Macbeth. — How now, ye secret, black, and midnight hags,
What is’t ye do?
Witches — A deed without a name.
Macbeth.
We have said in the conclusion of the last chapter, that, after a day of unwonted fatigue1 and extraordinary excitation, the merchant, Philipson, naturally expected to forget so many agitating2 passages in that deep and profound repose3, which is at once the consequence and the cure of extreme exhaustion4. But he was no sooner laid on his lowly pallet, than he felt that the bodily machine, over-labored by so much exercise, was little disposed to the charms of sleep. The mind bad been too much excited, the body was far too feverish5, to suffer him to partake of needful rest. His anxiety about the safety of his son, his conjectures6 concerning the issue of his mission to the Duke of Burgundy, and a thousand other thoughts which recalled past events, or speculated on those which were to come, rushed upon his mind like the waves of a perturbed7 sea, and prevented all tendency to repose. He had been in bed about an hour, and sleep had not yet approached his couch, when he felt that the pallet on which he lay was sinking below him, and that he was in the act of descending8 along with it he knew not whither The sound of ropes and pulleys was also indistinctly heard, though every caution had been taken to make them run smooth; and the traveller, by feeling around him, became sensible that he and the bed on which he lay had been spread upon a large trap-door which was capable of being let down into the vaults9, or apartments beneath.
Philipson felt fear in circumstances so well qualified11 to produce it; for how could he hope, a safe termination to an adventure which had begun so strangely? But his apprehensions12 were those of a brave, ready-witted man, who, even in the extremity13 of danger, which appeared to surround him, preserved his presence of mind. His descent seemed to be cautiously managed, and he held himself in readiness to start to his feet and defend himself, as soon as he should be once more upon firm ground. Although somewhat advanced in years, he was a man of great personal vigor14 and activity, and unless taken at advantage, which no doubt was at present much to be apprehended15, he was likely to make a formidable defence. His plan of resistance, however, had been anticipated. He no sooner reached the bottom of the vault10, down to which he was lowered, than two men, who had been waiting there till the operation was completed, laid hands on him from either side, and forcibly preventing him from starting up as he intended, cast a rope over his arms, and made him a prisoner as effectually as when he was in the dungeons16 of La Ferette. He was obliged, therefore, to remain passive and unresisting, and await the termination of this formidable adventure. Secured as he was, he could only turn his head from, one side to the other, and it was with joy that be at length saw lights twinkle, but they appeared at a great distance from him.
From the irregular manner in which these scattered17 lights advanced, sometimes keeping a straight line, sometimes mixing and crossing each other, it might be inferred that the subterranean18 vault in which they appeared was of very considerable extent. Their number also increased; and as they collected more together, Philipson could perceive that the lights proceeded from many torches, borne by men muffled19 in black cloaks, like mourners at a funeral, or the Black Friars of Saint Francis’s Order, wearing their cowls drawn20 over their heads so as to conceal21 their features. They appeared anxiously engaged in measuring off a portion of the apartment, and while occupied in that employment they sang, in the ancient German language, rhymes more rude than Philipson could well understand, but which may be imitated thus
Measurers of good and evil,
Bring the square, the line, the level, —
Rear the altar, dig the trench22,
Blood both stone and ditch shall drench23.
Cubits six, from end to end,
Must the fatal bench extend, —
Cubits six, from side to side,
Judge and culprit must divide.
On the east the Court assembles,
On the west the Accused trembles
Answer, brethren, all and one,
Is the ritual rightly done?
A deep chorus seemed to reply to the question. Many voices joined in it, as well of persons already in the subterranean vault, as of others who as yet remained without in various galleries and passages which communicated with it, and whom Philipson now presumed to be very numerous. The answer chanted ran as follows —
On life and soul, on blood and bone,
One for all, and all for one,
We warrant this is rightly done.
The original strain was then renewed in the same manner as before —
How wears the night? —
Doth morning shine
In early radiance on the Rhine?
What music floats upon his tide?
Do birds the tardy24 morning chide25?
Brethren, look out from hill and height,
And answer true, how wears the night?
The answer was returned, though less loud than at first, and it seemed that those by whom the reply was given were at a much greater distance than before —; yet the words were distinctly heard.
The night is old; on Rhine's broad breast
Glance drowsy26 stars which long to rest.
No beams are twinkling in the east.
There is a voice upon the flood,
The stern still call of blood for blood;
’Tis time we listen the behest.
The chorus replied with many additional voices
Up, then, up! When day’s at rest,
’Tis time that such as we are watchers;
Rise to judgment27, brethren, rise!
Vengeance28 knows not sleepy eyes,
He and night are matchers.
