Purposes of Roderic.— The Carriage of Imogen.— Her Contempt of Riches.
The fatigue2 which Imogen had undergone in the preceding day, prepared her to rest during the night with more tranquility than could otherwise have been expected. The scenes to which she had successively been witness, and the objects that now surrounded her, were too novel and extraordinary in their character, to allow much room for the severity of reflection, and the coolness of meditation3. Her frame was tired with the various exercises in which she had engaged; her mind was hurried and perplexed4 without knowing upon what to fix, or in what manner to account for the events that had befallen her: she therefore sunk presently into a sweet and profound sleep; and while every thing seemed preparing for her destruction, while a thousand enchantments6 were essayed, and a thousand schemes revolved7 in the busy mind of Roderic, she remained composed and unapprehensive. Innocence8 was the sevenfold shield that protected her from harm; her eyes were closed in darkness, and a smile of placid9 benignity10 played upon the lovely features of her countenance11.
Roderic in the mean time had retired12 to his chamber13. His mind was turbid14 and unquiet. So restless are the waves of the ocean before the coming tempest. They assume a darker hue15, and reflect a more cloudy heaven. They roll this way and that in a continual motion, and yet without any direction, till the loud and hoarse-echoing wind determines their course and carries them in mountains to the sounding shore. The mind of the victim was all quiet and unruffled; such is the kindly16 influence of conscious truth. The mind of the ravisher exhibited nothing but uneasiness and confusion; such are the boons17 which vice18 bestows19 upon her misjudging votaries20.
The conqueror21, doubly misled by fierce and unruly passions and by his inauspicious commerce with the goblins of the abyss, retired not immediately to his couch, but walked up and down his apartments, with a hasty and irregular step. “Thanks to my favourable22 stars,” exclaimed he, “I am triumphant23! What power can resist me? Where is the being that shall dare to say, that one wish of my heart shall go unfulfilled? Well then, I have got the fair the charming she into my power. She is shut up in a palace, unseen by every human eye, to which no human foot ever found its way but at my bidding. She is closed round with spells and enchantment5. I can by a word deprive her every limb of motion. If I but wave this wand, the leaden God of sleep shall sink her in a moment in the arms of forgetfulness, whatever were before her anxieties and her wakeful terrors. In what manner then shall I, thus absolute and uncontroled in all I bid exist, proceed? Shall I press the unwilling24 beauty to my bosom25, and riot in her hoard26 of charms, without waiting like meaner mortals to sue for the consent of her will? There is something noble, royal, and independent, in the thought. Beauty never appears so attractive as from behind a veil of tears. Oh, how I enjoy infancy27 [sic] the anger that shall flush her lovely cheek! Perhaps she will even kneel to me to deprecate that which an education of prejudices has taught her to consider as the worst of evils. Yes, my lovely maid, I will raise thee. Do not turn from me those scornful indignant eyes. I will be thy best friend. I will not hurt a hair of thy head. Oh, when her spotless bosom pants with disdain28, how sweet to beat the little chiders, and by a friendly violence, which true and comprehensive wisdom cannot stigmatize30, to teach her what is the true value of beauty, and for what purpose such enchanting31 forms as her’s were sent to dwell below!”
Thus spoke32 the ravisher, and as he spoke he assumed, although alone, a firmer stride and a more haughty33 crest34. Upon the instant however his ears were saluted35 with a low and continual sound, that became, by just degrees, stronger and more strong. The walls of his palace shook; a sudden and supernatural light gleamed along his apartment, and a spectre stood before him. Roderic lifted up his eyes, and immediately recognised the features of that goblin, who from the hour of his birth, had declared himself his adversary36. He had been repeatedly used to the visits of this malicious37 spirit, who delighted to subvert38 all his schemes, and to baffle his deepest projects. This was the only misfortune, the sovereign of the hills had ever known; this was the only instance in which he had at any time been taught what it was to have his power controled and his nod unobeyed. He had often sought, by means of the confederacy he held with other spirits of the infernal regions, to restrain his enemy, or by punishment and suffering to make him rue29 his opposition39. But the goblin he had to encounter, though not the most potent40, was of all the rest the most crafty41 in his wiles42, and the most abundant in expedients43. As many times as his fellows had by the instigation of Roderic undertaken to encounter him, so often had they in the end been eluded44 and defeated. The contest was now given up, and the goblin was at liberty to haunt and threaten his impotant adversary as much as he pleased.
“Roderic,” cried he, with a harsh and unpleasant accent, “I am come to humble45 the haughtiness46 of thy triumph, and to pull down thy aspiring47 thoughts. Impotent and rancorous mortal! Know, that innocence is defended with too strong a shield for thee to pierce! Boast not thyself of the immensity of thy walls, and put no confidence in the subtlety48 of thy enchantments. Before the mightiness49 that waits on innocence, they are not less impotent than the liquid wax, or the crumbling50 ruin. Learn, oh presumptuous51 mortal, that sacred and unyielding chastity is invulnerable to all the violence of men, and all the stratagems53 of goblins. I would not name to thee so salutary an advice as to dismiss thy innocent and unsuspicious prize, did not I know thee too obstinate54 and headstrong to listen to the voice of wisdom. Essay then thy base and low-minded temptations, thy corrupt55 and sophistical reasonings, to tarnish56 the unsullied purity of her mind, and it is well. If by such a wretch57 as thee she can be seduced59 from the obedience60 of virtue61 and the Gods, then let her fall. She were then a victim worthy62 of thee. But if thou essayest the means of tyranny and force, the attempt will be fatal to thee. I will in that case enjoy my vengeance63; I will triumph in thy desolation. In the hour then of action and enterprise, remember me!”
With these words the spectre vanished from his sight. Roderic was inflamed64 with anger and disgust; but he had none, upon whom to wreak65 his revenge. His heart boiled with the impotence of malice66. “What,” cried he, “am I to be bounded and hedged in, in all my exploits? Am I to be curbed67 and thwarted68 in every wish of my heart? This, this was nearest to me. This was the first pursuit of my life in which my whole heart was engaged; the first time I ever felt a passion that deserved the name of love. But be it so: I was born with wild and impetuous passions only to have them frustrated69; I was endowed with supernatural powers, and inherited all my mother’s skill, only to be the more signally disappointed. Still however I will not shrink, I will not yield an inch to my adversary. I am bid, it seems, to tempt1 her, and endeavour to stain the purity of her mind. Yes, I will tempt her. It is not for an artless and uninstructed shepherdess to defeat my wiles and baffle all my incitements. I will dazzle her senses with all the attractions that the globe of earth has to boast. I will wind me into her secret heart. Thou damned, unpropitious goblin, who seekest to oppose thyself to my happiness, I will but, by thy warning, gain a completer triumph! I will subdue72 her will. She shall crown my wishes with ripe, consenting beauty. Long shall she remain the empress of my heart, and partner of my bed. In her I will hope to find those simple, artless, and engaging charms, which in vain I have often sought in the band of females, that reside beneath my roof, and wait upon my nod.”
