have the advantage of being an Irishman. My parents had also the felicity of first seeing the light of day as it shone upon the soil of the land which for ages has seemed to possess such passing interest in the eyes of Britain. Their family consisted of six children: four boys and two girls. I was the youngest of the whole, and, for reasons I do not profess3 to comprehend, was a special favourite. I was named Thomas; which, interpreted by parental4 love, was converted into Benjamin, with a double portion of all that substance so scanty5 as theirs could supply. I was born in the small townsland of Enneham, King’s County, in the province of Leinster, about the year 1790, be the same a little earlier 8or later. The exact period I cannot specify7; as at that time and place, and in consequence of the culpable8 negligence9 generally prevalent in parochial registration10, very little thought or care was shown in recording11 such events.
Those were the days of intestine12 broil13 and vengeance14. The seeds of rebellion, which had been sown with an unsparing and remorseless hand, were just ready to produce their baneful15 first-fruit. Such was the jeopardy16 in which Protestants especially were placed, that no one who beheld17 the morning sun arise could safely calculate upon seeing it go down. ‘Domestic fury and fierce civil strife18,’ kindled19 and mainly maintained by papal cupidity20 and violence, raged through the fairest portions of the country. No one had courage to trust his neighbours; for no one could tell who was worthy21 of trust. Mutual22 confidence, based upon moral principle, which alone can cement society, was blotted23 from the list of social virtues24. Not many dared depend even upon former friends. The ties of relationship, and those arising from nearness of kin6, were frequently forgotten. Natural affection, usually invincible25, was unheeded; and under cover of night, or even in open day, the unwary traveller became frequently a prey26 to instantaneous death from the bullet of some skulking27 assassin, concealed28 behind the road-side bush or brake.
My parents, I regret to state, were Roman Catholics. They knew no better; for no other teaching had reached their minds. Their membership with that fallen community was their misfortune rather than their fault. I believe the profession they made was sincere; and that, though mingled29 with the dross30 of Popish superstition31, they were possessors of at least some few grains of sterling32 piety33. My mother, in particular, was remarkably34 constant and fervid35 in her devotions; and the earnest manner in which her beads36 were counted, though I could never detect the meritorious37 points of calculation, is to be numbered 9among the earliest and most powerful impressions I ever received. My father had for several years acted as steward38 to Archibald Nevens, Esq., a gentleman who, at that time, was the owner of considerable estates in the vicinity of Portarlington.
Ours was a happy family. My father, though a plain man, was excelled by few in attachment40 to his wife and children. ‘Hope springs eternal in the human breast;’ and we flattered ourselves that futurity offered to our notice lengthened41 years of comfort. But we soon found that our hold on earthly happiness was fragile as the spider’s thread. My father was taken ill and died. Even now the procession of his funeral is pictured on my memory. The gentleman already named as my father’s employer had fallen upon evil days. His property passed into other hands; and as the purchaser knew nothing of our family, no one cared for the widow and her orphan42 charge. A house with every needful convenience had been built for us by the original proprietor43. This we were abruptly44 ordered to quit. Another king had arisen, who knew not Joseph or his father’s house. We went away, weeping at every step. I saw my mother’s tears, and to this day her low wailing45 strikes my ear. But though destitute46, we were not forsaken47; though in straits, we did not perish; and by the blessing48 of Almighty49 Providence50 upon the well-directed industry of my mother and my elder brothers, we were sustained with food convenient.
The desolate51 condition of the moneyless and unprotected widow was aggravated52 in no common degree by the political commotion53 already adverted54 to. Persons unacquainted with the approaching terrors of that era may imagine that an obscure and uninfluential family like ours had little to apprehend1, that our poverty was protection enough, and that those who had nothing to lose had nothing to fear. Not so. The conflict then impending55 arose 10from the dark designs of men ‘cursed with a heart unknowing how to yield,’ and who were bent56 on havoc57 and rapine. Personal robbery might not be planned, but many were ready for that and a great deal more. Heresy58 and sedition59 were closely in league; the emissaries of each were in ceaseless motion; and the ultimate design was to burst forth60 from the unsuspected places of mischief61, suddenly, and wide wasting as the simoon of the desert, and sweep with indiscriminating ire, from the abodes63 of their peaceful countrymen, every vestige64 of existing government and every temple devoted65 to the reformed religion, as by law and right reason established. Perfect secrecy66 on the part of the rebels was happily unattainable. Every now and then circumstances and facts transpired67, the tendency of which could not be mistaken. Hair-brained but hot-headed men became the self-elected orators68 of secluded69 nocturnal assemblies. Liberty and equality and reason versus70 religion, neat as imported from the French directory at Paris, was the order of the day. Uproarious vociferation took the place of argument; and though the majority of these Hibernian gentry71 were as ignorant of jurisprudence as the more modern destructionist, nothing less than the dismemberment of the British empire, and the establishment of a republic, formed probably on the model of Citizen Robespierre, would suit their purpose.
All this was designed, and most of it was divulged72. Experience has shown, that where numerous and unequally gifted agencies are employed, let the pursuit be good or evil, entire privacy is next to impossible. The parties may promise to be silent, or may bind73 themselves to be so by oath; but concealed knowledge is a treasure, of which the custody74 is to some communicative souls impracticable. They find themselves in the possession of a secret; it struggles to break away; but they remember their vow75, and in order to hold it fast, they get a friend or two to 11help them. The sons of Irish misrule assumed several names: there were White-boys and Steel-boys, Oak-boys and Right-boys. Distinctions are, however, needless,—they were all bad boys; and at length the entire series were drawn76 into the wild and powerful vortex of United Irishmen; it being understood that this body consisted chiefly of persons professing77 the Roman Catholic religion.
The storm at length came down, and the consequences were awful. Although not quite nine years of age when our neighbourhood rang with war’s alarms, the scenes I was then compelled to witness cannot be forgotten. I distinctly remember the transactions of an eventful day which took place in a small town near my mother’s residence. The rebels had taken possession of the place, and had murdered a magistrate78 who attempted to oppose them. At that crisis a squadron of dragoons, stationed at Tullamore, received orders to march and endeavour to dislodge them. The cavalry79 rode into the main street with great gallantry, but were received by a tremendous fire of musketry from the windows of the houses on each side; so that, after sustaining a considerable loss, they were compelled to retreat. Several of the soldiers were killed; and a number of wounded men were afterwards conveyed on cars from the place of action to the military hospital.
My poor mother was in the midst of these dangers; and I well remember that she experienced great rudeness from the ruffian rabble80. But the Almighty preserved her from serious injury. He can restrain at pleasure the wrath81 of man, as well as divert it into a new and unintended channel. That night we were afraid of entering into any house, lest we should attract the notice of the rebels, who were now flushed into insolence82 and inebriety83 by their recent victory: we therefore crept behind the foliage84 of some low trees, and passed the night in the open air. Our next precaution was to protect the little remaining household 12furniture from pillage85. To effect this, we buried the most valuable articles in the earth, as nothing above ground appeared to offer the least protection. The property thus secreted86 was saved; but on raising it subsequently, almost everything was spoiled by the dampness of the soil in which it had been embedded87.
