A FIELD DAY AND BIVOUAC―MORE NEWFRIENDS―AN INVITATION TO THE COUNTRYany authors entertain, not only a foolish, but a reallydishonest objection to acknowledge the sources whencethey derive1 much valuable information. We have nosuch feeling. We are merely endeavouring to discharge, in anupright manner, the responsible duties of our editorial functions;and whatever ambition we might have felt under othercircumstances to lay claim to the authorship of these adventures, aregard for truth forbids us to do more than claim the merit of theirjudicious arrangement and impartial2 narration3. The Pickwickpapers are our New River Head; and we may be compared to theNew River Company. The labours of others have raised for us animmense reservoir of important facts. We merely lay them on, andcommunicate them, in a clear and gentle stream, through themedium of these pages, to a world thirsting for Pickwickianknowledge.
Acting in this spirit, and resolutely4 proceeding5 on ourdetermination to avow6 our obligations to the authorities we haveconsulted, we frankly7 say, that to the note-book of Mr. Snodgrassare we indebted for the particulars recorded in this and thesucceeding chapter―particulars which, now that we havedisburdened our consciences, we shall proceed to detail withoutfurther comment.
The whole population of Rochester and the adjoining townsrose from their beds at an early hour of the following morning, in astate of the utmost bustle8 and excitement. A grand review was totake place upon the lines. The manoeuvres of half a dozenregiments were to be inspected by the eagle eye of thecommander-in-chief; temporary fortifications had been erected,the citadel11 was to be attacked and taken, and a mine was to besprung.
Mr. Pickwick was, as our readers may have gathered from theslight extract we gave from his description of Chatham, anenthusiastic admirer of the army. Nothing could have been moredelightful to him―nothing could have harmonised so well with thepeculiar feeling of each of his companions―as this sight.
Accordingly they were soon afoot, and walking in the direction ofthe scene of action, towards which crowds of people were alreadypouring from a variety of quarters.
The appearance of everything on the lines denoted that theapproaching ceremony was one of the utmost grandeur14 andimportance. There were sentries15 posted to keep the ground for thetroops, and servants on the batteries keeping places for the ladies,and sergeants16 running to and fro, with vellum-covered booksunder their arms, and Colonel Bulder, in full military uniform, onhorseback, galloping17 first to one place and then to another, andbacking his horse among the people, and prancing18, and curvetting,and shouting in a most alarming manner, and making himself veryhoarse in the voice, and very red in the face, without anyassignable cause or reason whatever. Officers were runningbackwards and forwards, first communicating with ColonelBulder, and then ordering the sergeants, and then running awayaltogether; and even the very privates themselves looked frombehind their glazed20 stocks with an air of mysterious solemnity,which sufficiently21 bespoke22 the special nature of the occasion.
Mr. Pickwick and his three companions stationed themselves inthe front of the crowd, and patiently awaited the commencementof the proceedings23. The throng24 was increasing every moment; andthe efforts they were compelled to make, to retain the positionthey had gained, sufficiently occupied their attention during thetwo hours that ensued. At one time there was a sudden pressurefrom behind, and then Mr. Pickwick was jerked forward forseveral yards, with a degree of speed and elasticity25 highlyinconsistent with the general gravity of his demeanour; at anothermoment there was a request to ‘keep back’ from the front, andthen the butt-end of a musket26 was either dropped upon Mr.
Pickwick’s toe, to remind him of the demand, or thrust into hischest, to insure its being complied with. Then some facetiousgentlemen on the left, after pressing sideways in a body, andsqueezing Mr. Snodgrass into the very last extreme of humantorture, would request to know ‘vere he vos a shovin’ to’; andwhen Mr. Winkle had done expressing his excessive indignation atwitnessing this unprovoked assault, some person behind wouldknock his hat over his eyes, and beg the favour of his putting hishead in his pocket. These, and other practical witticisms27, coupledwith the unaccountable absence of Mr. Tupman (who hadsuddenly disappeared, and was nowhere to be found), renderedtheir situation upon the whole rather more uncomfortable thanpleasing or desirable.
At length that low roar of many voices ran through the crowdwhich usually announces the arrival of whatever they have beenwaiting for. All eyes were turned in the direction of the sally-port.
A few moments of eager expectation, and colours were seenfluttering gaily28 in the air, arms glistened29 brightly in the sun,column after column poured on to the plain. The troops halted andformed; the word of command rang through the line; there was ageneral clash of muskets30 as arms were presented; and thecommander-in-chief, attended by Colonel Bulder and numerousofficers, cantered to the front. The military bands struck upaltogether; the horses stood upon two legs each, canteredbackwards, and whisked their tails about in all directions; the dogsbarked, the mob screamed, the troops recovered, and nothing wasto be seen on either side, as far as the eye could reach, but a longperspective of red coats and white trousers, fixed31 and motionless.
