“Canst thou not minister to a mind diseased;
Pluck from the memory a rooted sorrow;
Which weighs upon the heart?”——Macbeth.
Amongst Mahometans, the following legend is said to be accepted as an account of the miraculous7 introduction of the “wond’rous weed” to the world.
“Mahomet, passing the desert in winter, found a poor viper8 frozen on the ground; touched with compassion9, he placed it in his sleeve, where the warmth and glow of the blessed body restored it to life. No sooner did the ungrateful reptile10 find its health restored, than it poked11 forth12 its head, and said—
“‘Oh, Prophet, I am going to bite you.’
“‘Give me a sound reason, O snake, and I will be content.’
“‘Your people kill my people constantly, there is war between your race and mine.’
“‘Your people bite my people, the balance between our kindred is even, between you and me; nay13, it is in my favour, for I have done you good.’
“‘And that you may not do me harm, I will bite you.’
20
“‘Do not be so ungrateful.’
“‘I will! I have sworn by the Most High that I will.’
“At the Name the Prophet no longer opposed the viper, but bade him bite on, in the name of God. The snake pierced his fangs14 in the blessed wrist, which the Prophet not liking15, shook him off, but did him no further harm, nor would he suffer those near him to destroy it, but putting his lips to the wound, and sucking out the poison, spat16 it upon the earth. From these drops sprang that wond’rous weed, which has the bitterness of the serpent’s tooth, quelled17 by the sweet saliva18 of the Prophet.”5
Happy Moslem19! you have solved the mystery, and your heart feels no doubt; but Christian20 dogs despairingly sigh for some revelation from the past, whether through history or tradition, of the first use of this plant. In vain we enquire21 who it was that first conceived and put in practice the idea of burning the large leaves of a weed, and drawing in the smoke to spit it out again? Who it was that discovered pleasure or amusement in tickling22 the nose with that “titillating dust” to enjoy the luxury of a sneeze, or find employment in blowing it out again? Ye shades of heroes departed, that hover24 around the pine-woods of the Saskatchewan, sail over the rolling prairies of Illinois, or roam along the strands25 of Virginia, tell us to what illustrious progenitor26 of Cree or Mohawk we are to accord the honour of a discovery more popular than any since the days when “Adam delved27 and Eve span?”
In default of the shades giving us the required information, we must resort to the faint footsteps which “the habit” has left imprinted28 on the sands of Time. Even the name by which it is called,21 has been disputed and even denied, as of right, belonging to tobacco. This word, Humboldt informs us, like the words savannah, maize29, maguey, and manati, belong to the ancient language of Hayti or St. Domingo, and did not properly denote the herb, but the pipe through which it was smoked. Tobacco, according to Oveido, was indigenous30 in Hispaniola, and much used by the native Indians, who smoked it from a tube in the shape of the letter =Y=, the two branches being inserted in the nostrils31, and the stem placed in the burning leaves. The plant was called the cohiba, and the rude instrument by which it was inhaled32 tabaco.
Other fabulous33 accounts of the origin of this mystic name, which opens the heart and hand of the savage34 more readily than that of gold, trace it to Tabacco, a province of Yucatan in New Spain, whence it is stated to have been first brought to Europe. Or affinity35 is claimed for it with the Island of Tobago, one of the Caribbees, where it grew wild in abundance. Or its derivation is traced to Tobasco, in the island of Florida. In Mexico it was called yetl, and in Peru sagri, meaning in those languages “the herb,” or the herb par23 excellence36, worthy37 of superiority over all other herbs which the earth ever produced from her bosom.
It seems surprising that a vegetable production so universally spread should have different names among neighbouring people. In North America the Algonkin name is sema, and the Huron oyngoua, and the same dissimilarity exists in the languages of South-American tribes; the Omagua, petema; the Maypure, jema; the Chiquito, pais; the Vilela, tusup; and the Tamanac, cavai. One would have expected to have found names with less variation among such neighbours. It might be urged, perhaps, that these are all independent22 ancient names given by each tribe to the plant before they became acquainted with the existence of their neighbours, and an evidence that its use was not derived40 from each other, nor from travellers passing among them. To these speculations41 the theorist is welcome.
There is little reason to doubt that tobacco is a plant indigenous to the New World. With the era, therefore, of Columbus, our knowledge of it will necessarily commence. When the Spaniards landed with that navigator in Cuba in 1492, they found the Cubans doing the same kind of thing as the voyager would now find them occupied in, making and smoking cigars. In the latter act, these Spaniards soon followed the Cuban example, as did those also who landed in 1518, with Fernando Cortez, in the island of Tobago, to a still greater extent. The honour of introducing this, the fairest of “the Seven Sisters of Sleep,” to European society and soil, is due, perhaps, to Hernandez, the naturalist42, who brought the first seeds from Mexico (Humboldt states, from the Mexican province of Yucatan), in 1559, and conveyed them to Spain. About the same time some unknown Flamingo43 introduced the illustrious visitor to Portugal.
Of the introduction of tobacco into France, the more commonly-received opinion is, that the first seeds were sent to Catherine de Medici from Portugal in 1560, by Jean Nicot, the French ambassador to that country, and ever since it has borne as its generic44 name a memento45 of its patron. Other accounts attribute to Father André Thevet, or some friend of his, the honour of introducing the raw material to the most accomplished46 snuff-takers in Europe, and, perhaps, the first who ever indulged in it to any extent.
