Dracula

—

Drácula

Bram Stoker

ESL Easy Read

Reading Comprehension B1 • Original Text • Português Support

AMOSTRA - contém apenas 15% do texto

Copyright

Fonte original - domínio público

Esta edição ESL Easy Read foi adaptada a partir de Dracula, de Bram Stoker, publicado originalmente em 1897.

A obra original encontra-se em domínio público e pode ser utilizada, reproduzida, distribuída e adaptada de acordo com a legislação aplicável.

Autor

Bram Stoker (1847 - 1912)

Estados Unidos

Esta obra foi publicada originalmente em 1897.

Nos Estados Unidos, obras publicadas antes de 1930 encontram-se normalmente em domínio público.

Com base no ano de publicação disponível, esta obra encontra-se em domínio público nos Estados Unidos desde 1º de janeiro de 1993.

Brasil

Autor: Bram Stoker (1847 - 1912)

De acordo com a Lei nº 9.610/1998, os direitos patrimoniais expiram 70 anos após a morte do autor, contados a partir de 1º de janeiro do ano seguinte ao falecimento.

Bram Stoker faleceu em 1912.

Situação no Brasil: DOMÍNIO PÚBLICO.

Portugal

Autor: Bram Stoker (1847 - 1912)

De acordo com o Código do Direito de Autor e dos Direitos Conexos, a proteção patrimonial dura 70 anos após a morte do autor.

Bram Stoker faleceu em 1912.

Situação em Portugal: DOMÍNIO PÚBLICO.

Dados da publicação original

Obra original: Dracula

Autor: Bram Stoker

Primeira publicação: 1897

Local: London, UK

Primeiro editor: Archibald Constable and Company

Verifique você mesmo

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→ Project Gutenberg — https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/345

O registro do Project Gutenberg identifica esta obra como domínio público nos Estados Unidos.

Esta adaptação ESL Easy Read

Nenhum direito autoral é reivindicado sobre o texto original em domínio público. A estrutura editorial desta edição, as versões de leitura simplificada, as traduções de apoio, o layout, a capa e o aparato pedagógico são protegidos por direitos autorais.

© 2026 MicMac from Las Vegas LLC. Todos os direitos reservados.

Introdução

Como ler este livro

Cada livro desta coleção é apresentado em um nível de leitura simplificada, de acordo com o CEFR - Quadro Europeu Comum de Referência para Línguas.

A2 - Básico: indicado para leitores que já compreendem frases simples, vocabulário frequente e textos curtos sobre situações do cotidiano.

B1 - Intermediário: indicado para leitores que conseguem compreender as ideias principais de textos claros e acompanhar uma narrativa com vocabulário e estruturas de dificuldade moderada.

B2 - Intermediário avançado: indicado para leitores que já conseguem compreender textos mais complexos, acompanhar descrições detalhadas e reconhecer uma variedade maior de vocabulário e estruturas gramaticais.

Este livro foi adaptado para o nível B1.

Você pode começar a lê-lo mesmo sem dominar completamente o inglês. O texto foi simplificado para facilitar a compreensão, preservando a história, os personagens, o ambiente e os principais acontecimentos da obra original.

O objetivo não é substituir a obra original, mas criar uma passagem gradual entre o inglês que você já conhece e a linguagem literária do texto completo.

Como usar En/Pt

No texto simplificado em inglês, En/Pt abre a página correspondente.

A página En/Pt apresenta três camadas independentes, sempre nesta ordem: a tradução em português do texto simplificado; o trecho correspondente do original em inglês; e a tradução em português do original.

No texto original em inglês, Pt abre diretamente o mesmo parágrafo na versão portuguesa. Nessa versão, En retorna ao mesmo parágrafo no texto original em inglês. Na página En/Pt, Original English retorna de Português Integral ao mesmo parágrafo original.

Como usar o glossário

As palavras e expressões incluídas no glossário são marcadas no texto. Clique ou selecione uma delas para abrir a entrada correspondente.

Cada entrada apresenta:

• a palavra ou expressão original em inglês;

• a sua pronúncia fonética;

• a tradução em português;

• um exemplo de uso em português;

• um exemplo de uso em inglês;

• até seis trechos do livro em que a palavra ou expressão aparece, ou todos os trechos disponíveis quando houver menos de seis ocorrências.

Cada ocorrência apresentada no glossário inclui um link direto para o ponto exato do livro em que a palavra ou expressão foi usada.

Depois de consultar uma ocorrência, o leitor pode retornar diretamente ao ponto do texto de onde abriu o glossário ou navegar para qualquer outra ocorrência da mesma palavra ou expressão dentro do livro.

A função da tradução em português

Procuramos oferecer traduções em português claras, naturais e literariamente agradáveis, tanto para o texto simplificado quanto para o texto original.

Ainda assim, a tradução deve ser entendida apenas como instrumento de apoio. Este livro não foi concebido para ser lido principalmente em português: seu objetivo é ajudar você a ler em inglês e recorrer ao português somente quando necessário.

Sempre que possível, tente primeiro compreender o trecho em inglês. Consulte a tradução para confirmar o sentido, esclarecer uma dificuldade ou comparar estruturas; depois, retorne ao texto em inglês.

Sobre este livro

Told through letters, diaries, and news clippings, Dracula opens as the young solicitor Jonathan Harker travels to a remote Transylvanian castle to assist the mysterious Count Dracula, only to realize he is a captive of an undead monster. Dracula sails to England, where he begins to prey upon the beautiful Lucy Westenra, draining her life despite her friends' efforts and transforming her into a vampire who must be destroyed. Recognizing the supernatural threat, the wise Dutch professor Abraham Van Helsing rallies a devoted group, including Harker, his brave wife Mina, and Lucy's suitors, to hunt the Count. When Dracula turns his malevolence on Mina, the race grows desperate. Tracking him back to Transylvania, the band corners the vampire at last, ending his centuries of terror in a final, decisive confrontation.

Sobre o autor

Bram Stoker (1847-1912) foi um escritor e empresário teatral irlandês, lembrado sobretudo por Drácula, o romance gótico de 1897 que definiu o vampiro moderno e se tornou uma das histórias de horror mais influentes já escritas. Narrada por meio de cartas, diários e recortes de jornal, sua obra-prima uniu folclore, ciência e pavor em um ícone cultural duradouro. Drácula opõe um pequeno grupo de adversários ao conde vampiro e se firmou como o romance de vampiros definitivo.

Como usar este livro

En/Pt → abre Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1), Original English Version e Tradução Integral em Português no mesmo bloco.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada e Go to the Original English Version retornam ao ponto exato.

Os links pontilhados do glossário voltam diretamente ao uso real da palavra.

Contato

MicMac from Las Vegas LLC
Contato: admin@esleasyread.com

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Reading Comprehension B1

Chapter I

Chapter II

Chapter III

Chapter IV

Chapter V

Contents

Chapter I

En/Pt → Jonathan Harker’s Journal.

(Kept in shorthand.)

3 May. Bistritz. I left Munich at 8:35 p.m. on 1 May and reached Vienna early the next morning, though the train was an hour late. Budapest looked wonderful from the train, and I could only walk a little in the streets. I did not want to go far from the station because we had arrived late and would leave as close to time as possible. It felt like we were leaving the West and entering the East. The great bridges over the Danube led us into a land shaped by Turkish rule.

We left in good time and reached Klausenburgh after dark. I spent the night at the Hotel Royale. For dinner, or rather supper, I had chicken cooked with red pepper. It was very good but made me thirsty. I asked the waiter what it was called. He said it was “paprika hendl,” a national dish found anywhere in the Carpathians. My little German was very useful here. I do not know how I could manage without it.

En/Pt → While I was in London, I had time to visit the British Museum and look through books and maps about Transylvania. I thought that knowing something about the country might help me when dealing with a nobleman from there. I found that the place he named is in the far east of the country, on the borders of Transylvania, Moldavia, and Bukovina, among the Carpathian mountains. It is one of the wildest and least known parts of Europe. I could not find a map or book that showed the exact place of Castle Dracula, but I did learn that Bistritz, the post town named by Count Dracula, is well known. I will write down some notes here, so I can remember them when I tell Mina about my travels.

En/Pt → Transylvania has four main national groups: Saxons in the south, with Wallachs among them; Magyars in the west; and Szekelys in the east and north. I am going among the Szekelys, who say they come from Attila and the Huns. This may be true, because when the Magyars conquered the country in the eleventh century, they found the Huns already living there. I also read that every kind of superstition in the world seems to gather in the Carpathian mountains, as if they were the center of a strange whirlpool of ideas. If that is true, my stay should be very interesting. I must ask the Count about it.

En/Pt → I did not sleep well, even though the bed was comfortable, because I had strange dreams. A dog howled under my window all night, and that may have been part of the reason. It may also have been the paprika, because I drank all the water in my glass jug and was still thirsty. Near morning I slept, and then I woke up when someone kept knocking at my door. So I must have been sleeping deeply. At breakfast I had more paprika, some maize porridge called “mamaliga,” and stuffed eggplant called “impletata.” I wanted the recipe for that too. I had to hurry because the train was supposed to leave a little before eight. I rushed to the station at 7:30, but then I sat in the carriage for more than an hour before we moved. The farther east one goes, the later the trains seem to be. What must they be like in China?

En/Pt → All day we moved slowly through a country of great beauty. At times we saw small towns or castles on steep hills, like pictures in old prayer books. At other times we passed rivers and streams with wide, stony banks, showing that floods often happen there. It takes a lot of strong water to clear the edges of a river like that. At every station there were groups of people, sometimes crowds, in many different kinds of clothes. Some looked like peasants at home or the ones I saw in France and Germany, with short jackets, round hats, and homemade trousers. Others were very colorful. The women were pretty from a distance, but looked clumsy around the waist when seen close up. They wore full white sleeves and often wide belts with strips hanging down like ballet costumes, though they had petticoats underneath. The strangest people were the Slovaks. They looked rougher than the rest, with big hats, loose dirty-white trousers, white shirts, and very wide leather belts covered with brass nails. They wore high boots, had long black hair and thick black moustaches, and looked like old bandits from the East. Still, I am told they are harmless and not very self-confident.

En/Pt → We reached Bistritz in the dark twilight. It is an old and interesting place. It lies near the frontier, because the Borgo Pass leads from it into Bukovina, and it has had a troubled history. Fifty years ago there were five great fires that caused terrible damage. At the start of the seventeenth century, the town was besieged for three weeks, and 13,000 people died. War, hunger, and disease all added to the loss.

Count Dracula told me to go to the Golden Krone Hotel. I was happy to find it very old-fashioned because I wanted to see the country's ways. The people were expecting me. When I got near the door, I saw a friendly old woman in peasant clothes: a white undergarment with a long double apron (front and back) made of colored fabric that fit very tightly. She bowed and said, “The Herr Englishman?” I said, “Yes, Jonathan Harker.” She smiled and gave a message to an old man in a white shirt who followed her to the door. He left and quickly returned with a letter.

En/Pt → My friend, welcome to the Carpathians. I am waiting for you with great hope. Sleep well tonight. At three tomorrow, the coach will leave for Bukovina, and a place is kept for you. At Borgo Pass, my carriage will wait for you and take you to me. I hope your journey from London was happy, and that you will enjoy your stay in my beautiful land.

Your friend, Dracula.

En/Pt → 4 May. - I found that my landlord had received a letter from the Count, telling him to keep the best seat on the coach for me. But when I asked for more details, he seemed unwilling to talk and acted as if he could not understand my German. This could not be true, because until then he had understood me perfectly. At least, he answered my questions as if he did. He and his wife, the old woman who had welcomed me, looked at each other in fear. He said the money had been sent in a letter, and that was all he knew. When I asked if he knew Count Dracula or could tell me about his castle, both he and his wife crossed themselves and said they knew nothing. They would not speak any more. It was almost time to leave, so I had no time to ask anyone else. Everything felt very strange and not at all reassuring.

En/Pt → Just before I left, the old lady came to my room and said in a very upset way:

“Must you go? Oh, young Herr, must you go?” She was so excited that she seemed to forget the German she knew and mixed it with another language I did not know. I could only understand her by asking many questions. When I told her that I had to leave at once because of important business, she asked again:

“Do you know what day it is?” I said it was the fourth of May. She shook her head and said again:

“Oh, yes! I know that! I know that, but do you know what day it is?” When I said I did not understand, she continued:

En/Pt → “It is the eve of St. George’s Day. Do you not know that tonight, when the clock strikes midnight, all evil things will have full power? Do you know where you are going, and what you are going to?” She was very upset, and I tried to comfort her, but it did not help. At last she fell to her knees and begged me not to go, or at least to wait a day or two. It sounded foolish, but I still felt uneasy. Yet I had work to do, and nothing could stop me. So I helped her up and, as calmly as I could, said that I thanked her, but I had a duty to do and must go. She then stood up, dried her eyes, and took a crucifix from her neck and offered it to me. I did not know what to do. As an English Churchman, I had been taught to think such things were partly wrong, but it also seemed rude to refuse an old lady who meant so well. She must have seen my doubt, because she put the rosary round my neck and said, “For your mother’s sake,” then left the room. I am writing this while I wait for the coach, which is late, and the crucifix is still around my neck. I do not know if it is the old lady’s fear, the stories of this place, or the crucifix itself, but I do not feel as calm as usual. If this book ever reaches Mina before I do, let it be my goodbye. Here comes the coach!

En/Pt → 5 May. The Castle. - The grey morning has passed, and the sun is now high above the far horizon. It looks rough and uneven, but I cannot tell if that is from trees or hills, because it is so far away that large things and small things blend together. I am not sleepy, and since I am not to be called until I wake, I write until sleep comes. There are many strange things to record, and I do not want anyone to think I ate too much before leaving Bistritz, so I will write down my dinner exactly. I ate what they called “robber steak” - pieces of bacon, onion, and beef, seasoned with red pepper, put on sticks, and roasted over the fire in the simple way of the London cat’s meat. The wine was Golden Mediasch, which gave a strange sting on my tongue, though not an unpleasant one. I drank only two glasses of it, and nothing else.

En/Pt → When I got on the coach, the driver had not sat down yet. I saw him talking with the landlady. They were clearly talking about me, because they looked at me often. Some people sitting on the bench outside the door - which they call a “word-bearer” - came to listen, then looked at me with pity. I heard many strange words repeated, because there were people from different countries. So I quietly took my dictionary from my bag and looked them up. They were not comforting. Among the words were “Ordog” - Satan, “pokol” - hell, “stregoica” - witch, “vrolok” and “vlkoslak” - both mean the same thing, one in Slovak and the other in Serbian, for something that is either a werewolf or a vampire. (Note: I must ask the Count about these beliefs.)

En/Pt → When we left, the crowd at the inn door had grown very large. They all made the sign of the cross and pointed two fingers at me. I finally got a fellow passenger to explain it. At first he would not answer, but when he learned I was English, he said it was a charm against the evil eye. This was not pleasant for me, as I was going to an unknown place to meet an unknown man. But everyone was so kind, sad, and caring that I was deeply moved. I will never forget my last view of the inn yard and the many strange figures there, all crossing themselves under the wide archway. Behind them stood rich green plants, with oleander and orange trees in tubs in the middle of the yard. Then our driver cracked his big whip over his four small horses, and we set off.

En/Pt → Soon I forgot my fears because the scenery was so beautiful. If I had known the language, or rather the languages, of my fellow passengers, I might not have calmed down so easily. Before us lay green hills with forests and woods, and now and then steep hills with trees or farmhouses on top. Everywhere there was a sea of fruit blossom: apple, plum, pear, and cherry. As we passed, I could see green grass under the trees covered with fallen petals. The road wound through these hills of the Mittel Land and often disappeared around bends or behind pine woods that ran down the hillsides like flames. The road was rough, but we moved over it very fast. I did not know why we were in such a hurry, but the driver clearly wanted to reach Borgo Prund quickly. I was told the road is good in summer, but it had not yet been repaired after the winter snow. This was unusual, because roads in the Carpathians were often left in poor condition on purpose. Long ago, the Hospadars would not repair them, because they feared the Turk might think they were preparing for war.

En/Pt → Beyond the green hills of the Mittel Land rose great forest-covered slopes leading up to the high Carpathian mountains. They stood on both sides of us. The afternoon sun shone on them and showed their rich colors: deep blue and purple in the shadows, green and brown where grass and rock met, and long lines of sharp rocks and cliffs, until the snowy peaks appeared in the distance. In some places there were huge gaps in the mountains, and as the sun began to set, we sometimes saw white water falling through them. One of my companions touched my arm as we turned around the base of a hill and opened a view of a tall, snow-covered peak that seemed very close to us.

“Look! Isten szek!” - “God’s seat!” - he said, and crossed himself with respect.

En/Pt → As we continued on our long journey, the sun sank lower behind us and evening shadows came around us. The snowy mountain top still held the sunset light and glowed a soft cool pink. We passed Cszeks and Slovaks in bright clothes, but I noticed that goitre was very common. There were many crosses beside the road, and as we drove past, my companions all crossed themselves. Now and then a peasant, man or woman, knelt before a shrine and did not even turn to look at us, as if deep prayer had shut out the world. I saw many new things, such as hayricks in trees and beautiful weeping birches with white trunks shining like silver through the green leaves. Sometimes we passed a leiter-wagon, the usual peasant cart, with its long frame made for rough roads. It usually carried groups of peasants coming home, Cszeks in white sheepskins and Slovaks in colored ones. The Slovaks carried long staves with axes on the end. As night came on, the air grew very cold. The dark trees - oak, beech, and pine - blended into one dim mass, though in the valleys the dark firs still stood out against late snow. At times we drove through pine woods that seemed to close in on us in the dark. Pale patches on the trees made the scene strange and solemn, and my earlier uneasy thoughts returned. Sometimes the hills were so steep that the horses could only go slowly, even though the driver was in a hurry. I wanted to get out and walk, as we do at home, but he would not allow it. He said the dogs were too fierce. Then, as a grim joke, he added that I might see enough of such things before I went to sleep. He only stopped for a moment to light the lamps.

En/Pt → When it grew dark, the passengers became excited and kept speaking to the driver, urging him to go faster. He whipped the horses and cried out to encourage them. Through the darkness I saw a patch of grey light ahead, as if there was a cleft in the hills. The excitement grew; the coach rocked and swayed like a boat on a stormy sea. I had to hold on. The road became more level, and we seemed to fly. Then the mountains came closer and frowned down on us. We were entering the Borgo Pass. One by one, passengers gave me gifts, pressing them with earnestness. They were odd and varied, given in good faith with a kind word, a blessing, and the sign of the cross and guard against the evil eye. As we flew, the driver leaned forward, and passengers peered into the darkness. Something exciting was happening or expected, but no one explained. The excitement lasted a while, then we saw the Pass opening on the eastern side. Dark rolling clouds were overhead, and the air felt heavy with thunder. It seemed the mountains separated two atmospheres, and we were now in the thunderous one. I looked for the carriage that would take me to the Count. I expected to see lamps in the blackness, but all was dark. Only the flickering rays of our own lamps showed steam from the horses. The sandy road lay white before us, but there was no vehicle. The passengers drew back with a sigh of gladness that mocked my disappointment. I was thinking what to do when the driver, looking at his watch, said quietly, 'An hour less than the time.' Then he said to me in German, 'There is no carriage here. The Herr is not expected. He will come on to Bukovina and return tomorrow or the next day.'

En/Pt → While he was speaking, the horses began to neigh and snort and plunge wildly, so the driver had to hold them. Then, with screams from the peasants and everyone crossing themselves, a calèche with four horses drove up behind us, overtook us, and stopped beside the coach. From the lamps I saw that the horses were coal-black and splendid. A tall man with a long brown beard and a great black hat was driving. He seemed to hide his face. I saw only the gleam of very bright eyes, which looked red in the lamplight, as he turned to us. He said to the driver:

“You are early tonight, my friend.” The man answered with a stammer:

“The English Herr was in a hurry,”

and the stranger answered, “That is why, I suppose, you wanted him to go on to Bukovina. You cannot fool me, my friend; I know too much, and my horses are swift.” As he spoke, he smiled, and the lamplight fell on a hard mouth with very red lips and sharp teeth, white as ivory. One of my companions whispered to another a line from Burger’s “Lenore”: -

En/Pt → “Denn die Todten reiten schnell” means “For the dead travel fast.”

The strange driver clearly heard the words, for he looked up with a bright smile. The passenger turned his face away and crossed himself with two fingers. “Give me the Herr’s luggage,” said the driver, and at once my bags were taken out and put in the calèche. Then I got down from the coach beside it, and the driver helped me with a hand that gripped my arm like steel. He was incredibly strong. Without a word, he snapped his reins, the horses turned, and we raced into the darkness of the Pass. Looking back, I saw the steam from the coach horses in the lamplight, and the faces of my former companions, crossing themselves. Then the driver cracked his whip and called to his horses, and they sped away toward Bukovina. As they disappeared into the dark, I felt cold and lonely. But a cloak was put over my shoulders and a rug across my knees, and the driver said in very good German:

En/Pt → “The night is cold, mein Herr. My master the Count told me to take care of you. There is slivovitz under the seat if you want it.” I did not drink, but it was nice to know it was there. I felt strange and a little scared. If I had a choice, I would not have taken that night ride. The carriage went fast along a road, then turned and went another straight road. It seemed we went over the same ground again. I noticed a point and saw it was true. I wanted to ask the driver, but I was afraid. I thought any protest would not stop a delay. Later, I lit a match and saw my watch. It was almost midnight. This shocked me because of superstition about midnight. I waited with a sick feeling.

En/Pt → Then a dog began to howl somewhere in a farmhouse far down the road. It was a long, painful cry, full of fear. Another dog answered, then another, and another, until the wind, which now sighed softly through the Pass, carried a wild howling from all over the country, as far as I could imagine in the darkness. At the first howl, the horses began to pull and rear, but the driver spoke gently to them, and they quieted down. Still, they shook and sweated as if they had run away in sudden fear. Then, far away, louder and sharper howls came from the mountains on both sides of us. They were wolves. This affected the horses and me in the same way. I wanted to jump from the calèche and run, while they reared and fought wildly, so the driver had to use all his strength to stop them from bolting. After a few minutes, I got used to the sound, and the horses became calm enough for the driver to get down and stand in front of them. He petted them, soothed them, and whispered in their ears, as I have heard horse-tamers do. It worked amazingly well, and under his touch they became manageable again, though they still trembled. He got back into his seat, shook the reins, and drove on at great speed. This time, after reaching the far side of the Pass, he suddenly turned down a narrow road that went sharply to the right.

En/Pt → Soon trees closed in around us, and in some places they curved right over the road so that we passed through a tunnel. At other times, great dark rocks stood boldly on each side. Even though we were sheltered, we could hear the rising wind. It moaned and whistled through the rocks, and the tree branches crashed together as we rushed along. It grew colder and colder, and fine, powdery snow began to fall. Soon we and everything around us were covered with a white blanket. The sharp wind still carried the howling of the dogs, though it grew weaker as we went on. The wolves sounded closer and closer, as if they were surrounding us from every side. I became terribly afraid, and the horses shared my fear. But the driver was not disturbed at all. He kept turning his head left and right, though I could see nothing in the darkness.

En/Pt → Suddenly, far to our left, I saw a faint blue flame. The driver saw it at the same time. He quickly stopped the horses, jumped down, and disappeared into the dark. I did not know what to do, especially as the howling of the wolves came closer. But while I wondered, the driver suddenly came back, said nothing, and got into his seat again. We continued our journey. I think I must have fallen asleep and dreamed about it, because the scene seemed to repeat itself again and again. Looking back now, it feels like a horrible nightmare. Once the flame appeared so near the road that, even in the darkness around us, I could watch the driver’s movements. He went quickly to the place where the blue flame rose. It must have been very weak, because it did not seem to light the ground around it at all. He gathered some stones and arranged them in some kind of shape. Once, something strange happened: when he stood between me and the flame, he did not block it, and I could still see its ghostly flicker. This frightened me, but it only lasted a moment, so I thought my eyes were deceiving me in the dark. Then for a while there were no blue flames, and we went on through the gloom, with wolves howling all around us as if they were following in a moving circle.

En/Pt → At last the driver went farther away than before, and while he was gone, the horses trembled more than ever and snorted and screamed in fear. I could not see why, because the wolves had stopped howling completely. Then the moon moved through black clouds and appeared behind the sharp top of a steep rock covered with pine trees. In its light I saw a ring of wolves around us, with white teeth, red tongues hanging out, long strong legs, and shaggy fur. They were far more terrible in their silent watchfulness than when they howled. As for me, fear made me feel almost numb. Only when a man is face to face with such horrors can he understand how terrible they really are.

En/Pt → Suddenly the wolves began to howl as if the moonlight had affected them in some strange way. The horses jumped and reared, and looked around helplessly with their eyes rolling in a painful way. But the living ring of danger surrounded them on every side, and they had no choice but to stay inside it. I called to the coachman to come, because it seemed our only chance was to break through the ring and help him reach us. I shouted and struck the side of the calèche, hoping the noise would scare the wolves on that side and give him a way to get to the trap. I do not know how he got there, but I heard his voice shouting with strong command, and when I looked toward it, I saw him standing in the road. He waved his long arms as if pushing away something invisible, and the wolves moved back farther and farther. Just then a heavy cloud passed over the moon, and we were in darkness again.

En/Pt → When I could see again, the driver was climbing into the calèche, and the wolves had gone. Everything was so strange and frightening that I was overcome with fear, and I was afraid to speak or move. The journey seemed endless as we rushed on, now in almost complete darkness because the rolling clouds covered the moon. We kept going uphill, with only occasional short downhill parts, but mostly we were always climbing. Suddenly, I noticed that the driver was pulling the horses up in the courtyard of a huge ruined castle. It had tall black windows with no light in them, and broken battlements that made a jagged line against the moonlit sky.

Chapter II

En/Pt → 5 May. - I must have been asleep, because if I had been fully awake, I would certainly have noticed such an unusual place. In the darkness, the courtyard seemed very large, and since several dark paths led from it under big round arches, it may have seemed bigger than it really was. I have not yet been able to see it in daylight.

When the calèche stopped, the driver jumped down and held out his hand to help me get out. Again I noticed his great strength. His hand felt like a steel vice and could have crushed mine if he wanted. Then he took my bags and put them on the ground beside me. I was standing close to a huge old door, covered with large iron nails, in a doorway made of massive stone. Even in the weak light, I could see that the stone had fine carving, though time and weather had worn it away. While I stood there, the driver jumped back onto his seat and shook the reins. The horses moved off at once, and the carriage disappeared into one of the dark openings.

En/Pt → I stood there in silence because I did not know what to do. There was no bell or knocker. My voice could not likely pass through those dark walls and window openings. The waiting felt endless, and doubts and fears filled my mind. What sort of place had I come to? What kind of people lived here? What grim adventure had I begun? Was this a normal part of a solicitor’s clerk’s job, sent to explain the purchase of a London estate to a foreigner? Solicitor’s clerk! Mina would not like that. I was no longer just a clerk. Just before leaving London, I had learned that I had passed my exam. I was now a full solicitor. I rubbed my eyes and pinched myself to see if I was awake. It all felt like a terrible nightmare, and I thought I might wake up at home with morning light at the windows. But the pinch hurt, and my eyes did not lie. I was really awake, and I was in the Carpathians. All I could do was wait patiently for morning.

En/Pt → Just as I came to that thought, I heard heavy footsteps coming from behind the great door. Through the cracks, I saw a light moving nearer. Then I heard chains rattle and heavy bolts slide back. A key turned with a harsh scraping sound, as if it had not been used for a long time, and the great door swung open.

Inside stood a tall old man. He was clean-shaven except for a long white moustache. He wore all black with no color anywhere. He held an old silver lamp. The flame burned without a cover, making long shadows in the air from the open door. The old man motioned me in with a polite gesture. He spoke excellent English with a strange accent.

“Welcome to my house! Come in freely and of your own will!” He did not move to meet me but stood like a statue. As soon as I stepped inside, he moved quickly and held out his hand. He shook my hand with such strength that it hurt. His hand felt as cold as ice, more like a dead man’s than a living one. He said again.

En/Pt → “Welcome to my house. Come freely. Go safely; and leave something of the happiness you bring!” The handshake felt very similar to the driver’s strength. I had not seen the driver’s face. For a moment I wondered if the driver and this man were the same person. To be sure, I asked.

“Count Dracula?” He bowed politely as he replied.

“I am Dracula. Welcome, Mr. Harker, to my house. Come in; the night air is cold, and you need to eat and rest.” While speaking, he put the lamp on a wall bracket, stepped out, and took my bags. He carried them in before I could stop him. I protested, but he insisted.

“No, sir, you are my guest. It is late, and my servants are not available. Let me take care of you myself.” He insisted on carrying my bags along the passage, up a big winding stair, and along another passage. Our steps made loud sounds on the stone floor. At the end, he opened a heavy door. I was happy to see a well-lit room with a table set for supper and a big fire burning with fresh logs.

En/Pt → The Count stopped, put down my bags, closed the door, and crossed the room. He opened another door into a small octagonal room with one lamp and no windows. Passing through, he opened another door and motioned me to enter. It was a welcome sight: a big bedroom well lit and warm with another log fire, also recently added to. The fire made a hollow roar up the wide chimney. The Count left my luggage inside and withdrew, saying before he closed the door.

“After your journey, you will want to freshen up and change your clothes. I hope you will find everything you need. When you are ready, come into the other room, where your supper is waiting.”

The light, the warmth, and the Count’s polite welcome seemed to remove my doubts and fears. I then felt normal again, and I found that I was very hungry. So I quickly changed my clothes and went into the other room.

En/Pt → I found that supper was already set out. My host stood on one side of the large fireplace, leaning against the stone, and he made a graceful gesture toward the table before saying:

“Please sit down and eat as you like. I hope you will excuse me for not joining you. I have already had dinner, and I do not take supper.”

I gave him the sealed letter Mr. Hawkins had trusted me with. He opened it and read it seriously. Then he smiled kindly and handed it back to me so I could read it too. One part of it especially made me feel very happy.

“I am sorry that an attack of gout, which I often suffer from, makes it impossible for me to travel for some time. But I am glad to say that I can send a proper replacement, a man I trust completely. He is young, energetic, and talented in his own way, and he is very loyal. He is quiet and careful, and he has grown into manhood in my service. He will be ready to help you whenever you need him during his stay, and he will follow your instructions in all matters.”

En/Pt → The Count came forward himself and took the cover off a dish. At once I began eating an excellent roast chicken. That, with some cheese, a salad, and a bottle of old Tokay, of which I drank two glasses, made my supper. While I ate, the Count asked me many questions about my journey, and I told him everything little by little.

By then I had finished supper, and at my host’s request I moved a chair beside the fire and began to smoke a cigar he offered me. He apologized for not smoking himself. This gave me a chance to study him, and I found that his face was very unusual.

En/Pt → His face was strong, very strong, and shaped like an eagle’s, with a high bridge on his thin nose and strangely curved nostrils. He had a high rounded forehead, and his hair was thin at the temples but thick everywhere else. His eyebrows were very heavy and almost met over his nose, and the thick hair seemed to curl by itself. Under his heavy moustache, his mouth looked fixed and rather cruel, with sharp white teeth that stuck out over his lips. His lips were a deep red, which showed surprising energy in a man of his age. His ears were pale and very pointed at the top, his chin was broad and strong, and his cheeks were firm but thin. Overall, he looked extremely pale.

En/Pt → Before this, I had only seen the backs of his hands in the firelight, resting on his knees, and they had seemed white and fine. But when I saw them close to me, I noticed that they were actually rough, broad, and had short, thick fingers. Strangely, there was hair in the middle of each palm. His nails were long, fine, and sharp. When the Count leaned over me and his hands touched me, I could not stop myself from shuddering. It may have been his foul breath, but I suddenly felt sick and could not hide it. The Count saw this and stepped back. With a hard smile that showed more of his large teeth than before, he sat down again on his side of the fireplace. We were silent for a while. Then I looked toward the window and saw the first weak light of dawn. Everything seemed strangely still, but then I heard, as if from the valley below, the howling of many wolves. The Count’s eyes shone, and he said:

En/Pt → “Listen to them - the children of the night. What music they make!” Seeing, I think, a strange look on my face, he added:

“Ah, sir, you city people cannot understand how a hunter feels.” Then he stood up and said:

“But you must be tired. Your bedroom is ready, and tomorrow you may sleep as late as you like. I must be away until afternoon, so sleep well and dream well!” With a polite bow, he opened the door to the eight-sided room himself, and I went into my bedroom….

I am full of wonder. I doubt and I am afraid. I think strange things that I do not dare tell even myself. God keep me, if only for the sake of those I love!

7 May. - It is early morning again, but I have rested and enjoyed the last twenty-four hours. I slept until late and woke on my own. After I dressed, I went to the room where we had eaten and found a cold breakfast ready. The coffee was kept hot by the pot on the hearth. There was a card on the table that said:

En/Pt → “I have to be away for a while. Do not wait for me. - D.” I ate a full meal and enjoyed it. When I finished, I looked for a bell to call the servants, but I could not find one. The house has some strange things missing, even though it is full of great wealth. The tableware is gold and very fine. The curtains, chair covers, sofa covers, and my bed hangings are made of costly cloth. They are hundreds of years old, but still in excellent condition. I saw things like them at Hampton Court, but there they were worn and damaged. Yet there is not a mirror in any room. There is not even a small glass on my table, so I had to take the little shaving mirror from my bag before I could shave or brush my hair. I have not seen a servant, and I have heard nothing near the castle except wolves howling. After I finished my meal - I do not know whether to call it breakfast or dinner, since it was between five and six o’clock - I looked for something to read. I did not want to walk around the castle before asking the Count. There was nothing in the room: no book, no newspaper, not even paper and a pen. So I opened another door and found a kind of library. The door opposite mine was locked.

En/Pt → I was very happy to find many English books in the library, whole shelves of them, and bound magazines and newspapers. On a table in the middle there were English magazines and newspapers, but none were recent. The books were about many subjects: history, geography, politics, economics, botany, geology, law. All of them were about England and English life. I also found reference books like the London Directory, the “Red” and “Blue” books, Whitaker’s Almanac, the Army and Navy Lists, and the Law List, which made me happy.

While I was looking at the books, the door opened and the Count came in. He greeted me warmly and hoped I had slept well. Then he said:

En/Pt → “I am glad you found this room. There is much here that will interest you. These books have been good friends to me. For years, since I decided to go to London, they have given me many hours of pleasure. Through them I have come to know your great England. To know England is to love it. I want to walk through the crowded streets of London, to be in the busy city, to share its life, change, and death. But unfortunately, I only know your language from books. I hope that you, my friend, can help me learn to speak it.”

“But, Count,” I said, “you know and speak English very well!” He bowed seriously.

“I thank you, my friend, for your very kind opinion, but I am still far from the road I want to travel. I know the grammar and the words, but I do not know how to speak them.”

En/Pt → “Indeed,” I said, “you speak very well.”

En/Pt → “Not so,” he answered. “If I moved and spoke in your London, everyone would see that I am a stranger. That is not enough for me. Here I am noble; I am boyar; the common people know me, and I am master. But a stranger in a strange land is nobody. People do not know him, and if they do not know him, they do not care about him. I am happy if I am like everyone else, so no one stops to stare at me or laughs, ‘Ha, ha! a stranger!’ I have been master for so long that I want to stay master, or at least not be ruled by anyone else. You have not come only as my friend Peter Hawkins’s agent from Exeter to tell me about my new estate in London. I hope you will stay with me for a while so I can learn English speech from you. And I want you to tell me whenever I make even the smallest mistake. I am sorry that I had to be away so long today, but I know you will forgive a man with so many important matters to handle.”

En/Pt → “Yes, certainly,” and added:

“You may go anywhere you wish in the castle, except where the doors are locked. Of course you will not want to go there. There is a reason why everything is as it is. If you could see with my eyes and know what I know, you might understand better.” I said I was sure of that, and then he went on:

“We are in Transylvania, and Transylvania is not England. Our ways are not your ways, and you will see many strange things. In fact, from what you have already told me about your experiences, you know something about strange things already.”

En/Pt → This led to a long conversation. It was clear that he wanted to talk, even if it was only for the sake of talking. I asked him many questions about things that had already happened to me or that I had seen. Sometimes he avoided the subject or changed the conversation by pretending not to understand. But most of the time he answered very openly. As time passed and I became braver, I asked him about some strange things from the night before, such as why the coachman went to the places where he had seen the blue flames. He explained that people often believe a blue flame appears over buried treasure on a certain night each year - last night, in fact, when evil spirits are thought to have free power. “There can be little doubt that treasure was hidden in the region you crossed last night,” he said. “That land was fought over for centuries by the Wallachian, the Saxon, and the Turk. Hardly any part of this region has not been soaked with the blood of men, whether patriots or invaders. In old times there were hard battles, when the Austrian and the Hungarian came in great numbers, and the patriots went out to meet them - men, women, old people, and children too. They waited on the rocks above the passes so they could destroy the enemy with artificial avalanches. When the invader won, he found very little, because whatever was there had been safely hidden in the friendly earth.”

En/Pt → “But how,” I said, “can it have remained hidden for so long, when there is a clear sign if men take the trouble to look?” The Count smiled. His lips pulled back over his gums, and his long, sharp teeth showed strangely. He answered:

“Because your peasant is really a coward and a fool! Those flames appear only one night, and on that night no man in this country will leave his house if he can help it. And even if he did, he would not know what to do. The peasant who saw the place would not even know where to look in daylight for his own work. And I dare say even you would not be able to find those places again.”

“You are right,” I said. “I know no more than the dead about where to look for them.” Then we moved on to other things.

En/Pt → “Come,” he said at last. “Tell me about London and the house you found for me.” I apologized and got the papers from my bag. While organizing them, I heard dishes in the next room. I saw that the table was cleared and the lamp was lit because it was dark. The lamps were also lit in the library. The Count was lying on the sofa reading an English Bradshaw’s Guide. When I came in, he cleared the table and we looked at plans and papers. He was interested in everything and asked many questions. He had studied before and knew more than me. When I said this, he answered: -

“Well, my friend, isn’t it necessary? When I go there I will be alone. My friend Harker Jonathan - no, excuse me, I use my country’s habit - my friend Jonathan Harker will not be there to help me. He will be in Exeter, miles away, working on legal papers with my other friend, Peter Hawkins. So!”

En/Pt → We discussed the purchase of the estate at Purfleet in detail. I told him the facts, got his signature on the papers, and wrote a letter to Mr. Hawkins. Then he asked how I found such a suitable place. I read my notes to him.

“At Purfleet, on a side road, I found just the kind of place that seemed needed, with a broken sign saying the place was for sale. It is surrounded by a high wall of old stone. The wall has not been repaired for many years. The closed gates are made of heavy old oak and iron, and they are badly covered with rust.

En/Pt → “The estate is called Carfax, perhaps from the old name Quatre Face, because the house has four sides that match the four directions. It has about twenty acres, all surrounded by the strong stone wall I mentioned. There are many trees, which make parts of it dark and sad. There is also a deep, dark pond or small lake, fed by springs, because the water is clear and runs away in a fair-sized stream. The house is very large and seems to come from many ages, perhaps even medieval times. One part is made of very thick stone, with only a few windows high up, protected by iron bars. It looks like part of a fortress, and it stands near an old chapel or church. I could not go inside because I did not have the key for the door from the house, but I took pictures of it from several places with my kodak. The house has been added to, but in a mixed and uneven way, so I can only guess how much ground it covers. It must be very large. There are only a few houses nearby. One is a very large house that has recently been changed into a private lunatic asylum. However, it cannot be seen from the grounds.”

En/Pt → When I had finished, he said:

“I am glad it is old and big. I come from an old family; a new house would kill me. A house cannot be made comfortable in a day; and few days make a century. I am also happy there is an old chapel. We Transylvanian nobles don’t like our bones among common dead. I don’t seek joy or bright sunshine and sparkling waters that please the young. I am no longer young; my heart is sad from years of mourning. The walls of my castle are broken; there are many shadows; the wind blows cold through the broken parts. I love the shade and want to be alone with my thoughts.” Somehow his words and look did not match; his smile seemed evil and dark.

En/Pt → Soon he left me, with an excuse, and asked me to put all my papers together. He was away for a little while, and I began to look at the books around me. One was an atlas, opened at England as if that page was used often. On it I saw small rings in certain places. One was near London on the east side, clearly where his new estate was. The other two were Exeter and Whitby on the Yorkshire coast.

En/Pt → It was almost an hour when the Count returned. “Aha!” he said. “Still at your books? Good, but you must not work always. Come, your supper is ready.” He took my arm, and we went to the next room where I found an excellent supper. The Count again excused himself because he had eaten out. But he sat and chatted while I ate. After supper I smoked, and the Count stayed with me asking questions for hours. I felt it was very late but said nothing because I wanted to please him. I was not sleepy after the long sleep yesterday. But I felt cold as dawn came, like the turn of the tide. People say that those near death often die at dawn or at the tide change. Anyone who has been tired can believe it. Suddenly we heard a cock crow very loudly. Count Dracula jumped up and said: -

En/Pt → “Why, morning is here again! I have been careless to let you stay up so long. You must make your talk about my dear new country of England less interesting, so I will not forget how fast time passes,” and, with a polite bow, he quickly left me.

I went into my room and drew the curtains, but there was little to see. My window opened onto the courtyard, and I could only see the warm grey sky growing lighter. So I drew the curtains again and wrote about this day.

En/Pt → 8 May. - I began to fear that I was writing too much detail in this book. But now I am glad I wrote so fully from the start, because there is something so strange about this place and everything in it that I feel uneasy. I wish I were safely away, or that I had never come. Perhaps this strange life at night is affecting me, but that is not the worst of it. If there were someone to talk to, I could bear it better, but there is no one. I can only speak with the Count, and he! I fear I may be the only living soul here. Let me keep to plain facts as much as I can. That will help me stay calm, and I must not let my imagination run wild. If it does, I am lost. Let me first say clearly where I stand, or seem to stand.

En/Pt → I slept only a few hours, then got up because I could not sleep more. I had hung my shaving mirror by the window and was just beginning to shave. Suddenly I felt a hand on my shoulder and heard the Count say, “Good morning.” I was shocked because I had not seen him, even though the mirror showed the whole room behind me. When I started, I cut myself slightly, but I did not notice it then. After I answered him, I looked again into the mirror to see my mistake. This time there could be no mistake, because the Count was standing close behind me, and I could see him over my shoulder. But there was no reflection of him in the mirror. The whole room behind me was there, but no man except myself. This frightened me deeply. It made the uneasiness I always feel near the Count even worse. Then I saw that my cut had bled a little, and blood was running down my chin. I laid down the razor and turned partly around to find something to stop the bleeding. When the Count saw my face, his eyes flashed with terrible anger, and he suddenly reached for my throat. I pulled away, and his hand touched the string of beads that held the crucifix. At once he changed. His anger vanished so quickly that I could hardly believe it had been there.

En/Pt → “Be careful,” he said. “Be careful how you cut yourself. It is more dangerous than you think in this country.” Then he took the shaving mirror and said, “And this is the miserable thing that has caused the trouble. It is a filthy toy of human vanity. Away with it!” He opened the heavy window with one strong pull and threw the mirror out. It broke into a thousand pieces on the stones far below in the courtyard. Then he left without a word. This is very annoying, because I do not know how I am to shave, unless I use my watch-case or the bottom of the shaving pot, which luckily is metal.

En/Pt → When I went into the dining-room, breakfast was ready, but I could not find the Count anywhere, so I ate alone. It is strange that I have not yet seen him eat or drink. He must be a very unusual man. After breakfast, I explored the castle a little. I went out onto the stairs and found a room facing south. The view was wonderful, and I had a clear chance to see it. The castle stands right on the edge of a terrible cliff. A stone dropped from the window would fall a thousand feet without touching anything. Far as I could see, there was a sea of green treetops, with deep gaps now and then where there were ravines. Here and there, I saw silver lines where rivers wound through the forests in deep valleys.

But I was not in the mood to describe beauty. After I had seen the view, I explored more. There were doors everywhere, and all were locked and bolted. In no place, except through the windows in the castle walls, was there any way out.

En/Pt → The castle is really a prison, and I am a prisoner!

Chapter III

En/Pt → When I found that I was a prisoner, I was seized by a wild feeling. I rushed up and down the stairs, trying every door and looking out of every window I could find. After a while, the fact that I was helpless overcame all my other feelings. Looking back after a few hours, I think I must have been mad for a time, for I behaved like a rat in a trap. But once I accepted that I could do nothing, I sat down quietly, as quietly as I have ever done anything, and began to think about what I should do. I am still thinking, and I have not yet reached a clear answer. One thing I know for certain: it is useless to tell the Count what I think. He knows I am locked in here, and since he did it himself and has his own reasons, he would only deceive me if I trusted him fully. As far as I can tell, my only plan is to keep my thoughts and fears to myself and keep my eyes open. I know that either I am fooling myself through fear like a child, or I am in very serious danger. If that is true, I will need all my wits to get through it.

En/Pt → I had hardly reached this decision when I heard the great door below close, and I knew the Count had returned. He did not come at once into the library, so I went carefully to my room and found him making the bed. This was strange, but it only confirmed what I had thought all along: there are no servants in the house. Later I saw him through the crack by the door hinges laying the table in the dining-room, and this convinced me even more. If he does all these low tasks himself, then surely no one else is here to do them. This frightened me, because if there is no one else in the castle, then the Count himself must have driven the coach that brought me here. That is a terrible thought. If so, what does it mean that he could control the wolves just by raising his hand in silence? Why were the people at Bistritz and on the coach so afraid for me? What was the meaning of the crucifix, the garlic, the wild rose, and the mountain ash? Bless that good woman who hung the crucifix around my neck, for it comforts and strengthens me whenever I touch it. It is strange that a thing I was taught to dislike and think of as idolatry should help me now, when I am lonely and troubled. Is there something in the thing itself, or is it only a physical reminder of sympathy and comfort? One day I may need to think about that. For now, I must find out everything I can about Count Dracula, because it may help me understand. Tonight he may speak about himself if I guide the talk that way. But I must be very careful not to arouse his suspicion.

En/Pt → Midnight. - I have had a long talk with the Count. I asked him some questions about the history of Transylvania, and he became very interested. When he spoke about events and people, especially battles, he talked as if he had been there himself. He later explained this by saying that for a boyar, the pride of his family and name is his own pride, their glory is his glory, and their fate is his fate. Whenever he spoke of his house, he always said “we,” almost like a king. I wish I could write down all he said exactly, because it was deeply interesting to me. It seemed to contain the whole history of the country. He grew excited as he spoke, walking around the room, pulling his great white moustache, and gripping things as if he could crush them. One thing he said I shall record as nearly as I can, because it tells the story of his race in its own way: -

En/Pt → “We Szekelys have a right to be proud. In our blood flows the blood of many brave races who fought like lions for lordship. Here, in the mix of European races, the Ugric tribe brought from Iceland the fighting spirit that Thor and Wodin gave them. Their Berserkers showed this spirit on the coasts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. People thought the werewolves themselves had come. Here, they also found the Huns. The Huns’ warlike fury had swept the earth like a living flame. Dying people believed that in their veins ran the blood of old witches who, after being expelled from Scythia, mated with devils in the desert. Fools! What devil or witch was ever as great as Attila, whose blood is in these veins?” He held up his arms. “Is it a wonder that we were a conquering race? That we were proud? When the Magyar, the Lombard, the Avar, the Bulgar, or the Turk poured thousands on our frontiers, we drove them back. Is it strange that when Arpad and his legions swept through the Hungarian fatherland, he found us here at the frontier? That the Honfoglalas was completed there? When the Hungarian flood swept eastward, the Szekelys were claimed as kindred by the victorious Magyars. For centuries we guarded the frontier of Turkey-land. As the Turks say, ‘water sleeps, and enemy is sleepless.’ Who more gladly than we received the ‘bloody sword’ or flocked to the King’s standard? When was that great shame of my nation redeemed? The shame of Cassova, when the flags of the Wallach and the Magyar fell under the Crescent? Who but one of my own race, as Voivode, crossed the Danube and beat the Turk on his own ground? This was a Dracula indeed! Woe that his own unworthy brother sold his people to the Turk and brought slavery. Was it not this Dracula who inspired another of his race to bring his forces over the great river into Turkey-land again and again? Though he was beaten back, he came again, even alone from the bloody field, because he knew he alone could triumph. They said he thought only of himself. Bah! What good are peasants without a leader? Where ends war without a brain and heart to conduct it? Again, after the battle of Mohács, when we threw off the Hungarian yoke, we of the Dracula blood were among the leaders. Our spirit would not accept that we were not free. Ah, young sir, the Szekelys - and the Dracula as their heart’s blood, brains, and swords - can boast a record that mushroom growths like the Hapsburgs and Romanovs can never reach. The warlike days are over. Blood is too precious in these days of dishonourable peace. The glories of the great races are like a tale that is told.”

En/Pt → By this time it was almost morning, and we went to bed. (I note that this diary seems terribly like the beginning of the “Arabian Nights,” because everything has to stop at cockcrow - or like the ghost of Hamlet’s father.)

