I will resist such entertainment, till
My enemy has more power.
The Tempest.
“That blast was but feebly blown,” said de Hagenbach, ascending1 to the ramparts, from which he could see what passed on the outside of the gate; “who approaches, Kilian?”
The trusty squire2 was hastening to meet him with the news.
“Two men, with a mule3, an it please your excellency; and merchants I presume them to be.”
“Merchants? ‘sdeath, villain5! pedlers you mean. Heard ever man of English merchants tramping it on foot, with no more baggage than one mule can manage to carry? They must be beggarly Bohemians, or those whom the French people call Escossais. The knaves6! they shall pay with the pining of their paunches for the poverty of their purses.”
“Do not be too hasty, an please your excellency,” quoth the squire; “small budgets hold rich goods. But, rich or poor, are our men, at least they have all the marks; the elder, well-sized and dark-visaged, may write fifty-and-five years, a beard somewhat grizzled; — the younger some two-and-twenty taller than the first, and a well-favored lad, with a smooth chin and light-brown mustaches.”
“Let them be admitted,” said the governor, turning back in order again to descend8 to the street, “and bring them into the folter-kammer of the toll-house.”
So saying, he betook himself to the place appointed, which was an apartment in the large tower that protected the eastern gateway9, in which were deposited the rack, with various other instruments of torture, which the cruel and rapacious10 Governor was in the habit of applying to such prisoners from whom he was desirous of extorting11 either booty or information. He entered the apartment, which was dimly lighted, and had a lofty Gothic roof which could be but imperfectly seen, while nooses12 and cords hanging down from thence, announced a fearful connection with various implements13 of rusted14 iron that hung round the walls, or lay scattered15 on the floor.
A faint stream of light, through one of the numerous and narrow slits16, or shot-holes, with which the walls were garnished17, fell directly upon the person and visage of a tall swarthy man, seated in what, but for the partial illumination, would have been an obscure corner of this evil-boding apartment. His features were regular, and even handsome, but of a character peculiarly stern and sinister19. This person’s dress was a cloak of scarlet20; his head was bare, and surrounded by shaggy locks of black, which time had partly grizzled. He was busily employed in furbishing and burnishing21 a broad two-handed sword, of a peculiar18 shape, and considerably22 shorter than the weapons of that kind which we have described as used by the Swiss. He was so sleeply engaged in his task, that he started as the heavy door opened with a jarring noise, and the sword, escaping from his hold, rolled on the stone floor with a heavy clash.
“Ha! Scharfgerichter,” said the Knight23, as he entered the folter-kammer, “thou art preparing for thy duty?”
“It would ill become your excellency’s servant,” answered the man, in a harsh deep tone, “to be found idle. But the prisoner is not far off, as I can judge by the fall of my sword, which infallibly announces the presence of him who shall reel its edge.”
“The prisoners are at hand, Francis,” replied the Governor; “but thy omen24 has deceived thee for once. They are fellows for whom a good rope will suffice, and thy sword drinks only noble blood.”
“The worse for Francis Steinernherz,” replyed the official in scarlet; “I trusted that your excellency, who have ever been a bountiful patron, should this day have made me noble.”
“Noble!” said the Governor; “thou art mad — thou noble! The common executioner!”
“And wherefore not, Sir Archibald de Hagenbach? I think the name of Francis Steinernherz von Blutacker will suit nobility, being fairly and legally won, as well as another. Nay25, do not stare on me thus. If one of my profession shall do his grim office on nine men of noble birth, with the same weapon, and with a single blow to each patient, hath he not a right to his freedom from taxes, and his nobility by patent?”
“So says the law,” said Sir Archibald, after reflecting for a moment, — “but rather more in scorn than seriously, I should judge, since no one was ever known to claim the benefit of it.”
“The prouder boast for him,” said the functionary26, “that shall be the first to demand the honors due to a sharp sword and a clean stroke. I, Francis Steinernherz, will be the first noble of my profession, where I shall have despatched one more knight of the Empire.”
“Thou hast been ever in my service, hast thou not?” demanded De Hagenbach.
“Under what other master,” replied the executioner, “could I have enjoyed such constant practice? I have executed your decrees on condemned27 sinners since I could swing a scourge28, lift a crow-bar, or wield29 this trusty weapon; and who can say I even failed of my first blow, or needed to deal a second? The term of the Hospital, and his famous assistants, Petit Andre, and Trois Eschelles, 8 are novices30 compared with me in the use of the noble and knightly31 sword. Marry, I should be ashamed to match myself with them in the field practice with bowstring and dagger32, these are no feats33 worthy34 of a Christian35 man who would rise to honor and nobility.”
“Thou art a fellow of excellent address, and I do not deny it,” replied De Hagenbach. “But it cannot be — I trust it can — not be — that when noble blood is becoming scarce in the land, and proud churls are lording it over knights37 and barons38, I myself should have caused so much to be spilled?”
