"He who would have friends must show himself friendly." This their dusky guest had done and it paved the way for a pleasant interview, which resulted in mutual11 good. Knowing that the way to the heart lies through the stomach, they at once gave their visitor "strong water, biscuit, butter, cheese and some pudding, with a piece of mallard."
The heart of the savage12 was gained: the taciturnity characteristic of his race gave way and he imparted valuable information, much of it pertaining13 to things they had long desired to know. They ascertained15 that his name was Samoset, that he was a subordinate chief of the Wampanoag tribe, and his hunting-grounds were near the island of Monhegan, which is at the mouth of Penobscot Bay. With a strong wind it was but a day's sail eastward16, but it required five days to make the journey by land. This was a noted17 fishing place and he had learned something of the English language from crews of fishing vessels18 which frequented his coast. He told them the country in their vicinity was called Pawtuxet; that four years previous a terrible pestilence20 had swept off the tribes that inhabited the district, so that none remained to claim the soil.
He also informed them that a powerful sachem named Massasoit was their nearest neighbor. He lived about Montaup (afterward21 corrupted22 by the English into Mount Hope), and was chief of the Wampanoag tribe as well as head sachem of the Pokanoket confederacy of thirty tribes. Massasoit, he said, was disposed to be friendly. But another tribe, called the Nausets, were greatly incensed23 against the English, and with just cause. Samoset was able to define this cause, which also served to explain the fierce attack the Pilgrims received from the savages24 in their memorable25 "First Encounter."
It seems that a captain by the name of Hunt who had been left in charge of a vessel19 by Captain John Smith, while exploring the coast of New England in 1614, had exasperated26 the Indians beyond endurance. Captain Smith thus records this infamous27 crime in his "Generale Historie of New England." "He (Hunt) betraied foure and twentie of these poore salvages28 aboord his ship, and most dishonestly and inhumanely for their kind usage of me and all our men, carried them with him to Maligo, and there for a little private gaine sold those silly salvages for Rials of eight; but this vilde act kept him ever after from any more emploiement to these parts."
Samoset had heard from his red brothers all about this kidnapping, as well as the attack on the Pilgrims in revenge for it.
The sequel of Hunt's outrageous30 crime is quite interesting. He sold his victims, as we have seen, at Malaga, for eighty pounds each, but some of them, including an Indian by the name of Squanto, were ransomed31 and liberated32 by the monks33 of that island.
Squanto now went first to Cornhill, England, afterward to London. Here he acquired some knowledge of the English language and obtained the friendship and sympathy of Mr. John Slaney, a merchant of that city, who protected him and determined34 to send the poor exile back to his native land.
About this time (1619) Sir F. Gorges35 was preparing to send a ship to New England under the command of Captain Thomas Dermer, and it was arranged for Squanto to embark36 on board this ship. "When I arrived," says Dermer in his letter to Purchas, "at my savage's native country, finding all dead (because of the pestilence), I traveled along a day's journey to a place called Nummastaquyt, where, finding inhabitants, I dispatched a messenger a day's journey further west, to Pacanokit, which bordereth on the sea; whence came to see me two kings, attended with a guard of fifty armed men, who being well satisfied with that my savage and I discoursed37 unto them (being desirous of novelty) gave me content in whatsoever38 I demanded. Here I redeemed39 a Frenchman and afterwards another at Masstachusitt, who three years since escaped shipwreck41 at the northeast of Cape40 Cod42."
One of these two "kings," as the sachems were frequently entitled by the early writers, must have been Massasoit, the other was probably his brother, Quadepinah.
The good Captain Dermer was faithful to his trust and delivered the poor exile Squanto to his native land, but not to his own people at Plymouth, as they had been swept off by the pestilence in his absence. He, however, became a loyal subject of Massasoit. He was introduced to the English settlers at Plymouth by Samoset on his third visit. Squanto was disposed to return good for evil, and forgetting the outrage29 of the knave43 who had kidnapped him and remembering only the great kindness which he had received from his benefactor44, Mr. Slaney, and from the people generally in London, in generous requital45 now attached himself cordially to the Pilgrims and became their firm friend. His residence in England, as we have stated, had rendered him quite familiar with the English language, and he proved invaluable46, not only as an interpreter, but also in instructing them respecting fishing, woodcraft, planting corn and other modes of obtaining support in the wilderness47.
Squanto brought the welcome intelligence that his sovereign chief, the great Massasoit, had heard of the arrival of the Pilgrims and was approaching to pay them a friendly visit, attended by a retinue48 of sixty warriors49. An hour later Massasoit and his warriors, accompanied by his brother, Quadepinah (sometimes written Quadequina) appeared on a neighboring hill. The wily sachem was well acquainted with the conduct of the unprincipled Hunt and other English seamen50 who had skirted the coast and committed all manner of outrages51 on the natives, and he was too wary52 to place himself in the power of strangers, respecting whom he entertained such well grounded suspicions. He therefore took a position on a hill where he could not be taken by surprise and in case of attack could retreat if necessary.
