Although it had of late become a plain fact, by reason of the manner of behaving of the people, that events of a sudden and turbulent nature could not long be restrained, yet outwardly there was no exhibition of violence, not even to the length of resisting those whom Ping Siang sent to enforce his unjust demands, chiefly because a well-founded whisper had been sent round that nothing was to be done until Tung Fel should arrive, which would not be until the seventh day in the month of Winged Dragons. To this all persons agreed, for the more aged15 among them, who, by virtue16 of their years, were also the formers of opinion in all matters, called up within their memories certain events connected with the two persons in question which appeared to give to Tung Fel the privilege of expressing himself clearly when the matter of finally dealing17 with the malicious18 and self-willed Mandarin should be engaged upon.
Among the mountains which enclose Ching-fow on the southern side dwelt a jade19-seeker, who also kept goats. Although a young man and entirely20 without relations, he had, by patient industry, contrived21 to collect together a large flock of the best-formed and most prolific22 goats to be found in the neighbourhood, all the money which he received in exchange for jade being quickly bartered23 again for the finest animals which he could obtain. He was dauntless in penetrating24 to the most inaccessible25 parts of the mountains in search of the stone, unfailing in his skilful6 care of the flock, in which he took much honourable26 pride, and on all occasions discreet27 and unassumingly restrained in his discourse28 and manner of life. Knowing this to be his invariable practice, it was with emotions of an agreeable curiosity that on the seventh day of the month of Winged Dragons those persons who were passing from place to place in the city beheld29 this young man, Yang Hu, descending30 the mountain path with unmistakable signs of profound agitation31, and an entire absence of prudent32 care. Following him closely to the inner square of the city, on the continually expressed plea that they themselves had business in that quarter, these persons observed Yang Hu take up a position of unendurable dejection as he gazed reproachfully at the figure of the all-knowing Buddha33 which surmounted34 the Temple where it was his custom to sacrifice.
“Alas!” he exclaimed, lifting up his voice, when it became plain that a large number of people was assembled awaiting his words, “to what end does a person strive in this excessively evilly-regulated district? Or is it that this obscure and ill-destined35 one alone is marked out as with a deep white cross for humiliation36 and ruin? Father, and Sacred Temple of Ancestral Virtues37, wherein the meanest can repose38 their trust, he has none; while now, being more destitute39 than the beggar at the gate, the hope of honourable marriage and a robust40 family of sons is more remote than the chance of finding the miracle-working Crystal Image which marks the last footstep of the Pure One. Yesterday this person possessed41 no secret store of silver or gold, nor had he knowledge of any special amount of jade hidden among the mountains, but to his call there responded four score goats, the most select and majestic42 to be found in all the Province, of which, nevertheless, it was his yearly custom to sacrifice one, as those here can testify, and to offer another as a duty to the Yamen of Ping Siang, in neither case opening his eyes widely when the hour for selecting arrived. Yet in what an unseemly manner is his respectful piety43 and courteous44 loyalty45 rewarded! To-day, before this person went forth on his usual quest, there came those bearing written papers by which they claimed, on the authority of Ping Siang, the whole of this person’s flock, as a punishment and fine for his not contributing without warning to the Celebration of Kissing the Emperor’s Face—the very obligation of such a matter being entirely unknown to him. Nevertheless, those who came drove off this person’s entire wealth, the desperately46 won increase of a life full of great toil47 and uncomplainingly endured hardship, leaving him only his cave in the rocks, which even the most grasping of many-handed Mandarins cannot remove, his cloak of skins, which no beggar would gratefully receive, and a bright and increasing light of deep hate scorching48 within his mind which nothing but the blood of the obdurate49 extortioner can efficiently50 quench51. No protection of charms or heavily-mailed bowmen shall avail him, for in his craving52 for just revenge this person will meet witchcraft53 with a Heaven-sent cause and oppose an unsleeping subtlety54 against strength. Therefore let not the innocent suffer through an insufficient55 understanding, O Divine One, but direct the hand of your faithful worshipper towards the heart that is proud in tyranny, and holds as empty words the clearly defined promise of an all-seeing justice.”
Scarcely had Yang Hu made an end of speaking before there happened an event which could be regarded in no other light than as a direct answer to his plainly expressed request for a definite sign. Upon the clear air, which had become unnaturally57 still at Yang Hu’s words, as though to remove any chance of doubt that this indeed was the requested answer, came the loud beating of many very powerful brass59 gongs, indicating the approach of some person of undoubted importance. In a very brief period the procession reached the square, the gong-beaters being followed by persons carrying banners, bowmen in armour60, others bearing various weapons and instruments of torture, slaves displaying innumerable changes of raiment to prove the rank and consequence of their master, umbrella carriers and fan wavers, and finally, preceded by incense61 burners and surrounded by servants who cleared away all obstructions62 by means of their formidable and heavily knotted lashes63, the unworthy and deceitful Mandarin Ping Siang, who sat in a silk-hung and elaborately wrought64 chair, looking from side to side with gestures and expressions of contempt and ill-restrained cupidity65.
At the sign of this powerful but unscrupulous person all those who were present fell upon their faces, leaving a broad space in their midst, except Yang Hu, who stepped back into the shadow of a doorway66, being resolved that he would not prostrate67 himself before one whom Heaven had pointed68 out as the proper object of his just vengeance69.
When the chair of Ping Siang could no longer be observed in the distance, and the sound of his many gongs had died away, all the persons who had knelt at his approach rose to their feet, meeting each other’s eyes with glances of assured and profound significance. At length there stepped forth an exceedingly aged man, who was generally believed to have the power of reading omens71 and forecasting futures72, so that at his upraised hand all persons became silent.
“Behold!” he exclaimed, “none can turn aside in doubt from the deliberately73 pointed finger of Buddha. Henceforth, in spite of the well-intentioned suggestions of those who would shield him under the plea of exacting74 orders from high ones at Peking or extortions practised by slaves under him of which he is ignorant, there can no longer be any two voices concerning the guilty one. Yet what does the knowledge of the cormorant’s cry avail the golden carp in the shallow waters of the Yuen-Kiang? A prickly mormosa is an adequate protection against a naked man armed only with a just cause, and a company of bowmen has been known to quench an entire city’s Heaven-felt desire for retribution. This person, and doubtless others also, would have experienced a more heartfelt enthusiasm in the matter if the sublime75 and omnipotent76 Buddha had gone a step further, and pointed out not only the one to be punished, but also the instrument by which the destiny could be prudently77 and effectively accomplished78.”
