Among court ladies all despised,
Why didst thou rend1 it from that hall
Where, scornful Earl, ’twas dearly prized?
No more thou com’st with wonted speed,
Thy once beloved bride to see;
But be she alive, or be she dead,
I fear, stern Earl, ‘s the same to thee.
Cumnor Hall, by William Julius Mickle.
The ladies of fashion of the present, or of any other period, must have allowed that the young and lovely Countess of Leicester had, besides her youth and beauty, two qualities which entitled her to a place amongst women of rank and distinction. She displayed, as we have seen in her interview with the pedlar, a liberal promptitude to make unnecessary purchases, solely3 for the pleasure of acquiring useless and showy trifles which ceased to please as soon as they were possessed4; and she was, besides, apt to spend a considerable space of time every day in adorning5 her person, although the varied6 splendour of her attire7 could only attract the half satirical praise of the precise Janet, or an approving glance from the bright eyes which witnessed their own beams of triumph reflected from the mirror.
The Countess Amy had, indeed, to plead for indulgence in those frivolous8 tastes, that the education of the times had done little or nothing for a mind naturally gay and averse9 to study. If she had not loved to collect finery and to wear it, she might have woven tapestry10 or sewed embroidery11, till her labours spread in gay profusion12 all over the walls and seats at Lidcote Hall; or she might have varied Minerva’s labours with the task of preparing a mighty13 pudding against the time that Sir Hugh Robsart returned from the greenwood. But Amy had no natural genius either for the loom14, the needle, or the receipt-book. Her mother had died in infancy15; her father contradicted her in nothing; and Tressilian, the only one that approached her who was able or desirous to attend to the cultivation16 of her mind, had much hurt his interest with her by assuming too eagerly the task of a preceptor, so that he was regarded by the lively, indulged, and idle girl with some fear and much respect, but with little or nothing of that softer emotion which it had been his hope and his ambition to inspire. And thus her heart lay readily open, and her fancy became easily captivated by the noble exterior17 and graceful18 deportment and complacent19 flattery of Leicester, even before he was known to her as the dazzling minion20 of wealth and power.
The frequent visits of Leicester at Cumnor, during the earlier part of their union, had reconciled the Countess to the solitude21 and privacy to which she was condemned22; but when these visits became rarer and more rare, and when the void was filled up with letters of excuse, not always very warmly expressed, and generally extremely brief, discontent and suspicion began to haunt those splendid apartments which love had fitted up for beauty. Her answers to Leicester conveyed these feelings too bluntly, and pressed more naturally than prudently24 that she might be relieved from this obscure and secluded25 residence, by the Earl’s acknowledgment of their marriage; and in arranging her arguments with all the skill she was mistress of, she trusted chiefly to the warmth of the entreaties27 with which she urged them. Sometimes she even ventured to mingle28 reproaches, of which Leicester conceived he had good reason to complain.
“I have made her Countess,” he said to Varney; “surely she might wait till it consisted with my pleasure that she should put on the coronet?”
The Countess Amy viewed the subject in directly an opposite light.
“What signifies,” she said, “that I have rank and honour in reality, if I am to live an obscure prisoner, without either society or observance, and suffering in my character, as one of dubious29 or disgraced reputation? I care not for all those strings30 of pearl, which you fret31 me by warping32 into my tresses, Janet. I tell you that at Lidcote Hall, if I put but a fresh rosebud33 among my hair, my good father would call me to him, that he might see it more closely; and the kind old curate would smile, and Master Mumblazen would say something about roses gules. And now I sit here, decked out like an image with gold and gems34, and no one to see my finery but you, Janet. There was the poor Tressilian, too — but it avails not speaking of him.”
“It doth not indeed, madam,” said her prudent23 attendant; “and verily you make me sometimes wish you would not speak of him so often, or so rashly.”
“It signifies nothing to warn me, Janet,” said the impatient and incorrigible36 Countess; “I was born free, though I am now mewed up like some fine foreign slave, rather than the wife of an English noble. I bore it all with pleasure while I was sure he loved me; but now my tongue and heart shall be free, let them fetter38 these limbs as they will. I tell thee, Janet, I love my husband — I will love him till my latest breath — I cannot cease to love him, even if I would, or if he — which, God knows, may chance — should cease to love me. But I will say, and loudly, I would have been happier than I now am to have remained in Lidcote Hall, even although I must have married poor Tressilian, with his melancholy39 look and his head full of learning, which I cared not for. He said, if I would read his favourite volumes, there would come a time that I should be glad of having done so. I think it is come now.”
“I bought you some books, madam,” said Janet, “from a lame40 fellow who sold them in the Market-place — and who stared something boldly, at me, I promise you.”
“Let me see them, Janet,” said the Countess; “but let them not be of your own precise cast,— How is this, most righteous damsel?— ‘A Pair of Snuffers for the Golden Candlestick‘—’Handfull of Myrrh and Hyssop to put a Sick Soul to Purgation‘—’A Draught41 of Water from the Valley of Baca‘—’Foxes and Firebrands‘— what gear call you this, maiden42?”
“Nay43, madam,” said Janet, “it was but fitting and seemly to put grace in your ladyship’s way; but an you will none of it, there are play-books, and poet-books, I trow.”
The Countess proceeded carelessly in her examination, turning over such rare volumes as would now make the fortune of twenty retail44 booksellers. Here was a “Boke of Cookery, Imprinted45 by Richard Lant,” and “Skelton’s Books“—”The Passtime of the People“—”The Castle of Knowledge,” etc. But neither to this lore46 did the Countess’s heart incline, and joyfully47 did she start up from the listless task of turning over the leaves of the pamphlets, and hastily did she scatter48 them through the floor, when the hasty clatter49 of horses’ feet, heard in the courtyard, called her to the window, exclaiming, “It is Leicester!— it is my noble Earl!— it is my Dudley!— every stroke of his horse’s hoof50 sounds like a note of lordly music!”