Mr. Pickwick had been so fully32 occupied in falling about, anddisentangling himself, miraculously33, from between the legs ofhorses, that he had not enjoyed sufficient leisure to observe thescene before him, until it assumed the appearance we have justdescribed. When he was at last enabled to stand firmly on his legs,his gratification and delight were unbounded.
‘Can anything be finer or more delightful12?’ he inquired of Mr.
Winkle.
‘Nothing,’ replied that gentleman, who had had a short manstanding on each of his feet for the quarter of an hour immediatelypreceding. ‘It is indeed a noble and a brilliant sight,’ said Mr.
Snodgrass, in whose bosom35 a blaze of poetry was rapidly burstingforth, ‘to see the gallant37 defenders38 of their country drawn39 up inbrilliant array before its peaceful citizens; their faces beaming―not with warlike ferocity, but with civilised gentleness; their eyesflashing―not with the rude fire of rapine or revenge, but with thesoft light of humanity and intelligence.’
Mr. Pickwick fully entered into the spirit of this eulogium, buthe could not exactly re-echo its terms; for the soft light ofintelligence burned rather feebly in the eyes of the warriors,inasmuch as the command ‘eyes front’ had been given, and all thespectator saw before him was several thousand pair of optics,staring straight forward, wholly divested40 of any expressionwhatever.
‘We are in a capital situation now,’ said Mr. Pickwick, lookinground him. The crowd had gradually dispersed41 in their immediatevicinity, and they were nearly alone.
‘Capital!’ echoed both Mr. Snodgrass and Mr. Winkle.
‘What are they doing now?’ inquired Mr. Pickwick, adjustinghis spectacles.
‘I―I―rather think,’ said Mr. Winkle, changing colour―‘I ratherthink they’re going to fire.’
‘Nonsense,’ said Mr. Pickwick hastily.
‘I―I―really think they are,’ urged Mr. Snodgrass, somewhatalarmed.
‘Impossible,’ replied Mr. Pickwick. He had hardly uttered theword, when the whole half-dozen regiments10 levelled their musketsas if they had but one common object, and that object thePickwickians, and burst forth36 with the most awful and tremendousdischarge that ever shook the earth to its centres, or an elderlygentleman off his.
It was in this trying situation, exposed to a galling42 fire of blankcartridges, and harassed44 by the operations of the military, a freshbody of whom had begun to fall in on the opposite side, that Mr.
Pickwick displayed that perfect coolness and self-possession,which are the indispensable accompaniments of a great mind. Heseized Mr. Winkle by the arm, and placing himself between thatgentleman and Mr. Snodgrass, earnestly besought45 them toremember that beyond the possibility of being rendered deaf bythe noise, there was no immediate34 danger to be apprehended46 fromthe firing.
‘But―but―suppose some of the men should happen to haveball cartridges43 by mistake,’ remonstrated47 Mr. Winkle, pallid48 at thesupposition he was himself conjuring49 up. ‘I heard somethingwhistle through the air now―so sharp; close to my ear.’
‘We had better throw ourselves on our faces, hadn’t we?’ saidMr. Snodgrass.
‘No, no―it’s over now,’ said Mr. Pickwick. His lip might quiver,and his cheek might blanch50, but no expression of fear or concernescaped the lips of that immortal51 man.
Mr. Pickwick was right―the firing ceased; but he had scarcelytime to congratulate himself on the accuracy of his opinion, whena quick movement was visible in the line; the hoarse19 shout of theword of command ran along it, and before either of the party couldform a guess at the meaning of this new manoeuvre9, the whole ofthe half-dozen regiments, with fixed bayonets, charged at double-quick time down upon the very spot on which Mr. Pickwick andhis friends were stationed. Man is but mortal; and there is a pointbeyond which human courage cannot extend. Mr. Pickwick gazedthrough his spectacles for an instant on the advancing mass, andthen fairly turned his back and―we will not say fled; firstly,because it is an ignoble52 term, and, secondly53, because Mr.
Pickwick’s figure was by no means adapted for that mode ofretreat―he trotted54 away, at as quick a rate as his legs wouldconvey him; so quickly, indeed, that he did not perceive theawkwardness of his situation, to the full extent, until too late.
The opposite troops, whose falling-in had perplexed55 Mr.
