For Somerset, off with his guilty head.
Third Part of Henry VI.
The Governor of La Ferette stood on the battlements of the eastern entrance-tower of his fortress1, and looked out on the road to Bale, when first the vanguard of the Swiss mission, then the centre and rear, appeared in the distance. At the same moment the van halting, the main body closed with it, while the females and baggage, and mules2 in the rear, moved in their turn up to the main body, and the whole were united in one group.
A messenger then stepped forth4, and winded one of those tremendous horns, the spoils of the wild bulls, so numerous in the Canton of Uri, that they are supposed to have given rise to its name.
“They demand admittance,” said the esquire.
“They shall have it,” answered Sir Archibald de Hagenbach. “Marry, how they may pass out again, is another and a deeper question.”
“Think yet a moment, noble sir,” continued the esquire. “Bethink you, these Switzers are very fiends in fight, and have, besides, no booty to repay the conquest — some paltry6 chains of good copper7, perchance, or adulterated silver. You have knocked out the marrow8 — do not damage your teeth by trying to grind tile bone.”
“Thou art a fool, Kilian,” answered De Hagenbach, “and it may be a coward besides. The approach of some score, or at most some score and a half of Swiss partisans10, makes thee draw in thy horns like a snail11 at a child’s finger! Mine are strong and inflexible12 as those of the Urus, of whom they talk so much, and on which they blow so boldly. Keep in mind, thou timid creature, that if the Swiss Deputies, as they presume to call themselves, are permitted to pass free, they carry to the Duke stories of merchants bound to his court, and fraught13 with precious commodities, specially14 addressed to his Grace! Charles has then at once to endure the presence of the ambassadors, whom he contemns15 and hates, and learns by them that the Governor of La Ferette, permitting such to pass, has nevertheless presumed to stop those whom he would full gladly see; for what prince would not blithely16 welcome such a casket as that which we have taken from yonder strolling English pedler?”
“I see not how the assault on these ambassadors will mend your excellency’s plea for despoiling17 the Englishmen,” said Kilian.
“Because thou art a blind mole18, Kilian,” answered his chief. “If Burgundy hears of a ruffle19 between my garrison20 and the mountain churls, whom he scorns and yet hates, it will drown all notice of the two pedlers who have perished in the fray22. If after an inquiry23 should come, an hour’s ride transports me with my confidants into the Imperial dominions24, where, though the Emperor be a spiritless fool, the rich prize I have found on these islanders will ensure me a good reception.”
“I will stick by your excellency to the last,” returned the esquire; “and you shall yourself witness, that if a fool, I am at least no coward.”
“I never thought thee such when it came to hard blows,” said De Hagenbach; “but in policy thou art timid and irresolute25. Hand me mine armor, Kilian, and beware thou brace26 it well. The Swiss pikes and swords are no wasp-stings.”
“May your excellency wear it with honor and profit,” said Kilian; and, according to the duty of his office, he buckled27 upon his principal the complete panoply28 of a knight29 of the empire. “Your purpose of assaulting the Swiss then holds firm? said Kilian. “But what pretext30 will your excellency assign?”
“Let me alone,” said Archibald de Hagenbach, “to take one, or to make one. Do you only have Schonfeldt and the soldiers on their stations. And remember the words are — ‘ Burgundy to the Rescue.’ When these words are first spoken, let the soldiers show themselves — when repeated, let them fall on. And now that I am accoutred, away to the churls and admit them.”
Kilian bowed, and withdrew.
The bugle32 of the Switzers had repeatedly emitted its angry roar, exasperated33 by the delay of nearly half-an-hour, without an answer from the guarded gate of Breisach; and every blast declared, by the prolonged echoes which it awakened34, the in creased35 impatience36 of those who summoned the town. At length the portcullis arose, the gate opened, the drawbridge fell, and Kilian, in the equipage of a man-at-arms arrayed for fight, rode forth on an ambling37 palfrey.
“What bold men are ye, sirs, who are here in arms before the fortress of Breisach, appertaining in right and seignorie to the thrice noble Duke of Burgundy and Lorraine, and garrisoned38 for his cause and interest by the excellent Sir Archibald, Lord of Hagenbach, Knight of the most Holy Roman Empire?”
“So please you, Sir Esquire,” said the Landamman, “for such I conjecture39 you to be by the feather in your bonnet41, we are here with no hostile intentions though armed, as you see, t6 defend us in a perilous43 journey, where we are something unsafe by day, and cannot always repose44 by night in places of security. But our arms have no offensive purpose; if they had such, our numbers had not been so few as you see them.”
“What then is your character and purpose?” said Kilian, who had learned to use, in his master’s absence, the lordly and insolent45 tone of the Governor himself.
“We are Delegates,” answered the Landamman, in a calm and even tone of voice, without appearing to take offence at, or to observe, the insolent demeanor46 of the esquire, “from the Free and Confederated Cantons of the Swiss States and provinces, and from the good town of Soleure, who are accredited47 from our Diet of Legislature to travel to the presence of his Grace the Duke of Burgundy, on an errand of high importance to both countries, and with a hope of establishing with your master’s lord — I mean with the noble Duke of Burgundy — a sure and steadfast48 peace, upon such terms as shall be to the mutual49 honor and advantage of both countries, and to avert50 disputes, and the effusion of Christian51 blood, which may otherwise be shed for want of timely and good understanding.”
“Show me your letters of credence53,” said the esquire.
“Under your forgiveness, Sir Esquire,” replied the Landamman, “it will be time enough to exhibit these when we are admitted to the presence of your master the Governor.
“That is as much as to say, wilful54 will to it. It is well, my masters; and yet you may take this advice from Kilian of Kersberg. It is sometimes better to reel backwards55 than to run forwards. — My master, and my master’s master, are more ticklish56 persons than the dealers57 of Bale, to whom you bell your cheeses. Home, honest men, home! your way lies before. you, and you are fairly warned.”
“We thank thee for thy counsel,” said the Landamman, interrupting the Banneret of Berne, who had commenced an angry reply — “surprizing it kindly58 meant; if not, an uncivil jest is like an overcharged gun, which recoils59 on the cannonier. Our road lies onward60 through Breisach, and onward we propose to go, and take such hap61 as that which we may find before us.”
“Go onward then, in the devil’s name,” said the squire5, who had entertained some hope of deterring62 them from pursuing their journey, but found himself effectually foiled.
The Switzers entered the town, and stopped by the barricade63 of cars which the Governor had formed across the street, at about twenty yards from the gate, they drew themselves up in military order, with their little body formed into three lines, the two females and the fathers of the deputation being in the centre. The little phalanx presented a double front, one to each side of the street, while the centre line faced so as to move forward, and only waited for the removal of the barricade in order to do so. But while they stood thus inactive, a knight in complete armor appeared from a side door of the great tower, under the arch of which they had entered into the town. His visor was raised, and he walked along the front of the little line formed by the Swiss, with a stern and frowning aspect.
“Who are you,” he said, “who have thus far intruded64 yourselves in arms into a Burgundian garrison?”
“With your excellency’s leave,” said the Landamman, “we are men who come on a peaceful errand, though we carry arms for our own defence. Deputies we are from the towns of Berne and Soleure, the Cantons of Uri, Schwytz, and Unterwalden, come to adjust matters of importance with the gracious Duke of Burgundy and Lorraine.”
