When Kai Lung had related the story of Chang Tao and had made an end of speaking, those who were seated there agreed with an undivided voice that he had competently fulfilled his task. Nor did Shan Tien omit an approving word, adding:
“On one point the historical balance of a certain detail seemed open to contention3. Accompany me, therefore, to my own severe retreat, where this necessarily flat and unentertaining topic can be looked at from all round.”
When they were alone together the Mandarin4 unsealed a jar of wine, apportioned5 melon seeds, and indicated to Kai Lung that he should sit upon the floor at a suitable distance from himself.
“So long as we do not lose sight of the necessity whereby my official position will presently involve me in condemning6 you to a painful death, and your loyal subjection will necessitate7 your whole-hearted co-operation in the act, there is no reason why the flower of literary excellence8 should wither9 for lack of mutual10 husbandry,” remarked the broad-minded official tolerantly.
“Your enlightened patronage11 is a continual nourishment12 to the soil of my imagination,” replied the story teller13.
“As regards the doings of Chang Tao and of the various other personages who unite with him to form the fabric14 of the narrative15, would not a strict adherence16 to the fable17 in its classical simplicity18 require the filling in of certain details which under your elusive19 tongue seemed, as you proceeded, to melt imperceptibly into a discreet20 background?”
“Your voice is just,” confessed Kai Lung, “and your harmonious21 ear corrects the deficiencies of my afflicted22 style. Admittedly in the story of Chang Tao there are here and there analogies which may be fittingly left to the imagination as the occasion should demand. Is it not rightly said: ‘Discretion23 is the handmaiden of Truth’? and in that spacious24 and well-appointed palace there is every kind of vessel25, but the meaner are not to be seen in the more ceremonial halls. Thus he who tells a story prudently27 suits his furnishing to the condition of his hearers.”
“Wisdom directs your course,” replied Shan Tien, “and propriety28 sits beneath your supple29 tongue. As the necessity for this very seemly expurgation is now over, I would myself listen to your recital30 of the fullest and most detailed31 version—purely, let it be freely stated, in order to judge whether its literary qualities transcend32 those of the other.”
“I comply, benevolence33,” replied Kai Lung. “This rendering34 shall be to the one that has gone before as a spreading banyan-tree overshadowing an immature35 shrub36.”
“Forbear!” exclaimed a discordant37 voice, and the sour-eyed Ming-shu revealed his inopportune presence from behind a hanging veil. “Is it meet, O eminence39, that in this person’s absence you should thus consort40 on terms of fraternity with tomb-riflers and grain-thieves?”
“The reproach is easily removed,” replied Shan Tien hospitably41. “Join the circle of our refined felicity and hear at full length by what means the ingenious Chang Tao—”
“There are moments when one despairs before the spectacle of authority thus displayed,” murmured Ming-shu, his throat thickening with acrimony. “Understand, pre-eminence,” he continued more aloud, “that not this one’s absence but your own presence is the distressing43 feature, as being an obstacle in the path of that undeviating justice in which our legal system is embedded44. From the first moment of our encountering it had been my well-intentioned purpose that loyal confidence should be strengthened and rebellion cowed by submitting this opportune38 but otherwise inoffensive stranger to a sordid45 and degrading end. Yet how shall this beneficent example be attained46 if on every occasion—”
“Your design is a worthy47 and enlightened one,” interposed the Mandarin, with dignity. “What you have somewhat incapably48 overlooked, Ming-shu, is the fact that I never greet this intelligent and painstaking49 young man without reminding him of the imminence50 of his fate and of his suitability for it.”
“Be this as the destinies permit, there is much that is circuitous52 in the bending of events,” contended Ming-shu stubbornly. “Is it by chance or through some hidden tricklage that occasion always finds Kai Lung so adequately prepared?”
“It is, as the story of Chang Tao has this day justified53, and as this discriminating54 person has frequently maintained, that the one in question has a story framed to meet the requirement of every circumstance,” declared Shan Tien.
“Or that each requirement is subtly shaped to meet his preparation,” retorted Ming-shu darkly. “Be that as it shall perchance ultimately appear, it is undeniable that your admitted weaknesses—”
“Weaknesses!” exclaimed the astonished Mandarin, looking around the room as though to discover in what crevice55 the unheard-of attributes were hidden. “This person’s weaknesses? Can the sounding properties of this ill-constructed roof thus pervert56 one word into the semblance57 of another? If not, the bounds set to the admissible from the taker-down of the spoken word, Ming-shu, do not in their most elastic59 moods extend to calumny60 and distortion.... The one before you has no weaknesses.... Doubtless before another moon has changed you will impute61 to him actual faults!”
“Humility directs my gaze,” replied Ming-shu, with downcast eyes, and he plainly recognized that his presumption62 had been too maintained. “Yet,” he added, with polished irony63, “there is a well-timed adage64 that rises to the lips: ‘Do not despair; even Yuen Yan once cast a missile at the Tablets!’”
“Truly,” agreed Shan Tien, with smooth concurrence65, “the line is not unknown to me. Who, however, was the one in question and under what provocation66 did he so behave?”
“That is beyond the province of the saying,” replied Ming-shu. “Nor is it known to my remembrance.”
“Then out of your own mouth a fitting test is set, which if Kai Lung can agreeably perform will at once demonstrate a secret and a guilty confederacy between you both. Proceed, O story-teller, to incriminate Ming-shu together with yourself!”
“I proceed, High Excellence, but chiefly to the glorification67 of your all-discerning mind,” replied Kai Lung.
The Story of Yuen Yan, of the Barber Chou-hu,
and His Wife Tsae-che
“Do not despair; even Yuen Yan once cast a missile at the Tablets,” is a proverb of encouragement well worn throughout the Empire; but although it is daily on the lips of some it is doubtful if a single person could give an intelligent account of the Yuen Yan in question beyond repeating the outside facts that he was of a humane68 and consistent disposition69 and during the greater part of his life possessed70 every desirable attribute of wealth, family and virtuous71 esteem72. If more closely questioned with reference to the specific incident alluded73 to, these persons would not hesitate to assert that the proverb was not to be understood in so superficial a sense, protesting, with much indignation, that Yuen Yan was of too courteous74 and lofty a nature to be guilty of so unseemly an action, and contemptuously inquiring what possible reason one who enjoyed every advantage in this world and every prospect75 of an unruffled felicity in The Beyond could have for behaving in so outrageous76 a manner. This explanation by no means satisfied the one who now narrates77, and after much research he has brought to light the forgotten story of Yuen Yan’s early life, which may be thus related.
At the period with which this part of the narrative is concerned, Yuen Yan dwelt with his mother in one of the least attractive of the arches beneath the city wall. As a youth it had been his intention to take an exceptionally high place in the public examinations, and, rising at once to a position of responsible authority, to mark himself out for continual promotion78 by the exercise of unfailing discretion and indomitable zeal79. Having saved his country in a moment of acute national danger, he contemplated80 accepting a title of unique distinction and retiring to his native province, where he would build an adequate palace which he had already planned out down to the most trivial detail. There he purposed spending the remainder of his life, receiving frequent tokens of regard from the hand of the gratified Emperor, marrying an accomplished82 and refined wife who would doubtless be one of the princesses of the Imperial House, and conscientiously83 regarding The Virtues85 throughout. The transition from this sumptuously86 contrived87 residence to a damp arch in the city wall, and from the high destiny indicated to the occupation of leading from place to place a company of sightless mendicants, had been neither instantaneous nor painless, but Yuen Yan had never for a moment wavered from the enlightened maxims88 which he had adopted as his guiding principles, nor did he suffer unending trials to lessen89 his reverence90 for The Virtues. “Having set out with the full intention of becoming a wealthy mandarin, it would have been a small achievement to have reached that position with unshattered ideals,” he frequently remarked; “but having thus set out it is a matter for more than ordinary congratulation to have fallen to the position of leading a string of blind beggars about the city and still to retain unimpaired the ingenuous91 beliefs and aspirations92 of youth.”
“Doubtless,” replied his aged93 mother, whenever she chanced to overhear this honourable94 reflection, “doubtless the foolish calf95 who innocently puts his foot into the jelly finds a like consolation96. This person, however, would gladly exchange the most illimitable moral satisfaction engendered97 by acute poverty for a few of the material comforts of a sordid competence98, nor would she hesitate to throw into the balance all the aspirations and improving sayings to be found within the Classics.”
“Esteemed mother,” protested Yan, “more than three thousand years ago the royal philosopher Nin-hyo made the observation: ‘Better an earth-lined cave from which the stars are visible than a golden pagoda99 roofed over with iniquity,’ and the saying has stood the test of time.”
