Deem ye what bounds the rival realms divide?
Or ere the jealous queens of nations greet,
Or dark Sierras rise in craggy pride?
Or fence of art, like China's vasty wall?
No barrier wall, no river deep and wide,
Rise like the rocks that part Hispania's land from Gaul.
But these between, a silver streamlet glides,
And scarce a name distinguisheth the brook;
Here leans the idle shepherd on his crook,
That peaceful still 'twixt bitterest foemen flow,
For proud each peasant as the noblest duke;
'Twixt him and Lusian slave, the lowest of the low."
???????? ???????? ???????? Childe Harold's Pilgrimage.
The next morning early a numerous party issued from the eastern gate of Elvas. The descending6 road led them between groves7 of olives, whose sad colored foliage8 was relieved by the bright hues9 of the almond tree, clothed with pink blossoms, the scarlet10 flowering pomegranate, the dark, rich green of the orange-tree, already spangled over with small white blossoms, yet still laden11 with its golden fruit, and the prune12 trees of Elvas, favorites through the world, leafless as yet, but conspicuous14 by the clouds of white flowerets which covered them. The roofs of the suburban15 quintas showed themselves here and there above the orchards16, and by the roadside the iris17 alata bloomed on every bank.
The air is balmy, the scene lovely, and all nature smiling with the sweet promises of Spring. Is this the goddess Flora18 leading down a joyous19 train to the fields below? It is only Lady Mabel cantering somewhat recklessly down hill. When she reached the more level ground, she so far out-rode the ladies of her party, who were mounted on mules21, that, tired of loitering for them to come up, she proposed to L'Isle22, who had kept by her side, to employ their leisure in ascending23 the bare hill on their left, to examine the old tower, that stood solitary24 and conspicuous on its top. From the clearness of the atmosphere it seemed nearer than it was, and the broken ground compelled them to make a circuit before they reached it. Hence they looked down upon their friends, crawling at a snail's pace along the road to Badajoz. They rode round the weather-beaten, ruinous tower. It was square, with only one small entrance, many feet above the ground, and leading into a small room amidst the thick walls.
"What could this have been built for?" Lady Mabel asked.
"It is one of those watch-towers called atalaias," answered L'Isle. "Many of them are scattered25 along the heights on the border. They are memorials of an age in which one of people's chief occupations was watching against the approach of their neighbors."
"Stirring times, those," said Lady Mabel. "People could not then complain that their vigilance was lulled26 to sleep by too great security; but this is, perhaps, a more comfortable age."
"To us in our island home," said L'Isle. "The improvement is more doubtful here. There was a time when your forefathers27 and mine thus kept watch against each other; when our own border hills were crowned with similar watch-towers; but never did any country continue so long a debatable land, and need, for so many centuries, the watch-tower and the signal fire on its hills, as this peninsula during the slow process of its redemption from the crescent to the cross."
"From this point," said Lady Mabel, "Elvas and Badajoz look like two giant champions facing each other, in arms, each, for the defence of his own border, yet one does not see here any of those great natural barriers that should divide nations."
"They are wanting, not only here," said L'Isle, "but on other parts of the frontier. The great rivers, the Duoro, the Tagus and the Guadiana, and the mountain chains separating their valleys, instead of dividing the two kingdoms, run into Portugal from Spain. The division of these countries is not natural, but accidental; and in spite of some points of contrast, the Portuguese28 are almost as much like the Spaniards, as these last are like each other—for Spain is in truth a variety of countries, the Spaniards a variety of nations."
"At length, however," said she, "Spain and Portugal are united in one cause."
"Yet the Portuguese still hates the Spaniards," said L'Isle, "and the Spaniard contemns29 the Portuguese."
"And we despise both," said Lady Mabel.
"Perhaps unjustly," said he.
"Why, to look no further into their short-comings and back-slidings, to use Moodie's terms, have they not signally failed in the first duty of a nation, defending itself?"
"Remember the combination of fatalities30 that beset31 them," said L'Isle, "and the atrocious perfidy32 that aggravated33 their misfortunes. Both countries were left suddenly without rulers, distracted by a score of contending juntas35, to resist a great nation, under a government of matchless energy, the most perfectly37 organized for the attainment38 of its object, which is not the good of its subjects, but solely39 the developement, to the uttermost, of its military power. They at once sunk before it, showing us how completely the vices40 of governments, and yet more, the sudden absence of all government, can paralyze a nation. But they have since somewhat redeemed42 their reputation, by many an example of heroism43."
"Why did not the nation, as one man, imitate the heroes of Zaragoza and Gerona, and wage, like them, war to the knife's point against the infidel and murderous horde44 of invaders45?" exclaimed Lady Mabel, with a flushed cheek and flashing eye, that would have become Augustina Zaragoza herself.
"Because every man is not a hero, nor in a position to play a hero's part. Spain was betrayed and surprised. The invaders came in the guise46 of friends, under the faith of treaties, by which the flower of the Spanish army had been marched into remote parts of Europe as allies to the French; nor was the mask thrown off until long after it was useless to wear it."
"Did the world ever before witness such complicated perfidy?"
"Perhaps not. But I trust it is about to witness its failure and punishment."
"We and the Czar will have to administer it," said Lady Mabel, with the air of an arbitress of nations. "We cannot look for much help from our besotted allies here."
"It must be confessed," said L'Isle, "that an unhappy fatality47 in council and in action, has beset the Portuguese and Spaniards, throughout the war. They have too often shown their patriotism49 by murdering their generals, underrating their enemies and slighting their friends. They have, too, attained50 the very acme51 of blundering; doing the wrong thing at the wrong time, and choosing the wrong man to do it."
"Say no more," exclaimed Lady Mabel. "If that be the verdict you find against our allies, I will not accuse you of blindness to their faults. They are unworthy of the lovely and romantic land they live in," she added, gazing on the scene before her. "What beautiful mountain is that which trenches52 so close upon the border, as if it would join itself to the Serra de Portalegre?"
"It is the mountain of Albuquerque, so called from a town at its foot."
"That was the title of the Spanish duke, who died lately in London," Lady Mabel remarked.
"And in one sense the most unfortunate Spaniard of our day," added L'Isle. "Of the highest rank among subjects, uniting in his person names famous in Spanish history; he was brave and patriotic53, and though still young, one of the few Spanish leaders whose enterprize did not lead to disaster. But the Supreme54 Junta36, in its jealousy55 would never entrust56 him with any but subordinate commands, subjecting him to the orders of Castanos Cuesta, and other inefficient57 leaders whose blunders his good conduct often covered. When, at length Andalusia was lost by the folly58 and cowardice59 of others, he only had his wits about him, and by a speedy march saved Cadiz. The rabid democrats60 of the city repaid him with ingratitude61 and insults, which drove him into exile; and, denied the privilege of falling in defence of his country, he died broken-hearted in a foreign land."
"Are these people worth fighting for?" exclaimed Lady Mabel, indignantly, reining62 back her horse, as if about to abandon her Spanish allies to their own folly.
"Perhaps not," said L'Isle, "if we were not also fighting for ourselves. Spain is a convenient field on which to drub the French. But it is time to follow our party."
They now left the hill and getting back into the road, galloped63 after their friends, but did not overtake them until they had reached the little river Cayo, which here divides Portugal from Spain. The ladies, on their mules, were grouped together in doubt and hesitation64 on this bank, while several of the gentlemen were riding about in the water, searching for holes in the bed of the stream, which was swollen65 and turbid66 from the late rains.
