As all their refreshments4 were composed from air, earth, and water it was determined5 that a fine summer's day after a reviving shower, would afford ample regale6 for a breakfast, which was to begin, like all fashionable ones, late in the afternoon, that the genteel flowers might be awake. Mrs. Honeysuckle first proposed giving one, but her husband was a Dutchman, and would not agree to the bustle7 and expense, and not choosing the risk[Pg 115] of separation she for once yielded, and Mrs. Rose, being in high beauty, determined to send out her fragrance8 to invite the company, provided she could procure9 the consent of Mr. Pluto10 Rose; indeed, he never interfered11 with the pursuits of his wife; he only declared he should not appear, and as he was a very dark-looking rose without any sweet she was delighted at this declaration, but, though much admired in her own little circle, she was unknown in the great World, and she was sensible that unless some of the leaders of the Ton were present her breakfast would be regarded with contempt; she therefore consulted two of her friends, Lady Acacia and Mrs. Larch12, and got Mr. Plane from the east to secure the attendance of his party.
Lady Acacia had just got her niece Robina from America, whom she was very solicitous13 to have properly introduced, having kept very indifferent company in her own country, and being handsome, she aspired15 to settling her well. She, of course, aided all in her power to promote Mrs. Rose's scheme, and, by being in a higher circle, offered to get all the Forest Trees to attend except Lord Oak; but she knew he never condescended16 to go to such meetings. Mrs. Larch, from her connections, promised her influence with all the Cedars17 and Firs, though she was sure her cousin from Lebanon would not come, but all the rest yielded easily to her entreaties18. Mrs. Rose was delighted with the success of Lady Acacia and Mrs. Larch in their solicitations with the Forest and Fir Trees, whose majestic19 appearance and respectable characters she imagined would dignify20 her fête, never considering her own littleness might appear to them despicable; but from them she had nothing to fear, as they were too well bred to attend any meeting to ridicule21 it. 'Tis true when they did grace a public entertainment[Pg 116] they kept chiefly together, and never so far forgot their consequence as to oppress a humble22 flower, or stoop to notice a forward insignificant23 one even in the gayest attire24.
There was an elegant lightness of drapery in Mrs. Birch's dress, but poor Lady Aspen had certainly a very trifling25 way with her in shaking continually her leaves, which sounded as if she was tittering at everything around. Old Lord Elm was hurt at it, and often hinted to her ladyship how improper26 such behaviour would have been deemed in former times. It was, poor thing, in her a natural weakness which she could not amend27, and it had been copied by some inferior plants who had ignorantly supposed it the height of good breeding.
Mrs. Rose, with all her charms, could not aspire14 to become one of the Forest set, though she had hopes she might be reckoned a descendant from the famous Roses so well known in the reigns28 of some of our Henrys, Edwards, and Richard III., though she assuredly was of a very different extraction; indeed, it was said that she was bred up in a cottage garden, but had passed one winter in the hothouse, by which she was greatly elated, and now thought from that circumstance she was secure in having a large party from thence, not knowing the prejudice it was to memory and sight to be constantly for any length of time in such artificial air. Had it not been for this breakfast bringing Mrs. Rose into notice she would have been totally forgotten by them, but her invitation made them soon recollect29 the dear little creature, and as every offer of accommodation was made to entice30 them to attend, even to the promise of being placed near the Burning Bush: for that whatever is difficult to obtain is always peculiarly desirable to possess was not unknown in the hothouse. Notwithstanding that most[Pg 117] of its inhabitants, except Lady Sensitive and a few others (who were really too delicate to venture out), all anxiously wished to be at Mrs. Rose's, yet they seemed to make the waiting on her a very great favour, and their terms vexed32 her greatly—namely, the excluding of many of the common plants or natives as they termed them which prevented her from asking some of her old acquaintance and near connections, with whom till now she had lived in habits of intimacy33; besides she had wished to have shown her taste and consequence to them, having thorns enough on her stem to have pleasure in exciting a little envy; but being afraid these connections should be known she excluded every friend she was requested to do, and thus the Sweet Briar and many of that rank were left out, yet several weeds had the effrontery34 to get in.
