Compensation 补偿

Compensation

For each ecstatic instant
We must an anguish¹ pay
In keen and quivering ratio
To the ecstasy².

For each beloved hour
Sharp pittances³ of years,
Bitter contested farthings
And coffers heaped with tears.

补偿

为每一个狂喜的瞬间
我们必须偿以痛苦至极，
刺痛和震颤
正比于狂喜。

为每一个可爱的时刻
必偿以多年的微薄薪饷，
辛酸争夺来的半分八厘
和浸满泪水的钱箱。