12 May. - Let me begin with facts: plain facts, supported by books and figures, and beyond doubt. I must not mix them with experiences that depend on my own sight or memory. Last evening, when the Count came from his room, he asked me questions about law and about certain kinds of business. I had spent the day tired over books, and to keep my mind busy, I reviewed some of the questions I had been examined on at Lincoln’s Inn. The Count asked in an orderly way, so I will write his questions in order, because the knowledge may be useful to me later.

En/Pt → First, he asked if a man in England could have two solicitors or more. I told him he could have a dozen if he wanted, but it would not be wise to have more than one solicitor working on one deal, because only one can act at a time, and changing could hurt his interests. He seemed to understand completely, and then asked if there would be any practical difficulty in having one man handle banking and another handle shipping, if local help was needed in a place far from the banking solicitor’s home. I asked him to explain more fully so I would not mislead him. So he said:

En/Pt → “Let me give an example. Your friend and mine, Mr. Peter Hawkins, from under the shadow of your beautiful cathedral at Exeter, which is far from London, buys for me through you my place in London. Good! Now let me say frankly, lest you think it strange that I hired someone so far from London instead of someone living there, my reason was that no local interest might be served except my own wish. Someone living in London might have a purpose of his own or a friend to serve, so I went far away to find my agent. His work should be only for my interest. Now, suppose I, who have many affairs, wish to ship goods, say, to Newcastle, or Durham, or Harwich, or Dover. Could it not be easier to send them to someone in those ports?” I answered that certainly it would be easiest, but that we solicitors have a system of helping each other, so that local work can be done locally by instruction from any solicitor. Thus the client, just dealing with one man, can have his wishes carried out without extra trouble.

En/Pt → “But,” he said, “I could choose and direct this myself. Is that not so?”

“Of course,” I replied, “and men of business often do that, because they do not want one person to know everything about their affairs.”

“Good!” he said. Then he asked about the way goods are sent, the forms that must be filled in, and many other problems that could happen but might be avoided with care. I explained everything as well as I could, and he left me with the feeling that he would have made a wonderful solicitor, because he thought of everything and could foresee every difficulty. For a man who had never been in the country, and who did not seem to do much business, his knowledge and sharpness were amazing. When he had asked all he wanted, and I had checked everything I could in the books, he suddenly stood up and said:

En/Pt → “Have you written, since your first letter, to our friend Mr. Peter Hawkins, or to anyone else?” I answered with some bitterness that I had not, and that so far I had found no chance to send letters to anyone.

“Then write now, my young friend,” he said, putting a heavy hand on my shoulder. “Write to our friend and to anyone else, and say, if you like, that you will stay with me until a month from now.”

“Do you want me to stay here so long?” I asked, because the thought made me feel cold inside.

“I want that very much. No, I will not accept refusal. When your master or employer arranged for someone to come for him, it was understood that only my needs would be considered. I have not been unfair. Is that not so?”

En/Pt → What could I do except accept? It was Mr. Hawkins’s interest, not mine, and I had to think of him, not myself. Also, while Count Dracula was speaking, there was something in his eyes and manner that reminded me I was a prisoner, and even if I wished otherwise, I had no choice. The Count saw his victory in my bow and my troubled face, so he immediately began to use them in his own smooth, unstoppable way.

En/Pt → “Please, my good young friend, do not write about anything except business in your letters. Your friends will surely be happy to know that you are well and that you expect to return home to them. Is that not so?” As he spoke, he gave me three sheets of notepaper and three envelopes. They were very thin foreign paper. I looked at them, then at him, and saw his quiet smile and his sharp teeth over his red lower lip. I understood, without him saying it, that I must be careful what I wrote, because he could read it. So I decided to write only formal notes now, but to write a full secret letter to Mr. Hawkins and another to Mina, because I could use shorthand with her, and that would confuse the Count if he saw it. After I wrote my two letters, I sat quietly and read a book while the Count wrote several notes and checked them against some books on his table. Then he took my two letters and put them with his own, and he put away his writing things. As soon as the door closed behind him, I leaned over and looked at the letters, which were face down on the table. I did not feel guilty, because in my situation I thought I should protect myself in every way I could.

En/Pt → One letter was addressed to Samuel F. Billington, No. 7, The Crescent, Whitby; another to Herr Leutner, Varna; the third to Coutts & Co., London; and the fourth to Herren Klopstock & Billreuth, bankers, Budapest. The second and fourth were not sealed. I was just about to look at them when I saw the door-handle move. I quickly sat back down, had just enough time to put the letters back as they were and start reading again before the Count entered, holding another letter in his hand. He took the letters from the table, stamped them carefully, and then turned to me and said:

“I hope you will forgive me, but I have a lot of private work to do tonight. I trust you will find everything as you wish.” At the door he turned back, and after a short pause said:

En/Pt → “Let me advise you, my dear young friend, no, let me warn you seriously. If you leave these rooms, do not sleep anywhere else in the castle. It is old, and it holds many memories, and there are bad dreams for those who sleep carelessly. Be warned! If sleep comes over you now or later, then hurry back to your room or to these rooms, where you will be safe. But if you are not careful,” he ended in a horrible way, making a motion with his hands as if he were washing them. I understood him well enough. My only question was whether any dream could be worse than the strange, terrible darkness and mystery that seemed to be closing around me.

Later. - I agree with my last words, but now I have no doubt. I will not be afraid to sleep anywhere away from him. I have put the crucifix above my bed. I think it may keep my sleep freer from dreams, and I will leave it there.

En/Pt → When he left me, I went to my room. After a little while, when I heard no sound, I went out and up the stone stairs to a place where I could look south. The open view made me feel some freedom, even though I could not reach it, unlike the narrow darkness of the courtyard. Looking out, I felt that I was truly in prison, and I wanted a breath of fresh air, even night air. I am beginning to feel the effect of this life in the night. It is ruining my nerves. I jump at my own shadow and fill my mind with horrible thoughts. God knows there is reason for my terrible fear in this cursed place! I looked out over the beautiful view, covered in soft yellow moonlight until it was almost as bright as day. In the gentle light, the far hills seemed to melt away, and the valleys and ravines were deep black. The beauty itself cheered me; I felt peace and comfort with every breath. As I leaned from the window, my eye caught something moving one floor below me, a little to my left, where I thought the windows of the Count’s own room must be. The window where I stood was tall and deep, with stone bars, and although weathered by time, it was still whole; but it was clear that no case had been there for many years. I moved back behind the stone and looked carefully out.

En/Pt → I saw the Count’s head coming out of the window. I did not see his face, but I knew him by his neck and the movement of his back and arms. I could not mistake the hands, which I had studied many times. At first I felt interested and even a little amused, because a prisoner can be interested and amused by very small things. But my feelings quickly changed to disgust and fear when I saw the whole man slowly come out of the window and begin to crawl down the castle wall over that terrible drop, face down, with his cloak spread around him like huge wings. At first I could not believe my eyes. I thought it was only moonlight or a strange shadow, but I kept watching, and it was no trick. I saw his fingers and toes gripping the corners of the stones, worn smooth by years, and using every ledge and rough place to move quickly downward, just like a lizard on a wall.

En/Pt → What kind of man is this, or what kind of creature looks like a man? I feel the terror of this terrible place taking over me. I am afraid, deeply afraid, and there is no escape. I am surrounded by horrors I dare not even think about….

En/Pt → 15 May. I saw the Count go out again in his lizard way. He moved sideways down about a hundred feet and a lot to the left. He disappeared into a hole or window. When his head was gone, I leaned out to see more, but I couldn’t - it was too far away. I knew he had left the castle, so I thought I could explore more than I dared before. I went back to the room, took a lamp, and tried all the doors. They were all locked, as I expected, and the locks were quite new. But I went down the stone stairs to the hall where I first entered. I found I could easily pull back the bolts and unhook the big chains. But the door was locked and the key was gone! The key must be in the Count’s room. I must watch if his door is unlocked so I can get it and escape. I examined the different stairs and passages and tried the doors. One or two small rooms near the hall were open, but there was nothing to see except old furniture, dusty and moth-eaten. At last, I found a door at the top of the stairs. It seemed locked, but it moved a little when I pushed. I tried harder and saw it wasn’t really locked. The door was heavy and rested on the floor because the hinges had fallen. This was a chance I might not have again, so I pushed hard and forced it open. Now I was in a part of the castle further to the right and one floor lower than the rooms I knew. From the windows, I could see the rooms lay along the south of the castle. The end room had windows looking west and south. On both sides there was a great cliff. The castle was built on the corner of a big rock, so three sides were impossible to attack. Big windows were placed where arrows or guns could not reach, so light and comfort were possible. To the west was a big valley, and then far away, high rocky mountains with sharp peaks, the rock covered with mountain ash and thorn. This was the part of the castle where the ladies once lived, because the furniture felt more comfortable than any I had seen. The windows had no curtains, and the yellow moonlight came in through the diamond glass. I could even see colors, and the moonlight softened the thick dust and hid the damage of time and moths. My lamp seemed not very bright in the moonlight, but I was glad to have it. There was a terrible loneliness in the place that chilled my heart and made me shake. Still, it was better than living in the rooms I hated because of the Count. After trying to calm myself, I felt a soft quietness come over me. Here I am, sitting at a little oak table where a beautiful lady might have sat long ago to write a love letter with many blushes. I am writing in my diary in shorthand everything that has happened since I closed it last. It is very modern for the nineteenth century. And yet, unless I am wrong, the old centuries have powers that 'modernity’ cannot kill.

En/Pt → Later: morning of 16 May. - God keep me sane, because that is all I have left. Safety is gone. While I live here, I can only hope that I do not go mad, if I am not mad already. If I am sane, then it is truly terrible to think that of all the evil things in this hateful place, the Count is the least frightening to me. He is the only one I can look to for safety, and only while I serve his purpose. Great God, merciful God, let me stay calm, because madness is that way. I am beginning to understand some things that confused me before. Until now, I never fully understood what Shakespeare meant when he made Hamlet say: -

“My tablets! Quick, my tablets! It is right that I write this down,” etc.

because now I feel as if my own mind is breaking, or as if the shock has come that will destroy it, and I turn to my diary for comfort. Writing things down carefully may help calm me.

En/Pt → The Count’s strange warning frightened me then, and it frightens me even more now. When I think of it, I know that in the future he will have terrible power over me. I shall be afraid to doubt anything he says!

En/Pt → After I wrote in my diary and put the book and pen back in my pocket, I felt sleepy. I thought of the Count’s warning, but I almost enjoyed disobeying it. Sleepiness had taken hold of me, and with it came the stubborn mood that sleep often brings. The soft moonlight made me feel calm, and the wide open view gave me a feeling of freedom. I decided not to go back tonight to the dark, haunted rooms. Instead, I would sleep here, where ladies in old times had sat and sung and lived gentle lives while grieving for the men away in cruel wars. I pulled a large couch from the corner so I could lie down and look at the lovely view to the east and south. I did not care about the dust. I settled down to sleep. I think I must have fallen asleep. I hope so, but I am afraid, because everything that followed felt completely real. It was so real that now, in the bright morning sun, I can hardly believe it was all a dream.

En/Pt → I was not alone. The room was unchanged from when I entered it. In the bright moonlight, I could see my own footprints on the floor where I had disturbed the dust. Three young women stood opposite me in the moonlight. They looked like ladies in their clothes and manners. At the time I thought I must be dreaming, because although the moon was behind them, they cast no shadows. They came close and looked at me for a while, then whispered together. Two were dark, with sharp noses like the Count’s and large dark eyes that seemed almost red in the pale yellow moonlight. The third was very fair, with long wavy golden hair and eyes like pale sapphires. Somehow, her face seemed familiar, and it made me feel a strange fear, but I could not remember why. All three had bright white teeth that shone like pearls against their red lips. There was something about them that made me uneasy, and at the same time I wanted them to kiss me. It is wrong to write this, because Mina may one day read it and be hurt, but it is true. They whispered, then all three laughed - a clear, musical laugh, but hard, as if it could never have come from human lips. It sounded like the sharp, sweet ringing of glass when touched by a clever hand. The fair girl shook her head playfully, and the other two encouraged her. One said: -

En/Pt → “Go on! You are first, and we shall follow; yours is the right to begin.” The other added: -

“He is young and strong; there are kisses for us all.” I lay still and looked out from under my eyelashes in a painful, delightful waiting. The fair girl came closer and bent over me until I could feel her breath. It was sweet, honey-sweet, and it sent the same thrill through my body as her voice. But under the sweetness there was something bitter and disgusting, like the smell of blood.

En/Pt → I was afraid to lift my eyelids, but I looked out under them. The girl knelt down and bent over me, staring with pleasure. There was something openly sensual in her that both excited and disgusted me. As she bent her neck, she licked her lips like an animal. In the moonlight I could see the wet shine on her red lips and tongue as she touched her white sharp teeth. Her head moved lower and lower until her lips were below my mouth and chin, as if she meant to fasten on my throat. Then she stopped. I could hear her tongue moving over her teeth and lips, and I felt her hot breath on my neck. My throat began to tingle, as if a tickling hand were coming nearer and nearer. I felt the soft, trembling touch of her lips on the very sensitive skin of my throat, and the hard points of two sharp teeth, just touching and waiting there. I closed my eyes in a strange, dreamy delight and waited, with my heart beating hard.

En/Pt → At that moment, another feeling flashed through me. I knew the Count was there, full of rage. When my eyes opened, I saw his strong hand seize the thin neck of the beautiful woman and pull her back with great force. Her blue eyes changed with fury, her white teeth clenched, and her pale cheeks turned red. But the Count was far more terrible. I had never imagined such anger, even in devils. His eyes blazed. The red light in them looked like hellfire. His face was deathly pale, and its hard lines looked like drawn wire. The thick eyebrows over his nose seemed like a burning bar of metal. He swept his arm and threw the woman away from him, then motioned the others back, with the same commanding gesture I had seen him use to the wolves. In a low voice, almost a whisper, yet one that filled the room, he said:

En/Pt → “How dare you touch him, any of you? How dare you even look at him when I forbade it? Back, I say! This man belongs to me! Be careful how you interfere with him, or you will deal with me.” The beautiful girl laughed in a rude, teasing way and answered him:

“You yourself never loved; you never love!” Then the other women joined in, and such cold, heartless laughter filled the room that it almost made me faint. It sounded like demons enjoying themselves. The Count looked at my face carefully, then turned and said in a soft whisper:

“Yes, I too can love. You yourselves know it from the past. Is it not so? Now I promise you that when I am done with him, you may kiss him as you wish. Now go! Go! I must wake him, for there is work to do.”

En/Pt → “Are we to have nothing tonight?” said one of them with a low laugh, pointing to the bag he had thrown on the floor. It moved as if something alive were inside it. He nodded in reply. One of the women rushed forward and opened it. If my ears did not deceive me, I heard a gasp and a soft cry, like a child being smothered. The women gathered round, and I was filled with horror. But when I looked again, they were gone, and so was the dreadful bag. There was no door near them, and they could not have passed me without my seeing them. They seemed simply to fade into the moonlight and go out through the window, for I could see their dim shapes outside for a moment before they disappeared.

Then horror overcame me, and I fell unconscious.

Chapter IV

En/Pt → I woke up in my own bed. If I did not dream, the Count must have carried me here. I tried to be sure, but I could not. Some small signs were different: my clothes were folded, my watch was not wound (I always wind it before bed), and other things. But these do not prove anything. Maybe my mind was not normal. I must look for proof. One thing is good: if the Count carried me and undressed me, he was in a hurry. My pockets are still full. I am sure this diary would have been a mystery to him, and he would have taken it. Now this room, although it scares me, feels safe. Nothing is more terrible than those women who were waiting to drink my blood.

En/Pt → 18 May. I went to look at that room again in daylight, because I must know the truth. When I reached the doorway at the top of the stairs, I found it shut. It had been forced so hard against the frame that part of the wood was broken. The lock had not been bolted, but the door is fastened from the inside. I am afraid it was not a dream, and I must act on this belief.

En/Pt → 19 May. I am surely trapped. Last night the Count asked me, in very smooth words, to write three letters. One should say my work here was nearly finished and that I would go home within a few days. Another should say I was leaving the next morning. The third should say I had left the castle and reached Bistritz. I wanted to refuse, but I knew that it would be madness to fight him openly when I am completely in his power. If I refused, he would become suspicious and angry. He knows I know too much, and that I must not stay alive if I become a danger to him. My only hope is to delay things until I get a chance to escape. I saw in his eyes the same rising anger I had seen when he threw that beautiful woman away. He told me that the mail service was poor and uncertain, and that writing the letters now would reassure my friends. He also promised, very strongly, that he would cancel the later letters and keep them at Bistritz until the proper time, in case I stayed longer. To oppose him would only create more suspicion. So I pretended to agree and asked him what dates I should use. He thought for a moment, then said:

En/Pt → “The first should be June 12, the second June 19, and the third June 29.”

Now I know how long my life will be. God help me!

28 May. - There may be a way to escape, or at least a chance to send word home. A group of Szgany has come to the castle and is camping in the courtyard. These Szgany are gypsies; I have written about them in my book. They are found mainly in this part of the world, though they are related to the gypsies everywhere else. There are thousands of them in Hungary and Transylvania, and they live almost outside the law. As a rule, they serve some great noble or boyar and take his name. They are brave and have no religion, except for superstition. They speak only their own forms of the Romany language.

I will write some letters home and try to get them posted. I have already spoken to them through my window to make contact. They took off their hats and bowed, and made many signs, but I could not understand them, just as I could not understand their words….

En/Pt → I have written the letters. Mina’s is in shorthand, and I only ask Mr. Hawkins to talk to her about it. I have explained my situation to her, but not the horrors I can only guess at. It would shock and frighten her terribly if I told her everything. If the letters do not reach them, then the Count will not yet know my secret or how much I understand….

I gave the letters away. I threw them through the bars of my window with a gold coin and used signs to ask that they be posted. The man who took them pressed them to his heart, bowed, and put them in his cap. I could do no more. I went back quietly to the study and began to read. Since the Count did not come in, I have written here….

The Count has come. He sat beside me and said, in his smoothest voice, as he opened two letters: -

En/Pt → “The Szgany have given me these. I do not know where they come from, but I shall take care of them. See!” - he must have looked at it - “one is from you, to my friend Peter Hawkins; the other” - he opened the envelope, saw the strange symbols, and his face went dark, his eyes blazing wickedly - “the other is a vile thing, an insult to friendship and hospitality! It is not signed. Well! Then it cannot matter to us.” He calmly burned letter and envelope in the lamp flame. Then he went on: -

“The letter to Hawkins - I will send that on, of course, since it is yours. Your letters are sacred to me. Forgive me, my friend, for opening the seal without knowing. Will you not close it again?” He held out the letter to me and, with a polite bow, gave me a clean envelope. I could only address it again and hand it back to him in silence. When he left the room, I heard the key turn softly. A minute later I tried the door, and it was locked.

En/Pt → An hour or two later, the Count came quietly into the room and woke me, because I had fallen asleep on the sofa. He was very polite and cheerful. Seeing that I had been sleeping, he said: -

“So, my friend, you are tired? Go to bed. That is the best rest. I may not have the pleasure to talk tonight because I have much work; but you will sleep, I hope.” I went to my room and went to bed, and, strangely, slept without dreaming. Despair has its own calm moments.

31 May. This morning when I woke, I planned to take some paper and envelopes from my bag and keep them in my pocket. Then I might write if I got the chance. But again there was a surprise, and again a shock!

Every piece of paper was gone, and with it all my notes about trains and travel, my letter of credit, in fact everything that would help me if I ever got outside the castle. I sat and thought for a while. Then an idea came to me, and I searched my portmanteau and the wardrobe where I had put my clothes.

En/Pt → The suit I had worn on the journey was gone, and so were my overcoat and rug. I could find no sign of them anywhere. This seemed like a new plan of wickedness.

17 June. This morning I sat on the edge of my bed, trying to think. Then I heard the crack of whips and the sound of horses’ feet on the rocky path beyond the courtyard. I hurried to the window in delight and saw two large leiter-wagons drive into the yard, each pulled by eight strong horses. At the front of each pair was a Slovak, wearing a wide hat, a heavy belt with nails, a dirty sheepskin, and high boots. They also carried long staves. I ran to the door, hoping to go down and join them through the main hall, because I thought that way might be open. But there was another shock: my door was locked from the outside.

En/Pt → I ran to the window and shouted to them. They looked up at me, but foolishly only pointed. Then the hetman of the Szgany came out. He saw them pointing to my window and said something, and they laughed. After that, nothing I did would move them, not even my sad cries or desperate pleas. They firmly turned away. The leiter-wagons held large square boxes with thick rope handles. They were clearly empty, because the Slovaks could move them easily, and they made a hollow sound when handled roughly. When they had all been unloaded and stacked in one big heap in a corner of the yard, the Szgany gave the Slovaks some money. The Slovaks spat on it for luck, then lazily walked to their horses. Soon I heard the crack of their whips fade away in the distance.

En/Pt → 24 June, before morning. Last night the Count left me early and locked himself in his own room. As soon as I dared, I went up the winding stairs and looked out of the south window. I wanted to watch for the Count, because something is happening. The Szgany are staying somewhere in the castle and are doing some kind of work. I know it, because now and then I hear a far-off, dull sound like a mattock and a spade. Whatever it is, it must be part of some cruel crime.

After less than half an hour at the window, I saw the Count climb out. He wore the clothes I had worn on my journey. He also carried the terrible bag the women had taken away. He wants people to think that I am in the towns, posting letters. Then they will blame me for the evil he does.

En/Pt → It makes me angry to think this can happen while I am locked up here, a real prisoner, without even the protection of the law that even a criminal has the right to.

I thought I would watch for the Count to return, and I sat stubbornly at the window for a long time. Then I noticed small, strange specks floating in the moonlight. They looked like tiny dust grains, and they spun around and gathered in little clusters. Watching them calmed me, and a quiet feeling came over me. I leaned back in the window opening in a more comfortable way, so I could enjoy their airy play more fully.

En/Pt → Something made me jump up. I heard a low, sad howling of dogs far below in the valley, hidden from me. The sound grew louder in my ears, and the dust in the moonlight seemed to change shape as it moved. I felt as if some instinct in me was waking up. My soul seemed to struggle, and my half-forgotten feelings tried to answer the call. I was being hypnotised. The dust danced faster and faster. The moonbeams seemed to tremble as they moved past me into the dark beyond. The shapes grew clearer and clearer, until they looked like faint ghosts. Then I started fully awake, ran away screaming, and got back to my room. There, with no moonlight and the lamp burning bright, I felt safer.

After a couple of hours, I heard movement in the Count’s room. It was like a sharp cry, quickly stopped. Then there was silence, deep and terrible silence, and it frightened me. My heart pounding, I tried the door, but I was locked in my prison and could do nothing. I sat down and cried.

En/Pt → While I sat there, I heard a cry from the courtyard outside, the desperate cry of a woman. I rushed to the window, opened it, and looked out through the bars. A woman was there, with her hair in disarray, holding her hands over her heart as if she had been running and was in pain. She leaned against a corner of the gateway. When she saw my face at the window, she rushed forward and shouted in a threatening voice:

“Monster, give me my child!”

She fell to her knees and raised her hands. In a voice that broke my heart, she cried the same words again. Then she tore her hair and beat her breast, showing wild grief. At last she threw herself forward, and although I could not see her, I heard her bare hands striking the door.

High above, probably from the tower, I heard the Count call out in his harsh, metallic whisper. Wolves seemed to answer him from far away. A few minutes later, a pack of them rushed into the courtyard through the wide entrance, like water breaking through a dam.

En/Pt → The woman gave no cry, and the wolves howled only for a short time. Soon they went away one by one, licking their lips.

I could not feel sorry for her, because I now knew what had happened to her child, and she was better dead.

What should I do? What can I do? How can I escape this terrible thing of night, darkness, and fear?

25 June, morning. - No one knows, until they have suffered through the night, how sweet and dear morning can be. This morning, when the sun rose high enough to touch the top of the great gateway opposite my window, it seemed to me like the dove from the ark had landed there. My fear fell away like a mist in the warm light. I must act now, while I still have the courage of daylight. Last night one of my letters, dated for the future, was sent. It was the first of the sad letters that will erase every trace of my life from the earth.

En/Pt → I do not want to think about it. I must act!

It has always been at night that I have been threatened or in danger. I have not yet seen the Count in daylight. Can it be that he sleeps when others are awake, and is awake when they sleep? If I could only get into his room! But there is no way. The door is always locked, and I cannot get in.

Yes, there is a way, if one dares to try it. Since his body went out one way, why not another body? I saw him crawl out of his window. Why should I not copy him and go in through the window? It is a desperate chance, but my need is even greater. I will risk it. At worst, it can only be death. And a man’s death is not a calf’s. Maybe the life after death is still open to me. God help me in my task! Goodbye, Mina, if I fail; goodbye, my faithful friend and second father; goodbye, all, and last of all Mina!

En/Pt → Later the same day. - I made the attempt, and with God’s help I came safely back to this room. I must write down everything in order. While I was still brave, I went straight to the window on the south side and climbed out onto the narrow stone ledge that runs around the building. The stones were large and rough, and the mortar had washed away between them. I took off my boots and carefully went on. I looked down once, so the terrible depth would not shock me later, but after that I kept my eyes away from it. I knew the direction and distance to the Count’s window, and I moved toward it as well as I could. I did not feel dizzy, perhaps because I was too excited. Soon I was standing on the windowsill and trying to lift the sash. I was very nervous when I bent down and slid feet first through the window. Then I looked for the Count, but to my surprise and joy I found the room empty. It had only a few strange things that seemed never to have been used. The furniture was like that in the south rooms, and it was covered with dust. I looked for the key, but it was not in the lock, and I could not find it anywhere. The only thing I found was a large pile of gold in one corner, with Roman, British, Austrian, Hungarian, Greek, and Turkish coins, all covered with dust as if they had been buried for a long time. None of the money that I saw was less than three hundred years old. There were also chains and ornaments, some with jewels, but all old and stained.

En/Pt → In one corner of the room there was a heavy door. I tried it, because I could not find the key to the room or the outer door, which was what I was really searching for. If I did not look farther, all my effort would be wasted. The door was open and led through a stone passage to a round stairway that went steeply down. I went carefully, because the stairs were dark and only small openings in the thick walls gave light. At the bottom there was a dark passage like a tunnel, and a dead, sick smell came from it, the smell of old earth freshly dug. As I walked through it, the smell became stronger. At last I pulled open a heavy door that stood partly open, and I found myself in an old ruined chapel, which had clearly been used as a graveyard. The roof was broken, and in two places there were steps leading down to vaults. The ground had recently been dug up, and the earth had been put into large wooden boxes, clearly the ones brought by the Slovaks. No one was there, and I searched for another exit, but there was none. Then I examined every part of the place so I would not miss anything. I even went into the vaults, though I was frightened to my soul. I entered two of them and saw only broken pieces of old coffins and piles of dust. In the third, however, I made a discovery.

En/Pt → There, in one of the great boxes - there were fifty in all - on a pile of newly dug earth, lay the Count! He was either dead or asleep; I could not tell. His eyes were open and stony, but without the glassiness of death. His cheeks had the warmth of life despite their paleness. His lips were red as ever. But there was no movement, no pulse, no breath, no heartbeat. I bent over him and tried to find any sign of life, but in vain. He could not have been there long because the earthy smell would have gone in a few hours. Next to the box was its cover, with holes here and there. I thought he might have the keys on him, but when I searched, I saw his dead eyes. Even though dead, they showed such hate, though he was not aware of me or my presence, that I fled from the place. I left the Count’s room by the window and crawled again up the castle wall. Back in my room, I threw myself on the bed, panting, and tried to think.

En/Pt → 29 June. - Today is the date of my last letter, and the Count has proved that it was real. Again I saw him leave the castle through the same window, wearing my clothes. As he went down the wall like a lizard, I wished I had a gun or some other deadly weapon so I could destroy him. But I fear that no weapon made only by human hands would harm him. I did not dare wait for him to return, because I was afraid of seeing those strange sisters. I went back to the library and read there until I fell asleep.

I woke up when the Count looked at me with the coldest face a man could have and said:

En/Pt → “Tomorrow, my friend, we must part. You will return to your beautiful England, and I will go to some work that may end in a way that means we never meet again. Your letter home has been sent. Tomorrow I will not be here, but everything will be ready for your journey. In the morning the Szgany will come, and they have work to do here too. Some Slovaks will also come. After they have gone, my carriage will take you to the Borgo Pass, where you will meet the diligence from Bukovina to Bistritz. But I hope I shall see more of you at Castle Dracula.” I did not trust him, and I decided to test whether he was sincere. Sincere! It almost feels wrong to use that word with such a monster, but I asked him directly:

“Why may I not go tonight?”

“Because, dear sir, my coachman and horses are away on a mission.”

En/Pt → “But I would walk with pleasure. I want to leave at once.” He smiled. It was a soft, smooth, evil smile, and I knew there was some trick behind it. He said:

“And your baggage?”

“I do not care about it. I can send for it another time.”

The Count stood up and spoke with a sweet politeness that seemed so real I rubbed my eyes.

“You English have a saying that is close to my heart: ‘Welcome the coming; speed the parting guest.’ Come with me, my dear young friend. You shall not wait in my house against your will for even an hour, though I am sad to see you go and sad that you wish it so suddenly. Come!” With serious dignity, he walked before me with the lamp down the stairs and along the hall. Suddenly he stopped.

“Hark!”

Many wolves howled very near by. It was almost as if the sound began when he raised his hand. After a short pause, he went on to the door, drew back the heavy bolts, unhooked the thick chains, and started to open it.

En/Pt → To my great surprise, I saw that it was unlocked. I looked around carefully, but I could not see any key.

As the door opened, the howling outside grew louder and angrier. Their red jaws, sharp teeth, and rough paws came into view as they jumped at the opening. Then I knew it was useless to fight the Count just then. With such helpers, I could do nothing. But the door still opened slowly, and only the Count’s body stood in the gap. Suddenly I thought this might be the moment of my death. He might give me to the wolves, and I would have asked for it myself. The thought was very cruel, even for the Count. As a last chance, I cried out:

“Shut the door; I shall wait till morning!” I covered my face with my hands to hide my bitter tears of disappointment. With one strong sweep of his arm, the Count slammed the door shut, and the heavy bolts clanged and echoed through the hall as they shot back into place.

En/Pt → In silence we went back to the library, and after a minute or two I returned to my own room. The last thing I saw of Count Dracula was him kissing his hand to me, with a red light of triumph in his eyes and a smile that even Judas in hell might have been proud of.

When I was in my room and about to lie down, I thought I heard whispering at my door. I went to it quietly and listened. I was not mistaken: I heard the voice of the Count.

“Back, back, to your own place! Your time is not yet come. Wait! Have patience! Tonight is mine. Tomorrow night is yours!” Then I heard a low, sweet laugh, and in anger I opened the door. I saw the three terrible women outside, licking their lips. When they saw me, they all laughed horribly and ran away.

En/Pt → I went back to my room and fell to my knees. Is it really so near the end? Tomorrow! Tomorrow! Lord, help me and those I love!

30 June, morning. - These may be the last words I ever write in this diary. I slept until just before dawn. When I woke, I knelt down, because I had decided that if Death came, he should find me ready.

At last I felt the air change and knew that morning had come. Then I heard the welcome crow of a rooster, and I knew I was safe. With a happy heart, I opened my door and ran down to the hall. I had seen that the door was unlocked, and now escape was possible. My hands shaking with excitement, I took off the chains and drew back the heavy bolts.

But the door would not move. Despair took hold of me. I pulled and pulled at it, and shook it until, heavy as it was, it rattled in its frame. I could see that the bolt was still shut. It had been locked after I left the Count.

En/Pt → Then I was seized by a wild wish to get that key at any cost, and I decided at once to climb the wall again and reach the Count’s room. He might kill me, but death now seemed the better choice. Without stopping, I rushed to the east window and climbed down the wall, as before, into the Count’s room. It was empty, as I expected. I could not see a key anywhere, but the heap of gold was still there. I went through the corner door and down the winding stair, then along the dark passage to the old chapel. Now I knew where to find the monster I wanted.

En/Pt → The big box was in the same place, close to the wall, but the lid was on it, not fastened down, with the nails ready beside it. I knew I had to reach the body to get the key, so I lifted the lid and set it back against the wall. Then I saw something that filled me with horror. The Count lay there, but he looked partly young again. His white hair and moustache had changed to dark iron-grey. His cheeks were fuller, and the pale skin seemed red underneath. His mouth was redder than ever, with fresh blood on his lips, dripping from the corners of his mouth and running down his chin and neck. Even his deep, burning eyes seemed to sit in swollen flesh, with bloated lids and bags underneath. It looked as if the whole awful creature was stuffed full of blood. He lay like a filthy leech, worn out by all he had taken. I shuddered when I bent down to touch him, and every part of me hated the contact. But I had to search, or I was lost. That night might see my own body fed on by those three horrible women. I felt all over him, but I could not find the key. Then I stopped and looked at the Count. A mocking smile on his swollen face almost drove me mad. This was the being I was helping to carry to London, where he might, for centuries, feed on the blood of the many people there and create more and more half-demons to prey on the helpless. The thought made me almost mad. A terrible wish came over me to destroy such a monster. There was no weapon near me, but I grabbed a shovel the workers had been using and lifted it high. I struck at the hated face with the edge down. But as I did, his head turned, and his eyes looked straight at me with a terrible stare. I froze, and the shovel turned in my hand and only made a deep cut above his forehead. The shovel fell from my hand across the box, and when I pulled it away, the blade caught the edge of the lid. The lid fell shut again and hid the horrible thing from my sight. The last glimpse I had was of the swollen face, stained with blood and fixed in a cruel grin that would have belonged in the lowest hell.

En/Pt → I kept thinking about my next move, but my mind felt like fire, and I waited in growing despair. Then I heard, far away, a gipsy song sung by cheerful voices coming closer. Under the singing were the rolling of heavy wheels and the crack of whips. The Szgany and the Slovaks the Count had spoken of were coming. With one last look around, and at the box that held the cruel body, I ran from the place and reached the Count’s room. I meant to rush out when the door was opened. I listened hard and heard, downstairs, the key grinding in the great lock and the heavy door closing. There had to be another way in, or someone had a key to one of the locked doors. Then I heard many feet moving in a passage and fading away, with a ringing echo. I turned to run back down toward the vault, where I might find the new entrance. But then a strong gust of wind seemed to come, and the door to the winding stair slammed shut with a shock that sent dust flying from the top. When I ran to open it, I found it would not move. I was a prisoner again, and doom was closing in on me.

En/Pt → As I write, I hear many feet below in the passage, and the heavy crash of loads being set down. They are doubtless the boxes with their earth inside. I hear hammering too. They are nailing the box shut. Now I can hear the heavy feet moving again along the hall, with many more idle feet behind them.

The door is shut, and the chains rattle. The key grinds in the lock, and then I hear it being pulled out. Another door opens and closes, and I hear the creak of a lock and bolt.

Listen! In the courtyard and down the rocky road I hear the roll of heavy wheels, the crack of whips, and the singing of the Szgany as they go farther and farther away.

I am alone in the castle with those terrible women. Ugh! Mina is a woman, and there is nothing in common. They are devils from the Pit!

En/Pt → I will not stay alone with them. I will try to climb the castle wall higher than before. I will take some gold with me, in case I need it later. Perhaps I can still find a way out of this horrible place.

And then off to home! I will take the fastest and closest train! I will leave this cursed place and this cursed land where the devil and his children still walk on the earth!

At least God’s mercy is better than theirs. The cliff is steep and high. At its bottom a man may sleep as a man. Goodbye, all! Mina!

Chapter V

En/Pt → Letter from Miss Mina Murray to Miss Lucy Westenra.

9 May.

My dearest Lucy.

En/Pt → Forgive me for not writing for so long, but I have had far too much work. Being an assistant schoolmistress can be hard. I wish I could be with you by the sea, where we could talk freely and dream together. I have been working very hard lately because I want to keep up with Jonathan’s studies. I have also been practising shorthand a great deal. When we are married, I hope I can help Jonathan. If I can write shorthand well enough, I can take down what he says and type it out for him. I am practising typing very hard too. He and I sometimes write letters in shorthand, and he is keeping a shorthand journal of his travels abroad. When I am with you, I shall keep a diary like that too. I do not mean one of those small diaries with only two pages a week. I mean a journal I can write in whenever I want. I do not think it will interest other people much, but it is not for them. I may show it to Jonathan one day if there is anything worth sharing, but it is really just practice. I want to do what lady journalists do: ask questions, write descriptions, and remember conversations. I am told that, with practice, one can remember all that happens and all one hears in a day. We shall see. I will tell you my little plans when we meet. I have just had a quick note from Jonathan in Transylvania. He is well and will return in about a week. I long to hear all his news. It must be wonderful to see strange countries. I wonder if Jonathan and I will ever see them together. The ten o’clock bell is ringing. Goodbye.

En/Pt → Your loving Mina.

Tell me all your news when you write. You have not told me anything for a long time. I hear rumours, especially about a tall, handsome man with curly hair???

Letter, Lucy Westenra to Mina Murray.

17, Chatham Street, Wednesday.

My dearest Mina.

En/Pt → I must say you are unfair to call me a bad letter writer. I have written to you twice since we parted, and your last letter was only your second. Besides, I have nothing to tell you. There is really nothing interesting here. Town is pleasant just now, and we often go to picture galleries and take walks and rides in the park. About the tall, curly-haired man, I think you mean the one who was with me at the last Pop. Someone has clearly been spreading gossip. That was Mr. Holmwood. He often comes to see us, and he and mamma get on very well because they have so much to talk about. Some time ago we met a man who would be perfect for you, if you were not already engaged to Jonathan. He is a very good match: handsome, rich, and well born. He is a doctor and very clever. Imagine that! He is only twenty-nine, and he is in charge of a huge lunatic asylum. Mr. Holmwood introduced him to me. He came to visit us, and now he often comes again. I think he is one of the most determined men I have ever seen, and yet he is also very calm. He seems completely unshaken. I can imagine what great power he must have over his patients. He has a strange habit of looking straight at one, as if he were trying to read thoughts. He does this to me very often, but I flatter myself he has found me hard to understand. I know that from looking in the mirror. Do you ever try to read your own face? I do, and I can tell you it is a very interesting study, though it is harder than you may think. He says I give him a curious mental study, and I humbly think I do. As you know, I do not care enough about clothes to describe the new fashions. Clothes are a bore. That is slang again, but never mind; Arthur says that every day. Well, it is all out. Mina, since we were children we have told each other all our secrets; we have slept and eaten together, and laughed and cried together. Now I have said it, but I want to say more. Oh, Mina, can’t you guess? I love him. I am blushing as I write, because although I think he loves me, he has not said it in words. But oh, Mina, I love him; I love him; I love him! That feels better. I wish I were with you, dear, sitting by the fire and getting ready for bed, as we used to do, and I would try to tell you exactly what I feel. I do not know how I am writing this even to you. I am afraid to stop, or I should tear up the letter, and I do not want to stop, because I want to tell you everything. Write to me at once, and tell me what you think. Mina, I must stop. Good night. Pray for me, and Mina, pray for my happiness.

En/Pt → Lucy.

P.S. - I do not need to tell you this is a secret. Good night again.

L.

Letter, Lucy Westenra to Mina Murray.

24 May.

My dearest Mina -

“Thank you again for your sweet letter. It was nice to talk to you and have your support.

En/Pt → “My dear, it never rains but it pours. Old sayings are true. I will be twenty in September, but I never had a real proposal until today. Today I had three! Just imagine! Three proposals in one day! Isn’t it terrible? I feel very sorry for two of the poor men. Oh, Mina, I am so happy I don’t know what to do. And three proposals! But please don’t tell the other girls. They would get crazy ideas and think they are hurt if they don’t get at least six proposals on their first day home. Some girls are so vain! You and I, Mina dear, who are engaged and will soon be old married women, can be above vanity. Well, I must tell you about the three, but keep it secret from everyone except Jonathan. You will tell him because I would tell Arthur if I were you. A woman should tell her husband everything, don’t you think? I must be fair. Men like their wives to be as fair as they are; women are not always as fair as they should be. Well, my dear, number one came just before lunch. I told you about him, Dr. John Seward, who works at the lunatic asylum. He has a strong jaw and a good forehead. He seemed calm on the outside but was nervous. He had prepared himself well and remembered everything. But he almost sat on his silk hat, which cool men do not usually do. Then, to look relaxed, he played with a lancet in a way that almost made me scream. He spoke to me very directly. He told me how much I meant to him even though he had known me for a short time, and how his life would be with me to help and cheer him. He was going to say how unhappy he would be if I did not care for him, but when he saw me cry, he said he was a brute and would not add to my trouble. Then he stopped and asked if I could love him in time. When I shook my head, his hands trembled. Then, with some hesitation, he asked if I already loved someone else. He was very nice about it. He said he did not want to force my secret, but just wanted to know because if a woman’s heart is free, a man can have hope. Then, Mina, I felt I had to tell him that there was someone. I only told him that. Then he stood up, looked strong and serious, took both my hands, and said he hoped I would be happy. He said if I ever needed a friend, I could count on him. Oh, Mina dear, I can’t help crying. Please excuse this messy letter. Being proposed to is nice, but it is not happy when you see a poor fellow who honestly loves you go away broken-hearted. You know that no matter what he says now, you are leaving his life forever. My dear, I must stop now. I feel so miserable, even though I am so happy.

En/Pt → Evening.

Original English Text

Chapter I

Chapter II

Chapter III

Chapter IV

Chapter V

Contents

Chapter I

Português → Jonathan Harker’s Journal.

(Kept in shorthand.)

3 May. Bistritz. - Left Munich at 8:35 p.m., on 1st May, arriving at Vienna early next morning; should have arrived at 6:46, but train was an hour late. Budapest seems a wonderful place, from the glimpse which I got of it from the train and the little I could walk through the streets. I feared to go very far from the station, as we had arrived late and would start as near the correct time as possible. The impression I had was that we were leaving the West and entering the East; the most western of splendid bridges over the Danube, which is here of noble width and depth, took us among the traditions of Turkish rule.

We left in pretty good time, and came after nightfall to Klausenburgh. Here I stopped for the night at the Hotel Royale. I had for dinner, or rather supper, a chicken done up some way with red pepper, which was very good but thirsty. (Mem., get recipe for Mina.) I asked the waiter, and he said it was called “paprika hendl,” and that, as it was a national dish, I should be able to get it anywhere along the Carpathians. I found my smattering of German very useful here; indeed, I don’t know how I should be able to get on without it.

Português → Having had some time at my disposal when in London, I had visited the British Museum, and made search among the books and maps in the library regarding Transylvania; it had struck me that some foreknowledge of the country could hardly fail to have some importance in dealing with a nobleman of that country. I find that the district he named is in the extreme east of the country, just on the borders of three states, Transylvania, Moldavia and Bukovina, in the midst of the Carpathian mountains; one of the wildest and least known portions of Europe. I was not able to light on any map or work giving the exact locality of the Castle Dracula, as there are no maps of this country as yet to compare with our own Ordnance Survey maps; but I found that Bistritz, the post town named by Count Dracula, is a fairly well-known place. I shall enter here some of my notes, as they may refresh my memory when I talk over my travels with Mina.

Português → In the population of Transylvania there are four distinct nationalities: Saxons in the South, and mixed with them the Wallachs, who are the descendants of the Dacians; Magyars in the West, and Szekelys in the East and North. I am going among the latter, who claim to be descended from Attila and the Huns. This may be so, for when the Magyars conquered the country in the eleventh century they found the Huns settled in it. I read that every known superstition in the world is gathered into the horseshoe of the Carpathians, as if it were the centre of some sort of imaginative whirlpool; if so my stay may be very interesting. (Mem., I must ask the Count all about them.)

Português → I did not sleep well, though my bed was comfortable enough, for I had all sorts of queer dreams. There was a dog howling all night under my window, which may have had something to do with it; or it may have been the paprika, for I had to drink up all the water in my carafe, and was still thirsty. Towards morning I slept and was wakened by the continuous knocking at my door, so I guess I must have been sleeping soundly then. I had for breakfast more paprika, and a sort of porridge of maize flour which they said was “mamaliga,” and eggplant stuffed with forcemeat, a very excellent dish, which they call “impletata.” (Mem., get recipe for this also.) I had to hurry breakfast, for the train started a little before eight, or rather it ought to have done so, for after rushing to the station at 7:30 I had to sit in the carriage for more than an hour before we began to move. It seems to me that the further east you go the more unpunctual are the trains. What ought they to be in China?

Português → All day long we seemed to dawdle through a country which was full of beauty of every kind. Sometimes we saw little towns or castles on the top of steep hills such as we see in old missals; sometimes we ran by rivers and streams which seemed from the wide stony margin on each side of them to be subject to great floods. It takes a lot of water, and running strong, to sweep the outside edge of a river clear. At every station there were groups of people, sometimes crowds, and in all sorts of attire. Some of them were just like the peasants at home or those I saw coming through France and Germany, with short jackets and round hats and homemade trousers; but others were very picturesque. The women looked pretty, except when you got near them, but they were very clumsy about the waist. They had all full white sleeves of some kind or other, and most of them had big belts with a lot of strips of something fluttering from them like the dresses in a ballet, but of course there were petticoats under them. The strangest figures we saw were the Slovaks, who were more barbarian than the rest, with their big cowboy hats, great baggy dirty-white trousers, white linen shirts, and enormous heavy leather belts, nearly a foot wide, all studded over with brass nails. They wore high boots, with their trousers tucked into them, and had long black hair and heavy black moustaches. They are very picturesque, but do not look prepossessing. On the stage they would be set down at once as some old Oriental band of brigands. They are, however, I am told, very harmless and rather wanting in natural self-assertion.

Português → It was on the dark side of twilight when we got to Bistritz, which is a very interesting old place. Being practically on the frontier - for the Borgo Pass leads from it into Bukovina - it has had a very stormy existence, and it certainly shows marks of it. Fifty years ago a series of great fires took place, which made terrible havoc on five separate occasions. At the very beginning of the seventeenth century it underwent a siege of three weeks and lost 13,000 people, the casualties of war proper being assisted by famine and disease.

Count Dracula had directed me to go to the Golden Krone Hotel, which I found, to my great delight, to be thoroughly old-fashioned, for of course I wanted to see all I could of the ways of the country. I was evidently expected, for when I got near the door I faced a cheery-looking elderly woman in the usual peasant dress - white undergarment with long double apron, front, and back, of coloured stuff fitting almost too tight for modesty. When I came close she bowed and said, “The Herr Englishman?” “Yes,” I said, “Jonathan Harker.” She smiled, and gave some message to an elderly man in white shirtsleeves, who had followed her to the door. He went, but immediately returned with a letter: -

Português → “My Friend. - Welcome to the Carpathians. I am anxiously expecting you. Sleep well tonight. At three tomorrow the diligence will start for Bukovina; a place on it is kept for you. At the Borgo Pass my carriage will await you and will bring you to me. I trust that your journey from London has been a happy one, and that you will enjoy your stay in my beautiful land.

“Your friend, “Dracula.”

Português → 4 May. - I found that my landlord had got a letter from the Count, directing him to secure the best place on the coach for me; but on making inquiries as to details he seemed somewhat reticent, and pretended that he could not understand my German. This could not be true, because up to then he had understood it perfectly; at least, he answered my questions exactly as if he did. He and his wife, the old lady who had received me, looked at each other in a frightened sort of way. He mumbled out that the money had been sent in a letter, and that was all he knew. When I asked him if he knew Count Dracula, and could tell me anything of his castle, both he and his wife crossed themselves, and, saying that they knew nothing at all, simply refused to speak further. It was so near the time of starting that I had no time to ask anyone else, for it was all very mysterious and not by any means comforting.

Português → Just before I was leaving, the old lady came up to my room and said in a very hysterical way:

“Must you go? Oh! young Herr, must you go?” She was in such an excited state that she seemed to have lost her grip of what German she knew, and mixed it all up with some other language which I did not know at all. I was just able to follow her by asking many questions. When I told her that I must go at once, and that I was engaged on important business, she asked again:

“Do you know what day it is?” I answered that it was the fourth of May. She shook her head as she said again:

“Oh, yes! I know that! I know that, but do you know what day it is?” On my saying that I did not understand, she went on:

Português → “It is the eve of St. George’s Day. Do you not know that tonight, when the clock strikes midnight, all the evil things in the world will have full sway? Do you know where you are going, and what you are going to?” She was in such evident distress that I tried to comfort her, but without effect. Finally she went down on her knees and implored me not to go; at least to wait a day or two before starting. It was all very ridiculous but I did not feel comfortable. However, there was business to be done, and I could allow nothing to interfere with it. I therefore tried to raise her up, and said, as gravely as I could, that I thanked her, but my duty was imperative, and that I must go. She then rose and dried her eyes, and taking a crucifix from her neck offered it to me. I did not know what to do, for, as an English Churchman, I have been taught to regard such things as in some measure idolatrous, and yet it seemed so ungracious to refuse an old lady meaning so well and in such a state of mind. She saw, I suppose, the doubt in my face, for she put the rosary round my neck, and said, “For your mother’s sake,” and went out of the room. I am writing up this part of the diary whilst I am waiting for the coach, which is, of course, late; and the crucifix is still round my neck. Whether it is the old lady’s fear, or the many ghostly traditions of this place, or the crucifix itself, I do not know, but I am not feeling nearly as easy in my mind as usual. If this book should ever reach Mina before I do, let it bring my goodbye. Here comes the coach!

