We must return to the characters of our dramatic narrative1 whom we left at Perth, when we accompanied the glover and his fair daughter to Kinfauns, and from that hospitable2 mansion3 traced the course of Simon to Loch Tay; and the Prince, as the highest personage, claims our immediate4 attention.
This rash and inconsiderate young man endured with some impatience5 his sequestered6 residence with the Lord High Constable7, with whose company, otherwise in every respect satisfactory, he became dissatisfied, from no other reason than that he held in some degree the character of his warder. Incensed9 against his uncle and displeased10 with his father, he longed, not unnaturally11, for the society of Sir John Ramorny, on whom he had been so long accustomed to throw himself for amusement, and, though he would have resented the imputation13 as an insult, for guidance and direction. He therefore sent him a summons to attend him, providing his health permitted; and directed him to come by water to a little pavilion in the High Constable’s garden, which, like that of Sir John’s own lodgings14, ran down to the Tay. In renewing an intimacy15 so dangerous, Rothsay only remembered that he had been Sir Join Ramorny’s munificent16 friend; while Sir John, on receiving the invitation, only recollected17, on his part, the capricious insults he had sustained from his patron, the loss of his hand, and the lightness with which he had treated the subject, and the readiness with which Rothsay had abandoned his cause in the matter of the bonnet18 maker19’s slaughter20. He laughed bitterly when he read the Prince’s billet.
“Eviot,” he said, “man a stout21 boat with six trusty men — trusty men, mark me — lose not a moment, and bid Dwining instantly come hither.
“Heaven smiles on us, my trusty friend,” he said to the mediciner. “I was but beating my brains how to get access to this fickle22 boy, and here he sends to invite me.”
“Hem! I see the matter very clearly,” said Dwining. “Heaven smiles on some untoward23 consequences — he! he! he!”
“No matter, the trap is ready; and it is baited, too, my friend, with what would lure24 the boy from a sanctuary25, though a troop with drawn26 weapons waited him in the churchyard. Yet is it scarce necessary. His own weariness of himself would have done the job. Get thy matters ready — thou goest with us. Write to him, as I cannot, that we come instantly to attend his commands, and do it clerkly. He reads well, and that he owes to me.”
“He will be your valiancie’s debtor27 for more knowledge before he dies — he! he! he! But is your bargain sure with the Duke of Albany?”
“Enough to gratify my ambition, thy avarice28, and the revenge of both. Aboard — aboard, and speedily; let Eviot throw in a few flasks31 of the choicest wine, and some cold baked meats.”
“But your arm, my lord, Sir John? Does it not pain you?”
“The throbbing32 of my heart silences the pain of my wound. It beats as it would burst my bosom33.”
“Heaven forbid!” said Dwining; adding, in a low voice —“It would be a strange sight if it should. I should like to dissect34 it, save that its stony35 case would spoil my best instruments.”
In a few minutes they were in the boat, while a speedy messenger carried the note to the Prince.
Rothsay was seated with the Constable, after their noontide repast. He was sullen36 and silent; and the earl had just asked whether it was his pleasure that the table should be cleared, when a note, delivered to the Prince, changed at once his aspect.
“As you will,” he said. “I go to the pavilion in the garden — always with permission of my Lord Constable — to receive my late master of the horse.”
“My lord!” said Lord Errol.
“Ay, my lord; must I ask permission twice?”
“No, surely, my lord,” answered the Constable; “but has your Royal Highness recollected that Sir John Ramorny —”
“Has not the plague, I hope?” replied the Duke of Rothsay. “Come, Errol, you would play the surly turnkey, but it is not in your nature; farewell for half an hour.”
“A new folly37!” said Errol, as the Prince, flinging open a lattice of the ground parlour in which they sat, stept out into the garden —“a new folly, to call back that villain38 to his counsels. But he is infatuated.”
The Prince, in the mean time, looked back, and said hastily:
“Your lordship’s good housekeeping will afford us a flask30 or two of wine and a slight collation39 in the pavilion? I love the al fresco40 of the river.”
The Constable bowed, and gave the necessary orders; so that Sir John found the materials of good cheer ready displayed, when, landing from his barge42, he entered the pavilion.
“It grieves my heart to see your Highness under restraint,” said Ramorny, with a well executed appearance of sympathy.
“That grief of thine will grieve mine,” said the Prince. “I am sure here has Errol, and a right true hearted lord he is, so tired me with grave looks, and something like grave lessons, that he has driven me back to thee, thou reprobate43, from whom, as I expect nothing good, I may perhaps obtain something entertaining. Yet, ere we say more, it was foul44 work, that upon the Fastern’s Even, Ramorny. I well hope thou gavest not aim to it.”
“On my honour, my lord, a simple mistake of the brute45 Bonthron. I did hint to him that a dry beating would be due to the fellow by whom I had lost a hand; and lo you, my knave46 makes a double mistake. He takes one man for another, and instead of the baton47 he uses the axe48.”
“It is well that it went no farther. Small matter for the bonnet maker; but I had never forgiven you had the armourer fallen — there is not his match in Britain. But I hope they hanged the villain high enough?”