One of my neighbours, John Tinkler, was singled out by these barbarians88 as a victim. He was a man of singular benevolence89, and held in general esteem90 by the surrounding inhabitants; but he was a Protestant, and that had long been placed at the head of the list of unpardonable crimes. The house of this worthy man, whom I well knew, was beset91 by a horde92 of armed ruffians, who commenced an immediate93 attack. Tinkler, in the midst of his family, consisting of a wife and seven or eight children, though surprised, determined94 to defend himself to the last extremity95. He fought desperately96, though oppressed by numbers, until one of the villains97 posted outside the house, and guided by the sound of his voice, deliberately98 levelled his piece and fired. The bullet passed through the door, and struck Tinkler, who fell dead just within the threshold, valiantly99 defending his home and property; and I regret to add, that the widow and her helpless charge, ejected by some means from the farm and land, were obliged to seek shelter elsewhere.
These were but the beginning of sorrows. The spirit of ruinous anarchy100 spread far and wide. It was particularly observed, that the Roman Catholics were very much devoted to their chapels101. Mass was celebrated103 every day throughout most parts of the country; whereas, formerly104, it was chiefly observed only on the Sabbath-day. The chapel102 of Ballycanoe was attended by a very numerous congregation at both morning and evening prayers. Michael Murphy was officiating priest of that parish; a young man, strongly made, and of a dark complexion105, who had been a 13few years resident in the place, and not long in holy orders. This person was master of profound dissimulation106, and contrived107 to throw around himself the garb108 of saintly innocence109 at the very moment in which he was preparing to smite110 with the sword. This military saint actually took the oath of allegiance, in which he expressly declared himself ready to ‘be true and faithful to his majesty111 King George the Third, and to the succession of his family to the throne; and that he would prevent tumult112 and disorder113 by every means within his reach, and give up all sorts of arms in his possession,’ ‘All the above,’ quoth Michael, ‘I swear, so help me God and my Redeemer!’ Meantime, in the immediate vicinity and all around the residence of his reverence114, timber was missing out of the gentlemen’s nurseries. It was observed that the woods and shrubberies were gleaned115 of such materials as would suit for the construction of offensive weapons. In fact, this genuine sample of Popish fidelity116, who, had he lived, ought to have been rewarded with at least a cardinal’s hat,—this pretended pattern of all that is good and praiseworthy, went his way from the altar, put down the testament117 on which, after the perpetration of his delusive118 affidavit119, his lips had been pressed, and straightway began to exemplify the inviolability of his oath to existing government by the manufacture of pike-handles and granting absolution to those who helped him.
Without going into the history of the Irish Rebellion, which is foreign from my present purpose, the fact is sufficiently120 evident, that the whole of that sanguinary struggle from first to last may be ascribed to the crafty121 domination of the Roman Catholic clergy122. It is not a little singular, that three of the most daring military leaders, those I mean who were principally signalised in the wholesale123 butchery of their Protestant fellow subjects, were priests in that persecuting124 Church. One of these, 14named Roche, assumed the power of working miracles. Indeed, each of them, as occasion required, did a little business in that line. Roche declared that in battle his person was invulnerable, that no shot could hit or hurt him; and having picked up several bullets after an engagement at Ross, he assured his dupes that he caught them in his hand during the fight. The wily ecclesiastic125, true worshipper as he was at the shrine126 of Mammon, conceived the idea of turning the thing to good account by the alternate practice of hypocrisy127 and theft, for either of which his hand was ready. He succeeded; and I hardly know which to admire most, the consummate128 impudence129 of the holy father, or the folly130 of his disciples131. Roche procured132 slips of paper, each of which he termed a ‘protection, or gospel.’ In the centre was a figure of the Cross, with an inscription133 underneath134, stating: ‘In the name of God and of the blessed Virgin135, no gun, pistol, sword, or any other offensive weapon can hurt or otherwise injure the person who has this paper in his possession; and it is earnestly recommended to all women to carry it, as it will be found an infallible preservation136 against the fatality137 of child-bed.’ Anxious to secure customers in every rank, the price of these tickets to the better sort of people was half-a-crown. As the poor might haggle138 at parting with a coin so large, the vendor139 discreetly140 condescended141 to open a retail142 trade at sixpence each. The circulation of this trumpery143, the value of which was equal to every other product of the Catholic Church, was immense; customers were to be computed144 by thousands.
Friar Murphy has already been noticed. His career, as has been related, commenced with daring perjury145; and as the progress and end of such a man may be instructive, he shall have a parting glance. Like his iniquitous146 associate, he was disposed to do the wonderful. His campaign, however, with those of many other villains, was soon over. 15Bloody and deceitful men do not live out half their days. It was at the Battle of Arklow, in 1798, that Commander Murphy determined by a decisive movement to blast the hopes of the Protestant cause. On the morning of the 9th of June, the rebel army was observed, amounting to 34,000 men, with three pieces of artillery147, advancing on the town. Had this formidable force arrived only two days earlier, it would in all probability have captured the place; but, providentially, reinforcements had been procured from Dublin, so that the garrison148 amounted in the whole to 1,500 men, under the command of Major-general Needham. Arklow, considered as a military position, presented no points susceptible149 of advantageous150 defence, and was altogether open and unprotected. About two o’clock p.m. advice was received that the enemy was approaching: this was so little credited that the garrison, which had been ordered under arms, was just going to be dismissed, when a dragoon came galloping151 into the town with intelligence that the rebels were at hand. The drums instantly beat to arms, the troops flew to their respective stations, and preparations were made to give the enemy a proper reception.
16
ARKLOW.
17Having advanced to the suburbs of the town, the rebels set fire to several buildings, in hope that the smoke would annoy the garrison, and confuse their operations. Just then the wind shifted to the opposite quarter, so that the scheme not only failed, but served to confound their own devices. The action commenced between a column of the rebels and a detachment of the Dunbarton Fencibles, who were ordered out to line the ditches on each side of the road. When they had exchanged about a dozen rounds, the fencibles received orders to retreat, which was performed, but with a little confusion. On perceiving this movement, the rebels pursued with loud huzzas, and one of their officers, waving his hat, called out, ‘Come on, my boys! the town is our own.’ That was an error. He was suddenly surrounded by the troops, his horse was shot, and himself wounded; on which he fell as though slain152. In a little time curiosity constrained153 him to lift up his head and look about; when he was perceived, and shot dead. The rebels pressed on with obstinacy154 worthy of a better cause; but on receiving a close fire of musketry and grape-shot, they fell back to some distance. They then endeavoured to extend their line in order to turn the left flank; but the fire of the Cavan battalion155 was so severe, that the attempt was abortive156. Another column of the rebels tried to gain the lower end of the town by the beach; but here they were repulsed157 by a desperate charge of cavalry, headed by Colonel Sir Watkin Wynne. They then proceeded in great force to a passage that led to the centre of the town, which was defended only by a sergeant158 and twelve privates: this handful of men, however, made good their position, and, as the pass they held was narrow, rendered every effort to dislodge them from it ineffectual. At this critical juncture159 Priest Murphy appeared, animating160 his men to renewed acts of outrage161: many of these, terror-stricken by the clamour of this clerical warrior162, were driven before him to the thickest of the fray163. As no new deception164 presented itself, he had recourse to the worn-out pretension165 of working miracles. He declared, like Brother Roche, that he could catch the bullets, or ward39 them off at pleasure; in proof of which, he advanced at the head of a strong party in order to take a cannon166 stationed near a barrack. In that moment his bowels167 were torn out with canister-shot. The rebels, on observing him fall, fled with precipitation, swearing the priest himself was down. On that day a thousand rebels fell. Their retreat, as might be expected, was marked by dreadful excesses: they broke the windows of churches and other places consecrated168 to Divine service. They had an intolerable hatred169 to Protestant Prayer-books, and tore to pieces all that came within their reach. They carried the leaves of the church Bible on their pikes, shouting, 18‘Behold the French colours!’ and, to complete their impiety170, they put two Protestants to death in the aisle171 of a church. In other parts they made saddles of the Bibles, and rode about upon them.
