application to the ordinary problems of existence. The
meeting of three, hitherto unknown to each other, about a
wayside inn, and their various manners of conducting the
enterprise.
VENERATED2 SIRE,—You will doubtless remember the behaviour of the aged3 philosopher Wei Chung, when commanded by the broad-minded emperor of his time to reveal the hidden sources of his illimitable knowledge, so that all might freely acquire, and the race thereby4 become raised to a position of unparalleled excellence5. Taking the well-disposed sovereign familiarly by the arm, Wei Chung led him to the mouth of his cave in the forest, and, standing6 by his side, bade him reflect with open eyes for a short space of time, and then express aloud what he had seen. “Nothing of grave import,” declared the emperor when the period was accomplished7; “only the trees shaken by the breeze.” “It is enough,” replied Wei Chung. “What, to the adroitly-balanced mind, does such a sight reveal?” “That it is certainly a windy day,” exclaimed the omnipotent8 triumphantly9, for although admittedly divine, he yet lacked the philosopher’s discrimination. “On the contrary,” replied the sage10 coldly, “that is the natural pronouncement of the rankly superficial. To the highly-trained intellect it conveys the more subtle truth that the wind affects the trees, and not the trees affect the wind. For upwards11 of seventy years this one has daily stood at the door of his cave for a brief period, and regularly garnering12 a single detail of like brilliance13, has made it the well-spring for a day’s reflection. As the result he now has by heart upwards of twenty-five thousand useful facts, all serviceable for original proverbs, and an encyclopaedic mind which would enable him to take a high place in a popular competition unassisted by a single work of reference.” Much impressed by the adventure the charitably-inclined emperor presented Wei Chung with an onyx crown (which the philosopher at once threw into an adjacent well), and returning to his capital published a decree that each day at sunrise every person should stand at the door of his dwelling14, and after observing for a period, compare among themselves the details of their thoughts. By this means he hoped to achieve his imperial purpose, but although the literal part of the enactment15 is scrupulously16 maintained, especially by the slothful and defamatory, who may be seen standing at their doors and conversing17 together even to this day, from some unforeseen imperfection the intellectual capacity of the race has remained exactly as it was before.
Nevertheless it is not to be questioned that the system of the versatile18 Wei Chung was, in itself, grounded upon a far-seeing accuracy, and as the need of such a rational observation is deepened among the inconsistencies and fantastic customs of a barbarian19 race, I have made it a useful habit to accept as a guide for the day’s behaviour the reflections engendered20 by the first noteworthy incident of the morning.
Upon the day with which this letter concerns itself I had set forth21, in accordance with an ever-present desire, to explore some of the hidden places of the city. At the time a tempest of great ferocity was raging, and bending my head before it I had the distinction of coming into contact with a person of ill-endowed exterior22 at an angle where two reads met. This amiable23 wayfarer24 exchanged civilities with me after the politeness characteristic of the labouring classes towards those who differ from them in speech, dress, or colour: that is to say, he filled his pipe from my proffered25 store, and after lighting26 it threw the match into my face, and passed on with an appropriate remark.
Doubtless this insignificant27 occurrence would have faded without internal comment if the penetrating28 Wei Chung had never existed, but now, guided by his sublime precedent29, I arranged the incident for the day’s conduct under three reflective heads.
It was while I was meditating30 on the second of these that an exclamation31 caused me to turn, when I observed a prosperously-outlined person in the act of picking up a scrip which had the appearance of being lavishly33 distended34 with pieces of gold.
“If I had not seen you pass it, I should have opined that this hyer wallet belonged to you,” remarked the justice-loving stranger (for the incident had irresistibly35 retarded36 my own footsteps), speaking the language of this land, but with an accent of penetrating harmony hitherto unknown to my ears. With these auspicious37 words he turned over the object upon his hand doubtfully.
“So entrancing a possibility is, as you gracefully38 suggest, of unavoidable denial,” I replied. “Nevertheless, this person will not hesitate to join his acclamation with yours; for, as the Book of Verses wisely says, ‘Even the blind, if truly polite, will extol40 the prospect41 from your house-top.’”
“That’s so,” admitted the one by my side. “But I don’t know that there is any call for a special thanksgiving. As I happen to have more money of my own than I can reasonably spend I shall drop this in at a convenient police station. I dare say some poor critter is pining away for it now.”
Pleasantly impressed by the resolute42 benevolence43 of the one who had a greater store of wealth than he could, by his own unaided efforts, dispose of, I arranged myself unobtrusively at his side, and maintaining an exhibition of my most polished and genial44 conversation, I sought to penetrate45 deeply into his esteem46.
