These long-extended realms and rueful wastes;
Where nought1 but silence reigns2, and night, dark night,
Dark as was Chaos3 ere the Infant Sun
Was rolled together, or had tried its beams
Athwart the gloom profound!
The sickly Taper4
By glimmering5 through thy low-browed misty6 vaults8,
Furred round with mouldy damps, and ropy slime,
Lets fall a supernumerary horror,
And only serves to make
Thy night more irksome!
Blair.
Returned undiscovered to the Abbey, Ambrosio’s mind was filled with the most pleasing images. He was wilfully9 blind to the danger of exposing himself to Antonia’s charms: He only remembered the pleasure which her society had afforded him, and rejoiced in the prospect11 of that pleasure being repeated. He failed not to profit by Elvira’s indisposition to obtain a sight of her Daughter every day. At first He bounded his wishes to inspire Antonia with friendship: But no sooner was He convinced that She felt that sentiment in its fullest extent, than his aim became more decided12, and his attentions assumed a warmer colour. The innocent familiarity with which She treated him, encouraged his desires: Grown used to her modesty13, it no longer commanded the same respect and awe14: He still admired it, but it only made him more anxious to deprive her of that quality which formed her principal charm. Warmth of passion, and natural penetration15, of which latter unfortunately both for himself and Antonia He possessed16 an ample share, supplied a knowledge of the arts of seduction. He easily distinguished17 the emotions which were favourable18 to his designs, and seized every means with avidity of infusing corruption19 into Antonia’s bosom20. This He found no easy matter. Extreme simplicity21 prevented her from perceiving the aim to which the Monk22’s insinuations tended; But the excellent morals which She owed to Elvira’s care, the solidity and correctness of her understanding, and a strong sense of what was right implanted in her heart by Nature, made her feel that his precepts24 must be faulty. By a few simple words She frequently overthrew25 the whole bulk of his sophistical arguments, and made him conscious how weak they were when opposed to Virtue26 and Truth. On such occasion He took refuge in his eloquence27; He overpowered her with a torrent28 of Philosophical29 paradoxes30, to which, not understanding them, it was impossible for her to reply; And thus though He did not convince her that his reasoning was just, He at least prevented her from discovering it to be false. He perceived that her respect for his judgment31 augmented32 daily, and doubted not with time to bring her to the point desired.
He was not unconscious that his attempts were highly criminal: He saw clearly the baseness of seducing34 the innocent Girl: But his passion was too violent to permit his abandoning his design. He resolved to pursue it, let the consequences be what they might. He depended upon finding Antonia in some unguarded moment; And seeing no other Man admitted into her society, nor hearing any mentioned either by her or by Elvira, He imagined that her young heart was still unoccupied. While He waited for the opportunity of satisfying his unwarrantable lust35, every day increased his coldness for Matilda. Not a little was this occasioned by the consciousness of his faults to her. To hide them from her He was not sufficiently36 master of himself: Yet He dreaded37 lest, in a transport of jealous rage, She should betray the secret on which his character and even his life depended. Matilda could not but remark his indifference39: He was conscious that She remarked it, and fearing her reproaches, shunned40 her studiously. Yet when He could not avoid her, her mildness might have convinced him that He had nothing to dread38 from her resentment41. She had resumed the character of the gentle interesting Rosario: She taxed him not with ingratitude42; But her eyes filled with involuntary tears, and the soft melancholy44 of her countenance45 and voice uttered complaints far more touching46 than words could have conveyed. Ambrosio was not unmoved by her sorrow; But unable to remove its cause, He forbore to show that it affected47 him. As her conduct convinced him that He needed not fear her vengeance48, He continued to neglect her, and avoided her company with care. Matilda saw that She in vain attempted to regain49 his affections: Yet She stifled50 the impulse of resentment, and continued to treat her inconstant Lover with her former fondness and attention.
By degrees Elvira’s constitution recovered itself. She was no longer troubled with convulsions, and Antonia ceased to tremble for her Mother. Ambrosio beheld51 this reestablishment with displeasure. He saw that Elvira’s knowledge of the world would not be the Dupe of his sanctified demeanour, and that She would easily perceive his views upon her Daughter. He resolved therefore, before She quitted her chamber52, to try the extent of his influence over the innocent Antonia.
One evening, when He had found Elvira almost perfectly53 restored to health, He quitted her earlier than was his usual custom. Not finding Antonia in the Antichamber, He ventured to follow her to her own. It was only separated from her Mother’s by a Closet, in which Flora54, the Waiting–Woman, generally slept. Antonia sat upon a Sopha with her back towards the door, and read attentively55. She heard not his approach, till He had seated himself by her. She started, and welcomed him with a look of pleasure: Then rising, She would have conducted him to the sitting-room57; But Ambrosio taking her hand, obliged her by gentle violence to resume her place. She complied without difficulty: She knew not that there was more impropriety in conversing58 with him in one room than another. She thought herself equally secure of his principles and her own, and having replaced herself upon the Sopha, She began to prattle59 to him with her usual ease and vivacity60.
He examined the Book which She had been reading, and had now placed upon the Table. It was the Bible.
‘How!’ said the Friar to himself; ‘Antonia reads the Bible, and is still so ignorant?’
But, upon a further inspection61, He found that Elvira had made exactly the same remark. That prudent62 Mother, while She admired the beauties of the sacred writings, was convinced that, unrestricted, no reading more improper63 could be permitted a young Woman. Many of the narratives64 can only tend to excite ideas the worst calculated for a female breast: Every thing is called plainly and roundly by its name; and the annals of a Brothel would scarcely furnish a greater choice of indecent expressions. Yet this is the Book which young Women are recommended to study; which is put into the hands of Children, able to comprehend little more than those passages of which they had better remain ignorant; and which but too frequently inculcates the first rudiments65 of vice66, and gives the first alarm to the still sleeping passions. Of this was Elvira so fully10 convinced, that She would have preferred putting into her Daughter’s hands ‘Amadis de Gaul,’ or ‘The Valiant67 Champion, Tirante the White;’ and would sooner have authorised her studying the lewd68 exploits of ‘Don Galaor,’ or the lascivious69 jokes of the ‘Damsel Plazer di mi vida.’ She had in consequence made two resolutions respecting the Bible. The first was that Antonia should not read it till She was of an age to feel its beauties, and profit by its morality: The second, that it should be copied out with her own hand, and all improper passages either altered or omitted. She had adhered to this determination, and such was the Bible which Antonia was reading: It had been lately delivered to her, and She perused70 it with an avidity, with a delight that was inexpressible. Ambrosio perceived his mistake, and replaced the Book upon the Table.
Antonia spoke71 of her Mother’s health with all the enthusiastic joy of a youthful heart.
‘I admire your filial affection,’ said the Abbot; ‘It proves the excellence72 and sensibility of your character; It promises a treasure to him whom Heaven has destined73 to possess your affections. The Breast, so capable of fondness for a Parent, what will it feel for a Lover? Nay74, perhaps, what feels it for one even now? Tell me, my lovely Daughter; Have you known what it is to love? Answer me with sincerity75: Forget my habit, and consider me only as a Friend.’
‘What it is to love?’ said She, repeating his question; ‘Oh! yes, undoubtedly76; I have loved many, many People.’
‘That is not what I mean. The love of which I speak can be felt only for one. Have you never seen the Man whom you wished to be your Husband?’
‘Oh! No, indeed!’
