この「Spring」というタイトルの英文を初めて
聞いたのは、４０年以上前のこと。
高校の暗唱大会だった。一つ下の学年で
ＥＳＳクラブ所属の女子だった。
小鳥がさえずるような声で見事に暗唱された。
思い余って、厚かましくも彼女からその
原稿の写しを頂戴したのだった。
今になって、その出典をググってみたが、
見つけることができない。
もしどなたかご存知ならば是非、ご教示願い
たい。
I heard this beautiful English titled "spring"
over 40 years ago.
It was at the recitation contest of my high school.
It was recited by a girl, one year younger
than I and who belonged to ESS club.
She spoke with a beautiful diction and a voice
sounded like a small bird.
I begged her to give me a copy of it, I remember.
Shame on me, but I forgot to ask her where
she found it and that I couldn't googled yet.
I wish someone tells me where it is written
or quoted.
"Spring"
Spring has come; childhood, youth, hope,
joy, happiness are all reawakened in my heart.
The bright sunshine, the mild breezes,
the green grass, the fragrant flowers, the budding
trees, the twittering birds, the laughing children
make me forget the sadness of the dark and
dreary winter days.
I cannot work; an irresistible longing drives me
out to wander in the fields and woods and
have my share in the rejoicing of nature.
But how short is our happiness; clouds are
quickly gathering and a chilly rain makes us
seek shelter in a lonely farmhouse.
Only an old woman is there,
doing the housework; for the farmer and
his sons are working in the field, plowing
and hoeing, pulling out weeds and sowing corn.
Soon the clouds break away, the blue sky
reappears.
The majestic arch of a rainbow with the splendor
of its seven colors awakens our admiration.
It looks like an imposing bridge leading us
to a brighter, happier land.
How diligently the birds are flying about; they are
seeking material to build their nests.
In yonder tree a nest is already built, and
the mother bird is busy finding food for her young.
A mother’s love forgets all labor and fatigue.
The dear little creatures know not how hard
their mother has to work. They are always hungry,
always screaming, always needing a watchful eye.
They lean over the edge of the nest, and
if their mother does not make them go back,
they will fall to the ground, and there they will die
miserably. What a beautiful picture of our own
mother’s care! Does she not give up her pleasures
and comforts for us? does she not sacrifice herself
to the beloved ones?
A delicious smell fills the air. In many gardens
the cherry-trees are in full bloom.
The light colors of the blossoms charm our eyes,
while we breathe in with delight the sweet smell.
soon these trees will be loaded with cherries, and
when they are ripe we shall have as a delicious
dessert for dinner.
After rain comes sunshine; after winter, spring;
after sorrow, joy; therefore you must never be
discouraged, but must always hope for happiness.