【编者按】 家父钱克仁1928年 - 1934年在嘉兴秀州中学读书。以下是他的英文作文,刊登在该校校刊《秀州钟》1933年第12期第14 - 15页)中文是他的同学骆坚卿先生在2002年2月翻译的。
MY IDEAL HOME
Tsien Ke Jen the Class of 1934
Every young man has sweet ideal home in his mind. One hopes that he will have a modern home with a cozy little house, a modern wife, and lovely children. One wishes that his life to be very comfortable. He hopes to have a good position in society, and to be able to ride in automobiles, see motion pictures, and dance. We can judge what a man is going to be in the future by knowing his idea of a home.
My idea of a home is different from those who like to be modern. I would like to live in a big family like mine at present. There is much cooperation and love among the members of the family. I would like to have my home in the country, though not too far from the city, because there it is quiet and air we breathe is fresh. Around our home we would have a garden of several mow. In it we would plant fruit trees and vegetables, and dig a little pond. We would keep bees, fowls, and pigs. In our house we would have a large open courtyard so that all our rooms might be full of light and fresh air. The rooms would be furnished comfortably.
We would be more helpful each other and happier than others. The old in the family would be allowed to do nothing but what they are pleased to, reading the books which they are interested, writing essays or poems, playing with the children, or enjoying outdoor scenery. The young man in the family would be divided into two groups. Some would serve in schools or other professions in the city. Some would remain in the country to take charge of the farm and the children. The happiest in the family are the children. The elder children would study in the city. The younger ones would stay home under the care of their parents. They would be given pictures to look at and told tales. Or they could play in the garden. During the vacation the young men and children would return home from the city. They would talk with each other and the children would play together sweetly. Our family would be full of joy and laughter.
嘉兴秀州中学建于1900年。陈省身先生、谭其骧先生、李政道先生、严敦杰先生、程开甲先生曾就读于此校。
我的理想家庭
(1934级 钱克仁)
每位年青人的心里有个甜蜜的理想家庭。某甲希望有个摩登的、舒适的、小小的房子,一个摩登妻子和可爱的孩子们;某乙心想自己的生活将是很惬意轻松的,他希望在社会上有一个优越的地位,能够汽车进出、看看电影和出入舞场。我们可从了解一个人目前对于家庭的理想如何,据以判断他的将来如何。
我对于家庭的理想,异于那些喜欢摩登的人。我喜欢生活在如同自己现在所居的一个大家庭中:这里的各个成员之间,有着多多的合作和爱心。这个大家庭最好位于离市区不太远的乡村,因为那里安静而且空气新鲜。围绕宅居,要有广数畝的园地,以便种上果木和蔬菜,并且掘出一个小池子。我们要养蜜蜂、家禽和猪只。我们的房子要有一个大的露天庭院,使每个房间都有充足的光照和新鲜空气,房间要布置得舒适如意。
我们要彼此更为互助,比别人更为快乐。家里长者可以闲暇无事,随心所欲地去阅读自己喜欢的书籍、写文章、吟诗词、同孩子们一起玩乐或是欣赏户外景色。年青们要分为两组,有的要进城到学校里或其他行业去服务;有的留在乡间负责照料田地和孩子们。大家庭里最快乐的要算孩子们了,大些的要进城读书;小不点儿们在家由父母照管,要给图画供他们看,讲故事给他们听或让他们在园子里玩。放假期间,年青们和大孩子们从城里回来了,他们互相述说各自的情况;小孩子们和他们甜蜜地玩在一起,全家充满着欢乐和笑声。
骆坚卿 2002年2月14日 译于上海
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