It was later than the appointed hour that same day when Kai Lung and Hwa-mei met about the shutter4, for the Mandarin5’s importunity6 had disturbed the harmonious7 balance of their fixed8 arrangement. As the story-teller left the inner chamber9 a message of understanding, veiled from those who stood around, had passed between their eyes, and so complete was the sympathy that now directed them that without a spoken word their plans were understood. Li-loe’s acquiescence13 had been secured by the bestowal14 of a flask15 of wine (provided already by Hwa-mei against such an emergency), and though the door-keeper had indicated reproach by a variety of sounds, he forbore from speaking openly of any vaster store.
“Let the bitterness of this one’s message be that which is first spoken, so that the later and more enduring words of our remembrance may be devoid16 of sting. A star has shone across my mediocre17 path which now an envious18 cloud has conspired19 to obscure. This meeting will doubtless be our last.”
“If this is indeed the end, then to the spirits of the destinies I prostrate22 myself in thanks for those golden hours that have gone before, and had there been no others to recall then would I equally account myself repaid in life and death by this.”
“My words ascend23 with yours in a pale spiral to the bosom24 of the universal mother,” Hwa-mei made response. “I likewise am content, having tasted this felicity.”
“There is yet one other thing, esteemed25, if such a presumption27 is to be endured,” Kai Lung ventured to request. “Each day a stone has been displaced from off the wall and these now lie about your gentle feet. If you should inconvenience yourself to the extent of standing11 upon the mound28 thus raised, and would stretch up your hand, I, leaning forth29, could touch it with my finger-tips.”
“This also will I dare to do and feel it no reproach,” replied Hwa-mei; thus for the first time their fingers met.
“Let me now continue the ignoble30 message that my unworthy lips must bear,” resumed the maiden32, with a gesture of refined despair. “Ming-shu and Shan Tien, recognizing a mutual33 need in each, have agreed to forego their wordy strife34 and have entered upon a common cause. To mark this reconciliation35 the Mandarin to-morrow night will make a feast of wine and song in honour of Ming-shu and into this assembly you will be led, bound and wearing the wooden cang, to contribute to their offensive mirth. To this end you will not be arraigned36 to-morrow, but on the following morning at a special court swift sentence will be passed and carried out, neither will Shan Tien suffer any interruption nor raise an arresting hand.”
The darkness by this time encompassed37 them so that neither could see the other’s face, but across the scent-laden air Hwa-mei was conscious of a subtle change, as of a poise38 or the tightening39 of a responsive cord.
“This is the end?” she whispered up, unable to sustain. “Ah, is it not the end?”
“In the high wall of destiny that bounds our lives there is ever a hidden gap to which the Pure Ones may guide our unconscious steps perchance, if they see fit to intervene.... So that to-morrow, being the eleventh of the Moon of Gathering40-in, is to be celebrated41 by the noble Mandarin with song and wine? Truly the nimble-witted Ming-shu must have slumbered42 by the way!”
“Assuredly he has but now returned from a long journey.”
“Haply he may start upon a longer. Have the musicians been commanded yet?”
“Even now one goes to inform the leader of their voices and to bid him hold his band in readiness.”
“Let it be your continual aim that nothing bars their progress. Where does that just official dwell of whom you lately spoke12?”
“The Censor43 K’o-yih, he who rebuked44 Shan Tien’s ambitions and made him mend his questionable45 life? His yamen is about the Three-eyed Gate of Tai, a half-day’s journey to the south.”
“The lines converge46 and the issues of Shan Tien, Ming-shu and we who linger here will presently be brought to a very decisive point where each must play a clear-cut part. To that end is your purpose firm?”
“Lay your commands,” replied Hwa-mei steadfastly47, “and measure not the burden of their weight.”
“It is well,” agreed Kai Lung. “Let Shan Tien give the feast and the time of acquiescence will have passed.... The foothold of to-morrow looms48 insecure, yet a very pressing message must meanwhile reach your hands.”
“At the feast?”
“Thus: about the door of the inner hall are two great jars of shining brass49, one on either side, and at their approach a step. Being led, at that step I shall stumble.... the message you will thereafter find in the jar from which I seek support.”
“Doubt not; we stand on the edge of an era that is immeasurable. For that emergency I now go to consult the spirits who have so far guided us.”
On the following day at an evening hour Kai Lung received an imperious summons to accompany one who led him to the inner courts. Yet neither the cords about his arms nor the pillory52 around his neck could contain the gladness of his heart. From within came the sounds of instruments of wood and string with the measured beating of a drum; nothing had fallen short, for on that forbidden day, incredibly blind to the depths of his impiety53, the ill-starred Mandarin Shan Tien was having music!
“Gall of a misprocured she-mule!” exclaimed the unsympathetic voice of the one who had charge of him, and the rope was jerked to quicken his loitering feet. In an effort to comply Kai Lung missed the step that crossed his path and stumbling blindly forward would have fallen had he not struck heavily against a massive jar of lacquered brass, one of two that flanked the door.
“Thy province is to tell a tale rather than to dance a grotesque55, as I understand the matter,” said the attendant, mollified by the amusement. “In any case, restrain thy admitted ardour for a while; the call is not yet for us.”
From a group that stood apart some distance from the door one moved forth and leisurely56 crossed the hall. Kai Lung’s wounded head ceased to pain him.
“What slave is this,” she demanded of the other in a slow and level tone, “and wherefore do the two of you intrude57 on this occasion?”
“The exalted58 lord commands that this one of the prisoners should attend here thus, to divert them with his fancies, he having a certain wit of the more foolish kind. Kai Lung, the dog’s name is.”
“Approach yet nearer to the inner door,” enjoined59 the maiden, indicating the direction; “so that when the message comes there shall be no inept60 delay.” As they moved off to obey she stood in languid unconcern, leaning across the opening of a tall brass vase, one hand swinging idly in its depths, until they reached their station. Kai Lung did not need his eyes to know.
Presently the music ceased, and summoned to appear in turn, Kai Lung stood forth among the guests. On the right hand of the Mandarin reclined the base Ming-shu, his mind already vapoury with the fumes61 of wine, the secret malice62 of his envious mind now boldly leaping from his eyes.
“The overrated person now about to try your refined patience to its limit is one who calls himself Kai Lung,” declared Ming-shu offensively. “From an early age he has combined minstrelsy with other and more lucrative63 forms of crime. It is the boast of this contumacious64 mendicant65 that he can recite a story to fit any set of circumstances, this, indeed, being the only merit claimed for his feeble entertainment. The test selected for your tolerant amusement on this very second-rate occasion is that he relates the story of a presuming youth who fixes his covetous66 hopes upon one so far above his degraded state that she and all who behold67 his uncouth68 efforts are consumed by helpless laughter. Ultimately he is to be delivered to a severe but well-earned death by a conscientious69 official whose leisurely purpose is to possess the maiden for himself. Although occasionally bordering on the funereal70, the details of the narrative71 are to be of a light and gravity-removing nature on the whole. Proceed.”
The story-teller made obeisance72 towards the Mandarin, whose face meanwhile revealed a complete absence of every variety of emotion.
“I obey, High Excellence76. This involves the story of Hien and the Chief Examiner.”
The Story of Hien and the Chief Examiner
In the reign77 of the Emperor K’ong there lived at Ho Chow an official named Thang-li, whose degree was that of Chief Examiner of Literary Competitions for the district. He had an only daughter, Fa Fei, whose mind was so liberally stored with graceful78 accomplishments79 as to give rise to the saying that to be in her presence was more refreshing80 than to sit in a garden of perfumes listening to the wisdom of seven elderly philosophers, while her glossy81 floating hair, skin of crystal lustre82, crescent nails and feet smaller and more symmetrical than an opening lotus made her the most beautiful creature in all Ho Chow. Possessing no son, and maintaining an open contempt towards all his nearer relations, it had become a habit for Thang-li to converse83 with his daughter almost on terms of equality, so that she was not surprised on one occasion, when, calling her into his presence, he graciously commanded her to express herself freely on whatever subject seemed most important in her mind.
“The Great Middle Kingdom in which we live is not only inhabited by the most enlightened, humane84 and courteous85-minded race, but is itself fittingly the central and most desirable point of the Universe, surrounded by other less favoured countries peopled by races of pig-tailless men and large-footed women, all destitute86 of refined intelligence,” replied Fa Fei modestly. “The sublime87 Emperor is of all persons the wisest, purest and—”
“Undoubtedly88,” interrupted Thang-li. “These truths are of gem-like brilliance89, and the ears of a patriotic90 subject can never be closed to the beauty and music of their ceaseless repetition. Yet between father and daughter in the security of an inner chamber there not unnaturally91 arise topics of more engrossing92 interest. For example, now that you are of a marriageable age, have your eyes turned in the direction of any particular suitor?”
“Oh, thrice-venerated93 sire!” exclaimed Fa Fei, looking vainly round for some attainable94 object behind which to conceal95 her honourable96 confusion, “should the thoughts of a maiden dwell definitely on a matter of such delicate consequence?”
“They should not,” replied her father; “but as they invariably do, the speculation97 is one outside our immediate98 concern. Nor, as it is your wonted custom to ascend upon the outside roof at a certain hour of the morning, is it reasonable to assume that you are ignorant of the movements of the two young men who daily contrive99 to linger before this in no way attractive residence without any justifiable100 pretext101.”
“My father is all-seeing,” replied Fa Fei in a commendable102 spirit of dutiful acquiescence, and also because it seemed useless to deny the circumstance.
“It is unnecessary,” said Thang-li. “Surrounded, as he is, by a retinue103 of eleven female attendants, it is enough to be all-hearing. But which of the two has impressed you in the more favourable104 light?”