“What towns, what cantons?” said the Governor of La Ferette. “I have heard no such names among the Free Cities of Germany. — Berne, truly! when became Berne a Free State?”
“Since the twenty-first day of June,” said Arnold Biederman, “in the year of grace one thousand three hundred and thirty-nine, on which day the battle of Laupen was fought.”
“Away, vain old man,” said the Knight “thinkest thou that such idle boasts can avail thee here? We have heard, indeed, of some insurgent66 villages and communities among the Alps, and how they rebelled against the Emperor, and by the advantage of fastnesses, ambuscades, and lurking-places, how they have murdered some knights67 and gentlemen sent against them by the Duke of Austria; but we little thought that such paltry townships and insignificant68 bands of mutineers had the insolence69 to term themselves Free States, and propose to enter into negotiation70 as such with a mighty71 prince like Charles of Burgundy.”
“May it please your excellency,” replied the Landamman, with perfect temper, “your own laws of chivalry72 declare, that if the stronger wrong the weaker, or the noble does injury to the less gentle, the very act levels distinctions between them, and the doer of an injury becomes bound to give condign73 satisfaction, of such kind as the wronged party shall demand.”
“Hence to thy hills, churl21!” exclaimed the haughty74 Knight; “there comb thy beard and roast thy chestnuts75. What! because a few rats and mice find retreat among the walls and wainscoting of our dwelling-houses, shall we therefore allow them to intrude65 their disgusting presence, and their airs of freedom and independence, into our personal presence? No, we will rather crush them beneath the heel of our iron shod boots.”
“We are not men to be trodden on,” said Arnold Biederman, calmly; “those who have attempted it have found us stumbling-blocks. Lay, Sir Knight, lay aside for an instant this haughty language, which can only lead to warfare76, and listen to the words of peace. Dismiss our comrade, the English merchant Philipson, on whom you have this morning laid unlawful hands let him pay a moderate sum for his ransom77, and we, who are bound instantly to the Duke’s presence, will bear a fair report to him of his Governor of La Ferette.”
“You will be so generous, will you!” said Sir Archibald, in a tone of ridicule78. “And what pledge shall I have that you will favor me so kindly as you propose?”
“The word of a man who never broke his promise,” answered the stoical Landamman.
“Insolent hind79!” replied the Knight, “dost thou stipulate80? thou offer thy paltry word as a pledge betwixt the Duke of Burgundy and Archibald de Hagenbach? Know that ye go not to Burgundy at all, or you go thither81 with fetters82 on your hands and halters round your necks. — So ho, Burgundy to the Rescue!”
Instantly as he spoke31, the soldiers showed themselves before, behind, and around the narrow space where the Swiss had drawn83 themselves up. The battlements of the town were lined with men, others presented themselves at the doors of each house in the street, prepared to sally, and, at the windows, prepared to shoot, as well with guns as with bows and crossbows. The soldiers who defended the barricade also started up; and seemed ready to dispute the passage in front. The little band, encompassed84 and over-matched, but neither startled nor disheartened, stood to their arms. The centre rank under the Landamman prepared to force their way over the barricade. The two fronts stood back to back, ready to dispute the street with those that should issue from the houses. It could not fail to prove a work of no small blood and toil85 to subdue86 this handful of determined87 men, even with five times their number. Some sense of this, perhaps, made Sir Archibald delay giving the signal for onset88, when suddenly behind arose a cry of “Treason, treason!”
A soldier covered with mud rushed before the Governor, and said, in hurried accents, that, as he endeavored to stop a prisoner who had made his escape some short time since, he had been seized by the burghers of the town, and well-nigh drowned in the moat. He added, that the citizens were even now admitting the enemy into the place.
“Kilian,” said the Knight, “take two score of men — hasten to the northern sallyport stab, cut down, or throw from the battlements, whomsoever you meet in arms, townsmen or strangers. Leave me to settle with these peasants by fair means or foul89.”
But ere Kilian could obey his master’s commands, a shout arose in the rear, where they cried, “Bale! Bale — Freedom! freedom — The day is our own!”
Onward came the youth of Bale, who had not been at such a distance but that Rudolph had contrived90 to recall them — onward came many Swiss who had hovered91 around the embassy, hiding themselves in readiness for such a piece of service; and onward came the armed citizens of La Ferette, who, compelled to take arms and mount guard by the tyranny of De Hagenbach, had availed themselves of the opportunity to admit the Balese, at the sallyport through which Philipson had lately made his escape.
The garrison, somewhat discouraged before by the firm aspect of the Swiss who had held their numbers at defiance92, were totally disconcerted by this new and unexpected insurrection. Most of them prepared rather to fly than to fight, and they threw themselves in numbers from the walls, as the best chance of escaping. Kilian and some others, whom pride prevented from flying, and despair from asking quarter, fought with fury, and were killed on the spot. In the midst of this confusion the Landamman kept his own bands unmoved, permitting them to take no share in the action, save to repel94 such violence as was offered to them.
“Stand fast all!” sounded the deep voice of Arnold Bieder man along their little body. “Where is Rudolph? — Save lives but take none. — Why, how now, Arthur Philipson! stand fast — I say.”
“I cannot stand fast,” said Arthur, who was in the act of leaving the ranks. “I must seek my father in the dungeons96 they may be slaying97 him in this confusion while I stand idle here.”
“By Our Lady of Einsiedlen, you say well,” answered the Landamman; “that I should have forgot my noble guest! I will help thee to search for him, Arthur — the affray seems well nigh ended. — Ho, there, Sir Banneret, worthy98 Adam Zimmerman, my good friend Nicholas Bonstetten, keep our men standing52 firm. — Have nothing to do with this affray, but leave the men of Bale to answer their own deeds. I return in a few minutes.”
So saying, he hurried after Arthur Philipson, whose recollection conducted him with sufficient accuracy, to the head of the dungeon95 stairs. There they met an ill-looking man clad in a buff jerkin, who bore at his girdle a bunch of rusted99 keys, which intimated the nature of his calling.
“Show me the prison of the English merchant,” said Arthur Philipson, “or thou diest by my hand!”
“Which of them desire you to see?” answered the official: — “The old man, or the young one?”
“The old,” said young Philipson. “His son has escaped thee.”
“Enter here then, gentlemen,” said the jailer, undoing101 the spring-bolt of a heavy door.
At the upper end of the apartment lay the man they came te seek for, who was instantly raised from the ground, and loaded with their embraces.
“My dear father!” — “My worthy guest!” said his son and friend at the same moment, — how fares it with you?”
“Well,” answered the elder Philipson, “if you, my friend, and son, come, as I judge from your arms and countenance102 as conquerors103, and at liberty — ill, if you come to share my prison-house.”
“Have no fear of that,” said the Landamman; “we have been in danger, but are remarkably104 delivered. — Your evil lair105 has benumbed you. Lean on me, my noble guest, and let none assist you to better quarters.”
Here he was interrupted by a heavy clash, as it seemed, of iron, and differing from the distant roar of the popular tumult106, which they still heard from the open street, as men hear the deep voice of a remote and tempestuous107 ocean.