This was an untruth, but She was unconscious of its falsehood: She knew not the nature of her sentiments for Lorenzo; and never having seen him since his first visit to Elvira, with every day his Image grew less feebly impressed upon her bosom. Besides, She thought of an Husband with all a Virgin’s terror, and negatived the Friar’s demand without a moment’s hesitation77.
‘And do you not long to see that Man, Antonia? Do you feel no void in your heart which you fain would have filled up? Do you heave no sighs for the absence of some one dear to you, but who that some one is, you know not? Perceive you not that what formerly78 could please, has charms for you no longer? That a thousand new wishes, new ideas, new sensations, have sprang in your bosom, only to be felt, never to be described? Or while you fill every other heart with passion, is it possible that your own remains79 insensible and cold? It cannot be! That melting eye, that blushing cheek, that enchanting80 voluptuous81 melancholy which at times overspreads your features, all these marks belye your words. You love, Antonia, and in vain would hide it from me.’
‘Father, you amaze me! What is this love of which you speak? I neither know its nature, nor if I felt it, why I should conceal82 the sentiment.’
‘Have you seen no Man, Antonia, whom though never seen before, you seemed long to have sought? Whose form, though a Stranger’s, was familiar to your eyes? The sound of whose voice soothed83 you, pleased you, penetrated84 to your very soul? In whose presence you rejoiced, for whose absence you lamented85? With whom your heart seemed to expand, and in whose bosom with confidence unbounded you reposed86 the cares of your own? Have you not felt all this, Antonia?’
‘Certainly I have: The first time that I saw you, I felt it.’
Ambrosio started. Scarcely dared He credit his hearing.
‘Me, Antonia?’ He cried, his eyes sparkling with delight and impatience87, while He seized her hand, and pressed it rapturously to his lips. ‘Me, Antonia? You felt these sentiments for me?’
‘Even with more strength than you have described. The very moment that I beheld you, I felt so pleased, so interested! I waited so eagerly to catch the sound of your voice, and when I heard it, it seemed so sweet! It spoke to me a language till then so unknown! Methought, it told me a thousand things which I wished to hear! It seemed as if I had long known you; as if I had a right to your friendship, your advice, and your protection.
I wept when you departed, and longed for the time which should restore you to my sight.’
‘Antonia! my charming Antonia!’ exclaimed the Monk, and caught her to his bosom; ‘Can I believe my senses? Repeat it to me, my sweet Girl! Tell me again that you love me, that you love me truly and tenderly!’
‘Indeed, I do: Let my Mother be excepted, and the world holds no one more dear to me!’
At this frank avowal88 Ambrosio no longer possessed himself; Wild with desire, He clasped the blushing Trembler in his arms. He fastened his lips greedily upon hers, sucked in her pure delicious breath, violated with his bold hand the treasures of her bosom, and wound around him her soft and yielding limbs. Startled, alarmed, and confused at his action, surprize at first deprived her of the power of resistance. At length recovering herself, She strove to escape from his embrace.
‘Father! . . . . Ambrosio!’ She cried; ‘Release me, for God’s sake!’
But the licentious89 Monk heeded90 not her prayers: He persisted in his design, and proceeded to take still greater liberties. Antonia prayed, wept, and struggled: Terrified to the extreme, though at what She knew not, She exerted all her strength to repulse91 the Friar, and was on the point of shrieking93 for assistance when the chamber door was suddenly thrown open. Ambrosio had just sufficient presence of mind to be sensible of his danger. Reluctantly He quitted his prey94, and started hastily from the Couch. Antonia uttered an exclamation95 of joy, flew towards the door, and found herself clasped in the arms of her Mother.
Alarmed at some of the Abbot’s speeches, which Antonia had innocently repeated, Elvira resolved to ascertain96 the truth of her suspicions. She had known enough of Mankind not to be imposed upon by the Monk’s reputed virtue. She reflected on several circumstances, which though trifling97, on being put together seemed to authorize98 her fears. His frequent visits, which as far as She could see, were confined to her family; His evident emotion, whenever She spoke of Antonia; His being in the full prime and heat of Manhood; and above all, his pernicious philosophy communicated to her by Antonia, and which accorded but ill with his conversation in her presence, all these circumstances inspired her with doubts respecting the purity of Ambrosio’s friendship. In consequence, She resolved, when He should next be alone with Antonia, to endeavour at surprizing him. Her plan had succeeded. ’Tis true, that when She entered the room, He had already abandoned his prey; But the disorder99 of her Daughter’s dress, and the shame and confusion stamped upon the Friar’s countenance, sufficed to prove that her suspicions were but too well-founded. However, She was too prudent to make those suspicions known. She judged that to unmask the Imposter would be no easy matter, the public being so much prejudiced in his favour: and having but few Friends, She thought it dangerous to make herself so powerful an Enemy. She affected therefore not to remark his agitation100, seated herself tranquilly101 upon the Sopha, assigned some trifling reason for having quitted her room unexpectedly, and conversed102 on various subjects with seeming confidence and ease.
Reassured103 by her behaviour, the Monk began to recover himself. He strove to answer Elvira without appearing embarrassed: But He was still too great a novice104 in dissimulation105, and He felt that He must look confused and awkward. He soon broke off the conversation, and rose to depart. What was his vexation, when on taking leave, Elvira told him in polite terms, that being now perfectly reestablished, She thought it an injustice106 to deprive Others of his company, who might be more in need of it! She assured him of her eternal gratitude43, for the benefit which during her illness She had derived107 from his society and exhortations108: And She lamented that her domestic affairs, as well as the multitude of business which his situation must of necessity impose upon him, would in future deprive her of the pleasure of his visits. Though delivered in the mildest language this hint was too plain to be mistaken. Still, He was preparing to put in a remonstrance109 when an expressive110 look from Elvira stopped him short. He dared not press her to receive him, for her manner convinced him that He was discovered: He submitted without reply, took an hasty leave, and retired111 to the Abbey, his heart filled with rage and shame, with bitterness and disappointment.
Antonia’s mind felt relieved by his departure; Yet She could not help lamenting112 that She was never to see him more. Elvira also felt a secret sorrow; She had received too much pleasure from thinking him her Friend, not to regret the necessity of changing her opinion: But her mind was too much accustomed to the fallacy of worldly friendships to permit her present disappointment to weigh upon it long. She now endeavoured to make her Daughter aware of the risque which She had ran: But She was obliged to treat the subject with caution, lest in removing the bandage of ignorance, the veil of innocence113 should be rent away. She therefore contented114 herself with warning Antonia to be upon her guard, and ordering her, should the Abbot persist in his visits, never to receive them but in company. With this injunction Antonia promised to comply.
Ambrosio hastened to his Cell. He closed the door after him, and threw himself upon the bed in despair. The impulse of desire, the stings of disappointment, the shame of detection, and the fear of being publicly unmasked, rendered his bosom a scene of the most horrible confusion. He knew not what course to pursue. Debarred the presence of Antonia, He had no hopes of satisfying that passion which was now become a part of his existence. He reflected that his secret was in a Woman’s power: He trembled with apprehension115 when He beheld the precipice116 before him, and with rage, when He thought that had it not been for Elvira, He should now have possessed the object of his desires. With the direct imprecations He vowed117 vengeance against her; He swore that, cost what it would, He still would possess Antonia. Starting from the Bed, He paced the chamber with disordered steps, howled with impotent fury, dashed himself violently against the walls, and indulged all the transports of rage and madness.
