Introduction. In the Middle Ages it was popularly believed that Lucifer, falling from heaven, punched a deep hole in the earth, stopping only when he reached its centre. This funnel2-shaped hole, directly under Jerusalem, is divided by Dante into nine independent circular ledges3, communicating only by means of occasional rocky stairways or bridges. In each of these nine circles are punished sinners of a certain kind.
Canto5 I. In 1300, when thirty-five years of age, Dante claims to have strayed from the straight path in the "journey of life," only to encounter experiences bitter as death, which he relates in allegorical form to serve as warning to other sinners. Rousing from a stupor6 not unlike sleep, the poet finds himself in a strange forest at the foot of a sun-kissed mountain. On trying to climb it, he is turned aside by a spotted7 panther, an emblem8 of luxury or pleasure (Florence), a fierce lion, personifying ambition or anger (France), and a ravening9 wolf, the emblem of avarice10 (Rome). Fleeing in terror from these monsters, Dante beseeches11 aid from the only fellow-creature he sees, only to learn he is Virgil, the poet and master from whom he learned "that style which for its beauty into fame exalts12 me."
Then Virgil reveals he has been sent to save Dante from the ravening wolf (which also personifies the papal or Guelf party), only to guide him through the horrors of the Inferno, and the sufferings of Purgatory13, up to Paradise, where a "worthier14" spirit will attend him.
Canto II. The length of the journey proposed daunts15 Dante, until Virgil reminds him that cowardice16 has often made men relinquish17 honorable enterprises, and encourages him by stating that Beatrice, moved by love, forsook18 her place in heaven to bid him serve as Dante's guide. He adds that when he wondered how she could leave, even for a moment, the heavenly abode19, she explained that the Virgin20 Mary sent Lucia, to bid her rescue the man who had loved her ever since she was a child. Like a flower revived after a chilly21 night by the warmth of the sun, Dante, invigorated by these words, intimates his readiness to follow Virgil.
Canto III. The two travellers, passing through a wood, reach a gate, above which Dante perceives this inscription22:
"Through me you pass into the city of woe23:
Through me you pass into eternal pain:
Through me among the people lost for aye.
Justice the founder24 of my fabric25 moved:
To rear me was the task of power divine,
Supremest wisdom, and primeval love.
Before me things create were none, save things
Eternal, and eternal I endure.
All hope abandon, ye who enter here."[16]
Unable to grasp its meaning, Dante begs Virgil to interpret, and learns they are about to descend27 into Hades. Having visited this place before, Virgil boldly leads Dante through this portal into an ante-hell region, where sighs, lamentations, and groans28 pulse through the starless air. Shuddering30 with horror, Dante inquires what it all means, only to be told that the souls "who lived without praise or blame," as well as the angels who remained neutral during the war in heaven, are confined in this place, since Paradise, Purgatory, and Inferno equally refuse to harbor them and death never visits them.
While he is speaking, a long train of these unfortunate spirits, stung by gadflies, sweeps past them, and in their ranks Dante recognizes the shade of Pope Celestine V, who, "through cowardice made the grand renunciation,"—i.e., abdicated31 his office at the end of five months, simply because he lacked courage to face the task intrusted to him.
Passing through these spirits with downcast eyes, Dante reaches Acheron,—the river of death,—where he sees, steering32 toward them, the ferry-man Charon, whose eyes are like fiery33 wheels and who marvels34 at beholding36 a living man among the shades. When Charon grimly orders Dante back to earth, Virgil silences him with the brief statement: "so 'tis will'd where will and power are one." So, without further objection, Charon allows them to enter his skiff and hurries the rest of his freight aboard, beating the laggards38 with the flat of his oar37. Because Dante wonders at such ill-treatment, Virgil explains that good souls are never forced to cross this stream, and that the present passengers have richly deserved their punishment. Just then an earthquake shakes the whole region, and Dante swoons in terror.
Canto IV. When he recovers his senses, Dante finds himself no longer in Charon's bark, but on the brink39 of a huge circular pit, whence arise, like emanations, moans and wails40, but wherein, owing to the dense41 gloom, he can descry42 nothing. Warning him they are about to descend into the "blind world," and that his sorrowful expression—which Dante ascribes to fear—is caused by pity, Virgil conducts his disciple43 into the first circle of hell. Instead of lamentations, only sighs are heard, while Virgil explains that this semi-dark limbo44 is reserved for unbaptized children, and for those who, having lived before Christ, must "live desiring without hope." Full of compassion45 for these sufferers, Dante inquires whether no one from above ever visited them, and is told that One, bearing trophies46 of victory, once arrived there to ransom47 the patriarchs Adam, Abel, Noah, and others, but that until then none had ever been saved.
Talking busily, the two wend their way through a forest of sighing spirits, until they approach a fire, around which dignified48 shades have gathered. Informing Dante these are men of honored reputations, Virgil points out among them four mighty49 figures coming to meet them, and whispers they are Homer, Horace, Ovid, and Lucan. After conversing50 for a while with Virgil, these bards51 graciously welcome Dante as sixth in their poetic52 galaxy53. Talking of things which cannot be mentioned save in such exalted54 company, Dante walks on with them until he nears a castle girdled with sevenfold ramparts and moat. Through seven consecutive55 portals the six poets pass on to a meadow, where Dante beholds56 all the creations of their brains, and meets Hector, Aeneas, Camilla, and Lucretia, as well as the philosophers, historians, and mathematicians57 who from time to time have appeared upon our globe. Although Dante would fain have lingered here, his guide leads him on, and, as their four companions vanish, they two enter a place "where no light shines."
Canto V. Stepping down from this circle to a lower one, Dante and Virgil reach the second circle of the Inferno, where all who lived unchaste lives are duly punished. Smaller in circumference58 than the preceding circle,—for Dante's hell is shaped like a graduated funnel,—this place is guarded by the judge Minos, who examines all newly arrived souls, and consigns59 them to their appointed circles by an equal number of convolutions in his tail.
For when before him comes the ill-fated soul,
It all confesses; and that judge severe
Of sins, considering what place in hell
Suits the transgression60, with his tail so oft
Himself encircles, as degrees beneath
He dooms61 it to descend.
On beholding Dante, Minos speaks threateningly, but, when Virgil again explains they have been sent hither by a higher power, Minos too allows them to pass. Increasing sounds of woe now strike Dante's ear, until presently they attain62 the intensity63 of a deafening64 roar. Next he perceives that the whirlwind, sweeping65 violently round this abyss, holds in its grasp innumerable spirits which are allowed no rest. Like birds in a tempest they swirl66 past Dante, to whom Virgil hastily points out Semiramis, Dido, Cleopatra, Helen, Achilles, Paris, and Tristan, together with many others.
Obtaining permission to address two shades floating toward him, Dante learns that the man is the Paolo who fell in love with his sister-in-law, Francesca da Rimini. Asked how she happened to fall, the female spirit, moaning there is no greater woe than to recall happy times in the midst of misery67, adds that while she and Paolo read together the tale of Launcelot they suddenly realized they loved in the same way, and thus fell into the very sin described in this work, for "book and writer both were love's purveyors." Scarcely has she confessed this when the wind, seizing Francesca and Paolo, again sweeps them on, and Dante, hearing their pitiful moans, swoons from compassion.
