Viewing the hawk1 approaching nigh?
She cuddles close beneath the brake,
Afraid to sit, afraid to fly,
Prior.
It chanced, upon that memorable2 morning, that one of the earliest of the huntress train, who appeared from her chamber3 in full array for the chase, was the Princess for whom all these pleasures were instituted, England’s Maiden4 Queen. I know not if it were by chance, or out of the befitting courtesy due to a mistress by whom he was so much honoured, that she had scarcely made one step beyond the threshold of her chamber ere Leicester was by her side, and proposed to her, until the preparations for the chase had been completed, to view the Pleasance, and the gardens which it connected with the Castle yard.
To this new scene of pleasures they walked, the Earl’s arm affording his Sovereign the occasional support which she required, where flights of steps, then a favourite ornament5 in a garden, conducted them from terrace to terrace, and from parterre to parterre. The ladies in attendance, gifted with prudence6, or endowed perhaps with the amiable7 desire of acting8 as they would be done by, did not conceive their duty to the Queen’s person required them, though they lost not sight of her, to approach so near as to share, or perhaps disturb, the conversation betwixt the Queen and the Earl, who was not only her host, but also her most trusted, esteemed9, and favoured servant. They contented10 themselves with admiring the grace of this illustrious couple, whose robes of state were now exchanged for hunting suits, almost equally magnificent.
Elizabeth’s silvan dress, which was of a pale blue silk, with silver lace and aiguillettes, approached in form to that of the ancient Amazons, and was therefore well suited at once to her height and to the dignity of her mien11, which her conscious rank and long habits of authority had rendered in some degree too masculine to be seen to the best advantage in ordinary female weeds. Leicester’s hunting suit of Lincoln green, richly embroidered13 with gold, and crossed by the gay baldric which sustained a bugle-horn, and a wood-knife instead of a sword, became its master, as did his other vestments of court or of war. For such were the perfections of his form and mien, that Leicester was always supposed to be seen to the greatest advantage in the character and dress which for the time he represented or wore.
The conversation of Elizabeth and the favourite Earl has not reached us in detail. But those who watched at some distance (and the eyes of courtiers and court ladies are right sharp) were of opinion that on no occasion did the dignity of Elizabeth, in gesture and motion, seem so decidedly to soften15 away into a mien expressive16 of indecision and tenderness. Her step was not only slow, but even unequal, a thing most unwonted in her carriage; her looks seemed bent18 on the ground; and there was a timid disposition19 to withdraw from her companion, which external gesture in females often indicates exactly the opposite tendency in the secret mind. The Duchess of Rutland, who ventured nearest, was even heard to aver20 that she discerned a tear in Elizabeth’s eye and a blush on her cheek; and still further, “She bent her looks on the ground to avoid mine,” said the Duchess, “she who, in her ordinary mood, could look down a lion.” To what conclusion these symptoms led is sufficiently21 evident; nor were they probably entirely22 groundless. The progress of a private conversation betwixt two persons of different sexes is often decisive of their fate, and gives it a turn very different perhaps from what they themselves anticipated. Gallantry becomes mingled23 with conversation, and affection and passion come gradually to mix with gallantry. Nobles, as well as shepherd swains, will, in such a trying moment, say more than they intended; and Queens, like village maidens24, will listen longer than they should.
Horses in the meanwhile neighed and champed the bits with impatience25 in the base-court; hounds yelled in their couples; and yeomen, rangers26, and prickers lamented27 the exhaling28 of the dew, which would prevent the scent29 from lying. But Leicester had another chase in view — or, to speak more justly towards him, had become engaged in it without premeditation, as the high-spirited hunter which follows the cry of the hounds that have crossed his path by accident. The Queen, an accomplished30 and handsome woman, the pride of England, the hope of France and Holland, and the dread31 of Spain, had probably listened with more than usual favour to that mixture of romantic gallantry with which she always loved to be addressed; and the Earl had, in vanity, in ambition, or in both, thrown in more and more of that delicious ingredient, until his importunity32 became the language of love itself.
“No, Dudley,” said Elizabeth, yet it was with broken accents — “no, I must be the mother of my people. Other ties, that make the lowly maiden happy, are denied to her Sovereign. No, Leicester, urge it no more. Were I as others, free to seek my own happiness, then, indeed — but it cannot — cannot be. Delay the chase — delay it for half an hour — and leave me, my lord.”
“How! leave you, madam?” said Leicester,—“has my madness offended you?”
“No, Leicester, not so!” answered the Queen hastily; “but it is madness, and must not be repeated. Go — but go not far from hence; and meantime let no one intrude33 on my privacy.”
While she spoke34 thus, Dudley bowed deeply, and retired35 with a slow and melancholy36 air. The Queen stood gazing after him, and murmured to herself, “Were it possible — were it but possible!— but no — no; Elizabeth must be the wife and mother of England alone.”
As she spoke thus, and in order to avoid some one whose step she heard approaching, the Queen turned into the grotto37 in which her hapless, and yet but too successful, rival lay concealed39.