From the mountain path which led to Yang Hu’s cave came a voice, like an expressly devised reply to this speech. It was that of some person uttering the “Chant of Rewards and Penalties”:
“How strong is the mountain sycamore!
“Its branches reach the Middle Air, and the eye of none can pierce
“It draws power and nourishment80 from all around, so that weeds
alone may flourish under its shadow.
“Robbers find safety within the hollow of its trunk; its branches
the innocent;
back upon the striker.
“Then cries the sycamore, ‘Hail and rain have no power against me,
“‘The man who impiously raises his hand against me falls by his
own stroke and weapon.
“‘Can there be a greater or a more powerful than this one?
Assuredly, I am Buddha; let all things obey me.’
“Whereupon the weeds bow their heads, whispering among themselves,
‘The voice of the Tall One we hear, but not that of Buddha.
Indeed, it is doubtless as he says.’
forth a stone which lies by his foot.
“Saying, ‘A god’s present for a god. Take it carefully, O
presumptuous88 Little One, for it is hot to the touch.’
asked for my messenger,’ said the Pure One, turning again to
repose.
“Lo, he comes!”
With the last spoken word there came into the sight of those who were collected together a person of stern yet engaging appearance. His hands and face were the colour of mulberry stain by long exposure to the sun, while his eyes looked forth like two watch-fires outside a wolf-haunted camp. His long pigtail was tangled90 with the binding91 tendrils of the forest, and damp with the dew of an open couch. His apparel was in no way striking or brilliant, yet he strode with the dignity and air of a high official, pushing before him a covered box upon wheels.
“It is Tung Fel!” cried many who stood there watching his approach, in tones which showed those who spoke to be inspired by a variety of impressive emotions. “Undoubtedly92 this is the seventh day of the month of Winged Dragons, and, as he specifically stated would be the case, lo! he has come.”
Few were the words of greeting which Tung Fel accorded even to the most venerable of those who awaited him.
“This person has slept, partaken of fruit and herbs, and devoted93 an allotted94 time to inward contemplation,” he said briefly95. “Other and more weighty matters than the exchange of dignified12 compliments and the admiration96 of each other’s profiles remain to be accomplished. What, for example, is the significance of the written parchment which is displayed in so obtrusive97 a manner before our eyes? Bring it to this person without delay.”
At these words all those present followed Tung Fel’s gaze with astonishment98, for conspicuously99 displayed upon the wall of the Temple was a written notice which all joined in asserting had not been there the moment before, though no man had approached the spot. Nevertheless it was quickly brought to Tung Fel, who took it without any fear or hesitation100 and read aloud the words which it contained.
“TO THE CUSTOM-RESPECTING PERSONS OF CHING-FOW.
“Truly the span of existence of any upon this earth is brief and
Temples in danger of humiliating disregard.
“Why do your thoughts follow the actions of the noble Mandarin
your eyes look redly towards the Yamen?
“Is he not the little finger of those at Peking, obeying their
devised? Indeed, he himself has stated such to be the fact. If,
therefore, a terrible and unforeseen fate overtook the usually
cautious and well-armed Ping Siang, doubtless—perhaps after the
for a like purpose, and in this way, after a too-brief period of
heaven-sent rest and prosperity, affairs would regulate themselves
into almost as unendurable a condition as before.
“Therefore ponder these things well, O passer-by. Yesterday the
only man-child of Huang the wood-carver was taken away to be sold
into slavery by the emissaries of the most just Ping Siang (who
would not have acted thus, we are assured, were it not for the
insatiable ones at Peking), as it had become plain that the very
necessitous Huang had no other possession to contribute to the
rejoicing on the occasion of the moonday of the sublime Emperor.
The illiterate108 and prosaic-minded Huang, having in a most unseemly
has been effectively disposed of, and his wife now alternately
“For this reason, gazer, and because the matter touches you more
think, deal expediently114 with the time at your disposal. Look twice
and lingeringly to-night upon the face of your first-born, and
clasp the form of your favourite one in a closer embrace, for he
eyes upon their fairness, and to-morrow he may say to his armed
men: ‘The time is come; bring her to me.’”
“From the last sentence of the well-intentioned and undoubtedly moderately-framed notice this person will take two phrases,” remarked Tung Fel, folding the written paper and placing it among his garments, “which shall serve him as the title of the lifelike and accurately-represented play which it is his self-conceited intention now to disclose to this select and unprejudiced gathering116. The scene represents an enlightened and well-merited justice overtaking an arrogant117 and intolerable being who—need this person add?—existed many dynasties ago, and the title is:
“THE TIME IS COME!
BY WHOSE HAND?”
Delivering himself in this manner, Tung Fel drew back the hanging drapery which concealed118 the front of his large box, and disclosed to those who were gathered round, not, as they had expected, a passage from the Record of the Three Kingdoms, or some other dramatic work of undoubted merit, but an ingeniously constructed representation of a scene outside the walls of their own Ching-fow. On one side was a small but minutely accurate copy of a wood-burner’s hut, which was known to all present, while behind stood out the distant but nevertheless unmistakable walls of the city. But it was nearest part of the spectacle that first held the attention of the entranced beholders, for there disported119 themselves, in every variety of guileless and attractive attitude, a number of young and entirely unconcerned doves. Scarcely had the delighted onlookers120 fully7 observed the pleasing and effective scene, or uttered their expressions of polished satisfaction at the graceful121 and unassuming behaviour of the pretty creatures before them, than the view entirely changed, and, as if by magic, the massive and inelegant building of Ping Siang’s Yamen was presented before them. As all gazed, astonished, the great door of the Yamen opened stealthily, and without a moment’s pause a lean and ill-conditioned rat, of unnatural58 size and rapacity122, dashed out and seized the most select and engaging of the unsuspecting prey in its hungry jaws123. With the expiring cry of the innocent victim the entire box was immediately, and in the most unexpected manner, involved in a profound darkness, which cleared away as suddenly and revealed the forms of the despoiler125 and the victim lying dead by each other’s side.
Tung Fel came forward to receive the well-selected compliments of all who had witnessed the entertainment.
“It may be objected,” he remarked, “that the play is, in a manner of expressing one’s self, incomplete; for it is unrevealed by whose hand the act of justice was accomplished. Yet in this detail is the accuracy of the representation justified126, for though the time has come, the hand by which retribution is accorded shall never be observed.”
In such a manner did Tung Fel come to Ching-fow on the seventh day of the month of Winged Dragons, throwing aside all restraint, and no longer urging prudence127 or delay. Of all the throng128 which stood before him scarcely one was without a deep offence against Ping Siang, while those who had not as yet suffered feared what the morrow might display.
