作者：玛格丽特·卡文迪什（1668）
By Margaret Cavendish (1668)
第一幕 · 第一场
ACT I · SCENE I
（三位绅士上场，游手好闲地踱步。他们年轻、时髦、且只顾自己。）
(Enter three Gentlemen, walking idly. They are young, fashionable, and concerned only with themselves.)
绅士甲
汤姆！你这副模样，活像刚吃了一场败仗。你这是哪儿去了？
FIRST GENTLEMAN
Tom! You look as if you had just lost a battle. Where have you been?
绅士乙（汤姆）
方才从福图内特勋爵的葬礼回来。他把所有家产都留给了独生女——快乐小姐。如今可是富得惊人了。
SECOND GENTLEMAN (Tom)
I have just come from the funeral of Lord Fortunate. He has left all his estate to his only daughter, Mistress Pleasure. She is now exceedingly rich.
绅士甲
好，号角一响。城里但凡能喘气的单身汉，都得把家底败光在意大利华服、法国马车和一大群跟班身上，就为了追她。
FIRST GENTLEMAN
Well then, the trumpet is sounded. Every bachelor in town that can draw breath will waste his estate on Italian clothes, French coaches, and a troop of attendants, all to court her.
绅士丙
要是追求者都像咱们似的，是些次子——没地、没爵位，只有一张巧嘴和一屁股债——那咱们就是拿白日梦把自己送进破产的深渊。不过汤姆，她至少长得漂亮吧？
THIRD GENTLEMAN
If her suitors are like us—mere younger sons, with no land, no title, nothing but smooth tongues and heavy debts—we shall ruin ourselves upon dreams alone. But tell me, Tom: is she at least handsome?
绅士乙（汤姆）
漂亮。年轻。有钱。而且据说……品行端庄。
SECOND GENTLEMAN (Tom)
Handsome. Young. Rich. And, as they say… virtuous.
绅士甲
说真的，好事全让一个人占了。这未免太贪得无厌。
FIRST GENTLEMAN
In truth, she has too much good fortune for one person. It is an excess.
绅士乙（汤姆）
要是她能归你，你就不会这么说了。
SECOND GENTLEMAN (Tom)
If she were yours, you would not think it so.
绅士甲
不，我倒不嫌多——我担得起。我是说，这对其他任何男人来说都太多了。
FIRST GENTLEMAN
No, for my part I should not complain—I could bear it well. I mean only that it is too much for any other man.
（他们退场，已然开始盘算。）
(Exeunt, already deep in calculation.)

第一幕 · 第二场
ACT I · SCENE II
（场景：海皮小姐的房间。海皮小姐心意已决，显得光彩照人。一名仆人忧心忡忡地站在一旁。）
(Scene: Lady Happy’s chamber. Lady Happy appears resolved and radiant. A Servant stands by, anxiously attentive.)
仆人
小姐……您年轻、貌美、富有，而且德行高尚。我真心希望您不会把这些天赋——这些来自自然、命运和上天的馈赠——白白浪费在一个根本配不上您的男人身上。
SERVANT
Madam, you are young, beautiful, rich, and virtuous. I sincerely hope you will not squander these gifts—bestowed by Nature, Fortune, and Heaven—upon a man wholly unworthy of you.
海皮小姐
让我告诉你。财富该施予穷人，青春该赠予老者，美貌该赋予丑陋之人，而德行该送给恶徒。所以，若我遵循这套逻辑，去正确地安置我的天赋……我就得嫁给一个穷困潦倒、老态龙钟、面目可憎，且彻底堕落的男人才对。
LADY HAPPY
Hear me then. Riches should be given to the poor, youth bestowed upon the aged, beauty upon the ugly, and virtue upon the vicious. Therefore, if I were to distribute my gifts according to this rule, I should marry a man that is poor, old, deformed, and utterly corrupt.
仆人
天理难容啊！
SERVANT
Heaven forbid!
海皮小姐
不，别这么说。上天不仅容许——简直是要求我们如此。难道我们没被教导要施予匮乏之人吗？
LADY HAPPY
No, say not so. Heaven not only permits it, but commands it. Are we not taught to give to those who lack?
（调解夫人上场。她是世俗常规观念的代言人。）
(Enter the Mediatrix, a spokesperson for worldly custom.)
调解夫人
小姐，您这说的……不会是认真的吧？您不会真打算去做这种事吧？
THE MEDIATRIX
Madam, surely you cannot be serious in this? You do not truly intend such a course?
海皮小姐
我的言语与我的意图，步调完全一致。我向你保证。
LADY HAPPY
My words and my intentions keep equal pace, I assure you.
调解夫人
可您总不能真要把自己锁在修道院里吧！
THE MEDIATRIX
But surely you do not mean to shut yourself up in a convent!
海皮小姐
为何不能？那个所谓的“公共世界”究竟有什么，能对我产生如此不可抗拒的吸引力？
LADY HAPPY
And why not? What is there in the so-called public world that should so irresistibly draw me?
调解夫人
总比自我放逐要强！
THE MEDIATRIX
It is better than self-banishment!
海皮小姐
让我们来审视一下。假设我嫁给了最好的男人——如果这种东西真的存在的话。即便如此，婚姻带来的心碎与束缚，也远多于快乐或自由。对于一个有灵魂的女人来说，婚姻是比任何修道院都更严酷的牢笼。
LADY HAPPY
Let us examine it. Suppose I were to marry the best of men—if such a thing exists. Even then, marriage brings more heartbreak and bondage than joy or liberty. To a woman with a soul, marriage is a stricter prison than any convent.
或者，也许我该享受被追求者簇拥的乐趣？让他们凝视我的脸庞，赞美我的聪慧？但我能从他们的眼神里得到什么？从他们的言语里得到什么？言语转瞬即逝，目光空无一物。而我因为他们的造访所损失的名誉，将远多于从他们的奉承中获得的。
Or perhaps I should delight in being courted?
Let them gaze upon my face, applaud my wit. But what gain I from their looks? What from their words? Words vanish, looks contain nothing; and the reputation I lose by their visits outweighs whatever pleasure I receive from their flattery.
真相是，女人忍受这个公共世界，仅仅是为了迎合男人。既然男人充满了愚蠢、虚荣和虚伪……我们又何苦为他们烦心？我的“退隐”，并非要将生活拒之门外……唯独要将男人拒之门外。
The truth is this: women endure the public world only to please men. And since men are full of folly, vanity, and hypocrisy, why should we trouble ourselves for them? My retreat is not to exclude life itself—only to exclude men.
调解夫人
噢，可那是将一切都拒之门外了！所有世俗的享乐都化为乌有了！
THE MEDIATRIX
Oh, but that is to exclude everything! All worldly pleasures would be lost!
海皮小姐
那只能说明，世人享乐的方式做错了。
LADY HAPPY
Then it proves only that the world mistakes the nature of pleasure.
调解夫人
您是说古往今来的圣徒都是傻瓜？他们受苦是为了上帝！
THE MEDIATRIX
Do you mean to say that all saints of former ages were fools? They suffered for God!
海皮小姐
不，他们是为了活在别人的评价里。任何有理性的人会相信，上帝是以我们的痛苦为乐的吗？上帝赋予我们感官，难道就是为了折磨它们吗？
LADY HAPPY
No—they suffered to live in the opinions of others. Can any rational person believe that God delights in our misery? Did God give us senses merely to torment them?
让人们穿粗毛衬衣、鞭笞皮肤、忍饥挨饿、睡在石头上，这对神明有何益处？莫非是上帝缺了上好的亚麻与美食，而我们在囤积不成？难道上帝竟在与自然为敌，所以凡是令自然痛苦的事，就能取悦上帝？
What benefit has God from hair shirts, scourged flesh, hunger, or stone beds? Does God lack fine linen or rich food, that we hoard them? Or is God at war with Nature, that whatever pains Nature must please Heaven?
调解夫人
当事情是为上帝而做时，自然中的痛苦便升华为神圣。
THE MEDIATRIX
When actions are done for God, the pains of nature become sacred.
海皮小姐
如果一件事既不能给上帝带来快乐，也不能带来益处，它就不可能神圣。人们如此受苦并非为了上帝，而是为了他们自己——为了感觉自己神圣，为了被世人看作神圣。
LADY HAPPY
If an action brings neither pleasure nor benefit to God, it cannot be sacred. People suffer not for God, but for themselves—to feel holy, and to be thought holy.
我相信上帝更喜悦欢乐的赞颂，而非饥饿的肚腹。当身体因斋戒而虚弱，精神因守夜而疲惫，整个生活充满痛苦时，灵魂几乎没有意愿去崇拜。
I believe God delights more in joyful praise than in empty stomachs. When bodies are weakened by fasting and minds exhausted by vigils, when life itself is pain, the soul scarcely wishes to worship.
那样的奉献是强迫的。他们的祈祷不过是流经排水沟的污秽雨水——而非从心底涌出的清泉。
Such devotion is forced. Their prayers are foul rain running through gutters, not clear springs rising from the heart.
如果众神是残酷的，我将侍奉自然。但众神是慷慨的，他们赐予一切美好之物，并吩咐我们在最适合的事物中，自由地取悦自己。
If the gods were cruel, I would serve Nature instead. But the gods are generous: they give all good things, and command us to take pleasure freely in what best suits us.
调解夫人
可如果您把自己关起来，又如何享受男人的陪伴呢？那被认为是人生最大的乐趣。
THE MEDIATRIX
But if you shut yourself away, how will you enjoy the company of men? That is thought the greatest pleasure of life.
海皮小姐
男人是女人唯一的麻烦制造者！正是他们阻挠我们的欢乐，破坏我们的安宁。他们将我们的性别变为奴隶。我绝不接受奴役。我将彻底从他们的陪伴中退出。
LADY HAPPY
Men are the only disturbers of women’s happiness! They obstruct our pleasures and destroy our peace. They enslave our sex. I will not submit to bondage. I will wholly withdraw from their company.
为此，我将召集志同道合的高贵女子。我的“快活庵”将不是束缚之地，而是自由之地；不是折磨感官，而是取悦感官。
Therefore, I will gather noble ladies of like mind. My Convent of Pleasure shall be not a place of restraint, but of liberty; not to mortify the senses, but to delight them.
（她的愿景满溢而出，化为歌唱，语调转为狂喜而感官的宣告。）
(Her vision overflows into song, her tone turning ecstatic and sensual.)
【歌】
[Song]
让感官尽享每一分欢愉，
愿此生满溢着欣喜。
心神在极乐中徜徉，
远避那琐碎与忧伤。
Let every sense take its full delight,
And let our lives be filled with joy;
Let minds in perfect pleasure move,
Far from all petty cares and grief.
大地与深海是我们的粮官，
为我们搜罗山珍与海产；
麦田金黄，鲜果低垂，
丰裕之角献上无尽的盛筵。
The earth and sea our stewards are,
They bring us treasures from field and wave;
Golden corn and bending fruit,
And plenty’s horn pours endless feasts.
我们将身着最柔软的丝绸，
亚麻细密，洁白如乳。
画作斑斓愉悦双眼，
馥郁芬芳萦绕鼻尖。
We shall wear the softest silks,
Fine linen white as milk;
Paintings shall delight our eyes,
Sweet perfumes please the sense of smell.