“The remark would have carried a weightier conviction if the broad-minded sovereign had himself first stood the test of lying for a few years with enlarged joints100 and afflicted bones in the abode101 he so prudently recommended for others,” replied his mother, and without giving Yuen Yan any opportunity of bringing forward further proof of their highly-favoured destiny she betook herself to her own straw at the farthest end of the arch.
Up to this period of his life Yuen Yan’s innate102 reverence and courtesy of manner had enabled him to maintain an impassive outlook in the face of every discouragement, but now he was exposed to a fresh series of trials in addition to the unsympathetic attitude which his mother never failed to unroll before him. It has already been expressed that Yuen Yan’s occupation and the manner by which he gained his livelihood103 consisted in leading a number of blind mendicants about the streets of the city and into the shops and dwelling-places of those who might reasonably be willing to pay in order to be relieved of their presence. In this profession Yan’s venerating104 and custom-regarding nature compelled him to act as leaders of blind beggars had acted throughout all historical times and far back into the dim recesses105 of legendary106 epochs and this, in an era when the leisurely107 habits of the past were falling into disuse, and when rivals and competitors were springing up on all sides, tended almost daily to decrease the proceeds of his labour and to sow an insidious108 doubt even in his unquestioning mind.
In particular, among those whom Yan regarded most objectionably was one named Ho. Although only recently arrived in the city from a country beyond the Bitter Water, Ho was already known in every quarter both to the merchants and stallkeepers, who trembled at his approaching shadow, and to the competing mendicants who now counted their cash with two fingers where they had before needed both hands. This distressingly109 active person made no secret of his methods and intention; for, upon his arrival, he plainly announced that his object was to make the foundations of benevolence vibrate like the strings110 of a many-toned lute111, and he compared his general progress through the haunts of the charitably disposed to the passage of a highly-charged firework through an assembly of meditative112 turtles. He was usually known, he added, as “the rapidly-moving person,” or “the one devoid113 of outline,” and it soon became apparent that he was also quite destitute114 of all dignified115 restraint. Selecting the place of commerce of some wealthy merchant, Ho entered without hesitation116 and thrusting aside the waiting customers he continued to strike the boards impatiently until he gained the attention of the chief merchant himself. “Honourable salutations,” he would say, “but do not entreat117 this illiterate118 person to enter the inner room, for he cannot tarry to discuss the movements of the planets or the sublime119 Emperor’s health. Behold120, for half-a-tael of silver you may purchase immunity121 from his discreditable persistence122 for seven days; here is the acknowledgement duly made out and attested123. Let the payment be made in pieces of metal and not in paper obligations.” Unless immediate124 compliance125 followed Ho at once began noisily to cast down the articles of commerce, to roll bodily upon the more fragile objects, to become demoniacally possessed on the floor, and to resort to a variety of expedients127 until all the customers were driven forth128 in panic.
In the case of an excessively stubborn merchant he had not hesitated to draw a formidable knife and to gash129 himself in a superficial but very imposing130 manner; then he had rushed out uttering cries of terror, and sinking down by the door had remained there for the greater part of the day, warning those who would have entered to be upon their guard against being enticed131 in and murdered, at the same time groaning132 aloud and displaying his own wounds. Even this seeming disregard of time was well considered, for when the tidings spread about the city other merchants did not wait for Ho to enter and greet them, but standing133 at their doors money in hand they pressed it upon him the moment he appeared and besought134 him to remove his distinguished135 presence from their plague-infected street. To the ordinary mendicants of the city this stress of competition was disastrous136, but to Yuen Yan it was overwhelming. Thoroughly137 imbued138 with the deferential139 systems of antiquity140, he led his band from place to place with a fitting regard for the requirements of ceremonial etiquette141 and a due observance of leisurely unconcern. Those to whom he addressed himself he approached with obsequious142 tact143, and in the face of refusal to contribute to his store his most violent expedient126 did not go beyond marshalling his company of suppliants144 in an orderly group upon the shop floor, where they sang in unison145 a composed chant extolling146 the fruits of munificence147 and setting forth the evil plight148 which would certainly attend the flinty-stomached in the Upper Air. In this way Yuen Yan had been content to devote several hours to a single shop in the hope of receiving finally a few pieces of brass149 money; but now his persecutions were so mild that the merchants and vendors151 rather welcomed him by comparison with the intolerable Ho, and would on no account pay to be relieved of the infliction152 of his presence. “Have we not disbursed153 in one day to the piratical Ho thrice the sum which we had set by to serve its purpose for a hand-count of moons; and do we possess the Great Secret?” they cried. “Nevertheless, dispose your engaging band of mendicants about the place freely until it suits your refined convenience to proceed elsewhere, O meritorious154 Yuen Yan, for your unassuming qualities have won our consistent regard; but an insatiable sponge has already been laid upon the well-spring of our benevolence and the tenacity155 of our closed hand is inflexible156.”
Even the passive mendicants began to murmur42 against his leadership, urging him that he should adopt some of the simpler methods of the gifted Ho and thereby157 save them all from an otherwise inevitable158 starvation. The Emperor Kai-tsing, said the one who led their voices (referring in his malignant159 bitterness to a sovereign of the previous dynasty), was dead, although the fact had doubtless escaped Yuen Yan’s deliberate perception. The methods of four thousand years ago were becoming obsolete160 in the face of a strenuous161 competition, and unless Yuen Yan was disposed to assume a more highly-coiled appearance they must certainly address themselves to another leader.
It was on this occasion that the incident took place which has passed down in the form of an inspiriting proverb. Yuen Yan had conscientiously delivered at the door of his abode the last of his company and was turning his footsteps towards his own arch when he encountered the contumelious Ho, who was likewise returning at the close of a day’s mendicancy162—but with this distinction: that, whereas Ho was followed by two stalwart attendants carrying between them a sack full of money, Yan’s share of his band’s enterprise consisted solely163 of one base coin of a kind which the charitable set aside for bestowing164 upon the blind and quite useless for all ordinary purposes of exchange. A few paces farther on Yan reached the Temple of the Unseen Forces and paused for a moment, as his custom was, to cast his eyes up to the tablets engraved165 with The Virtues, before which some devout166 person nightly hung a lantern. Goaded167 by a sudden impulse, Yan looked each way about the deserted168 street, and perceiving that he was alone he deliberately169 extended his out-thrust tongue towards the inspired precepts170. Then taking from an inner sleeve the base coin he flung it at the inscribed171 characters and observed with satisfaction that it struck the verse beginning, “The Rewards of a Quiescent172 and Mentally-introspective Life are Unbounded—”
When Yan entered his arch some hours later his mother could not fail to perceive that a subtle change had come over his manner of behaving. Much of the leisurely dignity had melted out of his footsteps, and he wore his hat and outer garments at an angle which plainly testified that he was a person who might be supposed to have a marked objection to returning home before the early hours of the morning. Furthermore, as he entered he was chanting certain melodious173 words by which he endeavoured to convey the misleading impression that his chief amusement consisted in defying the official watchers of the town, and he continually reiterated174 a claim to be regarded as “one of the beardless goats.” Thus expressing himself, Yan sank down in his appointed corner and would doubtlessly soon have been floating peacefully in the Middle Distance had not the door been again thrown open and a stranger named Chou-hu entered.
“Prosperity!” said Chou-hu courteously176, addressing himself to Yan’s mother. “Have you eaten your rice? Behold, I come to lay before you a very attractive proposal regarding your son.”
“The flower attracts the bee, but when he departs it is to his lips that the honey clings,” replied the woman cautiously; for after Yan’s boastful words on entering she had a fear lest haply this person might be one on behalf of some guardian177 of the night whom her son had flung across the street (as he had specifically declared his habitual178 treatment of them to be) come to take him by stratagem179.
“Does the pacific lamb become a wolf by night?” said Chou-hu, displaying himself reassuringly180. “Wrap your ears well round my words, for they may prove very remunerative181. It cannot be a matter outside your knowledge that the profession of conducting an assembly of blind mendicants from place to place no longer yields the wage of even a frugal182 existence in this city. In the future, for all the sympathy that he will arouse, Yan might as well go begging with a silver bowl. In consequence of his speechless condition he will be unable to support either you or himself by any other form of labour, and your line will thereupon become extinct and your standing in the Upper Air be rendered intolerable.”
“It is a remote contingency183, but, as the proverb says, ‘The wise hen is never too old to dread184 the Spring,’” replied Yan’s mother, with commendable185 prudence186. “By what means, then, may this calamity187 be averted188?”
“The person before you,” continued Chou-hu, “is a barber and embellisher190 of pig-tails from the street leading to the Three-tiered Pagoda of Eggs. He has long observed the restraint and moderation of Yan’s demeanour and now being in need of one to assist him his earliest thought turns to him. The affliction which would be an insuperable barrier in all ordinary cases may here be used to advantage, for being unable to converse191 with those seated before him, or to hear their salutations, Yan will be absolved192 from the necessity of engaging in diffuse193 and refined conversation, and in consequence he will submit at least twice the number of persons to his dexterous194 energies. In that way he will secure a higher reward than this person could otherwise afford and many additional comforts will doubtless fall into the sleeve of his engaging mother.”
