100 words to know before reading A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court

1. Of great height or elevation.
2. Elevated in character, spirit, or tone.

book. It was found too difficult. That the executive head of a nation should be a person of lofty character and extraordinary ability, was manifest and indisputable; that none but the Deity could

1. Impossible to deny or question; undeniable.
2. Clearly true or certain; beyond doubt.

that none but the Deity could select that head unerringly, was also manifest and indisputable; that the Deity ought to make that selection, then, was likewise manifest and indisputable;

1. Sharp intelligence or cleverness.
2. The ability to express humor or quick, amusing remarks.

must have gone out of general use many, many centuries ago—and muttered apparently to himself: “Wit ye well, I saw it done.” Then, after a pause, added: “I did it myself.” By the time I had

1. Short for "anonymous," referring to someone whose identity is unknown.
2. A member of the online collective "Anonymous," known for activism and hacking.

which here follows, to wit: How Sir Launcelot Slew Two Giants, and Made a Castle Free Anon withal came there upon him two great giants, well armed, all save the heads, with two horrible

1. Young, unmarried women, often of noble birth (historical/archaic).
2. Heroines or maidens in distress in literature or folklore.

And then was Sir Gawaine ware how there hung a white shield on that tree, and ever as the damsels came by it they spit upon it, and some threw mire upon the shield—” “Now, if I hadn’t seen the

1. Left or went away from a place.
2. Deceased; no longer living.

us out of prison. Fair damsels, he said, my name is Sir Launcelot du Lake. And so he departed from them and betaught them unto God. And then he mounted upon his horse, and rode into many

1. A short form of the name "Katherine" or "Kayla."
2. A term used in radio communication meaning "okay" or "message received."

all three, and strake many strokes at Sir Launcelot, and assailed him on every side. Then Sir Kay dressed him for to have holpen Sir Launcelot. Nay, sir, said he, I will none of your help,

1. A traveling show featuring acrobats, clowns, and trained animals.
2. A public event or situation marked by chaos or noisy excitement.

puzzled me and made me wonder—and yet we did not come to any circus or sign of a circus. So I gave up the idea of a circus, and concluded he was from an asylum. But we never came to an

1. The legendary castle and court of King Arthur.
2. A symbol of an idyllic, noble, or romantic era.

I Camelot “Camelot—Camelot,” said I to myself. “I don’t seem to remember hearing of it before. Name of the asylum, likely.”

1. Rough or harsh in texture.
2. Lacking refinement or delicacy.

in an indifferent state of cultivation. There were people, too; brawny men, with long, coarse, uncombed hair that hung down over their faces and made them look like animals. They and the

1. An obscuring of light, especially when one celestial body blocks another (e.g., solar or lunar eclipse).
2. A sudden decline or overshadowing of importance or power.

had only just a moment to think. … Good, I’ve got it. I’m all right.” You see, it was the eclipse. It came into my mind in the nick of time, how Columbus, or Cortez, or one of those people,

1. A given name of Latin origin meaning "bright" or "clear."
2. A type of four-wheeled horse-drawn carriage, popular in the 19th century.

thanked him; I couldn’t do less; and about this time a lackey came to say I was wanted; so Clarence led me in and took me off to one side and sat down by me. Well, it was a curious kind of

1. (archaic) Third person singular present of 'have'.
2. (poetic/literary) Used to indicate possession or obligation.

said Merlin, that ye fought with last, Sir Pellinore, but he is out, he is not there; he hath ado with a knight of yours, that hight Egglame, and they have fought together, but at the last

1. A small falcon with dark plumage, known for its swift flight and hunting skills.
2. A legendary wizard in Arthurian legend, advisor to King Arthur.

his exaggeration-mill a-working. Would God I had died or I saw this day!” “Who is it?” “Merlin, the mighty liar and magician, perdition singe him for the weariness he worketh with his one

1. At or in a distance (often indicating something within sight but far away).
2. Over there; in that place.

comfort his very liver to know where I got my clothes. As he started away he pointed and said yonder was one who was idle enough for my purpose, and was seeking me besides, no doubt. This was an

1. A young unmarried woman (archaic or literary).
2. A maiden in distress, often in fairy tales or medieval stories.

lake is a rock, and therein is as fair a place as any on Earth, and richly beseen, and this damsel will come to you anon, and then speak ye fair to her that she will give you that sword. Anon