“I will number the patients to your excellency by name and title,” said Francis, drawing out a scroll39 of parchment, and reading with a commentary as he went on, — “There was Count William of Elvershoe — he was my assay-piece, a sweet youth, and died most like a Christian.”
“I remember — he was indeed a most smart youth, and courted my mistress,” said Sir Archibald.
“He died on St. Jude’s, in the year of grace 1455,” said the executioner.
Go on — but name no dates,” said the Governor.
“Sir Miles of Stockenborg — ”
“He drove off my cattle,” observed his excellency.
“Sir Louis of Riesenfeldt” — continued the executioner.
“He made love to my wife,” commented the Governor.
“The three Yung-herren of Lammerbourg — you made their father, the Count, childless in one day.”
“And he made me landless,” said Sir Archibald, “so that account is settled. Thou needest read no farther,” he continued; “I admit thy record, though it is written in letters somewhat of the reddest. I had counted these three young gentlemen as one execution.”
You did me the greater wrong,” said Francis; “they cost three good separate blows of this good sword.”
“Be it so, and God be with their souls,” said Hagenbach. “But thy ambition must go to sleep for a while, Scharfgerichter, for the stuff that came hither to-day is for dungeon40 and cord, or perhaps a touch of the rack or strappado — there is no honor to win on them.”
“The worse luck mine,” said the executioner. “I had dreamed so surely that your honor had made me noble; — and then the fall of my sword?”
“Take a bowl of wine, and forget your auguries41.”
“With your honor’s permission, no” said he executioner “to drink before noon were to endanger the nicety of my hand.”
“Be silent, then, and mind your duty,” said De Hagenbach.
Francis took up his sheathiess sword, wiped the dust reverently42 from it, and withdrew into a corner of the chamber43, where he stood leaning with his hands on the pommel of the fatal weapon.
Almost immediately afterwards, Kilian entered at the head of five or six soldiers, conducting the two Philipsons, whose arms were tied down with cords.
“Approach me a chair,” said the Governor, and took his place gravely beside a table, on which stood writing materials.
“Who are these men, Kilian and wherefore are they bound?”
“So please your excellency,” said Kilian, with a deep respect of manner which entirely45 differed from the tone, approaching to familiarity, with which he communicated with his master in private, “we thought it well that these two strangers should not appear armed in your gracious presence; and when we required of them to surrender their weapons at the gate, as is the custom of the garrison46, this young gallant47 must needs offer resistance. I admit he gave up his weapon at his father’s command.”
“It is false!” exclaimed young Philipson; but his father making a sign to him to be silent, he obeyed instantly.
“Noble sir,” said the elder Philipson, “we are strangers, and unacquainted with the rules of this citadel48; we are Englishmen, and unaccustomed to submit to personal mishandling; we trust you will have excuse for us, when we found ourselves, without any explanation of tile cause, rudely seized on by we knew not whom. My son, who is young and unthinking, did partly draw his weapon, but desisted at my command, without having altogether unsheathed his sword, far less made a blow. For myself, I am a merchant, accustomed to submit to the laws and customs of the countries in which I traffic; I am in the territories of the Duke of Burgundy, and I know his laws and Customs must be just and equitable49. He is the powerful and faithful ally of England, and I fear nothing while under his banner.”
“hem4! hem!” replied De Hagenbach, a little disconcerted by the Englishman’s composure, and perhaps recollecting50, that, unless his passions were awakened51 (as in the case of the Swiss, whom he detested), Charles of Burgundy deserved the character of a just though severe prince — Fair words are well, but hardly make amends52 for foul53 actions. You have drawn54 swords in riot, and opposition55 to the Duke’s soldiers, when obeying the mandates56 which regulate their watch.”
“Surely, sir,” answered Philipson, “this is a severe construction of a most natural action. But, in a word, if you are disposed to be rigorous, the simple action of drawing, or attempting to draw a sword in a garrison town, is only punishable by a pecuniary57 fine, and such we must pay, if it be your will.”
“Now, here is a silly sheep,” said Kilian to the executioner beside whom he had stationed himself, somewhat apart from the group, “who voluntarily offers his own fleece to the clipper.”
“It will scarcely serve as a ransom58 for his throat, Sir Squire,” answered Francis Steinernherz; for, look you, I dreamed last night that our master made me noble, and I knew by the fall of my sword that this is the man by whom I am to mount to gentility. I must this very day deal on him with my good sword.”
“Why, thou ambitious fool,” said the esquire, “this is no noble, but an island pedler — a mere59 English citizen.”
“Thou art deceived,” said the executioner, “and hast never looked on men when they are about to die.”