“Gaze in this direction, Kong,” he said at length, calling me by name with auspicious familiarity; “I am a benighted47 stranger in this hyer city, and so are you, I rek’n. Suppose we liquor up, and then take a few of the side shows together.”
“The suggestion is one against which I will erect48 no ill-disposed barrier,” I at once replied, so inflexibly49 determined50 not to lose sight of a person possessing such engaging attributes as to be cheerfully prepared even to consume my rice spirit in the inverted51 position which his words implied if the display was persisted in. “Nevertheless,” I added, with a resourceful prudence52, “although by no means undistinguished among the highest literary and competitive circles of his native Yuen-ping, the one before you is incapable54 of walking in the footsteps of a person whose accumulations are greater than he himself can appreciably55 diminish.”
“That’s all right, Kong,” exclaimed the one whom my last words fittingly described, striking the recess56 of his lower garment with a gesture of graceful39 significance. “When I take a fancy to any one it isn’t a matter of dollars. I usually carry a trifle of five hundred or a thousand pounds in my pocket-book, and if we can get through that—why, there’s plenty more waiting at the bank. Say, though, I hope you don’t keep much about you; it isn’t really safe.”
“The temptation to do so is one which this person has hitherto successfully evaded,” I replied. “The contents of this reptile-skin case”—and not to be outshone in mutual57 confidence I here displayed it openly—“do not exceed nine or ten pieces of gold and a like number of printed obligations promising58 to pay five pieces each.”
“Put it away, Kong,” he said resolutely59. “You won’t need that so long as you’re with me. Well, now, what sort of a saloon have we here?”
As far as the opinion might be superficially expressed it had every indication of being one of noteworthy antiquity60, and to the innately61 modest mind its unassuming diffidence might have lent an added charm. Nevertheless, on most occasions this person would have maintained an unshaken dexterity62 in avoiding its open door, but as the choice admittedly lay in the hands of one who carried five hundred or a thousand pieces of gold we went in together and passed through to a compartment63 of retiring seclusion64.
In our own land, O my orthodox-minded father, where the unfailing resources of innumerable bands of dragons, spirits, vampires65, ghouls, shadows, omens66, and thunderstorms are daily enlisted67 to carry into effect the pronouncements of an appointed destiny, we have many historical examples of the inexorably converging68 legs of coincidence, but none, I think, more impressively arranged than the one now descending69 this person’s brush.
We had scarcely reposed70 ourselves, and taken from the hands of an awaiting slave the vessels72 of thrice-potent liquid which in this Island is regarded as the indispensable accompaniment to every movement of existence, when a third person entered the room, and seating himself at a table some slightly removed distance away, lowered his head and abandoned himself to a display of most lavish32 dejection.
“That poor cuss doesn’t appear to be holiday-making,” remarked the sincerely-compassionate person at my side, after closely observing the other for a period; and then, moved by the overpowering munificence73 of his inward nature, he called aloud, “Say, stranger, you seem to have got it thickly in the neck. Is it family affliction or the whisky of the establishment?”
At these affably-intentioned words the stranger raised his eyes quickly, with an indication of not having up to that time been aware of our presence.
“Sir,” he exclaimed, approaching to a spot where he could converse74 with a more enhanced facility, “when I loosened the restraint of an overpowering if unmanly grief, I imagined that I was alone, for I would have shunned75 even the most flattering sympathy, but your charitably-modulated voice invites confidence. The one before you is the most contemptible76, left-handed, and disqualified outcast in creation, and he is now making his way towards the river, while his widow will be left to take in washing, his infant son to vend77 evening printed leaves, and his graceful and hitherto highly secluded78 daughters to go upon the stage.”
“Say, stranger,” interposed this person, by no means unwilling79 to engrave80 upon his memory this newly-acquired form of greeting, “the emotion is doubtless all-pressing, but in my ornate and flower-laden tongue we have a salutation, ‘Slowly, slowly; walk slowly,’ which seems to be of far-seeing application.”
“That’s so,” remarked the one by my side. “Separate it with the teeth, inch by inch.”
“I will be calm, then,” continued the other (who, to avoid the complication of the intermingling circumstances, may be described as the more stranger of the two), and he took of his neckcloth. “I am a merchant in tea, yellow fat, and mixed spices, in a small but hitherto satisfactory way.” Thus revealing himself, he continued to set forth how at an earlier hour he had started on a journey to deposit his wealth (doubtless as a propitiation of outraged81 deities) upon a certain bank, and how, upon reaching the specified82 point, he discovered that what he carried had eluded83 his vigilance. “All gone: notes, gold, and pocket-book—the savings84 of a lifetime,” concluded the ill-omened one, and at the recollection a sudden and even more highly-sustained frenzy85 of self-unpopularity involving him, without a pause he addressed himself by seven and twenty insulting expressions, many of which were quite new to my understanding.