There was a brief bustle51 in the mansion52, and Foster, with his downward look and sullen53 manner, entered the apartment to say, “That Master Richard Varney was arrived from my lord, having ridden all night, and craved54 to speak with her ladyship instantly.”
“Varney?” said the disappointed Countess; “and to speak with me? — pshaw! But he comes with news from Leicester, so admit him instantly.”
Varney entered her dressing55 apartment, where she sat arrayed in her native loveliness, adorned56 with all that Janet’s art and a rich and tasteful undress could bestow57. But the most beautiful part of her attire was her profuse58 and luxuriant light-brown locks, which floated in such rich abundance around a neck that resembled a swan’s, and over a bosom59 heaving with anxious expectation, which communicated a hurried tinge60 of red to her whole countenance61.
Varney entered the room in the dress in which he had waited on his master that morning to court, the splendour of which made a strange contrast with the disorder62 arising from hasty riding during a dark night and foul63 ways. His brow bore an anxious and hurried expression, as one who has that to say of which he doubts the reception, and who hath yet posted on from the necessity of communicating his tidings. The Countess’s anxious eye at once caught the alarm, as she exclaimed, “You bring news from my lord, Master Varney — Gracious Heaven! is he ill?”
“No, madam, thank Heaven!” said Varney. “Compose yourself, and permit me to take breath ere I communicate my tidings.”
“No breath, sir,” replied the lady impatiently; “I know your theatrical64 arts. Since your breath hath sufficed to bring you hither, it may suffice to tell your tale — at least briefly65, and in the gross.”
“Madam,” answered Varney, “we are not alone, and my lord’s message was for your ear only.”
“Leave us, Janet, and Master Foster,” said the lady; “but remain in the next apartment, and within call.”
Foster and his daughter retired67, agreeably to the Lady Leicester’s commands, into the next apartment, which was the withdrawing-room. The door which led from the sleeping-chamber68 was then carefully shut and bolted, and the father and daughter remained both in a posture69 of anxious attention, the first with a stern, suspicious, anxious cast of countenance, and Janet with folded hands, and looks which seemed divided betwixt her desire to know the fortunes of her mistress, and her prayers to Heaven for her safety. Anthony Foster seemed himself to have some idea of what was passing through his daughter’s mind, for he crossed the apartment and took her anxiously by the hand, saying, “That is right — pray, Janet, pray; we have all need of prayers, and some of us more than others. Pray, Janet — I would pray myself, but I must listen to what goes on within — evil has been brewing70, love — evil has been brewing. God forgive our sins, but Varney’s sudden and strange arrival bodes71 us no good.”
Janet had never before heard her father excite or even permit her attention to anything which passed in their mysterious family; and now that he did so, his voice sounded in her ear — she knew not why — like that of a screech-owl denouncing some deed of terror and of woe72. She turned her eyes fearfully towards the door, almost as if she expected some sounds of horror to be heard, or some sight of fear to display itself.
All, however, was as still as death, and the voices of those who spoke73 in the inner chamber were, if they spoke at all, carefully subdued74 to a tone which could not be heard in the next. At once, however, they were heard to speak fast, thick, and hastily; and presently after the voice of the Countess was heard exclaiming, at the highest pitch to which indignation could raise it, “Undo75 the door, sir, I command you!— undo the door!— I will have no other reply!” she continued, drowning with her vehement76 accents the low and muttered sounds which Varney was heard to utter betwixt whiles. “What ho! without there!” she persisted, accompanying her words with shrieks77, “Janet, alarm the house!— Foster, break open the door — I am detained here by a traitor78! Use axe79 and lever, Master Foster — I will be your warrant!”
“It shall not need, madam,” Varney was at length distinctly heard to say. “If you please to expose my lord’s important concerns and your own to the general ear, I will not be your hindrance80.”
The door was unlocked and thrown open, and Janet and her father rushed in, anxious to learn the cause of these reiterated81 exclamations82.
When they entered the apartment Varney stood by the door grinding his teeth, with an expression in which rage, and shame, and fear had each their share. The Countess stood in the midst of her apartment like a juvenile83 Pythoness under the influence of the prophetic fury. The veins84 in her beautiful forehead started into swoln blue lines through the hurried impulse of her articulation85 — her cheek and neck glowed like scarlet86 — her eyes were like those of an imprisoned87 eagle, flashing red lightning on the foes88 which it cannot reach with its talons89. Were it possible for one of the Graces to have been animated90 by a Fury, the countenance could not have united such beauty with so much hatred91, scorn, defiance92, and resentment93. The gesture and attitude corresponded with the voice and looks, and altogether presented a spectacle which was at once beautiful and fearful; so much of the sublime94 had the energy of passion united with the Countess Amy’s natural loveliness. Janet, as soon as the door was open, ran to her mistress; and more slowly, yet with more haste than he was wont2, Anthony Foster went to Richard Varney.
“In the Truth’s name, what ails35 your ladyship?” said the former.
“What, in the name of Satan, have you done to her?” said Foster to his friend.
“Who, I?— nothing,” answered Varney, but with sunken head and sullen voice; “nothing but communicated to her her lord’s commands, which, if the lady list not to obey, she knows better how to answer it than I may pretend to do.”
“Now, by Heaven, Janet!” said the Countess, “the false traitor lies in his throat! He must needs lie, for he speaks to the dishonour95 of my noble lord; he must needs lie doubly, for he speaks to gain ends of his own, equally execrable and unattainable.”
“You have misapprehended me, lady,” said Varney, with a sulky species of submission97 and apology; “let this matter rest till your passion be abated98, and I will explain all.”
