certain others who had questioned the practical value of his
stories.
“It is an undoubted fact that this person has not realized the direct remunerative2 advantage which he confidently anticipated,” remarked the idle and discontented pipe-maker3 Wang Yu, as, with a few other persons of similar inclination4, he sat in the shade of the great mulberry tree at Wu-whei, waiting for the evil influence of certain very mysterious sounds, which had lately been heard, to pass away before he resumed his occupation. “When the seemingly proficient5 and trustworthy Kai Lung first made it his practice to journey to Wu-whei, and narrate7 to us the doings of persons of all classes of life,” he continued, “it seemed to this one that by closely following the recital8 of how Mandarins obtained their high position, and exceptionally rich persons their wealth, he must, in the end, inevitably10 be rendered competent to follow in their illustrious footsteps. Yet in how entirely11 contrary a direction has the whole course of events tended! In spite of the honourable12 intention which involved a frequent absence from his place of commerce, those who journeyed thither13 with the set purpose of possessing one of his justly-famed opium14 pipes so perversely15 regarded the matter that, after two or three fruitless visits, they deliberately16 turned their footsteps towards the workshop of the inelegant Ming-yo, whose pipes are confessedly greatly inferior to those produced by the person who is now speaking. Nevertheless, the rapacious18 Kai Lung, to whose influence the falling off in custom was thus directly attributable, persistently19 declined to bear any share whatever in the loss which his profession caused, and, indeed, regarded the circumstance from so grasping and narrow-minded a point of observation that he would not even go to the length of suffering this much-persecuted one to join the circle of his hearers without on every occasion making the customary offering. In this manner a well-intentioned pursuit of riches has insidiously20 led this person within measurable distance of the bolted dungeon21 for those who do not meet their just debts, while the only distinction likely to result from his assiduous study of the customs and methods of those high in power is that of being publicly bowstrung as a warning to others. Manifestedly the pointed22 finger of the unreliable Kai Lung is a very treacherous23 guide.”
“It is related,” said a dispassionate voice behind them, “that a person of limited intelligence, on being assured that he would certainly one day enjoy an adequate competence24 if he closely followed the industrious25 habits of the thrifty26 bee, spent the greater part of his life in anointing his thighs27 with the yellow powder which he laboriously29 collected from the flowers of the field. It is not so recorded; but doubtless the nameless one in question was by profession a maker of opium pipes, for this person has observed from time to time how that occupation, above all others, tends to degrade the mental faculties30, and to debase its followers31 to a lower position than that of the beasts of labour. Learn therefrom, O superficial Wang Yu, that wisdom lies in an intelligent perception of great principles, and not in a slavish imitation of details which are, for the most part, beyond your simple and insufficient32 understanding.”
“Such may, indeed, be the case, Kai Lung,” replied Wang Yu sullenly—for it was the story-teller in question who had approached unperceived, and who now stood before them—“but it is none the less a fact that, on the last occasion when this misguided person joined the attending circle at your uplifted voice, a Mandarin9 of the third degree chanced to pass through Wu-whei, and halted at the door-step of ‘The Fountain of Beauty,’ fully34 intending to entrust35 this one with the designing and fashioning of a pipe of exceptional elaborateness. This matter, by his absence, has now passed from him, and to-day, through listening to the narrative36 of how the accomplished37 Yuin-Pel doubled his fortune, he is the poorer by many taels.”
“Yet to-morrow, when the name of the Mandarin of the third degree appears in the list of persons who have transferred their entire property to those who are nearly related to them in order to avoid it being seized to satisfy the just claims made against them,” replied Kai Lung, “you will be able to regard yourself the richer by so many taels.”
At these words, which recalled to the minds of all who were present the not uncommon38 manner of behaving observed by those of exalted39 rank, who freely engaged persons to supply them with costly41 articles without in any way regarding the price to be paid, Wang Yu was silent.
“Nevertheless,” exclaimed a thin voice from the edge of the group which surrounded Kai Lung, “it in nowise follows that the stories are in themselves excellent, or of such a nature that the hearing of their recital will profit a person. Wang Yu may be satisfied with empty words, but there are others present who were studying deep matters when Wang Yu was learning the art of walking. If Kai Lung’s stories are of such remunerative benefit as the person in question claims, how does it chance that Kai Lung himself who is assuredly the best acquainted with them, stands before us in mean apparel, and on all occasions confessing an unassuming poverty?”
“It is Yan-hi Pung,” went from mouth to mouth among the bystanders—“Yan-hi Pung, who traces on paper the words of chants and historical tales, and sells them to such as can afford to buy. And although his motive42 in exposing the emptiness of Kai Lung’s stories may not be Heaven-sent—inasmuch as Kai Lung provides us with such matter as he himself purveys43, only at a much more moderate price—yet his words are well considered, and must therefore be regarded.”
“O Yan-hi Pung,” replied Kai Lung, hearing the name from those who stood about him, and moving towards the aged40 person, who stood meanwhile leaning upon his staff, and looking from side to side with quickly moving eyelids44 in a manner very offensive towards the story-teller, “your just remark shows you to be a person of exceptional wisdom, even as your well-bowed legs prove you to be one of great bodily strength; for justice is ever obvious and wisdom hidden, and they who build structures for endurance discard the straight and upright and insist upon such an arch as you so symmetrically exemplify.”
Speaking in this conciliatory manner, Kai Lung came up to Yan-hi Pung, and taking between his fingers a disc of thick polished crystal, which the aged and short-sighted chant-writer used for the purpose of magnifying and bringing nearer the letters upon which he was engaged, and which hung around his neck by an embroidered46 cord, the story-teller held it aloft, crying aloud:
“Observe closely, and presently it will be revealed and made clear how the apparently47 very conflicting words of the wise Yan-hi Pung, and those of this unassuming but nevertheless conscientious48 person who is now addressing you, are, in reality, as one great truth.”
With this assurance Kai Lung moved the crystal somewhat, so that it engaged the sun’s rays, and concentrated them upon the uncovered crown of the unsuspecting and still objectionably-engaged person before him. Without a moment’s pause, Yan-hi Pung leapt high into the air, repeatedly pressing his hand to the spot thus selected and crying aloud:
“Evil dragons and thunderbolts! but the touch was as hot as a scar left by the uncut nail of the sublime50 Buddha51!”
“Yet the crystal—” remarked Kai Lung composedly, passing it into the hands of those who stood near.
“Is as cool as the innermost leaves of the riverside sycamore,” they declared.
Kai Lung said nothing further, but raised both his hands above his head, as if demanding their judgment52. Thereupon a loud shout went up on his behalf, for the greater part of them loved to see the manner in which he brushed aside those who would oppose him; and the sight of the aged person Yan-hi Pung leaping far into the air had caused them to become exceptionally amused, and, in consequence, very amiably53 disposed towards the one who had afforded them the entertainment.
