Containing Incidents Very Surprizing.
The captain declared he would, without delay, proceed to the town before him; in which resolution he was seconded by all the crew; but when I could not be persuaded, nor was I able to travel any farther before I had rested myself, my old friend protested he would not leave me, but would stay behind as my guard; and, when I had refreshed myself with a little repose1, he would attend me to the town, which the captain promised he would not leave before he had seen us.
“They were no sooner departed than (having first thanked my protector for his care of me) I resigned myself to sleep, which immediately closed my eyelids2, and would probably have detained me very long in his gentle dominions3, had I not been awaked with a squeeze by the hand by my guard, which I at first thought intended to alarm me with the danger of some wild beast; but I soon perceived it arose from a softer motive4, and that a gentle swain was the only wild beast I had to apprehend5. He began now to disclose his passion in the strongest manner imaginable, indeed with a warmth rather beyond that of both my former lovers, but as yet without any attempt of absolute force. On my side remonstrances6 were made in more bitter exclamations7 and revilings than I had used to any, that villain8 Wild excepted. I told him he was the basest and most treacherous9 wretch10 alive; that his having cloaked his iniquitous11 designs under the appearance of virtue12 and friendship added an ineffable13 degree of horror to them; that I detested14 him of all mankind the most, and could I be brought to yield to prostitution, he should be the last to enjoy the ruins of my honour. He suffered himself not to be provoked by this language, but only changed his manner of solicitation15 from flattery to bribery16. He unript the lining17 of his waistcoat, and pulled forth18 several jewels; these, he said, he had preserved from infinite danger to the happiest purpose, if I could be won by them. I rejected them often with the utmost indignation, till at last, casting my eye, rather by accident than design, on a diamond necklace, a thought, like lightning, shot through my mind, and, in an instant, I remembered that this was the very necklace you had sold the cursed count, the cause of all our misfortunes. The confusion of ideas into which this surprize hurried me prevented my reflecting on the villain who then stood before me; but the first recollection presently told me it could be no other than the count himself, the wicked tool of Wild’s barbarity. Good heavens! what was then my condition! How shall I describe the tumult19 of passions which then laboured in my breast? However, as I was happily unknown to him, the least suspicion on his side was altogether impossible. He imputed20, therefore, the eagerness with which I gazed on the jewels to a very wrong cause, and endeavoured to put as much additional softness into his countenance21 as he was able. My fears were a little quieted, and I was resolved to be very liberal of promises, and hoped so thoroughly22 to persuade him of my venality23 that he might, without any doubt, be drawn24 in to wait the captain and crew’s return, who would, I was very certain, not only preserve me from his violence, but secure the restoration of what you had been so cruelly robbed of. But, alas25! I was mistaken.” Mrs. Heartfree, again perceiving symptoms of the utmost disquietude in her husband’s countenance, cryed out, “My dear, don’t you apprehend any harm. — But, to deliver you as soon as possible from your anxiety — when he perceived I declined the warmth of his addresses he begged me to consider; he changed at once his voice and features, and, in a very different tone from what he had hitherto affected26, he swore I should not deceive him as I had the captain; that fortune had kindly27 thrown an opportunity in his way which he was resolved not foolishly to lose; and concluded with a violent oath that he was determined28 to enjoy me that moment, and therefore I knew the consequence of resistance. He then caught me in his arms, and began such rude attempts, that I skreamed out with all the force I could, though I had so little hopes of being rescued, when there suddenly rushed forth from a thicket29 a creature which, at his first appearance, and in the hurry of spirits I then was, I did not take for a man; but, indeed, had he been the fiercest of wild beasts, I should have rejoiced at his devouring30 us both. I scarce perceived he had a musket31 in his hand before he struck my ravisher such a blow with it that he felled him at my feet. He then advanced with a gentle air towards me, and told me in French he was extremely glad he had been luckily present to my assistance. He was naked, except his middle and his feet, if I can call a body so which was covered with hair almost equal to any beast whatever. Indeed, his appearance was so horrid32 in my eyes, that the friendship he had shewn me, as well as his courteous33 behaviour, could not entirely34 remove the dread35 I had conceived from his figure. I believe he saw this very visibly; for he begged me not to be frightened, since, whatever accident had brought me thither36, I should have reason to thank heaven for meeting him, at whose hands I might assure myself of the utmost civility and protection. In the midst of all this consternation37, I had spirits enough to take up the casket of jewels which the villain, in falling, had dropped out of his hands, and conveyed it into my pocket. My deliverer, telling me that I seemed extremely weak and faint, desired me to refresh myself at his little hut, which, he said, was hard by. If his demeanour had been less kind and obliging, my desperate situation must have lent me confidence; for sure the alternative could not be doubtful, whether I should rather trust this man, who, notwithstanding his savage38 outside, expressed so much devotion to serve me, which at least I was not certain of the falsehood of, or should abide39 with one whom I so perfectly40 well knew to be an accomplished41 villain. I therefore committed myself to his guidance, though with tears in my eyes, and begged him to have compassion42 on my innocence43, which was absolutely in his power. He said, the treatment he had been witness of, which he supposed was from one who had broken his trust towards me, sufficiently44 justified45 my suspicion; but begged me to dry my eyes, and he would soon convince me that I was with a man of different sentiments. The kind accents which accompanied these words gave me some comfort, which was assisted by the repossession of our jewels by an accident so strongly savouring of the disposition46 of Providence47 in my favour.
