The Good Ferryman and the Water Nymphs

There was once an old man, very poor, with three sons. They lived chiefly by ferrying people over a river; but he had had nothing but ill-luck all his life. And to crown all, on the night he died, there was a great storm, and in it the crazy old ferry-boat, on which his sons depended for a living, was sunk.

むかし、ひどく貧しい老人がいて、三人の息子があった。一家はたいてい川で人を渡して暮らしていたが、老人は一生のあいだ不運続きであった。そして極めつけに、老人が死んだ夜にひどい嵐が起こり、息子たちの暮らしの頼みであったおんぼろの渡し舟が沈んでしまった。

As they were lamenting both their father and their poverty, an old man came by, and learning the reason of their sorrow said:

息子たちが父を失ったことと貧しさとを嘆いていると、一人の老人が通りかかり、悲しみのわけを聞いて言った。

"Never mind; all will come right in time. Look! there is your boat as good as new."

「気にすることはない。時がたてば万事うまくいく。ほら!あそこに、新品同様のおまえたちの舟があるではないか」

And there was a fine new ferry-boat on the water, in place of the old one, and a number of people waiting to be ferried over.

見ると、古い舟の代わりに立派な新しい渡し舟が水に浮かび、渡してもらおうと大勢の人が待っていた。

The three brothers arranged to take turns with the boat, and divide the fares they took.

三人の兄弟は、交代で舟を受け持ち、取った渡し賃を分け合うことに決めた。

They were however very different in disposition. The two elder brothers were greedy and avaricious, and would never take anyone over the river, without being handsomely paid for it.

けれども兄弟の気性はまるで違っていた。上の二人の兄は欲深でけちで、たっぷり払ってもらわなければ、誰ひとり川を渡そうとしなかった。

But the youngest brother took over poor people, who had no money, for nothing; and moreover frequently relieved their wants out of his own pocket.

ところがいちばん下の弟は、お金のない貧しい人をただで渡し、そのうえたびたび自分の懐から困っている人を助けてやった。

One day, at sunset, when the eldest brother was at the ferry the same old man, who had visited them on the night their father died, came, and asked for a passage.

ある日の日暮れ、いちばん上の兄が渡し場にいると、父親が死んだ夜に訪ねてきたあの老人がやって来て、渡してくれと頼んだ。

"I have nothing to pay you with, but this empty purse," he said.

「払えるものといっては、この空の財布しかない」と老人は言った。

"Go and get something to put in it then first," replied the ferry-man; "and be off with you now!"

「それなら、まずその中に入れるものを手に入れてこい」と渡し守は答えた。「さっさと立ち去れ!」

Next day it was the second brother's turn; and the same old man came, and offered his empty purse as his fare. But he met with a like reply.

翌日は二番目の兄の番であった。同じ老人がやって来て、渡し賃に空の財布を差し出したが、同じような返事をされた。

The third day it was the youngest brother's turn; and when the old man arrived, and asked to be ferried over for charity, he answered:

三日目はいちばん下の弟の番であった。老人がやって来て、お慈悲で渡してくれと頼むと、弟は答えた。

"Yes, get in, old man."

「ええ、お乗りなさい、おじいさん」

"And what is the fare?" asked the old man.

「で、渡し賃はいくらかな」と老人は尋ねた。

"That depends upon whether you can pay or not," was the reply; "but if you cannot, it is all the same to me."

「払えるかどうかしだいです」と弟は答えた。「でも払えなくても、わたしはかまいません」

"A good deed is never without its reward," said the old man: "but in the meantime take this empty purse; though it is very worn, and looks worth nothing. But if you shake it, and say:

「善いおこないが報われないことはない」と老人は言った。「ともかく、この空の財布を持っていきなさい。ひどくすり切れて、何の値打ちもなさそうに見えるがね。けれどもこれを振って、こう言えば、

'For his sake who gave it, this purse I hold, I wish may always be full of gold;'

『くれた人のために、この財布を手にし、いつも金でいっぱいであるよう願う』

it will always afford you as much gold as you wish for."

望むだけの金を、いつでも出してくれるだろう」

The youngest brother came home, and his brothers, who were sitting over a good supper, laughed at him, because he had taken only a few copper coins that day, and they told him he should have no supper. But when he began to shake his purse and scatter gold coins all about, they jumped up from the table, and began picking them up eagerly.

