Revolving5 matters in his mind, plans quickly unfolded. Winning for the project a few staunch friends, Vasco Nu?ez selected with great care one hundred and ninety men.[IX-1] More could have been taken, but he had determined6 on a rapid march of discovery rather than pacification7 and occupation. Hence he preferred only tried men, those inured8 to fatigue9, men resolute10 and reckless, with heart and head hard, and sinews of steel. He also provided from among his captives and the neighboring nations one thousand natives, to serve as warriors11 and beasts of burden. These, might live or die, as it should happen: no great matter what became of them. A pack of bloodhounds completed the company.
EMBARKATION12 OF THE EXPEDITION.
The men were armed with crossbows, swords, arquebuses and targets, and provisions for the expedition were placed on board a brigantine and ten large 359 canoes. Before embarking13, the hazardous14 nature of the enterprise was made known to the soldiers. Wealth and glory awaited success; the reward of failure, death; opportunity was then offered for any one to withdraw without prejudice or injury.
Sailing with his little armament from Antigua on the first day of September, 1513, Vasco Nu?ez de Balboa followed the coast of Darien north-westward to Careta's province, where the expedition disembarked on the fourth day. The chieftain's dusky daughter, whom the governor continued to regard with great affection, was still a bond of friendship between this nation and the Spaniards. Careta added to their stock of provisions and furnished them with guides; and some of his warriors joined the expedition, in the hope of witnessing the downfall of their enemies beyond the mountains. The boats were left in charge of a guard; and after invoking16 divine favor the expedition was ready to move.
I know the tendency of the historian, warmed by his theme, to magnify merit, and the obstacles it overcomes; and I have elsewhere said as much. While I endeavor to confine myself to the plain words of a simple story, those who have sat at ease, sipping17 iced champagne18, during a delightful19 ride of three or four hours across this sometime terrible neck, may find in this chapter expressions appearing strong. But I do assure the reader that it is difficult to magnify in the present instance. Vasco Nu?ez now stood on the northern coast, opposite the gulf20 of San Miguel, which, breaking the shore of Panamá Bay, narrows the isthmus21 of Darien to a width of fifty miles.[IX-2] But 360 such is the infamous22 character of the country, that even modern efforts to penetrate23 the unexplored interior from either side have met disaster and ruin.[IX-3] 361 Inaccessible24 forests filled with noxious25 reptiles26 and wild beasts, tangled27 jungles through which man must cut his way foot by foot; rugged28 mountains, slippery slopes, and rocky precipices29, over and round which the weary traveller threads his way under a blooming tropical canopy30; frequent and sudden rains and inundations; treacherous morasses31, and the malarious32 exhalations from putrid33 vegetation, unite with warlike savages35 to render this spot one of the most difficult on the globe to explore. Add to these obstructions36 the weight of heavy armor and cumbrous weapons, and some conception may be formed of a military march through an equatorial wilderness37.
QUALITY OF THE BAND.
No wonder Vasco Nu?ez scrutinized38 his company before starting. "I beg your very royal Highness," he had written before this to the king, "to give me men from Espa?ola; for such as come from Castile are for my purpose worthless, bringing loss not only on themselves but others."[IX-4] Born amidst the clash of arms in chivalrous39 Spain, broken to adversity at Espa?ola, and many of them toughened at Santa Marta, Veragua, and Antigua, the present band mustered40 the survivors41 of daring expeditions whose bones strewed42 the shores of Tierra Firme.
Map of Isthmus of Darien
The Spaniards began their march on the 6th of September. The second day brought them to the lands of Ponca, who having been warned of their approach had retired43 from the path.[IX-5] But other thoughts than 362 those of plunder44 and petty warfare45 now filled the mind of Vasco Nu?ez; and, preferring to leave no enemy in his rear, while resting in the cacique's comfortable quarters he made overtures46 of friendship to the chief, who straightway returned from his hiding, and gave gold, together with valuable information concerning the southern sea and the route thither47 in return for beads48, mirrors, hawk-bells, and axes. For none knew better than the courteous49 governor how to kindle50 friendship in the savage34 breast, and make it profitable. The gold which Ponca gave consisted of finely wrought51 ornaments52 from beyond the mountains, and ten pounds of the metal from his own mines. He described a certain summit from which this 363 southern sea might easily be seen, gave information of the nations to be encountered by the Spaniards, and furnished them with guides for the secret passes.
Roused by this encouragement, and leaving here the sick and wayworn, the Spaniards were on their southward march again the 20th of September. Between the several provinces were no beaten paths, across the rivers no bridges; so great were the impediments to their progress, and so much more time was consumed than had been anticipated, that food began to fail.
Making their way amid these difficulties, they came to the foot of the high mountains where terminated their pacified territory, and where they must prepare to dispute the way with native sovereigns of the soil. Ascending53 the mountains, they encountered on the 24th a cacique named Porque, lord of the province of Quarequá, the ruler of these parts, whose arrogance54, fed by his successes, had kept full pace with them. At the head of a thousand warriors, Porque appeared before Vasco Nu?ez, demanded the object of his visit, and threatened to kill every man who should put foot within his dominions56. The Spaniards nevertheless continued slowly to advance, keeping well together. Amazed at their temerity57, and indignant at the seeming indifference58 to his threat, Porque swept down upon them with flourish of weapons and terrific yells, confident of easy victory. But as well might he have spent his unleavened force against the eternal hills.
Waiting until the whole swarm59 was well within reach, Vasco Nu?ez gave the order to charge. Shouting the inspiriting war-cry, Santiago, y á ellos! the Spaniards sprang upon them. The fire-arms were discharged, the bloodhounds[IX-6] let loose, and striking the 364 cruel steel into the naked bodies of the enemy, he was literally60 hewn in pieces. Vainly, in wild confusion, the savages struggled to escape; the flash of fire, the thundering noise, the sulphurous smoke, bereft61 them of their senses, making easy work for the sharp iron which entered unresisted their vitals, until six hundred lay dead upon the ground, Porque among the number. Many prisoners were taken; the survivors escaped to the hills. In the village of Quarequá was found much needed food, and some gold. So toilsome had been the march that eighteen days had passed since leaving Careta's town. And here Vasco Nu?ez rested for the night, nursing his wounded, and cheering the sick and down-hearted. The guides whom Ponca had furnished, and who had proved of incalculable service to the explorers, were dismissed to their home with presents, and with hearts made glad by the destruction of Porque. So rolls round the planet inexorable nature, detested62 death giving hourly joy to universal life.
FIRST VIEW OF THE SOUTH SEA.
The 25th[IX-7] of September, 1513, a day ever memorable63 in the annals of the Pacific States, dawned brightly over the sierra of Quarequá. The village in which the Spaniards had made their quarters was situated64 on an elevated plateau, and near it rose the reputed mountain whose summit had for ages gazed 365 on the mysterious southern sea. At an early hour Vasco Nu?ez was astir, to prepare with thrilling anticipations65 for the ascent66. But sixty-seven, out of the one hundred and ninety Spaniards who within the month had embarked15 upon this enterprise at Antigua, possessed67 sufficient strength for the present effort. Departing from the town, their way at first lay through a tangled forest, which fringed the mountain base, and whose dense68 foliage69 hid from view the more distant objects. As they mounted upward into a cooler, drier atmosphere, the vegetation became more stunted70, yet the undergrowth was still so thick that the soldiers had to cut a passage with their sabres. Emerging at length into an open space near 366 the summit, a bare eminence71 was pointed72 out by the guides, whence the view was said to be unobstructed, and the sea distinctly visible.