“The story of Sen Heng,” began Kai Lung, when the discussion had terminated in the manner already recorded, “concerns itself with one who possessed54 an unsuspecting and ingenious nature, which ill-fitted him to take an ordinary part in the everyday affairs of life, no matter how engaging such a character rendered him among his friends and relations. Having at an early age been entrusted55 with a burden of rice and other produce from his father’s fields to dispose of in the best possible manner at a neighbouring mart, and having completed the transaction in a manner extremely advantageous56 to those with whom he trafficked but very intolerable to the one who had sent him, it at once became apparent that some other means of gaining a livelihood57 must be discovered for him.
“‘Beyond all doubt,’ said his father, after considering the matter for a period, ‘it is a case in which one should be governed by the wise advice and example of the Mandarin Poo-chow.’
“‘Illustrious sire,’ exclaimed Sen Heng, who chanced to be present, ‘the illiterate58 person who stands before you is entirely unacquainted with the one to whom you have referred; nevertheless, he will, as you suggest, at once set forth59, and journeying with all speed to the abode60 of the estimable Poo-chow, solicit61 his experience and advice.’
“‘Unless a more serious loss should be occasioned,’ replied the father coldly, ‘there is no necessity to adopt so extreme a course. The benevolent62 Mandarin in question existed at a remote period of the Thang dynasty, and the incident to which an allusion63 has been made arose in the following way: To the public court of the enlightened Poo-chow there came one day a youth of very inferior appearance and hesitating manner, who besought64 his explicit65 advice, saying: “The degraded and unprepossessing being before you, O select and venerable Mandarin, is by nature and attainments66 a person of the utmost timidity and fearfulness. From this cause life itself has become a detestable observance in his eyes, for those who should be his companions of both sexes hold him in undisguised contempt, making various unendurable allusions68 to the colour and nature of his internal organs whenever he would endeavour to join them. Instruct him, therefore, the manner in which this cowardice69 may be removed, and no service in return will be esteemed70 too great.” “There is a remedy,” replied the benevolent Mandarin, without any hesitation72 whatever, “which if properly carried out is efficacious beyond the possibility of failure. Certain component73 parts of your body are lacking, and before the desired result can be obtained these must be supplied from without. Of all courageous74 things the tiger is the most fearless, and in consequence it combines all those ingredients which you require; furthermore, as the teeth of the tiger are the instruments with which it accomplishes its vengeful purpose, there reside the essential principles of its inimitable courage. Let the person who seeks instruction in the matter, therefore, do as follows: taking the teeth of a full-grown tiger as soon as it is slain75, and before the essences have time to return into the body, he shall grind them to a powder, and mixing the powder with a portion of rice, consume it. After seven days he must repeat the observance, and yet again a third time, after another similar lapse76. Let him, then, return for further guidance; for the present the matter interests this person no further.” At these words the youth departed, filled with a new and inspired hope; for the wisdom of the sagacious Poo-chow was a matter which did not admit of any doubt whatever, and he had spoken with well-defined certainty of the success of the experiment. Nevertheless, after several days industriously77 spent in endeavouring to obtain by purchase the teeth of a newly-slain tiger, the details of the undertaking78 began to assume a new and entirely unforeseen aspect; for those whom he approached as being the most likely to possess what he required either became very immoderately and disagreeably amused at the nature of the request, or regarded it as a new and ill-judged form of ridicule79, which they prepared to avenge80 by blows and by base remarks of the most personal variety. At length it became unavoidably obvious to the youth that if he was to obtain the articles in question it would first be necessary that he should become adept81 in the art of slaying82 tigers, for in no other way were the required conditions likely to be present. Although the prospect83 was one which did not greatly tend to allure84 him, yet he did not regard it with the utterly85 incapable86 emotions which would have been present on an earlier occasion; for the habit of continually guarding himself from the onslaughts of those who received his inquiry87 in an attitude of narrow-minded distrust had inspired him with a new-found valour, while his amiable88 and unrestrained manner of life increased his bodily vigour89 in every degree. First perfecting himself in the use of the bow and arrow, therefore, he betook himself to a wild and very extensive forest, and there concealed90 himself among the upper foliage91 of a tall tree standing33 by the side of a pool of water. On the second night of his watch, the youth perceived a large but somewhat ill-conditioned tiger approaching the pool for the purpose of quenching92 its thirst, whereupon he tremblingly fitted an arrow to his bowstring, and profiting by the instruction he had received, succeeded in piercing the creature to the heart. After fulfilling the observance laid upon him by the discriminating93 Poo-chow, the youth determined94 to remain in the forest, and sustain himself upon such food as fell to his weapons, until the time arrived when he should carry out the rite45 for the last time. At the end of seven days, so subtle had he become in all kinds of hunting, and so strengthened by the meat and herbs upon which he existed, that he disdained95 to avail himself of the shelter of a tree, but standing openly by the side of the water, he engaged the attention of the first tiger which came to drink, and discharged arrow after arrow into its body with unfailing power and precision. So entrancing, indeed, had the pursuit become that the next seven days lengthened96 out into the apparent period of as many moons, in such a leisurely97 manner did they rise and fall. On the appointed day, without waiting for the evening to arrive, the youth set out with the first appearance of light, and penetrated98 into the most inaccessible99 jungles, crying aloud words of taunt-laden100 challenge to all the beasts therein, and accusing the ancestors of their race of every imaginable variety of evil behaviour. Yet so great had become the renown101 of the one who stood forth, and so widely had the warning voice been passed from tree to tree, preparing all who dwelt in the forest against his anger, that not even the fiercest replied openly, though low growls102 and mutterings proceeded from every cave within a bow-shot’s distance around. Wearying quickly of such feeble and timorous103 demonstrations105, the youth rushed into the cave from which the loudest murmurs106 proceeded, and there discovered a tiger of unnatural107 size, surrounded by the bones of innumerable ones whom it had devoured108; for from time to time its ravages109 became so great and unbearable110, that armies were raised in the neighbouring villages and sent to destroy it, but more than a few stragglers never returned. Plainly recognizing that a just and inevitable111 vengeance112 had overtaken it, the tiger made only a very inferior exhibition of resistance, and the youth, having first stunned113 it with a blow of his closed hand, seized it by the middle, and repeatedly dashed its head against the rocky sides of its retreat. He then performed for the third time the ceremony enjoined114 by the Mandarin, and having cast upon the cringing115 and despicable forms concealed in the surrounding woods and caves a look of dignified116 and ineffable117 contempt, set out upon his homeward journey, and in the space of three days’ time reached the town of the versatile119 Poo-chow. “Behold,” exclaimed that person, when, lifting up his eyes, he saw the youth approaching laden with the skins of the tigers and other spoils, “now at least the youths and maidens120 of your native village will no longer withdraw themselves from the company of so undoubtedly121 heroic a person.” “Illustrious Mandarin,” replied the other, casting both his weapons and his trophies122 before his inspired adviser’s feet, “what has this person to do with the little ones of either sex? Give him rather the foremost place in your ever-victorious company of bowmen, so that he may repay in part the undoubted debt under which he henceforth exists.” This proposal found favour with the pure-minded Poo-chow, so that in course of time the unassuming youth who had come supplicating123 his advice became the valiant124 commander of his army, and the one eventually chosen to present plighting125 gifts to his only daughter.’
