Vocabulary

gold-brocaded satin damask

strenuous pursuit of learning under difficulties

silly questions and silly answers; silly dialogue

woman so glamorous as to bring ruin to a country (castle) as its king (lord) is captivated by her beauty; femme fatale

woman so glamorous as to bring ruin to a country (castle) as its king (lord) is captivated by her beauty; femme fatale

governing a nation and providing relief to people

person who resorts to petty tricks; person of small caliber who is only capable of petty tricks

lotus position (meditation and yoga posture); padmasana; sitting with legs crossed and feet placed on opposing thighs

trickery; wiles; intriguing strategy cleverly designed to fool others; Machiavellism

feeling (looking) lone and helpless; helplessness of those in reduced circumstances

tricksters; deceivers; fey creatures; monsters; goblins

double-dealer; timeserver; moving back and forth between two sides in a conflict

seasonable rains and winds; halcyon weather; halcyon times of peace

advent of a golden opportunity

better being rough and ready than slow and elaborate; better being brisk and sharp than slow and prudent

extensive and wide-ranging

(nights of) fun, food, and drink; bright-light district; nightlife district

red-haired and blue-eyed (person); a Westerner

ideal weather for an outing

an excellent opinion; an insightful view

temporary employment; a temporary job while looking for a better job; work just to kill time

blood feud; domestic discord

hardships and privations

talented man and a beautiful woman; well-matched pair; wit and beauty

endless cycle of rebirth through the three worlds of past, present, and future existences

nature; natural scenery

being far away across mountains and rivers

inhumanity; atrocity

inhumanity; atrocity

deep regret; bitter disappointment; chagrin; vexation

being faithful to one's principles; being of firm purpose and deep commitment; constancy; true blue

discreet and well-advised judgment; wise and mature judgment; making judgment with prudence

finding a way out of a potentially fatal situation; seeking a way out of a desperate situation

self-interest; selfish desire; greed

Chinese and Japanese poetry and instrumental music; poetry and music; literature and music

biding one's time building up strength till finally grasping an opportunity to launch out and flourish

facts being beyond dispute; logic being indisputable

nation's times of peace and war, rise and fall

(something that is) available for use at any time; (someone who is) at one's beck and call; (something over which) one has complete mastery

concealing one's talents, position, status, intentions, etc.