"We have come to bear tidings from the Corps2 Diplomatique Terrestrienne," Retief said solemnly. A perfumed slave girl offered grapes.
"Modest ignorance is better than boastful knowledge," the Aga Kaga said. "What brings the CDT into the picture?"
"The essay of the drunkard will be read in the tavern," Retief said. "Whereas the words of kings...."
"Very well, I concede the point." The Aga Kaga waved a hand at the serving maids. "Depart, my dears. Attend me later. You too, Ralph. These are mere4 diplomats5. They are men of words, not deeds."
The bearded man glared and departed. The girls hurried after him.
"Now," the Aga Kaga said. "Let's drop the wisdom of the ages and get down to the issues. Not that I don't admire your repertoire6 of platitudes7. How do you remember them all?"
"Diplomats and other liars8 require good memories," said Retief. "But as you point out, small wisdom to small minds. I'm here to effect a settlement of certain differences between yourself and the planetary authorities. I have here a Note, which I'm conveying on behalf of the Sector9 Under-Secretary. With your permission, I'll read it."
"Go ahead." The Aga Kaga kicked a couple of cushions onto the floor, eased a bottle from under the couch and reached for glasses.
"The Under-Secretary for Sector Affairs presents his compliments to his Excellency, the Aga Kaga of the Aga Kaga, Primary Potentate10, Hereditary11 Sheik, Emir of the—"
"Yes, yes. Skip the titles."
Retief flipped12 over two pages.
"... and with reference to the recent relocation of persons under the jurisdiction13 of his Excellency, has the honor to point out that the territories now under settlement comprise a portion of that area, hereinafter designated as Sub-sector Alpha, which, under terms of the Agreement entered into by his Excellency's predecessor14, and as referenced in Sector Ministry's Notes numbers G-175846573957-b and X-7584736 c-1, with particular pertinence15 to that body designated in the Revised Galactic Catalogue, Tenth Edition, as amended16, Volume Nine, reel 43, as 54 Cygni Alpha, otherwise referred to hereinafter as Flamme—"
"Come to the point," the Aga Kaga cut in. "You're here to lodge17 a complaint that I'm invading territories to which someone else lays claim, is that it?" He smiled broadly, offered dope-sticks and lit one. "Well, I've been expecting a call. After all, it's what you gentlemen are paid for. Cheers."
"Your Excellency has a lucid18 way of putting things," Retief said.
"Call me Stanley," the Aga Kaga said. "The other routine is just to please some of the old fools—I mean the more conservative members of my government. They're still gnawing19 their beards and kicking themselves because their ancestors dropped science in favor of alchemy and got themselves stranded20 in a cultural dead end. This charade21 is supposed to prove they were right all along. However, I've no time to waste in neurotic22 compensations. I have places to go and deeds to accomplish."
"At first glance," Retief said, "it looks as though the places are already occupied, and the deeds are illegal."
The Aga Kaga guffawed23. "For a diplomat3, you speak plainly, Retief. Have another drink." He poured, eyeing Georges. "What of M. Duror? How does he feel about it?"
Georges took a thoughtful swallow of whiskey. "Not bad," he said. "But not quite good enough to cover the odor of goats."
The Aga Kaga snorted. "I thought the goats were overdoing24 it a bit myself," he said. "Still, the graybeards insisted. And I need their support."
"Also," Georges said distinctly, "I think you're soft. You lie around letting women wait on you, while your betters are out doing an honest day's work."
The Aga Kaga looked startled. "Soft? I can tie a knot in an iron bar as big as your thumb." He popped a grape into his mouth. "As for the rest, your pious25 views about the virtues26 of hard labor28 are as childish as my advisors29' faith in the advantages of primitive30 plumbing31. As for myself, I am a realist. If two monkeys want the same banana, in the end one will have it, and the other will cry morality. The days of my years are numbered, praise be to God. While they last, I hope to eat well, hunt well, fight well and take my share of pleasure. I leave to others the arid32 satisfactions of self-denial and other perversions33."
