Like as the waves make towards the pebbled shore,
宛如不息滔滔长波拍岸,
So do our minutes hasten to their end;
我们的分分秒秒匆匆奔赴向前。
Each changing place with that which goes before,
后浪推前浪,今天接明天,
In sequent toil all forwards do contend.
奋发趋行,你争我赶。
Nativity, once in the main of light,
那初生于光海中的生命,
Crawls to maturity, wherewith being crown'd,
渐次成熟,直达辉煌的顶端,
Crooked elipses 'gainst his glory fight,
便有凶恶的日蚀与之争光斗彩,
And Time that gave doth now his gift confound.
时间于是将自己的馈赠捣个稀烂。
Time doth transfix the flourish set on youth
韶华似刀会割掉青春的面纱,
And delves the parallels in beauty's brow,
会在美人的前额上刻下沟槽,
Feeds on the rarities of nature's truth,
会吞掉自然天成的奇珍异宝,
And nothing stands but for his scythe to mow:
唉,天下万物没一样躲得过它的镰刀。
And yet to times in hope my verse shall stand,
但我的诗章将逃过时间的毒手,
Praising thy worth, despite his cruel hand.
讴歌你的美德,越千年而不朽。