閱讀，我永遠不變的朋友

As I am now a senior high school student, I have agreat many friends, but there is one whom I prize over all the rest.

由於我現在是高中生，因此有許多朋友，但我最看重其中一位。

I first made his acquaintance when I began to go to school.

我一開始求學就認識他了。

He has been my constant companion ever since.

從此以後他便是我永遠不變的朋友。

Though he is serious in appearance, he never fails to be interesting.

雖然他外表嚴肅，但他總能令人感興趣。

Often he is clever, sometimes even merry and gay.

他平時挺聰明，有時甚至是一副歡喜愉悅的模樣。

He is the most knowledgeable friend a person could have.

他可稱得上是我們最有學問的朋友。

He knows virtually every language of the world, all the events of history, and the words of all the great poets and philosophers.

世界各國的語言，歷史上所有的大事，以及所有偉大的詩人與哲學家的話語，他幾乎無所不知。

A kindly benefactor, he is admired and enjoyed by everyone who makes his acquaintance.

他是個樂善好施的大好人，認識他的人個個都讚賞與喜愛他。

To me, he has been a great teacher as well as a friend.

對我而言，他一直是個偉大的老師和朋友。

He first taught me the secrets of my own language and then those of others.

他先後教會我母語和其他語言的奧秘。

With these keys he showed us how to unlock all the arts and sciences of man.

借著這些秘訣，他教我們如何開啟人類所有的藝術與科學之門。

My friend is endlessly patient.

我的朋友有無限的耐心。

Dull though I may be, I can return to him again and again, and he is always ready to teach me.

雖然我可能很遲鈍，但我可以一再地求助於他，而他也隨時準備要教導我。

When I am bored, he entertains me.

當我感到厭煩時，他會逗我開心。

When I am dispirited, he lifts me up.

當我氣餒時，他會使我振作。

When I am lonely, he keeps me company.

當我孤獨時，他會陪伴我。

He is a friend not only to me but to millions around the world.

他不只是我的朋友，同時也是世界各地成千上萬人的朋友。

Shall I tell you his name?

要我告訴你他的名字嗎?

His name is "Reading."

他的名字是「閱讀」。

圖文編輯：Sarula