中國寓言故事雙語版 第36期:自相矛盾
In ancient times, there was a man who sold spears as well as shields.
古時候，有一個人，他既賣矛又賣盾。
One day, he hawked his wares at the market and was very pleased with himself.
一天，他在集市上叫賣，非常得意。
He held up a shield and said: "My shield is very strong.
他舉起他的盾說:“我的盾非常堅固。
No matter how sharp a spear is, it cannot pierce my shield."
無論怎樣好的矛，都戳不穿它!”
After that, he held up his spear and bragged: "My spear is very sharp.
說完，他又舉起他的矛誇口說:“我的矛非常鋒利。
No matter how strong a shield is, my spear can pierce it.
無論怎樣堅固的盾都能戳進去!”
When the people standing by heard this, they laughed up their sleeves.
站在旁邊的人聽了，都暗暗地發笑。
One of them asked him: "According to what you said, your spear is the sharpest.
有人問他:“照你這樣說，你的矛是最鋒利的。
No matter how strong a shield is, your spear can pierce it.
無論怎樣硬的盾都戳得進去。
Your shield is also the strongest.
你的盾又是最堅固的。
No matter how sharp a spear is, it cannot pierce your shield.
無論怎樣鋒利的矛，也別想戳進去。
Now, if I poke your shield with your spear, what will be the result?"
那麼，現在我用你的矛來戳你的盾，看看結果會怎樣呢?”
The man was so embarrassed that he could not utter a single word.
那個人窘得連一句話也答不上來。
