"In their Decadency these Virginians practice an elaborate Folly2 of Courtly Love, unmodified since the Dark Ages, so relentlessly3 that at length they cannot distinguish Fancy from the substantial World, and their Folly absorbs them into itself. They gaily4 dance the steps their African Slaves teach them, whilst pretending to an aristocracy they seem only to've heard rumors5 of. Their preferr'd sport is the Duel,— part of the definition of 'Gentleman' in these parts seems to be ownership of a match'd set of Pistols.
"To anyone who has observ'd slave-keepers in Africa, it will seem all quite ancient,— Lords and Serfs,— a Gothick Pursuit,— what, in our corrupted7 Days, has become of Knights8 and Castles, when neither is any longer reasonable, or possible. No good can come of such dangerous Boobyism. What sort of Pol?itics may proceed herefrom, only He that sows the Seeds of Folly in His World may say."
- The Revd Wicks Cherrycoke, Spiritual Day-Book
Col° Washington turns out to be taller than Dixon, by about as much as Dixon rises over Mason. "Enable us quite nicely to stand in a Shed if we keep a straight line," he greets them, "though Ah wonder why?" In this Province of the Unreflective, if the Colonel serves not as a Focus of Sobriety, neither is he quite the incompetent9 Fool depicted10 in the Lon?don press, rattling11 on, ever so jolly, about the whiz of enemy shot through the air, tho' how mean-spirited must we be to refuse Slack in the Sheets of Manhood to a gangling12 Sprig, sighting one day through the Eye-piece of a Surveyor's Instrument upon a Plummet-String, the next down the barrel of a Rifle at a Frenchman? In his mature person, tho' he will seem from time to time to allow his Gaze to refocus upon something more remote,— yet 'tis as little Fidgeting as Reverie, something purposeful, rather, allowing him to remain attentive13 to the Topick at hand. When he hears Dixon speak, he smiles, though owing to the state of his teeth he is reluctant to do so when in company,— a smile from Col° Washington, however tentative, is said to be a mark of favor,— "My people come from around your neck of the woods, I think, for I've relatives who talk the way you do."
Dixon cups an ear. "Happen I hear a fading echo of the old Pitman's Lilt...?"
The Col° shrugs15. "Up in Pennsylvania they tell me I talk like an African. They imagine us here surrounded with our Tithables, insensibly sliding into their speech, and so, it is implied, into their Ways as well. Come. Observe this Pitcher16 upon the Table, an excellent Punch, the invention of my Man Gershom."
Out on the white-column'd porch, tumbler in fist, the large Virginian wants to talk real estate. "Sometimes a man must act quickly upon an opportunity, for in volatile17 times the chance may never come again. Just for example,— there is a parcel out past the South Mountain I'd like you to take a look at when you go by,— your Line, as I project it, passing
quite close. Spotted18 it early in the War, kept it in mind ever since.... No
reason you fellows shouldn't turn a Shilling or two whilst you're over here...and have ye consider'd how much free surveying ye'll be giving away,— as the West Line must contribute North and South Boundaries to Pieces innumerable? Don't suppose you have a copy of that Contract ye
sign'd.. .well, no matter Yet I wonder at how you Boys have stirr'd up
the land-jobbers. No one here regards the crest19 of the Alleghenies as the Barrier it was. You've only to look at the roads, some days the Waggons20 in a Stream unbroken,— new faces in ships arriving every day, nothing east of Susquehanna left to settle,— the French are out of the Ohio, the Scoundrel Pontiac is vanquish'd, the money is ready, Coffee-Houses in a frenzy21 of map-sketching and bargaining,— what deters22 us?”
"General Bouquet23's Proclamation,— " Mason suggests, "no new Set?tlement west of the Allegheny Ridge24-Line."
"Poh. The Proprietors25 won't enforce that."
"Whence then," replies Mason, "the Rumor6 that Mr. Cresap tried to bribe26 the General with twenty-five thousand acres, not to proclaim his Line?"
"Hum. Perhaps," chuckles28 Washington, " 'twas all the old Renegado dared promise,— and Bouquet may have wanted more,— as no Land may be had there now but by his Warrant, his Line might make of him an American Nabob,— as he was not offering his Services out of love for those inexpensive Tokens with which he is synonymous,— rather, the Lord ever Merciful, as in Bengal, sent us a Deliverer whose Appetite for Profit matches his self-confidence. 'Twas Business, more or less Plainly dealt. The next step will be to contract our Indian Wars out to Mercenar?ies,— preferably school'd in Prussian techniques, as it never hurts to get the best,— tho' many of these Hired professionals miss one pay-day and they're gone like Smoke. Could even be just before a decisive Battle,— forget it, damn 'em, they're off. Did you imagine Bouquet, or the Penns, to be acting30 out of tender motives32, toward the Indians?"
"Why else refrain from expanding West," mildly inquires Dixon, "but out of a regard for the Humanity of those whose Homes they invade?"
