‘TWAS midnight, and the storm still raged; ‘mid the roar of the thunder and the shrieks1 of the wind, the floods of forky lightning each instant revealed the broad and billowy breast of the troubled Tigris. Jabaster stood gazing upon the wild scene from the gallery of his palace. His countenance2 was solemn, but disquieted3.
‘I would that he were here!’ exclaimed the high priest. ‘Yet why should I desire his presence, who heralds4 only gloom? Yet in his absence am I gay? I am nothing. This Bagdad weighs upon me like a cloak of lead: my spirit is dull and broken.’
‘They say Alroy gives a grand banquet in the serail to-night, and toasts his harlot ‘mid the thunderbolts. Is there no hand to write upon the wall? He is found wanting, he is weighed, and is indeed found wanting. The parting of his kingdom soon will come, and then, I could weep, oh! I could weep, and down these stern and seldom yielding cheeks pour the wild anguish7 of my desperate woe8. So young, so great, so favoured! But one more step a God, and now a foul9 Belshazzar!
‘Was it for this his gentle youth was passed in musing10 solitude11 and mystic studies? Was it for this the holy messenger summoned his most religious spirit? Was it for this he crossed the fiery12 desert, and communed with his fathers in their tombs? Is this the end of all his victories and all his vast achievements? To banquet with a wanton!
‘A year ago, this very night, it was the eve of battle, I stood within his tent to wait his final word. He mused14 awhile, and then he said, “Good night, Jabaster!” I believed myself the nearest to his heart, as he has ever been nearest to mine, but that’s all over. He never says, “Good night, Jabaster,” now. Why, what’s all this? Methinks I am a child.
‘The Lord’s anointed is a prisoner now in the light grating of a bright kiosk, and never gazes on the world he conquered. Egypt and Syria, even farthest Ind, send forth15 their messengers to greet Alroy, the great, the proud, the invincible16. And where is he? In a soft Paradise of girls and eunuchs, crowned with flowers, listening to melting lays, and the wild trilling of the amorous17 lute18. He spares no hours to council; all is left to his prime favourites, of whom the leader is that juggling19 fiend I sometime called my brother.
‘Why rest I here? Whither should I fly? Methinks my presence is still a link to decency20. Should I tear off the ephod, I scarcely fancy ‘twould blaze upon another’s breast. He goes not to the sacrifice; they say he keeps no fast, observes no ritual, and that their festive21 fantasies will not be balked22, even by the Sabbath. I have not seen him thrice since the marriage. Honain has told her I did oppose it, and she bears to me a hatred23 that only women feel. Our strong passions break into a thousand purposes: women have one. Their love is dangerous, but their hate is fatal.
‘See! a boat bounding on the waters. On such a night, but one would dare to venture.’
Now visible, now in darkness, a single lantern at the prow24, Jabaster watched with some anxiety the slight bark buffeting25 the waves. A flash of lightning illumined the whole river, and tipped with a spectral26 light even the distant piles of building. The boat and the toiling28 figure of the single rower were distinctly perceptible. Now all again was darkness; the wind suddenly subsided29; in a few minutes the plash of the oars30 was audible, and the boat apparently31 stopped beneath the palace.
There was a knocking at the private portal.
‘A friend to Israel.’
‘Abidan, by his voice. Art thou alone?’
‘The prophetess is with me; only she.’
‘A moment. I’ll open the gate. Draw the boat within the arch.’
Jabaster descended34 from the gallery, and in a few moments returned with two visitors: the youthful prophetess Esther, and her companion, a man short in stature36, but with a powerful and well-knit frame. His countenance was melancholy37, and, with harshness in the lower part, not without a degree of pensive38 beauty in the broad clear brow and sunken eyes, unusual in Oriental visages.
‘A rough night,’ said Jabaster.
‘To those who fear it,’ replied Abidan. ‘The sun has brought so little joy to me, I care not for the storm.’
‘What news?’
‘Woe! woe! woe!’
‘Thy usual note, my sister. Will the day never come when we may change it?’
‘Woe! woe! woe! unutterable woe!’
‘Abidan, how fares it?’
‘Very well.’
‘Indeed!’
‘As it may turn out.’
‘You are brief.’
‘Bitter.’
‘I know not what may happen. In time we may all become courtiers, though I fear, Jabaster, we have done too much to be rewarded. I gave him my blood, and you something more, and now we are at Bagdad. ‘Tis a fine city. I wish to Heaven the shower of Sodom would rain upon its terraces.’
‘I know thou hast something terrible to tell. I know it by that gloomy brow of thine, that lowers like the tempest. Speak out, man, I can bear the worst, for which I am prepared.’
‘Take it, then. Alroy has proclaimed himself Caliph. Abner is made Sultan of Persia; Asriel, Ithamar, Medad, and the chief captains, Vizirs, Honain their chief. Four Moslem41 nobles are sworn into the council. The Princess goes to mosque42 in state next Friday; ‘tis said thy pupil doth accompany her.’
‘I’ll not believe it! By the God of Sinai, I’ll not believe it! Were my own eye the accursed witness of the deed, I’d not believe it. Go to mosque! They play with thee, my good Abidan, they play with thee.’
‘As it may be. Tis a rumour43, but rumours44 herald5 deeds. The rest of my intelligence is true. I had it from my kinsman45, stout46 Zalmunna. He left the banquet.’
‘Shall I go to him? Methinks one single word, To mosque! only a rumour and a false one. I’ll never believe it; no, no, no, never, never! Is he not the Lord’s anointed? The ineffable47 curse upon this daughter ot the Moabite! No marvel48 that it thunders! By heavens, I’ll go and beard him in his orgies!’
‘You know your power better than Abidan. You bearded him before his marriage, yet——’
‘He married. Tis true. Honain, their chief. And I kept his ring! Honain is my brother. Have I ne’er a dagger49 to cut the bond of brotherhood50?’
‘‘Tis strange, we met after twenty years of severance52. You were not in the chamber53, Abidan. ‘Twas at council. We met after twenty years of severance. He is my brother. ‘Tis strange, I say: I felt that man shrink from my embrace.’
‘Honain is a philosopher, and believes in sympathy. ‘Twould appear there was none between you. His system, then, absolves54 you from all ties.’
‘You are sure the rest of the intelligence is true? I’ll not believe the mosque, the rest is bad enough.’
‘Zalmunna left the banquet. Hassan Subah’s brother sat above him.’
‘Subah’s brother! ‘Tis all over, then. Is he of the council?’
‘Ay, and others.’
‘Where now is Israel?’
‘She should be in her tents.’
‘Woe! woe! unutterable woe!’ exclaimed the prophetess, who, standing55 motionless at the back of the chamber, seemed inattentive to their conversation.
Jabaster paced the gallery with agitated56 steps. Suddenly he stopped, and, walking up to Abidan, seized his arm, and looked him sternly in the face. ‘I know thy thoughts, Abidan,’ exclaimed the priest; ‘but it cannot be. I have dismissed, henceforth and for ever I have dismissed all feeling from my mind; now I have no brother, no friend, no pupil, and, I fear, no Saviour57. Israel is all in all to me. I have no other life. ‘Tis not compunction, then, that stays my arm. My heart’s as hard as thine.’
‘Why stays it then?’
‘Because with him we fall. He is the last of all his sacred line. There is no other hand to grasp our sceptre.’
‘Our sceptre! what sceptre?’
‘The sceptre of our kings.’
‘Kings!’
‘Ay, why dost thou look so dark?’
‘How looked the prophet when the stiff-necked populace forsooth must have a king! Did he smile? Did he shout, and clap his hands, and cry, God save his Majesty58! O, Jabaster! honoured, rare Jabaster! thou second Samuel of our lightheaded people! there was a time when Israel had no king except their God. Were we viler60 then? Did kings conquer Canaan? Who was Moses, who was Aaron, who was mighty61 Joshua? Was the sword of Gideon a kingly sword? Did the locks of Samson shade royal temples? Would a king have kept his awful covenant62 like solemn Jephtha? Royal words are light as air, when, to maintain them, you injure any other than a subject.
