“Ho, illustrious passers-by!” said Kai Lung, the story-teller, as he spread out his embroidered2 mat under the mulberry-tree. “It is indeed unlikely that you would condescend3 to stop and listen to the foolish words of such an insignificant4 and altogether deformed5 person as myself. Nevertheless, if you will but retard6 your elegant footsteps for a few moments, this exceedingly unprepossessing individual will endeavour to entertain you with the recital7 of the adventures of the noble Yung Chang, as recorded by the celebrated8 Pe-ku-hi.”
Thus adjured9, the more leisurely10-minded drew near to hear the history of Yung Chang. There was Sing You the fruit-seller, and Li Ton-ti the wood-carver; Hi Seng left his clients to cry in vain for water; and Wang Yu, the idle pipe-maker11, closed his shop of “The Fountain of Beauty,” and hung on the shutter12 the gilt13 dragon to keep away customers in his absence. These, together with a few more shopkeepers and a dozen or so loafers, constituted a respectable audience by the time Kai Lung was ready.
“It would be more seemly if this ill-conditioned person who is now addressing such a distinguished14 assembly were to reward his fine and noble-looking hearers for their trouble,” apologized the story-teller. “But, as the Book of Verses says, ‘The meaner the slave, the greater the lord’; and it is, therefore, not unlikely that this majestic15 concourse will reward the despicable efforts of their servant by handfuls of coins till the air appears as though filled with swarms16 of locusts17 in the season of much heat. In particular, there is among this august crowd of Mandarins one Wang Yu, who has departed on three previous occasions without bestowing19 the reward of a single cash. If the feeble and covetous-minded Wang Yu will place within this very ordinary bowl the price of one of his exceedingly ill-made pipes, this unworthy person will proceed.”
“Vast chasms21 can be filled, but the heart of man never,” quoted the pipe-maker in retort. “Oh, most incapable22 of story-tellers, have you not on two separate occasions slept beneath my utterly23 inadequate24 roof without payment?”
But he, nevertheless, deposited three cash in the bowl, and drew nearer among the front row of the listeners.
“It was during the reign25 of the enlightened Emperor Tsing Nung,” began Kai Lung, without further introduction, “that there lived at a village near Honan a wealthy and avaricious26 maker of idols27, named Ti Hung. So skilful29 had he become in the making of clay idols that his fame had spread for many li round, and idol28-sellers from all the neighbouring villages, and even from the towns, came to him for their stock. No other idol-maker between Honan and Nanking employed so many clay-gatherers or so many modellers; yet, with all his riches, his avarice30 increased till at length he employed men whom he called ‘agents’ and ‘travellers,’ who went from house to house selling his idols and extolling31 his virtues32 in verses composed by the most illustrious poets of the day. He did this in order that he might turn into his own pocket the full price of the idols, grudging33 those who would otherwise have sold them the few cash which they would make. Owing to this he had many enemies, and his army of travellers made him still more; for they were more rapacious34 than the scorpion35, and more obstinate36 than the ox. Indeed, there is still the proverb, ‘With honey it is possible to soften37 the heart of the he-goat; but a blow from an iron cleaver38 is taken as a mark of welcome by an agent of Ti Hung.’ So that people barred the doors at their approach, and even hung out signs of death and mourning.
“Now, among all his travellers there was none more successful, more abandoned, and more valuable to Ti Hung than Li Ting. So depraved was Li Ting that he was never known to visit the tombs of his ancestors; indeed, it was said that he had been heard to mock their venerable memories, and that he had jestingly offered to sell them to anyone who should chance to be without ancestors of his own. This objectionable person would call at the houses of the most illustrious Mandarins, and would command the slaves to carry to their masters his tablets, on which were inscribed39 his name and his virtues. Reaching their presence, he would salute40 them with the greeting of an equal, ‘How is your stomach?’ and then proceed to exhibit samples of his wares41, greatly overrating their value. ‘Behold!’ he would exclaim, ‘is not this elegantly-moulded idol worthy20 of the place of honour in this sumptuous42 mansion43 which my presence defiles44 to such an extent that twelve basins of rose-water will not remove the stain? Are not its eyes more delicate than the most select of almonds? and is not its stomach rounder than the cupolas upon the high temple at Peking? Yet, in spite of its perfections, it is not worthy of the acceptance of so distinguished a Mandarin18, and therefore I will accept in return the quarter-tael, which, indeed, is less than my illustrious master gives for the clay alone.’
