My heart with courage, and my hand with weapon,
Like him who ventures on a lion’s den1.
Old play.
When, issuing from the gorge2 of a pass which terminated upon the lake, the travellers came in sight of the ancient castle of Avenel, the old man looked with earnest attention upon the scene before him. The castle was, as we have said, in many places ruinous, as was evident, even at this distance, by the broken, rugged3, and irregular outline of the walls and of the towers. In others it seemed more entire, and a pillar of dark smoke, which ascended4 from the chimneys of the donjon, and spread its long dusky pennon through the clear ether, indicated that it was inhabited. But no corn-fields or enclosed pasture-grounds on the side of the lake showed that provident5 attention to comfort and subsistence which usually appeared near the houses of the greater, and even of the lesser6 barons8. There were no cottages with their patches of infield, and their crofts and gardens, surrounded by rows of massive sycamores; no church with its simple tower in the valley; no herds9 of sheep among the hills; no cattle on the lower ground; nothing which intimated the occasional prosecution10 of the arts of peace and of industry. It was plain that the inhabitants, whether few or numerous, must be considered as the garrison11 of the castle, living within its defended precincts, and subsisting12 by means which were other than peaceful.
Probably it was with this conviction that the old man, gazing on the castle, muttered to himself, “Lapis offensionis et petra scandali!” and then, turning to Halbert Glendinning, he added, “We may say of yonder fort as King James did of another fastness in this province, that he who built it was a thief in his heart.” 55
“But it was not so,” answered Glendinning; “yonder castle was built by the old lords of Avenel, men as much beloved in peace as they were respected in war. They were the bulwark13 of the frontiers against foreigners, and the protectors of the natives from domestic oppression. The present usurper14 of their inheritance no more resembles them, than the night-prowling owl15 resembles a falcon16, because she builds on the same rock.”
“This Julian Avenel, then, holds no high place in the love and regard of his neighbours?” said Warden17.
“So little,” answered Halbert, “that besides the jack18-men and riders with whom he has associated himself, and of whom he has many at his disposal, I know of few who voluntarily associate with him. He has been more than once outlawed19 both by England and Scotland, his lands declared forfeited20, and his head set at a price. But in these unquiet times, a man so daring as Julian Avenel has ever found some friends willing to protect him against the penalties of the law, on condition of his secret services.”
“You describe a dangerous man,” replied Warden.
“You may have experience of that,” replied the youth, “if you deal not the more warily21 — though it may be that he also has forsaken22 the community of the church, and gone astray in the path of heresy23.”
“What your blindness terms the path of heresy,” answered the reformer, “is indeed the straight and narrow way, wherein he who walks turns not aside, whether for worldly wealth or for worldly passions. Would to God this man were moved by no other and no worse spirit than that which prompts my poor endeavours to extend the kingdom of Heaven! This Baron7 of Avenel is personally unknown to me, is not of our congregation or of our counsel; yet I bear to him charges touching24 my safety, from those whom he must fear if he does not respect them, and upon that assurance I will venture upon his hold — I am now sufficiently25 refreshed by these few minutes of repose26.”
“Take then this advice for your safety,” said Halbert, “and believe that it is founded upon the usage of this country and its inhabitants. If you can better shift for yourself, go not to the Castle of Avenel — if you do risk going thither27, obtain from him, if possible, his safe conduct, and beware that he swears it by the Black Rood — And lastly, observe whether he eats with you at the board, or pledges you in the cup; for if he gives you not these signs of welcome, his thoughts are evil towards you.”
“Alas!” said the preacher, “I have no better earthly refuge for the present than these frowning towers, but I go thither trusting to aid which is not of this earth — But thou, good youth, needest thou trust thyself in this dangerous den?”
“I,” answered Halbert, “am in no danger. I am well known to Christie of the Clinthill, the henchman of this Julian Avenel; and, what is a yet better protection, I have nothing either to provoke malice28 or to tempt29 plunder30.”
The tramp of a steed, which clattered31 along the shingly32 banks of the loch, was now heard behind them; and, when they looked back, a rider was visible, his steel cap and the point of his long lance glancing in the setting sun, as he rode rapidly towards them.
Halbert Glendinning soon recognized Christie of the Clinthill, and made his companion aware that the henchman of Julian Avenel was approaching.
“Ha, youngling!” said Christie to Halbert, as he came up to them, “thou hast made good my word at last, and come to take service with my noble master, hast thou not? Thou shalt find a good friend and a true; and ere Saint Barnaby come round again, thou shalt know every pass betwixt Millburn Plain and Netherby, as if thou hadst been born with a jack on thy back, and a lance in thy hand. — What old carle hast thou with thee? — He is not of the brotherhood33 of Saint Mary’s — at least he has not the buist 56 of these black cattle.”
“He is a wayfaring34 man,” said Halbert, “who has concerns with Julian of Avenel. For myself, I intend to go to Edinburgh to see the court and the Queen, and when I return hither we will talk of your proffer35. Meantime, as thou hast often invited me to the castle, I crave36 hospitality there to-night for myself and my companion.”