いちばん下の弟が家に帰ると、ごちそうの夕食を囲んでいた兄たちは、弟がその日わずかな銅貨しか稼がなかったと笑い、おまえには夕食はやらないと言った。けれども弟が財布を振って、そこらじゅうに金貨をまき散らしはじめると、兄たちは食卓から跳び上がって、夢中で金貨を拾いはじめた。

And as it was share and share alike, they all grew rich very quickly. The youngest brother made good use of his riches, for he gave away money freely to the poor. But the greedy elder brothers envied him the possession of the wonderful purse, and contrived to steal it from him. Then they left their old home; and the one bought a ship, laded it with all sorts of merchandize, for a trading voyage. But the ship ran upon a rock, and every one on board was drowned. The second brother was no more fortunate, for as he was travelling through a forest, with an enormous treasure of precious stones, in which he had laid out his wealth, to sell at a profit, he was waylaid by robbers, who murdered him, and shared the spoil among them.

そしてみなで山分けしたので、三人ともたちまち金持ちになった。いちばん下の弟は財産をうまく使い、貧しい人々に惜しげもなくお金を与えた。けれども欲深な兄たちは、弟が不思議な財布を持っているのをねたんで、うまく盗み出してしまった。それから二人は古い家をあとにした。一人は船を一隻買い、商いの航海のためにありとあらゆる品物を積み込んだ。けれども船は岩に乗り上げ、乗っていた者はみな溺れ死んだ。二番目の兄も運がよいとはいえなかった。財産をつぎこんだ莫大な宝石を売ってもうけようと森を旅していると、盗賊に待ち伏せされて殺され、盗賊どもは獲物を山分けしてしまったのである。

The youngest brother, who remained at home, having lost his purse, became as poor as before. But he still did as formerly, took pay from passengers who could afford it, ferried over poor folks for nothing, and helped those who were poorer than himself so far as he could.

家に残ったいちばん下の弟は、財布を失って、前と同じように貧しくなった。けれども弟は相変わらず以前のとおりに、払える乗客からは渡し賃をもらい、貧しい人々はただで渡し、自分より貧しい人々をできるかぎり助けた。

One day the same old man with the long white beard came by; the ferry-man welcomed him as an old friend, and while rowing him over the river, told him all that had happened since he last saw him.

ある日、長い白いひげのあの同じ老人が通りかかった。渡し守は昔なじみのように老人を迎え、川を漕いで渡しながら、この前会ってから起きたことをすべて話した。

"Your brothers did very wrong, and they have paid for it," said the old man; "but you were in fault yourself. Still, I will give you one more chance. Take this hook and line; and whatever you catch, mind you hold fast, and not let it escape you; or you will bitterly repent it."

「おまえの兄たちはひどい間違いをして、その償いをした」と老人は言った。「だがおまえ自身にも落ち度があった。それでも、もう一度だけ機会をやろう。この釣り針と釣り糸を持っていきなさい。そして何を釣っても、しっかりつかまえて逃がさないように気をつけるのだ。さもないと、ひどく後悔することになるぞ」

The old man then disappeared, and the ferry-man looked in wonder at his new fishing-tackle--a diamond hook, a silver line, and a golden rod.

そう言うと老人は消えてしまい、渡し守は新しい釣り道具——ダイヤモンドの釣り針、銀の釣り糸、金の釣り竿——を不思議そうに眺めた。

All at once the hook sprang of itself into the water; the line lengthened out along the river current, and there came a strong pull upon it. The fisherman drew it in, and beheld a most lovely creature, upwards from the waist a woman, but with a fish's tail.

突然、釣り針がひとりでに水に跳び込み、釣り糸が川の流れに沿って伸びていって、強く引く手ごたえがあった。釣り人がそれをたぐり寄せると、世にも愛らしい生きものが現れた。腰から上は女だが、魚の尾をしていた。

"Good ferry-man, let me go," she said; "take your hook out of my hair! The sun is setting, and after sunset I can no longer be a water-nymph again."

「善い渡し守さん、放してください」と彼女は言った。「わたしの髪から釣り針をはずして!日が沈みかけています。日が沈んだら、わたしはもう二度と水の精に戻れなくなるのです」

But without answering, the ferry-man only held her fast, and covered her over with his coat, to prevent her escaping. Then the sun set, and she lost her fish-tail.