“Thou shalt never have an opportunity to do so,” said the Countess.—“Look at him, Janet. He is fairly dressed, hath the outside of a gentleman, and hither he came to persuade me it was my lord’s pleasure — nay, more, my wedded99 lord’s commands — that I should go with him to Kenilworth, and before the Queen and nobles, and in presence of my own wedded lord, that I should acknowledge him — him there — that very cloak-brushing, shoe-cleaning fellow — him there, my lord’s lackey100, for my liege lord and husband; furnishing against myself, Great God! whenever I was to vindicate101 my right and my rank, such weapons as would hew102 my just claim from the root, and destroy my character to be regarded as an honourable103 matron of the English nobility!”
“You hear her, Foster, and you, young maiden, hear this lady,” answered Varney, taking advantage of the pause which the Countess had made in her charge, more for lack of breath than for lack of matter —“you hear that her heat only objects to me the course which our good lord, for the purpose to keep certain matters secret, suggests in the very letter which she holds in her hands.”
Foster here attempted to interfere104 with a face of authority, which he thought became the charge entrusted105 to him, “Nay, lady, I must needs say you are over-hasty in this. Such deceit is not utterly106 to be condemned when practised for a righteous end I and thus even the patriarch Abraham feigned107 Sarah to be his sister when they went down to Egypt.”
“Ay, sir,” answered the Countess; “but God rebuked108 that deceit even in the father of His chosen people, by the mouth of the heathen Pharaoh. Out upon you, that will read Scripture109 only to copy those things which are held out to us as warnings, not as examples!”
“But Sarah disputed not the will of her husband, an it be your pleasure,” said Foster, in reply, “but did as Abraham commanded, calling herself his sister, that it might be well with her husband for her sake, and that his soul might live because of her beauty.”
“Now, so Heaven pardon me my useless anger,” answered the Countess, “thou art as daring a hypocrite as yonder fellow is an impudent110 deceiver! Never will I believe that the noble Dudley gave countenance to so dastardly, so dishonourable a plan. Thus I tread on his infamy111, if indeed it be, and thus destroy its remembrance for ever!”
So saying, she tore in pieces Leicester’s letter, and stamped, in the extremity112 of impatience113, as if she would have annihilated114 the minute fragments into which she had rent it.
“Bear witness,” said Varney, collecting himself, “she hath torn my lord’s letter, in order to burden me with the scheme of his devising; and although it promises nought115 but danger and trouble to me, she would lay it to my charge, as if I had any purpose of mine own in it.”
“Thou liest, thou treacherous116 slave!” said the Countess in spite of Janet’s attempts to keep her silent, in the sad foresight117 that her vehemence118 might only furnish arms against herself —“thou liest,” she continued.—“Let me go, Janet — were it the last word I have to speak, he lies. He had his own foul ends to seek; and broader he would have displayed them had my passion permitted me to preserve the silence which at first encouraged him to unfold his vile119 projects.”
“Madam,” said Varney, overwhelmed in spite of his effrontery120, “I entreat26 you to believe yourself mistaken.”
“As soon will I believe light darkness,” said the enraged121 Countess. “Have I drunk of oblivion? Do I not remember former passages, which, known to Leicester, had given thee the preferment of a gallows123, instead of the honour of his intimacy124. I would I were a man but for five minutes! It were space enough to make a craven like thee confess his villainy. But go — begone! Tell thy master that when I take the foul course to which such scandalous deceits as thou hast recommended on his behalf must necessarily lead me, I will give him a rival something worthy126 of the name. He shall not be supplanted127 by an ignominious128 lackey, whose best fortune is to catch a gift of his master’s last suit of clothes ere it is threadbare, and who is only fit to seduce129 a suburb-wench by the bravery of new roses in his master’s old pantoufles. Go, begone, sir! I scorn thee so much that I am ashamed to have been angry with thee.”
Varney left the room with a mute expression of rage, and was followed by Foster, whose apprehension130, naturally slow, was overpowered by the eager and abundant discharge of indignation which, for the first time, he had heard burst from the lips of a being who had seemed, till that moment, too languid and too gentle to nurse an angry thought or utter an intemperate131 expression. Foster, therefore, pursued Varney from place to place, persecuting132 him with interrogatories, to which the other replied not, until they were in the opposite side of the quadrangle, and in the old library, with which the reader has already been made acquainted. Here he turned round on his persevering133 follower134, and thus addressed him, in a tone tolerably equal, that brief walk having been sufficient to give one so habituated to command his temper time to rally and recover his presence of mind.
“Tony,” he said, with his usual sneering135 laugh, “it avails not to deny it. The Woman and the Devil, who, as thine oracle136 Holdforth will confirm to thee, cheated man at the beginning, have this day proved more powerful than my discretion138. Yon termagant looked so tempting139, and had the art to preserve her countenance so naturally, while I communicated my lord’s message, that, by my faith, I thought I might say some little thing for myself. She thinks she hath my head under her girdle now, but she is deceived. Where is Doctor Alasco?”
“In his laboratory,” answered Foster. “It is the hour he is spoken not withal. We must wait till noon is past, or spoil his important — what said I? important!— I would say interrupt his divine studies.”
“Ay, he studies the devil’s divinity,” said Varney; “but when I want him, one hour must suffice as well as another. Lead the way to his pandemonium140.”
So spoke Varney, and with hasty and perturbed141 steps followed Foster, who conducted him through private passages, many of which were well-nigh ruinous, to the opposite side of the quadrangle, where, in a subterranean142 apartment, now occupied by the chemist Alasco, one of the Abbots of Abingdon, who had a turn for the occult sciences, had, much to the scandal of his convent, established a laboratory, in which, like other fools of the period, he spent much precious time, and money besides, in the pursuit of the grand arcanum.
Anthony Foster paused before the door, which was scrupulously143 secured within, and again showed a marked hesitation145 to disturb the sage66 in his operations. But Varney, less scrupulous144, roused him by knocking and voice, until at length, slowly and reluctantly, the inmate146 of the apartment undid147 the door. The chemist appeared, with his eyes bleared with the heat and vapours of the stove or alembic over which he brooded and the interior of his cell displayed the confused assemblage of heterogeneous148 substances and extraordinary implements149 belonging to his profession. The old man was muttering, with spiteful impatience, “Am I for ever to be recalled to the affairs of earth from those of heaven?”