Viewed prosaically73, there was nothing astounding74 in ascending a hill and taking a look at the ocean. It had been often done elsewhere; it had been often done here. Nor was there any peculiar75 difference between sea and land here and sea and land elsewhere. But there was that to the minds of the impetuous and impressible Spaniards, there is that to our own minds, in first things and first views of things, our first view, our country's first awakening76, that stirs the soul and sets faster beating the heart. Reduced to words, the sentiment is the pleasure the mind derives77 from improving surprises; it is the joy of development, the ecstasy78 of evolution.
If such be commonly the case, how much more reason had Vasco Nu?ez de Balboa to be impassioned on this occasion. Behind him was ignominy, perhaps chains and death; before him was glory, immortal79 fame. And it was meet in him that this ordinarily trivial act should be consummated80 with a ceremony becoming to one of civilization's great achievements.
Ordering a halt, Vasco Nu?ez advanced alone. His should be the first European eye to behold81 what there was to behold, and that without peradventure. With throbbing82 heart he mounted the topmost eminence which crowned these sea-dividing hills. Then, as in the lifting of a veil, a scene of primeval splendor83 burst on his enraptured84 gaze, such as might fill with joy an archangel sent to explore a new creation. There it lay, that boundless85 unknown sea, spread out before him, far as the eye could reach, in calm, majestic86 beauty, glittering like liquid crystal in the morning sun. Beneath his feet, in furrowed87 prospect88, were terraces of living green, sportive with iridescent89 light and shade; waving plains and feathered steeps white-lined with flowing waters, here dashing boisterously90 down the hill-side, yonder winding91 silent through the 367 sighing foliage to the all-receiving sea. In that first illimitable glance time stood back, the mists lifted, and eternity92 was there. What wonder if to this Spanish cavalier, in that moment of triumphant93 joy, visions of the mighty94 future appeared pictured on the cerulean heights, visions of populous95 cities, of fleets and armies, of lands teeming96 with wealth and industry. And to Spain should all these blessings97 and advantages accrue98; to Spain through him.
SPEECH OF VASCO NU?EZ.
Dropping on his knees, he poured forth99 praise and thanksgiving to the author of that glorious creation for the honor of its discovery. The soldiers then pressed forward, gazed enchanted100 likewise, and likewise assumed the attitude of prayer; for however ungodly were their lives, these cavaliers were always fond of praying.
"There, my friends," exclaimed Balboa, rising and pointing to the prospect before him, "there is the realization101 of your hopes, the reward of your labors102. You are the first Christians103 to look upon that sea, or to tread its luxuriant shores. The words of the chivalrous Panciaco concerning the Southern Sea are more than verified; please God so may we find them regarding the riches of its shore. All are yours, I say, yours the glory of laying this celestial105 realm at your sovereign's feet; yours the privilege of bringing to the only vile106 thing in it the cleansing107 properties of our holy faith. Continue, then, true to me, and I promise you honor and wealth to your fullest desire." A shout of approbation108, such as the rabble109 are ever ready with before success, was followed by pledges of fidelity110 and fair service, to be broken upon the first occasion. And if we may believe old Peter Martyr111, who enjoyed this triumph of progress almost as much as the discoverers themselves, Hannibal from the summit of the Alps, pointing to his soldiers the delicious fields of Italy, displayed no grander conception of his high achievements, past and future, than did Balboa at this moment. A cross was erected112, round 368 which stones were heaped; the trees were blazoned113 with the sovereign's name; the Te Deum laudamus and Te Dominum confitemur was solemnly chanted by the company; after which Balboa in a loud voice called on all present to witness that he then and thereby114, for and in the name of the sovereigns of Spain, took possession of this Southern Sea, with all its islands and firm lands, and all shores washed by its waters. The notary115 was ordered to draw up a certificate in accordance, to which each present affixed116 his name.[IX-8]
Because the strangers seemed to delight in it, the savages assisted in the cross-raising and in carrying stones, though they saw nothing in the surroundings to become so excited about. Meanwhile the Spaniards 369 wondered how far the water extended, what nations inhabited its borders, what the commerce and religion of those nations, and what would be the effect of the discovery on Spain, on the world, on their own fortunes.
CHIAPES AND THE SPANIARDS.
Descending117 the mountains on its seaward side they were met by a cacique, called like his province, Chiapes, who ordered them back if they sought not death. The policy of Vasco Nu?ez here was peace. Hostile entanglements118 at this juncture119 he knew would sooner or later result in the destruction of his party. It must be a peace, however, based on fear and respect, seldom to be achieved among savages except by slaughter120. Overtures of friendship were accordingly instituted by a sudden and vigorous onslaught with fire-arms, cross-bows, and bloodhounds, during which Chiapes took to his heels, midst thunder, smoke, and consternation121; in consequence of which he was all the more happy when the men of Quarequá sought him out, and told him that these supernatural visitors who held the elements at their command were easily propitiated122 with gold. Tremblingly he appeared and laid at the feet of Vasco Nu?ez five hundred pounds of the metal, glad that the favor of the gods might be bought so cheaply. The Quarequá guides were now dismissed with presents, and by them orders were sent the Spaniards resting at their town to follow the advance party.
The object of Vasco Nu?ez was to approach the verge123 of the ocean and touch the water he had seen. For this purpose he despatched, in different directions, three parties of twelve men each, under Francisco Pizarro, Alonso Martin de Don Benito, and Juan de Escaray to search an opening to the seaside through the dense foliage that concealed124 it. It is not a little singular that two days should elapse, and that the explorers suffered severely125 for want of water before any one could find the beach, though they were all the time so near it. 370 Alonso Martin's party came first to an inlet, on the shore of which were two canoes, the open bay being still hidden. Desirous of being first in something, however small, Martin sprang into one of the boats which was barely floating on the incoming tide, and cried to his companions, who had thrown themselves down under the cooling leaves—"I call on you all to witness that I am the first Spaniard to sail upon these waters." "And I the second," exclaimed another, rushing for the other boat.[IX-9] Returning to Chiapes, Martin reported to Vasco Nu?ez, who immediately began preparations to take more formal possession of the Southern Sea.
TAKING POSSESSION.
