Still rolling round and round and round,”
[298] Exclaimed Dashall, as he advanced from the breakfast table towards the window, when a pleasing and singular street-exhibition presented itself, which had attracted around a numerous audience, of all ages and conditions.
An itinerant2 purveyor3 of novelties was in the act of showing forth4 to an admiring crowd, the docility5 of a tame hare. On a table in the street, on which was placed a drum, the little animal stood, in an erect6 posture7, and with surprising tractableness obeyed the commands of its exhibiter, delivered in very broken English, with which, nevertheless, it seemed perfectly8 conversant9.
“Vat10 mattiere now, dat you be so solky, and no take notice of your goot friends?—Come, Sare, shew your politesse, and salute11 de genteelmens at de window, who so kind as come to look at you.—Make way dere, goot peoples and leetel childer, dat de genteelmens sail see,—dat vill do. Now, sare, begin;—do your beisance all round.”
The animal, without any apparent instruction to whom to give the precedency of obeisance13, immediately faced “de genteelmens at de window,” and saluted14 them with a conge of particular respect; which being acknowledged with a motion of the hand by Dashall, the intelligent animal expressed its sense of his complacency, by a second obeisance, more profound than the first.
“Dat all goot. Now, sare, tree role on de drom for le Roi d'Angletterre:—Vive le Roi d'Anglettere!”
This command the animal very promptly16 obeyed, by substituting its fore17 feet for sticks, and giving three prolonged rolls of the drum, each in distinct succession.
[299] With equal alacrity18 this hint was attended to, and as le Roi d'Angletterre had three, so de genteelmens at de window were honoured with two rolls of the drum.
The like compliment was paid to all de Englise peoples; and the minor19 salute of one roll was given to the surrounding spectators.
The indefatigable20 drummer was next required to give a token of regard for the Cook; but this he declined to do, and the order, though frequently given, was as frequently uncomplied with.
“Vill you take notice of me, den?”
This question was instantly answered by the accustomed mark of respect.
“Genteelmans at de window, and peoples on de street, my leetel drommer no love de cook,—no show her de respect dat he show you—he know dat de cook be no friend of de pauvre hare; “—then turning towards the animal, —“Vat,” said he, “must I speak all de tanks mineself?”
In deficiency of speech, the animal reiterated22 its obeisances— “Diable!” exclaimed the exhibiter—“here comes de cook, to kill and spit you!”
The hare instantly hastened to its hiding place, and thus terminated the exhibition.
“This epitome23 of the world,” observed Tallyho, “lacks nothing to gratify every sense of man! Here industry is on the alert to accumulate wealth, and dissipation in haste to spend it. Here riot and licentiousness24 roll triumphantly25 in gilded26 state, while merit pines in penury27 and obscurity;—and here ingenuity28 roams the streets for a scanty29 and precarious30 subsistence, exhibiting learned pigs, dogs, and so forth, that will cast accounts with the precision of an experienced arithmetician; and a tame hare that will beat a drum, and make a bow more gracefully31 than a dancing-master. This last instance of human ingeniousness, by which the poor Frenchman picks up a living, would almost induce a belief that the power of art is unlimitable, and that apparently32 insurmountable difficulties may be overcome by diligent33 perseverance34!—Who, besides this foreigner, would have thought of divesting35 a hare of its natural timidity, and rendering36 it subservient37, by a display of intelligence, to the acquirement of his subsistence?”
[300] “And who,” said Dashall, “would have thought, but a German, of training canary-birds to imitate military evolution,—make a prisoner of one of their fellows as a deserter,—try and condemn38 him to death,—apparently execute the sentence, by shooting him with a small gun,—and finally, bear away the motionless and seemingly lifeless body on a wheel-barrow, for interment!—Nay, who would think of inverting39 the order of nature, by creating and cementing a union of friendship between cats and birds and mice, associating them together, within the confines of a cage, in the utmost harmony of social intercourse40?—And who shall presume to set bounds to the human art, that from a deal board has constructed the figure of a man that will beat at the difficult game of chess, the first players in Europe;{1} and created a wooden musician, that in a solo from the trumpet41, will excel the best living performers on that instrument!”
1 It appears by the following letter from Presburg, in
invented and exhibited there:—
“During my stay in this city, I have been so happy as to
form an acquaintance with M. de Kempett, an Aulic Counsellor
and Director General of the salt mines in Hungary. It seems
Mechanics, than this gentleman hath done. At least no artist
has yet been able to produce a machine, so wonderful in its
kind, as what he constructed about a year ago. M. de
Kempett, excited by the accounts he received of the
extraordinary performances of the celebrated44 M. de
England, at first aimed at nothing more, than to imitate
those artists. But he has done more, he has excelled them.
He has constructed an Automaton, which can play at chess
of the natural size, dressed like a Turk, sitting before the
table which holds the chess-board. This table (which is
about three feet and a half long, and about two feet and a
half broad) is supported by four feet that roll on castors,
in order the more easily to change its situation; which the
inventor fails not to do from time to time, in order to take
away all suspicion of any communication. Both the table and
the figure are full of wheels, springs, and levers. M. de
Kempett makes no difficulty of shewing the inside of the
machine, especially when he finds any one suspects a boy to
be in it. I have examined with attention all the parts both
of the table and figure, and I am well assured there is not
the least ground for such an imputation47. I have played a
game at chess with the Automaton myself. I have particularly
remarked, with great astonishment48, the precision with which
it made the various and complicated movements of the arm,
with which it plays. It raises the arm, it advances it
towards that part of the chess-board, on which the piece
stands, which ought to be moved; and then by a movement of
the wrist, it brings the hand down upon the piece, opens the
hand, closes it upon the piece in order to grasp it, lifts
it up, and places it upon the square it is to be removed to;
this done, it lays its arm down upon a cushion which
is placed on the chess-board. If it ought to
take one of its adversary's pieces, then by one entire
movement, it removes that piece quite off the chess-board,
and by a series of such movements as 1 have been describing,
it returns to take up its own piece, and place it in the
square, which the other had left vacant. I attempted to
on; he took up my Queen and replaced her in the square she
had been removed from. All this is done with the same
readiness that a common player shews at this game, and I
have often engaged with persons, who played neither so
them to him. You will perhaps expect me to propose some
conjectures55, as to the means employed to direct this machine
in its movements. I wish I could form any that were
reasonable and well-founded; but notwithstanding the minute
attention with which I have repeatedly observed it, I have
not been able in the least degree to form any hypothesis
which could satisfy myself. The English ambassador, Prince
Guistiniani, and several English Lords, for whom the
inventor had the complaisance57 to make the figure play, stood
round the table while I played the game. They all had their
eyes on M. de Kempett, who stood by the table, or sometimes
removed five or six feet from it, yet not one of them could
discover the least motion in him, that could influence the
Automaton. They who had seen the effects produced by the
loadstone in the curious exhibitions on the Boulevards at
Paris, cried out, that the loadstone must have been the
means here employed to direct the arm. But, besides that
there are many objections to this supposition, M. de
Kempett, with whom I have had long conversations since on
this subject, offers to let any one bring as close as he
pleases to the table the strongest and best-armed magnet
that can be found, or any weight of iron whatever, without
the least fear that the movements of his machine will be
distance you please, and lets the figure play four or five
moves successively without approaching it. It is unnecessary
to remark, that the marvellous in this Automaton consists
chiefly in this, that it has not (as in others, the most
celebrated machines of this sort) one determined59 series of
movements, but that it always moves in consequence of the
manner in which its opponent moves; which produces an
amazing multitude of different combinations in its
movements. M. de Kempett winds up from time to time the
springs of the arm of this Automaton, in order to renew its
MOVING FORCE, but this, you will observe, has no relation to
its guiding FORCE or power of direction, which makes the
great merit of this machine. In general I am of opinion,
stroke played by the Automaton, although, as I have said, I
have sometimes seen him leave it to itself for many moves
together; which, in my opinion, is the most-difficult
circumstance of all to comprehend in what regards this
machine. M. de Kempett has the more merit in this invention,
as he complains that his designs have not always been
precision of a work of this nature; and he hopes he shall,
ere long, produce to the world performances still more
surprising than this. Indeed one may expect every thing from
his knowledge and skill, which are exceedingly enhanced by
[302] “London is a rare place for sights,—always something new;—where the spirits need never flag through want of amusement. Let me recapitulate,—there is the automaton chess-player and the automaton trumpeter,—the family compact, alias65 amicable66 society of cat, birds, and mice,—the military canaries, and an hundred phenomena67 besides, of which we shall make the round in due time. In the meanwhile, let us set out, like the knight of La Mancha, in search of adventures, without running the risk of mistaking windmills for giants: one of the former would, indeed, be a high treat to the insatiable curiosity of the inhabitants of this metropolis68; and as to giants, there are none on shew since Bartholomew-fair, excepting those stationary69 gentlemen, the twin-brothers, Gog and Magog, in Guildhall.”
