Lucian or Parrhesiades. Socrates, Empedocles. Plato. Chrysippus. Diogenes. Aristotle. Other Philosophers. Platonists. Pythagoreans. Stoics3. Peripatetics. Epicureans. Academics. Philosophy. Truth. Temperance. Virtue5. Syllogism6. Exposure. Priestess of Athene.
Soc. Stone the miscreant7; stone him with many stones; clod him with clods; pot him with pots; let the culprit feel your sticks; leave him no way out. At him, Plato! come, Chrysippus, let him have it! Shoulder to shoulder, close the ranks;
Let wallet succour wallet, staff aid staff!
We are all parties in this war; not one of us but he has assailed8. You, Diogenes, now if ever is the time for that stick of yours; stand firm, all of you. Let him reap the fruits of his reveling. What, Epicurus, Aristippus, tired already? ’tis too soon; ye sages10,
Be men; relume that erstwhile furious wrath11!
Aristotle, one more sprint12. There! the brute13 is caught; we have you, villain14. You shall soon know a little more about the characters you have assailed. Now, what shall we do with him? it must be rather an elaborate execution, to meet all our claims upon him; he owes a separate death to every one of us.
First Phil. Impale15 him, say I.
Second Phil. Yes, but scourge16 him first.
Third Phil. Tear out his eyes.
Fourth Phil. Ah, but first out with the offending tongue.
Soc. What say you, Empedocles?
Emp. Oh, fling him into a crater17; that will teach him to vilify18 his betters.
Pl. ’Twere best for him, Orpheus or Pentheus like, to
Find death, dashed all to pieces on the rock;
so each might have taken a piece home with him.
Lu. Forbear; spare me; I appeal to the God of suppliants19.
Soc. Too late; no loophole is left you now. And you know your Homer:
‘Twixt men and lions, covenants20 are null.’
Lu. Why, it is in Homer’s name that I ask my boon21. You will perhaps pay reverence22 to his lines, and listen to a selection from him:
Slay23 not; no churl24 is he; a ransom25 take Of bronze and gold, whereof wise hearts are fain.
Pl. Why, two can play at that game; exempli gratia,
Reviler26, babble28 not of gold, nor nurse Hope of escape from these our hands that hold thee.
Lu. Ah me, ah me! my best hopes dashed, with Homer! Let me fly to Euripides; it may be he will protect me:
Leave him his life; the suppliant’s life is sacred.
Pl. Does this happen to be Euripides too —
Evil men evil treated is no evil?
Lu. And will you slay me now for nought29 but words?
Pl. Most certainly; our author has something on that point too:
Unbridled lips And folly’s slips Invite Fate’s whips.
Lu. Oh, very well; as you are all set on murdering me, and escape is impossible, do at least tell me who you are, and what harm I have done you; it must be something irreparable, to judge by your relentless30 murderous pursuit.
Pl. What harm you have done us, vile27 fellow? your own conscience and your fine dialogues will tell you; you have called Philosophy herself bad names, and as for us, you have subjected us to the indignity31 of a public auction32, and put up wise men — ay, and free men, which is more — for sale. We have reason to be angry; we have got a short leave of absence from Hades, and come up against you — Chrysippus here, Epicurus and myself, Aristotle yonder, the taciturn Pythagoras, Diogenes and all of us that your dialogues have made so free with.
Lu. Ah, I breathe again. Once hear the truth about my conduct to you, and you will never put me to death. You can throw away those stones. Or, no, keep them; you shall have a better mark for them presently.
Pl. This is trifling33. This day thou diest; nay34, even now,
A suit of stones shalt don, thy livery due.
Lu. Believe me, good gentlemen, I have been at much pains on your behalf to slay me is to slay one who should rather be selected for commendation a kindred spirit, a well-wisher, a man after your own heart, a promoter, if I may be bold to say it, of your pursuits. See to it that you catch not the tone of our latter-day philosophers, and be thankless, petulant36, and hard of heart, to him that deserves better of you.
Pl. Talk of a brazen37 front! So to abuse us is to oblige us. I believe you are under the delusion38 that you are really talking to slaves; after the insolent39 excesses of your tongue, do you propose to chop gratitude40 with us?
Lu. How or when was I ever insolent to you? I have always been an admirer of philosophy, your panegyrist, and a student of the writings you left. All that comes from my pen is but what you give me; I deflower you, like a bee, for the behoof of mankind; and then there is praise and recognition; they know the flowers, whence and whose the honey was, and the manner of my gathering41; their surface feeling is for my selective art, but deeper down it is for you and your meadow, where you put forth42 such bright blooms and myriad43 dyes, if one knows but how to sort and mix and match, that one be not in discord44 with another. Could he that had found you such have the heart to abuse those benefactors45 to whom his little fame was due? then he must be a Thamyris or Eurytus, defying the Muses47 who gave his gift of song, or challenging Apollo with the bow, forgetful from whom he had his marksmanship.
Pl. All this, good sir, is quite according to the principles of rhetoric48; that is to say, it is clean contrary to the facts; your unscrupulousness is only emphasized by this adding of insult to injury; you confess that your arrows are from our quiver, and you use them against us; your one aim is to abuse us. This is our reward for showing you that meadow, letting you pluck freely, fill your bosom49, and depart. For this alone you richly deserve death.
Lu. There; your ears are partial; they are deaf to the right. Why, I would never have believed that personal feeling could affect a Plato, a Chrysippus, an Aristotle; with you, of all men, I thought there was dry light. But, dear sirs, do not condemn50 me unheard; give me trial first. Was not the principle of your establishing — that the law of the stronger was not the law of the State, and that differences should be settled in court after due hearing of both sides? Appoint a judge, then; be you my accusers, by your own mouths or by your chosen representative; and let me defend my own case; then if I be convicted of wrong, and that be the court’s decision, I shall get my deserts, and you will have no violence upon your consciences. But if examination shows me spotless and irreproachable51, the court will acquit52 me, and then turn you your wrath upon the deceivers who have excited you against me.
Pl. Ah, every cock to his own dunghill! You think you will hoodwink the jury and get off. I hear you are a lawyer, an advocate, an old hand at a speech. Have you any judge to suggest who will be proof against such an experienced corrupter53 as you?
Lu. Oh, be reassured54. The official I think of proposing is no suspicious, dubious55 character likely to sell a verdict. What say you to forming the court yourselves, with Philosophy for your President?
Pl. Who is to prosecute56, if we are the jury?
Lu. Oh, you can do both; I am not in the least afraid; so much stronger is my case; the defence wins, hands down.
Pl. Pythagoras, Socrates, what do you think? perhaps the I man’s appeal to law is not unreasonable57.
Soc. No; come along, form the court, fetch Philosophy, and see what he has to say for himself. To condemn unheard is a sadly crude proceeding58, not for us; leave that to the hasty people with whom might is right. We shall give occasion to the enemy to blaspheme if we stone a man without a hearing, professed59 lovers of justice as we are. We shall have to keep quiet about Anytus and Meletus, my accusers, and the jury on that occasion, if we cannot spare an hour to hear this fellow before he suffers. Pl. Very true, Socrates. We will go and fetch Philosophy. The decision shall be hers, and we will accept it, whatever it is.