けれども渡し守は何も答えずに、ただしっかりと彼女をつかまえ、逃げないよう上着でくるんだ。やがて日が沈み、彼女は魚の尾を失った。

"Now," she said: "I am yours; so let us go to the nearest church and get married."

「さあ」と彼女は言った。「わたしはあなたのものです。いちばん近い教会へ行って結婚しましょう」

She was already dressed as a bride, with a myrtle garland on her head, in a white dress, with a rainbow-coloured girdle, and rich jewels in her hair and on her neck. And she held in her hand the wonderful purse, that was always full of gold.

彼女はもう花嫁の装いをしていて、頭には天人花の花輪をのせ、白いドレスに虹色の帯を締め、髪と首には豪華な宝石をつけていた。そして手には、いつも金でいっぱいのあの不思議な財布を持っていた。

They found the priest and all ready at the church; were married in a few minutes; and then came home to their wedding-feast, to which all the neighbours were invited. They were royally entertained, and when they were about to leave the bride shook the wonderful purse, and sent a shower of gold pieces flying among the guests; so they all went home very well pleased.

教会へ行くと、司祭もすべての支度も整っていた。二人は数分で結婚し、それから家に帰って婚礼の宴を開き、近所の人々をみな招いた。客たちは王侯のようなもてなしを受け、帰ろうとすると、花嫁が不思議な財布を振って客のあいだに金貨の雨を降らせたので、みなたいそう満足して帰っていった。

The good ferry-man and his marvellous wife lived most happily together; they never wanted for anything, and gave freely to all who came. He continued to ply his ferry-boat; but he now took all passengers over for nothing, and gave them each a piece of gold into the bargain.

善い渡し守とそのすばらしい妻はこの上なく幸せに暮らした。二人は何ひとつ不自由せず、訪ねてくる人にはみな惜しみなく与えた。渡し守は相変わらず渡し舟を操っていたが、いまではどの乗客もただで渡し、そのうえ一人ひとりに金貨を一枚ずつくれてやった。

Now there was a king over that country, who a year ago had just succeeded to his elder brother. He had heard of the ferry-man, who was so marvellously rich, and wishing to ascertain the truth of the story he had heard, came on purpose to see for himself. But when he saw the ferry-man's beautiful young wife, he resolved to have her for himself, and determined to get rid of her husband somehow.

さて、その国には、一年前に兄のあとを継いで王になったばかりの王がいた。王は、途方もなく金持ちの渡し守の噂を聞き、その話が本当かどうか確かめようと、わざわざ自分で見に来た。ところが渡し守の美しい若い妻を見ると、王はその女を自分のものにしようと決め、どうにかして夫を片づけてしまおうと心に決めた。

At that time there was an eclipse of the sun; and the king sent for the ferry-man, and told him he must find out the cause of this eclipse, or be put to death.

ちょうどそのころ日食があった。王は渡し守を呼び寄せ、この日食の原因を突きとめてこい、さもなければ死刑にすると言い渡した。

He came home in great distress to his wife; but she replied:

渡し守はひどく困りはてて妻のもとへ帰ってきたが、妻は答えた。

"Never mind, my dear. I will tell you what to do, and how to gratify the king's curiosity."

「心配しないで、あなた。どうすればよいか、どうすれば王さまの好奇心を満たせるか、教えてあげます」

So she gave him a wonderful ball of thread, which he was to throw before him, and follow the thread as it kept unwinding--towards the East.

そう言うと妻は不思議な糸玉を渡し、それを前に投げて、ほどけていく糸について行くように——東のほうへ——と言った。

He went on a long way, over high mountains, deep rivers, and wide regions. At last he came to a ruined city, where a number of corpses were lying about unburied, tainting the air with pestilence.

渡し守は、高い山々や深い川や広い土地を越えて、長い道のりを進んだ。とうとう荒れ果てた町にたどり着いた。そこでは大勢の死骸が葬られもせずに転がっていて、疫病の毒気であたりの空気を汚していた。

The good man was sorry to see this, and took the pains to summon men from the neighbouring cities, and get the bodies properly buried. He then resumed his journey.

善良な男はこれを見て心を痛め、骨を折って近隣の町々から人を呼び集め、死骸をきちんと葬らせた。それから男はまた旅を続けた。

He came at last to the ends of the earth. Here he found a magnificent golden palace, with an amber roof, and diamond doors and windows.

