They could hardly be other in kind, than those which a traveller might incur9 in Papua, or Central Africa, or in the North-West Passage. They could have none of that wholly novel, strange, incalculable character which sometimes had given to the chances of my etherial voyage a vague horror and mystery that appalled10 imagination. For the first time during my journey I could neither eat nor sleep; yet I must do both. I might soon meet with difficulties and dangers that would demand all the resources of perfect physical and mental condition, with heavy calls on the utmost powers of nerve and muscle. I forced myself, therefore, to sup and to slumber11, resorting for the first time in many years to the stimulus12 of brandy for the one purpose, and to the aid of authypnotism for the other. When I woke it was 8h. by my chronometer13, and, as I inferred, about 5h. after midnight of the Martial14 meridian15 on which I lay. Sleep had given me an appetite for breakfast, and necessary practical employment calmed the excitement natural to my situation. My first care, after making ready to quit the Astronaut as soon as the light around should render it safe to venture into scenes so much more utterly16 strange, unfamiliar17, and unknown than the wildest of the yet unexplored deserts of the Earth, was to ascertain18 the character of the atmosphere which I was presently to breathe. Did it contain the oxygen essential to Tellurian lungs? Was it, if capable of respiration19, dense20 enough to sustain life like mine? I extracted the plug from the tubular aperture21 through which I had pumped in the extra quantity of air that the Astronaut contained; and substituted the sliding valve I had arranged for the purpose, with a small hole which, by adjustment to the tube, would give the means of regulating the air-passage at pleasure. The difficulty of this simple work, and the tremendous outward pressure of the air, showed that the external atmosphere was very thin indeed. This I had anticipated. Gravity on the surface of Mars is less than half what it is on Earth; the total mass of the planet is as two to fifteen. It was consequently to be expected that the extent of the Martial atmosphere, and its density22 even at the sea-level, would be far less than on the heavier planet. Rigging the air-pump securely round the aperture, exhausting its chamber23, and permitting the Martial air to fill it, I was glad to find a pressure equal to that which prevails at a height of 16,000 feet on Earth. Chemical tests showed the presence of oxygen in somewhat greater proportion than in the purest air of terrestrial mountains. It would sustain life, therefore, and without serious injury, if the change from a dense to a light atmosphere were not too suddenly made. I determined24 then gradually to diminish the density of the internal atmosphere to something not very much greater than that outside. For this purpose I unrigged the air-pump apparatus25, and almost, but not quite, closed the valve, leaving an aperture about the twentieth part of an inch in diameter. The silence was instantly broken by a whistle the shrillest and loudest I had ever heard; the dense compressed atmosphere of the Astronaut rushing out with a force which actually created a draught26 through the whole vessel27, to the great discomfiture28 of the birds, which roughed their feathers and fluttered about in dismay. The pressure gauge29 fell with astonishing rapidity, despite the minuteness of the aperture; and in a few minutes indicated about 24 barometrical30 inches. I then checked the exit of the air for a time, while I proceeded to loosen the cement around the window by which I had entered, and prepared for my exit. Over a very light flannel31 under-vesture I put on a mail-shirt of fine close-woven wire, which had turned the edge of Mahratta tulwars, repelled32 the thrust of a Calabrian stiletto, and showed no mark of three carbine bullets fired point-blank. Over this I wore a suit of grey broadcloth, and a pair of strong boots over woollen socks, prepared for cold and damp as well as for the heat of a sun shining perpendicularly33 through an Alpine34 atmosphere. I had nearly equalised the atmospheric35 pressure within and without, at about 17 inches, before the first beams of dawn shone upward on the ceiling of the Astronaut. A few minutes later I stepped forth36 on the platform, some two hundred yards in circumference37, whereon the vessel rested. The mist immediately around me was fast dispersing39; five hundred feet below it still concealed40 everything. On three sides descent was barred by sheer precipices43; on the fourth a steep slope promised a practicable path, at least as far as my eye could reach. I placed the weaker and smaller of my birds in portable cages, and then commenced my experiment by taking out a strong-winged cuckoo and throwing him downwards44 over the precipice42. He fell at first almost like a stone; but before he was quite lost to sight in the mist, I had the pleasure of seeing that he had spread his wings, and was able to sustain himself. As the mist was gradually dissolving, I now ventured to begin my descent, carrying my bird-cages, and dismissing the larger birds, several of which, however, persistently45 clung about me. I had secured on my back an air-gun, arranged to fire sixteen balls in succession without reloading, while in my belt, scabbarded in a leathern sheath, I had placed a well and often tried two-edged sword. I found the way practicable, though not easy, till I reached a point about 1000 feet below the summit, where farther progress in the same direction was barred by an abrupt46 and impassable cleft47 some hundred feet deep. To the right, however, the mountain side seemed to present a safe and sufficiently48 direct descent. The sun was a full hour above the horizon, and the mist was almost gone. Still I had seen no signs of animal life, save, at some distance and in rapid motion, two or three swarms49 of flying insects, not much resembling any with which I was acquainted. The vegetation, mostly small, was of a yellowish colour, the flowers generally red, varied50 by occasional examples of dull green and white; the latter, however, presenting that sort of creamy tinge51 which I had remarked in the snow. Here I released and dismissed my birds one by one. The stronger and more courageous flew away downwards, and soon disappeared; the weakest, trembling and shivering, evidently suffering from the thinness of the atmosphere, hung about me or perched upon the cages.
The scene I now contemplated52 was exceedingly novel and striking. The sky, instead of the brilliant azure53 of a similar latitude54 on earth, presented to my eye a vault55 of pale green, closely analogous56 to that olive tint57 which the effect of contrast often throws over a small portion of clear sky distinguished58 among the golden and rose-coloured clouds of a sunset in our temperate59 zones.
The vapours which still hung around the north-eastern and south-eastern horizon, though dispelled60 from the immediate38 vicinity of the Sun, were tinged61 with crimson62 and gold much deeper than the tints63 peculiar64 to an earthly twilight65. The Sun himself, when seen by the naked eye, was as distinctly golden as our harvest moon; and the whole landscape, terrestrial, aerial, and celestial66, appeared as if bathed in a golden light, wearing generally that warm summer aspect peculiar to Tellurian landscapes when seen through glass of a rich yellow tint. It was a natural inference from all I saw that there takes place in the Martial atmosphere an absorption of the blue rays which gives to the sunlight a predominant tinge of yellow or orange. The small rocky plateau on which I stood, like the whole of the mountainside I had descended67, faced the extremity68 of the range of which this mountain was an outpost; and the valley which separated them was not from my present position visible. I saw that I should have to turn my back upon this part of the landscape as I descended farther, and therefore took note at this point of the aspect it presented. The most prominent object was a white peak in the distant sky, rising to a height above my actual level, which I estimated conjecturally69 at 25,000 feet, guessing the distance at fifty miles. The summit was decidedly more angular and pointed70, less softened71 in outline by atmospheric influences, than those of mountains on Earth. Beyond this in the farthest distance appeared two or three peaks still higher, but of which, of course, only the summits were visible to me. On this side of the central peak an apparently72 continuous double ridge73 extended to within three miles of my station, exceedingly irregular in level, the highest elevations74 being perhaps 20,000, the lowest visible depressions 3000 feet above me. There appeared to be a line of perpetual snow, though in many places above, this line patches of yellow appeared, the nearer of which were certainly and the more distant must be inferred to be covered with a low, close herbaceous vegetation. The lower slopes were entirely75 clothed with yellow or reddish foliage76. Between the woods and snow-line lay extensive pastures or meadows, if they might be so called, though I saw nothing whatever that at all resembled the grass of similar regions on Earth. Whatever foliage I saw—as yet I had not passed near anything that could be called a tree, and very few shrubs—consisted distinctly of leaves analogous to those of our deciduous77 trees, chiefly of three shapes: a sort of square rounded at the angles, with short projecting fingers; an oval, slightly pointed where it joined the stalk; and lanceolate or sword-like blades of every size, from two inches to four feet in length. Nearly all were of a dull yellow or copper-red tinge. None were as fine as the beech-leaf, none succulent or fleshy; nothing resembling the blades of grass or the bristles78 of the pine and cedar79 tribes was visible.
