Allow that birth or valour, wealth or wit,
Give each precedence to their possessor,
Envy, that follows on such eminence1,
As comes the lyme-hound on the roebuck’s trace,
Shall pull them down each one.
SIR DAVID LINDSAY.
Leopold, Grand Duke of Austria, was the first possessor of that noble country to whom the princely rank belonged. He had been raised to the ducal sway in the German Empire on account of his near relationship to the Emperor, Henry the Stern, and held under his government the finest provinces which are watered by the Danube. His character has been stained in history on account of one action of violence and perfidy2, which arose out of these very transactions in the Holy Land; and yet the shame of having made Richard a prisoner when he returned through his dominions4; unattended and in disguise, was not one which flowed from Leopold’s natural disposition5. He was rather a weak and a vain than an ambitious or tyrannical prince. His mental powers resembled the qualities of his person. He was tall, strong, and handsome, with a complexion6 in which red and white were strongly contrasted, and had long flowing locks of fair hair. But there was an awkwardness in his gait which seemed as if his size was not animated7 by energy sufficient to put in motion such a mass; and in the same manner, wearing the richest dresses, it always seemed as if they became him not. As a prince, he appeared too little familiar with his own dignity; and being often at a loss how to assert his authority when the occasion demanded it, he frequently thought himself obliged to recover, by acts and expressions of ill-timed violence, the ground which might have been easily and gracefully8 maintained by a little more presence of mind in the beginning of the controversy9.
Not only were these deficiencies visible to others, but the Archduke himself could not but sometimes entertain a painful consciousness that he was not altogether fit to maintain and assert the high rank which he had acquired; and to this was joined the strong, and sometimes the just, suspicion that others esteemed10 him lightly accordingly.
When he first joined the Crusade, with a most princely attendance, Leopold had desired much to enjoy the friendship and intimacy11 of Richard, and had made such advances towards cultivating his regard as the King of England ought, in policy, to have received and answered. But the Archduke, though not deficient12 in bravery, was so infinitely13 inferior to Coeur de Lion in that ardour of mind which wooed danger as a bride, that the King very soon held him in a certain degree of contempt. Richard, also, as a Norman prince, a people with whom temperance was habitual14, despised the inclination15 of the German for the pleasures of the table, and particularly his liberal indulgence in the use of wine. For these, and other personal reasons, the King of England very soon looked upon the Austrian Prince with feelings of contempt, which he was at no pains to conceal16 or modify, and which, therefore, were speedily remarked, and returned with deep hatred17, by the suspicious Leopold. The discord18 between them was fanned by the secret and politic19 arts of Philip of France, one of the most sagacious monarchs20 of the time, who, dreading22 the fiery23 and overbearing character of Richard, considering him as his natural rival, and feeling offended, moreover, at the dictatorial24 manner in which he, a vassal25 of France for his Continental26 domains27, conducted himself towards his liege lord, endeavoured to strengthen his own party, and weaken that of Richard, by uniting the Crusading princes of inferior degree in resistance to what he termed the usurping28 authority of the King of England. Such was the state of politics and opinions entertained by the Archduke of Austria, when Conrade of Montserrat resolved upon employing his jealousy29 of England as the means of dissolving, or loosening at least, the league of the Crusaders.
The time which he chose for his visit was noon; and the pretence30, to present the Archduke with some choice Cyprus wine which had lately fallen into his hands, and discuss its comparative merits with those of Hungary and of the Rhine. An intimation of his purpose was, of course, answered by a courteous31 invitation to partake of the Archducal meal, and every effort was used to render it fitting the splendour of a sovereign prince. Yet the refined taste of the Italian saw more cumbrous profusion32 than elegance33 or splendour in the display of provisions under which the board groaned34.
The Germans, though still possessing the martial35 and frank character of their ancestors — who subdued36 the Roman Empire — had retained withal no slight tinge37 of their barbarism. The practices and principles of chivalry38 were not carried to such a nice pitch amongst them as amongst the French and English knights39, nor were they strict observers of the prescribed rules of society, which among those nations were supposed to express the height of civilization. Sitting at the table of the Archduke, Conrade was at once stunned41 and amused with the clang of Teutonic sounds assaulting his ears on all sides, notwithstanding the solemnity of a princely banquet. Their dress seemed equally fantastic to him, many of the Austrian nobles retaining their long beards, and almost all of them wearing short jerkins of various colours, cut, and flourished, and fringed in a manner not common in Western Europe.
Numbers of dependants42, old and young, attended in the pavilion, mingled43 at times in the conversation, received from their masters the relics44 of the entertainment, and devoured45 them as they stood behind the backs of the company. Jesters, dwarfs46, and minstrels were there in unusual numbers, and more noisy and intrusive47 than they were permitted to be in better regulated society. As they were allowed to share freely in the wine, which flowed round in large quantities, their licensed48 tumult49 was the more excessive.
All this while, and in the midst of a clamour and confusion which would better have become a German tavern50 during a fair than the tent of a sovereign prince, the Archduke was waited upon with a minuteness of form and observance which showed how anxious he was to maintain rigidly51 the state and character to which his elevation52 had entitled him. He was served on the knee, and only by pages of noble blood, fed upon plate of silver, and drank his Tokay and Rhenish wines from a cup of gold. His ducal mantle53 was splendidly adorned54 with ermine, his coronet might have equalled in value a royal crown, and his feet, cased in velvet55 shoes (the length of which, peaks included, might be two feet), rested upon a footstool of solid silver. But it served partly to intimate the character of the man, that, although desirous to show attention to the Marquis of Montserrat, whom he had courteously56 placed at his right hand, he gave much more of his attention to his SPRUCH-SPRECHER— that is, his man of conversation, or SAYER-OF-SAYINGS— who stood behind the Duke’s right shoulder.
This personage was well attired57 in a cloak and doublet of black velvet, the last of which was decorated with various silver and gold coins stitched upon it, in memory of the munificent58 princes who had conferred them, and bearing a short staff to which also bunches of silver coins were attached by rings, which he jingled59 by way of attracting attention when he was about to say anything which he judged worthy61 of it. This person’s capacity in the household of the Archduke was somewhat betwixt that of a minstrel and a counsellor. He was by turns a flatterer, a poet, and an orator62; and those who desired to be well with the Duke generally studied to gain the good-will of the SPRUCH-SPRECHER.
Lest too much of this officer’s wisdom should become tiresome63, the Duke’s other shoulder was occupied by his HOFF-NARR, or court-jester, called Jonas Schwanker, who made almost as much noise with his fool’s cap, bells, and bauble64, as did the orator, or man of talk, with his jingling65 baton66.