“By Saint Peter of the fetters!” said Arthur who instantly discovered the cause of the sound, “the jailer has cast the door to the staple108, or it has escaped his grasp. The spring-lock has closed upon us, and we cannot be liberated109 saving from the outside. — Ho, jailer dog! villain110! open the door, or thou diest!”
“He is probably out of hearing of your threats,” said the elder Philipson, “and your cries avail you nothing. But are you sure the Swiss are in possession of the town?”
“We are peaceful occupants of it,” answered the Landamman, “though without a blow given on our side.”
“Why then,” said the Englishman, “your followers111 will soon find you out. Arthur and I are paltry ciphers112, and our absence might easily pass over unobserved; but you are too important a figure not to be missed and looked after, when the sum of your number is taken.”
“I well hope it will prove so,” said the Landamman, “though methinks I show but scurvily113, shut up here like a cat in a cupboard, when he has been stealing cream — Arthur, my brave boy, dost thou see no means of shooting back the bolt?”
Arthur, who had been minutely examining the lock, replied in the negative; and added, that they must take patience perforce, and arm themselves to wait calmly their deliverance, which they could do nothing to accelerate.
Arnold Biederman, however, felt somewhat severely114 the neglect of his sons and companions.
“All my youths, uncertain whether I am alive or dead, are taking the opportunity of my absence, doubtless, for pillage115 arid116 license117 — and the politic118 Rudolph, I presume, cares not if I shouild never reappear on the stage — the Banneret, and the white-bearded fool Bonstetten, who calls me his friend — every neighbor has deserted119 me - and yet they know that I am anxious for the safety of the most insignificant of them all, as dearer to me than my own. By heavens! it looks like stratagem120; and shows as if the rash young men desired to get rid of a rule too regular and peaceful to be pleasing to those who are cager for war and conquest.”
The Landamman, fretted121 out of usual serenity122 of temper, and afraid of the misbehavior of his countrymen in his absence, thus reflected upon his friends and companions, while the distant noise soon died away into the most absolute and total silence.
“What is to do now?” said Arthur Philipson. “I trust they will take the opportunity of quiet to go through the roll call, and inquire then who are amissing.”
It seemed as if the young man’s wish had some efficacy, for he had scarce uttered it before the lock was turned, and the door set ajar by some one who escaped up stairs from behind it, before those who were set at liberty could obtain a glance of their deliverer.
“It is the jailer, doubtless,” said the Landamman, “who may be apprehensive123, as he has some reason, that we might prove more incensed124 at our detention125 in the dungeon, than grateful for our deliverance.”
As they spoke thus, they ascended126 the narrow stairs, and issued from the door of the Gatehouse tower, where a singular spectacle awaited them. The Swiss Deputies, and their escort, still remained standing fast and firm on the very spot where Hagenbach had proposed to assail127 them. A few of the late Governor’s soldiers, disarmed128, and cowenn from the rage of a multitude of the citizens, who now filled the streets, stood with downcast looks behind the phalanx of the mountaineers as their safest place of retreat. But this was not all.
The cars, so lately placed to obstruct129 the passage of the street, were now joined together, and served to support a platform, or scaffold, which had been hastily constructed of planks130. On this was placed a chair, in which sat a tall man, with his head, neck, and shoulders bare, the rest of his body clothed in bright armor. His countenance was as pale as death, yet young Philipson recognized the hard-hearted Governor, Sir Archibald de Hagenbach. He appeared to be bound to the chair. On his right, and close beside him, stood the Priest of Saint Paul’s, muttering prayers, with his breviary in his hand; while, on his left, and somewhat behind the captive, appeared a tall man attired131 in red, aud leaning with both hands on the naked sword, which has been described on a former occasion. The instant that Arnold Biederman appeared, and before the Landamman could open his lips to demand the meaning of what he saw, the priest drew back, the executioner stepped forward, the sword was brandished132, the blow was struck, and the victim’s head rolled on the scaffold. A general acclamation and clapping of hands, like that by which a crowded theatre approves of some well-graced performer, followed this feat40 of dexterity133. While the headless corpse134 shot streams from the arteries135, which were drunk up by the sawdust that strewed136 the scaffold, the executioner graceful1y presented himself alternately at the four corners of the stage, modestly bowing, as the multitude greeted him with cheers of approbation137.
“Nobles, knights, gentlemen of free-born blood, and good citizens,” he said, “who have assisted at this act of high justice, I pray you to bear me witness that this judgment138 hath been executed after the form of the sentence, at one blow, and without stroke missed or repeated.”
The acclamations were reiterated139.
“Long live our Scharfgerichter Steinernherz, and many a tyrant140 may he do his duty on!”
“Noble friends,” said the executioner, with the deepest obeisance141, “I have yet another word to say, and it must be a proud one. — God be gracious to the soul of this good and noble knight, Sir Archibald de Hagenbach. He was the patron of my youth, and my guide to the path of honor. Eight steps have I made towards freedom and nobility on the heads of free born knights and nobles, who have fallen by his authority and command; and the ninth, by which I have attained142 it, is upon his own, in grateful memory of which I will expend143 this purse of gold, which but an hour since he bestowed144 on me, in masses for his soul. Gentlemen, noble friends, and now my equals, La Ferette has lost a nobleman and gained one. Our Lady be gracious to the departed knight, Sir Archibald de Hagenbach, and bless and prosper145 the progress of Stephen Steineriiherz van Blut-sacker, now free and noble of right!” 11
“With that he took the feather out of the cap of the deceased, which, soiled with the blood of the wearer, lay near his body upon the scaffold, and, putting it into his own official bonnet, received the homage146 of the crowd in loud huzzas, which were partly in earnest, partly in ridicule of such an unusual transformation147.
Arnold Biederman at length found breath, which the extremity148 of surprise had at first denied him. Indeed, the whole execution had passed much too rapidly for the possibility of his interference.
“Who had dared to act this tragedy?” he said indignantly; and by what right has it taken place?”
A cavalier, richly dressed in blue, replied to the question — “The free citizens of Bale have acted for themselves, as the fathers of Swiss liberty set them an example and the tyrant, De Hagenbach, has fallen by the same right which put to death the tyrant Geysler. We bore with him till his cup was brimming over, and then we bore no longer.”
“I say not but that he deserved death,” replied the Landamman; “but for your own sake and for ours, you should have forborne him till the Duke’s pleasure was known.”
“What tell you us of the Duke?” answered Laurenz Neipperg, the same blue cavalier whom Arthur had seen at the secret rendezvous149 of the Balese youth, in company with Rudolph, — “Why talk you of Burgundy to us, who are none of his subjects? The Emperor, our only rightful lord, had no title to pawn150 the town and fortification of La Ferette, being as it is a dependency of Bale, to the prejudice of our free city. He might have pledged the revenue indeed and supposing him to have done so, the debt has been paid twice over by the exactions levied151 by yonder oppressor, who has now received his due. But pass on, Landamman of Unterwalden. If our actions displease152 you, abjure153 them at the footstool of the Duke of Burgundy; but, in doing so, abjure the memory of William Tell and Stauffacher, of Furst and Melchtal, the fathers of Swiss freedom.”