My path now wound steadily80 downward at a slope of perhaps one in eight along the hillside, obliging me to turn my back to the mountains, while my view in front was cut off by a sharp cross-jutting ridge immediately, before me. By the time I turned this, all my birds had deserted81 me, and I was not, I think, more than 2000 feet from the valley below. Just before reaching this point I first caught sight of a Martial animal. A little creature, not much bigger than a rabbit, itself of a sort of sandy-yellow colour, bounded from among some yellow herbage by my feet, and hopped82 or sprang in the manner of a kangaroo down the steep slope on my left. When I turned the ridge, a wide and quite new landscape burst upon my sight. I was looking upon an extensive plain, the continuation apparently of a valley of which the mountain range formed the southern limit. To the southward this plain was bounded by the sea, bathed in the peculiar light I have tried to describe, and lying in what seemed from this distance a glassy calm. To eastward83 and northward84 the plain extended to the horizon, and doubtless far beyond it; while from the valley north of the mountain range emerged a broad river, winding85 through the plain till it was lost at the horizon. Plain I have called it, but I do not mean to imply that it was by any means level. On the contrary, its surface was broken by undulations, and here and there by hills, but all so much lower than the point on which I stood that the general effect was that of an almost flat surface. And now the question of habitation, and of human habitation, seemed to be solved. Looking through my field-glass, I saw, following the windings86 of the river, what must surely be a road; serving also, perhaps, as an embankment, since it was raised many feet above the level of the stream. It seemed, too, that the plain was cultivated. Everywhere appeared extensive patches, each of a single colour, in every tint between deep red and yellowish green, and so distinctly rectangular in form as irresistibly87 to suggest the idea of artificial, if not human, arrangement. But there were other features of the scene that dispelled all doubt upon this point. Immediately to the south-eastward, and about twenty miles from where I stood, a deep arm of the sea ran up into the land, and upon the shores of this lay what was unquestionably a city. It had nothing that looked like fortifications, and even at this distance I could discern that its streets were of remarkable88 width, with few or no buildings so high as mosques89, churches, State-offices, or palaces in Tellurian cities. Their colours were most various and brilliant, as if reflected from metallic90 surfaces; and on the waters of the bay itself rode what I could not doubt to be ships or rafts. More immediately beneath me, and scattered91 at intervals92 over the entire plain, clustering more closely in the vicinity of the city, were walled enclosures, and in the centre of each was what could hardly be anything but a house, though not apparently more than twelve or fourteen feet high, and covering a space sufficient for an European or even American street or square. Upon the lower slopes of the hill whereon I stood were moving figures, which, seen through the binocular, proved to be animals; probably domestic animals, since they never ranged very far, and presented none of those signs of watchfulness94 and alarm which are peculiar to creatures not protected by man from their less destructive enemies, and taught to lay aside their dread95 of man himself. I had descended, then, not only into an inhabited world—not only into a world of men, who, however they might differ in outward form, must resemble in their wants, ideas, and habits, in short, in mind if not in body, the lords of my own planet—but into a civilised world and among a race living under a settled order, cultivating the soil, and taming the brutes96 to their service.
And now, as I came on lower ground, I found at each step new objects of curiosity and interest. A tree with dark-yellowish leaves, taller than most timber trees on Earth, bore at the end of drooping97 twigs98 large dark-red fruits—fruits with a rind something like that of a pomegranate, save for the colour and hardness, and about the size of a shaddock or melon. One of these, just within reach of my hand, I gathered, but found it impossible to break the thin, dry rind or shell, without the aid of a knife. Having pierced this, a stream of red juice gushed99 out, which had a sweet taste and a strong flavour, not unlike the juice expressed from cherries, but darker in colour. Dissecting100 the fruit completely, I found it parted by a membrane101, essentially102 of the same nature as the rind, but much thinner and rather tough than hard, into sixteen segments, like those of an orange divided across the middle, each of which enclosed a seed. These seeds were all joined at the centre, but easily separated. They were of a yellow colour and about as large as an almond kernel103. Some fruits that, being smaller, I concluded to be less ripe, were of a reddish-yellow. After walking for about a mile through a grove104 of such trees, always tending downwards, I came to another of more varied character. The most prevalent tree here was of lower stature105 and with leaves of great length and comparatively narrow, the fruit of which, though protected by a somewhat similar rind, was of rich golden colour, not so easily seen among the yellowish leaves, and contained one solid kernel of about the size of an almond, enclosed entirely in a sort of spongy material, very palatable106 to the taste, and resembling more the inside of roasted maize107 than any other familiar vegetable. As I emerged entirely from the grove, I came upon a ditch about twice as broad as deep. On Earth I certainly could not have leaped it; but since landing on Mars, I had forgotten the weightless life of the Astronaut, and felt as if on Earth, but enjoying great increase of strength and energy; and with these sensations had come instinctively108 an exalted110 confidence in my physical powers. I took, therefore, a vigorous run, and leaping with all my strength, landed, somewhat to my own surprise, a full yard on the other side of the ditch.
Having done so, I found myself in what was beyond doubt a cultivated field, producing nothing but one crimson-coloured plant, about a foot in height. This carpeted the soil with broad leaves shaped something like those of the laurel, and in colour exactly resembling a withered111 laurel leaf, but somewhat thicker, more metallic and brighter in appearance, and perfectly112 free from the bitter taste of the bay tribe. At a little distance I saw half-a-dozen animals somewhat resembling antelopes113, but on a second glance still more resembling the fabled114 unicorn115. They were like the latter, at all events, in the single particular from which it derived116 its name: they had one horn, about eight inches in length, intensely sharp, smooth and firm in texture117 as ivory, but marbled with vermilion and cream white. Their skins were cream-coloured, dappled with dark red. Their ears were large and protected by a lap which fell down so as to shelter the interior part of the organ, but which they had not quite lost the power to erect118 at the approach of a sound that startled them. They looked up at me, at first without alarm, afterwards with some surprise, and presently bounded away; as if my appearance, at first familiar, had, on a closer examination, presented some unusual particulars, frightening them, as everything unusual frightens even those domestic animals on Earth best acquainted with man and most accustomed to his caprices. I noticed that all were female, and their abnormally large udders suggested that they were domestic creatures kept for their milk. Not being able to see a path through the field, I went straight forward, endeavouring to trample119 the pasture as little as I could, but being surprised to remark how very little the plants had been injured by the feet of the animals. The leaves had been grazed, but the stems were seldom or never broken. In fact, the animals seemed to have gathered their food as man would do, with an intelligent or instinctive109 care not to injure the plant so as to deprive it of the power of reproducing their sustenance120.
In another minute I discerned the object of my paramount121 interest, of whose vicinity I had thus far seen nearly every imaginable evidence except himself. It was undoubtedly122 a man, but a man very much smaller than myself. His eyes were fixed123 upon the ground as if in reverie, and he did not perceive me till I had come within fifty yards of him, so that I had full time to remark the peculiarities124 of his form and appearance. He was about four feet eight or nine inches in height, with legs that seemed short in proportion to the length and girth of the body, but only because, as was apparent on more careful scrutiny125, the chest was proportionately both longer and wider than in our race; otherwise he greatly resembled the fairer families of the Aryan breed, the Swede or German. The yellow hair, unshaven beard, whiskers, and moustache were all close and short. The dress consisted of a sort of blouse and short pantaloons, of some soft woven fabric126, and of a vermilion colour. The head was protected from the rays of an equatorial sun by a species of light turban, from which hung down a short shade or veil sheltering the neck and forehead. His bare feet were guarded by sandals of some flexible material just covering the toes and bound round the ankle by a single thong127. He carried no weapon, not even a staff; and I therefore felt that there was no immediate danger from him. On seeing me he started as with intense surprise and not a little alarm, and turned to run. Size and length of limb, however, gave me immense advantage in this respect, and in less than a minute I had come up with and laid my hand upon him.
