drop Cap A
ASSUREDLY no city in Europe occupies a site so fantastic as does the capital of the Velay. The high wind-and-snow-swept tableland to south and west falls away and forms a pleasant basin covered with vineyards and sprinkled over with white villas9 or summer-houses of the citizens, as if there had been a giant's wedding and much rice had been thrown.
The Borne, that has hitherto struggled through ravines and tumbled in cascades10, here ceases to be boisterous11, and puts on an air of placidity12 as it glides13 past the cathedral city.
West Front of Cathedral, Le Puy
In this basin the climate is mild compared with that of the uplands, and the soil is fertile. The train from [Pg 35] Arvant curves round the town before it settles into the station, much as a dog turns about before he lies down to snooze.
What at once arrests the eye on approaching Le Puy is that out of the very midst of the basin up start two rocks; the largest is Mont Anis, and about this, up its steep sides, the town scrambles14. On a ledge15 above all the houses is the cathedral, and soaring above that again is the rock of Corneille, crowned by a colossal16 statue of the Virgin fifty-two feet high, and the largest in the world. It is run out of two hundred Russian cannons18 taken at Sebastopol, and stands on a pedestal of twenty feet. It is a disfigurement to the town, for it dwarfs20 the venerable cathedral. The site was formerly21 occupied by a ruined tower.
The other rock is the Aiguilhe, the Needle, on the summit of which stands the church of S. Michel, reached by 265 steps cut in the face of the rock.
The town is composed of houses grappling to every ledge; the streets are stone stairs, and the place is staged on steps. When to this is added that the cathedral is unique in its way, a marvel23 of Romanesque architecture, treated in original fashion, then it will be conceived that Le Puy is an attractive place to visit.
But when we come to consider how it may be reached we are beset24 with difficulties. The direct line from Paris is undoubtedly25 that leading to Vichy, but the trains from Vichy onward26 do not correspond, and are moreover omnibus trains that loiter for six hours and a half over seventy-four miles.
Nor can we reach Le Puy by the main line from Paris to N?mes in a day, for at the junction27, S. George's d'Aubrac, the trains do not communicate, and there is [Pg 36] no tolerable inn at this junction where one can spend the night.
The third way is by Lyons and S. Etienne, and this is by far the best, for by it the whole journey can be effected in a day; but for that one must travel by express first-class as far as Lyons.
The people anciently occupying Le Velay were the Velauni, and they had their capital at Rheusio, so called from rhew, the Celtic for cold; and that was at S. Paulien. There also was the first seat of a bishop, but S. Evodius (351-374), whose name has been corrupted29 into Vosy, transferred his throne to Le Puy, then called Anisium. It is supposed that a dolmen stood on the platform now occupied by the cathedral, and that a large slab30 of trachyte laid down in the porch, its blue colour distinguishing it from the rest, was the capstone. This slab is called the Feverstone, and those with fire in their blood were wont31 to sleep a night upon it. The earliest mention of a cure performed by this means is in the time of S. Vosy. To the dolmen, if it ever existed, succeeded a Gallo-Roman temple dedicated32 to a local deity33, Adido, conjointly with Augustus.
When Scutarius, the second bishop of Le Puy, was buried, a monument was erected34 over him. To save the trouble of shaping a stone for the purpose, the mason of that day took a slab on which was an inscription35, "Adidoni et Augusto Sex. Tolonius musicus D. S. P.," turned this about and carved on the other side a monogram36 of Christ, and under that "Scutari Papa vive Deo." The form of the letters, the title of Pope applied37 to the bishop, not yet restricted to the pontiff at Rome, and the expression of hope so like those found in the Catacombs, speak for the antiquity38 of this inscription. But it was [Pg 37] not allowed to remain where placed; when the present cathedral was built, this stone was employed as lintel to one of the north doorways39.
The oldest building in Le Puy is the baptistery of S. John, near to the cathedral. It was much altered in the Middle Ages, but is still an interesting relic41 of the fourth century. From it was removed the white marble sarcophagus of the fifth century, now in the museum of the town, on which are figured the cure of the paralytic42, the cursing of the barren fig19 tree, and other scriptural themes.
This baptistery was in use till 1791, as the exclusive place where children of Le Puy could be christened. In this Le Puy resembled Florence, Pisa, and other North Italian towns, where baptism was a sacrament reserved for administration at the Mother Church.
The fame acquired by Le Puy as the chief seat of the worship of the Virgin dates from an early but unknown period. Charlemagne in 803 founded ten poor canonries la pauperad in connection with the church; but the great prosperity of the church as an attractive point for pilgrims is due to a black image said to have been brought from the East by Louis IX. But as it happens, the Eastern Church does not tolerate carved images, and contents herself with paintings of sacred subjects. Le Puy was, however, an objective of pilgrimage long before that, for in 1062, Bernard, Count of Bigorre, went thither43, and in a fit of devotion vowed44 himself and his county to Our Lady of Le Puy, and undertook to pay to this church annually45 a considerable sum of money.
High above the altar is now set up what looks like an Aunt Sally at a fair. It has a black head, from which the garments are spread out like the feathers of a [Pg 38] shuttlecock. But this is not the original doll, for that was burned at the Revolution. One might have supposed, perhaps expected, that the clergy46 on returning to the church would have rejoiced to be rid of such an object of degrading superstition47. But not so, they had another black virgin made by a joiner, and dressed it in frills and furbelows, and set it up to receive the adoration48 of the ignorant and the stupid. One thing they did change; the new doll was made a little less grotesque49 and uncouth50 than was the first, of which representations remain.
The original image was of cedar51 wood, swathed about with bands of papyrus52 glued to it and partly inscribed53. Upon this the features of the face, of negro tint54, the flesh of hands and feet and the draperies were painted in distemper, in an archaic55 style. One story relative to it was that it came from Mount Carmel, and had been carved by the prophet Jeremiah in prophetic ecstasy56. What seems most probable is that it was an Egyptian idol57 representing Isis and the infant Horus. S. Louis may have found this on his crusade to Egypt, and have frankly58 believed that it was a representation of the Virgin and Child, and so have presented it to the church of Le Puy. It certainly had a suspiciously Egyptian appearance.
Devotion to the original image brought kings and nobles to it, and made them open their purses and pour forth59 gold, and sign charters delivering over to bishop and chapter vast estates and privileges. The church became extremely wealthy, and it was owing to its wealth that the glorious cathedral was built. The basilica is approached from the west by the Rue60 des Tables, so named on account of the stalls set out there at the [Pg 39] time of the great pilgrimages. At the foot of the ascent61 is a fountain erected in commemoration of a choirboy, supposed to have been murdered by the Jews in 1320 and thrown into a well. He was given up as lost, when on Palm Sunday he reappeared, took his place in the procession, and told how he had been slaughtered62, and how, by the intervention63 of Our Lady, he had been resuscitated64. The mob believed the story, burst into the Jew's house, tore him to pieces, and cast his dismembered limbs to be devoured65 by dogs.
If they had but looked closer into the matter, they would have discovered that the urchin66 had been playing truant67, and disguised his idleness by a lie.
From the Rue des Tables the remarkable68 west front of the minster may be seen in full. It is Romanesque in style, of the Auvergnat character, the fa?ade is enriched with stones white and red and black, arranged in alternating bands, in lozenges and in lattice work. The zebra-like appearance is not pleasing. The eye desires repose69, and is teased with the intricacy of the pattern.