Passing through the town without meeting with any new object worthy70 of particular notice, they found themselves at the extremity71 of Threadneedle-street, when Dashall, pointing to a neat plain building, “this,” said he, “is the South Sea House. The South Sea Company was established for the purpose of an exclusive trade to the South Seas, and many thousands were ruined by the speculation72: the iniquity73 and deception were at last discovered, and those who were at the head were punished. The eager hope of wealth frequently engenders75 disappointment,—but here credulity attained76 her zenith;—amongst other schemes, equally practicable, the projectors77 of this notorious bubble set up a method of making butter from beech-trees; a plan to learn people to cast their nativity; an insurance against divorces; and a way of making deal boards out of saw-dust!”
“And is it possible,” inquired Tallyho, “that such most preposterous78 theories obtained belief?”
“Even so,” answered Dashall,—“What is there in which human folly79 will not believe?—We have all read of the bottle-conjurer.{1}—The prevalence of curiosity is universal. I could safely stake any money, that if public notice was given of a person who would leap down his own throat, he would gain belief, and a full audience would favour him with their company to witness his marvellous performance.”
advertised, “that he would, in the Haymarket theatre,
further, would, when inside such quart bottle, entertain the
audience with a solo on the violin!”
Long before the appointed hour of performance, the house was
doors for want of room. The most eager curiosity prevailed
as the time drew near for the commencement of these
forward upon the stage, and all was breathless attention.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I am sorry to say that I cannot, to-
night, find a bottle large enough for the purpose intended;
in atonement of the present disappointment!” He then
confounded” ensued; the interior of the house was nearly
demolished90. His It. H. the D. of C. was present, and lost a
of worlds,” the speculator made off with his booty.
[303] Proceeding92 into Bishopsgate-street, the new City of London Tavern93 caught the attention of Tallyho.
“This,” observed his friend, “is probably the first tavern in London, with reference to superior accommodation. Here congregate94 the most eminent95 corporate96 bodies, directors of public institutions and others, on occasions of business or enjoyment97; here the admirable arrangement of every thing conducive98 to comfort is minutely attended to; here the plenitude of abundance, and the delicacies99 of luxury, distinguish the festive100 board, and the culinary art is shown forth to the very acme101 of perfection; which, together with the varied102, unsophisticated excellence103 of the richest wines, secure to this celebrated tavern the continuance of a well-merited public approbation104. But one of these days we shall avail ourselves of practical experience, by forming part of the company at dinner.”
Proposing in their way home to take the skirts of the metropolis, they directed their course through Moorfield, where Tallyho remarked on the unseemly desolate105 waste there presenting itself, and expressed surprise that it was not appropriated to some purposes of utility or ornament106.
[304] “It appears,” answered Dashall, “as if some such improvement was in projection107; probably a new square, if we may so opine from present indications; however, be the intention what it may, the execution is uncommonly108 tardy109; with the exception of the central iron-railing, the handsome structure on the opposite side, the solitary110 building on the right, and range of new houses on the left, the tout111 ensemble112 was the same twenty years ago. It is a scene of dilapidation113 which might perhaps have been
I recollect115, that when a boy, I frequently extended my rambles116 into the quarters of Moorfields, for so was this place then named, from its compartments118, exhibiting rural appearance even in the centre of London. Here were four enclosed fields, displaying in the season the beautiful verdure of nature; and numerous trees branching, in ample shade, over two great walks, that intersected each other at right angles, and formed the afternoon promenade119 of the citizens' wives and daughters. In former times, the quarters of Moorfields were resorted to by holiday visitants, as the favourite place of rendezvous120, where predominated the recreation of manly121 exercises, and shows, gambols122, and merriment were the orders of the day. The present is an age of improvement,—and yet I cannot think, in an already monstrously123 overgrown metropolis, the substitution of bricks and mortar124 an equivalent for green fields and rural simplicity125.”
Leaving Moorfields, they passed, in a few minutes, into Finsbury-square.
Tallyho appeared surprised by its uniformly handsome edifices126, its spacious127 extent, and beautiful circular area, in which the ground is laid out and the shrubberies disposed to the very best advantage. “Here, at least,” he observed, “is a proof that Taste and Elegance128 are not altogether excluded a civic129 residence.”
“In this square, taking its name from the division of Finsbury,” said Dashall, “reside many of the merchants and other eminent citizens of London; and here, in the decorations, internally, of their respective mansions130, they vie with the more courtly residents westward131, and exceed them generally in the quietude of domestic enjoyment.”
[305] Renewing their walk along the City Road, the gate of Bunhill Fields burying-ground standing56 conveniently open, “Let us step in,” said Dashall,—“this is the most extensive depository of the dead in London, and as every grave almost is surmounted132 by a tombstone, we cannot fail in acquiring an impressive memento133 mori.”
While examining a monumental record, of which there appeared a countless134 number, their attention was withdrawn135 from the dead, and attracted by the living. An elderly personage, arrayed in a rusty136 suit of sables137, with an ink bottle dangling138 from one of the buttons of his coat, was intently employed in copying a long, yet well written inscription139, to the memory of Patrick Colquhon, L.L.D., author of a Treatise140 on the Police of the Metropolis, and several other works of great public utility. Having accomplished141 his object, the stranger saluted Dashall and Tallyho in a manner so courteous142 as seemingly to invite conversation.
“You have chosen, Sir,” observed Mr. Dashall, “rather a sombre cast of amusement.”