On the 29th of September, St Michael's day, Vasco Nu?ez with twenty-six men set out for the border of the sea, accompanied by Chiapes with a numerous train. Arriving there they found the tide out, and seated themselves upon a grassy127 slope beneath the overhanging foliage, waiting the return of the waters. Presently, when the sand was covered to the depth of one or two feet, all arose, and Vasco Nu?ez, armed and armored cap-a-pie, drew his sword and, taking from the hand of an attendant a banner, on one side of which were pictured the virgin128 and child and on the other the arms of Castile and Leon, marched into the water, and waving aloft his banner cried in a loud voice: "Long live the high and powerful monarchs129 Don Fernando and Do?a Juana, sovereigns of Castile, and of Leon, and of Aragon, in whose name, and for the royal crown of Castile, I take and seize real and corporeal130 actual possession of these seas and lands, and coasts and ports and islands of the south, with all thereto annexed131; and kingdoms and provinces which belong to them, or which may hereafter belong to them, in whatever manner and by whatever right and title acquired, now existing or which may exist, ancient and modern, in times past and present and to 371 come, without any contradiction. And if any other prince or captain, christian104 or infidel, of whatever law or sect132 or condition he may be, pretends any right to these lands and seas, I am ready and prepared to contradict him, and to defend them in the names of the present and future sovereigns of Castile, who are the lords paramount133 in these Indies, islands and firm land, northern and southern, with their seas, as well in the arctic pole as in the antarctic, on either side of the equinoctial line, within or without the tropics of cancer and capricorn, according to what more completely to their majesties134 and their successors belongs and is due, for the whole and any part thereof; as I protest in writing shall or may be more fully135 specified136 and alleged137 on behalf of their royal patrimony138; now and in all time while the earth revolves139, and until the universal judgment140 of all mankind."[IX-10] To which grandiloquent141 372 harangue142 there came no reply; no armed Poseidon appeared to dispute possession; only the mighty ocean dashed from its face the blinding glare of this new doctrine143, heaved its bosom144 in long glassy swells145, and gently growled146 its perplexity to the sympathizing beach.
THE NAME PACIFIC OCEAN.
The followers147 of Vasco Nu?ez, however, even if all did not comprehend better than the sea what their 373 leader had said, swore with loud acclamations to defend the claim of the sovereign who would thereby have so much more land to bestow148, and to follow their gallant149 leader to the riches and honor he had so freely promised them. Andrés de Valderrábano, the notary of the expedition, was then called upon to draw up a certificate of the act of taking possession, to which all present subscribed150 their names. This being the day of St Michael,[IX-11] the archangel, the gulf before them was called El golfo de San Miguel, which name it bears to this day. Tasting the water they found it salt, which proved it a true ocean sea that they had found; then they cut crosses on the trees in honor of the holy trinity, and with longings151 satisfied and hearts singing their high hopes, the party returned to Chiapes, richer, according to their pretensions152, by one Pacific Ocean,[IX-12] ten thousand 374 islands, and twenty-five hundred leagues of continental153 seaboard.
The grand event being so happily consummated, the Spaniards thought that, before returning to Antigua, they might indulge in a little exploration. Luckily the powerful Chiapes was not only their friend, but he could furnish them a goodly list of enemies having an abundance of gold and pearls. Under his direction they crossed a large river, fell upon a chieftain called Cocura, and returned to Chiapes with six hundred and fifty pesos. Then they decided154 to explore an arm of the gulf, which involved a short but dangerous canoe voyage. In vain Chiapes protested against the project. "Our God will protect us," replied the devout155 Vasco Nu?ez, as with eighty Spaniards, and a dusky band under Chiapes, he stepped into the canoes, the 17th of October. Soon they found themselves in a sea so tempestuous156 that they were glad to escape upon an island whose uncertain soil threatened every moment to dissolve beneath their feet. There they remained up to their waists in water all that night. Fortunately before morning the waters of the gulf 375 subsided157, else the discoverers of the Pacific Ocean never would have returned to tell their tale. Daybreak presented a dismal158 spectacle. Some of the canoes were split, others embedded159 in the sand; and all the provisions and clothing had been swept away. But to such hardships these men were inured. Since leaving Spain they had lived chiefly on maize160 bread, wild herbs, fruit, roots, sometimes fish, seldom meat. This was their best diet. In times of scarcity161, which were frequent, they were glad to get reptiles, insects, or anything that would sustain life. They had no salt; and their only drink was river water, frequently putrid and unwholesome. Yet while life lasted, the brain worked inexhaustible resources. In the present emergency, for example, when both sea and land proved treacherous, they by no means yielded to despair. Stripping the glutinous162 bark from certain young trees which they found, they bruised163 it with stones, added to it fibrous sea-plants reduced in like manner, and, after binding164 their broken boats firmly with cords, they calked the seams with the mixture. Again they committed themselves to the mercy of the sea, and after two days of hazardous navigation, half naked and half starved, they ran into a small creek165 which flowed through a province called Chitarraga, and landed about midnight near an Indian village governed by a cacique named Tumaco.[IX-13]
Carrying the village, though not without resistance, Vasco Nu?ez, as usual, sought the friendship of the fleeing Tumaco, who was induced to return, bringing gold valued at six hundred and fourteen pesos, and a basin of pearls, two hundred and forty of which were of extraordinary size. This was indeed something worthy167 of an oriental India, thought the Spaniards, as their hearts danced enraptured over the beautiful baubles168. Tumaco could not understand what power 376 his gift possessed that it should so charm these heavenly strangers. To him the oyster169 which he could eat was seemingly worth more than the pearl which he could not eat; for in roasting the bivalve he had spoilt pearls enough to make him rich in the eyes of any potentate170 in Christendom. When once he knew that pearls were wealth, Tumaco became eager to show the Spaniards how much he had at his command, and set his men to fish; and in four days they returned with twelve marks' weight, or ninety-six ounces of pearls. Six Spaniards accompanied them to see whence came the gems171, and they showed the natives how to open oysters172 without heat, which discolored the pearl. Likewise gold hereabout was plentiful173 and lightly esteemed174.
Vasco Nu?ez endeavored to gain all the information possible concerning the nature and extent of the sea-coast. He was told by Tumaco that the ocean and the mainland extended southward without end; that far distant in that direction dwelt a great nation whose riches were immense, who navigated176 the ocean in ships, and employed beasts of burden. In order the better to describe these animals, Tumaco moulded in clay a figure of the llama, which seemed to the eyes of the Spaniards a species of camel. "And this," says Herrera, "was the second intimation Vasco Nu?ez had of Peru, and of its wealth." Nor did Francisco Pizarro, who was present, fail to hold these things in remembrance.
Balboa now felt his mission accomplished177. Had the new sea and its border been made for him it could not have pleased him better. Columbus had found a new continent; he had found a new sea; and wealth on this south side seemed illimitable. But before returning he deemed it prudent178 to supplement his deed of possession by the enactment179 of that ceremonial on the shore of the main ocean, for his exploits had hitherto been confined to the gulf of San Miguel. 377 Applying to Tumaco for the requisite180 means, an immense canoe was produced, the barge181 of state, with oarsmen, and oars182 inlaid with aljófar, an inferior kind of pearl; and Vasco Nu?ez called on the notary to write it down, that boats on this Southern Sea were propelled by oars inlaid with pearl, so that his sovereigns might thereby place a greater value on it and on his own great services.