“For thyself and welcome, young comrade,” replied Christie; “but we harbour no pilgrims, nor aught that looks like a pilgrim.”
“So please you,” said Warden, “I have letters of commendation to thy master from a sure friend, whom he will right willingly oblige in higher matters than in affording me a brief protection. — And I am no pilgrim, but renounce37 the same, with all its superstitious38 observances.” He offered his letters to the horseman, who shook his head.
“These,” he said, “are matters for my master, and it will be well if he can read them himself; for me, sword and lance are my book and psalter, and have been since I was twelve years old. But I will guide you to the castle, and the Baron of Avenel will himself judge of your errand.”
By this time the party had reached the causeway, along which Christie advanced at a trot39, intimating his presence to the warders within the castle by a shrill40 and peculiar41 whistle. At this signal the farther drawbridge was lowered. The horseman passed it, and disappeared under the gloomy portal which was beyond it.
Glendinning and his companion advancing more leisurely42 along the rugged causeway, stood at length under the same gateway43, over which frowned, in dark red freestone, the ancient armorial bearings of the house of Avenel, which represented a female figure shrouded44 and muffled45, which occupied the whole field. The cause of their assuming so singular a device was uncertain, but the figure was generally supposed to represent the mysterious being called the White Lady of Avenel. 57 The sight of this mouldering46 shield awakened47 in the mind of Halbert the strange circumstances which had connected his fate with that of Mary Avenel, and with the doings of the spiritual being who was attached to her house, and whom he saw here, represented in stone, as he had before seen her effigy48 upon the seal-ring of Walter Avenel, which, with other trinkets formerly49 mentioned, had been saved from pillage50, and brought to Glendearg, when Mary’s mother was driven from her habitation.
“You sigh, my son,” said the old man, observing the impression made on his youthful companion’s countenance51, but mistaking the cause; “if you fear to enter, we may yet return.”
“That can ye not,” said Christie of the Clinthill, who emerged at that instant from the side-door under the archway. “Look yonder, and choose whether you will return skimming the water like a wild-duck, or winging the air like a plover52.”
They looked, and saw that the drawbridge which they had just crossed was again raised, and now interposed its planks53 betwixt the setting sun and the portal of the castle, deepening the gloom of the arch under which they stood. Christie laughed and bid them follow him, saying, by way of encouragement, in Halbert’s ear, “Answer boldly and readily to whatever the Baron asks you. Never stop to pick your words, and above all show no fear of him — the devil is not so black as he is painted.”
As he spoke54 thus, he introduced them into the large stone hall, at the upper end of which blazed a huge fire of wood. The long oaken table, which, as usual, occupied the midst of the apartment, was covered with rude preparations for the evening meal of the Baron and his chief domestics, five or six of whom, strong, athletic55, savage-looking men, paced up and down the lower end of the hall, which rang to the jarring clang of their long swords that clashed as they moved, and to the heavy tramp of their high-heeled jack-boots. Iron jacks56, or coats of buff, formed the principal part of their dress, and steel-bonnets, or large slouched hats with Spanish plumes57 drooping58 backwards59, were their head attire60.
The Baron of Avenel was one of those tall, muscular, martial61 figures, which are the favourite subjects of Salvator Rosa. He wore a cloak which had been once gaily62 trimmed, but which, by long wear and frequent exposure to the weather, was now faded in its colours. Thrown negligently63 about his tall person, it partly hid, and partly showed, a short doublet of buff, under which was in some places visible that light shirt of mail which was called a secret, because worn instead of more ostensible64 armour65 to protect against private assassination66. A leathern belt sustained a large and heavy sword on one side, and on the other that gay poniard which had once called Sir Piercie Shafton master, of which the hatchments and gildings were already much defaced, either by rough usage or neglect.
Notwithstanding the rudeness of his apparel, Julian Avenel’s manner and countenance had far more elevation68 than those of the attendants who surrounded him. He might be fifty or upwards69, for his dark hair was mingled70 with gray, but age had neither tamed the fire of his eye nor the enterprise of his disposition71. His countenance had been handsome, for beauty was an attribute of the family; but the lines were roughened by fatigue72 and exposure to the weather, and rendered coarse by the habitual73 indulgence of violent passions.
He seemed in deep and moody74 reflection, and was pacing at a distance from his dependents along the upper end of the hall, sometimes stopping from time to time to caress75 and feed a gos-hawk76, which sat upon his wrist, with its jesses (i. e. the leathern straps77 fixed78 to its legs) wrapt around his hand. The bird, which seemed not insensible to its master’s attention, answered his caresses79 by ruffling80 forward its feathers, and pecking playfully at his finger. At such intervals81 the Baron smiled, but instantly resumed the darksome air of sullen82 meditation83. He did not even deign84 to look upon an object, which few could have passed and repassed so often without bestowing85 on it a transient glance.
