|
A peasant in the state of Song led an extremely hard life for he was destitute1, depending on worn sackcloth to defense2 the chill of winter. After the spring arrived, the peasant ploughed in the field. When he got tired and rested on the ridge3 of the field he felt the sunshine to be warmer and more comfortable than the worn sackcloth. He knew neither spacious4 nor comfortable houses to live in, nor silk, cotton and fur clothes to keep warm. He was very excited at his discovery, and he said to his wife, "Sun bath is so pleasant, but people do not know it. I will present this secret to the king, and he is sure to bestow5 many presents to me to reward my loyalty6." 宋国的一个农民，因家境贫寒，生活极为清苦，全靠一件烂麻衣抵御冬天的严寒。 春天来后，农夫在田里耕地，累了坐在田头休息时，觉得太阳暖融融的，舒服而惬意，远比烂麻衣温暖。 这农民不知道人间宽敞舒适的房子都可居住，也不清楚绵绸和皮衣可以保暖。农民为自己的这一新发现激动不已，兴奋地对妻子说：“晒太阳是如此令人愉快，而人们却还不知道。我要把这一秘密献给国王，国王为了表彰我的忠诚，一定会给我很多赏赐物品。” | 
