Upon two bodies — your two-headed bullock
Is but an ass1 to such a prodigy2.
These two have but one meaning, thought, and counsel:
And when the single noddle has spoke3 out,
The four legs scrape assent4 to it.
OLD PLAY.
In the goodly form of the honest Mayor, there was a bustling5 mixture of importance and embarrassment6, like the deportment of a man who was conscious that he had an important part to act, if he could but exactly discover what that part was. But both were mingled7 with much pleasure at seeing Everard, and he frequently repeated his welcomes and all-hails before he could be brought to attend to what that gentleman said in reply.
“Good, worthy8 Colonel, you are indeed a desirable sight to Woodstock at all times, being, as I may say, almost our townsman, as you have dwelt so much and so long at the palace. Truly, the matter begins almost to pass my wit, though I have transacted9 the affairs of this borough10 for many a long day; and you are come to my assistance like, like”—
“Tanquam Deus ex machina, as the Ethnic11 poet hath it,” said Master Holdenough, “although I do not often quote from such books. — Indeed, Master Markham Everard — or worthy Colonel, as I ought rather to say — you are simply the most welcome man who has come to Woodstock since the days of old King Harry12.”
“I had some business with you, my good friend,” said the Colonel, addressing the Mayor; “I shall be glad if it should so happen at the same time, that I may find occasion to pleasure you or your worthy pastor13.”
“No question you can do so, good sir;” interposed Master Holdenough; “you have the heart, sir, and you have the hand; and we are much in want of good counsel, and that from a man of action. I am aware, worthy Colonel, that you and your worthy father have ever borne yourselves in these turmoils15 like men of a truly Christian16 and moderate spirit, striving to pour oil into the wounds of the land, which some would rub with vitriol and pepper: and we know you are faithful children of that church which we have reformed from its papistical and prelatical tenets.”
“My good and reverend friend,” said Everard, “I respect the piety17 and learning of many of your teachers; but I am also for liberty of conscience to all men. I neither side with sectaries, nor do I desire to see them the object of suppression by violence.”
“Sir, sir,” said the Presbyterian, hastily, “all this hath a fair sound; but I would you should think what a fine country and church we are like to have of it, amidst the errors, blasphemies18, and schisms19, which are daily introduced into the church and kingdom of England, so that worthy Master Edwards, in his Gangrena, declareth, that our native country is about to become the very sink and cess-pool of all schisms, heresies20, blasphemies, and confusions, as the army of Hannibal was said to be the refuse of all nations — Colluvies omnium gentium. — Believe me, worthy Colonel, that they of the Honourable21 House view all this over lightly, and with the winking22 connivance23 of old Eli. These instructors24, the schismatics, shoulder the orthodox ministers out of their pulpits, thrust themselves into families, and break up the peace thereof, stealing away men’s hearts from the established faith.”
“My good Master Holdenough,” replied the Colonel, interrupting the zealous25 preacher, “there is ground of sorrow for all these unhappy discords26; and I hold with you, that the fiery27 spirits of the present time have raised men’s minds at once above sober-minded and sincere religion, and above decorum and common sense. But there is no help save patience. Enthusiasm is a stream that may foam28 off in its own time, whereas it is sure to bear down every barrier which is directly opposed to it. — But what are these schismatical proceedings29 to our present purpose?”
“Why, partly this, sir,” said Holdenough, “although perhaps you may make less of it than I should have thought before we met. — I was myself — I, Nehemiah Holdenough, (he added consequentially,) was forcibly expelled from my own pulpit, even as a man should have been thrust out of his own house, by an alien, and an intruder — a wolf, who was not at the trouble even to put on sheep’s clothing, but came in his native wolfish attire30 of buff and bandalier, and held forth31 in my stead to the people, who are to me as a flock to the lawful32 shepherd. It is too true, sir — Master Mayor saw it, and strove to take such order to prevent it as man might, though,” turning to the Mayor, “I think still you might have striven a little more.”
“Good now, good Master Holdenough, do not let us go back on that question,” said the Mayor. “Guy of Warwick, or Bevis of Hampton, might do something with this generation; but truly, they are too many and too strong for the Mayor of Woodstock.”
“I think Master Mayor speaks very good sense,” said the Colonel; “if the Independents are not allowed to preach, I fear me they will not fight; — and then if you were to have another rising of cavaliers?”
“There are worse folks may rise than cavaliers,” said Holdenough.
“How, sir?” replied Colonel Everard. “Let me remind you, Master Holdenough, that is no safe language in the present state of the nation.”
“I say,” said the Presbyterian, “there are worse folk may rise than cavaliers; and I will prove what I say. The devil is worse than the worst cavalier that ever drank a health, or swore an oath — and the devil has arisen at Woodstock Lodge33!”
“Ay, truly hath he,” said the Mayor, “bodily and visibly, in figure and form — An awful time we live in!”
“Gentlemen, I really know not how I am to understand you,” said Everard.
“Why, it was even about the devil we came to speak with you,” said the Mayor; “but the worthy minister is always so hot upon the sectaries”—
“Which are the devil’s brats34, and nearly akin35 to him,” said Master Holdenough. “But true it is, that the growth of these sects36 has brought up the Evil One even upon the face of the earth, to look after his own interest, where he finds it most thriving.”