“How can the inclinations105 of an obedient daughter affect the matter?” said Fa Fei evasively. “Unless, O most indulgent, it is your amiable106 intention to permit me to follow the inspiration of my own unfettered choice?”
“Assuredly,” replied the benevolent107 Thang-li. “Provided, of course, that the choice referred to should by no evil mischance run in a contrary direction to my own maturer judgment108.”
“Yet if such an eventuality did haply arise?” persisted Fa Fei.
“None but the irredeemably foolish spend their time in discussing the probable sensation of being struck by a thunderbolt,” said Thang-li more coldly. “From this day forth, also, be doubly guarded in the undeviating balance of your attitude. Restrain the swallow-like flights of your admittedly brilliant eyes, and control the movements of your expressive109 fan within the narrowest bounds of necessity. This person’s position between the two is one of exceptional delicacy110 and he has by no means yet decided111 which to favour.”
“In such a case,” inquired Fa Fei, caressing112 his pig-tail persuasively113, “how does a wise man act, and by what manner of omens114 is he influenced in his decision?”
“In such a case,” replied Thang-li, “a very wise man does not act; but maintaining an impassive countenance115, he awaits the unrolling of events until he sees what must inevitably116 take place. It is thus that his reputation for wisdom is built up.”
“Furthermore,” said Fa Fei hopefully, “the ultimate pronouncement rests with the guarding deities117?”
“Unquestionably,” agreed Thang-li. “Yet, by a venerable custom, the
usually apply themselves with the greatest diligence.”
*
Of the two persons thus referred to by Thang-li, one, Tsin Lung, lived beneath the sign of the Righteous Ink Brush. By hereditary118 right Tsin Lung followed the profession of copying out the more difficult Classics in minute characters upon parchments so small that an entire library could be concealed119 among the folds of a garment, in this painstaking120 way enabling many persons who might otherwise have failed at the public examination, and been driven to spend an idle and perhaps even dissolute life, to pass with honourable distinction to themselves and widespread credit to his resourceful system. One gratified candidate, indeed, had compared his triumphal passage through the many grades of the competition to the luxurious122 ease of being carried in a sedan-chair, and from that time Tsin Lung was jestingly referred to as a “sedan-chair.”
It might reasonably be thought that a person enjoying this enviable position would maintain a loyal pride in the venerable traditions of his house and suffer the requirements of his craft to become the four walls of his ambition. Alas! Tsin Lung must certainly have been born under the influence of a very evil planet, for the literary quality of his profession did not entice123 his imagination at all, and his sole and frequently-expressed desire was to become a pirate. Nothing but the necessity of obtaining a large sum of money with which to purchase a formidable junk and to procure54 the services of a band of capable and bloodthirsty outlaws124 bound him to Ho Chow, unless, perchance, it might be the presence there of Fa Fei after he had once cast his piratical eye upon her overwhelming beauty.
The other of the two persons was Hien, a youth of studious desires and unassuming manner. His father had been the chief tax-collector of the Chunling mountains, beyond the town, and although the exact nature of the tax and the reason for its extortion had become forgotten in the process of interminable ages, he himself never admitted any doubt of his duty to collect it from all who passed over the mountains, even though the disturbed state of the country made it impossible for him to transmit the proceeds to the capital. To those who uncharitably extended the envenomed tongue of suspicion towards the very existence of any Imperial tax, the father of Hien replied with unshaken loyalty125 that in such a case the sublime Emperor had been very treacherously126 served by his advisers127, as the difficulty of the paths and the intricate nature of the passes rendered the spot peculiarly suitable for the purpose, and as he was accompanied by a well-armed and somewhat impetuous band of followers128, his arguments were inevitably successful. When he Passed Beyond, Hien accepted the leadership, but solely129 out of a conscientious respect for his father’s memory, for his heart was never really in the occupation. His time was almost wholly taken up in reading the higher Classics, and even before he had seen Fa Fei his determination had been taken that when once he had succeeded in passing the examination for the second degree and thereby130 become entitled to an inferior mandarinship he would abandon his former life forever. From this resolution the entreaties131 of his devoted132 followers could not shake him, and presently they ceased to argue, being reassured133 by the fact that although Hien presented himself unfailingly for every examination his name appeared at the foot of each successive list with unvarying frequency. It was at this period that he first came under the ennobling spell of Fa Fei’s influence and from that time forth he redoubled his virtuous efforts.
After conversing134 with her father, as already related, Fa Fei spent the day in an unusually thoughtful spirit. As soon as it was dark she stepped out from the house and veiling her purpose under the pretext of gathering some herbs to complete a charm she presently entered a grove135 of overhanging cedars136 where Hien had long been awaiting her footsteps.
“Rainbow of my prosaic137 existence!” he exclaimed, shaking hands with himself courteously138, “have you yet carried out your bold suggestion?” and so acute was his anxiety for her reply that he continued to hold his hand unconsciously until Fa Fei turned away her face in very becoming confusion.
“Alas, O my dragon-hearted one,” she replied at length, “I have indeed dared to read the scroll139, but how shall this person’s inelegant lips utter so detestable a truth?”
“It is already revealed,” said Hien, striving to conceal from her his bitterness. “When the list of competitors at the late examination is publicly proclaimed to-morrow at the four gates of the city, the last name to be announced will again, and for the eleventh time, be that of the degraded Hien.”
“Beloved,” exclaimed Fa Fei, resolved that as she could not honourably140 deny that her Hien’s name was again indeed the last one to appear she would endeavour to lead his mind subtly away to the contemplation of more pleasurable thoughts, “it is as you have said, but although your name is the last, it is by far the most dignified141 and romantic-sounding of all, nor is there another throughout the list which can be compared to it for the ornamental142 grace of its flowing curves.”
“Nevertheless,” replied Hien, in a violent access of self-contempt, “it is a name of abandoned omen51 and is destined143 only to reach the ears of posterity144 to embellish145 the proverb of scorn, ‘The lame146 duck should avoid the ploughed field.’ Can there—can there by no chance have been some hope-inspiring error?”
“Thus were the names inscribed147 on the parchment which after the public announcement will be affixed149 to the Hall of Ten Thousand Lustres,” replied Fa Fei. “With her own unworthy eyes this incapable150 person beheld151 it.”
“The name ‘Hien’ is in no way striking or profound,” continued the one in question, endeavouring to speak as though the subject referred to some person standing at a considerable distance away. “Furthermore, so commonplace and devoid of character are its written outlines that it has very much the same appearance whichever way up it is looked at.... The possibility that in your graceful confusion you held the list in such a position that what appeared to be the end was in reality the beginning is remote in the extreme, yet—”
In spite of an absorbing affection Fa Fei could not disguise from herself that her feelings would have been more pleasantly arranged if her lover had been inspired to accept his position unquestioningly. “There is a detail, hitherto unrevealed, which disposes of all such amiable suggestions,” she replied. “After the name referred to, someone in authority had inscribed the undeniable comment ‘As usual.’”
“The omen is a most encouraging one,” exclaimed Hien, throwing aside all his dejection. “Hitherto this person’s untiring efforts had met with no official recognition whatever. It is now obvious that far from being lost in the crowd he is becoming an object of honourable interest to the examiners.”
“One frequently hears it said, ‘After being struck on the head with an axe152 it is a positive pleasure to be beaten about the body with a wooden club,’” said Fa Fei, “and the meaning of the formerly153 elusive154 proverb is now explained. Would it not be prudent155 to avail yourself at length of the admittedly outrageous156 Tsin Lung’s services, so that this period of unworthy trial may be brought to a distinguished157 close?”
“It is said, ‘Do not eat the fruit of the stricken branch,’” replied Hien, “and this person will never owe his success to one who is so detestable in his life and morals that with every facility for a scholarly and contemplative existence he freely announces his barbarous intention of becoming a pirate. Truly the Dragon of Justice does but sleep for a little time, and when he awakens158 all that will be left of the mercenary Tsin Lung and those who associate with him will scarcely be enough to fill an orange skin.”
“Doubtless it will be so,” agreed Fa Fei, regretting, however, that Hien had not been content to prophesy160 a more limited act of vengeance161, until, at least, her father had come to a definite decision regarding her own future. “Alas, though, the Book of Dynasties expressly says, ‘The one-legged never stumble,’ and Tsin Lung is so morally ill-balanced that the proverb may even apply to him.”
“Do not fear,” said Hien. “It is elsewhere written, ‘Love and leprosy few escape,’ and the spirit of Tsin Lung’s destiny is perhaps even at this moment lurking162 unsuspected behind some secret place.”
“If,” exclaimed a familiar voice, “the secret place alluded163 to should chance to be a hollow cedar-tree of inadequate164 girth, the unfortunate spirit in question will have my concentrated sympathy.”
“Just and magnanimous father!” exclaimed Fa Fei, thinking it more prudent not to recognize that he had learned of their meeting-place and concealing165 himself there had awaited their coming, “when your absence was discovered a heaven-sent inspiration led me to this spot. Have I indeed been permitted here to find you?”
“Assuredly you have,” replied Thang-li, who was equally desirous of concealing the real circumstances, although the difficulty of the position into which he had hastily and incautiously thrust his body on their approach compelled him to reveal himself. “The same inspiration led me to lose myself in this secluded166 spot, as being the one which you would inevitably search.”
“Yet by what incredible perversity167 does it arise, venerable Thang-li, that a leisurely and philosophical168 stroll should result in a person of your dignified proportions occupying so unattractive a position?” said Hien, who appeared to be too ingenuous169 to suspect Thang-li’s craft, in spite of a warning glance from Fa Fei’s expressive eyes.