As the hothouse plants always keep together when they do come out, they, as usual, did so at Mrs. Rose's, following their constant plan of apparent dissatisfaction at everything they met with, and quizzing most shamefully35 all the company. The greenhouse plants in winter follow the example of the hothouse in living in their own circle, but at this season mix more generally, though, alas36! they were nearly as much inclined as the hothouse party to quizzing. Mrs. Myrtle and Lady Orange-tree promised to chaperon the Misses Heath and the Misses Geranium—that is, such as were properly accomplished37 by having had a greenhouse education; but the poor relations of these two families, which I am forced to confess were many, were not asked. Lord Heliotropium and Mr. Monkeyplant were their welcome attendants.
The Evergreens38 of rank were invited, the females of whom are charged with being fond of showing themselves, and are usually to be seen in the front of plantations39.[Pg 118] Hitherto they had despised the fickleness40 of fashion, and had never modernized41 their dress enough to seem thinly clad even in the winter, and now they could not reconcile themselves to such a change, which, in fact, did them honour, though a few of the weakest and vainest among them rather lamented42 it, but the wiser valued their foliage43 as a great addition to beauty and elegance44, and justly reprobated the prevailing45 Ton of transparent46 clothing as very pernicious to health. Mrs. Arbutus was particularly unlucky in having sent all her jewels away for the summer, but Lady Portugal Laurel and a few others ornamented47 their usual green dresses very prettily48 with white, and her ladyship was allowed to make a sweet figure, whilst the correctness of her appearance gained her respect and admiration49.
Many Laurels50 were invited, but in this country they are so numerous, and of such rapid growth, and such flourishing plants, that it was absolutely impossible to collect as many of them as could be desired, and some old veterans declined attending. The Cypresses51 in general sent excuses, being confined by the loss of a friend, which was thought rather an uncommon52 reason for confinement53. Mr. Stock was also prevented by a pre-engagement in the alley54; he was a remarkably55 rich, showy flower, or he would not have been invited, yet he was known to possess more intrinsic merit before he had acquired so many petals56. Dr. Yew57 would not leave his church, nor Dr. Palma Christi his patients; indeed, their absence was not at all regretted, it being owing to a mistake that they were asked. The Ladies Weeping Willow58 stayed away with the Misses Weeping Ash to mourn over the vanities of the world, which greatly alarmed and distressed59 them.
Mrs. Passion-Flower sent her excuses, being enraged61 she was not consulted on the occasion, as she would have[Pg 119] deferred62 the meeting until she had regained63 her bloom. Most of the Shrubs that were invited attended, and the Duchess of Syringa and the Ladies Lilac looked beautiful. It was a disputed point whether Lady White Lilac or her sister was the handsomer, yet some of the party were so ill-humoured as to hint they were fading. Lord Laburnum came with them. Some bulbous roots were admitted, and Mrs. Lily made as engaging a figure as anyone; her headdress was simply elegant, the petals white with yellow stamens forming a very rich coral. The sweet Misses Lily of the Valley could not be tempted64 from their retreat.
Lord Tulip was particularly noticed, his coral being diversified65 in a most superb manner, and as dress among Ton beaux now is neglected he made a very surprising appearance, though by it he gained great respect; perhaps he carried it too far, as marked singularity is never advisable, yet a certain attention to dress, consistent with station, is requisite66, and had it not been for his coral Lord Tulip would have been passed by in the crowd, or turned out as a weed. He came with the Duchess of Hyacinth, which was rather particular, but it was little regarded, and the Duke was blamed for not properly estimating her Grace's charms.
There were some perennials67 asked, but Mrs. Rose was obliged to forget many of them, yet Miss Scabious was there, though not yet come out, flirting68 shamefully with young Lychnis, who was waiting for his ensigncy to get out his scarlet69 coat. Mrs. Rose made a point of inviting70 Mr. Monkshood because she would not appear to have any prejudices, though it is well known to be a poisonous plant, but its evil properties were to her and her friends of no consequence as they had never reflected on serious subjects. She also pressed the attendance of several[Pg 120] annuals of showy appearance. Intrinsic merit had no value with her, who had no guide but fashion, and was ambitious only of becoming a leader in dissipation or a patroness of talent, which would be the means of making her ridiculous, and the dupe of presuming ignorance.
