“The motives1 which inspired the actions of the devout2 Quen-Ki-Tong have long been ill-reported,” said Kai Lung the story-teller, upon a certain occasion at Wu-whei, “and, as a consequence, his illustrious memory has suffered somewhat. Even as the insignificant3 earth-worm may bring the precious and many coloured jewel to the surface, so has it been permitted to this obscure and superficially educated one to discover the truth of the entire matter among the badly-arranged and frequently really illegible4 documents preserved at the Hall of Public Reference at Peking. Without fear of contradiction, therefore, he now sets forth5 the credible6 version.
“Quen-Ki-Tong was one who throughout his life had been compelled by the opposing force of circumstances to be content with what was offered rather than attain7 to that which he desired. Having been allowed to wander over the edge of an exceedingly steep crag, while still a child, by the aged8 and untrustworthy person who had the care of him, and yet suffering little hurt, he was carried back to the city in triumph, by the one in question, who, to cover her neglect, declared amid many chants of exultation9 that as he slept a majestic10 winged form had snatched him from her arms and traced magical figures with his body on the ground in token of the distinguished11 sacred existence for which he was undoubtedly12 set apart. In such a manner he became famed at a very early age for an unassuming mildness of character and an almost inspired piety13 of life, so that on every side frequent opportunity was given him for the display of these amiable14 qualities. Should it chance that an insufficient15 quantity of puppy-pie had been prepared for the family repast, the undesirable16 but necessary portion of cold dried rat would inevitably17 be allotted18 to the uncomplaining Quen, doubtless accompanied by the engaging but unnecessary remark that he alone had a Heaven-sent intellect which was fixed19 upon more sublime20 images than even the best constructed puppy-pie. Should the number of sedan-chairs not be sufficient to bear to the Exhibition of Kites all who were desirous of becoming entertained in such a fashion, inevitably would Quen be the one left behind, in order that he might have adequate leisure for dignified21 and pure-minded internal reflexion.
“In this manner it came about that when a very wealthy but unnaturally22 avaricious23 and evil-tempered person who was connected with Quen’s father in matters of commerce expressed his fixed determination that the most deserving and enlightened of his friend’s sons should enter into a marriage agreement with his daughter, there was no manner of hesitation24 among those concerned, who admitted without any questioning between themselves that Quen was undeniably the one referred to.
“Though naturally not possessing an insignificant intellect, a continuous habit, together with a most irreproachable25 sense of filial duty, subdued26 within Quen’s internal organs whatever reluctance27 he might have otherwise displayed in the matter, so that as courteously29 as was necessary he presented to the undoubtedly very ordinary and slow-witted maiden30 in question the gifts of irretrievable intention, and honourably31 carried out his spoken and written words towards her.
“For a period of years the circumstances of the various persons did not in any degree change, Quen in the meantime becoming more pure-souled and inward-seeing with each moon-change, after the manner of the sublime Lien-ti, who studied to maintain an unmoved endurance in all varieties of events by placing his body to a greater extent each day in a vessel32 of boiling liquid. Nevertheless, the good and charitable deities33 to whom Quen unceasingly sacrificed were not altogether unmindful of his virtues35; for a son was born, and an evil disease which arose from a most undignified display of uncontrollable emotion on her part ended in his wife being deposited with becoming ceremony in the Family Temple.
“Upon a certain evening, when Quen sat in his inner chamber36 deliberating upon the really beneficent yet somewhat inexplicable37 arrangement of the all-seeing ones to whom he was very amiably38 disposed in consequence of the unwonted tranquillity39 which he now enjoyed, yet who, it appeared to him, could have set out the entire matter in a much more satisfactory way from the beginning, he was made aware by the unexpected beating of many gongs, and by other signs of refined and deferential40 welcome, that a person of exalted41 rank was approaching his residence. While he was still hesitating in his uncertainty42 regarding the most courteous28 and delicate form of self-abasement with which to honour so important a visitor—whether to rush forth and allow the chair-carriers to pass over his prostrate43 form, to make a pretence44 of being a low-caste slave, and in that guise45 doing menial service, or to conceal46 himself beneath a massive and overhanging table until his guest should have availed himself of the opportunity to examine at his leisure whatever the room contained—the person in question stood before him. In every detail of dress and appointment he had the undoubted appearance of being one to whom no door might be safely closed.
“‘Alas!’ exclaimed Quen, ‘how inferior and ill-contrived is the mind of a person of my feeble intellectual attainments48. Even at this moment, when the near approach of one who obviously commands every engaging accomplishment50 might reasonably be expected to call up within it an adequate amount of commonplace resource, its ill-destined51 possessor finds himself entirely52 incapable53 of conducting himself with the fitting outward marks of his great internal respect. This residence is certainly unprepossessing in the extreme, yet it contains many objects of some value and of great rarity; illiterate54 as this person is, he would not be so presumptuous55 as to offer any for your acceptance, but if you will confer upon him the favour of selecting that which appears to be the most priceless and unreplaceable, he will immediately, and with every manifestation57 of extreme delight, break it irredeemably in your honour, to prove the unaffected depth of his gratified emotions.’
“‘Quen-Ki-Tong,’ replied the person before him, speaking with an evident sincerity59 of purpose, ‘pleasant to this one’s ears are your words, breathing as they do an obvious hospitality and a due regard for the forms of etiquette60. But if, indeed, you are desirous of gaining this person’s explicit61 regard, break no articles of fine porcelain62 or rare inlaid wood in proof of it, but immediately dismiss to a very distant spot the three-score gong-beaters who have enclosed him within two solid rings, and who are now carrying out their duties in so diligent63 a manner that he greatly doubts if the unimpaired faculties64 of hearing will ever be fully65 restored. Furthermore, if your exceedingly amiable intentions desire fuller expression, cause an unstinted number of vessels66 of some uninflammable liquid to be conveyed into your chrysanthemum67 garden and there poured over the numerous fireworks and coloured lights which still appear to be in progress. Doubtless they are well-intentioned marks of respect, but they caused this person considerable apprehension68 as he passed among them, and, indeed, give to this unusually pleasant and unassuming spot the by no means inviting69 atmosphere of a low-class tea-house garden during the festivities attending the birthday of the sacred Emperor.’
“‘This person is overwhelmed with a most unendurable confusion that the matters referred to should have been regarded in such a light,’ replied Quen humbly70. ‘Although he himself had no knowledge of them until this moment, he is confident that they in no wise differ from the usual honourable71 manifestations72 with which it is customary in this Province to welcome strangers of exceptional rank and titles.’
