There, forests of no meaning spread the page,
In which all comprehension wanders, lost,
While fields of pleasantry amuse us there
The rest appears a wilderness5 of strange,
But gay confusion—roses for the cheeks,
And lilies for the brows of faded age;
Teeth for the toothless, ringlets for the bald,
Heav'n, earth, and ocean, plunder'd of their sweets;
Nectareous essences, Olympian dews,
Sermons and City feasts, and fav'rite airs,
Ethereal journeys, submarine exploits,
And Katerfelto with his hair on end,
At his own wonders wond'ring for his bread.”
“WELL,” said Tom, “it must be confessed that a Newspaper is a most convenient and agreeable companion to the breakfast-table,” laying down the Times as he spoke6: “it is a sort of literary hotch-potch, calculated to afford amusement suited to all tastes, rank-, and degrees; it contains
“Tales of love and maids mistaken,
Of battles fought, and captives taken.”
“It is impossible to look down the columns of a newspaper,” replied Tom, “without finding subjects to impart light; and of all the journals of the present day, the Times appears to me the best in point of information and conduct; but I spoke of newspapers generally, there is such a mixture of the utile et dulce, that the Merchant and the Mechanic, the Peer, the Poet, the Prelate, and the Peasant, are all deeply concerned in its contents. In truth, a newspaper is so true a mark of the caprice of Englishmen, that it may justly be styled their coat of [211]arms. The Turkish Koran is not near so sacred to a rigid9 Mahometan—a parish-dinner to an Overseer—a turtle-feast to an Alderman, or an election to a Freeholder, as a Gazette or Newspaper to an Englishman: by it the motions of the world are watched, and in some degree governed—the arts and sciences protected and promoted—the virtuous10 supported and stimulated—the vicious reproved and corrected—and all informed.”
“Consequently,” said Bob, “a good Newspaper is really a valuable article.”
“Doubtless,” continued Tom; “and John Bull—mistake me not, I don't mean the paper which bears that title—I mean the population of England, enjoy a Newspaper, and there are some who could not relish11 their breakfasts without one; it is a sort of general sauce to every thing, and to the quid nunc is indispensable—for if one informs him of a naval12 armament, he will not fail to toast the Admirals all round in pint13 bumpers15 to each, wishes them success, gets drunk with excessive loyalty16, and goes with his head full of seventy-fours, sixty-fours, frigates17, transports, fire-ships, &c. In its diversified19 pages, persons of every rank, denomination20, and pursuit, may be informed—the Philosopher, the Politician, the Citizen, the Handicraftsman, and the Gossip, are regaled by the novelty of its contents, the minuteness of its details, and the refreshing22 arrivals of transactions which occupy the attention of human beings at the greatest or nearest distances from us—
“——a messenger of grief
Perhaps to thousands, and of joy to some:
What is it but a map of life,
Its fluctuations23 and its vast concerns?”
It may with propriety24 be compared to the planetary system: the light which it diffuses25 round the mental hemisphere, operates according as it is seen, felt, understood, or enjoyed: for instance, the Miser26 is gladdened by an account of the rise of the stocks—the Mariner27 is rejoiced, at the safety of his vessel28 after a thunder-storm—the Manufacturer, to hear of the revival29 of foreign markets—the Merchant, that his cargo30 is safely arrived—the Member, that his election is secured—the Father, that his son is walling to return home—the Poet, that [212]his production has been favourably31 received by the public—the Physician, that a difficult cure is transmitting his fame to posterity32—the Actor, that his talents are duly appreciated—the Agriculturist, that grain fetches a good price—the upright man, that his character is defended—the poor man, that beer, meat, bread, and vegetables, are so within his reach that he can assure himself of being able to obtain a good Sunday's dinner.
“Tho' they differ in narrie, all alike, just the same, Morning Chronicle, Times, Advertiser, British Press, Morning Post, of News—what a host We read every day, and grow wiser; The Examiner, Whig—all alive to the gig, While each one his favourite chooses; Star, Traveller, and Sun, to keep up the fun, And tell all the world what the news is.”
“Well done,” said Bob, “you seem to have them all at your tongue's end, and their general contents in your head; but, for my part, I am struck with surprise to know how it is they find interesting matter enough at all times to fill their columns.”
“Nothing more easy,” continued Dashall, “especially for a newspaper whose contents are not sanctioned by authority; in which case they are so much the more the receptacle of invention—thence—We hear—it is said—a correspondent remarks—whereas, &c—all which serve to please, surprise, and inform. We hear, can alter a man's face as the weather would a barometer—It is said, can distort another like a fit of the spasm—If, can make some cry—while Suppose, can make others laugh—but a Whereas operates like an electric shock; and though it often runs the extremity33 of the kingdom in unison34 with the rest, they altogether form a very agreeable mixture, occasionally interspersed35, as opportunity offers, with long extracts from the last published novel, and an account of the prevailing36 fashions. But domestic occurrences form a very essential part of this folio: thus, a marriage hurts an old maid and mortifies37 a young one, while it consoles many a poor dejected husband, who is secretly pleased to find another fallen into his case—a death, if of a wife, makes husbands envy the widower38, while, perhaps, some one of the women who censure39 his alleged40 want of [213]decent sorrow, marry him within a month after—in fact, every person is put in motion by a Newspaper.
Of peace and war, health, sickness, death, and life;
Of loss and gain, of famine and of store;
Of storms at sea, and travels on the shore;
Of fires and plagues, and stars with blazing hair;
Of turns of fortune, changes in the state,
The falls of favourites, projects of the great.”
“It is a bill of fare, containing all the luxuries as well as necessaries, of life. Politics, for instance, are the roast beef of the times; essays, the plum pudding; and poetry the fritters, confections, custards, and all the et cotera of the table, usually denominated trifles. Yet the four winds are not liable to more mutability than the vehicles of these entertainments; for instance, on Monday, it is whispered—on Tuesday, it is rumoured—on Wednesday, it is conjectured—on Thursday, it is probable—on Friday, it is positively44 asserted—and, on Saturday, it is premature45. But notwithstanding this, some how or other, all are eventually pleased; for, as the affections of all are divided among wit, anecdote46, poetry, prices of stocks, the arrival of ships, &c. a Newspaper is a repository where every one has his hobby-horse; without it, coffee-houses, &c. would be depopulated, and the country squire47, the curate, the exciseman, and the barber, and many others, would lose those golden opportunities of appearing so very wise as they do.
A Newspaper may also be compared to the Seasons. Its information varies on the roll of Time, and much of it passes away as a Winter, giving many a bitter pang48 of the death of a relative or hopeful lover; it is as a Spring, for, in the time of war and civil commotion49, its luminary50, the editor, like the morning sun, leads Hope forward to milder days and happier prospects—the smiles of peace; it is the heart's Summer calendar, giving news of marriages and births for heirs and patrons; it is the Autumn of joy, giving accounts of plenty, and guarding the avaricious51 against the snares52 of self-love, and offering arguments in favour of humanity. It is more; a Newspaper is one of the most faithful lessons that can be represented to our reflections, for, while it is the interpreter [214]of the general economy of nature, it is a most kind and able instructress to improve ourselves.
What are our lives but as the ephemeral appearance of an advertisement? Our actions but as the actions of a popular contest? Our hopes, fears, exultations, but as the cross readings of diurnal53 events? And although grief is felt at the perusal of accidents, offences, and crimes, which are necessarily and judiciously54 given, there is in every good Newspaper an impartial55 record, an abstract of the times, a vast fund of useful knowledge; and, finally, no person has reason, after perusing56 it, to rise without being thankful that so useful a medium is offered to his understanding; at least, this is my opinion.”
