"I need twenty picked men, for the service of Sir Edmund Mortimer, Alwyn. I would send more, were it not for the position of affairs here. What say you to taking the command of them?"
"I would gladly do so, my lord, if it be that there is a chance of something more lively than drilling hinds4, and turning them into men-at-arms, which has been my business for years now, without a chance of striking a blow in earnest."
"I think that there will be a certainty of fighting, Alwyn. The Welshmen are growing troublesome again, and Sir Edmund thinks that there may be tough work, on the Welsh marches, and has written to me for aid.
"With the king coming hither, there is a chance that the Earl of March, and myself, will open the war by harrying5 the Douglas's lands. I can spare no great force, but even twenty tried men-at-arms would, no doubt, be welcome. As the king is going to march into Scotland, there is no fear that there will be any serious invasion by the Scots, and therefore you can be spared for a while. I think not that any of my knights6 would care to go in command of so small an array, but I thought that you might like to take it."
"I shall be right glad to do so, my lord."
"I shall send your nephew with you. He is a shrewd and gallant8 young fellow, and I know he would far rather be taking part in active service, against the Welsh, than spending his time in idleness, here. He has been too long used to a life on horseback to rest contented9 to be cooped up in a castle. Besides, there will be a good opportunity of distinguishing himself, and of learning something of a warfare10 even wilder, and more savage11, than that in these northern marches."
"I should like much to have him with me, my lord. Methinks that he has the making of a right good knight7; and, young as he is, I am sure that his head is better than mine, and I should not be too proud to take counsel of him, if needs be."
"That is settled then, Alwyn. Choose your men, and set off tomorrow morning. Ralph Peyton, your lieutenant12, shall take the command of the garrison13 until you return."
Oswald was delighted when his uncle told him of the mission with which he was charged, and that he himself was to accompany him.
"You are to have the choice of the men-at-arms, Uncle?"
"Yes, Oswald. I know what you are going to say. You would like to have that mad monk14 of yours, as one of them."
"That should I, Uncle. You have no stouter16 man-at-arms in all your band, and he has proved that he can be discreet17 when he chooses, and did me good service in my last expedition."
"Very well, lad, we will take him. I will send one of the men over, at once, for him to join us on the road tomorrow. I shall choose young and active fellows, of whom we have plenty. I have never fought against the Welsh; but they are light footed, and agile18, and their country is full of hills and swamps. The older men would do as good service here, were the castle besieged19 in our absence; of which, however, there is but slight chance; but for work against the Welsh, they would be of little use."
"Here is a missive to give to Sir Edmund Mortimer. I have commended you to him, telling him that, though young, there is not one of my squires21 in whom I could more implicitly23 trust; and that you had carried out a delicate mission for me, with rare discretion24 and courage. Your uncle, as an old retainer, and a good fighter, and the captain of my garrison, goes in command of the men-at-arms, and in regular fighting one could need no better officer; but in such warfare as that against the Welsh is like to be, yours will be the better head to plan, and as my squire22 you will represent me. I have specially25 commended you to him, as one always to be depended upon."
"I am greatly beholden to your lordship," Oswald said, "and will try to justify26 the commendations that you have given me."
At daybreak on the following morning, the little party rode out from the castle. Oswald with his uncle rode in front; the former in the highest spirits, while the sturdy old soldier was himself scarce less pleased, at this change from the monotony of life in garrison.
"Years seem to have fallen off my shoulders, lad," he said, "and I feel as young as I did when I fought at Otterburn."
"That was a bad business, Uncle; and I trust that no such misfortune as that will befall us, this time."
"I hope not, indeed, Oswald. It was a sore fight, and we are scarce likely to have a pitched battle with these Welsh carls. They fight not much in our fashion, as I have heard; but dash down from their hills, and carry fire and sword through a district, and are off again before a force can be gathered to strike a blow. Then there are marches to and fro among their hills, but it is like chasing a will-o'-the-wisp; and like enough, just when you think you have got them cooped up, and prepare to strike a heavy blow, they are a hundred miles away, plundering27 and ravaging28 on our side of the frontier. They are half-wild men, short in stature29, and no match for us when it comes to hand-to-hand fighting; but broad in the shoulder, tireless, and active as our shaggy ponies30, and well-nigh as untamable. 'Tis fighting in which there is little glory, and many hard knocks to be obtained; but it is a good school for war. It teaches a man to be ever watchful31 and on his guard, prepared to meet sudden attacks, patient under difficulties; and, what is harder, to be able to go without eating or drinking for a long time, for they say that you might as well expect to find corn and ale on the crest32 of the Grampians, as you would on the Welsh hills."
