“Like whom to Shoan eyes,
None ere has risen and none ere shall rise.”
Renowned1 for his great strength and dauntless heart, Medóko was of a more robust2 and brawny3 form than most of his countrymen. There was a bold bearing in his erect4 carriage—his gait was proud, and his speech haughty5; and not less dexterous6 in the management of his steed, than powerful in wielding7 his weapons, he stood proclaimed the most valiant8, although the most insolent9, of the Amhára. His handsome features and his gallant10 deeds had gained for him the palm of favour among all the dames11 of the land. An aquiline12 nose stood prominent from his manly13 countenance14, and a bright eye sparkled clear and daring under a bushy brow. The fairest daughters of Shoa loved to look upon the warrior15, and rejoiced to add their beauty to his harem, or to experience the gifts of his bountiful hand; and the shrill16 note of female welcome burst from every throat, as he curvetted through the streets upon his gallant charger shining in brass17 and steel, or careered at speed over the plain, with his white and crimson18 robe streaming behind his athletic19 frame.
Riches and honours and preferment had been again liberally showered upon his head by the monarch20 who had so frequently received the benefit of his assistance, and had been more than once indebted for his life to the strong arm of the chief. The memory of past crime seemed to have been obliterated21 and forgotten—“Had he not err’d, his glory had been less;” and he was now raised to the high post of governor of all the Galla, and Abogáz of the southern frontier of the kingdom.
But there was no lack of enemies to the imperious favourite; and among the most bitter of his opponents was one who, by the insidious23 tongue of malice24, materially contributed to achieve the downfall and destruction of the bravest son of Shoa.
Well versed25 in all the petty arts of a mean and sycophantish court, Father Asrát had held during two successive reigns26 the snug27 office of confessor to the royal family. Sleek28 from good living, his hood29 fell without a wrinkle over his portly person; and bowing in devotion before his superiors, the words of flattery flowed in profusion30 from his honied tongue. The sins of the rich were easily forgiven; substitute was immediately produced for the slight penance32 decreed by his lip; and the effects of his indulgence might be clearly observed in the fine muslin which ever encircled his shaven head—in the glossy33 condition of his pampered34 mule—and in the gay ivory handle of his polished crutch35, which were ostentatiously displayed as he daily brushed through the court-yards of the palace.
On many occasions the audacity36 of Medóko had broken out into open mockery of the priestly rapacity37; but although the dark feelings of revenge rankled38 in the breast of the monk39, yet a scowling40 look of hatred41 was alone ventured in return to the jibes42 of the great governor and first favourite of the despot. On one fatal festival, however, when the fumes43 of the old hydromel had gained a complete ascendency over the party, a bitter jest was retorted by the exasperated44 priest, a fierce wrangle45 ensued, and the holy person of Father Asrát was violently spurned46 against the wall by the strong arm of the hot-blooded chief.
A reconciliation47 had been outwardly effected by mutual48 friends, but from that day the most wily insinuations were used to poison the breast of the king. The actions of the past were vividly49 brought to his recollection; words that had never been spoken, and expressions craftily50 distorted to serve a vile51 purpose, were daily poured into the royal ear; and although the demeanour of the monarch remained unchanged, suspicion was gradually being instilled52 into his mind, and the cloud required but a slight shock to discharge its contents.
According to the custom of the country, the royal princesses lived in total seclusion53 until it suited the despot’s caprice or policy to open the door of their cage. “A daughter of the royal house will be led to the nuptial54 altar on the morrow,” is the sole intimation afforded; and the happy bridegroom is not aware of the honour to be conferred, until the hand of “the introducer” leads him from the group which encircles the throne, to the immediate31 performance of the rite22. But the stout55-hearted Medóko had contrived56 to behold57 the beauty of the far-famed princess “Golden Fruit,” and intoxicated58 by a long succession of prosperity, and stirred up by the deceitful priest to believe that the king would refuse no request preferred by a chief whose services were held in such high esteem59, he rashly resolved upon demanding the only remaining favour which the monarch had hitherto withheld60.