とうとう男は地の果てに着いた。そこには琥珀の屋根にダイヤモンドの扉と窓のある、壮麗な金の宮殿があった。

The ball of thread went straight into the palace, and the ferry-man found himself in a vast apartment, where sat a very dignified old lady, spinning from a golden distaff.

糸玉はまっすぐ宮殿へ入っていき、渡し守が気がつくと広大な部屋にいた。そこでは、たいそう威厳のある老婦人が、金の糸巻き棒で糸を紡いでいた。

"Wretched man! what are you here for?" she exclaimed, when she saw him. "My son will come back presently and burn you up."

「かわいそうな人!ここへ何をしに来たのです?」と老婦人は渡し守を見て叫んだ。「まもなく息子が帰ってきて、あなたを焼きつくしてしまいますよ」

He explained to her how he had been forced to come, out of sheer necessity.

渡し守は、どうしても来ないわけにいかず、やむにやまれず来たのだと説明した。

"Well, I must help you," replied the old lady, who was no less than the Mother of the Sun, "because you did Sol that good turn some days ago, in burying the inhabitants of that town, when they were killed by a dragon. He journeys every day across the wide arch of heaven, in a diamond car, drawn by twelve grey horses, with golden manes, giving heat and light to the whole world. He will soon be back here, to rest for the night.... But ... here he comes; hide yourself, and take care to observe what follows."

「それなら、助けてあげなければなりませんね」と老婦人は答えた。この人はほかならぬ太陽の母だったのである。「というのも、あなたは何日か前に、竜に殺されたあの町の人々を葬って、太陽によいことをしてくれたのですから。太陽は毎日、金のたてがみの灰色の馬十二頭が引くダイヤモンドの車に乗って、広い天の弧を渡り、全世界に熱と光を与えています。まもなく夜の休みをとりにここへ帰ってきます……でも……ほら、帰ってきました。隠れなさい。そして、これから起きることをよく見ておくのですよ」

So saying she changed her visitor into a lady-bird, and let him fly to the window.

そう言うと老婦人は客をてんとう虫に変え、窓のところへ飛んでいかせた。

Then the neighing of the wonderful horses and the rattling of chariot wheels were heard, and the bright Sun himself presently came in, and stretching himself upon a coral bed, remarked to his mother:

するとすばらしい馬たちのいななきと車輪のとどろきが聞こえ、まもなく輝く太陽そのものが入ってきて、珊瑚の寝台に体を伸ばしながら母親に言った。

"I smell a human being here!"

「ここは人間のにおいがする!」

"What nonsense you talk!" replied his mother. "How could any human being come here? You know it is impossible."

「何をばかなことを言っているの!」と母親は答えた。「人間がどうしてここへ来られるものですか。そんなことはできないって、おまえも知っているでしょう」

The Sun, as if he did not quite believe her, began to peer anxiously about the room.

太陽は母親の言うことをすっかりは信じていないかのように、心配そうに部屋のなかを見まわしはじめた。

"Don't be so restless," said the old lady; "but tell me why you suffered eclipse a month or two ago."

「そんなに落ち着きのないことをしないで」と老婦人は言った。「それより、ひと月かふた月前に、どうして食になったのか話してちょうだい」

"How could I help it?" answered the Sun; "When the dragon from the deep abyss attacked me, and I had to fight him? Perhaps I should have been fighting with the monster till now, if a wonderful mermaid had not come to help me. When she began to sing, and looked at the dragon with her beautiful eyes, all his rage softened at once; he was absorbed in gazing upon her beauty, and I meanwhile burnt him to ashes, and threw them into the sea."

「どうしようもなかったのです」と太陽は答えた。「深い奈落から竜が襲いかかってきて、戦わなければならなかったのですから。すばらしい人魚が助けに来てくれなかったら、たぶんいまでもあの怪物と戦っていたでしょう。人魚が歌いはじめ、その美しい目で竜を見つめると、竜の怒りはたちまちやわらぎました。竜が人魚の美しさに見とれているあいだに、わたしは竜を焼いて灰にし、その灰を海に投げ捨てたのです」

The Sun then went to sleep, and his mother again touched the ferry-man with her spindle; he then returned to his natural shape, and slipped out of the palace. Following the ball of thread he reached home at last, and next day went to the king, and told him all.