At the earliest mention of the details affecting the loss, the elbow of the person who had made himself responsible for the financial obligation of the day propelled itself against my middle part, and unseen by the other he indicated to me by means of his features that the entertainment was becoming one of agreeable prepossession.
“In colour it was red, and within were two compartments87, the one containing three score notes each of ten pounds, the other fifty pounds of gold. But what’s the use of describing it? Some lucky demon88 will pick it up and pocket the lot, and I shall never see a cent of it again.”
“Then you’d better consult one who reburnishes the eyes,” declared the magnanimous one with a laugh, and drawing forth the article referred to he cast it towards the merchant in a small way.
At this point of the narrative89 my thoroughly90 incompetent91 brush confesses the proportions of the requirement to be beyond its most extended limit, and many very honourable92 details are necessarily left without expression.
“I’ve known men of all sorts, good, bad, and bothwise,” exclaimed the one who had recovered his possessions; “but I never thought to meet a gent as would hand over six hundred and fifty pounds as if it was a toothpick. Sir, it overbalances me; it does, indeed.”
“Say no more about it,” urged the first person, and to suggest gracefully that the incident had reached its furthest extremity93, he began to set out the melody of an unspoken verse.
“I will say no more, then,” he replied; “but you cannot reasonably prevent my doing something to express my gratitude95. If you are not too proud you will come and partake of food and wine with me beneath the sign of the Funereal96 Male Cow, and to show my confidence in you I shall insist upon you carrying my pocket-book.”
The person whom I had first encountered suffered his face to become excessively amused. “Say, stranger, do you take me for a pack-mule?” he replied good-naturedly. “I already have about as much as I want to handle. Never mind; we’ll come along with you, and Mr. Kong shall carry your bullion97.”
At this delicate and high-minded proposal a rapid change, in no way complimentary98 to my explicit99 habit of adequately conducting any venture upon which I may be engaged, came over the face of the second person.
“Sir,” he exclaimed, “I have nothing to say against this gentleman, but I am under no obligation to him, and I don’t see why I should trust him with everything I possess.”
“Stranger,” exclaimed the other rising to his feet (and from this point it must be understood that the various details succeeded one another with a really agile100 dexterity), “let me tell you that Mr. Kong is my friend, and that ought to be enough.”
“It is. If you say this gentleman is your friend, and that you have known him long and intimately enough to be able to answer for him, that’s good enough for me.”
“Well,” admitted the first person, and I could not conceal101 from myself that his tone was inauspiciously reluctant, “I can’t exactly say that I’ve known him long; in fact I only met him half an hour ago. But I have the fullest confidence in his integrity.”
“It’s just as I expected. Well, sir, you’re good-natured enough for anything, but if you’ll excuse me, I must say that you’re a small piece of an earthenware102 vessel71 after all”—the veiled allusion103 doubtlessly being that the vessel of necessity being broken, the contents inevitably104 escape—“and I hope you’re not being had.”
“I’m not, and I’ll prove it before we go out together,” retorted the engaging one, who had in the meantime become so actively105 impetuous on my account, that he did not remain content with the spoken words, but threw the various belongings106 about as he mentioned them in a really profuse107 display of inimitable vehemence108. “Here, Kong, take this hyer pocket-book whatever he says. Now on the top of that take everything I’ve got, and you know what THAT figures up to. Now give this gentleman your little lot to keep him quiet; I don’t ask for anything. Now, stranger, I’m ready. You and I will take a stroll round the block and back again, and if Mr. Kong isn’t waiting here for us when we return with everything intact and O.K., I’ll double your deposit and never trust a durned soul again.”
Nodding genially109 over his shoulder with a harmonious110 understanding, expressive111 of the fact that we were embarking112 upon an undeniably diverting episode, the benevolent-souled person who had accumulated more riches than he was competent to melt away himself, passed out, urging the doubtful and still protesting one before him.
Thus abandoned to my own reflections, I pondered for a short time profitably on the third head of the day’s meditation113 (Touching the match and this person’s unattractively-lined face. The revealed truth: the inexperienced sheep cannot pass through the hedge without leaving portions of his wool), and then finding the philosophy of Wei Chung very good, I determined to remove the superfluous114 apprehensions115 of the vender116 of food-stuffs with less delay by setting out and meeting them on their return.