This western fa?ade is actually the frontispiece of a vast porch or narthex that stretches back through four of the bays of the nave, with flights of steps, eleven in each, and with landings between. Half-way up the porch are two chapels70, one on each side, with large oak doors carved and painted. They represent groups of figures from the story of the Gospel. The background is sunk, but the surface left smooth, and is painted. The chapel71 on the right is dedicated to S. Stephen, that on the left to S. Giles. Neither is now used.
On two of the steps of the ascent is inscribed in Latin, "Ni caveas crimen, caveas contingere limen, [Pg 40] Nam Regina poli vult sine sorde coli." "Unless free from guilt72 shun73 this threshold, for the Queen of Heaven will be worshipped only by a guiltless soul."
Formerly at the head of the fourth landing was a central doorway40 leading into the nave by another flight of steps continued inside the church; and it was said of Notre Dame74 du Puy, that you went in at the navel and came out at the ears, i.e. at the lateral75 doors in the transepts. But the central entrance has been walled up, and a floor been laid over these steps. Access is now obtained to the nave by a side flight that turns round the church and gives admission in the south transept. The corresponding lateral flight gives access to the magnificent cloister, partially76 closed by a gate of intricate and beautiful ironwork. The arcade77 in the cloister rests on twin columns with richly carved capitals, no two alike, and the wall space above the arcade is filled in with mosaic78 work of red, yellow, white, and black.
The interior of the church is not less remarkable than the exterior79. Originally it consisted of a small square basilica, now forming the retro-choir; this was prolonged into nave with aisles81, and transepts were added forming a Greek cross, with a dome82 at the intersection83. Later on the church was carried further westward84, and the singular western portion, a nave over a porch, was raised in the twelfth century.
Porch, Cathedral, Le Puy
Each bay of the nave is surmounted85 by an octagonal cupola. Two sides contain windows looking north and south. Two sides have also windows sustained on an arch flung across the nave, and looking into it. The four other sides of the octagons are in the depth of the wall. The lateral south porch, opening on to the little Place du For, where is the episcopal palace, is a noble [Pg 41] piece of work. Two bold arches give access to it. To the left is a doorway only opened for a pope to pass through; the other gives admission to ordinary personages into the transept.
The tower is a campanile detached from the church, unbuttressed, and though fine, is too small for the size of the minster. But this is due to the fact that every inch of space on the rock was precious, and had to be economised. Accordingly a tower of greater bulk at base would have encroached on the way of access to the basilica. There are two more doorways, one, further on, a bold and daring sweep that spans not the entrance only, but also the little street. A third is on the north side.
Until this year, 1906, the head of the French State, King, Emperor or President was ex officio lay canon of Le Puy, just as our King is a lay canon of S. David's. But with the separation of Church and State in France, this has ceased, and M. Loubet was the last of the lay canons of Le Puy.
At one time there existed a promising86 school of painting in Le Velay, but it was killed by the troubles of the Wars of Religion. The frescoes87 in the cathedral and in some of the churches exhibit great merit. Such as remain, unfortunately very few, may be best studied in the Museum, where are accurate copies.
The finest of all represents the liberal arts, and was discovered by Mérimée in the capitular hall of the cathedral, in 1856. It is of the fifteenth century, and is conjectured88, but on insufficient89 grounds, to have been the work of Jean Perréal, painter to Kings Charles IX. and Francis I. In the Museum may be seen reproductions of some paintings from Langeac, in which the [Pg 42] figures are in gold on a brown diapered background. One series represents the Annunciation, the Nativity, Christ among the Doctors, speaking from a pulpit, and the Good Shepherd. The Incarnation is figured allegorically by the Blessed Virgin alluring90 to her the Lamb of God.
The city of Le Puy was formerly surrounded by walls erected by the citizens against the Routiers, the Free Companies, and those troublesome near neighbours the Polignacs. But their house was divided against itself, for bishop and chapter were continually at strife92 with the citizens, and to protect themselves against the turbulence93 of these latter, the ecclesiastics94 drew an inner ring of walls about themselves on the height above the town.
In the tortuous95 streets may be seen many specimens96 of medieval domestic architecture, angle-turrets, doorways richly carved, and if one can look into the courtyards, some dainty subjects for the pencil may be obtained.
But after having seen the cathedral and the old town, the feet are attracted to S. Michel l'Aiguilhe.
"The rock of S. Michel," says M. Paulett Scrope, "seems to contain a dyke98, which may probably have been erupted on this spot. It is, however, of course evident that the conglomerate99 of which it is composed must have been originally enveloped100 and supported by surrounding beds of softer materials, since worn away by aqueous erosion."
L'Aiguilhe, Le Puy
The plan of the church on the pinnacle101 of rock is peculiar102, resembling the attitude of a sleeping dog. The chancel lies beside the main entrance, at a higher level, and the nave is curved and has an aisle80 also on [Pg 43] a curve, divided from it by columns and arches, the former with carved capitals of the end of the twelfth century, but with one or two of an earlier date. The entrance is a superb specimen97 of Byzantine-Romanesque work. The carving103 in tufa is delicate, and every portion of surface not sculptured is inlaid with mosaic. The chancel is the oldest part of the church, and may possibly belong to the original structure consecrated104 in 980; but all the rest is two centuries later, and the tower is a copy in small of that of the cathedral.
How did the builders of those days construct churches and donjons on the tops of these obelisks105? The Rabbis say that an angel can pirouette on the point of a needle, but the work done here is more wonderful than that of balancing for a few minutes on an acute point, for the masons had to fill in all the rifts106 of the rock so as to form a terrace on which to build. They must have been let down in cradles. As to the tower, it was probably built up from within, as is done nowadays with a factory chimney. On a lower level than the doorway are the ruins of the habitation of the chaplain who served the church. He could obtain plenty of fresh air there to fill his lungs, but could not get exercise to circulate his blood, save by running up and down the stair in the face of the rock.
On the way up to the chapel may be noticed recesses107 cut out of the cliff. These formerly contained statues of saintly helpers in all kinds of difficult and unpleasant situations. Among these was S. Wilgefortis, a young lady with beard and moustache, much invoked108 by women with vexatious husbands, who wanted to be rid of them. A fine statue of her is in Henry VII.'s Chapel at Westminster. The Huguenots destroyed all these [Pg 44] figures in the niches109. They were restored and again broken up at the Revolution, but have not been reinstated.
In the same hamlet of l'Aiguilhe is a circular Romanesque chapel, called the Temple of Diana, but which is actually a structure of the twelfth century. It is now undergoing repair.
The church of St. Laurent has been given a modern gable with pinnacles111 to the west front out of keeping with the character of the original architecture. The western doorway was once rich, and had on it two ranges of angels, twelve in each. The Huguenots broke the figures in their hatred112 of everything beautiful, and mutilated the delicate foliage113 as well.
The church has a broad nave with narrow side aisles. It contains a carved stone organ gallery once rich with statuary, but the niches are now empty. On the north side in the aisle is the tomb of Du Guesclin, who did more than any other, except the Maid of Orléans, to drive the English out of France. Even this monument did not escape the iconoclastic114 rage of the Calvinists; but it has been judiciously115 restored.
Guyenne, Poitou, Saintonge, Perigord, Brittany had been in turn the theatre of his victories; but the war continued in Languedoc. Bands of the Free Companies desolated116 the Gévaudan, Auvergne, and Le Velay. The nobles and towns unassisted could not expel them, and appealed to Charles V. to send them an experienced captain who would aid them against these brigands118, and he despatched thither Du Guesclin. In August, 1380, the Constable119 entered Le Puy, and in a few days had assembled an army. He then departed for the Gévaudan to lay siege to Chateauneuf Randon, [Pg 45] the head-quarters of the English routiers. The Constable besieged120 the place, attempted to take it by assault, but failed; and he vowed that he would not withdraw till it was captured. The garrison121 defended themselves valiantly122, but at length agreed to capitulate. Du Guesclin was suffering at the time from a mortal sickness, and he lay on his deathbed when the terms of capitulation were agreed upon.