In pursuance of this plan, on the 29th of October, the Spaniards embarked in Tumaco's barge, and, proceeding183 to the shore of the main ocean, landed near an island called by the natives Crucraga, but to which Vasco Nu?ez gave the name of San Simon. Here with banner and buckler, with drawn184 sword and high-sounding declamation185, and amidst the lordly waves which had rolled their unimpeded course from far beyond the ever lifting horizon, the vaunting cavalier again affirmed ownership, swearing to defend he knew not what against he knew not whom; but "herein," according to Herrera, "he used all the formalities that could be imagined, for he was brave, subtle, diligent186, and of a generous temper, a commander fit for mighty enterprises."
As they were about to depart, the men of Chitarraga directed the attention of Balboa to a group of small low islands rising from the sea five leagues distant. A powerful chieftain governed there, who, crossing to the mainland, made fearful havoc187 among the seaboard villages; and would the Spaniards please go and kill him, for at the largest island, Toe, were the most beautiful pearls in all that region. The Spaniards would go there or elsewhere for pearls and gold if they only had the time, and a favorable sea, but Vasco Nu?ez would not permit himself to be led away into further fascinations188 on this visit. He nevertheless gave names to the islands, calling the largest Isla Rica, and the group Islas de las Perlas,[IX-14] 378 or Pearl Islands, assuring Tumaco, meanwhile, that he would return some day and avenge189 him his injuries.
THE RETURN.
Once more back at Chitarraga, Vasco Nu?ez made ready his departure for Antigua. He proposed to cross the mountains by a different route from that by which he came. The sick and disabled he would leave with Chiapes, now the firm friend of the Spaniards, who were to kill his enemies and not him. This chieftain and a son of Tumaco asked permission to accompany the party as far as Teaochoan, an adjoining province. Accordingly, on the 3d of November, they embarked in canoes, and guided by the young cacique of Chitarraga, proceeded to the upper end of the gulf and entered a large river,[IX-15] so inconstant as to overflow190 its banks in places, narrowing elsewhere between rocky confines, and rushing forward tumultuously under the overhanging foliage to the sea. By and by the youthful chieftain brought the boats to land. Disembarking, the Spaniards pacified the province in their usual way, the ruler, Teoca, chief of Teaochoan, being glad to save his life by paying one hundred and sixty ounces of gold and two hundred large pearls. Indeed, so effectually had Vasco Nu?ez succeeded, by a judicious191 use of fire-arms and fair words, and some trifling192 presents, in winning the affections of the South Sea savages, that in taking leave of Chiapes and the Chitarraga youth at Teoca's town, they wept. It was indeed affecting; and soon Teoca, although the last to be robbed, caught himself paying the strangers the same briny193 tribute of his esteem175.
After three days of rest the party proceeded, and reaching the base of the mountains they began to scale 379 them. A supply of dried fish and maize, with men of burden and guides, had been secured, and they were accompanied by Teoca's son, who had instructions to attend to all requirements of the strangers, and not to leave them without the permission of their commander. It was well for the company that they had a leader thoughtful and efficient; that instead of zealous194 guides, and willing men to bear the burdens, there were not lurking195 foes196 or treacherous friends with whom to deal—not one of them otherwise would have reached Antigua. For, toiling197 up the steep ascent under a burning sun, they soon found themselves without water, the springs upon which they had depended having failed. One by one the men yielded their strength and threw themselves upon the ground, victims of despair. Teoca's son assisted and encouraged them, and finally brought them all in safety to a cool, sequestered198 valley where were life-restoring waters.
INFAMOUS ACT OF BALBOA.
Was it their way of giving thanks for the late escape from death, now to plan the death of others? While resting in the refreshing199 shade, Balboa asked his guide about a certain Poncra, a hideous200 despot, as rich as he was repulsive201, of whom he had heard much. "We are now within his lands," the young chief replied. "Over the brow of yonder hill is situated his village." Then was detailed202 a story of this man's wickedness which sent a thrill of pleasing horror to the heart of every Spaniard present. Instantly all was excitement; and those so lately the readiest to faint were now the readiest to fight. Marching forward they entered the village only to find the vulture flown. Finely wrought gold to the value of three thousand pesos was found there to reconcile them to his absence. Scouts203 soon discovered his retreat, however, and partly by threats and partly by promises of safety, this lump of deformity was induced to give himself up with three of his principal men. No sooner was it known that the hated Poncra was prisoner in the hands of the Spaniards, than the neighboring 380 chieftains flocked in and begged his extermination204. "Whence came your gold?" demanded Balboa of the unhappy man. "I know not," replied Poncra. "My forefathers205 left it me. We place no value on the unwrought metal." Although torture was applied206, nothing further could be elicited207. The bystanders clamored loudly for his death, charging him with infamous crimes, revolting to humanity. In an evil moment Vasco Nu?ez yielded. The bloodhounds were let loose, and loud acclamations rent the air as the quivering flesh was torn from the limbs of the four unfortunate wretches208, and they were made, as Ogilby says, "a Breakfast to the Spanish Doggs." Vasco Nu?ez de Balboa gained the approval of the crowd; but throughout all time, wherever the name of the illustrious discoverer of the Southern Sea is spoken, this infamous act of treachery shall stain it. The praises of the savages, however, were profuse209; "and there he remained thirty days," says Gomara, "receiving and ruling like a king." And very prettily210 Balboa commemorates211 his outrage212 by calling the place Todos Los Santos.
While resting here, the Spaniards were joined by the comrades who had been left at Chiapes. Throughout all this region the strangers were treated as invincible213 and superhuman. Passing through the domain214 of a chief named Bononiama, they were not only received as friends, coming as they did from Chiapes, but were presented with gold to the value of two thousand pesos, and the chief accompanied them to Poncra's village, that he might behold the wonderful leader of these wonderful men. Poncra's successor came forward in answer to overtures of peace; and on the first of December the Spaniards continued their journey, weighted down with spoils. Five days brought them to a small depopulated town whose chief, Buquebuca, had fled because he had not the means, he said, fitly to entertain such illustrious visitors. He was permitted to purchase their favor by 381 delivering up the gold in his possession, including some finely wrought plates.
BALBOA AMONG THE CACIQUES.
Following a path northward215 from Buquebuca's they were hailed from a cliff near by. "Our King Chioriso sends greeting, O mighty men! and presents this offering, begging your assistance in vanquishing216 an enemy too powerful for him." The gift was certainly persuasive217, being no less than thirty large gold medals or plates worth fourteen thousand pesos. Balboa scarcely knew what to do, nevertheless he graciously received it, and sent in return three axes, some gilt218 beads, and several pieces of leather and cloth, making the recipient219 to his own thinking the richest potentate in savagedom. Balboa furthermore promised to assist him at some future time in his wars. The country through which they were now passing was exceptionally rugged, and the men of burden were quite exhausted220 when on the 13th of December they arrived at the village of Pocorosa. Several of the soldiers had also fallen seriously ill from fatigue, and it was accordingly decided to tarry here for thirty days. The chief, as usual, had fled at their approach, but was brought back to purchase friendship of the Spaniards with slaves and gold.