“And now you have favoured me with this opinion,” rejoined Tallyho, “will you be kind enough to inform me to what fortunate circumstance I am indebted for it?”
“The question comes very apropos,” continued Tom—“for I had nearly forgotten that circumstance, so that you may perhaps be inclined to compare my head to a newspaper, constantly varying from subject to subject; but no matter, a novelty has just struck my eye, which I think will afford us much gratification: it is the announcement of an exhibition of engravings by living artists, under the immediate57 patronage58 of his Majesty59, recently opened in Soho Square, through the public spirited exertions60 of Mr. Cooke, a celebrated61 engraver—And now I think of it, Mortimer and his Sister intend visiting Somerset House—egad! we will make a morning of it in reviewing the Arts—what say you?”
“With all my heart,” returned Bob.
“Be it so, then,” said Tom—“So-ho, my boy—perhaps we may meet the love-sick youth, poor Sparkle; he has certainly received the wound of the blind urchin—I believe we must pity him—but come, let us prepare, we will lounge away an hour in walking down Bond Street—peep at the wags and the wag-tails, and take Soho Square in our way to Somerset House. I feel myself just in the humour for a bit of gig, and 1 promise you we will make a night of it.”
The preliminaries of their route being thus arranged, in half an hour they were on their road down Bond Street, marking and remarking upon circumstances and subjects as they arose.
“Who is that Lady?” said Bob, seeing Tom bow as a dashing carriage passed them.
“That is a Lady Townley, according to the generally
received term.”
“A lady of title, as I suspected,” said Bob.
“Yes, yes,” replied Tom Dashall, “a distinguished62 personage, I can assure you—one of the most dashing demireps of the present day, basking63 at this moment in the plenitude of her good fortune. She is however deserving of a better fate: well educated and brought up, she was early initiated64 into the mysteries and miseries65 of high life. You seem to wonder at the title I have given her.”
“I am astonished again, I confess,” replied Bob; “but it appears there is no end to wonders in London—nor can I guess how you so accurately66 know them.”
“Along residence in London affords opportunities for
discovery.
“As the French very justly say, that Il n'y a que le premier67 pas qui co?te, and just as, with all the sapience68 of medicine, there is but a degree betwixt the Doctor and the Student, so, after the first step, there is but a degree betwixt the Demirep and the gazetted Cyprian, who is known by head-mark to every insipid69 Amateur and Fancier in the town.
“The number of these frail70 ones is so great, that, if I were to attempt to go through the shades and gradations, the distinctions and titles, from the promiscuous71 Duchess to the interested Marchande de mode, and from her down to the Wood Nymphs of the English Opera, there would be such a longo ordine génies, that although it is a very interesting subject, well worthy72 of investigation73, it would occupy a considerable portion of time; however, I will give you a slight sketch74 of some well known and very topping articles. Mrs. B——m, commonly called B——g, Mrs. P——n, and Mrs. H——d, of various life. “The modern Pyrrha, B——g, has a train as long as an eastern monarch75, but it is a train of lovers. The Honourable76 B—— C——n, that famous gentleman miller77, had the honour at one time (like Cromwell,) of being the Protector of the Republic. The infamous78 Greek, bully79, informer and reprobate80 W——ce, was her accomplice81 and paramour at another. Lord V——l boasted her favours at a third period; and she wished to look upon him in a fatherly [216]light; but it would not do. Mr. C. T. S. the nephew of a great naval character, is supposed to have a greater or prior claim there; but the piebald harlequin is owned not by “Light horse, but by heavy.”
“Mr. P——y, however, was so struck with the increased
attractions of this Cyprian, that he offered to be her protector during a confinement82 which may be alarming to many, but interesting to a few. This was being doubly diligent83, and accordingly as it was two to one in his favour, no wonder he succeeded in his suit. The difficulties which Madame laboured under were sufficient to decide her in this youth's favour; and the preference, upon such an occasion, must have been highly flattering to him. On the score of difficulties, Cyprians are quite in fashion; for executions and arrests are very usual in their mansions84, and the last comer has the exquisite85 felicity of relieving them.
“Although this dashing Lady was the daughter of a bathing woman at Brighton, she was not enabled to keep her head above water.
“I must not forget Poll P——n, whose select friends have such cause to be proud of lier election. This Diana is not descended86 from a member of the Rump Parliament, nor from a bum14 bailiff; but was the daughter of a bumboat woman at Plymouth. She has, however, since that period, commenced business for herself; and that in such a respectable and extensive line, that she counts exactly seven thousand customers! all regularly booked. What a delectable87 amusement to keep such a register! Neanmoins, or nean plus, if you like. It is reported that the noble Y—— was so delighted with her at the Venetian fête given by Messrs. W—ll—ms and D—h—r—ty, that he gave the Virgin88 Unmasked several very valuable presents, item, a shawl value one hundred guineas, &c. and was honoured by being put on this Prime Minister of the Court of Love's list—number Seven thousand and one! What a fortunate man!
“Mrs. H——d is lineally descended, not from William the Conqueror89, but from W——s the coachman. She lived, for a considerable time, in a mews, and it was thought that it was his love for the Muses90 which attached C—— L—— so closely to her. She was seduced91 at a most indelicately juvenile92 age by a Major M——l, who protected her but a short time, and then deserted93 her. Then [217]she became what the Cyprians term Lady Townly, till Mr. H——d, a youth with considerable West India property in expectation, married her.
“On this happy occasion, her hymeneal flame burned with so much warmth and purity, that she shared it with a linen-draper, and the circumstance became almost immediately known to the husband! This was a happy presage94 of future connubial95 felicity! The very day before this domestic exposure, and the happy vigil of Mr. H——d's happier “jour des noces,” the darling of the Muses or Mewses, Mr. L—— procured96 Lady H——d's private box for her at one of the theatres, whither she and Mrs. CI——y, the mistress of an officer of that name, repaired in the carriage of the Mews lover, which has become completely “the Demirep or Cyprian's Diligence,” and these patterns for the fair sex had poured out such plentiful97 libations to Bacchus, that her ladyship's box exhibited the effects of their devotions! What a regale21 for the Princess of Madagascar!
“The guardians98, or trustees, of Mr. H——d now withheld99 his property, and Madame assisted him into the King's Bench, during which time she kept terms with Mr. L—— at Oxford100. On her return, she got acquainted with a Capt. Cr——ks, whom she contrived101 soon afterwards to lodge102, in the next room to her husband, in the Bench; but to whom she kindly103 gave the preference in her visits.
“Whether C—— L——, W—lk—s the linen-draper, or Capt. C——k, be the most favoured swain, or swine, I venture not to say; but the former has devoted104 his time, his chariot, and his female acquaintances' boxes in public to her. As a pledge of his love, she helped herself to a loose picture of great value belonging to him, which very nearly fell into the hands of John Doe or Richard Roe105, on her husband's account, afterwards. The palm should, however, certainly be given to Mr. L——, as he courted her classically, moralized to her sentimentally106, sung psalms107 and prayed with her fervently108, and, on all occasions, treated her like a lady.”
“Ha,” said a fashionably dressed young man, who approached towards Dashall, “Ha, my dear fellow, how goes it with you? Haven't seen you this month; d——d unlucky circumstance—wanted you very much indeed—glorious sport—all jolly and bang up.” [218]"Glad to hear it,” said Tom,—“sorry you should have experienced any wants on my account.”