“If thirty feet might serve,” replied Ramorny.
“Pah! no more of him,” said Rothsay; “his wretched name makes the good wine taste of blood. And what are the news in Perth, Ramorny? How stands it with the bona robas and the galliards?”
“Little galliardise stirring, my lord,” answered the knight49. “All eyes are turned to the motions of the Black Douglas, who comes with five thousand chosen men to put us all to rights, as if he were bound for another Otterburn. It is said he is to be lieutenant50 again. It is certain many have declared for his faction51.”
“It is time, then, my feet were free,” said Rothsay, “otherwise I may find a worse warder than Errol.”
“Ah, my lord! were you once away from this place, you might make as bold a head as Douglas.”
“Ramorny,” said the Prince, gravely, “I have but a confused remembrance of your once having proposed something horrible to me. Beware of such counsel. I would be free — I would have my person at my own disposal; but I will never levy52 arms against my father, nor those it pleases him to trust.”
“It was only for your Royal Highness’s personal freedom that I was presuming to speak,” answered Ramorny. “Were I in your Grace’s place, I would get me into that good boat which hovers53 on the Tay, and drop quietly down to Fife, where you have many friends, and make free to take possession of Falkland. It is a royal castle; and though the King has bestowed54 it in gift on your uncle, yet surely, even if the grant were not subject to challenge, your Grace might make free with the residence of so near a relative.”
“He hath made free with mine,” said the Duke, “as the stewartry of Renfrew can tell. But stay, Ramorny — hold; did I not hear Errol say that the Lady Marjory Douglas, whom they call Duchess of Rothsay, is at Falkland? I would neither dwell with that lady nor insult her by dislodging her.”
“The lady was there, my lord,” replied Ramorny; “I have sure advice that she is gone to meet her father.”
“Ha! to animate55 the Douglas against me? or perhaps to beg him to spare me, providing I come on my knees to her bed, as pilgrims say the emirs and amirals upon whom a Saracen soldan bestows56 a daughter in marriage are bound to do? Ramorny, I will act by the Douglas’s own saying, ‘It is better to hear the lark57 sing than the mouse squeak58.’ I will keep both foot and hand from fetters59.”
“No place fitter than Falkland,” replied Ramorny. “I have enough of good yeomen to keep the place; and should your Highness wish to leave it, a brief ride reaches the sea in three directions.”
“You speak well. But we shall die of gloom yonder. Neither mirth, music, nor maidens61 — ha!” said the heedless Prince.
“Pardon me, noble Duke; but, though the Lady Marjory Douglas be departed, like an errant dame62 in romance, to implore63 succour of her doughty64 sire, there is, I may say, a lovelier, I am sure a younger, maiden60, either presently at Falkland or who will soon be on the road thither65. Your Highness has not forgotten the Fair Maid of Perth?”
“Forget the prettiest wench in Scotland! No — any more than thou hast forgotten the hand that thou hadst in the Curfew Street onslaught on St. Valentine’s Eve.”
“The hand that I had! Your Highness would say, the hand that I lost. As certain as I shall never regain66 it, Catharine Glover is, or will soon be, at Falkland. I will not flatter your Highness by saying she expects to meet you; in truth, she proposes to place herself under the protection of the Lady Marjory.”
“The little traitress,” said the Prince —“she too to turn against me? She deserves punishment, Ramorny.”
“I trust your Grace will make her penance67 a gentle one,” replied the knight.
“Faith, I would have been her father confessor long ago, but I have ever found her coy.”
“Opportunity was lacking, my lord,” replied Ramorny; “and time presses even now.”
“Nay, I am but too apt for a frolic; but my father —”
“He is personally safe,” said Ramorny, “and as much at freedom as ever he can be; while your Highness —”
“Must brook68 fetters, conjugal69 or literal — I know it. Yonder comes Douglas, with his daughter in his hand, as haughty70 and as harsh featured as himself, bating touches of age.”
“And at Falkland sits in solitude71 the fairest wench in Scotland,” said Ramorny. “Here is penance and restraint, yonder is joy and freedom.”
“Thou hast prevailed, most sage72 counsellor,” replied Rothsay; “but mark you, it shall be the last of my frolics.”
“I trust so,” replied Ramorny; “for, when at liberty, you may make a good accommodation with your royal father.”
“I will write to him, Ramorny. Get the writing materials. No, I cannot put my thoughts in words — do thou write.”
“Your Royal Highness forgets,” said Ramorny, pointing to his mutilated arm.
“Ah! that cursed hand of yours. What can we do?”
“So please your Highness,” answered his counsellor, “if you would use the hand of the mediciner, Dwining — he writes like a clerk.”
“Hath he a hint of the circumstances? Is he possessed73 of them?”
“Fully,” said Ramorny; and, stepping to the window, he called Dwining from the boat.
He entered the presence of the Prince of Scotland, creeping as if he trode upon eggs, with downcast eyes, and a frame that seemed shrunk up by a sense of awe74 produced by the occasion.