These two personages threw out grave and comic nonsense alternately; while their master, laughing or applauding them himself, yet carefully watched the countenance67 of his noble guest, to discern what impressions so accomplished68 a cavalier received from this display of Austrian eloquence69 and wit. It is hard to say whether the man of wisdom or the man of folly70 contributed most to the amusement of the party, or stood highest in the estimation of their princely master; but the sallies of both seemed excellently well received. Sometimes they became rivals for the conversation, and clanged their flappers in emulation71 of each other with a most alarming contention72; but, in general, they seemed on such good terms, and so accustomed to support each other’s play, that the SPRUCH-SPRECHER often condescended73 to follow up the jester’s witticisms74 with an explanation, to render them more obvious to the capacity of the audience, so that his wisdom became a sort of commentary on the buffoon’s folly. And sometimes, in requital75, the HOFF-NARR, with a pithy76 jest, wound up the conclusion of the orator’s tedious harangue77.
Whatever his real sentiments might be, Conrade took especial care that his countenance should express nothing but satisfaction with what he heard, and smiled or applauded as zealously79, to all appearance, as the Archduke himself at the solemn folly of the SPRUCH-SPRECHER and the gibbering wit of the fool. In fact, he watched carefully until the one or other should introduce some topic favourable80 to the purpose which was uppermost in his mind.
It was not long ere the King of England was brought on the carpet by the jester, who had been accustomed to consider Dickon of the Broom (which irreverent epithet81 he substituted for Richard Plantagenet) as a subject of mirth, acceptable and inexhaustible. The orator, indeed, was silent, and it was only when applied82 to by Conrade that he observed, “The GENISTA, or broom-plant, was an emblem84 of humility85; and it would be well when those who wore it would remember the warning.”
The allusion86 to the illustrious badge of Plantagenet was thus rendered sufficiently87 manifest, and Jonas Schwanker observed that they who humbled88 themselves had been exalted89 with a vengeance90. “Honour unto whom honour is due,” answered the Marquis of Montserrat. “We have all had some part in these marches and battles, and methinks other princes might share a little in the renown91 which Richard of England engrosses92 amongst minstrels and MINNE-SINGERS. Has no one of the joyeuse science here present a song in praise of the royal Archduke of Austria, our princely entertainer?”
Three minstrels emulously stepped forward with voice and harp93. Two were silenced with difficulty by the SPRUCH-SPRECHER, who seemed to act as master of the revels95, and a hearing was at length procured96 for the poet preferred, who sung, in high German, stanzas97 which may be thus translated:—
“What brave chief shall head the forces, Where the red-cross legions gather? Best of horsemen, best of horses, Highest head and fairest feather.”
Here the orator, jingling his staff, interrupted the bard99 to intimate to the party — what they might not have inferred from the description — that their royal host was the party indicated, and a full-crowned goblet100 went round to the acclamation, HOCH LEBE DER HERZOG LEOPOLD! Another stanza98 followed:—
“Ask not Austria why, ‘midst princes, Still her banner rises highest; Ask as well the strong-wing’d eagle, Why to heaven he soars the highest.”
“The eagle,” said the expounder101 of dark sayings, “is the cognizance of our noble lord the Archduke — of his royal Grace, I would say — and the eagle flies the highest and nearest to the sun of all the feathered creation.”
“The lion hath taken a spring above the eagle,” said Conrade carelessly.
The Archduke reddened, and fixed102 his eyes on the speaker, while the SPRUCH-SPRECHER answered, after a minute’s consideration, “The Lord Marquis will pardon me — a lion cannot fly above an eagle, because no lion hath got wings.”
“Except the lion of Saint Mark,” responded the jester.
“That is the Venetian’s banner,” said the Duke; “but assuredly that amphibious race, half nobles, half merchants, will not dare to place their rank in comparison with ours.”
“Nay, it was not of the Venetian lion that I spoke103,” said the Marquis of Montserrat, “but of the three lions passant of England. Formerly104, it is said, they were leopards106; but now they are become lions at all points, and must take precedence of beast, fish, or fowl107, or woe108 worth the gainstander.”
“Mean you seriously, my lord?” said the Austrian, now considerably109 flushed with wine. “Think you that Richard of England asserts any pre-eminence over the free sovereigns who have been his voluntary allies in this Crusade?”
“I know not but from circumstances,” answered Conrade. “Yonder hangs his banner alone in the midst of our camp, as if he were king and generalissimo of our whole Christian110 army.”
“And do you endure this so patiently, and speak of it so coldly?” said the Archduke.
“Nay, my lord,” answered Conrade, “it cannot concern the poor Marquis of Montserrat to contend against an injury patiently submitted to by such potent111 princes as Philip of France and Leopold of Austria. What dishonour112 you are pleased to submit to cannot be a disgrace to me.”
Leopold closed his fist, and struck on the table with violence.
“I have told Philip of this,” he said. “I have often told him that it was our duty to protect the inferior princes against the usurpation113 of this islander; but he answers me ever with cold respects of their relations together as suzerain and vassal, and that it were impolitic in him to make an open breach114 at this time and period.”
“The world knows that Philip is wise,” said Conrade, “and will judge his submission115 to be policy. Yours, my lord, you can yourself alone account for; but I doubt not you have deep reasons for submitting to English domination.”
“I submit!” said Leopold indignantly —“I, the Archduke of Austria, so important and vital a limb of the Holy Roman Empire — I submit myself to this king of half an island, this grandson of a Norman bastard116! No, by Heaven! The camp and all Christendom shall see that I know how to right myself, and whether I yield ground one inch to the English bandog. — Up, my lieges and merry men; up and follow me! We will — and that without losing one instant — place the eagle of Austria where she shall float as high as ever floated the cognizance of king or kaiser.”
With that he started from his seat, and amidst the tumultuous cheering of his guests and followers117, made for the door of the pavilion, and seized his own banner, which stood pitched before it.
“Nay, my lord,” said Conrade, affecting to interfere118, “it will blemish119 your wisdom to make an affray in the camp at this hour; and perhaps it is better to submit to the usurpation of England a little longer than to —”
“Not an hour, not a moment longer,” vociferated the Duke; and with the banner in his hand, and followed by his shouting guests and attendants, marched hastily to the central mount, from which the banner of England floated, and laid his hand on the standard-spear, as if to pluck it from the ground.
“My master, my dear master!” said Jonas Schwanker, throwing his arms about the Duke, “take heed120 — lions have teeth —”
“And eagles have claws,” said the Duke, not relinquishing121 his hold on the banner-staff, yet hesitating to pull it from the ground.
The speaker of sentences, notwithstanding such was his occupation, had nevertheless some intervals122 of sound sense. He clashed his staff loudly, and Leopold, as if by habit, turned his head towards his man of counsel.
“The eagle is king among the fowls123 of the air,” said the SPRUCH-SPRECHER, “as is the lion among the beasts of the field — each has his dominion3, separated as wide as England and Germany. Do thou, noble eagle, no dishonour to the princely lion, but let your banners remain floating in peace side by side.”
