Now to the north of Balthazar's home stood a tall forest, overhanging both the highway and the river whose windings10 the highway followed. Graciosa was very often to be encountered upon the outskirts11 of these woods. She loved the forest, whose tranquillity12 bred dreams, but was already a woman in so far that she found it more interesting to watch the highway. Sometimes it would be deserted13 save for small purple butterflies which fluttered about as if in continuous indecision, and rarely ascended14 more than a foot above the ground. But people passed at intervals—as now a page, who was a notably15 fine fellow, clothed in ash-colored gray, with slashed17, puffed18 sleeves, and having a heron's feather in his cap; or a Franciscan with his gown tucked up so that you saw how the veins20 on his naked feet stood out like the carvings21 on a vase; or a farmer leading a calf22; or a gentleman in a mantle23 of squirrel's fur riding beside a wonderful proud lady, whose tiny hat was embroidered24 with pearls. It was all very interesting to watch, it was like turning over the leaves of a book written in an unknown tongue and guessing what the pictures meant, because these people were intent upon their private avocations25, in which you had no part, and you would never see them any more.
Then destiny took a hand in the affair and Guido came. He reined27 his gray horse at the sight of her sitting by the wayside and deferentially28 inquired how far it might be to the nearest inn. Graciosa told him. He thanked her and rode on. That was all, but the appraising29 glance of this sedate30 and handsome burgher obscurely troubled the girl afterward31.
Next day he came again. He was a jewel-merchant, he told her, and he thought it within the stretch of possibility that my lord Balthazar's daughter might wish to purchase some of his wares32. She viewed them with admiration, chaffered thriftily33, and finally bought a topaz, dug from Mount Zabarca, Guido assured her, which rendered its wearer immune to terrors of any kind.
Very often afterward these two met on the outskirts of the forest as Guido rode between the coast and the hill-country about his vocation26. Sometimes he laughingly offered her a bargain, on other days he paused to exhibit a notable gem35 which he had procured36 for this or that wealthy amateur. Count Eglamore, the young Duke's favorite yonder at court, bought most of them, it seemed. "The nobles complain against this upstart Eglamore very bitterly," said Guido, "but we merchants have no quarrel with him. He buys too lavishly38."
"I trust I shall not see Count Eglamore when I go to court," said Graciosa, meditatively39; "and, indeed, by that time, my father assures me, some honest gentleman will have contrived40 to cut the throat of this abominable42 Eglamore." Her father's people, it should be premised, had been at bitter feud43 with the favorite ever since he detected and punished the conspiracy44 of the Marquis of Cibo, their kinsman45. Then Graciosa continued: "Nevertheless, I shall see many beautiful sights when I am taken to court.… And the Duke, too, you tell me, is an amateur of gems46."
"Eh, madonna, I wish that you could see his jewels," cried Guido, growing fervent47; and he lovingly catalogued a host of lapidary49 marvels50.
"I hope that I shall see these wonderful jewels when I go to court," said Graciosa wistfully.
"Duke Alessandro," he returned, his dark eyes strangely mirthful, "is, as I take it, a catholic lover of beauty in all its forms. So he will show you his gems, very assuredly, and, worse still, he will make verses in your honor. For it is a preposterous51 feature of Duke Alessandro's character that he is always making songs."
"Oh, and such strange songs as they are, too, Guido. Who does not know them?"
"I am not the best possible judge of his verses' merit," Guido estimated, drily. "But I shall never understand how any singer at all came to be locked in such a prison. I fancy that at times the paradox52 puzzles even Duke Alessandro."
"And is he as handsome as people report?"
Then Guido laughed a little. "Tastes differ, of course. But I think your father will assure you, madonna, that no duke possessing such a zealous53 tax-collector as Count Eglamore was ever in his lifetime considered of repulsive54 person."
"And is he young?"
"Why, as to that, he is about of an age with me, and in consequence old enough to be far more sensible than either of us is ever likely to be," said Guido; and began to talk of other matters.
But presently Graciosa was questioning him again as to the court, whither she was to go next year and enslave a marquis, or, at worst, an opulent baron55. Her thoughts turned toward the court's predominating figure. "Tell me of Eglamore, Guido."
"Madonna, some say that Eglamore was a brewer's son. Others—and your father's kinsmen56 in particular—insist that he was begot57 by a devil in person, just as Merlin was, and Plato the philosopher, and puissant58 Alexander. Nobody knows anything about his origin." Guido was sitting upon the ground, his open pack between his knees. Between the thumb and forefinger59 of each hand he held caressingly60 a string of pearls which he inspected as he talked. "Nobody," he idly said, "nobody is very eager to discuss Count Eglamore's origin now that Eglamore has become indispensable to Duke Alessandro. Yes, it is thanks to Eglamore that the Duke has ample leisure and needful privacy for the pursuit of recreations which are reputed to be curious."
"I do not understand you, Guido." Graciosa was all wonder.
"It is perhaps as well," the merchant said, a trifle sadly. Then Guido shrugged61. "To be brief, madonna, business annoys the Duke. He finds in this Eglamore an industrious62 person who affixes63 seals, draughts64 proclamations, makes treaties, musters65 armies, devises pageants66, and collects revenues, upon the whole, quite as efficiently67 as Alessandro would be capable of doing these things. So Alessandro makes verses and amuses himself as his inclinations68 prompt, and Alessandro's people are none the worse off on account of it."
"Heigho, I foresee that I shall never fall in love with the Duke," Graciosa declared. "It is unbefitting and it is a little cowardly for a prince to shirk the duties of his station. Now, if I were Duke I would grant my father a pension, and have Eglamore hanged, and purchase a new gown of silvery green, in which I would be ravishingly beautiful, and afterward— Why, what would you do if you were Duke, Messer Guido?"
"What would I do if I were Duke?" he echoed. "What would I do if I were a great lord instead of a tradesman? I think you know the answer, madonna."