A few paces distant from the door, one of the ever-present watchers of the street was standing, watching the street with unremitting vigilance, while from the well-guarded expression of his face it might nevertheless be gathered that he stood as though in expectation.
“Prosperity,” I said, with seasonable greeting. (For no excess of consideration is too great to be lavished117 upon these, who unite within themselves the courage of a high warrior118, the expertness of a three-handed magician, and the courtesy of a genial mandarin119.) “I seek two, apparelled thus and thus. Did you, by any chance, mark the direction of their footsteps?”
“Oh,” he said, regarding this person with a most flattering application, “YOU seek them, do you? Well, they’ve just gone off in a hansom, and they’ll want a lot of seeking for the next week or two. You let them carry your purse, perhaps?”
“Assuredly,” I replied. “As a mark of confidence; this person, for his part, receiving a like token at their hands.”
“That’s it,” said the official watcher, conveying into his voice a subtle indication that he had become excessively fatigued120. “It’s like a nursery tale—never too old to take with the kids. Well, come along, poor lamb, the station isn’t far.”
So great had become the reliance which by this time I habitually121 reposed in these men, that I never sought to oppose their pronouncements (such a course being not only useless but undignified), and we therefore together reached the place which the one by my side had described as a station.
From the outside the building was in no way imposing122, but upon reaching an inner dungeon123 it at once became plain that no matter with what crime a person might be charged, even the most stubborn resistance would be unavailing. Before a fiercely-burning fire were arranged metal pincers, massive skewers124, ornamental126 branding irons, and the usual accessories of the grill127, one tool being already thrust into the heart of the flame to indicate the nature of its use, and its immediate128 readiness for the purpose. Pegs129 from which the accused could be hung by the thumbs with weights attached to the feet, covered an entire wall; chains, shackling-irons, fetters130, steel rings for compressing the throat, and belts for tightening131 the chest, all had their appointed places, while the Chair, the Boot, the Heavy Hat, and many other appliances quite unknown to our system of administering justice were scattered132 about.
Without pausing to select any of these, the one who led me approached a raised desk at which was seated a less warlike official, whose sympathetic appearance inspired confidence. “Kong Ho,” exclaimed to himself the person who is inscribing133 these words, “here is an individual into whose discriminating134 ear it would be well to pour the exact happening without evasion135. Then even if the accusation136 against you be that of resembling another or trafficking with unlawful Forces, he will doubtless arrange the matter so that the expiation137 shall be as light and inexpensive as possible.”
By this time certain other officials had drawn138 near. “What is it?” I heard one demand, and another replied, “Brooklyn Ben and Jimmie the Butterman again. Ah, they aren’t artful, are they!” but at this moment the two into whose power I had chiefly fallen having conversed139 together, I was commanded to advance towards them and reveal my name.
“Kong,” I replied freely; and I had formed a design to explain somewhat of the many illustrious ancestors of the House, when the one at the desk, pausing to inscribe140 my answer in a book, spoke94 out.
“Sir-name?” replied this person between two thoughts. “Undoubtedly the one before you is entitled by public examination to the degree ‘Recognised Talent,’ which may, as a meritorious142 distinction, be held equal to your title of a warrior clad in armour143. Yet, if it is so held, that would rightly be this person’s official name of Paik.”
“Oh, it would, would it?” said the one seated upon the high chair. “That’s quite clear. Are there any other names as well?”
“Assuredly,” I explained, pained inwardly that one of official rank should so slightly esteem my appearance as to judge that I was so meagrely endowed. “The milk name of Ho; Tsin upon entering the Classes; as a Great Name Cheng; another style in Quank; the official title already expressed, and T’chun, Li, Yuen and Nung as the various emergencies of life arise.”
“Thank you,” said the high-chair official courteously144. “Now, just the name in full, please, without any velvet146 trimmings.”
“Kong,” began this person, desirous above all things of putting the matter competently, yet secretly perturbed147 as to what might be considered superfluous and what deemed a perfidious148 suppression, “Ho Tsin Cheng Quank—”
“Quack?” repeated this person, beginning to become involved within himself, and not grasping the detail in the right position. “In a manner of setting the expression forth—”
“Put him down, ‘Quack Duck,’ sir,” exclaimed one of dog-like dejection who stood by. “Most of these Lascars haven’t got any real names—they just go by what any one happens to call them at the time, like ‘Burmese Ike’ down at the Mint,” and this person unfortunately chancing to smile and bow acquiescently at that moment (not with any set intention, but as a general principle of courteous145 urbanity), in place of his really distinguished53 titles he will henceforth appear among the historical records of this dynasty under what he cannot disguise from his inner misgivings150 to be the low-caste appellation151 of Quack Duck.
