Joseph, her twin brother, had attracted the notice of a respectable jeweller, who, though he could not take the boy into his house as a regular apprentice13 till he was thirteen, not only employed him several hours in the day in cleaning jewels, etc., but allowed him small wages—an act of real benevolence15, felt by the widow as an especial blessing8, rendered perhaps the dearer from the fact that it was the high character her husband had borne which gave his youngest son so responsible an office, intrusted as it was to none but the strictly16 honest.
Simeon, now nearly seventeen, was with the same watchmaker who had formerly17 brought forward his father. It was not a trade he liked; nay18, the delicate machinery19 required was peculiarly annoying to him, but it was the only opening for him, and he conquered his disinclination. He had long since made a vow22 to use his every effort to restore his parents to the comfortable estate from which they had unfortunately fallen, and no thought of himself or his own wishes should interfere23 with its accomplishment24. Persevering25 and resolute26, he took a good heart with him to the business; and though his first attempts were awkward, and the laughter of his companions most discouraging, the praise of his master and his own conscience urged him on, and before the two years which we have passed over had elapsed, he had conquered every difficulty, and promised in time to be quite as good a workman as his father.
The extent of suffering which his father’s death had been to him no one knew, but he had felt at first as if he could not rouse himself again. It was useless to struggle on; for the beloved parent, for whose sake he had made this solemn vow, was gone for ever. His mother indeed was spared him; but much as he loved and reverenced27 her, his father had been, if possible, first in his affections. Perhaps it was that his own feelings, his own character, gave him a clue to all that his father had done and endured. He had all his honesty and honour, all his energy, and love for his ancient faith. One difference there was: Perez could bear with, nay, love all mankind—could find excuse for the erring28, even for the apostate29, much as he abhorred30 the deed; could believe in the sincerity31 and piety32 of others, though their faith differed from his own; but Simeon could not feel this. Often, even in his childhood, his father had to reprove him for prejudice; and as he grew older, his hatred33 against all those who left the faith, or united themselves in any way with other than Israelites, continued violent. Prejudice is almost the only feeling which reason cannot conquer—religion may, and Simeon was truly and sincerely religious; but he loved his faith better than he loved his God. He would have started and denied it, had any one told him so, and declared it was impossible—one feeling could not be distinct or divided from the other; yet so it was. An earnest and heartfelt love of God can never permit an emotion so violent as hatred to any of God’s creatures. It is no test of our own sincerity to condemn34 or disbelieve in that of others; and those who do—who prejudiced and violent against all who differ from them—may be, no doubt are, sincerely religious and well intentioned, but they love their faith better than they love their God.
These peculiar20 feelings occasioned a degree of coldness in Simeon’s sentiments towards his brother Reuben, of whom we have little more to say than we know already.
The death of his father was indeed a fearful shock; yet, from a few words which fell from him during some of his interviews with Sarah, she fancied that he almost rejoiced that he was bound by no promise to the dying. In the midst of repentant36 agony that he had arrived too late for his parent’s blessing, he would break off with a half shudder37, and mutter, “If he had spoken that, he might have spoken more, and I could not have disobeyed him on his death-bed. Whatever he bade me promise I must have promised; and then, then, after a few brief months, been perjured39. Oh, my father, my father! why is it my fate to be the wretch40 I am?”
This grief was violent, but it did not produce the good effect which his parents had so fondly hoped. Even in the days of mourning, it was evident that the peculiar forms which his faith enjoined41, as the son of the deceased, chafed42 and irritated him; and had it not been for the deep, silent suffering of his mother, which he could not bear to increase, he would have neglected them altogether. When he mixed with the world again, he followed his own course and his own will, scarcely ever mixing with those of his own race, but seeking, and at last finding employment with the stranger. He had excellent abilities; and from his having received a better education than most youths of his race, obtained at length a lucrative43 situation in an establishment which, trading to many different parts of the British Isles44, often required an active agent to travel for them. His peculiar creed45 had been at first against him; but when his abilities were put to the proof, and it was discovered he was in truth only nominally46 a Jew, that he cared not to sacrifice the Sabbath, and that no part of his religion was permitted to interfere with his employments, his services were accepted and well paid.
Had then Reuben Perez, the beloved and cherished son of such good and pious47 parents, indeed deserted48 the religion of his forefathers49? Not in semblance50, for there were times when he still visited the synagogue; and as he did so, he was by many still conceived a good Jew. The flagrant follies51 of his youth had subsided52; he was no longer wild, wavering, and extravagant53. Not a word could be spoken against his moral principles; his public, even his domestic conduct was unexceptionable, and therefore he bore a high character in the estimation alike of the Jewish and Christian54 world. What cause had his mother, then, for the grief and pain which swelled55 her heart almost to bursting, when she thought upon her firstborn? Alas56! it was because she felt there was One who saw deeper than the world—One, between whom and himself Reuben had raised up a dark barrier of wrath—One who loved him, erring and sinful as he was, with an immeasurable love, but whose deep love was rejected and abused—even his God, that God who had been the Saviour57 of his forefathers through so many thousand ages. The mother would have preferred seeing him poor, dependent, obtaining but his daily bread, yet faithful to his faith and to his God, than prosperous, courted, and an alien.
The brothers seldom met, and therefore Simeon was ignorant how powerfully coldness was creeping over his affections for Reuben; how, in violently condemning58 his indifference59 and union with the stranger, he was rendering60 the observance of his promise to his dying father (to bear with and love his brother) a matter of difficulty and pain. Faithful and earnest himself, he could not understand a want of earnestness and fidelity61 in others. But, however the world might flatter and appear to honour his exemplary moral conduct, one truth it is our duty to record—Reuben was not happy. It was not the mere62 fancy of his mother and cousin, it was truth; they knew not wherefore—for if he neglected and contemned63 his religion, he could scarcely feel the want of it—but that he was unhappy, perhaps was the secret cause which held the love of his mother and Sarah so immovably enchained, bidding them hope sometimes in the very midst of gloom.
Of the female members of Perez’ family we have little to remark. Leah’s good conduct had not only made her the favourite of her mistress, but her liveliness and happy temper had actually triumphed over the sometimes harsh disposition64 she had at first to encounter. There was no withstanding her good humour. She had the happy knack66 of making people good friends with themselves, as well as with each other, and was so happy herself, that, except when she thought of her dear father, and wished that he could but see her and hear her sing over her work, sorrow was unknown. Every Friday evening she went home to remain till the Sunday morning, and that was superlative enjoyment67, not only to herself, for her mother looked to the visit of her merry, affectionate daughter as a source of pure feeling, delight, and recreation.