“The remark is a natural one, O estimable youth,” replied Thang-li, doubtless smiling benevolently170, although nothing of his person could be actually seen by Hien or Fa Fei, “but the recital171 is not devoid of humiliation172. While peacefully studying the position of the heavens this person happened to glance into the upper branches of a tree and among them he beheld a bird’s nest of unusual size and richness—one that would promise to yield a dish of the rarest flavour. Lured173 on by the anticipation174 of so sumptuous175 a course, he rashly trusted his body to an unworthy branch, and the next moment, notwithstanding his unceasing protests to the protecting Powers, he was impetuously deposited within this hollow trunk.”
“Not unreasonably176 is it said, ‘A bird in the soup is better than an eagle’s nest in the desert,’” exclaimed Hien. “The pursuit of a fair and lofty object is set about with hidden pitfalls177 to others beyond you, O noble Chief Examiner! By what nimble-witted act of adroitness178 is it now your enlightened purpose to extricate179 yourself?”
At this admittedly polite but in no way inspiring question a silence of a very acute intensity180 seemed to fall on that part of the forest. The mild and inscrutable expression of Hien’s face did not vary, but into Fa Fei’s eyes there came an unexpected but not altogether disapproving181 radiance, while, without actually altering, the appearance of the tree encircling Thang-li’s form undoubtedly conveyed the impression that the benevolent smile which might hitherto have been reasonably assumed to exist within had been abruptly182 withdrawn183.
“Your meaning is perhaps well-intentioned, gracious Hien,” said Thang-li at length, “but as an offer of disinterested184 assistance your words lack the gong-like clash of spontaneous enthusiasm. Nevertheless, if you will inconvenience yourself to the extent of climbing this not really difficult tree for a short distance you will be able to grasp some outlying portion of this one’s body without any excessive fatigue185.”
“Mandarin,” replied Hien, “to touch even the extremity186 of your incomparable pig-tail would be an honour repaying all earthly fatigue—”
“Do not hesitate to seize it, then,” said Thang-li, as Hien paused. “Yet, if this person may without ostentation187 continue the analogy, to grasp him firmly by the shoulders must confer a higher distinction and would be even more agreeable to his own feelings.”
“The proposal is a flattering one,” continued Hien, “but my hands are bound down by the decree of the High Powers, for among the most inviolable of the edicts is it not written: ‘Do the lame offer to carry the footsore; the blind to protect the one-eyed? Distrust the threadbare person who from an upper back room invites you to join him in an infallible process of enrichment; turn aside from the one devoid of pig-tail who says, “Behold, a few drops daily at the hour of the morning sacrifice and your virtuous head shall be again like a well-sown rice-field at the time of harvest”; and towards the passing stranger who offers you that mark of confidence which your friends withhold188 close and yet again open a different eye. So shall you grow obese189 in wisdom’?”
“Alas!” exclaimed Thang-li, “the inconveniences of living in an Empire where a person has to regulate the affairs of his everyday life by the sacred but antiquated190 proverbial wisdom of his remote ancestors are by no means trivial. Cannot this possibly mythical191 obstacle be flattened-out by the amiable acceptance of a jar of sea snails192 or some other seasonable delicacy, honourable Hien?”
“Nothing but a really well-grounded encouragement as regards Fa Fei can persuade this person to regard himself as anything but a solitary193 outcast,” replied Hien, “and one paralysed in every useful impulse. Rather than abandon the opportunity of coming to such an arrangement he would almost be prepared to give up all idea of ever passing the examination for the second degree.”
“By no means,” exclaimed Thang-li hastily. “The sacrifice would be too excessive. Do not relinquish194 your sleuth-hound-like persistence195, and success will inevitably reward your ultimate end.”
“Can it really be,” said Hien incredulously, “that my contemptible196 efforts are a matter of sympathetic interest to one so high up in every way as the renowned197 Chief Examiner?”
“They are indeed,” replied Thang-li, with that ingratiating candour that marked his whole existence. “Doubtless so prosaic a detail as the system of remuneration has never occupied your refined thoughts, but when it is understood that those in the position of this person are rewarded according to the success of the candidates you will begin to grasp the attitude.”
“In that case,” remarked Hien, with conscious humiliation, “nothing but a really sublime tolerance198 can have restrained you from upbraiding199 this obscure competitor as a thoroughly200 corrupt201 egg.”
“On the contrary,” replied Thang-li reassuringly202, “I have long regarded you as the auriferous fowl203 itself. It is necessary to explain, perhaps, that the payment by result alluded to is not based on the number of successful candidates, but—much more reasonably as all those have to be provided with lucrative appointments by the authorities—on the economy effected to the State by those whom I can conscientiously204 reject. Owing to the malignant205 Tsin Lung’s sinister206 dexterity207 these form an ever-decreasing band, so that you may now be fittingly deemed the chief prop159 of a virtuous but poverty-afflicted line. When you reflect that for the past eleven years you have thus really had the honour of providing the engaging Fa Fei with all the necessities of her very ornamental existence you will see that you already possess practically all the advantages of matrimony. Nevertheless, if you will now bring our agreeable conversation to an end by releasing this inauspicious person he will consider the matter with the most indulgent sympathies.”
“Withhold!” exclaimed a harsh voice before Hien could reply, and from behind a tree where he had heard Thang-li’s impolite reference to himself Tsin Lung stood forth. “How does it chance, O two-complexioned Chief Examiner, that after weighing this one’s definite proposals—even to the extent of demanding a certain proportion in advance—you are now engaged in holding out the same alluring210 hope to another? Assuredly, if your existence is so critically imperilled this person and none other will release you and claim the reward.”
“Turn your face backwards211, imperious Tsin Lung,” cried Hien. “These incapable hands alone shall have the overwhelming distinction of drawing forth the illustrious Thang-li.”
“Do not get entangled212 among my advancing footsteps, immature213 one,” contemptuously replied Tsin Lung, shaking the massive armour214 in which he was encased from head to foot. “It is inept for pigmies to stand before one who has every intention of becoming a rapacious215 pirate shortly.”
“The sedan-chair is certainly in need of new shafts,” retorted Hien, and drawing his sword with an expression of ferocity he caused it to whistle around his head so loudly that a flock of migratory216 doves began to arrive, under the impression that others of their tribe were calling them to assemble.
“Alas!” exclaimed Thang-li, in an accent of despair, “doubtless the wise Nung-yu was surrounded by disciples217 all eager that no other should succour him when he remarked: ‘A humble218 friend in the same village is better than sixteen influential219 brothers in the Royal Palace.’ In all this illimitable Empire is there not room for one whose aspirations220 are bounded by the submerged walls of a predatory junk and another whose occupation is limited to the upper passes of the Chunling mountains? Consider the poignant221 nature of this person’s vain regrets if by a couple of evilly directed blows you succeeded at this inopportune moment in exterminating222 one another!”
“Do not fear, exalted Thang-li,” cried Hien, who, being necessarily somewhat occupied in preparing himself against Tsin Lung’s attack, failed to interpret these words as anything but a direct encouragement to his own cause. “Before the polluting hands of one who disdains223 the Classics shall be laid upon your sacred extremities224 this tenacious225 person will fix upon his antagonist226 with a serpent-like embrace and, if necessary, suffer the spirits of both to Pass Upward in one breath.” And to impress Tsin Lung with his resolution he threw away his scabbard and picked it up again several times.
“Grow large in hope, worthy31 Chief Examiner,” cried Tsin Lung, who from a like cause was involved in a similar misapprehension. “Rather shall your imperishable bones adorn227 the interior of a hollow cedar-tree throughout all futurity than you shall suffer the indignity228 of being extricated229 by an earth-nurtured sleeve-snatcher.” And to intimidate230 Hien by the display he continued to clash his open hand against his leg armour until the pain became intolerable.
“Honourable warriors231!” implored232 Thang-li in so agonized233 a voice—and also because they were weary of the exercise—that Hien and Tsin Lung paused, “curb your bloodthirsty ambitions for a breathing-space and listen to what will probably be a Last Expression. Believe the passionate234 sincerity235 of this one’s throat when he proclaims that there would be nothing repugnant to his very keenest susceptibilities if an escaping parricide236, who was also guilty of rebellion, temple-robbing, book-burning, murder and indiscriminate violence, and the pollution of tombs, took him familiarly by the hand at this moment. What, therefore, would be his gratified feelings if two such nobly-born subjects joined forces and drew him up dexterously237 by the body-cloth? Accept his definite assurance that without delay a specific pronouncement would be made respecting the bestowal of the one around whose jade238-like personality this encounter has arisen.”
“The proposal casts a reasonable shadow, gracious Hien,” remarked Tsin Lung, turning towards the other with courteous deference239. “Shall we bring a scene of irrational240 carnage to an end and agree to regard the incomparable Thang-li’s benevolent tongue as an outstretched olive branch?”
“It is admittedly said, ‘Every road leads in two directions,’ and the alternative you suggest, O virtue-loving Tsin Lung, is both reputable and just,” replied Hien pleasantly. In this amiable spirit they extricated Thang-li and bore him to the ground. At an appointed hour he received them with becoming ceremony and after a many-coursed repast rose to fulfil the specific terms of his pledge.
“The Line of Thang,” he remarked with inoffensive pride, “has for seven generations been identified with a high standard of literary achievement. Undeniably it is a very creditable thing to control the movements of an ofttime erratic241 vessel242 and to emerge triumphantly243 from a combat with every junk you encounter, and it is no less worthy of esteem to gather round about one, on the sterile244 slopes of the Chunlings, a devoted band of followers. Despite these virtues245, however, neither occupation is marked by any appreciable246 literary flavour, and my word is, therefore, that both persons shall present themselves for the next examination, and when in due course the result is declared the more successful shall be hailed as the chosen suitor. Lo, I have spoken into a sealed bottle, and my voice cannot vary.”
