This young country, notwithstanding its constant commercial and political relations with the European powers and the mother-land, is but little known; indeed, a knowledge of the customs, habits, and ideas of its inhabitants, must be difficult to obtain, from their territorial4 divisions, the great extent of their provinces, and the difference of the institutions that rule their several states: in the one, an offence is considered a heinous5 crime, which in another is deemed a mere6 misdemeanor, an anomaly in legislation which 372 must arise from the variety of their commercial and agricultural interests. It is, moreover, to be deeply lamented7 that most travellers who have described their manners, after a mere hasty glance at the state of their society, started on the tour of inquiry8 fully9 determined10 to find fault, and possibly to speculate ultimately on national prejudices, as their works have become more or less popular according to the ridicule11 they have attached to American society, or the denunciation of its hostility12 towards England. On the other hand, other travellers have launched forth13 into lavish14 and enthusiastic praise, even of their vices15 and errors; and France has not been backward in sending to the States demagogues and visionaries, who consider them the seat of liberty and independence.
That duels should be frequent in a new settlement is naturally to be expected, more especially when the settlers are rude and uneducated; the distance between their dwellings16, the wildness of the forest, and the difficulty, if not the impossibility, of having recourse to legal and competent judicial17 authorities to settle their endless differences, must induce them to take the law into their own hands, and arrange matters with sword, pistol, rifle, or bowie-knife; or, if weapons were not at hand, by the most ferocious18 pugilistic contests, partaking of the savage19 yet honourable20 boxing of their fathers, and the ferocious 373 refinement21 of their Indian neighbours. Thus, wherever a colonist22 squatted23, he became the sole guardian24 and protector of his log-house and property.
The influence of example, which the conduct of the upper classes exercises on the lower orders, is sometimes reversed, and the false notions of right and honour, entertained by the vulgar, are too frequently adopted by their superiors, who from political purposes are anxious to court that popularity which a display of what is misnamed courage is sure to obtain among a rude people, who are unwilling25, from false notions of pride, to raise themselves to the level of the civilization of their mother country. Fortunately, this absurd prejudice is gradually losing ground, although, if we may form an opinion by the public press, the bombastic26 style and the silly bragging27 of their writers will tend to retard28 most materially this desirable progress. The absurd fancy of seeking to alter the language of their ancestors, is a convincing proof of the folly29 of such pretensions30 to superiority, which a few accidental successes in war have carried to a pitch absolutely ridiculous. It is not easy for their legislators and their temporary rulers to oppose this bubbling and frothy torrent31 of popular vanity; nor indeed dare they stem its dangerous tide, which wafts32 them to power: and thus are they often under the painful necessity of appearing to sanction 374 excesses which they sincerely condemn33, and to use a style of exaggeration suited to the morbid34 temperament35 of their constituents36. With us the degradation37 of the hustings38 is an occasional occurrence; in America every public man is hourly polling. There is a state of feverish39 anxiety perpetually raging, and duelling must be the inevitable40 result of such a fermentation, and will continue to prevail so long as brute41 force is considered a qualification.
Several of the states, however, have endeavoured to check the practice: that of Massachusetts framed a law for that purpose in 1719, which was revived in 1784, and subsequently in 1805; by this enactment42, any person fighting a duel1 was deprived of his political rights, and rendered ineligible43 to any public situation for twenty years, and the body of the deceased, when the meeting proved fatal, was appropriated to anatomical demonstration44. Similar laws have been promulgated45 in Tennessee, New York, and other states. In Virginia public officers were called upon to take an oath never to fight a duel upon entering on their functions, and after this resolution duels became very rare. In New Orleans, the papers of 1834, and several recent publications, proposed the establishment of a court of honour, to decide upon any differences that might arise amongst its citizens; and in 1831 Mr. Livingston published his views on this important 375 subject, relative to which a French writer, Dupont de Nemours, speaks in the following terms:—
“The diversity of political opinion has rendered duelling very frequent in the United States, Some years ago, General Hamilton, a man of the most distinguished46 merit, and who had been minister of finance, was slain47 in a duel by Colonel Burr, and two years before that fatal event, the eldest48 son of the general had lost his life in a similar manner.
“Most of the states have denounced a sentence of death against those duellists who have killed their adversaries50. But this penalty is only comminatory, since it is eluded51 by the parties repairing to a neighbouring province, of which they are not citizens, and which has not the power to take cognizance of their offences; the laws on this head not extending to the whole country, but being limited to each of the eighteen confederate states.
“Moreover, European experience has evidently shown that death does not intimidate52 those who fight, because they either brave it, or wish to show that they do not fear its terrors.
“The habits of the Virginians disposed them to duelling more than any other of the Americans, and the extent of the country rendered it more difficult to seek the protection of a neighbouring state; for when people are determined 376 to fight, they are in general impatient. The legislature of Virginia has therefore sought to obtain its object by a less severe penalty, which from that very reason was more likely to prove efficacious. They considered that when in frivolous53 matters, or in differences of opinion which the law tolerates and even authorizes54, a man is induced to expose himself to death or to slay55 another, he is actually demented, and that, therefore, all principals and seconds in a duel should be considered labouring under an alienation56 of mind, and deprived of any public station that they might hold; that their property, moreover, should be vested in the hands of trustees, and in fact be considered as labouring under an interdiction57. Since this enactment, duels in the state of Virginia have been rarely heard of.”