乐音悠扬，如梦如幻，
珍馐美馔，唇齿流连。
变化将滋养每一种感官，
并在其中催生新的渴盼。
Music shall charm the listening ear,
Rich meats delight the taste;
Variety shall feed each sense,
And still beget new appetite.
在这“快活庵”中，我
将与欢愉同在，至死方休。
And in this Convent of Pleasure,
I shall live with delight until death.
（海皮小姐退场，容光焕发。调解夫人和仆人留在原地，目瞪口呆。）
(Exit Lady Happy, radiant. The Mediatrix and the Servant remain, astonished.)

第一幕 · 第三场
ACT I · SCENE III
（场景：街道或公共场所。寻欢先生上场，他是一个纨绔子弟般的追求者，正对着镜子顾影自怜。他的仆人迪克在一旁冷眼观察。）
(Scene: A street or public place. Enter Monsieur Seek-Pleasure, a foppish suitor, admiring himself in a mirror. His servant Dick stands aside, observing with dry contempt.)
寻欢先生
怎么样，迪克？我看上去够格吗？
MONSIEUR SEEK-PLEASURE
Well, Dick? Do I look fit for the task?
迪克
老爷，您看上去简直像只掉进绸缎庄的孔雀。您这身派头，全凭羽毛、缎带和那些赊来的账单堆砌而成。
DICK
Sir, you look like a peacock fallen into a silk shop. Your grandeur is built entirely of feathers, ribbons, and unpaid bills.
寻欢先生
你觉得我能赢得海皮小姐的芳心吗？
MONSIEUR SEEK-PLEASURE
Do you think I might win Lady Happy’s heart?
迪克
如果她还想保留那个“海皮”（快乐）的名号，那肯定赢不了。
DICK
If she means to keep the name “Happy,” then no, sir.
寻欢先生
为什么？
MONSIEUR SEEK-PLEASURE
Why not?
迪克
因为她要是嫁给您，就成了“寻欢夫人”。妻子得随夫姓，她得放弃自己的姓氏和快乐。
DICK
Because if she married you, she would become Madam Seek-Pleasure. A wife must take her husband’s name — and she would lose both her own name and her happiness.
寻欢先生
说真的，迪克，我要是有了她的财富，我就真的快乐了。
MONSIEUR SEEK-PLEASURE
In truth, Dick, if I had her fortune, I should be truly happy.
迪克
那得看您怎么花。不过凭良心说，您有了她的钱，会比她有了您，要快活得多。
DICK
That depends how you spent it. But honestly, sir, you would be far happier with her money than she would be with you.
寻欢先生
你为什么这么说？
MONSIEUR SEEK-PLEASURE
Why do you say so?
迪克
因为女人在婚姻中从未真正快乐过。
DICK
Because women have never truly been happy in marriage.
寻欢先生
你错了。女人在结婚前才是痛苦的。
MONSIEUR SEEK-PLEASURE
You are mistaken. Women suffer most before they are married.
迪克
真相是，老爷，女人们在婚前和婚后的想法里都得不到快乐。婚前，她们以为自己痛苦是因为缺少一个丈夫；婚后，她们才发现自己痛苦是因为有了一个丈夫。
DICK
The truth is, sir, women find no happiness either before or after marriage. Before, they think they suffer for want of a husband; after, they discover they suffer because they have one.
寻欢先生
也许当妻子的会这样吧，并非所有女人都如此。
MONSIEUR SEEK-PLEASURE
That may be true of wives — but not of all women.
（另外两位追求者上场：易劝先生和谋士先生。他们同样为了求爱而过度打扮，显得滑稽可笑。）
(Enter two more suitors, Monsieur Persuasion and Monsieur Counsel, equally over-adorned and ridiculous.)
寻欢先生（续）
先生们！我看你们也为这场“狩猎”披挂整齐了。
MONSIEUR SEEK-PLEASURE
Gentlemen! I see you are well armed for the hunt.
易劝先生
正是。我们已准备好成为职业求爱者。但谁引荐我们去见那位小姐呢？
MONSIEUR PERSUASION
Indeed. We are prepared to make court our profession. But who shall introduce us to the lady?
谋士先生
我们只好厚着脸皮，自我引荐了。
MONSIEUR COUNSEL
We must recommend ourselves.
寻欢先生
我可不会拿我的希望去换一笔微薄的财富。
MONSIEUR SEEK-PLEASURE
I would not exchange my hopes for a small fortune.
易劝先生
我也是。
MONSIEUR PERSUASION
Nor I.
谋士先生
说实话，我们现在都塞满了希望，就像枕头塞满了羽毛。
MONSIEUR COUNSEL
In truth, we are stuffed with hope, like pillows full of feathers.
（考特利先生慌慌张张地上场。）
(Enter Monsieur Courtly, in haste.)
考特利先生
先生们！我们完了。彻底完蛋了！
MONSIEUR COURTLY
Gentlemen! We are undone — utterly undone!
谋士先生
什么？出了什么事？
MONSIEUR COUNSEL
What? What has happened?
考特利先生
海皮小姐！她……把自己关进修道院了。还带了另外二十位女士一起。
MONSIEUR COURTLY
Lady Happy! She has shut herself up in a convent — with twenty other ladies.
谋士先生
真是见了鬼了！
MONSIEUR COUNSEL
The devil take it!
易劝先生
上帝不容啊！
MONSIEUR PERSUASION
God forbid!
考特利先生
究竟是魔鬼还是上帝说服了她，我说不清。但她已经进去了。木已成舟。
MONSIEUR COURTLY
Whether it was the Devil or God that persuaded her, I cannot say — but she is in, and there is no remedy.
寻欢先生
这大概只是一时虔诚的热病。会退烧的。这种事常有。
MONSIEUR SEEK-PLEASURE
It is but a sudden fit of devotion. It will pass. Such things often do.
（调解夫人上场，面露倦容。）
(Enter the Mediatrix, weary.)
寻欢先生
调解夫人！我们完了！海皮小姐把自己锁起来了！
MONSIEUR SEEK-PLEASURE
L’Mediatrix! We are undone! Lady Happy has locked herself away!
调解夫人
是的，先生们。真是可惜。
THE MEDIATRIX
Yes, gentlemen. It is much to be lamented.
谋士先生
难道没希望了吗？
MONSIEUR COUNSEL
Is there no hope?
调解夫人
坦白说，希望渺茫。
THE MEDIATRIX
In plain terms, very little.
易劝先生
我们必须收买神职人员！让他们劝她出来——为了国家的利益！
MONSIEUR PERSUASION
We must bribe the clergy to persuade her out — for the good of the state!
调解夫人
唉，先生们！神职人员在这儿没用。她不是上帝的虔信者，她是自然的虔信者。
THE MEDIATRIX
Alas, gentlemen, the clergy have no power here. She is not a devotee of God, but of Nature.
考特利先生
既然她是自然的虔信者，那您就该当女院长！这样您就能用您的权威，让我们……时不时地去拜访拜访您的修女们。
MONSIEUR COURTLY
If she serves Nature, then you should be abbess! Then you could use your authority to allow us — from time to time — to visit your nuns.
调解夫人
只能隔着栅栏！除非她们在修房子或者生病了。不过话说回来，海皮小姐自己就是院长。她不允许任何男性进入，连栅栏都不设一道。她压根不打算安装。
她有女医师、女外科医生、女药剂师。她自己就是首席忏悔师，随意发放赎罪券和赦免。她的宅邸——那个“快活庵”——宏伟壮观，坚固如堡垒，根本不需要任何修缮。
她围墙内的园地……大得足以容纳花园、果园、步道、小树林、凉亭、池塘、喷泉……还有足够的土地自给自足。每一个职位都由女性担任。她身边虽然只有二十位女士，但她有一支由女仆组成的军队。她根本用不着男人。
THE MEDIATRIX
Only through a grate — and only if they were building or ill. But in truth, Lady Happy herself is abbess. She allows no men entry, nor even a grate. She has no intention of installing one.
She has women physicians, women surgeons, women apothecaries. She herself is chief confessor, granting penance and absolution at will. Her house — the Convent of Pleasure — is magnificent, strong as a fortress, needing no repair.
Within her walls lie gardens, orchards, walks, groves, arbours, ponds, and fountains — with land enough to sustain them all. Every office is held by women. Though she has but twenty ladies, she commands an army of women servants. She has no need of men.
寻欢先生
如果有这么多女人，那才更需要男人呢！等等，让我搞清楚。您说她是自然的虔信者。如果她侍奉自然，那她就必须是……男人的情妇。这才是自然之道。
MONSIEUR SEEK-PLEASURE
If there are so many women, then surely men are needed all the more! But stay — you say she serves Nature. If she serves Nature, then she must be… a man’s mistress. That is Nature’s way.
调解夫人
恕我直言，先生。她宣称自己退隐，正是为了避开男人，以便享受自然提供的各种欢愉。她说男人是阻碍者。他们带来的不是快乐，而是痛苦；不是幸福，而是悲惨。为此，她已永久放逐了男性的陪伴。
THE MEDIATRIX
With respect, sir, she declares that her retreat is precisely to avoid men, so that she may enjoy the pleasures Nature offers. She says men are impediments: they bring not happiness, but pain; not felicity, but misery. Therefore, she has banished the company of men forever.
谋士先生
这都是异端邪说！绝不容忍！她的学说必须被谴责！她应当受到男性议会的审讯和惩罚——要么给她配一个严厉的丈夫，要么用一个放荡的丈夫来折磨她！
MONSIEUR COUNSEL
This is heresy — intolerable! Her doctrine must be condemned! She must be tried and punished by a council of men — either given a severe husband, or tormented with a lewd one!
调解夫人
先生们，最好的办法是正式提出申诉。向国家请愿，要求纠正。
THE MEDIATRIX
Gentlemen, the best course is to make a formal complaint. Petition the state for redress.
考特利先生
好主意。
MONSIEUR COURTLY
A sound plan.
易劝先生
我们这就照办。马上去起草请愿书！
MONSIEUR PERSUASION
We shall do so at once. To the petition!
（他们全部退场。留下一片愤慨的丝绸与受伤的自尊。）
(Exeunt all, leaving behind a litter of offended silk and wounded pride.)

第二幕 · 第三场
ACT II · SCENE III
（场景：一间客厅，位于庵堂之外。两位女士上场：钟情夫人和贞洁夫人。）
(Scene: A lodging-room outside the Convent. Enter two Ladies: Madam Amorous and The Chaste Governess.)
钟情夫人
亲爱的，你近来可好……自从婚礼之后？
MADAM AMOROUS
My dear, how do you fare of late… since your marriage?
贞洁夫人
（带着礼貌、熟练且轻松的口吻）
很好，谢谢你。
THE CHASTE GOVERNESS
(With practiced ease and courtesy)
Very well, I thank you.
钟情夫人
（发出一声真心实意的叹息）
我却没有自己预想的那样好。
MADAM AMOROUS
(With a sincere sigh)
I cannot say the same.
（调解夫人上场，带着她那一贯的热切与忙碌劲儿。）
(Enter the Mediatrix, bustling as ever.)
调解夫人
女士们！你们听说那个大新闻了吗？
THE MEDIATRIX
Ladies! Have you heard the great news?
贞洁夫人
什么新闻？
THE CHASTE GOVERNESS
What news?
调解夫人
一位尊贵的外国公主驾临了！她听说了关于“快活庵”的种种传闻，特意赶来加入她们，也要成为一名“自然的虔信者”。
THE MEDIATRIX
A noble foreign Princess has arrived! She has heard of the Convent of Pleasure and has come expressly to join them — to become, as they say, a devotee of Nature.
