《神探夏洛克》精讲 371一个宿命的故事（在线收听）

There was once a merchant, in the famous market at Baghdad.

从前，巴格达一个著名的集市有个商人。

One day he saw a stranger looking at him in surprise,

一天他看见一个陌生人吃惊地看着他，

and he knew that the stranger was Death.

他知道那个陌生人是死神。

Pale and trembling, the merchant fled the marketplace

商人面色苍白浑身战栗地逃离了集市

and made his way many, many miles, to the city of Samarra.

长途跋涉逃到了萨马拉城。

For there he was sure Death could not find him.

他以为逃到那里死神就找不到他了。

But when, at last, he came to Samarra,

当他终于逃到萨马拉后，

the merchant saw, waiting for him, the grim figure of Death.

商人看到等待着他的正是冷酷的死神。

Very well, Said the merchant.

好吧  商人说。

I give in. I am yours.

我放弃了。任你处置吧。

But tell me, why did you look surprised

但是告诉我，你今早在巴格达

When you saw me this morning in Baghdad?

看到我时为何面露惊讶？

Because, Said Death,

那是因为，死神说，

I had an appointment with you tonight...

我和你的约会是在今晚...

..in Samarra.

在萨马拉