Then replied Tsin Lung: “Truly, it is as it is said, astute247 Thang-li, though the encircling wall of a hollow cedar-tree, for example, might impart to the voice in question a less uncompromising ring of finality than it possesses when raised in a silk-lined chamber and surrounded by a band of armed retainers. Nevertheless the pronouncement is one which appeals to this person’s sense of justice, and the only improvement he can suggest is that the superfluous248 Hien should hasten that ceremony at which he will be an honoured guest by now signifying his intention of retiring from so certain a defeat. For by what expedient,” he continued, with arrogant249 persistence, “can you avert250 that end, O ill-destined Hien? Have you not burned joss-sticks to the deities, both good and bad, for eleven years unceasingly? Can you, as this person admittedly can, inscribe148 the Classics with such inimitable delicacy that an entire volume of the Book of Decorum, copied in his most painstaking style, may be safely carried about within a hollow tooth, a lengthy251 ode, traced on a shred252 of silk, wrapped undetectably around a single eyelash?”
“It is true that the one before you cannot bend his brush to such
escaped your reckoning. Hitherto Hien has been opposed by a thousand,
and against so many it is true that the spirits of his ancestors have
been able to afford him very little help. On this occasion he need
clearly to understand that they need not concern themselves with any
other, he will plainly intimate that after so many sacrifices on his
overwhelm Tsin Lung. Whether this shall take the form of mental
sole petition a very definite tragedy may be expected. Beware, O
contumacious Lung, ‘However high the tree the shortest axe can reach
its trunk.’”
*
As the time for the examination drew near the streets of Ho Chow began to wear a fuller and more animated264 appearance both by day and night. Tsin Lung’s outer hall was never clear of anxious suppliants265 all entreating266 him to supply them with minute and reliable copies of the passages which they found most difficult in the selected works, but although his low and avaricious267 nature was incapable of rejecting this means of gain he devoted his closest energies and his most inspired moments to his own personal copies, a set of books so ethereal that they floated in the air without support and so cunningly devised in the blending of their colour as to be, in fact, quite invisible to any but his microscopic268 eyes. Hien, on the other hand, devoted himself solely to interesting the Powers against his rival’s success by every variety of incentive269, omen, sacrifice, imprecation, firework, inscribed curse, promise, threat or combination of inducements. Through the crowded streets and by-ways of Ho Chow moved the imperturbable270 Thang-li, smiling benevolently on those whom he encountered and encouraging each competitor, and especially Hien and Tsin Lung, with a cheerful proverb suited to the moment.
An outside cause had further contributed to make this period one of the most animated in the annals of Ho Chow, for not only was the city, together with the rest of the imperishable Empire, celebrating a great and popular victory, but, as a direct consequence of that event, the sublime Emperor himself was holding his court at no great distance away. An armed and turbulent rabble271 of illiterate272 barbarians273 had suddenly appeared in the north and, not giving a really sufficient indication of their purpose, had traitorously274 assaulted the capital. Had he followed the prompting of his own excessive magnanimity, the charitable Monarch275 would have refused to take any notice whatever of so puny276 and contemptible a foe277, but so unmistakable became the wishes of the Ever-victorious Army that, yielding to their importunity, he placed himself at their head and resolutely278 led them backward. Had the opposing army been more intelligent, this crafty279 move would certainly have enticed280 them on into the plains, where they would have fallen an easy victim to the Imperial troops and all perished miserably281. Owing to their low standard of reasoning, however, the mule-like invaders282 utterly283 failed to grasp the advantage which, as far as the appearance tended, they might reasonably be supposed to reap by an immediate pursuit. They remained incapably284 within the capital slavishly increasing its defences, while the Ever-victorious lurked285 resourcefully in the neighbourhood of Ho Chow, satisfied that with so dull-witted an adversary they could, if the necessity arose, go still further.
Upon a certain day of the period thus indicated there arrived at the gate of the royal pavilion one having the appearance of an aged209 seer, who craved286 to be led into the Imperial Presence.
“Lo, Mightiest,” said a slave, bearing in this message, “there stands at the outer gate one resembling an ancient philosopher, desiring to gladden his failing eyesight before he Passes Up with a brief vision of your illuminated287 countenance.”
“The petition is natural but inopportune,” replied the agreeable Monarch. “Let the worthy soothsayer be informed that after an exceptionally fatiguing288 day we are now snatching a few short hours of necessary repose289, from which it would be unseemly to recall us.”
“He received your gracious words with distended290 ears and then observed that it was for your All-wisdom to decide whether an inspired message which he had read among the stars was not of more consequence than even a refreshing sleep,” reported the slave, returning.
“In that case,” replied the Sublimest291, “tell the persevering292 wizard that we have changed our minds and are religiously engaged in worshipping our ancestors, so that it would be really sacrilegious to interrupt us.”
“He kowtowed profoundly at the mere293 mention of your charitable occupation and proceeded to depart, remarking that it would indeed be corrupt to disturb so meritorious294 an exercise with a scheme simply for your earthly enrichment,” again reported the message-bearer.
“Restrain him!” hastily exclaimed the broadminded Sovereign. “Give the venerable necromancer295 clearly to understand that we have worshipped them enough for one day. Doubtless the accommodating soothsayer has discovered some rare jewel which he is loyally bringing to embellish our crown.”
“There are rarer jewels than those which can be pasted in a crown, Supreme296 Head,” said the stranger, entering unperceived behind the attending slave. He bore the external signs of an infirm magician, while his face was hidden in a cloth to mark the imposition of a solemn vow297. “With what apter simile,” he continued, “can this person describe an imperishable set of verses which he heard this morning falling from the lips of a wandering musician like a seven-roped cable of pearls pouring into a silver bucket? The striking and original title was ‘Concerning Spring,’ and although the snow lay deep at the time several bystanders agreed that an azalea bush within hearing came into blossom at the eighty-seventh verse.”
“We have heard of the poem to which you refer with so just a sense of balance,” said the impartial298 Monarch encouragingly. (Though not to create a two-sided impression it may be freely stated that he himself was the author of the inspired composition.) “Which part, in your mature judgment, reflected the highest genius and maintained the most perfectly-matched analogy?”
“It is aptly said: ‘When it is dark the sun no longer shines, but who shall forget the colours of the rainbow?’” replied the astrologer evasively. “How is it possible to suspend topaz in one cup of the balance and weigh it against amethyst299 in the other; or who in a single language can compare the tranquillizing grace of a maiden with the invigorating pleasure of witnessing a well-contested rat-fight?”
“Your insight is clear and unbiased,” said the gracious Sovereign. “But however entrancing it is to wander unchecked through a garden of bright images, are we not enticing300 your mind from another subject of almost equal importance?”
“There is yet another detail, it is true,” admitted the sage10, “but regarding its comparative importance a thoroughly loyal subject may be permitted to amend301 the remark of a certain wise Emperor of a former dynasty: ‘Any person in the City can discover a score of gold mines if necessary, but One only could possibly have written “Concerning Spring.”’”
“The arts may indeed be regarded as lost,” acquiesced302 the magnanimous Head, “with the exception of a solitary meteor here and there. Yet in the trivial matter of mere earthly enrichment—”
“Truly,” agreed the other. “There is, then, a whisper in the province that the floor of the Imperial treasury303 is almost visible.”
“The rumour304, as usual, exaggerates the facts grossly,” replied the Greatest. “The floor of the Imperial treasury is quite visible.”
“Yet on the first day of the next moon the not inconsiderable revenue contributed by those who present themselves for the examination will flow in.”
“And by an effete305 and unworthy custom almost immediately flow out again to reward the efforts of the successful,” replied the Wearer of the Yellow in an accent of refined bitterness. “On other occasions it is possible to assist the overworked treasurer306 with a large and glutinous307 hand, but from time immemorial the claims of the competitors have been inviolable.”
“Yet if by a heaven-sent chance none, or very few, reached the necessary standard of excellence—?”
“Such a chance, whether proceeding308 from the Upper Air or the Other Parts would be equally welcome to a very hard-lined Ruler,” replied the one who thus described himself.
“Then listen, O K’ong-hi, of the imperishable dynasty of Chung,” said the stranger. “Thus was it laid upon me in the form of a spontaneous dream. For seven centuries the Book of the Observances has been the unvarying Classic of the examinations because during that period it has never been surpassed. Yet as the Empire has admittedly existed from all time, and as it would be impious not to agree that the immortal309 System is equally antique, it is reasonable to suppose that the Book of the Observances displaced an earlier and inferior work, and is destined in the cycle of time to be itself laid aside for a still greater.”
“The inference is self-evident,” acknowledged the Emperor uneasily, “but the logical development is one which this diffident Monarch hesitates to commit to spoken words.”
“It is not a matter for words but for a stroke of the Vermilion Pencil,” replied the other in a tone of inspired authority. “Across the faint and puny effusions of the past this person sees written in very large and obliterating310 strokes the words ‘Concerning Spring.’ Where else can be found so novel a conception combined with so unique a way of carrying it out? What other poem contains so many thoughts that one instinctively311 remembers as having heard before, so many involved allusions312 that baffle the imagination of the keenest, and so much sound in so many words? With the possible exception of Meng-hu’s masterpiece, ‘The Empty Coffin,’ what other work so skilfully313 conveys the impression of being taken down farther than one can ever again come up and then suddenly upraised beyond the possible descent? Where else can be found so complete a defiance314 of all that has hitherto been deemed essential, and, to insert a final wedge, what other poem is half so long?”