1. A sheath for holding a sword, dagger, or other bladed weapon.
2. A protective cover for a blade when not in use.

you ye shall never lose no blood, be ye never so sore wounded; therefore, keep well the scabbard always with you. So they rode into Carlion, and by the way they met with Sir Pellinore; but

1. A sudden intense feeling of fear or alarm.
2. A person or thing that causes fear or shock.

invention, but you should have seen them seize it and swallow it, in the frenzy of their fright, as it were salvation sent from heaven; and all the while was I laughing in my sleeve the one

1. A magical spell or charm that captivates or delights.
2. The state of being under a magical influence.

the wearer secure from hurt by human hands. However he had nullified the force of the enchantment by prayer, and had killed my thirteen knights in a three hours’ battle, and taken me prisoner,

1. A boy or young man (informal).
2. A lively or mischievous young man.

upon my shoulder and pretended to go to sleep. The old man began his tale; and presently the lad was asleep in reality; so also were the dogs, and the court, the lackeys, and the files of

1. Nonsense or foolish talk.
2. A part of a furnace or boiler where fuel is burned.

Merlin, forsooth! That cheap old humbug, that maundering old ass? Bosh, pure bosh, the silliest bosh in the world! Why, it does seem to me that of all the childish, idiotic, chuckle-headed,

1. A disastrous event causing great damage or distress.
2. A state of deep distress or misery.

long, but in the end, Merlin, scoffing, said, ‘Wherefore hath he not named his brave calamity? Verily it is because he cannot.’ This thrust did in a most sudden sort close the king’s mouth,

1. (archaic) You (singular), used as the object of a verb or preposition.
2. (poetic) A form of 'you' in older or religious texts.

delay not; to delay at such a time were to double and treble the perils that already compass thee about. Oh, be thou wise—name the calamity!” I allowed silence to accumulate while I got my

1. A large number of people or things.
2. The state of being many or numerous.

with those awkward sixth-century clothes. It got to be pitch dark, at last, and the multitude groaned with horror to feel the cold uncanny night breezes fan through the place and see the

1. Used as a reflexive pronoun to refer to a group previously mentioned.
2. Used for emphasis to refer to a group previously mentioned.

the rats swarmed softly out from a hundred holes, and pattered about, and made themselves at home everywhere; and one of them sat up like a squirrel on the king’s head and held a bit of

1. A record of ancestry or lineage, especially for animals like dogs or horses.
2. A distinguished or noble ancestry.

For instance, those people had inherited the idea that all men without title and a long pedigree, whether they had great natural gifts and acquirements or hadn’t, were creatures of no more

1. A spoken or written comment or observation.
2. To notice or observe something.

himself directly to the king, he lifted his hat a trifle just as he was beginning his remark. Mainly they were drinking—from entire ox horns; but a few were still munching bread or gnawing

1. Requests or expressions made to a deity or higher power.
2. Religious rituals or words spoken in worship.

spite of me, I found myself saying, “What would this country be without the Church?” After prayers we had dinner in a great banqueting hall which was lighted by hundreds of grease-jets, and

1. Journeys or voyages undertaken for a specific purpose, such as exploration or research.
2. Organized trips or missions, often involving challenges or adventure.

to inquire what its name was. At one time and another we had sent out topographical expeditions to survey and map the kingdom, but the priests had always interfered and raised trouble. So we

1. Successful in financial terms; wealthy.
2. Thriving or flourishing in general.

among them seemed to be, to see which could manage to be the uncleanest and most prosperous with vermin. Their manner and attitudes were the last expression of complacent

1. Absolute power or control by one ruler.
2. Oppressive government or rule.

and his lease of life perpetual. But as a perishable perfect man must die, and leave his despotism in the hands of an imperfect successor, an earthly despotism is not merely a bad form of

1. The number equivalent to four times ten (40).
2. A term used to describe a quantity or age.

tale of the usual pattern. Her mistress was a captive in a vast and gloomy castle, along with forty-four other young and beautiful girls, pretty much all of them princesses; they had been

1. Annoyance or irritation caused by a problem or situation.
2. The state of being frustrated or worried.

adventure. Every knight of the Table jumped for the chance, and begged for it; but to their vexation and chagrin the king conferred it upon me, who had not asked for it at all. By an effort, I