“To the affairs of hell,” answered Varney, “for that is thy proper element.— Foster, we need thee at our conference.”
“Foster slowly entered the room. Varney, following, barred the door, and they betook themselves to secret council.
In the meanwhile, the Countess traversed the apartment, with shame and anger contending on her lovely cheek.
“The villain125,” she said —“the cold-blooded, calculating slave!— But I unmasked him, Janet — I made the snake uncoil all his folds before me, and crawl abroad in his naked deformity; I suspended my resentment, at the danger of suffocating150 under the effort, until he had let me see the very bottom of a heart more foul than hell’s darkest corner.— And thou, Leicester, is it possible thou couldst bid me for a moment deny my wedded right in thee, or thyself yield it to another?— But it is impossible — the villain has lied in all.— Janet, I will not remain here longer — I fear him — I fear thy father. I grieve to say it, Janet — but I fear thy father, and, worst of all, this odious151 Varney, I will escape from Cumnor.”
“Alas! madam, whither would you fly, or by what means will you escape from these walls?”
“I know not, Janet,” said the unfortunate young lady, looking upwards152! and clasping her hands together, “I know not where I shall fly, or by what means; but I am certain the God I have served will not abandon me in this dreadful crisis, for I am in the hands of wicked men.”
“Do not think so, dear lady,” said Janet; “my father is stern and strict in his temper, and severely153 true to his trust — but yet —”
At this moment Anthony Foster entered the apartment, bearing in his hand a glass cup and a small flask154. His manner was singular; for, while approaching the Countess with the respect due to her rank, he had till this time suffered to become visible, or had been unable to suppress, the obdurate155 sulkiness of his natural disposition156, which, as is usual with those of his unhappy temper, was chiefly exerted towards those over whom circumstances gave him control. But at present he showed nothing of that sullen consciousness of authority which he was wont to conceal157 under a clumsy affectation of civility and deference158, as a ruffian hides his pistols and bludgeon under his ill-fashioned gaberdine. And yet it seemed as if his smile was more in fear than courtesy, and as if, while he pressed the Countess to taste of the choice cordial, which should refresh her spirits after her late alarm, he was conscious of meditating159 some further injury. His hand trembled also, his voice faltered160, and his whole outward behaviour exhibited so much that was suspicious, that his daughter Janet, after she had stood looking at him in astonishment161 for some seconds, seemed at once to collect herself to execute some hardy162 resolution, raised her head, assumed an attitude and gait of determination and authority, and walking slowly betwixt her father and her mistress, took the salver from the hand of the former, and said in a low but marked and decided163 tone, “Father, I will fill for my noble mistress, when such is her pleasure.”
“Thou, my child?” said Foster, eagerly and apprehensively164; “no, my child — it is not thou shalt render the lady this service.”
“And why, I pray you,” said Janet, “if it be fitting that the noble lady should partake of the cup at all?”
“Why — why?” said the seneschal, hesitating, and then bursting into passion as the readiest mode of supplying the lack of all other reason —“why, because it is my pleasure, minion, that you should not! Get you gone to the evening lecture.”
“Now, as I hope to hear lecture again,” replied Janet, “I will not go thither165 this night, unless I am better assured of my mistress’s safety. Give me that flask, father”— and she took it from his reluctant hand, while he resigned it as if conscience-struck. “And now,” she said, “father, that which shall benefit my mistress, cannot do me prejudice. Father, I drink to you.”
Foster, without speaking a word, rushed on his daughter and wrested166 the flask from her hand; then, as if embarrassed by what he had done, and totally unable to resolve what he should do next, he stood with it in his hand, one foot advanced and the other drawn167 back, glaring on his daughter with a countenance in which rage, fear, and convicted villainy formed a hideous168 combination.
“This is strange, my father,” said Janet, keeping her eye fixed169 on his, in the manner in which those who have the charge of lunatics are said to overawe their unhappy patients; “will you neither let me serve my lady, nor drink to her myself?”
The courage of the Countess sustained her through this dreadful scene, of which the import was not the less obvious that it was not even hinted at. She preserved even the rash carelessness of her temper, and though her cheek had grown pale at the first alarm, her eye was calm and almost scornful. “Will you taste this rare cordial, Master Foster? Perhaps you will not yourself refuse to pledge us, though you permit not Janet to do so. Drink, sir, I pray you.”
“I will not,” answered Foster.
“And for whom, then, is the precious beverage170 reserved, sir?” said the Countess.
“For the devil, who brewed171 it!” answered Foster; and, turning on his heel, he left the chamber.
Janet looked at her mistress with a countenance expressive172 in the highest degree of shame, dismay, and sorrow.
“Do not weep for me, Janet,” said the Countess kindly173.
“No, madam,” replied her attendant, in a voice broken by sobs174, “it is not for you I weep; it is for myself — it is for that unhappy man. Those who are dishonoured175 before man — those who are condemned by God — have cause to mourn; not those who are innocent! Farewell, madam!” she said hastily assuming the mantle176 in which she was wont to go abroad.
“Do you leave me, Janet?” said her mistress —“desert me in such an evil strait?”
“Desert you, madam!” exclaimed Janet; and running back to her mistress, she imprinted a thousand kisses on her hand —“desert you I— may the Hope of my trust desert me when I do so! No, madam; well you said the God you serve will open you a path for deliverance. There is a way of escape. I have prayed night and day for light, that I might see how to act betwixt my duty to yonder unhappy man and that which I owe to you. Sternly and fearfully that light has now dawned, and I must not shut the door which God opens. Ask me no more. I will return in brief space.”