"Oh, you would make me your duchess, of course. That is quite understood," said Graciosa, with the lightest of laughs. "But I was speaking seriously, Guido."
Guido at that considered her intently for a half-minute. His countenance69 was of portentous70 gravity, but in his eyes she seemed to detect a lurking71 impishness.
"And it is not a serious matter that a peddler of crystals should have dared to love a nobleman's daughter? You are perfectly72 right. That I worship you is an affair which does not concern any person save myself in any way whatsoever73, although I think that knowledge of the fact would put your father to the trouble of sharpening his dagger74.… Indeed, I am not certain that I worship you, for in order to adore wholeheartedly, the idolater must believe his idol75 to be perfect. Now, your nails are of an ugly shape, like that of little fans; your mouth is too large; and I have long ago perceived that you are a trifle lame8 in spite of your constant care to conceal76 the fact. I do not admire these faults, for faults they are undoubtedly77. Then, too, I know you are vain and self-seeking, and look forward contentedly78 to the time when your father will transfer his ownership of such physical attractions as heaven gave you to that nobleman who offers the highest price for them. It is true you have no choice in the matter, but you will participate in a monstrous79 bargain, and I would prefer to have you exhibit distaste for it." And with that he returned composedly to inspection80 of his pearls.
"And to what end, Guido?" It was the first time Graciosa had completely waived81 the reticence82 of a superior caste. You saw that the child's parted lips were tremulous, and you divined her childish fits of dreading83 that glittering, inevitable84 court-life shared with an unimaginable husband.
But Guido only grumbled85 whimsically. "I am afraid that men do not always love according to the strict laws of logic87. I desire your happiness above all things; yet to see you so abysmally88 untroubled by anything that troubles me is another matter."
"But I am not untroubled, Guido——" she began swiftly. Graciosa broke off in speech, shrugged, flashed a smile at him. "For I cannot fathom89 you, Ser Guido, and that troubles me. Yes, I am very fond of you, and yet I do not trust you. You tell me you love me greatly. It pleases me to have you say this. You perceive I am very candid90 this morning, Messer Guido. Yes, it pleases me, and I know that for the sake of seeing me you daily endanger your life, for if my father heard of our meetings he would have you killed. You would not incur91 such hare-brained risks unless you cared very greatly; and yet, somehow, I do not believe it is altogether for me you care."
Then Guido was in train to protest an all-mastering and entirely92 candid devotion, but he was interrupted.
"Most women have these awkward intuitions," spoke93 a melodious94 voice, and turning, Graciosa met the eyes of the intruder. This magnificent young man had a proud and bloodless face which contrasted sharply with his painted lips and cheeks. In the contour of his protruding95 mouth showed plainly his negroid ancestry96. His scanty97 beard, as well as his frizzled hair, was the color of dead grass. He was sumptuously98 clothed in white satin worked with silver, and around his cap was a gold chain hung with diamonds. Now he handed his fringed riding-gloves to Guido to hold.
"Yes, madonna, I suspect that Eglamore here cares greatly for the fact that you are Lord Balthazar's daughter, and cousin to the late Marquis of Cibo. For Cibo has many kinsmen at court who still resent the circumstance that the matching of his wits against Eglamore's earned for Cibo a deplorably public demise99. So they conspire100 against Eglamore with vexatious industry, as an upstart, as a nobody thrust over people of proven descent, and Eglamore goes about in hourly apprehension101 of a knife-thrust. If he could make a match with you, though, your father—thrifty102 man!—would be easily appeased103. Your cousins, those proud, grumbling104 Castel-Franchi, Strossi and Valori, would not prove over-obdurate toward a kinsman who, whatever his past indiscretions, has so many pensions and offices at his disposal. Yes, honor would permit a truce106, and Eglamore could bind107 them to his interests within ten days, and be rid of the necessity of sleeping in chain armor.… Have I not unraveled the scheme correctly, Eglamore?"
"Your highness was never lacking in penetration," replied the other in a dull voice. He stood motionless, holding the gloves, his shoulders a little bowed as if under some physical load. His eyes were fixed108 upon the ground. He divined the change in Graciosa's face and did not care to see it.
"And so you are Count Eglamore," said Graciosa in a sort of whisper. "That is very strange. I had thought you were my friend, Guido. But I forget. I must not call you Guido any longer." She gave a little shiver here. He stayed motionless and did not look at her. "I have often wondered what manner of man you were. So it was you—whose hand I touched just now—you who poisoned Duke Cosmo, you who had the good cardinal109 assassinated110, you who betrayed the brave lord of Faenza! Oh, yes, they openly accuse you of every imaginable crime—this patient Eglamore, this reptile111 who has crept into his power through filthy113 passages. It is very strange you should be capable of so much wickedness, for to me you seem only a sullen114 lackey115."
He winced116 and raised his eyes at this. His face remained expressionless. He knew these accusations117 at least to be demonstrable lies, for as it happened he had never found his advancement118 to hinge upon the commission of the crimes named. But even so, the past was a cemetery119 he did not care to have revivified.
"And it was you who detected the Marquis of Cibo's conspiracy. Tebaldeo was my cousin, Count Eglamore, and I loved him. We were reared together. We used to play here in these woods, and I remember how Tebaldeo once fetched me a wren's nest from that maple120 yonder. I stood just here. I was weeping because I was afraid he would fall. If he had fallen and been killed, it would have been the luckier for him," Graciosa sighed. "They say that he conspired121. I do not know. I only know that by your orders, Count Eglamore, my playmate Tebaldeo was fastened upon a Saint Andrew's cross and his arms and legs were each broken in two places with an iron bar. Then your servants took Tebaldeo, still living, and laid him upon a carriage-wheel which was hung upon a pivot122. The upper edge of this wheel was cut with very fine teeth like those of a saw, so that his agony might be complete. Tebaldeo's poor mangled123 legs were folded beneath his body so that his heels touched the back of his head, they tell me. In such a posture124 he died very slowly while the wheel turned very slowly there in the sunlit market-place, and flies buzzed greedily about him, and the shopkeepers took holiday in order to watch Tebaldeo die—the same Tebaldeo who once fetched me a wren's nest from yonder maple."