"You hesitate too long to pass the Rubicon," said Lady Mabel, "just let me tuck up the skirt of my riding dress, from the muddy waters, and I will lead you over into Spain."
She was soon on the other bank, and her companions followed her. The road now led them across a sandy plain, which, treeless and desolate67, contrasted strikingly with the fertility and cultivation68 around Elvas.
Looking at the fortress69 they were approaching, L'Isle remarked: "From the times of Saguntum, Numantia, and Astapa, Spain has been noted70 for cities that perished utterly71 rather than yield in submission72 to their foes73—Zaragoza, Gerona, and other places have in our day maintained the old national fame. But Badajoz," he added, shaking his finger at the towers before him, "is not one of them. It cannot be denied that in this struggle the Spaniards have proved themselves a nation. 'Every Spaniard remembers that his country was once great, and is familiar with the names of its heroes; speaks with enthusiasm of the Cid, of Ferdinand Cortes, and a host of others.' When the hour of trial come, 'the nation instinctively74 felt,' to use the language of one of their own juntas, that 'there is a kind of peace more fatal than the field of battle drenched75 with blood, and strewed76 with the bodies of the slain77.' The patriotic fire may have flamed the higher for the holy oil of superstition78 poured upon it, but it was kindled79 by noble pride and generous shame and indignation, by the remembrance of what their fathers had been, and the thought of what their children were to be.'"
"In spite of the blunders, disasters, and treachery that have been rife80 in the land," said Lady Mabel, "more than one name has been added to the list of its heroes—Palafox and the Maid of Zaragoza have won immortal81 fame."
"And others less famous have deserved as well," said L'Isle. "Before Augustina, this second Joan of Arc, had stepped out of her sex, to display her heroism, she and others, behind the same shattered, crumbling82 wall, had been showing an equal heroism within their sex's sphere. Women of all ranks were zealous83 in the patriotic cause. They formed themselves into companies, some to assist the wounded, some to carry water, wine and food to those who defended the gates. The Countess Burita raised a corps84 for this service. She was young, delicate and beautiful. In the midst of the most tremendous fire of shot and shells, she was seen coolly attending to those occupations, which were now become her duty; nor through the whole of a two month's siege did the imminent85 danger, to which she incessantly86 exposed herself, produce the slightest apparent effect upon her; her step never faltered87, her eye never quailed88. What a partial thing is fame," he continued, "and how poor a motive89 to duty! The names of Palafox and Zaragoza are forever wedded90. How few remember the old plebeian91, Tio Jorge, who counseled and spurred on both governor and populace to their heroic defence!"
"When we remember all that the Spaniards have undergone in this war," said Lady Mabel, "we cannot but think that their atrocities92 in the new world have been visited on them at home."
"How far we must answer for the sins of our forefathers," said L'Isle, "is a nice question. We have some scriptural authority for asserting that responsibility; and as there is no hereafter for nations, they must be punished in this world, or not at all. I would be sorry to bear my share of the penalty of all that immaculate England has done. But I do not fear the fate of Spain for England:
'That royal throne of kings, that sceptred isle,
That other Eden, demi-paradise;
That fortress, built by nature for herself,
Against infection, and the hand of war;
That happy breed of men, that little world;
That precious stone set in the silver sea,
Which serves it in the office of a wall,
Against the envy of less happier lands.'
England against the world!" he exclaimed breaking off his quotation95, in his enthusiasm, and laying his hand on his sword.
"You are certainly a patriot48," said Lady Mabel, "if any amount of national prejudice can make patriotism. But yours is very like the cockney's, who despised all the world, beyond the sound of Bow bells. As to the fortress isle. (Let me warn you to keep it well garrisoned97 against surprise.) I believe there is an obscure little corner of it called Scotland, which both you and the poet have forgotten."
"I merely used England in a figure of speech," said L'Isle, "putting a part for the whole."
"I will not tolerate your figure of speech, as disparaging98 to old Scotland," she said. "But for us Scots—"
"Us Scots!" L'Isle exclaimed. "Why, it was but yesterday you told me how much you had angered Moodie by calling yourself an English woman."
"What of that? I would have you know that I have two sides to my natural character. I claim the right to present my Scotch99 or English side at will, and then you cannot see the other."
Fort San Christoval, on this side of the Guadiana, rose higher and higher before them. Gazing on Badajoz and its castle on the other side of the river, L'Isle thought of the failures before it, and of the price in blood at which it had been bought at last. "We are not always successful in our sieges—at times undertaking100 them rashly, without the means of carrying them on. The sabre, and bayonet, unaided, take few walled towns. They need the help of Cranfield's art, and he cannot work without his tools."
"But we always beat the French in the field," said Lady Mabel.
"Always," said L'Isle. "There has been no instance of a real British army being beaten by a French one."
"None of late years," said Lady Mabel. "To find a victory over us they have to go as far back in the last century as Fontenoy."
"That is not a fair instance," said L'Isle eagerly. "We lost that battle chiefly through the backwardness of our Dutch allies; and Marshal Saxe, who was no Frenchman, but a German, beat us chiefly by aid of the valor101 of the Irish regiments102 in the French pay."
"That alters the case," said Lady Mabel; "but were we not beaten some years before that, at Almansa, here in Spain?"
"That instance is still more unfair," exclaimed L'Isle. "Our Peninsular allies ran away, while we fought their battle. Still, though the enemy were two to our one, the result might have been different. But the French had an English general, the Duke of Berwick, to win the battle for them, and we had a French commander, DeRuvigny, whom Dutch William had made Earl of Galway, to lose it for us."
"Then, after all," exclaimed Lady Mabel, "the Englishman won the field."
"Yes, to our cost," said L'Isle, bitterly. "What made it more provoking was, that we had at that very time the man to mate him;" and, standing103 up on his stirrups, he raised his clenched104 hand above his head, exclaiming: "O, for one hour of Peterborough to grapple with his countryman and redeem41 the day!"
"What is the matter with Colonel L'Isle?" asked Mrs. Shortridge, who was riding close behind with Cranfield.
"He is only leaping back to the beginning of the last century," answered Lady Mabel, "to reverse the issue of the battle of Almansa."
"Why, has not the colonel fighting enough before him," said Cranfield, laughing, "that he must go back so far for more?"
"Let us be content with what we have," said L'Isle joining in the laugh. "It is useless to dwell on old disasters but by way of shunning105 new ones. It has been our constant luck to go into battle shoulder to shoulder with allies who, except when in our pay, seldom stand by us to the end of the day."
The river was now at hand. Turning to the right before reaching San Christoval, they entered the tete du pont, and soon found themselves on a noble granite106 bridge of many arches. The voices of many singers drew their eyes to the banks of the river, where they saw all the washerwomen of the city, collected in pursuit of their calling, and lightening their labors108 with song, the burden of which, "Guadiana, Guadiana," fell often on the ear, while the sun-beams bleached109 the linen110 spread out on the banks of the stream, and tanned the faces of the industrious111 choir112 chanting its praise.
"This, then, is the Guadiana!" said Lady Mabel, peeping over the parapet. "I feel bound to admire its broad face, but miss the swift current and pellucid113 waters of the poetasters, to whose bounties114 the river god owes much of his fame."
"While you and our party loiter here, searching out the beauties of the Guadiana," said L'Isle, "I will ride on and secure our peaceful reception at the gate. A Spanish sentinel is often asleep, and apt to prove his vigilance by firing on whoever wakes him up."