“‘The welcome was of a most dignified and impressive nature,’ replied the stranger, with every appearance of not desiring to cause Quen any uneasy internal doubts; ‘yet the fact is none the less true that at the moment this person’s head seems to contain an exceedingly powerful and well-equipped band; and also, that as he passed through the courtyard an ingeniously constructed but somewhat unmanageable figure of gigantic size, composed entirely of jets of many-coloured flame, leaped out suddenly from behind a dark wall and made an almost successful attempt to embrace him in its ever-revolving arms. Lo Yuen greatly fears that the time when he would have rejoiced in the necessary display of agility73 to which the incident gave rise has for ever passed away.’
“‘Lo Yuen!’ exclaimed Quen, with an unaffected mingling74 of the emotions of reverential awe75 and pleasureable anticipation76. ‘Can it indeed be an uncontroversial fact that so learned and ornamental77 a person as the renowned78 Controller of Unsolicited Degrees stands beneath this inelegant person’s utterly79 unpresentable roof! Now, indeed, he plainly understands why this ill-conditioned chamber has the appearance of being filled with a Heaven-sent brilliance80, and why at the first spoken words of the one before him a melodious81 sound, like the rushing waters of the sacred Tien-Kiang, seemed to fill his ears.’
“‘Undoubtedly the chamber is pervaded82 by a very exceptional splendour,’ replied Lo Yuen, who, in spite of his high position, regarded graceful83 talk and well-imagined compliments in a spirit of no-satisfaction; ‘yet this commonplace-minded one has a fixed conviction that it is caused by the crimson-eyed and pink-fire-breathing dragon which, despite your slave’s most assiduous efforts, is now endeavouring to climb through the aperture84 behind you. The noise which still fills his ears, also, resembles rather the despairing cries of the Ten Thousand Lost Ones at the first sight of the Pit of Liquid and Red-hot Malachite, yet without question both proceed from the same cause. Laying aside further ceremony, therefore, permit this greatly over-estimated person to disclose the object of his inopportune visit. Long have your amiable virtues been observed and appreciated by the high ones at Peking, O Quen-Ki-Tong. Too long have they been unrewarded and passed over in silence. Nevertheless, the moment of acknowledgement and advancement85 has at length arrived; for, as the Book of Verses clearly says, “Even the three-legged mule86 may contrive47 to reach the agreed spot in advance of the others, provided a circular running space has been selected and the number of rounds be sufficiently87 ample.” It is this otherwise uninteresting and obtrusive88 person’s graceful duty to convey to you the agreeable intelligence that the honourable and not ill-rewarded office of Guarder of the Imperial Silkworms has been conferred upon you, and to require you to proceed without delay to Peking, so that fitting ceremonies of admittance may be performed before the fifteenth day of the month of Feathered Insects.’
“Alas! how frequently does the purchaser of seemingly vigorous and exceptionally low-priced flower-seeds discover, when too late, that they are, in reality, fashioned from the root of the prolific89 and valueless tzu-ka, skilfully90 covered with a disguising varnish92! Instead of presenting himself at the place of commerce frequented by those who entrust93 money to others on the promise of an increased repayment94 when certain very probable events have come to pass (so that if all else failed he would still possess a serviceable number of taels), Quen-Ki-Tong entirely neglected the demands of a most ordinary prudence95, nor could he be induced to set out on his journey until he had passed seven days in public feasting to mark his good fortune, and then devoted96 fourteen more days to fasting and various acts of penance97, in order to make known the regret with which he acknowledged his entire unworthiness for the honour before him. Owing to this very conscientious98, but nevertheless somewhat short-sighted manner of behaving, Quen found himself unable to reach Peking before the day preceding that to which Lo Yuen had made special reference. From this cause it came about that only sufficient time remained to perform the various ceremonies of admission, without in any degree counselling Quen as to his duties and procedure in the fulfilment of his really important office.
“Among the many necessary and venerable ceremonies observed during the changing periods of the year, none occupy a more important place than those for which the fifteenth day of the month of Feathered Insects is reserved, conveying as they do a respectful and delicately-fashioned petition that the various affairs upon which persons in every condition of life are engaged may arrive at a pleasant and remunerative99 conclusion. At the earliest stroke of the gong the versatile100 Emperor, accompanied by many persons of irreproachable ancestry101 and certain others, very elaborately attired102, proceeds to an open space set apart for the occasion. With unassuming dexterity103 the benevolent104 Emperor for a brief span of time engages in the menial occupation of a person of low class, and with his own hands ploughs an assigned portion of land in order that the enlightened spirits under whose direct guardianship105 the earth is placed may not become lax in their disinterested106 efforts to promote its fruitfulness. In this charitable exertion107 he is followed by various other persons of recognized position, the first being, by custom, the Guarder of the Imperial Silkworms, while at the same time the amiably-disposed Empress plants an allotted number of mulberry trees, and deposits upon their leaves the carefully reared insects which she receives from the hands of their Guarder. In the case of the accomplished108 Emperor an ingenious contrivance is resorted to by which the soil is drawn109 aside by means of hidden strings110 as the plough passes by, the implement111 in question being itself constructed from paper of the highest quality, while the oxen which draw it are, in reality, ordinary persons cunningly concealed112 within masks of cardboard. In this thoughtful manner the actual labours of the sublime Emperor are greatly lessened113, while no chance is afforded for an inauspicious omen49 to be created by the rebellious114 behaviour of a maliciously-inclined ox, or by any other event of an unforeseen nature. All the other persons, however, are required to make themselves proficient115 in the art of ploughing, before the ceremony, so that the chances of the attendant spirits discovering the deception116 which has been practised upon them in the case of the Emperor may not be increased by its needless repetition. It was chiefly for this reason that Lo Yuen had urged Quen to journey to Peking as speedily as possible, but owing to the very short time which remained between his arrival and the ceremony of ploughing, not only had the person in question neglected to profit by instruction, but he was not even aware of the obligation which awaited him. When, therefore, in spite of every respectful protest on his part, he was led up to a massively-constructed implement drawn by two powerful and undeniably evilly-intentioned-looking animals, it was with every sign of great internal misgivings117, and an entire absence of enthusiasm in the entertainment, that he commenced his not too well understood task. In this matter he was by no means mistaken, for it soon became plain to all observers—of whom an immense concourse was assembled—that the usually self-possessed118 Guarder of the Imperial Silkworms was conducting himself in a most undignified manner; for though he still clung to the plough-handles with an inspired tenacity119, his body assumed every variety of base and uninviting attitude. Encouraged by this inelegant state of affairs, the evil spirits which are ever on the watch to turn into derision the charitable intentions of the pure-minded entered into the bodies of the oxen and provoked within their minds a sudden and malignant120 confidence that the time had arrived when they might with safety break into revolt and throw off the outward signs of their dependent condition. From these various causes it came about that Quen was, without warning, borne with irresistible121 certainty against the majestic person of the sacred Emperor, the inlaid box of Imperial silkworms, which up to that time had remained safely among the folds of his silk garment, alone serving to avert122 an even more violent and ill-destined blow.