“Have I not?” said the squire. “Have I not looked on live pitched fields, besides skirmishes and ambuscades innumerable?”
“That tries not the courage,” said the Scharfgerichter. “All men will fight when pitched against each other. So will the most paltry60 curs — so will the dunghill fowls61. But he is brave and noble who can look on a scaffold and a block, a preast to give him absolution, and the headsman and good sword which is to mow62 him down in his strength, as he would look upon things indifferent; and such a man is that whom we now behold63.”
“Yes,” answered Kilian, “but that man looks not on such an apparatus64 — he only sees our illustrious patron, Sir Archibald de Hagenbach.”
“And he who looks upon Sir Archibald,” said the executioner, “being, as yonder man assuredly is, a person of sense and apprehension65, looks he not upon sword and headsman? Assuredly that prisoner apprehends66 as much, and being so composed as he is under such conviction, it shows him to be a nobleman by blood, or may I myself never win nobility!”
“Our master will come to compromise with him, I judge,” replied Kilian; “he looks smilingly on him.”
“Never trust to me then,” said the man in scarlet; “there is a glance in Sir Archibald’s eye which betokens67 blood, as surely as the dog-star bodes68 pestilence69.”
While these dependants70 of Sir Archibald de Hagenbach were thus conversing71 apart, their master had engaged the prisoners in a long train of captious72 interrogatones concerning their business in Switzerland, their connection with the Landamman, and the cause of their travelling into Burgundy, to all which tile senior Philipson gave direct and plain answers, excepting to the last. He was going, he said, into Burgundy, forthe purpose of his traffic, — his wares74 were at the disposal of the Governor, who might detain all, or any part of them, as he might be disposed to make himself answerable to his master. But his business with the Duke was of a private nature, respecting some particular matters of commerce, in which others as well as he himself were interested. To the Duke alone, he declared, would he communicate the affair; and he pressed it strongly on the Governor, that if he should sustain any damage in his own person or that of his son, the Duke’s severe displeasure would be the inevitable75 consequence.
Dc Hagenbach was evidently much embarrassed by the steady tone of his prisoner, and more than once held counsel with the bottle, his never-failing oracle76 in cases of extreme difficulty. Philipson had readily surrendered to the Governor a list or invoice77 of his merchandise, which was of so inviting78 a character, that Sir Archibald absolutely gloated over it. After remaining in deep meditation79 for some time, he raised his head, and spoke80 thus : — “You must be well aware, Sir Merchant, that it is the Duke’s pleasure that no Swiss merchandise shall pass through his territories; and that, nevertheless, you have been, by your own account, some time in that country, and having also accompanied a body of men calling themselves Swiss Deputies, I am authorized81 to believe that these valuable articles are rather the property of those persons, than of a single individual of so poor an appearance as yourself, and that should I demand pecuniary satisfaction, three hundred pieces of gold would not be an extravagant82 fine for so bold a practice; and you might wander where you will with the rest of your wares, so you bring them not into Burgundy.”
“But it is to Burgundy, and to the Duke’s presence, that I am expressly bound,” said the Englishman. “If I go not thither83 my journey is wrecked84; and the Duke’s displeasure is certain to light on those who may molest85 me. For I make your excellency aware, that your gracious Prince already knows of my journey, and will make strict inquiry86 where and by whom I have been intercepted87.”
Again the Governor was silent, endeavoring to decide how he might best reconcile the gratification of his rapacity88 with precaution for his safety. After a few minutes’ consideration he again addressed his prisoner.
“Thou art very positive in thy tale, my good friend; but my orders are equally so to exclude merchandise coming from Switzerland. What if I put thy mule and baggage under arrest?”
“I cannot withstand your power, my lord, to do what you will. I will in that case go to the Duke’s footstool, aud do my errand there.”
“Ay, and my errand also,” answered the Governor. “That is, thou wilt89 carry thy complaint to the Duke against the Governor of La Ferette, for executing his orders too strictly90?”
“On my life and honest word,” answered the Englishman, I will make no complaint. Leave me but my ready money, without which I can hardly travel to the Duke’s court, and I will look no more after these goods and wares, than the stag looks after the antlers which he shed last year.”
Again the Governor of La Ferette looked doubtful, and shook his head.
Men in such a case as yours,” he said, “cannot be trusted; nor, to say truth, is it reasonable to expect they should be trustworthy. — These same wares, designed for the Duke’s private hand, in what do they consist?”
“They are under seal,” replied the Englishman.
“They are of rare value, doubtless?” continued the Governor.
“I cannot tell,” answered the elder Philipson “I know the Duke sets great store by them. But your excellency knows, that great princes sometimes place a high value on trifles.”
“Bear you them about you?” said the Governor. “Take heed91 how you answer —, Look around you on these engines, which can bring a dumb man to speak, and consider I have the power to employ them!”