He looked up at me, scanning my face with earnest curiosity. I took from my pocket first a jewel of very exquisite128 construction, a butterfly of turquoise129, pearl, and rubies130, set on an emerald branch, upon which he looked without admiration131 or interest, then a watch very small and elaborately enamelled and jewelled. To the ornament132 he paid no attention whatever; but when I opened the watch, its construction and movement evidently interested him. Placing it in his hands and endeavouring to signify to him by signs that he was to retain it, I then held his arm and motioned to him to guide me towards the houses visible in the distance. This he seemed willing to do, but before we had gone many paces he repeated two or three times a phrase or word which sounded like "r'mo-ah-el" ("whence-who-what" do you want?). I shook my head; but, that he might not suppose me dumb, I answered him in Latin. The sound seemed to astonish him exceedingly; and as I went on to repeat several questions in the same tongue, for the purpose of showing him that I could speak and was desirous of doing so, I observed that his wonder grew deeper and deeper, and was evidently mingled first with alarm and afterwards with anger, as if he thought I was trying to impose upon him. I pointed to the sky, to the summit of the mountain from which I had descended, and then along the course by which I had come, explaining aloud at the same time the meaning of my signs. I thought that he had caught the latter, but if so, it only provoked an incredulous indignation, contempt of a somewhat angry character being the principal expression visible in his countenance133. I saw that it was of little use to attempt further conversation for the present, and, still holding his hand and allowing him to direct me, looked round again at the scenes through which we were passing. The lower hill slopes before us appeared to be divided into fields of large extent, perhaps some 100 acres each, separated by ditches. We followed a path about two yards broad, raised two or three inches above the level of the ground, and paved with some kind of hard concrete. Each ditch was crossed by a bridge of planks134, in the middle of which was a stake or short pole, round which we passed with ease, but which would obviously baffle a four-footed animal of any size. The crops were of great variety, and wonderfully free from weeds. Most of them showed fruit of one kind or another, sometimes gourd-like globes on the top of upright stalks, sometimes clusters of a sort of nut on vines creeping along the soil, sometimes a number of pulpy136 fruits about the size of an orange hanging at the end of pendulous138 stalks springing from the top of a stiff reed-like stem. One field was bare, its surface of an ochreish colour deeper than that of clay, broken and smoothed as perfectly as the surface of the most carefully tended flower-bed. Across this was ranged a row of birds, differing, though where and how I had hardly leisure to observe, from the form of any earthly fowl139, about twice the size of a crow, and with beaks141 apparently at least as powerful but very much longer. Extending entirely across the field, they kept line with wonderful accuracy, and as they marched across it, slowly and constantly dug their beaks into the soil as if seeking grubs or worms beneath the surface. They went on with their work perfectly undisturbed by our presence. In the next field was a still odder sight; here grew gourd-like heads on erect reed-like stems, and engaged in plucking the ripe purple fruit, carefully distinguishing them from the scarlet142 unripened heads, were half-a-score of creatures which, from their occupation and demeanour, I took at first to be human; but which, as we approached nearer, I saw were only about half the size of my companion, and thickly covered with hair, with bushy tails, which they kept carefully erect so as not to touch the ground; creatures much resembling monkeys in movement, size, and length, and flexibility143 of limb, but in other respects more like gigantic squirrels. They held the stalks of the fruit they plucked in their mouths, filling with them large bags left at intervals, and from the manner in which they worked I suspected that they had no opposable thumbs—that the whole hand had to be used like the paw of a squirrel to grasp an object. I pointed to these, directing my companion's attention and asking, "What are they?" "Ambau," he said, but apparently without the slightest interest in their proceedings145. Indeed, the regularity146 and entire freedom from alarm or vigilance which characterised their movements, convinced me that both these and the birds we passed were domesticated147 creatures, whose natural instincts had been turned to such account by human training.
After a few moments more, we came in sight of a regular road, in a direction nearly at right angles to that which followed the course of the river. Like the path, it was constructed of a hard polished concrete. It was about forty paces broad, and in the centre was a raised way about four inches higher than the general surface, and occupying about one-fourth of the entire width. Along the main way on either side passed from time to time with great rapidity light vehicles of shining metal, each having three wheels, one small one in front and two much larger behind, with box-like seat and steering148 handle; otherwise resembling nothing so much as the velocipedes I have seen ridden for amusement by eccentric English youths. It was clear, however, that these vehicles were not moved by any effort on the part of their drivers, and their speed was far greater than that of the swiftest mail-coach:—say, from fifteen to thirty miles an hour. All risk of collision was avoided, as those proceeding144 in opposite directions took opposite sides of the road, separated by the raised centre I have described. Crossing the road with caution, we came upon a number of small houses, perhaps twenty feet square, each standing149 in the midst of a garden marked out by a narrow ditch, some of them having at either side wings of less height and thrown a little backward. In the centre of each, and at the end of the wings where these existed, was what seemed to be a door of some translucent150 material about twelve feet in height. But I observed that these doors were divided by a scarcely perceptible line up to six feet from the ground, and presently one of these parted, and a figure, closely resembling that of my guide, came out.
We had now reached another road which led apparently towards the larger houses I had seen in the distance, and were proceeding along the raised central pathway, when some half-dozen persons from the cottages followed us. At a call from my guide, these, and presently as many more, ran after and gathered around us. I turned, took down my air-gun from my back, and waving it around me, signalled to them to keep back, not choosing to incur the danger of a sudden rush, since their bearing, if not plainly hostile, was not hospitable151 or friendly. Thus escorted, but not actually assailed152, I passed on for three or four miles, by which time we were among the larger dwellings153 of which I have spoken. Each of them stood in grounds enclosed by walls about eight feet high, each of some uniform colour, contrasting agreeably with that chosen for the exterior156 of the house. The enclosures varied in size from about six to sixty acres. The houses were for the most part some twelve feet in height, and from one to four hundred feet square. On several flat roofs, guarded by low parapets, other persons, all about the size of my guide, now showed themselves, all of them interested, and, as it seemed, somewhat excited by my appearance. In a few cases groups differently dressed, and, from their somewhat smaller stature, slighter figures, and the long hair here and there visible, probably consisting of women, were gathered on a remoter portion of the roof. But these, when seen by those in front, were always waived158 back with an impatient or threatening gesture, and instantly retired159. Presently two or three men more richly dressed than my escort, and in various colours, came out upon the road. Addressing one of these, I pointed again to the sky, and again endeavoured to describe my journey, holding out to him at the same time, as the thing most likely to conciliate him, a watch somewhat larger than that I had bestowed160 upon my guide. He, however, did not come within arm's length; and when I repeated my signs, he threw back his head with a sort of sneer161 and uttered a few words in a sharp tone, at which my escort rushed upon and attempted to throw me down. For this, however, I had been long prepared, and striking right and left with my air-gun—for I was determined not to shed blood except in the last extremity—I speedily cleared a circle round me, still grasping my guide with the left hand, from a providential instinct which suggested that his close contiguity162 might in some way protect me. A call from the chief of my antagonists163 was answered from the roof of a neighbouring house. I heard a whizzing through the air, and presently something like a winged serpent, but with a slender neck, and shoulders of considerable breadth, and a head much larger than a serpent's in proportion to the body, and shaped more like a bird's, with a sharp, short beak140, sprang upon and coiled round my left arm. That it was trying to sting with an erectile organ placed about midway between the shoulders and the tail I became instinctively aware, and presently felt something like a weak electric thrill over all my body, while my left hand, which was naked, sustained a severe shock, completely numbing165 it for the moment. I caught the beast by the neck, and flung him with all my force right in the face of my chief antagonist164, who fell with a cry of terror. Looking in the direction from which this dangerous assailant had come, I perceived another in the air, and saw that not a moment was to be lost. Dropping my gun with the muzzle166 between my feet, and holding it so far as I could with my numbed167 left hand—releasing also my guide, but throwing him to the ground as I released him—I drew my sword; and but just in time, with the same motion with which I drew it, I cut right through the neck of the dragon that had been launched against me. My principal enemy had quickly recovered his feet and presence of mind, and spoke155 very loudly and at some length to the person who had launched the dragons. The latter disappeared, and at the same time the group around me began to disperse168. Whatever suited them was certain not to suit me, and accordingly, still holding my sword, I caught one of them with each hand. It was well I had done so, for within another minute the owner of the dragons reappeared with a weapon not wholly unlike a long cannon169 of very small bore fixed upon a sort of stand. This he levelled at me, and I, seeing that a danger of whose magnitude and nature I could form no exact estimate was impending170, caught up instinctively one of my prisoners, and held him as a shield between myself and the weapon pointed at me. This checked my enemy, who for the moment seemed almost as much at a loss as myself. Fortunately his hostile intention evidently endangered not only my life but all near me, and secured me from any close attack.