“Well said the wise and deep-thinking Ye-te, in his book entitled Proverbs of Everyday Happenings, ‘Should a person on returning from the city discover his house to be in flames, let him examine well the change which he has received from the chair-carrier before it is too late; for evil never travels alone.’ Scarcely had the unfortunate Quen recovered his natural attributes from the effect of the disgraceful occurrence which has been recorded (which, indeed, furnished the matter of a song and many unpresentable jests among the low-class persons of the city), than the magnanimous Empress reached that detail of the tree-planting ceremony when it was requisite123 that she should deposit the living emblems124 of the desired increase and prosperity upon the leaves. Stretching forth her delicately-proportioned hand to Quen for this purpose, she received from the still greatly confused person in question the Imperial silkworms in so unseemly a condition that her eyes had scarcely rested upon them before she was seized with the rigid125 sickness, and in that state fell to the ground. At this new and entirely unforeseen calamity126 a very disagreeable certainty of approaching evil began to take possession of all those who stood around, many crying aloud that every omen of good was wanting, and declaring that unless something of a markedly propitiatory127 nature was quickly accomplished, the agriculture of the entire Empire would cease to flourish, and the various departments of the commerce in silk would undoubtedly be thrown into a state of most inextricable confusion. Indeed, in spite of all things designed to have a contrary effect, the matter came about in the way predicted, for the Hoang-Ho seven times overcame its restraining barriers, and poured its waters over the surrounding country, thereby128 gaining for the first time its well-deserved title of ‘The Sorrow of China,’ by which dishonourable but exceedingly appropriate designation it is known to this day.
“The manner of greeting which would have been accorded to Quen had he returned to the official quarter of the city, or the nature of his treatment by the baser class of the ordinary people if they succeeded in enticing129 him to come among them, formed a topic of such uninviting conjecture130 that the humane-minded Lo Yuen, who had observed the entire course of events from an elevated spot, determined131 to make a well-directed effort towards his safety. To this end he quickly purchased the esteem132 of several of those who make a profession of their strength, holding out the hope of still further reward if they conducted the venture to a successful termination. Uttering loud cries of an impending133 vengeance134, as Lo Yuen had instructed them in the matter, and displaying their exceptional proportions to the astonishment135 and misgivings of all beholders, these persons tore open the opium-tent in which Quen had concealed himself, and, thrusting aside all opposition136, quickly dragged him forth. Holding him high upon their shoulders, in spite of his frequent and ill-advised endeavours to cast himself to the ground, some surrounded those who bore him—after the manner of disposing his troops affected58 by a skilful91 leader when the enemy begin to waver—and crying aloud that it was their unchanging purpose to submit him to the test of burning splinters and afterwards to torture him, they succeeded by this stratagem137 in bringing him through the crowd; and hurling138 back or outstripping139 those who endeavoured to follow, conveyed him secretly and unperceived to a deserted140 and appointed spot. Here Quen was obliged to remain until other events caused the recollection of the many to become clouded and unconcerned towards him, suffering frequent inconveniences in spite of the powerful protection of Lo Yuen, and not at all times being able to regard the most necessary repast as an appointment of undoubted certainty. At length, in the guise of a wandering conjurer who was unable to display his accomplishments141 owing to an entire loss of the power of movement in his arms, Quen passed undetected from the city, and safely reaching the distant and unimportant town of Lu-Kwo, gave himself up to a protracted142 period of lamentation143 and self-reproach at the unprepossessing manner in which he had conducted his otherwise very inviting affairs.
SECOND PERIOD: THE TEMPLE BUILDER
Two hand-counts of years passed away and Quen still remained at Lu-kwo, all desire of returning either to Peking or to the place of his birth having by this time faded into nothingness. Accepting the inevitable144 fact that he was not destined ever to become a person with whom taels were plentiful145, and yet being unwilling146 to forego the charitable manner of life which he had always been accustomed to observe, it came about that he spent the greater part of his time in collecting together such sums of money as he could procure147 from the amiable and well-disposed, and with them building temples and engaging in other benevolent works. From this cause it arose the Quen obtained around Lu-kwo a reputation for high-minded piety, in no degree less than that which had been conferred upon him in earlier times, so that pilgrims from far distant places would purposely contrive their journey so as to pass through the town containing so unassuming and virtuous148 a person.
“During this entire period Quen had been accompanied by his only son, a youth of respectful personality, in whose entertaining society he took an intelligent interest. Even when deeply engaged in what he justly regarded as the crowning work of his existence—the planning and erecting149 of an exceptionally well-endowed marble temple, which was to be entirely covered on the outside with silver paper, and on the inside with gold-leaf—he did not fail to observe the various conditions of Liao’s existence, and the changing emotions which from time to time possessed him. Therefore, when the person in question, without displaying any signs of internal sickness, and likewise persistently150 denying that he had lost any considerable sum of money, disclosed a continuous habit of turning aside with an unaffected expression of distaste from all manner of food, and passed the entire night in observing the course of the great sky-lantern rather than in sleep, the sage151 and discriminating152 Quen took him one day aside, and asked him, as one who might aid him in the matter, who the maiden was, and what class and position her father occupied.
“‘Alas!’ exclaimed Liao, with many unfeigned manifestations of an unbearable153 fate, ‘to what degree do the class and position of her entirely unnecessary parents affect the question? or how little hope can this sacrilegious one reasonably have of ever progressing as far as earthly details of a pecuniary154 character in the case of so adorable and far-removed a Being? The uttermost extent of this wildly-hoping person’s ambition is that when the incomparably symmetrical Ts’ain learns of the steadfast155 light of his devotion, she may be inspired to deposit an emblematic156 chrysanthemum upon his tomb in the Family Temple. For such a reward he will cheerfully devote the unswerving fidelity157 of a lifetime to her service, not distressing158 her gentle and retiring nature by the expression of what must inevitably be a hopeless passion, but patiently and uncomplainingly guarding her footsteps as from a distance.’