Lu. Why, now, my masters, you are in a better and more law-abiding mood. However, keep those stones, as I said; you will need them in court. But where is Philosophy to be found? I do not know where she lives, myself. I once spent a long time wandering about in search of her house, wishing to make her acquaintance. Several times I met some long-bearded people in threadbare cloaks who professed to be fresh from her presence; I took their word for it, and asked them the way; but they knew considerably61 less about it than I, and either declined to answer, by way of concealing62 their ignorance, or else pointed63 to one door after another. I have never been able to find the right one to this day.
Many a time, upon some inward prompting or external offer of guidance, I have come to a door with the confident hope that this time I really was right; there was such a crowd flowing in and out, all of solemn persons decently habited and thoughtful-faced; I would insinuate64 myself into the press and go in too. What I found would be a woman who was not really natural, however skillfully she played at beauty unadorned; I could see at once that the apparent neglige of her hair was studied for effect, and the folds of her dress not so careless as they looked. One could tell that nature was a scheme of decoration with her, and artlessness an artistic65 device. The white lead and the rouge66 did not absolutely defy detection, and her talk betrayed her real vocation67; she liked her lovers to appreciate her beauty, had a ready hand for presents, made room by her side for the rich, and hardly vouchsafed68 her poorer lovers a distant glance. Now and then, when her dress came a little open by accident, I saw that she had on a massive gold necklace heavier than a penal69 collar. That was enough for me; I would retrace70 my steps, sincerely pitying the unfortunates whom she led by the — beard, and their Ixion embracings of a phantom71.
Pl. You are right there; the door is not conspicuous72, nor generally known. However, we need not go to her house; we will wait for her here in the Ceramicus. I should think it is near her hour for coming back from the Academy, and taking her walk in the Poecile; she is very regular; to be sure, here she comes. Do you see the orderly, rather prim74 lady there, with the kindly75 look in her eyes, and the slow meditative76 walk?
Lu. I see several answering the description so far as looks and walk and clothes go. Yet among them all the real lady Philosophy can be but one.
Pl. True; but as soon as she opens her lips you will know.
Philos. Dear me, what are Plato and Chrysippus and Aristotle doing up here, and the rest of them — a living dictionary of my teachings? Alive again? how is this? have things been going wrong down there? you look angry. And who is your prisoner? a rifler of tombs? A murderer? a temple-robber?
Pl. Worse yet, Philosophy. He has dared to slander77 your most sacred self, and all of us who have been privileged to impart anything from you to posterity78.
Philos. And did you lose your tempers over abusive words? Did you forget how Comedy handled me at the Dionysia, and how I yet counted her a friend? Did I ever sue her, or go and remonstrate79? Or did I let her enjoy her holidays in the harmless old-fashioned way? I know very well that a jest spoils no real beauty, but rather improves it; so gold is polished by hard rubs, and shines all the brighter for it. But you seem to have grown passionate80 and censorious. Come, why are you strangling him like that?
Pl. We have got this one day’s leave, and come after him to give him his deserts. Rumours81 had reached us of the things he used to say about us in his lectures.
Philos. And are you going to kill him without a trial or a hearing? I can see he wishes to say something.
Pl. No; we decided82 to refer it all to you. If you will accept the task, the decision shall be yours.
Philos. Sir, what is your wish?
Lu. The same, dear Mistress; for none but you can find the truth. It cost me much entreaty83 to get the case reserved for you.
Pl. You call her Mistress now, scoundrel; the other day you were making out Philosophy the meanest of things, when before that great audience you let her several doctrines84 go for a pitiful threepence apiece.
Philos. It may be that it was not Ourself he then reviled86, but some impostors who practised vile arts in our name.
Pl. The truth will soon come to light, if you will hear his defence.
Philos. Come we to the Areopagus — or better, to the Acropolis, where the panorama87 of Athens will be before us.
Ladies, will you stroll in the Poecile meanwhile? I will join you when I have given judgement.
Lu. Who are these, Philosophy? methinks their appearance is seemly as your own.
Philos. This with the masculine features is Virtue; then there is Temperance, and Justice by her side. In front is Culture; and this shadowy creature with the indefinite complexion88 is Truth.
Lu. I do not see which you mean.
Philos. Not see her? over there, all naked and unadorned, shrinking from observation, and always slipping out of sight.
Lu. Now I just discern her. But why not bring them all with you? there would be a fullness and completeness about that commission. Ah yes, and I should like to brief Truth on my behalf.
Philos. Well thought of; come, all of you; you will not mind sitting through a single case — in which we have a personal interest, too?
Truth. Go on, the rest of you; it is superfluous89 for me to hear what I know all about before.
Philos. But, Truth dear, your presence will be useful to us; you will show us what to think.
Truth. May I bring my two favourite maids, then?
Philos. And as many more as you like.
Truth. Come with me, Freedom and Frankness; this poor little adorer of ours is in trouble without any real reason; we shall be able to get him out of it. Exposure, my man, we shall not want you.
Lu. Ah yes, Mistress, let us have him, of all others; my opponents are no ordinary ruffians; they are people who make a fine show and are hard to expose; they have always some back way out of a difficulty; we must have Exposure.
Philos. Yes, we must, indeed; and you had better bring Demonstration90 too.
Truth. Come all of you, as you are such important legal persons.
Ar. What is this? Philosophy, he is employing Truth against us!
Philos. And are Plato and Chrysippus and Aristotle afraid of her lying on his behalf, being who she is?
Pl. Oh, well, no; only he is a sad plausible91 rogue92; he will take her in.
Philos. Never fear; no wrong will be done, with madam Justice on the bench by us. Let us go up.
Prisoner, your name?
Lu. Parrhesiades, son of Alethion, son of Elanxicles. 24
Philos. And your country?
Lu. I am a Syrian from the Euphrates, my lady. But is the question relevant? Some of my accusers I know to be as much barbarians93 by blood as myself; but character and culture do not vary as a man comes from Soli or Cyprus, Babylon or Stagira. However, even one who could not talk Greek would be none the worse in your eyes, so long as his sentiments were right and just.
Philos. True, the question was unnecessary.
But what is your profession? that at least is essential.
Lu. I profess60 hatred94 of pretension95 and imposture96, lying, and pride; the whole loathsome97 tribe of them I hate; and you know how numerous they are.
Philos. Upon my word, you must have your hands full at this profession!
Lu. I have; you see what general dislike and danger it brings upon me. However, I do not neglect the complementary branch, in which love takes the place of hate; it includes love of truth and beauty and simplicity98 and all that is akin73 to love. But the subjects for this branch of the profession are sadly few; those of the other, for whom hatred is the right treatment, are reckoned by the thousand. Indeed there is some danger of the one feeling being atrophied99, while the other is over-developed.
Philos. That should not be; they run in couples, you know. Do not separate your two branches; they should have unity100 in diversity.
Lu. You know better than I, Philosophy. My way is just to hate a villain, and love and praise the good.
Philos. Well, well. Here we are at the appointed place. We will hold the trial in the forecourt of Athene Polias. Priestess, arrange our seats, while we salute101 the Goddess.