At this point the woman began to understand that the sense in which Chou-hu had referred to Yan’s speechless condition was not that which she had at the time deemed it to be. It may here be made clear that it was Yuen Yan’s custom to wear suspended about his neck an inscribed board bearing the words, “Speechless, and devoid of the faculty195 of hearing,” but this originated out of his courteous and deferential nature (for to his self-obliterative mind it did not seem respectful that he should appear to be better endowed than those whom he led), nor could it be asserted that he wilfully196 deceived even the passing stranger, for he would freely enter into conversation with anyone whom he encountered. Nevertheless an impression had thus been formed in Chou-hu’s mind and the woman forbore to correct it, thinking that it would be scarcely polite to assert herself better informed on any subject than he was, especially as he had spoken of Yan thereby receiving a higher wage. Yan himself would certainly have revealed something had he not been otherwise employed. Hearing the conversation turn towards his afflictions, he at once began to search very industriously198 among the straw upon which he lay for the inscribed board in question; for to his somewhat confused imagination it seemed at the time that only by displaying it openly could he prove to Chou-hu that he was in no way deficient199. As the board was found on the following morning nailed to the great outer door of the Hall of Public Justice (where it remained for many days owing to the official impression that so bold and undeniable a pronouncement must have received the direct authority of the sublime Emperor), Yan was not unnaturally200 engaged for a considerable time, and in the meanwhile his mother contrived to impress upon him by an unmistakable sign that he should reveal nothing, but leave the matter in her hands.
Then said Yan’s mother: “Truly the proposal is not altogether wanting in alluring201 colours, but in what manner will Yan interpret the commands of those who place themselves before him, when he has attained sufficient proficiency202 to be entrusted203 with the knife and the shearing204 irons?”
“The objection is a superficial one,” replied Chou-hu. “When a person seats himself upon the operating stool he either throws back his head, fixing his eyes upon the upper room with a set and resolute205 air, or inclines it slightly forward as in a reverent206 tranquillity207. In the former case he requires his uneven208 surfaces to be made smooth; in the latter he is desirous that his pig-tail should be drawn209 out and trimmed. Do not doubt Yan’s capability210 to conduct himself in a discreet and becoming manner, but communicate to him, by the usual means which you adopt, the offer thus laid out, and unless he should be incredibly obtuse211 or unfilial to a criminal degree he will present himself at the Sign of the Gilt212 Thunderbolt at an early hour to-morrow.”
There is a prudent26 caution expressed in the proverb, “The hand that feeds the ox grasps the knife when it is fattened213: crawl backwards214 from the presence of a munificent215 official.” Chou-hu, in spite of his plausible216 pretext217, would have experienced no difficulty in obtaining the services of one better equipped to assist him than was Yuen Yan, so that in order to discover his real object it becomes necessary to look underneath218 his words. He was indeed, as he had stated, a barber and an embellisher of pig-tails, and for many years he had grown rich and round-bodied on the reputation of being one of the most skilful219 within his quarter of the city. In an evil moment, however, he had abandoned the moderation of his past life and surrounded himself with an atmosphere of opium220 smoke and existed continually in the mind-dimming effects of rice-spirit. From this cause his custom began to languish221; his hand no longer swept in the graceful223 and unhesitating curves which had once been the admiration224 of all beholders, but displayed on the contrary a very disconcerting irregularity of movement, and on the day of his visit he had shorn away the venerable moustaches of the baker225 Heng-cho under a mistaken impression as to the reality of things and a wavering vision of their exact position. Now the baker had been inordinately226 proud of his long white moustaches and valued them above all his possessions, so that, invoking227 the spirits of his ancestors to behold his degradation228 and to support him in his resolve, and calling in all the passers-by to bear witness to his oath, he had solemnly bound himself either to cut down Chou-hu fatally, or, should that prove too difficult an accomplishment229, to commit suicide within his shop. This twofold danger thoroughly stupefied Chou-hu and made him incapable230 of taking any action beyond consuming further and more unstinted portions of rice-spirit and rending231 article after article of his apparel until his wife Tsae-che modestly dismissed such persons as loitered, and barred the outer door.
“Open your eyes upon the facts by which you are surrounded, O contemptible232 Chou-hu,” she said, returning to his side and standing over him. “Already your degraded instincts have brought us within measurable distance of poverty, and if you neglect your business to avoid Heng-cho, actual want will soon beset233 us. If you remain openly within his sight you will certainly be removed forcibly to the Upper Air, leaving this inoffensive person destitute and abandoned, and if by the exercise of unfailing vigilance you escape both these dangers, you will be reserved to an even worse plight, for Heng-cho in desperation will inevitably234 carry out the latter part of his threat, dedicating his spirit to the duty of continually haunting you and frustrating235 your ambitions here on earth and calling to his assistance myriads236 of ancestors and relations to torment237 you in the Upper Air.”
“How attractively and in what brilliantly-coloured outlines do you present the various facts of existence!” exclaimed Chou-hu, with inelegant resentment238. “Do not neglect to add that, to-morrow being the occasion of the Moon Festival, the inexorable person who owns this residence will present himself to collect his dues, that, in consequence of the rebellion in the south, the sagacious viceroy has doubled the price of opium, that some irredeemable outcast has carried away this person’s blue silk umbrella, and then doubtless the alluring picture of internal felicity around the Ancestral Altar of the Gilt Thunderbolt will be complete.”
“Light words are easily spoken behind barred doors,” said his wife scornfully. “Let my lord, then, recline indolently upon the floor of his inner chamber239 while this person sumptuously lulls240 him into oblivion with the music of her voice, regardless of the morrow and of the fate in which his apathy241 involves us both.”
“By no means!” exclaimed Chou-hu, rising hastily and tearing away much of his elaborately arranged pigtail in his uncontrollable rage; “there is yet a more pleasurable alternative than that and one which will ensure to this person a period of otherwise unattainable domestic calm and at the same time involve a detestable enemy in confusion. Anticipating the dull-witted Heng-cho this one will now proceed across the street and, committing suicide within his door, will henceforth enjoy the honourable satisfaction of haunting his footsteps and rending his bakehouses and ovens untenable.” With this assurance Chou-hu seized one of his most formidable business weapons and caused it to revolve242 around his head with great rapidity, but at the same time with extreme carefulness.
“There is a ready saying: ‘The new-born lamb does not fear a tiger, but before he becomes a sheep he will flee from a wolf,’” said Tsae-che without in any way deeming it necessary to arrest Chou-hu’s hand. “Full confidently will you set out, O Chou-hu, but to reach the shop of Heng-cho it is necessary to pass the stall of the dealer243 in abandoned articles, and next to it are enticingly244 spread out the wares245 of Kong, the merchant in distilled246 spirits. Put aside your reliable scraping iron while you still have it, and this not ill-disposed person will lay before you a plan by which you may even yet avoid all inconveniences and at the same time regain247 your failing commerce.”
“It is also said: ‘The advice of a wise woman will ruin a walled city,’” replied Chou-hu, somewhat annoyed at his wife so opportunely248 comparing him to a sheep, but still more concerned to hear by what possible expedient she could successfully avert189 all the contending dangers of his position. “Nevertheless, proceed.”
“In one of the least reputable quarters of the city there dwells a person called Yuen Yan,” said the woman. “He is the leader of a band of sightless mendicants and in this position he has frequently passed your open door, though—probably being warned by the benevolent249—he has never yet entered. Now this Yuen Yan, save for one or two unimportant details, is the reflected personification of your own exalted250 image, nor would those most intimate with your form and outline be able to pronounce definitely unless you stood side by side before them. Furthermore, he is by nature unable to hear any remark addressed to him, and is incapable of expressing himself in spoken words. Doubtless by these indications my lord’s locust-like intelligence will already have leapt to an inspired understanding of the full project?”
“Assuredly,” replied Chou-hu, caressing251 himself approvingly. “The essential details of the scheme are built about the ease with which this person could present himself at the abode of Yuen Yan in his absence and, gathering252 together that one’s store of wealth unquestioned, retire with it to a distant and unknown spot and thereby elude253 the implacable Heng-cho’s vengeance254.”
“Leaving your menial one in the ‘walled city’ referred to, to share its fate, and, in particular, to undertake the distressing obligation of gathering up the atrocious Heng-cho after he has carried his final threat into effect? Truly must the crystal stream of your usually undimmed intelligence have become vaporized. Listen well. Disguising your external features slightly so that the resemblance may pass without remark, present yourself openly at the residence of the Yuen Yan in question—”
“First learning where it is situated255?” interposed Chou-hu, with a desire to grasp the details competently.