“We left the villain weltering in his blood, though beginning to recover a little motion, and walked together to his hut, or rather cave, for it was under ground, on the side of a hill; the situation was very pleasant, and from its mouth we overlooked a large plain and the town I had before seen. As soon as I entered it, he desired me to sit down on a bench of earth, which served him for chairs, and then laid before me some fruits, the wild product of that country, one or two of which had an excellent flavour. He likewise produced some baked flesh, a little resembling that of venison. He then brought forth a bottle of brandy, which he said had remained with him ever since his settling there, now above thirty years, during all which time he had never opened it, his only liquor being water; that he had reserved this bottle as a cordial in sickness; but, he thanked heaven, he had never yet had occasion for it. He then acquainted me that he was a hermit48, that he had been formerly49 cast away on that coast, with his wife, whom he dearly loved, but could not preserve from perishing; on which account he had resolved never to return to France, which was his native country, but to devote himself to prayer and a holy life, placing all his hopes in the blessed expectation of meeting that dear woman again in heaven, where, he was convinced, she was now a saint and an interceder50 for him. He said he had exchanged a watch with the king of that country, whom he described to be a very just and good man, for a gun, some powder, shot, and ball, with which he sometimes provided himself food, but more generally used it in defending himself against wild beasts; so that his diet was chiefly of the vegetable kind. He told me many more circumstances, which I may relate to you hereafter: but, to be as concise51 as possible at present, he at length greatly comforted me by promising52 to conduct me to a seaport53, where I might have an opportunity to meet with some vessels54 trafficking for slaves; and whence I might once more commit myself to that element which, though I had already suffered so much on it, I must again trust to put me in possession of all I loved.
“The character he gave me of the inhabitants of the town we saw below us, and of their king, made me desirous of being conducted thither; especially as I very much wished to see the captain and sailors, who had behaved very kindly to me, and with whom, notwithstanding all the civil behaviour of the hermit, I was rather easier in my mind than alone with this single man; but he dissuaded55 me greatly from attempting such a walk till I had recruited my spirits with rest, desiring me to repose myself on his couch or bank, saying that he himself would retire without the cave, where he would remain as my guard. I accepted this kind proposal, but it was long before I could procure56 any slumber57; however, at length, weariness prevailed over my fears, and I enjoyed several hours’ sleep. When I awaked I found my faithful centinel on his post and ready at my summons. This behaviour infused some confidence into me, and I now repeated my request that he would go with me to the town below; but he answered, it would be better advised to take some repast before I undertook the journey, which I should find much longer than it appeared. I consented, and he set forth a greater variety of fruits than before, of which I ate very plentifully58. My collation59 being ended, I renewed the mention of my walk, but he still persisted in dissuading60 me, telling me that I was not yet strong enough; that I could repose myself nowhere with greater safety than in his cave; and that, for his part, he could have no greater happiness than that of attending me, adding, with a sigh, it was a happiness he should envy any other more than all the gifts of fortune. You may imagine I began now to entertain suspicions; but he presently removed all doubt by throwing himself at my feet and expressing the warmest passion for me. I should have now sunk with despair had he not accompanied these professions with the most vehement61 protestations that he would never offer me any other force but that of entreaty62, and that he would rather die the most cruel death by my coldness than gain the highest bliss63 by becoming the occasion of a tear of sorrow to these bright eyes, which he said were stars, under whose benign64 influence alone he could enjoy, or indeed suffer life.” She was repeating many more compliments he made her, when a horrid uproar65, which alarmed the whole gate, put a stop to her narration66 at present. It is impossible for me to give the reader a better idea of the noise which now arose than by desiring him to imagine I had the hundred tongues the poet once wished for, and was vociferating from them all at once, by hollowing, scolding, crying, swearing, bellowing67, and, in short, by every different articulation68 which is within the scope of the human organ.