"The prospect33 doesn't look very pleasant, Uncle," Oswald laughed. "However, their hills can scarcely be more barren than ours, nor can they be quicker on the stroke than the border raiders; and for such work, we of the northern marches have proved far more useful than the beefy men of the south."
"No doubt, no doubt; and maybe that, for that reason, Sir Edmund prayed Hotspur to send a detachment to his aid; for he would know that we are accustomed to a country as rough, and to a foe34 as active as he has now to meet.
"I wonder what has stirred up the Welsh now, knowing as they do that, although they may gain successes at first, it always ends in the harrying of their lands, and the burning of their castles and villages. They have been quiet for some years. But they are always like a swarm35 of bees. They will work, quietly enough, till they take offence at something; then they will pour out in a fury, attacking all they come across, and caring nothing about death, so that they can but prick36 an enemy with their stings. Maybe it is the report that the king is engaging in another Scotch war, and they think that it is a good time to gather spoil from their neighbours. They used to be mightily37 given to warring among themselves, but of late I have heard but little of this.
"It is a hundred years, now, since they were really troublesome, and rose under Morgan ap Madoc; and Edward the Second had himself to reduce them to submission38, and build strong castles at Conway, Beaumaris, and other places. There have been one or two partial risings, since then, but nothing of much consequence. It may well be that the present generation, who have not themselves felt the power of English arms, may have decided39 to make another stroke for independence; and if so, it will need more than Mortimer's force, or that of the other border barons40, to bring them to reason; and as for our little detachment, it will be but a drop in the ocean. However, it may be that this is a mere41 quarrel, between Mortimer and some of his neighbours.
"I have heard somewhat of the Welshman Owen Glendower, who lives in those parts. He has a grievance42 against Lord Grey of Ruthyn; who, as he says, unjustly seized a small estate of his. I know that he petitioned Parliament for redress43, but that his petition was lately refused."
"'Tis strange that such a man should have known enough of English law to have made a petition to our parliament."
"Yes; but he is no common man. He went to England and studied at our universities, and even lived in the inns of court, and learned the laws of this country. Then, strangely enough, he became an esquire in the household of King Richard, and did good service to him; and when the court was broken up, on Richard being dethroned, he went away to his estate in Wales. Since then I have not heard of him, save as to this dispute with Lord Grey and his petition to Parliament thereon; but men who were at Richard's court have told me that he was a courteous44 gentleman, of excellent parts and, it was said, of much learning."
"Such a man might be a formidable enemy," Oswald said; "and if he has been robbed by Lord Grey, he might well head an insurrection, to recover his estates from that noble."
In the course of their ride they were joined by Roger, who warmly thanked Alwyn for having selected him as one of his band. The other soldiers received him heartily45, for the fighting monk had been a familiar personage at Alnwick, and his mighty46 strength and jovial47 disposition48 rendered him very popular among the soldiers of the garrison. There had been general satisfaction among them, when it was known that he had laid aside his monk's gown, and had become one of the Percys' men-at-arms; and there had been many expressions of regret that he had been sent off, instead of forming one of the garrison of Alnwick. Two or three of them addressed him, as usual, as monk, but he said:
"Look here, comrades, I have been a monk, and a bad one, and the less said about it the better. I am no longer a monk, but a man-at-arms; and as I am not proud of my doings as a monk, I have given up the title, as I have given up the garb49. Therefore I give fair notice that whosoever, in future, shall address me as monk, will feel the weight of my arm. My name is Roger, and as Roger let me be called, henceforth."
The journey was a long one. Oswald had been well supplied with funds, and seldom found difficulty in obtaining lodgings51 for the party. The sight of an esquire, with a small troop of men-at-arms wearing the Percy cognizance, excited no curiosity as they rode south; but when they turned westward52 it was otherwise, and at their halting places Oswald and his uncle, who dined apart from the others, were always questioned as to their destination.