The nature of the verses soon led Philipson to comprehend that he was in presence of the Initiated29, or the Wise Men; names which were applied30 to the celebrated31 Judges of the Secret Tribunal, which continued at that period to subsist32 in Swabia, Franconia, and other districts of the east of Germany, which was called perhaps, from the frightful33 and frequent occurrence of executions by command of those invisible Judges, the Red Land. Philipson had often heard that the seat of a free Count, or Chief of the Secret Tribunal, was secretly instituted even on the left bank of the Rhine, and that it maintained itself in Alsace, with the usual tenacity34 of those secret societies, though Duke Charles of Burgundy had expressed a desire to discover and discourage its influence so far as was possible, without exposing himself to danger from the thousands of poniards which that mysterious tribunal could put in activity against his own life; — an awful means of defence, which for a long time rendered it extremely hazardous35 for the sovereigns of Germany, and even the Emperors themselves, to put down by authority those singular associations.
So soon as this explanation flashed on the mind of Philipson, it gave some clew to the character and condition of the Black Priest of St. Paul’s. Supposing him to be a president, or chief official of the secret association, there was little wonder that he should confide36 so much in the inviolability of his terrible office, as to propose vindicating37 the execution of De Hagenbach; that his presence should surprise Bartholomew, whom he had power to have judged and executed upon the spot; and that his mere38 appearance at supper on the preceding evening would have appalled39 the guests; for though everything about the institution, its proceedings40 and its officers, was preserved in as much obscurity as is now practised in free-masonry, yet the secret was not so absolutely well kept as to prevent certain individuals from being guessed or hinted at as men initiated and intrusted with high authority by the Vehme-gericht, or tribunal of the bounds. When such suspicion attached to an individual, his secret power, and supposed acquaintance with all guilt41, however secret, which was committed within the society in which he was conversant42, made him at once the dread43 and hatred44 of every one who looked on him; and he enjoyed a high degree of personal respect, on the same terms on which it would have been yielded to a powerful enchanter, or a dreaded45 genie46. In conversing47 with such a person, it was especially necessary to abstain48 from all questions alluding49, however remotely, to the office which he bore in the Secret Tribunal; and, indeed to testify the least curiosity upon a subject so solemn and mysterious was sure to occasion some misfortune to the inquisitive50 person.
All these things rushed at once upon the mind of the Englishman, who felt that he had fallen into the hands of an unsparing tribunal, whose proceedings were so much dreaded by those who resided within the circle of tleir power, that the friendless stranger must stand a poor chance of receivmg justice at their hands, whatever might be his consciousness of innocence51. While Philipson made this melancholy52 reflection, he resolved, at the same time, not to forsake53 his own cause, but defend himself as he best might; conscious as he was that these terrible and irresponsible judges were nevertheless governed by certain rules of right and wrong, which formed a check on the rigors54 of their extraordinary code.
He lay, therefore, devising the best means of obviating55 the present danger, while the persons whom he beheld56 glimmered57 before him, less like distinct and individual forms than like the phantoms58 of a fever, or the phantasmagona with which a disease of the optic nerves has been known to people a sick man’s chamber59. At length they assembled in the centre of the apartment where they had first appeared, and seemed to arrange themselves into form and order. A great number of black torches were successively lighted, and the scene became distinctly visible. In the centre of the hall, Philipson could now perceive one of the altars which are sometimes to be found in ancient subterranean chapels60. But we must pause, in order briefly61 to describe, not the appearance only, but the nature and Constitution, of this temble court.
Behind the attar, which seemed to be the central point, on which all eyes were bent62, there were placed in parallel lines two benches covered with black cloth. Each was occupied by a number of persons, who seemed assembled as judges; but those who held the foremost bench were fewer, and appeared of a rank superior to those who crowded the seat most remote from the altar. The first seemed to be all men of some consequence, priests high in their order, knights63 or noblemen; and, notwithstanding an appearance of equality which seemed to pervade65 their singular institution, much more weight was laid upon their opinion, or testimonies66 They were called Free Knights, Counts, or whatever title they might bear, while the inferior class of the judges were only termed Free and worthy67 Burghers. For it must be observed, that the Vehmique Institution, 14 which was the name that it commonly bore, although, its power consisted in a wide system of espionage68, and the tyrannical application of force which acted upon it was yet (so rude were the ideas of enforcing public law) accounted to confer a privilege on the country in which is was received, and only freemen were allowed to experience its influence. Serfs and peasants could neither have a place among the Free Judges, their assessors, or assistants; for there was in this assembly even some idea of trying the culprit by his peers.
Besides the dignitaries who occupied the benches, there were others who stood around, and seemed to guard the various entrances to the hall of judgment, or, standing64 behind the seats on which their superiors were ranged, looked prepared to execute their commands. These were members of the order, though not of the highest ranks. Schoppen is the name generally assigned to them, signifying officials, or sergeants69 of the Vehmique Court, whose doom70 they stood sworn to enforce, through good report and bad report, against their own nearest and most beloved, as well as in cases of ordinary malefactors.