"A motive31 even stronger and purer," frowns Colonel Washington,
- the desire to confound their enemies,— who chiefly are the Pres?byterians settling the West, Proclamation-Shmocklamation,— Ulster Scots, who hate England enough to fight against her, now the French are departed,— tho' the cheerfully idiotic33, who are numerous, believe such Sectarian passions to lie behind us. The Ulster Scots were dispossess'd once,— shamefully,— herded35, transported,— Hostages to the demands of Religious Geography. Then, a second time, were they forc'd to flee the rack-rents of Ulster, for this American unknown. Think ye, there will be any third Coercion36? At what cost, pray? Americans will fight Indians whenever they please, which is whenever they can,— and Brits wher?ever they must, for we will be no more contain'd, than tax'd. The Grenville Ministry37 ignore these Data, at their Peril38."
"Mr. Grenville, alas39, neglects to consult me in these Matters," says Mason.
"Wrote to him," adds Dixon,— " 'Tax the East India Company, why don't tha?' Did he even reply?"
"As a rule here," advises the Col", "ye may speak your Minds upon any Topick Politickal. But on no account, ever discuss Religion. If any insist, represent yourselves as Deists. The Back Inhabitants are terrified of all Atheists, especially the Indians,— tho' Englishmen bearing unfa?miliar Equipment across their land might easily qualify. Their first Impulse, upon meeting an Atheist40, is to shoot at him, often at close range, tho' some of the Lancaster County Rifles are deadly from a mile off,— so running for cover is largely out of the Question. Besides, you cannot know what may be waiting among the Trees...."
"What's that Aroma41?" Dixon blurts42, knowing quite well, from the Cape43, what it is.
"Ah, the new Harvest, how inhospitable of me. 'Tis but a small patch out back, planted as an Experiment,— if it prospers44, next season per?haps27 we'll plant ten Acres, as a Market-Crop. With luck, between the Navy and the New-York Fops, we could get rid of it all, Male and Fim-ble, and see us some Profit. Always a few Shillings in Canary-Seed as well, worse comes to worst.— Here then,— Gershom! Where be you at, my man!"
An African servant with an ambiguous expression appears. "Yes Mas-suh Washington Suh."
"Gershom fetch us if you will some Pipes, and a Bowl of the new-cur'd Hemp45. And another gallon of your magnificent Punch. There's a good fellow. Truly, Gentlemen, 'an Israelite in whom there is no guile47.'''
Mason, recognizing the source as John 1:47, actually chuckles, whilst Dixon rather glowers48. "At Raby Castle," he informs them, Phiz aflame, "Darlington liked to joak of his Steward49, my Great-Uncle George, using thah' same quo-tation from the Bible. Yet only from Our Savior, surely, might such words be allow'd to pass, without raising suspicions as to amplitude50 of Spirit...? From the Earl of Darlington, the remark was no more than the unconsider'd Jollity one expects of a Castle-Dweller,— but to hear it in America, is an Enigma51 I confess I am at a loss to explain...?"
"Good Sir," the Colonel smiting52 himself repeatedly upon the head, unto knocking his Wig53 askew54, "I regret providing the Text for an unwel?come association." He snatches the Wig completely off and bows his
head, cocking one eye at Dixon. "The two Conditions are entirely55 sepa?rate, of course."
"I'm a Quaker," shrugs Dixon, "what am I suppos'd to do, call thee out?"
"Don't bother about that Israelite talk, anyhow," Gershom coming back in with a Tray, "it's his way of joaking, he does it all the time."
"Thou aren't offended?"
"As I do happen to be of the Hebrew faith," tilting56 his head so that all may see the traditional Jewish Yarmulke, attach'd to the crown of his Peruke in a curious display of black on white, "it would seem a waste of precious time."
"Say,— and cook?" beams George Washington. "Gersh, any them Kasha Varnishkies left?"
"Believe you ate 'em all up for Breakfast, Colonel."
"Well whyn't you just whup up another batch,— maybe fry us some hog57 jowls, he'p it slide on down?"
"One bi-i-i-g mess o' Hog Jowls, comin' raaight up, Suh!"
"Wait a minute," objects Mason. "Do the Jews not believe, that," glancing over at Dixon, "the Article you speak of, is unclean, and so avoid scrupulously58 its Flesh?"
"Please,— you don't think I feel guilty enough already? As it hap14?pens, the Sect34 I belong to, is concern'd scarce at all with Dietary Rules."
"— of any kind," adds the Col°, having inhal'd mightily59 upon his Pipe, whence now arises another aromatic60 Cloud. "Yet if a Jew cooking pork is a Marvel61, what of a Negroe, working a Room? Yes, my Oath,— here is Joe Miller62 resurrected,— they applaud him 'round a circuit of Coaching-inns upon the roads to George's Town, Williamsburg, and Annapolis,— indeed he is known far and Wide, as a Theatrickal Artist of some Attainment63, leaving him less and less time for his duties here,— not to mention an income per annum which creeps dangerously close to that of his nominal64 Master, me." He passes the Pipe to Dixon.