He was still under the influence of this storm of passions when He heard a gentle knock at the door of his Cell. Conscious that his voice must have been heard, He dared not refuse admittance to the Importuner: He strove to compose himself, and to hide his agitation. Having in some degree succeeded, He drew back the bolt: The door opened, and Matilda appeared.
At this precise moment there was no one with whose presence He could better have dispensed118. He had not sufficient command over himself to conceal his vexation. He started back, and frowned.
‘I am busy,’ said He in a stern and hasty tone; ‘Leave me!’
Matilda heeded him not: She again fastened the door, and then advanced towards him with an air gentle and supplicating119.
‘Forgive me, Ambrosio,’ said She; ‘For your own sake I must not obey you. Fear no complaints from me; I come not to reproach you with your ingratitude. I pardon you from my heart, and since your love can no longer be mine, I request the next best gift, your confidence and friendship. We cannot force our inclinations120; The little beauty which you once saw in me has perished with its novelty, and if it can no longer excite desire, mine is the fault, not yours. But why persist in shunning121 me? Why such anxiety to fly my presence? You have sorrows, but will not permit me to share them; You have disappointments, but will not accept my comfort; You have wishes, but forbid my aiding your pursuits. ’Tis of this which I complain, not of your indifference to my person. I have given up the claims of the Mistress, but nothing shall prevail on me to give up those of the Friend.’
Her mildness had an instantaneous effect upon Ambrosio’s feelings.
‘Generous Matilda!’ He replied, taking her hand, ‘How far do you rise superior to the foibles of your sex! Yes, I accept your offer. I have need of an adviser122, and a Confident: In you I find every needful quality united. But to aid my pursuits . . . . Ah! Matilda, it lies not in your power!’
‘It lies in no one’s power but mine. Ambrosio, your secret is none to me; Your every step, your every action has been observed by my attentive56 eye. You love.’
‘Matilda!’
‘Why conceal it from me? Fear not the little jealousy123 which taints124 the generality of Women: My soul disdains125 so despicable a passion. You love, Ambrosio; Antonia Dalfa is the object of your flame. I know every circumstance respecting your passion: Every conversation has been repeated to me. I have been informed of your attempt to enjoy Antonia’s person, your disappointment, and dismission from Elvira’s House. You now despair of possessing your Mistress; But I come to revive your hopes, and point out the road to success.’
‘To success? Oh! impossible!’
‘To them who dare nothing is impossible. Rely upon me, and you may yet be happy. The time is come, Ambrosio, when regard for your comfort and tranquillity126 compels me to reveal a part of my History, with which you are still unacquainted. Listen, and do not interrupt me: Should my confession127 disgust you, remember that in making it my sole aim is to satisfy your wishes, and restore that peace to your heart which at present has abandoned it. I formerly mentioned that my Guardian128 was a Man of uncommon129 knowledge: He took pains to instil130 that knowledge into my infant mind. Among the various sciences which curiosity had induced him to explore, He neglected not that which by most is esteemed131 impious, and by many chimerical132. I speak of those arts which relate to the world of Spirits. His deep researches into causes and effects, his unwearied application to the study of natural philosophy, his profound and unlimited133 knowledge of the properties and virtues134 of every gem135 which enriches the deep, of every herb which the earth produces, at length procured137 him the distinction which He had sought so long, so earnestly. His curiosity was fully slaked138, his ambition amply gratified. He gave laws to the elements; He could reverse the order of nature; His eye read the mandates139 of futurity, and the infernal Spirits were submissive to his commands. Why shrink you from me? I understand that enquiring140 look. Your suspicions are right, though your terrors are unfounded. My Guardian concealed141 not from me his most precious acquisition. Yet had I never seen YOU, I should never have exerted my power. Like you I shuddered143 at the thoughts of Magic: Like you I had formed a terrible idea of the consequences of raising a daemon. To preserve that life which your love had taught me to prize, I had recourse to means which I trembled at employing. You remember that night which I past in St. Clare’s Sepulchre? Then was it that, surrounded by mouldering144 bodies, I dared to perform those mystic rites145 which summoned to my aid a fallen Angel. Judge what must have been my joy at discovering that my terrors were imaginary: I saw the Daemon obedient to my orders, I saw him trembling at my frown, and found that, instead of selling my soul to a Master, my courage had purchased for myself a Slave.’
‘Rash Matilda! What have you done? You have doomed146 yourself to endless perdition; You have bartered147 for momentary148 power eternal happiness! If on witchcraft149 depends the fruition of my desires, I renounce150 your aid most absolutely. The consequences are too horrible: I doat upon Antonia, but am not so blinded by lust as to sacrifice for her enjoyment151 my existence both in this world and the next.’
‘Ridiculous prejudices! Oh! blush, Ambrosio, blush at being subjected to their dominion152. Where is the risque of accepting my offers? What should induce my persuading you to this step, except the wish of restoring you to happiness and quiet. If there is danger, it must fall upon me: It is I who invoke153 the ministry154 of the Spirits; Mine therefore will be the crime, and yours the profit. But danger there is none: The Enemy of Mankind is my Slave, not my Sovereign. Is there no difference between giving and receiving laws, between serving and commanding? Awake from your idle dreams, Ambrosio! Throw from you these terrors so ill-suited to a soul like yours; Leave them for common Men, and dare to be happy! Accompany me this night to St. Clare’s Sepulchre, witness my incantations, and Antonia is your own.’
‘To obtain her by such means I neither can, or will. Cease then to persuade me, for I dare not employ Hell’s agency.
‘You DARE not? How have you deceived me! That mind which I esteemed so great and valiant, proves to be feeble, puerile155, and grovelling156, a slave to vulgar errors, and weaker than a Woman’s.’
‘What? Though conscious of the danger, wilfully shall I expose myself to the Seducer’s arts? Shall I renounce for ever my title to salvation157? Shall my eyes seek a sight which I know will blast them? No, no, Matilda; I will not ally myself with God’s Enemy.’
‘Are you then God’s Friend at present? Have you not broken your engagements with him, renounced158 his service, and abandoned yourself to the impulse of your passions? Are you not planning the destruction of innocence, the ruin of a Creature whom He formed in the mould of Angels? If not of Daemons, whose aid would you invoke to forward this laudable design? Will the Seraphims protect it, conduct Antonia to your arms, and sanction with their ministry your illicit159 pleasures? Absurd! But I am not deceived, Ambrosio! It is not virtue which makes you reject my offer: You WOULD accept it, but you dare not. ’Tis not the crime which holds your hand, but the punishment; ’Tis not respect for God which restrains you, but the terror of his vengeance! Fain would you offend him in secret, but you tremble to profess160 yourself his Foe161. Now shame on the coward soul, which wants the courage either to be a firm Friend or open Enemy!’
‘To look upon guilt162 with horror, Matilda, is in itself a merit: In this respect I glory to confess myself a Coward. Though my passions have made me deviate163 from her laws, I still feel in my heart an innate164 love of virtue. But it ill becomes you to tax me with my perjury165: You, who first seduced166 me to violate my vows167; You, who first rouzed my sleeping vices168, made me feel the weight of Religion’s chains, and bad me be convinced that guilt had pleasures. Yet though my principles have yielded to the force of temperament169, I still have sufficient grace to shudder142 at Sorcery, and avoid a crime so monstrous170, so unpardonable!’
‘Unpardonable, say you? Where then is your constant boast of the Almighty’s infinite mercy? Has He of late set bounds to it? Receives He no longer a Sinner with joy? You injure him, Ambrosio; You will always have time to repent171, and He have goodness to forgive. Afford him a glorious opportunity to exert that goodness: The greater your crime, the greater his merit in pardoning. Away then with these childish scruples172: Be persuaded to your good, and follow me to the Sepulchre.’
