THE Red Foliot gat him back into his palace and sat in his high seat. And he sent unto the lords of Witchland and of Demonland that they should come and see him. Nor did they delay, but came straightway and sat on the long benches, the Witches on the eastern side of the hall and the Demons5 on the west; and their fighting men stood in order on either side behind them. So sat they in the shadowy hall, and the sun declining to the western ocean shone through the high windows of the hall on the polished armour7 and weapons of the Witches.
The Red Foliot spake among them and said, “A great champion hath been strook to earth this day in fair and equal combat. And according to the solemn oaths whereby ye are bound, and whereof I am the keeper, there is here an end to all unpeace betwixt Witchland and Demonland, and ye of Witchland are to forswear for ever your claims of lordship over the Demons. Now for a sealing and making fast of this solemn covenant8 between you I see no likelier rede than that ye all join with me here this day in good friendship to forget your quarrels in drinking of the arvale of King Gorice XI., than whom hath reigned9 none mightier10 nor more worshipful in all this world, and thereafter depart in peace to your native lands.”
So spake the Red Foliot, and the lords of Witchland assented11 thereto.
But Lord Juss answered and said, “O Red Foliot, as to the oaths sworn between us and the King of Witchland, thou hast spoken well; nor shall we depart one tittle the from the article of our oaths, and the Witches may abide13 in peace for ever as for us if, as is clean against their use and nature, they forbear to devise evil against us. For the nature of Witchland was ever as a flea14, that attacketh a man in the dark. But we will not eat nor drink with the lords of Witchland, who bewrayed and forsook15 us their sworn confederates at the sea-fight against the Ghouls. Nor we will not drink the arvale of King Gorice XI., who worked a shameful16 and unlawful sleight17 against my kinsman18 this day when they wrastled together.”
So spake Lord Juss, and Corund whispered Gro in the ear, saying, “Were’t not for the privilege of this respected company, now were the time to set upon them.” But Gro said, “I prithee yet have patience. This were over hazardous20, for the luck goeth against Witchland. Let us rather take them in their beds to-night.”
Fain would the Red Foliot turn the Demons from their resolve, but without avail; they courteously21 thanking him for his hospitality which they said they would enjoy that night in their booths, being minded on the morrow to take to their beaked22 ship and fare over the unvintaged sea to Demonland.
Therewith stood up Lord Juss, and with him the Lord Goldry Bluszco, that went in all his war gear, his horned helm of gold and his golden byrny set with ruby24 hearts, and bare his two-handed sword forged by the elves wherewith he slew25 the beast out of the sea in days gone by; and Lord Spitfire that glared upon the lords of Witchland as a falcon26 glareth, hungering for her prey27; and the Lord Brandoch Daha that looked on them, and chiefly on Corinius, with the eye of contemptuous amusement, playing idly with the jewelled hilt of his sword, until Corinius grew ill at case beneath his gaze and shifted this way and that in his seat, scowling28 back defiance29. For all the rich array and goodly port and countenance30 of Corinius, he seemed but a very boor31 beside the Lord Brandoch Daha, and dearly did each hate the other. So the lords of Demonland with their fighting men went forth32 from the hall.
The Red Foliot sent after them and made them in their own booths to be served of great plenty of wine and good and delicate meats, and sent them musicians and a minstrel to gladden them with songs and stories of old time, that they might lack nought33 of entertainment. But for his other guests he let bear in the massy cups of silver, and the great eared wine jars holding two firkins apiece, and he let pour forth to the Witches and the Foliots, and they drank the cup of memory unto King Gorice XI., slain34 that day by the hand of Goldry Bluszco. Thereafter when their cups were brimmed anew with foaming35 wine the Red Foliot spake among them and said, “O ye lords of Witchland, will you that I speak a dirge36 in honour of Gorice the King that the dark reaper37 hath this day gathered?” So when they said yea to this, he called to him his player on the theorbo and his player on the hautboy, and commanded them saying, “Play me a solemn music.” And they played softly in the Aeolian mode a music that was like the wailing38 of wind through bare branches on a moonless night, and the Red Foliot leaned forth from his high seat and recited this lamentation39:
I that in heill was and gladness
Am trublit now with great sickness
And feblit with infirmitie:—
Timor Mortis conturbat me.
Our plesance here is all vain glory,
This fals world is but transitory,
The flesh is bruckle, the Feynd is slee:—
Timor Mortis conturbat me.
The state of man does change and vary,
Now sound, now sick, now blyth, now sary,
Now dansand mirry, now like to die:—
Timor Mortis conturbat me.
No state in Erd here standis sicker;
As with the wynd wavis the wicker,
So wannis this world’s vanitie:—
Timor Mortis conturbat me.
Unto the Death gois all Estatis,
Princis, Prelattis, and Potestatis,
Baith rich and poor of all degree:—
Timor Mortis conturbat me.
He takis the knichtis in to field
Enarmit under helm and scheild;
Victor he is at All mellie:—
Timor Mortis conturbat me.
That strong unmerciful tyrand
Takis, on the motheris breast sowkand,
The babe full of benignitie:—
Timor Mortis conturbat me.
He takis the campion in the stour,
The captain closit in the tour,
The lady in bour full of bewtie:—
Timor Mortis conturbat me.
