O, how thy worth with manners may I sing,
假如你和我本来就共为一体,
When thou art all the better part of me?
我又怎能只歌颂你且歌颂得宜?
What can mine own praise to mine own self bring?
我自己歌颂自己后有什么意味?
And what is 't but mine own when I praise thee?
我若歌颂你不也等于自吹自擂?
Even for this let us divided live,
正因为如此,我们应该分离独处,
And our dear love lose name of single one,
使我们的爱各有区别开来的名义。
That by this separation I may give
借助于这种区别,我才可以献出
That due to thee which thou deservest alone.
你理应独得的那一份颂词。
O absence, what a torment wouldst thou prove,
然而,别离呵,若非借你单调的余睱,
Were it not thy sour leisure gave sweet leave
以爱思来消磨时光使之甜蜜有加,
To entertain the time with thoughts of love,
若非你使爱哄骗了时光与思想,
Which time and thoughts so sweetly doth deceive,
若非你教我如何化单为双,
And that thou teachest how to make one twain,
使我借机在此将远方的人儿歌吟,
By praising him here who doth hence remain!
呵,别离,你又将何等令我伤魂!