A wandering monk129 from the Island of Irredeemable Plagues was the first to step forth in response to Tung Fel’s plainly understood suggestion.
“There is no necessity for this person to undertake further acts of benevolence,” he remarked, dropping the cloak from his shoulder and displaying the hundred and eight scars of extreme virtue; “nor,” he continued, holding up his left hand, from which three fingers were burnt away, “have greater endurances been neglected. Yet the matter before this distinguished130 gathering is one which merits the favourable131 consideration of all persons, and this one will in no manner turn away, recounting former actions, while he allows others to press forward towards the accomplishment132 of the just and divinely-inspired act.”
With these words the devout133 and unassuming person in question inscribed134 his name upon a square piece of rice-paper, attesting135 his sincerity136 to the fixed purpose for which it was designed by dipping his thumb into the mixed blood of the slain137 animals and impressing this unalterable seal upon the paper also. He was followed by a seller of drugs and subtle medicines, whose entire stock had been seized and destroyed by order of Ping Siang, so that no one in Ching-fow might obtain poison for his destruction. Then came an overwhelming stream of persons, all of whom had received some severe and well-remembered injury at the hands of the malicious and vindictive138 Mandarin. All these followed a similar observance, inscribing139 their names and binding themselves by the Blood Oath. Last of all Yang Hu stepped up, partly from a natural modesty140 which restrained him from offering himself when so many more versatile141 persons of proved excellence142 were willing to engage in the matter, and partly because an ill-advised conflict was taking place within his mind as to whether the extreme course which was contemplated143 was the most expedient113 to pursue. At last, however, he plainly perceived that he could not honourably144 withhold145 himself from an affair that was in a measure the direct outcome of his own unendurable loss, so that without further hesitation he added his obscure name to the many illustrious ones already in Tung Fel’s keeping.
When at length dark fell upon the city and the cries of the watchmen, warning all prudent ones to bar well their doors against robbers, as they themselves were withdrawing until the morrow, no longer rang through the narrow ways of Ching-fow, all those persons who had pledged themselves by name and seal went forth silently, and came together at the place whereof Tung Fel had secretly conveyed them knowledge. There Tung Fel, standing56 somewhat apart, placed all the folded papers in the form of a circle, and having performed over them certain observances designed to insure a just decision and to keep away evil influences, submitted the selection to the discriminating146 choice of the Sacred Flat and Round Sticks. Having in this manner secured the name of the appointed person who should carry out the act of justice and retribution, Tung Fel unfolded the paper, inscribed certain words upon it, and replaced it among the others.
“The moment before great deeds,” began Tung Fel, stepping forward and addressing himself to the expectant ones who were gathered round, “is not the time for light speech, nor, indeed, for sentences of dignified length, no matter how pleasantly turned to the ear they may be. Before this person stand many who are undoubtedly illustrious in various arts and virtues, yet one among them is pre-eminently marked out for distinction in that his name shall be handed down in imperishable history as that of a patriot147 of a pure-minded and uncompromising degree. With him there is no need of further speech, and to this end I have inscribed certain words upon his namepaper. To everyone this person will now return the paper which has been entrusted148 to him, folded so that the nature of its contents shall be an unwritten leaf to all others. Nor shall the papers be unfolded by any until he is within his own chamber149, with barred doors, where all, save the one who shall find the message, shall remain, not venturing forth until daybreak. I, Tung Fel, have spoken, and assuredly I shall not eat my word, which is that a certain and most degrading death awaits any who transgress150 these commands.”
It was with the short and sudden breath of the cowering151 antelope152 when the stealthy tread of the pitiless tiger approaches its lair153, that Yang Hu opened his paper in the seclusion154 of his own cave; for his mind was darkened with an inspired inside emotion that he, the one doubting among the eagerly proffering155 and destructively inclined multitude, would be chosen to accomplish the high aim for which, indeed, he felt exceptionally unworthy. The written sentence which he perceived immediately upon unfolding the paper, instructing him to appear again before Tung Fel at the hour of midnight, was, therefore, nothing but the echo and fulfilment of his own thoughts, and served in reality to impress his mind with calmer feelings of dignified unconcern than would have been the case had he not been chosen. Having neither possessions nor relations, the occupation of disposing of his goods and making ceremonious and affectionate leavetakings of his family, against the occurrence of any unforeseen disaster, engrossed156 no portion of Yang Hu’s time. Yet there was one matter to which no reference has yet been made, but which now forces itself obtrusively157 upon the attention, which was in a large measure responsible for many of the most prominent actions of Yang Hu’s life, and, indeed, in no small degree influenced his hesitation in offering himself before Tung Fel.
Not a bowshot distance from the place where the mountain path entered the outskirts158 of the city lived Hiya-ai-Shao with her parents, who were persons of assured position, though of no particular wealth. For a period not confined to a single year it had been the custom of Yang Hu to offer to this elegant and refined maiden159 all the rarest pieces of jade which he could discover, while the most symmetrical and remunerative160 she-goat in his flock enjoyed the honourable distinction of bearing her incomparable name. Towards the almond garden of Hiya’s abode161 Yang Hu turned his footsteps upon leaving his cave, and standing there, concealed from all sides by the white and abundant flower-laden foliage, he uttered a sound which had long been an agreed signal between them. Presently a faint perfume of choo-lan spoke of her near approach, and without delay Hiya herself stood by his side.
“Well-endowed one,” said Yang Hu, when at length they had gazed upon each other’s features and made renewals162 of their protestations of mutual163 regard, “the fixed intentions of a person have often been fitly likened to the seed of the tree-peony, so ineffectual are their efforts among the winds of constantly changing circumstance. The definite hope of this person had long pointed towards a small but adequate habitation, surrounded by sweet-smelling olive-trees and not far distant from the jade cliffs and pastures which would afford a sufficient remuneration and a means of living. This entrancing picture has been blotted164 out for the time, and in its place this person finds himself face to face with an arduous165 and dangerous undertaking166, followed, perhaps, by hasty and immediate124 flight. Yet if the adorable Hiya will prove the unchanging depths of her constantly expressed intention by accompanying him as far as the village of Hing where suitable marriage ceremonies can be observed without delay, the exile will in reality be in the nature of a triumphal procession, and the emotions with which this person has hitherto regarded the entire circumstance will undergo a complete and highly accomplished change.”
“Oh, Yang!” exclaimed the maiden, whose feelings at hearing these words were in no way different from those of her lover when he was on the point of opening the folded paper upon which Tung Fel had written; “what is the nature of the mission upon which you are so impetuously resolved? and why will it be followed by flight?”
