指环王英文版魔戒再现 Part 1 Chapter 01
Chapter 01
第一章
A Long-expected Party
盼望已久的宴会
When Mr. Bilbo Baggins of Bag End announced that he would shortly be celebrating his eleventy-first birthday with a party of special magnificence, there was much talk and excitement in Hobbiton.
当袋底洞的比尔博·巴金斯先生宣布他即将以一场特别盛大的宴会来庆祝他的111岁生日时，霍比屯顿时议论纷纷，激动不已。
Bilbo was very rich and very peculiar, and had been the wonder of the Shire for sixty years, ever since his remarkable disappearance and unexpected return.
比尔博非常富有，也非常古怪。自从他那次离奇的失踪和出人意料的归来之后，六十年来他一直是夏尔地区的传奇人物。
The riches he had brought back from his travels had now become a local legend, and it was popularly believed, whatever the old folk might say, that the Hill at Bag End was full of tunnels stuffed with treasure.
他从旅途中带回来的财富如今已成为当地的一个传说，不管老辈人怎么说，大家普遍相信袋底洞所在的小山下面全是塞满宝物的隧道。
And if that was not enough for fame, there was also his prolonged vigour to marvel at.
如果这还不足以令他名满天下，他那持久不衰的活力也令人称奇。
Time wore on, but it seemed to have little effect on Mr. Baggins.
时间流逝，但似乎对巴金斯先生影响甚微。
At ninety he was much the same as at fifty.
到了九十岁，他还是和五十岁时差不多。
At ninety-nine they began to call him well-preserved, but unchanged would have been nearer the mark.
到了九十九岁，人们开始称他为“保养得宜”，但说“毫无变化”才更准确。
There were some that shook their heads and thought this was too much of a good thing; it seemed unfair that anyone should possess (apparently) perpetual youth as well as (reputedly) inexhaustible wealth.
有些人摇头，觉得这好得太过分了；一个人既拥有（表面上的）永驻青春，又拥有（传闻中的）无尽财富，似乎太不公平了。
'It will have to be paid for,' they said. 'It isn't natural, and trouble will come of it!'
“这是要付出代价的，”他们说。“这不合常理，麻烦迟早会来的！”
But so far trouble had not come; and as Mr. Baggins was generous with his money, most people were willing to forgive him his oddities and his good fortune.
但到目前为止，麻烦尚未降临；并且由于巴金斯先生用钱大方，大多数人都愿意原谅他的古怪和他的好运。
He remained on visiting terms with his relatives (except, of course, the Sackville-Bagginses), and he had many devoted admirers among the hobbits of poor and unimportant families.
他仍与他的亲戚们保持来往（当然，萨克维尔-巴金斯家除外），在贫寒卑微家庭的霍比特人中，他也有许多忠实的仰慕者。
But he had no close friends, until some of his younger cousins began to grow up.
但他没有密友，直到他的一些年轻表亲开始长大。
The eldest of these, and Bilbo's favourite, was young Frodo Baggins.
其中年纪最大的，也是比尔博最喜欢的，是年轻的佛罗多·巴金斯。
When Bilbo was ninety-nine, he adopted Frodo as his heir, and brought him to live at Bag End; and the hopes of the Sackville-Bagginses were finally dashed.
在比尔博九十九岁那年，他收养佛罗多作为继承人，把他带到袋底洞来住；萨克维尔-巴金斯家的希望最终破灭了。
Bilbo and Frodo happened to have the same birthday, September 22nd.
比尔博和佛罗多的生日恰好在同一天，都是九月二十二日。
'You had better come and live here, Frodo my lad,' said Bilbo one day; 'and then we can celebrate our birthday-parties comfortably together.'
“你最好搬来这里住，佛罗多我的孩子，”比尔博有一天说；“这样我们就可以舒舒服服地一起庆祝我们的生日宴会了。”
At that time Frodo was still in his tweens, as the hobbits called the irresponsible twenties between childhood and coming of age at thirty-three.
那时佛罗多还在他的“双十”年纪，即霍比特人对成年（三十三岁）前那些不负责任的二十多岁年纪段的称呼。
Twelve more years passed.
又过了十二年。
Each year the Bagginses had given very lively combined birthday-parties at Bag End; but now it was understood that something quite exceptional was being planned for that autumn.
每年巴金斯们都会在袋底洞举办非常热闹的联合生日宴会；但现在大家都知道，为这个秋天计划的将是异常特别的活动。
Bilbo was going to be eleventy-one, 111, a rather curious number and a very respectable age for a hobbit (the Old Took himself had only reached 130; and Frodo was going to be thirty-three, 33) an important number: the date of his 'coming of age'.
比尔博即将年满一百一十一岁（111），这个数字颇为奇特，对霍比特人来说也是非常值得尊敬的年纪（老图克本人也只活到一百三十岁）；而佛罗多将满三十三岁（33），这是一个重要的数字：标志着他“成年”之日。
Tongues began to wag in Hobbiton and Bywater; and rumour of the coming event travelled all over the Shire.
霍比屯和傍水镇开始议论纷纷；关于即将来临的盛会传闻传遍了整个夏尔。
The history and character of Mr. Bilbo Baggins became once again the chief topic of conversation; and the older folk suddenly found their reminiscences in welcome demand.
比尔博·巴金斯先生的历史和品格再次成为谈话的主要话题；而老人们突然发现他们的回忆变得炙手可热。
No one had a more attentive audience than old Ham Gamgee, commonly known as the Gaffer.
老霍姆·詹吉，通常被称为老詹吉，吸引了最专注的听众。
He held forth at The Ivy Bush, a small inn on the Bywater road; and he spoke with some authority, for he had tended the garden at Bag End for forty years, and had helped old Holman in the same job before that.
他在傍水路旁的小酒馆“长春藤树丛”里高谈阔论；他说话颇有权威，因为他照料袋底洞的花园已有四十年，此前还在老霍曼手下干过同样的活儿。
Now that he was himself growing old and stiff in the joints, the job was mainly carried on by his youngest son, Sam Gamgee.
现在他自己也老了，关节僵硬，这份工作主要由他的小儿子山姆·詹吉接管。
Both father and son were on very friendly terms with Bilbo and Frodo.
父子二人都与比尔博和佛罗多关系非常友好。
They lived on the Hill itself, in Number 3 Bagshot Row just below Bag End.
他们就住在小山上袋底洞正下方的袋边路三号。
'A very nice well-spoken gentlehobbit is Mr. Bilbo, as I've always said,' the Gaffer declared.
“巴金斯先生是一位非常和善、彬彬有礼的绅士霍比特，我向来这么说。”老詹吉宣称道。
With perfect truth: for Bilbo was very polite to him, calling him 'Master Hamfast', and consulting him constantly upon the growing of vegetables-in the matter of 'roots', especially potatoes, the Gaffer was recognized as the leading authority by all in the neighbourhood (including himself).
这完全是实话：因为比尔博对他非常客气，称他为“哈姆法斯特师傅”，并经常就种菜的问题请教他——尤其是“块茎类”作物，主要是土豆，老詹吉被整个地区（包括他自己）公认为这方面的头号权威。
'But what about this Frodo that lives with him?' asked Old Noakes of Bywater.
“但是那个和他住在一起的佛罗多呢？”傍水镇的老诺克斯问。
'Baggins is his name, but he's more than half a Brandybuck, they say.
“他是姓巴金斯没错，但他们说他有不止一半的烈酒鹿血统（注：指他母亲是烈酒鹿家的）。
It beats me why any Baggins of Hobbiton should go looking for a wife away there in Buckland, where folks are so queer.'
我实在想不通为什么霍比屯的巴金斯家人要跑到雄鹿地那么远的地方找老婆，那儿的人都很古怪。”
'And no wonder they're queer,' put in Daddy Twofoot (the Gaffer's next- door neighbour), 'if they live on the wrong side of the Brandywine River, and right agin the Old Forest.
“难怪他们古怪，”两脚爹（老詹吉的隔壁邻居）插嘴说，“如果他们住在白兰地河的错误一边（指东岸），紧挨着老林子。
That's a dark bad place, if half the tales be true.'
那地方又阴暗又险恶，就算只有一半传闻是真的。”
'You're right, Dad!' said the Gaffer. 'Not that the Brandybucks of Buck- land live in the Old Forest; but they're a queer breed, seemingly.
“你说得对，老爹！”老詹吉说。“烈酒鹿家的人倒不是住在老林子里；但他们似乎是古怪的一族人。
They fool about with boats on that big river . and that isn't natural.
他们在那条大河上摆弄船只……这不合常理。
Small wonder that trouble came of it, I say.
我说啊，难怪会出麻烦事。
But be that as it may, Mr. Frodo is as nice a young hobbit as you could wish to meet.
但不管怎样，佛罗多少爷是一位你所能希望见到的最好的年轻霍比特人。
Very much like Mr. Bilbo, and in more than looks.
非常像比尔博先生，而且不止是外貌。
After all his father was a Baggins.
毕竟他父亲是巴金斯家的人。
A decent respectable hobbit was Mr. Drogo Baggins; there was never much to tell of him, till he was drownded.'
德罗哥·巴金斯先生是个体面可敬的霍比特人；在他淹死之前，没啥可说的。”
'Drownded?' said several voices.
“淹死了？”几个声音同时问道。
They had heard this and other darker rumours before, of course; but hobbits have a passion for family history, and they were ready to hear it again.
当然，他们以前听过这个以及其他更阴暗的流言；但霍比特人对家族历史怀有极大的热情，他们很乐意再听一遍。
'Well, so they say,' said the Gaffer. 'You see: Mr. Drogo, he married poor Miss Primula Brandybuck.
“嗯，大家是这么说的，”老詹吉说。“你们看：德罗哥先生娶了可怜的普丽缪拉·烈酒鹿小姐。
She was our Mr. Bilbo's first cousin on the mother's side (her mother being the youngest of the Old Took's daughters); and Mr. Drogo was his second cousin.
她是我们的比尔博先生的表妹（从母系算，她母亲是老图克最小的女儿）；而德罗哥先生是他的堂弟（注：具体指第二代的堂/表兄弟）。
So Mr. Frodo is his first and second cousin, once removed either way, as the saying is, if you follow me.
所以佛罗多少爷算是他的隔代表弟，也可以说是隔代堂弟，就像俗话说的那样，你们明白我的意思吧。
And Mr. Drogo was staying at Brandy Hall with his father-in- law, old Master Gorbadoc, as he often did after his marriage (him being partial to his vittles, and old Gorbadoc keeping a mighty generous table); and he went out boating on the Brandywine River; and he and his wife were drownded, and poor Mr. Frodo only a child and all. '
德罗哥先生当时住在烈酒厅他的岳父老戈巴多克老爷那里，他婚后经常如此（他贪吃，而老戈巴多克待客极为慷慨）；后来他去白兰地河划船；然后他和他的妻子都淹死了，可怜的佛罗多少爷那时还是个孩子。”
'I've heard they went on the water after dinner in the moonlight,' said Old Noakes; 'and it was Drogo's weight as sunk the boat.'
“我听说他们晚饭后在月光下上了船，”老诺克斯说；“是德罗哥的体重压沉了船。”
'And I heard she pushed him in, and he pulled her in after him,' said Sandyman, the Hobbiton miller.
“我还听说她把他推下了水，然后他又把她也拉下去了，”霍比屯的磨坊主桑德曼说。
'You shouldn't listen to all you hear, Sandyman,' said the Gaffer, who did not much like the miller. 'There isn't no call to go talking of pushing and pulling.
“你不该听到什么就信什么，桑德曼，”老詹吉说，他不太喜欢这个磨坊主。“没必要说什么推啊拉的。
Boats are quite tricky enough for those that sit still without looking further for the cause of trouble.
船这东西，就算坐着不动也已经够难摆弄的了，不必找别的麻烦原因。
Anyway: there was this Mr. Frodo left an orphan and stranded, as you might say, among those queer Bucklanders, being brought up anyhow in Brandy Hall.
总之，可怜的佛罗多少爷就成了孤儿，流落在那些古怪的雄鹿佬中间，可以说吧，在烈酒厅里被随便拉扯大。
A regular warren, by all accounts.
大伙都说那里跟兔子窝似的。
Old Master Gorbadoc never had fewer than a couple of hundred relations in the place.
老戈巴多克老爷家里从不少于几百个亲戚。
Mr. Bilbo never did a kinder deed than when he brought the lad back to live among decent folk.
比尔博先生把这个小伙带回来住在正经人中间，是他做过的最仁慈的事了。
'But I reckon it was a nasty shock for those Sackville-Bagginses.
