The two Travellers arriv’d that Evening at a superb Castle. The Hermit begg’d for an hospitable16 Reception of himself and his young Comrade. The Porter, whom any One might have taken for some Grandee17, let them in, but with a kind of Coldness and Contempt. However, he conducted them to the Head–Steward, who went with them thro’ every rich Apartment of his Master’s House. They were seated at Supper afterwards at the lower End, indeed, of the Table, and where they were taken little or no Notice of by the Host; but they were serv’d with as much Delicacy18 and Profusion19, as any of the other Guests. When they arose from Table, they wash’d their Hands in a Golden Bason set with Emeralds, and other costly20 Stones. When ’twas Time to go to Rest, they were conducted into a Bed-chamber richly furnish’d; and the next Morning two Pieces of Gold were presented to him for their mutual21 Service, by a Valet in waiting; and then they were dismiss’d.
The Proprietor22 of this Castle, said Zadig, as they were upon the Road, seems to me to be a very hospitable Gentleman; tho’ somewhat too haughty23 indeed, and too imperious: The Words were no sooner out of his Mouth, but he perceiv’d that the Pocket of his Comrade’s Garment, tho’ very large, was swell24’d, and greatly extended: He soon saw what was the Cause, and that he had clandestinely25 brought off the Golden Laver. He durst not immediately take Notice of the Fact; but was ready to sink at the very Thoughts on’t. About Noon, the Hermit rapp’d at a petty Cottage with his Staff, the beggarly Residence of an old, rich Miser26. He desir’d that he and his Companion might refresh themselves there for a few Hours. An old, shabby Domestick let them in indeed, but with visible Reluctance27, and carried them into the Stable, where all their Fare was a few musty Olives, and a Draught28 or two of sower small Beer. The Hermit seem’d as content with his Repast, as he was the Night before. At last, rising off from his Seat, he paid his Compliments to the old Valet (who had as watchful29 an Eye over them all the Time, as if they had been a Brace30 of Thieves, and intimated every now and then that he fear’d they would be benighted) and gave him the two Pieces of Gold, he had but just receiv’d that Morning, as a Token of his Gratitude31 for his courteous32 Entertainment. He added moreover, I would willingly speak one Word with your Master before I go. The Valet, thunder-struck at his unexpected Gratuity33, comply’d with his Request: Most hospitable Sir, said the Hermit, I couldn’t go away without returning you my grateful Acknowledgments for the friendly Reception we have met with this Afternoon. Be pleas’d to accept this Golden Bason as a small Token of my Gratitude and Esteem34. The Miser started, and was ready to fall down backwards35 at the Sight of so valuable a Present. The Hermit gave him no Time to recover out of his Surprise, but march’d off that Moment with his young Comrade. Father, said Zadig, What is all this that I have seen? You seem to me to act in a quite different Manner from the Generality of Mankind. You plunder36 One, who entertain’d you with all the Pomp and Profusion in the World, to enrich a covetous37, sordid38 Wretch39, who treated you in the most unworthy Manner. Son, said the old Man, that Grandee, who receives Visits of Strangers, with no other View than to gratify his Pride, and to raise their Astonishment40 at the Furniture of his Palace, will henceforward learn to be wiser; and the Miser to be more liberal for the Time to come. Don’t be surpris’d, but follow me. Zadig was at a stand at present; and couldn’t well determine whether his Companion was a Man of greater Wisdom than ordinary, or a Mad-man. But the Hermit assum’d such an Ascendency over him, exclusive of the Oath he had taken, that he couldn’t tell how to leave him. At Night they came to a House very commodiously41 built, but neat and plain; where nothing was wanting, and yet nothing profuse43. The Master was a Philosopher, that had retir’d from the busy World, in order to live in Peace, and form his Mind to Virtue. He was pleas’d to build this little Box for the Reception of Strangers, in a handsome Manner, but without Ostentation44. He came in Person to meet them at the Door, and for a Time, advis’d them to sit down and rest themselves in a commodious42 Apartment. After some Respite45, he invited them to a frugal46, yet elegant Repast; during which, he talk’d very intelligently about the late Revolutions in Babylon. He seem’d entirely47 to be in the Queen’s Interest, and heartily48 wish’d that Zadig had entred the Lists for the regal Prize: But Babylon, said he, don’t deserve a King of so much Merit. A modest Blush appear’d in Zadig’s Face at this unexpected Compliment, which innocently aggravated49 his Misfortunes. It was agreed, on all Hands, that the Affairs of this World took sometimes a quite different Turn from what the wisest Patriots50 would wish them. The Hermit replied, the Ways of Providence51 are often very intricate and obscure, and Men were much to blame for casting Reflections on the Conduct of the Whole, upon the bare Inspection52 of the minutest Part.