“Master Holdenough,” said the Colonel, “if you speak figuratively, I have already told you that I have neither the means nor the skill sufficient to temper these religious heats. But if you design to say that there has been an actual apparition37 of the devil, I presume to think that you, with your doctrine38 and your learning, would be a fitter match for him than a soldier like me.”
“True, sir; and I have that confidence in the commission which I hold, that I would take the field against the foul39 fiend without a moment’s delay,” said Holdenough; “but the place in which he hath of late appeared, being Woodstock, is filled with those dangerous and impious persons, of whom I have been but now complaining; and though, confident in my own resources, I dare venture in disputation with their Great Master himself; yet without your protection, most worthy Colonel, I see not that I may with prudence41 trust myself with the tossing and goring42 ox Desborough, or the bloody43 and devouring45 bear Harrison, or the cold and poisonous snake Bletson — all of whom are now at the Lodge, doing license46 and taking spoil as they think meet; and, as all men say, the devil hath come to make a fourth with them.”
“In good truth, worthy and noble sir,” said the Mayor, “it is even as Master Holdenough says — our privileges are declared void, our cattle seized in the very pastures. They talk of cutting down and disparking the fair Chase, which has been so long the pleasure of so many kings, and making Woodstock of as little note as any paltry47 village. I assure you we heard of your arrival with joy, and wondered at your keeping yourself so close in your lodgings48. We know no one save your father or you, that are like to stand the poor burgesses’ friend in this extremity49, since almost all the gentry50 around are malignants, and under sequestration. We trust, therefore, you will make strong intercession in our behalf.”
“Certainly, Master Mayor,” said the Colonel, who saw himself with pleasure anticipated; “it was my very purpose to have interfered51 in this matter; and I did but keep myself alone until I should be furnished with some authority from the Lord-General.”
“Powers from the Lord-General!” said the Mayor, thrusting the clergy-man with his elbow —“Dost thou hear that? — What cock will fight that cock? — We shall carry it now over their necks, and Woodstock shall be brave Woodstock still!”
“Keep thine elbow from my side, friend,” said Holdenough, annoyed by the action which the Mayor had suited to his words; “and may the Lord send that Cromwell prove not as sharp to the people of England as thy bones against my person! Yet I approve that we should use his authority to stop the course of these men’s proceedings.”
“Let us set out, then,” said Colonel Everard; “and I trust we shall find the gentlemen reasonable and obedient.”
The functionaries53, laic and clerical, assented54 with much joy; and the Colonel required and received Wildrake’s assistance in putting on his cloak and rapier, as if he had been the dependent whose part he acted. The cavalier contrived55, however, while doing him these menial offices, to give his friend a shrewd pinch, in order to maintain the footing of secret equality betwixt them.
The Colonel was saluted56, as they passed through the streets, by many of the anxious inhabitants, who seemed to consider his intervention57 as affording the only chance of saving their fine Park, and the rights of the corporation, as well as of individuals, from ruin and confiscation58.
As they entered the Park, the Colonel asked his companions, “What is this you say of apparitions59 being seen amongst them?”
“Why, Colonel,” said the clergyman, “you know yourself that Woodstock was always haunted?”
“I have lived therein many a day,” said the Colonel; “and I know I never saw the least sign of it, although idle people spoke of the house as they do of all old mansions60, and gave the apartments ghosts and spectres to fill up the places of as many of the deceased great, as had ever dwelt there.”
“Nay, but, good Colonel,” said the clergyman, “I trust you have not reached the prevailing62 sin of the times, and become indifferent to the testimony63 in favour of apparitions, which appears so conclusive64 to all but atheists, and advocates for witches?”
“I would not absolutely disbelieve what is so generally affirmed,” said the Colonel; “but my reason leads me to doubt most of the stories which I have heard of this sort, and my own experience never went to confirm any of them.”
“Ay, but trust me,” said Holdenough, “there was always a demon65 of one or the other species about this Woodstock. Not a man or woman in the town but has heard stories of apparitions in the forest, or about the old castle. Sometimes it is a pack of hounds, that sweep along, and the whoops66 and halloos of the huntsmen, and the winding67 of horns and the galloping68 of horse, which is heard as if first more distant, and then close around you — and then anon it is a solitary69 huntsman, who asks if you can tell him which way the stag has gone. He is always dressed in green; but the fashion of his clothes is some five hundred years old. This is what we call Demon Meridianum — the noon-day spectre.”
“My worthy and reverend sir,” said the Colonel, “I have lived at Woodstock many seasons, and have traversed the Chase at all hours. Trust me, what you hear from the villagers is the growth of their idle folly70 and superstition71.”
“Colonel,” replied Holdenough, “a negative proves nothing. What signifies, craving72 your pardon, that you have not seen anything, be it earthly or be it of the other world, to detract from the evidence of a score of people who have? — And besides, there is the Demon Nocturnum — the being that walketh by night; he has been among these Independents and schismatics last night. Ay, Colonel, you may stare; but it is even so — they may try whether he will mend their gifts, as they profanely73 call them, of exposition and prayer. No, sir, I trow, to master the foul fiend there goeth some competent knowledge of theology, and an acquaintance of the humane74 letters, ay, and a regular clerical education and clerical calling.”