In Sarah there was no change. Still pensive68, modest, and industrious69, she continued quietly to retain the most devoted70 affections of her relatives, and the goodwill71 and respect of her employers. Of her own individual feelings we must not now speak, save to say that few even of her domestic circle imagined how strong and deep was the under-current of character which her quiet mien72 concealed74.
It was the evening of the Sabbath, and the widow and her daughters were assembled in their pretty little parlour. Simeon and Joseph were not yet returned from synagogue. Reuben, alas! was seldom there on the Sabbath eve. The table was covered with a cloth, which, though not of the finest description, was white as the driven snow; and the Sabbath lamp was lighted, for in their greatest poverty this ceremony had never been omitted. When they had no lamp, and could not have afforded oil, they burnt a wax candle, frequently depriving themselves of some week-day necessary to procure75 this indulgence. The first earnings76 of Sarah, Leah, and Simeon had been used to repurchase the ancient Sabbath lamp, the heirloom in their family for many generations. It was silver and very antique, and by a strange chance had escaped the fire, which rendered perhaps the sale of it the more painful to Perez. His gratification on beholding77 it again had amply repaid his affectionate children. Never being used but on Sabbaths, it seemed to partake of the sanctity of that holy day.
Bread and salt were also upon the table, and the large Bible and its attendant prayer-books there also, open, as if they had just been used. Ruth had plucked some sweet flowers just before Sabbath, and arranged them tastefully in a china cup, and Leah had playfully removed a sprig of rosebuds78 and wreathed it in the long glossy79 curls which hung round Ruth’s sweet face and over her shoulders. The dresses of all were neat and clean, for they loved to make a distinction between the seventh day and the six days of labour.
“If we were about to pass a day in the presence of an earthly sovereign, my dear children,” the widow had often been wont80 to say, “should we not deserve to be excluded if we appeared rudely and slovenly81 and dirtily attired82? You think we could not possibly do so; it would not only be such marked disrespect, but we should not be admitted. How, then, dare we seek the presence of our heavenly sovereign in such rude and sinful disarray84? The seventh day is His day. He calls upon us to throw aside all worldly thoughts and cares, and come to Him, and give our thoughts and hearts to His holy service. If an earthly king so called us, how anxious should we be to accept the invitation—shall we do less for God?”
“But, dear mother,” Leah would answer, “will God regard that? Is He not too holy, too far removed from us, too pure to mark such little things?”
“Nothing is too small for Him to remark, if done in love and faith, my child. The heart anxious to mark the Sabbath by increase of cleanliness and neatness in personal attire83, as well as household arrangements, must conceive it God’s own day, and observing it as such will receive His blessing. It is not the act of dressing85 or the dress He observes. He only marks it as a proof His holy day is welcomed with love and rejoicing, as He commanded; and the smallest offering of OBEDIENCE86 is acceptable to Him.”
“But I have heard you remark with regret, mother, that some of our neighbours are dressed so very smart on Sabbath. If it be to mark the holy difference between that day and the others, why should you regret it?”
“Because, love, there ought to be moderation in all things, and when I see very smart showy dresses, which, if not in material, in appearance are much too fine and smart for our station, I fear it is less a religious than a worldly feeling which dictates87 them. Have you not noticed that those who dress so gaily88 generally spend their Sabbath in walking about the streets and exchanging visits, conversing89, of course, on the most frivolous90 topics? I do not think this the proper method of spending our Sabbath day, and therefore I regret to see them devote so much time and thought on mere outward decoration, which is so widely different from obedience to their God.”
Leah thought of this little conversation many times. From thoughtlessness and dislike to trouble, she had hitherto been rather negligent91 than otherwise in her dress; then going to a contrary extreme, felt very much inclined to imitate some young companions in their finery. Her mother’s word saved her from the one, and their subsequent misfortunes effectually from the other, as all her earnings were hoarded92 for one holy purpose, simply to assist her parents; and she would have thought it sacrilege to have spent any portion on herself, except on things which she absolutely needed. But so neat and clean was she invariably in her dress, that her mistress always sent her to receive orders, and, trifling93 as appearance may seem, it repeatedly gained customers.
“They are coming—I hear their footsteps,” said the little Ruth, springing up to open the parlour door. “Oh! I do so love the Sabbath eve, for it brings us all together again so happily.”
“Is it only Simeon and Joseph, my child?” inquired the widow, mournfully; for there was one expectation on her heart and that of Sarah, which, alas! was seldom to be fulfilled.
Ruth listened attentively94.
“Only they, mother!” she said, checking her voice of glee, and returning to her mother’s side, for she knew the cause of that saddened tone, and she laid her little head caressingly96 on her mother’s breast.
Simeon and Joseph at that moment entered, and each advancing, bent97 lowly before their mother, who, laying her hand upon each dear head, blessed them in a voice faltering98 from its emotion, and kissed them both. The kiss of love and peace went round, and gaily the brothers and sisters drew round the table, which Sarah’s provident99 love speedily covered with the welcome evening meal. The happy laugh and affectionate interchange of the individual cares and pleasures, vexations and enjoyments100 of the past week, occupied them delightfully101 during tea. Sarah had to tell of a new kind of work which had diversified102 her usual employment, and been most successful; a kind of wadded slipper103, which, after many trials, she had completed to her satisfaction, in the intervals105 of other work; and which not only sold well, but gave her dear aunt an occupation which she could accomplish without pain, in wadding and binding106 the silk. Leah told of a pretty dress and bonnet107 which her mistress had presented to her, in token of her approbation108 of her steadiness in refusing to accompany her companions to some place of amusement, which, from its respectability being doubted, she knew her mother would not approve; and, by staying at home, enabled Mrs. Magnus to finish an expensive order a day sooner than had been expected, and so gained her a new and wealthy customer.
“Dearest mother, you told me how to resist temptation even in trifles,” continued the affectionate girl, with tears of feeling in her bright dark eyes. “You taught me from my earliest childhood there was purer and more lasting109 pleasure in conquering my own wishes than any doubtful recreation could bestow110; and that in that inward pleasure our heavenly Father’s approval was made manifest. And so, you see, though you were not near me and I could not, as I wished, ask your advice and permission, it was you who enabled me to conquer myself, and resist this temptation. I did want to go, and felt very, very lonely when all went; but when Mrs. Magnus thanked me for enabling her to give so much satisfaction, and said I had gained her a new customer, oh, no circus or play could have given me such happiness as that; and it was all through you, mother, and so I told her.”