钟情夫人
她是怎样一个人？
MADAM AMOROUS
What manner of woman is she?
调解夫人
这无可置疑：她极具王者风范，且勇敢不凡。她身上有一种……非常阳刚的气概。
THE MEDIATRIX
Without question, she is princely and bold. There is about her a certain… masculine spirit.
贞洁夫人
请如实告诉我，调解夫人——她们的生活真的像您说的那样快乐吗？
她们愿意接纳您这样一位寡妇，却不接纳我们……仅仅因为我们是别人的妻子。
THE CHASTE GOVERNESS
Tell me honestly, Mediatrix — are their lives truly as happy as you describe?
They admit a widow such as yourself, yet refuse us… merely because we are wives.
调解夫人
她们所享有的快乐，恐怕比这庵堂出现之前的自然界所能知晓的还要多。
就我个人而言，我宁愿做那里的一个居民，也不愿做全世界的女皇。
那里的每一位女士都像绝对的君主一样享有快乐——却不必背负王权的烦忧与操劳。
秘诀就在于：除非过着这种远离尘世烦恼的退隐生活，否则无人能真正领略这种欢愉。
THE MEDIATRIX
The pleasures they enjoy are greater, I believe, than Nature herself ever knew before that place existed.
For my own part, I would rather be one inhabitant there than Empress of the whole world.
Each lady lives in absolute pleasure like a sovereign — yet without the cares and labours of rule.
The secret is this: unless one lives in such a retreat, free from worldly vexations, one can never truly know such pleasure.
贞洁夫人
我多希望能亲眼看看，好了解真相。她们究竟能拥有什么样的欢愉呢？
THE CHASTE GOVERNESS
I long to see it with my own eyes, to know the truth.
What kind of pleasures can they truly possess?
调解夫人
即使你住在那里，恐怕也无法在短时间内学完她们所有的乐趣。
那里的生活丰富多样，需要用一生去领会。
她们的活动永远在变——欢愉随季节流转。
在季节的交替与每个季节内部的无穷变化中……
仅仅是学习这套生活的“艺术”，就得耗费一辈子的时间。
THE MEDIATRIX
Even if you lived there, you could not learn all their pleasures in a short time.
Their life is so full and various that it requires a lifetime to understand.
Their occupations are ever changing — pleasures shift with the seasons.
In the turning of the year, and the endless variety within each season…
to learn the very art of living there would take one’s whole life.
贞洁夫人
（带着一种安静而克制的渴望）
我真的非常想亲眼看看……那究竟是何等的光景。
THE CHASTE GOVERNESS
(With quiet longing)
I greatly desire to see it… to know what manner of place it is.
调解夫人
这个嘛，或许你可以如愿。
THE MEDIATRIX
Well then… perhaps you may.
（她们退场。贞洁夫人陷入沉思，钟情夫人郁郁不乐，而调解夫人则露出一副心知肚明的神情。）
(Exeunt. The Chaste Governess thoughtful, Madam Amorous discontented, the Mediatrix knowingly pleased.)

第二幕 · 第四场
ACT II · SCENE IV
（场景：庵堂高墙外的街道或酒馆门前。四位追求者聚在一起，正借酒发泄他们的挫败与怨恨。）
(Scene: A street or tavern-door outside the high walls of the Convent. Enter four Suitors, drinking and venting their frustration.)
考特利先生
那么，难道真的就没点办法，把那些女士从她们的小天堂里弄出来了？
SIR COURTLY
Is there truly no way to draw those ladies out of their little paradise?
谋士先生
没办法。除非我们放一把火，把那地方烧个精光。
MR. STRATEGIST
None — unless we set the place on fire and burn it to the ground.
寻欢先生
老天在上，就这么干！咱们每人拿个火把！
SIR PLEASURE
By heaven, let us do it! A torch for every man!
考特利先生
对，就像熏蜜蜂一样，把她们全都熏出来。
SIR COURTLY
Yes — smoke them out like bees from a hive.
易劝先生
现在就去！
MR. PERSUASION
At once!
谋士先生
等等。现在里面可住着一位外国公主。
MR. STRATEGIST
Hold — there is now a foreign Princess lodged within.
寻欢先生
没错。但等她一走，我们就动手。一定。
SIR PLEASURE
True. But once she departs, we strike — without fail.
谋士先生
然后呢？因为纵火罪被送上绞刑架吗？
MR. STRATEGIST
And then? We swing for arson?
寻欢先生
那可算不上恶行！我们这是在“为自然效劳”。
SIR PLEASURE
That would be no crime! We act in service of Nature.
谋士先生
哦，就像我们“为自然效劳”搞大侍女的肚子那样？即便如此，民法照样会惩罚我们。
MR. STRATEGIST
Ah — as when we “serve Nature” by getting maids with child?
Even then, civil law punishes us.
考特利先生
惩罚情人的法律是不文明的！
SIR COURTLY
Laws that punish lovers are uncivil!
谋士先生
惩罚私通者的法律才是文明的。
MR. STRATEGIST
Laws that punish adultery are civilization.
考特利先生
把爱情说成私通，那是野蛮！
SIR COURTLY
To call love adultery is barbarous!
谋士先生
不，把私通叫作爱情，那才是真正的野蛮！
MR. STRATEGIST
No — to call adultery love is the true barbarism!
易劝先生
够了！管它爱情还是私通！她们就是群蠢女人，成天用她们那种……所谓的“退隐”来烦我们。
MR. PERSUASION
Enough! Love or adultery — what care I!
They are but foolish women, forever vexing us with their so‑called “retirement.”
谋士先生
你们知道吗，先生们，尽管我们在这儿抱怨……
如果我有海皮小姐那样的财富，我也会建一座自己的庵堂。
我敢打赌，你们所有人都会争先恐后地，按同样的条件把自己关进来陪我。
MR. STRATEGIST
You know, gentlemen — for all our complaints —
were I possessed of Lady Happy’s fortune, I would build myself a convent too.
And I warrant you would all rush to shut yourselves in with me on the same terms.
寻欢先生
除非你的庵堂里也藏着女人。
SIR PLEASURE
Not unless your convent housed women as well.
谋士先生
啊，但是不！既然女人可以放弃男人的欢愉，
我们男人也大可以放弃女人的麻烦。
MR. STRATEGIST
Ah, but no! If women may renounce the pleasures of men,
men may likewise renounce the troubles of women.
考特利先生
难道墙上就没个裂缝？没个能偷窥的孔？
SIR COURTLY
Is there no crack in the wall? No peeping-hole?
谋士先生
没有。没有栅栏窗，只有实打实的砖石，足有一码厚。
MR. STRATEGIST
None. No grated windows — only solid brick, a full yard thick.
易劝先生
那我们就撬掉一块砖！挖开一块石头！
MR. PERSUASION
Then pry out a brick! Dig through the stone!
谋士先生
不可能。
MR. STRATEGIST
Impossible.
易劝先生
有志者事竟成！
MR. PERSUASION
Where there’s a will, there’s a way!
谋士先生
我的心当然有志向，但我的理智告诉我这是徒劳。我绝不白费力气。
MR. STRATEGIST
My heart may will it, but my reason tells me it is vain.
I will not squander my labour.
寻欢先生
我有主意了！我们扮成女人。乔装改扮，混进去！
SIR PLEASURE
I have it! We’ll disguise ourselves as women — dress and slip inside!
谋士先生
我们一进去就会被识破。
MR. STRATEGIST
We should be discovered the moment we enter.
寻欢先生
被谁？
SIR PLEASURE
By whom?
谋士先生
被我们自己。看看我们的举止，听听我们的声音！
我们穿上裙子行屈膝礼的样子，
准会像贵妇人穿上马裤鞠躬一样笨拙。
把嗓子提到女高音？那比让她们降到男低音还难。
我们永远也学不会那种娇羞做作的神态，
还有那种漂亮的假笑。
MR. STRATEGIST
By ourselves. Look at our gestures — listen to our voices!
We would curtsey in petticoats as awkwardly
as a fine lady would bow in breeches.
To raise our voices to treble? Harder than forcing them to bass.
We shall never master that coy affectation,
nor those graceful counterfeit smiles.
考特利先生
那我们可以扮成强壮、粗野的乡下丫头！
就说是来找活干的！厨娘、洗衣女工、挤奶女工……
SIR COURTLY
Then let us be stout, coarse country wenches!
Come seeking work — cooks, laundresses, milkmaids—
易劝先生
说真的，我觉得我能当个还凑合的厨子。
但洗衣？挤奶？
我既不会挤奶，也不会给领子上浆……
不过，洗女士们的那些贴身衣物，
我倒是愿意对付。
MR. PERSUASION
In truth, I think I might make a passable cook.
But washing? Milking?
I can neither milk nor starch collars —
yet washing the ladies’ linen…
that I would willingly undertake.
寻欢先生
她们什么差事都起用女人！
园艺、酿酒、烘焙，她们甚至还自己养猪！
这类活计少说也有二十种，我们正合适。
SIR PLEASURE
They employ women for every task —
gardening, brewing, baking — they even keep their own swine!
There must be twenty such employments, and we fit them well.
易劝先生
哦，养猪肯定得是男人的活。
记得《浪子回头》吧？那是男人干的。
MR. PERSUASION
Swineherding must be men’s work.
Remember the Prodigal Son — that was a man.
谋士先生
以我们挥霍的本事来看，我们确实都够格当猪倌。
MR. STRATEGIST
Given our habits of waste, we are all fit to tend swine.
考特利先生
我们还能干园艺！挖土、栽种、播种！
SIR COURTLY
We can garden too — dig, plant, sow!
寻欢先生
而且我们非常擅长酿酒！
SIR PLEASURE
And we are excellent brewers!
谋士先生
我们更擅长喝酒。
我能喝光啤酒，却酿不出一滴能入口的。
MR. STRATEGIST
We are better drinkers.
I can drain ale, but never brew a swallowable drop.
易劝先生
得了吧！总会有办法的！
只要能进去，我们愿意学，愿意勤快！
她们一定会对我们满意的！
走！付诸行动！
MR. PERSUASION
Come, come! We’ll find a way!
Once inside, we’ll learn, we’ll labour!
They must be pleased with us!
Come — let us act!
考特利先生
对！同意！
SIR COURTLY
Aye! Agreed!
谋士先生
（长长一叹）
不。不，看在上帝的份上。别自找麻烦。
这一切都是徒劳。
MR. STRATEGIST
(With a long weary sigh)
No. No — for God’s sake, seek no more trouble.
All this is in vain.
（他们灰溜溜地退场，那些宏大的计划还没开始就已经泄了气。）
(Exeunt, their grand schemes deflated before they begin.)

第三幕 · 第一场
ACT III · SCENE I
（场景：庵堂内的大厅。公主——仪态威严、中性且充满魅力——正与海皮小姐并肩而立。其他女士簇拥在她们周围，形成一个专注而优雅的圆圈。）
(Scene: The hall of the Convent. The Princess — stately, androgynous, and captivating — stands beside Lady Happy. Other ladies form a focused and elegant circle around them.)
海皮小姐
殿下，您真是让我受宠若惊。您竟愿意离开那个辉煌的大千世界，来到我们这简陋退隐的庵堂。
LADY HAPPY
Your Highness, you honor me beyond measure. To leave the splendor of the world and come to our modest retreat is astonishing.
