Why does the vicar refuse to cut down the tree?为什么牧师拒绝砍倒那棵树呢？
The tiny village of Frinley is said to possess a 'cursed tree'.据说，弗林利这个小村庄里有一棵“被诅咒的树”。
Because the tree was mentioned in a newspaper, the number of visitors to Frinley has now increased.因为这棵树在报纸上被提及后，来弗林利参观的游客数量现在已经增加了。
The tree was planted near the church fifty years ago, but it is only in recent years that it has gained an evil reputation.这棵树是在五十年前种在教堂附近的，但直到最近几年，它才获得了“邪恶”的名声。
It is said that if anyone touches the tree, he will have bad luck; if he picks a leaf, he will die.据说，如果有人触碰这棵树，就会遭遇厄运；如果他摘下一片叶子，就会死亡。
Many villagers believe that the tree has already claimed a number of victims.许多村民认为，这棵树已经害死了不少人。
The vicar has been asked to have the tree cut down, but so far he has refused.牧师被要求把那棵树砍掉，但他至今仍然拒绝这样做。
He has pointed out that the tree is a useful source of income, as tourists have been coming from all parts of the country to see it.他指出，这棵树能带来可观的收入，因为游客们从全国各地纷纷前来参观它。
In spite of all that has been said, the tourists have been picking leaves and cutting their names on the tree-trunk.尽管有这么多传言，游客们一直在摘树叶，并在树干上刻下自己的名字。
So far, not one of them has been struck down by sudden death!到目前为止，他们当中还没有一个人突然死亡！