And they came to Lacedaemon lying low among the caverned hills, and drave to the dwelling2 of renowned3 Menelaus. Him they found giving a feast in his house to many friends of his kin4, a feast for the wedding of his noble son and daughter. His daughter he was sending to the son of Achilles, cleaver5 of the ranks of men, for in Troy he first had promised and covenanted6 to give her, and now the gods were bringing about their marriage. So now he was speeding her on her way with chariot and horses, to the famous city of the Myrmidons, among whom her lord bare rule. And for his son he was bringing to his home the daughter of Alector out of Sparta, for his well-beloved son, strong Megapenthes, 6 born of a slave woman, for the gods no more showed promise of seed to Helen, from the day that she bare a lovely child, Hermione, as fair as golden Aphrodite. So they were feasting through the great vaulted9 hall, the neighbours and the kinsmen10 of renowned Menelaus, making merry; and among them a divine minstrel was singing to the lyre, and as he began the song two tumblers in the company whirled through the midst of them.
6 A son of sorrow: Tristram.}
Meanwhile those twain, the hero Telemachus and the splendid son of Nestor, made halt at the entry of the gate, they and their horses. And the lord Eteoneus came forth11 and saw them, the ready squire12 of renowned Menelaus; and he went through the palace to bear the tidings to the shepherd of the people, and standing13 near spake to him winged words:
‘Menelaus, fosterling of Zeus, here are two strangers, whosoever they be, two men like to the lineage of great Zeus. Say, shall we loose their swift horses from under the yoke14, or send them onward15 to some other host who shall receive them kindly17?’
Then in sore displeasure spake to him Menelaus of the fair hair: ‘Eteoneus son of Boethous, truly thou wert not a fool aforetime, but now for this once, like a child thou talkest folly18. Surely ourselves ate much hospitable19 cheer of other men, ere we twain came hither, even if in time to come Zeus haply give us rest from affliction. Nay20 go, unyoke the horses of the strangers, and as for the men, lead them forward to the house to feast with us.’
So spake he, and Eteoneus hasted from the hall, and called the other ready squires21 to follow with him. So they loosed the sweating horses from beneath the yoke, and fastened them at the stalls of the horses, and threw beside them spelt, and therewith mixed white barley22, and tilted23 the chariot against the shining faces of the gateway24, and led the men into the hall divine. And they beheld25 and marvelled26 as they gazed throughout the palace of the king, the fosterling of Zeus; for there was a gleam as it were of sun or moon through the lofty palace of renowned Menelaus. But after they had gazed their fill, they went to the polished baths and bathed them. Now when the maidens28 had bathed them and anointed them with olive oil, and cast about them thick cloaks and doublets, they sat on chairs by Menelaus, son of Atreus. And a handmaid bare water for the hands in a goodly golden ewer30, and poured it forth over a silver basin to wash withal; and to their side she drew a polished table, and a grave dame31 bare food and set it by them, and laid upon the board many dainties, giving freely of such things as she had by her, and a carver lifted and placed by them platters of divers32 kinds of flesh, and nigh them he set golden bowls. So Menelaus of the fair hair greeted the twain and spake:
‘Taste ye food and be glad, and thereafter when ye have supped, we will ask what men ye are; for the blood of your parents is not lost in you, but ye are of the line of men that are sceptred kings, the fosterlings of Zeus; for no churls could beget33 sons like you.’
So spake he, and took and set before them the fat ox-chine roasted, which they had given him as his own mess by way of honour. And they stretched forth their hands upon the good cheer set before them. Now when they had put from them the desire of meat and drink Telemachus spake to the son of Nestor, holding his head close to him, that those others might not hear:
‘Son of Nestor, delight of my heart, mark the flashing of bronze through the echoing halls, and the flashing of gold and of amber34 and of silver and of ivory. Such like, methinks, is the court of Olympian Zeus within, for the world of things that are here; wonder comes over me as I look thereon.’
And as he spake Menelaus of the fair hair was ware35 of him, and uttering his voice spake to them winged words:
‘Children dear, of a truth no one of mortal men may contend with Zeus, for his mansions36 and his treasures are everlasting37: but of men there may be who will vie with me in treasure, or there may be none. Yea, for after many a woe38 and wanderings manifold, I brought my wealth home in ships, and in the eighth year came hither. I roamed over Cyprus and Phoenicia and Egypt, and reached the Aethiopians and Sidonians and Erembi and Libya, where lambs are horned from the birth. For there the ewes yean thrice within the full circle of a year; there neither lord nor shepherd lacketh aught of cheese or flesh or of sweet milk, but ever the flocks yield store of milk continual. While I was yet roaming in those lands, gathering39 much livelihood40, meantime another slew41 my brother privily42, at unawares, by the guile43 of his accursed wife. Thus, look you, I have no joy of my lordship among these my possessions: and ye are like to have heard hereof from your fathers, whosoever they be, for I have suffered much and let a house go to ruin that was stablished fair, and had in it much choice substance. I would that I had but a third part of those my riches, and dwelt in my halls, and that those men were yet safe, who perished of old in the wide land of Troy, far from Argos, the pastureland of horses. Howbeit, though I bewail them all and sorrow oftentimes as I sit in our halls — awhile indeed I satisfy my soul with lamentation46, and then again I cease; for soon hath man enough of chill lamentation — yet for them all I make no such dole47, despite my grief, as for one only, who causes me to loathe48 both sleep and meat, when I think upon him. For no one of the Achaeans toiled49 so greatly as Odysseus toiled and adventured himself: but to him it was to be but labour and trouble, and to me grief ever comfortless for his sake, so long he is afar, nor know we aught, whether he be alive or dead. Yea methinks they lament45 him, even that old Laertes and the constant Penelope and Telemachus, whom he left a child new-born in his house.’
So spake he, and in the heart of Telemachus he stirred a yearning50 to lament his father; and at his father’s name he let a tear fall from his eyelids51 to the ground, and held up his purple mantle52 with both his hands before his eyes. And Menelaus marked him and mused53 in his mind and his heart whether he should leave him to speak of his father, or first question him and prove him in every word.
While yet he pondered these things in his mind and in his heart, Helen came forth from her fragrant54 vaulted chamber55, like Artemis of the golden arrows; and with her came Adraste and set for her the well-wrought56 chair, and Alcippe bare a rug of soft wool, and Phylo bare a silver basket which Alcandre gave her, the wife of Polybus, who dwelt in Thebes of Egypt, where is the chiefest store of wealth in the houses. He gave two silver baths to Menelaus, and tripods twain, ad ten talents of gold. And besides all this, his wife bestowed57 on Helen lovely gifts; a golden distaff did she give, and a silver basket with wheels beneath, and the rims58 thereof were finished with gold. This it was that the handmaid Phylo bare and set beside her, filled with dressed yarn59, and across it was laid a distaff charged with wool of violet blue. So Helen sat her down in the chair, and beneath was a footstool for the feet. And anon she spake to her lord and questioned him of each thing:
‘Menelaus, fosterling of Zeus, know we now who these men avow60 themselves to be that have come under our roof? Shall I dissemble or shall I speak the truth? Nay, I am minded to tell it. None, I say, have I ever yet seen so like another, man or woman — wonder comes over me as I look on him — as this man is like the son of great-hearted Odysseus, Telemachus, whom he left a new born child in his house, when for the sake of me, shameless woman that I was, ye Achaeans came up under Troy with bold war in your hearts.’