“不过我估计这对萨克维尔-巴金斯家是个不小的打击。
They thought they were going to get Bag End, that time when he went off and was thought to be dead.
那次他失踪被认为死了时，他们以为自己能得到袋底洞了。
And then he comes back and orders them off; and he goes on living and living, and never looking a day older, bless him!
可后来他回来了，还把他们赶走了；而他继续活着，活着，看起来一天也没变老，保佑他吧！
And suddenly he produces an heir, and has all the papers made out proper.
突然间他又弄出个继承人来，把所有文件都办得妥妥当当。
The Sackville- Bagginses won't never see the inside of Bag End now, or it is to be hoped not.'
萨克维尔-巴金斯家现在再也别想看到袋底洞里边了，但愿如此。”
'There's a tidy bit of money tucked away up there, I hear tell,' said a stranger, a visitor on business from Michel Delving in the Westfarthing. 'All the top of your hill is full of tunnels packed with chests of gold and silver, and jools, by what I've heard. '
“我听说那儿藏着好大一笔钱，”一个陌生人说，他是西区麦丘镇来的生意人。“我听人说，你们整个山头都挖满了隧道，塞满了一箱箱金银珠宝。”
'Then you've heard more than I can speak to,' answered the Gaffer. I know nothing about jools.
“那你听说的比我敢说的还要多，”老詹吉回答。“我对珠宝一无所知。
Mr. Bilbo is free with his money, and there seems no lack of it; but I know of no tunnel-making.
巴金斯先生花钱大方，而且钱似乎也花不完；但我不知道什么挖隧道的事。
I saw Mr. Bilbo when he came back, a matter of sixty years ago, when I was a lad.
他回来时我见过他，那是大约六十年前，我还是个小伙子。
I'd not long come prentice to old Holman (him being my dad's cousin), but he had me up at Bag End helping him to keep folks from trampling and trapessing all over the garden while the sale was on.
我刚给老霍曼当学徒不久（他是我爸的表亲），他让我去袋底洞帮他看着点，防止人们在拍卖时在花园里到处乱踩乱逛。
And in the middle of it all Mr. Bilbo comes up the Hill with a pony and some mighty big bags and a couple of chests.
就在拍卖进行中，比尔博先生牵着一匹小马，带着一些很大的袋子和一两只箱子回到了山上。
I don't doubt they were mostly full of treasure he had picked up in foreign parts, where there be mountains of gold, they say; but there wasn't enough to fill tunnels.
我毫不怀疑里面大多装满了他在外国捡到的财宝，据说那边遍地黄金；但要填满隧道可不够。
But my lad Sam will know more about that.
不过我儿子山姆应该更清楚这事。
He's in and out of Bag End.
他经常出入袋底洞。
Crazy about stories of the old days he is, and he listens to all Mr. Bilbo's tales.
他对古老的故事可着迷了，比尔博先生讲的每个故事他都听。
Mr. Bilbo has learned him his letters . meaning no harm, mark you, and I hope no harm will come of it.
比尔博先生还教了他认字……没有恶意，请注意，我希望不会因此惹出祸来。
'Elves and Dragons' I says to him. 'Cabbages and potatoes are better for me and you.
“精灵和龙”，我对他说。“卷心菜和土豆对你对我都更好。
Don't go getting mixed up in the business of your betters, or you'll land in trouble too big for you,' I says to him.
别去掺和你老爷们儿的事，不然你会惹上自己招架不了的大麻烦。”我对他说。
And I might say it to others,' he added with a look at the stranger and the miller.
“这话我也许该对别人说说。”他补充道，看了一眼陌生人和磨坊主。
But the Gaffer did not convince his audience. The legend of Bilbo's wealth was now too firmly fixed in the minds of the younger generation of hobbits.
但老詹吉没能说服他的听众。比尔博财富的传说现在已经在年轻一代霍比特人的脑海里根深蒂固了。
'Ah, but he has likely enough been adding to what he brought at first,' argued the miller, voicing common opinion. 'He's often away from home.
“啊，但他很可能不断地往最初带回来的东西里添加新财宝呢，”磨坊主争辩道，表达着一种普遍的看法。“他经常离家外出。
And look at the outlandish folk that visit him: dwarves coming at night, and that old wandering conjuror, Gandalf, and all.
看看那些拜访他的怪人：夜里来的矮人，那个老流浪巫师甘道夫，等等。
You can say what you like, Gaffer, but Bag End's a queer place, and its folk are queerer.'
随你怎么说，詹吉，袋底洞是个怪地方，住在里头的人更怪。”
'And you can say what you like, about what you know no more of than you do of boating, Mr. Sandyman,' retorted the Gaffer, disliking the miller even more than usual. If that's being queer, then we could do with a bit more queerness in these parts.
“你也可以随你怎么说，桑德曼先生，对于你就像划船一样一窍不通的事情，”老詹吉反驳道，他比平时更讨厌这个磨坊主了。“如果这算古怪的话，那我们这儿还真需要多一点这样的古怪。
There's some not far away that wouldn't offer a pint of beer to a friend, if they lived in a hole with golden walls.
有些离这儿不远的人，哪怕住在金墙的洞里，也不会请朋友喝一品脱啤酒。
But they do things proper at Bag End.
但在袋底洞，事情办得正正经经。
Our Sam says that everyone's going to be invited to the party, and there's going to be presents, mark you, presents for all-this very month as is.'
我们家山姆说，每个人都会被邀请参加宴会，而且还有礼物，请注意，是给所有人的礼物——就在这个月。”
That very month was September, and as fine as you could ask.
那个月就是九月，天气好得不能再好了。
A day or two later a rumour (probably started by the knowledgeable Sam) was spread about that there were going to be fireworks . fireworks, what is more, such as had not been seen in the Shire for nigh on a century, not indeed since the Old Took died.
一两天后，有谣言（很可能是消息灵通的山姆传开的）说将会放烟花，而且还是近一个世纪以来夏尔从未见过的烟花，确切地说，自从老图克去世后就再没见过的。
Days passed and The Day drew nearer.
日子一天天过去，“那天”越来越近了。
An odd-looking waggon laden with odd-looking packages rolled into Hobbiton one evening and toiled up the Hill to Bag End.
一天傍晚，一辆样子古怪的马车载着几个样子古怪的包裹，驶进霍比屯，吃力地爬上山坡到袋底洞去。
The startled hobbits peered out of lamplit doors to gape at it.
受惊的霍比特人从点着灯的门口探出头来，目瞪口呆地看着它。
It was driven by outlandish folk, singing strange songs: dwarves with long beards and deep hoods.
驾车的是些怪人，唱着古怪的歌：都是些留着长胡子、戴着深兜帽的矮人。
A few of them remained at Bag End.
其中几个留在了袋底洞。
At the end of the second week in September a cart came in through Bywater from the direction of the Brandywine Bridge in broad daylight.
在九月的第二周末尾，大白天里，又有一辆马车从白兰地桥方向驶入傍水镇。
An old man was driving it all alone.
一位老人独自驾着车。
He wore a tall pointed blue hat, a long grey cloak, and a silver scarf.
他戴着一顶高高的尖顶蓝帽子，穿着一件长长的灰斗篷，围着一条银色围巾。
He had a long white beard and bushy eyebrows that stuck out beyond the brim of his hat.
他留着长长的白胡子，浓密的眉毛突出在帽檐之外。
Small hobbit-children ran after the cart all through Hobbiton and right up the hill.
小霍比特孩子们追着马车跑过整个霍比屯，直追到山上。
It had a cargo of fireworks, as they rightly guessed.
车上装着烟花，如他们所猜想的。
At Bilbo's front door the old man began to unload: there were great bundles of fireworks of all sorts and shapes, each labelled with a large red G and the elf-rune, .
在比尔博的家门口，老人开始卸货：有一捆捆各式各样、各种形状的烟花，每一捆上都标着一个大大的红色字母“G”和精灵文的字（注：即字母 G 的腾格瓦文写法，略）。
That was Gandalf's mark, of course, and the old man was Gandalf the Wizard, whose fame in the Shire was due mainly to his skill with fires, smokes, and lights.
这当然是甘道夫的标记，这位老人就是巫师甘道夫，他在夏尔的名气主要来自于他那手摆弄火、烟和光的本事。
His real business was far more difficult and dangerous, but the Shire-folk knew nothing about it.
他真正的使命要困难危险得多，但夏尔人对此一无所知。
To them he was just one of the 'attractions' at the Party.
对他们来说，他只是宴会的一个“节目”而已。
Hence the excitement of the hobbit-children. 'G for Grand!' they shouted, and the old man smiled.
因此霍比特孩子们才那么兴奋。“G 就是顶呱呱（Grand）！”他们喊道，老人露出了微笑。
They knew him by sight, though he only appeared in Hobbiton occasionally and never stopped long; but neither they nor any but the oldest of their elders had seen one of his firework displays . they now belonged to the legendary past.
虽然他只是偶尔出现在霍比屯，而且停留不久，但他们认得他的样子；但无论是他们还是他们那些除了最年长者之外的父辈祖辈，都没见过他的烟花表演……那些表演如今已属于传说的过去了。
When the old man, helped by Bilbo and some dwarves, had finished unloading, Bilbo gave a few pennies away; but not a single squib or cracker was forthcoming, to the disappointment of the onlookers.
在比尔博和几个矮人的帮助下，老人卸完了货，比尔博发了一些零钱给大家；但围观者们失望了，因为没有得到任何一个爆竹或鞭炮。
'Run away now!' said Gandalf. 'You will get plenty when the time comes.'
“现在跑开吧！”甘道夫说。“时候到了你们会有很多的。”
Then he disappeared inside with Bilbo, and the door was shut.
然后他和比尔博走进门内，门关上了。
The young hobbits stared at the door in vain for a while, and then made off, feeling that the day of the party would never come.
年轻的霍比特人徒劳地对着门凝视了一会儿，然后走开了，觉得宴会那天永远不会到来。
Inside Bag End, Bilbo and Gandalf were sitting at the open window of a small room looking out west on to the garden.
在袋底洞里，比尔博和甘道夫正坐在一个小房间打开的窗前，朝西望着花园。
The late afternoon was bright and peaceful.
黄昏明亮而宁静。
The flowers glowed red and golden: snap-dragons and sun-flowers, and nasturtiums trailing all over the turf walls and peeping in at the round windows.
花儿闪耀着红色和金色：金鱼草、向日葵，还有旱金莲爬满了草皮墙壁，在圆窗边探头探脑。
'How bright your garden looks!' said Gandalf.
“你的花园看起来真亮堂！”甘道夫说。
'Yes,' said Bilbo. I am very fond indeed of it, and of all the dear old Shire; but I think I need a holiday.'
“是啊，”比尔博说。“我确实非常喜欢它，也喜欢整个亲爱的老夏尔；但我想我需要一个假期了。”
'You mean to go on with your plan then?'
“那你是要按计划行事了？”
'I do. I made up my mind months ago, and I haven't changed it.'
“是的。几个月前我就下定了决心，现在也没变。”
'Very well. It is no good saying any more. Stick to your plan, your whole plan, mind, and I hope it will turn out for the best, for you, and for all of us.'
“很好。再说也没用。坚持你的计划，整个计划，记住，我希望它对你是最好的，对我们大家也是最好的。”
'I hope so. Anyway I mean to enjoy myself on Thursday, and have my little joke.'
“希望如此。不管怎样，我打算在星期四好好享受一番，并且开个小玩笑。”
'Who will laugh, I wonder?' said Gandalf, shaking his head.
“谁会笑呢，我怀疑？”甘道夫摇着头说。
'We shall see,' said Bilbo.
“我们拭目以待。”比尔博说。
The next day more carts rolled up the Hill, and still more carts.
第二天又有更多的马车驶上山，接着越来越多。
There might have been some grumbling about 'dealing locally', but that very week orders began to pour out of Bag End for every kind of provision, commodity, or luxury that could be obtained in Hobbiton or Bywater or anywhere in the neighbourhood.
原本可能会有关于“照顾本地生意”的抱怨，但恰恰是那个星期，订单开始从袋底洞涌出，订购各种能在霍比屯、傍水镇或附近任何地方买到的食品、日用品或奢侈品。
People became enthusiastic; and they began to tick off the days on the calendar; and they watched eagerly for the postman, hoping for invitations.
人们变得热情起来；开始在日历上打勾数日子；热切地盼望着邮差，希望能收到请柬。
Before long the invitations began pouring out, and the Hobbiton post- office was blocked, and the Bywater post-office was snowed under, and voluntary assistant postmen were called for.