“Which way are you going? Come along, I'll tell you of such a spree—regular, and nothing but—You must know, a few days ago, sauntering down Bond-street, I overtook Sir G. W. 'Ha! my gay fellow,' said he, 'I thought you were at Bibury; you're the very man I want. My brother Jack109 has lost a rump and dozen to a young one, and we want to make up a select party, a set of real hardheaded fellows, to share the feast. I have already recruited Sir M. M., the buck110 Parson, Lord Lavender, and Tom Shuffleton. Then there's yourself, I hope, my brother and I, the young one, and A——'s deputy, the reprobate Curate, whom we will have to make fun of. We dine at half-past seven, at Long's, and there will be some sport, I assure you.'
“I accepted the invitation, and met the company before mentioned. A rump and dozen is always a nominal111 thing. There was no rump, except Lavender's, which projects like a female's from the bottom of a tight-laced pair of stays; and as for the dozen, I believe we drank nearer three dozen of different expensive wines, which were tasted one after the other with a quickness of succession, which at last left no taste, but a taste for more drink, and for all sorts of wickedness.
“This tasting plan is a very successful trick of tavern112 keepers, which enables them to carry off half bottles of wine, to swell113 the reckoning most amazingly, and so to bewilder people as to the qualities of the wine, that any thing, provided it be strong and not acid, will go down at the heel of the evening. It is also a grand manouvre; to intoxicate114 a Johnny Raw, and to astonish his weak mind with admiration115 for the founder116 of the feast. Therefore, the old trick of 'I have got some particularly high-flavoured Burgundy, which Lord Lavender very much approved t'other day;' and, 'Might I, Sir, ask your opinion of a new importation of Sillery?' or, 'My Lord, 1 have bought all the Nabob's East India Madeira,' &c. was successfully practised.
“Through the first course we were stag-hunting, to a man, and killed the stag just as the second course came on the table. This course was occupied by a great number of long shots of Sir M. M., and by Lavender offering to back himself and the buck Parson against any other two [219]men in England, as to the number of head of game which they would bag from sun-rise to sun-set upon the moors117. A foot race, and a dispute as to the odds118 betted on the second October Meeting, occupied the third course. The desert was enlivened by a list of ladies of all descriptions, whose characters were cut up full as ably as the haunch of venison was carved; and here boasting of success in love was as general as the custom is base. One man of fashion goes by the name of Kiss and tell.
“After an hour of hard drinking, as though it had been for a wager119, a number of very manly120, nice little innocent and instructive amusements were resorted to. We had a most excellent maggot race for a hundred; and then a handycap for a future poney race. We had pitching a guinea into a decanter, at which the young one lost considerably121. We had a raffle122 for a gold snuff box, a challenge of fifty against Lord Lavender's Dusseldorf Pipe, and five hundred betted upon the number of shot to be put into a Joe Manton Rifle. We played at te-to-tum; and the young one leaped over a handkerchief six feet high for a wager: he performed extremely well at first, but at last Lavender, who betted against him, kept plying123 him so with wine, and daring him to an inch higher and higher, until at last the young one broke his nose, and lost five hundred guineas by his boyish diversion.
Now we had a fulminating letter introduced as a hoax124 upon Shuffleton; next, devils and broiled125 bones; then some blasphemous126 songs from the Curate, who afterwards fell asleep, and thus furnished an opportunity for having his face blacked. We then got in a band of itinerant127 musicians; put crackers128 in their pockets; cut off one fellow's tail; and had a milling match betwixt the baronet in the chair and the stoutest130 of them, who, having had spirits of wine poured over his head, refused to let the candle be put to it!
Peace being restored, a regular supper appeared; and then a regular set-to at play, where I perceived divers18 signals thrown out, such as rubbing of foreheads and chins, taking two pinches of snuff and other private telegraphic communications, the result of which was, the young one, just of age, being greeked to a very great amount.
We now sallied forth131, like a pack in full cry, with all the loud expression of mirth and riot, and proceeded to [220]old 77, which, being shut up, we swore like troopers, and broke the parlour windows in a rage. We next cut the traces of a hackney coach, and led the horses into a mews, ?where we tied them up; coachee being asleep inside the whole time. We then proceeded to old Ham-a-dry-ed, the bacon man's, called out Fire, and got the old man down to the door in his shirt, when Lavender ran away with his night-cap, and threw it into the water in St. James's Square, whilst the Baronet put it in right and left at his sconce, and told him to hide his d——d ugly masard. This induced him to come out and call the Watch, during which time the buck Parson got into his house, and was very snug132 with the cook wench until the next evening, when old fusty mug went out upon business.
After giving a view holloa! we ran off, with the Charleys in full cry after us, when Sir G. W., who had purposely provided himself with a long cord, gave me one end, and ran to the opposite side of Jermyn Street with the other in his hand, holding it about two feet from the pavement. The old Scouts133 came up in droves, and we had 'em down in a moment, for every mother's son of the guardians were caught in the trap, and rolled over each other slap into the kennel134. Never was such a prime bit of gig! They lay stunn'd with the fall—broken lanterns, staves, rattles135, Welsh wigs136, night-caps and old hats, were scattered137 about in abundance, while grunting138, growling139, and swearing was heard in all directions. One old buck got his jaw-bone broken; another staved in two of his crazy timbers, that is to say, broke a couple of ribs140; a third bled from the nose like a pig; a fourth squinted141 admirably from a pair of painted peepers; their numbers however increasing, we divided our forces and marched in opposite directions; one party sallied along Bond Street, nailed up a snoosy Charley in his box, and bolted with his lantern: the others were not so fortunate, for A——'s deputy cushion thumper142, the young one, and the Baronet's brother, got safely lodged143 in St. James's Watch-house.
“Broad daylight now glar'd upon us—Lavender retired144 comfortably upon Madame la Comtesse in the Bench; Sir M. M. was found chanting Cannons145 with some Wood nymphs not an hundred and fifty miles off from Leicester Square; I had the President to carry home on my shoulders, bundled to bed, and there I lay sick for four and twenty hours, when a little inspiring Coniac brought [221]me to my senses again, and now I am ready and ripe for another spree. Stap my vitals if there isn't Lavender—my dear fellow, adieu—remember me to Charley Sparkle when you see him—by, by.” And with this he sprung across the road, leaving Bob and his Cousin to comment at leisure upon his folly146.
They were however soon aroused from their reflections by perceiving a Groom147 in livery advancing rapidly towards them, followed by a curricle, moving at the rate of full nine miles per hour.
“Who have we here?” said Bob.
“A character well known,” said Tom; “that is Lady L——, a dashing female whip of the first order—mark how she manages her tits—take a peep at her costume and learn while you look.”
“More than one steed must Delia's empire feel Who sits triumphant148 o'er the flying wheel; And as she guides it through th' admiring throng149, With what an air she smacks150 the silken thong152!”
The Lady had a small round riding-hat, of black beaver153, and sat in the true attitude of a coachman—wrists pliant154, elbows square, she handled her whip in a scientific manner; and had not Tom declared her sex, Bob would hardly have discovered it from her outward appearance. She was approaching them at a brisk trot155, greeting her numerous acquaintance as she passed with familiar nods, at each giving her horses an additional touch, and pursing up her lips to accelerate their speed; indeed, she was so intent upon the management of her reins156, and her eyes so fixed157 upon her cattle, that there was no time for more than a sort of sidelong glance of recognition; and every additional smack151 of the whip seem'd to say, “Here I come—that's your sort.” Her whole manner indeed was very similar to what may be witnessed in Stage-coachmen, Hackneymen, and fashionable Ruffians, who appear to think that all merit consists in copying them when they tip a brother whip the go-by, or almost graze the wheel of a Johnny-raw, and turn round with a grin of self-approbation, as much as to say—“What d'ye think of that now, eh f—there's a touch for you—lord, what a flat you must be!”
Bob gazed with wonder and astonishment158 as she passed.