But when it was known that they were travelling to the castle of Mortimer, whose sister was the wife of their lord, none were surprised; for rumours53 were already current of troubles on the Welsh border; and when they entered Shropshire they heard that Owen Glendower, with a considerable force, had fallen suddenly upon the retainers of Lord Grey de Ruthyn, had killed many, and had reoccupied the estates of which he had been deprived by that nobleman.
On the fifteenth day after leaving Alnwick they arrived at Ludlow Castle, of which Mortimer was the lord. Oswald was at once conducted to the hall where the knight was sitting.
"I am bearer of a message from Sir Henry Percy," he said; "he has sent hither a party of twenty men-at-arms, under the command of the captain of his garrison, at Alnwick."
"I had hoped for more," the knight said, taking the missive and opening it; "but I can understand that, now the king is marching against Scotland, Percy cannot spare troops to despatch54 so long a distance. I trust that he and my sister, his wife, and the earl are in good health?"
"I left them so, sir."
The knight read Hotspur's letter.
"He speaks in terms of high commendation of you, young sir," he said, as he laid the letter down on the table. "Such commendation is rarely bestowed55 on one so young. I marvelled56 somewhat, when you entered, that Sir Henry Percy should have sent so young a squire; but from what he says, I doubt not that his choice is a good one; and indeed, it is plain that your muscles have had rare exercise, and that you can stand fatigue57 and hardship better than many older men. It is like that you will have your share, for the whole border seems to be unsettled. You have heard that this Glendower has boldly attacked, and driven out, Lord Grey's retainers from the estates he had taken.
"As to the rights of that matter, I have nought58 to say. Lord Grey manages the affairs with the Welsh in his own county of Denbighshire, and along the north; and I keep their eastern border, and I meddle59 not with his affairs, nor he with mine. I know that this Glendower is a supporter of King Richard, of whom there are many tales current; some saying that he escaped from Pomfret, and is still alive, though I doubt not that the report that he died there is true. We know that there is, in Scotland, a man whom it pleases Albany to put forward as Richard; but this, methinks, is but a device to trouble our king. Whether this Glendower believes in this man, or not, I know not; but certain it is that he would embrace any opportunity to prove his hostility60 to Henry, whom he professes61 to regard as a usurper62. Whether it is on account of his holding such opinions, and foolishly giving expression to them, that Lord Grey thought fit to seize his estates I know not; nor, indeed, do I care. Now, however, that the man has taken up arms, and by force has dispossessed Lord Grey, the matter touches all of us who are responsible for the keeping of peace in the Welsh marches.
"Were it only a quarrel between Lord Grey and this man, it would matter but little; but, from all I hear, he exercises a strange influence over his countrymen, who deem that he has mysterious powers, and can call up spirits to aid him. For myself, I have never known an instance where necromancy63 or spirits have availed, in any way, against stout15 arms and good armour64; but such is not, assuredly, the opinion of the unlearned, either in this country or in Wales. But these mountaineers are altogether without learning, and are full of superstitions65. Even with us, a man more learned than the commonalty is deemed, by them, to dabble66 in the black art; and it may well be that this reputation Glendower has obtained is altogether due to the fact that he has much knowledge, whereas the people have none. However that may be, there is no doubt that the Welsh people are mostly ignorant; and that, at the call of this Glendower, men from all parts are hastening to join his banner. Even on this side of the border there are complaints that the Welsh servants are leaving, not openly and after a due termination of service, but making off at night, and without a word of warning.
"All this would seem to show that there is trouble on hand, and it behoves us to be watchful, and to hold ourselves in readiness; lest at any time they should, as in the days of old, cross the border, and carry fire and sword through Shropshire and Hereford. The royal castles in Wales could, doubtless, hold out against all attacks; but the garrisons67 would have to remain pent up within their walls, until succour reached them. Fortunately, most of them are situated68 near the sea, and could be relieved without the troops having to march through places where a heavily armed man can scarce make his way, and where these active and half-clad Welshmen can harass69 them, night and day, without ever giving them a chance of coming to close quarters.