不久之后，请柬开始涌出，霍比屯邮局挤爆了，傍水镇邮局也被埋在了请柬堆里，需要征召志愿助理邮递员。
There was a constant stream of them going up the Hill, carrying hundreds of polite variations on Thank you, I shall certainly come.
邮递员络绎不绝地上山，带去数以百计写着各式各样“谢谢，我一定来”的礼貌回复。
A notice appeared on the gate at Bag End: NO ADMITTANCE EXCEPT ON PARTY BUSINESS.
袋底洞的门上贴出了一则告示：非为宴会事宜，不得入内。
Even those who had, or pretended to have Party Business were seldom allowed inside.
即使那些有正当事由或假装有正当事由的人，也鲜少被允许进入。
Bilbo was busy: writing invitations, ticking off answers, packing up presents, and making some private preparations of his own.
比尔博很忙：写请柬，核对回复，包装礼物，还有进行一些他自己的秘密准备。
From the time of Gandalf's arrival he remained hidden from view.
自从甘道夫到来之后，他就很少露面了。
One morning the hobbits woke to find the large field, south of Bilbo's front door, covered with ropes and poles for tents and pavilions.
一天早上，霍比特人醒来发现，比尔博家南面的一大片空地上，布满了绳索和杆子，是用来搭帐篷和凉棚的。
A special entrance was cut into the bank leading to the road, and wide steps and a large white gate were built there.
在通往道路的堤岸上开了一个特别入口，还修建了宽阔的台阶和一座巨大的白色大门。
The three hobbit-families of Bagshot Row, adjoining the field, were intensely interested and generally envied.
毗邻这片空地的袋边路上的三户霍比特人家对此极为关注，又普遍遭人羡慕。
Old Gaffer Gamgee stopped even pretending to work in his garden.
老詹吉·甘姆吉甚至不再假装在花园里干活了。
The tents began to go up.
帐篷开始搭起来了。
There was a specially large pavilion, so big that the tree that grew in the field was right inside it, and stood proudly near one end, at the head of the chief table.
有一个特别大的凉棚，大得连空地上生长的那棵树都整个被包在里面，它就矗立在主桌的一端附近，显得那么挺拔。
Lanterns were hung on all its branches.
所有树枝上都挂满了灯笼。
More promising still (to the hobbits' mind): an enormous open-air kitchen was erected in the north corner of the field.
更令人期待的是（在霍比特人看来）：在空地的北角搭起了一个巨大的露天厨房。
A draught of cooks, from every inn and eating-house for miles around, arrived to supplement the dwarves and other odd folk that were quartered at Bag End.
一队厨师，从方圆几英里内的每一个酒馆和小饭馆赶来，增援那些驻扎在袋底洞的矮人和其他古怪家伙。
Excitement rose to its height.
兴奋的情绪达到了顶点。
Then the weather clouded over. That was on Wednesday the eve of the Party.
这时天气转阴了。那天是星期三，宴会的前夕。
Anxiety was intense.
大家忧心忡忡。
Then Thursday, September the 22nd, actually dawned.
然后，星期四，九月二十二日，真的来到了。
The sun got up, the clouds vanished, flags were unfurled and the fun began.
太阳升起来了，乌云消散了，彩旗飘扬，欢乐开始了。
Bilbo Baggins called it a party, but it was really a variety of entertainments rolled into one.
比尔博·巴金斯称它为宴会，但它其实是集多种娱乐于一体。
Practically everybody living near was invited.
住在附近的几乎每个人都接到了邀请。
A very few were overlooked by accident, but as they turned up all the same, that did not matter.
只有极少几个人被无意中忽略了，但他们还是照样来了，所以也没什么关系。
Many people from other parts of the Shire were also asked; and there were even a few from outside the borders.
夏尔其他地区的许多人也被邀请了；甚至还有几个从境外来的。
Bilbo met the guests (and additions) at the new white gate in person.
比尔博亲自在新的白色大门迎接客人（以及那些不请自来的）。
He gave away presents to all and sundry . the latter were those who went out again by a back way and came in again by the gate.
他分发礼物给所有来宾……后面这些是指那些从后门出去又从大门再次进来的人。
Hobbits give presents to other people on their own birthdays.
霍比特人在自己生日那天给别人送礼物。
Not very expensive ones, as a rule, and not so lavishly as on this occasion; but it was not a bad system.
通常礼物不会很贵重，也不像这次这样铺张；但这规矩倒不坏。
Actually in Hobbiton and Bywater every day in the year it was somebody's birthday, so that every hobbit in those parts had a fair chance of at least one present at least once a week.
实际上在霍比屯和傍水镇，一年中每一天都是某个人的生日，因此那些地方的每个霍比特人都有相当公平的机会，至少每星期能收到一份礼物。
But they never got tired of them.
但他们从不厌倦收礼物。
On this occasion the presents were unusually good.
这次的礼物格外好。
The hobbit-children were so excited that for a while they almost forgot about eating.
霍比特孩子们兴奋得甚至一时忘了吃东西。
There were toys the like of which they had never seen before, all beautiful and some obviously magical.
有他们从未见过的玩具，都美极了，有些显然带有魔法。
Many of them had indeed been ordered a year before, and had come all the way from the Mountain and from Dale, and were of real dwarf-make.
其中许多确实是一年前就订购的，从孤山和河谷镇远道运来，是真正的矮人制造。
When every guest had been welcomed and was finally inside the gate, there were songs, dances, music, games, and, of course, food and drink.
当每位客人都受到欢迎并最终进入大门后，便开始了歌舞、音乐、游戏，当然还有吃喝。
There were three official meals: lunch, tea, and dinner (or supper).
正式的宴席有三餐：午餐、茶点、晚餐（或叫夜宵）。
But lunch and tea were marked chiefly by the fact that at those times all the guests were sitting down and eating together.
但午餐和茶点的主要标志是，这两个时间段内所有客人都坐下来一起进餐。
At other times there were merely lots of people eating and drinking continuously from elevenses until six-thirty, when the fireworks started.
其它时间，只是有很多人从午前茶点开始直到六点半烟花开始施放为止，不停地吃喝。
The fireworks were by Gandalf: they were not only brought by him, but designed and made by him; and the special effects, set pieces, and flights of rockets were let off by him.
烟花是甘道夫负责的：不仅是他带来的，还是他设计制作的；那些特效造型烟火、组合烟花、腾空而起的火箭也都是他亲手施放的。
But there was also a generous distribution of squibs, crackers, backarappers, sparklers, torches, dwarf-candles, elf- fountains, goblin-barkers and thunder-claps.
但同时也慷慨地分发着“嘶嘶响”、“啪啪响”、 “连珠炮”、“火花棒”、“火炬”、“矮人蜡烛”、“精灵喷泉”、“半兽犬吠”和“霹雳响”。
They were all superb.
所有这些都棒极了。
The art of Gandalf improved with age.
甘道夫的手艺随着年龄增长而日益精湛。
There were rockets like a flight of scintillating birds singing with sweet voices.
有像一群闪闪发光的鸟儿唱着甜美歌谣般飞行的火箭。
There were green trees with trunks of dark smoke: their leaves opened like a whole spring unfolding in a moment, and their shining branches dropped glowing flowers down upon the astonished hobbits, disappearing with a sweet scent just before they touched their upturned faces.
有枝干为深烟的绿树：树叶张开的瞬间宛如整个春天刹那绽放，闪亮的枝条将如花焰火撒落在惊讶的霍比特人身上，并在触及他们仰望的脸庞之前带着一缕甜香消失。
There were fountains of butterflies that flew glittering into the trees; there were pillars of coloured fires that rose and turned into eagles, or sailing ships, or a phalanx of flying swans; there was a red thunderstorm and a shower of yellow rain; there was a forest of silver spears that sprang suddenly into the air with a yell like an embattled army, and came down again into the Water with a hiss like a hundred hot snakes.
有化作闪亮蝴蝶飞向林中的喷泉；有腾空而起并幻化为雄鹰、帆船或一群飞翔天鹅的彩色火柱；有阵阵红雷爆响并洒下黄雨；有成千上万支银矛般的火花忽然尖啸着射向空中，犹如待战的军队，又嘶嘶作响地落入傍水溪（the Water），仿佛百条灼热的蛇。
And there was also one last surprise, in honour of Bilbo, and it startled the hobbits exceedingly, as Gandalf intended.
最后还有一份特别为比尔博准备的惊喜，它极大地惊吓了霍比特人们，正合甘道夫之意。
The lights went out. A great smoke went up. It shaped itself like a mountain seen in the distance, and began to glow at the summit.
灯火熄灭。一阵浓烟升起。烟雾幻化成远山的形状，山顶开始发光。
It spouted green and scarlet flames. Out flew a red-golden dragon . not life-size, but terribly life-like: fire came from his jaws, his eyes glared down; there was a roar, and he whizzed three times over the heads of the crowd.
山体喷射出绿焰和绯红火焰。一条金红色的巨龙飞了出来……并非真实大小，但却逼真得可怕：口中喷着火，双眼俯视怒瞪；随着一声咆哮，它呼啸着在人群头顶盘旋了三圈。
They all ducked, and many fell flat on their faces.
众人全都低头躲避，很多人吓得趴倒在地。
The dragon passed like an express train, turned a somersault, and burst over Bywater with a deafening explosion.
巨龙犹如高速列车般掠过，翻了个筋斗，然后在傍水镇上空轰然一声震耳欲聋地爆开了。
'That is the signal for supper!' said Bilbo. The pain and alarm vanished at once, and the prostrate hobbits leaped to their feet.
“这就是晚餐的信号！”比尔博说。痛苦和惊吓瞬间消失，匍匐在地的霍比特人们跃身而起。
There was a splendid supper for everyone; for everyone, that is, except those invited to the special family dinner-party.
有一顿丰盛的晚餐在等着每一个人；然而这里的“每一个人”，不包括受邀参加特别家族晚宴的那些人。
This was held in the great pavilion with the tree.
这场晚宴就在那棵大树下的大凉棚内举行。
The invitations were limited to twelve dozen (a number also called by the hobbits one Gross, though the word was not considered proper to use of people); and the guests were selected from all the families to which Bilbo and Frodo were related, with the addition of a few special unrelated friends (such as Gandalf).
受邀人数限于一打打（一百四十四人，霍比特人也称此数为“一箩筐”，尽管他们认为这个词不宜用于指人）；客人们从所有与比尔博和佛罗多有亲缘关系的家族中选出，外加几位非亲非故的特别好友（如甘道夫）。
Many young hobbits were included, and present by parental permission; for hobbits were easy-going with their children in the matter of sitting up late, especially when there was a chance of getting them a free meal.
许多年轻的霍比特人也获邀出席，并得到父母准许；因为在熬夜这方面，霍比特人对孩子向来宽松，尤其在有免费大餐可吃的机会面前。
Bringing up young hobbits took a lot of provender.
养育小霍比特人可耗费不少粮食。
There were many Bagginses and Boffins, and also many Tooks and Brandybucks; there were various Grubbs (relations of Bilbo Baggins' grandmother), and various Chubbs (connexions of his Took grandfather); and a selection of Burrowses, Bolgers, Bracegirdles, Brockhouses, Goodbodies, Hornblowers and Proudfoots.
有很多巴金斯和波芬家的人，还有很多图克和烈酒鹿家的人；有各式各样的葛卢伯（比尔博·巴金斯外婆家的亲戚），各式各样的丘伯（他图克外公家的亲戚）；还有精挑细选的伯罗斯、博尔吉、布雷斯格德尔、布洛克豪斯、古德博迪、号角吹和骄傲脚家的人。
Some of these were only very distantly connected with Bilbo, and some of them had hardly ever been in Hobbiton before, as they lived in remote corners of the Shire.
其中有些人只是和比尔博有很远的亲戚关系，有些人则几乎从未踏足霍比屯，因为他们住在夏尔偏僻的角落。
The Sackville-Bagginses were not forgotten.
萨克维尔-巴金斯家的人没有被忘记。
Otho and his wife Lobelia were present.
奥索和他妻子罗贝拉出席了。
They disliked Bilbo and detested Frodo, but so magnificent was the invitation card, written in golden ink, that they had felt it was impossible to refuse.
他们不喜欢比尔博，更痛恨佛罗多，但用金墨水书写的邀请函是如此华美，他们觉得自己不可能拒绝。
Besides, their cousin, Bilbo, had been specializing in food for many years and his table had a high reputation.