The happy mother smiled on her animated111 girl; but her heart did not glorify112 itself, it thanked God that her early efforts had been so blessed. “And Ruth!” some of our readers may exclaim, “poor blind Ruth, what can she have to say?” And we answer, happy little Ruth had much of industry and enjoyment to dilate113 on. The straw she had plaited, the hymns114 she had learnt through Sarah’s kindly115 teaching, the dead leaves she had plucked from the shrubs116 and flowers, for so delicate had her sense of touch become, she could follow this occupation in perfect security to the plants, distinguishing the dead and dying from the perfect leaves at a touch. Then she told of a poor little orphan117 beggar girl, whom Sarah had one day brought in cold and crying, because she had been begging all day and had received nothing, and she knew she should be beaten when she went home; and how she had said she hated begging; but she could do nothing else; and little Ruth had asked her if she would like to sell flowers; and poor Mary had told her she should like it very very much, but she could not get any. She knew no one who would let her take them from the garden. How she (Ruth) had promised to make her some little nosegays, and Sarah and her mother said they would make her some little nick-nacks, pincushions, and housewives to put with her flowers.
“Ah, we made her so happy!” continued the child, clasping her little hands in delight. “Mother gave her some of my old things, which were quite good to her, and it is quite a pleasure to me to make her nosegays, and feel they give her a few pence better than begging; and Sarah is going to try if I can make her some little fancy things when winter comes. You know I am quite rich to her, for God has given me a home, and such a kind mother, and dear brothers and sisters, and she has neither home nor mother, nor any one to love her. Poor, poor Mary! and then, too, some say the Christians118 do not like the Jews, and I know she will and does like us, and she may make others of her people like us too.”
“Ruth,” said her brother Simeon, in a very strange husky voice, “Ruth, darling, come here and kiss me. I wish you would make me as good as you.”
“As good!” exclaimed the child, springing on his knee, and throwing her arms round his neck; “dear naughty Simeon, to say such a thing. How much more you can do than I. Do you not work so very much, that dear mother sometimes fears for your health? and it is all for us, to help to support us, mother and me, because we cannot work for ourselves. Ah, I am blind, and can only do little things, and try to make every one happy, that they may love me; but I am only a little girl; I cannot be as good as you.”
“Ruth, darling, I could not do as you have done. I cannot love and serve those who hate and persecute119 us as Israelites.”
“They do not persecute us now, brother. Sarah told me sad tales of what we suffered once; but God was angry with us then, and he made the nations punish us. But now, if they still dislike us we ought not to dislike them, but do all we can to make them love us.”
Simeon bent his head upon his sister’s; her artless words had rebuked120 and shamed him. But prejudice might not even then be overcome. He knew she was right and he was wrong, so he would not answer, glad to hear Leah gaily demand a history of his weekly proceedings121, as he had not yet spoken. He had little to relate, except that he was now beginning really to understand his business. His master had said that he should soon be obliged to raise his salary; and, what was a real source of happiness, from the care and quickness with which he now accomplished122 his tasks, he found time for his favourite amusement of modelling, which circumstances had compelled him so long to neglect. Joseph had to tell of similar kindness on the part of his master and industry on his own. He told, too, with great glee, that Mr. Bennet had promised to give him some lessons in the evenings, in the language which of all others he wished most particularly to understand. He knew many were satisfied merely to read their prayers in Hebrew, whether they understood them or not, but he wished to understand it thoroughly123, and all the time he was cleaning jewels, for he was now quite expert, he thought over what his master had so kindly taught him; perhaps one day he might be able to know Hebrew thoroughly himself, and oh, what a delight that would be!
By the time Joseph had finished his tale, the table had been cleared; and then the widow opened the large Bible, and after fervently124 blessing God for His mercy in permitting them all to see the close of another week in health and peace, read aloud a chapter and psalm126. Varied127 as were the characters and wishes of all present, every heart united in reverence and love towards this weekly service—in, if possible, increased devotion towards that beloved parent, who so faithfully endeavoured to support not alone her own duties towards her offspring, but those of their departed father. She had not lost those hours and days, aye, and sometimes long weeks of suffering, with which it had pleased God to afflict4 her. When confined to her bed, the Bible had been her sole companion, and she so communed with it and her own heart, that many passages, which had before been veiled, were now made clear and light, and her constant prayer for wisdom and religion to lead her offspring in its paths of pleasantness and peace granted to the full. Yet Rachel was no great scholar. Let it not be imagined amongst those who read this little tale, that she was unusually gifted. She was indeed so far gifted that she had a trusting spirit and a most humble128 and child-like mind, and of worldly ways was most entirely129 ignorant; and it was these feelings which kept her so persevering in the path of duty, and, leading her to the footstool of her God, gave her the strength of wisdom that she needed; and to every mother in Israel these powers are given.
“Well, my dear children, to whom must I look for the text which is to occupy us this evening?” said the widow, glancing affectionately round as she ceased to read.
“To me and Ruth, mother; for you know we always think together,” answered Joseph, eagerly. “And you don’t know how we have both been longing130 for this evening, for the verse we have chosen has made us think so much, and with all our thinking, we cannot quite satisfy ourselves.”
“But what is it, my boy?”
“It is the one our dear father repeated on his death-bed, mother. I have often thought of it since, but feared it would make you sorrowful, if we spoke38 of it for the first year or two; but as I found Ruth had thought of it and wished it explained also, we said we would ask you to talk about it to-night. You repeat it, Ruth; you pronounce the Hebrew so prettily131!”
And timidly, but sweetly, Ruth said, first in Hebrew and then in English, “‘Commit your ways unto the Lord; trust also in him, and he will bring it to pass.’ Ways,” continued the child, “was the word which first puzzled us, but Sarah has explained it to me so plainly, I understand it better now.”
“Tell us then, Sarah dear,” said her aunt.
“It seems to me,” she said, “that the word ways has many meanings. In the verse, ‘Show me thy ways, O Lord,’ I think it means actions. In another verse, ‘The Lord made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel,’ I think ways mean thoughts!”
“And there are several in Proverbs,” interposed Simeon, “which would make us regard ways as the path we are to tread; as for instance, ‘Who leaveth the path of righteousness, to walk in the ways of darkness.’”
“But Ruth and I want to know in which of these ways we are to regard it in our verse,” persisted Joseph.
“As meaning both outward actions and inward thoughts, my dear children,” replied his mother. “I have thought long on this verse, and I am glad you have chosen it for discussion. Perhaps you do not know, my little Joseph, that we must think to act; that it is very seldom any good or bad action is performed without previous thought; and, consequently, if we would be pure in act, we must commit our thoughts unto the Lord.”
“But how are we to do this, mother?” asked Leah.
“By constant prayer, my love; by endeavouring, wherever we are, or whatever we may be doing, to remember God knows our every thought before it has words, and long before it becomes action. We are apt, perhaps, to indulge in the wildest thoughts, simply because we imagine ourselves secure from all observation. From human observation we are secure, but not from our Father who is in heaven; and therefore we should endeavour so to train our thoughts as to banish132 all which we dare not commit unto our God.”
