THE SHIPWRECKED MAN AND THE SEA

A Shipwrecked Man cast up on the beach fell asleep after his struggle with the waves. When he woke up, he bitterly reproached the Sea for its treachery in enticing men with its smooth and smiling surface, and then, when they were well embarked, turning in fury upon them and sending both ship and sailors to destruction. The Sea arose in the form of a woman, and replied, “Lay not the blame on me, O sailor, but on the Winds. By nature I am as calm and safe as the land itself: but the Winds fall upon me with their gusts and gales, and lash me into a fury that is not natural to me.”

船难幸存者和大海

有一个船难的幸存者奋力挣扎后终于爬上了海滩，累得睡着了。等他醒过来的时候，便厉声责备大海用平静明媚的表面迷惑众人，等人们扬帆起航后又翻脸发怒，让船和水手都葬身其中。大海以一个女人的样子显形，回答说：“水手先生，请不要责备我，要怪就怪风吧。我本来是和大地一样又平静又安全的，但是风却狂吹猛刮，让我发怒，那可不是我的本来面目啊。”