2017-08-17

【Vondel's Lucifer•ACT IV】

Joost van den Vondel (1587—1679)

        Gabriel and Michael discuss the outbreak of the war. God has weighed mercy against righteousness and has decided in favor of self-defense.  So they arm themselves for battle.  Meanwhile, Lucifer and his supporters have taken the offensive and are confident of victory.  He promises to exchange the “hated tyranny of heaven” for a “state of freedom” (implicitly, under his own rule).

        Raphael next appears.  In a magnificent speech, he reminds Lucifer of all the favor God has shown him and the majesty in which He has clothed him: he should be content with his lot.  Raphael goes on to warn Lucifer against the dire consequences for him of rebellion; he urges him to desist before it is too late; he offers the olive branch of God’s mercy.  Finally, he offers to act as a mediator with God – but only on the condition that Lucifer lays down his arms. 

        Lucifer has a moment of self-doubt and despair, and he feels that he has gone too far to turn back.  Informed that Michael is ready for combat, however, and urged on by his supporters, his hand is forced, on the side of the rebellion.   Raphael sums up, sadly: “Helaas, hij stond alreede in twijfel, en beraad;/Nu voert hem wanhoop aan” (Alas! but now/ He stood in doubt suspended: now, despair/Incites him on.”).

—— • —— • —— • —— • —— • —— • —— • ——

【《哪儿有这样的忠诚》】

正直•冯德尔(1587生—1679卒)

                哪儿有这样的忠诚

                能比过夫妻间的真情，

                世界上何处能觅?

                　两颗灼热的心灵交融，

                牢固无比地结合为一，

                　悲欢与共。

                不错，还有母爱——

                母子间坚韧的纽带，

                母亲慈爱地哺乳，

                　还那么久地孕育腹中，

                经受了多少忧虑和痛苦，

                　血流相通。

                但一对男女的联结

                比这更强： 两手相携，

                任何力量都难分开，

                　过着纯洁和平的生活，

                共同穿越漫长的年代，

                　同心同德。

                熔合了魂与魂，

                联结了心和心，

                才能产生这种纽带，

                　爱强于死。没有其他关系

                比爱情更接近于神的爱，

                　光辉无比。

                这种火，水浇不熄，

                大自然点燃的火里

                唯爱之火最高贵。

                　能粘合心的是最强的胶

                而一切城墙都终将平毁，

                　终将坍倒。

                连鸽子也懂得爱，

                她也会为爱志哀，

                一旦失去了爱侣，

                　她就从此栖于枯树枯枝，

                苦苦地悲鸣啊哀哀哭泣，

                　至死方止。

                喜力河之妻

                正是在这样哀戚，

                悼念之雪化成泪洪：

                　用胸膛捍卫了百姓与城，

                海斯布雷赫特一定已经

                　献出生命。

                宽慰她吧，上帝，

                求你赐给她福气

                迎接凯旋的英雄。

                　她恐惧哀叹，又热切期盼

                他已在途中，只不过有事情

                　耽误了时间。

Today in History(历史上的今天):

2017: Cheese Farm near Kinderdijk, NLD(荷兰孩童堤防附近的奶酪农场)

Old Waterpoort (老河港)

Wijnkoperij Luuc van Boort (葡萄酒收购商光·山烟)

Loevestein Castle (自由爱好者城堡)

Loevestein Castle (自由爱好者城堡)

St Maartenskerk & Gasthuistoren

(战将教堂与原医院礼拜堂钟楼)

Gasthuistoren & Steenfabriek (原医院礼拜堂钟楼与砖瓦厂)

St Maartenskerk (战将教堂)

Water Tower (水塔)

Martinus Nijhoff  Brug w/ Dr. W. Hupkes Railroad Bridge  

(火星·庄园场诗人桥与工程师铁路桥)

Martinus Nijhoff Brug (火星·庄园场诗人桥)

Dr. W. Hupkes Railroad Bridge (工程师铁路桥)

Crosslinks(相关博文):

Netherlands(出游荷兰)

Europe(欧洲掠影)

8th Grade(初中三年级)