“But are there not some things, dear aunt, too trivial, too much mingled133 with earthly feelings, to bring before a Being of such ineffable135 holiness and purity?” inquired Sarah, in a voice which, notwithstanding all her efforts, audibly faltered136.
“Ah, that is what I want so much to know,” added Joseph.
“You must not forget, my dear Sarah,” resumed Mrs. Perez, “that our God is a God of love and compassion137, as infinite as His holiness; that every throb138 of pain or joy in the creature His love has formed, is felt as well as ordained139 by Him. No nation has a God so near to them as Israel; and we, of all others, ought to derive140 and realize comfort from the belief that He knows our nature in its strivings after righteousness, as well as in its sin. He knows all our temptations, all our struggles, far better than our dearest earthly friends, and His loving mercy towards us is infinitely141 stronger. Therefore we can better commit our secret thoughts and feelings unto His keeping, than to that of our nearest friends on earth.”
“And may children do this, mother?”
“Yes, dear boy; our Father has children in His tender care and guiding, even as those of more experienced age. Accustom142 yourselves, while engaged in thought, to ask, ‘Can I ask my Father’s blessing on these thoughts, and on the actions they lead to?’ and rest assured conscience will give you a true answer. If it say, ‘No,’ dismiss the trifling or sinful meditations143 on the instant; send up a brief prayer to God for help, and He will hear you. If, on the contrary, conscience approve your thought, encourage it, as leading you nearer, closer, and more lovingly to God.”
“But is not this close communion more necessary for women than for men, mother?” inquired Simeon.
“Women may need it more, my dear boy; but, believe me, it is equally, if not more necessary for man. Think of the many temptations to evil which men have in their intercourse144 with the world; the daily, almost hourly call for the conquest of inclination21 and passion, which, without some very strong incentive145, can never be subdued146. One unguarded moment, and the labour of years after righteousness may be annihilated147. Man may not need the comfort of this close communion so much as women, but he yet more requires its strength. Nothing is so likely to keep him from sin, as committing his thoughts even as his actions unto the Lord.”
“Thank you, my dear mother; that first bit is clear,” said Joseph. “Now I want the second: the third is the most puzzling of all, but we shall come to that by and bye.”
“You surely know what it means by to ‘trust in Him,’ Joseph?” said Leah.
“I think I do, sister mine, for it was mother’s humble trust in the Lord that supported her in her sorrows: that I saw, I felt, though I was a child; but—” he hesitated.
“Well, my boy?”
“To trust, I think, means to have faith. Now, Henry Stevens said the other day, Jews have no faith—and how can we trust, then?”
“My dearest Joseph, do not let your companions so mislead you,” answered his mother, earnestly. “I know that is a charge often brought against us; but it is always from those who do not know our religion, and who judge us only from those who, by their words and actions, condemn it themselves. The Jew must have faith, not only in the existence of God, but in the sacred history our God inspired, or he is no Jew. He must feel faith—believe God hears and will answer, or his prayers, however fervent125, are of no avail. Without faith, his very existence must be an enigma148, and his whole life misery149. Oh, believe me, my dear children, as no nation has God so near them, so no nation has so much need of faith, and no nation has so experienced the strength, and peace, and fulness which it brings.”
“But how does our verse mean that we are to trust in the Lord, mother?” asked Ruth.
“It belongs both to the first and last division of the verse, my love. If we commit our ways unto the Lord, and trust also in Him (remember one is of no avail without the other), then He will bring it to pass.”
“Ah! that is it. I am so glad we have come to that,” eagerly exclaimed Joseph. “Mother, does it mean, can it mean that our Father will grant our prayers, will give us what we most wish?”
“If it be for our good, my boy; if our wishes be acceptable in His sight; if they will tend to our eternal as well as our temporal welfare; and we bring them before Him in unfailing confidence, believing firmly that He will answer in His own good time—we may rest assured that He will answer us, that He will grant our prayers.”
“But that which is for our good may not be what we most wish for,” resumed Joseph, despondingly.
“But, my boy, if what we wish for is not for our good, is it not more merciful and kind to deny than to grant it? Remember, God knows us better than we know ourselves; and we may ask what would lead us to evil temporally and eternally. If, for a wise and merciful purpose, even our good desires are not granted, be assured that peace, strength, and healing will be given in their stead.”
The little circle looked very thoughtful as the impressive voice of the widow ceased.
Sarah seemed more than usually moved; for, as she bent over her little Bible, which she had opened at the verse, tears one by one fell silently upon the page. Whether Ruth heard them drop, or from her seat close by her cousin felt that the hand she caressingly held trembled, we know not, but the child rose and threw her little arms around her neck.
“Do you remember who it was wrote the verse we are considering?” said the widow, after a pause.
“King David,” answered Joseph and Simeon together.
“Then you see it was no prosperous monarch150, no peaceful lawgiver, but one whose life had passed in trials, compared to which our severest misfortunes must seem trifling. Hunted from place to place, in daily danger of his life, compelled even to feign151 madness, separated from all whom he loved, from all of happiness or peace, even debarred from the public exercise of his faith, his very prayers at times seemingly unheeded—yet it is this faithful servant of God who exclaims, ‘Commit your ways unto the Lord; trust also in him, and he will bring it to pass.’ We know not the exact time he wrote these words; but we know he wrote from experience, for did not God indeed bring happiness to pass for him? If we think of the life of him who wrote these blessed words, as well as the words themselves, we must derive strength and comfort from the reflection.”
“Yes, yes; I see and feel it all now,” exclaimed Joseph, eagerly as before. “Oh, mother, I can think about it now without any puzzling at all. I am so glad. Cannot you, Ruth?”
“Hush!” answered the child, as she suddenly started up in an attitude of attentive95 listening. “Hush! I am sure that is Reuben’s step: he is coming, he is coming. Oh, what joy for me!”
“You are wrong, dear; and it only disappoints mother,” said Leah, gently.
“No, no! I know I am not. There listen; do you not hear steps now?”
“Yes: but how can you be sure they are his?” answered Simeon. “It is so very unlikely, I should have thought of everybody else first?”
Ruth made no answer; but she bounded from the room, and had opened the street-door, regardless of Leah’s entreaties152 to wait at least till the steps came nearer. A very few minutes more, and all doubts were solved by the entrance of Ruth, not walking, but clinging round her brother Reuben’s neck and almost stifling153 him with kisses, only interrupting herself to say, “Who was right, Miss Leah and Master Simeon? Ah, you did not have Reuben for long weeks to attend and nurse, as I had, or you would have known his step too.”
