“Seven marble tombstones are lifted from off my chest!” exclaimed the story-teller when he could greet her. “How did your subterfuge8 proceed, and with what satisfaction was the history of Weng Cho received?”
“That,” replied Hwa-mei modestly, “will provide the matter for an autumn tale, when seated around a pine-cone fire. In the meanwhile this protracted10 ordeal11 takes an ambiguous bend.”
“To what further end does the malignity13 of the ill-made Ming-shu now shape itself? Should it entail14 a second peril15 to your head—”
“The one whom you so justly name fades for a moment out of our concern. Burdened with a secret mission he journeys to Hing-poo, nor does the Mandarin16 Shan Tien hold another court until the day of his return.”
“That gives a breathing space of time to our ambitions?”
“So much is assured. Yet even in that a subtle danger lurks17. Certain contingencies18 have become involved in the recital19 of your admittedly ingenious stories which the future unfolding of events may not always justify20. For instance, the very speculative21 Shan Tien, casting his usual moderate limit to the skies, has accepted the Luminous22 Insect as a beckoning23 omen7, and immersed himself deeply in the chances of every candidate bearing the name of Lao, Ting, Li, Tzu, Sung, Chu, Wang or Chin. Should all these fail incapably24 at the trials a very undignified period in the Mandarin’s general manner of expressing himself may intervene.”
“Had the time at the disposal of this person been sufficiently25 enlarged he would not have omitted the various maxims26 arising from the tale,” admitted Kai Lung, with a shadow of remorse27. “That suited to the need of a credulous28 and ill-balanced mind would doubtless be the proverb: ‘He who believes in gambling29 will live to sell his sandals.’ It is regrettable if the well-intending Mandarin took the wrong one. Fortunately another moon will fade before the results are known—”
“In the meantime,” continued the maiden30, indicating by a glance that what she had to relate was more essential to the requirements of the moment than anything he was saying: “Shan Tien is by no means indisposed towards your cause. Your unassuming attitude and deep research have enlarged your wisdom in his eyes. To-morrow he will send for you to lean upon your well-stored mind.”
“Is the emergency one for which any special preparation is required?” questioned Kai Lung.
“That is the message of my warning. Of late a company of grateful friends has given the Mandarin an inlaid coffin31 to mark the sense of their indebtedness, the critical nature of the times rendering32 the gift peculiarly appropriate. Thus provided, Shan Tien has cast his eyes around to secure a burial robe worthy34 of the casket. The merchants proffer35 many, each endowed with all the qualities, but meanwhile doubts arise, and now Shan Tien would turn to you to learn what is the true and ancient essential of the garment, and wherein its virtue36 should reside.”
“The call will not find me inept,” replied Kai Lung. “The story of Wang Ho—”
“It is enough,” exclaimed the maiden warningly. “The time for wandering together in the garden of the imagination has not yet arrived. Ming-shu’s feet are on a journey, it is true, but his eyes are doubtless left behind. Until a like hour to-morrow gladdens our expectant gaze, farewell!”
On the following day, at about the stroke of the usual court, Li-loe approached Kai Lung with a grievous look.
“Alas37, manlet,” he exclaimed, “here is one direct from the presence of our high commander, requiring you against his thumb-signed bond. Go you must, and that alone, whether it be for elevation38 on a tree or on a couch. Out of an insatiable friendship this one would accompany you, were it possible, equally to hold your hand if you are to die or hold your cup if you are to feast. Yet touching40 that same cask of hidden wine there is still time—”
“Cease, mooncalf,” replied Kai Lung reprovingly. “This is but an eddy41 on the surface of a moving stream. It comes, it goes; and the waters press on as before.”
Then Kai Lung, neither bound nor wearing the wooden block, was led into the presence of Shan Tien, and allowed to seat himself upon the floor as though he plied9 his daily trade.
“Sooner or later it will certainly devolve upon this person to condemn42 you to a violent end,” remarked the far-seeing Mandarin reassuringly43. “In the ensuing interval44, however, there is no need for either of us to dwell upon what must be regarded as an unpleasant necessity.”
“Yet no crime has been committed, beneficence,” Kai Lung ventured to protest; “nor in his attitude before your virtuous45 self has this one been guilty of any act of disrespect.”
“You have shown your mind to be both wide and deep, and suitably lined,” declared Shan Tien, dexterously46 avoiding the weightier part of the story-teller’s plea. “A question now arises as to the efficacy of embroidered48 coffin cloths, and wherein their potent49 merit lies. Out of your well-stored memory declare your knowledge of this sort, conveying the solid information in your usual palatable50 way.”
“I bow, High Excellence,” replied Kai Lung. “This concerns the story of Wang Ho.”
The Story of Wang Ho and the Burial Robe
There was a time when it did not occur to anyone in this pure and enlightened Empire to question the settled and existing order of affairs. It would have been well for the merchant Wang Ho had he lived in that happy era. But, indeed, it is now no unheard-of thing for an ordinary person to suggest that customs which have been established for centuries might with advantage be changed—a form of impiety51 which is in no degree removed from declaring oneself to be wiser or more profound than one’s ancestors! Scarcely more seemly is this than irregularity in maintaining the Tablets or observing the Rites52; and how narrow is the space dividing these delinquencies from the actual crimes of overturning images, counselling rebellion, joining in insurrection and resorting to indiscriminate piracy53 and bloodshed.
Certainly the merchant Wang Ho would be a thousand taels wealthier to-day if he had fully54 considered this in advance. Nor would Cheng Lin—but who attempts to eat an orange without first disposing of the peel, or what manner of a dwelling55 could be erected56 unless an adequate foundation be first provided?
Wang Ho, then, let it be stated, was one who had early in life amassed57 a considerable fortune by advising those whose intention it was to hazard their earnings58 in the State Lotteries59 as to the numbers that might be relied upon to be successful, or, if not actually successful, those at least that were not already predestined by malign12 influences to be absolutely incapable60 of success. These chances Wang Ho at first forecast by means of dreams, portents61 and other manifestations62 of an admittedly supernatural tendency, but as his name grew large and the number of his clients increased vastly, while his capacity for dreaming remained the same, he found it no less effective to close his eyes and to become inspired rapidly of numbers as they were thus revealed to him.