‘Kings! why, what’s a king? Why should one man break the equal sanctity of our chosen race? Is their blood purer than our own? We are all the seed of Abraham. Who was Saul, and who was David? I never heard that they were a different breed from our fathers. Grant them devout63, which they were not; and brave and wise, which other men were; have their posterity64 a patent for all virtues65? No, Jabaster! thou ne’er didst err40, but when thou placedst a crown upon this haughty66 stripling. What he did, a thousand might have done. ‘Twas thy mind inspired the deed. And now he is a king; and now Jabaster, the very soul of Israel, who should be our Judge and leader, Jabaster trembles in disgrace, while our unhallowed Sanhedrim is filled with Ammonites!’
‘Abidan, thou hast touched me to the quick; thou hast stirred up thoughts that ever and anon, like strong and fatal vapours, have risen from the dark abyss of thought, and I have quelled67 them.’
‘Let them rise, I say; let them drown the beams of that all-scorching sun we suffer under, that drinks all vegetation up, and makes us languish68 with a dull exhaustion69!’
‘Joy! joy! unutterable joy!’
‘Hark! the prophetess has changed her note; and yet she hears us not. The spirit of the Lord is truly with her. Come, Jabaster, I see thy heart is opening to thy people’s sufferings; thy people, my Jabaster, for art not thou our Judge? At least, thou shalt be.’
‘But say the word, and it is done, Jabaster. Nay71, stare not. Dost thou think there are no true hearts in Israel? Dost thou suppose thy children have beheld72, without a thought, the foul insults poured on thee; thee, their priest, their adored high priest, one who recalls the best days of the past, the days of their great Judges? But one word, one single movement of that mitred head, and—— But I speak unto a mind that feels more than I can express. Be silent, tongue, thou art a babbling73 counsellor. Jabaster’s patriot74 soul needs not the idle schooling75 of a child. If he be silent, ‘tis that his wisdom deems that the hour is not ripe, but when her leader speaks, Israel will not be slack.’
‘The Moslemin in council! We know what must come next. Our national existence is in its last agony. Methinks the time is very ripe, Abidan.’
‘Why, so we think, great sir; and say the word, and twenty thousand spears will guard the Ark. I’ll answer for my men. Stout Scherirah looks grimly on the Moabites. A word from thee, and the whole Syrian army will join our banner, the Lion of Judah, that shall be our flag. The tyrant76 and his satraps, let them die, and then the rest must join us. We’ll proclaim the covenant, and, leaving Babylon to a bloody77 fate, march on to Zion!’
‘Zion, his youthful dream, Zion!’
‘King or no king, he is the Lord’s anointed. Shall this hand, that poured the oil on his hallowed head, wash out the balmy signet with his blood? Must I slay78 him? Shall this kid be seethed79 even in its mother’s milk?’
‘His voice is low, and yet his face is troubled. How now, sir?’
‘What art thou? Ah! Abidan, trusty, stanch80 Abidan! You see, Abidan, I was thinking, my good Abidan, all this may be the frenzy81 of a revel82. Tomorrow’s dawn may summon cooler counsels. The tattle of the table, it is sacred. Let us forget it; let us pass it over. The Lord may turn his heart. Who knows, who knows, Abidan!’
‘Noble sir, a moment since your mind was like your faith, firm and resolved, and now——’
‘School me not, school me not, good Abidan. There is that within my mind you cannot fathom83; some secret sorrows which are all my own. Leave me, good friend, leave me awhile. When Israel calls me I shall not be wanting. Be sure of that, Abidan, be sure of that. Nay, do not go; the night is very rough, and the fair prophetess should not again stem the swelling84 river. I’ll to my closet, and will soon return.’
Jabaster quitted the gallery, and entered a small apartment. Several large volumes, unclasped and open, were lying on various parts of the divan85. Before them stood his brazen86 cabalistic table. He closed the chamber with a cautious air. He advanced into the centre of the apartment. He lifted up his hands to heaven, and clasped them with an expression almost of agony.
‘Is it come to this?’ he muttered in a tone of deep oppression. ‘Is it come to this? What is’t I have heard? what done? Down, tempting87 devil, down! O life! O glory! O my country, my chosen people, and my sacred creed88! why do we live, why act? Why have we feeling for aught that’s famous, or for aught that’s holy? Let me die! let, let me die! The torture of existence is too great.’
He flung himself upon the couch; he buried his awful countenance in his robes. His mighty heart was convulsed with passion. There did he lie, that great and solemn man, prostrate89 and woe-begone.
‘The noisy banquet lingers in my ear; I love to be alone.’
‘With me?’
‘Thou art myself; I have no other life.’
‘Sweet bird! It is now a caliph.’
‘I am what thou wiliest, soul of my sweet existence! Pomp and dominion90, fame and victory, seem now but flawed and dimly-shaded gems91 compared with thy bright smile!’
‘Or sail upon the cool and azure94 lake, in some bright barque, like to a sea-nymph’s shell, and followed by the swans?’
‘There is no lake so blue as thy deep eye; there is no swan so white as thy round arm!’
‘Rememberest thou thy earliest visit to this dear kiosk, my gentle mute? There thou stoodst with folded arms and looks demure97 as day, and ever and anon with those dark eyes stealing a glance which made my cheek quite pale. Methinks I see thee even yet, shy bird. Dost know, I was so foolish when it quitted me, dost know I cried?’
‘Ah, no! thou didst not cry?’
‘Indeed, I think I did.’
‘Tell me again, my own Schirene, indeed didst cry?’
‘Indeed I did, my soul!’
She threw her arms around his neck and covered his face with kisses.
Sunset sounded from the minarets99. They arose and wandered together in the surrounding paradise. The sky was tinted100 with a pale violet flush, a single star floating by the side of the white moon, that beamed with a dim lustre101, soft and shapely as a pearl.
‘Beautiful!’ exclaimed the pensive Schirene, as she gazed upon the star. ‘O, my Alroy, why cannot we ever live alone, and ever in a paradise?’
‘I am wearied of empire,’ replied Alroy with a smile, ‘let us fly!’
‘Is there no island, with all that can make life charming, and yet impervious102 to man? How little do we require! Ah! if these gardens, instead of being surrounded by hateful Bagdad, were only encompassed103 by some beautiful ocean!’
‘My heart, we live in a paradise, and are seldom disturbed, thanks to Honain!’
‘But the very consciousness that there are any other persons existing besides ourselves is to me painful. Every one who even thinks of you seems to rob me of a part of your being. Besides, I am weary of pomp and palaces. I should like to live in a sparry grot, and sleep upon a couch of sweet leaves!’
This interesting discussion was disturbed by a dwarf104, who, in addition to being very small and very ugly, was dumb. He bowed before the Princess; and then had recourse to a great deal of pantomimic action, by which she discovered that it was dinnertime. No other person could have ventured to disturb the royal pair, but this little being was a privileged favourite.
So Alroy and Schirene entered the serail. An immense cresset-lamp, fed with perfumed oil, threw a soft light round the sumptuous105 chamber. At the end stood a row of eunuchs in scarlet106 dresses, and each holding a tall silver staff. The Caliph and the Sultana threw themselves upon a couch covered with a hundred cushions; on one side stood a group consisting of the captain of the guard and other officers of the household, on the other, of beautiful female slaves magnificently attired107.