The mind of England’s Elizabeth, if somewhat shaken by the agitating40 interview to which she had just put a period, was of that firm and decided14 character which soon recovers its natural tone. It was like one of those ancient Druidical monuments called Rocking-stones. The finger of Cupid, boy as he is painted, could put her feelings in motion; but the power of Hercules could not have destroyed their equilibrium41. As she advanced with a slow pace towards the inmost extremity42 of the grotto, her countenance43, ere she had proceeded half the length, had recovered its dignity of look, and her mien its air of command.
It was then the Queen became aware that a female figure was placed beside, or rather partly behind, an alabaster44 column, at the foot of which arose the pellucid45 fountain which occupied the inmost recess46 of the twilight47 grotto. The classical mind of Elizabeth suggested the story of Numa and Egeria, and she doubted not that some Italian sculptor48 had here represented the Naiad whose inspirations gave laws to Rome. As she advanced, she became doubtful whether she beheld49 a statue, or a form of flesh and blood. The unfortunate Amy, indeed, remained motionless, betwixt the desire which she had to make her condition known to one of her own sex, and her awe50 for the stately form which approached her, and which, though her eyes had never before beheld, her fears instantly suspected to be the personage she really was. Amy had arisen from her seat with the purpose of addressing the lady who entered the grotto alone, and, as she at first thought, so opportunely51. But when she recollected52 the alarm which Leicester had expressed at the Queen’s knowing aught of their union, and became more and more satisfied that the person whom she now beheld was Elizabeth herself, she stood with one foot advanced and one withdrawn53, her arms, head, and hands perfectly55 motionless, and her cheek as pallid56 as the alabaster pedestal against which she leaned. Her dress was of pale sea-green silk, little distinguished57 in that imperfect light, and somewhat resembled the drapery of a Grecian Nymph, such an antique disguise having been thought the most secure, where so many maskers and revellers were assembled; so that the Queen’s doubt of her being a living form was well justified58 by all contingent59 circumstances, as well as by the bloodless cheek and the fixed60 eye.
Elizabeth remained in doubt, even after she had approached within a few paces, whether she did not gaze on a statue so cunningly fashioned that by the doubtful light it could not be distinguished from reality. She stopped, therefore, and fixed upon this interesting object her princely look with so much keenness that the astonishment61 which had kept Amy immovable gave way to awe, and she gradually cast down her eyes, and drooped62 her head under the commanding gaze of the Sovereign. Still, however, she remained in all respects, saving this slow and profound inclination63 of the head, motionless and silent.
From her dress, and the casket which she instinctively64 held in her hand, Elizabeth naturally conjectured65 that the beautiful but mute figure which she beheld was a performer in one of the various theatrical66 pageants67 which had been placed in different situations to surprise her with their homage68; and that the poor player, overcome with awe at her presence, had either forgot the part assigned her, or lacked courage to go through it. It was natural and courteous69 to give her some encouragement; and Elizabeth accordingly said, in a, tone of condescending70 kindness, “How now, fair Nymph of this lovely grotto, art thou spell-bound and struck with dumbness by the charms of the wicked enchanter whom men term Fear? We are his sworn enemy, maiden, and can reverse his charm. Speak, we command thee.”
Instead of answering her by speech, the unfortunate Countess dropped on her knee before the Queen, let her casket fall from her hand, and clasping her palms together, looked up in the Queen’s face with such a mixed agony of fear and supplication71, that Elizabeth was considerably72 affected73.
“What may this mean?” she said; “this is a stronger passion than befits the occasion. Stand up, damsel — what wouldst thou have with us?”
“Your protection, madam,” faltered74 forth76 the unhappy petitioner77.
“Each daughter of England has it while she is worthy78 of it,” replied the Queen; “but your distress79 seems to have a deeper root than a forgotten task. Why, and in what, do you crave80 our protection?”
Amy hastily endeavoured to recall what she were best to say, which might secure herself from the imminent81 dangers that surrounded her, without endangering her husband; and plunging82 from one thought to another, amidst the chaos83 which filled her mind, she could at length, in answer to the Queen’s repeated inquiries84 in what she sought protection, only falter75 out, “Alas85! I know not.”
“This is folly86, maiden,” said Elizabeth impatiently; for there was something in the extreme confusion of the suppliant87 which irritated her curiosity, as well as interested her feelings. “The sick man must tell his malady88 to the physician; nor are we accustomed to ask questions so oft without receiving an answer.”
“I request — I implore,” stammered89 forth the unfortunate Countess —“I beseech90 your gracious protection — against — against one Varney.” She choked well-nigh as she uttered the fatal word, which was instantly caught up by the Queen.
“What, Varney — Sir Richard Varney — the servant of Lord Leicester! what, damsel, are you to him, or he to you?”
“I— I— was his prisoner — and he practised on my life — and I broke forth to — to —”
“To throw thyself on my protection, doubtless,” said Elizabeth. “Thou shalt have it — that is, if thou art worthy; for we will sift91 this matter to the uttermost. Thou art,” she said, bending on the Countess an eye which seemed designed to pierce her very inmost soul —“thou art Amy, daughter of Sir Hugh Robsart of Lidcote Hall?”