Occasionally Wang Ho was the recipient63 of an appropriate bag of money from one who had profited by his advice, but it was not his custom to rely upon this contingency64 as a source of income, nor did he in any eventuality return the amount which had been agreed upon (and invariably deposited with him in advance) as the reward of his inspired efforts. To those who sought him in a contentious65 spirit, inquiring why he did not find it more profitable to secure the prizes for himself, Wang Ho replied that his enterprise consisted in forecasting the winning numbers for State Lotteries and not in solving enigmas66, writing deprecatory odes, composing epitaphs or conducting any of the other numerous occupations that could be mentioned. As this plausible67 evasion68 was accompanied by the courteous69 display of the many weapons which he always wore at different convenient points of his attire70, the incident invariably ended in a manner satisfactory to Wang Ho.
Thus positioned Wang Ho prospered71, and had in the course of years acquired a waist of honourable72 proportions, when the unrolling course of events influenced him to abandon his lucrative73 enterprise. It was not that he failed in any way to become as inspired as before; indeed, with increasing practice he attained74 a fluency76 that enabled him to outdistance every rival, so that on the occasion of one lottery77 he afterwards privately78 discovered that he had predicted the success of every possible combination of numbers, thus enabling those who followed his advice (as he did not fail to announce in inscriptions79 of vermilion assurance) to secure—among them—every variety of prize offered.
But, about this time, the chief wife of Wang Ho having been greeted with amiable80 condescension81 by the chief wife of a high official of the Province, and therefrom in an almost equal manner by the wives of even higher officials, the one in question began to abandon herself to a more rapidly outlined manner of existence than formerly82, and to involve Wang Ho in a like attitude, so that presently this ill-considering merchant, who but a short time before would have unhesitatingly cast himself bodily to earth on the approach of a city magistrate83, now acquired the habit of alluding84 to mandarins in casual conversation by names of affectionate abbreviation. Also, being advised of the expediency85 by a voice speaking in an undertone, he sought still further to extend beyond himself by suffering his nails to grow long and obliterating86 his name from the public announcements upon the city walls.
In spite of this ambitious sacrifice Wang Ho could not entirely87 shed from his habit a propensity88 to associate with those requiring advice on matters involving financial transactions. He could no longer conduct enterprises which entailed89 many clients and the lavish90 display of his name, but in the society of necessitous persons who were related to others of distinction he allowed it to be inferred that he was benevolently91 disposed and had a greater sufficiency of taels than he could otherwise make use of. He also involved himself, for the benefit of those whom he esteemed92, in transactions connected with pieces of priceless jade93, jars of wine of an especially fragrant94 character, and pictures of reputable antiquity95. In the written manner of these transactions (for it is useless to conceal96 the fact that Wang Ho was incapable of tracing the characters of his own name) he employed a youth whom he never suffered to appear from beyond the background. Cheng Lin is thus brought naturally and unobtrusively into the narrative97.
Had Cheng Lin come into the world when a favourably98 disposed band of demons99 was in the ascendant he would certainly have merited an earlier and more embellished100 appearance in this written chronicle. So far, however, nothing but omens101 of an ill-destined obscurity had beset102 his career. For many years two ambitions alone had contained his mind, both inextricably merged103 into one current and neither with any appearance of ever flowing into its desired end. The first was to pass the examination of the fourth degree of proficiency104 in the great literary competitions, and thereby105 qualify for a small official post where, in the course of a few years, he might reasonably hope to be forgotten in all beyond the detail of being allotted106 every third moon an unostentatious adequacy of taels. This distinction Cheng Lin felt to be well within his power of attainment107 could he but set aside three uninterrupted years for study, but to do this would necessitate108 the possession of something like a thousand taels of silver, and Lin might as well fix his eyes upon the great sky-lantern itself.
Dependent on this, but in no great degree removed from it, was the hope of being able to entwine into that future the actuality of Hsi Mean, a very desirable maiden whom it was Cheng Lin’s practice to meet by chance on the river bank when his heavily-weighted duties for the day were over.
To those who will naturally ask why Cheng Lin, if really sincere in his determination, could not imperceptibly acquire even so large a sum as a thousand taels while in the house of the wealthy Wang Ho, immersed as the latter person was with the pursuit of the full face of high mandarins and further embarrassed by a profuse109 illiteracy110, it should be sufficient to apply the warning: “Beware of helping111 yourself to corn from the manger of the blind mule112.”
In spite of his preoccupation Wang Ho never suffered his mind to wander when sums of money were concerned, and his inability to express himself by written signs only engendered113 in his alert brain an ever-present decision not to be entrapped114 by their use. Frequently, Cheng Lin found small sums of money lying in such a position as to induce the belief that they had been forgotten, but upon examining them closely he invariably found upon them marks by which they could be recognized if the necessity arose; he therefore had no hesitation115 in returning them to Wang Ho with a seemly reference to the extreme improbability of the merchant actually leaving money thus unguarded, and to the lack of respect which it showed to Cheng Lin himself to expect that a person of his integrity should be tempted116 by so insignificant117 an amount. Wang Ho always admitted the justice of the reproach, but he did not on any future occasion materially increase the sum in question, so that it is to be doubted if his heart was sincere.
It was on the evening of such an incident that Lin walked with Mean by the side of the lotus-burdened Hoang-keng expressing himself to the effect that instead of lilies her hair was worthy to be bound up with pearls of a like size, and that beneath her feet there should be spread a carpet not of verdure, but of the finest Chang-hi silk, embroidered with five-clawed dragons and other emblems118 of royal authority, nor was Mean in any way displeased119 by this indication of extravagant120 taste on her lover’s part, though she replied:
“The only jewels that this person desires are the enduring glances of pure affection with which you, O my phoenix121 one, entwined the lilies about her hair, and the only carpet that she would crave122 would be the embroidered design created by the four feet of the two persons who are now conversing123 together for ever henceforth walking in uninterrupted harmony.”
“Yet, alas!” exclaimed Lin, “that enchanting124 possibility seems to be more remotely positioned than ever. Again has the clay-souled Wang Ho, on the pretext125 that he can no longer make his in and out taels meet, sought to diminish the monthly inadequacy126 of cash with which he rewards this person’s conscientious127 services.”
“Undoubtedly129 that opaque-eyed merchant will shortly meet a revengeful fire-breathing vampire130 when walking alone on the edge of a narrow precipice,” exclaimed Mean sympathetically. “Yet have you pressingly laid the facts before the spirits of your distinguished131 ancestors with a request for their direct intervention132?”
“The expedient133 has not been neglected,” replied Lin, “and appropriate sacrifices have accompanied the request. But even while in the form of an ordinary existence the venerable ones in question were becoming distant in their powers of hearing, and doubtless with increasing years the ineptitude134 has grown. It would almost seem that in the case of a person so obtuse135 as Wang Ho is, more direct means would have to be employed.”