This was a woman of exceeding beauty, rather gaily than richly attired86, who sat on a low seat close by the huge hall chimney. The gold chains round her neck and arms — the gay gown of green which swept the floor — the silver embroidered87 girdle, with its bunch of keys, depending in house-wifely pride by a silver chain — the yellow silken couvrechef (Scottice, curch) which was disposed around her head, and partly concealed88 her dark profusion89 of hair — above all, the circumstance so delicately touched in the old ballad90, that “the girdle was too short,” the “gown of green all too strait,” for the wearer’s present shape, would have intimated the Baron’s lady. But then the lowly seat — the expression of deep melancholy91, which was changed into a timid smile whenever she saw the least chance of catching92 the eye of Julian Avenel — the subdued93 look of grief, and the starting tear for which that constrained94 smile was again exchanged when she saw herself entirely95 disregarded — these were not the attributes of a wife, or they were those of a dejected and afflicted96 female, who had yielded her love on less than legitimate97 terms.
Julian Avenel, as we have said, continued to pace the hall without paying any of that mute attention which is rendered to almost every female either by affection or courtesy. He seemed totally unconscious of her presence, or of that of his attendants, and was only roused from his own dark reflections by the notice he paid to the falcon, to which, however, the lady seemed to attend, as if studying to find either an opportunity of speaking to the Baron, or of finding something enigmatical in the expressions which he used to the bird. All this the strangers had time enough to remark; for no sooner had they entered the apartment than their usher98, Christie of the Clinthill, after exchanging a significant glance with the menials or troopers at the lower end of the apartment, signed to Halbert Glendinning and to his companion to stand still near the door, while he himself, advancing nearer the table, placed himself in such a situation as to catch the Baron’s observation when he should be disposed to look around, but without presuming to intrude99 himself on his master’s notice. Indeed, the look of this man, naturally bold, hardy100, and audacious, seemed totally changed when he was in presence of his master, and resembled the dejected and cowering101 manner of a quarrelsome dog when rebuked102 by his owner, or when he finds himself obliged to deprecate the violence of a superior adversary103 of his own species.
In spite of the novelty of his own situation, and every painful feeling connected with it, Halbert felt his curiosity interested in the female, who sate104 by the chimney unnoticed and unregarded. He marked with what keen and trembling solicitude105 she watched the broken words of Julian, and how her glance stole towards him, ready to be averted106 upon the slightest chance of his perceiving himself to be watched.
Meantime he went on with his dalliance with his feathered favourite, now giving, now withholding107, the morsel108 with which he was about to feed the bird, and so exciting its appetite and gratifying it by turns. “What! more yet? — thou foul109 kite, thou wouldst never have done — give thee part thou wilt110 have all — Ay, prune111 thy feathers, and prink thyself gay — much thou wilt make of it now — dost think I know thee not? — dost think I see not that all that ruffling and pluming112 of wing and feathers is not for thy master, but to try what thou canst make of him, thou greedy gled? — well — there — take it then, and rejoice thyself — little boon113 goes far with thee, and with all thy sex — and so it should.”
He ceased to look on the bird, and again traversed the apartment. Then taking another small piece of raw meat from the trencher, on which it was placed ready cut for his use, he began once again to tempt and tease the bird, by offering and withdrawing it, until he awakened its wild and bold disposition. “What! struggling, fluttering, aiming at me with beak114 and single? 58 So la! So la! wouldst mount? wouldst fly? the jesses are round thy clutches, fool — thou canst neither stir nor soar but by my will — Beware thou come to reclaim115, wench, else I will wring116 thy head off one of these days — Well, have it then, and well fare thou with it. — So ho, Jenkin!” One of the attendants stepped forward —” Take the foul gled hence to the mew — or, stay; leave her, but look well to her casting and to her bathing — we will see her fly tomorrow. — How now, Christie, so soon returned?”
Christie advanced to his master, and gave an account of himself and his journey, in the way in which a police-officer holds communication with his magistrate117, that is, as much by signs as by words.
“Noble sir,” said that worthy118 satellite, “the Laird of — ” he named no place, but pointed119 with his finger in a south-western direction — ” may not ride with you the day he purposed, because the Lord Warden has threatened that he will —”
Here another blank, intelligibly120 enough made up by the speaker touching his own neck with his left fore-finger, and leaning his head a little to one side.
“Cowardly caitiff!” said Julian; “by Heaven! the whole world turns sheer naught121 — it is not worth a brave man’s living in-ye may ride a day and night, and never see a feather wave or hear a horse prance122 — the spirit of our fathers is dead amongst us — the very brutes123 are degenerated124 — the cattle we bring at our life’s risk are mere125 carrion126 — our hawks127 are riflers 59 — our hounds are turnspits and trindle-tails — our men are women — and our women are —”
He looked at the female for the first time, and stopped short in the midst of what he was about to say, though there was something so contemptuous in the glance, that the blank might have been thus filled up —“Our women are such as she is.”
He said it not, however, and as if desirous of attracting his attention at all risks, and in whatever manner, she rose and came forward to him, but with a timorousness128 ill-disguised by affected129 gaiety. —“Our women, Julian — what would you say of the women?”
“Nothing,” answered Julian Avenel, “at least nothing but that they are kind-hearted wenches like thyself, Kate.” The female coloured deeply, and returned to her seat. —“And what strangers hast thou brought with thee, Christie, that stand yonder like two stone statues?” said the Baron.