And Menelaus of the fair hair answered her, saying: ‘Now I too, lady, mark the likeness61 even as thou tracest it. For such as these were his feet, such his hands, and the glances of his eyes, and his head, and his hair withal. Yea, and even now I was speaking of Odysseus, as I remembered him, of all his woeful travail62 for my sake; when, lo, he let fall a bitter tear beneath his brows, and held his purple cloak up before his eyes.’
And Peisistratus, son of Nestor, answered him, saying: ‘Menelaus, son of Atreus, fosterling of Zeus, leader of the host, assuredly this is the son of that very man, even as thou sayest. But he is of a sober wit, and thinketh it shame in his heart as on this his first coming to make show of presumptuous63 words in the presence of thee, in whose voice we twain delight as in the voice of a god. Now Nestor of Gerenia, lord of chariots, sent me forth to be his guide on the way: for he desired to see thee that thou mightest put into his heart some word or work. For a son hath many griefs in his halls when his father is away, if perchance he hath none to stand by him. Even so it is now with Telemachus; his father is away, nor hath he others in the township to defend him from distress64.’
And Menelaus of the fair hair answered him, and said: ‘Lo now, in good truth there has come unto my house the son of a friend indeed, who for my sake endured many adventures. And I thought to welcome him on his coming more nobly than all the other Argives, if but Olympian Zeus, of the far-borne voice, had vouchsafed65 us a return over the sea in our swift ships — that such a thing should be. And in Argos I would have given him a city to dwell in, and stablished for him a house, and brought him forth from Ithaca with his substance and his son and all his people, making one city desolate66 of those that lie around, and are in mine own domain67. Then ofttimes would we have held converse68 here, and nought69 would have parted us, the welcoming and the welcomed, 7 ere the black cloud of death overshadowed us. Howsoever, the god himself, methinks, must have been jealous hereof, who from that hapless man alone cut off his returning.’
7 Mr. Evelyn Abbott of Balliol College has suggested to us that [Greek] and [Greek] are here correlatives, and denote respectively the parts of host and of guest. This is sufficiently70 borne out by the usage of the words elsewhere.}
So spake he, and in the hearts of all he stirred the desire of lamentation. She wept, even Argive Helen the daughter of Zeus, and Telemachus wept, and Menelaus the son of Atreus; nay, nor did the son of Nestor keep tearless eyes. For he bethought him in his heart of noble Antilochus, whom the glorious son of the bright Dawn had slain71. Thinking upon him he spake winged words:
‘Son of Atreus, the ancient Nestor in his own halls was ever wont72 to say that thou wert wise beyond man’s wisdom, whensoever we made mention of thee and asked one another concerning thee. And now, if it be possible, be persuaded by me, who for one have no pleasure in weeping at supper time — the new-born day will right soon be upon us. 8 Not indeed that I deem it blame at all to weep for any mortal who hath died and met his fate. Lo, this is now the only due we pay to miserable73 men, to cut the hair and let the tear fall from the cheek. For I too have a brother dead, nowise the meanest of the Argives, and thou art like to have known him, for as for me I never encountered him, never beheld him. But men say that Antilochus outdid all, being excellent in speed of foot and in the fight.’
8 Cf. B. xv.50}
And Menelaus of the fair hair answered him, and said: ‘My friend, lo, thou hast said all that a wise man might say or do, yea, and an elder than thou; — for from such a sire too thou art sprung, wherefore thou dost even speak wisely. Right easily known is that man’s seed, for whom Cronion weaves the skein of luck at bridal and at birth: even as now hath he granted prosperity to Nestor for ever for all his days, that he himself should grow into a smooth old age in his halls, and his sons moreover should be wise and the best of spearsmen. But we will cease now the weeping which was erewhile made, and let us once more bethink us of our supper, and let them pour water over our hands. And again in the morning there will be tales for Telemachus and me to tell one to the other, even to the end.’
So spake he, and Asphalion poured water over their hands, the ready squire of renowned Menelaus. And they put forth their hands upon the good cheer spread before them.
Then Helen, daughter of Zeus, turned to new thoughts. Presently she cast a drug into the wine whereof they drank, a drug to lull74 all pain and anger, and bring forgetfulness of every sorrow. Whoso should drink a draught75 thereof, when it is mingled76 in the bowl, on that day he would let no tear fall down his cheeks, not though his mother and his father died, not though men slew his brother or dear son with the sword before his face, and his own eyes beheld it. Medicines of such virtue77 and so helpful had the daughter of Zeus, which Polydamna, the wife of Thon, had given her, a woman of Egypt, where earth the grain-giver yields herbs in greatest plenty, many that are healing in the cup, and many baneful78. There each man is a leech79 skilled beyond all human kind; yea, for they are of the race of Paeeon. Now after she had cast in the drug and bidden pour forth of the wine, she made answer once again, and spake unto her lord:
‘Son of Atreus, Menelaus, fosterling of Zeus, and lo, ye sons of noble men, forasmuch as now to one and now to another Zeus gives good and evil, for to him all things are possible — now, verily, sit ye down and feast in the halls, and take ye joy in the telling of tales, and I will tell you one that fits the time. Now all of them I could not tell or number, so many as were the adventures of Odysseus of the hardy80 heart; but, ah, what a deed was this he wrought and dared in his hardiness81 in the land of the Trojans, where ye Achaeans suffered affliction. He subdued82 his body with unseemly stripes, and a sorry covering he cast about his shoulders, and in the fashion of a servant he went down into the wide-wayed city of the foemen, and he hid himself in the guise83 of another, a beggar, though in no wise such an one was he at the ships of the Achaeans. In this semblance84 he passed into the city of the Trojans, and they wist not who he was, and I alone knew him in that guise, and I kept questioning him, but in his subtlety85 he avoided me. But when at last I was about washing him and anointing him with olive oil, and had put on him raiment, and sworn a great oath not to reveal Odysseus amid the Trojans, ere he reached the swift ships and the huts, even then he told me all the purpose of the Achaeans. And after slaying87 many of the Trojans with the long sword, he returned to the Argives and brought back word again of all. Then the other Trojan women wept aloud, but my soul was glad, for already my heart was turned to go back again even to my home: and now at the last I groaned88 for the blindness that Aphrodite gave me, when she led me thither89 away from mine own country, forsaking90 my child and my bridal chamber and my lord, that lacked not aught whether for wisdom or yet for beauty.’
And Menelaus of the fair hair answered her, saying: ‘Verily all this tale, lady, thou hast duly told. Ere now have I learned the counsel and the thought of many heroes, and travelled over many a land, but never yet have mine eyes beheld any such man of heart as was Odysseus; such another deed as he wrought and dared in his hardiness even in the shapen horse, wherein sat all we chiefs of the Argives, bearing to the Trojans death and doom91. Anon thou camest thither, and sure some god must have bidden thee, who wished to bring glory to the Trojans. Yea and godlike Deiphobus went with thee on thy way. Thrice thou didst go round about the hollow ambush92 and handle it, calling aloud on the chiefs of the Argives by name, and making thy voice like the voices of the wives of all the Argives. Now I and the son of Tydeus and goodly Odysseus sat in the midst and heard thy call; and verily we twain had a desire to start up and come forth or presently to answer from within; but Odysseus stayed and held us there, despite our eagerness. Then all the other sons of the Achaeans held their peace, but Anticlus alone was still minded to answer thee. Howbeit Odysseus firmly closed his mouth with strong hands, and so saved all the Achaeans, and held him until such time as Pallas Athene led thee back.’