Imogen, though considerably73 indisposed by the fatigue and terrors of the preceding day, shook off however that placid and refreshing74 sleep which had weighed down her eyelids75, long before Roderic deserted76 the couch of luxury. Two of the female attendants belonging to the castle had slept in the same apartment with her, and soon, perceiving her in motion, followed her example, and officiously pressed around her. One of them took up a part of the garb77 of the fair shepherdess, and offered to assist her in adjusting it. “I thank you,” cried Imogen, with the utmost simplicity78, “for your good-nature; but I am pretty well now; and every body dresses herself that is not sick.” The inartificial decorations of her person were quickly adjusted. The delicate proportion of her limbs was hid beneath a russet mantle79; her fair and flowing tresses were disposed in a braid round her head, and she took her straw hat in her hand. “Well,” said she, “I am obliged to you for your favours. I dare say it was best for me, though at the time I thought otherwise. For my head ached very much, and I was so weak — It was wrong for me to think of going any farther.— Ah, but then, what have my poor father and mother done all the while? Have not they missed their Imogen, and wondered what was become of her, and been quite sad and forlorn for fear she should have come to any harm? Well, I do not know whether I was not right too. For their ease was of more consequence than mine. I cannot tell. However I will not now keep them in pain. So good morning to you, my dear kind friends!” And saying this she was tripping away.
But as she drew towards the door, one of the attendants, with a gentle force, took hold of her hand. “Do not go yet, sweet Imogen,” cried she. “We want a little more of your company. We have done you all the service in our power, and you have not paid us for it. We will not ask any thing hard and unreasonable80 of you. Only comply with us in this one thing, to stay with us a few hours, and let us know a little better the worth of that amiable81 female we have endeavoured to oblige.” “Indeed, indeed,” replied Imogen, “I cannot. I am not used to be obstinate; and you are so kind and fair spoken, that it goes to my heart to refuse you. But I would not for the world keep my dear, good Edith in a moment’s suspense82. But since you are so desirous of being acquainted with me, repair as soon and as often as you please to my father’s cot, that lies on the right hand side of the valley, about a mile from the sea, and just beside the pretty brawling83 brook84 of Towey. There I will treat you with the nicest apples and the richest cream. And I would treat you with better, if I knew of any thing better, that I might thank you for your goodness. Farewel!” added she, and affectionately pressed the hand that was still untwined with her’s.
“No, Imogen, no, you must not leave us thus. Though we would have done a thousand times more than we have for your own sake, who are so simple and so good, it is yet fit that you should know, that we are not mistresses here, and that all we have done has been by the orders of the lord of this rich mansion85. He will not therefore forgive us, if we suffer you to depart before he has seen you, and expressed for you that kindness which induced him to take you under his protection.” “Heavens!” replied the shepherdess “this is all ceremony and folly86, and therefore cannot be of so much consequence as the peace of my father, and the consolation87 of my mother. Tell him, that I thank him, and that my father shall thank him too, if he will come to our hut. Tell him that I am sorry for my foolish weakness, that gave him so much trouble, and made me be so needlessly frightened, when we came to a place where I have met with nothing but kindness; but I could not help it. And so that is enough; for if my Edwin had been in his place, and had seen a stranger shepherdess in the distress88 that I was, he would surely have done as much.
“Say so to your lord, as you call him, for I would not seem ungrateful. But yet I will thank you a great deal more than I do him. For what did he do for me? He took me, and hurried me away, and paid no attention to my tears and expostulations. Well, but I need not have been alarmed. So it seems. But I did not like his looks; they were not kind and good-natured, but fierce and frightful89. And so as soon as he had brought me here, much against my will, he went away and left me. So much the better. And then you came and took care of me, and he desired you to do so. That was well enough. But I am more obliged to you for your kindness and assiduity, than I am to him only for thinking of it. And then to tell you the truth, but I ought not to say so to you who are his friends, there is something about him, I cannot tell what, that does not please me at all. He looks discontented, and fierce, as if there was no such thing as soothing91 and managing him. But why do I say all this? Pray now let me go, let me go to my dear, dear mother.”
“Sweet Imogen,” replied the attendant, who seemed to take the lead in the circle, “how lovely and amiable are you even in your resentments92! They are not with you a morose94 and gloomy sullenness95 brooding over imaginary wrongs, and collecting venom96 and malice from every corner to the heart. In your breast anger itself takes a milder form, and is gentle, generous and gay. Yet why, my Imogen, should you harbour any anger against your protector?”
Such was the honest and artless dialogue of Imogen. The attendants rather endeavoured to beguile97 the time, by dexterously98 starting new topics of conversation, upon which Imogen delivered her plain and natural sentiments with the utmost sincerity99, than to detain her by open force. At length one of them slipped out, and hastened to acquaint Roderic with the impatience100 of his prize, and to communicate to him the substance of those artless hints, which, in the hands of so skilful101 and potent an impostor, might be of the greatest service. Roderic immediately rose. But as he was desirous to decorate his person with the nicest skill, in order to make the most favourable impression upon his mistress, he ordered the attendant, with some of her companions, to wait upon Imogen. He commissioned them, if it were necessary, to inform her of the absolute impossibility of her quitting the castle, and to persuade her to walk in the meadows adjoining, that she might observe the riches of their possessor; how fertile were the soil, and how fair and numerous the flocks.
