With a woful agony,
Which forced me to begin my tale,
And then it set me free.
“Since then, at an uncertain hour,
That agony returns;
And till my ghastly tale is told
This heart within me burns.”
—Coleridge’s Ancient Mariner2.
I have heard it said, that, when any strange, supernatural, and necromantic4 adventure has occurred to a human being, that being, however desirous he may be to conceal5 the same, feels at certain periods torn up as it were by an intellectual earthquake, and is forced to bare the inner depths of his spirit to another. I am a witness of the truth of this. I have dearly sworn to myself never to reveal to human ears the horrors to which I once, in excess of fiendly pride, delivered myself over. The holy man who heard my confession6, and reconciled me to the Church, is dead. None knows that once—
Why should it not be thus? Why tell a tale of impious tempting7 of Providence8, and soul-subduing humiliation9? Why? answer me, ye who are wise in the secrets of human nature! I only know that so it is; and in spite of strong resolve,—of a pride that too much masters me—of shame, and even of fear, so to render myself odious10 to my species,—I must speak.
Genoa! my birthplace—proud city! looking upon the blue Mediterranean—dost thou remember me in my boyhood, when thy cliffs and promontories11, thy bright sky and gay vineyards, were my world? Happy time! when to the young heart the narrow-bounded universe, which leaves, by its very limitation, free scope to the imagination, enchains our physical energies, and, sole period in our lives, innocence12 and enjoyment13 are united. Yet, who can look back to childhood, and not remember its sorrows and its harrowing fears? I was born with the most imperious, haughty14, tameless spirit. I quailed15 before my father only; and he, generous and noble, but capricious and tyrannical, at once fostered and checked the wild impetuosity of my character, making obedience17 necessary, but inspiring no respect for the motives18 which guided his commands. To be a man, free, independent; or, in better words, insolent19 and domineering, was the hope and prayer of my rebel heart.
My father had one friend, a wealthy Genoese noble, who in a political tumult20 was suddenly sentenced to banishment21, and his property confiscated22. The Marchese Torella went into exile alone. Like my father, he was a widower23: he had one child, the almost infant Juliet, who was left under my father’s guardianship24. I should certainly have been unkind to the lovely girl, but that I was forced by my position to become her protector. A variety of childish incidents all tended to one point,—to make Juliet see in me a rock of defence; I in her, one who must perish through the soft sensibility of her nature too rudely visited, but for my guardian25 care. We grew up together. The opening rose in May was not more sweet than this dear girl. An irradiation of beauty was spread over her face. Her form, her step, her voice—my heart weeps even now, to think of all of relying, gentle, loving, and pure, that she enshrined. When I was eleven and Juliet eight years of age, a cousin of mine, much older than either—he seemed to us a man—took great notice of my playmate; he called her his bride, and asked her to marry him. She refused, and he insisted, drawing her unwillingly26 towards him. With the countenance28 and emotions of a maniac29 I threw myself on him—I strove to draw his sword—I clung to his neck with the ferocious30 resolve to strangle him: he was obliged to call for assistance to disengage himself from me. On that night I led Juliet to the chapel31 of our house: I made her touch the sacred relics—I harrowed her child’s heart, and profaned33 her child’s lips with an oath, that she would be mine, and mine only.
Well, those days passed away. Torella returned in a few years, and became wealthier and more prosperous than ever. When I was seventeen, my father died; he had been magnificent to prodigality35; Torella rejoiced that my minority would afford an opportunity for repairing my fortunes. Juliet and I had been affianced beside my father’s deathbed—Torella was to be a second parent to me.
I desired to see the world, and I was indulged. I went to Florence, to Rome, to Naples; thence I passed to Toulon, and at length reached what had long been the bourne of my wishes, Paris. There was wild work in Paris then. The poor king, Charles the Sixth, now sane36, now mad, now a monarch37, now an abject38 slave, was the very mockery of humanity. The queen, the dauphin, the Duke of Burgundy, alternately friends and foes,—now meeting in prodigal34 feasts, now shedding blood in rivalry,—were blind to the miserable40 state of their country, and the dangers that impended41 over it, and gave themselves wholly up to dissolute enjoyment or savage42 strife43. My character still followed me. I was arrogant44 and self-willed; I loved display, and above all, I threw off all control. My young friends were eager to foster passions which furnished them with pleasures. I was deemed handsome—I was master of every knightly45 accomplishment46. I was disconnected with any political party. I grew a favourite with all: my presumption47 and arrogance48 was pardoned in one so young: I became a spoiled child. Who could control me? not the letters and advice of Torella—only strong necessity visiting me in the abhorred50 shape of an empty purse. But there were means to refill this void. Acre after acre, estate after estate, I sold. My dress, my jewels, my horses and their caparisons, were almost unrivalled in gorgeous Paris, while the lands of my inheritance passed into possession of others.
The Duke of Orleans was waylaid51 and murdered by the Duke of Burgundy. Fear and terror possessed52 all Paris. The dauphin and the queen shut themselves up; every pleasure was suspended. I grew weary of this state of things, and my heart yearned53 for my boyhood’s haunts. I was nearly a beggar, yet still I would go there, claim my bride, and rebuild my fortunes. A few happy ventures as a merchant would make me rich again. Nevertheless, I would not return in humble54 guise55. My last act was to dispose of my remaining estate near Albaro for half its worth, for ready money. Then I despatched all kinds of artificers, arras, furniture of regal splendour, to fit up the last relic32 of my inheritance, my palace in Genoa. I lingered a little longer yet, ashamed at the part of the prodigal returned, which I feared I should play. I sent my horses. One matchless Spanish jennet I despatched to my promised bride: its caparisons flamed with jewels and cloth of gold. In every part I caused to be entwined the initials of Juliet and her Guido. My present found favour in hers and in her father’s eyes.
Still to return a proclaimed spendthrift, the mark of impertinent wonder, perhaps of scorn, and to encounter singly the reproaches or taunts56 of my fellow-citizens, was no alluring57 prospect58. As a shield between me and censure59, I invited some few of the most reckless of my comrades to accompany me: thus I went armed against the world, hiding a rankling60 feeling, half fear and half penitence61, by bravado62.
I arrived in Genoa. I trod the pavement of my ancestral palace. My proud step was no interpreter of my heart, for I deeply felt that, though surrounded by every luxury, I was a beggar. The first step I took in claiming Juliet must widely declare me such. I read contempt or pity in the looks of all. I fancied that rich and poor, young and old, all regarded me with derision. Torella came not near me. No wonder that my second father should expect a son’s deference63 from me in waiting first on him. But, galled65 and stung by a sense of my follies66 and demerit, I strove to throw the blame on others. We kept nightly orgies in Palazzo Carega. To sleepless67, riotous68 nights followed listless, supine mornings. At the Ave Maria we showed our dainty persons in the streets, scoffing69 at the sober citizens, casting insolent glances on the shrinking women. Juliet was not among them—no, no; if she had been there, shame would have driven me away, if love had not brought me to her feet.
