“Behold!” she explained, “at dawn the corrupt5 Ming-shu will pass within our gates again, nor is it prudent6 to assume that his enmity has lessened7.”
“On the contrary,” replied Kai Lung, “like that unnatural8 reptile9 that lives on air, his malice10 will have grown upon the voidness of its cause. As the wise Ling-kwang remarks: ‘He who plants a vineyard with one hand—‘”
“Assuredly, beloved,” interposed Hwa-mei dexterously11. “But our immediate12 need is less to describe Ming-shu’s hate in terms of classical analogy than to find a potent13 means of baffling its venom14.”
“You are all-wise as usual,” confessed Kai Lung, with due humility15. “I will restrain my much too verbose16 tongue.”
“The invading Banners from the north have for the moment failed and those who drew swords in their cause are flying to the hills. In Yu-ping, therefore, loyalty18 wears a fully19 round face and about the yamen of Shan Tien men speak almost in set terms. While these conditions prevail, justice will continue to be administered precisely20 as before. We have thus nothing to hope in that direction.”
“Yet in the ideal state of purity aimed at by the illustrious founders21 of our race—” began Kai Lung, and ceased abruptly22, remembering.
“As it is, we are in the state of Tsin in the fourteenth of the heaven-sent Ching,” retorted Hwa-mei capably. “The insatiable Ming-shu will continue to seek your life, calling to his aid every degraded subterfuge24. When the nature of these can be learned somewhat in advance, as the means within my power have hitherto enabled us to do, a trusty shield is raised in your defence.”
Kai Lung would have spoken of the length and the breadth of his indebtedness, but she who stood below did not encourage this.
“Ming-shu’s absence makes this plan fruitless here to-day, and as a consequence he may suddenly disclose a subtle snare26 to which your feet must bend. In this emergency my strategy has been towards safeguarding your irreplaceable life to-morrow at all hazard. Should this avail, Ming-shu’s later schemes will present no baffling veil.”
“Your virtuous27 little finger is as strong as Ming-shu’s offensive thumb,” remarked Kai Lung. “This person has no fear.”
“Doubtless,” acquiesced28 Hwa-mei. “But she who has spun29 the thread knows the weakness of the net. Heed30 well to the end that no ineptness31 may arise. Shan Tien of late extols33 your art, claiming that in every circumstance you have a story fitted to the need.”
“He measures with a golden rule,” agreed Kai Lung. “Left to himself, Shan Tien is a just, if superficial, judge.”
The knowledge of this boast, Hwa-mei continued to relate, had spread to the inner chambers34 of the yamen, where the lesser36 ones vied with each other in proclaiming the merit of the captive minstrel. Amid this eulogy37 Hwa-mei moved craftily38 and played an insidious39 part, until she who was their appointed head was committed to the claim. Then the maiden raised a contentious41 voice.
“Our lord’s trout42 were ever salmon,” she declared, “and lo! here is another great and weighty fish! Assuredly no living man is thus and thus; or are the T’ang epicists returned to earth? Truly our noble one is easily pleased—in many ways!” With these well-fitted words she fixed43 her eyes upon the countenance44 of Shan Tien’s chief wife and waited.
“The sun shines through his words and the moon adorns46 his utterances,” replied the chief wife, with unswerving loyalty, though she added, no less suitably: “That one should please him easily and another therein fail, despite her ceaseless efforts, is as the Destinies provide.”
“You are all-seeing,” admitted Hwa-mei generously; “nor is a locked door any obstacle to your discovering eye. Let this arisement be submitted to a facile test. Dependent from my ill-formed ears are rings of priceless jade47 that have ever tinged48 your thoughts, while about your shapely neck is a crystal charm, to which an unclouded background would doubtless give some lustre49. I will set aside the rings and thou shalt set aside the charm. Then, at a chosen time, this vaunted one shall attend before us here, and I having disclosed the substance of a theme, he shall make good the claim. If he so does, capably and without delay, thou shalt possess the jewels. But if, in the judgment50 of these around, he shall fail therein, then are both jewels mine. Is it so agreed?”
“It is agreed!” cried those who were the least concerned, seeing some entertainment to themselves. “Shall the trial take place at once?”
“Not so,” replied Hwa-mei. “A sufficient space must be allowed for this one wherein to select the matter of the test. To-morrow let it be, before the hour of evening rice. And thou?”
“Inasmuch as it will enlarge the prescience of our lord in minds that are light and vaporous, I also do consent,” replied the chief wife. “Yet must he too be of our company, to be witness of the upholding of his word and, if need be, to cast a decisive voice.”
“Thus,” continued Hwa-mei, as she narrated51 these events, “Shan Tien is committed to the trial and thereby52 he must preserve you until that hour. Tell me now the answer to the test, that I may frame the question to agree.”
Kai Lung thought a while, then said:
“There is the story of Chang Tao. It concerns one who, bidden to do an impossible task, succeeded though he failed, and shows how two identically similar beings may be essentially53 diverse. To this should be subjoined the apophthegm that that which we are eager to obtain may be that which we have striven to avoid.”
“It suffices,” agreed Hwa-mei. “Bear well your part.”
“Still,” suggested Kai Lung, hoping to detain her retiring footsteps for yet another span, “were it not better that I should fall short at the test, thus to enlarge your word before your fellows?”
“And in so doing demean yourself, darken the face of Shan Tien’s present regard, and alienate54 all those who stand around! O most obtuse55 Kai Lung!”
“I will then bare my throat,” confessed Kai Lung. “The barbed thought had assailed56 my mind that perchance the rings of precious jade lay coiled around your heart. Thus and thus I spoke25.”
“Thus also will I speak,” replied Hwa-mei, and her uplifted eyes held Kai Lung by the inner fibre of his being. “Did I value them as I do, and were they a single hair of my superfluous57 head, the whole head were freely offered to a like result.”
With these noticeable words, which plainly testified the strength of her emotion, the maiden turned and hastened on her way, leaving Kai Lung gazing from the shutter in a very complicated state of disquietude.
After Chang Tao had reached the age of manhood his grandfather took him apart one day and spoke of a certain matter, speaking as a philosopher whose mind has at length overflowed59.
“Behold!” he said, when they were at a discreet60 distance aside, “your years are now thus and thus, but there are still empty chairs where there should be occupied cradles in your inner chamber35, and the only upraised voice heard in this spacious61 residence is that of your esteemed62 father repeating the Analects. The prolific63 portion of the tree of our illustrious House consists of its roots; its existence onwards narrows down to a single branch which as yet has put forth64 no blossoms.”
“The loftiest tower rises from the ground,” remarked Chang Tao evasively, not wishing to implicate65 himself on either side as yet.
“Doubtless; and as an obedient son it is commendable66 that you should close your ears, but as a discriminating67 father there is no reason why I should not open my mouth,” continued the venerable Chang in a voice from which every sympathetic modulation68 was withdrawn69. “It is admittedly a meritorious71 resolve to devote one’s existence to explaining the meaning of a single obscure passage of one of the Odes, but if the detachment necessary to the achievement results in a hitherto carefully-preserved line coming to an incapable72 end, it would have been more satisfactory to the dependent shades of our revered73 ancestors that the one in question should have collected street garbage rather than literary instances, or turned somersaults in place of the pages of the Classics, had he but given his first care to providing you with a wife and thereby safeguarding our unbroken continuity.”
“My father is all-wise,” ventured Chang Tao dutifully, but observing the nature of the other’s expression he hastened to add considerately, “but my father’s father is even wiser.”
“Inevitably74,” assented75 the one referred to; “not merely because he is the more mature by a generation, but also in that he is thereby nearer to the inspired ancients in whom the Cardinal76 Principles reside.”
“Yet, assuredly, there must be occasional exceptions to this rule of progressive deterioration78?” suggested Chang Tao, feeling that the process was not without a definite application to himself.
“Not in our pure and orthodox line,” replied the other person firmly. “To suggest otherwise is to admit the possibility of a son being the superior of his own father, and to what a discordant79 state of things would that contention80 lead! However immaturely81 you may think at present, you will see the position at its true angle when you have sons of your own.”
“The contingency83 is not an overhanging one,” said Chang Tao. “On the last occasion when I reminded my venerated84 father of my age and unmarried state, he remarked that, whether he looked backwards85 or forwards, extinction86 seemed to be the kindest destiny to which our House could be subjected.”
“Originality87, carried to the length of eccentricity88, is a censurable89 accomplishment90 in one of official rank,” remarked the elder Chang coldly. “Plainly it is time that I should lengthen91 the authority of my own arm very perceptibly. If a father is so neglectful of his duty, it is fitting that a grandfather should supply his place. This person will himself procure92 a bride for you without delay.”
“The function might perhaps seem an unusual one,” suggested Chang Tao, who secretly feared the outcome of an enterprise conducted under these auspices93.
“So, admittedly, are the circumstances. What suitable maiden suggests herself to your doubtless better-informed mind? Is there one of the house of Tung?”