“You can love me still, then?” murmured her brother, as only to be heard by her; then added aloud, “my mother should have had the first kiss, dearest; let me ask her blessing, Ruth?”
She released him, though she still held his hand; and hastening to his mother, he bent his head before her.
“Is it too late to ask my mother’s Sabbath blessing?” he said, and his voice was strangely choked. “Bless me, dearest mother, as you used to do.”
The widow rose and, laying her hands upon his head, repeated the customary Hebrew blessing, and then folded him to her heart.
“It is never, never too late for a mother’s blessing—a mother’s love, my Reuben,” she said, her voice quivering with the efforts she made to restrain her emotion. “I could have wished it oftener and earlier asked on the Sabbath eve; but it is yours, my boy, each night and morning, though you hear it not.”
“And will it always be? Mother! mother! will you never withdraw it from me? No, no, you will not. You love me only too, too well,” and abruptly154 breaking from her, after kissing her passionately155, he turned to greet his brothers and sisters.
All met him cordially and affectionately, except perhaps that there was a stern look of inquiry156 in Simeon’s eyes, which Reuben, from some unexpressed feeling, could not meet; and, looking from him, he exclaimed—
“Sarah! where is my kind cousin Sarah? will she not give me welcome?”
“She was here this moment,” said Leah; “where can she have vanished?”
“Not very far, dear cousin: I am here. Reuben, can you believe one moment that I do not rejoice to see you once again at home?” said Sarah, advancing from the farther side of the room and placing her hand frankly157 in her cousin’s, looking up in his face with her clear, pensive eyes, but cheeks as pale as marble.
Reuben pressed her hand within his own, tried to meet smilingly her glance and speak as usual, but both efforts failed, and again he turned away.
“And he has come to stay with us—he will not leave us in a hurry again,” said the affectionate little Ruth, keeping her seat on his knee, and nestling her head in his bosom158. “I wanted but you to make this evening quite, quite happy.”
Reuben kissed her to conceal73 a sigh, and controlling himself, he entered cheerfully and caressingly into all Ruth and Joseph had to tell, called for all interesting conversation from the other members of his family, and imparted many particulars of himself. He was rising high in the world, had been the fortunate means of preventing a great loss to the firm of which he was a servant, and so raised his salary, and himself in the estimation of his employers. Fortune smiled on him, he said, in many ways, and he had had the happiness of securing a trifling fund for his mother, which though small was sure, and would provide her yearly with a moderate sum. He had something else to propose, but there would be time enough for that. His mother blessed and thanked him; but her heart was not at rest. Cheerful as the conversation was, happy as the last hour ought to have been, there was a dim foreboding on her spirit which she could not conquer. Something was yet to be told, Reuben was not at peace, and when indeed he did speak that something, it was with a confused more than a joyous tone.
“I do not know why I should delay telling you of my intention, mother,” he said at length; “I have had too many proofs of your affection to doubt of your rejoicing in anything that will make my happiness—I am going to be married.”
There was a general start and exclamation159 from all but two in the group—his mother and cousin.
“If it will make your happiness, my son, I do indeed rejoice,” the former said very calmly. “Whom do you give me for another daughter?”
“You do not know her yet, mother; but I am sure you will learn to love her dearly: it is Jeanie Wilson, the only child of my fellow-clerk.”
“Jeanie Wilson!—a Christian! Reuben, Reuben, how have you fallen!” burst angrily, almost fiercely, from Simeon; “but it is folly160 to be surprised—I knew it would be so.”
“Indeed! wonderfully clear-sighted as you were then, if you consider such a union humiliation161, it would have been more brotherly, perhaps, to have warned me of the precipice162 on which I stood,” answered Reuben, sarcastically163.
“Yes! you gave me so fair an opportunity to act a brother’s part; never seeking me, or permitting me to seek you, for weeks together; herding164 with strangers alone—following them alike in the store and in the mart—loving what they love, doing as they do—and, like them, scorning, despising, and persecuting165 that holy people who once called you son—forgetting your birthright, your sainted heritage—throwing dishonour166 on the dead as on the living, to link yourself with those who assuredly will, if they do not now, despise you. Shame, foul167 shame upon you!”
“Have you done?” calmly inquired Reuben, though the red spot was on his cheek. “It is something for the elder to be bearded thus by the younger. Yet be it so. I have done nothing for which to feel shame—nothing to dishonour those with whom I am related. If they feel themselves dishonoured168, let them leave me; I can meet the world alone.”
“Aye, so far alone, that you will rejoice that others have cast aside the chains of nature, and given you freedom to follow your own apostate path unquestioned and unrebuked.”
“Peace, I command you!” exclaimed the widow, with a tone and gesture of authority which awed169 Simeon into silence, and checked the wrathful reply on Reuben’s lips. “My sons, profane170 not the Sabbath of your God with this wild and wicked contention171. Simeon, however you may lament172 what Reuben has disclosed, it is not your part to forget he is your brother—yes, an elder brother—still.”
“I will own no apostate for my brother!” muttered the still irritated young man. “Others may regard him as they list; if he have given up his faith, I will not call him brother.”
“I have neither the will nor occasion to forswear my faith,” replied Reuben calmly. “Mr. Wilson has made no condition in giving me his daughter, except that she may follow her own faith, which I were indeed prejudiced and foolish to deny. He believes as I do; to believe in God is enough—all religions are the same before Him.”
“That is to say, he is, like yourself, of no religion at all,” rejoined Simeon, bitterly. “Better he had been prejudiced, rigid173, even despising us as others do; then this misfortune would not have befallen us.”
“Is it a misfortune to you, mother? Leah—Ruth—Joseph, will you all refuse to love my wife? You will not, cannot, when you see and know her.”
“As your wife, Reuben, we cannot feel indifference towards her,” replied Leah, tears standing65 in her eyes; “yet if you had brought us one of our own people, oh, how much happier it would have made us!”
“And why should it, my dear sister? Mother why should it be such a source of grief? I do not turn from the faith of my fathers: I may neglect, disregard those forms and ordinances174 which I do not feel at all incumbent175 on me to obey, but I must be a Jew—I cannot believe with the Christian, and I cannot feel how my marriage with a gentle, loving, and most amiable176 girl can make me other than I am. We are in no way commanded to marry only amongst ourselves.”
“You are mistaken; we are so commanded, my dear son. In very many parts of our Holy Law we are positively177 forbidden to intermarry with the stranger; and, as a proof that so to wed14 was considered criminal, one of the first and most important points on which Ezra and Nehemiah insisted, was the putting away of strange wives.”
“But they were idolaters, mother. Jeanie and I worship the same God.”