The patience of Imogen, in the mean time, was nearly exhausted102. Her simplicity could no longer be duped. Though unused to art, it was impossible for her not at length to perceive the art by which the conversation was lengthened103, and her ardent104 desire to set out for the cottage of her father, eluded. She was just beginning to expostulate upon this ungenerous stratagem52, when three or four of those females, whom Roderic had dispatched entered the apartment. “Well,” cried Imogen, “you have borne my message to my deliverer, now then let me go.” “Our lord,” replied the attendant, “is just risen. He will but adjust his apparel, and will immediately pay you those respects in person which he can by no means think of omitting.” “Alas, alas,” cried the shepherdess, half distressed106, “what is the meaning of all this? What is intended by a language so foreign to the homeliness107 of the shepherd’s cot, and the admirable simplicity of pastoral life? I know not what title I have, a poor, unpretending virgin108, to the respects of this lord; but surely if they meaned me well, they would be less hollow and absurd. Would there not be much more respect, much more civility, in permitting me to follow my own inclinations110, without this arbitrary and ungrateful restraint?” “Shepherdess,” replied the attendant, “we are not used to dispute the orders of our master. We would oblige you if it were in our power. Impute111 not therefore to us any thing unfriendly; and as for Roderic, he is too good, and too amiable, not to be able to satisfy you about his conduct the moment he appears.” “Your master! and your lord!” replied Imogen, with a tone of displeasure, “I understand not these words. The Gods have made all their rational creatures equal. If they have made one strong and another weak, it is for the purpose of mutual112 benevolence113 and assistance, and not for that of despotism and oppression. Of all the shepherds of the valley, there is not one that claims dominion114 and command over another. There is indeed an obedience due from children to their parents, and from a wife to her husband. But ye cannot be his children; for he is young and blooming. And but one of you can be his wife; so that that cannot be the source of his authority. What a numerous family has this Roderic? Does that I wonder, make him happier than his fellows?”
“Imogen,” said one of the train, “will you walk with us along the meadow, by the side of that hazel copse? The morning is delightful115, the sun shines with a mild and cheering heat, the lambs frisk along the level green, and the birds, with their little throats, warble each a different strain.” The mind of Imogen was highly susceptible116 to the impression of rural beauties. She had that placid innocence, that sweet serenity117 of heart, which best prepares us to relish118 them. Seeing therefore, that she was a prisoner, and that it was in vain to struggle and beat her wings against the wiry inclosure, she submitted. “Ah! unjust, unkind associates!” exclaimed Imogen, “ye can obey the dictates119 of a man, who has no right to your obedience, and ye can turn a deaf ear to the voice of benevolence and justice! Set me at liberty. This man has no right to see me, and I will not see him. I, that have been used to wander as free as the inmates120 of the wood, or the winged inhabitants of air, shall I be cooped up in a petty cage, have all my motions dictated121, and all my walks circumscribed122? Indeed, indeed, I will not. Imogen can never submit to so ignominious123 a restraint. She will sooner die.”
“Why, my lovely maiden124,” replied the other, “will you think so harshly of our lord? He does not deserve these uncandid constructions; he is all gentleness and goodness. Suspend therefore your impatience for a moment. By and by you may represent to him your uneasiness, and he will grant you all the wishes of your heart. Till then, amiable girl, compose your spirits, and give us cause to believe, that you place that confidence in us, which for the world we would not deserve to forfeit125.”
During this conversation, they passed along a gallery, and, descending126 by a flight of stairs, proceeded through one corner of a spacious127 garden into the meadow. The mansion, as we have already said, stood upon a rising ground, which was inclosed on every side by a circle of hills, whose summits seemed to touch the clouds, and were covered with eternal snow. Within this wider circumference128 was a second formed by an impervious129 grove130 of oaks, which, though of no long standing131, yet, having been produced by magical art, had appeared from the first in full maturity132. Their vast trunks, which three men hand in hand could scarcely span, were marked with many a scar, and their broad branches, waving to the winds, inspired into the pious133 and the virtuous134 that religious awe135, which is one of the principal lessons of the Druidical religion.
At no great distance, and close on one side to the majestic136 grove, was a terrace, raised by the hand of art, so elevated, as to overlook the tops of the trees as well as the turrets137 of the castle, and to afford a complete prospect138 of all the grounds on this side the precipices139. To this terrace the attendants of Imogen led their charge, and from it she surveyed the farms and granges of their lord. The view was diversified140 by a number of little rills, that flowed down from the mountains, and gave fertility and cheerfulness to the fields through which they passed. The inclosures were some of them covered with a fine and rich herbage, whose appearance was bright and verdant141, and its surface besprinkled with cowslips, king-cups, and daisies. Others of them were interspersed142 with sheep that exhibited the face of sleekness143 and ease, their fleeces large and ponderous144, and their wool of the finest and most admirable texture145. Elsewhere you might see the cattle grazing. The ox dappled with a thousand spots, which nature seemed to have applied146 with a wanton and playful hand; the cow, whose udders were distended147 with milk, that appeared to call for the interposition of the maidens148 to lighten them of their store; and the lordly and majestic bull. With them was intermingled the horse, whose limbs seemed to be formed for speed and beauty. At a small distance were the stag with branching horns, the timid deer, and the sportive, frisking fawn149. Even from the rugged150 precipices, that seemed intended by nature to lie waste and useless, depended the shaggy goat and the tender kid. Beside all this, Roderic had had communicated to him, by a supernatural afflatus151, that wondrous152 art, as yet unknown in the plains of Albion, of turning up the soil with a share of iron, and scattering153 it with a small quantity of those grains which are most useful to man, to expect to gather, after a short interval154, a forty-fold increase.
Every thing conspired155 to communicate to the prospect lustre156 and attraction. The birds, with their various song, gave an air of populousness157 and animation158 to the grove. By the side of the rivulets159 were scattered160 here and there the huts of the shepherd and husbandman. And though these swains were not, like the happy dwellers161 in the valley, enlivened with freedom, and made careless and gay by conscious innocence; yet were they skilful to give clearness and melody to the slender reed; and the ploughman whistled as he drove afield. But that in the landscape which most engrossed162 the attention and awakened163 the curiosity of the tender Imogen, was the appearance of the fields of corn. It was in her eye novel, agreeable, and interesting. The harvest was near, and the effect of the object was at its greatest height. The tall and unbending stalk overtopped by far the native herbage of the meadow, and seemed to emulate164 the hawthorn165 and the hazel, which, planted in even rows, secured the precious crop from the invasion of the cattle. The ears were embrowned with the continual beams of the sun, and, oppressed with the weight of their grain, bended from the stalk. In a word, the whole presented to the astonished view a rich scene of vegetable gold. Upon this delightful object the shepherdess gazed with an unwearied regard. Respecting it she asked innumerable questions, and made a thousand enquiries; and it almost seemed as if her curiosity would never be satisfied. Such is the power of novelty over the young and inexperienced, and such the influence of the beautiful and transcendent beauties of nature upon the ingenuous166 and uncorrupted mind. But it was not possible for the shepherdess, interested as she was in the uneasiness, to which she knew that her parents must be a prey167, long to banish168 from her mind the affecting consideration, or to divert her attention to another object, however agreeable, or however fascinating.