The first notorious duel that was fought in America was in the year 1630, when a challenge to single combat with sword and dagger58, passed between Edward Doty and Edward Leister, servants of a Mr. Hopkins. Both were wounded, the one in the hand, and the other in the thigh59. As it was deemed expedient60 to repress such affairs, the parties were condemned61 to have their hands and feet tied together, and to lie in that condition for twenty-four hours, without either meat or drink. This punishment was begun to be inflicted62, but in an hour the pain they endured was so severe, that, at their own supplication63 377 and their master’s request. Governor Bradford liberated64 them on their promise of future good behaviour.
The correspondence that arose between General Wilkinson and Mr. Randolph, a senator, is somewhat curious. The former had observed, that he had learnt that Mr. Randolph had called him a rogue65: to this the Honourable John Randolph replied, “In you, Sir, I can recognize no right to hold me accountable for my public or private opinion of your character, that would not subject me to an equal claim from Colonel Burr and Sergeant66 Dunbaugh. I cannot descend67 to your level. This is my final answer.” Upon this concise68 reply, the General wrote the following letter to the senator:—
“Sir,
“I have received your letter of the 25th instant, by mail, in which you violate truth and honour, to indulge the inherent malignity69 and rancour of your soul. On what ‘level,’ pray Sir, shall we find the wretch70 who, to mark his cowardice71, fabricates falsehoods, and heaps unprovoked insults upon unmerited injuries? You ‘cannot descend to my level,’—vain, equivocal thing! And you believe this dastardly subterfuge72 will avail you, or that your lion’s skin will longer conceal73 your true character? Embrace the alternative still within your reach, and 378 ascend74 to the ‘level’ of a gentleman, if possible; act like a man if you can, and spare me the pain of publishing you to the world for an insolent75, slanderous76, and prevaricating77 poltroon78.
“James Wilkinson.”
There is a N.B. by way of postscript79, to tell the senator that “the sacred respect due to the station he occupied in the councils of the nation, alone protected him from the chastisement81 of his cane82.”
The General kept his word, and when Congress was assembled, the following notice was stuck up in the corners of the streets and in all the taverns:—
“Hector unmasked.—In justice to my character, I denounce to the world John Randolph, Member of Congress, a prevaricating, base, calumniating83 scoundrel, poltroon, and coward.”
At the time of the French Revolution two celebrated84 French duellists were residing in Philadelphia, Louis de Noailles and Alexandre de Tilly. The Viscount de Noailles was admitted into the family of a Mr. Bingham, one of the wealthiest merchants of Pennsylvania, and a senator. He soon after introduced the Count de Tilly, who was much liked by Mrs. and Miss Maria Matilda Bingham, an only daughter. The experienced seducer85 soon persuaded the young lady, who was not yet of age, to marry him privately86, and they 379 were secretly united in 1799, by a clergyman whom they had bribed87.
This marriage threw the family into a state of consternation88. The mother died heart-broken, Mr. Bingham only survived her a few years; and a Mr. Barry thought it proper to chastise80 the Frenchman, who was, however, induced to leave the United States on the following conditions:—Five thousand pounds ready money to pay his debts,—an annual allowance of five hundred pounds,—and an acknowledgment on the part of Mr. Barry, either in writing or by a verbal communication through the Count de Noailles, that he merely pushed against him in a crowd!
In the year 1804, General Hamilton, who had been just appointed ambassador from the United States to Paris, got involved in a political dispute with Colonel Aaron Burr, then vice-president. Dr. Cooper had published a pamphlet, in which he had said “Colonel Hamilton and Dr. Kent say, that they consider Colonel Burr a dangerous man, and one unfit to be trusted with the reins89 of government.” In another place the same writer said, “General Hamilton has expressed of Colonel Burr opinions still more despicable.”
The last passage excited the resentment90 of Colonel Burr, who demanded from General Hamilton “a prompt and unqualified acknowledgment or denial of the expressions which could justify91 this inference on the part of Dr. Cooper.” 380 General Hamilton admitted the first statement, which he contended was fairly within the bounds prescribed in cases of political animosity, but objected to be called on to retrace92 every conversation which he had held either publicly or confidentially93 in the course of fifteen years’ opposition94. This would not satisfy Burr, who insisted upon satisfaction and a meeting.
On the evening before the duel Hamilton made his will, in which he enclosed a paper, containing his opinion of duelling; and, expressive95 of the reluctance96 with which he obeyed a custom so painful to his feelings, he says—
“On my expected interview with Colonel Burr, I think it proper to make some remarks explanatory of my conduct, motives97, and views. I was certainly desirous of avoiding this interview, for the most cogent98 reasons:—
“First.—My religious and moral principles are strongly opposed to the practice of duelling, and it would ever give me pain to shed the blood of a fellow creature in a private combat, forbidden by the laws.