Presently following L'Isle, who luckily found the sentinel awake, they reached the southern end of the bridge, and passing between two beautiful round towers of white marble, now tinted115 straw-color with age, they entered the northern gate of the city, and soon sought hospitality at the Posada de los Caballeros.
Putting up their horses here, they left the servants to see that a dinner was got ready; this meal, at a Spanish inn, depending less on what you find there than on what you bring with you. Three Spanish officers were lounging at the posada, one of whom immediately claimed Cranfield's acquaintance, and introduced his companions. Cranfield did not seem delighted to meet with him, nevertheless he presented them to the whole party with studied politeness. Captain Don Alonzo Melendez, with a handsome person, a swaggering air, and a costume more foppish116 than military, looked more like a majo of Seville than a soldier and a gentleman. His companions had much the advantage of him there, but he beat them hollow in assurance. Learning that curiosity alone had brought them to Badajoz, he at once took the post of guide. Finding that Lady Mabel knew enough of Spanish to make a good listener, he placed himself by her side. Cranfield escorted her on the other, and thus they walked forth117. L'Isle, thrust into the background, accompanied Mrs. Shortridge and the rest of the party.
As they drew near the works, many marks of injury and devastation118 on the adjacent houses, brought the late siege prominently to their minds. Don Alonzo Melendez at once began to discourse119 grandiloquently120 on the subject. His narrative121 was so copious122 and inaccurate124, that Cranfield soon lost all patience, and found it hard to keep from interrupting and contradicting him. Lady Mabel, detecting this, encouraged the Spaniard to the uttermost by displaying rapt attention, and full faith in his glowing narrative.
"I never before heard," said she to Cranfield, "so graphic125 an account of the siege and storming of Badajoz."
"If our friend here talks about it much longer," said Cranfield, in English, "he will forget that we had any thing to do with it. The siege was, however, in one sense, the work of the Spaniards. If the traitor126 Imaz had not sold it to Soult for a mule20 load of gold, we would not have had to buy it back at the cost of so many thousands of lives. Nor were any of them Spanish lives," he added bitterly; "though some were Portuguese—for the only Spaniards at the siege were the renegades who aided Philippon and his Frenchman to keep us out."
"Every Spaniard is not traitor or coward," said L'Isle from behind. "If the brave Governor Menacho had not been killed in defending the place, his successor Imaz could not have sold it a few days after to the French."
As they strolled along the ramparts, Don Alonso, with a strange forgetfulness of events within the year, lauded127 the impregnable strength of the works, as if Badajoz were still a virgin128 fortress. Cranfield, by way of rebuking129 him, pointed130 out to Lady Mabel the restorations he had made of the breached132 walls. She replied that "the patchwork133 character of his repairs were but too evident, as he had invariably omitted to use materials of the same color with the original works."
As they rambled134 through the city, Don Alonso failed not to point out the superior size and style of the buildings over those of Elvas, and Lady Mabel remarked that "in cleanliness, too, it far surpassed its neighbor." Leading them to the cathedral, their guide compelled them to inspect minutely this heavy and cumberous building, while he eulogized it in terms that might have been suitable to St. Peter's, at Rome. "I am sorry," said he, "you cannot see it in all its splendor135; but the gorgeous furniture of the altar and the rich ornaments136 of the shrines137 are not now exhibited."
"Why not?" asked Lady Mabel.
"In these troubled, sacrilegious times, the clergy138 think it best not to display the wealth of the church."
"They would find it difficult to display any thing but tinsel," said Cranfield. "It is two years since the golden crucifix, the silver candlestick, and the saintly jewelry139, mounted on horseback and traveled into France."
"But the saints," said L'Isle, "knowing that the air of France would not agree with them, wisely staid behind."
As they were coming out of the cathedral, Mrs. Shortridge asked L'Isle the meaning of the words on a tablet near them: "Oy se sacca animas."
"They give us notice," said L'Isle, "that to-day souls are released from Purgatory140. But surely the notice is incomplete, not specifying141 whose souls they are. Their friends may go on spending money in masses for them after they are in Paradise."
"That would be throwing away their cash," said Mrs. Shortridge. "I have known good folks in London exercise their charity by releasing small debtors142 from prison. But their bounty143 bears little fruit, compared with that of the Papist, who, by opening his purse, rescues sinful souls from purgatory. But our works, as our faith, fall far short of theirs."
"And the Spaniards are foremost among the faithful," said L'Isle. "They are greedy of belief, even beyond what the church commands. Thus the mysterious origin of the Holy Virgin, which once convulsed the Spanish church, is here no longer a disputed point. It is the first article of their creed144, as proved by their commonest term of salutation. On entering a Spaniard's house, you must begin with the words, 'Ave Maria Purissima,' to which will be answered, 'Sin pecado concebida.' Smithfield fires could not burn this dogma out of them, and they would become schismatics if the rest of Popedom were not treading on their heels. Yet to me this doctrine146 seems to sap the great Christian147 truth, that Christ is 'God made man,' for it pushes his human origin one generation further back. Did Scripture148 tell the name of the mother of the blessed Virgin, the next age might discover that she too was 'sin pecado concebida.'"
"Since I have been in this land," said Mrs. Shortridge, "I have seen scarcely a street, or even a house, which is without an image or picture of the blessed Virgin, and the images are often crowned with flowers."
"She is the goddess of these southern nations," L'Isle answered; "and styled the Mother of God. Moreover, every pious123 Spaniard regards the Virgin in the light of his friend, his confidante, his mistress, whose whole attention is directed to himself, and who is perpetually watching over his happiness. With the name of Mary ever on his lips he follows his business, his pleasures, and his sins. It is in the name, too, of Mary," L'Isle continued, with an arch smile, "that the ladies write billetdoux, send their portraits, and entertain their gallants."
"Stop," said Mrs. Shortridge; "you are libeling our sex, and your love of satire150 makes you as bitter against Popery as old Moodie himself."
"It is, at least, no scandal to say that, under her patronage151, small sins are easily absolved152 here, on the performance of certain duties of atonement."
"What are the duties of atonement?"
"Ave Marias, fasts, and alms. The alms go to the begging friars, or else to buy masses for the souls in purgatory."
Walking up the sloping street that leads to the castle, they found this Moorish153 edifice154 in a shattered condition, a few towers only standing whole amidst the ruins. From one of these, looking northward155 across the river which ran three hundred feet below them, they saw the strong fort of San Christoval towering above them, while they, in turn, overlooked the city, and beyond its walls, the plain to the south, not long since covered with vineyards, and olive groves, and the picturesque156 villas157 of the richer citizens of Badajoz—now its bare surface was furrowed158 with trenches, ridged with field works, and spotted159 with ruins. The devastating160 blast of war had left it the picture of desolation.
Lady Mabel, turning to ask L'Isle a question, saw him gazing gloomily down into the deep but dry fosse below them.
"What fixes your attention on that spot," she asked.
"Do you see where the earth shows, by its color differing from the adjacent soil, that it has been turned up not long since? Thousands of Britons, Portuguese, and French are buried there. They met but to contend, yet now lie peaceably together. I have more than one friend among them."
Mrs. Shortridge put her hand before her eyes, and Lady Mabel turned pale as she gazed earnestly below. "Come," she said, at length, "we have seen enough of bloody161 Badajoz. There are some feelings that may well kill the idle curiosity that led us hither."