Then wise Telemachus answered him, and said: ‘Menelaus, son of Atreus, fosterling of Zeus, leader of the host, all the more grievous it is! for in no way did this courage ward16 from him pitiful destruction, not though his heart within him had been very iron. But come, bid us to bed, that forthwith we may take our joy of rest beneath the spell of sleep.’
So spake he, and Argive Helen bade her handmaids set out bedsteads beneath the gallery, and fling on them fair purple blankets and spread coverlets above, and thereon lay thick mantles93 to be a clothing over all. So they went from the hall with torch in hand, and spread the beds, and the henchman led forth the guests. Thus they slept there in the vestibule of the house, the hero Telemachus and the splendid son of Nestor. But the son of Atreus slept, as his custom was, in the inmost chamber of the lofty house, and by him lay long-robed Helen, that fair lady.
Soon as early Dawn shone forth, the rosy94-fingered, Menelaus of the loud war-shout gat him up from his bed and put on his raiment, and cast his sharp sword about his shoulder, and beneath his smooth feet bound his goodly sandals, and stept forth from his chamber, in presence like a god, and sat by Telemachus, and spake and hailed him:
‘To what end hath thy need brought thee hither, hero Telemachus, unto fair Lacedaemon, over the broad back of the sea? Is it a matter of the common weal or of thine own? Herein tell me the plain truth.’
Then wise Telemachus answered him, and said: ‘Menelaus, son of Atreus, fosterling of Zeus, leader of the host, I have come if perchance thou mayest tell me some tidings of my father. My dwelling is being devoured95 and my fat lands are ruined, and of unfriendly men my house is full — who slaughter96 continually my thronging97 flocks, and my kine with trailing feet and shambling gait — none other than the wooers of my mother, despiteful out of measure. So now am I come hither to thy knees, if haply thou art willing to tell me of his pitiful death, as one that saw it perchance with thine own eyes, or heard the story from some other wanderer; for his mother bare him to exceeding sorrow. And speak me no soft words in ruth or pity, but tell me plainly how thou didst get sight of him. Ah, I pray thee, if ever at all my father, good Odysseus, made promise to thee of word or work and fulfilled the same in the land of the Trojans, where ye Achaeans suffered affliction, these things, I pray thee, now remember and tell me truth.’
Then in heavy displeasure spake to him Menelaus of the fair hair: ‘Out upon them, for truly in the bed of a brave-hearted man were they minded to lie, very cravens as they are! Even as when a hind98 hath couched her newborn fawns99 unweaned in a strong lion’s lair100, and searcheth out the mountain knees and grassy101 hollows, seeking pasture, and afterward102 the lion cometh back to his bed, and sendeth forth unsightly death upon that pair, even so shall Odysseus send forth unsightly death upon the wooers. Would to our father Zeus and Athene and Apollo, would that in such might as when of old in stablished Lesbos he rose up and wrestled103 a match with Philomeleides and threw him mightily104, and all the Achaeans rejoiced; would that in such strength Odysseus might consort105 with the wooers: then should they all have swift fate, and bitter wedlock106! But for that whereof thou askest and entreatest me, be sure I will not swerve107 from the truth in aught that I say, nor deceive thee; but of all that the ancient one of the sea, whose speech is sooth, declared to me, not a word will I hide or keep from thee.
‘In the river Aegyptus, 9 though eager I was to press onward home, the gods they stayed me, for that I had not offered them the acceptable sacrifice of hecatombs, and the gods ever desired that men should be mindful of their commandments. Now there is an island in the wash of the waves over against Aegyptus, and men call it Pharos, within one day’s voyage of a hollow ship, when shrill108 winds blow fair in her wake. And therein is a good haven109, whence men launch the gallant110 ships into the deep when they have drawn111 a store of deep black water. There the gods held me twenty days, nor did the sea-winds ever show their breath, they that serve to waft112 ships over the broad back of the sea. And now would all our corn have been spent, and likewise the strength of the men, except some goddess had taken pity on me and saved me, Eidothee, daughter of mighty113 Proteus, the ancient one of the sea. For most of all I moved her heart, when she met me wandering alone apart from my company, who were ever roaming round the isle, fishing with bent114 hooks, for hunger was gnawing115 at their belly116. So she stood by, and spake and uttered her voice saying:
9 The only name for the Nile in Homer. Cf. Wilkinson, Ancient Egyptians (1878), vol. i. p. 7.}
‘“Art thou so very foolish, stranger, and feeble-witted, or art thou wilfully117 remiss118, and hast pleasure in suffering? So long time art thou holden in the isle and canst find no issue therefrom, while the heart of thy company faileth within them?”
‘Even so she spake, and I answered her saying: “I will speak forth, what goddess soever thou art, and tell thee that in no wise am I holden here by mine own will, but it needs must be that I have sinned against the deathless gods, who keep the wide heaven. Howbeit, do thou tell me — for the gods know all things — which of the immortals120 it is that binds121 me here and hath hindered me from my way, and declare as touching122 my returning how I may go over the teeming123 deep.”
‘So I spake, and straightway the fair goddess made answer: “Yea now, sir, I will plainly tell thee all. Hither resorteth that ancient one of the sea, whose speech is sooth, the deathless Egyptian Proteus, who knows the depths of every sea, and is the thrall124 of Poseidon, and who, they say, is my father that begat me. If thou couldst but lay an ambush and catch him, he will surely declare to thee the way and the measure of thy path, and will tell thee of thy returning, how thou mayest go over the teeming deep. Yea, and he will show thee, O fosterling of Zeus, if thou wilt125, what good thing and what evil hath been wrought in thy halls, whilst thou has been faring this long and grievous way.”
‘So she spake, but I answered and said unto her: “Devise now thyself the ambush to take this ancient one divine, lest by any chance he see me first, or know of my coming, and avoid me. For a god is hard for mortal man to quell126.”
‘So spake I, and straightway the fair goddess made answer: “Yea now, sir, I will plainly tell thee all. So often as the sun in his course stands high in mid8 heaven, then forth from the brine comes the ancient one of the sea, whose speech is sooth, before the breath of the West Wind he comes, and the sea’s dark ripple127 covers him. And when he is got forth, he lies down to sleep in the hollow of the caves. And around him the seals, the brood of the fair daughter of the brine, sleep all in a flock, stolen forth from the grey sea water, and bitter is the scent128 they breathe of the deeps of the salt sea. There will I lead thee at the breaking of the day, and couch you all orderly; so do thou choose diligently129 three of thy company, the best thou hast in thy decked ships. And I will tell thee all the magic arts of that old man. First, he will number the seals and go over them; but when he has told their tale and beheld them, he will lay him down in the midst, as a shepherd mid the sheep of his flock. So soon as ever ye shall see him couched, even then mind you of your might and strength, and hold him there, despite his eagerness and striving to be free. And he will make assay130, and take all manner of shapes of things that creep upon the earth, of water likewise, and of fierce fire burning. But do ye grasp him steadfastly131 and press him yet the more, and at length when he questions thee in his proper shape, as he was when first ye saw him laid to rest, then, hero, hold thy strong hands, and let the ancient one go free, and ask him which of the gods is hard upon thee, and as touching thy returning, how thou mayest go over the teeming deep.”
‘Therewith she dived beneath the heaving sea, but I betook me to the ships where they stood in the sand, and my heart was darkly troubled as I went. But after I had come down to the ship and to the sea, and we had made ready our supper and immortal119 night had come on, then did we lay us to rest upon the sea-beach. So soon as early Dawn shone forth, the rosy fingered, in that hour I walked by the shore of the wide-wayed sea, praying instantly to the gods; and I took with me three of my company, in whom I trusted most for every enterprise.