At this moment a somewhat remarkable personage came to the front of the group which had gathered some few yards before me. He wore a long frock of emerald green and trousers of the same colour, gathered in at the waist by a belt of a red metal. On earth I should have taken him for a hale and vigorous gentleman of some fifty years; he was two inches short of five feet, but well proportioned as a man of middle size. Gentleman I say emphatically; for something of dignity, gravity, and calm good-breeding, was conspicuous171 in his manner, as authority unmixed with menace was evident in his tone. He called, somewhat peremptorily172 as I thought, to the man who was still aiming his weapon at my head, then waived back those behind him, and presently advanced towards me, looking me straight in the eyes with a steadiness and intensity of gaze far exceeding, both in expressiveness173 and in effect, the most fixed stare of the most successful mesmerists I have known. I doubt whether I should have had the power to resist his will had I thought it wise to do so. But I was perfectly aware that, however successful in repelling174 the first tumultuous attack, prolonged self-defence was hopeless.
I must, probably at the next move, certainly in a few minutes, succumb175 to the enemies around me. I could not conciliate those whose malignity176 I could not comprehend. I had done them no injury, and they could hardly be maddened by fear, since my size and strength did not seem to overawe them save at close quarters, and of my weapons they were certainly less afraid than I of theirs. My only chance must lie in finding favour with an individual protector. When, therefore, the new-comer fearlessly laid his hand on an arm which could have killed him at a blow, and rather by gesture than by force released my captives, policy as well as instinct dictated178 submission179. I allowed him to disarm180 and make me in some sense his prisoner without a show of resistance. He took me by the left hand, first placing my fingers upon his own wrist and then grasping mine, and led me quietly through the crowd, which gave way before him reluctantly and not without angry murmurs181, but with a certain awe177 as before one superior either in power or rank.
Thus he led me for about half a mile, till we reached the crystal gate of an enclosure of exceptional size, the walls of which, like the gate itself, were of a pale rose-colour. Through grounds laid out in symmetrical alternation of orchard182 and grove, shrubbery, close-carpeted field, and garden beds, arranged with evident regard to effect in form and colour, as well as to fitting distribution of shade and sun, we followed a straight path which sloped under a canopy183 of flowering creepers up to the terrace on which stood the house itself. There were some eight or nine crystal doors (or windows) in the front, and in the centre one somewhat larger than the others, which, as we came immediately in front of it, opened, not turning on hinges, but, like every other door I had seen, dividing and sliding rapidly into the walls to the right and left. We entered, and it immediately closed behind us in the same way. Turning my head for a moment, I was surprised to observe that, whereas I could see nothing through the door from the outside, the scene without was as visible from within as through the most perfectly transparent184 glass. The chamber in which I found myself had walls of bright emerald green, with all the brilliant transparency of the jewel; their surface broken by bas-reliefs of minutely perfect execution, and divided into panels—each of which seemed to contain a series of distinct scenes, one above the other—by living creepers with foliage of bright gold, and flowers sometimes pink, sometimes cream-white of great size, both double and single; the former mostly hemispherical and the latter commonly shaped as hollow cones185 or Avide shallow champagne187 glasses. In these walls two or three doors appeared, reaching, from the floor to the roof, which was coloured like the walls, and seemingly of the same material. Through one of these my guide led me into a passage which appeared to run parallel with the front of the house, and turning down this, a door again parted on the right hand, through which he led me into a similar but smaller apartment, some twenty feet in width and twenty-five in length. The window—if I should so call that which was simply another door—of this apartment looked into one corner of a flower-garden of great extent, beyond and at each end of which were other portions of the dwelling154. The walls of this chamber were pink, the surface appearing as before of jewel-like lustre188; the roof and floor of a green lighter157 than that of the emerald. In two corners were piles of innumerable cushions and pillows covered with a most delicate satin-like fabric, embroidered189 with gold, silver, and feathers, all soft as eider-down and of all shapes and sizes. There were three or four light tables, apparently of metal, silver, or azure, or golden in colour, in various parts of the chamber, with one or two of different form, more like small office-tables or desks. In one of the walls was sunk a series of shelves closed by a transparent sheet of crystal of pale yellow tinge. There were three or four movable seats resembling writing or easy-chairs, but also of metal, luxurious190 all though all different. In the corner to the left, farthest from the inner court or peristyle, was a screen, which, as my host showed me, concealed a bath and some other convenient appurtenances. The bath was a cylinder191 some five feet in depth and about two in diameter, with thin double walls, the space between which was filled with an apparatus of small pipes. By pressing a spring, as my protector pointed out, countless192 minute jets of warm perfumed water were thrown from every part of the interior wall, forming the most delicious and perfect shower-bath that could well be devised.
My host then led me to a seat among the cushions, and placed himself beside me, looking for some time intently and gravely into my face, but with nothing of offensive curiosity, still less of menace in his gaze. It appeared to me as if he wished to read the character and perhaps the thoughts of his guest. The scrutiny seemed to satisfy him. He stretched out his left hand, and grasping mine, placed it on his heart, and then dropping my hand, placed his upon my breast. He then spoke in words whose meaning I could not guess, but the tone sounded to me as that of inquiry193. The question most likely to be asked concerned my character and the place from which I had come. I again explained, again pointing upward. He seemed dubious194 or perplexed195, and it occurred to me that drawing might assist explanation; since, from the bas-reliefs and tracery, it was evident that the art was carried to no common excellence196 in Mars. I drew, therefore, in the first place, a globe to represent the Earth, traced its orbit round the Sun, and placed a crescent Moon at some little distance, indicating its path round the Earth. It was evident that my host understood my meaning, the more clearly when I marked upon the form of the Earth a crescent, such as she would often present through a Martial telescope. Sketches197 in outline roughly exhibiting different stages of my voyage, from the first ascent198 to the final landing, appeared to convince my host of my meaning, if not of my veracity199. Signing to me to remain where I was, he left the room. In a few minutes he returned, accompanied by one of the strange squirrel-like animals I had seen in the fields. I was right in conjecturing200 that the creature had no opposable thumb; but a little ingenuity201 had compensated202 this so far as regarded the power of carrying. A little chain hung down from each wrist, and to these was suspended a tray, upon which were arranged a variety of fruits and what seemed to be small loaves of various materials. Breaking one of these and cutting open with a small knife, apparently of silver, one of the fruits, my host tasted each and then motioned to me to eat. The attendant had placed the tray upon a table, disengaged the chains, and disappeared; the door opening and closing as he trod, somewhat more heavily than had been necessary for my host, upon particular points of the floor.