‘Oh! cease, Matilda! That scoffing173 tone, that bold and impious language, is horrible in every mouth, but most so in a Woman’s. Let us drop a conversation which excites no other sentiments than horror and disgust. I will not follow you to the Sepulchre, or accept the services of your infernal Agents. Antonia shall be mine, but mine by human means.’
‘Then yours She will never be! You are banished174 her presence; Her Mother has opened her eyes to your designs, and She is now upon her guard against them. Nay more, She loves another. A Youth of distinguished merit possesses her heart, and unless you interfere175, a few days will make her his Bride. This intelligence was brought me by my invisible Servants, to whom I had recourse on first perceiving your indifference. They watched your every action, related to me all that past at Elvira’s, and inspired me with the idea of favouring your designs. Their reports have been my only comfort. Though you shunned my presence, all your proceedings176 were known to me: Nay, I was constantly with you in some degree, thanks to this precious gift!’
With these words She drew from beneath her habit a mirror of polished steel, the borders of which were marked with various strange and unknown characters.
‘Amidst all my sorrows, amidst all my regrets for your coldness, I was sustained from despair by the virtues of this Talisman177. On pronouncing certain words, the Person appears in it on whom the Observer’s thoughts are bent178: thus though _I_ was exiled from YOUR sight, you, Ambrosio, were ever present to mine.’
The Friar’s curiosity was excited strongly.
‘What you relate is incredible! Matilda, are you not amusing yourself with my credulity?’
‘Be your own eyes the Judge.’
She put the Mirror into his hand. Curiosity induced him to take it, and Love, to wish that Antonia might appear. Matilda pronounced the magic words. Immediately, a thick smoke rose from the characters traced upon the borders, and spread itself over the surface. It dispersed179 again gradually; A confused mixture of colours and images presented themselves to the Friar’s eyes, which at length arranging themselves in their proper places, He beheld in miniature Antonia’s lovely form.
The scene was a small closet belonging to her apartment. She was undressing to bathe herself. The long tresses of her hair were already bound up. The amorous180 Monk had full opportunity to observe the voluptuous contours and admirable symmetry of her person. She threw off her last garment, and advancing to the Bath prepared for her, She put her foot into the water. It struck cold, and She drew it back again. Though unconscious of being observed, an inbred sense of modesty induced her to veil her charms; and She stood hesitating upon the brink181, in the attitude of the Venus de Medicis. At this moment a tame Linnet flew towards her, nestled its head between her breasts, and nibbled182 them in wanton play. The smiling Antonia strove in vain to shake off the Bird, and at length raised her hands to drive it from its delightful183 harbour. Ambrosio could bear no more: His desires were worked up to phrenzy.
‘I yield!’ He cried, dashing the mirror upon the ground: ‘Matilda, I follow you! Do with me what you will!’
She waited not to hear his consent repeated. It was already midnight. She flew to her Cell, and soon returned with her little basket and the Key of the Cemetery184, which had remained in her possession since her first visit to the Vaults. She gave the Monk no time for reflection.
‘Come!’ She said, and took his hand; ‘Follow me, and witness the effects of your resolve!’
This said, She drew him hastily along. They passed into the Burying-ground unobserved, opened the door of the Sepulchre, and found themselves at the head of the subterraneous Staircase. As yet the beams of the full Moon had guided their steps, but that resource now failed them. Matilda had neglected to provide herself with a Lamp. Still holding Ambrosio’s hand She descended185 the marble steps; But the profound obscurity with which they were overspread obliged them to walk slow and cautiously.
‘You tremble!’ said Matilda to her Companion; ‘Fear not; The destined spot is near.’
They reached the foot of the Staircase, and continued to proceed, feeling their way along the Walls. On turning a corner suddenly, they descried186 faint gleams of light which seemed burning at a distance. Thither187 they bent their steps: The rays proceeded from a small sepulchral188 Lamp which flamed unceasingly before the Statue of St. Clare. It tinged189 with dim and cheerless beams the massy Columns which supported the Roof, but was too feeble to dissipate the thick gloom in which the Vaults above were buried.
Matilda took the Lamp.
‘Wait for me!’ said She to the Friar; ‘In a few moments I am here again.’
With these words She hastened into one of the passages which branched in various directions from this spot, and formed a sort of Labyrinth190. Ambrosio was now left alone: Darkness the most profound surrounded him, and encouraged the doubts which began to revive in his bosom. He had been hurried away by the delirium191 of the moment: The shame of betraying his terrors, while in Matilda’s presence, had induced him to repress them; But now that he was abandoned to himself, they resumed their former ascendancy192. He trembled at the scene which He was soon to witness. He knew not how far the delusions193 of Magic might operate upon his mind, and possibly might force him to some deed whose commission would make the breach194 between himself and Heaven irreparable. In this fearful dilemma195, He would have implored196 God’s assistance, but was conscious that He had forfeited197 all claim to such protection. Gladly would He have returned to the Abbey; But as He had past through innumerable Caverns198 and winding200 passages, the attempt of regaining201 the Stairs was hopeless. His fate was determined202: No possibility of escape presented itself: He therefore combated his apprehensions203, and called every argument to his succour, which might enable him to support the trying scene with fortitude204. He reflected that Antonia would be the reward of his daring: He inflamed205 his imagination by enumerating206 her charms. He persuaded himself that (as Matilda had observed), He always should have time sufficient for repentance207, and that as He employed HER assistance, not that of the Daemons, the crime of Sorcery could not be laid to his charge. He had read much respecting witchcraft: He understood that unless a formal Act was signed renouncing208 his claim to salvation, Satan would have no power over him. He was fully determined not to execute any such act, whatever threats might be used, or advantages held out to him.
Such were his meditations209 while waiting for Matilda. They were interrupted by a low murmur210 which seemed at no great distance from him. He was startled. He listened. Some minutes past in silence, after which the murmur was repeated. It appeared to be the groaning211 of one in pain. In any other situation, this circumstance would only have excited his attention and curiosity:
In the present, his predominant sensation was that of terror. His imagination totally engrossed212 by the ideas of sorcery and Spirits, He fancied that some unquiet Ghost was wandering near him; or else that Matilda had fallen a Victim to her presumption213, and was perishing under the cruel fangs214 of the Daemons. The noise seemed not to approach, but continued to be heard at intervals215. Sometimes it became more audible, doubtless as the sufferings of the person who uttered the groans216 became more acute and insupportable. Ambrosio now and then thought that He could distinguish accents; and once in particular He was almost convinced that He heard a faint voice exclaim,
‘God! Oh! God! No hope! No succour!’
Yet deeper groans followed these words. They died away gradually, and universal silence again prevailed.
‘What can this mean?’ thought the bewildered Monk.
At that moment an idea which flashed into his mind, almost petrified217 him with horror. He started, and shuddered at himself.
‘Should it be possible!’ He groaned218 involuntarily; ‘Should it but be possible, Oh! what a Monster am I!’
