Hell holds none worse in baleful bower1 below:
By pride, and wit, and rage, and rancor2 keened;
Of Man alike, if good or bad the Foe3.
Thomson.
On the day following Antonia’s death, all Madrid was a scene of consternation4 and amazement5. An Archer6 who had witnessed the adventure in the Sepulchre had indiscreetly related the circumstances of the murder: He had also named the Perpetrator. The confusion was without example which this intelligence raised among the Devotees. Most of them disbelieved it, and went themselves to the Abbey to ascertain7 the fact. Anxious to avoid the shame to which their Superior’s ill-conduct exposed the whole Brotherhood8, the Monks9 assured the Visitors that Ambrosio was prevented from receiving them as usual by nothing but illness. This attempt was unsuccessful: The same excuse being repeated day after day, the Archer’s story gradually obtained confidence. His Partizans abandoned him: No one entertained a doubt of his guilt12; and they who before had been the warmest in his praise were now the most vociferous13 in his condemnation14.
While his innocence15 or guilt was debated in Madrid with the utmost acrimony, Ambrosio was a prey16 to the pangs17 of conscious villainy, and the terrors of punishment impending20 over him. When He looked back to the eminence21 on which He had lately stood, universally honoured and respected, at peace with the world and with himself, scarcely could He believe that He was indeed the culprit whose crimes and whose fate He trembled to envisage22. But a few weeks had elapsed, since He was pure and virtuous23, courted by the wisest and noblest in Madrid, and regarded by the People with a reverence24 that approached idolatry: He now saw himself stained with the most loathed25 and monstrous26 sins, the object of universal execration27, a Prisoner of the Holy Office, and probably doomed29 to perish in tortures the most severe. He could not hope to deceive his Judges: The proofs of his guilt were too strong. His being in the Sepulchre at so late an hour, his confusion at the discovery, the dagger30 which in his first alarm He owned had been concealed31 by him, and the blood which had spirted upon his habit from Antonia’s wound, sufficiently32 marked him out for the Assassin. He waited with agony for the day of examination: He had no resource to comfort him in his distress33. Religion could not inspire him with fortitude34: If He read the Books of morality which were put into his hands, He saw in them nothing but the enormity of his offences; If he attempted to pray, He recollected35 that He deserved not heaven’s protection, and believed his crimes so monstrous as to baffle even God’s infinite goodness. For every other Sinner He thought there might be hope, but for him there could be none. Shuddering36 at the past, anguished38 by the present, and dreading40 the future, thus passed He the few days preceding that which was marked for his Trial.
That day arrived. At nine in the morning his prison door was unlocked, and his Gaoler entering, commanded him to follow him. He obeyed with trembling. He was conducted into a spacious41 Hall, hung with black cloth. At the Table sat three grave, stern-looking Men, also habited in black: One was the Grand Inquisitor, whom the importance of this cause had induced to examine into it himself. At a smaller table at a little distance sat the Secretary, provided with all necessary implements43 for writing. Ambrosio was beckoned44 to advance, and take his station at the lower end of the Table. As his eye glanced downwards45, He perceived various iron instruments lying scattered46 upon the floor. Their forms were unknown to him, but apprehension47 immediately guessed them to be engines of torture. He turned pale, and with difficulty prevented himself from sinking upon the ground.
Profound silence prevailed, except when the Inquisitors whispered a few words among themselves mysteriously. Near an hour past away, and with every second of it Ambrosio’s fears grew more poignant49. At length a small Door, opposite to that by which He had entered the Hall, grated heavily upon its hinges. An Officer appeared, and was immediately followed by the beautiful Matilda. Her hair hung about her face wildly; Her cheeks were pale, and her eyes sunk and hollow. She threw a melancholy50 look upon Ambrosio: He replied by one of aversion and reproach. She was placed opposite to him. A Bell then sounded thrice. It was the signal for opening the Court, and the Inquisitors entered upon their office.
In these trials neither the accusation51 is mentioned, or the name of the Accuser. The Prisoners are only asked, whether they will confess: If they reply that having no crime they can make no confession52, they are put to the torture without delay. This is repeated at intervals53, either till the suspected avow54 themselves culpable55, or the perseverance56 of the examinants is worn out and exhausted57: But without a direct acknowledgment of their guilt, the Inquisition never pronounces the final doom28 of its Prisoners.
In general much time is suffered to elapse without their being questioned: But Ambrosio’s trial had been hastened, on account of a solemn Auto58 da Fe which would take place in a few days, and in which the Inquisitors meant this distinguished59 Culprit to perform a part, and give a striking testimony60 of their vigilance.
The Abbot was not merely accused of rape61 and murder: The crime of Sorcery was laid to his charge, as well as to Matilda’s. She had been seized as an Accomplice62 in Antonia’s assassination63. On searching her Cell, various suspicious books and instruments were found which justified64 the accusation brought against her. To criminate the Monk10, the constellated Mirror was produced, which Matilda had accidentally left in his chamber65. The strange figures engraved66 upon it caught the attention of Don Ramirez, while searching the Abbot’s Cell: In consequence, He carried it away with him. It was shown to the Grand Inquisitor, who having considered it for some time, took off a small golden Cross which hung at his girdle, and laid it upon the Mirror. Instantly a loud noise was heard, resembling a clap of thunder, and the steel shivered into a thousand pieces. This circumstance confirmed the suspicion of the Monk’s having dealt in Magic: It was even supposed that his former influence over the minds of the People was entirely68 to be ascribed to witchcraft69.
Determined70 to make him confess not only the crimes which He had committed, but those also of which He was innocent, the Inquisitors began their examination. Though dreading the tortures, as He dreaded71 death still more which would consign72 him to eternal torments73, the Abbot asserted his purity in a voice bold and resolute74. Matilda followed his example, but spoke75 with fear and trembling. Having in vain exhorted76 him to confess, the Inquisitors ordered the Monk to be put to the question. The Decree was immediately executed. Ambrosio suffered the most excruciating pangs that ever were invented by human cruelty: Yet so dreadful is Death when guilt accompanies it, that He had sufficient fortitude to persist in his disavowal. His agonies were redoubled in consequence: Nor was He released till fainting from excess of pain, insensibility rescued him from the hands of his Tormentors.
Matilda was next ordered to the torture: But terrified by the sight of the Friar’s sufferings, her courage totally deserted78 her. She sank upon her knees, acknowledged her corresponding with infernal Spirits, and that She had witnessed the Monk’s assassination of Antonia: But as to the crime of Sorcery, She declared herself the sole criminal, and Ambrosio perfectly79 innocent. The latter assertion met with no credit. The Abbot had recovered his senses in time to hear the confession of his Accomplice: But He was too much enfeebled by what He had already undergone to be capable at that time of sustaining new torments.
He was commanded back to his Cell, but first informed that as soon as He had gained strength sufficient, He must prepare himself for a second examination. The Inquisitors hoped that He would then be less hardened and obstinate80. To Matilda it was announced that She must expiate81 her crime in fire on the approaching Auto da Fe. All her tears and entreaties82 could procure83 no mitigation of her doom, and She was dragged by force from the Hall of Trial.