The food offered me was very delicious and various in flavour. My host showed me how to cut the top from some of the hard-rind fruits, so as to have a cup full of the most delicately-flavoured juice, the whole pulp137 having been reduced to a liquid syrup204 by a process with which some semicivilised cultivators on Earth are familiar. When I had finished my meal, my host whistled, and the attendant, returning, carried away the tray. His master gave him at the same time what was evidently an order, repeating it twice, and speaking with signal clearness of intonation205. The little creature bowed its head, apparently as a sign of intelligence, and in a few minutes returned with what seemed like a pencil or stylus and writing materials, and with a large silver-like box of very curious form. To one side was affixed206 a sort of mouthpiece, consisting of a truncated207 cone186 expanding into a saucer-shaped bowl. Across the wider and outer end of the cone was stretched a membrane or diaphragm about three inches in diameter. Into the mouth of the bowl, two or three inches from the diaphragm, my host spoke one by one a series of articulate but single sounds, beginning with a, a, aa, au, o, oo, ou, u, y or ei (long), i (short), oi, e, which I afterwards found to be the twelve vowels208 of their language. After he had thus uttered some forty distinct sounds, he drew from the back of the instrument a slip of something like goldleaf, on which as many weird209 curves and angular figures were traced in crimson. Pointing to these in succession, he repeated the sounds in order. I made out that the figures in question represented the sounds spoken into the instrument, and taking out my pencil, marked under each the equivalent character of the Roman alphabet, supplemented by some letters not admitted therein but borrowed from other Aryan tongues. My host looked on with some interest whilst I did this, and bent210 his head as if in approval. Here then was the alphabet of the Martial tongue—an alphabet not arbitrary, but actually produced by the vocal211 sounds it represented! The elaborate machinery212 modifies the rough signs which are traced by the mere213 aerial vibrations214; but each character is a true physical type, a visual image, of the spoken sound; the voice, temper, accent, sex, of a speaker affect the phonograph, and are recognisable in the record. The instrument wrote, so to speak, different hands under my voice and under Esmo's; and those who knew him could identify his phonogram, as my friends my manuscript.
After I had been employed for some time in fixing these forms and the corresponding sounds in my memory, my host advanced to the window, and opening it, led me into the interior garden; which, as I had supposed, was a species of central court around which the house was built.
The construction of the house was at once apparent. It consisted of a front portion, divided by the gallery of which I have spoken, all the rooms on one side thereof looking, like the chamber I first entered, into the outer enclosure; those on the other into the interior garden or peristyle. Beyond the latter was a single row of chambers215 opening upon it, appropriated to the ladies and children of the household. The court was roofed over with the translucent material of the windows. It was about 360 feet in length by 300 in width. At either end were chambers entirely formed of the same material as the roof, in one of which the various birds and animals employed either in domestic service or in agriculture, in another the various stores of the household, were kept. In front of these, two inclined planes of the same material as the walls of the house led up to the several parts of the roof. The court was divided by broad concrete paths into four gardens. In the centre of each was a basin of water and a fountain, above which was a square opening of some twenty feet in the roof. Each garden was, so to speak, turfed with minute plants, smaller than daisy roots, and even more closely covering the soil than English lawn grass. These were of different colours—emerald, gold, and purple—arranged in bands. This turf was broken by a number of beds of all shapes, the crescent, circle, and six-rayed star being apparently the chief favourites. The smaller of these were severally filled with one or two flowers; in the larger, flowers of different colours were set in patterns, generally rising from the outside to the centre, and never allowing the soil to be seen through a single interval93. The contrast of colours and tints was admirably ordered; the size, form, and structure of the flowers wonderfully various and always exquisitely216 beautiful. The exact tints of silver and gold were frequent and especially favoured, At each corner of every garden was a hollow silvery pillar, up which creepers with flowers of marvellous size and beauty, and foliage of hues217 almost as striking as those of the flowers, were conducted to form a perfect arch overhead, parting off the gardens from the walks. In each basin were fishes whose brilliancy of colouring and beauty of form far surpassed anything I have seen in earthly seas or rivers.
At the meeting of the four cross paths was a wide space covered with a soft woven carpet, upon which were strown cushions similar to those in my room. On these several ladies were reclining, who rose as the head of the family approached. One who seemed by her manner to be the mistress, and by her resemblance to some of her younger companions the mother, of the family, wore a sort of light golden half-helmet on the head, and over this, falling round her half-way to the waist, a crimson veil, intended apparently to protect her head and neck from the sun as much as to conceal41 them. Her face was partially218 uncovered. The dress of all was, except in colour and in certain omissions219 and additions, much the same. The under-garments must have been slight in material and few in number. Nothing was to be seen of them save the sleeves, which were of a delicate substance, resembling that of the finest Parisian kid gloves, but far softer and finer. Over all was a robe almost without shape, save what it took from the figure to which it closely adapted itself, suspended by broad ribbons and jewelled clasps from the shoulders, falling nearly to the ankles, and gathered in by a zone at the waist. This garment left the neck, shoulders, and the upper part of the bosom220 uncovered; but the veil, whether covering the head completely, drawn221 round all save the face, or consisting only of two separate muslin falls behind either ear, was always so arranged as to render the general effect far more decorous than the "low dresses" of European matrons and maidens222. The ankles and feet were entirely bare, save for sandals with an embroidered velvety224 covering for the toes, and silver bands clasped round the ankles. The eldest225 lady wore a pale green robe of a fine but very light silken-seeming fabric. Three younger ones wore a similar material of pink, with silver head-dresses and veils hiding everything but the eyes. All these had sleeves reaching to the wrist, ending in gloves of the same fabric. Two young girls were robed in white gauze, with gauze veils attached over either ear to a very slight silver coronal; their arms bare till the sleeve of the under-robe appeared, a couple of inches below the shoulder; their bright soft faces and their long hair (which fell freely down the back, kept in graceful226 order here and there by almost invisible silver clasps or bands) were totally uncovered. "A maiden223," says the Martialist, "may make the most of her charms; a wife's beauty is her lord's exclusive right." One of the girls, my host's daughters, might almost have veiled her entire form above the knees in the masses of rich soft brown hair inherited from her father, but mingled with tresses of another tinge, shimmering227 like gold under certain lights. Her eyes, of deepest violet, were shaded by dark thick lashes228, so long that when the lids were closed they traced a clear black curve on either cheek. The other maiden had, like their mother, and, I believe, like the younger matrons, the bright hair—flaxen in early childhood, pale gold in maturer years—and the blue or grey eyes characteristic of the race. My host spoke two or three words to the chief of the party, indicating me by a graceful and courteous229 wave of the hand, upon which the person addressed slightly bent her head, laying her hand at the same time upon her heart. The others acknowledged the introduction by a similar but slighter inclination230, and all resumed their places as soon as my host, seating himself between us, signed to me to occupy some pillows which one of the young ladies arranged on his left hand, I had observed by this time that the left hand was used by preference, as we use the right, for all purposes, and therefore was naturally extended in courtesy; and the left side was, for similar reasons, the place of honour.
Three or four children were playing in another part of the court. All, with one exception, were remarkably231 beautiful and healthy-looking, certainly not less graceful in form and movement than the happiest and prettiest in our own world. Their tones were soft and gentle, and their bearing towards each other notably232 kind and considerate. One unfortunate little creature differed from the rest in all respects. It was slightly lame233, misshapen rather than awkward, and with a face that indicated bad health, bad temper, or both. Its manner was peevish234 and fractious, its tones sharp and harsh, and its actions rough and hasty. I took it for a mother's sickly favourite, deformed235 in character to compensate203 for physical deformity. Watching them for a short time, I saw the little creature repeatedly break out in all the humours of an ill-tempered, over-indulged youngest-born in an ill-managed family; snatching toys from the others, and now and then slapping or pinching them. But they never returned either word or blow, even when pain or vexation brought the tears to their eyes. When its caprices became intolerable most of its companions withdrew; one, however, always remaining on the watch, even if driven from the immediate neighbourhood by its intolerably provoking temper, tones, and acts.