He died on the 13th of July according to history, on the 14th as stated on his monument; and upon the day fixed123 for the surrender the Governor laid the keys on the coffin124 of the deceased Constable. Charles V. ordered the body to be transported to S. Denys; but it was first taken to the Dominican church of Saint Laurent, there to be embalmed125. The intestines126 of the great warrior127 that were removed alone occupy the tomb there erected.
The recumbent statue well answers to the description he gave of himself: "Les épaules larges, le col court, la tête monstreuse; je suis fort laid, jamais je ne serai bienvenu des dames129, mais saurais me faire craindre des ennemis de mon roi."
The cathedral library of Le Puy contains a copy of the Bible written by Theodulf, Bishop of Orléans (788-821), a friend of Alcuin of York. This MS. was written by his own hand whilst in prison at Angers for having been involved in the conspiracy130 of Bernard, King of Italy, against Louis "le Débonaire," a son of Charlemagne. On Palm Sunday the King was at Angers and rode through the streets. As he passed under the prison, Theodulf thrust his head out of the window, and at the top of his voice chanted a poem he had composed in honour of Louis. The prince drew [Pg 46] rein110 and listened. Flattery, however fulsome131, goes a long way. He was pleased with it, though "laid on with a trowel," and ordered the release of the Bishop. It is said that, when in captivity132, Theodulf had vowed to give to the church of Le Puy the Bible he had transcribed133 in his dungeon134.
The MS. is written partly on white vellum and partly on vellum stained purple. On the white sheets the letters are in black, with the capitals in vermilion; but on the purple pages are in silver, and the capitals in goldleaf. The cover was repaired in the reign135 of Francis I., the velvet136 of the ninth century being overlaid with velvet of the sixteenth. At the Revolution this precious relic would have been flung into the flames that consumed the Black Virgin had it not been for the richness of the cover, with its ornaments137 of silver-gilt and the precious stones with which it was encrusted. The text is not divided into verses, and there is no punctuation138, for the use of punctuation did not become general till the tenth century. The text is that of the Vulgate as corrected by Alcuin. Several of the passages in the Vulgate as now used differ from those in the version employed by Theodulf; and the Psalter is not that of the Vulgate. The preservation139 of the writing is due to pieces of fine tissue having been placed between the leaves, and of these fifty-three remain, and are interesting specimens of the textures140 of the time of Charles the Great. The Bible has poems composed by Theodulf prefixed to and following the sacred text.
Five of the early bishops of Le Puy are accounted saints, though almost nothing is known about them. They must have monopolised the stock of sanctity [Pg 47] allotted141 to that Church, for of their successors none could lay claim to much holiness, and many were a disgrace to their order. But Le Puy was one of the richest sees in France, as the bishop was count as well as prelate. The volcanic142 soil was extraordinarily143 fertile, and the Black Virgin acted as a magnet, attracting to it an inexhaustible stream of gold; and this made the see to be coveted145 by ambitious and appropriated by unscrupulous prelates. Add to this that the bishop was under the jurisdiction146 of no archbishop, and was responsible to the Pope alone, who was too far off and too busy with affairs of greater importance to trouble himself about the misdeeds of the prelate princes of Le Puy.
It is open to debate which does most harm to the Church, the occasional torrential rush through the ranks of the episcopate of some wild blood, whose life is conspicuously147 at variance148 with his profession, or a continuous and unabating flood invading every see of smug, smooth, and colourless nonentities149, who dilute150 the quality, abate151 the force, and lower the temperature of the Church to insipidity152, lukewarmness, and inertia154.
Some instances will suffice to show what manner of men they were who now and then were bishops of Le Puy.
Adhelmar (1087-98), who died at Antioch as a Crusader, was succeeded by Ponce de Tournon, who was an assassin. Bertrand de Chalen?on's hands were also stained by blood; he exasperated155 his flock to madness by his exactions, heavily fining widows who remarried, and levying156 exorbitant157 fees on burials. When Innocent III. proclaimed a holy war against the Albigenses, and promised pardon for all sins to such [Pg 48] as should outrage158, rob, and murder these heretics, Bertrand headed an army of Crusaders, composed of the riff-raff of Velay, Auvergne, and the Gévaudan, and marched south. The citizens of one town at his approach, terrified at the prospect159 presented to them, fired their city and fled to the dens160 and caves of the earth. They were premature161. Bertrand was more greedy of gold than of blood, and he made the towns as he passed buy exemption162 from destruction, and pocketed the money himself, to the rage and resentment163 of his followers164. But they had full scope for their brutal165 instincts at Béziers on June 22nd, 1209, when, at the most moderate calculation, 20,000 persons, men, women, and children, indiscriminately Catholics and heretics, were butchered, and the papal legate looking on, is reported to have said, smiling, "Kill all; God will know His own!"
Bernard de Montaigu (1237-48), to enforce recognition of his seigneurial rights, subjected the city to an interdict166, and excommunicated the flock he was set to feed.
William de la Roue (1263-82) had appointed De Rochebaron as his bailiff. This man fell in love with the beautiful wife of a butcher in the town, lured169 her within the precincts of the ecclesiastical fortifications, and outraged170 her. The guild171 of the butchers complained to the prelate, who scoffed172 at the deputation, and refused to reprimand his bailiff. The city was in commotion173. When a party of the prelate's men-at-arms returned from an expedition, after harrying174 the peasantry in the country, and were laden175 with the spoils, the people rose. The tocsin sounded. The butchers came down with their cleavers176. There was [Pg 49] fighting in the streets. The troopers were despoiled177 of their plunder178, and were obliged to take refuge within the walls of the bishop's fortress179. William de la Roue was furious. He sent down the obnoxious180 bailiff with all the force he could muster181 to chastise182 the citizens. But they were surrounded by the enraged183 populace, and driven to take refuge in the Franciscan convent. The butchers with their choppers hewed184 down the door and slew185 the provost and six sergeants186. De Rochebaron fled up the tower. The butchers pursued, caught him hiding among the bells, flung him down, and his mangled187 body was hewn to pieces.
Eventually the bishop reduced the city to subjection. He had its consuls188 hung in chains, and put to death all the butchers on whom he could lay his hands. The old town, built about a volcanic dyke, was ill provided with water. The wells tapped no springs, and were filled with surface-water only, and the soil was impregnated with sewage soaking down from every street and yard and lane through the joints189 in the rock. As a natural result typhoid fever—or the Pestilence190, as the people called it—broke out, and became endemic. Frantic191 at this, the citizens looked about for a cause, and looked in the wrong direction. It did not occur to them that they poisoned their own wells. They assumed that the sickness was due to a league among the lepers, jealous of the health and happiness of sound men, and that they insidiously192 poured poison into the pits. In 1321, after a great outbreak of the plague, the citizens complained to the bishop, Durand de S. Pourcain. Perhaps he shared their conviction, perhaps he sought only to gratify the people. He swept together all the lepers in the county and burned them alive.
[Pg 50]
Le Puy saw the formation of a remarkable confederacy that promised at first to achieve the liberation of the country from the scourge193 of the routiers.