The line of domestics at the end of the apartment opened, and a body of slaves advanced, carrying trays of ivory and gold, and ebony and silver, covered with the choicest dainties, curiously108 prepared. These were in turn offered to the Caliph and the Sultana by their surrounding attendants. The Princess accepted a spoon made of a single pearl, the long, thin golden handle of which was studded with rubies109, and condescended110 to partake of some saffron soup, of which she was fond. Afterwards she regaled herself with the breast of a cygnet, stuffed with almonds, and stewed111 with violets and cream. Having now a little satisfied her appetite, and wishing to show a mark of her favour to a particular individual, she ordered the captain of the guard instantly to send him the whole of the next course74 with her compliments. Her attention was then engaged with a dish of those delicate ortolans that feed upon the vine-leaves of Schiraz, and with which the Governor of Nishapur took especial care that she should be well provided. Tearing the delicate birds to pieces with her still more delicate fingers, she insisted upon feeding Alroy, who of course yielded to her solicitations. In the meantime, they refreshed themselves with their favourite sherbet of pomegranates, and the golden wine of Mount Lebanon.75 The Caliph, who could eat no more ortolans, although fed by such delicate fingers, was at length obliged to call for ‘rice,’ which was synonymous to commanding the banquet to disappear. The attendants now brought to each basins of gold, and ewers112 of rock crystal filled with rose water, with towels of that rare Egyptian linen113 which can be made only of the cotton that grows upon the banks of the Nile. While they amused themselves with eating sugar-plums, and drinking coffee flavoured with cinnamon, the female slaves danced before them in the most graceful114 attitudes to the melody of invisible musicians.
‘My enchanting115 Schirene,’ said the Caliph, ‘I have dined, thanks to your attention, very well. These slaves of yours dance admirably, and are exceedingly beautiful. Your music, too, is beyond all praise; but, for my own part, I would rather be quite alone, and listening to one of your songs.’
‘I have written a new one to-day. You shall hear it.’ So saying, she clapped her little white hands, and all the attendants immediately withdrew.
‘The stars are stealing forth, and so will I. Sorry sight! to view Jabaster, with a stealthy step, skulk116 like a thing dishonoured117! Oh! may the purpose consecrate118 the deed! the die is cast.’
So saying, the High Priest, muffled119 up in his robe, emerged from his palace into the busy streets. It is at night that the vitality120 of Oriental life is most impressive. The narrow winding121 streets, crowded with a population breathing the now sufferable air, the illuminated122 coffee-houses, the groups of gay yet sober revellers, the music, and the dancing, and the animated123 recitals124 of the poet and the story-teller, all combine to invest the starry125 hours with a beguiling126 and even fascinating character of enjoyment127 and adventure.
It was the night after the visit of Abidan and the prophetess. Jabaster had agreed to meet Abidan in the square of the great mosque two hours after sunset, and thither128 he now repaired.
‘I am somewhat before my time,’ he said, as he entered the great square, over which the rising moon threw a full flood of light. A few dark shadows of human beings alone moved in the distance. The world was in the streets and coffee-houses. ‘I am somewhat before my time,’ said Jabaster. ‘Conspirators are watchful129. I am anxious for the meeting, and yet I dread130 it. Since he broke this business, I have never slept. My mind is a chaos131. I will not think. If ‘tis to be done, let it be done at once. I am more tempted132 to sheathe133 this dagger in Jabaster’s breast than in Alroy’s. If life or empire were the paltry134 stake, I would end a life that now can bring no joy, and yield authority that hath no charm; but Israel, Israel, thou for whom I have endured so much, let me forget Jabaster had a mother!
‘But for this thought that links me with my God, and leads my temper to a higher state, how vain and sad, how wearisome and void, were this said world they think of! But for this thought, I could sit down and die. Yea! my great heart could crack, worn out, worn out; my mighty passions, with their fierce but flickering135 flame, sink down and die; and the strong brain that ever hath urged my course, and pricked136 me onward137 with perpetual thought, desert the rudder it so long hath held, like some baffled pilot in blank discomfiture138, in the far centre of an unknown sea.
‘Study and toil27, anxiety and sorrow, mighty action, perchance Time, and disappointment, which is worse than all, have done their work, and not in vain. I am no longer the same Jabaster that gazed upon the stars of Caucasus. Methinks even they look dimmer than of yore. The glory of my life is fading. My leaves are sear, tinged139, but not tainted140. I am still the same in one respect; I have not left my God, in deed or thought. Ah! who art thou?’
‘A friend to Israel.’
‘I am glad that Israel hath a friend. Noble Abi-dan, I have well considered all that hath passed between us. Sooth to say, you touched upon a string I’ve played before, but kept it for my loneliness; a jarring tune141, indeed a jarring tune, but so it is, and being so, let me at once unto your friends, Abi-dan.’
‘Noble Jabaster, thou art what I deemed thee.’
‘Abidan, they say the consciousness of doing justly is the best basis of a happy mind.’
‘Even so.’
‘And thou believest it?’
‘Without doubt.’
‘We are doing very justly?’
‘‘Tis a weak word for such a holy purpose.’
‘I am most wretched!’
The High Priest and his companion entered the house of Abidan. Jabaster addressed the already assembled guests.
‘Brave Scherirah, it joys me to find thee here. In Israel’s cause when was Scherirah wanting? Stout Zalmunna, we have not seen enough of each other: the blame is mine. Gentle prophetess, thy blessing142!
‘Good friends, why we meet here is known to all. Little did we dream of such a meeting when we crossed the Tigris. But that is nothing. We come to act, and not to argue. Our great minds, they are resolved: our solemn purpose requires no demonstration143. If there be one among us who would have Israel a slave to Ishmael, who would lose all we have prayed for, all we have fought for, all we have won, and all for which we are prepared to die, if there be one among us who would have the Ark polluted, and Jehovah’s altar stained with a Gentile sacrifice, if there be one among us who does not sigh for Zion, who would not yield his breath to build the Temple and gain the heritage his fathers lost, why, let him go! There is none such among us: then stay, and free your country!’
‘We are prepared, great Jabaster; we are prepared, all, all!’
‘I know it; you are like myself. Necessity hath taught decision. Now for our plans. Speak, Zalmunna.’
‘Noble Jabaster, I see much difficulty. Alroy no longer quits his palace. Our entrance unwatched is, you well know, impossible. What say you, Scherirah?’
‘I am prepared to die, but not to fail,’ said Abidan. ‘We must be certain. Open war I fear. The mass of the army will side with their leaders, and they are with the tyrant. Let us do the deed, and they must join us.’
‘Is it impossible to gain his presence to some sacrifice in honour of some by-gone victory; what think ye?’
‘I doubt much, Jabaster. At this moment he little wishes to sanction our national ceremonies with his royal person. The woman assuredly will stay him. And, even if he come, success is difficult, and therefore doubtful.’
‘Noble warriors145, list to a woman’s voice,’ exclaimed the prophetess, coming forward. ‘‘Tis weak, but with such instruments, even the aspirations146 of a child, the Lord will commune with his chosen people. There is a secret way by which I can gain the gardens of the palace. To-morrow night, just as the moon is in her midnight bower147, behold148 the accursed pile shall blaze. Let Abidan’s troops be all prepared, and at the moment when the flames first ascend149, march to the Seraglio gate as if with aid. The affrighted guard will offer no opposition150. While the troops secure the portals, you yourselves, Zalmunna, Abidan, and Jabaster, rush to the royal chamber and do the deed. In the meantime, let brave Scherirah, with his whole division, surround the palace, as if unconscious of the mighty work. Then come you forward, show, if it need, with tears, the fated body to the soldiery, and announce the Theocracy.’
‘It is the Lord who speaks,’ said Abidan, who was doubtless prepared for the proposition. ‘He has delivered them into our hands.’
‘A bold plan,’ said Jabaster, musing, ‘and yet I like it. ‘Tis quick, and that is something. I think ‘tis sure.’
‘It cannot fail,’ exclaimed Zalmunna, ‘for if the flame ascend not, still we are but where we were.’
‘I am for it,’ said Scherirah.
‘Well, then,’ said Jabaster, ‘so let it be. Tomorrow’s eve will see us here again prepared. Good night.’
‘Good night, holy Priest. How seem the stars, Jabaster?’
‘Health to Israel.’
‘Let us hope so. Good night, sweet friends.’
‘Good night, holy Jabaster. Thou art our cornerstone.’
‘Israel hath no other hope but in Jabaster.’
‘My Lord,’ said Abidan, ‘remain, I pray, one moment.’
‘What is’t? I fain would go.’
‘Alroy must die, my Lord, but dost thou think a single death will seal the covenant?’