“The nature of the undertaking cannot be revealed by reason of a deliberately taken oath,” replied Yang Hu; “and the reason of its possible consequence is a less important question to the two persons who are here conversing167 together than of whether the amiable168 and graceful Hiya is willing to carry out her often-expressed desire for an opportunity of displaying the true depths of her emotions towards this one.”
“Alas!” said Hiya, “the sentiments which this person expressed with irreproachable169 honourableness170 when the sun was high in the heavens and the probability of secretly leaving an undoubtedly well-appointed home was engagingly remote, seem to have an entirely different significance when recalled by night in a damp orchard171, and on the eve of their fulfilment. To deceive one’s parents is an ignoble172 prospect173; furthermore, it is often an exceedingly difficult undertaking. Let the matter be arranged in this way: that Yang leaves the ultimate details of the scheme to Hiya’s expedient care, he proceeding174 without delay to Hing, or, even more desirable, to the further town of Liyunnan, and there awaiting her coming. By such means the risk of discovery and pursuit will be lessened175, Yang will be able to set forth on his journey with greater speed, and this one will have an opportunity of getting together certain articles without which, indeed, she would be very inadequately176 equipped.”
In spite of his conscientious177 desire that Hiya should be by his side on the journey, together with an unendurable certainty that evil would arise from the course she proposed, Yang was compelled by an innate178 feeling of respect to agree to her wishes, and in this manner the arrangement was definitely concluded. Thereupon Hiya, without delay, returned to the dwelling179, remarking that otherwise her absence might be detected and the entire circumstance thereby180 discovered, leaving Yang Hu to continue his journey and again present himself before Tung Fel, as he had been instructed.
Tung Fel was engaged with brush and ink when Yang Hu entered. Round him were many written parchments, some venerable with age, and a variety of other matters, among which might be clearly perceived weapons, and devices for reading the future. He greeted Yang with many tokens of dignified respect, and with an evidently restrained emotion led him towards the light of a hanging lantern, where he gazed into his face for a considerable period with every indication of exceptional concern.
“Yang Hu,” he said at length, “at such a moment many dark and searching thoughts may naturally arise in the mind concerning objects and reasons, omens, and the moving cycle of events. Yet in all these, out of a wisdom gained by deep endurance and a hardly-won experience beyond the common lot, this person would say, Be content. The hand of destiny, though it may at times appear to move in a devious181 manner, is ever approaching its appointed aim. To this end were you chosen.”
“The choice was openly made by wise and proficient182 omens,” replied Yang Hu, without any display of uncertainty183 of purpose, “and this person is content.”
Tung Fel then administered to Yang the Oath of Buddha’s Face and the One called the Unutterable (which may not be further described in written words) thereby binding his body and soul, and the souls and repose of all who had gone before him in direct line and all who should in a like manner follow after, to the accomplishment of the design. All spoken matter being thus complete between them, he gave him a mask with which he should pass unknown through the streets and into the presence of Ping Siang, a variety of weapons to use as the occasion arose, and a sign by which the attendants at the Yamen would admit him without further questioning.
As Yang Hu passed through the streets of Ching-fow, which were in a great measure deserted184 owing to the command of Tung Fel, he was aware of many mournful and foreboding sounds which accompanied him on all sides, while shadowy faces, bearing signs of intolerable anguish185 and despair, continually formed themselves out of the wind. By the time he reached the Yamen a tempest of exceptional violence was in progress, nor were other omens absent which tended to indicate that matters of a very unpropitious nature were about to take place.
At each successive door of the Yamen the attendant stepped back and covered his face, so that he should by no chance perceive who had come upon so destructive a mission, the instant Yang Hu uttered the sign with which Tung Fel had provided him. In this manner Yang quickly reached the door of the inner chamber upon which was inscribed: “Let the person who comes with a doubtful countenance186, unbidden, or meditating187 treachery, remember the curse and manner of death which attended Lai Kuen, who slew188 the one over him; so shall he turn and go forth in safety.” This unworthy safeguard at the hands of a person who passed his entire life in altering the fixed nature of justice, and who never went beyond his outer gate without an armed company of bowmen, inspired Yang Hu with so incautious a contempt, that without any hesitation he drew forth his brush and ink, and in a spirit of bitter signification added the words, “‘Come, let us eat together,’ said the wolf to the she-goat.”
Being now within a step of Ping Siang and the completion of his undertaking, Yang Hu drew tighter the cords of his mask, tested and proved his weapons, and then, without further delay, threw open the door before him and stepped into the chamber, barring the door quickly so that no person might leave or enter without his consent.
At this interruption and manner of behaving, which clearly indicated the nature of the errand upon which the person before him had come, Ping Siang rose from his couch and stretched out his hand towards a gong which lay beside him.
“All summonses for aid are now unavailing, Ping Siang,” exclaimed Yang, without in any measure using delicate or set phrases of speech; “for, as you have doubtless informed yourself, the slaves of tyrants189 are the first to welcome the downfall of their lord.”
“The matter of your speech is as emptiness to this person,” replied the Mandarin, affecting with extreme difficulty an appearance of no-concern. “In what manner has he fallen? And how will the depraved and self-willed person before him avoid the well-deserved tortures which certainly await him in the public square on the morrow, as the reward of his intolerable presumptions190?”
“O Mandarin,” cried Yang Hu, “the fitness and occasion for such speeches as the one to which you have just given utterance191 lie as far behind you as the smoke of yesterday’s sacrifice. With what manner of eyes have you frequently journeyed through Ching-fow of late, if the signs and omens there have not already warned you to prepare a coffin192 adequately designed to receive your well-proportioned body? Has not the pungent193 vapour of burning houses assailed your senses at every turn, or the salt tears from the eyes of forlorn ones dashed your peach-tea and spiced foods with bitterness?”
“Alas!” exclaimed Ping Siang, “this person now certainly begins to perceive that many things which he has unthinkingly allowed would present a very unendurable face to others.”
“In such a manner has it appeared to all Ching-fow,” said Yang Hu; “and the justice of your death has been universally admitted. Even should this one fail there would be an innumerable company eager to take his place. Therefore, O Ping Siang, as the only favour which it is within this person’s power to accord, select that which in your opinion is the most agreeable manner and weapon for your end.”
“It is truly said that at the Final Gate of the Two Ways the necessity for elegant and well-chosen sentences ends,” remarked Ping Siang with a sigh, “otherwise the manner of your address would be open to reproach. By your side this person perceives a long and apparently194 highly-tempered sword, which, in his opinion, will serve the purpose efficiently. Having no remarks of an improving but nevertheless exceedingly tedious nature with which to imprint195 the occasion for the benefit of those who come after, his only request is that the blow shall be an unhesitating and sufficiently196 well-directed one.”