Returned to his dungeon84, the sufferings of Ambrosio’s body were far more supportable than those of his mind. His dislocated limbs, the nails torn from his hands and feet, and his fingers mashed85 and broken by the pressure of screws, were far surpassed in anguish37 by the agitation86 of his soul and vehemence87 of his terrors. He saw that, guilty or innocent, his Judges were bent88 upon condemning89 him: The remembrance of what his denial had already cost him terrified him at the idea of being again applied90 to the question, and almost engaged him to confess his crimes. Then again the consequences of his confession flashed before him, and rendered him once more irresolute92. His death would be inevitable93, and that a death the most dreadful: He had listened to Matilda’s doom, and doubted not that a similar was reserved for him. He shuddered94 at the approaching Auto da Fe, at the idea of perishing in flames, and only escaping from indurable torments to pass into others more subtile and ever-lasting! With affright did He bend his mind’s eye on the space beyond the grave; nor could hide from himself how justly he ought to dread39 Heaven’s vengeance95. In this Labyrinth96 of terrors, fain would He have taken his refuge in the gloom of Atheism97: Fain would He have denied the soul’s immortality98; have persuaded himself that when his eyes once closed, they would never more open, and that the same moment would annihilate99 his soul and body. Even this resource was refused to him. To permit his being blind to the fallacy of this belief, his knowledge was too extensive, his understanding too solid and just. He could not help feeling the existence of a God. Those truths, once his comfort, now presented themselves before him in the clearest light; But they only served to drive him to distraction100. They destroyed his ill-grounded hopes of escaping punishment; and dispelled101 by the irresistible102 brightness of Truth and convinction, Philosophy’s deceitful vapours faded away like a dream.
In anguish almost too great for mortal frame to bear, He expected the time when He was again to be examined. He busied himself in planning ineffectual schemes for escaping both present and future punishment. Of the first there was no possibility; Of the second Despair made him neglect the only means. While Reason forced him to acknowledge a God’s existence, Conscience made him doubt the infinity103 of his goodness. He disbelieved that a Sinner like him could find mercy. He had not been deceived into error: Ignorance could furnish him with no excuse. He had seen vice104 in her true colours; Before He committed his crimes, He had computed105 every scruple106 of their weight; and yet he had committed them.
‘Pardon?’ He would cry in an access of phrenzy ‘Oh! there can be none for me!’
Persuaded of this, instead of humbling107 himself in penitence108, of deploring109 his guilt, and employing his few remaining hours in deprecating Heaven’s wrath110, He abandoned himself to the transports of desperate rage; He sorrowed for the punishment of his crimes, not their commission; and exhaled111 his bosom112’s anguish in idle sighs, in vain lamentations, in blasphemy113 and despair. As the few beams of day which pierced through the bars of his prison window gradually disappeared, and their place was supplied by the pale and glimmering114 Lamp, He felt his terrors redouble, and his ideas become more gloomy, more solemn, more despondent115. He dreaded the approach of sleep: No sooner did his eyes close, wearied with tears and watching, than the dreadful visions seemed to be realised on which his mind had dwelt during the day. He found himself in sulphurous realms and burning Caverns116, surrounded by Fiends appointed his Tormentors, and who drove him through a variety of tortures, each of which was more dreadful than the former. Amidst these dismal117 scenes wandered the Ghosts of Elvira and her Daughter. They reproached him with their deaths, recounted his crimes to the Daemons, and urged them to inflict118 torments of cruelty yet more refined. Such were the pictures which floated before his eyes in sleep: They vanished not till his repose119 was disturbed by excess of agony. Then would He start from the ground on which He had stretched himself, his brows running down with cold sweat, his eyes wild and phrenzied; and He only exchanged the terrible certainty for surmizes scarcely more supportable. He paced his dungeon with disordered steps; He gazed with terror upon the surrounding darkness, and often did He cry,
‘Oh! fearful is night to the Guilty!’
The day of his second examination was at hand. He had been compelled to swallow cordials, whose virtues121 were calculated to restore his bodily strength, and enable him to support the question longer. On the night preceding this dreaded day, his fears for the morrow permitted him not to sleep. His terrors were so violent, as nearly to annihilate his mental powers. He sat like one stupefied near the Table on which his Lamp was burning dimly. Despair chained up his faculties123 in Idiotism, and He remained for some hours, unable to speak or move, or indeed to think.
‘Look up, Ambrosio!’ said a Voice in accents well-known to him —
The Monk started, and raised his melancholy eyes. Matilda stood before him. She had quitted her religious habit. She now wore a female dress, at once elegant and splendid: A profusion124 of diamonds blazed upon her robes, and her hair was confined by a coronet of Roses. In her right hand She held a small Book: A lively expression of pleasure beamed upon her countenance125; But still it was mingled126 with a wild imperious majesty127 which inspired the Monk with awe128, and represt in some measure his transports at seeing her.
‘You here, Matilda?’ He at length exclaimed; ‘How have you gained entrance? Where are your Chains? What means this magnificence, and the joy which sparkles in your eyes? Have our Judges relented? Is there a chance of my escaping? Answer me for pity, and tell me, what I have to hope, or fear.’
‘Ambrosio!’ She replied with an air of commanding dignity; ‘I have baffled the Inquisition’s fury. I am free: A few moments will place kingdoms between these dungeons129 and me. Yet I purchase my liberty at a dear, at a dreadful price! Dare you pay the same, Ambrosio? Dare you spring without fear over the bounds which separate Men from Angels? — You are silent. — You look upon me with eyes of suspicion and alarm — I read your thoughts and confess their justice. Yes, Ambrosio; I have sacrificed all for life and liberty. I am no longer a candidate for heaven! I have renounced130 God’s service, and am enlisted132 beneath the banners of his Foes133. The deed is past recall: Yet were it in my power to go back, I would not. Oh! my Friend, to expire in such torments! To die amidst curses and execrations! To bear the insults of an exasperated134 Mob! To be exposed to all the mortifications of shame and infamy135! Who can reflect without horror on such a doom? Let me then exult136 in my exchange. I have sold distant and uncertain happiness for present and secure: I have preserved a life which otherwise I had lost in torture; and I have obtained the power of procuring137 every bliss138 which can make that life delicious! The Infernal Spirits obey me as their Sovereign: By their aid shall my days be past in every refinement139 of luxury and voluptuousness140. I will enjoy unrestrained the gratification of my senses: Every passion shall be indulged, even to satiety141; Then will I bid my Servants invent new pleasures, to revive and stimulate142 my glutted143 appetites! I go impatient to exercise my newly-gained dominion144. I pant to be at liberty. Nothing should hold me one moment longer in this abhorred145 abode146, but the hope of persuading you to follow my example. Ambrosio, I still love you: Our mutual147 guilt and danger have rendered you dearer to me than ever, and I would fain save you from impending destruction. Summon then your resolution to your aid; and renounce131 for immediate48 and certain benefits the hopes of a salvation148, difficult to obtain, and perhaps altogether erroneous. Shake off the prejudice of vulgar souls; Abandon a God who has abandoned you, and raise yourself to the level of superior Beings!’