He spairis no lord for his piscence,
Na clerk for his intelligence;
His awful straik may no man flee:—
Timor Mortis conturbat me.
Art-magicianis and astrologis,
Rethoris, logicianis, theologis,
Them helpis no conclusionis slee:—
Timor Mortis conturbat me.
In medecine the most practicianis,
Leechis, surrigianis, and physicianis,
Themself from Death may nocht supplee:—
Timor Mortis conturbat me.
When the Red Foliot had spoken thus far his dirge, he was interrupted by an unseemly brawling40 betwixt Corinius and one of the sons of Corund. For Corinius, who gave not a fig6 for music or dirges41, but liked well of carding and dicing42, had brought forth his dice43 box to play with the son of Corund. They played awhile to Corinius’s great content, for at every throw he won and the other’s purse waxed light. But at this eleventh stanza44 the son of Corund cried out that the dice of Corinius were loaded. And he smote45 Corinius on his shaven jowl with the dice box, calling him cheat and mangy rascal46, whereupon Corinius drew forth a bodkin to smite47 him in the neck withal; but some went betwixt them, and with much ado and much struggling and cursing they were parted, and it being shown that the dice were not loaded, the son of Corund was fain to make amends48 to Corinius, and so were they set at one again.
Now was the wine poured forth yet again to the lords of Witchland, and the Red Foliot drank deep unto the glory of that land and the rulers thereof. And he issued command saying, “Let my Kagu come and dance before us, and thereafter my other dancers. For there is no pleasure whereon the Foliots do more dearly dote than this pleasure of the dance, and sweet to us it is to behold49 delightful50 dancing, be it the stately splendour of the Pavane which progresseth as large clouds at sun-down that pass by in splendour; or the graceful51 Allemande; or the Fandango, which goeth by degrees from languorous52 beauty to the swiftness and passion of Bacchanals dancing on the high lawns under a summer moon that hangeth in the pine trees; or the joyous53 maze54 of the Galliard; or the Gigue, dear to the Foliots. Therefore delay not, but let my Kagu come, that she may dance before us.”
Therewith hastened the Kagu into the shadowy hall, moving softly and rolling a little in her gait, with her head thrust forward; and a little flurried was she in her bearing as she darted56 this way and that her large and beautiful eyes, mild and timid, that were like liquid gold heated to redness. Somewhat like a heron she was, but stouter57, and shorter of leg, and her beak23 shorter and thicker than the heron’s; and so long and delicate was her pale gray plumage that hard it was to say whether it were hair or feathers. So the wind instruments and the lutes and dulcimers played a Coranto, and the Kagu tripped up the hall betwixt the long tables, jumping a little and bowing a little in her step and keeping excellent time to the music; and when she came near to the dais where the Red Foliot sat ravished with delight at her dancing, the Kagu lengthened58 her step and glided59 smoothly60 and slowly forward toward the Red Foliot; and so gliding61 she drew herself up in stately wise and opened her mouth and drew back her head till her beak lay tight against her breast, flouncing out her feathers so that they showed like a widecut skirt with a crinoline, and the crest62 that was on her head rose up erect63 half again her own height from the ground, and she sailed majestically64 toward the Red Foliot. On this wise did the Kagu at every turn that she took in the Coranto, forth and back along the length of the Foliots’ hall. And they all laughed sweetly at her, being overjoyed at her dancing. When the dance was done, the Red Foliot called the Kagu to him and made her sit on the bench beside him, and stroked her soft gray feathers and made much of her. All bashfully she sat beside the Red Foliot, casting her ruby eyes in wonder upon the Witches and their company.
Next the Red Foliot called for his Cat-bears, that stood before him foxy-red above but with black bellies65, round furry66 faces, and innocent amber67 eyes, and soft great paws, and tails barred alternately with ruddy rings and creamy; and he said, “O Cat-bears, dance before us, since dearly we delight in your dancing.”
They asked, “Lord, will you that we perform the Gigue?”
And he answered them, “The Gigue, and ye love me.”
So the stringed instruments began a swift movement, and the tambourines68 and triangles entered on the beat, and swiftly twinkled the feet of the Cat-bears in the joyous dance. The music rippled69 and ran and the dancers danced till the hall was awhirl with the rhythm of their dancing, and the Witches roared applause. On a sudden the music ceased, and the dancers were still, and standing70 side by side, paw in furry paw, they bowed shyly to the company, and the Red Foliot called them to him and kissed them on the mouth and sent them to their seats, that they might rest and view the dances that were to follow.
Next the Red Foliot called for his white Peacocks, coloured like moonlight, that they might lead the Pavane before the lords of Witchland. In glorious wise did they spread their tails for the stately dance, and a fair and lovely sight it was to see their grace and the grandeur71 of their carriage as they moved to the music chaste72 and noble. With them were joined the Golden Pheasants, who spread wide their collars of gold, and the Silver Pheasants, and the Peacock Pheasants, and the Estridges, and the Bustards, footing it in pomp, pointing the toes, and bowing and retiring in due time to the solemn strains of the Pavane. Every instrument took part in the stately Pavane. the lutes and the dulcimers, and the theorbos, and the sackbuts, and the hautboys; the flutes73 sweetly warbling as birds in the upper air, and the silver trumpets74, and the horns that breathed deep melodies trembling with mystery and tenderness that shakes the heart; and the drum that beateth to battle, and the wild throb76 of the harp77, and the cymbals78 clashing as the clash of armies. And a nightingale sitting by the Red Foliot sang the Pavane in passionate79 tones that dissolved the soul in their sweet, mournful beauty.