“There, fellow, are writing materials. I will make trial of you; thou know’st the case — place my conduct to my father in a fair light.”
Dwining sat down, and in a few minutes wrote a letter, which he handed to Sir John Ramorny.
“Why, the devil has aided thee, Dwining,” said the knight. “Listen, my dear lord. ‘Respected father and liege sovereign — Know that important considerations induce me to take my departure from this your court, purposing to make my abode75 at Falkland, both as the seat of my dearest uncle Albany, with whom I know your Majesty76 would desire me to use all familiarity, and as the residence of one from whom I have been too long estranged77, and with whom I haste to exchange vows78 of the closest affection from henceforward.’”
The Duke of Rothsay and Ramorny laughed aloud; and the physician, who had listened to his own scroll79 as if it were a sentence of death, encouraged by their applause, raised his eyes, uttered faintly his chuckling80 note of “He! he!” and was again grave and silent, as if afraid he had transgressed81 the bounds of reverent82 respect.
“Admirable!” said the Prince —“admirable! The old man will apply all this to the Duchess, as they call her, of Rothsay. Dwining, thou shouldst be a secretis to his Holiness the Pope, who sometimes, it is said, wants a scribe that can make one word record two meanings. I will subscribe83 it, and have the praise of the device.”
“And now, my lord,” said Ramorny, sealing the letter and leaving it behind, “will you not to boat?”
“Not till my chamberlain attends with some clothes and necessaries, and you may call my sewer85 also.”
“My lord,” said Ramorny, “time presses, and preparation will but excite suspicion. Your officers will follow with the mails tomorrow. For tonight, I trust my poor service may suffice to wait on you at table and chamber84.”
“Nay, this time it is thou who forgets,” said the Prince, touching86 the wounded arm with his walking rod. “Recollect, man, thou canst neither carve a capon nor tie a point — a goodly sewer or valet of the mouth!”
Ramorny grinned with rage and pain; for his wound, though in a way of healing, was still highly sensitive, and even the pointing a finger towards it made him tremble.
“Will your Highness now be pleased to take boat?”
“Not till I take leave of the Lord Constable. Rothsay must not slip away, like a thief from a prison, from the house of Errol. Summon him hither.”
“My Lord Duke,” said Ramorny, “it may be dangerous to our plan.”
“To the devil with danger, thy plan, and thyself! I must and will act to Errol as becomes us both.”
The earl entered, agreeable to the Prince’s summons.
“I gave you this trouble, my lord,” said Rothsay, with the dignified87 courtesy which he knew so well how to assume, “to thank you for your hospitality and your good company. I can enjoy them no longer, as pressing affairs call me to Falkland.”
“My lord,” said the Lord High Constable, “I trust your Grace remembers that you are — under ward8.”
“How!— under ward? If I am a prisoner, speak plainly; if not, I will take my freedom to depart.”
“I would, my lord, your Highness would request his Majesty’s permission for this journey. There will be much displeasure.”
“Mean you displeasure against yourself, my lord, or against me?”
“I have already said your Highness lies in ward here; but if you determine to break it, I have no warrant — God forbid — to put force on your inclinations88. I can but entreat89 your Highness, for your own sake —”
“Of my own interest I am the best judge. Good evening to you, my lord.”
The wilful90 Prince stepped into the boat with Dwining and Ramorny, and, waiting for no other attendance, Eviot pushed off the vessel91, which descended92 the Tay rapidly by the assistance of sail and oar29 and of the ebb93 tide.
For some space the Duke of Rothsay appeared silent and moody94, nor did his companions interrupt his reflections. He raised his head at length and said: “My father loves a jest, and when all is over he will take this frolic at no more serious rate than it deserves — a fit of youth, with which he will deal as he has with others. Yonder, my masters, shows the old hold of Kinfauns, frowning above the Tay. Now, tell me, John Ramorny, how thou hast dealt to get the Fair Maid of Perth out of the hands of yonder bull headed provost; for Errol told me it was rumoured95 that she was under his protection.”
“Truly she was, my lord, with the purpose of being transferred to the patronage96 of the Duchess — I mean of the Lady Marjory of Douglas. Now, this beetle97 headed provost, who is after all but a piece of blundering valiancy, has, like most such, a retainer of some slyness and cunning, whom he uses in all his dealings, and whose suggestions he generally considers as his own ideas. Whenever I would possess myself of a landward baron98, I address myself to such a confidant, who, in the present case, is called Kitt Henshaw, an old skipper upon the Tay, and who, having in his time sailed as far as Campvere, holds with Sir Patrick Charteris the respect due to one who has seen foreign countries. This his agent I have made my own, and by his means have insinuated99 various apologies in order to postpone100 the departure of Catharine for Falkland.”
“But to what good purpose?”
“I know not if it is wise to tell your Highness, lest you should disapprove101 of my views. I meant the officers of the Commission for inquiry102 into heretical opinions should have found the Fair Maid at Kinfauns, for our beauty is a peevish103, self willed swerver104 from the church; and certes, I designed that the knight should have come in for his share of the fines and confiscations that were about to be inflicted105. The monks106 were eager enough to be at him, seeing he hath had frequent disputes with them about the salmon108 tithe109.”
