Although it was towards sunset, the heat of the day still hung above the dusty earth-road, and two who tarried within the shadow of an ancient arch were loath1 to resume their way. They had walked far, for the uncertain steed, having revealed a too contentious2 nature, had been disposed of in distant Tai to an honest stranger who freely explained the imperfection of its ignoble3 outline.
“Let us remain another space of time,” pleaded Hwa-mei reposefully4, “and as without your all-embracing art the course of events would undoubtedly6 have terminated very differently from what it has, will you not, out of an emotion of gratitude7, relate a story for my ear alone, weaving into it the substance of this ancient arch whose shade proves our rest?”
“Your wish is the crown of my attainment8, unearthly one,” replied Kai Lung, preparing to obey. “This concerns the story of Ten-teh, whose name adorns9 the keystone of the fabric10.”
“Devotion to the Emperor—”
The Five Great Principles
The reign12 of the enlightened Emperor Tung Kwei had closed amid scenes of treachery and lust13, and in his perfidiously-spilled blood was extinguished the last pale hope of those faithful to his line. His only son was a nameless fugitive—by ceaseless report already Passed Beyond—his party scattered14 and crushed out like the sparks from his blackened Capital, while nothing that men thought dare pass their lips. The usurper15 Fuh-chi sat upon the dragon throne and spake with the voice of brass16 cymbals17 and echoing drums, his right hand shedding blood and his left hand spreading fire. To raise an eye before him was to ape with death, and a whisper in the outer ways foreran swift torture. With harrows he uprooted18 the land until no household could gather round its ancestral tablets, and with marble rollers he flattened19 it until none dare lift his head. For the body of each one who had opposed his ambition there was offered an equal weight of fine silver, and upon the head of the child-prince was set the reward of ten times his weight in pure gold. Yet in noisome20 swamps and forests, hidden in caves, lying on desolate21 islands, and concealing23 themselves in every kind of solitary24 place were those who daily prostrated26 themselves to the memory of Tung Kwei and by a sign acknowledged the authority of his infant son Kwo Kam. In the Crystal City there was a great roar of violence and drunken song, and men and women lapped from deep lakes filled up with wine; but the ricesacks of the poor had long been turned out and shaken for a little dust; their eyes were closing and in their hearts they were as powder between the mill-stones. On the north and the west the barbarians28 had begun to press forward in resistless waves, and from The Island to The Beak30 pirates laid waste the coast.
i. UNDER THE DRAGON’S WING
Among the lagoons32 of the Upper Seng river a cormorant33 fisher, Ten-teh by name, daily followed his occupation. In seasons of good harvest, when they of the villages had grain in abundance and money with which to procure34 a more varied35 diet, Ten-teh was able to regard the ever-changeful success of his venture without anxiety, and even to add perchance somewhat to his store; but when affliction lay upon the land the carefully gathered hoard36 melted away and he did not cease to upbraid37 himself for adopting so uncertain a means of livelihood38. At these times the earth-tillers, having neither money to spend nor crops to harvest, caught such fish as they could for themselves. Others in their extremity39 did not scruple40 to drown themselves and their dependents in Ten-teh’s waters, so that while none contributed to his prosperity the latter ones even greatly added to the embarrassment42 of his craft. When, therefore, his own harvest failed him in addition, or tempests drove him back to a dwelling43 which was destitute44 of food either for himself, his household, or his cormorants45, his self-reproach did not appear to be ill-reasoned. Yet in spite of all Ten-teh was of a genial46 disposition47, benevolent48, respectful and incapable49 of guile50. He sacrificed adequately at all festivals, and his only regret was that he had no son of his own and very scanty51 chances of ever becoming rich enough to procure one by adoption52.
The sun was setting one day when Ten-teh reluctantly took up his propelling staff and began to urge his raft towards the shore. It was a season of parched53 crops and destitution54 in the villages, when disease could fondle the bones of even the most rotund and leprosy was the insidious55 condiment56 in every dish; yet never had the Imperial dues been higher, and each succeeding official had larger hands and a more inexorable face than the one before him. Ten-teh’s hoarded57 resources had already followed the snows of the previous winter, his shelf was like the heart of a despot to whom the oppressed cry for pity, and the contents of the creel at his feet were too insignificant58 to tempt59 the curiosity even of his hungry cormorants. But the mists of the evening were by this time lapping the surface of the waters and he had no alternative but to abandon his fishing for the day.
“Truly they who go forth60 to fish, even in shallow waters, experience strange things when none are by to credit them,” suddenly exclaimed his assistant—a mentally deficient61 youth of the villages whom Ten-teh charitably employed because all others rejected him. “Behold, master, a spectre bird approaches.”
“Peace, witless,” replied Ten-teh, not turning from his occupation, for it was no uncommon62 incident for the deficient youth to mistake widely-differing objects for one another or to claim a demoniacal insight into the most trivial happenings. “Visions do not materialize for such as thou and I.”
“Nevertheless,” continued the weakling, “if you will but slacken your agile63 proficiency64 with the pole, chieftain, our supper to-night may yet consist of something more substantial than the fish which it is our intention to catch to-morrow.”
When the defective65 youth had continued for some time in this meaningless strain Ten-teh turned to rebuke66 him, when to his astonishment67 he perceived that a strange cormorant was endeavouring to reach them, its progress being impeded68 by an object which it carried in its mouth. Satisfying himself that his own birds were still on the raft, Ten-teh looked round in expectation for the boat of another fisherman, although none but he had ever within his memory sought those waters, but as far as he could see the wide-stretching lagoon31 was deserted69 by all but themselves. He accordingly waited, drawing in his pole, and inciting70 the bird on by cries of encouragement.
“A nobly-born cormorant without doubt,” exclaimed the youth approvingly. “He is lacking the throat-strap71, yet he holds his prey72 dexterously74 and makes no movement to consume it. But the fish itself is outlined strangely.”
As the bird drew near Ten-teh also saw that it was devoid75 of the usual strap which in the exercise of his craft was necessary as a barrier against the gluttonous76 instincts of the race. It was unnaturally78 large, and even at a distance Ten-teh could see that its plumage was smoothed to a polished lustre79, its eye alert, and the movement of its flight untamed. But, as the youth had said, the fish it carried loomed80 mysteriously.
“The Wise One and the Crafty81 Image—behold they prostrate25 themselves!” cried the youth in a tone of awe-inspired surprise, and without a pause he stepped off the raft and submerged himself beneath the waters.
It was even as he asserted; Ten-teh turned his eyes and lo, his two cormorants, instead of rising in anger, as their contentious nature prompted, had sunk to the ground and were doing obeisance82. Much perturbed83 as to his own most prudent84 action, for the bird was nearing the craft, Ten-teh judged it safest to accept this token and falling down he thrice knocked his forehead submissively. When he looked up again the majestic85 bird had vanished as utterly86 as the flame that is quenched88, and lying at his feet was a naked man-child.
“O master,” said the voice of the assistant, as he cautiously protruded89 his head above the surface of the raft, “has the vision faded, or do creatures of the air before whom even their own kind kowtow still haunt the spot?”
“The manifestation91 has withdrawn92,” replied Ten-teh reassuringly94, “but like the touch of the omnipotent96 Buddha97 it has left behind it that which proves its reality,” and he pointed98 to the man-child.
“Beware, alas99!” exclaimed the youth, preparing to immerse himself a second time if the least cause arose; “and on no account permit yourself to be drawn93 into the snare100. Inevitably101 the affair tends to evil from the beginning and presently that which now appears as a man-child will assume the form of a devouring102 vampire103 and consume us all. Such occurrences are by no means uncommon when the great sky-lantern is at its full distension104.”
“To maintain otherwise would be impious,” admitted his master, “but at the same time there is nothing to indicate that the beneficial deities105 are not the ones responsible for this apparition106.” With these humane107 words the kindly-disposed Ten-teh wrapped his outer robe about the man-child and turned to lay him in the empty creel, when to his profound astonishment he saw that it was now filled with fish of the rarest and most unapproachable kinds.
“Footsteps of the dragon!” exclaimed the youth, scrambling108 back on to the raft hastily; “undoubtedly your acuter angle of looking at the visitation was the inspired one. Let us abandon the man-child in an unfrequented spot and then proceed to divide the result of the adventure equally among us.”
“An agreed portion shall be allotted109,” replied Ten-teh, “but to abandon so miraculously110-endowed a being would cover even an outcast with shame.”
“‘Shame fades in the morning; debts remain from day to day,’” replied the youth, the allusion111 of the proverb being to the difficulty of sustaining life in times so exacting112, when men pledged their household goods, their wives, even their ancestral records for a little flour or a jar of oil. “To the starving the taste of a grain of corn is more satisfying than the thought of a roasted ox, but as many years must pass as this creel now holds fish before the little one can disengage a catch or handle the pole.”
“It is as the Many-Eyed One sees,” replied Ten-teh, with unmoved determination. “This person has long desired a son, and those who walk into an earthquake while imploring113 heaven for a sign are unworthy of consideration. Take this fish and depart until the morrow. Also, unless you would have the villagers regard you as not only deficient but profane114, reveal nothing of this happening to those whom you encounter.” With these words Ten-teh dismissed him, not greatly disturbed at the thought of whatever he might do; for in no case would any believe a word he spoke115, while the greater likelihood tended towards his forgetting everything before he had reached his home.
As Ten-teh approached his own door his wife came forth to meet him. “Much gladness!” she cried aloud before she saw his burden; “tempered only by a regret that you did not abandon your chase at an earlier hour. Fear not for the present that the wolf-tusk of famine shall gnaw116 our repose5 or that the dreaded117 wings of the white and scaly118 one shall hover119 about our house-top. Your wealthy cousin, journeying back to the Capital from the land of the spice forests, has been here in your absence, leaving you gifts of fur, silk, carved ivory, oil, wine, nuts and rice and rich foods of many kinds. He would have stayed to embrace you were it not that his company of bearers awaited him at an arranged spot and he had already been long delayed.”