The Lord Gro covered his face with his mantle80 and wept to hear and behold the divine Pavane; for as ghosts rearisen it raised up for him old happy half-forgotten days in Goblinland, before he had conspired81 against King Gaslark and been driven forth from his dear native land, an exile in waterish Witchland.
Thereafter let the Red Foliot give order for the Galliard. Joyously82 swept forth the melody from the stringed instruments, and two dormice, fat as butter, spun83 into the hall. Wilder whirled the music, and the dormice capered84 ever higher till they bounded from the floor up to the beams of the vaulted85 roof, and down again, and up again to the roof-beams in the joyful86 dance. And the Foliots joined in the Galliard, spinning and capering87 in mad delight of the dance. And into the hall twirled six capripeds, footing it lightly as the music swept ever faster, and a one-footer that leaped hither and thither88 about and about, as the flea hoppeth, till the Witches grew hoarse90 with singing and shouting and hounding of him on. Yet ever capered the dormice higher and wilder than any else, and so swiftly flashed their little feet to the galloping91 music that no eye might follow their motion.
But little enow was Lord Gro gladdened by the merry dance. Sad melancholy92 sat with him for his companion, darkening his thoughts and making joy hateful to him as sunshine to owls93 of the night. So that he was well pleased to mark the Red Foliot go softly from his seat on the dais and forth from the hall by a door behind the arras, and seeing this, himself departed softly amid the full tide of the Galliard, forth of that hall of swift movement and gleeful laughter, forth into the quiet evening, where above the smooth downs the wind was lulled94 to sleep in the vast silent spaces of the sky, and the west was a bower95 of orange light fading to purple and unfathomable blue in the upper heaven, and nought was heard save the murmur96 of the sleepless97 sea, and nought seen save a flight of wildfowl flying against the sunset. In this quietness Gro walked westward98 above the combe until he came to the land’s edge and stood on the lip of a chalk cliff falling to the sea, and was ware99 of the Red Foliot, alone on that high western cliff, gazing in a study at the dying colours in the west.
When they had stood for a while without speech, gazing over the sea, Gro spake and said, “Consider how as day now dieth in yonder chambers100 of the west, so hath the glory departed from Witchland.”
But the Red Foliot answered him not, being in a study.
Then Gro said, “Though Demonland lieth where thou sawest the sun descend101, yet eastward102 out of Witchland must thou look for the morning splendour. Not more surely shalt thou behold the sun go up thence to-morrow than thou shalt see shine forth in short season the glory and honour and power of Witchland, and beneath her destructive sword her enemies shall be as grass before the sickle103.”
The Red Foliot said, “I am in love with peace and the soft influence of the evening air. Leave me; or if thou wilt104 stay, break not the charm.”
“O Red Foliot,” said Gro, “art thou in love with peace indeed? So should the rising again of Witchland tune105 sweet music to thy thought, since we of Witchland love peace, nor are we stirrers up of strife106, but the Demons only. The war against the Ghouls, whereby the four corners of the earth were shaken, was hatched by Demonland —”
“Thou speakest,” said the Red Foliot, “clean against thine intention, a great praise of them. For who ever saw the like of these man-eating Ghouls for corruption107 of manners, inhuman108 degeneration, and deluge109 of iniquities110? Who every fifth year from time immemorial have had their grand climacterical year, and but last year brake forth in never-imagined ferocity. But if they sail now, ’tis on the dark lake they sail, grieving no earthly seas nor rivers. Praise Demonland, therefore, who did put them down for ever.”
“I make no question of that,” answered Lord Gro. “But foul111 water, as soon as fair, will quench112 hot fire. Sore against our will did we of Witchland join with the Demons in that war, foreseeing (as hath been bloodily113 approved) that the issue must be but the puffing114 up of the Demons, who desire no other thing than to be lords and tyrants115 of all the world.”
“Thou,” said the Red Foliot, “wast in thy young days King Gaslark’s man: a Goblin born and bred: his very foster-brother, nourished at the same breast. Why must I observe thee, a plain traitor116 against so good a king? Whose perfidy117 the common people then did openly reprove (as I did well perceive even so lately as last autumn, when I was in the city of Zaju Zaculo at the time of their festivities for the betrothal118 of the king’s cousin german the Princess Armelline unto the Lord Goldry Bluszco), they carrying filthy119 pictures of thee in the street, singing of thee thus:
It was pittie
One so wittie
Malcontent120:
Leaving reason
Should to treason
So be bent121.
But his gifts
Were but shifts
Void of grace:
And his braverie
Was but knaverie
Vile19 and base.”