She paused for the Monk’s reply: He shuddered, while He gave it.
‘Matilda!’ He said after a long silence in a low and unsteady voice; ‘What price gave you for liberty?’
She answered him firm and dauntless.
‘Ambrosio, it was my Soul!’
‘Wretched Woman, what have you done? Pass but a few years, and how dreadful will be your sufferings!’
‘Weak Man, pass but this night, and how dreadful will be your own! Do you remember what you have already endured? Tomorrow you must bear torments doubly exquisite150. Do you remember the horrors of a fiery151 punishment? In two days you must be led a Victim to the Stake! What then will become of you? Still dare you hope for pardon? Still are you beguiled152 with visions of salvation? Think upon your crimes! Think upon your lust153, your perjury154, inhumanity, and hypocrisy156! Think upon the innocent blood which cries to the Throne of God for vengeance, and then hope for mercy! Then dream of heaven, and sigh for worlds of light, and realms of peace and pleasure! Absurd! Open your eyes, Ambrosio, and be prudent157. Hell is your lot; You are doomed to eternal perdition; Nought158 lies beyond your grave but a gulph of devouring159 flames. And will you then speed towards that Hell? Will you clasp that perdition in your arms, ere ’tis needful? Will you plunge160 into those flames while you still have the power to shun161 them? ’Tis a Madman’s action. No, no, Ambrosio: Let us for awhile fly from divine vengeance. Be advised by me; Purchase by one moment’s courage the bliss of years; Enjoy the present, and forget that a future lags behind.’
‘Matilda, your counsels are dangerous: I dare not, I will not follow them. I must not give up my claim to salvation. Monstrous are my crimes; But God is merciful, and I will not despair of pardon.’
‘Is such your resolution? I have no more to say. I speed to joy and liberty, and abandon you to death and eternal torments.’
‘Yet stay one moment, Matilda! You command the infernal Daemons:
You can force open these prison doors; You can release me from these chains which weigh me down. Save me, I conjure162 you, and bear me from these fearful abodes163!’
‘You ask the only boon164 beyond my power to bestow165. I am forbidden to assist a Churchman and a Partizan of God: Renounce those titles, and command me.’
‘I will not sell my soul to perdition.’
‘Persist in your obstinacy166, till you find yourself at the Stake: Then will you repent167 your error, and sigh for escape when the moment is gone by. I quit you. Yet ere the hour of death arrives should wisdom enlighten you, listen to the means of repairing your present fault. I leave with you this Book. Read the four first lines of the seventh page backwards168: The Spirit whom you have already once beheld169 will immediately appear to you. If you are wise, we shall meet again: If not, farewell for ever!’
She let the Book fall upon the ground. A cloud of blue fire wrapped itself round her: She waved her hand to Ambrosio, and disappeared. The momentary170 glare which the flames poured through the dungeon, on dissipating suddenly, seemed to have increased its natural gloom. The solitary171 Lamp scarcely gave light sufficient to guide the Monk to a Chair. He threw himself into his seat, folded his arms, and leaning his head upon the table, sank into reflections perplexing and unconnected.
He was still in this attitude when the opening of the prison door rouzed him from his stupor172. He was summoned to appear before the Grand Inquisitor. He rose, and followed his Gaoler with painful steps. He was led into the same Hall, placed before the same Examiners, and was again interrogated173 whether Hewould confess. He replied as before, that having no crimes, He could acknowledge none: But when the Executioners prepared to put him to the question, when He saw the engines of torture, and remembered the pangs which they had already inflicted174, his resolution failed him entirely. Forgetting the consequences, and only anxious to escape the terrors of the present moment, He made an ample confession. He disclosed every circumstance of his guilt, and owned not merely the crimes with which He was charged, but those of which He had never been suspected. Being interrogated as to Matilda’s flight which had created much confusion, He confessed that She had sold herself to Satan, and that She was indebted to Sorcery for her escape. He still assured his Judges that for his own part He had never entered into any compact with the infernal Spirits; But the threat of being tortured made him declare himself to be a Sorcerer, and Heretic, and whatever other title the Inquisitors chose to fix upon him. In consequence of this avowal77, his sentence was immediately pronounced. He was ordered to prepare himself to perish in the Auto da Fe, which was to be solemnized at twelve o’clock that night. This hour was chosen from the idea that the horror of the flames being heightened by the gloom of midnight, the execution would have a greater effect upon the mind of the People.
Ambrosio rather dead than alive was left alone in his dungeon. The moment in which this terrible decree was pronounced had nearly proved that of his dissolution. He looked forward to the morrow with despair, and his terrors increased with the approach of midnight. Sometimes He was buried in gloomy silence: At others He raved67 with delirious175 passion, wrung176 his hands, and cursed the hour when He first beheld the light. In one of these moments his eye rested upon Matilda’s mysterious gift. His transports of rage were instantly suspended. He looked earnestly at the Book; He took it up, but immediately threw it from him with horror. He walked rapidly up and down his dungeon: Then stopped, and again fixed177 his eyes on the spot where the Book had fallen. He reflected that here at least was a resource from the fate which He dreaded. He stooped, and took it up a second time.
He remained for some time trembling and irresolute: He longed to try the charm, yet feared its consequences. The recollection of his sentence at length fixed his indecision. He opened the Volume; but his agitation was so great that He at first sought in vain for the page mentioned by Matilda. Ashamed of himself, He called all his courage to his aid. He turned to the seventh leaf. He began to read it aloud; But his eyes frequently wandered from the Book, while He anxiously cast them round in search of the Spirit, whom He wished, yet dreaded to behold178. Still He persisted in his design; and with a voice unassured and frequent interruptions, He contrived179 to finish the four first lines of the page.
They were in a language, whose import was totally unknown to him.
Scarce had He pronounced the last word when the effects of the charm were evident. A loud burst of Thunder was heard; The prison shook to its very foundations; A blaze of lightning flashed through the Cell; and in the next moment, borne upon sulphurous whirl-winds, Lucifer stood before him a second time. But He came not as when at Matilda’s summons He borrowed the Seraph’s form to deceive Ambrosio. He appeared in all that ugliness which since his fall from heaven had been his portion: His blasted limbs still bore marks of the Almighty’s thunder: A swarthy darkness spread itself over his gigantic form: His hands and feet were armed with long Talons180: Fury glared in his eyes, which might have struck the bravest heart with terror: Over his huge shoulders waved two enormous sable181 wings; and his hair was supplied by living snakes, which twined themselves round his brows with frightful182 hissings. In one hand He held a roll of parchment, and in the other an iron pen. Still the lightning flashed around him, and the Thunder with repeated bursts, seemed to announce the dissolution of Nature.
Terrified at an Apparition183 so different from what He had expected, Ambrosio remained gazing upon the Fiend, deprived of the power of utterance184. The Thunder had ceased to roll: Universal silence reigned185 through the dungeon.
‘For what am I summoned hither?’ said the Daemon, in a voice which sulphurous fogs had damped to hoarseness186 —
At the sound Nature seemed to tremble: A violent earthquake rocked the ground, accompanied by a fresh burst of Thunder, louder and more appalling187 than the first.
