The old man comes out on the hill

那老人出来到山坡上

and looks down to recall earlier days

朝山下望去，回想起山谷中

in the valley. He sees the stream shine,

早年的岁月。他看到溪水闪亮，

the church stand, hears the litter of

教堂站立，听到孩子们

children's voices. A chill in the flesh

嘈杂的叫声。身体中一阵寒意

tells him that death is not far off

告诉他死亡已离他不远

now: it is the shadow under the great boughs

此刻：它是生命树干之下的阴影。

of life. His garden has herbs growing.

他的花园里，药草正在生长；

The kestrel goes by with fresh prey

茶隼带着脚下捕获的猎物飞过；

in its claws. The wind scatters the scent

风中散发着野蚕豆的香气；

of wild beans. The tractor operates

拖拉机在大地的身体上耕作；

on the earth's body. His grandson is there

那里，他的孙子正在犁地，

ploughing; his young wife fetches him

他年轻的妻子为他带来茶点

cakes and tea and a dark smile. It is well.

和黝黑的笑容。一切都很好。