The annuals, though they flourished but for a short time, were often during that period greatly caressed71, yet never lamented when they disappeared; in short, they were made subservient72 to the powers of others, which Mr. Coxcomb73, the painted Lady Pea, and some more were too vain to discover, and whilst they were frequently amused in quizzing all around never suspected they were deservedly greater objects of ridicule themselves. Very few of the Creepers were invited except those that belonged to the hothouse or greenhouse, and the sharpness of Lady Cereus made Mrs. Rose wish even to have avoided her company, but she would not be put off. Mrs. Bramble was very sharp at not being invited, thinking she had as good a right as Mrs. Ivy74, whom she accused as being one of those sycophants75 that push themselves into high life by clinging to greatness, and thus getting into the first circle without being respected in or out of it; indeed, there was amongst many of the party a good deal of satire76. Mrs. Rose herself was a little formed of it, but her sweetness was allowed to blunt the force of her thorn, and made it even regarded as pleasing, whilst Mrs. Holly77 was disliked for her general sharpness.[Pg 121]
The sweet Misses Lilies of the Valley could not be tempted from their retreat.—Page 119. The sweet Misses Lilies of the Valley could not be tempted from their retreat.—Page 119.
[Pg 123]
All the Auriculas that had been applauded on the stage were wonderfully sought after by Mrs. Rose as being now generally in all Ton assemblies, and they were always ready to accept these invitations, but their season of exhibition was now over, and they were gone strolling about for the remainder of the year. The Ladies Carnation78 were all asked, and some of their cousins, the Misses Pink, were particularly named (not having accommodations for all the family), and such of the Misses Pink as came were chaperoned by their near relations, Mr. and Mrs. Sweet-William; but the Ladies Carnation were obliged to refuse—they were afraid they should not be come out in time, and if they were must attend a county meeting with their guardian79.
There were no invitations sent into the kitchen garden or orchard80, notwithstanding the elegant simplicity81 of many of the inhabitants, and the general propriety82 of their conduct, but they were all voted quizzes for their usefulness in society and their attention to domestic concerns. They were vain of this neglect, regarding it as a proof of their merit, and as they lived comfortably together were happy and contented83, and far more easy and cheerful than the more dissipated societies. Mrs. Onion, it must be allowed, took it as a slight, but she was the only one that did, and she, presuming upon the having been much at great dinners, imagined she must be qualified84 for any breakfast, not considering she generally was obliged to go to them disguised or hid by a veil, but she was a proof of the errors of self knowledge, as she thought her scent85 far preferable to Mrs. Rose's.
The rest of the kitchen garden really wished to avoid mixing with the Ton, among whom they justly allowed were many very valuable plants; every class and order in this country may boast of them. The natural soil is good, and much pains is bestowed86 on proper culture, yet in the circles of dissipation there was reason to fear their health and good habits might be injured, particularly as attempts had been made to disseminate87 baneful88 seeds, though hitherto they had been kept down by care and attention. Mrs. Apple-Tree, Mr. Cherry, Miss Currant,[Pg 124] Miss Gooseberry, the Beans, Peas, Potatoes, and Cabbages well knew their own value, and despised the weak ambition of those who force themselves into company they were not designed for.
Mrs. Rose would have liked to have got at the Mint, but it was so well guarded by the Sages90 that she dared not make the attempt, knowing it would be useless, and she could not presume to ask the Sages, or would have been delighted to have had them—that is, all the family but Common Sage89, well imagining how much consequence she might acquire by even the appearance of such an acquaintance, yet it was an absurd idea, as she had not the smallest relish91 for their taste or anything Sage-like about her, and the wish to be thought to possess talents she did not would, as it always does, have made her contemptible92 to those who really have them. True knowledge is highly valuable and respectable, but the ignorant pretenders to it only make themselves objects of ridicule. Mrs. Rose was fortunate enough to get some of the Bays brought to her, and she thus trusted to have her breakfast properly celebrated93 in a poem dedicated94 to the Rose Unique.
The bog95 plants had all contrived96 to be in the Ton, and the Misses Rhododendron and the Misses Kalmia were greatly admired.
The breakfast was given on a beautiful green lawn, tastefully decorated, in the middle of which was a fine piece of water, with a fountain continually playing. Around were heaps of various sorts of soils, many procured97 at great distances at an enormous expense. The Buttercups and Dandelions waited on the lawn in full yellow liveries, and the Daisies, dressed neatly98 in a uniform of white with yellow ornaments99, were as female servants to give the refreshments to the waiters, and the[Pg 125] Foxgloves in red uniforms presided over the whole. The Trumpet100 Flowers were numerous; indeed, there was no other music, and there was no regular dancing, though many pretty groups dispersed101 about.
