Cursed be the gold and silver, which persuade
Weak man to follow far fatiguing1 trade.
The lily, peace, outshines the silver store,
And life is dearer than the golden ore
Yet money tempts2 us o’er the desert brown,
To every distant mart and wealthy town.
Hassan, or the Camel-Driver
Arthur Philipson, and Anne of Geierstein, thus placed together in a situation which brought them into the closest possible contiguity3, felt a slight degree of embarrassment4; the young man, doubtless, from the fear of being judged a poltroon5 in the eyes of the maiden6 by whom he had been rescued, and the young woman, perhaps, in consequence of the exertion7 she had made, or a sense of being placed suddenly in a situation of such proximity8 to the youth whose life she had probably saved.
“And now, maiden,” said Arthur, “I must repair to my father. The life which I owe to your assistance can scarce be called welcome to me, unless I am permitted to hasten to his rescue.”
He was here interrupted by another bugle-blast, which seemed to come from the quarter in which the elder Philipson and his guide had been left by their young and daring companion. Arthur looked in that direction; but the platform, which he had seen but imperfectly from the tree, when he was perched in that place of refuge, was invisible from the rock on which they now stood.
“It would cost me nothing to step back on yonder root,” said the young woman, “to spy from thence whether I could see aught of your friends. But I am convinced they are under safer guidance than either yours or mine; for the horn announces that my uncle, or some of my young kinsmen9, have reached them. They are by this time on their way to the Geierstein, to which, with your permission, I will become your guide; for you may be assured that my uncle Arnold will not allow you to pass farther to-day; and we shall but lose time by endeavoring to find your friends, who, situated10 where you say you left them, will reach the Geierstein sooner than we shall, follow me, then, or I must suppose you weary of my guidance.”
“Sooner suppose me weary of the life which your guidance has in all probability saved,” replied Arthur, and prepared ro attend her; at the same time taking a view of her dress and person, which confirmed the satisfaction he had in following such a conductor, and which we shall take the liberty to detail somewhat more minutely than he could do at that time.
An upper vest, neither so close as to display the person, a habit forbidden by the sumptuary laws of the canton, nor so loose as to be an encumbrance11 in walking or climbing, covered a close tunic12 of a different color, and came down beneath the middle of the leg, but suffered the ankle, in all its fine proportions, to be completely visible. The foot was defended by a sandal, the point of which was turned upwards13, and the crossings and knots of the strings14, which secured it on the front of the leg, were garnished15 with silver rings. The upper vest was gathered round the middle by a sash of party-colored silk, ornamented16 with twisted threads of gold; while the tunic, open at the throat, permitted the shape and exquisite18 whiteness of a well-formed neck to be visible at the collar, and for an inch or two beneath. The small portion of the throat and bosom19 thus exposed, was even more brilliantly fair than was promised by the countenance20, which last bore some marks of having been freely exposed to the sun and air, by no means in a degree to diminish its beauty, but just so far as to show that the maiden possessed21 the health which is purchased by habits of rural exercise. Her long fair hair fell down in a profusion22 of curls, on each side of a face, whose blue eyes, lovely features, and dignified24 simplicity25 of expression, implied at once a character of gentleness, and of the self-relying resolution of a mind too virtuous26 to suspect evil and too noble to fear it. Above these locks, beauty’s natural and most beseeming ornament17 — or rather, I should say, amongst them — was placed the small bonnet27, which, from its size, little answered the purpose of protecting the head, but served to exercise the ingenuity28 of the fair wearer, who had not failed, according to the prevailing29 custom of the mountain maidens30, to decorate the tiny cap with a heron’s feather, and the then unusual luxury of a small and thin chain of gold, long enough to encircle the cap four or five times, and having the ends secured under a broad medal of the same costly31 metal.
I have only to add, that the stature32 of the young person was something above the common size, and that the whole contour of her form, without being in the slightest degree masculine, resembled that of Minerva, rather than the proud beauties of Juno or the yielding graces of Venus. The noble brow the well-formed and active limbs, the firm and yet light step — above all, the total absence of anything resembling the consciousness of personal beauty, and the open and candid33 look, which seemed desirous of knowing nothing that was hidden, and conscious that she herself had nothing to hide, were traits not unworthy of the goddess of wisdom and of chastity.
The road which the young Englishman pursued, under the guidance of this beautiful young woman, was difficult and unequal, but could not be termed dangerous, at least in comparison to those precipices36 over which Arthur had recently passed. It was, in fact, a continuation of the path which the slip or slide of earth, so often mentioned, had interrupted; and although it had sustained damage in several places at the period of the same earthquake, yet there were marks of these having been already repaired in such a rude manner as made the way sufficient for the necessary intercourse37 of a people so different as the Swiss to smooth or level paths. The maiden also gave Arthur to understand, that the present road took a circuit for the purpose of gaining that on which he was lately travelling, and that if he and his companions had turned off at the place where this new track united with the old pathway, they would have escaped the danger which had attended their keeping the road by the verge38 of the precipice35.
The path which they now pursued was rather averted39 from the torrent40, though still within hearing of its sullen41 thunders, which seemed to increase as they ascended42 parallel to its course, till suddenly the road, turning short, and directing itself straight upon the old castle, brought them within sight of one of the most splendid and awful scenes of that mountainous region.
The ancient tower of Geierstein, though neither extensive, nor distinguished43 by architectural ornament, possessed an air of terrible dignity by its position on the very verge of the opposite bank of the torrent, which, just at the angle of the rock on which the ruins are situated, falls sheer over a cascade45 of nearly a hundred feet in height, and then rushes down the defile46, through a trough of living rock, which perhaps its waves have been deepening since time itself had a commencement. Facing, and at the same time looking down upon this eternal roar of waters, stood the old tower, built so close to the verge of the precipace, that the buttresses47 with which the architect had strengthened the foundation seemed a part of the solid rock itself, and a continuation of its perpendicular48 ascent49. As usual throughout Europe in the feudal50 times, the principal part of the building was a massive square pile, the decayed summit of which was rendered picturesque51 by flanking turrets52 of different sizes and heights, some round, some angular, some ruinous, some tolerably entire, varying the outline of the building as seen against the stormy sky.
A projecting sallyport, descending53 by a flight of steps from the tower, had in former times given access to a bridge connecting the castle with that side of the stream on which Arthur Philipson and his fair guide now stood. A single arch, or rather one rib44 of an arch, consisting of single stones, still remained, and spanned the river immediately in front of the waterfall. In former times this arch had served for the support of a wooden drawbridge, of more convenient breadth, and of such length and weight as must have been rather unmanageable, had it not been lowered on some solid resting-place. It is true the device was attended with this inconvenience, that even when the drawbridge was up, there remained a possibility of approaching the castle gate by means of this narrow rib of stone. But as it was not above eighteen inches broad, and could only admit the daring foe54 who should traverse it, to a doorway55 regularly defended by gate and portcullis, and having flanking turrets and projections56, from which stones, darts57, melted lead, and scalding water, might be poured down on the soldiery who should venture to approach Geierstein by this precarious58 access, the possibility of such an attempt was not considered as diminishing the security of the garrison59.
