheinlandwaterwaytoFloridaafewweeksago,IdecidedtotieupatGeorgetown,SouthCarolina,forthenightandvisitwithanoldfriend.AsweapproachedtheEssodock,Isawhimthroughmybinocularsstandingthereawaitingus.Tallandstraightasanarrowhestood,facingacold,penetratingwind trulyapictureofasturdyman,eventhoughhisnextbirthdaywillmakehimeighty-two.Yes,themanwasourelderstatesman,BernardBaruch.
HeloadedusintohisstationwagonandwewereofftohisfamousHobcawBaronyfordinner.Wesatandtalkedinthegreatlivingroomwheremanynotablesandstatesmen,includingRooseveltandChurchill,havesatandtakentheircues.Inhiseighty-secondyear,stillahumandynamo,Mr.Baruchtalksnotofthepastbutofpresentproblemsandthefuture,deploringourignoranceofhistory,economics,andpsychology.Hisonlyreferencetothepastwastotellme,withawonderfulsparkleinhiseye,thathewasonlyabletogeteightquailoutofthetenshotsthedaybefore.Whatisthesecretofthisgreatman’svaluetotheworldateighty-one?Theanswerishisinsatiabledesiretokeepbeingproductive.
Twoofthehardestthingstoaccomplishinthisworldaretoacquirewealthbyhonesteffortand,havinggainedit,tolearnhowtouseitproperly.RecentlyIwalkedintothelockerroomofaratherwell-knowngolfclubafterfinishingaround.Itwasinthelateafternoonandmostofthemembershadleftfortheirhomes.Butahalf-dozenorsomenpastmiddleagewerestillseatedattablestalkingaimlesslyanddrinkingmorethanwasgoodforthem.Thesesamemencanbefoundtheredayafterdayand,strangelyenough,eachoneofthesemenhadbeenamanofaffairsandwealth,successfulinbusinessandrespectedinthecommunity.Ifmaterial
prosperitywerethechiefrequisiteforhappiness,theneachoneshouldhavebeenhappy.Yet,itseemedtome,somethingveryimportantwasmissing,elsetherewouldnothavebeentheconstantefforttoescapetherealitiesoflifethroughScotchandsoda.Theyknew,eachoneofthem,thattheirproductivityhadceased.Whenafruittreeceasestobearitsfruit,itisdying.Anditisevensowithman.
Whatistheanswertoalongandhappyexistenceinthisworldofours?IthinkIfounditlongagoinapassagefromthebook,Genesis,whichcaughtmyeyeswhileIwasthumbingthroughmyBible.Thewordswerefew,buttheybecameindeliblyimpressedonmymind: Inthesweatofthyfaceshaltthoueatthybread.
Tome,thathasbeenachallengefrommyearliestrecollections.Infact,thebattleoflife,ofexistence,isachallengetoeveryone.TheimmortalwordsofSt.Paul,too,havebeenandalwayswillbeagreatinspirationtome.AttheendoftheroadIwanttobeabletofeelthatIhavefoughtagoodfight,Ihavefinishedthecourse,Ihavekeptthefaith.
本书共选取自述性散文七十二篇。原文作者用简洁、朴实的文字讲述自己如何在逆境中领悟到生活的真谛而最后获得成功。原文短小精悍、语言平实,启迪读者心智。译文忠实于原文的内容和风格,可读性强。本书不仅是一本英汉对照的优秀励志读物,而且还是翻译佳作,可供在校大学生、英语自学者和翻译爱好者阅读学习。
经典英语美文
DearArizona,
亲爱的亚利桑那:
Mybrotherissolucky.Goodstuffisalwayshappeningtohim.Doyoubelieveinluck?Andifso,howcanIgetmoreofit?
我的兄弟运气特别好,常有好事发生在他身上。你相信运气吗?如果真有运气,我怎样才能得到更多一些呢?
—LookingforLuckinLouisiana
——身在路易斯安那寻找好运的人
DearLooking,
亲爱的运气寻觅者:
Iwaseatingbreakfastwithonehand,pettingmycat,Cow,withtheother,andreadingthebackofthecerealbox,when—“YOUCH!”Iscreamed.“Why’dyoupinchme?”
我当时正一手吃早餐,一手爱抚着我的猫“牛牛”,同时在看燕麦片盒子背面的信息。就在这时——“哎呦”,我尖叫起来,“你干嘛捏我?”
“You’renotwearinggreen,”saidmylittlebrother,Tex.“Everyoneknowsyougetpinchedifyoudon’tweargreenonSaintPatrick’sDay!”
“因为你没穿绿色衣服,”我的小弟弟特克斯说,“人人都知道如果在圣帕特里克节里不穿绿色衣服就会被捏!”