“Otherwise occupation,” said the stranger, “from which I derive143 subsistence. Amidst the endless varieties of Real Life in London, I am an Epitaph-Collector, favoured by my friends with the appellation144 of Old Mortality, furnished them by the voluminous writer and meteor of the north, Sir Walter Scott.”
“Do you collect,” asked Tallyho, “with the view of publishing on your own account?”
“No, Sir,—I really am not in possession of the means wherewith to embark145 on so hazardous146 a speculation. I am thus employed by an eccentric, yet very worthy gentleman, of large property, who ambitious of transmitting his name to posterity147, means to favour the world with a more multitudinous collection of epitaphs than has hitherto appeared in any age or nation;—his prospectus148 states “Monumental Gleanings, in twenty-five quarto volumes!”
“Astonishing!” exclaimed Dashall,—“Can it be possible that he ever will be able to accomplish so vast an undertaking150?”
“And if he does,” said Tallyho, “can it be possible that any person will be found to read a production of such magnitude, and on such a subject?”
[306] “That to him is a matter of indifference,” said Old Mortality,—“he means to defray the entire charges, and the object of publication effected, will rest satisfied with the approbation of the discerning few, leaving encomium151 from the multitude to authors or compilers more susceptible152 of flattery,—
“Born with a stomach to digest a ton!”
As to the quantum of materiel, he is indefatigable in personal research, employing besides numerous collectors even in the sister island, and in this, from the Land's-end to Johnny Grot's house.”
“And when,” asked Dashall, “is it probable that this gigantic work may be completed?”
“Can't say,” answered Old Mortality,—“I should think at no very remote period: the collection is in daily accumulation, and we are already in possession of above ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND.”
“Prodigious!” exclaimed Dashall, “as Dominic Sampson says. And pray, Sir, what number may your assiduities have contributed towards the aggregate153?”
“That,” answered Old Mortality, “I cannot exactly ascertain154; to those, however, already supplied, this ground will yield a considerable increase.”
“May we solicit,” said Tallyho, “without the imputation of intrusion, the favour of your reading to us from your table-book, a few of the most remarkable155 epitaphs?”
Old Mortality readily promised gratification as far as possible, but he had not his table-book with him; “I have been employed to day,” said he, “in making extracts from one of our manuscript folio volumes, for the purpose of insertion in the different metropolitan156 daily papers;—here they are”—taking a small bundle from his pocket, tied round with red tape,—“one for each paper: permit me, gentlemen, for a moment just to look over the endorsations.”
The triumvirate now seated themselves on a tombstone, and Old Mortality untying157 the bundle of extracts, laid them down in loose compact; then taking up the first, and reading the superscription, shewing for what newspaper it was intended, he reversed it on the tombstone.—“This,” said he, “is for “The Times, British Press, Morning Post, Morning Chronicle, Morning Advertiser, Morning Herald158, Public Ledger,—all right,—and sorted, as the postman sorts his letters: I shall take, first of all, Printing-house Square, the others are in a direct line of delivery.” This important arrangement made, he took up one paper from the bundle, and read the contents with an audible voice:—[307]
Extracted from the manuscript folio of a new compilation160 of Epitaphs, serious and eccentric, now in collection, from numerous Dormitories in Great Britain and Ireland; To be completed with all possible expedition, And will be ushered161 to the patronage162 of a discerning Public, in Twenty-five quarto volumes.
In the Church-yard of Winchester, Hants.
Who got his death by drinking cold small beer.
And if you drink, drink strong, or none at all.
In Stepney Church-yard.
Here lies the body of Daniel Saut,
Spitalfields weaver,—and that's all.
In Chigwem Church-yard.
This disease you ne'er heard tell on,
I died of eating too much melon;
Be careful then all you that feed—I
Suffer'd, because I was too greedy.
In St. John's, Leeds.
Hic jacet, sure the fattest man
That Yorkshire stingo made;
He was a lover,—of his can,
A clothier by his trade.
His waist did measure three yards round,
He weighed almost three hundred pound;
His flesh did weigh full twenty stone,—
His flesh, I say—he had no bone,—
At least 'tis said that he had none.
Eltham.
My wife lies here beneath,
She was so good, that Death
Would have her for his own.
At Maidstone.
My life was short, as you may see,
I died at only twenty-three.
Now free from pain and grief I rest
I had a cancer in my breast;
The Doctors all their physic tried,
And thus by slow degrees I died!
Northampton.
Who died of heartfelt pain,
Because she lov'd a faithless he,
Who lov'd not her again!
Pray for me, old Thomas Dunn,—
But if you don't,—'tis all one!
In Aberdeen, Scotland.
Have mercy on his soul, Lord God,
As he would have were he Lord God,
And thou auld William Alderbroad!
Sir William Walworth, Lord Mayor of London
Hereunder lyth a man of fame,
William Walworth callyd by name;
Fishmonger he was in life time here,
And twice Lord Maior as in bookes appere,
For which act done and trew intent,
The King made him a Knight incontinent,
And gave him armes, as heere you see,
To declare his fait and chivalrie.
He left this life the yere of our God,
Thirteene hundryd fourscore and three, odd.
William Wray.
In the same Church-yard.
Here lyeth, wrapt in clay,
The body of William Wray;—
I have no more to say.
Interchanging civilities, the party now separated, the collector to resume his occupation, and the two friends their walk.
“Twenty-five quarto volumes,” exclaimed the Squire171, “and exclusively filled with epitaphs; this fellow has set himself a task with a vengeance172!”
“And which,” answered his friend, “he will never be able to accomplish; however, the ambition of renown173 as a voluminous collector is the less censurable174, as being unattended by any of its too frequently pernicious concomitants, and giving to others an acceptable and not irrational175 employment; he is only blameable in the projected extent, not the nature of his pursuit; and happy would it be for mankind did the love of fame engender74 no greater evil than that, if any, which may accrue176 from the Herculean labours of this epitaph collector.”
“Yet to us, the uninitiated of the country, it would never occur that there existed even in London a man who disseminated177 his fortune, and applied178 his mental and corporeal179 energies in gleaning149 epitaphs.”
“Neither perhaps would it occur that there existed even in London a virtuoso180 who discovered that fleas181 were a species of lobster182, and who proceeded to proof by the ordeal183 of boiling water, on the supposition that the process would change their hue184 from black to red, and thus satisfactorily establish the correctness of his judgment185; unfortunately, however, the boiled fleas still retained their original colour, and the ingenious hypothesis was reluctantly relinquished186."{1}
1 It is told of another virtuoso, that he was waited upon
one morning by a stranger, who announced that he had the
cock; but that its owner, an avaricious188 old woman, had her
domicile in the highlands of Scotland, to which remote
region it would be necessary to travel, amply provided with
matchless phenomenon should become the prize of a more
fortunate competitor.