As they seemed unwilling53 to approach nearer, Squanto was sent to ascertain14 their designs, and was informed that they wished some one should be sent to hold a parley54. Edward Winslow was appointed to discharge this duty, and he immediately waited on the sachem and conveyed a present consisting of a pair of knives and a copper55 chain with a jewel attached to it. Also a knife, a jewel to hang on his ear, "a pot of strong water, a good quantity of biscuit and some butter" for Quadepinah. Massasoit received him with dignity, yet with courtesy. Mr. Winslow, with the aid of Squanto as interpreter, addressed the chief in a speech of some length, to which the Indians listened with the decorous gravity characteristic of the race. The purport56 of the speech was that King James saluted58 the sachem, his brother, with the words of peace and love; that he accepted him as his friend and ally; and that the Governor desired to see him and to trade and treat with him upon friendly terms.
Massasoit made no special reply to these words, probably for the sufficient reason that he did not fully59 comprehend the drift of it, except the last clause. He observed the sword and armor of Winslow during the harangue60, and, when he had ceased speaking, signified his disposition61 to commence the proposed trade immediately by buying them. They were not, however, for sale; and after a brief parley Winslow was left behind as a hostage in the custody62 of Quadepinah, while Massasoit and twenty unarmed followers63 met Standish, Williamson and six musketeers at the brook64 which divided the parties.
Ope-Chan-Ca-Nough
The sachem and his retinue, marching in Indian file one behind the other, led by the chief, were escorted to the best house in the village. Here a green rug was spread upon the floor and several cushions piled on it for his accommodation. Presently Governor Carver entered the house in as great state as he could command, with beat of drum and blare of trumpet65, and a squad66 of armed men as a bodyguard67. The Governor took the hand of Massasoit and kissed it. The Indian chieftain immediately imitated his example and returned the salute57.
The two leaders now sat down together and regaled themselves with refreshments68 consisting chiefly of "strong waters, a thing the savages love very well; and the sachem took such a large draught69 of it at once as made him sweat all the while he staid." The white man's "firewater" thus in evidence in this treaty has been the most fruitful source of the red man's ruin from that day to the present time. Following are the terms of the treaty concluded upon this occasion:
1. That neither he nor any of his (Massasoit's) should injure or do hurt to any of their people.
2. That if any of his did any hurt to any of theirs, he should send the offender70, that they might punish him.
3. That if anything were taken away from any of theirs, he should cause it to be restored, and they should do the like to his.
4. That if any did unjustly war against him, they would aid him; and if any did war against them, he should aid them.
5. That he should send to his neighbor confederates, to inform them of this, that they might not wrong them, but might be like wise comprised in these conditions of peace.
6. That when his came to them upon any occasion, they should leave their arms behind them.
Such was the first treaty made with the Indians of New England, which remained in force fifty-four years. Nor was Massasoit or any of the Wampanoags during his lifetime convicted by the harshest revilers of his race of having violated or attempted to violate any of its provisions. It was eminently72 satisfactory to both parties to the compact, but a close reading will show hints (as usual) of the white man overreaching his red brother. In the first place they got an immense territory for a few baubles73 and gewgaws, part of which were utterly74 useless. Then, too, the Indians were required to come unarmed in their interviews with the Pilgrims, but we fail to find it stated that the white men should leave their pieces behind them on going among the Indians. It is also noticed that the Indians were to aid the English should any foe75 war against them, and the English should aid the Indians should any foe "unjustly war against them." Why this word "unjustly" on the one side and not on the other? And who was to decide the matter? Certainly the Puritans. But to their credit be it said, they did send aid to their ally promptly76 in his time of need, as we shall see.
Massasoit is thus described in the Pilgrim's Journal: "In his person he is a very lusty man in his best years, an able body, grave of countenance77 and spare of speech; in his attire78 little or nothing differing from the rest of his followers, save only in a great chain of white beads79 about his neck; behind his neck, attached to the chain, hangs a pouch80 of tobacco which he drank (smoked) and gave us to drink. His face was painted with a seal red, and he was oiled both head and face that he looked greasily81." He and his companions were picturesquely82 dressed in skins and plumes83 of brilliant colors. Being tall, strongmen, and the first natives whom most of the colonists84 had ever seen near at hand, they must have impressed them as a somewhat imposing85 as well as interesting spectacle.
After the conclusion of this famous treaty, Massasoit was conducted by the Governor to the brook and rejoined his party, leaving hostages behind. Presently his brother, Quadepinah, came over with a retinue, and was entertained with like hospitality. The next day, on an invitation from the chief, Standish and Allerton returned his visit and were regaled with "three or four ground-nuts and some tobacco." Governor Carver sent for the chief's kettle and returned it "full of pease, which pleased them well, and so they went their way."