Pickwick a few seconds before, were drawn up to repel56 the mimicattack of the sham57 besiegers of the citadel; and the consequencewas that Mr. Pickwick and his two companions found themselvessuddenly inclosed between two lines of great length, the oneadvancing at a rapid pace, and the other firmly waiting thecollision in hostile array.
‘Hoi!’ shouted the officers of the advancing line.
‘Get out of the way!’ cried the officers of the stationary58 one.
‘Where are we to go to?’ screamed the agitated59 Pickwickians.
‘Hoi―hoi―hoi!’ was the only reply. There was a moment ofintense bewilderment, a heavy tramp of footsteps, a violentconcussion, a smothered60 laugh; the half-dozen regiments were halfa thousand yards off, and the soles of Mr. Pickwick’s boots wereelevated in air.
Mr. Snodgrass and Mr. Winkle had each performed acompulsory somerset with remarkable61 agility62, when the firstobject that met the eyes of the latter as he sat on the ground,staunching with a yellow silk handkerchief the stream of life whichissued from his nose, was his venerated63 leader at some distanceoff, running after his own hat, which was gambolling64 playfullyaway in perspective.
There are very few moments in a man’s existence when heexperiences so much ludicrous distress65, or meets with so littlecharitable commiseration66, as when he is in pursuit of his own hat.
A vast deal of coolness, and a peculiar13 degree of judgment67, arerequisite in catching68 a hat. A man must not be precipitate69, or heruns over it; he must not rush into the opposite extreme, or heloses it altogether. The best way is to keep gently up with theobject of pursuit, to be wary70 and cautious, to watch youropportunity well, get gradually before it, then make a rapid dive,seize it by the crown, and stick it firmly on your head; smilingpleasantly all the time, as if you thought it as good a joke asanybody else.
There was a fine gentle wind, and Mr. Pickwick’s hat rolledsportively before it. The wind puffed71, and Mr. Pickwick puffed,and the hat rolled over and over as merrily as a lively porpoise72 in astrong tide: and on it might have rolled, far beyond Mr. Pickwick’sreach, had not its course been providentially stopped, just as thatgentleman was on the point of resigning it to its fate.
Mr. Pickwick, we say, was completely exhausted73, and about togive up the chase, when the hat was blown with some violenceagainst the wheel of a carriage, which was drawn up in a line withhalf a dozen other vehicles on the spot to which his steps had beendirected. Mr. Pickwick, perceiving his advantage, darted74 brisklyforward, secured his property, planted it on his head, and pausedto take breath. He had not been stationary half a minute, when heheard his own name eagerly pronounced by a voice, which he atonce recognised as Mr. Tupman’s, and, looking upwards75, hebeheld a sight which filled him with surprise and pleasure.
In an open barouche, the horses of which had been taken out,the better to accommodate it to the crowded place, stood a stoutold gentleman, in a blue coat and bright buttons, corduroybreeches and top-boots, two young ladies in scarfs and feathers, ayoung gentleman apparently77 enamoured of one of the youngladies in scarfs and feathers, a lady of doubtful age, probably theaunt of the aforesaid, and Mr. Tupman, as easy and unconcernedas if he had belonged to the family from the first moments of hisinfancy. Fastened up behind the barouche was a hamper78 ofspacious dimensions―one of those hampers79 which alwaysawakens in a contemplative mind associations connected with coldfowls, tongues, and bottles of wine―and on the box sat a fat andred-faced boy, in a state of somnolency82, whom no speculativeobserver could have regarded for an instant without setting downas the official dispenser of the contents of the before-mentionedhamper, when the proper time for their consumption shouldarrive.
Mr. Pickwick had bestowed83 a hasty glance on these interestingobjects, when he was again greeted by his faithful disciple84.
‘Pickwick―Pickwick,’ said Mr. Tupman; ‘come up here. Makehaste.’
‘Come along, sir. Pray, come up,’ said the stout76 gentleman.
‘Joe!―damn that boy, he’s gone to sleep again.―Joe, let down thesteps.’ The fat boy rolled slowly off the box, let down the steps, andheld the carriage door invitingly85 open. Mr. Snodgrass and Mr.
Winkle came up at the moment.
‘Room for you all, gentlemen,’ said the stout man. ‘Two inside,and one out. Joe, make room for one of these gentlemen on thebox. Now, sir, come along;’ and the stout gentleman extended hisarm, and pulled first Mr. Pickwick, and then Mr. Snodgrass, intothe barouche by main force. Mr. Winkle mounted to the box, thefat boy waddled86 to the same perch87, and fell fast asleep instantly.
‘Well, gentlemen,’ said the stout man, ‘very glad to see you.
Know you very well, gentlemen, though you mayn’t remember me.