“Unless a person of your retrospective taste would prefer to leave so trivial a point until afterwards,” replied his wife in a tone of concentrated no-sincerity. “In either case, however, having arrived there, bargain with the one who has authority over Yuen Yan’s movements, praising his demeanour and offering to accept him into the honours and profits of your craft. The words of acquiescence256 should spring to meet your own, for the various branches of mendicancy are languishing257, and Yuen Yan can have no secret store of wealth. Do not hesitate to offer a higher wage than you would as an affair of ordinary commerce, for your safety depends upon it. Having secured Yan, teach him quickly the unpolished outlines of your business and then clothing him in robes similar to your own let him take his stand within the shop and withdraw yourself to the inner chamber. None will suspect the artifice258, and Yuen Yan is manifestly incapable of betraying it. Heng-cho, seeing him display himself openly, will not deem it necessary to commit suicide yet, and, should he cut down Yan fatally, the officials of the street will seize him and your own safety will be assured. Finally, if nothing particular happens, at least your prosperity will be increased, for Yuen Yan will prove industrious197, frugal, not addicted259 to excesses and in every way reliable, and towards the shop of so exceptional a barber customers will turn in an unending stream.”
“Alas!” exclaimed Chou-hu, “when you boasted of an inspired scheme this person for a moment foolishly allowed his mind to contemplate81 the possibility of your having accidentally stumbled upon such an expedient haply, but your suggestion is only comparable with a company of ducks attempting to cross an ice-bound stream—an excessive outlay260 of action but no beneficial progress. Should Yuen Yan freely present himself here on the morrow, pleading destitution261 and craving262 to be employed, this person will consider the petition with an open head, but it is beneath his dignity to wait upon so low-class an object.” Affecting to recollect263 an arranged meeting of some importance, Chou-hu then clad himself in other robes, altered the appearance of his face, and set out to act in the manner already described, confident that the exact happening would never reach his lesser264 one’s ears.
On the following day Yuen Yan presented himself at the door of the Gilt Thunderbolt, and quickly perfecting himself in the simpler methods of smoothing surfaces and adorning265 pig-tails he took his stand within the shop and operated upon all who came to submit themselves to his embellishment. To those who addressed him with salutations he replied by a gesture, tactfully bestowing an agreeable welcome yet at the same time conveying the impression that he was desirous of remaining undisturbed in the philosophical266 reflection upon which he was engaged. In spite of this it was impossible to lead his mind astray from any weighty detail, and those who, presuming upon his absorbed attitude, endeavoured to evade267 a just payment on any pretext whatever invariably found themselves firmly but courteously pressed to the wall by the neck, while a highly polished smoothing blade was flashed to and fro before their eyes with an action of unmistakable significance. The number of customers increased almost daily, for Yan quickly proved himself to be expert above all comparison, while others came from every quarter of the city to test with their own eyes and ears the report that had reached them, to the effect that in the street leading to the Three-tiered Pagoda of Eggs there dwelt a barber who made no pretence268 of elegant and refined conversation and who did not even press upon those lying helpless in his power miraculous269 ointments270 and infallible charm-waters. Thus Chou-hu prospered271 greatly, but Yan still obeyed his mother’s warning and raised a mask before his face so that Chou-hu and his wife never doubted the reality of his infirmities. From this cause they did not refrain from conversing272 together freely before him on subjects of the most poignant273 detail, whereby Yan learned much of their past lives and conduct while maintaining an attitude of impassive unconcern.
Upon a certain evening in the month when the grass-blades are transformed into silk-worms Yan was alone in the shop, improving the edge and reflecting brilliance274 of some of his implements275, when he heard the woman exclaim from the inner room: “Truly the air from the desert is as hot and devoid of relief as the breath of the Great Dragon. Let us repose276 for the time in the outer chamber.” Whereupon they entered the shop and seating themselves upon a couch resumed their occupations, the barber fanning himself while he smoked, his wife gumming her hair and coiling it into the semblance of a bird with outstretched wings.
“The necessity for the elaborate caution of the past no longer exists,” remarked Chou-hu presently. “The baker Heng-cho is desirous of becoming one of those who select the paving-stones and regulate the number of hanging lanterns for the district lying around the Three-tiered Pagoda. In this ambition he is opposed by Kong, the distilled-spirit vendor150, who claims to be a more competent judge of paving-stones and hanging lanterns and one who will exercise a lynx-eyed vigilance upon the public outlay and especially devote himself to curbing277 the avarice278 of those bread-makers who habitually279 mix powdered white earth with their flour. Heng-cho is therefore very concerned that many should bear honourable testimony280 of his engaging qualities when the day of trial arrives, and thus positioned he has inscribed and sent to this person a written message offering a dignified reconciliation281 and adding that he is convinced of the necessity of an enactment282 compelling all persons to wear a smooth face and a neatly283 braided pig-tail.”
“It is a creditable solution of the matter,” said Tsae-che, speaking between the ivory pins which she held in her mouth. “Henceforth, then, you will take up your accustomed stand as in the past?”
“Undoubtedly,” replied Chou-hu. “Yuen Yan is painstaking, and has perhaps done as well as could be expected of one of his shallow intellect, but the absence of suave284 and high-minded conversation cannot fail to be alienating285 the custom of the more polished. Plainly it is a short-sighted policy for a person to try and evade his destiny. Yan seems to have been born for the express purpose of leading blind beggars about the streets of the city and to that profession he must return.”
“O distressingly superficial Chou-hu!” exclaimed his wife, “do men turn willingly from wine to partake of vinegar, or having been clothed in silk do they accept sackcloth without a struggle? Indeed, your eyes, which are large to regard your own deeds and comforts, grow small when they are turned towards the attainments286 of another. In no case will Yan return to his mendicants, for his band is by this time scattered287 and dispersed288. His sleeve being now well lined and his hand proficient289 in every detail of his craft, he will erect290 a stall, perchance even directly opposite or next to ourselves, and by subtlety291, low charges and diligence he will draw away the greater part of your custom.”
“Alas!” cried Chou-hu, turning an exceedingly inferior yellow, “there is a deeper wisdom in the proverb, ‘Do not seek to escape from a flood by clinging to a tiger’s tail,’ than appears at a casual glance. Now that this person is contemplating292 gathering again into his own hands the execution of his business, he cannot reasonably afford to employ another, yet it is an intolerable thought that Yan should make use of his experience to set up a sign opposed to the Gilt Thunderbolt. Obviously the only really safe course out of an unpleasant dilemma293 will be to slay294 Yan with as little delay as possible. After receiving continuous marks of our approval for so long it is certainly very thoughtless of him to put us to so unpardonable an inconvenience.”
“It is not an alluring alternative,” confessed Tsae-che, crossing the room to where Yan was seated in order to survey her hair to greater advantage in a hanging mirror of three sides composed of burnished295 copper296; “but there seems nothing else to be done in the difficult circumstances.”
“The street is opportunely empty and there is little likelihood of anyone approaching at this hour,” suggested Chou-hu. “What better scheme could be devised than that I should indicate to Yan by signs that I would honour him, and at the same time instruct him further in the correct pose of some of the recognized attitudes, by making smooth the surface of his face? Then during the operation I might perchance slip upon an overripe whampee lying unperceived upon the floor; my hand—”
“Ah-ah!” cried Tsae-che aloud, pressing her symmetrical fingers against her gracefully-proportioned ears; “do not, thou dragon-headed one, lead the conversation to such an extremity297 of detail, still less carry the resolution into effect before the very eyes of this delicately-susceptible person. Now to-morrow, after the midday meal, she will be journeying as far as the street of the venders of woven fabrics298 in order to procure299 a piece of silk similar to the pearl-grey robe which she is wearing. The opportunity will be a favourable300 one, for to-morrow is the weekly occasion on which you raise the shutters301 and deny customers at an earlier hour; and it is really more modest that one of my impressionable refinement302 should be away from the house altogether and not merely in the inner chamber when that which is now here passes out.”
“The suggestion is well timed,” replied Chou-hu. “No interruption will then be possible.”
“Furthermore,” continued his wife, sprinkling upon her hair a perfumed powder of gold which made it sparkle as it engaged the light at every point with a most entrancing lustre303, “would it not be desirable to use a weapon less identified with your own hand? In the corner nearest to Yan there stands a massive and heavily knotted club which could afterwards be burned. It would be an easy matter to call the simple Yan’s attention to some object upon the floor and then as he bent304 down suffer him to Pass Beyond.”