“The taller,” answered Christie, “is, so please you, a young fellow called Halbert Glendinning, the eldest131 son of the old widow at Glendearg.”
“What brings him here?” said the Baron; “hath he any message from Mary Avenel?”
“Not as I think,” said Christie; “the youth is roving the country — he was always a wild slip, for I have known him since he was the height of my sword.”
“What qualities hath he?” said the Baron.
“All manner of qualities,” answered his follower132 —“he can strike a buck133, track a deer, fly a hawk, halloo to a hound — he shoots in the long and crossbow to a hair’s breadth — wields134 a lance or sword like myself nearly — backs a horse manfully and fairly — I wot not what more a man need to do to make him a gallant135 companion.”
“And who,” said the Baron, “is the old miser136 60 who stands beside him?”
“Some cast of a priest as I fancy — he says he is charged with letters to you.”
“Bid them come forward,” said the Baron; and no sooner had they approached him more nearly, than, struck by the fine form and strength displayed by Halbert Glendinning, he addressed him thus: “I am told, young Swankie, that you are roaming the world to seek your fortune — if you will serve Julian Avenel, you may find it without going farther.”
“So please you,” answered Glendinning, “something has chanced to me that makes it better I should leave this land, and I am bound for Edinburgh.”
“What! — thou hast stricken some of the king’s deer, I warrant — or lightened the meadows of Saint Mary’s of some of their beeves — or thou hast taken a moonlight leap over the border?”
“No, sir,” said Halbert, “my case is entirely different.”
“Then I warrant thee,” said the Baron, “thou hast stabbed some brother churl137 in a fray138 about a wench — thou art a likely lad to wrangle139 in such a cause.”
Ineffably140 disgusted at his tone and manner, Halbert Glendinning remained silent, while the thought darted141 across his mind, what would Julian Avenel have said, had he known the quarrel of which he spoke so lightly, had arisen on account of his own brother’s daughter! “But be thy cause of flight what it will,” said Julian, in continuation, “dost thou think the law or its emissaries can follow thee into this island, or arrest thee under the standard of Avenel? — Look at the depth of the lake, the strength of the walls, the length of the causeway — look at my men, and think if they are likely to see a comrade injured, or if I, their master, am a man to desert a faithful follower, in good or evil. I tell thee it shall be an eternal day of truce142 betwixt thee and justice, as they call it, from the instant thou hast put my colours into thy cap — thou shalt ride by the Warden’s nose as thou wouldst pass an old market-woman, and ne’er a cur which follows him shall dare to bay at thee!”
“I thank you for your offers, noble sir,” replied Halbert, “but I must answer in brief, that I cannot profit by them — my fortunes lead me elsewhere.”
“Thou art a self-willed fool for thy pains,” said Julian, turning from him; and signing Christie to approach, he whispered in his ear, “there is promise in that young fellow’s looks, Christie, and we want men of limbs and sinews so compacted — those thou hast brought to me of late are the mere refuse of mankind, wretches143 scarce worth the arrow that ends them: this youngster is limbed like Saint George. Ply130 him with wine and wassail — let the wenches weave their meshes144 about him like spiders — thou understandest?” Christie gave a sagacious nod of intelligence, and fell back to a respectful distance from his master. —“And thou, old man,” said the Baron, turning to the elder traveller, “hast thou been roaming the world after fortune too? — it seems not she has fallen into thy way.”
“So please you,” replied Warden, “I were perhaps more to be pitied than I am now, had I indeed met with that fortune, which, like others, I have sought in my greener days.”
“Nay, understand me, friend,” said the Baron; “if thou art satisfied with thy buckram gown and long staff, I also am well content thou shouldst be as poor and contemptible145 as is good for the health of thy body and soul — All I care to know of thee is, the cause which hath brought thee to my castle, where few crows of thy kind care to settle. Thou art, I warrant thee, some ejected monk146 of a suppressed convent, paying in his old days the price of the luxurious147 idleness in which he spent his youth. — Ay, or it may be some pilgrim with a budget of lies from Saint James of Compostella, or Our Lady of Loretto; or thou mayest be some pardoner with his budget of relics148 from Rome, forgiving sins at a penny a-dozen, and one to the tale. — Ay, I guess why I find thee in this boy’s company, and doubtless thou wouldst have such a strapping149 lad as he to carry thy wallet, and relieve thy lazy shoulders; but by the mass I will cross thy cunning. I make my vow150 to sun and moon, I will not see a proper lad so misleard as to run the country with an old knave151 like Simmie and his brother. 61 Away with thee!” he added, rising in wrath152, and speaking so fast as to give no opportunity of answer, being probably determined153 to terrify the elder guest into an abrupt154 flight —“Away with thee, with thy clouted155 coat, scrip, and scallop-shell, or, by the name of Avenel, I will have them loose the hounds on thee.”
Warden waited with the greatest patience until Julian Avenel, astonished that the threats and violence of his language made no impression on him, paused in a sort of wonder, and said in a less imperious tone, “Why the fiend dost thou not answer me?”