I spent some ev’nin’s at your club last winter―picked up myfriend Mr. Tupman here this morning, and very glad I was to see him. Well, sir, and how are you? You do look uncommon88 well, tobe sure.’
Mr. Pickwick acknowledged the compliment, and cordiallyshook hands with the stout gentleman in the top-boots.
‘Well, and how are you, sir?’ said the stout gentleman,addressing Mr. Snodgrass with paternal90 anxiety. ‘Charming, eh?
Well, that’s right―that’s right. And how are you, sir (to Mr.
Winkle)? Well, I am glad to hear you say you are well; very glad Iam, to be sure. My daughters, gentlemen―my gals91 these are; andthat’s my sister, Miss Rachael Wardle. She’s a Miss, she is; and yetshe ain’t a Miss―eh, sir, eh?’ And the stout gentleman playfullyinserted his elbow between the ribs92 of Mr. Pickwick, and laughedvery heartily93.
‘Lor, brother!’ said Miss Wardle, with a deprecating smile.
‘True, true,’ said the stout gentleman; ‘no one can deny it.
Gentlemen, I beg your pardon; this is my friend Mr. Trundle. Andnow you all know each other, let’s be comfortable and happy, andsee what’s going forward; that’s what I say.’ So the stoutgentleman put on his spectacles, and Mr. Pickwick pulled out hisglass, and everybody stood up in the carriage, and looked oversomebody else’s shoulder at the evolutions of the military.
Astounding evolutions they were, one rank firing over theheads of another rank, and then running away; and then the otherrank firing over the heads of another rank, and running away intheir turn; and then forming squares, with officers in the centre;and then descending94 the trench95 on one side with scaling-ladders,and ascending96 it on the other again by the same means; andknocking down barricades97 of baskets, and behaving in the mostgallant manner possible. Then there was such a ramming98 down ofthe contents of enormous guns on the battery, with instrumentslike magnified mops; such a preparation before they were let off,and such an awful noise when they did go, that the air resoundedwith the screams of ladies. The young Misses Wardle were sofrightened, that Mr. Trundle was actually obliged to hold one ofthem up in the carriage, while Mr. Snodgrass supported the other;and Mr. Wardle’s sister suffered under such a dreadful state ofnervous alarm, that Mr. Tupman found it indispensably necessaryto put his arm round her waist, to keep her up at all. Everybodywas excited, except the fat boy, and he slept as soundly as if theroaring of cannon99 were his ordinary lullaby.
‘Joe, Joe!’ said the stout gentleman, when the citadel was taken,and the besiegers and besieged100 sat down to dinner. ‘Damn thatboy, he’s gone to sleep again. Be good enough to pinch him, sir―inthe leg, if you please; nothing else wakes him―thank you. Undothe hamper, Joe.’
The fat boy, who had been effectually roused by thecompression of a portion of his leg between the finger and thumbof Mr. Winkle, rolled off the box once again, and proceeded tounpack the hamper with more expedition than could have beenexpected from his previous inactivity.
‘Now we must sit close,’ said the stout gentleman. After a greatmany jokes about squeezing the ladies’ sleeves, and a vast quantityof blushing at sundry101 jocose102 proposals, that the ladies should sit inthe gentlemen’s laps, the whole party were stowed down in thebarouche; and the stout gentleman proceeded to hand the thingsfrom the fat boy (who had mounted up behind for the purpose)into the carriage.
‘Now, Joe, knives and forks.’ The knives and forks were handedin, and the ladies and gentlemen inside, and Mr. Winkle on thebox, were each furnished with those useful instruments.
‘Plates, Joe, plates.’ A similar process employed in thedistribution of the crockery.
‘Now, Joe, the fowls81. Damn that boy; he’s gone to sleep again.
Joe! Joe!’ (Sundry taps on the head with a stick, and the fat boy,with some difficulty, roused from his lethargy.) ‘Come, hand in theeatables.’
There was something in the sound of the last word whichroused the unctuous103 boy. He jumped up, and the leaden eyeswhich twinkled behind his mountainous cheeks leered horriblyupon the food as he unpacked104 it from the basket.
‘Now make haste,’ said Mr. Wardle; for the fat boy was hangingfondly over a capon, which he seemed wholly unable to part with.
The boy sighed deeply, and, bestowing105 an ardent106 gaze upon itsplumpness, unwillingly107 consigned108 it to his master.
‘That’s right―look sharp. Now the tongue―now the pigeon pie.
