Edwin Muir - The Interrogation 汉译

We could have crossed the road but hesitated,<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

And then came the patrol;

The leader conscientious and intent,

The men surly, indifferent.

While we stood by and waited

The interrogation began. He says the whole

Must come out now, who, what we are,

Where we have come from, with what purpose, whose

Country or camp we plot for or betray.

Question on question.

We have stood and answered through the standing day

And watched across the road beyond the hedge

The careless lovers in pares go by,

Hand linked in hand, wandering another star,

So near we could shout to them. We cannot choose

Answer or action here.

Though still the careless lovers saunter by

And the thoughtless field is near.

We are on the very edge,

Endurance almost done,

And still the interrogation is going on.

                                       1949