“But wherefore wouldst thou have ruined the knight’s fortunes, and brought the beautiful young woman to the stake, perchance?”
“Pshaw, my Lord Duke! monks never burn pretty maidens. An old woman might have been in some danger; and as for my Lord Provost, as they call him, if they had clipped off some of his fat acres, it would have been some atonement for the needless brave he put on me in St. John’s church.”
“Methinks, John, it was but a base revenge,” said Rothsay.
“Rest ye contented111, my lord. He that cannot right himself by the hand must use his head. Well, that chance was over by the tender hearted Douglas’s declaring in favour of tender conscience; and then, my lord, old Henshaw found no further objections to carrying the Fair Maid of Perth to Falkland, not to share the dulness of the Lady Marjory’s society, as Sir Patrick Charteris and she herself doth opine, but to keep your Highness from tiring when we return from hunting in the park.”
There was again a long pause, in which the Prince seemed to muse12 deeply. At length he spoke112. “Ramorny, I have a scruple113 in this matter; but if I name it to thee, the devil of sophistry114, with which thou art possessed, will argue it out of me, as it has done many others. This girl is the most beautiful, one excepted, whom I ever saw or knew; and I like her the more that she bears some features of — Elizabeth of Dunbar. But she, I mean Catharine Glover, is contracted, and presently to be wedded115, to Henry the armourer, a craftsman116 unequalled for skill, and a man at arms yet unmatched in the barrace. To follow out this intrigue117 would do a good fellow too much wrong.”
“Your Highness will not expect me to be very solicitous118 of Henry Smith’s interest,” said Ramorny, looking at his wounded arm.
“By St. Andrew with his shored cross, this disaster of thine is too much harped119 upon, John Ramorny! Others are content with putting a finger into every man’s pie, but thou must thrust in thy whole gory120 hand. It is done, and cannot be undone121; let it be forgotten.”
“Nay, my lord, you allude122 to it more frequently than I,” answered the knight —“in derision, it is true; while I— but I can be silent on the subject if I cannot forget it.”
“Well, then, I tell thee that I have scruple about this intrigue. Dost thou remember, when we went in a frolic to hear Father Clement123 preach, or rather to see this fair heretic, that he spoke as touchingly124 as a minstrel about the rich man taking away the poor man’s only ewe lamb?”
“A great matter, indeed,” answered Sir John, “that this churl’s wife’s eldest125 son should be fathered by the Prince of Scotland! How many earls would covet126 the like fate for their fair countesses? and how many that have had such good luck sleep not a grain the worse for it?”
“And if I might presume to speak,” said the mediciner, “the ancient laws of Scotland assigned such a privilege to every feudal127 lord over his female vassals128, though lack of spirit and love of money hath made many exchange it for gold.”
“I require no argument to urge me to be kind to a pretty woman; but this Catharine has been ever cold to me,” said the Prince.
“Nay, my lord,” said Ramorny, “if, young, handsome, and a prince, you know not how to make yourself acceptable to a fine woman, it is not for me to say more.”
“And if it were not far too great audacity129 in me to speak again, I would say,” quoth the leech130, “that all Perth knows that the Gow Chrom never was the maiden’s choice, but fairly forced upon her by her father. I know for certain that she refused him repeatedly.”
“Nay, if thou canst assure us of that, the case is much altered,” said Rothsay. “Vulcan was a smith as well as Harry131 Wynd; he would needs wed41 Venus, and our chronicles tell us what came of it.”
“Then long may Lady Venus live and be worshipped,” said Sir John Ramorny, “and success to the gallant132 knight Mars who goes a-wooing to her goddess-ship!”
The discourse133 took a gay and idle turn for a few minutes; but the Duke of Rothsay soon dropped it. “I have left,” he said, “yonder air of the prison house behind me, and yet my spirits scarce revive. I feel that drowsy134, not unpleasing, yet melancholy135 mood that comes over us when exhausted136 by exercise or satiated with pleasure. Some music now, stealing on the ear, yet not loud enough to make us lift the eye, were a treat for the gods.”
“Your Grace has but to speak your wishes, and the nymphs of the Tay are as favourable137 as the fair ones upon the shore. Hark! it is a lute138.”
“A lute!” said the Duke of Rothsay, listening; “it is, and rarely touched. I should remember that dying fall. Steer139 towards the boat from whence the music comes”
“It is old Henshaw,” said Ramorny, “working up the stream. How, skipper!”
The boatman answered the hail, and drew up alongside of the Prince’s barge.
“Oh, ho! my old friend!” said the Prince, recognising the figure as well as the appointments of the French glee woman, Louise. “I think I owe thee something for being the means of thy having a fright, at least, upon St. Valentine’s Day. Into this boat with thee, lute, puppy dog, scrip and all; I will prefer thee to a lady’s service who shall feed thy very cur on capons and canary.”
“I trust your Highness will consider —” said Ramorny.