On a bright morning in May before the commencement of the monsoon61, a distinguished62 cavalcade63 entered the outer gates of the palace fortifications. The stately person of the leader was enveloped64 in a flowing robe bedizened with many crimson stripes, and a long white feather streamed high over his raven65 hair. A gauntlet and bracelet66 of silver decorated his sinewy67 arm, the token of many a hard conflict; and the massive silver sword was girded to his right side, the emblem68 of high authority and place. The bearer of his silver shield preserved a respectful space for the chief, and a dark war-steed, glittering in chains and studs of polished metal, followed at his side. A dense69 mass of wild Galla, armed with the serrated lance and tough black buckler, closed the procession, which, amidst the acclamations of the assembled mob, wound up the rocky path of the palace hill at Ankóber.
On gaining the last flight of steps, the great door was thrown open, and Medóko advanced to the audience of leave previous to his departure to the seat of his government. The small latticed gallery had been decked out in his honour, and the crimson velvet70 hangings of state depended in front, loaded with massive silver ornaments71. Rich carpets were spread below for the convenience of the more favoured nobles. The officers of the household, uncovered to the waist, stood in a double row in front; and the monarch reclined upon his seat of honour at the open window, gaily72 clad in a green silk vest bordered with gold, over which the folds of the usual white robe of Abyssinia hung gracefully73 around his recumbent figure.
Advancing to the prescribed limit, Medóko, according to the custom of ages, prostrated76 himself to the earth before the descendant of Solomon, and then, raising his haughty figure erect before the monarch, he boldly preferred the request of his heart. “Behold, I have brought a present to the king, that he may hear me in love, and dismiss his servant well pleased from his presence.”
Ten war steeds fully74 equipped, together with five hundred bullocks, twenty slaves, and two large bags of silver coin, were ushered77 into the court-yard. The eye of the avaricious78 king brightened with satisfaction at the liberal gift of his vassal79, and the words were spoken more kindly80 than usual—“What is the desire of the Abogáz?” But the answer of daring rashness which followed fell like a thunderbolt upon the court—“The hand of the Princess Worka Ferri.”
The rod of green rushes dropped from the grasp of the astonished “introducer,” and chiefs and nobles half rose from their seats, as the mysteries of royal seclusion were thus boldly infringed81 before the multitude. But although the monarch was irritated to the last pitch by this unprecedented82 insolence83, he restrained his feelings under the usual cold calm smile. “We will converse84 regarding this business at a future period,” he said; and the audience was closed with an invitation to the chief to pass his last evening in the private apartments of the palace—an honour conferred only upon a favoured few.
Warnings and advice were not wanting from many quarters; and recollection called to mind many dark scenes which had been transacted85 at the friendly board of the despot, who was well known to be in a dangerous mood when too many smiles lighted up his countenance, and who preferred the quiet capture of his enemy to forcible seizure86 in the open day. But the rash Medóko, confident in his own ascendency through service rendered, discarded every thought of evil. With a stout heart he entered the gloomy hall at the appointed hour, and under the guidance of an eunuch proceeded along the rough dark passages of the interior.
On gaining the inner apartment, he found Father Asrát and his assistant kneeling in the corner before their low desks, mumbling87 the lessons of the evening from the miracles of the Holy Virgin—divers flasks88 of potent89 spirits being as usual ranged on the wicker table for the entertainment of the select company. All were in the highest humour. The demeanour of the monarch was kind and conciliating; and amongst the honours and favours which were that night liberally bestowed90, the priest received the high office of chief of the church of the Saviour91 in the romantic village of Chérkos. The customary topics were discussed—the usual quantity of strong liquor was swallowed—and at intervals92 the choristers chanted the Psalms93 of David. The evening passed in great hilarity94, and the company at length rose to depart.
His heart bounding high with future hope, Medóko stooped low to pay the salutation of the night, and was instantaneously pinioned95 from behind, whilst a rush from the front prevented every effort to lay hand upon his weapon. By his fierce struggles he once nearly regained96 an erect position, but numbers crowded through every passage, and he found himself stretched on the floor securely bound and hampered97 with many coils of rope.