“Your criticism is severe but just,” replied the Sovereign, “except that part having reference to Meng-hu. Nevertheless, the atmosphere of the proposal, though reasonable, looms a degree stormily into a troubled future. Can it be permissible315 even for—”
“Omnipotence!” exclaimed the seer.
“The title is well recalled,” confessed the Emperor. “Yet although unquestionably omnipotent316 there must surely be some limits to our powers in dealing317 with so old established a system as that of the examinations.”
“Who can doubt a universal admission that the composer of ‘Concerning Spring’ is capable of doing anything?” was the profound reply. “Let the mandate318 be sent out—but, to an obvious end, let it be withheld319 until the eve of the competitions.”
“The moment of hesitancy has faded; go forth in the certainty, esteemed,” said the Emperor reassuringly. “You have carried your message with a discreet320 hand. Yet before you go, if there is any particular mark of Imperial favour that we can show—something of a special but necessarily honorary nature—do not set an iron screen between your ambition and the light of our favourable countenance.”
“There is indeed such a signal reward,” assented321 the aged person, with an air of prepossessing diffidence. “A priceless copy of the immortal work—”
“By all means,” exclaimed the liberal-minded Sovereign, with an expression of great relief. “Take three or four in case any of your fascinating relations have large literary appetites. Or, still more conveniently arranged, here is an unopened package from the stall of those who send forth the printed leaves—‘thirteen in the semblance322 of twelve,’ as the quaint323 and harmonious phrase of their craft has it. Walk slowly, revered324, and a thousand rainbows guide your retiring footsteps.”
Concerning the episode of this discreetly-veiled personage the historians who have handed down the story of the imperishable affection of Hien and Fa Fei have maintained an illogical silence. Yet it is related that about the same time, as Hien was walking by the side of a bamboo forest of stunted325 growth, he was astonished by the maiden suddenly appearing before him from the direction of the royal camp. She was incomparably radiant and had the appearance of being exceptionally well satisfied with herself. Commanding him that he should stand motionless with closed eyes, in order to ascertain326 what the presiding deities would allot327 him, she bound a somewhat weighty object to the end of his pig-tail, at the same time asking him in how short a period he could commit about nineteen thousand lines of atrociously ill-arranged verse to the tablets of his mind.
“Then do not suffer the rice to grow above your ankles,” she continued, when Hien had modestly replied that six days with good omens should be sufficient, “but retiring to your innermost chamber bar the door and digest this scroll as though it contained the last expression of an eccentric and vastly rich relation,” and with a laugh more musical than the vibrating of a lute121 of the purest Yun-nan jade in the Grotto328 of Ten Thousand Echoes she vanished.
It has been sympathetically remarked that no matter how painstakingly329 a person may strive to lead Destiny along a carefully-prepared path and towards a fit and thoroughly virtuous end there is never lacking some inopportune creature to thrust his superfluous influence into an opposing balance. This naturally suggests the intolerable Tsin Lung, whose ghoulish tastes led him to seek the depths of that same glade330 on the following day. Walking with downcast eyes, after his degraded custom, he presently became aware of an object lying some distance from his way. To those who have already fathomed331 the real character of this repulsive332 person it will occasion no surprise to know that, urged on by the insatiable curiosity that was deeply grafted333 on to his avaricious nature, he turned aside to probe into a matter with which he had no possible concern, and at length succeeded in drawing a package from the thick bush in which it had been hastily concealed. Finding that it contained twelve lengthy poems entitled “Concerning Spring”, he greedily thrust one in his sleeve, and upon his return, with no other object than the prompting of an ill-regulated mind, he spent all the time that remained before the contest in learning it from end to end.
There have been many remarkable334 scenes enacted335 in the great Examination Halls and in the narrow cells around, but it can at once be definitely stated that nothing either before or since has approached the unanimous burst of frenzy336 that shook the dynasty of Chung when in the third year of his reign the well-meaning but too-easily-led-aside Emperor K’ong inopportunely sought to replace the sublime Classic then in use with a work that has since been recognized to be not only shallow but inept. At Ho Chow nine hundred and ninety-eight voices blended into one soul-benumbing cry of rage, having all the force and precision of a carefully drilled chorus, when the papers were opened, and had not the candidates been securely barred within their solitary pens a popular rising must certainly have taken place. There they remained for three days and nights, until the clamour had subsided337 into a low but continuous hum, and they were too weak to carry out a combined effort.
Throughout this turmoil338 Hien and Tsin Lung each plied20 an unfaltering brush. It may here be advantageously stated that the former person was not really slow or obtuse1 and his previous failures were occasioned solely by the inequality he strove under in relying upon his memory alone when every other competitor without exception had provided himself with a concealed scrip. Tsin Lung also had a very retentive339 mind. The inevitable340 consequence was, therefore, that when the papers were collected Hien and Tsin Lung had accomplished341 an identical number of correct lines and no other person had made even an attempt.
In explaining Thang-li’s subsequent behaviour it has been claimed by many that the strain of being compelled, in the exercise of his duty, to remain for three days and three nights in the middle of the Hall surrounded by that ferocious342 horde343, all clamouring to reach him, and the contemplation of the immense sum which he would gain by so unparalleled a batch344 of rejections345, contorted his faculties of discrimination and sapped the resources of his usually active mind. Whatever cause is accepted, it is agreed that as soon as he returned to his house he summoned Hien and Tsin Lung together and leaving them for a moment presently returned, leading Fa Fei by the hand. It is further agreed by all that these three persons noticed upon his face a somewhat preoccupied346 expression, and on the one side much has been made of the admitted fact that as he spoke he wandered round the room catching347 flies, an occupation eminently348 suited to his age and leisurely tastes but, it may be confessed, not altogether well chosen at so ceremonious a moment.
“It has been said,” he began at length, withdrawing his eyes reluctantly from an unusually large insect upon the ceiling and addressing himself to the maiden, “that there are few situations in life that cannot be honourably settled, and without loss of time, either by suicide, a bag of gold, or by thrusting a despised antagonist over the edge of a precipice349 upon a dark night. This inoffensive person, however, has striven to arrive at the conclusion of a slight domestic arrangement both by passively waiting for the event to unroll itself and, at a later period, by the offer of a definite omen. Both of the male persons concerned have applied350 themselves so tenaciously351 to the ordeal352 that the result, to this simple one’s antique mind, savours overmuch of the questionable arts. The genial and light-witted Emperor appears to have put his foot into the embarrassment353 ineffectually; and Destiny herself has every indication of being disinclined to settle so doubtful a point. As a last resort it now remains354 for you yourself to decide which of these strenuous355 and evenly-balanced suitors I may acclaim356 with ten thousand felicitations.”
“In that case, venerated and commanding sire,” replied Fa Fei simply, yet concealing her real regard behind the retiring mask of a modest indifference357, “it shall be Hien, because his complexion208 goes the more prettily358 with my favourite heliotrope359 silk.”
When the results of the examination were announced it was at once assumed by those with whom he had trafficked that Tsin Lung had been guilty of the most degraded treachery. Understanding the dangers of his position, that person decided upon an immediate flight. Disguised as a wild-beast tamer, and leading several apparently360 ferocious creatures by a cord, he succeeded in making his way undetected through the crowds of competitors watching his house, and hastily collecting his wealth together he set out towards the coast. But the evil spirits which had hitherto protected him now withdrew their aid. In the wildest passes of the Chunlings Hien’s band was celebrating his unexpected success by a costly361 display of fireworks, varied362 with music and dancing.... So heavily did they tax him that when he reached his destination he was only able to purchase a small and dilapidated junk and to enlist363 the services of three thoroughly incompetent364 mercenaries. The vessels365 which he endeavoured to pursue stealthily in the hope of restoring his fortunes frequently sailed towards him under the impression that he was sinking and trying to attract their benevolent assistance. When his real intention was at length understood both he and his crew were invariably beaten about the head with clubs, so that although he persevered366 until the three hired assassins rebelled, he never succeeded in committing a single act of piracy367. Afterwards he gained a precarious368 livelihood369 by entering into conversation with strangers, and still later he stood upon a board and dived for small coins which the charitable threw into the water. In this pursuit he was one day overtaken by a voracious370 sea-monster and perished miserably.
The large-meaning but never fully-accomplishing Emperor K’ong reigned371 for yet another year, when he was deposed372 by the powerful League of the Three Brothers. To the end of his life he steadfastly persisted that the rebellion was insidiously373 fanned, if not actually carried out, by a secret confederacy of all the verse-makers of the Empire, who were distrustful of his superior powers. He spent the years of his exile in composing a poetical374 epitaph to be carved upon his tomb, but his successor, the practical-minded Liu-yen, declined to sanction the expense of procuring375 so fabulous376 a supply of marble.
When Kai Lung had repeated the story of the well-intentioned youth Hien and of the Chief Examiner Thang-li and had ceased to speak, a pause of questionable import filled the room, broken only by the undignified sleep-noises of the gross Ming-shu. Glances of implied perplexity were freely passed among the guests, but it remained for Shan Tien to voice their doubt.
“Yet wherein is the essence of the test maintained,” he asked, “seeing that the one whom you call Hien obtained all that which he desired and he who chiefly opposed his aims was himself involved in ridicule377 and delivered to a sudden end?”