In the time we treat of, the castle being entirely60 ruined and dismantled61, and the door, drawbridge, and portcullis gone, the dilapidated gateway63, and the slender arch which connected the two sides of the stream, were used as a means of communication between the banks of the river, by the inhabitants of the neighborhood, whom habit had familiarized with the dangerous nature of the passage.
Arthur Philipson had, in the mean time, like a good bow when new strung, regained65 the elasticity66 of feeling and character which was natural to him. It was not, indeed, with perfect composure that he followed his guide, as she tripped lightly over the narrow arch, composed of rugged67 stones, and rendered wet and slippery with the perpetual drizzle68 of the mist issuing from the neighboring cascade. Nor was it without apprehension69 that he found himself performing this perilous70 feat23 in the neighborhood of the waterfall itself, whose deafening71 roar he could not exclude from his ears, though he took care not to turn his head towards its terrors, lest his brain should again be dizzied by the tumult72 of the waters as they shot forward from the precipice above, and plunged73 themselves into what seemed the fathomless74 gulf75 below. But notwithstanding these feelings of agitation76, the natural shame to show cowardice77 where a beautiful young female exhibited so much indifference78, and the desire to regain64 his character in the eyes of his guide, prevented Arthur from again giving way to the appalling79 feelings by which he had been over whelmed a short time before. Stepping firmly on, yet cautiously supporting himself with his piked staff, he traced the light foot steps of his guide along the bridge of dread80, and followed her through the ruined sallyport, to which they ascended by stairs which were equally dilapidated.
The gateway admitted them into a mass of ruins, formerly81 a sort of courtyard to the donjon, which rose in gloomy dignity above the wreck83 of what had been works destined84 for external defence, or buildings for internal accommodation. They quickly passed through these ruins, over which vegetation had thrown a wild mantle62 of ivy85, and other creeping shrubs86, and issued from them through the main gate of the castle into one of those spots in which Nature often embosoms her sweetest charms, in the midst of districts chiefly characterized by waste and desolation.
The Castle, in this aspect also, rose considerably88 above the neighboring ground, but the elevation89 of the site, which towards the torrent was an abrupt90 rock, was on this side a steep eminence91, which had been scarped like a modern glacis, to render the building more secure. It was now covered with young trees and bushes, out of which the tower itself seemed to rise in ruined dignity. Beyond this hanging thicket92 the view was of a very different character. A piece of ground, amounting to more than a hundred acres, seemed scooped93 out of the rocks and mountains, which, retaining the same savage94 character with the tract95 in which the travellers had been that morning bewildered, enclosed, and as it were defended, a limited space of a mild and fertile character. The surface of this little domain96 was considerably varied97, but its general aspect was a gentle slope to the south-west.
The principal object which it presented was a large house composed of huge logs, without any pretence98 to form or symmetry, but indicating, by the smoke which arose from it, as well as the extent of the neighboring offices, and the improved and cultivated character of the fields around, that it was the abode99, not of splendor100 certainly, but of ease and compitence. An orchard101 of thriving fruit-trees extended to the southward of the dwelling102. Groves103 of walnut104 and chestnut105 grew in stately array, and even a vineyard, of three or four acres, showed that the cultivation106 of the grape was understood and practised. It is now universal in Switzerland, but was, in those early days, almost exclusively confined to a few more fortunate proprietors107, who had the rare advantage of uniting intelligence with opulent or at least easy circumstances.
There were fair ranges of pasture fields, into which the fine race of cattle which constitute the pride and wealth of the Swiss mountaineers had been brought down from the more Alpine108 grazings where they had fed during the summer, to be near shelter and protection when the autumnal storms might be expected. On some selected spots, the lambs of the last season fed in plenty and security, and in others, huge trees, the natural growth of the soil, were suffered to remain, from motives109 of convenience probably, that they might be at hand whert timber was required for domestic use, but giving, at the same time, a woodland character to a scene otherwise agricultural. Through this mountain-paradise the course of a small brook110 might be traced, now showing itself to the sun, which had by this time dispelled111 the fogs, now intimating its course, by its gentle sloping banks, clothed in some places with lofty trees, or concealing113 itself under thickets114 of hawthorn115 and nut bushes. This stream, by a devious116 and gentle course, which seemed to indicate a reluctance117 to leave this quiet region, found its way at length out of the sequestered118 domain, and, like a youth hurrying from the gay and tranquil119 sports of boyhood, into the wild career of active life, finally united itself with the boisterous120 torrent, which, breaking down tumultuously from the mountains, shook the ancient Tower of Geierstein, as it rolled down the adjacent rock, and then rushed howling through the defile in which our youthful traveller had well-nigh lost his life.
Eager as the younger Philipson was to rejoin his father, he could not help pausing for a moment to wonder how so much beauty should be found amid such scenes of horror, and to look back on the Tower of Geierstein, and on the huge cliff from which it derived121 its name, as if to ascertain122, by the sight of these distinguished landmarks123, that he was actually in the neighborhood of the savage wild where he had encountered so much danger and terror. Yet so narrow were the limits of this cultivated farm, that it hardly required such a retrospect124 to satisfy the spectator that the spot susceptible125 of human industry, and on which it seemed that a considerable degree of labor126 had been bestowed127, bore a very small proportion to the wilderness128 in which it was situated. It was on all sides surrounded by lofty hills, in some places rising into walls of rock, in others clothed with dark and savage forests of the pine and the larch129, of primeval antiquity130. Above these, from the eminence on which the tower was situated, could be seen the most rosy131 hue132 in which an immense glacier133 threw back the sun; and, still higher over the frozen surface of that icy sea, arose, in silent dignity, the pale peaks of those countless134 mountains, on which the snow eternally rests.
What we have taken some time to describe, occupied young Philipson only for one or two hurried minutes; for on a sloping lawn, which was in front of the farmhouse135, as the mansion136 might be properly styled, he saw five or six persons, the foremost of whom, from his gait, his dress, and the form of his cap, he could easily distinguish as the parent whom he hardly expected at one time to have again beheld137.
He followed, therefore, his conductress with a glad step, as she led the way down the steep ascent on which the ruined tower was situated. They approached the group whom Arthur had noticed, the foremost of which was his father, who hastily came forward to meet him, in company with another person, of advanced age, and stature well nigh gigantic, and who, from his simple yet majestic138 bearing, seemed the worthy34 countryman of William Tell, Stauffacher, Winkelried, and other Swiss worthies139, whose stout140 hearts and hardy141 arms had, in the preceding age, vindicated142 against countless hosts their personal liberty, and the independence of their country.