Descending into the town, they walked into the great square, their party attracting much attention from several groups of citizens and of soldiers of the garrison96. Captain Don Alonso Melendez stopped them here to point out various objects of interest, being evidently anxious to display himself as the patron and intimate of these distinguished162 strangers. He brought forward and presented to them two or three more of his brother officers whom he here met.
While he was thus engaged with others of the party, Lady Mabel found leisure to remark to Cranfield: "Short as is the distance from Elvas to Badajoz, I fancy I can perceive, without listening to the language around me, that I am among a new people."
"You may well be struck with the language," said Cranfield, "while listening to our patronizing friend here. But you must not take his discourse for a fair sample of Spanish style or facts."
"I trust they are," said Cranfield, with a sneer164. "But there is already an obvious difference observable here in the people, which becomes more marked as you proceed toward Castile. The Spaniard is taller and yet leaner than the Portuguese. He has a more expressive165 countenance166, a striking sedateness167 of carriage, and a settled gravity of manner, especially when silent, which makes him seem wiser than he is. With much elegance168 of form, his meagre person shows that he is the denizen169 of a dry climate, which, every Spaniard will tell you, gives a peculiar170 compactness of structure to all its products: the wheat of Spain makes more bread, its beef and mutton are more nourishing, its wines have more body, and the men more enduring vigor171 than those of other countries. Certain it is that Spanish troops have often proved great marchers; yet of all nations they have the slenderest legs, and indeed they never use their own when they can substitute those of horse, mule, or burro."
"The heat of the climate discourages exercise on foot," said Lady Mabel.
"Or labor107 of any kind," said Cranfield. "The universal cloak sufficiently172 proves that they are not a working people."
"And imperfectly conceals173 that they are a ragged174 one," said she. "Had I old Moodie at my elbow, he would remind me that 'drowsiness175 shall clothe a man in rags.'"
Observing Cranfield gazing round the square with much interest, she said: "You must be quite familiar with this place."
"I shall never forget the occasion on which I saw it first," he answered. "I was one of two engineers attached on the assault to General Walker's brigade. While Picton was scaling the castle walls, and crowds of our brave fellows were dying in the breaches176, we succeeded in forcing our way into the place over the bastion of San Vincente. Hard work we had of it, and the fight did not end there; for the enemy stubbornly disputed bastion after bastion on our flank, and our commander fell on the ramparts covered with so many wounds that his living seemed a miracle. The detachment I was with pushed forward into the town. The streets were empty, but brilliantly illuminated177, and no person was to be seen; yet a low buzz and whisper was heard around; lattices were now and then opened, and from time to time shots were fired from underneath178 the doors by the Spaniards—"
"The French, you mean," said Lady Mabel.
"No; the Spaniards," persisted Cranfield. "And perhaps our talking friend there was one of them."
"Don Alonso is an Andalusian and a patriot," said Lady Mabel; "and I will not have him so traduced179."
"Be it so," replied Cranfield. "It is lucky for your patriot that he was not here. However, the troops, with bugles180 sounding, advanced up yonder street into this square, and we captured several mules going with ammunition181 to the trenches. But the square was empty and silent as the streets, and the houses as bright with lamps; a terrible enchantment182 seemed to be in operation; for we saw nothing but light, and heard nothing but the low whispers around us, while the tumult183 at the breach131 was like the crashing thunder. There, though the place was already carried on two sides, by Picton's column and ours, the murderous conflict still raged; we still heard the shots, and shouts, and infernal uproar184, while hundreds and hundreds fell and died after fierce assault and desperate resistance were alike vain. We pushed on that way to take the garrison in reserve, but our weak battalion185 was repulsed186 by their reserve, and some time elapsed before the French found out that Badajoz had changed hands."
"But it was ours!" exclaimed Lady Mabel, "though too dearly bought."
"The carnage was dreadful," said Cranfield; "and when the full extent of that night's havoc188 became known to Lord Wellington, the firmness of his nature gave way for a moment, and the pride of conquest yielded to a passionate189 burst of grief at the loss of his gallant149 soldiers.—Then came the voe victis," continued Cranfield. "We do not like to dwell on the wild and desperate wickedness which Badajoz witnessed on becoming ours. By the by, just where we stand stood the gallows190."
"The gallows!" Lady Mabel exclaimed, stepping back from the polluted spot. "You could not hang the French. Did you hang the Spaniards who had fired on you."
"No; but Lord Wellington was compelled to hang some of his own heroes for making too free with what was theirs by right of conquest."
The young surgeon, who had been listening to Cranfield, now thought it time to lay some of his coloring on this picture of the siege, storming and sack of this unhappy city. He told some curious and thrilling incidents, but his profession getting the mastery of him, he soon got to the hospital, and, amidst ghastly wounds, horrid disfigurations, and dismembered limbs, began to bandage, slash191, and saw, until Lady Mabel sickened at the tale. "Pray stop there; you make me shudder192 at your hospital scenes, which, in their endless variety of suffering are too like the Popish pictures of souls in Purgatory. I prefer going to dine at the posada, to stopping here to sup full of horrors."
They now returned to the posada and had their Spanish friends to dine with them—Lady Mabel seating Don Alonso beside her, and losing not a word of his grandiloquence193. After the meal the party dispersed—most of them taking a siesta194 in order to get rid of two or three hot hours of the afternoon before they set out on their way back to Elvas. Their Spanish friends however, returned and persuaded them to postpone195 their ride until they had taken an evening promenade196 on the bridge, the favorite resort of the ladies of Badajoz and their cavaliers during the hot weather. Here they enjoy an extended prospect197, and the cooling breezes that attend the current of a great river.
They found here many of the first people of Badajoz and many of the Spanish officers and their fair friends. Leaning against the parapet of the bridge, Lady Mabel forgot the idlers walking by, while she gazed on the scenery around, or watched the gliding198 stream below, and listened to L'Isle speaking of the Guadiana; of its mysterious disappearance199 near its source, its course betrayed only by the rich pastures overlying the subterranean200 streams, of its return to daylight in the lakes called its eyes: Ojos de la Guadiana; and following it to Portugal, to the Salto de Lobo, so called because a wolf might leap across the deep but narrow chasm201 between the overhanging rocks, he named the noted places on its banks, and quoted many a ballad202 of which it was the theme. Presently, finding themselves almost alone they followed their companions, to the bridge head, and joined the large company assembled in this outwork. The Spanish officers had provided music for their entertainment, and oranges and confectionary were handed about. Of the latter, the Spanish and Portuguese ladies, according to national habit, eat a great quantity. After a pause the musicians struck up a lively seguidilla, the gentlemen secured partners, Lady Mabel declining a dozen applications, and with difficulty ridding herself of Don Alonso, who could not understand how a lady who delighted so much in his conversation could refuse to dance with him.
The level space within this outwork was now crowded with couples, the Portuguese ladies entering fully203 into the spirit of the hour. Mrs. Shortridge and Lady Mabel stood aside, with L'Isle, and had the pleasure of witnessing a genuine impromptu204 Spanish ball in the open air. They were at once struck with the sudden gayety and activity of a people habitually205 so grave and inert206. But as one dance followed another, the vivacity207 of the party increased. Many of the officers and some of their fair friends were from Andalusia, where music and the castinets are never heard in vain. Presently the tune34 was changed, and the excited dancers slid over into the fandango and volero, danced out to the life in so demonstrative, voluptuous208 and seducing209 a style, that Mrs. Shortridge declared such exhibitions abominable210, and that they should be prohibited by law; while Lady Mabel shrinkingly looked on in bewildered astonishment211. She had herself danced many a time, though not as often as she wished; but such dancing she had never dreamed of before.