Eglamore spoke now. "I gave orders for the Marquis of Cibo's execution. I did not devise the manner of his death. The punishment for Cibo's crime was long ago fixed by our laws. Cibo plotted to kill the Duke. Cibo confessed as much."
But the girl waved this aside. "And then you plan this masquerade. You plan to make me care for you so greatly that even when I know you to be Count Eglamore I must still care for you. You plan to marry me, so as to placate125 Tebaldeo's kinsmen, so as to bind them to your interests. It was a fine bold stroke of policy, I know, to use me as a stepping-stone to safety—but was it fair to me?" Her voice rose now a little. She seemed to plead with him. "Look you, Count Eglamore, I was a child only yesterday. I have never loved any man. But you have loved many women, I know, and long experience has taught you many ways of moving a woman's heart. Oh, was it fair, was it worth while, to match your skill against my ignorance? Think how unhappy I would be if even now I loved you, and how I would loathe126 myself.… But I am getting angry over nothing. Nothing has happened except that I have dreamed in idle moments of a brave and comely127 lover who held his head so high that all other women envied me, and now I have awakened128."
Meanwhile, it was with tears in his eyes that the young man in white had listened to her quiet talk, for you could nowhere have found a nature more readily sensitive than his to all the beauty and wonder which life, as if it were haphazardly129, produces every day. He pitied this betrayed child quite ineffably130, because in her sorrow she was so pretty.
So he spoke consolingly. "Fie, Donna Graciosa, you must not be too harsh with Eglamore. It is his nature to scheme, and he weaves his plots as inevitably131 as the spider does her web. Believe me, it is wiser to forget the rascal—as I do—until there is need of him; and I think you will have no more need to consider Eglamore's trickeries, for you are very beautiful, Graciosa."
He had drawn132 closer to the girl, and he brought a cloying133 odor of frangipani, bergamot and vervain. His nostrils134 quivered, his face had taken on an odd pinched look, for all that he smiled as over some occult jest. Graciosa was a little frightened by his bearing, which was both furtive135 and predatory.
"Oh, do not be offended, for I have some rights to say what I desire in these parts. For, Dei gratia, I am the overlord of these parts, Graciosa—a neglected prince who wondered over the frequent absences of his chief counselor136 and secretly set spies upon him. Eglamore here will attest137 as much. Or if you cannot believe poor Eglamore any longer, I shall have other witnesses within the half-hour. Oh, yes, they are to meet me here at noon—some twenty crop-haired stalwart cut-throats. They will come riding upon beautiful broad-chested horses covered with red velvet138 trappings that are hung with little silver bells which jingle139 delightfully140. They will come very soon, and then we will ride back to court."
Duke Alessandro touched his big painted mouth with his forefinger as if in fantastic mimicry141 of a man imparting a confidence.
"I think that I shall take you with me, Graciosa, for you are very beautiful. You are as slim as a lily and more white, and your eyes are two purple mirrors in each of which I see a tiny image of Duke Alessandro. The woman I loved yesterday was a big splendid wench with cheeks like apples. It is not desirable that women should be so large. All women should be little creatures that fear you. They should have thin, plaintive142 voices, and in shrinking from you be as slight to the touch as a cobweb. It is not possible to love a woman ardently143 unless you comprehend how easy it would be to murder her."
"God, God!" said Count Eglamore, very softly, for he was familiar with the look which had now come into Duke Alessandro's face. Indeed, all persons about court were quick to notice this odd pinched look, like that of a traveler nipped at by frosts, and people at court became obsequious144 within the instant in dealing145 with the fortunate woman who had aroused this look, Count Eglamore remembered.
And the girl did not speak at all, but stood motionless, staring in bewildered, pitiable, childlike fashion, and the color had ebbed146 from her countenance.
Alessandro was frankly147 pleased. "You fear me, do you not, Graciosa? See, now, when I touch your hand it is soft and cold as a serpent's skin, and you shudder148. I am very tired of women who love me, of all women with bold, hungry eyes. To you my touch will always be a martyrdom, you will always loathe me, and therefore I shall not weary of you for a long while. Come, Graciosa. Your father shall have all the wealth and state that even his greedy imaginings can devise, so long as you can contrive41 to loathe me. We will find you a suitable husband. You shall have flattery and titles, gold and fine glass, soft stuffs and superb palaces such as are your beauty's due henceforward."
He glanced at the peddler's pack, and shrugged. "So Eglamore has been wooing you with jewels! You must see mine, dear Graciosa. It is not merely an affair of possessing, as some emperors do, all the four kinds of sapphires149, the twelve kinds of emeralds, the three kinds of rubies150, and many extraordinary pearls, diamonds, cymophanes, beryls, green peridots, tyanos, sandrastra, and fiery151 cinnamon-stones"—he enumerated152 them with the tender voice of their lover—"for the value of these may at least be estimated. Oh, no, I have in my possession gems which have not their fellows in any other collection, gems which have not even a name and the value of which is incalculable—strange jewels that were shot from inaccessible153 mountain peaks by means of slings154, jewels engendered155 by the thunder, jewels taken from the heart of the Arabian deer, jewels cut from the brain of a toad156 and the eyes of serpents, and even jewels that are authentically157 known to have fallen from the moon. We will select the rarest, and have a pair of slippers158 encrusted with them, in which you shall dance for me."
"Highness," cried Eglamore, with anger and terror at odds159 in his breast, "Highness, I love this girl!"
"Ah, then you cannot ever be her husband," Duke Alessandro returned. "You would have suited otherwise. No, no, we must seek out some other person of discretion105. It will all be very amusing, for I think that she is now quite innocent, as pure as the high angels are. See, Eglamore, she cannot speak, she stays still as a lark160 that has been taken in a snare161. It will be very marvelous to make her as I am.…" He meditated162, as, obscurely aware of opposition163, his shoulders twitched164 fretfully, and momentarily his eyes lightened like the glare of a cannon165 through its smoke. "You made a beast of me, some long-faced people say. Beware lest the beast turn and rend34 you."