Take care of that veal109 and ham―mind the lobsters―take the saladout of the cloth―give me the dressing89.’ Such were the hurriedorders which issued from the lips of Mr. Wardle, as he handed inthe different articles described, and placed dishes in everybody’shands, and on everybody’s knees, in endless number. ‘Now ain’tthis capital?’ inquired that jolly personage, when the work ofdestruction had commenced.
‘Capital!’ said Mr. Winkle, who was carving110 a fowl80 on the box.
‘Glass of wine?’
‘With the greatest pleasure.’
‘You’d better have a bottle to yourself up there, hadn’t you?’
‘You’re very good.’
‘Joe!’
‘Yes, sir.’ (He wasn’t asleep this time, having just succeeded inabstracting a veal patty.)‘Bottle of wine to the gentleman on the box. Glad to see you,sir.’
‘Thank’ee.’ Mr. Winkle emptied his glass, and placed the bottleon the coach-box, by his side.
‘Will you permit me to have the pleasure, sir?’ said Mr. Trundleto Mr. Winkle.
‘With great pleasure,’ replied Mr. Winkle to Mr. Trundle, andthen the two gentlemen took wine, after which they took a glass ofwine round, ladies and all.
‘How dear Emily is flirting111 with the strange gentleman,’
whispered the spinster aunt, with true spinster-aunt-like envy, toher brother, Mr. Wardle.
‘Oh! I don’t know,’ said the jolly old gentleman; ‘all verynatural, I dare say―nothing unusual. Mr. Pickwick, some wine,sir?’ Mr. Pickwick, who had been deeply investigating the interiorof the pigeon-pie, readily assented112.
‘Emily, my dear,’ said the spinster aunt, with a patronising air,‘don’t talk so loud, love.’
‘Lor, aunt!’
‘Aunt and the little old gentleman want to have it all tothemselves, I think,’ whispered Miss Isabella Wardle to her sisterEmily. The young ladies laughed very heartily, and the old onetried to look amiable113, but couldn’t manage it.
‘Young girls have such spirits,’ said Miss Wardle to Mr.
Tupman, with an air of gentle commiseration, as if animal spiritswere contraband114, and their possession without a permit a highcrime and misdemeanour.
‘Oh, they have,’ replied Mr. Tupman, not exactly making thesort of reply that was expected from him. ‘It’s quite delightful.’
‘Hem!’ said Miss Wardle, rather dubiously115.
‘Will you permit me?’ said Mr. Tupman, in his blandestmanner, touching116 the enchanting117 Rachael’s wrist with one hand,and gently elevating the bottle with the other. ‘Will you permitme?’
‘Oh, sir!’ Mr. Tupman looked most impressive; and Rachaelexpressed her fear that more guns were going off, in which case, ofcourse, she should have required support again.
‘Do you think my dear nieces pretty?’ whispered theiraffectionate aunt to Mr. Tupman.
‘I should, if their aunt wasn’t here,’ replied the readyPickwickian, with a passionate118 glance.
‘Oh, you naughty man―but really, if their complexions119 were alittle little better, don’t you think they would be nice-lookinggirls―by candlelight?’
‘Yes; I think they would,’ said Mr. Tupman, with an air ofindifference.
‘Oh, you quiz―I know what you were going to say.’
‘What?’ inquired Mr. Tupman, who had not precisely120 made uphis mind to say anything at all.
‘You were going to say that Isabel stoops―I know you were―you men are such observers. Well, so she does; it can’t be denied;and, certainly, if there is one thing more than another that makesa girl look ugly it is stooping. I often tell her that when she gets alittle older she’ll be quite frightful121. Well, you are a quiz!’
Mr. Tupman had no objection to earning the reputation at socheap a rate: so he looked very knowing, and smiled mysteriously.
‘What a sarcastic122 smile,’ said the admiring Rachael; ‘I declareI’m quite afraid of you.’
‘Afraid of me!’
‘Oh, you can’t disguise anything from me―I know what thatsmile means very well.’
‘What?’ said Mr. Tupman, who had not the slightest notionhimself.
‘You mean,’ said the amiable aunt, sinking her voice stilllower―‘you mean, that you don’t think Isabella’s stooping is asbad as Emily’s boldness. Well, she is bold! You cannot think howwretched it makes me sometimes―I’m sure I cry about it for hourstogether―my dear brother is so good, and so unsuspicious, that henever sees it; if he did, I’m quite certain it would break his heart. Iwish I could think it was only manner―I hope it may be―‘ (Herethe affectionate relative heaved a deep sigh, and shook her headdespondingly).
‘I’m sure aunt’s talking about us,’ whispered Miss Emily Wardleto her sister―‘I’m quite certain of it―she looks so malicious123.’