“I do not in the least doubt,” said the Colonel, “the efficacy of your qualifications to lay the devil; but still I think some odd mistake has occasioned this confusion amongst them, if there has any such in reality existed. Desborough is a blockhead, to be sure; and Harrison is fanatic75 enough to believe anything. But there is Bletson, on the other hand, who believes nothing. — What do you know of this matter, good Master Mayor?”
“In sooth, and it was Master Bletson who gave the first alarm,” replied the magistrate76; “or, at least, the first distinct one. You see, sir, I was in bed with my wife, and no one else; and I was as fast asleep as a man can desire to be at two hours after midnight, when, behold77 you, they came knocking at my bedroom door, to tell me there was an alarm in Woodstock, and that the bell of the Lodge was ringing at that dead hour of the night as hard as ever it rung when it called the court to dinner.”
“Well, but the cause of this alarm?” said the Colonel.
“You shall hear, worthy Colonel, you shall hear,” answered the Mayor, waving his hand with dignity; for he was one of those persons who will not be hurried out of their own pace. “So Mrs. Mayor would have persuaded me, in her love and affection, poor wretch78, that to rise at such an hour out of my own warm bed, was like to bring on my old complaint the lumbago, and that I should send the people to Alderman Dutton. — Alderman Devil, Mrs. Mayor, said I; — I beg your reverence’s pardon for using such a phrase — Do you think I am going to lie a-bed when the town is on fire, and the cavaliers up, and the devil to pay; — I beg pardon again, parson. — But here we are before the gate of the Palace; will it not please you to enter?”
“I would first hear the end of your story,” said the Colonel; “that is, Master Mayor, if it happens to have an end.”
“Every thing hath an end,” said the Mayor, “and that which we call a pudding hath two. — Your worship will forgive me for being facetious79. Where was I? — Oh, I jumped out of bed, and put on my red plush breeches, with the blue nether80 stocks, for I always make a point of being dressed suitably to my dignity, night and day, summer or winter, Colonel Everard; and I took the Constable81 along with me, in case the alarm should be raised by night-walkers or thieves, and called up worthy Master Holdenough out of his bed, in case it should turn out to be the devil. And so I thought I was provided for the worst, and so away we came; and, by and by, the soldiers who came to the town with Master Tomkins, who had been called to arms, came marching down to Woodstock as fast as their feet would carry them; so I gave our people the sign to let them pass us, and out-march us, as it were, and this for a twofold reason.”
“I will be satisfied,” interrupted the Colonel, “with one good reason. You desired the red-coats should have the first of the fray82?”
“True, sir, very true; — and also that they should have the last of it, in respect that fighting is their especial business. However, we came on at a slow pace, as men who are determined83 to do their duty without fear or favour, when suddenly we saw something white haste away up the avenue towards the town, when six of our constables84 and assistants fled at once, as conceiving it to be an apparition called the White Woman of Woodstock.”
“Look you there, Colonel,” said Master Holdenough, “I told you there were demons85 of more kinds than one, which haunt the ancient scenes of royal debauchery and cruelty.”
“I hope you stood your own ground, Master Mayor?” said the Colonel.
“I— yes — most assuredly — that is, I did not, strictly86 speaking, keep my ground; but the town-clerk and I retreated — retreated, Colonel, and without confusion or dishonour87, and took post behind worthy Master Holdenough, who, with the spirit of a lion, threw himself in the way of the supposed spectre, and attacked it with such a siserary of Latin as might have scared the devil himself, and thereby88 plainly discovered that it was no devil at all, nor white woman, neither woman of any colour, but worshipful Master Bletson, a member of the House of Commons, and one of the commissioners89 sent hither upon this unhappy sequestration of the Wood, Chase, and Lodge of Woodstock.”
“And this was all you saw of the demon?” said the Colonel.
“Truly, yes,” answered the Mayor; “and I had no wish to see more. However, we conveyed Master Bletson, as in duty bound, back to the Lodge, and he was ever maundering by the way how that he met a party of scarlet90 devils incarnate91 marching down to the Lodge; but, to my poor thinking, it must have been the Independent dragoons who had just passed us.”
“And more incarnate devils I would never wish to see,” said Wildrake, who could remain silent no longer. His voice, so suddenly heard, showed how much the Mayor’s nerves were still alarmed, far he started and jumped aside with an alacrity92 of which no one would at first sight suppose a man of his portly dignity to have been capable. Everard imposed silence on his intrusive93 attendant; and, desirous to hear the conclusion of this strange story, requested the Mayor to tell him how the matter ended, and whether they stopped the supposed spectre.
“Truly, worthy sir,” said the Mayor, “Master Holdenough was quite venturous upon confronting, as it were, the devil, and compelling him to appear under the real form of Master Joshua Bletson, member of Parliament for the borough of Littlefaith.”