“When you have done speaking,” said Warden, in the same composed manner, “it will be full time to reply.”
“Say on man, in the devil’s name — but take heed156 — beg not here — were it but for the rinds of cheese, the refuse of the rats, or a morsel that my dogs would turn from — neither a grain of meal, nor the nineteenth part of a gray groat, will I give to any feigned157 limmer of thy coat,”
“It may be,” answered Warden, “that you would have less quarrel with my coat if you knew what it covers, I am neither a friar nor mendicant158, and would be right glad to hear thy testimony159 against these foul deceivers of God’s church, and usurpers of his rights over the Christian160 flock, were it given in Christian charity.”
“And who or what art thou, then,” said Avenel, “that thou comest to this Border land, and art neither monk, nor soldier, nor broken man?”
“I am an humble161 teacher of the holy word,” answered Warden. “This letter from a most noble person will speak why I am here at this present time.”
He delivered the letter to the Baron, who regarded the seal with some surprise, and then looked on the letter itself, which seemed to excite still more. He then fixed his eyes on the stranger, and said, in a menacing tone, “I think thou darest not betray me or deceive me?”
“I am not the man to attempt either,” was the concise162 reply.
Julian Avenel carried the letter to the window, where he perused163, or at least attempted to peruse164 it more than once, often looking from the paper and gazing on the stranger who had delivered it, as if he meant to read the purport165 of the missive in the face of the messenger. Julian at length called to the female — “Catherine, bestir thee, and fetch me presently that letter which I bade thee keep ready at hand in thy casket, having no sure lockfast place of my own.”
Catherine went with the readiness of one willing to be employed; and as she walked, the situation which requires a wider gown and a longer girdle, and in which woman claims from man a double portion of the most anxious care, was still more visible than before. She soon returned with the paper, and was rewarded with a cold —“I thank thee, wench; thou art a careful secretary.”
This second paper he also perused and reperused more than once, and still, as he read it, bent166 from time to time a wary167 and observant eye upon Henry Warden. This examination and re-examination, though both the man and the place were dangerous, the preacher endured with the most composed and steady countenance, seeming, under the eagle, or rather the vulture eye of the baron, as unmoved as under the gaze of an ordinary and peaceful peasant. At length Julian Avenel folded both papers, and having put them into the pocket of his cloak, cleared his brow, and, coming forward, addressed his female companion. “Catherine,” said he, “I have done this good man injustice168, when I mistook him for one of the drones of Rome. He is a preacher, Catherine — a preacher of the — the new doctrine169 of the Lords of the Congregation.”
“The doctrine of the blessed Scriptures,” said the preacher, “purified from the devices of men.”
“Sayest thou?” said Julian Avenel —“Well, thou mayest call it what thou lists; but to me it is recommended, because it flings off all those sottish dreams about saints and angels and devils, and unhorses lazy monks170 that have ridden us so long, and spur-galled us so hard. No more masses and corpse-gifts — no more tithes171 and offerings to make men poor — no more prayers or psalms172 to make men cowards-no more christenings and penances173, and confessions174 and marriages.”
“So please you,” said Henry Warden, “it is against the corruptions175, not against the fundamental doctrines176, of the church, which we desire to renovate177, and not to abolish.”
“Prithee, peace, man,” said the Baron; “we of the laity178 care not what you set up, so you pull merrily down what stands in our way. Specially179 it suits well with us of the Southland fells; for it is our profession to turn the world upside down, and we live ever the blithest life when the downer side is uppermost.”
Warden would have replied; but the Baron allowed him not time, striking the table with the hilt of his dagger180, and crying out — “Ha! you loitering knaves181, bring our supper-meal quickly. See you not this holy man is exhausted182 for lack of food? heard ye ever of priest or preacher that devoured183 not his five meals a-day?”
The attendants bustled184 to and fro, and speedily brought in several large smoking platters filled with huge pieces of beef, boiled and roasted, but without any variety whatsoever185; without vegetables, and almost without bread, though there was at the upper end a few oat-cakes in a basket. Julian Avenel made a sort of apology to Warden.
“You have been commended to our care, Sir Preacher, since that is your style, by a person whom we highly honour.”
“I am assured,” said Warden, “that the most noble Lord —”
“Prithee, peace, man,” said Avenel; “what need of naming names, so we understand each other? I meant but to speak in reference to your safety and comfort, of which he desires us to be chary186. Now, for your safety, look at my walls and water. But touching your comfort, we have no corn of our own, and the meal-girnels of the south are less easily transported than their beeves, seeing they have no legs to walk upon. But what though? a stoup of wine thou shalt have, and of the best — thou shalt sit betwixt Catherine and me at the board-end. — And, Christie, do thou look to the young springald, and call to the cellarer for a flagon of the best.”
The Baron took his wonted place at the upper end of the board; his Catherine sate down, and courteously187 pointed to a seat betwixt them for their reverend guest. But notwithstanding the influence both of hunger and fatigue, Henry Warden retained his standing67 posture188.