Said Gro, wincing122 a little, “The art of it agreeth well with the sentiment, and with the condition of those who invented it. I will not think so noble a prince as thou art will set thy sails to the wind of the rabble’s most partial hates and envies. For the vile addition of traitor, I do reject and spit upon it. But true it is that, regarding not the god of fools and women, nice opinion, I do steer123 by mine own lode-star still. Howbeit, I came not to discourse124 to thee on so small a matter as myself. This I would say unto thee with most sad and serious entertain: Be not lulled to think the Demons will leave the world at peace: that is farthest from their intent. They would not listen to thy comfortable words nor sit at meat with us, so set be they to imagine mischief125 against us. What said Juss? ‘Witchland was ever as a flea’: ay, as a flea which he itcheth to crush betwixt his finger-nails. O, if thou be in love with peace, a short way lieth open to thy heart’s desire.”
Nought spake the Red Foliot, gazing still into the dim reflections of the sunset which lingered below a darkening sky where stars were born. Gro said softly, as a cat purring, “Where softening126 unctions failed, sharp surgery bringeth speediest ease. Wilt thou not leave it to me?”
But the Red Foliot looked angrily upon him, saying, “What have I to do with your enmities? You are sworn to keep the peace, and I will not abide your violence nor your breaking of oaths in my quiet kingdom.”
Gro said, “Oaths be of the heart, and he that breaketh them in open fact is oft, as now, no breaker in truth, for already were they scorned and trampled127 on by his opposites.”
But the Red Foliot said again, “What have I to do with your enmities that set you by the ears like fighting dogs? I am yet to learn that he that hath a righteous heart, and clean hands, and hateth none, must needs be drawn128 into the brawls129 and manslayings of such as you and the Demons.”
Lord Gro looked narrowly upon him, saying, “Thinkest thou that the strait path of him that affecteth neither side lieth still open for thee? If that were thine aim, thou shouldst have bethought thee ere thou gavest thy judgement on the second bout89. For clear as day it was to us and to thine own people, and most of all to the Demons, that the King played foul in that bout, and when thou calledst him victorious131 thou didst loudly by that word trumpet75 thyself his friend, and unfriends to Demonland. Markedst thou not, when they left the hall, with what a snake’s eye Lord Juss beheld132 thee? Not with us only but with thee he refused to eat and drink, that so his superstitious133 scruples134 may be unhurt when he proceeds to thy destruction. For on this are they determined135. Nothing is more certain.”
The Red Foliot sank his chin upon his breast, and stood silent for a space. The hues136 of death and silence spread themselves where late the fires of sunset glowed, and large stars opened like flowers on the illimitable fields of the night sky: Arcturus, Spica, Gemini, and the Little Dog, and Capella and her Kids.
The Red Foliot said, “Witchland lieth at my door. And Demonland: how stand I with Demonland?’
And Gro said, “Also to-morrow’s sun goeth up out of Witchland.”
For a while they spoke12 not. Then Lord Gro took forth a scroll137 from his bosom138, and said, “The harvest of this world is to the resolute139, and he that is infirm of purpose is ground betwixt the upper and the nether140 millstone. Thou canst not turn back: so would they scorn and spurn141 thee, and we Witches likewise. And now by these means only may lasting142 peace be brought about, namely, by the setting of Gorice of Witchland on the throne of Demonland, and the utter humbling143 of that brood beneath the heel of the Witches.”
The Red Foliot said, “Is not Gorice slain, and drank we not but now his arvale, slain by a Demon4? and is he not the second in order of that line who hath so died by a Demon?”
“A twelfth Gorice,” said Gro, “at this moment of time sitteth King in Carc?. O Red Foliot, know thou that I am a reader of the planets of the night and of those hidden powers that work out the web of destiny. Whereby I know that this twelfth King of the house of Gorice in Carc? shall be a most crafty144 warlock, full of guiles and wiles, who by the might of his egromancy and the sword of Witchland shall exceed all earthly powers that be. And ineluctable as the levin-bolt of heaven goeth out his wrath146 against his enemies.” So saying, Gro stooped and took a glowworm from the grass, saying kindly147 to it, “Sweeting, thy lamp for a moment,” and breathed upon it, and held it to the parchment, saying, “Sign now thy royal name to these articles, which require thee not at all to go to war, but only (in case war shall arise) to be of our party, and against these Demons that do privily148 pursue thy life.”
But the Red Foliot said, “Wherein am I certified149 that thou speakest not a lie?”
Then took Gro a writing from his purse and showed thereon a seal like the seal of Lord Juss; and there was written: “Unto Voll al love and truste: and fayll nat whenas thow saylest upon Wychlande to caste of iij or iv shippes for the Folyott Isles to putt downe those and brenne the Redd Folyott in hys hous. For if wee get nat the lyfe of these wormes chirted owt of them the shame will stikk on us for ever.” And Gro said, “My servant stole this from them while they spoke with thee in thine hall to-night.”
Which the Red Foliot believed, and took from his belt his ink-horn and his pen, and signed his royal name to the articles of the treaty proposed to him,
Therewith Lord Gro put up the parchment in his bosom and said, “Swift surgery. Needs must that we take them in their beds to-night; so shall to-morrow’s dawn bring glory and triumph to Witchland, now fixed150 in an eclipse, and to the whole world peace and soft contentment.”
