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Our ill-fated and most lamentable friendship has ended in ruin and public infamy for me[2a], yet the memory of our ancient affection is often with me[2b], and the thought that loathing, bitterness and contempt should for ever take that place in my heart once held by love is very sad to me[2c]: and you yourself will, I think, feel in your heart that to write to me as I lie in the loneliness of prison-life is better than to publish my letters without my permission or to dedicate poems to me unasked, though the world will know nothing of whatever words of grief or passion, of remorse or indifference you may choose to send as your answer or your appeal[2d].
我们之间坎坷不幸、令人痛心疾首的友谊，已经以我的身败名裂而告结束[2a]。但是，那段久远的情意却常在记忆中伴随着我[2b]，而一想到自己心中那曾经盛着爱的地方，就要永远让憎恨和苦涩、轻蔑和屈辱所占据，我就会感到深深的悲哀[2c]。你自己心中，我想，将会感到，当我孤独地卧在铁窗内服刑时，给我写信要胜过未经许可发表我的书信、或者自作主张地为我献诗；虽然这样世人将一点也不知道你的所为，不管你选择怎样充满悲哀或激情、悔恨或冷漠的言辞来回应或者叫屈[2d]。
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