“When the father had completed the narrative of how the faint-hearted youth became in the end a courageous and resourceful leader of bowmen, Sen looked up, and not in any degree understanding the purpose of the story, or why it had been set forth before him, exclaimed:
“‘Undoubtedly the counsel of the graceful126 and intelligent Mandarin Poo-chow was of inestimable service in the case recorded, and this person would gladly adopt it as his guide for the future, on the chance of it leading to a similar honourable career; but alas127! there are no tigers to be found throughout this Province.’
“‘It is a loss which those who are engaged in commerce in the city of Hankow strive to supply adequately,’ replied his father, who had an assured feeling that it would be of no avail to endeavour to show Sen that the story which he had just related was one setting forth a definite precept128 rather than fixing an exact manner of behaviour. ‘For that reason,’ he continued, ‘this person has concluded an arrangement by which you will journey to that place, and there enter into the house of commerce of an expert and conscientious vendor129 of moving contrivances. Among so rapacious and keen-witted a class of persons as they of Hankow, it is exceedingly unlikely that your amiable disposition130 will involve any individual one in an unavoidably serious loss, and even should such an unforeseen event come to pass, there will, at least, be the undeniable satisfaction of the thought that the unfortunate occurrence will in no way affect the prosperity of those to whom you are bound by the natural ties of affection.’
“‘Benevolent and virtuous-minded father,’ replied Sen gently, but speaking with an inspired conviction; ‘from his earliest infancy131 this unassuming one has been instructed in an inviolable regard for the Five General Principles of Fidelity132 to the Emperor, Respect for Parents, Harmony between Husband and Wife, Agreement among Brothers, and Constancy in Friendship. It will be entirely unnecessary to inform so pious-minded a person as the one now being addressed that no evil can attend the footsteps of an individual who courteously134 observes these enactments135.’
“‘Without doubt it is so arranged by the protecting Deities,’ replied the father; ‘yet it is an exceedingly desirable thing for those who are responsible in the matter that the footsteps to which reference has been made should not linger in the neighbourhood of the village, but should, with all possible speed, turn in the direction of Hankow.’
“In this manner it came to pass that Sen Heng set forth on the following day, and coming without delay to the great and powerful city of Hankow, sought out the house of commerce known as ‘The Pure Gilt136 Dragon of Exceptional Symmetry,’ where the versatile King-y-Yang engaged in the entrancing occupation of contriving137 moving figures, and other devices of an ingenious and mirth-provoking character, which he entrusted into the hands of numerous persons to sell throughout the Province. From this cause, although enjoying a very agreeable recompense from the sale of the objects, the greatly perturbed138 King-y-Yang suffered continual internal misgivings139; for the habit of behaving of those whom he appointed to go forth in the manner described was such that he could not entirely dismiss from his mind an assured conviction that the details were not invariably as they were represented to be. Frequently would one return in a very deficient140 and unpresentable condition of garment, asserting that on his return, while passing through a lonely and unprotected district, he had been assailed141 by an armed band of robbers, and despoiled142 of all he possessed. Another would claim to have been made the sport of evil spirits, who led him astray by means of false signs in the forest, and finally destroyed his entire burden of commodities, accompanying the unworthy act by loud cries of triumph and remarks of an insulting nature concerning King-y-Yang; for the honourable character and charitable actions of the person in question had made him very objectionable to that class of beings. Others continually accounted for the absence of the required number of taels by declaring that at a certain point of their journey they were made the object of marks of amiable condescension143 on the part of a high and dignified public official, who, on learning in whose service they were, immediately professed145 an intimate personal friendship with the estimable King-y-Yang, and, out of a feeling of gratified respect for him, took away all such contrivances as remained undisposed of, promising146 to arrange the payment with the refined King-y-Yang himself when they should next meet. For these reasons King-y-Yang was especially desirous of obtaining one whose spoken word could be received, upon all points, as an assured fact, and it was, therefore, with an emotion of internal lightness that he confidently heard from those who were acquainted with the person that Sen Heng was, by nature and endowments, utterly incapable of representing matters of even the most insignificant148 degree to be otherwise than what they really were.
Filled with an acute anxiety to discover what amount of success would be accorded to his latest contrivance, King-y-Yang led Sen Heng to a secluded149 chamber150, and there instructed him in the method of selling certain apparently very ingeniously constructed ducks, which would have the appearance of swimming about on the surface of an open vessel151 of water, at the same time uttering loud and ever-increasing cries, after the manner of their kind. With ill-restrained admiration152 at the skilful153 nature of the deception154, King-y-Yang pointed out that the ducks which were to be disposed of, and upon which a seemingly very low price was fixed155, did not, in reality, possess any of these accomplishments157, but would, on the contrary, if placed in water, at once sink to the bottom in a most incapable manner; it being part of Sen’s duty to exhibit only a specially147 prepared creature which was restrained upon the surface by means of hidden cords, and, while bending over it, to simulate the cries as agreed upon. After satisfying himself that Sen could perform these movements competently, King-y-Yang sent him forth, particularly charging him that he should not return without a sum of money which fully represented the entire number of ducks entrusted to him, or an adequate number of unsold ducks to compensate158 for the deficiency.
“At the end of seven days Sen returned to King-y-Yang, and although entirely without money, even to the extent of being unable to provide himself with the merest necessities of a frugal159 existence, he honourably160 returned the full number of ducks with which he had set out. It then became evident that although Sen had diligently161 perfected himself in the sounds and movements which King-y-Yang had contrived162, he had not fully understood that they were to be executed stealthily, but had, in consequence, manifested the accomplishment156 openly, not unreasonably163 supposing that such an exhibition would be an additional inducement to those who appeared to be well-disposed towards the purchase. From this cause it came about that although large crowds were attracted by Sen’s manner of conducting the enterprise, none actually engaged to purchase even the least expensively-valued of the ducks, although several publicly complimented Sen on his exceptional proficiency164, and repeatedly urged him to louder and more frequent cries, suggesting that by such means possible buyers might be attracted to the spot from remote and inaccessible villages in the neighbourhood.