Count Eglamore plucked aimlessly at his chin. Then he laughed as a dog yelps166. He dropped the gloves which he had held till this, deliberately167, as if the act were a rite37. His shoulders straightened and purpose seemed to flow into the man. "No," he said quietly, "I will not have it. It was not altogether I who made a brain-sick beast of you, my prince; but even so, I have never been too nice to profit by your vices168. I have taken my thrifty toll169 of abomination, I have stood by contentedly, not urging you on, yet never trying to stay you, as you waded170 deeper and ever deeper into the filth112 of your debaucheries, because meanwhile you left me so much power. Yes, in some part it is my own handiwork which is my ruin. I accept it. Nevertheless, you shall not harm this child."
"I venture to remind you, Eglamore, that I am still the master of this duchy." Alessandro was languidly amused, and had begun to regard his adversary171 with real curiosity.
"Oh, yes, but that is nothing to me. At court you are the master. At court I have seen mothers raise the veil from their daughters' faces, with smiles that were more loathsome172 than the grimaces173 of a fiend, because you happened to be passing. But here in these woods, your highness, I see only the woman I love and the man who has insulted her."
"This is very admirable fooling," the Duke considered. "So all the world is changed and Pandarus is transformed into Hector? These are sonorous174 words, Eglamore, but with what deeds do you propose to back them?"
"So!" said the Duke. "The farce176 ascends177 in interest." He drew with a flourish, with actual animation178, for sottish, debauched and power-crazed as this man was, he came of a race to whom danger was a cordial. "Very luckily a sword forms part of your disguise, so let us amuse ourselves. It is always diverting to kill, and if by any chance you kill me I shall at least be rid of the intolerable knowledge that to-morrow will be just like to-day." The Duke descended179 blithely180 into the level road and placed himself on guard.
Then both men silently went about the business in hand. Both were oddly calm, almost as if preoccupied181 by some more important matter to be settled later. The two swords clashed, gleamed rigidly182 for an instant, and then their rapid interplay, so far as vision went, melted into a flickering183 snarl184 of silver, for the sun was high and each man's shadow was huddled185 under him. Then Eglamore thrust savagely186 and in the act trod the edge of a puddle187, and fell ignominiously188 prostrate189. His sword was wrenched190 ten feet from him, for the Duke had parried skilfully191. Eglamore lay thus at Alessandro's mercy.
"Well, well!" the Duke cried petulantly192, "and am I to be kept waiting forever? You were a thought quicker in obeying my caprices yesterday. Get up, you muddy lout193, and let us kill each other with some pretension194 of adroitness195."
Eglamore rose, and, sobbing196, caught up his sword and rushed toward the Duke in an agony of shame and rage. His attack now was that of a frenzied197 animal, quite careless of defense198 and desirous only of murder. Twice the Duke wounded him, but it was Alessandro who drew backward, composedly hindering the brutal199 onslaught he was powerless to check. Then Eglamore ran him through the chest and gave vent48 to a strangled, growling200 cry as Alessandro fell. Eglamore wrenched his sword free and grasped it by the blade so that he might stab the Duke again and again. He meant to hack201 the abominable flesh, to slash16 and mutilate that haughty202 mask of infamy203, but Graciosa clutched his weapon by the hilt.
The girl panted, and her breath came thick. "He gave you your life."
Eglamore looked up. She leaned now upon his shoulder, her face brushing his as he knelt over the unconscious Duke; and Eglamore found that at her dear touch all passion had gone out of him.
"Madonna," he said equably, "the Duke is not yet dead. It is impossible to let him live. You may think he voiced only a caprice just now. I think so too, but I know the man, and I know that all this madman's whims86 are ruthless and irresistible204. Living, Duke Alessandro's appetites are merely whetted205 by opposition, so much so that he finds no pleasures sufficiently206 piquant207 unless they have God's interdiction208 as a sauce. Living, he will make of you his plaything, and a little later his broken, soiled and castby plaything. It is therefore necessary that I kill Duke Alessandro."
She parted from him, and he too rose to his feet.
"And afterward," she said quietly, "and afterward you must die just as Tebaldeo died."
"That is the law, madonna. But whether Alessandro enters hell to-day or later, I am a lost man."
"Oh, that is very true," she said. "A moment since you were Count Eglamore, whom every person feared. Now there is not a beggar in the kingdom who would change lots with you, for you are a friendless and hunted man in peril209 of dreadful death. But even so, you are not penniless, Count Eglamore, for these jewels here which formed part of your masquerade are of great value, and there is a world outside. The frontier is not two miles distant. You have only to escape into the hill-country beyond the forest, and you need not kill Duke Alessandro after all. I would have you go hence with hands as clean as possible."
"Perhaps I might escape." He found it quaint210 to note how calm she was and how tranquilly211 his own thoughts ran. "But first the Duke must die, because I dare not leave you to his mercy."
"How does that matter?" she returned. "You know very well that my father intends to market me as best suits his interests. Here I am so much merchandise. The Duke is as free as any other man to cry a bargain." He would have spoken in protest, but Graciosa interrupted wearily: "Oh, yes, it is to this end only that we daughters of Duke Alessandro's vassals212 are nurtured213, just as you told me—eh, how long ago!—that such physical attractions as heaven accords us may be marketed. And I do not see how a wedding can in any way ennoble the transaction by causing it to profane214 a holy sacrament. Ah, no, Balthazar's daughter was near attaining215 all that she had been taught to desire, for a purchaser came and he bid lavishly. You know very well that my father would have been delighted. But you must need upset the bargain. 'No, I will not have it!' Count Eglamore must cry. It cost you very highly to speak those words. I think it would have puzzled my father to hear those words at which so many fertile lands, stout216 castles, well-timbered woodlands, herds217 of cattle, gilded218 coaches, liveries and curious tapestries219, fine clothing and spiced foods, all vanished like a puff19 of smoke. Ah, yes, my father would have thought you mad."