“Secondly.—My wife and children are extremely dear to me, and my life is of the utmost importance to them, in various points of view.
“Thirdly.—I feel a sense of obligation towards my creditors99, who, in case of accident to me, by the forced sale of my property, may be in some degree sufferers. I do not think myself at liberty, 381 as a man of probity100, lightly to expose them to hazard.
“Fourthly.—I am conscious of no ill-will to Colonel Burr, distinct from political opposition, which, as I trust, has proceeded from pure and upright motives.
“Lastly.—I shall hazard much and can possibly gain nothing by the issue of the interview.”
The parties met, and Colonel Burr’s shot took fatal effect. General Hamilton had determined not to return the fire, but, on receiving the shock of the mortal wound, his pistol went off involuntarily in an opposite direction.
Few individuals died more lamented than General Hamilton, whose funeral at New York was observed with unusual respect and ceremony. All the public functionaries101 attended, and the bells, muffled102, tolled103 during the day. All business was suspended, and the principal inhabitants wore mourning for six weeks. No death, save that of Washington, had filled the republic with such deep and universal regret.
A singular and fatal duel was fought in New York by the late Stephen Price, well-known as the former lessee104 of Drury Lane theatre. The following is an account of this affair, extracted from the American papers:—
“Benjamin Price was a grocer at Rhinebeck, and was considered the flower of the flock. He was at the theatre one evening with a beautiful 382 woman, when a British officer, in an adjoining box, took the liberty of turning round and staring her full in the face. She complained to Ben Price, and, on a repetition of the offence, he turned round and seized the nose of the officer full between his finger and thumb, and wrung105 it most effectually.
“The officer left the box, and soon after a knock was heard at the door of Ben Price’s box. Ben opened it, and there stood the officer, whose name was Green, and who asked Ben, what he meant by this behaviour? at the same time remarking, that he had not meant to insult the lady by what he had done. ‘Oh! very well,’ replied Ben, ‘neither did I mean to insult you by what I did.’ Upon this they shook hands as sworn brothers; and some time after Mr. Green went to Canada to join his regiment106.
“The facts of this affair, however, reached Canada as soon as Mr. Green did, and of course were bruited107 about. The officers of his regiment, one of whom had a pique108 against him, caused it to be brought under the notice of his brother officers, one of whom, a Captain Wilson, insisted that Green should be sent to Coventry, unless he went back directly and fought Ben Price. Green, therefore, set to work, and practised for five hours every day, until he could hit a dollar at ten paces nine times out of ten. He then came to New York, and challenged Ben Price. 383 They fought at Hoboken, and Ben was killed on the first fire. The seconds ran off, and Green took a small boat, crossed the river, and boarded a vessel109 in the bay just about to sail for England. The body of Ben was found at Hoboken, with a piece of paper attached to his breast, on which were inscribed110 the following words:—‘This is Benjamin Price, boarding in Veney Street, New York,—take care of him.’ The body was brought to the city quietly, and he was buried in New York.”
“Some years afterwards, Captain Wilson of the British army, whom we have mentioned above, arrived in this city, from England, on his way to Canada, and put up at the Washington Hotel. One day, at dinner, the conversation turned on the death of Ben Price, and the manner thereof. Captain Wilson remarked that he had been mainly instrumental in bringing about the duel, and detailed111 the circumstances connected therewith. This statement was carried immediately to Stephen Price, who was lying ill of the gout, at home: his friends say that he henceforth implicitly112 obeyed the instructions of the physician, obtained thereby113 a short cessation of the gout, and was enabled to hobble out of doors, his lower extremities114 swaddled in flannel115. His first course was to seek the Washington Hotel, and his first inquiry was, ‘Is Captain Wilson within?’—‘He is,’ said the waiter.—‘Show me 384 to his room,’ said Stephen, and he was shown accordingly. He hobbled up stairs with great difficulty, cursing at intervals116 the gout and the captain with equal vehemence117. He at last entered the captain’s room, his feet cased in mocassins, and his hand grasping a stick. Captain Wilson rose to receive him, when he said, ‘Are you Captain Wilson?’—‘That is my name,’ replied the gallant118 captain. ‘Then, Sir, my name is Stephen Price. You see, Sir, I can scarcely put one foot before the other; I am afflicted119 with the gout. My object in coming here, is to insult you. Shall I have to knock you down, or will you consider what I have said a sufficient insult, and act accordingly?’—‘No, Sir,’ replied the captain, smiling, ‘I shall consider what you have said quite sufficient, and shall act accordingly. You shall hear from me.’”
“In due time there came a message from the captain to Stephen Price; time, place, and weapons were appointed, and early one morning a barge120 left New York, in which were seated, face to face, Stephen Price and Captain Wilson and two friends: they all landed at Bedlaw’s Island, the principals took their positions, and Captain Wilson fell dead at the first shot. The captain was buried in the vault121 there, and Price and the two seconds returned to New York; but his friends (Wilson’s) thought that he had gone suddenly to Canada, and always 385 thought that he had died suddenly, or had been killed on his way to England to join his regiment.”
