14

I WAS walking by the road, I do not know why, when the noonday was past and bamboo branches rustled in the wind.

The prone shadows with their out-stretched arms clung to the feet of the hurrying light.

The koels were weary of their songs.

I was walking by the road, I do not know why.

The hut by the side of the water is shaded by an overhanging tree.

Some one was busy with her work, and her bangles made music in the corner.

I stood before this hut, I know not why.

The narrow winding road crosses many a mustard field, and many a mango forest.

It passes by the temple of the village and the market at the river landing-place.

I stopped by this hut, I do not know why.

Years ago it was a day of breezy March when the murmur of the spring was languorous, and mango blossoms were dropping on the dust.

The rippling water leapt and licked the brass vessel that stood on the landing-step.

I think of that day of breezy March, I do not know why.

Shadows are deepening and cattle returning to their folds.

The light is grey upon the lonely meadows, and the villagers are waiting for the ferry at the bank.

I slowly return upon my steps, I do not know why.

14

我在路边行走，也不知道为什么，

时已过午，竹枝在风中簌簌作响。

横斜的影子伸臂拖住流光的双足。

布谷鸟都唱倦了。

我在路边行走，也不知道为什么。

低垂的树荫盖住水边的茅屋。

有人正忙着工作，她的钏镯在一角放出音乐。

我在茅屋前面站着，我不知道为什么。

曲径穿过一片芥菜田地和几层芒果树林。

它经过村庙的渡头的市集。

我在这茅屋面前停住了，我不知道为什么。

好几年前，三月风吹的一天，

春天倦慵地低语，芒果花落在地上。

浪花跳起掠过立在渡头阶沿上的铜瓶。

我想着三月风吹的这一天，我不知道为什么。

阴影更深，牛群归栏。

冷落的牧场上日色苍白，村人在河边待渡。

我缓步回去，我不知道为什么。