“It’strue,”saidmylittlesister,Indi.
“这是真的!”我的小妹妹英蒂说。
Iwasmostlymadaboutgettingpinched,butalsoatinybitgladaboutbeingremindedthatitwasSaintPatrick’sDay.
我对自己被掐感到非常生气,但有一点儿值得高兴的是,这提醒了我今天是圣帕特里克节。
Ipanicked.“WhatamIgoingtodo?Idon’thavetimetochange.I’llgetpinchedalldaylong!”
我惊慌失措:“我该怎么办?我没时间换衣服了。一整天我都会被人捏的!”
“Well,”Texsaid,takingtheoldgreenbaseballcapoffhishead,“youcouldborrowmyluckyhat.”
“好吧,”特克斯从他头上摘下那顶绿色的旧棒球帽,说,“你可以借我的幸运帽。”
“Butit’syourfavorite!”Isaid.
“但它可是你的最爱。”我说。
“Iknow,”saidTex.“Justpromisetogiveitbackafterschool.”
我知道,”特克斯说,“只要你答应放学后还给我就行了。”
“Noproblem,”Isaid,glancinginthemirroronmywayoutthedoor.“Ilooklikeagoofballinthisthing!”
“没问题,”我说。出门前,我照了照镜子。“戴上这个东西,我看上去就像个傻瓜!”
“Aluckygoofball!”saidTex.
“一个幸运的傻瓜!”特克斯说。
“Hum.”Igrabbedmybackpack.“Thanks,Ithink.”
“嗯,”我抓起书包说道,“好吧,谢谢。”
Now,beforeIgoon,youshouldknowthatI’mnotanoverlysuperstitiousperson.Idon’tbelievethatthirteenisanunluckynumberorthatbreakingamirrorbringssevenyearsofbadluck.Idefinitelydon’tfreakoutifablackcatcrosseesmypath.Andwhenitcomestothingslikeluckyfour-leafcloversandluckypennies,Ijustneverbelievedinthem.
说到这里,你要知道我不是个极其迷信的人。我不认为13是个倒霉的数字,或者打碎镜子会带来7年的厄运。我决不会因为一只黑猫在我面前走过而被吓坏,也决不会相信诸如幸运四叶草、幸运便士这类东西。
Anyway,Iwasracingtocatchtheschoolbus,andIsawadollaronthesidewalk!Ilookedaroundtoseeifanyonewaslookingforit,butpeoplejustkeptsteppingonthepoorthing,soIdecidedtorescueit.I’dfoundpenniesandnickelsbefore,butneveradollar!Then,Ididn’tmissthebus,becausethebuswasevenlaterthanme—whichneverhappens!
不管怎样,当我正拼命追赶校车时,我看到人行道上有张一美元的钞票!我环顾四周,看看有没人在找它,可人们都相继踩过这个可怜的家伙,所以我决定营救它。以前我捡过便士和镍币,可从没发现过一美元的钞票。随后,我没有错过校车,因为校车甚至比我还晚到——这是从未发生过的!
Myluckdidn’tstopthere.CarlosandJacksonweresittingbehindme,quizzingeachotheronspellingwords.Iturnedaroundandsaid,“Youguysknowthattestisn’ttilltomorrow,right?”
我的运气并未就此打住。卡洛斯和杰克逊刚好坐在我后面,正相互考单词拼写。我转过头去,说:“你们知道明天才测验,对吗?”
“Itgotswitchedtothismorning,”saidJackson.“Remember?There’ssomeassemblytomorrow.”
“已经改到今天早上了。”杰克逊说,“记得吗?明天有个大会要开。”
“That’sright.Itotallyforgot!”Isaid.“I’msoluckythatIsatinfrontofyou.IfIhadn’t,Iwouldn’thavefoundouttillitwastoolate!”Igotoutmyspellingwords,studiedallthewaytoschool.Andendedupacingthetest!
“对哦。我忘得一干二净!”我说,“坐在你们前面我多么幸运啊。不然,到我发现已经晚了。”我拿出要考的单词表来,去学校的一路上,我都在复习。最终,我考了个好成绩。
TheminuteIgothome,IgaveTexagigantichug.
一回到家,我就给特克斯一个大大的拥抱。
“Thisistheluckiesthatintheworld,”Isaid.“I’mnevertakingitoff!”
“这是世界上最幸运的帽子。”我说,“我永远都不取下来了!”
“Butyoupromisedtogiveitback!”saidTex.
“但你答应过要还给我的。”特克斯说。
“Iknow,but…”Ipretendedtotrytopullthehatoffmyhead.“Ithinkit’sstuck.”