“There are eleven,” replied Chang Tao, with a gesture of despair, “all reputed to be untiring with their needle, skilled in the frugal94 manipulation of cold rice, devout95, discreet in the lines of their attire96, and so sombre of feature as to be collectively known to the available manhood of the city as the Terror that Lurks97 for the Unwary. Suffer not your discriminating footsteps to pause before that house, O father of my father! Now had you spoken of Golden Eyebrows99, daughter of Kuo Wang—”
“It would be as well to open a paper umbrella in a thunderstorm as to seek profit from an alliance with Kuo Wang. Crafty100 and ambitious, he is already deep in questionable101 ventures, and high as he carries his head at present, there will assuredly come a day when Kuo Wang will appear in public with his feet held even higher than his crown.”
“The rod!” exclaimed Chang Tao in astonishment102. “Can it really be that one who is so invariably polite to me is not in every way immaculate?”
“Either bamboo will greet his feet or hemp103 adorn45 his neck,” persisted the other, with a significant movement of his hands in the proximity104 of his throat. “Walk backwards in the direction of that house, son of my son. Is there not one Ning of the worthy4 line of Lo, dwelling105 beneath the emblem106 of a Sprouting107 Aloe?”
“Truly,” agreed the youth, “but at an early age she came under the malign108 influence of a spectral109 vampire110, and in order to deceive the creature she was adopted to the navigable portion of the river here, and being announced as having Passed Above was henceforth regarded as a red mullet.”
“Yet in what detail does that deter77 you?” inquired Chang, for the nature of his grandson’s expression betrayed an acute absence of enthusiasm towards the maiden thus concerned.
“Perchance the vampire was not deceived after all. In any case this person dislikes red mullet,” replied the youth indifferently.
The venerable shook his head reprovingly.
“It is imprudent to be fanciful in matters of business,” he remarked. “Lo Chiu, her father, is certainly the possessor of many bars of silver, and, as it is truly written: ‘With wealth one may command demons111; without it one cannot summon even a slave.’”
“It is also said: ‘When the tree is full the doubtful fruit remains112 upon the branch,’” retorted Chang Tao. “Are not maidens113 in this city as the sand upon a broad seashore? If one opens and closes one’s hands suddenly out in the Ways on a dark night, the chances are that three or four will be grasped. A stone cast at a venture—”
“Peace!” interrupted the elder. “Witless spoke thus even in the days of this person’s remote youth—only the virtuous did not then open and close their hands suddenly in the Ways on dark nights. Is aught reported of the inner affairs of Shen Yi, a rich philosopher who dwells somewhat remotely on the Stone Path, out beyond the Seven Terraced Bridge?”
“It is well not to forget that one,” he replied. “He is spoken of as courteous116 but reserved, in that he drinks tea with few though his position is assured. Is not his house that which fronts on a summer-seat domed117 with red copper118?”
“It is the same,” agreed the other. “Speak on.”
“What I recall is meagre and destitute119 of point. Nevertheless, it so chanced that some time ago this person was proceeding120 along the further Stone Path when an aged121 female mendicant122, seated by the wayside, besought123 his charity. Struck by her destitute appearance he bestowed124 upon her a few unserviceable broken cash, such as one retains for the indigent125, together with an appropriate blessing126, when the hag changed abruptly into the appearance of a young and alluring127 maiden, who smilingly extended to this one her staff, which had meanwhile become a graceful128 branch of flowering lotus. The manifestation129 was not sustained, however, for as he who is relating the incident would have received the proffered130 flower he found that his hand was closing on the neck of an expectant serpent, which held in its mouth an agate131 charm. The damsel had likewise altered, imperceptibly merging132 into the form of an overhanging fig-tree, among whose roots the serpent twined itself. When this person would have eaten one of the ripe fruit of the tree he found that the skin was filled with a bitter dust, whereupon he withdrew, convinced that no ultimate profit was likely to result from the encounter. His departure was accompanied by the sound of laughter, mocking yet more melodious than a carillon of silver gongs hung in a porcelain133 tower, which seemed to proceed from the summer-seat domed with red copper.”
“Some omen17 doubtless lay within the meeting,” said the elder Chang. “Had you but revealed the happening fully on your return, capable geomancers might have been consulted. In this matter you have fallen short.”
“It is admittedly easier to rule a kingdom than to control one’s thoughts,” confessed Chang Tao frankly134. “A great storm of wind met this person on his way back, and when he had passed through it, all recollection of the incident had, for the time, been magically blown from his mind.”
“It is now too late to question the augurs135. But in the face of so involved a portent136 it would be well to avert137 all thought from Melodious Vision, wealthy Shen Yi’s incredibly attractive daughter.”
“It is unwise to be captious138 in affairs of negotiation,” remarked the young man thoughtfully. “Is the smile of the one referred to such that at the vision of it the internal organs of an ordinary person begin to clash together, beyond the power of all control?”
“Not in the case of the one who is speaking,” replied the grandfather of Chang Tao, “but a very illustrious poet, whom Shen Yi charitably employed about his pig-yard, certainly described it as a ripple139 on the surface of a dark lake of wine, when the moon reveals the hidden pearls beneath; and after secretly observing the unstudied grace of her movements, the most celebrated140 picture-maker of the province burned the implements141 of his craft, and began life anew as a trainer of performing elephants. But when maidens are as numerous as the grains of sand—”
“Esteemed,” interposed Chang Tao, with smooth determination, “wisdom lurks in the saying: ‘He who considers everything decides nothing.’ Already this person has spent an unprofitable score of years through having no choice in the matter; at this rate he will spend yet another score through having too much. Your timely word shall be his beacon142. Neither the disadvantage of Shen Yi’s oppressive wealth nor the inconvenience of Melodious Vision’s excessive beauty shall deter him from striving to fulfil your delicately expressed wish.”
“Yet,” objected the elder Chang, by no means gladdened at having the decision thus abruptly lifted from his mouth, “so far, only a partially143 formed project—”
“To a thoroughly144 dutiful grandson half a word from your benevolent145 lips carries further than a full-throated command does from a less revered authority.”
“Perchance. This person’s feet, however, are not liable to a similar acceleration146, and a period of adequate consideration must intervene before they are definitely moving in the direction of Shen Yi’s mansion147. ‘Where the road bends abruptly take short steps,’ Chang Tao.”
“The necessity will be lifted from your venerable shoulders, revered,” replied Chang Tao firmly. “Fortified by your approving choice, this person will himself confront Shen Yi’s doubtful countenance, and that same bend in the road will be taken at a very sharp angle and upon a single foot.”
“In person! It is opposed to the Usages!” exclaimed the venerable; and at the contemplation of so undignified a course his voice prudently149 withdrew itself, though his mouth continued to open and close for a further period.
“‘As the mountains rise, so the river winds,’” replied Chang Tao, and with unquenchable deference150 he added respectfully as he took his leave, “Fear not, eminence151; you will yet remain to see five generations of stalwart he-children, all pressing forward to worship your imperishable memory.”
In such a manner Chang Tao set forth to defy the Usages and—if perchance it might be—to speak to Shen Yi face to face of Melodious Vision. Yet in this it may be that the youth was not so much hopeful of success by his own efforts as that he was certain of failure by the elder Chang’s. And in the latter case the person in question might then irrevocably contract him to a maiden of the house of Tung, or to another equally forbidding. Not inaptly is it written: “To escape from fire men will plunge152 into boiling water.”
Nevertheless, along the Stone Path many doubts and disturbances153 arose within Chang Tao’s mind. It was not in this manner that men of weight and dignity sought wives. Even if Shen Yi graciously overlooked the absence of polite formality, would not the romantic imagination of Melodious Vision be distressed154 when she learned that she had been approached with so indelicate an absence of ceremony? “Here, again,” said Chang Tao’s self-reproach accusingly, “you have, as usual, gone on in advance of both your feet and of your head. ‘It is one thing to ignore the Rites155: it is quite another to expect the gods to ignore the Penalties.’ Assuredly you will suffer for it.”
It was at this point that Chang Tao was approached by one who had noted156 his coming from afar, and had awaited him, for passers-by were sparse157 and remote.
“Prosperity attend your opportune158 footsteps,” said the stranger respectfully. “A misbegotten goat-track enticed159 this person from his appointed line by the elusive160 semblance161 of an avoided li. Is there, within your enlightened knowledge, the house of one Shen Yi, who makes a feast to-day, positioned about this inauspicious region? It is further described as fronting on a summer-seat domed with red copper.”
“There is such a house as you describe, at no great distance to the west,” replied Chang Tao. “But that he marks the day with music had not reached these superficial ears.”
“It is but among those of his inner chamber, this being the name-day of one whom he would honour in a refined and at the same time inexpensive manner. To that end am I bidden.”
“Of what does your incomparable exhibition consist?” inquired Chang Tao.