She had just begun to renew her representations upon this head, when Roderic approached. While he was yet at a distance, he appeared graceful169 and gay, as the messenger of the God that grasps the lightning in his hand. His stature170 was above the common size. His limbs were formed with perfect symmetry; the fall of his shoulders was graceful, and the whole contour of his body was regular and pleasing. Such was the general effect of his shape, that though his advance was hesitating and respectful, it was impossible to contemplate171 his person without the ideas being suggested of velocity172 and swiftness. His presence and air had the appearance of frankness, ingenuousness173, and manly174 confidence. The natural fire and haughtiness of his eye were carefully subdued175, and he seemed, at least to a superficial view, the very model of good-nature and disinterested176 complaisance177. His bright and flowing hair parted on his brow, and formed into a thousand ringlets, waved to the zephyrs178 as he passed along. There was something so delicate and enchanting in his whole figure, as to tempt you to compare it to the unspotted beauty of the hyacinth; at the same time that you rejoiced, that it was not a beauty, frail179 and transient, as the tender flower, but which promised a manly ripeness and a protracted180 duration.
Observing that the attention of those around her was suddenly diverted from the intreaties she employed, Imogen turned her eye, in order to discover the object that now engaged them. It was immediately met by the graceful and amiable figure we have described. But to Imogen that figure presented no such comeliness181 and beauty. For a moment indeed, nature prevailed, and she could not avoid gazing, with a degree of complacence, upon an object, to which the Goddess seemed to have lavished182 all her treasures. But this sensation vanished, almost before it was formed. The mind of the shepherdess was too deeply read in the lessons of virtue, to acknowledge any beauty in that form, which was not animated183 with truth, and in those features, which were not illuminated184 with integrity and innocence. Notwithstanding her native simplicity, and the unsuspecting confidence she was inclined to repose185 in every individual of the human race, yet had the conduct of Roderic, as she had already confessed, displeased186 her too deeply for her immediately to assume towards him an unembarrassed and soothing carriage. He had seized upon her by violence in a moment of insensibility. He had carried her away without her consent. When she recovered strength enough to expostulate upon this, he endeavoured, by ambiguous expressions, to deceive her into an opinion, that he was conducting her to the cottage of her father. Supposing that, for reasons good and wise, he had introduced her into a strange place, she could not be persuaded that those reasons subsisted187 for detaining her contrary to her inclination109. And independently of any individual circumstances, there is a native and inexplicable188 antipathy189 between virtue and vice. It is not in the nature of things, it is not within the range of possibility, that they should coalesce190 and unite where both of them exist in a decided191 manner, or an eminent192 degree. It was not the babble193 of ignorance, it was by an unalterable law of her nature, that Imogen had been displeased with the looks of him, who meaned her destruction. The animation that dwells in the features of virtue, is mild and friendly and lambent; but the sparkles that flash from the eye of enterprising guilt194, are momentary195, and unrelenting, and impetuous. The gentle and the inoffensive instantly feel how uncongenial they are to their dispositions196, and start back from them with aversion and horror. Such were in some measure the sensations of Imogen, upon the re-appearance of her betrayer. She turned from him with unfeigned dislike, and was reluctantly kept in the same situation till he ascended198 the terrace. As he drew nearer, Roderic seized the hand of the lovely captive. In a tone of blandishment he expostulated with her upon her unkind behaviour and unreasonable aversion. With all that sophistry199, that ingenious vice knows so well how to employ, he endeavoured to evince that his conduct had been regulated by kindness, rectitude and humanity. In the mean time the retinue200 withdrew to a small distance. Imogen insisted upon not being left wholly alone with her ravisher.
Able to perplex but not to subvert the understanding of his prize, Roderic addressed her with the language of love. Naturally eloquent201, all that he now said was accompanied with that ineffable202 sweetness, and that soft insinuation, that must have shaken the integrity of Imogen, had her heart been less constant, and her bosom less glowed with the enthusiasm of virtue. Her betrayer was conscious to a real, though a degenerate203 flame, and was not reduced to feign197 an ardour he did not feel. Recollecting204 however the pure manners, and the delicate and ingenuous language to which Imogen had been inured205 among the inhabitants of Clwyd, the subtle sorcerer did not permit an expression to escape him, that could offend the chastest ear, or alarm the most suspicious virtue. His love, ardent as it appeared, seemed to be entirely206 under the government of the strictest propriety207, and the most unfeigned rectitude. He knew that the inspirations of integrity and the lessons of education were not to be eradicated208 at once; and he attempted not to gain the acquiescence209 of his captive by gross and unsuitable allurements210, unconcealed with the gilding211 of dexterity212 and speciousness213.
But his eloquence214 and his address were equally vain. In spite of the beauty of his person and the urbanity of his manners, the shepherdess received his declarations with coldness and aversion. She assured him of the impossibility of his success, that she felt for him emotions very different from those of partiality, and that her heart was prepossessed for a more amiable swain. With that sweet simplicity, that accompanied all she did, she endeavoured to dissuade215 him from the pursuit of a hopeless and unreasonable passion; she enumerated216 to him all the sources of enjoyment217 with which he was surrounded; she intreated him not in the wantonness of opulence218 to disturb her humble and narrow felicity; and she besought219 him in the most pathetic and earnest language to dismiss her to freedom, contentment and her parents.
The more she exerted herself to bend his resolution, and the more scope she gave to the unstudied expression of her artless sentiments, the more inextricably was the magician caught, and the more firm and inexorable was his purpose. Perceiving however that he had little to hope from the most skilful detail of the pleas of passion, he turned the attention of the shepherdess to a different topic. “Behold Imogen,” cried he, “the richness of the landscape on our right hand! The spot in my eye is farthest from the castle, and divided from the rest of the prospect with a tall hedge of poplars and alders220. It is full of the finest grass, and its soil is rich and luxuriant. It is scattered with fleckered cows and dappled fawns221. In the hither part of it is a field of the choicest wheat, whose stalks are so rank and pregnant, that the timid hare and the untamed fox can scarcely force themselves a path among them. Beside it is an inclosure of barley222 with strong and pointed70 spikes223; and another of oats, whose grain, uneared, spreads broader to the eye. How beautiful the scene! I will not ask you, fairest of your sex, to give your confidence to unauthorised words. I will afford the most unquestionable demonstration224 of the veracity225 of my declarations. All these, lovely Imogen, shall be yours: yours exclusively, to be disposed of at your pleasure, without the interference or control of any. All my other possessions shall not belong to myself more than to you. You shall be the mistress of my heart, and the associate of my counsels. All my business shall be your gratification, all my pleasure your happiness. Forget then, dearest maiden, the poverty of your former condition, and the connections you formed in an hour of ignorance and obscurity. From this moment let a new era and better prospects226 commence. Enjoy that wealth, which can no where so well be bestowed227; and those gratifications, which so obviously belong to that delicate and enchanting form.”