It is surprising that in a country where such an event as the death of General Hamilton could be productive of such a general feeling of regret, duels of the most wanton and desperate nature so frequently occur. But a very few years since a furious outbreak of temper was manifested in the state of Louisiana, where a Mr. Labranch, president of the legislative122 assembly, as he was about taking the chair, was assaulted by a Mr. Grymes, who endeavoured to strike him with a stick, when he drew a pocket pistol and fired at the aggressor, but missed him, and Grymes, in his turn, drew out a horse pistol loaded with ball and slugs, and fired at him. The ball grazed the head of a senator who was seated near the chairman, and who received two slugs in his arm and hand. This occurred in 1835.
The same year a duel took place between a lieutenant123 of the American Navy, and three passengers in a steam-boat, two of whom were brothers. The parties landed; the lieutenant received a ball in the hip124, and one of the brothers fell dead on his fire. The surviving brother sought to avenge125 him, but also received a mortal wound. The third survivor126 now insisted upon satisfaction from the lieutenant’s second, whom he shot in the breast; he then obliged the lieutenant, although exhausted127 from loss of blood, 386 to satisfy him still further, when he mortally wounded him.
Fighting with rifles and muskets128, sometimes by beat of drum, is not an uncommon129 method of settling an American dispute; and frequently, as in the case of their disputes with our officers at Gibraltar, Americans have insisted upon fighting double-handed, or resting the pistol to level it on the left arm: a proposal made to one of our officers, a Captain G——, who had lost the use of his right arm in the Pyrenees, but who contrived130 with his left to wound very severely131 the desperado who sought to take such an unfair advantage of an honourable infirmity. These differences, to which we shall refer elsewhere, must have led to the most fatal consequences, had not the American commodore very wisely put out to sea.
It is to be lamented that this recklessness of life, that prevails in the United States of America, should have extended its baneful132 influence over our West India colonies. Both the British and French creoles are hasty in the expression of their displeasure, and vindictive133 in seeking to avenge their real or supposed wrongs. This circumstance is perhaps to be attributed to the great mortality which afflicts134 these unhealthy regions, as the constant sight of death, and the incessant135 tolling136 of the passing bell, must in a great measure strip death of many of its terrors. It is also to be observed, that the creoles, who 387 enjoy a short but a merry life, are much addicted137 to the pleasures of the table, and balls generally succeed the festival, when the passions, excited by previous stimulants138, predispose to a captious139 and jealous susceptibility; and wine and women reign140 paramount141 in the assembly. To this circumstance may be superadded the constant dissensions in colonial politics, where the representatives of the place are often in collision with the government; and it is to be lamented, that too frequently the crown lawyers themselves, instead of endeavouring to check the evils that must arise from such a want of concert and harmony, are the first to disturb the public peace; and attorney-general and solicitor-general are occasionally the most troublesome and pugnacious142 members of society.
A very severe lesson was given to a noted143 French duellist49 in Jamaica, by the captain of a West Indiaman, which is worthy144 of record. Henri d’Egville was a creole of St. Domingo, and had obtained great notoriety from the frequent quarrels and fatal duels in which he had been engaged. He was dining one day at Kingston, in company with several persons, amongst whom was a Scotch145 captain, of the name of Stewart. The meeting was convivial146, and various songs and toasts were called for and given. At last D’Egville requested Stewart to sing a Ga?lic song, which the Scotchman declined on 388 the plea of his ignorance of that language. The Frenchman insisted, when Stewart sang a Scotch drinking song, which D’Egville, who understood but little English, took for a Ga?lic strain. Here the matter ended, the party broke up, and Stewart repaired to his vessel, accompanied by a friend, when the conversation turned upon duelling, and the reputation that D’Egville had obtained of being a dangerous man. Stewart expressed his horror of duelling, and admitted that it had been his misfortune to kill one of his intimate friends, of the name of Cameron, in a hostile meeting, occasioned by some difference between them concerning a lady, when Cameron had struck him. The Scotchman expressed his deep sorrow for that melancholy147 event, which had ever since embittered148 his existence.
While the parties were thus conversing149, they perceived a boat pulling towards the ship, and Stewart recognised in it a Captain Wilthorpe, an officer in the Columbian service, a professed150 duellist, and the constant and worthy companion of D’Egville. Stewart had strange forebodings at this unexpected visit, which were soon realised. Wilthorpe came on board, and, after politely saluting151 the captain and his friend, delivered a message from Henri d’Egville, who had considered himself mystified by Stewart’s having sought to impose upon him an English song for a Ga?lic specimen152. 389
The Scotch captain expressed his surprise at this communication, and at the same time declared his firm resolution not to fight a duel after the melancholy result of a former one in which he had been engaged. Wilthorpe withdrew and returned to his boat. Stewart, shortly after having occasion to go on shore, met D’Egville on horseback, when the latter rode up to him, struck him with a horsewhip, and galloped153 off.