Lu. Polias, come to my aid against these pretenders, mindful of the daily perjuries102 thou hearest from them. Their deeds too are revealed to thee alone, in virtue of thy charge. Thou hast now thine hour of vengeance103. If thou see me in evil case, if blacks be more than whites, then cast thou thy vote and save me!
Philos. So. Now we are seated, ready to hear your words. Choose one of your number, the best accuser you may, make your charge, and bring your proofs. Were all to speak, there would be no end. And you, Parrhesiades, shall afterwards make your defence.
Ch. Plato, none of us will conduct the prosecution104 better than you. Your thoughts are heaven-high, your style the perfect Attic105; grace and persuasion106, insight and subtlety107, the cogency108 of well-ordered proof — all these are gathered in you. Take the spokesman’s office and say what is fitting on our behalf. Call to memory and roll in one all that ever you said against Gorgias, Polus, Hippias, Prodicus; you have now to do with a worse than them. Let him taste your irony109; ply110 him with your keen incessant111 questions; and if you will, perorate with the mighty112 Zeus charioting his winged car through Heaven, and grudging113 if this fellow get not his deserts.
Pl. Nay, nay; choose one of more strenuous114 temper — Diogenes, Antisthenes, Crates2, or yourself, Chrysippus. It is no time now for beauty or literary skill; controversial and forensic115 resource is what we want. This Parrhesiades is an orator116.
Diog. Let me be accuser; no need for long speeches here. Moreover, I was the worst treated of all; threepence was my price the other day.
Pl. Philosophy, Diogenes will speak for us. But mind, friend, you are not to represent yourself alone, but think of us all. If we have any private differences of doctrine85, do not go into that; never mind now which of us is right, but keep your indignation for Philosophy’s wrongs and the names he has called her. Leave alone the principles we differ about, and maintain what is common to us all. Now mark, you stand for us all; on you our whole fame depends; shall it come out majestic117, or in the semblance118 he has given it?
Diog. Never fear; nothing shall be omitted; I speak for all. Philosophy may be softened119 by his words — she was ever gentle and forgiving — she may be minded to acquit him; but the fault shall not be mine; I will show him that our staves are more than ornaments120.
Philos. Nay, take not that way; words, not bludgeons; ’tis better so. But no delay now; your time-allowance has begun; and the court is all attention.
Lu. Philosophy, let the rest take their seats and vote with you, leaving Diogenes as sole accuser.
Philos. Have you no fears of their condemning121 you?
Lu. None whatever; I wish to increase my majority, that is all.
Philos. I commend your spirit. Gentlemen, take your seats. Now, Diogenes.
Diog. With our lives on earth, Philosophy, you are acquainted; I need not dwell long upon them. Of myself I say nothing; but Pythagoras, Plato, Aristotle, Chrysippus, and the rest — who knows not the benefits that they conferred on mankind? I will come at once, then, to the insults to which we have been subjected by the thrice accursed Parrhesiades. He was, by his own account, an advocate; but he has left the courts and the fame there to be won, and has availed himself of all the verbal skill and proficiency122 so acquired for a campaign of abuse against us. We are impostors and deceivers; his audiences must ridicule123 and scorn us for nobodies. Did I say ‘nobodies’? he has made us an abomination, rather, in the eyes of the vulgar, and yourself with us, Philosophy. Your teachings are balderdash and rubbish; the noblest of your precepts124 to us he parodies125, winning for himself applause and approval, and for us humiliation126. For so it is with the great public; it loves a master of flouts127 and jeers129, and loves him in proportion to the grandeur130 of what he assails131; you know how it delighted long ago in Aristophanes and Eupolis, when they caricatured our Socrates on the stage, and wove farcical comedies around him. But they at least confined themselves to a single victim, and they had the charter of Dionysus; a jest might pass at holiday time, and the laughing God might be well pleased.
But this fellow gets together an upper-class audience, gives long thought to his preparations, writes down his slanders132 in a thick notebook, and uplifts his voice in vituperation of Plato, Pythagoras, Aristotle, Chrysippus, and in short all of us; he cannot plead holiday time, nor yet any private grievance133; he might perhaps be forgiven if he had done it in self-defence; but it was he that opened hostilities134. Worst of all, Philosophy, he shelters himself under your name, entices135 Dialogue from our company to be his ally and mouthpiece, and induces our good comrade Menippus to collaborate136 constantly with him; Menippus, more by token, is the one deserter and absentee on this occasion.
Does he not then abundantly deserve his fate? What conceivable defence is open to him, after his public defamation137 of all that is noblest? On the public which listened to him, too, the spectacle of his condign138 punishment will have a healthy effect; we shall see no more ridicule of Philosophy. Tame submission139 to insult would naturally enough be taken, not for moderation, but for insensibility and want of spirit. Who could be expected to put up with his last performance? He brought us to market like a gang of slaves, and handed us over to the auctioneer. Some, I believe, fetched high prices; but others went for four or five pounds, and as for me — confound his impudence140, threepence! And fine fun the audience had out of it! We did well to be angry; we have come from Hades; and we ask you to give us satisfaction for this abominable141 outrage142.
Resurgents. Hear, hear! well spoken, Diogenes; well and loyally.
Philos. Silence in court! Time the defence. Parrhesiades, it is now your turn; they are timing143 you; so proceed.
Par1. Philosophy, Diogenes has been far indeed from exhausting his material; the greater part of it, and the more strongly expressed, he has passed by, for reasons best known to himself. I refer to statements of mine which I am as far from denying that I made as from having provided myself with any elaborate defence of them. Any of these that have been omitted by him, and not previously144 emphasized by myself, I propose now to quote; this will be the best way to show you who were the persons that I sold by auction and inveighed145 against as pretenders and impostors; please to concentrate your vigilance on the truth or falsehood of my descriptions. If what I say is injurious or severe, your censure146 will be more fairly directed at the perpetrators than at the discoverer of such iniquities147. I had no sooner realized the odious148 practices which his profession imposes on an advocate — the deceit, falsehood, bluster149, clamour, pushing, and all the long hateful list, than I fled as a matter of course from these, betook myself to your dear service, Philosophy, and pleased myself with the thought of a remainder of life spent far from the tossing waves in a calm haven151 beneath your shadow.
At my first peep into your realm, how could I but admire yourself and all these your disciples152? there they were, legislating153 for the perfect life, holding out hands of help to those that would reach it, commending all that was fairest and best; fairest and best — but a man must keep straight on for it and never slip, must set his eyes unwaveringly on the laws that you have laid down, must tune154 and test his life thereby155; and that, Zeus be my witness, there are few enough in these days of ours to do.
So I saw how many were in love, not with Philosophy, but with the credit it brings; in the vulgar externals, so easy for any one to ape, they showed a striking resemblance to the real article, perfect in beard and walk and attire156; but in life and conduct they belied157 their looks, read your lessons backwards158, and degraded their profession. Then I was wroth; methought it was as though some soft womanish actor on the tragic159 stage should give us Achilles or Theseus or Heracles himself; he cannot stride nor speak out as a Hero should, but minces160 along under his enormous mask; Helen or Polyxena would find him too realistically feminine to pass for them; and what shall an invincible161 Heracles say? Will he not swiftly pound man and mask together into nothingness with his club, for womanizing and disgracing him?