At these words Yang Hu threw back his cloak to grasp the sword-handle, when the Mandarin, with his eyes fixed on the naked arm, and evidently inspired by every manner of conflicting emotions, uttered a cry of unspeakable wonder and incomparable surprise.
“The Serpent!” he cried, in a voice from which all evenness and control were absent. “The Sacred Serpent of our Race! O mysterious one, who and whence are you?”
Engulfed197 in an all-absorbing doubt at the nature of events, Yang could only gaze at the form of the serpent which had been clearly impressed upon his arm from the earliest time of his remembrance, while Ping Siang, tearing the silk garment from his own arm and displaying thereon a similar form, continued:
“Behold the inevitable198 and unvarying birthmark of our race! So it was with this person’s father and the ones before him; so it was with his treacherously-stolen son; so it will be to the end of all time.”
Trembling beyond all power of restraint, Yang removed the mask which had hitherto concealed his face.
“Father or race has this person none,” he said, looking into Ping Siang’s features with an all-engaging hope, tempered in a measure by a soul-benumbing dread200; “nor memory or tradition of an earlier state than when he herded201 goats and sought for jade in the southern mountains.”
“Nevertheless,” exclaimed the Mandarin, whose countenance was lightened with an interest and a benevolent202 emotion which had never been seen there before, “beyond all possibility of doubting, you are this person’s lost and greatly-desired son, stolen away many years ago by the treacherous199 conduct of an unworthy woman, yet now happily and miraculously203 restored to cherish his declining years and perpetuate204 an honourable name and race.”
“Happily!” exclaimed Yang, with fervent205 indications of uncontrollable bitterness. “Oh, my illustrious sire, at whose venerated206 feet this unworthy person now prostrates207 himself with well-merited marks of reverence208 and self-abasement209, has the errand upon which an ignoble son entered—the every memory of which now causes him the acutest agony of the lost, but which nevertheless he is pledged to Tung Fel by the Unutterable Oath to perform—has this unnatural and eternally cursed thing escaped your versatile mind?”
“Tung Fel!” cried Ping Siang. “Is, then, this blow also by the hand of that malicious and vindictive person? Oh, what a cycle of events and interchanging lines of destiny do your words disclose!”
“It is a matter which must be made clear from the beginning,” replied Ping Siang. “At one time this person and Tung Fel were, by nature and endowments, united in the most amiable bonds of an inseparable friendship. Presently Tung Fel signed the preliminary contract of a marriage with one who seemed to be endowed with every variety of enchanting211 and virtuous212 grace, but who was, nevertheless, as the unrolling of future events irresistibly213 discovered, a person of irregular character and undignified habits. On the eve of the marriage ceremony this person was made known to her by the undoubtedly enraptured214 Tung Fel, whereupon he too fell into the snare215 of her engaging personality, and putting aside all thoughts of prudent restraint, made her more remunerative offers of marriage than Tung Fel could by any possible chance overbid. In such a manner—for after the nature of her kind riches were exceptionally attractive to her degraded imagination—she became this person’s wife, and the mother of his only son. In spite of these great honours, however, the undoubted perversity216 of her nature made her an easy accomplice217 to the duplicity of Tung Fel, who, by means of various disguises, found frequent opportunity of uttering in her presence numerous well-thought-out suggestions specially218 designed to lead her imagination towards an existence in which this person had no adequate representation. Becoming at length terrified at the possibility of these unworthy emotions, obtruding219 themselves upon this person’s notice, the two in question fled together, taking with them the one who without any doubt is now before me. Despite the most assiduous search and very tempting220 and profitable offers of reward, no information of a reliable nature could be obtained, and at length this dispirited and completely changed person gave up the pursuit as unavailing. With his son and heir, upon whose future he had greatly hoped, all emotions of a generous and high-minded nature left him, and in a very short space of time he became the avaricious221 and deservedly unpopular individual against whose extortions the amiable and long-suffering ones of Ching-fow have for so many years protested mildly. The sudden and not altogether unexpected fate which is now on the point of reaching him is altogether too lenient222 to be entirely adequate.”
“Oh, my distinguished and really immaculate sire!” cried Yang Hu, in a voice which expressed the deepest feelings of contrition223. “No oaths or vows224, however sacred, can induce this person to stretch forth his hand against the one who stands before him.”
“Nevertheless,” replied Ping Siang, speaking of the matter as though it were one which did not closely concern his own existence, “to neglect the Unutterable Oath would inevitably225 involve not only the two persons who are now conversing together, but also those before and those who are to come after in direct line, in a much worse condition of affairs. That is a fate which this person would by no means permit to exist, for one of his chief desires has ever been to establish a strong and vigorous line, to which end, indeed, he was even now concluding a marriage arrangement with the beautiful and refined Hiya-ai-Shao, whom he had at length persuaded into accepting his betrothal226 tokens without reluctance227.”
“Hiya-ai-Shao!” exclaimed Yang; “she has accepted your silk-bound gifts?”
“The matter need not concern us now,” replied the Mandarin, not observing in his complicated emotions the manner in which the name of Hiya had affected228 Yang, revealing as it undoubtedly did the treachery of his beloved one. “There only appears to be one honourable way in which the full circumstances can be arranged, and this person will in no measure endeavour to avoid it.”
“Such an end is neither ignoble nor painful,” he said, in an unchanging voice; “nor will this one in any way shrink from so easy and honourable a solution.”
“The affairs of the future do not exhibit themselves in delicately coloured hues229 to this person,” said Yang Hu; “and he would, if the thing could be so arranged, cheerfully submit to a similar fate in order that a longer period of existence should be assured to one who has every variety of claim upon his affection.”
“The proposal is a graceful and conscientious one,” said Ping Siang, “and is, moreover, a gratifying omen70 of the future of our race, which must of necessity be left in your hands. But, for that reason itself, such a course cannot be pursued. Nevertheless, the events of the past few hours have been of so exceedingly prosperous and agreeable a nature that this short-sighted and frequently desponding person can now pass beyond with a tranquil230 countenance and every assurance of divine favour.”
With these words Ping Siang indicated that he was desirous of setting forth the Final Expression, and arranging the necessary matters upon the table beside him, he stretched forth his hands over Yang Hu, who placed himself in a suitable attitude of reverence and abasement.