Then said Ten-teh, well knowing that he had no such desirable relative, but drawn to secrecy120 by the unnatural77 course of events: “The years pass unperceived and all changes but the heart of man; how appeared my cousin, and has he greatly altered under the enervating121 sun of a barbarian29 land?”
“He is now a little man, with a loose skin the colour of a finely-lacquered apricot,” replied the woman. “His teeth are large and jagged, his expression open and sincere, and the sound of his breathing is like the continuous beating of waves upon a stony122 beach. Furthermore, he has ten fingers upon his left hand and a girdle of rubies123 about his waist.”
“The description is unmistakable,” said Ten-teh evasively. “Did he chance to leave a parting message of any moment?”
“He twice remarked: ‘When the sun sets the moon rises, but to-morrow the drawn will break again,’” replied his wife. “Also, upon leaving he asked for ink, brushes and a fan, and upon it he inscribed124 certain words.” She thereupon handed the fan to Ten-teh, who read, written in characters of surpassing beauty and exactness, the proverb: “Well-guarded lips, patient alertness and a heart conscientiously126 discharging its accepted duty: these three things have a sure reward.”
At that moment Ten-teh’s wife saw that he carried something beyond his creel and discovering the man-child she cried out with delight, pouring forth a torrent127 of inquiries128 and striving to possess it. “A tale half told is the father of many lies,” exclaimed Ten-teh at length, “and of the greater part of what you ask this person knows neither the beginning nor the end. Let what is written on the fan suffice.” With this he explained to her the meaning of the characters and made their significance clear. Then without another word he placed the man-child in her arms and led her back into the house.
From that time Hoang, as he was thenceforward called, was received into the household of Ten-teh, and from that time Ten-teh prospered129. Without ever approaching a condition of affluence130 or dignified131 ease, he was never exposed to the penury132 and vicissitudes133 which he had been wont134 to experience; so that none had need to go hungry or ill-clad. If famine ravaged135 the villages Ten-teh’s store of grain was miraculously maintained; his success on the lagoons was unvaried, fish even leaping on to the structure of the raft. Frequently in dark and undisturbed parts of the house he found sums of money and other valuable articles of which he had no remembrance, while it was no uncommon thing for passing merchants to leave bales of goods at his door in mistake and to meet with some accident which prevented them from ever again visiting that part of the country. In the meanwhile Hoang grew from infancy137 into childhood, taking part with Ten-teh in all his pursuits, yet even in the most menial occupation never wholly shaking off the air of command and nobility of bearing which lay upon him. In strength and endurance he outpaced all the youths around, while in the manipulation of the raft and the dexterous73 handling of the cormorants he covered Ten-teh with gratified shame. So excessive was the devotion which he aroused in those who knew him that the deficient youth wept openly if Hoang chanced to cough or sneeze; and it is even asserted that on more than one occasion high officials, struck by the authority of his presence, though he might be in the act of carrying fish along the road, hastily descended138 from their chairs and prostrated themselves before him.
In the fourteenth year of the reign of the usurper Fuh-chi a little breeze rising in the Province of Sz-chuen began to spread through all the land and men’s minds were again agitated139 by the memory of a hope which had long seemed dead. At that period the tyrannical Fuh-chi finally abandoned the last remaining vestige140 of restraint and by his crimes and excesses alienated141 even the protection of the evil spirits and the fidelity142 of his chosen guard; so that he conspired143 with himself to bring about his own destruction. One discriminating144 adviser145 alone had stood at the foot of the throne, and being no less resolute146 than far-seeing, he did not hesitate to warn Fuh-chi and to hold the prophetic threat of rebellion before his eyes. Such sincerity147 met with the reward not difficult to conjecture148.
“Who are our enemies?” exclaimed Fuh-chi, turning to a notorious flatterer at his side, “and where are they who are displeased149 with our too lenient150 rule?”
“Your enemies, O Brother of the Sun and Prototype of the Red-legged Crane, are dead and unmourned. The living do naught151 but speak of your clemency152 and bask153 in the radiance of your eye-light,” protested the flatterer.
“It is well said,” replied Fuh-chi. “How is it, then, that any can eat of our rice and receive our bounty154 and yet repay us with ingratitude155 and taunts156, holding their joints157 stiffly in our presence? Lo, even lambs have the grace to suck kneeling.”
“Omnipotence158,” replied the just minister, “if this person is deficient in the more supple159 graces of your illustrious Court it is because the greater part of his life has been spent in waging your wars in uncivilized regions. Nevertheless, the alarm can be as competently sounded upon a brass drum as by a silver trumpet160, and his words came forth from a sincere throat.”
“Then the opportunity is by no means to be lost,” exclaimed Fuh-chi, who was by this time standing161 some distance from himself in the effects of distilled162 pear juice; “for we have long desired to see the difference which must undoubtedly exist between a sincere throat and one bent163 to the continual use of evasive flattery.”
Without further consideration he ordered that both persons should be beheaded and that their bodies should be brought for his inspection164. From that time there was none to stay his hand or to guide his policy, so that he mixed blood and wine in foolishness and lust until the land was sick and heaved.
The whisper starting from Sz-chuen passed from house to house and from town to town until it had cast a network over every province, yet no man could say whence it came or by whom the word was passed. It might be in the manner of a greeting or the pledging of a cup of tea, by the offer of a coin to a blind beggar at the gate, in the fold of a carelessly-worn garment, or even by the passing of a leper through a town. Oppression still lay heavily upon the people; but it was without aim and carried no restraint; famine and pestilence165 still went hand in hand, but the message rode on their backs and was hospitably166 received. Soon, growing bolder, men stood face to face and spoke of settled plans, gave signs, and openly declared themselves. On all sides proclamations began to be affixed167; next weapons were distributed, hands were made proficient169 in their uses, until nothing remained but definite instruction and a swift summons for the appointed day. At intervals170 omens171 had appeared in the sky and prophecies had been put into the mouths of sooth-sayers, so that of the success of the undertaking172 and of its justice none doubted. On the north and the west entire districts had reverted173 to barbarism, and on the coasts the pirates anchored by the water-gates of walled cities and tossed jests to the watchmen on the towers.
Throughout this period Ten-teh had surrounded Hoang with an added care, never permitting him to wander beyond his sight, and distrusting all men in spite of his confiding174 nature. One night, when a fierce storm beyond the memory of man was raging, there came at the middle hour a knocking upon the outer wall, loud and insistent175; nevertheless Ten-teh did not at once throw open the door in courteous176 invitation, but drawing aside a shutter177 he looked forth. Before the house stood one of commanding stature178, clad from head to foot in robes composed of plaited grasses, dyed in many colours. Around him ran a stream of water, while the lightning issuing in never-ceasing flashes from his eyes revealed that his features were rugged179 and his ears pierced with many holes from which the wind whistled until the sound resembled the shrieks180 of ten thousand tortured ones under the branding-iron. From him the tempest proceeded in every direction, but he stood unmoved among it, without so much as a petal181 of the flowers he wore disarranged.
In spite of these indications, and of the undoubted fact that the Being could destroy the house with a single glance, Ten-teh still hesitated.
“The night is dark and stormy, and robbers and evil spirits are certainly about in large numbers, striving to enter unperceived by any open door,” he protested, but with becoming deference182. “With what does your welcome and opportune183 visit concern itself, honourable184 stranger?”
“The one before you is not accustomed to be questioned in his doings, or even to be spoken to by ordinary persons,” replied the Being. “Nevertheless, Ten-teh, there is that in your history for the past fourteen years which saves you from the usual fatal consequences of so gross an indiscretion. Let it suffice that it is concerned with the flight of the cormorant.”
Upon this assurance Ten-teh no longer sought evasion185. He hastened to throw open the outer door and the stranger entered, whereupon the tempest ceased, although the thunder and lightning still lingered among the higher mountains. In passing through the doorway186 the robe of plaited grasses caught for a moment on the staple187 and pulling aside revealed that the Being wore upon his left foot a golden sandal and upon his right foot one of iron, while embedded188 in his throat was a great pearl. Convinced by this that he was indeed one of the Immortal189 Eight, Ten-teh prostrated himself fittingly, and explained that the apparent disrespect of his reception arose from a conscientious125 interest in the safety of the one committed to his care.
“It is well,” replied the Being affably; “and your unvarying fidelity shall not go unrewarded when the proper time arrives. Now bring forward the one whom hitherto you have wisely called Hoang.”
In secret during the past years Ten-teh had prepared for such an emergency a yellow silk robe bearing embroidered190 on it the Imperial Dragon with Five Claws. He had also provided suitable ornaments191, fur coverings for the hands and face, and a sword and shield. Waking Hoang, he quickly dressed him, sprinkled a costly192 perfume about his head and face, and taking him for the last time by the hand he led him into the presence of the stranger.
“Kwo Kam, chosen representative of the sacred line of Tang,” began the Being, when he and Hoang had exchanged signs and greetings of equality in an obscure tongue, “the grafted193 peach-tree on the Crystal Wall is stricken and the fruit is ripe and rotten to the touch. The flies that have fed upon its juice are drunk with it and lie helpless on the ground; the skin is empty and blown out with air, the leaves withered194, and about the root is coiled a great worm which has secretly worked to this end. From the Five Points of the kingdom and beyond the Outer Willow195 Circle the Sheaf-binders have made a full report and it has been judged that the time is come for the tree to be roughly shaken. To this destiny the Old Ones of your race now call you; but beware of setting out unless your face should be unchangingly fixed168 and your heart pure from all earthly desires and base considerations.”