Pocorosa informed the Spaniards that not far from there[IX-16] lived the famous Tubanamá, of whom Panciaco had spoken when first directing the attention of the Spaniards to the South Sea. He was reputed the richest as well as the strongest chieftain of these mountains, and was the terror of the neighboring nations. Balboa felt it more than ever his duty to overthrow221 Tubanamá, kill some of his men, steal a few of his women, and relieve him of his gold. But to do this he must have a thousand soldiers, so he 382 had been told. Casting his eye over his little band of bruised and wayworn men, he thought how one mistake might swallow all his past successes, and sighed; then he slept on it, and when after a few days' rest the question was adventured, enough were eager for the raid. The result was that seventy Spaniards, and a squad222 of Pocorosa's warriors, after a rapid march, fell on Tubanamá about midnight and brought him away prisoner, Ogilby says with eighty concubines. The men of Pocorosa, and chiefs of adjoining tribes, began to revile223 him, and begged of Vasco Nu?ez his immediate126 death. He had done worse things than Poncra, they said, and had beside spoken ill of the Spaniards, threatening to drag them to death by the hair of their head if ever they came within his reach. Vasco Nu?ez pondered. For some time past he had entertained a plan of establishing in this vicinity a military post for the protection of commerce between the seas, and also of gold-mining. Was it better to kill this chief as an enemy, or let him live as a friend, and assist to keep the others friendly? He chose the latter course. But first he must temper the proposed friendship by trial. "Infamous tyrant," he thundered at the trembling prisoner, "now shalt thou suffer for thine abominations. Thou shalt be made to feel the power of the Christians, and the same doom224 which thou before thy naked slaves didst promise them, shall now be meted225 thee." He then motioned the attendants as if to remove him for execution. The unhappy cacique denied the accusations226 and begged for his life. Balboa apparently227 overcome by his entreaties228 slowly relented, and finally ordered the captive released. The overjoyed chieftain could not do enough for his deliverer. He stripped his women of their ornaments, and, collecting all articles within his reach fabricated of the coveted229 metal, presented the Spaniards with thirty marks of gold, and his subjects soon brought in sixty marks more. Enjoining230 Tubanamá to gather gold, and ever 383 remain true to the Spaniards, Balboa returned in triumph to Pocorosa's town, with a long train of enslaved captives. About this time Vasco Nu?ez fell sick; and no wonder when we consider the strain on mind and body during the past four months. First in every action, bearing exposure and privation in common with the poorest soldier, with the responsibility of the adventure resting wholly on him, he was a fit subject for fever. But his indomitable spirit never forsook231 him, and causing himself to be carried on a litter he still directed movements, as they resumed their march.
Weary, ragged232, but exultant233, the party at length reached the village of Comagre. Panciaco was overjoyed to see them. The old chief was dead, and the young man filled his father's place. He could not do enough for Vasco Nu?ez, for whom his affection seemed to grow in proportion as he was permitted to do him service. Panciaco had given the strangers gold and slaves; he had entertained them royally, had told them of the Southern Sea and the way to reach it, all his words proving true. Now he was permitted to entertain and nurse the emaciated234 Spaniards, and this he did with lavish235 generosity236, watching Vasco Nu?ez through his sickness with the affection of a brother. He was permitted to give them more gold, and did so. The Spaniards graciously received these benefits; and in return for obligations too vast for requital237, the generous cavalier, the chivalrous discoverer of the great South Sea, gave his friend and benefactor238 a linen239 shirt and some worthless trinkets. His parting words were "Gather and send me more gold, Panciaco." The chief, however, before the party left, had embraced Christianity and received baptism.
ARRIVAL AT ANTIGUA.
It was the 14th of January that the party left Comagre. A short and easy march brought them to Poncra's village, where fortune wreathed in smiles still attended the commander, now free from illness and loaded with gold. Vasco Nu?ez here was met 384 by four Spaniards from Antigua who had come to report the arrival of two vessels240 from Espa?ola with provisions and reinforcements. Leaving the greater part of his company to follow at their leisure, Balboa with twenty men pressed forward, and after a hearty241 greeting from Careta at his village, embarked in the brigantine which there awaited him, and arrived the 19th of January, 1514.
His entry into the settlement was a triumph. All the people came to welcome him, and he was conducted to the public square midst loud acclaims242. And when he told them of his successes, of the wealth-bound sea, and the treasures he had obtained, they were wild with exultation243. Beside gold, to the value of more than forty thousand pesos,[IX-17] the Spaniards had brought eight hundred Indian slaves, and a large quantity of pearls, cotton cloth, and Indian weapons. All the nations on the route, both in going and in coming, had been subjugated244 without the loss of a battle and without the loss of a man. Thus terminated one of the grandest and most successful achievements of the Spaniards in the New World.
The remainder of the company soon arrived, and the spoils were thereupon distributed in equitable245 allotments, wherein also those participated who had remained at home. Beside the royal share, two hundred of the largest and most beautiful pearls were set apart by Vasco Nu?ez and his companions as a present for the king, and one of their number, Pedro de Arbolancha, an intelligent man and trusty friend of the governor, was chosen as envoy246 to proceed immediately to Spain and proclaim this important discovery. By him Vasco Nu?ez sent the sovereign a letter detailing his brilliant achievement, and requesting the royal appointment as governor of the region by 385 him discovered, with the means to prosecute247 further adventures on that coast. "And in all his long letter," says Peter Martyr, "there is not a single leaf written which does not contain thanks to Almighty248 God for delivery from perils249, and preservation250 from many imminent251 dangers." This letter was dated at Antigua the 4th of March, and a few days after Arbolancha took his departure.
PROSPERITY OF THE COLONY.
Meanwhile Balboa was unremitting in his efforts to advance the prosperity of the growing colony. Having so long suffered the miseries252 and inconvenience of a meagre supply of food, particular attention was turned to agriculture. Indian corn was produced in great quantities, and seeds of various kinds from Spain were planted, yielding fruit in abundance. Society became more settled and factions253 were at rest; for who could stand before Vasco Nu?ez? Memories of home bloomed anew. Old-time amusements were again enjoyed; national holidays were regarded, and jousts254 and tournaments were held, if not with as rich display as formerly255, yet with heartiness256 and merrymaking. Two of the pacified caciques became discontented and rebelled, but were soon quieted by a few men under Diego Hurtado. Another captain, Andrés Garabito, was sent to explore the country for the shortest and best route between the seas. Peace everywhere reigned257; and with a profusion of food and gold already in store, with high anticipations regarding the future; with wealth, and dominion55, and honor, and brilliant hopes, and multitudes of heathen for slaves, ought not these pirates to have been supremely258 happy?