‘The woman?’
‘Ay! the woman! I was not thinking of the woman. Asriel, Ithamar, Medad?’
‘Valiant soldiers! doubt not we shall find them useful instruments. I do not fear such loose companions. They follow their leaders, like other things born to obey. Having no head themselves, they must follow us who have.’
‘I think so too. There is no other man who might be dangerous?’
Zalmunna and Scherirah cast their eyes upon the ground. There was a dead silence, broken by the prophetess.
‘I have no brother, Sir. The man you speak of I will not slay, since there are others who may do that deed. And so again, good night.’
It was the dead of night, a single lamp burned in the chamber, which opened into an arched gallery that descended by a flight of steps into the gardens of the Serail.
A female figure ascended155 the flight with slow and cautious steps. She paused on the gallery, she looked around, one foot was in the chamber.
She entered. She entered a chamber of small dimensions, but richly adorned156. In the farthest corner was a couch of ivory, hung with a gauzy curtain of silver tissue, which, without impeding157 respiration158, protected the slumberer159 from the fell insects of an Oriental night. Leaning against an ottoman was a large brazen shield of ancient fashion, and near it some helmets and curious weapons.
‘An irresistible160 impulse hath carried me into this chamber!’ exclaimed the prophetess. ‘The light haunted me like a spectre; and wheresoever I moved, it seemed to summon me.
‘A couch and a slumberer!’
She approached the object, she softly withdrew the curtain. Pale and panting, she rushed back, yet with a light step. She beheld Alroy!
For a moment she leant against the wall, overpowered by her emotions. Again she advanced, and gazed on her unconscious victim.
‘Can the guilty sleep like the innocent? Who would deem this gentle slumberer had betrayed the highest trust that ever Heaven vouchsafed161 to favoured man? He looks not like a tyrant and a traitor162: calm his brow, and mild his placid163 breath! His long dark hair, dark as the raven’s wing, hath broken from its fillet, and courses, like a wild and stormy night, over his pale and moon-lit brow. His cheek is delicate, and yet repose164 hath brought a flush; and on his lip there seems some word of love, that will not quit it. It is the same Alroy that blessed our vision when, like the fresh and glittering star of morn, he rose up in the desert, and bringing joy to others, brought to me only——
‘Oh! hush165 my heart, and let thy secret lie hid in the charnel-house of crushed affections. Hard is the lot of woman: to love and to conceal166 is our sharp doom167! O bitter life! O most unnatural168 lot! Man made society, and made us slaves. And so we droop169 and die, or else take refuge in idle fantasies, to which we bring the fervour that is meant for nobler ends.
‘Beauteous hero! whether I bear thee most hatred or most love I cannot tell. Die thou must; yet I feel I should die with thee. Oh! that to-night could lead at the same time unto our marriage bed and funeral pyre. Must that white bosom170 bleed? and must those delicate limbs be hacked171 and handled by these bloody butchers? Is that justice? They lie, the traitors172, when they call thee false to our God. Thou art thyself a god, and I could worship thee! See those beauteous lips; they move. Hark to the music!’
‘Schirene, Schirene!’
‘There wanted but that word to summon back my senses. Fool! whither is thy fancy wandering? I will not wait for tardy173 justice. I will do the deed myself. Shall I not kill my Sisera?’ She seized a dagger from the ottoman, a rare and highly-tempered blade. Up she raised it in the air, and dashed it to his heart with superhuman force. It struck against the talisman174 which Jabaster had given to Alroy, and which, from a lingering superstition175, he still wore; it struck, and shivered into a thousand pieces. The Caliph sprang from his couch; his eyes met the prophetess, standing over him in black despair, with the hilt of the dagger in her hand.
‘What is all this? Schirene! Who art thou? Esther!’ He jumped from the couch, called to Pharez, and seized her by both hands. ‘Speak!’ he continued. ‘Art thou Esther? What dost thou here?’
She broke into a wild laugh; she wrestled176 with his grasp, and pulled him towards the gallery. He beheld the chief tower of the Serail in flames. Joining her hands together, grasping them both in one of his, and dragging her towards the ottoman, he seized a helmet and flung it upon the mighty shield. It sounded like a gong. Pharez started from his slumbers177, and rushed into the chamber.
‘Pharez! Treason! treason! Send instant orders that the palace gates be opened on no pretence178 whatever. Go, fly! See the captain himself. Summon the household. Order all to arms. Speed, for our lives!’
The whole palace was now roused. Alroy delivered Esther, exhausted179, and apparently senseless, to a guard of eunuchs. Slaves and attendants poured in from all directions. Soon arrived Schirene, with dishevelled hair and hurried robes, attended by a hundred maidens180, each bearing a torch.
‘Nothing, sweetest; all will soon be well,’ replied Alroy, picking up, and examining the fragments of the shivered dagger, which he had just discovered.
‘My life has been attempted; the palace is in flames; I suspect the city is in insurrection. Look to your mistress, maidens!’ Schirene fell into their arms. ‘I will soon be back.’ So saying, he hurried to the grand court.
Several thousand persons, for the population of the Serail and its liberties was very considerable, were assembled in the grand court; eunuchs, women, pages, slaves, and servants, and a few soldiers; all in confusion and alarm, fire raging within, and mysterious and terrible outcries without. A cry of ‘The Caliph! the Caliph!’ announced the arrival of Alroy, and produced a degree of comparative silence.
‘Where is the captain of the guard?’ he exclaimed. ‘That’s well. Open the gates to none. Who will leap the wall and bear a message to Asriel? You? That’s well too. To-morrow you shall yourself command. Where’s Mesrour? Take the eunuch guard and the company of gardeners,76and suppress the flames at all cost. Pull down the intervening buildings. Abidan’s troop arrived with succour, eh! I doubt it not. I expected them. Open to none. They force an entrance, eh! I thought so. So that javelin182 has killed a traitor. Feed me with arms. I’ll keep the gate. Send again to Asriel. Where’s Pharez?’
‘By your side, my lord.’
‘Run to the Queen, my faithful Pharez, and tell her that all’s well. I wish it were! Didst ever hear a din6 so awful? Methinks all the tambours and cymbals183 of the city are in full chorus. Foul play, I guess. Oh! for Asriel! Has Pharez returned?’
‘I am by your side, my lord.’
‘How’s the Queen?’
‘She would gladly join your side.’
‘No, no! Keep the gates there. Who says they are making fires before them? Tis true. We must sally, if the worst come to the worst, and die at least like soldiers. O Asriel! Asriel!’
‘May it please your Highness, the troops are pouring in from all quarters.’
‘‘Tis Asriel.’
‘No, your Highness, ‘tis not the guard. Methinks they are Scherirah’s men.’
‘Hum! What it all is, I know not; but very foul play I do not doubt. Where’s Honain?’
‘With the Queen, Sire.’
‘‘Tis well. What’s that shout?’
‘Here’s the messenger from Asriel. Make way! way!’
‘Well! how is’t, Sir?’
‘Please your Highness, I could not reach the guard.’
‘Could not reach the guard! God of my fathers! who should let thee?’
‘Sire, I was taken prisoner.’
‘Prisoner! By the thunder of Sinai, are we at war? Who made thee prisoner?’
‘Sire, they have proclaimed thy death.’
‘Who?’
‘The council of the Elders. So I heard. Abidan, Zalmunna——’
‘Rebels and dogs! Who else?’
‘The High Priest.’
‘Hah! Is it there? Pharez, fetch me some drink. Is it true Scherirah has joined them?’
‘His force surrounds the Serail. No aid can reach us without cutting through his ranks.’
‘Oh! that I were there with my good guard! Are we to die here like rats, fairly murdered? Cowardly knaves184! Hold out, hold out, my men! ‘Tis sharp work, but some of us will smile at this hereafter. Who stands by Alroy to-night bravely and truly, shall have his heart’s content to-morrow. Fear not: I was not born to die in a civic185 broil186. I bear a charmed life. So to it.’