“When King-y-Yang learned how the venture had been carried out, he became most intolerably self-opinionated in his expressions towards Sen’s mental attainments and the manner of his bringing up. It was entirely in vain that the one referred to pointed out in a tone of persuasive165 and courteous133 restraint that he had not, down to the most minute particulars, transgressed166 either the general or the specific obligations of the Five General Principles, and that, therefore, he was blameless, and even worthy6 of commendation for the manner in which he had acted. With an inelegant absence of all refined feeling, King-y-Yang most incapably167 declined to discuss the various aspects of the controversy168 in an amiable manner, asserting, indeed, that for the consideration of as many brass169 cash as Sen had mentioned principles he would cause him to be thrown into prison as a person of unnatural ineptitude170. Then, without rewarding Sen for the time spent in his service, or even inviting171 him to partake of food and wine, the insufferable deviser of very indifferent animated172 contrivances again sent him out, this time into the streets of Hankow with a number of delicately inlaid boxes, remarking in a tone of voice which plainly indicated an exactly contrary desire that he would be filled with an overwhelming satisfaction if Sen could discover any excuse for returning a second time without disposing of anything. This remark Sen’s ingenuous173 nature led him to regard as a definite fact, so that when a passer-by, who tarried to examine the boxes chanced to remark that the colours might have been arranged to greater advantage, in which case he would certainly have purchased at least one of the articles, Sen hastened back, although in a distant part of the city, to inform King-y-Yang of the suggestion, adding that he himself had been favourably174 impressed with the improvement which could be effected by such an alteration175.
“The nature of King-y-Yang’s emotion when Sen again presented himself before him—and when by repeatedly applied176 tests on various parts of his body he understood that he was neither the victim of malicious177 demons104, nor wandering in an insensible condition in the Middle Air, but that the cause of the return was such as had been plainly stated—was of so mixed and benumbing a variety, that for a considerable space of time he was quite unable to express himself in any way, either by words or by signs. By the time these attributes returned there had formed itself within King-y-Yang’s mind a design of most contemptible178 malignity179, which seemed to present to his enfeebled intellect a scheme by which Sen would be adequately punished, and finally disposed of, without causing him any further trouble in the matter. For this purpose he concealed the real condition of his sentiments towards Sen, and warmly expressed himself in terms of delicate flattery regarding that one’s sumptuous180 and unfailing taste in the matter of the blending of the colours. Without doubt, he continued, such an alteration as the one proposed would greatly increase the attractiveness of the inlaid boxes, and the matter should be engaged upon without delay. In the meantime, however, not to waste the immediate144 services of so discriminating and persevering181 a servant, he would entrust Sen with a mission of exceptional importance, which would certainly tend greatly to his remunerative benefit. In the district of Yun, in the north-western part of the Province, said the crafty182 and treacherous King-y-Yang, a particular kind of insect was greatly esteemed on account of the beneficent influence which it exercised over the rice plants, causing them to mature earlier, and to attain67 a greater size than ever happened in its absence. In recent years this creature had rarely been seen in the neighbourhood of Yun, and, in consequence, the earth-tillers throughout that country had been brought into a most disconcerting state of poverty, and would, inevitably, be prepared to exchange whatever they still possessed for even a few of the insects, in order that they might liberate17 them to increase, and so entirely reverse the objectionable state of things. Speaking in this manner, King-y-Yang entrusted to Sen a carefully prepared box containing a score of the insects, obtained at a great cost from a country beyond the Bitter Water, and after giving him further directions concerning the journey, and enjoining183 the utmost secrecy184 about the valuable contents of the box, he sent him forth.
“The discreet185 and sagacious will already have understood the nature of King-y-Yang’s intolerable artifice186; but, for the benefit of the amiable and unsuspecting, it is necessary to make it clear that the words which he had spoken bore no sort of resemblance to affairs as they really existed. The district around Yun was indeed involved in a most unprepossessing destitution187, but this had been caused, not by the absence of any rare and auspicious188 insect, but by the presence of vast hordes189 of locusts190, which had overwhelmed and devoured the entire face the country. It so chanced that among the recently constructed devices at ‘The Pure Gilt Dragon of Exceptional Symmetry’ were a number of elegant representations of rice fields and fruit gardens so skilfully191 fashioned that they deceived even the creatures, and attracted, among other living things, all the locusts in Hankow into that place of commerce. It was a number of these insects that King-y-Yang vindictively192 placed in the box which he instructed Sen to carry to Yun, well knowing that the reception which would be accorded to anyone who appeared there on such a mission would be of so fatally destructive a kind that the consideration of his return need not engage a single conjecture193.
“Entirely tranquil194 in intellect—for the possibility of King-y-Yang’s intention being in any way other than what he had represented it to be did not arise within Sen’s ingenuous mind—the person in question cheerfully set forth on his long but unavoidable march towards the region of Yun. As he journeyed along the way, the nature of his meditation195 brought up before him the events which had taken place since his arrival at Hankow; and, for the first time, it was brought within his understanding that the story of the youth and the three tigers, which his father had related to him, was in the likeness196 of a proverb, by which counsel and warning is conveyed in a graceful and inoffensive manner. Readily applying the fable118 to his own condition, he could not doubt but that the first two animals to be overthrown197 were represented by the two undertakings198 which he had already conscientiously199 performed in the matter of the mechanical ducks and the inlaid boxes, and the conviction that he was even then engaged on the third and last trial filled him with an intelligent gladness so unobtrusive and refined that he could express his entrancing emotions in no other way that by lifting up his voice and uttering the far-reaching cries which he had used on the first of the occasions just referred to.
“In this manner the first part of the journey passed away with engaging celerity. Anxious as Sen undoubtedly was to complete the third task, and approach the details which, in his own case, would correspond with the command of the bowmen and the marriage with the Mandarin’s daughter of the person in the story, the noontide heat compelled him to rest in the shade by the wayside for a lengthy200 period each day. During one of these pauses it occurred to his versatile mind that the time which was otherwise uselessly expended201 might be well disposed of in endeavouring to increase the value and condition of the creatures under his care by instructing them in the performance of some simple accomplishments, such as might not be too laborious28 for their feeble and immature202 understanding. In this he was more successful than he had imagined could possibly be the case, for the discriminating insects, from the first, had every appearance of recognizing that Sen was inspired by a sincere regard for their ultimate benefit, and was not merely using them for his own advancement203. So assiduously did they devote themselves to their allotted204 tasks, that in a very short space of time there was no detail in connexion with their own simple domestic arrangements that was not understood and daily carried out by an appointed band. Entranced at this intelligent manner of conducting themselves, Sen industriously applied his time to the more congenial task of instructing them in the refined arts, and presently he had the enchanting205 satisfaction of witnessing a number of the most cultivated faultlessly and unhesitatingly perform a portion of the well-known gravity-removing play entitled “The Benevolent Omen49 of White Dragon Tea Garden; or, Three Times a Mandarin.” Not even content with this elevating display, Sen ingeniously contrived, from various objects which he discovered at different points by the wayside, an effective and life-like representation of a war-junk, for which he trained a crew, who, at an agreed signal, would take up their appointed places and go through the required movements, both of sailing, and of discharging the guns, in a reliable and efficient manner.