The retrospect172 of these vengeful days, while it serves to fix my faith in true religion, as contrasted with that which is false, calls forth unfeigned gratitude173 to God for His protecting mercy. Exposed as my mother and family were to the pelting174 of the pitiless hurricane, none of us sustained material personal injury. I have before stated that my mother was conscientiously175 attached to the tenets, such as they are, of the Church of Rome. I never observed anything reprehensible176 in her conduct, though no one was more constant than she at the confessional; neither know I to which of the saints she was disposed, on emergency, to turn. That she loved the Saviour177, and was willing to wash the feet of the servants of her Lord, I can safely affirm. I can vouch178 for the constancy and zeal179 of her private prayers and intercessions: I know that the practices of her life agreed with the engagements of her lips: and I cannot help thinking that she was a noble proof that God is no respecter of persons; that holiness of heart may subsist180 in the most defective181 dispensation; and that whoever seeks the face of God, through the merits of His Son, in the path of penitence182 and faith, even though cumbered with mistaken doctrinal views, shall not be cast away. The time, the extent, and the unwitting nature of her ignorance God winked183 at: he saw that she erred184 through ignorance. The eye of His omniscience185 pierced through the veil of her mental delusion186 to the uprightness of intention that dwelt within; and I believe, through Divine mercy, she went down to her grave justified187 by grace, ‘hallowed and made meet for heaven.’
Agreeably with the religious views which my mother had entertained, she endeavoured to teach me the principles 19of Papacy. I was, moreover, frequently taken to mass: but, being young and heedless, one system of religion was to me as good as another; in other words, I was careless respecting them all. Indeed, I have reason to believe that my indifference188 in this respect was to my mother a source of great grief. Meantime I had arrived at the fourteenth year of my age; a period, generally speaking, of no small vanity and self-complacency, and in which many men think themselves qualified189, by the dignity of their teens, to shake off the trammels of parental guidance. Among others, I determined to walk alone; but unfortunately I cannot, on reflection, boast of my first step. Among the youths with whom I contracted some acquaintance, was a dissolute lad about my own age; by whose enticement190, when only just turned fifteen, I enlisted191 in the Queen’s County militia192. Not that my conduct, like his, had been openly immoral193; yet he had gained over me an ascendancy194 I could not resist. Evil communications corrupt195 good manners; and perhaps the apparent freedom, the frankness and gaiety of an open-hearted soldier’s holiday life, had an influence which, though not acknowledged, was really felt. But, O, my mother! for when I became a soldier she was still living. I had in this deed of hardihood well-nigh forgotten her.
But she remembered me; and when I thought thereon, I wept. Never shall I forget her last, her parting look! My elder brother had settled at some distance; and on the eve of my departure to share in unknown danger, had unexpectedly arrived. If bereaved196 of her children, she was bereaved; and I know she said in her heart, ‘All these things are against me.’ Her farewell was accompanied with a prayer for my future prosperity; and I impute197 my preservation, under Providence, through life, to the pious198 lessons and examples of my excellent mother. On leaving her presence on this eventful occasion, I was taken before Captain Fitzmaurice, the officer in command at the recruiting 20station, and was kindly199 received. He expressed himself pleased with my look and healthy appearance; made several minute inquiries200 relative to my family, and at once engaged me as his servant. After serving in the corps201 about twelve months, I received, principally, I believe, on account of my youth, an honourable202 discharge, while the regiment203 was stationed at the Castle barrack in Limerick, and returned to the quietude of home.
Habits of dissipation may be contracted at pleasure; but when once confirmed by repetition, they are not so easily dismissed. This is especially true in youth; and I soon found that though I had retired204 beneath the roof of an excellent parent, my disposition205 to wander wide was still the same. Contentedness206 of mind I found was a state, not a place. The roll of the spirit-stirring drum, the glittering file of bayonets, with the pomp and circumstance of military parade, not unmingled perhaps with undefined thoughts of ultimate promotion207, passed in review before my imagination, in colours vividly208 charming: resistance was vain. To this alluring209 panorama210 was added the consideration that, though only seventeen, I had reached the height of persons required by regimental rule. In fact, on the 6th of April, 1806, I enlisted in the 43rd Regiment of the line, and in company with several other recruits proceeded to Cork211, where we embarked213 for Bristol, at which place, after a rough passage, we safely landed; and in a few days reached the town of Ashford, in Kent, where the regiment was quartered.
Events and shifting scenes had crowded one after another with such rapidity since I left home, that reflection was drowned; but the first night in which I lay down in the barracks, memory began to be busy. I could not help thinking of the peaceful fireside I had left; and in despite of my most vigorous effort to shake off the intrusion, conscience would not be denied, and the image of my mother, deserted214 at her utmost need, and pinched perhaps by want, 21was a source of great uneasiness. But having passed the Rubicon, retreat I knew was out of the question. Independently of the conflict within, my situation in the barrack was not adapted to afford much present consolation215. The sleeping-room of which I was an inmate216 was an oblong building of unusually large dimensions, and was occupied by three companies of a hundred men each. They were chiefly volunteers, and of course young soldiers. Many were Irish, many more were English, several Welshmen were intermingled, and a few Scotchmen came in to complete the whole. Most of these, and that was the only point of general resemblance, had indulged in excessive drinking. Some were uproariously merry; on others the effect was directly the reverse, and nothing less than a fight, it mattered not with whom, would satisfy. Meantime, as they were unable to abuse each other in language mutually intelligible217, exclamations218 profanely219 jocular or absurdly rancorous rang through the building: altogether, the coalition220 of discordant221 verbiage222 was such as to beggar all description, and can be likened to nothing of which I ever heard or read, except the confusion on the plains of Babel. Never will the occurrence of that night be effaced223 from my mind. Surely, thought I, hell from beneath is moved to engulf224 us all. These disorderly proceedings225, thank God! were of short continuance. In a few weeks we marched to more convenient quarters, a few miles distant. The salutary restraints of discreetly-managed discipline spake chaos226 into order, and my situation became comparatively comfortable.
How it has happened I know not, but through all the changes of my life, and they have been neither few nor trifling227, I never lacked a friend. One of the first of these has been alluded229 to; and another belonged to the battalion to which I found myself attached, and, though no relative of mine, was of the same name. He was exceedingly kind on numerous occasions; and it will be readily believed, 22that the smallest act of civility in favour of a mere230 novice231, at the commencement of his military life, was valuable. The drill of the regiment was severe; but I passed muster232 without difficulty, and had, in addition, the good fortune to attract the notice of our colonel, a fine old Scotchman; and the first time I mounted guard I was selected by the adjutant as his orderly. This preference, as I had never seen actual service, was perhaps to be imputed233 to neatness of dress, and the condition of my arms and accoutrements, in which, though only a private, I saw it my duty to be particular; added to this, I was remarkable234 for flexibility235 of limb and muscular power, thoroughly236 understood the use of my weapons, and, unless flattered, had the advantage of a good figure.