此外，他们的表亲比尔博专精美食多年，他的宴席负有盛名。
All the one hundred and forty-four guests expected a pleasant feast; though they rather dreaded the after-dinner speech of their host (an inevitable item).
所有一百四十四位客人都在期待一顿愉快的盛宴；虽然他们颇为主人餐后必然上演的致辞感到头疼。
He was liable to drag in bits of what he called poetry; and sometimes, after a glass or two, would allude to the absurd adventures of his mysterious journey.
他总会扯进他所谓的“诗歌”片段；有时几杯酒下肚，还会提及他神秘旅途中那些荒唐的冒险。
The guests were not disappointed: they had a very pleasant feast, in fact an engrossing entertainment: rich, abundant, varied, and prolonged.
客人们没有失望：他们享用了一顿非常愉快的盛宴，实际上是场引人入胜的飨宴：丰盛、充足、花样繁多，并且持续了很久。
The purchase of provisions fell almost to nothing throughout the district in the ensuing weeks; but as Bilbo's catering had depleted the stocks of most stores, cellars and warehouses for miles around, that did not matter much.
随后几周内，整个地区的食品采购几乎降为零；不过反正比尔博的宴席筹备已经把方圆数英里大部分商店、地窖和仓库的存货都耗尽了，所以也没什么大不了。
After the feast (more or less) came the Speech.
宴席（差不多）结束后，轮到致辞了。
Most of the company were, however, now in a tolerant mood, at that delightful stage which they called 'filling up the corners'.
然而，此刻大多数宾客处于心满意足的宽容状态，进入了一种他们称之为“填缝”的愉快阶段。
They were sipping their favourite drinks, and nibbling at their favourite dainties, and their fears were forgotten.
他们啜饮着心爱的饮品，小口品尝着最爱的点心，恐惧被抛诸脑后。
They were prepared to listen to anything, and to cheer at every full stop.
他们准备好倾听任何内容，并在每一个句点处喝彩。
My dear People, began Bilbo, rising in his place.
“亲爱的父老乡亲们，”比尔博站起身，开始说道。
'Hear! Hear! Hear!' they shouted, and kept on repeating it in chorus, seeming reluctant to follow their own advice.
“听！听！听！”众人喊道，还齐声重复个不停，似乎并不情愿听从自己的建议。
Bilbo left his place and went and stood on a chair under the illuminated tree.
比尔博离开座位，走到灯光照亮的树下，站到一把椅子上。
The light of the lanterns fell on his beaming face; the golden buttons shone on his embroidered silk waistcoat.
灯笼的光线落在他笑容满面的脸上；他丝质刺绣马甲上的金钮扣闪闪发光。
They could all see him standing, waving one hand in the air, the other was in his trouser-pocket.
所有人都能看到他站在那里，一手在空中挥舞，另一只手插在裤兜里。
My dear Bagginses and Boffins, he began again; and my dear Tooks and Brandybucks, and Grubbs, and Chubbs, and Burrowses, and Hornblowers, and Bolgers, Bracegirdles, Goodbodies, Brockhouses and Proudfoots.
“亲爱的巴金斯和波芬们，”他重新开始；“亲爱的图克们、烈酒鹿们、葛卢伯们、丘伯们、伯罗斯们、号角吹们、博尔吉们、布雷斯格德尔们、古德博迪们、布洛克豪斯们、还有骄傲脚们...”
'ProudFEET!' shouted an elderly hobbit from the back of the pavilion. His name, of course, was Proudfoot, and well merited; his feet were large, exceptionally furry, and both were on the table.
“骄傲的脚夫（ProudFEET）！”凉棚后方一位上了年纪的霍比特人吼道。他当然姓“骄傲脚（Proudfoot）”，实至名归；他的脚很大，异常多毛，而且两只都翘在桌子上。
Proudfoots, repeated Bilbo.
“骄傲的脚夫们，”比尔博重复道。
Also my good Sackville-Bagginses that I welcome back at last to Bag End.
“还有我善良的萨克维尔-巴金斯家，欢迎你们终于回到袋底洞。
Today is my one hundred and eleventh birthday: I am eleventy-one today!
今天是我一百一十一岁的生日：我今天111岁了！”
'Hurray! Hurray! Many Happy Returns!' they shouted, and they hammered joyously on the tables.
“好哇！好哇！生日快乐！”他们欢呼着，欢快地拍打着桌子。
Bilbo was doing splendidly.
比尔博表现得精彩绝伦。
This was the sort of stuff they liked: short and obvious.
这正是他们喜欢的方式：简短明了。
I hope you are all enjoying yourselves as much as I am.
“我希望诸位和我一样尽兴。”（原句无中文翻译，此处为意译补充）
Deafening cheers.
震耳欲聋的喝彩。
Cries of Yes (and No).
喊声一片（有“是”，也有“不”）。
Noises of trumpets and horns, pipes and flutes, and other musical instruments.
喇叭号角、风笛长笛和其他乐器的喧闹声。
There were, as has been said, many young hobbits present.
如前所述，现场有许多年轻的霍比特人。
Hundreds of musical crackers had been pulled.
数百个音乐拉炮被拉响了。
Most of them bore the mark DALE on them; which did not convey much to most of the hobbits, but they all agreed they were marvellous crackers.
其中大多印着“河谷镇（DALE）”的标记；这对大多数霍比特人意义不大，但他们都一致认为这是极妙的拉炮。
They contained instruments, small, but of perfect make and enchanting tones.
里面装着乐器，虽小，但制作精良，音色迷人。
Indeed, in one corner some of the young Tooks and Brandybucks, supposing Uncle Bilbo to have finished (since he had plainly said all that was necessary), now got up an impromptu orchestra, and began a merry dance-tune.
事实上，在某一角，一些年轻的图克和烈酒鹿，以为比尔博叔叔已经讲完了（因为他显然已把该说的都说完了），于是组了个即兴乐队，奏起了一支欢快的舞曲。
Master Everard Took and Miss Melilot Brandybuck got on a table and with bells in their hands began to dance the Springle-ring: a pretty dance, but rather vigorous.
埃维拉德·图克少爷和梅丽洛特·烈酒鹿小姐爬上桌子，手执铃铛跳起了“春之环舞”：一种优美但十分奔放的舞蹈。
But Bilbo had not finished.
但是比尔博还没讲完。
Seizing a horn from a youngster near by, he blew three loud hoots.
他从附近一个年轻人那里抓过一支号角，吹出三声洪亮的嘟嘟声。
The noise subsided.
喧闹平息下来。
I shall not keep you long, he cried.
“我不会耽搁大家太久，”他喊道。
Cheers from all the assembly.
全场一片欢呼。
I have called you all together for a Purpose.
“我把大家召集在一起，是有目的的。”（原句无中文翻译，根据上文及语义补充）
Something in the way that he said this made an impression.
他说话的方式令人印象深刻。
There was almost silence, and one or two of the Tooks pricked up their ears.
全场几乎静了下来，图克家有一两个人竖起了耳朵。
Indeed, for Three Purposes!
“事实上，是三个目的！”
First of all, to tell you that I am immensely fond of you all, and that eleventy-one years is too short a time to live among such excellent and admirable hobbits.
“首先，是告诉你们，我非常喜欢你们大家，一百一十一年对于和如此杰出优秀的霍比特人相处来说，实在太短了。”
Tremendous outburst of approval.
一片如雷的赞同声。
I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.
“你们中的人，我没有一半了解得如我想的那样深；而我喜欢的人当中，也没有一半值得我如你们应得的那样喜欢。”（原句无中文翻译，为经典台词，此处意译）
This was unexpected and rather difficult.
这话出人意料，也相当令人费解。
There was some scattered clapping, but most of them were trying to work it out and see if it came to a compliment.
有人零零星星鼓掌，但大部分人都在琢磨这话，看看这算不算一句恭维。
Secondly, to celebrate my birthday.
“其次，是为了庆祝我的生日。”
Cheers again.
又是一片欢呼。
I should say: OUR birthday. For it is, of course, also the birthday of my heir and nephew, Frodo.
“我应该说：我们的生日。因为今天当然也是我的继承人和外甥佛罗多的生日。
He comes of age and into his inheritance today.
他今天成年了，也继承了家业。”
Some perfunctory clapping by the elders; and some loud shouts of 'Frodo! Frodo! Jolly old Frodo,' from the juniors.
长者们敷衍地拍了拍手；年轻人则高声欢呼：“佛罗多！佛罗多！快乐的老佛罗多！” （注：此处应是年轻人因气氛而起的打趣）
The Sackville-Bagginses scowled, and wondered what was meant by 'coming into his inheritance'.
萨克维尔-巴金斯家的人阴沉着脸，琢磨着“继承家业”是什么意思。
Together we score one hundred and forty-four.
“我俩加在一起正好一百四十四岁。
Your numbers were chosen to fit this remarkable total: One Gross, if I may use the expression.
邀请你们的人数就是凑这个了不起的总和：容我说一句，就是一箩筐。”
No cheers.
无人欢呼。
This was ridiculous.
这太荒唐了。
Many of his guests, and especially the Sackville-Bagginses, were insulted, feeling sure they had only been asked to fill up the required number, like goods in a package.
他的许多客人，尤其是萨克维尔-巴金斯家的人，都感到受了侮辱，确信自己被请来只是凑够所需的数字，就像包装里的货物一样。
'One Gross, indeed! Vulgar expression.'
“一箩筐！真是的！粗鄙的说法。”
It is also, if I may be allowed to refer to ancient history, the anniversary of my arrival by barrel at Esgaroth on the Long Lake; though the fact that it was my birthday slipped my memory on that occasion.
“此外，如果允许我提及一下往事，今天也是我乘木桶抵达长湖镇（埃斯加洛斯）的周年纪念日；不过那会儿我忘了那天是我的生日。”
I was only fifty-one then, and birthdays did not seem so important.
那时我才五十一岁，生日似乎没那么重要。
The banquet was very splendid, however, though I had a bad cold at the time, I remember, and could only say 'thag you very buch'.
然而那次宴会非常盛大，尽管我记得当时正患重感冒，只能含糊地说‘森纳非常干谢’（Thank you very much）。
I now repeat it more correctly: Thank you very much for coming to my little party.
现在我更正确地再说一遍：非常感谢大家光临我的小宴会。”
Obstinate silence.
一片沉默（众人不愿搭理）。
They all feared that a song or some poetry was now imminent; and they were getting bored.
他们都担心他马上要来首歌或吟点诗；他们已经开始厌烦了。
Why couldn't he stop talking and let them drink his health?
他为什么不能闭嘴，让他们举杯祝他健康呢？
But Bilbo did not sing or recite.
但比尔博既没唱歌也没吟诗。
He paused for a moment.
他停顿了一下。
Thirdly and finally, he said, I wish to make an ANNOUNCEMENT.
“第三点，也是最后一点，”他说，“我想发表一则启事。”
He spoke this last word so loudly and suddenly that everyone sat up who still could.
他说出“启事”一词时，声音如此洪亮，如此突然，所有还能坐直的人都不由得挺起了身子。
I regret to announce that, though, as I said, eleventy-one years is far too short a time to spend among you, this is the END.
“我遗憾地宣布，尽管如我所说，一百一十一年与诸位相处实在太短暂，但这就是终点了。”
I am going. I am leaving NOW. GOOD-BYE!
“我要走了。我现在就走。再见！”
He stepped down and vanished.
他走下椅子，消失了。
There was a blinding flash of light, and the guests all blinked.
一道炫目的闪光，所有宾客都眨了下眼睛。
When they opened their eyes Bilbo was nowhere to be seen.
当他们再睁眼时，比尔博已无影无踪。
One hundred and forty-four flabbergasted hobbits sat back speechless.
一百四十四位目瞪口呆的霍比特人茫然坐着，哑口无言。
Old Odo Proudfoot removed his feet from the table and stamped.
老奥多·骄傲脚把脚从桌子上放下来，狠狠地跺了跺脚。
Then there was a dead silence, until suddenly, after several deep breaths, every Baggins, Boffin, Took, Brandybuck, Grubb, Chubb, Burrows, Bolger, Bracegirdle, Brockhouse, Goodbody, Hornblower, and Proudfoot began to talk at once.
接着是一片死寂，直到突然，在几声深呼吸之后，在场的每一个巴金斯、波芬、图克、烈酒鹿、葛卢伯、丘伯、伯罗斯、博尔吉、布雷斯格德尔、布洛克豪斯、古德博迪、号角吹和骄傲脚家的人同时开口说话了。
It was generally agreed that the joke was in very bad taste, and more food and drink were needed to cure the guests of shock and annoyance.