点击收听单词发音
1 treacherous | |
adj.不可靠的,有暗藏的危险的;adj.背叛的,背信弃义的 | |
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2 descend | |
vt./vi.传下来,下来,下降 | |
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3 profusion | |
n.挥霍;丰富 | |
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4 pacified | |
使(某人)安静( pacify的过去式和过去分词 ); 息怒; 抚慰; 在(有战争的地区、国家等)实现和平 | |
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5 revolving | |
adj.旋转的,轮转式的;循环的v.(使)旋转( revolve的现在分词 );细想 | |
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6 determined | |
adj.坚定的;有决心的 | |
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7 pacification | |
n. 讲和,绥靖,平定 | |
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8 inured | |
adj.坚强的,习惯的 | |
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9 fatigue | |
n.疲劳,劳累 | |
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10 resolute | |
adj.坚决的,果敢的 | |
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11 warriors | |
武士,勇士,战士( warrior的名词复数 ) | |
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12 embarkation | |
n. 乘船, 搭机, 开船 | |
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13 embarking | |
乘船( embark的现在分词 ); 装载; 从事 | |
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14 hazardous | |
adj.(有)危险的,冒险的;碰运气的 | |
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15 embarked | |
乘船( embark的过去式和过去分词 ); 装载; 从事 | |
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16 invoking | |
v.援引( invoke的现在分词 );行使(权利等);祈求救助;恳求 | |
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17 sipping | |
v.小口喝,呷,抿( sip的现在分词 ) | |
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18 champagne | |
n.香槟酒;微黄色 | |
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19 delightful | |
adj.令人高兴的,使人快乐的 | |
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20 gulf | |
n.海湾;深渊,鸿沟;分歧,隔阂 | |
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21 isthmus | |
n.地峡 | |
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22 infamous | |
adj.声名狼藉的,臭名昭著的,邪恶的 | |
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23 penetrate | |
v.透(渗)入;刺入,刺穿;洞察,了解 | |
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24 inaccessible | |
adj.达不到的,难接近的 | |
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25 noxious | |
adj.有害的,有毒的;使道德败坏的,讨厌的 | |
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26 reptiles | |
n.爬行动物,爬虫( reptile的名词复数 ) | |
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27 tangled | |
adj. 纠缠的,紊乱的 动词tangle的过去式和过去分词 | |
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28 rugged | |
adj.高低不平的,粗糙的,粗壮的,强健的 | |
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29 precipices | |
n.悬崖,峭壁( precipice的名词复数 ) | |
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30 canopy | |
n.天篷,遮篷 | |
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31 morasses | |
n.缠作一团( morass的名词复数 );困境;沼泽;陷阱 | |
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32 malarious | |
(患)疟疾的,(有)瘴气的 | |
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33 putrid | |
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34 savage | |
adj.野蛮的;凶恶的,残暴的;n.未开化的人 | |
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35 savages | |
未开化的人,野蛮人( savage的名词复数 ) | |
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36 obstructions | |
n.障碍物( obstruction的名词复数 );阻碍物;阻碍;阻挠 | |
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37 wilderness | |
n.杳无人烟的一片陆地、水等,荒漠 | |
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38 scrutinized | |
v.仔细检查,详审( scrutinize的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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39 chivalrous | |
adj.武士精神的;对女人彬彬有礼的 | |
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40 mustered | |
v.集合,召集,集结(尤指部队)( muster的过去式和过去分词 );(自他人处)搜集某事物;聚集;激发 | |
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41 survivors | |
幸存者,残存者,生还者( survivor的名词复数 ) | |
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42 strewed | |
v.撒在…上( strew的过去式和过去分词 );散落于;点缀;撒满 | |
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43 retired | |
adj.隐退的,退休的,退役的 | |
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44 plunder | |
vt.劫掠财物,掠夺;n.劫掠物,赃物;劫掠 | |
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45 warfare | |
n.战争(状态);斗争;冲突 | |
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46 overtures | |
n.主动的表示,提议;(向某人做出的)友好表示、姿态或提议( overture的名词复数 );(歌剧、芭蕾舞、音乐剧等的)序曲,前奏曲 | |
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47 thither | |
adv.向那里;adj.在那边的,对岸的 | |
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48 beads | |
n.(空心)小珠子( bead的名词复数 );水珠;珠子项链 | |
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49 courteous | |
adj.彬彬有礼的,客气的 | |
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50 kindle | |
v.点燃,着火 | |
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51 wrought | |
v.引起;以…原料制作;运转;adj.制造的 | |
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52 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 ) | |
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53 ascending | |
adj.上升的,向上的 | |
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54 arrogance | |
n.傲慢,自大 | |
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55 dominion | |
n.统治,管辖,支配权;领土,版图 | |
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56 dominions | |
统治权( dominion的名词复数 ); 领土; 疆土; 版图 | |
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57 temerity | |
n.鲁莽,冒失 | |
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58 indifference | |
n.不感兴趣,不关心,冷淡,不在乎 | |
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59 swarm | |
n.(昆虫)等一大群;vi.成群飞舞;蜂拥而入 | |
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60 literally | |
adv.照字面意义,逐字地;确实 | |
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61 bereft | |
adj.被剥夺的 | |
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62 detested | |
v.憎恶,嫌恶,痛恨( detest的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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63 memorable | |
adj.值得回忆的,难忘的,特别的,显著的 | |
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64 situated | |
adj.坐落在...的,处于某种境地的 | |
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65 anticipations | |
预期( anticipation的名词复数 ); 预测; (信托财产收益的)预支; 预期的事物 | |
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66 ascent | |
n.(声望或地位)提高;上升,升高;登高 | |
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67 possessed | |
adj.疯狂的;拥有的,占有的 | |
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68 dense | |
a.密集的,稠密的,浓密的;密度大的 | |
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69 foliage | |
n.叶子,树叶,簇叶 | |
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70 stunted | |
adj.矮小的;发育迟缓的 | |
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71 eminence | |
n.卓越,显赫;高地,高处;名家 | |
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72 pointed | |
adj.尖的,直截了当的 | |
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73 prosaically | |
adv.无聊地;乏味地;散文式地;平凡地 | |
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74 astounding | |
adj.使人震惊的vt.使震惊,使大吃一惊astound的现在分词) | |
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75 peculiar | |
adj.古怪的,异常的;特殊的,特有的 | |
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76 awakening | |
n.觉醒,醒悟 adj.觉醒中的;唤醒的 | |
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77 derives | |
v.得到( derive的第三人称单数 );(从…中)得到获得;源于;(从…中)提取 | |
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78 ecstasy | |
n.狂喜,心醉神怡,入迷 | |
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79 immortal | |
adj.不朽的;永生的,不死的;神的 | |
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80 consummated | |
v.使结束( consummate的过去式和过去分词 );使完美;完婚;(婚礼后的)圆房 | |
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81 behold | |
v.看,注视,看到 | |
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82 throbbing | |
a. 跳动的,悸动的 | |
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83 splendor | |
n.光彩;壮丽,华丽;显赫,辉煌 | |
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84 enraptured | |
v.使狂喜( enrapture的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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85 boundless | |
adj.无限的;无边无际的;巨大的 | |
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86 majestic | |
adj.雄伟的,壮丽的,庄严的,威严的,崇高的 | |
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87 furrowed | |