“Being in this manner made aware of the reason of Liao’s frequent and unrestrained exclamations159 of intolerable despair, and of his fixed determination with regard to the maiden Ts’ain (which seemed, above all else, to indicate a resolution to shun160 her presence) Quen could not regard the immediately-following actions of his son with anything but an emotion of confusion. For when his eyes next rested upon the exceedingly contradictory161 Liao, he was seated in the open space before the house in which Ts’ain dwelt, playing upon an instrument of stringed woods, and chanting verses into which the names of the two persons in question had been skilfully introduced without restraint, his whole manner of behaving being with the evident purpose of attracting the maiden’s favourable162 attention. After an absence of many days, spent in this graceful and complimentary163 manner, Liao returned suddenly to the house of his father, and, prostrating164 his body before him, made a specific request for his assistance.
“‘As regards Ts’ain and myself,’ he continued, ‘all things are arranged, and but for the unfortunate coincidence of this person’s poverty and of her father’s cupidity165, the details of the wedding ceremony would undoubtedly now be in a very advanced condition. Upon these entrancing and well-discussed plans, however, the shadow of the grasping and commonplace Ah-Ping has fallen like the inopportune opium-pipe from the mouth of a person examining substances of an explosive nature; for the one referred to demands a large and utterly unobtainable amount of taels before he will suffer his greatly-sought-after daughter to accept the gifts of irretrievable intention.’
“‘Grievous indeed is your plight,’ replied Quen, when he thus understood the manner of obstacle which impeded166 his son’s hopes; ‘for in the nature of taels the most diverse men are to be measured through the same mesh167. As the proverb says, “‘All money is evil,’ exclaimed the philosopher with extreme weariness, as he gathered up the gold pieces in exchange, but presently discovering that one among them was such indeed has he had described, he rushed forth without tarrying to take up a street garment; and with an entire absence of dignity traversed all the ways of the city in the hope of finding the one who had defrauded168 him.” Well does this person know the mercenary Ah-Ping, and the unyielding nature of his closed hand; for often, but always fruitlessly, he has entered his presence on affairs connected with the erecting of certain temples. Nevertheless, the matter is one which does not admit of any incapable faltering169, to which end this one will seek out the obdurate170 Ah-Ping without delay, and endeavour to entrap171 him by some means in the course of argument.’
“From the time of his earliest youth Ah-Ping had unceasingly devoted himself to the object of getting together an overwhelming number of taels, using for this purpose various means which, without being really degrading or contrary to the written law, were not such as might have been cheerfully engaged in by a person of high-minded honourableness172. In consequence of this, as he grew more feeble in body, and more venerable in appearance, he began to express frequent and bitter doubts as to whether his manner of life had been really well arranged; for, in spite of his great wealth, he had grown to adopt a most inexpensive habit on all occasions, having no desire to spend; and an ever-increasing apprehension began to possess him that after he had passed beyond, his sons would be very disinclined to sacrifice and burn money sufficient to keep him in an affluent173 condition in the Upper Air. In such a state of mind was Ah-Ping when Quen-Ki-Tong appeared before him, for it had just been revealed to him that his eldest174 and favourite son had, by flattery and by openly praising the dexterity with which he used his brush and ink, entrapped175 him into inscribing176 his entire name upon certain unwritten sheets of parchment, which the one in question immediately sold to such as were heavily indebted to Ah-Ping.
“‘If a person can be guilty of this really unfilial behaviour during the lifetime of his father,’ exclaimed Ah-Ping, in a tone of unrestrained vexation, ‘can it be prudently178 relied upon that he will carry out his wishes after death, when they involve the remitting179 to him of several thousand taels each year? O estimable Quen-Ki-Tong, how immeasurably superior is the celestial180 outlook upon which you may safely rely as your portion! When you are enjoying every variety of sumptuous56 profusion181, as the reward of your untiring charitable exertions182 here on earth, the spirit of this short-sighted person will be engaged in doing menial servitude for the inferior deities, and perhaps scarcely able, even by those means, to clothe himself according to the changing nature of the seasons.’
“‘Yet,’ replied Quen, ‘the necessity for so laborious183 and unremunerative an existence may even now be averted184 by taking efficient precautions before you pass to the Upper Air.’
“‘In what way?’ demanded Ah-Ping, with an awakening185 hope that the matter might not be entirely destitute186 of cheerfulness, yet at the same time preparing to examine with even unbecoming intrusiveness187 any expedient188 which Quen might lay before him. ‘Is it not explicitly189 stated that sacrifices and acts of a like nature, when performed at the end of one’s existence by a person who to that time has professed190 no sort of interest in such matters, shall in no degree be entered as to his good, but rather regarded as examples of deliberate presumptuousness191, and made the excuse for subjecting him to more severe tortures and acts of penance than would be his portion if he neglected the custom altogether?’
“‘Undoubtedly such is the case,’ replied Quen; ‘and on that account it would indicate a most regrettable want of foresight192 for you to conduct your affairs in the manner indicated. The only undeniably safe course is for you to entrust the amount you will require to a person of exceptional piety, receiving in return his written word to repay the full sum whenever you shall claim it from him in the Upper Air. By this crafty193 method the amount will be placed at the disposal of the person in question as soon as he has passed beyond, and he will be held by his written word to return it to you whenever you shall demand it.’
“So amiably impressed with this ingenious scheme was Ah-Ping that he would at once have entered more fully into the detail had the thought not arisen in his mind that the person before him was the father of Liao, who urgently required a certain large sum, and that for this reason he might with prudence inquire more fully into the matter elsewhere, in case Quen himself should have been imperceptibly led aside, even though he possessed intentions of a most unswerving honourableness. To this end, therefore, he desired to converse194 again with Quen on the matter, pleading that at that moment a gathering195 of those who direct enterprises of a commercial nature required his presence. Nevertheless, he would not permit the person referred to depart until he had complimented him, in both general and specific terms, on the high character of his life and actions, and the intelligent nature of his understanding, which had enabled him with so little mental exertion to discover an efficient plan.
“Without delay Ah-Ping sought out those most skilled in all varieties of law-forms, in extorting196 money by devices capable of very different meanings, and in expedients197 for evading198 just debts; but all agreed that such an arrangement as the one he put before them would be unavoidably binding199, provided the person who received the money alluded200 to spent it in the exercise of his charitable desires, and provided also that the written agreement bore the duty seal of the high ones at Peking, and was deposited in the coffin201 of the lender. Fully satisfied, and rejoicing greatly that he could in this way adequately provide for his future and entrap the avaricious ones of his house, Ah-Ping collected together the greater part of his possessions, and converting it into pieces of gold, entrusted202 them to Quen on the exact understanding that has already been described, he receiving in turn Quen’s written and thumb-signed paper of repayment, and his assurance that the whole amount should be expended203 upon the silver-paper and gold-leaf Temple with which he was still engaged.