The proposal of Roderic called forth228 more than ever the spirit and the resentment93 of Imogen. She did not feel herself in the slightest degree attracted by the magnificence of his offers. She knew of no use for superfluous229 riches. She felt no wants unsupplied, and no wishes ungratified. What motive230 is there in the whole region of human perceptions, that can excite the contented90 mind to the pursuit of affluence231? “And dost thou think,” said the fair one, with a gesture of disdain that made her look ten times more amiable, “to seduce58 me with baits like these? Know, mistaken man, that I am happy. I spin the finest wool of our flocks, and drain the distended udders of our cows. I superintend the dairies; the butter and the cheese are the produce of my industry. In these employments my time is spent in chearfulness and pleasure. Surrounded with our little possessions, I am conscious to no deficiency; in the midst of my parents and friends, I desire not to look beyond the narrow circle of the neighbouring hills. If you feel those wants, which I do not so much as understand, enjoy your fond mistake. Possess those riches which I will not envy you. Wander from luxury to luxury unquestioned; I shall be sufficiently232 happy in the narrow gratifications that nature has placed within my reach. The gifts you offer me have no splendour in my eye, and I could not thank you for them though offered with ever so much disinterestedness233. The only gift it is in your power to make is liberty. Allow me to partake of that bounty234, which nature has bestowed upon the choristers of the grove, to wander where I will. Under a thousand of those privations that would render the child of luxury inconsolable, I would support myself; freedom and independence are the only boons which the whole course of my life has taught me to cherish.”
“Your ignorance,” rejoined Roderic, “is amiable, though unfortunate. But your merit is too great not to deserve to be informed. Knowledge, my lovely maiden, is always regarded as a desirable acquisition by the prudent235 and the judicious236. To what purpose was a mind so capacious, competent to the greatest improvements, and formed to comprehend subjects of the most extensive compass, or the sublimest237 reach, bestowed upon us, if it be not employed in the pursuits of science and experience? Your abilities, my Imogen, appear to be of the very first description. How much then will you be to be blamed, if you do not embrace this opportunity of improvement and instruction? Beauty, though unseen, is not less excellent; and prudence238, though unpossessed, is of value inestimable. The poor man may be contented, because he knows not the use of riches; but, in spite of this contentment, it were wise to enlarge our sphere of sensation, and to extend the sources of happiness.
“If however you still maintain that lovely perverseness239, decide if you please upon your own fate, but let filial piety240 hinder you from determining too hastily respecting that of your parents and your friends. Consider what a new and unbounded scope will be afforded you, by the participation241 of my riches, for the exercise of benevolent242 and generous propensities243. Your parents are now declining fast under the weight of years and infirmity. It is in your power to make their bed of down, and to enliven the ground they have yet to traverse with flowers. It is yours to wrest244 the sheers from the hand of the weary and over-laboured ancient, and to remove the distaff from the knees of your venerable mother. Think, gentle shepherdess, before it be too late, of the heart-felt pleasures that await the power to do good, when attended with a virtuous inclination. When you wipe away the tear from the cheek of distress, when you light up a smile in the eye of misery245, think you, that none of the comfort you administer will flow back in generous and refreshing streams to your own heart? Are these exertions246 that Imogen ought to contemplate with indifference247? Is this a power that Imogen can reject without deliberation?”
Imogen stood for a moment in a sweet and ingenuous state of suspense. She had a native and indefeasible reverence248 for every thing that had the remotest analogy to virtue, and she could not answer a proposal that came recommended to her by that name with unhesitating promptitude. She was too good and modest to assume an air of decision where she did not feel it; she was too simple and unaffected, to disguise that hesitation249 to which she was really conscious. “How false and treacherous,” exclaimed she, “are your reasonings! Among the virtuous inhabitants of the plain, every one seeks to influence another by motives250 which are of weight with himself, and utters the sentiments of his own heart. Where have you learned the disingenuous251 and faithless arts you employ? To what purpose have you cultivated them, and whose good opinion do you flatter yourself they will obtain for you? False, perfidious252 Roderic! the more I see of you, the more I fear and despise you.
“You would recommend to me your temptations under the colour of knowlege. Has knowlege any charms for the debauched and luxurious253? You tell me we ought to enlarge our sphere of sensation, and to extend the sources of happiness. Wisdom indeed, and mental improvements are desirable. But the sage105 Druids have always taught me, that the mind is the nobler part, that the body is to be kept in subjection, and that it is not our business to seek its gratification beyond the bounds of necessity and temperance. If I allowed myself to think that I wanted more than I have, might not the possession of that more extend my desires, till, from humble and bounded, they became insatiable? Were I to dismiss those industrious254 pursuits by means of which my time now glides255 so pleasantly, how am I sure that indolence and vacancy256 would make me happier?
“To succour indeed the necessitous, and particularly my parents and relations, is a consideration of more value. But ah, Roderic! though you talk it so well, I am afraid it is a consideration foreign to your character. For my parents, they are as yet healthful and active; and while they continue so, they wish, no more than myself for repose and indolence. If ever they become incapable257 of industry, their little flock will still contribute to their support. They are too much respected, for the neighbouring shepherds not to watch over it in turn out of pure love. And, I hope, as I will then exert myself with double vigour258, that the Gods will bless us, and we shall do very well. As to general distress, heaven is too propitious71 to us, to permit the inhabitants of the valley to be overwhelmed by it. And I shall always have milk from my flocks, and a cheese from my store, to set before the hungry and necessitous.
“But were these advantages more valuable than they are, it would not be my duty to purchase them so dear. What, shall I desert all the connections it has been the business of my life to form, and that happy state of simplicity I love so much? Shall I shake off the mutual vows259 I have exchanged with the most amiable and generous of the swains, and join myself to one, whose person I cannot love, and whose character I cannot approve? No, Roderic, enjoy that happiness, if it deserve the name of happiness, that is congenial to your inclination. Forget the worthless and unreasonable passion, you pretend to have conceived, in the multitude of gratifications that are within your reach. Envy not me my straw-defended roof, my little flock, and my faithful shepherd. I will never exchange them for all the temptations that the world can furnish.”