Ambrosio was long unable to answer the Daemon’s demand.
‘I am condemned188 to die;’ He said with a faint voice, his blood running cold, while He gazed upon his dreadful Visitor. ‘Save me! Bear me from hence!’
‘Shall the reward of my services be paid me? Dare you embrace my cause? Will you be mine, body and soul? Are you prepared to renounce him who made you, and him who died for you? Answer but “Yes” and Lucifer is your Slave.’
‘Will no less price content you? Can nothing satisfy you but my eternal ruin? Spirit, you ask too much. Yet convey me from this dungeon: Be my Servant for one hour, and I will be yours for a thousand years. Will not this offer suffice?’
‘It will not. I must have your soul; must have it mine, and mine for ever.’
‘Insatiate Daemon, I will not doom myself to endless torments. I will not give up my hopes of being one day pardoned.’
‘You will not? On what Chimaera rest then your hopes? Short-sighted Mortal! Miserable189 Wretch149! Are you not guilty? Are you not infamous190 in the eyes of Men and Angels. Can such enormous sins be forgiven? Hope you to escape my power? Your fate is already pronounced. The Eternal has abandoned you; Mine you are marked in the book of destiny, and mine you must and shall be!’
‘Fiend, ’tis false! Infinite is the Almighty’s mercy, and the Penitent191 shall meet his forgiveness. My crimes are monstrous, but I will not despair of pardon: Haply, when they have received due chastisement192 . . . .’
‘Chastisement? Was Purgatory193 meant for guilt like yours? Hope you that your offences shall be bought off by prayers of superstitious194 dotards and droning Monks? Ambrosio, be wise! Mine you must be: You are doomed to flames, but may shun them for the present. Sign this parchment: I will bear you from hence, and you may pass your remaining years in bliss and liberty. Enjoy your existence: Indulge in every pleasure to which appetite may lead you: But from the moment that it quits your body, remember that your soul belongs to me, and that I will not be defrauded195 of my right.’
The Monk was silent; But his looks declared that the Tempter’s words were not thrown away. He reflected on the conditions proposed with horror: On the other hand, He believed himself doomed to perdition and that, by refusing the Daemon’s succour, He only hastened tortures which He never could escape. The Fiend saw that his resolution was shaken: He renewed his instances, and endeavoured to fix the Abbot’s indecision. He described the agonies of death in the most terrific colours; and He worked so powerfully upon Ambrosio’s despair and fears that He prevailed upon him to receive the Parchment. He then struck the iron Pen which He held into a vein196 of the Monk’s left hand. It pierced deep, and was instantly filled with blood; Yet Ambrosio felt no pain from the wound. The Pen was put into his hand: It trembled. The Wretch placed the Parchment on the Table before him, and prepared to sign it. Suddenly He held his hand: He started away hastily, and threw the Pen upon the table.
‘What am I doing?’ He cried — Then turning to the Fiend with a desperate air, ‘Leave me! Begone! I will not sign the Parchment.’
‘Fool!’ exclaimed the disappointed Daemon, darting197 looks so furious as penetrated198 the Friar’s soul with horror; ‘Thus am I trifled with? Go then! Rave42 in agony, expire in tortures, and then learn the extent of the Eternal’s mercy! But beware how you make me again your mock! Call me no more till resolved to accept my offers! Summon me a second time to dismiss me thus idly, and these Talons shall rend91 you into a thousand pieces! Speak yet again; Will you sign the Parchment?’
‘I will not! Leave me! Away!’
Instantly the Thunder was heard to roll horribly: Once more the earth trembled with violence: The Dungeon resounded199 with loud shrieks200, and the Daemon fled with blasphemy and curses.
At first, the Monk rejoiced at having resisted the Seducer’s arts, and obtained a triumph over Mankind’s Enemy: But as the hour of punishment drew near, his former terrors revived in his heart. Their momentary repose seemed to have given them fresh vigour201. The nearer that the time approached, the more did He dread appearing before the Throne of God. He shuddered to think how soon He must be plunged202 into eternity203; How soon meet the eyes of his Creator, whom He had so grievously offended. The Bell announced midnight: It was the signal for being led to the Stake! As He listened to the first stroke, the blood ceased to circulate in the Abbot’s veins204: He heard death and torture murmured in each succeeding sound. He expected to see the Archers206 entering his prison; and as the Bell forbore to toll207, he seized the magic volume in a fit of despair. He opened it, turned hastily to the seventh page, and as if fearing to allow himself a moment’s thought ran over the fatal lines with rapidity. Accompanied by his former terrors, Lucifer again stood before the Trembler.
‘You have summoned me,’ said the Fiend; ‘Are you determined to be wise? Will you accept my conditions? You know them already. Renounce your claim to salvation, make over to me your soul, and I bear you from this dungeon instantly. Yet is it time. Resolve, or it will be too late. Will you sign the Parchment?’
‘I must! — Fate urges me! I accept your conditions.’
‘Sign the Parchment!’ replied the Daemon in an exulting208 tone.
The Contract and the bloody209 Pen still lay upon the Table. Ambrosio drew near it. He prepared to sign his name. A moment’s reflection made him hesitate.
‘Hark!’ cried the Tempter; ‘They come! Be quick! Sign the Parchment, and I bear you from hence this moment.’
In effect, the Archers were heard approaching, appointed to lead Ambrosio to the Stake. The sound encouraged the Monk in his resolution.
‘What is the import of this writing?’ said He.
‘It makes your soul over to me for ever, and without reserve.’
‘What am I to receive in exchange?’
‘My protection, and release from this dungeon. Sign it, and this instant I bear you away.’
Ambrosio took up the Pen; He set it to the Parchment. Again his courage failed him: He felt a pang18 of terror at his heart, and once more threw the Pen upon the Table.
‘Weak and Puerile210!’ cried the exasperated Fiend: ‘Away with this folly211! Sign the writing this instant, or I sacrifice you to my rage!’
At this moment the bolt of the outward Door was drawn212 back. The Prisoner heard the rattling213 of Chains; The heavy Bar fell; The Archers were on the point of entering. Worked up to phrenzy by the urgent danger, shrinking from the approach of death, terrified by the Daemon’s threats, and seeing no other means to escape destruction, the wretched Monk complied. He signed the fatal contract, and gave it hastily into the evil Spirit’s hands, whose eyes, as He received the gift, glared with malicious214 rapture215.
‘Take it!’ said the God-abandoned; ‘Now then save me! Snatch me from hence!’
‘Hold! Do you freely and absolutely renounce your Creator and his Son?’
‘I do! I do!’
‘Do you make over your soul to me for ever?’
‘For ever!’
‘Without reserve or subterfuge216? Without future appeal to the divine mercy?’
The last Chain fell from the door of the prison: The key was heard turning in the Lock: Already the iron door grated heavily upon its rusty217 hinges.
‘I am yours for ever and irrevocably!’ cried the Monk wild with terror: ‘I abandon all claim to salvation! I own no power but yours! Hark! Hark! They come! Oh! save me! Bear me away!’
‘I have triumphed! You are mine past reprieve218, and I fulfil my promise.’