He wished to resolve his doubts, and to repair his fault, if it were not too late already: But these generous and compassionate219 sentiments were soon put to flight by the return of Matilda. He forgot the groaning Sufferer, and remembered nothing but the danger and embarrassment220 of his own situation. The light of the returning Lamp gilded221 the walls, and in a few moments after Matilda stood beside him. She had quitted her religious habit: She was now cloathed in a long sable222 Robe, on which was traced in gold embroidery223 a variety of unknown characters: It was fastened by a girdle of precious stones, in which was fixed224 a poignard. Her neck and arms were uncovered. In her hand She bore a golden wand. Her hair was loose and flowed wildly upon her shoulders; Her eyes sparkled with terrific expression; and her whole Demeanour was calculated to inspire the beholder225 with awe and admiration226.
‘Follow me!’ She said to the Monk in a low and solemn voice; ‘All is ready!’
His limbs trembled, while He obeyed her. She led him through various narrow passages; and on every side as they past along, the beams of the Lamp displayed none but the most revolting objects; Skulls227, Bones, Graves, and Images whose eyes seemed to glare on them with horror and surprize. At length they reached a spacious228 Cavern199, whose lofty roof the eye sought in vain to discover. A profound obscurity hovered229 through the void. Damp vapours struck cold to the Friar’s heart; and He listened sadly to the blast while it howled along the lonely Vaults. Here Matilda stopped. She turned to Ambrosio. His cheeks and lips were pale with apprehension. By a glance of mingled230 scorn and anger She reproved his pusillanimity231, but She spoke not. She placed the Lamp upon the ground, near the Basket. She motioned that Ambrosio should be silent, and began the mysterious rites. She drew a circle round him, another round herself, and then taking a small Phial from the Basket, poured a few drops upon the ground before her. She bent over the place, muttered some indistinct sentences, and immediately a pale sulphurous flame arose from the ground. It increased by degrees, and at length spread its waves over the whole surface, the circles alone excepted in which stood Matilda and the Monk. It then ascended232 the huge Columns of unhewn stone, glided233 along the roof, and formed the Cavern into an immense chamber totally covered with blue trembling fire. It emitted no heat: On the contrary, the extreme chillness of the place seemed to augment33 with every moment. Matilda continued her incantations: At intervals She took various articles from the Basket, the nature and name of most of which were unknown to the Friar: But among the few which He distinguished, He particularly observed three human fingers, and an Agnus Dei which She broke in pieces. She threw them all into the flames which burned before her, and they were instantly consumed.
The Monk beheld her with anxious curiosity. Suddenly She uttered a loud and piercing shriek92. She appeared to be seized with an access of delirium; She tore her hair, beat her bosom, used the most frantic234 gestures, and drawing the poignard from her girdle plunged235 it into her left arm. The blood gushed236 out plentifully237, and as She stood on the brink of the circle, She took care that it should fall on the outside. The flames retired from the spot on which the blood was pouring. A volume of dark clouds rose slowly from the ensanguined earth, and ascended gradually, till it reached the vault7 of the Cavern. At the same time a clap of thunder was heard: The echo pealed238 fearfully along the subterraneous passages, and the ground shook beneath the feet of the Enchantress.
It was now that Ambrosio repented239 of his rashness. The solemn singularity of the charm had prepared him for something strange and horrible. He waited with fear for the Spirit’s appearance, whose coming was announced by thunder and earthquakes. He looked wildly round him, expecting that some dreadful Apparition240 would meet his eyes, the sight of which would drive him mad. A cold shivering seized his body, and He sank upon one knee, unable to support himself.
‘He comes!’ exclaimed Matilda in a joyful241 accent.
Ambrosio started, and expected the Daemon with terror. What was his surprize, when the Thunder ceasing to roll, a full strain of melodious242 Music sounded in the air. At the same time the cloud dispersed, and He beheld a Figure more beautiful than Fancy’s pencil ever drew. It was a Youth seemingly scarce eighteen, the perfection of whose form and face was unrivalled. He was perfectly naked: A bright Star sparkled upon his forehead; Two crimson243 wings extended themselves from his shoulders; and his silken locks were confined by a band of many-coloured fires, which played round his head, formed themselves into a variety of figures, and shone with a brilliance244 far surpassing that of precious Stones. Circlets of Diamonds were fastened round his arms and ankles, and in his right hand He bore a silver branch, imitating Myrtle. His form shone with dazzling glory: He was surrounded by clouds of rose-coloured light, and at the moment that He appeared, a refreshing245 air breathed perfumes through the Cavern. Enchanted246 at a vision so contrary to his expectations, Ambrosio gazed upon the Spirit with delight and wonder: Yet however beautiful the Figure, He could not but remark a wildness in the Daemon’s eyes, and a mysterious melancholy impressed upon his features, betraying the Fallen Angel, and inspiring the Spectators with secret awe.
The Music ceased. Matilda addressed herself to the Spirit: She spoke in a language unintelligible247 to the Monk, and was answered in the same. She seemed to insist upon something which the Daemon was unwilling248 to grant. He frequently darted249 upon Ambrosio angry glances, and at such times the Friar’s heart sank within him. Matilda appeared to grow incensed250. She spoke in a loud and commanding tone, and her gestures declared that She was threatening him with her vengeance. Her menaces had the desired effect: The Spirit sank upon his knee, and with a submissive air presented to her the branch of Myrtle. No sooner had She received it, than the Music was again heard; A thick cloud spread itself over the Apparition; The blue flames disappeared, and total obscurity reigned251 through the Cave. The Abbot moved not from his place: His faculties252 were all bound up in pleasure, anxiety, and surprize. At length the darkness dispersing253, He perceived Matilda standing23 near him in her religious habit, with the Myrtle in her hand. No traces of the incantation, and the Vaults were only illuminated254 by the faint rays of the sepulchral Lamp.
‘I have succeeded,’ said Matilda, ‘though with more difficulty than I expected. Lucifer, whom I summoned to my assistance, was at first unwilling to obey my commands: To enforce his compliance255 I was constrained256 to have recourse to my strongest charms. They have produced the desired effect, but I have engaged never more to invoke his agency in your favour. Beware then, how you employ an opportunity which never will return. My magic arts will now be of no use to you: In future you can only hope for supernatural aid by invoking257 the Daemons yourself, and accepting the conditions of their service. This you will never do: You want strength of mind to force them to obedience258, and unless you pay their established price, they will not be your voluntary Servants. In this one instance they consent to obey you: I offer you the means of enjoying your Mistress, and be careful not to lose the opportunity. Receive this constellated Myrtle: While you bear this in your hand, every door will fly open to you. It will procure136 you access tomorrow night to Antonia’s chamber: Then breathe upon it thrice, pronounce her name, and place it upon her pillow. A death-like slumber259 will immediately seize upon her, and deprive her of the power of resisting your attempts. Sleep will hold her till break of Morning. In this state you may satisfy your desires without danger of being discovered; since when daylight shall dispel260 the effects of the enchantment261, Antonia will perceive her dishonour262, but be ignorant of the Ravisher. Be happy then, my Ambrosio, and let this service convince you that my friendship is disinterested263 and pure. The night must be near expiring: Let us return to the Abbey, lest our absence should create surprize.’
The Abbot received the talisman with silent gratitude. His ideas were too much bewildered by the adventures of the night to permit his expressing his thanks audibly, or indeed as yet to feel the whole value of her present. Matilda took up her Lamp and Basket, and guided her Companion from the mysterious Cavern. She restored the Lamp to its former place, and continued her route in darkness, till She reached the foot of the Staircase. The first beams of the rising Sun darting264 down it facilitated the ascent265. Matilda and the Abbot hastened out of the Sepulchre, closed the door after them, and soon regained266 the Abbey’s western Cloister267. No one met them, and they retired unobserved to their respective Cells.