Português → 5 May. The Castle. - The grey of the morning has passed, and the sun is high over the distant horizon, which seems jagged, whether with trees or hills I know not, for it is so far off that big things and little are mixed. I am not sleepy, and, as I am not to be called till I awake, naturally I write till sleep comes. There are many odd things to put down, and, lest who reads them may fancy that I dined too well before I left Bistritz, let me put down my dinner exactly. I dined on what they called “robber steak” - bits of bacon, onion, and beef, seasoned with red pepper, and strung on sticks and roasted over the fire, in the simple style of the London cat’s meat! The wine was Golden Mediasch, which produces a queer sting on the tongue, which is, however, not disagreeable. I had only a couple of glasses of this, and nothing else.

Português → When I got on the coach the driver had not taken his seat, and I saw him talking with the landlady. They were evidently talking of me, for every now and then they looked at me, and some of the people who were sitting on the bench outside the door - which they call by a name meaning “word-bearer” - came and listened, and then looked at me, most of them pityingly. I could hear a lot of words often repeated, queer words, for there were many nationalities in the crowd; so I quietly got my polyglot dictionary from my bag and looked them out. I must say they were not cheering to me, for amongst them were “Ordog” - Satan, “pokol” - hell, “stregoica” - witch, “vrolok” and “vlkoslak” - both of which mean the same thing, one being Slovak and the other Serbian for something that is either werewolf or vampire. (Mem., I must ask the Count about these superstitions)

Português → When we started, the crowd round the inn door, which had by this time swelled to a considerable size, all made the sign of the cross and pointed two fingers towards me. With some difficulty I got a fellow-passenger to tell me what they meant; he would not answer at first, but on learning that I was English, he explained that it was a charm or guard against the evil eye. This was not very pleasant for me, just starting for an unknown place to meet an unknown man; but everyone seemed so kindhearted, and so sorrowful, and so sympathetic that I could not but be touched. I shall never forget the last glimpse which I had of the innyard and its crowd of picturesque figures, all crossing themselves, as they stood round the wide archway, with its background of rich foliage of oleander and orange trees in green tubs clustered in the centre of the yard. Then our driver, whose wide linen drawers covered the whole front of the box-seat - “gotza” they call them - cracked his big whip over his four small horses, which ran abreast, and we set off on our journey.

Português → I soon lost sight and recollection of ghostly fears in the beauty of the scene as we drove along, although had I known the language, or rather languages, which my fellow-passengers were speaking, I might not have been able to throw them off so easily. Before us lay a green sloping land full of forests and woods, with here and there steep hills, crowned with clumps of trees or with farmhouses, the blank gable end to the road. There was everywhere a bewildering mass of fruit blossom - apple, plum, pear, cherry; and as we drove by I could see the green grass under the trees spangled with the fallen petals. In and out amongst these green hills of what they call here the “Mittel Land” ran the road, losing itself as it swept round the grassy curve, or was shut out by the straggling ends of pine woods, which here and there ran down the hillsides like tongues of flame. The road was rugged, but still we seemed to fly over it with a feverish haste. I could not understand then what the haste meant, but the driver was evidently bent on losing no time in reaching Borgo Prund. I was told that this road is in summertime excellent, but that it had not yet been put in order after the winter snows. In this respect it is different from the general run of roads in the Carpathians, for it is an old tradition that they are not to be kept in too good order. Of old the Hospadars would not repair them, lest the Turk should think that they were preparing to bring in foreign troops, and so hasten the war which was always really at loading point.

Português → Beyond the green swelling hills of the Mittel Land rose mighty slopes of forest up to the lofty steeps of the Carpathians themselves. Right and left of us they towered, with the afternoon sun falling full upon them and bringing out all the glorious colours of this beautiful range, deep blue and purple in the shadows of the peaks, green and brown where grass and rock mingled, and an endless perspective of jagged rock and pointed crags, till these were themselves lost in the distance, where the snowy peaks rose grandly. Here and there seemed mighty rifts in the mountains, through which, as the sun began to sink, we saw now and again the white gleam of falling water. One of my companions touched my arm as we swept round the base of a hill and opened up the lofty, snow-covered peak of a mountain, which seemed, as we wound on our serpentine way, to be right before us: -

“Look! Isten szek!” - “God’s seat!” - and he crossed himself reverently.

Português → As we wound on our endless way, and the sun sank lower and lower behind us, the shadows of the evening began to creep round us. This was emphasised by the fact that the snowy mountaintop still held the sunset, and seemed to glow out with a delicate cool pink. Here and there we passed Cszeks and Slovaks, all in picturesque attire, but I noticed that goitre was painfully prevalent. By the roadside were many crosses, and as we swept by, my companions all crossed themselves. Here and there was a peasant man or woman kneeling before a shrine, who did not even turn round as we approached, but seemed in the self-surrender of devotion to have neither eyes nor ears for the outer world. There were many things new to me: for instance, hayricks in the trees, and here and there very beautiful masses of weeping birch, their white stems shining like silver through the delicate green of the leaves. Now and again we passed a leiter-wagon - the ordinary peasant’s cart - with its long, snakelike vertebra, calculated to suit the inequalities of the road. On this were sure to be seated quite a group of homecoming peasants, the Cszeks with their white, and the Slovaks with their coloured, sheepskins, the latter carrying lance-fashion their long staves, with axe at end. As the evening fell it began to get very cold, and the growing twilight seemed to merge into one dark mistiness the gloom of the trees, oak, beech, and pine, though in the valleys which ran deep between the spurs of the hills, as we ascended through the Pass, the dark firs stood out here and there against the background of late-lying snow. Sometimes, as the road was cut through the pine woods that seemed in the darkness to be closing down upon us, great masses of greyness, which here and there bestrewed the trees, produced a peculiarly weird and solemn effect, which carried on the thoughts and grim fancies engendered earlier in the evening, when the falling sunset threw into strange relief the ghostlike clouds which amongst the Carpathians seem to wind ceaselessly through the valleys. Sometimes the hills were so steep that, despite our driver’s haste, the horses could only go slowly. I wished to get down and walk up them, as we do at home, but the driver would not hear of it. “No, no,” he said; “you must not walk here; the dogs are too fierce”; and then he added, with what he evidently meant for grim pleasantry - for he looked round to catch the approving smile of the rest - “and you may have enough of such matters before you go to sleep.” The only stop he would make was a moment’s pause to light his lamps.

Português → When it grew dark there seemed to be some excitement amongst the passengers, and they kept speaking to him, one after the other, as though urging him to further speed. He lashed the horses unmercifully with his long whip, and with wild cries of encouragement urged them on to further exertions. Then through the darkness I could see a sort of patch of grey light ahead of us, as though there were a cleft in the hills. The excitement of the passengers grew greater; the crazy coach rocked on its great leather springs, and swayed like a boat tossed on a stormy sea. I had to hold on. The road grew more level, and we appeared to fly along. Then the mountains seemed to come nearer to us on each side and to frown down upon us; we were entering on the Borgo Pass. One by one several of the passengers offered me gifts, which they pressed upon me with an earnestness which would take no denial; these were certainly of an odd and varied kind, but each was given in simple good faith, with a kindly word, and a blessing, and that strange mixture of fear-meaning movements which I had seen outside the hotel at Bistritz - the sign of the cross and the guard against the evil eye. Then, as we flew along, the driver leaned forward, and on each side the passengers, craning over the edge of the coach, peered eagerly into the darkness. It was evident that something very exciting was either happening or expected, but though I asked each passenger, no one would give me the slightest explanation. This state of excitement kept on for some little time; and at last we saw before us the Pass opening out on the eastern side. There were dark, rolling clouds overhead, and in the air the heavy, oppressive sense of thunder. It seemed as though the mountain range had separated two atmospheres, and that now we had got into the thunderous one. I was now myself looking out for the conveyance which was to take me to the Count. Each moment I expected to see the glare of lamps through the blackness; but all was dark. The only light was the flickering rays of our own lamps, in which the steam from our hard-driven horses rose in a white cloud. We could see now the sandy road lying white before us, but there was on it no sign of a vehicle. The passengers drew back with a sigh of gladness, which seemed to mock my own disappointment. I was already thinking what I had best do, when the driver, looking at his watch, said to the others something which I could hardly hear, it was spoken so quietly and in so low a tone; I thought it was “An hour less than the time.” Then turning to me, he said in German worse than my own: -

Português → “There is no carriage here. The Herr is not expected after all. He will now come on to Bukovina, and return tomorrow or the next day; better the next day.” Whilst he was speaking the horses began to neigh and snort and plunge wildly, so that the driver had to hold them up. Then, amongst a chorus of screams from the peasants and a universal crossing of themselves, a calèche, with four horses, drove up behind us, overtook us, and drew up beside the coach. I could see from the flash of our lamps, as the rays fell on them, that the horses were coal-black and splendid animals. They were driven by a tall man, with a long brown beard and a great black hat, which seemed to hide his face from us. I could only see the gleam of a pair of very bright eyes, which seemed red in the lamplight, as he turned to us. He said to the driver: -

“You are early tonight, my friend.” The man stammered in reply: -

“The English Herr was in a hurry,” to which the stranger replied: -

“That is why, I suppose, you wished him to go on to Bukovina. You cannot deceive me, my friend; I know too much, and my horses are swift.” As he spoke he smiled, and the lamplight fell on a hard-looking mouth, with very red lips and sharp-looking teeth, as white as ivory. One of my companions whispered to another the line from Burger’s “Lenore”: -

Português → “Denn die Todten reiten schnell” - (“For the dead travel fast.”)

The strange driver evidently heard the words, for he looked up with a gleaming smile. The passenger turned his face away, at the same time putting out his two fingers and crossing himself. “Give me the Herr’s luggage,” said the driver; and with exceeding alacrity my bags were handed out and put in the calèche. Then I descended from the side of the coach, as the calèche was close alongside, the driver helping me with a hand which caught my arm in a grip of steel; his strength must have been prodigious. Without a word he shook his reins, the horses turned, and we swept into the darkness of the Pass. As I looked back I saw the steam from the horses of the coach by the light of the lamps, and projected against it the figures of my late companions crossing themselves. Then the driver cracked his whip and called to his horses, and off they swept on their way to Bukovina. As they sank into the darkness I felt a strange chill, and a lonely feeling came over me; but a cloak was thrown over my shoulders, and a rug across my knees, and the driver said in excellent German: -

Português → “The night is chill, mein Herr, and my master the Count bade me take all care of you. There is a flask of slivovitz (the plum brandy of the country) underneath the seat, if you should require it.” I did not take any, but it was a comfort to know it was there all the same. I felt a little strangely, and not a little frightened. I think had there been any alternative I should have taken it, instead of prosecuting that unknown night journey. The carriage went at a hard pace straight along, then we made a complete turn and went along another straight road. It seemed to me that we were simply going over and over the same ground again; and so I took note of some salient point, and found that this was so. I would have liked to have asked the driver what this all meant, but I really feared to do so, for I thought that, placed as I was, any protest would have had no effect in case there had been an intention to delay. By-and-by, however, as I was curious to know how time was passing, I struck a match, and by its flame looked at my watch; it was within a few minutes of midnight. This gave me a sort of shock, for I suppose the general superstition about midnight was increased by my recent experiences. I waited with a sick feeling of suspense.

Português → Then a dog began to howl somewhere in a farmhouse far down the road - a long, agonised wailing, as if from fear. The sound was taken up by another dog, and then another and another, till, borne on the wind which now sighed softly through the Pass, a wild howling began, which seemed to come from all over the country, as far as the imagination could grasp it through the gloom of the night. At the first howl the horses began to strain and rear, but the driver spoke to them soothingly, and they quieted down, but shivered and sweated as though after a runaway from sudden fright. Then, far off in the distance, from the mountains on each side of us began a louder and a sharper howling - that of wolves - which affected both the horses and myself in the same way - for I was minded to jump from the calèche and run, whilst they reared again and plunged madly, so that the driver had to use all his great strength to keep them from bolting. In a few minutes, however, my own ears got accustomed to the sound, and the horses so far became quiet that the driver was able to descend and to stand before them. He petted and soothed them, and whispered something in their ears, as I have heard of horse-tamers doing, and with extraordinary effect, for under his caresses they became quite manageable again, though they still trembled. The driver again took his seat, and shaking his reins, started off at a great pace. This time, after going to the far side of the Pass, he suddenly turned down a narrow roadway which ran sharply to the right.

Português → Soon we were hemmed in with trees, which in places arched right over the roadway till we passed as through a tunnel; and again great frowning rocks guarded us boldly on either side. Though we were in shelter, we could hear the rising wind, for it moaned and whistled through the rocks, and the branches of the trees crashed together as we swept along. It grew colder and colder still, and fine, powdery snow began to fall, so that soon we and all around us were covered with a white blanket. The keen wind still carried the howling of the dogs, though this grew fainter as we went on our way. The baying of the wolves sounded nearer and nearer, as though they were closing round on us from every side. I grew dreadfully afraid, and the horses shared my fear. The driver, however, was not in the least disturbed; he kept turning his head to left and right, but I could not see anything through the darkness.

Português → Suddenly, away on our left, I saw a faint flickering blue flame. The driver saw it at the same moment; he at once checked the horses, and, jumping to the ground, disappeared into the darkness. I did not know what to do, the less as the howling of the wolves grew closer; but while I wondered the driver suddenly appeared again, and without a word took his seat, and we resumed our journey. I think I must have fallen asleep and kept dreaming of the incident, for it seemed to be repeated endlessly, and now looking back, it is like a sort of awful nightmare. Once the flame appeared so near the road, that even in the darkness around us I could watch the driver’s motions. He went rapidly to where the blue flame arose - it must have been very faint, for it did not seem to illumine the place around it at all - and gathering a few stones, formed them into some device. Once there appeared a strange optical effect: when he stood between me and the flame he did not obstruct it, for I could see its ghostly flicker all the same. This startled me, but as the effect was only momentary, I took it that my eyes deceived me straining through the darkness. Then for a time there were no blue flames, and we sped onwards through the gloom, with the howling of the wolves around us, as though they were following in a moving circle.

Português → At last there came a time when the driver went further afield than he had yet gone, and during his absence, the horses began to tremble worse than ever and to snort and scream with fright. I could not see any cause for it, for the howling of the wolves had ceased altogether; but just then the moon, sailing through the black clouds, appeared behind the jagged crest of a beetling, pine-clad rock, and by its light I saw around us a ring of wolves, with white teeth and lolling red tongues, with long, sinewy limbs and shaggy hair. They were a hundred times more terrible in the grim silence which held them than even when they howled. For myself, I felt a sort of paralysis of fear. It is only when a man feels himself face to face with such horrors that he can understand their true import.

Português → All at once the wolves began to howl as though the moonlight had had some peculiar effect on them. The horses jumped about and reared, and looked helplessly round with eyes that rolled in a way painful to see; but the living ring of terror encompassed them on every side; and they had perforce to remain within it. I called to the coachman to come, for it seemed to me that our only chance was to try to break out through the ring and to aid his approach. I shouted and beat the side of the calèche, hoping by the noise to scare the wolves from that side, so as to give him a chance of reaching the trap. How he came there, I know not, but I heard his voice raised in a tone of imperious command, and looking towards the sound, saw him stand in the roadway. As he swept his long arms, as though brushing aside some impalpable obstacle, the wolves fell back and back further still. Just then a heavy cloud passed across the face of the moon, so that we were again in darkness.

Português → When I could see again the driver was climbing into the calèche, and the wolves had disappeared. This was all so strange and uncanny that a dreadful fear came upon me, and I was afraid to speak or move. The time seemed interminable as we swept on our way, now in almost complete darkness, for the rolling clouds obscured the moon. We kept on ascending, with occasional periods of quick descent, but in the main always ascending. Suddenly, I became conscious of the fact that the driver was in the act of pulling up the horses in the courtyard of a vast ruined castle, from whose tall black windows came no ray of light, and whose broken battlements showed a jagged line against the moonlit sky.

Chapter II

Português → 5 May. - I must have been asleep, for certainly if I had been fully awake I must have noticed the approach of such a remarkable place. In the gloom the courtyard looked of considerable size, and as several dark ways led from it under great round arches, it perhaps seemed bigger than it really is. I have not yet been able to see it by daylight.

When the calèche stopped, the driver jumped down and held out his hand to assist me to alight. Again I could not but notice his prodigious strength. His hand actually seemed like a steel vice that could have crushed mine if he had chosen. Then he took out my traps, and placed them on the ground beside me as I stood close to a great door, old and studded with large iron nails, and set in a projecting doorway of massive stone. I could see even in the dim light that the stone was massively carved, but that the carving had been much worn by time and weather. As I stood, the driver jumped again into his seat and shook the reins; the horses started forward, and trap and all disappeared down one of the dark openings.

Português → I stood in silence where I was, for I did not know what to do. Of bell or knocker there was no sign; through these frowning walls and dark window openings it was not likely that my voice could penetrate. The time I waited seemed endless, and I felt doubts and fears crowding upon me. What sort of place had I come to, and among what kind of people? What sort of grim adventure was it on which I had embarked? Was this a customary incident in the life of a solicitor’s clerk sent out to explain the purchase of a London estate to a foreigner? Solicitor’s clerk! Mina would not like that. Solicitor - for just before leaving London I got word that my examination was successful; and I am now a full-blown solicitor! I began to rub my eyes and pinch myself to see if I were awake. It all seemed like a horrible nightmare to me, and I expected that I should suddenly awake, and find myself at home, with the dawn struggling in through the windows, as I had now and again felt in the morning after a day of overwork. But my flesh answered the pinching test, and my eyes were not to be deceived. I was indeed awake and among the Carpathians. All I could do now was to be patient, and to wait the coming of the morning.

Português → Just as I had come to this conclusion I heard a heavy step approaching behind the great door, and saw through the chinks the gleam of a coming light. Then there was the sound of rattling chains and the clanking of massive bolts drawn back. A key was turned with the loud grating noise of long disuse, and the great door swung back.

Within, stood a tall old man, clean shaven save for a long white moustache, and clad in black from head to foot, without a single speck of colour about him anywhere. He held in his hand an antique silver lamp, in which the flame burned without chimney or globe of any kind, throwing long quivering shadows as it flickered in the draught of the open door. The old man motioned me in with his right hand with a courtly gesture, saying in excellent English, but with a strange intonation: -

“Welcome to my house! Enter freely and of your own will!” He made no motion of stepping to meet me, but stood like a statue, as though his gesture of welcome had fixed him into stone. The instant, however, that I had stepped over the threshold, he moved impulsively forward, and holding out his hand grasped mine with a strength which made me wince, an effect which was not lessened by the fact that it seemed as cold as ice - more like the hand of a dead than a living man. Again he said: -

Português → “Welcome to my house. Come freely. Go safely; and leave something of the happiness you bring!” The strength of the handshake was so much akin to that which I had noticed in the driver, whose face I had not seen, that for a moment I doubted if it were not the same person to whom I was speaking; so to make sure, I said interrogatively: -

“Count Dracula?” He bowed in a courtly way as he replied: -

“I am Dracula; and I bid you welcome, Mr. Harker, to my house. Come in; the night air is chill, and you must need to eat and rest.” As he was speaking, he put the lamp on a bracket on the wall, and stepping out, took my luggage; he had carried it in before I could forestall him. I protested but he insisted: -

“Nay, sir, you are my guest. It is late, and my people are not available. Let me see to your comfort myself.” He insisted on carrying my traps along the passage, and then up a great winding stair, and along another great passage, on whose stone floor our steps rang heavily. At the end of this he threw open a heavy door, and I rejoiced to see within a well-lit room in which a table was spread for supper, and on whose mighty hearth a great fire of logs, freshly replenished, flamed and flared.

Português → The Count halted, putting down my bags, closed the door, and crossing the room, opened another door, which led into a small octagonal room lit by a single lamp, and seemingly without a window of any sort. Passing through this, he opened another door, and motioned me to enter. It was a welcome sight; for here was a great bedroom well lighted and warmed with another log fire - also added to but lately, for the top logs were fresh - which sent a hollow roar up the wide chimney. The Count himself left my luggage inside and withdrew, saying, before he closed the door: -

“You will need, after your journey, to refresh yourself by making your toilet. I trust you will find all you wish. When you are ready, come into the other room, where you will find your supper prepared.”

The light and warmth and the Count’s courteous welcome seemed to have dissipated all my doubts and fears. Having then reached my normal state, I discovered that I was half famished with hunger; so making a hasty toilet, I went into the other room.

Português → I found supper already laid out. My host, who stood on one side of the great fireplace, leaning against the stonework, made a graceful wave of his hand to the table, and said: -

“I pray you, be seated and sup how you please. You will, I trust, excuse me that I do not join you; but I have dined already, and I do not sup.”

I handed to him the sealed letter which Mr. Hawkins had entrusted to me. He opened it and read it gravely; then, with a charming smile, he handed it to me to read. One passage of it, at least, gave me a thrill of pleasure.

“I must regret that an attack of gout, from which malady I am a constant sufferer, forbids absolutely any travelling on my part for some time to come; but I am happy to say I can send a sufficient substitute, one in whom I have every possible confidence. He is a young man, full of energy and talent in his own way, and of a very faithful disposition. He is discreet and silent, and has grown into manhood in my service. He shall be ready to attend on you when you will during his stay, and shall take your instructions in all matters.”

Português → The Count himself came forward and took off the cover of a dish, and I fell to at once on an excellent roast chicken. This, with some cheese and a salad and a bottle of old Tokay, of which I had two glasses, was my supper. During the time I was eating it the Count asked me many questions as to my journey, and I told him by degrees all I had experienced.

By this time I had finished my supper, and by my host’s desire had drawn up a chair by the fire and begun to smoke a cigar which he offered me, at the same time excusing himself that he did not smoke. I had now an opportunity of observing him, and found him of a very marked physiognomy.

Português → His face was a strong - a very strong - aquiline, with high bridge of the thin nose and peculiarly arched nostrils; with lofty domed forehead, and hair growing scantily round the temples but profusely elsewhere. His eyebrows were very massive, almost meeting over the nose, and with bushy hair that seemed to curl in its own profusion. The mouth, so far as I could see it under the heavy moustache, was fixed and rather cruel-looking, with peculiarly sharp white teeth; these protruded over the lips, whose remarkable ruddiness showed astonishing vitality in a man of his years. For the rest, his ears were pale, and at the tops extremely pointed; the chin was broad and strong, and the cheeks firm though thin. The general effect was one of extraordinary pallor.

Português → Hitherto I had noticed the backs of his hands as they lay on his knees in the firelight, and they had seemed rather white and fine; but seeing them now close to me, I could not but notice that they were rather coarse - broad, with squat fingers. Strange to say, there were hairs in the centre of the palm. The nails were long and fine, and cut to a sharp point. As the Count leaned over me and his hands touched me, I could not repress a shudder. It may have been that his breath was rank, but a horrible feeling of nausea came over me, which, do what I would, I could not conceal. The Count, evidently noticing it, drew back; and with a grim sort of smile, which showed more than he had yet done his protuberant teeth, sat himself down again on his own side of the fireplace. We were both silent for a while; and as I looked towards the window I saw the first dim streak of the coming dawn. There seemed a strange stillness over everything; but as I listened I heard as if from down below in the valley the howling of many wolves. The Count’s eyes gleamed, and he said: -

Português → “Listen to them - the children of the night. What music they make!” Seeing, I suppose, some expression in my face strange to him, he added: -

“Ah, sir, you dwellers in the city cannot enter into the feelings of the hunter.” Then he rose and said: -

“But you must be tired. Your bedroom is all ready, and tomorrow you shall sleep as late as you will. I have to be away till the afternoon; so sleep well and dream well!” With a courteous bow, he opened for me himself the door to the octagonal room, and I entered my bedroom. …

I am all in a sea of wonders. I doubt; I fear; I think strange things, which I dare not confess to my own soul. God keep me, if only for the sake of those dear to me!

7 May. - It is again early morning, but I have rested and enjoyed the last twenty-four hours. I slept till late in the day, and awoke of my own accord. When I had dressed myself I went into the room where we had supped, and found a cold breakfast laid out, with coffee kept hot by the pot being placed on the hearth. There was a card on the table, on which was written: -

Português → “I have to be absent for a while. Do not wait for me. - D.” I set to and enjoyed a hearty meal. When I had done, I looked for a bell, so that I might let the servants know I had finished; but I could not find one. There are certainly odd deficiencies in the house, considering the extraordinary evidences of wealth which are round me. The table service is of gold, and so beautifully wrought that it must be of immense value. The curtains and upholstery of the chairs and sofas and the hangings of my bed are of the costliest and most beautiful fabrics, and must have been of fabulous value when they were made, for they are centuries old, though in excellent order. I saw something like them in Hampton Court, but there they were worn and frayed and moth-eaten. But still in none of the rooms is there a mirror. There is not even a toilet glass on my table, and I had to get the little shaving glass from my bag before I could either shave or brush my hair. I have not yet seen a servant anywhere, or heard a sound near the castle except the howling of wolves. Some time after I had finished my meal - I do not know whether to call it breakfast or dinner, for it was between five and six o’clock when I had it - I looked about for something to read, for I did not like to go about the castle until I had asked the Count’s permission. There was absolutely nothing in the room, book, newspaper, or even writing materials; so I opened another door in the room and found a sort of library. The door opposite mine I tried, but found it locked.

Português → In the library I found, to my great delight, a vast number of English books, whole shelves full of them, and bound volumes of magazines and newspapers. A table in the centre was littered with English magazines and newspapers, though none of them were of very recent date. The books were of the most varied kind - history, geography, politics, political economy, botany, geology, law - all relating to England and English life and customs and manners. There were even such books of reference as the London Directory, the “Red” and “Blue” books, Whitaker’s Almanac, the Army and Navy Lists, and - it somehow gladdened my heart to see it - the Law List.

Whilst I was looking at the books, the door opened, and the Count entered. He saluted me in a hearty way, and hoped that I had had a good night’s rest. Then he went on: -

Português → “I am glad you found your way in here, for I am sure there is much that will interest you. These companions” - and he laid his hand on some of the books - “have been good friends to me, and for some years past, ever since I had the idea of going to London, have given me many, many hours of pleasure. Through them I have come to know your great England; and to know her is to love her. I long to go through the crowded streets of your mighty London, to be in the midst of the whirl and rush of humanity, to share its life, its change, its death, and all that makes it what it is. But alas! as yet I only know your tongue through books. To you, my friend, I look that I know it to speak.”

“But, Count,” I said, “you know and speak English thoroughly!” He bowed gravely.

“I thank you, my friend, for your all too-flattering estimate, but yet I fear that I am but a little way on the road I would travel. True, I know the grammar and the words, but yet I know not how to speak them.”

Português → “Indeed,” I said, “you speak excellently.”

Português → “Not so,” he answered. “Well, I know that, did I move and speak in your London, none there are who would not know me for a stranger. That is not enough for me. Here I am noble; I am boyar; the common people know me, and I am master. But a stranger in a strange land, he is no one; men know him not - and to know not is to care not for. I am content if I am like the rest, so that no man stops if he see me, or pause in his speaking if he hear my words, ‘Ha, ha! a stranger!’ I have been so long master that I would be master still - or at least that none other should be master of me. You come to me not alone as agent of my friend Peter Hawkins, of Exeter, to tell me all about my new estate in London. You shall, I trust, rest here with me awhile, so that by our talking I may learn the English intonation; and I would that you tell me when I make error, even of the smallest, in my speaking. I am sorry that I had to be away so long today; but you will, I know, forgive one who has so many important affairs in hand.”

Português → Of course I said all I could about being willing, and asked if I might come into that room when I chose. He answered: “Yes, certainly,” and added: -

“You may go anywhere you wish in the castle, except where the doors are locked, where of course you will not wish to go. There is reason that all things are as they are, and did you see with my eyes and know with my knowledge, you would perhaps better understand.” I said I was sure of this, and then he went on: -

“We are in Transylvania; and Transylvania is not England. Our ways are not your ways, and there shall be to you many strange things. Nay, from what you have told me of your experiences already, you know something of what strange things there may be.”

Português → This led to much conversation; and as it was evident that he wanted to talk, if only for talking’s sake, I asked him many questions regarding things that had already happened to me or come within my notice. Sometimes he sheered off the subject, or turned the conversation by pretending not to understand; but generally he answered all I asked most frankly. Then as time went on, and I had got somewhat bolder, I asked him of some of the strange things of the preceding night, as, for instance, why the coachman went to the places where he had seen the blue flames. He then explained to me that it was commonly believed that on a certain night of the year - last night, in fact, when all evil spirits are supposed to have unchecked sway - a blue flame is seen over any place where treasure has been concealed. “That treasure has been hidden,” he went on, “in the region through which you came last night, there can be but little doubt; for it was the ground fought over for centuries by the Wallachian, the Saxon, and the Turk. Why, there is hardly a foot of soil in all this region that has not been enriched by the blood of men, patriots or invaders. In old days there were stirring times, when the Austrian and the Hungarian came up in hordes, and the patriots went out to meet them - men and women, the aged and the children too - and waited their coming on the rocks above the passes, that they might sweep destruction on them with their artificial avalanches. When the invader was triumphant he found but little, for whatever there was had been sheltered in the friendly soil.”

Português → “But how,” said I, “can it have remained so long undiscovered, when there is a sure index to it if men will but take the trouble to look?” The Count smiled, and as his lips ran back over his gums, the long, sharp, canine teeth showed out strangely; he answered: -

“Because your peasant is at heart a coward and a fool! Those flames only appear on one night; and on that night no man of this land will, if he can help it, stir without his doors. And, dear sir, even if he did he would not know what to do. Why, even the peasant that you tell me of who marked the place of the flame would not know where to look in daylight even for his own work. Even you would not, I dare be sworn, be able to find these places again?”

“There you are right,” I said. “I know no more than the dead where even to look for them.” Then we drifted into other matters.

Português → “Come,” he said at last, “tell me of London and of the house which you have procured for me.” With an apology for my remissness, I went into my own room to get the papers from my bag. Whilst I was placing them in order I heard a rattling of china and silver in the next room, and as I passed through, noticed that the table had been cleared and the lamp lit, for it was by this time deep into the dark. The lamps were also lit in the study or library, and I found the Count lying on the sofa, reading, of all things in the world, an English Bradshaw’s Guide. When I came in he cleared the books and papers from the table; and with him I went into plans and deeds and figures of all sorts. He was interested in everything, and asked me a myriad questions about the place and its surroundings. He clearly had studied beforehand all he could get on the subject of the neighbourhood, for he evidently at the end knew very much more than I did. When I remarked this, he answered: -

“Well, but, my friend, is it not needful that I should? When I go there I shall be all alone, and my friend Harker Jonathan - nay, pardon me, I fall into my country’s habit of putting your patronymic first - my friend Jonathan Harker will not be by my side to correct and aid me. He will be in Exeter, miles away, probably working at papers of the law with my other friend, Peter Hawkins. So!”

Português → We went thoroughly into the business of the purchase of the estate at Purfleet. When I had told him the facts and got his signature to the necessary papers, and had written a letter with them ready to post to Mr. Hawkins, he began to ask me how I had come across so suitable a place. I read to him the notes which I had made at the time, and which I inscribe here: -

“At Purfleet, on a byroad, I came across just such a place as seemed to be required, and where was displayed a dilapidated notice that the place was for sale. It is surrounded by a high wall, of ancient structure, built of heavy stones, and has not been repaired for a large number of years. The closed gates are of heavy old oak and iron, all eaten with rust.

Português → “The estate is called Carfax, no doubt a corruption of the old Quatre Face, as the house is four-sided, agreeing with the cardinal points of the compass. It contains in all some twenty acres, quite surrounded by the solid stone wall above mentioned. There are many trees on it, which make it in places gloomy, and there is a deep, dark-looking pond or small lake, evidently fed by some springs, as the water is clear and flows away in a fair-sized stream. The house is very large and of all periods back, I should say, to medieval times, for one part is of stone immensely thick, with only a few windows high up and heavily barred with iron. It looks like part of a keep, and is close to an old chapel or church. I could not enter it, as I had not the key of the door leading to it from the house, but I have taken with my kodak views of it from various points. The house has been added to, but in a very straggling way, and I can only guess at the amount of ground it covers, which must be very great. There are but few houses close at hand, one being a very large house only recently added to and formed into a private lunatic asylum. It is not, however, visible from the grounds.”

Português → When I had finished, he said: -

“I am glad that it is old and big. I myself am of an old family, and to live in a new house would kill me. A house cannot be made habitable in a day; and, after all, how few days go to make up a century. I rejoice also that there is a chapel of old times. We Transylvanian nobles love not to think that our bones may lie amongst the common dead. I seek not gaiety nor mirth, not the bright voluptuousness of much sunshine and sparkling waters which please the young and gay. I am no longer young; and my heart, through weary years of mourning over the dead, is not attuned to mirth. Moreover, the walls of my castle are broken; the shadows are many, and the wind breathes cold through the broken battlements and casements. I love the shade and the shadow, and would be alone with my thoughts when I may.” Somehow his words and his look did not seem to accord, or else it was that his cast of face made his smile look malignant and saturnine.

Português → Presently, with an excuse, he left me, asking me to put all my papers together. He was some little time away, and I began to look at some of the books around me. One was an atlas, which I found opened naturally at England, as if that map had been much used. On looking at it I found in certain places little rings marked, and on examining these I noticed that one was near London on the east side, manifestly where his new estate was situated; the other two were Exeter, and Whitby on the Yorkshire coast.

Português → It was the better part of an hour when the Count returned. “Aha!” he said; “still at your books? Good! But you must not work always. Come; I am informed that your supper is ready.” He took my arm, and we went into the next room, where I found an excellent supper ready on the table. The Count again excused himself, as he had dined out on his being away from home. But he sat as on the previous night, and chatted whilst I ate. After supper I smoked, as on the last evening, and the Count stayed with me, chatting and asking questions on every conceivable subject, hour after hour. I felt that it was getting very late indeed, but I did not say anything, for I felt under obligation to meet my host’s wishes in every way. I was not sleepy, as the long sleep yesterday had fortified me; but I could not help experiencing that chill which comes over one at the coming of the dawn, which is like, in its way, the turn of the tide. They say that people who are near death die generally at the change to the dawn or at the turn of the tide; anyone who has when tired, and tied as it were to his post, experienced this change in the atmosphere can well believe it. All at once we heard the crow of a cock coming up with preternatural shrillness through the clear morning air; Count Dracula, jumping to his feet, said: -

Português → “Why, there is the morning again! How remiss I am to let you stay up so long. You must make your conversation regarding my dear new country of England less interesting, so that I may not forget how time flies by us,” and, with a courtly bow, he quickly left me.

I went into my own room and drew the curtains, but there was little to notice; my window opened into the courtyard, all I could see was the warm grey of quickening sky. So I pulled the curtains again, and have written of this day.

Português → 8 May. - I began to fear as I wrote in this book that I was getting too diffuse; but now I am glad that I went into detail from the first, for there is something so strange about this place and all in it that I cannot but feel uneasy. I wish I were safe out of it, or that I had never come. It may be that this strange night-existence is telling on me; but would that that were all! If there were anyone to talk to I could bear it, but there is no one. I have only the Count to speak with, and he! - I fear I am myself the only living soul within the place. Let me be prosaic so far as facts can be; it will help me to bear up, and imagination must not run riot with me. If it does I am lost. Let me say at once how I stand - or seem to.

Português → I only slept a few hours when I went to bed, and feeling that I could not sleep any more, got up. I had hung my shaving glass by the window, and was just beginning to shave. Suddenly I felt a hand on my shoulder, and heard the Count’s voice saying to me, “Good morning.” I started, for it amazed me that I had not seen him, since the reflection of the glass covered the whole room behind me. In starting I had cut myself slightly, but did not notice it at the moment. Having answered the Count’s salutation, I turned to the glass again to see how I had been mistaken. This time there could be no error, for the man was close to me, and I could see him over my shoulder. But there was no reflection of him in the mirror! The whole room behind me was displayed; but there was no sign of a man in it, except myself. This was startling, and, coming on the top of so many strange things, was beginning to increase that vague feeling of uneasiness which I always have when the Count is near; but at the instant I saw that the cut had bled a little, and the blood was trickling over my chin. I laid down the razor, turning as I did so half round to look for some sticking plaster. When the Count saw my face, his eyes blazed with a sort of demoniac fury, and he suddenly made a grab at my throat. I drew away, and his hand touched the string of beads which held the crucifix. It made an instant change in him, for the fury passed so quickly that I could hardly believe that it was ever there.

Português → “Take care,” he said, “take care how you cut yourself. It is more dangerous than you think in this country.” Then seizing the shaving glass, he went on: “And this is the wretched thing that has done the mischief. It is a foul bauble of man’s vanity. Away with it!” and opening the heavy window with one wrench of his terrible hand, he flung out the glass, which was shattered into a thousand pieces on the stones of the courtyard far below. Then he withdrew without a word. It is very annoying, for I do not see how I am to shave, unless in my watch-case or the bottom of the shaving-pot, which is fortunately of metal.

Português → When I went into the dining-room, breakfast was prepared; but I could not find the Count anywhere. So I breakfasted alone. It is strange that as yet I have not seen the Count eat or drink. He must be a very peculiar man! After breakfast I did a little exploring in the castle. I went out on the stairs, and found a room looking towards the South. The view was magnificent, and from where I stood there was every opportunity of seeing it. The castle is on the very edge of a terrible precipice. A stone falling from the window would fall a thousand feet without touching anything! As far as the eye can reach is a sea of green tree tops, with occasionally a deep rift where there is a chasm. Here and there are silver threads where the rivers wind in deep gorges through the forests.

But I am not in heart to describe beauty, for when I had seen the view I explored further; doors, doors, doors everywhere, and all locked and bolted. In no place save from the windows in the castle walls is there an available exit.

Português → The castle is a veritable prison, and I am a prisoner!

Chapter III

Português → When I found that I was a prisoner a sort of wild feeling came over me. I rushed up and down the stairs, trying every door and peering out of every window I could find; but after a little the conviction of my helplessness overpowered all other feelings. When I look back after a few hours I think I must have been mad for the time, for I behaved much as a rat does in a trap. When, however, the conviction had come to me that I was helpless I sat down quietly - as quietly as I have ever done anything in my life - and began to think over what was best to be done. I am thinking still, and as yet have come to no definite conclusion. Of one thing only am I certain; that it is no use making my ideas known to the Count. He knows well that I am imprisoned; and as he has done it himself, and has doubtless his own motives for it, he would only deceive me if I trusted him fully with the facts. So far as I can see, my only plan will be to keep my knowledge and my fears to myself, and my eyes open. I am, I know, either being deceived, like a baby, by my own fears, or else I am in desperate straits; and if the latter be so, I need, and shall need, all my brains to get through.

Português → I had hardly come to this conclusion when I heard the great door below shut, and knew that the Count had returned. He did not come at once into the library, so I went cautiously to my own room and found him making the bed. This was odd, but only confirmed what I had all along thought - that there were no servants in the house. When later I saw him through the chink of the hinges of the door laying the table in the dining-room, I was assured of it; for if he does himself all these menial offices, surely it is proof that there is no one else to do them. This gave me a fright, for if there is no one else in the castle, it must have been the Count himself who was the driver of the coach that brought me here. This is a terrible thought; for if so, what does it mean that he could control the wolves, as he did, by only holding up his hand in silence. How was it that all the people at Bistritz and on the coach had some terrible fear for me? What meant the giving of the crucifix, of the garlic, of the wild rose, of the mountain ash? Bless that good, good woman who hung the crucifix round my neck! for it is a comfort and a strength to me whenever I touch it. It is odd that a thing which I have been taught to regard with disfavour and as idolatrous should in a time of loneliness and trouble be of help. Is it that there is something in the essence of the thing itself, or that it is a medium, a tangible help, in conveying memories of sympathy and comfort? Some time, if it may be, I must examine this matter and try to make up my mind about it. In the meantime I must find out all I can about Count Dracula, as it may help me to understand. Tonight he may talk of himself, if I turn the conversation that way. I must be very careful, however, not to awake his suspicion.

Português → Midnight. - I have had a long talk with the Count. I asked him a few questions on Transylvania history, and he warmed up to the subject wonderfully. In his speaking of things and people, and especially of battles, he spoke as if he had been present at them all. This he afterwards explained by saying that to a boyar the pride of his house and name is his own pride, that their glory is his glory, that their fate is his fate. Whenever he spoke of his house he always said “we,” and spoke almost in the plural, like a king speaking. I wish I could put down all he said exactly as he said it, for to me it was most fascinating. It seemed to have in it a whole history of the country. He grew excited as he spoke, and walked about the room pulling his great white moustache and grasping anything on which he laid his hands as though he would crush it by main strength. One thing he said which I shall put down as nearly as I can; for it tells in its way the story of his race: -

Português → “We Szekelys have a right to be proud, for in our veins flows the blood of many brave races who fought as the lion fights, for lordship. Here, in the whirlpool of European races, the Ugric tribe bore down from Iceland the fighting spirit which Thor and Wodin gave them, which their Berserkers displayed to such fell intent on the seaboards of Europe, ay, and of Asia and Africa too, till the peoples thought that the werewolves themselves had come. Here, too, when they came, they found the Huns, whose warlike fury had swept the earth like a living flame, till the dying peoples held that in their veins ran the blood of those old witches, who, expelled from Scythia had mated with the devils in the desert. Fools, fools! What devil or what witch was ever so great as Attila, whose blood is in these veins?” He held up his arms. “Is it a wonder that we were a conquering race; that we were proud; that when the Magyar, the Lombard, the Avar, the Bulgar, or the Turk poured his thousands on our frontiers, we drove them back? Is it strange that when Arpad and his legions swept through the Hungarian fatherland he found us here when he reached the frontier; that the Honfoglalas was completed there? And when the Hungarian flood swept eastward, the Szekelys were claimed as kindred by the victorious Magyars, and to us for centuries was trusted the guarding of the frontier of Turkey-land; ay, and more than that, endless duty of the frontier guard, for, as the Turks say, ‘water sleeps, and enemy is sleepless.’ Who more gladly than we throughout the Four Nations received the ‘bloody sword,’ or at its warlike call flocked quicker to the standard of the King? When was redeemed that great shame of my nation, the shame of Cassova, when the flags of the Wallach and the Magyar went down beneath the Crescent? Who was it but one of my own race who as Voivode crossed the Danube and beat the Turk on his own ground? This was a Dracula indeed! Woe was it that his own unworthy brother, when he had fallen, sold his people to the Turk and brought the shame of slavery on them! Was it not this Dracula, indeed, who inspired that other of his race who in a later age again and again brought his forces over the great river into Turkey-land; who, when he was beaten back, came again, and again, and again, though he had to come alone from the bloody field where his troops were being slaughtered, since he knew that he alone could ultimately triumph! They said that he thought only of himself. Bah! what good are peasants without a leader? Where ends the war without a brain and heart to conduct it? Again, when, after the battle of Mohács, we threw off the Hungarian yoke, we of the Dracula blood were amongst their leaders, for our spirit would not brook that we were not free. Ah, young sir, the Szekelys - and the Dracula as their heart’s blood, their brains, and their swords - can boast a record that mushroom growths like the Hapsburgs and the Romanovs can never reach. The warlike days are over. Blood is too precious a thing in these days of dishonourable peace; and the glories of the great races are as a tale that is told.”

Português → It was by this time close on morning, and we went to bed. (Mem., this diary seems horribly like the beginning of the “Arabian Nights,” for everything has to break off at cockcrow - or like the ghost of Hamlet’s father.)

12 May. - Let me begin with facts - bare, meagre facts, verified by books and figures, and of which there can be no doubt. I must not confuse them with experiences which will have to rest on my own observation, or my memory of them. Last evening when the Count came from his room he began by asking me questions on legal matters and on the doing of certain kinds of business. I had spent the day wearily over books, and, simply to keep my mind occupied, went over some of the matters I had been examined in at Lincoln’s Inn. There was a certain method in the Count’s inquiries, so I shall try to put them down in sequence; the knowledge may somehow or some time be useful to me.

Português → First, he asked if a man in England might have two solicitors or more. I told him he might have a dozen if he wished, but that it would not be wise to have more than one solicitor engaged in one transaction, as only one could act at a time, and that to change would be certain to militate against his interest. He seemed thoroughly to understand, and went on to ask if there would be any practical difficulty in having one man to attend, say, to banking, and another to look after shipping, in case local help were needed in a place far from the home of the banking solicitor. I asked him to explain more fully, so that I might not by any chance mislead him, so he said: -

Português → “I shall illustrate. Your friend and mine, Mr. Peter Hawkins, from under the shadow of your beautiful cathedral at Exeter, which is far from London, buys for me through your good self my place at London. Good! Now here let me say frankly, lest you should think it strange that I have sought the services of one so far off from London instead of someone resident there, that my motive was that no local interest might be served save my wish only; and as one of London residence might, perhaps, have some purpose of himself or friend to serve, I went thus afield to seek my agent, whose labours should be only to my interest. Now, suppose I, who have much of affairs, wish to ship goods, say, to Newcastle, or Durham, or Harwich, or Dover, might it not be that it could with more ease be done by consigning to one in these ports?” I answered that certainly it would be most easy, but that we solicitors had a system of agency one for the other, so that local work could be done locally on instruction from any solicitor, so that the client, simply placing himself in the hands of one man, could have his wishes carried out by him without further trouble.

Português → “But,” said he, “I could be at liberty to direct myself. Is it not so?”

“Of course,” I replied; and “such is often done by men of business, who do not like the whole of their affairs to be known by any one person.”

“Good!” he said, and then went on to ask about the means of making consignments and the forms to be gone through, and of all sorts of difficulties which might arise, but by forethought could be guarded against. I explained all these things to him to the best of my ability, and he certainly left me under the impression that he would have made a wonderful solicitor, for there was nothing that he did not think of or foresee. For a man who was never in the country, and who did not evidently do much in the way of business, his knowledge and acumen were wonderful. When he had satisfied himself on these points of which he had spoken, and I had verified all as well as I could by the books available, he suddenly stood up and said: -

Português → “Have you written since your first letter to our friend Mr. Peter Hawkins, or to any other?” It was with some bitterness in my heart that I answered that I had not, that as yet I had not seen any opportunity of sending letters to anybody.

“Then write now, my young friend,” he said, laying a heavy hand on my shoulder: “write to our friend and to any other; and say, if it will please you, that you shall stay with me until a month from now.”

“Do you wish me to stay so long?” I asked, for my heart grew cold at the thought.

“I desire it much; nay, I will take no refusal. When your master, employer, what you will, engaged that someone should come on his behalf, it was understood that my needs only were to be consulted. I have not stinted. Is it not so?”

Português → What could I do but bow acceptance? It was Mr. Hawkins’s interest, not mine, and I had to think of him, not myself; and besides, while Count Dracula was speaking, there was that in his eyes and in his bearing which made me remember that I was a prisoner, and that if I wished it I could have no choice. The Count saw his victory in my bow, and his mastery in the trouble of my face, for he began at once to use them, but in his own smooth, resistless way: -

Português → “I pray you, my good young friend, that you will not discourse of things other than business in your letters. It will doubtless please your friends to know that you are well, and that you look forward to getting home to them. Is it not so?” As he spoke he handed me three sheets of notepaper and three envelopes. They were all of the thinnest foreign post, and looking at them, then at him, and noticing his quiet smile, with the sharp, canine teeth lying over the red underlip, I understood as well as if he had spoken that I should be careful what I wrote, for he would be able to read it. So I determined to write only formal notes now, but to write fully to Mr. Hawkins in secret, and also to Mina, for to her I could write in shorthand, which would puzzle the Count, if he did see it. When I had written my two letters I sat quiet, reading a book whilst the Count wrote several notes, referring as he wrote them to some books on his table. Then he took up my two and placed them with his own, and put by his writing materials, after which, the instant the door had closed behind him, I leaned over and looked at the letters, which were face down on the table. I felt no compunction in doing so, for under the circumstances I felt that I should protect myself in every way I could.

Português → One of the letters was directed to Samuel F. Billington, No. 7, The Crescent, Whitby, another to Herr Leutner, Varna; the third was to Coutts & Co., London, and the fourth to Herren Klopstock & Billreuth, bankers, Budapest. The second and fourth were unsealed. I was just about to look at them when I saw the door-handle move. I sank back in my seat, having just had time to replace the letters as they had been and to resume my book before the Count, holding still another letter in his hand, entered the room. He took up the letters on the table and stamped them carefully, and then turning to me, said: -

“I trust you will forgive me, but I have much work to do in private this evening. You will, I hope, find all things as you wish.” At the door he turned, and after a moment’s pause said: -

Português → “Let me advise you, my dear young friend - nay, let me warn you with all seriousness, that should you leave these rooms you will not by any chance go to sleep in any other part of the castle. It is old, and has many memories, and there are bad dreams for those who sleep unwisely. Be warned! Should sleep now or ever overcome you, or be like to do, then haste to your own chamber or to these rooms, for your rest will then be safe. But if you be not careful in this respect, then” - He finished his speech in a gruesome way, for he motioned with his hands as if he were washing them. I quite understood; my only doubt was as to whether any dream could be more terrible than the unnatural, horrible net of gloom and mystery which seemed closing around me.

