Now, the Special English program WORDS AND THEIR STORIES. The white swan – with its long, graceful neck – is among the most beautiful of birds. The swan is mostly silent through its life. It floats quietly on the water, unable to sing sweet songs like most other birds. _________________________ The ancient Greek philosopher Socrates talked of this two thousand three hundred years ago. Socrates explained that the swan was singing because it was happy. The bird was happy because it was going to serve the Greek God Apollo. Swans were holy to Apollo, the god of poetry and song. 这里是美国之音慢速英语词汇典故. 白天鹅因其优雅的长颈跻身最美鸟之列.天鹅其一生都近乎安静.安静地浮于水面,无法像其他鸟类般高歌一曲. _________________________________ 早在2300年前,古代希腊哲学家苏格拉底就提到过.苏格拉底解释称天鹅因为快乐而歌,因为天鹅将要侍奉希腊之神阿波罗.天鹅曾经是诗歌之神阿婆罗的神鸟.