“A horned cock! the very acme of frolicsome191 nature,—a
desideratum in the class of lusus naturae, which I would
rather possess than the mines of Peru!—Away, my dear
fellow; speed like lightning to the north,—purchase this
precious bird at any price; and should the old woman
hesitate at separation from her cornuted companion, why then
purchase both, and bring them to town with all possible
celerity!”
achievement of its object, the anxiety of the virtuoso was
inexpressible;—a horned cock! it was the incessant subject
of his cogitations by day, and of his dreams by night. At
last the auspicious193 moment arrived; in the still noontide of
night the preconcerted rap at the street door announced the
sprang from his couch with extasy to admit the illustrious
were unspeakable:—two horns of the most beautiful curva-
Anticipation198 thus blessed by the fulness of fruition, the
bringer was super-abundantly rewarded. Next morning the
virtuoso sent a message to each of his most highly favoured
friends, desiring attendance at his house instantaneously,
on an occasion of vast importance. “Gentlemen,” said he to
his assembled visitants, “I may now boast possession of that
rara avis, and envy my felicity!” So saying, he uncovered a
wicker basket, when lo! the bird, shorn of its honours!
indignant at confinement200, and struggling for freedom, had
dropped its waxen antlers! The unfortunate virtuoso stood
curse his own credulity!
[310] Pursuing their course along the City Road, the two friends were attracted by the appearance of a caravan202, stationary on the road side, whereon was inscribed203, in large characters, The Female Salamander.
“Here is another instance,” observed Dashall, “of the varieties of Real Life in London.”
“Walk in, gentlemen,” exclaimed the proprietor204, “and see the surprising young woman over whom the element of fire has no control!”
Tom and Bob accepted the invitation. Entering the caravan, they were received by an interesting young female, apparently not more than eighteen years of age, with a courteousness205 of manner far beyond what could have been expected from an itinerant exhibitor.
So soon as a sufficient number of spectators had congregated206 within the vehicle, the female Salamander commenced her exhibition.
Taking a red-hot poker207 from the fire, she grasped it firmly, and drew it from head to point through her hand, without sustaining the smallest injury!
[311] “Will you permit me to look at your hand?” asked Dashall.
The girl extended her hand,—the palm was moist, and seemed to have been previously208 fortified209 against danger by some secret liquid or other application, now reeking210 from its recent contact with the flaming weapon.
An uncivilized bumpkin accused her of deception, asserting that the poker was not heated to the extent represented.
“Touch and try,” answered the girl. He did so, and the cauterizing211 instrument gave a feeling (although not very satisfactory) negative to his assertion.
“The mystery,” continued Dashall, “of resisting the impression of tire, certainly originates in the liquid by which your hand has been protected.”
“I shall answer your observation,” said the Salamander, “by another performance.”
She then dipped her fingers into a pot of molten lead, and let fall upon her tongue several drops of the metallic212 fluid, to the no small amazement213 and terror of the company; and as if to remove the idea of precautionary application, she after a lapse214 of five minutes, repeated the same extraordinary exhibition, and finally immerged her naked feet in the boiling material.
The inscrutable means by which the Salamander executed these feats with the most complete success and safety, were not to be divulged215; and as neither of our respectable friends felt desirous of emulating216 the fair exhibitant, they declined the importunity217 of further inquiry218.
“This is, indeed,” said Dashall, as they resumed their walk, “the age of wonders:—here is a girl who can bear to gargle her mouth with melted lead, put her delicate feet into the same scalding material, and pass through her hands a flaming red-hot poker! I am inclined to believe, that were the present an age of superstition219, she might be burnt for a witch, were she not happily incombustible. For my own part, I sincerely hope that this pyrophorous prodigy will never think of quitting her own country; and as I am a bachelor, I verily believe I should be tempted49 to make her an offer of my hand, could I flatter myself with any chance of raising aflame, or making a match with such uninflammable commodity. Only conceive the luxury, when a man comes home fatigued220, and in a hurry for his tea, of having a wife who can instantly take out the heater for [312] the urn21 with her fingers,—stir the fire with ditto—snuff candles with ditto—make a spit of her arm, or a toasting fork of her thumb! What a saving, too, at the washing season, since she need only hold her hand between the bars till it is red-hot, thrust it into a box iron, and iron you off a dozen children's frocks, while an ordinary laundress would be coddling the irons over the fire, spitting upon them, and holding them to her cheek to ascertain the heat before she began to work.”
“And,” observed the Squire, taking up his friend's vein221 of humour, “if the young lady be as insensible to the flames of Cupid as she is to those of Vulcan, she might still be highly useful in a national point of view, and well worthy the attention of the various fire-offices.”
“Exactly so,” replied his Cousin,—“how desirable for instance would it have been at the late alarming fire in Gracechurch-street, to have had a trustworthy person like her, who could very coolly perambulate the blazing warehouses222, to rescue from the flames the most valuable commodities, or lolling astraddle upon a burning beam, hold the red-hot engine pipe in her hand, and calmly direct the hissing223 water to those points where it may be most effectually applied. In our various manufactories, what essential services she might perform. In glass-houses, for instance, it is notorious that great mischief224 sometimes arises from inability to ascertain when the sand and flint have arrived at the proper degree of fusion89. How completely might this be remedied, by merely shutting up the female Salamander in the furnace; and I can really imagine nothing more interesting, than to contemplate225 her in that situation, dressed in an asbestos pelisse, watching the reproduction of a phoenix226 hung up in an iron cage by her side, fondling a spritely little Salamander, and bathing her naked feet in the vitreous lava227, to report upon the intensity228 of heat. Much more might be urged to draw the attention of government to the propriety229 of retaining this anti-ignitible young lady, not only for the benefits she may confer upon the public, but for the example she may afford to others of her own sex; that by a proper exertion230 of courage, the most ardent231 sparks may be sometimes encountered without the smallest inconvenience or injury.”
[313] Indulging in this playful vein of raillery, they now reached that part of the City Road intersected by the Regent's Canal, where its spacious basin, circumjacent wharfs232 and warehouses, and winding233 line of water, with barges234 gliding235 majestically236 on its placid237 wave, where lately appeared open fields arrayed in the verdure of nature, afforded full scope for remark by Mr. Dashall, on the gigantic design and rapid accomplishment238, by commercial enterprize, of the most stupendous undertakings239.
“This work of incalculable public utility,” said Mr. Dashall, “sprang into being with the alacrity of enchantment;—the same remark may apply to every other improvement of this vast metropolis, so rapid in execution, that one thinks of the wonderful lamp, and the magnificent palace of Aladdin, erected240 in one night by the attendant genii.”
Onwards towards “merry Islington;"{1}—“here,” said Dashall, “is the New River: this fine artificial stream is brought from two springs at Chad well and Am well, in Hertfordshire, for the supply of London with water. It was finished in 1613, by Sir Hugh Middleton, a citizen of London, who expended241 his whole fortune in this public undertaking. The river, with all its windings242, is nearly 39 miles in length; it has 43 sluices243, and 215 bridges; over and under it a great number of brooks244 and water-courses have their passage. In some places this canal is carried through vales, and in others through subterraneous passages. It terminates in a basin called the New River Head, close by. From the reservoir at Islington the water is conveyed by 58 main pipes under ground along the middle of the principal streets; and thence by leaden pipes to the different houses. Thus, by means of the New River, and of the London Bridge water-works, every house in the metropolis is abundantly supplied with water, at the expense each of a few shillings only per annum.
1 Thus all through merry Islington
These gambols he did play.