While He spoke, the Door unclosed. Instantly the Daemon grasped one of Ambrosio’s arms, spread his broad pinions219, and sprang with him into the air. The roof opened as they soared upwards220, and closed again when they had quitted the Dungeon.
In the meanwhile, the Gaoler was thrown into the utmost surprize by the disappearance221 of his Prisoner. Though neither He nor the Archers were in time to witness the Monk’s escape, a sulphurous smell prevailing222 through the prison sufficiently informed them by whose aid He had been liberated223. They hastened to make their report to the Grand Inquisitor. The story, how a Sorcerer had been carried away by the Devil, was soon noised about Madrid; and for some days the whole City was employed in discussing the subject. Gradually it ceased to be the topic of conversation: Other adventures arose whose novelty engaged universal attention; and Ambrosio was soon forgotten as totally, as if He never had existed. While this was passing, the Monk supported by his infernal guide, traversed the air with the rapidity of an arrow, and a few moments placed him upon a Precipice224’s brink225, the steepest in Sierra Morena.
Though rescued from the Inquisition, Ambrosio as yet was insensible of the blessings226 of liberty. The damning contract weighed heavy upon his mind; and the scenes in which He had been a principal actor had left behind them such impressions as rendered his heart the seat of anarchy227 and confusion. The Objects now before his eyes, and which the full Moon sailing through clouds permitted him to examine, were ill-calculated to inspire that calm, of which He stood so much in need. The disorder120 of his imagination was increased by the wildness of the surrounding scenery; By the gloomy Caverns and steep rocks, rising above each other, and dividing the passing clouds; solitary clusters of Trees scattered here and there, among whose thick-twined branches the wind of night sighed hoarsely228 and mournfully; the shrill229 cry of mountain Eagles, who had built their nests among these lonely Desarts; the stunning230 roar of torrents231, as swelled232 by late rains they rushed violently down tremendous precipices233; and the dark waters of a silent sluggish234 stream which faintly reflected the moonbeams, and bathed the Rock’s base on which Ambrosio stood. The Abbot cast round him a look of terror. His infernal Conductor was still by his side, and eyed him with a look of mingled malice235, exultation236, and contempt.
‘Whither have you brought me?’ said the Monk at length in an hollow trembling voice: ‘Why am I placed in this melancholy scene? Bear me from it quickly! Carry me to Matilda!’
The Fiend replied not, but continued to gaze upon him in silence.
Ambrosio could not sustain his glance; He turned away his eyes, while thus spoke the Daemon:
‘I have him then in my power! This model of piety237! This being without reproach! This Mortal who placed his puny238 virtues on a level with those of Angels. He is mine! Irrevocably, eternally mine! Companions of my sufferings! Denizens239 of hell! How grateful will be my present!’
He paused; then addressed himself to the Monk —
‘Carry you to Matilda?’ He continued, repeating Ambrosio’s words:
‘Wretch! you shall soon be with her! You well deserve a place near her, for hell boasts no miscreant240 more guilty than yourself.
Hark, Ambrosio, while I unveil your crimes! You have shed the blood of two innocents; Antonia and Elvira perished by your hand. That Antonia whom you violated, was your Sister! That Elvira whom you murdered, gave you birth! Tremble, abandoned Hypocrite! Inhuman155 Parricide241! Incestuous Ravisher! Tremble at the extent of your offences! And you it was who thought yourself proof against temptation, absolved242 from human frailties243, and free from error and vice! Is pride then a virtue122? Is inhumanity no fault? Know, vain Man! That I long have marked you for my prey: I watched the movements of your heart; I saw that you were virtuous from vanity, not principle, and I seized the fit moment of seduction. I observed your blind idolatry of the Madona’s picture. I bad a subordinate but crafty244 spirit assume a similar form, and you eagerly yielded to the blandishments of Matilda. Your pride was gratified by her flattery; Your lust only needed an opportunity to break forth245; You ran into the snare246 blindly, and scrupled247 not to commit a crime which you blamed in another with unfeeling severity. It was I who threw Matilda in your way; It was I who gave you entrance to Antonia’s chamber; It was I who caused the dagger to be given you which pierced your Sister’s bosom; and it was I who warned Elvira in dreams of your designs upon her Daughter, and thus, by preventing your profiting by her sleep, compelled you to add rape as well as incest to the catalogue of your crimes. Hear, hear, Ambrosio! Had you resisted me one minute longer, you had saved your body and soul. The guards whom you heard at your prison door came to signify your pardon. But I had already triumphed: My plots had already succeeded. Scarcely could I propose crimes so quick as you performed them. You are mine, and Heaven itself cannot rescue you from my power. Hope not that your penitence will make void our contract. Here is your bond signed with your blood; You have given up your claim to mercy, and nothing can restore to you the rights which you have foolishly resigned. Believe you that your secret thoughts escaped me? No, no, I read them all! You trusted that you should still have time for repentance249. I saw your artifice250, knew its falsity, and rejoiced in deceiving the deceiver! You are mine beyond reprieve: I burn to possess my right, and alive you quit not these mountains.’
During the Daemon’s speech, Ambrosio had been stupefied by terror and surprize. This last declaration rouzed him.
‘Not quit these mountains alive?’ He exclaimed: ‘Perfidious, what mean you? Have you forgotten our contract?’
The Fiend answered by a malicious laugh:
‘Our contract? Have I not performed my part? What more did I promise than to save you from your prison? Have I not done so? Are you not safe from the Inquisition — safe from all but from me? Fool that you were to confide11 yourself to a Devil! Why did you not stipulate251 for life, and power, and pleasure? Then all would have been granted: Now, your reflections come too late. Miscreant, prepare for death; You have not many hours to live!’
On hearing this sentence, dreadful were the feelings of the devoted252 Wretch! He sank upon his knees, and raised his hands towards heaven. The Fiend read his intention and prevented it —
‘What?’ He cried, darting at him a look of fury: ‘Dare you still implore253 the Eternal’s mercy? Would you feign254 penitence, and again act an Hypocrite’s part? Villain19, resign your hopes of pardon. Thus I secure my prey!’
As He said this, darting his talons into the Monk’s shaven crown, He sprang with him from the rock. The Caves and mountains rang with Ambrosio’s shrieks. The Daemon continued to soar aloft, till reaching a dreadful height, He released the sufferer. Headlong fell the Monk through the airy waste; The sharp point of a rock received him; and He rolled from precipice to precipice, till bruised255 and mangled256 He rested on the river’s banks. Life still existed in his miserable frame: He attempted in vain to raise himself; His broken and dislocated limbs refused to perform their office, nor was He able to quit the spot where He had first fallen. The Sun now rose above the horizon; Its scorching257 beams darted258 full upon the head of the expiring Sinner. Myriads259 of insects were called forth by the warmth; They drank the blood which trickled260 from Ambrosio’s wounds; He had no power to drive them from him, and they fastened upon his sores, darted their stings into his body, covered him with their multitudes, and inflicted on him tortures the most exquisite and insupportable. The Eagles of the rock tore his flesh piecemeal261, and dug out his eyeballs with their crooked262 beaks263. A burning thirst tormented264 him; He heard the river’s murmur205 as it rolled beside him, but strove in vain to drag himself towards the sound. Blind, maimed, helpless, and despairing, venting248 his rage in blasphemy and curses, execrating265 his existence, yet dreading the arrival of death destined266 to yield him up to greater torments, six miserable days did the Villain languish267. On the Seventh a violent storm arose: The winds in fury rent up rocks and forests: The sky was now black with clouds, now sheeted with fire: The rain fell in torrents; It swelled the stream; The waves overflowed268 their banks; They reached the spot where Ambrosio lay, and when they abated269 carried with them into the river the Corse of the despairing Monk.