I grew tired of this. Suddenly I paid the Marchese a visit. He was at his villa70, one among the many which deck the suburb of San Pietro d’Arena. It was the month of May, the blossoms of the fruit-trees were fading among thick, green foliage71; the vines were shooting forth1; the ground strewed72 with the fallen olive blooms; the firefly was in the myrtle hedge; heaven and earth wore a mantle73 of surpassing beauty. Torella welcomed me kindly74, though seriously; and even his shade of displeasure soon wore away. Some resemblance to my father—some look and tone of youthful ingenuousness75, softened76 the good old man’s heart. He sent for his daughter—he presented me to her as her betrothed77. The chamber78 became hallowed by a holy light as she entered. Hers was that cherub79 look, those large, soft eyes, full dimpled cheeks, and mouth of infantine sweetness, that expresses the rare union of happiness and love. Admiration80 first possessed me; she is mine! was the second proud emotion, and my lips curled with haughty triumph. I had not been the enfant gaté of the beauties of France not to have learnt the art of pleasing the soft heart of woman. If towards men I was overbearing, the deference I paid to them was the more in contrast. I commenced my courtship by the display of a thousand gallantries to Juliet, who, vowed82 to me from infancy83, had never admitted the devotion of others; and who, though accustomed to expressions of admiration, was uninitiated in the language of lovers.
For a few days all went well. Torella never alluded84 to my extravagance; he treated me as a favourite son. But the time came, as we discussed the preliminaries to my union with his daughter, when this fair face of things should be overcast86. A contract had been drawn87 up in my father’s lifetime. I had rendered this, in fact, void by having squandered88 the whole of the wealth which was to have been shared by Juliet and myself. Torella, in consequence, chose to consider this bond as cancelled, and proposed another, in which, though the wealth he bestowed89 was immeasurably increased, there were so many restrictions90 as to the mode of spending it, that I, who saw independence only in free career being given to my own imperious will, taunted91 him as taking advantage of my situation, and refused utterly92 to subscribe93 to his conditions. The old man mildly strove to recall me to reason. Roused pride became the tyrant94 of my thought: I listened with indignation—I repelled95 him with disdain96.
“Juliet, thou art mine! Did we not interchange vows97 in our innocent childhood? Are we not one in the sight of God? and shall thy cold-hearted, cold-blooded father divide us? Be generous, my love, be just; take not away a gift, last treasure of thy Guido—retract not thy vows—let us defy the world, and, setting at nought98 the calculations of age, find in our mutual99 affection a refuge from every ill.”
Fiend I must have been with such sophistry100 to endeavour to poison that sanctuary101 of holy thought and tender love. Juliet shrank from me affrighted. Her father was the best and kindest of men, and she strove to show me how, in obeying him, every good would follow. He would receive my tardy102 submission103 with warm affection, and generous pardon would follow my repentance104;—profitless words for a young and gentle daughter to use to a man accustomed to make his will law, and to feel in his own heart a despot so terrible and stern that he could yield obedience to nought save his own imperious desires! My resentment105 grew with resistance; my wild companions were ready to add fuel to the flame. We laid a plan to carry off Juliet. At first it appeared to be crowned with success. Midway, on our return, we were overtaken by the agonized106 father and his attendants. A conflict ensued. Before the city guard came to decide the victory in favour of our antagonists107, two of Torella’s servitors were dangerously wounded.
This portion of my history weighs most heavily with me. Changed man as I am, I abhor49 myself in the recollection. May none who hear this tale ever have felt as I. A horse driven to fury by a rider armed with barbed spurs was not more a slave than I to the violent tyranny of my temper. A fiend possessed my soul, irritating it to madness. I felt the voice of conscience within me; but if I yielded to it for a brief interval108, it was only to be a moment after torn, as by a whirlwind, away—borne along on the stream of desperate rage—the plaything of the storms engendered109 by pride. I was imprisoned110, and, at the instance of Torella, set free. Again I returned to carry off both him and his child to France, which hapless country, then preyed112 on by freebooters and gangs of lawless soldiery, offered a grateful refuge to a criminal like me. Our plots were discovered. I was sentenced to banishment; and, as my debts were already enormous, my remaining property was put in the hands of commissioners113 for their payment. Torella again offered his mediation114, requiring only my promise not to renew my abortive115 attempts on himself and his daughter. I spurned116 his offers, and fancied that I triumphed when I was thrust out from Genoa, a solitary117 and penniless exile. My companions were gone: they had been dismissed the city some weeks before, and were already in France. I was alone—friendless, with neither sword at my side, nor ducat in my purse.
I wandered along the sea-shore, a whirlwind of passion possessing and tearing my soul. It was as if a live coal had been set burning in my breast. At first I meditated119 on what I should do. I would join a band of freebooters. Revenge!—the word seemed balm to me; I hugged it, caressed120 it, till, like a serpent, it stung me. Then again I would abjure121 and despise Genoa, that little corner of the world. I would return to Paris, where so many of my friends swarmed122; where my services would be eagerly accepted; where I would carve out fortune with my sword, and make my paltry124 birthplace and the false Torella rue125 the day when they drove me, a new Coriolanus, from her walls. I would return to Paris—thus on foot—a beggar—and present myself in my poverty to those I had formerly126 entertained sumptuously127? There was gall64 in the mere128 thought of it.
The reality of things began to dawn upon my mind, bringing despair in its train. For several months I had been a prisoner: the evils of my dungeon129 had whipped my soul to madness, but they had subdued130 my corporeal131 frame. I was weak and wan118. Torella had used a thousand artifices132 to administer to my comfort; I had detected and scorned them all, and I reaped the harvest of my obduracy133. What was to be done? Should I crouch134 before my foe39, and sue for forgiveness?—Die rather ten thousand deaths!—Never should they obtain that victory! Hate—I swore eternal hate! Hate from whom?—to whom?—From a wandering outcast—to a mighty135 noble! I and my feelings were nothing to them: already had they forgotten one so unworthy. And Juliet!—her angel face and sylph-like form gleamed among the clouds of my despair with vain beauty; for I had lost her—the glory and flower of the world! Another will call her his!—that smile of paradise will bless another!