“In this manner Li Ting disposed of many idols at high rates, and thereby45 endeared himself so much to the avaricious heart of Ti Hung that he promised him his beautiful daughter Ning in marriage.
“Ning was indeed very lovely. Her eyelashes were like the finest willow46 twigs47 that grow in the marshes48 by the Yang-tse-Kiang; her cheeks were fairer than poppies; and when she bathed in the Hoang Ho, her body seemed transparent49. Her brow was finer than the most polished jade50; while she seemed to walk, like a winged bird, without weight, her hair floating in a cloud. Indeed, she was the most beautiful creature that has ever existed.”
“Now may you grow thin and shrivel up like a fallen lemon; but it is false!” cried Wang Yu, starting up suddenly and unexpectedly. “At Chee Chou, at the shop of ‘The Heaven-sent Sugar-cane,’ there lives a beautiful and virtuous51 girl who is more than all that. Her eyes are like the inside circles on the peacock’s feathers; her teeth are finer than the scales on the Sacred Dragon; her—”
“If it is the wish of this illustriously-endowed gathering52 that this exceedingly illiterate53 paper tiger should occupy their august moments with a description of the deformities of the very ordinary young person at Chee Chou,” said Kai Lung imperturbably54, “then the remainder of the history of the noble-minded Yung Chang can remain until an evil fate has overtaken Wang Yu, as it assuredly will shortly.”
“A fair wind raises no storm,” said Wang Yu sulkily; and Kai Lung continued:
“Such loveliness could not escape the evil eye of Li Ting, and accordingly, as he grew in favour with Ti Hung, he obtained his consent to the drawing up of the marriage contracts. More than this, he had already sent to Ning two bracelets55 of the finest gold, tied together with a scarlet56 thread, as a betrothal57 present. But, as the proverb says, ‘The good bee will not touch the faded flower,’ and Ning, although compelled by the second of the Five Great Principles to respect her father, was unable to regard the marriage with anything but abhorrence58. Perhaps this was not altogether the fault of Li Ting, for on the evening of the day on which she had received his present, she walked in the rice fields, and sitting down at the foot of a funereal59 cypress60, whose highest branches pierced the Middle Air, she cried aloud:
“‘I cannot control my bitterness. Of what use is it that I should be called the “White Pigeon among Golden Lilies,” if my beauty is but for the hog-like eyes of the exceedingly objectionable Li Ting? Ah, Yung Chang, my unfortunate lover! what evil spirit pursues you that you cannot pass your examination for the second degree? My noble-minded but ambitious boy, why were you not content with an agricultural or even a manufacturing career and happiness? By aspiring61 to a literary degree, you have placed a barrier wider than the Whang Hai between us.’
“‘As the earth seems small to the soaring swallow, so shall insuperable obstacles be overcome by the heart worn smooth with a fixed62 purpose,’ said a voice beside her, and Yung Chang stepped from behind the cypress tree, where he had been waiting for Ning. ‘O one more symmetrical than the chrysanthemum,’ he continued, ‘I shall yet, with the aid of my ancestors, pass the second degree, and even obtain a position of high trust in the public office at Peking.’
“‘And in the meantime,’ pouted63 Ning, ‘I shall have partaken of the wedding-cake of the utterly unpresentable Li Ting.’ And she exhibited the bracelets which she had that day received.
“‘Alas!’ said Yung Chang, ‘there are times when one is tempted64 to doubt even the most efficacious and violent means. I had hoped that by this time Li Ting would have come to a sudden and most unseemly end; for I have drawn65 up and affixed66 in the most conspicuous67 places notifications of his character, similar to the one here.’