“Forgive me — forgive me, most gracious Princess!” said Amy, dropping once more on her knee, from which she had arisen.
“For what should I forgive thee, silly wench?” said Elizabeth; “for being the daughter of thine own father? Thou art brain-sick, surely. Well I see I must wring92 the story from thee by inches. Thou didst deceive thine old and honoured father — thy look confesses it — cheated Master Tressilian — thy blush avouches it — and married this same Varney.”
Amy sprung on her feet, and interrupted the Queen eagerly with, “No, madam, no! as there is a God above us, I am not the sordid93 wretch94 you would make me! I am not the wife of that contemptible95 slave — of that most deliberate villain96! I am not the wife of Varney! I would rather be the bride of Destruction!”
The Queen, overwhelmed in her turn by Amy’s vehemence97, stood silent for an instant, and then replied, “Why, God ha’ mercy, woman! I see thou canst talk fast enough when the theme likes thee. Nay98, tell me, woman,” she continued, for to the impulse of curiosity was now added that of an undefined jealousy99 that some deception100 had been practised on her —“tell me, woman — for, by God’s day, I will know — whose wife, or whose paramour, art thou! Speak out, and be speedy. Thou wert better daily with a lioness than with Elizabeth.”
Urged to this extremity, dragged as it were by irresistible101 force to the verge102 of the precipice103 which she saw, but could not avoid — permitted not a moment’s respite104 by the eager words and menacing gestures of the offended Queen, Amy at length uttered in despair, “The Earl of Leicester knows it all.”
“The Earl of Leicester!” said Elizabeth, in utter astonishment. “The Earl of Leicester!” she repeated with kindling105 anger. “Woman, thou art set on to this — thou dost belie106 him — he takes no keep of such things as thou art. Thou art suborned to slander107 the noblest lord and the truest-hearted gentleman in England! But were he the right hand of our trust, or something yet dearer to us, thou shalt have thy hearing, and that in his presence. Come with me — come with me instantly!”
As Amy shrunk back with terror, which the incensed108 Queen interpreted as that of conscious guilt109, Elizabeth rapidly advanced, seized on her arm, and hastened with swift and long steps out of the grotto, and along the principal alley110 of the Pleasance, dragging with her the terrified Countess, whom she still held by the arm, and whose utmost exertions111 could but just keep pace with those of the indignant Queen.
Leicester was at this moment the centre of a splendid group of lords and ladies, assembled together under an arcade112, or portico113, which closed the alley. The company had drawn54 together in that place, to attend the commands of her Majesty114 when the hunting-party should go forward, and their astonishment may be imagined when, instead of seeing Elizabeth advance towards them with her usual measured dignity of motion, they beheld her walking so rapidly that she was in the midst of them ere they were aware; and then observed, with fear and surprise, that her features were flushed betwixt anger and agitation115, that her hair was loosened by her haste of motion, and that her eyes sparkled as they were wont17 when the spirit of Henry VIII. mounted highest in his daughter. Nor were they less astonished at the appearance of the pale, attenuated116, half-dead, yet still lovely female, whom the Queen upheld by main strength with one hand, while with the other she waved aside the ladies and nobles who pressed towards her, under the idea that she was taken suddenly ill. “Where is my Lord of Leicester?” she said, in a tone that thrilled with astonishment all the courtiers who stood around. “Stand forth, my Lord of Leicester!”
If, in the midst of the most serene117 day of summer, when all is light and laughing around, a thunderbolt were to fall from the clear blue vault118 of heaven, and rend12 the earth at the very feet of some careless traveller, he could not gaze upon the smouldering chasm119, which so unexpectedly yawned before him, with half the astonishment and fear which Leicester felt at the sight that so suddenly presented itself. He had that instant been receiving, with a political affectation of disavowing and misunderstanding their meaning, the half-uttered, half-intimated congratulations of the courtiers upon the favour of the Queen, carried apparently121 to its highest pitch during the interview of that morning, from which most of them seemed to augur122 that he might soon arise from their equal in rank to become their master. And now, while the subdued123 yet proud smile with which he disclaimed124 those inferences was yet curling his cheek, the Queen shot into the circle, her passions excited to the uttermost; and supporting with one hand, and apparently without an effort, the pale and sinking form of his almost expiring wife, and pointing with the finger of the other to her half-dead features, demanded in a voice that sounded to the ears of the astounded125 statesman like the last dread trumpet126-call that is to summon body and spirit to the judgment127-seat, “Knowest thou this woman?”
As, at the blast of that last trumpet, the guilty shall call upon the mountains to cover them, Leicester’s inward thoughts invoked128 the stately arch which he had built in his pride to burst its strong conjunction, and overwhelm them in its ruins. But the cemented stones, architrave and battlement, stood fast; and it was the proud master himself who, as if some actual pressure had bent him to the earth, kneeled down before Elizabeth, and prostrated129 his brow to the marble flag-stones on which she stood.