公主
亲爱的海皮小姐，历史上从不乏放弃王冠与权力、转而选择清苦生活的人。
那么，若能离开充满烦忧的宫廷，来到这样一座“欢愉乐园”，岂不是更明智的选择？
但我能在此获得的最大快乐……莫过于您的友谊。
PRINCESS
Dear Lady Happy, history is full of those who renounced crowns and power for a life of simplicity.
And if one may leave a court so full of cares for such a Convent of Pleasure, is it not the wiser choice?
Yet the greatest joy I find here… is your friendship.
海皮小姐
若不愿与您为友，我便是忘恩负义；我愿做您谦卑的仆人。
LADY HAPPY
Were I not to be your friend, I would be ungrateful; I am ready to be your humble servant.
公主
不。我渴望您做我的女主人，而由我来做您的仆人。
基于这份友谊的约定……我有一个请求。
PRINCESS
No. I desire you as my mistress, and I shall be your servant.
And upon the covenant of this friendship… I have a request.
海皮小姐
凡是我力所能及的，无不从命。
LADY HAPPY
Whatever lies within my power shall be yours.
公主
我观察到，在您的娱乐活动中……您的一些女士会身着男装，扮演恋人的角色。
我恳求您，允许我也能这般装扮……并由我来扮演您那位最忠实的仆人。
PRINCESS
I have observed that, in your diversions, some ladies dress as men to play the lover.
I beseech you, allow me likewise to assume such guise… and to act as your most devoted servant.
海皮小姐
（停顿片刻。一种轻柔而深刻的领悟掠过她的脸庞）
我将永不再渴望任何其他的忠实仆人……唯有您。
LADY HAPPY
(Pausing — a soft and profound realization crossing her face)
I shall never desire any other loyal servant… but you.
公主
（深情地凝视着她）
我也永不再渴望任何其他的女主人……唯有您。
PRINCESS
(Gazing deeply at her)
Nor shall I ever desire any other mistress… but you.
（一阵充满张力的静默。随后，她们的情感溢出了散文的边界，化为正式的诗行，仿佛这情感需要一种更严整、更神圣的语言来承载。）
(A silence charged with tension. Then their feelings spill beyond prose into formal verse, as if requiring a more disciplined, sacred language.)
海皮小姐
世间再无更纯洁的爱侣，
胜过我这位尊贵的爱人……即便她本是女儿身。
LADY HAPPY
No love on earth is purer than this esteemed lover of mine…
Even though she is of a woman’s form.
公主
也从未有庵堂能给予这般欢愉，
能让爱人与她的女主人朝夕同居。
PRINCESS
Nor has any convent ever offered such pleasure,
That lover and mistress dwell together day by day.
（一位女士上场，行屈膝礼，轻轻打破了这一瞬间的魔咒。）
(Enter a Lady, curtseying, gently breaking the spell of the moment.)
女士
殿下，戏剧已经准备就绪，恭请您移步赏光。
LADY
Your Highness, the play is prepared; we humbly invite you to witness it.

第三幕 · 第二场
ACT III · SCENE II — THE MASQUE
（场景：庵堂大厅。内设一舞台，灯光聚焦。海皮小姐与公主并坐于荣誉席，众女士围坐。）
(Scene: The hall of the Convent. A stage is set, lights focused. Lady Happy and the Princess sit in the place of honor, surrounded by the other ladies.)
（莫尔·卡特普斯上场，身着男装，腰挎短剑，神态不羁。她向台下致辞。）
(Enter Moll Cutpurse, dressed in men’s clothing, short sword at her waist, audacious demeanor. She addresses the audience.)
莫尔·卡特普斯（开场白）
尊贵的看官们！今晚诸位将看到一出戏。它或许乏味——但好在短小。既然我们的机智无法取悦诸位的耳朵，至少不会让诸位的屁股坐得生疼。
MOLL CUTPURSE (Prologue)
Honored spectators! Tonight you shall witness a play.
It may be dull — yet at least it is brief.
And if our wit cannot delight your ears, it shall not make your behinds sore.
（莫尔退场。内舞台灯光转换，一连串关于婚姻与世俗生活的讽刺悲剧快速上演。）
(Moll exits. Stage lights change, and a rapid sequence of satirical tragedies about marriage and worldly life is performed.)
第一场：贫贱夫妻
SCENE I: THE POOR COUPLE
妇女甲
邻居！你上哪儿去了？
WOMAN I
Neighbor! Where have you been?
妇女乙
刚去安慰鞋匠老婆。她男人跟补锅匠的情人跑了。
WOMAN II
Just to comfort the shoemaker’s wife. Her husband ran off with the tinker’s mistress.
妇女甲
我倒求上帝让我男人也跑了算了！他成天泡酒馆，回家就揍得我青一块紫一块，孩子们还在挨饿。
WOMAN I
I pray God my husband would do the same! He drinks all day, beats me black and blue, and leaves the children starving.
妇女乙
谁说不是呢？我男人不仅花光工钱，连我辛苦挣的血汗钱也拿去灌黄汤。
WOMAN II
Indeed! My man squanders not only his wages but even the hard-earned money I sweat for.
第二场：苦涩的果实
SCENE II: BITTER FRUIT
小姐
哦，我觉得恶心……
YOUNG LADY
Oh, I feel sick…
家庭教师
纠正一下，小姐：您这是“有喜”了。
TUTOR
Correction, Miss — you are with child.
小姐
自从他……把那东西放进来，哪怕只有那一瞬间……我就再没一刻舒坦过！
YOUNG LADY
Since he… inserted that thing, even for a moment… I have known no comfort!
第三场：贵妇的哀歌
SCENE III: THE NOBLEWOMAN’S LAMENT
贵妇甲
你哭什么？
LADY I
Why do you cry?
贵妇乙
我丈夫在赌桌上把家产输了个精光。
LADY II
My husband lost the entire estate at cards.
贵妇甲
我家那位倒是不赌，他把钱全砸在妓女身上了，还把她们领进家门，俨然成了女主人。
LADY I
Mine does not gamble; he throws all the money on prostitutes and admits them into the house as if they were mistresses.
贵妇乙
倘若所有妻子都这般不幸，婚姻便是一桩诅咒。
LADY II
If all wives suffer so, marriage is surely a curse.
第四场：丧子之痛
SCENE IV: THE LOSS OF A CHILD
（一名披头散发的夫人狂奔过场）
(A disheveled Lady runs across the stage.)
夫人
我的孩子死了！谁能有耐心失去唯一的孩子？！我要疯了！
LADY
My child is dead! Who could bear the loss of an only child?! I shall go mad!
第五场：酒馆里的沦陷
SCENE V: TAVERN’S COLLAPSE
市民妻
先生们，我那疏忽职守的丈夫在这儿吗？听说他跟个“支撑者”跑了？
CITIZEN’S WIFE
Gentlemen, is my negligent husband here? I hear he ran off with some “protector”?
绅士
是个女招待。来吧，夫人，别气了，喝杯酒消消愁。
GENTLEMAN
A barmaid, madam. Come, drink and ease your grief.
市民妻
（犹豫后坐下）好吧……美酒或许能安抚我这火辣辣的肝火。
CITIZEN’S WIFE
(After hesitation, sits) Very well… perhaps a drink will soothe my fiery temper.
第六场：产床即坟墓
SCENE VI: THE BED OF BIRTH IS A GRAVE
贵妇
哦！我的腰要断了！解脱我吧！
NOBLEWOMAN
Oh! My back shall break! Deliver me!
产婆
（慌乱）真正的产婆在另一家，那家夫人生了个死胎，已经熬了三天，快没命了！
FALSE MIDWIFE
(Flustered) The real midwife is elsewhere — that woman has labored a dead child three days, nearly at death’s door!
第七场：晚年的灾祸
SCENE VII: MISFORTUNE IN OLD AGE
老妇甲
我千辛万苦养大的儿子，如今要因为杀人被绞死了。
OLD WOMAN I
My son, whom I raised with toil, shall be hanged for murder.
老妇乙
我大女儿未婚先孕，小女儿跟管家私奔了。
OLD WOMAN II
My eldest daughter bears a child out of wedlock; the youngest elopes with the steward.
老妇甲
既然如此，谁还想要孩子呢？
OLD WOMAN I
In that case, who would want children?
第八场：最后的决绝
SCENE VIII: FINAL RESOLVE
绅士
爵爷说他离了你就活不下去。
GENTLEMAN
The gentleman says he cannot live without divorcing you.
淑女
他可以活下去，只要别跟我同床。
LADY
He may live, so long as he shares no bed with me.
绅士
他会为了你离婚。
GENTLEMAN
He shall divorce for your sake.
淑女
我绝不拆散他人家庭。告诉他，我明天给答复。
（绅士退场后）我必须在毁灭前逃离，今晚我就去女修道院，把这邪恶的世界抛在脑后。
LADY
I will not break another’s household. Tell him I shall answer tomorrow.
(After the Gentleman exits) I must flee before ruin — tonight I go to the Convent, leaving this wicked world behind.
（内舞台灯光暗下。莫尔·卡特普斯重新上场。）
(Stage lights dim. Moll Cutpurse returns.)
莫尔·卡特普斯（收场白）
婚姻是桩诅咒，我们已看清，
尤其对女人，苦海难前行。
从鞋匠之妻，到贵妇名媛，
剥开那画皮，无一不悲惨。
MOLL CUTPURSE (Epilogue)
Marriage is a curse, as we have seen,
Especially for women, a bitter sea indeed.
From the shoemaker’s wife to the noble lady,
Beneath the painted veneer, none are happy.
（假面剧结束。灯光亮起，照在海皮小姐和公主身上。）
(The Masque ends. Lights shine upon Lady Happy and the Princess.)
海皮小姐
（轻声地，带着几分试探）
那么，我的“仆人”……你觉得我们的戏演得如何？
LADY HAPPY
(Softly, tentatively)
So, my “servant”… how do you think our play fared?
公主
我甜蜜的女主人……凭良心说，我无法完全赞同。
因为尽管有人在婚姻中不幸，却也有人幸福得不愿交换。
PRINCESS
My sweet mistress… in truth, I cannot wholly agree.
For though some suffer in marriage, others are so happy they would not trade places.
海皮小姐
哦，仆人。我担心你正在变成一个“叛教者”。
LADY HAPPY
Ah, my servant. I fear you are becoming a “turncoat.”
公主
（眼神深邃）对这庵堂或许会，但对您，我永不叛教。
PRINCESS
(Eyes deep with feeling) Perhaps to this Convent, yes — but to you, I shall never be an apostate.
（她们一同退场。戏中戏的悲凉与现实中的暧昧在空气中交织。）
(They exit together. The Masque’s sorrow and the play’s real-world intimacy mingle in the air.)

第三幕 · 第十一场（间奏）
Act III · Scene XI (Interlude)
（场景：庵堂外的街道。第一幕中的那三位绅士再次聚首，神色比此前更加严峻。）
(Scene: Outside the Convent, on the street. The Three Gentlemen from Act I gather again, looking more grave than before.)
绅士甲
这么说，难道真的就没希望解散这个……所谓的“快活庵”了？
GENTLEMAN I
So, then, is there truly no hope of dissolving this… so-called “Convent of Pleasure”?
绅士乙（汤姆）
我看不到任何希望。
GENTLEMAN II (Tom)
I see no hope at all.