Well, these people were about as fit to represent you, and the degradation162 of it all was too much for me. Apes daring to masquerade as heroes! emulators of the ass9 at Cyme! The Cymeans, you know, had never seen ass or lion; so the ass came the lion over them, with the aid of a borrowed skin and his most awe-inspiring bray163; however, a stranger who had often seen both brought the truth to light with a stick. But what most distressed164 me, Philosophy, was this: when one of these people was detected in rascality166, impropriety, or immorality167, every one put it down to philosophy, and to the particular philosopher whose name the delinquent168 took in vain without ever acting169 on his principles; the living rascal165 disgraced you, the long dead; for you were not there in the flesh to point the contrast; so, as it was clear enough that his life was vile and disgusting, your case was given away by association with his, and you had to share his disgrace.
This spectacle, I say, was too much for me; I began exposing them, and distinguishing between them and you; and for this good work you now arraign170 me. So then, if I find one of the Initiated171 betraying and parodying172 the Mysteries of the two Goddesses, and if I protest and denounce him, the transgression173 will be mine? There is something wrong there; why, at the Games, if an actor who has to present Athene or Posidon or Zeus plays his part badly, derogating from the divine dignity, the stewards174 have him whipped; well, the Gods are not angry with them for having the officers whip the man who wears their mask and their attire; I imagine they approve of the punishment. To play a slave or a messenger badly is a trifling offence, but to represent Zeus or Heracles to the spectators in an unworthy manner — that is a crime and a sacrilege.
I can indeed conceive nothing more extraordinary than that so many of them should get themselves absolutely perfect in your words, and then live precisely176 as if the sole object of reading and studying them had been to reverse them in practice. All their professions of despising wealth and appearances, of admiring nothing but what is noble, of superiority to passion, of being proof against splendour, and associating with its owners only on equal terms — how fair and wise and laudable they all are! But they take pay for imparting them, they are abashed177 in presence of the rich, their lips water at sight of coin; they are dogs for temper, hares for cowardice178, apes for imitativeness, asses180 for lust150, cats for thievery, cocks for jealousy181. They are a perfect laughing-stock with their strivings after vile ends, their jostling of each other at rich men’s doors, their attendance at crowded dinners, and their vulgar obsequiousness182 at table. They swill183 more than they should and would like to swill more than they do, they spoil the wine with unwelcome and untimely disquisitions, and they cannot carry their liquor. The ordinary people who are present naturally flout128 them, and are revolted by the philosophy which breeds such brutes184.
What is so monstrous185 is that every man of them says he has no needs, proclaims aloud that wisdom is the only wealth, and directly afterwards comes begging and makes a fuss if he is refused; it would hardly be stranger to see one in kingly attire, with tall tiara, crown, and all the attributes of royalty186, asking his inferiors for a little something more. When they want to get something, we hear a great deal, to be sure, about community of goods — how wealth is a thing indifferent — and what is gold and silver? — neither more nor less worth than pebbles187 on the beach. But when an old comrade and tried friend needs help and comes to them with his modest requirements, ah, then there is silence and searchings of heart, unlearning of tenets and flat renunciation of doctrines. All their fine talk of friendship, with Virtue and The Good, have vanished and flown, who knows whither? they were winged words in sad truth, empty phantoms188, only meant for daily conversational189 use.
These men are excellent friends so long as there is no gold or silver for them to dispute the possession of; exhibit but a copper190 or two, and peace is broken, truce191 void, armistice192 ended; their books are blank, their Virtue fled, and they so many dogs; some one has flung a bone into the pack, and up they spring to bite each other and snarl193 at the one which has pounced194 successfully. There is a story of an Egyptian king who taught some apes the sword-dance; the imitative creatures very soon picked it up, and used to perform in purple robes and masks; for some time the show was a great success, till at last an ingenious spectator brought some nuts in with him and threw them down. The apes forgot their dancing at the sight, dropped their humanity, resumed their apehood, and, smashing masks and tearing dresses, had a free fight for the provender195. Alas196 for the corps197 de ballet and the gravity of the audience!
These people are just those apes; it is they that I reviled; and I shall never cease exposing and ridiculing198 them; but about you and your like — for there are, in spite of all, some true lovers of philosophy and keepers of your laws — about you or them may I never be mad enough to utter an injurious or rude word! Why, what could I find to say? what is there in your lives that lends itself to such treatment? but those pretenders deserve my detestation, as they have that of heaven. Why, tell me, all of you, what have such creatures to do with you? Is there a trace in their lives of kindred and affinity199? Does oil mix with water? If they grow their beards and call themselves philosophers and look solemn, do these things make them like you? I could have contained myself if there had been any touch of plausibility200 in their acting; but the vulture is more like the nightingale than they like philosophers. And now I have pleaded my cause to the best of my ability. Truth, I rely upon you to confirm my words.
Philos. Parrhesiades, retire to a further distance. Well, and our verdict? How think you the man has spoken?
Truth. Ah, Philosophy, while he was speaking I was ready to sink through the ground; it was all so true. As I listened, I could identify every offender201, and I was fitting caps all the time — this is so-and-so, that is the other man, all over. I tell you they were all as plain as in a picture — speaking likenesses not of their bodies only, but of their very souls.
Tem. Yes, Truth, I could not help blushing at it.
Philos. What say you, gentlemen?
Res. Why, of course, that he is acquitted202 of the charge, and stands recorded as our friend and benefactor46. Our case is just that of the Trojans, who entertained the tragic actor only to find him reciting their own calamities203. Well, recite away, our tragedian, with these pests of ours for dramatis personae.
Diog. I too, Philosophy, give him my need of praise; I withdraw my charges, and count him a worthy175 friend.
Philos. I congratulate you, Parrhesiades; you are unanimously acquitted, and are henceforth one of us.
Par. Your humble204 servant. Or no, I must find more tragic words to fit the solemnity of the occasion:
Victorious205 might My life’s path light, And ever strew206 with garlands bright!
Vir. Well, now we come to our second course; let us have in the other people and try them for their insults. Parrhesiades shall accuse them each in turn.
Par. Well said, Virtue. Syllogism, my boy, put your head out over the city and summon the philosophers.
Syl. Oyez, oyez! All philosophers to the Acropolis to make their defence before Virtue, Philosophy, and Justice.
Par. The proclamation does not bring them in flocks, does it? They have their reasons for keeping clear of Justice. And a good many of them are too busy with their rich friends. If you want them all to come, Syllogism, I will tell you what to say.
Philos. No, no; call them yourself, Parrhesiades, in your own way.
Par. Quite a simple matter. Oyez, oyez! All who profess philosophy and hold themselves entitled to the name of philosopher shall appear on the Acropolis for largesse207; 8 pounds, with a sesame cake, to each. A long beard shall qualify for a square of compressed figs208, in addition. Every applicant209 to have with him, of temperance, justice, and self-control, any that he is in possession of, it being clearly understood that these are not indispensable, and, of syllogisms, a complete set of five, these being the condition precedent210 of wisdom.