These bands of lawless men, under captains of their own selection, overran the country, levying blackmail194, and pretending that they were in the service of the English King; or, if it suited them better, in that of the King of France. They passed from one allegiance to the other indifferently. Actually they served neither one side nor the other, but themselves. The merchants were robbed, the farmers despoiled, towns plundered195. Existence became intolerable. Castles were erected on the top of rocks accessible only by a goat-path, or by steps cut in the stone, and there nests were built by the robbers for themselves. In these strongholds the captains and their companies lived riotously196 with bold women, sometimes nuns197, whom they had carried off. The routiers held churches in special aversion, and plundered them without scruple198. At their orgies they drank out of chalices199, and vested their harlots in the silks and velvets of ecclesiastical wardrobes.
Such was the condition of affairs when, in 1182, a carpenter of Le Puy, named Pierre Durand, announced that a paper had fluttered down to him from heaven bearing on it a likeness200 of the Blessed Virgin, and that he had been commanded to found a society to combat and extinguish the routiers. At first the Bishop of Le Puy looked coldly on the carpenter. But the man obtained adherents201. The need of combination to rid the country of a general nuisance was so largely felt, that Durand readily obtained a hearing and enrolled202 followers. According to the Laon Chronicle, the carpenter was a tool in the hands of one of the canons, [Pg 51] who got a young man to dress up and pose as an apparition203 of the Virgin and so influence Durand. Be that as it may, the movement grew with rapidity. Durand gave to his adherents a white hood7, with a medal to be worn on the breast, bearing a representation of N. D. du Puy, and the invocation, "Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world, grant us Thy peace." Bishop Peter IV., now that the movement promised to be a success, thought well to assume a lead in it. He had a platform erected, on which he took his stand along with the carpenter; he flourished the heaven-sent daub, asserted its genuineness, and exhorted204 his hearers to assume the white hood. The growth of the confraternity was now rapid. Clergy, monks205, merchants, farmers, artisans, nobles joined it. Great armies of these Brethren of Peace marched against the routiers, defeated them in pitched battles, stormed their castles and burnt them. After a victory, no quarter was accorded. For the nonce the freebooters were quelled206, and quailed207 before the people risen in a body to lynch their tormenters. But the victories they had won, the applause they had drawn208 on themselves, made the White Hoods headstrong and presumptuous209. They knew well enough that the routiers only existed because the princes and nobles were at strife with one another; and now they pressed on the feudal210 lords, to insist on the abolition211 of private war, and to threaten such as would not submit, with the same treatment as that dealt out to the routiers. At the same time they adopted communistic notions, and refused submission212 to all authorities save those of their own election. They swarmed213 over the country and devoured the produce of the land. They had lost all [Pg 52] appetite for peaceful avocations214; and they threatened to become as great a peril215 as had been the freebooters. The nobles leagued against them, the royal forces were set in motion; the White Hoods were defeated and butchered without compunction, and the society founded for a good purpose came to an end, and its disappearance216 gave free scope for the great Companies to reorganise and resume their depredations217.
When the massacre of S. Bartholomew was determined218 on in 1572, sealed orders were sent to the Count-Bishop of Le Puy as to all other governors to order a butchery of the Huguenots. Antoine de S. Nectaire was bishop at the time. He was the brother of the famous Madelaine who had been married to Guy de Miremont. Left a widow when young, beautiful, and rich, she was surrounded by aspirants219 after her hand. Madelaine had embraced the reform of Calvin. She enrolled her sixty lovers in a corps220 to serve as bodyguard221. A word, a look sufficed to send this enthusiastic corps to smash crucifixes, burn villages, and storm castles. She rode in armour222 at the head of her suitors, and of an army that had gathered about her eager for plunder. She advanced to the gates of Riom and Clermont at its head, taking fortresses223 and burning towns and villages on her way. The King's Lieutenant224, the Sieur de Montal, was routed by her in several encounters, and he, exasperated at his humiliation225, resolved on storming and destroying her castle of Miremont, to which she had withdrawn226. So soon as he appeared before it, at the head of the royal troops, she issued from the gates, her visor raised and mounted on a noble steed, sword in hand, followed by her bodyguard, engaged the lieutenant in single combat and smote227 [Pg 53] him from his steed. Finally, after an ineffectual siege that lasted forty days, Madelaine forced the royal host to retire. "Ventre saint gris!" exclaimed Henry of Navarre, "if I were not king, I would desire to be Madelaine de Saint Nectaire!" This by the way.
Her brother was Bishop of Le Puy, and by no means inclined to accept Calvinism. When the order came to him requiring a massacre of the Huguenots in Le Puy, he called the consuls together, and read to them the royal letter. "Messieurs," said he, "this concerns only rebels and disloyal Calvinists, and there are none such here. We read in the Gospel that the love of God and of our neighbours form the sum of the Law and the Prophets. Let us live together as a Christian228 people in all good charity."
This was excellent. If we knew no more of him than this, we would set him down as an enlightened prelate and a man of high principle. But unhappily it is not all.
Next year the Calvinists had entered the Province, and had captured several places; amongst others Fay-le-Froid. The Bishop at once, with promptitude, marched thither at the head of five hundred men. He rode a richly caparisoned mule229, clad in black armour, with a gold cross on his breast, and his arms, five silver spindles on a field azure230, emblazoned on his mantle231. He was a magnificent man, ruddy-faced, with bright blue eyes and a flowing white beard. He was of Herculean strength, and as canon law forbade a Churchman shedding blood, he bore a heavy club with which to brain the enemies of the King and of the Church. In his train were two cannons. As he arrived unexpectedly before Fay-le-Froid, the town surrendered. He swept [Pg 54] the inhabitants and the rebel garrison together, and hung as many as were involved in the insurrection. "What a lamentable232 scene it was," wrote a contemporary author; "poor women weeping, tearing their hair, pleading for the lives of their husbands, their brothers, and their friends; but Mgr. de Saint Nectaire would not so much as vouchsafe233 them a look."
Then, with the bodies dangling234 from the gibbets, he had an altar erected in the public square and a Mass sung, whilst his pikemen prodded235 the Calvinists at the proper moment to oblige them to cross themselves and to kneel.
The Bishop returned to Le Puy highly elated at his success, but his elation236 was damped on his arrival by hearing that in the meantime the Huguenots had captured his castle at Espaly, at the very door of Le Puy, and were menacing the capital. He made his way in with all speed, and despatched a courier to the Baron168 de S. Vidal to come to his aid.
Espaly was then a walled town at the foot of a trap dyke that shoots above the Borne, and on which stood a castle, the summer residence of the bishops.
The castle had been erected in the thirteenth century by William de la Roue, of whose misdeeds I have already told. It was completed by Jean de Bourbon (1443-85). The part taken by this prelate in the League of the Public Good brought on Espaly the horrors of a siege. But it suffered especially in the Wars of Religion. Within thirty years it was taken and retaken by Huguenots and Catholics eight times.
The story of the last siege is sufficiently237 curious to be told.
In 1574, Vidal Guyard, a hatmaker of Le Puy, placed [Pg 55] himself at the head of a hundred and twenty Calvinists, and, favoured by the moon, on the night of January 9th approached Espaly, and by penetrating238 into the castle by a drain succeeded in surprising the garrison and making themselves masters of the place. The news reached Le Puy through fugitives239 from the town, and next day the young men of the city, acting144 against the advice of the Bishop, determined on retaking the fortress. A crowd of citizens armed, assumed a white cross on their breasts, and marched against the place. But heavy rain came on, they were drenched240 to the skin, and their powder and courage were damped, so they returned having effected nothing. The Calvinists now set to work to destroy the houses in the little town, sparing only such as were redeemed241 by their owners with a heavy money payment.
On January 20th the Baron de S. Vidal, whom the Bishop had summoned to his aid, assembled troops at Le Puy and marched to Espaly, forced his way into the town, but could effect nothing against the castle, that was accessible by one path only, cut in the face of the rock. One of the garrison with his arquebus wounded S. Vidal in the shoulder. After that they made a sortie and did much execution among the besiegers.