1. A strong, dazzling light that causes discomfort or difficulty in seeing.
2. A fierce or angry stare.

in the impenetrable remotenesses of the woods. And by and by out we would swing again into the glare. About the third or fourth or fifth time that we swung out into the glare—it was along there

1. A small square of cloth used for wiping the nose or face.
2. A decorative piece of fabric carried as an accessory.

hands and crowd each other for a better view; only sometimes one would dive into her handkerchief, and look ostentatiously brokenhearted, and then you could lay two to one that there was a

1. A mythical, monstrous creature often depicted as large, hideous, and cruel.
2. A person who is considered frightening or brutish.

not even an ogre; and, in the mood I was in then, it was well for the ogre; that is, an ogre with a handkerchief. Most knights would have thought of nothing but getting his armor; but so I

1. To talk rapidly, excitedly, or nonsensically.
2. Fast, incoherent, or unintelligible speech.

than a fog has. She was a perfect blatherskite; I mean for jaw, jaw, jaw, talk, talk, talk, jabber, jabber, jabber; but just as good as she could be. I hadn’t minded her mill that morning, on

1. Free of charge; without payment.
2. Given or done for nothing; complimentary.

without remembering him in cash for the privilege; they had to harvest his grain for him gratis, and be ready to come at a moment’s notice, leaving their own crop to destruction by the

1. Old or torn pieces of cloth.
2. Tattered or worn-out clothing.

winter, disease, and death. To be loyal to rags, to shout for rags, to worship rags, to die for rags—that is a loyalty of unreason, it is pure animal; it belongs to monarchy, was invented by

1. A form of government with a single ruler, usually a king or queen, holding supreme authority.
2. A state or nation governed by a monarch.

of unreason, it is pure animal; it belongs to monarchy, was invented by monarchy; let monarchy keep it. I was from Connecticut, whose Constitution declares “that all political power is

1. (Archaic) To burst or break suddenly.
2. (Dialectal) To make a loud noise or commotion.

high at a single bound, but he dislodged me with a stone the size of a cow, which “all-to brast” the most of my bones, and then swore me to appear at Arthur’s court for sentence. He ended by

1. A foolish or stupid person.
2. A term used to insult someone's intelligence or behavior.

not have been born at a time when they could put it to some useful purpose. Take a jackass, for instance: a jackass has that kind of strength, and puts it to a useful purpose, and is

1. A playful or nonsensical term, often used to express excitement or confusion.
2. A variant of "jabber," meaning to talk rapidly or unintelligibly.

be jabers, came never knight since it was christened, but he found strange adventures, be jabers.’ You see how much better that sounds.” “—came never knight but he found strange adventures, be

1. A fairy or sprite in folklore.
2. To fit or join closely together.

XVI Morgan le Fay If knights errant were to be believed, not all castles were desirable places to seek hospitality

1. A brief official statement or announcement.
2. A regular newsletter or report issued by an organization.

a number of these people out—the bravest knights I could get—each sandwiched between bulletin-boards bearing one device or another, and I judged that by and by when they got to be numerous

1. A person living in solitude, often for religious reasons.
2. A reclusive or solitary individual.

was the old man’s tale. He said: “Right so the king and Merlin departed, and went until an hermit that was a good man and a great leech. So the hermit searched all his wounds and gave him good

1. A small shelter for animals, especially sheep or birds.
2. A cottage or small house.

if the wind was their way when the factory was going. This missionary knight’s name was La Cote Male Taile, and he said that this castle was the abode of Morgan le Fay, sister of King Arthur,

1. Used to emphasize a statement or response.
2. Truly or certainly (often expressing agreement).

after a little, because you soon saw that brains were not needed in a society like that, and indeed would have marred it, hindered it, spoiled its symmetry—perhaps rendered its existence

1. An adult male deer, especially a red deer.
2. A person who attends a social gathering without a partner.

no man saw the killing, but this Unknown saw this hardy wretch near to the spot where the stag lay, and came with right loyal zeal and betrayed him to the forester.” “So the Unknown was near

1. A person who carries out executions, especially as a legal punishment.
2. Someone who performs a task or duty, often harshly or ruthlessly.

set, and sweat-drops stood upon his forehead. A priest bent over him on each side; the executioner stood by; guards were on duty; smoking torches stood in sockets along the walls; in a corner