“But you do not believe in the same creed, and therefore is the belief in one God more dangerous. We ought to keep ourselves yet more distinct, now that we are mingled up amongst those who know God and serve Him, though not as we do. You do not think thus, my dear son; and therefore all we may do is but to pray that the happiness you expect may be realized.”
“And in praying for it, of course you doubt it, though I still cannot imagine why. Sarah, you have not spoken: do you believe me so terrible a reprobate178 that there is no chance for my happiness, temporally and eternally?”
He spoke bitterly, perhaps harshly, for he had longed for her to speak, and her silence strangely, painfully reproached him. He did not choose to know why, and so he vented179 in bitter words to her the anger he felt towards himself.
“My opinion can be of little value after my aunt’s,” she answered, meekly180; “but this believe, dear cousin, if you and Jeanie are only as blessed and happy together as I wish you, you will be one of the happiest couples on earth.”
“I do believe it!” he said, passionately springing towards her, and seizing both her hands. “Sarah, dear Sarah, forgive me. I was harsh and bitter to you, who were always my better angel; say you forgive me!” He repeated the word, with a strong emphasis upon it.
“I did not know that you had given me anything to forgive, Reuben,” she replied, struggling to smile; “but if you think you have, I do forgive you from my very heart.”
“Bless you for the word!” he said, still gazing fixedly182 in her face, which calmly met his look.
“Thank God, one misery is spared me,” he muttered to himself; then added, “and you think I may be happy?”
“I trust you will; and if it please God to bless you with prosperity, I think you may.”
“How do you mean?”
“That while all things go smoothly183, you will not feel the division, the barrier which your opposing creeds184 must silently erect185 between you. But if affliction, if death should happen, Reuben, dearest Reuben, may you never repent35 this engagement then.”
The young man actually trembled at the startling earnestness of her words.
“And will you, surely you will not, marry in church, brother?” timidly inquired Joseph.
“He must, he cannot help himself!” hoarsely186 interposed Simeon, who had remained sitting in moody187 silence for some time; “and yet he would say he is no apostate, no deserter from our faith.”
“You said you had something to ask mother, Reuben,” said Ruth, pressing close to his side, for she feared the painful altercation188 between her brothers might recommence.
“I had,” he answered, “but I fear it is useless now. Mother, Jeanie and I hoped to have offered you a home—to have entreated189 you to live with us, and return to the comforts which were yours; we should seek but to give you joy. But after what has passed this evening, I fear we have hoped in vain.”
“I wonder you dared hope it,” muttered Simeon. “Would our mother live with any one who lives not as a Jew, whose dearest pride is to seem in all points like the stranger with whom he lives?”
“Thank you for the kind will, my dear son,” replied the widow, affectionately, though sorrowfully; “but you are right in thinking it cannot be. I am too old and too ailing6 to mingle134 now with strangers. I cannot leave my own lowly dwelling; I cannot give up these forms and ordinances which I have learned to love, and believe obligatory190 upon me. Bring your wife to me, if indeed she does not scorn your poor Jewish mother; she will meet but love from me and mine.”
Reuben flung himself impetuously on her neck, and she felt his whole frame tremble as with choking sobs191. His sister, Sarah, and Joseph reiterated192 their mothers words; Simeon alone was silent. Another half-hour passed—an interval104 painful to all parties, despite the exertions193 of Sarah and the widow to make it cheerful, and then Reuben rose to depart. His affectionate embrace, his warm “Good night, God bless you,” was welcomed and returned as warmly by all, and then he looked for Simeon. The youth was standing at the farther end of the apartment, in the deepest shadow, his arms folded on his breast, his lip compressed, and eyes fixed181 sternly on the ground.
“Simeon!” exclaimed Reuben, as he approached him with frankly extended hand, “Simeon! we are brothers; let us part friends.”
“Give up this intended marriage, come back to the faith you have deserted, and we are brothers,” answered Simeon, sternly. “If not, we are severed194, and for ever.”
“Be it as you will, then,” answered Reuben, controlling anger with a violent effort. “Should you need a brother or a friend, you will find them both in me: the God of our fathers demands not violence like this.”
“He does not—He does not. Simeon, I beseech195, COMMAND you, do not part thus with your brother; on your love, your duty to me, as your only remaining parent, I command this,” his mother said, mildly, but imperatively196; but for once she spoke in vain. Leah, Sarah, Joseph, all according to their different characters, sought to soften3 him; but the dark cloud only thickened on his brow. At that moment a light form pressed through them all, and clasping his knees, looked up in that agitated197 face, as if those sightless orbs198 had more than common power—and Ruth it was that spoke.
“Brother,” she said, in her clear, sweet voice, “brother, our father bade us love our brother, even if he turned aside from all we hold most sacred and most dear. We stood around his death-bed, and we promised this—to love him to the end. Brother, you will not break this vow? No, no: our father looks upon us, hears us still!”
There was a strong and terrible struggle on the part of Simeon, and a heavy groan199 of repentant anguish200 broke from the very heart of Reuben.
“My father, my poor father! did he so love me? And will you still hate me, Simeon?” he gasped201 forth202.
Another moment, and the brothers were clasped in each others arms.