The Schoppen, or Scabini, as they were termed in Latin, had another horrible duty to perform — that, namely, of denouncing to the tribunal whatever came under their observation, that might be construed71 as an offence falling under its cognizance; or, in their language, a crime against the Vehme This duty extended to the judges as well as the assistants, and was to be discharged without respect of persons; so that, to know, and wilfully72 conceal, the guilt of a mother or brother, inferred, on the part of the unfaithful official, the same penalty as if he himself had committed the crime which his silence screened from punishment. Such an institution could only prevail at a time when ordinary means of justice were excluded by the hand of power, and when, in order to bring the guilty to punishment, it required all the influence and authority of such a confederacy. In no other country than one exposed to every species of feudal73 tyranny, and deprived of every ordinary mode of obtaining justice or redress74, could such a system have taken root and flourished.
We must now return to the brave Englishman, who, though feeling all the danger he encountered from so tremendous a tribunal, maintained nevertheless: a dignified75 and unaltered composure.
The meeting being assembled, a coil of ropes, and a naked sword, the well-known signals and emblems77 of Vehmique authority, were deposited on the altar; where the sword, from its being usually straight, with a cross handle, was considered as representing the blessed emblem76 of Christian78 Redemption, and the cord as indicating the right of criminal jurisdiction79, and capital punishment. Then the President of the meeting, who occupied the centre seat on the foremost bench, arose, and laying his hand on the symbols, pronounced aloud the formula expressive80 of the duty of the tribunal, which all the inferior judges and assistants repeated after him, in deep and hollow murmurs81.
“I swear by the Holy Trinity, to aid and co-operate, without relaxation83, in the things belonging to the Holy Vehme, to defend its doctrines84 and institutions against father and mother, brother and sister, wife and children; against fire, water, earth and air; against all that the sun enlightens; against all that the dew inoistens; against all created things of heaven and earth, or the waters under the earth; and I swear to give information to this holy judicature, of all that I know to be true, or hear repeated by credible85 testimony86 which, by the rules of the Holy Vehme, is deserving of animadversion or punishment; and that I will not cloak, cover, or conceal, such my knowledge, neither for love, friendship, or family affection, nor for gold, silver, or precious stones; neither wilt87 I associate with such as are under the sentence of this Sacred Tribunal, by hinting to a culprit his danger, or advising him to escape, or aiding and supplying him with counsel, or means to that effect; neither will I relieve such culprit with fire, clothes, food, or shelter, though my father should require from me a cup of water in the heat of summer noon, or my brother should request to sit by my fire in the bitterest cold night of winter: And further, I vow88 and promise to honor this holy association, and do its behests speedily, faithfully, and firmly, in preference to those of any other tribunal whatsoever89 — so help me God, and his holy Evangelists.”
When this oath of office had been taken, the President addressing the assembly, as men who judge in secret, and punish in secret like the Deity90, desired them to say, why this “child of the cord” 15 lay before them bound and helpless? An individual rose from the more remote bench, and in a voice which, though altered and agitated91, Philipson conceived that he recognized, declared himself the accuser, as bound by his oath, of the child of the cord, or prisoner, who lay before them.
“Bring forward the prisoner,” said the President, “duly secured, as is the order of our secret law but not with such severity as may interrupt his attention to the proceedings of the tribunal, or limit his power of hearing and replying.”
Six of the assistants immediately dragged forward the pallet and platform of boards on which Philipson lay, and advanced it towards the foot of the altar. This done, each unsheathed his dagger92, while two of them unloosed the cords by which the merchant’s hands were secured, and admonished93 him in a whisper, that the slightest attempt to resist or escape, would be the signal to stab him dead.
“Arise!” said the President; “listen to the charge to be preferred against you, and believe you shall in us find judges equally just and inflexible94.”
Philipson, carefully avoiding any gesture which might indicate a desire to escape, raised his body on the lower part of the couch, and remained seated, clothed as he was in his under-vest and calefons, or drawers, so as exactly to face the muffled President of the terrible court. Even in these agitating circumstances, the mind of the undaunted Englishman remained unshaken, and his eyelid95 did not quiver, nor his heart beat quicker, though he seemed, according to the expression of Scripture96, to be a pilgrim in the Valley of the Shadow of Death, beset97 by numerous snares98, and encompassed99 by total darkness, where light was most necessary for safety.
The President demanded his name, country, and occupation.
“John Philipson,” was the reply; “by birth an Englishman, by profession a merchant.”
“Have you ever borne any other name and profession?” demanded the Judge.
“I have been a soldier, and, like most others, had then a name by which I was known in war.”
“What was that name?”