大家普遍认为这个玩笑实在差劲透了，需要更多的食物和饮料来驱散宾客们所受的惊吓和引发的恼怒。
'He's mad. I always said so,' was probably the most popular comment.
“他疯了，我一直这么说。”这大概是最普遍的评价。
Even the Tooks (with a few exceptions) thought Bilbo's behaviour was absurd.
即使是图克家的人（除了少数例外），也觉得比尔博的行为荒唐可笑。
For the moment most of them took it for granted that his disappearance was nothing more than a ridiculous prank.
当时，大多数人想当然地认为他的消失不过是个可笑的恶作剧。
But old Rory Brandybuck was not so sure.
但老罗里·烈酒鹿却不这么肯定。
Neither age nor an enormous dinner had clouded his wits, and he said to his daughter-in-law, Esmeralda: 'There's something fishy in this, my dear! I believe that mad Baggins is off again. Silly old fool. But why worry? He hasn't taken the vittles with him.'
无论是年纪还是丰盛的晚餐都未能蒙蔽他的心智，他对儿媳艾斯梅拉达说：“这事有点蹊跷，亲爱的！我相信那个疯巴金斯又跑路了。傻老头子。不过担心啥？他又没把吃的带走。”
He called loudly to Frodo to send the wine round again.
他大声叫佛罗多再把酒端上来。
Frodo was the only one present who had said nothing.
佛罗多是全场唯一没说过话的人。
For some time he had sat silent beside Bilbo's empty chair, and ignored all remarks and questions.
有那么一阵子，他就静静地坐在比尔博的空椅子旁边，对所有的议论和问题置若罔闻。
He had enjoyed the joke, of course, even though he had been in the know.
他当然觉得这玩笑挺有趣，虽然他是知情的。
He had difficulty in keeping from laughter at the indignant surprise of the guests.
他看着宾客们又惊又怒的样子，强忍着不笑出来。
But at the same time he felt deeply troubled: he realized suddenly that he loved the old hobbit dearly.
但与此同时，他也深感不安：他突然意识到自己深爱着这位老霍比特人。
Most of the guests went on eating and drinking and discussing Bilbo Baggins' oddities, past and present; but the Sackville- Bagginses had already departed in wrath.
大多数客人继续吃喝着，谈论着比尔博·巴金斯过去和现在的怪事；但萨克维尔-巴金斯家的人已经怒气冲冲地走了。
Frodo did not want to have any more to do with the party.
佛罗多不想再应酬宴会了。
He gave orders for more wine to be served; then he got up and drained his own glass silently to the health of Bilbo, and slipped out of the pavilion.
他吩咐再上些酒；然后他站起身，默默地喝干了自己杯中祝比尔博健康的酒，溜出了凉棚。
As for Bilbo Baggins, even while he was making his speech, he had been fingering the golden ring in his pocket: his magic ring that he had kept secret for so many years.
至于比尔博·巴金斯，他致辞时，手一直插在裤兜里摩挲着那枚金戒指：那枚他珍藏多年的魔法戒指。
As he stepped down he slipped it on his finger, and he was never seen by any hobbit in Hobbiton again.
他走下椅子时便把它戴在了手指上，从此霍比屯再也没有任何霍比特人见到过他。
He walked briskly back to his hole, and stood for a moment listening with a smile to the din in the pavilion and to the sounds of merrymaking in other parts of the field.
他轻快地走回自己的洞府，微笑着驻足片刻，听着凉棚里的喧闹以及场地上其他地方欢乐的声响。
Then he went in.
然后他走进了屋里。
He took off his party clothes, folded up and wrapped in tissue-paper his embroidered silk waistcoat, and put it away.
他脱下赴宴的礼服，叠好那件丝质刺绣马甲，用薄棉纸包起来放好。
Then he put on quickly some old untidy garments, and fastened round his waist a worn leather belt.
接着他迅速穿上几件破旧随意的衣服，在腰间系上一根磨损的皮腰带。
On it he hung a short sword in a battered black-leather scabbard.
他在腰带上挂了一把短剑，插在一个破旧的黑色皮剑鞘里。
From a locked drawer, smelling of moth-balls, he took out an old cloak and hood.
他从一个上锁的抽屉里，取出了一件旧的斗篷和兜帽，抽屉散发着樟脑丸的气味。
They had been locked up as if they were very precious, but they were so patched and weatherstained that their original colour could hardly be guessed: it might have been dark green.
它们一直被锁着，像是非常珍贵，然而却布满补丁和风雨渍，原来的颜色几乎无从辨识：也许是深绿色。
They were rather too large for him.
对他来说太大了点。
He then went into his study, and from a large strong-box took out a bundle wrapped in old cloths, and a leather-bound manuscript; and also a large bulky envelope.
然后他走进书房，从一个大保险箱里拿出一个用旧布包着的包裹，一份皮面装订的手稿；还有一个鼓鼓囊囊的大信封。
The book and bundle he stuffed into the top of a heavy bag that was standing there, already nearly full.
他把书和那个包裹塞进一个立在那儿已经很满的沉重背包顶部。
Into the envelope he slipped his golden ring, and its fine chain, and then sealed it, and addressed it to Frodo.
他把他的金戒指，还有戒指上那根精致的链子，塞进信封，封好，写上佛罗多的名字。
At first he put it on the mantelpiece, but suddenly he removed it and stuck it in his pocket.
起初他把它放在壁炉台上，但突然又拿开塞进了自己的口袋。
At that moment the door opened and Gandalf came quickly in.
就在这时，门开了，甘道夫快步走了进来。
'Hullo!' said Bilbo. 'I wondered if you would turn up.'
“你好！”比尔博说。“我猜你会来。”
'I am glad to find you visible,' replied the wizard, sitting down in a chair, 'I wanted to catch you and have a few final words.
“我很高兴发现你还看得见，”巫师答道，在一张椅子上坐下，“我想抓住你谈谈，做最后的交代。”
I suppose you feel that everything has gone off splendidly and according to plan?'
我想你觉得一切都进展辉煌，按计划进行吧？”
'Yes, I do,' said Bilbo. "Though that flash was surprising: it quite startled me, let alone the others. A little addition of your own, I suppose?'
“是的，我是这么想，”比尔博说。“不过那道闪光倒是很意外：可把我吓了一跳，更别说其他人了。是你自己添的一笔吧，我猜？”
It was. You have wisely kept that ring secret all these years, and it seemed to me necessary to give your guests something else that would seem to explain your sudden vanishment.'
“没错。你这多年来明智地保守了戒指的秘密，而我似乎有必要给你的客人们提供一些别的东西，能够解释你为何突然消失。”
'And would spoil my joke. You are an interfering old busybody,' laughed Bilbo, 'but I expect you know best, as usual.'
“而且会破坏我的玩笑。你这个爱管闲事的老家伙，”比尔博笑道，“但我还是老话，你最在行。”
'I do . when I know anything. But I don't feel too sure about this whole affair.
“我确实在行……当我确实知道的时候。但我对整件事还是不太有把握。
It has now come to the final point.
现在已经到了最后关头。
You have had your joke, and alarmed or offended most of your relations, and given the whole Shire something to talk about for nine days, or ninety-nine more likely.
你已经开了你的玩笑，吓着或得罪了你大部分的亲戚，而且给了整个夏尔一些会议论九天的话题——或者更可能是九十九天。
Are you going any further?'
你还打算继续走下去吗？”
'Yes, I am. I feel I need a holiday, a very long holiday, as I have told you before.
“是的。我觉得我需要一个假期，一次非常漫长的假期，就像我先前告诉过你的那样。
Probably a permanent holiday: I don't expect I shall return.
或许是一次永久的假期：我不指望我会回来。
In fact, I don't mean to, and I have made all arrangements.
事实上，我不打算回来，而且我已做好一切安排。”
'I am old, Gandalf. I don't look it, but I am beginning to feel it in my heart of hearts.
“我老了，甘道夫。我看不出来，但我内心深处已经开始感觉到了。
Well-preserved indeed!' he snorted. 'Why, I feel all thin, sort of stretched, if you know what I mean: like butter that has been scraped over too much bread.
保养得宜！真是的！”他哼了一声。“咳，我觉得自己整个人都薄了，好像被拉扯开了，不知道你懂不懂我的意思：就像黄油被抹了太多面包上。
That can't be right. I need a change, or something.'
这可不行。我需要换个环境，或者其他什么。”
Gandalf looked curiously and closely at him. 'No, it does not seem right,' he said thoughtfully. 'No, after all I believe your plan is probably the best.'
甘道夫好奇而仔细地看着他。“是不对劲，”他若有所思地说。“不，我想归根结底你的计划大概是最好的。”
'Well, I've made up my mind, anyway. I want to see mountains again, Gandalf, mountains, and then find somewhere where I can rest.
“嗯，无论如何，我主意已定。我想再看看大山，甘道夫，大山，然后找个我能休息的地方。
In peace and quiet, without a lot of relatives prying around, and a string of confounded visitors hanging on the bell.
要安宁清净的地方，没有一堆亲戚东探西问，也没有一连串该死的访客按门铃。
I might find somewhere where I can finish my book.
我可能会找个能让我写完书的地方。
I have thought of a nice ending for it: and he lived happily ever after to the end of his days.'
我已经想好了书的美妙结局：从此以后，他幸福地生活，直到寿终正寝。”
Gandalf laughed. I hope he will. But nobody will read the book, however it ends.'
甘道夫笑了。“希望如此。不过无论如何结尾，没有人会读那本书。”
'Oh, they may, in years to come. Frodo has read some already, as far as it has gone.
“哦，假以时日也许会的。佛罗多已经读过一些写好的部分了。
You'll keep an eye on Frodo, won't you?'
你会照看着佛罗多的，对吧？”
'Yes, I will . two eyes, as often as I can spare them.'
“是的，我会的……两只眼睛，只要我能脱开身时。”
'He would come with me, of course, if I asked him. In fact he offered to once, just before the party.
“当然，如果我要求，他会跟我一起走。事实上宴会前他主动提出过一次。
But he does not really want to, yet. I want to see the wild country again before I die, and the Mountains; but he is still in love with the Shire, with woods and fields and little rivers.
但他其实还不想走。我死前想再看看那蛮荒之地，还有大山；但他仍然爱着夏尔，爱这里的森林、田野和小溪。
He ought to be comfortable here. I am leaving everything to him, of course, except a few oddments.
他在这里应该会过得舒适。当然，除了几件零碎物件，我把一切都留给他。
I hope he will be happy, when he gets used to being on his own. It's time he was his own master now.'
我希望他会幸福，等他习惯了一个人生活。现在是他当家做主的时候了。”
'Everything?' said Gandalf. 'The ring as well? You agreed to that, you remember.'
“一切都？”甘道夫问。“戒指也留下？你同意了的，记得吗。”
'Well, er, yes, I suppose so,' stammered Bilbo.
“呃，嗯，是的，我想是这样，”比尔博结巴着说。
'Where is it?'
“它在哪里？”
'In an envelope, if you must know,' said Bilbo impatiently. 'There on the mantelpiece. Well, no! Here it is in my pocket!' He hesitated. 'Isn't that odd now?' he said softly to himself. 'Yet after all, why not? Why shouldn't it stay there?'
“装在信封里，如果你非要知道的话，”比尔博不耐烦地说。“在壁炉架上。不对！哦，在我口袋里！”他犹豫了一下。“现在这样不是很奇怪吗？”他轻声自言自语。“不过话说回来，有何不可？它为什么不该留在这里？”
Gandalf looked again very hard at Bilbo, and there was a gleam in his eyes. 'I think, Bilbo,' he said quietly, 'I should leave it behind. Don't you want to?'
甘道夫再次非常严肃地看着比尔博，眼中闪过一丝光芒。“我想，比尔博，”他平静地说，“你应该把它留下。你不想吗？”
'Well yes . and no. Now it comes to it, I don't like parting with it at all, I may say.
“呃，是……也不是。事到临头，老实说，我根本不想交出它。
And I don't really see why I should.
而且我真的不明白为什么要交。
Why do you want me to?' he asked, and a curious change came over his voice.
你为什么非要我交出它？”他问道，声音奇怪地变了。
It was sharp with suspicion and annoyance.
声音中充满了怀疑和恼怒。
'You are always badgering me about my ring; but you have never bothered me about the other things that I got on my journey.'