"You admit you're here to grab our land, then," Georges said. "That's the damnedest piece of bare-faced aggression34—"
"Ah, ah!" The Aga Kaga held up a hand. "Watch your vocabulary, my dear sir. I'm sure that 'justifiable35 yearnings for territorial36 self-realization' would be more appropriate to the situation. Or possibly 'legitimate37 aspirations38, for self-determination of formerly39 exploited peoples' might fit the case. Aggression is, by definition, an activity carried on only by those who have inherited the mantle40 of Colonial Imperialism41."
"Imperialism! Why, you Aga Kagans have been the most notorious planet-grabbers in Sector history, you—you—"
"Call me Stanley." The Aga Kaga munched42 a grape. "I merely face the realities of popular folk-lore. Let's be pragmatic; it's a matter of historical association. Some people can grab land and pass it off lightly as a moral duty; others are dubbed43 imperialist merely for holding onto their own. Unfair, you say. But that's life, my friends. And I shall continue to take every advantage of it."
"We'll fight you!" Georges bellowed44. He took another gulp45 of whiskey and slammed the glass down. "You won't take this world without a struggle!"
"Another?" the Aga Kaga said, offering the bottle. Georges glowered46 as his glass was filled. The Aga Kaga held the glass up to the light.
"Excellent color, don't you agree?" He turned his eyes on Georges.
"It's pointless to resist," he said. "We have you outgunned and outmanned. Your small nation has no chance against us. But we're prepared to be generous. You may continue to occupy such areas as we do not immediately require until such time as you're able to make other arrangements."
"And by the time we've got a crop growing out of what was bare rock, you'll be ready to move in," the Boyar Chef d'Regime snapped. "But you'll find that we aren't alone!"
"Quite alone," the Aga said. He nodded sagely47. "Yes, one need but read the lesson of history. The Corps Diplomatique will make expostulatory noises, but it will accept the fait accompli. You, my dear sir, are but a very small nibble48. We won't make the mistake of excessive greed. We shall inch our way to empire—and those who stand in our way shall be dubbed warmongers49."
"I see you're quite a student of history, Stanley," Retief said. "I wonder if you recall the eventual50 fate of most of the would-be empire nibblers of the past?"
"Ah, but they grew incautious. They went too far, too fast."
"The confounded impudence," Georges rasped. "Tells us to our face what he has in mind!"
"An ancient and honorable custom, from the time of Mein Kampf and the Communist Manifesto51 through the Porcelain52 Wall of Leung. Such declarations have a legendary53 quality. It's traditional that they're never taken at face value."
"But always," Retief said, "there was a critical point at which the man on horseback could have been pulled from the saddle."
"Could have been," the Aga Kaga chuckled54. He finished the grapes and began peeling an orange. "But they never were. Hitler could have been stopped by the Czech Air Force in 1938; Stalin was at the mercy of the primitive atomics of the west in 1946; Leung was grossly over-extended at Rangoon. But the onus55 of that historic role could not be overcome. It has been the fate of your spiritual forebears to carve civilization from the wilderness56 and then, amid tearing of garments and the heaping of ashes of self-accusation on your own confused heads, to withdraw, leaving the spoils for local political opportunists and mob leaders, clothed in the mystical virtue27 of native birth. Have a banana."
"You're stretching your analogy a little too far," Retief said. "You're banking57 on the inaction of the Corps. You could be wrong."
"I shall know when to stop," the Aga Kaga said.
"Tell me, Stanley," Retief said, rising. "Are we quite private here?"
"Yes, perfectly58 so," the Aga Kaga said. "None would dare to intrude59 in my council." He cocked an eyebrow60 at Retief. "You have a proposal to make in confidence? But what of our dear friend Georges? One would not like to see him disillusioned61."
"Don't worry about Georges. He's a realist, like you. He's prepared to deal in facts. Hard facts, in this case."