That was a period of uncommon237 vigilance throughout the British army, especially with regard to the corps stationed along the shores of Kent. On the opposite side, and almost within sight, numerous and well-disciplined masses of troops had for some time been encamped under the personal inspection238, it was said, of Napoleon, who entertained the vainglorious239 project of conquering Britain. The harbour of Boulogne contained a numerous and well-appointed flotilla, in which were to embark212 the long-expected invading force. In the opinion of the best judges, the attempt, even with favouring wind and tide, would have failed. Had the navigation of the high seas by the medium of steam been understood and applied240 at that time, a naval241 engagement, in the view of perhaps both countries, might have recalled the fury of the ancient armada, and would probably have been fought upon principles of destructive tendency till then untried. Not that the result need be doubted. Had it been possible for a few gunboats or flat-bottomed craft to elude242 the vigilance of an English fleet, and shoot a little rubbish upon our borders, no material injury could have arisen. Not a 23foreigner would have survived to tell the tale of his rashness. I know the spirit of the British army both at home and abroad, and can safely aver243, that they would have given an excellent account of the intruders, or perished in repelling244 them. The experiment was not to be made: Providence ordered that these aggressive movements should begin and end in gasconade. Some good man has said, that the Almighty places the hedge of His providence around the abode62 of His people, and the hedge of His grace around their souls. My opinion is that these are the defences within which we are entrenched245; and that while we keep within the guarded circle, every foe246, whether secret or open, will be kept at bay.
In June, 1807, our regiment, which numbered a thousand effective men, was called into actual service; and I soon had an opportunity of observing the difference between the good-humoured rencontres of a holiday review and the tug247 and strife of desperate conflict. This country stood, at the beginning of the present century, nearly, if not quite, alone against the colossal248 influence of continental249 despotism. The Emperor of the French, then at the zenith of power and ambition, seemed determined to compass the globe in exertions250 to ruin the commerce and prosperity of England. Its welfare was an intolerable worm at the root of all his enjoyment251; and among other plans in which it gratified his soul to revel252 was that of forming a confederacy among the northern powers of Europe, for the purpose of excluding the vessels253 of this country from the navigation of the Germanic waters, and bringing against it the concentrated strength of hostile navies. In this alliance it was supposed that Denmark had largely shared; and as Lord Nelson had already shown that the passage of the Sound was not so impregnable as had been thought, the British ministry254 resolved to send an expedition, consisting both of land and sea forces, for the purpose of capturing Copenhagen, 24together with the fleet in that harbour. This singular determination was defended in Parliament, not by charging the Danes with hostile intentions, but by urging their inability to resist the increasing power of France. In the opinion, however, of several creditable writers on jurisprudence and the laws of nations, the measure is to be deplored255, not only because it is dishonourable in itself, but calculated to render our name odious256 in a country where we should otherwise have found cordial allies. There are some, observes an apostle, that say, ‘Let us do evil, that good may come.’ Such was the case apparently257 here, and the abettors of the act place themselves within the malediction258 that followed. The argument of the British cabinet was: It is possible that our antagonists259, who want valuable ships, may seize the Danish navy: this is the more likely because effectual resistance cannot be offered: to remedy this awful breach260 of justice, in respect of a harmless neutral power, we will save all further trouble, by taking possession of the property ourselves. An illustration of three lines exhibits the unfairness of the transaction: A well-armed freebooter pounces261 upon his peaceable neighbour, ransacks262 his habitation, breaks open his coffers, abstracts the property, seriously wounds the sufferer in the scuffle, and marches off with the spoil: the burglar then justifies263 the act, because he has heard, that unless he make haste, an acquaintance of his, as great a thief as himself, but a far inferior pirate, with whom he has quarrelled, has thought of doing the very same thing. The government of this country supported itself on the occasion by several reasons. They urged that the Danish fleet and stores, but for the proposed interposition, must fall into the hands of Buonaparte, who wanted exactly that kind of force to act against his formidable foe; that Denmark was totally unable to prevent the seizure264 of her ships; that there was ground to believe that in order 25to conciliate the esteem of the French ruler, she would willingly yield to his desire; that in either case the result would be equally unfavourable to this country, inasmuch as the well-appointed fleet of our northern neighbours would supply our inveterate265 enemy with the means of annoyance266 in which his greatest deficiency was apparent; and that the rigid267, inexorable law of necessity and self-preservation not only permitted, but demanded, the previous seizure of the instruments of intended war. But the causes of hostility268 between nations involve considerations concerning which a soldier is seldom called upon to trouble himself. Generally speaking, he has little right to meddle269 or make concerning them. While others reason, he is to obey orders, to fight and fear not; the questions he asks for conscience’ sake being few and far between.
It was on the morning of a delightful270 day that we broke up our quarters at Hythe, on our route to the place of embarkation271. The scene was novel and to myself, who witnessed it for the first time, highly impressive. We breakfasted on the heights of Dover, and in the course of the day marched to Deal. On the following morning, we proceeded to Ramsgate. Boats for our conveyance272 to the transports then at anchor in the Downs were moored273 off the pier-head, and in a short time I found myself on board the Sally, formerly of Shields, which had been engaged by government, and fitted up for the reception of troops. The embarkation was effected in August, 1807; and I know not that any event, either before or since, connected with the casualties and privations of military life, ever struck my mind with greater force than that to which I now refer. I allude228 principally to the strength of affection evinced by the soldiers’ wives and children, many of whom followed in the line of our march, and whom it was impossible to shake off, though permitted to follow to the edge of the water. Indeed many were not content with 26that: several women insisted on going with their husbands into the boats, and actually did so. ‘Father,’ I heard a little child say, ‘shall I never see you again?’ The grief of separation at last was inevitable274; and on nearing the ship’s side, I saw many an embrace, destined275 by the fitful chances of war to be the last indulged on earth.
Having had some experience in the army, and a tolerably extensive acquaintance with the men who compose it, I cannot permit this occasion to pass, without pointing out the necessity for and the advantage arising, in a national sense, from the asylum for the children of deceased soldiers in the British army, instituted at Chelsea, by the late Duke of York. No person ever understood and maintained the rights and reasonable solaces276 of a soldier better than the then commander-in-chief. Nothing on earth can exceed the coolness and intrepidity277 with which a British column enters into action. Their firm and steady step has often been the theme of foreign admiration278; and in the clash and hurrah279 of crossing bayonets they are known to be unequalled. Yet every one acquainted with the finer workings of human nature must suppose (for the reflection is inevitable), that on entering within the range of a shower of bullets, the bravest heart may be troubled by thoughts of an absent family, especially if left in an unprotected and unprovided condition. But if the man have the consolation of knowing, that in the event of any personal fatality, the shield of his country’s honour and beneficence will be exhibited for the protection of his orphan family, the tendency of the recollection at such a crisis is to arm his mind with triple fortitude280, and, if possible, give greater ardour to his moral courage. The mind of a man thus circumstanced is at once relieved from a load of domestic anxiety; and having nothing on earth for which to care, but the maintenance of the national weal, he casts himself upon the protection of the God of armies, and 27cheerfully advances to the assigned position, on the grim and serried281 ridge282 of war.