“It is owing to this circumstance that Quen-Ki-Tong’s irreproachable name has come to be lightly regarded by many who may be fitly likened to the latter person in the subtle and experienced proverb, ‘The wise man’s eyes fell before the gaze of the fool, fearing that if he looked he must cry aloud, “Thou hopeless one!” “There,” said the fool to himself, “behold this person’s power!”’ These badly educated and undiscriminating persons, being entirely unable to explain the ensuing train of events, unhesitatingly declare that Quen-Ki-Tong applied204 a portion of the money which he had received from Ah-Ping in the manner described to the object of acquiring Ts’ain for his son Liao. In this feeble and incapable fashion they endeavour to stigmatize205 the pure-minded Quen as one who acted directly contrary to his deliberately206 spoken word, whereas the desired result was brought about in a much more artful manner; they describe the commercially successful Ah-Ping as a person of very inferior prudence, and one easily imposed upon; while they entirely pass over, as a detail outside the true facts, the written paper preserved among the sacred relics207 in the Temple, which announces, among other gifts of a small and uninviting character, ‘Thirty thousand taels from an elderly ginseng merchant of Lu-kwo, who desires to remain nameless, through the hand of Quen-Ki-Tong.’ The full happening in its real and harmless face is now set forth for the first time.
“Some weeks after the recorded arrangement had been arrived at by Ah-Ping and Quen, when the taels in question had been expended upon the Temple and were, therefore, infallibly beyond recall, the former person chanced to be passing through the public garden in Lu-kwo when he heard a voice lifted up in the expression of every unendurable feeling of dejection to which one can give utterance208. Stepping aside to learn the cause of so unprepossessing a display of unrestrained agitation209, and in the hope that perhaps he might be able to use the incident in a remunerative manner, Ah-Ping quickly discovered the unhappy being who, entirely regardless of the embroidered210 silk robe which he wore, reclined upon a raised bank of uninviting earth, and waved his hands from side to side as his internal emotions urged him.
“‘Quen-Ki-Tong!’ exclaimed Ah-Ping, not fully convinced that the fact was as he stated it in spite of the image clearly impressed upon his imagination; ‘to what unpropitious occurrence is so unlooked-for an exhibition due? Are those who traffic in gold-leaf demanding a high and prohibitive price for that commodity, or has some evil and vindicative spirit taken up its abode211 within the completed portion of the Temple, and by its offensive but nevertheless diverting remarks and actions removed all semblance212 of gravity from the countenances214 of those who daily come to admire the construction?’
“‘O thrice unfortunate Ah-Ping,’ replied Quen when he observed the distinguishing marks of the person before him, ‘scarcely can this greatly overwhelmed one raise his eyes to your open and intelligent countenance213; for through him you are on the point of experiencing a very severe financial blow, and it is, indeed, on your account more than on his own that he is now indulging in these outward signs of a grief too far down to be expressed in spoken words.’ And at the memory of his former occupation, Quen again waved his arms from side to side with untiring assiduousness.
“‘Strange indeed to this person’s ears are your words,’ said Ah-Ping, outwardly unmoved, but with an apprehensive215 internal pain that he would have regarded Quen’s display of emotion with an easier stomach if his own taels were safely concealed under the floor of his inner chamber. ‘The sum which this one entrusted to you has, without any pretence been expended upon the Temple, while the written paper concerning the repayment bears the duty seal of the high ones at Peking. How, then, can Ah-Ping suffer a loss at the hands of Quen-Ki-Tong?’
“‘Ah-Ping,’ said Quen, with every appearance of desiring that both persons should regard the matter in a conciliatory spirit, ‘do not permit the awaiting demons216, which are ever on the alert to enter into a person’s mind when he becomes distressed217 out of the common order of events, to take possession of your usually discriminating faculties until you have fully understood how this affair has come about. It is no unknown thing for a person of even exceptional intelligence to reverse his entire manner of living towards the end of a long and consistent existence; the far-seeing and not lightly-moved Ah-Ping himself has already done so. In a similar, but entirely contrary manner, the person who is now before you finds himself impelled218 towards that which will certainly bear a very unpresentable face when the circumstances become known; yet by no other means is he capable of attaining219 his greatly-desired object.’
“‘And to what end does that trend?’ demanded Ah-Ping, in no degree understanding how the matter affected him.
“‘While occupied with enterprises which those of an engaging and complimentary nature are accustomed to refer to as charitable, this person has almost entirely neglected a duty of scarcely less importance—that of establishing an unending line, through which his name and actions shall be kept alive to all time,’ replied Quen. ‘Having now inquired into the matter, he finds that his only son, through whom alone the desired result can be obtained, has become unbearably220 attached to a maiden for whom a very large sum is demanded in exchange. The thought of obtaining no advantage from an entire life of self-denial is certainly unprepossessing in the extreme, but so, even to a more advanced degree, is the certainty that otherwise the family monuments will be untended, and the temple of domestic virtues become an early ruin. This person has submitted the dilemma221 to the test of omens222, and after considering well the reply, he has decided223 to obtain the price of the maiden in a not very honourable manner, which now presents itself, so that Liao may send out his silk-bound gifts without delay.’
“‘It is an unalluring alternative,’ said Ah-Ping, whose only inside thought was one of gratification that the exchange money for Ts’ain would so soon be in his possession, ‘yet this person fails to perceive how you could act otherwise after the decision of the omens. He now understands, moreover, that the loss you referred to on his part was in the nature of a figure of speech, as one makes use of thunderbolts and delicately-scented flowers to convey ideas of harsh and amiable passions, and alluded in reality to the forthcoming departure of his daughter, who is, as you so versatilely224 suggested, the comfort and riches of his old age.’
“‘O venerable, but at this moment somewhat obtuse225, Ah-Ping,’ cried Quen, with a recurrence226 to his former method of expressing his unfeigned agitation, ‘is your evenly-balanced mind unable to grasp the essential fact of how this person’s contemplated227 action will affect your own celestial condition? It is a distressing but entirely unavoidable fact, that if this person acts in the manner which he has determined upon, he will be condemned228 to the lowest place of torment229 reserved for those who fail at the end of an otherwise pure existence, and in this he will never have an opportunity of meeting the very much higher placed Ah-Ping, and of restoring to him the thirty-thousand taels as agreed upon.’