v.犁田,开沟( furrow的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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88 prospect | |
n.前景,前途;景色,视野 | |
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89 iridescent | |
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90 boisterously | |
adv.喧闹地,吵闹地 | |
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91 winding | |
n.绕,缠,绕组,线圈 | |
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92 eternity | |
n.不朽,来世;永恒,无穷 | |
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93 triumphant | |
adj.胜利的,成功的;狂欢的,喜悦的 | |
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94 mighty | |
adj.强有力的;巨大的 | |
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95 populous | |
adj.人口稠密的,人口众多的 | |
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96 teeming | |
adj.丰富的v.充满( teem的现在分词 );到处都是;(指水、雨等)暴降;倾注 | |
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97 blessings | |
n.(上帝的)祝福( blessing的名词复数 );好事;福分;因祸得福 | |
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98 accrue | |
v.(利息等)增大,增多 | |
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99 forth | |
adv.向前;向外,往外 | |
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100 enchanted | |
adj. 被施魔法的,陶醉的,入迷的 动词enchant的过去式和过去分词 | |
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101 realization | |
n.实现;认识到,深刻了解 | |
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102 labors | |
v.努力争取(for)( labor的第三人称单数 );苦干;详细分析;(指引擎)缓慢而困难地运转 | |
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103 Christians | |
n.基督教徒( Christian的名词复数 ) | |
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104 Christian | |
adj.基督教徒的;n.基督教徒 | |
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105 celestial | |
adj.天体的;天上的 | |
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106 vile | |
adj.卑鄙的,可耻的,邪恶的;坏透的 | |
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107 cleansing | |
n. 净化(垃圾) adj. 清洁用的 动词cleanse的现在分词 | |
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108 approbation | |
n.称赞;认可 | |
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109 rabble | |
n.乌合之众,暴民;下等人 | |
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110 fidelity | |
n.忠诚,忠实;精确 | |
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111 martyr | |
n.烈士,殉难者;vt.杀害,折磨,牺牲 | |
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112 ERECTED | |
adj. 直立的,竖立的,笔直的 vt. 使 ... 直立,建立 | |
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113 blazoned | |
v.广布( blazon的过去式和过去分词 );宣布;夸示;装饰 | |
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114 thereby | |
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115 notary | |
n.公证人,公证员 | |
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116 affixed | |
adj.[医]附着的,附着的v.附加( affix的过去式和过去分词 );粘贴;加以;盖(印章) | |
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117 descending | |
n. 下行 adj. 下降的 | |
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118 entanglements | |
n.瓜葛( entanglement的名词复数 );牵连;纠缠;缠住 | |
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119 juncture | |
n.时刻,关键时刻,紧要关头 | |
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120 slaughter | |
n.屠杀,屠宰;vt.屠杀,宰杀 | |
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121 consternation | |
n.大为吃惊,惊骇 | |
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122 propitiated | |
v.劝解,抚慰,使息怒( propitiate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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123 verge | |
n.边,边缘;v.接近,濒临 | |
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124 concealed | |
a.隐藏的,隐蔽的 | |
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125 severely | |
adv.严格地;严厉地;非常恶劣地 | |
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126 immediate | |
adj.立即的;直接的,最接近的;紧靠的 | |
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127 grassy | |
adj.盖满草的;长满草的 | |
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128 virgin | |
n.处女,未婚女子;adj.未经使用的;未经开发的 | |
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129 monarchs | |
君主,帝王( monarch的名词复数 ) | |
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130 corporeal | |
adj.肉体的,身体的;物质的 | |
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131 annexed | |
[法] 附加的,附属的 | |
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132 sect | |
n.派别,宗教,学派,派系 | |
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133 paramount | |
a.最重要的,最高权力的 | |
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134 majesties | |
n.雄伟( majesty的名词复数 );庄严;陛下;王权 | |
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135 fully | |
adv.完全地,全部地,彻底地;充分地 | |
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136 specified | |
adj.特定的 | |
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137 alleged | |
a.被指控的,嫌疑的 | |
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138 patrimony | |
n.世袭财产,继承物 | |
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139 revolves | |
v.(使)旋转( revolve的第三人称单数 );细想 | |
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140 judgment | |
n.审判;判断力,识别力,看法,意见 | |
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141 grandiloquent | |
adj.夸张的 | |
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142 harangue | |
n.慷慨冗长的训话,言辞激烈的讲话 | |
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143 doctrine | |
n.教义;主义;学说 | |
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144 bosom | |
n.胸,胸部;胸怀;内心;adj.亲密的 | |
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145 swells | |
增强( swell的第三人称单数 ); 肿胀; (使)凸出; 充满(激情) | |
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146 growled | |
v.(动物)发狺狺声, (雷)作隆隆声( growl的过去式和过去分词 );低声咆哮着说 | |
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147 followers | |
追随者( follower的名词复数 ); 用户; 契据的附面; 从动件 | |
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148 bestow | |
v.把…赠与,把…授予;花费 | |
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149 gallant | |
adj.英勇的,豪侠的;(向女人)献殷勤的 | |
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150 subscribed | |
v.捐助( subscribe的过去式和过去分词 );签署,题词;订阅;同意 | |
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151 longings | |
渴望,盼望( longing的名词复数 ) | |
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152 pretensions | |
自称( pretension的名词复数 ); 自命不凡; 要求; 权力 | |
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153 continental | |
adj.大陆的,大陆性的,欧洲大陆的 | |
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154 decided | |
adj.决定了的,坚决的;明显的,明确的 | |
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155 devout | |
adj.虔诚的,虔敬的,衷心的 (n.devoutness) | |
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156 tempestuous | |
adj.狂暴的 | |
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157 subsided | |
v.(土地)下陷(因在地下采矿)( subside的过去式和过去分词 );减弱;下降至较低或正常水平;一下子坐在椅子等上 | |
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158 dismal | |
adj.阴沉的,凄凉的,令人忧郁的,差劲的 | |
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159 embedded | |
a.扎牢的 | |
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160 maize | |
n.玉米 | |
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161 scarcity | |
n.缺乏,不足,萧条 | |
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162 glutinous | |
adj.粘的,胶状的 | |
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163 bruised | |
[医]青肿的,瘀紫的 | |
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164 binding | |
有约束力的,有效的,应遵守的 | |
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165 creek | |
n.小溪,小河,小湾 | |
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166 gathering | |
n.集会,聚会,聚集 | |
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167 worthy | |
adj.(of)值得的,配得上的;有价值的 | |
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168 baubles | |
n.小玩意( bauble的名词复数 );华而不实的小件装饰品;无价值的东西;丑角的手杖 | |
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169 oyster | |
n.牡蛎;沉默寡言的人 | |
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170 potentate | |
n.统治者;君主 | |
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171 gems | |
growth; economy; management; and customer satisfaction 增长 | |
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172 oysters | |
牡蛎( oyster的名词复数 ) | |
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173 plentiful | |
adj.富裕的,丰富的 | |
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174 esteemed | |