In Tuscany, tobacco was first cultivated under Cosmo de Medici, who died in 1574. It was originally23 raised by Bishop47 Alfonso Tournabuoni, from seeds received from his nephew, Nicolo Tournabuoni, then ambassador at Paris. After him it bore the name of Erba Tournabuoni, as in France it was called Herbe de la Reine. Very early, before 1589, the Cardinal48 Santa Croce, returning from his nunciature in Spain and Portugal to Italy, carried with him thither49 tobacco; but he can scarce claim the honour of its introduction, although the exploit was commemorated50 by Castor Duranti in Latin verse. Thus it would appear that this plant was brought from Mexico to Spain, whence it passed into France, and thence into Italy, during the early part of the latter half of the sixteenth century.
The first introduction of tobacco into England has been claimed for a trinity of valiant51 knights—Sir Francis Drake, Sir John Hawkins, and Sir Walter Raleigh. In Bancroft’s “History of the United States,” it is said—“The exiles of a year had grown familiar with the favourite amusement of the lethargic52 Indians, and they introduced into England the general use of tobacco.” These exiles were brought home by Drake before Raleigh visited the New World, and the period for the introduction of tobacco into this country by Sir Francis, claims the date of 1560. For Sir John Hawkins’ introduction, the time has been fixed53 at 1565; whilst the earliest date assigned for its introduction by Sir Walter Raleigh is 1584, the same year in which a proclamation was issued in England against it. Humboldt states that the celebrated54 Raleigh contributed most to introduce the custom of smoking among the nations of the North. When Raleigh brought tobacco from Virginia to England, whole fields of it were already cultivated in Portugal. It was also previously55 known in France, where it was brought into fashion by Catherine de Medici. As24 early as the end of the sixteenth century, bitter complaints were made in England of this imitation of the manners of a savage people. It was feared, that by the practice of smoking tobacco, Englishmen would degenerate56 into a barbarous state.6 The cultivation57 of this narcotic58 plant preceded that of the potato in Europe 120 or 140 years.
Camden, who informs us of these fears for the civilization of England, also states that Richard Fletcher, Bishop of London, a courtly prelate (who died in 1596), by the use of tobacco “smothered the cares he took by means of his unlucky marriage.” According to Aubrey, the pipe was handed from man to man round the table; and this bears, certainly, a great resemblance to the custom of the North-American Indians—the chief smoking two or three whiffs, then passing it to his neighbour, until from one to another it passes round the circle, and comes back to the first smoker59 again.
M. Jorevin, a Frenchman, who visited England in Charles the Second’s time, says that the women smoked tobacco as well as the men.
From England the practice of smoking was carried to the Continent. Dutch students were first taught the art of smoking at the University of Leyden by students from England; hence the greatest smokers60 in Europe derived their knowledge of the use of the pipe from the English.
Lilly, in his autobiography61, informs us that when committed to the guard-room in Whitehall, he thought himself in regions far below, where Orpheus sang, and Pluto62 reigned63, for25 “some were sleeping, others swearing, others smoking tobacco; and in the chimney of the room were two bushels of broken tobacco-pipes.” Good friend Lilly, what wouldst thou have thought of a visit to a Studenten Kneipe, where a crowd of students, amid fumes65 dense67 as a London fog in November, scream and growl68 the well-known song—
“And smokes the Fox tobacco?
And smokes the Fox tobacco?
And smokes the leathery Fox tobacco?
Sa! Sa!
Fox tobacco.
And smokes the Fox tobacco.
“Then let him fill a pipe!
Then let him fill a pipe!
Then let him fill a leathery pipe;
Sa! Sa!
Leathery pipe.
Then let him fill a pipe!”
And then perhaps—but let the reader enquire for himself of some descendant from the ancestors of the renowned69 Wouter Van Twiller, the worthy head of the long-pipe faction70. In 1601, tobacco was carried to Java, whence it spread over the East. It was also conveyed to Turkey and Arabia in the beginning of this century. El-Is-hákee states that the custom of smoking tobacco began to be common in Egypt between the years of the flight, 1010 and 1012 (a.d. 1601-1603). And from Persian writers on Materia medica, it appears to have been introduced into India in a.h. 1014 (a.d. 1605), towards the end of the reign64 of Jelaladeen Akbar Padshaw. From India, tobacco probably found its way to the Malayan Peninsula and China; although Pallas, Loureiro, and Rumphius think that tobacco was known in China before the discovery of the New World, and that26 the Chinese tobacco plant is indigenous to that country.
From “Notes and Queries” we learn that “tobacco was first cultivated in this country at Winchcombe in Gloucestershire, and that the natives did suck thereout no small advantage; and before the time of James II. the best Virginia was but two shillings the pound, and two gross of the best glazed71 pipes, and a box with them, three shillings and fourpence.” Tobacco became almost a necessary among the upper classes; nor could the parliamentary representatives of the city of Worcester be despatched up to town until the “collective wisdom” had smoked and drunk sack at the “Globe,” or some other hostelry. As early as 1621, it was moved in the House of Commons by Sir William Stroud, that “he would have tobacco banished72 wholly out of the kingdom, and that it may not be brought from any part, nor used amongst us.” And by Sir Grey Palmes, “that if tobacco be not banished, it will overthrow73 100,000 men in England, for it is now so common, that he hath seen ploughmen take it as they are at the plough.” At a later period of the same century, so inveterate74 had the practice become, that an order appears on the journals of the House, “That no member in the House do presume to smoke tobacco in the gallery, or at the table of the House sitting at Committees.”