“Assuredly,” agreed Chou-hu, at once perceiving the wisdom of the change; “also, in that case, there would be less—”
“Ah!” again cried the woman, shaking her upraised finger reprovingly at Chou-hu (for so daintily endowed was her mind that she shrank from any of the grosser realities of the act unless they were clothed in the very gilded305 flowers of speech). “Desist, O crimson-minded barbarian306! Let us now walk side by side along the river bank and drink in the soul-stirring melody of the musicians who at this hour will be making the spot doubly attractive with the concord307 of stringed woods and instruments of brass struck with harmonious unison.”
The scheme for freeing Chou-hu from the embarrassment308 of Yan’s position was not really badly arranged, nor would it have failed in most cases, but the barber was not sufficiently broad-witted to see that many of the inspired sayings which he used as arguments could be taken in another light and conveyed a decisive warning to himself. A pleasantly devised proverb has been aptly compared to a precious jewel, and as the one has a hundred light-reflecting surfaces, so has the other a diversity of applications, until it is not infrequently beyond the comprehension of an ordinary person to know upon which side wisdom and prudence lie. On the following afternoon Yan was seated in his accustomed corner when Chou-hu entered the shop with uneven feet. The barriers against the street had been raised and the outer door was barred so that none might intrude309, while Chou-hu had already carefully examined the walls to ensure that no crevices310 remained unsealed. As he entered he was seeking, somewhat incoherently, to justify311 himself by assuring the deities312 that he had almost changed his mind until he remembered the many impious acts on Yan’s part in the past, to avenge313 which he felt himself to be their duly appointed instrument. Furthermore, to convince them of the excellence of his motive314 (and also to protect himself against the influence of evil spirits) he advanced repeating the words of an invocation which in his youth he had been accustomed to say daily in the temple, and thereupon Yan knew that the moment was at hand.
“Behold, master!” he exclaimed suddenly, in clearly expressed words, “something lies at your feet.”
Chou-hu looked down to the floor and lying before him was a piece of silver. To his dull and confused faculties315 it sounded an inaccurate316 detail of his pre-arranged plan that Yan should have addressed him, and the remark itself seemed dimly to remind him of something that he had intended to say, but he was too involved with himself to be able to attach any logical significance to the facts and he at once stooped greedily to possess the coin. Then Yan, who had an unfaltering grasp upon the necessities of each passing second, sprang agilely317 forward, swung the staff, and brought it so proficiently318 down upon Chou-hu’s lowered head that the barber dropped lifeless to the ground and the weapon itself was shattered by the blow. Without a pause Yan clothed himself with his master’s robes and ornaments319, wrapped his own garment about Chou-hu instead, and opening a stone door let into the ground rolled the body through so that it dropped down into the cave beneath. He next altered the binding320 of his hair a little, cut his lips deeply for a set purpose, and then reposing321 upon the couch of the inner chamber he took up one of Chou-hu’s pipes and awaited Tsae-che’s return.
“It is unendurable that they of the silk market should be so ill-equipped,” remarked Tsae-che discontentedly as she entered. “This pitiable one has worn away the heels of her sandals in a vain endeavour to procure a suitable embroidery322, and has turned over the contents of every stall to no material end. How have the events of the day progressed with you, my lord?”
“To the fulfilling of a written destiny. Yet in a measure darkly, for a light has gone out,” replied Yuen Yan.
“There was no unanticipated divergence323?” inquired the woman with interest and a marked approval of this delicate way of expressing the operation of an unpleasant necessity.
“From detail to detail it was as this person desired and contrived,” said Yan.
“And, of a surety, this one also?” claimed Tsae-che, with an internal emotion that something was insidiously324 changed in which she had no adequate part.
“The language may be fully175 expressed in six styles of writing, but who shall read the mind of a woman?” replied Yan evasively. “Nevertheless, in explicit325 words, the overhanging shadow has departed and the future is assured.”
“It is well,” said Tsae-che. “Yet how altered is your voice, and for what reason do you hold a cloth before your mouth?”
“The staff broke and a splinter flying upwards326 pierced my lips,” said Yan, lowering the cloth. “You speak truly, for the pain attending each word is by no means slight, and scarcely can this person recognize his own voice.”
“Oh, incomparable Chou-hu, how valiantly327 do you bear your sufferings!” exclaimed Tsae-che remorsefully328. “And while this heedless one has been passing the time pleasantly in handling rich brocades you have been lying here in anguish222. Behold now, without delay she will prepare food to divert your mind, and to mark the occasion she had already purchased a little jar of gold-fish gills, two eggs branded with the assurance that they have been earth-buried for eleven years, and a small serpent preserved in oil.”
When they had eaten for some time in silence Yuen Yan again spoke58. “Attend closely to my words,” he said, “and if you perceive any disconcerting oversight329 in the scheme which I am about to lay before you do not hesitate to declare it. The threat which Heng-cho the baker swore he swore openly, and many reputable witnesses could be gathered together who would confirm his words, while the written message of reconciliation which he sent will be known to none. Let us therefore take that which lies in the cave beneath and clothing it in my robes bear it unperceived as soon as the night has descended330 and leave it in the courtyard of Heng-cho’s house. Now Heng-cho has a fig331 plantation332 outside the city, so that when he rises early, as his custom is, and finds the body, he will carry it away to bury it secretly there, remembering his impetuous words and well knowing the net of entangling333 circumstances which must otherwise close around him. At that moment you will appear before him, searching for your husband, and suspecting his burden raise an outcry that may draw the neighbours to your side if necessary. On this point, however, be discreetly334 observant, for if the tumult335 calls down the official watch it will go evilly with Heng-cho, but we shall profit little. The greater likelihood is that as soon as you lift up your voice the baker will implore336 you to accompany him back to his house so that he may make a full and honourable compensation. This you will do, and hastening the negotiation337 as much as is consistent with a seemly regard for your overwhelming grief, you will accept not less than five hundred taels and an undertaking338 that a suitable funeral will be provided.”
“O thrice-versatile Chou-hu!” exclaimed Tsae-che, whose eyes had reflected an ever-increasing sparkle of admiration as Yan unfolded the details of his scheme, “how insignificant339 are the minds of others compared with yours! Assuredly you have been drinking at some magic well in this one’s absence, for never before was your intellect so keen and lustreful. Let us at once carry your noble stratagem into effect, for this person’s toes vibrate to bear her on a project of such remunerative ingenuity340.”
Accordingly they descended into the cave beneath and taking up Chou-hu they again dressed him in his own robes. In his inner sleeve Yan placed some parchments of slight importance; he returned the jade341 bracelet342 to his wrist and by other signs he made his identity unmistakable; then lifting him between them, when the night was well advanced, they carried him through unfrequented ways and left him unperceived within Heng-cho’s gate.
“There is yet another precaution which will ensure to you the sympathetic voices of all if it should become necessary to appeal openly,” said Yuen Yan when they had returned. “I will make out a deed of final intention conferring all I possess upon Yuen Yan as a mark of esteem for his conscientious84 services, and this you can produce if necessary in order to crush the niggard baker in the wine-press of your necessitous destitution.” Thereupon Yan drew up such a document as he had described, signing it with Chou-hu’s name and sealing it with his ring, while Tsae-che also added her sign and attestation343. He then sent her to lurk344 upon the roof, strictly345 commanding her to keep an undeviating watch upon Heng-cho’s movements.
It was about the hour before dawn when Heng-cho appeared, bearing across his back a well-filled sack and carrying in his right hand a spade. His steps were turned towards the fig orchard346 of which Yan had spoken, so that he must pass Chou-hu’s house, but before he reached it Tsae-che had glided347 out and with loosened hair and trailing robes she sped along the street. Presently there came to Yuen Yan’s waiting ear a long-drawn cry and the sounds of many shutters being flung open and the tread of hurrying feet. The moments hung about him like the wings of a dragon-dream, but a prudent restraint chained him to the inner chamber.
It was fully light when Tsae-che returned, accompanied by one whom she dismissed before she entered. “Felicity,” she explained, placing before Yan a heavy bag of silver. “Your word has been accomplished.”
“It is sufficient,” replied Yan in a tone from which every tender modulation348 was absent, as he laid the silver by the side of the parchment which he had drawn up. “For what reason is the outer door now barred and they who drink tea with us prevented from entering to wish Yuen Yan prosperity?”
“Strange are my lord’s words, and the touch of his breath is cold to his menial one,” said the woman in doubting reproach.
“It will scarcely warm even the roots of Heng-cho’s fig-trees,” replied Yuen Yan with unveiled contempt. “Stretch across your hand.”
In trembling wonder Tsae-che laid her hand upon the ebony table which stood between them and slowly advanced it until Yan seized it and held it firmly in his own. For a moment he held it, compelling the woman to gaze with a soul-crushing dread into his face, then his features relaxed somewhat from the effort by which he had controlled them, and at the sight Tsae-che tore away her hand and with a scream which caused those outside to forget the memory of every other cry they had ever heard, she cast herself from the house and was seen in the city no more.