“In sooth, Master Mayor,” said the divine, “I were strangely ignorant of my own commission and its immunities94, if I were to value opposing myself to Satan, or any Independent in his likeness95, all of whom, in the name of Him I serve, I do defy, spit at, and trample96 under my feet; and because Master Mayor is something tedious, I will briefly97 inform your honour that we saw little of the Enemy that night, save what Master Bletson said in the first feeling of his terrors, and save what we might collect from the disordered appearance of the Honourable Colonel Desborough and Major-General Harrison.”
“And what plight98 were they in, I pray you?” demanded the Colonel.
“Why, worthy sir, every one might see with half an eye that they had been engaged in a fight wherein they had not been honoured with perfect victory; seeing that General Harrison was stalking up and down the parlour, with his drawn99 sword in his hand, talking to himself, his doublet unbuttoned, his points untrussed, his garters loose, and like to throw him down as he now and then trode on them, and gaping101 and grinning like a mad player. And yonder sate102 Desborough with a dry pottle of sack before him, which he had just emptied, and which, though the element in which he trusted, had not restored him sense enough to speak, or courage enough to look over his shoulder. He had a Bible in his hand, forsooth, as if it would of itself make battle against the Evil One; but I peered over his shoulder, and, alas103! the good gentleman held the bottom of the page uppermost. It was as if one of your musketeers, noble and valued sir, were to present the butt100 of his piece at the enemy instead of the muzzle104 — ha, ha, ha! it was a sight to judge of schismatics by; both in point of head, and in point of heart, in point of skill, and in point of courage. Oh! Colonel, then was the time to see the true character of an authorised pastor of souls over those unhappy men, who leap into the fold without due and legal authority, and will, forsooth, preach, teach, and exhort105, and blasphemously106 term the doctrine of the Church saltless porridge and dry chips!”
“I have no doubt you were ready to meet the danger, reverend sir; but I would fain know of what nature it was, and from whence it was to be apprehended107?”
“Was it for me to make such inquiry108?” said the clergyman, triumphantly109. “Is it for a brave soldier to number his enemies, or inquire from what quarter they are to come? No, sir, I was there with match lighted, bullet in my mouth, and my harquebuss shouldered, to encounter as many devils as hell could pour in, were they countless110 as motes111 in the sunbeam, and although they came from all points of the compass. The Papists talk of the temptation of St. Anthony — pshaw! let them double all the myriads112 which the brain of a crazy Dutch painter hath invented, and you will find a poor Presbyterian divine — I will answer for one at least — who, not in his own strength, but his Master’s, will receive the assault in such sort, that far from returning against him as against yonder poor hound, day after day, and night after night, he will at once pack them off as with a vengeance113 to the uttermost parts of Assyria!”
“Still,” said the Colonel, “I pray to know whether you saw anything upon which to exercise your pious40 learning?”
“Saw?” answered the divine; “no, truly, I saw nothing, nor did I look for anything. Thieves will not attack well-armed travellers, nor will devils or evil spirits come against one who bears in his bosom114 the word of truth, in the very language in which it was first dictated115. No, sir, they shun116 a divine who can understand the holy text, as a crow is said to keep wide of a gun loaded with hailshot.”
They had walked a little way back upon their road, to give time for this conversation; and the Colonel, perceiving it was about to lead to no satisfactory explanation of the real cause of alarm on the preceding night, turned round, and observing it was time they should go to the Lodge, began to move in that direction with his three companions.
It had now become dark, and the towers of Woodstock arose high above the umbrageous117 shroud118 which the forest spread around the ancient and venerable mansion61. From one of the highest turrets120, which could still be distinguished121 as it rose against the clear blue sky, there gleamed a light like that of a candle within the building. The Mayor stopt short, and catching122 fast hold of the divine, and then of Colonel Everard, exclaimed, in a trembling and hasty, but suppressed tone,
“Do you see yonder light?”
“Ay, marry do I,” said Colonel Everard; “and what does that matter? — a light in a garret-room of such an old mansion as Woodstock is no subject of wonder, I trow.”
“But a light from Rosamond’s Tower is surely so,” said the Mayor.
“True,” said the Colonel, something surprised, when, after a careful examination, he satisfied himself that the worthy magistrate’s conjecture123 was right. “That is indeed Rosamond’s Tower; and as the drawbridge, by which it was accessible has been destroyed for centuries, it is hard to say what chance could have lighted a lamp in such an inaccessible124 place.”
“That light burns with no earthly fuel,” said the Mayor; “neither from whale nor olive oil, nor bees-wax, nor mutton-suet either. I dealt in these commodities, Colonel, before I went into my present line; and I can assure you I could distinguish the sort of light they give, one from another, at a greater distance than yonder turret119 — Look you, that is no earthly flame. — See you not something blue and reddish upon the edges? — that bodes125 full well where it comes from. — Colonel, in my opinion we had better go back to sup at the town, and leave the Devil and the red-coats to settle their matters together for to-night; and then when we come back the next morning, we will have a pull with the party that chances to keep a-field.”
“You will do as you please, Master Mayor,” said Everard, “but my duty requires me that I should see the Commissioners to-night.”