“我知道,但是……”我假装试图把帽子摘下来,“我想它粘住了。”
“Itisnot!”saidTex.
“没有!”特克斯说。
“Please-oh-pleaseletmeborrowyourluckyhatforonemoreday!”Ibegged.
“求求你把你的幸运帽借我再用一天。”我请求道。
“TomorrowI’mauditioningfortheschoolplay,andIneedeverybitofhelpIcanget.”
“明天我要参加学校话剧表演的选角面试,我需要得到所有帮助。”
“OK,”saidTex.“Onemoreday.Butyou’dbetterbereallynicetome.”
“好吧,”特克斯说,“再借一天。但你最好真得对我好点。”
“Iwill,”Iagreed.“Infact,hereyoucanhavemyluckydollar!”Texletoutawhoop,thenstarteddancingaroundandwavinghisgiftintheair.
“我会的,”我同意道,“这样,我这张幸运美元给你!”特克斯欢呼了一声,接着,他一边在空中挥舞着他的礼物,一边开始在四周跳起舞来。
Thenextdayturnedouttobesuperlucky.Myauditioncouldn’thavegonebetter.
第二天,我的运气棒极了。我的试演再好不过了。
“Wow,Arizona!”saidmyfriendMareya.“Ican’tbelievehowamazinglyyoujustdid!Youaresogettingamajorpartinthisplay!”
“哇,亚利桑那!”我的`朋友玛瑞娅说,“你刚刚的表演太令人吃惊了,我简直不敢相信!你肯定可以在这部话剧里演主角!”
“Thanks!Youdidreallygreat,too!”Isaid.“Buthonestly,theonlyreasonIdidOKisbecauseIhadmyluckyhat.”
“谢谢!你也表演得很棒!”我回答道,“不过,老实说,我表演好全因为我有一顶幸运帽。”
“Whatluckyhat?”askedMareya.
“什么幸运帽?”玛瑞娅问。
“Thisone,”Isaid,reachingintomybackpack,whereIthoughtI’dputTex’shatsinceIcouldn’twearitfortheaudition.Butitwasn’tthere!“Ohno!”Icried.“It’sgone!WhatamIgoingtotellTex?”
“就是这个,”我边说边把手伸进书包里,我以为我把特克斯的帽子放在书包里了,因为我不能戴着它表演。但帽子不在里面!“哦,不!”我喊道,“它不见了!我怎么跟特克斯交代啊?”
Mareyahelpedmelookforit.Luckily,wefoundTex’shatinmylocker.Alsoluckily,IdiscoveredthatIcouldbeluckywithorwithoutagoofy-lookingcapinmypossession.
玛瑞娅也帮我找,幸运的是,我们发现原来帽子放在我的储物柜里了。同样幸运的是,我发现无论戴不戴那顶落入我手中让我看起来滑稽可笑的帽子,我都会有好运。
“Soitwasn’tthehat,”saidMareya.“Thisisjustawildguess,butmaybeitwasallthosehoursyouspentpracticingoverthepastmonth.”
“所以,并不是因为那顶帽子,”玛瑞娅说,“那不过是瞎猜罢了。也许那是你过去一个月里刻苦练习的结果。”
“Hmm,”Isaid.“It’spossible.”
“嗯,”我说,“可能是!”
So,dearLooking,Iguessyoucouldsaythatluckisacombinationofbeingprepared,believinginyourself…andmaybejustatinybitofmagic!Inotherwords,luckmaycomeyourway,butyouhavetobereadyforitwhenitdoes!
所以,亲爱的运气寻觅者,我想你可以说幸运是这样一个组合——做好准备,相信自己……也许再加上一点点的魔法!换言之,幸运也许正向你走来,但在它降临时,你得做好准备!
Ciaofornow.
写到这里。再见。
Arizona
亚利桑那
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Youth
Youthisnotatimeoflife;itisastateofmind;itisnotamatterofrosycheeks,redlipsandsuppleknees;itisamatterofthewill,aqualityoftheimagination,avigoroftheemotions;itisthefreshnessofthedeepspringsoflife.Youthmeansatemperamentalpredominanceofcourageovertimidity,oftheappetiteforadventureovertheloveofease.Thisoftenexistsinamanof60morethanaboyof20.Nobodygrowsoldmerelybyanumberofyears.Wegrowoldbydesertingourideals.Yearsmaywrinkletheskin,buttogiveupenthusiasmwrinklesthesoul.Worry,fear,self-distrustbowstheheartandturnsthespiritbacktodust.Whether60or16,thereisineveryhumanbeing’sheartthelureofwonders,theunfailingappetiteforwhat’snextandthejoyofthegameofliving.Inthecenterofyourheartandmyheart,thereisawirelessstation;solongasitreceivesmessagesofbeauty,hope,courageandpowerfrommanandfromtheinfinite,solongasyouareyoung.Whenyouraerialsaredown,andyourspiritiscoveredwithsnowsofcynicismandtheiceofpessimism,thenyou’vegrownold,evenat20;butaslongasyouraerialsareup,tocatchwavesofoptimism,there’shopeyoumaydieyoungat80.