Canto VI. Recovering his senses, Dante finds Virgil has meantime transferred him to the third circle, a region where chill rains ever fall, accompanied by hail, sleet68, and snow. Here all guilty of gluttony are rent and torn by Cerberus, main ruler of this circle. Flinging a huge fistful of dirt into the dog's gaping72 jaws73 to prevent his snapping at them, Virgil leads Dante quickly past this three-headed monster, to a place where they tread on the shades which pave the muddy ground. One of these, sitting up, suddenly inquires of Dante whether he does not recognize him, adding that he is the notorious Florentine glutton70 Ciacco. Fancying this shade may possess some insight into the future, Dante inquires what is to become of his native city, and learns that one political party will drive out the other, only to fall in its turn three years later. The glutton adds that only two just men are left in Florence, and, when Dante asks what has become of his friends, tells him he will doubtless meet them in the various circles of Hades, should he continue his downward course.
Then the spirit begs that, on returning to the "pleasant world," Dante will recall him to his friends' memory, and, closing his eyes, sinks back among the other victims, all of whom are more or less blind. Vouchsafing74 the information that this sinner will not rise again "ere the last angel trumpet75 blow," Virgil leads Dante over the foul76 mixture of shades and mud, explaining that, although the accursed can never hope to attain perfection, they are not entirely77 debarred from improvement.
Canto VII. Talking thus, the two travellers descend to the fourth circle, ruled by Plutus, god of wealth, who allows them to proceed, only after Virgil has informed him their journey is ordained78, and is to be pursued to the very spot where Michael confined Satan. The mere79 mention of his master, the ex-archangel, causes Plutus to grovel80; and Dante and Virgil, proceeding81 on their journey, discover that the fourth circle is occupied by all whom avarice mastered, as well as by prodigals82, who are here condemned83 to roll heavy rocks, because their lives on earth were spent scuffling for money or because they failed to make good use of their gold. Dante descries84 among the victims tonsured85 polls, proving that monks86 themselves are not exempt87 from these sins. Meanwhile Virgil expounds88 how the Creator decreed nations should wield89 the mastery in turn, adding that these people are victims of Fortune, whose proverbial fickleness90 he ably describes.
After passing a well, whose boiling waters overflow91 and form a stream, they follow the latter's downward course to the marsh92 called Styx, where hundreds of naked creatures wallow in the mire93, madly clutching and striking each other. Virgil explains that these are those "whom anger overcame," and adds that the sullen94 are buried beneath the slimy waters, where their presence is betrayed by bubbles caused by their breath which continually rise to the surface. Edging around this loathsome95 pool, the two poets finally arrive at the door of a tall tower.
Canto VIII. From the lofty turret96 flash flaming signals, evidently designed to summon some bark or ferry, since a vessel97 soon appears. Once more Virgil has to silence a snarling98 boatman (Phlegyas) ere he can enter his skiff, where he invites Dante to follow him. Then they row across the mire, whence heads keep emerging from time to time. One of the sufferers confined here suddenly asks Dante, "Who art thou that earnest ere thine hour?" only to be hastily assured the poet does not intend to stay. Just as Dante expresses the wish to know whom he is addressing, he recognizes this sinner (Argenti) and turns from him in loathing99, an act which wins Virgil's approval. When Dante further mutters he wishes this monster were stifled100 in the mud, Virgil suddenly points to a squad101 of avenging102 spirits who, sweeping downward, are about to fulfil this cruel wish, when the culprit rends103 himself to pieces with his own teeth and plunges105 back into the Styx.
Sailing along, Virgil tries to prepare Dante for their arrival at the city of Dis, whose minarets106, colored by a fiery glow from within, now shine in the distance. Steered107 into the moat surrounding this city, the travellers slowly circle its iron walls, from which hosts of lost souls lean clamoring, "Who is this that without death first felt goes through the region of the dead?" When Virgil signals he will explain, the demons109 disappear as if to admit them; but, when the travellers reach the gates, they find them still tightly closed. Virgil then explains that these very demons tried to oppose even Christ's entrance to Hades, and adds that their power was broken on the first Easter Day.
Canto IX. Quailing110 with terror, Dante hears Virgil admit that few have undertaken to tread these paths, although they are familiar to him, seeing that, guided by a witch (the Sibyl of Cumaea), he came here with Aeneas. While Virgil is talking, the three Furies appear on top of the tower, and, noting the intruders, clamor for Medusa to come and turn them into stone! Bidding Dante avoid the Gorgon's petrifying111 glance, Virgil further assures the safety of his charge by holding his hands over Dante's eyes. While thus blinded, the author of the poem hears waves splash against the shore, and, when Virgil's hands are removed, perceives an angel walking dry-shod over the Styx. At a touch from his hand, the gates of Dis open wide, and, without paying heed112 to the poets, who have instinctively113 assumed the humblest attitude, their divine rescuer recrosses the bog114, leaving them free to enter into the iron fortress115. There they find countless116 sinners cased in red-hot coffins117 sunk in burning marl. On questioning his guide, Dante learns each open sepulchre contains an arch-heretic, or leader of some religious sect119, and that each tomb is heated to a degree corresponding to the extent of the harm done by its occupant's teachings.
Canto X. Gingerly treading between burning tombs and fortress wall, Virgil conducts Dante to an open sepulchre, where lies the Ghibelline leader Farinata. Partly rising out of his glowing tomb, this warrior120 informs Dante that the Guelfs—twice driven out of Florence—have returned thither121. At that moment another victim, peering over the edge of his coffin118, anxiously begs for news of his son Guido, thus proving that, while these unfortunates know both past and future, the present remains122 a mystery to them. Too amazed at first to speak, Dante mentions Guido in the past tense, whereupon the unhappy father, rashly inferring his son is dead, plunges back into his sepulchre with a desperate cry. Not being able to correct his involuntary mistake and thus comfort this sufferer, Dante begs Farinata to inform his neighbor, as soon as possible, that his son is still alive. Then, perplexed123 by all he has seen and heard, Dante passes thoughtfully on, noting the victims punished in this place, until, seeing his dismay, Virgil comforts him with the assurance that Beatrice will explain all he wishes to know at the end of his journey.
Canto XI. The poets now approach a depression, whence arises a stench so nauseating125 that they are compelled to take refuge behind a stone tomb to avoid choking. While they pause there, Dante perceives this sepulchre bears the name of Pope Anastasius, who has been led astray. Tarrying there to become acclimated126 to the smell, Virgil informs his companion they are about to pass through three gradations of the seventh circle, where are punished the violent, or those who by force worked injury to God, to themselves, or to their fellow-men.
Canto XII. His charge sufficiently127 prepared for what awaits him, Virgil leads the way down a steep path to the next rim26, where they are confronted by the Minotaur, before whom Dante quails128, but whom Virgil defies by mentioning Theseus. Taking advantage of the moment when the furious, bull-like monster charges at him with lowered head, Virgil runs with Dante down a declivity129, where the stones, unaccustomed to the weight of mortal feet, slip and roll in ominous130 fashion. This passage, Virgil declares, was less dangerous when he last descended131 into Hades, for it has since been riven by the earthquake which shook this region when Christ descended into hell.
Pointing to a boiling river of blood (Phlegethon) beneath them, Virgil shows Dante sinners immersed in it at different depths, because while on earth they offered violence to their neighbors. Although anxious to escape from these bloody132 waters, the wicked are kept within their appointed bounds by troops of centaurs133, who, armed with bows and arrows, continually patrol the banks. When these guards threateningly challenge Virgil, he calmly rejoins he wishes to see their leader, Chiron, and, while awaiting the arrival of this worthy135, shows Dante the monster who tried to kidnap Hercules' wife.