Leopold withdrew his hand from the banner-spear, and looked round for Conrade of Montserrat, but he saw him not; for the Marquis, so soon as he saw the mischief124 afoot, had withdrawn125 himself from the crowd, taking care, in the first place, to express before several neutral persons his regret that the Archduke should have chosen the hours after dinner to avenge128 any wrong of which he might think he had a right to complain. Not seeing his guest, to whom he wished more particularly to have addressed himself, the Archduke said aloud that, having no wish to breed dissension in the army of the Cross, he did but vindicate129 his own privileges and right to stand upon an equality with the King of England, without desiring, as he might have done, to advance his banner — which he derived130 from emperors, his progenitors131 — above that of a mere132 descendant of the Counts of Anjou; and in the meantime he commanded a cask of wine to be brought hither and pierced, for regaling the bystanders, who, with tuck of drum and sound of music, quaffed133 many a carouse134 round the Austrian standard.
This disorderly scene was not acted without a degree of noise, which alarmed the whole camp.
The critical hour had arrived at which the physician, according to the rules of his art, had predicted that his royal patient might be awakened136 with safety, and the sponge had been applied for that purpose; and the leech138 had not made many observations ere he assured the Baron139 of Gilsland that the fever had entirely140 left his sovereign, and that, such was the happy strength of his constitution, it would not be even necessary, as in most cases, to give a second dose of the powerful medicine. Richard himself seemed to be of the same opinion, for, sitting up and rubbing his eyes, he demanded of De Vaux what present sum of money was in the royal coffers.
The baron could not exactly inform him of the amount.
“It matters not,” said Richard; “be it greater or smaller, bestow141 it all on this learned leech, who hath, I trust, given me back again to the service of the Crusade. If it be less than a thousand byzants, let him have jewels to make it up.”
“I sell not the wisdom with which Allah has endowed me,” answered the Arabian physician; “and be it known to you, great Prince, that the divine medicine of which you have partaken would lose its effects in my unworthy hands did I exchange its virtues143 either for gold or diamonds.”
“The Physician refuseth a gratuity144!” said De Vaux to himself. “This is more extraordinary than his being a hundred years old.”
“Thomas de Vaux,” said Richard, “thou knowest no courage but what belongs to the sword, no bounty145 and virtue142 but what are used in chivalry. I tell thee that this Moor146, in his independence, might set an example to them who account themselves the flower of knighthood.”
“It is reward enough for me,” said the Moor, folding his arms on his bosom147, and maintaining an attitude at once respectful and dignified148, “that so great a king as the Melech Ric [Richard was thus called by the Eastern nations.] should thus speak of his servant. — But now let me pray you again to compose yourself on your couch; for though I think there needs no further repetition of the divine draught149, yet injury might ensue from any too early exertion150 ere your strength be entirely restored.”
“I must obey thee, Hakim,” said the King; “yet believe me, my bosom feels so free from the wasting fire which for so many days hath scorched151 it, that I care not how soon I expose it to a brave man’s lance. — But hark! what mean these shouts, and that distant music, in the camp? Go, Thomas de Vaux, and make inquiry152.”
“It is the Archduke Leopold,” said De Vaux, returning after a minute’s absence, “who makes with his pot-companions some procession through the camp.”
“The drunken fool!” exclaimed King Richard; “can he not keep his brutal153 inebriety154 within the veil of his pavilion, that he must needs show his shame to all Christendom? — What say you, Sir Marquis?” he added, addressing himself to Conrade of Montserrat, who at that moment entered the tent.
“Thus much, honoured Prince,” answered the Marquis, “that I delight to see your Majesty155 so well, and so far recovered; and that is a long speech for any one to make who has partaken of the Duke of Austria’s hospitality.”
“What! you have been dining with the Teutonic wine-skin!” said the monarch21. “And what frolic has he found out to cause all this disturbance156? Truly, Sir Conrade, I have still held you so good a reveller157 that I wonder at your quitting the game.”
De Vaux, who had got a little behind the King, now exerted himself by look and sign to make the Marquis understand that he should say nothing to Richard of what was passing without. But Conrade understood not, or heeded158 not, the prohibition159.
“What the Archduke does,” he said, “is of little consequence to any one, least of all to himself, since he probably knows not what he is acting60; yet, to say truth, it is a gambol160 I should not like to share in, since he is pulling down the banner of England from Saint George’s Mount, in the centre of the camp yonder, and displaying his own in its stead.”
“WHAT sayest thou?” exclaimed the King, in a tone which might have waked the dead.
“Nay,” said the Marquis, “let it not chafe161 your Highness that a fool should act according to his folly —”
“Speak not to me,” said Richard, springing from his couch, and casting on his clothes with a dispatch which seemed marvellous —“Speak not to me, Lord Marquis! — De Multon, I command thee speak not a word to me — he that breathes but a syllable162 is no friend to Richard Plantagenet. — Hakim, be silent, I charge thee!”
All this while the King was hastily clothing himself, and, with the last word, snatched his sword from the pillar of the tent, and without any other weapon, or calling any attendance, he rushed out of his pavilion. Conrade, holding up his hands as if in astonishment163, seemed willing to enter into conversation with De Vaux; but Sir Thomas pushed rudely past him, and calling to one of the royal equerries, said hastily, “Fly to Lord Salisbury’s quarters, and let him get his men together and follow me instantly to Saint George’s Mount. Tell him the King’s fever has left his blood and settled in his brain.”
Imperfectly heard, and still more imperfectly comprehended, by the startled attendant whom De Vaux addressed thus hastily, the equerry and his fellow-servants of the royal chamber164 rushed hastily into the tents of the neighbouring nobility, and quickly spread an alarm, as general as the cause seemed vague, through the whole British forces. The English soldiers, waked in alarm from that noonday rest which the heat of the climate had taught them to enjoy as a luxury, hastily asked each other the cause of the tumult, and without waiting an answer, supplied by the force of their own fancy the want of information. Some said the Saracens were in the camp, some that the King’s life was attempted, some that he had died of the fever the preceding night, many that he was assassinated165 by the Duke of Austria. The nobles and officers, at an equal loss with the common men to ascertain166 the real cause of the disorder135, laboured only to get their followers under arms and under authority, lest their rashness should occasion some great misfortune to the Crusading army. The English trumpets167 sounded loud, shrill168, and continuously. The alarm-cry of “Bows and bills, bows and bills!” was heard from quarter to quarter, again and again shouted, and again and again answered by the presence of the ready warriors169, and their national invocation, “Saint George for merry England!”
The alarm went through the nearest quarter of the camp, and men of all the various nations assembled, where, perhaps, every people in Christendom had their representatives, flew to arms, and drew together under circumstances of general confusion, of which they knew neither the cause nor the object. It was, however, lucky, amid a scene so threatening, that the Earl of Salisbury, while he hurried after De Vaux’s summons with a few only of the readiest English men-at-arms, directed the rest of the English host to be drawn126 up and kept under arms, to advance to Richard’s succour if necessity should require, but in fit array and under due command, and not with the tumultuary haste which their own alarm and zeal78 for the King’s safety might have dictated171.