“I laid it aside when I resigned my sword, and I do not desire again to be known by it. Moreover, I never bore it where your institutions have weight and authority,” answered the Englishman.
“Know you before whom you stand?” continued the Judge.
“I may at least guess,” replied the merchant.
“Tell your guess, then,” continued the interrogator100. “Say who we are, and wherefore are you before us?”
“I believe that I am before the Unknown, or Secret Tribunal, which is called Vehme-gericht.”
“Then you are aware,” answered the Judge, “that you would be safer if you were suspended by the hair over the Abyss of Schaffhausen, or if you lay below an axe101, which a thread of silk alone kept back from the fall. What have you done to deserve such a fate?”
“Let those reply by whom I am subjected to it,” answered Philipson, with the same composure as before.
“Speak, accuser,” said the President, “to the four quarters of Heaven! — To the ears of the free judges of this tribunal, and the faithful executors of their doom! — And to the face of the child of the cord, who denies or conceals102 his guilt, make good the substance of thine accusation103!”
“Most dreaded,” answered the accuser, addressing the President, “this man hath entered the Sacred Territory, which is called the Red Land, — a stranger under a disguised name and profession. When he was yet on the eastern side of the Alps, at Turin, in Lombardy, and elsewhere, he at various times spoke104 of the Holy Tribunal in terms of hatred and contempt, and declared that were he Duke of Burgundy, he would not permit it to extend itself from Westphalia, or Swabia, into his dominions105. Also, I charge him, that, nourishing this malevalent intention against the Holy Tribunal, he who now appears before the bench as child of the cord, has intimated his intention to wait upon the court of the Duke of Burgundy, and use his influence with him, which he boasts will prove effectual, to stir him up to prohibit the meetings of the Holy Vehme in his dominions, and to inflict106 on their officers, and the executors of their mandates107, the punishment due to robbers and assassins.”
“This is a heavy charge, brother!” said the President of the assembly, when the accuser ceased speaking — “How do you purpose to make it good?”
“According to the tenor108 of those secret statutes109, the perusal110 of which is prohibited to all but the initiated,” answered the accuser.
“It is well,” said the President; “but I ask thee once mole111, What are those means of proof? — You speak to holy and to initiated ears.”
“I will prove my charge,” said the accuser, “by the confession112 of the party himself, and by my own oath upon the holy emblems of the Secret Judgment — that is, the steel and the cord.”
“It is a legitimate113 offer of proof,” said a member of the aristocratic bench of the assembly; “and it much concerns the safety of the system to which we are bound by such deep oaths a system handed down to us from the most Christian and holy Roman Emperor, Charlemagne, for the conversion114 of the heathen Saracens, and punishing such of them as revolted again to their Pagan practices, that such criminals should be looked to. This Duke Charles of Burgundy hath already crowded his army with foreigners, whom he can easily employ against this Sacred Court, more especially with English, a fierce insular115 people, wedded116 to their own usages, and hating those of every other nation. It is not unknown to us, that the Duke bath already encouraged opposition117 to the officials of the Tribunal in more than one part of his German dominions; and that, in consequence, instead of submitting to their doom with reverent118 resignation, children of the cord have been found bold enough to resist the executioners of the Vehme, striking, wounding, and even slaying119 those who have received commission to put them to death. This contumacy must be put an end to; and if the accused shall be proved to be one of those by whom such doctrines are harbored and inculcated, I say let the steel and cord do their work on him.”
A general murmur82 seemed to approve what the speaker had said; for all were conscious that the power of the Tribunal depended much more on the opinion of its being deeply and firmly rooted in tbe general system, than upon any regard or esteem120 for an institution, of which all felt the severity. It followed, that those of the members who enjoyed consequence by means of their station in the ranks of the Vehme, saw the necessity of supporting its terrors by occasional examples of severe punishment; and none could be more readily sacrificed, than an unknown and wandering foreigner. All this rushed upon Philipson’s mind, but did not prevent his making a steady reply to the accusation.
“Gentlemen,” he said, “good citizens, burgesses, or by whatever other name you please to be addressed, know that in my former days I have stood in as great peril121 as now, and have never turned my heel to save my life. Cords and daggers122 are not calculated to strike terror into those who have seen swords and lances. My answer to the accusation is, that I am an Englishman, one of a nation accustomed to yield and to receive open-handed and equal justice dealt forth123 in the broad light of day. I am, however, a traveller, who knows that he has no right to oppose the rules and laws of other nations, because they do not resemble those of his own. But this caution can only be called for in lands where the system about which we converse124 is in full force and operation. If we speak of the institutions of Germany, being at the time in France or Spain, we may, without offence to the country in which they are current, dispute concerning them, as students debate upon a logical thesis in a university. The accuser objects to me, that at Turin, or elsewhere in the north of Italy, I spoke with censure125 of the institution under which I am now judged. I will not deny that I remember something of the kind; but it was in consequence of the question being in a manner forced upon me by two guests, with whom I chanced to find myself at table. I was much and earnestly solicited126 for an opinion ere I gave one.”