The Aga Kaga nodded thoughtfully. "What are you getting at?"
"You're basing your plan of action on the certainty that the Corps will sit by, wringing62 its hands, while you embark63 on a career of planetary piracy64."
"Isn't it the custom?" the Aga Kaga smiled complacently65.
"I have news for you, Stanley. In this instance, neck-wringing seems more in order than hand-wringing."
The Aga Kaga frowned. "Your manner—"
"Never mind our manners!" Georges blurted66, standing67. "We don't need any lessons from goat-herding land-thieves!"
The Aga Kaga's face darkened. "You dare to speak thus to me, pig of a muck-grubber!"
With a muffled68 curse Georges launched himself at the potentate. The giant rolled aside. He grunted69 as the Boyar's fist thumped71 in his short ribs72; then he chopped down on Georges' neck. The Chef d'Regime slid off onto the floor as the Aga Kaga bounded to his feet, sending fruit and silken cushions flying.
"I see it now!" he hissed73. "An assassination74 attempt!" He stretched his arms, thick as tree-roots—a grizzly75 in satin robes. "Your heads will ring together like gongs before I have done with you!" He lunged for Retief. Retief came to his feet, feinted with his left and planted a short right against the Aga Kaga's jaw76 with a solid smack77. The potentate stumbled, grabbed; Retief slipped aside. The Aga Kaga whirled to face Retief.
"A slippery diplomat, by all the houris in Paradise!" he grated, breathing hard. "But a fool. True to your medieval code of chivalry78, you attacked singly, a blunder I would never have made. And you shall die for your idiocy79!" He opened his mouth to bellow—
"You sure look foolish, with your fancy hair-do down in your eyes," Retief said. "The servants will get a big laugh out of it."
With a choked yell, the Aga Kaga dived for Retief, missed as he leaped aside. The two went to the mat together and rolled, sending a stool skittering. Grunts80 and curses echoed as the two big men strained, muscles popping. Retief groped for a scissors hold; the Aga Kaga seized his foot, bit hard. Retief bent81 nearly double, braced82 himself and slammed the potentate against the rug. Dust flew. Then the two were on their feet, circling.
"Many times have I longed to broil83 a diplomat over a slow fire," the Aga Kaga snarled84. "Tonight will see it come to pass!"
"I've seen it done often at staff meetings," said Retief. "It seems to have no permanent effect."
The Aga Kaga reached for Retief, who feinted left, hammered a right to the chin. The Aga Kaga tottered85. Retief measured him, brought up a haymaker. The potentate slammed to the rug—out cold.
Georges rolled over, sat up. "Let me at the son of a—" he muttered.
"Take over, Georges," Retief said, panting. "Since he's in a mood to negotiate now, we may as well get something accomplished86."
Georges eyed the fallen ruler, who stirred, groaned87 lugubriously89. "I hope you know what you're doing," Georges said. "But I'm with you in any case." He straddled the prone90 body, plucked a curved knife from the low table and prodded91 the Aga Kaga's Adam's apple. The monarch93 opened his eyes.
"Make one little peep and your windbag94 will spring a leak," Georges said. "Very few historical figures have accomplished anything important after their throats were cut."
"Stanley won't yell," Retief said. "We're not the only ones who're guilty of cultural idiocy. He'd lose face something awful if he let his followers95 see him like this." Retief settled himself on a tufted ottoman. "Right, Stanley?"
The Aga Kaga snarled.
Retief selected a grape and ate it thoughtfully. "These aren't bad, Georges. You might consider taking on a few Aga Kagan vine-growers—purely on a yearly contract basis, of course."
The Aga Kaga groaned, rolling his eyes.