“And mine requires me to see the foul Fiend,” said Master Holdenough, “if he dare make himself visible to me. I wonder not that, knowing who is approaching, he betakes himself to the very citadel126, the inner and the last defences of this ancient and haunted mansion. He is dainty, I warrant you, and must dwell where is a relish127 of luxury and murder about the walls of his chamber128. In yonder turret sinned Rosamond, and in yonder turret she suffered; and there she sits, or more likely, the Enemy in her shape, as I have heard true men of Woodstock tell. I wait on you, good Colonel — Master Mayor will do as he pleases. The strong man hath fortified129 himself in his dwelling-house, but lo, there cometh another stronger than he.”
“For me,” said the Mayor, “who am as unlearned as I am unwarlike, I will not engage either — with the Powers of the Earth, or the Prince of the Powers of the Air, and I would we were again at Woodstock; — and hark ye, good fellow,” slapping Wildrake on the shoulder, “I will bestow130 on thee a shilling wet and a shilling dry if thou wilt131 go back with me.”
“Gadzookers, Master Mayor,” said, Wildrake, neither flattered by the magistrate’s familiarity of address, nor captivated by his munificence132 — “I wonder who the devil made you and me fellows? and, besides, do you think I would go back to Woodstock with your worshipful cods-head, when, by good management, I may get a peep of fair Rosamond, and see whether she was that choice and incomparable piece of ware14, which the world has been told of by rhymers and ballad-makers?”
“Speak less lightly and wantonly, friend,” said the divine; “we are to resist the devil that he may flee from us, and not to tamper133 with him, or enter into his counsels, or traffic with the merchandise of his great Vanity Fair.”
“Mind what the good man says, Wildrake,” said the Colonel; “and take heed134 another time how thou dost suffer thy wit to outrun discretion135.”
“I am beholden to the reverend gentleman for his advice,” answered Wildrake, upon whose tongue it was difficult to impose any curb136 whatever, even when his own safety rendered it most desirable. “But, gadzookers, let him have had what experience he will in fighting with the Devil, he never saw one so black as I had a tussle137 with — not a hundred years ago.”
“How, friend,” said the clergyman, who understood every thing literally138 when apparitions were mentioned, “have you had so late a visitation of Satan? Believe me, then, that I wonder why thou darest to entertain his name so often and so lightly, as I see thou dost use it in thy ordinary discourse139. But when and where didst thou see the Evil One?”
Everard hastily interposed, lest by something yet more strongly alluding140 to Cromwell, his imprudent squire141 should, in mere142 wantonness, betray his interview with the General. “The young man raves,” he said, “of a dream which he had the other night, when he and I slept together in Victor Lee’s chamber, belonging to the Ranger’s apartments at the Lodge.”
“Thanks for help at a pinch, good patron,” said Wildrake, whispering into Everard’s ear, who in vain endeavoured to shake him off — “a fib never failed a fanatic.”
“You, also, spoke something too lightly of these matters, considering the work which we have in hand, worthy Colonel,” said the Presbyterian divine. “Believe me, the young man, thy servant, was more likely to see visions than to dream merely idle dreams in that apartment; for I have always heard, that, next to Rosamond’s Tower, in which, as I said, she played the wanton, and was afterwards poisoned by Queen Eleanor, Victor Lee’s chamber was the place in the Lodge of Woodstock more peculiarly the haunt of evil spirits. — I pray you, young man, tell me this dream or vision of yours.”
“With all my heart, sir,” said Wildrake — then addressing his patron, who began to interfere52, he said, “Tush, sir, you have had the discourse for an hour, and why should not I hold forth in my turn? By this darkness, if you keep me silent any longer, I will turn Independent preacher, and stand up in your despite for the freedom of private judgment143. — And so, reverend sir, I was dreaming of a carnal divertisement called a bull-baiting; and methought they were venturing dogs at head, as merrily as e’er I saw them at Tutbury bull-running; and methought I heard some one say, there was the Devil come to have a sight of the bull-ring. Well, I thought that, gadswoons, I would have a peep at his Infernal Majesty144. So I looked, and there was a butcher in greasy145 woollen, with his steel by his side; but he was none of the Devil. And there was a drunken cavalier, with his mouth full of oaths, and his stomach full of emptiness, and a gold-laced waistcoat in a very dilapidated condition, and a ragged146 hat — with a piece of a feather in it; and he was none of the Devil neither. And here was a miller147, his hands dusty with meal, and every atom of it stolen; and there was a vintner, his green apron148 stained with wine, and every drop of it sophisticated; but neither was the old gentleman I looked for to be detected among these artisans of iniquity149. At length, sir, I saw a grave person with cropped hair, a pair of longish and projecting ears, a band as broad as a slobbering bib under his chin, a brown coat surmounted150 by a Geneva cloak, and I had old Nicholas at once in his genuine paraphernalia151, by —.”
“Shame, shame!” said Colonel Everard. “What! behave thus to an old gentleman and a divine!”
“Nay, let him proceed,” said the minister, with perfect equanimity152: “if thy friend, or secretary, is gibing153, I must have less patience than becomes my profession, if I could not bear an idle jest, and forgive him who makes it. Or if, on the other hand, the Enemy has really presented himself to the young man in such a guise154 as he intimates, wherefore should we be surprised that he, who can take upon him the form of an angel of light, should be able to assume that of a frail155 and peaceable mortal, whose spiritual calling and profession ought, indeed, to induce him to make his life an example to others; but whose conduct, nevertheless, such is the imperfection of our unassisted nature, sometimes rather presents us with a warning of what we should shun?”