“You speak truth,” said the Landamman “but it is in an ill-chosen and unhappy time. Patience would have remedied your evils, which none felt more deeply, or would have redressed154 more willingly, than I. But oh, imprudent young man, you have thrown aside the modesty155 of your age, and the subjection you owe to your elders. William Tell and his brethren were men of years and judgment, husbands and fathers, having a right to be heard in council, and to be foremost in action. Enough — I leave it with the fathers and senators of your own city, to acknowledge or to reprove your action. — But you, my friends — you, Banneret of Berne — you, Rudolph — above all, you, Nicholas Bonstetten, my comrade and my friend, why did you not take this miserable156 man under your protection? The action would have shown Burgundy that we were slandered157 by those who have declared us desirous of seeking a quarrel with him, or of inciting158 his subjects to revolt. Now, all these prejudices will be confirmed in the minds of men naturally more tenacious159 of evil impressions than of those which are favorable.”
“As I live by bread, good gossip and neighbor,” answered Nicholas Bonstetten, “I thought to obey your injunctions to a tittle; so much so, that I once thought of breaking in and protecting the man, when Rudolph Donnerhugel reminded me that your last orders were, to stand firm, and let the men of Bale answer for their own actions; and surely, said I to myself, my gossip Arnold knows better than all of us what is fitting to be done.”
“Ah, Rudolph, Rudolph,” said the Landamman, looking on him with a displeased160 countenance, “wert thou not ashamed thus to deceive an old man?”
“To say I deceived him is a hard charge; but from you, Landamman,” answered the Bernese, with his usual deference161, “I can bear anything. I will only say, that, being a member of this embassy, I am obliged to think, and to give my opinion as such, especially when he is not present who is wise enough to lead and direct us all.”
“Thy words are always fair, Rudolph,” replied Arnold Biederman, “and I trust so is thy meaning. Yet there are times when I somewhat doubt it. — But let disputes pass, and let me have your advice, my friends; and for that purpose go we where it may best profit us, even to the Church, where we will first return our thanks for our deliverance from assassination162, and then hold counsel what next is to be done.”
The Landamman led the way, accordingly, to the Church of St. Paul’s, while his companions and associates followed in their order. This gave Rudolph, who, as youngest, suffered the others to precede him, an opportunity to beckon163 to him the Landamman’s eldest164 son. Rudiger, and whisper to him to get rid of the two English merchants.
“Away with them, my dear Rudiger, by fair means, if possible; but away with them directly. Thy father is besotted with these two English pedlers, and will listen to no other counsel and thou and I know, dearest Rudiger, that such men as these are unfit to give laws to free-born Switzers. Get the trumpery165 they have been robbed of, or as much of it as is extant, together as fast as thou canst, and send them a-travelling in Heaven’s name.”
Rudiger nodded intelligently, and went to offer his services to expedite the departure of the elder Philipson. He found the sagacious merchant as desirous to escape from the scene of confusion now presented in the town, as the young Swiss could be to urge his departure. He only waited to recover the casket of which De Hagenbach had possessed166 himself, and Rudiger Biederman set on foot a strict search after it, which was the more likely to be successful, that the simplicity167 of the Swiss prevented them from setting the true value upon its contents. A strict and hasty search was immediately instituted, both on the person of the dead De Hagenbach, on which the precious packet was not to be found, and on all who had approached him at his execution, or were supposed to enjoy his confidence.
Young Arthur Philipson would gladly have availed himself of a few moments to bid farewell to Anne of Geierstein. But the gray wimple was no longer seen in the ranks of the Switzers, and it was reasonable to think, that, in the confusion which followed the execution of De Hagenbach, and the retreat of the leaders of the little battalion170, she had made her escape into some of the adjacent houses, while the soldiers around her, no longer restrained by the presence of their chiefs, had dispersed171, some to search for the goods of which the Englishmen had been despoiled172, others doubtless to mingle173 with and join in the rejoicings of the victorious174 youths of Bale, and of those burghers of La Ferette by whom the fortifications of the town had been so gently surrendered.
The cry amongst them was universal, that Breisach, so long considered as the curb175 of the Swiss confederates, and the barrier against their commerce, should henceforth be garrisoned, as their protection against the encroachments and exactions of the Duke of Burgundy and his officers. The whole town was in a wild but joyful176 jubilee177, while the citizens vied with each other in offering to the Swiss every species of refreshment178, and the youths who attended upon the mission hurried gayly, and in triumph, to profit by the circumstances, which had so unexpectedly converted the ambuscade so treacherously179 laid for them, into a genial180 and joyous181 reception.
Amid this scene of confusion, it was impossible for Arthur to quit his father, even to satisfy the feelings which induced him to wish for a few moments at his own disposal. Sad, thoughtful, and sorrowful, amid the general joy, he remained with the parent whom he had so much reason to love and honor, to assist him in securing and placing on their mule3 the various packages and bales which the honest Switzers had recovered after the death of De Hagenbach, and which they emulated182 each other in bringing to their rightful owner while they were with difficulty prevailed on to accept the guerdon which the Englishman, from the means which he had still left upon his person, was disposed not merely to offer, but to force upon the restorers of his property, and which, in their rude and simple ideas, seemed greatly to exceed the value of what they had recovered for him.
This scene had scarcely lasted ten or fifteen minutes, when Rudolph Donnerhugel approached the elder Philipson, and in a tone of great courtesy invited him to join the council of the Chiefs of the embassy of the Swiss Cantons, who, he said, were desirous of having the advantage of his experience upon some important questions respecting their conduct on these unexpected occurrences.
“See to our affairs, Arthur, and stir not from the spot on which I leave you,” said Philipson to his son. “Look especially after the sealed packet of which I was so infamously183 and illegally robbed its recovery is of the utmost consequence.”
So speaking, he instantly prepared himself to attend the Bernese, who, in a confidential184 manner, whispered, as he went arm-and-arm with him towards the Church of St. Paul’s —
“I think a man of your wisdom will scarce advise us to trust ourselves to the mood of the Duke of Burgundy, when he has received such an injury as the loss of this fortress, and the execution of his officer. You, at least, would be too judicious185 to afford us any farther the advantage of your company and society, since to do so would be wilfully186 to engage in our shipwreck187.”
“I will give my best advice,” answered Philipson, “when I shall be more particularly acquainted with the circumstances under which it is asked of me.”
Rudolph muttered an oath, or angry exclamation188, and led Philipson to the church without farther argument.
In a small chapel189 adjoining to the church, and dedicated190 to St. Magnus the Martyr191, the four deputies were assembled in close conclave192 around tbe shrine193 in which the sainted hero stood, armed as when he lived. The Priest of St. Paul’s was also present, and seemed to interest himself deeply in the debate which was taking place. When Philipson entered, all were for a moment silent, until the Landamman addressed him thus : — “Seignor Philipson, we esteem194 you a man far travelled, well versed195 in the manners of foreign lands, and acquainted with the conditions of this Duke Charles of Burgundy; you are therefore fit to advise us in a matter of great weight. You know with what anxiety we go on this mission for peace with the Duke: you also know what has this day happened, which may probably be represented to Charles in the worst colors; — would you advise us, in such a case, to proceed to the Duke’s presence, with the odium of this action attached to us; or should we do better to return home, and prepare for war with Burgundy?”