"He wants me to put it in Dismal65 Swamp Land Company shares," Ger?shom confides66. "How would you Gentlemen advise me?"
Mason and Dixon make eye contact, Dixon blurting67, "Didn't they tell us,— " Mason going, "Shh! Sshhhh!," Washington meanwhile trying to wave Gershom back into the house. Gershom, however, has just taken the Pipe from Mr. Dixon. "Thank you." Inhales68. Presently, "Well! How are you, Gentlemen, you having a good time? That's quite some Coat you're wearing, Sir. It's, ah, certainly is red, ain't it? And those silver Buttons,— mighty69 shiny,— tell me, seriously now, you were planning to wear this, out into the Forest?"
"Why, why aye,— "
"Actually, bright red, it's quite a la mode out there, seen rather often,— down the barrels of cheap Rifles.— You'll be very popular with all kinds of Folk,— Delawares, Shawanese, Seneca,— Seneca fancy a nice red Coat.— So !" passing the Pipe to Mason, "I can see which one's the snappy Dresser,— whilst the Indians are shooting at him, the Pres-byterians'll be after you, thinking you're something to eat,— 'It's a Buf?falo, I'm tellin' ye, mon!' 'Hush70, Patrick, it seem'd but a Squirrel to me.' 'So it's a Squirrel!' ffsss— POM;/"
"Oblig'd of course," squawks Mason, "ever so kind to imagine for me my Death in America.. .need no longer preoccupy71 myself upon the Mat?ter, kind yes and withal a great relief,— "
Gershom turning to Dixon, "Is he always like this, or does he get indignant sometimes?"
"You see what I have to put up with," groans72 Col° Washington. "It's makin' me just mee-shugginah. Here, a bit of Tob'o with that?..."
"George."
"Oh-oh, stay calm, it's the Wife, just let me do the— ah my Treasure! excellent Gown, handsome Stuff,— allow me to present," and so forth73. Mrs. Washington ("Oh, la, call me Martha, Boys") is a diminutive74 woman with a cheerful rather than happy air, who seems to bustle75 even when standing76 still. At the moment she is carrying an enormous Tray pil'd nearly beyond their Angles of Repose77 with Tarts79, Pop-overs, Ginger80?bread Figures, fried Pies, stuff'd Doughnuts, and other Units of Refresh?ment the Surveyors fail to recognize.
"Smell'd that Smoak, figur'd you'd be needing something to nibble81 on," the doughty82 Mrs. W. greets them. "The Task as usual falling to that Agent of Domesticity unrelenting, the wife,— as none of you could run a House for more than ten minutes, in the World wherein most of us must dwell, without Anarchy83 setting in.”
"I was suppos'd to be watching a Pot upon the fire," sighs Washing?ton, "— matters more immediate84 claim'd my attention, one giving rise to yet another, till a certain Odor recall'd me to the Pot, alas too late,— another ruinous flaw in my Character, perhaps one day to be amended85 by me, though never to be forgiven by my Lady."
She shakes her head, eyes yawing more than rolling. "George, have a Cookie." He takes a Molasses ginger-bread man, closely examines its Reverse, as if to assure himself that his Wife hasn't somehow burn'd it, and is about to bite the head off, when something else occurs to him.
"Now you may have heard of the Ohio Company,— a joint86 adventure in which my late brothers had a few small shares. There we were, as deep in the savage87 state as men have been known to venture, often no clear line of Retreat, a sort of,— Marth, my Nosegay of Virtues88, what's a piece of tricky89 weaving?"
"How," she replies, "pray, would I know? Am I a Weaver90?"
- a piece of tricky weaving," the Col° has tried to continue, "— order, I mean to say, in Chaos91. Markets appearing, with their unwritten Laws, upon ev'ry patch of open ground, power beginning to sort itself out, Line and Staff,—
Mason and Dixon, in arranging for a fair division of labor1, have adopted the practice, whenever two conversations are proceeding92 at once, of each attending one, with Location usually deciding who gets which. So it falls to Mason to defend his Profession against what he sus?pects is Mrs. W.'s accusation93 of unworldliness, whilst Dixon must become emmesh'd in Ohio Company history.
"— with our own forts at Wills and Redstone Creeks95, and a Commu?
nication between As the East India Company hath its own Navy, why,
so did we our own Army. Out in the wild Anarchy of the Forest, we alone had the coherence96 and discipline to see this land develop'd as it should be. Rest easy, that the old O.C. still exists," the Col° is protesting, "tho' in different Form."
"Sounds like the After-life," Gershom remarks.
"If only we could've gotten the language we wanted in the Charter, the Tale might have been different. But our friends at Court are few, and now and then invisible, even to us.”
"They fail'd to get the Bishop97-of-Durham Clause," puts in Gershom.
"Look ye,— wasn't it like Iron Plate upon a Steam-Boiler for ev'ryone else? Virginia? The Calverts, the Penns? Ohio by precedent98 surely is entitl'd to one?"