The crowd was very great, and the company did not leave the lawn till late, many of them exceedingly fatigued102, and drooping103 with their exertions104, and poor Mrs. Poppy was so much inclined to sleep as to distress60 the Misses Larkspur and Lupin that came with her, and Sir Laurus Tinus got much squeezed in getting the Marchioness Magnolia, a most charming creature, and the Miss Phillyreas away, and Lady Cistus left all her petals behind her.
Admiral Flag and Lady Peony were detained much longer than they wished in settling a dispute that had nearly ended in a challenge between Captain Waterdock and Colonel Jasmine about the antiquities105 of their families, which had so seriously terrified Lady Azorian Jasmine that she would have fainted but for the tender attention of Mrs. Lavender. The Colonel was certainly wrong, as the Water-docks are well known to be a very ancient family in Great Britain. It is much to be regretted that there is so often such a mistaken idea of courage even amongst the most respectable orders, abounding106 with the truest honour, and noblest spirit, as to cause duels107 on the most trifling subjects, thus involving their families in distress and themselves in the greatest misery108.
There was waiting on the outside of the lawn at Mrs. Rose's many of the Umbellate tribe, that in case sun or rain should be too powerful their Umbels might be useful, and, indeed, many other plants were mixed among them. Mrs. Mignonette, the milliner, a sweet little creature, was there to learn fashions; she had brought with her one[Pg 126] of her favourites, Venus's Looking-glass, whom she found of great service in her shop. The Nettles109, Thistles, and Furze were very troublesome. The Thrifts110 were also on the outside, as Mrs. Rose and they were totally unacquainted, but she had given great offence to many whom she had neglected that she very well knew, some even intimately, and the Misses Crocus, Violet, Jonquil, and Mrs. Almond she did not ask, because their beauty was gone by. She had also her disappointments in receiving excuses from many whose presence she wished for. Amongst these was Mr. and Mrs. Heartsease, most valuable plants; indeed, she had thought herself sure of their company, and they had intended waiting on her. At all entertainments of every kind they are expected, and they generally accept the invitations they receive, but before the day of engagement arrives they are obliged to send their excuses, owing to indisposition, which keeps them confined to a small circle of friends.
Some of the party at Mrs. Rose's were delighted; others only aimed to be thought pleased, but alas! too many were inclined to quiz the breakfast, Mrs. Rose, and everything they saw or met with, yet even these to her pretended the greatest felicity at what they partook of, and the sincerest regard and esteem111 for her, and were absurdly lavish112 in the admiration of her taste, and after all poor Mrs. Rose was so fatigued that she was attended for a considerable time by Doctor Gardener, and could associate with no other plant but her maid Valerian, having so completely lost her bloom by her dissipation that she came out no more this season, though she had sufficient foliage to ensure her life, and much more than suited her ideas of Tonish appearance, for, notwithstanding the slights she received in her confinement, when she could be of no use to the gay world, and her own[Pg 127] sufferings, she still possessed113 so much vanity and lightness of manner that it was with the greatest difficulty the doctor could keep her properly clothed, though he explained to her its necessity, as did Mr. Pluto Rose its propriety, but she was a slave to fashion, and nearly became one of its martyrs114.
The Three Cakes
T
There was a little boy named Henry,' said Mr. Glassington, 'about your age. His parents had but lately fixed115 him at a boarding-school.'
He was a special boy, for ever at his book, and happened once to get the highest place at exercises. His mother was told it. She could nohow keep from dreaming of the pleasure; and when morning came, she got up early, went to speak with the cook and said as follows:
'Cook, you are to make a cake for Henry, who yesterday was very good at school.'
'With all my heart,' replied the cook, and set immediately about it. It was as big as—let me see—as big as—as a hat when flapped. The cook had stuffed it with nice almonds, large pistachio nuts, and candied lemon-peel, and iced it over with a coat of sugar, so that it was very smooth and a perfect white. The cake no sooner was come home from baking than the cook put on her things, and carried it to school.
When Henry first saw it, he jumped up and down like any Merry Andrew. He was not so patient as to wait[Pg 129] till they could let him have a knife, but fell upon it tooth and nail. He ate and ate till school began, and after school was over he ate again; at night, too, it was the same thing till bedtime—nay116, a little fellow that Henry had for a playmate told me that he put the cake upon his bolster117 when he went to bed, and waked and waked a dozen times, that he might take a bit. I cannot so easily believe this last particular; but, then, it is very true, at least, that on the morrow, when the day was hardly broke, he set about his favourite business once again, continuing at it all the morning, and by noon had eaten it up. The dinner-bell now rung; but Henry, as one may fancy, had no stomach, and was vexed to see how heartily118 the other children ate. It was, however, worse than this at five o'clock, when school was over.