“Beneficence,” replied Kai Lung, with courteous ease, despite the pinions378 that restrained him, “herein it is one thing to demand and another to comply, for among the Platitudes379 is the admission made: ‘No needle has two sharp points.’ The conditions which the subtlety380 of Ming-shu imposed ceased to bind381, for their corollary was inexact. In no romance composed by poet or sage are the unassuming hopes of virtuous love brought to a barren end or the one who holds them delivered to an ignominious382 doom383. That which was called for does not therefore exist, but the story of Hien may be taken as indicating the actual course of events should the case arise in an ordinary state of life.”
This reply was not deemed inept by most of those who heard, and they even pressed upon the one who spoke slight gifts of snuff and wine. The Mandarin Shan Tien, however, held himself apart.
“It is doubtful if your lips will be able thus to frame so confident a boast when to-morrow fades,” was his dark forecast.
“Doubtless their tenor384 will be changed, revered, in accordance with your far-seeing word,” replied Kai Lung submissively as he was led away.
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obtuse
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| adj.钝的；愚钝的 | |
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obtuseness
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| 感觉迟钝 | |
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virtuous
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| adj.有品德的，善良的，贞洁的，有效力的 | |
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shutter
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| n.百叶窗；(照相机)快门；关闭装置 | |
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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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importunity
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| n.硬要，强求 | |
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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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fixed
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| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
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chamber
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| n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所 | |
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sage
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| n.圣人，哲人；adj.贤明的，明智的 | |
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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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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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acquiescence
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| n.默许；顺从 | |
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bestowal
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| 赠与，给与； 贮存 | |
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flask
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| n.瓶，火药筒，砂箱 | |
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devoid
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mediocre
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envious
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| adj.嫉妒的，羡慕的 | |
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conspired
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| 密谋( conspire的过去式和过去分词 )； 搞阴谋； （事件等）巧合； 共同导致 | |
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plied
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| v.使用（工具）( ply的过去式和过去分词 )；经常供应（食物、饮料）；固定往来；经营生意 | |
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wont
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prostrate
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ascend
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| vi.渐渐上升，升高；vt.攀登，登上 | |
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bosom
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| n.胸，胸部；胸怀；内心；adj.亲密的 | |
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esteemed
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| adj.受人尊敬的v.尊敬( esteem的过去式和过去分词 )；敬重；认为；以为 | |
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esteem
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| n.尊敬，尊重；vt.尊重，敬重；把…看作 | |
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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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mound
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| n.土墩，堤，小山；v.筑堤，用土堆防卫 | |
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forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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ignoble
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| adj.不光彩的，卑鄙的；可耻的 | |
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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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maiden
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| n.少女，处女；adj.未婚的，纯洁的，无经验的 | |
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mutual
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| adj.相互的，彼此的；共同的，共有的 | |
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strife
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reconciliation
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| n.和解，和谐，一致 | |
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arraigned
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| v.告发( arraign的过去式和过去分词 )；控告；传讯；指责 | |
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encompassed
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| v.围绕( encompass的过去式和过去分词 )；包围；包含；包括 | |
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poise
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| vt./vi. 平衡，保持平衡；n.泰然自若，自信 | |
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tightening
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| 上紧，固定，紧密 | |
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gathering
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| n.集会，聚会，聚集 | |
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celebrated
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| adj.有名的，声誉卓著的 | |
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42
slumbered
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| 微睡，睡眠（slumber的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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43
censor
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| n./vt.审查，审查员；删改 | |
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44
rebuked
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| 责难或指责( rebuke的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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45
questionable
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| adj.可疑的，有问题的 | |
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46
converge
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| vi.会合；聚集，集中；(思想、观点等)趋近 | |
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47
steadfastly
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| adv.踏实地，不变地；岿然；坚定不渝 | |
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48
looms
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| n.织布机( loom的名词复数 )v.隐约出现，阴森地逼近( loom的第三人称单数 )；隐约出现，阴森地逼近 | |
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49
brass
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| n.黄铜；黄铜器，铜管乐器 | |
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50
alas
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| int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等) | |
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51
omen
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| n.征兆，预兆；vt.预示 | |
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52
pillory
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| n.嘲弄；v.使受公众嘲笑；将…示众 | |
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53
impiety
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| n.不敬；不孝 | |
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54
procure
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| vt.获得，取得，促成；vi.拉皮条 | |
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55
grotesque
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| adj.怪诞的，丑陋的；n.怪诞的图案，怪人（物） | |
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56
leisurely
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| adj.悠闲的；从容的，慢慢的 | |
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57
intrude
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| vi.闯入；侵入；打扰，侵扰 | |
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58
exalted
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| adj.(地位等)高的，崇高的；尊贵的，高尚的 | |
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59
enjoined
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| v.命令( enjoin的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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60
inept
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| adj.不恰当的，荒谬的，拙劣的 | |
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61
fumes
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| n.(强烈而刺激的)气味，气体 | |
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62
malice
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| n.恶意，怨恨，蓄意；[律]预谋 | |
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63
lucrative
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| adj.赚钱的，可获利的 | |
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64
contumacious
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| adj.拒不服从的，违抗的 | |
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65
mendicant
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| n.乞丐；adj.行乞的 | |
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66
covetous
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| adj.贪婪的，贪心的 | |
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67
behold
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| v.看，注视，看到 | |
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68
uncouth
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| adj.无教养的，粗鲁的 | |
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69
conscientious
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| adj.审慎正直的，认真的，本着良心的 | |
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70
funereal
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| adj.悲哀的；送葬的 | |
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71
narrative
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| n.叙述，故事；adj.叙事的，故事体的 | |
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72
obeisance
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| n.鞠躬，敬礼 | |
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73
genial
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| adj.亲切的，和蔼的，愉快的，脾气好的 | |
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74
unwillingly
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| adv.不情愿地 | |
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75
justified
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| a.正当的，有理的 | |
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76
excellence
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| n.优秀，杰出，(pl.)优点，美德 | |
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77
reign
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| n.统治时期，统治，支配，盛行；v.占优势 | |
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78
graceful
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| adj.优美的，优雅的；得体的 | |
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79
accomplishments
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| n.造诣；完成( accomplishment的名词复数 )；技能；成绩；成就 | |
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80
refreshing
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| adj.使精神振作的，使人清爽的，使人喜欢的 | |
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81
glossy
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| adj.平滑的；有光泽的 | |
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82
lustre
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| n.光亮，光泽；荣誉 | |
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83
converse
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| vi.谈话，谈天，闲聊；adv.相反的，相反 | |
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84
humane
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| adj.人道的，富有同情心的 | |
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85
courteous
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| adj.彬彬有礼的，客气的 | |
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86
destitute
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| adj.缺乏的；穷困的 | |
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87
sublime
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| adj.崇高的，伟大的；极度的，不顾后果的 | |
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88
undoubtedly
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| adv.确实地，无疑地 | |
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89
brilliance
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| n.光辉，辉煌，壮丽，（卓越的）才华，才智 | |
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90
patriotic
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| adj.爱国的，有爱国心的 | |
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91
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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92
engrossing
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| adj.使人全神贯注的，引人入胜的v.使全神贯注( engross的现在分词 ) | |
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93
venerated
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| 敬重（某人或某事物），崇敬( venerate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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94
attainable
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| a.可达到的，可获得的 | |
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95
conceal
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，隐蔽 | |
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96
honourable
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| adj.可敬的；荣誉的，光荣的 | |
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97
speculation
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| n.思索，沉思；猜测；投机 | |
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98
immediate
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| adj.立即的；直接的，最接近的；紧靠的 | |
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99
contrive
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| vt.谋划，策划；设法做到；设计，想出 | |
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100
justifiable
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| adj.有理由的，无可非议的 | |
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101
pretext
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| n.借口，托词 | |
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102
commendable
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| adj.值得称赞的 | |
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103
retinue
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| n.侍从；随员 | |
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104
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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105
inclinations
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| 倾向( inclination的名词复数 )； 倾斜； 爱好； 斜坡 | |
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106
amiable
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| adj.和蔼可亲的，友善的，亲切的 | |
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107
benevolent
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| adj.仁慈的，乐善好施的 | |
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108
judgment
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| n.审判；判断力，识别力，看法，意见 | |
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109
expressive
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| adj.表现的，表达…的，富于表情的 | |
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110
delicacy
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| n.精致，细微，微妙，精良；美味，佳肴 | |
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111
decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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112
caressing
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| 爱抚的，表现爱情的，亲切的 | |
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113
persuasively
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| adv.口才好地；令人信服地 | |
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114
omens
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| n.前兆，预兆( omen的名词复数 ) | |
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115
countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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116
inevitably
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| adv.不可避免地；必然发生地 | |
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117
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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118
hereditary
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| adj.遗传的，遗传性的，可继承的，世袭的 | |
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119
concealed
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| a.隐藏的，隐蔽的 | |
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120
painstaking
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| adj.苦干的；艰苦的，费力的，刻苦的 | |
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121
lute
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| n.琵琶，鲁特琴 | |
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122
luxurious
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| adj.精美而昂贵的；豪华的 | |
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123
entice
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| v.诱骗，引诱，怂恿 | |
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124
outlaws
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| 歹徒，亡命之徒( outlaw的名词复数 )； 逃犯 | |
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125
loyalty
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| n.忠诚，忠心 | |
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126
treacherously
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| 背信弃义地； 背叛地； 靠不住地； 危险地 | |
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127
advisers
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| 顾问，劝告者( adviser的名词复数 )； （指导大学新生学科问题等的）指导教授 | |
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128
followers