1. A heavy iron block used in blacksmithing for shaping metal.
2. The middle bone in the ear, also called the incus.

it was to think so. If we look at it in another way, we see how absurd it is: if I had an anvil in me would I prize it? Of course not. And yet when you come to think, there is no real

1. A small enclosure or shelter for pigs.
2. (Informal) A very messy or dirty place.

it looms!” What a welcome disappointment I experienced! I said: “Castle? It is nothing but a pigsty; a pigsty with a wattled fence around it.” She looked surprised and distressed. The animation

1. Filled with delight or charm.
2. Under a magical spell.

and I had presence of mind enough not to mention it. They were so troubled about my enchanted clothes that they were mightily relieved, at last, when old Merlin swept the difficulty away for

1. A person who tends and herds pigs.
2. Someone responsible for the care and management of swine.

but plucky and hopeful, and rode down to the pigsty, and struck up a trade with the swineherds. I won their gratitude by buying out all the hogs at the lump sum of sixteen pennies, which was

1. People who journey to sacred places for religious reasons.
2. Early English settlers in America, notably the Mayflower passengers.

XXI The Pilgrims When I did get to bed at last I was unspeakably tired; the stretching out, and the relaxing of

1. The male superior or head of an abbey of monks.
2. A title given to the head of certain monasteries in Christianity.

“Proceed.” “But always there was lack of water there. Whereas, upon a time, the holy abbot prayed, and for answer a great stream of clear water burst forth by miracle in a desert place.

1. Devoutly religious or reverent.
2. Showing earnest devotion to a moral or spiritual principle.

Belike were none in the world more holy than these; for they gave themselves to study of pious books, and spoke not the one to the other, or indeed to any, and ate decayed herbs and naught

1. A small place of worship, often within a larger institution like a school or hospital.
2. A religious service held in such a place.

hand tied behind me. The well was in a dark chamber which stood in the center of a cut-stone chapel, whose walls were hung with pious pictures of a workmanship that would have made a chromo feel

1. The authority or jurisdiction of a feudal lord.
2. The territory or domain under a lord's control.

estate, married a fine young fellow who had nothing. The girl’s property was within a seigniory held by the Church. The bishop of the diocese, an arrogant scion of the great nobility, claimed

1. Relating to or affected with scrofula, a form of tuberculosis affecting the lymph nodes.
2. Having a morally corrupt or degenerate appearance.

over the spacious floor, and clear down to the doors, in a thick jumble, lay or sat the scrofulous, under a strong light. It was as good as a tableau; in fact, it had all the look of being gotten

1. A silvery-white metal, chemical element Ni, atomic number 28.
2. A U.S. or Canadian five-cent coin made of nickel and copper.

them were as illegible as blisters, and looked like them. I judged that a sharp, bright new nickel, with a first-rate likeness of the king on one side of it and Guenever on the other, and a

1. A shout of praise or adoration to God.
2. A cry of "hosanna" used in religious worship.

to have the last sad offices performed. Give him a trial. The cordial thanks of the Hosannah office are due, from editor down to devil, to the ever courteous and thoughtful Lord High Stew d

1. A feudal lord entitled to allegiance and service.
2. A loyal subject or vassal.

Jump to your feet—some quality are coming!” “Is that a marvel? Let them come.” “But my liege! You must not be seen sitting. Rise!—and stand in humble posture while they pass. You are a

1. A poor farmer or agricultural laborer of low social status.
2. A person regarded as unsophisticated or uneducated.

would a lord say—yes, or any other person of whatever condition—if he caught an upstart peasant with a dagger on his person?” It was a lucky thing for us that nobody came along just then. I

1. To predict or prophesy future events.
2. To indicate or suggest something beforehand.

been misunderstood. I will explain. There are two kinds of prophecy. One is the gift to foretell things that are but a little way off, the other is the gift to foretell things that are whole

1. A title of respect for a king or male ruler.
2. The male parent of an animal, especially a horse or dog.

great line lift himself to the sacred dignity of the British nobility?” “He built a brewery.” “Sire, the Board finds this candidate perfect in all the requirements and qualifications for military

1. A small, simple shelter or dwelling, often made of wood or other natural materials.
2. A temporary or basic structure used for camping or storage.

to break up your stately gait, a region not liable to interruption, only one field and one hut in sight, and they so far away that nobody could see us from there. It will be well to move a

1. A highly contagious viral disease with fever and skin eruptions, often leaving scars.
2. Eradicated globally by 1980 through vaccination efforts.