On drawing near them, Chiron is amazed to perceive one of the intruders is alive, as is proved by the fact that he casts a shadow and that stones roll beneath his tread! Noticing his amazement136, Virgil explains he has been sent here to guide his mortal companion through the Inferno, and beseeches Chiron to detail a centaur134 to carry Dante across the river of blood, since he cannot, spirit-like, tread air. Selecting Nessus for this duty, Chiron bids him convey the poet safely across the bloody stream, and, while performing this office, the centaur explains that the victims more or less deeply immersed in blood are tyrants137 who delighted in bloodshed, such as Alexander, Dionysius, and others. Borne by Nessus and escorted by Virgil, Dante reaches the other shore, and, taking leave of them, the centaur "alone repass'd the ford138."
Canto XIII. The travellers now enter a wild forest, which occupies the second division of the seventh circle, where Virgil declares each barren thorn-tree is inhabited by the soul of a suicide. In the gnarly branches perch139 the Harpies, whose uncouth140 lamentations echo through the air, and who greedily devour141 every leaf that sprouts142. Appalled143 by the sighs and wailings around him, Dante questions Virgil, who directs him to break off a twig144. No sooner has he done so than he sees blood trickle145 from the break and hears a voice reproach him for his cruelty. Thus Dante learns that the inmate146 of this tree was once private secretary to Frederick II, and that, having fallen into unmerited disgrace, he basely took refuge in suicide. This victim's words have barely died away when the blast of a horn is heard, and two naked forms are seen fleeing madly before a huntsman and a pack of mastiffs. The latter, pouncing147 upon one victim, tears him to pieces, while Dante shudders148 at this sight. Meantime Virgil explains that the culprit was a young spendthrift, and that huntsman and hounds represent the creditors149 whose pursuit he tried to escape by killing150 himself.
Canto XIV. Leaving this ghastly forest, Dante is led to the third division of this circle, a region of burning sands, where hosts of naked souls lie on the ground, blistered151 and scathed152 by the rain of fire and vainly trying to lessen153 their pain by thrashing themselves with their hands. One figure, the mightiest154 among them, alone seems indifferent to the burning rain, and, when Dante inquires who this may be, Virgil returns it is Capaneus (one of the seven kings who besieged155 Thèbes[17]), who, in his indomitable pride, taunted156 Jupiter and was slain157 by his thunder-bolt.
Treading warily158 to avoid the burning sands, Virgil and his disciple cross a ruddy brook159 which flows straight down from Mount Ida in Crete, where it rises at the foot of a statue whose face is turned toward Rome. Virgil explains that the waters of this stream are formed by the tears of the unhappy, which are plentiful160 enough to feed the four mighty rivers of Hades! While following the banks of this torrent161, Dante questions why they have not yet encountered the other two rivers which fall into the pit; and discovers that, although they have been travelling in a circle, they have not by far completed one whole round of the gigantic funnel, but have stepped down from one ledge4 to the other after walking only a short distance around each circumference.
Canto XV. The high banks of the stream of tears protect our travellers from the burning sands and the rain of fire, until they encounter a procession of souls, each one of which stares fixedly162 at them. One of these recognizes Dante, who in his turn is amazed to find there his old school-master Ser Brunetto, whom he accompanies on his way, after he learns he and his fellow-sufferers are not allowed to stop, under penalty of lying a hundred years without fanning themselves beneath the rain of fire. Walking by his former pupil's side, Brunetto in his turn questions Dante and learns how and why he has come down here, ere he predicts that in spite of persecutions the poet will ultimately attain great fame.
Canto XVI. Reaching a spot where the stream they are following suddenly thunders down into the eighth circle, Dante beholds three spirits running toward him, whirling round one another "in one restless wheel," while loudly exclaiming his garb163 denotes he is their fellow countryman! Gazing into their fire-scarred faces, Dante learns these are three powerful Guelfs; and when they crave164 tidings of their native city, he tells them all that has recently occurred there. Before vanishing these spirits piteously implore165 him to speak of them to mortals on his return to earth, and leave Dante and Virgil to follow the stream to the verge166 of the abyss. There Virgil loosens the rope knotted around Dante's waist, and, casting one end of it down into the abyss, intimates that what he is awaiting will soon appear. A moment later a monster rises from the depths, climbing hand over hand up the rope.
Canto XVII. This monster is Geryon, the personification of fraud, and therefore a mixture of man, beast, and serpent. When he reaches the upper ledge, Virgil bargains with him to carry them down, while Dante converses167 with neighboring sorrowful souls, who are perched on the top of the cliff and hide their faces in their hands. All these spirits wear purses around their necks, because as usurers while on earth they lived on ill-gotten gains. Not daring to keep his guide waiting, Dante leaves these sinners, and hurries back just as Virgil is taking his seat on the monster's back. Grasping the hand stretched out to him, Dante then timorously168 mounts beside his guide.
"As one, who hath an ague fit so near,
His nails already are turn'd blue, and he
Quivers all o'er, if he but eye the shade;
Such was my cheer at hearing of his words.
But shame soon interposed her threat, who makes
The servant bold in presence of his lord.
I settled me upon those shoulders huge,
And would have said, but that the words to aid
My purpose came not, 'Look thou clasp me firm.'"
Then, bidding Dante hold fast so as not to fall, Virgil gives the signal for departure. Wheeling slowly, Geryon flies downward, moderating his speed so as not to unseat his passengers. Comparing his sensations to those of Phaeton falling from the sun-chariot, or to Icarus' horror when he dropped into the sea, Dante describes how, as they circled down on the beast's back, he caught fleeting169 glimpses of fiery pools and was almost deafened170 by the rising chorus of wails. With a falcon-like swoop171 Geryon finally alights on the next level, and, having deposited his passengers at the foot of a splintered rock, darts172 away like an arrow from a taut173 bow-string.
Canto XVIII. The eighth circle, called Malebolge (Evil Pits), is divided into ten gulfs, between which rocky arches form bridge-like passages. This whole region is of stone and ice, and from the pit in the centre continually rise horrid175 exhalations. Among the unfortunates incessantly176 lashed177 by horned demons in the first gulf174, Dante perceives one who was a notorious pander178 on earth and who is justly suffering the penalty of his crimes. Later on, watching a train of culprits driven by other demons, Dante recognizes among them Jason, who secured the Golden Fleece, thanks to Medea, but proved faithless toward her in the end.
Crossing to the second division, Dante beholds sinners buried in dung, in punishment for having led astray their fellow-creatures by flattery. One of them,—whom the poet recognizes,—emerging from his filthy179 bath, sadly confesses, "Me thus low down my flatteries have sunk, wherewith I ne'er enough could glut71 my tongue." In this place Dante also notes the harlot Thais, expiating180 her sins, with other notorious seducers and flatterers.
Canto XIX. By means of another rocky bridge the travellers reach the third gulf, where are punished all who have been guilty of simony. These are sunk, head first, in a series of burning pits, whence emerge only the red-hot soles of their convulsively agitated181 feet. Seeing a ruddier flame hover182 over one pair of soles, Dante timidly inquires to whom they belong, whereupon Virgil, carrying him down to this spot, bids him seek his answer from the culprit himself. Peering down into the stone-pit, Dante then timidly proffers183 his request, only to be hotly reviled184 by Pope Nicholas III, who first mistakes his interlocutor for Pope Boniface, and confesses he was brought to this state by nepotism185. But, when he predicts a worse pope will ultimately follow him down into this region, Dante sternly rebukes186 him.