The confusion of Ambrosio’s mind now began to appease268. He rejoiced in the fortunate issue of his adventure, and reflecting upon the virtues of the Myrtle, looked upon Antonia as already in his power. Imagination retraced269 to him those secret charms betrayed to him by the Enchanted Mirror, and He waited with impatience for the approach of midnight.
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1
nought
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| n.／adj.无，零 | |
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reigns
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| n.君主的统治( reign的名词复数 )；君主统治时期；任期；当政期 | |
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chaos
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| n.混乱，无秩序 | |
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taper
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| n.小蜡烛，尖细，渐弱；adj.尖细的；v.逐渐变小 | |
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glimmering
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| n.微光，隐约的一瞥adj.薄弱地发光的v.发闪光，发微光( glimmer的现在分词 ) | |
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6
misty
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| adj.雾蒙蒙的，有雾的 | |
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vault
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| n.拱形圆顶，地窖，地下室 | |
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vaults
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| n.拱顶( vault的名词复数 )；地下室；撑物跳高；墓穴 | |
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wilfully
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| adv.任性固执地；蓄意地 | |
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fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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prospect
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| n.前景，前途；景色，视野 | |
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decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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13
modesty
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| n.谦逊，虚心，端庄，稳重，羞怯，朴素 | |
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awe
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| n.敬畏，惊惧；vt.使敬畏，使惊惧 | |
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penetration
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| n.穿透，穿人，渗透 | |
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possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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distinguished
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| adj.卓越的，杰出的，著名的 | |
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favourable
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| adj.赞成的，称赞的，有利的，良好的，顺利的 | |
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corruption
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| n.腐败，堕落，贪污 | |
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bosom
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| n.胸，胸部；胸怀；内心；adj.亲密的 | |
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simplicity
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| n.简单，简易；朴素；直率，单纯 | |
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monk
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| n.和尚，僧侣，修道士 | |
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standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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precepts
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| n.规诫，戒律，箴言( precept的名词复数 ) | |
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25
overthrew
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| overthrow的过去式 | |
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virtue
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| n.德行，美德；贞操；优点；功效，效力 | |
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eloquence
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| n.雄辩；口才，修辞 | |
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28
torrent
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| n.激流，洪流；爆发，(话语等的)连发 | |
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philosophical
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| adj.哲学家的，哲学上的，达观的 | |
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paradoxes
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| n.似非而是的隽语，看似矛盾而实际却可能正确的说法( paradox的名词复数 )；用于语言文学中的上述隽语；有矛盾特点的人[事物，情况] | |
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judgment
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| n.审判；判断力，识别力，看法，意见 | |
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Augmented
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| adj.增音的 动词augment的过去式和过去分词形式 | |
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augment
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| vt.(使)增大，增加，增长，扩张 | |
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seducing
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| 诱奸( seduce的现在分词 )； 勾引； 诱使堕落； 使入迷 | |
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lust
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| n.性(淫)欲；渴(欲)望；vi.对…有强烈的欲望 | |
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sufficiently
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| adv.足够地，充分地 | |
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37
dreaded
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| adj.令人畏惧的；害怕的v.害怕，恐惧，担心( dread的过去式和过去分词) | |
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38
dread
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| vt.担忧，忧虑；惧怕，不敢；n.担忧，畏惧 | |
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39
indifference
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| n.不感兴趣，不关心，冷淡，不在乎 | |
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40
shunned
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| v.避开，回避，避免( shun的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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41
resentment
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| n.怨愤，忿恨 | |
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42
ingratitude
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| n.忘恩负义 | |
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43
gratitude
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| adj.感激，感谢 | |
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melancholy
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| n.忧郁，愁思；adj.令人感伤（沮丧）的，忧郁的 | |
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45
countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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46
touching
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| adj.动人的，使人感伤的 | |
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47
affected
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| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
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vengeance
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| n.报复，报仇，复仇 | |
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49
regain
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| vt.重新获得，收复，恢复 | |
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50
stifled
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| （使）窒息， （使）窒闷( stifle的过去式和过去分词 )； 镇压，遏制； 堵 | |
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51
beheld
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| v.看，注视( behold的过去式和过去分词 )；瞧；看呀；（叙述中用于引出某人意外的出现）哎哟 | |
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52
chamber
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| n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所 | |
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perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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54
flora
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| n.(某一地区的)植物群 | |
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55
attentively
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| adv.聚精会神地；周到地；谛；凝神 | |
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attentive
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| adj.注意的，专心的；关心(别人)的，殷勤的 | |
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57
sitting-room
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| n.（BrE）客厅，起居室 | |
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58
conversing
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| v.交谈，谈话( converse的现在分词 ) | |
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59
prattle
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| n.闲谈；v.（小孩般）天真无邪地说话；发出连续而无意义的声音 | |
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vivacity
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| n.快活，活泼，精神充沛 | |
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inspection
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| n.检查，审查，检阅 | |
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prudent
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| adj.谨慎的，有远见的，精打细算的 | |
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improper
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| adj.不适当的，不合适的，不正确的，不合礼仪的 | |
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narratives
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| 记叙文( narrative的名词复数 )； 故事； 叙述； 叙述部分 | |
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rudiments
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| n.基础知识，入门 | |
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vice
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| n.坏事；恶习；[pl.]台钳，老虎钳；adj.副的 | |
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valiant
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| adj.勇敢的，英勇的；n.勇士，勇敢的人 | |
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68
lewd
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| adj.淫荡的 | |
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lascivious
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| adj.淫荡的，好色的 | |
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70
perused
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| v.读（某篇文字）( peruse的过去式和过去分词 )；（尤指）细阅；审阅；匆匆读或心不在焉地浏览（某篇文字） | |
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71
spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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excellence
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| n.优秀，杰出，(pl.)优点，美德 | |
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73
destined
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| adj.命中注定的；(for)以…为目的地的 | |
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nay
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| adv.不；n.反对票，投反对票者 | |
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75
sincerity
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| n.真诚，诚意；真实 | |
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undoubtedly
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| adv.确实地，无疑地 | |
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hesitation
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| n.犹豫，踌躇 | |
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formerly
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| adv.从前，以前 | |
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remains
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| n.剩余物，残留物；遗体，遗迹 | |
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80
enchanting
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| a.讨人喜欢的 | |
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81
voluptuous
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| adj.肉欲的，骄奢淫逸的 | |
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82
conceal
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，隐蔽 | |
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83
soothed
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| v.安慰( soothe的过去式和过去分词 )；抚慰；使舒服；减轻痛苦 | |
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84
penetrated
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| adj. 击穿的，鞭辟入里的 动词penetrate的过去式和过去分词形式 | |
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85
lamented
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| adj.被哀悼的，令人遗憾的v.（为…）哀悼，痛哭，悲伤( lament的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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86
reposed
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| v.将（手臂等）靠在某人（某物）上( repose的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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87
impatience
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| n.不耐烦，急躁 | |
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avowal
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| n.公开宣称，坦白承认 | |
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licentious
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| adj.放纵的，淫乱的 | |
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heeded
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| v.听某人的劝告，听从( heed的过去式和过去分词 )；变平，使（某物）变平( flatten的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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91
repulse