“It is well said,” assented136 Mean, “that those who are unmoved by the thread of a vat39 of flaming sulphur in the Beyond, rend33 the air if they chance to step on a burning cinder137 here on earth.”
“The suggestion is a timely one,” replied Lin. “Wang Ho’s weak spot lies between his hat and his sandals. Only of late, feeling the natural infirmities of time pressing about him, he has expended138 a thousand taels in the purchase of an elaborate burial robe, which he wears on every fit occasion, so that the necessity for its ultimate use may continue to be remote.”
“A thousand taels!” repeated Mean. “With that sum you could—”
“Assuredly. The coincidence may embody139 something in the nature of an omen favourable140 to ourselves. At the moment, however, this person has not any clear-cut perception of how the benefit may be attained.”
“The amount referred to has already passed into the hands of the merchant in burial robes?”
“Irrevocably. In the detail of the transference of actual sums of money Wang Ho walks hand in hand with himself from door to door. The pieces of silver are by this time beneath the floor of Shen Heng’s inner chamber141.”
“Shen Heng?”
“The merchant in silk and costly142 fabrics144, who lives beneath the sign of the Golden Abacus145. It was from him—”
“Truly. It is for him that this person’s sister Min works the finest embroideries146. Doubtless this very robe—”
“It is of blue silk edged with sand pearls in a line of three depths. Felicitations on long life and a list of the most venerable persons of all times serve to remind the controlling deities147 to what length human endurance can proceed if suitably encouraged. These are designed in letters of threaded gold. Inferior spirits are equally invoked148 in characters of silver.”
“The description is sharp-pointed. It is upon this robe that the one referred to has been ceaselessly engaged for several moons. On account of her narrow span of years, no less than her nimble-jointed dexterity149, she is justly esteemed among those whose wares150 are guaranteed to be permeated151 with the spirit of rejuvenation152.”
“Thereby enabling the enterprising Shen Heng to impose a special detail into his account: ‘For employing the services of one who will embroider47 into the fabric143 of the robe the vital principles of youth and long-life-to-come—an added fifty taels.’ Did she of your house benefit to a proportionate extent?”
Mean indicated a contrary state of things by a graceful153 movement of her well-arranged eyebrows154.
“Not only that,” she added, “but the sordid-minded Shen Heng, on a variety of pretexts155, has diminished the sum Min was to receive at the completion of the work, until that which should have required a full hand to grasp could be efficiently156 covered by two attenuated157 fingers. From this cause Min is vindictively158 inclined towards him and, steadfastly159 refusing to bend her feet in the direction of his workshop, she has, between one melancholy160 and another, involved herself in a dark distemper.”
As Mean unfolded the position lying between her sister Min and the merchant Shen Heng, Lin grew thoughtful, and, although it was not his nature to express the changing degrees of emotion by varying the appearance of his face, he did not conceal from Mean that her words had fastened themselves upon his imagination.
“Let us rest here a while,” he suggested presently. “That which you say, added to what I already know, may, under the guidance of a sincere mind, put a much more rainbow-like outlook on our combined future than hitherto appeared probable.”
So they composed themselves about the bank of the river, while Lin questioned her more closely as to those things of which she had spoken. Finally, he laid certain injunctions upon her for her immediate161 guidance. Then, it being now the hour of middle light, they returned, Mean accompanying her voice to the melody of stringed wood, as she related songs of those who have passed through great endurances to a state of assured contentment. To Lin it seemed as though the city leapt forward to meet them, so narrow was the space of time involved in reaching it.
A few days later Wang Ho was engaged in the congenial occupation of marking a few pieces of brass162 cash before secreting163 them where Cheng Lin must inevitably164 displace them, when the person in question quietly stood before him. Thereupon Wang Ho returned the money to his inner sleeve, ineptly165 remarking that when the sun rose it was futile166 to raise a lantern to the sky to guide the stars.
“Rather is it said, ‘From three things cross the road to avoid: a falling tree, your chief and second wives whispering in agreement, and a goat wearing a leopard’s tail,’” replied Lin, thus rebuking167 Wang Ho, not only for his crafty168 intention, but also as to the obtuseness169 of the proverb he had quoted. “Nevertheless, O Wang Ho, I approach you on a matter of weighty consequence.”
“To-morrow approaches,” replied the merchant evasively. “If it concerns the detail of the reduction of your monthly adequacy, my word has become unbending iron.”
“It is written: ‘Cho Sing collected feathers to make a garment for his canary when it began to moult,’” replied Lin acquiescently. “The care of so insignificant a person as myself may safely be left to the Protecting Forces, esteemed. This matter touches your own condition.”
“In that case you cannot be too specific.” Wang Ho lowered himself into a reclining couch, thereby indicating that the subject was not one for hasty dismissal, at the same time motioning to Lin that he should sit upon the floor. “Doubtless you have some remunerative170 form of enterprise to suggest to me?”
“Can a palsied finger grasp a proffered171 coin? The matter strikes more deeply at your very existence, honoured chief.”
“Alas!” exclaimed Wang Ho, unable to retain the usual colour of his appearance, “the attention of a devoted servant is somewhat like Tohen-hi Yang’s spiked172 throne—it torments173 those whom it supports. However, the word has been spoken—let the sentence be filled in.”
“The full roundness of your illustrious outline is as a display of coloured lights to gladden my commonplace vision,” replied Lin submissively. “Admittedly of late, however, an element of dampness has interfered174 with the brilliance175 of the display.”
“Speak clearly and regardless of polite evasion,” commanded Wang Ho. “My internal organs have for some time suspected that hostile influences were at work. For how long have you noticed this, as it may be expressed, falling off?”
“My mind is as refined crystal before your compelling glance,” admitted Lin. “Ever since it has been your custom to wear the funeral robe fashioned by Shen Heng has your noble shadow suffered erosion.”
This answer, converging176 as it did upon the doubts that had already assailed177 the merchant’s satisfaction, convinced him of Cheng Lin’s discrimination, while it increased his own suspicion. He had for some little time found that after wearing the robe he invariably suffered pangs178 that could only be attributed to the influence of malign and obscure Beings. It is true that the occasions of his wearing the robe were elaborate and many-coursed feasts, when he and his guests had partaken lavishly179 of birds’ nests, sharks’ fins180, sea snails181 and other viands182 of a rich and glutinous183 nature. But if he could not both wear the funeral robe and partake unstintingly of well-spiced food, the harmonious184 relation of things was imperilled; and, as it was since the introduction of the funeral robe into his habit that matters had assumed a more poignant185 phase, it was clear that the influence of the funeral robe was at the root of the trouble.