“你总是缠着我要我的戒指；可你从不为我旅途中得来的其它东西烦扰我。”
'No, but I had to badger you,' said Gandalf. 'I wanted the truth. It was important.
“对，但我必须缠着你，”甘道夫说。“我想知道真相。这很重要。
Magic rings are . well, magical; and they are rare and curious.
魔法戒指嘛……嗯，就是带有魔法的；而且既稀罕又古怪。
I was professionally interested in your ring, you may say; and I still am.
你可以说我对你的戒指有一种专业兴趣；而且现在依然有。
I should like to know where it is, if you go wandering again. Also I think you have had it quite long enough.
如果你再去云游，我想知道它在哪里。另外我觉得你也拥有它够久了。
You won't need it any more. Bilbo, unless I am quite mistaken.'
你不再需要它了，比尔博，除非我大错特错。”
Bilbo flushed, and there was an angry light in his eyes. His kindly face grew hard. 'Why not?' he cried. 'And what business is it of yours, anyway, to know what I do with my own things? It is my own. I found it. It came to me.'
比尔博脸涨红了，眼中闪着怒火。他和善的面容变得严厉起来。“为什么？”他喊道。“再说，我如何处理自己的东西，关你什么事？这是我的东西。我找到的。它是我的了。”
'Yes, yes,' said Gandalf. 'But there is no need to get angry.'
“是，是，”甘道夫说。“但没有必要生气。”
'If I am it is your fault,' said Bilbo. 'It is mine, I tell you. My own. My precious. Yes, my precious.'
“如果我生气那是你的错，”比尔博说。“它是我的，我告诉你。我自己的。我的宝贝。是的，我的宝贝。”
The wizard's face remained grave and attentive, and only a flicker in his deep eyes showed that he was startled and indeed alarmed. 'It has been called that before,' he said, 'but not by you.'
巫师的脸依然严肃而专注，只是深邃的眼眸中闪过一丝惊愕和真正的警醒。“以前有人这么叫过它，”他说，“但不是你。”
'But I say it now. And why not? Even if Gollum said the same once. It's not his now, but mine.
“我现在就这么叫。有何不可？就算咕噜曾经也这么叫过。现在它又不是他的了，是我的。
And I shall keep it, I say.'
我就要留着它，我说了算。”
Gandalf stood up. He spoke sternly.
甘道夫站起身。他严厉地说道。
'You will be a fool if you do. Bilbo,' he said.
“如果你这样做，那就是个傻瓜，比尔博。”他说。
'You make that clearer with every word you say.
“你每一句话都让这一点更清楚。
It has got far too much hold on you.
它控制你的力量太过强大了。
Let it go! And then you can go yourself, and be free.'
放弃它吧！然后你才能自己启程，得到自由。”
'I'll do as I choose and go as I please,' said Bilbo obstinately.
“我爱怎么做就怎么做，想去哪儿就去哪儿，”比尔博固执地说。
'Now, now, my dear hobbit! ' said Gandalf. 'All your long life we have been friends, and you owe me something. Come! Do as you promised: give it up!
“好啦，好啦，我亲爱的霍比特人！”甘道夫说。“你这长久的一生中我们一直是朋友，你还欠我一份情。来吧！按你的承诺去做：放弃它！”
'Well, if you want my ring yourself, say so!' cried Bilbo. 'But you won't get it. I won't give my precious away, I tell you.' His hand strayed to the hilt of his small sword.
“哼，如果你自己想要我的戒指，就直说好了！”比尔博喊道。“但你得不到它。我不会把我的宝贝交出去，我告诉你。”他的手不由自主地滑向腰间短剑的剑柄。
Gandalf's eyes flashed. It will be my turn to get angry soon,' he said.
甘道夫眼中闪过一道光。“马上就该轮到我发怒了。”他说。
If you say that again, I shall.
如果你再说一遍，我就发怒给你看。
Then you will see Gandalf the Grey uncloaked.'
那时你将见到灰袍甘道夫的真面目。”
He took a step towards the hobbit, and he seemed to grow tall and menacing; his shadow filled the little room.
他朝霍比特人迈近一步，身形似乎变得高大而充满威胁；他的影子笼罩了整个小房间。
Bilbo backed away to the wall, breathing hard, his hand clutching at his pocket.
比尔博退到墙边，呼吸急促，手紧抓着口袋。
They stood for a while facing one another, and the air of the room tingled.
他们面对面站了一会儿，房间里的空气像触电一样紧张。
Gandalf's eyes remained bent on the hobbit.
甘道夫的目光始终紧锁在霍比特人身上。
Slowly his hands relaxed, and he began to tremble.
渐渐地他的手松开了，身体开始发抖。
'I don't know what has come over you, Gandalf,' he said. 'You have never been like this before. What is it all about? It is mine isn't it? I found it, and Gollum would have killed me, if I hadn't kept it. I'm not a thief, whatever he said.'
“我不知道你怎么了，甘道夫，”他说。“你以前从没这样过。这一切到底是为了什么？它是我的不是吗？我找到的，要不是我拿了它，咕噜早杀了我了。我不是贼，不管他说了什么。”
'I have never called you one,' Gandalf answered. 'And I am not one either. I am not trying to rob you, but to help you. I wish you would trust me, as you used.'
“我从未说你是贼，”甘道夫答道。“我也不是贼。我不是想抢劫你，而是想帮你。我希望你能像过去那样信任我。”
He turned away, and the shadow passed. He seemed to dwindle again to an old grey man, bent and troubled.
他转过身去，那迫人的阴影也随之消散。他又似乎缩小了，变回了一个弓着背、心事重重的灰衣老人。
Bilbo drew his hand over his eyes. I am sorry,' he said. 'But I felt so queer. And yet it would be a relief in a way not to be bothered with it any more.
比尔博用手擦了擦眼睛。“我很抱歉，”他说。“但我刚才感觉非常古怪。不过，从某个角度说，不再为它烦恼，倒也是一种解脱。
It has been so growing on my mind lately. Sometimes I have felt it was like an eye looking at me.
近来它总是萦绕在我心头。有时我觉得它像一只眼睛在看着我。
And I am always wanting to put it on and disappear, don't you know; or wondering if it is safe, and pulling it out to make sure.
而且你知道吗，我总是忍不住想戴上它消失；或者担心它是否安全，要把它掏出来确认一下。
I tried locking it up, but I found I couldn't rest without it in my pocket.
我试过把它锁起来，但我发现没把它放进口袋里就静不下心来。
I don't know why. And I don't seem able to make up my mind.'
我不知道这是为什么。而且我似乎怎么也下不了决心。”
'Then trust mine,' said Gandalf. 'It is quite made up. Go away and leave it behind. Stop possessing it. Give it to Frodo, and I will look after him.'
“那就相信我下的决心，”甘道夫说。“我的决心已定。你走吧，把它留下。别再据有它了。把它交给佛罗多，我会照顾他的。”
Bilbo stood for a moment tense and undecided. Presently he sighed. 'All right,' he said with an effort. I will.'
比尔博紧张而犹豫地站了一会儿。然后他叹了口气。“好吧，”他费力地说，“我会的。”
Then he shrugged his shoulders, and smiled rather ruefully. 'After all that's what this party business was all about, really: to give away lots of birthday presents, and somehow make it easier to give it away at the same time.
接着他耸耸肩，苦笑了一下。“毕竟，这场宴会真正的目的也就在于此：送出大量的生日礼物，然后顺带也好更容易地把它也送出去。
It hasn't made it any easier in the end, but it would be a pity to waste all my preparations. It would quite spoil the joke.'
结果也没让这事变得更容易一点，不过我那些准备要是浪费了就可惜了。那也会把整个玩笑彻底搞砸了。”
'Indeed it would take away the only point I ever saw in the affair,' said Gandalf.
“确实，那样就抹去了我在这件事里看到的唯一意义。”甘道夫说。
'Very well,' said Bilbo, 'it goes to Frodo with all the rest.'
“很好，”比尔博说，“它就和其他的东西一样，都给佛罗多了。”
He drew a deep breath. 'And now I really must be starting, or somebody else will catch me. I have said good-bye, and I couldn't bear to do it all over again.'
他深吸一口气。“现在我必须真得动身了，要不然还有人要逮住我。我已经道过别了，实在不忍心再重来一遍。”
He picked up his bag and moved to the door.
他拿起袋子，朝门口走去。
'You have still got the ring in your pocket,' said the wizard.
“戒指还在你口袋里。”巫师说。
'Well, so I have!' cried Bilbo. 'And my will and all the other documents too. You had better take it and deliver it for me. That will be safest.'
“哎呀，可不是嘛！”比尔博叫道，“我的遗嘱和所有其他文件也还在我这儿。你最好拿着，替我交给佛罗多。那样最安全。”
'No, don't give the ring to me,' said Gandalf. 'Put it on the mantelpiece. It will be safe enough there, till Frodo comes. I shall wait for him.'
“不，别把戒指交给我，”甘道夫说。“把它放在壁炉架上。等佛罗多来了，它在那边很安全。我会在这里等他。”
Bilbo took out the envelope, but just as he was about to set it by the clock, his hand jerked back, and the packet fell on the floor.
比尔博掏出信封，可就在他要把信封放在钟旁边时，他的手猛地一缩，信封掉到了地板上。
Before he could pick it up, the wizard stooped and seized it and set it in its place.
他还没来得及捡起来，巫师已经弯腰一把抓过它，把它放到了该放的位置上。
A spasm of anger passed swiftly over the hobbit's face again.
一丝怒意又一次飞快地掠过霍比特人的面庞。
Suddenly it gave way to a look of relief and a laugh. 'Well, that's that,' he said. 'Now I'm off!'
突然，这表情变成了如释重负，他大笑起来。“好啦，这下行了，”他说。“现在我走啦！”
They went out into the hall. Bilbo chose his favourite stick from the stand; then he whistled.
他们走到大厅里。比尔博从架子上选了他最喜欢的手杖，然后吹了一声口哨。
Three dwarves came out of different rooms where they had been busy.
三个矮人从各自忙碌的房间走了出来。
'Is everything ready?' asked Bilbo. 'Everything packed and labelled?'
“都准备好了吗？”比尔博问。“所有的东西都打包贴好标签了？”
'Everything,' they answered.
“一切都弄好了。”他们回答。
'Well, let's start then!' He stepped out of the front-door.
“那好，咱们出发吧！”他跨出了前门。
It was a fine night, and the black sky was dotted with stars.
夜色宜人，漆黑的天空中繁星点点。
He looked up, sniffing the air. 'What fun! What fun to be off again, off on the Road with dwarves! This is what I have really been longing for, for years! Good- bye! ' he said, looking at his old home and bowing to the door. 'Good-bye, Gandalf!'
他仰起头，嗅了嗅空气。“多开心啊！再次动身，和矮人们一起踏上旅途是多么开心！这就是我这些年来真正渴望的！再见！”他望着自己的老宅，向着门口鞠了一躬。“再见，甘道夫！”
'Good-bye, for the present, Bilbo. Take care of yourself! You are old enough, and perhaps wise enough.'
“暂时再见了，比尔博。照顾好自己！你年纪够大了，或许也够明智了。”
'Take care! I don't care. Don't you worry about me! I am as happy now as I have ever been, and that is saying a great deal. But the time has come. I am being swept off my feet at last,' he added, and then in a low voice, as if to himself, he sang softly in the dark:
“保重！我才不在乎呢。你也别担心我！我现在和以往一样快活，这可是大实话。但时辰已经到了。我终于该动身了，”他又说道，然后压低声音，仿佛自言自语，在夜色中柔声唱道：
The Road goes ever on and on
大道向前永不停
Down from the door where it began.
始于故园门下径。
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
如今大道路遥远，
And I must follow, if I can,
我当追随若我能，
Pursuing it with eager feet,
步履殷殷紧相随，
Until it joins some larger way
直待汇入康庄衢
Where many paths and errands meet.
百道千途任交汇。
And whither then? I cannot say.
而其后路谁能定。
He paused, silent for a moment. Then without another word he turned away from the lights and voices in the fields and tents, and followed by his three companions went round into his garden, and trotted down the long sloping path.
他停顿片刻，沉默了一会儿。然后一言不发地转身背向田野和帐篷里的灯火和人声，在他的三位同伴的跟随下，绕进他的花园，小步跑下长长的斜坡小径。
He jumped over a low place in the hedge at the bottom, and took to the meadows, passing into the night like a rustle of wind in the grass.