Even now my heart fails within me when I recur137 to this rout138 of grim-visaged ideas. Now subdued almost to tears, now raving139 in my agony, still I wandered along the rocky shore, which grew at each step wilder and more desolate140. Hanging rocks and hoar precipices141 overlooked the tideless ocean; black caverns142 yawned; and for ever, among the seaworn recesses143, murmured and dashed the unfruitful waters. Now my way was almost barred by an abrupt144 promontory145, now rendered nearly impracticable by fragments fallen from the cliff. Evening was at hand, when, seaward, arose, as if on the waving of a wizard’s wand, a murky146 web of clouds, blotting147 the late azure148 sky, and darkening and disturbing the till now placid149 deep. The clouds had strange, fantastic shapes, and they changed and mingled150 and seemed to be driven about by a mighty spell. The waves raised their white crests152; the thunder first muttered, then roared from across the waste of waters, which took a deep purple dye, flecked with foam153. The spot where I stood looked, on one side, to the widespread ocean; on the other, it was barred by a rugged154 promontory. Round this cape155 suddenly came, driven by the wind, a vessel156. In vain the mariners157 tried to force a path for her to the open sea—the gale158 drove her on the rocks. It will perish!—all on board will perish! Would I were among them! And to my young heart the idea of death came for the first time blended with that of joy. It was an awful sight to behold159 that vessel struggling with her fate. Hardly could I discern the sailors, but I heard them. It was soon all over! A rock, just covered by the tossing waves, and so unperceived, lay in wait for its prey111. A crash of thunder broke over my head at the moment that, with a frightful160 shock, the vessel dashed upon her unseen enemy. In a brief space of time she went to pieces. There I stood in safety; and there were my fellow-creatures battling, how hopelessly, with annihilation. Methought I saw them struggling—too truly did I hear their shrieks162, conquering the barking surges in their shrill163 agony. The dark breakers threw hither and thither164 the fragments of the wreck165: soon it disappeared. I had been fascinated to gaze till the end: at last I sank on my knees—I covered my face with my hands. I again looked up; something was floating on the billows towards the shore. It neared and neared. Was that a human form? It grew more and more distinct; and at last a mighty wave, lifting the whole freight, lodged166 it upon a rock. A human being bestriding a sea-chest!—a human being! Yet was it one? Surely never such had existed before—a misshapen dwarf167, with squinting168 eyes, distorted features, and body deformed169, till it became a horror to behold. My blood, lately warming towards a fellow-being so snatched from a watery170 tomb, froze in my heart. The dwarf got off his chest; he tossed his straight, struggling hair from his odious visage.
“By St. Beelzebub!” he exclaimed, “I have been well bested.” He looked round and saw me. “Oh, by the fiend! here is another ally of the mighty One. To what saint did you offer prayers, friend—if not to mine? Yet I remember you not on board.”
I shrank from the monster and his blasphemy171. Again he questioned me, and I muttered some inaudible reply. He continued:—
“Your voice is drowned by this dissonant172 roar. What a noise the big ocean makes! Schoolboys bursting from their prison are not louder than these waves set free to play. They disturb me. I will no more of their ill-timed brawling173. Silence, hoary174 One!—Winds, avaunt!—to your homes!—Clouds, fly to the antipodes, and leave our heaven clear!”
As he spoke175, he stretched out his two long, lank176 arms, that looked like spider’s claws, and seemed to embrace with them the expanse before him. Was it a miracle? The clouds became broken and fled; the azure sky first peeped out, and then was spread a calm field of blue above us; the stormy gale was exchanged to the softly breathing west; the sea grew calm; the waves dwindled177 to riplets.
“I like obedience even in these stupid elements,” said the dwarf. “How much more in the tameless mind of man! It was a well-got-up storm, you must allow—and all of my own making.”
It was tempting Providence to interchange talk with this magician. But Power, in all its shapes, is respected by man. Awe178, curiosity, a clinging fascination179, drew me towards him.
“Come, don’t be frightened, friend,” said the wretch180: “I am good-humoured when pleased; and something does please me in your well-proportioned body and handsome face, though you look a little woe-begone. You have suffered a land—I, a sea wreck. Perhaps I can allay181 the tempest of your fortunes as I did my own. Shall we be friends?”—And he held out his hand; I could not touch it. “Well, then, companions—that will do as well. And now, while I rest after the buffeting182 I underwent just now, tell me why, young and gallant81 as you seem, you wander thus alone and downcast on this wild sea-shore.”
The voice of the wretch was screeching183 and horrid184, and his contortions185 as he spoke were frightful to behold. Yet he did gain a kind of influence over me, which I could not master, and I told him my tale. When it was ended, he laughed long and loud: the rocks echoed back the sound: hell seemed yelling around me.
“Oh, thou cousin of Lucifer!” said he; “so thou too hast fallen through thy pride; and, though bright as the son of Morning, thou art ready to give up thy good looks, thy bride, and thy well-being186, rather than submit thee to the tyranny of good. I honour thy choice, by my soul!—So thou hast fled, and yield the day; and mean to starve on these rocks, and to let the birds peck out thy dead eyes, while thy enemy and thy betrothed rejoice in thy ruin. Thy pride is strangely akin16 to humility187, methinks.”
As he spoke, a thousand fanged188 thoughts stung me to the heart.
“What would you that I should do?” I cried.
“I!—Oh, nothing, but lie down and say your prayers before you die. But, were I you, I know the deed that should be done.”
I drew near him. His supernatural powers made him an oracle189 in my eyes; yet a strange unearthly thrill quivered through my frame as I said, “Speak!—teach me—what act do you advise?”
“Revenge thyself, man!—humble thy enemies!—set thy foot on the old man’s neck, and possess thyself of his daughter!”
“To the east and west I turn,” cried I, “and see no means! Had I gold, much could I achieve; but, poor and single, I am powerless.”
The dwarf had been seated on his chest as he listened to my story. Now he got off; he touched a spring; it flew open! What a mine of wealth—of blazing jewels, beaming gold, and pale silver—was displayed therein. A mad desire to possess this treasure was born within me.
“Doubtless,” I said, “one so powerful as you could do all things.”
“Nay190,” said the monster humbly191, “I am less omnipotent192 than I seem. Some things I possess which you may covet193; but I would give them all for a small share, or even for a loan of what is yours.”
“My possessions are at your service,” I replied bitterly—“my poverty, my exile, my disgrace—I make a free gift of them all.”
“Good! I thank you. Add one other thing to your gift, and my treasure is yours.”
“As nothing is my sole inheritance, what besides nothing would you have?”
“Your comely194 face and well-made limbs.”
I shivered. Would this all-powerful monster murder me? I had no dagger195. I forgot to pray—but I grew pale.
“I ask for a loan, not a gift,” said the frightful thing: “lend me your body for three days—you shall have mine to cage your soul the while, and, in payment, my chest. What say you to the bargain?—Three short days.”