The next interview the colonists had with Massasoit was in July, 1621. At this time an embassy consisting of Edward Winslow and Stephen Hopkins, with Squanto as interpreter, was sent to make the sachem a formal visit at Montaup, his seat near the Narragansett bay. The objects of this embassy were, says Mourt, "that forasmuch as his subjects came often and without fear upon all occasions amongst us, becoming, in fact, a sad annoyance86 to the colonists as they went to the sea shore in search of lobsters87 and to fish. Men, women and children always hanging about the village, clamorous88 for food and pertinaciously89 inquisitive90." It was partly to abate91 this nuisance and "partly," says the old chronicle, "to know where to find our savage allies, if occasion served, as also to see their strength, explore the country, make satisfaction for some injuries conceived to have been done on our parts, and to continue, the league of peace and friendship between them and us." The "injuries" here mentioned refer to the fact that the colonists shortly after their arrival found corn buried in the ground. Seeing no inhabitants in the neighborhood, "but some graves of the dead newly buried," they took the corn with the intention of making full satisfaction for it whenever it became practicable. The owners of it were supposed to have fled through fear. It was now proposed that the owners of this corn should be informed by Massasoit, if they could be found, that the English were ready to pay them with an equal quantity of corn, English meal, or "any other commodities they had to pleasure them withal"; and full satisfaction was offered for any trouble which the sachem might do them the favor to take. All of which shows that the Pilgrim Fathers were scrupulously92 just in their dealings with the Indians.
The two ambassadors and their guide, bearing presents for the sachem, started on their journey through the forest. Much they marveled at the well-nigh infallible skill of Squanto in always leading right, even when confronted with a mazy labyrinth93 of paths pointing in every direction. They met several bands of Indians en route, and partook of such hospitality as they had to offer. Their number was augmented94 by six stalwart savages, who insisted not only on bearing them company but bearing their arms and baggage. At the various fords the friendly Indians carried the Englishmen over dry-shod upon their shoulders, which is quite remarkable95, in view of the proverbial laziness of the Indians in general and those of the New England coast in particular.
In due time the envoys96 arrived at Montaup, or Sowams, the residence of Massasoit. The sachem was not at home, but was quickly summoned by a runner and was saluted by his visitors with a discharge of musketry. He welcomed them heartily97 after the Indian manner, took them into his lodge98 and seated them by himself. The envoys then delivered their message and presents, the latter consisting of a copper chain and a horseman's coat of red cotton embroidered99 with lace. Massasoit proudly hung the chain about his neck and arrayed himself in this superb garment without delay, evidently enjoying the admiration100 of his people, who gazed upon him at a distance. The great chief now gathered his leading warriors around him, and after the pipe of peace had been smoked by all, he answered the message in detail. Expressing his desire to continue in peace and friendship with his neighbors, he promised to promote the traffic in furs, to furnish a supply of corn for seed and, in short, to comply with all their requests.
The two commissioners101 stated the case concerning the too frequent and protracted102 visits of the Indians to the colony with great tact103 and delicacy104, assuring the sachem that he himself or any he might send would always be welcome. "To the end that we might know his messengers from others," wrote Winslow, "we desired Massasoit, if any one should come from him to us to send the copper chain, that we might know the savage and harken and give credit to his message accordingly."
As it grew late and he offered no more substantial entertainment than this, "no doubt for the sound reason," as Thatcher105 says, "that he had nothing to offer," his guests expressed a desire to retire for the night. The chief at once complied with their request in the language of Winslow, "He laid us on the bed with himself and his wife, they at one end and we at the other, it being only planks106 laid a foot from the ground, and a thin mat upon them. Two more of chief men, for want of room, pressed by and upon us, so that we were worse weary of our lodging107 than of our journey."
The next day the two ambassadors had no breakfast, but the morning was taken up in receiving, as visitors, several subordinate sachems and their warriors, and in witnessing Indian games which had been gotten up for their entertainment. About noon Massasoit, who had gone hunting at dawn, returned, bringing with him two large fishes which he had speared or shot with arrows. These were soon boiled and divided among forty persons this was the first meal taken by the envoys for a day and two nights.
The afternoon passed slowly away and again the two white men went supperless to bed, only to spend another sleepless108 night, being kept awake by vermin, hunger and noise of the savages. Friday morning they arose at dawn resolved to immediately commence their journey home. At this Massasoit greatly importuned109 them to remain longer with him. "But we determined," they recorded in their graphic110 narrative111, "to keep the Sabbath at home, and feared that we should either be light-headed for want of sleep, for what with bad lodgings112, the savages' barbarous singing (for they used to sing themselves to sleep), lice and fleas113 within doors and mosquitoes without, we could hardly sleep all the time of our being there; we much fearing that if we should stay any longer we should not be able to recover home for want of strength; so that on the Friday morning before the sun rising we took our leave and departed, Massasoit being both grieved and ashamed that he could no better entertain us." It is thus apparent that Massasoit, in spite of his many virtues114 and the conceded fact that he was the greatest chief of all the New England tribes of this period, was in his housekeeping the smallest possible removed above brute115 life.
With the streams and bays swarming116 with fish, the neighboring forest filled with turkey, deer and other game, he and his people seem to have lived in semi-starvation. This fact is all the more startling when it is contrasted with the great abundance enjoyed by Powhatan, Joseph Brant, Red Jacket and others, mentioned elsewhere, and their tribes. But it is also true of this great chief that despite his pinching poverty, when the test came he proved to be pure gold refined by fire.