The End
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1
bower
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| n.凉亭，树荫下凉快之处；闺房；v.荫蔽 | |
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2
rancor
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| n.深仇，积怨 | |
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3
foe
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| n.敌人，仇敌 | |
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4
consternation
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| n.大为吃惊，惊骇 | |
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5
amazement
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| n.惊奇，惊讶 | |
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6
archer
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| n.射手，弓箭手 | |
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7
ascertain
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| vt.发现，确定，查明，弄清 | |
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8
brotherhood
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| n.兄弟般的关系，手中情谊 | |
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9
monks
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| n.修道士，僧侣( monk的名词复数 ) | |
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monk
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| n.和尚，僧侣，修道士 | |
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11
confide
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| v.向某人吐露秘密 | |
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12
guilt
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| n.犯罪；内疚；过失，罪责 | |
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13
vociferous
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| adj.喧哗的，大叫大嚷的 | |
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14
condemnation
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| n.谴责; 定罪 | |
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15
innocence
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| n.无罪；天真；无害 | |
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16
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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17
pangs
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| 突然的剧痛( pang的名词复数 )； 悲痛 | |
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18
pang
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| n.剧痛，悲痛，苦闷 | |
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19
villain
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| n.反派演员，反面人物；恶棍；问题的起因 | |
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20
impending
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| a.imminent, about to come or happen | |
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21
eminence
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| n.卓越，显赫；高地，高处；名家 | |
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22
envisage
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| v.想象，设想，展望，正视 | |
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23
virtuous
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| adj.有品德的，善良的，贞洁的，有效力的 | |
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24
reverence
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| n.敬畏，尊敬，尊严；Reverence:对某些基督教神职人员的尊称；v.尊敬，敬畏，崇敬 | |
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25
loathed
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| v.憎恨，厌恶( loathe的过去式和过去分词 )；极不喜欢 | |
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26
monstrous
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| adj.巨大的；恐怖的；可耻的，丢脸的 | |
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27
execration
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| n.诅咒，念咒，憎恶 | |
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28
doom
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| n.厄运，劫数；v.注定，命定 | |
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29
doomed
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| 命定的 | |
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30
dagger
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| n.匕首，短剑，剑号 | |
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31
concealed
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| a.隐藏的，隐蔽的 | |
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32
sufficiently
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| adv.足够地，充分地 | |
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33
distress
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| n.苦恼，痛苦，不舒适；不幸；vt.使悲痛 | |
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34
fortitude
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| n.坚忍不拔；刚毅 | |
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35
recollected
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| adj.冷静的；镇定的；被回忆起的；沉思默想的v.记起，想起( recollect的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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36
shuddering
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| v.战栗( shudder的现在分词 )；发抖；（机器、车辆等）突然震动；颤动 | |
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37
anguish
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| n.(尤指心灵上的)极度痛苦，烦恼 | |
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38
anguished
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| adj.极其痛苦的v.使极度痛苦(anguish的过去式) | |
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39
dread
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| vt.担忧，忧虑；惧怕，不敢；n.担忧，畏惧 | |
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40
dreading
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| v.害怕，恐惧，担心( dread的现在分词 ) | |
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41
spacious
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| adj.广阔的，宽敞的 | |
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42
rave
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| vi.胡言乱语；热衷谈论；n.热情赞扬 | |
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43
implements
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| n.工具( implement的名词复数 )；家具；手段；[法律]履行（契约等）v.实现( implement的第三人称单数 )；执行；贯彻；使生效 | |
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44
beckoned
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| v.（用头或手的动作）示意，召唤( beckon的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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45
downwards
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| adj./adv.向下的（地），下行的（地） | |
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46
scattered
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| adj.分散的，稀疏的；散步的；疏疏落落的 | |
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47
apprehension
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| n.理解，领悟；逮捕，拘捕；忧虑 | |
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48
immediate
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| adj.立即的；直接的，最接近的；紧靠的 | |
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49
poignant
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| adj.令人痛苦的，辛酸的，惨痛的 | |
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50
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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51
accusation
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| n.控告，指责，谴责 | |
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52
confession
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| n.自白，供认，承认 | |
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53
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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54
avow
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| v.承认，公开宣称 | |
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55
culpable
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| adj.有罪的，该受谴责的 | |
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56
perseverance
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| n.坚持不懈，不屈不挠 | |
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57
exhausted
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| adj.极其疲惫的，精疲力尽的 | |
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58
auto
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| n.(=automobile)(口语)汽车 | |
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59
distinguished
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| adj.卓越的，杰出的，著名的 | |
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60
testimony
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| n.证词；见证，证明 | |
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61
rape
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| n.抢夺，掠夺，强奸；vt.掠夺，抢夺，强奸 | |
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62
accomplice
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| n.从犯，帮凶，同谋 | |
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63
assassination
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| n.暗杀；暗杀事件 | |
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64
justified
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| a.正当的，有理的 | |
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65
chamber
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| n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所 | |
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66
engraved
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| v.在（硬物）上雕刻（字，画等）( engrave的过去式和过去分词 )；将某事物深深印在（记忆或头脑中） | |
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67
raved
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| v.胡言乱语( rave的过去式和过去分词 )；愤怒地说；咆哮；痴心地说 | |
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68
entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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69
witchcraft
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| n.魔法，巫术 | |
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70
determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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71
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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72
consign
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| vt.寄售（货品），托运，交托，委托 | |
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73
torments
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| （肉体或精神上的）折磨，痛苦( torment的名词复数 )； 造成痛苦的事物[人] | |
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74
resolute
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| adj.坚决的，果敢的 | |
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75
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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76
exhorted
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| v.劝告，劝说( exhort的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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77
avowal
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| n.公开宣称，坦白承认 | |
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78
deserted
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| adj.荒芜的，荒废的，无人的，被遗弃的 | |
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79
perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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80
obstinate
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| adj.顽固的，倔强的，不易屈服的，较难治愈的 | |
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81
expiate
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| v.抵补，赎罪 | |
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82
entreaties
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| n.恳求，乞求( entreaty的名词复数 ) | |
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83
procure
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| vt.获得，取得，促成；vi.拉皮条 | |
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84
dungeon
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| n.地牢，土牢 | |
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85
mashed
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| a.捣烂的 | |
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86
agitation
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| n.搅动；搅拌；鼓动，煽动 | |
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87
vehemence
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| n.热切；激烈；愤怒 | |
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88
bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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89
condemning
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| v.（通常因道义上的原因而）谴责( condemn的现在分词 )；宣判；宣布…不能使用；迫使…陷于不幸的境地 | |
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90
applied
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| adj.应用的；v.应用，适用 | |
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91