IfIRest,IRustThesignificantinscriptionfoundonanoldkey---“IfIrest,Irust”---wouldbeanexcellentmottoforthosewhoareafflictedwiththeslightestbitofidleness.Eventhemostindustriouspersonmightadoptitwithadvantagetoserveasareminderthat,ifoneallowshisfacultiestorest,liketheironintheunusedkey,theywillsoonshowsignsofrustand,ultimately,cannotdotheworkrequiredofthem.Thosewhowouldattaintheheightsreachedandkeptbygreatmenmustkeeptheirfacultiespolishedbyconstantuse,sothattheymayunlockthedoorsofknowledge,thegatethatguardtheentrancestotheprofessions,toscience,art,literature,agriculture---everydepartmentofhumanendeavor.Industrykeepsbrightthekeythatopensthetreasuryofachievement.IfHughMiller,aftertoilingalldayinaquarry,haddevotedhiseveningstorestandrecreation,hewouldneverhavebecomeafamousgeologist.Thecelebratedmathematician,EdmundStone,wouldneverhavepublishedamathematicaldictionary,neverhavefoundthekeytoscienceofmathematics,ifhehadgivenhissparemomentstoidleness,hadthelittleScotchlad,Ferguson,allowedthebusybraintogotosleepwhilehetendedsheeponthehillsideinsteadofcalculatingthepositionofthestarsbyastringofbeads,hewouldneverhavebecomeafamousastronomer.Laborvanquishesall---notinconstant,spasmodic,orill-directedlabor;butfaithful,unremitting,dailyefforttowardawell-directedpurpose.Justastrulyaseternalvigilanceisthepriceofliberty,soiseternalindustrythepriceofnobleandenduringsuccess.
青春不是年华,而是心境;青春不是桃面、丹唇、柔膝,而是深沉的意志,恢宏的想象,炙热的恋情;青春是生命的深泉在涌流。
青春气贯长虹,勇锐盖过怯弱,进取压倒苟安。如此锐气,二十后生而有之,六旬男子则更多见。年岁有加,并非垂老,理想丢弃,方堕暮年。
岁月悠悠,衰微只及肌肤;热忱抛却,颓废必致灵魂。忧烦,惶恐,丧失自信,定使心灵扭曲,意气如灰。
无论年届花甲,拟或二八芳龄,心中皆有生命之欢乐,奇迹之诱惑,孩童般天真久盛不衰。人人心中皆有一台天线,只要你从天上人间接受美好、希望、欢乐、勇气和力量的信号,你就青春永驻,风华常存。
一旦天线下降,锐气便被冰雪覆盖,玩世不恭、自暴自弃油然而生,即使年方二十,实已垂垂老矣;然则只要树起天线,捕捉乐观信号,你就有望在八十高龄告别尘寰时仍觉年轻。
如果我休息,我就会生锈
在一把旧钥匙上发现了一则意义深远的铭文——如果我休息,我就会生锈。对于那些懒散而烦恼的人来说,这将是至理名言。甚至最为勤勉的人也以此作为警示:如果一个人有才能而不用,就像废弃钥匙上的铁一样,这些才能就会很快生锈,并最终无法完成安排给自己的工作。有些人想取得伟人所获得并保持的成就,他们就必须不断运用自身才能,以便开启知识的大门,即那些通往人类努力探求的各个领域的大门,这些领域包括各种职业:科学,艺术,文学,农业等。)
勤奋使开启成功宝库的钥匙保持光亮。如果休?米勒在采石场劳作一天后,晚上的时光用来休息消遣的话,他就不会成为名垂青史的'地质学家。著名数学家爱德蒙?斯通如果闲暇时无所事事,就不会出版数学词典,也不会发现开启数学之门的钥匙。如果苏格兰青年弗格森在山坡上放羊时,让他那思维活跃的大脑处于休息状态,而不是借助一串珠子计算星星的位置,他就不会成为著名的天文学家。劳动征服一切。这里所指的劳动不是断断续续的,间歇性的或方向偏差的劳动,而是坚定的,不懈的,方向正确的每日劳动。正如要想拥有自由就要时刻保持警惕一样,要想取得伟大的,持久的成功,就必须坚持不懈地努力。