Thatcher informs us that "Massasoit's friendship was again tested in March, 1622, when an Indian known to be under Squanto's influence came running in among a party of colonists with his face gashed117 and the blood fresh upon it, calling out to them to flee for their lives, and then looking behind him as if pursued. On coming up he told them that the Indians under Massasoit were gathering118 at a certain place for an attack upon the colony; that he had received his wounds in consequence of opposing their designs and had barely escaped from them with his life. The report occasioned no little alarm, although the correctness of it was flatly denied by Hobbamak, a Pokanoket Indian residing at Plymouth, who recommended that a messenger be sent secretly to Sowams for the purpose of ascertaining119 the truth. This was done and the messenger, finding everything in its usually quiet state, informed Massasoit of the reports circulated against him. He was excessively incensed against Squanto, but sent his thanks to the Governor for the opinion of his fidelity120 which he understood him to retain, and directed the messenger to assure him that he should instantly apprise121 him of any conspiracy122 which might at any further time take place;" This whole affair seems to have been a plot on the part of Squanto, out of jealousy123, to array the colonists against their ally, but happily for both parties it miscarried through the common-sense suggestion of Hobbamak.
Early in the spring of 1623 news came to Plymouth that Massasoit was very sick at his home, and it was determined to send Mr. Winslow to pay him a second visit in token of the friendship of the colonists. That gentleman started on his journey at once, taking with him Hobbamak as guide and interpreter, and accompanied by "one Master John Hampden, a London gentleman who had wintered with him and desired much to see the country and the Indians in their wigwam homes." This Hampden afterward became Cromwell's distinguished124 friend and counselor125, and is alluded126 to in Gray's "Elegy127."
The envoys had not gone far before they met some Indians who told them Massasoit was dead. The white men were shocked and Hobbamak began to wail128 forth129 his chief's death song: "Oh, great sachem. Oh, great heart, with many have I been acquainted, but none ever equaled thee." Then turning to his companions he said, "Oh, Master Winslow, his like you will never see again. He was not like other Indians, false and bloody130 and implacable; but kind, easily appeased131 when angry, and reasonable in his requirements. He was a wise sachem, not ashamed to ask advice, governing better with mild, than other chiefs did with severe measures. I fear you have not now one faithful friend left in the wigwams of the red men." He would then break forth again in loud lamentations, "enough." says Winslow, "to have made the hardest heart sob132 and wail." But time pressed, and Winslow, bidding Hobbamak "leave wringing133 of his hands" and follow him, trudged134 on through the forest until they came to Corbitant's village. The sachem was not at home but his squaw informed them that Massasoit was not yet dead, though he could scarcely live long enough to permit his visitors to close his eyes.
Believing that while there was life there was hope, the envoys pressed on and soon reached Massasoit's humble135 abode136. "When we arrived thither," wrote Winslow, "we found the home so full that we could scarce get in, though they used their best diligence to make way for us. They were in the midst of their charms for him, making such a fiendish noise that it distempered us who were well, and therefore was unlike to ease him that was sick. About him were six or eight women who chafed137 his arms, legs and thighs138, to keep heat in them. When they had made an end of their charming, one told him that his friends, the English, were come to see him. Having understanding left, but his sight was wholly gone, he asked who was come. They told him Winsnow, for they can not pronounce the letter L, but ordinarily N in the place thereof. He desired to speak with me. When I came to him they told him of it, he put forth his hand to me, which I took. Then he said twice, though very inwardly, 'Keen Winsnow?' which is to say, 'Art thou Winslow?' I answered 'Ahhe,' that is, 'Yes.' Then he doubled these words: 'Matta neen wonckanet namen Winsnow'; that is to say, '0, Winslow, I shall never see thee again;'" Hobbamak was now called in and desired to assure the sachem of the Governor's kind remembrance of him in his affliction, and to inform him of the medicine and delicacies139 they had brought with them for his use. Winslow, who seems to have possessed140 some knowledge of the healing art, then proceeded to use measures for his relief, consisting of a "confection of many comfortable conserves," which soon worked a cure. The convalescent sachem said, "Now I know that the English are indeed my friends, and love me; while I live I will not forget this kindness."
As Martyn well says, "Nobly did he keep his word; for, after requesting 'the pale-face medicine' to exercise his skill upon others of his tribe, who were down with the same disease which had laid him low, his gratitude141 was so warm that he disclosed to Winslow, through Hobbamak, the fact that a widespread and well matured conspiracy was afoot to exterminate142 Weston's colony, in revenge for injuries heaped upon the Indian; that all the northeastern tribes were in the league; and that the massacre143 was to include the Pilgrims also, lest they should avenge144 the fall of their neighbors."
"A chief was here at the setting of the sun," added Massasoit, "and he told me that the pale-faces did not love me, else they would visit me in my pain, and he urged me to join the war party. But I said, 'No.' Now, if you take the chiefs of the league and kill them, it will end the war-trail in the blood of those who made it, and save the setllements." The chief's advice was afterward taken by Miles Standish and his men, and proved to be successful in nipping the conspiracy in the bud.
Massasoit
Mr. Winslow remained several days and his fame as a physician spread so rapidly that great crowds gathered in an encampment around Montaup to gain relief from various ills. Some came from the distance of more than a hundred miles. But on hearing of the plot above mentioned, immediately started for home.
The other leading events in the life of Massasoit may be soon detailed145. In 1632 he was assaulted at Sowams by a party of Narragansetts and obliged to take refuge in the home of an Englishman. His situation was soon ascertained at Plymouth, and an armed force being promptly dispatched to his relief under his old friend Standish, the Narragansetts were compelled to retreat.