“How do your own opinions stand on the subject?” said the cautious Englishman.
“We are divided,” answered the Banneret of Berne. — “I have borne the banner of Berne against her foes196 for thirty years; I am more willing to carry it against the lances of the knights of Hainault and Lorraine, than to undergo the rude treatment which we must look to meet at the footstool of the Duke.”
“We put our heads in the lion’s mouth if we go forward,” said Zimmerman of Soleure : — “my opinion is, that we draw back.”
“I would not advise retreat,” said Rudolph Donnerhugel, were my life alone concerned: but the Landamman of Unterwalden is the father of the United Cantons, and it would be parricide197 if I consented to put his life in peril42. My advice is, that we return, and that the Confederacy stand on their defence.”
“My opinion is different,” said Arnold Biederman; “nor will I forgive any man, who, whether in sincere or feigned198 friendship, places my poor life in the scale with the advantage of the Cantons. If we go forward, we risk our heads — be it so. But if we turn back we involve our country in war with a power of the first magnitude in Europe. Worthy citizens! you are brave in fight, — show your fortitude199 as boldly now; and let us not hesitate to incur200 such personal danger as may attend ourselves, if by doing so we can gain a chance of peace for our country.”
I think and vote with my neighbor and gossip, Arnald Biederman,” said the laconic201 deputy from Schwytz.
“You hear how we are divided in opinion,” said the Landamman to Philipson; “what is your opinion?”
“I would first ask of you,” said the Englishman, “what has been your part in the storming of a town occupied by the Duke’s forces, and putting to death his Governor.”
“So help me, Heaven!” said the Landamman, “as I knew not of any purpose of storming the town until it unexpectedly took place.”
“And for the execution of De Hagenbach,” said the Black Priest, “I swear to you, stranger, by my holy order, that it took place under the direction of a competent court, whose sentence Charles of Burgundy himself is bound to respect, and whose proceedings202 the Deputies of the Swiss mission could neither have advanced nor retarded203.”
“If such be the case, and if you can really prove yourselves free of these proceedings,” answered Philipson, “which must needs be highly resented by the Duke of Burgundy, I would advise you by all means to proceed upon your journey; with the certainty that you will obtain from that prince a just and impartial204 hearing, and it may be a favorable answer. I know Charles of Burgundy; I may even say that, our different ranks and walks of life considered, I know him well. He will be deeply incensed by the first tidings of what has here chanced, which he will no doubt interpret to your disfavor. But if, in the course of investigation205, you are able to clear yourselves of these foul imputations, a sense of his own injustice206 may perhaps turn the balance in your favor; and in that case, he will rush from the excess of censure207 into that of indulgence. But your cause must be firmly stated to the Duke, by some tongue better acquainted with the language of courts than yours; and such a friendly interpreter might I have proved to you, had I not been plundered208 of the valuable packet which I bore with me in order to present to the Duke, and in testimony209 of my commission to him.”
“A paltry fetch,” whispered Donnerhugel to the Banneret, “that the trader may obtain from us satisfaction for the goods of which he has been plundered.”
The Landamman himself was perhaps for a moment of the same opinion.
“Merchant,” he said, “we hold ourselves bound to make good to you, — that is, if our substance can effect it, — whatever loss you may have sustained, trusting to our protection.”
“Ay, that we will,” said the old man of Schwytz, “should it cost us twenty zechins to make it good.”
“To your guarantee of immunity210 I can name no claim,” said Philipson, ” seeing I parted company with you before I sustained any loss. And I regret the loss, not so much for its value, although that is greater than you may fancy; hut chiefly because, that the contents of the casket I bore being a token betwixt a person of considerable importance and the Duke of Burgundy, I shall not, I fear, now that I am deprived of them, receive from his grace that credence which I desire, both for my own sake and yours. Without them, and speaking only in the person of a private traveller, I may not take upon me as I might have done, when using the names of the persons whose mandates211 I carried.”
“This important packet,” said the Landamman, “Shall be most rigorously sought for, and carefully re-delivered to thee. I nor ourselves, not a Swiss of us knows the value of its contents so that, if they are in the hands of any of our men, they will he returned of course as baubles212, upon which they set no value.”
As he spoke, there was a knocking at the door of the chapel Rudolph, who stood nearest to it, having held some communication with those without, observed with a smile, which he instantly repressed, lest it had given offence to Arnold Biederman, — “It is Sigismund, the good youth — Shall I admit him to our council?”
“To what purpose, poor simple lad?” said his father, with a sorrowful smile.
“Yet let me undo100 the door,” said Philipson; “he is anxious to enter, and perhaps he brings news. I have observed, Landamman, that the young man, though with slowness of ideas and expression, is strong in his principles, and sometimes happy in his conceptions.”
He admitted Sigismund accordingly; while Arnold Biederman felt, on the one hand, the soothing213 compliment which Philipson had paid to a boy, certainly the dullest of his family, and on the other, feared some public display of his son’s infirmity, or lack of understanding. Sigismund, however, seemed all confidence; and he certainly had reason to be so, since as the shortest mode of explanation, he presented to Philipson the necklace of diamonds, with the casket in which it had been deposited.
“This pretty thing is yours,” he said. “I understand so much from your son Arthur, who tells me you would be glad to have it again.”
“Most cordially do I thank you,” said the merchant. “The necklace is certainly mine; that is, the packet of which it formed the contents was under my charge; and it is at this moment of greater additional value to me than even its actual worth, since it serves as my pledge and token for the performance of an important mission — And how, my young friend,” he continued addressing Sigismund, “have you been so fortunate as to recover what we have sought for hitherto in vain? Let me return my best acknowledgments; and do not think be over curious if I ask how it reached you.”
“For that matter,” said Sigismund, “the story is soon told. I had planted myself as near the scaffold as I could, having never beheld214 an execution before; and I observed the executioner, who I thought did his duty very cleverly, just in the moment that he spread a cloth over the body of De Hagenhach, snatch something from the dead man’s bosom215, and huddle216 it hastily into his own; so, when the rumor217 arose that an article of value was amissing, I hurried in quest of the fellow. I found he had bespoke218 masses to the extent of a hundred crowns at the high altar of St. Paul’s; and I traced him to the tavern219 of the village, where some ill-looking men were joyously220 drinking to him as a free citizen and a nobleman. So I stepped in amongst them with my partisan9, and demanded of his lordship either to surrender to me what he had thus possessed himself of, or to try the weight of the weapon I carried. His lordship, my Lord Hangman, hesitated, and was about to make a brawl221. But I was something peremptory222, and so he judged it best to give me the parcel, which I trust you, Seignor Philipson, will find safe and entire as it was taken from you. And — and I left them to conclude their festivities — and that is the whole of the story.”
Thou art a brave lad,” said Philipson; “and with aheart always right, the head can seldom be far wrong. But the Church shall not lose its dues; and I take it on myself, ere I leave La Ferette, to pay for the masses which the man had ordered for the sake of De Hagenbach’s soul, snatched from the world so unexpectedly.”
