I was lolling at my ease on the bank of the beautiful stream when a rider broke cover from a thicket2 of azaleas and cantered toward me down along the bank. The first glance at his horse brought me to my feet, eager-eyed. It was one of the most mettlesome3 and shapely mounts I had ever had the pleasure to view.
The rider, attracted perhaps by my ill-concealed admiration4, drew up before me with the easy control of a perfect horseman, and touched his cocked hat.
"A pleasant day, sir, for a lover of wild Nature," he said.
His tone, though easy almost to familiarity, was underlaid with a quiet dignity and reserve that brought my hand in turn to my high, stiff beaver5 and my eyes to his face.
"A day, sir, to tempt6 even a botanist7 to forget his classifying," I ventured at sight of the rooted plant of goldenrod in his hand.
He shook his long gray locks with a whimsical manner. "On the contrary, I am of the opinion that the enjoyment8 of Nature should add zest9 to the pursuits of Science."
"Since you put it so aptly, sir, I cannot but agree," I made answer, smiling at his shrewdness. "In truth," I added, "this unusual opportunity of enjoying solidago odora so late in the season loses nothing by the knowledge that the infusion10 of those selfsame fragrant11 leaves is of service medicinally."
He met the careless glance accompanying my words with deepened interest in his thoughtful eyes. Having had the greater part of my attention thus far fixed12 upon the noble horse, I had not gone beyond my first impression that the man was an overseer from some near-by plantation13 on the Potomac. Now, roused to closer observation by his gaze, I perceived that behind his homely14 features lay the brain of a man of much thought and learning. With this I gave heed15 to the fact that his clothes, for all their carelessness of cut and condition, were of the finest materials.
I swept him the best of the bows I had acquired from the French creoles of New Orleans.
"Can it be, sir, that chance has favored me with the acquaintance of a fellow physician in what Mr. Gouverneur Morris has so aptly termed the spoiled wilderness16 of Washington?" I asked. "If so, permit me to introduce myself as a young but aspiring17 practitioner18 of the healing art. My name, sir, is one often in the mouths of men,—Robinson,—Dr. John H. Robinson."
Smiling at my attempt at wit, the gentleman swung to the ground before me, and twitched19 the reins20 over the head of his spirited mount.
"You were walking toward the Capitol?" he inquired. I nodded assent21. "Then, by your leave, I will accompany you part of the way,—not that I can claim the honor of membership in your most useful profession. I am no more than a browser22 in the lush fields of philosophy. My name, sir, is Thomas Jefferson."
For a moment I stood like a dolt23. My hand went up to jerk off my coonskin cap, and knocked smartly against the stiff brim of my beaver. The touch recalled me to my dignity, and I flattered myself that my bow and words would alike prove acceptable: "Your Excellency will pardon me! Had I been aware—"
"You would have known that there are few things I hold in greater detestation than such high-flown, aristocratic terms of address and such undemocratic bendings," he cut in upon me, with a touch of asperity24 in his quiet voice.
"I stand corrected, sir," I replied, straightening to my full six feet, and seeking to cover my confusion with a smile. "It is not necessarily proof of sycophancy25 that one has acquired his manners in New Orleans."
"True—true, and that is full explanation of what I must confess puzzled me. You are from the far West, if I do not mistake, and our frontiersmen, as a rule, are as deficient26 in courtly graces as the European aristocrats27 are sycophantic28. By your leave, we will be moving."
We swung about and sauntered up the stream bank, the horse following at his master's heels, docile29 as a well-trained hound. For a time the attention of my distinguished30 companion seemed fixed upon the romantic arbors of wild grapes which overran the neighboring thickets31. But as I was about to remark on the beauty of the autumnal foliage32, he turned to me with a direct question: "Have you close acquaintance, sir, among the people of St. Louis and New Orleans?"
"And you found the former subjects of Spain and France well disposed toward the Republic?"