With a natural courtesy, as if to spare the father and the son many witnesses to a meeting which must be attended with emotion, the Landamman himself, in walking forward with the elder Philipson, signed to those by whom he was attended, all of whom, seemed young men, to remain behind — they remained accordingly, examining, as it seemed, the guide Antonio, upon the adventures of the strangers. Anne, the conductress of Arthur Philipson, had but time to say to him, “Yonder old man is my uncle, Arnold Biederman, and these young men are my kinsmen,” when the former, with the elder traveller, was close before them. The Landamman, with the same propriety143 of feeling which he had before displayed, signed to his niece to move a little aside yet while requiring from her an account of her morning’s expedition, he watched the interview of the father and son with as much curiosity as his natural sense of complaisance144 permitted him to testify. It was of a character different from what he had expected.
We have already described the elder Philipson as a father devotedly146 attached to his son, ready to rush on death when he had expected to lose him, and equally overjoyed at heart, doubtless, to see him again restored to his affections. It might have been therefore expected that the father and son would have rushed into each other’s arms, and such probably was the scene which Arnold Biederman expected to have witnessed.
But the English traveller, in common with many of his countrymen, covered keen and quick feelings with much appearance of coldness and reserve, and thought it a weakness to give unlimited147 sway even to the appearance of the most amiable148 and most natural emotions. Eminently149 handsome in youth, his countenance, still fine in his more advanced years, had an expression which intimated an unwillingness150 either to yield to passion or encourage confidence. His pace, when he first beheld his son, had been quickened, by the natural wish to meet him; but he slackened it as they drew near to each other, and when they met, said in a tone rather of censure152 and admonition than affection, — “Arthur, may the Saints forgive the pain thou hast this day given me.”
“Amen,” said the youth “I must need pardon since I have given you pain. Believe, however, that I acted for the best.”
“It is well, Arthur, that in acting153 for the best, according to your forward will, you have not encountered the worst.”
“That I have not,” answered the son, with the same devoted145 and patient submission154, “is owing to this maiden,” pointing to Anne, who stood at a few paces’ distance, desirous perhaps of avoiding to witness the reproof155 of the father, which might seem to her rather ill-timed and unreasonable156.
To the maiden my thanks shall be rendered,” said his father, “when I can study how to pay them in an adequate manner; but is it well or comely157, think you, that you should receive from a maiden the succor158 which it is your duty as a man to extend to the weaker sex?”
Arthur held down his head and blushed deeply, while Arnold Biederman, sympathizing with his feelings, stepped forward and mingled159 in the conversation.
“Never be abashed160, my young guest, that you have been indebted for aught of counsel or assistance to a maiden of Unterwalden. Know that the freedom of their country owes to less to the firmness and wisdom of her daughters than to that of her sons.—— And you, my elder guest, who have, I judge, seen many years, and various lands, must have often known examples how the strong are saved by the help of the weak, the proud by the aid of the humble161.”
“I have at least learned,” said the Englishman, “to debate no point unnecessarily with the host who hast kindly162 harbored me;” and after one glance at his son, which seemed to kindle163 with the fondest affection, he resumed, as the party turned back towards the house, a conversation which be had been maintaining with his new acquaintance before Arthur and the maiden had joined them.
Arthur had in the mean time an opportunity of observing the figure and features of their Swiss landlord, which, I have already hinted, exhibited a primeval simplicity mixed with a certain rude dignity, arising out of its masculine and unaffected character.
The dress did not greatly differ in form from the habit of the female which we have described. It consisted of an upper frock, shaped like the modern skirt, and only open at the bosom, worn above a tunic or under doublet. But the man’s vest was considerably shorter in the skirts, which did not come lower down than the kilt of the Scottish Highlander164; a species of boots or buskins rose above the knee, and the person was thus entirely clothed. A bonnet made of the fur of the marten, and garnished with a silver medal, was the only part of the dress which displayed anything like ornament; the broad belt which gathered the garment together was of buff leather, secured by a large brass165 buckle166.
But the figure of him who wore this homely167 attire168, which seemed almost wholly composed of the fleeces of the mountain sheep and the spoils of animals of the chase, would have commanded respect wherever the wearer had presented himself, especially in those warlike days, when men were judged of according to the promising169 or unpromising qualities of their thews and sinews. To those who looked at Arnold Biederman in this point of view, he displayed the size and form, the broad shoulders, and prominent muscles, of a Hercules. But to such as looked rather at his countenance, the steady sagacious features, open front, large blue eyes, and deliberate resolution which it expressed, more resembled the character of a fabled170 King of Gods and Men. He was attended by several sons and relatives, young men, among whom he walked, receiving, as his undeniable due, respect and obedience171, similar to that which a herd172 of deer are observed to render to the monarch173 stag.
While Arnold Biederman walked and spoke174 with the elder stranger, the young men seemed closely to scrutinize175 Arthur, and occasionally interrogated176 in whispers their relation Anne, receiving from her brief and impatient answers, which rather excited than appeased177 the vein178 of merriment in which the mountaineers indulged, very much, as it seemed to the young English man, at the expense of their guest. To feel himself exposed to derision was not softened179 by the reflection, that in such a society it would probably be attached to all who could not tread on the edge of a precipice with a step as firm and undismayed as if they walked the street of a city. However unreasonable ridicule180 may be, it is always unpleasing to be subjected to it, but more particularly is it distressing181 to a young man, where beauty is a listener. It was some consolation182 to Arthur that he thought the maiden certainly did not enjoy the jest, and seemed by word and look to reprove the rudeness of her companions but tis he feared was only from a sense of humanity.
She, too, must despise me,” he thought, “though civility, unknown to these ill-taught boors183, has enabled her to conceal112 contempt under the guise184 of pity. She can but judge of me from that which she has seen — if she could know me better,” (such was his proud thought), “she might perhaps rank me more highly.”
As the travellers entered the habitation of Arnold Biederman, they found preparations made in a large apartment, which served the purpose of general accommodation, for a homely but plentiful185 meal. A glance round the walls showed the implements186 of agriculture and the chase; but the eyes of the elder Philipson rested upon a leathern corselet, a long heavy halberd, and a two-handed sword, which were displayed as a sort of trophy187. Near these, but covered with dust, unfurbished and neglected, hung a helmet, with a visor, such as was used by knights188 and men-at-arms. The golden garland, or coronal twisted around it, though sorely tarnished189, indicated noble birth and rank; and the crest190, which was a vulture of the species which gave name to the old castle and its adjacent cliff, suggested various conjectures191 to the English guest, who, acquainted in a great measure with the history of the Swiss revolution, made little doubt that in this relic192 he saw some trophy of the ancient warfare193 between the inhabitants of these mountains and the feudal lord to whom they had of yore appertained.