“Ning turned, and beheld68 fastened to the trunk of the cypress an exceedingly elegantly written and composed notice, which Yung read to her as follows:
“‘Let the distinguished inhabitants of this district observe the
exceedingly ungraceful walk and bearing of the low person who
calls himself Li Ting. Truthfully, it is that of a dog in the act
of being dragged to the river because his sores and diseases
render him objectionable in the house of his master. So will this
hunchbacked person be dragged to the place of execution, and be
bowstrung, to the great relief of all who respect the five senses;
A Respectful Physiognomy, Passionless Reflexion, Soft Speech,
Acute Hearing, Piercing Sight.
be removed suddenly.’
“‘Li Ting must certainly be in league with the evil forces if he can withstand so powerful a weapon,’ said Ning admiringly, when her lover had finished reading. ‘Even now he is starting on a journey, nor will he return till the first day of the month when the sparrows go to the sea and are changed into oysters74. Perhaps the fate will overtake him while he is away. If not—’
“‘If not,’ said Yung, taking up her words as she paused, ‘then I have yet another hope. A moment ago you were regretting my choice of a literary career. Learn, then, the value of knowledge. By its aid (assisted, indeed, by the spirits of my ancestors) I have discovered a new and strange thing, for which I can find no word. By using this new system of reckoning, your illustrious but exceedingly narrow-minded and miserly father would be able to make five taels where he now makes one. Would he not, in consideration for this, consent to receive me as a son-in-law, and dismiss the inelegant and unworthy Li Ting?’
“‘In the unlikely event of your being able to convince my illustrious parent of what you say, it would assuredly be so,’ replied Ning. ‘But in what way could you do so? My sublime75 and charitable father already employs all the means in his power to reap the full reward of his sacred industry. His “solid house-hold gods” are in reality mere76 shells of clay; higher-priced images are correspondingly constructed, and his clay gatherers and modellers are all paid on a “profit-sharing system.” Nay77, further, it is beyond likelihood that he should wish for more purchasers, for so great is his fame that those who come to buy have sometimes to wait for days in consequence of those before them; for my exceedingly methodical sire entrusts78 none with the receiving of money, and the exchanges are therefore made slowly. Frequently an unnaturally79 devout80 person will require as many as a hundred idols, and so the greater part of the day will be passed.’
“‘In what way?’ inquired Yung tremulously.
“‘Why, in order that the countings may not get mixed, of course; it is necessary that when he has paid for one idol he should carry it to a place aside, and then return and pay for the second, carrying it to the first, and in such a manner to the end. In this way the sun sinks behind the mountains.’
“‘But,’ said Yung, his voice thick with his great discovery, ‘if he could pay for the entire quantity at once, then it would take but a hundredth part of the time, and so more idols could be sold.’
“‘How could this be done?’ inquired Ning wonderingly. ‘Surely it is impossible to conjecture81 the value of so many idols.’
“‘To the unlearned it would indeed be impossible,’ replied Yung proudly, ‘but by the aid of my literary researches I have been enabled to discover a process by which such results would be not a matter of conjecture, but of certainty. These figures I have committed to tablets, which I am prepared to give to your mercenary and slow-witted father in return for your incomparable hand, a share of the profits, and the dismissal of the uninventive and morally threadbare Li Ting.’
“‘When the earth-worm boasts of his elegant wings, the eagle can afford to be silent,’ said a harsh voice behind them; and turning hastily they beheld Li Ting, who had come upon them unawares. ‘Oh, most insignificant of table-spoilers,’ he continued, ‘it is very evident that much over-study has softened82 your usually well-educated brains. Were it not that you are obviously mentally afflicted83, I should unhesitatingly persuade my beautiful and refined sword to introduce you to the spirits of your ignoble84 ancestors. As it is, I will merely cut off your nose and your left ear, so that people may not say that the Dragon of the Earth sleeps and wickedness goes unpunished.’