John Gilpin.
This village of Islington is a large and populous245 place, superior both in size and appearance to many considerable towns in the country. Observe the Angel Inn, celebrated for its ordinary, where you may enjoy, after a country ramble117, an excellent dinner on very moderate terms.—Apropos, of the Angel Inn ordinary: some years ago it was regularly every Sunday attended by a thin meagre [314] gaunt and bony figure, of cadaverous aspect, who excited amongst the other guests no small degree of dismay, and not without cause. Cognominated the Wolf, he justified246 his pretensions247 to the appellation, by his almost incredible powers of gormandizing; for a quantum of viands248 sufficient for six men of moderate appetite, would vanish on the magic contact of his knife and fork, in the twinkling of an eye; in fact, his voracity249 was considered of boundless250 extent, for he invariably and without cessation consumed by wholesale, so long as eatables remained on the table. One day, after having essentially251 contributed to the demolition252 of a baron253 of beef, and devoured254 an entire shoulder of lamb, with a commensurate proportion of bread, roots, vegetables, &c, he pounced256, with the celerity of a hawk257, on a fine roast goose, which unfortunately happened to have been just then placed within the reach of his annihilating258 fangs259, and in a very short space of time it was reduced to a skeleton; having occasion for a few minutes to leave the room, the company in the meanwhile secreted260 the bones of the goose. The waiter now entered for the purpose of removing the cloth: casting his eyes round the room, he seemed absorbed in perplexity—“What is the matter?” asked one of the company; “do you miss arty thing?”—“Yes, Sir, the bones of a goose!”—“Why then you may save yourself the trouble of further search; the gentleman just gone out, of modest manners and puny261 appetite, has devoured the goose, bones and all!”—The waiter lost no time in reporting the appalling262 fact to his master, who now more than ever was desirous of getting rid of the glutton—but how? it was impossible to exclude him the ordinary, or set bounds to his appetite; the only resource left was that of buying him off, which was done at the rate of one shilling per diem, and the wolf took his hebdomadary repast at a different ordinary: from this also his absence was purchased at the same rate as by the first. Speculating on his gluttony, he levied263 similar contributions on the proprietors264 of the principal ordinaries in the metropolis and environs; and if the fellow is still living, I have no doubt of his continuing to derive his subsistence from the sources already described!—Now what think you of Real Life in London?"{1}
1 The wolf, so cognominated, was less censurable for his
Handel one day entered a tavern in the city and ordered six
certain hour. True to his appointment, he re-appeared at the
time stipulated269, and was shown into an apartment where
covers were laid for four. Handel desired to have another
room, and ordered his repast to be served up immediately.—
“Then you don't wait for the rest of the company, sir?”
said the waiter.—“Companee! vat you tell me of companee?”
exclaimed Handel. “I vant no companee. I order dem two tree
ting for my lonch!” The repast was served up, and honoured
by Handel to the bones. He then drank a bottle of wine, and
afterwards went home to dinner!
was brought before him of an appetite so incredibly
general officer present ob-served, that the fellow ought to
be burnt as a wizard.—“May it please your Majesty,” said
the gormand, “to order that old gentleman to take off his
spurs, and I will eat him before I begin the hog!” Panic
struck, although a brave soldier, at the idea of being
devoured alive, the general shut himself up in his tent
until the man-eater departed the encampment.
[315] The Squire knew not what to think—the circumstance was so extraordinary, that the story would have been rejected by him as unworthy of notice, had it been told by any other person; and coming even from his respectable friend, he remained, until reassured273 of the fact, rather incredulous of belief.
Descending274 the declivity275 leading from Pentonville to Battle Bridge, Dashall, pointing to an extensive pile of buildings at some little distance on the left,—“That,” said he, “is Cold Bath Fields Penitentiary276 House, constructed on the plan of the late Mr. Howard, and may be considered in all respects as an experiment of his principles. It cost the county of Middlesex between ￡70 and ￡80,000, and its yearly expenditure277 is about ￡7,000. It was opened in 1794, and was originally designed only as a kind of Bridewell; but having suitable accommodations for several descriptions of prisoners, it was applied to their different circumstances. The prison you may observe is surrounded by a wall of moderate height. Here are workshops for the prisoners; an office in which the business of the prison is transacted278; a committee-room, and the best chapel279 of any prison in London. The cells are 218 in number, about eight feet long each. In these, penitentiary prisoners are confined till they have completed their tasks, when they are let into the courts at the back. Owing to the exertions280 of Sir Francis [316] Burdett, and his partizans, this house, about the year 1799 and 1800, attracted much popular odium. Many abuses, now rectified281, were then found to exist in the management, though not to the full extent described.”
A new scene now rose on the view of our two pedestrians282. A little further on, in a field by the roadside, a motley assemblage of auditors283 environed an orator284 mounted on a chair, who with frequent contortion285 of feature, and appropriate accompaniment of gesticulation, was holding forth in the spirit, as Pashalt, surmised286, either of radicalism287 or fanaticism288. This elevated personage, on closer approximation, proved to be a field-preacher, and judging from exterior289 appearance, no stranger to the good things of this life, although his present admonitory harangue290 strongly reprobated indulgence in the vanities of this wicked world;—he was well clad, and in portly condition, and certainly his rubicundity291 of visage by no means indicated on his part the union of practice with precept292.
Nothing of further interest occurred, and they reached home, pleased with their day's ramble, that had been productive of so much amusement;—“thus verifying,” said Dashall to the Squire, “the observation which you lately made—that every hour brings to a metropolitan perambulator a fresh accession of incident.”