We are told that it is dangerous to hold unlawful talk; and well do I prove the same. Tamely written down, it may seem incredible that I should lend any ear to this proposition; but, in spite of his unnatural196 ugliness, there was something fascinating in a being whose voice could govern earth, air, and sea. I felt a keen desire to comply; for with that chest I could command the worlds. My only hesitation197 resulted from a fear that he would not be true to his bargain. Then, I thought, I shall soon die here on these lonely sands, and the limbs he covets198 will be mine no more:—it is worth the chance. And, besides, I knew that, by all the rules of art-magic, there were formula and oaths which none of its practisers dared break. I hesitated to reply; and he went on, now displaying his wealth, now speaking of the petty price he demanded, till it seemed madness to refuse. Thus is it;—place our bark in the current of the stream, and down, over fall and cataract199 it is hurried; give up our conduct to the wild torrent200 of passion, and we are away, we know not whither.
He swore many an oath, and I adjured201 him by many a sacred name; till I saw this wonder of power, this ruler of the elements, shiver like an autumn leaf before my words; and as if the spirit spake unwillingly and perforce within him, at last, he, with broken voice, revealed the spell whereby he might be obliged, did he wish to play me false, to render up the unlawful spoil. Our warm life-blood must mingle151 to make and to mar3 the charm.
Enough of this unholy theme. I was persuaded—the thing was done. The morrow dawned upon me as I lay upon the shingles202, and I knew not my own shadow as it fell from me. I felt myself changed to a shape of horror, and cursed my easy faith and blind credulity. The chest was there—there the gold and precious stones for which I had sold the frame of flesh which nature had given me. The sight a little stilled my emotions: three days would soon be gone.
They did pass. The dwarf had supplied me with a plenteous store of food. At first I could hardly walk, so strange and out of joint203 were all my limbs; and my voice—it was that of the fiend. But I kept silent, and turned my face to the sun, that I might not see my shadow, and counted the hours, and ruminated204 on my future conduct. To bring Torella to my feet—to possess my Juliet in spite of him—all this my wealth could easily achieve. During dark night I slept, and dreamt of the accomplishment of my desires. Two suns had set—the third dawned. I was agitated205, fearful. Oh expectation, what a frightful thing art thou, when kindled206 more by fear than hope! How dost thou twist thyself round the heart, torturing its pulsations! How dost thou dart207 unknown pangs208 all through our feeble mechanism209, now seeming to shiver us like broken glass, to nothingness—now giving us a fresh strength, which can do nothing, and so torments210 us by a sensation, such as the strong man must feel who cannot break his fetters211, though they bend in his grasp. Slowly paced the bright, bright orb212 up the eastern sky; long it lingered in the zenith, and still more slowly wandered down the west: it touched the horizon’s verge—it was lost! Its glories were on the summits of the cliff—they grew dun and grey. The evening star shone bright. He will soon be here.
He came not!—By the living heavens, he came not!—and night dragged out its weary length, and, in its decaying age, “day began to grizzle its dark hair;” and the sun rose again on the most miserable wretch that ever upbraided213 its light. Three days thus I passed. The jewels and the gold—oh, how I abhorred them!
Well, well—I will not blacken these pages with demoniac ravings. All too terrible were the thoughts, the raging tumult of ideas that filled my soul. At the end of that time I slept; I had not before since the third sunset; and I dreamt that I was at Juliet’s feet, and she smiled, and then she shrieked—for she saw my transformation—and again she smiled, for still her beautiful lover knelt before her. But it was not I—it was he, the fiend, arrayed in my limbs, speaking with my voice, winning her with my looks of love. I strove to warn her, but my tongue refused its office; I strove to tear him from her, but I was rooted to the ground—I awoke with the agony. There were the solitary hoar precipices—there the plashing sea, the quiet strand214, and the blue sky over all. What did it mean? was my dream but a mirror of the truth? was he wooing and winning my betrothed? I would on the instant back to Genoa—but I was banished215. I laughed—the dwarf’s yell burst from my lips—I banished! Oh no! they had not exiled the foul216 limbs I wore; I might with these enter, without fear of incurring217 the threatened penalty of death, my own, my native city.
I began to walk towards Genoa. I was somewhat accustomed to my distorted limbs; none were ever so ill-adapted for a straightforward218 movement; it was with infinite difficulty that I proceeded. Then, too, I desired to avoid all the hamlets strewed here and there on the sea-beach, for I was unwilling27 to make a display of my hideousness219. I was not quite sure that, if seen, the mere boys would not stone me to death as I passed, for a monster; some ungentle salutations I did receive from the few peasants or fishermen I chanced to meet. But it was dark night before I approached Genoa. The weather was so balmy and sweet that it struck me that the Marchese and his daughter would very probably have quitted the city for their country retreat. It was from Villa Torella that I had attempted to carry off Juliet; I had spent many an hour reconnoitring the spot, and knew each inch of ground in its vicinity. It was beautifully situated220, embosomed in trees, on the margin221 of a stream. As I drew near, it became evident that my conjecture222 was right; nay, moreover, that the hours were being then devoted223 to feasting and merriment. For the house was lighted up; strains of soft and gay music were wafted224 towards me by the breeze. My heart sank within me. Such was the generous kindness of Torella’s heart that I felt sure that he would not have indulged in public manifestations225 of rejoicing just after my unfortunate banishment, but for a cause I dared not dwell upon.
The country people were all alive and flocking about; it became necessary that I should conceal myself; and yet I longed to address some one, or to hear others discourse226, or in any way to gain intelligence of what was really going on. At length, entering the walks that were in immediate227 vicinity to the mansion228, I found one dark enough to veil my excessive frightfulness229; and yet others as well as I were loitering in its shade. I soon gathered all I wanted to know—all that first made my very heart die with horror, and then boil with indignation. To-morrow Juliet was to be given to the penitent230, reformed, beloved Guido—to-morrow my bride was to pledge her vows to a fiend from hell! And I did this!—my accursed pride—my demoniac violence and wicked self-idolatry had caused this act. For if I had acted as the wretch who had stolen my form had acted—if, with a mien231 at once yielding and dignified232, I had presented myself to Torella, saying, I have done wrong, forgive me; I am unworthy of your angel-child, but permit me to claim her hereafter, when my altered conduct shall manifest that I abjure my vices123, and endeavour to become in some sort worthy136 of her. I go to serve against the infidels; and when my zeal233 for religion and my true penitence for the past shall appear to you to cancel my crimes, permit me again to call myself your son. Thus had he spoken; and the penitent was welcomed even as the prodigal son of Scripture234: the fatted calf235 was killed for him; and he, still pursuing the same path, displayed such open-hearted regret for his follies, so humble a concession236 of all his rights, and so ardent237 a resolve to reacquire them by a life of contrition238 and virtue239, that he quickly conquered the kind old man; and full pardon, and the gift of his lovely child, followed in swift succession.