“How?” said he, “do the ladies of London frequently take the whip?—”
[222]”—Hand of their husbands as well as their horses,” replied Tom—“often enough, be assured.”
“But how, in the name of wonder, do they learn to drive in this style?”
“Easily enough; inclination159 and determination will accomplish their objects. Why, among the softer sex, we have female Anatomists—female Students in Natural History—Sculptors, and Mechanics of all descriptions—Shoe-makers and Match-makers—and why not Charioteers?”
“Nay, I am not asking why; but as it appears rather out of the common way, I confess my ignorance has excited my curiosity on a subject which seems somewhat out of nature.”
“I have before told you, Nature has nothing to do with Real Life in London.”
“And yet,” continued Bob, “we are told, and I cannot help confessing the truth of the assertion, with respect to the ladies, that
“——Loveliness
But is, when unadorned, adorn'd the most,”
This certainly implies a natural or native grace.”
“Pshaw,” said Dashall, “that was according to the Old school; such doctrines161 are completely exploded now-a-days, for Fashion is at variance162 with Nature in all her walks; hence, driving is considered one of the accomplishments163 necessary to be acquired by the female sex in high life, by which an estimate of character may be formed: for instance—if a lady take the reins of her husband, her brother, or a lover, it is strongly indicative of assuming the mastery; but should she have no courage or muscular strength, and pays no attention to the art of governing and guiding her cattle, it is plain that she will become no driver, no whip, and may daily run the risk of breaking the necks of herself and friends. If however she should excel in this study, she immediately becomes masculine and severe, and she punishes, when occasion requires, every animal within the reach of her lash—acquires an ungraceful attitude and manner—heats her complexion164 by over exertion—sacrifices her softness to accomplish her intentions—runs a risk of having hard hands, and perhaps a hard heart: at all events she gains unfeminine habits, and [223]such as are found very difficult to get rid of, and prides herself on being the go, the gaze, the gape165, the stare of all who see her.”
“A very admirable, and no doubt equally happy state,” quoth Bob, half interrupting him.
“If she learn the art of driving from the family coachman, it cannot be doubted but such tuition is more than likely to give her additional grace, and to teach her all that is polite; and then the pleasure of such company whilst superintending her studies, must tend to improve her mind; the freedom of these teachers of coachmanship, and the language peculiar166 to themselves, at first perhaps not altogether agreeable, is gradually worn away by the pride of becoming an accomplished167 whip—to know how to turn a corner in style—tickle168 Snarler169 in the ear—cut up the yelper—take out a fly's eye in bang-up twig170.”
“Excellent! indeed,” cried Bob, charmed with Dashall's irony171, and willing to provoke it farther; “and pray, when this art of driving is thoroughly172 learned, what does it tend to but a waste of time, a masculine enjoyment173, and a loss of feminine character—of that sweet, soft and overpowering submission174 to and reliance on the other sex, which, whilst it demands our protection and assistance, arouses our dearest sympathies—our best interests—attaches, enraptures175, and subdues176 us?”
“Nonsense,” continued Tom, “you might ask such questions for a month—who cares about these submissions177 and reliances—protections and sympathies—they are not known, at least it is very unfashionable to acknowledge their existence. Why I have known ladies so infatuated and affected178 by an inordinate179 love of charioteering, that it has completely altered them, not only as to dress, but manners and feeling, till at length they have become more at home in the stable than the drawing-room; and some, that are so different when dressed for dinner, that the driving habiliments appear like complete masquerade disguises. Indeed, any thing that is natural is considered quite out of nature; and this affectation is not wholly confined to the higher circles, for in the City even the men and the women seem to have changed places.
With clumsy hands to deck the female form—
Or measure out their ribbons, lace and tapes;
Or their rude eye the bosom's swell surveys,
To cut out corsets or to stitch their stays;
Or making essences and soft perfume,
Or with hot irons, combs, and frizzling skill,
On ladies' heads their daily task fulfil;
Or, clad in motley coat, the footman neat
Bearing in state to church her book of pray'r,
The tea and bread and butter hands about.
Where are the women, whose less nervous hands
Some feel the scorn that poverty attends,
Poor half-paid seamsters, wasting life away;
Bear market loads, or grovelling193 weed the soil;
Some walk abroad, a nuisance where they go,
“It is a strange sort of infatuation, this fashion,” said Bob, “and it is much to be regretted it should operate so much to the injury of the fair—”
“Do you see that young man on the opposite side of the way,"inquired Dashall,(stopping him short) “in nankin breeches and jockey-boots?”
“I do,” replied Tallyho; “and pray who is he?”
“The son of a wealthy Baronet who, with an eye to the main chance in early life, engaged in some mercantile speculations195, which proving productive concerns, have elevated him to his present dignity, beyond which it is said he cannot go on account of his having once kept a shop. This son is one of what may be termed the Ciphers197 of society, a sort of useful article, like an 0 in arithmetic, to denominate numbers; one of those characters, if character it may be termed, of which this Metropolis198 and its vicinity would furnish us with regiments199. Indeed, the
1 It is related that a young lady of haut ton in Paris was observed to have a tall fellow always following her wherever she went. Her grandmother one day asked her what occasion there was for that man to be always following her; to which she replied—“I must blow my nose, must not I, when I want?” This great genius was actually employed to carry her pocket-handkerchief. [225]general run of Fashionables are little better than Ciphers,—very necessary at times in the House of Commons, to suit the purposes and forward the intentions of the Ministers, by which they obtain titles to which they are not entitled, and transmit to posterity a race of ennobled boobies. What company, what society does not abound200 with Ciphers, and oftentimes in such plenty that they are even serviceable to make the society considerable? What could we do to express on paper five hundred without the two ciphers, or being compelled to write eleven letters to explain what is equally well done in three figures? These Ciphers are useful at general meetings upon public questions, though, if they were all collected together in point of intellectual value, they would amount to nought201. They are equally important as counters at a card-table, they tell for more than they are worth. Among the City Companies there are many of them to be found: and the Army is not deficient202, though great care is generally taken to send the most conspicuous203 Ciphers on foreign service. Public offices under Government swarm with them; and how many round O's or ciphers may be found among the gentlemen of the long robe, who, as Hudibras observes,
“——never ope
Their mouths, but out there flies a trope.”
In the twelve Judges it must be allowed there is no cipher196, because they have two figures to support them; but take these two figures away, and the whole wit of mankind may be defied to patch up or recruit the number without having recourse to the race of Ciphers.
“I have known a Cipher make a profound Statesman and a Secretary—nay, an Ambassador; but then it must be confess'd it has been by the timely and prudent204 application of proper supporters; and it is certain, that Ciphers have more than once shewn themselves significant in high posts and stations, and in more reigns205 than one. Bounteous206 nature indulges mankind in a boundless207 variety of characters as well as features, and has given Ciphers to make up numbers, and very often by such additions renders the few much more significant and conspicuous. The Church has its Ciphers—for a mitre looks as well on a round 0 as on any letter in the alphabet, [226]and the expense to the nation is equally the same; consequently, John Bull has no right to complain.