それから太陽は眠りにつき、母親はふたたび紡錘で渡し守に触れた。すると渡し守はもとの姿に戻り、そっと宮殿を抜け出した。糸玉のあとについてとうとう家に帰り着くと、翌日、王のもとへ行って、すべてを話した。

But the king was so enchanted at the description of the beautiful sea-maiden, that he ordered the ferry-man to go and bring her to him, on pain of death.

けれども王は、美しい海の乙女の話にすっかり心を奪われて、その乙女を連れてこい、さもなければ死刑にすると渡し守に命じた。

He went home very sad to his wife, but she told him she would manage this also. So saying she gave him another ball of thread, to show him which way to go, and she also gave him a carriage-load of costly lady's apparel and jewels, and ornaments--told him what he was to do, and they took leave of one another.

渡し守はひどく悲しんで妻のもとへ帰ったが、妻は、これもうまくやってあげますと言った。そう言うと妻は、行く道を示すもう一つの糸玉を渡し、さらに、贅沢な婦人の衣装や宝石や装身具を馬車一台分持たせて、何をすればよいかを教えた。そして二人は別れを告げ合った。

On the way the ferry-man met a youth, riding on a fine grey horse, who asked:

途中で渡し守は、立派な灰色の馬に乗った若者に出会った。若者は尋ねた。

"What have you got there, man?"

「おい、そこに何を持っているんだ?」

"A woman's wearing apparel, most costly and beautiful"--he had several dresses, not simply one.

「女の着るものです。この上なく贅沢で美しいものです」——渡し守はドレスを一着だけでなく、何着も持っていた。

"I say, give me some of those as a present for my intended, whom I am going to see. I can be of use to you, for I am the Storm-wind. I will come, whenever you call upon me thus:

「なあ、そのうちのいくつかを、これから会いに行く許嫁への贈り物にくれないか。おれは役に立ってやれるぞ。おれは嵐の風なのだ。こう呼んでくれれば、いつでも来てやる。

'Storm-wind! Storm-wind! come with speed! Help me in my sudden need!'"

『嵐の風よ!嵐の風よ!急いで来い!とっさの難儀を助けてくれ!』」

The ferry-man gave him some of the most beautiful things he had, and the Storm-wind passed.

渡し守がいちばん美しい品のいくつかを渡すと、嵐の風は通り過ぎていった。

A little further on he met an old man, grey-haired, but strong and vigorous-looking, who also said:

少し先へ行くと、白髪ではあるが力強くたくましい様子の老人に出会った。老人もこう言った。

"What have you got there?"

「そこに何を持っているのだ?」

"Women's garments costly and beautiful."

「贅沢で美しい女の衣装です」

"I am going to my daughter's wedding; she is to marry the Storm-wind; give me something as a wedding present for her, and I will be of use to you. I am the Frost; if you need me call upon me thus:

「わしは娘の婚礼に行くところだ。娘は嵐の風と結婚するのだ。娘への婚礼の贈り物に何かくれれば、役に立ってやろう。わしは霜だ。用があれば、こう呼ぶがよい。

'Frost, I call thee; come with speed; Help me in my sudden need!'"

『霜よ、おまえを呼ぶ。急いで来い。とっさの難儀を助けてくれ!』」

The ferry-man let him take all he wanted and went on.

渡し守は老人に好きなだけ取らせて、先へ進んだ。

And now he came to the sea-coast; here the ball of thread stopped, and would go no further.

やがて渡し守は海辺に着いた。そこで糸玉は止まり、それ以上は進もうとしなかった。

The ferry-man waded up to his waist into the sea, and set up two high poles, with cross-bars between them, upon which he hung dresses of various colours, scarves, and ribbons, gold chains, and diamond earrings and pins, shoes, and looking-glasses, and then hid himself, with his wonderful hook and line ready.

渡し守は腰まで海に入っていき、高い柱を二本立てて、そのあいだに横木を渡し、そこにいろいろな色のドレスや、スカーフ、リボン、金の鎖、ダイヤモンドの耳飾りや留め針、靴、手鏡をかけた。それから、あのすばらしい釣り針と釣り糸を用意して身を隠した。

As soon as the morning rose from the sea, there appeared far away on the smooth waters a silvery boat, in which stood a beautiful maiden, with a golden oar in one hand, while with the other she gathered together her long golden hair, all the while singing so beautifully to the rising sun, that, if the ferry-man had not quickly stopped his ears, he would have fallen into a delicious reverie, and then asleep.