Before sunset we were joined by a young man, who, first approaching my host with a respectful inclination of the head, stood before him till apparently desired by a few quiet words to speak; when he addressed the head of the family in some short sentences, and then, at a sign from him, turned to two of the squirrel-like animals, "ambau," which followed him. These then laid at my feet two large baskets, or open bags of golden network, containing many of the smaller objects left in the Astronaut. Emptying these, they brought several more, till they had laid before me the whole of my wardrobe and my store of intended presents, books, and drawings, with such of my instruments as were not attached to the walls. It was evident that great care had been taken not to injure or dismantle236 the vessel. Nothing that actually belonged to it had been taken away, and of the articles brought not one had been broken or damaged. It was equally evident that there was no intention or idea of appropriating them. They were brought and handed over to me as a host on Earth might send for the baggage of an unexpected guest. Of the various toys and ornaments237 that I had brought for the purpose, I offered several of the most precious to my host. He accepted one of the smallest and least valuable, rather declining to understand than refusing the offer of the rest. The bringer did the same. Then placing in the chief's hands an open jewel-box containing a variety of the choicest jewellery, I requested by signs his permission to offer them to the ladies. The elder ones imitated his example, and graciously accepted one or two tasteful feminine ornaments, of far less beauty and value than any of the few splendid jewels that adorned238 their belts and clasped their robes at the shoulder, or fastened their veils. The white-robed maidens shrank back shyly until the box was pressed upon them, when each, at a word from the mistress, selected some small gold or silver locket or chain; each at once placing the article accepted about her person, with an evident intention of adding to the grace with which it was received and acknowledging the intended courtesy. How valueless the most valuable of these trifles must have been in their eyes I had begun to suspect from what I saw, and was afterwards made fully135 aware. As the shades of evening fell, the fountains ceased to play, the young man pressed electric springs which closed the openings in the roof, and, finally, turning a small handle, caused a bright light to diffuse239 itself over the whole garden, and through the doors into the chambers opening upon it. At the same time a warmer air gradually spread throughout the interior of the building. A meal was then served in small low trays, which was eaten by all of us reclining on our cushions; after which the ladies retired, and my host conducted me back to my chamber, and left me to repose240.
My books and sketches, as well as the portfolios241 of popular prints which I had selected to assist me in describing the life and scenery of our world, were, with my wardrobe and other properties, arranged on my shelves by the ambau, under the direction of Kevima, the young gentleman who had superintended their removal and conveyance242 to his father's house. The portfolios gave me occasional means and topics of pleasant intercourse243 with the family of my host, before we could converse244 at ease in their language. The children, though never troublesome or importunate245, took frequent opportunities of stealing into the room to look over the prints I produced for their amusement. The ladies also, particularly the violet-eyed maiden, who seemed to be the especial guardian246 of the little ones, would draw near to look and listen. The latter, though she never entered the room or directly addressed me, often assisted in explaining my broken sentences to her charges, some of them not many years younger than herself. I took sincere pleasure in the children's company and growing confidence, but they were not the less welcome because they drew their sisters to listen to my descriptions of an existence so strange and so remote in habits and character, as well as in space. Perhaps their gentle governess learned more than any other member of the family respecting Earth-life, and my own adventures by land and water, in air and space. For, though just not child enough to share the children's freedom, she took in all they heard; she listened in silence during our evening gatherings247 to the conversation in which her father and brother encouraged me to practise the language I was laboriously248 studying. She had, therefore, double opportunities of acquiring a knowledge which seemed to interest her deeply; naturally, since it was so absolutely novel, and communicated by one whose very presence was the most marvellous of the marvels249 it attested250. How much she understood I could not judge. Except her mother, the ladies did not take a direct part in my talk with the children, and but very seldom interposed, through my host, a shy brief question when the evening brought us all together. The maidens, despite their theoretical privileges, were even more reserved than their elders, and the dark-haired Eveena the most silent and shy of all.
I learned afterwards that the privilege of intercourse with the ladies of the household, restricted as it was, was wholly exceptional, and even in this family was conceded only out of consideration for one who could not safely be allowed to leave the house.
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1
intensity
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| n.强烈，剧烈；强度；烈度 | |
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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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3
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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exultation
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| n.狂喜，得意 | |
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courageous
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| adj.勇敢的，有胆量的 | |
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6
providence
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| n.深谋远虑，天道，天意；远见；节约；上帝 | |
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7
accomplishment
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| n.完成，成就，（pl.）造诣，技能 | |
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8
perils
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| 极大危险( peril的名词复数 )； 危险的事（或环境） | |
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9
incur
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| vt.招致，蒙受，遭遇 | |
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10
appalled
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| v.使惊骇，使充满恐惧( appall的过去式和过去分词)adj.惊骇的；丧胆的 | |
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11
slumber
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| n.睡眠，沉睡状态 | |
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12
stimulus
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| n.刺激，刺激物，促进因素，引起兴奋的事物 | |
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13
chronometer
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| n.精密的计时器 | |
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14
martial
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| adj.战争的，军事的，尚武的，威武的 | |
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meridian
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| adj.子午线的；全盛期的 | |
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16
utterly
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| adv.完全地，绝对地 | |
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17
unfamiliar
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| adj.陌生的，不熟悉的 | |
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18
ascertain
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| vt.发现，确定，查明，弄清 | |
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19
respiration
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| n.呼吸作用；一次呼吸；植物光合作用 | |
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20
dense
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| a.密集的，稠密的，浓密的；密度大的 | |
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aperture
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| n.孔，隙，窄的缺口 | |
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22
density
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| n.密集，密度，浓度 | |
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23
chamber
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| n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所 | |
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determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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apparatus
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| n.装置，器械；器具，设备 | |
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26
draught
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| n.拉，牵引，拖；一网（饮，吸，阵)；顿服药量，通风；v.起草，设计 | |
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27
vessel
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| n.船舶；容器，器皿；管，导管，血管 | |
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28
discomfiture
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| n.崩溃；大败；挫败；困惑 | |
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29
gauge
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| v.精确计量；估计；n.标准度量；计量器 | |
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30
barometrical
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| 气压计的 | |
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31
flannel
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| n.法兰绒；法兰绒衣服 | |
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32
repelled
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| v.击退( repel的过去式和过去分词 )；使厌恶；排斥；推开 | |
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33
perpendicularly
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| adv. 垂直地, 笔直地, 纵向地 | |
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34
alpine
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| adj.高山的；n.高山植物 | |
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35
atmospheric
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| adj.大气的，空气的；大气层的；大气所引起的 | |
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forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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circumference
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| n.圆周，周长，圆周线 | |
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38
immediate
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| adj.立即的；直接的，最接近的；紧靠的 | |
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dispersing
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| adj. 分散的 动词disperse的现在分词形式 | |
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40
concealed
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| a.隐藏的，隐蔽的 | |
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41
conceal
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，隐蔽 | |
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42
precipice
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| n.悬崖，危急的处境 | |
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43
precipices
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| n.悬崖，峭壁( precipice的名词复数 ) | |
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44
downwards
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| adj./adv.向下的（地），下行的（地） | |
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45
persistently
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| ad.坚持地；固执地 | |
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46
abrupt
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| adj.突然的，意外的；唐突的，鲁莽的 | |
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47
cleft
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| n.裂缝；adj.裂开的 | |
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48
sufficiently
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| adv.足够地，充分地 | |
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49
swarms
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| 蜂群，一大群( swarm的名词复数 ) | |
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50
varied
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| adj.多样的，多变化的 | |
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51
tinge
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| vt.(较淡)着色于，染色；使带有…气息；n.淡淡色彩，些微的气息 | |
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52
contemplated
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| adj. 预期的 动词contemplate的过去分词形式 | |
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53
azure
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| adj.天蓝色的，蔚蓝色的 | |
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54
latitude
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| n.纬度，行动或言论的自由(范围)，(pl.)地区 | |
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55
vault
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| n.拱形圆顶，地窖，地下室 | |
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56
analogous
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| adj.相似的；类似的 | |
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57
tint
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| n.淡色，浅色；染发剂；vt.着以淡淡的颜色 | |
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58
distinguished
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| adj.卓越的，杰出的，著名的 | |
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59
temperate
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| adj.温和的，温带的，自我克制的，不过分的 | |
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60
dispelled