"Well, I believe we're ready to get down to diplomatic proceedings96 now," Retief said. "Nothing like dealing97 in an atmosphere of realistic good fellowship. First, of course, there's the matter of the presence of aliens lacking visas." He opened his briefcase98, withdrew a heavy sheet of parchment. "I have the document here, drawn99 up and ready for signature. It provides for the prompt deportation100 of such persons, by Corps Transport, all expenses to be borne by the Aga Kagan government. That's agreeable, I assume?" Retief looked expectantly at the purple face of the prone potentate. The Aga Kaga grunted a strangled grunt70.
"Speak up, Stanley," Retief said. "Give him plenty of air, Georges."
"Shall I let some in through the side?"
"Not yet. I'm sure Stanley wants to be agreeable."
The Aga Kaga snarled.
"Maybe just a little then, Georges," Retief said judiciously101. Georges jabbed the knife in far enough to draw a bead102 of blood. The Aga Kaga grunted.
"Agreed!" he snorted. "By the beard of the prophet, when I get my hands on you...."
"Second item: certain fields, fishing grounds, et cetera, have suffered damage due to the presence of the aforementioned illegal immigrants. Full compensation will be made by the Aga Kagan government. Agreed?"
The Aga Kaga drew a breath, tensed himself; Georges jabbed with the knife point. His prisoner relaxed with a groan88. "Agreed!" he grated. "A vile103 tactic104! You enter my tent under the guise105 of guests, protected by diplomatic immunity—"
"I had the impression we were herded106 in here at sword point," said Retief. "Shall we go on? Now there's the little matter of restitution107 for violation108 of sovereignty, reparations for mental anguish109, payment for damaged fences, roads, drainage canals, communications, et cetera, et cetera. Shall I read them all?"
"Wait until the news of this outrage110 is spread abroad!"
"They'd never believe it," Retief said. "History would prove it impossible. And on mature consideration, I'm sure you won't want it noised about that you entertained visiting dignitaries flat on your back."
"What about the pollution of the atmosphere by goats?" Georges put in. "And don't overlook the muddying of streams, the destruction of timber for camp fires and—"
"I've covered all that sort of thing under a miscellaneous heading," Retief said. "We can fill it in at leisure when we get back."
"Bandits!" the Aga Kaga hissed. "Thieves! Dogs of unreliable imperialists!"
"It is disillusioning111, I know," Retief said. "Still, of such little surprises is history made. Sign here." He held the parchment out and offered a pen. "A nice clear signature, please. We wouldn't want any quibbling about the legality of the treaty, after conducting the negotiation112 with such scrupulous113 regard for the niceties."
"Niceties! Never in history has such an abomination been perpetrated!"
"Oh, treaties are always worked out this way, when it comes right down to it. We've just accelerated the process a little. Now, if you'll just sign like a good fellow, we'll be on our way. Georges will have his work cut out for him, planning how to use all this reparations money."
The Aga Kaga gnashed his teeth: Georges prodded. The Aga Kaga seized the pen and scrawled114 his name. Retief signed with a flourish. He tucked the treaty away in his briefcase, took out another.
"This is just a safe-conduct, to get us out of the door and into the car," he said. "Probably unnecessary, but it won't hurt to have it, in case you figure out some way to avoid your obligations as a host."
The Aga Kaga signed the document after another prod92 from Georges.
"One more paper, and I'll be into the jugular," he said.
"We're all through now," said Retief. "Stanley, we're going to have to run now. I'm going to strap115 up your hands and feet a trifle; it shouldn't take you more than ten minutes or so to get loose, stick a band-aid on your neck and—"
"My men will cut you down for the rascals116 you are!"
"By that time, we'll be over the hill," Retief continued. "At full throttle117; we'll be at Government House in an hour, and of course I won't waste any time transmitting the treaty to Sector HQ. And the same concern for face that keeps you from yelling for help will insure that the details of the negotiation remain our secret."
"Treaty! That scrap118 of paper!"