Canto XX. Virgil is so pleased with Dante's speech to Pope Nicholas that, seizing him in his arms, he carries him swiftly over the bridge which leads to the fourth division. Here Dante beholds a procession of chanting criminals whose heads are turned to face their backs. This sight proves so awful that Dante weeps, until Virgil bids him note the different culprits. Among them is the witch Manto, to whom Mantua, his native city, owes its name, and Dante soon learns that all these culprits are the famous soothsayers, diviners, magicians, and witches of the world, who thus are punished for having presumed to predict the future.
Canto XXI. From the top of the next bridge they gaze into a dark pit, where public peculators are plunged188 into boiling pitch, as Dante discovers by the odor, which keenly reminds him of the shipyards at Venice. Virgil there directs Dante's attention toward a demon108, who hurls189 a sinner headlong into the boiling tar29, and, without watching to see what becomes of him, departs in quest of some other victim. The poet also perceives that, whenever a sinner's head emerges from the pitchy waves, demons thrust him down again by means of long forks. To prevent his charge falling a prey191 to these active evil spirits, Virgil directs Dante to hide behind a pillar of the bridge and from thence watch all that is going on.
While Dante lurks192 there, a demon, descrying193 him, is about to attack him, but Virgil so vehemently194 proclaims they are here by Heaven's will that the evil spirit drops his fork and becomes powerless to harm them. Perceiving the effect he has produced, Virgil then summons Dante from his hiding-place, and sternly orders the demon to guide them safely through the ranks of his grimacing195 fellows, all of whom make obscene gestures as they pass.
Canto XXII. Dante, having taken part in battles, is familiar with military manoeuvres, but he declares he never behold35 such ably marshalled troops as the demon hosts through which they pass. From time to time he sees a devil emerge from the ranks to plunge104 sinners back into the lake of pitch, or to spear one with his fork and, after letting him squirm aloft for a while, hurl190 him back into the asphalt lake. One of these victims, questioned by Virgil, acknowledges he once held office in Navarre, but, rather than suffer at the hands of the demon tormentors, this peculator187 voluntarily plunges back into the pitch. Seeing this, the baffled demons fight each other, until two actually fall into the lake, whence they are fished in sorry plight196 by fellow-fiends.
Canto XXIII. By a passage-way so narrow they are obliged to proceed single file, Dante and Virgil reach the next division, the author of this poem continually gazing behind him for fear lest the demons pursue him. His fears are only too justified197, and Virgil, seeing his peril198, catches him up in his arms and runs with him to the next gulf, knowing demons never pass beyond their beat.
"Never ran water with such hurrying pace
Adown the tube to turn a land-mill's wheel,
When nearest it approaches to the spokes199,
As then along that edge my master ran,
Carrying me in his bosom201, as a child,
Not a companion."
In the sixth division where they now arrive, they behold a procession of victims, weighed down by gilded202 leaden cowls, creeping along so slowly that Dante and Virgil pass all along their line although they are not walking fast. Hearing one of these bowed figures address him, Dante learns that, because he and his companions were hypocrites on earth, they are doomed203 to travel constantly around this circle of the Inferno, fainting beneath heavy loads.
A moment later Dante notices that the narrow path ahead of them is blocked by a writhing204 figure pinned to the ground by three stakes. This is Caiaphas, who insisted it was fitting that one man suffer for the people and who, having thus sentenced Christ to the cross, has to endure the whole procession to tramp over his prostrate205 form. The cowled figure with whom Dante is conversing informs him, besides, that in other parts of the circle are Ananias and the other members of the Sanhedrim who condemned Christ. Deeming Dante has now seen enough of this region, Virgil inquires where they can find an exit from this gulf, and is shown by a spirit a steep ascent206.
Canto XXIV. So precipitous is this passage that Virgil half carries his charge, and, panting hard, both scramble207 to a ledge overhanging the seventh gulf of Malebolge, where innumerable serpents prey upon naked robbers, whose hands are bound behind them by writhing snakes. Beneath the constant bites of these reptiles208, the robber-victims turn to ashes, only to rise phoenix-like a moment later and undergo renewed torments210. Dante converses with one of these spirits, who, after describing his own misdeeds, prophesies211 in regard to the future of Florence.
Canto XXV. The blasphemous212 speeches and gestures of this speaker are silenced by an onslaught of snakes, before whose attack he attempts to flee, only to be overtaken and tortured by a serpent-ridden centaur, whom Virgil designates as Cacus. Further on, the travellers behold three culprits who are alternately men and writhing snakes, always, however, revealing more of the reptile209 than of the human nature and form.
"The other two
Look'd on, exclaiming, 'Ah! How dost thou change,
Agnello! See! thou art nor double now
Nor only one.' The two heads now became
One, and two figures blended in one form
Appear'd, where both were lost. Of the four lengths
Two arms were made: the belly213 and the chest,
The thighs214 and legs, into such members changed
As never eye hath seen."
Canto XXVI. From another bridge Dante gazes down into the eighth gulf, where, in the midst of the flames, are those who gave evil advice to their fellow-creatures. Here Dante recognizes Diomedes, Ulysses, and sundry215 other heroes of the Iliad,—with whom his guide speaks,—and learns that Ulysses, after his return to Ithaca, resumed his explorations, ventured beyond the pillars of Hercules, and, while sailing in the track of the sun, was drowned in sight of a high mountain.
Canto XXVII. In the midst of another bed of flames, Dante next discovers another culprit, to whom he gives the history of the Romagna, and whose life-story he hears before following his leader down to the ninth gulf of Malebolge.
Canto XXVIII. In this place Dante discovers the sowers of scandal, schism216, and heresy217, who exhibit more wounds than all the Italian wars occasioned. Watching them, Dante perceives that each victim is ripped open by a demon's sword, but that his wounds heal so rapidly that every time the spirit passes a demon again his torture is renewed. Among these victims Dante recognizes Mahomet, who, wondering that a living man should visit hell, points out Dante to his fellow-shades. Passing by the travellers, sundry victims mention their names, and Dante thus discovers among them the leaders of strife218 between sundry Italian states, and shudders when Bertrand de Born, a fellow minstrel, appears bearing his own head instead of a lantern, in punishment for persuading the son of Henry II, of England, to rebel.
Canto XXIX. Gazing in a dazed way at the awful sights of this circle, Dante learns it is twenty-one miles in circumference, ere he passes on to the next bridge, where lamentations such as assail219 one's ears in a hospital constantly arise. In the depths of the tenth pit, into which he now peers, Dante distinguishes victims of all manners of diseases, and learns these are the alchemists and forgers undergoing the penalty of their sins. Among them Dante perceives a man who was buried alive on earth for offering to teach mortals to fly! So preposterous220 did such a claim appear to Minos—judge of the dead—that he ruthlessly condemned its originator to undergo the punishment awarded to magicians, alchemists, and other pretenders.
Canto XXX. Virgil now points out to Dante sundry impostors, perpetrators of fraud, and false-coiners, among whom we note the woman who falsely accused Joseph, and Sinon, who persuaded the Trojans to convey the wooden horse into their city. Not content with the tortures inflicted221 upon them, these criminals further increase each others' sufferings by cruel taunts222, and Dante, fascinated by what he sees, lingers beside this pit, until Virgil cuttingly intimates "to hear such wrangling223 is a joy for vulgar minds."