A summons to the hospitable194 board disturbed the train of the English merchant’s reflections, and a large company, composing the whole inhabitants of every description that lived under Biederman’s roof, sat down to a plentiful repast of goat’s flesh, fish, preparations of milk of various kinds, cheese, and for the upper mess, the venison of a young chamois. The Landamman himself did the honors of the table with great kindness and simplicity, and urged the strangers to show, by their appetite, that they thought themselves as welcome as he desired to make them. During the repast, he carried on a conversation with his elder guest, while the younger people at table, as well as the menials, ate in modesty195 and silence. Ere the dinner was finished, a figure crossed on the outside of the large window which lighted the eating-hail, the sight of which seemed to occasion a lively sensation among such as observed it.
“Who passed?” said old Biederman to those seated opposite to the window.
“It is our cousin, Rudolph of Donnerhugel,” answered one Arnold’s sons eagerly.
The annunciation seemed to give great pleasure to the younger part of the company, especially the sons of the Landamman; while the head of the family only said with a grave, calm voice, — “Your kinsman196 is welcome — tell him so, and let him come hither.”
Two or three arose for this purpose, as if there had been a contention197 among them who should do the honors of the house to the new guest. He entered presently; a young man, unusually tall, well-proportioned, and active, with a quantity of dark-brown locks curling around his face, together with mustaches of the same, or rather a still darker hue. His cap was small, considering the quantity of his thickly clustering hair, and rather might be said to hang upon one side of his head than to cover it. His clothes were of the same form and general fashion as those of Arnold, but made of much finer cloth, the manufacture of the German loom82, and ornamented in a rich and fanciful manner. One sleeve of his vest was dark green, curiously198 laced and embroidered199 with devices in silver, while the rest of the garment was scarlet200. His sash was twisted and netted with gold, and besides answering the purpose of a belt, by securing the upper garment round his waist, sustained a silver-hilted poniard. His finery was completed by boots, the tips of which were so long as to turn upwards with a peak, after a prevailing fashion in the Middle Ages. A golden chain hung round his neck, and sustained a large medalion of the same metal.
This young gallant201 was instantly surrounded by the race of Biederman, among whom he appeared to be considered as the model upon which the Swiss youth ought to build themselves, and whose gait, opinions, dress, and manners, all ought to follow who would keep pace with the fashion of the day, in which he reigned202 an acknowledged and unrivalled example.
By two persons in the company, however, it seemed to Arthur Philipson that this young man was received with less distinguished marks of regard than those with which he was bailed203 by the general voice of the youths present. Arnold Biederman himself was at least no way warm in welcoming the young Bernese. for such was Rudolph’s country. The young man drew from his bosom a sealed packet, which he delivered to the Landamman with demonstrations204 of great respect, and seemed to expect that Arnold, when he had broken the seal and perused205 the contents, would say something to him on the subject. But the patriarch only bade him be seated, and partake of their meal, and Rudolph found a place accordingly next to Annie of Geierstein, which was yielded to him by one of the sons of Arnold with ready courtesy.
It seemed also to the observant young Englishman, that the new comer was received with marked coldness by the maiden, to whom he appeared eager and solicitous206 to pay his compliments, by whose side he had contrived207 to seat himself at the well-furnished board, and to whom he seemed more anxious to recommend himself, than to partake of the food which it offered. He observed the gallant whisper her, and look towards him. Anne gave a very brief reply, but one of the young Biedermans who sat on his other hand, was probably more communicative, as the youths both laughed, and the maiden again seemed disconcerted, and blushed with displeasure.
“Had I either of these sons of the mountain,” thought young Philipson, “upon six yards of level greensward, if there be so much flat ground in this country, methinks I were more likely to spoil their mirth than to furnish food for it. It is as marvellous to see such conceited208 boors under the same roof with so courteous209 and amiable a damsel, as it would be to see one of their shaggy bears dance a rigadoon with a maiden like the daughter of our host. Well, I need not concern myself more than I can help about her beauty or their breeding, since morning will separate me from them forever.”
As these reflections passed through the young guest’s mind, the father of the family called for a cup of wine, and having required the two strangers to pledge him in a maple210 cup of considerable size, he sent a similar goblet211 to Rudolph Donnerhugel. “Yet you,” he said, “kinsman, are used to more highly flavored wine than the half-ripened grapes of Geierstein can supply. Would you think it, sir merchant,” he continued, addressing Philipson, “there are burghers of Berne ‘who send for Wine, for their own drinking, both to France and Germany?”
“My. kinsman disapproves212 of that,” replied Rudolph; “yet every place is not blessed with vineyards like Geierstein, which produces all that heart and eye can desire.” This was said with a glance at his fair companion, who did not appear to take the compliment, while the envoy213 of Berne proceeded : — “But our wealthier burghers, having some superfluous214 crowns, think it no extravagance to barter215 them for a goblet of better wine than our own mountains can produce; But we will be more frugal216 when we have at our disposal tuns of the wine of Burgundy, for the mere217 trouble of transporting them.”
“How mean you by that, cousin Rudolph?” said Arnold Biederman.
“Methinks, respected kinsman,” answered the Bernese, “your letters must have told you that our Diet is likely to declare war against Burgundy?”
“Ah and you know, then, the contents of my letters?” said Arnold; “another mark how times are changed at Berne, and with the Diet of Switzerland. When did all her gray-haired statesmen die, that our allies should have brought beardless boys into their councils?”
“The Senate of Berne, and the Diet of the Confederacy,” said the young man, partly abashed, partly in vindication218 of what he had before spoken, “allow the young men to know their purposes, since it is they by whom they must be executed. The head which thinks, may well confide151 in the hand that strikes.”
“Not till the moment of dealing219 the blow, young man,” said Arnold Biederman, sternly. “What kind of counsellor is he who talks loosely the secrets of state affairs before women and strangers! Go, Rudolph, and all of ye, and try by manly220 exercises which is best fitted to serve your country, rather than give your judgment221 upon her measures. — Holloo, young man,” he continued, addressing Arthur, who had arisen, “this does not apply to you, who are unused to mountain travel, and require rest after it.”
“Under your favor, sir, not so,” said the elder stranger. “We hold in England, that the best refreshment222 after we have been exhausted223 by one species of exercise, is to betake our selves to another; as riding, for example, affords more relief of one fatigued224 by walking, than a bed of down would. So, if your young men will permit, my son will join their exercises.”
“He will find them rough playmates,” answered the Switzer; “but be it at your pleasure.”
The young men went out accordingly to the open lawn in front of the house. Anne of Geierstein, and some females of the household, sat down on a bank to judge which performed best, and shouts, loud laughing, and all that announces the riot of juvenile225 spirits occupied by manly sports, was soon after heard by the two seniors, as they sat together in the hall. The master of the house resumed the wine flask226, and having filled the cup of his guest, poured the remainder into his own.