At this moment the sun set, and the bells of the churches and convents across the water gave the signal for repeating the evening prayer to the Virgin. In an instant the gay crowd was arrested as if by magic. The music ceased; the dancers stood still; the women veiled their faces with their fans; the men took off their hats; and all breathed out or seemed to breathe a prayer to the protecting power who had brought them to the close of another day—all but the English officers, who, mingled212 with the devout213 dancers, stood looking like profane214 fools caught without a prayer for the occasion. After a short solemn pause, the men put on their hats, the women uncovered their faces, the music again struck up, and the throng215 glided216 off into gayety and revelry as before.
"I would not have lost this for any thing," Lady Mabel exclaimed; "It is so sudden and extraordinary a transition from the wild abandonment of revelry to absorbing devotion and back again to the revels217. Without seeing it, I could not have imagined it. I have before witnessed and, at times, been impressed with this solemn call to the evening prayer, misdirected though it be. But here the effect is utterly ridiculous, to say the least."
"This may give you an insight into the Spanish character on more than one point," said L'Isle. "As to their love of dancing, and of the fandango in particular, it is said, though I do not vouch218 for it, that the Church of Rome, scandalized that a country so renowned219 for the purity of its faith, had not long ago proscribed220 so profane a dance, resolved to pronounce the solemn condemnation221 of it. A consistory assembled; the prosecution222 of the fandango was begun according to rule, and a sentence was about to be thundered against it. But there was a wise Spanish prelate present who knew his countrymen, and dreaded223 a schism145, should they be driven to choose between the fandango and the faith. He stepped forward and objected to the criminal's being condemned224 without being heard.
"The observation had weight with the assembly. He was allowed to produce before them a majo and a maja of Seville, who, to the sound of voluptuous music, displayed all the seductive graces of the dance. The severity of the judges was not proof against the exhibition. Their austere225 countenances226 began to relax; they rose from their seats; their legs and arms soon found their former suppleness227; the consistory-hall was changed into a dancing-room, and the fandango acquitted228."
Both ladies laughed heartily229 at this story, and L'Isle went on to say; "In spite of the exhibition before us, these people, in their serious hours, retain all the gravity and ceremonious stateliness in language and manner of their forefathers, in the time of Charles the Fifth and his glooming son, when the Spaniard was the admiration230 and dread187 of Europe.
"I have been told," said Lady Mabel, "that you may, at this day, find many a Spaniard who might sit for the portrait of Alva himself."
"Yes," answered L'Isle, "It has been well said that the Spaniard of the sixteenth century has vanished, but his mask remains231."
Twilight232 was now failing them, and the party from Elvas hastened back to the posada. The horses had been brought out, and some of the ladies were already mounted, when Don Alonso Melendez came hastily up, having followed them to take a ceremonious leave. His parting words with his new friends, and especially his compliments to Lady Mabel, who did not allow herself to remain in his debt, delayed them some time. As they rode off, he waved his hat, and called out: "Con13 todo el mondo guerra, y paz con Inglaterra!"
"We taught them that proverb long ago," said Cranfield, "by taking their galleons233 laden with plate from the New World."
"The Spaniard has a treasury234 of wisdom locked up in his proverbs," said L'Isle. "What a pity it is he will not take some of it out to meet the current demands on him."
They soon again crossed the bridge, and entered the tete du point—but the dancers had vanished; their music was hushed; nor was its place supplied by the song of the morning. The chorus of "Guadiana—Guadiana," no longer arose from its banks. All was still, dark and desolate before them.
Meanwhile, Lord Strathern, though not given to over caution, was seized, as night drew on, with a sudden nervousness, at Ma Belle's taking a night ride across the borders of two such unsettled countries, infested235 with patriotic guerilleros, who sometimes mistook friends for foes. He entertained—in fact, cultivated—an unfavorable opinion of his neighbors, the Spanish garrison of Badajoz. He laid at their door every outrage236 perpetrated in the country around.—The party from Elvas would afford a rich booty in purses, watches, and jewelry; and he thought it quite possible that after some of their allies had entertained them in Badajoz, with ostentatious hospitality, others might waylay238, rob and murder them before, or soon after they crossed the frontier. So, he hastily ordered Major Conway to send out a patrol of dragoons to meet them; and the Major sent off Lieut. Goring239 in a hurry on this service.
Now, Goring had passed the day chafing240 with indignation at hearing of the pleasant party, which he had not been asked to join; and his anger was not soothed241 by being despatched to meet it, at a late hour, when all the pleasure was over. Galloping242 on in this mood, with a dozen and more dragoons, behind him, he came to the Cayo, and after taking a look at the dark current, was about to cross, when he heard the sound of horses' feet, and the clattering243 of tongues drawing near on the other side. In the spirit of mischief244, he followed the impulse of the moment. He ordered his men to form on the edge of the water, fronting the ford237, to unbuckle their cloaks, and throw them over their helmets, and not to move or speak a word. The men took the joke instantly. The crescent moon, already distanced by the sun, was sinking below the horizon; the bank of the river threw its shade over them, and they stood below, a dark, undistinguishable mass.
Presently the party came straggling up, Dona Carlotta and her cavalier leading them, and feeling their way down to the water.
"This cannot be the ford," said he; "the bank looks too steep on the other side."
"What is that black object across the water?" asked Cranfield, from behind. "Can the river have risen and the bank caved in?"
"It has too regular an outline for that," said L'Isle, who had now come up, and was trying to peer through the darkness. "Do you not hear the stamping of a horse across the water?"
"And a clattering sound?" said Cranfield, as a dragoon's sword struck against a neighboring stirrup.
"Lady Mabel," said L'Isle, eagerly, (she had pressed close up beside him,) "Pray ride back a little way, and take the ladies with you."
"I will, but what is the matter?"
"The road seems to be occupied. But go at once, and take them with you."
"I wish it were daylight!" said she, trying to laugh off her trepidation245. "Adventures by night are more than I bargained for. Come ladies, follow me."
"Tom," said L'Isle to his groom246, without turning his head, but gazing steadily247 at the dark object across the water, "Follow Lady Mabel."
"Whoever they are," said L'Isle to Cranfield, "they have posted themselves badly for surprise or attack. Let us form here on the slope of the bank, and if they attempt to cross, fall on them as they come out of the water."
Officers and servants fell into line—a badly armed troop, with infantry249 swords, and some without pistols. Meanwhile, L'Isle sent Hatton's down to the edge of the river to challenge the opposite party.
Now, Hatton's knowledge of foreign tongues was pretty much limited to those vituperative250 epithets251 which are first and oftenest heard in every language. He rode down to the edge of the water, and proceeded loudly to anathamatize his opponents in Portuguese, Spanish and French successively. Having exhausted253 his foreign vocabulary, he hurled254 at them some well shotted English phrases—but the heretics did not heed255 the damnatory clauses, even in plain English. Not a word could he get in reply from them. L'Isle literally256 and figuratively in the dark, grew impatient, and announced his intention to commence a pistol practice on them that would draw out some demonstration257. He rode down to the water's edge, and was leveling a long pistol at the middle of the dark mass, when some epithet252 of Hatton's more stinging than any he had yet invented, proved too much for Goring's gravity. He began to laugh, and the contagion258 seized every dragoon of the party. The mask of hostility259 fell off, and they were instantly recognized as friends, to the great relief of those on the other bank.