“Both had already drawn their swords, and very soon the blows were so hard and swift that, in the dusk of the evening, it seemed as though the air were filled with innumerable and many-coloured fireworks. Each was a practised swordsman, and there was no advantage gained on either side, when Ning, who had fled on the appearance of Li Ting, reappeared, urging on her father, whose usually leisurely footsteps were quickened by the dread85 that the duel86 must surely result in certain loss to himself, either of a valuable servant, or of the discovery which Ning had briefly87 explained to him, and of which he at once saw the value.
“‘Oh, most distinguished and expert persons,’ he exclaimed breathlessly, as soon as he was within hearing distance, ‘do not trouble to give so marvellous an exhibition for the benefit of this unworthy individual, who is the only observer of your illustrious dexterity88! Indeed, your honourable89 condescension90 so fills this illiterate person with shame that his hearing is thereby preternaturally sharpened, and he can plainly distinguish many voices from beyond the Hoang Ho, crying for the Heaven-sent representative of the degraded Ti Hung to bring them more idols. Bend, therefore, your refined footsteps in the direction of Poo Chow, O Li Ting, and leave me to make myself objectionable to this exceptional young man with my intolerable commonplaces.’
“‘The shadow falls in such a direction as the sun wills,’ said Li Ting, as he replaced his sword and departed.
“‘Yung Chang,’ said the merchant, ‘I am informed that you have made a discovery that would be of great value to me, as it undoubtedly91 would if it is all that you say. Let us discuss the matter without ceremony. Can you prove to me that your system possesses the merit you claim for it? If so, then the matter of arrangement will be easy.’
“‘I am convinced of the absolute certainty and accuracy of the discovery,’ replied Yung Chang. ‘It is not as though it were an ordinary matter of human intelligence, for this was discovered to me as I was worshipping at the tomb of my ancestors. The method is regulated by a system of squares, triangles, and cubes. But as the practical proof might be long, and as I hesitate to keep your adorable daughter out in the damp night air, may I not call at your inimitable dwelling92 in the morning, when we can go into the matter thoroughly93?’
“I will not weary this intelligent gathering, each member of which doubtless knows all the books on mathematics off by heart, with a recital of the means by which Yung Chang proved to Ti Hung the accuracy of his tables and the value of his discovery of the multiplication94 table, which till then had been undreamt of,” continued the story-teller. “It is sufficient to know that he did so, and that Ti Hung agreed to his terms, only stipulating95 that Li Ting should not be made aware of his dismissal until he had returned and given in his accounts. The share of the profits that Yung was to receive was cut down very low by Ti Hung, but the young man did not mind that, as he would live with his father-in-law for the future.
“With the introduction of this new system, the business increased like a river at flood-time. All rivals were left far behind, and Ti Hung put out this sign:
“NO WAITING HERE!
“Good-morning! Have you worshipped one of Ti Hung’s refined
ninety-nine cash idols?
“Let the purchasers of ill-constructed idols at other
establishments, where they have grown old and venerable while
waiting for the all-thumb proprietors96 to count up to ten, come to
cash idols are worth a tael a set. We do not, however, claim that
they will do everything. The ninety-nine cash idols of Ti Hung
and frozen-brained person cannot be happy until he possesses one.
What is happiness? The exceedingly well-educated Philosopher
defines it as the accomplishment100 of all our desires. Everyone
desires one of the Ti Hung’s ninety-nine cash idols, therefore get
one; but be sure that it is Ti Hung’s.
“Have you a bad idol? If so, dismiss it, and get one of Ti Hung’s
“Why does your idol look old sooner than your neighbours? Because
“They bring all delights to the old and the young,
The elegant idols supplied by Ti Hung.
“N.B.—The ‘Great Sacrifice’ idol, forty-five cash; delivered,
carriage free, in quantities of not less than twelve, at any
temple, on the evening before the sacrifice.
“It was about this time that Li Ting returned. His journey had been more than usually successful, and he was well satisfied in consequence. It was not until he had made out his accounts and handed in his money that Ti Hung informed him of his agreement with Yung Chang.