“I will consider nothing but my pleasure, John. Pray, do thou be so complying as to consider it also.”
“Is it indeed to a lady’s service you would promote me?” said the glee maiden. “And where does she dwell?”
“At Falkland,” answered the Prince.
“Oh, I have heard of that great lady!” said Louise; “and will you indeed prefer me to your right royal consort’s service?”
“I will, by my honour — whenever I receive her as such. Mark that reservation, John,” said he aside to Ramorny.
The persons who were in the boat caught up the tidings, and, concluding a reconciliation140 was about to take place betwixt the royal couple, exhorted141 Louise to profit by her good fortune, and add herself to the Duchess of Rothsay’s train. Several offered her some acknowledgment for the exercise of her talents.
During this moment of delay, Ramorny whispered to Dwining: “Make in, knave, with some objection. This addition is one too many. Rouse thy wits, while I speak a word with Henshaw.”
“If I might presume to speak,” said Dwining, “as one who have made my studies both in Spain and Arabia, I would say, my lord, that the sickness has appeared in Edinburgh, and that there may be risk in admitting this young wanderer into your Highness’s vicinity.”
“Ah! and what is it to thee,” said Rothsay, “whether I choose to be poisoned by the pestilence142 or the ‘pothecary? Must thou, too, needs thwart143 my humour?”
While the Prince thus silenced the remonstrances144 of Dwining, Sir John Ramorny had snatched a moment to learn from Henshaw that the removal of the Duchess of Rothsay from Falkland was still kept profoundly secret, and that Catharine Glover would arrive there that evening or the next morning, in expectation of being taken under the noble lady’s protection.
The Duke of Rothsay, deeply plunged145 in thought, received this intimation so coldly, that Ramorny took the liberty of remonstrating146. “This, my lord,” he said, “is playing the spoiled child of fortune. You wish for liberty; it comes. You wish for beauty; it awaits you, with just so much delay as to render the boon147 more precious. Even your slightest desires seem a law to the Fates; for you desire music when it seems most distant, and the lute and song are at your hand. These things, so sent, should be enjoyed, else we are but like petted children, who break and throw from them the toys they have wept themselves sick for.”
“To enjoy pleasure, Ramorny,” said the Prince, “a man should have suffered pain, as it requires fasting to gain a good appetite. We, who can have all for a wish, little enjoy that all when we have possessed it. Seest thou yonder thick cloud, which is about to burst to rain? It seems to stifle148 me — the waters look dark and lurid149 — the shores have lost their beautiful form —”
“My lord, forgive your servant,” said Ramorny. “You indulge a powerful imagination, as an unskilful horseman permits a fiery150 steed to rear until he falls back on his master and crushes him. I pray you shake off this lethargy. Shall the glee maiden make some music?”
“Let her; but it must be melancholy: all mirth would at this moment jar on my ear.”
The maiden sung a melancholy dirge151 in Norman French; the words, of which the following is an imitation, were united to a tune110 as doleful as they are themselves:
Yes, thou mayst sigh,
And look once more at all around,
At stream and bank, and sky and ground.
Thy life its final course has found,
And thou must die.
Yes, lay thee down,
And while thy struggling pulses flutter,
Bid the grey monk107 his soul mass mutter,
And the deep bell its death tone utter —
Thy life is gone.
Be not afraid.
’Tis but a pang152, and then a thrill,
A fever fit, and then a chill,
And then an end of human ill,
For thou art dead.
The Prince made no observation on the music; and the maiden, at Ramorny’s beck, went on from time to time with her minstrel craft, until the evening sunk down into rain, first soft and gentle, at length in great quantities, and accompanied by a cold wind. There was neither cloak nor covering for the Prince, and he sullenly153 rejected that which Ramorny offered.
“It is not for Rothsay to wear your cast garments, Sir John; this melted snow, which I feel pierce me to the very marrow154, I am now encountering by your fault. Why did you presume to put off the boat without my servants and apparel?”
Ramorny did not attempt an exculpation155; for he knew the Prince was in one of those humours, when to enlarge upon a grievance156 was more pleasing to him than to have his mouth stopped by any reasonable apology. In sullen silence, or amid unsuppressed chiding157, the boat arrived at the fishing village of Newburgh. The party landed, and found horses in readiness, which, indeed, Ramorny had long since provided for the occasion. Their quality underwent the Prince’s bitter sarcasm158, expressed to Ramorny sometimes by direct words, oftener by bitter gibes159. At length they were mounted and rode on through the closing night and the falling rain, the Prince leading the way with reckless haste. The glee maiden, mounted by his express order, attended them and well for her that, accustomed to severe weather, and exercise both on foot and horseback, she supported as firmly as the men the fatigues160 of the nocturnal ride. Ramorny was compelled to keep at the Prince’s rein161, being under no small anxiety lest, in his wayward fit, he might ride off from him entirely162, and, taking refuge in the house of some loyal baron, escape the snare163 which was spread for him. He therefore suffered inexpressibly during the ride, both in mind and in body.