S. Vidal, despairing of reducing the place by force of arms, resolved on trying negotiation242. But Guyard demanded such an exorbitant sum for its surrender that it was refused. S. Vidal now tried stratagem243. He framed a letter, as from Guyard, addressed to the consuls of Le Puy, offering to deliver up the castle, his lieutenant Morfouse, and the garrison, if his own life were spared and he were liberally rewarded. This letter was smuggled244 into the fortress, read by Morfouse, [Pg 56] and in a paroxysm of jealousy245 and alarm he and the rest fell on Guyard and killed him. Then they entered into communication with S. Vidal, and surrendered on February 3rd, the day on which the baron received the news of his nomination246 by the King to be governor of Le Velay. Le Puy itself had undergone a siege by the Huguenots twelve years before this.
In 1562 the terrible Baron des Adrets, who was in Dauphiné stamping out every spark of Catholicism, deputed his lieutenant, Blacons, to secure Le Puy. Blacons was a man as ruthless as his commander, but without his military genius. It was settled that Blacons should assemble an army at Pont-en-Peyrat, a village on the borders of Forez and Velay. Thither accordingly gathered the Calvinists and a horde247 of adventurers thirsting for the pillage248 of the wealthy city and the shrine249 of the Madonna. The consuls of Le Puy sent the brother of their seneschal, Christopher d'Allègre, with 20,000 livres to treat with Blacons, and offer this sum if he would divert his column on some other town. Christopher d'Allègre, who was himself a Calvinist, and had been selected for the embassy on that ground, pocketed the money without intimating to Blacons the purpose for which it had been confided250 to him, and was instant in urging the Huguenot captain to capture and sack the city. The consuls, bishop, and chapter met in consultation251 and armed all the male inhabitants of the place, and hastily repaired the fortifications.
On August 4th arrived the citizens of S. Paulien, escaping with their goods and chatels from the Calvinists with terrible stories of outrage and murder committed by them. The alarm-bells pealed117; a message was sent [Pg 57] to the Viscount Polignac for aid, but he remained inert153 on the top of his rock, alleging252 that he had not a force sufficient at his disposal to be able materially to assist the citizens.
On the night of the same day the siege began. The Huguenots crossed the Borne, which was then dry, and planted their cannon17. After a steady bombardment they rushed to the assault, and a desperate struggle ensued. Towards evening of August 5th the resistance of the citizens slackened, and the Calvinists pressed on, when a postern was thrown open and out poured a body of monks and friars variously armed. They fell upon the enemy in flank and put them to rout91. The members of the monasteries253 and convents round Le Puy had fled to the city at the approach of Blacons, and had been clustered on the top of the rock Corneille watching events. Observing the progress of the Huguenots, and knowing that if the city fell every one of them would be hung or hurled254 down the rock, they had gone to the episcopal armoury and seized whatever weapons came to hand; and these men determined the fate of the engagement.
The disconcerted Huguenots retired255 for the night to Espaly. Next day they returned to the assault, and planted their cannon on a height whence they could play on the town. The suburb of Aiguilhe fell into their hands and was sacked. The hospital and the monasteries were burnt, the church of S. Laurence and the chapel of S. Michael were plundered and the carved work mutilated. If the latter escaped better than the former, it was due to the height at which it stood, and the danger attending any who climbed aloft to smash the sculptures with axes and hammers.
[Pg 58]
On the third day the Calvinists met with no better success. One man troubled them greatly, an aged22 hermit256 from the Mont Denise, who had been an artillery257 officer in his younger days. He was now very old and bent128 double; but the fire of battle kindled258 in his veins259, and he undertook the disposition260 of the artillery and pointed167 the guns. "That holy man," says a contemporary historian, "did so well that he killed more men than did all the arquebusiers together."
The Huguenots lost heart and demanded a parley261. They sent Christopher d'Allègre as their envoy262 into the city. This man must have been endowed with considerable effrontery263 to accept such an office, after having betrayed and robbed his fellow-citizens. He appeared before the consuls with a confident air, and demanded that the gates should be thrown open to Blacons. "How can you suppose," said he, "that we intend harm, we who are zealous264 propagators of the Reformed religion and the defenders266 of the oppressed? We are incapable267 of committing acts of violence. We will not exact of you any contribution, not even food for our men. All that we seek is to hew28 in pieces the gods of wood and stone and emblems268 that profane269 the temple of the living God."
But the consuls knew what such protestations were worth, by the experience of the refugees of S. Paulien, which had offered no resistance to the Huguenots. They dismissed the envoy, and he returned to stimulate270 the investing army to renewed exertions271. At once, in a paroxysm of zeal265, the host rushed again to the attack; but the citizens sallied forth, cut them down, and made many captures.
Next day the consuls and the bishop hoisted272 flags on [Pg 59] every tower, and minstrels paraded the walls playing lively tunes273 on hautboys, fifes, and clarions.
Blacons supposed that they must have received reinforcements. He called his officers together and said, "See, gentlemen, how the citizens of Le Puy mock us! Let us chastise them severely274 for such imprudent and unseemly mirth." But he could no longer rouse his host to venture on another assault. His soldiery dispersed275 over the open country to sack and burn villages, desecrate276 churches, and hang such priests as they could take. They completely wrecked277 five or six monasteries, the castles of the bishop, and they set fire to the peasants' harvests, so that a sheet of flame ran over the country as far as the eye could see. In a few days the cannon were withdrawn, and not a Calvinist in arms remained before the walls of Le Puy.
So the city can boast proudly, "Civitus non vincitur, nec vincetur," or in the words of Odo de Gissey, "Ne fut oncq' surmontée, ni le sera."