Support granted to the children of a slain soldier is at once an act of justice and of mercy. It presents itself to the mind, commended quite as much by the laws of sound policy as by those of genuine philanthropy. In fact, an institution like that for which I contend may be fairly considered as part of the soldier’s compensation, and the last reward for toil283 and service rendered to his country. This arrear284 of pay, though not immediately made, is nevertheless certain; and is to be viewed by the faint and dying warrior as a kind of life-assurance, granted by the generosity285 of his friends at home, secured by public faith, and payable286 whenever his children are deprived of their best earthly benefactor287. The little pittance288 needful for the support of a modest but valuable charity, in behalf of a soldier’s orphan progeny289, is not to be proscribed290 under the most rigid economy. To a great nation like this, which has for ages taken the lead in acts of general beneficence, such a step would present a solecism utterly291 irreconcileable either to right reason or good feeling. Were an hypothesis so eccentric and deceptive292 to prevail, every act of charity and almsgiving might be superseded293. Hospitals might be closed; gratuitous294 education might cease; the stream of benevolence through its countless295 ramifications296 might no longer flow; pity itself, that gentle though honoured inmate of the human breast, might be known no more: but to call this economy would be a sad abuse of terms. Instances often arise, in which judicious297 expenditure298 is the way to effect the greatest saving; while, on the other hand, money hoarded299 up on parsimonious300 and shortsighted motives301 is sure to melt away. Does he save who rots the roof of his house for want of a tile? Can the ruralist talk of management, who reaps just half an average crop, for want of sufficient manure302? Is it not 28better to preserve health, than first lose and then try to regain303 it?
These questions scarcely wait for reply. The affirmation is written either on the mind or heart of all; and upon principles exactly similar, the work of juvenile304 education, combined as it is in the Military Asylum with the sustenance305 of the children, and through that with the moral improvement of one of the finest armies in the world, amounts to an expression of English liberality and discrimination, the suppression of which would be a common calamity306.
It has been affirmed, and is frequently the subject of sore complaint, that in some charitable foundations now in existence for the gratuitous guardianship307 and instruction of youth, admissions are procured by favouritism and a species of implied purchase; so that while the gate of reception is closed upon the hapless orphan, who cannot find an advocate, the entrance is invitingly308 open to those whose influence is sufficiently powerful to command the omnipotent309 ‘vote and interest.’ By this means the pious intent, nourished during the life of many a noble benefactor, is defeated; and, while he sleeps in the dust, the benefits of his endowment are diverted into channels altogether at variance310 with those in which the wealth bequeathed was intended to flow. Not so in the Military Asylum. It was built in order to promote the prosperity of the children of English soldiers; none but such are received, nor can admission be procured in any other form, than that projected by the impartial311 and even-handed rules of the institution. It is the widow and the fatherless whose cause is heard, and whose pleadings win the day. Another proof of the superiority of the institution arises from the order observed within doors: this has for years excited the admiration of visitors, numbers of whom have inspected the school at various periods. Great and persevering312 29efforts are also made to improve and elevate the morals of the children: they are taught to fear God and honour the king, to be grateful to their benefactors313, and kind to all. The services of religion are, in fact, so interwoven with the daily practices of the school, that serious impressions, unless in instances of peculiar314 depravity, can scarcely fail of being made.
One of the most interesting sights imaginable is to see the whole body of children assemble at the dinner hour. The perfect order and silence produced by the application of something like military system, the clean and healthy condition of the lads, on whose countenances315 no shadow of care is cast, the neatness of their simple but comfortable uniform, together with the judicious general arrangement, contribute to form one of the most pleasing spectacles that the world can afford. Not a word is spoken, nor is there the slightest irregularity, while in the act of assembling. The dining tables having been previously316 arranged, and plates of food for each man being placed upon them, the youths march, in single file and cap in hand, along the floor of the spacious317 apartment. They step out together with as much trueness as a veteran regiment: indeed, the steadiness of their advance and simultaneous tread have a beautiful effect. In this animated318 procession of health and vigour319, imagination almost calls up their fathers’ forms, though slain and buried in the battlefield. When the head of each column arrives at the farther end of the tables, which are placed three abreast320, and of great length, the word ‘halt’ is given. In that instant every foot is still. Each boy then places his cap upon the floor, when, on a given signal, the entire corps face about to their respective seats. Having clasped their hands in a devotional form, which is also done together, one of the larger lads, placed at the end, pronounces, in a distinct and audible voice, the ‘grace before meat;’ at the conclusion the whole 30of the boys respond a loud amen. The effect is beautiful, and has often been witnessed by the moistened eye of many a delighted observer. A roll of, or rather, a single touch upon, the drum is then heard, when the children take their seats and commence their meal; and, it is needless to add, enjoy the bounty321 of their benefactors. A similar ceremony is practised at the close. The accuracy of all the arrangements, the close and vigilant322 adherence323 to the principles and purposes for which it was founded, and the admirable provision made for the present and future welfare of the children, render the Military Asylum an institution of which the nation may be proud.
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1
apprehend
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| vt.理解，领悟，逮捕，拘捕，忧虑 | |
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asylum
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| n.避难所，庇护所，避难 | |
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profess
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| v.声称，冒称，以...为业，正式接受入教，表明信仰 | |
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parental
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| adj.父母的；父的；母的 | |
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scanty
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| adj.缺乏的，仅有的，节省的，狭小的，不够的 | |
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kin
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| n.家族，亲属，血缘关系；adj.亲属关系的，同类的 | |
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specify
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| vt.指定，详细说明 | |
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culpable
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| adj.有罪的，该受谴责的 | |
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negligence
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| n.疏忽，玩忽，粗心大意 | |
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registration
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| n.登记，注册，挂号 | |
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recording
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| n.录音，记录 | |
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intestine
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| adj.内部的；国内的；n.肠 | |
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broil
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| v.烤，烧，争吵，怒骂；n.烤，烧，争吵，怒骂 | |
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vengeance
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| n.报复，报仇，复仇 | |
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baneful
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| adj.有害的 | |
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jeopardy
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| n.危险；危难 | |
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17
beheld
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| v.看，注视( behold的过去式和过去分词 )；瞧；看呀；（叙述中用于引出某人意外的出现）哎哟 | |
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18
strife
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| n.争吵，冲突，倾轧，竞争 | |
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kindled
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| （使某物）燃烧，着火( kindle的过去式和过去分词 )； 激起（感情等）； 发亮，放光 | |
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cupidity
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| n.贪心，贪财 | |
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worthy
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| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
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mutual
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| adj.相互的，彼此的；共同的，共有的 | |
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blotted
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| 涂污( blot的过去式和过去分词 )； （用吸墨纸）吸干 | |
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virtues
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| 美德( virtue的名词复数 )； 德行； 优点； 长处 | |
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invincible
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| adj.不可征服的，难以制服的 | |
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26
prey
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| n.被掠食者，牺牲者，掠食；v.捕食，掠夺，折磨 | |
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27
skulking
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| v.潜伏，偷偷摸摸地走动，鬼鬼祟祟地活动( skulk的现在分词 ) | |
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28
concealed
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| a.隐藏的，隐蔽的 | |
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mingled
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| 混合，混入( mingle的过去式和过去分词 )； 混进，与…交往[联系] | |
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dross
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| n.渣滓；无用之物 | |
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superstition
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| n.迷信，迷信行为 | |
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32
sterling
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| adj.英币的(纯粹的，货真价实的)；n.英国货币(英镑) | |
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piety
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| n.虔诚，虔敬 | |
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remarkably
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| ad.不同寻常地，相当地 | |
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fervid
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| adj.热情的；炽热的 | |
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beads
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| n.（空心）小珠子( bead的名词复数 )；水珠；珠子项链 | |
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meritorious
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| adj.值得赞赏的 | |
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steward
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| n.乘务员，服务员；看管人；膳食管理员 | |
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ward
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| n.守卫，监护，病房，行政区，由监护人或法院保护的人（尤指儿童）；vt.守护，躲开 | |
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attachment
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| n.附属物，附件；依恋；依附 | |
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lengthened
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| （时间或空间）延长，伸长( lengthen的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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orphan
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| n.孤儿；adj.无父母的 | |
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43
proprietor
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| n.所有人；业主；经营者 | |
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44
abruptly
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| adv.突然地，出其不意地 | |
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45
wailing
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| v.哭叫，哀号( wail的现在分词 )；沱 | |
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46
destitute
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| adj.缺乏的；穷困的 | |
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47
Forsaken
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| adj. 被遗忘的, 被抛弃的 动词forsake的过去分词 | |
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48
blessing