“As Sen was one day educating the least competent of the insects in the simpler parts of banner-carriers, gong-beaters, and the like, to their more graceful and versatile companions, he lifted up his eyes and beheld206, standing by his side, a person of very elaborately embroidered apparel and commanding personality, who had all the appearance of one who had been observing his movements for some space of time. Calling up within his remembrance the warning which he had received from King-y-Yang, Sen was preparing to restore the creatures to their closed box, when the stranger, in a loud and dignified voice, commanded him to refrain, adding:
“‘There is, resting at a spot within the immediate neighbourhood, a person of illustrious name and ancestry207, who would doubtless be gratified to witness the diverting actions of which this one has recently been a spectator. As the reward of a tael cannot be unwelcome to a person of your inferior appearance and unpresentable garments, take up your box without delay, and follow the one who is now before you.’
“With these words the richly-clad stranger led the way through a narrow woodland path, closely followed by Sen, to whom the attraction of the promised reward—a larger sum, indeed, than he had ever possessed—was sufficiently208 alluring209 to make him determined that the other should not, for the briefest possible moment, pass beyond his sight.
“Not to withhold210 that which Sen was entirely ignorant of until a later period, it is now revealed that the person in question was the official Provider of Diversions and Pleasurable Occupations to the sacred and illimitable Emperor, who was then engaged in making an unusually extensive march through the eight Provinces surrounding his Capital—for the acute and well-educated will not need to be reminded that Nanking occupied that position at the time now engaged with. Until his providential discovery of Sen, the distinguished211 Provider had been immersed in a most unenviable condition of despair, for his enlightened but exceedingly perverse-minded master had, of late, declined to be in any way amused, or even interested, by the simple and unpretentious entertainment which could be obtained in so inaccessible a region. The well-intentioned efforts of the followers of the Court, who engagingly endeavoured to divert the Imperial mind by performing certain feats212 which they remembered to have witnessed on previous occasions, but which, until the necessity arose, they had never essayed, were entirely without result of a beneficial order. Even the accomplished Provider’s one attainment—that of striking together both the hands and the feet thrice simultaneously213, while leaping into the air, and at the same time producing a sound not unlike that emitted by a large and vigorous bee when held captive in the fold of a robe, an action which never failed to throw the illustrious Emperor into a most uncontrollable state of amusement when performed within the Imperial Palace—now only drew from him the unsympathetic, if not actually offensive, remark that the attitude and the noise bore a marked resemblance to those produced by a person when being bowstrung, adding, with unprepossessing significance, that of the two entertainments he had an unevadable conviction that the bowstringing would be the more acceptable and gravity-removing.
“When Sen beheld the size and the silk-hung magnificence of the camp into which his guide led him, he was filled with astonishment214, and at the same time recognized that he had acted in an injudicious and hasty manner by so readily accepting the offer of a tael; whereas, if he had been in possession of the true facts of the case, as they now appeared, he would certainly have endeavoured to obtain double that amount before consenting. As he was hesitating within himself whether the matter might not even yet be arranged in a more advantageous manner, he was suddenly led forward into the most striking and ornamental215 of the tents, and commanded to engage the attention of the one in whose presence he found himself, without delay.
“From the first moment when the inimitable creatures began, at Sen’s spoken word, to go through the ordinary details of their domestic affairs, there was no sort of doubt as to the nature of the success with which their well-trained exertions216 would be received. The dark shadows instantly forsook217 the enraptured218 Emperor’s select brow, and from time to time he expressed himself in words of most unrestrained and intimate encouragement. So exuberant219 became the overjoyed Provider’s emotion at having at length succeeded in obtaining the services of one who was able to recall his Imperial master’s unclouded countenance220, that he came forward in a most unpresentable state of haste, and rose into the air uncommanded, for the display of his usually not unwelcome acquirement. This he would doubtless have executed competently had not Sen, who stood immediately behind him, suddenly and unexpectedly raised his voice in a very vigorous and proficient duck cry, thereby221 causing the one before him to endeavour to turn around in alarm, while yet in the air—an intermingled state of movements of both the body and the mind that caused him to abandon his original intention in a manner which removed the gravity of the Emperor to an even more pronounced degree than had been effected by the diverting attitudes of the insects.
“When the gratified Emperor had beheld every portion of the tasks which Sen had instilled222 into the minds of the insects, down even to the minutest detail, he called the well-satisfied Provider before him, and addressing him in a voice which might be designed to betray either sternness or an amiable indulgence, said:
“‘You, O Shan-se, are reported to be a person of no particular intellect or discernment, and, for this reason, these ones who are speaking have a desire to know how the matter will present itself in your eyes. Which is it the more commendable223 and honourable for a person to train to a condition of unfailing excellence224, human beings of confessed intelligence or insects of a low and degraded standard?’
“To this remark the discriminating Shan-se made no reply, being, indeed, undecided in his mind whether such a course was expected of him. On several previous occasions the somewhat introspective Emperor had addressed himself to persons in what they judged to be the form of a question, as one might say, ‘How blue is the unapproachable air canopy225, and how delicately imagined the colour of the clouds!’ yet when they had expressed their deliberate opinion on the subjects referred to, stating the exact degree of blueness, and the like, the nature of their reception ever afterwards was such that, for the future, persons endeavoured to determine exactly the intention of the Emperor’s mind before declaring themselves in words. Being exceedingly doubtful on this occasion, therefore, the very cautious Shan-se adopted the more prudent226 and uncompromising attitude, and smiling acquiescently, he raised both his hands with a self-deprecatory movement.
“‘Alas!’ exclaimed the Emperor, in a tone which plainly indicated that the evasive Shan-se had adopted a course which did not commend itself, ‘how unendurable a condition of affairs is it for a person of acute mental perception to be annoyed by the inopportune behaviour of one who is only fit to mix on terms of equality with beggars, and low-caste street cleaners—’
“‘Such a condition of affairs is indeed most offensively unbearable, illustrious Being,’ remarked Shan-se, who clearly perceived that his former silence had not been productive of a delicate state of feeling towards himself.