Two golden talents in the midst are set, His prize who wrangles212 best amongst his peers.
Just look! the ascent213 packed with a pushing crowd, at the very first sound of my 8 pounds. More of them along the Pelasgicum, more by the temple of Asclepius, a bigger crowd still over the Areopagus. Why, positively215 there are a few at the tomb of Talos; and see those putting ladders against the temple of Castor and Pollux; up they climb, buzzing and clustering like a swarm216 of bees. In Homeric phrase, on this side are exceeding many, and on that
Ten thousand, thick as leaves and flowers in spring.
Noisily they settle, the Acropolis is covered with them in a trice; everywhere wallet and beard, flattery and effrontery217, staves and greed, logic218 and avarice219. The little company which came up at the first proclamation is swamped beyond recovery, swallowed up in these later crowds; it is hopeless to find them, because of the external resemblance. That is the worst of it, Philosophy; you are really open to censure for not marking and labelling them; these impostors are often more convincing than the true philosophers.
Philos. It shall be done before long; at present let us receive them.
Platon. Platonists first!
Pyth. No, no; Pythagoreans first; our master is senior.
Stoics. Rubbish! the Porch is the best.
Peri. Now, now, this is a question of money; Peripatetics first there!
Epic4. Hand over those cakes and fig-squares; as to the money, Epicureans will not mind waiting till the last.
Acad. Where are the two talents? none can touch the Academy at a wrangle211; we will soon show you that.
Stoics. Not if we know it.
Philos. Cease your strife220. Cynics there, no more pushing! And keep those sticks quiet. You have mistaken the nature of this summons. We three, Philosophy, Virtue, and Truth, are about to decide which are the true philosophers; that done, those whose lives are found to be in accord with our pleasure will be made happy by our award; but the impostors who are not truly of our kin35 we shall crush as they deserve, that they may no more make vain claims to what is too high for them. Ha! you fly? In good truth they do, jumping down the crags, most of them. Why, the Acropolis is deserted221, except for — yes, a few have stood their ground and are not afraid of the judgement.
Attendants, pick up the wallet which yonder flying Cynic has dropped. Let us see what it contains — beans? a book? some coarse crust?
Par. Oh dear no. Here is gold; some scent214; a mirror; dice179.
Philos. Ah, good honest man! such were his little necessaries for the philosophic222 life, such his title to indulge in general abuse and instruct his neighbours.
Par. There you have them. The problem before you is, how the general ignorance is to be dispersed223, and other people enabled to discriminate224 between the genuine and the other sort. Find the solution, Truth; for indeed it concerns you; Falsehood must not prevail; shall Ignorance shield the base while they counterfeit225 the good, and you never know it?
Truth. I think we had better give Parrhesiades this commission; he has been shown an honest man, our friend and your true admirer, Philosophy. Let him take Exposure with him and have interviews with all who profess philosophy; any genuine scion226 that he finds let him crown with olive and entertain in the Banqueting Hall; and for the rascals227 — ah, how many! — who are only costume philosophers, let him pull their cloaks off them, clip their beards short with a pair of common goatshears, and mark their foreheads or brand them between the eyebrows228; the design on the branding iron to be a fox or an ape.
Philos. Well planned, Truth. And, Parrhesiades, here is a test for you; you know how young eagles are supposed to be tested by the sun; well, our candidates have not got to satisfy us that they can look at light, of course; but put gold, fame, and pleasure before their eyes; when you see one remain unconscious and unattracted, there is your man for the olive; but when one looks hard that way, with a motion of his hand in the direction of the gold, first off with his beard, and then off with him to the brander.
Par. I will follow your instructions, Philosophy; you will soon find a large majority ornamented229 with fox or ape, and very few with olive. If you like, though, I will get some of them up here for you to see.
Philos. What do you mean? bring them back after that stampede?
Par. Oh yes, if the priestess will lend me the line I see there and the Piraean fisherman’s votive hook; I will not keep them long.
Priestess. You can have them; and the rod to complete the equipment.
Par. Thanks; now quickly, please, a few dried figs and a handful of gold.
Priestess. There.
Philos. What is all this about?
Priestess. He has baited his hook with the figs and gold, and is sitting on the parapet dangling230 it over the city.
Philos. What are you doing, Parrhesiades? do you think you are going to fish up stones from the Pelasgicum?
Par. Hush231! I wait till I get a bite. Posidon, the fisherman’s friend, and you, dear Amphitrite, send me good fishing!
Ah, a fine bass232; no, it is not; it is a gilthead.
Expo. A shark, you mean; there, see, he is getting near the hook, open-mouthed too. He scents233 the gold; now he is close — touching234 — he has it; up with him!
Par. Give me a hand with the line, Exposure; here he is. Now, my best of fishes, what do we make of you? Salmo Cynicus, that is what you are. Good gracious, what teeth! Aha, my brave fish, caught snapping up trifles in the rocks, where you thought you could lurk235 unobserved? But now you shall hang by the gills for every one to look at you. Pull out hook and bait. Why, the hook is bare; he has not been long assimilating the figs, eh? and the gold has gone down too.
Diog. Make him disgorge; we want the bait for some more.
Par. There, then. Now, Diogenes, do you know who it is? has the fellow anything to do with you?
Diog. Nothing whatever.
Par. Well, what do you put him at? threepence was the price fixed237 the other day.
Diog. Too much. His flavour and his looks are intolerable — a coarse worthless brute. drop him head first over the rock, and catch another. But take care your rod does not bend to breaking point.
Par. No fear; they are quite light — about the weight of a gudgeon.
Diog. About the weight and about the wit. However, up with them.
Par. Look; what is this one? a sole? flat as a plate, thin as one of his own fillets; he gapes238 for the hook; down it goes; we have him; up he comes.
Diog. What is he?
Expo. His plateship would be a Platonist.
Pl. You too after the gold, villain?
Par. Well, Plato? what shall we do with him?
Pl. Off with him from the same rock.
Diog. Try again.
Par. Ah, here is a lovely one coming, as far as one can judge in deep water, all the colours of the rainbow, with gold bars across the back. Do you see, Exposure? this is the sham239 Aristotle. There he is; no, he has shied. He is having a good look round; here he comes again; his jaws240 open; caught! haul up.
Ar. You need not apply to me; I do not know him.
Par. Very well, Aristotle; over he goes.
Hullo! I see a whole school of them together, all one colour, and covered with spines241 and horny scales, as tempting242 to handle as a hedgehog. We want a net for these; but we have not got one. Well, it will do if we pull up one out of the lot. The boldest of them will no doubt try the hook.
Expo. You had better sheathe243 a good bit of the line before you let it down; else he will gorge236 the gold and then saw the line through.
Par. There it goes. Posidon grant me a quick catch! There now! they are fighting for the bait, a lot of them together nibbling244 at the figs, and others with their teeth well in the gold. That is right; one soundly hooked. Now let me see, what do you call yourself? And yet how absurd to try and make a fish speak; they are dumb. Exposure, tell us who is his master,
Expo. Chrysippus.