Provoked as they were at this practical joke, their position had been too ridiculous not to be amusing. After a hearty260 laugh, they hastened to bring back the ladies, who were not found close at hand, for Dona Carlotta and her friends had been posting back to Badajoz, and Lady Mabel had only succeeded in stopping them by the assurance that the road was doubtless beset, both before and behind them. When the two parties, now united, had taken their way back to Elvas, Lieutenant261 Goring found an opportunity of putting himself alongside of Lady Mabel.
She reproached him with the boyish trick he had just perpetrated. It might so easily have had fatal consequences. Goring, himself began to think it not so witty262 as he had fancied it.
"It was very provoking, though," said he, "to be left out of your pleasant party. I hope you will consider that, Lady Mabel, and forgive me for the little alarm I have given you."
"Not to-night," said she. "My nerves are quite too much shaken. But if I sleep well, and feel like myself again, I may possibly forgive you to-morrow."
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1
mighty
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| adj.强有力的；巨大的 | |
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horrid
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| adj.可怕的；令人惊恐的；恐怖的；极讨厌的 | |
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3
verdant
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| adj.翠绿的，青翠的，生疏的，不老练的 | |
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4
rippling
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| 起涟漪的，潺潺流水般声音的 | |
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5
hind
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| adj.后面的，后部的 | |
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6
descending
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| n. 下行 adj. 下降的 | |
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7
groves
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| 树丛，小树林( grove的名词复数 ) | |
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foliage
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| n.叶子，树叶，簇叶 | |
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hues
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| 色彩( hue的名词复数 )； 色调； 信仰； 观点 | |
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scarlet
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| n.深红色，绯红色，红衣；adj.绯红色的 | |
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11
laden
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| adj.装满了的；充满了的；负了重担的；苦恼的 | |
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prune
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| n.酶干；vt.修剪，砍掉，削减；vi.删除 | |
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13
con
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| n.反对的观点，反对者，反对票，肺病；vt.精读，学习，默记；adv.反对地，从反面；adj.欺诈的 | |
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14
conspicuous
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| adj.明眼的，惹人注目的；炫耀的，摆阔气的 | |
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15
suburban
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| adj.城郊的，在郊区的 | |
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16
orchards
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| （通常指围起来的）果园( orchard的名词复数 ) | |
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iris
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| n.虹膜，彩虹 | |
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flora
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| n.(某一地区的)植物群 | |
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19
joyous
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| adj.充满快乐的；令人高兴的 | |
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mule
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| n.骡子，杂种，执拗的人 | |
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mules
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| 骡( mule的名词复数 )； 拖鞋； 顽固的人； 越境运毒者 | |
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22
isle
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| n.小岛，岛 | |
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ascending
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| adj.上升的，向上的 | |
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solitary
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| adj.孤独的，独立的，荒凉的；n.隐士 | |
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25
scattered
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| adj.分散的，稀疏的；散步的；疏疏落落的 | |
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lulled
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| vt.使镇静，使安静（lull的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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forefathers
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| n.祖先，先人；祖先，祖宗( forefather的名词复数 )；列祖列宗；前人 | |
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Portuguese
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| n.葡萄牙人；葡萄牙语 | |
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contemns
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| v.侮辱，蔑视( contemn的第三人称单数 ) | |
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fatalities
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| n.恶性事故( fatality的名词复数 )；死亡；致命性；命运 | |
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31
beset
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| v.镶嵌；困扰，包围 | |
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32
perfidy
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| n.背信弃义，不忠贞 | |
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33
aggravated
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| 使恶化( aggravate的过去式和过去分词 )； 使更严重； 激怒； 使恼火 | |
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34
tune
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| n.调子；和谐，协调；v.调音，调节，调整 | |
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juntas
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| n.以武力政变上台的军阀( junta的名词复数 ) | |
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junta
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| n.团体；政务审议会 | |
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perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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attainment
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| n.达到，到达；［常pl.］成就，造诣 | |
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solely
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| adv.仅仅，唯一地 | |
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vices
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| 缺陷( vice的名词复数 )； 恶习； 不道德行为； 台钳 | |
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41
redeem
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| v.买回，赎回，挽回，恢复，履行（诺言等） | |
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redeemed
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| adj. 可赎回的，可救赎的 动词redeem的过去式和过去分词形式 | |
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43
heroism
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| n.大无畏精神，英勇 | |
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44
horde
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| n.群众，一大群 | |
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45
invaders
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| 入侵者，侵略者，侵入物( invader的名词复数 ) | |
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guise
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| n.外表，伪装的姿态 | |
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47
fatality
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| n.不幸，灾祸，天命 | |
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48
patriot
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| n.爱国者，爱国主义者 | |
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49
patriotism
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| n.爱国精神，爱国心，爱国主义 | |
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50
attained
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| （通常经过努力）实现( attain的过去式和过去分词 )； 达到； 获得； 达到（某年龄、水平、状况） | |
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51
acme
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| n.顶点，极点 | |
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52
trenches
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| 深沟，地沟( trench的名词复数 )； 战壕 | |
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53
patriotic
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| adj.爱国的，有爱国心的 | |
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54
supreme
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| adj.极度的，最重要的；至高的，最高的 | |
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jealousy
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| n.妒忌，嫉妒，猜忌 | |
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56
entrust
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| v.信赖，信托，交托 | |
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57
inefficient
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| adj.效率低的，无效的 | |
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58
folly
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| n.愚笨，愚蠢，蠢事，蠢行，傻话 | |
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cowardice
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| n.胆小，怯懦 | |
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60
democrats
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| n.民主主义者，民主人士( democrat的名词复数 ) | |
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61
ingratitude
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| n.忘恩负义 | |
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62
reining
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| 勒缰绳使（马）停步( rein的现在分词 )； 驾驭； 严格控制； 加强管理 | |
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63
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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hesitation
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| n.犹豫，踌躇 | |
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65
swollen
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| adj.肿大的，水涨的；v.使变大，肿胀 | |
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66
turbid
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| adj.混浊的，泥水的，浓的 | |
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67
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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68
cultivation
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| n.耕作，培养，栽培（法），养成 | |
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69
fortress
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| n.堡垒，防御工事 | |
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70
noted
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| adj.著名的，知名的 | |
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71
utterly
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| adv.完全地，绝对地 | |
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72
submission
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| n.服从，投降；温顺，谦虚；提出 | |
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73
foes
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| 敌人，仇敌( foe的名词复数 ) | |
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74
instinctively
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| adv.本能地 | |
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75
drenched
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| adj.湿透的；充满的v.使湿透( drench的过去式和过去分词 )；在某人（某物）上大量使用（某液体） | |
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76
strewed
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| v.撒在…上( strew的过去式和过去分词 )；散落于；点缀；撒满 | |
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77
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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78
superstition
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| n.迷信，迷信行为 | |
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79
kindled
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| （使某物）燃烧，着火( kindle的过去式和过去分词 )； 激起（感情等）； 发亮，放光 | |
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80
rife
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| adj.(指坏事情)充斥的，流行的，普遍的 | |
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81
immortal
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| adj.不朽的；永生的，不死的；神的 | |
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82
crumbling
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| adj.摇摇欲坠的 | |
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83
zealous
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| adj.狂热的，热心的 | |
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84
corps
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| n.(通信等兵种的)部队；(同类作的)一组 | |
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85
imminent