“At these ill-destined words, all power of rigidness230 departed from Ah-Ping’s limbs, and he sank down upon the forbidding earth by Quen’s side.
“‘O most unfortunate one who is now speaking,’ he exclaimed, when at length his guarding spirit deemed it prudent177 to restore his power of expressing himself in words, ‘happy indeed would have been your lot had you been content to traffic in ginseng and other commodities of which you have actual knowledge. O amiable Quen, this matter must be in some way arranged without causing you to deviate231 from the entrancing paths of your habitual232 virtue34. Could not the very reasonable Liao be induced to look favourably233 upon the attractions of some low-priced maiden, in which case this not really hard-stomached person would be willing to advance the necessary amount, until such time as it could be restored, at a very low and unremunerative rate of interest?’
“‘This person has observed every variety of practical humility234 in the course of his life,’ replied Quen with commendable235 dignity, ‘yet he now finds himself totally unable to overcome an inward repugnance236 to the thought of perpetuating237 his honoured name and race through the medium of any low-priced maiden. To this end has he decided.’
“Those who were well acquainted with Ah-Ping in matters of commerce did not hesitate to declare that his great wealth had been acquired by his consistent habit of forming an opinion quickly while others hesitated. On the occasion in question he only engaged his mind with the opposing circumstances for a few moments before he definitely fixed upon the course which he should pursue.
“‘Quen-Ki-Tong,’ he said, with an evident intermingling of many very conflicting emotions, ‘retain to the end this well-merited reputation for unaffected honourableness which you have so fittingly earned. Few in the entire Empire, with powers so versatilely pointing to an eminent238 position in any chosen direction, would have been content to pass their lives in an unremunerative existence devoted to actions of charity. Had you selected an entirely different manner of living, this person has every confidence that he, and many others in Lu-kwo, would by this time be experiencing a very ignoble239 poverty. For this reason he will make it his most prominent ambition to hasten the realization240 of the amiable hopes expressed both by Liao and by Ts’ain, concerning their future relationship. In this, indeed, he himself will be more than exceptionally fortunate should the former one prove to possess even a portion of the clear-sighted sagaciousness exhibited by his engaging father.’
“VERSES COMPOSED BY A MUSICIAN OF LU-KWO, ON THE
OCCASION OF THE WEDDING CEREMONY OF
LIAO AND TS’AIN
Happy is Liao in the possession of so accomplished a parent,
Happy also is Quen to have so discriminating a son.
“The two persons in question sit, side by side, upon an
embroidered couch,
Listening to the well-expressed compliments of those who pass to
and fro.
From time to time their eyes meet, and glances of a very
significant amusement pass between them;
Can it be that on so ceremonious an occasion they are recalling
events of a gravity-removing nature?
“The gentle and rainbow-like Ts’ain has already arrived,
of rushes, she moves among those who are assembled.
On the brow of her somewhat contentious244 father there rests the
shadow of an ill-repressed sorrow;
Doubtless the frequently-misjudged Ah-Ping is thinking of his
he holds most precious.
“In the most commodious246 chamber of the house the elegant
wedding-gifts are conspicuously247 displayed; let us stand beside
the one which we have contributed, and point out its
excellence248 to those who pass by.
Surely the time cannot be far distant when the sound of many gongs
will announce that the very desirable repast is at length to
be partaken of.”
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1
motives
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| n.动机，目的( motive的名词复数 ) | |
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2
devout
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| adj.虔诚的，虔敬的，衷心的 (n.devoutness) | |
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3
insignificant
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| adj.无关紧要的，可忽略的，无意义的 | |
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4
illegible
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| adj.难以辨认的，字迹模糊的 | |
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5
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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6
credible
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| adj.可信任的，可靠的 | |
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attain
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| vt.达到，获得，完成 | |
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8
aged
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| adj.年老的，陈年的 | |
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exultation
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| n.狂喜，得意 | |
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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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distinguished
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| adj.卓越的，杰出的，著名的 | |
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12
undoubtedly
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| adv.确实地，无疑地 | |
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piety
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| n.虔诚，虔敬 | |
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14
amiable
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| adj.和蔼可亲的，友善的，亲切的 | |
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15
insufficient
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| adj.(for，of)不足的，不够的 | |
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16
undesirable
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| adj.不受欢迎的，不良的，不合意的，讨厌的；n.不受欢迎的人，不良分子 | |
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17
inevitably
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| adv.不可避免地；必然发生地 | |
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18
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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19
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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20
sublime
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| adj.崇高的，伟大的；极度的，不顾后果的 | |
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21
dignified
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| a.可敬的，高贵的 | |
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22
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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23
avaricious
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| adj.贪婪的，贪心的 | |
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24
hesitation
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| n.犹豫，踌躇 | |
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25
irreproachable
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| adj.不可指责的，无过失的 | |
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26
subdued
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| adj. 屈服的，柔和的，减弱的 动词subdue的过去式和过去分词 | |
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27
reluctance
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| n.厌恶，讨厌，勉强，不情愿 | |
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28
courteous
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| adj.彬彬有礼的，客气的 | |
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29
courteously
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| adv.有礼貌地，亲切地 | |
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30
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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31
honourably
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| adv.可尊敬地，光荣地，体面地 | |
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32
vessel
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| n.船舶；容器，器皿；管，导管，血管 | |
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33
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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34
virtue
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| n.德行，美德；贞操；优点；功效，效力 | |
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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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36
chamber
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| n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所 | |
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37
inexplicable
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| adj.无法解释的，难理解的 | |
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38
amiably
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| adv.和蔼可亲地，亲切地 | |
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39
tranquillity
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| n. 平静, 安静 | |
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40
deferential
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| adj. 敬意的，恭敬的 | |
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41
exalted
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| adj.(地位等)高的，崇高的；尊贵的，高尚的 | |
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42
uncertainty
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| n.易变，靠不住，不确知，不确定的事物 | |
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43
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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44
pretence
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| n.假装，作假；借口，口实；虚伪；虚饰 | |
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45
guise
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| n.外表，伪装的姿态 | |
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46
conceal
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，隐蔽 | |
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47
contrive
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| vt.谋划，策划；设法做到；设计，想出 | |
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48
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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49
omen
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| n.征兆，预兆；vt.预示 | |
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50
accomplishment
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| n.完成，成就，（pl.）造诣，技能 | |
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51
destined
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| adj.命中注定的；(for)以…为目的地的 | |
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52
entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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53
incapable
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| adj.无能力的，不能做某事的 | |
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54
illiterate
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| adj.文盲的；无知的；n.文盲 | |
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55
presumptuous
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| adj.胆大妄为的，放肆的，冒昧的，冒失的 | |
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56
sumptuous
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| adj.豪华的，奢侈的，华丽的 | |
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57
manifestation
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| n.表现形式；表明；现象 | |
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58
affected
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| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
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59
sincerity
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| n.真诚，诚意；真实 | |
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60
etiquette
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| n.礼仪，礼节；规矩 | |
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61
explicit
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| adj.详述的，明确的；坦率的；显然的 | |
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62
porcelain
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| n.瓷；adj.瓷的，瓷制的 | |
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63
diligent
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| adj.勤勉的，勤奋的 | |
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64
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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65
fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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66
vessels
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| n.血管( vessel的名词复数 )；船；容器；（具有特殊品质或接受特殊品质的）人 | |