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| v.驱散，赶跑( dispel的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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61
tinged
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| v.（使）发丁丁声( ting的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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62
crimson
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| n./adj.深(绯)红色(的)；vi.脸变绯红色 | |
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63
tints
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| 色彩( tint的名词复数 )； 带白的颜色； （淡色）染发剂； 痕迹 | |
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64
peculiar
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| adj.古怪的，异常的；特殊的，特有的 | |
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65
twilight
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| n.暮光，黄昏；暮年，晚期，衰落时期 | |
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66
celestial
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| adj.天体的；天上的 | |
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67
descended
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| a.为...后裔的，出身于...的 | |
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68
extremity
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| n.末端，尽头；尽力；终极；极度 | |
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69
conjecturally
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| adj.推测的，好推测的 | |
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70
pointed
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| adj.尖的，直截了当的 | |
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71
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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72
apparently
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| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
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73
ridge
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| n.山脊；鼻梁；分水岭 | |
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74
elevations
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| （水平或数量）提高( elevation的名词复数 )； 高地； 海拔； 提升 | |
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75
entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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76
foliage
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| n.叶子，树叶，簇叶 | |
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77
deciduous
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| adj.非永久的；短暂的；脱落的；落叶的 | |
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78
bristles
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| 短而硬的毛发，刷子毛( bristle的名词复数 ) | |
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79
cedar
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| n.雪松，香柏(木) | |
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80
steadily
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| adv.稳定地；不变地；持续地 | |
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81
deserted
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| adj.荒芜的，荒废的，无人的，被遗弃的 | |
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82
hopped
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| 跳上[下]( hop的过去式和过去分词 )； 单足蹦跳； 齐足（或双足）跳行； 摘葎草花 | |
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83
eastward
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| adv.向东；adj.向东的；n.东方，东部 | |
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84
northward
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| adv.向北；n.北方的地区 | |
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85
winding
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| n.绕，缠，绕组，线圈 | |
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86
windings
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| （道路、河流等）蜿蜒的，弯曲的( winding的名词复数 )； 缠绕( wind的现在分词 )； 卷绕； 转动（把手） | |
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87
irresistibly
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| adv.无法抵抗地，不能自持地；极为诱惑人地 | |
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88
remarkable
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| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
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89
mosques
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| 清真寺； 伊斯兰教寺院，清真寺； 清真寺，伊斯兰教寺院( mosque的名词复数 ) | |
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90
metallic
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| adj.金属的；金属制的；含金属的；产金属的；像金属的 | |
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91
scattered
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| adj.分散的，稀疏的；散步的；疏疏落落的 | |
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92
intervals
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| n.[军事]间隔( interval的名词复数 )；间隔时间；[数学]区间；（戏剧、电影或音乐会的）幕间休息 | |
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93
interval
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| n.间隔，间距；幕间休息，中场休息 | |
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94
watchfulness
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| 警惕，留心； 警觉（性） | |
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95
dread
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| vt.担忧，忧虑；惧怕，不敢；n.担忧，畏惧 | |
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96
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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97
drooping
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| adj. 下垂的，无力的 动词droop的现在分词 | |
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98
twigs
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| 细枝，嫩枝( twig的名词复数 ) | |
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99
gushed
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| v.喷，涌( gush的过去式和过去分词 )；滔滔不绝地说话 | |
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100
dissecting
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| v.解剖（动物等）( dissect的现在分词 )；仔细分析或研究 | |
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101
membrane
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| n.薄膜，膜皮，羊皮纸 | |
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102
essentially
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| adv.本质上，实质上，基本上 | |
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103
kernel
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| n.(果实的)核，仁；(问题)的中心，核心 | |
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104
grove
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| n.林子，小树林，园林 | |
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105
stature
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| n.（高度）水平，（高度）境界，身高，身材 | |
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106
palatable
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| adj.可口的，美味的；惬意的 | |
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107
maize
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| n.玉米 | |
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108
instinctively
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| adv.本能地 | |
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109
instinctive
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| adj.(出于)本能的；直觉的；(出于)天性的 | |
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110
exalted
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| adj.(地位等)高的，崇高的；尊贵的，高尚的 | |
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111
withered
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| adj. 枯萎的，干瘪的，（人身体的部分器官）因病萎缩的或未发育良好的 动词wither的过去式和过去分词形式 | |
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112
perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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113
antelopes
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| 羚羊( antelope的名词复数 )； 羚羊皮革 | |
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114
fabled
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| adj.寓言中的，虚构的 | |
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115
unicorn
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| n.(传说中的)独角兽 | |
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116
derived
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| vi.起源；由来；衍生；导出v.得到( derive的过去式和过去分词 )；（从…中）得到获得；源于；（从…中）提取 | |
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117
texture
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| n.(织物)质地；(材料)构造；结构；肌理 | |
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118
erect
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| n./v.树立，建立，使竖立；adj.直立的，垂直的 | |
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119
trample
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| vt.踩，践踏；无视，伤害，侵犯 | |
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120
sustenance
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| n.食物，粮食；生活资料；生计 | |
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121
paramount
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| a.最重要的，最高权力的 | |
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122
undoubtedly
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| adv.确实地，无疑地 | |
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123
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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124
peculiarities
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| n. 特质, 特性, 怪癖, 古怪 | |
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125
scrutiny
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| n.详细检查，仔细观察 | |
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126
fabric
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| n.织物，织品，布；构造，结构，组织 | |
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127
thong
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| n.皮带；皮鞭；v.装皮带 | |
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128
exquisite
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| adj.精美的；敏锐的；剧烈的，感觉强烈的 | |
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129
turquoise
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| n.绿宝石；adj.蓝绿色的 | |
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130
rubies
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| 红宝石( ruby的名词复数 )； 红宝石色，深红色 | |
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131
admiration
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| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
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132
ornament
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| v.装饰，美化；n.装饰，装饰物 | |
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133
countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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134
planks
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| （厚）木板( plank的名词复数 )； 政纲条目，政策要点 | |
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135
fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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136
pulpy
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| 果肉状的，多汁的，柔软的； 烂糊； 稀烂 | |
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137
pulp
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| n.果肉，纸浆；v.化成纸浆，除去...果肉，制成纸浆 | |
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138
pendulous
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| adj.下垂的；摆动的 | |
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139
fowl
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| n.家禽，鸡，禽肉 | |
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140
beak
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| n.鸟嘴，茶壶嘴，钩形鼻 | |
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141
beaks
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| n.鸟嘴( beak的名词复数 )；鹰钩嘴；尖鼻子；掌权者 | |
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142
scarlet
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| n.深红色，绯红色，红衣；adj.绯红色的 | |
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143
flexibility
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| n.柔韧性，弹性，（光的）折射性，灵活性 | |
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144
proceeding
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| n.行动，进行，(pl.)会议录，学报 | |
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145
proceedings
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| n.进程，过程，议程；诉讼(程序)；公报 | |
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146
regularity
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| n.规律性，规则性；匀称，整齐 | |
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147
domesticated
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| adj.喜欢家庭生活的；（指动物）被驯养了的v.驯化( domesticate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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148
steering
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| n.操舵装置 | |
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149
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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150
translucent
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| adj.半透明的；透明的 | |
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151
hospitable
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| adj.好客的；宽容的；有利的，适宜的 | |
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152
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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153
dwellings
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| n.住处，处所( dwelling的名词复数 ) | |
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154
dwelling
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| n.住宅，住所，寓所 | |
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155
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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156
exterior