‘Is she?’ replied Isabella.―‘Hem! aunt, dear!’
‘Yes, my dear love!’
‘I’m so afraid you’ll catch cold, aunt―have a silk handkerchiefto tie round your dear old head―you really should take care ofyourself―consider your age!’
However well deserved this piece of retaliation124 might havebeen, it was as vindictive125 a one as could well have been resortedto. There is no guessing in what form of reply the aunt’sindignation would have vented126 itself, had not Mr. Wardleunconsciously changed the subject, by calling emphatically for Joe.
‘Damn that boy,’ said the old gentleman, ‘he’s gone to sleepagain.’
‘Very extraordinary boy, that,’ said Mr. Pickwick; ‘does healways sleep in this way?’
‘Sleep!’ said the old gentleman, ‘he’s always asleep. Goes onerrands fast asleep, and snores as he waits at table.’
‘How very odd!’ said Mr. Pickwick.
‘Ah! odd indeed,’ returned the old gentleman; ‘I’m proud of thatboy―wouldn’t part with him on any account―he’s a naturalcuriosity! Here, Joe―Joe―take these things away, and openanother bottle―d’ye hear?’
The fat boy rose, opened his eyes, swallowed the huge piece ofpie he had been in the act of masticating127 when he last fell asleep,and slowly obeyed his master’s orders―gloating languidly overthe remains128 of the feast, as he removed the plates, and depositedthem in the hamper. The fresh bottle was produced, and speedilyemptied: the hamper was made fast in its old place―the fat boyonce more mounted the box―the spectacles and pocket-glasswere again adjusted―and the evolutions of the militaryrecommenced. There was a great fizzing and banging of guns, andstarting of ladies―and then a Mine was sprung, to the gratificationof everybody―and when the mine had gone off, the military andthe company followed its example, and went off too.
‘Now, mind,’ said the old gentleman, as he shook hands withMr. Pickwick at the conclusion of a conversation which had beencarried on at intervals129, during the conclusion of the proceedings,“we shall see you all to-morrow.’
‘Most certainly,’ replied Mr. Pickwick.
‘You have got the address?’
‘Manor Farm, Dingley Dell,’ said Mr. Pickwick, consulting hispocket-book. ‘That’s it,’ said the old gentleman. ‘I don’t let you off,mind, under a week; and undertake that you shall see everythingworth seeing. If you’ve come down for a country life, come to me,and I’ll give you plenty of it. Joe―damn that boy, he’s gone tosleep again―Joe, help Tom put in the horses.’
The horses were put in―the driver mounted―the fat boyclambered up by his side―farewells were exchanged―and thecarriage rattled130 off. As the Pickwickians turned round to take alast glimpse of it, the setting sun cast a rich glow on the faces oftheir entertainers, and fell upon the form of the fat boy. His headwas sunk upon his bosom; and he slumbered131 again.
收听单词发音 |
1
derive
|
|
| v.取得；导出；引申；来自；源自；出自 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
2
impartial
|
|
| adj.(in,to)公正的，无偏见的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
3
narration
|
|
| n.讲述，叙述；故事；记叙体 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
4
resolutely
|
|
| adj.坚决地，果断地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
5
proceeding
|
|
| n.行动，进行，(pl.)会议录，学报 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
6
avow
|
|
| v.承认，公开宣称 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
7
frankly
|
|
| adv.坦白地，直率地；坦率地说 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
8
bustle
|
|
| v.喧扰地忙乱，匆忙，奔忙；n.忙碌；喧闹 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
9
manoeuvre
|
|
| n.策略，调动；v.用策略，调动 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
10
regiments
|
|
| （军队的）团( regiment的名词复数 )； 大量的人或物 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
11
citadel
|
|
| n.城堡；堡垒；避难所 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
12
delightful
|
|
| adj.令人高兴的，使人快乐的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
13
peculiar
|
|
| adj.古怪的，异常的；特殊的，特有的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
14
grandeur
|
|
| n.伟大，崇高，宏伟，庄严，豪华 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
15
sentries
|
|
| 哨兵，步兵( sentry的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
16
sergeants
|
|
| 警官( sergeant的名词复数 )； （美国警察）警佐； （英国警察）巡佐； 陆军（或空军）中士 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
17
galloping
|
|
| adj. 飞驰的, 急性的 动词gallop的现在分词形式 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
18
prancing
|
|
| v.（马）腾跃( prance的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
19
hoarse
|
|
| adj.嘶哑的，沙哑的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
20
glazed
|
|
| adj.光滑的，像玻璃的；上过釉的；呆滞无神的v.装玻璃( glaze的过去式)；上釉于，上光；（目光）变得呆滞无神 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
21
sufficiently
|
|
| adv.足够地，充分地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
22
bespoke
|
|
| adj.（产品）订做的；专做订货的v.预定( bespeak的过去式 )；订（货）；证明；预先请求 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
23
proceedings
|
|