“Yang Hu,” began the Mandarin, “undoubted son, and, after the accomplishment of the intention which it is our fixed purpose to carry out, fitting representative of the person who is here before you, engrave231 well within your mind the various details upon which he now gives utterance. Regard the virtues; endeavour to pass an amiable and at the same time not unremunerative existence; and on all occasions sacrifice freely, to the end that the torments232 of those who have gone before may be made lighter233, and that others may be induced in turn to perform a like benevolent charity for yourself. Having expressed himself upon these general subjects, this person now makes a last and respectfully-considered desire, which it is his deliberate wish should be carried to the proper deities234 as his final expression of opinion: That Yang Hu may grow as supple235 as the dried juice of the bending-palm, and as straight as the most vigorous bamboo from the forests of the North. That he may increase beyond the prolificness236 of the white-necked crow and cover the ground after the fashion of the binding grass. That in battle his sword may be as a vividly-coloured and many-forked lightning flash, accompanied by thunderbolts as irresistible237 as Buddha’s divine wrath238; in peace his voice as resounding239 as the rolling of many powerful drums among the Khingan Mountains. That when the kindled240 fire of his existence returns to the great Mountain of Pure Flame the earth shall accept again its component241 parts, and in no way restrain the divine essence from journeying to its destined happiness. These words are Ping Siang’s last expression of opinion before he passes beyond, given in the unvarying assurance that so sacred and important a petition will in no way be neglected.”
Having in this manner completed all the affairs which seemed to be of a necessary and urgent nature, and fixing his last glance upon Yang Hu with every variety of affectionate and estimable emotion, the Mandarin drank a sufficient quantity of the liquid, and placing himself upon a couch in an attitude of repose, passed in this dignified and unassuming manner into the Upper Air.
After the space of a few moments spent in arranging certain objects and in inward contemplation, Yang Hu crossed the chamber, still holding the half-filled vessel242 of gold-leaf in his hand, and drawing back the hanging silk, gazed over the silent streets of Ching-fow and towards the great sky-lantern above.
“Hiya is faithless,” he said at length in an unspeaking voice; “this person’s mother a bitter-tasting memory, his father a swiftly passing shadow that is now for ever lost.” His eyes rested upon the closed vessel in his hand. “Gladly would—” his thoughts began, but with this unworthy image a new impression formed itself within his mind. “A clearly-expressed wish was uttered,” he concluded, “and Tung Fel still remains243.” With this resolution he stepped back into the chamber and struck the gong loudly.
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1
locust
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| n.蝗虫；洋槐，刺槐 | |
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insidiously
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| 潜在地，隐伏地，阴险地 | |
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3
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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spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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skilfully
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| adv. (美skillfully)熟练地 | |
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skilful
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| (=skillful)adj.灵巧的，熟练的 | |
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fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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injustices
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| 不公平( injustice的名词复数 )； 非正义； 待…不公正； 冤枉 | |
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inflaming
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| v.（使）变红，发怒，过热( inflame的现在分词 ) | |
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passionate
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| adj.热情的，热烈的，激昂的，易动情的，易怒的，性情暴躁的 | |
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dignified
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| a.可敬的，高贵的 | |
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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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loathing
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| n.厌恶，憎恨v.憎恨，厌恶( loathe的现在分词)；极不喜欢 | |
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aged
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| adj.年老的，陈年的 | |
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virtue
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| n.德行，美德；贞操；优点；功效，效力 | |
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dealing
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| n.经商方法，待人态度 | |
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malicious
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| adj.有恶意的，心怀恶意的 | |
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19
jade
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| n.玉石；碧玉；翡翠 | |
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20
entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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21
contrived
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| adj.不自然的，做作的；虚构的 | |
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prolific
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| adj.丰富的，大量的；多产的，富有创造力的 | |
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23
bartered
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| v.作物物交换，以货换货( barter的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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penetrating
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| adj.（声音）响亮的，尖锐的adj.（气味）刺激的adj.（思想）敏锐的，有洞察力的 | |
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25
inaccessible
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| adj.达不到的，难接近的 | |
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26
honourable
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| adj.可敬的；荣誉的，光荣的 | |
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27
discreet
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| adj.(言行)谨慎的；慎重的；有判断力的 | |
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discourse
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| n.论文，演说；谈话；话语；vi.讲述，著述 | |
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29
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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30
descending
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| n. 下行 adj. 下降的 | |
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agitation
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| n.搅动；搅拌；鼓动，煽动 | |
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32
prudent
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| adj.谨慎的，有远见的，精打细算的 | |
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Buddha
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| n.佛；佛像；佛陀 | |
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surmounted
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| 战胜( surmount的过去式和过去分词 )； 克服（困难）； 居于…之上； 在…顶上 | |
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destined
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| adj.命中注定的；(for)以…为目的地的 | |
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humiliation
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| n.羞辱 | |
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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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38
repose
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| v.(使)休息；n.安息 | |
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destitute
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| adj.缺乏的；穷困的 | |
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40
robust
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| adj.强壮的，强健的，粗野的，需要体力的，浓的 | |
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41
possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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42
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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43
piety
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| n.虔诚，虔敬 | |
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44
courteous
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| adj.彬彬有礼的，客气的 | |
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45
loyalty
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| n.忠诚，忠心 | |
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46
desperately
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| adv.极度渴望地，绝望地，孤注一掷地 | |
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47
toil
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| vi.辛劳工作，艰难地行动；n.苦工，难事 | |
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48
scorching
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| adj. 灼热的 | |
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49
obdurate
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| adj.固执的，顽固的 | |
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50
efficiently
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| adv.高效率地，有能力地 | |
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51
quench
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| vt.熄灭，扑灭；压制 | |
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52
craving
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| n.渴望,热望 | |
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53
witchcraft
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| n.魔法，巫术 | |
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54
subtlety
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| n.微妙，敏锐，精巧；微妙之处，细微的区别 | |
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55
insufficient
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| adj.(for，of)不足的，不够的 | |
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56
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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57
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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58
unnatural
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| adj.不自然的；反常的 | |
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59
brass
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| n.黄铜；黄铜器，铜管乐器 | |
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60
armour
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| （=armor）n.盔甲；装甲部队 | |
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61
incense
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| v.激怒；n.香，焚香时的烟，香气 | |
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62
obstructions
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| n.障碍物( obstruction的名词复数 )；阻碍物；阻碍；阻挠 | |
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63
lashes
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| n.鞭挞( lash的名词复数 )；鞭子；突然猛烈的一击；急速挥动v.鞭打( lash的第三人称单数 )；煽动；紧系；怒斥 | |
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64
wrought
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| v.引起；以…原料制作；运转；adj.制造的 | |
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65
cupidity
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| n.贪心，贪财 | |
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66
doorway
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| n.门口，(喻)入门；门路，途径 | |
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67
prostrate
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| v.拜倒，平卧，衰竭；adj.拜倒的，平卧的，衰竭的 | |
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68
pointed
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| adj.尖的，直截了当的 | |
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vengeance
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| n.报复，报仇，复仇 | |
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70
omen
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| n.征兆，预兆；vt.预示 | |