‘Go to the Caliph, good Honain, I pray thee, go. I can support myself, he needs thy counsel. Bid him not expose his precious life. The wicked men! Asriel must soon be here. What sayest thou?’
‘There is no fear. Their plans are ill-devised. I have long expected this stormy night, and feel even now more anxious than alarmed.’
‘‘Tis at me they aim; it is I whom they hate. The High Priest, too! Ay, ay! Thy proud brother, good Honain, I have ever felt he would not rest until he drove me from this throne, my right; or washed my hated name from out our annals in my life’s blood. Wicked, wicked Jabaster! He frowned upon me from the first, Honain. Is he indeed thy brother?’
‘I care not to remember. He aims at something further than thy life; but Time will teach us more than all our thoughts.’
The fortifications of the Serail resisted all the efforts of the rebels. Scherirah remained in his quarters, with his troops under arms, and recalled the small force that he had originally sent out as much to watch the course of events as to assist Abidan. Asriel and Ithamar poured down their columns in the rear of that chieftain, and by dawn a division of the guard had crossed the river, the care of which had been entrusted187 to Scherirah, and had thrown themselves into the palace. Alroy sallied forth at the head of these fresh troops. His presence decided188 a result which was perhaps never doubtful. The division of Abidan fought with the desperation that became their fortunes. The carnage was dreadful, but their discomfiture complete. They no longer acted in masses, or with any general system. They thought only of self-preservation, or of selling their lives at the dearest cost. Some dispersed189, some escaped. Others entrenched190 themselves in houses, others fortified191 the bazaar192. All the horrors of war in the streets were now experienced. The houses were in flames, the thoroughfares flowed with blood.
At the head of a band of faithful followers193, Abidan proved himself, by his courage and resources, worthy194 of success. At length, he was alone, or surrounded only by his enemies. With his back against a building in a narrow street, where the number of his opponents only embarrassed them, the three foremost of his foes195 fell before his irresistible scimitar. The barricaded196 door yielded to the pressure of the multitude. Abidan rushed up the narrow stairs, and, gaining a landing-place, turned suddenly round, and cleaved197 the skull198 of his nearest pursuer. He hurled199 the mighty body at his followers, and, retarding200 their advance, himself dashed onward, and gained the terrace of the mansion201. Three soldiers of the guard followed him as he bounded from terrace to terrace. One, armed with a javelin, hurled it at the chieftain. The weapon slightly wounded Abidan, who, drawing it from his arm, sent it back to the heart of its owner. The two other soldiers, armed only with swords, gained upon him. He arrived at the last terrace in the cluster of buildings. He stood at bay on the brink202 of the precipice203. He regained204 his breath. They approached him. He dodged205 them in their course. Suddenly, with admirable skill, he flung his scimitar edgewise at the legs of his farthest foe, who stopped short, roaring with pain. The chieftain sprang at the foremost, and hurled him down into the street below, where he was dashed to atoms. A trap-door offered itself to the despairing eye of the rebel. He descended and found himself in a room filled with women. They screamed, he rushed through them, and descending206 a Staircase, entered a chamber tenanted by a bed-ridden old man. The ancient invalid207 enquired the cause of the uproar208, and died of fright before he could receive an answer, at the sight of the awful being before him, covered with streaming blood. Abidan secured the door, washed his blood-stained face, and disguising himself in the dusty robes of the deceased Armenian, sallied forth to watch the fray209. The obscure street was silent. The chieftain proceeded unmolested. At the corner he found a soldier holding a charger for his captain. Abidan, unarmed, seized a poniard from the soldier’s belt, stabbed him to the heart, and vaulting210 on the steed, galloped211 towards the river. No boat was to be found; he breasted the stream upon the stout courser. He reached the opposite bank. A company of camels were reposing212 by the side of a fountain. Alarm had dispersed their drivers. He mounted the fleetest in appearance; he dashed to the nearest gate of the city. The guard at the gate refused him a passage. He concealed213 his agitation214. A marriage procession, returning from the country, arrived. He rushed into the centre of it, and overset the bride in her gilded215 wagon216. In the midst of the confusion, the shrieks, the oaths, and the scuffle, he forced his way through the gate, scoured217 over the country, and never stopped until he had gained the desert.
The uproar died away. The shouts of warriors, the shrieks of women, the wild clang of warfare218, all were silent. The flames were extinguished, the carnage ceased. The insurrection was suppressed, and order restored. The city, all the houses of which were closed, was patrolled by the conquering troops, and by sunset the conqueror219 himself, in his hall of state, received the reports and the congratulations of his chieftains. The escape of Abidan seemed counterbalanced by the capture of Jabaster. After performing prodigies220 of valour, the High Priest had been overpowered, and was now a prisoner in the Serail. The conduct of Scherirah was not too curiously criticised; a commission was appointed to enquire32 into the mysterious affair; and Alroy retired221 to the bath77 to refresh himself after the fatigues222 of the victory which he could not consider a triumph.
As he reposed223 upon his couch, melancholy and exhausted, Schirene was announced. The Princess threw herself upon his neck and covered him with embraces. His heart yielded to her fondness, his spirit became lighter224, his depression melted away.
‘My ruby225!’ said Schirene, and she spoke226 in a low smothered227 voice, her face hidden and nestled in his breast. ‘My ruby! dost thou love me?’
He smiled in fondness as he pressed her to his heart.
‘My ruby, thy pearl is so frightened, it dare not look upon thee. Wicked men! ‘tis I whom they hate, ‘tis I whom they would destroy.’
‘There is no danger, sweet. ‘Tis over now. Speak not, nay, do not think of it.’
‘Ah! wicked men! There is no joy on earth while such things live. Slay Alroy, their mighty master, who, from vile59 slaves, hath made them princes! Ungrateful churls! I am so alarmed, I ne’er shall sleep again. What! slay my innocent bird, my pretty bird, my very heart! I’ll not believe it. It is I whom they hate. I am sure they will kill me. You shall never leave me, no, no, no, no! You shall not leave me, love, never, never! Didst hear a noise? Methinks they are even here, ready to plunge228 their daggers in our hearts, our soft, soft hearts! I think you love me, child; indeed, I think you do!’
‘Take courage, heart! There is no fear, my soul; I cannot love thee more, or else I would.’
‘All joy is gone! I ne’er shall sleep again. O my soul! art thou indeed alive? Do I indeed embrace my own Alroy, or is it all a wild and troubled dream, and are my arms clasped round a shadowy ghost, myself a spectre in a sepulchre? Wicked, wicked men! Can it indeed be true? What, slay Alroy! my joy, my only life! Ah! woe is me; our bright felicity hath fled for ever!’
‘Not so, sweet child; we are but as we were. A few quick hours, and all will be as bright as if no storm had crossed our sunny days.’
‘Hast seen Asriel? He says such fearful things!’
‘How now?’
‘Schirene!’
‘They will have my blood. I know they will have my blood.’
‘Indeed, an idle fancy.’
‘Idle! Ask Asriel, question Ithamar. Idle! ‘tis written in their tablets, their bloody scroll230 of rapine and of murder. Thy death led only to mine, and, had they hoped my bird would but have yielded his gentle mate, they would have spared him. Ay! ay! ‘tis I whom they hate, ‘tis I whom they would destroy. This form, I fear it has lost its lustre, but still ‘tis thine, and once thou saidst thou lovedst it; this form was to have been hacked and mangled231; this ivory bosom was to have been ripped up and tortured, and this warm blood, that flows alone for thee, that fell Jabaster was to pour its tide upon the altar of his ancient vengeance232. He ever hated me!’
‘Jabaster! Schirene! Where are we, and what are we? Life, life, they lie, that call thee Nature! Nature never sent these gusts233 of agony. Oh! my heart will break. I drove him from my thought, and now she calls him up, and now must I remember he is my-prisoner! God of heaven, God of my fathers, is it come to this? Why did he not escape? Why must Abidan, a common cut-throat, save his graceless life, and this great soul, this stern and mighty being—— Ah me! I have lived long enough. Would they had not failed, would——’
‘Stop, stop, Alroy! I pray thee, love, be calm. I came to soothe234 thee, not to raise thy passions. I did not say Jabaster willed thy death, though Asriel says so; ‘tis me he wars against; and if indeed Jabaster be a man so near thy heart, if he indeed be one so necessary to thy prosperity, and cannot live in decent order with thy slave that’s here, I know my duty, Sir. I would not have thy fortunes farred to save my single heart, although I think ‘twill break. I will go, I will die, and deem the hardest accident of life but sheer prosperity if it profit thee.’
