高中英语 双语美文阅读 The 4 Wives 生命中的四位爱人素材.docVIP

The?4?Wives?生命中的四位爱人There was a rich merchant who had 4 wives. He loved the 4th wife the most and adorned her with rich robes and treated her to delicacies. He took great care of her and gave her nothing but the best. 　　He also loved the 3rd wife very much. Hes very proud of her and always wanted to show off her to his friends. However，the merchant is always in great fear that she might run away with some other men. 　　He too，loved his 2nd wife. She is a very considerate person，always patient and in fact is the merchants confidante（知己）。Whenever the merchant faced some problems，he always turned to his 2nd wife and she would always help him out and tide him through difficult times. 　　Now，the merchants 1st wife is a very loyal partner and has made great contributions in maintaining his wealth and business as well as taking care of the household. However，the merchant did not love the first wife and although she loved him deeply，he hardly took notice of her. 　　One day，the merchant fell ill. Before long，he knew that he was going to die soon. He thought of his luxurious life and told himself，“Now I have 4 wives with me. But when I die，Ill be alone. How lonely Ill be！” 　　Thus，he asked the 4th wife，“I loved you most，endowed you with the finest clothing and showered great care over you. Now that Im dying，will you follow me and keep me company？”“No way！”replied the 4th wife and she walked away without another word. 　　The answer cut like a sharp knife right into the merchants heart. The sad merchant then asked the 3rd wife，“I have loved you so much for all my life. Now that Im dying，will you follow me and keep me company？”“No！”replied the 3rd wife.“Life is so good over here！Im going to remarry when you die！”The merchants heart sank and turned cold. 　　He then asked the 2nd wife，“I always turned to you for help and youve always helped me out. Now I need your help again. When I die，will you follow me and keep me company？”“Im sorry，I cant help you out this time！”replied the 2nd wife