His companions asked him if he would not play at cricket, tan, or kits119. Alas! he could not; so they played without him. In the meantime Henry could hardly stand upon his legs; he went and sat down in a corner very gloomily, while the children said one to another: 'What is the matter with poor Henry, who used to skip about and be so merry? See how pale and sorrowful he is!'
The master came himself, and, seeing him, was quite alarmed. It was all lost labour to interrogate120 him. Henry could not be brought to speak a single word.
By great good luck, a boy at length came forward in the secret; and his information was that Henry's mother had sent him a great cake the day before, which he had swallowed in an instant, as it were, and that his present sickness was occasioned only by his gluttony. On this, the master sent for an apothecary122, who ordered him a quantity of physic, phial after phial. Henry, as one would fancy, found it very nauseous, but was forced to[Pg 130] take the whole for fear of dying, which, had he omitted it, would certainly have been the case. When some few days of physic and strict regimen had passed, his health was re-established as before; but his mother protested that she would never let him have another cake.
Percival. He did not merit so much as the smell of such a thing. But this is but one cake, father; and you informed me that there were three, if you remember, in your story.
Mr. G. Patience! patience! Here is another cake in what I am now going to tell.
Henry's master had another scholar, whose name was Francis. He had written his mother a very pretty letter, and it had not so much as a blotted123 stroke; in recompense for which she sent him likewise a great cake, and Francis thus addressed himself: 'I will not, like that glutton121 Henry, eat up my cake at once, and so be sick as he was; no, I will make my pleasure last a great deal longer.' So he took the cake, which he could hardly lift by reason of its weight, and watched the opportunity of slipping up into his chamber124 with it, where his box was, and in which he put it under lock and key. At playtime every day he slipped away from his companions, went upstairs a-tiptoe, cut a tolerable slice off, swallowed it, put by the rest, and then came down and mixed again with his companions. He continued this clandestine125 business all the week, and even then the cake was hardly half consumed. But what ensued? At last the cake grew dry, and quickly after mouldy; nay, the very maggots got into it, and by that means had their share; on which account it was not then worth eating, and our young curmudgeon126 was compelled to fling the rest away with great reluctance127. However, no one grieved for him.
Percival. No, indeed; nor I, father. What, keep a[Pg 131] cake locked up seven days together, and not give one's friends a bit! That is monstrous128! But let us have the other now.
Mr. G. There was another little gentleman who went to school with Henry and Francis likewise, and his name was Gratian. His mother sent him a cake one day, because she loved him, and, indeed, he loved her also very much. It was no sooner come than Gratian thus addressed his young companions: 'Come and look at what mother has sent me; you must every one eat with me.' They scarcely needed such a welcome piece of information twice, but all got round the cake, as you have doubtless seen the bees resorting to a flower just blown. As Gratian was provided with a knife, he cut a great piece off, and then divided it into as many shares as he had brought boys together by such a courteous129 invitation. Gratian then took up the rest, and told them that he would eat his piece next day; on which he put it up, and went to play with his companions, who were all solicitous to have him choose whatever game he thought might entertain him most.
A quarter of an hour had scarcely passed as they were playing, when a poor old man, who had a fiddle130, came into the yard.
He had a very long white beard, and, being blind, was guided by a little dog, who went before him with a collar round his neck. To this a cord was fastened, which the poor blind man held in his hand.
It was noticed with how much dexterity131 the little dog conducted him, and how he shook a bell, which, I forgot to say, hung underneath132 his collar, when he came near anyone, as if he had designed to say by such an action, 'Do not throw down or run against my master.' Being come into the yard, he sat him down upon a stone, and,[Pg 132] hearing several children talking round him, 'My dear little gentlemen,' said he, 'I will play you all the pretty tunes134 that I know, if you will give me leave.' The children wished for nothing half so much. He put his violin in tune133, and then thrummed over several jigs135 and other scraps136 of music, which, it was easy to conjecture137, had been new in former times.
Little Gratian saw that while he played his merriest airs, a tear would now and then roll down his cheeks, on which he stopped to ask him why he wept?