“Yet,” protested Wang Ho, “the Mandarin Ling-ni boasts that he has already lengthened186 the span of his natural life several years by such an expedient, and my friend the high official T’cheng asserts that, while wearing a much less expensive robe than mine, he feels the essence of an increased vitality187 passing continuously into his being. Why, then, am I marked out for this infliction188, Cheng Lin?”
“Revered,” replied Lin, with engaging candour, “the inconveniences of living in a country so densely189 populated with demons, vampires190, spirits, ghouls, dragons, omens, forces and influences, both good and bad, as our own unapproachably favoured Empire is, cannot be evaded191 from one end of life to the other. How much greater is the difficulty when the prescribed forms for baffling the ill-disposed among the unseen appear to have been wrongly angled by those framing the Rites!”
Wang Ho made a gesture of despair. It conveyed to Lin’s mind the wise reminder192 of N’sy-hing: “When one is inquiring for a way to escape from an advancing tiger, flowers of speech assume the form of noisome193 bird-weed.” He therefore continued:
“Hitherto it has been assumed that for a funeral robe to exercise its most beneficial force it should be the work of a maiden of immature194 years, the assumption being that, having a prolonged period of existence before her, the influence of longevity195 would pass through her fingers into the garment and in turn fortify196 the wearer.”
“Assuredly,” agreed Wang Ho anxiously. “Thus was the analogy outlined to me by one skilled in the devices, and the logic197 of it seems unassailable.”
“Yet,” objected Lin, with sympathetic concern in his voice, “how unfortunate must be the position of a person involved in a robe that has been embroidered by one who, instead of a long life, has been marked out by the Destinies for premature198 decay and an untimely death! For in that case the influence—”
“Such instances,” interrupted Wang Ho, helping himself profusely199 to rice-spirit from a jar near at hand, “must providentially be of rare occurrence?”
“Esteemed head,” replied Lin, helping Wang Ho to yet another superfluity of rice-spirit, “there are moments when it behoves each of us to maintain an unflaccid outline. Suspecting the true cause of your declining radiance, I have, at an involved expenditure200 of seven taels and three hand counts of brash cash, pursued this matter to its ultimate source. The robe in question owes its attainment to one Min, of the obscure house of Hsi, who recently ceased to have an existence while her years yet numbered short of a score. Not only was it the last work upon which she was engaged, but so closely were the two identified that her abrupt201 Passing Beyond must certainly exercise a corresponding effect upon any subsequent wearer.”
“Alas!” exclaimed Wang Ho, feeling many of the symptoms of contagion202 already manifesting themselves about his body. “Was the infliction of a painless nature?”
“As to whether it was leprosy, the spotted203 plague, or acute demoniacal possession, the degraded Shen Heng maintains an unworthy silence. Indeed, at the mention of Hsi Min’s name he wraps his garment about his head and rolls upon the floor—from which the worst may be inferred. They of Min’s house, however, are less capable of guile204, and for an adequate consideration, while not denying that Shen Heng has paid them to maintain a stealthy silence, they freely admit that the facts are as they have been stated.”
“In that case, Shen Heng shall certainly return the thousand taels in exchange for this discreditable burial robe,” exclaimed Wang Ho vindictively.
“Venerated205 personality,” said Lin, with unabated loyalty206, “the essential part of the development is to safeguard your own incomparable being against every danger. Shen Heng may be safely left to the avenging207 demons that are ever lying in wait for the contemptible208.”
“The first part of your remark is inspired,” agreed Wang Ho, his incapable mind already beginning to assume a less funereal209 forecast. “Proceed, regardless of all obstacles.”
“Consider the outcome of publicly compelling Shen Heng to undo128 the transaction, even if it could be legally achieved! Word of the calamity210 would pass on heated breath, each succeeding one becoming more heavily embroidered than the robe itself. The yamens and palaces of your distinguished friends would echo with the once honoured name of Wang Ho, now associated with every form of malignant211 distemper and impending212 fate. All would hasten to withdraw themselves from the contagion of your overhanging end.”
“Am I, then,” demanded Wang Ho, “to suffer the loss of a thousand taels and retain an inadequate213 and detestable burial robe that will continue to exercise its malign influence over my being?”
“By no means,” replied Lin confidently. “But be warned by the precept214: ‘Do not burn down your house in order to inconvenience even your chief wife’s mother.’ Sooner or later a relation of Shen Heng’s will turn his steps towards your inner office. You can then, without undue215 effort, impose on him the thousand taels that you have suffered loss from those of his house. In the meantime a device must be sought for exchanging your dangerous but imposing-looking robe for one of proved efficiency.”
“It begins to assume a definite problem in this person’s mind as to whether such a burial robe exists,” declared Wang Ho stubbornly.
“Yet it cannot be denied, when a reliable system is adopted in the fabrication,” protested Lin. “For a score and five years the one to whom this person owes his being has worn such a robe.”
“Fourscore years and three parts of yet another score.”
“And the robe in question eventually accompanied him when he Passed Beyond?”
“Doubtless it will. He is still wearing it,” replied Lin, as one who speaks of casual occurrences.
“Is he, then, at so advanced an age, in the state of an ordinary existence?”
“Assuredly. Fortified216 by the virtue emanating217 from the garment referred to, it is his deliberate intention to continue here for yet another score of years at least.”
“Esteemed,” replied Lin, “it is a matter that has long been suspected among the observant. Unfortunately, the Ruby219 Buttons of the past mistakenly formulated220 that the essence of continuous existence was imparted to a burial robe through the hands of a young maiden—hence so many deplorable experiences. The proper person to be so employed is undoubtedly one of ripe attainment, for only thereby can the claim to possess the vital principle be assured.”
“Was the robe which has so effectively sustained your meritorious221 father thus constructed?” inquired Wang Ho, inviting222 Lin to recline himself upon a couch by a gesture as of one who discovers for the first time that an honoured guest has been overlooked.
“It is of ancient make, and thereby in the undiscriminating eye perhaps somewhat threadbare; but to the desert-traveller all wells are sparkling,” replied Lin. “A venerable woman, inspired of certain magic wisdom, which she wove into the texture224, to the exclusion225 of the showier qualities, designed it at the age of threescore years and three short of another score. She was engaged upon its fabrication yet another seven, and finally Passed Upwards226 at an attainment of three hundred and thirty-three years, three moons, and three days, thus conforming to all the principles of allowed witchcraft227.”