‘Meanwhile, so it was that she had plunged133 into the broad bosom134 of the sea, and had brought from the deep the skins of four sea-calves, and all were newly flayed135, for she was minded to lay a snare136 for her father. She scooped137 lairs138 on the sea-sand, and sat awaiting us, and we drew very nigh her, and she made us all lie down in order, and cast a skin over each. There would our ambush have been most terrible, for the deadly stench of the sea bred seals distressed139 us sore: nay, who would lay him down by a beast of the sea? But herself she wrought deliverance, and devised a great comfort. She took ambrosia140 of a very sweet savour, and set it beneath each man’s nostril141, and did away with the stench of the beast. So all the morning we waited with steadfast132 heart, and the seals came forth in troops from the brine, and then they couched them all orderly by the sea-beach. And at high day the ancient one came forth from out of the brine, and found his fatted seals, yea and he went along their line and told their tale; and first among the sea-beasts he reckoned us, and guessed not that there was guile, and afterward he too laid him down. Then we rushed upon him with a cry, and cast our hands about him, nor did that ancient one forget his cunning. Now behold142, at the first he turned into a bearded lion, and thereafter into a snake, and a pard, and a huge boar; then he took the shape of running water, and of a tall and flowering tree. We the while held him close with steadfast heart. But when now that ancient one of the magic arts was aweary, then at last he questioned me and spake unto me, saying:
‘“Which of the gods was it, son of Atreus, that aided thee with his counsel, that thou mightest waylay143 and take me perforce? What wouldest thou thereby144?”
‘Even so he spake, but I answered him saying; “Old man, thou knowest all, wherefore dost thou question me thereof with crooked145 words? For lo, I am holden long time in this isle, neither can I find any issue therefrom, and my heart faileth within me. Howbeit do thou tell me — for the gods know all things — which of the immortals it is that bindeth me here, and hath hindered me from my way; and declare as touching my returning, how I may go over the teeming deep.”
‘Even so I spake, and he straightway answered me, saying: “Nay, surely thou shouldest have done goodly sacrifice to Zeus and the other gods ere thine embarking146, that with most speed thou mightst reach thy country, sailing over the wine-dark deep. For it is not thy fate to see thy friends, and come to thy stablished house and thine own country, till thou hast passed yet again within the waters of Aegyptus, the heaven-fed stream, and offered holy hecatombs to the deathless gods who keep the wide heaven. So shall the gods grant thee the path which thou desirest.”
‘So spake he, but my spirit within me was broken, for that he bade me again to go to Aegyptus over the misty147 deep, a long and grievous way.
‘Yet even so I answered him saying: “Old man, all this will I do, according to thy word. But come, declare me this, and tell it all plainly. Did all those Achaeans return safe with their ships, all whom Nestor and I left as we went from Troy, or perished any by a shameful148 death aboard his own ship, or in the arms of his friends, after he had wound up the clew of war?”
‘So spake I, and anon he answered me, saying: “Son of Atreus, why dost thou straitly question me hereof? Nay, it is not for thy good to know or learn my thought; for I tell thee thou shalt not long be tearless, when thou hast heard it all aright. For many of these were taken, and many were left; but two only of the leaders of the mail-coated Achaeans perished in returning; as for the battle, thou thyself wast there. And one methinks is yet alive, and is holden on the wide deep. Aias in truth was smitten149 in the midst of his ships of the long oars150. Poseidon at first brought him nigh to Gyrae, to the mighty rocks, and delivered him from the sea. And so he would have fled his doom, albeit151 hated by Athene, had he not let a proud word fall in the fatal darkening of his heart. He said that in the gods’ despite he had escaped the great gulf152 of the sea; and Poseidon heard his loud boasting, and presently caught up his trident into his strong hands, and smote153 the rock Gyraean and cleft154 it in twain. And the one part abode155 in his place, but the other fell into the sea, the broken piece whereon Aias sat at the first, when his heart was darkened. And the rock bore him down into the vast and heaving deep; so there he perished when he had drunk of the salt sea water. But thy brother verily escaped the fates and avoided them in his hollow ships, for queen Hera saved him. But now when he was like soon to reach the steep mount of Malea, lo, the storm wind snatched him away and bore him over the teeming deep, making great moan, to the border of the country whereof old Thyestes dwelt, but now Aegisthus abode there, the son of Thyestes. But when thence too there showed a good prospect157 of safe returning, and the gods changed the wind to a fair gale158, and they had reached home, then verily did Agamemnon set foot with joy upon his country’s soil, and as he touched his own land he kissed it, and many were the hot tears he let fall, for he saw his land and was glad. And it was so that the watchman spied him from his tower, the watchman whom crafty159 Aegisthus had led and posted there, promising160 him for a reward two talents of gold. Now he kept watch for the space of a year, lest Agamemnon should pass by him when he looked not, and mind him of his wild prowess. So he went to the house to bear the tidings to the shepherd of the people. And straightway Aegisthus contrived161 a cunning treason. He chose out twenty of the best men in the township, and set an ambush, and on the further side of the hall he commanded to prepare a feast. Then with chariot and horses he went to bid to the feast Agamemnon, shepherd of the people; but caitiff thoughts were in his heart. He brought him up to his house, all unwitting of his doom, and when he had feasted him slew him, as one slayeth an ox at the stall. And none of the company of Atreides that were of his following were left, nor any of the men of Aegisthus, but they were all killed in the halls.”
‘So spake he, and my spirit within me was broken, and I wept as I sat upon the sand, nor was I minded any more to live and see the light of the sun. But when I had taken my fill of weeping and grovelling162 on the ground, then spake the ancient one of the sea, whose speech is sooth:
‘“No more, son of Atreus, hold this long weeping without cease, for we shall find no help therein. Rather with all haste make essay that so thou mayest come to thine own country. For either thou shalt find Aegisthus yet alive, or it may be Orestes was beforehand with thee and slew him; so mayest thou chance upon his funeral feast.”
‘So he spake, and my heart and lordly soul again were comforted for all my sorrow, and I uttered my voice and I spake to him winged words:
‘“Their fate I now know; but tell me of the third; who is it that is yet living and holden on the wide deep, or perchance is dead? and fain would I hear despite my sorrow.”
‘So spake I, and straightway he answered, and said: “It is the son of Laertes, whose dwelling is in Ithaca; and I saw him in an island shedding big tears in the halls of the nymph Calypso, who holds him there perforce; so he may not come to his own country, for he has by him no ships with oars, and no companions to send him on his way over the broad back of the sea. But thou, Menelaus, son of Zeus, art not ordained163 to die and meet thy fate in Argos, the pasture-land of horses, but the deathless gods will convey thee to the Elysian plain and the world’s end, where is Rhadamanthus of the fair hair, where life is easiest for men. No snow is there, nor yet great storm, nor any rain; but always ocean sendeth forth the breeze of the shrill West to blow cool on men; yea, for thou hast Helen to wife, and thereby they deem thee to be son of Zeus.”