But the Red Foliot answered him, “My Lord Gro, I have signed these articles, and thereby151 stand I bound in enmity to Demonland. But I will not bewray my guests that have eaten my salt, be they never so deeply pledged mine enemies. Be it known to thee, I have set guards on your booths this night and on the booths of them of Demonland, that no unpeaceful deeds may be done betwixt you. This which I have done, by this will I stand, and ye shall both depart to-morrow in peace, even as ye came. Because I am your friend and sworn to your party, I and my Foliots will be on your side when war is between Witchland and Demonland. But I will not suffer night-slayings nor murthers in my Isles.”
Now with these words of the Red Foliot, Lord Gro was as one that walketh along a flowery path to his rest, and in the last steps a gulf152 yawneth suddenly athwart the path, and he standeth a-gape and disappointed at the hither side. Yet in his subtlety153 he made no sign, but straight replied, “Righteously hast thou decreed and wisely, O Red Foliot, for it was truly said:
Let worthy154 minds ne’er stagger in distrust
To suffer death or shame for what is just,
and that which we sow in darkness must unfold in the open light of day, lest it be found withered155 in the very hour of maturity156. Nor would I have urged thee otherwise, but that I do throughly fear these Demons, and all my mind was to take their plotting in reverse. Do then one thing only for us. If we set sail homeward and they on our heels, they will fall upon us at a disadvantage, for they have the swifter ship; or if they get to sea before us, they will lie in wait for us on the high seas. Suffer us then to sail to-night, and do thou on some pretext157 delay them here for three days only, that we may get us home or ever they leave the Foliot Isles.”
“I will not gainsay158 thee in this,” answered the Red Foliot, “for here is nought but what is fair and just and lieth with mine honour. I will come to your booths at midnight and bring you down to your ship.”
When Gro came to the Witches’ booths he found them guarded even as the Red Foliot had said, and the booths of them of Demonland in like manner. So went he into the royal booth where the King lay in state on a bier of spear-shafts, robed in his kingly robes over his armour that was painted black and inlaid with gold, and the crown of Witchland on his head. Two candles burned at the head of King Gorice and two at his feet; and the night wind blowing through the crannies of the booth made them flare159 and flicker160, so that shadows danced unceasingly on the wall and roof and floor. On the benches round the walls sat the lords of Witchland sullen161 of countenance, for the wine was dead in them. Balefully they eyed Lord Gro at his coming in, and Corinius sate162 upright in his seat and said, “Here is the Goblin, father and fosterer of our misfortunes. Come, let us slay130 him.”
Gro stood among them with head erect and held Corinius with his eye, saying, “We of Witchland are not run lunatic, my Lord Corinius, that we should do this gladness to the Demons, to bite each at the other’s throat like wolves. Methinks if Witchland be the land of my adoption163 only, yet have I not done least among you to ward55 off sheer destruction from her in this pass we stand in. If ye have aught against me, let me hear it and answer it.”
Corinius laughed a bitter laugh. “Harken to the fool! Are we babies and milksops, thinkest thou, and is it not clear as day thou stoodest in the way of our falling on the Demons when we might have done so, urging what silly counsels I know not in favour of doing it by night? And now is night come, and we close prisoned in our booths, and no chance to come at them unless we would bring an hornets’ nest of Foliots about our ears and give warning of our intent to the Demons and every living soul in this island. And all this has come about since thy slinking off and plotting with the Red Foliot. But now hath thy guile145 overreached itself, and now we will kill thee, and so an end of thee and thy plotting.”
With that Corinius sprang up and drew his sword, and the other Witches with him. But Lord Gro moved not an eyelid164, only he said, “Hear mine answer first. All night lieth before us, and ’tis but a moment’s task to murther me.”
Therewith stood forth the Lord Corund with his huge bulk betwixt Gro and Corinius, saying in a great voice, “Whoso shall point weapon ’gainst him, shall first have to do with me, though it were one of my sons. We will hear him. If he clear not himself, then will we hew165 him in pieces.”
They sat down, muttering. And Gro spake and said, “First behold this parchment, which is the articles of a solemn covenant and alliance, and behold where the Red Foliot hath set his sign manual thereto. True, his is a country of no might in arms, and we might tread him down and ne’er feel the leavings stick to our boot, and little avail can their weak help be unto us in the day of battle. But there is in these Isles a meetly good road and riding-place for ships, which if our enemies should occupy, their fleet were most aptly placed to do us all the ill imaginable. Is then this treaty a light benefit where now we stand? Next, know that when I counselled you take the Demons in their beds ’stead of fall upon them in the Foliots’ hall, I did so being advertised that the Red Foliot had commanded his soldiers to turn against us or against the Demons, whichever first should draw sword upon the other. And when I went forth from the hall it was, as Corinius hath so deeply divined, to plot with the Red Foliot; but the aim of my plotting I have shown you, on these articles of alliance. And indeed, had I as Corinius vilely166 accuseth me practised with the Red Foliot against Witchland, I had hardly been so simple as return into the mouth of destruction when I might have bided167 safely in his palace.”