“Of a variety of quite commonplace efforts. It is entitled ‘Half-a-gong-stroke among the No-realities; or Gravity-removing devoid162 of Inelegance.’ Thus, borrowing the neck-scarf of the most dignified148-looking among the lesser ones assembled I will at once discover among its folds the unsuspected presence of a family of tortoises; from all parts of the person of the roundest-bodied mandarin163 available I will control the appearance of an inexhaustible stream of copper cash, and beneath the scrutinizing164 eyes of all a bunch of paper chrysanthemums165 will change into the similitude of a crystal bowl in whose clear depth a company of gold and silver carp glide166 from side to side.”
“These things are well enough for the immature82, and the sight of an unnaturally167 stout168 official having an interminable succession of white rabbits produced from the various recesses169 of his waistcloth admittedly melts the austerity of the superficial of both sexes. But can you, beneath the undeceptive light of day, turn a sere170 and unattractive hag into the substantial image of a young and beguiling171 maiden, and by a further complexity172 into a fruitful fig-tree; or induce a serpent so far to forsake173 its natural instincts as to poise174 on the extremity175 of its tail and hold a charm within its mouth?”
“None of these things lies within my admitted powers,” confessed the stranger. “To what end does your gracious inquiry176 tend?”
“It is in the nature of a warning, for within the shadow of the house you seek manifestations177 such as I describe pass almost without remark. Indeed it is not unlikely that while in the act of displaying your engaging but simple skill you may find yourself transformed into a chameleon178 or saddled with the necessity of finishing your gravity-removing entertainment under the outward form of a Manchurian ape.”
“Alas!” exclaimed the other. “The eleventh of the moon was ever this person’s unlucky day, and he would have done well to be warned by a dream in which he saw an unsuspecting kid walk into the mouth of a voracious179 tiger.”
“Undoubtedly the tiger was an allusion180 to the dangers awaiting you, but it is not yet too late for you to prove that you are no kid,” counselled Chang Tao. “Take this piece of silver so that the enterprise of the day may not have been unfruitful and depart with all speed on a homeward path. He who speaks is going westward181, and at the lattice of Shen Yi he will not fail to leave a sufficient excuse for your no-appearance.”
“Your voice has the compelling ring of authority, beneficence,” replied the stranger gratefully. “The obscure name of the one who prostrates182 himself is Wo, that of his degraded father being Weh. For this service he binds184 his ghost to attend your ghost through three cycles of time in the After.”
“It is remitted,” said Chang Tao generously, as he resumed his way. “May the path be flattened185 before your weary feet.”
Thus, unsought as it were, there was placed within Chang Tao’s grasp a staff that might haply bear his weight into the very presence of Melodious Vision herself. The exact strategy of the undertaking186 did not clearly yet reveal itself, but “When fully ripe the fruit falls of its own accord,” and Chang Tao was content to leave such detail to the guiding spirits of his destinies. As he approached the outer door he sang cheerful ballads187 of heroic doings, partly because he was glad, but also to reassure188 himself.
“One whom he expects awaits,” he announced to the keeper of the gate. “The name of Wo, the son of Weh, should suffice.”
“It does not,” replied the keeper, swinging his roomy sleeve specifically. “So far it has an empty, short-stopping sound. It lacks sparkle; it has no metallic189 ring.... He sleeps.”
Although he had been in a measure prepared by Wo, Chang Tao was surprised to find that three persons alone occupied the chamber to which he was conducted. Two of these were Shen Yi and a trusted slave; at the sight of the third Chang Tao’s face grew very red and the deficiencies of his various attributes began to fill his mind with dark forebodings, for this was Melodious Vision and no man could look upon her without her splendour engulfing192 his imagination. No record of her pearly beauty is preserved beyond a scattered193 phrase or two; for the poets and minstrels of the age all burned what they had written, in despair at the inadequacy194 of words. Yet it remains that whatever a man looked for, that he found, and the measure of his requirement was not stinted195.
“Greeting,” said Shen Yi, with easy-going courtesy. He was a more meagre man than Chang Tao had expected, his face not subtle, and his manner restrained rather than oppressive. “You have come on a long and winding196 path; have you taken your rice?”
“Nothing remains lacking,” replied Chang Tao, his eyes again elsewhere. “Command your slave, Excellence197.”
“In what particular direction do your agreeable powers of leisure-beguiling extend?”
So far Chang Tao had left the full consideration of this inevitable198 detail to the inspiration of the moment, but when the moment came the prompting spirits did not disclose themselves. His hesitation199 became more elaborate under the expression of gathering200 enlightenment that began to appear in Melodious Vision’s eyes.
“An indifferent store of badly sung ballads,” he was constrained201 to reply at length, “and—perchance—a threadbare assortment202 of involved questions and replies.”
“Was it your harmonious203 voice that we were privileged to hear raised beneath our ill-fitting window a brief space ago?” inquired Shen Yi.
“Admittedly at the sight of this noble palace I was impelled204 to put my presumptuous205 gladness into song.”
“Then let it fain be the other thing,” interposed the maiden, with decision. “Your gladness came to a sad end, minstrel.”
“Involved questions are by no means void of divertisement,” remarked Shen Yi, with conciliatory mildness in his voice. “There was one, turning on the contradictory206 nature of a door which under favourable207 conditions was indistinguishable from an earthenware208 vessel209, that seldom failed to baffle the unalert in the days before the binding210 of this person’s hair.”
“That was the one which it had been my feeble intention to propound,” confessed Chang Tao.
“Doubtless there are many others equally enticing,” suggested Shen Yi helpfully.
“Alas,” admitted Chang Tao with conscious humiliation211; “of all those wherein I retain an adequate grasp of the solution, the complication eludes212 me at the moment, and thus in a like but converse213 manner with the others.”
“Esteemed parent,” remarked Melodious Vision, without emotion, “this is neither a minstrel nor one in any way entertaining. It is merely Another.”
“Another!” exclaimed Chang Tao in refined bitterness. “Is it possible that after taking so extreme and unorthodox a course as to ignore the Usages and advance myself in person I am to find that I have not even the mediocre214 originality of being the first, as a recommendation?”
“If the matter is thus and thus, so far from being the first, you are only the last of a considerable line of worthy and enterprising youths who have succeeded in gaining access to the inner part of this not really attractive residence on one pretext215 or another,” replied the tolerant Shen Yi. “In any case you are honourably216 welcome. From the position of your various features I now judge you to be Tao, only son of the virtuous house of Chang. May you prove more successful in your enterprise than those who have preceded you.”
“The adventure appears to be tending in unforeseen directions,” said Chang Tao uneasily. “Your felicitation, benign217, though doubtless gold at heart, is set in a doubtful frame.”
“It is for your stalwart endeavour to assure a happy picture,” replied Shen Yi, with undisturbed cordiality. “You bear a sword.”
“What added involvement is this?” demanded Chang Tao. “This one’s thoughts and intention were not turned towards savagery218 and arms, but in the direction of a pacific union of two distinguished219 lines.”
“In such cases my attitude has invariably been one of sympathetic unconcern,” declared Shen Yi. “The weight of either side produces an atmosphere of absolute poise that cannot fail to give full play to the decision of the destinies.”
“But if this attitude is maintained on your part how can the proposal progress to a definite issue?” inquired Chang Tao.
“So far, it never has so progressed,” admitted Shen Yi. “None of the worthy and hard-striving young men—any of whom I should have been overjoyed to greet as a son-in-law had my inopportune sense of impartiality220 permitted it—has yet returned from the trial to claim the reward.”
“Even the Classics become obscure in the dark. Clear your throat of all doubtfulness, O Shen Yi, and speak to a definite end.”
“That duty devolves upon this person, O would-be propounder221 of involved questions,” interposed Melodious Vision. Her voice was more musical than a stand of hanging jewels touched by a rod of jade, and each word fell like a separate pearl. “He who ignores the Usages must expect to find the Usages ignored. Since the day when K’ung-tsz framed the Ceremonies much water has passed beneath the Seven Terraced Bridge, and that which has overflowed can never be picked up again. It is no longer enough that you should come and thereby I must go; that you should speak and I be silent; that you should beckon222 and I meekly223 obey. Inspired by the uprisen sisterhood of the outer barbarian224 lands, we of the inner chambers of the Illimitable Kingdom demand the right to express ourselves freely on every occasion and on every subject, whether the matter involved is one that we understand or not.”
“Your clear-cut words will carry far,” said Chang Tao deferentially225, and, indeed, Melodious Vision’s voice had imperceptibly assumed a penetrating226 quality that justified227 the remark. “Yet is it fitting that beings so superior in every way should be swayed by the example of those who are necessarily uncivilized and rude?”
“Even a mole228 may instruct a philosopher in the art of digging,” replied the maiden, with graceful tolerance229. “Thus among those uncouth230 tribes it is the custom, when a valiant231 youth would enlarge his face in the eyes of a maiden, that he should encounter forth and slay232 dragons, to the imperishable glory of her name. By this beneficent habit not only are the feeble and inept32 automatically disposed of, but the difficulty of choosing one from among a company of suitors, all apparently233 possessing the same superficial attributes, is materially lightened.”
