The Birds once met together to choose a king; and, among others, the Peacock was a candidate. Spreading his showy tail, and stalking up and down with affected1 grandeur2, he caught the eyes of the silly multitude by his brilliant appearance, and was elected with acclamation. The Magpie3 then stepped forth4 into the midst of the assembly, and thus addressed the new king: "May it please your majesty5, elect to permit a humble6 admirer to propose a question. As our king, we put our lives and fortunes in your hands. If, therefore, the Eagle, the Vulture, and the Kite, should make a descent upon us, what means would you take for our defense7?" This pithy8 question opened the eyes of the Birds to the weakness of their choice and they canceled the election.
1 affected [əˈfektɪd] 第9级 | |
adj.不自然的,假装的 | |
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2 grandeur [ˈgrændʒə(r)] 第8级 | |
n.伟大,崇高,宏伟,庄严,豪华 | |
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3 magpie [ˈmægpaɪ] 第11级 | |
n.喜欢收藏物品的人,喜鹊,饶舌者 | |
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4 forth [fɔ:θ] 第7级 | |
adv.向前;向外,往外 | |
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5 majesty [ˈmædʒəsti] 第7级 | |
n.雄伟,壮丽,庄严,威严;最高权威,王权 | |
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6 humble [ˈhʌmbl] 第7级 | |
adj.谦卑的,恭顺的;地位低下的;vt.降低,贬低 | |
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