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tempt
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| vt.引诱，勾引，吸引，引起…的兴趣 | |
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fatigue
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| n.疲劳，劳累 | |
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meditation
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| n.熟虑，（尤指宗教的）默想，沉思，（pl.）冥想录 | |
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perplexed
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| adj.不知所措的 | |
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enchantment
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| n.迷惑，妖术，魅力 | |
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enchantments
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| n.魅力( enchantment的名词复数 )；迷人之处；施魔法；着魔 | |
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revolved
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| v.（使）旋转( revolve的过去式和过去分词 )；细想 | |
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innocence
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| n.无罪；天真；无害 | |
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placid
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| adj.安静的，平和的 | |
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benignity
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| n.仁慈 | |
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countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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chamber
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| n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所 | |
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turbid
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| adj.混浊的，泥水的，浓的 | |
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hue
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| n.色度；色调；样子 | |
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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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boons
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| n.恩惠( boon的名词复数 )；福利；非常有用的东西；益处 | |
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vice
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| n.坏事；恶习；[pl.]台钳，老虎钳；adj.副的 | |
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bestows
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| 赠给，授予( bestow的第三人称单数 ) | |
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votaries
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| n.信徒( votary的名词复数 )；追随者；（天主教）修士；修女 | |
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conqueror
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| n.征服者，胜利者 | |
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favourable
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| adj.赞成的，称赞的，有利的，良好的，顺利的 | |
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triumphant
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| adj.胜利的，成功的；狂欢的，喜悦的 | |
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unwilling
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| adj.不情愿的 | |
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bosom
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| n.胸，胸部；胸怀；内心；adj.亲密的 | |
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hoard
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| n./v.窖藏，贮存，囤积 | |
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infancy
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| n.婴儿期；幼年期；初期 | |
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disdain
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| n.鄙视，轻视；v.轻视，鄙视，不屑 | |
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rue
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| n.懊悔，芸香，后悔；v.后悔，悲伤，懊悔 | |
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stigmatize
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| v.污蔑，玷污 | |
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enchanting
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| a.讨人喜欢的 | |
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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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haughty
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| adj.傲慢的，高傲的 | |
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crest
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| n.顶点；饰章；羽冠；vt.达到顶点；vi.形成浪尖 | |
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saluted
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| v.欢迎，致敬( salute的过去式和过去分词 )；赞扬，赞颂 | |
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adversary
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| adj.敌手，对手 | |
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malicious
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| adj.有恶意的，心怀恶意的 | |
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subvert
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| v.推翻；暗中破坏；搅乱 | |
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opposition
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| n.反对，敌对 | |
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potent
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| adj.强有力的，有权势的；有效力的 | |
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crafty
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| adj.狡猾的，诡诈的 | |
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wiles
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| n.（旨在欺骗或吸引人的）诡计，花招；欺骗，欺诈( wile的名词复数 ) | |
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expedients
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| n.应急有效的，权宜之计的( expedient的名词复数 ) | |
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eluded
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| v.（尤指机敏地）避开( elude的过去式和过去分词 )；逃避；躲避；使达不到 | |
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humble
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| adj.谦卑的，恭顺的；地位低下的；v.降低，贬低 | |
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haughtiness
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| n.傲慢；傲气 | |
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aspiring
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| adj.有志气的；有抱负的；高耸的v.渴望；追求 | |
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subtlety
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| n.微妙，敏锐，精巧；微妙之处，细微的区别 | |
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mightiness
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| n.强大 | |
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crumbling
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| adj.摇摇欲坠的 | |
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presumptuous
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| adj.胆大妄为的，放肆的，冒昧的，冒失的 | |
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stratagem
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| n.诡计，计谋 | |
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stratagems
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| n.诡计，计谋( stratagem的名词复数 )；花招 | |
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obstinate
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| adj.顽固的，倔强的，不易屈服的，较难治愈的 | |
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corrupt
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| v.贿赂，收买；adj.腐败的，贪污的 | |
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tarnish
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| n.晦暗，污点；vt.使失去光泽；玷污 | |
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wretch
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| n.可怜的人，不幸的人；卑鄙的人 | |
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seduce
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| vt.勾引，诱奸，诱惑，引诱 | |
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seduced
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| 诱奸( seduce的过去式和过去分词 )； 勾引； 诱使堕落； 使入迷 | |
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obedience
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| n.服从，顺从 | |
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virtue
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| n.德行，美德；贞操；优点；功效，效力 | |
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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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vengeance
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| n.报复，报仇，复仇 | |
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inflamed
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| adj.发炎的，红肿的v.（使）变红，发怒，过热( inflame的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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wreak
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| v.发泄；报复 | |
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malice
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| n.恶意，怨恨，蓄意；[律]预谋 | |
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curbed
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| v.限制，克制，抑制( curb的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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thwarted
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| 阻挠( thwart的过去式和过去分词 )； 使受挫折； 挫败； 横过 | |
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frustrated
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| adj.挫败的，失意的，泄气的v.使不成功( frustrate的过去式和过去分词 )；挫败；使受挫折；令人沮丧 | |
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pointed
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| adj.尖的，直截了当的 | |
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propitious
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| adj.吉利的；顺利的 | |
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subdue
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| vt.制服，使顺从，征服；抑制，克制 | |
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considerably
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| adv.极大地；相当大地；在很大程度上 | |
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refreshing
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| adj.使精神振作的，使人清爽的，使人喜欢的 | |
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eyelids
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| n.眼睑( eyelid的名词复数 )；眼睛也不眨一下；不露声色；面不改色 | |
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deserted
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| adj.荒芜的，荒废的，无人的，被遗弃的 | |
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garb
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| n.服装，装束 | |
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simplicity
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| n.简单，简易；朴素；直率，单纯 | |
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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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unreasonable
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| adj.不讲道理的，不合情理的，过度的 | |
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amiable
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| adj.和蔼可亲的，友善的，亲切的 | |
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suspense
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| n.（对可能发生的事）紧张感，担心，挂虑 | |
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brawling
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| n.争吵，喧嚷 | |
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brook
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| n.小河，溪；v.忍受，容让 | |
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mansion
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| n.大厦，大楼；宅第 | |
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folly
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| n.愚笨，愚蠢，蠢事，蠢行，傻话 | |
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consolation
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| n.安慰，慰问 | |
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distress
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| n.苦恼，痛苦，不舒适；不幸；vt.使悲痛 | |
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frightful