‘O Schirene! what wouldst thou? This, this is torture.’
‘To see thee safe and happy; nothing more.’
‘I am both, if thou art.’
‘Care not for me, I am nothing.’
‘Thou art all to me.’
‘Calm thyself, my soul. It grieves me much that when I came to soothe I have only galled235 thee. All’s well, all’s well. Say that Jabaster lives. What then? He lives, and may he prove more duteous than before; that’s all.’
‘He lives, he is my prisoner, he awaits his doom. It must be given.’
‘Yes, yes!’
‘Shall we pardon?’
‘My lord will do that which it pleases him.’
‘Nay, nay, Schirene, I pray thee be more kind. I am most wretched. Speak, what wouldst thou?’
‘If I must speak, I say at once, his life.’
‘Ah me!’
‘If our past loves have any charm, if the hope ot future joy, not less supreme236, be that which binds237 thee to this shadowy world, as it does me, and does alone, I say his life, his very carnal life. He stands between us and our loves, Alroy, and ever has done. There is no happiness if Jabaster breathe; nor can I be the same Schirene to thee as I have been, if this proud rebel live to spy my conduct.’
‘O Schirene! I love not this man, although me-thinks I should: yet didst thou know but all!’
‘I know too much, Alroy. From the first he has been to me a hateful thought. Come, come, sweet bird, a boon240, a boon unto thy own Schirene, who was so frightened by these wicked men! I fear it has done more mischief241 than thou deemest. Ay! robbed us of our hopes. It may be so. A boon, a boon! It is not much I ask: a traitor’s head. Come, give me thy signet ring. It will not; nay, then, I’ll take it. What, resist! I know thou oft hast told me a kiss could vanquish242 all denial. There it is. Is’t sweet? Shalt have another, and another too. I’ve got the ring! Farewell, my lovely bird, I’ll soon return to pillow in thy nest.’
‘She has got the ring! What’s this? what’s this? Schirene! art gone? Nay, surely not. She jests. Jabaster! A traitor’s head! What ho! there. Pharez, Pharez!’
‘My lord.’
‘Passed the Queen that way?’
‘She did, my lord.’
‘In tears?’
‘Call Honain, quick as my thought. Honain! Honain! He waits without. I have seen the best of life, that’s very sure. My heart is cracking. She surely jests! Hah! Honain. Pardon these distracted looks. Fly to the Armoury! fly, fly!’
‘For what, my lord?’
‘Ay! for what, for what! My brain it wanders. Thy brother, thy great brother, the Queen, the Queen has stolen my signet ring, that is, I gave it her. Fly, fly! or in a word, Jabaster is no more. He is gone. Pharez! your arm; I swoon!’
‘His Highness is sorely indisposed to-day.’
‘They say he swooned this morn.’
‘Ay, in the bath.’
‘No, not in the bath. ‘Twas when he heard of Jabaster’s death.’
‘How died he, Sir?’
‘Self-strangled. His mighty heart could not endure disgrace, and thus he ended all his glorious deeds.’
‘A great man!’
‘We shall not soon see his match. The Queen had gained his pardon, and herself flew to the Armoury to bear the news; alas! too late.’
‘These are strange times. Jabaster dead!’
‘A very great event.’
‘Who will be High Priest?’
‘I doubt if the appointment will be filled up.’
‘Sup you with the Lord Ithamar to-night?’
‘I do.’
‘I also. We’ll go together. The Queen had gained his pardon. Hum! ‘tis strange.’
‘Passing so. They say Abidan has escaped?’
‘I hear it. Shall we meet Medad to-night?’
‘‘Tis likely.’
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1
shrieks
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| n.尖叫声( shriek的名词复数 )v.尖叫( shriek的第三人称单数 ) | |
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countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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disquieted
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| v.使不安，使忧虑，使烦恼( disquiet的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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heralds
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| n.使者( herald的名词复数 )；预报者；预兆；传令官v.预示( herald的第三人称单数 )；宣布（好或重要） | |
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herald
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| vt.预示...的来临，预告，宣布，欢迎 | |
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din
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| n.喧闹声，嘈杂声 | |
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anguish
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| n.(尤指心灵上的)极度痛苦，烦恼 | |
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woe
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| n.悲哀，苦痛，不幸，困难；int.用来表达悲伤或惊慌 | |
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9
foul
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| adj.污秽的；邪恶的；v.弄脏；妨害；犯规；n.犯规 | |
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10
musing
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| n. 沉思，冥想 adj. 沉思的, 冥想的 动词muse的现在分词形式 | |
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solitude
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| n. 孤独; 独居,荒僻之地,幽静的地方 | |
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12
fiery
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| adj.燃烧着的，火红的；暴躁的；激烈的 | |
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13
muse
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| n.缪斯（希腊神话中的女神），创作灵感 | |
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mused
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| v.沉思，冥想( muse的过去式和过去分词 )；沉思自语说（某事） | |
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forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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invincible
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| adj.不可征服的，难以制服的 | |
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amorous
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| adj.多情的；有关爱情的 | |
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lute
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| n.琵琶，鲁特琴 | |
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juggling
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| n. 欺骗, 杂耍(=jugglery) adj. 欺骗的, 欺诈的 动词juggle的现在分词 | |
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decency
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| n.体面，得体，合宜，正派，庄重 | |
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festive
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| adj.欢宴的，节日的 | |
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balked
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| v.畏缩不前，犹豫( balk的过去式和过去分词 )；（指马）不肯跑 | |
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hatred
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| n.憎恶，憎恨，仇恨 | |
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prow
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| n.(飞机)机头，船头 | |
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buffeting
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| 振动 | |
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spectral
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| adj.幽灵的，鬼魂的 | |
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toil
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| vi.辛劳工作，艰难地行动；n.苦工，难事 | |
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toiling
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| 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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subsided
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| 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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30
oars
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| 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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apparently
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| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
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enquire
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| v.打听，询问；调查，查问 | |
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enquired
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| 打听( enquire的过去式和过去分词 )； 询问； 问问题； 查问 | |
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descended
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| a.为...后裔的，出身于...的 | |
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urn
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| n.（有座脚的）瓮；坟墓；骨灰瓮 | |
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stature
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| n.（高度）水平，（高度）境界，身高，身材 | |
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melancholy
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| n.忧郁，愁思；adj.令人感伤（沮丧）的，忧郁的 | |
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pensive
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| a.沉思的,哀思的,忧沉的 | |
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wary
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| adj.谨慎的，机警的，小心的 | |
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40
err
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| vi.犯错误，出差错 | |
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Moslem
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| n.回教徒，穆罕默德信徒；adj.回教徒的，回教的 | |
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mosque
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| n.清真寺 | |
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43
rumour
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| n.谣言，谣传，传闻 | |
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rumours
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| n.传闻( rumour的名词复数 )；风闻；谣言；谣传 | |
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kinsman
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| n.男亲属 | |
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ineffable
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| adj.无法表达的，不可言喻的 | |
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marvel
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| vi.(at)惊叹vt.感到惊异；n.令人惊异的事 | |
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49
dagger
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| n.匕首，短剑，剑号 | |
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50
brotherhood
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| n.兄弟般的关系，手中情谊 | |
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51
daggers
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| 匕首，短剑( dagger的名词复数 ) | |
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52
severance
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| n.离职金；切断 | |
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53
chamber
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| n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所 | |
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54
absolves
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| 宣告…无罪，赦免…的罪行，宽恕…的罪行( absolve的第三人称单数 )； 不受责难，免除责任 [义务] ,开脱（罪责） | |
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55
standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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56
agitated
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| adj.被鼓动的，不安的 | |
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57
saviour
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| n.拯救者，救星 | |
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58
majesty
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| n.雄伟，壮丽，庄严，威严；最高权威，王权 | |
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59
vile
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| adj.卑鄙的，可耻的，邪恶的；坏透的 | |
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60
viler
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| adj.卑鄙的( vile的比较级 )；可耻的；极坏的；非常讨厌的 | |
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61
mighty
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| adj.强有力的；巨大的 | |
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62
covenant
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| n.盟约，契约；v.订盟约 | |
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63
devout
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| adj.虔诚的，虔敬的，衷心的 (n.devoutness) | |
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64
posterity
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| n.后裔，子孙，后代 | |
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65
virtues
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| 美德( virtue的名词复数 )； 德行； 优点； 长处 | |
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66
haughty
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| adj.傲慢的，高傲的 | |
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67
quelled
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| v.（用武力）制止，结束，镇压( quell的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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68
languish