“‘It has frequently been said,’ continued the courteous and pure-minded Emperor, only signifying his refined displeasure at Shan-se’s really ill-considered observation by so arranging his position that the person in question on longer enjoyed the sublime distinction of gazing upon his benevolent face, ‘that titles and offices have been accorded, from time to time, without any regard for the fitting qualifications of those to whom they were presented. The truth that such a state of things does occasionally exist has been brought before our eyes during the past few days by the abandoned and inefficient227 behaviour of one who will henceforth be a marked official; yet it has always been our endeavour to reward expert and unassuming merit, whenever it is discovered. As we were setting forth, when we were interrupted in a most obstinate228 and superfluous229 manner, the one who can guide and cultivate the minds of unthinking, and not infrequently obstinate and rapacious, insects would certainly enjoy an even greater measure of success if entrusted with the discriminating intellects of human beings. For this reason it appears that no more fitting person could be found to occupy the important and well-rewarded position of Chief Arranger of the Competitive Examinations than the one before us—provided his opinions and manner of expressing himself are such as commend themselves to us. To satisfy us on this point let Sen Heng now stand forth and declare his beliefs.’
“On this invitation Sen advanced the requisite230 number of paces, and not in any degree understanding what was required of him, determined that the occasion was one when he might fittingly declare the Five General Principles which were ever present in his mind. ‘Unquestioning Fidelity to the Sacred Emperor—’ he began, when the person in question signified that the trial was over.
“‘After so competent and inspired an expression as that which has just been uttered, which, if rightly considered, includes all lesser231 things, it is unnecessary to say more,’ he declared affably. ‘The appointment which has already been specified232 is now declared to be legally conferred. The evening will be devoted233 to a repetition of the entrancing manoeuvres performed by the insects, to be followed by a feast and music in honour of the recognized worth and position of the accomplished Sen Heng. There is really no necessity for the apparently over-fatigued Shan-se to attend the festival.’
“In such a manner was the foundation of Sen’s ultimate prosperity established, by which he came in the process of time to occupy a very high place in public esteem71. Yet, being a person of honourably-minded conscientiousness234, he did not hesitate, when questioned by those who made pilgrimages to him for the purpose of learning by what means he had risen to so remunerative a position, to ascribe his success, not entirely to his own intelligent perception of persons and events, but, in part, also to a never-failing regard for the dictates235 of the Five General Principles, and a discriminating subservience236 to the inspired wisdom of the venerable Poo-chow, as conveyed to him in the story of the faint-hearted youth and the three tigers. This story Sen furthermore caused to be inscribed237 in letters of gold, and displayed in a prominent position in his native village, where it has since doubtless been the means of instructing and advancing countless238 observant ones who have not been too insufferable to be guided by the experience of those who have gone before.”
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1
rebuke
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| v.指责，非难，斥责 [反]praise | |
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2
remunerative
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| adj.有报酬的 | |
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3
maker
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| n.制造者，制造商 | |
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4
inclination
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| n.倾斜；点头；弯腰；斜坡；倾度；倾向；爱好 | |
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5
proficient
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| adj.熟练的，精通的；n.能手，专家 | |
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6
worthy
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| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
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7
narrate
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| v.讲，叙述 | |
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8
recital
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| n.朗诵，独奏会，独唱会 | |
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Mandarin
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| n.中国官话，国语，满清官吏；adj.华丽辞藻的 | |
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10
inevitably
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| adv.不可避免地；必然发生地 | |
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11
entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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12
honourable
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| adj.可敬的；荣誉的，光荣的 | |
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13
thither
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| adv.向那里；adj.在那边的，对岸的 | |
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14
opium
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| n.鸦片；adj.鸦片的 | |
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15
perversely
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| adv. 倔强地 | |
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16
deliberately
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| adv.审慎地；蓄意地；故意地 | |
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17
liberate
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| v.解放，使获得自由，释出，放出；vt.解放，使获自由 | |
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18
rapacious
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| adj.贪婪的，强夺的 | |
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19
persistently
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| ad.坚持地；固执地 | |
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20
insidiously
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| 潜在地，隐伏地，阴险地 | |
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21
dungeon
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| n.地牢，土牢 | |
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22
pointed
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| adj.尖的，直截了当的 | |
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23
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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24
competence
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| n.能力，胜任，称职 | |
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industrious
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| adj.勤劳的，刻苦的，奋发的 | |
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thrifty
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| adj.节俭的；兴旺的；健壮的 | |
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27
thighs
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| n.股，大腿( thigh的名词复数 )；食用的鸡（等的）腿 | |
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28
laborious
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| adj.吃力的，努力的，不流畅 | |
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29
laboriously
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| adv.艰苦地；费力地；辛勤地；（文体等）佶屈聱牙地 | |
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30
faculties
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| n.能力( faculty的名词复数 )；全体教职员；技巧；院 | |
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31
followers
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| 追随者( follower的名词复数 )； 用户； 契据的附面； 从动件 | |
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32
insufficient
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| adj.(for，of)不足的，不够的 | |
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33
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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34
fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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35
entrust
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| v.信赖，信托，交托 | |
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narrative
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| n.叙述，故事；adj.叙事的，故事体的 | |
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37
accomplished
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| adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的 | |
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38
uncommon
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| adj.罕见的，非凡的，不平常的 | |
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39
exalted
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| adj.(地位等)高的，崇高的；尊贵的，高尚的 | |
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aged
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| adj.年老的，陈年的 | |
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41
costly
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| adj.昂贵的，价值高的，豪华的 | |
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42
motive
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| n.动机，目的；adv.发动的，运动的 | |
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43
purveys
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| v.提供，供应( purvey的第三人称单数 ) | |
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44
eyelids
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| n.眼睑( eyelid的名词复数 )；眼睛也不眨一下；不露声色；面不改色 | |
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45
rite
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| n.典礼，惯例，习俗 | |
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46
embroidered
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| adj．绣花的 | |
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47
apparently
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| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
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48
conscientious
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| adj.审慎正直的，认真的，本着良心的 | |
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49
omen
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| n.征兆，预兆；vt.预示 | |
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50
sublime
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| adj.崇高的，伟大的；极度的，不顾后果的 | |
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51
Buddha
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| n.佛；佛像；佛陀 | |
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52
judgment
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| n.审判；判断力，识别力，看法，意见 | |
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53
amiably
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| adv.和蔼可亲地，亲切地 | |
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54
possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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55
entrusted
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| v.委托，托付( entrust的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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56
advantageous
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| adj.有利的；有帮助的 | |
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57
livelihood
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| n.生计，谋生之道 | |
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58
illiterate
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| adj.文盲的；无知的；n.文盲 | |
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59
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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60
abode
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| n.住处，住所 | |
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61
solicit
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| vi.勾引；乞求；vt.请求，乞求；招揽(生意) | |
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62
benevolent
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| adj.仁慈的，乐善好施的 | |
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63
allusion
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| n.暗示，间接提示 | |
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64
besought
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| v.恳求，乞求（某事物）( beseech的过去式和过去分词 )；(beseech的过去式与过去分词) | |