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1
narrative
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| n.叙述，故事；adj.叙事的，故事体的 | |
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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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soften
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| v.(使)变柔软；(使)变柔和 | |
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4
afflict
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| vt.使身体或精神受痛苦，折磨 | |
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prospered
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| 成功，兴旺( prosper的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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6
ailing
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| v.生病 | |
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blessings
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| n.（上帝的）祝福( blessing的名词复数 )；好事；福分；因祸得福 | |
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blessing
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| n.祈神赐福；祷告；祝福，祝愿 | |
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9
joyous
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| adj.充满快乐的；令人高兴的 | |
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10
reverence
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| n.敬畏，尊敬，尊严；Reverence:对某些基督教神职人员的尊称；v.尊敬，敬畏，崇敬 | |
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11
dwelling
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| n.住宅，住所，寓所 | |
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12
discord
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| n.不和，意见不合，争论，（音乐）不和谐 | |
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13
apprentice
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| n.学徒，徒弟 | |
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14
wed
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| v.娶，嫁，与…结婚 | |
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15
benevolence
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| n.慈悲，捐助 | |
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16
strictly
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| adv.严厉地，严格地；严密地 | |
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17
formerly
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| adv.从前，以前 | |
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18
nay
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| adv.不；n.反对票，投反对票者 | |
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19
machinery
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| n.(总称)机械，机器；机构 | |
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20
peculiar
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| adj.古怪的，异常的；特殊的，特有的 | |
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inclination
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| n.倾斜；点头；弯腰；斜坡；倾度；倾向；爱好 | |
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22
vow
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| n.誓(言)，誓约；v.起誓，立誓 | |
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23
interfere
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| v.(in)干涉，干预；(with)妨碍，打扰 | |
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24
accomplishment
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| n.完成，成就，（pl.）造诣，技能 | |
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25
persevering
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| a.坚忍不拔的 | |
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26
resolute
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| adj.坚决的，果敢的 | |
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27
reverenced
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| v.尊敬，崇敬( reverence的过去式和过去分词 )；敬礼 | |
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28
erring
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| 做错事的，错误的 | |
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29
apostate
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| n.背叛者，变节者 | |
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30
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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31
sincerity
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| n.真诚，诚意；真实 | |
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32
piety
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| n.虔诚，虔敬 | |
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33
hatred
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| n.憎恶，憎恨，仇恨 | |
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34
condemn
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| vt.谴责，指责；宣判(罪犯)，判刑 | |
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35
repent
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| v.悔悟，悔改，忏悔，后悔 | |
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36
repentant
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| adj.对…感到悔恨的 | |
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37
shudder
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| v.战粟，震动，剧烈地摇晃；n.战粟，抖动 | |
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38
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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39
perjured
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| adj.伪证的，犯伪证罪的v.发假誓，作伪证( perjure的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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40
wretch
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| n.可怜的人，不幸的人；卑鄙的人 | |
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41
enjoined
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| v.命令( enjoin的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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42
chafed
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| v.擦热（尤指皮肤）( chafe的过去式 )；擦痛；发怒；惹怒 | |
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43
lucrative
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| adj.赚钱的，可获利的 | |
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44
isles
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| 岛( isle的名词复数 ) | |
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45
creed
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| n.信条；信念，纲领 | |
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46
nominally
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| 在名义上，表面地； 应名儿 | |
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47
pious
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| adj.虔诚的；道貌岸然的 | |
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48
deserted
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| adj.荒芜的，荒废的，无人的，被遗弃的 | |
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49
forefathers
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| n.祖先，先人；祖先，祖宗( forefather的名词复数 )；列祖列宗；前人 | |
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50
semblance
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| n.外貌，外表 | |
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51
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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52
subsided
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| v.（土地）下陷（因在地下采矿）( subside的过去式和过去分词 )；减弱；下降至较低或正常水平；一下子坐在椅子等上 | |
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53
extravagant
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| adj.奢侈的；过分的；(言行等)放肆的 | |
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54
Christian
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| adj.基督教徒的；n.基督教徒 | |
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55
swelled
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| 增强( swell的过去式和过去分词 )； 肿胀； （使）凸出； 充满（激情） | |
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56
alas
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| int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等) | |
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57
saviour
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| n.拯救者，救星 | |
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58
condemning
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| v.（通常因道义上的原因而）谴责( condemn的现在分词 )；宣判；宣布…不能使用；迫使…陷于不幸的境地 | |
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59
indifference
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| n.不感兴趣，不关心，冷淡，不在乎 | |
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60
rendering
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| n.表现，描写 | |
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61
fidelity
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| n.忠诚，忠实；精确 | |
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62
mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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63
contemned
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| v.侮辱，蔑视( contemn的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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64
disposition
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| n.性情，性格；意向，倾向；排列，部署 | |
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65
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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66
knack
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| n.诀窍，做事情的灵巧的，便利的方法 | |
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67
enjoyment
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| n.乐趣；享有；享用 | |
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68
pensive
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| a.沉思的,哀思的,忧沉的 | |
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69
industrious
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| adj.勤劳的，刻苦的，奋发的 | |
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70
devoted
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| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
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71
goodwill
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| n.善意，亲善，信誉，声誉 | |
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72
mien
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| n.风采；态度 | |
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73
conceal
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，隐蔽 | |
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74
concealed
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| a.隐藏的，隐蔽的 | |
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75
procure
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| vt.获得，取得，促成；vi.拉皮条 | |
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76
earnings
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| n.工资收人；利润，利益，所得 | |
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77
beholding
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| v.看，注视( behold的现在分词 )；瞧；看呀；（叙述中用于引出某人意外的出现）哎哟 | |
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78
rosebuds
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| 蔷薇花蕾，妙龄少女，初入社交界的少女( rosebud的名词复数 ) | |
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79
glossy
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| adj.平滑的；有光泽的 | |
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80
wont
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| adj.习惯于；v.习惯；n.习惯 | |
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81
slovenly
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| adj.懒散的，不整齐的，邋遢的 | |
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82
attired
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| adj.穿着整齐的v.使穿上衣服，使穿上盛装( attire的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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83
attire
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| v.穿衣，装扮[同]array；n.衣着；盛装 | |
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84
disarray
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| n.混乱，紊乱，凌乱 | |
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85
dressing
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| n.(食物)调料；包扎伤口的用品，敷料 | |
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86
obedience
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| n.服从，顺从 | |
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87
dictates
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| n.命令，规定，要求( dictate的名词复数 )v.大声讲或读( dictate的第三人称单数 )；口授；支配；摆布 | |
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88
gaily
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| adv.欢乐地，高兴地 | |
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89
conversing
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| v.交谈，谈话( converse的现在分词 ) | |
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90
frivolous
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| adj.轻薄的；轻率的 | |
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91
negligent
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| adj.疏忽的；玩忽的；粗心大意的 | |
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92
hoarded
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| v.积蓄并储藏（某物）( hoard的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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93
trifling
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| adj.微不足道的；没什么价值的 | |
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94
attentively
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| adv.聚精会神地；周到地；谛；凝神 | |
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95
attentive
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| adj.注意的，专心的；关心(别人)的，殷勤的 | |
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96
caressingly
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| 爱抚地，亲切地 | |
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97
bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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98
faltering
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| 犹豫的，支吾的，蹒跚的 | |
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99
provident
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| adj.为将来做准备的，有先见之明的 | |
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100
enjoyments
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| 愉快( enjoyment的名词复数 )； 令人愉快的事物； 享有； 享受 | |
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101
delightfully
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| 大喜，欣然 | |