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| 追随者( follower的名词复数 )； 用户； 契据的附面； 从动件 | |
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129
solely
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| adv.仅仅，唯一地 | |
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130
thereby
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| adv.因此，从而 | |
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131
entreaties
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| n.恳求，乞求( entreaty的名词复数 ) | |
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132
devoted
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| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
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133
reassured
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| adj.使消除疑虑的；使放心的v.再保证，恢复信心( reassure的过去式和过去分词) | |
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134
conversing
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| v.交谈，谈话( converse的现在分词 ) | |
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135
grove
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| n.林子，小树林，园林 | |
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136
cedars
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| 雪松，西洋杉( cedar的名词复数 ) | |
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137
prosaic
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| adj.单调的，无趣的 | |
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138
courteously
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| adv.有礼貌地，亲切地 | |
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139
scroll
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| n.卷轴，纸卷；(石刻上的)漩涡 | |
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140
honourably
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| adv.可尊敬地，光荣地，体面地 | |
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141
dignified
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| a.可敬的，高贵的 | |
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142
ornamental
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| adj.装饰的；作装饰用的；n.装饰品；观赏植物 | |
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143
destined
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| adj.命中注定的；(for)以…为目的地的 | |
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144
posterity
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| n.后裔，子孙，后代 | |
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145
embellish
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| v.装饰，布置；给…添加细节，润饰 | |
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146
lame
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| adj.跛的，(辩解、论据等)无说服力的 | |
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147
inscribed
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| v.写，刻( inscribe的过去式和过去分词 )；内接 | |
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148
inscribe
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| v.刻；雕；题写；牢记 | |
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149
affixed
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| adj.[医]附着的，附着的v.附加( affix的过去式和过去分词 )；粘贴；加以；盖（印章） | |
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150
incapable
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| adj.无能力的，不能做某事的 | |
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151
beheld
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| v.看，注视( behold的过去式和过去分词 )；瞧；看呀；（叙述中用于引出某人意外的出现）哎哟 | |
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152
axe
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| n.斧子；v.用斧头砍，削减 | |
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153
formerly
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| adv.从前，以前 | |
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154
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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155
prudent
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| adj.谨慎的，有远见的，精打细算的 | |
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156
outrageous
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| adj.无理的，令人不能容忍的 | |
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157
distinguished
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| adj.卓越的，杰出的，著名的 | |
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158
awakens
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| v.（使）醒( awaken的第三人称单数 )；（使）觉醒；弄醒；（使）意识到 | |
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159
prop
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| vt.支撑；n.支柱，支撑物；支持者，靠山 | |
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160
prophesy
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| v.预言；预示 | |
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161
vengeance
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| n.报复，报仇，复仇 | |
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162
lurking
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| 潜在 | |
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163
alluded
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| 提及，暗指( allude的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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164
inadequate
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| adj.(for,to)不充足的，不适当的 | |
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165
concealing
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，遮住( conceal的现在分词 ) | |
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166
secluded
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| adj.与世隔绝的；隐退的；偏僻的v.使隔开，使隐退( seclude的过去式和过去分词) | |
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167
perversity
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| n.任性；刚愎自用 | |
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168
philosophical
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| adj.哲学家的，哲学上的，达观的 | |
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169
ingenuous
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| adj.纯朴的，单纯的；天真的；坦率的 | |
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170
benevolently
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| adv.仁慈地，行善地 | |
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171
recital
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| n.朗诵，独奏会，独唱会 | |
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172
humiliation
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| n.羞辱 | |
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173
lured
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| 吸引，引诱（lure的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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174
anticipation
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| n.预期，预料，期望 | |
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175
sumptuous
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| adj.豪华的，奢侈的，华丽的 | |
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176
unreasonably
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| adv. 不合理地 | |
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177
pitfalls
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| （捕猎野兽用的）陷阱( pitfall的名词复数 )； 意想不到的困难，易犯的错误 | |
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178
adroitness
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179
extricate
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| v.拯救，救出；解脱 | |
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180
intensity
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| n.强烈，剧烈；强度；烈度 | |
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181
disapproving
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| adj.不满的，反对的v.不赞成( disapprove的现在分词 ) | |
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182
abruptly
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| adv.突然地，出其不意地 | |
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183
withdrawn
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| vt.收回；使退出；vi.撤退，退出 | |
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184
disinterested
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| adj.不关心的，不感兴趣的 | |
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185
fatigue
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| n.疲劳，劳累 | |
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186
extremity
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| n.末端，尽头；尽力；终极；极度 | |
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187
ostentation
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| n.夸耀，卖弄 | |
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188
withhold
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| v.拒绝，不给；使停止，阻挡 | |
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189
obese
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| adj.过度肥胖的，肥大的 | |
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190
antiquated
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| adj.陈旧的，过时的 | |
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191
mythical
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| adj.神话的；虚构的；想像的 | |
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192
snails
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| n.蜗牛；迟钝的人；蜗牛( snail的名词复数 ) | |
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193
solitary
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| adj.孤独的，独立的，荒凉的；n.隐士 | |
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194
relinquish
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| v.放弃，撤回，让与，放手 | |
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195
persistence
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| n.坚持，持续，存留 | |
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196
contemptible
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| adj.可鄙的，可轻视的，卑劣的 | |
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197
renowned
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| adj.著名的，有名望的，声誉鹊起的 | |
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198
tolerance
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| n.宽容；容忍，忍受；耐药力；公差 | |
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199
upbraiding
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| adj.& n.谴责（的）v.责备，申斥，谴责( upbraid的现在分词 ) | |
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200
thoroughly
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| adv.完全地，彻底地，十足地 | |
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201
corrupt
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| v.贿赂，收买；adj.腐败的，贪污的 | |
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202
reassuringly
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| ad.安心，可靠 | |
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203
fowl
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| n.家禽，鸡，禽肉 | |
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204
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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205
malignant
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|
| adj.恶性的，致命的；恶意的，恶毒的 | |
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206
sinister
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| adj.不吉利的，凶恶的，左边的 | |
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207
dexterity
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| n.(手的)灵巧，灵活 | |
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208
complexion
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| n.肤色；情况，局面；气质，性格 | |
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209
aged
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| adj.年老的，陈年的 | |
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210
alluring
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| adj.吸引人的，迷人的 | |
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211
backwards
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| adv.往回地，向原处，倒，相反，前后倒置地 | |
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212
entangled
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| adj.卷入的；陷入的；被缠住的；缠在一起的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的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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213
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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214
armour
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| （=armor）n.盔甲；装甲部队 | |
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215
rapacious
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| adj.贪婪的，强夺的 | |
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216
migratory
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| n.候鸟，迁移 | |
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217
disciples
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| n.信徒( disciple的名词复数 )；门徒；耶稣的信徒；（尤指）耶稣十二门徒之一 | |
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218
humble
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|
| adj.谦卑的，恭顺的；地位低下的；v.降低，贬低 | |
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219
influential
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| adj.有影响的，有权势的 | |
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220
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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221
poignant
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| adj.令人痛苦的，辛酸的，惨痛的 | |
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222
exterminating
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| v.消灭，根绝( exterminate的现在分词 ) | |
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223
disdains
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| 鄙视，轻蔑( disdain的名词复数 ) | |
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224
extremities
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| n.端点( extremity的名词复数 )；尽头；手和足；极窘迫的境地 | |
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225
tenacious
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| adj.顽强的，固执的，记忆力强的，粘的 | |
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226
antagonist
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| n.敌人，对抗者，对手 | |
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227
adorn
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| vt.使美化，装饰 | |
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228
indignity
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| n.侮辱，伤害尊严，轻蔑 | |
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229
extricated
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| v.使摆脱困难，脱身( extricate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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230
intimidate
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| vt.恐吓，威胁 | |
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231
warriors
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| 武士，勇士，战士( warrior的名词复数 ) | |
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232
implored
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| 恳求或乞求（某人）( implore的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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233
agonized
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| v.使（极度）痛苦，折磨( agonize的过去式和过去分词 )；苦斗；苦苦思索；感到极度痛苦 | |
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234
passionate
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|
| adj.热情的，热烈的，激昂的，易动情的，易怒的，性情暴躁的 | |
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235
sincerity
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|
| n.真诚，诚意；真实 | |
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236
parricide
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|
| n.杀父母；杀亲罪 | |
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237
dexterously
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| adv.巧妙地，敏捷地 | |
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238
jade
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|
| n.玉石；碧玉；翡翠 | |
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239
deference
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| n.尊重，顺从；敬意 | |
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240
irrational
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|
| adj.无理性的，失去理性的 | |
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241
erratic
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|
| adj.古怪的，反复无常的，不稳定的 | |
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242
vessel
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| n.船舶；容器，器皿；管，导管，血管 | |
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243
triumphantly
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|
| ad.得意洋洋地；得胜地；成功地 | |
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244
sterile
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|
| adj.不毛的，不孕的，无菌的，枯燥的，贫瘠的 | |
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245
virtues
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| 美德( virtue的名词复数 )； 德行； 优点； 长处 | |
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246
appreciable
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|
| adj.明显的，可见的，可估量的，可觉察的 | |
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247
astute
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|
| adj.机敏的，精明的 | |
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248
superfluous
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|
| adj.过多的，过剩的，多余的 | |
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249
arrogant
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|
| adj.傲慢的，自大的 | |
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250
avert
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| v.防止，避免；转移(目光、注意力等) | |
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251
lengthy
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|
| adj.漫长的，冗长的 | |
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252
shred
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| v.撕成碎片，变成碎片；n.碎布条，细片，些少 | |
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253
deceptive
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|
| adj.骗人的，造成假象的，靠不住的 | |
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254
adversary
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|
| adj.敌手，对手 | |
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255
invokes
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|
| v.援引( invoke的第三人称单数 )；行使（权利等）；祈求救助；恳求 | |
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256
tangible
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|
| adj.有形的，可触摸的，确凿的，实际的 | |
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257