“Now, by the mass, honest domine — I mean reverend sir — I crave156 you a thousand pardons,” said Wildrake, penetrated157 by the quietness and patience of the presbyter’s rebuke158. “By St. George, if quiet patience will do it, thou art fit to play a game at foils with the Devil himself, and I would be contented159 to hold stakes.”
As he concluded an apology, which was certainly not uncalled for, and seemed to be received in perfectly160 good part, they approached so close to the exterior161 door of the Lodge, that they were challenged with the emphatic162 Stand, by a sentinel who mounted guard there. Colonel Everard replied, A friend; and the sentinel repeating his command, “Stand, friend,” proceeded to call the corporal of the guard. The corporal came forth, and at the same time turned out his guard. Colonel Everard gave his name and designation, as well as those of his companions, on which the corporal said, “he doubted not there would be orders for his instant admission; but, in the first place, Master Tomkins must be consulted, that he might learn their honours’ mind.”
“How, sir!” said the Colonel, “do you, knowing who I am, presume to keep me on the outside of your post?”
“Not if your honour pleases to enter,” said the corporal, “and undertakes to be my warranty163; but such are the orders of my post.”
“Nay, then, do your duty,” said the Colonel; “but are the cavaliers up, or what is the matter, that you keep so close and strict a watch?”
The fellow gave no distinct answer, but muttered between his mustaches something about the Enemy, and the roaring Lion who goeth about seeking whom he may devour44. Presently afterwards Tomkins appeared, followed by two servants, bearing lights in great standing164 brass165 candlesticks. They marched before Colonel Everard and his party, keeping as close to each other as two cloves166 of the same orange, and starting from time to time; and shuddering167 as they passed through sundry168 intricate passages, they led up a large and ample wooden staircase, the banisters, rail, and lining169 of which were executed in black oak, and finally into a long saloon, or parlour, where there was a prodigious170 fire, and about twelve candles of the largest size distributed in sconces against the wall. There were seated the Commissioners, who now held in their power the ancient mansion and royal domain171 of Woodstock.
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ass
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| n.驴；傻瓜，蠢笨的人 | |
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prodigy
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| n.惊人的事物，奇迹，神童，天才，预兆 | |
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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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4
assent
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| v.批准，认可；n.批准，认可 | |
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5
bustling
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| adj.喧闹的 | |
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6
embarrassment
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| n.尴尬；使人为难的人(事物)；障碍；窘迫 | |
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mingled
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| 混合，混入( mingle的过去式和过去分词 )； 混进，与…交往[联系] | |
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worthy
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| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
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transacted
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| v.办理（业务等）( transact的过去式和过去分词 )；交易，谈判 | |
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borough
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| n.享有自治权的市镇；(英)自治市镇 | |
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ethnic
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| adj.人种的，种族的，异教徒的 | |
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12
harry
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| vt.掠夺，蹂躏，使苦恼 | |
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13
pastor
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| n.牧师，牧人 | |
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14
ware
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| n.(常用复数)商品，货物 | |
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15
turmoils
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| n.混乱( turmoil的名词复数 )；焦虑 | |
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16
Christian
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| adj.基督教徒的；n.基督教徒 | |
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17
piety
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| n.虔诚，虔敬 | |
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18
blasphemies
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| n.对上帝的亵渎，亵渎的言词[行为]( blasphemy的名词复数 )；侮慢的言词（或行为） | |
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19
schisms
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| n.教会分立，分裂( schism的名词复数 ) | |
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20
heresies
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| n.异端邪说，异教( heresy的名词复数 ) | |
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21
honourable
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| adj.可敬的；荣誉的，光荣的 | |
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22
winking
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| n.瞬眼，目语v.使眼色( wink的现在分词 )；递眼色（表示友好或高兴等）；（指光）闪烁；闪亮 | |
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23
connivance
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| n.纵容；默许 | |
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24
instructors
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| 指导者，教师( instructor的名词复数 ) | |
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25
zealous
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| adj.狂热的，热心的 | |
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26
discords
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| 不和（discord的复数形式） | |
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27
fiery
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| adj.燃烧着的，火红的；暴躁的；激烈的 | |
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28
foam
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| v./n.泡沫，起泡沫 | |
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29
proceedings
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| n.进程，过程，议程；诉讼(程序)；公报 | |
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30
attire
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| v.穿衣，装扮[同]array；n.衣着；盛装 | |
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31
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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32
lawful
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| adj.法律许可的，守法的，合法的 | |
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33
lodge
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| v.临时住宿，寄宿，寄存，容纳；n.传达室，小旅馆 | |
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34
brats
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| n.调皮捣蛋的孩子( brat的名词复数 ) | |
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35
akin
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| adj.同族的，类似的 | |
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36
sects
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| n.宗派，教派( sect的名词复数 ) | |
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37
apparition
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| n.幽灵，神奇的现象 | |
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38
doctrine
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| n.教义；主义；学说 | |
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39
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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40
pious
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| adj.虔诚的；道貌岸然的 | |
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41
prudence
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| n.谨慎，精明，节俭 | |
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42
goring
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| v.（动物）用角撞伤，用牙刺破( gore的现在分词 ) | |
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43
bloody
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| adj.非常的的；流血的；残忍的；adv.很；vt.血染 | |
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44
devour
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| v.吞没；贪婪地注视或谛听，贪读；使着迷 | |
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45
devouring
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| 吞没( devour的现在分词 )； 耗尽； 津津有味地看； 狼吞虎咽地吃光 | |
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46
license
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| n.执照，许可证，特许；v.许可，特许 | |