Oh, had an angel from Paradise whispered to me to act thus! But now, what would be the innocent Juliet’s fate? Would God permit the foul union—or, some prodigy240 destroying it, link the dishonoured241 name of Carega with the worst of crimes? To-morrow at dawn they were to be married: there was but one way to prevent this—to meet mine enemy, and to enforce the ratification242 of our agreement. I felt that this could only be done by a mortal struggle. I had no sword—if indeed my distorted arms could wield243 a soldier’s weapon—but I had a dagger, and in that lay my hope. There was no time for pondering or balancing nicely the question: I might die in the attempt; but besides the burning jealousy244 and despair of my own heart, honour, mere humanity, demanded that I should fall rather than not destroy the machinations of the fiend.
The guests departed—the lights began to disappear; it was evident that the inhabitants of the villa were seeking repose245. I hid myself among the trees—the garden grew desert—the gates were closed—I wandered round and came under a window—ah! well did I know the same!—a soft twilight246 glimmered247 in the room—the curtains were half withdrawn248. It was the temple of innocence and beauty. Its magnificence was tempered, as it were, by the slight disarrangements occasioned by its being dwelt in, and all the objects scattered249 around displayed the taste of her who hallowed it by her presence. I saw her enter with a quick light step—I saw her approach the window—she drew back the curtain yet further, and looked out into the night. Its breezy freshness played among her ringlets, and wafted them from the transparent250 marble of her brow. She clasped her hands, she raised her eyes to heaven. I heard her voice. Guido! she softly murmured—mine own Guido! and then, as if overcome by the fulness of her own heart, she sank on her knees;—her upraised eyes—her graceful251 attitude—the beaming thankfulness that lighted up her face—oh, these are tame words! Heart of mine, thou imagest ever, though thou canst not portray252, the celestial253 beauty of that child of light and love.
I heard a step—a quick firm step along the shady avenue. Soon I saw a cavalier, richly dressed, young and, methought, graceful to look on, advance. I hid myself yet closer. The youth approached; he paused beneath the window. She arose, and again looking out she saw him, and said—I cannot, no, at this distant time I cannot record her terms of soft silver tenderness; to me they were spoken, but they were replied to by him.
“I will not go,” he cried: “here where you have been, where your memory glides254 like some heaven-visiting ghost, I will pass the long hours till we meet, never, my Juliet, again, day or night, to part. But do thou, my love, retire; the cold morn and fitful breeze will make thy cheek pale, and fill with languor255 thy love-lighted eyes. Ah, sweetest! could I press one kiss upon them, I could, methinks, repose.”
And then he approached still nearer, and methought he was about to clamber into her chamber. I had hesitated, not to terrify her; now I was no longer master of myself. I rushed forward—I threw myself on him—I tore him away—I cried, “O loathsome256 and foul-shaped wretch!”
I need not repeat epithets257, all tending, as it appeared, to rail at a person I at present feel some partiality for. A shriek161 rose from Juliet’s lips. I neither heard nor saw—I felt only mine enemy, whose throat I grasped, and my dagger’s hilt; he struggled, but could not escape. At length hoarsely258 he breathed these words: “Do!—strike home! destroy this body—you will still live: may your life be long and merry!”
The descending259 dagger was arrested at the word, and he, feeling my hold relax, extricated260 himself and drew his sword, while the uproar261 in the house, and flying of torches from one room to the other, showed that soon we should be separated. In the midst of my frenzy262 there was much calculation:—fall I might, and so that he did not survive, I cared not for the death-blow I might deal against myself. While still, therefore, he thought I paused, and while I saw the villanous resolve to take advantage of my hesitation, in the sudden thrust he made at me, I threw myself on his sword, and at the same moment plunged263 my dagger, with a true, desperate aim, in his side. We fell together, rolling over each other, and the tide of blood that flowed from the gaping264 wound of each mingled on the grass. More I know not—I fainted.
Again I return to life: weak almost to death, I found myself stretched upon a bed—Juliet was kneeling beside it. Strange! my first broken request was for a mirror. I was so wan and ghastly, that my poor girl hesitated, as she told me afterwards; but, by the mass! I thought myself a right proper youth when I saw the dear reflection of my own well-known features. I confess it is a weakness, but I avow265 it, I do entertain a considerable affection for the countenance and limbs I behold, whenever I look at a glass; and have more mirrors in my house, and consult them oftener, than any beauty in Genoa. Before you too much condemn266 me, permit me to say that no one better knows than I the value of his own body; no one, probably, except myself, ever having had it stolen from him.
Incoherently I at first talked of the dwarf and his crimes, and reproached Juliet for her too easy admission of his love. She thought me raving, as well she might; and yet it was some time before I could prevail on myself to admit that the Guido whose penitence had won her back for me was myself; and while I cursed bitterly the monstrous267 dwarf, and blest the well-directed blow that had deprived him of life, I suddenly checked myself when I heard her say, Amen! knowing that him whom she reviled268 was my very self. A little reflection taught me silence—a little practice enabled me to speak of that frightful night without any very excessive blunder. The wound I had given myself was no mockery of one—it was long before I recovered—and as the benevolent269 and generous Torella sat beside me, talking such wisdom as might win friends to repentance, and mine own dear Juliet hovered270 near me, administering to my wants, and cheering me by her smiles, the work of my bodily cure and mental reform went on together. I have never, indeed, wholly recovered my strength—my cheek is paler since—my person a little bent271. Juliet sometimes ventures to allude85 bitterly to the malice272 that caused this change, but I kiss her on the moment, and tell her all is for the best. I am a fonder and more faithful husband, and true is this—but for that wound, never had I called her mine.
I did not revisit the sea-shore, nor seek for the fiend’s treasure; yet, while I ponder on the past, I often think, and my confessor was not backward in favouring the idea, that it might be a good rather than an evil spirit, sent by my guardian angel, to show me the folly273 and misery274 of pride. So well at least did I learn this lesson, roughly taught as I was, that I am known now by all my friends and fellow-citizens by the name of Guido il Cortese.