"I confess the Corps is a little sluggish119 about taking action at times," Retief said, whipping a turn of silken cord around the Aga Kaga's ankles. "But once it's got signatures on a legal treaty, it's extremely stubborn about all parties adhering to the letter. It can't afford to be otherwise, as I'm sure you'll understand." He cinched up the cord, went to work on the hands. The Aga Kaga glared at him balefully.
"To the Pit with the Corps! The ferocity of my revenge—"
"Don't talk nonsense, Stanley. There are several squadrons of Peace Enforcers cruising in the Sector just now. I'm sure you're not ready to make any historical errors by taking them on." Retief finished and stood.
"Georges, just stuff a scarf in Stanley's mouth. I think he'd prefer to work quietly until he recovers his dignity." Retief buckled121 his briefcase, selected a large grape and looked down at the Aga Kaga.
"Actually, you'll be glad you saw things our way, Stanley," he said. "You'll get all the credit for the generous settlement. Of course, it will be a striking precedent122 for any other negotiations123 that may become necessary if you get grabby on other worlds in this region. And if your advisors want to know why the sudden change of heart, just tell them you've decided124 to start from scratch on an unoccupied world. Mention the virtues of thrift125 and hard work. I'm confident you can find plenty of historical examples to support you."
"Thanks for the drink," said Georges. "drop in on me at Government House some time and we'll crack another bottle."
"And don't feel bad about your project's going awry," Retief said. "In the words of the prophet, 'Stolen goods are never sold at a loss.'"
"A remarkable126 about-face, Retief," Magnan said. "Let this be a lesson to you. A stern Note of Protest can work wonders."
"A lot depends on the method of delivery," Retief said.
"Nonsense. I knew all along the Aga Kagans were a reasonable and peace-loving people. One of the advantages of senior rank, of course, is the opportunity to see the big picture. Why, I was saying only this morning—"
The desk screen broke into life. The mottled jowls of Under-Secretary Sternwheeler appeared.
"Magnan! I've just learned of the Flamme affair. Who's responsible?"
"Why, ah ... I suppose that I might be said—"
"This is your work, is it?"
"Well ... Mr. Retief did play the role of messenger."
"Don't pass the buck120, Magnan!" the Under-Secretary barked. "What the devil went on out there?"
"Just a routine Protest Note. Everything is quite in order."
"Bah! Your over-zealousness has cost me dear. I was feeding Flamme to the Aga Kagans to consolidate127 our position of moral superiority for use as a lever in a number of important negotiations. Now they've backed out! Aga Kaga emerges from the affair wreathed in virtue. You've destroyed a very pretty finesse128 in power politics, Mr. Magnan! A year's work down the drain!"
"But I thought—"
"I doubt that, Mr. Magnan, I doubt that very much!" The Under-Secretary rang off.
"This is a fine turn of events," Magnan groaned. "Retief, you know very well Protest Notes are merely intended for the historical record! No one ever takes them seriously."
"You and the Aga Kaga ought to get together," said Retief. "He's a great one for citing historical parallels. He's not a bad fellow, as a matter of fact. I have an invitation from him to visit Kaga and go mud-pig hunting. He was so impressed by Corps methods that he wants to be sure we're on his side next time. Why don't you come along?"
"Hmmm. Perhaps I should cultivate him. A few high-level contacts never do any harm. On the other hand, I understand he lives in a very loose way, feasting and merrymaking. Frivolous129 in the extreme. No wife, you understand, but hordes130 of lightly clad women about. And in that connection, the Aga Kagans have some very curious notions as to what constitutes proper hospitality to a guest."
Retief rose, pulled on the powder blue cloak and black velvet131 gauntlets of a Career Minister.
"Don't let it worry you," he said. "You'll have a great time. And as the Aga Kaga would say, 'Ugliness is the best safeguard of virginity.'"
