绮惧搧鏂囨。
绮惧搧鏂囨。
Lesson One
Half a Day
Naguib Mahfous
1.
I walked alongside my father, clutching his right hand. All my
clothes were new: the black shoes, the green school uniform, and the red
cap. They did not make me happy, however, as this was the day I was to
be thrown into school for the first time.
2.
My mother stood at the window watching our progress, and I
turned towards her from time to time, hoping she would help. We walked
along a street lined with gardens, and fields planted with crops: pears, and
date palms.
3.
"Why school ?" I asked my father. "What have I done ?"
4.
"I'm not punishing you, " he said, laughing. "School's not a
punishment. It's a place that makes useful men out of boys. Don' t you
want to be useful like your brothers?"
5.
I was not convinced. I did not believe there was really any
good to be had in tearing me away from my home and throwing me into
the huge, high-walled building.
6.
When we arrived at the gate we could see the courtyard, vast
and full of boys and girls. "Go in by yourself, " said my father, "and join
them. Put a smile on your face and be a good example to others. "