朝が海から昇るとすぐに、なめらかな水面のはるかかなたに銀色の舟が現れ、そこには一人の美しい乙女が立っていた。乙女は片手に金の櫂を持ち、もう片方の手で長い金色の髪をまとめながら、昇る朝日に向かって、それは美しく歌っていたので、渡し守がすばやく耳をふさがなかったら、うっとりと夢見心地になり、そのまま眠り込んでしまったことであろう。

She sailed along a long time in her silver boat, and round her leaped and played golden fishes with rainbow wings and diamond eyes. But all at once she perceived the rich clothes and ornaments, hung up on the poles, and as she came nearer, the ferry-man called out:

乙女は長いあいだ銀の舟で進んでいき、そのまわりでは、虹色の翼とダイヤモンドの目をした金の魚たちが跳ねまわり戯れていた。けれども突然、乙女は柱にかけられた豪華な衣装と装身具に気づいた。乙女が近づいてくると、渡し守は叫んだ。

"Storm-wind! Storm-wind! come with speed! Help me in my sudden need!"

「嵐の風よ!嵐の風よ!急いで来い!とっさの難儀を助けてくれ!」

"What do you want?" asked the Storm-wind.

「何の用だ?」と嵐の風が尋ねた。

The ferry-man without answering him, called out:

渡し守はそれに答えずに、叫んだ。

"Frost, I call thee; come with speed, Help me in my sudden need!"

「霜よ、おまえを呼ぶ。急いで来い。とっさの難儀を助けてくれ!」

"What do you want?" asked the Frost.

「何の用だ?」と霜が尋ねた。

"I want to capture the sea-maiden."

「海の乙女をつかまえたいのです」

Then the wind blew and blew, so that the silver boat was capsized, and the frost breathed on the sea till it was frozen over.

すると風が吹きに吹いて銀の舟をひっくり返し、霜が海に息を吹きかけると、海は一面に凍りついた。

Then the ferryman rushed up to the sea-maiden, entangling his hook in her golden hair; lifted her on his horse, and rode off as swift as the wind after his wonderful ball of thread.

そこで渡し守は海の乙女に駆け寄り、その金色の髪に釣り針をからませた。そして乙女を馬に乗せ、不思議な糸玉のあとについて、風のように速く駆け去った。

She kept weeping and lamenting all the way; but as soon as they reached the ferry-man's home, and saw his wife, all her sorrow changed into joy; she laughed with delight, and threw herself into her arms.

乙女は道すがらずっと泣き悲しんでいた。けれども渡し守の家に着いて、渡し守の妻を見るやいなや、悲しみはすっかり喜びに変わった。乙女は嬉しそうに笑い、妻の腕のなかに身を投げた。

And then it turned out that the two were sisters.

そして、二人が姉妹であることがわかったのである。

Next morning the ferry-man went to court with both his wife and sister-in-law, and the king was so delighted with the beauty of the latter, that he at once offered to marry her. But she could give him no answer until he had the Self-playing Guitar.

翌朝、渡し守は妻と義理の妹を連れて宮廷へ行った。王は妹の美しさにたいそう喜び、すぐに結婚を申し込んだ。けれども妹は、王がひとりでに鳴るギターを手に入れるまでは返事ができないと言った。

So the king ordered the ferry-man to procure him this wonderful guitar, or be put to death.

そこで王は渡し守に、そのすばらしいギターを手に入れてこい、さもなければ死刑にすると命じた。

His wife told him what to do, and gave him a handkerchief of hers, embroidered with gold, telling him to use this in case of need.

妻は渡し守にどうすればよいかを教え、金の刺繍を施した自分のハンカチを渡して、困ったときにはこれを使うようにと言った。

Following the ball of thread he came at last to a great lake, in the midst of which was a green island.

糸玉のあとについて行くと、渡し守はとうとう大きな湖に着いた。湖の真ん中には緑の島があった。

He began to wonder how he was to get there, when he saw a boat approaching, in which was an old man, with a long white beard, and he recognized him with delight, as his former benefactor.

どうやって島へ渡ろうかと考えはじめたとき、一艘の舟が近づいてくるのが見えた。舟には長い白いひげの老人が乗っていて、渡し守はそれがかつての恩人だとわかって大喜びした。

"How are you, ferry-man?" he asked. "Where are you going?"