At length the forest of Falkland received them, and a glimpse of the moon showed the dark and huge tower, an appendage164 of royalty165 itself, though granted for a season to the Duke of Albany. On a signal given the drawbridge fell. Torches glared in the courtyard, menials attended, and the Prince, assisted from horseback, was ushered166 into an apartment, where Ramorny waited on him, together with Dwining, and entreated167 him to take the leech’s advice. The Duke of Rothsay repulsed168 the proposal, haughtily169 ordered his bed to be prepared, and having stood for some time shivering in his dank garments beside a large blazing fire, he retired170 to his apartment without taking leave of anyone.
“You see the peevish humour of this childish boy, now,” said Ramorny to Dwining; “can you wonder that a servant who has done so much for him as I have should be tired of such a master?”
“No, truly,” said Dwining, “that and the promised earldom of Lindores would shake any man’s fidelity171. But shall we commence with him this evening? He has, if eye and cheek speak true, the foundation of a fever within him, which will make our work easy while it will seem the effect of nature.”
“It is an opportunity lost,” said Ramorny; “but we must delay our blow till he has seen this beauty, Catharine Glover. She may be hereafter a witness that she saw him in good health, and master of his own motions, a brief space before — you understand me?”
Dwining nodded assent172, and added:
“There is no time lost; for there is little difficulty in blighting173 a flower exhausted from having been made to bloom too soon.”
收听单词发音 |
1
narrative
|
|
| n.叙述，故事；adj.叙事的，故事体的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
2
hospitable
|
|
| adj.好客的；宽容的；有利的，适宜的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
3
mansion
|
|
| n.大厦，大楼；宅第 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
4
immediate
|
|
| adj.立即的；直接的，最接近的；紧靠的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
5
impatience
|
|
| n.不耐烦，急躁 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
6
sequestered
|
|
| adj.扣押的；隐退的；幽静的；偏僻的v.使隔绝，使隔离( sequester的过去式和过去分词 )；扣押 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
7
constable
|
|
| n.(英国)警察，警官 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
8
ward
|
|
| n.守卫，监护，病房，行政区，由监护人或法院保护的人（尤指儿童）；vt.守护，躲开 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
9
incensed
|
|
| 盛怒的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
10
displeased
|
|
| a.不快的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
11
unnaturally
|
|
| adv.违反习俗地；不自然地；勉强地；不近人情地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
12
muse
|
|
| n.缪斯（希腊神话中的女神），创作灵感 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
13
imputation
|
|
| n.归罪，责难 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
14
lodgings
|
|
| n. 出租的房舍, 寄宿舍 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
15
intimacy
|
|
| n.熟悉，亲密，密切关系，亲昵的言行 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
16
munificent
|
|
| adj.慷慨的，大方的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
17
recollected
|
|
| adj.冷静的；镇定的；被回忆起的；沉思默想的v.记起，想起( recollect的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
18
bonnet
|
|
| n.无边女帽；童帽 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
19
maker
|
|
| n.制造者，制造商 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
20
slaughter
|
|
| n.屠杀，屠宰；vt.屠杀，宰杀 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
22
fickle
|
|
| adj.(爱情或友谊上)易变的，不坚定的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
23
untoward
|
|
| adj.不利的，不幸的，困难重重的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
24
lure
|
|
| n.吸引人的东西，诱惑物；vt.引诱，吸引 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
25
sanctuary
|
|
| n.圣所，圣堂，寺庙；禁猎区，保护区 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
26
drawn
|
|
| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
27
debtor
|
|
| n.借方，债务人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
28
avarice
|
|
| n.贪婪；贪心 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
29
oar
|
|
| n.桨，橹，划手；v.划行 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
30
flask
|
|
| n.瓶，火药筒，砂箱 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
31
flasks
|
|
| n.瓶，长颈瓶， 烧瓶( flask的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
32
throbbing
|
|
| a. 跳动的,悸动的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
33
bosom
|
|
| n.胸，胸部；胸怀；内心；adj.亲密的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
34
dissect
|
|
| v.分割；解剖 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
35
stony
|
|
| adj.石头的，多石头的，冷酷的，无情的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
36
sullen
|
|
| adj.愠怒的，闷闷不乐的，(天气等)阴沉的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
37
folly
|
|
| n.愚笨，愚蠢，蠢事，蠢行，傻话 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
38
villain
|
|
| n.反派演员，反面人物；恶棍；问题的起因 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
39
collation
|
|
| n.便餐；整理 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
40
fresco
|
|
| n.壁画；vt.作壁画于 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
41
wed
|
|
| v.娶，嫁，与…结婚 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
42
barge
|
|
| n.平底载货船，驳船 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
43
reprobate
|
|
| n.无赖汉；堕落的人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
44
foul
|
|
| adj.污秽的；邪恶的；v.弄脏；妨害；犯规；n.犯规 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
45
brute
|
|
| n.野兽，兽性 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
46
knave
|
|
| n.流氓；（纸牌中的）杰克 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
47
baton
|
|
| n.乐队用指挥杖 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
48
axe
|
|