"I regret to have to say, sir, that Governor Claiborne is not popular even among our American residents of New Orleans."
The President looked at me doubtfully. "Claiborne is a man of undisputed integrity."
"The creoles, Your Excellency, could better appreciate a degree of tact34. Governor Claiborne is too much the Western man in his attitude toward people of another race."
"I cannot but trust that our release of them from subjection to despotism—" He paused to study my face with a mild yet penetrating35 gaze. We walked on for several paces before he again spoke36. "I esteem37 you to be a man of some little discernment, Dr. Robinson."
"You compliment me, sir. Having gone to the Mississippi fresh from my medical studies in New York, it may be that I observed some features of the Louisiana situation unnoted by the local factions38. Though a Westerner myself, I trust that four years in college on the seaboard has enabled me to look upon events with a little less of our natural trans-Alleghany prejudice."
"Ah! You are also acquainted in St. Louis—with General Wilkinson? Perhaps you are intimate?"
"No!" I said. Before my mental vision rose the whiskey-flushed face and portly figure of the pompous39, fussy40 old General.
"You speak emphatically."
"Sir, I give you common opinion when I say there are few men of standing41 in the Upper Territory, or in the Lower, for that matter, who would trust the General out of sight either with their reputations or with their purses."
My companion frowned as severely42 as it seemed his philosophic43 temperament44 would permit. "You forget, sir, that you are speaking of the Commander-in-Chief of the Army of the Republic."
"A commander whose appointment, it is said, was urged on the grounds that it would keep him out of mischief,—a man who is charged with having been implicated45 in all the separatist plots of the nineties."
"And if so, what then? With the removal of the misguided Federalists from the control of public affairs, and the purchase of Louisiana Territory, insuring for our Western river commerce the freedom of port at New Orleans, all basis for the just complaints of the West have been removed. I trust implicitly46 in the loyalty47 of the people of that great region."
"Greatly as I deplored50, and still deplore49, the death of Mr. Hamilton, it is a fact that the duel51 terminated the political career of his slayer,—the man whom we alike distrusted."
"Yet Colonel Burr was received with enthusiasm by nearly every man of prominence52 west of Pittsburg. I might mention Senator Adair, young General Jackson of the Tennessee militia53, General Wilkinson, and our richest New Orleans merchant, Mr. Daniel Clark."
"Very true; and easily accounted for by the reaction of sentiment against the Federalist and partisan54 animus55 which procured56 Colonel Burr's disfranchisement in the State of New York and his indictment57 for murder in New Jersey58. No; once for all, Colonel Burr has been removed as a disturbing element in the politics of the Republic."
Having delivered this confident opinion, Mr. Jefferson stooped to pick up an odd pebble59, and after gazing at it a moment, abruptly60 changed the subject. "The West takes some little interest, I trust, in the expedition which I had some share in planning."
"You refer, sir, to the Northwest Expedition under the command of Captain Lewis and the brother of Clark of Vincennes fame."
"The furtherance of unremunerative scientific research is one of the few functions properly within the scope of an ideal government. I am hopeful of valuable results from this expedition as regards the advancement61 alike of geography, botany, zoölogy, and mineralogy."
"I trust, sir, that you will be equally gratified by the results of the exploration of the Mississippi by my friend Lieutenant62 Pike."
"Pike?—Pike?—Ah, the son of Major Zebulon Pike of the Revolution. General Wilkinson duly informed the Secretary of War that he had sent young Pike up the river with a small party. But it is a purely63 military expedition, equipped by the General on his own initiative; although I may add that his action in the matter has since received the approval of the Government."
"That last statement, sir, is of no little satisfaction to myself as a friend of Lieutenant Pike. I am sure that he will quit himself of his service with no small credit. Allow me to speak of him as one of the Republic's most able and patriotic64 young soldiers."
"So I have been informed. On the other hand, the young man lacks the scientific attainments65 most desirable in the leader of such an expedition."