"All respect, Colonel, those Grants," Gershom points out, "were more like fantastickal Tales, drafted in the days of some Kings who were not altogether real themselves. 'Twas a world of Masquing then, Fictions of faraway lands, what did they care? 'Bishop-of-Durham Clause? no prob?lem with that,— how can we set you up, a Palatine Residence? 'tis yours,— you like cedar99 shakes, brick, traditional Stone approach, what?ever, it's fine,— what's that, you want to put in a what, a Harem? why to be sure,— and how many Ladies would that be, Sir? of course you've a choice,— Lord Smedley, the Catalogue, please.''
"Any Bishop-of-Durham Clause in America," says Dixon, "suggests a likeness100, in the British Mind, between your Indians West of the Allegheny Ridge, and their Scots beyond Hadrian's Wall,— as the Bishop Prince's half of the bargain, is to defend the King against what?ever wild cannibal Host lies North of us,— whose nightly Bagpipe-Musick, in the time of the 'Forty-five, could easily bring all within earshot to insomniack Terror by Dawn."
"Why, Sir," exclaims the Col", "you might be describing a camp upon
Monongahela, and the Death-hollows all night from across the River.
The long watchfulness101, listening to the Brush. Ev'ry mis'rable last Leaf.
The Darkness implacable. When you gentlemen come to stand at the
Boundary between the Settl'd and the Unpossess'd, just about to enter
the Deep Woods, you will recognize the Sensation
"Yet, we sought no more than to become that encampment in the Night, that small refuge of Civilization in the far Wilderness102."
"Trouble was, so'd the French," Gershom remarks.
"Thankee, Gersh."
Mason meanwhile is embark'd upon an Apologia for Astronomy and his own career therein. "The dispute is at least as old as Plato. Indeed, I feel like Glaucon in the Seventh Book of the 'Republic,' nervously103 list?ing for Socrates all the practical reasons he can think of for teaching Astronomy in the schools.”
"Let's see, then, do I feel like Socrates...? Alas, Sir, I think not today,— nor Mrs. Socrates, neither,— that no doubt otherwise excellent Lady being, as I am told, far too busy with shrewish pursuits to bother with her Kitchen, and thus scarcely able to suggest to you, for example, this excellent Apricot Tart78."
Mason is not sure, but thinks he has just detected a certain Cilial Excursion. "Obliged, Ma'am. All Lens-fellows, I mean, recognize that our first Duty is to be of publick Use. Hmm, oh, the Raspberry, too, then— Thankee. Even with the Pelhams currently in Eclipse, we all must proceed by way of th' establish'd Routes, with ev'ry farthing we spend charg'd finickingly against the Royal Purse. We are too visible, up on our Hilltop, to spend much time among unworldly Speculations104, or indeed aught but the details of our Work,— focus'd in particular these days upon the Problem of the Longitude105."
"Oh. And what happen'd to those Transits106 of Venus?"
"There we have acted more as philosophical108 Frigates109, Ma'am, each detach'd upon his Commission,— whilst the ev'ryday work of the Obser?vatories goes on as always, for the task at Greenwich, as at Paris, is to know every celestial110 motion so perfectly111, that Sailors at last may trust their lives to this Knowledge."
"Here," the Col° beams, "more fame attaches to the Transits,— Observers station'd all 'round the world, even in Massachusetts,— Trea?suries of all lands pouring forth gold,— ev'ry Astronomer112 suddenly employ'd,— and all to find a true value for the 'Earth's Parallax.' Why, most of us here in Virginia wouldn't know a Parallax from a Pinwheel if it came on up and said how-d'ye do."
"Yet, what a Rage it was! the Transit107-of-Venus Wig, that several women were seen wearing upon Broad Street, Husband, do ye remember it? a dark little round Knot against a great white powder'd sphere,—
"And that Transit-of-Venus Pudding? Same thing, a single black Cur?rant29 upon a Circular Field of White,—
- and the Sailors, with that miserable113 song,—
' 'Tis time to set sail, [sings the Col°] Farewell, Portsmouth Ale,
Ta-ta to the gay can-tinas, For we're off, my Girl, to the end of the world To be there, ere the Tran-sit of Venus.— She's the something something,—
"Goddess of Love," Martha in a pleasant tho' impatient soprano,
"— Shining above,
Without a bit of Meanness,
Tho' we'll have no more fun till she's cross'd o'er the Sun,
'Tis ho, for the Transit of Venus!
[Col° Washington joining her for the Bridge]
Out where the trade winds blow,
Further than Sailors go,
If it's not Ice and Snow,
'Twill be hotter than Hell, we know,
So!
Wave to your Dear, stow all your gear, and
Show a bit of Keenness,
Bid Molly adieu,
She isn't for you,—
For you're for the Transit of Venus!
By the last four Bars, they are facing and gazing at one another with an Affection having to do not so much with the Lyric114, as with keeping the Harmony, and finishing together.