点击
收听单词发音
收听单词发音 |
1
discordant
|
|
| adj.不调和的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
2
itinerant
|
|
| adj.巡回的；流动的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
3
purveyor
|
|
| n.承办商，伙食承办商 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
4
forth
|
|
| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
5
docility
|
|
| n.容易教，易驾驶，驯服 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
6
erect
|
|
| n./v.树立，建立，使竖立；adj.直立的，垂直的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
7
posture
|
|
| n.姿势，姿态，心态，态度；v.作出某种姿势 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
8
perfectly
|
|
| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
9
conversant
|
|
| adj.亲近的，有交情的，熟悉的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
10
vat
|
|
| n.(=value added tax)增值税，大桶 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
11
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： |
|
|
|
|
12
den
|
|
| n.兽穴；秘密地方；安静的小房间，私室 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
13
obeisance
|
|
| n.鞠躬，敬礼 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
14
saluted
|
|
| v.欢迎，致敬( salute的过去式和过去分词 )；赞扬，赞颂 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
15
gratitude
|
|
| adj.感激，感谢 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
16
promptly
|
|
| adv.及时地，敏捷地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
17
fore
|
|
| adv.在前面；adj.先前的；在前部的；n.前部 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
18
alacrity
|
|
| n.敏捷，轻快，乐意 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
19
minor
|
|
| adj.较小(少)的，较次要的；n.辅修学科；vi.辅修 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
20
indefatigable
|
|
| adj.不知疲倦的，不屈不挠的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
21
urn
|
|
| n.（有座脚的）瓮；坟墓；骨灰瓮 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
22
reiterated
|
|
| 反复地说，重申( reiterate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
23
epitome
|
|
| n.典型，梗概 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
24
licentiousness
|
|
| n.放肆，无法无天 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
25
triumphantly
|
|
| ad.得意洋洋地；得胜地；成功地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
26
gilded
|
|
| a.镀金的，富有的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
27
penury
|
|
| n.贫穷，拮据 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
28
ingenuity
|
|
| n.别出心裁；善于发明创造 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
29
scanty
|
|
| adj.缺乏的，仅有的，节省的，狭小的，不够的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
30
precarious
|
|
| adj.不安定的，靠不住的；根据不足的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
31
gracefully
|
|
| ad.大大方方地；优美地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
32
apparently
|
|
| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
33
diligent
|
|
| adj.勤勉的，勤奋的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
34
perseverance
|
|
| n.坚持不懈，不屈不挠 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
35
divesting
|
|
| v.剥夺( divest的现在分词 )；脱去（衣服）；2。从…取去…；1。（给某人）脱衣服 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
36
rendering
|
|
| n.表现，描写 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
37
subservient
|
|
| adj.卑屈的，阿谀的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
38
condemn
|
|
| vt.谴责，指责；宣判(罪犯)，判刑 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
39
inverting
|
|
| v.使倒置，使反转( invert的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
40
intercourse
|
|
| n.性交；交流，交往，交际 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
41
trumpet
|
|
| n.喇叭，喇叭声；v.吹喇叭，吹嘘 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
42
automaton
|
|
| n.自动机器，机器人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
43
attain
|
|
| vt.达到，获得，完成 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
44
celebrated
|
|
| adj.有名的，声誉卓著的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
45
prance
|
|
| v.（马）腾跃，(人)神气活现地走 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
46
skilful
|
|
| (=skillful)adj.灵巧的，熟练的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
47
imputation
|
|
| n.归罪，责难 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
48
astonishment
|
|
| n.惊奇，惊异 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
49
tempted
|
|
| v.怂恿（某人）干不正当的事；冒…的险（tempt的过去分词） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
50
deception
|
|
| n.欺骗，欺诈；骗局，诡计 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
51
knight
|
|
| n.骑士，武士；爵士 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
52
expeditiously
|
|
| adv.迅速地，敏捷地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
53
skilfully
|
|
| adv. (美skillfully)熟练地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
54
affronted
|
|
| adj.被侮辱的，被冒犯的v.勇敢地面对( affront的过去式和过去分词 )；相遇 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
55
conjectures
|
|
| 推测，猜想( conjecture的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
56
standing
|
|
| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
57
complaisance
|
|
| n.彬彬有礼，殷勤，柔顺 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
58
affected
|
|
| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
59
determined
|
|
| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
60
contriver
|
|
| 发明者，创制者，筹划者 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
|
61
requisite
|
|
| adj.需要的，必不可少的；n.必需品 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
62
uncommon
|
|
| adj.罕见的，非凡的，不平常的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
63
modesty
|
|
| n.谦逊，虚心，端庄，稳重，羞怯，朴素 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
64
ostentation
|
|
| n.夸耀，卖弄 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
65
alias
|
|
| n.化名；别名；adv.又名 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
66
amicable
|
|
| adj.和平的，友好的；友善的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
67
phenomena
|
|
| n.现象 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
68
metropolis
|
|
| n.首府；大城市 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
69
stationary
|
|
| adj.固定的，静止不动的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
70
worthy
|
|
| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
71
extremity
|
|
| n.末端，尽头；尽力；终极；极度 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
72
speculation
|
|
| n.思索，沉思；猜测；投机 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
73
iniquity
|
|
| n.邪恶；不公正 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
74
engender
|
|
| v.产生，引起 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
75
engenders
|
|
| v.产生（某形势或状况），造成，引起( engender的第三人称单数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
76
attained
|
|
| （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） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
77
projectors
|
|
| 电影放映机，幻灯机( projector的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
78
preposterous
|
|
| adj.荒谬的，可笑的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
79
folly
|
|
| n.愚笨，愚蠢，蠢事，蠢行，傻话 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
80
wholesale
|
|
| n.批发；adv.以批发方式；vt.批发，成批出售 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
81
literally
|
|
| adv.照字面意义，逐字地；确实 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
82
crammed
|
|
| adj.塞满的，挤满的；大口地吃；快速贪婪地吃v.把…塞满；填入；临时抱佛脚( cram的过去式) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
83
feats
|
|
| 功绩，伟业，技艺( feat的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
84
incessant
|
|
| adj.不停的，连续的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
85
vociferous
|
|
| adj.喧哗的，大叫大嚷的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
86
pint
|
|
| n.品脱 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
87
retired
|
|
| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
88
delusion
|
|
| n.谬见，欺骗，幻觉，迷惑 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
89
fusion
|
|
| n.溶化；熔解；熔化状态，熔和；熔接 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
90
demolished
|
|
| v.摧毁( demolish的过去式和过去分词 )；推翻；拆毁（尤指大建筑物）；吃光 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
91
wreck
|
|
| n.失事，遇难；沉船；vt.(船等)失事，遇难 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
92
proceeding
|
|
| n.行动，进行，(pl.)会议录，学报 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
93
tavern
|
|
| n.小旅馆，客栈；小酒店 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
94
congregate
|
|
| v.(使)集合，聚集 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
95
eminent
|
|
| adj.显赫的，杰出的，有名的，优良的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
96
corporate
|
|
| adj.共同的，全体的；公司的，企业的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
97
enjoyment
|
|
| n.乐趣；享有；享用 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
98
conducive
|
|
| adj.有益的，有助的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
99
delicacies
|
|
| n.棘手( delicacy的名词复数 )；精致；精美的食物；周到 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
100
festive
|
|
| adj.欢宴的，节日的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