“Leicester,” said Elizabeth, in a voice which trembled with passion, “could I think thou hast practised on me — on me thy Sovereign — on me thy confiding130, thy too partial mistress, the base and ungrateful deception which thy present confusion surmises132 — by all that is holy, false lord, that head of thine were in as great peril133 as ever was thy father’s!”
Leicester had not conscious innocence134, but he had pride to support him. He raised slowly his brow and features, which were black and swoln with contending emotions, and only replied, “My head cannot fall but by the sentence of my peers. To them I will plead, and not to a princess who thus requites135 my faithful service.”
“What! my lords,” said Elizabeth, looking around, “we are defied, I think — defied in the Castle we have ourselves bestowed136 on this proud man!— My Lord Shrewsbury, you are Marshal of England, attach him of high treason.”
“Whom does your Grace mean?” said Shrewsbury, much surprised, for he had that instant joined the astonished circle.
“Whom should I mean, but that traitor137 Dudley, Earl of Leicester! — Cousin of Hunsdon, order out your band of gentlemen pensioners138, and take him into instant custody139. I say, villain, make haste!”
Hunsdon, a rough old noble, who, from his relationship to the Boleyns, was accustomed to use more freedom with the Queen than almost any other dared to do, replied bluntly, “And it is like your Grace might order me to the Tower tomorrow for making too much haste. I do beseech you to be patient.”
“Patient — God’s life!” exclaimed the Queen —“name not the word to me; thou knowest not of what he is guilty!”
Amy, who had by this time in some degree recovered herself, and who saw her husband, as she conceived, in the utmost danger from the rage of an offended Sovereign, instantly (and alas! how many women have done the same) forgot her own wrongs and her own danger in her apprehensions140 for him, and throwing herself before the Queen, embraced her knees, while she exclaimed, “He is guiltless, madam — he is guiltless; no one can lay aught to the charge of the noble Leicester!”
“Why, minion,” answered the Queen, “didst not thou thyself say that the Earl of Leicester was privy141 to thy whole history?”
“Did I say so?” repeated the unhappy Amy, laying aside every consideration of consistency142 and of self-interest. “Oh, if I did, I foully143 belied144 him. May God so judge me, as I believe he was never privy to a thought that would harm me!”
“Woman!” said Elizabeth, “I will know who has moved thee to this; or my wrath145 — and the wrath of kings is a flaming fire — shall wither146 and consume thee like a weed in the furnace!”
As the Queen uttered this threat, Leicester’s better angel called his pride to his aid, and reproached him with the utter extremity of meanness which would overwhelm him for ever if he stooped to take shelter under the generous interposition of his wife, and abandoned her, in return for her kindness, to the resentment147 of the Queen. He had already raised his head with the dignity of a man of honour to avow120 his marriage, and proclaim himself the protector of his Countess, when Varney, born, as it appeared, to be his master’s evil genius, rushed into the presence with every mark of disorder148 on his face and apparel.
“What means this saucy149 intrusion?” said Elizabeth.
Varney, with the air of a man altogether overwhelmed with grief and confusion, prostrated himself before her feet, exclaiming, “Pardon, my Liege, pardon!— or at least let your justice avenge150 itself on me, where it is due; but spare my noble, my generous, my innocent patron and master!”
Amy, who was yet kneeling, started up as she saw the man whom she deemed most odious151 place himself so near her, and was about to fly towards Leicester, when, checked at once by the uncertainty152 and even timidity which his looks had reassumed as soon as the appearance of his confidant seemed to open a new scene, she hung back, and uttering a faint scream, besought153 of her Majesty to cause her to be imprisoned154 in the lowest dungeon155 of the Castle — to deal with her as the worst of criminals —“but spare,” she exclaimed, “my sight and hearing what will destroy the little judgment I have left — the sight of that unutterable and most shameless villain!”
“And why, sweetheart?” said the Queen, moved by a new impulse; “what hath he, this false knight156, since such thou accountest him, done to thee?”
“Oh, worse than sorrow, madam, and worse than injury — he has sown dissension where most there should be peace. I shall go mad if I look longer on him!”
“Beshrew me, but I think thou art distraught already,” answered the Queen.—“My Lord Hunsdon, look to this poor distressed157 young woman, and let her be safely bestowed, and in honest keeping, till we require her to be forthcoming.”
Two or three of the ladies in attendance, either moved by compassion158 for a creature so interesting, or by some other motive159, offered their services to look after her; but the Queen briefly160 answered, “Ladies, under favour, no. You have all (give God thanks) sharp ears and nimble tongues; our kinsman161 Hunsdon has ears of the dullest, and a tongue somewhat rough, but yet of the slowest.— Hunsdon, look to it that none have speech of her.”
“By Our Lady,” said Hunsdon, taking in his strong, sinewy162 arms the fading and almost swooning form of Amy, “she is a lovely child! and though a rough nurse, your Grace hath given her a kind one. She is safe with me as one of my own ladybirds of daughters.”