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| n.击退，拒绝；vt.逐退，击退，拒绝 | |
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92
shriek
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| v./n.尖叫，叫喊 | |
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93
shrieking
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| v.尖叫( shriek的现在分词 ) | |
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94
prey
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| n.被掠食者，牺牲者，掠食；v.捕食，掠夺，折磨 | |
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95
exclamation
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| n.感叹号，惊呼，惊叹词 | |
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96
ascertain
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| vt.发现，确定，查明，弄清 | |
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97
trifling
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| adj.微不足道的；没什么价值的 | |
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98
authorize
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| v.授权，委任；批准，认可 | |
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99
disorder
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| n.紊乱，混乱；骚动，骚乱；疾病，失调 | |
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100
agitation
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| n.搅动；搅拌；鼓动，煽动 | |
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101
tranquilly
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| adv. 宁静地 | |
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102
conversed
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| v.交谈，谈话( converse的过去式 ) | |
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103
reassured
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| adj.使消除疑虑的；使放心的v.再保证，恢复信心( reassure的过去式和过去分词) | |
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104
novice
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| adj.新手的，生手的 | |
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105
dissimulation
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| n.掩饰，虚伪，装糊涂 | |
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106
injustice
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| n.非正义，不公正，不公平，侵犯（别人的）权利 | |
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107
derived
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| vi.起源；由来；衍生；导出v.得到( derive的过去式和过去分词 )；（从…中）得到获得；源于；（从…中）提取 | |
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108
exhortations
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| n.敦促( exhortation的名词复数 )；极力推荐；（正式的）演讲；（宗教仪式中的）劝诫 | |
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109
remonstrance
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| n抗议，抱怨 | |
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110
expressive
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| adj.表现的，表达…的，富于表情的 | |
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111
retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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112
lamenting
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| adj.悲伤的，悲哀的v.（为…）哀悼，痛哭，悲伤( lament的现在分词 ) | |
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113
innocence
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| n.无罪；天真；无害 | |
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114
contented
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| adj.满意的，安心的，知足的 | |
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115
apprehension
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| n.理解，领悟；逮捕，拘捕；忧虑 | |
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116
precipice
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| n.悬崖，危急的处境 | |
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117
vowed
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| 起誓，发誓（vow的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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118
dispensed
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| v.分配( dispense的过去式和过去分词 )；施与；配（药） | |
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119
supplicating
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| v.祈求，哀求，恳求( supplicate的现在分词 ) | |
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120
inclinations
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| 倾向( inclination的名词复数 )； 倾斜； 爱好； 斜坡 | |
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121
shunning
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| v.避开，回避，避免( shun的现在分词 ) | |
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122
adviser
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| n.劝告者，顾问 | |
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123
jealousy
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| n.妒忌，嫉妒，猜忌 | |
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124
taints
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| n.变质( taint的名词复数 )；污染；玷污；丑陋或腐败的迹象v.使变质( taint的第三人称单数 )；使污染；败坏；被污染，腐坏，败坏 | |
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125
disdains
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| 鄙视，轻蔑( disdain的名词复数 ) | |
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126
tranquillity
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| n. 平静, 安静 | |
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127
confession
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| n.自白，供认，承认 | |
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128
guardian
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| n.监护人；守卫者，保护者 | |
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129
uncommon
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| adj.罕见的，非凡的，不平常的 | |
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130
instil
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| v.逐渐灌输 | |
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131
esteemed
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| adj.受人尊敬的v.尊敬( esteem的过去式和过去分词 )；敬重；认为；以为 | |
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132
chimerical
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| adj.荒诞不经的，梦幻的 | |
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133
unlimited
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| adj.无限的，不受控制的，无条件的 | |
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134
virtues
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| 美德( virtue的名词复数 )； 德行； 优点； 长处 | |
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135
gem
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| n.宝石，珠宝；受爱戴的人 [同]jewel | |
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136
procure
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| vt.获得，取得，促成；vi.拉皮条 | |
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137
procured
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| v.（努力）取得， （设法）获得( procure的过去式和过去分词 )；拉皮条 | |
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138
slaked
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| v.满足( slake的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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139
mandates
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| 托管（mandate的第三人称单数形式） | |
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140
enquiring
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| a.爱打听的，显得好奇的 | |
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141
concealed
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| a.隐藏的，隐蔽的 | |
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142
shudder
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| v.战粟，震动，剧烈地摇晃；n.战粟，抖动 | |
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143
shuddered
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| v.战栗( shudder的过去式和过去分词 )；发抖；（机器、车辆等）突然震动；颤动 | |
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144
mouldering
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| v.腐朽( moulder的现在分词 )；腐烂，崩塌 | |
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145
rites
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| 仪式，典礼( rite的名词复数 ) | |
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146
doomed
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| 命定的 | |
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147
bartered
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| v.作物物交换，以货换货( barter的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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148
momentary
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| adj.片刻的，瞬息的；短暂的 | |
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149
witchcraft
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| n.魔法，巫术 | |
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150
renounce
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| v.放弃；拒绝承认，宣布与…断绝关系 | |
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151
enjoyment
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| n.乐趣；享有；享用 | |
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152
dominion
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| n.统治，管辖，支配权；领土，版图 | |
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153
invoke
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| v.求助于(神、法律)；恳求，乞求 | |
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154
ministry
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| n.(政府的)部；牧师 | |
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155
puerile
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| adj.幼稚的，儿童的 | |
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156
grovelling
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|
| adj.卑下的，奴颜婢膝的v.卑躬屈节，奴颜婢膝( grovel的现在分词 )；趴 | |
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157
salvation
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| n.（尤指基督）救世，超度，拯救，解困 | |
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158
renounced
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| v.声明放弃( renounce的过去式和过去分词 )；宣布放弃；宣布与…决裂；宣布摒弃 | |
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159
illicit
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|
| adj.非法的，禁止的，不正当的 | |
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160
profess
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| v.声称，冒称，以...为业，正式接受入教，表明信仰 | |
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161
foe
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| n.敌人，仇敌 | |
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162
guilt
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| n.犯罪；内疚；过失，罪责 | |
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163
deviate
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| v.(from)背离，偏离 | |
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164
innate
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| adj.天生的，固有的，天赋的 | |
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165
perjury
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| n.伪证；伪证罪 | |
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166
seduced
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| 诱奸( seduce的过去式和过去分词 )； 勾引； 诱使堕落； 使入迷 | |
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167
vows
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| 誓言( vow的名词复数 )； 郑重宣布，许愿 | |
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168
vices
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| 缺陷( vice的名词复数 )； 恶习； 不道德行为； 台钳 | |
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169
temperament
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| n.气质，性格，性情 | |
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170
monstrous
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| adj.巨大的；恐怖的；可耻的，丢脸的 | |
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171
repent
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| v.悔悟，悔改，忏悔，后悔 | |
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172
scruples
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| n.良心上的不安( scruple的名词复数 )；顾虑，顾忌v.感到于心不安，有顾忌( scruple的第三人称单数 ) | |
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173
scoffing
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| n. 嘲笑, 笑柄, 愚弄 v. 嘲笑, 嘲弄, 愚弄, 狼吞虎咽 | |
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174
banished
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| v.放逐，驱逐( banish的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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175
interfere
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| v.(in)干涉，干预；(with)妨碍，打扰 | |
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176
proceedings
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| n.进程，过程，议程；诉讼(程序)；公报 | |
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177
talisman
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| n.避邪物，护身符 | |
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178
bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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179
dispersed
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| adj. 被驱散的, 被分散的, 散布的 | |
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180
amorous
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| adj.多情的；有关爱情的 | |
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181
brink
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| n.(悬崖、河流等的)边缘，边沿 | |