101
acme
|
|
| n.顶点，极点 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
102
varied
|
|
| adj.多样的，多变化的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
103
excellence
|
|
| n.优秀，杰出，(pl.)优点，美德 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
104
approbation
|
|
| n.称赞；认可 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
105
desolate
|
|
| adj.荒凉的，荒芜的；孤独的，凄凉的；v.使荒芜，使孤寂 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
106
ornament
|
|
| v.装饰，美化；n.装饰，装饰物 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
107
projection
|
|
| n.发射，计划，突出部分 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
108
uncommonly
|
|
| adv. 稀罕(极，非常) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
109
tardy
|
|
| adj.缓慢的，迟缓的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
110
solitary
|
|
| adj.孤独的，独立的，荒凉的；n.隐士 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
111
tout
|
|
| v.推销，招徕；兜售；吹捧，劝诱 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
112
ensemble
|
|
| n.合奏(唱)组；全套服装；整体，总效果 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
113
dilapidation
|
|
| n.倒塌；毁坏 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
114
breach
|
|
| n.违反，不履行；破裂；vt.冲破，攻破 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
115
recollect
|
|
| v.回忆，想起，记起，忆起，记得 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
116
rambles
|
|
| （无目的地）漫游( ramble的第三人称单数 )； （喻）漫谈； 扯淡； 长篇大论 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
117
ramble
|
|
| v.漫步，漫谈，漫游；n.漫步，闲谈，蔓延 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
118
compartments
|
|
| n.间隔( compartment的名词复数 )；（列车车厢的）隔间；（家具或设备等的）分隔间；隔层 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
119
promenade
|
|
| n./v.散步 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
120
rendezvous
|
|
| n.约会，约会地点，汇合点；vi.汇合，集合；vt.使汇合，使在汇合地点相遇 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
121
manly
|
|
| adj.有男子气概的；adv.男子般地，果断地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
122
gambols
|
|
| v.蹦跳，跳跃，嬉戏( gambol的第三人称单数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
|
123
monstrously
|
|
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
124
mortar
|
|
| n.灰浆，灰泥；迫击炮；v.把…用灰浆涂接合 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
125
simplicity
|
|
| n.简单，简易；朴素；直率，单纯 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
126
edifices
|
|
| n.大建筑物( edifice的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
127
spacious
|
|
| adj.广阔的，宽敞的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
128
elegance
|
|
| n.优雅；优美，雅致；精致，巧妙 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
129
civic
|
|
| adj.城市的，都市的，市民的，公民的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
130
mansions
|
|
| n.宅第，公馆，大厦( mansion的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
131
westward
|
|
| n.西方，西部；adj.西方的，向西的；adv.向西 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
132
surmounted
|
|
| 战胜( surmount的过去式和过去分词 )； 克服（困难）； 居于…之上； 在…顶上 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
133
memento
|
|
| n.纪念品，令人回忆的东西 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
134
countless
|
|
| adj.无数的，多得不计其数的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
135
withdrawn
|
|
| vt.收回；使退出；vi.撤退，退出 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
136
rusty
|
|
| adj.生锈的；锈色的；荒废了的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
137
sables
|
|
| n.紫貂( sable的名词复数 )；紫貂皮；阴暗的；暗夜 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
138
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： |
|
|
|
|
139
inscription
|
|
| n.（尤指石块上的）刻印文字，铭文，碑文 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
140
treatise
|
|
| n.专著；(专题)论文 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
141
accomplished
|
|
| adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
142
courteous
|
|
| adj.彬彬有礼的，客气的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
143
derive
|
|
| v.取得；导出；引申；来自；源自；出自 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
144
appellation
|
|
| n.名称，称呼 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
145
embark
|
|
| vi.乘船，着手，从事，上飞机 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
146
hazardous
|
|
| adj.(有)危险的，冒险的；碰运气的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
147
posterity
|
|
| n.后裔，子孙，后代 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
148
prospectus
|
|
| n.计划书；说明书；慕股书 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
149
gleaning
|
|
| n.拾落穗，拾遗，落穗v.一点点地收集（资料、事实）( glean的现在分词 )；（收割后）拾穗 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
150
undertaking
|
|
| n.保证，许诺，事业 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
151
encomium
|
|
| n.赞颂；颂词 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
152
susceptible
|
|
| adj.过敏的，敏感的；易动感情的，易受感动的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
153
aggregate
|
|
| adj.总计的，集合的；n.总数；v.合计；集合 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
154
ascertain
|
|
| vt.发现，确定，查明，弄清 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
155
remarkable
|
|
| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
156
metropolitan
|
|
| adj.大城市的，大都会的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
157
untying
|
|
| untie的现在分词 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
158
herald
|
|
| vt.预示...的来临，预告，宣布，欢迎 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
159
specimen
|
|
| n.样本，标本 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
160
compilation
|
|
| n.编译，编辑 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
161
ushered
|
|
| v.引，领，陪同( usher的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
162
patronage
|
|
| n.赞助，支援，援助；光顾，捧场 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
163
interred
|
|
| v.埋，葬( inter的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
164
heed
|
|
| v.注意，留意；n.注意，留心 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
165
alas
|
|
| int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
166
corpse
|
|
| n.尸体，死尸 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
167
auld
|
|
| adj.老的，旧的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
168
crooked
|
|
| adj.弯曲的；不诚实的，狡猾的，不正当的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
170
slew
|
|
| v.（使）旋转；n.大量，许多 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
171
squire
|
|
| n.护卫, 侍从, 乡绅 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
172
vengeance
|
|
| n.报复，报仇，复仇 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
173
renown
|
|
| n.声誉，名望 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
174
censurable
|
|
| adj.可非难的，该责备的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
|
175
irrational
|
|
| adj.无理性的，失去理性的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
176
accrue
|
|
| v.(利息等)增大，增多 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
177
disseminated
|
|
| 散布，传播( disseminate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
178
applied
|
|
| adj.应用的；v.应用，适用 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
179
corporeal
|
|
| adj.肉体的，身体的；物质的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
180
virtuoso
|
|
| n.精于某种艺术或乐器的专家，行家里手 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
181
fleas
|
|
| n.跳蚤( flea的名词复数 )；爱财如命；没好气地（拒绝某人的要求） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
182
lobster
|
|
| n.龙虾，龙虾肉 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
183
ordeal
|
|
| n.苦难经历，（尤指对品格、耐力的）严峻考验 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
184
hue
|
|
| n.色度；色调；样子 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
185
judgment
|
|
| n.审判；判断力，识别力，看法，意见 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
186
relinquished
|
|
| 交出，让给( relinquish的过去式和过去分词 )； 放弃 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
187
procuring
|
|
| v.（努力）取得， （设法）获得( procure的现在分词 )；拉皮条 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
188
avaricious
|
|
| adj.贪婪的，贪心的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
189
pecuniary
|
|
| adj.金钱的；金钱上的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
190
expedient
|
|
| adj.有用的，有利的；n.紧急的办法，权宜之计 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
191
frolicsome
|
|
| adj.嬉戏的，闹着玩的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
192
interval
|
|
| n.间隔，间距；幕间休息，中场休息 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
193
auspicious
|
|
| adj.吉利的；幸运的，吉兆的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
194
momentous
|
|
| adj.重要的，重大的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
195
prodigy
|
|
| n.惊人的事物，奇迹，神童，天才，预兆 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
196
adorned
|
|
| [计]被修饰的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
197
crested
|
|
| adj.有顶饰的，有纹章的，有冠毛的v.到达山顶（或浪峰）( crest的过去式和过去分词 )；到达洪峰，达到顶点 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
198
anticipation
|
|
| n.预期，预料，期望 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
199
behold
|
|