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| adj.外部的，外在的；表面的 | |
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157
lighter
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| n.打火机，点火器；驳船；v.用驳船运送；light的比较级 | |
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158
waived
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| v.宣布放弃( waive的过去式和过去分词 )；搁置；推迟；放弃（权利、要求等） | |
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159
retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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160
bestowed
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| 赠给，授予( bestow的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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161
sneer
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| v.轻蔑；嘲笑；n.嘲笑，讥讽的言语 | |
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162
contiguity
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| n.邻近，接壤 | |
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163
antagonists
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| 对立[对抗] 者，对手，敌手( antagonist的名词复数 )； 对抗肌； 对抗药 | |
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164
antagonist
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| n.敌人，对抗者，对手 | |
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165
numbing
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| adj.使麻木的，使失去感觉的v.使麻木，使麻痹( numb的现在分词 ) | |
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166
muzzle
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| n.鼻口部；口套；枪(炮)口；vt.使缄默 | |
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167
numbed
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| v.使麻木，使麻痹( numb的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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168
disperse
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| vi.使分散；使消失；vt.分散；驱散 | |
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169
cannon
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| n.大炮，火炮；飞机上的机关炮 | |
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170
impending
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| a.imminent, about to come or happen | |
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171
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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172
peremptorily
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| adv.紧急地，不容分说地，专横地 | |
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173
expressiveness
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| n.富有表现力 | |
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174
repelling
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| v.击退( repel的现在分词 )；使厌恶；排斥；推开 | |
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175
succumb
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| v.屈服，屈从；死 | |
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176
malignity
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| n.极度的恶意，恶毒；（病的）恶性 | |
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177
awe
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| n.敬畏，惊惧；vt.使敬畏，使惊惧 | |
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178
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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179
submission
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| n.服从，投降；温顺，谦虚；提出 | |
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180
disarm
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| v.解除武装，回复平常的编制，缓和 | |
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181
murmurs
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| n.低沉、连续而不清的声音( murmur的名词复数 )；低语声；怨言；嘀咕 | |
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182
orchard
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| n.果园，果园里的全部果树，(美俚)棒球场 | |
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183
canopy
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| n.天篷，遮篷 | |
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184
transparent
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| adj.明显的，无疑的；透明的 | |
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185
cones
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| n.（人眼）圆锥细胞；圆锥体( cone的名词复数 )；球果；圆锥形东西；（盛冰淇淋的）锥形蛋卷筒 | |
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186
cone
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| n.圆锥体，圆锥形东西，球果 | |
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187
champagne
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| n.香槟酒；微黄色 | |
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188
lustre
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| n.光亮，光泽；荣誉 | |
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189
embroidered
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| adj．绣花的 | |
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190
luxurious
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| adj.精美而昂贵的；豪华的 | |
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191
cylinder
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| n.圆筒，柱(面)，汽缸 | |
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192
countless
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| adj.无数的，多得不计其数的 | |
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193
inquiry
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| n.打听，询问，调查，查问 | |
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194
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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195
perplexed
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| adj.不知所措的 | |
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196
excellence
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| n.优秀，杰出，(pl.)优点，美德 | |
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197
sketches
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| n.草图( sketch的名词复数 )；素描；速写；梗概 | |
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198
ascent
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| n.(声望或地位)提高；上升，升高；登高 | |
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199
veracity
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| n.诚实 | |
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200
conjecturing
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| v. & n. 推测，臆测 | |
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201
ingenuity
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| n.别出心裁；善于发明创造 | |
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202
compensated
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| 补偿，报酬( compensate的过去式和过去分词 )； 给（某人）赔偿（或赔款） | |
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203
compensate
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| vt.补偿，赔偿；酬报 vi.弥补；补偿；抵消 | |
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204
syrup
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| n.糖浆，糖水 | |
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205
intonation
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| n.语调，声调；发声 | |
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206
affixed
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| adj.[医]附着的，附着的v.附加( affix的过去式和过去分词 )；粘贴；加以；盖（印章） | |
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207
truncated
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| adj.切去顶端的，缩短了的，被删节的v.截面的( truncate的过去式和过去分词 )；截头的；缩短了的；截去顶端或末端 | |
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208
vowels
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| n.元音，元音字母( vowel的名词复数 ) | |
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209
weird
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| adj.古怪的，离奇的；怪诞的，神秘而可怕的 | |
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210
bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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211
vocal
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| adj.直言不讳的；嗓音的；n.[pl.]声乐节目 | |
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212
machinery
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| n.(总称)机械，机器；机构 | |
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213
mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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214
vibrations
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| n.摆动( vibration的名词复数 )；震动；感受；（偏离平衡位置的）一次性往复振动 | |
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215
chambers
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| n.房间( chamber的名词复数 )；（议会的）议院；卧室；会议厅 | |
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216
exquisitely
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| adv.精致地；强烈地；剧烈地；异常地 | |
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217
hues
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| 色彩( hue的名词复数 )； 色调； 信仰； 观点 | |
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218
partially
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| adv.部分地，从某些方面讲 | |
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219
omissions
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| n.省略( omission的名词复数 )；删节；遗漏；略去或漏掉的事（或人） | |
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220
bosom
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| n.胸，胸部；胸怀；内心；adj.亲密的 | |
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221
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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222
maidens
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| 处女( maiden的名词复数 )； 少女； 未婚女子； （板球运动）未得分的一轮投球 | |
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223
maiden
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| n.少女，处女；adj.未婚的，纯洁的，无经验的 | |
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224
velvety
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| adj. 像天鹅绒的, 轻软光滑的, 柔软的 | |
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225
eldest
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| adj.最年长的，最年老的 | |
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226
graceful
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| adj.优美的，优雅的；得体的 | |
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227
shimmering
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| v.闪闪发光，发微光( shimmer的现在分词 ) | |
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228
lashes
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| n.鞭挞( lash的名词复数 )；鞭子；突然猛烈的一击；急速挥动v.鞭打( lash的第三人称单数 )；煽动；紧系；怒斥 | |
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229
courteous
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| adj.彬彬有礼的，客气的 | |
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230
inclination
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| n.倾斜；点头；弯腰；斜坡；倾度；倾向；爱好 | |
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231
remarkably
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| ad.不同寻常地，相当地 | |
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232
notably
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| adv.值得注意地，显著地，尤其地，特别地 | |
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233
lame
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| adj.跛的，(辩解、论据等)无说服力的 | |
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234
peevish
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| adj.易怒的，坏脾气的 | |
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235
deformed
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| adj.畸形的；变形的；丑的，破相了的 | |
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236
dismantle
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| vt.拆开，拆卸；废除，取消 | |
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237
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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238
adorned
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| [计]被修饰的 | |
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239
diffuse
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| v.扩散；传播；adj.冗长的；四散的，弥漫的 | |
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240
repose
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| v.(使)休息；n.安息 | |
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241
portfolios
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| n.投资组合( portfolio的名词复数 )；（保险）业务量；（公司或机构提供的）系列产品；纸夹 | |
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242
conveyance
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| n.(不动产等的)转让，让与；转让证书；传送；运送；表达；（正）运输工具 | |
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243
intercourse
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| n.性交；交流，交往，交际 | |
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244
converse
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| vi.谈话，谈天，闲聊；adv.相反的，相反 | |
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245
importunate
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| adj.强求的；纠缠不休的 | |
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246
guardian
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| n.监护人；守卫者，保护者 | |
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247
gatherings
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| 聚集( gathering的名词复数 )； 收集； 采集； 搜集 | |
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248
laboriously
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| adv.艰苦地；费力地；辛勤地；（文体等）佶屈聱牙地 | |
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249
marvels
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| n.奇迹( marvel的名词复数 )；令人惊奇的事物（或事例）；不平凡的成果；成就v.惊奇，对…感到惊奇( marvel的第三人称单数 ) | |
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250
attested
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| adj.经检验证明无病的，经检验证明无菌的v.证明( attest的过去式和过去分词 )；证实；声称…属实；使宣誓 | |
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