In the meanwhile, without regarding for one instant the shouts, the cries, the tumult which began to thicken around him, Richard, with his dress in the last disorder, and his sheathed172 blade under his arm, pursued his way with the utmost speed, followed only by De Vaux and one or two household servants, to Saint George’s Mount.
He outsped even the alarm which his impetuosity only had excited, and passed the quarter of his own gallant173 troops of Normandy, Poitou, Gascony, and Anjou before the disturbance had reached them, although the noise accompanying the German revel94 had induced many of the soldiery to get on foot to listen. The handful of Scots were also quartered in the vicinity, nor had they been disturbed by the uproar174. But the King’s person and his haste were both remarked by the Knight40 of the Leopard105, who, aware that danger must be afoot, and hastening to share in it, snatched his shield and sword, and united himself to De Vaux, who with some difficulty kept pace with his impatient and fiery master. De Vaux answered a look of curiosity, which the Scottish knight directed towards him, with a shrug175 of his broad shoulders, and they continued, side by side, to pursue Richard’s steps.
The King was soon at the foot of Saint George’s Mount, the sides as well as platform of which were now surrounded and crowded, partly by those belonging to the Duke of Austria’s retinue176, who were celebrating, with shouts of jubilee177, the act which they considered as an assertion of national honour; partly by bystanders of different nations, whom dislike to the English, or mere curiosity, had assembled together to witness the end of these extraordinary proceedings178. Through this disorderly troop Richard burst his way, like a goodly ship under full sail, which cleaves179 her forcible passage through the rolling billows, and heeds181 not that they unite after her passage and roar upon her stern.
The summit of the eminence was a small level space, on which were pitched the rival banners, surrounded still by the Archduke’s friends and retinue. In the midst of the circle was Leopold himself, still contemplating182 with self-satisfaction the deed he had done, and still listening to the shouts of applause which his partisans183 bestowed184 with no sparing breath. While he was in this state of self-gratulation, Richard burst into the circle, attended, indeed, only by two men, but in his own headlong energies an irresistible185 host.
“Who has dared,” he said, laying his hands upon the Austrian standard, and speaking in a voice like the sound which precedes an earthquake —“Who has dared to place this paltry186 rag beside the banner of England?”
The Archduke wanted not personal courage, and it was impossible he could hear this question without reply. Yet so much was he troubled and surprised by the unexpected arrival of Richard, and affected187 by the general awe188 inspired by his ardent189 and unyielding character, that the demand was twice repeated, in a tone which seemed to challenge heaven and earth, ere the Archduke replied, with such firmness as he could command, “It was I, Leopold of Austria.”
“Then shall Leopold of Austria,” replied Richard, “presentry see the rate at which his banner and his pretensions190 are held by Richard of England.”
So saying, he pulled up the standard-spear, splintered it to pieces, threw the banner itself on the ground, and placed his foot upon it.
“Thus,” said he, “I trample191 on the banner of Austria. Is there a knight among your Teutonic chivalry dare impeach192 my deed?”
There was a momentary193 silence; but there are no braver men than the Germans.
“I,” and “I,” and “I,” was heard from several knights of the Duke“s followers; and he himself added his voice to those which accepted the King of England’s defiance194.
“Why do we dally195 thus?” said the Earl Wallenrode, a gigantic warrior170 from the frontiers of Hungary. “Brethren and noble gentlemen, this man’s foot is on the honour of your country — let us rescue it from violation196, and down with the pride of England!”
So saying, he drew his sword, and struck at the King a blow which might have proved fatal, had not the Scot intercepted197 and caught it upon his shield.
“I have sworn,” said King Richard — and his voice was heard above all the tumult, which now waxed wild and loud —“never to strike one whose shoulder bears the cross; therefore live, Wallenrode — but live to remember Richard of England.”
As he spoke, he grasped the tall Hungarian round the waist, and, unmatched in wrestling, as in other military exercises, hurled198 him backwards199 with such violence that the mass flew as if discharged from a military engine, not only through the ring of spectators who witnessed the extraordinary scene, but over the edge of the mount itself, down the steep side of which Wallenrode rolled headlong, until, pitching at length upon his shoulder, he dislocated the bone, and lay like one dead. This almost supernatural display of strength did not encourage either the Duke or any of his followers to renew a personal contest so inauspiciously commenced. Those who stood farthest back did, indeed, clash their swords, and cry out, “Cut the island mastiff to pieces!” but those who were nearer veiled, perhaps, their personal fears under an affected regard for order, and cried, for the most part, “Peace! Peace! the peace of the Cross — the peace of Holy Church and our Father the Pope!”
These various cries of the assailants, contradicting each other, showed their irresolution200; while Richard, his foot still on the archducal banner, glared round him with an eye that seemed to seek an enemy, and from which the angry nobles shrunk appalled201, as from the threatened grasp of a lion. De Vaux and the Knight of the Leopard kept their places beside him; and though the swords which they held were still sheathed, it was plain that they were prompt to protect Richard’s person to the very last, and their size and remarkable202 strength plainly showed the defence would be a desperate one.
Salisbury and his attendants were also now drawing near, with bills and partisans brandished203, and bows already bended.
At this moment King Philip of France, attended by one or two of his nobles, came on the platform to inquire the cause of the disturbance, and made gestures of surprise at finding the King of England raised from his sick-bed, and confronting their common ally, the Duke of Austria, in such a menacing and insulting posture204. Richard himself blushed at being discovered by Philip, whose sagacity he respected as much as he disliked his person, in an attitude neither becoming his character as a monarch, nor as a Crusader; and it was observed that he withdrew his foot, as if accidentally, from the dishonoured205 banner, and exchanged his look of violent emotion for one of affected composure and indifference206. Leopold also struggled to attain207 some degree of calmness, mortified208 as he was by having been seen by Philip in the act of passively submitting to the insults of the fiery King of England.
Possessed209 of many of those royal qualities for which he was termed by his subjects the August, Philip might be termed the Ulysses, as Richard was indisputably the Achilles, of the Crusade. The King of France was sagacious, wise, deliberate in council, steady and calm in action, seeing clearly, and steadily210 pursuing, the measures most for the interest of his kingdom — dignified and royal in his deportment, brave in person, but a politician rather than a warrior. The Crusade would have been no choice of his own; but the spirit was contagious211, and the expedition was enforced upon him by the church, and by the unanimous wish of his nobility. In any other situation, or in a milder age, his character might have stood higher than that of the adventurous212 Coeur de Lion. But in the Crusade, itself an undertaking213 wholly irrational214, sound reason was the quality of all others least estimated, and the chivalric215 valour which both the age and the enterprise demanded was considered as debased if mingled with the least touch of discretion216. So that the merit of Philip, compared with that of his haughty217 rival, showed like the clear but minute flame of a lamp placed near the glare of a huge, blazing torch, which, not possessing half the utility, makes ten times more impression on the eye. Philip felt his inferiority in public opinion with the pain natural to a high-spirited prince; and it cannot be wondered at if he took such opportunities as offered for placing his own character in more advantageous218 contrast with that of his rival. The present seemed one of those occasions in which prudence219 and calmness might reasonably expect to triumph over obstinacy220 and impetuous violence.