Gershom is presently telling King-Joaks,— "Actually they're Slave-and-Master Joaks, re-tailor'd for these Audiences. King says to his Fool, 'So,— tell me, honestly,— what makes you willing to go about like such a Fool all the time?' 'Hey, George,' says the Fool,— 'that's easy,— I do it for the same reason as you,— out of Want.'— 'What-what,' goes the King, 'how's that?'— 'Why, you for want of Wit, and I for want of Money.'''
The King is jesting with one of his Ambassadors. "Damme," he cries, "if you don't look like some great dishevel'd Sheep!" Ambassador replies, "I know that I've had the honor, several times, to represent your Majesty's Person."
The King, merry but distraught, asks leave of those at his Table, to Toast the Devil. "Why," says the Fool, "where that Gentleman resides,
he is already well toasted— Yet, I could never object to one of your Majesty's particular Friends."
The King takes a long coach-ride out into the country, and decides to walk back to the Palace, in company with his Fool. Growing at length fatigued115, they learn, of a farmer they meet, that they've ten miles yet to go. "Maybe we'd better send for the Carriage," says the King. "Come on, George," replies the Fool, "— we can do it easily,— 'tis but five miles apiece."
Gershom follows these by singing "Havah Nagilah," a merry Jewish Air, whilst clicking together a pair of Spoons in Syncopation.
' Twas Celeron de Bienville who began the Dispute in 'forty-nine,"
recalls the Col° later, "when he voyaged South from Canada, landing
upon the shore of Lake Erie, following French Creek94 to the Allegheny,
where, to assert France's claims, he buried a lead plate, bearing the
Royal Seal...thence by Battoe to the Ohio, and down it, past Allegheny,
Beaver116, Fish Creek, Muskingum, Kanahwah, Scioto, planting as he went
these leaden Flags at the Mouths of each Stream in turn "
"Lead?" Dixon, curiously117.
"A Memorandum," it seems to Mason, "of other uses for the Metal, such as Shot,— another expression of that famous French contempt, not only to be prodigal118 with a base metal, but to bury it, in the dirt and the dark, as if that were the only way an Englishman might notice it."
"Oh, Sir, likely 'twas Practicality," beams Washington, ' - Lead being cheaper than silver or gold, and if kept out of the Air that way, quite durable119 as well."
"Any metal in the form of a Plate," Dixon muses120, "or Disk, might plausibly121 have an Electrickal Purpose."
"Have a word with Dr. Franklin," offers the Col°, "he'll know."
"Electricity, again." Mason gestures at his partner with his Thumb, shaking his head morosely122. "Aye, 'tis the topick that most provokes his Disorder,— quite harmless of course,— comes over him without warn?ing, suddenly he's on about his favorite Fluid, and no stopping him. Even Dr. Franklin can shed no light.. .the best physicians of the Royal Soci?ety,"— a shrug,— "baffl'd. We but hope, one day, he may regain123 his senses.”
"A childhood Misadventure with a Torpedo124," Dixon, with a brief move of his head toward Mason, confides, "- - thus his Sensitivity at all Refer?ences to the,"— whispering,— "electrickal!"
"Shocking!" Gershom remarks, and Mrs. W. beats Ta-ta-ma-ma smartly upon the Tabletop, whilst the Col° holds his Head, as if it ach'd.
"Yet not daz'd enough," Mason assures the Company, "nor too young, to miss recognizing, in the Torpedo, five-sixths of whose Length is taken up with these Electrical Plates, the Principle of all these Structures,— which is, that you must stack a great many of them, one immediately upon the next, if you wish to produce any effect large enough to be use?ful in, let alone noticed by, the World.— Aye, Dixon, well might you wag your Head,— wag away, may it circulate some sense. For what possible use a single plate, Lead or Gold, buried in the Earth, is, is beyond me."
"Perhaps only beyond our Sensorium, how Feeble," replies Dixon. "As were the Heavens, you may recall, but a short while ago, before Telescopes were invented...? Why may not these Plates collectively form a Tellurick Leyden-Pile? If not for storing quantities of simple Electrick Force, then to hold smaller charges, easily shap'd into invisi?ble Symbols, decipherable by Means surely available to those Philosophes— "
"I fear the only message upon those Disks was a challenge, Sir,— a Provocation," asserts Washington. "The Surveyor's equivalent of a slap from a Glove."
And yet... (speculates the Revd), what else? There remains125 a residue126 of Belief, out to the Westward127, that the mere128 presence of Glyphs and Signs can produce magickal Effects,— for of the essence of Magic is the power of small Magickal Words, to work enormous physical Wonders,— as of coded inscriptions129 in fables130, once unlock'd, to yield up Treasure past telling. So, Seals become of primary Moment, and their precise descriptions, often, matters of Life and Death, for one letter misplaced can summon Destruction immediate and merciless.
"You saw such Plates?"
