The Shepherd and the Fairy

The Shepherd and the Fairy. A Corsican folk tale retold by William Harriman. Illustrated by Sandra Pond.

《牧羊人与仙女》。威廉·哈里曼改编的科西嘉民间故事，桑德拉·庞德绘制插图。

Once upon a time, in a deep, dark cave, there lived a beautiful fairy. She was a clever fairy who could do all kinds of magic. But she could do magic on the condition that she did not leave the cave for more than three days at a time. The cave was in a faraway place in the mountains. Because of this, she was very lonely.

很久很久以前，在一个幽深昏暗的洞穴里，住着一位美丽的仙女。 她是个聪明的仙女，会各种各样的魔法。 不过她能使用魔法的前提是，每次离开洞穴的时间不能超过三天。 这个洞穴坐落在大山里很远很远的地方。 因为这个原因，她过得非常孤单。

The fairy liked to go for walks in the hills and feel the fresh air. She also liked to smell the wildflowers. She enjoyed watching the birds fly. She could fly too, but not as gracefully as a sparrow or a hummingbird.

仙女喜欢去小山丘上散步，感受清新的空气。 她也喜欢闻野花的香气。 她爱看鸟儿飞翔的样子。 她也会飞，不过飞得不像麻雀或者蜂鸟那样灵巧优美。

One day, when the fairy was out walking, she saw a young shepherd herding his sheep. He was quite plain, but he played a wooden flute and seemed quite merry. She watched him for a while. His joy made her heart sing. She fell in love with him.

有一天，仙女出门散步的时候，看见一个年轻的牧羊人在放羊。 他长得很普通，但是吹着一支木笛，看起来非常快活。 她看了他好一会儿。他的快乐让她的心都雀跃起来，她爱上他了。

Hello, Shepherd," she said. You look so happy. I really enjoyed your music. The Shepherd stopped playing his flute and smiled at her. Yes, ma 'am. I'm very happy. The Shepherd felt a little shy.

“你好呀，牧羊人。”她开口说。 你看起来开心极了。 我特别喜欢你吹的曲子。 牧羊人停下吹笛，对着她笑了笑。 是的，女士。 我确实很开心。 牧羊人觉得有点害羞。

You're quite content? the fairy asked. You don't need anything at all? Not a thing, the shepherd replied. You're sure? asked the fairy.

“你就这么满足吗？”仙女问，“你什么东西都不缺吗？” “什么都不缺。”牧羊人回答。“你确定吗？”仙女又问。