绅士丙
我们现在完全可以确信，它永远不会解散了。
现在那地方得到了一位尊贵公主的加持，甚至因她的加入而声名远扬。
我真正害怕的是：要是每一个富有的女继承人都开始效仿，去办什么自己的庵堂怎么办？
要是所有的年轻佳丽都开始成群结队地加入她们，那又该怎么办？
GENTLEMAN III
We can now be certain: it shall never be dissolved.
The place has been blessed by a noble princess, its fame spread by her presence.
What truly terrifies me is this: if every wealthy heiress begins to follow suit, founding her own Convent, what then?
If all young beauties flock to join them, what will become of us?
绅士甲
你说得极有道理，真是令人不安。
看来，我们必须赶快努力娶到妻子了……趁她们还没被那些庵堂全部“收割”走之前。
GENTLEMAN I
You speak truly, it is most alarming.
It seems we must hasten to secure wives… before these Convents sweep them all away.
（他们匆匆退场，步伐中带着一种前所未有的、恐慌的紧迫感。）
(They exit hurriedly, their steps carrying an unprecedented sense of panic and urgency.)

第四幕 · 第一场
ACT IV · SCENE I
（场景：庵堂内，一处幽僻的花园。海皮小姐作牧羊女打扮上场，神情带着淡淡的忧郁。）
(Scene: A secluded garden within the Convent. Lady Happy enters dressed as a Shepherdess, a faint melancholy upon her face.)
海皮小姐
我的名字本是“海皮”（快乐），我的境遇也曾名副其实……直到我遇见了这位公主。
如今，我恐怕要成为这世上最不快乐的少女了。
（她停下脚步，陷入激烈的自省）
但是为何？为何我不能以同样的情意、同样的激情去爱一个女人，就像我可以爱一个男人那样？
LADY HAPPY
My name was once “Happy,” and my fortunes matched it… until I met this Princess.
Now, I fear I may be the unhappiest maiden in the world.
(Pauses, lost in fierce introspection)
But why? Why cannot I love a woman with the same feeling, the same passion, as I can love a man?
[唱]
不，不，自然便是自然，
千万载永恒如斯；
她亘古不变，
自万物肇始。
[SONG]
No, no — nature is nature,
Everlasting through endless ages;
Immutable, eternal,
Since the very birth of all things.
（公主上场，身着华丽的男性牧羊人服装，英气逼人，宛如田园诗中走出的化身。）
(Enter the Princess, dressed as a magnificent male Shepherd, noble and commanding, as if stepping from a pastoral poem.)
公主
我最亲爱的女主人，您是在刻意回避我的陪伴吗？
难道您的仆人已成了您眼中的冒犯？
PRINCESS
My dearest mistress, are you deliberately avoiding my company?
Has your servant become, in your eyes, an offense?
海皮小姐
不，仆人！你的存在于我而言，比自然女神本身的降临更令我心悦。
正因如此……我担心女神会惩罚我。
因为我爱你，已超过了礼法所容许的程度。
LADY HAPPY
No, my servant! Your presence delights me more than the coming of Nature herself.
And yet… I fear the Goddess may punish me,
For I love you beyond what decorum allows.
公主
情人之间，难道爱也会“过量”吗？
PRINCESS
Among lovers, can love ever be “too much”?
海皮小姐
会的，若他们爱得不合时宜。
LADY HAPPY
It can, if the love is ill-timed.
公主
可世间还有哪种爱，能比我们的爱更贞洁、更天真、更无害？
PRINCESS
Yet what love in the world could be more chaste, more innocent, more harmless than ours?
海皮小姐
我希望如此。
LADY HAPPY
I hope it is so.
公主
那么，就让我们像那些无害的恋人一样，尽情取悦彼此吧。
PRINCESS
Then let us, like harmless lovers, delight each other fully.
海皮小姐
无害的恋人们是如何取悦彼此的？
LADY HAPPY
How do harmless lovers delight each other?
公主
很简单。通过倾心的交谈，通过……拥抱与亲吻，让灵魂交融。
PRINCESS
Simply. Through heartfelt conversation, through… embraces and kisses, letting our souls mingle.
海皮小姐
但天真的恋人是不接吻的。
LADY HAPPY
But innocent lovers do not kiss.
公主
在我们女人之间，亲吻是最寻常不过的举动。
不，如果友谊中的亲吻也是罪……那就让我们证明自己是“堕落”的吧。
PRINCESS
Among us women, kisses are the most ordinary of acts.
No — and if even friendship’s kiss is sin… then let us prove ourselves “fallen.”
（她们紧紧拥抱，彼此相拥，交换了一个温柔、热烈且漫长的吻。）
(They embrace tightly, sharing a tender, ardent, and lingering kiss.)
公主
（在海皮小姐耳边低语）
我的这些拥抱，虽属女儿之身，其炽热却绝不亚于任何阳刚之心。
PRINCESS
(Whispers in Lady Happy’s ear)
Though these embraces are of a daughter’s form, their ardor rivals any masculine heart.
（背景转换：展现出一片点缀着羊群和五月柱的青翠原野。她们进入了“戏中戏”的田园角色。另一位牧羊人上场，向海皮小姐求爱。）
(The backdrop transforms: a verdant meadow with sheep and maypoles. They enter a pastoral “play-within-a-play.” Another Shepherd enters, wooing Lady Happy.)
另一位牧羊人
[唱] 美丽的牧羊女，莫拒我所求，莫让我为爱消瘦！
怜悯我的羊群，救救牧羊人的命，做我的妻，共度此生。
ANOTHER SHEPHERD
[Song]
Fair Shepherdess, deny me not,
Let not love make me lean and frail!
Pity my flocks, save the shepherd’s life,
Be my wife, share all my days.
海皮小姐
[唱] 我怎能应允每一个人的祈求？
牧羊人的纠缠令我不得安休；
愿狂风将他们尽数吹远，再无求爱之声入我耳畔。
LADY HAPPY
[Song]
How can I grant each one’s request?
The Shepherds’ entreaties give me no peace;
May the wild wind carry them all away,
And let no plea for love reach my ears again.
（调解夫人上场，亦着牧羊女装，扮演“母亲”的角色。）
(Enter the Mediatrix, also dressed as a Shepherdess, playing the “Mother” role.)
另一位牧羊人
[对调解夫人唱] 好夫人，请为我说句好话！
劝她应允我做您的女婿！
我会为您放猪、牵牛、耕种土地，秋天为您采摘鲜果。
只要您美言，我什么都肯做。
ANOTHER SHEPHERD
[Song, to the Mediatrix]
Good Madam, speak a word in my favor!
Persuade her to be your daughter-in-law!
I will tend your pigs, drive your cattle, till the fields,
And harvest autumn fruits for you.
Say the word, and I shall do all.
调解夫人
[唱] 我女儿已立誓独身，永不做人妻；
她宁愿守着羊群，以羊儿为伴侣。
THE MEDIATRIX
[Song]
My daughter has sworn to remain single,
Never to take a husband;
She would rather tend her flocks,
With sheep for her companions.
（公主转向海皮小姐，两人开始了一段跨越时空的玄学二重唱。）
(The Princess turns to Lady Happy; they begin a transcendent, time-defying duet.)
公主
[唱] 我的牧羊女，你的才智高飞，
直入苍穹，窥见天堂之门；
你看行星运转，看恒星排列，
你降临大地，观察万物生息；
你甚至沉入地心，探寻死者长眠的秘密。
你的智慧，揭示了自然想要隐藏的奇迹。
PRINCESS
[Song]
My Shepherdess, your wit soars high,
Into the heavens, glimpsing heaven’s gate;
You watch the planets, trace the stars,
Descend to earth, observe life in all its forms;
You even delve beneath the ground, seeking secrets of the dead.
Your wisdom unveils the miracles nature would hide.
海皮小姐
[唱和] 我的牧羊人，生者皆知你天生便是诗人。
你的才智探索人类的身与心，
辨明灵魂如何寓于躯体，如君王统御大脑。
肉体会腐朽，才智却永存，
在世界的记忆中，你将永恒闪耀。
LADY HAPPY
[Duet]
My Shepherd, all the living know you are born a poet.
Your wit explores human body and mind,
Discerns how the soul resides in the flesh, as a king rules his brain.
The body may decay, yet intellect endures;
In the world’s memory, you shall shine eternally.
（歌声止息，两人紧紧依偎。）
(The song ends. They cling tightly to one another.)
公主
（热烈地口白）
能活在你的恩宠中，拥有你的爱与你的人身……这便是我野心的终点。
PRINCESS
(Passionately, in spoken word)
To live in your favor, to have your love and your person… this is the summit of my ambition.
海皮小姐
（完全陷落）
我既无法拒绝你的爱，也无法拒绝我的人身。
LADY HAPPY
(Completely overcome)
I cannot refuse your love, nor can I refuse my own body.
公主
[轻唱] 我们未曾以俗套的诗句求爱，不似寻常恋人的姿态。
PRINCESS
[Softly singing]
We have courted not with trite verse, unlike ordinary lovers.
海皮小姐
[唱] 这表明我们将更加忠贞，在未来的生活中也更和谐。
LADY HAPPY
[Song]
This proves our fidelity shall grow, and our future life be harmonious.
公主
[唱] 我们将和谐，因真爱合二为一，成为神圣的灵在。
PRINCESS
[Song]
We shall be harmonious, for true love unites as one, a holy spirit embodied.
（田园庆典开始。众人围绕五月柱起舞。公主与海皮小姐被加冕为牧羊人之王与后。）
(The pastoral celebration begins. All dance around the maypole. The Princess and Lady Happy are crowned Shepherd King and Queen.)
牧羊人三
[唱] 你们赢得了奖赏，理所应当；
为我们的王与后献上敬意。愿你们长寿安康！
SHEPHERD III
[Song]
You have won your reward, as is right;
We offer homage to our King and Queen!
May you live long and well!
（众人传递祝酒杯。另一位牧羊人唱起更戏谑的收场歌。）
(Drinking cups are passed. Another Shepherd sings a playful closing song.)
牧羊人四
[唱] 快唱起祝酒歌，苹果沉入麦酒浆……
成双结对把家还，遵循律法结姻缘！
SHEPHERD IV
[Song]
Raise the toast-song! Let apples sink in beer…
Pair off and return home, follow the law, and wed!
（场景在众人的欢庆与海皮小姐、公主的缱绻中渐渐落幕。）
(The scene fades amidst celebration and the tender intimacy of Lady Happy and the Princess.)

第四幕 · 第二场
ACT IV · SCENE II
（场景：田园幻境消逝。公主独自一人，回到庵堂内一处更具中性美感的空间。她踱步深思，随后停下，低头审视着自己的衣装。）
(Scene: The pastoral illusion fades. The Princess is alone, returning to a more gender-neutral space within the Convent. She paces thoughtfully, then stops to inspect her attire.)
公主
什么？我还穿着这些碍事的衬裙？
（她仿佛对着虚空中的战神马尔斯诉说）
啊，马尔斯！战神啊，请宽恕我的怠惰。
但请记住——你也曾坠入情网，我亦如是。
但我听见你在说，我的王国需要我。
不仅需要我去统治，更需要我去捍卫。
（一股桀骜不群的英雄气概涌上心头）
但是，一个王国……比起一位美丽绝伦的女主人，又算得了什么？
（她挥手甩掉这个念头）
卑下的杂念，飞散吧！我绝不回去。
就让整个世界——而不仅仅是一个王国——都去渴望我的归来吧。
PRINCESS
What? I am still wearing these cumbersome petticoats?