“At an age, worthy stranger,” he said, “when the blood grows colder, and the feelings heavier, a moderate cup of wine brings back light thoughts, and makes the limbs supple227. Yet, I almost wish that Noah had never planted the grape, when of late years I have seen with my own eyes my countrymen swill228 wine like very Germans, till they were like gorged229 swine, incapable230 of sense, thought, or motion.”
“It is a vice,” said the Englishman, “which I have observed gains ground in your country, where within a century I have heard it was totally unknown.”
“It was so,” said the Swiss, “for wine was seldom made at home, and never imported from abroad; for indeed none possessed the means of purchasing that, or aught else, which our vaileys produce not. But our wars and our victories have gained us wealth as well as fame; and in the poor thoughts of one Switzer at least, we had been better without both, had we not also gained liberty by the same exertion. It is something, however, that commerce may occasionally send into our remote mountains a sensible visitor, like yourself, worthy guest, whose discourse231 shows him to be a man of sagacity and discernment; for though I love not the increasing taste for trinkets and gewgaws which you merchants introduce, yet I acknowledge that we simple mountaineers learn from men like you more of the world around us, than we could acquire by our own exertions232. You are bound, you say, to Bale, and thence to the Duke of Burgundy’s leaguer?”
“I am so, my worthy host” — said the merchant, “that is, providing I can perform my journey with safety.”
“Your safety, good friend, may be assured, if you list to tarry for two or three days; for in that space I shall myself take the journey, and with such an escort as will prevent any risk of danger. You will find in me a sure and faithful guide and I shall learn from you much of other countries, which it concerns me to know better than I do. Is it a bargain?”
“The proposal is too much to my advantage to be refused,” said the Englishman; “but may I ask the purpose of your journey?”
“I chid233 yonder boy but flow,” answered Biederman, “for speaking on public affairs without reflection, and before the whole family; but our tidings and my errand need not be concealed234 from a considerate person like you, who must indeed soon learn it from public rumor235. You know doubtless the mutual236 hatred237 which subsists238 between Louis XI. of France and Charles of Burgundy, whom men call the Bold; and having seen these countries, as I understand from your former discourse, you are probably well aware of the various contending interests, which, besides the personal hatred of the sovereigns, make them irreconcilable239 enemies. Now Louis, whom the world cannot match for craft and subtlety240, is using all his influence, by distributions of large sums amongst some of the counsellors of our neighbors of Berne, by pouring treasures into the exchequer241 of that state itself, by holding out the bait of emolument242 to the old men, and encouraging the violence of the young, to urge the Bernese into a war with the Duke. Charles, on the other hand, is acting, as he frequently does, exactly as Louis could have wished. Our neighbors and allies of Berne do not, like us of the Forest Cantons, confine themselves to pasture or agriculture, but carry on considerable commerce; which the Duke of Burgundy has in various instances interrupted, by the exactions and violence of his officers in the frontier towns, as is doubtless well known to you.”
“Unquestionably,” answered the merchant; “they are universally regarded as vexatious.”
“You will not then be surprised, that, solicited243 by the one sovereign, and aggrieved244 by the other, proud of past victories, and ambitious of additional power, Berne and the City Cantons of our Confederacy, whose representatives, from their superior wealth and better education, have more to say in our Diet than we of the Forests, should be bent245 upon war, from which it has hitherto happened that the Republic has always derived victory, wealth, and increase of territory.”
“Ay, worthy host, and of glory,” said Philipson, interruptmg him with some enthusiasm; “I wonder not that the brave youths of your states are willing to thrust themselves upon new wars, since their past victories have been so brilliant and so far-famed.”
“You are no wise merchant, kind guest,” answered the host, “if you regard success in former desperate undertakings246 as an encouragement to future rashness. Let us make a better use of past victories. When we fought for our liberties God blessed our arms; but will he do so if we fight either for aggrandizement247 or for the gold of France?”
“Your doubt is just,” said the merchant, more sedately248; but suppose you draw the sword to put an end to the vexatious exactions of Burgundy?”
“Hear me, good friend,” answered the Switzer; “it may be that we of the Forest Cantons think too little of those matters of trade, which so much engross249 the attention of the burghers of Berne. Yet we will not desert our neighbors and allies in a just quarrel; and it is well-nigh settled that a deputation shall be sent to the Duke of Burgundy to request redress250. In this embassy the General Diet now assembled at Berne have requested that I should take some share; and hence the journey in which I propose that you should accompany me.”
“It will be much to my satisfaction to travel in your company, worthy host,” said the Englishman. “But, as I am a true man, methinks your port and figure resemble an envoy of defiance251 rather than a messenger of peace.”
And I too might say,” replied the Switzer, “that your language and sentiments, my honored guest, rather belong to the sword than the measuring wand.”
“I was bred to the sword, worthy sir, before I took the clothyard in my hand,” replied Philipson, smiling, “and it may be I am still more partial to my old trade than wisdom would altogether recommend.”
“I thought so,” said Arnold; “but then you fought most likely under your country’s banners against a foreign and national enemy and in that case I will admit that war has something in it which elevates the heart above the due sense it should entertain of the calamity252 inflicted253 and endured by God’s creatures on each side. But the warfare in which I was engaged had no such gilding255. It was the miserable256 war of Zurich, where Switzers levelled their pikes against the bosoms87 of their own countrymen; and quarter was asked and refused in the same kindly mountain language. From such remembrances your warlike recollections are probably free.”
The merchant hung down his head and pressed his forehead with his hand, as one to whom the most painful thoughts were suddenly recalled.
“Alas!” he said, “I deserve to feel the pain which your words inflict254. What nation can know the woes257 of England that has not felt them — what eye can estimate them which has not seen a land torn and bleeding with the strife258 of two desperate factions259; battles fought in every province; plains heaped with slain260, and scaffolds drenched261 in blood! Even in your quiet valleys, methinks, you may have heard of the Civil Wars of England?”
“I do indeed bethink me,” said the Switzer, “that England had lost her possessions in France during many years of bloody262 internal wars concerning the color of a rose — was it not? — But these are ended.”
“For the present,” answered Philipson, “it would seem so.”
As he spoke, there was a knock at the door; the master of the house said, “Come in;” the door opened, and, with the reverence263 which was expected from young persons towards their elders in those pastoral regions, the fine form of Anne of Geierstein presented itself.