Stewart, greatly indignant at this outrageous154 conduct, formed the resolution of ridding the world of such a pestilence155; and at the same time perilling156 his own life by compelling the Frenchman to fight a duel which would render the fall of both of them certain. He sent him a message, and requested a meeting behind the Iguanna rocks. He then, accompanied by two of his men, proceeded to the rendezvous157, and directed them to dig a grave sufficiently158 deep to receive two bodies. D’Egville soon appeared, and Stewart proposed, as conditions of the duel, that they both should stand in the grave, holding their pistols in one hand and the end of a pocket-handkerchief in the other. The sun was shedding its parting rays on the wild spot he had selected. Stewart was firm and calm: the Frenchman, despite his efforts to appear undismayed, betrayed evident signs of perturbation.
The seconds, one of whom was Wilthorpe, drew lots for the word of command—the fatal 390 signal of death. The parties descended159 into the pit; Stewart with an undaunted step, D’Egville with much trepidation160. The handkerchief was placed in their hands, firmly grasped by the Scotchman, tremblingly held by the creole: the word “Fire” was about to be given, when the ruffian swooned and fell at the feet of his adversary161. Stewart spurned162 him with his foot, as a dastardly and contemptible163 coward, and left him to the care of his worthy companion and friend.
In the same colony, a fatal duel of a most singular nature took place in 1830. Two planters, having made rather free at a merry dinner, quarrelled and determined to fight a duel with muskets. Their boon164 companions consented to the meeting; but, knowing the friendship that had long existed between them, and the absurdity165 of the dispute, they determined to load the pieces with powder and without ball. The parties met, fired by signal, when, to the utter dismay of the seconds and the party assembled to witness the sham166 fight, one of them was shot in the back and dropped a corpse167. Recovered from their surprise, they carefully examined the surrounding bush, when at last they discovered a negro concealed168 under a tree, and armed with a carbine. The man was seized, and confessed that he was the assassin. The motives that had impelled169 him to this deed were most singular. 391 It appeared that the preceding day, one of the planters had passed by a gibbet on which a negro was hanging, when he wantonly put a pipe in the mouth of the culprit. It was a companion of the unfortunate man, who, on beholding170 the action, resolved on punishing the planter as soon as a favourable171 opportunity might present itself. He was present when the duel was decided172 on, and he hastened to his cabin, loaded a carbine, and concealing173 himself behind a tree, near the scene of action, intended to fire upon his victim; but the darkness of the night led to the fatal mistake, which deprived the offender’s adversary of life.
It is not only in the British colonies that law officers show the detestable example of duelling. In 1829 the attorney-general of Martinique shot a French count, in consequence of some ill-timed jokes in a ball-room. Not long ago, the governor of one of our transatlantic possessions fought a duel with the chief-justice of the island. Nor can we be surprised at these disgraceful occurrences, when it is notorious that the judicial and legal situations in the colonies are not always conferred on merit, legal attainments174, or proper qualifications, but often upon persons who merely possess patronage175; and any tyro176 who is called to the bar is considered fit for the judicial bench of a colony, or the duties of a crown lawyer. The same abuse of power became the curse of the 392 Spanish American possessions; whenever a hidalgo was ruined, or too poor to live in the mother country, or unfit for any situation at home, he was sent out to Las Indias to make a fortune. It seems to be the destiny of all colonies to be subject to misrule and oppression; and one might imagine that to colonize177, imports creating future enemies.
Amongst people of colour duels are not uncommon: at Hayti, the greatest insult is to call a man a mulatto, an offence which induced one of their generals of the name of Lapointe to order the legs of a negro to be sawed off.
The evils of colonization178 are every day becoming more evident in Algeria, a possession which will prove to France a drain of blood and treasure, and the tranquillity179 of which is frequently disturbed by disputes and duels, both amongst military men and civil officers. There, as in America, party spirit runs high; and the greater the difficulties public functionaries have to encounter in the discharge of their duty, and their care of personal interest, the more liable will society be to a want of harmony and difference of opinion. Colonies may be considered as republics belonging to monarchical180 governments, and many anomalies must necessarily prevail in their administration.
The subject of duelling in the United States, and the many causes of its frequency to which 393 we have alluded181, cannot be better illustrated182 than by the following extract from the works of our poet Moore:—
“The rude familiarity of the lower orders, and indeed the unpolished state of society in general, would neither surprise nor disgust, if they seemed to flow from that simplicity183 of character, that honest ignorance of the glass of refinement, which may be looked for in a new and inexperienced people. But when we find them arrived at maturity184 in most of the vices, and in all the pride of civilization, while they are still so remote from its elegant characteristics, it is impossible not to feel that this youthful decay, this crude anticipation185 of the natural period of corruption186, represses every sanguine187 hope of the future energy and greatness of America.”
Although we cannot agree with our author in the latter part of his opinion, as America is daily rising to power and eminence188, yet there is no doubt that the rancorous hostility which will long prevail between the democrats189 and the federalists, the wealthy and the poor, the northern and the southern, will prove for a considerable time an endless source of discord190 in a land where licentiousness191 is considered liberty.