The End
点击
收听单词发音
收听单词发音 |
1
giggled
|
|
| v.咯咯地笑( giggle的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
2
corps
|
|
| n.(通信等兵种的)部队；(同类作的)一组 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
3
diplomat
|
|
| n.外交官，外交家；能交际的人，圆滑的人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
4
mere
|
|
| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
5
diplomats
|
|
| n.外交官( diplomat的名词复数 )；有手腕的人，善于交际的人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
6
repertoire
|
|
| n.(准备好演出的)节目，保留剧目；(计算机的)指令表，指令系统， <美>(某个人的)全部技能；清单，指令表 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
7
platitudes
|
|
| n.平常的话，老生常谈，陈词滥调( platitude的名词复数 )；滥套子 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
8
liars
|
|
| 说谎者( liar的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
9
sector
|
|
| n.部门，部分；防御地段，防区；扇形 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
10
potentate
|
|
| n.统治者；君主 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
11
hereditary
|
|
| adj.遗传的，遗传性的，可继承的，世袭的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
12
flipped
|
|
| 轻弹( flip的过去式和过去分词 )； 按（开关）； 快速翻转； 急挥 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
13
jurisdiction
|
|
| n.司法权，审判权，管辖权，控制权 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
14
predecessor
|
|
| n.前辈，前任 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
15
pertinence
|
|
| n.中肯 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
16
Amended
|
|
| adj. 修正的 动词amend的过去式和过去分词 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
17
lodge
|
|
| v.临时住宿，寄宿，寄存，容纳；n.传达室，小旅馆 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
18
lucid
|
|
| adj.明白易懂的，清晰的，头脑清楚的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
19
gnawing
|
|
| a.痛苦的，折磨人的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
20
stranded
|
|
| a.搁浅的，进退两难的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
21
charade
|
|
| n.用动作等表演文字意义的字谜游戏 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
22
neurotic
|
|
| adj.神经病的，神经过敏的；n.神经过敏者，神经病患者 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
23
guffawed
|
|
| v.大笑，狂笑( guffaw的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
24
overdoing
|
|
| v.做得过分( overdo的现在分词 )；太夸张；把…煮得太久；（工作等）过度 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
25
pious
|
|
| adj.虔诚的；道貌岸然的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
26
virtues
|
|
| 美德( virtue的名词复数 )； 德行； 优点； 长处 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
27
virtue
|
|
| n.德行，美德；贞操；优点；功效，效力 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
28
labor
|
|
| n.劳动，努力，工作，劳工；分娩；vi.劳动，努力，苦干；vt.详细分析；麻烦 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
29
advisors
|
|
| n.顾问，劝告者( advisor的名词复数 )；（指导大学新生学科问题等的）指导教授 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
30
primitive
|
|
| adj.原始的；简单的；n.原(始)人，原始事物 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
31
plumbing
|
|
| n.水管装置；水暖工的工作；管道工程v.用铅锤测量（plumb的现在分词）；探究 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
32
arid
|
|
| adj.干旱的；(土地)贫瘠的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
33
perversions
|
|
| n.歪曲( perversion的名词复数 )；变坏；变态心理 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
34
aggression
|
|
| n.进攻，侵略，侵犯，侵害 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
35
justifiable
|
|
| adj.有理由的，无可非议的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
36
territorial
|
|
| adj.领土的，领地的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
37
legitimate
|
|
| adj.合法的，合理的，合乎逻辑的；v.使合法 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
38
aspirations
|
|
| 强烈的愿望( aspiration的名词复数 )； 志向； 发送气音； 发 h 音 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
39
formerly
|
|
| adv.从前，以前 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
40
mantle
|
|
| n.斗篷，覆罩之物，罩子；v.罩住，覆盖，脸红 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
41
imperialism
|
|
| n.帝国主义，帝国主义政策 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
42
munched
|
|
| v.用力咀嚼（某物），大嚼( munch的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
43
dubbed
|
|
| v.给…起绰号( dub的过去式和过去分词 )；把…称为；配音；复制 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