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102
diversified
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| adj.多样化的，多种经营的v.使多样化，多样化( diversify的过去式和过去分词 )；进入新的商业领域 | |
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103
slipper
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| n.拖鞋 | |
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104
interval
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| n.间隔，间距；幕间休息，中场休息 | |
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105
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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106
binding
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| 有约束力的，有效的，应遵守的 | |
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107
bonnet
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| n.无边女帽；童帽 | |
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108
approbation
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| n.称赞；认可 | |
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109
lasting
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| adj.永久的，永恒的；vbl.持续，维持 | |
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110
bestow
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| v.把…赠与，把…授予；花费 | |
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111
animated
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| adj.生气勃勃的，活跃的，愉快的 | |
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112
glorify
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| vt.颂扬，赞美，使增光，美化 | |
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113
dilate
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| vt.使膨胀，使扩大 | |
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114
hymns
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| n.赞美诗，圣歌，颂歌( hymn的名词复数 ) | |
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115
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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116
shrubs
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| 灌木( shrub的名词复数 ) | |
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117
orphan
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| n.孤儿；adj.无父母的 | |
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118
Christians
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| n.基督教徒( Christian的名词复数 ) | |
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119
persecute
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| vt.迫害，虐待；纠缠，骚扰 | |
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120
rebuked
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| 责难或指责( rebuke的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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121
proceedings
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| n.进程，过程，议程；诉讼(程序)；公报 | |
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122
accomplished
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| adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的 | |
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123
thoroughly
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| adv.完全地，彻底地，十足地 | |
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124
fervently
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| adv.热烈地，热情地，强烈地 | |
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125
fervent
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| adj.热的，热烈的，热情的 | |
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126
psalm
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| n.赞美诗，圣诗 | |
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127
varied
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| adj.多样的，多变化的 | |
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128
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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129
entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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130
longing
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| n.（for）渴望 | |
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131
prettily
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| adv.优美地；可爱地 | |
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132
banish
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| vt.放逐，驱逐；消除，排除 | |
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133
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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134
mingle
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| vt.使混合，使相混；vi.混合起来；相交往 | |
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135
ineffable
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| adj.无法表达的，不可言喻的 | |
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136
faltered
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| （嗓音）颤抖( falter的过去式和过去分词 )； 支吾其词； 蹒跚； 摇晃 | |
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137
compassion
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| n.同情，怜悯 | |
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138
throb
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| v.震颤，颤动；(急速强烈地)跳动，搏动 | |
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139
ordained
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| v.任命（某人）为牧师( ordain的过去式和过去分词 )；授予（某人）圣职；（上帝、法律等）命令；判定 | |
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140
derive
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| v.取得；导出；引申；来自；源自；出自 | |
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141
infinitely
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| adv.无限地，无穷地 | |
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142
accustom
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| vt.使适应，使习惯 | |
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143
meditations
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| 默想( meditation的名词复数 )； 默念； 沉思； 冥想 | |
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144
intercourse
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| n.性交；交流，交往，交际 | |
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145
incentive
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| n.刺激；动力；鼓励；诱因；动机 | |
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146
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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147
annihilated
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| v.（彻底）消灭( annihilate的过去式和过去分词 )；使无效；废止；彻底击溃 | |
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148
enigma
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| n.谜，谜一样的人或事 | |
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149
misery
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| n.痛苦，苦恼，苦难；悲惨的境遇，贫苦 | |
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150
monarch
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| n.帝王，君主，最高统治者 | |
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151
feign
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| vt.假装，佯作 | |
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152
entreaties
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| n.恳求，乞求( entreaty的名词复数 ) | |
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153
stifling
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| a.令人窒息的 | |
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154
abruptly
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| adv.突然地，出其不意地 | |
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155
passionately
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| ad.热烈地，激烈地 | |
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156
inquiry
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| n.打听，询问，调查，查问 | |
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157
frankly
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| adv.坦白地，直率地；坦率地说 | |
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158
bosom
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| n.胸，胸部；胸怀；内心；adj.亲密的 | |
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159
exclamation
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| n.感叹号，惊呼，惊叹词 | |
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160
folly
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| n.愚笨，愚蠢，蠢事，蠢行，傻话 | |
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161
humiliation
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| n.羞辱 | |
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162
precipice
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| n.悬崖，危急的处境 | |
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163
sarcastically
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| adv.挖苦地，讽刺地 | |
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164
herding
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| 中畜群 | |
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165
persecuting
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| （尤指宗教或政治信仰的）迫害(~sb. for sth.)( persecute的现在分词 )； 烦扰，困扰或骚扰某人 | |
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166
dishonour
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| n./vt.拒付（支票、汇票、票据等）；vt.凌辱，使丢脸；n.不名誉，耻辱，不光彩 | |
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167
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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168
dishonoured
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| a.不光彩的，不名誉的 | |
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169
awed
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| adj.充满敬畏的，表示敬畏的v.使敬畏，使惊惧( awe的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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170
profane
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| adj.亵神的，亵渎的；vt.亵渎，玷污 | |
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171
contention
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| n.争论，争辩，论战；论点，主张 | |
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172
lament
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| n.悲叹，悔恨，恸哭；v.哀悼，悔恨，悲叹 | |
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173
rigid
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| adj.严格的，死板的；刚硬的，僵硬的 | |
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174
ordinances
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| n.条例，法令( ordinance的名词复数 ) | |
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175
incumbent
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| adj.成为责任的，有义务的；现任的，在职的 | |
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176
amiable
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| adj.和蔼可亲的，友善的，亲切的 | |
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177
positively
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| adv.明确地，断然，坚决地；实在，确实 | |
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178
reprobate
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| n.无赖汉；堕落的人 | |
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179
vented
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| 表达，发泄（感情，尤指愤怒）( vent的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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180
meekly
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| adv.温顺地，逆来顺受地 | |
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181
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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182
fixedly
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| adv.固定地；不屈地，坚定不移地 | |
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183
smoothly
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| adv.平滑地，顺利地，流利地，流畅地 | |
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184
creeds
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| （尤指宗教）信条，教条( creed的名词复数 ) | |
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185
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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186
hoarsely
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| adv.嘶哑地 | |
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187
moody
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| adj.心情不稳的，易怒的，喜怒无常的 | |
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188
altercation
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| n.争吵，争论 | |
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189
entreated
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| 恳求，乞求( entreat的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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190
obligatory
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| adj.强制性的，义务的，必须的 | |
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191
sobs
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| 啜泣（声），呜咽（声）( sob的名词复数 ) | |
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192
reiterated
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| 反复地说，重申( reiterate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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193
exertions
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| n.努力( exertion的名词复数 )；费力；（能力、权力等的）运用；行使 | |
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194
severed
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| v.切断，断绝( sever的过去式和过去分词 )；断，裂 | |
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195
beseech
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| v.祈求，恳求 | |
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196
imperatively
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| adv.命令式地 | |
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197
agitated
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| adj.被鼓动的，不安的 | |
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198
orbs
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| abbr.off-reservation boarding school 在校寄宿学校n.球，天体，圆形物( orb的名词复数 ) | |
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199
groan
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| vi./n.呻吟，抱怨；(发出)呻吟般的声音 | |
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200
anguish
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| n.(尤指心灵上的)极度痛苦，烦恼 | |
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201
gasped
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| v.喘气( gasp的过去式和过去分词 )；喘息；倒抽气；很想要 | |
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202
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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