“‘Oh, most treacherous103 and excessively unpopular Ti Hung,’ exclaimed Li Ting, in a terrible voice, ‘this is the return you make for all my entrancing efforts in your services, then? It is in this way that you reward my exceedingly unconscientious recommendations of your very inferior and unendurable clay idols, with their goggle104 eyes and concave stomachs! Before I go, however, I request to be inspired to make the following remark—that I confidently predict your ruin. And now this low and undignified person will finally shake the elegant dust of your distinguished house from his thoroughly inadequate feet, and proceed to offer his incapable services to the rival establishment over the way.’
“‘The machinations of such an evilly-disposed person as Li Ting will certainly be exceedingly subtle,’ said Ti Hung to his son-in-law when the traveller had departed. ‘I must counteract105 his omens106. Herewith I wish to prophecy that henceforth I shall enjoy an unbroken run of good fortune. I have spoken, and assuredly I shall not eat my words.’
“As the time went on, it seemed as though Ti Hung had indeed spoken truly. The ease and celerity with which he transacted107 his business brought him customers and dealers108 from more remote regions than ever, for they could spend days on the journey and still save time. The army of clay-gatherers and modellers grew larger and larger, and the work-sheds stretched almost down to the river’s edge. Only one thing troubled Ti Hung, and that was the uncongenial disposition109 of his son-in-law, for Yung took no further interest in the industry to which his discovery had given so great an impetus110, but resolutely111 set to work again to pass his examination for the second degree.
“‘It is an exceedingly distinguished and honourable thing to have failed thirty-five times, and still to be undiscouraged,’ admitted Ti Hung; ‘but I cannot cleanse112 my throat from bitterness when I consider that my noble and lucrative113 business must pass into the hands of strangers, perhaps even into the possession of the unendurable Li Ting.’
“But it had been appointed that this degrading thing should not happen, however, and it was indeed fortunate that Yung did not abandon his literary pursuits; for after some time it became very apparent to Ti Hung that there was something radically114 wrong with his business. It was not that his custom was falling off in any way; indeed, it had lately increased in a manner that was phenomenal, and when the merchant came to look into the matter, he found to his astonishment115 that the least order he had received in the past week had been for a hundred idols. All the sales had been large, and yet Ti Hung found himself most unaccountably deficient116 in taels. He was puzzled and alarmed, and for the next few days he looked into the business closely. Then it was that the reason was revealed, both for the falling off in the receipts and for the increase in the orders. The calculations of the unfortunate Yung Chang were correct up to a hundred, but at that number he had made a gigantic error—which, however, he was never able to detect and rectify—with the result that all transactions above that point worked out at a considerable loss to the seller. It was in vain that the panic-stricken Ti Hung goaded117 his miserable118 son-in-law to correct the mistake; it was equally in vain that he tried to stem the current of his enormous commercial popularity. He had competed for public favour, and he had won it, and every day his business increased till ruin grasped him by the pigtail. Then came an order from one firm at Peking for five millions of the ninety-nine cash idols, and at that Ti Hung put up his shutters119, and sat down in the dust.
“‘Behold!’ he exclaimed, ‘in the course of a lifetime there are many very disagreeable evils that may overtake a person. He may offend the Sacred Dragon, and be in consequence reduced to a fine dry powder; or he may incur70 the displeasure of the benevolent120 and pure-minded Emperor, and be condemned121 to death by roasting; he may also be troubled by demons122 or by the disturbed spirits of his ancestors, or be struck by thunderbolts. Indeed, there are numerous annoyances123, but they become as Heaven-sent blessings124 in comparison to a self-opinionated and more than ordinarily weak-minded son-in-law. Of what avail is it that I have habitually125 sold one idol for the value of a hundred? The very objectionable man in possession sits in my delectable126 summer-house, and the unavoidable legal documents settle around me like a flock of pigeons. It is indeed necessary that I should declare myself to be in voluntary liquidation127, and make an assignment of my book debts for the benefit of my creditors128. Having accomplished129 this, I will proceed to the well-constructed tomb of my illustrious ancestors, and having kow-towed at their incomparable shrines130, I will put an end to my distinguished troubles with this exceedingly well-polished sword.’