Canto XXXI. Touched by the remorseful224 shame which Dante now shows, Virgil draws him on until they are almost deafened by a louder blast than was uttered by Roland's horn at Roncevaux. Peering in the direction of the sound, Dante descries what he takes for lofty towers, until Virgil informs him that when they draw nearer still he will discover they are giants standing225 in the lowest pit but looming226 far above it in the mist. Ere long Dante stares in wonder at chained giants seventy feet tall, whom Virgil designates as Nimrod, Ephialtes, and Antaeus.
As with circling round
Of turrets227, Montereggion crowns his walls;
E'en thus the shore, encompassing228 the abyss,
Was turreted229 with giants, half their length
Uprearing, horrible, whom Jove from heaven
Yet threatens, when his muttering thunder rolls.
Antaeus being unchained, Virgil persuades him to lift them both down in the hollow of his hands to the next level, "where guilt69 is at its depth." Although Dante's terror in the giant's grip is almost overwhelming, he is relieved when his feet touch the ground once more, and he watches with awe230 as the giant straightens up again like the mast of a huge ship.
"Yet in the abyss,
That Lucifer with Judas low ingulfs,
Lightly he placed us; nor, there leaning, stay'd;
But rose, as in a barque the stately mast."
Canto XXXII. Confessing that it is no easy task to describe the bottom of the universe which he has now reached, Dante relates how perpendicular231 rocks reached up on all sides as far as he could see. He is gazing upward in silent wonder, when Virgil suddenly cautions him to beware lest he tread upon some unfortunate. Gazing down at his feet, Dante then becomes aware that he is standing on a frozen lake, wherein stick fast innumerable sinners, whose heads alone emerge, eased in ice owing to the tears constantly flowing down their cheeks.
Seeing two so close together that their very hair seems to mingle232, Dante, on inquiring, learns they are two brothers who slew233 each other in an inheritance quarrel, for this is Caina, the region where the worst murderers are punished, and, like every other part of the Inferno, it is crowded with figures.
"A thousand visages
Then mark'd, I, which the keen and eager cold
Had shaped into a doggish grin; whence creeps
A shivering horror o'er me, at the thought
Of those frore shallows."
It happens that, while following his guide over the ice, Dante's foot strikes a projecting head. Permission being granted him to question its owner, Dante, because he at first refuses to speak, threatens to pull every hair out of his head, and actually gives him a few hard tugs234. Then the man admits he is a traitor235 and that there are many others of his ilk in Antenora, the second division of the lowest circle.
Canto XXXIII. Beholding another culprit greedily gnawing236 the head of a companion, Dante learns that while on earth this culprit was Count Ugolino de'Gherardeschi, whom his political opponents, headed by the Archbishop Ruggiero, seized by treachery and locked up in the Famine-tower at Pisa, with two sons and two grandsons. Ugolino feelingly describes his horror when one morning he heard them nail up the door of the prison, and realized he and his were doomed to starve! Not a word did the prisoners exchange regarding their fate, although all were aware of the suffering awaiting them. At the end of twenty-four hours, beholding traces of hunger in the beloved faces of his children, Ugolino gnawed237 his fists in pain. One of his grandsons, interpreting this as a sign of unbearable238 hunger, then suggested that he eat one of them, whereupon he realized how needful it was to exercise self-control if he did not wish to increase the sufferings of the rest. Ugolino then describes how they daily grew weaker, until his grandsons died at the end of the fourth day, vainly begging him to help them. Then his sons passed away, and, groping blindly among the dead, he lingered on, until, famine becoming more potent239 than anything else, he yielded to its demands. Having finished this grewsome tale, Ugolino continued his feast upon the head of his foe240!
"Thus having spoke200,
Once more upon the wretched skull241 his teeth
He fasten'd like a mastiff's 'gainst the bone,
Firm and unyielding."
Dante, passing on, discovers many other victims encased in the ice, and is so chilled by a glacial breeze that his face muscles stiffen242. He is about to ask Virgil whence this wind proceeds, when one of the ice-encrusted victims implores243 him to remove its hard mask from his face. Promising244 to do so in return for the man's story, Dante learns he is a friar who, in order to rid himself of inconvenient245 kinsmen246, invited them all to dinner, where he suddenly uttered the fatal words which served as a signal for hidden assassins to despatch247 them. When Dante indignantly exclaims the perpetrator of this heinous248 deed is on earth, the criminal admits that, although his shadow still lingers above ground, his soul is down here in Ptolomea, undergoing the penalty for his sins. Hearing this, Dante refuses to clear away the ice, and excuses himself to his readers by stating "ill manners were best courtesy to him." Canto XXXIV. Virgil now directs Dante's glance ahead, until our poet dimly descries what looks like an immense windmill. Placing Dante behind him to shield him a little from the cruel blast, Virgil leads him past countless culprits, declaring they have reached Judecca, a place where it behooves249 him to arm his heart with strength. So stiff with cold that he is hovering250 between life and death, Dante now beholds Dis or Satan,—Emperor of the Infernal Regions,—sunk in ice down to his waist, and discovers that the wind is caused by the constant flutter of his bat-like wings. He also perceives that Satan is as much larger than the giants just seen, as they surpass mankind, and states that, were the father of evil as fair as he is foul, one might understand his daring to defy God.
"If he were beautiful
As he is hideous251 now, and yet did dare
To scowl252 upon his Maker253, well from him
May all our misery flow."
Then Dante describes Satan's three heads, one red, one yellow and white, and one green, declaring that the arch-fiend munches254 in each mouth the sinners Judas, Cassius, and Brutus. After allowing Dante to gaze a while at this appalling255 sight, Virgil informs his charge that, having seen all, it behooves them to depart. With a brief order to Dante to cling tightly around his neck, Virgil, seizing a moment when Satan's wings are raised, darts beneath them, and clutching the demon's shaggy sides painfully descends256 toward the centre of the earth. Down, down they go until they reach the evil spirit's thighs, where, the centre of earth's gravity being reached, Virgil suddenly turns around and begins an upward climb with his burden. Although Dante fully124 expects soon to behold Satan's head once more, he is amazed to discover they are climbing up his leg. Then, through a chimney-like ascent, where the climbing demands all their strength, Dante and Virgil ascend257 toward the upper air.
Explaining they are about to emerge at the antipodes of the spot where they entered Hades, where they will behold the great Western Sea, Virgil adds they will find in its centre the Mount of Purgatory, constructed of the earth displaced by Satan's fall. Thus, Dante and his leader return to the bright world, and, issuing from the dark passage in which they have been travelling, once more behold the stars!
"By that hidden way
My guide and I did enter, to return
To the fair world: and heedless of repose258
We climb'd, he first, I following his steps,
Till on our view the beautiful lights of heaven
Dawn'd through a circular opening in the cave:
Thence issuing we again beheld259 the stars."