These are the pages of the forgotten incident in the life of Yuen Yan which this narrator has sought out and discovered. Elsewhere, in the lesser Classics, it may be read that the person in question afterwards lived to a venerable age and finally Passed Above surrounded by every luxury, after leading an existence consistently benevolent and marked by an even exceptional adherence to the principles and requirements of The Virtues.
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1
propitious
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| adj.吉利的；顺利的 | |
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sufficiently
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| adv.足够地，充分地 | |
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contention
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| n.争论，争辩，论战；论点，主张 | |
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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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apportioned
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| vt.分摊，分配（apportion的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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condemning
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| v.（通常因道义上的原因而）谴责( condemn的现在分词 )；宣判；宣布…不能使用；迫使…陷于不幸的境地 | |
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necessitate
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| v.使成为必要，需要 | |
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excellence
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| n.优秀，杰出，(pl.)优点，美德 | |
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wither
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| vt.使凋谢，使衰退，(用眼神气势等)使畏缩；vi.枯萎，衰退，消亡 | |
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mutual
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| adj.相互的，彼此的；共同的，共有的 | |
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patronage
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| n.赞助，支援，援助；光顾，捧场 | |
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nourishment
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| n.食物，营养品；营养情况 | |
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teller
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| n.银行出纳员；(选举)计票员 | |
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fabric
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| n.织物，织品，布；构造，结构，组织 | |
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narrative
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| n.叙述，故事；adj.叙事的，故事体的 | |
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adherence
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| n.信奉，依附，坚持，固着 | |
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fable
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| n.寓言；童话；神话 | |
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simplicity
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| n.简单，简易；朴素；直率，单纯 | |
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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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discreet
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| adj.(言行)谨慎的；慎重的；有判断力的 | |
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harmonious
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| adj.和睦的，调和的，和谐的，协调的 | |
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afflicted
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| 使受痛苦，折磨( afflict的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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discretion
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| n.谨慎；随意处理 | |
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spacious
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| adj.广阔的，宽敞的 | |
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vessel
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| n.船舶；容器，器皿；管，导管，血管 | |
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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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prudently
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| adv. 谨慎地，慎重地 | |
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propriety
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| n.正当行为；正当；适当 | |
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supple
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| adj.柔软的，易弯的，逢迎的，顺从的，灵活的；vt.使柔软，使柔顺，使顺从；vi.变柔软，变柔顺 | |
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recital
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| n.朗诵，独奏会，独唱会 | |
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detailed
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| adj.详细的，详尽的，极注意细节的，完全的 | |
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transcend
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| vt.超出，超越(理性等)的范围 | |
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benevolence
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| n.慈悲，捐助 | |
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rendering
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| n.表现，描写 | |
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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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shrub
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| n.灌木，灌木丛 | |
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discordant
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| adj.不调和的 | |
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opportune
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| adj.合适的，适当的 | |
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eminence
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| n.卓越，显赫；高地，高处；名家 | |
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consort
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| v.相伴；结交 | |
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hospitably
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| 亲切地，招待周到地，善于款待地 | |
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murmur
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| n.低语，低声的怨言；v.低语，低声而言 | |
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distressing
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| a.使人痛苦的 | |
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embedded
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| a.扎牢的 | |
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sordid
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| adj.肮脏的，不干净的，卑鄙的，暗淡的 | |
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attained
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| （通常经过努力）实现( attain的过去式和过去分词 )； 达到； 获得； 达到（某年龄、水平、状况） | |
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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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incapably
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| adj.无能力的，不会的；不能的；[法]没有资格的；不舞之鹤 | |
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49
painstaking
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| adj.苦干的；艰苦的，费力的，刻苦的 | |
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imminence
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| n.急迫，危急 | |
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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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circuitous
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| adj.迂回的路的，迂曲的，绕行的 | |
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justified
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| a.正当的，有理的 | |
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discriminating
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| a.有辨别能力的 | |
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crevice
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| n.(岩石、墙等)裂缝；缺口 | |
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pervert
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| n.堕落者，反常者；vt.误用，滥用；使人堕落，使入邪路 | |
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semblance
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| n.外貌，外表 | |
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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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elastic
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| n.橡皮圈，松紧带；adj.有弹性的；灵活的 | |
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calumny
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| n.诽谤，污蔑，中伤 | |
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impute
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| v.归咎于 | |
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presumption
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| n.推测，可能性，冒昧，放肆，[法律]推定 | |
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63
irony
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| n.反语，冷嘲；具有讽刺意味的事，嘲弄 | |
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64
adage
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| n.格言，古训 | |
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65
concurrence
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| n.同意；并发 | |
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66
provocation
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| n.激怒，刺激，挑拨，挑衅的事物，激怒的原因 | |
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67
glorification
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| n.赞颂 | |
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68
humane
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| adj.人道的，富有同情心的 | |
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69
disposition
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| n.性情，性格；意向，倾向；排列，部署 | |
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70
possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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71
virtuous
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| adj.有品德的，善良的，贞洁的，有效力的 | |
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72
esteem
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| n.尊敬，尊重；vt.尊重，敬重；把…看作 | |
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73
alluded
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| 提及，暗指( allude的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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74
courteous
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| adj.彬彬有礼的，客气的 | |
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75
prospect
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| n.前景，前途；景色，视野 | |
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76
outrageous
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| adj.无理的，令人不能容忍的 | |
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77
narrates
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| v.故事( narrate的第三人称单数 ) | |
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78
promotion
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| n.提升，晋级；促销，宣传 | |
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79
zeal
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| n.热心，热情，热忱 | |
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80
contemplated
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|
| adj. 预期的 动词contemplate的过去分词形式 | |
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81
contemplate
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| vt.盘算，计议；周密考虑；注视，凝视 | |
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82
accomplished
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|
| adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的 | |
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83
conscientiously
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|
| adv.凭良心地；认真地，负责尽职地；老老实实 | |
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84
conscientious
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| adj.审慎正直的，认真的，本着良心的 | |
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85
virtues
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| 美德( virtue的名词复数 )； 德行； 优点； 长处 | |
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86
sumptuously
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| 奢侈地，豪华地 | |
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87
contrived
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|
| adj.不自然的，做作的；虚构的 | |
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88
maxims
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| n.格言，座右铭( maxim的名词复数 ) | |
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89
lessen
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| vt.减少，减轻；缩小 | |
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90
reverence
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|
| n.敬畏，尊敬，尊严；Reverence:对某些基督教神职人员的尊称；v.尊敬，敬畏，崇敬 | |
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91
ingenuous
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| adj.纯朴的，单纯的；天真的；坦率的 | |
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92
aspirations
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| 强烈的愿望( aspiration的名词复数 )； 志向； 发送气音； 发 h 音 | |
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93
aged
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| adj.年老的，陈年的 | |
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94
honourable
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| adj.可敬的；荣誉的，光荣的 | |
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95
calf
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| n.小牛，犊，幼仔，小牛皮 | |
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96
consolation
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| n.安慰，慰问 | |
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97
engendered
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| v.产生（某形势或状况），造成，引起( engender的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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98
competence
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| n.能力，胜任，称职 | |
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99
pagoda
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| n.宝塔（尤指印度和远东的多层宝塔），（印度教或佛教的）塔式庙宇 | |
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100
joints
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| 接头( joint的名词复数 )； 关节； 公共场所（尤指价格低廉的饮食和娱乐场所） （非正式）； 一块烤肉 （英式英语） | |
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101
abode
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| n.住处，住所 | |
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102
innate
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| adj.天生的，固有的，天赋的 | |
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103
livelihood
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| n.生计，谋生之道 | |
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104
venerating
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| 敬重（某人或某事物），崇敬( venerate的现在分词 ) | |
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105
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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106
legendary
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| adj.传奇（中）的，闻名遐迩的；n.传奇（文学） | |
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107
leisurely
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| adj.悠闲的；从容的，慢慢的 | |
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108
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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109
distressingly
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| adv. 令人苦恼地；悲惨地 | |
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110
strings
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| n.弦 | |
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111
lute
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| n.琵琶，鲁特琴 | |
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112
meditative
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| adj.沉思的，冥想的 | |
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113
devoid
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| adj.全无的，缺乏的 | |
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114
destitute
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| adj.缺乏的；穷困的 | |
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115
dignified
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| a.可敬的，高贵的 | |
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116
hesitation
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| n.犹豫，踌躇 | |