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1
fatiguing
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| a.使人劳累的 | |
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tempts
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| v.引诱或怂恿（某人）干不正当的事( tempt的第三人称单数 )；使想要 | |
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contiguity
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| n.邻近，接壤 | |
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embarrassment
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| n.尴尬；使人为难的人(事物)；障碍；窘迫 | |
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poltroon
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| n.胆怯者；懦夫 | |
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maiden
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| n.少女，处女；adj.未婚的，纯洁的，无经验的 | |
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exertion
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| n.尽力，努力 | |
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proximity
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| n.接近，邻近 | |
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kinsmen
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| n.家属，亲属( kinsman的名词复数 ) | |
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situated
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| adj.坐落在...的，处于某种境地的 | |
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encumbrance
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| n.妨碍物，累赘 | |
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tunic
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| n.束腰外衣 | |
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upwards
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| adv.向上，在更高处...以上 | |
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strings
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| n.弦 | |
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garnished
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| v.给（上餐桌的食物）加装饰( garnish的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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ornamented
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| adj.花式字体的v.装饰，点缀，美化( ornament的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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ornament
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| v.装饰，美化；n.装饰，装饰物 | |
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exquisite
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| adj.精美的；敏锐的；剧烈的，感觉强烈的 | |
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bosom
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| n.胸，胸部；胸怀；内心；adj.亲密的 | |
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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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possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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profusion
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| n.挥霍；丰富 | |
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feat
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| n.功绩；武艺，技艺；adj.灵巧的，漂亮的，合适的 | |
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24
dignified
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| a.可敬的，高贵的 | |
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simplicity
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| n.简单，简易；朴素；直率，单纯 | |
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virtuous
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| adj.有品德的，善良的，贞洁的，有效力的 | |
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27
bonnet
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| n.无边女帽；童帽 | |
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ingenuity
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| n.别出心裁；善于发明创造 | |
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29
prevailing
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| adj.盛行的；占优势的；主要的 | |
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30
maidens
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| 处女( maiden的名词复数 )； 少女； 未婚女子； （板球运动）未得分的一轮投球 | |
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31
costly
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| adj.昂贵的，价值高的，豪华的 | |
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32
stature
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| n.（高度）水平，（高度）境界，身高，身材 | |
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candid
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| adj.公正的，正直的；坦率的 | |
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34
worthy
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| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
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35
precipice
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| n.悬崖，危急的处境 | |
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precipices
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| n.悬崖，峭壁( precipice的名词复数 ) | |
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37
intercourse
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| n.性交；交流，交往，交际 | |
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38
verge
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| n.边，边缘；v.接近，濒临 | |
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39
averted
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| 防止，避免( avert的过去式和过去分词 )； 转移 | |
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40
torrent
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| n.激流，洪流；爆发，(话语等的)连发 | |
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41
sullen
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| adj.愠怒的，闷闷不乐的，(天气等)阴沉的 | |
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42
ascended
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| v.上升，攀登( ascend的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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43
distinguished
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| adj.卓越的，杰出的，著名的 | |
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44
rib
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| n.肋骨，肋状物 | |
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45
cascade
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| n.小瀑布，喷流；层叠；vi.成瀑布落下 | |
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46
defile
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| v.弄污，弄脏；n.(山间)小道 | |
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47
buttresses
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| n.扶壁，扶垛( buttress的名词复数 )v.用扶壁支撑，加固( buttress的第三人称单数 ) | |
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48
perpendicular
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| adj.垂直的，直立的；n.垂直线，垂直的位置 | |
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49
ascent
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| n.(声望或地位)提高；上升，升高；登高 | |
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50
feudal
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| adj.封建的，封地的，领地的 | |
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51
picturesque
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| adj.美丽如画的，（语言）生动的，绘声绘色的 | |
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52
turrets
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| （六角）转台( turret的名词复数 )； （战舰和坦克等上的）转动炮塔； （摄影机等上的）镜头转台； （旧时攻城用的）塔车 | |
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53
descending
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| n. 下行 adj. 下降的 | |
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54
foe
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| n.敌人，仇敌 | |
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55
doorway
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| n.门口，(喻)入门；门路，途径 | |
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56
projections
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| 预测( projection的名词复数 )； 投影； 投掷； 突起物 | |
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57
darts
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| n.掷飞镖游戏；飞镖( dart的名词复数 )；急驰，飞奔v.投掷，投射( dart的第三人称单数 )；向前冲，飞奔 | |
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58
precarious
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| adj.不安定的，靠不住的；根据不足的 | |
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59
garrison
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| n.卫戍部队；驻地，卫戍区；vt.派(兵)驻防 | |
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60
entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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61
dismantled
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| 拆开( dismantle的过去式和过去分词 )； 拆卸； 废除； 取消 | |
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62
mantle
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| n.斗篷，覆罩之物，罩子；v.罩住，覆盖，脸红 | |
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63
gateway
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| n.大门口，出入口，途径，方法 | |
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64
regain
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| vt.重新获得，收复，恢复 | |
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65
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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66
elasticity
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| n.弹性，伸缩力 | |
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67
rugged
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| adj.高低不平的，粗糙的，粗壮的，强健的 | |
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68
drizzle
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| v.下毛毛雨；n.毛毛雨，蒙蒙细雨 | |
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69
apprehension
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| n.理解，领悟；逮捕，拘捕；忧虑 | |
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70
perilous
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| adj.危险的，冒险的 | |
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71
deafening
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| adj. 振耳欲聋的, 极喧闹的 动词deafen的现在分词形式 | |
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72
tumult
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| n.喧哗；激动，混乱；吵闹 | |
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73
plunged
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| v.颠簸( plunge的过去式和过去分词 )；暴跌；骤降；突降 | |
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74
fathomless
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| a.深不可测的 | |
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75
gulf
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| n.海湾；深渊，鸿沟；分歧，隔阂 | |
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76
agitation
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| n.搅动；搅拌；鼓动，煽动 | |
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77
cowardice
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| n.胆小，怯懦 | |
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78
indifference
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| n.不感兴趣，不关心，冷淡，不在乎 | |
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appalling
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| adj.骇人听闻的，令人震惊的，可怕的 | |
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80
dread
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| vt.担忧，忧虑；惧怕，不敢；n.担忧，畏惧 | |
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81
formerly
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| adv.从前，以前 | |
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82
loom
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| n.织布机，织机；v.隐现，(危险、忧虑等)迫近 | |
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83
wreck
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| n.失事，遇难；沉船；vt.(船等)失事，遇难 | |
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84
destined
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| adj.命中注定的；(for)以…为目的地的 | |
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85
ivy
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| n.常青藤，常春藤 | |
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86
shrubs
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| 灌木( shrub的名词复数 ) | |
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87
bosoms
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| 胸部( bosom的名词复数 )； 胸怀； 女衣胸部（或胸襟）； 和爱护自己的人在一起的情形 | |
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88
considerably
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| adv.极大地；相当大地；在很大程度上 | |
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89