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| adj.可怕的；讨厌的 | |
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contented
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| adj.满意的，安心的，知足的 | |
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soothing
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| adj.慰藉的；使人宽心的；镇静的 | |
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resentments
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| （因受虐待而）愤恨，不满，怨恨( resentment的名词复数 ) | |
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resentment
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| n.怨愤，忿恨 | |
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morose
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| adj.脾气坏的，不高兴的 | |
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sullenness
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| n. 愠怒, 沉闷, 情绪消沉 | |
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venom
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| n.毒液，恶毒，痛恨 | |
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beguile
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| vt.欺骗，消遣 | |
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dexterously
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| adv.巧妙地，敏捷地 | |
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sincerity
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| n.真诚，诚意；真实 | |
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impatience
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| n.不耐烦，急躁 | |
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skilful
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| (=skillful)adj.灵巧的，熟练的 | |
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exhausted
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| adj.极其疲惫的，精疲力尽的 | |
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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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104
ardent
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| adj.热情的，热烈的，强烈的，烈性的 | |
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105
sage
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| n.圣人，哲人；adj.贤明的，明智的 | |
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106
distressed
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| 痛苦的 | |
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107
homeliness
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| n.简朴，朴实；相貌平平 | |
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108
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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109
inclination
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| n.倾斜；点头；弯腰；斜坡；倾度；倾向；爱好 | |
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110
inclinations
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| 倾向( inclination的名词复数 )； 倾斜； 爱好； 斜坡 | |
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111
impute
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| v.归咎于 | |
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112
mutual
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| adj.相互的，彼此的；共同的，共有的 | |
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113
benevolence
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| n.慈悲，捐助 | |
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114
dominion
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| n.统治，管辖，支配权；领土，版图 | |
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115
delightful
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| adj.令人高兴的，使人快乐的 | |
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116
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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117
serenity
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| n.宁静，沉着，晴朗 | |
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118
relish
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| n.滋味，享受，爱好，调味品；vt.加调味料，享受，品味；vi.有滋味 | |
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119
dictates
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| n.命令，规定，要求( dictate的名词复数 )v.大声讲或读( dictate的第三人称单数 )；口授；支配；摆布 | |
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120
inmates
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| n.囚犯( inmate的名词复数 ) | |
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121
dictated
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| v.大声讲或读( dictate的过去式和过去分词 )；口授；支配；摆布 | |
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122
circumscribed
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| adj.[医]局限的：受限制或限于有限空间的v.在…周围划线( circumscribe的过去式和过去分词 )；划定…范围；限制；限定 | |
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123
ignominious
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| adj.可鄙的，不光彩的，耻辱的 | |
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124
maiden
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| n.少女，处女；adj.未婚的，纯洁的，无经验的 | |
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125
forfeit
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| vt.丧失；n.罚金，罚款，没收物 | |
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126
descending
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| n. 下行 adj. 下降的 | |
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127
spacious
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| adj.广阔的，宽敞的 | |
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128
circumference
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| n.圆周，周长，圆周线 | |
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129
impervious
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| adj.不能渗透的，不能穿过的，不易伤害的 | |
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130
grove
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| n.林子，小树林，园林 | |
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131
standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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132
maturity
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| n.成熟；完成；(支票、债券等)到期 | |
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133
pious
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| adj.虔诚的；道貌岸然的 | |
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134
virtuous
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| adj.有品德的，善良的，贞洁的，有效力的 | |
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135
awe
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| n.敬畏，惊惧；vt.使敬畏，使惊惧 | |
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136
majestic
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| adj.雄伟的，壮丽的，庄严的，威严的，崇高的 | |
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137
turrets
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| （六角）转台( turret的名词复数 )； （战舰和坦克等上的）转动炮塔； （摄影机等上的）镜头转台； （旧时攻城用的）塔车 | |
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138
prospect
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| n.前景，前途；景色，视野 | |
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139
precipices
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| n.悬崖，峭壁( precipice的名词复数 ) | |
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140
diversified
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| adj.多样化的，多种经营的v.使多样化，多样化( diversify的过去式和过去分词 )；进入新的商业领域 | |
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141
verdant
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| adj.翠绿的，青翠的，生疏的，不老练的 | |
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interspersed
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| adj.[医]散开的；点缀的v.intersperse的过去式和过去分词 | |
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143
sleekness
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| 油滑； 油光发亮； 时髦阔气； 线条明快 | |
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144
ponderous
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| adj.沉重的，笨重的，(文章)冗长的 | |
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145
texture
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| n.(织物)质地；(材料)构造；结构；肌理 | |
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146
applied
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| adj.应用的；v.应用，适用 | |
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147
distended
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| v.（使）膨胀，肿胀( distend的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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148
maidens
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| 处女( maiden的名词复数 )； 少女； 未婚女子； （板球运动）未得分的一轮投球 | |
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149
fawn
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| n.未满周岁的小鹿；v.巴结，奉承 | |
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150
rugged
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| adj.高低不平的，粗糙的，粗壮的，强健的 | |
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151
afflatus
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| n.灵感，神感 | |
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152
wondrous
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| adj.令人惊奇的，奇妙的；adv.惊人地；异乎寻常地；令人惊叹地 | |
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153
scattering
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| n.[物]散射；散乱，分散；在媒介质中的散播adj.散乱的；分散在不同范围的；广泛扩散的；（选票）数量分散的v.散射(scatter的ing形式)；散布；驱散 | |
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154
interval
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| n.间隔，间距；幕间休息，中场休息 | |
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155
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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156
lustre
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| n.光亮，光泽；荣誉 | |
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157
populousness
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| 人口稠密 | |
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158
animation
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| n.活泼，兴奋，卡通片／动画片的制作 | |
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159
rivulets
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| n.小河，小溪( rivulet的名词复数 ) | |
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160
scattered
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| adj.分散的，稀疏的；散步的；疏疏落落的 | |
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161
dwellers
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| n.居民，居住者( dweller的名词复数 ) | |
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162
engrossed
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| adj.全神贯注的 | |
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163
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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164
emulate
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| v.努力赶上或超越，与…竞争；效仿 | |
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165
hawthorn
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| 山楂 | |
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166
ingenuous
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| adj.纯朴的，单纯的；天真的；坦率的 | |
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167
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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168
banish
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| vt.放逐，驱逐；消除，排除 | |
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169
graceful
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| adj.优美的，优雅的；得体的 | |
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170
stature
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| n.（高度）水平，（高度）境界，身高，身材 | |
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171
contemplate
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| vt.盘算，计议；周密考虑；注视，凝视 | |
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172
velocity
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| n.速度，速率 | |
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173
ingenuousness
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| n.率直；正直；老实 | |
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174
manly
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| adj.有男子气概的；adv.男子般地，果断地 | |