“See in Pomposo a polite divine,
More gay than grave, not half so sound as fine;
The ladies' parson, proudly skill'd is he,
To 'tend their toilet and pour out their tea;
Foremost to lead the dance, or patient sit
To deal the cards out, or deal out small wit;
Then oh! in public, what a perfect beau,
So powder'd and so trimm'd for pulpit show;
So well equipp'd to tickle ears polite
Of polish'd sermons often preached before;
Whene'er he meets with some good thing to say,
Or prove his taste correct, his memory strong,
Nor let his fifteen minutes seem too long:
Thus far, although it must be allowed that ciphers are of use, it is not every cipher that is truly useful. There are Ciphers of indolence, to which some mistaken men give the title of men of fine parts—there are Ciphers of Self-interest, to which others more wrongfully give the name of Patriots—there are Bacchanalian216 Ciphers, who will not leave the bottle to save the nation, but will continue to guzzle217 till no one figure in Arithmetic is sufficient to support them—then there are Ciphers of Venus, who will abandon all state affairs to follow a Cyprian, even at the risk of injuring a deserving wife—Military Ciphers, who forsake218 the pursuit of glory, and distrustful of their own merit or courage, affirm their distrust by a sedulous219 attendance at the levees of men of power. In short, every man, in my humble220 opinion, is no other than a Cipher who does not apply his talents to the care of his morals and the benefit of his country.”
“You have been ciphering for some time,” said Boh, “and I suppose you have now finished your sum.”
“I confess,” continued Tom, “it has been a puzzling one—for, to make something out of nothing is impossible.”
“Not in all cases,” said Bob.
“How so?—why you have proved it by your own shewing, that these nothings are to be made something of.”
[227]"I perceive,” replied Tom, “that your acquaintance with Sparkle is not thrown away upon you; and it argues well, for if you are so ready a pupil at imbibing221 his lessons, you will soon become a proficient222 in London manners and conversation; but a Cipher is like a round robin,{1} it has neither beginning nor end: its centre is vacancy223, its circle ambiguity224, and it stands for nothing, unless in certain connections.”
They were now proceeding225 gently along Oxford Street, in pursuit of their way to Soho Square, and met with little worthy of note or remark until they arrived near the end of Newman Street, where a number of workmen were digging up the earth for the purpose of making new-drains. The pathway was railed from the road by scaffolding poles strongly driven into the ground, and securely tied together to prevent interruption from the passengers.—Tom was remarking upon the hardihood and utility of the labourers at the moment when a fountain of water was issuing from a broken pipe, which arose as high as a two pair of stairs window, a circumstance which quickly drew a number of spectators around, and, among the rest, Tom and his Cousin could not resist an inclination to spend a few minutes in viewing the proceedings226.
The Irish jontlemen, who made two or three ineffectual attempts to stop the breach227, alternately got soused by the increased violence of the water, and at every attempt were saluted228 by the loud laughter of the surrounding multitude.
To feelings naturally warm and irritable230, these vociferations of amusement and delight at their defeat, served but to exasperate231 and enrage232; and the Irishmen in strong terms expressed their indignation at the merriment which their abortive233 attempts appeared to excite: at length, one of the Paddies having cut a piece of wood, as he conceived, sufficient to stop the effusion of water, with some degree of adroitness234 thrust his arm into the foaming235 fluid, and for a moment appeared to have arrested its progress.
“Blood-an-owns! Murphy,” cried he, “scoop away the water, and be after handing over the mallet236 this way.” In a moment the spades of his comrades were seen in
1 Round Rubin—A Letter or Billet, so composed as to have
the signatures of many persons in a circle, in order that
the reader may not be able to discover which of the party
signed first or last.
[228]action to accomplish his instructions, while one, who was not in a humour to hear the taunts237 of the crowd, very politely scoop'd the water with his hands among the spectators, which created a general desire to avoid his liberal and plentiful besprinklings, and at the same time considerable confusion among men, women, and children, who, in effecting their escape, were seen tumbling and rolling over each other in all directions.
“Be off wid you all, and be d——d to you,” said the Hibernian; while those who were fortunate enough to escape the cooling fluid he was so indifferently dispensing238, laughed heartily239 at their less favoured companions.
“Hold,” said Dash all, “it is two to one but you will see some fun here.”
He had scarcely said the word, when a brawny Porter in a fustian241 jacket, with his knot slung242 across his shoulder, manifested dislike to the manner in which the Irish jontleman was pursuing his amusement.
“D——n your Irish eyes,” said he, “don't throw your water here, or I'll lend you my bunch of fives.” {l}
“Be after being off, there,” replied Pat; and, without hesitation243, continued his employment.
The Porter was resolute244, and upon receiving an additional salute229, jumped over the railings, and re-saluted poor Pat with a muzzier,{2} which drew his claret in a moment. The Irishman endeavoured to rally, while the crowd cheered the Porter and hooted245 the Labourer. This was the signal for hostilities246. The man who had plugg'd up the broken pipe let go his hold, and the fountain was playing away as briskly as ever—all was confusion, and the neighbourhood in alarm. The workmen, with spades and pick-axes, gathered round their comrade, and there was reason to apprehend247 serious mischief248 would occur; one of them hit the Porter with his spade, and several others were prepared to follow his example; while a second, who seem'd a little more blood-thirsty than the rest, raised his pickaxe in a menacing attitude; upon perceiving which, Dashall jump'd over the rail and
1 Bunch of fives—A flash term for the fist, frequently made
use of among the lads of the Fancy, who address each other
some-times in a friendly way, with—Ha, Bill, how goes it?—
tip us your bunch of fives, my boy.
2 Muzzier—A blow on the mouth.
[229]arrested his arm, or, if the blow had been struck, murder must have ensued. In the mean time, several other persons, following Tom's example, had disarmed249 the remainder. A fellow-labourer, who had been engaged at a short distance, from the immediate scene of action, attacked the man who had raised the pickaxe, between whom a pugilistic encounter took place, the former swearing, 'By Jasus, they were a set of cowardly rascals250, and deserved quilting.'{1} The water was flowing copiously—shovels, pickaxes, barrows, lanterns and other implements251 were strewed252 around them—the crowd increased—Tom left the combatants (when he conceived no real danger of unfair advantage being taken was to be apprehended) to enjoy their rolling in the mud; while the Porter, who had escaped the vengeance253 of his opponents, was explaining to those around him, and expostulating with the first aggressor, upon the impropriety of his conduct. The shouts of the multitude at the courageous254 proceedings of the Porter, and the hootings at the shameful255 and cowardly manner of defence pursued by the Labourers, roused the blood of the Irishmen, and one again seized a spade to attack a Coal-heaver who espoused256 the cause of the Porter—a disposition257 was again manifested to cut down any one who dared to entertain opinions opposite to their own—immediately a shower of mud and stones was directed towards him—the spade was taken away, and the Irishmen armed themselves in a similar way with the largest stones they could find suitable for throwing. In this state of things, the houses and the windows in the neighbourhood were threatened with serious damage. The crowd retreated hallooing, shouting, hissing258, and groaning259; and in this part of the affray Bob got himself well bespattered with mud. Tom again interfered260, and after a few minutes, persuaded the multitude to desist, and the Irishmen to drop their weapons. The Porter made his escape, and the men resumed their work; but, upon Dashall's return to the
1 Quilting—To quilt a person among the knowing Covies, is
to give another a good thrashing; probably, this originated
in the idea of warming—as a quilt is a warm companion, so a
holds good with respect to comfort, must be left to the
decision of those who try it on, (which is to make any
attempt or essay where success is doubtful.)
[230]spot where he had left Tallyho, the latter was not to be found; he was however quickly relieved from suspense262.
“Sir,” said a stout129 man, “the neighbourhood is greatly indebted to your exertions in suppressing a riot from which much mischief was to be apprehended—your friend is close at hand, if you will step this way, you will find him—he is getting his coat brushed at my house, and has sustained no injury.”
“It is a lucky circumstance for him,” said Tom: “and I think myself fortunate upon the same account, for I assure you I was very apprehensive263 of some serious mischief resulting from the disturbance264."