“The decision is too ever-present in my mind to need reflection,” replied Hoang resolutely196. “To grind to powder that presumptuous197 tyrant198 utterly, to restore the integrity of the violated boundaries of the land, and to set up again the venerable Tablets of the true Tang line—these desires have long since worn away the softer portion of this person’s heart by constant thought.”
“The choice has been made and the words have been duly set down,” said the Being. “If you maintain your high purpose to a prosperous end nothing can exceed your honour in the Upper Air; if you fail culpably199, or even through incapacity, the lot of Fuh-chi himself will be enviable compared with yours.”
Understanding that the time had now come for his departure, Hoang approached Ten-teh as though he would have embraced him, but the Being made a gesture of restraint.
“Yet, O instructor200, for the space of fourteen years—” protested Hoang.
“It has been well and discreetly201 accomplished202,” replied the Being in a firm but not unsympathetic voice, “and Ten-teh’s reward, which shall be neither slight nor grudging203, is awaiting him in the Upper Air, where already his immediate204 ancestors are very honourably205 regarded in consequence. For many years, O Ten-teh, there has dwelt beneath your roof one who from this moment must be regarded as having passed away without leaving even a breath of memory behind. Before you stands your sovereign, to whom it is seemly that you should prostrate yourself in unquestioning obeisance. Do not look for any recompense or distinction here below in return for that which you have done towards a nameless one; for in the State there are many things which for high reasons cannot be openly proclaimed for the ill-disposed to use as feathers in their darts206. Yet take this ring; the ears of the Illimitable Emperor are never closed to the supplicating207 petition of his children and should such a contingency208 arise you may freely lay your cause before him with the full assurance of an unswerving justice.”
A moment later the storm broke out again with redoubled vigour209, and raising his face from the ground Ten-teh perceived that he was again alone.
ii. THE MESSAGE FROM THE OUTER LAND
After the departure of Hoang the affairs of Ten-teh ceased to prosper41. The fish which for so many years had leaped to meet his hand now maintained an unparalleled dexterity210 in avoiding it; continual storms drove him day after day back to the shore, and the fostering beneficence of the deities seemed to be withdrawn, so that he no longer found forgotten stores of wealth nor did merchants ever again mistake his door for that of another to whom they were indebted.
In the year that followed there passed from time to time through the secluded211 villages lying in the Upper Seng valley persons who spoke of the tumultuous events progressing everywhere. In such a manner those who had remained behind learned that the great rising had been honourably received by the justice-loving in every province, but that many of official rank, inspired by no friendship towards Fuh-chi, but terror-stricken at the alternatives before them, had closed certain strong cities against the Army of the Avenging212 Pure. It was at this crisis, when the balance of the nation’s destiny hung poised213, that Kwo Kam, the only son of the Emperor Tung Kwei, and rightful heir of the dynasty of the glorious Tang, miraculously appeared at the head of the Avenging Pure and being acclaimed214 their leader with a unanimous shout led them on through a series of overwhelming and irresistible215 victories. At a later period it was told how Kwo Kam had been crowned and installed upon his father’s throne, after receiving a mark of celestial216 approbation217 in the Temple of Heaven, how Fuh-chi had escaped and fled and how his misleading records had been publicly burned and his detestable name utterly blotted218 out.
At this period an even greater misfortune than his consistent ill success met Ten-teh. A neighbouring mandarin219, on a false pretext220, caused him to be brought before him, and speaking very sternly of certain matters in the past, which, he said, out of a well-intentioned regard for the memory of Ten-teh’s father he would not cast abroad, he fined him a much larger sum than all he possessed221, and then at once caused the raft and the cormorants to be seized in satisfaction of the claim. This he did because his heart was bad, and the sight of Ten-teh bearing a cheerful countenance222 under continual privation had become offensive to him.
The story of this act of rapine Ten-teh at once carried to the appointed head of the village communities, assuring him that he was ignorant of the cause, but that no crime or wrong-doing had been committed to call for so overwhelming an affliction in return, and entreating223 him to compel a just restitution224 and liberty to pursue his inoffensive calling peaceably in the future.
“Listen well, O unassuming Ten-teh, for you are a person of discernment and one with a mature knowledge of the habits of all swimming creatures,” said the headman after attending patiently to Ten-teh’s words. “If two lean and insignificant carp encountered a voracious225 pike and one at length fell into his jaws226, by what means would the other compel the assailant to release his prey?”
“So courageous227 an emotion would serve no useful purpose,” replied Ten-teh. “Being ill-equipped for such a conflict, it would inevitably result in the second fish also falling a prey to the voracious pike, and recognizing this, the more fortunate of the two would endeavour to escape by lying unperceived among the reeds about.”
“The answer is inspired and at the same time sufficiently228 concise229 to lie within the hollow bowl of an opium230 pipe,” replied the headman, and turning to his bench he continued in his occupation of beating flax with a wooden mallet231.
“Yet,” protested Ten-teh, when at length the other paused, “surely the matter could be placed before those in authority in so convincing a light by one possessing your admitted eloquence232 that Justice would stumble over herself in her haste to liberate233 the oppressed and to degrade the guilty.”
“The phenomenon has occasionally been witnessed, but latterly it would appear that the conscientious deity234 in question must have lost all power of movement, or perhaps even fatally injured herself, as the result of some such act of rash impulsiveness235 in the past,” replied the headman sympathetically.
“Alas, then,” exclaimed Ten-teh, “is there, under the most enlightened form of government in the world, no prescribed method of obtaining redress236?”
“Assuredly,” replied the headman; “the prescribed method is the part of the system that has received the most attention. As the one of whom you complain is a mandarin of the fifth degree, you may fittingly address yourself to his superiors of the fourth, third, second and first degrees. Then there are the city governors, the district prefects, the provincial237 rulers, the Imperial Assessors, the Board of Censors238, the Guider of the Vermilion Pencil, and, finally, the supreme239 Emperor himself. To each of these, if you are wealthy enough to reach his actual presence, you may prostrate yourself in turn, and each one, with many courteous expressions of intolerable regret that the matter does not come within his office, will refer you to another. The more prudent course, therefore, would seem to be that of beginning with the Emperor rather than reaching him as the last resort, and as you are now without means of livelihood if you remain here there is no reason why you should not journey to the Capital and make the attempt.”
“The Highest!” exclaimed Ten-teh, with a pang240 of unfathomable emotion. “Is there, then, no middle way? Who is Ten-teh, the obscure and illiterate241 fisherman, that he should thrust himself into the presence of the Son of Heaven? If the mother of the dutiful Chou Yii could destroy herself and her family at one blow to the end that her son might serve his sovereign with a single heart, how degraded an outcast must he be who would obtrude242 his own trivial misfortunes at so critical a time.”
“‘A thorn in one’s own little finger is more difficult to endure than a sword piercing the sublime243 Emperor’s arm,’” replied the headman, resuming his occupation. “But if your angle of regarding the various obligations is as you have stated it, then there is obviously nothing more to be said. In any case it is more than doubtful whether the Fountain of Justice would raise an eyelash if you, by every combination of fortunate circumstance, succeeded in reaching his presence.”
“The headman has spoken, and his word is ten times more weighty than that of an ill-educated fisherman,” replied Ten-teh submissively, and he departed.
From that time Ten-teh sought to sustain life upon roots and wild herbs which he collected laboriously244 and not always in sufficient quantities from the woods and rank wastes around. Soon even this resource failed him in a great measure, for a famine of unprecedented245 harshness swept over that part of the province. All supplies of adequate food ceased, and those who survived were driven by the pangs246 of hunger to consume weeds and the bark of trees, fallen leaves, insects of the lowest orders and the bones of wild animals which had died in the forest. To carry a little rice openly was a rash challenge to those who still valued life, and a loaf of chaff247 and black mould was guarded as a precious jewel. No wife or daughter could weigh in the balance against a measure of corn, and men sold themselves into captivity248 to secure the coarse nourishment249 which the rich allotted to their slaves. Those who remained in the villages followed in Ten-teh’s footsteps, so that the meagre harvest that hitherto had failed to supply one household now constituted the whole provision for many. At length these persons, seeing a lingering but inevitable250 death before them all, came together and spoke of how this might perchance be avoided.
“Let us consider well,” said one of their number, “for it may be that succour would not be withheld251 did we but know the precise manner in which to invoke252 it.”
“Your words are light, O Tan-yung, and your eyes too bright in looking at things which present no encouragement whatever,” replied another. “We who remain are old, infirm, or in some way deficient, or we would ere this have sold ourselves into slavery or left this accursed desert in search of a more prolific253 land. Therefore our existence is of no value to the State, so that they will not take any pains to preserve it. Furthermore, now being beyond the grasp of the most covetous254 extortion, the district officials have no reason for maintaining an interest in our lives. Assuredly there is no escape except by the White Door of which each one himself holds the key.”
“Yet,” objected a third, “the aged136 Ning has often recounted how in the latter years of the reign of the charitable Emperor Kwong, when a similar infliction255 lay upon the land, a bullock-load of rice was sent daily into the villages of the valley and freely distributed by the headman. Now that same munificent256 Kwong was a direct ancestor to the third degree of our own Kwo Kam.”
“Alas!” remarked a person who had lost many of his features during a raid of brigands257, “since the days of the commendable258 Kwong, while the feet of our lesser259 ones have been growing smaller the hands of our greater ones have been growing larger. Yet even nowadays, by the protection of the deities, the bullock might reach us.”
“The wheel-grease of the cart would alone make the day memorable,” murmured another.
“O brothers,” interposed one who had not yet spoken, “do not cause our throats to twitch260 convulsively; nor is it in any way useful to leave the date of solid reflection in pursuit of the stone of light and versatile261 fancy. Is it thought to be expedient262 that we should send an emissary to those in authority, pleading our straits?”
“Have not two already journeyed to Kuing-yi in our cause, and to what end?” replied the second one who had raised his voice.