stagnation
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| n. 停滞 | |
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258
paralysis
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|
| n.麻痹(症)；瘫痪(症) | |
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259
derangement
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| n.精神错乱 | |
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260
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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261
presumptuous
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|
| adj.胆大妄为的，放肆的，冒昧的，冒失的 | |
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262
stipulate
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| vt.规定，（作为条件）讲定，保证 | |
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263
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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264
animated
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|
| adj.生气勃勃的，活跃的，愉快的 | |
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265
suppliants
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| n.恳求者，哀求者( suppliant的名词复数 ) | |
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266
entreating
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| 恳求，乞求( entreat的现在分词 ) | |
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267
avaricious
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| adj.贪婪的，贪心的 | |
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268
microscopic
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| adj.微小的，细微的，极小的，显微的 | |
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269
incentive
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| n.刺激；动力；鼓励；诱因；动机 | |
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270
imperturbable
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| adj.镇静的 | |
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271
rabble
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| n.乌合之众，暴民；下等人 | |
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272
illiterate
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| adj.文盲的；无知的；n.文盲 | |
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273
barbarians
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| n.野蛮人( barbarian的名词复数 )；外国人；粗野的人；无教养的人 | |
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274
traitorously
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| 叛逆地，不忠地 | |
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275
monarch
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| n.帝王，君主，最高统治者 | |
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276
puny
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| adj.微不足道的，弱小的 | |
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277
foe
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| n.敌人，仇敌 | |
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278
resolutely
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| adj.坚决地，果断地 | |
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279
crafty
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| adj.狡猾的，诡诈的 | |
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280
enticed
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| 诱惑，怂恿( entice的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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281
miserably
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|
| adv.痛苦地；悲惨地；糟糕地；极度地 | |
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282
invaders
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| 入侵者，侵略者，侵入物( invader的名词复数 ) | |
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283
utterly
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| adv.完全地，绝对地 | |
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284
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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285
lurked
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| vi.潜伏，埋伏（lurk的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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286
craved
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| 渴望，热望( crave的过去式 )； 恳求，请求 | |
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287
illuminated
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|
| adj.被照明的；受启迪的 | |
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288
fatiguing
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| a.使人劳累的 | |
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289
repose
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| v.(使)休息；n.安息 | |
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290
distended
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| v.（使）膨胀，肿胀( distend的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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291
sublimest
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|
| 伟大的( sublime的最高级 )； 令人赞叹的； 极端的； 不顾后果的 | |
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292
persevering
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| a.坚忍不拔的 | |
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293
mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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294
meritorious
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| adj.值得赞赏的 | |
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295
necromancer
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| n. 巫师 | |
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296
supreme
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| adj.极度的，最重要的；至高的，最高的 | |
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297
vow
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| n.誓(言)，誓约；v.起誓，立誓 | |
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298
impartial
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|
| adj.(in,to)公正的，无偏见的 | |
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299
amethyst
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| n.紫水晶 | |
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300
enticing
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| adj.迷人的；诱人的 | |
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301
amend
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|
| vt.修改，修订，改进；n.[pl.]赔罪，赔偿 | |
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302
acquiesced
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|
| v.默认，默许( acquiesce的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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303
treasury
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| n.宝库；国库，金库；文库 | |
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304
rumour
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| n.谣言，谣传，传闻 | |
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305
effete
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| adj.无生产力的，虚弱的 | |
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306
treasurer
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| n.司库，财务主管 | |
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307
glutinous
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|
| adj.粘的，胶状的 | |
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308
proceeding
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| n.行动，进行，(pl.)会议录，学报 | |
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309
immortal
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| adj.不朽的；永生的，不死的；神的 | |
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310
obliterating
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| v.除去( obliterate的现在分词 )；涂去；擦掉；彻底破坏或毁灭 | |
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311
instinctively
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| adv.本能地 | |
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312
allusions
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| 暗指，间接提到( allusion的名词复数 ) | |
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313
skilfully
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| adv. (美skillfully)熟练地 | |
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314
defiance
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| n.挑战，挑衅，蔑视，违抗 | |
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315
permissible
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| adj.可允许的，许可的 | |
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316
omnipotent
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| adj.全能的，万能的 | |
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317
dealing
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| n.经商方法，待人态度 | |
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318
mandate
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| n.托管地；命令，指示 | |
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319
withheld
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| withhold过去式及过去分词 | |
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320
discreet
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| adj.(言行)谨慎的；慎重的；有判断力的 | |
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321
assented
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| 同意，赞成( assent的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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322
semblance
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| n.外貌，外表 | |
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323
quaint
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| adj.古雅的，离奇有趣的，奇怪的 | |
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324
revered
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| v.崇敬，尊崇，敬畏( revere的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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325
stunted
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| adj.矮小的；发育迟缓的 | |
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326
ascertain
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| vt.发现，确定，查明，弄清 | |
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327
allot
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| v.分配；拨给；n.部分；小块菜地 | |
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328
grotto
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| n.洞穴 | |
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329
painstakingly
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| adv. 费力地 苦心地 | |
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330
glade
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| n.林间空地，一片表面有草的沼泽低地 | |
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331
fathomed
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| 理解…的真意( fathom的过去式和过去分词 )； 彻底了解； 弄清真相 | |
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332
repulsive
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| adj.排斥的，使人反感的 | |
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333
grafted
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| 移植( graft的过去式和过去分词 )； 嫁接； 使（思想、制度等）成为（…的一部份）； 植根 | |
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334
remarkable
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| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
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335
enacted
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| 制定（法律），通过（法案）( enact的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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336
frenzy
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| n.疯狂，狂热，极度的激动 | |
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337
subsided
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| v.（土地）下陷（因在地下采矿）( subside的过去式和过去分词 )；减弱；下降至较低或正常水平；一下子坐在椅子等上 | |
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338
turmoil
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| n.骚乱，混乱，动乱 | |
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339
retentive
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| v.保留的，有记忆的；adv.有记性地，记性强地；n.保持力 | |
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340
inevitable
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| adj.不可避免的，必然发生的 | |
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341
accomplished
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| adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的 | |
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342
ferocious
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| adj.凶猛的，残暴的，极度的，十分强烈的 | |
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343
horde
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| n.群众，一大群 | |
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344
batch
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| n.一批(组，群)；一批生产量 | |
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345
rejections
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| 拒绝( rejection的名词复数 )； 摒弃； 剔除物； 排斥 | |
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346
preoccupied
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| adj.全神贯注的，入神的；被抢先占有的；心事重重的v.占据（某人）思想，使对…全神贯注，使专心于( preoccupy的过去式) | |
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347
catching
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| adj.易传染的，有魅力的，迷人的，接住 | |
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348
eminently
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| adv.突出地；显著地；不寻常地 | |
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349
precipice
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| n.悬崖，危急的处境 | |
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350
applied
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| adj.应用的；v.应用，适用 | |
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351
tenaciously
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| 坚持地 | |
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352
ordeal
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| n.苦难经历，（尤指对品格、耐力的）严峻考验 | |
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353
embarrassment
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| n.尴尬；使人为难的人(事物)；障碍；窘迫 | |
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354
remains
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| n.剩余物，残留物；遗体，遗迹 | |
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355
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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356
acclaim
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| v.向…欢呼，公认；n.欢呼，喝彩，称赞 | |
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357
indifference
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| n.不感兴趣，不关心，冷淡，不在乎 | |
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358
prettily
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| adv.优美地；可爱地 | |
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359
heliotrope
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| n.天芥菜；淡紫色 | |
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360
apparently
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| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
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361
costly
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| adj.昂贵的，价值高的，豪华的 | |
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362
varied
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| adj.多样的，多变化的 | |
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363
enlist
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| vt.谋取(支持等)，赢得；征募；vi.入伍 | |
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364
incompetent
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| adj.无能力的，不能胜任的 | |
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365
vessels
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| n.血管( vessel的名词复数 )；船；容器；（具有特殊品质或接受特殊品质的）人 | |
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366
persevered
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| v.坚忍，坚持( persevere的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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367
piracy
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| n.海盗行为，剽窃，著作权侵害 | |
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368
precarious
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| adj.不安定的，靠不住的；根据不足的 | |
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369
livelihood
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| n.生计，谋生之道 | |
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370
voracious
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| adj.狼吞虎咽的，贪婪的 | |
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371
reigned
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| vi.当政，统治（reign的过去式形式） | |
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372
deposed
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| v.罢免( depose的过去式和过去分词 )；（在法庭上）宣誓作证 | |
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373
insidiously
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| 潜在地，隐伏地，阴险地 | |
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374
poetical
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| adj.似诗人的；诗一般的；韵文的；富有诗意的 | |
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375
procuring
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| v.（努力）取得， （设法）获得( procure的现在分词 )；拉皮条 | |
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376
fabulous
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| adj.极好的；极为巨大的；寓言中的，传说中的 | |
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377
ridicule
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| v.讥讽，挖苦；n.嘲弄 | |
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378
pinions
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| v.抓住[捆住]（双臂）( pinion的第三人称单数 ) | |
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379
platitudes
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| n.平常的话，老生常谈，陈词滥调( platitude的名词复数 )；滥套子 | |
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380
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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381
bind
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| vt.捆，包扎；装订；约束；使凝固；vi.变硬 | |
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382
ignominious
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| adj.可鄙的，不光彩的，耻辱的 | |
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383
doom
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| n.厄运，劫数；v.注定，命定 | |
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384
tenor
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| n.男高音（歌手），次中音（乐器），要旨，大意 | |
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