点击
收听单词发音
收听单词发音 |
1
declamation
|
|
| n. 雄辩，高调 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
2
descants
|
|
| n.多声部音乐中的上方声部( descant的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
|
3
woe
|
|
| n.悲哀，苦痛，不幸，困难；int.用来表达悲伤或惊慌 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
4
woes
|
|
| 困境( woe的名词复数 )； 悲伤； 我好苦哇； 某人就要倒霉 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
5
wilderness
|
|
| n.杳无人烟的一片陆地、水等，荒漠 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
6
spoke
|
|
| 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 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
7
perusal
|
|
| n.细读，熟读；目测 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
8
ply
|
|
| v.(搬运工等)等候顾客，弯曲 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
9
rigid
|
|
| adj.严格的，死板的；刚硬的，僵硬的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
10
virtuous
|
|
| adj.有品德的，善良的，贞洁的，有效力的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
11
relish
|
|
| n.滋味，享受，爱好，调味品；vt.加调味料，享受，品味；vi.有滋味 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
12
naval
|
|
| adj.海军的，军舰的，船的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
13
pint
|
|
| n.品脱 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
14
bum
|
|
| n.臀部；流浪汉，乞丐；vt.乞求，乞讨 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
15
bumpers
|
|
| （汽车上的）保险杠，缓冲器( bumper的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
16
loyalty
|
|
| n.忠诚，忠心 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
17
frigates
|
|
| n.快速军舰( frigate的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
18
divers
|
|
| adj.不同的；种种的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
19
diversified
|
|
| adj.多样化的，多种经营的v.使多样化，多样化( diversify的过去式和过去分词 )；进入新的商业领域 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
20
denomination
|
|
| n.命名，取名，(度量衡、货币等的)单位 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
21
regale
|
|
| v.取悦，款待 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
22
refreshing
|
|
| adj.使精神振作的，使人清爽的，使人喜欢的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
23
fluctuations
|
|
| 波动，涨落，起伏( fluctuation的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
24
propriety
|
|
| n.正当行为；正当；适当 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
25
diffuses
|
|
| （使光）模糊，漫射，漫散( diffuse的第三人称单数 )； （使）扩散； （使）弥漫； （使）传播 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
26
miser
|
|
| n.守财奴，吝啬鬼 (adj.miserly) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
27
mariner
|
|
| n.水手号不载人航天探测器，海员，航海者 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
28
vessel
|
|
| n.船舶；容器，器皿；管，导管，血管 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
29
revival
|
|
| n.复兴，复苏，（精力、活力等的）重振 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
30
cargo
|
|
| n.(一只船或一架飞机运载的)货物 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
31
favourably
|
|
| adv. 善意地，赞成地 =favorably | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
32
posterity
|
|
| n.后裔，子孙，后代 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
33
extremity
|
|
| n.末端，尽头；尽力；终极；极度 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
34
unison
|
|
| n.步调一致，行动一致 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
35
interspersed
|
|
| adj.[医]散开的；点缀的v.intersperse的过去式和过去分词 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
36
prevailing
|
|
| adj.盛行的；占优势的；主要的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
37
mortifies
|
|
| v.使受辱( mortify的第三人称单数 )；伤害（人的感情）；克制；抑制（肉体、情感等） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
|
38
widower
|
|
| n.鳏夫 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
39
censure
|
|
| v./n.责备；非难；责难 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
40
alleged
|
|
| a.被指控的，嫌疑的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
41
strife
|
|
| n.争吵，冲突，倾轧，竞争 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
42
prodigies
|
|
| n.奇才，天才（尤指神童）( prodigy的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
43
portents
|
|
| n.预兆( portent的名词复数 )；征兆；怪事；奇物 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
44
positively
|
|
| adv.明确地，断然，坚决地；实在，确实 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
45
premature
|
|
| adj.比预期时间早的；不成熟的，仓促的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
46
anecdote
|
|
| n.轶事，趣闻，短故事 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
47
squire
|
|
| n.护卫, 侍从, 乡绅 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
48
pang
|
|
| n.剧痛，悲痛，苦闷 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
49
commotion
|
|
| n.骚动，动乱 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
50
luminary
|
|
| n.名人，天体 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
51
avaricious
|
|
| adj.贪婪的，贪心的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
52
snares
|
|
| n.陷阱( snare的名词复数 )；圈套；诱人遭受失败（丢脸、损失等）的东西；诱惑物v.用罗网捕捉，诱陷，陷害( snare的第三人称单数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
53
diurnal
|
|
| adj.白天的，每日的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
54
judiciously
|
|
| adv.明断地，明智而审慎地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
55
impartial
|
|
| adj.(in,to)公正的，无偏见的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
56
perusing
|
|
| v.读（某篇文字）( peruse的现在分词 )；（尤指）细阅；审阅；匆匆读或心不在焉地浏览（某篇文字） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
57
immediate
|
|
| adj.立即的；直接的，最接近的；紧靠的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
58
patronage
|
|
| n.赞助，支援，援助；光顾，捧场 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
59
majesty
|
|
| n.雄伟，壮丽，庄严，威严；最高权威，王权 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
60
exertions
|
|
| n.努力( exertion的名词复数 )；费力；（能力、权力等的）运用；行使 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
61
celebrated
|
|
| adj.有名的，声誉卓著的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
62
distinguished
|
|
| adj.卓越的，杰出的，著名的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
63
basking
|
|
| v.晒太阳，取暖( bask的现在分词 )；对…感到乐趣；因他人的功绩而出名；仰仗…的余泽 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
64
initiated
|
|
| n. 创始人 adj. 新加入的 vt. 开始，创始，启蒙，介绍加入 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
65
miseries
|
|
| n.痛苦( misery的名词复数 )；痛苦的事；穷困；常发牢骚的人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
66
accurately
|
|
| adv.准确地，精确地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
67
premier
|
|
| adj.首要的；n.总理，首相 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
68
sapience
|
|
| n.贤明，睿智 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
69
insipid
|
|
| adj.无味的，枯燥乏味的，单调的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
70
frail
|
|
| adj.身体虚弱的；易损坏的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
71
promiscuous
|
|
| adj.杂乱的，随便的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
72
worthy
|
|
| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
73
investigation
|
|
| n.调查，调查研究 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
74
sketch
|
|
| n.草图；梗概；素描；v.素描；概述 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
75
monarch
|
|
| n.帝王，君主，最高统治者 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
76
honourable
|
|
| adj.可敬的；荣誉的，光荣的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
77
miller
|
|
| n.磨坊主 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
78
infamous
|
|
| adj.声名狼藉的，臭名昭著的，邪恶的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
79
bully
|
|
| n.恃强欺弱者，小流氓；vt.威胁，欺侮 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
80
reprobate
|
|
| n.无赖汉；堕落的人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
81
accomplice
|
|
| n.从犯，帮凶，同谋 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
82
confinement
|
|
| n.幽禁，拘留，监禁；分娩；限制，局限 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
83
diligent
|
|
| adj.勤勉的，勤奋的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
84
mansions
|
|
| n.宅第，公馆，大厦( mansion的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
85
exquisite
|
|
| adj.精美的；敏锐的；剧烈的，感觉强烈的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
86
descended
|
|
| a.为...后裔的，出身于...的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
87
delectable
|
|
| adj.使人愉快的；美味的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
88
virgin
|
|
| n.处女，未婚女子；adj.未经使用的；未经开发的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
89
conqueror
|
|
| n.征服者，胜利者 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