Now when Gro perceived that the anger of the Witches against him was appeased168 by his defence, wherein he spake cunningly both true words and lies, he spake again among them saying, “Little gain have I of all my pains and thought expended169 by me for Witchland. And better it were for Witchland if my counsel were better heeded170. Corund knoweth how, to mine own peril171, I counselled the King to wrastle no more after the first bout, and if he had ta’en my rede, rather than suspect me and threaten me with death, we should not be now to bear him home dead to the royal catacombs in Carc?.”
Corund said, “Truly hast thou spoken.”
“In one thing only have I failed,” said Gro; “and it can shortly be amended172. The Red Foliot, albeit173 of our party, will not be won to attack the Demons by fraud, nor will he suffer us smite them in these Isles. Some fond simple scruples hang like cobwebs in his mind, and he is stubborn as touching174 this. But I have prevailed upon him to make them tarry here for three days’ space, while we put to sea this very night, telling him, which he most innocently believeth, that we fear the Demons, and would flee home ere they be let loose to take us at a disadvantage on the high seas. And home we will indeed ere they set sail, yet not for fear of them, but rather that we may devise a deadly blow against them or ever they win home to Demonland.”
“What blow, Goblin?” said Corinius.
And Gro answered and said, “One that I win devise upon with our Lord the King, Gorice XII., who now awaiteth us in Carc?. And I will not blab it to a wine-bibber and a dicer175 who hath but now drawn sword against a true lover of Witchland.” Whereupon Corinius leaped up in mickle wrath to thrust his sword into Gro. But Corund and his sons restrained him.
In due time the stars revolved176 to midnight, and the Red Foliot came secretly with his guards to the Witches’ booths. The lords of Witchland took their weapons and the men-at-arms bare the goods, and the King went in the midst on his bier of spearshafts. So went they picking their way in the moonless night round the palace and down the winding177 path that led to the bed of the combe, and so by the stream westward toward the sea. Here they deemed it safe to light a torch to show them the way. Desolate178 and bleak179 showed the sides of the combe in the wind-blown flare; and the flare was thrown back from the jewels of the royal crown of Witchland, and from the armoured buskins on the King’s feet showing stark180 with toes pointing upward from below his bear-skin mantle, and from the armour and the weapons of them that bare him and walked beside him, and from the black cold surface of the little river hurrying for ever over its bed of boulders181 to the sea. The path was rugged182 and stony183, and they fared slowly, lest they should stumble and drop the King .
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1
wiles
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| n.（旨在欺骗或吸引人的）诡计，花招；欺骗，欺诈( wile的名词复数 ) | |
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2
subtleties
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| 细微( subtlety的名词复数 )； 精细； 巧妙； 细微的差别等 | |
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isles
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| 岛( isle的名词复数 ) | |
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demon
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| n.魔鬼，恶魔 | |
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demons
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| n.恶人( demon的名词复数 )；恶魔；精力过人的人；邪念 | |
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fig
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| n.无花果(树) | |
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armour
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| （=armor）n.盔甲；装甲部队 | |
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covenant
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| n.盟约，契约；v.订盟约 | |
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reigned
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| vi.当政，统治（reign的过去式形式） | |
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10
mightier
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| adj. 强有力的，强大的，巨大的 adv. 很，极其 | |
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assented
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| 同意，赞成( assent的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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13
abide
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| vi.遵守；坚持；vt.忍受 | |
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flea
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| n.跳蚤 | |
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forsook
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| forsake的过去式 | |
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shameful
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| adj.可耻的，不道德的 | |
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sleight
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| n.技巧，花招 | |
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kinsman
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| n.男亲属 | |
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vile
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| adj.卑鄙的，可耻的，邪恶的；坏透的 | |
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20
hazardous
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| adj.(有)危险的，冒险的；碰运气的 | |
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21
courteously
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| adv.有礼貌地，亲切地 | |
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22
beaked
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| adj.有喙的，鸟嘴状的 | |
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beak
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| n.鸟嘴，茶壶嘴，钩形鼻 | |
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ruby
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| n.红宝石，红宝石色 | |
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slew
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| v.（使）旋转；n.大量，许多 | |
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falcon
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| n.隼，猎鹰 | |
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27
prey
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| n.被掠食者，牺牲者，掠食；v.捕食，掠夺，折磨 | |
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28
scowling
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| 怒视，生气地皱眉( scowl的现在分词 ) | |
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29
defiance
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| n.挑战，挑衅，蔑视，违抗 | |
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30
countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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boor
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| n.举止粗野的人；乡下佬 | |
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32
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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nought
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| n.／adj.无，零 | |
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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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35
foaming
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| adj.布满泡沫的；发泡 | |
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36
dirge
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| n.哀乐，挽歌，庄重悲哀的乐曲 | |
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reaper
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| n.收割者，收割机 | |
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wailing
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| v.哭叫，哀号( wail的现在分词 )；沱 | |
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lamentation
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| n.悲叹，哀悼 | |
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brawling
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| n.争吵，喧嚷 | |
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41
dirges
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| n.挽歌( dirge的名词复数 )；忧伤的歌，哀歌 | |
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42
dicing
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| n.掷骰子，（皮革上的）菱形装饰v.将…切成小方块，切成丁（ dice的现在分词 ） | |
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43
dice
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| n.骰子；vt.把（食物）切成小方块，冒险 | |
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44
stanza
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| n.（诗）节，段 | |
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45
smote
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| v.猛打，重击，打击( smite的过去式 ) | |
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46
rascal
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| n.流氓；不诚实的人 | |
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47
smite
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| v.重击；彻底击败；n.打；尝试；一点儿 | |
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48
amends
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| n. 赔偿 | |
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49
behold
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| v.看，注视，看到 | |