elevation
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| n.高度；海拔；高地；上升；提高 | |
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90
abrupt
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| adj.突然的，意外的；唐突的，鲁莽的 | |
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91
eminence
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| n.卓越，显赫；高地，高处；名家 | |
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92
thicket
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| n.灌木丛，树林 | |
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93
scooped
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| v.抢先报道( scoop的过去式和过去分词 )；（敏捷地）抱起；抢先获得；用铲[勺]等挖（洞等） | |
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94
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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95
tract
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| n.传单，小册子，大片(土地或森林) | |
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96
domain
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| n.(活动等)领域，范围；领地，势力范围 | |
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97
varied
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| adj.多样的，多变化的 | |
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98
pretence
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| n.假装，作假；借口，口实；虚伪；虚饰 | |
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99
abode
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| n.住处，住所 | |
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100
splendor
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| n.光彩；壮丽，华丽；显赫，辉煌 | |
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101
orchard
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| n.果园，果园里的全部果树，(美俚)棒球场 | |
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102
dwelling
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| n.住宅，住所，寓所 | |
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103
groves
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| 树丛，小树林( grove的名词复数 ) | |
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104
walnut
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| n.胡桃，胡桃木，胡桃色，茶色 | |
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105
chestnut
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| n.栗树，栗子 | |
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106
cultivation
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| n.耕作，培养，栽培（法），养成 | |
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107
proprietors
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| n.所有人，业主( proprietor的名词复数 ) | |
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108
alpine
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| adj.高山的；n.高山植物 | |
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109
motives
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| n.动机，目的( motive的名词复数 ) | |
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110
brook
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| n.小河，溪；v.忍受，容让 | |
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111
dispelled
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| v.驱散，赶跑( dispel的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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112
conceal
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，隐蔽 | |
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113
concealing
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，遮住( conceal的现在分词 ) | |
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114
thickets
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| n.灌木丛( thicket的名词复数 )；丛状物 | |
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115
hawthorn
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| 山楂 | |
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116
devious
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| adj.不坦率的，狡猾的；迂回的，曲折的 | |
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117
reluctance
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| n.厌恶，讨厌，勉强，不情愿 | |
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118
sequestered
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| adj.扣押的；隐退的；幽静的；偏僻的v.使隔绝，使隔离( sequester的过去式和过去分词 )；扣押 | |
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119
tranquil
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| adj. 安静的, 宁静的, 稳定的, 不变的 | |
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120
boisterous
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| adj.喧闹的，欢闹的 | |
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121
derived
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| vi.起源；由来；衍生；导出v.得到( derive的过去式和过去分词 )；（从…中）得到获得；源于；（从…中）提取 | |
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122
ascertain
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| vt.发现，确定，查明，弄清 | |
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123
landmarks
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| n.陆标( landmark的名词复数 )；目标；（标志重要阶段的）里程碑 ~ (in sth)；有历史意义的建筑物（或遗址） | |
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124
retrospect
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| n.回顾，追溯；v.回顾，回想，追溯 | |
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125
susceptible
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| adj.过敏的，敏感的；易动感情的，易受感动的 | |
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126
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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127
bestowed
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| 赠给，授予( bestow的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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128
wilderness
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| n.杳无人烟的一片陆地、水等，荒漠 | |
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129
larch
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| n.落叶松 | |
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130
antiquity
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| n.古老；高龄；古物，古迹 | |
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131
rosy
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| adj.美好的，乐观的，玫瑰色的 | |
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132
hue
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| n.色度；色调；样子 | |
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133
glacier
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| n.冰川，冰河 | |
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134
countless
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| adj.无数的，多得不计其数的 | |
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135
farmhouse
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| n.农场住宅（尤指主要住房） | |
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136
mansion
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| n.大厦，大楼；宅第 | |
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137
beheld
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| v.看，注视( behold的过去式和过去分词 )；瞧；看呀；（叙述中用于引出某人意外的出现）哎哟 | |
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138
majestic
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| adj.雄伟的，壮丽的，庄严的，威严的，崇高的 | |
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139
worthies
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| 应得某事物( worthy的名词复数 )； 值得做某事； 可尊敬的； 有（某人或事物）的典型特征 | |
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141
hardy
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| adj.勇敢的，果断的，吃苦的；耐寒的 | |
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142
vindicated
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| v.澄清（某人/某事物）受到的责难或嫌疑( vindicate的过去式和过去分词 )；表明或证明（所争辩的事物）属实、正当、有效等；维护 | |
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143
propriety
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| n.正当行为；正当；适当 | |
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144
complaisance
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| n.彬彬有礼，殷勤，柔顺 | |
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145
devoted
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| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
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146
devotedly
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| 专心地； 恩爱地； 忠实地； 一心一意地 | |
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147
unlimited
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| adj.无限的，不受控制的，无条件的 | |
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148
amiable
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| adj.和蔼可亲的，友善的，亲切的 | |
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149
eminently
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| adv.突出地；显著地；不寻常地 | |
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150
unwillingness
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| n. 不愿意，不情愿 | |
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151
confide
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| v.向某人吐露秘密 | |
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152
censure
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| v./n.责备；非难；责难 | |
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153
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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154
submission
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| n.服从，投降；温顺，谦虚；提出 | |
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155
reproof
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| n.斥责，责备 | |
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156
unreasonable
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| adj.不讲道理的，不合情理的，过度的 | |
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157
comely
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| adj.漂亮的，合宜的 | |
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158
succor
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| n.援助，帮助；v.给予帮助 | |
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159
mingled
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| 混合，混入( mingle的过去式和过去分词 )； 混进，与…交往[联系] | |
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160
abashed
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| adj.窘迫的，尴尬的v.使羞愧，使局促，使窘迫( abash的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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161
humble
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| adj.谦卑的，恭顺的；地位低下的；v.降低，贬低 | |
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162
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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163
kindle
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| v.点燃，着火 | |
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164
highlander
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| n.高地的人，苏格兰高地地区的人 | |
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165
brass
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| n.黄铜；黄铜器，铜管乐器 | |
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166
buckle
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| n.扣子，带扣；v.把...扣住，由于压力而弯曲 | |
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167
homely
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| adj.家常的，简朴的；不漂亮的 | |
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168
attire
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| v.穿衣，装扮[同]array；n.衣着；盛装 | |
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169
promising
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| adj.有希望的，有前途的 | |
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170
fabled
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| adj.寓言中的，虚构的 | |
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171
obedience
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| n.服从，顺从 | |
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172
herd
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| n.兽群，牧群；vt.使集中，把…赶在一起 | |
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173
monarch
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| n.帝王，君主，最高统治者 | |
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174
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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175
scrutinize
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| n.详细检查，细读 | |
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176
interrogated
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| v.询问( interrogate的过去式和过去分词 )；审问；（在计算机或其他机器上）查询 | |
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177
appeased
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| 安抚，抚慰( appease的过去式和过去分词 )； 绥靖（满足另一国的要求以避免战争） | |