rend
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| vt.把…撕开，割裂；把…揪下来，强行夺取 | |
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92
irresolute
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| adj.无决断的，优柔寡断的，踌躇不定的 | |
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93
inevitable
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| adj.不可避免的，必然发生的 | |
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94
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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95
vengeance
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| n.报复，报仇，复仇 | |
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96
labyrinth
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| n.迷宫；难解的事物；迷路 | |
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97
atheism
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| n.无神论，不信神 | |
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98
immortality
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| n.不死，不朽 | |
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99
annihilate
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| v.使无效；毁灭；取消 | |
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100
distraction
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| n.精神涣散，精神不集中，消遣，娱乐 | |
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101
dispelled
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| v.驱散，赶跑( dispel的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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102
irresistible
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| adj.非常诱人的，无法拒绝的，无法抗拒的 | |
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103
infinity
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| n.无限，无穷，大量 | |
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104
vice
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| n.坏事；恶习；[pl.]台钳，老虎钳；adj.副的 | |
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105
computed
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| adj.[医]计算的，使用计算机的v.计算，估算( compute的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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106
scruple
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| n./v.顾忌，迟疑 | |
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107
humbling
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|
| adj.令人羞辱的v.使谦恭( humble的现在分词 )；轻松打败（尤指强大的对手）；低声下气 | |
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108
penitence
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| n.忏悔，赎罪；悔过 | |
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109
deploring
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| v.悲叹，痛惜，强烈反对( deplore的现在分词 ) | |
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110
wrath
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| n.愤怒，愤慨，暴怒 | |
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111
exhaled
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| v.呼出，发散出( exhale的过去式和过去分词 )；吐出（肺中的空气、烟等），呼气 | |
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112
bosom
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| n.胸，胸部；胸怀；内心；adj.亲密的 | |
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113
blasphemy
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| n.亵渎，渎神 | |
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114
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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115
despondent
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| adj.失望的，沮丧的，泄气的 | |
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116
caverns
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| 大山洞，大洞穴( cavern的名词复数 ) | |
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117
dismal
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| adj.阴沉的，凄凉的，令人忧郁的，差劲的 | |
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118
inflict
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| vt.(on)把…强加给，使遭受，使承担 | |
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119
repose
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| v.(使)休息；n.安息 | |
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120
disorder
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| n.紊乱，混乱；骚动，骚乱；疾病，失调 | |
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121
virtues
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| 美德( virtue的名词复数 )； 德行； 优点； 长处 | |
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122
virtue
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| n.德行，美德；贞操；优点；功效，效力 | |
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123
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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124
profusion
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| n.挥霍；丰富 | |
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125
countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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126
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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127
majesty
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| n.雄伟，壮丽，庄严，威严；最高权威，王权 | |
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128
awe
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| n.敬畏，惊惧；vt.使敬畏，使惊惧 | |
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129
dungeons
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| n.地牢( dungeon的名词复数 ) | |
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130
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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131
renounce
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| v.放弃；拒绝承认，宣布与…断绝关系 | |
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132
enlisted
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| adj.应募入伍的v.（使）入伍， （使）参军( enlist的过去式和过去分词 )；获得（帮助或支持） | |
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133
foes
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| 敌人，仇敌( foe的名词复数 ) | |
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134
exasperated
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| adj.恼怒的 | |
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135
infamy
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| n.声名狼藉，出丑，恶行 | |
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136
exult
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| v.狂喜，欢腾；欢欣鼓舞 | |
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137
procuring
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| v.（努力）取得， （设法）获得( procure的现在分词 )；拉皮条 | |
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138
bliss
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| n.狂喜，福佑，天赐的福 | |
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139
refinement
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| n.文雅；高尚；精美；精制；精炼 | |
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140
voluptuousness
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| n.风骚，体态丰满 | |
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141
satiety
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| n.饱和；(市场的)充分供应 | |
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142
stimulate
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| vt.刺激，使兴奋；激励，使…振奋 | |
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143
glutted
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| v.吃得过多( glut的过去式和过去分词 )；（对胃口、欲望等）纵情满足；使厌腻；塞满 | |
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144
dominion
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| n.统治，管辖，支配权；领土，版图 | |
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145
abhorred
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| v.憎恶( abhor的过去式和过去分词 )；（厌恶地）回避；拒绝；淘汰 | |
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146
abode
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| n.住处，住所 | |
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147
mutual
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| adj.相互的，彼此的；共同的，共有的 | |
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148
salvation
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| n.（尤指基督）救世，超度，拯救，解困 | |
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149
wretch
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| n.可怜的人，不幸的人；卑鄙的人 | |
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150
exquisite
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| adj.精美的；敏锐的；剧烈的，感觉强烈的 | |
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151
fiery
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| adj.燃烧着的，火红的；暴躁的；激烈的 | |
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152
beguiled
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|
| v.欺骗( beguile的过去式和过去分词 )；使陶醉；使高兴；消磨（时间等） | |
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153
lust
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| n.性(淫)欲；渴(欲)望；vi.对…有强烈的欲望 | |
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154
perjury
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| n.伪证；伪证罪 | |
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155
inhuman
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| adj.残忍的，不人道的，无人性的 | |
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156
hypocrisy
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| n.伪善，虚伪 | |
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157
prudent
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|
| adj.谨慎的，有远见的，精打细算的 | |
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158
nought
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| n.／adj.无，零 | |
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159
devouring
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|
| 吞没( devour的现在分词 )； 耗尽； 津津有味地看； 狼吞虎咽地吃光 | |
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160
plunge
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| v.跳入，(使)投入，(使)陷入；猛冲 | |
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161
shun
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| vt.避开，回避，避免 | |
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162
conjure
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| v.恳求，祈求；变魔术，变戏法 | |
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163
abodes
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| 住所( abode的名词复数 )； 公寓； （在某地的）暂住； 逗留 | |
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164
boon
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| n.恩赐，恩物，恩惠 | |
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165
bestow
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| v.把…赠与，把…授予；花费 | |
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166
obstinacy
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|
| n.顽固；（病痛等）难治 | |
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167
repent
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| v.悔悟，悔改，忏悔，后悔 | |
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168
backwards
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|
| adv.往回地，向原处，倒，相反，前后倒置地 | |
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169
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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170
momentary
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| adj.片刻的，瞬息的；短暂的 | |
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171
solitary
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| adj.孤独的，独立的，荒凉的；n.隐士 | |
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172
stupor
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| v.昏迷；不省人事 | |
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173
interrogated
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|
| v.询问( interrogate的过去式和过去分词 )；审问；（在计算机或其他机器上）查询 | |
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174
inflicted
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| 把…强加给，使承受，遭受( inflict的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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175
delirious
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|
| adj.不省人事的，神智昏迷的 | |
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176
wrung
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| 绞( wring的过去式和过去分词 )； 握紧（尤指别人的手）； 把（湿衣服）拧干； 绞掉（水） | |
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177
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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178
behold
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| v.看，注视，看到 | |
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179
contrived
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|
| adj.不自然的，做作的；虚构的 | |
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180
talons