Sigismund was about to reply; but Philipson, fearing he might bring out some foolery to diminish the sense which his father had so joyously entertained of his late conduct, immediately added, “Hie away, my good youth, and give to my son Arthur this precious casket.”
With simple exultation223 at receiving applause to which he was little accustomed, Sigismund took his leave, and the council was once more left to their own privacy.
There was a moment’s silence for the Landamman could not overcome the feeling of exquisite224 pleasure at the sagacity which poor Sigismund, whose general conduct warranted no such expectations, had displayed on the present occasion. It was not, however, a feeling to which circumstances permitted him to give vent93, and he reserved it for his own secret enjoyment225, as a solace226 to the anxiety which be had hitherto entertained concerning the limited intellect of this simple-minded young man. When he spoke, it was to Philipson, with the usual candor227 and manliness228 of his character.
“Seignor Philipson,” he said, “we will hold you bound by no offer which you made while these glittering matters were out of your possession; because a man may often think, that if he were in such and such a situation, he would he able to achieve certain ends, which, that position being attained, he may find himself unable to accomplish. But I now ask you whether, having thus fortunately and unexpectedly regained229 possession of what you say will give you certain credence with the Duke of Burgundy, you conceive yourself entitled to mediate169 with him on our behalf, as you formerly230 proposed?”
All bent231 forward to hear the merchant’s answer.
“Landamman,” he replied, “I never spoke the word in difficulty which I was not ready to redeem232 when that difficulty was removed. You say, and I believe, that you had no concern with this sto~ing of La Ferette. You say also, that the life of De Hagenbach was taken by a judicature over which you had no control, and exercised none — let a protocol233 be drawn up, averring234 these circumstances, and, as far as possible, proving them. Intrust it to me, — under seal if you will, — and if such points he established, I will pledge my word as a — as a — as an honest man and a true-born Englishman, that the Duke of Burgundy will neither detain or offer you any personal injury. I also hope to show to Charles strong and weighty reasons why a league of friendship betwixt Burgundy and the United Cantons of Helvetia is, on his grace’s part, a wise and generous measure. But it is possible I may fail in this last point; and if I do, I shall deeply grieve it. In warranting your safe passage to the Duke’s court, and your safe return from it to your own country, I think I cannot fail. If I do, my own life, and that of my beloved and only child, shall pay the ransom for my excess of confidence in the Duke’s justice and honor.’
The other deputies stood silent, and looked on the Landamman; but Rudolph Donnerhugel spoke.
Are we then to trust our own lives, and what is still dearer to us, that of our honored associate, Arnold Biederman, on the simple word of a foreign trader? We all know the temper of the Duke, and how vindictively235 and relentlessly236 he has ever felt towards our country and its interests. Methinks this English merchant should express the nature of his interest at the court of Burgundy more plainly, if he expects us to place such implicit168 reliance in it.”
“That, Seignor Rudolph Donnerhugel,” replied the merchant, “I find myself not at liberty to do. I pry237 not into your secrets, whether they belong to you as a body or as individuals. My own are sacred. If I consulted my own safety merely, I should act most wisely to part company with you here. But the object of your mission is peace; and your sudden return, after what has chanced at La Ferette, will make war inevitable238. I think I can assure you of a safe and free audience from the Duke, and I am willing, for the chance of securing the peace of Christendom, to encounter any personal peril which may attach to myself.”
“Say no more, worthy Philipson,” said the Landamman; “thy good faith is undoubted on our part, and ill luck is his who cannot read it written on thy manly239 forehead. We go forward, then, prepared to risk our own safety at the hand of a despotic prince, rather than leave undischarged the mission which our country has intrusted us with. He is but half a brave man who will risk his life only in the field of battle. There are other dangers, to front which is equally honorable; and since the weal of Switzerland demands that we should encounter them, not one of us will hesitate to take the risk.”
The other members of the mission bowed in assent240, and the conclave broke up to prepare for their farther entrance into Burgundy.
收听单词发音 |
1
fortress
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| n.堡垒，防御工事 | |
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2
mules
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| 骡( mule的名词复数 )； 拖鞋； 顽固的人； 越境运毒者 | |
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mule
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| n.骡子，杂种，执拗的人 | |
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4
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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squire
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| n.护卫, 侍从, 乡绅 | |
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paltry
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| adj.无价值的，微不足道的 | |
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copper
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| n.铜；铜币；铜器；adj.铜(制)的；(紫)铜色的 | |
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marrow
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| n.骨髓；精华；活力 | |
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9
partisan
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| adj.党派性的；游击队的；n.游击队员；党徒 | |
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partisans
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| 游击队员( partisan的名词复数 )； 党人； 党羽； 帮伙 | |
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snail
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| n.蜗牛 | |
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inflexible
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| adj.不可改变的，不受影响的，不屈服的 | |
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13
fraught
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| adj.充满…的，伴有(危险等)的；忧虑的 | |
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14
specially
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| adv.特定地；特殊地；明确地 | |
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15
contemns
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| v.侮辱，蔑视( contemn的第三人称单数 ) | |
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blithely
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| adv.欢乐地，快活地，无挂虑地 | |
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17
despoiling
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| v.掠夺，抢劫( despoil的现在分词 ) | |
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18
mole
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| n.胎块；痣；克分子 | |
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19
ruffle
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| v.弄皱，弄乱；激怒，扰乱；n.褶裥饰边 | |
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garrison
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| n.卫戍部队；驻地，卫戍区；vt.派(兵)驻防 | |
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21
churl
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| n.吝啬之人；粗鄙之人 | |
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22
fray
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| v.争吵；打斗；磨损，磨破；n.吵架；打斗 | |
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23
inquiry
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| n.打听，询问，调查，查问 | |
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dominions
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| 统治权( dominion的名词复数 )； 领土； 疆土； 版图 | |
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irresolute
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| adj.无决断的，优柔寡断的，踌躇不定的 | |
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26
brace
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| n. 支柱,曲柄,大括号; v. 绷紧,顶住,(为困难或坏事)做准备 | |
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27
buckled
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| a. 有带扣的 | |
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panoply
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| n.全副甲胄，礼服 | |
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knight
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| n.骑士，武士；爵士 | |
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pretext
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| n.借口，托词 | |
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31
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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32
bugle
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| n.军号，号角，喇叭；v.吹号，吹号召集 | |
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exasperated
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| adj.恼怒的 | |
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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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creased
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| （使…）起折痕，弄皱( crease的过去式和过去分词 )； （皮肤）皱起，使起皱纹； 皱皱巴巴 | |
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impatience
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| n.不耐烦，急躁 | |
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ambling
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| v.（马）缓行( amble的现在分词 )；从容地走，漫步 | |
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garrisoned
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| 卫戍部队守备( garrison的过去式和过去分词 )； 派部队驻防 | |
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conjecture
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| n./v.推测，猜测 | |
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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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bonnet
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| n.无边女帽；童帽 | |
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42
peril
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| n.(严重的)危险；危险的事物 | |
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perilous
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| adj.危险的，冒险的 | |
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repose
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| v.(使)休息；n.安息 | |
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insolent
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| adj.傲慢的，无理的 | |
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demeanor
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| n.行为；风度 | |
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accredited
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| adj.可接受的；可信任的；公认的；质量合格的v.相信( accredit的过去式和过去分词 )；委托；委任；把…归结于 | |
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48
steadfast
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| adj.固定的，不变的，不动摇的；忠实的；坚贞不移的 | |
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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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50
avert
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| v.防止，避免；转移(目光、注意力等) | |
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51
Christian
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| adj.基督教徒的；n.基督教徒 | |
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52
standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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53
credence
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| n.信用，祭器台，供桌，凭证 | |
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54
wilful
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| adj.任性的，故意的 | |
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55
backwards
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| adv.往回地，向原处，倒，相反，前后倒置地 | |
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56
ticklish
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| adj.怕痒的；问题棘手的；adv.怕痒地；n.怕痒，小心处理 | |
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57
dealers
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| n.商人( dealer的名词复数 )；贩毒者；毒品贩子；发牌者 | |
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58
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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59
recoils
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| n.（尤指枪炮的）反冲，后坐力( recoil的名词复数 )v.畏缩( recoil的第三人称单数 )；退缩；报应；返回 | |
