【有声】忏悔录 Confessions | BookVI Chapter12 公共生活的计划

BookVI Chapter12

公共生活的计划

And many of us friends conferring about, and detesting the turbulent turmoils of human life, had debated and now almost resolved on living apart from business and the bustle of men; and this was to be thus obtained; we were to bring whatever we might severally procure, and make one household of all; so that through the truth of our friendship nothing should belong especially to any; but the whole thus derived from all, should as a whole belong to each, and all to all. We thought there might be some of ten persons in this society; some of whom were very rich, especially Romanianus our townsman, from childhood a very familiar friend of mine, whom the grievous perplexities of his affairs had brought up to court; who was the most earnest for this project; and there in was his voice of great weight, because his ample estate far exceeded any of the rest.

我们这一批朋友，不论思想上或谈话中，都讨厌人生的扰攘不安，经过讨论后，几乎都已拿定主意要去过遁世无问的生活，我们的计划是如此：把我们所有的都拿出来，作为共有的产业，凭我们真诚的友谊，不分彼此，将全体所有合而为一，全部产业既属于每一人也属于全体。我们认为这个团体大约有十人，其中有几人比较富裕，最富有的是我们的同乡和我自幼即非常投契的罗玛尼阿努斯，他由于严重的事故而来到朝中的；他对这件事最热心，由于他雄厚的家产远远超过其余诸人，所以每有建议，余人很是重视。

We had settled also that two annual officers, as it were, should provide all things necessary, the rest being undisturbed. But when we began to consider whether the wives, which some of us already had, others hoped to have, would allow this, all that plan, which was being so well moulded, fell to pieces in our hands, was utterly dashed and cast aside.

我们都同意每年推举两人，和在职的官吏一样负责管理一切，其余都可安闲自在。但我们中间，有的已成婚，有的准备结婚，考虑到以后妇女们是否会容许如此办理，我们经过深思熟虑而订下的全部计划终于跳出我们的手掌而粉碎了。

Thence we be took us to sighs, and groans, and our steps to follow the broad and beaten ways of the world; for many thoughts were in our heart, but Thy counsel standeth forever. Out of which counsel Thou didst deride ours, and preparedst Thine own; purposing to give us meat in due season, and open by hand and fill our souls with blessing.

我们重新回到叹息呻吟之中，重新踏上尘世的坦途；我们心中的思想是千头万绪，而你的计划永远不变。根据你的永恒计划，你哂笑我们的计划，同时你为我们准备你的计划，将及时地给我们粮食，你将伸出你的手，使我们的灵魂满受你的祝福。