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175
subdued
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| adj. 屈服的，柔和的，减弱的 动词subdue的过去式和过去分词 | |
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176
disinterested
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| adj.不关心的，不感兴趣的 | |
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177
complaisance
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| n.彬彬有礼，殷勤，柔顺 | |
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178
zephyrs
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| n.和风，微风( zephyr的名词复数 ) | |
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179
frail
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| adj.身体虚弱的；易损坏的 | |
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180
protracted
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|
| adj.拖延的；延长的v.拖延“protract”的过去式和过去分词 | |
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181
comeliness
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| n. 清秀, 美丽, 合宜 | |
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182
lavished
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| v.过分给予，滥施( lavish的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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183
animated
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| adj.生气勃勃的，活跃的，愉快的 | |
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184
illuminated
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| adj.被照明的；受启迪的 | |
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185
repose
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| v.(使)休息；n.安息 | |
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186
displeased
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| a.不快的 | |
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187
subsisted
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| v.（靠很少的钱或食物）维持生活，生存下去( subsist的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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188
inexplicable
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| adj.无法解释的，难理解的 | |
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189
antipathy
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| n.憎恶；反感，引起反感的人或事物 | |
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190
coalesce
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| v.联合，结合，合并 | |
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191
decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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192
eminent
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| adj.显赫的，杰出的，有名的，优良的 | |
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193
babble
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| v.含糊不清地说，胡言乱语地说，儿语 | |
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194
guilt
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| n.犯罪；内疚；过失，罪责 | |
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195
momentary
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| adj.片刻的，瞬息的；短暂的 | |
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196
dispositions
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| 安排( disposition的名词复数 )； 倾向； （财产、金钱的）处置； 气质 | |
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197
feign
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| vt.假装，佯作 | |
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198
ascended
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| v.上升，攀登( ascend的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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199
sophistry
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| n.诡辩 | |
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200
retinue
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| n.侍从；随员 | |
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201
eloquent
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| adj.雄辩的，口才流利的；明白显示出的 | |
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202
ineffable
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| adj.无法表达的，不可言喻的 | |
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203
degenerate
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| v.退步，堕落；adj.退步的，堕落的；n.堕落者 | |
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204
recollecting
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| v.记起，想起( recollect的现在分词 ) | |
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205
inured
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| adj.坚强的，习惯的 | |
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206
entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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207
propriety
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| n.正当行为；正当；适当 | |
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208
eradicated
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| 画着根的 | |
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209
acquiescence
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| n.默许；顺从 | |
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210
allurements
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| n.诱惑( allurement的名词复数 )；吸引；诱惑物；有诱惑力的事物 | |
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211
gilding
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| n.贴金箔，镀金 | |
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212
dexterity
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| n.(手的)灵巧，灵活 | |
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213
speciousness
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| n.似是而非 | |
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214
eloquence
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| n.雄辩；口才，修辞 | |
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215
dissuade
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| v.劝阻，阻止 | |
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216
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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217
enjoyment
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| n.乐趣；享有；享用 | |
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218
opulence
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| n.财富，富裕 | |
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219
besought
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| v.恳求，乞求（某事物）( beseech的过去式和过去分词 )；(beseech的过去式与过去分词) | |
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220
alders
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| n.桤木( alder的名词复数 ) | |
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221
fawns
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| n.（未满一岁的）幼鹿( fawn的名词复数 )；浅黄褐色；乞怜者；奉承者v.（尤指狗等）跳过来往人身上蹭以示亲热( fawn的第三人称单数 )；巴结；讨好 | |
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222
barley
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| n.大麦，大麦粒 | |
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223
spikes
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| n.穗( spike的名词复数 )；跑鞋；（防滑）鞋钉；尖状物v.加烈酒于( spike的第三人称单数 )；偷偷地给某人的饮料加入（更多）酒精（ 或药物）；把尖状物钉入；打乱某人的计划 | |
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224
demonstration
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| n.表明，示范，论证，示威 | |
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225
veracity
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| n.诚实 | |
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226
prospects
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| n.希望，前途(恒为复数) | |
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227
bestowed
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| 赠给，授予( bestow的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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228
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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229
superfluous
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| adj.过多的，过剩的，多余的 | |
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motive
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| n.动机，目的；adv.发动的，运动的 | |
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affluence
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| n.充裕，富足 | |
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sufficiently
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| adv.足够地，充分地 | |
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disinterestedness
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bounty
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| n.慷慨的赠予物，奖金；慷慨，大方；施与 | |
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prudent
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| adj.谨慎的，有远见的，精打细算的 | |
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judicious
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| adj.明智的，明断的，能作出明智决定的 | |
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sublimest
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| 伟大的( sublime的最高级 )； 令人赞叹的； 极端的； 不顾后果的 | |
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prudence
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| n.谨慎，精明，节俭 | |
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perverseness
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| n. 乖张, 倔强, 顽固 | |
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piety
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| n.虔诚，虔敬 | |
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participation
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| n.参与，参加，分享 | |
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benevolent
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| adj.仁慈的，乐善好施的 | |
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propensities
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| n.倾向，习性( propensity的名词复数 ) | |
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wrest
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| n.扭，拧，猛夺；v.夺取，猛扭，歪曲 | |
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misery
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| n.痛苦，苦恼，苦难；悲惨的境遇，贫苦 | |
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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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indifference
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| n.不感兴趣，不关心，冷淡，不在乎 | |
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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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hesitation
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| n.犹豫，踌躇 | |
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motives
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| n.动机，目的( motive的名词复数 ) | |
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disingenuous
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| adj.不诚恳的，虚伪的 | |
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perfidious
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| adj.不忠的，背信弃义的 | |
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luxurious
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| adj.精美而昂贵的；豪华的 | |
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industrious
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| adj.勤劳的，刻苦的，奋发的 | |
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glides
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| n.滑行( glide的名词复数 )；滑音；音渡；过渡音v.滑动( glide的第三人称单数 )；掠过；（鸟或飞机 ） 滑翔 | |
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256
vacancy
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| n.（旅馆的）空位，空房，（职务的）空缺 | |
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incapable
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| adj.无能力的，不能做某事的 | |
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vigour
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| （=vigor）n.智力，体力，精力 | |
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vows
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| 誓言( vow的名词复数 )； 郑重宣布，许愿 | |
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