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| n.（尤指猛禽的）爪( talon的名词复数 )；（如爪般的）手指；爪状物；锁簧尖状突出部 | |
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181
sable
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| n.黑貂；adj.黑色的 | |
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182
frightful
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|
| adj.可怕的；讨厌的 | |
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183
apparition
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| n.幽灵，神奇的现象 | |
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184
utterance
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| n.用言语表达，话语，言语 | |
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185
reigned
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| vi.当政，统治（reign的过去式形式） | |
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186
hoarseness
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| n.嘶哑， 刺耳 | |
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187
appalling
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| adj.骇人听闻的，令人震惊的，可怕的 | |
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188
condemned
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| adj. 被责难的, 被宣告有罪的 动词condemn的过去式和过去分词 | |
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189
miserable
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| adj.悲惨的，痛苦的；可怜的，糟糕的 | |
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190
infamous
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| adj.声名狼藉的，臭名昭著的，邪恶的 | |
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191
penitent
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|
| adj.后悔的；n.后悔者；忏悔者 | |
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192
chastisement
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| n.惩罚 | |
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193
purgatory
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| n.炼狱；苦难；adj.净化的，清洗的 | |
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194
superstitious
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| adj.迷信的 | |
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195
defrauded
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| v.诈取，骗取( defraud的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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196
vein
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| n.血管，静脉；叶脉，纹理；情绪；vt.使成脉络 | |
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197
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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198
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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199
resounded
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| v.（指声音等）回荡于某处( resound的过去式和过去分词 )；产生回响；（指某处）回荡着声音 | |
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200
shrieks
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| n.尖叫声( shriek的名词复数 )v.尖叫( shriek的第三人称单数 ) | |
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201
vigour
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| （=vigor）n.智力，体力，精力 | |
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202
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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203
eternity
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| n.不朽，来世；永恒，无穷 | |
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204
veins
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| n.纹理；矿脉( vein的名词复数 )；静脉；叶脉；纹理 | |
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205
murmur
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| n.低语，低声的怨言；v.低语，低声而言 | |
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206
archers
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| n.弓箭手，射箭运动员( archer的名词复数 ) | |
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207
toll
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| n.过路(桥)费；损失，伤亡人数；v.敲(钟) | |
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208
exulting
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| vi. 欢欣鼓舞，狂喜 | |
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209
bloody
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| adj.非常的的；流血的；残忍的；adv.很；vt.血染 | |
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210
puerile
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| adj.幼稚的，儿童的 | |
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211
folly
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| n.愚笨，愚蠢，蠢事，蠢行，傻话 | |
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212
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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213
rattling
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| adj. 格格作响的, 活泼的, 很好的 adv. 极其, 很, 非常 动词rattle的现在分词 | |
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214
malicious
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| adj.有恶意的，心怀恶意的 | |
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215
rapture
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| n.狂喜；全神贯注；着迷；v.使狂喜 | |
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216
subterfuge
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| n.诡计；藉口 | |
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217
rusty
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| adj.生锈的；锈色的；荒废了的 | |
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218
reprieve
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| n.暂缓执行（死刑）；v.缓期执行；给…带来缓解 | |
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219
pinions
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| v.抓住[捆住]（双臂）( pinion的第三人称单数 ) | |
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upwards
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| adv.向上，在更高处...以上 | |
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disappearance
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| n.消失，消散，失踪 | |
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prevailing
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| adj.盛行的；占优势的；主要的 | |
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liberated
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| a.无拘束的，放纵的 | |
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precipice
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| n.悬崖，危急的处境 | |
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brink
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| n.(悬崖、河流等的)边缘，边沿 | |
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blessings
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| n.（上帝的）祝福( blessing的名词复数 )；好事；福分；因祸得福 | |
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anarchy
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| n.无政府状态；社会秩序混乱，无秩序 | |
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hoarsely
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| adv.嘶哑地 | |
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shrill
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| adj.尖声的；刺耳的；v尖叫 | |
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stunning
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| adj.极好的；使人晕倒的 | |
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torrents
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| n.倾注；奔流( torrent的名词复数 )；急流；爆发；连续不断 | |
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swelled
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| 增强( swell的过去式和过去分词 )； 肿胀； （使）凸出； 充满（激情） | |
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precipices
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| n.悬崖，峭壁( precipice的名词复数 ) | |
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sluggish
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| adj.懒惰的，迟钝的，无精打采的 | |
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malice
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| n.恶意，怨恨，蓄意；[律]预谋 | |
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exultation
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| n.狂喜，得意 | |
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piety
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| n.虔诚，虔敬 | |
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puny
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| adj.微不足道的，弱小的 | |
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denizens
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| n.居民，住户( denizen的名词复数 ) | |
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miscreant
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| n.恶棍 | |
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parricide
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| n.杀父母；杀亲罪 | |
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absolved
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| 宣告…无罪，赦免…的罪行，宽恕…的罪行( absolve的过去式和过去分词 )； 不受责难，免除责任 [义务] ,开脱（罪责） | |
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frailties
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| n.脆弱( frailty的名词复数 )；虚弱；（性格或行为上的）弱点；缺点 | |
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crafty
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| adj.狡猾的，诡诈的 | |
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forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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snare
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| n.陷阱，诱惑，圈套；（去除息肉或者肿瘤的）勒除器；响弦，小军鼓；vt.以陷阱捕获，诱惑 | |
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scrupled
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| v.感到于心不安，有顾忌( scruple的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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venting
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| 消除； 泄去； 排去； 通风 | |
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repentance
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| n.懊悔 | |
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artifice
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| n.妙计，高明的手段；狡诈，诡计 | |
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stipulate
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| vt.规定，（作为条件）讲定，保证 | |
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devoted
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| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
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implore
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| vt.乞求，恳求，哀求 | |
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feign
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| vt.假装，佯作 | |
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bruised
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| [医]青肿的，瘀紫的 | |
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mangled
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| vt.乱砍（mangle的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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scorching
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| adj. 灼热的 | |
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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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myriads
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| n.无数，极大数量( myriad的名词复数 ) | |
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trickled
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| v.滴( trickle的过去式和过去分词 )；淌；使)慢慢走；缓慢移动 | |
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piecemeal
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| adj.零碎的；n.片，块；adv.逐渐地；v.弄成碎块 | |
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crooked
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| adj.弯曲的；不诚实的，狡猾的，不正当的 | |
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beaks
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| n.鸟嘴( beak的名词复数 )；鹰钩嘴；尖鼻子；掌权者 | |
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tormented
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| 饱受折磨的 | |
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execrating
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| v.憎恶( execrate的现在分词 )；厌恶；诅咒；咒骂 | |
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destined
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| adj.命中注定的；(for)以…为目的地的 | |
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languish
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| vi.变得衰弱无力，失去活力，（植物等）凋萎 | |
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overflowed
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| 溢出的 | |
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abated
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| 减少( abate的过去式和过去分词 )； 减去； 降价； 撤消（诉讼） | |
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