Later. - I endorse the last words written, but this time there is no doubt in question. I shall not fear to sleep in any place where he is not. I have placed the crucifix over the head of my bed - I imagine that my rest is thus freer from dreams; and there it shall remain.

Português → When he left me I went to my room. After a little while, not hearing any sound, I came out and went up the stone stair to where I could look out towards the South. There was some sense of freedom in the vast expanse, inaccessible though it was to me, as compared with the narrow darkness of the courtyard. Looking out on this, I felt that I was indeed in prison, and I seemed to want a breath of fresh air, though it were of the night. I am beginning to feel this nocturnal existence tell on me. It is destroying my nerve. I start at my own shadow, and am full of all sorts of horrible imaginings. God knows that there is ground for my terrible fear in this accursed place! I looked out over the beautiful expanse, bathed in soft yellow moonlight till it was almost as light as day. In the soft light the distant hills became melted, and the shadows in the valleys and gorges of velvety blackness. The mere beauty seemed to cheer me; there was peace and comfort in every breath I drew. As I leaned from the window my eye was caught by something moving a storey below me, and somewhat to my left, where I imagined, from the order of the rooms, that the windows of the Count’s own room would look out. The window at which I stood was tall and deep, stone-mullioned, and though weatherworn, was still complete; but it was evidently many a day since the case had been there. I drew back behind the stonework, and looked carefully out.

Português → What I saw was the Count’s head coming out from the window. I did not see the face, but I knew the man by the neck and the movement of his back and arms. In any case I could not mistake the hands which I had had so many opportunities of studying. I was at first interested and somewhat amused, for it is wonderful how small a matter will interest and amuse a man when he is a prisoner. But my very feelings changed to repulsion and terror when I saw the whole man slowly emerge from the window and begin to crawl down the castle wall over that dreadful abyss, face down with his cloak spreading out around him like great wings. At first I could not believe my eyes. I thought it was some trick of the moonlight, some weird effect of shadow; but I kept looking, and it could be no delusion. I saw the fingers and toes grasp the corners of the stones, worn clear of the mortar by the stress of years, and by thus using every projection and inequality move downwards with considerable speed, just as a lizard moves along a wall.

Português → What manner of man is this, or what manner of creature is it in the semblance of man? I feel the dread of this horrible place overpowering me; I am in fear - in awful fear - and there is no escape for me; I am encompassed about with terrors that I dare not think of. …

Português → 15 May. - Once more have I seen the Count go out in his lizard fashion. He moved downwards in a sidelong way, some hundred feet down, and a good deal to the left. He vanished into some hole or window. When his head had disappeared, I leaned out to try and see more, but without avail - the distance was too great to allow a proper angle of sight. I knew he had left the castle now, and thought to use the opportunity to explore more than I had dared to do as yet. I went back to the room, and taking a lamp, tried all the doors. They were all locked, as I had expected, and the locks were comparatively new; but I went down the stone stairs to the hall where I had entered originally. I found I could pull back the bolts easily enough and unhook the great chains; but the door was locked, and the key was gone! That key must be in the Count’s room; I must watch should his door be unlocked, so that I may get it and escape. I went on to make a thorough examination of the various stairs and passages, and to try the doors that opened from them. One or two small rooms near the hall were open, but there was nothing to see in them except old furniture, dusty with age and moth-eaten. At last, however, I found one door at the top of the stairway which, though it seemed to be locked, gave a little under pressure. I tried it harder, and found that it was not really locked, but that the resistance came from the fact that the hinges had fallen somewhat, and the heavy door rested on the floor. Here was an opportunity which I might not have again, so I exerted myself, and with many efforts forced it back so that I could enter. I was now in a wing of the castle further to the right than the rooms I knew and a storey lower down. From the windows I could see that the suite of rooms lay along to the south of the castle, the windows of the end room looking out both west and south. On the latter side, as well as to the former, there was a great precipice. The castle was built on the corner of a great rock, so that on three sides it was quite impregnable, and great windows were placed here where sling, or bow, or culverin could not reach, and consequently light and comfort, impossible to a position which had to be guarded, were secured. To the west was a great valley, and then, rising far away, great jagged mountain fastnesses, rising peak on peak, the sheer rock studded with mountain ash and thorn, whose roots clung in cracks and crevices and crannies of the stone. This was evidently the portion of the castle occupied by the ladies in bygone days, for the furniture had more air of comfort than any I had seen. The windows were curtainless, and the yellow moonlight, flooding in through the diamond panes, enabled one to see even colours, whilst it softened the wealth of dust which lay over all and disguised in some measure the ravages of time and the moth. My lamp seemed to be of little effect in the brilliant moonlight, but I was glad to have it with me, for there was a dread loneliness in the place which chilled my heart and made my nerves tremble. Still, it was better than living alone in the rooms which I had come to hate from the presence of the Count, and after trying a little to school my nerves, I found a soft quietude come over me. Here I am, sitting at a little oak table where in old times possibly some fair lady sat to pen, with much thought and many blushes, her ill-spelt love-letter, and writing in my diary in shorthand all that has happened since I closed it last. It is nineteenth century up-to-date with a vengeance. And yet, unless my senses deceive me, the old centuries had, and have, powers of their own which mere “modernity” cannot kill.

Português → Later: the Morning of 16 May. - God preserve my sanity, for to this I am reduced. Safety and the assurance of safety are things of the past. Whilst I live on here there is but one thing to hope for, that I may not go mad, if, indeed, I be not mad already. If I be sane, then surely it is maddening to think that of all the foul things that lurk in this hateful place the Count is the least dreadful to me; that to him alone I can look for safety, even though this be only whilst I can serve his purpose. Great God! merciful God! Let me be calm, for out of that way lies madness indeed. I begin to get new lights on certain things which have puzzled me. Up to now I never quite knew what Shakespeare meant when he made Hamlet say: -

“My tablets! quick, my tablets! ’Tis meet that I put it down,” etc.,

for now, feeling as though my own brain were unhinged or as if the shock had come which must end in its undoing, I turn to my diary for repose. The habit of entering accurately must help to soothe me.

Português → The Count’s mysterious warning frightened me at the time; it frightens me more now when I think of it, for in future he has a fearful hold upon me. I shall fear to doubt what he may say!

Português → When I had written in my diary and had fortunately replaced the book and pen in my pocket I felt sleepy. The Count’s warning came into my mind, but I took a pleasure in disobeying it. The sense of sleep was upon me, and with it the obstinacy which sleep brings as outrider. The soft moonlight soothed, and the wide expanse without gave a sense of freedom which refreshed me. I determined not to return tonight to the gloom-haunted rooms, but to sleep here, where, of old, ladies had sat and sung and lived sweet lives whilst their gentle breasts were sad for their menfolk away in the midst of remorseless wars. I drew a great couch out of its place near the corner, so that as I lay, I could look at the lovely view to east and south, and unthinking of and uncaring for the dust, composed myself for sleep. I suppose I must have fallen asleep; I hope so, but I fear, for all that followed was startlingly real - so real that now sitting here in the broad, full sunlight of the morning, I cannot in the least believe that it was all sleep.

Português → I was not alone. The room was the same, unchanged in any way since I came into it; I could see along the floor, in the brilliant moonlight, my own footsteps marked where I had disturbed the long accumulation of dust. In the moonlight opposite me were three young women, ladies by their dress and manner. I thought at the time that I must be dreaming when I saw them, for, though the moonlight was behind them, they threw no shadow on the floor. They came close to me, and looked at me for some time, and then whispered together. Two were dark, and had high aquiline noses, like the Count, and great dark, piercing eyes that seemed to be almost red when contrasted with the pale yellow moon. The other was fair, as fair as can be, with great wavy masses of golden hair and eyes like pale sapphires. I seemed somehow to know her face, and to know it in connection with some dreamy fear, but I could not recollect at the moment how or where. All three had brilliant white teeth that shone like pearls against the ruby of their voluptuous lips. There was something about them that made me uneasy, some longing and at the same time some deadly fear. I felt in my heart a wicked, burning desire that they would kiss me with those red lips. It is not good to note this down, lest some day it should meet Mina’s eyes and cause her pain; but it is the truth. They whispered together, and then they all three laughed - such a silvery, musical laugh, but as hard as though the sound never could have come through the softness of human lips. It was like the intolerable, tingling sweetness of water-glasses when played on by a cunning hand. The fair girl shook her head coquettishly, and the other two urged her on. One said: -

Português → “Go on! You are first, and we shall follow; yours is the right to begin.” The other added: -

“He is young and strong; there are kisses for us all.” I lay quiet, looking out under my eyelashes in an agony of delightful anticipation. The fair girl advanced and bent over me till I could feel the movement of her breath upon me. Sweet it was in one sense, honey-sweet, and sent the same tingling through the nerves as her voice, but with a bitter underlying the sweet, a bitter offensiveness, as one smells in blood.

Português → I was afraid to raise my eyelids, but looked out and saw perfectly under the lashes. The girl went on her knees, and bent over me, simply gloating. There was a deliberate voluptuousness which was both thrilling and repulsive, and as she arched her neck she actually licked her lips like an animal, till I could see in the moonlight the moisture shining on the scarlet lips and on the red tongue as it lapped the white sharp teeth. Lower and lower went her head as the lips went below the range of my mouth and chin and seemed about to fasten on my throat. Then she paused, and I could hear the churning sound of her tongue as it licked her teeth and lips, and could feel the hot breath on my neck. Then the skin of my throat began to tingle as one’s flesh does when the hand that is to tickle it approaches nearer - nearer. I could feel the soft, shivering touch of the lips on the super-sensitive skin of my throat, and the hard dents of two sharp teeth, just touching and pausing there. I closed my eyes in a languorous ecstasy and waited - waited with beating heart.

Português → But at that instant, another sensation swept through me as quick as lightning. I was conscious of the presence of the Count, and of his being as if lapped in a storm of fury. As my eyes opened involuntarily I saw his strong hand grasp the slender neck of the fair woman and with giant’s power draw it back, the blue eyes transformed with fury, the white teeth champing with rage, and the fair cheeks blazing red with passion. But the Count! Never did I imagine such wrath and fury, even to the demons of the pit. His eyes were positively blazing. The red light in them was lurid, as if the flames of hellfire blazed behind them. His face was deathly pale, and the lines of it were hard like drawn wires; the thick eyebrows that met over the nose now seemed like a heaving bar of white-hot metal. With a fierce sweep of his arm, he hurled the woman from him, and then motioned to the others, as though he were beating them back; it was the same imperious gesture that I had seen used to the wolves. In a voice which, though low and almost in a whisper seemed to cut through the air and then ring round the room he said: -

Português → “How dare you touch him, any of you? How dare you cast eyes on him when I had forbidden it? Back, I tell you all! This man belongs to me! Beware how you meddle with him, or you’ll have to deal with me.” The fair girl, with a laugh of ribald coquetry, turned to answer him: -

“You yourself never loved; you never love!” On this the other women joined, and such a mirthless, hard, soulless laughter rang through the room that it almost made me faint to hear; it seemed like the pleasure of fiends. Then the Count turned, after looking at my face attentively, and said in a soft whisper: -

“Yes, I too can love; you yourselves can tell it from the past. Is it not so? Well, now I promise you that when I am done with him you shall kiss him at your will. Now go! go! I must awaken him, for there is work to be done.”

Português → “Are we to have nothing tonight?” said one of them, with a low laugh, as she pointed to the bag which he had thrown upon the floor, and which moved as though there were some living thing within it. For answer he nodded his head. One of the women jumped forward and opened it. If my ears did not deceive me there was a gasp and a low wail, as of a half-smothered child. The women closed round, whilst I was aghast with horror; but as I looked they disappeared, and with them the dreadful bag. There was no door near them, and they could not have passed me without my noticing. They simply seemed to fade into the rays of the moonlight and pass out through the window, for I could see outside the dim, shadowy forms for a moment before they entirely faded away.

Then the horror overcame me, and I sank down unconscious.

Chapter IV

Português → I awoke in my own bed. If it be that I had not dreamt, the Count must have carried me here. I tried to satisfy myself on the subject, but could not arrive at any unquestionable result. To be sure, there were certain small evidences, such as that my clothes were folded and laid by in a manner which was not my habit. My watch was still unwound, and I am rigorously accustomed to wind it the last thing before going to bed, and many such details. But these things are no proof, for they may have been evidences that my mind was not as usual, and, from some cause or another, I had certainly been much upset. I must watch for proof. Of one thing I am glad: if it was that the Count carried me here and undressed me, he must have been hurried in his task, for my pockets are intact. I am sure this diary would have been a mystery to him which he would not have brooked. He would have taken or destroyed it. As I look round this room, although it has been to me so full of fear, it is now a sort of sanctuary, for nothing can be more dreadful than those awful women, who were - who are - waiting to suck my blood.

Português → 18 May. - I have been down to look at that room again in daylight, for I must know the truth. When I got to the doorway at the top of the stairs I found it closed. It had been so forcibly driven against the jamb that part of the woodwork was splintered. I could see that the bolt of the lock had not been shot, but the door is fastened from the inside. I fear it was no dream, and must act on this surmise.

Português → 19 May. - I am surely in the toils. Last night the Count asked me in the suavest tones to write three letters, one saying that my work here was nearly done, and that I should start for home within a few days, another that I was starting on the next morning from the time of the letter, and the third that I had left the castle and arrived at Bistritz. I would fain have rebelled, but felt that in the present state of things it would be madness to quarrel openly with the Count whilst I am so absolutely in his power; and to refuse would be to excite his suspicion and to arouse his anger. He knows that I know too much, and that I must not live, lest I be dangerous to him; my only chance is to prolong my opportunities. Something may occur which will give me a chance to escape. I saw in his eyes something of that gathering wrath which was manifest when he hurled that fair woman from him. He explained to me that posts were few and uncertain, and that my writing now would ensure ease of mind to my friends; and he assured me with so much impressiveness that he would countermand the later letters, which would be held over at Bistritz until due time in case chance would admit of my prolonging my stay, that to oppose him would have been to create new suspicion. I therefore pretended to fall in with his views, and asked him what dates I should put on the letters. He calculated a minute, and then said: -

Português → “The first should be June 12, the second June 19, and the third June 29.”

I know now the span of my life. God help me!

28 May. - There is a chance of escape, or at any rate of being able to send word home. A band of Szgany have come to the castle, and are encamped in the courtyard. These Szgany are gipsies; I have notes of them in my book. They are peculiar to this part of the world, though allied to the ordinary gipsies all the world over. There are thousands of them in Hungary and Transylvania, who are almost outside all law. They attach themselves as a rule to some great noble or boyar, and call themselves by his name. They are fearless and without religion, save superstition, and they talk only their own varieties of the Romany tongue.

I shall write some letters home, and shall try to get them to have them posted. I have already spoken them through my window to begin acquaintanceship. They took their hats off and made obeisance and many signs, which, however, I could not understand any more than I could their spoken language. …

Português → I have written the letters. Mina’s is in shorthand, and I simply ask Mr. Hawkins to communicate with her. To her I have explained my situation, but without the horrors which I may only surmise. It would shock and frighten her to death were I to expose my heart to her. Should the letters not carry, then the Count shall not yet know my secret or the extent of my knowledge. …

I have given the letters; I threw them through the bars of my window with a gold piece, and made what signs I could to have them posted. The man who took them pressed them to his heart and bowed, and then put them in his cap. I could do no more. I stole back to the study, and began to read. As the Count did not come in, I have written here. …

The Count has come. He sat down beside me, and said in his smoothest voice as he opened two letters: -

Português → “The Szgany has given me these, of which, though I know not whence they come, I shall, of course, take care. See!” - he must have looked at it - “one is from you, and to my friend Peter Hawkins; the other” - here he caught sight of the strange symbols as he opened the envelope, and the dark look came into his face, and his eyes blazed wickedly - “the other is a vile thing, an outrage upon friendship and hospitality! It is not signed. Well! so it cannot matter to us.” And he calmly held letter and envelope in the flame of the lamp till they were consumed. Then he went on: -

“The letter to Hawkins - that I shall, of course, send on, since it is yours. Your letters are sacred to me. Your pardon, my friend, that unknowingly I did break the seal. Will you not cover it again?” He held out the letter to me, and with a courteous bow handed me a clean envelope. I could only redirect it and hand it to him in silence. When he went out of the room I could hear the key turn softly. A minute later I went over and tried it, and the door was locked.

Português → When, an hour or two after, the Count came quietly into the room, his coming awakened me, for I had gone to sleep on the sofa. He was very courteous and very cheery in his manner, and seeing that I had been sleeping, he said: -

“So, my friend, you are tired? Get to bed. There is the surest rest. I may not have the pleasure to talk tonight, since there are many labours to me; but you will sleep, I pray.” I passed to my room and went to bed, and, strange to say, slept without dreaming. Despair has its own calms.

31 May. - This morning when I woke I thought I would provide myself with some paper and envelopes from my bag and keep them in my pocket, so that I might write in case I should get an opportunity, but again a surprise, again a shock!

Every scrap of paper was gone, and with it all my notes, my memoranda, relating to railways and travel, my letter of credit, in fact all that might be useful to me were I once outside the castle. I sat and pondered awhile, and then some thought occurred to me, and I made search of my portmanteau and in the wardrobe where I had placed my clothes.

Português → The suit in which I had travelled was gone, and also my overcoat and rug; I could find no trace of them anywhere. This looked like some new scheme of villainy. …

17 June. - This morning, as I was sitting on the edge of my bed cudgelling my brains, I heard without a cracking of whips and pounding and scraping of horses’ feet up the rocky path beyond the courtyard. With joy I hurried to the window, and saw drive into the yard two great leiter-wagons, each drawn by eight sturdy horses, and at the head of each pair a Slovak, with his wide hat, great nail-studded belt, dirty sheepskin, and high boots. They had also their long staves in hand. I ran to the door, intending to descend and try and join them through the main hall, as I thought that way might be opened for them. Again a shock: my door was fastened on the outside.

Português → Then I ran to the window and cried to them. They looked up at me stupidly and pointed, but just then the “hetman” of the Szgany came out, and seeing them pointing to my window, said something, at which they laughed. Henceforth no effort of mine, no piteous cry or agonised entreaty, would make them even look at me. They resolutely turned away. The leiter-wagons contained great, square boxes, with handles of thick rope; these were evidently empty by the ease with which the Slovaks handled them, and by their resonance as they were roughly moved. When they were all unloaded and packed in a great heap in one corner of the yard, the Slovaks were given some money by the Szgany, and spitting on it for luck, lazily went each to his horse’s head. Shortly afterwards, I heard the cracking of their whips die away in the distance.

Português → 24 June, before morning. - Last night the Count left me early, and locked himself into his own room. As soon as I dared I ran up the winding stair, and looked out of the window, which opened south. I thought I would watch for the Count, for there is something going on. The Szgany are quartered somewhere in the castle and are doing work of some kind. I know it, for now and then I hear a faraway muffled sound as of mattock and spade, and, whatever it is, it must be the end of some ruthless villainy.

I had been at the window somewhat less than half an hour, when I saw something coming out of the Count’s window. I drew back and watched carefully, and saw the whole man emerge. It was a new shock to me to find that he had on the suit of clothes which I had worn whilst travelling here, and slung over his shoulder the terrible bag which I had seen the women take away. There could be no doubt as to his quest, and in my garb, too! This, then, is his new scheme of evil: that he will allow others to see me, as they think, so that he may both leave evidence that I have been seen in the towns or villages posting my own letters, and that any wickedness which he may do shall by the local people be attributed to me.

Português → It makes me rage to think that this can go on, and whilst I am shut up here, a veritable prisoner, but without that protection of the law which is even a criminal’s right and consolation.

I thought I would watch for the Count’s return, and for a long time sat doggedly at the window. Then I began to notice that there were some quaint little specks floating in the rays of the moonlight. They were like the tiniest grains of dust, and they whirled round and gathered in clusters in a nebulous sort of way. I watched them with a sense of soothing, and a sort of calm stole over me. I leaned back in the embrasure in a more comfortable position, so that I could enjoy more fully the aerial gambolling.

Português → Something made me start up, a low, piteous howling of dogs somewhere far below in the valley, which was hidden from my sight. Louder it seemed to ring in my ears, and the floating motes of dust to take new shapes to the sound as they danced in the moonlight. I felt myself struggling to awake to some call of my instincts; nay, my very soul was struggling, and my half-remembered sensibilities were striving to answer the call. I was becoming hypnotised! Quicker and quicker danced the dust; the moonbeams seemed to quiver as they went by me into the mass of gloom beyond. More and more they gathered till they seemed to take dim phantom shapes. And then I started, broad awake and in full possession of my senses, and ran screaming from the place. The phantom shapes, which were becoming gradually materialised from the moonbeams, were those of the three ghostly women to whom I was doomed. I fled, and felt somewhat safer in my own room, where there was no moonlight and where the lamp was burning brightly.

When a couple of hours had passed I heard something stirring in the Count’s room, something like a sharp wail quickly suppressed; and then there was silence, deep, awful silence, which chilled me. With a beating heart, I tried the door; but I was locked in my prison, and could do nothing. I sat down and simply cried.

Português → As I sat I heard a sound in the courtyard without - the agonised cry of a woman. I rushed to the window, and throwing it up, peered out between the bars. There, indeed, was a woman with dishevelled hair, holding her hands over her heart as one distressed with running. She was leaning against a corner of the gateway. When she saw my face at the window she threw herself forward, and shouted in a voice laden with menace: -

“Monster, give me my child!”

She threw herself on her knees, and raising up her hands, cried the same words in tones which wrung my heart. Then she tore her hair and beat her breast, and abandoned herself to all the violences of extravagant emotion. Finally, she threw herself forward, and, though I could not see her, I could hear the beating of her naked hands against the door.

Somewhere high overhead, probably on the tower, I heard the voice of the Count calling in his harsh, metallic whisper. His call seemed to be answered from far and wide by the howling of wolves. Before many minutes had passed a pack of them poured, like a pent-up dam when liberated, through the wide entrance into the courtyard.

Português → There was no cry from the woman, and the howling of the wolves was but short. Before long they streamed away singly, licking their lips.

I could not pity her, for I knew now what had become of her child, and she was better dead.

What shall I doá what can I do? How can I escape from this dreadful thing of night and gloom and fear?

25 June, morning. - No man knows till he has suffered from the night how sweet and how dear to his heart and eye the morning can be. When the sun grew so high this morning that it struck the top of the great gateway opposite my window, the high spot which it touched seemed to me as if the dove from the ark had lighted there. My fear fell from me as if it had been a vaporous garment which dissolved in the warmth. I must take action of some sort whilst the courage of the day is upon me. Last night one of my postdated letters went to post, the first of that fatal series which is to blot out the very traces of my existence from the earth.

Português → Let me not think of it. Action!

It has always been at nighttime that I have been molested or threatened, or in some way in danger or in fear. I have not yet seen the Count in the daylight. Can it be that he sleeps when others wake, that he may be awake whilst they sleep? If I could only get into his room! But there is no possible way. The door is always locked, no way for me.

Yes, there is a way, if one dares to take it. Where his body has gone why may not another body go? I have seen him myself crawl from his window. Why should not I imitate him, and go in by his window? The chances are desperate, but my need is more desperate still. I shall risk it. At the worst it can only be death; and a man’s death is not a calf’s, and the dreaded Hereafter may still be open to me. God help me in my task! Goodbye, Mina, if I fail; goodbye, my faithful friend and second father; goodbye, all, and last of all Mina!

Português → Same day, later. - I have made the effort, and God, helping me, have come safely back to this room. I must put down every detail in order. I went whilst my courage was fresh straight to the window on the south side, and at once got outside on the narrow ledge of stone which runs around the building on this side. The stones are big and roughly cut, and the mortar has by process of time been washed away between them. I took off my boots, and ventured out on the desperate way. I looked down once, so as to make sure that a sudden glimpse of the awful depth would not overcome me, but after that kept my eyes away from it. I knew pretty well the direction and distance of the Count’s window, and made for it as well as I could, having regard to the opportunities available. I did not feel dizzy - I suppose I was too excited - and the time seemed ridiculously short till I found myself standing on the windowsill and trying to raise up the sash. I was filled with agitation, however, when I bent down and slid feet foremost in through the window. Then I looked around for the Count, but, with surprise and gladness, made a discovery. The room was empty! It was barely furnished with odd things, which seemed to have never been used; the furniture was something the same style as that in the south rooms, and was covered with dust. I looked for the key, but it was not in the lock, and I could not find it anywhere. The only thing I found was a great heap of gold in one corner - gold of all kinds, Roman, and British, and Austrian, and Hungarian, and Greek and Turkish money, covered with a film of dust, as though it had lain long in the ground. None of it that I noticed was less than three hundred years old. There were also chains and ornaments, some jewelled, but all of them old and stained.

Português → At one corner of the room was a heavy door. I tried it, for, since I could not find the key of the room or the key of the outer door, which was the main object of my search, I must make further examination, or all my efforts would be in vain. It was open, and led through a stone passage to a circular stairway, which went steeply down. I descended, minding carefully where I went, for the stairs were dark, being only lit by loopholes in the heavy masonry. At the bottom there was a dark, tunnel-like passage, through which came a deathly, sickly odour, the odour of old earth newly turned. As I went through the passage the smell grew closer and heavier. At last I pulled open a heavy door which stood ajar, and found myself in an old, ruined chapel, which had evidently been used as a graveyard. The roof was broken, and in two places were steps leading to vaults, but the ground had recently been dug over, and the earth placed in great wooden boxes, manifestly those which had been brought by the Slovaks. There was nobody about, and I made search for any further outlet, but there was none. Then I went over every inch of the ground, so as not to lose a chance. I went down even into the vaults, where the dim light struggled, although to do so was a dread to my very soul. Into two of these I went, but saw nothing except fragments of old coffins and piles of dust; in the third, however, I made a discovery.

Português → There, in one of the great boxes, of which there were fifty in all, on a pile of newly dug earth, lay the Count! He was either dead or asleep, I could not say which - for the eyes were open and stony, but without the glassiness of death - and the cheeks had the warmth of life through all their pallor; the lips were as red as ever. But there was no sign of movement, no pulse, no breath, no beating of the heart. I bent over him, and tried to find any sign of life, but in vain. He could not have lain there long, for the earthy smell would have passed away in a few hours. By the side of the box was its cover, pierced with holes here and there. I thought he might have the keys on him, but when I went to search I saw the dead eyes, and in them, dead though they were, such a look of hate, though unconscious of me or my presence, that I fled from the place, and leaving the Count’s room by the window, crawled again up the castle wall. Regaining my room, I threw myself panting upon the bed and tried to think. …

Português → 29 June. - Today is the date of my last letter, and the Count has taken steps to prove that it was genuine, for again I saw him leave the castle by the same window, and in my clothes. As he went down the wall, lizard fashion, I wished I had a gun or some lethal weapon, that I might destroy him; but I fear that no weapon wrought alone by man’s hand would have any effect on him. I dared not wait to see him return, for I feared to see those weird sisters. I came back to the library, and read there till I fell asleep.

I was awakened by the Count, who looked at me as grimly as a man can look as he said: -

Português → “Tomorrow, my friend, we must part. You return to your beautiful England, I to some work which may have such an end that we may never meet. Your letter home has been despatched; tomorrow I shall not be here, but all shall be ready for your journey. In the morning come the Szgany, who have some labours of their own here, and also come some Slovaks. When they have gone, my carriage shall come for you, and shall bear you to the Borgo Pass to meet the diligence from Bukovina to Bistritz. But I am in hopes that I shall see more of you at Castle Dracula.” I suspected him, and determined to test his sincerity. Sincerity! It seems like a profanation of the word to write it in connection with such a monster, so asked him point-blank: -

“Why may I not go tonight?”

“Because, dear sir, my coachman and horses are away on a mission.”

Português → “But I would walk with pleasure. I want to get away at once.” He smiled, such a soft, smooth, diabolical smile that I knew there was some trick behind his smoothness. He said: -

“And your baggage?”

“I do not care about it. I can send for it some other time.”

The Count stood up, and said, with a sweet courtesy which made me rub my eyes, it seemed so real: -

“You English have a saying which is close to my heart, for its spirit is that which rules our boyars: ‘Welcome the coming; speed the parting guest.’ Come with me, my dear young friend. Not an hour shall you wait in my house against your will, though sad am I at your going, and that you so suddenly desire it. Come!” With a stately gravity, he, with the lamp, preceded me down the stairs and along the hall. Suddenly he stopped.

“Hark!”

Close at hand came the howling of many wolves. It was almost as if the sound sprang up at the rising of his hand, just as the music of a great orchestra seems to leap under the bâton of the conductor. After a pause of a moment, he proceeded, in his stately way, to the door, drew back the ponderous bolts, unhooked the heavy chains, and began to draw it open.

Português → To my intense astonishment I saw that it was unlocked. Suspiciously, I looked all round, but could see no key of any kind.

As the door began to open, the howling of the wolves without grew louder and angrier; their red jaws, with champing teeth, and their blunt-clawed feet as they leaped, came in through the opening door. I knew then that to struggle at the moment against the Count was useless. With such allies as these at his command, I could do nothing. But still the door continued slowly to open, and only the Count’s body stood in the gap. Suddenly it struck me that this might be the moment and means of my doom; I was to be given to the wolves, and at my own instigation. There was a diabolical wickedness in the idea great enough for the Count, and as a last chance I cried out: -

“Shut the door; I shall wait till morning!” and covered my face with my hands to hide my tears of bitter disappointment. With one sweep of his powerful arm, the Count threw the door shut, and the great bolts clanged and echoed through the hall as they shot back into their places.

Português → In silence we returned to the library, and after a minute or two I went to my own room. The last I saw of Count Dracula was his kissing his hand to me; with a red light of triumph in his eyes, and with a smile that Judas in hell might be proud of.

When I was in my room and about to lie down, I thought I heard a whispering at my door. I went to it softly and listened. Unless my ears deceived me, I heard the voice of the Count: -

“Back, back, to your own place! Your time is not yet come. Wait! Have patience! Tonight is mine. Tomorrow night is yours!” There was a low, sweet ripple of laughter, and in a rage I threw open the door, and saw without the three terrible women licking their lips. As I appeared they all joined in a horrible laugh, and ran away.

Português → I came back to my room and threw myself on my knees. It is then so near the end? Tomorrow! tomorrow! Lord, help me, and those to whom I am dear!

30 June, morning. - These may be the last words I ever write in this diary. I slept till just before the dawn, and when I woke threw myself on my knees, for I determined that if Death came he should find me ready.

At last I felt that subtle change in the air, and knew that the morning had come. Then came the welcome cockcrow, and I felt that I was safe. With a glad heart, I opened my door and ran down to the hall. I had seen that the door was unlocked, and now escape was before me. With hands that trembled with eagerness, I unhooked the chains and drew back the massive bolts.

But the door would not move. Despair seized me. I pulled, and pulled, at the door, and shook it till, massive as it was, it rattled in its casement. I could see the bolt shot. It had been locked after I left the Count.

Português → Then a wild desire took me to obtain that key at any risk, and I determined then and there to scale the wall again and gain the Count’s room. He might kill me, but death now seemed the happier choice of evils. Without a pause I rushed up to the east window, and scrambled down the wall, as before, into the Count’s room. It was empty, but that was as I expected. I could not see a key anywhere, but the heap of gold remained. I went through the door in the corner and down the winding stair and along the dark passage to the old chapel. I knew now well enough where to find the monster I sought.

Português → The great box was in the same place, close against the wall, but the lid was laid on it, not fastened down, but with the nails ready in their places to be hammered home. I knew I must reach the body for the key, so I raised the lid, and laid it back against the wall; and then I saw something which filled my very soul with horror. There lay the Count, but looking as if his youth had been half renewed, for the white hair and moustache were changed to dark iron-grey; the cheeks were fuller, and the white skin seemed ruby-red underneath; the mouth was redder than ever, for on the lips were gouts of fresh blood, which trickled from the corners of the mouth and ran over the chin and neck. Even the deep, burning eyes seemed set amongst swollen flesh, for the lids and pouches underneath were bloated. It seemed as if the whole awful creature were simply gorged with blood. He lay like a filthy leech, exhausted with his repletion. I shuddered as I bent over to touch him, and every sense in me revolted at the contact; but I had to search, or I was lost. The coming night might see my own body a banquet in a similar way to those horrid three. I felt all over the body, but no sign could I find of the key. Then I stopped and looked at the Count. There was a mocking smile on the bloated face which seemed to drive me mad. This was the being I was helping to transfer to London, where, perhaps, for centuries to come he might, amongst its teeming millions, satiate his lust for blood, and create a new and ever-widening circle of semi-demons to batten on the helpless. The very thought drove me mad. A terrible desire came upon me to rid the world of such a monster. There was no lethal weapon at hand, but I seized a shovel which the workmen had been using to fill the cases, and lifting it high, struck, with the edge downward, at the hateful face. But as I did so the head turned, and the eyes fell full upon me, with all their blaze of basilisk horror. The sight seemed to paralyse me, and the shovel turned in my hand and glanced from the face, merely making a deep gash above the forehead. The shovel fell from my hand across the box, and as I pulled it away the flange of the blade caught the edge of the lid which fell over again, and hid the horrid thing from my sight. The last glimpse I had was of the bloated face, bloodstained and fixed with a grin of malice which would have held its own in the nethermost hell.

Português → I thought and thought what should be my next move, but my brain seemed on fire, and I waited with a despairing feeling growing over me. As I waited I heard in the distance a gipsy song sung by merry voices coming closer, and through their song the rolling of heavy wheels and the cracking of whips; the Szgany and the Slovaks of whom the Count had spoken were coming. With a last look around and at the box which contained the vile body, I ran from the place and gained the Count’s room, determined to rush out at the moment the door should be opened. With strained ears, I listened, and heard downstairs the grinding of the key in the great lock and the falling back of the heavy door. There must have been some other means of entry, or someone had a key for one of the locked doors. Then there came the sound of many feet tramping and dying away in some passage which sent up a clanging echo. I turned to run down again towards the vault, where I might find the new entrance; but at the moment there seemed to come a violent puff of wind, and the door to the winding stair blew to with a shock that set the dust from the lintels flying. When I ran to push it open, I found that it was hopelessly fast. I was again a prisoner, and the net of doom was closing round me more closely.

Português → As I write there is in the passage below a sound of many tramping feet and the crash of weights being set down heavily, doubtless the boxes, with their freight of earth. There is a sound of hammering; it is the box being nailed down. Now I can hear the heavy feet tramping again along the hall, with many other idle feet coming behind them.

The door is shut, and the chains rattle; there is a grinding of the key in the lock; I can hear the key withdraw: then another door opens and shuts; I hear the creaking of lock and bolt.

Hark! in the courtyard and down the rocky way the roll of heavy wheels, the crack of whips, and the chorus of the Szgany as they pass into the distance.

I am alone in the castle with those awful women. Faugh! Mina is a woman, and there is nought in common. They are devils of the Pit!

Português → I shall not remain alone with them; I shall try to scale the castle wall farther than I have yet attempted. I shall take some of the gold with me, lest I want it later. I may find a way from this dreadful place.

And then away for home! away to the quickest and nearest train! away from this cursed spot, from this cursed land, where the devil and his children still walk with earthly feet!

At least God’s mercy is better than that of these monsters, and the precipice is steep and high. At its foot a man may sleep - as a man. Goodbye, all! Mina!

Chapter V

Português → Letter from Miss Mina Murray to Miss Lucy Westenra.

“9 May.

“My dearest Lucy -

Português → “Forgive my long delay in writing, but I have been simply overwhelmed with work. The life of an assistant schoolmistress is sometimes trying. I am longing to be with you, and by the sea, where we can talk together freely and build our castles in the air. I have been working very hard lately, because I want to keep up with Jonathan’s studies, and I have been practising shorthand very assiduously. When we are married I shall be able to be useful to Jonathan, and if I can stenograph well enough I can take down what he wants to say in this way and write it out for him on the typewriter, at which also I am practising very hard. He and I sometimes write letters in shorthand, and he is keeping a stenographic journal of his travels abroad. When I am with you I shall keep a diary in the same way. I don’t mean one of those two-pages-to-the-week-with-Sunday-squeezed-in-a-corner diaries, but a sort of journal which I can write in whenever I feel inclined. I do not suppose there will be much of interest to other people; but it is not intended for them. I may show it to Jonathan some day if there is in it anything worth sharing, but it is really an exercise book. I shall try to do what I see lady journalists do: interviewing and writing descriptions and trying to remember conversations. I am told that, with a little practice, one can remember all that goes on or that one hears said during a day. However, we shall see. I will tell you of my little plans when we meet. I have just had a few hurried lines from Jonathan from Transylvania. He is well, and will be returning in about a week. I am longing to hear all his news. It must be so nice to see strange countries. I wonder if we - I mean Jonathan and I - shall ever see them together. There is the ten o’clock bell ringing. Goodbye.

Português → “Your loving “Mina.

“Tell me all the news when you write. You have not told me anything for a long time. I hear rumours, and especially of a tall, handsome, curly-haired man???”

Letter, Lucy Westenra to Mina Murray.

“17, Chatham Street, “Wednesday.

“My dearest Mina -

Português → “I must say you tax me very unfairly with being a bad correspondent. I wrote to you twice since we parted, and your last letter was only your second. Besides, I have nothing to tell you. There is really nothing to interest you. Town is very pleasant just now, and we go a good deal to picture-galleries and for walks and rides in the park. As to the tall, curly-haired man, I suppose it was the one who was with me at the last Pop. Someone has evidently been telling tales. That was Mr. Holmwood. He often comes to see us, and he and mamma get on very well together; they have so many things to talk about in common. We met some time ago a man that would just do for you, if you were not already engaged to Jonathan. He is an excellent parti, being handsome, well off, and of good birth. He is a doctor and really clever. Just fancy! He is only nine-and-twenty, and he has an immense lunatic asylum all under his own care. Mr. Holmwood introduced him to me, and he called here to see us, and often comes now. I think he is one of the most resolute men I ever saw, and yet the most calm. He seems absolutely imperturbable. I can fancy what a wonderful power he must have over his patients. He has a curious habit of looking one straight in the face, as if trying to read one’s thoughts. He tries this on very much with me, but I flatter myself he has got a tough nut to crack. I know that from my glass. Do you ever try to read your own face? I do, and I can tell you it is not a bad study, and gives you more trouble than you can well fancy if you have never tried it. He says that I afford him a curious psychological study, and I humbly think I do. I do not, as you know, take sufficient interest in dress to be able to describe the new fashions. Dress is a bore. That is slang again, but never mind; Arthur says that every day. There, it is all out. Mina, we have told all our secrets to each other since we were children; we have slept together and eaten together, and laughed and cried together; and now, though I have spoken, I would like to speak more. Oh, Mina, couldn’t you guess? I love him. I am blushing as I write, for although I think he loves me, he has not told me so in words. But oh, Mina, I love him; I love him; I love him! There, that does me good. I wish I were with you, dear, sitting by the fire undressing, as we used to sit; and I would try to tell you what I feel. I do not know how I am writing this even to you. I am afraid to stop, or I should tear up the letter, and I don’t want to stop, for I do so want to tell you all. Let me hear from you at once, and tell me all that you think about it. Mina, I must stop. Good night. Bless me in your prayers; and, Mina, pray for my happiness.

Português → “Lucy.

“P.S. - I need not tell you this is a secret. Good night again.

“L.”

Letter, Lucy Westenra to Mina Murray.

“24 May.

“My dearest Mina -

“Thanks, and thanks, and thanks again for your sweet letter. It was so nice to be able to tell you and to have your sympathy.

Português → “My dear, it never rains but it pours. How true the old proverbs are. Here am I, who shall be twenty in September, and yet I never had a proposal till today, not a real proposal, and today I have had three. Just fancy! Three proposals in one day! Isn’t it awful! I feel sorry, really and truly sorry, for two of the poor fellows. Oh, Mina, I am so happy that I don’t know what to do with myself. And three proposals! But, for goodness’ sake, don’t tell any of the girls, or they would be getting all sorts of extravagant ideas and imagining themselves injured and slighted if in their very first day at home they did not get six at least. Some girls are so vain! You and I, Mina dear, who are engaged and are going to settle down soon soberly into old married women, can despise vanity. Well, I must tell you about the three, but you must keep it a secret, dear, from everyone, except, of course, Jonathan. You will tell him, because I would, if I were in your place, certainly tell Arthur. A woman ought to tell her husband everything - don’t you think so, dear? - and I must be fair. Men like women, certainly their wives, to be quite as fair as they are; and women, I am afraid, are not always quite as fair as they should be. Well, my dear, number One came just before lunch. I told you of him, Dr. John Seward, the lunatic-asylum man, with the strong jaw and the good forehead. He was very cool outwardly, but was nervous all the same. He had evidently been schooling himself as to all sorts of little things, and remembered them; but he almost managed to sit down on his silk hat, which men don’t generally do when they are cool, and then when he wanted to appear at ease he kept playing with a lancet in a way that made me nearly scream. He spoke to me, Mina, very straightforwardly. He told me how dear I was to him, though he had known me so little, and what his life would be with me to help and cheer him. He was going to tell me how unhappy he would be if I did not care for him, but when he saw me cry he said that he was a brute and would not add to my present trouble. Then he broke off and asked if I could love him in time; and when I shook my head his hands trembled, and then with some hesitation he asked me if I cared already for anyone else. He put it very nicely, saying that he did not want to wring my confidence from me, but only to know, because if a woman’s heart was free a man might have hope. And then, Mina, I felt a sort of duty to tell him that there was someone. I only told him that much, and then he stood up, and he looked very strong and very grave as he took both my hands in his and said he hoped I would be happy, and that if I ever wanted a friend I must count him one of my best. Oh, Mina dear, I can’t help crying: and you must excuse this letter being all blotted. Being proposed to is all very nice and all that sort of thing, but it isn’t at all a happy thing when you have to see a poor fellow, whom you know loves you honestly, going away and looking all brokenhearted, and to know that, no matter what he may say at the moment, you are passing quite out of his life. My dear, I must stop here at present, I feel so miserable, though I am so happy.

Português → “Evening.

Versão em Português B1

Capítulo I

Capítulo II

Capítulo III

Capítulo IV

Capítulo V

Contents

Capítulo I

English → Diário de Jonathan Harker.

(Escrito em taquigrafia.)

3 de maio. Bistritz. Eu saí de Munique às 20h35 do dia 1º de maio e cheguei a Viena no início da manhã seguinte, embora o trem estivesse uma hora atrasado. Budapeste parecia maravilhosa vista do trem, e eu só pude caminhar um pouco pelas ruas. Eu não quis me afastar muito da estação, porque tínhamos chegado atrasados e sairíamos o mais perto possível do horário. Parecia que estávamos deixando o Ocidente e entrando no Oriente. As grandes pontes sobre o Danúbio nos levaram a uma terra moldada pelo domínio turco.

Saímos no horário certo e chegamos a Klausenburgh depois do anoitecer. Passei a noite no Hotel Royale. No jantar, ou melhor, na ceia, comi frango preparado com pimentão vermelho. Estava muito bom, mas me deixou com sede. Perguntei ao garçom como se chamava o prato. Ele disse que era "paprika hendl", um prato nacional encontrado em qualquer lugar dos Cárpatos. Meu pouco alemão foi muito útil aqui. Não sei como eu me viraria sem ele.

English → Enquanto eu estava em Londres, tive tempo de visitar o Museu Britânico e olhar livros e mapas sobre Transilvânia. Pensei que saber algo sobre o país poderia me ajudar a lidar com um nobre de lá. Descobri que o lugar que ele mencionou fica no extremo leste do país, nas fronteiras de Transilvânia, Moldávia e Bucovina, no meio das montanhas dos Cárpatos. É uma das regiões mais selvagens e menos conhecidas da Europa. Não consegui encontrar nenhum mapa ou livro que mostrasse o lugar exato do Castelo Drácula, mas descobri que Bistritz, a cidade dos correios mencionada pelo Count Drácula, é bem conhecida. Vou anotar algumas coisas aqui, para poder lembrar quando contar para Mina sobre minha viagem.

English → Transilvânia tem quatro grandes grupos étnicos: os saxões no sul, com os valáquios entre eles; os magiares no oeste; e os Szekelys no leste e no norte. Eu vou ficar entre os Szekelys, que dizem descender de Átila e dos hunos. Isso pode ser verdade, porque quando os magiares conquistaram o país no século onze, encontraram os hunos já vivendo ali. Também li que todo tipo de superstição do mundo parece se reunir nas montanhas dos Cárpatos, como se elas fossem o centro de um estranho redemoinho de ideias. Se isso for verdade, minha estadia deve ser muito interessante. Preciso perguntar ao Count sobre isso.

English → Não dormi bem, mesmo com a cama confortável, porque tive sonhos estranhos. Um cachorro uivou embaixo da minha janela a noite toda, e isso deve ter sido parte do motivo. Também pode ter sido o pimentão, porque bebi toda a água da minha jarra de vidro e continuei com sede. Perto de amanhecer eu consegui dormir, e depois acordei porque alguém batia sem parar na minha porta. Então devo ter dormido bem pesado. No café da manhã comi mais pimentão, um mingau de milho chamado "mamaliga", e berinjela recheada chamada "impletata". Também quis pedir a receita dessa. Tive que me apressar porque o trem devia sair um pouco antes das oito. Corri para a estação às 7h30, mas depois fiquei sentado no vagão por mais de uma hora antes de partirmos. Quanto mais para o leste se vai, mais atrasados os trens parecem ficar. Como será que são os trens na China?

English → O dia todo viajamos devagar por uma região de grande beleza. Às vezes víamos pequenas cidades ou castelos em colinas íngremes, como imagens de livros de orações antigos. Em outros momentos passávamos por rios e córregos com margens largas e cheias de pedras, mostrando que enchentes acontecem ali com frequência. É preciso muita força da água para desgastar as margens de um rio assim. Em cada estação havia grupos de pessoas, às vezes multidões, com roupas de muitos tipos diferentes. Algumas pareciam camponeses como os que vemos em casa, ou como os que vi na França e na Alemanha, com jaquetas curtas, chapéus redondos e calças feitas em casa. Outras eram bem coloridas. As mulheres eram bonitas quando vistas de longe, mas pareciam desajeitadas na cintura quando vistas de perto. Elas usavam mangas brancas e largas, e muitas vezes cintos largos com tiras penduradas, parecendo trajes de balé, embora usassem anáguas por baixo. As pessoas mais estranhas eram os eslovacos. Pareciam mais rudes que os outros, com chapéus grandes, calças largas de um branco sujo, camisas brancas e cintos de couro bem largos cobertos de tachas de latão. Usavam botas altas, tinham cabelo preto comprido e bigodes pretos grossos, e pareciam antigos bandidos do Oriente. Mesmo assim, me disseram que eles são inofensivos e não muito confiantes.

English → Chegamos a Bistritz já no crepúsculo escuro. É um lugar antigo e interessante. Fica perto da fronteira, porque o Borgo Pass leva de lá até a Bucovina, e a cidade teve uma história cheia de problemas. Cinquenta anos atrás houve cinco grandes incêndios que causaram danos terríveis. No início do século dezessete, a cidade ficou cercada por três semanas, e 13 mil pessoas morreram. A guerra, a fome e as doenças aumentaram ainda mais as perdas.

O Count Drácula me disse para ir ao Golden Krone Hotel. Fiquei feliz ao ver que era um lugar bem antiquado, porque eu queria conhecer os costumes do país. As pessoas estavam me esperando. Quando cheguei perto da porta, vi uma senhora idosa e simpática, com roupas de camponesa: uma roupa de baixo branca com um longo avental duplo (na frente e atrás), feito de tecido colorido, bem justo ao corpo. Ela fez uma reverência e perguntou: "O Herr inglês?" Eu respondi: "Sim, Jonathan Harker." Ela sorriu e deu um recado a um homem idoso de camisa branca, que a seguiu até a porta. Ele saiu e voltou rapidamente com uma carta.

English → Meu amigo, seja bem-vindo aos Cárpatos. Estou esperando por você com grande expectativa. Durma bem esta noite. Amanhã, às três horas, a diligência vai partir para a Bucovina, e um lugar está reservado para você. No Borgo Pass, minha carruagem vai esperar por você e o trará até mim. Espero que sua viagem desde Londres tenha sido agradável, e que você aproveite sua estadia em minha bela terra.

Seu amigo, Drácula.

English → 4 de maio. - Descobri que o dono da pousada tinha recebido uma carta do Count, pedindo que guardasse o melhor lugar da diligência para mim. Mas quando pedi mais detalhes, ele pareceu relutante em falar e agiu como se não conseguisse entender meu alemão. Isso não podia ser verdade, porque até aquele momento ele tinha me entendido perfeitamente. Pelo menos, respondia às minhas perguntas como se entendesse. Ele e a esposa, a senhora idosa que tinha me recebido, se entreolharam com medo. Ele disse que o dinheiro tinha sido enviado junto com a carta, e que era tudo o que sabia. Quando perguntei se ele conhecia o Count Drácula ou podia me falar sobre o castelo dele, tanto ele quanto a esposa se benzeram e disseram que não sabiam de nada. Não quiseram falar mais nada. Já estava quase na hora de partir, então não tive tempo de perguntar a mais ninguém. Tudo parecia muito estranho e nada tranquilizador.