“The system may be advantageous234 in those dark regions,” admitted Chang Tao reluctantly, “but it must prove unsatisfactory in our more favoured land.”
“In what detail?” demanded the maiden, pausing in her attitude of assured superiority.
“By the essential drawback that whereas in those neglected outer parts there really are no dragons, here there really are. Thus—”
“Doubtless there are barbarian maidens for those who prefer to encounter barbarian dragons, then,” exclaimed Melodious Vision, with a very elaborately sustained air of no-concern.
“Doubtless,” assented Chang Tao mildly. “Yet having set forth in the direction of a specific Vision it is this person’s intention to pursue it to an ultimate end.”
“The quiet duck puts his foot on the unobservant worm,” murmured Shen Yi, with delicate encouragement, adding “This one casts a more definite shadow than those before.”
“Yet,” continued the maiden, “to all, my unbending word is this: he who would return for approval must experience difficulties, overcome dangers and conquer dragons. Those who do not adventure on the quest will pass outward from this person’s mind.”
“And those who do will certainly Pass Upward from their own bodies,” ran the essence of the youth’s inner thoughts. Yet the network of her unevadable power and presence was upon him; he acquiescently replied:
“It is accepted. On such an errand difficulties and dangers will not require any especial search. Yet how many dragons slain236 will suffice to win approval?”
“Crocodile-eyed one!” exclaimed Melodious Vision, surprised into wrathfulness. “How many—” Here she withdrew in abrupt23 vehemence237.
“Your progress has been rapid and profound,” remarked Shen Yi, as, with flattering attention, he accompanied Chang Tao some part of the way towards the door. “Never before has that one been known to leave a remark unsaid; I do not altogether despair of seeing her married yet. As regards the encounter with the dragon—well, in the case of the one whispering in your ear there was the revered mother of the one whom he sought. After all, a dragon is soon done with—one way or the other.”
In such a manner Chang Tao set forth to encounter dragons, assured that difficulties and dangers would accompany him on either side. In this latter detail he was inspired, but as the great light faded and the sky-lantern rose in interminable succession, while the unconquerable li ever stretched before his expectant feet, the essential part of the undertaking began to assume a dubious238 facet239. In the valleys and fertile places he learned that creatures of this part now chiefly inhabited the higher fastnesses, such regions being more congenial to their wild and intractable natures. When, however, after many laborious240 marches he reached the upper peaks of pathless mountains the scanty241 crag-dwellers242 did not vary in their assertion that the dragons had for some time past forsaken243 those heights for the more settled profusion244 of the plains. Formerly245, in both places they had been plentiful246, and all those whom Chang Tao questioned spoke openly of many encounters between their immediate forefathers247 and such Beings.
It was in the downcast frame of mind to which the delays in accomplishing his mission gave rise that Chang Tao found himself walking side by side with one who bore the appearance of an affluent248 merchant. The northernward way was remote and solitary249, but seeing that the stranger carried no outward arms Chang Tao greeted him suitably and presently spoke of the difficulty of meeting dragons, or of discovering their retreats from dwellers in that region.
“In such delicate matters those who know don’t talk, and those who talk don’t know,” replied the other sympathetically. “Yet for what purpose should one who would pass as a pacific student seek to encounter dragons?”
“For a sufficient private reason it is necessary that I should kill a certain number,” replied Chang Tao freely. “Thus their absence involves me in much ill-spared delay.”
At this avowal250 the stranger’s looks became more sombre, and he breathed inwards several times between his formidable teeth before he made reply.
“This is doubtless your angle, but there is another; nor is it well to ignore the saying, ‘Should you miss the tiger be assured that he will not miss you,’” he remarked at length. “Have you sufficiently251 considered the eventuality of a dragon killing252 you?”
“It is no less aptly said: ‘To be born is in the course of nature, but to die is according to the decree of destiny.’”
“That is a two-edged weapon, and the dragon may be the first to apply it.”
“In that case this person will fall back upon the point of the adage253: ‘It is better to die two years too soon than to live one year too long,’” replied Chang Tao. “Should he fail in the adventure and thus lose all hope of Melodious Vision, of the house of Shen, there will be no further object in prolonging a wearisome career.”
“You speak of Melodious Vision, she being of the house of Shen,” said the stranger, regarding his companion with an added scrutiny254. “Is the unmentioned part of her father’s honourable255 name Yi, and is his agreeable house so positioned that it fronts upon a summer-seat domed with red copper?”
“The description is exact,” admitted Chang Tao. “Have you, then, in the course of your many-sided travels, passed that way?”
“It is not unknown to me,” replied the other briefly256. “Learn now how incautious had been your speech, and how narrowly you have avoided the exact fate of which I warned you. The one speaking to you is in reality a powerful dragon, his name being Pe-lung, from the circumstance that the northern limits are within his sway. Had it not been for a chance reference you would certainly have been struck dead at the parting of our ways.”
“If this is so it admittedly puts a new face upon the matter,” agreed Chang Tao. “Yet how can reliance be spontaneously placed upon so incredible a claim? You are a man of moderate cast, neither diffident nor austere257, and with no unnatural attributes. All the dragons with which history is concerned possess a long body and a scaly258 skin, and have, moreover, the power of breathing fire at will.”
“That is easily put to the test.” No sooner had Pe-lung uttered these words than he faded, and in his place appeared a formidable monster possessing all the terror-inspiring characteristics of his kind. Yet in spite of his tree-like eyebrows, fiercely-moving whiskers and fire-breathing jaws259, his voice was mild and pacific as he continued: “What further proof can be required? Assuredly, the self-opinionated spirit in which you conduct your quest will bring you no nearer to a desired end.”
“Yet this will!” exclaimed Chang Tao, and suddenly drawing his reliable sword he drove it through the middle part of the dragon’s body. So expertly was the thrust weighted that the point of the weapon protruded260 on the other side and scarred the earth. Instead of falling lifeless to the ground, however, the Being continued to regard its assailant with benignant composure, whereupon the youth withdrew the blade and drove it through again, five or six times more. As this produced no effect beyond rendering261 the edge of the weapon unfit for further use, and almost paralysing the sinews of his own right arm, Chang Tao threw away the sword and sat down on the road in order to recall his breath. When he raised his head again the dragon had disappeared and Pe-lung stood there as before.
“Fortunately it is possible to take a broad-minded view of your uncourteous action, owing to your sense of the fitnesses being for the time in abeyance262 through allegiance to so engaging a maiden as Melodious Vision,” said Pe-lung in a voice not devoid of reproach. “Had you but confided263 in me more fully I should certainly have cautioned you in time. As it is, you have ended by notching264 your otherwise capable weapon beyond repair and seriously damaging the scanty cloak I wear”—indicating the numerous rents that marred265 his dress of costly266 fur. “No wonder dejection sits upon your downcast brow.”
“Your priceless robe is a matter of profuse267 regret and my self-esteem can only be restored by your accepting in its place this threadbare one of mine. My rust-eaten sword is unworthy of your second thought. But certainly neither of these two details is the real reason of my dark despair.”
“Disclose yourself more openly,” urged Pe-lung.
“I now plainly recognize the futility268 of my well-intentioned quest. Obviously it is impossible to kill a dragon, and I am thus the sport either of Melodious Vision’s deliberate ridicule269 or of my own ill-arranged presumption270.”
“Set your mind at rest upon that score: each blow was competently struck and convincingly fatal. You may quite fittingly claim to have slain half a dozen dragons at the least—none of the legendary271 champions of the past has done more.”
“Yet how can so arrogant272 a claim be held, seeing that you stand before me in the unimpaired state of an ordinary existence?”
“The explanation is simple and assuring. It is, in reality, very easy to kill a dragon, but it is impossible to keep him dead. The reason for this is that the Five Essential Constituents273 of fire, water, earth, wood and metal are blended in our bodies in the Sublime274 or Indivisible proportion. Thus although it is not difficult by extreme violence to disturb the harmonious balance of the Constituents, and so bring about the effect of no-existence, they at once re-tranquillize again, and all effect of the ill usage is spontaneously repaired.”
“That is certainly a logical solution, but it stands in doubtful stead when applied275 to the familiar requirements of life; nor is it probable that one so acute-witted as Melodious Vision would greet the claim with an acquiescent235 face,” replied Chang Tao. “Not unnaturally is it said: ‘He who kills tigers does not wear rat-skin sleeves.’ It would be one thing to make a boast of having slain six dragons; it would be quite another to be bidden to bring in their tails.”
“That is a difficulty which must be considered,” admitted Pe-lung, “but a path round it will inevitably be found. In the meantime night is beginning to encircle us, and many dark Powers will be freed and resort to these inaccessible276 slopes. Accompany me, therefore, to my bankrupt hovel, where you will be safe until you care to resume your journey.”