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den
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| n.兽穴；秘密地方；安静的小房间，私室 | |
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gorge
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| n.咽喉，胃，暴食，山峡；v.塞饱，狼吞虎咽地吃 | |
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rugged
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| adj.高低不平的，粗糙的，粗壮的，强健的 | |
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ascended
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| v.上升，攀登( ascend的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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provident
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| adj.为将来做准备的，有先见之明的 | |
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lesser
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| adj.次要的，较小的；adv.较小地，较少地 | |
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baron
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| n.男爵；(商业界等)巨头，大王 | |
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barons
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| 男爵( baron的名词复数 )； 巨头； 大王； 大亨 | |
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herds
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| 兽群( herd的名词复数 )； 牧群； 人群； 群众 | |
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prosecution
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| n.起诉，告发，检举，执行，经营 | |
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garrison
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| n.卫戍部队；驻地，卫戍区；vt.派(兵)驻防 | |
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subsisting
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| v.（靠很少的钱或食物）维持生活，生存下去( subsist的现在分词 ) | |
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bulwark
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| n.堡垒，保障，防御 | |
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14
usurper
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| n. 篡夺者, 僭取者 | |
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15
owl
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| n.猫头鹰，枭 | |
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16
falcon
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| n.隼，猎鹰 | |
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17
warden
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| n.监察员，监狱长，看守人，监护人 | |
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18
jack
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| n.插座，千斤顶，男人；v.抬起，提醒，扛举；n.（Jake）杰克 | |
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19
outlawed
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| 宣布…为不合法（outlaw的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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20
forfeited
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| （因违反协议、犯规、受罚等）丧失，失去( forfeit的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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21
warily
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| adv.留心地 | |
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22
Forsaken
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| adj. 被遗忘的, 被抛弃的 动词forsake的过去分词 | |
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23
heresy
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| n.异端邪说；异教 | |
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24
touching
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| adj.动人的，使人感伤的 | |
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25
sufficiently
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| adv.足够地，充分地 | |
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26
repose
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| v.(使)休息；n.安息 | |
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27
thither
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| adv.向那里；adj.在那边的，对岸的 | |
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28
malice
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| n.恶意，怨恨，蓄意；[律]预谋 | |
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29
tempt
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| vt.引诱，勾引，吸引，引起…的兴趣 | |
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30
plunder
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| vt.劫掠财物，掠夺；n.劫掠物，赃物；劫掠 | |
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31
clattered
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| 发出咔哒声（clatter的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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32
shingly
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| adj.小石子多的 | |
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33
brotherhood
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| n.兄弟般的关系，手中情谊 | |
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34
wayfaring
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| adj.旅行的n.徒步旅行 | |
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35
proffer
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| v.献出，赠送；n.提议，建议 | |
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36
crave
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| vt.渴望得到，迫切需要，恳求，请求 | |
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37
renounce
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| v.放弃；拒绝承认，宣布与…断绝关系 | |
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38
superstitious
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| adj.迷信的 | |
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39
trot
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| n.疾走，慢跑；n.老太婆；现成译本；(复数）trots:腹泻（与the 连用）；v.小跑，快步走，赶紧 | |
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40
shrill
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| adj.尖声的；刺耳的；v尖叫 | |
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41
peculiar
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| adj.古怪的，异常的；特殊的，特有的 | |
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42
leisurely
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| adj.悠闲的；从容的，慢慢的 | |
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43
gateway
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| n.大门口，出入口，途径，方法 | |
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44
shrouded
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| v.隐瞒( shroud的过去式和过去分词 )；保密 | |
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45
muffled
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| adj.（声音）被隔的；听不太清的；（衣服）裹严的；蒙住的v.压抑，捂住( muffle的过去式和过去分词 )；用厚厚的衣帽包着（自己） | |
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46
mouldering
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| v.腐朽( moulder的现在分词 )；腐烂，崩塌 | |
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47
awakened
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| v.（使）醒( awaken的过去式和过去分词 )；（使）觉醒；弄醒；（使）意识到 | |
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48
effigy
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| n.肖像 | |
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49
formerly
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| adv.从前，以前 | |
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50
pillage
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| v.抢劫；掠夺；n.抢劫，掠夺；掠夺物 | |
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51
countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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52
plover
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| n.珩，珩科鸟，千鸟 | |
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53
planks
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| （厚）木板( plank的名词复数 )； 政纲条目，政策要点 | |
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54
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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55
athletic
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| adj.擅长运动的，强健的；活跃的，体格健壮的 | |
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56
jacks
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| n.抓子游戏；千斤顶( jack的名词复数 )；（电）插孔；[电子学]插座；放弃 | |
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57
plumes
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| 羽毛( plume的名词复数 )； 羽毛饰； 羽毛状物； 升上空中的羽状物 | |
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58
drooping
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| adj. 下垂的，无力的 动词droop的现在分词 | |
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59
backwards
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| adv.往回地，向原处，倒，相反，前后倒置地 | |
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60
attire
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| v.穿衣，装扮[同]array；n.衣着；盛装 | |
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61
martial
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| adj.战争的，军事的，尚武的，威武的 | |
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62
gaily
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| adv.欢乐地，高兴地 | |