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1
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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mariner
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| n.水手号不载人航天探测器，海员，航海者 | |
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mar
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| vt.破坏，毁坏，弄糟 | |
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necromantic
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| 降神术的，妖术的 | |
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conceal
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，隐蔽 | |
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6
confession
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| n.自白，供认，承认 | |
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tempting
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| a.诱人的, 吸引人的 | |
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providence
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| n.深谋远虑，天道，天意；远见；节约；上帝 | |
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humiliation
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| n.羞辱 | |
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odious
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| adj.可憎的，讨厌的 | |
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promontories
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| n.岬，隆起，海角( promontory的名词复数 ) | |
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innocence
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| n.无罪；天真；无害 | |
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enjoyment
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| n.乐趣；享有；享用 | |
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haughty
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| adj.傲慢的，高傲的 | |
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15
quailed
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| 害怕，发抖，畏缩( quail的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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16
akin
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| adj.同族的，类似的 | |
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obedience
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| n.服从，顺从 | |
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18
motives
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| n.动机，目的( motive的名词复数 ) | |
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19
insolent
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| adj.傲慢的，无理的 | |
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20
tumult
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| n.喧哗；激动，混乱；吵闹 | |
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21
banishment
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| n.放逐，驱逐 | |
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22
confiscated
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| 没收，充公( confiscate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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23
widower
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| n.鳏夫 | |
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24
guardianship
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| n. 监护, 保护, 守护 | |
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guardian
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| n.监护人；守卫者，保护者 | |
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26
unwillingly
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| adv.不情愿地 | |
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27
unwilling
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| adj.不情愿的 | |
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28
countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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29
maniac
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| n.精神癫狂的人；疯子 | |
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30
ferocious
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| adj.凶猛的，残暴的，极度的，十分强烈的 | |
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31
chapel
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| n.小教堂，殡仪馆 | |
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32
relic
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| n.神圣的遗物，遗迹，纪念物 | |
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33
profaned
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| v.不敬( profane的过去式和过去分词 )；亵渎，玷污 | |
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34
prodigal
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| adj.浪费的，挥霍的，放荡的 | |
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35
prodigality
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| n.浪费，挥霍 | |
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sane
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| adj.心智健全的，神志清醒的，明智的，稳健的 | |
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37
monarch
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| n.帝王，君主，最高统治者 | |
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38
abject
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| adj.极可怜的，卑屈的 | |
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foe
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| n.敌人，仇敌 | |
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40
miserable
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| adj.悲惨的，痛苦的；可怜的，糟糕的 | |
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impended
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| v.进行威胁，即将发生( impend的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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42
savage
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| adj.野蛮的；凶恶的，残暴的；n.未开化的人 | |
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43
strife
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| n.争吵，冲突，倾轧，竞争 | |
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44
arrogant
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| adj.傲慢的，自大的 | |
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45
knightly
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| adj. 骑士般的 adv. 骑士般地 | |
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46
accomplishment
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| n.完成，成就，（pl.）造诣，技能 | |
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47
presumption
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| n.推测，可能性，冒昧，放肆，[法律]推定 | |
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48
arrogance
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| n.傲慢，自大 | |
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49
abhor
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| v.憎恶；痛恨 | |
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50
abhorred
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| v.憎恶( abhor的过去式和过去分词 )；（厌恶地）回避；拒绝；淘汰 | |
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51
waylaid
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| v.拦截，拦路( waylay的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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52
possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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53
yearned
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| 渴望，切盼，向往( yearn的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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54
humble
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| adj.谦卑的，恭顺的；地位低下的；v.降低，贬低 | |
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55
guise
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| n.外表，伪装的姿态 | |
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56
taunts
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| 嘲弄的言语，嘲笑，奚落( taunt的名词复数 ) | |
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57
alluring
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| adj.吸引人的，迷人的 | |
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58
prospect
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| n.前景，前途；景色，视野 | |
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59
censure
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| v./n.责备；非难；责难 | |
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60
rankling
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| v.（使）痛苦不已，（使）怨恨不已( rankle的现在分词 ) | |
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61
penitence
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| n.忏悔，赎罪；悔过 | |
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62
bravado
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| n.虚张声势，故作勇敢，逞能 | |
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63
deference
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| n.尊重，顺从；敬意 | |
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64
gall
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| v.使烦恼，使焦躁，难堪；n.磨难 | |
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65
galled
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| v.使…擦痛( gall的过去式和过去分词 )；擦伤；烦扰；侮辱 | |
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66
follies
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| 罪恶，时事讽刺剧； 愚蠢，蠢笨，愚蠢的行为、思想或做法( folly的名词复数 ) | |
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67
sleepless
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| adj.不睡眠的，睡不著的，不休息的 | |
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68
riotous
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| adj.骚乱的；狂欢的 | |
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69
scoffing
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| n. 嘲笑, 笑柄, 愚弄 v. 嘲笑, 嘲弄, 愚弄, 狼吞虎咽 | |
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70
villa
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| n.别墅，城郊小屋 | |
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71
foliage
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| n.叶子，树叶，簇叶 | |
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72
strewed
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| v.撒在…上( strew的过去式和过去分词 )；散落于；点缀；撒满 | |
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73
mantle
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| n.斗篷，覆罩之物，罩子；v.罩住，覆盖，脸红 | |
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74
kindly
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| adj.和蔼的，温和的，爽快的；adv.温和地，亲切地 | |
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75
ingenuousness
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| n.率直；正直；老实 | |
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76
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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77
betrothed
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| n. 已订婚者 动词betroth的过去式和过去分词 | |
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78
chamber
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| n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所 | |
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79
cherub
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| n.小天使，胖娃娃 | |
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80
admiration
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| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
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81
gallant
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| adj.英勇的，豪侠的；(向女人)献殷勤的 | |
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82
vowed
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| 起誓，发誓（vow的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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infancy
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| n.婴儿期；幼年期；初期 | |
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84
alluded
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| 提及，暗指( allude的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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85
allude
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| v.提及，暗指 | |
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86
overcast
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| adj.阴天的，阴暗的，愁闷的；v.遮盖，（使）变暗，包边缝；n.覆盖，阴天 | |
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87
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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88
squandered
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| v.（指钱，财产等）浪费，乱花( squander的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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89
bestowed
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| 赠给，授予( bestow的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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restrictions
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| 约束( restriction的名词复数 )； 管制； 制约因素； 带限制性的条件（或规则） | |
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91
taunted
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| 嘲讽( taunt的过去式和过去分词 )； 嘲弄； 辱骂； 奚落 | |
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92
utterly
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| adv.完全地，绝对地 | |
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93
