Translation of Making an argument (Luxun, 1925)

Making an argument (Luxun, 1925):

I dreamed that I was preparing a composition in the lecture hall of the elementary school, asking the teacher for advice on how to make an argument.

　　 "Very hard!" The teacher shot me a look, askance from the edge of his glasses. "Here's a story for you—"

　　 "A family gave birth to a boy, and the family was extremely happy. When the full moon came, they took him out and showed him to the guests. Presumably to get some auspicious tidings.

　　"One said: ‘This child will grow up to be rich.’ So he got a lot of thanks.

　　"One said: ‘This child will grow up to be a government official.’ So he obtained a few compliments.

　　"One said: ‘This child will grow up to die.’ So he was beaten up by everyone else.

　　 "Death is certain, while saying he is certainly going to be rich and noble are hopeful lies. But those who lie are paid well, and those who talk of certainties are beaten. You see..."

　　 "I am willing to neither lie nor to be beaten. So, teacher, what should I say?"

　　 "Then, you have to say: ‘Ahhhhh! This kid! You see! So... Ah! Haha! Hehe! he, hehehehe!’"

　　 July 8, 1925.

鲁迅《立论》

我梦见自己正在小学校的讲堂上预备作文，向老师请教立论的方法。

　　“难!”老师从眼镜圈外斜射出眼光来，看着我，说。“我告诉你一件事——”

　　“一家人家生了一个男孩，合家高兴透顶了。满月的时候，抱出来给客人看，——大概自然是想得一点好兆头。

　　“一个说：‘这孩子将来要发财的。’他于是得到一番感谢。

　　“一个说：‘这孩子将来要做官的。’他于是收回几句恭维。

　　“一个说：‘这孩子将来是要死的。’他于是得到一顿大家合力的痛打。

　　“说要死的必然，说富贵的许谎。但说谎的得好报，说必然的遭打。你……”

　　“我愿意既不说谎，也不遭打。那么，老师，我得怎么说呢?”

　　“那么，你得说：‘啊呀!这孩子呵!您瞧!那么……。阿唷!哈哈!Hehe!he，hehehehe!’”

　　一九二五年七月八日。