So speaking, she wrapped herself in her mantle, and saying to the old woman whom she passed in the outer room that she was going to evening prayer, she left the house.
Meanwhile her father had reached once more the laboratory, where he found the accomplices177 of his intended guilt178. “Has the sweet bird sipped179?” said Varney, with half a smile; while the astrologer put the same question with his eyes, but spoke not a word.
“She has not, nor she shall not from my hands,” replied Foster; “would you have me do murder in my daughter’s presence?”
“Wert thou not told, thou sullen and yet faint-hearted slave,” answered Varney, with bitterness, “that no murder as thou callest it, with that staring look and stammering180 tone, is designed in the matter? Wert thou not told that a brief illness, such as woman puts on in very wantonness, that she may wear her night-gear at noon, and lie on a settle when she should mind her domestic business, is all here aimed at? Here is a learned man will swear it to thee by the key of the Castle of Wisdom.”
“I swear it,” said Alasco, “that the elixir181 thou hast there in the flask will not prejudice life! I swear it by that immortal182 and indestructible quintessence of gold, which pervades183 every substance in nature, though its secret existence can be traced by him only to whom Trismegistus renders the key of the Cabala.”
“An oath of force,” said Varney. “Foster, thou wert worse than a pagan to disbelieve it. Believe me, moreover, who swear by nothing but by my own word, that if you be not conformable, there is no hope, no, not a glimpse of hope, that this thy leasehold184 may be transmuted185 into a copyhold. Thus, Alasco will leave your pewter artillery186 untransmigrated, and I, honest Anthony, will still have thee for my tenant187.”
“I know not, gentlemen,” said Foster, “where your designs tend to; but in one thing I am bound up,— that, fall back fall edge, I will have one in this place that may pray for me, and that one shall be my daughter. I have lived ill, and the world has been too weighty with me; but she is as innocent as ever she was when on her mother’s lap, and she, at least, shall have her portion in that happy City, whose walls are of pure gold, and the foundations garnished188 with all manner of precious stones.”
“Ay, Tony,” said Varney, “that were a paradise to thy heart’s content.— Debate the matter with him, Doctor Alasco; I will be with you anon.”
So speaking, Varney arose, and taking the flask from the table, he left the room.
“I tell thee, my son,” said Alasco to Foster, as soon as Varney had left them, “that whatever this bold and profligate189 railer may say of the mighty science, in which, by Heaven’s blessing190, I have advanced so far that I would not call the wisest of living artists my better or my teacher — I say, howsoever yonder reprobate191 may scoff192 at things too holy to be apprehended96 by men merely of carnal and evil thoughts, yet believe that the city beheld193 by St. John, in that bright vision of the Christian194 Apocalypse, that new Jerusalem, of which all Christian men hope to partake, sets forth137 typically the discovery of the Grand Secret, whereby the most precious and perfect of nature’s works are elicited195 out of her basest and most crude productions; just as the light and gaudy196 butterfly, the most beautiful child of the summer’s breeze, breaks forth from the dungeon197 of a sordid198 chrysalis.”
“Master Holdforth said nought of this exposition,” said Foster doubtfully; “and moreover, Doctor Alasco, the Holy Writ199 says that the gold and precious stones of the Holy City are in no sort for those who work abomination, or who frame lies.”
“Well, my son,” said the Doctor, “and what is your inference from thence?”
“That those,” said Foster, “who distil200 poisons, and administer them in secrecy201, can have no portion in those unspeakable riches.”
“You are to distinguish, my son,” replied the alchemist, “betwixt that which is necessarily evil in its progress and in its end also, and that which, being evil, is, nevertheless, capable of working forth good. If, by the death of one person, the happy period shall be brought nearer to us, in which all that is good shall be attained202, by wishing its presence — all that is evil escaped, by desiring its absence — in which sickness, and pain, and sorrow shall be the obedient servants of human wisdom, and made to fly at the slightest signal of a sage — in which that which is now richest and rarest shall be within the compass of every one who shall be obedient to the voice of wisdom — when the art of healing shall be lost and absorbed in the one universal medicine when sages122 shall become monarchs203 of the earth, and death itself retreat before their frown,— if this blessed consummation of all things can be hastened by the slight circumstance that a frail204, earthly body, which must needs partake corruption205, shall be consigned206 to the grave a short space earlier than in the course of nature, what is such a sacrifice to the advancement207 of the holy Millennium208?”
“Millennium is the reign37 of the Saints,” said Foster, somewhat doubtfully.
“Say it is the reign of the Sages, my son,” answered Alasco; “or rather the reign of Wisdom itself.”
“I touched on the question with Master Holdforth last exercising night,” said Foster; “but he says your doctrine209 is heterodox, and a damnable and false exposition.”
“He is in the bonds of ignorance, my son,” answered Alasco, “and as yet burning bricks in Egypt; or, at best, wandering in the dry desert of Sinai. Thou didst ill to speak to such a man of such matters. I will, however, give thee proof, and that shortly, which I will defy that peevish210 divine to confute, though he should strive with me as the magicians strove with Moses before King Pharaoh. I will do projection211 in thy presence, my son,— in thy very presence — and thine eyes shall witness the truth.”
“Stick to that, learned sage,” said Varney, who at this moment entered the apartment; “if he refuse the testimony212 of thy tongue, yet how shall he deny that of his own eyes?”
“Varney!” said the adept213 —“Varney already returned! Hast thou —” he stopped short.
“Have I done mine errand, thou wouldst say?” replied Varney. “I have! And thou,” he added, showing more symptoms of interest than he had hitherto exhibited, “art thou sure thou hast poured forth neither more nor less than the just measure?”
“Ay,” replied the alchemist, “as sure as men can be in these nice proportions, for there is diversity of constitutions.”