XXIX The Smallpox Hut When we arrived at that hut at mid-afternoon, we saw no signs of life about it. The field

1. Not bright or clear; lacking light.
2. Having faint or indistinct vision.

never see again! How the thought of her carries me back over wide seas of memory to a vague dim time, a happy time, so many, many centuries hence, when I used to wake in the soft summer

1. A large country house with lands.
2. The main house of an estate.

then came they all at once, as one might say, and overwhelmed us. Years ago the lord of the manor planted certain fruit trees on our farm; in the best part of it, too—a grievous wrong and

1. Official orders issued by a legal authority.
2. Decisions or judgments made by a court.

both my fire and life insurance, on the ground that it was an insolent attempt to hinder the decrees of God; and if you pointed out that they did not hinder the decrees in the least, but only

1. A soft, indistinct sound made by a person or group, often speaking quietly or indistinctly.
2. A low, continuous background noise, like rustling leaves or flowing water.

before.” He was steeped in drowsiness by this time. As I went out at his door I heard him murmur sleepily: “Give you good den, fair sir.” I sat down by my fire and examined my treasure. The

1. Went to get and bring back something.
2. Retrieved or obtained information.

of Christian battle—even him that sitteth there!” and he pointed to Sir Launcelot. Ah, he fetched them; it was a rattling good stroke. Then he went on and told how Sir Launcelot, seeking

1. A person who owns or manages a shop.
2. Someone responsible for selling goods in a retail store.

the goldsmith’s. I dropped in there while Marco, the son of Marco, was haggling with a shopkeeper over a quarter of a pound of salt, and asked for change for a twenty-dollar gold piece. They

1. Dishes, plates, and other tableware made from ceramic or porcelain.
2. Household items used for serving food, such as cups, bowls, and saucers.

3 dozen eggs 150 1 roast of beef 450 1 roast of mutton 400 1 ham 800 1 sucking pig 500 2 crockery dinner sets 6,000 2 men’s suits and underwear 2,800 1 stuff and 1 linsey-woolsey gown and

1. A seat without a back or arms, typically with three or four legs.
2. Feces; waste matter discharged from the bowels.

of salt, which was another piece of extravagance in those people’s eyes; also crockery, stools, the clothes, a small cask of beer, and so on. I instructed the Marcos to keep quiet about this

1. A person who forges and shapes iron or steel by hand.
2. A craftsman who makes and repairs metal objects, tools, and horseshoes.

then there was a squabble between the gentleman and the dealer as to which should pay the blacksmith. The moment the girl was delivered from her irons, she flung herself, all tears and frantic

1. A drinking vessel with a stem and base, often made of metal or glass.
2. Ornamental cups used as trophies or for ceremonial purposes.

albeit your family is but three,” said the wheelwright, with deep respect. “And six wooden goblets, and six platters of wood and two of pewter to eat and drink from withal,” said the mason,

1. A title given to a woman equivalent to the rank of knight.
2. A woman of high rank or social standing.

venture it himself, and so he begged me to buy some little things and give them to you and Dame Phyllis and let him pay for them without your ever knowing they came from him—you know how a

1. A person employed to keep records or accounts in an office.
2. A sales assistant in a store.

through the crowd, he couldn’t tell the king from a quack doctor, nor a duke from a hotel clerk. Apparently here was a man whose brains had not been reduced to an ineffectual mush by idiotic

1. A formal dress, typically worn for special occasions.
2. A loose robe worn by professionals like doctors or judges.

this time you’ll understand it. For instance, it takes your woman forty-two days to earn her gown, at two mills a day—seven weeks’ work; but ours earns hers in forty days—two days short of

1. A civil officer who administers the law, especially at a local level.
2. A judicial officer with limited authority to hear and decide certain cases.

town council; but most of all, the magistrate. Ye may say, in general terms, it is the magistrate that fixes the wages.” “Doesn’t ask any of those poor devils to help him fix their wages for

1. A wooden framework with holes for securing the head and hands, used for public punishment or ridicule.
2. To expose someone to public scorn or criticism.