“‘The wise man can adapt himself to circumstances as water takes the shape of the vase that contains it,’ said the well-known voice of Li Ting. ‘Let not the lion and the tiger fight at the bidding of the jackal. By combining our forces all may be well with you yet. Assist me to dispose of the entirely131 superfluous132 Yung Chang and to marry the elegant and symmetrical Ning, and in return I will allot133 to you a portion of my not inconsiderable income.’
“‘However high the tree, the leaves fall to the ground, and your hour has come at last, O detestable Li Ting!’ said Yung, who had heard the speakers and crept upon them unperceived. ‘As for my distinguished and immaculate father-in-law, doubtless the heat has affected134 his indefatigable135 brains, or he would not have listened to your contemptible136 suggestion. For yourself, draw!’
“Both swords flashed, but before a blow could be struck the spirits of his ancestors hurled137 Li Ting lifeless to the ground, to avenge138 the memories that their unworthy descendant had so often reviled139.
“‘So perish all the enemies of Yung Chang,’ said the victor. ‘And now, my venerated140 but exceedingly short-sighted father-in-law, learn how narrowly you have escaped making yourself exceedingly objectionable to yourself. I have just received intelligence from Peking that I have passed the second degree, and have in consequence been appointed to a remunerative141 position under the Government. This will enable us to live in comfort, if not in affluence142, and the rest of your engaging days can be peacefully spent in flying kites.’”
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1
celestial
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| adj.天体的；天上的 | |
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embroidered
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| adj．绣花的 | |
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condescend
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| v.俯就，屈尊；堕落，丢丑 | |
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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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5
deformed
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| adj.畸形的；变形的；丑的，破相了的 | |
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6
retard
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| n.阻止，延迟；vt.妨碍，延迟，使减速 | |
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recital
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| n.朗诵，独奏会，独唱会 | |
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8
celebrated
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| adj.有名的，声誉卓著的 | |
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9
adjured
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| v.（以起誓或诅咒等形式）命令要求( adjure的过去式和过去分词 )；祈求；恳求 | |
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10
leisurely
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| adj.悠闲的；从容的，慢慢的 | |
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11
maker
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| n.制造者，制造商 | |
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12
shutter
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| n.百叶窗；(照相机)快门；关闭装置 | |
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13
gilt
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| adj.镀金的；n.金边证券 | |
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14
distinguished
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| adj.卓越的，杰出的，著名的 | |
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15
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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swarms
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| 蜂群，一大群( swarm的名词复数 ) | |
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locusts
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| n.蝗虫( locust的名词复数 )；贪吃的人；破坏者；槐树 | |
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18
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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bestowing
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| 砖窑中砖堆上层已烧透的砖 | |
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worthy
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| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
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chasms
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| 裂缝( chasm的名词复数 )； 裂口； 分歧； 差别 | |
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incapable
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| adj.无能力的，不能做某事的 | |
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utterly
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| adv.完全地，绝对地 | |
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inadequate
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| adj.(for,to)不充足的，不适当的 | |
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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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avaricious
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| adj.贪婪的，贪心的 | |
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idols
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| 偶像( idol的名词复数 )； 受崇拜的人或物； 受到热爱和崇拜的人或物； 神像 | |
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idol
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| n.偶像，红人，宠儿 | |
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skilful
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| (=skillful)adj.灵巧的，熟练的 | |
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avarice
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| n.贪婪；贪心 | |
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31
extolling
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| v.赞美( extoll的现在分词 )；赞颂，赞扬，赞美( extol的现在分词 ) | |
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virtues
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| 美德( virtue的名词复数 )； 德行； 优点； 长处 | |
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grudging
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| adj.勉强的，吝啬的 | |
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rapacious
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| adj.贪婪的，强夺的 | |
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scorpion
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| n.蝎子，心黑的人，蝎子鞭 | |
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obstinate
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| adj.顽固的，倔强的，不易屈服的，较难治愈的 | |
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soften
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| v.(使)变柔软；(使)变柔和 | |
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38
cleaver
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| n.切肉刀 | |
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39
inscribed
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| v.写，刻( inscribe的过去式和过去分词 )；内接 | |
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40
salute
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| vi.行礼，致意，问候，放礼炮；vt.向…致意，迎接，赞扬；n.招呼，敬礼，礼炮 | |
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41
wares
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| n. 货物, 商品 | |