‘So spake he, and plunged into the heaving sea; but I betook me to the ships with my godlike company, and my heart was darkly troubled as I went. Now after I had come down to the ship and to the sea, and had made ready our supper, and immortal night had come on, then did we lay us to rest upon the sea-beach. So soon as early Dawn shone forth, the rosy-fingered, first of all we drew down our ships to the fair salt sea and placed the masts and the sails in the gallant ships, and the crew too climbed on board, and sat upon the benches and smote the grey sea water with their oars. Then back I went to the waters of Aegyptus, the heaven-fed stream, and there I moored164 the ships and offered the acceptable sacrifice of hecatombs. So when I had appeased165 the anger of the everlasting gods, I piled a barrow to Agamemnon, that his fame might never be quenched166. So having fulfilled all, I set out for home, and the deathless gods gave me a fair wind, and brought me swiftly to mine own dear country. But lo, now tarry in my halls till it shall be the eleventh day hence or the twelfth. Then will I send thee with all honour on thy way, and give thee splendid gifts, three horses and a polished car; and moreover I will give thee a goodly chalice167, that thou mayest pour forth before the deathless gods, and be mindful of me all the days of thy life.’
Then wise Telemachus answered him, saying: ‘Son of Atreus, nay, hold me not long time here. Yea even for a year would I be content to sit by thee, and no desire for home or parents would come upon me; for I take wondrous168 pleasure in thy tales and talk. But already my company wearieth in fair Pylos, and yet thou art keeping me long time here. And whatsoever169 gift thou wouldest give me, let it be a thing to treasure; but horses I will take none to Ithaca, but leave them here to grace thine own house, for thou art lord of a wide plain wherein is lotus great plenty, and therein is spear-reed and wheat and rye, and white and spreading barley. In Ithaca there are no wide courses, nor meadow land at all. It is a pasture-land of goats, and more pleasant in my sight than one that pastureth horses; for of the isles170 that lie and lean upon the sea, none are fit for the driving of horses, or rich in meadow land, and least of all is Ithaca.’
So spake he, and Menelaus, of the loud war cry, smiled, and caressed171 him with his hand, and spake and hailed him:
‘Thou art of gentle blood, dear child, so gentle the words thou speakest. Therefore I will make exchange of the presents, as I may. Of the gifts, such as are treasures stored in my house, I will give thee the goodliest and greatest of price. I will give thee a mixing bowl beautifully wrought; it is all of silver, and the lips thereof are finished with gold, the work of Hephaestus; and the hero Phaedimus, the king of the Sidonians, gave it me, when his house sheltered me on my coming thither, and to thee now would I give it.’
Even so they spake one to another, while the guests came to the palace of the divine king. They drave their sheep, and brought wine that maketh glad the heart of man: and their wives with fair tire sent them wheaten bread. Thus were these men preparing the feast in the halls.
But the wooers meantime were before the palace of Odysseus, taking their pleasure in casting of weights and spears, on a levelled place, as heretofore, in their insolence172. And Antinous and god-like Eurymachus were seated there, the chief men of the wooers, who were far the most excellent of all. And Noemon, son of Phromius, drew nigh to them and spake unto Antinous and questioned him, saying:
‘Antinous, know we at all, or know we not, when Telemachus will return from sandy Pylos? He hath departed with a ship of mine, and I have need thereof, to cross over into spacious173 Elis, where I have twelve brood mares with hardy mules174 unbroken at the teat; I would drive off one of these and break him in.’
So spake he, and they were amazed, for they deemed not that Telemachus had gone to Neleian Pylos, but that he was at home somewhere in the fields, whether among the flocks, or with the swineherd.
Then Antinous, son of Eupeithes, spake to him in turn: ‘Tell me the plain truth; when did he go, and what noble youths went with him? Were they chosen men of Ithaca or hirelings and thralls175 of his own? He was in case to bring even that about. And tell me this in good sooth, that I may know for a surety: did he take thy black ship from thee perforce against thy will? or didst thou give it him of free will at his entreaty176?
Then Noemon, son of Phromius, answered him saying: ‘I gave it him myself of free will. What can any man do, when such an one, so bestead with care, begs a favour? it were hard to deny the gift. The youths who next to us are noblest in the land, even these have gone with him; and I marked their leader on board ship, Mentor177, or a god who in all things resembled Mentor. But one matter I marvel27 at: I saw the goodly Mentor here yesterday toward dawn, though already he had embarked178 for Pylos.’
He spake and withal departed to his father’s house. And the proud spirits of these twain were angered, and they made the wooers sit down together and cease from their games. And among them spake Antinous, son of Eupeithes, in displeasure; and his black heart was wholly filled with rage, and his eyes were like flaming fire:
‘Out on him, a proud deed hath Telemachus accomplished179 with a high hand, even this journey, and we thought that he would never bring it to pass! This lad hath clean gone without more ado, in spite of us all; his ship he hath let haul to the sea, and chosen the noblest in the township. He will begin to be our bane even more than heretofore; but may Zeus destroy his might, not ours, ere he reach the measure of manhood! But come, give me a swift ship and twenty men, that I may lie in watch and wait even for him on his way home, in the strait between Ithaca and rugged180 Samos, that so he may have a woeful end of his cruising in quest of his father.’
So spake he, and they all assented181 thereto, and bade him to the work. And thereupon they arose and went to the house of Odysseus.
Now it was no long time before Penelope heard of the counsel that the wooers had devised in the deep of their heart. For the henchman Medon told her thereof, who stood without the court and heard their purposes, while they were weaving their plot within. So he went on his way through the halls to bring the news to Penelope; and as he stept down over the threshold, Penelope spake unto him:
‘Henchman, wherefore have the noble wooers sent thee forth? Was it to tell the handmaids of divine Odysseus to cease from their work, and prepare a banquet for them? Nay, after thus much wooing, never again may they come together, but here this day sup for their last and latest time; all ye who assemble so often, and waste much livelihood, the wealth of wise Telemachus! Long ago when ye were children, ye marked not your fathers’ telling, what manner of man was Odysseus among them, one that wrought no iniquity182 toward any man, nor spake aught unrighteous in the township, as is the wont of divine kings. One man a king is like to hate, another he might chance to love. But never did he do aught at all presumptuously183 to any man. Nay, it is plain what spirit ye are of, and your unseemly deeds are manifest to all, nor is there any gratitude184 left for kindness done.’
Then Medon, wise of heart, answered her: ‘Would, oh queen, that this were the crowning evil! But the wooers devise another far greater and more grievous, which I pray the son of Cronos may never fulfil! They are set on slaying Telemachus with the edge of the sword on his homeward way; for he is gone to fair Pylos and goodly Lacedaemon, to seek tidings of his father.’
So spake he, but her knees were loosened where she stood, and her heart melted within her, and long time was she speechless, and lo, her eyes were filled with tears and the voice of her utterance185 was stayed. And at the last she answered him and said:
‘Henchman, wherefore I pray thee is my son departed? There is no need that he should go abroad on swift ships, that serve men for horses on the sea, and that cross the great wet waste. Is it that even his own name may no more be left upon earth?’
Then Medon, wise of heart, answered her: ‘I know not whether some god set him on or whether his own spirit stirred him to go to Pylos to seek tidings of his father’s return, or to hear what end he met.’
He spake, and departed through the house of Odysseus, and on her fell a cloud of consuming grief; so that she might no more endure to seat her on a chair, whereof there were many in the house, but there she crouched186 on the threshold of her well-builded chamber, wailing187 piteously, and her handmaids round her made low moan, as many as were in the house with her, young and old. And Penelope spake among them pouring forth her lamentation:
‘Hear me, my friends, for the Olympian sire hath given me pain exceedingly beyond all women who were born and bred in my day. For erewhile I lost my noble lord of the lion heart, adorned188 with all perfection among the Danaans, my good lord, whose fame is noised abroad from Hellas to mid Argos. And now again the storm-winds have snatched away my well-beloved son without tidings from our halls, nor heard I of his departure. Oh, women, hard of heart, that even ye did not each one let the thought come into your minds, to rouse me from my couch when he went to the black hollow ship, though ye knew full well thereof! For had I heard that he was purposing this journey, verily he should have stayed here still, though eager to be gone, or have left me dead in the halls. Howbeit let some one make haste to call the ancient Dolius, my thrall, whom my father gave me ere yet I had come hither, who keepeth my garden of trees. So shall he go straightway and sit by Laertes, and tell him all, if perchance Laertes may weave some counsel in his heart, and go forth and make his plaint to the people, who are purposed to destroy his seed, and the seed of god-like Odysseus.’