“They did but seek the city mandarin and failed to reach his ear, being empty-handed,” urged Tan-yung. “The distance to the Capital is admittedly great, yet it is no more than a persevering263 and resolute-minded man could certainly achieve. There prostrating264 himself before the Sublime One and invoking265 the memory of the imperishable Kwong he could so outline our necessity and despair that the one wagon-load referred to would be increased by nine and the unwieldy oxen give place to relays of swift horses.”
“The Emperor!” exclaimed the one who had last spoken, in tones of undisguised contempt towards Tan-yung. “Is the eye of the Unapproachable Sovereign less than that of a city mandarin, that having failed to come near the one we should now strive to reach the other; or are we, peradventure, to fill the sleeves of our messenger with gold and his inner scrip with sapphires266!” Nevertheless the greater part of those who stood around zealously267 supported Tan-yung, crying aloud: “The Emperor! The suggestion is inspired! Undoubtedly the beneficent Kwo Kam will uphold our cause and our troubles may now be considered as almost at an end.”
At the mention of this necessary detail of the plan the cries which were the loudest raised in exultation269 suddenly leapt back upon themselves as each person looked in turn at all the others and then at himself. The one who had urged the opportune but disconcerting point was lacking in the power of movement in his lower limbs and progressed at a pace little advanced to that of a shell-cow upon two slabs270 of wood. Tan-yung was subject to a disorder271 which without any warning cast him to the ground almost daily in a condition of writhing272 frenzy273; the one who had opposed him was paralysed in all but his head and feet, while those who stood about were either blind, lame87, camel-backed, leprous, armless, misshapen, or in some way mentally or bodily deficient in an insuperable degree. “Alas!” exclaimed one, as the true understanding of their deformities possessed him, “not only would they of the Court receive it as a most detestable insult if we sent such as ourselves, but the probability of anyone so harassed274 overcoming the difficulties of river, desert and mountain barrier is so remote that this person is more than willing to stake his entire share of the anticipated bounty against a span-length of succulent lotus root or an embossed coffin275 handle.”
“Let unworthy despair fade!” suddenly exclaimed Tan-yung, who nevertheless had been more downcast than any other a moment before; “for among us has been retained one who has probably been especially destined276 for this very service. There is yet Ten-teh. Let us seek him out.”
With this design they sought for Ten-teh and finding him in his hut they confidently invoked277 his assistance, pointing out how he would save all their lives and receive great honour. To their dismay Ten-teh received them with solemn curses and drove them from his door with blows, calling them traitors278, ungrateful ones, and rebellious279 subjects whose minds were so far removed from submissive loyalty that rather than perish harmlessly they would inopportunely thrust themselves in upon the attention of the divine Emperor when his mind was full of great matters and his thoughts tenaciously280 fixed upon the scheme for reclaiming281 the abandoned outer lands of his forefathers282. “Behold,” he cried, “when a hand is raised to sweep into oblivion a thousand earthworms they lift no voice in protest, and in this matter ye are less than earthworms. The dogs are content to starve dumbly while their masters feast, and ye are less than dogs. The dutiful son cheerfully submits himself to torture on the chance that his father’s sufferings may be lessened283, and the Emperor, as the supreme head, is more to be venerated284 than any father; but your hearts are sheathed285 in avarice286 and greed.” Thus he drove them away, and their last hope being gone they wandered back to the forest, wailing287 and filling the air with their despairing moans; for the brief light that had inspired them was extinguished and the thought that by a patient endurance they might spare the Emperor an unnecessary pang was not a sufficient recompense in their eyes.
The time of warmth and green life passed. With winter came floods and snow-storms, great tempests from the north and bitter winds that cut men down as though they had been smitten288 by the sword. The rivers and lagoons were frozen over; the meagre sustenance289 of the earth lay hidden beneath an impenetrable crust of snow and ice, until those who had hitherto found it a desperate chance to live from day to day now abandoned the unequal struggle for the more attractive certainty of a swift and painless death. One by one the fires went out in the houses of the dead; the ever-increasing snow broke down the walls. Wild beasts from the mountains walked openly about the deserted streets, thrust themselves through such doors as were closed against them and lurked290 by night in the most sacred recesses291 of the ruined temples. The strong and the wealthy had long since fled, and presently out of all the eleven villages of the valley but one man remained alive and Ten-teh lay upon the floor of his inner chamber292, dying.
“There was a sign—there was a sign in the past that more was yet to be accomplished,” ran the one thought of his mind as he lay there helpless, his last grain consumed and the ashes on his hearthstone black. “Can it be that so solemn an omen27 has fallen unfulfilled to the ground; or has this person long walked hand in hand with shadows in the Middle Air?”
“Dwellers294 of Yin; dwellers of Chung-yo; of Wei, Shan-ta, Feng, the Rock of the Bleak296 Pagoda297 and all the eleven villages of the valley!” cried a voice from without. “Ho, inhospitable sleeping ones, I have reached the last dwelling of the plain and no one has as yet bidden me enter, no voice invited me to unlace my sandals and partake of tea. Do they fear that this person is a robber in disguise, or is this the courtesy of the Upper Seng valley?”
“They sleep more deeply,” said Ten-teh, speaking back to the full extent of his failing power; “perchance your voice was not raised high enough, O estimable wayfarer298. Nevertheless, whether you come in peace or armed with violence, enter here, for the one who lies within is past help and beyond injury.”
Upon this invitation the stranger entered and stood before Ten-teh. He was of a fierce and martial299 aspect, carrying a sword at his belt and a bow and arrows slung300 across his back, but privation had set a deep mark upon his features and his body bore unmistakable traces of a long and arduous301 march. His garments were ragged302, his limbs torn by rocks and thorny303 undergrowth, while his ears had fallen away before the rigour of the ice-laden blasts. In his right hand he carried a staff upon which he leaned at every step, and glancing to the ground Ten-teh perceived that the lower part of his sandals were worn away so that he trod painfully upon his bruised304 and naked feet.
“Greeting,” said Ten-teh, when they had regarded each other for a moment; “yet, alas, no more substantial than of the lips, for the hospitality of the eleven villages is shrunk to what you see before you,” and he waved his arm feebly towards the empty bowl and the blackened hearth293. “Whence come you?”
“From the outer land of Im-kau,” replied the other. “Over the Kang-ling mountains.”
“It is a moon-to-moon journey,” said Ten-teh. “Few travellers have ever reached the valley by that inaccessible305 track.”
“More may come before the snow has melted,” replied the stranger, with a stress of significance. “Less than seven days ago this person stood upon the northern plains.”
Ten-teh raised himself upon his arm. “There existed, many cycles ago, a path—of a single foot’s width, it is said—along the edge of the Pass called the Ram’s Horn, but it has been lost beyond the memory of man.”
“It has been found again,” said the stranger, “and Kha-hia and his horde306 of Kins, joined by the vengeance-breathing Fuh-chi, lie encamped less than a short march beyond the Pass.”
“It can matter little,” said Ten-teh, trembling but speaking to reassure307 himself. “The people are at peace among themselves, the Capital adequately defended, and an army sufficiently large to meet any invasion can march out and engage the enemy at a spot most convenient to ourselves.”
“A few days hence, when all preparation is made,” continued the stranger, “a cloud of armed men will suddenly appear openly, menacing the western boundaries. The Capital and the fortified308 places will be denuded309, and all who are available will march out to meet them. They will be but as an empty shell designed to serve a crafty purpose, for in the meanwhile Kha-hia will creep unsuspected through the Kang-lings by the Ram’s Horn and before the army can be recalled he will swiftly fall upon the defenceless Capital and possess it.”
“Alas!” exclaimed Ten-teh, “why has the end tarried thus long if it be but for this person’s ears to carry to the grave so tormenting310 a message! Yet how comes it, O stranger, that having been admitted to Kha-hia’s innermost council you now betray his trust, or how can reliance be placed upon the word of one so treacherous311?”
“Touching the reason,” replied the stranger, with no appearance of resentment312, “that is a matter which must one day lie between Kha-hia, this person, and one long since Passed Beyond, and to this end have I uncomplainingly striven for the greater part of a lifetime. For the rest, men do not cross the King-langs in midwinter, wearing away their lives upon those stormy heights, to make a jest of empty words. Already sinking into the Under World, even as I am now powerless to raise myself above the ground, I, Nau-Kaou, swear and attest313 what I have spoken.”
“Yet, alas!” exclaimed Ten-teh, striking his breast bitterly in his dejection, “to what end is it that you have journeyed? Know that out of all the eleven villages by famine and pestilence not another man remains314. Beyond the valley stretch the uninhabited sand plains, so that between here and the Capital not a solitary dweller295 could be found to bear the message.”
“The Silent One laughs!” replied Nau-Kaou dispassionately; and drawing his cloak more closely about him he would have composed himself into a reverent315 attitude to Pass Beyond.
“Not so!” cried Ten-teh, rising in his inspired purpose and standing upright despite the fever that possessed him; “the jewel is precious beyond comparison and the casket mean and falling to pieces, but there is none other. This person will bear the warning.”
The stranger looked up from the ground in an increasing wonder. “You do but dream, old man,” he said in a compassionate316 voice. “Before me stands one of trembling limbs and infirm appearance. His face is the colour of potter’s clay; his eyes sunken and yellow. His bones protrude90 everywhere like the points of armour317, while his garment is scarcely fitted to afford protection against a summer breeze.”
“Such dreams do not fade with the light,” replied Ten-teh resolutely. “His feet are whole and untired; his mind clear. His heart is as inflexibly318 fixed as the decrees of destiny, and, above all, his purpose is one which may reasonably demand divine encouragement.”
“Yet there are the Han-sing mountains, flung as an insurmountable barrier across the way,” said Nau-Kaou.
“The Girdle,” continued the other, thereby320 indicating the formidable obstacle presented by the tempestuous321 river, swollen322 by the mountain snows.