“Cheng Lin,” said Wang Ho amiably228, pouring out for the one whom he addressed a full measure of rice-spirit, “the duty that an obedient son owes even to a grasping and self-indulgent father has in the past been pressed to a too-conspicuous front, at the expense of the harmonious relation that should exist between a comfortably-positioned servant and a generous and broad-minded master. Now in the matter of these two coffin cloths—”
“My ears are widely opened towards your auspicious229 words, benevolence,” replied Lin.
“You, Cheng Lin, are still too young to be concerned with the question of Passing Beyond; your imperishable father is, one is compelled to say, already old enough to go. As regards both persons, therefore, the assumed virtue of one burial robe above another should be merely a matter of speculative interest. Now if some arrangement should be suggested, not unprofitable to yourself, by which one robe might be imperceptibly substituted for another—and, after all, one burial robe is very like another—”
“The prospect230 of deceiving a trustful and venerated sire is so ignoble231 that scarcely any material gain would be a fitting compensation—were it not for the fact that an impending loss of vision renders the deception232 somewhat easy to accomplish. Proceed, therefore, munificence233, towards a precise statement of your open-handed prodigality234.”
Indescribable was the bitterness of Shen Heng’s throat when Cheng Lin unfolded his burden and revealed the Wang Ho thousand-tael burial robe, with an unassuming request for the return of the purchase money, either in gold or honourable paper, as the article was found unsuitable. Shen Heng shook the rafters of the Golden Abacus with indignation, and called upon his domestic demons, the spirits of eleven generations of embroidering235 ancestors, and the illuminated236 tablets containing the High Code and Authority of the Distinguished Brotherhood237 of Coffin Cloth and Burial Robe Makers238 in protest against so barbarous an innovation.
Bowing repeatedly and modestly expressing himself to the effect that it was incredible that he was not justly struck dead before the sublime239 spectacle of Shen Heng’s virtuous indignation, Cheng Lin carefully produced the written lines of the agreement, gently directing the Distinguished Brother’s fire-kindling eyes to an indicated detail. It was a provision that the robe should be returned and the purchase money restored if the garment was not all that was therein stipulated240: with his invariable painstaking241 loyalty Lin had insisted upon this safeguard when he drew up the form, although, probably from a disinclination to extol242 his own services, he had omitted mentioning the fact to Wang Ho in their recent conversation.
With deprecating firmness Lin directed Shen Heng’s reluctant eyes to another line—the unfortunate exaction243 of fifty taels in return for the guarantee that the robe should be permeated with the spirit of rejuvenation. As the undoubted embroiderer244 of the robe—one Min of the family of Hsi—had admittedly Passed Beyond almost with the last stitch, it was evident that she could only have conveyed by her touch an entirely contrary emanation. If, as Shen Heng never ceased to declare, Min was still somewhere alive, let her be produced and a fitting token of reconciliation245 would be forthcoming; otherwise, although with the acutest reluctance246, it would be necessary to carry the claim to the court of the chief District Mandarin, and (Cheng Lin trembled at the sacrilegious thought) it would be impossible to conceal the fact that Shen Heng employed persons of inauspicious omen, and the high repute of coffin cloths from the Golden Abacus would be lost. The hint arrested Shen Heng’s fingers in the act of tearing out a handful of his beautiful pigtail. For the first time he noticed, with intense self-reproach, that Lin was not reclining on a couch.
The amiable discussion that followed, conducted with discriminating223 dignity by Shen Heng and conscientious humility247 on the part of Cheng Lin, extended from one gong-stroke before noon until close upon the time for the evening rice. The details arrived at were that Shen Heng should deliver to Lin eight-hundred and seventy-five taels against the return of the robe. He would also press upon that person a silk purse with an onyx clasp, containing twenty-five taels, as a deliberate mark of his individual appreciation248 and quite apart from anything to do with the transaction on hand. All suggestions of anything other than the strictest high-mindedness were withdrawn249 from both sides. In order that the day should not be wholly destitute250 of sunshine at the Golden Abacus, Lin declared his intention of purchasing, at a price not exceeding three taels and a half, the oldest and most unattractive burial robe that the stock contained. So moved was Shen Heng by this delicate consideration that he refused to accept more than two taels and three-quarters. Moreover, he added for Lin’s acceptance a small jar of crystallized limpets.
To those short-sighted ones who profess251 to discover in the conduct of Cheng Lin (now an official of the seventeenth grade and drawing his quarterly sufficiency of taels in a distant province) something not absolutely honourably252 arranged, it is only necessary to display the ultimate end as it affected253 those persons in any way connected.
Wang Ho thus obtained a burial robe in which he was able to repose254 absolute confidence. Doubtless it would have sustained him to an advanced age had he not committed self-ending, in the ordinary way of business, a few years later.
Shen Heng soon disposed of the returned garment for two thousand taels to a person who had become prematurely255 wealthy owing to the distressed256 state of the Empire. In addition he had sold, for more than two taels, a robe which he had no real expectation of ever selling at all.
Min, made welcome at the house of Mean and Lin, removed with them to that distant province. There she found that the remuneration for burial robe embroidery257 was greater than she had ever obtained before. With the money thus amassed she was able to marry an official of noble rank.
The father of Cheng Lin had passed into the Upper Air many years before the incidents with which this related narrative concerns itself. He is thus in no way affected. But Lin did not neglect, in the time of his prosperity, to transmit to him frequent sacrifices of seasonable delicacies258 suited to his condition.