| v.看，注视，看到 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
200
confinement
|
|
| n.幽禁，拘留，监禁；分娩；限制，局限 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
201
utterance
|
|
| n.用言语表达，话语，言语 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
202
caravan
|
|
| n.大蓬车；活动房屋 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
203
inscribed
|
|
| v.写，刻( inscribe的过去式和过去分词 )；内接 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
204
proprietor
|
|
| n.所有人；业主；经营者 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
205
courteousness
|
|
| Courteousness | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
|
206
congregated
|
|
| （使）集合，聚集( congregate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
207
poker
|
|
| n.扑克；vt.烙制 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
208
previously
|
|
| adv.以前，先前（地） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
209
fortified
|
|
| adj. 加强的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
210
reeking
|
|
| v.发出浓烈的臭气( reek的现在分词 )；散发臭气；发出难闻的气味 (of sth)；明显带有（令人不快或生疑的跡象） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
211
cauterizing
|
|
| v.（用腐蚀性物质或烙铁）烧灼以消毒( cauterize的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
|
212
metallic
|
|
| adj.金属的；金属制的；含金属的；产金属的；像金属的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
213
amazement
|
|
| n.惊奇，惊讶 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
214
lapse
|
|
| n.过失，流逝，失效，抛弃信仰，间隔；vi.堕落，停止，失效，流逝；vt.使失效 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
215
divulged
|
|
| v.吐露，泄露( divulge的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
216
emulating
|
|
| v.与…竞争( emulate的现在分词 )；努力赶上；计算机程序等仿真；模仿 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
217
importunity
|
|
| n.硬要，强求 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
218
inquiry
|
|
| n.打听，询问，调查，查问 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
219
superstition
|
|
| n.迷信，迷信行为 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
220
fatigued
|
|
| adj. 疲乏的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
221
vein
|
|
| n.血管，静脉；叶脉，纹理；情绪；vt.使成脉络 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
222
warehouses
|
|
| 仓库，货栈( warehouse的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
223
hissing
|
|
| n. 发嘶嘶声, 蔑视 动词hiss的现在分词形式 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
224
mischief
|
|
| n.损害，伤害，危害；恶作剧，捣蛋，胡闹 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
225
contemplate
|
|
| vt.盘算，计议；周密考虑；注视，凝视 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
226
phoenix
|
|
| n.凤凰，长生(不死)鸟；引申为重生 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
227
lava
|
|
| n.熔岩，火山岩 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
228
intensity
|
|
| n.强烈，剧烈；强度；烈度 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
229
propriety
|
|
| n.正当行为；正当；适当 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
230
exertion
|
|
| n.尽力，努力 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
231
ardent
|
|
| adj.热情的，热烈的，强烈的，烈性的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
232
wharfs
|
|
| 码头，停泊处 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
233
winding
|
|
| n.绕，缠，绕组，线圈 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
234
barges
|
|
| 驳船( barge的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
235
gliding
|
|
| v. 滑翔 adj. 滑动的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
236
majestically
|
|
| 雄伟地； 庄重地； 威严地； 崇高地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
237
placid
|
|
| adj.安静的，平和的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
238
accomplishment
|
|
| n.完成，成就，（pl.）造诣，技能 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
239
undertakings
|
|
| 企业( undertaking的名词复数 )； 保证； 殡仪业； 任务 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
240
ERECTED
|
|
| adj. 直立的，竖立的，笔直的 vt. 使 ... 直立，建立 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
241
expended
|
|
| v.花费( expend的过去式和过去分词 )；使用（钱等）做某事；用光；耗尽 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
242
windings
|
|
| （道路、河流等）蜿蜒的，弯曲的( winding的名词复数 )； 缠绕( wind的现在分词 )； 卷绕； 转动（把手） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
243
sluices
|
|
| n.水闸( sluice的名词复数 )；（用水闸控制的）水；有闸人工水道；漂洗处v.冲洗( sluice的第三人称单数 )；（指水）喷涌而出；漂净；给…安装水闸 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
244
brooks
|
|
| n.小溪( brook的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
245
populous
|
|
| adj.人口稠密的，人口众多的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
246
justified
|
|
| a.正当的，有理的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
247
pretensions
|
|
| 自称( pretension的名词复数 )； 自命不凡； 要求； 权力 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
248
viands
|
|
| n.食品，食物 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
249
voracity
|
|
| n.贪食，贪婪 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
250
boundless
|
|
| adj.无限的；无边无际的；巨大的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
251
essentially
|
|
| adv.本质上，实质上，基本上 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
252
demolition
|
|
| n.破坏,毁坏,毁坏之遗迹 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
253
baron
|
|
| n.男爵；(商业界等)巨头，大王 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
254
devoured
|
|
| 吞没( devour的过去式和过去分词 )； 耗尽； 津津有味地看； 狼吞虎咽地吃光 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
255
devour
|
|
| v.吞没；贪婪地注视或谛听，贪读；使着迷 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
256
pounced
|
|
| v.突然袭击( pounce的过去式和过去分词 )；猛扑；一眼看出；抓住机会（进行抨击） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
257
hawk
|
|
| n.鹰，骗子；鹰派成员 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
258
annihilating
|
|
| v.（彻底）消灭( annihilate的现在分词 )；使无效；废止；彻底击溃 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
259
fangs
|
|
| n.（尤指狗和狼的）长而尖的牙( fang的名词复数 )；（蛇的）毒牙；罐座 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
260
secreted
|
|
| v.（尤指动物或植物器官）分泌( secrete的过去式和过去分词 )；隐匿，隐藏 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
261
puny
|
|
| adj.微不足道的，弱小的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
262
appalling
|
|
| adj.骇人听闻的，令人震惊的，可怕的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
263
levied
|
|
| 征（兵）( levy的过去式和过去分词 )； 索取； 发动（战争）； 征税 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
264
proprietors
|
|
| n.所有人，业主( proprietor的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
265
infamous
|
|
| adj.声名狼藉的，臭名昭著的，邪恶的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
266
sublime
|
|
| adj.崇高的，伟大的；极度的，不顾后果的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
267
fowl
|
|
| n.家禽，鸡，禽肉 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
268
veal
|
|
| n.小牛肉 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
269
stipulated
|
|
| vt.& vi.规定；约定adj.[法]合同规定的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
270
boor
|
|
| n.举止粗野的人；乡下佬 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
271
ravenous
|
|
| adj.极饿的，贪婪的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
272
hog
|
|
| n.猪；馋嘴贪吃的人；vt.把…占为己有，独占 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
273
reassured
|
|
| adj.使消除疑虑的；使放心的v.再保证，恢复信心( reassure的过去式和过去分词) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
274
descending
|
|
| n. 下行 adj. 下降的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
275
declivity
|
|
| n.下坡，倾斜面 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
276
penitentiary
|
|
| n.感化院；监狱 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
277
expenditure
|
|
| n.(时间、劳力、金钱等)支出；使用，消耗 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
278
transacted
|
|
| v.办理（业务等）( transact的过去式和过去分词 )；交易，谈判 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
279
chapel
|
|
| n.小教堂，殡仪馆 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
280
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： |
|
|
|
|
281
rectified
|
|
| [医]矫正的，调整的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
282
pedestrians
|
|
| n.步行者( pedestrian的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
283
auditors
|
|
| n.审计员，稽核员( auditor的名词复数 )；（大学课程的）旁听生 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
284
orator
|
|
| n.演说者，演讲者，雄辩家 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
285
contortion
|
|
| n.扭弯，扭歪，曲解 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
286
surmised
|
|
| v.臆测，推断( surmise的过去式和过去分词 )；揣测；猜想 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
287
radicalism
|
|
| n. 急进主义, 根本的改革主义 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
288
fanaticism
|
|
| n.狂热，盲信 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
289
exterior
|
|
| adj.外部的，外在的；表面的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
290
harangue
|
|
| n.慷慨冗长的训话，言辞激烈的讲话 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
291
rubicundity
|
|
| n.颜色发红，脸红 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
|
292
precept
|
|
| n.戒律；格言 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
| 欢迎访问英文小说网 |