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| vi.变得衰弱无力，失去活力，（植物等）凋萎 | |
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69
exhaustion
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| n.耗尽枯竭，疲惫，筋疲力尽，竭尽，详尽无遗的论述 | |
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70
theocracy
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| n.神权政治；僧侣政治 | |
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71
nay
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| adv.不；n.反对票，投反对票者 | |
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72
beheld
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| v.看，注视( behold的过去式和过去分词 )；瞧；看呀；（叙述中用于引出某人意外的出现）哎哟 | |
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73
babbling
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| n.胡说，婴儿发出的咿哑声adj.胡说的v.喋喋不休( babble的现在分词 )；作潺潺声（如流水）；含糊不清地说话；泄漏秘密 | |
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74
patriot
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| n.爱国者，爱国主义者 | |
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75
schooling
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| n.教育；正规学校教育 | |
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76
tyrant
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| n.暴君，专制的君主，残暴的人 | |
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77
bloody
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| adj.非常的的；流血的；残忍的；adv.很；vt.血染 | |
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78
slay
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| v.杀死，宰杀，杀戮 | |
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79
seethed
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| （液体）沸腾( seethe的过去式和过去分词 )； 激动，大怒； 强压怒火； 生闷气(~with sth|~ at sth) | |
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80
stanch
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| v.止住（血等）；adj.坚固的；坚定的 | |
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81
frenzy
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| n.疯狂，狂热，极度的激动 | |
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82
revel
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| vi.狂欢作乐，陶醉；n.作乐，狂欢 | |
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83
fathom
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| v.领悟，彻底了解 | |
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84
swelling
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| n.肿胀 | |
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85
divan
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| n.长沙发；（波斯或其他东方诗人的）诗集 | |
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86
brazen
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| adj.厚脸皮的，无耻的，坚硬的 | |
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87
tempting
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| a.诱人的, 吸引人的 | |
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88
creed
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| n.信条；信念，纲领 | |
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89
prostrate
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| v.拜倒，平卧，衰竭；adj.拜倒的，平卧的，衰竭的 | |
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90
dominion
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| n.统治，管辖，支配权；领土，版图 | |
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91
gems
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| growth； economy； management； and customer satisfaction 增长 | |
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92
plaintive
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| adj.可怜的，伤心的 | |
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93
alas
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| int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等) | |
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94
azure
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| adj.天蓝色的，蔚蓝色的 | |
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95
falcons
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| n.猎鹰( falcon的名词复数 ) | |
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96
prey
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| n.被掠食者，牺牲者，掠食；v.捕食，掠夺，折磨 | |
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97
demure
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| adj.严肃的；端庄的 | |
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98
costly
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| adj.昂贵的，价值高的，豪华的 | |
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99
minarets
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| n.（清真寺旁由报告祈祷时刻的人使用的）光塔( minaret的名词复数 ) | |
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100
tinted
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| adj. 带色彩的 动词tint的过去式和过去分词 | |
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101
lustre
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| n.光亮，光泽；荣誉 | |
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102
impervious
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| adj.不能渗透的，不能穿过的，不易伤害的 | |
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103
encompassed
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| v.围绕( encompass的过去式和过去分词 )；包围；包含；包括 | |
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104
dwarf
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| n.矮子，侏儒，矮小的动植物；vt.使…矮小 | |
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105
sumptuous
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| adj.豪华的，奢侈的，华丽的 | |
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106
scarlet
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| n.深红色，绯红色，红衣；adj.绯红色的 | |
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107
attired
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| adj.穿着整齐的v.使穿上衣服，使穿上盛装( attire的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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108
curiously
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| adv.有求知欲地；好问地；奇特地 | |
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109
rubies
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| 红宝石( ruby的名词复数 )； 红宝石色，深红色 | |
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110
condescended
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| 屈尊，俯就( condescend的过去式和过去分词 )； 故意表示和蔼可亲 | |
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111
stewed
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| adj.焦虑不安的，烂醉的v.炖( stew的过去式和过去分词 )；煨；思考；担忧 | |
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112
ewers
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| n.大口水壶，水罐( ewer的名词复数 ) | |
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113
linen
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| n.亚麻布，亚麻线，亚麻制品；adj.亚麻布制的，亚麻的 | |
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114
graceful
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| adj.优美的，优雅的；得体的 | |
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115
enchanting
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| a.讨人喜欢的 | |
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116
skulk
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| v.藏匿；潜行 | |
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117
dishonoured
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| a.不光彩的，不名誉的 | |
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118
consecrate
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| v.使圣化，奉…为神圣；尊崇；奉献 | |
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119
muffled
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| adj.（声音）被隔的；听不太清的；（衣服）裹严的；蒙住的v.压抑，捂住( muffle的过去式和过去分词 )；用厚厚的衣帽包着（自己） | |
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120
vitality
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| n.活力，生命力，效力 | |
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121
winding
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| n.绕，缠，绕组，线圈 | |
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122
illuminated
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| adj.被照明的；受启迪的 | |
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123
animated
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| adj.生气勃勃的，活跃的，愉快的 | |
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124
recitals
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| n.独唱会( recital的名词复数 )；独奏会；小型音乐会、舞蹈表演会等；一系列事件等的详述 | |
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125
starry
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| adj.星光照耀的, 闪亮的 | |
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126
beguiling
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| adj.欺骗的，诱人的v.欺骗( beguile的现在分词 )；使陶醉；使高兴；消磨（时间等） | |
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127
enjoyment
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| n.乐趣；享有；享用 | |
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128
thither
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| adv.向那里；adj.在那边的，对岸的 | |
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129
watchful
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| adj.注意的，警惕的 | |
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130
dread
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| vt.担忧，忧虑；惧怕，不敢；n.担忧，畏惧 | |
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131
chaos
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| n.混乱，无秩序 | |
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132
tempted
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| v.怂恿（某人）干不正当的事；冒…的险（tempt的过去分词） | |
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133
sheathe
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| v.（将刀剑）插入鞘；包，覆盖 | |
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134
paltry
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| adj.无价值的，微不足道的 | |
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135
flickering
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| adj.闪烁的，摇曳的，一闪一闪的 | |
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136
pricked
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| 刺，扎，戳( prick的过去式和过去分词 )； 刺伤； 刺痛； 使剧痛 | |
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137
onward
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| adj.向前的，前进的；adv.向前，前进，在先 | |
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138
discomfiture
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| n.崩溃；大败；挫败；困惑 | |
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139
tinged
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| v.（使）发丁丁声( ting的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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140
tainted
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| adj.腐坏的；污染的；沾污的；感染的v.使变质( taint的过去式和过去分词 )；使污染；败坏；被污染，腐坏，败坏 | |
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141
tune
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| n.调子；和谐，协调；v.调音，调节，调整 | |
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142
blessing
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| n.祈神赐福；祷告；祝福，祝愿 | |
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143
demonstration
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| n.表明，示范，论证，示威 | |
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144
nought
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| n.／adj.无，零 | |
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145
warriors
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| 武士，勇士，战士( warrior的名词复数 ) | |
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146
aspirations
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| 强烈的愿望( aspiration的名词复数 )； 志向； 发送气音； 发 h 音 | |
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147
bower
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| n.凉亭，树荫下凉快之处；闺房；v.荫蔽 | |
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148
behold
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| v.看，注视，看到 | |
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149
ascend
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| vi.渐渐上升，升高；vt.攀登，登上 | |
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150
opposition
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| n.反对，敌对 | |
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151
portend
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| v.预兆，预示；给…以警告 | |
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152
judgment
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| n.审判；判断力，识别力，看法，意见 | |
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153
inveterate
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| adj.积习已深的，根深蒂固的 | |
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154
foe
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| n.敌人，仇敌 | |
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155
ascended
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| v.上升，攀登( ascend的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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156
