新概念英语第二册

LESSON 58

A blessing in disguise?

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原文

The tiny village of Frinley is said to possess a cursed tree. Because the tree was mentioned in a newspaper, the number of visitors to Frinley has now increased. The tree was planted near the church 50 years ago, but it is only in recent years that it has gained an evil reputation. It is said that if anyone touches the tree, he will have bad luck.

If he picks a leaf, he will die. Many villagers believe that the tree has already claimed a number of victims. The vicar has been asked to have the tree cut down, but so far he has refused. He has pointed out that the tree is a useful source of income, as tourists have been coming from all parts of the country to see it.

In spite of all that has been said, the tourists have been picking leaves and cutting their names on the tree trunk. So far, not one of them has been struck down by sudden death.

译文

据说弗林利小村庄有一棵被诅咒的树。由于报纸上提到了这棵树,现在弗林利的游客数量有所增加。这棵树50年前就种在教堂附近,但直到最近几年,它才获得了恶名。据说,谁要是碰了这棵树,就会倒霉。

如果他摘下一片叶子,他就会死。许多村民认为,这棵树已经造成了一些受害者。有人要求牧师砍掉这棵树,但到目前为止他拒绝了。他指出,这棵树是一种有用的收入来源,因为来自全国各地的游客都来参观它。

尽管如此,游客们仍然在摘树叶,并在树干上刻下自己的名字。到目前为止,没有一人因猝死而倒地。