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50
delightful
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| adj.令人高兴的，使人快乐的 | |
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51
graceful
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| adj.优美的，优雅的；得体的 | |
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52
languorous
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| adj.怠惰的，没精打采的 | |
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53
joyous
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| adj.充满快乐的；令人高兴的 | |
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54
maze
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| n.迷宫，八阵图，混乱，迷惑 | |
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55
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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56
darted
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| v.投掷，投射( dart的过去式和过去分词 )；向前冲，飞奔 | |
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57
stouter
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| 粗壮的( stout的比较级 )； 结实的； 坚固的； 坚定的 | |
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58
lengthened
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| （时间或空间）延长，伸长( lengthen的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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59
glided
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| v.滑动( glide的过去式和过去分词 )；掠过；（鸟或飞机 ） 滑翔 | |
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60
smoothly
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| adv.平滑地，顺利地，流利地，流畅地 | |
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61
gliding
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| v. 滑翔 adj. 滑动的 | |
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62
crest
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| n.顶点；饰章；羽冠；vt.达到顶点；vi.形成浪尖 | |
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63
erect
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| n./v.树立，建立，使竖立；adj.直立的，垂直的 | |
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64
majestically
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| 雄伟地； 庄重地； 威严地； 崇高地 | |
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65
bellies
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| n.肚子( belly的名词复数 )；腹部；（物体的）圆形或凸起部份；腹部…形的 | |
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66
furry
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| adj.毛皮的；似毛皮的；毛皮制的 | |
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67
amber
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| n.琥珀；琥珀色；adj.琥珀制的 | |
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68
tambourines
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| n.铃鼓，手鼓( tambourine的名词复数 )；（鸣声似铃鼓的）白胸森鸠 | |
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69
rippled
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| 使泛起涟漪（ripple的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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70
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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71
grandeur
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| n.伟大，崇高，宏伟，庄严，豪华 | |
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72
chaste
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| adj.贞洁的；有道德的；善良的；简朴的 | |
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73
flutes
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| 长笛( flute的名词复数 )； 细长香槟杯（形似长笛） | |
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74
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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75
trumpet
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| n.喇叭，喇叭声；v.吹喇叭，吹嘘 | |
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76
throb
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| v.震颤，颤动；(急速强烈地)跳动，搏动 | |
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77
harp
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| n.竖琴；天琴座 | |
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78
cymbals
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| pl.铙钹 | |
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79
passionate
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| adj.热情的，热烈的，激昂的，易动情的，易怒的，性情暴躁的 | |
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80
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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81
conspired
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| 密谋( conspire的过去式和过去分词 )； 搞阴谋； （事件等）巧合； 共同导致 | |
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82
joyously
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| ad.快乐地, 高兴地 | |
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83
spun
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| v.纺，杜撰，急转身 | |
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84
capered
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| v.跳跃，雀跃( caper的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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85
vaulted
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| adj.拱状的 | |
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86
joyful
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| adj.欢乐的，令人欢欣的 | |
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87
capering
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| v.跳跃，雀跃( caper的现在分词 )；蹦蹦跳跳 | |
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88
thither
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| adv.向那里；adj.在那边的，对岸的 | |
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89
bout
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| n.侵袭，发作；一次(阵，回)；拳击等比赛 | |
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90
hoarse
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| adj.嘶哑的，沙哑的 | |
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91
galloping
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| adj. 飞驰的, 急性的 动词gallop的现在分词形式 | |
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92
melancholy
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| n.忧郁，愁思；adj.令人感伤（沮丧）的，忧郁的 | |
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93
owls
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| n.猫头鹰( owl的名词复数 ) | |
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94
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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95
bower
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| n.凉亭，树荫下凉快之处；闺房；v.荫蔽 | |
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96
murmur
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| n.低语，低声的怨言；v.低语，低声而言 | |
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97
sleepless
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| adj.不睡眠的，睡不著的，不休息的 | |
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98
westward
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| n.西方，西部；adj.西方的，向西的；adv.向西 | |
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99
ware
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| n.(常用复数)商品，货物 | |
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100
chambers
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| n.房间( chamber的名词复数 )；（议会的）议院；卧室；会议厅 | |
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101
descend
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| vt./vi.传下来，下来，下降 | |
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102
eastward
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| adv.向东；adj.向东的；n.东方，东部 | |
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103
sickle
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| n.镰刀 | |
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104
wilt
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| v.(使)植物凋谢或枯萎；(指人)疲倦，衰弱 | |
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105
tune
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| n.调子；和谐，协调；v.调音，调节，调整 | |
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106
strife
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| n.争吵，冲突，倾轧，竞争 | |
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107
corruption
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| n.腐败，堕落，贪污 | |
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108
inhuman
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| adj.残忍的，不人道的，无人性的 | |
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109
deluge
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| n./vt.洪水，暴雨，使泛滥 | |
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110
iniquities
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| n.邪恶( iniquity的名词复数 )；极不公正 | |
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111
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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112
quench
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| vt.熄灭，扑灭；压制 | |
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113
bloodily
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| adv.出血地；血淋淋地；残忍地；野蛮地 | |
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114
puffing
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| v.使喷出( puff的现在分词 )；喷着汽（或烟）移动；吹嘘；吹捧 | |
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115
tyrants