subscribe
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| vi.(to)订阅，订购；同意；vt.捐助，赞助 | |
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94
tyrant
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| n.暴君，专制的君主，残暴的人 | |
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95
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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96
disdain
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| n.鄙视，轻视；v.轻视，鄙视，不屑 | |
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97
vows
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| 誓言( vow的名词复数 )； 郑重宣布，许愿 | |
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98
nought
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| n.／adj.无，零 | |
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99
mutual
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| adj.相互的，彼此的；共同的，共有的 | |
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100
sophistry
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| n.诡辩 | |
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101
sanctuary
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| n.圣所，圣堂，寺庙；禁猎区，保护区 | |
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102
tardy
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| adj.缓慢的，迟缓的 | |
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103
submission
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| n.服从，投降；温顺，谦虚；提出 | |
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104
repentance
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| n.懊悔 | |
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105
resentment
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| n.怨愤，忿恨 | |
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106
agonized
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| v.使（极度）痛苦，折磨( agonize的过去式和过去分词 )；苦斗；苦苦思索；感到极度痛苦 | |
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107
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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108
interval
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| n.间隔，间距；幕间休息，中场休息 | |
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109
engendered
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| v.产生（某形势或状况），造成，引起( engender的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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110
imprisoned
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| 下狱，监禁( imprison的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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111
prey
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| n.被掠食者，牺牲者，掠食；v.捕食，掠夺，折磨 | |
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112
preyed
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| v.掠食( prey的过去式和过去分词 )；掠食；折磨；（人）靠欺诈为生 | |
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113
commissioners
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| n.专员( commissioner的名词复数 )；长官；委员；政府部门的长官 | |
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114
mediation
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| n.调解 | |
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115
abortive
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| adj.不成功的，发育不全的 | |
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116
spurned
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| v.一脚踢开，拒绝接受( spurn的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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117
solitary
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| adj.孤独的，独立的，荒凉的；n.隐士 | |
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118
wan
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| (wide area network)广域网 | |
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119
meditated
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| 深思，沉思，冥想( meditate的过去式和过去分词 )； 内心策划，考虑 | |
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120
caressed
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| 爱抚或抚摸…( caress的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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121
abjure
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| v.发誓放弃 | |
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122
swarmed
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| 密集( swarm的过去式和过去分词 )； 云集； 成群地移动； 蜜蜂或其他飞行昆虫成群地飞来飞去 | |
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123
vices
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| 缺陷( vice的名词复数 )； 恶习； 不道德行为； 台钳 | |
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124
paltry
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| adj.无价值的，微不足道的 | |
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125
rue
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| n.懊悔，芸香，后悔；v.后悔，悲伤，懊悔 | |
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126
formerly
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| adv.从前，以前 | |
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127
sumptuously
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| 奢侈地，豪华地 | |
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128
mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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129
dungeon
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| n.地牢，土牢 | |
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130
subdued
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| adj. 屈服的，柔和的，减弱的 动词subdue的过去式和过去分词 | |
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131
corporeal
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| adj.肉体的，身体的；物质的 | |
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132
artifices
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| n.灵巧( artifice的名词复数 )；诡计；巧妙办法；虚伪行为 | |
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133
obduracy
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| n.冷酷无情，顽固，执拗 | |
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134
crouch
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| v.蹲伏，蜷缩，低头弯腰；n.蹲伏 | |
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135
mighty
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| adj.强有力的；巨大的 | |
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136
worthy
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| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
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137
recur
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| vi.复发，重现，再发生 | |
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138
rout
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| n.溃退，溃败；v.击溃，打垮 | |
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139
raving
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| adj.说胡话的；疯狂的，怒吼的；非常漂亮的；令人醉心[痴心]的v.胡言乱语(rave的现在分词)n.胡话；疯话adv.胡言乱语地；疯狂地 | |
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140
desolate
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| adj.荒凉的，荒芜的；孤独的，凄凉的；v.使荒芜，使孤寂 | |
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141
precipices
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| n.悬崖，峭壁( precipice的名词复数 ) | |
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142
caverns
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| 大山洞，大洞穴( cavern的名词复数 ) | |
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143
recesses
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| n.壁凹( recess的名词复数 )；（工作或业务活动的）中止或暂停期间；学校的课间休息；某物内部的凹形空间v.把某物放在墙壁的凹处( recess的第三人称单数 )；将（墙）做成凹形，在（墙）上做壁龛；休息，休会，休庭 | |
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144
abrupt
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| adj.突然的，意外的；唐突的，鲁莽的 | |
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145
promontory
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| n.海角；岬 | |
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146
murky
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|
| adj.黑暗的，朦胧的；adv.阴暗地，混浊地；n.阴暗；昏暗 | |
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147
blotting
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| 吸墨水纸 | |
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148
azure
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| adj.天蓝色的，蔚蓝色的 | |
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149
placid
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| adj.安静的，平和的 | |
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150
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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151
mingle
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| vt.使混合，使相混；vi.混合起来；相交往 | |
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152
crests
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| v.到达山顶（或浪峰）( crest的第三人称单数 )；到达洪峰，达到顶点 | |
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153
foam
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| v./n.泡沫，起泡沫 | |
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154
rugged
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| adj.高低不平的，粗糙的，粗壮的，强健的 | |
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155
cape
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| n.海角，岬；披肩，短披风 | |
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156
vessel
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| n.船舶；容器，器皿；管，导管，血管 | |
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157
mariners
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| 海员，水手（mariner的复数形式） | |
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158
gale
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| n.大风，强风，一阵闹声（尤指笑声等） | |
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159
behold
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| v.看，注视，看到 | |
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160
frightful
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|
| adj.可怕的；讨厌的 | |
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161
shriek
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| v./n.尖叫，叫喊 | |
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162
shrieks
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| n.尖叫声( shriek的名词复数 )v.尖叫( shriek的第三人称单数 ) | |
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163
shrill
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|
| adj.尖声的；刺耳的；v尖叫 | |
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164
thither
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| adv.向那里；adj.在那边的，对岸的 | |
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165
wreck
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| n.失事，遇难；沉船；vt.(船等)失事，遇难 | |
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166
lodged
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| v.存放( lodge的过去式和过去分词 )；暂住；埋入；（权利、权威等）归属 | |
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167
dwarf
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| n.矮子，侏儒，矮小的动植物；vt.使…矮小 | |
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168
squinting
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| 斜视( squint的现在分词 )； 眯着眼睛； 瞟； 从小孔或缝隙里看 | |
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169
deformed
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|
| adj.畸形的；变形的；丑的，破相了的 | |
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170
watery
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| adj.有水的，水汪汪的；湿的，湿润的 | |
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171
blasphemy
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| n.亵渎，渎神 | |
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172
dissonant
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|
| adj.不和谐的；不悦耳的 | |
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173
brawling
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| n.争吵，喧嚷 | |
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174
hoary
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| adj.古老的；鬓发斑白的 | |
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175
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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176
lank
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|
| adj.瘦削的；稀疏的 | |
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177
dwindled
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| v.逐渐变少或变小( dwindle的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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178
awe
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| n.敬畏，惊惧；vt.使敬畏，使惊惧 | |
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179
fascination
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| n.令人着迷的事物，魅力，迷恋 | |
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180
wretch
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| n.可怜的人，不幸的人；卑鄙的人 | |
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181
allay
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| v.消除，减轻(恐惧、怀疑等) | |
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182
buffeting
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| 振动 | |
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183
screeching
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| v.发出尖叫声( screech的现在分词 )；发出粗而刺耳的声音；高叫 | |