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63
negligently
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64
ostensible
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| adj.(指理由)表面的，假装的 | |
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65
armour
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| （=armor）n.盔甲；装甲部队 | |
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66
assassination
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| n.暗杀；暗杀事件 | |
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67
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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68
elevation
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| n.高度；海拔；高地；上升；提高 | |
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69
upwards
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| adv.向上，在更高处...以上 | |
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70
mingled
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| 混合，混入( mingle的过去式和过去分词 )； 混进，与…交往[联系] | |
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71
disposition
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| n.性情，性格；意向，倾向；排列，部署 | |
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72
fatigue
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| n.疲劳，劳累 | |
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73
habitual
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| adj.习惯性的；通常的，惯常的 | |
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74
moody
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| adj.心情不稳的，易怒的，喜怒无常的 | |
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75
caress
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| vt./n.爱抚，抚摸 | |
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76
hawk
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| n.鹰，骗子；鹰派成员 | |
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77
straps
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| n.带子( strap的名词复数 )；挎带；肩带；背带v.用皮带捆扎( strap的第三人称单数 )；用皮带抽打；包扎；给…打绷带 | |
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78
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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79
caresses
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| 爱抚，抚摸( caress的名词复数 ) | |
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80
ruffling
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| 弄皱( ruffle的现在分词 )； 弄乱； 激怒； 扰乱 | |
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81
intervals
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|
| n.[军事]间隔( interval的名词复数 )；间隔时间；[数学]区间；（戏剧、电影或音乐会的）幕间休息 | |
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82
sullen
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| adj.愠怒的，闷闷不乐的，(天气等)阴沉的 | |
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83
meditation
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| n.熟虑，（尤指宗教的）默想，沉思，（pl.）冥想录 | |
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84
deign
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| v. 屈尊, 惠允 ( 做某事) | |
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85
bestowing
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| 砖窑中砖堆上层已烧透的砖 | |
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86
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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87
embroidered
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| adj．绣花的 | |
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88
concealed
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| a.隐藏的，隐蔽的 | |
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89
profusion
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| n.挥霍；丰富 | |
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90
ballad
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| n.歌谣，民谣，流行爱情歌曲 | |
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91
melancholy
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| n.忧郁，愁思；adj.令人感伤（沮丧）的，忧郁的 | |
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92
catching
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| adj.易传染的，有魅力的，迷人的，接住 | |
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93
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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94
constrained
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| adj.束缚的,节制的 | |
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95
entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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96
afflicted
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| 使受痛苦，折磨( afflict的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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97
legitimate
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| adj.合法的，合理的，合乎逻辑的；v.使合法 | |
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98
usher
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| n.带位员，招待员；vt.引导，护送；vi.做招待，担任引座员 | |
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99
intrude
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| vi.闯入；侵入；打扰，侵扰 | |
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100
hardy
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| adj.勇敢的，果断的，吃苦的；耐寒的 | |
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101
cowering
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| v.畏缩，抖缩( cower的现在分词 ) | |
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102
rebuked
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| 责难或指责( rebuke的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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103
adversary
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| adj.敌手，对手 | |
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104
sate
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| v.使充分满足 | |
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105
solicitude
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| n.焦虑 | |
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106
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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107
withholding
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| 扣缴税款 | |
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108
morsel
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| n.一口，一点点 | |
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109
foul
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| adj.污秽的；邪恶的；v.弄脏；妨害；犯规；n.犯规 | |
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110
wilt
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| v.(使)植物凋谢或枯萎；(指人)疲倦，衰弱 | |
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111
prune
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| n.酶干；vt.修剪，砍掉，削减；vi.删除 | |
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112
pluming
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| 用羽毛装饰（plume的现在分词形式） | |
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113
boon
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| n.恩赐，恩物，恩惠 | |
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114
beak
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| n.鸟嘴，茶壶嘴，钩形鼻 | |
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115
reclaim
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| v.要求归还，收回；开垦 | |
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116
wring
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| n.扭绞；v.拧，绞出，扭 | |
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117
magistrate
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| n.地方行政官，地方法官，治安官 | |
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118
worthy
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| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
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119
pointed
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| adj.尖的，直截了当的 | |
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120
intelligibly
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| adv.可理解地，明了地，清晰地 | |
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121
naught
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| n.无，零 [=nought] | |
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122
prance
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| v.（马）腾跃，(人)神气活现地走 | |
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123
brutes
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| 兽( brute的名词复数 )； 畜生； 残酷无情的人； 兽性 | |
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124
degenerated
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| 衰退，堕落，退化( degenerate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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125
mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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126
carrion
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| n.腐肉 | |
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127
hawks