“The fish, moved by no great purpose, swim from bank to bank,” again replied Ten-teh. “Tell me rather, for the time presses when such issues hang on the lips of dying men, to what extent Kha-hia’s legions stretch?”
“In number,” replied Nau-Kaou, closing his eyes, “they are as the stars on a very clear night, when the thousands in front do but serve to conceal22 the innumerable throng323 behind. Yet even a small and resolute army taking up its stand secretly in this valley and falling upon them unexpectedly when half were crossed could throw them into disorder and rout324, and utterly destroy the power of Kha-hia for all time.”
“So shall it be,” said Ten-Teh from the door. “Pass Upward with a tranquil325 mind, O stranger from the outer land. The torch which you have borne so far will not fail until his pyre is lit.”
“Stay but a moment,” cried Nau-Kaou. “This person, full of vigour and resource, needed the spur of a most poignant326 hate to urge his trailing footsteps. Have you, O decrepit327 one, any such incentive328 to your failing powers?”
“It is well; they are the great twin brothers,” exclaimed Nau-Kaou. “Kha-hia is doomed330!” Then twice beating the ground with his open hand he loosened his spirit and passed contentedly331 into the Upper Air.
iii. THE LAST SERVICE
The wise and accomplished Emperor Kwo Kam (to whom later historians have justly given the title “Profound”) sat upon his agate332 throne in the Hall of Audience. Around him were gathered the most illustrious from every province of the Empire, while emissaries from the courts of other rulers throughout the world passed in procession before him, prostrating themselves in token of the dependence333 which their sovereigns confessed, and imploring his tolerant acceptance of the priceless gifts they brought. Along the walls stood musicians and singers who filled the air with melodious334 visions, while fan-bearing slaves dexterously wafted335 perfumed breezes into every group. So unparalleled was the splendour of the scene that rare embroidered silks were trodden under foot and a great fountain was composed of diamonds dropping into a jade336 basin full of pearls, but Kwo Kam outshone all else by the dignity of his air and the magnificence of his apparel.
Suddenly, and without any of the heralding337 strains of drums and cymbals by which persons of distinction had been announced, the arras before the chief door was plucked aside and a figure, blinded by so much jewelled brilliance338, stumbled into the chamber, still holding thrust out before him the engraved339 ring bearing the Imperial emblem340 which alone had enabled him to pass the keepers of the outer gates alive. He had the appearance of being a very aged man, for his hair was white and scanty, his face deep with shadows and lined like a river bank when the waters have receded341, and as he advanced, bent down with infirmity, he mumbled342 certain words in ceaseless repetition. From his feet and garment there fell a sprinkling of sand as he moved, and blood dropped to the floor from many an unhealed wound, but his eyes were very bright, and though sword-handles were grasped on all sides at the sight of so presumptuous an intrusion, yet none opposed him. Rather, they fell back, leaving an open passage to the foot of the throne; so that when the Emperor lifted his eyes he saw the aged man moving slowly forward to do obeisance.
“Ten-teh, revered343 father!” exclaimed Kwo Kam, and without pausing a moment he leapt down from off his throne, thrust aside those who stood about him and casting his own outer robe of state about Ten-teh’s shoulders embraced him affectionately.
“Supreme ruler,” murmured Ten-teh, speaking for the Emperor’s ear alone, and in such a tone of voice as of one who has taught himself a lesson which remains after all other consciousness has passed away, “an army swiftly to the north! Let them dispose themselves about the eleven villages and, overlooking the invaders344 as they assemble, strike when they are sufficiently numerous for the victory to be lasting345 and decisive. The passage of the Ram’s Horn has been found and the malignant346 Fuh-chi, banded in an unnatural alliance with the barbarian Kins, lies with itching347 feet beyond the Kang-lings. The invasion threatening on the west is but a snare; let a single camp, feigning348 to be a multitudinous legion, be thrown against it. Suffer delay from no cause. Weigh no alternative. He who speaks is Ten-teh, at whose assuring word the youth Hoang was wont to cast himself into the deepest waters fearlessly. His eyes are no less clear to-day, but his heart is made small with overwhelming deference or in unshrinking loyalty he would cry: ‘Hear and obey! All, all—Flags, Ironcaps, Tigers, Braves—all to the Seng valley, leaving behind them the swallow in their march and moving with the guile and secrecy of the ringed tree-snake.’” With these words Ten-teh’s endurance passed its drawn-out limit and again repeating in a clear and decisive voice, “All, all to the north!” he released his joints and would have fallen to the ground had it not been for the Emperor’s restraining arms.
When Ten-teh again returned to a knowledge of the lower world he was seated upon the throne to which the Emperor had borne him. His rest had been made easy by the luxurious349 cloaks of the courtiers and emissaries which had been lavishly350 heaped about him, while during his trance the truly high-minded Kwo Kam had not disdained351 to wash his feet in a golden basin of perfumed water, to shave his limbs, and to anoint his head. The greater part of the assembly had been dismissed, but some of the most trusted among the ministers and officials still waited in attendance about the door.
“Great and enlightened one,” said Ten-teh, as soon as his stupor352 was lifted, “has this person delivered his message competently, for his mind was still a seared vision of snow and sand and perchance his tongue has stumbled?”
“Bend your ears to the wall, O my father,” replied the Emperor, “and be assured.”
A radiance of the fullest satisfaction lifted the settling shadows for a moment from Ten-teh’s countenance as from the outer court came at intervals the low and guarded words of command, the orderly clashing of weapons as they fell into their appointed places, and the regular and unceasing tread of armed men marching forth. “To the Seng valley—by no chance to the west?” he demanded, trembling between anxiety and hope, and drinking in the sound of the rhythmic353 tramp which to his ears possessed a more alluring354 charm than if it were the melody of blind singing girls.
“Even to the eleven villages,” replied the Emperor. “At your unquestioned word, though my kingdom should hang upon the outcome.”
“It is sufficient to have lived so long,” said Ten-teh. Then perceiving that it was evening, for the jade and crystal lamps were lighted, he cried out: “The time has leapt unnoted. How many are by this hour upon the march?”
“Sixscore companies of a hundred spearmen each,” said Kwo Kam. “By dawn four times that number will be on their way. In less than three days a like force will be disposed about the passes of the Han-sing mountains and the river fords, while at the same time the guards from less important towns will have been withdrawn to take their place upon the city walls.”
“Such words are more melodious than the sound of many marble lutes,” said Ten-teh, sinking back as though in repose. “Now is mine that peace spoken of by the philosopher Chi-chey as the greatest: ‘The eye closing upon its accomplished work.’”
“Assuredly do you stand in need of the healing sleep of nature,” said the Emperor, not grasping the inner significance of the words. “Now that you are somewhat rested, esteemed355 sire, suffer this one to show you the various apartments of the palace so that you may select for your own such as most pleasingly attract your notice.”
“Yet a little longer,” entreated356 Ten-teh. “A little longer by your side and listening to your voice alone, if it may be permitted, O sublime one.”
“It is for my father to command,” replied Kwo Kam. “Perchance they of the eleven villages sent some special message of gratifying loyalty which you would relate without delay?”
“They slept, omnipotence, or without doubt it would be so,” replied Ten-teh.
“Truly,” agreed the Emperor. “It was night when you set forth, my father?”
“The shadows had fallen deeply upon the Upper Seng Valley,” said Ten-teh evasively.
“The Keeper of the Imperial Stores has frequently conveyed to us their expressions of unfeigned gratitude for the bounty by which we have sought to keep alive the memory of their hospitality and our own indebtedness,” said the Emperor.
“The sympathetic person cannot have overstated their words,” replied Ten-teh falteringly357. “Never, as their own utterances358 bear testimony359, never was food more welcome, fuel more eagerly sought for, and clothing more necessary than in the years of the most recent past.”
“The assurance is as dew upon the drooping360 lotus,” said Kwo Kam, with a lightening countenance. “To maintain the people in an unshaken prosperity, to frown heavily upon extortion and to establish justice throughout the land—these have been the achievements of the years of peace. Yet often, O my father, this one’s mind has turned yearningly361 to the happier absence of strife362 and the simple abundance which you and they of the valley know.”
“The deities ordain363 and the balance weighs; your reward will be the greater,” replied Ten-teh. Already he spoke with difficulty, and his eyes were fast closing, but he held himself rigidly364, well knowing that his spirit must still obey his will.
“Do you not crave365 now to partake of food and wine?” inquired the Emperor, with tender solicitude366. “A feast has long been prepared of the choicest dishes in your honour. Consider well the fatigue367 through which you have passed.”
“It has faded,” replied Ten-teh, in a voice scarcely above a whisper, “the earthly body has ceased to sway the mind. A little longer, restored one; a very brief span of time.”
“Your words are my breath, my father,” said the Emperor, deferentially368. “Yet there is one matter which we had reserved for affectionate censure369. It would have spared the feet of one who is foremost in our concern if you had been content to send the warning by one of the slaves whose acceptance we craved370 last year, while you followed more leisurely371 by the chariot and the eight white horses which we deemed suited to your use.”
Ten-teh was no longer able to express himself in words, but at this indication of the Emperor’s unceasing thought a great happiness shone on his face. “What remains?” must reasonably have been his reflection; “or who shall leave the shade of the fruitful palm-tree to search for raisins372?” Therefore having reached so supreme an eminence373 that there was nothing human above, he relaxed the effort by which he had so long sustained himself, and suffering his spirit to pass unchecked, he at once fell back lifeless among the cushions of the throne.
That all who should come after might learn by his example, the history
of Ten-teh was inscribed upon eighteen tablets of jade, carved
the city and called by his name, but the efforts of story-tellers and
poets will keep alive the memory of Ten-teh even when these
imperishable monuments shall have long fallen from their destined use.
