蒙學漢文初階 第五十三課 Beginning Chinese - Entry Level Lesson #153 某兒與妹偕遊 One child and younger_sister in_company_with excursion/walk/tour/travel/roam 妹仆地而哭 younger_sister fell ground and cry 兄力弱 elder_brother strength weak 扶之不能起 support_with_hand her not able up 適有一兒過 luckily have one child passing 與其兄共拱起之 and with her elder_brother together hands_clasping_together up her 且慰撫 then console caress 再三其兄謝之 again thrice her elder_brother thank him 一兒曰 one child said 過人危急 passing man danger hurry 力所能為 strength from able cause 理應救助 reason/logic ought save help 何足謝乎 how excessive/sufficient ample thanks ? One child and his younger sister were walking together. The sister fell and cried. The brother was not strong enough to help her up. Luckily, another boy passed by. Together, they clasped their hands around her to help her up; consoling and hugging her. Again and again, the brother thanked the child profusely. That child said, "In a desperate situation, passerbys who are able to, ought to help out. Whence all these excessive thanks?" Notes: 1. As can be seen, context is extremely important. 2. A literal translation of再三四次 as "Again three or four times" would be puzzling to the English ears. "Again and again" is the preferred way.