| n.斧子；v.用斧头砍，削减 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
49
knight
|
|
| n.骑士，武士；爵士 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
50
lieutenant
|
|
| n.陆军中尉，海军上尉；代理官员，副职官员 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
51
faction
|
|
| n.宗派，小集团；派别；派系斗争 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
52
levy
|
|
| n.征收税或其他款项，征收额 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
53
hovers
|
|
| 鸟( hover的第三人称单数 )； 靠近（某事物）； （人）徘徊； 犹豫 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
54
bestowed
|
|
| 赠给，授予( bestow的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
55
animate
|
|
| v.赋于生命，鼓励；adj.有生命的，有生气的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
56
bestows
|
|
| 赠给，授予( bestow的第三人称单数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
57
lark
|
|
| n.云雀，百灵鸟；n.嬉戏，玩笑；vi.嬉戏 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
58
squeak
|
|
| n.吱吱声，逃脱；v.（发出）吱吱叫，侥幸通过；（俚）告密 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
59
fetters
|
|
| 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 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
60
maiden
|
|
| n.少女，处女；adj.未婚的，纯洁的，无经验的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
61
maidens
|
|
| 处女( maiden的名词复数 )； 少女； 未婚女子； （板球运动）未得分的一轮投球 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
62
dame
|
|
| n.女士 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
63
implore
|
|
| vt.乞求，恳求，哀求 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
64
doughty
|
|
| adj.勇猛的，坚强的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
65
thither
|
|
| adv.向那里；adj.在那边的，对岸的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
66
regain
|
|
| vt.重新获得，收复，恢复 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
67
penance
|
|
| n.（赎罪的）惩罪 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
68
brook
|
|
| n.小河，溪；v.忍受，容让 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
69
conjugal
|
|
| adj.婚姻的，婚姻性的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
70
haughty
|
|
| adj.傲慢的，高傲的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
71
solitude
|
|
| n. 孤独; 独居,荒僻之地,幽静的地方 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
72
sage
|
|
| n.圣人，哲人；adj.贤明的，明智的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
73
possessed
|
|
| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
74
awe
|
|
| n.敬畏，惊惧；vt.使敬畏，使惊惧 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
75
abode
|
|
| n.住处，住所 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
76
majesty
|
|
| n.雄伟，壮丽，庄严，威严；最高权威，王权 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
77
estranged
|
|
| adj.疏远的，分离的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
78
vows
|
|
| 誓言( vow的名词复数 )； 郑重宣布，许愿 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
79
scroll
|
|
| n.卷轴，纸卷；(石刻上的)漩涡 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
80
chuckling
|
|
| 轻声地笑( chuckle的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
81
transgressed
|
|
| v.超越( transgress的过去式和过去分词 )；越过；违反；违背 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
82
reverent
|
|
| adj.恭敬的，虔诚的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
83
subscribe
|
|
| vi.(to)订阅，订购；同意；vt.捐助，赞助 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
84
chamber
|
|
| n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
85
sewer
|
|
| n.排水沟，下水道 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
86
touching
|
|
| adj.动人的，使人感伤的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
87
dignified
|
|
| a.可敬的，高贵的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
88
inclinations
|
|
| 倾向( inclination的名词复数 )； 倾斜； 爱好； 斜坡 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
89
entreat
|
|
| v.恳求，恳请 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
90
wilful
|
|
| adj.任性的，故意的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
91
vessel
|
|
| n.船舶；容器，器皿；管，导管，血管 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
92
descended
|
|
| a.为...后裔的，出身于...的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
93
ebb
|
|
| vi.衰退，减退；n.处于低潮，处于衰退状态 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
94
moody
|
|
| adj.心情不稳的，易怒的，喜怒无常的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
95
rumoured
|
|
| adj.谣传的；传说的；风 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
96
patronage
|
|
| n.赞助，支援，援助；光顾，捧场 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
97
beetle
|
|
| n.甲虫，近视眼的人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
98
baron
|
|
| n.男爵；(商业界等)巨头，大王 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
99
insinuated
|
|
| v.暗示( insinuate的过去式和过去分词 )；巧妙或迂回地潜入；（使）缓慢进入；慢慢伸入 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
100
postpone
|
|
| v.延期，推迟 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
101
disapprove
|
|
| v.不赞成，不同意，不批准 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
102
inquiry
|
|
| n.打听，询问，调查，查问 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
103
peevish
|
|
| adj.易怒的，坏脾气的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
104
swerver
|
|
| n.侍者，服务员；菜盘，托盘；辅祭者；发球员 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
105
inflicted
|
|
| 把…强加给，使承受，遭受( inflict的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
106
monks
|
|
| n.修道士，僧侣( monk的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
107
monk
|
|
| n.和尚，僧侣，修道士 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
108
salmon
|
|
| n.鲑，大马哈鱼，橙红色的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
109
tithe
|
|
| n.十分之一税；v.课什一税，缴什一税 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
110
tune
|
|
| n.调子；和谐，协调；v.调音，调节，调整 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
111
contented
|
|
| adj.满意的，安心的，知足的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