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182
nibbled
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| v.啃，一点一点地咬（吃）( nibble的过去式和过去分词 )；啃出（洞），一点一点咬出（洞）；慢慢减少；小口咬 | |
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183
delightful
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| adj.令人高兴的，使人快乐的 | |
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184
cemetery
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| n.坟墓，墓地，坟场 | |
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185
descended
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| a.为...后裔的，出身于...的 | |
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186
descried
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| adj.被注意到的，被发现的，被看到的 | |
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187
thither
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| adv.向那里；adj.在那边的，对岸的 | |
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188
sepulchral
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| adj.坟墓的，阴深的 | |
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189
tinged
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| v.（使）发丁丁声( ting的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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190
labyrinth
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| n.迷宫；难解的事物；迷路 | |
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191
delirium
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| n. 神智昏迷,说胡话;极度兴奋 | |
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192
ascendancy
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| n.统治权，支配力量 | |
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193
delusions
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| n.欺骗( delusion的名词复数 )；谬见；错觉；妄想 | |
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194
breach
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| n.违反，不履行；破裂；vt.冲破，攻破 | |
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195
dilemma
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| n.困境，进退两难的局面 | |
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196
implored
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| 恳求或乞求（某人）( implore的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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197
forfeited
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| （因违反协议、犯规、受罚等）丧失，失去( forfeit的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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198
caverns
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| 大山洞，大洞穴( cavern的名词复数 ) | |
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199
cavern
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| n.洞穴，大山洞 | |
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200
winding
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| n.绕，缠，绕组，线圈 | |
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201
regaining
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| 复得( regain的现在分词 )； 赢回； 重回； 复至某地 | |
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202
determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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203
apprehensions
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| 疑惧 | |
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204
fortitude
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| n.坚忍不拔；刚毅 | |
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205
inflamed
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| adj.发炎的，红肿的v.（使）变红，发怒，过热( inflame的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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206
enumerating
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| v.列举，枚举，数( enumerate的现在分词 ) | |
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207
repentance
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| n.懊悔 | |
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208
renouncing
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|
| v.声明放弃( renounce的现在分词 )；宣布放弃；宣布与…决裂；宣布摒弃 | |
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209
meditations
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| 默想( meditation的名词复数 )； 默念； 沉思； 冥想 | |
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210
murmur
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| n.低语，低声的怨言；v.低语，低声而言 | |
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211
groaning
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| adj. 呜咽的, 呻吟的 动词groan的现在分词形式 | |
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212
engrossed
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| adj.全神贯注的 | |
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213
presumption
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| n.推测，可能性，冒昧，放肆，[法律]推定 | |
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214
fangs
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| n.（尤指狗和狼的）长而尖的牙( fang的名词复数 )；（蛇的）毒牙；罐座 | |
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215
intervals
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| n.[军事]间隔( interval的名词复数 )；间隔时间；[数学]区间；（戏剧、电影或音乐会的）幕间休息 | |
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216
groans
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| n.呻吟，叹息( groan的名词复数 )；呻吟般的声音v.呻吟( groan的第三人称单数 )；发牢骚；抱怨；受苦 | |
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217
petrified
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| adj.惊呆的；目瞪口呆的v.使吓呆，使惊呆；变僵硬；使石化(petrify的过去式和过去分词) | |
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groaned
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| v.呻吟( groan的过去式和过去分词 )；发牢骚；抱怨；受苦 | |
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compassionate
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| adj.有同情心的，表示同情的 | |
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embarrassment
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| n.尴尬；使人为难的人(事物)；障碍；窘迫 | |
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gilded
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| a.镀金的，富有的 | |
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sable
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| n.黑貂；adj.黑色的 | |
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embroidery
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| n.绣花，刺绣；绣制品 | |
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fixed
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| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
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225
beholder
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| n.观看者，旁观者 | |
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226
admiration
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| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
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227
skulls
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| 颅骨( skull的名词复数 )； 脑袋； 脑子； 脑瓜 | |
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spacious
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| adj.广阔的，宽敞的 | |
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229
hovered
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| 鸟( hover的过去式和过去分词 )； 靠近（某事物）； （人）徘徊； 犹豫 | |
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230
mingled
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| 混合，混入( mingle的过去式和过去分词 )； 混进，与…交往[联系] | |
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pusillanimity
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| n.无气力，胆怯 | |
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ascended
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| v.上升，攀登( ascend的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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glided
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| v.滑动( glide的过去式和过去分词 )；掠过；（鸟或飞机 ） 滑翔 | |
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234
frantic
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| adj.狂乱的，错乱的，激昂的 | |
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235
plunged
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| v.颠簸( plunge的过去式和过去分词 )；暴跌；骤降；突降 | |
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236
gushed
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| v.喷，涌( gush的过去式和过去分词 )；滔滔不绝地说话 | |
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plentifully
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| adv. 许多地，丰饶地 | |
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238
pealed
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| v.（使）（钟等）鸣响，（雷等）发出隆隆声( peal的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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239
repented
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| 对（自己的所为）感到懊悔或忏悔( repent的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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240
apparition
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| n.幽灵，神奇的现象 | |
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241
joyful
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| adj.欢乐的，令人欢欣的 | |
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242
melodious
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| adj.旋律美妙的，调子优美的，音乐性的 | |
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243
crimson
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| n./adj.深(绯)红色(的)；vi.脸变绯红色 | |
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244
brilliance
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| n.光辉，辉煌，壮丽，（卓越的）才华，才智 | |
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refreshing
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| adj.使精神振作的，使人清爽的，使人喜欢的 | |
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enchanted
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| adj. 被施魔法的，陶醉的，入迷的 动词enchant的过去式和过去分词 | |
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247
unintelligible
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| adj.无法了解的，难解的，莫明其妙的 | |
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248
unwilling
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| adj.不情愿的 | |
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249
darted
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| v.投掷，投射( dart的过去式和过去分词 )；向前冲，飞奔 | |
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250
incensed
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| 盛怒的 | |
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251
reigned
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| vi.当政，统治（reign的过去式形式） | |
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faculties
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| n.能力( faculty的名词复数 )；全体教职员；技巧；院 | |
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253
dispersing
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| adj. 分散的 动词disperse的现在分词形式 | |
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254
illuminated
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| adj.被照明的；受启迪的 | |
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compliance
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| n.顺从；服从；附和；屈从 | |
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constrained
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| adj.束缚的,节制的 | |
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257
invoking
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| v.援引( invoke的现在分词 )；行使（权利等）；祈求救助；恳求 | |
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258
obedience
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| n.服从，顺从 | |
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259
slumber
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| n.睡眠，沉睡状态 | |
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260
dispel
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| vt.驱走，驱散，消除 | |
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261
enchantment
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| n.迷惑，妖术，魅力 | |
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262
dishonour
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| n./vt.拒付（支票、汇票、票据等）；vt.凌辱，使丢脸；n.不名誉，耻辱，不光彩 | |
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263
disinterested
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| adj.不关心的，不感兴趣的 | |
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264
darting
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| v.投掷，投射( dart的现在分词 )；向前冲，飞奔 | |
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265
ascent
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| n.(声望或地位)提高；上升，升高；登高 | |
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266
regained
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| 复得( regain的过去式和过去分词 )； 赢回； 重回； 复至某地 | |
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267
cloister
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| n.修道院；v.隐退，使与世隔绝 | |
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268
appease
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| v.安抚，缓和，平息，满足 | |
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269
retraced
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| v.折回( retrace的过去式和过去分词 )；回忆；回顾；追溯 | |
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