To this agreeable proposal Chang Tao at once assented. The way was long and laborious, “For,” remarked Pe-lung, “in an ordinary course I should fly there in a single breath of time; but to seize an honoured guest by the body-cloth and thus transfer him over the side of a mountain is toilsome to the one and humiliating to the other.”
“We dragons are frequently objects of envy at the hands of the undiscriminating, but the few superficial privileges we enjoy are heavily balanced by the exacting278 scope of our duties. Thus to-night it is my degraded task to divert the course of the river flowing below us, so as to overwhelm the misguided town of Yang, wherein swells279 a sordid280 outcast who has reviled281 the Sacred Claw. In order to do this properly it will be my distressing282 part to lie across the bed of the stream, my head resting upon one bank and my tail upon the other, and so remain throughout the rigour of the night.”
As they approached the cloudy pinnacle283 whereon was situated284 the dragon’s cave, one came forth at a distance to meet them. As she drew near, alternating emotions from time to time swayed Chang Tao’s mind. From beneath a well-ruled eyebrow98 Pe-lung continued to observe him closely.
“Fuh-sang, the unattractive daughter of my dwindling285 line,” remarked the former person, with refined indifference286. “I have rendered you invisible, and she, as her custom is, would advance to greet me.”
“But this enchanting287 apparition288 is Melodious Vision!” exclaimed Chang Tao. “What new bewilderment is here?”
“Since you have thus expressed yourself, I will now throw off the mask and reveal fully why I have hitherto spared your life, and for what purpose I have brought you to these barren heights,” replied Pe-lung. “In the past Shen Yi provoked the Deities289, and to mark their displeasure it was decided290 to take away his she-child and to substitute for it one of demoniac birth. Accordingly Fuh-sang, being of like age, was moulded to its counterpart, and an attendant gnome291 was despatched with her secretly to make the change. Becoming overwhelmed with the fumes292 of rice-spirit, until then unknown to his simple taste, this clay-brained earth-pig left the two she-children alone for a space while he slept. Discovering each other to be the creature of another part, they battled together and tore from one another the signs of recognition. When the untrustworthy gnome recovered from his stupor293 he saw what he had done, but being terror-driven he took up one of the she-children at a venture and returned with a pliant294 tale. It was not until a few moons ago that while in a close extremity he confessed his crime. Meanwhile Shen Yi had made his peace with those Above and the order being revoked295 the she-children had been exchanged again. Thus the matter rests.”
“Which, then, of the twain is she inherent of your house and which Melodious Vision?” demanded Chang Tao in some concern. “The matter can assuredly not rest thus.”
“That,” replied Pe-lung affably, “it will be your engaging task to unravel296, and to this end will be your opportunity of closely watching Fuh-sang’s unsuspecting movements in my absence through the night.”
“Yet how should I, to whom the way of either maiden is as yet no more than the title-page of a many-volumed book, succeed where the father native to one has failed?”
“Because in your case the incentive297 will be deeper. Destined298, as you doubtless are, to espouse299 Melodious Vision, the Forces connected with marriage and its Rites will certainly endeavour to inspire you. This person admittedly has no desire to nurture300 one who should prove to be of merely human seed, but your objection to propagating a race of dragonets turns on a keener edge. Added to all, a not unnatural disinclination to be dropped from so great a height as this into so deep and rocky a valley as that will conceivably lend wings to your usually nimble-footed mind.”
While speaking to Chang Tao in this encouraging strain, Pe-lung was also conversing301 suitably with Fuh-sang, who had by this time joined them, warning her of his absence until the dawn, and the like. When he had completed his instruction he stroked her face affectionately, greeting Chang Tao with a short but appropriate farewell, and changing his form projected himself downwards302 into the darkness of the valley below. Recognizing that the situation into which he had been drawn70 possessed303 no other outlet304, Chang Tao followed Fuh-sang on her backward path, and with her passed unsuspected into the dragon’s cave.
Early as was Pe-lung’s return on the ensuing morning, Chang Tao stood on a rocky eminence to greet him, and the outline of his face, though not altogether free of doubt, was by no means hopeless. Pe-lung still retained the impressive form of a gigantic dragon as he cleft305 the Middle Air, shining and iridescent306, each beat of his majestic307 wings being as a roll of thunder and the skittering of sand and water from his crepitant scales leaving blights308 and rain-storms in his wake. When he saw Chang Tao he drove an earthward angle and alighting near at hand considerately changed into the semblance of an affluent merchant as he approached.
“Greeting,” he remarked cheerfully. “Did you find your early rice?”
“It has sufficed,” replied Chang Tao. “How is your own incomparable stomach?”
Pe-lung pointed40 to the empty bed of the deflected309 river and moved his head from side to side as one who draws an analogy to his own condition. “But of your more pressing enterprise,” he continued, with sympathetic concern: “have you persevered310 to a fruitful end, or will it be necessary—?” And with tactful feeling he indicated the gesture of propelling an antagonist311 over the side of a precipice312 rather than allude313 to the disagreeable contingency in spoken words.
“When the oil is exhausted314 the lamp goes out,” admitted Chang Tao, “but my time is not yet come. During the visionary watches of the night my poising315 mind was sustained by Forces as you so presciently foretold316, and my groping hand was led to an inspired solution of the truth.”
“This points to a specific end. Proceed,” urged Pe-lung, for Chang Tao had hesitated among his words as though their import might not be soothing317 to the other’s mind.
“Thus it is given me to declare: she who is called Melodious Vision is rightly of the house of Shen, and Fuh-sang is no less innate318 of your exalted319 tribe. The erring320 gnome, in spite of his misdeed, was but a finger of the larger hand of destiny, and as it is, it is.”
“This assurance gladdens my face, no less for your sake than for my own,” declared Pe-lung heartily321. “For my part, I have found a way to enlarge you in the eyes of those whom you solicit322. It is a custom with me that every thousand years I should discard my outer skin—not that it requires it, but there are certain standards to which we better-class dragons must conform. These sloughs323 are hidden beneath a secret stone, beyond the reach of the merely vain or curious. When you have disclosed the signs by which I shall have securance of Fuh-sang’s identity I will pronounce the word and the stone being thus released you shall bear away six suits of scales in token of your prowess.”
Then replied Chang Tao: “The signs, assuredly. Yet, omnipotence324, without your express command the specific detail would be elusive to my respectful tongue.”
“You have the authority of my extended hand,” conceded Pe-lung readily, raising it as he spoke. “Speak freely.”
“I claim the protection of its benignant shadow,” said Chang Tao, with content. “You, O Pe-lung, are one who has mingled325 freely with creatures of every kind in all the Nine Spaces. Yet have you not, out of your vast experience thus gained, perceived the essential wherein men and dragons differ? Briefly and devoid of graceful metaphor326, every dragon, esteemed, would seem to possess a tail; beings of my part have none.”
For a concise327 moment the nature of Pe-lung’s reflection was clouded in ambiguity328, though the fact that he became entirely329 enveloped330 in a dense331 purple vapour indicated feelings of more than usual vigour332. When this cleared away it left his outer form unchanged indeed, but the affable condescension333 of his manner was merged334 into one of dignified aloofness335.
“Certainly all members of our enlightened tribe have tails,” he replied, with distant precision, “nor does this one see how any other state is possible. Changing as we constantly do, both male and female, into Beings, Influences, Shadows and unclothed creatures of the lower parts, it is essential for our mutual336 self-esteem that in every manifestation we should be thus equipped. At this moment, though in the guise337 of a substantial trader, I possess a tail—small but adequate. Is it possible that you and those of your insolvent338 race are destitute?”
“In this particular, magnificence, I and those of my threadbare species are most lamentably339 deficient340. To the proving of this end shall I display myself?”
“It is not necessary,” said Pe-lung coldly. “It is inconceivable that, were it otherwise, you would admit the humiliating fact.”
“Yet out of your millenaries of experience you must already—”
“It is well said that after passing a commonplace object a hundred times a day, at nightfall its size and colour are unknown to one,” replied Pe-lung. “In this matter, from motives341 which cannot have been otherwise than delicate, I took too much for granted it would seem.... Then you—all—Shen Yi, Melodious Vision, the military governor of this province, even the sublime Emperor—all—?”
“All tailless,” admitted Chang Tao, with conscious humility. “Nevertheless there is a tradition that in distant aeons—”
“Doubtless on some issue you roused the High Ones past forgiveness and were thus deprived as the most signal mark of their displeasure.”
“Doubtless,” assented Chang Tao, with unquenchable politeness.
“Coming to the correct attitude that you have maintained throughout, it would appear that during the silent gong-strokes of the night, by some obscure and indirect guidance it was revealed to you that Fuh—that any Being of my superior race was, on the contrary—” The menace of Pe-lung’s challenging eye, though less direct and assured than formerly, had the manner of being uncertainly restrained by a single much-frayed thread, but Chang Tao continued to meet it with respectful self-possession.
“You have competently performed your part,” admitted Pe-lung, although an occasional jet of purple vapour clouded his upper person and the passage of his breath among his teeth would have been distasteful to one of sensitive refinement342. “Nothing remains but the fulfilling of my iron word.”