"A messenger from Lord Grey arrived here, yesterday. Indeed, since the attack on his retainers, we have been in constant communication. At first he made light of the matter, and said that he should like to have the Welshman hanging from the battlements of his castle; but, during the last week, his messages have been less hopeful. Glendower had disappeared from the neighbourhood altogether, leaving a sort of proclamation to Lord Grey affixed70 to the door of his house; saying that, next time he heard of him, no mercy would be shown, and every man would be slain71. He now says that rumours reach him of large gatherings72, and that there are bonfires, nightly, on the hilltops. He doubts not that the troubles will soon be suppressed, but admits that much blood may have to be spilt, ere it is done.
"I can bear testimony73 to the bonfires, for from the top of the keep a dozen can be seen, any night, blazing among the hills."
"Of course, sir, your messenger, asking Lord Percy to send a body of men-at-arms here, was despatched before Glendower's attack on Lord Grey?"
"Certainly; but it is three months, now, since Parliament refused Glendower's appeal for justice against Lord Grey; and rumours have been busy, ever since. Some said that he was travelling through the valleys, accompanied by some of the harpers, who have always taken a leading part in stirring up the Welsh to insurrection. Some avow74 that he has retired75 to a fortress76, and was there weaving designs for the overthrow77 of Lord Grey, and even of the whole of the English castles. Some say that he claims to be a descendant of Llewellyn, and the rightful king of Wales.
"There is some foundation for this, for I have talked to some of the better class of Welsh; who have, like Glendower, studied in our universities. The Welsh are, above all things, fond of long pedigrees, and can trace, or pretend to trace, the lineage of all their principal families up to Noah; and some of them admit that there is some ground for the claim Glendower is said to have made.
"Still, all these rumours make me feel uneasy. As we have had many years of quiet here, it has not been necessary to keep up more than a sufficient number of men-at-arms for the defence of this castle. I might have increased the force, for the people of these parts bear a deep animosity against the Welsh, and dread78 them greatly; as they may well do, from the many wrongs and outrages79 they have suffered at their hands. One reason why I have not taken on many men, since the talk of coming troubles began, is that, close to the border as we are, many have connections with the Welsh by business or marriage; and these, if enrolled80 in the garrison, might serve as spies, and give warning of any movement we might undertake. I had hoped that Percy could have spared me a hundred good men-at-arms. I would rather have had his men than others, because they have been trained in border warfare, by the constant troubles in Scotland; and would, moreover, come to me with a better heart than others, since Sir Henry's wife is my sister, and it is, therefore, almost a family quarrel upon which they have entered.
"Had I known, when I wrote, that the king was on his way north, I should have taken steps to raise my strength elsewhere, as of course Percy would have occasion to use every lance he could muster81. Lord Grey has sent off a messenger to the king, begging him to denounce this fellow as an outlaw82; and should he be troublesome, he himself may, after he has done with the Scots, send hither a force; for although we may hope, with the aid of the levies of the border counties, to drive back the Welsh in whatever force they may come, 'tis another thing to march into the mountains. The matter has been tried, again and again, and has always taxed the power of England to the utmost.
"'Tis of no use lamenting83 over spilt milk but, for my part, I regret that Parliament did not give a fair hearing to Glendower's complaint against Lord Grey. The refusal to do so was a high-handed one. It has driven this man to desperation, and has enlisted84 the sympathies of all Welshmen who have English neighbours; for they cannot but say, among themselves, 'If he is to be plundered85 and despoiled86, and his complaints refused a hearing, what is to prevent our being similarly despoiled? 'Tis surely better to take up the sword, at once, and begin again the fight for our independence.'
"As it is, it may cost thousands of lives, immense efforts, and vast trouble before things are placed on their former footing.
"Doubtless, the captain of the men-at-arms you have brought is a good soldier, since Percy says that he is captain of his garrison at Alnwick!"
"He bears a high reputation in Northumberland, Sir Edmund. I may say that he is my uncle, and 'tis from his recommendation that Lord Percy, in the first place, took me into his household."
"I will go down and speak with him," the knight said. "I gave orders, as soon as I heard who had arrived, that proper entertainment should be given to all; yet it is but right that I should, myself, go down to thank them for having come so far; and to welcome their captain, whose experience will be of no small use to my own men, who have never been engaged in border war. Some have fought in France, but under conditions so different that their experience will aid them but little; save, indeed, if the Welsh grow so strong and so bold that they venture to attack this castle."
Percy's men, when the knight descended87, had indeed sat down to supper with the retainers of the castle, while Alwyn was being entertained by the captain of his men-at-arms. All rose to their feet when Sir Edmund entered, but he waved his hand to them, to be seated.