"I dug a few of 'em up." Eyes etch'd in Crimson131, the Col" is grinning at Dixon meaningfully, whilst Mrs. Washington grimaces132 in Warning. But Gershom is already on the way to fetch the Mementoes, calling mischie?vously, "Coming raaaight up, Suh! Bunch of Dead Weights,— beg par-
don, Lead Plates (what'd I say?),— practically new, original Soil yet in place.... (Does the Gentleman know how to divert Guests?)"
What immediately draws Dixon's Attention is not the Royal Seal of France, but the markings upon the Reverse side. "Bless us, 'tis Chinese!"
"Chinese? Remarkable133, Sir. The only Europeans who recognize such Writing, seem usually to be the.. Jesuits."
"Excuse me...?" Dixon immediately upon the defensive134, "Problem here, Colonel?"
"Depends," the Col° replies, with a Pause whose Heft all can appre?ciate, "— are you...a traveling Man?"
"Why aye," Dixon having learn'd of the Masonick password from a Lodge135-member in Philadelphia, "and I'm traveling West!"
"West? Oh. Haw, haw! Well and so you are. Look ye,— 'tis simply this,— that from time to time, a Jesuit up North in Quebec will put off his skirts for Breeches, and cross the border in disguise, to work some mis?chief down here,— so a fellow has to be extra vigilant136, is all. Report ev'rything to the Lodge, so that way somebody there can piece together a great many small items into a longer Tale,— perhaps even trace the movements, day to day, of these sinister137 intruders."
"Speaking as Postmaster-General," Dr. Franklin will later amplify138, back in Philadelphia, " - I see our greatest problem as Time,— never anything, but Time. For any message to reach its recipient139, we must reckon in a fix'd delay,— months by ship, days over Land,— whilst via the Jesuit Telegraph, they enjoy their d——'d Marvel of instant Commu?nication,"— far-reaching and free of error, thanks to giant balloons sent to great Altitudes, Mirrors of para- (not to mention dia-) bolickal perfec?tion, beams of light focused to hitherto unimagined intensities,— so, at any rate, say the encrypted reports that find their ways to the desks of highly-plac'd men whose daily task it is, to make sure they know every?thing,— appropriate to their places,— that must be known.
As expected of a Jesuit invention, timing140 and discipline are ev'ry?thing. It is rumor'd that the Fathers limit themselves to giving orders, whilst the actual labor is entrusted141 to the Telegraph Squads142, elite46 teams of converted Chinese, drill'd, through Loyolan methods, to perform with split-second timing the balloon launchings, to learn the art of aiming the beam, and, its reflection once acquir'd, to keep most faithfully fix'd upon
it,— for like the glance of a Woman at a Ball, it must be held for a cer?tain time before conveying a Message. "So we ever lag behind them, by gaps of Time none of us knows how to make up. If we could but capture one Machine intact, we might take it apart to see how it works— Yet, what use? They'll only invent another twice as fiendish,— for here are conjoin'd the two most powerful sources of Brain-Power on Earth, the one as closely harness'd to its Disciplin'd Rage for Jesus, as the other to that Escape into the Void, which is the very Asian Mystery. Together, they make up a small Army of Dark Engineers who could run the World. The Sino-Jesuit conjunction may prove a greater threat to Christendom than ever the Mongols or the Moors143. Pray that more than the Quarrel over Feng Shui divides them.”
收听单词发音 |
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labor
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| n.劳动，努力，工作，劳工；分娩；vi.劳动，努力，苦干；vt.详细分析；麻烦 | |
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folly
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| n.愚笨，愚蠢，蠢事，蠢行，傻话 | |
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relentlessly
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| adv.不屈不挠地；残酷地；不间断 | |
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gaily
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| adv.欢乐地，高兴地 | |
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rumors
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| n.传闻( rumor的名词复数 )；[古]名誉；咕哝；[古]喧嚷v.传闻( rumor的第三人称单数 )；[古]名誉；咕哝；[古]喧嚷 | |
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rumor
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| n.谣言，谣传，传说 | |
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corrupted
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| （使）败坏( corrupt的过去式和过去分词 )； （使）腐化； 引起（计算机文件等的）错误； 破坏 | |
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8
knights
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| 骑士； （中古时代的）武士( knight的名词复数 )； 骑士； 爵士； （国际象棋中）马 | |
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9
incompetent
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| adj.无能力的，不能胜任的 | |
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10
depicted
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| 描绘，描画( depict的过去式和过去分词 )； 描述 | |
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11
rattling
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| adj. 格格作响的, 活泼的, 很好的 adv. 极其, 很, 非常 动词rattle的现在分词 | |
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12
gangling
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| adj.瘦长得难看的 | |
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13
attentive
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| adj.注意的，专心的；关心(别人)的，殷勤的 | |
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14
hap
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| n.运气；v.偶然发生 | |
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15
shrugs
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| n.耸肩（以表示冷淡，怀疑等）( shrug的名词复数 ) | |
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16
pitcher
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| n.(有嘴和柄的)大水罐；(棒球)投手 | |
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17
volatile
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| adj.反复无常的，挥发性的，稍纵即逝的，脾气火爆的；n.挥发性物质 | |
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18
spotted
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| adj.有斑点的，斑纹的，弄污了的 | |
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19
crest
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| n.顶点；饰章；羽冠；vt.达到顶点；vi.形成浪尖 | |
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20
waggons
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| 四轮的运货马车( waggon的名词复数 )； 铁路货车； 小手推车 | |
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21
frenzy
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| n.疯狂，狂热，极度的激动 | |
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22
deters
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| v.阻止，制止( deter的第三人称单数 ) | |
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23
bouquet
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| n.花束，酒香 | |
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24
ridge
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| n.山脊；鼻梁；分水岭 | |
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25
proprietors
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| n.所有人，业主( proprietor的名词复数 ) | |
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26
bribe
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| n.贿赂；v.向…行贿，买通 | |
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27
haps
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| n.粗厚毛披巾；偶然，机会，运气( hap的名词复数 ) | |
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28
chuckles
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| 轻声地笑( chuckle的名词复数 ) | |
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29
rant
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| v.咆哮；怒吼；n.大话；粗野的话 | |
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30
acting
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| n.演戏，行为，假装；adj.代理的，临时的，演出用的 | |
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31
motive
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| n.动机，目的；adv.发动的，运动的 | |
