里昂夜讀英語美文[232]:英國威斯敏斯特教堂墓志銘
When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of changing the world.
當(dāng)我年輕的時(shí)候，我的想象力從沒有受到過限制，我夢想改變這個(gè)世界。
As I grew older and wiser, I discovered the world would not change,
當(dāng)我成熟以后，我發(fā)現(xiàn)我不能改變這個(gè)世界，
so I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country. But it, too, seemed immovable.
我將目光縮短了些，決定只改變我的國家。但這個(gè)目標(biāo)還是太大了。
As I grew into my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt,
當(dāng)我進(jìn)入暮年后，我發(fā)現(xiàn)我不能改變我的國家，
I settled for changing only my family, those closest to me, but alas, they would have none of it.
我的最后愿望僅僅是改變一下我的家庭。但是，這也不可能。
And now, as I lie on my death bed, I suddenly realize:
當(dāng)我躺在床上，行將就木時(shí)，我突然意識到：
If I had only changed myself first, then by example I would have changed my family.
如果一開始我僅僅去改變我自己，然后作為一個(gè)榜樣，我可能改變我的家庭。
From their inspiration and encouragement, I would then have been able to better my country,
在家人的幫助和鼓勵(lì)下，我可能為國家做一些事情。
who knows, I may have even changed the world.
然后誰知道呢？我甚至可能改變這個(gè)世界。