But tobacco did not come into general use in Europe without great and strenuous75 opposition76. All kinds of weapons were called in requisition to stay its progress. Persuasion77 and force were alike essayed without effect. A German writer has collected the titles of a hundred different works condemning78 its use, which were published within half a century of its introduction into Europe. The pen was wielded79 by royal as well as plebeian27 fingers, and the famous diatribe80 of the British Solomon, King James I., of blessed memory, defender81 of the faith, and antagonist82 of tobacco, keeps his memory still green in the hearts of Englishmen. In Russia, the snuff-taker was ingeniously cured of the habit, by having his nose cut off, while smokers had a pipe bored through the same useful projection83. Michael Feodorovitch Tourieff kindly84 offered a bastinado to the Muscovites for the first offence, cutting off the nose for the second, and the head for the third. In 1590, Pope Innocent XII. took the trouble to excommunicate all who used tobacco in any form in the church of St. Peter’s in Rome. And in 1624, Pope Urban VII., the old woman, fulminated a bull against all persons found taking snuff during divine service; and old women, in the spirit of opposition, have been fond of snuff ever since. The sultans and priests of Persia and Turkey declared smoking a sin against their religion. Amurath IV. of Persia published an edict, making the smoking of tobacco a capital offence. Shah Abbas II. punished such delinquents85 equally severely86. When leading an army against the Cham of Tartary, he proclaimed that every soldier in whose possession tobacco was found, would have his nose and lips cut off, and afterwards be burnt alive. El-Gabartee relates, that about a century ago, in the time of Mohammed Básha El-Yedekshee, who governed Egypt in the years of the flight, 1156-8, it frequently happened that, when a man was found with a pipe in his hand in Cairo, he was made to eat the bowl with its burning contents. This may seem incredible, but a pipe bowl may be broken by strong teeth, particularly if it be of meerschaum. In Tuscany, the growth of tobacco was prohibited, except in a few localities, where it was allowed, under certain28 restrictions87, from 1645 to 1789, when the Grand Duke Peter Leopold declared its cultivation free all over the country. Ferdinand III. afterwards restricted it to its former localities. The number of these were reduced in 1826, and in 1830 its growth was entirely88 prohibited. In Transylvania the penalty for growing tobacco was a total confiscation89 of property; and for the use of the weed, a fine of from three to two hundred florins. In 1661, the Canton of Berne introduced an eleventh commandment to the decalogue, and this was inserted after the seventh, “Thou shalt not smoke!” In 1719, the wise senate of Strasburg prohibited the cultivation of tobacco, fearing lest it should interfere90 with the growth of corn. Prussia and Denmark contented91 themselves with prohibiting its use. This brings us back again to England, and the days of “good Queen Bess.” That lady, who is said to have prohibited the use of tobacco in churches, according to certain chroniclers, was wont92 to banter93 Sir Walter Raleigh on his affection for his protégé. It is said, that on one occasion, when Raleigh was conversing94 with his royal mistress upon the singular properties of this new and extraordinary herb, he assured her Majesty95 that he had so well experienced the nature of it, that he could tell her of what weight even the smoke would be in any quantity proposed to be consumed. Her Majesty, deeming it impossible to hold the smoke in a balance, must needs lay a wager96 to solve the doubt. Raleigh procured97 the quantity agreed upon, he thoroughly98 smoked it, and weighed the ashes, pleading at the same time that the weight now wanting was the weight of the smoke dissipated in the process. The Queen did not deny the doctrine99 of her favourite, saying29 “that she had often heard of those who had turned their gold into smoke, but Raleigh was the first who had turned his smoke into gold.”
The Star Chamber100 levied101 a heavy duty, and Charles II. prohibited its cultivation in England. Tobacco was first put under the excise102 in 1789. It was not at first allowed to be smoked in ale-houses. “There is a curious collection of proclamations, &c.,” says Brand, “in the archives of the Society of Antiquaries of London. In vol. viii. is an ale-house licence, granted by six Kentish justices of the peace, at the bottom of which is the following item, among other directions to the inn-holder:——‘_Item._—You shall not utter, nor willingly suffer to be uttered, drunke, or taken, any tobacco within your house, cellar, or other place thereunto belonging.’”