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71
omens
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| n.前兆，预兆( omen的名词复数 ) | |
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futures
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| n.期货，期货交易 | |
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deliberately
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| adv.审慎地；蓄意地；故意地 | |
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exacting
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| adj.苛求的，要求严格的 | |
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sublime
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| adj.崇高的，伟大的；极度的，不顾后果的 | |
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omnipotent
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| adj.全能的，万能的 | |
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77
prudently
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| adv. 谨慎地，慎重地 | |
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accomplished
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| adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的 | |
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foliage
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| n.叶子，树叶，簇叶 | |
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80
nourishment
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| n.食物，营养品；营养情况 | |
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81
vampires
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| n.吸血鬼( vampire的名词复数 )；吸血蝠；高利贷者；（舞台上的）活板门 | |
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82
prey
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| n.被掠食者，牺牲者，掠食；v.捕食，掠夺，折磨 | |
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83
tusks
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| n.（象等动物的）长牙( tusk的名词复数 )；獠牙；尖形物；尖头 | |
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84
axe
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| n.斧子；v.用斧头砍，削减 | |
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85
penetrate
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| v.透(渗)入；刺入，刺穿；洞察，了解 | |
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86
deigning
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| v.屈尊，俯就( deign的现在分词 ) | |
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87
phoenix
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| n.凤凰，长生(不死)鸟；引申为重生 | |
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88
presumptuous
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| adj.胆大妄为的，放肆的，冒昧的，冒失的 | |
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mighty
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| adj.强有力的；巨大的 | |
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tangled
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| adj. 纠缠的，紊乱的 动词tangle的过去式和过去分词 | |
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91
binding
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| 有约束力的，有效的，应遵守的 | |
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undoubtedly
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| adv.确实地，无疑地 | |
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devoted
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| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
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94
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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95
briefly
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| adv.简单地，简短地 | |
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96
admiration
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| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
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97
obtrusive
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| adj.显眼的；冒失的 | |
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astonishment
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| n.惊奇，惊异 | |
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conspicuously
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| ad.明显地，惹人注目地 | |
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100
hesitation
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| n.犹豫，踌躇 | |
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101
dwellers
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| n.居民，居住者( dweller的名词复数 ) | |
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102
digestion
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| n.消化，吸收 | |
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103
peril
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| n.(严重的)危险；危险的事物 | |
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104
exaction
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| n.强求，强征；杂税 | |
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105
taxation
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| n.征税，税收，税金 | |
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106
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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107
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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108
illiterate
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| adj.文盲的；无知的；n.文盲 | |
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109
reviled
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| v.辱骂，痛斥( revile的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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110
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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111
shrieks
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| n.尖叫声( shriek的名词复数 )v.尖叫( shriek的第三人称单数 ) | |
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112
prone
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| adj.(to)易于…的，很可能…的；俯卧的 | |
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113
expedient
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| adj.有用的，有利的；n.紧急的办法，权宜之计 | |
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114
expediently
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| adv.方便地，得当地，便利地 | |
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115
devouring
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| 吞没( devour的现在分词 )； 耗尽； 津津有味地看； 狼吞虎咽地吃光 | |
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116
gathering
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| n.集会，聚会，聚集 | |
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117
arrogant
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| adj.傲慢的，自大的 | |
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118
concealed
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| a.隐藏的，隐蔽的 | |
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119
disported
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| v.嬉戏，玩乐，自娱( disport的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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120
onlookers
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| n.旁观者，观看者( onlooker的名词复数 ) | |
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121
graceful
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| adj.优美的，优雅的；得体的 | |
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122
rapacity
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| n.贪婪，贪心，劫掠的欲望 | |
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123
jaws
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| n.口部；嘴 | |
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124
immediate
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| adj.立即的；直接的，最接近的；紧靠的 | |
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125
despoiler
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126
justified
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| a.正当的，有理的 | |
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127
prudence
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| n.谨慎，精明，节俭 | |
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128
throng
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| n.人群，群众；v.拥挤，群集 | |
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129
monk
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| n.和尚，僧侣，修道士 | |
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130
distinguished
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| adj.卓越的，杰出的，著名的 | |
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131
favourable
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| adj.赞成的，称赞的，有利的，良好的，顺利的 | |
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132
accomplishment
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| n.完成，成就，（pl.）造诣，技能 | |
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133
devout
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| adj.虔诚的，虔敬的，衷心的 (n.devoutness) | |
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134
inscribed
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| v.写，刻( inscribe的过去式和过去分词 )；内接 | |
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135
attesting
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| v.证明( attest的现在分词 )；证实；声称…属实；使宣誓 | |
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136
sincerity
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| n.真诚，诚意；真实 | |
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137
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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138
vindictive
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| adj.有报仇心的，怀恨的，惩罚的 | |
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139
inscribing
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| v.写，刻( inscribe的现在分词 ) | |
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140
modesty
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| n.谦逊，虚心，端庄，稳重，羞怯，朴素 | |
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141
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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142
excellence
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| n.优秀，杰出，(pl.)优点，美德 | |
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143
contemplated
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| adj. 预期的 动词contemplate的过去分词形式 | |
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144
honourably
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| adv.可尊敬地，光荣地，体面地 | |
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145
withhold
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| v.拒绝，不给；使停止，阻挡 | |
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146
discriminating
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| a.有辨别能力的 | |
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147
patriot
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| n.爱国者，爱国主义者 | |
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148
entrusted
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| v.委托，托付( entrust的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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149
chamber
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| n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所 | |
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150
transgress
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| vt.违反，逾越 | |
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151
cowering
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| v.畏缩，抖缩( cower的现在分词 ) | |
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152
antelope
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| n.羚羊；羚羊皮 | |
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153
lair
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| n.野兽的巢穴；躲藏处 | |
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154
seclusion
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| n.隐遁，隔离 | |
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155
proffering
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| v.提供，贡献，提出( proffer的现在分词 ) | |
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156
engrossed
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| adj.全神贯注的 | |
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157
obtrusively
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| adv.冒失地，莽撞地 | |
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158
outskirts