Massasoit and ninety of his people were also present at the first celebration of Thanksgiving in the autumn of 1621, and were feasted by the colonists for three days, though the Indians contributed five fat deer to the festivity. Oysters146, turkey and pumpkin147 pie also graced this occasion, and no Thanksgiving feast is considered complete to-day without these essentials.
Governor Winthrop records this anecdote148 of the great sachem: "It seems that his old friend 'Winsnow,' made a trading voyage to Connecticut, during the summer of 1634. On his return he left his vessel upon the Narragansett coast for some reason or other, and commenced his journey for Plymouth across the woods. Finding himself at a loss, probably, as to his route, he made his way to Sowams, and called upon his ancient acquaintance, the sachem. The latter gave him his usual kind welcome, and upon his resuming his journey offered to conduct him home, a pedestrian journey of two days. He had just dispatched one of his Wampanoags to Plymouth with instructions to inform the friends of Winslow that he was dead, and to persuade them of this melancholy149 fact by specifying150 such particulars as their own ingenuity151 might suggest. All this was done accordingly, and the tidings occasioned, as might be expected, a very unpleasant excitement throughout the colony. In the midst of it, however, the sachem entered the village attended by Winslow, with more than his usual complacency in his honest and cheerful countenance. He was asked why such a report had been circulated the day previous. 'That Winsnow might be the more welcome,' he answered, 'and that you might be the more happy; it is my custom.' He had come thus far to enjoy the surprise personally; and he returned homeward more gratified by it, without doubt, than he would have been by the most fortunate foray among the Narragansetts."
We have seen it intimated more than once that Massasoit's fear of those warlike neighbors lay at the foundation of his friendship for the English settlers. It might have been nearer the truth, considering all the known facts in the case, to say that his interest happened to coincide with his inclination152. At all events, it was in the power of any of the other sachems of the surrounding country to have established the same friendly relation with the colonists had they been prompted by as much good breeding or good sense. "On the contrary," as Thatcher says, "the Massachusetts were plotting and threatening on one hand, as we have seen—not without provocation153, it must be allowed—while the Narragansett sachem, upon the other, had sent in his compliments as early as 1622, in the shape of a bundle of arrows, tied up with a rattlesnake's skin. Nor should we forget the wretched feebleness of the colony at the period of their first acquaintance with Massasoit. Indeed the instant measures which he took for their relief and protection look more like the promptings of compassion154 than either hope or fear. A month previous to his appearance among them, they were reduced to such a pitiable condition by sickness, that only six or seven men of their whole number were able to perform labor155 in the open air; and probably their entire fighting force, could they have been mustered156 together, would scarcely have equaled that little detachment of twenty which Massasoit brought with him into the village, delicately leaving twice as many with the arms of all behind him, as he afterward exchanged six hostages for one. No wonder the colonists 'could not yet conceive but that he was willing to have peace with them.'"
Massasoit was unique among Indian sachems, in the fact that he was ever a lover of peace; nor is he known to have been once engaged in waging war with the powerful and warlike tribes who environed his territory. All the native tribes of New England but the Pokanoket confederation were involved in dissensions and wars with each other and the white settlers; and all shared sooner or later the fate which he avoided. This chief vied with Canonicus and Miantonomoh, the Narragansett sachems, in giving a hearty welcome to Roger Williams at the time of his banishment157 from Salem, when he "fled from Christians158 to the savages, who knew and loved him, till at last he reached the kind-hearted but stupid Indian heathen, Massasoit." These three friends in his time of distress159 shouted their welcome salutation of "Wha-cheer, wha-cheer?" and grasped his hand with cordial sympathy as he stepped ashore160.
The reason for this warm welcome accorded Roger Williams the Baptist, the father of "soul liberty," is obvious when it is remembered that he took great interest in the Indians, so mastering their dialects as to be able to prepare "a key to the languages of America." Except Eliot, his coworker, he was the most successful missionary161 among the Indians of this period. "My soul's desire," he said, "was to do the natives good." And later he wrote. "God was pleased to give me a painful patient spirit, to lodge with them in their filthy162, smoky holes to gain their tongue."
While at Plymouth he had written a pamphlet against the validity of the colonial charter and submitted it to Governor Bradford. This he afterward published while at Salem, and in it he said: "Why lay such stress upon your patent from King James? Tis but idle parchment; James has no more right to give away or sell Massasoit's lands, and cut and carve his country, than Massasoit has to sell James' kingdom or to send his Indians to colonize163 Warwickshire." Thus did he run a tilt164 against the established law and order of his time; but while it endeared him to Massasoit, who became to him "a friend in need and a friend in deed," it led to his banishment from Salem "in winter snow and inclement165 weather"—without guide, without food, without shelter, he suffered tortures. "Fourteen weeks," he wrote, "I Was sorely tossed in a bitter season, not knowing what bread or bed did mean." He must inevitably166 have perished in the frozen wilderness without giving to the world his immortal167 idea, had he not found shelter and food with Massasoit.
Great events turn on seemingly trivial circumstances. Who shall say that Massasoit, in saving the life of the great reformer, did not preserve to all time the casket containing the priceless jewel—religious tolerance168.