"Finish your meal," he said, "and afterwards, if you will muster in the courtyard, I will inspect you, and see what stout Northumberland men Lord Percy has sent me."
He then went up to the top of the keep with Oswald, pointed88 out the distant hills, and told him what valleys and villages lay among them, and the direction in which such roads as there were ran. By the time they had descended, Percy's men were drawn89 up in the courtyard.
"This is my uncle, Captain Alwyn Forster," Oswald said, "of whom Lord Percy has written to you."
"I am glad to see so stout a soldier here," the knight said, holding out his hand to Alwyn; "and I am grateful to Lord Percy for sending, in answer to my request, one in whom he has such perfect confidence; and I specially thank you for having willingly relinquished90 so important a post, to head so small a following."
"I was glad to come, Sir Edmund, for I had rested so long, at Alnwick, that I longed for some brisk action, and fell gladly into my lord's view, when he requested me to come hither. I can answer for my men, for they are all picked, by myself, from among the stoutest91 of Sir Henry's following."
"That I can well believe," the knight said, as he looked at the twenty troopers. "Tall, strong men all; and as brave as they are strong, I doubt not. I shall be glad to have so stout a band to ride behind me, if these Welshmen break out.
"You are all accustomed to border warfare, but this differs a good deal from that in Northumberland. While the northern forays are mostly made by horsemen, it is rare that your Welshman adventures himself on horseback. But they are as active as your wild ponies, and as swift; and, if the trouble increases, they will give you plenty to do.
"I learn from your lord's letter that you will be, as usual, under pay from him while you are with me. I shall pay you as much more. 'Tis meet that, if you render me service, I should see that you are comfortable, and well contented."
There was a murmur92 of satisfaction among the men and, after recommending them to the care of the captain of the garrison, and bidding Alwyn speak in the name of his men, fearlessly, for anything that should be lacking, Sir Edmund left the courtyard.
The seneschal of the castle, Sir John Wyncliffe, requested Oswald to follow him. He first showed him the chamber93, in one of the turrets94, that he was to occupy; and then took him down to the hall, where two other knights, four esquires, and two or three pages were assembled, in readiness for the supper.
Mortimer, with his wife and two daughters, presently came down and took his place at the head of the table; at which the others sat down, in order of their rank. As a guest, Oswald was placed among the knights. Before sitting down, Sir Edmund presented him to his wife and daughters.
"This is one of Sir Henry Percy's esquires," he said, "and can give you more news of Sir Percy's wife; of whom, beyond saying that she sends her greetings to you all, Hotspur tells us nothing."
"Have you been long a member of Sir Henry Percy's household?"
"But a year, my lady."
"Hotspur speaks of him in very high terms, and says that he has rendered him great services, and that he has the highest confidence in him."
"To what family do you belong, sir?" the dame95 asked. "From my husband's sister, who was staying here some months since, I learned much of your northern families."
"I am the son of John Forster of Yardhope, who has the reputation of being as hard a fighter as any on the border. He is not a knight, though of fair estates; for, although Earl Percy offered him knighthood, for his services at the battle of Otterburn, he said that he preferred remaining plain John Forster, as his fathers had been before him. My mother was a daughter of Sir Walter Gillespie, and my uncle is captain of the garrison of Alnwick; and it was for his goodwill96 towards him, and my father, that Sir Henry appointed me one of his esquires, thinking, moreover, that I might be more useful than some, because I know every foot of the border, having relations on the Scottish side of it."
They now sat down to supper. After it was over, Sir Edmund took Oswald with him to his wife's bower97.
"There," he said, "you can talk at your ease, and tell us how my sister, your mistress, is, and the children."
"Did you not say, Sir Edmund," his wife asked, "that it was the captain of his men-at-arms that Sir Hotspur sent hither, in command of the band?"
"That is so, dame."
"Then, surely, he should have been at our table."
"I asked him," Sir Edmund replied, "but he said that he would rather, with my permission, lodge98 with John Baldry; who is, like himself, a stout soldier, but who likes better his own society than that of the high table. He said that, except upon rare and special occasions, he always has been accustomed to take his meals alone, or with some comrades whom he could take to his room. As this is also John Baldry's habit, he prayed me to allow him to accept his invitation to share his room."