44
bellowed
|
|
| v.发出吼叫声，咆哮（尤指因痛苦）( bellow的过去式和过去分词 )；（愤怒地）说出（某事），大叫 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
45
gulp
|
|
| vt.吞咽，大口地吸（气）；vi.哽住；n.吞咽 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
46
glowered
|
|
| v.怒视( glower的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
47
sagely
|
|
| adv. 贤能地，贤明地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
48
nibble
|
|
| n.轻咬，啃；v.一点点地咬，慢慢啃，吹毛求疵 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
49
warmongers
|
|
| n.战争贩子( warmonger的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
50
eventual
|
|
| adj.最后的，结局的，最终的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
51
manifesto
|
|
| n.宣言，声明 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
52
porcelain
|
|
| n.瓷；adj.瓷的，瓷制的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
53
legendary
|
|
| adj.传奇（中）的，闻名遐迩的；n.传奇（文学） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
54
chuckled
|
|
| 轻声地笑( chuckle的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
55
onus
|
|
| n.负担；责任 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
56
wilderness
|
|
| n.杳无人烟的一片陆地、水等，荒漠 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
57
banking
|
|
| n.银行业，银行学，金融业 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
58
perfectly
|
|
| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
59
intrude
|
|
| vi.闯入；侵入；打扰，侵扰 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
60
eyebrow
|
|
| n.眉毛，眉 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
61
disillusioned
|
|
| a.不再抱幻想的，大失所望的，幻想破灭的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
62
wringing
|
|
| 淋湿的，湿透的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
63
embark
|
|
| vi.乘船，着手，从事，上飞机 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
64
piracy
|
|
| n.海盗行为，剽窃，著作权侵害 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
65
complacently
|
|
| adv. 满足地, 自满地, 沾沾自喜地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
66
blurted
|
|
| v.突然说出，脱口而出( blurt的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
67
standing
|
|
| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
68
muffled
|
|
| adj.（声音）被隔的；听不太清的；（衣服）裹严的；蒙住的v.压抑，捂住( muffle的过去式和过去分词 )；用厚厚的衣帽包着（自己） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
69
grunted
|
|
| （猪等）作呼噜声( grunt的过去式和过去分词 )； （指人）发出类似的哼声； 咕哝着说 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
70
grunt
|
|
| v.嘟哝；作呼噜声；n.呼噜声，嘟哝 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
71
thumped
|
|
| v.重击， （指心脏）急速跳动( thump的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
72
ribs
|
|
| n.肋骨( rib的名词复数 )；（船或屋顶等的）肋拱；肋骨状的东西；（织物的）凸条花纹 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
73
hissed
|
|
| 发嘶嘶声( hiss的过去式和过去分词 )； 发嘘声表示反对 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
74
assassination
|
|
| n.暗杀；暗杀事件 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
75
grizzly
|
|
| adj.略为灰色的，呈灰色的；n.灰色大熊 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
76
jaw
|
|
| n.颚，颌，说教，流言蜚语；v.喋喋不休，教训 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
77
smack
|
|
| vt.拍，打，掴；咂嘴；vi.含有…意味；n.拍 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
78
chivalry
|
|
| n.骑士气概，侠义；（男人）对女人彬彬有礼，献殷勤 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
79
idiocy
|
|
| n.愚蠢 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
80
grunts
|
|
| （猪等）作呼噜声( grunt的第三人称单数 )； （指人）发出类似的哼声； 咕哝着说； 石鲈 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
81
bent
|
|
| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
82
braced
|
|
| adj.拉牢的v.支住( brace的过去式和过去分词 )；撑牢；使自己站稳；振作起来 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
83
broil
|
|
| v.烤，烧，争吵，怒骂；n.烤，烧，争吵，怒骂 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
84
snarled
|
|
| v.（指狗）吠，嗥叫， （人）咆哮( snarl的过去式和过去分词 )；咆哮着说，厉声地说 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
85
tottered
|
|
| v.走得或动得不稳( totter的过去式和过去分词 )；踉跄；蹒跚；摇摇欲坠 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
86
accomplished
|
|
| adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
87
groaned
|
|