Notwithstanding oppositions103, imposts, anathemas104, counterblasts, and persecutions, tobacco gradually and rapidly arose in popular esteem105. The first house in which it was publicly smoked in Britain was the Pied Bull, at Islington; but this was “alone in its glory” for a very brief period of time. “Is it not a great vanity,” saith Royal James, “that a man cannot heartily106 welcome his friend now, but straight they must be in hand with tobacco? And he that will refuse to take a pipe of tobacco amongst his fellows is accounted peevish107, and no good company; yea, the mistress cannot in a more mannerly kind entertain her servant than by giving him out of her fair hand a pipe of tobacco.” Raleigh smoked in his dungeon108 in the Tower, while the headsman was grinding his axe109. Cromwell loved his pipe, and dictated110 his despatches to Milton over some burning Trinidado, or sweet-smelling nicotine111. Ben Johnson affirmed that tobacco was the most precious weed that the earth ever tendered to the use of man. Dr. Radcliffe recommended snuff to30 his brethren. Dr. Johnson kept his snuff in his waistcoat pocket; and so did Frederick the Great. Robert Hall smoked in his vestry, and, it would seem, in other places as well, for Gilfillan informs us, that when on a visit to a brother clergyman, he went into the kitchen where a pious112 servant girl, whom he loved, was working. He lighted his pipe, sat down, and asked her—“Betty, do you love the Lord Jesus Christ?” “I hope I do, sir,” was the reply. He immediately added, “Betty, do you love me?” They were married. And Napoleon took rappee by the handful. And poets wrote, and minstrels sang, in the praise of the “Divine Virginia.”
“Thou glorious weed of a glorious land,
I would not be freed from thy magical wand—
Despairing of freedom, I cannot complain.
The longer I prove thee, the less I repine.
The affection I cherish, no time can assuage—
Thy joys do not perish, like others, with age.”
The mailed Spaniard and red-plumed Indian have fought around it; and gold-seekers have drenched115 it with the gore116 of negroes. One whole continent has been enriched by it; and to cultivate it, another continent has been depopulated. Negroes have prayed to their Fetishes beside it—many a Cacique now dead smoked it at the war-council, and many a grave, grey-bearded Spaniard, who had fought at Lepanto, or bled in the Low Countries. Old soldiers of Cromwell have smoked it; and while Indians have bartered117 their gold for English beads118, the swarthy Buccaneers looked on, handling their loaded muskets119. Tobacco was for some time used as currency in Virginia, as, according to Mr. Galton, is the case now among the31 Damarás, Ovampo, and other tribes of South-Western Africa.
Forty varieties of tobacco have been described; but the differences are mainly the result of climate, and the mode of culture. It grows well in almost every part of the world. The northern limit in Scandinavia is 62°-63° N.?L. The different parts of America in which it is grown include Canada, New Brunswick, United States, Mexico, the Western Coast, as far as 40° S.?L. In Africa it is cultivated by the Red Sea and Mediterranean120, in Egypt, Algeria, the Canaries, the Western Coast, the Cape121, and numerous places in the interior. In Europe, it has been raised successfully in almost every country; in Hungary, Germany, Flanders, and France, it forms an important agricultural product. In Asia, it has spread over Turkey, Persia, India, Thibet, China, Japan, the Philippines, Java, and Ceylon. In parts of Australia and New Zealand. From the Equator to 50° N.?L., it may be raised without difficulty. The finest qualities are raised between 15° and 35° N.?L.
The most noted122 tobacco is that of Cuba; and the most extensive growers are the Americans of the United States. Two-thirds of our supply is doubtless derived from the latter source.
In 1665, Virginia exported to England 60,000 pounds. Twenty-five years afterwards, our total imports were double that amount; while in 1858, they amounted to 62,217,705 pounds, including snuff and cigars; hence, we may fairly calculate that, in Great Britain, eight millions of pounds sterling123 are annually124 spent in tobacco.
It has been computed125 that eight hundred millions of the human race are consumers of tobacco, and that the average annual consumption is 70 ounces per head. The total consumption would,32 therefore, approximate to two millions of tons. The average annual consumption of every male over eighteen years of age, in each of the following countries of Europe, as collected from returns, is, in Austria, 108 ounces; Zollverein, 156 ounces; Steurverein, including Hanover and Oldenburg, 200 ounces; France, 88 ounces; Russia, 40 ounces; Portugal, 56 ounces; Spain, 76 ounces; Sardinia, 44 ounces; Tuscany, 40 ounces; the Papal States, 32 ounces; England, 66 ounces; Holland, 132 ounces; Belgium, 144 ounces; Denmark, 128 ounces; Sweden, 70 ounces; and Norway, 99 ounces. In the United States of America, the consumption is 122 ounces; and in New South Wales, where there are no restrictive duties, it is declared to exceed 400 ounces.
“Jamie, thou shouldst been living at this hour,
Europe hath need of thee.”
To what a height of royal indignation the “Misocapnos” would have risen, had its author postponed126 its publication 250 years, and reappeared, a “new avater,” to see it through the press in these latter days. He had then required no Spanish matches to set him on fire; and the “horrible Stygian smoake” would have required the addition of all Catesby’s gunpowder127 to have made the simile128 worthy of its royal master, unless, peradventure, the weight of five millions of golden sovereigns from the Inland Revenue Office had pressed heavily upon his conscience, and he had purchased himself a new pair of silk stockings, and rested in peace; then he could have returned the old pair he borrowed in his Scotch129 capital, in which to meet his English Court at London.