Thereupon he pronounced a mystic sign and revealing the opening to a cave he presently brought forth six sets of armoured skin. Binding these upon Chang Tao’s back, he dismissed him, yet the manner of his parting was as of one who is doubtful even to the end.
Thus equipped—
But who having made a distant journey into Outer Land speaks lengthily343 of the level path of his return, or of the evening glow upon the gilded344 roof of his awaiting home? Thus, this limit being reached in the essential story of Chang Tao, Melodious Vision and the Dragon, he who relates their commonplace happenings bows submissively.
Nevertheless it is true that once again in a later time Chang Tao encountered in the throng345 one whom he recognized. Encouraged by the presence of so many of his kind, he approached the other and saluted346 him.
“Greeting, O Pe-lung,” he said, with outward confidence. “What bends your footsteps to this busy place of men?”
“I come to buy an imitation pig-tail to pass for one,” replied Pe-lung, with quiet composure. “Greeting, valorous champion! How fares Melodious Vision?”
“Agreeably so,” admitted Chang Tao, and then, fearing that so far his reply had been inadequate347, he added: “Yet, despite the facts, there are moments when this person almost doubts if he did not make a wrong decision in the matter after all.”
“That is a very common complaint,” said Pe-lung, becoming most offensively amused.
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1
prospered
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| 成功，兴旺( prosper的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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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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shutter
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| n.百叶窗；(照相机)快门；关闭装置 | |
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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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corrupt
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| v.贿赂，收买；adj.腐败的，贪污的 | |
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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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lessened
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| 减少的，减弱的 | |
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unnatural
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| adj.不自然的；反常的 | |
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reptile
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| n.爬行动物；两栖动物 | |
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malice
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| n.恶意，怨恨，蓄意；[律]预谋 | |
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dexterously
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| adv.巧妙地，敏捷地 | |
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immediate
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| adj.立即的；直接的，最接近的；紧靠的 | |
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potent
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| adj.强有力的，有权势的；有效力的 | |
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venom
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| n.毒液，恶毒，痛恨 | |
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humility
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| n.谦逊，谦恭 | |
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verbose
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| adj.用字多的；冗长的；累赘的 | |
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omen
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| n.征兆，预兆；vt.预示 | |
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loyalty
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| n.忠诚，忠心 | |
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fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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precisely
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| adv.恰好，正好，精确地，细致地 | |
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founders
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| n.创始人( founder的名词复数 ) | |
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abruptly
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| adv.突然地，出其不意地 | |
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abrupt
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| adj.突然的，意外的；唐突的，鲁莽的 | |
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subterfuge
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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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snare
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| n.陷阱，诱惑，圈套；（去除息肉或者肿瘤的）勒除器；响弦，小军鼓；vt.以陷阱捕获，诱惑 | |
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virtuous
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| adj.有品德的，善良的，贞洁的，有效力的 | |
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acquiesced
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spun
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| v.纺，杜撰，急转身 | |
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heed
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| v.注意，留意；n.注意，留心 | |
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ineptness
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inept
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| adj.不恰当的，荒谬的，拙劣的 | |
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extols
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chambers
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| n.房间( chamber的名词复数 )；（议会的）议院；卧室；会议厅 | |
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chamber
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lesser
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| adj.次要的，较小的；adv.较小地，较少地 | |
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eulogy
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craftily
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insidious
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| adj.阴险的，隐匿的，暗中为害的，（疾病）不知不觉之间加剧 | |
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pointed
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| adj.尖的，直截了当的 | |
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contentious
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| adj.好辩的，善争吵的 | |
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trout
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| n.鳟鱼；鲑鱼(属) | |
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fixed
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| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
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countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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adorn
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| vt.使美化，装饰 | |
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adorns
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| 装饰，佩带( adorn的第三人称单数 ) | |
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jade
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| n.玉石；碧玉；翡翠 | |
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tinged
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| v.（使）发丁丁声( ting的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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lustre
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| n.光亮，光泽；荣誉 | |
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judgment
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| n.审判；判断力，识别力，看法，意见 | |
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narrated
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| v.故事( narrate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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thereby
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| adv.因此，从而 | |
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essentially
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| adv.本质上，实质上，基本上 | |
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alienate
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| vt.使疏远，离间；转让(财产等) | |
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obtuse
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| adj.钝的；愚钝的 | |
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assailed
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| v.攻击( assail的过去式和过去分词 )；困扰；质问；毅然应对 | |
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57
superfluous
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| adj.过多的，过剩的，多余的 | |
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58
melodious
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| adj.旋律美妙的，调子优美的，音乐性的 | |
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59
overflowed
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| 溢出的 | |
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60
discreet
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| adj.(言行)谨慎的；慎重的；有判断力的 | |
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61
spacious
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| adj.广阔的，宽敞的 | |
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62
esteemed
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| 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 | |
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63
prolific
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| adj.丰富的，大量的；多产的，富有创造力的 | |
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64
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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65
implicate
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| vt.使牵连其中，涉嫌 | |
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66
commendable
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| adj.值得称赞的 | |
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67
discriminating
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| a.有辨别能力的 | |
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68
modulation
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| n.调制 | |
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69
withdrawn
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| vt.收回；使退出；vi.撤退，退出 | |
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70
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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71
meritorious
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| adj.值得赞赏的 | |
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72
incapable
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| adj.无能力的，不能做某事的 | |
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73
revered
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| v.崇敬，尊崇，敬畏( revere的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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74
inevitably
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| adv.不可避免地；必然发生地 | |
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75
assented
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| 同意，赞成( assent的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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76
cardinal
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| n.(天主教的)红衣主教；adj.首要的，基本的 | |
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77
deter
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| vt.阻止，使不敢，吓住 | |
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78
deterioration
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| n.退化；恶化；变坏 | |
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79
discordant
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| adj.不调和的 | |
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80
contention
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| n.争论，争辩，论战；论点，主张 | |
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81
immaturely
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| adv.不成熟地 | |
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82
immature
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| adj.未成熟的，发育未全的，未充分发展的 | |
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83
contingency
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| n.意外事件，可能性 | |
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84
venerated
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| 敬重（某人或某事物），崇敬( venerate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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85
backwards
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| adv.往回地，向原处，倒，相反，前后倒置地 | |
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86
extinction
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| n.熄灭，消亡，消灭，灭绝，绝种 | |
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87
originality
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| n.创造力，独创性；新颖 | |
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88
eccentricity
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| n.古怪，反常，怪癖 | |
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89
censurable
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| adj.可非难的，该责备的 | |
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90
accomplishment
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| n.完成，成就，（pl.）造诣，技能 | |
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91
lengthen
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| vt.使伸长，延长 | |
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92
procure
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| vt.获得，取得，促成；vi.拉皮条 | |
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93
auspices
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| n.资助，赞助 | |
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94
frugal
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| adj.节俭的，节约的，少量的，微量的 | |
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95
devout
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| adj.虔诚的，虔敬的，衷心的 (n.devoutness) | |
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96
attire
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| v.穿衣，装扮[同]array；n.衣着；盛装 | |
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97
lurks
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| 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） | |
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98
eyebrow
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| n.眉毛，眉 | |
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99
eyebrows
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| 眉毛( eyebrow的名词复数 ) | |
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100
crafty
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| adj.狡猾的，诡诈的 | |
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101
questionable
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| adj.可疑的，有问题的 | |
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102
astonishment
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| n.惊奇，惊异 | |
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103
hemp
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| n.大麻；纤维 | |
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104
proximity
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| n.接近，邻近 | |
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105
dwelling
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| n.住宅，住所，寓所 | |
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106
emblem
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| n.象征，标志；徽章 | |
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107
sprouting
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| v.发芽( sprout的现在分词 )；抽芽；出现；（使）涌现出 | |
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108
malign
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| adj.有害的；恶性的；恶意的；v.诽谤，诬蔑 | |
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109
spectral
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| adj.幽灵的，鬼魂的 | |
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110
vampire
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| n.吸血鬼 | |
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111
demons
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| n.恶人( demon的名词复数 )；恶魔；精力过人的人；邪念 | |
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112
remains
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| n.剩余物，残留物；遗体，遗迹 | |
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113
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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114
awakening
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| n.觉醒，醒悟 adj.觉醒中的；唤醒的 | |
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115
awaken
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| vi.醒，觉醒；vt.唤醒，使觉醒，唤起，激起 | |