"I had no choice," he said, and waved a little gesture of impotence. He spoke as with difficulty, almost wearily. "I love you. It is a theme on which I do not embroider. So long as I had thought to use you as an instrument I could woo fluently enough. To-day I saw that you were frightened and helpless—oh, quite helpless. And something changed in me. I knew for the first time that I loved you and that I was not clean as you are clean. What it was of passion and horror, of despair and adoration220 and yearning221, which struggled in my being then I cannot tell you. It spurred me to such action as I took,—but it has robbed me of sugared eloquence222, it has left me chary223 of speech. It is necessary that I climb very high because of my love for you, and upon the heights there is silence."
And Graciosa meditated. "Here I am so much merchandise. Heigho, since I cannot help it, since bought and sold I must be, one day or another, at least I will go at a noble price. Yet I do not think I am quite worth the value of these castles and lands and other things which you gave up because of me, so that it will be necessary to make up the difference, dear, by loving you very much."
And at that he touched her chin, gently and masterfully, for Graciosa would have averted224 her face, and it seemed to Eglamore that he could never have his fill of gazing on the radiant, shamed tenderness of Graciosa's face. "Oh, my girl!" he whispered. "Oh, my wonderful, worshiped, merry girl, whom God has fashioned with such loving care! you who had only scorn to give me when I was a kingdom's master! and would you go with me now that I am friendless and homeless?"
"But I shall always have a friend," she answered—"a friend who showed me what Balthazar's daughter was and what love is. And I am vain enough to believe I shall not ever be very far from home so long as I am near to my friend's heart."
A mortal man could not but take her in his arms.
"Farewell, Duke Alessandro!" then said Eglamore; "farewell, poor clay so plastic the least touch remodels225 you! I had a part in shaping you so bestial226; our age, too, had a part—our bright and cruel day, wherein you were set too high. Yet for me it would perhaps have proved as easy to have made a learned recluse227 of you, Alessandro, or a bloodless saint, if to do that had been as patently profitable. For you and all your kind are so much putty in the hands of circumspect228 fellows such as I. But I stood by and let our poisoned age conform that putty into the shape of a crazed beast, because it took that form as readily as any other, and in taking it, best served my selfish ends. Now I must pay for that sorry shaping, just as, I think, you too must pay some day. And so, I cry farewell with loathing229, but with compassion230 also!"
Then these two turned toward the hills, leaving Duke Alessandro where he lay in the road, a very lamentable231 figure in much bloodied232 finery. They turned toward the hills, and entered a forest whose ordering was time's contemporary, and where there was no grandeur233 save that of the trees.
But upon the summit of the nearest hill they paused and looked over a restless welter of foliage234 that glittered in the sun, far down into the highway. It bustled235 like an unroofed ant-hill, for the road was alive with men who seemed from this distance very small. Duke Alessandro's attendants had found him and were clustered in a hubbub236 about their reviving master. Dwarfish237 Lorenzino de Medici was the most solicitous238 among them.
Beyond was the broad river, seen as a ribbon of silver now, and on its remoter bank the leaded roofs of a strong fortress239 glistened240 like a child's new toy. Tilled fields showed here and there, no larger in appearance than so many outspread handkerchiefs. Far down in the east a small black smudge upon the pearl-colored and vaporous horizon was all they could discern of a walled city filled with factories for the working of hemp241 and furs and alum and silk and bitumen242.
"It is a very rich and lovely land," said Eglamore—"this kingdom which a half-hour since lay in the hollow of my hand." He viewed it for a while, and not without pensiveness243. Then he took Graciosa's hand and looked into her face, and he laughed joyously244.
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complacently
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supple
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| adj.柔软的，易弯的，逢迎的，顺从的，灵活的；vt.使柔软，使柔顺，使顺从；vi.变柔软，变柔顺 | |
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3
accomplishments
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| n.造诣；完成( accomplishment的名词复数 )；技能；成绩；成就 | |
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4
proficient
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| adj.熟练的，精通的；n.能手，专家 | |
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5
harpsichord
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| n.键琴（钢琴前身） | |
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6
embroider
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| v.刺绣于(布)上；给…添枝加叶，润饰 | |
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admiration
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| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
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8
lame
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| adj.跛的，(辩解、论据等)无说服力的 | |
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9
lameness
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| n. 跛, 瘸, 残废 | |
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windings
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| （道路、河流等）蜿蜒的，弯曲的( winding的名词复数 )； 缠绕( wind的现在分词 )； 卷绕； 转动（把手） | |
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11
outskirts
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| n.郊外，郊区 | |
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12
tranquillity
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| n. 平静, 安静 | |
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13
deserted
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| adj.荒芜的，荒废的，无人的，被遗弃的 | |
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ascended
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| v.上升，攀登( ascend的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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15
notably
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| adv.值得注意地，显著地，尤其地，特别地 | |
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16
slash
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| vi.大幅度削减；vt.猛砍，尖锐抨击，大幅减少；n.猛砍，斜线，长切口，衣衩 | |
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17
slashed
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| v.挥砍( slash的过去式和过去分词 )；鞭打；割破；削减 | |
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18
puffed
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| adj.疏松的v.使喷出( puff的过去式和过去分词 )；喷着汽（或烟）移动；吹嘘；吹捧 | |
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19
puff
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| n.一口(气)；一阵(风)；v.喷气，喘气 | |
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20
veins
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| n.纹理；矿脉( vein的名词复数 )；静脉；叶脉；纹理 | |
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21
carvings
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| n.雕刻( carving的名词复数 )；雕刻术；雕刻品；雕刻物 | |
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22
calf
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| n.小牛，犊，幼仔，小牛皮 | |
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23
mantle
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| n.斗篷，覆罩之物，罩子；v.罩住，覆盖，脸红 | |
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24
embroidered
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| adj．绣花的 | |
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25
avocations
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| n.业余爱好，嗜好( avocation的名词复数 )；职业 | |
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26
vocation
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| n.职业，行业 | |
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27
reined
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| 勒缰绳使（马）停步( rein的过去式和过去分词 )； 驾驭； 严格控制； 加强管理 | |
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28
deferentially
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| adv.表示敬意地，谦恭地 | |
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29
appraising
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| v.估价( appraise的现在分词 )；估计；估量；评价 | |
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30
sedate
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| adj.沉着的，镇静的，安静的 | |
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31
afterward
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| adv.后来；以后 | |
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32
wares
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| n. 货物, 商品 | |
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33
thriftily
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| 节俭地； 繁茂地； 繁荣的 | |
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34
rend
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| vt.把…撕开，割裂；把…揪下来，强行夺取 | |
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35
gem
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| n.宝石，珠宝；受爱戴的人 [同]jewel | |
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36
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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37
rite
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| n.典礼，惯例，习俗 | |
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38
lavishly
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| adv.慷慨地，大方地 | |
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39
meditatively
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| adv.冥想地 | |