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| 鹰( hawk的名词复数 )； 鹰派人物，主战派人物 | |
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128
timorousness
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| n.羞怯，胆怯 | |
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129
affected
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| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
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130
ply
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| v.(搬运工等)等候顾客，弯曲 | |
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131
eldest
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| adj.最年长的，最年老的 | |
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132
follower
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| n.跟随者；随员；门徒；信徒 | |
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133
buck
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| n.雄鹿，雄兔；v.马离地跳跃 | |
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134
wields
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| 手持着使用（武器、工具等）( wield的第三人称单数 )； 具有； 运用（权力）； 施加（影响） | |
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135
gallant
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| adj.英勇的，豪侠的；(向女人)献殷勤的 | |
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136
miser
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| n.守财奴，吝啬鬼 (adj.miserly) | |
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137
churl
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| n.吝啬之人；粗鄙之人 | |
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138
fray
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| v.争吵；打斗；磨损，磨破；n.吵架；打斗 | |
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139
wrangle
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| vi.争吵 | |
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140
ineffably
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| adv.难以言喻地，因神圣而不容称呼地 | |
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141
darted
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| v.投掷，投射( dart的过去式和过去分词 )；向前冲，飞奔 | |
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142
truce
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| n.休战，(争执，烦恼等的)缓和；v.以停战结束 | |
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143
wretches
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| n.不幸的人( wretch的名词复数 )；可怜的人；恶棍；坏蛋 | |
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144
meshes
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| 网孔( mesh的名词复数 )； 网状物； 陷阱； 困境 | |
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145
contemptible
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| adj.可鄙的，可轻视的，卑劣的 | |
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146
monk
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| n.和尚，僧侣，修道士 | |
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147
luxurious
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| adj.精美而昂贵的；豪华的 | |
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148
relics
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| [pl.］n.遗物，遗迹，遗产；遗体，尸骸 | |
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149
strapping
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| adj. 魁伟的, 身材高大健壮的 n. 皮绳或皮带的材料, 裹伤胶带, 皮鞭 动词strap的现在分词形式 | |
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150
vow
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| n.誓(言)，誓约；v.起誓，立誓 | |
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151
knave
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| n.流氓；（纸牌中的）杰克 | |
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152
wrath
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| n.愤怒，愤慨，暴怒 | |
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153
determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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154
abrupt
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| adj.突然的，意外的；唐突的，鲁莽的 | |
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155
clouted
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| adj.缀补的，凝固的v.（尤指用手）猛击，重打( clout的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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156
heed
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| v.注意，留意；n.注意，留心 | |
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157
feigned
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| a.假装的，不真诚的 | |
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158
mendicant
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| n.乞丐；adj.行乞的 | |
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159
testimony
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| n.证词；见证，证明 | |
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160
Christian
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| adj.基督教徒的；n.基督教徒 | |
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161
humble
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| adj.谦卑的，恭顺的；地位低下的；v.降低，贬低 | |
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162
concise
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| adj.简洁的，简明的 | |
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163
perused
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| v.读（某篇文字）( peruse的过去式和过去分词 )；（尤指）细阅；审阅；匆匆读或心不在焉地浏览（某篇文字） | |
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164
peruse
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| v.细读，精读 | |
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165
purport
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| n.意义，要旨，大要；v.意味著，做为...要旨，要领是... | |
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166
bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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167
wary
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| adj.谨慎的，机警的，小心的 | |
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168
injustice
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| n.非正义，不公正，不公平，侵犯（别人的）权利 | |
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169
doctrine
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| n.教义；主义；学说 | |
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170
monks
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| n.修道士，僧侣( monk的名词复数 ) | |
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171
tithes
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| n.（宗教捐税）什一税，什一的教区税，小部分( tithe的名词复数 ) | |
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172
psalms
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| n.赞美诗( psalm的名词复数 )；圣诗；圣歌；(中的) | |
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173
penances
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| n.（赎罪的）苦行，苦修( penance的名词复数 ) | |
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174
confessions
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| n.承认( confession的名词复数 )；自首；声明；（向神父的）忏悔 | |
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175
corruptions
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| n.堕落( corruption的名词复数 )；腐化；腐败；贿赂 | |
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176
doctrines
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| n.教条( doctrine的名词复数 )；教义；学说；（政府政策的）正式声明 | |
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177
renovate
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| vt.更新，革新，刷新 | |
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178
laity
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| n.俗人；门外汉 | |
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179
specially
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| adv.特定地；特殊地；明确地 | |
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180
dagger
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| n.匕首，短剑，剑号 | |
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181
knaves
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| n.恶棍，无赖( knave的名词复数 )；（纸牌中的）杰克 | |
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182
exhausted
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| adj.极其疲惫的，精疲力尽的 | |
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183
devoured
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| 吞没( devour的过去式和过去分词 )； 耗尽； 津津有味地看； 狼吞虎咽地吃光 | |
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184
bustled
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| 闹哄哄地忙乱，奔忙( bustle的过去式和过去分词 )； 催促 | |
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185
whatsoever
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| adv.（用于否定句中以加强语气）任何；pron.无论什么 | |
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186
chary
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| adj.谨慎的，细心的 | |
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187
courteously
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| adv.有礼貌地，亲切地 | |
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188
posture
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| n.姿势，姿态，心态，态度；v.作出某种姿势 | |
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