"Mr. President," I exclaimed, "the Government is doubtless aware that General Wilkinson has in view another expedition,—one to proceed westward67 to treat with the tribes of the great plains and to explore the western boundaries between Louisiana Territory and New Spain. I am, sir, only too well aware of my lack of standing alike with the General and with the Government, yet I believe I can say, with all due modesty68, that I possess somewhat the scientific attainments you mention as desirable—"
I stopped short upon meeting the growing reserve in my companion's mild gaze. He smiled not unkindly.
"I did not state, Dr. Robinson, that such attainments were the sole requisites69. Moreover, this expedition, if in truth such a one is contemplated70, rests wholly upon the discretion71 of General Wilkinson, and will no doubt be of a military character."
"Yet, if I may venture, could not Your Excellency—"
The President stopped and regarded me with severity. "I have already remarked, sir, that such adulatory72 titles—"
"Pardon me, Mr. Jefferson!" I cried.
His look did not relax. "Nor 'Mister' Jefferson, if you please, sir. I am Thomas Jefferson, the servant of the people and a plain citizen of the Republic,—no more, no less."
Knowing the greatness of the man behind this small foible, I bowed acquiescence73 to the statement, and he, smiling gravely in response, added with cordiality: "As I have intimated, the Executive will not interfere74 with any proper plans which General Wilkinson may deem expedient75. Yet I will say that, in the event he carries out the contemplated expedition to our Western boundaries, I should be pleased to hear of such a well-qualified assistant as yourself being included in the party as a volunteer."
I covered my disappointment with the best smile I could muster76: "In that event, sir, I fear that I must repress my adventurous77 longings78."
I bowed and stepped aside for him to pass on. He mounted with easy agility79, but checked his over-willing horse for a parting remark: "Sir, I am pleased to have met you. I shall be more pleased to meet you at my table this evening."
Before I could recover from my astonishment80 he had touched his hat civilly, and was cantering away across country.
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收听单词发音
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1
lured
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| 吸引，引诱（lure的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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thicket
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| n.灌木丛，树林 | |
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mettlesome
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| adj.（通常指马等）精力充沛的，勇猛的 | |
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admiration
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| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
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beaver
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| n.海狸，河狸 | |
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tempt
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| vt.引诱，勾引，吸引，引起…的兴趣 | |
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botanist
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| n.植物学家 | |
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8
enjoyment
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| n.乐趣；享有；享用 | |
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zest
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| n.乐趣；滋味，风味；兴趣 | |
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infusion
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| n.灌输 | |
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fragrant
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| adj.芬香的，馥郁的，愉快的 | |
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fixed
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| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
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plantation
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| n.种植园，大农场 | |
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homely
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| adj.家常的，简朴的；不漂亮的 | |
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heed
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| v.注意，留意；n.注意，留心 | |
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wilderness
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| n.杳无人烟的一片陆地、水等，荒漠 | |
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17
aspiring
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| adj.有志气的；有抱负的；高耸的v.渴望；追求 | |
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18
practitioner
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| n.实践者，从事者；(医生或律师等)开业者 | |
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19
twitched
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| vt.& vi.（使）抽动，（使）颤动（twitch的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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20
reins
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| 感情，激情； 缰( rein的名词复数 )； 控制手段； 掌管； （成人带着幼儿走路以防其走失时用的）保护带 | |
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assent
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| v.批准，认可；n.批准，认可 | |
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browser
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| n.浏览者 | |
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dolt
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| n.傻瓜 | |
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asperity
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| n.粗鲁，艰苦 | |
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25
sycophancy
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| n.拍马屁，奉承，谄媚；吮痈舐痔 | |
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deficient
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| adj.不足的，不充份的，有缺陷的 | |
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aristocrats
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| n.贵族( aristocrat的名词复数 ) | |
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sycophantic
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| adj.阿谀奉承的 | |
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docile
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| adj.驯服的，易控制的，容易教的 | |
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30
distinguished
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| adj.卓越的，杰出的，著名的 | |
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thickets
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| n.灌木丛( thicket的名词复数 )；丛状物 | |
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foliage
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| n.叶子，树叶，簇叶 | |