So saying, he carried her off; unresistingly and almost unconsciously, his war-worn locks and long, grey beard mingling163 with her light-brown tresses, as her head reclined on his strong, square shoulder. The Queen followed him with her eye. She had already, with that self-command which forms so necessary a part of a Sovereign’s accomplishments164, suppressed every appearance of agitation, and seemed as if she desired to banish165 all traces of her burst of passion from the recollection of those who had witnessed it. “My Lord of Hunsdon says well,” she observed, “he is indeed but a rough nurse for so tender a babe.”
“My Lord of Hunsdon,” said the Dean of St. Asaph —“I speak it not in defamation166 of his more noble qualities — hath a broad license167 in speech, and garnishes168 his discourse169 somewhat too freely with the cruel and superstitious170 oaths which savour both of profaneness171 and of old Papistrie.”
“It is the fault of his blood, Mr. Dean,” said the Queen, turning sharply round upon the reverend dignitary as she spoke; “and you may blame mine for the same distemperature. The Boleyns were ever a hot and plain-spoken race, more hasty to speak their mind than careful to choose their expressions. And by my word — I hope there is no sin in that affirmation — I question if it were much cooled by mixing with that of Tudor.”
As she made this last observation she smiled graciously, and stole her eyes almost insensibly round to seek those of the Earl of Leicester, to whom she now began to think she had spoken with hasty harshness upon the unfounded suspicion of a moment.
The Queen’s eye found the Earl in no mood to accept the implied offer of conciliation172. His own looks had followed, with late and rueful repentance173, the faded form which Hunsdon had just borne from the presence. They now reposed174 gloomily on the ground, but more — so at least it seemed to Elizabeth — with the expression of one who has received an unjust affront175, than of him who is conscious of guilt. She turned her face angrily from him, and said to Varney, “Speak, Sir Richard, and explain these riddles176 — thou hast sense and the use of speech, at least, which elsewhere we look for in vain.”
As she said this, she darted177 another resentful glance towards Leicester, while the wily Varney hastened to tell his own story.
“Your Majesty’s piercing eye,” he said, “has already detected the cruel malady of my beloved lady, which, unhappy that I am, I would not suffer to be expressed in the certificate of her physician, seeking to conceal38 what has now broken out with so much the more scandal.”
“She is then distraught?” said the Queen. “Indeed we doubted not of it; her whole demeanour bears it out. I found her moping in a corner of yonder grotto; and every word she spoke — which indeed I dragged from her as by the rack — she instantly recalled and forswore. But how came she hither? Why had you her not in safe-keeping?”
“My gracious Liege,” said Varney, “the worthy gentleman under whose charge I left her, Master Anthony Foster, has come hither but now, as fast as man and horse can travel, to show me of her escape, which she managed with the art peculiar178 to many who are afflicted179 with this malady. He is at hand for examination.”
“Let it be for another time,” said the Queen. “But, Sir Richard, we envy you not your domestic felicity; your lady railed on you bitterly, and seemed ready to swoon at beholding180 you.”
“It is the nature of persons in her disorder, so please your Grace,” answered Varney, “to be ever most inveterate181 in their spleen against those whom, in their better moments, they hold nearest and dearest.”
“We have heard so, indeed,” said Elizabeth, “and give faith to the saying.”
“May your Grace then be pleased,” said Varney, “ to command my unfortunate wife to be delivered into the custody of her friends?”
Leicester partly started; but making a strong effort, he subdued his emotion, while Elizabeth answered sharply, “You are something too hasty, Master Varney. We will have first a report of the lady’s health and state of mind from Masters, our own physician, and then determine what shall be thought just. You shall have license, however, to see her, that if there be any matrimonial quarrel betwixt you — such things we have heard do occur, even betwixt a loving couple — you may make it up, without further scandal to our court or trouble to ourselves.”
Varney bowed low, and made no other answer.
Elizabeth again looked towards Leicester, and said, with a degree of condescension182 which could only arise out of the most heartfelt interest, “Discord, as the Italian poet says, will find her way into peaceful convents, as well as into the privacy of families; and we fear our own guards and ushers183 will hardly exclude her from courts. My Lord of Leicester, you are offended with us, and we have right to be offended with you. We will take the lion’s part upon us, and be the first to forgive.”
Leicester smoothed his brow, as by an effort; but the trouble was too deep-seated that its placidity184 should at once return. He said, however, that which fitted the occasion, “That he could not have the happiness of forgiving, because she who commanded him to do so could commit no injury towards him.”
Elizabeth seemed content with this reply, and intimated her pleasure that the sports of the morning should proceed. The bugles185 sounded, the hounds bayed, the horses pranced186 — but the courtiers and ladies sought the amusement to which they were summoned with hearts very different from those which had leaped to the morning’s revielle. There was doubt, and fear, and expectation on every brow, and surmise131 and intrigue187 in every whisper.
Blount took an opportunity to whisper into Raleigh’s ear, “This storm came like a levanter in the Mediterranean188.”
“Varium et mutabile,” answered Raleigh, in a similar tone.
“Nay, I know nought189 of your Latin,” said Blount; “but I thank God Tressilian took not the sea during that hurricane. He could scarce have missed shipwreck190, knowing as he does so little how to trim his sails to a court gale191.”