English → Pouco antes de eu partir, a senhora idosa veio ao meu quarto e disse, muito aflita:

"O senhor precisa mesmo ir? Ah, jovem Herr, o senhor precisa mesmo ir?" Ela estava tão agitada que parecia esquecer o alemão que sabia e misturava com outra língua que eu não conhecia. Só consegui entendê-la fazendo muitas perguntas. Quando eu disse que precisava partir imediatamente por causa de um assunto importante, ela perguntou de novo:

"O senhor sabe que dia é hoje?" Eu disse que era quatro de maio. Ela sacudiu a cabeça e disse de novo:

"Ah, sim! Eu sei disso! Eu sei disso, mas o senhor sabe que dia é hoje?" Quando eu disse que não entendia, ela continuou:

English → "É a véspera do Dia de São Jorge. O senhor não sabe que esta noite, quando o relógio bater meia-noite, todas as coisas más terão poder total? O senhor sabe para onde está indo, e para o que está indo?" Ela estava muito aflita, e tentei consolá-la, mas não adiantou. No fim, ela caiu de joelhos e implorou para que eu não fosse, ou pelo menos esperasse um dia ou dois. Parecia bobagem, mas mesmo assim fiquei incomodado. Ainda assim, eu tinha trabalho a fazer, e nada podia me impedir. Então a ajudei a se levantar e, o mais calmamente que pude, disse que agradecia, mas tinha um dever a cumprir e precisava ir. Ela então se levantou, secou os olhos, tirou um crucifixo do pescoço e me ofereceu. Eu não sabia o que fazer. Como um homem da Igreja Anglicana, fui ensinado a achar que esse tipo de coisa era um tanto errado, mas também parecia falta de educação recusar uma senhora idosa que tinha tão boas intenções. Ela deve ter percebido minha dúvida, porque colocou o terço no meu pescoço e disse: "Pelo bem da sua mãe", e depois saiu do quarto. Estou escrevendo isso enquanto espero a diligência, que está atrasada, e o crucifixo ainda está no meu pescoço. Não sei se é o medo da senhora idosa, as histórias deste lugar, ou o próprio crucifixo, mas não me sinto tão calmo quanto de costume. Se este caderno chegar até Mina antes de mim, que sirva de despedida. Lá vem a diligência!

English → 5 de maio. O castelo. - A manhã cinzenta já passou, e o sol agora está alto sobre o horizonte distante. A linha do horizonte parece irregular e cheia de saliências, mas não consigo saber se são árvores ou colinas, porque está tão longe que as coisas grandes e pequenas se misturam. Não estou com sono, e como só vão me chamar quando eu acordar, vou escrever até que o sono chegue. Há muitas coisas estranhas para registrar, e não quero que ninguém pense que comi demais antes de sair de Bistritz, então vou anotar exatamente o que jantei. Comi o que chamavam de "bife de ladrão" - pedaços de bacon, cebola e carne bovina, temperados com pimentão vermelho, espetados em varetas e assados na fogueira, do mesmo jeito simples da carne de gato de Londres. O vinho era o Golden Mediasch, que deu uma sensação estranha e ardida na língua, mas não desagradável. Bebi só duas taças, e nada mais.

English → Quando subi na diligência, o cocheiro ainda não tinha se sentado. Eu o vi conversando com a dona da pousada. Estava claro que falavam sobre mim, porque olhavam para mim várias vezes. Algumas pessoas sentadas no banco perto da porta - que eles chamam de "portador de notícias" - vieram escutar, e depois olharam para mim com pena. Ouvi muitas palavras estranhas se repetindo, porque havia pessoas de países diferentes. Então peguei discretamente meu dicionário na mala e fui procurá-las. Não eram nada reconfortantes. Entre as palavras estavam "Ordog" - Satanás, "pokol" - inferno, "stregoica" - bruxa, "vrolok" e "vlkoslak" - que significam a mesma coisa, uma em eslovaco e outra em sérvio, para algo que é lobisomem ou vampiro. (Nota: preciso perguntar ao Count sobre essas crenças.)

English → Quando partimos, a multidão na porta da pousada tinha crescido muito. Todos faziam o sinal da cruz e apontavam dois dedos para mim. Por fim, consegui que um dos outros passageiros explicasse o gesto. No começo ele não quis responder, mas quando soube que eu era inglês, disse que era um amuleto contra o mau-olhado. Isso não foi nada agradável para mim, já que eu estava indo para um lugar desconhecido encontrar um homem desconhecido. Mas todos foram tão gentis, tristes e cuidadosos que fiquei profundamente comovido. Nunca vou esquecer minha última visão do pátio da pousada e das muitas figuras estranhas ali, todas se benzendo sob o grande arco. Atrás delas havia plantas de um verde intenso, com oleandros e laranjeiras em vasos no meio do pátio. Então nosso cocheiro estalou seu grande chicote sobre os quatro cavalos pequenos, e partimos.

English → Logo esqueci meus medos, porque a paisagem era muito bonita. Se eu soubesse a língua, ou melhor, as línguas dos outros passageiros, talvez não tivesse me acalmado tão facilmente. Diante de nós havia colinas verdes com florestas e bosques, e de vez em quando colinas íngremes com árvores ou casas de fazenda no topo. Por toda parte havia um mar de flores de frutas: maçã, ameixa, pera e cereja. Enquanto passávamos, eu via a grama verde sob as árvores coberta de pétalas caídas. A estrada serpenteava por essas colinas do Mittel Land e muitas vezes desaparecia em curvas ou atrás de bosques de pinheiros que desciam pelas encostas como línguas de fogo. A estrada era ruim, mas percorríamos ela muito rápido. Eu não sabia por que estávamos com tanta pressa, mas era claro que o cocheiro queria chegar logo a Borgo Prund. Me disseram que a estrada é boa no verão, mas ainda não tinha sido consertada depois da neve do inverno. Isso era incomum, porque as estradas nos Cárpatos costumavam ser deixadas de propósito em más condições. Antigamente, os Hospadars não as consertavam, porque tinham medo de que os turcos pensassem que eles estavam se preparando para a guerra.

English → Além das colinas verdes do Mittel Land, erguiam-se grandes encostas cobertas de floresta que subiam até as altas montanhas dos Cárpatos. Elas ficavam dos dois lados. O sol da tarde brilhava sobre elas e mostrava suas cores ricas: azul profundo e roxo nas sombras, verde e marrom onde a grama encontrava a rocha, e longas fileiras de pedras afiadas e penhascos, até que os picos nevados apareciam ao longe. Em alguns lugares havia enormes fendas nas montanhas, e conforme o sol começava a se pôr, às vezes víamos água branca caindo por elas. Um dos meus companheiros tocou meu braço quando contornamos a base de uma colina e se abriu diante de nós a vista de um pico alto, coberto de neve, que parecia muito perto de nós.

"Olhe! Isten szek!" - "O trono de Deus!" - ele disse, e se benzeu com respeito.

English → Enquanto continuávamos nossa longa viagem, o sol foi baixando atrás de nós e as sombras da noite foram nos cercando. O topo nevado da montanha ainda guardava a luz do pôr do sol e brilhava num rosa suave e frio. Passamos por Cszeks e eslovacos com roupas vivas, mas percebi que o bócio era muito comum. Havia muitas cruzes ao lado da estrada, e quando passávamos por elas, todos os meus companheiros se benziam. De vez em quando um camponês, homem ou mulher, se ajoelhava diante de um santuário e nem se virava para nos olhar, como se uma oração profunda o afastasse do mundo. Vi muitas coisas novas, como feno empilhado nas árvores e lindas bétulas chorosas com troncos brancos brilhando como prata entre as folhas verdes. Às vezes passávamos por um leiter-wagon, a carroça comum dos camponeses, com sua longa armação feita para estradas ruins. Geralmente carregava grupos de camponeses voltando para casa, Cszeks com peles de carneiro brancas e eslovacos com peles coloridas. Os eslovacos carregavam longos bastões com machados na ponta. Conforme a noite caía, o ar ficava muito frio. As árvores escuras - carvalho, faia e pinheiro - se misturavam numa massa só, embora nos vales os pinheiros escuros ainda se destacassem contra a neve tardia. Às vezes atravessávamos bosques de pinheiros que pareciam se fechar sobre nós na escuridão. Manchas pálidas nas árvores davam à cena um ar estranho e solene, e meus antigos pensamentos inquietos voltaram. Às vezes as colinas eram tão íngremes que os cavalos só conseguiam ir devagar, mesmo com o cocheiro com pressa. Eu queria descer e caminhar, como fazemos em casa, mas ele não deixou. Disse que os cachorros eram muito ferozes. Depois, como uma piada sombria, acrescentou que eu talvez visse coisas assim o bastante antes de dormir. Ele só parou por um instante para acender as lamparinas.

English → Quando escureceu, os passageiros ficaram agitados e não paravam de falar com o cocheiro, pedindo para ele ir mais rápido. Ele chicoteava os cavalos e gritava para incentivá-los. Na escuridão, vi um pedaço de luz cinzenta à frente, como se houvesse uma fenda entre as colinas. A agitação aumentou; a diligência balançava e sacudia como um barco num mar tempestuoso. Eu tinha que me segurar. A estrada ficou mais plana, e parecia que estávamos voando. Então as montanhas se aproximaram e pareciam nos observar carrancudas. Estávamos entrando no Borgo Pass. Um a um, os passageiros me deram presentes, entregando-os com muita sinceridade. Eram objetos estranhos e variados, dados de boa fé, junto com uma palavra gentil, uma bênção, o sinal da cruz e uma proteção contra o mau-olhado. Enquanto voávamos, o cocheiro se inclinava para frente, e os passageiros espiavam a escuridão. Algo empolgante estava acontecendo ou era esperado, mas ninguém explicava nada. A agitação durou um tempo, depois vimos o Pass se abrindo no lado leste. Nuvens escuras e pesadas cobriam o céu, e o ar parecia carregado de trovão. Parecia que as montanhas separavam duas atmosferas, e agora estávamos na tempestuosa. Procurei a carruagem que devia me levar até o Count. Esperava ver lamparinas na escuridão, mas estava tudo escuro. Só os raios bruxuleantes das nossas próprias lamparinas mostravam o vapor saindo dos cavalos. A estrada de areia se estendia branca diante de nós, mas não havia nenhum veículo. Os passageiros recuaram com um suspiro de alívio que zombava da minha decepção. Eu estava pensando no que fazer quando o cocheiro, olhando o relógio, disse baixinho: "Uma hora antes da hora combinada." Depois me disse em alemão: "Não há carruagem aqui. O Herr não é esperado. Ele vai seguir até a Bucovina e voltar amanhã ou depois de amanhã."

English → Enquanto ele falava, os cavalos começaram a relinchar, bufar e disparar violentamente, e o cocheiro teve que segurá-los. Então, em meio a gritos dos camponeses, todos se benzendo, uma calèche puxada por quatro cavalos surgiu atrás de nós, nos ultrapassou e parou ao lado da diligência. À luz das lamparinas, vi que os cavalos eram pretos como carvão e magníficos. Um homem alto, com uma longa barba castanha e um grande chapéu preto, conduzia a carruagem. Ele parecia esconder o rosto. Só consegui ver o brilho de olhos muito claros, que pareciam vermelhos à luz da lamparina, quando ele se virou para nós. Ele disse ao cocheiro:

"Você está adiantado esta noite, meu amigo." O homem respondeu gaguejando:

"O Herr inglês estava com pressa,"

e o estranho respondeu: "Foi por isso, imagino, que você quis que ele seguisse até a Bucovina. Você não consegue me enganar, meu amigo; eu sei demais, e meus cavalos são velozes." Enquanto falava, ele sorriu, e a luz da lamparina caiu sobre uma boca dura, de lábios muito vermelhos e dentes afiados, brancos como marfim. Um dos meus companheiros sussurrou para outro um verso do poema "Lenore", de Burger: -

English → "Denn die Todten reiten schnell" significa "Porque os mortos viajam depressa".

O estranho cocheiro claramente ouviu as palavras, porque ergueu os olhos com um sorriso largo. O passageiro virou o rosto para o lado e se benzeu com dois dedos. "Me dê a bagagem do Herr", disse o cocheiro, e num instante minhas malas foram tiradas e colocadas na calèche. Então desci da diligência ao lado dela, e o cocheiro me ajudou com uma mão que apertou meu braço como aço. Ele tinha uma força incrível. Sem dizer uma palavra, sacudiu as rédeas, os cavalos viraram, e disparamos para a escuridão do Pass. Olhando para trás, vi o vapor dos cavalos da diligência à luz das lamparinas, e os rostos dos meus antigos companheiros, se benzendo. Então o cocheiro estalou o chicote e chamou os cavalos, e eles dispararam em direção à Bucovina. Enquanto desapareciam na escuridão, senti frio e solidão. Mas colocaram uma capa sobre meus ombros e um cobertor sobre meus joelhos, e o cocheiro disse, num alemão muito bom:

English → "A noite está fria, mein Herr. Meu senhor, o Count, me pediu para cuidar bem do senhor. Há slivovitz embaixo do banco, se o senhor quiser." Eu não bebi, mas foi bom saber que estava ali. Me senti estranho e um pouco assustado. Se eu pudesse escolher, não teria feito aquela viagem noturna. A carruagem seguia rápido por uma estrada, depois virava e seguia por outra estrada reta. Parecia que passávamos pelo mesmo lugar de novo. Reparei em um ponto de referência e vi que era verdade. Quis perguntar ao cocheiro, mas fiquei com medo. Achei que qualquer protesto não impediria um atraso. Mais tarde, acendi um fósforo e olhei meu relógio. Estava quase meia-noite. Isso me chocou, por causa da superstição sobre a meia-noite. Fiquei esperando com uma sensação ruim no estômago.

English → Então um cachorro começou a uivar em algum lugar, numa casa de fazenda distante na estrada. Era um choro longo e dolorido, cheio de medo. Outro cachorro respondeu, depois outro, e mais outro, até que o vento, que agora suspirava suavemente pelo Pass, trazia um uivo selvagem vindo de todo o país, até onde eu conseguia imaginar na escuridão. No primeiro uivo, os cavalos começaram a puxar e empinar, mas o cocheiro falou com eles com calma, e eles se acalmaram. Mesmo assim, tremiam e suavam como se tivessem disparado de repente por medo. Depois, ao longe, uivos mais altos e mais agudos vieram das montanhas dos dois lados. Eram lobos. Isso afetou os cavalos e a mim da mesma maneira. Eu queria pular da calèche e correr, enquanto eles empinavam e lutavam violentamente, e o cocheiro teve que usar toda a força para impedi-los de disparar. Depois de alguns minutos, me acostumei com o som, e os cavalos ficaram calmos o bastante para o cocheiro descer e ficar de pé na frente deles. Ele os acariciou, os acalmou, e sussurrou nos ouvidos deles, como já vi domadores de cavalos fazerem. Funcionou muito bem, e ao toque dele os cavalos voltaram a ficar tranquilos, embora ainda tremessem. Ele voltou ao seu lugar, sacudiu as rédeas e seguiu em grande velocidade. Dessa vez, depois de chegar ao outro lado do Pass, ele de repente virou por uma estrada estreita que ia bruscamente para a direita.

English → Logo as árvores se fecharam ao nosso redor, e em alguns pontos se curvavam bem sobre a estrada, de modo que passávamos como por um túnel. Em outros momentos, grandes rochas escuras se erguiam firmes dos dois lados. Mesmo protegidos, dava para ouvir o vento aumentando. Ele gemia e assobiava entre as pedras, e os galhos das árvores batiam uns nos outros enquanto avançávamos depressa. Foi ficando cada vez mais frio, e uma neve fina e leve começou a cair. Logo nós e tudo ao redor estávamos cobertos por um manto branco. O vento cortante ainda trazia o uivo dos cachorros, embora fosse ficando mais fraco conforme avançávamos. Os uivos dos lobos pareciam cada vez mais perto, como se estivessem nos cercando de todos os lados. Fiquei terrivelmente assustado, e os cavalos compartilhavam meu medo. Mas o cocheiro não parecia perturbado em nada. Ele ficava virando a cabeça para a esquerda e para a direita, embora eu não conseguisse ver nada na escuridão.

English → De repente, bem longe à nossa esquerda, vi uma pequena chama azul. O cocheiro a viu no mesmo instante. Ele parou os cavalos rapidamente, desceu de um salto e desapareceu na escuridão. Eu não sabia o que fazer, ainda mais com os uivos dos lobos se aproximando. Mas enquanto eu me perguntava o que fazer, o cocheiro voltou de repente, sem dizer nada, e sentou-se de novo no seu lugar. Continuamos a viagem. Acho que devo ter cochilado e sonhado com aquilo, porque a cena parecia se repetir várias vezes. Olhando para trás agora, parece um pesadelo horrível. Uma vez a chama apareceu tão perto da estrada que, mesmo na escuridão ao nosso redor, eu conseguia observar os movimentos do cocheiro. Ele foi rapidamente até o lugar onde a chama azul se erguia. Ela devia ser muito fraca, porque não parecia iluminar nada do chão ao redor. Ele juntou algumas pedras e as organizou em algum tipo de forma. Uma vez, algo estranho aconteceu: quando ele ficou entre mim e a chama, ele não a bloqueou, e eu ainda conseguia ver seu brilho fantasmagórico. Isso me assustou, mas durou só um instante, então achei que meus olhos estavam me enganando na escuridão. Depois, por um tempo, não houve mais chamas azuis, e seguimos pela escuridão, com os lobos uivando ao nosso redor como se estivessem nos seguindo num círculo em movimento.

English → Por fim, o cocheiro se afastou mais do que antes, e enquanto ele estava longe, os cavalos tremeram mais do que nunca, bufando e gritando de medo. Eu não conseguia entender o motivo, porque os lobos tinham parado de uivar por completo. Então a lua atravessou nuvens escuras e apareceu atrás do topo afiado de uma rocha íngreme coberta de pinheiros. À sua luz, vi um círculo de lobos ao nosso redor, com dentes brancos, línguas vermelhas para fora, pernas longas e fortes, e pelo áspero. Eles eram muito mais terríveis naquele silêncio vigilante do que quando uivavam. Quanto a mim, o medo me deixou quase paralisado. Só quando um homem se encontra cara a cara com tais horrores é que pode entender o quanto eles são realmente terríveis.

English → De repente os lobos começaram a uivar, como se a luz da lua os tivesse afetado de um jeito estranho. Os cavalos saltaram e empinaram, e olhavam ao redor sem saber o que fazer, com os olhos girando de um jeito angustiado. Mas o círculo vivo de perigo os cercava por todos os lados, e eles não tinham escolha a não ser ficar dentro dele. Chamei o cocheiro para vir, porque parecia que nossa única chance era romper o círculo e ajudá-lo a chegar até nós. Gritei e bati na lateral da calèche, esperando que o barulho assustasse os lobos daquele lado e abrisse um caminho para ele chegar até a carruagem. Não sei como ele conseguiu, mas ouvi sua voz gritando com firmeza e autoridade, e quando olhei naquela direção, o vi de pé na estrada. Ele agitava os longos braços como se estivesse empurrando algo invisível, e os lobos foram recuando cada vez mais. Nesse momento, uma nuvem pesada passou sobre a lua, e ficamos na escuridão de novo.

English → Quando voltei a enxergar, o cocheiro estava subindo de volta na calèche, e os lobos tinham sumido. Tudo era tão estranho e assustador que fui dominado pelo medo, e tive medo até de falar ou me mexer. A viagem parecia não ter fim enquanto seguíamos disparados, agora numa escuridão quase completa, porque as nuvens cobriam a lua. Continuávamos subindo, com apenas curtos trechos de descida de vez em quando, mas na maior parte do tempo estávamos sempre subindo. De repente, percebi que o cocheiro estava parando os cavalos no pátio de um enorme castelo em ruínas. Ele tinha janelas altas e escuras, sem nenhuma luz acesa, e ameias quebradas que formavam uma linha irregular contra o céu iluminado pela lua.

Capítulo II

English → 5 de maio - Eu devo ter dormido, porque se eu estivesse totalmente acordado, com certeza teria notado um lugar tão incomum. Na escuridão, o pátio parecia muito grande, e como vários caminhos escuros saíam dele por baixo de grandes arcos redondos, talvez ele parecesse maior do que realmente era. Ainda não consegui vê-lo à luz do dia.

Quando a caleche parou, o cocheiro pulou para baixo e estendeu a mão para me ajudar a descer. Mais uma vez notei sua grande força. A mão dele parecia uma morsa de aço e poderia ter esmagado a minha se ele quisesse. Depois ele pegou minhas malas e as colocou no chão ao meu lado. Eu estava perto de uma porta enorme e antiga, coberta de grandes pregos de ferro, numa entrada feita de pedra maciça. Mesmo com a luz fraca, dava para ver que a pedra tinha um entalhe fino, embora o tempo e o clima o tivessem desgastado. Enquanto eu ficava ali parado, o cocheiro pulou de volta para o seu assento e sacudiu as rédeas. Os cavalos partiram na mesma hora, e a carruagem desapareceu por uma das aberturas escuras.

English → Fiquei ali parado, em silêncio, porque não sabia o que fazer. Não havia sino nem aldrava. Minha voz dificilmente atravessaria aquelas paredes escuras e as aberturas das janelas. A espera parecia não ter fim, e dúvidas e medos tomaram conta da minha mente. A que tipo de lugar eu tinha vindo? Que tipo de gente morava ali? Que aventura sombria eu tinha começado? Será que isso fazia parte normal do trabalho de um auxiliar de advogado, enviado para explicar a um estrangeiro a compra de uma propriedade em Londres? Auxiliar de advogado! Mina não ia gostar disso. Eu já não era mais apenas um auxiliar. Pouco antes de sair de Londres, eu tinha ficado sabendo que passei no meu exame. Agora eu era um advogado completo. Esfreguei os olhos e me belisquei para ver se estava acordado. Tudo parecia um pesadelo terrível, e pensei que talvez fosse acordar em casa, com a luz da manhã nas janelas. Mas o beliscão doeu, e meus olhos não mentiam. Eu estava realmente acordado, e estava nos Cárpatos. Tudo o que eu podia fazer era esperar a manhã com paciência.

English → Assim que tive esse pensamento, ouvi passos pesados vindo de trás da grande porta. Pelas frestas, vi uma luz se aproximando. Depois ouvi correntes chacoalhando e ferrolhos pesados sendo puxados. Uma chave girou com um som áspero e raspado, como se não fosse usada havia muito tempo, e a grande porta se abriu.

Lá dentro estava um homem alto e idoso. Ele era barbeado, exceto por um longo bigode branco. Vestia-se todo de preto, sem nenhuma cor. Segurava um velho lampião de prata. A chama queimava sem proteção, criando sombras longas no ar por causa da porta aberta. O velho fez um gesto educado para que eu entrasse. Ele falava um inglês excelente, com um sotaque estranho.

"Seja bem-vindo à minha casa! Entre livremente e por sua própria vontade!" Ele não se moveu para me receber, mas ficou parado como uma estátua. Assim que dei um passo para dentro, ele se moveu rapidamente e estendeu a mão. Apertou minha mão com tanta força que doeu. Sua mão estava fria como gelo, mais parecida com a de um morto do que com a de um vivo. Ele disse de novo.

English → "Seja bem-vindo à minha casa. Entre livremente. Saia em segurança; e deixe um pouco da felicidade que traz com você!" O aperto de mão era muito parecido com a força do cocheiro. Eu não tinha visto o rosto do cocheiro. Por um instante, imaginei se o cocheiro e aquele homem eram a mesma pessoa. Para ter certeza, perguntei.

"Count Drácula?" Ele fez uma reverência educada ao responder.

"Eu sou Drácula. Seja bem-vindo, Sr. Harker, à minha casa. Entre; o ar da noite está frio, e o senhor precisa comer e descansar." Enquanto falava, ele colocou o lampião num suporte na parede, saiu e pegou minhas malas. Carregou-as para dentro antes que eu pudesse impedi-lo. Eu protestei, mas ele insistiu.

"Não, senhor, o senhor é meu convidado. É tarde, e meus criados não estão disponíveis. Deixe que eu mesmo cuide do senhor." Ele insistiu em carregar minhas malas pelo corredor, subindo uma grande escada em espiral, e por outro corredor. Nossos passos faziam sons altos no chão de pedra. No final, ele abriu uma porta pesada. Fiquei feliz ao ver um quarto bem iluminado, com uma mesa posta para a ceia e uma grande fogueira acesa com lenha fresca.

English → O Count parou, colocou minhas malas no chão, fechou a porta e atravessou o quarto. Abriu outra porta que dava para um pequeno cômodo octogonal, com apenas um lampião e sem janelas. Passando por ali, abriu mais uma porta e fez um gesto para que eu entrasse. Foi uma visão bem-vinda: um grande quarto, bem iluminado e quente, com outra fogueira, também alimentada havia pouco tempo. O fogo fazia um rugido oco subindo pela larga chaminé. O Count deixou minha bagagem lá dentro e se retirou, dizendo antes de fechar a porta:

"Depois da viagem, o senhor vai querer se refrescar e trocar de roupa. Espero que encontre tudo que precisa. Quando estiver pronto, venha para o outro quarto, onde a ceia o espera."

A luz, o calor e as boas-vindas educadas do Count pareceram afastar minhas dúvidas e meus medos. Então voltei a me sentir normal, e percebi que estava com muita fome. Por isso, troquei de roupa rapidamente e fui para o outro quarto.

English → Vi que a ceia já estava servida. Meu anfitrião estava de pé de um lado da grande lareira, encostado na pedra, e fez um gesto elegante em direção à mesa antes de dizer:

"Por favor, sente-se e coma à vontade. Espero que me desculpe por não me juntar ao senhor. Eu já jantei, e não como ceia."

Entreguei a ele a carta lacrada que o Sr. Hawkins tinha confiado a mim. Ele a abriu e leu com seriedade. Depois sorriu gentilmente e a devolveu para que eu também pudesse lê-la. Uma parte dela, em especial, me deixou muito feliz.

"Lamento que um ataque de gota, do qual sofro com frequência, torne impossível para mim viajar por algum tempo. Mas tenho o prazer de dizer que posso enviar um substituto à altura, um homem em quem confio completamente. Ele é jovem, cheio de energia e talentoso à sua maneira, além de muito leal. É quieto e cuidadoso, e cresceu até a idade adulta ao meu serviço. Ele estará pronto para ajudá-lo sempre que precisar, durante sua estadia, e seguirá as instruções do senhor em todos os assuntos."

English → O Count se aproximou e tirou a tampa de um prato. Logo comecei a comer um excelente frango assado. Isso, junto com um pouco de queijo, uma salada e uma garrafa de Tokay envelhecido, do qual bebi duas taças, formou minha ceia. Enquanto eu comia, o Count me fez muitas perguntas sobre minha viagem, e fui contando tudo aos poucos.

Àquela altura eu já tinha terminado a ceia, e, a pedido do meu anfitrião, aproximei uma cadeira do fogo e comecei a fumar um charuto que ele me ofereceu. Ele se desculpou por não fumar. Isso me deu a chance de observá-lo, e percebi que o rosto dele era muito incomum.

English → O rosto dele era forte, muito forte, com formato de águia, com um nariz fino e alto no meio e narinas estranhamente curvas. Tinha uma testa alta e arredondada, e o cabelo era ralo nas têmporas, mas grosso no resto. As sobrancelhas eram muito grossas e quase se encontravam por cima do nariz, e os cabelos grossos pareciam se encaracolar sozinhos. Sob o bigode espesso, a boca parecia fixa e um tanto cruel, com dentes brancos e afiados que saíam por cima dos lábios. Os lábios eram de um vermelho intenso, o que mostrava uma energia surpreendente para um homem da idade dele. As orelhas eram pálidas e bem pontudas na parte de cima, o queixo era largo e forte, e as bochechas eram firmes, mas finas. No geral, ele parecia extremamente pálido.

English → Antes disso, eu só tinha visto o dorso das mãos dele à luz do fogo, apoiadas nos joelhos, e pareciam brancas e finas. Mas quando as vi de perto, percebi que na verdade eram ásperas, largas, com dedos curtos e grossos. Estranhamente, havia pelos no meio de cada palma. As unhas dele eram longas, finas e afiadas. Quando o Count se inclinou sobre mim e suas mãos me tocaram, não consegui evitar um arrepio. Pode ter sido o hálito ruim dele, mas de repente senti enjoo e não consegui esconder. O Count percebeu e deu um passo para trás. Com um sorriso duro que mostrava ainda mais os dentes grandes do que antes, sentou-se de novo do seu lado da lareira. Ficamos calados por um tempo. Então olhei para a janela e vi a primeira luz fraca do amanhecer. Tudo parecia estranhamente parado, mas então ouvi, como se viesse do vale lá embaixo, o uivo de muitos lobos. Os olhos do Count brilharam, e ele disse:

English → "Escute-os - os filhos da noite. Que música eles fazem!" Vendo, acho eu, uma expressão estranha no meu rosto, ele acrescentou:

"Ah, senhor, vocês, gente da cidade, não conseguem entender o que um caçador sente." Depois ele se levantou e disse:

"Mas o senhor deve estar cansado. Seu quarto está pronto, e amanhã pode dormir até a hora que quiser. Eu preciso ficar fora até a tarde, então durma bem e tenha bons sonhos!" Com uma reverência educada, ele mesmo abriu a porta do cômodo de oito lados, e eu fui para o meu quarto…

Estou cheio de espanto. Tenho dúvidas e estou com medo. Penso em coisas estranhas que nem ouso contar a mim mesmo. Que Deus me proteja, nem que seja pelo bem daqueles que amo!

7 de maio - É de manhã cedo outra vez, mas descansei e aproveitei bem as últimas vinte e quatro horas. Dormi até tarde e acordei sozinho. Depois de me vestir, fui até o quarto onde tínhamos comido e encontrei um café da manhã frio já servido. O café ficava quente na cafeteira sobre a lareira. Havia um cartão na mesa que dizia:

English → "Precisei sair por um tempo. Não me espere. - D." Comi uma refeição completa e gostei muito. Quando terminei, procurei um sino para chamar os criados, mas não encontrei nenhum. A casa tem algumas coisas estranhamente ausentes, mesmo estando cheia de grande riqueza. A louça é de ouro e muito refinada. As cortinas, as capas das cadeiras, as capas do sofá e as cortinas da minha cama são feitas de tecido caro. Têm centenas de anos, mas ainda estão em excelente estado. Vi coisas parecidas em Hampton Court, mas lá estavam gastas e danificadas. Ainda assim, não há um espelho em nenhum cômodo. Não há sequer um vidrinho na minha mesa, então precisei pegar o pequeno espelho de barbear da minha mala antes de conseguir me barbear ou pentear o cabelo. Não vi nenhum criado, e não ouvi nada perto do castelo além do uivo dos lobos. Depois que terminei minha refeição - não sei se devo chamá-la de café da manhã ou de almoço, já que era entre cinco e seis horas - procurei algo para ler. Eu não queria andar pelo castelo antes de perguntar ao Count. Não havia nada no quarto: nenhum livro, nenhum jornal, nem mesmo papel e caneta. Então abri outra porta e encontrei uma espécie de biblioteca. A porta em frente à minha estava trancada.

English → Fiquei muito feliz ao encontrar muitos livros em inglês na biblioteca, prateleiras inteiras deles, além de revistas e jornais encadernados. Numa mesa no meio do cômodo havia revistas e jornais em inglês, mas nenhum era recente. Os livros eram sobre vários assuntos: história, geografia, política, economia, botânica, geologia, direito. Todos eles falavam sobre Inglaterra e a vida inglesa. Também encontrei livros de referência, como o Londres Directory, os livros "Red" e "Blue", o Whitaker's Almanac, as listas do Exército e da Marinha, e a Law List, o que me deixou contente.

Enquanto eu olhava os livros, a porta se abriu e o Count entrou. Ele me cumprimentou calorosamente e disse que esperava que eu tivesse dormido bem. Depois disse:

English → "Fico feliz que tenha encontrado este cômodo. Há muita coisa aqui que vai lhe interessar. Estes livros têm sido bons amigos para mim. Por anos, desde que decidi ir para Londres, eles me deram muitas horas de prazer. Através deles, cheguei a conhecer a grande Inglaterra de vocês. Conhecer Inglaterra é amar Inglaterra. Quero caminhar pelas ruas cheias de gente de Londres, estar na cidade agitada, compartilhar sua vida, suas mudanças e sua morte. Mas infelizmente, só conheço o idioma de vocês através dos livros. Espero que o senhor, meu amigo, possa me ajudar a aprender a falá-lo."

"Mas, Count," eu disse, "o senhor conhece e fala inglês muito bem!" Ele fez uma reverência séria.

"Agradeço, meu amigo, pela sua opinião tão gentil, mas ainda estou longe do caminho que quero percorrer. Conheço a gramática e as palavras, mas não sei como falá-las."

English → "De fato," eu disse, "o senhor fala muito bem."

English → "Não é bem assim," ele respondeu. "Se eu me movesse e falasse na sua Londres, todo mundo veria que sou um estrangeiro. Isso não é suficiente para mim. Aqui eu sou nobre; sou boiardo; o povo comum me conhece, e eu sou o senhor. Mas um estrangeiro em terra estranha não é ninguém. As pessoas não o conhecem, e se não o conhecem, não se importam com ele. Fico feliz quando sou como todo mundo, para que ninguém pare para me encarar ou ria, dizendo: 'Ha, ha! um estrangeiro!' Fui senhor por tanto tempo que quero continuar sendo senhor, ou pelo menos não ser governado por mais ninguém. O senhor não veio apenas como agente do meu amigo Peter Hawkins, de Exeter, para me contar sobre minha nova propriedade em Londres. Espero que fique comigo por um tempo, para que eu possa aprender com o senhor a falar inglês. E quero que me diga sempre que eu cometer até o menor erro. Lamento ter ficado fora por tanto tempo hoje, mas sei que o senhor vai perdoar um homem com tantos assuntos importantes para cuidar."

English → "Sim, com certeza," e acrescentou:

"O senhor pode ir a qualquer lugar que quiser no castelo, exceto onde as portas estiverem trancadas. Claro que o senhor não vai querer ir lá. Há um motivo para tudo ser como é. Se pudesse ver com meus olhos e saber o que eu sei, talvez entendesse melhor." Eu disse que tinha certeza disso, e então ele continuou:

"Estamos na Transilvânia, e a Transilvânia não é a Inglaterra. Nossos costumes não são os costumes de vocês, e o senhor vai ver muitas coisas estranhas. Aliás, pelo que já me contou sobre suas experiências, o senhor já sabe algo sobre coisas estranhas."

English → Isso deu início a uma longa conversa. Estava claro que ele queria conversar, mesmo que fosse só pelo prazer de falar. Fiz muitas perguntas sobre coisas que já tinham acontecido comigo ou que eu tinha visto. Às vezes ele evitava o assunto ou mudava de conversa fingindo não entender. Mas na maior parte do tempo respondia com muita franqueza. Com o passar do tempo, fui ficando mais corajoso e perguntei sobre algumas coisas estranhas da noite anterior, como o motivo de o cocheiro ter ido até os lugares onde tinha visto as chamas azuis. Ele explicou que muitas pessoas acreditam que uma chama azul aparece sobre um tesouro enterrado numa certa noite do ano - a noite anterior, na verdade, quando se acredita que os espíritos maus têm poder livre. "Não há muita dúvida de que havia um tesouro escondido na região que o senhor atravessou ontem à noite," ele disse. "Aquela terra foi disputada por séculos entre valáquios, saxões e turcos. Quase nenhuma parte desta região deixou de ser encharcada com o sangue de homens, sejam patriotas ou invasores. Antigamente havia batalhas duras, quando austríacos e húngaros vinham em grande número, e os patriotas saíam para enfrentá-los - homens, mulheres, idosos e até crianças. Eles esperavam nas rochas acima dos desfiladeiros para poder destruir o inimigo com avalanches provocadas. Quando o invasor vencia, encontrava muito pouco, porque tudo o que havia ali tinha sido escondido em segurança na terra amiga."

English → "Mas como," eu disse, "pode ter ficado escondido por tanto tempo, se há um sinal claro para quem se dá ao trabalho de procurar?" O Count sorriu. Os lábios dele se retraíram sobre as gengivas, e os dentes longos e afiados apareceram de um jeito estranho. Ele respondeu:

"Porque o camponês de vocês é, na verdade, um covarde e um tolo! Essas chamas aparecem apenas numa noite, e naquela noite nenhum homem deste país vai sair de casa se puder evitar. E mesmo que saísse, não saberia o que fazer. O camponês que visse o lugar nem saberia onde procurar à luz do dia, mesmo para seu próprio trabalho. E ouso dizer que até o senhor não conseguiria encontrar aqueles lugares de novo."

"O senhor tem razão," eu disse. "Eu não sei mais do que um morto sobre onde procurá-los." Depois passamos a falar de outras coisas.

English → "Venha," ele disse por fim. "Fale-me sobre Londres e a casa que encontrou para mim." Pedi desculpas e peguei os papéis na minha mala. Enquanto os organizava, ouvi barulho de louça no quarto ao lado. Vi que a mesa tinha sido tirada e o lampião estava aceso, porque já estava escuro. Os lampiões também estavam acesos na biblioteca. O Count estava deitado no sofá, lendo um Bradshaw's Guide em inglês. Quando entrei, ele limpou a mesa e olhamos os planos e os papéis juntos. Ele se interessava por tudo e fazia muitas perguntas. Já tinha estudado antes e sabia mais do que eu. Quando falei isso, ele respondeu:

"Bem, meu amigo, não é necessário? Quando eu for para lá, estarei sozinho. Meu amigo Harker Jonathan - não, desculpe, estou usando o costume do meu país - meu amigo Jonathan Harker não estará lá para me ajudar. Ele estará em Exeter, a quilômetros de distância, trabalhando em documentos legais com meu outro amigo, Peter Hawkins. Pois é!"

English → Discutimos em detalhes a compra da propriedade em Purfleet. Contei a ele os fatos, consegui sua assinatura nos papéis e escrevi uma carta para o Sr. Hawkins. Depois ele perguntou como eu tinha encontrado um lugar tão adequado. Li minhas anotações para ele.

"Em Purfleet, numa rua secundária, encontrei exatamente o tipo de lugar que parecia necessário, com uma placa quebrada dizendo que o local estava à venda. Ele é cercado por um muro alto de pedra antiga. O muro não é consertado há muitos anos. Os portões fechados são feitos de carvalho e ferro pesados e antigos, e estão muito cobertos de ferrugem.

English → "A propriedade se chama Carfax, talvez a partir do antigo nome Quatre Face, porque a casa tem quatro lados que correspondem às quatro direções. Tem cerca de vinte acres, todos cercados pelo forte muro de pedra que mencionei. Há muitas árvores, que deixam partes do terreno escuras e tristes. Também há um lago ou pequena lagoa funda e escura, alimentada por nascentes, já que a água é limpa e escoa num riacho de bom tamanho. A casa é muito grande e parece vir de várias épocas, talvez até da Idade Média. Uma parte é feita de pedra muito grossa, com apenas algumas janelas bem no alto, protegidas por barras de ferro. Parece parte de uma fortaleza, e fica perto de uma antiga capela ou igreja. Não consegui entrar porque não tinha a chave da porta da casa, mas tirei fotos dela de vários pontos com minha kodak. A casa foi ampliada ao longo do tempo, mas de um jeito desigual e misturado, então só posso imaginar quanto terreno ela cobre. Deve ser bem grande. Há apenas algumas casas por perto. Uma delas é uma casa muito grande que recentemente foi transformada num hospício particular. No entanto, não é possível vê-la a partir do terreno."

English → Quando terminei, ele disse:

"Fico feliz que seja antiga e grande. Venho de uma família antiga; uma casa nova me mataria. Uma casa não pode ficar confortável em um dia, e poucos dias não fazem um século. Também estou feliz por haver uma capela antiga. Nós, nobres da Transilvânia, não gostamos que nossos ossos fiquem entre mortos comuns. Não busco alegria, nem sol forte, nem águas brilhantes que agradam aos jovens. Já não sou jovem; meu coração está triste depois de anos de luto. As paredes do meu castelo estão quebradas; há muitas sombras; o vento sopra frio pelas partes destruídas. Eu amo a sombra e quero ficar sozinho com meus pensamentos." De alguma forma, suas palavras e sua expressão não combinavam; seu sorriso parecia maligno e sombrio.

English → Logo depois ele me deixou, com uma desculpa, e pediu que eu juntasse todos os meus papéis. Ficou fora por um tempo, e comecei a olhar os livros ao meu redor. Um deles era um atlas, aberto na página da Inglaterra, como se aquela página fosse usada com frequência. Nela vi pequenos círculos marcados em certos lugares. Um ficava perto de Londres, do lado leste, claramente onde ficava sua nova propriedade. Os outros dois eram Exeter e Whitby, na costa de Yorkshire.

English → Já fazia quase uma hora quando o Count voltou. "Aha!" disse ele. "Ainda com os livros? Ótimo, mas o senhor não deve trabalhar o tempo todo. Venha, sua ceia está pronta." Ele segurou meu braço, e fomos para o quarto ao lado, onde encontrei uma ceia excelente. O Count se desculpou de novo por já ter comido fora. Mas ficou sentado conversando enquanto eu comia. Depois da ceia, fumei, e o Count ficou comigo, fazendo perguntas por horas. Senti que já estava muito tarde, mas não disse nada porque queria agradá-lo. Eu não estava com sono depois do longo sono do dia anterior. Mas senti frio quando o amanhecer chegou, como a virada da maré. Dizem que as pessoas perto da morte costumam morrer ao amanhecer ou na virada da maré. Qualquer um que já tenha estado cansado pode acreditar nisso. De repente, ouvimos um galo cantar bem alto. Count Drácula deu um pulo e disse:

English → "Ora, a manhã chegou de novo! Fui descuidado ao deixar o senhor acordado por tanto tempo. O senhor precisa tornar sua conversa sobre a minha querida nova terra, a Inglaterra, menos interessante, para que eu não esqueça como o tempo passa rápido," e, com uma reverência educada, ele se retirou rapidamente.

Fui para o meu quarto e abri as cortinas, mas havia pouco para ver. Minha janela dava para o pátio, e eu só conseguia ver o céu cinza e morno ficando mais claro. Então fechei as cortinas de novo e escrevi sobre este dia.

English → 8 de maio - Comecei a temer que estivesse escrevendo detalhes demais neste caderno. Mas agora fico feliz por ter escrito com tanto detalhe desde o início, porque há algo tão estranho neste lugar e em tudo que existe nele que me sinto incomodado. Eu gostaria de estar em segurança, longe daqui, ou de nunca ter vindo. Talvez essa vida estranha durante a noite esteja me afetando, mas isso não é o pior. Se houvesse alguém com quem conversar, eu suportaria melhor, mas não há ninguém. Só posso falar com o Count, e ele! Temo que eu seja a única alma viva aqui. Deixe-me me ater aos fatos simples, tanto quanto possível. Isso vai me ajudar a manter a calma, e não posso deixar minha imaginação correr solta. Se isso acontecer, estarei perdido. Deixe-me primeiro dizer claramente onde estou, ou onde pareço estar.

English → Dormi apenas algumas horas e depois me levantei porque não conseguia dormir mais. Tinha pendurado meu espelho de barbear perto da janela e estava começando a me barbear. De repente, senti uma mão no ombro e ouvi o Count dizer: "Bom dia." Levei um susto porque não o tinha visto, mesmo o espelho mostrando todo o quarto atrás de mim. Ao me assustar, me cortei de leve, mas não percebi na hora. Depois de responder a ele, olhei de novo para o espelho para ver o meu erro. Desta vez não havia como estar enganado, porque o Count estava parado bem perto, atrás de mim, e eu conseguia vê-lo por cima do meu ombro. Mas não havia nenhum reflexo dele no espelho. Todo o quarto atrás de mim estava ali, mas nenhum homem além de mim mesmo. Isso me assustou profundamente. Piorou ainda mais o desconforto que sempre sinto perto do Count. Então vi que meu corte tinha sangrado um pouco, e o sangue escorria pelo meu queixo. Larguei a navalha e me virei um pouco para procurar algo que estancasse o sangramento. Quando o Count viu meu rosto, seus olhos brilharam com uma raiva terrível, e ele de repente avançou a mão para o meu pescoço. Me afastei, e a mão dele tocou o cordão de contas que segurava o crucifixo. Na mesma hora ele mudou. Sua raiva sumiu tão rápido que mal dava para acreditar que tinha existido.

English → "Tenha cuidado," ele disse. "Cuidado ao se cortar. É mais perigoso do que o senhor imagina, neste país." Depois pegou o espelho de barbear e disse: "E esta é a coisa miserável que causou o problema. É um brinquedo sujo da vaidade humana. Fora com ele!" Abriu a janela pesada com um puxão forte e jogou o espelho para fora. Ele se espatifou em mil pedaços nas pedras lá embaixo, no pátio. Depois saiu sem dizer mais nada. Isso é muito irritante, porque não sei como vou me barbear, a não ser que use a tampa do meu relógio ou o fundo da vasilha de barbear, que felizmente é de metal.

English → Quando fui até a sala de jantar, o café da manhã estava pronto, mas não consegui encontrar o Count em lugar nenhum, então comi sozinho. É estranho que eu ainda não o tenha visto comer ou beber nada. Ele deve ser um homem muito fora do comum. Depois do café da manhã, explorei um pouco o castelo. Saí pelas escadas e encontrei um cômodo voltado para o sul. A vista era maravilhosa, e tive uma boa chance de observá-la. O castelo fica bem na beira de um penhasco terrível. Uma pedra jogada da janela cairia trezentos metros sem tocar em nada. Até onde eu conseguia ver, havia um mar de copas de árvores verdes, com fendas profundas de vez em quando, onde ficavam os desfiladeiros. Aqui e ali, eu via linhas prateadas, onde os rios serpenteavam pelas florestas em vales profundos.

Mas eu não estava com vontade de descrever belezas. Depois de ver a vista, explorei mais um pouco. Havia portas por toda parte, e todas estavam trancadas e com ferrolhos. Em lugar nenhum, exceto pelas janelas nas paredes do castelo, havia alguma saída.

English → O castelo é realmente uma prisão, e eu sou um prisioneiro!

Capítulo III

English → Quando descobri que eu era um prisioneiro, fui tomado por um sentimento selvagem. Corri escada acima e escada abaixo, tentando abrir cada porta e olhando por cada janela que eu conseguia encontrar. Depois de um tempo, o fato de que eu estava impotente superou todos os meus outros sentimentos. Olhando para trás, depois de algumas horas, acho que devo ter ficado louco por um tempo, porque me comportei como um rato numa armadilha. Mas assim que aceitei que não podia fazer nada, sentei-me em silêncio, com mais calma do que jamais fiz qualquer coisa, e comecei a pensar no que deveria fazer. Ainda estou pensando, e ainda não cheguei a uma resposta clara. De uma coisa tenho certeza: não adianta dizer ao Conde o que penso. Ele sabe que estou trancado aqui, e como foi ele mesmo quem fez isso, e tem seus próprios motivos, ele só me enganaria se eu confiasse totalmente nele. Pelo que posso perceber, meu único plano é guardar meus pensamentos e medos só para mim e manter os olhos abertos. Sei que ou estou me enganando por medo, como uma criança, ou estou em perigo muito grave. Se isso for verdade, vou precisar de toda a minha inteligência para superar essa situação.

English → Eu mal tinha chegado a essa decisão quando ouvi a grande porta lá embaixo se fechar, e soube que o Conde tinha voltado. Ele não entrou na biblioteca de imediato, então fui com cuidado até o meu quarto e o encontrei arrumando a cama. Isso era estranho, mas só confirmou o que eu já suspeitava: não há criados na casa. Mais tarde, eu o vi pela fresta perto das dobradiças da porta, pondo a mesa na sala de jantar, e isso me convenceu ainda mais. Se ele mesmo faz todas essas tarefas simples, então com certeza não há mais ninguém aqui para fazê-las. Isso me assustou, porque se não há mais ninguém no castelo, então o próprio Conde deve ter conduzido a carruagem que me trouxe até aqui. É um pensamento terrível. Se for assim, o que significa o fato de ele conseguir controlar os lobos apenas levantando a mão em silêncio? Por que as pessoas em Bistritz e na carruagem estavam tão preocupadas comigo? O que significavam o crucifixo, o alho, a rosa selvagem e a tramazeira? Bendita seja aquela boa mulher que pendurou o crucifixo no meu pescoço, pois ele me conforta e me dá forças sempre que o toco. É estranho que uma coisa que me ensinaram a rejeitar, e a considerar idolatria, agora me ajude, quando estou sozinho e aflito. Será que há algo no próprio objeto, ou é apenas uma lembrança física de carinho e conforto? Um dia talvez eu precise pensar nisso. Por enquanto, preciso descobrir tudo o que puder sobre o Conde Drácula, porque isso pode me ajudar a entender a situação. Esta noite, talvez ele fale sobre si mesmo, se eu conduzir a conversa nessa direção. Mas preciso ter muito cuidado para não despertar suas suspeitas.