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cession
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| n.割让，转让 | |
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tact
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| n.机敏，圆滑，得体 | |
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penetrating
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| adj.（声音）响亮的，尖锐的adj.（气味）刺激的adj.（思想）敏锐的，有洞察力的 | |
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36
spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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37
esteem
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| n.尊敬，尊重；vt.尊重，敬重；把…看作 | |
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38
factions
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| 组织中的小派别，派系( faction的名词复数 ) | |
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pompous
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| adj.傲慢的，自大的；夸大的；豪华的 | |
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fussy
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| adj.为琐事担忧的，过分装饰的，爱挑剔的 | |
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41
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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42
severely
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| adv.严格地；严厉地；非常恶劣地 | |
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43
philosophic
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| adj.哲学的，贤明的 | |
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44
temperament
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| n.气质，性格，性情 | |
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45
implicated
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| adj.密切关联的；牵涉其中的 | |
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46
implicitly
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| adv. 含蓄地, 暗中地, 毫不保留地 | |
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47
loyalty
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| n.忠诚，忠心 | |
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48
ovations
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| n.热烈欢迎( ovation的名词复数 ) | |
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49
deplore
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| vt.哀叹，对...深感遗憾 | |
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50
deplored
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| v.悲叹，痛惜，强烈反对( deplore的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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51
duel
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| n./v.决斗；(双方的)斗争 | |
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52
prominence
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| n.突出；显著；杰出；重要 | |
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53
militia
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| n.民兵，民兵组织 | |
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54
partisan
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| adj.党派性的；游击队的；n.游击队员；党徒 | |
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55
animus
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| n.恶意；意图 | |
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56
procured
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| v.（努力）取得， （设法）获得( procure的过去式和过去分词 )；拉皮条 | |
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57
indictment
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| n.起诉；诉状 | |
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58
jersey
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| n.运动衫 | |
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59
pebble
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| n.卵石，小圆石 | |
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60
abruptly
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| adv.突然地，出其不意地 | |
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61
advancement
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| n.前进，促进，提升 | |
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62
lieutenant
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| n.陆军中尉，海军上尉；代理官员，副职官员 | |
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purely
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| adv.纯粹地，完全地 | |
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patriotic
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| adj.爱国的，有爱国心的 | |
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attainments
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| 成就，造诣； 获得( attainment的名词复数 )； 达到； 造诣； 成就 | |
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66
tingling
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| v.有刺痛感( tingle的现在分词 ) | |
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67
westward
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| n.西方，西部；adj.西方的，向西的；adv.向西 | |
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68
modesty
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| n.谦逊，虚心，端庄，稳重，羞怯，朴素 | |
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69
requisites
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| n.必要的事物( requisite的名词复数 ) | |
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70
contemplated
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| adj. 预期的 动词contemplate的过去分词形式 | |
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71
discretion
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| n.谨慎；随意处理 | |
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72
adulatory
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| adj. 谄媚的, 奉承的, 阿谀的 | |
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73
acquiescence
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| n.默许；顺从 | |
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74
interfere
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| v.(in)干涉，干预；(with)妨碍，打扰 | |
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75
expedient
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| adj.有用的，有利的；n.紧急的办法，权宜之计 | |
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76
muster
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| v.集合，收集，鼓起，激起；n.集合，检阅，集合人员，点名册 | |
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77
adventurous
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| adj.爱冒险的；惊心动魄的，惊险的，刺激的 | |
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78
longings
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| 渴望，盼望( longing的名词复数 ) | |
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79
agility
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| n.敏捷，活泼 | |
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80
astonishment
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| n.惊奇，惊异 | |
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