Since the days when the green leaf of tobacco was used as a sovereign application for wounds and bruises130 and the bites of poisonous serpents,33 there has been no more singular use discovered for any part of this plant than that of certain African tribes, who, Denham says, “colour their teeth and lips with the flowers of the goorjee tree and the tobacco plant. The former, he saw only once or twice; the latter, was carried every day to market at Bornou, beautifully arranged in large baskets. The flowers of both these plants rubbed on the lips and teeth give them a blood-red appearance, which is there thought a great beauty.” That the poison of tobacco should have been turned to account is not surprising; and we are more prepared to hear of the bushmen of South Africa poisoning the heads of their arrows, not with nicotine, but with a poison taken from the head of the yellow serpent. These serpents they kill with the oil of tobacco, one drop or two producing spasms131 and death. Count Bocarmé effectually settled the question of the poisonous property of nicotine, some years since at Mons. It remained for future experimentalists to discover that as well as a bane, tobacco was an antidote.
A young lady in New Hampshire fell into the mistake of eating a portion of arsenic132, which had been prepared for the destruction of rats. Painful symptoms soon led to the discovery. An elderly lady, then present, advised that she should be made to vomit133 as speedily as possible, and as the unfortunate victim had always exhibited a loathing134 for tobacco in any shape, that was suggested as a ready means of obtaining the desired end. A pipe was used, but this produced no nausea135. A large portion of strong tobacco was then chewed, and the juice swallowed, but even this produced no sensation of disgust. A strong decoction was then made with hot water, of this she drank half a pint136 without producing nausea or giddiness, or any emetic137 or cathartic138 action. The pains gradually34 subsided139, and she began to feel well. On the arrival of physicians, an emetic was administered. The patient recovered, and no ill consequences were experienced. Another case occurred a few years subsequent at the same place, when tobacco was administered and no other remedy. In this instance there was complete and perfect recovery. From this it may be reasonably concluded, that tobacco is an antidote of very safe and ready application in cases of poisoning by arsenic.
Financiers and Chancellors140 of Exchequers141 or Ministers of Finance, look with particularly favourable142 eyes upon the “Indian Weed.” Our own official in that department, can now calculate on nearly six millions of safe income in his estimates for a year, from this fertile source. Our near neighbours of France consider four millions too good an addition to the revenue, to denounce its use. Austria and Spain each manages to supply the state coffers with a million and a half of money from the tobacco monopoly. Russia, the Zollverein, Portugal, Sardinia, and the Papal States, individually realizes from three to four hundred thousands of pounds every year, from the use or abuse of this most popular plant in the world.
Although this habit, in its increase, may cause throbs143 of ecstatic joy in the breasts of certain officials, there are other sections of society holding antagonistic145 opinions. The Maine Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church at a late session, passed the following preamble146 and resolutions:——
“Whereas—The use of tobacco prevails to a prodigious147 extent in our country, as indicated in the reports of our national treasury148, and other authentic149 documents, from which it appears that over 100,000,000 pounds of this article are consumed in the United States annually, at a cost to35 the consumers of over 20,000,000 dollars, and whereas, we have reason to believe that its use is rapidly increasing, and that even ministers of the Gospel are becoming, to a great extent, guilty of this debasing indulgence; therefore—
“I.—Resolved. That we view these facts as a matter of profound alarm, and such an evil as to demand the serious attention of the Church.
“II.—Resolved. That we regard the use of tobacco as an expensive and needless indulgence, unfavourable to cleanliness and good manners, unbecoming in Christians150, and especially in Christian Ministers, and, like the use of alcohol, a violation151 of the laws of physical, intellectual, and moral life.
III.—Resolved. “That we will discountenance the use of that injurious narcotic, except as a medicine prescribed by a physician, by precept152 and example, and by all proper means.”
De Lagny states that the “Old Believers”, a sect144 of dissenters153 from the Greek Church in Russia, look with horror on the use of tobacco. The Wahhabees, a Pharasaical sect of strict Moslems, are rigid154 in their condemnation155 of tobacco, and in their adherence156 to the precepts157 of the Koran, and the traditions of the Prophet.
There are to be met with nearer home, those who are inveterate against its use, and who willingly join with Cowper in denouncing the
An occasional pamphlet or letter, makes its way into the hands of speculative160 publishers or into class papers, giving gratuitous161 advice, and much denunciatory language, against a habit which is by far too general, and has been tested by too many experiments not to be well known, and36 equally well understood. These “counterblasts” differ but little from the model one which each would seem to aim at imitating—the quaint39 expressions, the only redeeming162 quality in the original, alone being wanting.
“Surely,” saith the high and mightie Prince James,37 “smoke becomes a kitchen farre better than a dining chamber; and yet it makes a kitchen oftentimes in the inward parts of men, soyling and infecting them with an unctuous163 and oyly kind of soote, as hath been found in some great tobacco takers, that after their death were opened. Now, my good countrymen, let us (I pray you), consider what honour or policie can move us to imitate the barbarous and beastlie manners of the wild, godlesse, and slavish Indians, especially in so vile38 and filthy164 a custome. Shall we, that disdain165 to imitate the manner of our neighbour, France (having the style of the greate Christian kingdome), and that cannot endure the spirit of the Spaniards, (their king being now comparable in largenesse of dominions166 to the greatest Emperor of Turkey), shall we, I say, that have been so long civill and wealthy in peace, famous and invincible167 in war, fortunate in both—we that have been ever able to aid any of our neighbours (but never deafened168 any of their ears with any of our supplications for assistance), shall we, I say, without blushing, abase169 ourselves so far as to imitate these beastlie Indians, slaves to the Spaniards, the refuse of the worlde, and, as yet, aliens from the holy covenant170 of God? Why do we not as well imitate them in walking naked as they do, in preferring glasses, feathers, and toys, to gold and precious stones, as they do? Yea, why do we not deny God, and adore the devils, as they do? Have you not, then, reasons to forbear this filthie noveltie, so basely grounded, so foolishly received, and so grosslie mistaken in the right use thereof? In your abuse thereof, sinning against God, harming yourselves both in person and goods, and raking also, thereby171, the marks and notes of vanitie upon you, by the custom thereof, making yourselves to be wondered at by all forreine civill nations, and by all strangers that come among you, to be scorned and contemned172; a custom loathsome173 to the eye, hateful to the nose, harmfull to the braine, dangerous to the lungs, and, in the blacke stinking174 fume66 thereof, nearest resembling the horrible Stygian smoake of the pit that is bottomless.”