English → Meia-noite. - Tive uma longa conversa com o Conde. Fiz algumas perguntas sobre a história da Transilvânia, e ele ficou muito interessado. Quando falava sobre acontecimentos e pessoas, especialmente batalhas, falava como se ele mesmo tivesse estado lá. Mais tarde ele explicou isso dizendo que, para um boiardo, o orgulho de sua família e de seu nome é o seu próprio orgulho, a glória deles é a sua glória, e o destino deles é o seu destino. Sempre que falava de sua casa, ele dizia "nós", quase como um rei. Eu gostaria de poder escrever exatamente tudo o que ele disse, porque foi profundamente interessante para mim. Parecia conter toda a história do país. Ele foi ficando animado enquanto falava, andando pelo quarto, puxando o grande bigode branco e apertando as coisas como se pudesse esmagá-las. Uma coisa que ele disse vou registrar da forma mais fiel possível, porque conta a história de seu povo à sua própria maneira: -

English → "Nós, os Szekelys, temos o direito de sermos orgulhosos. Em nosso sangue corre o sangue de muitos povos corajosos que lutaram como leões pelo poder. Aqui, na mistura das raças europeias, a tribo ugriana trouxe da Islândia o espírito de luta que Thor e Odin lhes deram. Seus Berserkers mostraram esse espírito nas costas da Europa, da Ásia e da África. As pessoas pensavam que os próprios lobisomens tinham chegado. Aqui, eles também encontraram os hunos. A fúria guerreira dos hunos havia varrido a terra como uma chama viva. Os moribundos acreditavam que em suas veias corria o sangue de velhas feiticeiras que, expulsas da Cítia, se uniram a demônios no deserto. Tolos! Que demônio ou feiticeira já foi tão grande quanto Attila, cujo sangue corre nestas veias?" Ele ergueu os braços. "Será surpresa que fôssemos um povo conquistador? Que fôssemos orgulhosos? Quando os magiares, os lombardos, os avaros, os búlgaros ou os turcos lançavam milhares de guerreiros contra nossas fronteiras, nós os fazíamos recuar. Será estranho que, quando Arpad e suas legiões atravessaram a terra natal húngara, ele nos encontrasse aqui, na fronteira? Que foi ali que se completou o Honfoglalas? Quando a onda húngara avançou para o leste, os Szekelys foram reconhecidos como parentes pelos magiares vitoriosos. Por séculos, guardamos a fronteira das terras turcas. Como dizem os turcos, ‘a água dorme, mas o inimigo nunca dorme.’ Quem mais do que nós recebeu com alegria a ‘espada de sangue’ ou correu para o estandarte do rei? Quando foi reparada aquela grande vergonha da minha nação? A vergonha de Cassova, quando as bandeiras dos valáquios e dos magiares caíram sob o Crescente? Quem, senão alguém do meu próprio povo, como voivoda, atravessou o Danúbio e venceu os turcos em seu próprio território? Esse sim foi um Drácula de verdade! Que pena que seu próprio irmão indigno tenha vendido seu povo aos turcos e trazido a escravidão! Não foi esse Drácula que inspirou outro de sua linhagem a levar suas forças além do grande rio, para as terras turcas, vezes e mais vezes? Mesmo derrotado, ele voltava, sozinho, vindo do campo de batalha ensanguentado, porque sabia que só ele poderia triunfar. Diziam que ele só pensava em si mesmo. Bah! De que servem camponeses sem um líder? Onde termina a guerra sem uma mente e um coração para conduzi-la? De novo, depois da batalha de Mohács, quando nos livramos do jugo húngaro, nós, do sangue Drácula, estávamos entre os líderes. Nosso espírito não aceitava que não fôssemos livres. Ah, jovem senhor, os Szekelys - e os Drácula como seu sangue, sua mente e sua espada - podem se orgulhar de uma história que famílias recentes como os Habsburgos e os Romanov jamais poderão alcançar. Os dias de guerra acabaram. O sangue é precioso demais nestes tempos de paz desonrosa. As glórias dos grandes povos são como um conto que já foi contado."

English → A essa altura já era quase manhã, e fomos dormir. (Registro aqui que este diário está ficando parecido com o começo das "Mil e Uma Noites", porque tudo precisa parar ao cantar do galo - ou como o fantasma do pai de Hamlet.)

12 de maio. - Deixe-me começar pelos fatos: fatos simples, comprovados por livros e números, e fora de dúvida. Não devo misturá-los com experiências que dependem apenas da minha visão ou da minha memória. Ontem à noite, quando o Conde saiu do quarto, ele me fez perguntas sobre leis e sobre certos tipos de negócios. Eu tinha passado o dia cansado sobre os livros, e para manter a mente ocupada, revisei algumas das perguntas que me haviam feito nos exames em Lincoln’s Inn. O Conde perguntava de forma bem organizada, então vou escrever as perguntas dele em ordem, porque esse conhecimento pode me ser útil mais tarde.

English → Primeiro, ele perguntou se um homem na Inglaterra podia ter dois advogados ou mais. Eu disse que podia ter uma dúzia, se quisesse, mas que não seria sensato ter mais de um advogado cuidando do mesmo negócio, porque só um pode agir de cada vez, e trocar poderia prejudicar seus interesses. Ele pareceu entender perfeitamente, e então perguntou se haveria alguma dificuldade prática em ter um homem cuidando dos bancos e outro cuidando dos embarques, caso fosse preciso ajuda local em um lugar longe da casa do advogado responsável pelos bancos. Pedi que ele explicasse melhor, para eu não induzi-lo a erro. Então ele disse:

English → "Deixe-me dar um exemplo. Nosso amigo, seu e meu, o Sr. Peter Hawkins, que mora à sombra da bela catedral de Exeter, bem longe de Londres, compra para mim, por meio de você, minha propriedade em Londres. Muito bem! Agora deixe-me ser franco, para que você não estranhe eu ter contratado alguém tão longe de Londres em vez de alguém que morasse lá: meu motivo foi que nenhum interesse local devia ser servido, exceto o meu próprio desejo. Alguém que morasse em Londres poderia ter um interesse próprio, ou um amigo a favorecer, então fui procurar meu agente bem longe. O trabalho dele deve servir apenas ao meu interesse. Agora, suponha que eu, que tenho muitos negócios, queira enviar mercadorias, digamos, para Newcastle, ou Durham, ou Harwich, ou Dover. Não seria mais fácil enviá-las a alguém nesses portos?" Respondi que, certamente, seria mais fácil, mas que nós, advogados, temos um sistema de ajuda mútua, de modo que o trabalho local pode ser feito localmente, por instrução de qualquer advogado. Assim, o cliente, tratando apenas com um homem, pode ter seus desejos realizados sem trabalho extra.

English → "Mas," disse ele, "eu mesmo poderia escolher e dirigir isso. Não é verdade?"

"Claro," respondi, "e homens de negócios costumam fazer isso, porque não querem que uma única pessoa saiba de tudo sobre seus assuntos."

"Muito bem!" disse ele. Depois perguntou sobre a forma de enviar mercadorias, os formulários que precisam ser preenchidos, e muitos outros problemas que poderiam surgir, mas que podiam ser evitados com cuidado. Expliquei tudo o melhor que pude, e ele saiu com a impressão de que teria sido um excelente advogado, porque pensava em tudo e conseguia prever cada dificuldade. Para um homem que nunca tinha estado no país, e que não parecia fazer muitos negócios, seu conhecimento e sua perspicácia eram surpreendentes. Quando ele terminou de perguntar tudo o que queria, e eu verifiquei tudo o que pude nos livros, ele se levantou de repente e disse:

English → "Você escreveu, desde sua primeira carta, para nosso amigo o Sr. Peter Hawkins, ou para mais alguém?" Respondi, com certa amargura, que não tinha escrito, e que até agora não tinha tido nenhuma chance de mandar cartas para ninguém.

"Então escreva agora, meu jovem amigo," disse ele, pondo uma mão pesada no meu ombro. "Escreva para nosso amigo e para quem mais quiser, e diga, se preferir, que vai ficar comigo até daqui a um mês."

"O senhor quer que eu fique aqui tanto tempo assim?" perguntei, porque o pensamento me deixou gelado por dentro.

"Quero muito isso. Não, não vou aceitar uma recusa. Quando seu patrão, ou empregador, providenciou que alguém viesse no lugar dele, ficou entendido que apenas as minhas necessidades seriam consideradas. Eu não fui injusto. Não é verdade?"

English → O que eu podia fazer, senão aceitar? Era o interesse do Sr. Hawkins, não o meu, e eu precisava pensar nele, não em mim mesmo. Além disso, enquanto o Conde Drácula falava, havia algo em seus olhos e em seu jeito que me lembrava que eu era um prisioneiro, e mesmo que eu quisesse outra coisa, não tinha escolha. O Conde viu sua vitória na minha reverência e no meu rosto preocupado, e imediatamente começou a usar isso a seu favor, com seu jeito suave e imparável.

English → "Por favor, meu bom jovem amigo, não escreva nada além de negócios em suas cartas. Seus amigos certamente vão ficar felizes em saber que o senhor está bem e que espera voltar para casa, para eles. Não é verdade?" Enquanto falava, ele me deu três folhas de papel de carta e três envelopes. Eram de um papel estrangeiro muito fino. Olhei para eles, depois para ele, e vi seu sorriso calmo e seus dentes afiados sobre o lábio inferior vermelho. Entendi, sem que ele precisasse dizer, que eu deveria ter cuidado com o que escrevia, porque ele poderia ler. Então decidi escrever, por enquanto, apenas bilhetes formais, mas escrever uma carta longa e secreta para o Sr. Hawkins, e outra para Mina, porque com ela eu podia usar taquigrafia, o que confundiria o Conde, caso ele a visse. Depois de escrever minhas duas cartas, sentei-me em silêncio e li um livro, enquanto o Conde escrevia vários bilhetes e os conferia com alguns livros na sua mesa. Depois ele pegou minhas duas cartas e as colocou junto com as suas, e guardou seus materiais de escrita. Assim que a porta se fechou atrás dele, eu me inclinei e olhei para as cartas, que estavam viradas para baixo, sobre a mesa. Não me senti culpado, porque, na minha situação, achava que devia me proteger de todas as formas possíveis.

English → Uma carta era endereçada a Samuel F. Billington, No. 7, The Crescent, Whitby; outra ao Herr Leutner, em Varna; a terceira à Coutts & Co., em Londres; e a quarta aos Senhores Klopstock & Billreuth, banqueiros, em Budapeste. A segunda e a quarta não estavam lacradas. Eu estava prestes a olhá-las quando vi a maçaneta da porta se mexer. Rapidamente voltei a me sentar, tive apenas tempo suficiente para colocar as cartas de volta como estavam e voltar a ler antes que o Conde entrasse, segurando outra carta na mão. Ele pegou as cartas da mesa, selou-as com cuidado, e então se virou para mim e disse:

"Espero que me perdoe, mas tenho muito trabalho particular para fazer esta noite. Confio que o senhor vai encontrar tudo como deseja." Na porta, ele se virou, e depois de uma pequena pausa, disse:

English → "Deixe-me aconselhá-lo, meu caro jovem amigo - não, deixe-me avisá-lo com toda a seriedade. Se sair destes aposentos, não durma em nenhum outro lugar do castelo. Ele é antigo, guarda muitas lembranças, e há sonhos ruins para quem dorme sem cuidado. Fique avisado! Se o sono vier sobre o senhor, agora ou mais tarde, corra de volta para o seu quarto ou para estes aposentos, onde estará seguro. Mas, se não tiver cuidado," ele terminou de um jeito horrível, fazendo um gesto com as mãos como se estivesse lavando-as. Eu o entendi muito bem. Minha única dúvida era se algum sonho poderia ser pior do que a escuridão estranha e terrível, e o mistério que parecia se fechar ao meu redor.

Mais tarde. - Concordo com o que escrevi antes, mas agora não tenho mais dúvidas. Não terei medo de dormir em qualquer lugar longe dele. Coloquei o crucifixo acima da minha cama. Acho que ele pode manter meu sono mais livre de sonhos ruins, e vou deixá-lo ali.

English → Quando ele me deixou, fui para o meu quarto. Depois de um tempo, quando não ouvi mais nenhum som, saí e subi as escadas de pedra até um lugar de onde eu podia olhar para o sul. A vista aberta me deu uma sensação de liberdade, mesmo que eu não pudesse alcançá-la, ao contrário da escuridão estreita do pátio. Olhando para fora, senti que estava mesmo preso, e quis um sopro de ar fresco, mesmo que fosse ar da noite. Estou começando a sentir o efeito dessa vida noturna. Ela está destruindo meus nervos. Assusto-me com a minha própria sombra e encho minha mente de pensamentos horríveis. Deus sabe que há razão para o meu medo terrível neste lugar amaldiçoado! Olhei para aquela bela paisagem, coberta por uma suave luz amarela de lua, quase tão clara quanto o dia. Na luz suave, as colinas distantes pareciam se dissolver, e os vales e ravinas eram de um negro profundo. A própria beleza me animou; senti paz e conforto a cada respiração. Enquanto eu me debruçava na janela, meu olhar captou algo se movendo um andar abaixo de mim, um pouco à minha esquerda, onde eu imaginava que ficavam as janelas do próprio quarto do Conde. A janela onde eu estava era alta e funda, com grades de pedra, e embora desgastada pelo tempo, ainda estava inteira; mas era claro que fazia muitos anos que não havia vidro ali. Recuei atrás da pedra e observei com cuidado.

English → Vi a cabeça do Conde saindo pela janela. Não vi seu rosto, mas o reconheci pelo pescoço e pelo movimento das costas e dos braços. Não podia confundir as mãos, que eu já tinha estudado tantas vezes. No começo, senti curiosidade e até um pouco de diversão, porque um prisioneiro pode se interessar e se divertir com coisas muito pequenas. Mas meus sentimentos logo se transformaram em nojo e medo quando vi o homem inteiro sair devagar pela janela e começar a descer, rastejando pela parede do castelo, sobre aquele precipício terrível, de rosto para baixo, com a capa se espalhando ao seu redor como enormes asas. No começo, não consegui acreditar no que via. Pensei que fosse apenas a luz da lua, ou alguma sombra estranha, mas continuei observando, e não era truque nenhum. Vi seus dedos das mãos e dos pés se agarrando às pontas das pedras, gastas pelos anos, usando cada saliência e cada aspereza para descer rapidamente, exatamente como um lagarto na parede.

English → Que tipo de homem é esse, ou que tipo de criatura tem aparência de homem? Sinto o terror deste lugar horrível tomando conta de mim. Estou com medo, um medo profundo, e não há como escapar. Estou cercado por horrores que nem ouso pensar….

English → 15 de maio. Vi o Conde sair de novo, do seu jeito de lagarto. Ele desceu de lado, cerca de trinta metros, e bem mais para a esquerda. Desapareceu num buraco ou numa janela. Quando a cabeça dele sumiu, me debrucei para ver melhor, mas não consegui - estava longe demais. Eu sabia que ele tinha saído do castelo, então pensei que poderia explorar mais do que antes tinha ousado. Voltei para o quarto, peguei uma lamparina, e tentei abrir todas as portas. Estavam todas trancadas, como eu esperava, e as fechaduras eram bem novas. Mas desci as escadas de pedra até o salão onde entrei pela primeira vez. Descobri que conseguia puxar os ferrolhos para trás e desprender as correntes grandes com facilidade. Mas a porta estava trancada, e a chave tinha sumido! A chave devia estar no quarto do Conde. Preciso ficar de olho para ver se a porta dele fica destrancada, para pegar a chave e fugir. Examinei as diferentes escadas e corredores e tentei as portas. Um ou dois quartos pequenos perto do salão estavam abertos, mas não havia nada para ver, só móveis velhos, empoeirados e comidos por traças. Por fim, encontrei uma porta no alto de uma escada. Parecia trancada, mas se moveu um pouco quando empurrei. Tentei com mais força e vi que não estava realmente trancada. A porta era pesada e se apoiava no chão porque as dobradiças tinham caído. Essa era uma chance que talvez eu não tivesse de novo, então empurrei com força e a abri. Agora eu estava numa parte do castelo mais à direita, e um andar abaixo dos aposentos que eu já conhecia. Pelas janelas, dava para ver que os quartos ficavam ao longo do lado sul do castelo. O quarto do fundo tinha janelas voltadas para o oeste e para o sul. Nos dois lados havia um grande precipício. O castelo tinha sido construído na ponta de uma grande rocha, então três lados eram impossíveis de atacar. Grandes janelas foram colocadas onde flechas ou armas não podiam alcançar, para que houvesse luz e conforto. Para o oeste havia um grande vale, e depois, bem longe, montanhas rochosas e altas, de picos afiados, com a rocha coberta de tramazeira e espinheiros. Essa era a parte do castelo onde as damas viviam antigamente, porque os móveis pareciam mais confortáveis do que qualquer coisa que eu já tinha visto. As janelas não tinham cortinas, e a luz amarela da lua entrava pelos vidros em losango. Eu conseguia até ver as cores, e a luz da lua suavizava a poeira grossa e escondia os estragos do tempo e das traças. Minha lamparina parecia pouco brilhante à luz da lua, mas fiquei feliz por tê-la comigo. Havia uma solidão terrível naquele lugar, que gelava meu coração e me fazia tremer. Ainda assim, era melhor do que viver nos aposentos que eu odiava por causa do Conde. Depois de tentar me acalmar, senti uma quietude suave tomar conta de mim. Aqui estou eu, sentado a uma pequena mesa de carvalho, onde talvez uma bela dama tenha se sentado, há muito tempo, para escrever uma carta de amor, corando bastante. Estou escrevendo meu diário em taquigrafia, tudo o que aconteceu desde a última vez que o fechei. É algo bem moderno para o século dezenove. E, no entanto, a menos que eu esteja enganado, os séculos antigos têm poderes que a "modernidade" não consegue destruir.

English → Mais tarde: manhã de 16 de maio. - Que Deus me mantenha são, porque é tudo o que me resta. A segurança se foi. Enquanto eu viver aqui, só posso esperar não enlouquecer, se é que já não estou louco. Se estou são, então é realmente terrível pensar que, entre todas as coisas más deste lugar odioso, o Conde é a que menos me assusta. Ele é o único a quem posso recorrer buscando segurança, e apenas enquanto eu servir aos propósitos dele. Deus grande, Deus misericordioso, deixe-me manter a calma, porque é assim que a loucura começa. Estou começando a entender algumas coisas que antes me confundiam. Até agora, eu nunca tinha entendido completamente o que Shakespeare quis dizer quando fez Hamlet dizer: -

"Minhas tábuas! Rápido, minhas tábuas! É certo que eu escreva isto," etc.

porque agora sinto como se minha própria mente estivesse se quebrando, ou como se estivesse chegando o choque que vai destruí-la, e recorro ao meu diário em busca de conforto. Escrever as coisas com cuidado talvez me ajude a me acalmar.

English → O estranho aviso do Conde me assustou naquele momento, e me assusta ainda mais agora. Quando penso nisso, sei que, no futuro, ele terá um poder terrível sobre mim. Terei medo até de duvidar do que ele disser!

English → Depois de escrever no meu diário e guardar o livro e a caneta no bolso, senti sono. Pensei no aviso do Conde, mas quase gostei da ideia de desobedecê-lo. O sono tinha tomado conta de mim, e com ele veio aquele humor teimoso que o sono costuma trazer. A luz suave da lua me deixou calmo, e a vista ampla me deu uma sensação de liberdade. Decidi não voltar, naquela noite, para os quartos escuros e assombrados. Em vez disso, dormiria ali, onde damas de outros tempos tinham se sentado, cantado e vivido vidas gentis, enquanto sofriam pelos homens que estavam longe, em guerras cruéis. Puxei um grande sofá do canto para poder me deitar e olhar para a bela vista a leste e ao sul. Não me importei com a poeira. Acomodei-me para dormir. Acho que devo ter adormecido. Espero que sim, mas tenho medo, porque tudo o que aconteceu depois pareceu completamente real. Foi tão real que agora, com o sol claro da manhã, mal consigo acreditar que tenha sido apenas um sonho.

English → Eu não estava sozinho. O quarto estava igual a quando eu tinha entrado nele. À luz forte da lua, eu conseguia ver minhas próprias pegadas no chão, onde tinha mexido na poeira. Três mulheres jovens estavam paradas à minha frente, à luz da lua. Pareciam damas, pelas roupas e pelos modos. Na hora, pensei que devia estar sonhando, porque, embora a lua estivesse atrás delas, elas não projetavam nenhuma sombra. Elas se aproximaram e me olharam por um tempo, depois cochicharam entre si. Duas eram morenas, com narizes afiados como o do Conde, e grandes olhos escuros que pareciam quase vermelhos sob a pálida luz amarela da lua. A terceira era muito clara, com longos cabelos ondulados e dourados, e olhos como safiras claras. De alguma forma, o rosto dela parecia familiar, e isso me deu um medo estranho, mas eu não conseguia lembrar por quê. As três tinham dentes brancos e brilhantes, que reluziam como pérolas contra os lábios vermelhos. Havia algo nelas que me deixava inquieto, e ao mesmo tempo eu queria que elas me beijassem. É errado escrever isto, porque Mina pode um dia ler e se magoar, mas é verdade. Elas cochicharam, depois as três riram - uma risada clara e musical, mas dura, como se nunca pudesse ter saído de lábios humanos. Soava como o som agudo e doce de um copo de cristal quando tocado por uma mão habilidosa. A moça clara sacudiu a cabeça de um jeito brincalhão, e as outras duas a incentivaram. Uma disse: -

English → "Vá em frente! Você é a primeira, e nós vamos seguir; o direito de começar é seu." A outra acrescentou: -

"Ele é jovem e forte; há beijos para todas nós." Fiquei parado e olhei por baixo dos cílios, numa espera dolorosa e deliciosa ao mesmo tempo. A moça clara se aproximou e se debruçou sobre mim, até eu poder sentir sua respiração. Era doce, doce como mel, e mandava pelo meu corpo o mesmo arrepio que sua voz. Mas, sob a doçura, havia algo amargo e repugnante, como o cheiro de sangue.

English → Tive medo de abrir os olhos, mas olhei por baixo deles. A moça se ajoelhou e se inclinou sobre mim, olhando com prazer. Havia nela algo abertamente sensual, que ao mesmo tempo me excitava e me enojava. Enquanto curvava o pescoço, ela lambeu os lábios como um animal. À luz da lua, dava para ver o brilho úmido nos lábios vermelhos e na língua, enquanto ela tocava os dentes brancos e afiados. A cabeça dela foi descendo, cada vez mais, até que seus lábios ficaram abaixo da minha boca e do meu queixo, como se quisesse fixar-se na minha garganta. Então ela parou. Eu conseguia ouvir a língua dela se movendo sobre os dentes e os lábios, e sentia sua respiração quente no meu pescoço. Minha garganta começou a formigar, como se uma mão que fazia cócegas estivesse chegando cada vez mais perto. Senti o toque suave e trêmulo dos lábios dela sobre a pele sensível da minha garganta, e a ponta dura de dois dentes afiados, apenas tocando e esperando ali. Fechei os olhos, num prazer estranho e sonhador, e esperei, com o coração batendo forte.

English → Naquele momento, outro sentimento passou por mim como um raio. Eu soube que o Conde estava ali, cheio de fúria. Quando abri os olhos, vi sua mão forte agarrar o pescoço fino da bela mulher e puxá-la para trás com grande força. Os olhos azuis dela mudaram de fúria, os dentes brancos se cerraram, e as faces pálidas ficaram vermelhas. Mas o Conde era muito mais terrível. Eu nunca tinha imaginado uma raiva assim, nem nos demônios. Os olhos dele ardiam. A luz vermelha neles parecia fogo do inferno. Seu rosto estava pálido como a morte, e as linhas duras pareciam arame esticado. As sobrancelhas grossas, sobre o nariz, pareciam uma barra de metal em brasa. Ele moveu o braço e jogou a mulher longe de si, depois fez um gesto para as outras recuarem, o mesmo gesto de comando que eu já tinha visto ele usar com os lobos. Numa voz baixa, quase um sussurro, mas que enchia o quarto inteiro, ele disse:

English → "Como ousam tocar nele, qualquer uma de vocês? Como ousam sequer olhar para ele, quando eu proibi isso? Para trás, eu disse! Este homem me pertence! Cuidado com o que fizerem para interferir com ele, ou terão de lidar comigo." A bela moça riu de um jeito rude e provocador, e respondeu:

"Você mesmo nunca amou; você nunca ama!" Então as outras mulheres se juntaram a ela, e uma risada tão fria e sem coração encheu o quarto que quase me fez desmaiar. Soava como demônios se divertindo. O Conde olhou com atenção para o meu rosto, depois se virou e disse, num sussurro suave:

"Sim, eu também posso amar. Vocês mesmas sabem disso, do passado. Não é verdade? Agora eu prometo a vocês que, quando eu terminar com ele, poderão beijá-lo como quiserem. Agora vão! Vão! Preciso acordá-lo, porque há trabalho a fazer."

English → "Não vamos ter nada esta noite?" disse uma delas, com uma risada baixa, apontando para o saco que ele tinha jogado no chão. O saco se mexia, como se houvesse algo vivo dentro dele. Ele fez que sim com a cabeça, em resposta. Uma das mulheres correu para a frente e o abriu. Se meus ouvidos não me enganaram, ouvi um gemido e um choro fraco, como o de uma criança sendo sufocada. As mulheres se reuniram ao redor, e eu fiquei tomado de horror. Mas, quando olhei de novo, elas tinham sumido, e o saco terrível também. Não havia porta perto delas, e não poderiam ter passado por mim sem que eu as visse. Elas simplesmente pareceram se dissolver na luz da lua e sair pela janela, porque por um instante consegui ver suas formas indistintas lá fora, antes de desaparecerem.

Então o horror me dominou, e eu perdi os sentidos.

Capítulo IV

English → Acordei na minha própria cama. Se eu não sonhei, o Conde deve ter me carregado até aqui. Tentei ter certeza, mas não consegui. Alguns pequenos detalhes estavam diferentes: minhas roupas estavam dobradas, meu relógio não estava dando corda (eu sempre dou corda nele antes de dormir), e outras coisas. Mas isso não prova nada. Talvez minha mente não estivesse normal. Preciso procurar provas. Uma coisa é boa: se o Conde me carregou e me despiu, ele estava com pressa. Meus bolsos ainda estão cheios. Tenho certeza de que este diário seria um mistério para ele, e ele o teria levado. Agora este quarto, embora me assuste, parece seguro. Nada é mais terrível do que aquelas mulheres que estavam esperando para beber meu sangue.

English → 18 de maio. Fui olhar aquele quarto de novo, à luz do dia, porque preciso saber a verdade. Quando cheguei à porta no topo da escada, encontrei-a fechada. Ela tinha sido forçada com tanta força contra o batente que parte da madeira quebrou. A fechadura não estava trancada, mas a porta está presa por dentro. Temo que não tenha sido um sonho, e devo agir com base nisso.

English → 19 de maio. Estou realmente preso. Ontem à noite o Conde me pediu, com palavras muito suaves, para escrever três cartas. Uma deveria dizer que meu trabalho aqui estava quase terminado e que eu voltaria para casa em poucos dias. Outra deveria dizer que eu partiria na manhã seguinte. A terceira deveria dizer que eu já tinha deixado o castelo e chegado a Bistritz. Eu quis recusar, mas sabia que seria loucura enfrentá-lo abertamente, já que estou completamente em seu poder. Se eu recusasse, ele ficaria desconfiado e com raiva. Ele sabe que eu sei demais, e que eu não devo continuar vivo se me tornar um perigo para ele. Minha única esperança é atrasar as coisas até ter uma chance de fugir. Vi em seus olhos a mesma raiva crescente que eu tinha visto quando ele jogou aquela bela mulher para longe. Ele me disse que o serviço de correio era ruim e incerto, e que escrever as cartas agora tranquilizaria meus amigos. Também prometeu, com muita firmeza, que cancelaria as cartas posteriores e as guardaria em Bistritz até a data certa, caso eu ficasse mais tempo. Contrariá-lo só criaria mais desconfiança. Então fingi concordar e perguntei que datas eu deveria usar. Ele pensou por um momento e depois disse:

English → "A primeira deve ser 12 de junho, a segunda 19 de junho, e a terceira 29 de junho."

Agora sei quanto tempo de vida ainda tenho. Que Deus me ajude!

28 de maio. - Pode haver um jeito de escapar, ou ao menos uma chance de mandar notícias para casa. Um grupo de Szgany chegou ao castelo e está acampado no pátio. Esses Szgany são ciganos; já escrevi sobre eles no meu livro. Eles são encontrados principalmente nesta parte do mundo, embora sejam parentes dos ciganos de todo lugar. Há milhares deles na Hungria e em Transilvânia, e vivem quase à margem da lei. Em geral, servem a algum grande nobre ou boiardo e usam o nome dele. São corajosos e não têm religião, apenas superstição. Falam somente suas próprias formas da língua romani.

Vou escrever algumas cartas para casa e tentar que sejam postadas. Já falei com eles pela minha janela para fazer contato. Eles tiraram os chapéus e fizeram reverências, e fizeram muitos sinais, mas eu não conseguia entendê-los, assim como não conseguia entender suas palavras…

English → Já escrevi as cartas. A de Mina está em taquigrafia, e só peço ao Sr. Hawkins que fale com ela sobre isso. Expliquei minha situação a ela, mas não os horrores que só posso imaginar. Isso a chocaria e a assustaria terrivelmente se eu contasse tudo. Se as cartas não chegarem até eles, então o Conde ainda não saberá meu segredo, nem o quanto eu entendo…

Entreguei as cartas. Joguei-as pelas grades da minha janela junto com uma moeda de ouro, e usei gestos para pedir que fossem postadas. O homem que as pegou apertou-as contra o peito, fez uma reverência e as colocou dentro do boné. Não pude fazer mais nada. Voltei em silêncio ao escritório e comecei a ler. Como o Conde não entrou, aproveitei para escrever aqui…

O Conde chegou. Sentou-se ao meu lado e disse, com sua voz mais suave, enquanto abria duas cartas: -

English → "Os sgani deram-me estas. Não sei de onde vêm, mas hei de cuidar delas. Veja!" - decerto a olhou - "uma é sua, para meu amigo Peter Hawkins; a outra" - abriu o envelope, deu com os símbolos estranhos, e o rosto se lhe fez sombrio, os olhos flamejando malévolos - "a outra é uma coisa vil, um ultraje à amizade e à hospitalidade! Não está assinada. Pois bem! então não pode importar-nos." Calmamente queimou carta e envelope na chama da lâmpada. Depois prosseguiu: -

"A carta para Hawkins - essa eu vou enviar, claro, já que é sua. Suas cartas são sagradas para mim. Perdoe-me, meu amigo, por ter aberto o lacre sem saber o que era. Você não vai fechá-la de novo?" Ele estendeu a carta para mim e, com uma reverência educada, me deu um envelope limpo. Só me restou endereçá-la de novo e devolvê-la a ele em silêncio. Quando ele saiu do quarto, ouvi a chave girar suavemente. Um minuto depois tentei abrir a porta, e estava trancada.

English → Uma ou duas horas depois, o Conde entrou quietamente no quarto e me acordou, porque eu tinha adormecido no sofá. Ele estava muito educado e alegre. Vendo que eu tinha dormido, disse: -

"Então, meu amigo, você está cansado? Vá para a cama. Esse é o melhor descanso. Talvez eu não tenha o prazer de conversar esta noite, porque tenho muito trabalho; mas espero que você durma bem." Fui para o meu quarto, deitei-me e, estranhamente, dormi sem sonhar. O desespero tem seus próprios momentos de calma.

31 de maio. Esta manhã, quando acordei, planejei pegar papel e envelopes da minha bolsa e guardá-los no bolso. Assim eu poderia escrever se tivesse a chance. Mas de novo houve uma surpresa, e de novo um choque!

Todo pedaço de papel tinha sumido, e com ele todas as minhas anotações sobre trens e viagens, minha carta de crédito, na verdade tudo o que poderia me ajudar se eu algum dia saísse do castelo. Sentei-me e pensei por um tempo. Então uma ideia me ocorreu, e revistei minha maleta e o guarda-roupa onde eu tinha colocado minhas roupas.

English → O terno que eu tinha usado na viagem também tinha sumido, assim como meu sobretudo e minha manta. Não consegui encontrar nenhum sinal deles em lugar nenhum. Isso parecia ser um novo plano maldoso.

17 de junho. Esta manhã sentei na beira da cama, tentando pensar. Então ouvi o estalo de chicotes e o som de cascos de cavalos no caminho rochoso além do pátio. Corri até a janela, animado, e vi duas grandes carroças entrarem no pátio, cada uma puxada por oito cavalos fortes. Na frente de cada dupla havia um eslovaco, usando um chapéu largo, um cinto pesado com pregos, uma pele de carneiro suja e botas altas. Também carregavam varas longas. Corri até a porta, esperando descer e me juntar a eles pelo salão principal, porque pensei que aquele caminho pudesse estar aberto. Mas houve outro choque: minha porta estava trancada por fora.

English → Corri até a janela e gritei para eles. Olharam para mim, mas, tolamente, só apontaram. Então o chefe dos Szgany apareceu. Ele os viu apontando para minha janela, disse algo, e eles riram. Depois disso, nada do que eu fiz os fez mudar de ideia, nem meus gritos tristes nem meus pedidos desesperados. Eles simplesmente se viraram e foram embora. As carroças traziam grandes caixas quadradas com alças de corda grossa. Estavam claramente vazias, porque os eslovacos conseguiam movê-las com facilidade, e elas faziam um som oco quando manuseadas com força. Quando todas foram descarregadas e empilhadas em um grande monte no canto do pátio, os Szgany deram algum dinheiro aos eslovacos. Os eslovacos cuspiram nele para dar sorte, depois caminharam preguiçosamente até seus cavalos. Logo ouvi o estalo dos chicotes desaparecer ao longe.

English → 24 de junho, antes do amanhecer. Ontem à noite o Conde me deixou cedo e se trancou em seu próprio quarto. Assim que criei coragem, subi a escada em espiral e olhei pela janela do lado sul. Eu queria vigiar o Conde, porque alguma coisa está acontecendo. Os Szgany estão em algum lugar do castelo, fazendo algum tipo de trabalho. Eu sei disso porque, de vez em quando, ouço um som abafado e distante, como o de uma picareta e uma pá. Seja o que for, deve fazer parte de algum crime cruel.

Depois de menos de meia hora na janela, vi o Conde sair escalando pela parede. Ele usava as roupas que eu tinha usado na minha viagem. Também carregava aquela sacola terrível que as mulheres tinham levado. Ele quer que as pessoas pensem que sou eu quem está nas cidades, postando cartas. Assim, vão me culpar pelo mal que ele faz.

English → Fico com raiva ao pensar que isso pode acontecer enquanto estou trancado aqui, um verdadeiro prisioneiro, sem sequer a proteção da lei que até um criminoso tem direito.

Pensei em vigiar até o Conde voltar, e fiquei sentado teimosamente na janela por muito tempo. Então percebi pequenos pontos estranhos flutuando ao luar. Pareciam pequenos grãos de poeira, e giravam e se juntavam em pequenos aglomerados. Observá-los me acalmou, e uma sensação de paz tomou conta de mim. Recostei-me na abertura da janela de um jeito mais confortável, para aproveitar melhor aquele jogo leve no ar.

English → Algo me fez levantar de repente. Ouvi um uivo baixo e triste de cães, bem lá embaixo no vale, escondido de mim. O som ficou mais alto aos meus ouvidos, e a poeira ao luar parecia mudar de forma enquanto se movia. Senti como se algum instinto dentro de mim estivesse despertando. Minha alma parecia lutar, e meus sentimentos quase esquecidos tentavam responder ao chamado. Eu estava sendo hipnotizado. A poeira dançava cada vez mais rápido. Os raios de luar pareciam tremer ao passarem por mim rumo à escuridão além. As formas ficavam cada vez mais claras, até parecerem fantasmas pálidos. Então acordei de vez, corri gritando e voltei para o meu quarto. Lá, sem luar e com o lampião aceso e forte, me senti mais seguro.

Depois de umas duas horas, ouvi movimento no quarto do Conde. Foi como um grito agudo, interrompido rapidamente. Depois veio o silêncio, um silêncio profundo e terrível, que me assustou. Com o coração disparado, tentei a porta, mas estava trancado em minha prisão e não podia fazer nada. Sentei-me e chorei.

English → Enquanto eu estava sentado ali, ouvi um grito vindo do pátio lá fora, o grito desesperado de uma mulher. Corri até a janela, abri-a e olhei para fora, pelas grades. Havia uma mulher ali, com o cabelo desgrenhado, com as mãos sobre o coração como se tivesse corrido e sentisse dor. Ela se apoiava num canto do portão. Quando viu meu rosto na janela, correu para frente e gritou em voz ameaçadora:

"Monstro, devolva meu filho!"

Ela caiu de joelhos e ergueu as mãos. Com uma voz que partiu meu coração, gritou as mesmas palavras de novo. Depois puxou os próprios cabelos e bateu no peito, mostrando um sofrimento selvagem. Por fim, jogou-se para frente, e embora eu não pudesse vê-la, ouvi suas mãos nuas batendo na porta.

Lá em cima, provavelmente da torre, ouvi o Conde chamar em seu sussurro áspero e metálico. Os lobos pareceram responder a ele de longe. Poucos minutos depois, uma matilha invadiu o pátio pela entrada larga, como água rompendo uma represa.

English → A mulher não deu mais nenhum grito, e os lobos uivaram só por um curto momento. Logo foram embora, um por um, lambendo os lábios.

Eu não conseguia sentir pena dela, porque agora eu sabia o que tinha acontecido com o filho dela, e ela estava melhor morta.

O que devo fazer? O que posso fazer? Como posso escapar dessa coisa terrível feita de noite, escuridão e medo?

25 de junho, de manhã. - Ninguém sabe, até sofrer durante a noite, quão doce e querida a manhã pode ser. Esta manhã, quando o sol subiu alto o bastante para tocar o topo do grande portão em frente à minha janela, pareceu-me que a pomba da arca tinha pousado ali. Meu medo se desfez como neblina sob a luz quente. Preciso agir agora, enquanto ainda tenho a coragem que a luz do dia me dá. Ontem à noite, uma das minhas cartas, com data futura, foi enviada. Foi a primeira das cartas tristes que vão apagar todo vestígio da minha vida na terra.

English → Não quero pensar nisso. Preciso agir!

Sempre foi à noite que fui ameaçado ou estive em perigo. Ainda não vi o Conde à luz do dia. Será possível que ele durma quando os outros estão acordados, e fique acordado quando eles dormem? Se eu ao menos pudesse entrar no quarto dele! Mas não há como. A porta está sempre trancada, e não consigo entrar.

Sim, há um jeito, se alguém ousar tentar. Se o corpo dele saiu por um caminho, por que não outro corpo também? Eu o vi sair rastejando pela janela dele. Por que eu não poderia copiá-lo e entrar pela janela também? É uma chance desesperada, mas minha necessidade é ainda maior. Vou arriscar. Na pior das hipóteses, só pode ser a morte. E a morte de um homem não é como a de um bezerro. Talvez a vida depois da morte ainda esteja aberta para mim. Que Deus me ajude nessa tarefa! Adeus, Mina, se eu falhar; adeus, meu amigo fiel e segundo pai; adeus a todos, e por último, Mina!

English → Mais tarde, no mesmo dia. - Fiz a tentativa e, com a ajuda de Deus, voltei em segurança para este quarto. Preciso escrever tudo em ordem. Enquanto ainda tinha coragem, fui direto até a janela do lado sul e saí para a estreita saliência de pedra que contorna o prédio. As pedras eram grandes e ásperas, e a argamassa entre elas tinha se desfeito. Tirei as botas e segui com cuidado. Olhei para baixo uma vez, para que a profundidade terrível não me chocasse depois, mas, a partir daí, mantive os olhos longe dali. Eu sabia a direção e a distância até a janela do Conde, e fui me movendo até ela o melhor que pude. Não senti tontura, talvez porque estivesse muito agitado. Logo estava de pé no parapeito, tentando levantar o caixilho. Fiquei muito nervoso quando me abaixei e deslizei pela janela, com os pés primeiro. Depois procurei pelo Conde, mas, para minha surpresa e alegria, encontrei o quarto vazio. Havia apenas alguns objetos estranhos que pareciam nunca ter sido usados. Os móveis eram parecidos com os dos quartos do lado sul, e estavam cobertos de poeira. Procurei a chave, mas não estava na fechadura, e não consegui encontrá-la em lugar nenhum. A única coisa que encontrei foi uma grande pilha de ouro num canto, com moedas romanas, britânicas, austríacas, húngaras, gregas e turcas, todas cobertas de poeira, como se estivessem enterradas havia muito tempo. Nenhuma das moedas que vi tinha menos de trezentos anos. Também havia correntes e ornamentos, alguns com joias, mas todos velhos e manchados.

English → Em um canto do quarto havia uma porta pesada. Tentei abri-la, porque não conseguia encontrar a chave do quarto nem a da porta externa, que era o que eu realmente procurava. Se eu não procurasse mais longe, todo o meu esforço teria sido em vão. A porta estava aberta e levava, por uma passagem de pedra, a uma escada em caracol que descia bastante íngreme. Desci com cuidado, porque a escada era escura, e apenas pequenas aberturas nas paredes grossas deixavam entrar luz. No final havia uma passagem escura, como um túnel, de onde vinha um cheiro morto e enjoativo, o cheiro de terra velha recém-cavada. Enquanto eu caminhava por ali, o cheiro ficava mais forte. Por fim, empurrei uma porta pesada que estava entreaberta, e me vi numa antiga capela em ruínas, que claramente tinha sido usada como cemitério. O teto estava quebrado, e em dois lugares havia degraus que desciam até criptas. O chão tinha sido cavado recentemente, e a terra fora colocada em grandes caixas de madeira, claramente as mesmas trazidas pelos eslovacos. Não havia ninguém ali, e procurei outra saída, mas não havia nenhuma. Então examinei cada parte do lugar para não deixar nada passar. Cheguei até a entrar nas criptas, embora estivesse apavorado até a alma. Entrei em duas delas e vi apenas pedaços quebrados de caixões velhos e montes de poeira. Na terceira, porém, fiz uma descoberta.

English → Lá, em uma das grandes caixas - havia cinquenta ao todo - sobre um monte de terra recém-cavada, estava o Conde! Ele estava morto ou dormindo; eu não sabia dizer. Seus olhos estavam abertos e duros como pedra, mas sem o vidrado da morte. Suas bochechas tinham o calor da vida, apesar da palidez. Seus lábios estavam vermelhos como sempre. Mas não havia movimento, nem pulso, nem respiração, nem batimento cardíaco. Debrucei-me sobre ele e tentei encontrar algum sinal de vida, mas em vão. Ele não podia estar ali havia muito tempo, porque o cheiro de terra teria sumido em poucas horas. Ao lado da caixa estava a tampa, com furos aqui e ali. Pensei que ele pudesse estar com as chaves, mas quando procurei, vi seus olhos mortos. Mesmo mortos, mostravam tanto ódio, embora ele não tivesse consciência de mim nem da minha presença, que fugi daquele lugar. Saí do quarto do Conde pela janela e subi de novo, rastejando pela parede do castelo. De volta ao meu quarto, joguei-me na cama, ofegante, e tentei pensar.

English → 29 de junho. - Hoje é a data da minha última carta, e o Conde provou que ela foi enviada de verdade. De novo o vi deixar o castelo pela mesma janela, usando minhas roupas. Enquanto ele descia a parede como um lagarto, desejei ter uma arma de fogo ou alguma outra arma mortal para poder destruí-lo. Mas temo que nenhuma arma feita apenas por mãos humanas possa feri-lo. Não ousei esperar por seu retorno, porque tinha medo de ver aquelas irmãs estranhas de novo. Voltei para a biblioteca e li ali até adormecer.

Acordei quando o Conde olhou para mim com o rosto mais frio que um homem poderia ter, e disse:

English → "Amanhã, meu amigo, precisamos nos despedir. Você vai voltar para sua bela Inglaterra, e eu vou cuidar de um trabalho que talvez termine de um jeito que nunca mais nos veremos. Sua carta para casa já foi enviada. Amanhã eu não estarei aqui, mas tudo estará pronto para sua viagem. Pela manhã os Szgany virão, e eles também têm trabalho a fazer aqui. Alguns eslovacos também virão. Depois que eles forem embora, minha carruagem vai levá-lo até o Borgo Pass, onde você vai encontrar a diligência de Bucovina para Bistritz. Mas espero ver você de novo no Castelo Drácula." Eu não confiava nele, e decidi testar se ele era sincero. Sincero! Quase parece errado usar essa palavra para um monstro assim, mas perguntei diretamente:

"Por que eu não posso ir esta noite?"

"Porque, caro senhor, meu cocheiro e meus cavalos estão fora, em uma missão."

English → "Mas eu iria a pé com prazer. Quero partir agora mesmo." Ele sorriu. Foi um sorriso suave, macio e maligno, e eu soube que havia algum truque por trás dele. Ele disse:

"E a sua bagagem?"

"Não me importo com ela. Posso mandar buscá-la outra hora."

O Conde se levantou e falou com uma polidez tão doce, que parecia tão real, que esfreguei os olhos.

"Vocês, ingleses, têm um ditado que é muito querido para mim: ‘Bem-vindo o que chega; que se apresse o hóspede que parte.’ Venha comigo, meu jovem e querido amigo. Você não vai esperar em minha casa contra sua vontade, nem por uma hora sequer, embora eu esteja triste em vê-lo partir e triste que deseje isso tão de repente. Venha!" Com séria dignidade, ele caminhou à minha frente com o lampião, descendo a escada e seguindo pelo corredor. De repente, parou.

"Escute!"

Muitos lobos uivaram bem perto. Era quase como se o som tivesse começado quando ele levantou a mão. Depois de uma breve pausa, ele seguiu até a porta, puxou os ferrolhos pesados, soltou as correntes grossas e começou a abri-la.

English → Para minha grande surpresa, vi que ela estava destrancada. Olhei ao redor com cuidado, mas não consegui ver nenhuma chave.

Enquanto a porta se abria, os uivos lá fora ficavam mais altos e mais furiosos. Suas mandíbulas vermelhas, dentes afiados e patas ásperas apareciam enquanto pulavam na direção da abertura. Foi então que percebi que era inútil enfrentar o Conde naquele momento. Com ajudantes assim, eu não podia fazer nada. Mas a porta continuava se abrindo devagar, e só o corpo do Conde ocupava o vão. De repente pensei que aquele poderia ser o momento da minha morte. Ele poderia me entregar aos lobos, e eu mesmo teria pedido por isso. O pensamento era muito cruel, até mesmo para o Conde. Como última chance, gritei:

"Feche a porta; vou esperar até de manhã!" Cobri o rosto com as mãos para esconder minhas lágrimas amargas de decepção. Com um movimento forte do braço, o Conde bateu a porta com força, e os ferrolhos pesados bateram e ecoaram pelo corredor ao voltarem para o lugar.

English → Em silêncio, voltamos para a biblioteca, e depois de um minuto ou dois voltei para o meu próprio quarto. A última coisa que vi de Count Drácula foi ele mandando um beijo com a mão, com uma luz vermelha de triunfo nos olhos e um sorriso do qual até Judas, no inferno, teria orgulho.

Quando eu estava no meu quarto, prestes a me deitar, achei que ouvi sussurros na porta. Fui até ela em silêncio e escutei. Não estava enganado: era a voz do Conde.

"Para trás, para trás, para o seu lugar! Ainda não chegou a sua hora. Esperem! Tenham paciência! Esta noite é minha. A noite de amanhã é de vocês!" Então ouvi uma risada baixa e doce, e, com raiva, abri a porta. Vi as três mulheres terríveis do lado de fora, lambendo os lábios. Quando me viram, todas riram de um jeito horrível e saíram correndo.

English → Voltei para o meu quarto e caí de joelhos. Será que o fim está mesmo tão perto? Amanhã! Amanhã! Senhor, ajude-me e àqueles que eu amo!

30 de junho, de manhã. - Estas podem ser as últimas palavras que eu escreva neste diário. Dormi até pouco antes do amanhecer. Quando acordei, ajoelhei-me, porque tinha decidido que, se a Morte viesse, deveria me encontrar pronto.

Por fim, senti o ar mudar e soube que a manhã tinha chegado. Depois ouvi o canto bem-vindo de um galo, e soube que estava seguro. Com o coração cheio de alegria, abri a porta e corri até o corredor. Eu tinha visto que a porta estava destrancada, e agora a fuga era possível. Com as mãos tremendo de emoção, tirei as correntes e puxei os ferrolhos pesados.

Mas a porta não se mexia. O desespero tomou conta de mim. Puxei e puxei, e sacudi a porta até que, mesmo pesada como era, ela chacoalhasse no batente. Pude ver que a tranca ainda estava fechada. A porta tinha sido trancada depois que eu deixei o Conde.

English → Então fui tomado por um desejo selvagem de conseguir aquela chave a qualquer custo, e decidi na hora escalar a parede de novo e chegar ao quarto do Conde. Ele poderia me matar, mas a morte agora parecia a escolha melhor. Sem parar, corri até a janela do lado leste e desci pela parede, como antes, até o quarto do Conde. Estava vazio, como eu esperava. Não consegui ver nenhuma chave em lugar nenhum, mas a pilha de ouro ainda estava lá. Passei pela porta do canto e desci a escada em espiral, depois segui pela passagem escura até a antiga capela. Agora eu sabia onde encontrar o monstro que procurava.