“Fetters and a dungeon98 for the slave!” exclaimed the monarch as he quitted the scene of betrayed hospitality, and guards entered to obey the royal mandate99. But ere the captive could be borne to his doom100, a heavy foot pressed upon his prostrate75 neck. The smile of satisfied revenge played over the bloated features of the malicious101 monk, and it shot through the heart of the fallen warrior. A deadly vow102 was muttered betwixt his clenched103 teeth; and as he lay foaming104 with rage, the words were half audible through his suppressed breathing, “Let him guard his cowled head if he can: henceforth to the Devil with my allegiance!”
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1
renowned
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adj.著名的,有名望的,声誉鹊起的 | |
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robust
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adj.强壮的,强健的,粗野的,需要体力的,浓的 | |
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brawny
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adj.强壮的 | |
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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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haughty
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adj.傲慢的,高傲的 | |
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dexterous
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adj.灵敏的;灵巧的 | |
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wielding
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手持着使用(武器、工具等)( wield的现在分词 ); 具有; 运用(权力); 施加(影响) | |
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valiant
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adj.勇敢的,英勇的;n.勇士,勇敢的人 | |
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insolent
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adj.傲慢的,无理的 | |
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gallant
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adj.英勇的,豪侠的;(向女人)献殷勤的 | |
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11
dames
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n.(在英国)夫人(一种封号),夫人(爵士妻子的称号)( dame的名词复数 );女人 | |
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aquiline
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adj.钩状的,鹰的 | |
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manly
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adj.有男子气概的;adv.男子般地,果断地 | |
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countenance
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n.脸色,面容;面部表情;vt.支持,赞同 | |
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warrior
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n.勇士,武士,斗士 | |
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shrill
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adj.尖声的;刺耳的;v尖叫 | |
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brass
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n.黄铜;黄铜器,铜管乐器 | |
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crimson
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n./adj.深(绯)红色(的);vi.脸变绯红色 | |
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athletic
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adj.擅长运动的,强健的;活跃的,体格健壮的 | |
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monarch
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n.帝王,君主,最高统治者 | |
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21
obliterated
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v.除去( obliterate的过去式和过去分词 );涂去;擦掉;彻底破坏或毁灭 | |
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rite
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n.典礼,惯例,习俗 | |
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insidious
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adj.阴险的,隐匿的,暗中为害的,(疾病)不知不觉之间加剧 | |
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malice
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n.恶意,怨恨,蓄意;[律]预谋 | |
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versed
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adj. 精通,熟练 | |
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reigns
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n.君主的统治( reign的名词复数 );君主统治时期;任期;当政期 | |
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snug
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adj.温暖舒适的,合身的,安全的;v.使整洁干净,舒适地依靠,紧贴;n.(英)酒吧里的私房 | |
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sleek
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adj.光滑的,井然有序的;v.使光滑,梳拢 | |
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hood
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n.头巾,兜帽,覆盖;v.罩上,以头巾覆盖 | |
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30
profusion
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n.挥霍;丰富 | |
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immediate
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adj.立即的;直接的,最接近的;紧靠的 | |
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penance
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n.(赎罪的)惩罪 | |
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glossy
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adj.平滑的;有光泽的 | |
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pampered
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adj.饮食过量的,饮食奢侈的v.纵容,宠,娇养( pamper的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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crutch
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n.T字形拐杖;支持,依靠,精神支柱 | |
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audacity
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n.大胆,卤莽,无礼 | |
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rapacity
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n.贪婪,贪心,劫掠的欲望 | |
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rankled
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v.(使)痛苦不已,(使)怨恨不已( rankle的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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monk
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n.和尚,僧侣,修道士 | |
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scowling
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怒视,生气地皱眉( scowl的现在分词 ) | |
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hatred
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n.憎恶,憎恨,仇恨 | |
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jibes
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n.与…一致( jibe的名词复数 );(与…)相符;相匹配v.与…一致( jibe的第三人称单数 );(与…)相符;相匹配 | |
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fumes
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n.(强烈而刺激的)气味,气体 | |
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exasperated
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adj.恼怒的 | |
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wrangle
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vi.争吵 | |
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spurned
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v.一脚踢开,拒绝接受( spurn的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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reconciliation
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n.和解,和谐,一致 | |
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mutual
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adj.相互的,彼此的;共同的,共有的 | |
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vividly
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adv.清楚地,鲜明地,生动地 | |
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craftily
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狡猾地,狡诈地 | |
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vile