Par. Ah, he must have a master with gold in his name, must he? Chrysippus, tell me seriously, do you know these men? are you responsible for the way they live?
Ch. My dear Parrhesiades, I take it ill that you should suggest any connexion between me and such creatures.
Par. Quite right, and like you. Over he goes head first like the others; if one tried to eat him, those spines might stick in one’s throat.
Philos. You have fished long enough, Parrhesiades; there are so many of them, one might get away with gold, hook and all, and you have the priestess to pay. Let us go for our usual stroll; and for all you it is time to be getting back to your place, if you are not to outstay your leave. Parrhesiades, you and Exposure can go the rounds now, and crown or brand as I told you.
Par. Good, Philosophy. Farewell, ye best of men. Come, Exposure, to our commission. Where shall we go first? the Academy, do you think, or the Porch?
Expo. We will begin with the Lyceum.
Par. Well, it makes no difference. I know well enough that wherever we go there will be few crowns wanted, and a good deal of branding.
H.
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1
par
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| n.标准，票面价值，平均数量；adj.票面的，平常的，标准的 | |
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crates
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| n. 板条箱, 篓子, 旧汽车 vt. 装进纸条箱 | |
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stoics
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| 禁欲主义者，恬淡寡欲的人，不以苦乐为意的人( stoic的名词复数 ) | |
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epic
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| n.史诗，叙事诗；adj.史诗般的，壮丽的 | |
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virtue
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| n.德行，美德；贞操；优点；功效，效力 | |
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syllogism
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| n.演绎法，三段论法 | |
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miscreant
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| n.恶棍 | |
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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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ass
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| n.驴；傻瓜，蠢笨的人 | |
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sages
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| n.圣人( sage的名词复数 )；智者；哲人；鼠尾草（可用作调料） | |
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wrath
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| n.愤怒，愤慨，暴怒 | |
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sprint
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| n.短距离赛跑；vi. 奋力而跑，冲刺；vt.全速跑过 | |
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brute
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| n.野兽，兽性 | |
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villain
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| n.反派演员，反面人物；恶棍；问题的起因 | |
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impale
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| v.用尖物刺某人、某物 | |
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scourge
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| n.灾难，祸害；v.蹂躏 | |
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crater
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| n.火山口，弹坑 | |
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vilify
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| v.诽谤，中伤 | |
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suppliants
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| n.恳求者，哀求者( suppliant的名词复数 ) | |
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covenants
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| n.（有法律约束的）协议( covenant的名词复数 )；盟约；公约；（向慈善事业、信托基金会等定期捐款的）契约书 | |
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21
boon
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| n.恩赐，恩物，恩惠 | |
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reverence
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| n.敬畏，尊敬，尊严；Reverence:对某些基督教神职人员的尊称；v.尊敬，敬畏，崇敬 | |
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23
slay
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| v.杀死，宰杀，杀戮 | |
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churl
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| n.吝啬之人；粗鄙之人 | |
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ransom
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| n.赎金，赎身；v.赎回，解救 | |
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reviler
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| n.谩骂者；辱骂者，谩骂者 | |
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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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babble
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| v.含糊不清地说，胡言乱语地说，儿语 | |
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nought
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| n.／adj.无，零 | |
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relentless
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| adj.残酷的，不留情的，无怜悯心的 | |
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indignity
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| n.侮辱，伤害尊严，轻蔑 | |
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auction
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| n.拍卖；拍卖会；vt.拍卖 | |
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trifling
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| adj.微不足道的；没什么价值的 | |
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nay
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| adv.不；n.反对票，投反对票者 | |
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kin
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| n.家族，亲属，血缘关系；adj.亲属关系的，同类的 | |
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petulant
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| adj.性急的，暴躁的 | |
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brazen
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| adj.厚脸皮的，无耻的，坚硬的 | |
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delusion
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| n.谬见，欺骗，幻觉，迷惑 | |
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insolent
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| adj.傲慢的，无理的 | |
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gratitude
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| adj.感激，感谢 | |
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gathering
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| n.集会，聚会，聚集 | |
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forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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myriad
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| adj.无数的；n.无数，极大数量 | |
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discord
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| n.不和，意见不合，争论，（音乐）不和谐 | |
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benefactors
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| n.捐助者，施主( benefactor的名词复数 )；恩人 | |
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benefactor
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| n. 恩人，行善的人，捐助人 | |
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47
muses
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| v.沉思，冥想( muse的第三人称单数 )；沉思自语说（某事） | |
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48
rhetoric
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| n.修辞学，浮夸之言语 | |
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49
bosom
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| n.胸，胸部；胸怀；内心；adj.亲密的 | |
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50
condemn
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| vt.谴责，指责；宣判(罪犯)，判刑 | |
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51
irreproachable
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| adj.不可指责的，无过失的 | |
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52
acquit
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| vt.宣判无罪；(oneself)使(自己)表现出 | |
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53
corrupter
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| 堕落的，道德败坏的； 贪污的，腐败的； 腐烂的； （文献等）错误百出的 | |
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54
reassured
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| adj.使消除疑虑的；使放心的v.再保证，恢复信心( reassure的过去式和过去分词) | |
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55
dubious
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| adj.怀疑的，无把握的；有问题的，靠不住的 | |
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56
prosecute
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| vt.告发；进行；vi.告发，起诉，作检察官 | |
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57
unreasonable
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| adj.不讲道理的，不合情理的，过度的 | |
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proceeding
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| n.行动，进行，(pl.)会议录，学报 | |
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professed
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| 公开声称的，伪称的，已立誓信教的 | |
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profess
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| v.声称，冒称，以...为业，正式接受入教，表明信仰 | |
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61
considerably
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| adv.极大地；相当大地；在很大程度上 | |
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concealing
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，遮住( conceal的现在分词 ) | |
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pointed
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| adj.尖的，直截了当的 | |
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insinuate
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| vt.含沙射影地说，暗示 | |
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65
artistic
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| adj.艺术(家)的，美术(家)的；善于艺术创作的 | |
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66
rouge
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| n.胭脂，口红唇膏；v.(在…上)擦口红 | |
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vocation
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| n.职业，行业 | |
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vouchsafed
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| v.给予，赐予( vouchsafe的过去式和过去分词 )；允诺 | |
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penal
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| adj.刑罚的；刑法上的 | |
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70
retrace
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| v.折回；追溯，探源 | |
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71
phantom
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| n.幻影，虚位，幽灵；adj.错觉的，幻影的，幽灵的 | |
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72
conspicuous
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| adj.明眼的，惹人注目的；炫耀的，摆阔气的 | |
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akin
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| adj.同族的，类似的 | |
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prim
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| adj.拘泥形式的，一本正经的；n.循规蹈矩，整洁；adv.循规蹈矩地，整洁地 | |
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75
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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meditative
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| adj.沉思的，冥想的 | |
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77
slander
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| n./v.诽谤，污蔑 | |
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78
posterity
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| n.后裔，子孙，后代 | |
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79
remonstrate
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| v.抗议，规劝 | |
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80