| v.呻吟( groan的过去式和过去分词 )；发牢骚；抱怨；受苦 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
88
groan
|
|
| vi./n.呻吟，抱怨；(发出)呻吟般的声音 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
89
lugubriously
|
|
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
90
prone
|
|
| adj.(to)易于…的，很可能…的；俯卧的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
91
prodded
|
|
| v.刺，戳( prod的过去式和过去分词 )；刺激；促使；（用手指或尖物）戳 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
92
prod
|
|
| vt.戳，刺；刺激，激励 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
93
monarch
|
|
| n.帝王，君主，最高统治者 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
94
windbag
|
|
| n.风囊，饶舌之人，好说话的人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
95
followers
|
|
| 追随者( follower的名词复数 )； 用户； 契据的附面； 从动件 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
96
proceedings
|
|
| n.进程，过程，议程；诉讼(程序)；公报 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
97
dealing
|
|
| n.经商方法，待人态度 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
98
briefcase
|
|
| n.手提箱，公事皮包 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
99
drawn
|
|
| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
100
deportation
|
|
| n.驱逐，放逐 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
101
judiciously
|
|
| adv.明断地，明智而审慎地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
102
bead
|
|
| n.念珠；(pl.)珠子项链；水珠 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
103
vile
|
|
| adj.卑鄙的，可耻的，邪恶的；坏透的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
104
tactic
|
|
| n.战略，策略；adj.战术的，有策略的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
105
guise
|
|
| n.外表，伪装的姿态 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
106
herded
|
|
| 群集，纠结( herd的过去式和过去分词 )； 放牧； （使）向…移动 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
107
restitution
|
|
| n.赔偿；恢复原状 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
108
violation
|
|
| n.违反(行为)，违背(行为)，侵犯 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
109
anguish
|
|
| n.(尤指心灵上的)极度痛苦，烦恼 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
110
outrage
|
|
| n.暴行，侮辱，愤怒；vt.凌辱，激怒 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
111
disillusioning
|
|
| 使不再抱幻想，使理想破灭( disillusion的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
|
112
negotiation
|
|
| n.谈判，协商 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
113
scrupulous
|
|
| adj.审慎的，小心翼翼的，完全的，纯粹的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
114
scrawled
|
|
| 乱涂，潦草地写( scrawl的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
115
strap
|
|
| n.皮带，带子；v.用带扣住，束牢；用绷带包扎 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
116
rascals
|
|
| 流氓( rascal的名词复数 )； 无赖； （开玩笑说法）淘气的人（尤指小孩）； 恶作剧的人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
117
throttle
|
|
| n.节流阀，节气阀，喉咙；v.扼喉咙，使窒息，压 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
118
scrap
|
|
| n.碎片；废料；v.废弃，报废 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
119
sluggish
|
|
| adj.懒惰的，迟钝的，无精打采的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
120
buck
|
|
| n.雄鹿，雄兔；v.马离地跳跃 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
121
buckled
|
|
| a. 有带扣的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
122
precedent
|
|
| n.先例，前例；惯例；adj.在前的，在先的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
123
negotiations
|
|
| 协商( negotiation的名词复数 )； 谈判； 完成（难事）； 通过 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
124
decided
|
|
| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
125
thrift
|
|
| adj.节约，节俭；n.节俭，节约 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
126
remarkable
|
|
| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
127
consolidate
|
|
| v.使加固，使加强；(把...)联为一体，合并 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
128
finesse
|
|
| n.精密技巧，灵巧，手腕 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
129
frivolous
|
|
| adj.轻薄的；轻率的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
130
hordes
|
|
| n.移动着的一大群( horde的名词复数 )；部落 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
131
velvet
|
|
| n.丝绒，天鹅绒；adj.丝绒制的，柔软的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
| 欢迎访问英文小说网 |