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32
motives
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| n.动机，目的( motive的名词复数 ) | |
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33
idiotic
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| adj.白痴的 | |
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34
sect
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| n.派别，宗教，学派，派系 | |
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35
herded
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| 群集，纠结( herd的过去式和过去分词 )； 放牧； （使）向…移动 | |
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36
coercion
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| n.强制，高压统治 | |
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37
ministry
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| n.(政府的)部；牧师 | |
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38
peril
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| n.(严重的)危险；危险的事物 | |
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39
alas
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| int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等) | |
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40
atheist
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| n.无神论者 | |
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41
aroma
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| n.香气，芬芳，芳香 | |
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42
blurts
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| v.突然说出，脱口而出( blurt的第三人称单数 ) | |
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43
cape
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| n.海角，岬；披肩，短披风 | |
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44
prospers
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| v.成功，兴旺( prosper的第三人称单数 ) | |
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45
hemp
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| n.大麻；纤维 | |
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46
elite
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| n.精英阶层；实力集团；adj.杰出的，卓越的 | |
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47
guile
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| n.诈术 | |
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48
glowers
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| v.怒视( glower的第三人称单数 ) | |
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49
steward
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| n.乘务员，服务员；看管人；膳食管理员 | |
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50
amplitude
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| n.广大；充足；振幅 | |
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51
enigma
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| n.谜，谜一样的人或事 | |
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52
smiting
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| v.猛打，重击，打击( smite的现在分词 ) | |
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53
wig
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| n.假发 | |
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54
askew
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| adv.斜地；adj.歪斜的 | |
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55
entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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56
tilting
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| 倾斜，倾卸 | |
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57
hog
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| n.猪；馋嘴贪吃的人；vt.把…占为己有，独占 | |
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58
scrupulously
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| adv.一丝不苟地；小心翼翼地，多顾虑地 | |
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59
mightily
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| ad.强烈地；非常地 | |
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60
aromatic
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| adj.芳香的，有香味的 | |
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61
marvel
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| vi.(at)惊叹vt.感到惊异；n.令人惊异的事 | |
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62
miller
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| n.磨坊主 | |
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63
attainment
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| n.达到，到达；［常pl.］成就，造诣 | |
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64
nominal
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| adj.名义上的；(金额、租金)微不足道的 | |
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65
dismal
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| adj.阴沉的，凄凉的，令人忧郁的，差劲的 | |
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66
confides
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| v.吐露（秘密，心事等）( confide的第三人称单数 )；（向某人）吐露（隐私、秘密等） | |
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67
blurting
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| v.突然说出，脱口而出( blurt的现在分词 ) | |
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68
inhales
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| v.吸入( inhale的第三人称单数 ) | |
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69
mighty
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| adj.强有力的；巨大的 | |
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70
hush
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| int.嘘，别出声；n.沉默，静寂；v.使安静 | |
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71
preoccupy
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| vt.使全神贯注，使入神 | |
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72
groans
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| n.呻吟，叹息( groan的名词复数 )；呻吟般的声音v.呻吟( groan的第三人称单数 )；发牢骚；抱怨；受苦 | |
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73
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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74
diminutive
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| adj.小巧可爱的，小的 | |
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75
bustle
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| v.喧扰地忙乱，匆忙，奔忙；n.忙碌；喧闹 | |
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76
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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77
repose
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| v.(使)休息；n.安息 | |
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78
tart
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| adj.酸的；尖酸的，刻薄的；n.果馅饼；淫妇 | |
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79
tarts
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| n.果馅饼( tart的名词复数 )；轻佻的女人；妓女；小妞 | |
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80
ginger
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| n.姜，精力，淡赤黄色；adj.淡赤黄色的；vt.使活泼，使有生气 | |
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81
nibble
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| n.轻咬，啃；v.一点点地咬，慢慢啃，吹毛求疵 | |
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82
doughty
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| adj.勇猛的，坚强的 | |
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83
anarchy
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| n.无政府状态；社会秩序混乱，无秩序 | |
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84
immediate
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| adj.立即的；直接的，最接近的；紧靠的 | |
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85
Amended
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| adj. 修正的 动词amend的过去式和过去分词 | |
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86
joint
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| adj.联合的，共同的；n.关节，接合处；v.连接，贴合 | |
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87
savage
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| adj.野蛮的；凶恶的，残暴的；n.未开化的人 | |
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88
virtues