*
When Kai Lung had completed the story of the loyalty of Ten-teh and had pointed out the forgotten splendour of the crumbling376 arch, the coolness of the evening tempted377 them to resume their way. Moving without discomfort378 to themselves before nightfall they reached a small but seemly cottage conveniently placed upon the mountain-side. At the gate stood an aged person whose dignified appearance was greatly added to by his long white moustaches. These possessions he pointed out to Hwa-mei with inoffensive pride as he welcomed the two who stood before him.
“Venerated father,” explained Kai Lung dutifully, “this is she who has been destined from the beginning of time to raise up a hundred sons to keep your line extant.”
“In that case,” remarked the patriarch, “your troubles are only just beginning. As for me, since all that is now arranged, I can see about my own departure—‘Whatever height the tree, its leaves return to the earth at last.’”
“It is thus at evening-time—to-morrow the light will again shine forth,” whispered Kai Lung. “Alas, radiance, that you who have dwelt about a palace should be brought to so mean a hut!”
“If it is small, your presence will pervade379 it; in a palace there are many empty rooms,” replied Hwa-mei, with a reassuring95 glance. “I enter to prepare our evening rice.”
The End
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loath
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| adj.不愿意的；勉强的 | |
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contentious
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| adj.好辩的，善争吵的 | |
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ignoble
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| adj.不光彩的，卑鄙的；可耻的 | |
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reposefully
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repose
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| v.(使)休息；n.安息 | |
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undoubtedly
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| adv.确实地，无疑地 | |
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gratitude
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| adj.感激，感谢 | |
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attainment
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| n.达到，到达；［常pl.］成就，造诣 | |
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adorns
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| 装饰，佩带( adorn的第三人称单数 ) | |
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fabric
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| n.织物，织品，布；构造，结构，组织 | |
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loyalty
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| n.忠诚，忠心 | |
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reign
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| n.统治时期，统治，支配，盛行；v.占优势 | |
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lust
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| n.性(淫)欲；渴(欲)望；vi.对…有强烈的欲望 | |
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scattered
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usurper
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brass
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| n.黄铜；黄铜器，铜管乐器 | |
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cymbals
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uprooted
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| v.把（某物）连根拔起( uproot的过去式和过去分词 )；根除；赶走；把…赶出家园 | |
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flattened
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noisome
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desolate
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| adj.荒凉的，荒芜的；孤独的，凄凉的；v.使荒芜，使孤寂 | |
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conceal
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solitary
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prostrated
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omen
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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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barbarian
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lagoon
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lagoons
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| n.污水池( lagoon的名词复数 )；潟湖；（大湖或江河附近的）小而浅的淡水湖；温泉形成的池塘 | |
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cormorant
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procure
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| vt.获得，取得，促成；vi.拉皮条 | |
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varied
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hoard
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37
upbraid
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| v.斥责，责骂，责备 | |
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38
livelihood
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| n.生计，谋生之道 | |
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39
extremity
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| n.末端，尽头；尽力；终极；极度 | |
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40
scruple
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| n./v.顾忌，迟疑 | |
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41
prosper
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| v.成功，兴隆，昌盛；使成功，使昌隆，繁荣 | |
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42
embarrassment
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| n.尴尬；使人为难的人(事物)；障碍；窘迫 | |
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43
dwelling
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| n.住宅，住所，寓所 | |
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44
destitute
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| adj.缺乏的；穷困的 | |
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45
cormorants
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| 鸬鹚，贪婪的人( cormorant的名词复数 ) | |
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46
genial
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| adj.亲切的，和蔼的，愉快的，脾气好的 | |
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47
disposition
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| n.性情，性格；意向，倾向；排列，部署 | |
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48
benevolent
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| adj.仁慈的，乐善好施的 | |
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49
incapable
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| adj.无能力的，不能做某事的 | |
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50
guile
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| n.诈术 | |
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51
scanty
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| adj.缺乏的，仅有的，节省的，狭小的，不够的 | |
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52
adoption
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| n.采用，采纳，通过；收养 | |
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53
parched
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| adj.焦干的；极渴的；v.（使）焦干 | |
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54
destitution
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| n.穷困，缺乏，贫穷 | |
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55
insidious
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|
| adj.阴险的，隐匿的，暗中为害的，（疾病）不知不觉之间加剧 | |
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56
condiment
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| n.调味品 | |
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57
hoarded
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| v.积蓄并储藏（某物）( hoard的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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58
insignificant
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| adj.无关紧要的，可忽略的，无意义的 | |
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59
tempt
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| vt.引诱，勾引，吸引，引起…的兴趣 | |
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60
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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61
deficient
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| adj.不足的，不充份的，有缺陷的 | |
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62
uncommon
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| adj.罕见的，非凡的，不平常的 | |
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63
agile
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| adj.敏捷的，灵活的 | |
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64
proficiency
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| n.精通，熟练，精练 | |
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65
defective
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|
| adj.有毛病的，有问题的，有瑕疵的 | |
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66
rebuke
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| v.指责，非难，斥责 [反]praise | |
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67
astonishment
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|
| n.惊奇，惊异 | |
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68
impeded
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| 阻碍，妨碍，阻止( impede的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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69
deserted
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| adj.荒芜的，荒废的，无人的，被遗弃的 | |
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70
inciting
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| 刺激的，煽动的 | |
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71
strap
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| n.皮带，带子；v.用带扣住，束牢；用绷带包扎 | |
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72
prey
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| n.被掠食者，牺牲者，掠食；v.捕食，掠夺，折磨 | |
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73
dexterous
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| adj.灵敏的；灵巧的 | |
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74
dexterously
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| adv.巧妙地，敏捷地 | |
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75
devoid
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| adj.全无的，缺乏的 | |
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76
gluttonous
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|
| adj.贪吃的，贪婪的 | |
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77
unnatural
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|
| adj.不自然的；反常的 | |
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78
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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79
lustre
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| n.光亮，光泽；荣誉 | |
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80
loomed
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|
| v.隐约出现，阴森地逼近( loom的过去式和过去分词 )；隐约出现，阴森地逼近 | |
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81
crafty
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|
| adj.狡猾的，诡诈的 | |
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82
obeisance
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| n.鞠躬，敬礼 | |
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83
perturbed
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|
| adj.烦燥不安的v.使（某人）烦恼，不安( perturb的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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84
prudent
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|
| adj.谨慎的，有远见的，精打细算的 | |
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85
majestic
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|
| adj.雄伟的，壮丽的，庄严的，威严的，崇高的 | |
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86
utterly
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|
| adv.完全地，绝对地 | |
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87
lame
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| adj.跛的，(辩解、论据等)无说服力的 | |
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88
quenched
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|
| 解（渴）( quench的过去式和过去分词 )； 终止（某事物）； （用水）扑灭（火焰等）； 将（热物体）放入水中急速冷却 | |
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89
protruded
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|
| v.（使某物）伸出，（使某物）突出( protrude的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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90
protrude
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| v.使突出，伸出，突出 | |
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91
manifestation
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| n.表现形式；表明；现象 | |
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92
withdrawn
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| vt.收回；使退出；vi.撤退，退出 | |
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93
drawn
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|
| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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94
reassuringly
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|
| ad.安心，可靠 | |
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95
reassuring
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| a.使人消除恐惧和疑虑的，使人放心的 | |
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96
omnipotent
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|
| adj.全能的，万能的 | |
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97
Buddha
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|
| n.佛；佛像；佛陀 | |
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98
pointed
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|
| adj.尖的，直截了当的 | |
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99
alas
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|
| int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等) | |
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100
snare
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|
| n.陷阱，诱惑，圈套；（去除息肉或者肿瘤的）勒除器；响弦，小军鼓；vt.以陷阱捕获，诱惑 | |
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101
inevitably
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|
| adv.不可避免地；必然发生地 | |
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102
devouring
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|
| 吞没( devour的现在分词 )； 耗尽； 津津有味地看； 狼吞虎咽地吃光 | |
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103
vampire
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| n.吸血鬼 | |
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104
distension
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| n.扩张，膨胀(distention) | |
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105
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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106
apparition
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|
| n.幽灵，神奇的现象 | |
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107
humane
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|
| adj.人道的，富有同情心的 | |
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108
scrambling
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|
| v.快速爬行( scramble的现在分词 )；攀登；争夺；（军事飞机）紧急起飞 | |
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109
allotted
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| 分配，拨给，摊派( allot的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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110
miraculously
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|
| ad.奇迹般地 | |
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111
allusion
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| n.暗示，间接提示 | |
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112
exacting
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|
| adj.苛求的，要求严格的 | |
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113
imploring
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| 恳求的，哀求的 | |
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114
profane
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|
| adj.亵神的，亵渎的；vt.亵渎，玷污 | |
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115
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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116
gnaw
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| v.不断地啃、咬；使苦恼，折磨 | |
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117
dreaded
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|
| adj.令人畏惧的；害怕的v.害怕，恐惧，担心( dread的过去式和过去分词) | |
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118
scaly
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|
| adj.鱼鳞状的；干燥粗糙的 | |
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119
hover
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| vi.翱翔，盘旋；徘徊；彷徨，犹豫 | |
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120
secrecy
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|
| n.秘密，保密，隐蔽 | |
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121
enervating
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| v.使衰弱，使失去活力( enervate的现在分词 ) | |
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122
stony
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|
| adj.石头的，多石头的，冷酷的，无情的 | |
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123
rubies
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| 红宝石( ruby的名词复数 )； 红宝石色，深红色 | |
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124
inscribed
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| v.写，刻( inscribe的过去式和过去分词 )；内接 | |
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125
conscientious
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|
| adj.审慎正直的，认真的，本着良心的 | |
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126
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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127
torrent
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| n.激流，洪流；爆发，(话语等的)连发 | |
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128
inquiries
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| n.调查( inquiry的名词复数 )；疑问；探究；打听 | |