「元気かね、渡し守」と老人は尋ねた。「どこへ行くのだ?」

"I am going wherever the ball of thread leads me, for I must fetch the Self-playing Guitar."

「糸玉の導くところならどこへでも行きます。ひとりでに鳴るギターを取ってこなければならないのです」

"This guitar," said the old man, "belongs to Goldmore, the lord of that island. It is a difficult matter to have to do with him; but perhaps you may succeed. You have often ferried me over the water; I will ferry you now."

「そのギターは」と老人は言った。「あの島の主、ゴールドモアのものだ。あの男を相手にするのは難しいが、ひょっとしたらうまくいくかもしれない。おまえはたびたびわしを水の上で渡してくれた。今度はわしがおまえを渡してやろう」

The old man pushed off, and they reached the island.

老人は舟を押し出し、二人は島に着いた。

On arriving the ball of thread went straight into a palace, where Goldmore came out to meet the traveller, and asked him where he was going and what he wanted.

着くと、糸玉はまっすぐ宮殿へ入っていった。ゴールドモアが旅人を出迎え、どこへ行くのか、何が望みかと尋ねた。

He explained:

渡し守は説明した。

"I am come for the Self-playing Guitar."

「ひとりでに鳴るギターをいただきに参りました」

"I will only let you have it on condition that you do not go to sleep for three days and nights. And if you do, you will not only lose all chance of the Self-playing Guitar; but you must die."

「三日三晩眠らずにいるという条件でなら、渡してやろう。もし眠ってしまったら、ひとりでに鳴るギターを手に入れる見込みがなくなるばかりか、おまえは死なねばならぬ」

What could the poor man do, but agree to this?

気の毒な男に、承知するよりほかにどうしようがあっただろう。

So Goldmore conducted him to a great room, and locked him in. The floor was strewn with sleepy-grass, so he fell asleep directly.

そこでゴールドモアは渡し守を大きな部屋へ連れていき、閉じ込めて鍵をかけた。床には眠り草が敷きつめてあったので、渡し守はたちまち眠り込んでしまった。

Next morning in came Goldmore, and on waking him up said:

翌朝、ゴールドモアが入ってきて、渡し守を起こしながら言った。

"So you went to sleep! Very well, you shall die!"

「眠ってしまったな!よろしい、死ぬがいい!」

And he touched a spring in the floor, and the unhappy ferry-man fell down into an apartment beneath, where the walls were of looking-glass, and there were great heaps of gold and precious stones lying about.

そう言ってゴールドモアが床のばねに触れると、不幸な渡し守は下の部屋へ落ちていった。その部屋の壁は一面の鏡で、金と宝石が山のように積まれていた。

For three days and nights he lay there; he was fearfully hungry. And then it dawned upon him that he was to be starved to death!

三日三晩、渡し守はそこに横たわっていた。ひどく腹がすいた。そしてそのとき、自分は飢え死にさせられるのだと気づいたのである!

He called out, and entreated in vain; nobody answered, and though he had piles of gold and jewels about him, they could not purchase him a morsel of food.

渡し守は叫び、懇願したが、無駄であった。誰も答えなかった。まわりには金と宝石が山と積まれていたが、それで食べ物ひとかけら買うこともできなかった。

He sought in vain for any means of exit. There was a window, of clearest crystal, but it was barred by a heavy iron grating. But the window looked into a garden whence he could hear nightingales singing, doves cooing, and the murmur of a brook. But inside he saw only heaps of useless gold and jewels, and his own face, worn and haggard, reflected a thousand times.

渡し守は出口を探したが、無駄であった。この上なく澄んだ水晶の窓が一つあったが、重い鉄格子がはまっていた。けれども窓は庭に面していて、そこからは夜鳴き鳥の歌や、鳩のくうくう鳴く声や、小川のせせらぎが聞こえてきた。けれども部屋のなかに見えるのは、役に立たない金と宝石の山と、千倍にも映し出された、やつれはてた自分の顔ばかりであった。

He could now only pray for a speedy death, and took out a little iron cross, which he had kept by him since his boyhood. But in doing so he also drew out the gold-embroidered handkerchief, given him by his wife, and which he had quite forgotten till now.

