塞翁失马 焉知非福 (Blessing or Bane)
Once upon a time, there was a man named Saiweng. He lived near China's northern borders. His
horse went into the land of northern people. His neighbors all felt sorry for him. "Perhaps this will soon turn out to be a blessing," said Saiweng.
After a few months, his horse came back with another fine horse from the north. Everyone congratulated him.
"Perhaps this will soon turn out to be a bad luck," said Saiweng.
Before long, his son became fond of riding. One day he fell from a horse and broke his leg. Again, his neighbors all felt sorry for him.
"Perhaps this will soon turn out to be a blessing," said Saiweng.
One year later, the northern people started a war along the border. All the strong young men took up arms and fought against the invaders. Most of them died. But Saiweng's son did not join in the fighting because he was lame so both of them survived.
很久以前,有个人叫塞翁.他住在北部边疆.塞翁养的马跑进了北边民族的地盘.他的邻居们都为他感到难过.
“也许这会是件好事呢!”塞翁说.
几个月后,塞翁的马自己跑回了家,还带了一匹好马回来.人们都去向他道贺.
塞翁却说：“也许这不是什么好事呢!”
没多久,塞翁的儿子就喜欢上了骑马,一天他从马上掉了下来,摔断了腿.邻居们都替塞翁难过.
“也许这会是件好事呢!”塞翁却说.
一年后,北方的民族大举入侵,年青人都被征集参军去打仗.死了很多人.塞翁的儿子却因为摔断了腿不能去当兵,从而保住了性命.