90
muses
|
|
| v.沉思，冥想( muse的第三人称单数 )；沉思自语说（某事） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
91
seduced
|
|
| 诱奸( seduce的过去式和过去分词 )； 勾引； 诱使堕落； 使入迷 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
92
juvenile
|
|
| n.青少年，少年读物；adj.青少年的，幼稚的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
93
deserted
|
|
| adj.荒芜的，荒废的，无人的，被遗弃的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
94
presage
|
|
| n.预感，不祥感；v.预示 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
95
connubial
|
|
| adj.婚姻的，夫妇的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
96
procured
|
|
| v.（努力）取得， （设法）获得( procure的过去式和过去分词 )；拉皮条 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
97
plentiful
|
|
| adj.富裕的，丰富的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
98
guardians
|
|
| 监护人( guardian的名词复数 )； 保护者，维护者 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
99
withheld
|
|
| withhold过去式及过去分词 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
100
Oxford
|
|
| n.牛津（英国城市） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
101
contrived
|
|
| adj.不自然的，做作的；虚构的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
102
lodge
|
|
| v.临时住宿，寄宿，寄存，容纳；n.传达室，小旅馆 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
103
kindly
|
|
| adj.和蔼的，温和的，爽快的；adv.温和地，亲切地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
104
devoted
|
|
| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
105
roe
|
|
| n.鱼卵；獐鹿 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
106
sentimentally
|
|
| adv.富情感地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
107
psalms
|
|
| n.赞美诗( psalm的名词复数 )；圣诗；圣歌；(中的) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
108
fervently
|
|
| adv.热烈地，热情地，强烈地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
109
jack
|
|
| n.插座，千斤顶，男人；v.抬起，提醒，扛举；n.（Jake）杰克 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
110
buck
|
|
| n.雄鹿，雄兔；v.马离地跳跃 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
111
nominal
|
|
| adj.名义上的；(金额、租金)微不足道的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
112
tavern
|
|
| n.小旅馆，客栈；小酒店 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
113
swell
|
|
| vi.膨胀，肿胀；增长，增强 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
114
intoxicate
|
|
| vt.使喝醉，使陶醉，使欣喜若狂 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
115
admiration
|
|
| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
116
Founder
|
|
| n.创始者，缔造者 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
117
moors
|
|
| v.停泊，系泊（船只）( moor的第三人称单数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
118
odds
|
|
| n.让步，机率，可能性，比率；胜败优劣之别 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
119
wager
|
|
| n.赌注；vt.押注，打赌 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
120
manly
|
|
| adj.有男子气概的；adv.男子般地，果断地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
121
considerably
|
|
| adv.极大地；相当大地；在很大程度上 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
122
raffle
|
|
| n.废物，垃圾，抽奖售卖；v.以抽彩出售 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
123
plying
|
|
| v.使用（工具）( ply的现在分词 )；经常供应（食物、饮料）；固定往来；经营生意 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
124
hoax
|
|
| v.欺骗，哄骗，愚弄；n.愚弄人，恶作剧 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
125
broiled
|
|
| a.烤过的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
126
blasphemous
|
|
| adj.亵渎神明的，不敬神的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
127
itinerant
|
|
| adj.巡回的；流动的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
128
crackers
|
|
| adj.精神错乱的，癫狂的n.爆竹( cracker的名词复数 )；薄脆饼干；（认为）十分愉快的事；迷人的姑娘 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
130
stoutest
|
|
| 粗壮的( stout的最高级 )； 结实的； 坚固的； 坚定的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
131
forth
|
|
| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
132
snug
|
|
| adj.温暖舒适的，合身的，安全的；v.使整洁干净，舒适地依靠，紧贴；n.（英）酒吧里的私房 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
133
scouts
|
|
| 侦察员[机，舰]( scout的名词复数 )； 童子军； 搜索； 童子军成员 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
134
kennel
|
|
| n.狗舍，狗窝 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
135
rattles
|
|
| （使）发出格格的响声， （使）作嘎嘎声( rattle的第三人称单数 )； 喋喋不休地说话； 迅速而嘎嘎作响地移动，堕下或走动； 使紧张，使恐惧 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
136
wigs
|
|
| n.假发，法官帽( wig的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
137
scattered
|
|
| adj.分散的，稀疏的；散步的；疏疏落落的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
138
grunting
|
|
| 咕哝的，呼噜的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
139
growling
|
|
| n.吠声, 咆哮声 v.怒吠, 咆哮, 吼 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
140
ribs
|
|
| n.肋骨( rib的名词复数 )；（船或屋顶等的）肋拱；肋骨状的东西；（织物的）凸条花纹 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
141
squinted
|
|
| 斜视( squint的过去式和过去分词 )； 眯着眼睛； 瞟； 从小孔或缝隙里看 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
142
thumper
|
|
| n.击键声检测器；轰鸣器 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
|
143
lodged
|
|
| v.存放( lodge的过去式和过去分词 )；暂住；埋入；（权利、权威等）归属 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
144
retired
|
|
| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
145
cannons
|
|
| n.加农炮，大炮，火炮( cannon的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
146
folly
|
|
| n.愚笨，愚蠢，蠢事，蠢行，傻话 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
147
groom
|
|
| vt.给（马、狗等）梳毛，照料，使...整洁 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
148
triumphant
|
|
| adj.胜利的，成功的；狂欢的，喜悦的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
149
throng
|
|
| n.人群，群众；v.拥挤，群集 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
150
smacks
|
|
| 掌掴（声）( smack的名词复数 )； 海洛因； （打的）一拳； 打巴掌 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
151
smack
|
|
| vt.拍，打，掴；咂嘴；vi.含有…意味；n.拍 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
152
thong
|
|
| n.皮带；皮鞭；v.装皮带 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
153
beaver
|
|
| n.海狸，河狸 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
154
pliant
|
|
| adj.顺从的；可弯曲的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
155
trot
|
|
| n.疾走，慢跑；n.老太婆；现成译本；(复数）trots:腹泻（与the 连用）；v.小跑，快步走，赶紧 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
156
reins
|
|
| 感情，激情； 缰( rein的名词复数 )； 控制手段； 掌管； （成人带着幼儿走路以防其走失时用的）保护带 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
157
fixed
|
|
| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
158
astonishment
|
|
| n.惊奇，惊异 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
159
inclination
|
|
| n.倾斜；点头；弯腰；斜坡；倾度；倾向；爱好 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
160
ornament
|
|
| v.装饰，美化；n.装饰，装饰物 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
161
doctrines
|
|
| n.教条( doctrine的名词复数 )；教义；学说；（政府政策的）正式声明 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
162
variance
|
|
| n.矛盾，不同 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
163
accomplishments
|
|
| n.造诣；完成( accomplishment的名词复数 )；技能；成绩；成就 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
164
complexion
|
|
| n.肤色；情况，局面；气质，性格 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
165
gape
|
|
| v.张口，打呵欠，目瞪口呆地凝视 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
166
peculiar
|
|
| adj.古怪的，异常的；特殊的，特有的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
167
accomplished
|
|
| adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
168
tickle
|
|
| v.搔痒，胳肢；使高兴；发痒；n.搔痒，发痒 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
169
snarler
|
|
| n.咆哮的人，狂吠的动物 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
|
170
twig
|
|
| n.小树枝，嫩枝；v.理解 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
171
irony
|
|
| n.反语，冷嘲；具有讽刺意味的事，嘲弄 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
172
thoroughly
|
|
| adv.完全地，彻底地，十足地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
173
enjoyment
|
|
| n.乐趣；享有；享用 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
174
submission
|
|
| n.服从，投降；温顺，谦虚；提出 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
175
enraptures
|
|
| v.使狂喜( enrapture的第三人称单数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
|
176
subdues
|
|
| 征服( subdue的第三人称单数 )； 克制； 制服 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
177
submissions
|
|
| n.提交( submission的名词复数 )；屈从；归顺；向法官或陪审团提出的意见或论据 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
178