English → A grande caixa estava no mesmo lugar, perto da parede, mas a tampa estava colocada sobre ela, sem estar pregada, com os pregos prontos ao lado. Eu sabia que precisava chegar ao corpo para conseguir a chave, então levantei a tampa e a encostei na parede. Foi então que vi algo que me encheu de horror. O Conde estava deitado ali, mas parecia parcialmente jovem de novo. Seu cabelo branco e o bigode tinham mudado para um cinza-ferro escuro. Suas bochechas estavam mais cheias, e a pele pálida parecia vermelha por baixo. Sua boca estava mais vermelha do que nunca, com sangue fresco nos lábios, escorrendo pelos cantos da boca e descendo pelo queixo e pelo pescoço. Até seus olhos profundos e ardentes pareciam afundados em carne inchada, com pálpebras e bolsas inchadas por baixo. Parecia que toda aquela criatura horrível estava recheada de sangue. Ele estava deitado como uma sanguessuga imunda, esgotada por tudo o que tinha sugado. Estremeci quando me abaixei para tocá-lo, e cada parte de mim odiava aquele contato. Mas eu precisava procurar, ou estaria perdido. Naquela noite, meu próprio corpo poderia ser devorado por aquelas três mulheres horríveis. Apalpei-o todo, mas não consegui encontrar a chave. Então parei e olhei para o Conde. Um sorriso zombeteiro em seu rosto inchado quase me deixou louco. Aquele era o ser que eu estava ajudando a levar para Londres, onde ele poderia, por séculos, alimentar-se do sangue de tantas pessoas e criar cada vez mais meio-demônios para caçar os indefesos. O pensamento quase me enlouqueceu. Um desejo terrível me tomou, de destruir aquele monstro. Não havia nenhuma arma por perto, mas peguei uma pá que os trabalhadores tinham usado e a ergui bem alto. Golpeei aquele rosto odiado com o gume voltado para baixo. Mas, ao fazer isso, a cabeça dele virou, e seus olhos me encararam com um olhar terrível. Congelei, e a pá virou na minha mão, fazendo apenas um corte profundo acima de sua testa. A pá caiu da minha mão sobre a caixa, e quando a puxei de volta, a lâmina prendeu na borda da tampa. A tampa caiu e fechou de novo, escondendo aquela coisa horrível da minha vista. A última coisa que vi foi o rosto inchado, manchado de sangue e fixo num sorriso cruel que combinaria com o inferno mais profundo.

English → Fiquei pensando no meu próximo passo, mas minha mente parecia em chamas, e esperei num desespero crescente. Então ouvi, ao longe, uma canção cigana cantada por vozes alegres que se aproximavam. Sob o canto vinham o rolar de rodas pesadas e o estalo de chicotes. Os Szgany e os eslovacos de quem o Conde tinha falado estavam chegando. Com um último olhar ao redor, e para a caixa que guardava aquele corpo cruel, corri daquele lugar e cheguei ao quarto do Conde. Minha ideia era sair correndo quando a porta fosse aberta. Escutei com atenção e ouvi, lá embaixo, a chave girando na grande fechadura e a porta pesada se fechando. Devia haver outra entrada, ou alguém tinha a chave de uma das portas trancadas. Depois ouvi muitos passos se movendo por uma passagem e sumindo ao longe, com um eco ressoante. Virei-me para correr de volta na direção da cripta, onde talvez encontrasse a nova entrada. Mas então pareceu vir uma forte rajada de vento, e a porta da escada em espiral bateu com força, fazendo poeira voar do topo. Quando corri para abri-la, vi que não se mexia. Eu era prisioneiro de novo, e a desgraça se fechava sobre mim.

English → Enquanto escrevo, ouço muitos passos lá embaixo, na passagem, e o barulho pesado de cargas sendo colocadas no chão. Sem dúvida são as caixas com a terra dentro. Também ouço marteladas. Estão pregando a caixa. Agora consigo ouvir os passos pesados se movendo de novo pelo corredor, com muitos outros passos ociosos atrás.

A porta está fechada, e as correntes chacoalham. A chave gira na fechadura, e depois ouço ela sendo retirada. Outra porta se abre e se fecha, e ouço o rangido de uma fechadura e de um ferrolho.

Escutem! No pátio e pela estrada rochosa, ouço o rolar de rodas pesadas, o estalo dos chicotes e o canto dos Szgany, cada vez mais distante.

Estou sozinho no castelo com aquelas mulheres terríveis. Que nojo! Mina é uma mulher, e não há nada em comum entre elas. Elas são demônios vindos do abismo!

English → Não vou ficar sozinho com elas. Vou tentar escalar a parede do castelo mais alto do que antes. Vou levar um pouco de ouro comigo, caso precise depois. Talvez eu ainda consiga achar uma saída para este lugar horrível.

E depois, direto para casa! Vou pegar o trem mais rápido e mais próximo! Vou deixar para trás este lugar amaldiçoado e esta terra amaldiçoada, onde o diabo e seus filhos ainda caminham pela terra!

Ao menos a misericórdia de Deus é melhor que a delas. O penhasco é íngreme e alto. Em seu sopé, um homem pode dormir como homem. Adeus a todos! Mina!

Capítulo V

English → Carta de Srta. Mina Murray para Srta. Lucy Westenra.

9 de maio.

Minha querida Lucy.

English → Desculpe por não escrever há tanto tempo, mas eu tive trabalho demais. Ser professora assistente pode ser difícil. Eu queria poder estar com você à beira-mar, onde poderíamos conversar livremente e sonhar juntas. Tenho trabalhado muito ultimamente porque quero acompanhar os estudos de Jonathan. Também tenho praticado bastante taquigrafia. Quando nos casarmos, espero poder ajudar Jonathan. Se eu conseguir escrever taquigrafia bem o suficiente, posso anotar o que ele diz e depois datilografar para ele. Também estou praticando datilografia bastante. Ele e eu às vezes escrevemos cartas em taquigrafia, e ele está mantendo um diário em taquigrafia das viagens dele pelo exterior. Quando eu estiver com você, também vou manter um diário assim. Não quero dizer um daqueles diários pequenos com só duas páginas por semana. Quero dizer um diário no qual eu possa escrever sempre que quiser. Não acho que vá interessar muito as outras pessoas, mas não é para elas. Posso mostrar para Jonathan um dia, se houver algo que valha a pena compartilhar, mas é realmente só prática. Eu quero fazer o que as jornalistas fazem: fazer perguntas, escrever descrições e lembrar conversas. Disseram-me que, com prática, a pessoa consegue lembrar tudo o que acontece e tudo o que ouve em um dia. Vamos ver. Eu conto meus planos quando nos encontrarmos. Acabei de receber um bilhete rápido de Jonathan, da Transilvânia. Ele está bem e vai voltar em cerca de uma semana. Estou ansiosa para ouvir todas as novidades dele. Deve ser maravilhoso ver países estranhos. Eu me pergunto se Jonathan e eu algum dia os veremos juntos. O sino das dez horas está tocando. Adeus.

English → Com carinho, Mina.

Me conte todas as suas novidades quando escrever. Você não me conta nada há muito tempo. Estou ouvindo rumores, especialmente sobre um homem alto e bonito, de cabelo cacheado???

Carta de Lucy Westenra para Mina Murray.

17, Chatham Street, quarta-feira.

Minha querida Mina.

English → Tenho que dizer que você é injusta ao me chamar de má correspondente. Já escrevi para você duas vezes desde que nos separamos, e a sua última carta foi só a segunda. Além disso, eu não tenho nada para contar. Não há realmente nada interessante por aqui. A cidade está agradável agora, e nós vamos com frequência a galerias de arte e damos passeios a pé e a cavalo no parque. Sobre o homem alto, de cabelo cacheado, acho que você está falando daquele que estava comigo no último Pop. Alguém claramente andou espalhando fofoca. Esse era o Sr. Holmwood. Ele vem nos visitar com frequência, e ele e a mamãe se dão muito bem porque têm muito assunto para conversar. Há algum tempo conhecemos um homem que seria perfeito para você, se você já não estivesse noiva de Jonathan. Ele é um ótimo partido: bonito, rico e de boa família. Ele é médico e muito inteligente. Imagine só! Ele tem apenas vinte e nove anos e é o responsável por um enorme hospício. O Sr. Holmwood o apresentou para mim. Ele veio nos visitar, e agora vem sempre. Acho que ele é um dos homens mais determinados que já vi, e mesmo assim é muito calmo. Ele parece completamente inabalável. Consigo imaginar o grande poder que ele deve ter sobre os pacientes dele. Ele tem um hábito estranho de olhar bem nos olhos da pessoa, como se estivesse tentando ler os pensamentos dela. Ele faz isso comigo com muita frequência, mas eu me gabo de achar que ele tem dificuldade em me entender. Sei disso porque me olho no espelho. Você já tentou ler o seu próprio rosto? Eu tento, e posso te dizer que é um estudo muito interessante, embora seja mais difícil do que você imagina. Ele diz que eu sou um estudo mental curioso para ele, e eu, humildemente, acho que sou mesmo. Como você sabe, eu não ligo o suficiente para roupas para descrever as novas modas. Roupa é um saco. Isso é gíria de novo, mas tudo bem; o Arthur fala assim todo dia. Bem, agora já falei tudo. Mina, desde que éramos crianças contamos uma para a outra todos os nossos segredos; dormimos e comemos juntas, rimos e choramos juntas. Agora eu já disse, mas quero dizer mais. Ah, Mina, você não consegue adivinhar? Eu o amo. Estou corando enquanto escrevo, porque, embora eu ache que ele me ama, ele ainda não disse isso em palavras. Mas ah, Mina, eu o amo; eu o amo; eu o amo! Isso é um alívio. Eu queria estar com você, querida, sentadas perto do fogo, nos arrumando para dormir, como fazíamos antes, e eu tentaria te contar exatamente o que sinto. Nem sei como estou escrevendo isso, mesmo para você. Tenho medo de parar, porque senão eu rasgaria a carta, e eu não quero parar, porque quero te contar tudo. Escreva para mim assim que puder, e me diga o que você acha. Mina, preciso parar. Boa noite. Reze por mim, e Mina, reze pela minha felicidade.

English → Lucy.

P.S. - Não preciso dizer que isso é segredo. Boa noite de novo.

L.

Carta de Lucy Westenra para Mina Murray.

24 de maio.

Minha querida Mina -

"Obrigada de novo pela sua carta tão querida. Foi bom conversar com você e ter o seu apoio.

English → "Minha querida, quando chove, despenca. Os ditados antigos são verdadeiros. Vou fazer vinte anos em setembro, mas nunca tinha recebido um pedido de casamento de verdade até hoje. Hoje recebi três! Só imagine! Três pedidos em um dia! Não é terrível? Sinto muita pena de dois desses pobres homens. Ah, Mina, estou tão feliz que nem sei o que fazer. E três pedidos! Mas por favor não conte para as outras garotas. Elas ficariam com ideias malucas e achariam que estão sendo injustiçadas se não receberem pelo menos seis pedidos no primeiro dia em casa. Algumas garotas são tão vaidosas! Você e eu, Mina querida, que estamos noivas e logo seremos senhoras casadas, podemos ficar acima dessa vaidade. Bem, preciso te contar sobre os três, mas mantenha segredo de todo mundo, menos do Jonathan. Você vai contar para ele porque eu contaria para o Arthur se estivesse no seu lugar. Uma mulher deve contar tudo para o marido, você não acha? Preciso ser justa. Os homens gostam que as esposas sejam tão justas quanto eles; as mulheres nem sempre são tão justas quanto deveriam ser. Bem, minha querida, o primeiro chegou pouco antes do almoço. Já te contei sobre ele, o Dr. John Seward, que trabalha no hospício. Ele tem um queixo forte e uma testa bonita. Parecia calmo por fora, mas estava nervoso. Ele tinha se preparado bem e lembrava de tudo. Mas quase sentou em cima da cartola de seda dele, o que homens tranquilos normalmente não fazem. Depois, para parecer relaxado, ele ficou brincando com um bisturi de um jeito que quase me fez gritar. Ele falou comigo de um jeito muito direto. Me contou o quanto eu significava para ele, mesmo me conhecendo há pouco tempo, e como a vida dele seria comigo ao lado dele, para ajudá-lo e animá-lo. Ele ia dizer como ficaria infeliz se eu não gostasse dele, mas quando me viu chorar, disse que era um bruto e não ia aumentar o meu sofrimento. Então ele parou e perguntou se eu poderia vir a amá-lo com o tempo. Quando balancei a cabeça dizendo que não, as mãos dele tremeram. Depois, com um pouco de hesitação, ele perguntou se eu já amava outra pessoa. Ele foi muito gentil sobre isso. Disse que não queria forçar meu segredo, só queria saber, porque se o coração de uma mulher está livre, um homem pode ter esperança. Então, Mina, senti que precisava dizer a ele que havia alguém. Só contei isso. Depois ele se levantou, com um ar forte e sério, segurou minhas duas mãos e disse que esperava que eu fosse feliz. Disse que, se um dia eu precisasse de um amigo, poderia contar com ele. Ah, Mina querida, não consigo evitar chorar. Por favor, desculpe essa carta bagunçada. Receber um pedido de casamento é bom, mas não é nada feliz ver um pobre rapaz que te ama de verdade ir embora de coração partido. Você sabe que, não importa o que ele diga agora, você está saindo da vida dele para sempre. Minha querida, preciso parar agora. Sinto-me tão triste, mesmo estando tão feliz.

English → Noite.

Chapter I

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Diário de Jonathan Harker.

(Escrito em taquigrafia.)

3 de maio. Bistritz. Eu saí de Munique às 20h35 do dia 1º de maio e cheguei a Viena no início da manhã seguinte, embora o trem estivesse uma hora atrasado. Budapeste parecia maravilhosa vista do trem, e eu só pude caminhar um pouco pelas ruas. Eu não quis me afastar muito da estação, porque tínhamos chegado atrasados e sairíamos o mais perto possível do horário. Parecia que estávamos deixando o Ocidente e entrando no Oriente. As grandes pontes sobre o Danúbio nos levaram a uma terra moldada pelo domínio turco.

Saímos no horário certo e chegamos a Klausenburgh depois do anoitecer. Passei a noite no Hotel Royale. No jantar, ou melhor, na ceia, comi frango preparado com pimentão vermelho. Estava muito bom, mas me deixou com sede. Perguntei ao garçom como se chamava o prato. Ele disse que era "paprika hendl", um prato nacional encontrado em qualquer lugar dos Cárpatos. Meu pouco alemão foi muito útil aqui. Não sei como eu me viraria sem ele.

Original English Version

Jonathan Harker’s Journal.

(Kept in shorthand.)

3 May. Bistritz. - Left Munich at 8:35 p.m., on 1st May, arriving at Vienna early next morning; should have arrived at 6:46, but train was an hour late. Budapest seems a wonderful place, from the glimpse which I got of it from the train and the little I could walk through the streets. I feared to go very far from the station, as we had arrived late and would start as near the correct time as possible. The impression I had was that we were leaving the West and entering the East; the most western of splendid bridges over the Danube, which is here of noble width and depth, took us among the traditions of Turkish rule.

We left in pretty good time, and came after nightfall to Klausenburgh. Here I stopped for the night at the Hotel Royale. I had for dinner, or rather supper, a chicken done up some way with red pepper, which was very good but thirsty. (Mem., get recipe for Mina.) I asked the waiter, and he said it was called “paprika hendl,” and that, as it was a national dish, I should be able to get it anywhere along the Carpathians. I found my smattering of German very useful here; indeed, I don’t know how I should be able to get on without it.

Tradução Integral em Português

Diário de Jonathan Harker.

(Mantido em taquigrafia.)

3 de maio. Bistritz. - Parti de Munique às 20h35 do dia 1º de maio, chegando a Viena na manhã seguinte, cedo; deveria ter chegado às 6h46, mas o trem estava com uma hora de atraso. Budapeste parece um lugar maravilhoso, a julgar pelo vislumbre que dela tive do trem e pelo pouco que pude percorrer a pé de suas ruas. Receei afastar-me muito da estação, pois havíamos chegado atrasados e partiríamos o mais próximo possível do horário certo. A impressão que tive foi a de que deixávamos o Ocidente e adentrávamos o Oriente; a mais ocidental das esplêndidas pontes sobre o Danúbio, que aqui tem largura e profundidade nobres, conduziu-nos para o meio das tradições do domínio turco.

Partimos em horário bastante bom e chegamos, já caída a noite, a Klausenburgh. Ali fiz parada para pernoitar, no Hotel Royale. Jantei, ou melhor, ceei, um frango preparado de certo modo com pimenta vermelha, muito saboroso, mas que dava sede. (Lembrete: conseguir a receita para a Mina.) Perguntei ao garçom, e ele disse que se chamava "paprika hendl", e que, por ser prato nacional, eu poderia obtê-lo em qualquer ponto ao longo dos Cárpatos. Meu parco alemão foi-me muito útil aqui; a bem da verdade, não sei como me arranjaria sem ele.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Enquanto eu estava em Londres, tive tempo de visitar o Museu Britânico e olhar livros e mapas sobre Transilvânia. Pensei que saber algo sobre o país poderia me ajudar a lidar com um nobre de lá. Descobri que o lugar que ele mencionou fica no extremo leste do país, nas fronteiras de Transilvânia, Moldávia e Bucovina, no meio das montanhas dos Cárpatos. É uma das regiões mais selvagens e menos conhecidas da Europa. Não consegui encontrar nenhum mapa ou livro que mostrasse o lugar exato do Castelo Drácula, mas descobri que Bistritz, a cidade dos correios mencionada pelo Count Drácula, é bem conhecida. Vou anotar algumas coisas aqui, para poder lembrar quando contar para Mina sobre minha viagem.

Original English Version

Having had some time at my disposal when in London, I had visited the British Museum, and made search among the books and maps in the library regarding Transylvania; it had struck me that some foreknowledge of the country could hardly fail to have some importance in dealing with a nobleman of that country. I find that the district he named is in the extreme east of the country, just on the borders of three states, Transylvania, Moldavia and Bukovina, in the midst of the Carpathian mountains; one of the wildest and least known portions of Europe. I was not able to light on any map or work giving the exact locality of the Castle Dracula, as there are no maps of this country as yet to compare with our own Ordnance Survey maps; but I found that Bistritz, the post town named by Count Dracula, is a fairly well-known place. I shall enter here some of my notes, as they may refresh my memory when I talk over my travels with Mina.

Tradução Integral em Português

Dispondo de algum tempo enquanto estava em Londres, eu havia visitado o Museu Britânico e feito pesquisas entre os livros e mapas da biblioteca a respeito da Transilvânia; ocorrera-me que algum conhecimento prévio do país dificilmente deixaria de ter importância no trato com um nobre daquelas paragens. Descubro que o distrito por ele mencionado fica no extremo leste do país, bem na fronteira de três estados, Transilvânia, Moldávia e Bucovina, em meio às montanhas dos Cárpatos; uma das porções mais selvagens e menos conhecidas da Europa. Não consegui localizar mapa ou obra alguma que desse a posição exata do Castelo Drácula, pois ainda não há mapas deste país que se comparem aos nossos do Ordnance Survey; mas verifiquei que Bistritz, a vila postal citada pelo Conde Drácula, é lugar razoavelmente conhecido. Registrarei aqui algumas de minhas anotações, pois poderão refrescar-me a memória quando eu comentar minhas viagens com a Mina.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Transilvânia tem quatro grandes grupos étnicos: os saxões no sul, com os valáquios entre eles; os magiares no oeste; e os Szekelys no leste e no norte. Eu vou ficar entre os Szekelys, que dizem descender de Átila e dos hunos. Isso pode ser verdade, porque quando os magiares conquistaram o país no século onze, encontraram os hunos já vivendo ali. Também li que todo tipo de superstição do mundo parece se reunir nas montanhas dos Cárpatos, como se elas fossem o centro de um estranho redemoinho de ideias. Se isso for verdade, minha estadia deve ser muito interessante. Preciso perguntar ao Count sobre isso.

Original English Version

In the population of Transylvania there are four distinct nationalities: Saxons in the South, and mixed with them the Wallachs, who are the descendants of the Dacians; Magyars in the West, and Szekelys in the East and North. I am going among the latter, who claim to be descended from Attila and the Huns. This may be so, for when the Magyars conquered the country in the eleventh century they found the Huns settled in it. I read that every known superstition in the world is gathered into the horseshoe of the Carpathians, as if it were the centre of some sort of imaginative whirlpool; if so my stay may be very interesting. (Mem., I must ask the Count all about them.)

Tradução Integral em Português

Na população da Transilvânia há quatro nacionalidades distintas: saxões ao sul, e misturados a eles os valáquios, que são descendentes dos dácios; magiares a oeste, e siculos a leste e ao norte. É para junto destes últimos que me dirijo, os quais alegam descender de Átila e dos hunos. Pode ser que assim seja, pois quando os magiares conquistaram o país, no século XI, encontraram os hunos ali estabelecidos. Li que toda superstição conhecida no mundo se concentra na ferradura dos Cárpatos, como se este fosse o centro de uma espécie de redemoinho da imaginação; se for esse o caso, minha estada poderá ser muito interessante. (Lembrete: preciso perguntar tudo sobre eles ao Conde.)

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Não dormi bem, mesmo com a cama confortável, porque tive sonhos estranhos. Um cachorro uivou embaixo da minha janela a noite toda, e isso deve ter sido parte do motivo. Também pode ter sido o pimentão, porque bebi toda a água da minha jarra de vidro e continuei com sede. Perto de amanhecer eu consegui dormir, e depois acordei porque alguém batia sem parar na minha porta. Então devo ter dormido bem pesado. No café da manhã comi mais pimentão, um mingau de milho chamado "mamaliga", e berinjela recheada chamada "impletata". Também quis pedir a receita dessa. Tive que me apressar porque o trem devia sair um pouco antes das oito. Corri para a estação às 7h30, mas depois fiquei sentado no vagão por mais de uma hora antes de partirmos. Quanto mais para o leste se vai, mais atrasados os trens parecem ficar. Como será que são os trens na China?

Original English Version

I did not sleep well, though my bed was comfortable enough, for I had all sorts of queer dreams. There was a dog howling all night under my window, which may have had something to do with it; or it may have been the paprika, for I had to drink up all the water in my carafe, and was still thirsty. Towards morning I slept and was wakened by the continuous knocking at my door, so I guess I must have been sleeping soundly then. I had for breakfast more paprika, and a sort of porridge of maize flour which they said was “mamaliga,” and eggplant stuffed with forcemeat, a very excellent dish, which they call “impletata.” (Mem., get recipe for this also.) I had to hurry breakfast, for the train started a little before eight, or rather it ought to have done so, for after rushing to the station at 7:30 I had to sit in the carriage for more than an hour before we began to move. It seems to me that the further east you go the more unpunctual are the trains. What ought they to be in China?

Tradução Integral em Português

Não dormi bem, embora a cama fosse bastante confortável, pois tive toda sorte de sonhos esquisitos. Havia um cão uivando a noite inteira sob minha janela, o que pode ter tido algo a ver com isso; ou talvez fosse a páprica, pois tive de beber toda a água de minha moringa e ainda assim continuei com sede. Já pela manhã adormeci, e fui acordado pelas batidas contínuas à minha porta, de modo que suponho ter dormido profundamente então. No café da manhã comi mais páprica, e uma espécie de mingau de farinha de milho a que chamavam "mamaliga", e berinjela recheada de carne moída, prato excelentíssimo, que denominam "impletata". (Lembrete: conseguir também esta receita.) Tive de apressar o desjejum, pois o trem partia um pouco antes das oito - ou melhor, deveria ter partido, pois, depois de correr até a estação às 7h30, tive de ficar sentado no vagão por mais de uma hora antes que nos puséssemos em movimento. Parece-me que quanto mais para leste se vai, mais impontuais são os trens. Como haveriam de ser na China?

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Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

O dia todo viajamos devagar por uma região de grande beleza. Às vezes víamos pequenas cidades ou castelos em colinas íngremes, como imagens de livros de orações antigos. Em outros momentos passávamos por rios e córregos com margens largas e cheias de pedras, mostrando que enchentes acontecem ali com frequência. É preciso muita força da água para desgastar as margens de um rio assim. Em cada estação havia grupos de pessoas, às vezes multidões, com roupas de muitos tipos diferentes. Algumas pareciam camponeses como os que vemos em casa, ou como os que vi na França e na Alemanha, com jaquetas curtas, chapéus redondos e calças feitas em casa. Outras eram bem coloridas. As mulheres eram bonitas quando vistas de longe, mas pareciam desajeitadas na cintura quando vistas de perto. Elas usavam mangas brancas e largas, e muitas vezes cintos largos com tiras penduradas, parecendo trajes de balé, embora usassem anáguas por baixo. As pessoas mais estranhas eram os eslovacos. Pareciam mais rudes que os outros, com chapéus grandes, calças largas de um branco sujo, camisas brancas e cintos de couro bem largos cobertos de tachas de latão. Usavam botas altas, tinham cabelo preto comprido e bigodes pretos grossos, e pareciam antigos bandidos do Oriente. Mesmo assim, me disseram que eles são inofensivos e não muito confiantes.

Original English Version

All day long we seemed to dawdle through a country which was full of beauty of every kind. Sometimes we saw little towns or castles on the top of steep hills such as we see in old missals; sometimes we ran by rivers and streams which seemed from the wide stony margin on each side of them to be subject to great floods. It takes a lot of water, and running strong, to sweep the outside edge of a river clear. At every station there were groups of people, sometimes crowds, and in all sorts of attire. Some of them were just like the peasants at home or those I saw coming through France and Germany, with short jackets and round hats and homemade trousers; but others were very picturesque. The women looked pretty, except when you got near them, but they were very clumsy about the waist. They had all full white sleeves of some kind or other, and most of them had big belts with a lot of strips of something fluttering from them like the dresses in a ballet, but of course there were petticoats under them. The strangest figures we saw were the Slovaks, who were more barbarian than the rest, with their big cowboy hats, great baggy dirty-white trousers, white linen shirts, and enormous heavy leather belts, nearly a foot wide, all studded over with brass nails. They wore high boots, with their trousers tucked into them, and had long black hair and heavy black moustaches. They are very picturesque, but do not look prepossessing. On the stage they would be set down at once as some old Oriental band of brigands. They are, however, I am told, very harmless and rather wanting in natural self-assertion.

Tradução Integral em Português

O dia inteiro parecíamos arrastar-nos por um país repleto de belezas de toda espécie. Ora avistávamos pequenas cidades ou castelos no alto de colinas íngremes, como os que vemos em velhos missais; ora passávamos junto a rios e riachos que, pela larga margem pedregosa de cada lado, pareciam sujeitos a grandes cheias. É preciso muita água, e correndo com força, para varrer a orla externa de um rio. Em cada estação havia grupos de gente, às vezes multidões, e nas mais variadas indumentárias. Alguns eram iguais aos camponeses da nossa terra, ou aos que vira atravessando a França e a Alemanha, de jaquetas curtas, chapéus redondos e calças feitas em casa; mas outros eram muito pitorescos. As mulheres pareciam bonitas, exceto quando delas nos aproximávamos, mas eram muito desajeitadas na cintura. Todas traziam mangas brancas e amplas de um tipo ou de outro, e a maioria usava cintos largos com uma porção de tiras de algo esvoaçando, como os trajes de um balé, mas é claro que por baixo havia anáguas. As figuras mais estranhas que vimos foram os eslovacos, mais bárbaros que os demais, com seus grandes chapéus de vaqueiro, calças enormes, folgadas e de um branco sujo, camisas de linho branco e cintos de couro pesadíssimos, de quase trinta centímetros de largura, todos cravejados de tachas de latão. Usavam botas altas, com as calças enfiadas dentro delas, e tinham longos cabelos negros e bastos bigodes negros. São muito pitorescos, mas não têm ar recomendável. No palco seriam logo tomados por algum antigo bando oriental de salteadores. Contudo, disseram-me, são muito inofensivos e antes carecem de autoafirmação natural.

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Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Chegamos a Bistritz já no crepúsculo escuro. É um lugar antigo e interessante. Fica perto da fronteira, porque o Borgo Pass leva de lá até a Bucovina, e a cidade teve uma história cheia de problemas. Cinquenta anos atrás houve cinco grandes incêndios que causaram danos terríveis. No início do século dezessete, a cidade ficou cercada por três semanas, e 13 mil pessoas morreram. A guerra, a fome e as doenças aumentaram ainda mais as perdas.

O Count Drácula me disse para ir ao Golden Krone Hotel. Fiquei feliz ao ver que era um lugar bem antiquado, porque eu queria conhecer os costumes do país. As pessoas estavam me esperando. Quando cheguei perto da porta, vi uma senhora idosa e simpática, com roupas de camponesa: uma roupa de baixo branca com um longo avental duplo (na frente e atrás), feito de tecido colorido, bem justo ao corpo. Ela fez uma reverência e perguntou: "O Herr inglês?" Eu respondi: "Sim, Jonathan Harker." Ela sorriu e deu um recado a um homem idoso de camisa branca, que a seguiu até a porta. Ele saiu e voltou rapidamente com uma carta.

Original English Version

It was on the dark side of twilight when we got to Bistritz, which is a very interesting old place. Being practically on the frontier - for the Borgo Pass leads from it into Bukovina - it has had a very stormy existence, and it certainly shows marks of it. Fifty years ago a series of great fires took place, which made terrible havoc on five separate occasions. At the very beginning of the seventeenth century it underwent a siege of three weeks and lost 13,000 people, the casualties of war proper being assisted by famine and disease.

Count Dracula had directed me to go to the Golden Krone Hotel, which I found, to my great delight, to be thoroughly old-fashioned, for of course I wanted to see all I could of the ways of the country. I was evidently expected, for when I got near the door I faced a cheery-looking elderly woman in the usual peasant dress - white undergarment with long double apron, front, and back, of coloured stuff fitting almost too tight for modesty. When I came close she bowed and said, “The Herr Englishman?” “Yes,” I said, “Jonathan Harker.” She smiled, and gave some message to an elderly man in white shirtsleeves, who had followed her to the door. He went, but immediately returned with a letter: -

Tradução Integral em Português

Era já o lado escuro do crepúsculo quando chegamos a Bistritz, lugar antigo e muito interessante. Estando praticamente na fronteira - pois o Passo de Borgo leva dali à Bucovina - teve existência bastante turbulenta, e por certo mostra as marcas disso. Cinquenta anos atrás houve uma série de grandes incêndios, que causaram estragos terríveis em cinco ocasiões distintas. No exato início do século XVII, sofreu um cerco de três semanas e perdeu treze mil pessoas, sendo as baixas propriamente de guerra agravadas pela fome e pela doença.

O Conde Drácula instruíra-me a ir ao Hotel Golden Krone, que descobri, para meu grande deleite, ser inteiramente à moda antiga - pois, é claro, eu queria ver tudo o que pudesse dos costumes do país. Era evidente que me esperavam, pois, ao aproximar-me da porta, dei de cara com uma senhora idosa de aspecto alegre, no traje camponês de sempre - roupa branca de baixo com um longo avental duplo, à frente e atrás, de tecido colorido, ajustado quase apertado demais para o decoro. Quando me acheguei, ela fez uma reverência e disse: "O senhor inglês?" "Sim", respondi, "Jonathan Harker." Ela sorriu e deu algum recado a um homem idoso em mangas de camisa brancas, que a seguira até a porta. Ele saiu, mas voltou logo com uma carta: -

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Meu amigo, seja bem-vindo aos Cárpatos. Estou esperando por você com grande expectativa. Durma bem esta noite. Amanhã, às três horas, a diligência vai partir para a Bucovina, e um lugar está reservado para você. No Borgo Pass, minha carruagem vai esperar por você e o trará até mim. Espero que sua viagem desde Londres tenha sido agradável, e que você aproveite sua estadia em minha bela terra.

Seu amigo, Drácula.

Original English Version

“My Friend. - Welcome to the Carpathians. I am anxiously expecting you. Sleep well tonight. At three tomorrow the diligence will start for Bukovina; a place on it is kept for you. At the Borgo Pass my carriage will await you and will bring you to me. I trust that your journey from London has been a happy one, and that you will enjoy your stay in my beautiful land.

“Your friend, “Dracula.”

Tradução Integral em Português

"Meu amigo. - Bem-vindo aos Cárpatos. Aguardo-o ansiosamente. Durma bem esta noite. Amanhã, às três, a diligência partirá para a Bucovina; um lugar nela está reservado para o senhor. No Passo de Borgo minha carruagem o esperará e o trará até mim. Confio em que sua viagem desde Londres tenha sido feliz e que aprecie sua estada em minha bela terra.

"Seu amigo, Drácula."

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Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

4 de maio. - Descobri que o dono da pousada tinha recebido uma carta do Count, pedindo que guardasse o melhor lugar da diligência para mim. Mas quando pedi mais detalhes, ele pareceu relutante em falar e agiu como se não conseguisse entender meu alemão. Isso não podia ser verdade, porque até aquele momento ele tinha me entendido perfeitamente. Pelo menos, respondia às minhas perguntas como se entendesse. Ele e a esposa, a senhora idosa que tinha me recebido, se entreolharam com medo. Ele disse que o dinheiro tinha sido enviado junto com a carta, e que era tudo o que sabia. Quando perguntei se ele conhecia o Count Drácula ou podia me falar sobre o castelo dele, tanto ele quanto a esposa se benzeram e disseram que não sabiam de nada. Não quiseram falar mais nada. Já estava quase na hora de partir, então não tive tempo de perguntar a mais ninguém. Tudo parecia muito estranho e nada tranquilizador.

Original English Version

4 May. - I found that my landlord had got a letter from the Count, directing him to secure the best place on the coach for me; but on making inquiries as to details he seemed somewhat reticent, and pretended that he could not understand my German. This could not be true, because up to then he had understood it perfectly; at least, he answered my questions exactly as if he did. He and his wife, the old lady who had received me, looked at each other in a frightened sort of way. He mumbled out that the money had been sent in a letter, and that was all he knew. When I asked him if he knew Count Dracula, and could tell me anything of his castle, both he and his wife crossed themselves, and, saying that they knew nothing at all, simply refused to speak further. It was so near the time of starting that I had no time to ask anyone else, for it was all very mysterious and not by any means comforting.

Tradução Integral em Português

4 de maio. - Descobri que meu hospedeiro recebera uma carta do Conde, ordenando-lhe que me garantisse o melhor lugar na diligência; mas, ao indagar detalhes, ele se mostrou algo reticente e fingiu não entender meu alemão. Não podia ser verdade, pois até então o compreendera perfeitamente; ao menos, respondia às minhas perguntas exatamente como se compreendesse. Ele e a esposa, a velha senhora que me recebera, entreolharam-se de um modo assustado. Resmungou que o dinheiro fora enviado numa carta, e que era tudo o que sabia. Quando lhe perguntei se conhecia o Conde Drácula e se podia dizer-me algo de seu castelo, tanto ele quanto a esposa se benzeram e, dizendo que nada sabiam, simplesmente recusaram-se a falar mais. Estava tão próxima a hora da partida que não tive tempo de indagar a mais ninguém, e tudo aquilo era muito misterioso e de modo algum reconfortante.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Pouco antes de eu partir, a senhora idosa veio ao meu quarto e disse, muito aflita:

"O senhor precisa mesmo ir? Ah, jovem Herr, o senhor precisa mesmo ir?" Ela estava tão agitada que parecia esquecer o alemão que sabia e misturava com outra língua que eu não conhecia. Só consegui entendê-la fazendo muitas perguntas. Quando eu disse que precisava partir imediatamente por causa de um assunto importante, ela perguntou de novo:

"O senhor sabe que dia é hoje?" Eu disse que era quatro de maio. Ela sacudiu a cabeça e disse de novo:

"Ah, sim! Eu sei disso! Eu sei disso, mas o senhor sabe que dia é hoje?" Quando eu disse que não entendia, ela continuou:

Original English Version

Just before I was leaving, the old lady came up to my room and said in a very hysterical way:

“Must you go? Oh! young Herr, must you go?” She was in such an excited state that she seemed to have lost her grip of what German she knew, and mixed it all up with some other language which I did not know at all. I was just able to follow her by asking many questions. When I told her that I must go at once, and that I was engaged on important business, she asked again:

“Do you know what day it is?” I answered that it was the fourth of May. She shook her head as she said again:

“Oh, yes! I know that! I know that, but do you know what day it is?” On my saying that I did not understand, she went on:

Tradução Integral em Português

Pouco antes de eu partir, a velha senhora subiu ao meu quarto e disse, de maneira muito histérica:

"O senhor tem mesmo de ir? Ah! jovem senhor, tem mesmo de ir?" Estava em tal estado de exaltação que parecia ter perdido o domínio do pouco alemão que sabia, misturando-o todo a alguma outra língua que eu não conhecia de modo algum. Só consegui acompanhá-la fazendo muitas perguntas. Quando lhe disse que precisava ir imediatamente, e que estava incumbido de negócio importante, ela tornou a perguntar:

"O senhor sabe que dia é hoje?" Respondi que era 4 de maio. Ela sacudiu a cabeça, dizendo de novo:

"Ah, sim! Isso eu sei! Isso eu sei, mas o senhor sabe que dia é hoje?" Como eu dissesse que não entendia, ela prosseguiu:

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

"É a véspera do Dia de São Jorge. O senhor não sabe que esta noite, quando o relógio bater meia-noite, todas as coisas más terão poder total? O senhor sabe para onde está indo, e para o que está indo?" Ela estava muito aflita, e tentei consolá-la, mas não adiantou. No fim, ela caiu de joelhos e implorou para que eu não fosse, ou pelo menos esperasse um dia ou dois. Parecia bobagem, mas mesmo assim fiquei incomodado. Ainda assim, eu tinha trabalho a fazer, e nada podia me impedir. Então a ajudei a se levantar e, o mais calmamente que pude, disse que agradecia, mas tinha um dever a cumprir e precisava ir. Ela então se levantou, secou os olhos, tirou um crucifixo do pescoço e me ofereceu. Eu não sabia o que fazer. Como um homem da Igreja Anglicana, fui ensinado a achar que esse tipo de coisa era um tanto errado, mas também parecia falta de educação recusar uma senhora idosa que tinha tão boas intenções. Ela deve ter percebido minha dúvida, porque colocou o terço no meu pescoço e disse: "Pelo bem da sua mãe", e depois saiu do quarto. Estou escrevendo isso enquanto espero a diligência, que está atrasada, e o crucifixo ainda está no meu pescoço. Não sei se é o medo da senhora idosa, as histórias deste lugar, ou o próprio crucifixo, mas não me sinto tão calmo quanto de costume. Se este caderno chegar até Mina antes de mim, que sirva de despedida. Lá vem a diligência!

Original English Version

“It is the eve of St. George’s Day. Do you not know that tonight, when the clock strikes midnight, all the evil things in the world will have full sway? Do you know where you are going, and what you are going to?” She was in such evident distress that I tried to comfort her, but without effect. Finally she went down on her knees and implored me not to go; at least to wait a day or two before starting. It was all very ridiculous but I did not feel comfortable. However, there was business to be done, and I could allow nothing to interfere with it. I therefore tried to raise her up, and said, as gravely as I could, that I thanked her, but my duty was imperative, and that I must go. She then rose and dried her eyes, and taking a crucifix from her neck offered it to me. I did not know what to do, for, as an English Churchman, I have been taught to regard such things as in some measure idolatrous, and yet it seemed so ungracious to refuse an old lady meaning so well and in such a state of mind. She saw, I suppose, the doubt in my face, for she put the rosary round my neck, and said, “For your mother’s sake,” and went out of the room. I am writing up this part of the diary whilst I am waiting for the coach, which is, of course, late; and the crucifix is still round my neck. Whether it is the old lady’s fear, or the many ghostly traditions of this place, or the crucifix itself, I do not know, but I am not feeling nearly as easy in my mind as usual. If this book should ever reach Mina before I do, let it bring my goodbye. Here comes the coach!

Tradução Integral em Português

"É a véspera do Dia de São Jorge. Não sabe o senhor que esta noite, quando o relógio bater meia-noite, todas as coisas malignas do mundo terão pleno domínio? Sabe para onde vai, e ao encontro do quê?" Estava em aflição tão evidente que tentei confortá-la, mas em vão. Por fim, pôs-se de joelhos e implorou-me que não fosse; que ao menos esperasse um ou dois dias antes de partir. Tudo aquilo era muito ridículo, mas eu não me sentia à vontade. Havia, porém, negócios a resolver, e eu não podia permitir que nada interferisse neles. Tratei, portanto, de erguê-la e disse, tão gravemente quanto pude, que lhe agradecia, mas que meu dever era imperativo e que eu precisava ir. Ela então se levantou e enxugou os olhos e, tirando um crucifixo do pescoço, ofereceu-mo. Não sabia o que fazer, pois, como membro da Igreja Anglicana, fui ensinado a considerar tais coisas em certa medida idólatras, e no entanto parecia tão descortês recusar uma velha senhora de intenções tão boas e em tal estado de espírito. Percebeu ela, suponho, a dúvida em meu rosto, pois me pôs o rosário ao pescoço e disse: "Pelo amor de sua mãe", e saiu do quarto. Escrevo esta parte do diário enquanto espero a diligência, que, é claro, está atrasada; e o crucifixo ainda me pende do pescoço. Se é o medo da velha senhora, ou as muitas tradições espectrais deste lugar, ou o próprio crucifixo, não sei, mas não me sinto nem de longe tão tranquilo de espírito quanto de costume. Se este caderno chegar às mãos da Mina antes de mim, que lhe leve o meu adeus. Aí vem a diligência!

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

5 de maio. O castelo. - A manhã cinzenta já passou, e o sol agora está alto sobre o horizonte distante. A linha do horizonte parece irregular e cheia de saliências, mas não consigo saber se são árvores ou colinas, porque está tão longe que as coisas grandes e pequenas se misturam. Não estou com sono, e como só vão me chamar quando eu acordar, vou escrever até que o sono chegue. Há muitas coisas estranhas para registrar, e não quero que ninguém pense que comi demais antes de sair de Bistritz, então vou anotar exatamente o que jantei. Comi o que chamavam de "bife de ladrão" - pedaços de bacon, cebola e carne bovina, temperados com pimentão vermelho, espetados em varetas e assados na fogueira, do mesmo jeito simples da carne de gato de Londres. O vinho era o Golden Mediasch, que deu uma sensação estranha e ardida na língua, mas não desagradável. Bebi só duas taças, e nada mais.

Original English Version

5 May. The Castle. - The grey of the morning has passed, and the sun is high over the distant horizon, which seems jagged, whether with trees or hills I know not, for it is so far off that big things and little are mixed. I am not sleepy, and, as I am not to be called till I awake, naturally I write till sleep comes. There are many odd things to put down, and, lest who reads them may fancy that I dined too well before I left Bistritz, let me put down my dinner exactly. I dined on what they called “robber steak” - bits of bacon, onion, and beef, seasoned with red pepper, and strung on sticks and roasted over the fire, in the simple style of the London cat’s meat! The wine was Golden Mediasch, which produces a queer sting on the tongue, which is, however, not disagreeable. I had only a couple of glasses of this, and nothing else.

Tradução Integral em Português

5 de maio. O Castelo. - O cinza da manhã já passou, e o sol está alto sobre o horizonte distante, que parece recortado, se por árvores ou por colinas não sei dizer, pois fica tão longe que as coisas grandes e as pequenas se confundem. Não tenho sono e, como não devo ser chamado até que desperte, naturalmente escrevo até que o sono venha. Há muitas coisas curiosas a registrar e, para que quem as ler não imagine que jantei bem demais antes de deixar Bistritz, deixe-me anotar meu jantar com exatidão. Jantei o que chamavam de "bife de salteador" - pedaços de bacon, cebola e carne, temperados com pimenta vermelha, espetados em varetas e assados ao fogo, no estilo simples da carne para gatos de Londres! O vinho era o Golden Mediasch, que produz um ardor esquisito na língua, o qual, contudo, não é desagradável. Tomei apenas um par de taças dele, e nada mais.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Quando subi na diligência, o cocheiro ainda não tinha se sentado. Eu o vi conversando com a dona da pousada. Estava claro que falavam sobre mim, porque olhavam para mim várias vezes. Algumas pessoas sentadas no banco perto da porta - que eles chamam de "portador de notícias" - vieram escutar, e depois olharam para mim com pena. Ouvi muitas palavras estranhas se repetindo, porque havia pessoas de países diferentes. Então peguei discretamente meu dicionário na mala e fui procurá-las. Não eram nada reconfortantes. Entre as palavras estavam "Ordog" - Satanás, "pokol" - inferno, "stregoica" - bruxa, "vrolok" e "vlkoslak" - que significam a mesma coisa, uma em eslovaco e outra em sérvio, para algo que é lobisomem ou vampiro. (Nota: preciso perguntar ao Count sobre essas crenças.)

Original English Version

When I got on the coach the driver had not taken his seat, and I saw him talking with the landlady. They were evidently talking of me, for every now and then they looked at me, and some of the people who were sitting on the bench outside the door - which they call by a name meaning “word-bearer” - came and listened, and then looked at me, most of them pityingly. I could hear a lot of words often repeated, queer words, for there were many nationalities in the crowd; so I quietly got my polyglot dictionary from my bag and looked them out. I must say they were not cheering to me, for amongst them were “Ordog” - Satan, “pokol” - hell, “stregoica” - witch, “vrolok” and “vlkoslak” - both of which mean the same thing, one being Slovak and the other Serbian for something that is either werewolf or vampire. (Mem., I must ask the Count about these superstitions)

Tradução Integral em Português

Quando subi na diligência, o cocheiro ainda não ocupara seu assento, e o vi conversando com a hospedeira. Falavam evidentemente de mim, pois de quando em quando olhavam para mim, e algumas das pessoas que estavam sentadas no banco em frente à porta - a que dão um nome que significa "portador de recados" - vieram escutar e depois me fitaram, a maioria com pena. Eu ouvia muitas palavras repetidas com frequência, palavras esquisitas, pois havia muitas nacionalidades na multidão; assim, discretamente tirei da mala meu dicionário poliglota e as procurei. Devo dizer que não me foram nada animadoras, pois entre elas estavam "Ordog" - Satã, "pokol" - inferno, "stregoica" - bruxa, "vrolok" e "vlkoslak" - ambas com o mesmo sentido, uma sendo eslovaca e a outra sérvia para algo que é lobisomem ou vampiro. (Lembrete: preciso perguntar ao Conde sobre estas superstições.)

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Quando partimos, a multidão na porta da pousada tinha crescido muito. Todos faziam o sinal da cruz e apontavam dois dedos para mim. Por fim, consegui que um dos outros passageiros explicasse o gesto. No começo ele não quis responder, mas quando soube que eu era inglês, disse que era um amuleto contra o mau-olhado. Isso não foi nada agradável para mim, já que eu estava indo para um lugar desconhecido encontrar um homem desconhecido. Mas todos foram tão gentis, tristes e cuidadosos que fiquei profundamente comovido. Nunca vou esquecer minha última visão do pátio da pousada e das muitas figuras estranhas ali, todas se benzendo sob o grande arco. Atrás delas havia plantas de um verde intenso, com oleandros e laranjeiras em vasos no meio do pátio. Então nosso cocheiro estalou seu grande chicote sobre os quatro cavalos pequenos, e partimos.

Original English Version

When we started, the crowd round the inn door, which had by this time swelled to a considerable size, all made the sign of the cross and pointed two fingers towards me. With some difficulty I got a fellow-passenger to tell me what they meant; he would not answer at first, but on learning that I was English, he explained that it was a charm or guard against the evil eye. This was not very pleasant for me, just starting for an unknown place to meet an unknown man; but everyone seemed so kindhearted, and so sorrowful, and so sympathetic that I could not but be touched. I shall never forget the last glimpse which I had of the innyard and its crowd of picturesque figures, all crossing themselves, as they stood round the wide archway, with its background of rich foliage of oleander and orange trees in green tubs clustered in the centre of the yard. Then our driver, whose wide linen drawers covered the whole front of the box-seat - “gotza” they call them - cracked his big whip over his four small horses, which ran abreast, and we set off on our journey.