'Because,' said the musician, 'I am very hungry. I have no one in the world that will give my dog or me a bit of anything to eat. I wish I could but work, and get for both of us a morsel138 of something; but I have lost my strength and sight. Alas! I laboured hard till I was old, and now I want bread.'
The generous Gratian, hearing this, wept too. He did not say a word, but ran to fetch the cake which he had designed to eat himself. He brought it out with joy, and, as he ran along, began: 'Here, good old man, here is some cake for you.'
'Where?' replied the poor musician, feeling with his hands; 'where is it? For I am blind, and cannot see you.'
Gratian put the cake into his hand, when, laying down his fiddle on the ground, he wiped his eyes, and then began to eat. At every piece he put into his mouth, he gave his faithful little dog a bit, who came and ate out of his hand; and Gratian, standing31 by him, smiled with pleasure at the thought of having fed the poor old man when he was hungry.
Percival. Oh, the good, good Gratian! Let me have your knife, father.
Mr. G. Here, Percival; but why my knife?[Pg 133]
'I will play you all the pretty tunes that I know, if you will give me leave.'—Page 132. 'I will play you all the pretty tunes that I know, if you will give me leave.'—Page 132.
[Pg 135]
Percival. I will tell you. I have only nibbled139 here a little of my cake, so pleased I was in listening to you! So I will cut it smooth. There, see how well I have ordered it! These scraps, together with the currants, will be more than I shall want for breakfast; and the first poor man that I meet going home shall have the rest, even though he should not play upon the violin.
点击
收听单词发音
收听单词发音 |
1
shrubs
|
|
| 灌木( shrub的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
2
celebrity
|
|
| n.名人，名流；著名，名声，名望 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
3
perfectly
|
|
| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
4
refreshments
|
|
| n.点心,便餐;(会议后的)简单茶点招 待 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
5
determined
|
|
| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
6
regale
|
|
| v.取悦，款待 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
7
bustle
|
|
| v.喧扰地忙乱，匆忙，奔忙；n.忙碌；喧闹 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
8
fragrance
|
|
| n.芬芳，香味，香气 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
9
procure
|
|
| vt.获得，取得，促成；vi.拉皮条 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
10
Pluto
|
|
| n.冥王星 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
11
interfered
|
|
| v.干预( interfere的过去式和过去分词 )；调停；妨碍；干涉 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
12
larch
|
|
| n.落叶松 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
13
solicitous
|
|
| adj.热切的，挂念的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
14
aspire
|
|
| vi.(to，after)渴望，追求，有志于 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
15
aspired
|
|
| v.渴望，追求( aspire的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
16
condescended
|
|
| 屈尊，俯就( condescend的过去式和过去分词 )； 故意表示和蔼可亲 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
17
cedars
|
|
| 雪松，西洋杉( cedar的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
18
entreaties
|
|
| n.恳求，乞求( entreaty的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
19
majestic
|
|
| adj.雄伟的，壮丽的，庄严的，威严的，崇高的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
20
dignify
|
|
| vt.使有尊严；使崇高；给增光 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
21
ridicule
|
|
| v.讥讽，挖苦；n.嘲弄 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
22
humble
|
|
| adj.谦卑的，恭顺的；地位低下的；v.降低，贬低 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
23
insignificant
|
|
| adj.无关紧要的，可忽略的，无意义的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
24
attire
|
|
| v.穿衣，装扮[同]array；n.衣着；盛装 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
25
trifling
|
|
| adj.微不足道的；没什么价值的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
26
improper
|
|
| adj.不适当的，不合适的，不正确的，不合礼仪的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
27
amend
|
|
| vt.修改，修订，改进；n.[pl.]赔罪，赔偿 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
28
reigns
|
|
| n.君主的统治( reign的名词复数 )；君主统治时期；任期；当政期 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
29
recollect
|
|
| v.回忆，想起，记起，忆起，记得 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
30
entice
|
|
| v.诱骗，引诱，怂恿 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
31
standing
|
|
| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
32
vexed
|
|
| adj.争论不休的；（指问题等）棘手的；争论不休的问题；烦恼的v.使烦恼( vex的过去式和过去分词 )；使苦恼；使生气；详细讨论 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
33
intimacy
|
|
| n.熟悉，亲密，密切关系，亲昵的言行 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
34
effrontery
|
|
| n.厚颜无耻 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
35
shamefully
|
|
| 可耻地； 丢脸地； 不体面地； 羞耻地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