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42
sumptuous
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| adj.豪华的，奢侈的，华丽的 | |
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43
mansion
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| n.大厦，大楼；宅第 | |
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44
defiles
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| v.玷污( defile的第三人称单数 )；污染；弄脏；纵列行进 | |
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45
thereby
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| adv.因此，从而 | |
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46
willow
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| n.柳树 | |
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47
twigs
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| 细枝，嫩枝( twig的名词复数 ) | |
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48
marshes
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| n.沼泽，湿地( marsh的名词复数 ) | |
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49
transparent
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| adj.明显的，无疑的；透明的 | |
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50
jade
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| n.玉石；碧玉；翡翠 | |
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51
virtuous
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| adj.有品德的，善良的，贞洁的，有效力的 | |
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52
gathering
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| n.集会，聚会，聚集 | |
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53
illiterate
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| adj.文盲的；无知的；n.文盲 | |
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54
imperturbably
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| adv.泰然地，镇静地，平静地 | |
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55
bracelets
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| n.手镯，臂镯( bracelet的名词复数 ) | |
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56
scarlet
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| n.深红色，绯红色，红衣；adj.绯红色的 | |
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57
betrothal
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| n. 婚约, 订婚 | |
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58
abhorrence
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| n.憎恶；可憎恶的事 | |
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59
funereal
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| adj.悲哀的；送葬的 | |
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60
cypress
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| n.柏树 | |
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61
aspiring
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| adj.有志气的；有抱负的；高耸的v.渴望；追求 | |
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62
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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63
pouted
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| v.撅（嘴）( pout的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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64
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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65
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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66
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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67
conspicuous
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| adj.明眼的，惹人注目的；炫耀的，摆阔气的 | |
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68
beheld
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| v.看，注视( behold的过去式和过去分词 )；瞧；看呀；（叙述中用于引出某人意外的出现）哎哟 | |
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69
incurring
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| 遭受，招致，引起( incur的现在分词 ) | |
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70
incur
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| vt.招致，蒙受，遭遇 | |
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71
attain
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| vt.达到，获得，完成 | |
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72
deity
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| n.神，神性；被奉若神明的人(或物) | |
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73
itches
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| n.痒( itch的名词复数 )；渴望，热望v.发痒( itch的第三人称单数 ) | |
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74
oysters
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| 牡蛎( oyster的名词复数 ) | |
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75
sublime
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| adj.崇高的，伟大的；极度的，不顾后果的 | |
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76
mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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77
nay
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| adv.不；n.反对票，投反对票者 | |
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78
entrusts
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| v.委托，托付( entrust的第三人称单数 ) | |
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79
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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80
devout
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| adj.虔诚的，虔敬的，衷心的 (n.devoutness) | |
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81
conjecture
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| n./v.推测，猜测 | |
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82
softened
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| （使）变软( soften的过去式和过去分词 )； 缓解打击； 缓和； 安慰 | |
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83
afflicted
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| 使受痛苦，折磨( afflict的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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84
ignoble
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| adj.不光彩的，卑鄙的；可耻的 | |
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85
dread
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| vt.担忧，忧虑；惧怕，不敢；n.担忧，畏惧 | |
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86
duel
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| n./v.决斗；(双方的)斗争 | |
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87
briefly
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| adv.简单地，简短地 | |
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88
dexterity
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| n.(手的)灵巧，灵活 | |
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89
honourable
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| adj.可敬的；荣誉的，光荣的 | |
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90
condescension
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| n.自以为高人一等，贬低(别人) | |
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91
undoubtedly
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| adv.确实地，无疑地 | |
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92
dwelling
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| n.住宅，住所，寓所 | |
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93
thoroughly
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| adv.完全地，彻底地，十足地 | |
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94