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47
paltry
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| adj.无价值的，微不足道的 | |
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48
lodgings
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| n. 出租的房舍, 寄宿舍 | |
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49
extremity
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| n.末端，尽头；尽力；终极；极度 | |
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50
gentry
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| n.绅士阶级，上层阶级 | |
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51
interfered
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| v.干预( interfere的过去式和过去分词 )；调停；妨碍；干涉 | |
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52
interfere
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| v.(in)干涉，干预；(with)妨碍，打扰 | |
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53
functionaries
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| n.公职人员，官员( functionary的名词复数 ) | |
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54
assented
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| 同意，赞成( assent的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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55
contrived
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| adj.不自然的，做作的；虚构的 | |
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56
saluted
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| v.欢迎，致敬( salute的过去式和过去分词 )；赞扬，赞颂 | |
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57
intervention
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| n.介入，干涉，干预 | |
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58
confiscation
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| n. 没收, 充公, 征收 | |
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59
apparitions
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| n.特异景象( apparition的名词复数 )；幽灵；鬼；（特异景象等的）出现 | |
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60
mansions
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| n.宅第，公馆，大厦( mansion的名词复数 ) | |
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61
mansion
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| n.大厦，大楼；宅第 | |
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62
prevailing
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| adj.盛行的；占优势的；主要的 | |
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63
testimony
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| n.证词；见证，证明 | |
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64
conclusive
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| adj.最后的，结论的；确凿的，消除怀疑的 | |
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65
demon
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| n.魔鬼，恶魔 | |
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66
whoops
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| int.呼喊声 | |
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67
winding
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| n.绕，缠，绕组，线圈 | |
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68
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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69
solitary
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| adj.孤独的，独立的，荒凉的；n.隐士 | |
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70
folly
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| n.愚笨，愚蠢，蠢事，蠢行，傻话 | |
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71
superstition
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| n.迷信，迷信行为 | |
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72
craving
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| n.渴望,热望 | |
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73
profanely
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| adv.渎神地，凡俗地 | |
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74
humane
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| adj.人道的，富有同情心的 | |
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75
fanatic
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| n.狂热者，入迷者；adj.狂热入迷的 | |
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76
magistrate
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| n.地方行政官，地方法官，治安官 | |
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77
behold
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| v.看，注视，看到 | |
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78
wretch
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| n.可怜的人，不幸的人；卑鄙的人 | |
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79
facetious
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| adj.轻浮的，好开玩笑的 | |
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80
nether
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| adj.下部的，下面的；n.阴间；下层社会 | |
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81
constable
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| n.(英国)警察，警官 | |
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82
fray
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| v.争吵；打斗；磨损，磨破；n.吵架；打斗 | |
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83
determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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84
constables
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| n.警察( constable的名词复数 ) | |
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85
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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86
strictly
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| adv.严厉地，严格地；严密地 | |
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87
dishonour
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| n./vt.拒付（支票、汇票、票据等）；vt.凌辱，使丢脸；n.不名誉，耻辱，不光彩 | |
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88
thereby
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| adv.因此，从而 | |
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89
commissioners
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| n.专员( commissioner的名词复数 )；长官；委员；政府部门的长官 | |
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90
scarlet
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| n.深红色，绯红色，红衣；adj.绯红色的 | |
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91
incarnate
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| adj.化身的，人体化的，肉色的 | |
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92
alacrity
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| n.敏捷，轻快，乐意 | |
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93
intrusive
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| adj.打搅的；侵扰的 | |
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94
immunities
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| 免除，豁免( immunity的名词复数 )； 免疫力 | |
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95
likeness
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| n.相像，相似（之处） | |
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96
trample
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| vt.踩，践踏；无视，伤害，侵犯 | |
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97
briefly
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| adv.简单地，简短地 | |
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98
plight
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| n.困境，境况，誓约，艰难；vt.宣誓，保证，约定 | |
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99
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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100
butt
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| n.笑柄；烟蒂；枪托；臀部；v.用头撞或顶 | |
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101
gaping
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| adj.口的；张口的；敞口的；多洞穴的v.目瞪口呆地凝视( gape的现在分词 )；张开，张大 | |
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102
sate
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| v.使充分满足 | |
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103
alas
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| int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等) | |
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104
muzzle
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| n.鼻口部；口套；枪(炮)口；vt.使缄默 | |
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105
exhort
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| v.规劝，告诫 | |
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106
blasphemously
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107
apprehended
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| 逮捕，拘押( apprehend的过去式和过去分词 )； 理解 | |
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108
inquiry
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| n.打听，询问，调查，查问 | |
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109
triumphantly
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| ad.得意洋洋地；得胜地；成功地 | |
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110