“And I the courage to support their worst infliction,” answered Philipson,’ with the same impenetrable coolness which he had maintained throughout the whole conference.
“Remember, also,” said Hagenbach, “that I can have your person searched as thoroughly92 as your mails and budgets.”
“I do remember that I am wholly in thy power; and, that I may leave thee no excuse for employing force on a peaceful traveller, I will own to you — “said Philipson, “that I have the Duke’s packet in the bosom93 of my doublet.”
“Bung it forth73,” answered the Governor.
“My hands are tied, both in honor and literally,” said the Englishman.
“Pluck it from his bosom, Kilian,” said Sir Archibald.;’ “let us see this gear he talks of.”
“Could resistance avail,” replied the stout94 merchant, “you should pluck forth my heart first. But I pray all who are present to observe, that the seals are every one whole and unbroken at this moment when it is forcibly taken from my person.”
As he spoke thus he looked around on the soldiers, whose presence De Hagenbach had perhaps forgotten.
“How, dog!” said Sir Archibald, giving way to his passion would you stir up mutiny among my men-at-arms? — Kilian, let the soldiers wait without.”
So saying, he hastily placed under cover of his own robe the small but remarkably95 well-secured packet, which Kilian had taken from the merchant’s person, The soldiers withdrew, lingering, however, and looking back, like children brought away from a show before its final conclusion.
“So, fellow!” again began De Hagenbach, “we are now more private. Wilt thou deal more on the level with me, and tell me what this packet is, and whence it comes?”
“Could all your garrison be crowded into this room, I can only answer as before. — The contents I do not precisely96 know — the person by whom it was sent I am determined97 not to name.”
“Perhaps your son,” said the Governor, “may be more compliant98.”
“He cannot tell you that of which he is himself ignorant,” answered the merchant.
“Perchance the rack may make you both find your tongues; — and we will try it on the young fellow first, Kilian, since thou knowest we have seen men shrink from beholding99 the wrenched100 joints101 of their children, that would have committed their own old sinews to the stretching with much endurance.”
“You may make the trial,” said Arthur, “and Heaven will give me strength to endure.”
“And me courage to behold,” added his father.
All this while the Governor was turning and returning the little packet in his hand curiously102 inspecting every fold, and regretting, doubtless, in secret, that a few patches of wax, placed under an envelope of crimson103 satin, and ligatures of twisted silk cord, should prevent his eager eyes from ascertaining104 the nature of the treasure which he doubted not it concealed105. At length he again called in the soldiers, and delivered up the two prisoners to their charge, commanding that they should be kept safely, and in separate holds, and that the father, in particular, should be most carefully looked after.
“I take you all here to witness,” exclaimed the elder Philipson despising the menacing signs of De Hagenbach, “that the Governor detains from me a packet, addressed to his most gracious lord and master, the Duke of Burgundy.”
De Hagenbach actually foamed106 at the mouth with passion.
“And should I not detain it?” he exclaimed, in a voice in articulate with rage. “May there not be some foul practice against the life of our most gracious sovereign, by poison or otherwise, in this suspicious packet, brought by a most suspicious bearer? Have we never heard of poisons which do their work by the smell? And shall we, who keep the gate, as I may say, of his Grace of Burgundy’s dominions107, give access to what may rob Europe of its pride of chivalry108, Burgundy of its prince, and Flanders of her father? — No! Away with these miscreants109, soldiers — down to the lowest dungeons110 with them — keep them separate, and watch them carefully. This treasonable practice has been meditated111 with the connivance112 of Berne and Soleure.”
Thus Sir Archibald de Hagenbach raved113, with a raised voice and inflamed114 countenance115, lashing116 himself as it were into passion, until the steps of the soldiers, and the clash of their arms, as they retired117 with the prisoners, were no longer audible. His complexion118, when these had ceased, waxed paler than was nal ural to him — his brow was furrowed119 with anxious wrinkles — and his voice became lower and more hesitating than ordinary, as, turning to his esquire, he said, “Kilian, we stand upon a slippery plank120, with a raging torrent121 beneath us — What is to be done?”
“Marry, to move forward with a resolved yet prudent122 step,” answered the crafty123 Kilian. “It is unlucky that all these fellows should have seen the packet, and heard the appeal of yonder iron-nerved trader. But this ill luck has befallen us, and the packet having been in your excellency’s hands, you will have all the credit of having broken the seals; for, though you leave them as entire as the moment they were impressed, it will only be supposed they have been ingeniously replaced. Let us see what are the contents, before we determine what is to be done with them. They must be of rare value, since the churl36 merchant was well contented124 to leave behind all his rich mule’s-load of merchandise, so that this precious packet might pass unexamined.”
“They may be papers on some political matter. Many such, and of high importance, passed secretly between Edward of England and our bold Duke.” Such was the reply of De Hagenbach.