他在坡底篱笆一处低矮处跃过，踏上草地，像草丛里一阵微风的窸窣声，融入了夜色之中。
Gandalf remained for a while staring after him into the darkness. 'Goodbye, my dear Bilbo . until our next meeting!' he said softly and went back indoors.
甘道夫伫立片刻，凝望着他消失在黑暗中的方向。“再见了，我亲爱的比尔博……直到我们再次相见！”他轻声说道，然后转身回屋了。
Frodo came in soon afterwards, and found him sitting in the dark, deep in thought. 'Has he gone?' he asked.
不久之后，佛罗多进来了，发现他坐在黑暗中，陷入沉思。“他走了？”他问。
'Yes,' answered Gandalf, 'he has gone at last.'
“是的，”甘道夫答道，“他终于走了。”
' I wish . I mean, I hoped until this evening that it was only a joke,' said Frodo. 'But I knew in my heart that he really meant to go. He always used to joke about serious things. I wish I had come back sooner, just to see him off.'
“我希望……我是说，直到今晚之前我都还希望这不过是个玩笑，”佛罗多说。“但我心底里明白，他是真的要走。他过去总爱拿正经事开玩笑。我真希望能早点回来，送送他。”
I think really he preferred slipping off quietly in the end,' said Gandalf. 'Don't be too troubled. He'll be all right . now.
“我觉得他其实更想就这样悄无声息地溜走，”甘道夫说。“不要太担心。他现在……没事了。
He left a packet for you. There it is!'
他给你留了样东西。就在那儿！”
Frodo took the envelope from the mantelpiece, and glanced at it, but did not open it.
佛罗多从壁炉架上取下信封，看了一眼，但并没有打开。
'You'll find his will and all the other documents in there, I think,' said the wizard. 'You are the master of Bag End now.
“我想，里面是他的遗嘱和所有其他的文件，”巫师说。“你现在是袋底洞的主人了。
And also, I fancy, you'll find a golden ring.'
另外，我猜你会发现一枚金戒指。”
'The ring!' exclaimed Frodo. 'Has he left me that? I wonder why. Still, it may be useful.'
“戒指！”佛罗多叫道。“他把那戒指留给我了？真奇怪是为什么。不过，它或许有用。”
'It may, and it may not,' said Gandalf. 'I should not make use of it, if I were you.
“可能有用，也可能没有，”甘道夫说。“如果我是你，我不会使用它。
But keep it secret, and keep it safe! Now I am going to bed.'
但要保守秘密，也要妥善保管！现在我要去睡了。”
As master of Bag End Frodo felt it his painful duty to say good-bye to the guests.
作为袋底洞的主人，佛罗多觉得向宾客们道别是他痛苦的职责。
Rumours of strange events had by now spread all over the field, but Frodo would only say no doubt everything will be cleared up in the morning.
此时，各种关于奇闻异事的流言已经在场地上传得沸沸扬扬，但佛罗多只是说无疑一切等早晨自然会水落石出。
About midnight carriages came for the important folk.
午夜时分，接贵客的马车来了。
One by one they rolled away, filled with full but very unsatisfied hobbits.
一辆接一辆地载走了酒足饭饱、却又十分不满足的霍比特人。
Gardeners came by arrangement, and removed in wheel-barrows those that had inadvertently remained behind.
按事先安排，园丁们来了，用手推车运走了那些无意中留下的醉客。
Night slowly passed. The sun rose. The hobbits rose rather later.
夜晚慢慢过去。太阳升起。霍比特人起得要晚得多。
Morning went on. People came and began (by orders) to clear away the pavilions and the tables and the chairs, and the spoons and knives and bottles and plates, and the lanterns, and the flowering shrubs in boxes, and the crumbs and cracker- paper, the forgotten bags and gloves and handkerchiefs, and the uneaten food (a very small item).
上午继续着。人们开始（按吩咐）动手拆除凉棚、清理桌椅、锅碗瓢盆、勺刀瓶盘、灯笼、装箱的花树盆栽，以及饼干碎屑、爆竹彩纸、被遗忘的提包手套手帕和没吃完的食物（分量非常小）。
Then a number of other people came (without orders): Bagginses, and Boffins, and Bolgers, and Tooks, and other guests that lived or were staying near.
接着又来了一批（不请自来的）人：巴金斯、波芬、博尔吉、图克家的人，以及其他住在或暂居在附近的宾客。
By mid-day, when even the best-fed were out and about again, there was a large crowd at Bag End, uninvited but not unexpected.
到了中午，连最饱的人也又出来走动了，袋底洞前聚集了一大群人，虽未被邀请，但也在意料之中。
Frodo was waiting on the step, smiling, but looking rather tired and worried.
佛罗多等在台阶上，面带微笑，但看起来相当疲惫和忧虑。
He welcomed all the callers, but he had not much more to say than before.
他欢迎了所有的访客，但除了先前那句话外，并没有更多可说的。
His reply to all inquiries was simply this: 'Mr. Bilbo Baggins has gone away; as far as I know, for good.'
他对所有询问的回答就是这一句：“比尔博·巴金斯先生离开了；据我所知，是永远离开了。”
Some of the visitors he invited to come inside, as Bilbo had left 'messages' for them.
他邀请了一些访客进屋，因为比尔博给他们留了“口信”。
Inside in the hall there was piled a large assortment of packages and parcels and small articles of furniture.
大厅里堆放着各式各样的包裹、包袱和小件家具。
On every item there was a label tied.
每件物品上都系着标签。
There were several labels of this sort:
其中有几个标签是这样写的：
For ADELARD TOOK, for his VERY OWN, from Bilbo, on an umbrella.
赠予阿德拉德·图克，为他专属之物——比尔博赠。 （系在一把雨伞上）
Adelard had carried off many unlabelled ones.
阿德拉德已经顺手牵羊拿走了许多没有标签的东西。
For DORA BAGGINS in memory of a LONG correspondence, with love from Bilbo, on a large waste-paper basket.
赠予朵拉·巴金斯，纪念漫长的书信往来，挚爱比尔博赠。 （系在一个大废纸篓上）
Dora was Drogo's sister and the eldest surviving female relative of Bilbo and Frodo; she was ninety-nine, and had written reams of good advice for more than half a century.
朵拉是德罗戈的妹妹，也是比尔博和佛罗多在世的最年长的女性亲戚；她九十九岁了，半个多世纪以来写下了无数长篇大论的金玉良言。
For MILO BURROWS, hoping it will be useful, from B.B., on a gold pen and ink-bottle.
赠予米洛·伯罗斯，盼有用处——B·B 赠。 （系在一支金笔和一瓶墨水上）
Milo never answered letters.
米洛从不回信。
For ANGELICA'S use, from Uncle Bilbo, on a round convex mirror.
供安杰莉卡使用——比尔博叔叔赠。 （系在一面圆形凸面镜上）
She was a young Baggins, and too obviously considered her face shapely.
她是巴金斯家的一位年轻小姐，显然颇为自认相貌姣好。
For the collection of HUGO BRACEGIRDLE, from a contributor, on an (empty) book-case.
供雨果·布雷斯格德尔收藏——一位捐赠者赠。 （系在一个（空的）书架上）
Hugo was a great borrower of books, and worse than usual at returning them.
雨果非常爱借书，而且比一般人更不爱还书。
For LOBELIA SACKVILLE-BAGGINS, as a PRESENT, on a case of silver spoons.
赠予罗贝拉·萨克维尔—巴金斯夫人，礼物——比尔博赠。 （系在一盒银勺子上）
Bilbo believed that she had acquired a good many of his spoons, while he was away on his former journey.
比尔博认为在他之前的远行不在家时，她曾顺走了他不少勺子。
Lobelia knew that quite well.
罗贝拉对此心知肚明。
When she arrived later in the day, she took the point at once, but she also took the spoons.
当天晚些时候她来了，立刻领会了其中含义，但她也还是把勺子拿走了。
This is only a small selection of the assembled presents.
这只不过是准备的礼物中的一小部分样品。
Bilbo's residence had got rather cluttered up with things in the course of his long life.
在比尔博漫长的一生中，他的住所积攒下了相当多的东西。
It was a tendency of hobbit-holes to get cluttered up: for which the custom of giving so many birthday-presents was largely responsible.
霍比特人的洞府就是容易变得杂乱无章：而赠送这么多生日礼物的习俗是主要原因。
Not, of course, that the birthday-presents were always new, there were one or two old mathoms of forgotten uses that had circulated all around the district; but Bilbo had usually given new presents, and kept those that he received.
当然，并不是说生日礼物总是新的，其中也混杂了一两件来历不明、用处早已被遗忘的旧“传家宝”；但比尔博通常赠送新礼物，而把他收到的那些留下来。
The old hole was now being cleared a little.
现在老洞府算是被清空一点了。
Every one of the various parting gifts had labels, written out personally by Bilbo, and several had some point, or some joke.
每件告别礼物上都系着比尔博亲笔书写的标签，许多礼品还话中有话，或开个小玩笑。
But, of course, most of the things were given where they would be wanted and welcome.
不过，当然，大部分东西是送给了需要它们并会欢迎它们的人。
The poorer hobbits, and especially those of Bagshot Row, did very well.
家境较差的霍比特人，尤其是住在袋边路上的那几家，都收获颇丰。
Old Gaffer Gamgee got two sacks of potatoes, a new spade, a woollen waistcoat, and a bottle of ointment for creaking joints.
老詹吉·甘姆吉得到了两袋土豆、一把新铲子、一件羊毛马甲和一瓶治关节酸痛的药膏。
Old Rory Brandybuck, in return for much hospitality, got a dozen bottles of Old Winyards: a strong red wine from the Southfarthing, and now quite mature, as it had been laid down by Bilbo's father.
老罗里·烈酒鹿则因他的诸多款待，得到了一打瓶“老藤酒”：一种产自南区（Southfarthing）的浓烈红酒，因由比尔博的父亲窖藏至今，现在已相当陈年。
Rory quite forgave Bilbo, and voted him a capital fellow after the first bottle.
罗里喝完第一瓶就完全原谅了比尔博，称赞他真是个大好人。
There was plenty of everything left for Frodo.
佛罗多那边，各样东西都还留有很多。
And, of course, all the chief treasures, as well as the books, pictures, and more than enough furniture, were left in his possession.
当然，所有主要的珍宝、书籍、图画以及绰绰有余的家具，都留归他所有。
There was, however, no sign nor mention of money or jewellery: not a penny-piece or a glass bead was given away.
然而，没有现金或珠宝的踪迹：一个铜板或玻璃珠子也没有送出去。
Frodo had a very trying time that afternoon.
佛罗多那天下午过得非常难熬。
A false rumour that the whole household was being distributed free spread like wildfire; and before long the place was packed with people who had no business there, but could not be kept out.
一个谣言不胫而走，说整个袋底洞的财物都在免费分发，没多久这个地方就挤满了不该来却又拦不住的闲人。
Labels got torn off and mixed, and quarrels broke out.
标签被扯掉混杂在一起，争吵也爆发了。
Some people tried to do swaps and deals in the hall; and others tried to make off with minor items not addressed to them, or with anything that seemed unwanted or unwatched.
有些人想在大厅里进行物品交换或交易；还有些人则企图顺手牵羊拿走未标明给他们的东西，或是任何看起来没人要或无人看管的小物品。
The road to the gate was blocked with barrows and handcarts.
通往大门的路上堵满了手推车。
In the middle of the commotion the Sackville-Bagginses arrived.
在混乱中，萨克维尔—巴金斯夫妇到了。
Frodo had retired for a while and left his friend Merry Brandybuck to keep an eye on things.
佛罗多暂时躲开了，让他的朋友梅里·烈酒鹿代为照看。
When Otho loudly demanded to see Frodo, Merry bowed politely.
当奥索大声要求见佛罗多时，梅里有礼地鞠了一躬。
'He is indisposed,' he said. 'He is resting.'
“他身体不适，”他说。“他在休息。”
'Hiding, you mean,' said Lobelia. 'Anyway we want to see him and we mean to see him. Just go and tell him so!'
“躲起来了吧，你是说，”罗贝拉说。“不管怎样，我们要见他，也非得见到他不可。快进去告诉他！”
Merry left them a long while in the hall, and they had time to discover their parting gift of spoons.
梅里让他们在大厅里等了很长一段时间，足以让他们发现那盒作为告别礼物的勺子。
It did not improve their tempers.
这并没让他们的心情好起来。
Eventually they were shown into the study.
最后，他们被请进了书房。
Frodo was sitting at a table with a lot of papers in front of him.