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65
explicit
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| adj.详述的，明确的；坦率的；显然的 | |
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66
attainments
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| 成就，造诣； 获得( attainment的名词复数 )； 达到； 造诣； 成就 | |
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67
attain
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| vt.达到，获得，完成 | |
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allusions
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| 暗指，间接提到( allusion的名词复数 ) | |
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69
cowardice
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| n.胆小，怯懦 | |
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70
esteemed
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| adj.受人尊敬的v.尊敬( esteem的过去式和过去分词 )；敬重；认为；以为 | |
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71
esteem
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| n.尊敬，尊重；vt.尊重，敬重；把…看作 | |
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72
hesitation
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| n.犹豫，踌躇 | |
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73
component
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| n.组成部分，成分，元件；adj.组成的，合成的 | |
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74
courageous
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| adj.勇敢的，有胆量的 | |
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75
slain
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| 杀死，宰杀，杀戮( slay的过去分词 )； (slay的过去分词) | |
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76
lapse
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| n.过失，流逝，失效，抛弃信仰，间隔；vi.堕落，停止，失效，流逝；vt.使失效 | |
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77
industriously
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78
undertaking
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| n.保证，许诺，事业 | |
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79
ridicule
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| v.讥讽，挖苦；n.嘲弄 | |
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80
avenge
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| v.为...复仇，为...报仇 | |
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81
adept
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| adj.老练的，精通的 | |
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82
slaying
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| 杀戮。 | |
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83
prospect
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| n.前景，前途；景色，视野 | |
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84
allure
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| n.诱惑力，魅力；vt.诱惑，引诱，吸引 | |
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85
utterly
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| adv.完全地，绝对地 | |
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86
incapable
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| adj.无能力的，不能做某事的 | |
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87
inquiry
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| n.打听，询问，调查，查问 | |
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88
amiable
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| adj.和蔼可亲的，友善的，亲切的 | |
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vigour
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| （=vigor）n.智力，体力，精力 | |
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90
concealed
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| a.隐藏的，隐蔽的 | |
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91
foliage
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| n.叶子，树叶，簇叶 | |
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92
quenching
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| 淬火，熄 | |
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discriminating
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| a.有辨别能力的 | |
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determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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disdained
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| 鄙视( disdain的过去式和过去分词 )； 不屑于做，不愿意做 | |
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lengthened
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| （时间或空间）延长，伸长( lengthen的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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leisurely
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| adj.悠闲的；从容的，慢慢的 | |
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98
penetrated
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| adj. 击穿的，鞭辟入里的 动词penetrate的过去式和过去分词形式 | |
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99
inaccessible
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| adj.达不到的，难接近的 | |
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100
laden
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| adj.装满了的；充满了的；负了重担的；苦恼的 | |
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101
renown
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| n.声誉，名望 | |
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102
growls
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| v.（动物）发狺狺声， （雷）作隆隆声( growl的第三人称单数 )；低声咆哮着说 | |
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103
timorous
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| adj.胆怯的，胆小的 | |
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104
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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105
demonstrations
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| 证明( demonstration的名词复数 )； 表明； 表达； 游行示威 | |
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106
murmurs
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| n.低沉、连续而不清的声音( murmur的名词复数 )；低语声；怨言；嘀咕 | |
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107
unnatural
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| adj.不自然的；反常的 | |
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108
devoured
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| 吞没( devour的过去式和过去分词 )； 耗尽； 津津有味地看； 狼吞虎咽地吃光 | |
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109
ravages
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| 劫掠后的残迹，破坏的结果，毁坏后的残迹 | |
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110
unbearable
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| adj.不能容忍的；忍受不住的 | |
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111
inevitable
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| adj.不可避免的，必然发生的 | |
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112
vengeance
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| n.报复，报仇，复仇 | |
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113
stunned
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| adj. 震惊的，惊讶的 动词stun的过去式和过去分词 | |
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114
enjoined
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| v.命令( enjoin的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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115
cringing
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| adj.谄媚，奉承 | |
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116
dignified
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| a.可敬的，高贵的 | |
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117
ineffable
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| adj.无法表达的，不可言喻的 | |
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118
fable
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| n.寓言；童话；神话 | |
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119
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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120
maidens
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| 处女( maiden的名词复数 )； 少女； 未婚女子； （板球运动）未得分的一轮投球 | |
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121
undoubtedly
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| adv.确实地，无疑地 | |
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122
trophies
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| n.（为竞赛获胜者颁发的）奖品( trophy的名词复数 )；奖杯；（尤指狩猎或战争中获得的）纪念品；（用于比赛或赛跑名称）奖 | |
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123
supplicating
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| v.祈求，哀求，恳求( supplicate的现在分词 ) | |
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124
valiant
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| adj.勇敢的，英勇的；n.勇士，勇敢的人 | |
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125
plighting
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| vt.保证，约定（plight的现在分词形式） | |
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126
graceful
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| adj.优美的，优雅的；得体的 | |
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127
alas
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| int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等) | |
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128
precept
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| n.戒律；格言 | |
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129
vendor
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| n.卖主；小贩 | |
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130
disposition
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| n.性情，性格；意向，倾向；排列，部署 | |
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131
infancy
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| n.婴儿期；幼年期；初期 | |
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132
fidelity
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| n.忠诚，忠实；精确 | |
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133
courteous
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| adj.彬彬有礼的，客气的 | |
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134
courteously
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| adv.有礼貌地，亲切地 | |
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135
enactments
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| n.演出( enactment的名词复数 )；展现；规定；通过 | |
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136
gilt
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| adj.镀金的；n.金边证券 | |
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137
contriving
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| （不顾困难地）促成某事( contrive的现在分词 )； 巧妙地策划，精巧地制造（如机器）； 设法做到 | |
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138
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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139
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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140
deficient
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| adj.不足的，不充份的，有缺陷的 | |
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141
assailed
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| v.攻击( assail的过去式和过去分词 )；困扰；质问；毅然应对 | |
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142
despoiled
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| v.掠夺，抢劫( despoil的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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143
condescension
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| n.自以为高人一等，贬低(别人) | |
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144
immediate
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| adj.立即的；直接的，最接近的；紧靠的 | |
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145
professed
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| 公开声称的，伪称的，已立誓信教的 | |
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146
promising
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| adj.有希望的，有前途的 | |
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147
specially
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| adv.特定地；特殊地；明确地 | |
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148
insignificant
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| adj.无关紧要的，可忽略的，无意义的 | |
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149
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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150
chamber
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| n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所 | |
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151
vessel
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| n.船舶；容器，器皿；管，导管，血管 | |
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152