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duel
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| n./v.决斗；(双方的)斗争 | |
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duels
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| n.两男子的决斗( duel的名词复数 )；竞争，斗争 | |
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ponderous
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| adj.沉重的，笨重的，(文章)冗长的 | |
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territorial
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| adj.领土的，领地的 | |
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heinous
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| adj.可憎的，十恶不赦的 | |
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mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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lamented
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| adj.被哀悼的，令人遗憾的v.（为…）哀悼，痛哭，悲伤( lament的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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inquiry
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| n.打听，询问，调查，查问 | |
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fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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ridicule
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| v.讥讽，挖苦；n.嘲弄 | |
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hostility
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| n.敌对，敌意；抵制［pl.］交战，战争 | |
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forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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lavish
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| adj.无节制的；浪费的；vt.慷慨地给予，挥霍 | |
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vices
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| 缺陷( vice的名词复数 )； 恶习； 不道德行为； 台钳 | |
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dwellings
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| n.住处，处所( dwelling的名词复数 ) | |
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judicial
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| adj.司法的，法庭的，审判的，明断的，公正的 | |
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ferocious
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| adj.凶猛的，残暴的，极度的，十分强烈的 | |
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savage
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| adj.野蛮的；凶恶的，残暴的；n.未开化的人 | |
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honourable
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| adj.可敬的；荣誉的，光荣的 | |
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refinement
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| n.文雅；高尚；精美；精制；精炼 | |
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colonist
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| n.殖民者，移民 | |
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squatted
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| v.像动物一样蹲下( squat的过去式和过去分词 )；非法擅自占用（土地或房屋）；为获得其所有权；而占用某片公共用地。 | |
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24
guardian
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| n.监护人；守卫者，保护者 | |
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25
unwilling
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| adj.不情愿的 | |
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26
bombastic
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| adj.夸夸其谈的，言过其实的 | |
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27
bragging
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| v.自夸，吹嘘( brag的现在分词 )；大话 | |
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28
retard
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| n.阻止，延迟；vt.妨碍，延迟，使减速 | |
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29
folly
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| n.愚笨，愚蠢，蠢事，蠢行，傻话 | |
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30
pretensions
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| 自称( pretension的名词复数 )； 自命不凡； 要求； 权力 | |
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31
torrent
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| n.激流，洪流；爆发，(话语等的)连发 | |
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32
wafts
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| n.空中飘来的气味，一阵气味( waft的名词复数 )；摇转风扇v.吹送，飘送，（使）浮动( waft的第三人称单数 ) | |
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33
condemn
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| vt.谴责，指责；宣判(罪犯)，判刑 | |
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34
morbid
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| adj.病的；致病的；病态的；可怕的 | |
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35
temperament
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| n.气质，性格，性情 | |
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36
constituents
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| n.选民( constituent的名词复数 )；成分；构成部分；要素 | |
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37
degradation
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| n.降级；低落；退化；陵削；降解；衰变 | |
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38
hustings
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| n.竞选活动 | |
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39
feverish
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| adj.发烧的，狂热的，兴奋的 | |
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40
inevitable
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| adj.不可避免的，必然发生的 | |
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41
brute
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| n.野兽，兽性 | |
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42
enactment
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| n.演出，担任…角色；制订，通过 | |
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43
ineligible
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| adj.无资格的，不适当的 | |
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44
demonstration
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| n.表明，示范，论证，示威 | |
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45
promulgated
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| v.宣扬（某事物）( promulgate的过去式和过去分词 )；传播；公布；颁布（法令、新法律等） | |
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46
distinguished
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| adj.卓越的，杰出的，著名的 | |
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47
slain
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| 杀死，宰杀，杀戮( slay的过去分词 )； (slay的过去分词) | |
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48
eldest
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| adj.最年长的，最年老的 | |
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49
duellist
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| n.决斗者；[体]重剑运动员 | |
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50
adversaries
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| n.对手，敌手( adversary的名词复数 ) | |
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51
eluded
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| v.（尤指机敏地）避开( elude的过去式和过去分词 )；逃避；躲避；使达不到 | |
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52
intimidate
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| vt.恐吓，威胁 | |
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53
frivolous
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| adj.轻薄的；轻率的 | |
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54
authorizes
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| 授权，批准，委托( authorize的名词复数 ) | |
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55
slay
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| v.杀死，宰杀，杀戮 | |
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56
alienation
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| n.疏远；离间；异化 | |
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57
interdiction
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| n.禁止；封锁 | |
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58
dagger
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| n.匕首，短剑，剑号 | |
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59
thigh
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| n.大腿；股骨 | |
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60
expedient
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| adj.有用的，有利的；n.紧急的办法，权宜之计 | |
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61
condemned
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| adj. 被责难的, 被宣告有罪的 动词condemn的过去式和过去分词 | |
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62
inflicted
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| 把…强加给，使承受，遭受( inflict的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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63
supplication
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| n.恳求，祈愿，哀求 | |
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64
liberated
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| a.无拘束的，放纵的 | |
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65
rogue
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| n.流氓；v.游手好闲 | |
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66