“And was that opinion,” said the presiding Judge, “favorable or otherwise to the Holy and Secret Vehme-gericht? Let truth rule your tongue remember, life is short, judgment is eternal!”
“I would not save my life at the expense of a falsehood. My opinion was unfavorable; and I expressed myself thus: — No laws or judicial127 proceedings can be just or commendable128, which exist and operate by means of a secret combination. I said, that justice could only live and exist in the open air, and that when she ceased to be public, she degenerated129 into revenge and hatred. I said that a system, of which your own jurists have said, non frater a fratre, non hospes a hospite, tutus, was too much adverse130 to the laws of nature, to be connected with or regulated by those of religion.”
These words were scarcely uttered, when there burst a murmur from the Judges highly unfavorable to the prisoner, — “He blasphemes the Holy Vehme — Let his mouth be closed forever!”
“Hear me,” said the Englishman, “as you will one day wish to be yourselves heard! I say such were my sentiments, and so I expressed them — I say also, I had a right to express these opinions, whether sound or erroneous, in a neutral country, where this Tribunal neither did, nor could, claim any jurisdiction. My sentiments are still the same. I would avow131 them if that sword were at my bosom132, or that cord around my throat. But I deny that I have ever spoken against the institutions of your Vehme, in a country where it had its course as a national mode of justice. Far more strongly, if possible, do I denounce the absurdity133 of the falsehood, which represents me, a wandering foreigner, as commissioned to traffic with the Duke of Burgundy about such high matters, or to form a conspiracy134 for the destruction of a system, to which so many seem warmly attached. I never said such a thing, and I never thought it.”
“Accuser,” said the presiding Judge, “thou hast heard the accused — What is thy reply?”
“The first part of the charge,” said the accuser, “he hath confessed in this high presence, namely, that his foul135 tongue hath basely slandered136 our holy mysteries; for which he deserves that it should be torn out of his throat. I myself, on my oath of office, will aver137, as use and law is, that the rest of the accusation, namely, that which taxes him as having entered into machinations for the destruction of the Vehmique institutions, is as true as those which he has found himself unable to deny.”
“In justice,” said the Englishman, “the accusation, if not made good by satisfactory proof, ought to be left to the oath of the party accused, instead of permitting the accuser to establish by his own deposition138 the defects in his own charge.”
“Stranger,” replied the presiding Judge, “we permit to thy ignorance a longer and more full defence than consists with our usual forms. Know that the right of sitting among these venerable judges confers on the person of him who enjoys it a sacredness of character which ordinary men cannot attain139 to. The oath of one of the initiated must counterbalance the most solemn asseveration of every one that is not acquainted with our holy secrets. In the Vehmique court all must be Vehmique. The averment of the Emperor, he being uninitiated, would not have so much weight in our counsels as that of one of the meanest of these officials. Tbe affirmation of the accuser can only be rebutted140 by the oath of a member of the same Tribunal, being of superior rank.”
“Then, God be gracious to me, for I have no trust save in Heaven!” said the Englishman in solemn accents. “Yet I will not fall without an effort. I call upon thee, thyself, dark spirit, who presidest in this most deadly assembly — I call upon thyself, to declare on thy faith and honor, whether thou holdest me guilty of what is thus boldly averred141 by this false calumniator142 — I call upon thee by thy sacred character — by the name of — ”
“Hold!” replied the presiding Judge. “The name by which we are known in open air must not be pronounced in this subterranean judgment-seat.”
He then proceeded to address the prisoner and the assembly, — “I, being called on in evidence, declare that the charge against thee is so far true as it is acknowledged by thyself, namely, that thou hast in other lands than the Red Soil, 16 spoken lightly of this holy institution of justice. But I believe in my soul, and will bear witness on my honor, that the rest of the accusation is incredible and false. And this I swear holding my hand on the dagger and the cord. — What is your judgment, my brethren, upon the case which you have in vestigated?”
A member of the first-seated and highest class amongst the judges, muffled like the rest, but the tone of whose voice, and the stoop of whose person, announced him to be more advanced in years than the other two who had before spoken, arose with difficulty, and said with a trembling voice, —
“The child of the cord, who is before us, has been convicted of folly143 and rashness in slandering144 our holy institution. But he spoke his folly to ears which had never heard our sacred laws — He has, therefore, been acquitted145 by irrefragable testimony, of combining for the impotent purpose of undermining our power, or stirring up princes against our holy association, for which death were too light a punishment — He hath been foolish, then, but not criminal; and as the holy laws of the Vehme bear no penalty save that of death, I propose for judgment that the child of the cord be restored without injury to society, and to the upper world, having been first duly admonished of his errors.”