点击
收听单词发音
收听单词发音 |
1
inferno
|
|
| n.火海；地狱般的场所 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
2
funnel
|
|
| n.漏斗；烟囱；v.汇集 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
3
ledges
|
|
| n.（墙壁，悬崖等）突出的狭长部分( ledge的名词复数 )；（平窄的）壁架；横档；（尤指）窗台 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
4
ledge
|
|
| n.壁架，架状突出物；岩架，岩礁 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
5
canto
|
|
| n.长篇诗的章 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
6
stupor
|
|
| v.昏迷；不省人事 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
7
spotted
|
|
| adj.有斑点的，斑纹的，弄污了的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
8
emblem
|
|
| n.象征，标志；徽章 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
9
ravening
|
|
| a.贪婪而饥饿的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
10
avarice
|
|
| n.贪婪；贪心 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
11
beseeches
|
|
| v.恳求，乞求（某事物）( beseech的第三人称单数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
|
12
exalts
|
|
| 赞扬( exalt的第三人称单数 )； 歌颂； 提升； 提拔 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
13
purgatory
|
|
| n.炼狱；苦难；adj.净化的，清洗的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
14
worthier
|
|
| 应得某事物( worthy的比较级 )； 值得做某事； 可尊敬的； 有（某人或事物）的典型特征 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
15
daunts
|
|
| 使（某人）气馁，威吓( daunt的第三人称单数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
16
cowardice
|
|
| n.胆小，怯懦 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
17
relinquish
|
|
| v.放弃，撤回，让与，放手 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
18
forsook
|
|
| forsake的过去式 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
19
abode
|
|
| n.住处，住所 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
20
virgin
|
|
| n.处女，未婚女子；adj.未经使用的；未经开发的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
21
chilly
|
|
| adj.凉快的，寒冷的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
22
inscription
|
|
| n.（尤指石块上的）刻印文字，铭文，碑文 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
23
woe
|
|
| n.悲哀，苦痛，不幸，困难；int.用来表达悲伤或惊慌 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
24
Founder
|
|
| n.创始者，缔造者 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
25
fabric
|
|
| n.织物，织品，布；构造，结构，组织 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
26
rim
|
|
| n.(圆物的)边，轮缘；边界 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
27
descend
|
|
| vt./vi.传下来，下来，下降 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
28
groans
|
|
| n.呻吟，叹息( groan的名词复数 )；呻吟般的声音v.呻吟( groan的第三人称单数 )；发牢骚；抱怨；受苦 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
29
tar
|
|
| n.柏油，焦油；vt.涂或浇柏油/焦油于 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
30
shuddering
|
|
| v.战栗( shudder的现在分词 )；发抖；（机器、车辆等）突然震动；颤动 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
31
abdicated
|
|
| 放弃（职责、权力等）( abdicate的过去式和过去分词 )； 退位，逊位 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
32
steering
|
|
| n.操舵装置 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
33
fiery
|
|
| adj.燃烧着的，火红的；暴躁的；激烈的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
34
marvels
|
|
| n.奇迹( marvel的名词复数 )；令人惊奇的事物（或事例）；不平凡的成果；成就v.惊奇，对…感到惊奇( marvel的第三人称单数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
35
behold
|
|
| v.看，注视，看到 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
36
beholding
|
|
| v.看，注视( behold的现在分词 )；瞧；看呀；（叙述中用于引出某人意外的出现）哎哟 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
37
oar
|
|
| n.桨，橹，划手；v.划行 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
38
laggards
|
|
| n.落后者( laggard的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
39
brink
|
|
| n.(悬崖、河流等的)边缘，边沿 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
40
wails
|
|
| 痛哭，哭声( wail的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
41
dense
|
|
| a.密集的，稠密的，浓密的；密度大的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
42
descry
|
|
| v.远远看到；发现；责备 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
43
disciple
|
|
| n.信徒，门徒，追随者 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
44
limbo
|
|
| n.地狱的边缘；监狱 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
45
compassion
|
|
| n.同情，怜悯 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
46
trophies
|
|
| n.（为竞赛获胜者颁发的）奖品( trophy的名词复数 )；奖杯；（尤指狩猎或战争中获得的）纪念品；（用于比赛或赛跑名称）奖 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
47
ransom
|
|
| n.赎金，赎身；v.赎回，解救 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
48
dignified
|
|
| a.可敬的，高贵的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
49
mighty
|
|
| adj.强有力的；巨大的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
50
conversing
|
|
| v.交谈，谈话( converse的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
51
bards
|
|
| n.诗人( bard的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
52
poetic
|
|
| adj.富有诗意的，有诗人气质的，善于抒情的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
53
galaxy
|
|
| n.星系；银河系；一群(杰出或著名的人物) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
54
exalted
|
|
| adj.(地位等)高的，崇高的；尊贵的，高尚的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
55
consecutive
|
|
| adj.连续的，联贯的，始终一贯的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
56
beholds
|
|
| v.看，注视( behold的第三人称单数 )；瞧；看呀；（叙述中用于引出某人意外的出现）哎哟 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
57
mathematicians
|
|
| 数学家( mathematician的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
58
circumference
|
|
| n.圆周，周长，圆周线 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
59
consigns
|
|
| v.把…置于（令人不快的境地）( consign的第三人称单数 )；把…托付给；把…托人代售；丟弃 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
60
transgression
|
|
| n.违背；犯规；罪过 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
61
dooms
|
|
| v.注定( doom的第三人称单数 )；判定；使…的失败（或灭亡、毁灭、坏结局）成为必然；宣判 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
62
attain
|
|
| vt.达到，获得，完成 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
63
intensity
|
|
| n.强烈，剧烈；强度；烈度 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
64
deafening
|
|
| adj. 振耳欲聋的, 极喧闹的 动词deafen的现在分词形式 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
65
sweeping
|
|
| adj.范围广大的，一扫无遗的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
66
swirl
|
|
| v.(使)打漩，(使)涡卷；n.漩涡，螺旋形 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
67
misery
|
|
| n.痛苦，苦恼，苦难；悲惨的境遇，贫苦 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
68
sleet
|
|
| n.雨雪；v.下雨雪，下冰雹 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
69
guilt
|
|
| n.犯罪；内疚；过失，罪责 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
70
glutton
|
|
| n.贪食者，好食者 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
71
glut
|
|
| n.存货过多，供过于求；v.狼吞虎咽 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
72
gaping
|
|
| adj.口的；张口的；敞口的；多洞穴的v.目瞪口呆地凝视( gape的现在分词 )；张开，张大 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
73
jaws
|
|
| n.口部；嘴 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
74
vouchsafing
|
|
| v.给予，赐予( vouchsafe的现在分词 )；允诺 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
75
trumpet
|
|
| n.喇叭，喇叭声；v.吹喇叭，吹嘘 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
76
foul
|
|
| adj.污秽的；邪恶的；v.弄脏；妨害；犯规；n.犯规 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
77
entirely
|
|
| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
78
ordained
|
|
| v.任命（某人）为牧师( ordain的过去式和过去分词 )；授予（某人）圣职；（上帝、法律等）命令；判定 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
79
mere
|
|
| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
80
grovel
|
|
| vi.卑躬屈膝，奴颜婢膝 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
81
proceeding
|
|
| n.行动，进行，(pl.)会议录，学报 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
82
prodigals
|
|
| n.浪费的( prodigal的名词复数 )；铺张的；挥霍的；慷慨的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
83
condemned
|
|
| adj. 被责难的, 被宣告有罪的 动词condemn的过去式和过去分词 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
84
descries
|
|
| v.被看到的，被发现的，被注意到的( descried的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
85
tonsured
|
|
| v.剃( tonsure的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
86
monks
|
|
| n.修道士，僧侣( monk的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
87
exempt
|
|
| adj.免除的；v.使免除；n.免税者，被免除义务者 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
88
expounds
|
|