"What he says about his habits is true, my lady. I can well understand my uncle cares not for company where it would not be seemly for him to raise his voice, or to enter into a hot argument, on some point of arms."
"What were the services of which Sir Henry speaks?"
"It was a mission with which he charged me, and which involved some danger."
"By the way," Dame Mortimer said, "my sister-in-law wrote to me, some time since, telling us of a strange conflict that was held between one of the squires, and another who had been newly appointed; and who, on one of the mountain ponies, worsted his opponent, although the latter was much older, and moreover clad in full armour, and riding a heavy warhorse. Was it you who were the victor on that occasion?"
"I can scarce be said to have been the victor, my lady. It was, indeed, hardly a combat. But I maintained that one accustomed to the exercises in use among our border men, and mounted on one of our ponies, accustomed to move with great rapidity, and to turn and twist at the slightest movement of the rider's knee, would be a match for a heavy-armed knight in single combat; although a number would have no chance, against the charge of a handful of mailed knights; and Sir Henry put it to the proof, at once."
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levies
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| （部队）征兵( levy的名词复数 )； 募捐； 被征募的军队 | |
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scotch
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| n.伤口，刻痕；苏格兰威士忌酒；v.粉碎，消灭，阻止；adj.苏格兰(人)的 | |
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imminent
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| adj.即将发生的，临近的，逼近的 | |
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hinds
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| n.（常指动物腿）后面的( hind的名词复数 )；在后的；（通常与can或could连用）唠叨不停；滔滔不绝 | |
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harrying
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| v.使苦恼( harry的现在分词 )；不断烦扰；一再袭击；侵扰 | |
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knights
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| 骑士； （中古时代的）武士( knight的名词复数 )； 骑士； 爵士； （国际象棋中）马 | |
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knight
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| n.骑士，武士；爵士 | |
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gallant
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| adj.英勇的，豪侠的；(向女人)献殷勤的 | |
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contented
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| adj.满意的，安心的，知足的 | |
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warfare
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| n.战争(状态)；斗争；冲突 | |
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savage
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| adj.野蛮的；凶恶的，残暴的；n.未开化的人 | |
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lieutenant
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| n.陆军中尉，海军上尉；代理官员，副职官员 | |
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garrison
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| n.卫戍部队；驻地，卫戍区；vt.派(兵)驻防 | |
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monk
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| n.和尚，僧侣，修道士 | |
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stouter
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| 粗壮的( stout的比较级 )； 结实的； 坚固的； 坚定的 | |
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discreet
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| adj.(言行)谨慎的；慎重的；有判断力的 | |
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agile
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| adj.敏捷的，灵活的 | |
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besieged
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| 包围，围困，围攻( besiege的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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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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squires
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| n.地主，乡绅( squire的名词复数 ) | |
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squire
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| n.护卫, 侍从, 乡绅 | |
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implicitly
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| adv. 含蓄地, 暗中地, 毫不保留地 | |
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discretion
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| n.谨慎；随意处理 | |
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specially
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| adv.特定地；特殊地；明确地 | |
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justify
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| vt.证明…正当(或有理)，为…辩护 | |
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plundering
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| 掠夺，抢劫( plunder的现在分词 ) | |
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ravaging
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| 毁坏( ravage的现在分词 )； 蹂躏； 劫掠； 抢劫 | |
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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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ponies
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| 矮种马，小型马( pony的名词复数 )； ￡25 25 英镑 | |
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watchful
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| adj.注意的，警惕的 | |
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crest
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| n.顶点；饰章；羽冠；vt.达到顶点；vi.形成浪尖 | |
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prospect
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| n.前景，前途；景色，视野 | |
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34
foe
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| n.敌人，仇敌 | |
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swarm
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| n.(昆虫)等一大群；vi.成群飞舞；蜂拥而入 | |
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prick
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| v.刺伤，刺痛，刺孔；n.刺伤，刺痛 | |
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mightily
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| ad.强烈地；非常地 | |
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38
submission
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| n.服从，投降；温顺，谦虚；提出 | |
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decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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barons
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| 男爵( baron的名词复数 )； 巨头； 大王； 大亨 | |
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mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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grievance
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| n.怨愤，气恼，委屈 | |
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redress
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| n.赔偿，救济，矫正；v.纠正，匡正，革除 | |
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courteous
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| adj.彬彬有礼的，客气的 | |
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heartily
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| adv.衷心地，诚恳地，十分，很 | |
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mighty
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| adj.强有力的；巨大的 | |
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jovial