“What means this unseemly broil221 betwixt the sworn brethren of the Cross — the royal Majesty of England and the princely Duke Leopold? How is it possible that those who are the chiefs and pillars of this holy expedition —”
“A truce222 with thy remonstrance223, France,” said Richard, enraged224 inwardly at finding himself placed on a sort of equality with Leopold, yet not knowing how to resent it. “This duke, or prince, or pillar, if you will, hath been insolent225, and I have chastised226 him — that is all. Here is a coil, forsooth, because of spurning227 a hound!”
“Majesty of France,” said the Duke, “I appeal to you and every sovereign prince against the foul228 indignity229 which I have sustained. This King of England hath pulled down my banner-torn and trampled230 on it.”
“Because he had the audacity231 to plant it beside mine,” said Richard.
“My rank as thine equal entitled me,” replied the Duke, emboldened232 by the presence of Philip.
“Assert such equality for thy person,” said King Richard, “and, by Saint George, I will treat thy person as I did thy broidered kerchief there, fit but for the meanest use to which kerchief may be put.”
“Nay, but patience, brother of England,” said Philip, “and I will presently show Austria that he is wrong in this matter. — Do not think, noble Duke,” he continued, “that, in permitting the standard of England to occupy the highest point in our camp, we, the independent sovereigns of the Crusade, acknowledge any inferiority to the royal Richard. It were inconsistent to think so, since even the Oriflamme itself — the great banner of France, to which the royal Richard himself, in respect of his French possessions, is but a vassal — holds for the present an inferior place to the Lions of England. But as sworn brethren of the Cross, military pilgrims, who, laying aside the pomp and pride of this world, are hewing233 with our swords the way to the Holy Sepulchre, I myself, and the other princes, have renounced234 to King Richard, from respect to his high renown and great feats235 of arms, that precedence which elsewhere, and upon other motives236, would not have been yielded. I am satisfied that, when your royal grace of Austria shall have considered this, you will express sorrow for having placed your banner on this spot, and that the royal Majesty of England will then give satisfaction for the insult he has offered.”
The SPRUCH-SPRECHER and the jester had both retired237 to a safe distance when matters seemed coming to blows; but returned when words, their own commodity, seemed again about to become the order of the day.
The man of proverbs was so delighted with Philip’s politic speech that he clashed his baton at the conclusion, by way of emphasis, and forgot the presence in which he was, so far as to say aloud that he himself had never said a wiser thing in his life.
“It may be so,” whispered Jonas Schwanker, “but we shall be whipped if you speak so loud.”
The Duke answered sullenly238 that he would refer his quarrel to the General Council of the Crusade — a motion which Philip highly applauded, as qualified239 to take away a scandal most harmful to Christendom.
Richard, retaining the same careless attitude, listened to Philip until his oratory240 seemed exhausted241, and then said aloud, “I am drowsy242 — this fever hangs about me still. Brother of France, thou art acquainted with my humour, and that I have at all times but few words to spare. Know, therefore, at once, I will submit a matter touching243 the honour of England neither to Prince, Pope, nor Council. Here stands my banner — whatsoever244 pennon shall be reared within three butts’ length of it — ay, were it the Oriflamme, of which you were, I think, but now speaking — shall be treated as that dishonoured rag; nor will I yield other satisfaction than that which these poor limbs can render in the lists to any bold challenge — ay, were it against five champions instead of one.”
“Now,” said the jester, whispering his companion, “that is as complete a piece of folly as if I myself had said it; but yet, I think, there may be in this matter a greater fool than Richard yet.”
“And who may that be?” asked the man of wisdom.
“Philip,” said the jester, “or our own Royal Duke, should either accept the challenge. But oh, most sage180 SPRUCH-SPECHER, what excellent kings wouldst thou and I have made, since those on whose heads these crowns have fallen can play the proverb-monger and the fool as completely as ourselves!”
While these worthies245 plied83 their offices apart, Philip answered calmly to the almost injurious defiance of Richard, “I came not hither to awaken137 fresh quarrels, contrary to the oath we have sworn, and the holy cause in which we have engaged. I part from my brother of England as brothers should part, and the only strife246 between the Lions of England and the Lilies of France shall be which shall be carried deepest into the ranks of the infidels.”
“It is a bargain, my royal brother,” said Richard, stretching out his hand with all the frankness which belonged to his rash but generous disposition; “and soon may we have the opportunity to try this gallant and fraternal wager247.”
“Let this noble Duke also partake in the friendship of this happy moment,” said Philip; and the Duke approached half-sullenly, half-willing to enter into some accommodation.
“I think not of fools, nor of their folly,” said Richard carelessly; and the Archduke, turning his back on him, withdrew from the ground.
Richard looked after him as he retired.
“There is a sort of glow-worm courage,” he said, “that shows only by night. I must not leave this banner unguarded in darkness; by daylight the look of the Lions will alone defend it. Here, Thomas of Gilsland, I give thee the charge of the standard — watch over the honour of England.”
“Her safety is yet more dear to me,” said De Vaux, “and the life of Richard is the safety of England. I must have your Highness back to your tent, and that without further tarriance.”
“Thou art a rough and peremptory248 nurse, De Vaux,” said the king, smiling; and then added, addressing Sir Kenneth, “Valiant Scot, I owe thee a boon249, and I will pay it richly. There stands the banner of England! Watch it as novice250 does his armour251 on the night before he is dubbed252. Stir not from it three spears’ length, and defend it with thy body against injury or insult. Sound thy bugle253 if thou art assailed254 by more than three at once. Dost thou undertake the charge?”
“Willingly,” said Kenneth; “and will discharge it upon penalty of my head. I will but arm me, and return hither instantly.”
The Kings of France and England then took formal leave of each other, hiding, under an appearance of courtesy, the grounds of complaint which either had against the other — Richard against Philip, for what he deemed an officious interference betwixt him and Austria, and Philip against Coeur de Lion, for the disrespectful manner in which his mediation255 had been received. Those whom this disturbance had assembled now drew off in different directions, leaving the contested mount in the same solitude256 which had subsisted257 till interrupted by the Austrian bravado258. Men judged of the events of the day according to their partialities, and while the English charged the Austrian with having afforded the first ground of quarrel, those of other nations concurred259 in casting the greater blame upon the insular260 haughtiness261 and assuming character of Richard.