affected
|
|
| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
179
inordinate
|
|
| adj.无节制的；过度的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
180
swarm
|
|
| n.(昆虫)等一大群；vi.成群飞舞；蜂拥而入 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
181
brawny
|
|
| adj.强壮的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
182
pallid
|
|
| adj.苍白的，呆板的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
183
versed
|
|
| adj. 精通，熟练 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
184
tarts
|
|
| n.果馅饼( tart的名词复数 )；轻佻的女人；妓女；小妞 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
185
dangling
|
|
| 悬吊着( dangle的现在分词 )； 摆动不定； 用某事物诱惑…； 吊胃口 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
186
shuffling
|
|
| adj. 慢慢移动的, 滑移的 动词shuffle的现在分词形式 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
187
disdains
|
|
| 鄙视，轻蔑( disdain的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
188
lout
|
|
| n.粗鄙的人；举止粗鲁的人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
189
lighter
|
|
| n.打火机，点火器；驳船；v.用驳船运送；light的比较级 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
190
meek
|
|
| adj.温顺的，逆来顺受的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
191
drudge
|
|
| n.劳碌的人；v.做苦工，操劳 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
192
toil
|
|
| vi.辛劳工作，艰难地行动；n.苦工，难事 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
193
grovelling
|
|
| adj.卑下的，奴颜婢膝的v.卑躬屈节，奴颜婢膝( grovel的现在分词 )；趴 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
194
infamy
|
|
| n.声名狼藉，出丑，恶行 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
195
speculations
|
|
| n.投机买卖( speculation的名词复数 )；思考；投机活动；推断 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
196
cipher
|
|
| n.零；无影响力的人；密码 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
197
ciphers
|
|
| n.密码( cipher的名词复数 )；零；不重要的人；无价值的东西 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
198
metropolis
|
|
| n.首府；大城市 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
199
regiments
|
|
| （军队的）团( regiment的名词复数 )； 大量的人或物 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
200
abound
|
|
| vi.大量存在；(in，with)充满，富于 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
201
nought
|
|
| n.／adj.无，零 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
202
deficient
|
|
| adj.不足的，不充份的，有缺陷的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
203
conspicuous
|
|
| adj.明眼的，惹人注目的；炫耀的，摆阔气的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
204
prudent
|
|
| adj.谨慎的，有远见的，精打细算的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
205
reigns
|
|
| n.君主的统治( reign的名词复数 )；君主统治时期；任期；当政期 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
206
bounteous
|
|
| adj.丰富的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
207
boundless
|
|
| adj.无限的；无边无际的；巨大的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
208
trite
|
|
| adj.陈腐的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
209
garbled
|
|
| adj.（指信息）混乱的，引起误解的v.对（事实）歪曲，对（文章等）断章取义，窜改( garble的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
210
scraps
|
|
| 油渣 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
211
vacancies
|
|
| n.空房间( vacancy的名词复数 )；空虚；空白；空缺 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
212
orator
|
|
| n.演说者，演讲者，雄辩家 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
213
slumbering
|
|
| 微睡，睡眠（slumber的现在分词形式） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
214
knotty
|
|
| adj.有结的，多节的，多瘤的，棘手的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
215
tithes
|
|
| n.（宗教捐税）什一税，什一的教区税，小部分( tithe的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
216
bacchanalian
|
|
| adj.闹酒狂饮的；n.发酒疯的人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
217
guzzle
|
|
| v.狂饮，暴食 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
218
forsake
|
|
| vt.遗弃，抛弃；舍弃，放弃 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
219
sedulous
|
|
| adj.勤勉的，努力的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
220
humble
|
|
| adj.谦卑的，恭顺的；地位低下的；v.降低，贬低 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
221
imbibing
|
|
| v.吸收( imbibe的现在分词 )；喝；吸取；吸气 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
222
proficient
|
|
| adj.熟练的，精通的；n.能手，专家 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
223
vacancy
|
|
| n.（旅馆的）空位，空房，（职务的）空缺 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
224
ambiguity
|
|
| n.模棱两可；意义不明确 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
225
proceeding
|
|
| n.行动，进行，(pl.)会议录，学报 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
226
proceedings
|
|
| n.进程，过程，议程；诉讼(程序)；公报 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
227
breach
|
|
| n.违反，不履行；破裂；vt.冲破，攻破 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
228
saluted
|
|
| v.欢迎，致敬( salute的过去式和过去分词 )；赞扬，赞颂 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
229
salute
|
|
| vi.行礼，致意，问候，放礼炮；vt.向…致意，迎接，赞扬；n.招呼，敬礼，礼炮 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
230
irritable
|
|
| adj.急躁的；过敏的；易怒的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
231
exasperate
|
|
| v.激怒，使（疾病）加剧，使恶化 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
232
enrage
|
|
| v.触怒，激怒 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
233
abortive
|
|
| adj.不成功的，发育不全的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
234
adroitness
|
|
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
235
foaming
|
|
| adj.布满泡沫的；发泡 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
236
mallet
|
|
| n.槌棒 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
237
taunts
|
|
| 嘲弄的言语，嘲笑，奚落( taunt的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
238
dispensing
|
|
| v.分配( dispense的现在分词 )；施与；配（药） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
239
heartily
|
|
| adv.衷心地，诚恳地，十分，很 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
240
onward
|
|
| adj.向前的，前进的；adv.向前，前进，在先 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
241
fustian
|
|
| n.浮夸的；厚粗棉布 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
242
slung
|
|
| 抛( sling的过去式和过去分词 )； 吊挂； 遣送； 押往 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
243
hesitation
|
|
| n.犹豫，踌躇 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
244
resolute
|
|
| adj.坚决的，果敢的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
245
hooted
|
|
| （使）作汽笛声响，作汽车喇叭声( hoot的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
246
hostilities
|
|
| n.战争；敌意(hostility的复数)；敌对状态；战事 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
247
apprehend
|
|
| vt.理解，领悟，逮捕，拘捕，忧虑 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
248
mischief
|
|
| n.损害，伤害，危害；恶作剧，捣蛋，胡闹 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
249
disarmed
|
|
| v.裁军( disarm的过去式和过去分词 )；使息怒 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
250
rascals
|
|
| 流氓( rascal的名词复数 )； 无赖； （开玩笑说法）淘气的人（尤指小孩）； 恶作剧的人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
251
implements
|
|
| n.工具( implement的名词复数 )；家具；手段；[法律]履行（契约等）v.实现( implement的第三人称单数 )；执行；贯彻；使生效 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
252
strewed
|
|
| v.撒在…上( strew的过去式和过去分词 )；散落于；点缀；撒满 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
253
vengeance
|
|
| n.报复，报仇，复仇 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
254
courageous
|
|
| adj.勇敢的，有胆量的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
255
shameful
|
|
| adj.可耻的，不道德的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
256
espoused
|
|
| v.（决定）支持，拥护（目标、主张等）( espouse的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
257
disposition
|
|
| n.性情，性格；意向，倾向；排列，部署 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
258
hissing
|
|
| n. 发嘶嘶声, 蔑视 动词hiss的现在分词形式 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
259
groaning
|
|
| adj. 呜咽的, 呻吟的 动词groan的现在分词形式 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
260
interfered
|
|
| v.干预( interfere的过去式和过去分词 )；调停；妨碍；干涉 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
261
allusion
|
|
| n.暗示，间接提示 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
262
suspense
|
|
| n.（对可能发生的事）紧张感，担心，挂虑 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
263
apprehensive
|
|
| adj.担心的，恐惧的，善于领会的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
264
disturbance
|
|
| n.动乱，骚动；打扰，干扰；(身心)失调 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
| 欢迎访问英文小说网 |