(She speaks as if to Mars, the god of war, unseen.)
Ah, Mars! God of War, forgive my idleness.
But remember — you too have fallen in love, as have I.
Yet I hear you saying, my kingdom needs me,
Not only to rule, but to defend.
(A surge of heroic defiance rises in her heart)
But a kingdom… compared to a most exquisite mistress, what is it worth?
(She dismisses the thought with a wave)
Vile distractions, be gone! I shall not return.
Let the whole world — not merely a kingdom — long for my return.
（公主心意已决，迈步退场。海皮小姐上场，孤身一人，神色忧郁。片刻静默后，她低声唱起一首充满困扰的哀歌。）
(The Princess, resolved, exits. Lady Happy enters, alone, melancholy in expression. After a brief silence, she softly sings a troubled lament.)
海皮小姐
[唱] 哦，自然女神，哦，天上的众神，
莫让我堕入情网而沉沦；
我宁愿在此刻魂归离恨，
强过蒙受羞辱，失却名分。
LADY HAPPY
[Song]
O Goddess of Nature, O gods of the skies,
Let me not fall, ensnared by love’s ties;
I would rather my soul depart in sorrow now,
Than endure shame, and lose my station.
（调解夫人上场，在暗处观察着她。）
(The Mediatrix enters, observing from the shadows.)
调解夫人
海皮小姐？形单影只？独自一人？
沉思的样子……活脱脱像个失意的恋人？
THE MEDIATRIX
Lady Happy? Alone? Solitary?
Pensive… you resemble a lovesick maiden in despair.
海皮小姐
（吃了一惊，带着防御的姿态）
不。我是在冥想神圣之事。
LADY HAPPY
(Startled, defensive)
No. I am contemplating sacred matters.
调解夫人
神圣之事？哪种神圣之事？
THE MEDIATRIX
Sacred matters? What sacred matters?
海皮小姐
诸如……众神本身那般神圣的事。
LADY HAPPY
Such as… the sacred matters of the gods themselves.
调解夫人
说真的，不管您是在思索众神还是男人，自从我上次见到您，您变得苍白而消瘦了。
THE MEDIATRIX
Truly, whether you ponder gods or men, since I last saw you, you have grown pale and lean.
（公主重新上场，她容光焕发，目光四下寻觅。）
(The Princess re-enters, radiant, her eyes scanning the space.)
公主
来，我甜蜜的女主人！我们是否该去进行我们的运动与游乐了？
PRINCESS
Come, my sweet mistress! Shall we proceed with our exercises and amusements?
调解夫人
（带着刻意伪装的关切）
哎呀，殿下。我恐怕您已经……“游玩”得太过头了。
THE MEDIATRIX
(Feigning concern)
Ah, Your Highness. I fear you may have… indulged in your “recreation” a bit too much.
公主
您为何这么说，调解夫人？
PRINCESS
And why say so, l’Mediatrix?
调解夫人
因为海皮小姐气色不佳。她脸色苍白，身形消瘦。
THE MEDIATRIX
Because Lady Happy looks ill. Her face is pale, her form thin.
公主
（冷静而充满保护欲地）
调解夫人，看来您的眼睛已被时光磨损了。
因为我甜蜜的女主人所散发的光辉，足以令光明之神也相形见绌。
PRINCESS
(Calm, protective)
L’Mediatrix, it seems your eyes have grown dull with age.
For the radiance of my sweet mistress would outshine even the God of Light.
调解夫人
（站稳立场，寸步不让）
尽管您是尊贵的公主，但容我直言：我还没老到那个地步，也没瞎到那个地步，以至于看不出您……对她表现得实在“太过”体贴了。
THE MEDIATRIX
(Standing firm)
Though you are a noble Princess, allow me to speak plainly: I am not so aged, nor so blind, that I cannot see… that your attentions to her are rather… excessive.
公主
（一个外交式但坚定的回击）
很好。等我们娱乐归来，我将为您眼力不济的冒犯请求原谅……
只要您也为您说我女主人气色不佳的冒犯而向我致歉。
PRINCESS
(Diplomatic yet firm)
Very well. Upon our return from our amusements, I shall forgive your lapse in judgment…
Provided that you, in turn, apologize for your offense in declaring my mistress’s complexion unwell.
（公主挽起海皮小姐的手臂，两人亲昵地一同退场，留下调解夫人独自一人，忧心忡忡地留在原地。）
(The Princess links arms with Lady Happy, and they exit intimately, leaving the Mediatrix alone, worried, behind.)

第四幕 · 第三场：海洋假面剧
ACT IV · SCENE III: The Ocean Masque
（场景变幻：一块巨大的、雕琢般的岩石自舞台中央升起，仿佛破浪而出的海中孤岛。公主扮作海神尼普顿，海皮小姐扮作海洋女神，两人并肩端坐于岩石之巅。众女士身着海绿色轻纱，宛如水中的仙子位列下方。整个舞台充满了流动的、梦幻般的蔚蓝光影。）
(Scene shifts: A massive sculpted rock rises from center stage, like a lone island breaking through the waves. The Princess appears as Neptune, Lady Happy as a sea goddess, seated together atop the rock. The ladies below wear sea-green veils, like nymphs of the water. The stage is bathed in flowing, dreamlike blue light.)
公主（作为尼普顿）
[唱] 我乃七海之王，万物之主，
一切水族皆为我仆。
服从我的威权，我的指令，
从陆地为我源源不断地献上贡品。
海水敞开它深邃的大门，
迎送那些由命运遣来的航船——
命运如晨露般，岁岁年年
从秘鲁的矿脉为我献上赤金！
风与潮汐从每一个国度，
将满载财富的舟船向我呈递；
船舰、货物、生灵——一切所有，
皆沉入我的深渊，化作祭献。
这大地的供奉如江河入海，
昭示我的权柄何等恢弘。
我王国的财富，容我向世人宣告，
早已超越了陆地的尘埃与群星的闪耀。
PRINCESS (as NEPTUNE)
[Song] I am king of the seven seas, master of all,
All aquatic beings serve as my subjects.
Obey my authority, heed my commands,
And from the land, bring offerings without end.
The ocean opens its deep gates,
Welcoming ships sent by fate—
Fate as dew, year after year,
Bearing Peru’s gold into my hands!
Wind and tide from every shore
Deliver vessels laden with treasure;
Ships, cargo, living creatures—everything,
Sinks into my abyss as sacrifice.
The earth’s offerings flow like rivers to the sea,
Revealing the grandeur of my dominion.
The wealth of my kingdom, I declare to all,
Surpasses both dust of land and stars’ bright thrall.
海皮小姐（作为海洋女神）
[唱] 我哺育着太阳，赐予它万丈光芒，
令它在那最深的黑夜中亦能闪亮。
我胸中升腾起湿润的雾气，
被它吮吸，由我培育，
否则它的烈焰将熄灭消亡，
世界或将焦灼，或将永堕凄凉。
LADY HAPPY (as SEA GODDESS)
[Song] I nurture the sun, granting it radiant light,
So it may shine even in the darkest night.
Mist rises from my breast,
Drawn in, nurtured by me,
Or else its blaze would fade and die,
And the world burn, or fall to endless woe.
公主（作为尼普顿）
[唱] 试问陆上生灵，谁能与我比肩，
享有如此纯粹的伟力与威严？
我的宫殿是坚固的礁岩，
出自自然之手，而非凡人指尖。
任何卑劣、虚伪与欺诈的伎俩，
在此都无处遁形，无一席之光。
在我辽阔的王国里，自然是唯一的向导，
她为我备好珍馐，满足我一切所需与所好。
PRINCESS (as NEPTUNE)
[Song] Tell me, mortals of the land, who can match me,
And possess such pure power and majesty?
My palace is steadfast rock,
Crafted by nature, not by mortal hands.
All deceit, fraud, and trickery
Find no refuge here, no single hiding place.
In my vast kingdom, nature is my sole guide,
Providing delicacies to fulfill my every need and desire.
海皮小姐（作为海洋女神）
[唱] 我的橱柜是斑斓的牡蛎之壳，
其中珍藏着我那东方明珠。
我借助潮汐开启它们——
那潮汐便是转动巨锁的钥匙。
我取出珍珠，缀成灿烂的冠冕；
我佩戴着那羞涩的红珊瑚，
它一触碰空气便会赧然。
我坐于银色的波浪上放声歌唱，
众鱼侧耳聆听，海面沉静安详。
而后，我端坐于岩石的宝座，
用细白的鱼骨梳理我的卷发。
当阿波罗挥洒出他的万道金光，
正为我烘干那带水的长发。
光辉釉亮了水波的容颜，
使这浩瀚海洋成了我的镜鉴。
当我在高高的海面上游弋，
我能看见自己那滑行的身姿。
但当烈日开始灼烧，
我便向那深水的巢穴归去，
潜入那极低的底渊。
于是水流在我头顶回旋，
化作卷曲的波浪与圆环；
我就这样，头戴一顶水之冠。
LADY HAPPY (as SEA GODDESS)
[Song] My cabinet is made of vibrant oyster shells,
Within lie my Oriental pearls.
I unlock them with the tide—
The tide itself the key to the great lock.
I take the pearls, crafting a radiant crown;
I wear the bashful red coral,
Blushing at the touch of air.
I sit atop silver waves singing aloud,
Fish bend attentive ears, the sea calm and still.
Then I sit upon my rock throne,
Combing my curls with fine white fishbones.
When Apollo casts his thousand golden rays,
They dry my water-laden locks.
Light gilds the waves’ faces,
Turning the vast ocean into my mirror.
As I glide over the high seas,
I see my own form in motion.
But when the scorching sun rises,
I return to my deep-water nest,
Diving into the lowest abyss.
The waters spiral above my head,
Transforming into curling waves and rings;
Thus I wear my crown of the sea.
公主（作为尼普顿）
[唱] 在幽暗深邃的水中央，
我在空心的岩穴里设立朝堂。
龙涎香制成我那芬芳的床榻，
供我柔弱的肢体安放。
我在那里休憩；当我沉睡时，
整个大海都在为我守卫安危。
而当我从睡梦中醒来，
必有一艘满载的船作为贡礼献来。
世上没有哪位君主拥有更多扈从，
亦没有哪座宫廷拥有更多仆从。
PRINCESS (as NEPTUNE)
[Song] In the dark, profound waters,
I hold court within a hollow rock.
Dragon’s amber forms my fragrant bed,
For my tender limbs to repose.
There I rest; as I sleep,
The entire ocean guards my safety.
And when I awaken,
A laden ship arrives as tribute.
No monarch on earth commands more attendants,
Nor palace holds more servants.
（人鱼侍女在侧侍奉， 人鱼男子随侍在身：有的身为参议官，为我料理一切军国重担；在我的水之王国，他们指引航向，辅佐江山。）
(Mermaid attendants serve, merman aides stand by: some are senators, managing all military and civil duties; in my aquatic kingdom, they chart the seas and guide the realm.)
（一位海中仙子上前，唱起欢庆的颂歌。）
(A sea nymph steps forward, singing a celebratory hymn.)