| n.进程，过程，议程；诉讼(程序)；公报 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
24
throng
|
|
| n.人群，群众；v.拥挤，群集 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
25
elasticity
|
|
| n.弹性，伸缩力 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
26
musket
|
|
| n.滑膛枪 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
27
witticisms
|
|
| n.妙语，俏皮话( witticism的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
28
gaily
|
|
| adv.欢乐地，高兴地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
29
glistened
|
|
| v.湿物闪耀，闪亮( glisten的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
30
muskets
|
|
| n.火枪，（尤指）滑膛枪( musket的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
31
fixed
|
|
| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
32
fully
|
|
| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
33
miraculously
|
|
| ad.奇迹般地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
34
immediate
|
|
| adj.立即的；直接的，最接近的；紧靠的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
35
bosom
|
|
| n.胸，胸部；胸怀；内心；adj.亲密的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
36
forth
|
|
| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
37
gallant
|
|
| adj.英勇的，豪侠的；(向女人)献殷勤的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
38
defenders
|
|
| n.防御者( defender的名词复数 )；守卫者；保护者；辩护者 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
39
drawn
|
|
| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
40
divested
|
|
| v.剥夺( divest的过去式和过去分词 )；脱去（衣服）；2。从…取去…；1。（给某人）脱衣服 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
41
dispersed
|
|
| adj. 被驱散的, 被分散的, 散布的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
42
galling
|
|
| adj.难堪的,使烦恼的,使焦躁的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
43
cartridges
|
|
| 子弹( cartridge的名词复数 )； （打印机的）墨盒； 录音带盒； （唱机的）唱头 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
44
harassed
|
|
| adj. 疲倦的，厌烦的 动词harass的过去式和过去分词 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
45
besought
|
|
| v.恳求，乞求（某事物）( beseech的过去式和过去分词 )；(beseech的过去式与过去分词) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
46
apprehended
|
|
| 逮捕，拘押( apprehend的过去式和过去分词 )； 理解 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
47
remonstrated
|
|
| v.抗议( remonstrate的过去式和过去分词 )；告诫 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
48
pallid
|
|
| adj.苍白的，呆板的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
49
conjuring
|
|
| n.魔术 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
50
blanch
|
|
| v.漂白；使变白；使(植物)不见日光而变白 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
51
immortal
|
|
| adj.不朽的；永生的，不死的；神的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
52
ignoble
|
|
| adj.不光彩的，卑鄙的；可耻的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
53
secondly
|
|
| adv.第二，其次 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
54
trotted
|
|
| 小跑，急走( trot的过去分词 )； 匆匆忙忙地走 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
55
perplexed
|
|
| adj.不知所措的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
56
repel
|
|
| v.击退，抵制，拒绝，排斥 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
57
sham
|
|
| n./adj.假冒(的)，虚伪(的) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
58
stationary
|
|
| adj.固定的，静止不动的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
59
agitated
|
|
| adj.被鼓动的，不安的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
60
smothered
|
|
| （使）窒息， （使）透不过气( smother的过去式和过去分词 )； 覆盖； 忍住； 抑制 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
61
remarkable
|
|
| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
62
agility
|
|
| n.敏捷，活泼 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
63
venerated
|
|
| 敬重（某人或某事物），崇敬( venerate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
64
gambolling
|
|
| v.蹦跳，跳跃，嬉戏( gambol的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
65
distress
|
|
| n.苦恼，痛苦，不舒适；不幸；vt.使悲痛 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
66
commiseration
|
|
| n.怜悯，同情 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
67
judgment
|
|
| n.审判；判断力，识别力，看法，意见 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
68
catching
|
|
| adj.易传染的，有魅力的，迷人的，接住 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
69
precipitate
|
|
| adj.突如其来的；vt.使突然发生；n.沉淀物 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
70
wary
|
|
| adj.谨慎的，机警的，小心的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
71
puffed
|
|
| adj.疏松的v.使喷出( puff的过去式和过去分词 )；喷着汽（或烟）移动；吹嘘；吹捧 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
72
porpoise
|
|
| n.鼠海豚 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
73
exhausted
|
|
| adj.极其疲惫的，精疲力尽的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
74
darted
|
|
| v.投掷，投射( dart的过去式和过去分词 )；向前冲，飞奔 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
75
upwards
|
|
| adv.向上，在更高处...以上 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
77
apparently
|
|
| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
78
hamper
|
|
| vt.妨碍，束缚，限制；n.(有盖的)大篮子 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