“Nay, then,” said Varney, “I fear nothing. I know thou wilt214 not go a step farther to the devil than thou art justly considered for — thou wert paid to create illness, and wouldst esteem215 it thriftless prodigality216 to do murder at the same price. Come, let us each to our chamber we shall see the event tomorrow.”
“What didst thou do to make her swallow it?” said Foster, shuddering217.
“Nothing,” answered Varney, “but looked on her with that aspect which governs madmen, women, and children. They told me in St. Luke’s Hospital that I have the right look for overpowering a refractory218 patient. The keepers made me their compliments on’t; so I know how to win my bread when my court-favour fails me.”
“And art thou not afraid,” said Foster, “lest the dose be disproportioned?”
“If so,” replied Varney, “she will but sleep the sounder, and the fear of that shall not break my rest. Good night, my masters.”
Anthony Foster groaned219 heavily, and lifted up his hands and eyes. The alchemist intimated his purpose to continue some experiment of high import during the greater part of the night, and the others separated to their places of repose220.
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1
rend
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| vt.把…撕开，割裂；把…揪下来，强行夺取 | |
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2
wont
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| adj.习惯于；v.习惯；n.习惯 | |
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solely
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| adv.仅仅，唯一地 | |
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4
possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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5
adorning
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| 修饰，装饰物 | |
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6
varied
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| adj.多样的，多变化的 | |
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7
attire
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| v.穿衣，装扮[同]array；n.衣着；盛装 | |
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8
frivolous
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| adj.轻薄的；轻率的 | |
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9
averse
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| adj.厌恶的；反对的，不乐意的 | |
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10
tapestry
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| n.挂毯，丰富多采的画面 | |
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11
embroidery
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| n.绣花，刺绣；绣制品 | |
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12
profusion
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| n.挥霍；丰富 | |
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13
mighty
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| adj.强有力的；巨大的 | |
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14
loom
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| n.织布机，织机；v.隐现，(危险、忧虑等)迫近 | |
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15
infancy
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| n.婴儿期；幼年期；初期 | |
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16
cultivation
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| n.耕作，培养，栽培（法），养成 | |
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17
exterior
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| adj.外部的，外在的；表面的 | |
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18
graceful
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| adj.优美的，优雅的；得体的 | |
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19
complacent
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| adj.自满的；自鸣得意的 | |
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20
minion
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| n.宠仆；宠爱之人 | |
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21
solitude
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| n. 孤独; 独居,荒僻之地,幽静的地方 | |
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22
condemned
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| adj. 被责难的, 被宣告有罪的 动词condemn的过去式和过去分词 | |
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23
prudent
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| adj.谨慎的，有远见的，精打细算的 | |
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24
prudently
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| adv. 谨慎地，慎重地 | |
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25
secluded
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| adj.与世隔绝的；隐退的；偏僻的v.使隔开，使隐退( seclude的过去式和过去分词) | |
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26
entreat
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| v.恳求，恳请 | |
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entreaties
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| n.恳求，乞求( entreaty的名词复数 ) | |
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28
mingle
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| vt.使混合，使相混；vi.混合起来；相交往 | |
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29
dubious
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| adj.怀疑的，无把握的；有问题的，靠不住的 | |
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30
strings
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| n.弦 | |
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31
fret
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| v.(使)烦恼；(使)焦急；(使)腐蚀，(使)磨损 | |
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32
warping
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| n.翘面，扭曲，变形v.弄弯，变歪( warp的现在分词 )；使（行为等）不合情理，使乖戾， | |
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33
rosebud
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| n.蔷薇花蕾，妙龄少女 | |
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34
gems
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| growth； economy； management； and customer satisfaction 增长 | |
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35
ails
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| v.生病( ail的第三人称单数 )；感到不舒服；处境困难；境况不佳 | |
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36
incorrigible
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| adj.难以纠正的，屡教不改的 | |
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37
reign
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| n.统治时期，统治，支配，盛行；v.占优势 | |
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38
fetter
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| n./vt.脚镣，束缚 | |
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39
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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40
lame
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| adj.跛的，(辩解、论据等)无说服力的 | |
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41
draught
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| n.拉，牵引，拖；一网（饮，吸，阵)；顿服药量，通风；v.起草，设计 | |
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42
maiden
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| n.少女，处女；adj.未婚的，纯洁的，无经验的 | |
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43
nay
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| adv.不；n.反对票，投反对票者 | |
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44
retail
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| v./n.零售；adv.以零售价格 | |
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45
imprinted
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| v.盖印（imprint的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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46
lore
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| n.传说；学问，经验，知识 | |
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47
joyfully
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| adv. 喜悦地, 高兴地 | |
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48
scatter
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| vt.撒，驱散，散开；散布/播；vi.分散，消散 | |
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49
clatter
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| v./n.(使)发出连续而清脆的撞击声 | |
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50
hoof
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| n.(马，牛等的)蹄 | |
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51
bustle
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| v.喧扰地忙乱，匆忙，奔忙；n.忙碌；喧闹 | |
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52
mansion
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| n.大厦，大楼；宅第 | |
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53
sullen
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| adj.愠怒的，闷闷不乐的，(天气等)阴沉的 | |
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54
craved
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| 渴望，热望( crave的过去式 )； 恳求，请求 | |
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55
dressing
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| n.(食物)调料；包扎伤口的用品，敷料 | |
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56
adorned
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| [计]被修饰的 | |
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57
bestow
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| v.把…赠与，把…授予；花费 | |
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58
profuse
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| adj.很多的，大量的，极其丰富的 | |
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59
bosom
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| n.胸，胸部；胸怀；内心；adj.亲密的 | |
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60
tinge
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| vt.(较淡)着色于，染色；使带有…气息；n.淡淡色彩，些微的气息 | |
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61
countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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62
disorder
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| n.紊乱，混乱；骚动，骚乱；疾病，失调 | |
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63
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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64
theatrical
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| adj.剧场的，演戏的；做戏似的，做作的 | |
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65
briefly
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| adv.简单地，简短地 | |
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66
sage
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| n.圣人，哲人；adj.贤明的，明智的 | |
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67
retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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68
chamber
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| n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所 | |
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69
posture
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| n.姿势，姿态，心态，态度；v.作出某种姿势 | |