点击
收听单词发音
收听单词发音 |
1
virgin
|
|
| n.处女，未婚女子；adj.未经使用的；未经开发的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
2
cloister
|
|
| n.修道院；v.隐退，使与世隔绝 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
3
nave
|
|
| n.教堂的中部；本堂 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
4
bishops
|
|
| （基督教某些教派管辖大教区的）主教( bishop的名词复数 )； （国际象棋的）象 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
5
bishop
|
|
| n.主教，（国际象棋）象 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
6
hoods
|
|
| n.兜帽( hood的名词复数 )；头巾；（汽车、童车等的）折合式车篷；汽车发动机罩v.兜帽( hood的第三人称单数 )；头巾；（汽车、童车等的）折合式车篷；汽车发动机罩 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
7
hood
|
|
| n.头巾，兜帽，覆盖；v.罩上，以头巾覆盖 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
8
massacre
|
|
| n.残杀，大屠杀；v.残杀，集体屠杀 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
9
villas
|
|
| 别墅，公馆( villa的名词复数 )； （城郊）住宅 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
10
cascades
|
|
| 倾泻( cascade的名词复数 )； 小瀑布（尤指一连串瀑布中的一支）； 瀑布状物； 倾泻（或涌出）的东西 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
11
boisterous
|
|
| adj.喧闹的，欢闹的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
12
placidity
|
|
| n.平静，安静，温和 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
13
glides
|
|
| n.滑行( glide的名词复数 )；滑音；音渡；过渡音v.滑动( glide的第三人称单数 )；掠过；（鸟或飞机 ） 滑翔 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
14
scrambles
|
|
| n.抢夺( scramble的名词复数 )v.快速爬行( scramble的第三人称单数 )；攀登；争夺；（军事飞机）紧急起飞 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
15
ledge
|
|
| n.壁架，架状突出物；岩架，岩礁 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
16
colossal
|
|
| adj.异常的，庞大的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
17
cannon
|
|
| n.大炮，火炮；飞机上的机关炮 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
18
cannons
|
|
| n.加农炮，大炮，火炮( cannon的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
19
fig
|
|
| n.无花果(树) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
20
dwarfs
|
|
| n.侏儒，矮子（dwarf的复数形式）vt.（使）显得矮小（dwarf的第三人称单数形式） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
21
formerly
|
|
| adv.从前，以前 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
22
aged
|
|
| adj.年老的，陈年的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
23
marvel
|
|
| vi.(at)惊叹vt.感到惊异；n.令人惊异的事 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
24
beset
|
|
| v.镶嵌；困扰，包围 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
25
undoubtedly
|
|
| adv.确实地，无疑地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
26
onward
|
|
| adj.向前的，前进的；adv.向前，前进，在先 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
27
junction
|
|
| n.连接，接合；交叉点，接合处，枢纽站 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
28
hew
|
|
| v.砍；伐；削 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
29
corrupted
|
|
| （使）败坏( corrupt的过去式和过去分词 )； （使）腐化； 引起（计算机文件等的）错误； 破坏 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
30
slab
|
|
| n.平板，厚的切片；v.切成厚板，以平板盖上 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
31
wont
|
|
| adj.习惯于；v.习惯；n.习惯 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
32
dedicated
|
|
| adj.一心一意的；献身的；热诚的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
33
deity
|
|
| n.神，神性；被奉若神明的人(或物) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
34
ERECTED
|
|
| adj. 直立的，竖立的，笔直的 vt. 使 ... 直立，建立 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
35
inscription
|
|
| n.（尤指石块上的）刻印文字，铭文，碑文 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
36
monogram
|
|
| n.字母组合 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
37
applied
|
|
| adj.应用的；v.应用，适用 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
38
antiquity
|
|
| n.古老；高龄；古物，古迹 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
39
doorways
|
|
| n.门口，门道( doorway的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
40
doorway
|
|
| n.门口，(喻)入门；门路，途径 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
41
relic
|
|
| n.神圣的遗物，遗迹，纪念物 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
42
paralytic
|
|
| adj. 瘫痪的 n. 瘫痪病人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
43
thither
|
|
| adv.向那里；adj.在那边的，对岸的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
44
vowed
|
|
| 起誓，发誓（vow的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
45
annually
|
|
| adv.一年一次，每年 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
46
clergy
|
|
| n.[总称]牧师，神职人员 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
47
superstition
|
|
| n.迷信，迷信行为 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
48
adoration
|
|
| n.爱慕，崇拜 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
49
grotesque
|
|
| adj.怪诞的，丑陋的；n.怪诞的图案，怪人（物） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
50
uncouth
|
|
| adj.无教养的，粗鲁的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
51
cedar
|
|
| n.雪松，香柏(木) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
52
papyrus
|
|
| n.古以纸草制成之纸 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
53
inscribed
|
|
| v.写，刻( inscribe的过去式和过去分词 )；内接 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
54
tint
|
|
| n.淡色，浅色；染发剂；vt.着以淡淡的颜色 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
55
archaic
|
|
| adj.(语言、词汇等)古代的，已不通用的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
56
ecstasy
|
|
| n.狂喜，心醉神怡，入迷 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
57
idol
|
|
| n.偶像，红人，宠儿 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
58
frankly
|
|
| adv.坦白地，直率地；坦率地说 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
59
forth
|
|
| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
60
rue
|
|
| n.懊悔，芸香，后悔；v.后悔，悲伤，懊悔 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
61
ascent
|
|
| n.(声望或地位)提高；上升，升高；登高 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
62
slaughtered
|
|
| v.屠杀，杀戮，屠宰( slaughter的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
63
intervention
|
|
| n.介入，干涉，干预 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
64
resuscitated
|
|
| v.使（某人或某物）恢复知觉，苏醒( resuscitate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
65
devoured
|
|
| 吞没( devour的过去式和过去分词 )； 耗尽； 津津有味地看； 狼吞虎咽地吃光 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
66
urchin
|
|
| n.顽童；海胆 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
67
truant
|
|
| n.懒惰鬼，旷课者；adj.偷懒的，旷课的，游荡的；v.偷懒，旷课 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
68
remarkable
|
|
| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
69
repose
|
|
| v.(使)休息；n.安息 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
70
chapels
|
|
| n.小教堂， （医院、监狱等的）附属礼拜堂( chapel的名词复数 )；（在小教堂和附属礼拜堂举行的）礼拜仪式 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
71
chapel
|
|
| n.小教堂，殡仪馆 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
72
guilt
|
|
| n.犯罪；内疚；过失，罪责 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
73
shun
|
|
| vt.避开，回避，避免 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
74
dame
|
|
| n.女士 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
75
lateral
|
|
| adj.侧面的，旁边的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
76
partially
|
|
| adv.部分地，从某些方面讲 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
77
arcade
|
|
| n.拱廊；(一侧或两侧有商店的)通道 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
78
mosaic
|
|
| n./adj.镶嵌细工的，镶嵌工艺品的，嵌花式的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
79
exterior
|
|
| adj.外部的，外在的；表面的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
80
aisle
|
|
| n.（教堂、教室、戏院等里的）过道，通道 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
81
aisles
|
|
| n. (席位间的)通道, 侧廊 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
82
dome
|
|
| n.圆屋顶，拱顶 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
83
intersection
|
|
| n.交集，十字路口，交叉点；[计算机] 交集 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
84
westward
|
|
| n.西方，西部；adj.西方的，向西的；adv.向西 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
85
surmounted
|
|
| 战胜( surmount的过去式和过去分词 )； 克服（困难）； 居于…之上； 在…顶上 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
86
promising
|
|
| adj.有希望的，有前途的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
87
frescoes
|
|
| n.壁画( fresco的名词复数 )；温壁画技法，湿壁画 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
88
conjectured
|
|
| 推测，猜测，猜想( conjecture的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
89
insufficient
|
|
| adj.(for，of)不足的，不够的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
90
alluring
|
|
| adj.吸引人的，迷人的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
91
rout
|
|
| n.溃退，溃败；v.击溃，打垮 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
92
strife
|
|
| n.争吵，冲突，倾轧，竞争 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
93
turbulence
|
|
| n.喧嚣，狂暴，骚乱，湍流 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
94
ecclesiastics
|
|
| n.神职者，教会，牧师( ecclesiastic的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
|
95
tortuous
|
|