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129
prospered
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| 成功，兴旺( prosper的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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130
affluence
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| n.充裕，富足 | |
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131
dignified
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| a.可敬的，高贵的 | |
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132
penury
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| n.贫穷，拮据 | |
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133
vicissitudes
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|
| n.变迁，世事变化；变迁兴衰( vicissitude的名词复数 )；盛衰兴废 | |
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134
wont
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|
| adj.习惯于；v.习惯；n.习惯 | |
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135
ravaged
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| 毁坏( ravage的过去式和过去分词 )； 蹂躏； 劫掠； 抢劫 | |
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136
aged
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|
| adj.年老的，陈年的 | |
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137
infancy
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| n.婴儿期；幼年期；初期 | |
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138
descended
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| a.为...后裔的，出身于...的 | |
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139
agitated
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| adj.被鼓动的，不安的 | |
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140
vestige
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| n.痕迹，遗迹，残余 | |
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141
alienated
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|
| adj.感到孤独的，不合群的v.使疏远( alienate的过去式和过去分词 )；使不友好；转让；让渡（财产等） | |
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142
fidelity
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|
| n.忠诚，忠实；精确 | |
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143
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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144
discriminating
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| a.有辨别能力的 | |
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145
adviser
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| n.劝告者，顾问 | |
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146
resolute
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|
| adj.坚决的，果敢的 | |
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147
sincerity
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|
| n.真诚，诚意；真实 | |
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148
conjecture
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| n./v.推测，猜测 | |
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149
displeased
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| a.不快的 | |
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150
lenient
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|
| adj.宽大的，仁慈的 | |
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151
naught
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| n.无，零 [=nought] | |
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152
clemency
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|
| n.温和，仁慈，宽厚 | |
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153
bask
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|
| vt.取暖，晒太阳，沐浴于 | |
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154
bounty
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| n.慷慨的赠予物，奖金；慷慨，大方；施与 | |
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155
ingratitude
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| n.忘恩负义 | |
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156
taunts
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| 嘲弄的言语，嘲笑，奚落( taunt的名词复数 ) | |
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157
joints
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|
| 接头( joint的名词复数 )； 关节； 公共场所（尤指价格低廉的饮食和娱乐场所） （非正式）； 一块烤肉 （英式英语） | |
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158
omnipotence
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|
| n.全能，万能，无限威力 | |
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159
supple
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|
| adj.柔软的，易弯的，逢迎的，顺从的，灵活的；vt.使柔软，使柔顺，使顺从；vi.变柔软，变柔顺 | |
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160
trumpet
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|
| n.喇叭，喇叭声；v.吹喇叭，吹嘘 | |
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161
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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162
distilled
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|
| adj.由蒸馏得来的v.蒸馏( distil的过去式和过去分词 )；从…提取精华 | |
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163
bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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164
inspection
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| n.检查，审查，检阅 | |
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165
pestilence
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| n.瘟疫 | |
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166
hospitably
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| 亲切地，招待周到地，善于款待地 | |
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167
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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168
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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169
proficient
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| adj.熟练的，精通的；n.能手，专家 | |
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170
intervals
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| n.[军事]间隔( interval的名词复数 )；间隔时间；[数学]区间；（戏剧、电影或音乐会的）幕间休息 | |
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171
omens
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| n.前兆，预兆( omen的名词复数 ) | |
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172
undertaking
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| n.保证，许诺，事业 | |
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173
reverted
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| 恢复( revert的过去式和过去分词 )； 重提； 回到…上； 归还 | |
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174
confiding
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| adj.相信人的，易于相信的v.吐露（秘密，心事等）( confide的现在分词 )；（向某人）吐露（隐私、秘密等） | |
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175
insistent
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| adj.迫切的，坚持的 | |
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176
courteous
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| adj.彬彬有礼的，客气的 | |
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177
shutter
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| n.百叶窗；(照相机)快门；关闭装置 | |
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178
stature
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| n.（高度）水平，（高度）境界，身高，身材 | |
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179
rugged
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| adj.高低不平的，粗糙的，粗壮的，强健的 | |
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180
shrieks
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| n.尖叫声( shriek的名词复数 )v.尖叫( shriek的第三人称单数 ) | |
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181
petal
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| n.花瓣 | |
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182
deference
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| n.尊重，顺从；敬意 | |
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183
opportune
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| adj.合适的，适当的 | |
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184
honourable
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| adj.可敬的；荣誉的，光荣的 | |
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185
evasion
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| n.逃避，偷漏(税) | |
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186
doorway
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| n.门口，(喻)入门；门路，途径 | |
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187
staple
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| n.主要产物，常用品，主要要素，原料，订书钉，钩环；adj.主要的，重要的；vt.分类 | |
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188
embedded
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| a.扎牢的 | |
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189
immortal
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| adj.不朽的；永生的，不死的；神的 | |
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190
embroidered
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| adj．绣花的 | |
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191
ornaments
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| n.装饰( ornament的名词复数 )；点缀；装饰品；首饰v.装饰，点缀，美化( ornament的第三人称单数 ) | |
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192
costly
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| adj.昂贵的，价值高的，豪华的 | |
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193
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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194
withered
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| adj. 枯萎的，干瘪的，（人身体的部分器官）因病萎缩的或未发育良好的 动词wither的过去式和过去分词形式 | |
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195
willow
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| n.柳树 | |
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196
resolutely
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| adj.坚决地，果断地 | |
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197
presumptuous
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| adj.胆大妄为的，放肆的，冒昧的，冒失的 | |
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198
tyrant
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| n.暴君，专制的君主，残暴的人 | |
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199
culpably
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| adv.该罚地，可恶地 | |
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200
instructor
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| n.指导者，教员，教练 | |
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201
discreetly
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| ad.(言行)审慎地，慎重地 | |
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202
accomplished
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| adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的 | |
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203
grudging
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| adj.勉强的，吝啬的 | |
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204
immediate
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| adj.立即的；直接的，最接近的；紧靠的 | |
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205
honourably
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| adv.可尊敬地，光荣地，体面地 | |
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206
darts
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| n.掷飞镖游戏；飞镖( dart的名词复数 )；急驰，飞奔v.投掷，投射( dart的第三人称单数 )；向前冲，飞奔 | |
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207
supplicating
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| v.祈求，哀求，恳求( supplicate的现在分词 ) | |
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208
contingency
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| n.意外事件，可能性 | |
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209
vigour
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| （=vigor）n.智力，体力，精力 | |
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210
dexterity
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| n.(手的)灵巧，灵活 | |
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211
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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212
avenging
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| adj.报仇的，复仇的v.为…复仇，报…之仇( avenge的现在分词 )；为…报复 | |
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213
poised
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| a.摆好姿势不动的 | |
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214
acclaimed
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| adj.受人欢迎的 | |
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215
irresistible
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| adj.非常诱人的，无法拒绝的，无法抗拒的 | |
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216
celestial
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| adj.天体的；天上的 | |
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217
approbation
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| n.称赞；认可 | |
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218
blotted
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| 涂污( blot的过去式和过去分词 )； （用吸墨纸）吸干 | |
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219
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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220
pretext
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| n.借口，托词 | |
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221
possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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222
countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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223
entreating
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| 恳求，乞求( entreat的现在分词 ) | |
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224
restitution
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| n.赔偿；恢复原状 | |
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225
voracious
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| adj.狼吞虎咽的，贪婪的 | |
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226
jaws
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| n.口部；嘴 | |
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227
courageous
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| adj.勇敢的，有胆量的 | |
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228
sufficiently
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| adv.足够地，充分地 | |
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229
concise
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| adj.简洁的，简明的 | |
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230
opium
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| n.鸦片；adj.鸦片的 | |
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231
mallet
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| n.槌棒 | |
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232
eloquence
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| n.雄辩；口才，修辞 | |
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233
liberate
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| v.解放，使获得自由，释出，放出；vt.解放，使获自由 | |
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234
deity
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| n.神，神性；被奉若神明的人(或物) | |
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235
impulsiveness
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| n.冲动 | |
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236
redress
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| n.赔偿，救济，矫正；v.纠正，匡正，革除 | |
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237
provincial
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| adj.省的，地方的；n．外省人，乡下人 | |
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238
censors
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| 删剪（书籍、电影等中被认为犯忌、违反道德或政治上危险的内容）( censor的第三人称单数 ) | |
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239
supreme
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| adj.极度的，最重要的；至高的，最高的 | |
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240
pang
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| n.剧痛，悲痛，苦闷 | |
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241
illiterate
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| adj.文盲的；无知的；n.文盲 | |
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242
obtrude
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| v.闯入；侵入；打扰 | |
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243
sublime
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| adj.崇高的，伟大的；极度的，不顾后果的 | |
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244
laboriously
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| adv.艰苦地；费力地；辛勤地；（文体等）佶屈聱牙地 | |
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245
unprecedented
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| adj.无前例的，新奇的 | |
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246
pangs
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| 突然的剧痛( pang的名词复数 )； 悲痛 | |
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247
chaff
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| v.取笑，嘲笑；n.谷壳 | |
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248
captivity
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| n.囚禁；被俘；束缚 | |
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249
nourishment
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| n.食物，营养品；营养情况 | |
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250
inevitable
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| adj.不可避免的，必然发生的 | |
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251
withheld
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| withhold过去式及过去分词 | |
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252
invoke
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| v.求助于(神、法律)；恳求，乞求 | |
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253
prolific
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| adj.丰富的，大量的；多产的，富有创造力的 | |
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254
covetous
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| adj.贪婪的，贪心的 | |
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255
infliction
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| n.（强加于人身的）痛苦，刑罚 | |