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184
horrid
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| adj.可怕的；令人惊恐的；恐怖的；极讨厌的 | |
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185
contortions
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| n.扭歪，弯曲；扭曲，弄歪，歪曲( contortion的名词复数 ) | |
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186
well-being
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| n.安康，安乐，幸福 | |
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187
humility
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| n.谦逊，谦恭 | |
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188
fanged
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| adj.有尖牙的，有牙根的，有毒牙的 | |
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189
oracle
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| n.神谕，神谕处，预言 | |
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190
nay
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| adv.不；n.反对票，投反对票者 | |
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191
humbly
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| adv. 恭顺地，谦卑地 | |
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192
omnipotent
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| adj.全能的，万能的 | |
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193
covet
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| vt.垂涎；贪图(尤指属于他人的东西) | |
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194
comely
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| adj.漂亮的，合宜的 | |
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195
dagger
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| n.匕首，短剑，剑号 | |
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196
unnatural
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| adj.不自然的；反常的 | |
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197
hesitation
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| n.犹豫，踌躇 | |
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198
covets
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| v.贪求，觊觎( covet的第三人称单数 ) | |
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199
cataract
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| n.大瀑布，奔流，洪水，白内障 | |
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200
torrent
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| n.激流，洪流；爆发，(话语等的)连发 | |
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201
adjured
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| v.（以起誓或诅咒等形式）命令要求( adjure的过去式和过去分词 )；祈求；恳求 | |
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202
shingles
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| n.带状疱疹；（布满海边的）小圆石( shingle的名词复数 )；屋顶板；木瓦（板）；墙面板 | |
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203
joint
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| adj.联合的，共同的；n.关节，接合处；v.连接，贴合 | |
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204
ruminated
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| v.沉思( ruminate的过去式和过去分词 )；反复考虑；反刍；倒嚼 | |
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205
agitated
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| adj.被鼓动的，不安的 | |
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206
kindled
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| （使某物）燃烧，着火( kindle的过去式和过去分词 )； 激起（感情等）； 发亮，放光 | |
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207
dart
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| v.猛冲，投掷；n.飞镖，猛冲 | |
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208
pangs
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| 突然的剧痛( pang的名词复数 )； 悲痛 | |
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209
mechanism
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| n.机械装置；机构，结构 | |
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210
torments
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| （肉体或精神上的）折磨，痛苦( torment的名词复数 )； 造成痛苦的事物[人] | |
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211
fetters
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| n.脚镣( fetter的名词复数 )；束缚v.给…上脚镣，束缚( fetter的第三人称单数 ) | |
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212
orb
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| n.太阳；星球；v.弄圆；成球形 | |
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213
upbraided
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| v.责备，申斥，谴责( upbraid的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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214
strand
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| vt.使（船）搁浅，使（某人）困于（某地） | |
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215
banished
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| v.放逐，驱逐( banish的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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216
foul
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| adj.污秽的；邪恶的；v.弄脏；妨害；犯规；n.犯规 | |
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217
incurring
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| 遭受，招致，引起( incur的现在分词 ) | |
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218
straightforward
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| adj.正直的，坦率的；易懂的，简单的 | |
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219
hideousness
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220
situated
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| adj.坐落在...的，处于某种境地的 | |
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221
margin
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| n.页边空白；差额；余地，余裕；边，边缘 | |
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222
conjecture
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| n./v.推测，猜测 | |
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devoted
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| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
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wafted
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| v.吹送，飘送，（使）浮动( waft的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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manifestations
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| n.表示，显示（manifestation的复数形式） | |
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226
discourse
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| n.论文，演说；谈话；话语；vi.讲述，著述 | |
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immediate
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| adj.立即的；直接的，最接近的；紧靠的 | |
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mansion
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| n.大厦，大楼；宅第 | |
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229
frightfulness
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| 可怕； 丑恶； 讨厌； 恐怖政策 | |
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230
penitent
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| adj.后悔的；n.后悔者；忏悔者 | |
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231
mien
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| n.风采；态度 | |
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232
dignified
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| a.可敬的，高贵的 | |
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zeal
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| n.热心，热情，热忱 | |
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234
scripture
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| n.经文，圣书，手稿；Scripture:(常用复数)《圣经》，《圣经》中的一段 | |
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235
calf
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| n.小牛，犊，幼仔，小牛皮 | |
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concession
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| n.让步，妥协；特许(权) | |
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ardent
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| adj.热情的，热烈的，强烈的，烈性的 | |
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contrition
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| n.悔罪，痛悔 | |
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virtue
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| n.德行，美德；贞操；优点；功效，效力 | |
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prodigy
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| n.惊人的事物，奇迹，神童，天才，预兆 | |
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dishonoured
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| a.不光彩的，不名誉的 | |
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242
ratification
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| n.批准，认可 | |
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243
wield
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| vt.行使，运用，支配；挥，使用(武器等) | |
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244
jealousy
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| n.妒忌，嫉妒，猜忌 | |
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repose
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| v.(使)休息；n.安息 | |
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twilight
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| n.暮光，黄昏；暮年，晚期，衰落时期 | |
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glimmered
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| v.发闪光，发微光( glimmer的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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withdrawn
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| vt.收回；使退出；vi.撤退，退出 | |
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scattered
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| adj.分散的，稀疏的；散步的；疏疏落落的 | |
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transparent
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| adj.明显的，无疑的；透明的 | |
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graceful
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| adj.优美的，优雅的；得体的 | |
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portray
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| v.描写，描述；画(人物、景象等) | |
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celestial
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| adj.天体的；天上的 | |
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glides
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| n.滑行( glide的名词复数 )；滑音；音渡；过渡音v.滑动( glide的第三人称单数 )；掠过；（鸟或飞机 ） 滑翔 | |
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languor
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| n.无精力，倦怠 | |
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loathsome
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| adj.讨厌的，令人厌恶的 | |
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epithets
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| n.（表示性质、特征等的）词语( epithet的名词复数 ) | |
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258
hoarsely
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| adv.嘶哑地 | |
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259
descending
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| n. 下行 adj. 下降的 | |
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extricated
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| v.使摆脱困难，脱身( extricate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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uproar
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| n.骚动，喧嚣，鼎沸 | |
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frenzy
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| n.疯狂，狂热，极度的激动 | |
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plunged
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| v.颠簸( plunge的过去式和过去分词 )；暴跌；骤降；突降 | |
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gaping
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| adj.口的；张口的；敞口的；多洞穴的v.目瞪口呆地凝视( gape的现在分词 )；张开，张大 | |
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avow
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| v.承认，公开宣称 | |
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condemn
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| vt.谴责，指责；宣判(罪犯)，判刑 | |
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monstrous
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| adj.巨大的；恐怖的；可耻的，丢脸的 | |
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reviled
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| v.辱骂，痛斥( revile的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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benevolent
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| adj.仁慈的，乐善好施的 | |
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hovered
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| 鸟( hover的过去式和过去分词 )； 靠近（某事物）； （人）徘徊； 犹豫 | |
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271
bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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272
malice
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| n.恶意，怨恨，蓄意；[律]预谋 | |
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273
folly
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| n.愚笨，愚蠢，蠢事，蠢行，傻话 | |
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misery
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| n.痛苦，苦恼，苦难；悲惨的境遇，贫苦 | |
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