| adj.弯弯曲曲的，蜿蜒的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
96
specimens
|
|
| n.样品( specimen的名词复数 )；范例；（化验的）抽样；某种类型的人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
97
specimen
|
|
| n.样本，标本 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
98
dyke
|
|
| n.堤，水坝，排水沟 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
99
conglomerate
|
|
| n.综合商社，多元化集团公司 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
100
enveloped
|
|
| v.包围，笼罩，包住( envelop的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
101
pinnacle
|
|
| n.尖塔，尖顶，山峰；(喻)顶峰 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
102
peculiar
|
|
| adj.古怪的，异常的；特殊的，特有的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
103
carving
|
|
| n.雕刻品，雕花 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
104
consecrated
|
|
| adj.神圣的，被视为神圣的v.把…奉为神圣，给…祝圣( consecrate的过去式和过去分词 )；奉献 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
105
obelisks
|
|
| n.方尖石塔，短剑号，疑问记号( obelisk的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
106
rifts
|
|
| n.裂缝( rift的名词复数 )；裂隙；分裂；不和 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
107
recesses
|
|
| n.壁凹( recess的名词复数 )；（工作或业务活动的）中止或暂停期间；学校的课间休息；某物内部的凹形空间v.把某物放在墙壁的凹处( recess的第三人称单数 )；将（墙）做成凹形，在（墙）上做壁龛；休息，休会，休庭 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
108
invoked
|
|
| v.援引( invoke的过去式和过去分词 )；行使（权利等）；祈求救助；恳求 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
109
niches
|
|
| 壁龛( niche的名词复数 )； 合适的位置[工作等]； （产品的）商机； 生态位（一个生物所占据的生境的最小单位） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
110
rein
|
|
| n.疆绳，统治，支配；vt.以僵绳控制，统治 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
111
pinnacles
|
|
| 顶峰( pinnacle的名词复数 )； 顶点； 尖顶； 小尖塔 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
112
hatred
|
|
| n.憎恶，憎恨，仇恨 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
113
foliage
|
|
| n.叶子，树叶，簇叶 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
114
iconoclastic
|
|
| adj.偶像破坏的，打破旧习的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
115
judiciously
|
|
| adv.明断地，明智而审慎地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
116
desolated
|
|
| adj.荒凉的，荒废的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
117
pealed
|
|
| v.（使）（钟等）鸣响，（雷等）发出隆隆声( peal的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
118
brigands
|
|
| n.土匪，强盗( brigand的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
119
constable
|
|
| n.(英国)警察，警官 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
120
besieged
|
|
| 包围，围困，围攻( besiege的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
121
garrison
|
|
| n.卫戍部队；驻地，卫戍区；vt.派(兵)驻防 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
122
valiantly
|
|
| adv.勇敢地，英勇地；雄赳赳 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
123
fixed
|
|
| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
124
coffin
|
|
| n.棺材，灵柩 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
125
embalmed
|
|
| adj.用防腐药物保存（尸体）的v.保存（尸体）不腐( embalm的过去式和过去分词 )；使不被遗忘；使充满香气 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
126
intestines
|
|
| n.肠( intestine的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
127
warrior
|
|
| n.勇士，武士，斗士 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
128
bent
|
|
| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
129
dames
|
|
| n.（在英国）夫人（一种封号），夫人（爵士妻子的称号）( dame的名词复数 )；女人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
130
conspiracy
|
|
| n.阴谋，密谋，共谋 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
131
fulsome
|
|
| adj.可恶的，虚伪的，过分恭维的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
132
captivity
|
|
| n.囚禁；被俘；束缚 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
133
transcribed
|
|
| （用不同的录音手段）转录( transcribe的过去式和过去分词 )； 改编（乐曲）（以适应他种乐器或声部）； 抄写； 用音标标出（声音） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
134
dungeon
|
|
| n.地牢，土牢 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
135
reign
|
|
| n.统治时期，统治，支配，盛行；v.占优势 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
136
velvet
|
|
| n.丝绒，天鹅绒；adj.丝绒制的，柔软的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
137
ornaments
|
|
| n.装饰( ornament的名词复数 )；点缀；装饰品；首饰v.装饰，点缀，美化( ornament的第三人称单数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
138
punctuation
|
|
| n.标点符号，标点法 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
139
preservation
|
|
| n.保护，维护，保存，保留，保持 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
140
textures
|
|
| n.手感( texture的名词复数 )；质感；口感；（音乐或文学的）谐和统一感 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
141
allotted
|
|
| 分配，拨给，摊派( allot的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
142
volcanic
|
|
| adj.火山的；象火山的；由火山引起的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
143
extraordinarily
|
|
| adv.格外地；极端地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
144
acting
|
|
| n.演戏，行为，假装；adj.代理的，临时的，演出用的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
145
coveted
|
|
| adj.令人垂涎的；垂涎的，梦寐以求的v.贪求，觊觎(covet的过去分词)；垂涎；贪图 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
146
jurisdiction
|
|
| n.司法权，审判权，管辖权，控制权 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
147
conspicuously
|
|
| ad.明显地，惹人注目地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
148
variance
|
|
| n.矛盾，不同 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
149
nonentities
|
|
| n.无足轻重的人( nonentity的名词复数 )；蝼蚁 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
150
dilute
|
|
| vt.稀释，冲淡；adj.稀释的，冲淡的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
151
abate
|
|
| vi.(风势，疼痛等)减弱，减轻，减退 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
152
insipidity
|
|
| n.枯燥无味，清淡，无精神；无生气状 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
153
inert
|
|
| adj.无活动能力的，惰性的；迟钝的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
154
inertia
|
|
| adj.惰性，惯性，懒惰，迟钝 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
155
exasperated
|
|
| adj.恼怒的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
156
levying
|
|
| 征（兵）( levy的现在分词 )； 索取； 发动（战争）； 征税 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
157
exorbitant
|
|
| adj.过分的；过度的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
158
outrage
|
|
| n.暴行，侮辱，愤怒；vt.凌辱，激怒 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
159
prospect
|
|
| n.前景，前途；景色，视野 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
160
dens
|
|
| n.牙齿，齿状部分；兽窝( den的名词复数 )；窝点；休息室；书斋 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
161
premature
|
|
| adj.比预期时间早的；不成熟的，仓促的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
162
exemption
|
|
| n.豁免，免税额，免除 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
163
resentment
|
|
| n.怨愤，忿恨 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
164
followers
|
|
| 追随者( follower的名词复数 )； 用户； 契据的附面； 从动件 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
165
brutal
|
|
| adj.残忍的，野蛮的，不讲理的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
166
interdict
|
|
| v.限制；禁止；n.正式禁止；禁令 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
167
pointed
|
|
| adj.尖的，直截了当的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
168
baron
|
|
| n.男爵；(商业界等)巨头，大王 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
169
lured
|
|
| 吸引，引诱（lure的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
170
outraged
|
|
| a.震惊的，义愤填膺的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
171
guild
|
|
| n.行会，同业公会，协会 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
172
scoffed
|
|
| 嘲笑，嘲弄( scoff的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
173
commotion
|
|
| n.骚动，动乱 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
174
harrying
|
|
| v.使苦恼( harry的现在分词 )；不断烦扰；一再袭击；侵扰 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
175
laden
|
|
| adj.装满了的；充满了的；负了重担的；苦恼的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
176
cleavers
|
|
| n.猪殃殃（其茎、实均有钩刺）；砍肉刀，剁肉刀( cleaver的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
177
despoiled
|
|
| v.掠夺，抢劫( despoil的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
178
plunder
|
|
| vt.劫掠财物，掠夺；n.劫掠物，赃物；劫掠 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
179
fortress
|
|
| n.堡垒，防御工事 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
180
obnoxious
|
|
| adj.极恼人的，讨人厌的，可憎的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
181
muster
|
|
| v.集合，收集，鼓起，激起；n.集合，检阅，集合人员，点名册 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
182
chastise
|
|
| vt.责骂，严惩 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
183
enraged
|
|
| 使暴怒( enrage的过去式和过去分词 )； 歜； 激愤 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
184
hewed
|
|
| v.（用斧、刀等）砍、劈( hew的过去式和过去分词 )；砍成；劈出；开辟 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
185
slew
|
|
| v.（使）旋转；n.大量，许多 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
186
sergeants
|
|