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onward
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| adj.向前的，前进的；adv.向前，前进，在先 | |
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hap
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| n.运气；v.偶然发生 | |
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62
deterring
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| v.阻止，制止( deter的现在分词 ) | |
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barricade
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| n.路障，栅栏，障碍；vt.设路障挡住 | |
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64
intruded
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| n.侵入的，推进的v.侵入，侵扰，打扰( intrude的过去式和过去分词 )；把…强加于 | |
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65
intrude
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| vi.闯入；侵入；打扰，侵扰 | |
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66
insurgent
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| adj.叛乱的，起事的；n.叛乱分子 | |
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67
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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insignificant
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| adj.无关紧要的，可忽略的，无意义的 | |
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69
insolence
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| n.傲慢；无礼；厚颜；傲慢的态度 | |
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70
negotiation
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| n.谈判，协商 | |
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71
mighty
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| adj.强有力的；巨大的 | |
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72
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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73
condign
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| adj.应得的，相当的 | |
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74
haughty
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| adj.傲慢的，高傲的 | |
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75
chestnuts
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| n.栗子( chestnut的名词复数 )；栗色；栗树；栗色马 | |
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76
warfare
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| n.战争(状态)；斗争；冲突 | |
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77
ransom
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| n.赎金，赎身；v.赎回，解救 | |
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78
ridicule
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| v.讥讽，挖苦；n.嘲弄 | |
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79
hind
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| adj.后面的，后部的 | |
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80
stipulate
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| vt.规定，（作为条件）讲定，保证 | |
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81
thither
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| adv.向那里；adj.在那边的，对岸的 | |
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82
fetters
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| n.脚镣( fetter的名词复数 )；束缚v.给…上脚镣，束缚( fetter的第三人称单数 ) | |
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83
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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84
encompassed
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| v.围绕( encompass的过去式和过去分词 )；包围；包含；包括 | |
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85
toil
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| vi.辛劳工作，艰难地行动；n.苦工，难事 | |
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86
subdue
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| vt.制服，使顺从，征服；抑制，克制 | |
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87
determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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88
onset
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| n.进攻，袭击，开始，突然开始 | |
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89
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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90
contrived
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| adj.不自然的，做作的；虚构的 | |
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91
hovered
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| 鸟( hover的过去式和过去分词 )； 靠近（某事物）； （人）徘徊； 犹豫 | |
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92
defiance
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| n.挑战，挑衅，蔑视，违抗 | |
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93
vent
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| n.通风口，排放口；开衩；vt.表达，发泄 | |
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94
repel
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| v.击退，抵制，拒绝，排斥 | |
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95
dungeon
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| n.地牢，土牢 | |
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96
dungeons
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| n.地牢( dungeon的名词复数 ) | |
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97
slaying
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| 杀戮。 | |
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98
worthy
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| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
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99
rusted
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| v.（使）生锈( rust的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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100
undo
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| vt.解开，松开；取消，撤销 | |
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101
undoing
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| n.毁灭的原因，祸根；破坏，毁灭 | |
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102
countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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103
conquerors
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| 征服者，占领者( conqueror的名词复数 ) | |
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104
remarkably
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| ad.不同寻常地，相当地 | |
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105
lair
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| n.野兽的巢穴；躲藏处 | |
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106
tumult
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| n.喧哗；激动，混乱；吵闹 | |
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107
tempestuous
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| adj.狂暴的 | |
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108
staple
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| n.主要产物，常用品，主要要素，原料，订书钉，钩环；adj.主要的，重要的；vt.分类 | |
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109
liberated
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| a.无拘束的，放纵的 | |
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110
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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111
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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112
ciphers
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| n.密码( cipher的名词复数 )；零；不重要的人；无价值的东西 | |
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113
scurvily
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| 下流地，粗鄙地，无礼地 | |
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114
severely
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| adv.严格地；严厉地；非常恶劣地 | |
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115
pillage
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| v.抢劫；掠夺；n.抢劫，掠夺；掠夺物 | |
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116
arid
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| adj.干旱的；(土地)贫瘠的 | |
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117
license
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| n.执照，许可证，特许；v.许可，特许 | |
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118
politic
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| adj.有智虑的；精明的；v.从政 | |
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119
deserted
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| adj.荒芜的，荒废的，无人的，被遗弃的 | |
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120
stratagem
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| n.诡计，计谋 | |
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121
fretted
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| 焦躁的，附有弦马的，腐蚀的 | |
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122
serenity
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| n.宁静，沉着，晴朗 | |
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123
apprehensive
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| adj.担心的，恐惧的，善于领会的 | |
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124
incensed
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| 盛怒的 | |
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125
detention
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| n.滞留，停留；拘留，扣留；(教育)留下 | |
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126
ascended
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| v.上升，攀登( ascend的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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127
assail
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| v.猛烈攻击，抨击，痛斥 | |
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128
disarmed
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| v.裁军( disarm的过去式和过去分词 )；使息怒 | |
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129
obstruct
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| v.阻隔，阻塞(道路、通道等)；n.阻碍物，障碍物 | |
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130
planks
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| （厚）木板( plank的名词复数 )； 政纲条目，政策要点 | |
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131
attired
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| adj.穿着整齐的v.使穿上衣服，使穿上盛装( attire的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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132
brandished
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| v.挥舞( brandish的过去式和过去分词 )；炫耀 | |
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133
dexterity
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| n.(手的)灵巧，灵活 | |
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134
corpse
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| n.尸体，死尸 | |
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135
arteries
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| n.动脉( artery的名词复数 )；干线，要道 | |
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136
strewed
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| v.撒在…上( strew的过去式和过去分词 )；散落于；点缀；撒满 | |
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137
approbation
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| n.称赞；认可 | |
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138
judgment
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| n.审判；判断力，识别力，看法，意见 | |
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139
reiterated
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| 反复地说，重申( reiterate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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140
tyrant
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| n.暴君，专制的君主，残暴的人 | |
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141
obeisance
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| n.鞠躬，敬礼 | |
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142
attained
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| （通常经过努力）实现( attain的过去式和过去分词 )； 达到； 获得； 达到（某年龄、水平、状况） | |
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143
expend
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| vt.花费，消费，消耗 | |
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144
bestowed
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| 赠给，授予( bestow的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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145
prosper
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| v.成功，兴隆，昌盛；使成功，使昌隆，繁荣 | |
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146
homage
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| n.尊敬，敬意，崇敬 | |
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147
transformation
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| n.变化；改造；转变 | |
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148
extremity
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| n.末端，尽头；尽力；终极；极度 | |
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149
rendezvous
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| n.约会，约会地点，汇合点；vi.汇合，集合；vt.使汇合，使在汇合地点相遇 | |