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178
vein
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| n.血管，静脉；叶脉，纹理；情绪；vt.使成脉络 | |
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179
softened
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| （使）变软( soften的过去式和过去分词 )； 缓解打击； 缓和； 安慰 | |
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180
ridicule
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| v.讥讽，挖苦；n.嘲弄 | |
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181
distressing
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| a.使人痛苦的 | |
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182
consolation
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| n.安慰，慰问 | |
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183
boors
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| n.农民( boor的名词复数 )；乡下佬；没礼貌的人；粗野的人 | |
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184
guise
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| n.外表，伪装的姿态 | |
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185
plentiful
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| adj.富裕的，丰富的 | |
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186
implements
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| n.工具( implement的名词复数 )；家具；手段；[法律]履行（契约等）v.实现( implement的第三人称单数 )；执行；贯彻；使生效 | |
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187
trophy
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| n.优胜旗，奖品，奖杯，战胜品，纪念品 | |
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188
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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189
tarnished
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| （通常指金属）（使）失去光泽，（使）变灰暗( tarnish的过去式和过去分词 )； 玷污，败坏 | |
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190
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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191
conjectures
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| 推测，猜想( conjecture的名词复数 ) | |
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192
relic
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| n.神圣的遗物，遗迹，纪念物 | |
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193
warfare
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| n.战争(状态)；斗争；冲突 | |
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194
hospitable
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| adj.好客的；宽容的；有利的，适宜的 | |
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195
modesty
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| n.谦逊，虚心，端庄，稳重，羞怯，朴素 | |
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196
kinsman
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| n.男亲属 | |
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197
contention
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| n.争论，争辩，论战；论点，主张 | |
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198
curiously
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| adv.有求知欲地；好问地；奇特地 | |
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199
embroidered
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| adj．绣花的 | |
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200
scarlet
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| n.深红色，绯红色，红衣；adj.绯红色的 | |
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201
gallant
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| adj.英勇的，豪侠的；(向女人)献殷勤的 | |
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202
reigned
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| vi.当政，统治（reign的过去式形式） | |
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203
bailed
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| 保释，帮助脱离困境( bail的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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204
demonstrations
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| 证明( demonstration的名词复数 )； 表明； 表达； 游行示威 | |
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205
perused
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| v.读（某篇文字）( peruse的过去式和过去分词 )；（尤指）细阅；审阅；匆匆读或心不在焉地浏览（某篇文字） | |
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206
solicitous
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| adj.热切的，挂念的 | |
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207
contrived
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| adj.不自然的，做作的；虚构的 | |
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208
conceited
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| adj.自负的，骄傲自满的 | |
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209
courteous
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| adj.彬彬有礼的，客气的 | |
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210
maple
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| n.槭树，枫树，槭木 | |
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211
goblet
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| n.高脚酒杯 | |
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212
disapproves
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| v.不赞成( disapprove的第三人称单数 ) | |
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213
envoy
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| n.使节，使者，代表，公使 | |
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214
superfluous
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| adj.过多的，过剩的，多余的 | |
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215
barter
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| n.物物交换，以货易货，实物交易 | |
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216
frugal
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| adj.节俭的，节约的，少量的，微量的 | |
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217
mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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218
vindication
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| n.洗冤，证实 | |
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219
dealing
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| n.经商方法，待人态度 | |
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220
manly
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| adj.有男子气概的；adv.男子般地，果断地 | |
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221
judgment
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| n.审判；判断力，识别力，看法，意见 | |
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222
refreshment
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| n.恢复，精神爽快，提神之事物；（复数）refreshments:点心，茶点 | |
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223
exhausted
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| adj.极其疲惫的，精疲力尽的 | |
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224
fatigued
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| adj. 疲乏的 | |
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225
juvenile
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| n.青少年，少年读物；adj.青少年的，幼稚的 | |
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226
flask
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| n.瓶，火药筒，砂箱 | |
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227
supple
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| adj.柔软的，易弯的，逢迎的，顺从的，灵活的；vt.使柔软，使柔顺，使顺从；vi.变柔软，变柔顺 | |
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228
swill
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| v.冲洗；痛饮；n.泔脚饲料；猪食；（谈话或写作中的）无意义的话 | |
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229
gorged
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| v.（用食物把自己）塞饱，填饱( gorge的过去式和过去分词 )；作呕 | |
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230
incapable
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| adj.无能力的，不能做某事的 | |
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231
discourse
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| n.论文，演说；谈话；话语；vi.讲述，著述 | |
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232
exertions
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| n.努力( exertion的名词复数 )；费力；（能力、权力等的）运用；行使 | |
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chid
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| v.责骂，责备( chide的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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concealed
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| a.隐藏的，隐蔽的 | |
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rumor
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| n.谣言，谣传，传说 | |
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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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hatred
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| n.憎恶，憎恨，仇恨 | |
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238
subsists
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| v.（靠很少的钱或食物）维持生活，生存下去( subsist的第三人称单数 ) | |
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irreconcilable
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| adj.（指人）难和解的，势不两立的 | |
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subtlety
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| n.微妙，敏锐，精巧；微妙之处，细微的区别 | |
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exchequer
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| n.财政部；国库 | |
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emolument
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| n.报酬，薪水 | |
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243
solicited
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| v.恳求( solicit的过去式和过去分词 )；（指娼妇）拉客；索求；征求 | |
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aggrieved
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| adj.愤愤不平的，受委屈的；悲痛的；（在合法权利方面）受侵害的v.令委屈，令苦恼，侵害( aggrieve的过去式)；令委屈，令苦恼，侵害( aggrieve的过去式和过去分词) | |
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bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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undertakings
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| 企业( undertaking的名词复数 )； 保证； 殡仪业； 任务 | |
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247
aggrandizement
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| n.增大，强化，扩大 | |
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248
sedately
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| adv.镇静地，安详地 | |
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249
engross
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| v.使全神贯注 | |
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250
redress
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| n.赔偿，救济，矫正；v.纠正，匡正，革除 | |
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251
defiance
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| n.挑战，挑衅，蔑视，违抗 | |
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252
calamity
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| n.灾害，祸患，不幸事件 | |
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inflicted
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| 把…强加给，使承受，遭受( inflict的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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inflict
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| vt.(on)把…强加给，使遭受，使承担 | |
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gilding
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| n.贴金箔，镀金 | |
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miserable
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| adj.悲惨的，痛苦的；可怜的，糟糕的 | |
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woes
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| 困境( woe的名词复数 )； 悲伤； 我好苦哇； 某人就要倒霉 | |
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strife
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| n.争吵，冲突，倾轧，竞争 | |
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259
factions
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| 组织中的小派别，派系( faction的名词复数 ) | |
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slain
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| 杀死，宰杀，杀戮( slay的过去分词 )； (slay的过去分词) | |
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drenched
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| adj.湿透的；充满的v.使湿透( drench的过去式和过去分词 )；在某人（某物）上大量使用（某液体） | |
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bloody
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| adj.非常的的；流血的；残忍的；adv.很；vt.血染 | |
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reverence
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| n.敬畏，尊敬，尊严；Reverence:对某些基督教神职人员的尊称；v.尊敬，敬畏，崇敬 | |
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