Then the good nurse Eurycleia answered her: ‘Dear lady, aye, slay86 me if thou wilt with the pitiless sword or let me yet live on in the house — yet will I not hide my saying from thee. I knew all this, and gave him whatsoever he commanded, bread and sweet wine. And he took a great oath of me not to tell thee till at least the twelfth day should come, or thou thyself shouldst miss him and hear of his departure, that thou mightest not mar7 thy fair flesh with thy tears. But now, wash thee in water, and take to thee clean raiment and ascend189 to thy upper chamber with the women thy handmaids, and pray to Athene, daughter of Zeus, lord of the aegis156. For so may she save him even from death. And heap not troubles on an old man’s trouble; for the seed of the son of Arceisius, is not, methinks, utterly190 hated by the blessed gods, but someone will haply yet remain to possess these lofty halls, and the fat fields far away.’
So spake she, and lulled191 her queen’s lamentation, and made her eyes to cease from weeping. So she washed her in water, and took to her clean raiment, and ascended192 to the upper chamber with the women her handmaids, and placed the meal for sprinkling in a basket, and prayed unto Athene:
‘Hear me, child of Zeus, lord of the aegis, unwearied maiden29! If ever wise Odysseus in his halls burnt for thee fat slices of the thighs193 of heifer or of sheep, these things, I pray thee, now remember, and save my dear son, and ward from him the wooers in the naughtiness of their pride.’
Therewith she raised a cry, and the goddess heard her prayer. But the wooers clamoured through the shadowy halls, and thus would some proud youth say:
‘Verily this queen of many wooers prepareth our marriage, nor knoweth at all how that for her son death hath been ordained.’
Thus would certain of them speak, but they knew not how these things were ordained. And Antinous made harangue194 and spake among them:
‘Good sirs, my friends, shun195 all disdainful words alike, lest someone hear and tell it even in the house. But come let us arise, and in silence accomplish that whereof we spake, for the counsel pleased us every one.’
Therewith he chose twenty men that were the best, and they departed to the swift ship and the sea-banks. So first of all they drew the ship down to the deep water, and placed the mast and sails in the black ship, and fixed196 the oars in leathern loops all orderly, and spread forth the white sails. And squires, haughty197 of heart, bare for them their arms. And they moored her high out in the shore water, and themselves disembarked. There they supped and waited for evening to come on.
But the wise Penelope lay there in her upper chamber, fasting and tasting neither meat nor drink, musing198 whether her noble son should escape death, or even fall before the proud wooers. And as a lion broods all in fear among the press of men, when they draw the crafty ring around him, so deeply was she musing when deep sleep came over her. And she sank back in sleep and all her joints199 were loosened.
Now the goddess, grey-eyed Athene, turned to other thoughts. She made a phantom200, and fashioned it after the likeness of a woman, Iphthime, daughter of great-hearted Icarius, whom Eumelus wedded201, whose dwelling was in Pherae. And she sent it to the house of divine Odysseus to bid Penelope, amid her sorrow and lamenting202, to cease from her weeping and tearful lamentation. So the phantom passed into the chamber by the thong203 of the bolt, and stood above her head and spake unto her, saying:
‘Sleepest thou, Penelope, stricken at heart? Nay, even the gods who live at ease suffer thee not to wail44 or be afflicted204, seeing that thy son is yet to return; for no sinner is he in the eyes of the gods.’
Then wise Penelope made her answer as she slumbered205 very softly at the gates of dreams:
‘Wherefore, sister, hast thou come hither, that before wert not wont to come, for thou hast thine habitation very far away? Biddest thou me indeed to cease from the sorrows and pains, so many that disquiet206 my heart and soul? Erewhile I lost my noble lord of the lion heart, adorned with all perfection among the Danaans, my true lord, whose fame is noised abroad from Hellas to mid Argos. And now, again, my well-beloved son is departed on his hollow ship, poor child, not skilled in toils207 or in the gatherings208 of men. For him I sorrow yet more than for my lord, and I tremble and fear for him lest aught befal him, whether, it may be, amid that folk where he is gone, or in the deep. For many foemen devise evil against him, and go about to kill him, or ever he come to his own country.’
And the dim phantom answered her, and said: ‘Take courage, and be not so sorely afraid. For lo, such a friend goes to guide him, as all men pray to stand by them, for that she hath the power, even Pallas Athene. And she pitieth thee in thy sorrow, and now hath sent me forth to speak these words to thee.’
And wise Penelope answered her, saying: ‘If thou art indeed a god, and hast heard the word of a god, come, I pray thee, and tell me tidings concerning that ill-fated man, whether perchance he is yet alive and sees the light of the sun, or hath already died, and is a dweller209 in the house of Hades.’
And the dim phantom answered her and said: ‘Concerning him I will not tell thee all the tale, whether he be alive or dead; it is ill to speak words light as wind.’
Therewith the phantom slipped away by the bolt of the door and passed into the breath of the wind. And the daughter of Icarius started up from sleep; and her heart was cheered, so clear was the vision that sped toward her in the dead of the night.
Meanwhile the wooers had taken ship and were sailing over the wet ways, pondering in their hearts sheer death for Telemachus. Now there is a rocky isle in the mid sea, midway between Ithaca and rugged Samos, Asteris, a little isle; and there is a harbour therein with a double entrance, where ships may ride. There the Achaeans abode lying in wait for Telemachus.