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40
contrived
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| adj.不自然的，做作的；虚构的 | |
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41
contrive
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| vt.谋划，策划；设法做到；设计，想出 | |
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42
abominable
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| adj.可厌的，令人憎恶的 | |
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43
feud
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| n.长期不和；世仇；v.长期争斗；世代结仇 | |
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44
conspiracy
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| n.阴谋，密谋，共谋 | |
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45
kinsman
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| n.男亲属 | |
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46
gems
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| growth； economy； management； and customer satisfaction 增长 | |
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47
fervent
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| adj.热的，热烈的，热情的 | |
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48
vent
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| n.通风口，排放口；开衩；vt.表达，发泄 | |
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49
lapidary
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| n.宝石匠；adj.宝石的；简洁优雅的 | |
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50
marvels
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| n.奇迹( marvel的名词复数 )；令人惊奇的事物（或事例）；不平凡的成果；成就v.惊奇，对…感到惊奇( marvel的第三人称单数 ) | |
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51
preposterous
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| adj.荒谬的，可笑的 | |
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52
paradox
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| n.似乎矛盾却正确的说法；自相矛盾的人(物) | |
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53
zealous
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| adj.狂热的，热心的 | |
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54
repulsive
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| adj.排斥的，使人反感的 | |
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55
baron
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| n.男爵；(商业界等)巨头，大王 | |
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56
kinsmen
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| n.家属，亲属( kinsman的名词复数 ) | |
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57
begot
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| v.为…之生父( beget的过去式 )；产生，引起 | |
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58
puissant
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| adj.强有力的 | |
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59
forefinger
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| n.食指 | |
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60
caressingly
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| 爱抚地，亲切地 | |
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61
shrugged
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| vt.耸肩（shrug的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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62
industrious
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| adj.勤劳的，刻苦的，奋发的 | |
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63
affixes
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| v.附加( affix的第三人称单数 )；粘贴；加以；盖（印章） | |
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64
draughts
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| n. <英>国际跳棋 | |
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65
musters
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| v.集合，召集，集结（尤指部队）( muster的第三人称单数 )；（自他人处）搜集某事物；聚集；激发 | |
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66
pageants
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| n.盛装的游行( pageant的名词复数 )；穿古代服装的游行；再现历史场景的娱乐活动；盛会 | |
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67
efficiently
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| adv.高效率地，有能力地 | |
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68
inclinations
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| 倾向( inclination的名词复数 )； 倾斜； 爱好； 斜坡 | |
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69
countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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70
portentous
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| adj.不祥的，可怕的，装腔作势的 | |
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71
lurking
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| 潜在 | |
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72
perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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73
whatsoever
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| adv.（用于否定句中以加强语气）任何；pron.无论什么 | |
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74
dagger
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| n.匕首，短剑，剑号 | |
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75
idol
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| n.偶像，红人，宠儿 | |
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76
conceal
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，隐蔽 | |
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77
undoubtedly
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| adv.确实地，无疑地 | |
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78
contentedly
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| adv.心满意足地 | |
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79
monstrous
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| adj.巨大的；恐怖的；可耻的，丢脸的 | |
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80
inspection
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| n.检查，审查，检阅 | |
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81
waived
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| v.宣布放弃( waive的过去式和过去分词 )；搁置；推迟；放弃（权利、要求等） | |
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82
reticence
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| n.沉默，含蓄 | |
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83
dreading
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| v.害怕，恐惧，担心( dread的现在分词 ) | |
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84
inevitable
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| adj.不可避免的，必然发生的 | |
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85
grumbled
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| 抱怨( grumble的过去式和过去分词 )； 发牢骚； 咕哝； 发哼声 | |
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86
WHIMS
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| 虚妄，禅病 | |
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87
logic
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| n.逻辑(学)；逻辑性 | |
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88
abysmally
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| adv.极糟地；可怕地；完全地；极端地 | |
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89
fathom
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| v.领悟，彻底了解 | |
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90
candid
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| adj.公正的，正直的；坦率的 | |
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91
incur
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| vt.招致，蒙受，遭遇 | |
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92
entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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93
spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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94
melodious
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| adj.旋律美妙的，调子优美的，音乐性的 | |
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95
protruding
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| v.（使某物）伸出，（使某物）突出( protrude的现在分词 )；凸 | |
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96
ancestry
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| n.祖先，家世 | |
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97
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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98
sumptuously
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| 奢侈地，豪华地 | |
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99
demise
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| n.死亡；v.让渡，遗赠，转让 | |
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100
conspire
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| v.密谋，（事件等）巧合，共同导致 | |
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101
apprehension
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| n.理解，领悟；逮捕，拘捕；忧虑 | |
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102
thrifty
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| adj.节俭的；兴旺的；健壮的 | |
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103
appeased
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| 安抚，抚慰( appease的过去式和过去分词 )； 绥靖（满足另一国的要求以避免战争） | |
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104
grumbling
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| adj. 喃喃鸣不平的, 出怨言的 | |
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105
discretion
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| n.谨慎；随意处理 | |
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106
truce
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| n.休战，(争执，烦恼等的)缓和；v.以停战结束 | |
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107
bind
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| vt.捆，包扎；装订；约束；使凝固；vi.变硬 | |
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108
fixed
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| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
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109