“Now the address, please,” continued the high one, again preparing to inscribe the word, and being determined that by no mischance should this particular be offensively reported, I unhesitatingly replied, “Beneath the Sign of the Lead Tortoise, on the northern course from the Lotus Pools outside the walls of Yuen-ping.”
This answer the one with the book did not immediately record. “I don’t say it isn’t all right when you know the parts,” he remarked broad-mindedly, “but it does sound a trifle irregular. Can’t you give it a number and a street?”
“I fancy it must be a pub, sir,” observed another. “He said that it had a sign—the Red Tortoise.”
“Well, haven’t you got a London address?” said the high one, and this person being able to supply a street and a number as desired, this part of the undertaking152 was disposed of, to his cordial satisfaction.
“Now let me see the articles which these men left with you,” commanded the chieftain of the band, and without any misleading discrepancies153 I at once drew forth from an inner sleeve the two scrips, of which adequate mention has already been made, another hitherto undescribed, two instruments for measuring the passing hours of the day, together with a chain of fine gold ingeniously wrought154 into the semblance155 of a cable, an ornament125 for the breast, set about with a jewel, two neck-cloths of a kind usually carried in the pocket, a book for recording156 happenings of any moment, pieces of money to the value of about eleven taels, a silver flagon, a sheathed157 weapon and a few lesser158 objects of insignificant value. These various details I laid obsequiously159 before the one who had commanded it, while the others stood around either in explicit silence or speaking softly beneath their breath.
“Do I understand that the two persons left all these things with you, while they took your purse in exchange?” said the high official, after examining certain obscure signs upon the metals, the contents of the third scrip, and the like.
“It cannot reasonably be denied,” I replied; “inasmuch as they departed without them.”
“Spontaneously?” he demanded, and in spite of the unevadible severity of his voice the expression of his nearer eye deviated160 somewhat.
“The spoken and conclusive161 word of the first was that it was his intention to commit to this one’s keeping everything which he had; the assertion of the second being that with this scrip I received all that he possessed162.”
“While of yours, what did they get, Mr. Quack?” and the tone of the one who spoke had a much more gratifying modulation163 than before, while the attitudes of those who stood around had favourably164 changed, until they now conveyed a message of deliberate esteem.
“A serpent-skin case of two enclosures,” I replied. “On the one side was a handcount of the small copper-pieces of this Island, which I had caused to be burnished165 and gilt166 for the purpose of taking back to amuse those of Yuen-ping. On the other side were two or three pages from a gravity-removing printed leaf entitled ‘Bits of Tits,’ with which this person weekly instructs himself in the simpler rudiments167 of the language. For the rest the case was controlled by a hidden spring, and inscribed168 about with a charm against loss, consumption by fire, or being secretly acquired by the unworthy.”
“I don’t think you stand in much need of that charm, Mr. Quack,” remarked another of more than ordinary rank, who was also present. “Then they really got practically no money from you?”
“By no means,” I admitted. “It was never literally169 stipulated170, and whatever of wealth he possesses this person carries in a concealed171 spot beneath his waistbelt.” (For even to these, virtuous172 sire, I did not deem it expedient173 to reveal the fact that in reality it is hidden within the sole of my left sandal.)
“I congratulate you,” he said with lavish refinement174. “Ben and the Butterman can be very bland175 and persuasive176. Could you tell me, as a matter of professional curiosity, what first put you on your guard?”
“In this person’s country,” I replied, “there is an apt saying, ‘The sagacious bird does not build his nest twice in the empty soup-toureen,’ and by observing closely what has gone before one may accurately177 conjecture178 much that will follow after.” It may be, that out of my insufferable shortcomings of style and expression, this answer did not convey to his mind the logical sequence of the warning; yet it would have been more difficult to show him how everything arose from the faultlessly-balanced system of the heroic Wei Chung, or the exact parallel lying between the ill-clad outcast who demanded a portion of tobacco and the cheerfully unassuming stranger who had in his possession a larger accumulation of money than he could conveniently disperse179.
In such a manner I took leave of the station and those connected with it, after directing that the share of the spoil which fell by the law of this Island to my lot should be sold and the money of exchange faithfully divided among the virtuous and necessitous of both sexes. The higher officials each waved me pleasantly by the hand, according to the striking and picturesque180 custom of the land, while the lesser ones stood around and spoke flattering words as I departed, as “honourable,” “a small piece of all-right,” “astute ancient male fowl,” “ah!” and the like.