“Thou seest,” said the Marquis of Montserrat to the Grand Master of the Templars, “that subtle courses are more effective than violence. I have unloosed the bonds which held together this bunch of sceptres and lances — thou wilt262 see them shortly fall asunder263.”
“I would have called thy plan a good one,” said the Templar, “had there been but one man of courage among yonder cold-blooded Austrians to sever127 the bonds of which you speak with his sword. A knot that is unloosed may again be fastened, but not so the cord which has been cut to pieces.”
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1
eminence
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| n.卓越，显赫；高地，高处；名家 | |
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2
perfidy
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| n.背信弃义，不忠贞 | |
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3
dominion
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| n.统治，管辖，支配权；领土，版图 | |
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dominions
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| 统治权( dominion的名词复数 )； 领土； 疆土； 版图 | |
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disposition
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| n.性情，性格；意向，倾向；排列，部署 | |
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complexion
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| n.肤色；情况，局面；气质，性格 | |
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7
animated
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| adj.生气勃勃的，活跃的，愉快的 | |
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8
gracefully
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| ad.大大方方地；优美地 | |
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9
controversy
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| n.争论，辩论，争吵 | |
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esteemed
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| adj.受人尊敬的v.尊敬( esteem的过去式和过去分词 )；敬重；认为；以为 | |
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11
intimacy
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| n.熟悉，亲密，密切关系，亲昵的言行 | |
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12
deficient
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| adj.不足的，不充份的，有缺陷的 | |
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13
infinitely
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| adv.无限地，无穷地 | |
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14
habitual
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| adj.习惯性的；通常的，惯常的 | |
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15
inclination
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| n.倾斜；点头；弯腰；斜坡；倾度；倾向；爱好 | |
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16
conceal
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，隐蔽 | |
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hatred
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| n.憎恶，憎恨，仇恨 | |
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18
discord
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| n.不和，意见不合，争论，（音乐）不和谐 | |
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politic
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| adj.有智虑的；精明的；v.从政 | |
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20
monarchs
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| 君主，帝王( monarch的名词复数 ) | |
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monarch
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| n.帝王，君主，最高统治者 | |
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22
dreading
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| v.害怕，恐惧，担心( dread的现在分词 ) | |
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23
fiery
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| adj.燃烧着的，火红的；暴躁的；激烈的 | |
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dictatorial
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| adj. 独裁的，专断的 | |
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vassal
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| n.附庸的；属下；adj.奴仆的 | |
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continental
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| adj.大陆的，大陆性的，欧洲大陆的 | |
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domains
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| n.范围( domain的名词复数 )；领域；版图；地产 | |
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28
usurping
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| 篡夺，霸占( usurp的现在分词 )； 盗用； 篡夺，篡权 | |
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29
jealousy
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| n.妒忌，嫉妒，猜忌 | |
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pretence
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| n.假装，作假；借口，口实；虚伪；虚饰 | |
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31
courteous
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| adj.彬彬有礼的，客气的 | |
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32
profusion
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| n.挥霍；丰富 | |
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elegance
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| n.优雅；优美，雅致；精致，巧妙 | |
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34
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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35
martial
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| adj.战争的，军事的，尚武的，威武的 | |
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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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37
tinge
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| vt.(较淡)着色于，染色；使带有…气息；n.淡淡色彩，些微的气息 | |
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38
chivalry
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| n.骑士气概，侠义；（男人）对女人彬彬有礼，献殷勤 | |
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39
knights
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| 骑士； （中古时代的）武士( knight的名词复数 )； 骑士； 爵士； （国际象棋中）马 | |
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40
knight
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| n.骑士，武士；爵士 | |
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41
stunned
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| adj. 震惊的，惊讶的 动词stun的过去式和过去分词 | |
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dependants
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| 受赡养者，受扶养的家属( dependant的名词复数 ) | |
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43
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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44
relics
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| [pl.］n.遗物，遗迹，遗产；遗体，尸骸 | |
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45
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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46
dwarfs
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| n.侏儒，矮子（dwarf的复数形式）vt.（使）显得矮小（dwarf的第三人称单数形式） | |
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47
intrusive
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| adj.打搅的；侵扰的 | |
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48
licensed
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| adj.得到许可的v.许可，颁发执照(license的过去式和过去分词) | |
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49
tumult
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| n.喧哗；激动，混乱；吵闹 | |
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50
tavern
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| n.小旅馆，客栈；小酒店 | |
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51
rigidly
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| adv.刻板地，僵化地 | |
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52
elevation
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| n.高度；海拔；高地；上升；提高 | |
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53
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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54
adorned
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| [计]被修饰的 | |
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55
velvet
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| n.丝绒，天鹅绒；adj.丝绒制的，柔软的 | |
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56
courteously
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| adv.有礼貌地，亲切地 | |
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57
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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58
munificent
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| adj.慷慨的，大方的 | |
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59
jingled
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| 喝醉的 | |
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acting
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| n.演戏，行为，假装；adj.代理的，临时的，演出用的 | |
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61
worthy
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| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
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orator
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| n.演说者，演讲者，雄辩家 | |
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63
tiresome
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| adj.令人疲劳的，令人厌倦的 | |
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64
bauble
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| n.美观而无价值的饰物 | |
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jingling
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| 叮当声 | |
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66
baton
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| n.乐队用指挥杖 | |
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67
countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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68
accomplished
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| adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的 | |
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eloquence
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| n.雄辩；口才，修辞 | |
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70
folly
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| n.愚笨，愚蠢，蠢事，蠢行，傻话 | |
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emulation
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| n.竞争；仿效 | |
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72
contention
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| n.争论，争辩，论战；论点，主张 | |
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73
condescended
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| 屈尊，俯就( condescend的过去式和过去分词 )； 故意表示和蔼可亲 | |
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74
witticisms
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| n.妙语，俏皮话( witticism的名词复数 ) | |
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75
requital
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| n.酬劳；报复 | |
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76
pithy
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| adj.(讲话或文章)简练的 | |
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77
harangue
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| n.慷慨冗长的训话，言辞激烈的讲话 | |
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zeal
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| n.热心，热情，热忱 | |
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zealously
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| adv.热心地；热情地；积极地；狂热地 | |
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favourable
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| adj.赞成的，称赞的，有利的，良好的，顺利的 | |
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81
epithet
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| n.（用于褒贬人物等的）表述形容词，修饰语 | |
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82
applied
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| adj.应用的；v.应用，适用 | |
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83
plied
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| v.使用（工具）( ply的过去式和过去分词 )；经常供应（食物、饮料）；固定往来；经营生意 | |
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84
emblem
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| n.象征，标志；徽章 | |
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85
humility
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| n.谦逊，谦恭 | |
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allusion
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| n.暗示，间接提示 | |
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87
sufficiently
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| adv.足够地，充分地 | |