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| n.郊外，郊区 | |
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159
maiden
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| n.少女，处女；adj.未婚的，纯洁的，无经验的 | |
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160
remunerative
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| adj.有报酬的 | |
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161
abode
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| n.住处，住所 | |
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162
renewals
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| 重建( renewal的名词复数 )； 更新； 重生； 合同的续订 | |
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163
mutual
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| adj.相互的，彼此的；共同的，共有的 | |
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164
blotted
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| 涂污( blot的过去式和过去分词 )； （用吸墨纸）吸干 | |
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165
arduous
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| adj.艰苦的，费力的，陡峭的 | |
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166
undertaking
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| n.保证，许诺，事业 | |
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167
conversing
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| v.交谈，谈话( converse的现在分词 ) | |
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168
amiable
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| adj.和蔼可亲的，友善的，亲切的 | |
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169
irreproachable
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| adj.不可指责的，无过失的 | |
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170
honourableness
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171
orchard
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| n.果园，果园里的全部果树，(美俚)棒球场 | |
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172
ignoble
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| adj.不光彩的，卑鄙的；可耻的 | |
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173
prospect
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| n.前景，前途；景色，视野 | |
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174
proceeding
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| n.行动，进行，(pl.)会议录，学报 | |
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175
lessened
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| 减少的，减弱的 | |
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176
inadequately
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|
| ad.不够地；不够好地 | |
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177
conscientious
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|
| adj.审慎正直的，认真的，本着良心的 | |
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178
innate
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| adj.天生的，固有的，天赋的 | |
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179
dwelling
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| n.住宅，住所，寓所 | |
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180
thereby
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| adv.因此，从而 | |
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181
devious
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|
| adj.不坦率的，狡猾的；迂回的，曲折的 | |
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182
proficient
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| adj.熟练的，精通的；n.能手，专家 | |
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183
uncertainty
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| n.易变，靠不住，不确知，不确定的事物 | |
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184
deserted
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| adj.荒芜的，荒废的，无人的，被遗弃的 | |
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185
anguish
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| n.(尤指心灵上的)极度痛苦，烦恼 | |
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186
countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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187
meditating
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| a.沉思的，冥想的 | |
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188
slew
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| v.（使）旋转；n.大量，许多 | |
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189
tyrants
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| 专制统治者( tyrant的名词复数 )； 暴君似的人； （古希腊的）僭主； 严酷的事物 | |
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190
presumptions
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| n.假定( presumption的名词复数 )；认定；推定；放肆 | |
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191
utterance
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| n.用言语表达，话语，言语 | |
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192
coffin
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| n.棺材，灵柩 | |
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193
pungent
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| adj.（气味、味道）刺激性的，辛辣的；尖锐的 | |
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194
apparently
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| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
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195
imprint
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| n.印痕，痕迹；深刻的印象；vt.压印，牢记 | |
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196
sufficiently
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| adv.足够地，充分地 | |
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197
engulfed
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| v.吞没，包住( engulf的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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198
inevitable
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| adj.不可避免的，必然发生的 | |
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199
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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200
dread
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| vt.担忧，忧虑；惧怕，不敢；n.担忧，畏惧 | |
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201
herded
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| 群集，纠结( herd的过去式和过去分词 )； 放牧； （使）向…移动 | |
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202
benevolent
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| adj.仁慈的，乐善好施的 | |
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203
miraculously
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| ad.奇迹般地 | |
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204
perpetuate
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| v.使永存，使永记不忘 | |
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205
fervent
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| adj.热的，热烈的，热情的 | |
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206
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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207
prostrates
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| v.使俯伏，使拜倒( prostrate的第三人称单数 )；（指疾病、天气等）使某人无能为力 | |
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208
reverence
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| n.敬畏，尊敬，尊严；Reverence:对某些基督教神职人员的尊称；v.尊敬，敬畏，崇敬 | |
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209
abasement
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| n.滥用 | |
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210
revered
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| v.崇敬，尊崇，敬畏( revere的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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211
enchanting
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| a.讨人喜欢的 | |
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212
virtuous
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| adj.有品德的，善良的，贞洁的，有效力的 | |
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213
irresistibly
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| adv.无法抵抗地，不能自持地；极为诱惑人地 | |
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214
enraptured
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| v.使狂喜( enrapture的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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215
snare
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| n.陷阱，诱惑，圈套；（去除息肉或者肿瘤的）勒除器；响弦，小军鼓；vt.以陷阱捕获，诱惑 | |
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216
perversity
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| n.任性；刚愎自用 | |
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217
accomplice
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| n.从犯，帮凶，同谋 | |
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218
specially
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| adv.特定地；特殊地；明确地 | |
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219
obtruding
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| v.强行向前，强行，强迫( obtrude的现在分词 ) | |
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220
tempting
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| a.诱人的, 吸引人的 | |
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221
avaricious
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| adj.贪婪的，贪心的 | |
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222
lenient
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| adj.宽大的，仁慈的 | |
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223
contrition
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| n.悔罪，痛悔 | |
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224
vows
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| 誓言( vow的名词复数 )； 郑重宣布，许愿 | |
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225
inevitably
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| adv.不可避免地；必然发生地 | |
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226
betrothal
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| n. 婚约, 订婚 | |
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227
reluctance
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| n.厌恶，讨厌，勉强，不情愿 | |
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228
affected
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| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
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229
hues
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| 色彩( hue的名词复数 )； 色调； 信仰； 观点 | |
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230
tranquil
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| adj. 安静的, 宁静的, 稳定的, 不变的 | |
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231
engrave
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| vt.（在...上）雕刻，使铭记，使牢记 | |
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232
torments
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| （肉体或精神上的）折磨，痛苦( torment的名词复数 )； 造成痛苦的事物[人] | |
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233
lighter
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| n.打火机，点火器；驳船；v.用驳船运送；light的比较级 | |
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234
deities
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| n.神，女神( deity的名词复数 )；神祗；神灵；神明 | |
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235
supple
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| adj.柔软的，易弯的，逢迎的，顺从的，灵活的；vt.使柔软，使柔顺，使顺从；vi.变柔软，变柔顺 | |
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236
prolificness
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| 挥霍 | |
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237
irresistible
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| adj.非常诱人的，无法拒绝的，无法抗拒的 | |
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238
wrath
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| n.愤怒，愤慨，暴怒 | |
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239
resounding
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| adj. 响亮的 | |
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240
kindled
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| （使某物）燃烧，着火( kindle的过去式和过去分词 )； 激起（感情等）； 发亮，放光 | |
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241
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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242
vessel
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| n.船舶；容器，器皿；管，导管，血管 | |
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243
remains
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| n.剩余物，残留物；遗体，遗迹 | |
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