cardinal
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| n.(天主教的)红衣主教；adj.首要的，基本的 | |
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110
assassinated
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| v.暗杀( assassinate的过去式和过去分词 )；中伤；诋毁；破坏 | |
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111
reptile
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| n.爬行动物；两栖动物 | |
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112
filth
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| n.肮脏，污物，污秽；淫猥 | |
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113
filthy
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| adj.卑劣的；恶劣的，肮脏的 | |
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114
sullen
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| adj.愠怒的，闷闷不乐的，(天气等)阴沉的 | |
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115
lackey
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| n.侍从；跟班 | |
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116
winced
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| 赶紧避开，畏缩( wince的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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117
accusations
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| n.指责( accusation的名词复数 )；指控；控告；（被告发、控告的）罪名 | |
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118
advancement
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| n.前进，促进，提升 | |
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119
cemetery
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| n.坟墓，墓地，坟场 | |
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120
maple
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| n.槭树，枫树，槭木 | |
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121
conspired
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| 密谋( conspire的过去式和过去分词 )； 搞阴谋； （事件等）巧合； 共同导致 | |
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122
pivot
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| v.在枢轴上转动；装枢轴，枢轴；adj.枢轴的 | |
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123
mangled
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| vt.乱砍（mangle的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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124
posture
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| n.姿势，姿态，心态，态度；v.作出某种姿势 | |
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125
placate
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| v.抚慰，平息(愤怒) | |
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126
loathe
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| v.厌恶，嫌恶 | |
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127
comely
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| adj.漂亮的，合宜的 | |
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128
awakened
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| v.（使）醒( awaken的过去式和过去分词 )；（使）觉醒；弄醒；（使）意识到 | |
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129
haphazardly
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| adv.偶然地，随意地，杂乱地 | |
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130
ineffably
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| adv.难以言喻地，因神圣而不容称呼地 | |
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131
inevitably
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| adv.不可避免地；必然发生地 | |
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132
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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133
cloying
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| adj.甜得发腻的 | |
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134
nostrils
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| 鼻孔( nostril的名词复数 ) | |
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135
furtive
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| adj.鬼鬼崇崇的，偷偷摸摸的 | |
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136
counselor
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| n.顾问，法律顾问 | |
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137
attest
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| vt.证明，证实；表明 | |
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138
velvet
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| n.丝绒，天鹅绒；adj.丝绒制的，柔软的 | |
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139
jingle
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| n.叮当声，韵律简单的诗句；v.使叮当作响，叮当响，押韵 | |
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140
delightfully
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| 大喜，欣然 | |
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141
mimicry
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| n.（生物）拟态，模仿 | |
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142
plaintive
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| adj.可怜的，伤心的 | |
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143
ardently
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| adv.热心地，热烈地 | |
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144
obsequious
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| adj.谄媚的，奉承的，顺从的 | |
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145
dealing
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| n.经商方法，待人态度 | |
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146
ebbed
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| （指潮水）退( ebb的过去式和过去分词 )； 落； 减少； 衰落 | |
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147
frankly
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| adv.坦白地，直率地；坦率地说 | |
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148
shudder
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| v.战粟，震动，剧烈地摇晃；n.战粟，抖动 | |
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149
sapphires
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| n.蓝宝石，钢玉宝石( sapphire的名词复数 )；蔚蓝色 | |
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150
rubies
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| 红宝石( ruby的名词复数 )； 红宝石色，深红色 | |
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151
fiery
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| adj.燃烧着的，火红的；暴躁的；激烈的 | |
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152
enumerated
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| v.列举，枚举，数( enumerate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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153
inaccessible
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| adj.达不到的，难接近的 | |
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154
slings
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| 抛( sling的第三人称单数 )； 吊挂； 遣送； 押往 | |
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155
engendered
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| v.产生（某形势或状况），造成，引起( engender的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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156
toad
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| n.蟾蜍，癞蛤蟆 | |
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157
authentically
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| ad.sincerely真诚地 | |
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158
slippers
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| n. 拖鞋 | |
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159
odds
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| n.让步，机率，可能性，比率；胜败优劣之别 | |
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160
lark
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| n.云雀，百灵鸟；n.嬉戏，玩笑；vi.嬉戏 | |
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161
snare
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| n.陷阱，诱惑，圈套；（去除息肉或者肿瘤的）勒除器；响弦，小军鼓；vt.以陷阱捕获，诱惑 | |
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162
meditated
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| 深思，沉思，冥想( meditate的过去式和过去分词 )； 内心策划，考虑 | |
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163
opposition
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| n.反对，敌对 | |
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164
twitched
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| vt.& vi.（使）抽动，（使）颤动（twitch的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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165
cannon
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| n.大炮，火炮；飞机上的机关炮 | |
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166
yelps
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| n.（因痛苦、气愤、兴奋等的）短而尖的叫声( yelp的名词复数 )v.发出短而尖的叫声( yelp的第三人称单数 ) | |
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167
deliberately
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| adv.审慎地；蓄意地；故意地 | |
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168
vices
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| 缺陷( vice的名词复数 )； 恶习； 不道德行为； 台钳 | |
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169
toll
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| n.过路(桥)费；损失，伤亡人数；v.敲(钟) | |
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170
waded
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| （从水、泥等）蹚，走过，跋( wade的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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171
adversary
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| adj.敌手，对手 | |
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172
loathsome
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| adj.讨厌的，令人厌恶的 | |
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173
grimaces
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| n.（表蔑视、厌恶等）面部扭曲，鬼脸( grimace的名词复数 )v.扮鬼相，做鬼脸( grimace的第三人称单数 ) | |
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174
sonorous
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| adj.响亮的，回响的；adv.圆润低沉地；感人地；n.感人，堂皇 | |
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175
killing