The pillory—” “Oh, wait, brother; say no good word for that institution. I think the pillory ought to be abolished.” “A most strange idea. Why?” “Well, I’ll tell you why. Is a man ever put

1. A main branch of a tree.
2. A large or sturdy limb of a tree.

then came across an oak with a great bough sticking out over the water. We climbed up on this bough, and began to work our way along it to the body of the tree; now we began to hear those sounds

1. The leaves of a plant or tree.
2. A cluster of leaves, flowers, or branches.

to us once in a while, but it wasn’t very likely; we were well protected by boughs and foliage, and were not visible from any good aiming point. If they would but waste half an hour in

1. From what place or source (adverb).
2. From which (relative adverb).

madmen that ever—” “Peace! Ye know not what ye say. They are not mad. Who are ye? And whence are ye? Explain.” “We are but peaceful strangers, sir,” I said, “and traveling upon our own

1. A skilled public speaker.
2. Someone who delivers speeches with eloquence.

uncomplaining, with bowed heads, a pathetic sight. And by hideous contrast, a redundant orator was making a speech to another gathering not thirty steps away, in fulsome laudation of “our

1. People of good social position, specifically the class below the nobility.
2. Landowners of high birth but not titled.

“Of what condition was the wife of the founder of your line?” “She came of the highest landed gentry, yet she was not noble; she was gracious and pure and charitable, of a blameless life and

1. Hanging or swinging loosely.
2. Left unresolved or incomplete.

a horseman on it, or sign of one. There was a jerk, and the slave hung dangling; dangling and hideously squirming, for his limbs were not tied. A second rope was unslung, in a moment

1. A piece of fabric worn to cover the face or head.
2. Something that conceals or obscures.

blew again. I looked, and down came Sagramor riding again, with his dust brushed off and his veil nicely rearranged. I trotted up to meet him, and pretended to find him by the sound of his

1. A brass instrument similar to a trumpet but without valves.
2. A plant with blue flowers, also called "bugleweed."

is dead.” Now imagine my astonishment—and everybody else’s, too—to hear the peculiar bugle-call which announces that another competitor is about to enter the lists! There was a mystery

1. A seat for a rider on a horse or bicycle.
2. A cut of meat including part of the backbone.

knights and their squires; and straightway there was bustle among them and tightening of saddle-girths for the mount. My pipe was ready and would have been lit, if I had not been lost in

1. A rope with a sliding noose used for catching livestock.
2. To catch or restrain with a lasso.

for this thing. Next, I noticed Merlin gliding away from me; and then I noticed that my lasso was gone! The old sleight-of-hand expert had stolen it, sure, and slipped it under his robe. The

1. Medieval knightly system with moral, social, and religious codes.
2. Courteous behavior, especially toward women.

camp yonder, renowned knights from many lands; and likewise the selectest body known to chivalry, the Knights of the Table Round, the most illustrious in Christendom; and biggest fact of all,

1. A respiratory condition in children causing a barking cough and difficulty breathing.
2. The rump or hindquarters of a horse or other quadruped.

and everywhere, all over the palace. I took in the situation almost at a glance—membranous croup! I bent down and whispered: “Wake up, sweetheart! Hello-Central.” She opened her soft eyes

1. The uppermost layer of branches in a forest or trees.
2. A covering or awning, often made of fabric, over a bed or entrance.

I believed that the world was not flat, and hadn’t pillars under it to support it, nor a canopy over it to turn off a universe of water that occupied all space above; but as I was the only

1. To prohibit or forbid something by authority.
2. A formal ecclesiastical censure that excludes someone from church sacraments.

Tower of London. Mordred attacked; the Bishop of Canterbury dropped down on him with the Interdict. The king returned; Mordred fought him at Dover, at Canterbury, and again at Barham Down. Then

1. A historic city in southeast England, known for its cathedral.
2. The seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, leader of the Church of England.

but she fled and shut herself up in the Tower of London. Mordred attacked; the Bishop of Canterbury dropped down on him with the Interdict. The king returned; Mordred fought him at Dover, at

1. An enclosure for livestock, typically made of wood or wire.
2. To gather or confine animals or people into a restricted area.

revolver-shots in quick succession. Sentry-duty was discarded for the night, and the corral left empty of life; I ordered that quiet be maintained in the cave, and the electric lights

1. A high explosive consisting of nitroglycerin mixed with an absorbent material.
2. Something or someone exceptionally exciting or impressive.

many centuries later, when an oil well ceased to flow, they used to blast it out with a dynamite torpedo. If I should find this well dry and no explanation of it, I could astonish these people