Bancroft well says of Roger Williams: "In the capacious recesses169 of his mind, he had revolved170 the nature of intolerance, and he, and he alone, had arrived at the grand principle which is its sole effectual remedy. He announced his discovery under the simple proposition of the sanctity of conscience. The civil magistrate171 should restrain crime, but never control opinion; should punish guilt172, but never violate the freedom of the soul." This divinely inspired idea of the pioneer American reformer is embodied173 in the first article of amendment174 to our Constitution: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof."
Tracing the effect back to its cause, we find behind this first article of amendment and responsible for it, Roger Williams, and behind him, aiding, though in ignorance, we find the great-hearted, honest, benevolent175 savage, Massasoit.
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1 peal | |
n.钟声;v.鸣响 | |
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ad.不同寻常地,相当地 | |
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3 engrossed | |
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4 solitary | |
adj.孤独的,独立的,荒凉的;n.隐士 | |
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5 perfectly | |
adv.完美地,无可非议地,彻底地 | |
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6 intelligible | |
adj.可理解的,明白易懂的,清楚的 | |
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7 reassured | |
adj.使消除疑虑的;使放心的v.再保证,恢复信心( reassure的过去式和过去分词) | |
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8 hearty | |
adj.热情友好的;衷心的;尽情的,纵情的 | |
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vi.潜伏,埋伏(lurk的过去式与过去分词形式) | |
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11 mutual | |
adj.相互的,彼此的;共同的,共有的 | |
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12 savage | |
adj.野蛮的;凶恶的,残暴的;n.未开化的人 | |
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13 pertaining | |
与…有关系的,附属…的,为…固有的(to) | |
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14 ascertain | |
vt.发现,确定,查明,弄清 | |
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15 ascertained | |
v.弄清,确定,查明( ascertain的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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16 eastward | |
adv.向东;adj.向东的;n.东方,东部 | |
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17 noted | |
adj.著名的,知名的 | |
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18 vessels | |
n.血管( vessel的名词复数 );船;容器;(具有特殊品质或接受特殊品质的)人 | |
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19 vessel | |
n.船舶;容器,器皿;管,导管,血管 | |
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20 pestilence | |
n.瘟疫 | |
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21 afterward | |
adv.后来;以后 | |
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22 corrupted | |
(使)败坏( corrupt的过去式和过去分词 ); (使)腐化; 引起(计算机文件等的)错误; 破坏 | |
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23 incensed | |
盛怒的 | |
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24 savages | |
未开化的人,野蛮人( savage的名词复数 ) | |
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25 memorable | |
adj.值得回忆的,难忘的,特别的,显著的 | |
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26 exasperated | |
adj.恼怒的 | |
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27 infamous | |
adj.声名狼藉的,臭名昭著的,邪恶的 | |
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28 salvages | |
海上营救( salvage的名词复数 ); 抢救出的财产; 救援费; 经加工后重新利用的废物 | |
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29 outrage | |
n.暴行,侮辱,愤怒;vt.凌辱,激怒 | |
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30 outrageous | |
adj.无理的,令人不能容忍的 | |
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31 ransomed | |
付赎金救人,赎金( ransom的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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32 liberated | |
a.无拘束的,放纵的 | |
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33 monks | |
n.修道士,僧侣( monk的名词复数 ) | |
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34 determined | |
adj.坚定的;有决心的 | |
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35 gorges | |
n.山峡,峡谷( gorge的名词复数 );咽喉v.(用食物把自己)塞饱,填饱( gorge的第三人称单数 );作呕 | |
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36 embark | |
vi.乘船,着手,从事,上飞机 | |
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37 discoursed | |
演说(discourse的过去式与过去分词形式) | |
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38 whatsoever | |
adv.(用于否定句中以加强语气)任何;pron.无论什么 | |
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39 redeemed | |
adj. 可赎回的,可救赎的 动词redeem的过去式和过去分词形式 | |
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40 cape | |
n.海角,岬;披肩,短披风 | |
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41 shipwreck | |
n.船舶失事,海难 | |
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42 cod | |
n.鳕鱼;v.愚弄;哄骗 | |
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43 knave | |
n.流氓;(纸牌中的)杰克 | |
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44 benefactor | |
n. 恩人,行善的人,捐助人 | |
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45 requital | |
n.酬劳;报复 | |
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46 invaluable | |
adj.无价的,非常宝贵的,极为贵重的 | |
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47 wilderness | |
n.杳无人烟的一片陆地、水等,荒漠 | |
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48 retinue | |
n.侍从;随员 | |
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49 warriors | |
武士,勇士,战士( warrior的名词复数 ) | |
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50 seamen | |
n.海员 | |
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51 outrages | |
引起…的义愤,激怒( outrage的第三人称单数 ) | |
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52 wary | |
adj.谨慎的,机警的,小心的 | |
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53 unwilling | |
adj.不情愿的 | |
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54 parley | |
n.谈判 | |