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| adj.即将发生的，临近的，逼近的 | |
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86
incessantly
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| ad.不停地 | |
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87
faltered
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| （嗓音）颤抖( falter的过去式和过去分词 )； 支吾其词； 蹒跚； 摇晃 | |
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88
quailed
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| 害怕，发抖，畏缩( quail的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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89
motive
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| n.动机，目的；adv.发动的，运动的 | |
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90
wedded
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| adj.正式结婚的；渴望…的，执著于…的v.嫁，娶，（与…）结婚( wed的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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91
plebeian
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| adj.粗俗的；平民的；n.平民；庶民 | |
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92
atrocities
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| n.邪恶，暴行( atrocity的名词复数 )；滔天大罪 | |
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93
majesty
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| n.雄伟，壮丽，庄严，威严；最高权威，王权 | |
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94
defensive
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| adj.防御的；防卫的；防守的 | |
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95
quotation
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| n.引文，引语，语录；报价，牌价，行情 | |
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96
garrison
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| n.卫戍部队；驻地，卫戍区；vt.派(兵)驻防 | |
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97
garrisoned
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| 卫戍部队守备( garrison的过去式和过去分词 )； 派部队驻防 | |
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98
disparaging
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| adj.轻蔑的，毁谤的v.轻视( disparage的现在分词 )；贬低；批评；非难 | |
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99
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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100
undertaking
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| n.保证，许诺，事业 | |
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101
valor
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| n.勇气，英勇 | |
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102
regiments
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| （军队的）团( regiment的名词复数 )； 大量的人或物 | |
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103
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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104
clenched
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| v.紧握，抓紧，咬紧( clench的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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105
shunning
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| v.避开，回避，避免( shun的现在分词 ) | |
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106
granite
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| adj.花岗岩，花岗石 | |
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107
labor
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| n.劳动，努力，工作，劳工；分娩；vi.劳动，努力，苦干；vt.详细分析；麻烦 | |
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108
labors
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| v.努力争取(for)( labor的第三人称单数 )；苦干；详细分析；（指引擎）缓慢而困难地运转 | |
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109
bleached
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| 漂白的，晒白的，颜色变浅的 | |
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110
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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111
industrious
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| adj.勤劳的，刻苦的，奋发的 | |
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112
choir
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| n.唱诗班，唱诗班的席位，合唱团，舞蹈团；v.合唱 | |
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113
pellucid
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| adj.透明的，简单的 | |
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114
bounties
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| （由政府提供的）奖金( bounty的名词复数 )； 赏金； 慷慨； 大方 | |
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115
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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116
foppish
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| adj.矫饰的，浮华的 | |
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117
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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118
devastation
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| n.毁坏；荒废；极度震惊或悲伤 | |
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119
discourse
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| n.论文，演说；谈话；话语；vi.讲述，著述 | |
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120
grandiloquently
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121
narrative
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| n.叙述，故事；adj.叙事的，故事体的 | |
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122
copious
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| adj.丰富的，大量的 | |
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123
pious
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| adj.虔诚的；道貌岸然的 | |
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124
inaccurate
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| adj.错误的，不正确的，不准确的 | |
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125
graphic
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| adj.生动的，形象的，绘画的，文字的，图表的 | |
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126
traitor
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| n.叛徒，卖国贼 | |
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127
lauded
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| v.称赞，赞美( laud的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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128
virgin
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| n.处女，未婚女子；adj.未经使用的；未经开发的 | |
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129
rebuking
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| 责难或指责( rebuke的现在分词 ) | |
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130
pointed
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| adj.尖的，直截了当的 | |
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131
breach
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| n.违反，不履行；破裂；vt.冲破，攻破 | |
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132
breached
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| 攻破( breach的现在分词 )； 破坏，违反 | |
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133
patchwork
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| n.混杂物；拼缝物 | |
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134
rambled
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| （无目的地）漫游( ramble的过去式和过去分词 )； （喻）漫谈； 扯淡； 长篇大论 | |
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135
splendor
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| n.光彩；壮丽，华丽；显赫，辉煌 | |
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136
ornaments
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| n.装饰( ornament的名词复数 )；点缀；装饰品；首饰v.装饰，点缀，美化( ornament的第三人称单数 ) | |
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137
shrines
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| 圣地，圣坛，神圣场所( shrine的名词复数 ) | |
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138
clergy
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| n.[总称]牧师，神职人员 | |
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139
jewelry
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| n.（jewllery）（总称）珠宝 | |
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140
purgatory
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| n.炼狱；苦难；adj.净化的，清洗的 | |
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141
specifying
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| v.指定( specify的现在分词 )；详述；提出…的条件；使具有特性 | |
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142
debtors
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| n.债务人，借方( debtor的名词复数 ) | |
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143
bounty
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| n.慷慨的赠予物，奖金；慷慨，大方；施与 | |
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144
creed
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| n.信条；信念，纲领 | |
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145
schism
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| n.分派，派系，分裂 | |
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146
doctrine
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| n.教义；主义；学说 | |
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147
Christian
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| adj.基督教徒的；n.基督教徒 | |
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148
scripture
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| n.经文，圣书，手稿；Scripture:(常用复数)《圣经》，《圣经》中的一段 | |
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149
gallant
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| adj.英勇的，豪侠的；(向女人)献殷勤的 | |
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150
satire
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| n.讽刺，讽刺文学，讽刺作品 | |
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151
patronage
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| n.赞助，支援，援助；光顾，捧场 | |
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152
absolved
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| 宣告…无罪，赦免…的罪行，宽恕…的罪行( absolve的过去式和过去分词 )； 不受责难，免除责任 [义务] ,开脱（罪责） | |
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153
moorish
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| adj.沼地的，荒野的，生[住]在沼地的 | |
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154
edifice
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| n.宏伟的建筑物(如宫殿，教室) | |
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155
northward
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| adv.向北；n.北方的地区 | |
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156
picturesque
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| adj.美丽如画的，（语言）生动的，绘声绘色的 | |
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157
villas
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| 别墅，公馆( villa的名词复数 )； （城郊）住宅 | |
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158
furrowed
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| v.犁田，开沟( furrow的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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159
spotted
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| adj.有斑点的，斑纹的，弄污了的 | |
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160
devastating
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| adj.毁灭性的，令人震惊的，强有力的 | |
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161
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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162
distinguished
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| adj.卓越的，杰出的，著名的 | |
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163
eloquence
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| n.雄辩；口才，修辞 | |
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164
sneer
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| v.轻蔑；嘲笑；n.嘲笑，讥讽的言语 | |
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165
expressive
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| adj.表现的，表达…的，富于表情的 | |
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166
countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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167
sedateness
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| n.安详，镇静 | |
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168
elegance
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| n.优雅；优美，雅致；精致，巧妙 | |
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169
denizen
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| n.居民，外籍居民 | |
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170
peculiar
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| adj.古怪的，异常的；特殊的，特有的 | |
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171
vigor
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| n.活力，精力，元气 | |
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172
sufficiently
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| adv.足够地，充分地 | |
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173
conceals
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，遮住( conceal的第三人称单数 ) | |
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174
ragged