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70
brewing
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| n. 酿造, 一次酿造的量 动词brew的现在分词形式 | |
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71
bodes
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| v.预示，预告，预言( bode的第三人称单数 )；等待，停留( bide的过去分词 )；居住；（过去式用bided）等待 | |
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72
woe
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| n.悲哀，苦痛，不幸，困难；int.用来表达悲伤或惊慌 | |
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73
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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74
subdued
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| adj. 屈服的，柔和的，减弱的 动词subdue的过去式和过去分词 | |
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75
undo
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| vt.解开，松开；取消，撤销 | |
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76
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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77
shrieks
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| n.尖叫声( shriek的名词复数 )v.尖叫( shriek的第三人称单数 ) | |
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78
traitor
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| n.叛徒，卖国贼 | |
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79
axe
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| n.斧子；v.用斧头砍，削减 | |
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80
hindrance
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| n.妨碍，障碍 | |
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81
reiterated
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| 反复地说，重申( reiterate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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82
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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83
juvenile
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| n.青少年，少年读物；adj.青少年的，幼稚的 | |
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84
veins
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| n.纹理；矿脉( vein的名词复数 )；静脉；叶脉；纹理 | |
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85
articulation
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| n.（清楚的）发音；清晰度，咬合 | |
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86
scarlet
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| n.深红色，绯红色，红衣；adj.绯红色的 | |
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87
imprisoned
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| 下狱，监禁( imprison的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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88
foes
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| 敌人，仇敌( foe的名词复数 ) | |
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89
talons
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| n.（尤指猛禽的）爪( talon的名词复数 )；（如爪般的）手指；爪状物；锁簧尖状突出部 | |
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90
animated
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| adj.生气勃勃的，活跃的，愉快的 | |
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91
hatred
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| n.憎恶，憎恨，仇恨 | |
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92
defiance
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| n.挑战，挑衅，蔑视，违抗 | |
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93
resentment
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| n.怨愤，忿恨 | |
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94
sublime
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| adj.崇高的，伟大的；极度的，不顾后果的 | |
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95
dishonour
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| n./vt.拒付（支票、汇票、票据等）；vt.凌辱，使丢脸；n.不名誉，耻辱，不光彩 | |
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96
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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97
submission
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| n.服从，投降；温顺，谦虚；提出 | |
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98
abated
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| 减少( abate的过去式和过去分词 )； 减去； 降价； 撤消（诉讼） | |
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99
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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100
lackey
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| n.侍从；跟班 | |
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101
vindicate
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| v.为…辩护或辩解，辩明；证明…正确 | |
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102
hew
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| v.砍；伐；削 | |
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103
honourable
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| adj.可敬的；荣誉的，光荣的 | |
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104
interfere
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| v.(in)干涉，干预；(with)妨碍，打扰 | |
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105
entrusted
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| v.委托，托付( entrust的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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106
utterly
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| adv.完全地，绝对地 | |
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107
feigned
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| a.假装的，不真诚的 | |
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108
rebuked
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| 责难或指责( rebuke的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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109
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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110
impudent
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| adj.鲁莽的，卑鄙的，厚颜无耻的 | |
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111
infamy
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| n.声名狼藉，出丑，恶行 | |
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112
extremity
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| n.末端，尽头；尽力；终极；极度 | |
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113
impatience
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| n.不耐烦，急躁 | |
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114
annihilated
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| v.（彻底）消灭( annihilate的过去式和过去分词 )；使无效；废止；彻底击溃 | |
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115
nought
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| n.／adj.无，零 | |
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116
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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117
foresight
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| n.先见之明，深谋远虑 | |
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118
vehemence
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| n.热切；激烈；愤怒 | |
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119
vile
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| adj.卑鄙的，可耻的，邪恶的；坏透的 | |
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120
effrontery
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| n.厚颜无耻 | |
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121
enraged
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| 使暴怒( enrage的过去式和过去分词 )； 歜； 激愤 | |
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122
sages
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| n.圣人( sage的名词复数 )；智者；哲人；鼠尾草（可用作调料） | |
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123
gallows
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| n.绞刑架，绞台 | |
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124
intimacy
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| n.熟悉，亲密，密切关系，亲昵的言行 | |
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125
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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126
worthy
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| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
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127
supplanted
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| 把…排挤掉，取代( supplant的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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128
ignominious
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| adj.可鄙的，不光彩的，耻辱的 | |
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129
seduce
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| vt.勾引，诱奸，诱惑，引诱 | |
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130
apprehension
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| n.理解，领悟；逮捕，拘捕；忧虑 | |
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131
intemperate
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| adj.无节制的，放纵的 | |
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132
persecuting
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| （尤指宗教或政治信仰的）迫害(~sb. for sth.)( persecute的现在分词 )； 烦扰，困扰或骚扰某人 | |
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133
persevering
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| a.坚忍不拔的 | |
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134
follower
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| n.跟随者；随员；门徒；信徒 | |
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135
sneering
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| 嘲笑的，轻蔑的 | |
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136
oracle
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| n.神谕，神谕处，预言 | |
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137
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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138
discretion
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| n.谨慎；随意处理 | |
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139
tempting
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| a.诱人的, 吸引人的 | |
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140
pandemonium
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| n.喧嚣，大混乱 | |
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141
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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142
subterranean
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| adj.地下的，地表下的 | |
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143
scrupulously
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| adv.一丝不苟地；小心翼翼地，多顾虑地 | |
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144
scrupulous
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| adj.审慎的，小心翼翼的，完全的，纯粹的 | |
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145
hesitation
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| n.犹豫，踌躇 | |
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146
inmate
