Extracts From Adam’s Diary(亚当日记选).pdf

Extracts From Adam's Diary
Extracts From Adam's
Diary
Translated from the original MS.
by Mark Twain
1
Extracts From Adam's Diary
[NOTE.--I translated a portion of this diary some years ago, and a
friend of mine printed a few copies in an plete form, but the public
never got them. Since then I have deciphered some more of Adam's
hieroglyphics, and think he has now e sufficiently important as a
public character to justify this publication.--M. T.]
Monday
This new creature with the long hair is a good deal in the way. It is
always hanging around and following me about. I don't like this; I am not
used pany. I wish it would stay with the other animals. Cloudy to-
day, wind in the east; think we shall have rain. ... Where did I get that
word? ... I remember now-- the new creature uses it.
Tuesday
Been examining the great waterfall. It is the finest thing on the estate, I
think. The new creature calls it Niagara Falls--why, I am sure I do not
know. Says it looks like Niagara Falls. That is not a reason; it is mere
waywardness and imbecility. I get no chance to name anything myself.
The new creature names everything es along, before I can get in a
protest. And always that same pretext is offered--it looks like the thing.
There is the dodo, for instance. Says the moment one looks at it one sees
at a glance that it "looks like a dodo." It will have to keep that name, no
doubt. It wearies me to fret about it, and it does no good, anyway. Dodo! It
looks no more like a dodo than I do.
Wednesday
Built me a shelter against the rain, but could not have it to myself in
peace. The new creature intruded. When I tried to put it out it shed water
out of the holes it looks with, and wiped it away with the back of its paws,
and made a noise such as some of the other animals make when they are in
distress. I wish it would not talk; it is always talking. That sounds like a
cheap fling at the poor creature, a slur; but I do not mean it so. I ha