“Child of the cord,” said the presiding Judge,” thou hast heard thy sentence of acquittal. But as thou desirest to sleep in an unbloody grave, let me warn thee, that the secrets of this night shall remain with thee, as a secret not to be communicated to father nor mother, to spouse146, son, or daughter; neither to be spoken aloud nor whispered; to be told in words or written in characters; to be carved or to be painted, or to be otherwise communicated, either directly or by parable147 and emblem. Obey this behest, and thy life is in surety. Let thy heart then rejoice within thee, but let it rejoice with trembling. Never more let thy vanity persuade thee that thou art secure from the servants and Judges of the Holy Vehrne. Though a thousand leagues lie between thee and the Red Land, and thou speakest in that where our power is not known; though thou shouldst be sheltered by thy native island, and defended by thy kindred ocean, yet, even there, I warn thee to cross thyself when thou dost so much as think of the Holy and Invisible Tribunal, and to retain thy thoughts within thine own bosom; for the Avenger148 may be beside thee, and thou mayst die in thy folly. Go hence, be wise, and let the fear of the Holy Vehme never pass from thine eyes.”
At the concluding words, all the lights were at once extinguished with a hissing149 noise. Philipson felt once more the grasp of the hands of the officials, to which he resigned himself as the safest course. He was gently prostrated150 on his pallet-bed, and transported back to the place from which he had been advanced to the foot of the altar. The cordage was again applied to the platform, and Philipson was sensible that his couch rose with him for a few moments, until a slight shock apprised151 him that he was again brought to a level with the floor of the chamber in which he had been lodged152 on the preceding night, or rather morning. He pondered over the events that had passed, in which he was sensible that he owed Heaven thanks for a great deliverance. Fatigue at length prevailed over anxiety, and he fell into a deep and profound sleep, from which he was only awakened153 by returning light. He resolved on an instant departure from so dangerous a spot, and without seeing any one of the household but the old ostler, pursued his journey to Strassburg, and reached that city without further accident.
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fatigue
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| n.疲劳，劳累 | |
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agitating
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| 搅动( agitate的现在分词 )； 激怒； 使焦虑不安； （尤指为法律、社会状况的改变而）激烈争论 | |
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repose
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| v.(使)休息；n.安息 | |
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exhaustion
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| n.耗尽枯竭，疲惫，筋疲力尽，竭尽，详尽无遗的论述 | |
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feverish
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| adj.发烧的，狂热的，兴奋的 | |
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conjectures
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| 推测，猜想( conjecture的名词复数 ) | |
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perturbed
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| adj.烦燥不安的v.使（某人）烦恼，不安( perturb的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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descending
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| n. 下行 adj. 下降的 | |
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vaults
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| n.拱顶( vault的名词复数 )；地下室；撑物跳高；墓穴 | |
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vault
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| n.拱形圆顶，地窖，地下室 | |
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qualified
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| adj.合格的，有资格的，胜任的，有限制的 | |
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apprehensions
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| 疑惧 | |
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extremity
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| n.末端，尽头；尽力；终极；极度 | |
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vigor
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| n.活力，精力，元气 | |
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apprehended
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| 逮捕，拘押( apprehend的过去式和过去分词 )； 理解 | |
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16
dungeons
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| n.地牢( dungeon的名词复数 ) | |
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17
scattered
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| adj.分散的，稀疏的；散步的；疏疏落落的 | |
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18
subterranean
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| adj.地下的，地表下的 | |
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19
muffled
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| adj.（声音）被隔的；听不太清的；（衣服）裹严的；蒙住的v.压抑，捂住( muffle的过去式和过去分词 )；用厚厚的衣帽包着（自己） | |
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20
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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21
conceal
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，隐蔽 | |
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22
trench
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| n./v.(挖)沟，(挖)战壕 | |
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23
drench
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| v.使淋透，使湿透 | |
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24
tardy
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| adj.缓慢的，迟缓的 | |
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25
chide
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| v.叱责；谴责 | |
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26
drowsy
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| adj.昏昏欲睡的，令人发困的 | |
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27
judgment
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| n.审判；判断力，识别力，看法，意见 | |
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28
vengeance
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| n.报复，报仇，复仇 | |
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29
initiated
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| n. 创始人 adj. 新加入的 vt. 开始，创始，启蒙，介绍加入 | |
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30
applied
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| adj.应用的；v.应用，适用 | |
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31
celebrated
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| adj.有名的，声誉卓著的 | |
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32
subsist
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| vi.生存，存在，供养 | |
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33
frightful
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| adj.可怕的；讨厌的 | |
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34
tenacity
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| n.坚韧 | |
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35
hazardous
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| adj.(有)危险的，冒险的；碰运气的 | |
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36
confide
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| v.向某人吐露秘密 | |
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37
vindicating
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| v.澄清（某人/某事物）受到的责难或嫌疑( vindicate的现在分词 )；表明或证明（所争辩的事物）属实、正当、有效等；维护 | |
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38
mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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39
appalled
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| v.使惊骇，使充满恐惧( appall的过去式和过去分词)adj.惊骇的；丧胆的 | |
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40
proceedings
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| n.进程，过程，议程；诉讼(程序)；公报 | |
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41
guilt