点击
收听单词发音
收听单词发音 |
1
shutter
|
|
| n.百叶窗；(照相机)快门；关闭装置 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
2
avowal
|
|
| n.公开宣称，坦白承认 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
3
devoted
|
|
| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
4
piecemeal
|
|
| adj.零碎的；n.片，块；adv.逐渐地；v.弄成碎块 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
5
incur
|
|
| vt.招致，蒙受，遭遇 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
6
gild
|
|
| vt.给…镀金，把…漆成金色，使呈金色 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
7
omen
|
|
| n.征兆，预兆；vt.预示 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
8
subterfuge
|
|
| n.诡计；藉口 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
9
plied
|
|
| v.使用（工具）( ply的过去式和过去分词 )；经常供应（食物、饮料）；固定往来；经营生意 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
10
protracted
|
|
| adj.拖延的；延长的v.拖延“protract”的过去式和过去分词 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
11
ordeal
|
|
| n.苦难经历，（尤指对品格、耐力的）严峻考验 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
12
malign
|
|
| adj.有害的；恶性的；恶意的；v.诽谤，诬蔑 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
13
malignity
|
|
| n.极度的恶意，恶毒；（病的）恶性 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
14
entail
|
|
| vt.使承担，使成为必要，需要 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
15
peril
|
|
| n.(严重的)危险；危险的事物 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
16
Mandarin
|
|
| n.中国官话，国语，满清官吏；adj.华丽辞藻的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
17
lurks
|
|
| n.潜在，潜伏；（lurk的复数形式）vi.潜伏，埋伏（lurk的第三人称单数形式） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
18
contingencies
|
|
| n.偶然发生的事故，意外事故( contingency的名词复数 )；以备万一 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
19
recital
|
|
| n.朗诵，独奏会，独唱会 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
20
justify
|
|
| vt.证明…正当(或有理)，为…辩护 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
21
speculative
|
|
| adj.思索性的，暝想性的，推理的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
22
luminous
|
|
| adj.发光的，发亮的；光明的；明白易懂的；有启发的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
23
beckoning
|
|
| adj.引诱人的，令人心动的v.（用头或手的动作）示意，召唤( beckon的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
24
incapably
|
|
| adj.无能力的，不会的；不能的；[法]没有资格的；不舞之鹤 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
25
sufficiently
|
|
| adv.足够地，充分地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
26
maxims
|
|
| n.格言，座右铭( maxim的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
27
remorse
|
|
| n.痛恨，悔恨，自责 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
28
credulous
|
|
| adj.轻信的，易信的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
29
gambling
|
|
| n.赌博；投机 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
30
maiden
|
|
| n.少女，处女；adj.未婚的，纯洁的，无经验的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
31
coffin
|
|
| n.棺材，灵柩 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
32
rendering
|
|
| n.表现，描写 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
33
rend
|
|
| vt.把…撕开，割裂；把…揪下来，强行夺取 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
34
worthy
|
|
| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
35
proffer
|
|
| v.献出，赠送；n.提议，建议 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
36
virtue
|
|
| n.德行，美德；贞操；优点；功效，效力 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
37
alas
|
|
| int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
38
elevation
|
|
| n.高度；海拔；高地；上升；提高 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
39
vat
|
|
| n.(=value added tax)增值税，大桶 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
40
touching
|
|
| adj.动人的，使人感伤的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
41
eddy
|
|
| n.漩涡，涡流 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
42
condemn
|
|
| vt.谴责，指责；宣判(罪犯)，判刑 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
43
reassuringly
|
|
| ad.安心，可靠 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
44
interval
|
|
| n.间隔，间距；幕间休息，中场休息 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
45
virtuous
|
|
| adj.有品德的，善良的，贞洁的，有效力的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
46
dexterously
|
|
| adv.巧妙地，敏捷地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
47
embroider
|
|
| v.刺绣于(布)上；给…添枝加叶，润饰 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
48
embroidered
|
|
| adj．绣花的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
49
potent
|
|
| adj.强有力的，有权势的；有效力的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
50
palatable
|
|
| adj.可口的，美味的；惬意的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
51
impiety
|
|
| n.不敬；不孝 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
52
rites
|
|
| 仪式，典礼( rite的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
53
piracy
|
|
| n.海盗行为，剽窃，著作权侵害 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
54
fully
|
|
| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
55
dwelling
|
|
| n.住宅，住所，寓所 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
56
ERECTED
|
|
| adj. 直立的，竖立的，笔直的 vt. 使 ... 直立，建立 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
57
amassed
|
|
| v.积累，积聚( amass的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
58
earnings
|
|
| n.工资收人；利润，利益，所得 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
59
lotteries
|
|
| n.抽彩给奖法( lottery的名词复数 )；碰运气的事；彩票；彩券 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
60
incapable
|
|
| adj.无能力的，不能做某事的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
61
portents
|
|
| n.预兆( portent的名词复数 )；征兆；怪事；奇物 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
62
manifestations
|
|
| n.表示，显示（manifestation的复数形式） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
63
recipient
|
|
| a.接受的,感受性强的 n.接受者,感受者,容器 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
64
contingency
|
|
| n.意外事件，可能性 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
65
contentious
|
|
| adj.好辩的，善争吵的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
66
enigmas
|
|
| n.难于理解的问题、人、物、情况等，奥秘( enigma的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
67
plausible
|
|
| adj.似真实的，似乎有理的，似乎可信的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
68
evasion
|
|
| n.逃避，偷漏(税) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
69
courteous
|
|
| adj.彬彬有礼的，客气的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
70
attire
|
|
| v.穿衣，装扮[同]array；n.衣着；盛装 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
71
prospered
|
|
| 成功，兴旺( prosper的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
72
honourable
|
|
| adj.可敬的；荣誉的，光荣的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
73
lucrative
|
|
| adj.赚钱的，可获利的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
74
attained
|
|
| （通常经过努力）实现( attain的过去式和过去分词 )； 达到； 获得； 达到（某年龄、水平、状况） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
75
attain
|
|
| vt.达到，获得，完成 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
76
fluency
|
|
| n.流畅，雄辩，善辩 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
77
lottery
|
|
| n.抽彩；碰运气的事，难于算计的事 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
78
privately
|
|
| adv.以私人的身份，悄悄地，私下地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
79
inscriptions
|
|
| （作者）题词( inscription的名词复数 )； 献词； 碑文； 证劵持有人的登记 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
80
amiable
|
|
| adj.和蔼可亲的，友善的，亲切的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
81
condescension
|
|
| n.自以为高人一等，贬低(别人) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
82
formerly
|
|
| adv.从前，以前 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
83
magistrate
|
|
| n.地方行政官，地方法官，治安官 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
84
alluding
|
|
| 提及，暗指( allude的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
85
expediency
|
|
| n.适宜；方便；合算；利己 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
86
obliterating
|
|
| v.除去( obliterate的现在分词 )；涂去；擦掉；彻底破坏或毁灭 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
87
entirely
|
|
| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
88