佛罗多坐在一张桌子前，面前放着一堆文件。
He looked indisposed . to see Sackville-Bagginses at any rate; and he stood up, fidgeting with something in his pocket.
他看起来确实身体不适——至少见到萨克维尔—巴金斯夫妇是这么回事；他站起身，手在口袋里不安地摸着什么东西。
But he spoke quite politely.
不过他还是非常礼貌地打了招呼。
The Sackville-Bagginses were rather offensive.
萨克维尔—巴金斯夫妇态度相当无礼。
They began by offering him bad bargain-prices (as between friends) for various valuable and unlabelled things.
他们先是提出要以很低的价格（美其名曰朋友价）购买一些未贴标签的贵重物品。
When Frodo replied that only the things specially directed by Bilbo were being given away, they said the whole affair was very fishy.
当佛罗多回答说只有比尔博特别指定的物品才会被送出时，他们说整件事都非常可疑。
'Only one thing is clear to me,' said Otho, 'and that is that you are doing exceedingly well out of it. I insist on seeing the will.'
“我只看清一件事，”奥索说，“那就是你从中捞到了天大的好处。我一定要看看遗嘱。”
Otho would have been Bilbo's heir, but for the adoption of Frodo.
如果不是佛罗多被收养，奥索本该是比尔博的继承人。
He read the will carefully and snorted. It was, unfortunately, very clear and correct (according to the legal customs of hobbits, which demand among other things seven signatures of witnesses in red ink).
他仔细阅读了遗嘱，嗤之以鼻。不幸的是，遗嘱非常清楚明确且合法合规（依据霍比特人的法律习俗，遗嘱须由七位证人用红墨水签名，以及其他要求）。
'Foiled again!' he said to his wife. 'And after waiting sixty years, Spoons? Fiddlesticks!'
“又失败了！”他对妻子说。“等了六十年，就换来一把勺子？胡闹！”
He snapped his fingers under Frodo's nose and slumped off.
他在佛罗多鼻子底下打了个响指，然后气呼呼地走了。
But Lobelia was not so easily got rid of.
但罗贝拉可没那么好打发。
A little later Frodo came out of the study to see how things were going on and found her still about the place, investigating nooks and comers and tapping the floors.
稍后，佛罗多从书房出来想看看情况，发现她还在屋里四处转悠，检查每个角落，敲敲地板。
He escorted her firmly off the premises, after he had relieved her of several small (but rather valuable) articles that had somehow fallen inside her umbrella.
他从她雨伞里取回了不知怎么掉进去的几件小（但相当贵重）物品，然后坚决地护送她离开了房子。
Her face looked as if she was in the throes of thinking out a really crushing parting remark; but all she found to say, turning round on the step, was:
她的表情似乎正在绞尽脑汁想一句掷地有声的临别赠言；但当她在台阶上转过身时，终于能说出口的只有：
'You'll live to regret it, young fellow! Why didn't you go too? You don't belong here; you're no Baggins . you . you're a Brandybuck!'
“你会后悔的，年轻人！你为什么不也跟着走？你不属于这里；你不是什么巴金斯家的人……你是……你是烈酒鹿家的！”
'Did you hear that, Merry? That was an insult, if you like,' said Frodo as he shut the door on her.
“你听见了吗，梅里？这要说是句侮辱，倒也没错，”佛罗多一边当着她的面关上门，一边说。
'It was a compliment,' said Merry Brandybuck, 'and so, of course, not true.'
“这算是句恭维话，”梅里·烈酒鹿说，“所以，当然喽，不可能是真的。”
Then they went round the hole, and evicted three young hobbits (two Boffins and a Bolger) who were knocking holes in the walls of one of the cellars.
接着他们在洞里巡视了一圈，驱逐了三个年轻霍比特人（两个波芬家的，一个博尔吉家的），他们正在一个地窖墙上凿洞。
Frodo also had a tussle with young Sancho Proudfoot (old Odo Proudfoot's grandson), who had begun an excavation in the larger pantry, where he thought there was an echo.
佛罗多还与年轻的桑丘·骄傲脚（老奥多·骄傲脚的孙子）扭打了一场，后者在较大的储藏室里开始搞“考古挖掘”，因为他觉得那里有回音。
The legend of Bilbo's gold excited both curiosity and hope; for legendary gold (mysteriously obtained, if not positively ill-gotten), is, as every one knows, any one's for the finding . unless the search is interrupted.
比尔博藏金的传说既勾起了好奇心，也点燃了贪欲；因为传说中的金子（就算不是明确非法所得，也是来源不明），众所周知，是谁找到就归谁……当然，前提是搜寻没被打断。
When he had overcome Sancho and pushed him out, Frodo collapsed on a chair in the hall. It's time to close the shop, Merry,' he said. 'Lock the door, and don't open it to anyone today, not even if they bring a battering ram.'
制服桑丘并把他推出去后，佛罗多精疲力竭地跌坐在大厅的椅子里。“该关门了，梅里，”他说。“锁上门，今天别再开门让任何人进来了，就算他们抬着撞门锤来也不行。”
Then he went to revive himself with a belated cup of tea.
然后，他去喝一杯迟来的茶来提提神。
He had hardly sat down, when there came a soft knock at the front-door.
他刚坐下，前门就传来了轻轻的敲门声。
'Lobelia again most likely,' he thought. 'She must have thought of something really nasty, and have come back again to say it. It can wait.'
“八成又是罗贝拉，”他想。“她肯定想出了什么真正恶毒的话，回来再说一遍。让她等着吧。”
He went on with his tea. The knock was repeated, much louder, but he took no notice.
他继续喝他的茶。敲门声又响了，这次响亮得多，但他没理会。
Suddenly the wizard's head appeared at the window.
突然，巫师的头出现在窗户边。
'If you don't let me in, Frodo, I shall blow your door right down your hole and out through the hill,' he said.
“如果你不让我进去，佛罗多，我就把你的大门连同门廊直接炸飞，让它穿山而出，”他说。
'My dear Gandalf! Half a minute!' cried Frodo, running out of the room to the door. 'Come in! Come in! I thought it was Lobelia.'
“我亲爱的甘道夫！马上！”佛罗多喊着，冲出房间奔向门口。“快请进！快请进！我还以为是罗贝拉呢。”
'Then I forgive you. But I saw her some time ago, driving a pony-trap towards Bywater with a face that would have curdled new milk.'
“那我原谅你了。不过我一会儿前看见她了，正驾着一辆轻便马车朝傍水镇方向去，那张脸酸得都能把鲜牛奶结成块了。”
'She had already nearly curdled me. Honestly, I nearly tried on Bilbo's ring. I longed to disappear.'
“她也快把我酸倒了。老实说，我差点就戴上比尔博的戒指了。我真想赶紧消失。”
'Don't do that!' said Gandalf, sitting down. 'Do be careful of that ring, Frodo! In fact, it is partly about that that I have come to say a last word.'
“千万别那样做！”甘道夫坐下说。“一定要小心那枚戒指，佛罗多！实际上，我过来最后说几句，部分原因也是为了这个。”
'Well, what about it?'
“好吧，它怎么了？”
'What do you know already?'
“你现在对它了解多少了？”
'Only what Bilbo told me. I have heard his story: how he found it, and how he used it: on his journey, I mean.'
“就比尔博告诉我的那些。我听他说过他的经历：他是怎么找到它的，又是怎么使用它的：我是说在他旅途中。”
'Which story, I wonder,' said Gandalf.
“你听的是哪个故事，我很好奇，”甘道夫说。
'Oh, not what he told the dwarves and put in his book,' said Frodo. 'He told me the true story soon after I came to live here. He said you had pestered him till he told you, so I had better know too.
“哦，不是他告诉矮人们和写进书里的那个版本，”佛罗多说。“我刚搬进来不久他就告诉我真实的故事了。他说你一直缠着他讲给你听，所以我也最好知道知道。
"No secrets between us, Frodo," he said; "but they are not to go any further. It's mine anyway."'
‘你我之间没有秘密，佛罗多，’他说；‘但这事不能外传。反正它是我的。’”
'That's interesting,' said Gandalf. 'Well, what did you think of it all?'
“这很有意思，”甘道夫说。“那么，你对整个故事怎么看？”
'If you mean, inventing all that about a "present", well, I thought the true story much more likely, and I couldn't see the point of altering it at all.
“如果你是指，他编造出关于‘礼物’的说辞这事，嗯，我觉得真实的故事更可信，而且我实在不明白他为什么要改。
It was very unlike Bilbo to do so, anyway; and I thought it rather odd.'
这很不像比尔博的作风；而且我觉得这相当古怪。”
'So did I. But odd things may happen to people that have such treasures . if they use them.
“我也是这样想的。但是拥有这类宝物的人……如果他们用了它们……身上就会发生怪事。
Let it be a warning to you to be very careful with it.
你要引以为戒，务必小心它。
It may have other powers than just making you vanish when you wish to.'
它可能除了能让你在需要时消失之外，还有别的能力。”
'I don't understand,' said Frodo.
“我不明白，”佛罗多说。
'Neither do I,' answered the wizard. 'I have merely begun to wonder about the ring, especially since last night.
“我也不明白，”巫师答道。“我只是开始对这枚戒指起了疑心，尤其是昨晚之后。
No need to worry. But if you take my advice you will use it very seldom, or not at all.
不必担心。但如果你听我劝告，就尽量少用它，或者最好根本别用。
At least I beg you not to use it in any way that will cause talk or rouse suspicion.
至少我恳求你，绝对不要以任何会引起议论或招致怀疑的方式使用它。
I say again: keep it secret, and keep it safe!'
我再说一遍：要保守秘密，也要妥善保管！”
'You are very mysterious! What are you afraid of?'
“你太神秘兮兮了！你怕什么？”
'I am not certain, so I will say no more.
“我还不能确定，所以就不多说了。
I may be able to tell you something when I come back.
等我回来时也许能告诉你一些事。
I am going off at once: so this is good-bye for the present.' He got up.
我现在立刻就要动身：所以暂时道别了。”他站起身。
'At once!' cried Frodo. 'Why, I thought you were staying on for at least a week. I was looking forward to your help.'
“立刻！”佛罗多叫道。“可我以为你至少要待上一个星期呢。我还一直盼着你能帮我呢。”
'I did mean to . but I have had to change my mind.
“我本来确实打算……可我不得不改变主意了。
I may be away for a good while; but I'll come and see you again, as soon as I can.
我可能要离开相当一段时间；但我会尽快再来看你。
Expect me when you see me! I shall slip in quietly.
当你见到我时，我就到了！我会悄悄溜进来。
I shan't often be visiting the Shire openly again.
我以后不会再公开来夏尔了。
I find that I have become rather unpopular.
我发现我变得相当不受欢迎了。
They say I am a nuisance and a disturber of the peace.
他们说我是个麻烦精，扰乱治安。
Some people are actually accusing me of spiriting Bilbo away, or worse.
有些人甚至指责我把比尔博变没了，或者更糟。
If you want to know, there is supposed to be a plot between you and me to get hold of his wealth.'
如果你想知道，外面风传说我们俩合谋要把他的财产搞到手。”
'Some people!' exclaimed Frodo. 'You mean Otho and Lobelia.
“有些人！”佛罗多叫道。“你是说奥索和罗贝拉吧。
How abominable! I would give them Bag End and everything else, if I could get Bilbo back and go off tramping in the country with him.
真可恶！要是能让比尔博回来，跟他一块儿去乡下远行，我情愿把袋底洞和所有东西都给他们。
I love the Shire.
我爱夏尔。
But I begin to wish, somehow, that I had gone too. I wonder if I shall ever see him again.'
但我开始有点希望自己也跟着走了。不知我还能不能再见他一面。”
'So do I,' said Gandalf. 'And I wonder many other things.
“我也这样希望，”甘道夫说。“我也心存许多疑虑。
Good-bye now! Take care of yourself! Look out for me, especially at unlikely times! Good- bye!'
现在再见了！照顾好自己！留意我的消息，尤其在我可能不期而至的时候！再见！”
Frodo saw him to the door. He gave a final wave of his hand, and walked off at a surprising pace; but Frodo thought the old wizard looked unusually bent, almost as if he was carrying a great weight.
佛罗多送他到门口。甘道夫最后挥了挥手，便迈着惊人的步速走了；但佛罗多却觉得这位老巫师身形格外佝偻，仿佛背负着什么重担。
The evening was closing in, and his cloaked figure quickly vanished into the twilight.
暮色四合，他披着斗篷的身影迅速消失在黄昏中。
Frodo did not see him again for a long time.
佛罗多此后很久都没有再见到他。