English Original
Far out in the sea lay an island, on whose rocky edge lived three Sirens, sisters famed for their magical song. Half human and half bird, they sat among flowers, singing with voices that stirred the hearts of men. Their enchanting melodies were so irresistible that ships were lured toward the island only to be dashed to pieces on the rocks. No sailor or vessel was known to pass the Island of the Sirens without meeting disaster.
Following the advice of the goddess Circe, Odysseus made careful preparations. Before his ship came within hearing range of the song, he had himself bound to the mast. He ordered his crew to plug their ears with wax and commanded them to ignore all his orders and gestures while passing the fatal island.
Soon the rocky island came into view, and the captivating song reached Odysseus. So moved was he by the music that he struggled desperately to break free, shouting at his men to steer toward the lush, flowery meadow where the sisters sang. But no one heeded him. The sailors rowed steadfastly onward until the song faded into the distance. Only then did his companions release him and remove the wax from their ears. For once, the Sirens' song had failed. Parthenope, the eldest sister, loved Odysseus so deeply that she cast herself into the sea after his ship had passed.
中文翻译
遥远的海面上有一座岛屿，嶙峋的石崖边居住着三位以魔歌闻名的塞壬姐妹。她们半人半鸟，坐在花丛中，用歌声撩拨人心。那迷人的旋律如此令人无法抗拒，过往的船只被引诱至岛屿，最终在礁石上撞得粉碎。从未有海员或船只能在经过塞壬之岛时幸免于难。
奥德修斯听从女神喀耳斯的建议，做了周密的准备。在船只进入歌声范围之前，他命人将自己绑在桅杆上。他命令船员用蜡封住耳朵，并告诫他们在经过这座致命岛屿时，无视他的一切命令和手势。
不久，石岛映入眼帘，那摄人心魄的歌声传到了奥德修斯耳中。他被音乐深深打动，绝望地挣扎着想挣脱束缚，并向船员呼喊，要他们驶向姐妹唱歌的那片繁茂花草地。但无人理会他。水手们坚定地向前划行，直到歌声完全消失。这时，同伴们才为他松绑，并取出耳中的蜡。这一次，塞壬的歌声失效了。最年长的姐姐帕耳塞洛珀深爱着奥德修斯，在他的船只驶过后，她纵身投入了大海。