propensity
|
|
| n.倾向；习性 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
89
entailed
|
|
| 使…成为必要( entail的过去式和过去分词 )； 需要； 限定继承； 使必需 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
90
lavish
|
|
| adj.无节制的；浪费的；vt.慷慨地给予，挥霍 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
91
benevolently
|
|
| adv.仁慈地，行善地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
92
esteemed
|
|
| adj.受人尊敬的v.尊敬( esteem的过去式和过去分词 )；敬重；认为；以为 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
93
jade
|
|
| n.玉石；碧玉；翡翠 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
94
fragrant
|
|
| adj.芬香的，馥郁的，愉快的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
95
antiquity
|
|
| n.古老；高龄；古物，古迹 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
96
conceal
|
|
| v.隐藏，隐瞒，隐蔽 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
97
narrative
|
|
| n.叙述，故事；adj.叙事的，故事体的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
98
favourably
|
|
| adv. 善意地，赞成地 =favorably | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
99
demons
|
|
| n.恶人( demon的名词复数 )；恶魔；精力过人的人；邪念 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
100
embellished
|
|
| v.美化( embellish的过去式和过去分词 )；装饰；修饰；润色 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
101
omens
|
|
| n.前兆，预兆( omen的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
102
beset
|
|
| v.镶嵌；困扰，包围 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
103
merged
|
|
| （使）混合( merge的过去式和过去分词 )； 相融； 融入； 渐渐消失在某物中 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
104
proficiency
|
|
| n.精通，熟练，精练 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
105
thereby
|
|
| adv.因此，从而 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
106
allotted
|
|
| 分配，拨给，摊派( allot的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
107
attainment
|
|
| n.达到，到达；［常pl.］成就，造诣 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
108
necessitate
|
|
| v.使成为必要，需要 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
109
profuse
|
|
| adj.很多的，大量的，极其丰富的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
110
illiteracy
|
|
| n.文盲 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
111
helping
|
|
| n.食物的一份&adj.帮助人的，辅助的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
112
mule
|
|
| n.骡子，杂种，执拗的人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
113
engendered
|
|
| v.产生（某形势或状况），造成，引起( engender的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
114
entrapped
|
|
| v.使陷入圈套，使入陷阱( entrap的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
115
hesitation
|
|
| n.犹豫，踌躇 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
116
tempted
|
|
| v.怂恿（某人）干不正当的事；冒…的险（tempt的过去分词） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
117
insignificant
|
|
| adj.无关紧要的，可忽略的，无意义的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
118
emblems
|
|
| n.象征，标记( emblem的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
119
displeased
|
|
| a.不快的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
120
extravagant
|
|
| adj.奢侈的；过分的；(言行等)放肆的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
121
phoenix
|
|
| n.凤凰，长生(不死)鸟；引申为重生 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
122
crave
|
|
| vt.渴望得到，迫切需要，恳求，请求 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
123
conversing
|
|
| v.交谈，谈话( converse的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
124
enchanting
|
|
| a.讨人喜欢的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
125
pretext
|
|
| n.借口，托词 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
126
inadequacy
|
|
| n.无法胜任，信心不足 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
127
conscientious
|
|
| adj.审慎正直的，认真的，本着良心的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
128
undo
|
|
| vt.解开，松开；取消，撤销 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
129
undoubtedly
|
|
| adv.确实地，无疑地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
130
vampire
|
|
| n.吸血鬼 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
131
distinguished
|
|
| adj.卓越的，杰出的，著名的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
132
intervention
|
|
| n.介入，干涉，干预 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
133
expedient
|
|
| adj.有用的，有利的；n.紧急的办法，权宜之计 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
134
ineptitude
|
|
| n.不适当；愚笨，愚昧的言行 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
135
obtuse
|
|
| adj.钝的；愚钝的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
136
assented
|
|
| 同意，赞成( assent的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
137
cinder
|
|
| n.余烬，矿渣 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
138
expended
|
|
| v.花费( expend的过去式和过去分词 )；使用（钱等）做某事；用光；耗尽 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
139
embody
|
|
| vt.具体表达，使具体化；包含，收录 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
140
favourable
|
|
| adj.赞成的，称赞的，有利的，良好的，顺利的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
141
chamber
|
|
| n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
142
costly
|
|
| adj.昂贵的，价值高的，豪华的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
143
fabric
|
|
| n.织物，织品，布；构造，结构，组织 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
144
fabrics
|
|
| 织物( fabric的名词复数 )； 布； 构造； （建筑物的）结构（如墙、地面、屋顶）：质地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
145
abacus
|
|
| n.算盘 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
146
embroideries
|
|
| 刺绣( embroidery的名词复数 )； 刺绣品； 刺绣法 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
147
deities
|
|
| n.神，女神( deity的名词复数 )；神祗；神灵；神明 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
148
invoked
|
|
| v.援引( invoke的过去式和过去分词 )；行使（权利等）；祈求救助；恳求 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
149
dexterity
|
|
| n.(手的)灵巧，灵活 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
150
wares
|
|
| n. 货物, 商品 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
151
permeated
|
|
| 弥漫( permeate的过去式和过去分词 )； 遍布； 渗入； 渗透 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
152
rejuvenation
|
|
| n. 复原，再生, 更新, 嫩化, 恢复 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
153
graceful
|
|
| adj.优美的，优雅的；得体的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
154
eyebrows
|
|
| 眉毛( eyebrow的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
155
pretexts
|
|
| n.借口，托辞( pretext的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
156
efficiently
|
|
| adv.高效率地，有能力地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
157
attenuated
|
|
| v.（使）变细( attenuate的过去式和过去分词 )；（使）变薄；（使）变小；减弱 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
158
vindictively
|
|
| adv.恶毒地；报复地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
159
steadfastly
|
|
| adv.踏实地，不变地；岿然；坚定不渝 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
160
melancholy
|
|
| n.忧郁，愁思；adj.令人感伤（沮丧）的，忧郁的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
161
immediate
|
|
| adj.立即的；直接的，最接近的；紧靠的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
162
brass
|
|
| n.黄铜；黄铜器，铜管乐器 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
163
secreting
|
|
| v.（尤指动物或植物器官）分泌( secrete的现在分词 )；隐匿，隐藏 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
164
inevitably
|
|
| adv.不可避免地；必然发生地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
165
ineptly
|
|
| adv. 不适当地，无能地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
166
futile
|
|
| adj.无效的，无用的，无希望的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
167
rebuking
|
|
| 责难或指责( rebuke的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
168
crafty
|
|
| adj.狡猾的，诡诈的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
169
obtuseness
|
|
| 感觉迟钝 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
170
remunerative
|
|
| adj.有报酬的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
171
proffered
|
|
| v.提供，贡献，提出( proffer的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
172
spiked
|
|
| adj.有穗的；成锥形的；有尖顶的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
173
torments
|
|
| （肉体或精神上的）折磨，痛苦( torment的名词复数 )； 造成痛苦的事物[人] | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