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humbled
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| adj. 卑下的，谦逊的，粗陋的 vt. 使 ... 卑下，贬低 | |
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89
exalted
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| adj.(地位等)高的，崇高的；尊贵的，高尚的 | |
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90
vengeance
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| n.报复，报仇，复仇 | |
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91
renown
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| n.声誉，名望 | |
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92
engrosses
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| v.使全神贯注( engross的第三人称单数 ) | |
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93
harp
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| n.竖琴；天琴座 | |
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94
revel
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| vi.狂欢作乐，陶醉；n.作乐，狂欢 | |
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95
revels
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| n.作乐( revel的名词复数 )；狂欢；着迷；陶醉v.作乐( revel的第三人称单数 )；狂欢；着迷；陶醉 | |
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96
procured
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| v.（努力）取得， （设法）获得( procure的过去式和过去分词 )；拉皮条 | |
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97
stanzas
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| 节，段( stanza的名词复数 ) | |
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98
stanza
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| n.（诗）节，段 | |
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bard
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| n.吟游诗人 | |
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goblet
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| n.高脚酒杯 | |
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expounder
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| 陈述者，说明者 | |
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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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103
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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104
formerly
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| adv.从前，以前 | |
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105
leopard
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| n.豹 | |
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106
leopards
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| n.豹( leopard的名词复数 )；本性难移 | |
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107
fowl
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| n.家禽，鸡，禽肉 | |
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108
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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109
considerably
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| adv.极大地；相当大地；在很大程度上 | |
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110
Christian
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| adj.基督教徒的；n.基督教徒 | |
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111
potent
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| adj.强有力的，有权势的；有效力的 | |
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112
dishonour
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| n./vt.拒付（支票、汇票、票据等）；vt.凌辱，使丢脸；n.不名誉，耻辱，不光彩 | |
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113
usurpation
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| n.篡位；霸占 | |
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114
breach
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| n.违反，不履行；破裂；vt.冲破，攻破 | |
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115
submission
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| n.服从，投降；温顺，谦虚；提出 | |
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116
bastard
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| n.坏蛋，混蛋；私生子 | |
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117
followers
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| 追随者( follower的名词复数 )； 用户； 契据的附面； 从动件 | |
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118
interfere
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| v.(in)干涉，干预；(with)妨碍，打扰 | |
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119
blemish
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| v.损害；玷污；瑕疵，缺点 | |
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120
heed
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| v.注意，留意；n.注意，留心 | |
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121
relinquishing
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| 交出，让给( relinquish的现在分词 )； 放弃 | |
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122
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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123
fowls
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| 鸟( fowl的名词复数 )； 禽肉； 既不是这； 非驴非马 | |
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124
mischief
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| n.损害，伤害，危害；恶作剧，捣蛋，胡闹 | |
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125
withdrawn
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| vt.收回；使退出；vi.撤退，退出 | |
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126
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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127
sever
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| v.切开，割开；断绝，中断 | |
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128
avenge
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| v.为...复仇，为...报仇 | |
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129
vindicate
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| v.为…辩护或辩解，辩明；证明…正确 | |
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130
derived
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| vi.起源；由来；衍生；导出v.得到( derive的过去式和过去分词 )；（从…中）得到获得；源于；（从…中）提取 | |
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131
progenitors
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| n.祖先( progenitor的名词复数 )；先驱；前辈；原本 | |
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132
mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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133
quaffed
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| v.痛饮( quaff的过去式和过去分词 )；畅饮；大口大口将…喝干；一饮而尽 | |
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134
carouse
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| v.狂欢；痛饮；n.狂饮的宴会 | |
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135
disorder
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| n.紊乱，混乱；骚动，骚乱；疾病，失调 | |
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136
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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137
awaken
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| vi.醒，觉醒；vt.唤醒，使觉醒，唤起，激起 | |
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138
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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139
baron
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| n.男爵；(商业界等)巨头，大王 | |
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140
entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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141
bestow
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| v.把…赠与，把…授予；花费 | |
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142
virtue
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| n.德行，美德；贞操；优点；功效，效力 | |
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143
virtues
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| 美德( virtue的名词复数 )； 德行； 优点； 长处 | |
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144
gratuity
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| n.赏钱，小费 | |
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145
bounty
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| n.慷慨的赠予物，奖金；慷慨，大方；施与 | |
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146
moor
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| n.荒野，沼泽；vt.(使)停泊；vi.停泊 | |
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147
bosom
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| n.胸，胸部；胸怀；内心；adj.亲密的 | |
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148
dignified
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| a.可敬的，高贵的 | |
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149
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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150
exertion
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| n.尽力，努力 | |
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151
scorched
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| 烧焦，烤焦( scorch的过去式和过去分词 )； 使（植物）枯萎，把…晒枯； 高速行驶； 枯焦 | |
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152
inquiry
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| n.打听，询问，调查，查问 | |
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153
brutal
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| adj.残忍的，野蛮的，不讲理的 | |
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154
inebriety
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| n.醉，陶醉 | |
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155
majesty
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| n.雄伟，壮丽，庄严，威严；最高权威，王权 | |
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156
disturbance
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| n.动乱，骚动；打扰，干扰；(身心)失调 | |
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157
reveller
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| n.摆设酒宴者，饮酒狂欢者 | |
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158
heeded
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| v.听某人的劝告，听从( heed的过去式和过去分词 )；变平，使（某物）变平( flatten的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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159
prohibition
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| n.禁止；禁令，禁律 | |
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160
gambol
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| v.欢呼，雀跃 | |
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161
chafe
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| v.擦伤；冲洗；惹怒 | |
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162
syllable
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| n.音节；vt.分音节 | |
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163
astonishment
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| n.惊奇，惊异 | |
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164
chamber
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| n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所 | |
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165
assassinated
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| v.暗杀( assassinate的过去式和过去分词 )；中伤；诋毁；破坏 | |
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166
ascertain
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| vt.发现，确定，查明，弄清 | |
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167
trumpets
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| 喇叭( trumpet的名词复数 )； 小号； 喇叭形物； （尤指）绽开的水仙花 | |
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168
shrill
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| adj.尖声的；刺耳的；v尖叫 | |
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169
warriors
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| 武士，勇士，战士( warrior的名词复数 ) | |
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170
warrior
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| n.勇士，武士，斗士 | |
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171
dictated
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| v.大声讲或读( dictate的过去式和过去分词 )；口授；支配；摆布 | |
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172
sheathed
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| adj.雕塑像下半身包在鞘中的；覆盖的；铠装的；装鞘了的v.将（刀、剑等）插入鞘( sheathe的过去式和过去分词 )；包，覆盖 | |
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173
gallant
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| adj.英勇的，豪侠的；(向女人)献殷勤的 | |
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174
uproar
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| n.骚动，喧嚣，鼎沸 | |
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175
shrug
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| v.耸肩(表示怀疑、冷漠、不知等) | |
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176
retinue
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| n.侍从；随员 | |
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177