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| adj.快乐的，好交际的 | |
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disposition
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| n.性情，性格；意向，倾向；排列，部署 | |
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garb
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| n.服装，装束 | |
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cavalcade
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| n.车队等的行列 | |
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lodgings
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| n. 出租的房舍, 寄宿舍 | |
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westward
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| n.西方，西部；adj.西方的，向西的；adv.向西 | |
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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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despatch
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| n./v.(dispatch)派遣；发送；n.急件；新闻报道 | |
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bestowed
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| 赠给，授予( bestow的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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marvelled
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| v.惊奇，对…感到惊奇( marvel的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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fatigue
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| n.疲劳，劳累 | |
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nought
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| n.／adj.无，零 | |
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meddle
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| v.干预，干涉，插手 | |
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hostility
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| n.敌对，敌意；抵制［pl.］交战，战争 | |
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professes
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| 声称( profess的第三人称单数 )； 宣称； 公开表明； 信奉 | |
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usurper
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| n. 篡夺者, 僭取者 | |
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necromancy
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| n.巫术；通灵术 | |
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armour
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| （=armor）n.盔甲；装甲部队 | |
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superstitions
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| 迷信，迷信行为( superstition的名词复数 ) | |
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dabble
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| v.涉足，浅赏 | |
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garrisons
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| 守备部队，卫戍部队( garrison的名词复数 ) | |
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situated
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| adj.坐落在...的，处于某种境地的 | |
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harass
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| vt.使烦恼，折磨，骚扰 | |
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affixed
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| 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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71
slain
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| 杀死，宰杀，杀戮( slay的过去分词 )； (slay的过去分词) | |
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gatherings
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| 聚集( gathering的名词复数 )； 收集； 采集； 搜集 | |
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73
testimony
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| n.证词；见证，证明 | |
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avow
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| v.承认，公开宣称 | |
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retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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fortress
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| n.堡垒，防御工事 | |
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overthrow
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| v.推翻，打倒，颠覆；n.推翻，瓦解，颠覆 | |
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dread
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| vt.担忧，忧虑；惧怕，不敢；n.担忧，畏惧 | |
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outrages
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| 引起…的义愤，激怒( outrage的第三人称单数 ) | |
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enrolled
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| adj.入学登记了的v.[亦作enrol]( enroll的过去式和过去分词 )；登记，招收，使入伍（或入会、入学等），参加，成为成员；记入名册；卷起，包起 | |
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81
muster
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| v.集合，收集，鼓起，激起；n.集合，检阅，集合人员，点名册 | |
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82
outlaw
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| n.歹徒，亡命之徒；vt.宣布…为不合法 | |
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83
lamenting
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| adj.悲伤的，悲哀的v.（为…）哀悼，痛哭，悲伤( lament的现在分词 ) | |
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84
enlisted
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| adj.应募入伍的v.（使）入伍， （使）参军( enlist的过去式和过去分词 )；获得（帮助或支持） | |
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85
plundered
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| 掠夺，抢劫( plunder的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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86
despoiled
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| v.掠夺，抢劫( despoil的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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87
descended
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| a.为...后裔的，出身于...的 | |
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88
pointed
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| adj.尖的，直截了当的 | |
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89
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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relinquished
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| 交出，让给( relinquish的过去式和过去分词 )； 放弃 | |
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91
stoutest
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| 粗壮的( stout的最高级 )； 结实的； 坚固的； 坚定的 | |
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92
murmur
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| n.低语，低声的怨言；v.低语，低声而言 | |
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93
chamber
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| n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所 | |
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turrets
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| （六角）转台( turret的名词复数 )； （战舰和坦克等上的）转动炮塔； （摄影机等上的）镜头转台； （旧时攻城用的）塔车 | |
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95
dame
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| n.女士 | |
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96
goodwill
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| n.善意，亲善，信誉，声誉 | |
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97
bower
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| n.凉亭，树荫下凉快之处；闺房；v.荫蔽 | |
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98
lodge
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| v.临时住宿，寄宿，寄存，容纳；n.传达室，小旅馆 | |
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