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116
courteous
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| adj.彬彬有礼的，客气的 | |
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117
domed
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| adj. 圆屋顶的, 半球形的, 拱曲的 动词dome的过去式和过去分词形式 | |
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118
copper
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| n.铜；铜币；铜器；adj.铜(制)的；(紫)铜色的 | |
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119
destitute
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| adj.缺乏的；穷困的 | |
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120
proceeding
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| n.行动，进行，(pl.)会议录，学报 | |
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121
aged
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| adj.年老的，陈年的 | |
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122
mendicant
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| n.乞丐；adj.行乞的 | |
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123
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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124
bestowed
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| 赠给，授予( bestow的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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125
indigent
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| adj.贫穷的，贫困的 | |
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126
blessing
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| n.祈神赐福；祷告；祝福，祝愿 | |
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127
alluring
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| adj.吸引人的，迷人的 | |
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128
graceful
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|
| adj.优美的，优雅的；得体的 | |
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129
manifestation
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| n.表现形式；表明；现象 | |
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130
proffered
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| v.提供，贡献，提出( proffer的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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131
agate
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| n.玛瑙 | |
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132
merging
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| 合并（分类） | |
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133
porcelain
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| n.瓷；adj.瓷的，瓷制的 | |
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134
frankly
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| adv.坦白地，直率地；坦率地说 | |
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135
augurs
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| n.（古罗马的）占兆官( augur的名词复数 )；占卜师，预言者v.预示，预兆，预言( augur的第三人称单数 )；成为预兆；占卜 | |
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136
portent
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| n.预兆；恶兆；怪事 | |
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137
avert
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| v.防止，避免；转移(目光、注意力等) | |
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138
captious
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| adj.难讨好的，吹毛求疵的 | |
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139
ripple
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| n.涟波，涟漪，波纹，粗钢梳；vt.使...起涟漪，使起波纹； vi.呈波浪状，起伏前进 | |
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140
celebrated
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|
| adj.有名的，声誉卓著的 | |
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141
implements
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| n.工具( implement的名词复数 )；家具；手段；[法律]履行（契约等）v.实现( implement的第三人称单数 )；执行；贯彻；使生效 | |
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142
beacon
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| n.烽火，（警告用的）闪火灯，灯塔 | |
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143
partially
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| adv.部分地，从某些方面讲 | |
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144
thoroughly
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| adv.完全地，彻底地，十足地 | |
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145
benevolent
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| adj.仁慈的，乐善好施的 | |
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146
acceleration
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| n.加速，加速度 | |
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147
mansion
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| n.大厦，大楼；宅第 | |
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148
dignified
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| a.可敬的，高贵的 | |
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149
prudently
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| adv. 谨慎地，慎重地 | |
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150
deference
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| n.尊重，顺从；敬意 | |
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151
eminence
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| n.卓越，显赫；高地，高处；名家 | |
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152
plunge
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| v.跳入，(使)投入，(使)陷入；猛冲 | |
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153
disturbances
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| n.骚乱( disturbance的名词复数 )；打扰；困扰；障碍 | |
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154
distressed
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| 痛苦的 | |
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155
rites
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| 仪式，典礼( rite的名词复数 ) | |
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156
noted
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| adj.著名的，知名的 | |
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157
sparse
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| adj.稀疏的，稀稀落落的，薄的 | |
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158
opportune
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| adj.合适的，适当的 | |
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159
enticed
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| 诱惑，怂恿( entice的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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160
elusive
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| adj.难以表达(捉摸)的；令人困惑的；逃避的 | |
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161
semblance
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| n.外貌，外表 | |
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162
devoid
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| adj.全无的，缺乏的 | |
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163
Mandarin
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| n.中国官话，国语，满清官吏；adj.华丽辞藻的 | |
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164
scrutinizing
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| v.仔细检查，详审( scrutinize的现在分词 ) | |
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165
chrysanthemums
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| n.菊花( chrysanthemum的名词复数 ) | |
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166
glide
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| n./v.溜，滑行；(时间)消逝 | |
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167
unnaturally
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| adv.违反习俗地；不自然地；勉强地；不近人情地 | |
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169
recesses
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| n.壁凹( recess的名词复数 )；（工作或业务活动的）中止或暂停期间；学校的课间休息；某物内部的凹形空间v.把某物放在墙壁的凹处( recess的第三人称单数 )；将（墙）做成凹形，在（墙）上做壁龛；休息，休会，休庭 | |
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170
sere
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| adj.干枯的；n.演替系列 | |
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171
beguiling
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|
| adj.欺骗的，诱人的v.欺骗( beguile的现在分词 )；使陶醉；使高兴；消磨（时间等） | |
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172
complexity
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| n.复杂(性)，复杂的事物 | |
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173
forsake
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| vt.遗弃，抛弃；舍弃，放弃 | |
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174
poise
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| vt./vi. 平衡，保持平衡；n.泰然自若，自信 | |
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175
extremity
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| n.末端，尽头；尽力；终极；极度 | |
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176
inquiry
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| n.打听，询问，调查，查问 | |
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177
manifestations
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| n.表示，显示（manifestation的复数形式） | |
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178
chameleon
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| n.变色龙，蜥蜴；善变之人 | |
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179
voracious
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| adj.狼吞虎咽的，贪婪的 | |
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180
allusion
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| n.暗示，间接提示 | |
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181
westward
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| n.西方，西部；adj.西方的，向西的；adv.向西 | |
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182
prostrates
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| v.使俯伏，使拜倒( prostrate的第三人称单数 )；（指疾病、天气等）使某人无能为力 | |
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183
prostrate
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| v.拜倒，平卧，衰竭；adj.拜倒的，平卧的，衰竭的 | |
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184
binds
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| v.约束( bind的第三人称单数 )；装订；捆绑；（用长布条）缠绕 | |
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185
flattened
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| [医]（水）平扁的，弄平的 | |
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186
undertaking
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| n.保证，许诺，事业 | |
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187
ballads
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| 民歌，民谣，特别指叙述故事的歌( ballad的名词复数 )； 讴 | |
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188
reassure
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| v.使放心，使消除疑虑 | |
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189
metallic
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| adj.金属的；金属制的；含金属的；产金属的；像金属的 | |
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190
munificence
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| n.宽宏大量，慷慨给与 | |
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191
rebuke
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| v.指责，非难，斥责 [反]praise | |
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192
engulfing
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| adj.吞噬的v.吞没，包住( engulf的现在分词 ) | |
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193
scattered
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| adj.分散的，稀疏的；散步的；疏疏落落的 | |
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194
inadequacy
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| n.无法胜任，信心不足 | |
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195
stinted
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| v.限制，节省（stint的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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196
winding
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| n.绕，缠，绕组，线圈 | |
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197
excellence
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| n.优秀，杰出，(pl.)优点，美德 | |
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198
inevitable
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| adj.不可避免的，必然发生的 | |
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199
hesitation
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| n.犹豫，踌躇 | |
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200
gathering
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| n.集会，聚会，聚集 | |
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201
constrained
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| adj.束缚的,节制的 | |
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202
assortment
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| n.分类，各色俱备之物，聚集 | |
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203
harmonious
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| adj.和睦的，调和的，和谐的，协调的 | |
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204
impelled
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| v.推动、推进或敦促某人做某事( impel的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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205
presumptuous
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| adj.胆大妄为的，放肆的，冒昧的，冒失的 | |
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206
contradictory
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| adj.反驳的，反对的，抗辩的；n.正反对，矛盾对立 | |
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207
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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208
earthenware
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|
| n.土器，陶器 | |
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209
vessel
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| n.船舶；容器，器皿；管，导管，血管 | |
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210
binding
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| 有约束力的，有效的，应遵守的 | |
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211
humiliation
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| n.羞辱 | |
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212
eludes
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| v.（尤指机敏地）避开( elude的第三人称单数 )；逃避；躲避；使达不到 | |
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213
converse
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|
| vi.谈话，谈天，闲聊；adv.相反的，相反 | |
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214
mediocre
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|
| adj.平常的，普通的 | |
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215
pretext
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|
| n.借口，托词 | |
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216
honourably
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|
| adv.可尊敬地，光荣地，体面地 | |
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217
benign
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| adj.善良的，慈祥的；良性的，无危险的 | |
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218
savagery
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| n.野性 | |
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219
distinguished
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| adj.卓越的，杰出的，著名的 | |
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220
impartiality
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| n. 公平, 无私, 不偏 | |
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221
propounder
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| n.提议者，建议者，[法] 提出遗嘱者 | |
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222
beckon
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| v.(以点头或打手势)向...示意，召唤 | |
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223
meekly
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|
| adv.温顺地，逆来顺受地 | |
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224
barbarian
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| n.野蛮人；adj.野蛮(人)的；未开化的 | |
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225
deferentially
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| adv.表示敬意地，谦恭地 | |
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226
penetrating
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|
| adj.（声音）响亮的，尖锐的adj.（气味）刺激的adj.（思想）敏锐的，有洞察力的 | |
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227
justified
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| a.正当的，有理的 | |
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228
mole
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| n.胎块；痣；克分子 | |
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229
tolerance
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| n.宽容；容忍，忍受；耐药力；公差 | |
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230
uncouth
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| adj.无教养的，粗鲁的 | |
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231
valiant
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|
| adj.勇敢的，英勇的；n.勇士，勇敢的人 | |
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232
slay
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| v.杀死，宰杀，杀戮 | |