| 论述，详细讲解( expound的第三人称单数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
89
wield
|
|
| vt.行使，运用，支配；挥，使用(武器等) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
90
fickleness
|
|
| n.易变；无常；浮躁；变化无常 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
91
overflow
|
|
| v.(使)外溢，(使)溢出；溢出，流出，漫出 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
92
marsh
|
|
| n.沼泽，湿地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
93
mire
|
|
| n.泥沼，泥泞；v.使...陷于泥泞，使...陷入困境 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
94
sullen
|
|
| adj.愠怒的，闷闷不乐的，(天气等)阴沉的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
95
loathsome
|
|
| adj.讨厌的，令人厌恶的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
96
turret
|
|
| n.塔楼，角塔 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
97
vessel
|
|
| n.船舶；容器，器皿；管，导管，血管 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
98
snarling
|
|
| v.（指狗）吠，嗥叫， （人）咆哮( snarl的现在分词 )；咆哮着说，厉声地说 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
99
loathing
|
|
| n.厌恶，憎恨v.憎恨，厌恶( loathe的现在分词)；极不喜欢 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
100
stifled
|
|
| （使）窒息， （使）窒闷( stifle的过去式和过去分词 )； 镇压，遏制； 堵 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
101
squad
|
|
| n.班，小队，小团体；vt.把…编成班或小组 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
102
avenging
|
|
| adj.报仇的，复仇的v.为…复仇，报…之仇( avenge的现在分词 )；为…报复 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
103
rends
|
|
| v.撕碎( rend的第三人称单数 )；分裂；（因愤怒、痛苦等而）揪扯（衣服或头发等）；（声音等）刺破 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
104
plunge
|
|
| v.跳入，(使)投入，(使)陷入；猛冲 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
105
plunges
|
|
| n.跳进，投入vt.使投入，使插入，使陷入vi.投入，跳进，陷入v.颠簸( plunge的第三人称单数 )；暴跌；骤降；突降 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
106
minarets
|
|
| n.（清真寺旁由报告祈祷时刻的人使用的）光塔( minaret的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
107
steered
|
|
| v.驾驶( steer的过去式和过去分词 )；操纵；控制；引导 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
108
demon
|
|
| n.魔鬼，恶魔 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
109
demons
|
|
| n.恶人( demon的名词复数 )；恶魔；精力过人的人；邪念 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
110
quailing
|
|
| 害怕，发抖，畏缩( quail的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
|
111
petrifying
|
|
| v.吓呆，使麻木( petrify的现在分词 )；使吓呆，使惊呆；僵化 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
112
heed
|
|
| v.注意，留意；n.注意，留心 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
113
instinctively
|
|
| adv.本能地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
114
bog
|
|
| n.沼泽；室...陷入泥淖 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
115
fortress
|
|
| n.堡垒，防御工事 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
116
countless
|
|
| adj.无数的，多得不计其数的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
117
coffins
|
|
| n.棺材( coffin的名词复数 )；使某人早亡[死，完蛋，垮台等]之物 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
118
coffin
|
|
| n.棺材，灵柩 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
119
sect
|
|
| n.派别，宗教，学派，派系 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
120
warrior
|
|
| n.勇士，武士，斗士 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
121
thither
|
|
| adv.向那里；adj.在那边的，对岸的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
122
remains
|
|
| n.剩余物，残留物；遗体，遗迹 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
123
perplexed
|
|
| adj.不知所措的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
124
fully
|
|
| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
125
nauseating
|
|
| adj.令人恶心的，使人厌恶的v.使恶心，作呕( nauseate的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
126
acclimated
|
|
| v.使适应新环境，使服水土服水土，适应( acclimate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
127
sufficiently
|
|
| adv.足够地，充分地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
128
quails
|
|
| 鹌鹑( quail的名词复数 )； 鹌鹑肉 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
129
declivity
|
|
| n.下坡，倾斜面 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
130
ominous
|
|
| adj.不祥的，不吉的，预兆的，预示的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
131
descended
|
|
| a.为...后裔的，出身于...的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
132
bloody
|
|
| adj.非常的的；流血的；残忍的；adv.很；vt.血染 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
133
centaurs
|
|
| n.（希腊神话中）半人半马怪物( centaur的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
134
centaur
|
|
| n.人首马身的怪物 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
135
worthy
|
|
| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
136
amazement
|
|
| n.惊奇，惊讶 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
137
tyrants
|
|
| 专制统治者( tyrant的名词复数 )； 暴君似的人； （古希腊的）僭主； 严酷的事物 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
138
Ford
|
|
| n.浅滩，水浅可涉处；v.涉水，涉过 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
139
perch
|
|
| n.栖木，高位，杆；v.栖息，就位，位于 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
140
uncouth
|
|
| adj.无教养的，粗鲁的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
141
devour
|
|
| v.吞没；贪婪地注视或谛听，贪读；使着迷 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
142
sprouts
|
|
| n.新芽，嫩枝( sprout的名词复数 )v.发芽( sprout的第三人称单数 )；抽芽；出现；（使）涌现出 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
143
appalled
|
|
| v.使惊骇，使充满恐惧( appall的过去式和过去分词)adj.惊骇的；丧胆的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
144
twig
|
|
| n.小树枝，嫩枝；v.理解 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
145
trickle
|
|
| vi.淌，滴，流出，慢慢移动，逐渐消散 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
146
inmate
|
|
| n.被收容者；(房屋等的)居住人；住院人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
147
pouncing
|
|
| v.突然袭击( pounce的现在分词 )；猛扑；一眼看出；抓住机会（进行抨击） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
148
shudders
|
|
| n.颤动，打颤，战栗( shudder的名词复数 )v.战栗( shudder的第三人称单数 )；发抖；（机器、车辆等）突然震动；颤动 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
149
creditors
|
|
| n.债权人，债主( creditor的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
150
killing
|
|
| n.巨额利润；突然赚大钱，发大财 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
151
blistered
|
|
| adj.水疮状的，泡状的v.（使）起水泡( blister的过去式和过去分词 )；（使表皮等）涨破，爆裂 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
152
scathed
|
|
| v.伤害，损害（尤指使之枯萎）( scathe的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
153
lessen
|
|
| vt.减少，减轻；缩小 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
154
mightiest
|
|
| adj.趾高气扬( mighty的最高级 )；巨大的；强有力的；浩瀚的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
155
besieged
|
|
| 包围，围困，围攻( besiege的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
156
taunted
|
|
| 嘲讽( taunt的过去式和过去分词 )； 嘲弄； 辱骂； 奚落 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
157
slain
|
|
| 杀死，宰杀，杀戮( slay的过去分词 )； (slay的过去分词) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
158
warily
|
|
| adv.留心地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
159
brook
|
|
| n.小河，溪；v.忍受，容让 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
160
plentiful
|
|
| adj.富裕的，丰富的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
161
torrent
|
|
| n.激流，洪流；爆发，(话语等的)连发 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
162
fixedly
|
|
| adv.固定地；不屈地，坚定不移地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
163
garb
|
|
| n.服装，装束 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
164
crave
|
|
| vt.渴望得到，迫切需要，恳求，请求 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
165
implore
|
|
| vt.乞求，恳求，哀求 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
166
verge
|
|
| n.边，边缘；v.接近，濒临 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
167
converses
|
|
| v.交谈，谈话( converse的第三人称单数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
168
timorously
|
|
| adv.胆怯地，羞怯地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
169
fleeting
|
|
| adj.短暂的，飞逝的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
170
deafened
|
|
| 使聋( deafen的过去式和过去分词 )； 使隔音 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
171
swoop
|
|
| n.俯冲，攫取；v.抓取，突然袭击 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
172
darts
|
|
| n.掷飞镖游戏；飞镖( dart的名词复数 )；急驰，飞奔v.投掷，投射( dart的第三人称单数 )；向前冲，飞奔 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
173
taut
|
|
| adj.拉紧的，绷紧的，紧张的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
174
gulf