sergeant
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| n.警官，中士 | |
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67
descend
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| vt./vi.传下来，下来，下降 | |
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68
concise
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| adj.简洁的，简明的 | |
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69
malignity
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| n.极度的恶意，恶毒；（病的）恶性 | |
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70
wretch
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| n.可怜的人，不幸的人；卑鄙的人 | |
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71
cowardice
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| n.胆小，怯懦 | |
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72
subterfuge
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| n.诡计；藉口 | |
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73
conceal
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，隐蔽 | |
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74
ascend
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| vi.渐渐上升，升高；vt.攀登，登上 | |
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75
insolent
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| adj.傲慢的，无理的 | |
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76
slanderous
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| adj.诽谤的，中伤的 | |
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77
prevaricating
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| v.支吾( prevaricate的现在分词 )；搪塞；说谎 | |
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78
poltroon
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| n.胆怯者；懦夫 | |
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79
postscript
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| n.附言，又及；(正文后的)补充说明 | |
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80
chastise
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| vt.责骂，严惩 | |
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81
chastisement
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| n.惩罚 | |
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82
cane
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| n.手杖，细长的茎，藤条；v.以杖击，以藤编制的 | |
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83
calumniating
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| v.诽谤，中伤( calumniate的现在分词 ) | |
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84
celebrated
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| adj.有名的，声誉卓著的 | |
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85
seducer
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| n.诱惑者,骗子,玩弄女性的人 | |
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86
privately
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| adv.以私人的身份，悄悄地，私下地 | |
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87
bribed
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| v.贿赂( bribe的过去式和过去分词 )；向（某人）行贿，贿赂 | |
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88
consternation
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| n.大为吃惊，惊骇 | |
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89
reins
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| 感情，激情； 缰( rein的名词复数 )； 控制手段； 掌管； （成人带着幼儿走路以防其走失时用的）保护带 | |
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90
resentment
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| n.怨愤，忿恨 | |
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91
justify
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| vt.证明…正当(或有理)，为…辩护 | |
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92
retrace
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| v.折回；追溯，探源 | |
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93
confidentially
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| ad.秘密地，悄悄地 | |
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94
opposition
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| n.反对，敌对 | |
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95
expressive
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| adj.表现的，表达…的，富于表情的 | |
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96
reluctance
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| n.厌恶，讨厌，勉强，不情愿 | |
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97
motives
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| n.动机，目的( motive的名词复数 ) | |
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98
cogent
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| adj.强有力的，有说服力的 | |
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99
creditors
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| n.债权人，债主( creditor的名词复数 ) | |
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100
probity
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| n.刚直；廉洁，正直 | |
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101
functionaries
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| n.公职人员，官员( functionary的名词复数 ) | |
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102
muffled
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| adj.（声音）被隔的；听不太清的；（衣服）裹严的；蒙住的v.压抑，捂住( muffle的过去式和过去分词 )；用厚厚的衣帽包着（自己） | |
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103
tolled
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| 鸣钟（toll的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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104
lessee
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| n.（房地产的）租户 | |
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105
wrung
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| 绞( wring的过去式和过去分词 )； 握紧（尤指别人的手）； 把（湿衣服）拧干； 绞掉（水） | |
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106
regiment
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| n.团，多数，管理；v.组织，编成团，统制 | |
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107
bruited
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| v.传播（传说或谣言）( bruit的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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108
pique
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| v.伤害…的自尊心，使生气 n.不满，生气 | |
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109
vessel
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| n.船舶；容器，器皿；管，导管，血管 | |
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110
inscribed
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| v.写，刻( inscribe的过去式和过去分词 )；内接 | |
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111
detailed
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| adj.详细的，详尽的，极注意细节的，完全的 | |
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112
implicitly
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| adv. 含蓄地, 暗中地, 毫不保留地 | |
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113
thereby
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| adv.因此，从而 | |
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114
extremities
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| n.端点( extremity的名词复数 )；尽头；手和足；极窘迫的境地 | |
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115
flannel
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| n.法兰绒；法兰绒衣服 | |
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116
intervals
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| n.[军事]间隔( interval的名词复数 )；间隔时间；[数学]区间；（戏剧、电影或音乐会的）幕间休息 | |
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117
vehemence
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| n.热切；激烈；愤怒 | |
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118
gallant
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| adj.英勇的，豪侠的；(向女人)献殷勤的 | |
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119
afflicted
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| 使受痛苦，折磨( afflict的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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120
barge
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| n.平底载货船，驳船 | |
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121
vault
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| n.拱形圆顶，地窖，地下室 | |
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122
legislative
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| n.立法机构，立法权；adj.立法的，有立法权的 | |
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123
lieutenant
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| n.陆军中尉，海军上尉；代理官员，副职官员 | |
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124
hip
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| n.臀部，髋；屋脊 | |
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125
avenge
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| v.为...复仇，为...报仇 | |
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126
survivor
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| n.生存者，残存者，幸存者 | |
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127
exhausted
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| adj.极其疲惫的，精疲力尽的 | |
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128
muskets
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| n.火枪，（尤指）滑膛枪( musket的名词复数 ) | |
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129
uncommon