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67
chrysanthemum
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| n.菊，菊花 | |
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68
apprehension
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| n.理解，领悟；逮捕，拘捕；忧虑 | |
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69
inviting
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| adj.诱人的，引人注目的 | |
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70
humbly
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| adv. 恭顺地，谦卑地 | |
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71
honourable
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| adj.可敬的；荣誉的，光荣的 | |
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72
manifestations
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| n.表示，显示（manifestation的复数形式） | |
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73
agility
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| n.敏捷，活泼 | |
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74
mingling
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| adj.混合的 | |
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75
awe
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| n.敬畏，惊惧；vt.使敬畏，使惊惧 | |
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76
anticipation
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| n.预期，预料，期望 | |
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77
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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78
renowned
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| adj.著名的，有名望的，声誉鹊起的 | |
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utterly
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| adv.完全地，绝对地 | |
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80
brilliance
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| n.光辉，辉煌，壮丽，（卓越的）才华，才智 | |
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81
melodious
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| adj.旋律美妙的，调子优美的，音乐性的 | |
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82
pervaded
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| v.遍及，弥漫( pervade的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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83
graceful
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| adj.优美的，优雅的；得体的 | |
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84
aperture
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| n.孔，隙，窄的缺口 | |
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85
advancement
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| n.前进，促进，提升 | |
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86
mule
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| n.骡子，杂种，执拗的人 | |
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87
sufficiently
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| adv.足够地，充分地 | |
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88
obtrusive
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| adj.显眼的；冒失的 | |
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89
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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90
skilfully
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| adv. (美skillfully)熟练地 | |
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91
skilful
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| (=skillful)adj.灵巧的，熟练的 | |
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92
varnish
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| n.清漆；v.上清漆；粉饰 | |
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93
entrust
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| v.信赖，信托，交托 | |
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94
repayment
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| n.偿还，偿还款；报酬 | |
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95
prudence
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| n.谨慎，精明，节俭 | |
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96
devoted
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| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
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97
penance
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| n.（赎罪的）惩罪 | |
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98
conscientious
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| adj.审慎正直的，认真的，本着良心的 | |
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99
remunerative
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| adj.有报酬的 | |
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100
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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101
ancestry
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| n.祖先，家世 | |
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102
attired
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| adj.穿着整齐的v.使穿上衣服，使穿上盛装( attire的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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103
dexterity
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| n.(手的)灵巧，灵活 | |
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104
benevolent
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| adj.仁慈的，乐善好施的 | |
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105
guardianship
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| n. 监护, 保护, 守护 | |
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106
disinterested
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| adj.不关心的，不感兴趣的 | |
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107
exertion
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| n.尽力，努力 | |
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108
accomplished
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| adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的 | |
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109
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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110
strings
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| n.弦 | |
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111
implement
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| n.(pl.)工具，器具；vt.实行，实施，执行 | |
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112
concealed
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| a.隐藏的，隐蔽的 | |
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113
lessened
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| 减少的，减弱的 | |
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114
rebellious
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| adj.造反的，反抗的，难控制的 | |
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115
proficient
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| adj.熟练的，精通的；n.能手，专家 | |
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116
deception
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| n.欺骗，欺诈；骗局，诡计 | |
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117
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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118
possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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119
tenacity
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| n.坚韧 | |
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120
malignant
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| adj.恶性的，致命的；恶意的，恶毒的 | |
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121
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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122
avert
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| v.防止，避免；转移(目光、注意力等) | |
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123
requisite
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| adj.需要的，必不可少的；n.必需品 | |
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124
emblems
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| n.象征，标记( emblem的名词复数 ) | |
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125
rigid
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| adj.严格的，死板的；刚硬的，僵硬的 | |
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126
calamity
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| n.灾害，祸患，不幸事件 | |
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127
propitiatory
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| adj.劝解的；抚慰的；谋求好感的；哄人息怒的 | |
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128
thereby
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| adv.因此，从而 | |
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129
enticing
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| adj.迷人的；诱人的 | |
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130
conjecture
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| n./v.推测，猜测 | |
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131
determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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132
esteem
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| n.尊敬，尊重；vt.尊重，敬重；把…看作 | |
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133
impending
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| a.imminent, about to come or happen | |
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134
vengeance
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| n.报复，报仇，复仇 | |
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135
astonishment
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| n.惊奇，惊异 | |
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136
opposition
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| n.反对，敌对 | |
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137
stratagem
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| n.诡计，计谋 | |
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138
hurling
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| n.爱尔兰式曲棍球v.猛投，用力掷( hurl的现在分词 )；大声叫骂 | |
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139
outstripping
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| v.做得比…更好，（在赛跑等中）超过( outstrip的现在分词 ) | |
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140
deserted
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| adj.荒芜的，荒废的，无人的，被遗弃的 | |
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141
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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142
protracted
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| adj.拖延的；延长的v.拖延“protract”的过去式和过去分词 | |
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143
lamentation
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| n.悲叹，哀悼 | |
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144
inevitable
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| adj.不可避免的，必然发生的 | |
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145
plentiful
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| adj.富裕的，丰富的 | |
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146
unwilling
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| adj.不情愿的 | |
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147
procure
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| vt.获得，取得，促成；vi.拉皮条 | |
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148
virtuous
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| adj.有品德的，善良的，贞洁的，有效力的 | |
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149
erecting
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| v.使直立，竖起( erect的现在分词 )；建立 | |
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150
persistently
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| ad.坚持地；固执地 | |
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151
sage
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| n.圣人，哲人；adj.贤明的，明智的 | |
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152
discriminating
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| a.有辨别能力的 | |
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153
unbearable
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| adj.不能容忍的；忍受不住的 | |
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154
pecuniary
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| adj.金钱的；金钱上的 | |
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155
steadfast
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| adj.固定的，不变的，不动摇的；忠实的；坚贞不移的 | |
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156
emblematic
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| adj.象征的，可当标志的；象征性 | |
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157
fidelity
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| n.忠诚，忠实；精确 | |
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158
distressing
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| a.使人痛苦的 | |