Wise and worthy king, adieu. Gold stick, lead the way. We hasten from your royal presence to join the Cabinet of Cloudland.Vive la Virginie!
点击
收听单词发音
收听单词发音 |
1
raze
|
|
| vt.铲平，把(城市、房屋等)夷为平地，拆毁 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
2
oblivious
|
|
| adj.易忘的，遗忘的，忘却的，健忘的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
3
antidote
|
|
| n.解毒药，解毒剂 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
4
cleanse
|
|
| vt.使清洁，使纯洁，清洗 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
5
bosom
|
|
| n.胸，胸部；胸怀；内心；adj.亲密的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
6
perilous
|
|
| adj.危险的，冒险的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
7
miraculous
|
|
| adj.像奇迹一样的，不可思议的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
8
viper
|
|
| n.毒蛇；危险的人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
9
compassion
|
|
| n.同情，怜悯 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
10
reptile
|
|
| n.爬行动物；两栖动物 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
11
poked
|
|
| v.伸出( poke的过去式和过去分词 )；戳出；拨弄；与（某人）性交 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
12
forth
|
|
| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
13
nay
|
|
| adv.不；n.反对票，投反对票者 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
14
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： |
|
|
|
|
15
liking
|
|
| n.爱好；嗜好；喜欢 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
16
spat
|
|
| n.口角，掌击；v.发出呼噜呼噜声 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
17
quelled
|
|
| v.（用武力）制止，结束，镇压( quell的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
18
saliva
|
|
| n.唾液，口水 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
19
Moslem
|
|
| n.回教徒，穆罕默德信徒；adj.回教徒的，回教的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
20
Christian
|
|
| adj.基督教徒的；n.基督教徒 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
21
enquire
|
|
| v.打听，询问；调查，查问 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
22
tickling
|
|
| 反馈，回授，自旋挠痒法 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
23
par
|
|
| n.标准，票面价值，平均数量；adj.票面的，平常的，标准的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
24
hover
|
|
| vi.翱翔，盘旋；徘徊；彷徨，犹豫 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
25
strands
|
|
| n.（线、绳、金属线、毛发等的）股( strand的名词复数 )；缕；海洋、湖或河的)岸；（观点、计划、故事等的）部份v.使滞留，使搁浅( strand的第三人称单数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
26
progenitor
|
|
| n.祖先，先驱 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
27
delved
|
|
| v.深入探究，钻研( delve的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
28
imprinted
|
|
| v.盖印（imprint的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
29
maize
|
|
| n.玉米 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
30
indigenous
|
|
| adj.土产的，土生土长的，本地的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
31
nostrils
|
|
| 鼻孔( nostril的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
32
inhaled
|
|
| v.吸入( inhale的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
33
fabulous
|
|
| adj.极好的；极为巨大的；寓言中的，传说中的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
34
savage
|
|
| adj.野蛮的；凶恶的，残暴的；n.未开化的人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
35
affinity
|
|
| n.亲和力，密切关系 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
36
excellence
|
|
| n.优秀，杰出，(pl.)优点，美德 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
37
worthy
|
|
| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
38
vile
|
|
| adj.卑鄙的，可耻的，邪恶的；坏透的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
39
quaint
|
|
| adj.古雅的，离奇有趣的，奇怪的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
40
derived
|
|
| vi.起源；由来；衍生；导出v.得到( derive的过去式和过去分词 )；（从…中）得到获得；源于；（从…中）提取 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
41
speculations
|
|
| n.投机买卖( speculation的名词复数 )；思考；投机活动；推断 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
42
naturalist
|
|
| n.博物学家(尤指直接观察动植物者) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
43
flamingo
|
|
| n.红鹳，火烈鸟 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
44
generic
|
|
| adj.一般的，普通的，共有的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
45
memento
|
|
| n.纪念品，令人回忆的东西 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
46
accomplished
|
|
| adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
47
bishop
|
|
| n.主教，（国际象棋）象 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
48
cardinal
|
|
| n.(天主教的)红衣主教；adj.首要的，基本的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
49
thither
|
|
| adv.向那里；adj.在那边的，对岸的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
50
commemorated
|
|
| v.纪念，庆祝( commemorate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
51
valiant
|
|
| adj.勇敢的，英勇的；n.勇士，勇敢的人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
52
lethargic
|
|
| adj.昏睡的，懒洋洋的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
53
fixed
|
|
| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
54
celebrated
|
|
| adj.有名的，声誉卓著的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
55
previously
|
|
| adv.以前，先前（地） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
56
degenerate
|
|
| v.退步，堕落；adj.退步的，堕落的；n.堕落者 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
57
cultivation
|
|
| n.耕作，培养，栽培（法），养成 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
58
narcotic
|
|
| n.麻醉药，镇静剂；adj.麻醉的，催眠的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
59
smoker
|
|
| n.吸烟者，吸烟车厢，吸烟室 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
60