112
spoke
|
|
| 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 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
113
scruple
|
|
| n./v.顾忌，迟疑 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
114
sophistry
|
|
| n.诡辩 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
115
wedded
|
|
| 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 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
116
craftsman
|
|
| n.技工，精于一门工艺的匠人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
117
intrigue
|
|
| vt.激起兴趣，迷住；vi.耍阴谋；n.阴谋，密谋 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
118
solicitous
|
|
| adj.热切的，挂念的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
119
harped
|
|
| vi.弹竖琴（harp的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
120
gory
|
|
| adj.流血的；残酷的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
121
undone
|
|
| a.未做完的，未完成的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
122
allude
|
|
| v.提及，暗指 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
123
clement
|
|
| adj.仁慈的；温和的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
124
touchingly
|
|
| adv.令人同情地，感人地，动人地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
125
eldest
|
|
| adj.最年长的，最年老的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
126
covet
|
|
| vt.垂涎；贪图(尤指属于他人的东西) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
127
feudal
|
|
| adj.封建的，封地的，领地的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
128
vassals
|
|
| n.奴仆( vassal的名词复数 )；（封建时代）诸侯；从属者；下属 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
129
audacity
|
|
| n.大胆，卤莽，无礼 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
130
leech
|
|
| n.水蛭，吸血鬼，榨取他人利益的人；vt.以水蛭吸血；vi.依附于别人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
131
harry
|
|
| vt.掠夺，蹂躏，使苦恼 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
132
gallant
|
|
| adj.英勇的，豪侠的；(向女人)献殷勤的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
133
discourse
|
|
| n.论文，演说；谈话；话语；vi.讲述，著述 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
134
drowsy
|
|
| adj.昏昏欲睡的，令人发困的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
135
melancholy
|
|
| n.忧郁，愁思；adj.令人感伤（沮丧）的，忧郁的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
136
exhausted
|
|
| adj.极其疲惫的，精疲力尽的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
137
favourable
|
|
| adj.赞成的，称赞的，有利的，良好的，顺利的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
138
lute
|
|
| n.琵琶，鲁特琴 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
139
steer
|
|
| vt.驾驶，为…操舵；引导；vi.驾驶 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
140
reconciliation
|
|
| n.和解，和谐，一致 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
141
exhorted
|
|
| v.劝告，劝说( exhort的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
142
pestilence
|
|
| n.瘟疫 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
143
thwart
|
|
| v.阻挠，妨碍，反对；adj.横(断的) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
144
remonstrances
|
|
| n.抱怨，抗议( remonstrance的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
145
plunged
|
|
| v.颠簸( plunge的过去式和过去分词 )；暴跌；骤降；突降 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
146
remonstrating
|
|
| v.抗议( remonstrate的现在分词 )；告诫 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
147
boon
|
|
| n.恩赐，恩物，恩惠 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
148
stifle
|
|
| vt.使窒息；闷死；扼杀；抑止，阻止 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
149
lurid
|
|
| adj.可怕的；血红的；苍白的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
150
fiery
|
|
| adj.燃烧着的，火红的；暴躁的；激烈的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
151
dirge
|
|
| n.哀乐，挽歌，庄重悲哀的乐曲 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
152
pang
|
|
| n.剧痛，悲痛，苦闷 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
153
sullenly
|
|
| 不高兴地，绷着脸，忧郁地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
154
marrow
|
|
| n.骨髓；精华；活力 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
155
exculpation
|
|
| n.使无罪，辩解 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
156
grievance
|
|
| n.怨愤，气恼，委屈 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
157
chiding
|
|
| v.责骂，责备( chide的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
158
sarcasm
|
|
| n.讥讽，讽刺，嘲弄，反话 （adj.sarcastic） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
159
gibes
|
|
| vi.嘲笑，嘲弄（gibe的第三人称单数形式） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
160
fatigues
|
|
| n.疲劳( fatigue的名词复数 )；杂役；厌倦；（士兵穿的）工作服 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
161
rein
|
|
| n.疆绳，统治，支配；vt.以僵绳控制，统治 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
162
entirely
|
|
| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
163
snare
|
|
| n.陷阱，诱惑，圈套；（去除息肉或者肿瘤的）勒除器；响弦，小军鼓；vt.以陷阱捕获，诱惑 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
164
appendage
|
|
| n.附加物 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
165
royalty
|
|
| n.皇家，皇族 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
166
ushered
|
|
| v.引，领，陪同( usher的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
167
entreated
|
|
| 恳求，乞求( entreat的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
168
repulsed
|
|
| v.击退( repulse的过去式和过去分词 )；驳斥；拒绝 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
169
haughtily
|
|
| adv. 傲慢地, 高傲地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
170
retired
|
|
| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
171
fidelity
|
|
| n.忠诚，忠实；精确 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
172
assent
|
|
| v.批准，认可；n.批准，认可 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
173
blighting
|
|
| 使凋萎( blight的现在分词 )； 使颓丧； 损害； 妨害 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
| 欢迎访问英文小说网 |