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| n.犯罪；内疚；过失，罪责 | |
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42
conversant
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| adj.亲近的，有交情的，熟悉的 | |
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43
dread
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| vt.担忧，忧虑；惧怕，不敢；n.担忧，畏惧 | |
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44
hatred
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| n.憎恶，憎恨，仇恨 | |
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45
dreaded
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| adj.令人畏惧的；害怕的v.害怕，恐惧，担心( dread的过去式和过去分词) | |
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46
genie
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| n.妖怪，神怪 | |
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47
conversing
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| v.交谈，谈话( converse的现在分词 ) | |
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48
abstain
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| v.自制，戒绝，弃权，避免 | |
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49
alluding
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| 提及，暗指( allude的现在分词 ) | |
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50
inquisitive
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| adj.求知欲强的，好奇的，好寻根究底的 | |
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51
innocence
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| n.无罪；天真；无害 | |
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52
melancholy
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| n.忧郁，愁思；adj.令人感伤（沮丧）的，忧郁的 | |
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53
forsake
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| vt.遗弃，抛弃；舍弃，放弃 | |
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54
rigors
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| 严格( rigor的名词复数 )； 严酷； 严密； （由惊吓或中毒等导致的身体）僵直 | |
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55
obviating
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| v.避免，消除（贫困、不方便等）( obviate的现在分词 ) | |
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56
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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57
glimmered
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| v.发闪光，发微光( glimmer的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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58
phantoms
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| n.鬼怪，幽灵( phantom的名词复数 ) | |
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59
chamber
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| n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所 | |
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60
chapels
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| n.小教堂， （医院、监狱等的）附属礼拜堂( chapel的名词复数 )；（在小教堂和附属礼拜堂举行的）礼拜仪式 | |
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61
briefly
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| adv.简单地，简短地 | |
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62
bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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63
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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64
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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65
pervade
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| v.弥漫，遍及，充满，渗透，漫延 | |
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66
testimonies
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| （法庭上证人的）证词( testimony的名词复数 )； 证明，证据 | |
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67
worthy
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| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
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68
espionage
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| n.间谍行为，谍报活动 | |
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69
sergeants
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| 警官( sergeant的名词复数 )； （美国警察）警佐； （英国警察）巡佐； 陆军（或空军）中士 | |
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70
doom
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| n.厄运，劫数；v.注定，命定 | |
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71
construed
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| v.解释（陈述、行为等）( construe的过去式和过去分词 )；翻译，作句法分析 | |
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72
wilfully
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| adv.任性固执地；蓄意地 | |
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73
feudal
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| adj.封建的，封地的，领地的 | |
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74
redress
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| n.赔偿，救济，矫正；v.纠正，匡正，革除 | |
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75
dignified
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| a.可敬的，高贵的 | |
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76
emblem
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| n.象征，标志；徽章 | |
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77
emblems
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| n.象征，标记( emblem的名词复数 ) | |
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78
Christian
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| adj.基督教徒的；n.基督教徒 | |
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79
jurisdiction
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| n.司法权，审判权，管辖权，控制权 | |
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80
expressive
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| adj.表现的，表达…的，富于表情的 | |
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81
murmurs
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| n.低沉、连续而不清的声音( murmur的名词复数 )；低语声；怨言；嘀咕 | |
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82
murmur
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| n.低语，低声的怨言；v.低语，低声而言 | |
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83
relaxation
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| n.松弛，放松；休息；消遣；娱乐 | |
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84
doctrines
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| n.教条( doctrine的名词复数 )；教义；学说；（政府政策的）正式声明 | |
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85
credible
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| adj.可信任的，可靠的 | |
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86
testimony
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| n.证词；见证，证明 | |
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87
wilt
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| v.(使)植物凋谢或枯萎；(指人)疲倦，衰弱 | |
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88
vow
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| n.誓(言)，誓约；v.起誓，立誓 | |
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89
whatsoever
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| adv.（用于否定句中以加强语气）任何；pron.无论什么 | |
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90
deity
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| n.神，神性；被奉若神明的人(或物) | |
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91
agitated
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| adj.被鼓动的，不安的 | |
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92
dagger
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| n.匕首，短剑，剑号 | |
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93
admonished
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| v.劝告( admonish的过去式和过去分词 )；训诫；（温和地）责备；轻责 | |
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94
inflexible
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| adj.不可改变的，不受影响的，不屈服的 | |
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95
eyelid
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| n.眼睑，眼皮 | |
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96
scripture
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| n.经文，圣书，手稿；Scripture:(常用复数)《圣经》，《圣经》中的一段 | |
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97
beset
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| v.镶嵌；困扰，包围 | |