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117
entreat
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| v.恳求，恳请 | |
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118
illiterate
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| adj.文盲的；无知的；n.文盲 | |
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119
sublime
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| adj.崇高的，伟大的；极度的，不顾后果的 | |
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120
behold
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| v.看，注视，看到 | |
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121
immunity
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| n.优惠；免除；豁免，豁免权 | |
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122
persistence
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| n.坚持，持续，存留 | |
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123
attested
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| adj.经检验证明无病的，经检验证明无菌的v.证明( attest的过去式和过去分词 )；证实；声称…属实；使宣誓 | |
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124
immediate
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| adj.立即的；直接的，最接近的；紧靠的 | |
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125
compliance
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| n.顺从；服从；附和；屈从 | |
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126
expedient
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| adj.有用的，有利的；n.紧急的办法，权宜之计 | |
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127
expedients
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| n.应急有效的，权宜之计的( expedient的名词复数 ) | |
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128
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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129
gash
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| v.深切，划开；n.(深长的)切(伤)口；裂缝 | |
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130
imposing
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| adj.使人难忘的，壮丽的，堂皇的，雄伟的 | |
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131
enticed
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| 诱惑，怂恿( entice的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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132
groaning
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| adj. 呜咽的, 呻吟的 动词groan的现在分词形式 | |
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133
standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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134
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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135
distinguished
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| adj.卓越的，杰出的，著名的 | |
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136
disastrous
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| adj.灾难性的，造成灾害的；极坏的，很糟的 | |
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137
thoroughly
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| adv.完全地，彻底地，十足地 | |
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138
imbued
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| v.使（某人/某事）充满或激起（感情等）( imbue的过去式和过去分词 )；使充满；灌输；激发（强烈感情或品质等） | |
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139
deferential
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| adj. 敬意的，恭敬的 | |
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140
antiquity
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| n.古老；高龄；古物，古迹 | |
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141
etiquette
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| n.礼仪，礼节；规矩 | |
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142
obsequious
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| adj.谄媚的，奉承的，顺从的 | |
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143
tact
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| n.机敏，圆滑，得体 | |
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144
suppliants
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| n.恳求者，哀求者( suppliant的名词复数 ) | |
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145
unison
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| n.步调一致，行动一致 | |
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146
extolling
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| v.赞美( extoll的现在分词 )；赞颂，赞扬，赞美( extol的现在分词 ) | |
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147
munificence
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| n.宽宏大量，慷慨给与 | |
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148
plight
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| n.困境，境况，誓约，艰难；vt.宣誓，保证，约定 | |
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149
brass
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| n.黄铜；黄铜器，铜管乐器 | |
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150
vendor
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| n.卖主；小贩 | |
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151
vendors
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| n.摊贩( vendor的名词复数 )；小贩；（房屋等的）卖主；卖方 | |
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152
infliction
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| n.（强加于人身的）痛苦，刑罚 | |
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153
disbursed
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| v.支出，付出( disburse的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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154
meritorious
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| adj.值得赞赏的 | |
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155
tenacity
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| n.坚韧 | |
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156
inflexible
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| adj.不可改变的，不受影响的，不屈服的 | |
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157
thereby
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| adv.因此，从而 | |
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158
inevitable
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| adj.不可避免的，必然发生的 | |
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159
malignant
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| adj.恶性的，致命的；恶意的，恶毒的 | |
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160
obsolete
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| adj.已废弃的，过时的 | |
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161
strenuous
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| adj.奋发的，使劲的；紧张的；热烈的，狂热的 | |
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162
mendicancy
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| n.乞丐，托钵，行乞修道士 | |
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163
solely
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| adv.仅仅，唯一地 | |
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164
bestowing
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| 砖窑中砖堆上层已烧透的砖 | |
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165
engraved
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| v.在（硬物）上雕刻（字，画等）( engrave的过去式和过去分词 )；将某事物深深印在（记忆或头脑中） | |
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166
devout
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| adj.虔诚的，虔敬的，衷心的 (n.devoutness) | |
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167
goaded
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| v.刺激( goad的过去式和过去分词 )；激励；（用尖棒）驱赶；驱使（或怂恿、刺激）某人 | |
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168
deserted
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| adj.荒芜的，荒废的，无人的，被遗弃的 | |
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169
deliberately
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| adv.审慎地；蓄意地；故意地 | |
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170
precepts
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| n.规诫，戒律，箴言( precept的名词复数 ) | |
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171
inscribed
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| v.写，刻( inscribe的过去式和过去分词 )；内接 | |
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172
quiescent
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| adj.静止的，不活动的，寂静的 | |
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173
melodious
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| adj.旋律美妙的，调子优美的，音乐性的 | |
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174
reiterated
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| 反复地说，重申( reiterate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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175
fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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176
courteously
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| adv.有礼貌地，亲切地 | |
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177
guardian
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| n.监护人；守卫者，保护者 | |
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178
habitual
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| adj.习惯性的；通常的，惯常的 | |
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179
stratagem
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| n.诡计，计谋 | |
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180
reassuringly
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| ad.安心，可靠 | |
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181
remunerative
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| adj.有报酬的 | |
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182
frugal
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| adj.节俭的，节约的，少量的，微量的 | |
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183
contingency
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| n.意外事件，可能性 | |
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184
dread
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| vt.担忧，忧虑；惧怕，不敢；n.担忧，畏惧 | |
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185
commendable
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| adj.值得称赞的 | |
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186
prudence
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| n.谨慎，精明，节俭 | |
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187
calamity
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| n.灾害，祸患，不幸事件 | |
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188
averted
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| 防止，避免( avert的过去式和过去分词 )； 转移 | |
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189
avert
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| v.防止，避免；转移(目光、注意力等) | |
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190
embellisher
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| 装饰 | |
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191
converse
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| vi.谈话，谈天，闲聊；adv.相反的，相反 | |
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192
absolved
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| 宣告…无罪，赦免…的罪行，宽恕…的罪行( absolve的过去式和过去分词 )； 不受责难，免除责任 [义务] ,开脱（罪责） | |
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193
diffuse
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| v.扩散；传播；adj.冗长的；四散的，弥漫的 | |
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194
dexterous
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| adj.灵敏的；灵巧的 | |
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195
faculty
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| n.才能；学院，系；(学院或系的)全体教学人员 | |
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196
wilfully
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| adv.任性固执地；蓄意地 | |
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197
industrious
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| adj.勤劳的，刻苦的，奋发的 | |
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198
industriously
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199
deficient
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| adj.不足的，不充份的，有缺陷的 | |
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200
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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201
alluring
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| adj.吸引人的，迷人的 | |
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202
proficiency
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| n.精通，熟练，精练 | |
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203
entrusted
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| v.委托，托付( entrust的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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204
shearing
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| n.剪羊毛，剪取的羊毛v.剪羊毛( shear的现在分词 )；切断；剪切 | |
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205
resolute
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| adj.坚决的，果敢的 | |
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206
reverent
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| adj.恭敬的，虔诚的 | |
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207
tranquillity
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| n. 平静, 安静 | |
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208
uneven
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| adj.不平坦的，不规则的，不均匀的 | |
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209
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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210
capability
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| n.能力；才能；(pl)可发展的能力或特性等 | |
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211
obtuse
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| adj.钝的；愚钝的 | |
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212
gilt
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| adj.镀金的；n.金边证券 | |
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213
fattened
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| v.喂肥( fatten的过去式和过去分词 )；养肥（牲畜）；使（钱）增多；使（公司）升值 | |
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214
backwards
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| adv.往回地，向原处，倒，相反，前后倒置地 | |
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215
munificent
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| adj.慷慨的，大方的 | |
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216
plausible
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| adj.似真实的，似乎有理的，似乎可信的 | |
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217
pretext
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| n.借口，托词 | |
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218
underneath
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| adj.在...下面，在...底下；adv.在下面 | |
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219
skilful
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| (=skillful)adj.灵巧的，熟练的 | |
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220
opium
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| n.鸦片；adj.鸦片的 | |
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221
languish
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| vi.变得衰弱无力，失去活力，（植物等）凋萎 | |
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222
anguish
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| n.(尤指心灵上的)极度痛苦，烦恼 | |
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223
graceful
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| adj.优美的，优雅的；得体的 | |
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224
admiration
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| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
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225
baker
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| n.面包师 | |
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226
inordinately
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| adv.无度地，非常地 | |
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227
invoking
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| v.援引( invoke的现在分词 )；行使（权利等）；祈求救助；恳求 | |
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228
degradation
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| n.降级；低落；退化；陵削；降解；衰变 | |
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229
accomplishment
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| n.完成，成就，（pl.）造诣，技能 | |
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230
incapable
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| adj.无能力的，不能做某事的 | |
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231
rending
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| v.撕碎( rend的现在分词 )；分裂；（因愤怒、痛苦等而）揪扯（衣服或头发等）；（声音等）刺破 | |
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232