“If they be papers of consequence to the Duke,” answered Kilian, “we can forward them to Dijon. — Or they may be such as Louis of France would purchase with their weight of gold.”
“For shame, Kilian,” said the Knight; “wouldst thou have me betray my master’s secrets to the King of France? Sooner would I lay my head on the block.”
“Indeed? And yet your excellency hesitates not to —”
Here the squire stopped, apparently125 for fear of giving offence by affixing126 a name too broad and intelligible127 to the practices of his patron.
“To plunder128 the Duke, thou wouldst say, thou impudent129 slave! And, saying so, thou wouldst be as dull as thou wert wont130 to be,” answered De Hagenbach. “I partake, indeed, in the plunder which the Duke takes from aliens; and reason good. Even so the hound and the hawk131 have their share of the quarry132 they bring down — ay, and the lion’s share, too, unless the huntsman or falconer be all the nearer to them. Such are the perquisites133 of my rank; and the Duke, who placed me here for the gratification of his resentment134 and the bettering of my fortune, does not grudge135 them to a faithful servant. And, indeed, I may term myself, in so far as this territory of La Ferette extends, the Duke’s full representative, or, as it may be termed, ALTER EGO— and, thereupon, I will open this packet, which, being addressed to him, is thereby136 equally addressed to me.”
Having thus in a manner talked himself up to an idea of his own high authority, he cut the strings137 of the packet which he had all this while held in his hand, and, undoing138 the outer coveflngs, produced a very small case made of sandal-wood.
“The contents,” he said, “had need to be valuable, as they lie in so little compass.”
So saying, he pressed the spring, and the casket, opening, displayed a necklace of diamonds, distinguished139 by brilliancy and size, and apparently of extraordinary value. The eyes of the avaricious140 Governor, and his no less rapacious attendant, were so dazzled with the unusual splendor141, that for some time they could express nothing save joy and surprise.
“Ay, marry, sir,” said Kilian, “the obstinate142 old knave7 had reasons for his hardihood. My own joints should have stood a strain or two ere I surrendered such sparkiers as these. — And now, Sir Archibald, may your trusty follower143 ask you how this booty is to be divided between the Duke and his Governor, according to the most approved rules of garrison towns?”
“Faith, we will suppose the garrison stormed, Kilian; and, in a storm, thou knowest, the first finder takes all — with due consideration always of his trusty followers144.”
“As myself, for example,” said Kilian.
“Ay, and myself, for example,” answered a voice, which sounded like the echo of the esquire’s words, from the remote corner of the ancient apartment.
“‘Sdeath! we are overheard,” exclaimed the Governor, starting, and laying his hand on his dagger.
“Only by a faithful follower, as the worthy esquire observes,” said the executioner, moving slowly forward.
“Villain, how didst thou dare watch me?” said Sir Archibald de Hagenbach.
“Trouble not yourself for that, sir,” said Kilian. “Honest Steinernherz has no tongue to speak, or ear to hear, save according to your pleasure. Indeed, we must shortly have taken him into our counsels, seeing these men must be dealt upon, and that speedily.”
“Indeed!” said De Hagenbach; “I had thought they might be spared.”
“To tell the Duke of Burgundy how the Governor of La Ferette accounts to his treasurer145 for the duties and forfeitures146 at his custom-house?” demanded Kilian.
“’Tis true,” said the Knight; “dead men have neither teeth nor tongue — they bite not, and they tell no tales. Thou wilt take order with them, Scharfgerichter.”
“I will, my lord,” answered the executioner, “on condition that, if this must be in the way of dungeon execution, which I call cellar practice, my privilege to claim nobility shall be saved and reserved to me, and the execution shall be declared to be as effectual to my claim, as it might have been if the blow had been dealt in broad daylight, with my honorable blade of office.”
De Hagenbach stared at the executioner, as not understanding what he meant; on which Kilian took occasion to explain, that the Scharfgerichter was strongly impressed, from the free and dauntless conduct of the elder prisoner, that he was a man of noble blood, from whose decapitation he would himself derive147 all the advantages proposed to the headsman who should execute his function on nine men of illustrious extraction.
“He may be right,” said Sir Archibald, “for here is a slip of parchment, commending the bearer of this carcanet to the Duke, desiring him to accept it as a true token from one well known to him, and to give the bearer full credence148 in all that be should say on the part of there by whom he is sent.”
“ By whom is the note signed, if I may make bold to ask?” said Kilian.
“There is no name — the Duke must be supposed to collect that information from the gems149, or perhaps the handwriting.”
“On neither of which he is likely to have a speedy opportunity of exercising his ingenuity,” said Kilian.