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| adj.罕见的，非凡的，不平常的 | |
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130
contrived
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| adj.不自然的，做作的；虚构的 | |
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131
severely
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| adv.严格地；严厉地；非常恶劣地 | |
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132
baneful
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| adj.有害的 | |
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133
vindictive
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| adj.有报仇心的，怀恨的，惩罚的 | |
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134
afflicts
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| 使受痛苦，折磨( afflict的名词复数 ) | |
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135
incessant
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| adj.不停的，连续的 | |
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136
tolling
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| [财]来料加工 | |
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137
addicted
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| adj.沉溺于....的，对...上瘾的 | |
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138
stimulants
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| n.兴奋剂( stimulant的名词复数 )；含兴奋剂的饮料；刺激物；激励物 | |
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139
captious
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| adj.难讨好的，吹毛求疵的 | |
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140
reign
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| n.统治时期，统治，支配，盛行；v.占优势 | |
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141
paramount
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| a.最重要的，最高权力的 | |
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142
pugnacious
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| adj.好斗的 | |
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143
noted
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| adj.著名的，知名的 | |
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144
worthy
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| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
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145
scotch
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| n.伤口，刻痕；苏格兰威士忌酒；v.粉碎，消灭，阻止；adj.苏格兰(人)的 | |
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146
convivial
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| adj.狂欢的，欢乐的 | |
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147
melancholy
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| n.忧郁，愁思；adj.令人感伤（沮丧）的，忧郁的 | |
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148
embittered
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| v.使怨恨，激怒( embitter的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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149
conversing
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| v.交谈，谈话( converse的现在分词 ) | |
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150
professed
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| 公开声称的，伪称的，已立誓信教的 | |
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151
saluting
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| v.欢迎，致敬( salute的现在分词 )；赞扬，赞颂 | |
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152
specimen
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| n.样本，标本 | |
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153
galloped
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| （使马）飞奔，奔驰( gallop的过去式和过去分词 )； 快速做[说]某事 | |
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154
outrageous
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| adj.无理的，令人不能容忍的 | |
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155
pestilence
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| n.瘟疫 | |
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156
perilling
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| 置…于危险中（peril的现在分词形式） | |
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157
rendezvous
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| n.约会，约会地点，汇合点；vi.汇合，集合；vt.使汇合，使在汇合地点相遇 | |
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158
sufficiently
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| adv.足够地，充分地 | |
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159
descended
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| a.为...后裔的，出身于...的 | |
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160
trepidation
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| n.惊恐，惶恐 | |
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161
adversary
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| adj.敌手，对手 | |
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162
spurned
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| v.一脚踢开，拒绝接受( spurn的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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163
contemptible
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| adj.可鄙的，可轻视的，卑劣的 | |
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164
boon
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| n.恩赐，恩物，恩惠 | |
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absurdity
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| n.荒谬，愚蠢；谬论 | |
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166
sham
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| n./adj.假冒(的)，虚伪(的) | |
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167
corpse
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| n.尸体，死尸 | |
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168
concealed
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| a.隐藏的，隐蔽的 | |
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169
impelled
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| v.推动、推进或敦促某人做某事( impel的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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170
beholding
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| 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 | |
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171
favourable
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| adj.赞成的，称赞的，有利的，良好的，顺利的 | |
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decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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173
concealing
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，遮住( conceal的现在分词 ) | |
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174
attainments
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| 成就，造诣； 获得( attainment的名词复数 )； 达到； 造诣； 成就 | |
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patronage
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| n.赞助，支援，援助；光顾，捧场 | |
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tyro
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| n.初学者；生手 | |
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177
colonize
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| v.建立殖民地，拓殖；定居，居于 | |
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178
colonization
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| 殖民地的开拓，殖民，殖民地化； 移殖 | |
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179
tranquillity
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| n. 平静, 安静 | |
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180
monarchical
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| adj. 国王的，帝王的，君主的，拥护君主制的 =monarchic | |
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alluded
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| 提及，暗指( allude的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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182
illustrated
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| adj. 有插图的，列举的 动词illustrate的过去式和过去分词 | |
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183
simplicity
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| n.简单，简易；朴素；直率，单纯 | |
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184
maturity
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| n.成熟；完成；(支票、债券等)到期 | |
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185
anticipation
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| n.预期，预料，期望 | |
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186
corruption
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| n.腐败，堕落，贪污 | |
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187
sanguine
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| adj.充满希望的，乐观的，血红色的 | |
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eminence
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| n.卓越，显赫；高地，高处；名家 | |
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189
democrats
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| n.民主主义者，民主人士( democrat的名词复数 ) | |
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190
discord
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| n.不和，意见不合，争论，（音乐）不和谐 | |
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licentiousness
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| n.放肆，无法无天 | |
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