contemptible
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| adj.可鄙的，可轻视的，卑劣的 | |
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233
beset
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| v.镶嵌；困扰，包围 | |
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234
inevitably
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| adv.不可避免地；必然发生地 | |
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235
frustrating
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| adj.产生挫折的，使人沮丧的，令人泄气的v.使不成功( frustrate的现在分词 )；挫败；使受挫折；令人沮丧 | |
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236
myriads
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| n.无数，极大数量( myriad的名词复数 ) | |
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237
torment
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| n.折磨；令人痛苦的东西(人)；vt.折磨；纠缠 | |
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238
resentment
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| n.怨愤，忿恨 | |
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239
chamber
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| n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所 | |
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240
lulls
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| n.间歇期（lull的复数形式）vt.使镇静，使安静（lull的第三人称单数形式） | |
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241
apathy
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| n.漠不关心，无动于衷；冷淡 | |
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242
revolve
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| vi.(使)旋转；循环出现 | |
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243
dealer
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| n.商人，贩子 | |
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244
enticingly
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245
wares
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| n. 货物, 商品 | |
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246
distilled
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| adj.由蒸馏得来的v.蒸馏( distil的过去式和过去分词 )；从…提取精华 | |
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247
regain
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| vt.重新获得，收复，恢复 | |
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248
opportunely
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| adv.恰好地，适时地 | |
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249
benevolent
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| adj.仁慈的，乐善好施的 | |
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250
exalted
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| adj.(地位等)高的，崇高的；尊贵的，高尚的 | |
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251
caressing
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| 爱抚的，表现爱情的，亲切的 | |
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252
gathering
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| n.集会，聚会，聚集 | |
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253
elude
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| v.躲避，困惑 | |
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254
vengeance
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| n.报复，报仇，复仇 | |
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255
situated
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| adj.坐落在...的，处于某种境地的 | |
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256
acquiescence
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| n.默许；顺从 | |
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257
languishing
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| a. 衰弱下去的 | |
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258
artifice
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| n.妙计，高明的手段；狡诈，诡计 | |
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259
addicted
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| adj.沉溺于....的，对...上瘾的 | |
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260
outlay
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| n.费用，经费，支出；v.花费 | |
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261
destitution
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| n.穷困，缺乏，贫穷 | |
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262
craving
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| n.渴望,热望 | |
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263
recollect
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| v.回忆，想起，记起，忆起，记得 | |
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264
lesser
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| adj.次要的，较小的；adv.较小地，较少地 | |
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265
adorning
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| 修饰，装饰物 | |
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266
philosophical
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| adj.哲学家的，哲学上的，达观的 | |
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267
evade
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| vt.逃避，回避；避开，躲避 | |
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268
pretence
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| n.假装，作假；借口，口实；虚伪；虚饰 | |
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269
miraculous
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| adj.像奇迹一样的，不可思议的 | |
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270
ointments
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| n.软膏( ointment的名词复数 )；扫兴的人；煞风景的事物；药膏 | |
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271
prospered
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| 成功，兴旺( prosper的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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272
conversing
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| v.交谈，谈话( converse的现在分词 ) | |
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273
poignant
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| adj.令人痛苦的，辛酸的，惨痛的 | |
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274
brilliance
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| n.光辉，辉煌，壮丽，（卓越的）才华，才智 | |
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275
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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276
repose
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| v.(使)休息；n.安息 | |
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277
curbing
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| n.边石，边石的材料v.限制，克制，抑制( curb的现在分词 ) | |
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278
avarice
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| n.贪婪；贪心 | |
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279
habitually
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| ad.习惯地，通常地 | |
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280
testimony
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| n.证词；见证，证明 | |
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281
reconciliation
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| n.和解，和谐，一致 | |
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282
enactment
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| n.演出，担任…角色；制订，通过 | |
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283
neatly
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| adv.整洁地，干净地，灵巧地，熟练地 | |
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284
suave
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| adj.温和的；柔和的；文雅的 | |
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285
alienating
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| v.使疏远( alienate的现在分词 )；使不友好；转让；让渡（财产等） | |
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286
attainments
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| 成就，造诣； 获得( attainment的名词复数 )； 达到； 造诣； 成就 | |
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287
scattered
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| adj.分散的，稀疏的；散步的；疏疏落落的 | |
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288
dispersed
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| adj. 被驱散的, 被分散的, 散布的 | |
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289
proficient
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| adj.熟练的，精通的；n.能手，专家 | |
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290
erect
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| n./v.树立，建立，使竖立；adj.直立的，垂直的 | |
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291
subtlety
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| n.微妙，敏锐，精巧；微妙之处，细微的区别 | |
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292
contemplating
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| 深思，细想，仔细考虑( contemplate的现在分词 )； 注视，凝视； 考虑接受（发生某事的可能性）； 深思熟虑，沉思，苦思冥想 | |
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293
dilemma
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| n.困境，进退两难的局面 | |
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294
slay
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| v.杀死，宰杀，杀戮 | |
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295
burnished
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| adj.抛光的，光亮的v.擦亮（金属等），磨光( burnish的过去式和过去分词 )；被擦亮，磨光 | |
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296
copper
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| n.铜；铜币；铜器；adj.铜(制)的；(紫)铜色的 | |
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297
extremity
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| n.末端，尽头；尽力；终极；极度 | |
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298
fabrics
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| 织物( fabric的名词复数 )； 布； 构造； （建筑物的）结构（如墙、地面、屋顶）：质地 | |
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299
procure
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| vt.获得，取得，促成；vi.拉皮条 | |
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300
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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301
shutters
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| 百叶窗( shutter的名词复数 )； （照相机的）快门 | |
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302
refinement
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| n.文雅；高尚；精美；精制；精炼 | |
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303
lustre
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| n.光亮，光泽；荣誉 | |
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304
bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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305
gilded
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| a.镀金的，富有的 | |
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306
barbarian
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| n.野蛮人；adj.野蛮(人)的；未开化的 | |
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307
concord
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| n.和谐；协调 | |
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308
embarrassment
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| n.尴尬；使人为难的人(事物)；障碍；窘迫 | |
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309
intrude
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| vi.闯入；侵入；打扰，侵扰 | |
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310
crevices
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| n.（尤指岩石的）裂缝，缺口( crevice的名词复数 ) | |
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311
justify
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| vt.证明…正当(或有理)，为…辩护 | |
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312
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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313
avenge
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| v.为...复仇，为...报仇 | |
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314
motive
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| n.动机，目的；adv.发动的，运动的 | |
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315
faculties
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| n.能力( faculty的名词复数 )；全体教职员；技巧；院 | |
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316
inaccurate
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| adj.错误的，不正确的，不准确的 | |
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317
agilely
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| adv.敏捷地 | |
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318
proficiently
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| ad.熟练地 | |
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319
ornaments
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| n.装饰( ornament的名词复数 )；点缀；装饰品；首饰v.装饰，点缀，美化( ornament的第三人称单数 ) | |
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binding
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| 有约束力的，有效的，应遵守的 | |
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reposing
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| v.将（手臂等）靠在某人（某物）上( repose的现在分词 ) | |
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embroidery
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| n.绣花，刺绣；绣制品 | |
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divergence
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| n.分歧，岔开 | |
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insidiously
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| 潜在地，隐伏地，阴险地 | |
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explicit
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| adj.详述的，明确的；坦率的；显然的 | |
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upwards
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| adv.向上，在更高处...以上 | |
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valiantly
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| adv.勇敢地，英勇地；雄赳赳 | |
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remorsefully
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| adv.极为懊悔地 | |
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oversight
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| n.勘漏，失察，疏忽 | |
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descended
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| a.为...后裔的，出身于...的 | |
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fig
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| n.无花果(树) | |
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plantation
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| n.种植园，大农场 | |
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entangling
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| v.使某人（某物/自己）缠绕，纠缠于（某物中），使某人（自己）陷入（困难或复杂的环境中）( entangle的现在分词 ) | |
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discreetly
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| ad.(言行)审慎地，慎重地 | |
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tumult
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| n.喧哗；激动，混乱；吵闹 | |
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implore
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| vt.乞求，恳求，哀求 | |
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negotiation
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| n.谈判，协商 | |
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undertaking
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| n.保证，许诺，事业 | |
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insignificant
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| adj.无关紧要的，可忽略的，无意义的 | |
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ingenuity
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| n.别出心裁；善于发明创造 | |
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jade
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| n.玉石；碧玉；翡翠 | |
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bracelet
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| n.手镯，臂镯 | |
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attestation
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| n.证词 | |
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lurk
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| n.潜伏，潜行；v.潜藏，潜伏，埋伏 | |
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strictly
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| adv.严厉地，严格地；严密地 | |
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orchard
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| n.果园，果园里的全部果树，(美俚)棒球场 | |
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glided
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| v.滑动( glide的过去式和过去分词 )；掠过；（鸟或飞机 ） 滑翔 | |
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modulation
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| n.调制 | |
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