海中仙子
[唱] 我们水中仙子欢欣歌唱，
赞美海神尼普顿，我们的海洋之王；
身着海绿裙裳，我们翩翩起舞，
愿打动神心，得他垂青眷顾。
他以三叉戟平息了汹涌怒涛的纷争。
当他凯旋时阔步前行，
那驯服的海豚便是他的坐骑。
他所有的海之子民，从巨鲸到鳞介，
皆以欢呼簇拥着他，
祈求那繁荣的财富永世传下。
SEA NYMPH
[Song] We water-nymphs sing with joy,
Praising Neptune, our king of the seas;
In sea-green gowns, we dance lightly,
Hoping to touch his favoring heart.
With his trident he calms the raging waves.
When he triumphs, he strides forth,
The tamed dolphin becomes his mount.
All his ocean subjects, from whale to shell,
Gather to cheer, praying that prosperity
Endures through all generations.
（假面剧圆满结束。灯光渐暗，参与者缓缓退场。宏大的海洋幻象在迷雾中消散。）
(The masque concludes. Lights dim, participants slowly exit. The grand illusion of the ocean dissipates into mist.)

第五幕 · 第一场
ACT V · SCENE I
（场景：一间为舞会准备的华丽大厅。公主与海皮小姐上场。公主身着全套华贵的男性礼服，英姿飒爽。两人亲密地低语片刻。接着，在一个充满深切柔情与象征意义的举动中，海皮小姐从自己臂上取下一根缎带，赠予公主；公主亦回赠一根自己的缎带，并深情地亲吻了她的手。一个属于恋人的誓言，就此封缄。）
(Scene: A lavish hall prepared for a ball. The Princess and Lady Happy enter. The Princess wears full ceremonial male attire, striking and elegant. They exchange intimate whispers. In a gesture heavy with affection and symbolism, Lady Happy removes a ribbon from her arm and presents it to the Princess; the Princess reciprocates, gifting a ribbon in return and kissing her hand tenderly. A lovers’ vow is thus sealed.)
（她们短暂退场。全体人员上场准备起舞，音乐响起。众人正欲组队起舞，就在这时，调解夫人惊慌失措地冲了进来。）
(They briefly exit. All the attendants enter to dance; music begins. Just as couples are about to form, the Mediatrix bursts in, panic-stricken.)
调解夫人
女士们！女士们！你们全都被背叛了！全完了！
有一个男人——一个乔装改扮的男人——就混在庵堂里！
搜，只要搜一下，你们就能把他揪出来！
THE MEDIATRIX
Ladies! Ladies! You have all been betrayed! All is lost!
There is a man—a man in disguise—within the Convent!
Search! Just search, and you can root him out!
（现场陷入恐慌。女士们四散开来，惊惶地互相跳开，眼神中满是猜疑。唯有公主与海皮小姐岿然不动，她们并肩而立，如同一道坚不可摧的统一战线。）
(The hall erupts in panic. Ladies scatter, jumping aside in alarm, eyes filled with suspicion. Only the Princess and Lady Happy remain steadfast, standing side by side, a united, unbreakable front.)
公主
您可以尽管搜查，调解夫人。
但事后，我相信您定会请求我的原谅。
PRINCESS
Search if you will, Mediatrix.
But afterward, I trust you will ask my pardon.
调解夫人
凭我的信仰，我绝不！因为您就是这儿最可疑的一个！
THE MEDIATRIX
By my faith, I shall not! For you are the most suspicious here!
公主
但您刚才说，那个男人是假扮成女人的。
而我此刻身着的……可是男装。
PRINCESS
Yet you just said that man is disguised as a woman.
And now I wear… male attire.
调解夫人
胡扯！这根本无关紧要！
THE MEDIATRIX
Nonsense! It matters not at all!
（就在对峙即将升级时，一位衣着华贵的大使阔步入场。他无视旁人，径直走向公主并屈膝跪下。公主示意他起身。外部世界的秩序此刻已强行闯入了这座世外桃源。）
(As the confrontation threatens to escalate, a richly-attired Ambassador strides in. He ignores all others, approaching the Princess to kneel. The Prin(cess) gestures for him to rise. The order of the outside world has forcibly intruded into this secluded paradise.)
亲王
你为何而来？
PRIN(CESS)
Why have you come?
大使
殿下，您的议会长老们特派我前来。
您的臣民对您的长期缺席极为不满，如果您不尽快启程回国，他们将不惜入侵此邦——因为他们听闻您就在此处。
坊间甚至有传言，说您正遭到囚禁。
AMBASSADOR
Your Highness, your council elders have sent me.
Your subjects are deeply displeased with your prolonged absence.
If you do not return soon, they will not hesitate to invade this land—having heard you are here.
Rumor even claims you are held captive.
亲王
我确实是个囚徒。但并非为任何国家所囚，
而是为这位美丽的女士所囚。
（他紧紧握住海皮小姐的手）
从今往后，她便是你们的女王。
PRIN(CESS)
I am indeed a prisoner. But not of any nation—
I am held by this beautiful lady.
(S/he grips Lady Happy’s hand firmly.)
From now on, she shall be your queen.
（大使毫不犹豫，立即跪下亲吻了海皮小姐的手。她的新地位瞬间获得了政治承认。）
(The Ambassador kneels without hesitation and kisses Lady Happy’s hand. Her new status is immediately recognized politically.)
亲王
既然我的行踪已经暴露……
你且去往本国的议事会，告知他们我的所在以及其中原由。
告诉他们，我正式请求他们准许我迎娶这位女士。
（他停顿片刻，眼神中透出钢铁般的决心）
否则，就告诉他们，我将不惜动用武力来夺取她。
PRIN(CESS)
Since my whereabouts are now known…
Go to my council at home and tell them where I am and why.
Tell them I formally request permission to wed this lady.
(He pauses, eyes steely with resolve.)
If not, tell them I will take her by force.
（大使鞠躬退出。战争的威胁——既是浪漫的，也是政治的——瞬间笼罩在庵堂上空。）
(The Ambassador bows and exits. The threat of war—both romantic and political—instantly hangs over the Convent.)
调解夫人
哦，天哪！您……您该不会带一支军队过来，把这里所有的女人都抢走吧，会吗？
THE MEDIATRIX
Oh, heavens! You… you wouldn’t bring an army to seize all the women here, would you?
亲王
不，调解夫人。我们会唯独把您留下的。
PRIN(CESS)
No, l’Mediatrix. We shall leave only you behind.
（亲王与海皮小姐在众人的注视下并肩退场。他们是这场风暴的中心，留下其余人在困惑与沉默中面面相觑。）
(The Prin(cess) and Lady Happy exit together, side by side, under the gaze of all. They are the center of the storm, leaving the others staring at each other in confusion and silence.)

第五幕 · 第二场
Act V · Scene II
（场景：街头或某公共场所。调解夫人状极夸张地上场，用手帕捂着脸，发出一阵阵哀哀的哭号。）
(Scene: A street or public square. The Mediatrix enters in exaggerated distress, hiding her face with a handkerchief, wailing dramatically.)
调解夫人
哦，先生们！我真恨不得自己从未出生！我们都完了！全毁了！
THE MEDIATRIX
Oh, gentlemen! I wish I had never been born! We are ruined! All is lost!
谋士先生
怎么了？出了什么事？
COUNSELOR
What is the matter? What has happened?
调解夫人
怎么了？不，不，绝不——恐怕我有太多的“怎么了”要说了！
THE MEDIATRIX
What has happened? No, no, absolutely not—I fear I have far too many “what has happened” to recount!
谋士先生
到底是怎么回事？
COUNSELOR
What on earth is it?
调解夫人
怎么回事？天大的误会！我们把一个男人……给当成了女人！
THE MEDIATRIX
What is it? A tremendous mistake! We mistook a man… for a woman!
谋士先生
这个嘛，男人本来就是给女人准备的……
COUNSELOR
Well, men were made for women, after all…
调解夫人
胡扯！这我当然知道！
但是，有一个年轻男人穿着女装，堂而皇之地进了我们的庵堂！
天知道他背地里都干了些什么！
他长得英俊极了——这对“德行”来说简直是巨大的诱惑——
虽然我希望一切尚好，但这邪恶的世界什么脏水都往外泼！
我真担心我那些甜蜜的小鸟儿们全都……毁了。愿众神保佑她们。
THE MEDIATRIX
Nonsense! That I know very well!
But a young man, dressed as a woman, boldly entered our Convent!
Heavens alone know what he did in secret!
He is remarkably handsome—a tremendous temptation for virtue itself—
Though I hope all remains well, the wicked world drowns everything in filth!
I truly fear for my sweet little birds… may the gods protect them.
考特利先生
难道您就从未察觉？毫无蛛丝马迹吗？
MR. COURTLY
Surely you noticed something? Not the slightest clue?
调解夫人
只有那么一回……我亲眼瞧见他亲吻了海皮小姐。
你们是知道的，女人和女人亲嘴，这本身就……有点儿不合常理。
可当时我觉得，她们亲吻的那股劲头……比寻常女人要热切得多，
带着那么点儿……撩人的意味。简直太带劲了。
THE MEDIATRIX
Only once… I saw him kiss Lady Happy.
You know, a woman kissing a woman is… somewhat unusual.
But then I thought, the passion with which they kissed—far more fervent than ordinary women—
with a touch of… seduction. It was exhilarating!
谋士先生
既然如此，您当时为什么不查个究竟？！
COUNSELOR
If so, why did you not investigate immediately?!
调解夫人
她们会说我是个老糊涂、是个嫉妒的傻瓜！
她们会嘲笑我的！
但“经验”是很重要的。要不是众神慈悲……
那个男人可能就朝我扑过来了。
THE MEDIATRIX
They would call me a dotard, a jealous fool!
They would laugh at me!
But “experience” is crucial. Were it not for the gods’ mercy…
that man might have leapt upon me.
考特利先生
扑向您？那又能怎样？
MR. COURTLY
Leap upon you? And what then?
调解夫人
不，不，绝不！
就算他扑过来，我也根本不在乎。
我蔑视肉欲，如同我唾弃魔鬼！
但如果我能拯救我那些甜蜜的年轻贞女，
我情愿为她们牺牲我的身体！
我们生来不是为了自己，而是为了他人！
THE MEDIATRIX
No, no, absolutely not!
Even if he leapt, I would not care.
I despise lust as I spurn the devil!
But if I can save my sweet young virgins,
I would sacrifice my own body for them!
We are born not for ourselves, but for others!
谋士先生
这真是……虔诚至极的言辞。充满了爱心与仁慈。
COUNSELOR
Truly… words of utmost piety. Filled with love and compassion.
调解夫人
不，不，绝不。我读过《虔行实践》。
但还有一件事——他们说他其实是位外国亲王。
而且据说……他们两人表现得非常、非常热情。
THE MEDIATRIX
No, no, absolutely not. I have read Practice of Piety.
But there is yet another matter—they say he is a foreign prince.
And it is said… they behaved with extraordinary, extraordinary ardor.
考特利先生
您可是“调解夫人”啊！您得去调解，去促成友谊！
MR. COURTLY
But you are La Mediatrix! You must reconcile, foster friendship!
调解夫人
老天爷，您在胡说什么？调解？我怕他们已经是“太好”的朋友了！
这事会传遍整个宫廷、城镇和乡野！
会出现在私信里，登在公报上，甚至会被编成那些可恶的歌谣！
我们会被那些自命不凡的才子们嘲笑至死的！
但是先生们——请保守这个秘密！千万别说是我说的！
虽然你们很快就会听到满城的议论。
THE MEDIATRIX
Heavens! What nonsense is that? Reconcile? I fear they are already “too good” friends!
