It was New Year's Night. An aged man was standing at a window. He had already passed sixty of the stages leading to it, and he had brought from his journey nothing but errors and remorse（懊悔，同情）.
The days of his youth appeared like dreams before him, and he recalled the serious moment when his father placed him at the entrance of the two roads-one leading to a peaceful, sunny place, covered with flowers, fruits and resounding with soft, sweet songs; the other leading to a deep, dark cave, which was endless.
He looked towards the sky and cried painfully,"O youth, return! O my father, place me once more at the entrance to life, and I'll choose the better way!" But both his father and the days of his youth had passed away.
The clock in the high church tower struck and the sound made him remember his parents' early love for him. They had taught him and prayed to God for his good. But he chose the wrong way. His darkened eyes were full of tears, and with a despairing effort, he burst out a cry: "Come back, my early days! Come back!"
And his youth did return, for all this was only a dream which he had on New Year's Night.
Those who still linger on the entrance of life, hesitating to choose the bright road, remember that when years are passed and your feet stumble on the dark mountains, you will cry bitterly, but in vain: "O youth, return! Oh give me back my early days!"
相关单词：aged
aged解释：adj.年老的，陈年的
aged例句：
He had put on weight and aged a little.他胖了，也老点了。
He is aged,but his memory is still good.他已年老，然而记忆力还好。
相关单词：standing
standing解释：n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的
standing例句：
After the earthquake only a few houses were left standing.地震过后只有几幢房屋还立着。
They're standing out against any change in the law.他们坚决反对对法律做任何修改。
相关单词：resounding
resounding解释：adj. 响亮的
resounding例句：
The astronaut was welcomed with joyous,resounding acclaim. 人们欢声雷动地迎接那位宇航员。
He hit the water with a resounding slap. 他啪的一声拍了一下水。
相关单词：linger
linger解释：vt.消磨，无所事事；vi.逗留，消磨，徘徊，漫步
linger例句：
Don't linger away your holidays,try to find something useful to do.不要虚度假日，尽量找些有意义的事做。
His last words still linger in our ears.他的临终嘱咐仍萦绕在我们耳际。
相关单词：stumble
stumble解释：n.绊倒，失策；vi.绊倒，失策，踌躇，无意中发现；vt.绊倒，困惑
stumble例句：
Be grateful to those who have made you stumble,for they have strengthened your ability.感激绊倒你的人，因为他强化了你的能力。
You never knew when you might stumble across some new talent.谁也说不准什么时候会碰上一位新的天才。