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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81
rumours
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| n.传闻( rumour的名词复数 )；风闻；谣言；谣传 | |
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82
decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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83
entreaty
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| n.恳求，哀求 | |
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84
doctrines
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| n.教条( doctrine的名词复数 )；教义；学说；（政府政策的）正式声明 | |
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85
doctrine
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| n.教义；主义；学说 | |
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86
reviled
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| v.辱骂，痛斥( revile的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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87
panorama
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| n.全景，全景画，全景摄影，全景照片[装置] | |
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88
complexion
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| n.肤色；情况，局面；气质，性格 | |
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89
superfluous
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| adj.过多的，过剩的，多余的 | |
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90
demonstration
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|
| n.表明，示范，论证，示威 | |
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91
plausible
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| adj.似真实的，似乎有理的，似乎可信的 | |
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92
rogue
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| n.流氓；v.游手好闲 | |
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93
barbarians
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|
| n.野蛮人( barbarian的名词复数 )；外国人；粗野的人；无教养的人 | |
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94
hatred
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| n.憎恶，憎恨，仇恨 | |
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95
pretension
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| n.要求；自命，自称；自负 | |
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96
imposture
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|
| n.冒名顶替，欺骗 | |
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97
loathsome
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|
| adj.讨厌的，令人厌恶的 | |
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98
simplicity
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|
| n.简单，简易；朴素；直率，单纯 | |
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99
atrophied
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|
| adj.萎缩的，衰退的v.（使）萎缩，（使）虚脱，（使）衰退( atrophy的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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100
unity
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| n.团结，联合，统一；和睦，协调 | |
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101
salute
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|
| vi.行礼，致意，问候，放礼炮；vt.向…致意，迎接，赞扬；n.招呼，敬礼，礼炮 | |
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102
perjuries
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| n.假誓，伪证，伪证罪( perjury的名词复数 ) | |
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103
vengeance
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| n.报复，报仇，复仇 | |
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104
prosecution
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|
| n.起诉，告发，检举，执行，经营 | |
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105
attic
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| n.顶楼，屋顶室 | |
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106
persuasion
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|
| n.劝说；说服；持有某种信仰的宗派 | |
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107
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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108
cogency
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|
| n.说服力；adj.有说服力的 | |
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109
irony
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|
| n.反语，冷嘲；具有讽刺意味的事，嘲弄 | |
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110
ply
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|
| v.(搬运工等)等候顾客，弯曲 | |
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111
incessant
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|
| adj.不停的，连续的 | |
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112
mighty
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|
| adj.强有力的；巨大的 | |
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113
grudging
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|
| adj.勉强的，吝啬的 | |
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114
strenuous
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|
| adj.奋发的，使劲的；紧张的；热烈的，狂热的 | |
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115
forensic
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|
| adj.法庭的，雄辩的 | |
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116
orator
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|
| n.演说者，演讲者，雄辩家 | |
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117
majestic
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|
| adj.雄伟的，壮丽的，庄严的，威严的，崇高的 | |
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118
semblance
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| n.外貌，外表 | |
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119
softened
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|
| （使）变软( soften的过去式和过去分词 )； 缓解打击； 缓和； 安慰 | |
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120
ornaments
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| n.装饰( ornament的名词复数 )；点缀；装饰品；首饰v.装饰，点缀，美化( ornament的第三人称单数 ) | |
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121
condemning
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|
| v.（通常因道义上的原因而）谴责( condemn的现在分词 )；宣判；宣布…不能使用；迫使…陷于不幸的境地 | |
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122
proficiency
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| n.精通，熟练，精练 | |
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123
ridicule
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|
| v.讥讽，挖苦；n.嘲弄 | |
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124
precepts
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| n.规诫，戒律，箴言( precept的名词复数 ) | |
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125
parodies
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| n.拙劣的模仿( parody的名词复数 )；恶搞；滑稽的模仿诗文；表面上模仿得笨拙但充满了机智用来嘲弄别人作品的作品v.滑稽地模仿，拙劣地模仿( parody的第三人称单数 ) | |
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126
humiliation
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| n.羞辱 | |
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127
flouts
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| v.藐视，轻视( flout的第三人称单数 ) | |
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128
flout
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| v./n.嘲弄，愚弄，轻视 | |
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129
jeers
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| n.操纵帆桁下部（使其上下的）索具；嘲讽( jeer的名词复数 )v.嘲笑( jeer的第三人称单数 ) | |
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130
grandeur
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| n.伟大，崇高，宏伟，庄严，豪华 | |
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131
assails
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| v.攻击( assail的第三人称单数 )；困扰；质问；毅然应对 | |
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132
slanders
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| 诽谤，诋毁( slander的名词复数 ) | |
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133
grievance
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| n.怨愤，气恼，委屈 | |
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134
hostilities
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| n.战争；敌意(hostility的复数)；敌对状态；战事 | |
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135
entices
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| 诱惑，怂恿( entice的第三人称单数 ) | |
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136
collaborate
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|
| vi.协作，合作；协调 | |
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137
defamation
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| n.诽谤；中伤 | |
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138
condign
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|
| adj.应得的，相当的 | |
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139
submission
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|
| n.服从，投降；温顺，谦虚；提出 | |
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140
impudence
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|
| n.厚颜无耻；冒失；无礼 | |
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141
abominable
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|
| adj.可厌的，令人憎恶的 | |
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142
outrage
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| n.暴行，侮辱，愤怒；vt.凌辱，激怒 | |
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143
timing
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|
| n.时间安排，时间选择 | |
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144
previously
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|
| adv.以前，先前（地） | |
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145
inveighed
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|
| v.猛烈抨击，痛骂，谩骂( inveigh的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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146
censure
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|
| v./n.责备；非难；责难 | |
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147
iniquities
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|
| n.邪恶( iniquity的名词复数 )；极不公正 | |
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148
odious
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|
| adj.可憎的，讨厌的 | |
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149
bluster
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|
| v.猛刮；怒冲冲的说；n.吓唬，怒号；狂风声 | |
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150
lust
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|
| n.性(淫)欲；渴(欲)望；vi.对…有强烈的欲望 | |
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151
haven
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|
| n.安全的地方，避难所，庇护所 | |
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152
disciples
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|
| n.信徒( disciple的名词复数 )；门徒；耶稣的信徒；（尤指）耶稣十二门徒之一 | |
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153
legislating
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|
| v.立法，制定法律( legislate的现在分词 ) | |
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154
tune
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|
| n.调子；和谐，协调；v.调音，调节，调整 | |
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155
thereby
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|
| adv.因此，从而 | |
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156
attire
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|
| v.穿衣，装扮[同]array；n.衣着；盛装 | |
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157
belied
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|
| v.掩饰( belie的过去式和过去分词 )；证明（或显示）…为虚假；辜负；就…扯谎 | |
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158
backwards
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|
| adv.往回地，向原处，倒，相反，前后倒置地 | |
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159
tragic
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|
| adj.悲剧的，悲剧性的，悲惨的 | |
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160
minces
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|
| v.切碎( mince的第三人称单数 )；剁碎；绞碎；用绞肉机绞（食物，尤指肉） | |
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161
invincible
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|
| adj.不可征服的，难以制服的 | |
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162
degradation
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|
