英语-朗诵比赛文章

A Greek to Remember

Diogenes was a famous Greek philosopher of the fourth century B. C., who established the philosophy of cynicism. He often walked about in the daytime holding a lighted lantern, peering around as if he were looking for something. When questioned about his odd behavior, he would reply, "I am searching for an honest man." Diogenes held that the good man was self-sufficient and did not require material comforts or wealth. He believed that

wealth and possessions constrained humanity's natural state of freedom. In keeping with his philosophy, he was perfectly satisfied with making his home in a large tub discarded from the temple of Cybele, the goddess of nature. This earthen tub, called a pithos, and formerly been used for holding wine or oil for the sacrifices at the temple. One day, Alexander the Great, conqueror of half the civilized world, saw Diogenes sitting in this tub in the sunshine. So the king, surrounded by his countries, approached Diogenes and said, "I am Alexander the Great." The philosopher replied rather contemptuously, "I am Diogenes, the Cynic." Alexander then asked him if he could help him in any way." Yes, "shot back Diogenes, "don't stand between me and the sun." A surprised Alexander then replied quickly, "If I were not Alexander, I would be Diogenes."

Saying Good-bye to Cambridge Again

Very quietly I take my leave

As quietly as I came here;

Quietly I wave good-bye

To the rosy clouds in the western sky.

The golden willows by the riverside

Are young brides in the setting sun;

Their reflections on the shimmering waves

Always linger in the depth of my heart.

The floating heart growing in the sludge

Sways leisurely under the water;

In the gentle waves of Cambridge

I would be a water plant!

That pool under the shade of elm trees

Holds not water but the rainbow from the sky; Shattered to pieces among the duckweeds

Is the sediment of a rainbow-like dream?

To seek a dream? Just to pole a boat upstream

To where the green grass is more verdant;

Or to have the boat fully loaded with starlight

And sing aloud in the splendour of starlight.

But I cannot sing aloud

Quietness is my farewell music;

Even summer insects keep silence for me

Silent is Cambridge tonight!

Very quietly I take my leave

As quietly as I came here;

Gently I flick my sleeves

Not even a wisp of cloud will I bring away

A Psalm of Life

Tell me not in mournful numbers,

Life is but an empty dream!

For the soul is dead that slumbers

And things are not what they seem.

Life is real! Life is earnest!

And the grave is not its goal;

Dust thou art, to dust returnest,

Was not spoken of the soul.

Not enjoyment, and not sorrow,

Is our destined and our way;

But to act,

That much to-morrow.

Find us farther than to-day.

Art is long, and time is fleeting.

And our hearts, though stout and brave.

Still , like muffled drums , are beating Funeral marches to the grave。

In the world’s broad field of battle,

In the bivouac of Life,

Be not like dumb, driven cattle!

Be a hero in the strife!

Trust no future. howe’er pleasant!

Let the dead Past bury its dead!

Act, act in the living Present!

Let us, then, be up and doing,

With a heart for any fate;

Still achieving, still pursuing

Learn to labour and to wait.