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| n.巨额利润；突然赚大钱，发大财 | |
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176
farce
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| n.闹剧，笑剧，滑稽戏；胡闹 | |
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177
ascends
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| v.上升，攀登( ascend的第三人称单数 ) | |
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178
animation
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| n.活泼，兴奋，卡通片／动画片的制作 | |
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179
descended
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| a.为...后裔的，出身于...的 | |
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180
blithely
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| adv.欢乐地，快活地，无挂虑地 | |
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181
preoccupied
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| adj.全神贯注的，入神的；被抢先占有的；心事重重的v.占据（某人）思想，使对…全神贯注，使专心于( preoccupy的过去式) | |
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182
rigidly
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| adv.刻板地，僵化地 | |
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183
flickering
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| adj.闪烁的，摇曳的，一闪一闪的 | |
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184
snarl
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| v.吼叫，怒骂，纠缠，混乱；n.混乱，缠结，咆哮 | |
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185
huddled
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| 挤在一起（huddle的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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186
savagely
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| adv. 野蛮地，残酷地 | |
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187
puddle
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| n.(雨)水坑，泥潭 | |
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188
ignominiously
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| adv.耻辱地，屈辱地，丢脸地 | |
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189
prostrate
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| v.拜倒，平卧，衰竭；adj.拜倒的，平卧的，衰竭的 | |
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190
wrenched
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| v.（猛力地）扭( wrench的过去式和过去分词 )；扭伤；使感到痛苦；使悲痛 | |
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191
skilfully
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| adv. (美skillfully)熟练地 | |
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192
petulantly
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193
lout
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| n.粗鄙的人；举止粗鲁的人 | |
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194
pretension
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| n.要求；自命，自称；自负 | |
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195
adroitness
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196
sobbing
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| <主方>Ⅰ adj.湿透的 | |
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197
frenzied
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| a.激怒的；疯狂的 | |
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198
defense
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| n.防御，保卫；[pl.]防务工事；辩护，答辩 | |
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199
brutal
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| adj.残忍的，野蛮的，不讲理的 | |
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200
growling
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| n.吠声, 咆哮声 v.怒吠, 咆哮, 吼 | |
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201
hack
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| n.劈，砍，出租马车；v.劈，砍，干咳 | |
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202
haughty
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| adj.傲慢的，高傲的 | |
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203
infamy
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| n.声名狼藉，出丑，恶行 | |
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204
irresistible
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| adj.非常诱人的，无法拒绝的，无法抗拒的 | |
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205
whetted
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| v.（在石头上）磨（刀、斧等）( whet的过去式和过去分词 )；引起，刺激（食欲、欲望、兴趣等） | |
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206
sufficiently
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| adv.足够地，充分地 | |
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207
piquant
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| adj.辛辣的，开胃的，令人兴奋的 | |
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208
interdiction
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| n.禁止；封锁 | |
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209
peril
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| n.(严重的)危险；危险的事物 | |
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210
quaint
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| adj.古雅的，离奇有趣的，奇怪的 | |
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211
tranquilly
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| adv. 宁静地 | |
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212
vassals
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| n.奴仆( vassal的名词复数 )；（封建时代）诸侯；从属者；下属 | |
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213
nurtured
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| 养育( nurture的过去式和过去分词 )； 培育； 滋长； 助长 | |
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214
profane
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| adj.亵神的，亵渎的；vt.亵渎，玷污 | |
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215
attaining
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| （通常经过努力）实现( attain的现在分词 )； 达到； 获得； 达到（某年龄、水平、状况） | |
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217
herds
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| 兽群( herd的名词复数 )； 牧群； 人群； 群众 | |
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218
gilded
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| a.镀金的，富有的 | |
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219
tapestries
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| n.挂毯( tapestry的名词复数 )；绣帷，织锦v.用挂毯（或绣帷）装饰( tapestry的第三人称单数 ) | |
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220
adoration
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| n.爱慕，崇拜 | |
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221
yearning
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| a.渴望的；向往的；怀念的 | |
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222
eloquence
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| n.雄辩；口才，修辞 | |
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223
chary
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| adj.谨慎的，细心的 | |
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224
averted
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| 防止，避免( avert的过去式和过去分词 )； 转移 | |
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225
remodels
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| v.改变…的结构[形状]( remodel的第三人称单数 ) | |
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226
bestial
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| adj.残忍的；野蛮的 | |
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227
recluse
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| n.隐居者 | |
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228
circumspect
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| adj.慎重的，谨慎的 | |
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229
loathing
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| n.厌恶，憎恨v.憎恨，厌恶( loathe的现在分词)；极不喜欢 | |
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230
compassion
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| n.同情，怜悯 | |
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231
lamentable
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| adj.令人惋惜的，悔恨的 | |
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232
bloodied
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| v.血污的( bloody的过去式和过去分词 )；流血的；屠杀的；残忍的 | |
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233
grandeur
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| n.伟大，崇高，宏伟，庄严，豪华 | |
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234
foliage
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| n.叶子，树叶，簇叶 | |
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235
bustled
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| 闹哄哄地忙乱，奔忙( bustle的过去式和过去分词 )； 催促 | |
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236
hubbub
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| n.嘈杂；骚乱 | |
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237
dwarfish
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| a.像侏儒的，矮小的 | |
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238
solicitous
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| adj.热切的，挂念的 | |
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239
fortress
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| n.堡垒，防御工事 | |
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240
glistened
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| v.湿物闪耀，闪亮( glisten的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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241
hemp
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| n.大麻；纤维 | |
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242
bitumen
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| n.沥青 | |
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243
pensiveness
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| n.pensive（沉思的）的变形 | |
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244
joyously
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| ad.快乐地, 高兴地 | |
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