adorned
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| [计]被修饰的 | |
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157
impeding
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| a.(尤指坏事)即将发生的，临近的 | |
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158
respiration
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| n.呼吸作用；一次呼吸；植物光合作用 | |
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159
slumberer
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| 睡眠者，微睡者 | |
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160
irresistible
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| adj.非常诱人的，无法拒绝的，无法抗拒的 | |
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161
vouchsafed
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| v.给予，赐予( vouchsafe的过去式和过去分词 )；允诺 | |
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162
traitor
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| n.叛徒，卖国贼 | |
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163
placid
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| adj.安静的，平和的 | |
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164
repose
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| v.(使)休息；n.安息 | |
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165
hush
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| int.嘘，别出声；n.沉默，静寂；v.使安静 | |
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166
conceal
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，隐蔽 | |
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167
doom
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| n.厄运，劫数；v.注定，命定 | |
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168
unnatural
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| adj.不自然的；反常的 | |
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169
droop
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| v.低垂，下垂；凋萎，萎靡 | |
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170
bosom
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| n.胸，胸部；胸怀；内心；adj.亲密的 | |
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171
hacked
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| 生气 | |
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172
traitors
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| 卖国贼( traitor的名词复数 )； 叛徒； 背叛者； 背信弃义的人 | |
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173
tardy
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| adj.缓慢的，迟缓的 | |
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174
talisman
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| n.避邪物，护身符 | |
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175
superstition
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| n.迷信，迷信行为 | |
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176
wrestled
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| v.（与某人）搏斗( wrestle的过去式和过去分词 )；扭成一团；扭打；（与…）摔跤 | |
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177
slumbers
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| 睡眠，安眠( slumber的名词复数 ) | |
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178
pretence
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| n.假装，作假；借口，口实；虚伪；虚饰 | |
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179
exhausted
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| adj.极其疲惫的，精疲力尽的 | |
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180
maidens
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| 处女( maiden的名词复数 )； 少女； 未婚女子； （板球运动）未得分的一轮投球 | |
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181
ails
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| v.生病( ail的第三人称单数 )；感到不舒服；处境困难；境况不佳 | |
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182
javelin
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| n.标枪，投枪 | |
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183
cymbals
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| pl.铙钹 | |
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184
knaves
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| n.恶棍，无赖( knave的名词复数 )；（纸牌中的）杰克 | |
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185
civic
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| adj.城市的，都市的，市民的，公民的 | |
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186
broil
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| v.烤，烧，争吵，怒骂；n.烤，烧，争吵，怒骂 | |
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187
entrusted
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| v.委托，托付( entrust的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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188
decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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189
dispersed
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| adj. 被驱散的, 被分散的, 散布的 | |
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190
entrenched
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| adj.确立的，不容易改的(风俗习惯) | |
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191
fortified
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| adj. 加强的 | |
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192
bazaar
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| n.集市，商店集中区 | |
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193
followers
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| 追随者( follower的名词复数 )； 用户； 契据的附面； 从动件 | |
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194
worthy
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| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
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195
foes
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| 敌人，仇敌( foe的名词复数 ) | |
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196
barricaded
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| 设路障于，以障碍物阻塞( barricade的过去式和过去分词 )； 设路障[防御工事]保卫或固守 | |
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197
cleaved
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| v.劈开，剁开，割开( cleave的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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198
skull
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| n.头骨；颅骨 | |
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199
hurled
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| v.猛投，用力掷( hurl的过去式和过去分词 )；大声叫骂 | |
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200
retarding
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| 使减速( retard的现在分词 )； 妨碍； 阻止； 推迟 | |
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201
mansion
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| n.大厦，大楼；宅第 | |
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202
brink
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| n.(悬崖、河流等的)边缘，边沿 | |
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203
precipice
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| n.悬崖，危急的处境 | |
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204
regained
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| 复得( regain的过去式和过去分词 )； 赢回； 重回； 复至某地 | |
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205
dodged
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| v.闪躲( dodge的过去式和过去分词 )；回避 | |
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206
descending
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| n. 下行 adj. 下降的 | |
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207
invalid
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| n.病人，伤残人；adj.有病的，伤残的；无效的 | |
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208
uproar
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| n.骚动，喧嚣，鼎沸 | |
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209
fray
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| v.争吵；打斗；磨损，磨破；n.吵架；打斗 | |
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210
vaulting
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| n.（天花板或屋顶的）拱形结构 | |
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211
galloped
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| （使马）飞奔，奔驰( gallop的过去式和过去分词 )； 快速做[说]某事 | |
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212
reposing
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| v.将（手臂等）靠在某人（某物）上( repose的现在分词 ) | |
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213
concealed
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| a.隐藏的，隐蔽的 | |
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214
agitation
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| n.搅动；搅拌；鼓动，煽动 | |
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215
gilded
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| a.镀金的，富有的 | |
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216
wagon
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| n.四轮马车，手推车，面包车；无盖运货列车 | |
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217
scoured
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| 走遍（某地）搜寻（人或物）( scour的过去式和过去分词 )； （用力）刷； 擦净； 擦亮 | |
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218
warfare
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| n.战争(状态)；斗争；冲突 | |
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219
conqueror
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| n.征服者，胜利者 | |
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220
prodigies
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| n.奇才，天才（尤指神童）( prodigy的名词复数 ) | |
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221
retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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222
fatigues
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| n.疲劳( fatigue的名词复数 )；杂役；厌倦；（士兵穿的）工作服 | |
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223
reposed
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| v.将（手臂等）靠在某人（某物）上( repose的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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224
lighter
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| n.打火机，点火器；驳船；v.用驳船运送；light的比较级 | |
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225
ruby
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| n.红宝石，红宝石色 | |
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226
spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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227
smothered
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| （使）窒息， （使）透不过气( smother的过去式和过去分词 )； 覆盖； 忍住； 抑制 | |
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228
plunge
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| v.跳入，(使)投入，(使)陷入；猛冲 | |
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229
desolate
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| adj.荒凉的，荒芜的；孤独的，凄凉的；v.使荒芜，使孤寂 | |
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230
scroll
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| n.卷轴，纸卷；(石刻上的)漩涡 | |
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231
mangled
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| vt.乱砍（mangle的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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232
vengeance
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| n.报复，报仇，复仇 | |
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233
gusts
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| 一阵强风( gust的名词复数 )； （怒、笑等的）爆发； （感情的）迸发； 发作 | |
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234
soothe
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| v.安慰；使平静；使减轻；缓和；奉承 | |
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235
galled
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| v.使…擦痛( gall的过去式和过去分词 )；擦伤；烦扰；侮辱 | |
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236
supreme
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| adj.极度的，最重要的；至高的，最高的 | |
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237
binds
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| v.约束( bind的第三人称单数 )；装订；捆绑；（用长布条）缠绕 | |
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238
banish
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| vt.放逐，驱逐；消除，排除 | |
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239
herd
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| n.兽群，牧群；vt.使集中，把…赶在一起 | |
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240
boon
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| n.恩赐，恩物，恩惠 | |
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241
mischief
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| n.损害，伤害，危害；恶作剧，捣蛋，胡闹 | |
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242
vanquish
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| v.征服，战胜；克服；抑制 | |
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243
joyful
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| adj.欢乐的，令人欢欣的 | |
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