The next Topick they entred upon was the Passions. Alas! said Zadig, how fatal in their Consequences! However, said the Hermit, they are the Winds that swell the Sail of the Vessel53. Sometimes, ’tis true, they overset it; but there is no such Thing as sailing without them. Phlegm, indeed, makes Men peevish54 and sick; but then there is no living without it. Tho’ every Thing here below is dangerous, yet All are necessary.
In the next Place, their Discourse55 turn’d on sensual Pleasures; and the Hermit demonstrated, that they were the Gifts of Heaven; for, said he, Man cannot bestow56 either Sensations or Ideas on himself; he receives them all; his Pain and Pleasure, as well as his Being, proceed from a superior Cause.
Zadig stood astonish’d, to think how a Man that had committed such vile57 Actions, could argue so well on such Moral Topicks. At the proper Hour, after an Entertainment, not only instructive, but ev’ry way agreeable, their Host conducted them to their Bed-chamber, thanking Heaven for directing two such polite and virtuous58 Strangers to his House. He offer’d them at the same Time some Silver, to defray their Expences on the Road; but with such an Air of Respect and Benevolence, that ’twas impossible to give the least Disgust. The Hermit, however, refus’d it, and took his leave, as he propos’d to set forward for Babylon by Break of Day. Their Parting was very affectionate and friendly; Zadig, in particular, express’d a more than common Regard for a Man of so amiable59 a Behaviour. When the Hermit and he were alone, and preparing for Bed, they talk’d long in Praise of their new Host. As soon as Day-light appear’d, the old Hermit wak’d his young Comrade. ’Tis Time to be gone, said he; but as all the House are fast asleep, I’ll leave a Token behind me of my Respect and Affection for the Master of it. No sooner were the Words out of his Mouth, but he struck a Light, kindled60 a Torch, and set the Building in a Flame: Zadig, in the utmost Confusion, shriek’d out, and would, if possible, have prevented him from being guilty of such a monstrous61 Act of Ingratitude62. The Hermit dragg’d him away, by a superior Force. The House was soon in a Blaze: When they had got at a convenient Distance, the Hermit, with an amazing Sedateness63, turn’d back and survey’d the destructive Flames. Behold64, said he, our fortunate Friend! In the Ruins, he will find an immense Treasure, that will enable him, from henceforth, to exert his Beneficence, and render his Virtues65 more and more conspicuous66. Zadig, tho’ astonish’d to the last Degree, attended him to their last Stage, which was to the Cottage of a very virtuous and well-dispos’d Widow, who had a Nephew of about fourteen Years of Age. He was a hopeful Youth, and the Darling of her Heart. She entertain’d her two Guests with the best Provisions her little House afforded. In the Morning she order’d her Nephew to attend them to an adjacent Bridge, which, having been broken down some few Days before, render’d the Passage dangerous to Strangers.
The Lad, being very attentive67 to wait on them, went formost. When they were got upon the Bridge; come hither, my pretty Boy, said the Hermit, I must give your Aunt some small Token of my Respect for her last Night’s Favours. Upon that, he twisted his Fingers in the Hair of his Head, and threw him, very calmly, into the River. Down went the little Lad; he came up once again to the Surface of the Water; but was soon lost in the rapid Stream. O thou Monster! thou worst of Villains68, cry’d Zadig! Didn’t you promise, said the Hermit, to view my Conduct with Patience? Know then, that had that Boy liv’d but one Year longer, he would have murder’d his Foster–Mother. Who told you so, you barbarous Wretch, said Zadig? And when did you read that inhuman69 Event in your Black–Book of Fate? Who gave you Permission pray, to drown so innocent a Youth, that had never disoblig’d you?