“Thou wouldst have instructed him!” said Raleigh.
“Why, I have profited by my time as well as thou, Sir Walter,” replied honest Blount. “I am knight as well as thou, and of the earlier creation.”
“Now, God further thy wit,” said Raleigh. “But for Tressilian, I would I knew what were the matter with him. He told me this morning he would not leave his chamber for the space of twelve hours or thereby192, being bound by a promise. This lady’s madness, when he shall learn it, will not, I fear, cure his infirmity. The moon is at the fullest, and men’s brains are working like yeast193. But hark! they sound to mount. Let us to horse, Blount; we young knights194 must deserve our spurs.”
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hawk
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| n.鹰，骗子；鹰派成员 | |
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memorable
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| adj.值得回忆的，难忘的，特别的，显著的 | |
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chamber
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| n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所 | |
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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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ornament
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| v.装饰，美化；n.装饰，装饰物 | |
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prudence
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| n.谨慎，精明，节俭 | |
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amiable
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| adj.和蔼可亲的，友善的，亲切的 | |
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acting
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| n.演戏，行为，假装；adj.代理的，临时的，演出用的 | |
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esteemed
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| adj.受人尊敬的v.尊敬( esteem的过去式和过去分词 )；敬重；认为；以为 | |
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contented
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| adj.满意的，安心的，知足的 | |
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mien
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| n.风采；态度 | |
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rend
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| vt.把…撕开，割裂；把…揪下来，强行夺取 | |
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embroidered
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| adj．绣花的 | |
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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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soften
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| v.(使)变柔软；(使)变柔和 | |
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expressive
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| adj.表现的，表达…的，富于表情的 | |
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wont
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| adj.习惯于；v.习惯；n.习惯 | |
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18
bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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19
disposition
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| n.性情，性格；意向，倾向；排列，部署 | |
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20
aver
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| v.极力声明；断言；确证 | |
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21
sufficiently
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| adv.足够地，充分地 | |
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22
entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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23
mingled
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| 混合，混入( mingle的过去式和过去分词 )； 混进，与…交往[联系] | |
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24
maidens
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| 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 | |
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25
impatience
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| n.不耐烦，急躁 | |
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26
rangers
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| 护林者( ranger的名词复数 )； 突击队员 | |
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27
lamented
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| adj.被哀悼的，令人遗憾的v.（为…）哀悼，痛哭，悲伤( lament的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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28
exhaling
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| v.呼出，发散出( exhale的现在分词 )；吐出（肺中的空气、烟等），呼气 | |
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29
scent
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| n.气味，香味，香水，线索，嗅觉；v.嗅，发觉 | |
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30
accomplished
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| adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的 | |
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31
dread
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| vt.担忧，忧虑；惧怕，不敢；n.担忧，畏惧 | |
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32
importunity
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| n.硬要，强求 | |
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33
intrude
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| vi.闯入；侵入；打扰，侵扰 | |
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34
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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35
retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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36
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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37
grotto
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| n.洞穴 | |
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38
conceal
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，隐蔽 | |
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39
concealed
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| a.隐藏的，隐蔽的 | |
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40
agitating
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| 搅动( agitate的现在分词 )； 激怒； 使焦虑不安； （尤指为法律、社会状况的改变而）激烈争论 | |
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41
equilibrium
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| n.平衡，均衡，相称，均势，平静 | |
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42
extremity
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| n.末端，尽头；尽力；终极；极度 | |
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43
countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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44
alabaster
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| adj.雪白的；n.雪花石膏；条纹大理石 | |
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45
pellucid
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| adj.透明的，简单的 | |
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46
recess
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| n.短期休息，壁凹（墙上装架子，柜子等凹处） | |
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47
twilight
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| n.暮光，黄昏；暮年，晚期，衰落时期 | |
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48
sculptor
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| n.雕刻家，雕刻家 | |
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49
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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50
awe
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| n.敬畏，惊惧；vt.使敬畏，使惊惧 | |
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51
opportunely
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| adv.恰好地，适时地 | |
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52
recollected
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|
| 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 ) | |
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53
withdrawn
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| vt.收回；使退出；vi.撤退，退出 | |
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54
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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55
perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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56
pallid
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| adj.苍白的，呆板的 | |
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57
distinguished
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| adj.卓越的，杰出的，著名的 | |
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58
justified
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| a.正当的，有理的 | |
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59
contingent
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| adj.视条件而定的；n.一组，代表团，分遣队 | |
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60
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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61
astonishment
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| n.惊奇，惊异 | |
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62
drooped
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| 弯曲或下垂，发蔫( droop的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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63
inclination
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| n.倾斜；点头；弯腰；斜坡；倾度；倾向；爱好 | |
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64
instinctively
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| adv.本能地 | |