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256
munificent
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| adj.慷慨的，大方的 | |
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257
brigands
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| n.土匪，强盗( brigand的名词复数 ) | |
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258
commendable
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| adj.值得称赞的 | |
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259
lesser
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| adj.次要的，较小的；adv.较小地，较少地 | |
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260
twitch
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| v.急拉，抽动，痉挛，抽搐；n.扯，阵痛，痉挛 | |
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261
versatile
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| adj.通用的，万用的；多才多艺的，多方面的 | |
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262
expedient
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| adj.有用的，有利的；n.紧急的办法，权宜之计 | |
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263
persevering
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| a.坚忍不拔的 | |
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264
prostrating
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| v.使俯伏，使拜倒( prostrate的现在分词 )；（指疾病、天气等）使某人无能为力 | |
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265
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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266
sapphires
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| n.蓝宝石，钢玉宝石( sapphire的名词复数 )；蔚蓝色 | |
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267
zealously
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| adv.热心地；热情地；积极地；狂热地 | |
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268
faltering
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| 犹豫的，支吾的，蹒跚的 | |
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269
exultation
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| n.狂喜，得意 | |
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270
slabs
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| n.厚板，平板，厚片( slab的名词复数 )；厚胶片 | |
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271
disorder
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| n.紊乱，混乱；骚动，骚乱；疾病，失调 | |
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272
writhing
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| （因极度痛苦而）扭动或翻滚( writhe的现在分词 ) | |
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273
frenzy
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| n.疯狂，狂热，极度的激动 | |
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274
harassed
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| adj. 疲倦的，厌烦的 动词harass的过去式和过去分词 | |
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275
coffin
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| n.棺材，灵柩 | |
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276
destined
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| adj.命中注定的；(for)以…为目的地的 | |
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277
invoked
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| v.援引( invoke的过去式和过去分词 )；行使（权利等）；祈求救助；恳求 | |
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278
traitors
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| 卖国贼( traitor的名词复数 )； 叛徒； 背叛者； 背信弃义的人 | |
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279
rebellious
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| adj.造反的，反抗的，难控制的 | |
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280
tenaciously
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| 坚持地 | |
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281
reclaiming
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| v.开拓( reclaim的现在分词 )；要求收回；从废料中回收（有用的材料）；挽救 | |
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282
forefathers
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| n.祖先，先人；祖先，祖宗( forefather的名词复数 )；列祖列宗；前人 | |
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283
lessened
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| 减少的，减弱的 | |
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284
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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285
sheathed
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| adj.雕塑像下半身包在鞘中的；覆盖的；铠装的；装鞘了的v.将（刀、剑等）插入鞘( sheathe的过去式和过去分词 )；包，覆盖 | |
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286
avarice
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| n.贪婪；贪心 | |
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287
wailing
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| v.哭叫，哀号( wail的现在分词 )；沱 | |
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288
smitten
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| 猛打，重击，打击( smite的过去分词 ) | |
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289
sustenance
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| n.食物，粮食；生活资料；生计 | |
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290
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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291
recesses
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| n.壁凹( recess的名词复数 )；（工作或业务活动的）中止或暂停期间；学校的课间休息；某物内部的凹形空间v.把某物放在墙壁的凹处( recess的第三人称单数 )；将（墙）做成凹形，在（墙）上做壁龛；休息，休会，休庭 | |
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292
chamber
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| n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所 | |
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293
hearth
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| n.壁炉炉床，壁炉地面 | |
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294
dwellers
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| n.居民，居住者( dweller的名词复数 ) | |
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295
dweller
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| n.居住者，住客 | |
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296
bleak
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| adj.(天气)阴冷的；凄凉的；暗淡的 | |
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297
pagoda
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| n.宝塔（尤指印度和远东的多层宝塔），（印度教或佛教的）塔式庙宇 | |
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298
wayfarer
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| n.旅人 | |
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299
martial
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| adj.战争的，军事的，尚武的，威武的 | |
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300
slung
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| 抛( sling的过去式和过去分词 )； 吊挂； 遣送； 押往 | |
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301
arduous
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| adj.艰苦的，费力的，陡峭的 | |
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302
ragged
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| adj.衣衫褴褛的，粗糙的，刺耳的 | |
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303
thorny
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| adj.多刺的，棘手的 | |
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304
bruised
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| [医]青肿的，瘀紫的 | |
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305
inaccessible
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| adj.达不到的，难接近的 | |
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306
horde
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| n.群众，一大群 | |
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307
reassure
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| v.使放心，使消除疑虑 | |
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308
fortified
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| adj. 加强的 | |
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309
denuded
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| adj.[医]变光的，裸露的v.使赤裸( denude的过去式和过去分词 )；剥光覆盖物 | |
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310
tormenting
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| 使痛苦的，使苦恼的 | |
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311
treacherous
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| adj.不可靠的，有暗藏的危险的；adj.背叛的，背信弃义的 | |
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312
resentment
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| n.怨愤，忿恨 | |
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313
attest
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| vt.证明，证实；表明 | |
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314
remains
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| n.剩余物，残留物；遗体，遗迹 | |
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315
reverent
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| adj.恭敬的，虔诚的 | |
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316
compassionate
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| adj.有同情心的，表示同情的 | |
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317
armour
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| （=armor）n.盔甲；装甲部队 | |
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318
inflexibly
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| adv.不屈曲地，不屈地 | |
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319
binding
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| 有约束力的，有效的，应遵守的 | |
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320
thereby
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| adv.因此，从而 | |
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321
tempestuous
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| adj.狂暴的 | |
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322
swollen
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| adj.肿大的，水涨的；v.使变大，肿胀 | |
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323
throng
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| n.人群，群众；v.拥挤，群集 | |
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324
rout
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| n.溃退，溃败；v.击溃，打垮 | |
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325
tranquil
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| adj. 安静的, 宁静的, 稳定的, 不变的 | |
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326
poignant
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| adj.令人痛苦的，辛酸的，惨痛的 | |
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327
decrepit
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| adj.衰老的，破旧的 | |
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328
incentive
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| n.刺激；动力；鼓励；诱因；动机 | |
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329
mightier
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| adj. 强有力的，强大的，巨大的 adv. 很，极其 | |
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330
doomed
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| 命定的 | |
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331
contentedly
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| adv.心满意足地 | |
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332
agate
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| n.玛瑙 | |
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333
dependence
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| n.依靠，依赖；信任，信赖；隶属 | |
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334
melodious
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| adj.旋律美妙的，调子优美的，音乐性的 | |
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335
wafted
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| v.吹送，飘送，（使）浮动( waft的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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336
jade
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| n.玉石；碧玉；翡翠 | |
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337
heralding
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| v.预示( herald的现在分词 )；宣布（好或重要） | |
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338
brilliance
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| n.光辉，辉煌，壮丽，（卓越的）才华，才智 | |
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339
engraved
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| v.在（硬物）上雕刻（字，画等）( engrave的过去式和过去分词 )；将某事物深深印在（记忆或头脑中） | |
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340
emblem
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| n.象征，标志；徽章 | |
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341
receded
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| v.逐渐远离( recede的过去式和过去分词 )；向后倾斜；自原处后退或避开别人的注视；尤指问题 | |
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342
mumbled
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| 含糊地说某事，叽咕，咕哝( mumble的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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343
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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344
invaders
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| 入侵者，侵略者，侵入物( invader的名词复数 ) | |
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345
lasting
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| adj.永久的，永恒的；vbl.持续，维持 | |
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346
malignant
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| adj.恶性的，致命的；恶意的，恶毒的 | |
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347
itching
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| adj.贪得的，痒的，渴望的v.发痒( itch的现在分词 ) | |
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348
feigning
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| 假装，伪装( feign的现在分词 )； 捏造（借口、理由等） | |
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349
luxurious
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| adj.精美而昂贵的；豪华的 | |
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350
lavishly
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| adv.慷慨地，大方地 | |
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351
disdained
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| 鄙视( disdain的过去式和过去分词 )； 不屑于做，不愿意做 | |
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352
stupor
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| v.昏迷；不省人事 | |
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353
rhythmic
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| adj.有节奏的，有韵律的 | |
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354
alluring
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| adj.吸引人的，迷人的 | |
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355
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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356
entreated
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| 恳求，乞求( entreat的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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357
falteringly
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| 口吃地，支吾地 | |
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358
utterances
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| n.发声( utterance的名词复数 )；说话方式；语调；言论 | |
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359
testimony
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| n.证词；见证，证明 | |
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360
drooping
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| adj. 下垂的，无力的 动词droop的现在分词 | |
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361
yearningly
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| 怀念地，思慕地，同情地； 渴 | |
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362
strife
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| n.争吵，冲突，倾轧，竞争 | |
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363
ordain
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| vi.颁发命令；vt.命令，授以圣职，注定，任命 | |
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364
rigidly
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| adv.刻板地，僵化地 | |
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365
crave
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| vt.渴望得到，迫切需要，恳求，请求 | |
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366
solicitude
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| n.焦虑 | |
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367
fatigue
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| n.疲劳，劳累 | |
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368
deferentially
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| adv.表示敬意地，谦恭地 | |
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369
censure
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| v./n.责备；非难；责难 | |
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370
craved
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| 渴望，热望( crave的过去式 )； 恳求，请求 | |
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371
leisurely
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| adj.悠闲的；从容的，慢慢的 | |
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372
raisins
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| n.葡萄干( raisin的名词复数 ) | |
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373
eminence
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| n.卓越，显赫；高地，高处；名家 | |
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374
graceful
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| adj.优美的，优雅的；得体的 | |
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375
ERECTED
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| adj. 直立的，竖立的，笔直的 vt. 使 ... 直立，建立 | |
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376
crumbling
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| adj.摇摇欲坠的 | |
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377
tempted
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| v.怂恿（某人）干不正当的事；冒…的险（tempt的过去分词） | |
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378
discomfort
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| n.不舒服，不安，难过，困难，不方便 | |
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379
pervade
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| v.弥漫，遍及，充满，渗透，漫延 | |
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