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1
repose
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| v.(使)休息；n.安息 | |
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eyelids
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| n.眼睑( eyelid的名词复数 )；眼睛也不眨一下；不露声色；面不改色 | |
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dominions
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| 统治权( dominion的名词复数 )； 领土； 疆土； 版图 | |
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motive
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| n.动机，目的；adv.发动的，运动的 | |
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apprehend
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| vt.理解，领悟，逮捕，拘捕，忧虑 | |
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remonstrances
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| n.抱怨，抗议( remonstrance的名词复数 ) | |
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exclamations
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| n.呼喊( exclamation的名词复数 )；感叹；感叹语；感叹词 | |
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villain
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| n.反派演员，反面人物；恶棍；问题的起因 | |
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treacherous
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| adj.不可靠的，有暗藏的危险的；adj.背叛的，背信弃义的 | |
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wretch
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| n.可怜的人，不幸的人；卑鄙的人 | |
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iniquitous
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| adj.不公正的；邪恶的；高得出奇的 | |
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virtue
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| n.德行，美德；贞操；优点；功效，效力 | |
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ineffable
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| adj.无法表达的，不可言喻的 | |
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detested
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| v.憎恶，嫌恶，痛恨( detest的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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solicitation
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| n.诱惑；揽货；恳切地要求；游说 | |
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bribery
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| n.贿络行为，行贿，受贿 | |
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lining
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| n.衬里，衬料 | |
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forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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tumult
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| n.喧哗；激动，混乱；吵闹 | |
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imputed
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| v.把（错误等）归咎于( impute的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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21
countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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22
thoroughly
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| adv.完全地，彻底地，十足地 | |
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23
venality
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| n.贪赃枉法，腐败 | |
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drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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alas
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| int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等) | |
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affected
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| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
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kindly
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| adj.和蔼的，温和的，爽快的；adv.温和地，亲切地 | |
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determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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thicket
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| n.灌木丛，树林 | |
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30
devouring
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| 吞没( devour的现在分词 )； 耗尽； 津津有味地看； 狼吞虎咽地吃光 | |
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musket
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| n.滑膛枪 | |
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32
horrid
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| adj.可怕的；令人惊恐的；恐怖的；极讨厌的 | |
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courteous
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| adj.彬彬有礼的，客气的 | |
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entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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dread
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| vt.担忧，忧虑；惧怕，不敢；n.担忧，畏惧 | |
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thither
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| adv.向那里；adj.在那边的，对岸的 | |
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37
consternation
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| n.大为吃惊，惊骇 | |
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38
savage
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| adj.野蛮的；凶恶的，残暴的；n.未开化的人 | |
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abide
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| vi.遵守；坚持；vt.忍受 | |
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40
perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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41
accomplished
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| adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的 | |
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42
compassion
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| n.同情，怜悯 | |
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43
innocence
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| n.无罪；天真；无害 | |
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44
sufficiently
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| adv.足够地，充分地 | |
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45
justified
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| a.正当的，有理的 | |
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46
disposition
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| n.性情，性格；意向，倾向；排列，部署 | |
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47
providence
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| n.深谋远虑，天道，天意；远见；节约；上帝 | |
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48
hermit
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| n.隐士，修道者；隐居 | |
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49
formerly
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| adv.从前，以前 | |
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50
interceder
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| n.调解者，仲裁者 | |
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51
concise
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| adj.简洁的，简明的 | |
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52
promising
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| adj.有希望的，有前途的 | |
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53
seaport
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| n.海港，港口，港市 | |
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54
vessels
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| n.血管( vessel的名词复数 )；船；容器；（具有特殊品质或接受特殊品质的）人 | |
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55
dissuaded
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| 劝（某人）勿做某事，劝阻( dissuade的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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56
procure
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| vt.获得，取得，促成；vi.拉皮条 | |
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57
slumber
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| n.睡眠，沉睡状态 | |
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58
plentifully
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| adv. 许多地，丰饶地 | |
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59
collation
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| n.便餐；整理 | |
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60
dissuading
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| 劝（某人）勿做某事，劝阻( dissuade的现在分词 ) | |
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61
vehement
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| adj.感情强烈的；热烈的；(人)有强烈感情的 | |
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62
entreaty
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| n.恳求，哀求 | |
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bliss
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| n.狂喜，福佑，天赐的福 | |
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64
benign
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| adj.善良的，慈祥的；良性的，无危险的 | |
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65
uproar
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| n.骚动，喧嚣，鼎沸 | |
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66
narration
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| n.讲述，叙述；故事；记叙体 | |
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67
bellowing
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| v.发出吼叫声，咆哮（尤指因痛苦）( bellow的现在分词 )；（愤怒地）说出（某事），大叫 | |
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articulation
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| n.（清楚的）发音；清晰度，咬合 | |
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