jubilee
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| n.周年纪念；欢乐 | |
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178
proceedings
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| n.进程，过程，议程；诉讼(程序)；公报 | |
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179
cleaves
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| v.劈开，剁开，割开( cleave的第三人称单数 ) | |
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180
sage
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| n.圣人，哲人；adj.贤明的，明智的 | |
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181
heeds
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| n.留心，注意，听从( heed的名词复数 )v.听某人的劝告，听从( heed的第三人称单数 ) | |
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182
contemplating
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| 深思，细想，仔细考虑( contemplate的现在分词 )； 注视，凝视； 考虑接受（发生某事的可能性）； 深思熟虑，沉思，苦思冥想 | |
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183
partisans
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| 游击队员( partisan的名词复数 )； 党人； 党羽； 帮伙 | |
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184
bestowed
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| 赠给，授予( bestow的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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185
irresistible
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| adj.非常诱人的，无法拒绝的，无法抗拒的 | |
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186
paltry
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| adj.无价值的，微不足道的 | |
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187
affected
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| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
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188
awe
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| n.敬畏，惊惧；vt.使敬畏，使惊惧 | |
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189
ardent
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| adj.热情的，热烈的，强烈的，烈性的 | |
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190
pretensions
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| 自称( pretension的名词复数 )； 自命不凡； 要求； 权力 | |
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191
trample
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| vt.踩，践踏；无视，伤害，侵犯 | |
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192
impeach
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| v.弹劾；检举 | |
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193
momentary
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| adj.片刻的，瞬息的；短暂的 | |
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194
defiance
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| n.挑战，挑衅，蔑视，违抗 | |
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195
dally
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| v.荒废(时日)，调情 | |
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196
violation
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| n.违反(行为)，违背(行为)，侵犯 | |
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197
intercepted
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| 拦截( intercept的过去式和过去分词 )； 截住； 截击； 拦阻 | |
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198
hurled
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| v.猛投，用力掷( hurl的过去式和过去分词 )；大声叫骂 | |
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199
backwards
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| adv.往回地，向原处，倒，相反，前后倒置地 | |
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200
irresolution
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| n.不决断，优柔寡断，犹豫不定 | |
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201
appalled
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| v.使惊骇，使充满恐惧( appall的过去式和过去分词)adj.惊骇的；丧胆的 | |
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202
remarkable
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| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
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203
brandished
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| v.挥舞( brandish的过去式和过去分词 )；炫耀 | |
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204
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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205
dishonoured
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| a.不光彩的，不名誉的 | |
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206
indifference
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| n.不感兴趣，不关心，冷淡，不在乎 | |
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207
attain
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| vt.达到，获得，完成 | |
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208
mortified
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| v.使受辱( mortify的过去式和过去分词 )；伤害（人的感情）；克制；抑制（肉体、情感等） | |
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209
possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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210
steadily
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| adv.稳定地；不变地；持续地 | |
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211
contagious
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| adj.传染性的，有感染力的 | |
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212
adventurous
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| adj.爱冒险的；惊心动魄的，惊险的，刺激的 | |
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213
undertaking
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| n.保证，许诺，事业 | |
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214
irrational
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| adj.无理性的，失去理性的 | |
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215
chivalric
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| 有武士气概的，有武士风范的 | |
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216
discretion
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| n.谨慎；随意处理 | |
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217
haughty
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| adj.傲慢的，高傲的 | |
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218
advantageous
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| adj.有利的；有帮助的 | |
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219
prudence
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| n.谨慎，精明，节俭 | |
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220
obstinacy
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| n.顽固；（病痛等）难治 | |
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221
broil
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| v.烤，烧，争吵，怒骂；n.烤，烧，争吵，怒骂 | |
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222
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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223
remonstrance
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| n抗议，抱怨 | |
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224
enraged
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| 使暴怒( enrage的过去式和过去分词 )； 歜； 激愤 | |
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insolent
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| adj.傲慢的，无理的 | |
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226
chastised
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| v.严惩（某人）（尤指责打）( chastise的过去式 ) | |
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227
spurning
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| v.一脚踢开，拒绝接受( spurn的现在分词 ) | |
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228
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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indignity
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| n.侮辱，伤害尊严，轻蔑 | |
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230
trampled
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| 踩( trample的过去式和过去分词 )； 践踏； 无视； 侵犯 | |
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audacity
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| n.大胆，卤莽，无礼 | |
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232
emboldened
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| v.鼓励，使有胆量( embolden的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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233
hewing
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| v.（用斧、刀等）砍、劈( hew的现在分词 )；砍成；劈出；开辟 | |
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234
renounced
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| v.声明放弃( renounce的过去式和过去分词 )；宣布放弃；宣布与…决裂；宣布摒弃 | |
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235
feats
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| 功绩，伟业，技艺( feat的名词复数 ) | |
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236
motives
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| n.动机，目的( motive的名词复数 ) | |
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237
retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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sullenly
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| 不高兴地，绷着脸，忧郁地 | |
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qualified
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| adj.合格的，有资格的，胜任的，有限制的 | |
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240
oratory
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| n.演讲术；词藻华丽的言辞 | |
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241
exhausted
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| adj.极其疲惫的，精疲力尽的 | |
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242
drowsy
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| adj.昏昏欲睡的，令人发困的 | |
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243
touching
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| adj.动人的，使人感伤的 | |
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244
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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worthies
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| 应得某事物( worthy的名词复数 )； 值得做某事； 可尊敬的； 有（某人或事物）的典型特征 | |
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246
strife
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| n.争吵，冲突，倾轧，竞争 | |
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247
wager
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| n.赌注；vt.押注，打赌 | |
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248
peremptory
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| adj.紧急的，专横的，断然的 | |
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249
boon
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| n.恩赐，恩物，恩惠 | |
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250
novice
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| adj.新手的，生手的 | |
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251
armour
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| （=armor）n.盔甲；装甲部队 | |
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252
dubbed
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| v.给…起绰号( dub的过去式和过去分词 )；把…称为；配音；复制 | |
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253
bugle
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| n.军号，号角，喇叭；v.吹号，吹号召集 | |
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254
assailed
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| v.攻击( assail的过去式和过去分词 )；困扰；质问；毅然应对 | |
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255
mediation
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| n.调解 | |
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256
solitude
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| n. 孤独; 独居,荒僻之地,幽静的地方 | |
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257
subsisted
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| v.（靠很少的钱或食物）维持生活，生存下去( subsist的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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258
bravado
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| n.虚张声势，故作勇敢，逞能 | |
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259
concurred
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| 同意（concur的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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260
insular
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| adj.岛屿的，心胸狭窄的 | |
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261
haughtiness
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| n.傲慢；傲气 | |
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262
wilt
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| v.(使)植物凋谢或枯萎；(指人)疲倦，衰弱 | |
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asunder
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| adj.分离的，化为碎片 | |
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