De Hagenbach looked at the diamonds, and smiled darkly. The Scharfge richter, encouraged by the familiarity into which he had in a manner forced himself, returned to his plea, arid150 insisted on the nobility of the supposed merchant. Such a trust, and such a letter of unlimited151 credence, could never, he contended, be intrusted to a man meanly born. 9
“Thou art deceived, thou fool,” said the Knight; “kings now use the lowest tools to do their dearest offices. Louis has set the example of putting his barber, and the valets of his chamber, to do the work formerly152 intrusted to dukes and peers; and other monarchs153 begin to think that it is better, in choosing their agents for important affairs, to judge rather by the quality of men’s brains than that of their blood. And as for the stately-look and bold bearing which distinguish yonder fellow in the eyes of cravens like thee, it belongs to his country, not his rank. Thou thinkest it is in England as in Flanders, where a city-bred burgher of Ghent, Liege, or Ypres, is as distinct an animal from a knight of Hainault, as a Flanders wagon-horse from a Spanish jennet. But thou art deceived. England has many a merchant as haughty154 of heart, and as prompt of hand, as any noble-born son of her rich bosom. But be not dejected, thou foolish man do thy business well on this merchant, and we shall presently have on our hands the Landamman of Unterwalden, who, though a churl by his choice, is yet a nobleman by blood, and shall, by his well-deserved death, aid thee to get rid of the peasant slough155 which thou art so weary of.”
“Were not your excellency better adjourn156 these men’s fate,” said Kilian, “till you hear something of them from the Swiss prisoners whom we shall presently have in our power?”
“Be it as you will,” said Hagenbach, waving his hand, as if putting aside some disagreeable task. “But let all be finished ere I hear of it again.”
The stern satellites bowed obedience157, and the deadly conclave158 broke up; their chief carefully securing the valuable gems, which he was willing to purchase at the expense of treachery to the sovereign in whose employment he had enlisted159 himself, as well as the blood of two innocent men Yet, with a weakness of mind not uncommon160 to great criminals, he shrank from the thoughts of his own baseness and cruelty, and endeavored to banish161 the feeling of dishonor from his mind, by devolving the immediate44 execution of his villainy upon his subordinate agents.
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ascending
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squire
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mule
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| n.骡子，杂种，执拗的人 | |
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hem
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| n.贴边，镶边；vt.缝贴边；(in)包围，限制 | |
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villain
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| n.反派演员，反面人物；恶棍；问题的起因 | |
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knaves
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knave
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| n.流氓；（纸牌中的）杰克 | |
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descend
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| vt./vi.传下来，下来，下降 | |
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gateway
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rapacious
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extorting
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| v.敲诈( extort的现在分词 )；曲解 | |
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nooses
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| n.绞索，套索( noose的名词复数 ) | |
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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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rusted
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| v.（使）生锈( rust的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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15
scattered
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| adj.分散的，稀疏的；散步的；疏疏落落的 | |
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16
slits
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| n.狭长的口子，裂缝( slit的名词复数 )v.切开，撕开( slit的第三人称单数 )；在…上开狭长口子 | |
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17
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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18
peculiar
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| adj.古怪的，异常的；特殊的，特有的 | |
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19
sinister
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| adj.不吉利的，凶恶的，左边的 | |
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20
scarlet
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| n.深红色，绯红色，红衣；adj.绯红色的 | |
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21
burnishing
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| n.磨光，抛光，擦亮v.擦亮（金属等），磨光( burnish的现在分词 )；被擦亮，磨光 | |
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22
considerably
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| adv.极大地；相当大地；在很大程度上 | |
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23
knight
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| n.骑士，武士；爵士 | |
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24
omen
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| n.征兆，预兆；vt.预示 | |
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25
nay
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| adv.不；n.反对票，投反对票者 | |
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26
functionary
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| n.官员；公职人员 | |
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27
condemned
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| adj. 被责难的, 被宣告有罪的 动词condemn的过去式和过去分词 | |
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28
scourge
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| n.灾难，祸害；v.蹂躏 | |
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29
wield
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| vt.行使，运用，支配；挥，使用(武器等) | |
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30
novices
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| n.新手( novice的名词复数 )；初学修士（或修女）；（修会等的）初学生；尚未赢过大赛的赛马 | |
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31
knightly
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| adj. 骑士般的 adv. 骑士般地 | |
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32
dagger
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| n.匕首，短剑，剑号 | |
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33
feats
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| 功绩，伟业，技艺( feat的名词复数 ) | |
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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
Christian
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| adj.基督教徒的；n.基督教徒 | |
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36
churl
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| n.吝啬之人；粗鄙之人 | |
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37
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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38
barons
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| 男爵( baron的名词复数 )； 巨头； 大王； 大亨 | |
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39
scroll
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| n.卷轴，纸卷；(石刻上的)漩涡 | |
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40
dungeon
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| n.地牢，土牢 | |
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41
auguries
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| n.（古罗马）占卜术，占卜仪式( augury的名词复数 )；预兆 | |
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42
reverently
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| adv.虔诚地 | |
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43
chamber
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| n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所 | |
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44
immediate
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| adj.立即的；直接的，最接近的；紧靠的 | |
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45
entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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46
garrison
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| n.卫戍部队；驻地，卫戍区；vt.派(兵)驻防 | |
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47
gallant
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| adj.英勇的，豪侠的；(向女人)献殷勤的 | |
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48
citadel
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| n.城堡；堡垒；避难所 | |
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49
equitable
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| adj.公平的；公正的 | |
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50
recollecting
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| v.记起，想起( recollect的现在分词 ) | |
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51
awakened
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| v.（使）醒( awaken的过去式和过去分词 )；（使）觉醒；弄醒；（使）意识到 | |
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52
amends
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| n. 赔偿 | |
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53
foul
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| adj.污秽的；邪恶的；v.弄脏；妨害；犯规；n.犯规 | |
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54
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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55
opposition
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| n.反对，敌对 | |
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56
mandates
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| 托管（mandate的第三人称单数形式） | |
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57
pecuniary
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| adj.金钱的；金钱上的 | |
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58
ransom
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| n.赎金，赎身；v.赎回，解救 | |
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59
mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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60
paltry
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| adj.无价值的，微不足道的 | |
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61
fowls
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| 鸟( fowl的名词复数 )； 禽肉； 既不是这； 非驴非马 | |
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62
mow
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| v.割（草、麦等），扫射，皱眉；n.草堆，谷物堆 | |
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63
behold
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| v.看，注视，看到 | |
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64
apparatus
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| n.装置，器械；器具，设备 | |
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65
apprehension
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| n.理解，领悟；逮捕，拘捕；忧虑 | |
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66
apprehends
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| 逮捕，拘押( apprehend的第三人称单数 )； 理解 | |
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67
betokens
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| v.预示，表示( betoken的第三人称单数 ) | |
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68
bodes
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| v.预示，预告，预言( bode的第三人称单数 )；等待，停留( bide的过去分词 )；居住；（过去式用bided）等待 | |
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69
pestilence
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| n.瘟疫 | |
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70
dependants
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| 受赡养者，受扶养的家属( dependant的名词复数 ) | |
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71
conversing
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| v.交谈，谈话( converse的现在分词 ) | |
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72
captious
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| adj.难讨好的，吹毛求疵的 | |
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73
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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74
wares
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| n. 货物, 商品 | |
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75
inevitable
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| adj.不可避免的，必然发生的 | |
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76
oracle
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| n.神谕，神谕处，预言 | |
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77
invoice
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|
| vt.开发票；n.发票，装货清单 | |
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78
inviting
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| adj.诱人的，引人注目的 | |
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79
meditation
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| n.熟虑，（尤指宗教的）默想，沉思，（pl.）冥想录 | |
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80
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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81
authorized
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| a.委任的，许可的 | |
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82
extravagant
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| adj.奢侈的；过分的；(言行等)放肆的 | |
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83
thither
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|
| adv.向那里；adj.在那边的，对岸的 | |
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84
wrecked
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| adj.失事的，遇难的 | |
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85
molest
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| vt.骚扰，干扰，调戏 | |
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86
inquiry
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| n.打听，询问，调查，查问 | |
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87
intercepted
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| 拦截( intercept的过去式和过去分词 )； 截住； 截击； 拦阻 | |
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88
rapacity
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| n.贪婪，贪心，劫掠的欲望 | |
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89
wilt
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| v.(使)植物凋谢或枯萎；(指人)疲倦，衰弱 | |
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90
strictly
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| adv.严厉地，严格地；严密地 | |
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91
heed
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| v.注意，留意；n.注意，留心 | |
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92
thoroughly
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| adv.完全地，彻底地，十足地 | |
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93
bosom
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| n.胸，胸部；胸怀；内心；adj.亲密的 | |
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95
remarkably
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| ad.不同寻常地，相当地 | |
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96
precisely
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| adv.恰好，正好，精确地，细致地 | |
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97
determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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98
compliant
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| adj.服从的，顺从的 | |
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99
beholding
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| v.看，注视( behold的现在分词 )；瞧；看呀；（叙述中用于引出某人意外的出现）哎哟 | |
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100
wrenched
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| v.（猛力地）扭( wrench的过去式和过去分词 )；扭伤；使感到痛苦；使悲痛 | |
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101
joints
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| 接头( joint的名词复数 )； 关节； 公共场所（尤指价格低廉的饮食和娱乐场所） （非正式）； 一块烤肉 （英式英语） | |
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102
curiously
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| adv.有求知欲地；好问地；奇特地 | |
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103
crimson
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| n./adj.深(绯)红色(的)；vi.脸变绯红色 | |
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104
ascertaining
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| v.弄清，确定，查明( ascertain的现在分词 ) | |
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105