|
|
| n.海湾；深渊，鸿沟；分歧，隔阂 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
175
horrid
|
|
| adj.可怕的；令人惊恐的；恐怖的；极讨厌的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
176
incessantly
|
|
| ad.不停地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
177
lashed
|
|
| adj.具睫毛的v.鞭打( lash的过去式和过去分词 )；煽动；紧系；怒斥 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
178
pander
|
|
| v.迎合；n.拉皮条者，勾引者；帮人做坏事的人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
179
filthy
|
|
| adj.卑劣的；恶劣的，肮脏的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
180
expiating
|
|
| v.为（所犯罪过）接受惩罚，赎（罪）( expiate的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
181
agitated
|
|
| adj.被鼓动的，不安的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
182
hover
|
|
| vi.翱翔，盘旋；徘徊；彷徨，犹豫 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
183
proffers
|
|
| v.提供，贡献，提出( proffer的第三人称单数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
|
184
reviled
|
|
| v.辱骂，痛斥( revile的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
185
nepotism
|
|
| n.任人唯亲；裙带关系 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
186
rebukes
|
|
| 责难或指责( rebuke的第三人称单数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
187
peculator
|
|
| n.挪用公款者 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
|
188
plunged
|
|
| v.颠簸( plunge的过去式和过去分词 )；暴跌；骤降；突降 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
189
hurls
|
|
| v.猛投，用力掷( hurl的第三人称单数 )；大声叫骂 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
190
hurl
|
|
| vt.猛投，力掷，声叫骂 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
191
prey
|
|
| n.被掠食者，牺牲者，掠食；v.捕食，掠夺，折磨 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
192
lurks
|
|
| n.潜在，潜伏；（lurk的复数形式）vi.潜伏，埋伏（lurk的第三人称单数形式） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
193
descrying
|
|
| v.被看到的，被发现的，被注意到的( descried的过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
|
194
vehemently
|
|
| adv. 热烈地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
195
grimacing
|
|
| v.扮鬼相，做鬼脸( grimace的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
196
plight
|
|
| n.困境，境况，誓约，艰难；vt.宣誓，保证，约定 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
197
justified
|
|
| a.正当的，有理的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
198
peril
|
|
| n.(严重的)危险；危险的事物 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
199
spokes
|
|
| n.（车轮的）辐条( spoke的名词复数 )；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
200
spoke
|
|
| 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 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
201
bosom
|
|
| n.胸，胸部；胸怀；内心；adj.亲密的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
202
gilded
|
|
| a.镀金的，富有的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
203
doomed
|
|
| 命定的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
204
writhing
|
|
| （因极度痛苦而）扭动或翻滚( writhe的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
205
prostrate
|
|
| v.拜倒，平卧，衰竭；adj.拜倒的，平卧的，衰竭的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
206
ascent
|
|
| n.(声望或地位)提高；上升，升高；登高 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
207
scramble
|
|
| v.爬行，攀爬，杂乱蔓延，碎片，片段，废料 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
208
reptiles
|
|
| n.爬行动物，爬虫( reptile的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
209
reptile
|
|
| n.爬行动物；两栖动物 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
210
torments
|
|
| （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] | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
211
prophesies
|
|
| v.预告，预言( prophesy的第三人称单数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
212
blasphemous
|
|
| adj.亵渎神明的，不敬神的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
213
belly
|
|
| n.肚子，腹部；(像肚子一样)鼓起的部分，膛 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
214
thighs
|
|
| n.股，大腿( thigh的名词复数 )；食用的鸡（等的）腿 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
215
sundry
|
|
| adj.各式各样的，种种的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
216
schism
|
|
| n.分派，派系，分裂 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
217
heresy
|
|
| n.异端邪说；异教 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
218
strife
|
|
| n.争吵，冲突，倾轧，竞争 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
219
assail
|
|
| v.猛烈攻击，抨击，痛斥 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
220
preposterous
|
|
| adj.荒谬的，可笑的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
221
inflicted
|
|
| 把…强加给，使承受，遭受( inflict的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
222
taunts
|
|
| 嘲弄的言语，嘲笑，奚落( taunt的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
223
wrangling
|
|
| v.争吵，争论，口角( wrangle的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
224
remorseful
|
|
| adj.悔恨的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
225
standing
|
|
| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
226
looming
|
|
| n.上现蜃景（光通过低层大气发生异常折射形成的一种海市蜃楼）v.隐约出现，阴森地逼近( loom的现在分词 )；隐约出现，阴森地逼近 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
227
turrets
|
|
| （六角）转台( turret的名词复数 )； （战舰和坦克等上的）转动炮塔； （摄影机等上的）镜头转台； （旧时攻城用的）塔车 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
228
encompassing
|
|
| v.围绕( encompass的现在分词 )；包围；包含；包括 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
229
turreted
|
|
| a.(像炮塔般)旋转式的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
|
230
awe
|
|
| n.敬畏，惊惧；vt.使敬畏，使惊惧 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
231
perpendicular
|
|
| adj.垂直的，直立的；n.垂直线，垂直的位置 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
232
mingle
|
|
| vt.使混合，使相混；vi.混合起来；相交往 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
233
slew
|
|
| v.（使）旋转；n.大量，许多 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
234
tugs
|
|
| n.猛拉( tug的名词复数 )；猛拖；拖船v.用力拉，使劲拉，猛扯( tug的第三人称单数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
235
traitor
|
|
| n.叛徒，卖国贼 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
236
gnawing
|
|
| a.痛苦的，折磨人的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
237
gnawed
|
|
| 咬( gnaw的过去式和过去分词 )； （长时间） 折磨某人； （使）苦恼； （长时间）危害某事物 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
238
unbearable
|
|
| adj.不能容忍的；忍受不住的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
239
potent
|
|
| adj.强有力的，有权势的；有效力的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
240
foe
|
|
| n.敌人，仇敌 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
241
skull
|
|
| n.头骨；颅骨 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
242
stiffen
|
|
| v.(使)硬，(使)变挺，(使)变僵硬 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
243
implores
|
|
| 恳求或乞求（某人）( implore的第三人称单数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
244
promising
|
|
| adj.有希望的，有前途的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
245
inconvenient
|
|
| adj.不方便的，令人感到麻烦的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
246
kinsmen
|
|
| n.家属，亲属( kinsman的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
247
despatch
|
|
| n./v.(dispatch)派遣；发送；n.急件；新闻报道 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
248
heinous
|
|
| adj.可憎的，十恶不赦的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
249
behooves
|
|
| n.利益，好处( behoof的名词复数 )v.适宜( behoove的第三人称单数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
250
hovering
|
|
| 鸟( hover的现在分词 )； 靠近（某事物）； （人）徘徊； 犹豫 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
251
hideous
|
|
| adj.丑陋的，可憎的，可怕的，恐怖的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
252
scowl
|
|
| vi.(at)生气地皱眉，沉下脸，怒视；n.怒容 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
253
maker
|
|
| n.制造者，制造商 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
254
munches
|
|
| v.用力咀嚼（某物），大嚼( munch的第三人称单数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
255
appalling
|
|
| adj.骇人听闻的，令人震惊的，可怕的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
256
descends
|
|
| v.下来( descend的第三人称单数 )；下去；下降；下斜 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
257
ascend
|
|
| vi.渐渐上升，升高；vt.攀登，登上 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
258
repose
|
|
| v.(使)休息；n.安息 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
259
beheld
|
|
| 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 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
| 欢迎访问英文小说网 |