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65
conjectured
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| 推测，猜测，猜想( conjecture的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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66
theatrical
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| adj.剧场的，演戏的；做戏似的，做作的 | |
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67
pageants
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| n.盛装的游行( pageant的名词复数 )；穿古代服装的游行；再现历史场景的娱乐活动；盛会 | |
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68
homage
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| n.尊敬，敬意，崇敬 | |
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69
courteous
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| adj.彬彬有礼的，客气的 | |
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70
condescending
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| adj.谦逊的,故意屈尊的 | |
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71
supplication
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| n.恳求，祈愿，哀求 | |
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72
considerably
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| adv.极大地；相当大地；在很大程度上 | |
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73
affected
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| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
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74
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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75
falter
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| vi.(嗓音)颤抖，结巴地说；犹豫；蹒跚 | |
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76
forth
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|
| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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77
petitioner
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| n.请愿人 | |
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78
worthy
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|
| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
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79
distress
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| n.苦恼，痛苦，不舒适；不幸；vt.使悲痛 | |
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80
crave
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| vt.渴望得到，迫切需要，恳求，请求 | |
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81
imminent
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|
| adj.即将发生的，临近的，逼近的 | |
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82
plunging
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|
| adj.跳进的，突进的v.颠簸( plunge的现在分词 )；暴跌；骤降；突降 | |
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83
chaos
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| n.混乱，无秩序 | |
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84
inquiries
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| n.调查( inquiry的名词复数 )；疑问；探究；打听 | |
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85
alas
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| int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等) | |
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86
folly
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| n.愚笨，愚蠢，蠢事，蠢行，傻话 | |
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87
suppliant
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| adj.哀恳的；n.恳求者，哀求者 | |
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88
malady
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| n.病，疾病(通常做比喻) | |
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89
stammered
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| v.结巴地说出( stammer的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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90
beseech
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| v.祈求，恳求 | |
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91
sift
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| v.筛撒，纷落，详察 | |
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92
wring
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| n.扭绞；v.拧，绞出，扭 | |
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93
sordid
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| adj.肮脏的，不干净的，卑鄙的，暗淡的 | |
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94
wretch
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| n.可怜的人，不幸的人；卑鄙的人 | |
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95
contemptible
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|
| adj.可鄙的，可轻视的，卑劣的 | |
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96
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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97
vehemence
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|
| n.热切；激烈；愤怒 | |
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98
nay
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| adv.不；n.反对票，投反对票者 | |
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99
jealousy
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| n.妒忌，嫉妒，猜忌 | |
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100
deception
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| n.欺骗，欺诈；骗局，诡计 | |
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101
irresistible
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| adj.非常诱人的，无法拒绝的，无法抗拒的 | |
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102
verge
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| n.边，边缘；v.接近，濒临 | |
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103
precipice
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| n.悬崖，危急的处境 | |
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104
respite
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| n.休息，中止，暂缓 | |
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105
kindling
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| n. 点火, 可燃物 动词kindle的现在分词形式 | |
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106
belie
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| v.掩饰，证明为假 | |
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107
slander
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| n./v.诽谤，污蔑 | |
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108
incensed
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| 盛怒的 | |
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109
guilt
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| n.犯罪；内疚；过失，罪责 | |
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110
alley
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| n.小巷，胡同；小径，小路 | |
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111
exertions
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| n.努力( exertion的名词复数 )；费力；（能力、权力等的）运用；行使 | |
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112
arcade
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| n.拱廊；(一侧或两侧有商店的)通道 | |
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113
portico
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| n.柱廊，门廊 | |
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114
majesty
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| n.雄伟，壮丽，庄严，威严；最高权威，王权 | |
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115
agitation
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| n.搅动；搅拌；鼓动，煽动 | |
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116
attenuated
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| v.（使）变细( attenuate的过去式和过去分词 )；（使）变薄；（使）变小；减弱 | |
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117
serene
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| adj. 安详的，宁静的，平静的 | |
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118
vault
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| n.拱形圆顶，地窖，地下室 | |
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119
chasm
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| n.深坑，断层，裂口，大分岐，利害冲突 | |
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120
avow
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| v.承认，公开宣称 | |
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121
apparently
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| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
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122
augur
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| n.占卦师；v.占卦 | |
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123
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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124
disclaimed
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| v.否认( disclaim的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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125
astounded
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| v.使震惊(astound的过去式和过去分词)；愕然；愕；惊讶 | |
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126
trumpet
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| n.喇叭，喇叭声；v.吹喇叭，吹嘘 | |
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127
judgment
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| n.审判；判断力，识别力，看法，意见 | |
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128
invoked
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| v.援引( invoke的过去式和过去分词 )；行使（权利等）；祈求救助；恳求 | |
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129
prostrated
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|
| v.使俯伏，使拜倒( prostrate的过去式和过去分词 )；（指疾病、天气等）使某人无能为力 | |
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130
confiding
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|