79
hampers
|
|
| 妨碍，束缚，限制( hamper的第三人称单数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
80
fowl
|
|
| n.家禽，鸡，禽肉 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
81
fowls
|
|
| 鸟( fowl的名词复数 )； 禽肉； 既不是这； 非驴非马 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
82
somnolency
|
|
| n.想睡，梦幻 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
|
83
bestowed
|
|
| 赠给，授予( bestow的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
84
disciple
|
|
| n.信徒，门徒，追随者 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
85
invitingly
|
|
| adv. 动人地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
86
waddled
|
|
| v.（像鸭子一样）摇摇摆摆地走( waddle的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
87
perch
|
|
| n.栖木，高位，杆；v.栖息，就位，位于 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
88
uncommon
|
|
| adj.罕见的，非凡的，不平常的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
89
dressing
|
|
| n.(食物)调料；包扎伤口的用品，敷料 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
90
paternal
|
|
| adj.父亲的，像父亲的，父系的，父方的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
91
gals
|
|
| abbr.gallons （复数）加仑（液量单位）n.女孩，少女( gal的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
92
ribs
|
|
| n.肋骨( rib的名词复数 )；（船或屋顶等的）肋拱；肋骨状的东西；（织物的）凸条花纹 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
93
heartily
|
|
| adv.衷心地，诚恳地，十分，很 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
94
descending
|
|
| n. 下行 adj. 下降的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
95
trench
|
|
| n./v.(挖)沟，(挖)战壕 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
96
ascending
|
|
| adj.上升的，向上的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
97
barricades
|
|
| 路障，障碍物( barricade的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
98
ramming
|
|
| n.打结炉底v.夯实（土等）( ram的现在分词 )；猛撞；猛压；反复灌输 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
99
cannon
|
|
| n.大炮，火炮；飞机上的机关炮 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
100
besieged
|
|
| 包围，围困，围攻( besiege的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
101
sundry
|
|
| adj.各式各样的，种种的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
102
jocose
|
|
| adj.开玩笑的，滑稽的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
103
unctuous
|
|
| adj.油腔滑调的，大胆的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
104
unpacked
|
|
| v.从（包裹等）中取出（所装的东西），打开行李取出( unpack的过去式和过去分词 )；拆包；解除…的负担；吐露（心事等） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
105
bestowing
|
|
| 砖窑中砖堆上层已烧透的砖 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
106
ardent
|
|
| adj.热情的，热烈的，强烈的，烈性的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
107
unwillingly
|
|
| adv.不情愿地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
108
consigned
|
|
| v.把…置于（令人不快的境地）( consign的过去式和过去分词 )；把…托付给；把…托人代售；丟弃 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
109
veal
|
|
| n.小牛肉 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
110
carving
|
|
| n.雕刻品，雕花 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
111
flirting
|
|
| v.调情，打情骂俏( flirt的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
112
assented
|
|
| 同意，赞成( assent的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
113
amiable
|
|
| adj.和蔼可亲的，友善的，亲切的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
114
contraband
|
|
| n.违禁品，走私品 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
115
dubiously
|
|
| adv.可疑地，怀疑地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
116
touching
|
|
| adj.动人的，使人感伤的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
117
enchanting
|
|
| a.讨人喜欢的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
118
passionate
|
|
| adj.热情的，热烈的，激昂的，易动情的，易怒的，性情暴躁的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
119
complexions
|
|
| 肤色( complexion的名词复数 )； 面色； 局面； 性质 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
120
precisely
|
|
| adv.恰好，正好，精确地，细致地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
121
frightful
|
|
| adj.可怕的；讨厌的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
122
sarcastic
|
|
| adj.讥讽的，讽刺的，嘲弄的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
123
malicious
|
|
| adj.有恶意的，心怀恶意的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
124
retaliation
|
|
| n.报复，反击 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
125
vindictive
|
|
| adj.有报仇心的，怀恨的，惩罚的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
126
vented
|
|
| 表达，发泄（感情，尤指愤怒）( vent的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
127
masticating
|
|
| v.咀嚼( masticate的现在分词 )；粉碎，磨烂 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
128
remains
|
|
| n.剩余物，残留物；遗体，遗迹 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
129
intervals
|
|
| 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 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
130
rattled
|
|
| 慌乱的，恼火的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
131
slumbered
|
|
| 微睡，睡眠（slumber的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
| 欢迎访问英文小说网 |