adj.受人尊敬的v.尊敬( esteem的过去式和过去分词 );敬重;认为;以为 | |
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175 esteem | |
n.尊敬,尊重;vt.尊重,敬重;把…看作 | |
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176 navigated | |
v.给(船舶、飞机等)引航,导航( navigate的过去式和过去分词 );(从海上、空中等)横越;横渡;飞跃 | |
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177 accomplished | |
adj.有才艺的;有造诣的;达到了的 | |
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178 prudent | |
adj.谨慎的,有远见的,精打细算的 | |
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179 enactment | |
n.演出,担任…角色;制订,通过 | |
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180 requisite | |
adj.需要的,必不可少的;n.必需品 | |
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181 barge | |
n.平底载货船,驳船 | |
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182 oars | |
n.桨,橹( oar的名词复数 );划手v.划(行)( oar的第三人称单数 ) | |
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183 proceeding | |
n.行动,进行,(pl.)会议录,学报 | |
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184 drawn | |
v.拖,拉,拔出;adj.憔悴的,紧张的 | |
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185 declamation | |
n. 雄辩,高调 | |
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186 diligent | |
adj.勤勉的,勤奋的 | |
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187 havoc | |
n.大破坏,浩劫,大混乱,大杂乱 | |
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188 fascinations | |
n.魅力( fascination的名词复数 );有魅力的东西;迷恋;陶醉 | |
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189 avenge | |
v.为...复仇,为...报仇 | |
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190 overflow | |
v.(使)外溢,(使)溢出;溢出,流出,漫出 | |
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191 judicious | |
adj.明智的,明断的,能作出明智决定的 | |
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192 trifling | |
adj.微不足道的;没什么价值的 | |
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193 briny | |
adj.盐水的;很咸的;n.海洋 | |
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194 zealous | |
adj.狂热的,热心的 | |
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195 lurking | |
潜在 | |
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196 foes | |
敌人,仇敌( foe的名词复数 ) | |
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197 toiling | |
长时间或辛苦地工作( toil的现在分词 ); 艰难缓慢地移动,跋涉 | |
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198 sequestered | |
adj.扣押的;隐退的;幽静的;偏僻的v.使隔绝,使隔离( sequester的过去式和过去分词 );扣押 | |
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199 refreshing | |
adj.使精神振作的,使人清爽的,使人喜欢的 | |
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200 hideous | |
adj.丑陋的,可憎的,可怕的,恐怖的 | |
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201 repulsive | |
adj.排斥的,使人反感的 | |
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202 detailed | |
adj.详细的,详尽的,极注意细节的,完全的 | |
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203 scouts | |
侦察员[机,舰]( scout的名词复数 ); 童子军; 搜索; 童子军成员 | |
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204 extermination | |
n.消灭,根绝 | |
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205 forefathers | |
n.祖先,先人;祖先,祖宗( forefather的名词复数 );列祖列宗;前人 | |
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206 applied | |
adj.应用的;v.应用,适用 | |
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207 elicited | |
引出,探出( elicit的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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208 wretches | |
n.不幸的人( wretch的名词复数 );可怜的人;恶棍;坏蛋 | |
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209 profuse | |
adj.很多的,大量的,极其丰富的 | |
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210 prettily | |
adv.优美地;可爱地 | |
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211 commemorates | |
n.纪念,庆祝( commemorate的名词复数 )v.纪念,庆祝( commemorate的第三人称单数 ) | |
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212 outrage | |
n.暴行,侮辱,愤怒;vt.凌辱,激怒 | |
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213 invincible | |
adj.不可征服的,难以制服的 | |
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214 domain | |
n.(活动等)领域,范围;领地,势力范围 | |
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215 northward | |
adv.向北;n.北方的地区 | |
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216 vanquishing | |
v.征服( vanquish的现在分词 );战胜;克服;抑制 | |
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217 persuasive | |
adj.有说服力的,能说得使人相信的 | |
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218 gilt | |
adj.镀金的;n.金边证券 | |
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219 recipient | |
a.接受的,感受性强的 n.接受者,感受者,容器 | |
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220 exhausted | |
adj.极其疲惫的,精疲力尽的 | |
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221 overthrow | |
v.推翻,打倒,颠覆;n.推翻,瓦解,颠覆 | |
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222 squad | |
n.班,小队,小团体;vt.把…编成班或小组 | |
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223 revile | |
v.辱骂,谩骂 | |
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224 doom | |
n.厄运,劫数;v.注定,命定 | |
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225 meted | |
v.(对某人)施以,给予(处罚等)( mete的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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226 accusations | |
n.指责( accusation的名词复数 );指控;控告;(被告发、控告的)罪名 | |
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227 apparently | |
adv.显然地;表面上,似乎 | |
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228 entreaties | |
n.恳求,乞求( entreaty的名词复数 ) | |
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229 coveted | |
adj.令人垂涎的;垂涎的,梦寐以求的v.贪求,觊觎(covet的过去分词);垂涎;贪图 | |
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230 enjoining | |
v.命令( enjoin的现在分词 ) | |
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231 forsook | |
forsake的过去式 | |
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232 ragged | |
adj.衣衫褴褛的,粗糙的,刺耳的 | |
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233 exultant | |
adj.欢腾的,狂欢的,大喜的 | |
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234 emaciated | |
adj.衰弱的,消瘦的 | |
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235 lavish | |
adj.无节制的;浪费的;vt.慷慨地给予,挥霍 | |
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236 generosity | |
n.大度,慷慨,慷慨的行为 | |
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237 requital | |
n.酬劳;报复 | |
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238 benefactor | |
n. 恩人,行善的人,捐助人 | |
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239 linen | |
n.亚麻布,亚麻线,亚麻制品;adj.亚麻布制的,亚麻的 | |
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240 vessels | |
n.血管( vessel的名词复数 );船;容器;(具有特殊品质或接受特殊品质的)人 | |
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241 hearty | |
adj.热情友好的;衷心的;尽情的,纵情的 | |
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242 acclaims | |
向…欢呼( acclaim的第三人称单数 ); 向…喝彩; 称赞…; 欢呼或拥戴(某人)为… | |
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243 exultation | |
n.狂喜,得意 | |
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244 subjugated | |
v.征服,降伏( subjugate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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245 equitable | |
adj.公平的;公正的 | |
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246 envoy | |
n.使节,使者,代表,公使 | |
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247 prosecute | |
vt.告发;进行;vi.告发,起诉,作检察官 | |
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248 almighty | |
adj.全能的,万能的;很大的,很强的 | |
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249 perils | |
极大危险( peril的名词复数 ); 危险的事(或环境) | |
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250 preservation | |
n.保护,维护,保存,保留,保持 | |
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251 imminent | |
adj.即将发生的,临近的,逼近的 | |
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252 miseries | |
n.痛苦( misery的名词复数 );痛苦的事;穷困;常发牢骚的人 | |
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253 factions | |
组织中的小派别,派系( faction的名词复数 ) | |
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254 jousts | |
(骑士)骑着马用长矛打斗( joust的名词复数 ); 格斗,竞争 | |
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255 formerly | |
adv.从前,以前 | |
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256 heartiness | |
诚实,热心 | |
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257 reigned | |
vi.当政,统治(reign的过去式形式) | |
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258 supremely | |
adv.无上地,崇高地 | |
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