174
interfered
|
|
| v.干预( interfere的过去式和过去分词 )；调停；妨碍；干涉 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
175
brilliance
|
|
| n.光辉，辉煌，壮丽，（卓越的）才华，才智 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
176
converging
|
|
| adj.收敛[缩]的，会聚的，趋同的v.（线条、运动的物体等）会于一点( converge的现在分词 )；（趋于）相似或相同；人或车辆汇集；聚集 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
177
assailed
|
|
| v.攻击( assail的过去式和过去分词 )；困扰；质问；毅然应对 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
178
pangs
|
|
| 突然的剧痛( pang的名词复数 )； 悲痛 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
179
lavishly
|
|
| adv.慷慨地，大方地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
180
fins
|
|
| [医]散热片；鱼鳍；飞边；鸭掌 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
181
snails
|
|
| n.蜗牛；迟钝的人；蜗牛( snail的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
182
viands
|
|
| n.食品，食物 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
183
glutinous
|
|
| adj.粘的，胶状的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
184
harmonious
|
|
| adj.和睦的，调和的，和谐的，协调的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
185
poignant
|
|
| adj.令人痛苦的，辛酸的，惨痛的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
186
lengthened
|
|
| （时间或空间）延长，伸长( lengthen的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
187
vitality
|
|
| n.活力，生命力，效力 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
188
infliction
|
|
| n.（强加于人身的）痛苦，刑罚 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
189
densely
|
|
| ad.密集地；浓厚地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
190
vampires
|
|
| n.吸血鬼( vampire的名词复数 )；吸血蝠；高利贷者；（舞台上的）活板门 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
191
evaded
|
|
| 逃避( evade的过去式和过去分词 )； 避开； 回避； 想不出 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
192
reminder
|
|
| n.提醒物，纪念品；暗示，提示 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
193
noisome
|
|
| adj.有害的，可厌的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
194
immature
|
|
| adj.未成熟的，发育未全的，未充分发展的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
195
longevity
|
|
| n.长命；长寿 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
196
fortify
|
|
| v.强化防御，为…设防；加强，强化 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
197
logic
|
|
| n.逻辑(学)；逻辑性 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
198
premature
|
|
| adj.比预期时间早的；不成熟的，仓促的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
199
profusely
|
|
| ad.abundantly | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
200
expenditure
|
|
| n.(时间、劳力、金钱等)支出；使用，消耗 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
201
abrupt
|
|
| adj.突然的，意外的；唐突的，鲁莽的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
202
contagion
|
|
| n.(通过接触的疾病)传染；蔓延 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
203
spotted
|
|
| adj.有斑点的，斑纹的，弄污了的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
204
guile
|
|
| n.诈术 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
205
venerated
|
|
| 敬重（某人或某事物），崇敬( venerate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
206
loyalty
|
|
| n.忠诚，忠心 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
207
avenging
|
|
| adj.报仇的，复仇的v.为…复仇，报…之仇( avenge的现在分词 )；为…报复 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
208
contemptible
|
|
| adj.可鄙的，可轻视的，卑劣的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
209
funereal
|
|
| adj.悲哀的；送葬的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
210
calamity
|
|
| n.灾害，祸患，不幸事件 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
211
malignant
|
|
| adj.恶性的，致命的；恶意的，恶毒的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
212
impending
|
|
| a.imminent, about to come or happen | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
213
inadequate
|
|
| adj.(for,to)不充足的，不适当的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
214
precept
|
|
| n.戒律；格言 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
215
undue
|
|
| adj.过分的；不适当的；未到期的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
216
fortified
|
|
| adj. 加强的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
217
emanating
|
|
| v.从…处传出，传出( emanate的现在分词 )；产生，表现，显示 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
218
dubious
|
|
| adj.怀疑的，无把握的；有问题的，靠不住的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
219
ruby
|
|
| n.红宝石，红宝石色 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
220
formulated
|
|
| v.构想出( formulate的过去式和过去分词 )；规划；确切地阐述；用公式表示 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
221
meritorious
|
|
| adj.值得赞赏的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
222
inviting
|
|
| adj.诱人的，引人注目的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
223
discriminating
|
|
| a.有辨别能力的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
224
texture
|
|
| n.(织物)质地；(材料)构造；结构；肌理 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
225
exclusion
|
|
| n.拒绝，排除，排斥，远足，远途旅行 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
226
upwards
|
|
| adv.向上，在更高处...以上 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
227
witchcraft
|
|
| n.魔法，巫术 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
228
amiably
|
|
| adv.和蔼可亲地，亲切地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
229
auspicious
|
|
| adj.吉利的；幸运的，吉兆的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
230
prospect
|
|
| n.前景，前途；景色，视野 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
231
ignoble
|
|
| adj.不光彩的，卑鄙的；可耻的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
232
deception
|
|
| n.欺骗，欺诈；骗局，诡计 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
233
munificence
|
|
| n.宽宏大量，慷慨给与 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
234
prodigality
|
|
| n.浪费，挥霍 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
235
embroidering
|
|
| v.（在织物上）绣花( embroider的现在分词 )；刺绣；对…加以渲染（或修饰）；给…添枝加叶 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
236
illuminated
|
|
| adj.被照明的；受启迪的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
237
brotherhood
|
|
| n.兄弟般的关系，手中情谊 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
238
makers
|
|
| n.制造者，制造商（maker的复数形式） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
239
sublime
|
|
| adj.崇高的，伟大的；极度的，不顾后果的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
240
stipulated
|
|
| vt.& vi.规定；约定adj.[法]合同规定的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
241
painstaking
|
|
| adj.苦干的；艰苦的，费力的，刻苦的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
242
extol
|
|
| v.赞美，颂扬 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
243
exaction
|
|
| n.强求，强征；杂税 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
244
embroiderer
|
|
| 刺绣工 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
245
reconciliation
|
|
| n.和解，和谐，一致 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
246
reluctance
|
|
| n.厌恶，讨厌，勉强，不情愿 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
247
humility
|
|
| n.谦逊，谦恭 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
248
appreciation
|
|
| n.评价；欣赏；感谢；领会，理解；价格上涨 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
249
withdrawn
|
|
| vt.收回；使退出；vi.撤退，退出 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
250
destitute
|
|
| adj.缺乏的；穷困的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
251
profess
|
|
| v.声称，冒称，以...为业，正式接受入教，表明信仰 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
252
honourably
|
|
| adv.可尊敬地，光荣地，体面地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
253
affected
|
|
| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
254
repose
|
|
| v.(使)休息；n.安息 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
255
prematurely
|
|
| adv.过早地，贸然地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
256
distressed
|
|
| 痛苦的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
257
embroidery
|
|
| n.绣花，刺绣；绣制品 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
258
delicacies
|
|
| n.棘手( delicacy的名词复数 )；精致；精美的食物；周到 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
| 欢迎访问英文小说网 |