| n.降级；低落；退化；陵削；降解；衰变 | |
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163
bray
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| n.驴叫声, 喇叭声；v.驴叫 | |
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164
distressed
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| 痛苦的 | |
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165
rascal
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| n.流氓；不诚实的人 | |
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166
rascality
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| 流氓性，流氓集团 | |
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167
immorality
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|
| n. 不道德, 无道义 | |
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168
delinquent
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|
| adj.犯法的，有过失的；n.违法者 | |
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169
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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170
arraign
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| v.提讯；控告 | |
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171
initiated
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|
| n. 创始人 adj. 新加入的 vt. 开始，创始，启蒙，介绍加入 | |
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172
parodying
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|
| v.滑稽地模仿，拙劣地模仿( parody的现在分词 ) | |
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173
transgression
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| n.违背；犯规；罪过 | |
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174
stewards
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| （轮船、飞机等的）乘务员( steward的名词复数 )； （俱乐部、旅馆、工会等的）管理员； （大型活动的）组织者； （私人家中的）管家 | |
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175
worthy
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|
| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
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176
precisely
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|
| adv.恰好，正好，精确地，细致地 | |
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177
abashed
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|
| adj.窘迫的，尴尬的v.使羞愧，使局促，使窘迫( abash的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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178
cowardice
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|
| n.胆小，怯懦 | |
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179
dice
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| n.骰子；vt.把（食物）切成小方块，冒险 | |
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180
asses
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| n. 驴，愚蠢的人，臀部 adv. (常用作后置)用于贬损或骂人 | |
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181
jealousy
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|
| n.妒忌，嫉妒，猜忌 | |
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182
obsequiousness
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| 媚骨 | |
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183
swill
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|
| v.冲洗；痛饮；n.泔脚饲料；猪食；（谈话或写作中的）无意义的话 | |
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184
brutes
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|
| 兽( brute的名词复数 )； 畜生； 残酷无情的人； 兽性 | |
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185
monstrous
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|
| adj.巨大的；恐怖的；可耻的，丢脸的 | |
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186
royalty
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| n.皇家，皇族 | |
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187
pebbles
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| [复数]鹅卵石； 沙砾； 卵石，小圆石( pebble的名词复数 ) | |
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188
phantoms
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|
| n.鬼怪，幽灵( phantom的名词复数 ) | |
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189
conversational
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|
| adj.对话的，会话的 | |
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190
copper
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|
| n.铜；铜币；铜器；adj.铜(制)的；(紫)铜色的 | |
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191
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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192
armistice
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|
| n.休战，停战协定 | |
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193
snarl
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| v.吼叫，怒骂，纠缠，混乱；n.混乱，缠结，咆哮 | |
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194
pounced
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|
| v.突然袭击( pounce的过去式和过去分词 )；猛扑；一眼看出；抓住机会（进行抨击） | |
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195
provender
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| n.刍草；秣料 | |
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196
alas
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| int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等) | |
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197
corps
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| n.(通信等兵种的)部队；(同类作的)一组 | |
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198
ridiculing
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|
| v.嘲笑，嘲弄，奚落( ridicule的现在分词 ) | |
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199
affinity
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| n.亲和力，密切关系 | |
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200
plausibility
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|
| n. 似有道理, 能言善辩 | |
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201
offender
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| n.冒犯者，违反者，犯罪者 | |
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202
acquitted
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|
| 宣判…无罪( acquit的过去式和过去分词 )； 使（自己）作出某种表现 | |
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203
calamities
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| n.灾祸，灾难( calamity的名词复数 )；不幸之事 | |
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204
humble
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| adj.谦卑的，恭顺的；地位低下的；v.降低，贬低 | |
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205
victorious
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|
| adj.胜利的，得胜的 | |
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206
strew
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| vt.撒；使散落；撒在…上，散布于 | |
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207
largesse
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| n.慷慨援助，施舍 | |
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208
figs
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| figures 数字，图形，外形 | |
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209
applicant
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| n.申请人，求职者，请求者 | |
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210
precedent
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| n.先例，前例；惯例；adj.在前的，在先的 | |
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211
wrangle
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| vi.争吵 | |
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212
wrangles
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| n.（尤指长时间的）激烈争吵，口角，吵嘴( wrangle的名词复数 )v.争吵，争论，口角( wrangle的第三人称单数 ) | |
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213
ascent
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| n.(声望或地位)提高；上升，升高；登高 | |
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214
scent
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| n.气味，香味，香水，线索，嗅觉；v.嗅，发觉 | |
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215
positively
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| adv.明确地，断然，坚决地；实在，确实 | |
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216
swarm
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| n.(昆虫)等一大群；vi.成群飞舞；蜂拥而入 | |
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217
effrontery
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| n.厚颜无耻 | |
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218
logic
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| n.逻辑(学)；逻辑性 | |
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219
avarice
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| n.贪婪；贪心 | |
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220
strife
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| n.争吵，冲突，倾轧，竞争 | |
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221
deserted
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| adj.荒芜的，荒废的，无人的，被遗弃的 | |
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222
philosophic
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| adj.哲学的，贤明的 | |
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223
dispersed
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| adj. 被驱散的, 被分散的, 散布的 | |
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224
discriminate
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| v.区别，辨别，区分；有区别地对待 | |
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225
counterfeit
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| vt.伪造，仿造；adj.伪造的，假冒的 | |
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226
scion
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| n.嫩芽，子孙 | |
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227
rascals
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| 流氓( rascal的名词复数 )； 无赖； （开玩笑说法）淘气的人（尤指小孩）； 恶作剧的人 | |
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228
eyebrows
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| 眉毛( eyebrow的名词复数 ) | |
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229
ornamented
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| adj.花式字体的v.装饰，点缀，美化( ornament的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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230
dangling
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| 悬吊着( dangle的现在分词 )； 摆动不定； 用某事物诱惑…； 吊胃口 | |
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231
hush
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| int.嘘，别出声；n.沉默，静寂；v.使安静 | |
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232
bass
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| n.男低音(歌手)；低音乐器；低音大提琴 | |
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233
scents
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| n.香水( scent的名词复数 )；气味；（动物的）臭迹；（尤指狗的）嗅觉 | |
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234
touching
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| adj.动人的，使人感伤的 | |
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235
lurk
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| n.潜伏，潜行；v.潜藏，潜伏，埋伏 | |
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236
gorge
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| n.咽喉，胃，暴食，山峡；v.塞饱，狼吞虎咽地吃 | |
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237
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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238
gapes
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| v.目瞪口呆地凝视( gape的第三人称单数 )；张开，张大 | |
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239
sham
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| n./adj.假冒(的)，虚伪(的) | |
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240
jaws
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| n.口部；嘴 | |
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241
spines
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| n.脊柱( spine的名词复数 )；脊椎；（动植物的）刺；书脊 | |
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242
tempting
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| a.诱人的, 吸引人的 | |
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243
sheathe
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| v.（将刀剑）插入鞘；包，覆盖 | |
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244
nibbling
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| v.啃，一点一点地咬（吃）( nibble的现在分词 )；啃出（洞），一点一点咬出（洞）；慢慢减少；小口咬 | |
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