Chapter 99

When I give up the helm I know that the time has come for thee to take it. What there is to do will be instantly done. Vain is this struggle.
 
Then take away your hands and silently put up with your defeat, my heart, and think it your good fortune to sit perfectly¹ still where you are placed.
 
These my lamps are blown out at every little puff² of wind, and trying to light them I forget all else again and again.
 
But I shall be wise this time and wait in the dark, spreading my mat on the floor; and whenever it is thy pleasure, my lord, come silently and take thy seat here.
 
当我放下舵盘，我知道你来接收的时候到了．当做的事立刻要做了．挣扎是无用的．
 
那就把手拿开，静默地承认失败罢，我的心呵，要想到能在你的岗位上默坐，还算是幸运的．
 
我的几盏灯都被一阵阵的微风吹灭了，为想把它们重新点起，我屡屡地把其他的事情都忘却了．
 
这次我要聪明一点，把我的席子铺在地上，在暗中等候；什么时候你高兴，我的主，悄悄地走来坐下罢．

1 perfectly   

adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地

参考例句：

• The witnesses were each perfectly certain of what they said.证人们个个对自己所说的话十分肯定。
• Everything that we're doing is all perfectly above board.我们做的每件事情都是光明正大的。

2 puff   

n.一口(气)；一阵(风)；v.喷气，喘气

参考例句：

• He took a puff at his cigarette.他吸了一口香烟。
• They tried their best to puff the book they published.他们尽力吹捧他们出版的书。