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233
apparently
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| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
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234
advantageous
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|
| adj.有利的；有帮助的 | |
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235
acquiescent
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|
| adj.默许的，默认的 | |
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236
slain
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|
| 杀死，宰杀，杀戮( slay的过去分词 )； (slay的过去分词) | |
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237
vehemence
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|
| n.热切；激烈；愤怒 | |
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238
dubious
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|
| adj.怀疑的，无把握的；有问题的，靠不住的 | |
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239
facet
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|
| n.(问题等的)一个方面；(多面体的)面 | |
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240
laborious
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|
| adj.吃力的，努力的，不流畅 | |
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241
scanty
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|
| adj.缺乏的，仅有的，节省的，狭小的，不够的 | |
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242
dwellers
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|
| n.居民，居住者( dweller的名词复数 ) | |
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243
Forsaken
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|
| adj. 被遗忘的, 被抛弃的 动词forsake的过去分词 | |
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244
profusion
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| n.挥霍；丰富 | |
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245
formerly
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|
| adv.从前，以前 | |
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246
plentiful
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|
| adj.富裕的，丰富的 | |
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247
forefathers
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|
| n.祖先，先人；祖先，祖宗( forefather的名词复数 )；列祖列宗；前人 | |
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248
affluent
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|
| adj.富裕的，富有的，丰富的，富饶的 | |
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249
solitary
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|
| adj.孤独的，独立的，荒凉的；n.隐士 | |
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250
avowal
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| n.公开宣称，坦白承认 | |
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251
sufficiently
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|
| adv.足够地，充分地 | |
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252
killing
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|
| n.巨额利润；突然赚大钱，发大财 | |
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253
adage
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| n.格言，古训 | |
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254
scrutiny
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|
| n.详细检查，仔细观察 | |
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255
honourable
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|
| adj.可敬的；荣誉的，光荣的 | |
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256
briefly
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|
| adv.简单地，简短地 | |
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257
austere
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|
| adj.艰苦的；朴素的，朴实无华的；严峻的 | |
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258
scaly
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|
| adj.鱼鳞状的；干燥粗糙的 | |
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259
jaws
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|
| n.口部；嘴 | |
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260
protruded
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|
| v.（使某物）伸出，（使某物）突出( protrude的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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261
rendering
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|
| n.表现，描写 | |
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262
abeyance
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|
| n.搁置，缓办，中止，产权未定 | |
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263
confided
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|
| v.吐露（秘密，心事等）( confide的过去式和过去分词 )；（向某人）吐露（隐私、秘密等） | |
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264
notching
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|
| adj.多级的（指继电器）n.做凹口，开槽v.在（某物）上刻V形痕( notch的现在分词 )；赢得；赢取；获得高分 | |
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265
marred
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|
| adj. 被损毁, 污损的 | |
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266
costly
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|
| adj.昂贵的，价值高的，豪华的 | |
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267
profuse
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| adj.很多的，大量的，极其丰富的 | |
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268
futility
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| n.无用 | |
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269
ridicule
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|
| v.讥讽，挖苦；n.嘲弄 | |
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270
presumption
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| n.推测，可能性，冒昧，放肆，[法律]推定 | |
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271
legendary
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|
| adj.传奇（中）的，闻名遐迩的；n.传奇（文学） | |
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272
arrogant
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|
| adj.傲慢的，自大的 | |
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273
constituents
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|
| n.选民( constituent的名词复数 )；成分；构成部分；要素 | |
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274
sublime
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|
| adj.崇高的，伟大的；极度的，不顾后果的 | |
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275
applied
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|
| adj.应用的；v.应用，适用 | |
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276
inaccessible
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|
| adj.达不到的，难接近的 | |
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277
beguile
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|
| vt.欺骗，消遣 | |
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278
exacting
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|
| adj.苛求的，要求严格的 | |
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279
swells
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|
| 增强( swell的第三人称单数 )； 肿胀； （使）凸出； 充满（激情） | |
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280
sordid
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|
| adj.肮脏的，不干净的，卑鄙的，暗淡的 | |
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281
reviled
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|
| v.辱骂，痛斥( revile的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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282
distressing
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| a.使人痛苦的 | |
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283
pinnacle
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|
| n.尖塔，尖顶，山峰；(喻)顶峰 | |
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284
situated
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|
| adj.坐落在...的，处于某种境地的 | |
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285
dwindling
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|
| adj.逐渐减少的v.逐渐变少或变小( dwindle的现在分词 ) | |
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286
indifference
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|
| n.不感兴趣，不关心，冷淡，不在乎 | |
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287
enchanting
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| a.讨人喜欢的 | |
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288
apparition
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|
| n.幽灵，神奇的现象 | |
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289
deities
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| n.神，女神( deity的名词复数 )；神祗；神灵；神明 | |
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290
decided
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|
| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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291
gnome
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| n.土地神；侏儒，地精 | |
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292
fumes
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| n.(强烈而刺激的)气味，气体 | |
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293
stupor
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| v.昏迷；不省人事 | |
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294
pliant
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| adj.顺从的；可弯曲的 | |
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295
revoked
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| adj.[法]取消的v.撤销，取消，废除( revoke的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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296
unravel
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| v.弄清楚（秘密）；拆开，解开，松开 | |
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297
incentive
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| n.刺激；动力；鼓励；诱因；动机 | |
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298
destined
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| adj.命中注定的；(for)以…为目的地的 | |
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299
espouse
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| v.支持，赞成，嫁娶 | |
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300
nurture
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|
| n.养育，照顾，教育；滋养，营养品；vt.养育，给与营养物，教养，扶持 | |
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301
conversing
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|
| v.交谈，谈话( converse的现在分词 ) | |
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302
downwards
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| adj./adv.向下的（地），下行的（地） | |
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303
possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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304
outlet
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| n.出口/路；销路；批发商店；通风口；发泄 | |
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305
cleft
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|
| n.裂缝；adj.裂开的 | |
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306
iridescent
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|
| adj.彩虹色的，闪色的 | |
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307
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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308
blights
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| 使凋萎( blight的第三人称单数 )； 使颓丧； 损害； 妨害 | |
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309
deflected
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| 偏离的 | |
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310
persevered
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| v.坚忍，坚持( persevere的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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311
antagonist
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| n.敌人，对抗者，对手 | |
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312
precipice
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| n.悬崖，危急的处境 | |
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313
allude
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| v.提及，暗指 | |
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314
exhausted
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|
| adj.极其疲惫的，精疲力尽的 | |
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315
poising
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|
| 使平衡( poise的现在分词 )； 保持（某种姿势）； 抓紧； 使稳定 | |
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316
foretold
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|
| v.预言，预示( foretell的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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317
soothing
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|
| adj.慰藉的；使人宽心的；镇静的 | |
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318
innate
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|
| adj.天生的，固有的，天赋的 | |
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319
exalted
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|
| adj.(地位等)高的，崇高的；尊贵的，高尚的 | |
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320
erring
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| 做错事的，错误的 | |
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321
heartily
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|
| adv.衷心地，诚恳地，十分，很 | |
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322
solicit
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| vi.勾引；乞求；vt.请求，乞求；招揽(生意) | |
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323
sloughs
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| n.沼泽( slough的名词复数 )；苦难的深渊；难以改变的不良心情；斯劳(Slough)v.使蜕下或脱落( slough的第三人称单数 )；舍弃；除掉；摒弃 | |
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324
omnipotence
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| n.全能，万能，无限威力 | |
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325
mingled
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| 混合，混入( mingle的过去式和过去分词 )； 混进，与…交往[联系] | |
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326
metaphor
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| n.隐喻，暗喻 | |
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327
concise
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| adj.简洁的，简明的 | |
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328
ambiguity
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| n.模棱两可；意义不明确 | |
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329
entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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330
enveloped
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| v.包围，笼罩，包住( envelop的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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331
dense
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| a.密集的，稠密的，浓密的；密度大的 | |
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332
vigour
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| （=vigor）n.智力，体力，精力 | |
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333
condescension
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| n.自以为高人一等，贬低(别人) | |
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334
merged
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| （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 | |
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335
aloofness
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| 超然态度 | |
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336
mutual
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| adj.相互的，彼此的；共同的，共有的 | |
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337
guise
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| n.外表，伪装的姿态 | |
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338
insolvent
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| adj.破产的，无偿还能力的 | |
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339
lamentably
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| adv.哀伤地，拙劣地 | |
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340
deficient
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| adj.不足的，不充份的，有缺陷的 | |
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341
motives
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| n.动机，目的( motive的名词复数 ) | |
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342
refinement
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| n.文雅；高尚；精美；精制；精炼 | |
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343
lengthily
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| adv.长，冗长地 | |
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344
gilded
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| a.镀金的，富有的 | |
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345
throng
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| n.人群，群众；v.拥挤，群集 | |
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346
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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347
inadequate
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| adj.(for,to)不充足的，不适当的 | |
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