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| n.祈神赐福；祷告；祝福，祝愿 | |
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49
almighty
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| adj.全能的，万能的；很大的，很强的 | |
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50
providence
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| n.深谋远虑，天道，天意；远见；节约；上帝 | |
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51
desolate
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| adj.荒凉的，荒芜的；孤独的，凄凉的；v.使荒芜，使孤寂 | |
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52
aggravated
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| 使恶化( aggravate的过去式和过去分词 )； 使更严重； 激怒； 使恼火 | |
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53
commotion
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| n.骚动，动乱 | |
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54
adverted
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| 引起注意（advert的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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55
impending
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| a.imminent, about to come or happen | |
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56
bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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57
havoc
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| n.大破坏，浩劫，大混乱，大杂乱 | |
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58
heresy
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| n.异端邪说；异教 | |
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59
sedition
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| n.煽动叛乱 | |
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60
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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61
mischief
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| n.损害，伤害，危害；恶作剧，捣蛋，胡闹 | |
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abode
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| n.住处，住所 | |
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abodes
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| 住所( abode的名词复数 )； 公寓； （在某地的）暂住； 逗留 | |
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vestige
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| n.痕迹，遗迹，残余 | |
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devoted
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| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
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secrecy
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| n.秘密，保密，隐蔽 | |
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transpired
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| （事实，秘密等）被人知道( transpire的过去式和过去分词 )； 泄露； 显露； 发生 | |
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orators
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| n.演说者，演讲家( orator的名词复数 ) | |
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secluded
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| adj.与世隔绝的；隐退的；偏僻的v.使隔开，使隐退( seclude的过去式和过去分词) | |
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versus
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| prep.以…为对手，对；与…相比之下 | |
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gentry
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| n.绅士阶级，上层阶级 | |
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divulged
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| v.吐露，泄露( divulge的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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73
bind
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| vt.捆，包扎；装订；约束；使凝固；vi.变硬 | |
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74
custody
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| n.监护，照看，羁押，拘留 | |
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vow
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| n.誓(言)，誓约；v.起誓，立誓 | |
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drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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professing
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| 声称( profess的现在分词 )； 宣称； 公开表明； 信奉 | |
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magistrate
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| n.地方行政官，地方法官，治安官 | |
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cavalry
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| n.骑兵；轻装甲部队 | |
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80
rabble
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| n.乌合之众，暴民；下等人 | |
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81
wrath
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| n.愤怒，愤慨，暴怒 | |
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82
insolence
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| n.傲慢；无礼；厚颜；傲慢的态度 | |
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inebriety
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| n.醉，陶醉 | |
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84
foliage
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| n.叶子，树叶，簇叶 | |
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pillage
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| v.抢劫；掠夺；n.抢劫，掠夺；掠夺物 | |
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secreted
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| 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 | |
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embedded
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| a.扎牢的 | |
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barbarians
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| n.野蛮人( barbarian的名词复数 )；外国人；粗野的人；无教养的人 | |
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benevolence
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| n.慈悲，捐助 | |
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esteem
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| n.尊敬，尊重；vt.尊重，敬重；把…看作 | |
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beset
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| v.镶嵌；困扰，包围 | |
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horde
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| n.群众，一大群 | |
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immediate
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| adj.立即的；直接的，最接近的；紧靠的 | |
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determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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extremity
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| n.末端，尽头；尽力；终极；极度 | |
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desperately
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| adv.极度渴望地，绝望地，孤注一掷地 | |
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villains
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| n.恶棍( villain的名词复数 )；罪犯；（小说、戏剧等中的）反面人物；淘气鬼 | |
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98
deliberately
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| adv.审慎地；蓄意地；故意地 | |
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99
valiantly
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| adv.勇敢地，英勇地；雄赳赳 | |
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100
anarchy
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| n.无政府状态；社会秩序混乱，无秩序 | |
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101
chapels
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| n.小教堂， （医院、监狱等的）附属礼拜堂( chapel的名词复数 )；（在小教堂和附属礼拜堂举行的）礼拜仪式 | |
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102
chapel
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| n.小教堂，殡仪馆 | |
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103
celebrated
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| adj.有名的，声誉卓著的 | |
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104
formerly
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| adv.从前，以前 | |
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105
complexion
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| n.肤色；情况，局面；气质，性格 | |
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106
dissimulation
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| n.掩饰，虚伪，装糊涂 | |
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107
contrived
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| adj.不自然的，做作的；虚构的 | |
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108
garb
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| n.服装，装束 | |
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109
innocence
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| n.无罪；天真；无害 | |
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110
smite
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| v.重击；彻底击败；n.打；尝试；一点儿 | |
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111
majesty
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| n.雄伟，壮丽，庄严，威严；最高权威，王权 | |
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112
tumult
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| n.喧哗；激动，混乱；吵闹 | |
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113
disorder
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| n.紊乱，混乱；骚动，骚乱；疾病，失调 | |
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114
reverence
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| n.敬畏，尊敬，尊严；Reverence:对某些基督教神职人员的尊称；v.尊敬，敬畏，崇敬 | |
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115
gleaned
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| v.一点点地收集（资料、事实）( glean的过去式和过去分词 )；（收割后）拾穗 | |
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116
fidelity
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| n.忠诚，忠实；精确 | |
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117
testament
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| n.遗嘱；证明 | |
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118
delusive
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| adj.欺骗的，妄想的 | |
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119
affidavit
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| n.宣誓书 | |
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120
sufficiently
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| adv.足够地，充分地 | |
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121
crafty
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| adj.狡猾的，诡诈的 | |
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122
clergy
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| n.[总称]牧师，神职人员 | |
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123
wholesale
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| n.批发；adv.以批发方式；vt.批发，成批出售 | |
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124
persecuting
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| （尤指宗教或政治信仰的）迫害(~sb. for sth.)( persecute的现在分词 )； 烦扰，困扰或骚扰某人 | |
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125
ecclesiastic
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| n.教士，基督教会；adj.神职者的，牧师的，教会的 | |
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126
shrine
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| n.圣地，神龛，庙；v.将...置于神龛内，把...奉为神圣 | |
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127
hypocrisy
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| n.伪善，虚伪 | |
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128
consummate
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| adj.完美的；v.成婚；使完美 [反]baffle | |
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129
impudence
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| n.厚颜无耻；冒失；无礼 | |
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130
folly
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| n.愚笨，愚蠢，蠢事，蠢行，傻话 | |
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131
disciples
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| n.信徒( disciple的名词复数 )；门徒；耶稣的信徒；（尤指）耶稣十二门徒之一 | |
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132
procured
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| v.（努力）取得， （设法）获得( procure的过去式和过去分词 )；拉皮条 | |
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133
inscription
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| n.（尤指石块上的）刻印文字，铭文，碑文 | |
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134
underneath
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| adj.在...下面，在...底下；adv.在下面 | |
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135
virgin
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| n.处女，未婚女子；adj.未经使用的；未经开发的 | |
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136
preservation
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| n.保护，维护，保存，保留，保持 | |
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137
fatality
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| n.不幸，灾祸，天命 | |
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138
haggle
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| vi.讨价还价，争论不休 | |
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139
vendor
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| n.卖主；小贩 | |
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140
discreetly
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| ad.(言行)审慎地，慎重地 | |
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141