渡し守はもう早く死ねるよう祈るしかなく、子どものころから肌身離さず持っていた小さな鉄の十字架を取り出した。けれどもそのとき、妻にもらった金の刺繍のハンカチもいっしょに出てきた。それまですっかり忘れていたのである。

Goldmore had been looking on, as he often did, from an opening in the ceiling to enjoy the sight of his prisoner's sufferings. All at once he recognized the handkerchief, as belonging to his own sister, the ferry-man's wife.

ゴールドモアは、いつものように天井の穴から、囚人の苦しむさまを楽しもうとのぞいていた。すると突然、そのハンカチが自分の妹、つまり渡し守の妻のものだと気づいた。

He at once changed his treatment of his brother-in-law, as he had discovered him to be; took him out of prison, led him to his own apartments, gave him food and drink, and the Self-playing Guitar into the bargain.

ゴールドモアは、義理の弟だとわかった相手への扱いをすぐに改め、牢から出して自分の部屋へ案内し、食べ物と飲み物を与え、そのうえひとりでに鳴るギターまでくれた。

Coming home, the ferry-man met his wife half-way.

家へ帰る途中、渡し守は途中まで迎えに来た妻に出会った。

"The ball of thread came home alone," she explained; "so I judged that some misfortune had befallen you, and I was coming to help you."

「糸玉がひとりで帰ってきたの」と妻は説明した。「だから何か災難にあったのだと思って、助けに行くところだったのよ」

He told her all his adventures, and they returned home together.

渡し守は冒険をすべて妻に話し、二人はいっしょに家へ帰った。

The king was all eagerness to see and hear the Self-playing Guitar; so he ordered the ferry-man, his wife, and her sister to come with it to the palace at once.

王は、ひとりでに鳴るギターを見たくて聞きたくてたまらなかったので、渡し守とその妻と妹に、ギターを持ってすぐ宮殿へ来るよう命じた。

Now the property of this Self-playing Guitar was such that wherever its music was heard, the sick became well, those who were sad merry, ugly folks became handsome, sorceries were dissolved, and those who had been murdered rose from the dead, and slew their murderers.

さて、このひとりでに鳴るギターには、その音楽が聞こえるところではどこでも、病人は治り、悲しんでいる者は陽気になり、醜い者は美しくなり、魔法は解け、殺された者は死からよみがえって自分を殺した者を殺す、という力があった。

So when the king, having been told the charm to set the guitar playing, said the words, all the court began to be merry, and dance--except the king himself!... For all at once the door opened, the music ceased, and the figure of the late king stood up in his shroud, and said:

そこで王が、ギターを鳴らすための呪文を教わってその言葉を唱えると、宮廷じゅうの者が陽気になって踊りはじめた——王ひとりを除いて!……というのも、突然扉が開き、音楽がやんで、経帷子を着た先王の姿が立ち上がり、こう言ったのである。

"I was the rightful possessor of the throne! and you, wicked brother, who caused me to be murdered, shall now reap your reward!"

「王位の正当な持ち主はわたしだった!わたしを殺させた邪悪な弟よ、いまこそ報いを受けるがいい!」

So saying he breathed upon him, and the king fell dead--on which the phantom vanished.

そう言うと先王は王に息を吹きかけ、王は倒れて死んだ——すると亡霊は消え失せた。

But as soon as they recovered from their fright, all the nobility who were present acclaimed the ferry-man as their king.

けれども一同は恐ろしさから我に返るとすぐに、居合わせた貴族たちがみな、渡し守を自分たちの王にと歓呼して迎えた。

The next day, after the burial of the late king, the beautiful sea-maiden, the beloved of the Sun, went back to the sea, to float about in her silvery canoe, in the company of the rainbow fishes, and to rejoice in the sunbeams.

翌日、先王の葬儀が済むと、太陽に愛された美しい海の乙女は海へ帰っていった。虹色の魚たちといっしょに銀色の小舟に乗って漂い、日の光を浴びて喜ぶためである。

But the good ferry-man and his wife lived happily ever after, as king and queen. And they gave a grand ball to the nobility and to the people.... The Self-playing Guitar furnished the music, the wonderful purse scattered gold all the time, and the king entertained all the guests right royally.

けれども善い渡し守とその妻は、王と王妃としていつまでも幸せに暮らした。そして二人は、貴族と民のために盛大な舞踏会を催した……ひとりでに鳴るギターが音楽を奏で、不思議な財布はずっと金をまき散らし、王はすべての客を王侯のようにもてなしたのである。