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159
exclamations
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| n.呼喊( exclamation的名词复数 )；感叹；感叹语；感叹词 | |
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160
shun
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| vt.避开，回避，避免 | |
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161
contradictory
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| adj.反驳的，反对的，抗辩的；n.正反对，矛盾对立 | |
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162
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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163
complimentary
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| adj.赠送的，免费的，赞美的，恭维的 | |
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164
prostrating
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| v.使俯伏，使拜倒( prostrate的现在分词 )；（指疾病、天气等）使某人无能为力 | |
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165
cupidity
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| n.贪心，贪财 | |
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166
impeded
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| 阻碍，妨碍，阻止( impede的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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167
mesh
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| n.网孔，网丝，陷阱；vt.以网捕捉，啮合，匹配；vi.适合； [计算机]网络 | |
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168
defrauded
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| v.诈取，骗取( defraud的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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169
faltering
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| 犹豫的，支吾的，蹒跚的 | |
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170
obdurate
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| adj.固执的，顽固的 | |
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171
entrap
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| v.以网或陷阱捕捉，使陷入圈套 | |
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172
honourableness
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173
affluent
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| adj.富裕的，富有的，丰富的，富饶的 | |
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174
eldest
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| adj.最年长的，最年老的 | |
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175
entrapped
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| v.使陷入圈套，使入陷阱( entrap的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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176
inscribing
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| v.写，刻( inscribe的现在分词 ) | |
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177
prudent
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| adj.谨慎的，有远见的，精打细算的 | |
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178
prudently
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| adv. 谨慎地，慎重地 | |
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179
remitting
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| v.免除（债务），宽恕( remit的现在分词 )；使某事缓和；寄回，传送 | |
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180
celestial
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| adj.天体的；天上的 | |
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181
profusion
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| n.挥霍；丰富 | |
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182
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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183
laborious
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| adj.吃力的，努力的，不流畅 | |
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184
averted
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| 防止，避免( avert的过去式和过去分词 )； 转移 | |
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185
awakening
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| n.觉醒，醒悟 adj.觉醒中的；唤醒的 | |
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186
destitute
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| adj.缺乏的；穷困的 | |
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187
intrusiveness
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188
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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189
explicitly
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| ad.明确地，显然地 | |
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190
professed
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| 公开声称的，伪称的，已立誓信教的 | |
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191
presumptuousness
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| n.自以为是，专横，冒失 | |
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192
foresight
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| n.先见之明，深谋远虑 | |
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193
crafty
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| adj.狡猾的，诡诈的 | |
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194
converse
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| vi.谈话，谈天，闲聊；adv.相反的，相反 | |
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195
gathering
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| n.集会，聚会，聚集 | |
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196
extorting
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| v.敲诈( extort的现在分词 )；曲解 | |
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197
expedients
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| n.应急有效的，权宜之计的( expedient的名词复数 ) | |
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198
evading
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| 逃避( evade的现在分词 )； 避开； 回避； 想不出 | |
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199
binding
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| 有约束力的，有效的，应遵守的 | |
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200
alluded
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| 提及，暗指( allude的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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201
coffin
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| n.棺材，灵柩 | |
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202
entrusted
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| v.委托，托付( entrust的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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203
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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204
applied
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| adj.应用的；v.应用，适用 | |
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205
stigmatize
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| v.污蔑，玷污 | |
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206
deliberately
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| adv.审慎地；蓄意地；故意地 | |
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207
relics
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| [pl.］n.遗物，遗迹，遗产；遗体，尸骸 | |
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208
utterance
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| n.用言语表达，话语，言语 | |
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209
agitation
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| n.搅动；搅拌；鼓动，煽动 | |
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210
embroidered
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| adj．绣花的 | |
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211
abode
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| n.住处，住所 | |
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212
semblance
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| n.外貌，外表 | |
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213
countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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214
countenances
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| n.面容( countenance的名词复数 )；表情；镇静；道义支持 | |
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215
apprehensive
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| adj.担心的，恐惧的，善于领会的 | |
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216
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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217
distressed
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| 痛苦的 | |
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218
impelled
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| v.推动、推进或敦促某人做某事( impel的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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219
attaining
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| （通常经过努力）实现( attain的现在分词 )； 达到； 获得； 达到（某年龄、水平、状况） | |
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220
unbearably
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| adv.不能忍受地，无法容忍地；慌 | |
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221
dilemma
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| n.困境，进退两难的局面 | |
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222
omens
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| n.前兆，预兆( omen的名词复数 ) | |
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223
decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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224
versatilely
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| 多才地，反复无常地 | |
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225
obtuse
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| adj.钝的；愚钝的 | |
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226
recurrence
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| n.复发，反复，重现 | |
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227
contemplated
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| adj. 预期的 动词contemplate的过去分词形式 | |
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228
condemned
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| adj. 被责难的, 被宣告有罪的 动词condemn的过去式和过去分词 | |
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229
torment
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| n.折磨；令人痛苦的东西(人)；vt.折磨；纠缠 | |
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230
rigidness
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| n.坚硬，劲直 | |
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231
deviate
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| v.(from)背离，偏离 | |
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232
habitual
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| adj.习惯性的；通常的，惯常的 | |
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233
favourably
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| adv. 善意地，赞成地 =favorably | |
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234
humility
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| n.谦逊，谦恭 | |
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235
commendable
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| adj.值得称赞的 | |
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236
repugnance
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| n.嫌恶 | |
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237
perpetuating
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| perpetuate的现在进行式 | |
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238
eminent
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| adj.显赫的，杰出的，有名的，优良的 | |
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239
ignoble
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| adj.不光彩的，卑鄙的；可耻的 | |
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240
realization
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| n.实现；认识到，深刻了解 | |
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241
hued
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| 有某种色调的 | |
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242
mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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243
gliding
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| v. 滑翔 adj. 滑动的 | |
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244
contentious
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| adj.好辩的，善争吵的 | |
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245
hearth
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| n.壁炉炉床，壁炉地面 | |
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commodious
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| adj.宽敞的；使用方便的 | |
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conspicuously
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| ad.明显地，惹人注目地 | |
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excellence
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| n.优秀，杰出，(pl.)优点，美德 | |
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