admiration
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| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
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153
skilful
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| (=skillful)adj.灵巧的，熟练的 | |
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154
deception
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| n.欺骗，欺诈；骗局，诡计 | |
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155
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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156
accomplishment
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| n.完成，成就，（pl.）造诣，技能 | |
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157
accomplishments
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| n.造诣；完成( accomplishment的名词复数 )；技能；成绩；成就 | |
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158
compensate
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| vt.补偿，赔偿；酬报 vi.弥补；补偿；抵消 | |
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159
frugal
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| adj.节俭的，节约的，少量的，微量的 | |
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160
honourably
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| adv.可尊敬地，光荣地，体面地 | |
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161
diligently
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| ad.industriously;carefully | |
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162
contrived
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| adj.不自然的，做作的；虚构的 | |
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163
unreasonably
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| adv. 不合理地 | |
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164
proficiency
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| n.精通，熟练，精练 | |
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165
persuasive
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| adj.有说服力的，能说得使人相信的 | |
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166
transgressed
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| v.超越( transgress的过去式和过去分词 )；越过；违反；违背 | |
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167
incapably
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| adj.无能力的，不会的；不能的；[法]没有资格的；不舞之鹤 | |
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168
controversy
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| n.争论，辩论，争吵 | |
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169
brass
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| n.黄铜；黄铜器，铜管乐器 | |
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170
ineptitude
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| n.不适当；愚笨，愚昧的言行 | |
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171
inviting
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| adj.诱人的，引人注目的 | |
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172
animated
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| adj.生气勃勃的，活跃的，愉快的 | |
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173
ingenuous
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| adj.纯朴的，单纯的；天真的；坦率的 | |
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174
favourably
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| adv. 善意地，赞成地 =favorably | |
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175
alteration
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| n.变更，改变；蚀变 | |
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176
applied
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| adj.应用的；v.应用，适用 | |
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177
malicious
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| adj.有恶意的，心怀恶意的 | |
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178
contemptible
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| adj.可鄙的，可轻视的，卑劣的 | |
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179
malignity
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| n.极度的恶意，恶毒；（病的）恶性 | |
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180
sumptuous
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| adj.豪华的，奢侈的，华丽的 | |
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181
persevering
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| a.坚忍不拔的 | |
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182
crafty
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| adj.狡猾的，诡诈的 | |
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183
enjoining
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| v.命令( enjoin的现在分词 ) | |
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184
secrecy
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| n.秘密，保密，隐蔽 | |
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185
discreet
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| adj.(言行)谨慎的；慎重的；有判断力的 | |
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186
artifice
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| n.妙计，高明的手段；狡诈，诡计 | |
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187
destitution
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| n.穷困，缺乏，贫穷 | |
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188
auspicious
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| adj.吉利的；幸运的，吉兆的 | |
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189
hordes
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| n.移动着的一大群( horde的名词复数 )；部落 | |
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190
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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191
skilfully
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| adv. (美skillfully)熟练地 | |
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192
vindictively
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| adv.恶毒地；报复地 | |
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193
conjecture
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| n./v.推测，猜测 | |
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194
tranquil
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| adj. 安静的, 宁静的, 稳定的, 不变的 | |
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195
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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196
likeness
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| n.相像，相似（之处） | |
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197
overthrown
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| adj. 打翻的，推倒的，倾覆的 动词overthrow的过去分词 | |
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198
undertakings
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| 企业( undertaking的名词复数 )； 保证； 殡仪业； 任务 | |
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199
conscientiously
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| adv.凭良心地；认真地，负责尽职地；老老实实 | |
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200
lengthy
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| adj.漫长的，冗长的 | |
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201
expended
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| v.花费( expend的过去式和过去分词 )；使用（钱等）做某事；用光；耗尽 | |
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202
immature
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| adj.未成熟的，发育未全的，未充分发展的 | |
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203
advancement
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| n.前进，促进，提升 | |
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204
allotted
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| 分配，拨给，摊派( allot的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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205
enchanting
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| a.讨人喜欢的 | |
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206
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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207
ancestry
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| n.祖先，家世 | |
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208
sufficiently
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| adv.足够地，充分地 | |
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209
alluring
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| adj.吸引人的，迷人的 | |
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210
withhold
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| v.拒绝，不给；使停止，阻挡 | |
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211
distinguished
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| adj.卓越的，杰出的，著名的 | |
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212
feats
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| 功绩，伟业，技艺( feat的名词复数 ) | |
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213
simultaneously
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| adv.同时发生地，同时进行地 | |
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214
astonishment
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| n.惊奇，惊异 | |
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215
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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exertions
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| n.努力( exertion的名词复数 )；费力；（能力、权力等的）运用；行使 | |
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217
forsook
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| forsake的过去式 | |
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218
enraptured
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| v.使狂喜( enrapture的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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219
exuberant
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| adj.充满活力的；（植物）繁茂的 | |
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220
countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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221
thereby
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| adv.因此，从而 | |
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222
instilled
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| v.逐渐使某人获得（某种可取的品质），逐步灌输( instill的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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223
commendable
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| adj.值得称赞的 | |
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224
excellence
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| n.优秀，杰出，(pl.)优点，美德 | |
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225
canopy
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| n.天篷，遮篷 | |
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226
prudent
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| adj.谨慎的，有远见的，精打细算的 | |
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227
inefficient
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| adj.效率低的，无效的 | |
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228
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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229
superfluous
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| adj.过多的，过剩的，多余的 | |
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230
requisite
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| adj.需要的，必不可少的；n.必需品 | |
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231
lesser
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| adj.次要的，较小的；adv.较小地，较少地 | |
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specified
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| adj.特定的 | |
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233
devoted
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| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
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234
conscientiousness
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| 责任心 | |
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235
dictates
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| n.命令，规定，要求( dictate的名词复数 )v.大声讲或读( dictate的第三人称单数 )；口授；支配；摆布 | |
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236
subservience
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| n.有利，有益；从属（地位），附属性；屈从，恭顺；媚态 | |
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237
inscribed
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| v.写，刻( inscribe的过去式和过去分词 )；内接 | |
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countless
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| adj.无数的，多得不计其数的 | |
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