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| 专制统治者( tyrant的名词复数 )； 暴君似的人； （古希腊的）僭主； 严酷的事物 | |
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116
traitor
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| n.叛徒，卖国贼 | |
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117
perfidy
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| n.背信弃义，不忠贞 | |
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118
betrothal
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| n. 婚约, 订婚 | |
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119
filthy
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| adj.卑劣的；恶劣的，肮脏的 | |
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120
malcontent
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| n.不满者，不平者；adj.抱不平的，不满的 | |
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121
bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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122
wincing
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| 赶紧避开，畏缩( wince的现在分词 ) | |
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123
steer
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| vt.驾驶，为…操舵；引导；vi.驾驶 | |
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124
discourse
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| n.论文，演说；谈话；话语；vi.讲述，著述 | |
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125
mischief
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| n.损害，伤害，危害；恶作剧，捣蛋，胡闹 | |
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126
softening
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| 变软，软化 | |
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127
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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128
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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129
brawls
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| 吵架，打架( brawl的名词复数 ) | |
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130
slay
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| v.杀死，宰杀，杀戮 | |
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131
victorious
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| adj.胜利的，得胜的 | |
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132
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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133
superstitious
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| adj.迷信的 | |
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134
scruples
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| n.良心上的不安( scruple的名词复数 )；顾虑，顾忌v.感到于心不安，有顾忌( scruple的第三人称单数 ) | |
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135
determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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136
hues
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| 色彩( hue的名词复数 )； 色调； 信仰； 观点 | |
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137
scroll
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| n.卷轴，纸卷；(石刻上的)漩涡 | |
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138
bosom
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| n.胸，胸部；胸怀；内心；adj.亲密的 | |
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139
resolute
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| adj.坚决的，果敢的 | |
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140
nether
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| adj.下部的，下面的；n.阴间；下层社会 | |
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141
spurn
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| v.拒绝，摈弃；n.轻视的拒绝；踢开 | |
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142
lasting
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| adj.永久的，永恒的；vbl.持续，维持 | |
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143
humbling
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| adj.令人羞辱的v.使谦恭( humble的现在分词 )；轻松打败（尤指强大的对手）；低声下气 | |
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144
crafty
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| adj.狡猾的，诡诈的 | |
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145
guile
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| n.诈术 | |
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146
wrath
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| n.愤怒，愤慨，暴怒 | |
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147
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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148
privily
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| adv.暗中，秘密地 | |
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149
certified
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| a.经证明合格的；具有证明文件的 | |
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150
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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151
thereby
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| adv.因此，从而 | |
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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
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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154
worthy
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| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
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155
withered
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| adj. 枯萎的，干瘪的，（人身体的部分器官）因病萎缩的或未发育良好的 动词wither的过去式和过去分词形式 | |
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156
maturity
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| n.成熟；完成；(支票、债券等)到期 | |
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157
pretext
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| n.借口，托词 | |
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158
gainsay
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| v.否认，反驳 | |
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159
flare
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| v.闪耀，闪烁；n.潮红；突发 | |
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160
flicker
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| vi./n.闪烁，摇曳，闪现 | |
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161
sullen
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| adj.愠怒的，闷闷不乐的，(天气等)阴沉的 | |
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162
sate
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| v.使充分满足 | |
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163
adoption
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| n.采用，采纳，通过；收养 | |
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164
eyelid
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| n.眼睑，眼皮 | |
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165
hew
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| v.砍；伐；削 | |
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166
vilely
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| adv.讨厌地，卑劣地 | |
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167
bided
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| v.等待，停留( bide的过去式 )；居住；等待；面临 | |
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168
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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169
expended
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| v.花费( expend的过去式和过去分词 )；使用（钱等）做某事；用光；耗尽 | |
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170
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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171
peril
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| n.(严重的)危险；危险的事物 | |
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172
Amended
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| adj. 修正的 动词amend的过去式和过去分词 | |
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173
albeit
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| conj.即使；纵使；虽然 | |
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174
touching
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| adj.动人的，使人感伤的 | |
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175
dicer
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| n.玩掷骰子游戏者，帽子，小礼帽 | |
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176
revolved
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| v.（使）旋转( revolve的过去式和过去分词 )；细想 | |
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177
winding
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| n.绕，缠，绕组，线圈 | |
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178
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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179
bleak
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| adj.(天气)阴冷的；凄凉的；暗淡的 | |
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180
stark
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| adj.荒凉的；严酷的；完全的；adv.完全地 | |
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181
boulders
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| n.卵石( boulder的名词复数 )；巨砾；（受水或天气侵蚀而成的）巨石；漂砾 | |
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182
rugged
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| adj.高低不平的，粗糙的，粗壮的，强健的 | |
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183
stony
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| adj.石头的，多石头的，冷酷的，无情的 | |
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