No sooner had our young Babylonian ceas’d his severe Reflections, but he perceiv’d that the old Hermit’s long Beard grew shorter and shorter; that the Furrows70 in his Face began to fill up, and that his Cheeks glow’d with a Rose-coloured Red, as if he had been in the Bloom of Fifteen. His Mantle71 was vanish’d at once; and on his Shoulders, which were before cover’d, appear’d four angelic Wings, each refulgent72 as the Sun. O thou Messenger of Heaven! O thou angelic Form! cry’d Zadig, and fell prostrate73 at his Feet; thou art descended from the Empireum, I find, to instruct such a poor frail13 Mortal as I am, how to submit to the Mysteries of Fate. Mankind in general, said the Angel Jesrad, judge of the Whole, by only viewing the hither Link of the Chain. Thou, of all the human Race, wast the only Man that deserv’d to have thy Mind enlighten’d. Zadig, begg’d Leave to speak. I am somewhat diffident of myself, ’tis true; but may I presume, Sir, to beg the Solution of one Scruple74? Would it not have been better to have chastiz’d the Lad, and by that Means reform’d him, than to have cut him off thus unprepar’d in a Moment. Jesrad, replied, had he been virtuous, and had he liv’d, ’twas his Fate not only to be murder’d himself, but his Wife, whom he would afterwards have married, and the little Infant, that was to have been the Pledge of their mutual Affection. Is it necessary then, venerable Guide, that there should be Wickedness and Misfortunes in the World, and that those Misfortunes should fall with Weight on the Heads of the Righteous? The Wicked, replied Jesrad, are always unhappy. Misfortunes are intended only as a Touch-stone, to try a small Number of the Just, who are thinly scatter’d about this terrestrial Globe: Besides, there is no Evil under the Sun, but some Good proceeds from it: But, said Zadig, Suppose the World was all Goodness, and there was no such Thing in Nature as Evil. Then, that World of yours, said Jesrad, would be another World; the Chain of Events would be another Wisdom; and that other Order, which would be perfect, must of Necessity be the everlasting75 Residence of the supreme76 Being, whom no Evil can approach. That great and first Cause has created an infinite Number of Worlds, and no two of them alike. This vast Variety is an Attribute of his Omnipotence77. There are not two Leaves on the Trees throughout the Universe, nor any two Globes of Light amongst the Myriad78 of Stars that deck the infinite Expanse of Heaven, which are perfectly79 alike. And whatever you see on that small Atom of Earth, whereof you are a Native, must exist in the Place, and at the Time appointed, according to the immutable80 Decrees of him who comprehends the Whole. Mankind imagine, that the Lad, whom I plung’d into the River, was drown’d by Chance; and that our generous Benefactor’s House was reduc’d to Ashes by the same Chance; but know, there is no such Thing as Chance, all Misfortunes are intended, either as severe Trials, Judgments81, or Rewards; and are the Result of Foreknowledge. You remember, Sir, the poor Fisherman in Despair, that thought himself the most unhappy Mortal breathing. The great Orasmades, sent you to amend82 his Situation. Frail Mortal! Cease to contend with what you ought to adore. But, said Zadig — whilst the Sound of the Word But dwelt upon his Tongue, the Angel took his Flight towards the tenth Sphere. Zadig sunk down upon his Knees, and acknowledg’d an over-ruling Providence with all the Marks of the profoundest Submission83. The Angel, as he was soaring towards the Clouds, cried out in distinct Accents; Make thy Way towards Babylon.
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收听单词发音
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1
hermit
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| n.隐士，修道者；隐居 | |
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descended
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| a.为...后裔的，出身于...的 | |
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majesty
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| n.雄伟，壮丽，庄严，威严；最高权威，王权 | |
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benevolence
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| n.慈悲，捐助 | |
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converse
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| vi.谈话，谈天，闲聊；adv.相反的，相反 | |
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treatise
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| n.专著；(专题)论文 | |
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alas
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| int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等) | |
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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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consolation
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| n.安慰，慰问 | |
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afflicted
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| 使受痛苦，折磨( afflict的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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conversing
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| v.交谈，谈话( converse的现在分词 ) | |
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frailty
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| n.脆弱；意志薄弱 | |
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frail
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| adj.身体虚弱的；易损坏的 | |
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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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invincible
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| adj.不可征服的，难以制服的 | |
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hospitable
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| adj.好客的；宽容的；有利的，适宜的 | |
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grandee
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| n.贵族；大公 | |
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delicacy
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| n.精致，细微，微妙，精良；美味，佳肴 | |
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profusion
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| n.挥霍；丰富 | |
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costly
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| adj.昂贵的，价值高的，豪华的 | |
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mutual
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| adj.相互的，彼此的；共同的，共有的 | |
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proprietor
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| n.所有人；业主；经营者 | |
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haughty
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| adj.傲慢的，高傲的 | |
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swell
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| vi.膨胀，肿胀；增长，增强 | |
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clandestinely
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| adv.秘密地，暗中地 | |
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miser
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| n.守财奴，吝啬鬼 (adj.miserly) | |
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reluctance
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| n.厌恶，讨厌，勉强，不情愿 | |
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draught
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| n.拉，牵引，拖；一网（饮，吸，阵)；顿服药量，通风；v.起草，设计 | |
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watchful