This news will travel through court, town, and countryside!
It will appear in private letters, in gazettes, even set to those detestable ballads!
We will be laughed to death by self-important poets!
But gentlemen—please keep this secret! Do not say it came from me!
Though you shall soon hear the whole city buzzing.
谋士先生
调解夫人，这已经不是秘密了。全城的人都知道了。
国家正在准备盛大的宴席来款待那位亲王。
COUNSELOR
L’Mediatrix, it is no longer a secret. The whole city knows.
The state is preparing a grand feast to honor the prince.
调解夫人
主啊！瞧瞧坏消息传得有多快！
THE MEDIATRIX
Lord! How swiftly ill news spreads!
考特利先生
对我们这些追求者来说，这确实是天大的坏消息……
MR. COURTLY
For us suitors, indeed, this is most grievous news…
谋士先生
算了吧，我们之前也不过是在想象中追求，从未触及现实。
COUNSELOR
Let it be. Previously, we only pursued in imagination, never in reality.
调解夫人
但你们确实都曾抱有希望。
THE MEDIATRIX
Yet you did all harbor hope.
谋士先生
确实。但最终是那位亲王摘取了果实。
据说亲王已与她定下婚约。
国家也乐见其成——朝廷视此为荣耀，正指望着能从中大获裨益呢。
COUNSELOR
Indeed. But in the end, the prince claimed the prize.
It is said he is betrothed to her.
The state welcomes it—the court sees it as an honor, hoping to profit greatly.
调解夫人
是啊，是啊。但有个古老而真实的谚语：‘杯已到唇边，尚可能失手。’（意指煮熟的鸭子也可能飞了）
THE MEDIATRIX
Yes, yes. Yet an old and true saying remains: “Even when the cup reaches the lips, it may still slip.” (Meaning: the cooked duck may yet fly away.)
（他们各怀心思地退场。男人们显得一败涂地，调解夫人则陶醉在自己这个悲剧性的“见证者”角色中。）
(They exit, each lost in thought. The men appear utterly defeated, while the Mediatrix luxuriates in her role as tragic “witness.”)

第五幕 · 第三场：婚礼与收场白
Act V · Scene III: The Wedding & Epilogue
（场景：盛大的行进队列。亲王身着华丽的男性婚服，与身着新娘礼服的海皮公主手牵手，走在由随从高举的华盖下。城市长官领头，随后是双簧管乐手和众宾客。他们入场，仿佛直接从神圣的婚礼殿堂归来，空气中弥漫着公开且被认可的胜利氛围。）
(Scene: A grand procession. The Prin(cess), dressed in splendid male attire, walks hand in hand with Lady Happy, wearing her bridal gown, under a canopy carried by attendants. City officials lead, followed by oboists and guests. They enter as though returning directly from a sacred wedding hall, the air suffused with recognized triumph.)
（众人纷纷向这对新婚夫妇道贺，亲王与公主含笑致谢。）
(Guests congratulate the newlyweds, who smile and thank them.)
调解夫人
（迫不及待地挤到人群最前面）
尽管殿下您即将离去，但恳请您在临走前，再为我们跳一支舞吧！
THE MEDIATRIX
(Eagerly pushing to the front)
Though Your Highness is about to depart, I beg you, dance once more for us before you go!
亲王
在离开之前，我们不仅要跳舞，还要尽情宴饮。
（深情地对海皮公主说）
来，我的爱人，让我们再舞一曲……权当是为了取悦这位调解夫人。
PRIN(CESS)
Before leaving, we shall not only dance but feast to our heart’s content.
(S/he addresses Lady Happy with affection)
Come, my love, let us dance once more… for the pleasure of this Mediatrix.
（亲王与海皮公主跳起一支正式而优美的舞蹈。这是她们作为新婚夫妇的第一次公开亮相。一曲终了，众人鼓掌。）
(The Prin(cess) and Lady Happy perform a formal, elegant dance—their first public appearance as newlyweds. At its conclusion, the crowd applauds.)
亲王
现在，尊贵的朋友们，请各位尽情起舞。公主与我将稍事休息。
PRIN(CESS)
Now, dear friends, dance freely. The Princess and I shall rest briefly.
（宾客们开始跳舞。海皮公主在人群中注意到了贞洁夫人，以及一直跟在她身边的弄臣米米克。）
(The guests begin dancing. Lady Happy notices the Chaste Governess and the jester Mimick, who has remained nearby.)
海皮公主
（对贞洁夫人说）
贞洁夫人，我看您还留着米米克呢。
（转向亲王）
这就是我曾向您提过的那个米米克。
（对米米克）
米米克，你可愿离开你的女主人，随我而去？
LADY HAPPY
(To the Chaste Governess)
Governess, I see you have kept Mimick close.
(To the Prin(cess))
This is the Mimick I mentioned.
(To Mimick)
Mimick, will you leave your mistress and come with me?
米米克
哎呀，我可是个结了婚的人啦！
我娶了我女主人的女仆楠（Nan）。她会把我死死地拴在家里，任凭我有天大的能耐也施展不开。
不过，您现在已经有了属于您自己的“模仿者”啦——因为亲王殿下不是早就已经完美地“模仿”过女人了吗？
MIMICK
Ah, I am a married man!
I wed my mistress’s maid Nan. She keeps me tightly bound at home, no matter my abilities.
Yet now, you have your own “imitator”—for the Prin(cess) has already perfectly “imitated” a woman, hasn’t she?
海皮公主
你这无赖！你是在暗示我是个傻瓜吗？
LADY HAPPY
You scoundrel! Are you implying I am a fool?
米米克
小人不敢，殿下！除非……这天底下的女人全都是傻瓜。
MIMICK
I dare not, Your Highness! Unless… all women in the world are fools.
亲王
那么，你的妻子也是傻瓜吗？
PRIN(CESS)
Then is your wife a fool as well?
米米克
常言道，丈夫加妻子，合起来也只能凑成一个傻瓜。
（他戏剧性地跪倒在地）
小人有一桩卑微的请求，呈予殿下。
MIMICK
As the saying goes, husband and wife together barely make a fool.
(He kneels dramatically)
I have a humble request to present to Your Highness.
亲王
平身吧。所求何事？
PRIN(CESS)
Rise. What is it you ask?
米米克
恳请您将那座“庵堂”平分为二：
一半分给天下的傻瓜，另一半分给天下的已婚男子——
就权当是分给疯子吧。
MIMICK
I beg you to divide the Convent in two:
Half to the world’s fools, the other half to all married men—
or, let us call it a gift to the lunatics.
亲王
我更愿意将它分给处女与寡妇。
PRIN(CESS)
I would rather give it to virgins and widows.
米米克
那它倒真会成为名副其实的“快活庵”了！
可惜她们永远无法和睦相处……尤其是如果其中还混进了一个乔装打扮的亲王。
不，依我看，您最好把它赐给那些年老体衰、长年卧床的妇人们。
那样，或许可以称之为“慈善庵”……如果实在没法叫它“贞洁庵”的话。
MIMICK
Then it would truly be a “Convent of Pleasure”!
Alas, they could never coexist peacefully… especially with a prince in disguise among them.
No, in my view, it is best given to elderly, infirm, long-bedridden women.
Then perhaps it could be called a “Charity Convent”… if it cannot properly be the “Convent of Chastity.”
亲王
（被逗乐了）
好吧，为了彰显我的仁慈，也为了保全你妻子的贞洁，我将赏赐你一笔财富。
但有一个条件：由你来念本剧的收场白。
（对众人宣告）
来吧，尊贵的朋友们！让我们在分别前尽情地宴饮庆祝！
PRIN(CESS)
(Amused)
Very well, to demonstrate my mercy, and preserve your wife’s chastity, I will grant you a fortune.
But on one condition: you shall deliver the play’s epilogue.
(To all)
Come, dear friends! Let us celebrate and feast before parting!
（婚礼行列在乐声中退场。米米克被独自留在舞台中央，显得有些不知所措。）
(The wedding procession exits to music. Mimick remains center stage, looking flustered.)
米米克
收场白？他说让我念收场白？我哪儿来的什么收场白！
让我想想……
（他焦躁地踱步，自言自语）
有了，有了……不，老实说，我根本没有。我撒谎了。我说我没有。呸，米米克，你竟然要撒谎吗？是的，米米克，只要我乐意，我就要撒谎！
但我得说，它不见了。什么不见了？收场白。你什么时候有过它？我从未有过。
那你就不算丢了它。虽然这是一回事，但我必须念它，尽管我从未拥有过它。
你如何能念出你从未拥有的东西？哎呀，这倒真是个哲学问题。
但既然言语本是虚无，那么收场白自然也是虚无，所以我大可以念一段“虚无”。
那么……“虚无”便是我的致辞！
MIMICK
The epilogue? He said I must deliver the epilogue? Where do I even have an epilogue!
Let me think…
(He paces anxiously, muttering to himself)
Ah, yes, no, truthfully, I have none. I lied. I said I had none. Bah, Mimick, are you to lie? Yes, Mimick, if I wish, I will lie!
But I must say it is lost. What is lost? The epilogue. When did you ever have it? Never.
Then it cannot be lost. True, but I must recite it, though I never had it.
How can one speak of what one never possessed? Ah, truly a philosophical puzzle.
But since words themselves are naught, the epilogue is naught too, so I may speak a “nothing.”
Then… “Nothing” shall be my address!
（米米克在一片荒诞而喜剧性的僵局中退场。片刻后，莫尔·卡特普斯大摇大摆地重新上场，她依旧身着男装，准备为全剧画上真正的句号。）
(Mimick exits amidst absurd, comedic confusion. Moments later, Moll Cutpurse strides back on stage, still in male attire, ready to deliver the true finale.)
莫尔·卡特普斯（收场白二）
[唱]
尊贵的看官，借着这点微弱的烛光，
我不知该说些什么，只能先道声晚安。
我不敢厚着脸皮乞求掌声——
否则我们的女诗人，定会勃然大怒，用她的笔尖将我刺穿；
因为她根本不在乎，也从来毫无畏惧——
纵使你们不喜欢这戏，她也全不在意！
但我仍会哭泣，我内心的无尽悲伤，
会化作泪水之河，从我的双眼中流淌。
可怜的米米克，他会因为这寂静悲痛而亡。
到那时，出于怜悯，你们或许也会哭上一场。
但如果你们愿意，可以为他赐下一剂良方，
那便是由诸位的赞美调制而成——好让他能活得久长。
（莫尔·卡特普斯帅气地深深一鞠躬。全剧终。）
MOLL CUTPURSE (Final Epilogue)
[singing]
Honored audience, by this faint candlelight,
I know not what to say, so I bid you good night.
I dare not shamelessly beg for applause—
Else our lady poet would strike me with her pen in wrath;
For she cares not at all, and fears nothing—
Though you dislike this play, she is unmoved!
Yet I shall weep, my endless sorrow,
Turning to rivers of tears flowing from my eyes.
Poor Mimick, he shall perish from silent grief.
Then, in mercy, perhaps you too shall shed a tear.
And if you will, grant him a remedy,
A draught composed from your praises—so that he may live long.
(Moll Cutpurse bows gracefully. The End.)