With repeated assurances that however ineptly181 the adventure may at the time appear to be tending, as regards the essentials of true dignity and an undeviating grasp upon articles of negotiable value, nothing of a regrettable incident need be feared.
KONG HO.
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1
sublime
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| adj.崇高的，伟大的；极度的，不顾后果的 | |
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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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aged
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| adj.年老的，陈年的 | |
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thereby
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| adv.因此，从而 | |
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excellence
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| n.优秀，杰出，(pl.)优点，美德 | |
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standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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7
accomplished
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| adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的 | |
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omnipotent
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| adj.全能的，万能的 | |
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triumphantly
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| ad.得意洋洋地；得胜地；成功地 | |
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sage
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| n.圣人，哲人；adj.贤明的，明智的 | |
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11
upwards
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| adv.向上，在更高处...以上 | |
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garnering
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| v.收集并（通常）贮藏（某物），取得，获得( garner的现在分词 ) | |
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brilliance
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| n.光辉，辉煌，壮丽，（卓越的）才华，才智 | |
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dwelling
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| n.住宅，住所，寓所 | |
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enactment
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| n.演出，担任…角色；制订，通过 | |
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scrupulously
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| adv.一丝不苟地；小心翼翼地，多顾虑地 | |
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conversing
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| v.交谈，谈话( converse的现在分词 ) | |
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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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barbarian
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| n.野蛮人；adj.野蛮(人)的；未开化的 | |
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engendered
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| v.产生（某形势或状况），造成，引起( engender的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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exterior
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| adj.外部的，外在的；表面的 | |
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amiable
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| adj.和蔼可亲的，友善的，亲切的 | |
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wayfarer
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proffered
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| v.提供，贡献，提出( proffer的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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lighting
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| n.照明，光线的明暗，舞台灯光 | |
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insignificant
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| adj.无关紧要的，可忽略的，无意义的 | |
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penetrating
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| adj.（声音）响亮的，尖锐的adj.（气味）刺激的adj.（思想）敏锐的，有洞察力的 | |
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precedent
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| n.先例，前例；惯例；adj.在前的，在先的 | |
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30
meditating
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| a.沉思的，冥想的 | |
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31
exclamation
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| n.感叹号，惊呼，惊叹词 | |
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32
lavish
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| adj.无节制的；浪费的；vt.慷慨地给予，挥霍 | |
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lavishly
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| adv.慷慨地，大方地 | |
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34
distended
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| v.（使）膨胀，肿胀( distend的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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35
irresistibly
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| adv.无法抵抗地，不能自持地；极为诱惑人地 | |
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retarded
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| a.智力迟钝的，智力发育迟缓的 | |
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37
auspicious
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| adj.吉利的；幸运的，吉兆的 | |
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38
gracefully
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| ad.大大方方地；优美地 | |
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39
graceful
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| adj.优美的，优雅的；得体的 | |
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40
extol
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| v.赞美，颂扬 | |
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41
prospect
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| n.前景，前途；景色，视野 | |
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42
resolute
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| adj.坚决的，果敢的 | |
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43
benevolence
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| n.慈悲，捐助 | |
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44
genial
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| adj.亲切的，和蔼的，愉快的，脾气好的 | |
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45
penetrate
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| v.透(渗)入；刺入，刺穿；洞察，了解 | |
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46
esteem
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| n.尊敬，尊重；vt.尊重，敬重；把…看作 | |
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47
benighted
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| adj.蒙昧的 | |
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48
erect
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| n./v.树立，建立，使竖立；adj.直立的，垂直的 | |
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49
inflexibly
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| adv.不屈曲地，不屈地 | |
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50
determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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51
inverted
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| adj.反向的，倒转的v.使倒置，使反转( invert的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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52
prudence
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| n.谨慎，精明，节俭 | |
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53
distinguished
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| adj.卓越的，杰出的，著名的 | |
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54
incapable
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| adj.无能力的，不能做某事的 | |
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55
appreciably
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| adv.相当大地 | |
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56
recess
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| n.短期休息，壁凹（墙上装架子，柜子等凹处） | |
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57
mutual
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| adj.相互的，彼此的；共同的，共有的 | |
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58
promising
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| adj.有希望的，有前途的 | |
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59
resolutely
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| adj.坚决地，果断地 | |
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60
antiquity
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| n.古老；高龄；古物，古迹 | |
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61