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| adj.注意的，警惕的 | |
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brace
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| n. 支柱,曲柄,大括号; v. 绷紧,顶住,(为困难或坏事)做准备 | |
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gratitude
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| adj.感激，感谢 | |
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courteous
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| adj.彬彬有礼的，客气的 | |
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gratuity
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| n.赏钱，小费 | |
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esteem
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| n.尊敬，尊重；vt.尊重，敬重；把…看作 | |
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backwards
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| adv.往回地，向原处，倒，相反，前后倒置地 | |
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plunder
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| vt.劫掠财物，掠夺；n.劫掠物，赃物；劫掠 | |
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covetous
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| adj.贪婪的，贪心的 | |
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sordid
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| adj.肮脏的，不干净的，卑鄙的，暗淡的 | |
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wretch
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| n.可怜的人，不幸的人；卑鄙的人 | |
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astonishment
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| n.惊奇，惊异 | |
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commodiously
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| adv.宽阔地，方便地 | |
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commodious
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| adj.宽敞的；使用方便的 | |
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profuse
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| adj.很多的，大量的，极其丰富的 | |
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ostentation
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| n.夸耀，卖弄 | |
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respite
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| n.休息，中止，暂缓 | |
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frugal
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| adj.节俭的，节约的，少量的，微量的 | |
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entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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heartily
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| adv.衷心地，诚恳地，十分，很 | |
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aggravated
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| 使恶化( aggravate的过去式和过去分词 )； 使更严重； 激怒； 使恼火 | |
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patriots
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| 爱国者，爱国主义者( patriot的名词复数 ) | |
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providence
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| n.深谋远虑，天道，天意；远见；节约；上帝 | |
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inspection
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| n.检查，审查，检阅 | |
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vessel
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| n.船舶；容器，器皿；管，导管，血管 | |
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peevish
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| adj.易怒的，坏脾气的 | |
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discourse
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| n.论文，演说；谈话；话语；vi.讲述，著述 | |
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bestow
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| v.把…赠与，把…授予；花费 | |
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vile
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| adj.卑鄙的，可耻的，邪恶的；坏透的 | |
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virtuous
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| adj.有品德的，善良的，贞洁的，有效力的 | |
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amiable
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| adj.和蔼可亲的，友善的，亲切的 | |
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kindled
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| （使某物）燃烧，着火( kindle的过去式和过去分词 )； 激起（感情等）； 发亮，放光 | |
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monstrous
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| adj.巨大的；恐怖的；可耻的，丢脸的 | |
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ingratitude
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| n.忘恩负义 | |
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sedateness
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| n.安详，镇静 | |
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behold
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| v.看，注视，看到 | |
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virtues
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| 美德( virtue的名词复数 )； 德行； 优点； 长处 | |
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conspicuous
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| adj.明眼的，惹人注目的；炫耀的，摆阔气的 | |
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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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villains
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| n.恶棍( villain的名词复数 )；罪犯；（小说、戏剧等中的）反面人物；淘气鬼 | |
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inhuman
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| adj.残忍的，不人道的，无人性的 | |
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furrows
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| n.犁沟( furrow的名词复数 )；（脸上的）皱纹v.犁田，开沟( furrow的第三人称单数 ) | |
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mantle
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| n.斗篷，覆罩之物，罩子；v.罩住，覆盖，脸红 | |
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refulgent
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| adj.辉煌的，灿烂的 | |
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prostrate
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| v.拜倒，平卧，衰竭；adj.拜倒的，平卧的，衰竭的 | |
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scruple
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| n./v.顾忌，迟疑 | |
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everlasting
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| adj.永恒的，持久的，无止境的 | |
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supreme
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| adj.极度的，最重要的；至高的，最高的 | |
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omnipotence
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| n.全能，万能，无限威力 | |
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myriad
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| adj.无数的；n.无数，极大数量 | |
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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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80
immutable
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| adj.不可改变的，永恒的 | |
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81
judgments
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| 判断( judgment的名词复数 )； 鉴定； 评价； 审判 | |
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82
amend
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| vt.修改，修订，改进；n.[pl.]赔罪，赔偿 | |
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83
submission
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| n.服从，投降；温顺，谦虚；提出 | |
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