concealed
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| a.隐藏的，隐蔽的 | |
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106
foamed
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| 泡沫的 | |
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107
dominions
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| 统治权( dominion的名词复数 )； 领土； 疆土； 版图 | |
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108
chivalry
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| n.骑士气概，侠义；（男人）对女人彬彬有礼，献殷勤 | |
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109
miscreants
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| n.恶棍，歹徒( miscreant的名词复数 ) | |
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110
dungeons
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| n.地牢( dungeon的名词复数 ) | |
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111
meditated
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| 深思，沉思，冥想( meditate的过去式和过去分词 )； 内心策划，考虑 | |
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112
connivance
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| n.纵容；默许 | |
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113
raved
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| v.胡言乱语( rave的过去式和过去分词 )；愤怒地说；咆哮；痴心地说 | |
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114
inflamed
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| adj.发炎的，红肿的v.（使）变红，发怒，过热( inflame的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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115
countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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116
lashing
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| n.鞭打；痛斥；大量；许多v.鞭打( lash的现在分词 )；煽动；紧系；怒斥 | |
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117
retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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118
complexion
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| n.肤色；情况，局面；气质，性格 | |
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119
furrowed
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| v.犁田，开沟( furrow的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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120
plank
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| n.板条，木板，政策要点，政纲条目 | |
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121
torrent
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| n.激流，洪流；爆发，(话语等的)连发 | |
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122
prudent
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| adj.谨慎的，有远见的，精打细算的 | |
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123
crafty
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| adj.狡猾的，诡诈的 | |
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124
contented
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| adj.满意的，安心的，知足的 | |
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125
apparently
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| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
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126
affixing
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| v.附加( affix的现在分词 )；粘贴；加以；盖（印章） | |
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127
intelligible
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| adj.可理解的，明白易懂的，清楚的 | |
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128
plunder
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| vt.劫掠财物，掠夺；n.劫掠物，赃物；劫掠 | |
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129
impudent
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| adj.鲁莽的，卑鄙的，厚颜无耻的 | |
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130
wont
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| adj.习惯于；v.习惯；n.习惯 | |
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131
hawk
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| n.鹰，骗子；鹰派成员 | |
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132
quarry
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| n.采石场；v.采石；费力地找 | |
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133
perquisites
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| n.（工资以外的）财务补贴( perquisite的名词复数 )；额外收入；（随职位而得到的）好处；利益 | |
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134
resentment
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| n.怨愤，忿恨 | |
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135
grudge
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| n.不满，怨恨，妒嫉；vt.勉强给，不情愿做 | |
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136
thereby
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| adv.因此，从而 | |
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137
strings
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| n.弦 | |
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138
undoing
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| n.毁灭的原因，祸根；破坏，毁灭 | |
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139
distinguished
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| adj.卓越的，杰出的，著名的 | |
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140
avaricious
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| adj.贪婪的，贪心的 | |
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141
splendor
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| n.光彩；壮丽，华丽；显赫，辉煌 | |
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142
obstinate
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| adj.顽固的，倔强的，不易屈服的，较难治愈的 | |
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143
follower
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| n.跟随者；随员；门徒；信徒 | |
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144
followers
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| 追随者( follower的名词复数 )； 用户； 契据的附面； 从动件 | |
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145
treasurer
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| n.司库，财务主管 | |
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146
forfeitures
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| n.（财产等的）没收，（权利、名誉等的）丧失( forfeiture的名词复数 ) | |
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147
derive
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| v.取得；导出；引申；来自；源自；出自 | |
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148
credence
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| n.信用，祭器台，供桌，凭证 | |
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149
gems
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| growth； economy； management； and customer satisfaction 增长 | |
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150
arid
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| adj.干旱的；(土地)贫瘠的 | |
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151
unlimited
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| adj.无限的，不受控制的，无条件的 | |
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152
formerly
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| adv.从前，以前 | |
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153
monarchs
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| 君主，帝王( monarch的名词复数 ) | |
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154
haughty
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| adj.傲慢的，高傲的 | |
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155
slough
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| v.蜕皮，脱落，抛弃 | |
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156
adjourn
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| v.（使）休会，（使）休庭 | |
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157
obedience
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| n.服从，顺从 | |
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158
conclave
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| n.秘密会议，红衣主教团 | |
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159
enlisted
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| adj.应募入伍的v.（使）入伍， （使）参军( enlist的过去式和过去分词 )；获得（帮助或支持） | |
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160
uncommon
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| adj.罕见的，非凡的，不平常的 | |
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161
banish
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| vt.放逐，驱逐；消除，排除 | |
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