innately
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| adv.天赋地；内在地，固有地 | |
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62
dexterity
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| n.(手的)灵巧，灵活 | |
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63
compartment
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| n.卧车包房，隔间；分隔的空间 | |
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64
seclusion
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| n.隐遁，隔离 | |
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65
vampires
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| n.吸血鬼( vampire的名词复数 )；吸血蝠；高利贷者；（舞台上的）活板门 | |
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66
omens
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| n.前兆，预兆( omen的名词复数 ) | |
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67
enlisted
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| adj.应募入伍的v.（使）入伍， （使）参军( enlist的过去式和过去分词 )；获得（帮助或支持） | |
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68
converging
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| adj.收敛[缩]的，会聚的，趋同的v.（线条、运动的物体等）会于一点( converge的现在分词 )；（趋于）相似或相同；人或车辆汇集；聚集 | |
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69
descending
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| n. 下行 adj. 下降的 | |
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70
reposed
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| v.将（手臂等）靠在某人（某物）上( repose的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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71
vessel
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| n.船舶；容器，器皿；管，导管，血管 | |
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72
vessels
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| n.血管( vessel的名词复数 )；船；容器；（具有特殊品质或接受特殊品质的）人 | |
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73
munificence
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| n.宽宏大量，慷慨给与 | |
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74
converse
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| vi.谈话，谈天，闲聊；adv.相反的，相反 | |
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75
shunned
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| v.避开，回避，避免( shun的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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76
contemptible
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| adj.可鄙的，可轻视的，卑劣的 | |
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77
vend
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| v.公开表明观点，出售，贩卖 | |
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78
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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79
unwilling
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| adj.不情愿的 | |
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80
engrave
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| vt.（在...上）雕刻，使铭记，使牢记 | |
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81
outraged
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| a.震惊的，义愤填膺的 | |
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82
specified
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| adj.特定的 | |
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83
eluded
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| v.（尤指机敏地）避开( elude的过去式和过去分词 )；逃避；躲避；使达不到 | |
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84
savings
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| n.存款，储蓄 | |
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85
frenzy
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| n.疯狂，狂热，极度的激动 | |
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86
touching
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| adj.动人的，使人感伤的 | |
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87
compartments
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|
| n.间隔( compartment的名词复数 )；（列车车厢的）隔间；（家具或设备等的）分隔间；隔层 | |
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88
demon
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| n.魔鬼，恶魔 | |
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89
narrative
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| n.叙述，故事；adj.叙事的，故事体的 | |
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90
thoroughly
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| adv.完全地，彻底地，十足地 | |
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91
incompetent
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| adj.无能力的，不能胜任的 | |
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92
honourable
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| adj.可敬的；荣誉的，光荣的 | |
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93
extremity
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| n.末端，尽头；尽力；终极；极度 | |
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94
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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95
gratitude
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|
| adj.感激，感谢 | |
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96
funereal
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|
| adj.悲哀的；送葬的 | |
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97
bullion
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| n.金条，银条 | |
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98
complimentary
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|
| adj.赠送的，免费的，赞美的，恭维的 | |
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99
explicit
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|
| adj.详述的，明确的；坦率的；显然的 | |
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100
agile
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| adj.敏捷的，灵活的 | |
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101
conceal
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，隐蔽 | |
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102
earthenware
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| n.土器，陶器 | |
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103
allusion
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| n.暗示，间接提示 | |
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104
inevitably
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| adv.不可避免地；必然发生地 | |
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105
actively
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| adv.积极地，勤奋地 | |
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106
belongings
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| n.私人物品，私人财物 | |
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107
profuse
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| adj.很多的，大量的，极其丰富的 | |
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108
vehemence
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| n.热切；激烈；愤怒 | |
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109
genially
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| adv.亲切地，和蔼地；快活地 | |
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110
harmonious
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| adj.和睦的，调和的，和谐的，协调的 | |
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111
expressive
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| adj.表现的，表达…的，富于表情的 | |
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112
embarking
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| 乘船( embark的现在分词 )； 装载； 从事 | |
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113
meditation
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| n.熟虑，（尤指宗教的）默想，沉思，（pl.）冥想录 | |
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114
superfluous
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| adj.过多的，过剩的，多余的 | |
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115
apprehensions
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| 疑惧 | |
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116
vender
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| n.小贩 | |
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117
lavished
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| v.过分给予，滥施( lavish的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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118
warrior
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| n.勇士，武士，斗士 | |
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119
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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120
fatigued
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| adj. 疲乏的 | |
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121
habitually