| adj.相信人的，易于相信的v.吐露（秘密，心事等）( confide的现在分词 )；（向某人）吐露（隐私、秘密等） | |
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131
surmise
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| v./n.猜想，推测 | |
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132
surmises
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| v.臆测，推断( surmise的第三人称单数 )；揣测；猜想 | |
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133
peril
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| n.(严重的)危险；危险的事物 | |
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134
innocence
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| n.无罪；天真；无害 | |
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135
requites
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| vt.报答（requite的第三人称单数形式） | |
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136
bestowed
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| 赠给，授予( bestow的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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137
traitor
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| n.叛徒，卖国贼 | |
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138
pensioners
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| n.领取退休、养老金或抚恤金的人( pensioner的名词复数 ) | |
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139
custody
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| n.监护，照看，羁押，拘留 | |
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140
apprehensions
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| 疑惧 | |
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141
privy
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| adj.私用的；隐密的 | |
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142
consistency
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| n.一贯性，前后一致，稳定性；(液体的)浓度 | |
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143
foully
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| ad.卑鄙地 | |
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144
belied
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|
| v.掩饰( belie的过去式和过去分词 )；证明（或显示）…为虚假；辜负；就…扯谎 | |
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145
wrath
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| n.愤怒，愤慨，暴怒 | |
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146
wither
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| vt.使凋谢，使衰退，(用眼神气势等)使畏缩；vi.枯萎，衰退，消亡 | |
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147
resentment
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| n.怨愤，忿恨 | |
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148
disorder
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| n.紊乱，混乱；骚动，骚乱；疾病，失调 | |
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149
saucy
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| adj.无礼的；俊俏的；活泼的 | |
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150
avenge
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| v.为...复仇，为...报仇 | |
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151
odious
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| adj.可憎的，讨厌的 | |
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152
uncertainty
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| n.易变，靠不住，不确知，不确定的事物 | |
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153
besought
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| v.恳求，乞求（某事物）( beseech的过去式和过去分词 )；(beseech的过去式与过去分词) | |
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154
imprisoned
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| 下狱，监禁( imprison的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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155
dungeon
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| n.地牢，土牢 | |
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156
knight
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| n.骑士，武士；爵士 | |
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157
distressed
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| 痛苦的 | |
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158
compassion
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| n.同情，怜悯 | |
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159
motive
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| n.动机，目的；adv.发动的，运动的 | |
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160
briefly
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| adv.简单地，简短地 | |
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161
kinsman
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| n.男亲属 | |
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162
sinewy
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| adj.多腱的，强壮有力的 | |
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163
mingling
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| adj.混合的 | |
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164
accomplishments
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| n.造诣；完成( accomplishment的名词复数 )；技能；成绩；成就 | |
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165
banish
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| vt.放逐，驱逐；消除，排除 | |
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166
defamation
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| n.诽谤；中伤 | |
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167
license
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| n.执照，许可证，特许；v.许可，特许 | |
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168
garnishes
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| n.（为色香味而添加的）装饰菜( garnish的名词复数 )；装饰，装饰品v.给（上餐桌的食物）加装饰( garnish的第三人称单数 ) | |
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169
discourse
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| n.论文，演说；谈话；话语；vi.讲述，著述 | |
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170
superstitious
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| adj.迷信的 | |
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171
profaneness
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| n.渎神，污秽 | |
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172
conciliation
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| n.调解，调停 | |
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173
repentance
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| n.懊悔 | |
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174
reposed
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| v.将（手臂等）靠在某人（某物）上( repose的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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175
affront
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| n./v.侮辱，触怒 | |
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176
riddles
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| n.谜（语）( riddle的名词复数 )；猜不透的难题，难解之谜 | |
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177
darted
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| v.投掷，投射( dart的过去式和过去分词 )；向前冲，飞奔 | |
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178
peculiar
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| adj.古怪的，异常的；特殊的，特有的 | |
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179
afflicted
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| 使受痛苦，折磨( afflict的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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180
beholding
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| v.看，注视( behold的现在分词 )；瞧；看呀；（叙述中用于引出某人意外的出现）哎哟 | |
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181
inveterate
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| adj.积习已深的，根深蒂固的 | |
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182
condescension
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| n.自以为高人一等，贬低(别人) | |
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183
ushers
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| n.引座员( usher的名词复数 )；招待员；门房；助理教员v.引，领，陪同( usher的第三人称单数 ) | |
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184
placidity
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| n.平静，安静，温和 | |
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185
bugles
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| 妙脆角，一种类似薯片但做成尖角或喇叭状的零食； 号角( bugle的名词复数 )； 喇叭； 匍匐筋骨草； （装饰女服用的）柱状玻璃（或塑料）小珠 | |
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186
pranced
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| v.（马）腾跃( prance的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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187
intrigue
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| vt.激起兴趣，迷住；vi.耍阴谋；n.阴谋，密谋 | |
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188
Mediterranean
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| adj.地中海的；地中海沿岸的 | |
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189
nought
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| n.／adj.无，零 | |
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190
shipwreck
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| n.船舶失事，海难 | |
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191
gale
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| n.大风，强风，一阵闹声（尤指笑声等） | |
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192
thereby
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| adv.因此，从而 | |
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193
yeast
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| n.酵母；酵母片；泡沫；v.发酵；起泡沫 | |
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194
knights
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| 骑士； （中古时代的）武士( knight的名词复数 )； 骑士； 爵士； （国际象棋中）马 | |
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