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150
pawn
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| n.典当，抵押，小人物，走卒；v.典当，抵押 | |
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151
levied
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| 征（兵）( levy的过去式和过去分词 )； 索取； 发动（战争）； 征税 | |
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152
displease
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| vt.使不高兴，惹怒；n.不悦，不满，生气 | |
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153
abjure
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| v.发誓放弃 | |
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154
redressed
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| v.改正( redress的过去式和过去分词 )；重加权衡；恢复平衡 | |
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155
modesty
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| n.谦逊，虚心，端庄，稳重，羞怯，朴素 | |
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156
miserable
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| adj.悲惨的，痛苦的；可怜的，糟糕的 | |
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157
slandered
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| 造谣中伤( slander的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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158
inciting
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| 刺激的，煽动的 | |
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159
tenacious
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| adj.顽强的，固执的，记忆力强的，粘的 | |
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160
displeased
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| a.不快的 | |
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161
deference
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| n.尊重，顺从；敬意 | |
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162
assassination
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| n.暗杀；暗杀事件 | |
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163
beckon
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| v.(以点头或打手势)向...示意，召唤 | |
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164
eldest
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| adj.最年长的，最年老的 | |
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165
trumpery
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| n.无价值的杂物；adj.（物品）中看不中用的 | |
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166
possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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167
simplicity
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| n.简单，简易；朴素；直率，单纯 | |
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168
implicit
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| a.暗示的，含蓄的，不明晰的，绝对的 | |
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169
mediate
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| vi.调解，斡旋；vt.经调解解决；经斡旋促成 | |
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170
battalion
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| n.营；部队；大队(的人) | |
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171
dispersed
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| adj. 被驱散的, 被分散的, 散布的 | |
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172
despoiled
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| v.掠夺，抢劫( despoil的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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173
mingle
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| vt.使混合，使相混；vi.混合起来；相交往 | |
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174
victorious
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| adj.胜利的，得胜的 | |
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175
curb
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| n.场外证券市场，场外交易；vt.制止，抑制 | |
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176
joyful
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| adj.欢乐的，令人欢欣的 | |
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177
jubilee
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| n.周年纪念；欢乐 | |
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178
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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179
treacherously
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| 背信弃义地； 背叛地； 靠不住地； 危险地 | |
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180
genial
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| adj.亲切的，和蔼的，愉快的，脾气好的 | |
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181
joyous
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| adj.充满快乐的；令人高兴的 | |
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182
emulated
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| v.与…竞争( emulate的过去式和过去分词 )；努力赶上；计算机程序等仿真；模仿 | |
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183
infamously
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| 不名誉地 | |
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184
confidential
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| adj.秘（机）密的，表示信任的，担任机密工作的 | |
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185
judicious
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| adj.明智的，明断的，能作出明智决定的 | |
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186
wilfully
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| adv.任性固执地；蓄意地 | |
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187
shipwreck
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| n.船舶失事，海难 | |
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188
exclamation
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| n.感叹号，惊呼，惊叹词 | |
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189
chapel
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| n.小教堂，殡仪馆 | |
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190
dedicated
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| adj.一心一意的；献身的；热诚的 | |
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191
martyr
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| n.烈士，殉难者；vt.杀害，折磨，牺牲 | |
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192
conclave
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| n.秘密会议，红衣主教团 | |
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193
shrine
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| n.圣地，神龛，庙；v.将...置于神龛内，把...奉为神圣 | |
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194
esteem
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| n.尊敬，尊重；vt.尊重，敬重；把…看作 | |
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195
versed
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| adj. 精通，熟练 | |
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196
foes
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| 敌人，仇敌( foe的名词复数 ) | |
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197
parricide
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| n.杀父母；杀亲罪 | |
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198
feigned
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| a.假装的，不真诚的 | |
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199
fortitude
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| n.坚忍不拔；刚毅 | |
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200
incur
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| vt.招致，蒙受，遭遇 | |
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201
laconic
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| adj.简洁的；精练的 | |
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202
proceedings
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| n.进程，过程，议程；诉讼(程序)；公报 | |
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203
retarded
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| a.智力迟钝的，智力发育迟缓的 | |
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204
impartial
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|
| adj.(in,to)公正的，无偏见的 | |
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investigation
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| n.调查，调查研究 | |
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injustice
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| n.非正义，不公正，不公平，侵犯（别人的）权利 | |
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censure
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| v./n.责备；非难；责难 | |
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208
plundered
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| 掠夺，抢劫( plunder的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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testimony
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| n.证词；见证，证明 | |
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immunity
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| n.优惠；免除；豁免，豁免权 | |
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mandates
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| 托管（mandate的第三人称单数形式） | |
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baubles
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| n.小玩意( bauble的名词复数 )；华而不实的小件装饰品；无价值的东西；丑角的手杖 | |
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soothing
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| adj.慰藉的；使人宽心的；镇静的 | |
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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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bosom
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| n.胸，胸部；胸怀；内心；adj.亲密的 | |
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huddle
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| vi.挤作一团；蜷缩；vt.聚集；n.挤在一起的人 | |
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rumor
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| n.谣言，谣传，传说 | |
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bespoke
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| adj.（产品）订做的；专做订货的v.预定( bespeak的过去式 )；订（货）；证明；预先请求 | |
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tavern
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| n.小旅馆，客栈；小酒店 | |
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joyously
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| ad.快乐地, 高兴地 | |
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brawl
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| n.大声争吵，喧嚷；v.吵架，对骂 | |
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222
peremptory
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| adj.紧急的，专横的，断然的 | |
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exultation
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| n.狂喜，得意 | |
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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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enjoyment
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| n.乐趣；享有；享用 | |
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226
solace
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| n.安慰；v.使快乐；vt.安慰(物)，缓和 | |
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candor
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| n.坦白，率真 | |
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228
manliness
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| 刚毅 | |
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regained
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| 复得( regain的过去式和过去分词 )； 赢回； 重回； 复至某地 | |
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formerly
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| adv.从前，以前 | |
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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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redeem
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| v.买回，赎回，挽回，恢复，履行（诺言等） | |
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protocol
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| n.议定书，草约，会谈记录，外交礼节 | |
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averring
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| v.断言( aver的现在分词 )；证实；证明…属实；作为事实提出 | |
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vindictively
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| adv.恶毒地；报复地 | |
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236
relentlessly
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| adv.不屈不挠地；残酷地；不间断 | |
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237
pry
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| vi.窥(刺)探，打听；vt.撬动(开，起) | |
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238
inevitable
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| adj.不可避免的，必然发生的 | |
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239
manly
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| adj.有男子气概的；adv.男子般地，果断地 | |
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240
assent
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| v.批准，认可；n.批准，认可 | |
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