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| n.被收容者；(房屋等的)居住人；住院人 | |
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147
Undid
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| v. 解开, 复原 | |
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148
heterogeneous
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| adj.庞杂的；异类的 | |
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149
implements
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| n.工具( implement的名词复数 )；家具；手段；[法律]履行（契约等）v.实现( implement的第三人称单数 )；执行；贯彻；使生效 | |
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150
suffocating
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| a.使人窒息的 | |
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151
odious
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| adj.可憎的，讨厌的 | |
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152
upwards
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| adv.向上，在更高处...以上 | |
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153
severely
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| adv.严格地；严厉地；非常恶劣地 | |
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154
flask
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| n.瓶，火药筒，砂箱 | |
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155
obdurate
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| adj.固执的，顽固的 | |
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156
disposition
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| n.性情，性格；意向，倾向；排列，部署 | |
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157
conceal
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，隐蔽 | |
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158
deference
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| n.尊重，顺从；敬意 | |
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159
meditating
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| a.沉思的，冥想的 | |
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160
faltered
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| （嗓音）颤抖( falter的过去式和过去分词 )； 支吾其词； 蹒跚； 摇晃 | |
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161
astonishment
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| n.惊奇，惊异 | |
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162
hardy
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| adj.勇敢的，果断的，吃苦的；耐寒的 | |
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decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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164
apprehensively
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| adv.担心地 | |
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165
thither
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| adv.向那里；adj.在那边的，对岸的 | |
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166
wrested
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| （用力）拧( wrest的过去式和过去分词 )； 费力取得； （从…）攫取； （ 从… ） 强行取去… | |
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167
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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168
hideous
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| adj.丑陋的，可憎的，可怕的，恐怖的 | |
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169
fixed
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| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
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170
beverage
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| n.(水，酒等之外的)饮料 | |
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171
brewed
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| 调制( brew的过去式和过去分词 )； 酝酿； 沏（茶）； 煮（咖啡） | |
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172
expressive
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| adj.表现的，表达…的，富于表情的 | |
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173
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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174
sobs
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| 啜泣（声），呜咽（声）( sob的名词复数 ) | |
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175
dishonoured
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| a.不光彩的，不名誉的 | |
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176
mantle
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| n.斗篷，覆罩之物，罩子；v.罩住，覆盖，脸红 | |
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177
accomplices
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| 从犯，帮凶，同谋( accomplice的名词复数 ) | |
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178
guilt
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| n.犯罪；内疚；过失，罪责 | |
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179
sipped
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| v.小口喝，呷，抿( sip的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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180
stammering
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| v.结巴地说出( stammer的现在分词 ) | |
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181
elixir
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| n.长生不老药，万能药 | |
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182
immortal
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| adj.不朽的；永生的，不死的；神的 | |
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183
pervades
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| v.遍及，弥漫( pervade的第三人称单数 ) | |
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184
leasehold
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| n.租赁，租约，租赁权，租赁期，adj.租(来)的 | |
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185
transmuted
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| v.使变形，使变质，把…变成…( transmute的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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186
artillery
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| n.(军)火炮，大炮；炮兵(部队) | |
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187
tenant
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| n.承租人；房客；佃户；v.租借，租用 | |
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188
garnished
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| v.给（上餐桌的食物）加装饰( garnish的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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189
profligate
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| adj.行为不检的；n.放荡的人，浪子，肆意挥霍者 | |
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190
blessing
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| n.祈神赐福；祷告；祝福，祝愿 | |
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191
reprobate
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| n.无赖汉；堕落的人 | |
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192
scoff
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| n.嘲笑，笑柄，愚弄；v.嘲笑，嘲弄，愚弄，狼吞虎咽 | |
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193
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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194
Christian
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| adj.基督教徒的；n.基督教徒 | |
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195
elicited
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| 引出，探出( elicit的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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196
gaudy
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| adj.华而不实的；俗丽的 | |
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197
dungeon
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| n.地牢，土牢 | |
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198
sordid
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| adj.肮脏的，不干净的，卑鄙的，暗淡的 | |
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199
writ
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| n.命令状，书面命令 | |
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200
distil
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| vt.蒸馏；提取…的精华，精选出 | |
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201
secrecy
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| n.秘密，保密，隐蔽 | |
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202
attained
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| （通常经过努力）实现( attain的过去式和过去分词 )； 达到； 获得； 达到（某年龄、水平、状况） | |
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203
monarchs
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| 君主，帝王( monarch的名词复数 ) | |
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204
frail
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| adj.身体虚弱的；易损坏的 | |
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205
corruption
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| n.腐败，堕落，贪污 | |
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206
consigned
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| v.把…置于（令人不快的境地）( consign的过去式和过去分词 )；把…托付给；把…托人代售；丟弃 | |
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207
advancement
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| n.前进，促进，提升 | |
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208
millennium
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| n.一千年，千禧年；太平盛世 | |
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209
doctrine
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| n.教义；主义；学说 | |
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210
peevish
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| adj.易怒的，坏脾气的 | |
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211
projection
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| n.发射，计划，突出部分 | |
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212
testimony
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| n.证词；见证，证明 | |
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213
adept
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| adj.老练的，精通的 | |
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214
wilt
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| v.(使)植物凋谢或枯萎；(指人)疲倦，衰弱 | |
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215
esteem
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| n.尊敬，尊重；vt.尊重，敬重；把…看作 | |
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216
prodigality
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| n.浪费，挥霍 | |
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217
shuddering
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| v.战栗( shudder的现在分词 )；发抖；（机器、车辆等）突然震动；颤动 | |
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218
refractory
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| adj.倔强的，难驾驭的 | |
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219
groaned
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| v.呻吟( groan的过去式和过去分词 )；发牢骚；抱怨；受苦 | |
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220
repose
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| v.(使)休息；n.安息 | |
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