On Translation 译经

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On Translation 译经

许渊冲

Translation is possible;	译可译，
It's not translation.	非常译；
Neglect the original form;	忘其形，
Get the original ideal!	得其意！
Getting the idea,	得意，
You understand the original;	理解之始；
Neglecting the form,	忘形，
You express the idea.	表达之母。
Be true to the idea	故应得意，
Common in two languages;	以求其同；
Be free from the form	故可忘形，
Peculiar to the original!	以存其异。
Idea and form are	两者同出，
Two sides of one thing.	异名同理。
Get the common idea;	得意忘形，
Neglect the peculiar form!	求同存异！
That's the way of translation.	翻译之道。