multiplication
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| n.增加，增多，倍增；增殖，繁殖；乘法 | |
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95
stipulating
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| v.（尤指在协议或建议中）规定，约定，讲明（条件等）( stipulate的现在分词 )；规定，明确要求 | |
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96
proprietors
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| n.所有人，业主( proprietor的名词复数 ) | |
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97
regain
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| vt.重新获得，收复，恢复 | |
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98
linen
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| n.亚麻布，亚麻线，亚麻制品；adj.亚麻布制的，亚麻的 | |
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99
contented
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| adj.满意的，安心的，知足的 | |
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100
accomplishment
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| n.完成，成就，（pl.）造诣，技能 | |
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101
specimens
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| n.样品( specimen的名词复数 )；范例；（化验的）抽样；某种类型的人 | |
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102
marvels
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| n.奇迹( marvel的名词复数 )；令人惊奇的事物（或事例）；不平凡的成果；成就v.惊奇，对…感到惊奇( marvel的第三人称单数 ) | |
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103
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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104
goggle
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| n.瞪眼，转动眼珠，护目镜；v.瞪眼看，转眼珠 | |
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105
counteract
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| vt.对…起反作用，对抗，抵消 | |
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106
omens
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| n.前兆，预兆( omen的名词复数 ) | |
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107
transacted
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| v.办理（业务等）( transact的过去式和过去分词 )；交易，谈判 | |
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108
dealers
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| n.商人( dealer的名词复数 )；贩毒者；毒品贩子；发牌者 | |
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109
disposition
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| n.性情，性格；意向，倾向；排列，部署 | |
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110
impetus
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| n.推动，促进，刺激；推动力 | |
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111
resolutely
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| adj.坚决地，果断地 | |
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112
cleanse
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| vt.使清洁，使纯洁，清洗 | |
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113
lucrative
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| adj.赚钱的，可获利的 | |
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114
radically
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| ad.根本地，本质地 | |
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115
astonishment
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| n.惊奇，惊异 | |
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116
deficient
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| adj.不足的，不充份的，有缺陷的 | |
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117
goaded
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| v.刺激( goad的过去式和过去分词 )；激励；（用尖棒）驱赶；驱使（或怂恿、刺激）某人 | |
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118
miserable
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| adj.悲惨的，痛苦的；可怜的，糟糕的 | |
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119
shutters
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| 百叶窗( shutter的名词复数 )； （照相机的）快门 | |
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120
benevolent
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| adj.仁慈的，乐善好施的 | |
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121
condemned
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| adj. 被责难的, 被宣告有罪的 动词condemn的过去式和过去分词 | |
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122
demons
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| n.恶人( demon的名词复数 )；恶魔；精力过人的人；邪念 | |
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123
annoyances
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| n.恼怒( annoyance的名词复数 )；烦恼；打扰；使人烦恼的事 | |
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124
blessings
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| n.（上帝的）祝福( blessing的名词复数 )；好事；福分；因祸得福 | |
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125
habitually
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| ad.习惯地，通常地 | |
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126
delectable
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| adj.使人愉快的；美味的 | |
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127
liquidation
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| n.清算，停止营业 | |
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128
creditors
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| n.债权人，债主( creditor的名词复数 ) | |
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129
accomplished
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| adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的 | |
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130
shrines
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| 圣地，圣坛，神圣场所( shrine的名词复数 ) | |
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131
entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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132
superfluous
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| adj.过多的，过剩的，多余的 | |
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133
allot
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| v.分配；拨给；n.部分；小块菜地 | |
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134
affected
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| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
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135
indefatigable
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| adj.不知疲倦的，不屈不挠的 | |
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136
contemptible
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| adj.可鄙的，可轻视的，卑劣的 | |
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137
hurled
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| v.猛投，用力掷( hurl的过去式和过去分词 )；大声叫骂 | |
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138
avenge
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| v.为...复仇，为...报仇 | |
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139
reviled
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| v.辱骂，痛斥( revile的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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140
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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141
remunerative
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| adj.有报酬的 | |
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142
affluence
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| n.充裕，富足 | |
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