smokers
|
|
| 吸烟者( smoker的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
61
autobiography
|
|
| n.自传 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
62
Pluto
|
|
| n.冥王星 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
63
reigned
|
|
| vi.当政，统治（reign的过去式形式） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
64
reign
|
|
| n.统治时期，统治，支配，盛行；v.占优势 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
65
fumes
|
|
| n.(强烈而刺激的)气味，气体 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
66
fume
|
|
| n.(usu pl.)(浓烈或难闻的)烟，气，汽 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
67
dense
|
|
| a.密集的，稠密的，浓密的；密度大的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
68
growl
|
|
| v.（狗等）嗥叫，（炮等）轰鸣；n.嗥叫，轰鸣 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
69
renowned
|
|
| adj.著名的，有名望的，声誉鹊起的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
70
faction
|
|
| n.宗派，小集团；派别；派系斗争 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
71
glazed
|
|
| adj.光滑的，像玻璃的；上过釉的；呆滞无神的v.装玻璃( glaze的过去式)；上釉于，上光；（目光）变得呆滞无神 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
72
banished
|
|
| v.放逐，驱逐( banish的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
73
overthrow
|
|
| v.推翻，打倒，颠覆；n.推翻，瓦解，颠覆 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
74
inveterate
|
|
| adj.积习已深的，根深蒂固的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
75
strenuous
|
|
| adj.奋发的，使劲的；紧张的；热烈的，狂热的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
76
opposition
|
|
| n.反对，敌对 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
77
persuasion
|
|
| n.劝说；说服；持有某种信仰的宗派 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
78
condemning
|
|
| v.（通常因道义上的原因而）谴责( condemn的现在分词 )；宣判；宣布…不能使用；迫使…陷于不幸的境地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
79
wielded
|
|
| 手持着使用（武器、工具等）( wield的过去式和过去分词 )； 具有； 运用（权力）； 施加（影响） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
80
diatribe
|
|
| n.抨击，抨击性演说 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
81
defender
|
|
| n.保卫者，拥护者，辩护人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
82
antagonist
|
|
| n.敌人，对抗者，对手 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
83
projection
|
|
| n.发射，计划，突出部分 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
84
kindly
|
|
| adj.和蔼的，温和的，爽快的；adv.温和地，亲切地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
85
delinquents
|
|
| n.（尤指青少年）有过失的人，违法的人( delinquent的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
86
severely
|
|
| adv.严格地；严厉地；非常恶劣地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
87
restrictions
|
|
| 约束( restriction的名词复数 )； 管制； 制约因素； 带限制性的条件（或规则） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
88
entirely
|
|
| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
89
confiscation
|
|
| n. 没收, 充公, 征收 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
90
interfere
|
|
| v.(in)干涉，干预；(with)妨碍，打扰 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
91
contented
|
|
| adj.满意的，安心的，知足的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
92
wont
|
|
| adj.习惯于；v.习惯；n.习惯 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
93
banter
|
|
| n.嘲弄，戏谑；v.取笑，逗弄，开玩笑 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
94
conversing
|
|
| v.交谈，谈话( converse的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
95
majesty
|
|
| n.雄伟，壮丽，庄严，威严；最高权威，王权 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
96
wager
|
|
| n.赌注；vt.押注，打赌 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
97
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： |
|
|
|
|
98
thoroughly
|
|
| adv.完全地，彻底地，十足地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
99
doctrine
|
|
| n.教义；主义；学说 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
100
chamber
|
|
| n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
101
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： |
|
|
|
|
102
excise
|
|
| n.(国产)货物税；vt.切除，删去 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
103
oppositions
|
|
| （强烈的）反对( opposition的名词复数 )； 反对党； （事业、竞赛、游戏等的）对手； 对比 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
104
anathemas
|
|
| n.（天主教的）革出教门( anathema的名词复数 )；诅咒；令人极其讨厌的事；被基督教诅咒的人或事 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
|
105
esteem
|
|
| n.尊敬，尊重；vt.尊重，敬重；把…看作 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
106
heartily
|
|
| adv.衷心地，诚恳地，十分，很 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
107
peevish
|
|
| adj.易怒的，坏脾气的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
108
dungeon
|
|
| n.地牢，土牢 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
109
axe
|
|
| n.斧子；v.用斧头砍，削减 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
110
dictated
|
|
| v.大声讲或读( dictate的过去式和过去分词 )；口授；支配；摆布 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
111
nicotine
|
|
| n.(化)尼古丁，烟碱 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
112
pious
|
|
| adj.虔诚的；道貌岸然的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
113
fetters
|
|
| n.脚镣( fetter的名词复数 )；束缚v.给…上脚镣，束缚( fetter的第三人称单数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
114
shrine
|
|
| n.圣地，神龛，庙；v.将...置于神龛内，把...奉为神圣 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
115
drenched
|
|
| adj.湿透的；充满的v.使湿透( drench的过去式和过去分词 )；在某人（某物）上大量使用（某液体） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
116
gore
|
|
| n.凝血，血污；v.（动物）用角撞伤，用牙刺破；缝以补裆；顶 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
117
bartered
|
|
| v.作物物交换，以货换货( barter的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