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| 美德( virtue的名词复数 )； 德行； 优点； 长处 | |
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89
tricky
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| adj.狡猾的，奸诈的；(工作等)棘手的，微妙的 | |
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90
weaver
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| n.织布工；编织者 | |
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91
chaos
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| n.混乱，无秩序 | |
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92
proceeding
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| n.行动，进行，(pl.)会议录，学报 | |
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93
accusation
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| n.控告，指责，谴责 | |
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94
creek
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| n.小溪，小河，小湾 | |
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95
creeks
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| n.小湾( creek的名词复数 )；小港；小河；小溪 | |
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96
coherence
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| n.紧凑；连贯；一致性 | |
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97
bishop
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| n.主教，（国际象棋）象 | |
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98
precedent
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| n.先例，前例；惯例；adj.在前的，在先的 | |
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99
cedar
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| n.雪松，香柏(木) | |
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100
likeness
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| n.相像，相似（之处） | |
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101
watchfulness
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| 警惕，留心； 警觉（性） | |
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102
wilderness
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| n.杳无人烟的一片陆地、水等，荒漠 | |
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103
nervously
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| adv.神情激动地，不安地 | |
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104
speculations
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| n.投机买卖( speculation的名词复数 )；思考；投机活动；推断 | |
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105
longitude
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| n.经线，经度 | |
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106
transits
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| 通过（transit的复数形式） | |
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107
transit
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| n.经过，运输；vt.穿越，旋转；vi.越过 | |
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108
philosophical
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| adj.哲学家的，哲学上的，达观的 | |
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109
frigates
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| n.快速军舰( frigate的名词复数 ) | |
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110
celestial
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| adj.天体的；天上的 | |
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111
perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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112
astronomer
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| n.天文学家 | |
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113
miserable
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| adj.悲惨的，痛苦的；可怜的，糟糕的 | |
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114
lyric
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| n.抒情诗，歌词；adj.抒情的 | |
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115
fatigued
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| adj. 疲乏的 | |
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116
beaver
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| n.海狸，河狸 | |
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117
curiously
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| adv.有求知欲地；好问地；奇特地 | |
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118
prodigal
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| adj.浪费的，挥霍的，放荡的 | |
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119
durable
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| adj.持久的，耐久的 | |
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120
muses
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| v.沉思，冥想( muse的第三人称单数 )；沉思自语说（某事） | |
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121
plausibly
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| 似真地 | |
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122
morosely
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| adv.愁眉苦脸地，忧郁地 | |
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123
regain
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| vt.重新获得，收复，恢复 | |
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124
torpedo
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| n.水雷，地雷；v.用鱼雷破坏 | |
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125
remains
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| n.剩余物，残留物；遗体，遗迹 | |
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126
residue
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| n.残余，剩余，残渣 | |
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127
westward
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| n.西方，西部；adj.西方的，向西的；adv.向西 | |
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128
mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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129
inscriptions
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| （作者）题词( inscription的名词复数 )； 献词； 碑文； 证劵持有人的登记 | |
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130
fables
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| n.寓言( fable的名词复数 )；神话，传说 | |
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131
crimson
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| n./adj.深(绯)红色(的)；vi.脸变绯红色 | |
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132
grimaces
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| n.（表蔑视、厌恶等）面部扭曲，鬼脸( grimace的名词复数 )v.扮鬼相，做鬼脸( grimace的第三人称单数 ) | |
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133
remarkable
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| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
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134
defensive
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| adj.防御的；防卫的；防守的 | |
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135
lodge
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| v.临时住宿，寄宿，寄存，容纳；n.传达室，小旅馆 | |
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136
vigilant
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| adj.警觉的，警戒的，警惕的 | |
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137
sinister
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| adj.不吉利的，凶恶的，左边的 | |
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138
amplify
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| vt.放大，增强；详述，详加解说 | |
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139
recipient
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| a.接受的,感受性强的 n.接受者,感受者,容器 | |
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140
timing
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| n.时间安排，时间选择 | |
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141
entrusted
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| v.委托，托付( entrust的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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142
squads
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| n.（军队中的）班( squad的名词复数 )；（暗杀）小组；体育运动的运动（代表）队；（对付某类犯罪活动的）警察队伍 | |
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143
moors
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| v.停泊，系泊（船只）( moor的第三人称单数 ) | |
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