CHAPTER XI

It decks me only to mock me, this jewelled chain of mine.

 

It bruises¹ me when on my neck, it strangles me when I struggle to tear it off.

 

It grips my throat, it chokes my singing.

 

Could I but offer it to your hand, my Lord, I would be saved.

 

Take it from me, and in exchange bind² me to you with a garland, for I am ashamed to stand before you with this jewelled chain on my neck.

1 bruises   

n.瘀伤，伤痕，擦伤( bruise的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• He was covered with bruises after falling off his bicycle. 他从自行车上摔了下来，摔得浑身伤痕。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• The pear had bruises of dark spots. 这个梨子有碰伤的黑斑。 来自《简明英汉词典》

2 bind   

vt.捆，包扎；装订；约束；使凝固；vi.变硬

参考例句：

• I will let the waiter bind up the parcel for you.我让服务生帮你把包裹包起来。
• He wants a shirt that does not bind him.他要一件不使他觉得过紧的衬衫。