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1
isle
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| n.小岛，岛 | |
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dwelling
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| n.住宅，住所，寓所 | |
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renowned
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| adj.著名的，有名望的，声誉鹊起的 | |
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kin
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| n.家族，亲属，血缘关系；adj.亲属关系的，同类的 | |
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cleaver
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| n.切肉刀 | |
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covenanted
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| v.立约，立誓( covenant的过去分词 ) | |
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mar
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| vt.破坏，毁坏，弄糟 | |
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mid
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| adj.中央的，中间的 | |
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vaulted
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| adj.拱状的 | |
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kinsmen
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| n.家属，亲属( kinsman的名词复数 ) | |
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forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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squire
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| n.护卫, 侍从, 乡绅 | |
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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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yoke
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| n.轭；支配；v.给...上轭，连接，使成配偶 | |
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onward
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| adj.向前的，前进的；adv.向前，前进，在先 | |
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ward
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| n.守卫，监护，病房，行政区，由监护人或法院保护的人（尤指儿童）；vt.守护，躲开 | |
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17
kindly
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| adj.和蔼的，温和的，爽快的；adv.温和地，亲切地 | |
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folly
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| n.愚笨，愚蠢，蠢事，蠢行，傻话 | |
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hospitable
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| adj.好客的；宽容的；有利的，适宜的 | |
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nay
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| adv.不；n.反对票，投反对票者 | |
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squires
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| n.地主，乡绅( squire的名词复数 ) | |
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barley
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| n.大麦，大麦粒 | |
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tilted
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| v. 倾斜的 | |
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gateway
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| n.大门口，出入口，途径，方法 | |
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beheld
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| v.看，注视( behold的过去式和过去分词 )；瞧；看呀；（叙述中用于引出某人意外的出现）哎哟 | |
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marvelled
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| v.惊奇，对…感到惊奇( marvel的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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marvel
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| vi.(at)惊叹vt.感到惊异；n.令人惊异的事 | |
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maidens
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| 处女( maiden的名词复数 )； 少女； 未婚女子； （板球运动）未得分的一轮投球 | |
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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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ewer
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| n.大口水罐 | |
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dame
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| n.女士 | |
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divers
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| adj.不同的；种种的 | |
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beget
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| v.引起；产生 | |
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amber
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| n.琥珀；琥珀色；adj.琥珀制的 | |
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ware
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| n.(常用复数)商品，货物 | |
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mansions
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| n.宅第，公馆，大厦( mansion的名词复数 ) | |
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everlasting
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| adj.永恒的，持久的，无止境的 | |
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woe
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| n.悲哀，苦痛，不幸，困难；int.用来表达悲伤或惊慌 | |
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gathering
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| n.集会，聚会，聚集 | |
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livelihood
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| n.生计，谋生之道 | |
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slew
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| v.（使）旋转；n.大量，许多 | |
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privily
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| adv.暗中，秘密地 | |
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guile
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| n.诈术 | |
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wail
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| vt./vi.大声哀号，恸哭；呼啸，尖啸 | |
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45
lament
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| n.悲叹，悔恨，恸哭；v.哀悼，悔恨，悲叹 | |
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46
lamentation
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| n.悲叹，哀悼 | |
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47
dole
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| n.救济，（失业）救济金；vt.（out）发放，发给 | |
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48
loathe
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| v.厌恶，嫌恶 | |
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49
toiled
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| 长时间或辛苦地工作( toil的过去式和过去分词 )； 艰难缓慢地移动，跋涉 | |
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50
yearning
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| a.渴望的；向往的；怀念的 | |
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51
eyelids
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| n.眼睑( eyelid的名词复数 )；眼睛也不眨一下；不露声色；面不改色 | |
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52
mantle
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| n.斗篷，覆罩之物，罩子；v.罩住，覆盖，脸红 | |
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53
mused
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| v.沉思，冥想( muse的过去式和过去分词 )；沉思自语说（某事） | |
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54
fragrant
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| adj.芬香的，馥郁的，愉快的 | |
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55
chamber
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| n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所 | |
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56
wrought
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| v.引起；以…原料制作；运转；adj.制造的 | |
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57
bestowed
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| 赠给，授予( bestow的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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58
rims
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| n.（圆形物体的）边( rim的名词复数 )；缘；轮辋；轮圈 | |
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59
yarn
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| n.纱，纱线，纺线；奇闻漫谈，旅行轶事 | |
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60
avow
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| v.承认，公开宣称 | |
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61
likeness
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| n.相像，相似（之处） | |
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62
travail
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| n.阵痛；努力 | |
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63
presumptuous
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| adj.胆大妄为的，放肆的，冒昧的，冒失的 | |
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64
distress
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| n.苦恼，痛苦，不舒适；不幸；vt.使悲痛 | |
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65
vouchsafed
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| v.给予，赐予( vouchsafe的过去式和过去分词 )；允诺 | |
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66
desolate
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| adj.荒凉的，荒芜的；孤独的，凄凉的；v.使荒芜，使孤寂 | |
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67
domain
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| n.(活动等)领域，范围；领地，势力范围 | |
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68
converse
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| vi.谈话，谈天，闲聊；adv.相反的，相反 | |
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69
nought
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| n.／adj.无，零 | |
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70
sufficiently
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| adv.足够地，充分地 | |
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71
slain
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| 杀死，宰杀，杀戮( slay的过去分词 )； (slay的过去分词) | |
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72
wont
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| adj.习惯于；v.习惯；n.习惯 | |
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73
miserable
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| adj.悲惨的，痛苦的；可怜的，糟糕的 | |
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74
lull
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| v.使安静，使入睡，缓和，哄骗；n.暂停，间歇 | |
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75
draught
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| n.拉，牵引，拖；一网（饮，吸，阵)；顿服药量，通风；v.起草，设计 | |
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76
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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77
virtue
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| n.德行，美德；贞操；优点；功效，效力 | |
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78
baneful
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| adj.有害的 | |
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79
leech
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| n.水蛭，吸血鬼，榨取他人利益的人；vt.以水蛭吸血；vi.依附于别人 | |
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80
hardy
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| adj.勇敢的，果断的，吃苦的；耐寒的 | |
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81
hardiness
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| n.耐劳性，强壮；勇气，胆子 | |
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82
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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83
guise
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| n.外表，伪装的姿态 | |
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84
semblance
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| n.外貌，外表 | |
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85
subtlety
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| n.微妙，敏锐，精巧；微妙之处，细微的区别 | |
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86
slay
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| v.杀死，宰杀，杀戮 | |
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87
slaying
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| 杀戮。 | |
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88
groaned
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| v.呻吟( groan的过去式和过去分词 )；发牢骚；抱怨；受苦 | |
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89
thither
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| adv.向那里；adj.在那边的，对岸的 | |
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90
forsaking
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| 放弃( forsake的现在分词 )； 弃绝； 抛弃； 摒弃 | |
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91
doom
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| n.厄运，劫数；v.注定，命定 | |
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92
ambush
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| n.埋伏(地点)；伏兵；v.埋伏；伏击 | |
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93
mantles
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| vt.&vi.覆盖（mantle的第三人称单数形式） | |
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94
rosy
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| adj.美好的，乐观的，玫瑰色的 | |
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95
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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96
slaughter
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| n.屠杀，屠宰；vt.屠杀，宰杀 | |
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97
thronging
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| v.成群，挤满( throng的现在分词 ) | |
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98
hind
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| adj.后面的，后部的 | |
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99
fawns
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| n.（未满一岁的）幼鹿( fawn的名词复数 )；浅黄褐色；乞怜者；奉承者v.（尤指狗等）跳过来往人身上蹭以示亲热( fawn的第三人称单数 )；巴结；讨好 | |
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100
lair
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| n.野兽的巢穴；躲藏处 | |
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101
grassy
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| adj.盖满草的；长满草的 | |
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102
afterward
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| adv.后来；以后 | |
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103
wrestled
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| v.（与某人）搏斗( wrestle的过去式和过去分词 )；扭成一团；扭打；（与…）摔跤 | |
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104
mightily
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| ad.强烈地；非常地 | |
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105
consort
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| v.相伴；结交 | |
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106
wedlock
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| n.婚姻，已婚状态 | |
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107
swerve
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| v.突然转向，背离；n．转向，弯曲，背离 | |