36
alas
|
|
| int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
37
accomplished
|
|
| adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
38
evergreens
|
|
| n.常青树，常绿植物，万年青( evergreen的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
39
plantations
|
|
| n.种植园，大农场( plantation的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
40
fickleness
|
|
| n.易变；无常；浮躁；变化无常 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
41
modernized
|
|
| 使现代化，使适应现代需要( modernize的过去式和过去分词 )； 现代化，使用现代方法 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
42
lamented
|
|
| 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 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
43
foliage
|
|
| n.叶子，树叶，簇叶 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
44
elegance
|
|
| n.优雅；优美，雅致；精致，巧妙 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
45
prevailing
|
|
| adj.盛行的；占优势的；主要的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
46
transparent
|
|
| adj.明显的，无疑的；透明的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
47
ornamented
|
|
| adj.花式字体的v.装饰，点缀，美化( ornament的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
48
prettily
|
|
| adv.优美地；可爱地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
49
admiration
|
|
| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
50
laurels
|
|
| n.桂冠，荣誉 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
51
cypresses
|
|
| n.柏属植物，柏树( cypress的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
52
uncommon
|
|
| adj.罕见的，非凡的，不平常的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
53
confinement
|
|
| n.幽禁，拘留，监禁；分娩；限制，局限 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
54
alley
|
|
| n.小巷，胡同；小径，小路 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
55
remarkably
|
|
| ad.不同寻常地，相当地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
56
petals
|
|
| n.花瓣( petal的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
57
yew
|
|
| n.紫杉属树木 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
58
willow
|
|
| n.柳树 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
59
distressed
|
|
| 痛苦的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
60
distress
|
|
| n.苦恼，痛苦，不舒适；不幸；vt.使悲痛 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
61
enraged
|
|
| 使暴怒( enrage的过去式和过去分词 )； 歜； 激愤 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
62
deferred
|
|
| adj.延期的，缓召的v.拖延，延缓，推迟( defer的过去式和过去分词 )；服从某人的意愿，遵从 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
63
regained
|
|
| 复得( regain的过去式和过去分词 )； 赢回； 重回； 复至某地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
64
tempted
|
|
| v.怂恿（某人）干不正当的事；冒…的险（tempt的过去分词） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
65
diversified
|
|
| adj.多样化的，多种经营的v.使多样化，多样化( diversify的过去式和过去分词 )；进入新的商业领域 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
66
requisite
|
|
| adj.需要的，必不可少的；n.必需品 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
67
perennials
|
|
| n.多年生植物( perennial的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
68
flirting
|
|
| v.调情，打情骂俏( flirt的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
69
scarlet
|
|
| n.深红色，绯红色，红衣；adj.绯红色的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
70
inviting
|
|
| adj.诱人的，引人注目的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
71
caressed
|
|
| 爱抚或抚摸…( caress的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
72
subservient
|
|
| adj.卑屈的，阿谀的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
73
coxcomb
|
|
| n.花花公子 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
74
ivy
|
|
| n.常青藤，常春藤 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
75
sycophants
|
|
| n.谄媚者，拍马屁者( sycophant的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
76
satire
|
|
| n.讽刺，讽刺文学，讽刺作品 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
77
holly
|
|
| n.[植]冬青属灌木 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
78
carnation
|
|
| n.康乃馨（一种花） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
79
guardian
|
|
| n.监护人；守卫者，保护者 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
80
orchard
|
|
| n.果园，果园里的全部果树，(美俚)棒球场 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
81
simplicity
|
|
| n.简单，简易；朴素；直率，单纯 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
82
propriety
|
|
| n.正当行为；正当；适当 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
83
contented
|
|
| adj.满意的，安心的，知足的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
84
qualified
|
|
| adj.合格的，有资格的，胜任的，有限制的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
85
scent
|
|
| n.气味，香味，香水，线索，嗅觉；v.嗅，发觉 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
86
bestowed
|
|
| 赠给，授予( bestow的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
87
disseminate
|
|
| v.散布；传播 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
88
baneful
|
|
| adj.有害的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
89
sage
|
|