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98
snares
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| n.陷阱( snare的名词复数 )；圈套；诱人遭受失败（丢脸、损失等）的东西；诱惑物v.用罗网捕捉，诱陷，陷害( snare的第三人称单数 ) | |
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99
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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100
interrogator
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| n.讯问者；审问者；质问者；询问器 | |
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101
axe
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| n.斧子；v.用斧头砍，削减 | |
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102
conceals
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，遮住( conceal的第三人称单数 ) | |
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103
accusation
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| n.控告，指责，谴责 | |
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104
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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105
dominions
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| 统治权( dominion的名词复数 )； 领土； 疆土； 版图 | |
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106
inflict
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| vt.(on)把…强加给，使遭受，使承担 | |
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107
mandates
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| 托管（mandate的第三人称单数形式） | |
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108
tenor
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| n.男高音（歌手），次中音（乐器），要旨，大意 | |
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109
statutes
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| 成文法( statute的名词复数 )； 法令； 法规； 章程 | |
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110
perusal
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| n.细读，熟读；目测 | |
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111
mole
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| n.胎块；痣；克分子 | |
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112
confession
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| n.自白，供认，承认 | |
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113
legitimate
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| adj.合法的，合理的，合乎逻辑的；v.使合法 | |
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114
conversion
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| n.转化，转换，转变 | |
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115
insular
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| adj.岛屿的，心胸狭窄的 | |
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116
wedded
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| adj.正式结婚的；渴望…的，执著于…的v.嫁，娶，（与…）结婚( wed的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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117
opposition
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| n.反对，敌对 | |
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118
reverent
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| adj.恭敬的，虔诚的 | |
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119
slaying
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| 杀戮。 | |
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120
esteem
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| n.尊敬，尊重；vt.尊重，敬重；把…看作 | |
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121
peril
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| n.(严重的)危险；危险的事物 | |
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122
daggers
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| 匕首，短剑( dagger的名词复数 ) | |
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123
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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124
converse
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| vi.谈话，谈天，闲聊；adv.相反的，相反 | |
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125
censure
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| v./n.责备；非难；责难 | |
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126
solicited
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| v.恳求( solicit的过去式和过去分词 )；（指娼妇）拉客；索求；征求 | |
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127
judicial
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| adj.司法的，法庭的，审判的，明断的，公正的 | |
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128
commendable
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| adj.值得称赞的 | |
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129
degenerated
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| 衰退，堕落，退化( degenerate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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130
adverse
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| adj.不利的；有害的；敌对的，不友好的 | |
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131
avow
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| v.承认，公开宣称 | |
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132
bosom
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| n.胸，胸部；胸怀；内心；adj.亲密的 | |
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133
absurdity
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| n.荒谬，愚蠢；谬论 | |
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134
conspiracy
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| n.阴谋，密谋，共谋 | |
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135
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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136
slandered
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| 造谣中伤( slander的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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137
aver
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| v.极力声明；断言；确证 | |
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138
deposition
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| n.免职，罢官；作证；沉淀；沉淀物 | |
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139
attain
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| vt.达到，获得，完成 | |
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140
rebutted
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| v.反驳，驳回( rebut的过去式和过去分词 )；击退 | |
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141
averred
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| v.断言( aver的过去式和过去分词 )；证实；证明…属实；作为事实提出 | |
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142
calumniator
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| n.中伤者，诽谤者 | |
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143
folly
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| n.愚笨，愚蠢，蠢事，蠢行，傻话 | |
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144
slandering
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| [法]口头诽谤行为 | |
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145
acquitted
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| 宣判…无罪( acquit的过去式和过去分词 )； 使（自己）作出某种表现 | |
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146
spouse
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| n.配偶(指夫或妻) | |
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147
parable
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| n.寓言，比喻 | |
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148
avenger
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| n. 复仇者 | |
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149
hissing
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| n. 发嘶嘶声, 蔑视 动词hiss的现在分词形式 | |
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150
prostrated
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| v.使俯伏，使拜倒( prostrate的过去式和过去分词 )；（指疾病、天气等）使某人无能为力 | |
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151
apprised
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| v.告知，通知( apprise的过去式和过去分词 )；评价 | |
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152
lodged
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| v.存放( lodge的过去式和过去分词 )；暂住；埋入；（权利、权威等）归属 | |
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153
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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