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adj.卑鄙的,可耻的,邪恶的;坏透的 | |
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52
instilled
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v.逐渐使某人获得(某种可取的品质),逐步灌输( instill的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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53
seclusion
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n.隐遁,隔离 | |
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54
nuptial
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adj.婚姻的,婚礼的 | |
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contrived
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adj.不自然的,做作的;虚构的 | |
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behold
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v.看,注视,看到 | |
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intoxicated
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喝醉的,极其兴奋的 | |
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59
esteem
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n.尊敬,尊重;vt.尊重,敬重;把…看作 | |
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60
withheld
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withhold过去式及过去分词 | |
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monsoon
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n.季雨,季风,大雨 | |
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62
distinguished
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adj.卓越的,杰出的,著名的 | |
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63
cavalcade
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n.车队等的行列 | |
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64
enveloped
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v.包围,笼罩,包住( envelop的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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raven
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n.渡鸟,乌鸦;adj.乌亮的 | |
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bracelet
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n.手镯,臂镯 | |
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sinewy
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adj.多腱的,强壮有力的 | |
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emblem
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n.象征,标志;徽章 | |
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dense
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a.密集的,稠密的,浓密的;密度大的 | |
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velvet
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n.丝绒,天鹅绒;adj.丝绒制的,柔软的 | |
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ornaments
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n.装饰( ornament的名词复数 );点缀;装饰品;首饰v.装饰,点缀,美化( ornament的第三人称单数 ) | |
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gaily
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adv.欢乐地,高兴地 | |
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gracefully
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ad.大大方方地;优美地 | |
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fully
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adv.完全地,全部地,彻底地;充分地 | |
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prostrate
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v.拜倒,平卧,衰竭;adj.拜倒的,平卧的,衰竭的 | |
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prostrated
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v.使俯伏,使拜倒( prostrate的过去式和过去分词 );(指疾病、天气等)使某人无能为力 | |
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ushered
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v.引,领,陪同( usher的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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avaricious
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adj.贪婪的,贪心的 | |
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vassal
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n.附庸的;属下;adj.奴仆的 | |
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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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infringed
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v.违反(规章等)( infringe的过去式和过去分词 );侵犯(某人的权利);侵害(某人的自由、权益等) | |
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unprecedented
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adj.无前例的,新奇的 | |
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insolence
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n.傲慢;无礼;厚颜;傲慢的态度 | |
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converse
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vi.谈话,谈天,闲聊;adv.相反的,相反 | |
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transacted
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v.办理(业务等)( transact的过去式和过去分词 );交易,谈判 | |
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seizure
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n.没收;占有;抵押 | |
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mumbling
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含糊地说某事,叽咕,咕哝( mumble的现在分词 ) | |
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flasks
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n.瓶,长颈瓶, 烧瓶( flask的名词复数 ) | |
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potent
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adj.强有力的,有权势的;有效力的 | |
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bestowed
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赠给,授予( bestow的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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91
saviour
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n.拯救者,救星 | |
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92
intervals
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n.[军事]间隔( interval的名词复数 );间隔时间;[数学]区间;(戏剧、电影或音乐会的)幕间休息 | |
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psalms
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n.赞美诗( psalm的名词复数 );圣诗;圣歌;(中的) | |
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94
hilarity
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n.欢乐;热闹 | |
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pinioned
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v.抓住[捆住](双臂)( pinion的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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regained
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复得( regain的过去式和过去分词 ); 赢回; 重回; 复至某地 | |
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hampered
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妨碍,束缚,限制( hamper的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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dungeon
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n.地牢,土牢 | |
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mandate
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n.托管地;命令,指示 | |
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100
doom
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n.厄运,劫数;v.注定,命定 | |
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101
malicious
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adj.有恶意的,心怀恶意的 | |
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102
vow
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n.誓(言),誓约;v.起誓,立誓 | |
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103
clenched
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v.紧握,抓紧,咬紧( clench的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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104
foaming
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adj.布满泡沫的;发泡 | |
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