condescended
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| 屈尊，俯就( condescend的过去式和过去分词 )； 故意表示和蔼可亲 | |
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142
retail
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| v./n.零售；adv.以零售价格 | |
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143
trumpery
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| n.无价值的杂物；adj.（物品）中看不中用的 | |
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144
computed
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| 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 ) | |
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145
perjury
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| n.伪证；伪证罪 | |
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146
iniquitous
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| adj.不公正的；邪恶的；高得出奇的 | |
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147
artillery
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| n.(军)火炮，大炮；炮兵(部队) | |
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148
garrison
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| n.卫戍部队；驻地，卫戍区；vt.派(兵)驻防 | |
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149
susceptible
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| adj.过敏的，敏感的；易动感情的，易受感动的 | |
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150
advantageous
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| adj.有利的；有帮助的 | |
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151
galloping
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| adj. 飞驰的, 急性的 动词gallop的现在分词形式 | |
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152
slain
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| 杀死，宰杀，杀戮( slay的过去分词 )； (slay的过去分词) | |
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153
constrained
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| adj.束缚的,节制的 | |
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154
obstinacy
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| n.顽固；（病痛等）难治 | |
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155
battalion
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| n.营；部队；大队(的人) | |
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156
abortive
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| adj.不成功的，发育不全的 | |
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157
repulsed
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| v.击退( repulse的过去式和过去分词 )；驳斥；拒绝 | |
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158
sergeant
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| n.警官，中士 | |
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159
juncture
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| n.时刻，关键时刻，紧要关头 | |
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160
animating
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| v.使有生气( animate的现在分词 )；驱动；使栩栩如生地动作；赋予…以生命 | |
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161
outrage
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| n.暴行，侮辱，愤怒；vt.凌辱，激怒 | |
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162
warrior
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| n.勇士，武士，斗士 | |
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163
fray
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| v.争吵；打斗；磨损，磨破；n.吵架；打斗 | |
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164
deception
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| n.欺骗，欺诈；骗局，诡计 | |
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165
pretension
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| n.要求；自命，自称；自负 | |
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166
cannon
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| n.大炮，火炮；飞机上的机关炮 | |
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167
bowels
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| n.肠，内脏，内部；肠( bowel的名词复数 )；内部，最深处 | |
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168
consecrated
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|
| adj.神圣的，被视为神圣的v.把…奉为神圣，给…祝圣( consecrate的过去式和过去分词 )；奉献 | |
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169
hatred
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| n.憎恶，憎恨，仇恨 | |
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170
impiety
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| n.不敬；不孝 | |
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171
aisle
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| n.（教堂、教室、戏院等里的）过道，通道 | |
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172
retrospect
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| n.回顾，追溯；v.回顾，回想，追溯 | |
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173
gratitude
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| adj.感激，感谢 | |
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174
pelting
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| 微不足道的，无价值的，盛怒的 | |
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175
conscientiously
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| adv.凭良心地；认真地，负责尽职地；老老实实 | |
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176
reprehensible
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| adj.该受责备的 | |
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177
saviour
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| n.拯救者，救星 | |
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178
vouch
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| v.担保；断定；n.被担保者 | |
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179
zeal
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| n.热心，热情，热忱 | |
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180
subsist
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| vi.生存，存在，供养 | |
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181
defective
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| adj.有毛病的，有问题的，有瑕疵的 | |
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182
penitence
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| n.忏悔，赎罪；悔过 | |
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183
winked
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| v.使眼色( wink的过去式和过去分词 )；递眼色（表示友好或高兴等）；（指光）闪烁；闪亮 | |
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184
erred
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| 犯错误，做错事( err的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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185
omniscience
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| n.全知，全知者，上帝 | |
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186
delusion
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| n.谬见，欺骗，幻觉，迷惑 | |
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187
justified
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| a.正当的，有理的 | |
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188
indifference
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| n.不感兴趣，不关心，冷淡，不在乎 | |
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189
qualified
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| adj.合格的，有资格的，胜任的，有限制的 | |
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190
enticement
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| n.诱骗，诱人 | |
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191
enlisted
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| adj.应募入伍的v.（使）入伍， （使）参军( enlist的过去式和过去分词 )；获得（帮助或支持） | |
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192
militia
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| n.民兵，民兵组织 | |
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193
immoral
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| adj.不道德的，淫荡的，荒淫的，有伤风化的 | |
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194
ascendancy
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| n.统治权，支配力量 | |
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195
corrupt
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| v.贿赂，收买；adj.腐败的，贪污的 | |
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196
bereaved
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| adj.刚刚丧失亲人的v.使失去（希望、生命等）( bereave的过去式和过去分词)；（尤指死亡）使丧失（亲人、朋友等）；使孤寂；抢走（财物） | |
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197
impute
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| v.归咎于 | |
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198
pious
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| adj.虔诚的；道貌岸然的 | |
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199
kindly
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| adj.和蔼的，温和的，爽快的；adv.温和地，亲切地 | |
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200
inquiries
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| n.调查( inquiry的名词复数 )；疑问；探究；打听 | |
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201
corps
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| n.(通信等兵种的)部队；(同类作的)一组 | |
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202
honourable
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| adj.可敬的；荣誉的，光荣的 | |
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203
regiment
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| n.团，多数，管理；v.组织，编成团，统制 | |
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204
retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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205
disposition
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| n.性情，性格；意向，倾向；排列，部署 | |
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206
contentedness
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207
promotion
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| n.提升，晋级；促销，宣传 | |
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208
vividly
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| adv.清楚地，鲜明地，生动地 | |
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209
alluring
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| adj.吸引人的，迷人的 | |
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210
panorama
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| n.全景，全景画，全景摄影，全景照片[装置] | |
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211
cork
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| n.软木，软木塞 | |
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212
embark
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| vi.乘船，着手，从事，上飞机 | |
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213
embarked
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| 乘船( embark的过去式和过去分词 )； 装载； 从事 | |
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214
deserted
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| adj.荒芜的，荒废的，无人的，被遗弃的 | |
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215
consolation
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| n.安慰，慰问 | |
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216
inmate
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| n.被收容者；(房屋等的)居住人；住院人 | |
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217
intelligible
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| adj.可理解的，明白易懂的，清楚的 | |
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218
exclamations
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| n.呼喊( exclamation的名词复数 )；感叹；感叹语；感叹词 | |
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219
profanely
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| adv.渎神地，凡俗地 | |
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220
coalition
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| n.结合体，同盟，结合，联合 | |
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221
discordant
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| adj.不调和的 | |
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222
verbiage
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| n.冗词；冗长 | |
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223
effaced
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| v.擦掉( efface的过去式和过去分词 )；抹去；超越；使黯然失色 | |
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224
engulf
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| vt.吞没，吞食 | |
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225
proceedings
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| n.进程，过程，议程；诉讼(程序)；公报 | |
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226
chaos
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| n.混乱，无秩序 | |
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227
trifling
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| adj.微不足道的；没什么价值的 | |
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228
allude
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| v.提及，暗指 | |
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229
alluded
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| 提及，暗指( allude的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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230
mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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231
novice
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| adj.新手的，生手的 | |
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232
muster
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| v.集合，收集，鼓起，激起；n.集合，检阅，集合人员，点名册 | |
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233
imputed
