The Bear and the Two Travelers

熊与两个旅者

 

Two men were traveling together, when a bear suddenly met them on their path.

两个平常非常要好的朋友一起走在旅行的途中，突然遇到一头大熊 。

 

One of them climbed up quickly into a tree and concealed himself in the branches.

其中的一个立即闪电般地抢先爬上了树，躲了起来。

 

The other, seeing that he must be attacked, fell flat on the ground, and when the bear came up and felt him with his snout, and smelt him all over, he held his breath, and feigned the appearance of death as much as he could.

而另一个眼见逃生无望，便灵机一动马上躺倒在地上，紧紧地屏住呼吸，假装死了，熊走到他跟前，用鼻子在他脸上嗅了嗅，。

 

The Bear soon left him, for it is said he will not touch a dead body.

不一会儿熊就转身走了。据说，熊从来不吃死人。

 

When he was quite gone, the other traveler descended from the tree, and jocularly inquired of his friend what it was the Bear had whispered in his ear.

躲在树上的人下来后，问熊在他耳边说了些什么。 

 

"He gave me this advice," his companion replied. "Never travel with a friend who deserts you at the approach of danger."

那人委婉地回答说："熊告诉我，今后千万注意，别和那些不能共患难的朋友一起同行。"