| 警官( sergeant的名词复数 )； （美国警察）警佐； （英国警察）巡佐； 陆军（或空军）中士 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
187
mangled
|
|
| vt.乱砍（mangle的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
188
consuls
|
|
| 领事( consul的名词复数 )； （古罗马共和国时期）执政官 （古罗马共和国及其军队的最高首长，同时共有两位，每年选举一次） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
189
joints
|
|
| 接头( joint的名词复数 )； 关节； 公共场所（尤指价格低廉的饮食和娱乐场所） （非正式）； 一块烤肉 （英式英语） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
190
pestilence
|
|
| n.瘟疫 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
191
frantic
|
|
| adj.狂乱的，错乱的，激昂的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
192
insidiously
|
|
| 潜在地，隐伏地，阴险地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
193
scourge
|
|
| n.灾难，祸害；v.蹂躏 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
194
blackmail
|
|
| n.讹诈，敲诈，勒索，胁迫，恫吓 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
195
plundered
|
|
| 掠夺，抢劫( plunder的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
196
riotously
|
|
| adv.骚动地，暴乱地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
197
nuns
|
|
| n.（通常指基督教的）修女， （佛教的）尼姑( nun的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
198
scruple
|
|
| n./v.顾忌，迟疑 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
199
chalices
|
|
| n.高脚酒杯( chalice的名词复数 )；圣餐杯；金杯毒酒；看似诱人实则令人讨厌的事物 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
|
200
likeness
|
|
| n.相像，相似（之处） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
201
adherents
|
|
| n.支持者，拥护者( adherent的名词复数 )；党羽；徒子徒孙 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
202
enrolled
|
|
| adj.入学登记了的v.[亦作enrol]( enroll的过去式和过去分词 )；登记，招收，使入伍（或入会、入学等），参加，成为成员；记入名册；卷起，包起 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
203
apparition
|
|
| n.幽灵，神奇的现象 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
204
exhorted
|
|
| v.劝告，劝说( exhort的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
205
monks
|
|
| n.修道士，僧侣( monk的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
206
quelled
|
|
| v.（用武力）制止，结束，镇压( quell的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
207
quailed
|
|
| 害怕，发抖，畏缩( quail的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
208
drawn
|
|
| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
209
presumptuous
|
|
| adj.胆大妄为的，放肆的，冒昧的，冒失的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
210
feudal
|
|
| adj.封建的，封地的，领地的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
211
abolition
|
|
| n.废除，取消 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
212
submission
|
|
| n.服从，投降；温顺，谦虚；提出 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
213
swarmed
|
|
| 密集( swarm的过去式和过去分词 )； 云集； 成群地移动； 蜜蜂或其他飞行昆虫成群地飞来飞去 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
214
avocations
|
|
| n.业余爱好，嗜好( avocation的名词复数 )；职业 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
215
peril
|
|
| n.(严重的)危险；危险的事物 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
216
disappearance
|
|
| n.消失，消散，失踪 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
217
depredations
|
|
| n.劫掠，毁坏( depredation的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
218
determined
|
|
| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
219
aspirants
|
|
| n.有志向或渴望获得…的人( aspirant的名词复数 )v.渴望的，有抱负的，追求名誉或地位的( aspirant的第三人称单数 )；有志向或渴望获得…的人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
220
corps
|
|
| n.(通信等兵种的)部队；(同类作的)一组 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
221
bodyguard
|
|
| n.护卫，保镖 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
222
armour
|
|
| （=armor）n.盔甲；装甲部队 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
223
fortresses
|
|
| 堡垒，要塞( fortress的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
224
lieutenant
|
|
| n.陆军中尉，海军上尉；代理官员，副职官员 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
225
humiliation
|
|
| n.羞辱 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
226
withdrawn
|
|
| vt.收回；使退出；vi.撤退，退出 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
227
smote
|
|
| v.猛打，重击，打击( smite的过去式 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
228
Christian
|
|
| adj.基督教徒的；n.基督教徒 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
229
mule
|
|
| n.骡子，杂种，执拗的人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
230
azure
|
|
| adj.天蓝色的，蔚蓝色的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
231
mantle
|
|
| n.斗篷，覆罩之物，罩子；v.罩住，覆盖，脸红 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
232
lamentable
|
|
| adj.令人惋惜的，悔恨的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
233
vouchsafe
|
|
| v.惠予，准许 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
234
dangling
|
|
| 悬吊着( dangle的现在分词 )； 摆动不定； 用某事物诱惑…； 吊胃口 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
235
prodded
|
|
| v.刺，戳( prod的过去式和过去分词 )；刺激；促使；（用手指或尖物）戳 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
236
elation
|
|
| n.兴高采烈，洋洋得意 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
237
sufficiently
|
|
| adv.足够地，充分地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
238
penetrating
|
|
| adj.（声音）响亮的，尖锐的adj.（气味）刺激的adj.（思想）敏锐的，有洞察力的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
239
fugitives
|
|
| n.亡命者，逃命者( fugitive的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
240
drenched
|
|
| adj.湿透的；充满的v.使湿透( drench的过去式和过去分词 )；在某人（某物）上大量使用（某液体） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
241
redeemed
|
|
| adj. 可赎回的，可救赎的 动词redeem的过去式和过去分词形式 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
242
negotiation
|
|
| n.谈判，协商 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
243
stratagem
|
|
| n.诡计，计谋 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
244
smuggled
|
|
| 水货 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
245
jealousy
|
|
| n.妒忌，嫉妒，猜忌 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
246
nomination
|
|
| n.提名，任命，提名权 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
247
horde
|
|
| n.群众，一大群 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
248
pillage
|
|
| v.抢劫；掠夺；n.抢劫，掠夺；掠夺物 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
249
shrine
|
|
| n.圣地，神龛，庙；v.将...置于神龛内，把...奉为神圣 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
250
confided
|
|
| v.吐露（秘密，心事等）( confide的过去式和过去分词 )；（向某人）吐露（隐私、秘密等） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
251
consultation
|
|
| n.咨询；商量；商议；会议 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
252
alleging
|
|
| 断言，宣称，辩解( allege的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
253
monasteries
|
|
| 修道院( monastery的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
254
hurled
|
|
| v.猛投，用力掷( hurl的过去式和过去分词 )；大声叫骂 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
255
retired
|
|
| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
256
hermit
|
|
| n.隐士，修道者；隐居 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
257
artillery
|
|
| n.(军)火炮，大炮；炮兵(部队) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
258
kindled
|
|
| （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 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
259
veins
|
|
| n.纹理；矿脉( vein的名词复数 )；静脉；叶脉；纹理 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
260
disposition
|
|
| n.性情，性格；意向，倾向；排列，部署 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
261
parley
|
|
| n.谈判 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
262
envoy
|
|
| n.使节，使者，代表，公使 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
263
effrontery
|
|
| n.厚颜无耻 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
264
zealous
|
|
| adj.狂热的，热心的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
265
zeal
|
|
| n.热心，热情，热忱 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
266
defenders
|
|
| n.防御者( defender的名词复数 )；守卫者；保护者；辩护者 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
267
incapable
|
|
| adj.无能力的，不能做某事的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
268
emblems
|
|
| n.象征，标记( emblem的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
269
profane
|
|
| adj.亵神的，亵渎的；vt.亵渎，玷污 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
270
stimulate
|
|
| vt.刺激，使兴奋；激励，使…振奋 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
271
exertions
|
|
| n.努力( exertion的名词复数 )；费力；（能力、权力等的）运用；行使 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
272
hoisted
|
|
| 把…吊起，升起( hoist的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
273
tunes
|
|
| n.曲调，曲子( tune的名词复数 )v.调音( tune的第三人称单数 )；调整；（给收音机、电视等）调谐；使协调 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
274
severely
|
|
| adv.严格地；严厉地；非常恶劣地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
275
dispersed
|
|
| adj. 被驱散的, 被分散的, 散布的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
276
desecrate
|
|
| v.供俗用，亵渎，污辱 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
277
wrecked
|
|
| adj.失事的，遇难的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
| 欢迎访问英文小说网 |