| n.圣人，哲人；adj.贤明的，明智的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
90
sages
|
|
| n.圣人( sage的名词复数 )；智者；哲人；鼠尾草（可用作调料） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
91
relish
|
|
| n.滋味，享受，爱好，调味品；vt.加调味料，享受，品味；vi.有滋味 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
92
contemptible
|
|
| adj.可鄙的，可轻视的，卑劣的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
93
celebrated
|
|
| adj.有名的，声誉卓著的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
94
dedicated
|
|
| adj.一心一意的；献身的；热诚的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
95
bog
|
|
| n.沼泽；室...陷入泥淖 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
96
contrived
|
|
| adj.不自然的，做作的；虚构的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
97
procured
|
|
| v.（努力）取得， （设法）获得( procure的过去式和过去分词 )；拉皮条 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
98
neatly
|
|
| adv.整洁地，干净地，灵巧地，熟练地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
99
ornaments
|
|
| n.装饰( ornament的名词复数 )；点缀；装饰品；首饰v.装饰，点缀，美化( ornament的第三人称单数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
100
trumpet
|
|
| n.喇叭，喇叭声；v.吹喇叭，吹嘘 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
101
dispersed
|
|
| adj. 被驱散的, 被分散的, 散布的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
102
fatigued
|
|
| adj. 疲乏的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
103
drooping
|
|
| adj. 下垂的，无力的 动词droop的现在分词 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
104
exertions
|
|
| n.努力( exertion的名词复数 )；费力；（能力、权力等的）运用；行使 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
105
antiquities
|
|
| n.古老( antiquity的名词复数 )；古迹；古人们；古代的风俗习惯 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
106
abounding
|
|
| adj.丰富的，大量的v.大量存在，充满，富于( abound的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
107
duels
|
|
| n.两男子的决斗( duel的名词复数 )；竞争，斗争 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
108
misery
|
|
| n.痛苦，苦恼，苦难；悲惨的境遇，贫苦 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
109
nettles
|
|
| n.荨麻( nettle的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
110
thrifts
|
|
| n.节俭，节约( thrift的名词复数 )；海石竹（海边野生植物，花鲜艳，呈粉红色） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
111
esteem
|
|
| n.尊敬，尊重；vt.尊重，敬重；把…看作 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
112
lavish
|
|
| adj.无节制的；浪费的；vt.慷慨地给予，挥霍 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
113
possessed
|
|
| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
114
martyrs
|
|
| n.martyr的复数形式；烈士( martyr的名词复数 )；殉道者；殉教者；乞怜者（向人诉苦以博取同情） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
115
fixed
|
|
| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
116
nay
|
|
| adv.不；n.反对票，投反对票者 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
117
bolster
|
|
| n.枕垫；v.支持，鼓励 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
118
heartily
|
|
| adv.衷心地，诚恳地，十分，很 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
119
kits
|
|
| 衣物和装备( kit的名词复数 )； 成套用品； 配套元件 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
120
interrogate
|
|
| vt.讯问，审问，盘问 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
121
glutton
|
|
| n.贪食者，好食者 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
122
apothecary
|
|
| n.药剂师 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
123
blotted
|
|
| 涂污( blot的过去式和过去分词 )； （用吸墨纸）吸干 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
124
chamber
|
|
| n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
125
clandestine
|
|
| adj.秘密的，暗中从事的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
126
curmudgeon
|
|
| n. 脾气暴躁之人，守财奴，吝啬鬼 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
127
reluctance
|
|
| n.厌恶，讨厌，勉强，不情愿 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
128
monstrous
|
|
| adj.巨大的；恐怖的；可耻的，丢脸的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
129
courteous
|
|
| adj.彬彬有礼的，客气的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
130
fiddle
|
|
| n.小提琴；vi.拉提琴；不停拨弄，乱动 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
131
dexterity
|
|
| n.(手的)灵巧，灵活 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
132
underneath
|
|
| adj.在...下面，在...底下；adv.在下面 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
133
tune
|
|
| n.调子；和谐，协调；v.调音，调节，调整 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
134
tunes
|
|
| n.曲调，曲子( tune的名词复数 )v.调音( tune的第三人称单数 )；调整；（给收音机、电视等）调谐；使协调 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
135
jigs
|
|
| n.快步舞（曲）极快地( jig的名词复数 )；夹具v.（使）上下急动( jig的第三人称单数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
136
scraps
|
|
| 油渣 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
137
conjecture
|
|
| n./v.推测，猜测 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
138
morsel
|
|
| n.一口，一点点 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
139
nibbled
|
|
| v.啃，一点一点地咬（吃）( nibble的过去式和过去分词 )；啃出（洞），一点一点咬出（洞）；慢慢减少；小口咬 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
| 欢迎访问英文小说网 |