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55 copper | |
n.铜;铜币;铜器;adj.铜(制)的;(紫)铜色的 | |
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56 purport | |
n.意义,要旨,大要;v.意味著,做为...要旨,要领是... | |
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57 salute | |
vi.行礼,致意,问候,放礼炮;vt.向…致意,迎接,赞扬;n.招呼,敬礼,礼炮 | |
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58 saluted | |
v.欢迎,致敬( salute的过去式和过去分词 );赞扬,赞颂 | |
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59 fully | |
adv.完全地,全部地,彻底地;充分地 | |
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60 harangue | |
n.慷慨冗长的训话,言辞激烈的讲话 | |
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61 disposition | |
n.性情,性格;意向,倾向;排列,部署 | |
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62 custody | |
n.监护,照看,羁押,拘留 | |
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63 followers | |
追随者( follower的名词复数 ); 用户; 契据的附面; 从动件 | |
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64 brook | |
n.小河,溪;v.忍受,容让 | |
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65 trumpet | |
n.喇叭,喇叭声;v.吹喇叭,吹嘘 | |
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66 squad | |
n.班,小队,小团体;vt.把…编成班或小组 | |
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67 bodyguard | |
n.护卫,保镖 | |
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68 refreshments | |
n.点心,便餐;(会议后的)简单茶点招 待 | |
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69 draught | |
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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70 offender | |
n.冒犯者,违反者,犯罪者 | |
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71 esteem | |
n.尊敬,尊重;vt.尊重,敬重;把…看作 | |
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72 eminently | |
adv.突出地;显著地;不寻常地 | |
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73 baubles | |
n.小玩意( bauble的名词复数 );华而不实的小件装饰品;无价值的东西;丑角的手杖 | |
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74 utterly | |
adv.完全地,绝对地 | |
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75 foe | |
n.敌人,仇敌 | |
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76 promptly | |
adv.及时地,敏捷地 | |
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77 countenance | |
n.脸色,面容;面部表情;vt.支持,赞同 | |
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78 attire | |
v.穿衣,装扮[同]array;n.衣着;盛装 | |
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79 beads | |
n.(空心)小珠子( bead的名词复数 );水珠;珠子项链 | |
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80 pouch | |
n.小袋,小包,囊状袋;vt.装...入袋中,用袋运输;vi.用袋送信件 | |
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81 greasily | |
adv.多脂,油腻,滑溜地 | |
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82 picturesquely | |
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83 plumes | |
羽毛( plume的名词复数 ); 羽毛饰; 羽毛状物; 升上空中的羽状物 | |
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84 colonists | |
n.殖民地开拓者,移民,殖民地居民( colonist的名词复数 ) | |
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85 imposing | |
adj.使人难忘的,壮丽的,堂皇的,雄伟的 | |
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86 annoyance | |
n.恼怒,生气,烦恼 | |
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87 lobsters | |
龙虾( lobster的名词复数 ); 龙虾肉 | |
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88 clamorous | |
adj.吵闹的,喧哗的 | |
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89 pertinaciously | |
adv.坚持地;固执地;坚决地;执拗地 | |
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90 inquisitive | |
adj.求知欲强的,好奇的,好寻根究底的 | |
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91 abate | |
vi.(风势,疼痛等)减弱,减轻,减退 | |
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92 scrupulously | |
adv.一丝不苟地;小心翼翼地,多顾虑地 | |
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93 labyrinth | |
n.迷宫;难解的事物;迷路 | |
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94 Augmented | |
adj.增音的 动词augment的过去式和过去分词形式 | |
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95 remarkable | |
adj.显著的,异常的,非凡的,值得注意的 | |
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96 envoys | |
使节( envoy的名词复数 ); 公使; 谈判代表; 使节身份 | |
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97 heartily | |
adv.衷心地,诚恳地,十分,很 | |
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98 lodge | |
v.临时住宿,寄宿,寄存,容纳;n.传达室,小旅馆 | |
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99 embroidered | |
adj.绣花的 | |
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100 admiration | |
n.钦佩,赞美,羡慕 | |
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101 commissioners | |
n.专员( commissioner的名词复数 );长官;委员;政府部门的长官 | |
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102 protracted | |
adj.拖延的;延长的v.拖延“protract”的过去式和过去分词 | |
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103 tact | |
n.机敏,圆滑,得体 | |
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104 delicacy | |
n.精致,细微,微妙,精良;美味,佳肴 | |
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105 thatcher | |
n.茅屋匠 | |
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106 planks | |
(厚)木板( plank的名词复数 ); 政纲条目,政策要点 | |
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107 lodging | |
n.寄宿,住所;(大学生的)校外宿舍 | |
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108 sleepless | |
adj.不睡眠的,睡不著的,不休息的 | |
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109 importuned | |
v.纠缠,向(某人)不断要求( importune的过去式和过去分词 );(妓女)拉(客) | |
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110 graphic | |
adj.生动的,形象的,绘画的,文字的,图表的 | |
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111 narrative | |
n.叙述,故事;adj.叙事的,故事体的 | |
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112 lodgings | |
n. 出租的房舍, 寄宿舍 | |
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113 fleas | |
n.跳蚤( flea的名词复数 );爱财如命;没好气地(拒绝某人的要求) | |
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114 virtues | |
美德( virtue的名词复数 ); 德行; 优点; 长处 | |
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115 brute | |
n.野兽,兽性 | |
