Love is like the wild rose-briar. Friendship like the holly-tree.
爱情就像野玫瑰,友情却如冬青树。
The holly is dark when the rose-briar blooms. But which will bloom most constantly?
玫瑰开花时冬青黯无光,但究竟谁能坚持更久长?
The wild-rose briar is sweet in the spring. Its summer blossoms scent the air;
春天野玫瑰灿烂开放,夏日里玫瑰把风儿薰香。
Yet wait till winter comes again. And who will call the wild-briar fair?
但当严冬再次来临之时,谁还会赞美野玫瑰的美丽?
Then scorn the silly rose-wreath now. And deck thee with the holly's sheen.
那时你不屑于枯萎的玫瑰,而用冬青的光彩将你装扮。
That when December blights thy brow. He may still leave thy garland green.
当十二月的严寒袭上你的眉头,你的冬青花环依旧绿意盎然。