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| v.把（错误等）归咎于( impute的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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234
remarkable
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| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
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235
flexibility
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| n.柔韧性，弹性，（光的）折射性，灵活性 | |
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236
thoroughly
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| adv.完全地，彻底地，十足地 | |
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237
uncommon
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| adj.罕见的，非凡的，不平常的 | |
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238
inspection
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| n.检查，审查，检阅 | |
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239
vainglorious
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| adj.自负的；夸大的 | |
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240
applied
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| adj.应用的；v.应用，适用 | |
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241
naval
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| adj.海军的，军舰的，船的 | |
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242
elude
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| v.躲避，困惑 | |
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243
aver
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| v.极力声明；断言；确证 | |
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244
repelling
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| v.击退( repel的现在分词 )；使厌恶；排斥；推开 | |
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245
entrenched
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| adj.确立的，不容易改的(风俗习惯) | |
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246
foe
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| n.敌人，仇敌 | |
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247
tug
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| v.用力拖(或拉)；苦干；n.拖；苦干；拖船 | |
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248
colossal
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| adj.异常的，庞大的 | |
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249
continental
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| adj.大陆的，大陆性的，欧洲大陆的 | |
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250
exertions
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| n.努力( exertion的名词复数 )；费力；（能力、权力等的）运用；行使 | |
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251
enjoyment
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| n.乐趣；享有；享用 | |
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252
revel
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| vi.狂欢作乐，陶醉；n.作乐，狂欢 | |
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253
vessels
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| n.血管( vessel的名词复数 )；船；容器；（具有特殊品质或接受特殊品质的）人 | |
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254
ministry
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| n.(政府的)部；牧师 | |
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255
deplored
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| v.悲叹，痛惜，强烈反对( deplore的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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256
odious
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| adj.可憎的，讨厌的 | |
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257
apparently
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| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
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258
malediction
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| n.诅咒 | |
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259
antagonists
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| 对立[对抗] 者，对手，敌手( antagonist的名词复数 )； 对抗肌； 对抗药 | |
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260
breach
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| n.违反，不履行；破裂；vt.冲破，攻破 | |
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261
pounces
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| v.突然袭击( pounce的第三人称单数 )；猛扑；一眼看出；抓住机会（进行抨击） | |
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262
ransacks
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| v.彻底搜查( ransack的第三人称单数 )；抢劫，掠夺 | |
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263
justifies
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| 证明…有理( justify的第三人称单数 )； 为…辩护； 对…作出解释； 为…辩解（或辩护） | |
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264
seizure
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| n.没收；占有；抵押 | |
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265
inveterate
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| adj.积习已深的，根深蒂固的 | |
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266
annoyance
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| n.恼怒，生气，烦恼 | |
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267
rigid
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| adj.严格的，死板的；刚硬的，僵硬的 | |
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268
hostility
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| n.敌对，敌意；抵制［pl.］交战，战争 | |
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269
meddle
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| v.干预，干涉，插手 | |
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270
delightful
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| adj.令人高兴的，使人快乐的 | |
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271
embarkation
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| n. 乘船, 搭机, 开船 | |
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272
conveyance
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| n.(不动产等的)转让，让与；转让证书；传送；运送；表达；（正）运输工具 | |
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273
moored
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| adj. 系泊的 动词moor的过去式和过去分词形式 | |
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274
inevitable
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| adj.不可避免的，必然发生的 | |
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275
destined
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| adj.命中注定的；(for)以…为目的地的 | |
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276
solaces
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| n.安慰，安慰物( solace的名词复数 ) | |
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277
intrepidity
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| n.大胆，刚勇；大胆的行为 | |
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278
admiration
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| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
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279
hurrah
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| int.好哇，万岁，乌拉 | |
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280
fortitude
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| n.坚忍不拔；刚毅 | |
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281
serried
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| adj.拥挤的；密集的 | |
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282
ridge
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| n.山脊；鼻梁；分水岭 | |
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283
toil
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| vi.辛劳工作，艰难地行动；n.苦工，难事 | |
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284
arrear
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| n.欠款 | |
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285
generosity
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| n.大度，慷慨，慷慨的行为 | |
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286
payable
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| adj.可付的，应付的，有利益的 | |
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287
benefactor
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| n. 恩人，行善的人，捐助人 | |
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288
pittance
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| n.微薄的薪水，少量 | |
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289
progeny
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| n.后代，子孙；结果 | |
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290
proscribed
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| v.正式宣布（某事物）有危险或被禁止( proscribe的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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291
utterly
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| adv.完全地，绝对地 | |
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292
deceptive
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| adj.骗人的，造成假象的，靠不住的 | |
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293
superseded
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| [医]被代替的，废弃的 | |
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294
gratuitous
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| adj.无偿的，免费的；无缘无故的，不必要的 | |
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295
countless
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| adj.无数的，多得不计其数的 | |
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296
ramifications
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| n.结果，后果( ramification的名词复数 ) | |
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297
judicious
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| adj.明智的，明断的，能作出明智决定的 | |
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298
expenditure
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| n.(时间、劳力、金钱等)支出；使用，消耗 | |
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299
hoarded
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| v.积蓄并储藏（某物）( hoard的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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300
parsimonious
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| adj.吝啬的，质量低劣的 | |
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301
motives
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| n.动机，目的( motive的名词复数 ) | |
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302
manure
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| n.粪，肥，肥粒；vt.施肥 | |
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303
regain
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| vt.重新获得，收复，恢复 | |
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304
juvenile
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| n.青少年，少年读物；adj.青少年的，幼稚的 | |
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305
sustenance
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| n.食物，粮食；生活资料；生计 | |
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306
calamity
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| n.灾害，祸患，不幸事件 | |
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307
guardianship
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| n. 监护, 保护, 守护 | |
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308
invitingly
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| adv. 动人地 | |
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309
omnipotent
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| adj.全能的，万能的 | |
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310
variance
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| n.矛盾，不同 | |
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311
impartial
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| adj.(in,to)公正的，无偏见的 | |
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312
persevering
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| a.坚忍不拔的 | |
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313
benefactors
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| n.捐助者，施主( benefactor的名词复数 )；恩人 | |
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314
peculiar
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| adj.古怪的，异常的；特殊的，特有的 | |
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315
countenances
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| n.面容( countenance的名词复数 )；表情；镇静；道义支持 | |
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316
previously
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| adv.以前，先前（地） | |
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317
spacious
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| adj.广阔的，宽敞的 | |
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318
animated
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| adj.生气勃勃的，活跃的，愉快的 | |
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319
vigour
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| （=vigor）n.智力，体力，精力 | |
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320
abreast
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| adv.并排地；跟上(时代)的步伐，与…并进地 | |
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321
bounty
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| n.慷慨的赠予物，奖金；慷慨，大方；施与 | |
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322
vigilant
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| adj.警觉的，警戒的，警惕的 | |
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323
adherence
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| n.信奉，依附，坚持，固着 | |
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