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| adj.衣衫褴褛的，粗糙的，刺耳的 | |
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175
drowsiness
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| n.睡意；嗜睡 | |
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176
breaches
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| 破坏( breach的名词复数 )； 破裂； 缺口； 违背 | |
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177
illuminated
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| adj.被照明的；受启迪的 | |
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178
underneath
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| adj.在...下面，在...底下；adv.在下面 | |
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179
traduced
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| v.诋毁( traduce的过去式和过去分词 )；诽谤；违反；背叛 | |
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180
bugles
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| 妙脆角，一种类似薯片但做成尖角或喇叭状的零食； 号角( bugle的名词复数 )； 喇叭； 匍匐筋骨草； （装饰女服用的）柱状玻璃（或塑料）小珠 | |
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181
ammunition
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| n.军火，弹药 | |
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182
enchantment
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| n.迷惑，妖术，魅力 | |
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183
tumult
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| n.喧哗；激动，混乱；吵闹 | |
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184
uproar
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| n.骚动，喧嚣，鼎沸 | |
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185
battalion
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| n.营；部队；大队(的人) | |
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186
repulsed
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| v.击退( repulse的过去式和过去分词 )；驳斥；拒绝 | |
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187
dread
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| vt.担忧，忧虑；惧怕，不敢；n.担忧，畏惧 | |
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188
havoc
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| n.大破坏，浩劫，大混乱，大杂乱 | |
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189
passionate
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| adj.热情的，热烈的，激昂的，易动情的，易怒的，性情暴躁的 | |
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190
gallows
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| n.绞刑架，绞台 | |
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191
slash
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| vi.大幅度削减；vt.猛砍，尖锐抨击，大幅减少；n.猛砍，斜线，长切口，衣衩 | |
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192
shudder
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| v.战粟，震动，剧烈地摇晃；n.战粟，抖动 | |
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193
grandiloquence
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| n.夸张之言，豪言壮语，豪语 | |
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194
siesta
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| n.午睡 | |
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195
postpone
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| v.延期，推迟 | |
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196
promenade
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| n./v.散步 | |
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197
prospect
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| n.前景，前途；景色，视野 | |
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198
gliding
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| v. 滑翔 adj. 滑动的 | |
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199
disappearance
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| n.消失，消散，失踪 | |
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200
subterranean
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| adj.地下的，地表下的 | |
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201
chasm
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| n.深坑，断层，裂口，大分岐，利害冲突 | |
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202
ballad
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| n.歌谣，民谣，流行爱情歌曲 | |
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203
fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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204
impromptu
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| adj.即席的，即兴的；adv.即兴的(地)，无准备的(地) | |
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205
habitually
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| ad.习惯地，通常地 | |
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206
inert
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| adj.无活动能力的，惰性的；迟钝的 | |
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207
vivacity
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| n.快活，活泼，精神充沛 | |
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208
voluptuous
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| adj.肉欲的，骄奢淫逸的 | |
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209
seducing
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| 诱奸( seduce的现在分词 )； 勾引； 诱使堕落； 使入迷 | |
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210
abominable
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| adj.可厌的，令人憎恶的 | |
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211
astonishment
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| n.惊奇，惊异 | |
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212
mingled
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| 混合，混入( mingle的过去式和过去分词 )； 混进，与…交往[联系] | |
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213
devout
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| adj.虔诚的，虔敬的，衷心的 (n.devoutness) | |
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214
profane
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| adj.亵神的，亵渎的；vt.亵渎，玷污 | |
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215
throng
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| n.人群，群众；v.拥挤，群集 | |
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216
glided
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| v.滑动( glide的过去式和过去分词 )；掠过；（鸟或飞机 ） 滑翔 | |
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217
revels
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| n.作乐( revel的名词复数 )；狂欢；着迷；陶醉v.作乐( revel的第三人称单数 )；狂欢；着迷；陶醉 | |
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218
vouch
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| v.担保；断定；n.被担保者 | |
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219
renowned
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| adj.著名的，有名望的，声誉鹊起的 | |
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220
proscribed
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| v.正式宣布（某事物）有危险或被禁止( proscribe的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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221
condemnation
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| n.谴责; 定罪 | |
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222
prosecution
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| n.起诉，告发，检举，执行，经营 | |
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223
dreaded
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| adj.令人畏惧的；害怕的v.害怕，恐惧，担心( dread的过去式和过去分词) | |
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224
condemned
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| adj. 被责难的, 被宣告有罪的 动词condemn的过去式和过去分词 | |
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225
austere
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| adj.艰苦的；朴素的，朴实无华的；严峻的 | |
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226
countenances
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| n.面容( countenance的名词复数 )；表情；镇静；道义支持 | |
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227
suppleness
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| 柔软； 灵活； 易弯曲； 顺从 | |
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228
acquitted
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| 宣判…无罪( acquit的过去式和过去分词 )； 使（自己）作出某种表现 | |
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229
heartily
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| adv.衷心地，诚恳地，十分，很 | |
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230
admiration
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| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
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231
remains
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| n.剩余物，残留物；遗体，遗迹 | |
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232
twilight
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| n.暮光，黄昏；暮年，晚期，衰落时期 | |
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233
galleons
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| n.大型帆船( galleon的名词复数 ) | |
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234
treasury
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| n.宝库；国库，金库；文库 | |
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235
infested
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| adj.为患的，大批滋生的（常与with搭配）v.害虫、野兽大批出没于( infest的过去式和过去分词 )；遍布于 | |
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236
outrage
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| n.暴行，侮辱，愤怒；vt.凌辱，激怒 | |
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237
Ford
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| n.浅滩，水浅可涉处；v.涉水，涉过 | |
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238
waylay
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| v.埋伏，伏击 | |
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239
goring
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| v.（动物）用角撞伤，用牙刺破( gore的现在分词 ) | |
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240
chafing
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| n.皮肤发炎v.擦热（尤指皮肤）( chafe的现在分词 )；擦痛；发怒；惹怒 | |
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241
soothed
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| v.安慰( soothe的过去式和过去分词 )；抚慰；使舒服；减轻痛苦 | |
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242
galloping
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| adj. 飞驰的, 急性的 动词gallop的现在分词形式 | |
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243
clattering
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| 发出咔哒声（clatter的现在分词形式） | |
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244
mischief
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| n.损害，伤害，危害；恶作剧，捣蛋，胡闹 | |
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245
trepidation
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| n.惊恐，惶恐 | |
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246
groom
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| vt.给（马、狗等）梳毛，照料，使...整洁 | |
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247
steadily
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| adv.稳定地；不变地；持续地 | |
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248
doggedly
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| adv.顽强地，固执地 | |
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249
infantry
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| n.[总称]步兵(部队) | |
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250
vituperative
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| adj.谩骂的；斥责的 | |
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251
epithets
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| n.（表示性质、特征等的）词语( epithet的名词复数 ) | |
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252
epithet
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| n.（用于褒贬人物等的）表述形容词，修饰语 | |
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253
exhausted
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| adj.极其疲惫的，精疲力尽的 | |
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254
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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255
heed
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| v.注意，留意；n.注意，留心 | |
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256
literally
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| adv.照字面意义，逐字地；确实 | |
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257
demonstration
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| n.表明，示范，论证，示威 | |
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258
contagion
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| n.(通过接触的疾病)传染；蔓延 | |
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259
hostility
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| n.敌对，敌意；抵制［pl.］交战，战争 | |
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260
hearty
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| adj.热情友好的；衷心的；尽情的，纵情的 | |
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261
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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262
witty
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| adj.机智的，风趣的 | |
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