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116 swarming | |
密集( swarm的现在分词 ); 云集; 成群地移动; 蜜蜂或其他飞行昆虫成群地飞来飞去 | |
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117 gashed | |
v.划伤,割破( gash的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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118 gathering | |
n.集会,聚会,聚集 | |
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119 ascertaining | |
v.弄清,确定,查明( ascertain的现在分词 ) | |
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120 fidelity | |
n.忠诚,忠实;精确 | |
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121 apprise | |
vt.通知,告知 | |
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122 conspiracy | |
n.阴谋,密谋,共谋 | |
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123 jealousy | |
n.妒忌,嫉妒,猜忌 | |
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124 distinguished | |
adj.卓越的,杰出的,著名的 | |
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125 counselor | |
n.顾问,法律顾问 | |
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126 alluded | |
提及,暗指( allude的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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127 elegy | |
n.哀歌,挽歌 | |
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128 wail | |
vt./vi.大声哀号,恸哭;呼啸,尖啸 | |
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129 forth | |
adv.向前;向外,往外 | |
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130 bloody | |
adj.非常的的;流血的;残忍的;adv.很;vt.血染 | |
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131 appeased | |
安抚,抚慰( appease的过去式和过去分词 ); 绥靖(满足另一国的要求以避免战争) | |
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132 sob | |
n.空间轨道的轰炸机;呜咽,哭泣 | |
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133 wringing | |
淋湿的,湿透的 | |
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134 trudged | |
vt.& vi.跋涉,吃力地走(trudge的过去式与过去分词形式) | |
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135 humble | |
adj.谦卑的,恭顺的;地位低下的;v.降低,贬低 | |
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136 abode | |
n.住处,住所 | |
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137 chafed | |
v.擦热(尤指皮肤)( chafe的过去式 );擦痛;发怒;惹怒 | |
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138 thighs | |
n.股,大腿( thigh的名词复数 );食用的鸡(等的)腿 | |
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139 delicacies | |
n.棘手( delicacy的名词复数 );精致;精美的食物;周到 | |
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140 possessed | |
adj.疯狂的;拥有的,占有的 | |
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141 gratitude | |
adj.感激,感谢 | |
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142 exterminate | |
v.扑灭,消灭,根绝 | |
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143 massacre | |
n.残杀,大屠杀;v.残杀,集体屠杀 | |
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144 avenge | |
v.为...复仇,为...报仇 | |
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145 detailed | |
adj.详细的,详尽的,极注意细节的,完全的 | |
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146 oysters | |
牡蛎( oyster的名词复数 ) | |
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147 pumpkin | |
n.南瓜 | |
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148 anecdote | |
n.轶事,趣闻,短故事 | |
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149 melancholy | |
n.忧郁,愁思;adj.令人感伤(沮丧)的,忧郁的 | |
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150 specifying | |
v.指定( specify的现在分词 );详述;提出…的条件;使具有特性 | |
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151 ingenuity | |
n.别出心裁;善于发明创造 | |
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152 inclination | |
n.倾斜;点头;弯腰;斜坡;倾度;倾向;爱好 | |
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153 provocation | |
n.激怒,刺激,挑拨,挑衅的事物,激怒的原因 | |
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154 compassion | |
n.同情,怜悯 | |
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155 labor | |
n.劳动,努力,工作,劳工;分娩;vi.劳动,努力,苦干;vt.详细分析;麻烦 | |
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156 mustered | |
v.集合,召集,集结(尤指部队)( muster的过去式和过去分词 );(自他人处)搜集某事物;聚集;激发 | |
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157 banishment | |
n.放逐,驱逐 | |
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158 Christians | |
n.基督教徒( Christian的名词复数 ) | |
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159 distress | |
n.苦恼,痛苦,不舒适;不幸;vt.使悲痛 | |
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160 ashore | |
adv.在(向)岸上,上岸 | |
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161 missionary | |
adj.教会的,传教(士)的;n.传教士 | |
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162 filthy | |
adj.卑劣的;恶劣的,肮脏的 | |
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163 colonize | |
v.建立殖民地,拓殖;定居,居于 | |
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164 tilt | |
v.(使)倾侧;(使)倾斜;n.倾侧;倾斜 | |
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165 inclement | |
adj.严酷的,严厉的,恶劣的 | |
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166 inevitably | |
adv.不可避免地;必然发生地 | |
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167 immortal | |
adj.不朽的;永生的,不死的;神的 | |
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168 tolerance | |
n.宽容;容忍,忍受;耐药力;公差 | |
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169 recesses | |
n.壁凹( recess的名词复数 );(工作或业务活动的)中止或暂停期间;学校的课间休息;某物内部的凹形空间v.把某物放在墙壁的凹处( recess的第三人称单数 );将(墙)做成凹形,在(墙)上做壁龛;休息,休会,休庭 | |
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170 revolved | |
v.(使)旋转( revolve的过去式和过去分词 );细想 | |
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171 magistrate | |
n.地方行政官,地方法官,治安官 | |
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172 guilt | |
n.犯罪;内疚;过失,罪责 | |
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173 embodied | |
v.表现( embody的过去式和过去分词 );象征;包括;包含 | |
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174 amendment | |
n.改正,修正,改善,修正案 | |
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175 benevolent | |
adj.仁慈的,乐善好施的 | |
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