118
beads
|
|
| n.（空心）小珠子( bead的名词复数 )；水珠；珠子项链 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
119
muskets
|
|
| n.火枪，（尤指）滑膛枪( musket的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
120
Mediterranean
|
|
| adj.地中海的；地中海沿岸的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
121
cape
|
|
| n.海角，岬；披肩，短披风 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
122
noted
|
|
| adj.著名的，知名的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
123
sterling
|
|
| adj.英币的(纯粹的，货真价实的)；n.英国货币(英镑) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
124
annually
|
|
| adv.一年一次，每年 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
125
computed
|
|
| adj.[医]计算的，使用计算机的v.计算，估算( compute的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
126
postponed
|
|
| vt.& vi.延期，缓办，（使）延迟vt.把…放在次要地位；[语]把…放在后面（或句尾）vi.（疟疾等）延缓发作（或复发） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
127
gunpowder
|
|
| n.火药 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
128
simile
|
|
| n.直喻，明喻 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
129
scotch
|
|
| n.伤口，刻痕；苏格兰威士忌酒；v.粉碎，消灭，阻止；adj.苏格兰(人)的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
130
bruises
|
|
| n.瘀伤，伤痕，擦伤( bruise的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
131
spasms
|
|
| n.痉挛( spasm的名词复数 )；抽搐；（能量、行为等的）突发；发作 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
132
arsenic
|
|
| n.砒霜，砷；adj.砷的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
133
vomit
|
|
| v.呕吐，作呕；n.呕吐物，吐出物 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
134
loathing
|
|
| n.厌恶，憎恨v.憎恨，厌恶( loathe的现在分词)；极不喜欢 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
135
nausea
|
|
| n.作呕，恶心；极端的憎恶(或厌恶) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
136
pint
|
|
| n.品脱 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
137
emetic
|
|
| n.催吐剂；adj.催吐的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
138
cathartic
|
|
| adj.宣泄情绪的；n.泻剂 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
139
subsided
|
|
| v.（土地）下陷（因在地下采矿）( subside的过去式和过去分词 )；减弱；下降至较低或正常水平；一下子坐在椅子等上 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
140
chancellors
|
|
| 大臣( chancellor的名词复数 )； （某些美国大学的）校长； （德国或奥地利的）总理； （英国大学的）名誉校长 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
141
exchequers
|
|
| n.（英国）财政部( exchequer的名词复数 )；国库，金库 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
142
favourable
|
|
| adj.赞成的，称赞的，有利的，良好的，顺利的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
143
throbs
|
|
| 体内的跳动( throb的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
144
sect
|
|
| n.派别，宗教，学派，派系 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
145
antagonistic
|
|
| adj.敌对的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
146
preamble
|
|
| n.前言；序文 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
147
prodigious
|
|
| adj.惊人的，奇妙的；异常的；巨大的；庞大的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
148
treasury
|
|
| n.宝库；国库，金库；文库 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
149
authentic
|
|
| a.真的，真正的；可靠的，可信的，有根据的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
150
Christians
|
|
| n.基督教徒( Christian的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
151
violation
|
|
| n.违反(行为)，违背(行为)，侵犯 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
152
precept
|
|
| n.戒律；格言 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
153
dissenters
|
|
| n.持异议者，持不同意见者( dissenter的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
154
rigid
|
|
| adj.严格的，死板的；刚硬的，僵硬的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
155
condemnation
|
|
| n.谴责; 定罪 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
156
adherence
|
|
| n.信奉，依附，坚持，固着 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
157
precepts
|
|
| n.规诫，戒律，箴言( precept的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
158
banishes
|
|
| v.放逐，驱逐( banish的第三人称单数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
159
civilizes
|
|
| v.使文明，使开化( civilize的第三人称单数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
160
speculative
|
|
| adj.思索性的，暝想性的，推理的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
161
gratuitous
|
|
| adj.无偿的，免费的；无缘无故的，不必要的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
162
redeeming
|
|
| 补偿的，弥补的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
163
unctuous
|
|
| adj.油腔滑调的，大胆的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
164
filthy
|
|
| adj.卑劣的；恶劣的，肮脏的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
165
disdain
|
|
| n.鄙视，轻视；v.轻视，鄙视，不屑 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
166
dominions
|
|
| 统治权( dominion的名词复数 )； 领土； 疆土； 版图 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
167
invincible
|
|
| adj.不可征服的，难以制服的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
168
deafened
|
|
| 使聋( deafen的过去式和过去分词 )； 使隔音 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
169
abase
|
|
| v.降低，贬抑 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
170
covenant
|
|
| n.盟约，契约；v.订盟约 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
171
thereby
|
|
| adv.因此，从而 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
172
contemned
|
|
| v.侮辱，蔑视( contemn的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
|
173
loathsome
|
|
| adj.讨厌的，令人厌恶的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
174
stinking
|
|
| adj.臭的，烂醉的，讨厌的v.散发出恶臭( stink的现在分词 )；发臭味；名声臭；糟透 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
| 欢迎访问英文小说网 |