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| ad.习惯地，通常地 | |
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122
imposing
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| adj.使人难忘的，壮丽的，堂皇的，雄伟的 | |
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123
dungeon
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| n.地牢，土牢 | |
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124
skewers
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| n.串肉扦( skewer的名词复数 )；烤肉扦；棒v.（用串肉扦或类似物）串起，刺穿( skewer的第三人称单数 ) | |
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125
ornament
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| v.装饰，美化；n.装饰，装饰物 | |
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126
ornamental
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| adj.装饰的；作装饰用的；n.装饰品；观赏植物 | |
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127
grill
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| n.烤架，铁格子，烤肉；v.烧，烤，严加盘问 | |
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128
immediate
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| adj.立即的；直接的，最接近的；紧靠的 | |
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129
pegs
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| n.衣夹( peg的名词复数 )；挂钉；系帐篷的桩；弦钮v.用夹子或钉子固定( peg的第三人称单数 )；使固定在某水平 | |
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130
fetters
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| n.脚镣( fetter的名词复数 )；束缚v.给…上脚镣，束缚( fetter的第三人称单数 ) | |
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131
tightening
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| 上紧，固定，紧密 | |
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132
scattered
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| adj.分散的，稀疏的；散步的；疏疏落落的 | |
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133
inscribing
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| v.写，刻( inscribe的现在分词 ) | |
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134
discriminating
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| a.有辨别能力的 | |
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135
evasion
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| n.逃避，偷漏(税) | |
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136
accusation
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| n.控告，指责，谴责 | |
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137
expiation
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| n.赎罪，补偿 | |
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138
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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139
conversed
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| v.交谈，谈话( converse的过去式 ) | |
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140
inscribe
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| v.刻；雕；题写；牢记 | |
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141
Christian
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| adj.基督教徒的；n.基督教徒 | |
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142
meritorious
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| adj.值得赞赏的 | |
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143
armour
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| （=armor）n.盔甲；装甲部队 | |
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144
courteously
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| adv.有礼貌地，亲切地 | |
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145
courteous
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| adj.彬彬有礼的，客气的 | |
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146
velvet
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| n.丝绒，天鹅绒；adj.丝绒制的，柔软的 | |
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147
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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148
perfidious
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| adj.不忠的，背信弃义的 | |
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149
quack
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| n.庸医；江湖医生；冒充内行的人；骗子 | |
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150
misgivings
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|
| n.疑虑，担忧，害怕；疑虑，担心，恐惧( misgiving的名词复数 )；疑惧 | |
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151
appellation
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| n.名称，称呼 | |
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152
undertaking
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| n.保证，许诺，事业 | |
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153
discrepancies
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| n.差异，不符合（之处），不一致（之处）( discrepancy的名词复数 ) | |
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154
wrought
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| v.引起；以…原料制作；运转；adj.制造的 | |
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155
semblance
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| n.外貌，外表 | |
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156
recording
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| n.录音，记录 | |
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157
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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158
lesser
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| adj.次要的，较小的；adv.较小地，较少地 | |
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159
obsequiously
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160
deviated
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| v.偏离，越轨( deviate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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161
conclusive
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| adj.最后的，结论的；确凿的，消除怀疑的 | |
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162
possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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163
modulation
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| n.调制 | |
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164
favourably
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| adv. 善意地，赞成地 =favorably | |
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165
burnished
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| adj.抛光的，光亮的v.擦亮（金属等），磨光( burnish的过去式和过去分词 )；被擦亮，磨光 | |
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166
gilt
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| adj.镀金的；n.金边证券 | |
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167
rudiments
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| n.基础知识，入门 | |
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168
inscribed
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| v.写，刻( inscribe的过去式和过去分词 )；内接 | |
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169
literally
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| adv.照字面意义，逐字地；确实 | |
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170
stipulated
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| vt.& vi.规定；约定adj.[法]合同规定的 | |
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171
concealed
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| a.隐藏的，隐蔽的 | |
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172
virtuous
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| adj.有品德的，善良的，贞洁的，有效力的 | |
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173
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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174
refinement
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| n.文雅；高尚；精美；精制；精炼 | |
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175
bland
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| adj.淡而无味的，温和的，无刺激性的 | |
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176
persuasive
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| adj.有说服力的，能说得使人相信的 | |
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177
accurately
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| adv.准确地，精确地 | |
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178
conjecture
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| n./v.推测，猜测 | |
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179
disperse
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| vi.使分散；使消失；vt.分散；驱散 | |
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180
picturesque
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| adj.美丽如画的，（语言）生动的，绘声绘色的 | |
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181
ineptly
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| adv. 不适当地，无能地 | |
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