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108
shrill
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| adj.尖声的；刺耳的；v尖叫 | |
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109
haven
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| n.安全的地方，避难所，庇护所 | |
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110
gallant
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| adj.英勇的，豪侠的；(向女人)献殷勤的 | |
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111
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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112
waft
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| v.飘浮，飘荡；n.一股；一阵微风；飘荡 | |
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113
mighty
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| adj.强有力的；巨大的 | |
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114
bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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115
gnawing
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| a.痛苦的，折磨人的 | |
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116
belly
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| n.肚子，腹部；(像肚子一样)鼓起的部分，膛 | |
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117
wilfully
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| adv.任性固执地；蓄意地 | |
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118
remiss
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| adj.不小心的，马虎 | |
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119
immortal
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| adj.不朽的；永生的，不死的；神的 | |
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120
immortals
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| 不朽的人物( immortal的名词复数 )； 永生不朽者 | |
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121
binds
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| v.约束( bind的第三人称单数 )；装订；捆绑；（用长布条）缠绕 | |
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122
touching
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| adj.动人的，使人感伤的 | |
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123
teeming
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| adj.丰富的v.充满( teem的现在分词 )；到处都是；（指水、雨等）暴降；倾注 | |
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124
thrall
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| n.奴隶；奴隶制 | |
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125
wilt
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| v.(使)植物凋谢或枯萎；(指人)疲倦，衰弱 | |
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126
quell
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| v.压制，平息，减轻 | |
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127
ripple
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| n.涟波，涟漪，波纹，粗钢梳；vt.使...起涟漪，使起波纹； vi.呈波浪状，起伏前进 | |
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128
scent
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| n.气味，香味，香水，线索，嗅觉；v.嗅，发觉 | |
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129
diligently
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| ad.industriously;carefully | |
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130
assay
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| n.试验，测定 | |
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131
steadfastly
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| adv.踏实地，不变地；岿然；坚定不渝 | |
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132
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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133
plunged
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| v.颠簸( plunge的过去式和过去分词 )；暴跌；骤降；突降 | |
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134
bosom
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| n.胸，胸部；胸怀；内心；adj.亲密的 | |
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135
flayed
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| v.痛打( flay的过去式和过去分词 )；把…打得皮开肉绽；剥（通常指动物）的皮；严厉批评 | |
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136
snare
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| n.陷阱，诱惑，圈套；（去除息肉或者肿瘤的）勒除器；响弦，小军鼓；vt.以陷阱捕获，诱惑 | |
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137
scooped
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| v.抢先报道( scoop的过去式和过去分词 )；（敏捷地）抱起；抢先获得；用铲[勺]等挖（洞等） | |
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138
lairs
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| n.（野兽的）巢穴，窝( lair的名词复数 )；（人的）藏身处 | |
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139
distressed
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| 痛苦的 | |
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140
ambrosia
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| n.神的食物；蜂食 | |
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141
nostril
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| n.鼻孔 | |
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142
behold
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| v.看，注视，看到 | |
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143
waylay
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| v.埋伏，伏击 | |
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144
thereby
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| adv.因此，从而 | |
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145
crooked
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| adj.弯曲的；不诚实的，狡猾的，不正当的 | |
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146
embarking
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| 乘船( embark的现在分词 )； 装载； 从事 | |
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147
misty
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| adj.雾蒙蒙的，有雾的 | |
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148
shameful
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| adj.可耻的，不道德的 | |
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149
smitten
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| 猛打，重击，打击( smite的过去分词 ) | |
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150
oars
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| n.桨，橹( oar的名词复数 )；划手v.划（行）( oar的第三人称单数 ) | |
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151
albeit
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| conj.即使；纵使；虽然 | |
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152
gulf
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| n.海湾；深渊，鸿沟；分歧，隔阂 | |
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153
smote
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| v.猛打，重击，打击( smite的过去式 ) | |
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154
cleft
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| n.裂缝；adj.裂开的 | |
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155
abode
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| n.住处，住所 | |
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156
aegis
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| n.盾；保护，庇护 | |
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157
prospect
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| n.前景，前途；景色，视野 | |
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158
gale
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| n.大风，强风，一阵闹声（尤指笑声等） | |
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159
crafty
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| adj.狡猾的，诡诈的 | |
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160
promising
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| adj.有希望的，有前途的 | |
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161
contrived
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| adj.不自然的，做作的；虚构的 | |
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162
grovelling
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| adj.卑下的，奴颜婢膝的v.卑躬屈节，奴颜婢膝( grovel的现在分词 )；趴 | |
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163
ordained
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| v.任命（某人）为牧师( ordain的过去式和过去分词 )；授予（某人）圣职；（上帝、法律等）命令；判定 | |
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164
moored
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| adj. 系泊的 动词moor的过去式和过去分词形式 | |
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165
appeased
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| 安抚，抚慰( appease的过去式和过去分词 )； 绥靖（满足另一国的要求以避免战争） | |
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166
quenched
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| 解（渴）( quench的过去式和过去分词 )； 终止（某事物）； （用水）扑灭（火焰等）； 将（热物体）放入水中急速冷却 | |
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167
chalice
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| n.圣餐杯；金杯毒酒 | |
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168
wondrous
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| adj.令人惊奇的，奇妙的；adv.惊人地；异乎寻常地；令人惊叹地 | |
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169
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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170
isles
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| 岛( isle的名词复数 ) | |
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171
caressed
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| 爱抚或抚摸…( caress的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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172
insolence
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| n.傲慢；无礼；厚颜；傲慢的态度 | |
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173
spacious
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| adj.广阔的，宽敞的 | |
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174
mules
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| 骡( mule的名词复数 )； 拖鞋； 顽固的人； 越境运毒者 | |
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175
thralls
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| n.奴隶( thrall的名词复数 )；奴役；奴隶制；奴隶般受支配的人 | |
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176
entreaty
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| n.恳求，哀求 | |
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177
mentor
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| n.指导者，良师益友；v.指导 | |
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178
embarked
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| 乘船( embark的过去式和过去分词 )； 装载； 从事 | |
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179
accomplished
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| adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的 | |
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180
rugged
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| adj.高低不平的，粗糙的，粗壮的，强健的 | |
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181
assented
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| 同意，赞成( assent的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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182
iniquity
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| n.邪恶；不公正 | |
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183
presumptuously
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| adv.自以为是地，专横地，冒失地 | |
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184
gratitude
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| adj.感激，感谢 | |
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185
utterance
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| n.用言语表达，话语，言语 | |
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186
crouched
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| v.屈膝，蹲伏( crouch的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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187
wailing
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| v.哭叫，哀号( wail的现在分词 )；沱 | |
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188
adorned
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| [计]被修饰的 | |
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189
ascend
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| vi.渐渐上升，升高；vt.攀登，登上 | |
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190
utterly
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| adv.完全地，绝对地 | |
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191
lulled
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| vt.使镇静，使安静（lull的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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192
ascended
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| v.上升，攀登( ascend的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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193
thighs
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| n.股，大腿( thigh的名词复数 )；食用的鸡（等的）腿 | |
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194
harangue
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| n.慷慨冗长的训话，言辞激烈的讲话 | |
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195
shun
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| vt.避开，回避，避免 | |
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196
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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197
haughty
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| adj.傲慢的，高傲的 | |
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198
musing
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| n. 沉思，冥想 adj. 沉思的, 冥想的 动词muse的现在分词形式 | |
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199
joints
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| 接头( joint的名词复数 )； 关节； 公共场所（尤指价格低廉的饮食和娱乐场所） （非正式）； 一块烤肉 （英式英语） | |
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200
phantom
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| n.幻影，虚位，幽灵；adj.错觉的，幻影的，幽灵的 | |
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201
wedded
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| adj.正式结婚的；渴望…的，执著于…的v.嫁，娶，（与…）结婚( wed的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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202
lamenting
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| adj.悲伤的，悲哀的v.（为…）哀悼，痛哭，悲伤( lament的现在分词 ) | |
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203
thong
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| n.皮带；皮鞭；v.装皮带 | |
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204
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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205
slumbered
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| 微睡，睡眠（slumber的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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206
disquiet
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| n.担心，焦虑 | |
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207
toils
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| 网 | |
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208
gatherings
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| 聚集( gathering的名词复数 )； 收集； 采集； 搜集 | |
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209
dweller
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| n.居住者，住客 | |
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