countless
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| adj.无数的，多得不计其数的 | |
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111
motes
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| n.尘埃( mote的名词复数 )；斑点 | |
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112
myriads
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| n.无数，极大数量( myriad的名词复数 ) | |
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113
vengeance
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| n.报复，报仇，复仇 | |
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114
bosom
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| n.胸，胸部；胸怀；内心；adj.亲密的 | |
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115
dictated
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| v.大声讲或读( dictate的过去式和过去分词 )；口授；支配；摆布 | |
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116
shun
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| vt.避开，回避，避免 | |
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117
umbrageous
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| adj.多荫的 | |
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118
shroud
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| n.裹尸布，寿衣；罩，幕；vt.覆盖，隐藏 | |
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119
turret
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| n.塔楼，角塔 | |
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120
turrets
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| （六角）转台( turret的名词复数 )； （战舰和坦克等上的）转动炮塔； （摄影机等上的）镜头转台； （旧时攻城用的）塔车 | |
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121
distinguished
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| adj.卓越的，杰出的，著名的 | |
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122
catching
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| adj.易传染的，有魅力的，迷人的，接住 | |
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123
conjecture
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| n./v.推测，猜测 | |
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124
inaccessible
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| adj.达不到的，难接近的 | |
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125
bodes
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| v.预示，预告，预言( bode的第三人称单数 )；等待，停留( bide的过去分词 )；居住；（过去式用bided）等待 | |
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126
citadel
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| n.城堡；堡垒；避难所 | |
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127
relish
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| n.滋味，享受，爱好，调味品；vt.加调味料，享受，品味；vi.有滋味 | |
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128
chamber
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| n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所 | |
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129
fortified
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| adj. 加强的 | |
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130
bestow
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| v.把…赠与，把…授予；花费 | |
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131
wilt
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| v.(使)植物凋谢或枯萎；(指人)疲倦，衰弱 | |
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132
munificence
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| n.宽宏大量，慷慨给与 | |
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133
tamper
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| v.干预，玩弄，贿赂，窜改，削弱，损害 | |
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heed
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| v.注意，留意；n.注意，留心 | |
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135
discretion
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| n.谨慎；随意处理 | |
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136
curb
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| n.场外证券市场，场外交易；vt.制止，抑制 | |
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137
tussle
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| n.&v.扭打，搏斗，争辩 | |
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138
literally
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| adv.照字面意义，逐字地；确实 | |
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139
discourse
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| n.论文，演说；谈话；话语；vi.讲述，著述 | |
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140
alluding
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| 提及，暗指( allude的现在分词 ) | |
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141
squire
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| n.护卫, 侍从, 乡绅 | |
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142
mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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143
judgment
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| n.审判；判断力，识别力，看法，意见 | |
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144
majesty
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| n.雄伟，壮丽，庄严，威严；最高权威，王权 | |
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145
greasy
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| adj. 多脂的，油脂的 | |
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146
ragged
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| adj.衣衫褴褛的，粗糙的，刺耳的 | |
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147
miller
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| n.磨坊主 | |
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148
apron
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| n.围裙；工作裙 | |
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149
iniquity
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| n.邪恶；不公正 | |
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150
surmounted
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| 战胜( surmount的过去式和过去分词 )； 克服（困难）； 居于…之上； 在…顶上 | |
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151
paraphernalia
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| n.装备；随身用品 | |
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152
equanimity
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| n.沉着，镇定 | |
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153
gibing
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| adj.讥刺的，嘲弄的v.嘲笑，嘲弄( gibe的现在分词 ) | |
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154
guise
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| n.外表，伪装的姿态 | |
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155
frail
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| adj.身体虚弱的；易损坏的 | |
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156
crave
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| vt.渴望得到，迫切需要，恳求，请求 | |
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157
penetrated
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| adj. 击穿的，鞭辟入里的 动词penetrate的过去式和过去分词形式 | |
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158
rebuke
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| v.指责，非难，斥责 [反]praise | |
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159
contented
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| adj.满意的，安心的，知足的 | |
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160
perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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161
exterior
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| adj.外部的，外在的；表面的 | |
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162
emphatic
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| adj.强调的，着重的；无可置疑的，明显的 | |
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163
warranty
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| n.担保书，证书，保单 | |
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164
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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165
brass
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| n.黄铜；黄铜器，铜管乐器 | |
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166
cloves
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| n.丁香（热带树木的干花，形似小钉子，用作调味品，尤用作甜食的香料）( clove的名词复数 )；蒜瓣(a garlic ~|a ~of garlic) | |
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167
shuddering
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| v.战栗( shudder的现在分词 )；发抖；（机器、车辆等）突然震动；颤动 | |
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168
sundry
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| adj.各式各样的，种种的 | |
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169
lining
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| n.衬里，衬料 | |
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170
prodigious
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| adj.惊人的，奇妙的；异常的；巨大的；庞大的 | |
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domain
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| n.(活动等)领域，范围；领地，势力范围 | |
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