Tradução Integral em Português

Quando partimos, a multidão em torno da porta da estalagem, que a essa altura já inchara a tamanho considerável, fez toda o sinal da cruz e apontou dois dedos em minha direção. Com alguma dificuldade consegui que um companheiro de viagem me dissesse o que aquilo significava; a princípio ele não quis responder, mas, ao saber que eu era inglês, explicou que era um encanto ou proteção contra o mau-olhado. Aquilo não era muito agradável para mim, que justo partia para um lugar desconhecido ao encontro de um homem desconhecido; mas todos pareciam tão bondosos, tão pesarosos e tão solidários que não pude senão comover-me. Jamais esquecerei o último vislumbre que tive do pátio da estalagem e de sua multidão de figuras pitorescas, todas se benzendo, de pé em torno do largo arco, com o fundo de rica folhagem de oleandros e laranjeiras em tinas verdes agrupadas no centro do pátio. Depois nosso cocheiro, cujos amplos calções de linho cobriam toda a frente do assento da boleia - "gotza" eles os chamam - estalou o grande chicote sobre seus quatro cavalinhos, que corriam lado a lado, e lá partimos em nossa viagem.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Logo esqueci meus medos, porque a paisagem era muito bonita. Se eu soubesse a língua, ou melhor, as línguas dos outros passageiros, talvez não tivesse me acalmado tão facilmente. Diante de nós havia colinas verdes com florestas e bosques, e de vez em quando colinas íngremes com árvores ou casas de fazenda no topo. Por toda parte havia um mar de flores de frutas: maçã, ameixa, pera e cereja. Enquanto passávamos, eu via a grama verde sob as árvores coberta de pétalas caídas. A estrada serpenteava por essas colinas do Mittel Land e muitas vezes desaparecia em curvas ou atrás de bosques de pinheiros que desciam pelas encostas como línguas de fogo. A estrada era ruim, mas percorríamos ela muito rápido. Eu não sabia por que estávamos com tanta pressa, mas era claro que o cocheiro queria chegar logo a Borgo Prund. Me disseram que a estrada é boa no verão, mas ainda não tinha sido consertada depois da neve do inverno. Isso era incomum, porque as estradas nos Cárpatos costumavam ser deixadas de propósito em más condições. Antigamente, os Hospadars não as consertavam, porque tinham medo de que os turcos pensassem que eles estavam se preparando para a guerra.

Original English Version

I soon lost sight and recollection of ghostly fears in the beauty of the scene as we drove along, although had I known the language, or rather languages, which my fellow-passengers were speaking, I might not have been able to throw them off so easily. Before us lay a green sloping land full of forests and woods, with here and there steep hills, crowned with clumps of trees or with farmhouses, the blank gable end to the road. There was everywhere a bewildering mass of fruit blossom - apple, plum, pear, cherry; and as we drove by I could see the green grass under the trees spangled with the fallen petals. In and out amongst these green hills of what they call here the “Mittel Land” ran the road, losing itself as it swept round the grassy curve, or was shut out by the straggling ends of pine woods, which here and there ran down the hillsides like tongues of flame. The road was rugged, but still we seemed to fly over it with a feverish haste. I could not understand then what the haste meant, but the driver was evidently bent on losing no time in reaching Borgo Prund. I was told that this road is in summertime excellent, but that it had not yet been put in order after the winter snows. In this respect it is different from the general run of roads in the Carpathians, for it is an old tradition that they are not to be kept in too good order. Of old the Hospadars would not repair them, lest the Turk should think that they were preparing to bring in foreign troops, and so hasten the war which was always really at loading point.

Tradução Integral em Português

Logo perdi de vista e de lembrança os temores espectrais, na beleza da cena, à medida que avançávamos - embora, se eu conhecesse a língua, ou melhor, as línguas que meus companheiros de viagem falavam, talvez não tivesse conseguido afastá-los com tanta facilidade. Diante de nós estendia-se uma terra verde e em declive, cheia de florestas e bosques, com aqui e ali colinas íngremes coroadas de tufos de árvores ou de casas de fazenda, o cego frontão voltado para a estrada. Havia por toda parte uma desconcertante profusão de flores de árvores frutíferas - maçã, ameixa, pera, cereja; e, ao passarmos, eu podia ver a relva verde sob as árvores salpicada das pétalas caídas. Entrando e saindo por entre estas colinas verdes do que aqui chamam de "Mittel Land", corria a estrada, perdendo-se ao contornar a curva relvada, ou ficando oculta pelas pontas esparsas dos pinheirais, que aqui e ali desciam pelas encostas como línguas de fogo. A estrada era acidentada, mas ainda assim parecíamos voar sobre ela com uma pressa febril. Não compreendi então o que aquela pressa significava, mas o cocheiro estava evidentemente decidido a não perder tempo em alcançar Borgo Prund. Disseram-me que esta estrada, no verão, é excelente, mas que ainda não fora posta em ordem após as neves do inverno. Nesse aspecto difere da generalidade das estradas dos Cárpatos, pois é antiga tradição que não devam ser mantidas em ordem boa demais. Outrora os hospodares não as consertavam, para que o turco não pensasse que se preparavam para trazer tropas estrangeiras e assim apressasse a guerra que, na verdade, estava sempre no ponto de deflagrar.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Além das colinas verdes do Mittel Land, erguiam-se grandes encostas cobertas de floresta que subiam até as altas montanhas dos Cárpatos. Elas ficavam dos dois lados. O sol da tarde brilhava sobre elas e mostrava suas cores ricas: azul profundo e roxo nas sombras, verde e marrom onde a grama encontrava a rocha, e longas fileiras de pedras afiadas e penhascos, até que os picos nevados apareciam ao longe. Em alguns lugares havia enormes fendas nas montanhas, e conforme o sol começava a se pôr, às vezes víamos água branca caindo por elas. Um dos meus companheiros tocou meu braço quando contornamos a base de uma colina e se abriu diante de nós a vista de um pico alto, coberto de neve, que parecia muito perto de nós.

"Olhe! Isten szek!" - "O trono de Deus!" - ele disse, e se benzeu com respeito.

Original English Version

Beyond the green swelling hills of the Mittel Land rose mighty slopes of forest up to the lofty steeps of the Carpathians themselves. Right and left of us they towered, with the afternoon sun falling full upon them and bringing out all the glorious colours of this beautiful range, deep blue and purple in the shadows of the peaks, green and brown where grass and rock mingled, and an endless perspective of jagged rock and pointed crags, till these were themselves lost in the distance, where the snowy peaks rose grandly. Here and there seemed mighty rifts in the mountains, through which, as the sun began to sink, we saw now and again the white gleam of falling water. One of my companions touched my arm as we swept round the base of a hill and opened up the lofty, snow-covered peak of a mountain, which seemed, as we wound on our serpentine way, to be right before us: -

“Look! Isten szek!” - “God’s seat!” - and he crossed himself reverently.

Tradução Integral em Português

Além das colinas verdes e ondulantes do Mittel Land erguiam-se poderosas encostas de floresta, até os altíssimos despenhadeiros dos próprios Cárpatos. À direita e à esquerda elas se alteavam, com o sol da tarde caindo em cheio sobre elas e realçando todas as gloriosas cores desta bela cordilheira: azul-escuro e púrpura nas sombras dos picos, verde e castanho onde relva e rocha se mesclavam, e uma perspectiva infinita de rochedos recortados e penhascos aguçados, até que estes próprios se perdiam na distância, onde os picos nevados se erguiam grandiosamente. Aqui e ali pareciam abrir-se poderosas fendas nas montanhas, através das quais, à medida que o sol começava a baixar, víamos de quando em quando o alvo lampejo de uma queda-d'água. Um de meus companheiros tocou-me o braço quando contornamos a base de uma colina e se descortinou o altíssimo pico nevado de uma montanha que parecia, enquanto seguíamos nosso caminho serpenteante, estar bem diante de nós: -

"Olhem! Isten szek!" - "O trono de Deus!" - e ele se benzeu com reverência.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Enquanto continuávamos nossa longa viagem, o sol foi baixando atrás de nós e as sombras da noite foram nos cercando. O topo nevado da montanha ainda guardava a luz do pôr do sol e brilhava num rosa suave e frio. Passamos por Cszeks e eslovacos com roupas vivas, mas percebi que o bócio era muito comum. Havia muitas cruzes ao lado da estrada, e quando passávamos por elas, todos os meus companheiros se benziam. De vez em quando um camponês, homem ou mulher, se ajoelhava diante de um santuário e nem se virava para nos olhar, como se uma oração profunda o afastasse do mundo. Vi muitas coisas novas, como feno empilhado nas árvores e lindas bétulas chorosas com troncos brancos brilhando como prata entre as folhas verdes. Às vezes passávamos por um leiter-wagon, a carroça comum dos camponeses, com sua longa armação feita para estradas ruins. Geralmente carregava grupos de camponeses voltando para casa, Cszeks com peles de carneiro brancas e eslovacos com peles coloridas. Os eslovacos carregavam longos bastões com machados na ponta. Conforme a noite caía, o ar ficava muito frio. As árvores escuras - carvalho, faia e pinheiro - se misturavam numa massa só, embora nos vales os pinheiros escuros ainda se destacassem contra a neve tardia. Às vezes atravessávamos bosques de pinheiros que pareciam se fechar sobre nós na escuridão. Manchas pálidas nas árvores davam à cena um ar estranho e solene, e meus antigos pensamentos inquietos voltaram. Às vezes as colinas eram tão íngremes que os cavalos só conseguiam ir devagar, mesmo com o cocheiro com pressa. Eu queria descer e caminhar, como fazemos em casa, mas ele não deixou. Disse que os cachorros eram muito ferozes. Depois, como uma piada sombria, acrescentou que eu talvez visse coisas assim o bastante antes de dormir. Ele só parou por um instante para acender as lamparinas.

Original English Version

As we wound on our endless way, and the sun sank lower and lower behind us, the shadows of the evening began to creep round us. This was emphasised by the fact that the snowy mountaintop still held the sunset, and seemed to glow out with a delicate cool pink. Here and there we passed Cszeks and Slovaks, all in picturesque attire, but I noticed that goitre was painfully prevalent. By the roadside were many crosses, and as we swept by, my companions all crossed themselves. Here and there was a peasant man or woman kneeling before a shrine, who did not even turn round as we approached, but seemed in the self-surrender of devotion to have neither eyes nor ears for the outer world. There were many things new to me: for instance, hayricks in the trees, and here and there very beautiful masses of weeping birch, their white stems shining like silver through the delicate green of the leaves. Now and again we passed a leiter-wagon - the ordinary peasant’s cart - with its long, snakelike vertebra, calculated to suit the inequalities of the road. On this were sure to be seated quite a group of homecoming peasants, the Cszeks with their white, and the Slovaks with their coloured, sheepskins, the latter carrying lance-fashion their long staves, with axe at end. As the evening fell it began to get very cold, and the growing twilight seemed to merge into one dark mistiness the gloom of the trees, oak, beech, and pine, though in the valleys which ran deep between the spurs of the hills, as we ascended through the Pass, the dark firs stood out here and there against the background of late-lying snow. Sometimes, as the road was cut through the pine woods that seemed in the darkness to be closing down upon us, great masses of greyness, which here and there bestrewed the trees, produced a peculiarly weird and solemn effect, which carried on the thoughts and grim fancies engendered earlier in the evening, when the falling sunset threw into strange relief the ghostlike clouds which amongst the Carpathians seem to wind ceaselessly through the valleys. Sometimes the hills were so steep that, despite our driver’s haste, the horses could only go slowly. I wished to get down and walk up them, as we do at home, but the driver would not hear of it. “No, no,” he said; “you must not walk here; the dogs are too fierce”; and then he added, with what he evidently meant for grim pleasantry - for he looked round to catch the approving smile of the rest - “and you may have enough of such matters before you go to sleep.” The only stop he would make was a moment’s pause to light his lamps.

Tradução Integral em Português

À medida que seguíamos nosso interminável caminho, e o sol se punha cada vez mais baixo atrás de nós, as sombras da tarde começaram a insinuar-se ao nosso redor. Isso era acentuado pelo fato de que o cume nevado da montanha ainda retinha o pôr do sol, e parecia resplandecer num delicado rosa frio. Aqui e ali passávamos por tchecos e eslovacos, todos em trajes pitorescos, mas notei que o bócio era penosamente comum. À beira da estrada havia muitas cruzes e, ao passarmos por elas, meus companheiros todos se benziam. Aqui e ali via-se um camponês ou camponesa ajoelhado diante de um santuário, que nem sequer se voltava à nossa aproximação, mas parecia, na entrega da devoção, não ter olhos nem ouvidos para o mundo exterior. Havia muitas coisas novas para mim: por exemplo, medas de feno nas árvores, e aqui e ali belíssimas massas de bétula chorona, seus troncos brancos reluzindo como prata através do delicado verde das folhas. De quando em quando passávamos por um leiter-wagon - a carroça comum do camponês - com sua longa e serpenteante vértebra, calculada para acomodar as irregularidades da estrada. Sobre ela ia sempre sentado um bom grupo de camponeses que voltavam para casa, os tchecos com seus casacos de pele de carneiro brancos, e os eslovacos com os coloridos, estes últimos carregando à maneira de lanças seus longos bastões, com um machado na ponta. Ao cair da tarde começou a fazer muito frio, e o crepúsculo crescente parecia fundir numa só névoa escura a penumbra das árvores - carvalho, faia e pinheiro - embora nos vales que corriam fundos entre os contrafortes das colinas, à medida que subíamos pelo Passo, os abetos escuros se destacassem aqui e ali contra o fundo da neve tardia. Às vezes, quando a estrada era cortada através dos pinheirais que na escuridão pareciam fechar-se sobre nós, grandes massas de cinzento, que aqui e ali orlavam as árvores, produziam um efeito peculiarmente estranho e solene, que dava continuidade aos pensamentos e às lúgubres fantasias despertados mais cedo naquela tarde, quando o pôr do sol declinante lançava em estranho relevo as nuvens espectrais que, entre os Cárpatos, parecem serpentear sem cessar pelos vales. Às vezes as colinas eram tão íngremes que, apesar da pressa do cocheiro, os cavalos só conseguiam ir devagar. Eu quis descer e subi-las a pé, como fazemos em casa, mas o cocheiro nem quis ouvir falar nisso. "Não, não", disse ele; "o senhor não deve andar a pé por aqui; os cães são ferozes demais"; e então acrescentou, com o que evidentemente pretendia ser um gracejo sombrio - pois olhou em volta para colher o sorriso aprovador dos demais - "e o senhor pode ter o bastante de tais coisas antes de ir dormir". A única parada que fez foi um instante para acender suas lanternas.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Quando escureceu, os passageiros ficaram agitados e não paravam de falar com o cocheiro, pedindo para ele ir mais rápido. Ele chicoteava os cavalos e gritava para incentivá-los. Na escuridão, vi um pedaço de luz cinzenta à frente, como se houvesse uma fenda entre as colinas. A agitação aumentou; a diligência balançava e sacudia como um barco num mar tempestuoso. Eu tinha que me segurar. A estrada ficou mais plana, e parecia que estávamos voando. Então as montanhas se aproximaram e pareciam nos observar carrancudas. Estávamos entrando no Borgo Pass. Um a um, os passageiros me deram presentes, entregando-os com muita sinceridade. Eram objetos estranhos e variados, dados de boa fé, junto com uma palavra gentil, uma bênção, o sinal da cruz e uma proteção contra o mau-olhado. Enquanto voávamos, o cocheiro se inclinava para frente, e os passageiros espiavam a escuridão. Algo empolgante estava acontecendo ou era esperado, mas ninguém explicava nada. A agitação durou um tempo, depois vimos o Pass se abrindo no lado leste. Nuvens escuras e pesadas cobriam o céu, e o ar parecia carregado de trovão. Parecia que as montanhas separavam duas atmosferas, e agora estávamos na tempestuosa. Procurei a carruagem que devia me levar até o Count. Esperava ver lamparinas na escuridão, mas estava tudo escuro. Só os raios bruxuleantes das nossas próprias lamparinas mostravam o vapor saindo dos cavalos. A estrada de areia se estendia branca diante de nós, mas não havia nenhum veículo. Os passageiros recuaram com um suspiro de alívio que zombava da minha decepção. Eu estava pensando no que fazer quando o cocheiro, olhando o relógio, disse baixinho: "Uma hora antes da hora combinada." Depois me disse em alemão: "Não há carruagem aqui. O Herr não é esperado. Ele vai seguir até a Bucovina e voltar amanhã ou depois de amanhã."

Original English Version

When it grew dark there seemed to be some excitement amongst the passengers, and they kept speaking to him, one after the other, as though urging him to further speed. He lashed the horses unmercifully with his long whip, and with wild cries of encouragement urged them on to further exertions. Then through the darkness I could see a sort of patch of grey light ahead of us, as though there were a cleft in the hills. The excitement of the passengers grew greater; the crazy coach rocked on its great leather springs, and swayed like a boat tossed on a stormy sea. I had to hold on. The road grew more level, and we appeared to fly along. Then the mountains seemed to come nearer to us on each side and to frown down upon us; we were entering on the Borgo Pass. One by one several of the passengers offered me gifts, which they pressed upon me with an earnestness which would take no denial; these were certainly of an odd and varied kind, but each was given in simple good faith, with a kindly word, and a blessing, and that strange mixture of fear-meaning movements which I had seen outside the hotel at Bistritz - the sign of the cross and the guard against the evil eye. Then, as we flew along, the driver leaned forward, and on each side the passengers, craning over the edge of the coach, peered eagerly into the darkness. It was evident that something very exciting was either happening or expected, but though I asked each passenger, no one would give me the slightest explanation. This state of excitement kept on for some little time; and at last we saw before us the Pass opening out on the eastern side. There were dark, rolling clouds overhead, and in the air the heavy, oppressive sense of thunder. It seemed as though the mountain range had separated two atmospheres, and that now we had got into the thunderous one. I was now myself looking out for the conveyance which was to take me to the Count. Each moment I expected to see the glare of lamps through the blackness; but all was dark. The only light was the flickering rays of our own lamps, in which the steam from our hard-driven horses rose in a white cloud. We could see now the sandy road lying white before us, but there was on it no sign of a vehicle. The passengers drew back with a sigh of gladness, which seemed to mock my own disappointment. I was already thinking what I had best do, when the driver, looking at his watch, said to the others something which I could hardly hear, it was spoken so quietly and in so low a tone; I thought it was “An hour less than the time.” Then turning to me, he said in German worse than my own: -

Tradução Integral em Português

Quando escureceu, pareceu haver certa agitação entre os passageiros, e não paravam de falar com ele, um após outro, como que a instá-lo a maior velocidade. Ele fustigava os cavalos sem piedade com seu longo chicote e, aos brados selvagens de incentivo, forçava-os a novos esforços. Então, através da escuridão, pude ver uma espécie de mancha de luz cinzenta à nossa frente, como se houvesse uma fenda nas colinas. A agitação dos passageiros cresceu; a desconjuntada diligência balançava sobre suas grandes molas de couro e jogava como um barco sacudido em mar tempestuoso. Tive de me segurar. A estrada tornou-se mais plana, e parecíamos voar por ela. Então as montanhas pareceram aproximar-se de nós de cada lado e franzir o cenho sobre nós; adentrávamos o Passo de Borgo. Um a um, vários dos passageiros me ofereceram presentes, que me impuseram com uma insistência que não admitia recusa; eram por certo de espécie estranha e variada, mas cada qual dado em simples boa-fé, com uma palavra bondosa, uma bênção e aquela estranha mistura de gestos de significado temeroso que eu vira do lado de fora do hotel em Bistritz - o sinal da cruz e a proteção contra o mau-olhado. Então, enquanto voávamos, o cocheiro inclinou-se para a frente, e de cada lado os passageiros, esticando-se para além da borda da diligência, perscrutavam avidamente a escuridão. Era evidente que algo muito emocionante ou estava acontecendo ou era esperado, mas, embora eu perguntasse a cada passageiro, ninguém me dava a menor explicação. Esse estado de agitação prolongou-se por algum tempo; e por fim vimos diante de nós o Passo abrir-se do lado oriental. Havia nuvens escuras e revoltas no alto, e no ar a sensação pesada e opressiva de trovoada. Parecia que a cordilheira separara duas atmosferas, e que agora havíamos entrado na tempestuosa. Eu mesmo procurava agora a condução que devia levar-me até o Conde. A cada instante esperava ver o clarão de lanternas através da negrume; mas tudo estava escuro. A única luz eram os raios trêmulos de nossas próprias lanternas, nos quais o vapor de nossos cavalos, tão forçados, subia numa nuvem branca. Podíamos ver agora a estrada arenosa estendendo-se branca diante de nós, mas não havia nela sinal de veículo algum. Os passageiros recostaram-se com um suspiro de alívio, que parecia zombar de minha própria decepção. Já cogitava o que seria melhor fazer, quando o cocheiro, olhando o relógio, disse aos outros algo que mal pude ouvir, tão baixo e em tom tão surdo foi dito; pareceu-me que era "Uma hora menos que o tempo". Então, voltando-se para mim, disse num alemão pior que o meu: -

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Enquanto ele falava, os cavalos começaram a relinchar, bufar e disparar violentamente, e o cocheiro teve que segurá-los. Então, em meio a gritos dos camponeses, todos se benzendo, uma calèche puxada por quatro cavalos surgiu atrás de nós, nos ultrapassou e parou ao lado da diligência. À luz das lamparinas, vi que os cavalos eram pretos como carvão e magníficos. Um homem alto, com uma longa barba castanha e um grande chapéu preto, conduzia a carruagem. Ele parecia esconder o rosto. Só consegui ver o brilho de olhos muito claros, que pareciam vermelhos à luz da lamparina, quando ele se virou para nós. Ele disse ao cocheiro:

"Você está adiantado esta noite, meu amigo." O homem respondeu gaguejando:

"O Herr inglês estava com pressa,"

e o estranho respondeu: "Foi por isso, imagino, que você quis que ele seguisse até a Bucovina. Você não consegue me enganar, meu amigo; eu sei demais, e meus cavalos são velozes." Enquanto falava, ele sorriu, e a luz da lamparina caiu sobre uma boca dura, de lábios muito vermelhos e dentes afiados, brancos como marfim. Um dos meus companheiros sussurrou para outro um verso do poema "Lenore", de Burger: -

Original English Version

“There is no carriage here. The Herr is not expected after all. He will now come on to Bukovina, and return tomorrow or the next day; better the next day.” Whilst he was speaking the horses began to neigh and snort and plunge wildly, so that the driver had to hold them up. Then, amongst a chorus of screams from the peasants and a universal crossing of themselves, a calèche, with four horses, drove up behind us, overtook us, and drew up beside the coach. I could see from the flash of our lamps, as the rays fell on them, that the horses were coal-black and splendid animals. They were driven by a tall man, with a long brown beard and a great black hat, which seemed to hide his face from us. I could only see the gleam of a pair of very bright eyes, which seemed red in the lamplight, as he turned to us. He said to the driver: -

“You are early tonight, my friend.” The man stammered in reply: -

“The English Herr was in a hurry,” to which the stranger replied: -

“That is why, I suppose, you wished him to go on to Bukovina. You cannot deceive me, my friend; I know too much, and my horses are swift.” As he spoke he smiled, and the lamplight fell on a hard-looking mouth, with very red lips and sharp-looking teeth, as white as ivory. One of my companions whispered to another the line from Burger’s “Lenore”: -

Tradução Integral em Português

"Não há carruagem aqui. Afinal, o senhor não é esperado. Ele seguirá agora até a Bucovina e retornará amanhã ou depois de amanhã; melhor depois de amanhã." Enquanto falava, os cavalos começaram a relinchar, bufar e escoicear desvairadamente, de modo que o cocheiro teve de contê-los. Então, em meio a um coro de gritos dos camponeses e a um universal benzer-se, uma calèche puxada por quatro cavalos veio por trás de nós, alcançou-nos e parou ao lado da diligência. Pude ver, ao lampejo de nossas lanternas, quando os raios caíram sobre eles, que os cavalos eram negros como carvão e esplêndidos animais. Eram conduzidos por um homem alto, de longa barba castanha e um grande chapéu preto, que parecia ocultar-lhe o rosto de nós. Só pude ver o brilho de um par de olhos muito vivos, que pareciam vermelhos à luz da lanterna, quando ele se voltou para nós. Disse ao cocheiro: -

"Você está cedo esta noite, meu amigo." O homem gaguejou em resposta: -

"O senhor inglês estava com pressa", ao que o estranho respondeu: -

"É por isso, suponho, que você queria que ele seguisse até a Bucovina. Você não pode me enganar, meu amigo; sei coisas demais, e meus cavalos são velozes." Enquanto falava, sorriu, e a luz da lanterna caiu sobre uma boca de aspecto duro, de lábios muito vermelhos e dentes de aparência afiada, brancos como marfim. Um de meus companheiros sussurrou a outro o verso da "Lenore", de Bürger: -

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

"Denn die Todten reiten schnell" significa "Porque os mortos viajam depressa".

O estranho cocheiro claramente ouviu as palavras, porque ergueu os olhos com um sorriso largo. O passageiro virou o rosto para o lado e se benzeu com dois dedos. "Me dê a bagagem do Herr", disse o cocheiro, e num instante minhas malas foram tiradas e colocadas na calèche. Então desci da diligência ao lado dela, e o cocheiro me ajudou com uma mão que apertou meu braço como aço. Ele tinha uma força incrível. Sem dizer uma palavra, sacudiu as rédeas, os cavalos viraram, e disparamos para a escuridão do Pass. Olhando para trás, vi o vapor dos cavalos da diligência à luz das lamparinas, e os rostos dos meus antigos companheiros, se benzendo. Então o cocheiro estalou o chicote e chamou os cavalos, e eles dispararam em direção à Bucovina. Enquanto desapareciam na escuridão, senti frio e solidão. Mas colocaram uma capa sobre meus ombros e um cobertor sobre meus joelhos, e o cocheiro disse, num alemão muito bom:

Original English Version

“Denn die Todten reiten schnell” - (“For the dead travel fast.”)

The strange driver evidently heard the words, for he looked up with a gleaming smile. The passenger turned his face away, at the same time putting out his two fingers and crossing himself. “Give me the Herr’s luggage,” said the driver; and with exceeding alacrity my bags were handed out and put in the calèche. Then I descended from the side of the coach, as the calèche was close alongside, the driver helping me with a hand which caught my arm in a grip of steel; his strength must have been prodigious. Without a word he shook his reins, the horses turned, and we swept into the darkness of the Pass. As I looked back I saw the steam from the horses of the coach by the light of the lamps, and projected against it the figures of my late companions crossing themselves. Then the driver cracked his whip and called to his horses, and off they swept on their way to Bukovina. As they sank into the darkness I felt a strange chill, and a lonely feeling came over me; but a cloak was thrown over my shoulders, and a rug across my knees, and the driver said in excellent German: -

Tradução Integral em Português

"Denn die Todten reiten schnell" - ("Pois os mortos viajam depressa.")

O estranho cocheiro evidentemente ouviu as palavras, pois ergueu os olhos com um sorriso reluzente. O passageiro desviou o rosto, ao mesmo tempo estendendo os dois dedos e benzendo-se. "Dê-me a bagagem do senhor", disse o cocheiro; e, com extrema presteza, minhas malas foram entregues e colocadas na calèche. Então desci pela lateral da diligência, pois a calèche estava bem ao lado, ajudando-me o cocheiro com uma mão que me agarrou o braço num aperto de aço; sua força devia ser prodigiosa. Sem uma palavra, sacudiu as rédeas, os cavalos giraram, e mergulhamos na escuridão do Passo. Ao olhar para trás, vi, à luz das lanternas, o vapor dos cavalos da diligência e, recortadas contra ele, as figuras de meus antigos companheiros benzendo-se. Então o cocheiro estalou o chicote, chamou os cavalos, e lá partiram eles em sua rota para a Bucovina. Enquanto afundavam na escuridão, senti um estranho arrepio, e uma sensação de solidão apoderou-se de mim; mas um manto foi lançado sobre meus ombros, e uma manta sobre meus joelhos, e o cocheiro disse num alemão excelente: -

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

"A noite está fria, mein Herr. Meu senhor, o Count, me pediu para cuidar bem do senhor. Há slivovitz embaixo do banco, se o senhor quiser." Eu não bebi, mas foi bom saber que estava ali. Me senti estranho e um pouco assustado. Se eu pudesse escolher, não teria feito aquela viagem noturna. A carruagem seguia rápido por uma estrada, depois virava e seguia por outra estrada reta. Parecia que passávamos pelo mesmo lugar de novo. Reparei em um ponto de referência e vi que era verdade. Quis perguntar ao cocheiro, mas fiquei com medo. Achei que qualquer protesto não impediria um atraso. Mais tarde, acendi um fósforo e olhei meu relógio. Estava quase meia-noite. Isso me chocou, por causa da superstição sobre a meia-noite. Fiquei esperando com uma sensação ruim no estômago.

Original English Version

“The night is chill, mein Herr, and my master the Count bade me take all care of you. There is a flask of slivovitz (the plum brandy of the country) underneath the seat, if you should require it.” I did not take any, but it was a comfort to know it was there all the same. I felt a little strangely, and not a little frightened. I think had there been any alternative I should have taken it, instead of prosecuting that unknown night journey. The carriage went at a hard pace straight along, then we made a complete turn and went along another straight road. It seemed to me that we were simply going over and over the same ground again; and so I took note of some salient point, and found that this was so. I would have liked to have asked the driver what this all meant, but I really feared to do so, for I thought that, placed as I was, any protest would have had no effect in case there had been an intention to delay. By-and-by, however, as I was curious to know how time was passing, I struck a match, and by its flame looked at my watch; it was within a few minutes of midnight. This gave me a sort of shock, for I suppose the general superstition about midnight was increased by my recent experiences. I waited with a sick feeling of suspense.

Tradução Integral em Português

"A noite está fria, mein Herr, e meu amo, o Conde, mandou-me cuidar do senhor com todo o zelo. Há um frasco de slivovitz (a aguardente de ameixa do país) debaixo do assento, caso o senhor precise." Não tomei nenhum, mas era um consolo saber que ali estava, ainda assim. Sentia-me um tanto estranho, e não pouco assustado. Creio que, se houvesse qualquer alternativa, eu a teria aceitado, em vez de prosseguir naquela ignota viagem noturna. A carruagem seguiu em passo forte, reto em frente; depois demos uma volta completa e tomamos outra estrada reta. Pareceu-me que estávamos simplesmente percorrendo repetidas vezes o mesmo trecho; e assim tomei nota de algum ponto saliente, e constatei que era isso mesmo. Eu gostaria de ter perguntado ao cocheiro o que tudo aquilo significava, mas na verdade receei fazê-lo, pois pensei que, na situação em que me encontrava, protesto algum surtiria efeito caso houvesse a intenção de me atrasar. Pouco depois, contudo, como estivesse curioso de saber como passava o tempo, risquei um fósforo e, à sua chama, olhei meu relógio; faltavam poucos minutos para a meia-noite. Isso me deu uma espécie de sobressalto, pois suponho que a superstição geral acerca da meia-noite fora avivada por minhas experiências recentes. Aguardei com uma enjoada sensação de suspense.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Então um cachorro começou a uivar em algum lugar, numa casa de fazenda distante na estrada. Era um choro longo e dolorido, cheio de medo. Outro cachorro respondeu, depois outro, e mais outro, até que o vento, que agora suspirava suavemente pelo Pass, trazia um uivo selvagem vindo de todo o país, até onde eu conseguia imaginar na escuridão. No primeiro uivo, os cavalos começaram a puxar e empinar, mas o cocheiro falou com eles com calma, e eles se acalmaram. Mesmo assim, tremiam e suavam como se tivessem disparado de repente por medo. Depois, ao longe, uivos mais altos e mais agudos vieram das montanhas dos dois lados. Eram lobos. Isso afetou os cavalos e a mim da mesma maneira. Eu queria pular da calèche e correr, enquanto eles empinavam e lutavam violentamente, e o cocheiro teve que usar toda a força para impedi-los de disparar. Depois de alguns minutos, me acostumei com o som, e os cavalos ficaram calmos o bastante para o cocheiro descer e ficar de pé na frente deles. Ele os acariciou, os acalmou, e sussurrou nos ouvidos deles, como já vi domadores de cavalos fazerem. Funcionou muito bem, e ao toque dele os cavalos voltaram a ficar tranquilos, embora ainda tremessem. Ele voltou ao seu lugar, sacudiu as rédeas e seguiu em grande velocidade. Dessa vez, depois de chegar ao outro lado do Pass, ele de repente virou por uma estrada estreita que ia bruscamente para a direita.

Original English Version

Then a dog began to howl somewhere in a farmhouse far down the road - a long, agonised wailing, as if from fear. The sound was taken up by another dog, and then another and another, till, borne on the wind which now sighed softly through the Pass, a wild howling began, which seemed to come from all over the country, as far as the imagination could grasp it through the gloom of the night. At the first howl the horses began to strain and rear, but the driver spoke to them soothingly, and they quieted down, but shivered and sweated as though after a runaway from sudden fright. Then, far off in the distance, from the mountains on each side of us began a louder and a sharper howling - that of wolves - which affected both the horses and myself in the same way - for I was minded to jump from the calèche and run, whilst they reared again and plunged madly, so that the driver had to use all his great strength to keep them from bolting. In a few minutes, however, my own ears got accustomed to the sound, and the horses so far became quiet that the driver was able to descend and to stand before them. He petted and soothed them, and whispered something in their ears, as I have heard of horse-tamers doing, and with extraordinary effect, for under his caresses they became quite manageable again, though they still trembled. The driver again took his seat, and shaking his reins, started off at a great pace. This time, after going to the far side of the Pass, he suddenly turned down a narrow roadway which ran sharply to the right.

Tradução Integral em Português

Então um cão começou a uivar em algum lugar, numa casa de fazenda lá longe estrada abaixo - um uivo longo, agonizante, como que de medo. O som foi retomado por outro cão, e depois por outro e outro, até que, levado pelo vento que agora suspirava suavemente pelo Passo, começou um uivar desvairado, que parecia vir de todo o campo, até onde a imaginação podia alcançá-lo através da treva da noite. Ao primeiro uivo, os cavalos começaram a puxar e a empinar, mas o cocheiro falou-lhes de modo tranquilizador, e eles se acalmaram, embora trêmulos e suados, como após uma disparada de susto repentino. Então, muito ao longe, das montanhas de cada lado de nós, começou um uivar mais alto e mais agudo - o dos lobos - que afetou tanto os cavalos quanto a mim do mesmo modo - pois tive vontade de saltar da calèche e correr, enquanto eles tornavam a empinar e a escoicear loucamente, de sorte que o cocheiro teve de empregar toda a sua grande força para impedir que disparassem. Em poucos minutos, contudo, meus próprios ouvidos se acostumaram ao som, e os cavalos se aquietaram a ponto de o cocheiro poder descer e postar-se diante deles. Afagou-os e acalmou-os, e sussurrou-lhes algo aos ouvidos, como ouvi dizer que fazem os domadores de cavalos, e com efeito extraordinário, pois sob suas carícias tornaram-se de novo bastante manejáveis, embora ainda tremessem. O cocheiro tornou a ocupar seu assento e, sacudindo as rédeas, partiu em grande velocidade. Desta vez, depois de chegar ao extremo oposto do Passo, virou de súbito por uma estrada estreita que descia abruptamente à direita.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Logo as árvores se fecharam ao nosso redor, e em alguns pontos se curvavam bem sobre a estrada, de modo que passávamos como por um túnel. Em outros momentos, grandes rochas escuras se erguiam firmes dos dois lados. Mesmo protegidos, dava para ouvir o vento aumentando. Ele gemia e assobiava entre as pedras, e os galhos das árvores batiam uns nos outros enquanto avançávamos depressa. Foi ficando cada vez mais frio, e uma neve fina e leve começou a cair. Logo nós e tudo ao redor estávamos cobertos por um manto branco. O vento cortante ainda trazia o uivo dos cachorros, embora fosse ficando mais fraco conforme avançávamos. Os uivos dos lobos pareciam cada vez mais perto, como se estivessem nos cercando de todos os lados. Fiquei terrivelmente assustado, e os cavalos compartilhavam meu medo. Mas o cocheiro não parecia perturbado em nada. Ele ficava virando a cabeça para a esquerda e para a direita, embora eu não conseguisse ver nada na escuridão.

Original English Version

Soon we were hemmed in with trees, which in places arched right over the roadway till we passed as through a tunnel; and again great frowning rocks guarded us boldly on either side. Though we were in shelter, we could hear the rising wind, for it moaned and whistled through the rocks, and the branches of the trees crashed together as we swept along. It grew colder and colder still, and fine, powdery snow began to fall, so that soon we and all around us were covered with a white blanket. The keen wind still carried the howling of the dogs, though this grew fainter as we went on our way. The baying of the wolves sounded nearer and nearer, as though they were closing round on us from every side. I grew dreadfully afraid, and the horses shared my fear. The driver, however, was not in the least disturbed; he kept turning his head to left and right, but I could not see anything through the darkness.

Tradução Integral em Português

Logo estávamos cercados de árvores, que em certos pontos se arqueavam bem por cima da estrada, de modo que passávamos como por um túnel; e de novo grandes rochedos carrancudos guardavam-nos audaciosamente de cada lado. Embora estivéssemos abrigados, podíamos ouvir o vento que subia, pois gemia e assobiava por entre as rochas, e os ramos das árvores se chocavam uns contra os outros enquanto avançávamos. Fazia cada vez mais frio, e uma neve fina e pulverulenta começou a cair, de modo que logo nós e tudo à nossa volta estávamos cobertos por um manto branco. O vento cortante ainda trazia o uivar dos cães, embora este se fizesse mais fraco à medida que seguíamos. O ladrar dos lobos soava cada vez mais perto, como se estivessem se fechando em torno de nós por todos os lados. Fiquei terrivelmente amedrontado, e os cavalos partilhavam do meu medo. O cocheiro, entretanto, não estava nem um pouco perturbado; não parava de virar a cabeça para a esquerda e para a direita, mas eu nada conseguia enxergar através da escuridão.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

De repente, bem longe à nossa esquerda, vi uma pequena chama azul. O cocheiro a viu no mesmo instante. Ele parou os cavalos rapidamente, desceu de um salto e desapareceu na escuridão. Eu não sabia o que fazer, ainda mais com os uivos dos lobos se aproximando. Mas enquanto eu me perguntava o que fazer, o cocheiro voltou de repente, sem dizer nada, e sentou-se de novo no seu lugar. Continuamos a viagem. Acho que devo ter cochilado e sonhado com aquilo, porque a cena parecia se repetir várias vezes. Olhando para trás agora, parece um pesadelo horrível. Uma vez a chama apareceu tão perto da estrada que, mesmo na escuridão ao nosso redor, eu conseguia observar os movimentos do cocheiro. Ele foi rapidamente até o lugar onde a chama azul se erguia. Ela devia ser muito fraca, porque não parecia iluminar nada do chão ao redor. Ele juntou algumas pedras e as organizou em algum tipo de forma. Uma vez, algo estranho aconteceu: quando ele ficou entre mim e a chama, ele não a bloqueou, e eu ainda conseguia ver seu brilho fantasmagórico. Isso me assustou, mas durou só um instante, então achei que meus olhos estavam me enganando na escuridão. Depois, por um tempo, não houve mais chamas azuis, e seguimos pela escuridão, com os lobos uivando ao nosso redor como se estivessem nos seguindo num círculo em movimento.

Original English Version

Suddenly, away on our left, I saw a faint flickering blue flame. The driver saw it at the same moment; he at once checked the horses, and, jumping to the ground, disappeared into the darkness. I did not know what to do, the less as the howling of the wolves grew closer; but while I wondered the driver suddenly appeared again, and without a word took his seat, and we resumed our journey. I think I must have fallen asleep and kept dreaming of the incident, for it seemed to be repeated endlessly, and now looking back, it is like a sort of awful nightmare. Once the flame appeared so near the road, that even in the darkness around us I could watch the driver’s motions. He went rapidly to where the blue flame arose - it must have been very faint, for it did not seem to illumine the place around it at all - and gathering a few stones, formed them into some device. Once there appeared a strange optical effect: when he stood between me and the flame he did not obstruct it, for I could see its ghostly flicker all the same. This startled me, but as the effect was only momentary, I took it that my eyes deceived me straining through the darkness. Then for a time there were no blue flames, and we sped onwards through the gloom, with the howling of the wolves around us, as though they were following in a moving circle.

Tradução Integral em Português

De repente, longe à nossa esquerda, vi uma tênue e trêmula chama azul. O cocheiro a viu no mesmo instante; conteve imediatamente os cavalos e, saltando ao chão, desapareceu na escuridão. Não sabia o que fazer, tanto mais que o uivar dos lobos se aproximava; mas, enquanto eu ponderava, o cocheiro reapareceu de súbito e, sem uma palavra, ocupou seu assento, e retomamos a viagem. Creio que devo ter adormecido e sonhado repetidamente com o episódio, pois este parecia repetir-se sem fim, e agora, olhando para trás, é como uma espécie de pesadelo horrível. Uma vez a chama surgiu tão perto da estrada que, mesmo na escuridão que nos cercava, pude observar os movimentos do cocheiro. Ele foi rapidamente até onde se erguia a chama azul - devia ser muito tênue, pois não parecia iluminar em nada o lugar à sua volta - e, juntando algumas pedras, dispô-las em certo arranjo. Uma vez ocorreu um estranho efeito óptico: quando ele se postou entre mim e a chama, não a obstruiu, pois eu podia ver seu bruxuleio espectral do mesmo jeito. Isso me sobressaltou, mas, como o efeito foi apenas momentâneo, atribuí-o a que meus olhos me enganavam, forçando a vista através da escuridão. Então, por algum tempo, não houve chamas azuis, e disparamos adiante através da treva, com o uivar dos lobos ao nosso redor, como se nos seguissem num círculo em movimento.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Por fim, o cocheiro se afastou mais do que antes, e enquanto ele estava longe, os cavalos tremeram mais do que nunca, bufando e gritando de medo. Eu não conseguia entender o motivo, porque os lobos tinham parado de uivar por completo. Então a lua atravessou nuvens escuras e apareceu atrás do topo afiado de uma rocha íngreme coberta de pinheiros. À sua luz, vi um círculo de lobos ao nosso redor, com dentes brancos, línguas vermelhas para fora, pernas longas e fortes, e pelo áspero. Eles eram muito mais terríveis naquele silêncio vigilante do que quando uivavam. Quanto a mim, o medo me deixou quase paralisado. Só quando um homem se encontra cara a cara com tais horrores é que pode entender o quanto eles são realmente terríveis.

Original English Version

At last there came a time when the driver went further afield than he had yet gone, and during his absence, the horses began to tremble worse than ever and to snort and scream with fright. I could not see any cause for it, for the howling of the wolves had ceased altogether; but just then the moon, sailing through the black clouds, appeared behind the jagged crest of a beetling, pine-clad rock, and by its light I saw around us a ring of wolves, with white teeth and lolling red tongues, with long, sinewy limbs and shaggy hair. They were a hundred times more terrible in the grim silence which held them than even when they howled. For myself, I felt a sort of paralysis of fear. It is only when a man feels himself face to face with such horrors that he can understand their true import.

Tradução Integral em Português

Por fim chegou um momento em que o cocheiro se afastou mais do que fizera até então e, durante sua ausência, os cavalos começaram a tremer pior do que nunca e a bufar e gritar de pavor. Não conseguia ver causa alguma para aquilo, pois o uivar dos lobos cessara por completo; mas justo então a lua, navegando por entre as nuvens negras, surgiu por trás da crista recortada de um rochedo saliente e coberto de pinheiros, e à sua luz vi ao nosso redor um círculo de lobos, de dentes brancos e línguas vermelhas pendentes, de membros longos e vigorosos e pelo hirsuto. Eram cem vezes mais terríveis no silêncio lúgubre que os retinha do que mesmo quando uivavam. Quanto a mim, senti uma espécie de paralisia de medo. É só quando um homem se sente frente a frente com tais horrores que pode compreender seu verdadeiro alcance.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

De repente os lobos começaram a uivar, como se a luz da lua os tivesse afetado de um jeito estranho. Os cavalos saltaram e empinaram, e olhavam ao redor sem saber o que fazer, com os olhos girando de um jeito angustiado. Mas o círculo vivo de perigo os cercava por todos os lados, e eles não tinham escolha a não ser ficar dentro dele. Chamei o cocheiro para vir, porque parecia que nossa única chance era romper o círculo e ajudá-lo a chegar até nós. Gritei e bati na lateral da calèche, esperando que o barulho assustasse os lobos daquele lado e abrisse um caminho para ele chegar até a carruagem. Não sei como ele conseguiu, mas ouvi sua voz gritando com firmeza e autoridade, e quando olhei naquela direção, o vi de pé na estrada. Ele agitava os longos braços como se estivesse empurrando algo invisível, e os lobos foram recuando cada vez mais. Nesse momento, uma nuvem pesada passou sobre a lua, e ficamos na escuridão de novo.

Original English Version

All at once the wolves began to howl as though the moonlight had had some peculiar effect on them. The horses jumped about and reared, and looked helplessly round with eyes that rolled in a way painful to see; but the living ring of terror encompassed them on every side; and they had perforce to remain within it. I called to the coachman to come, for it seemed to me that our only chance was to try to break out through the ring and to aid his approach. I shouted and beat the side of the calèche, hoping by the noise to scare the wolves from that side, so as to give him a chance of reaching the trap. How he came there, I know not, but I heard his voice raised in a tone of imperious command, and looking towards the sound, saw him stand in the roadway. As he swept his long arms, as though brushing aside some impalpable obstacle, the wolves fell back and back further still. Just then a heavy cloud passed across the face of the moon, so that we were again in darkness.

Tradução Integral em Português

De repente, os lobos começaram a uivar, como se o luar tivesse produzido sobre eles algum efeito peculiar. Os cavalos saltavam e empinavam, e olhavam desamparados em volta com olhos que reviravam de um modo doloroso de ver; mas o vivo círculo de terror cercava-os por todos os lados, e eles eram forçados a permanecer dentro dele. Chamei o cocheiro que viesse, pois parecia-me que nossa única chance era tentar romper o círculo e facilitar-lhe a aproximação. Gritei e bati na lateral da calèche, esperando, com o barulho, espantar os lobos daquele lado, para dar-lhe a oportunidade de alcançar o veículo. Como ele chegou ali, não sei, mas ouvi sua voz erguida em tom de comando imperioso e, olhando na direção do som, vi-o de pé na estrada. Ao brandir seus longos braços, como que afastando algum obstáculo impalpável, os lobos recuaram, e recuaram ainda mais. Justo então uma nuvem pesada passou diante da face da lua, de modo que nos vimos de novo na escuridão.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Quando voltei a enxergar, o cocheiro estava subindo de volta na calèche, e os lobos tinham sumido. Tudo era tão estranho e assustador que fui dominado pelo medo, e tive medo até de falar ou me mexer. A viagem parecia não ter fim enquanto seguíamos disparados, agora numa escuridão quase completa, porque as nuvens cobriam a lua. Continuávamos subindo, com apenas curtos trechos de descida de vez em quando, mas na maior parte do tempo estávamos sempre subindo. De repente, percebi que o cocheiro estava parando os cavalos no pátio de um enorme castelo em ruínas. Ele tinha janelas altas e escuras, sem nenhuma luz acesa, e ameias quebradas que formavam uma linha irregular contra o céu iluminado pela lua.

Original English Version

When I could see again the driver was climbing into the calèche, and the wolves had disappeared. This was all so strange and uncanny that a dreadful fear came upon me, and I was afraid to speak or move. The time seemed interminable as we swept on our way, now in almost complete darkness, for the rolling clouds obscured the moon. We kept on ascending, with occasional periods of quick descent, but in the main always ascending. Suddenly, I became conscious of the fact that the driver was in the act of pulling up the horses in the courtyard of a vast ruined castle, from whose tall black windows came no ray of light, and whose broken battlements showed a jagged line against the moonlit sky.

Tradução Integral em Português

Quando pude enxergar de novo, o cocheiro subia à calèche, e os lobos haviam desaparecido. Tudo aquilo era tão estranho e sinistro que um pavor terrível se abateu sobre mim, e eu tinha medo de falar ou de me mover. O tempo parecia interminável enquanto avançávamos, agora em escuridão quase completa, pois as nuvens revoltas encobriam a lua. Continuávamos a subir, com ocasionais períodos de descida rápida, mas no geral sempre subindo. De repente, dei-me conta de que o cocheiro estava a deter os cavalos no pátio de um vasto castelo em ruínas, de cujas altas janelas negras não vinha um só raio de luz, e cujas ameias quebradas mostravam uma linha recortada contra o céu enluarado.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Chapter II

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

5 de maio - Eu devo ter dormido, porque se eu estivesse totalmente acordado, com certeza teria notado um lugar tão incomum. Na escuridão, o pátio parecia muito grande, e como vários caminhos escuros saíam dele por baixo de grandes arcos redondos, talvez ele parecesse maior do que realmente era. Ainda não consegui vê-lo à luz do dia.

Quando a caleche parou, o cocheiro pulou para baixo e estendeu a mão para me ajudar a descer. Mais uma vez notei sua grande força. A mão dele parecia uma morsa de aço e poderia ter esmagado a minha se ele quisesse. Depois ele pegou minhas malas e as colocou no chão ao meu lado. Eu estava perto de uma porta enorme e antiga, coberta de grandes pregos de ferro, numa entrada feita de pedra maciça. Mesmo com a luz fraca, dava para ver que a pedra tinha um entalhe fino, embora o tempo e o clima o tivessem desgastado. Enquanto eu ficava ali parado, o cocheiro pulou de volta para o seu assento e sacudiu as rédeas. Os cavalos partiram na mesma hora, e a carruagem desapareceu por uma das aberturas escuras.

Original English Version

5 May. - I must have been asleep, for certainly if I had been fully awake I must have noticed the approach of such a remarkable place. In the gloom the courtyard looked of considerable size, and as several dark ways led from it under great round arches, it perhaps seemed bigger than it really is. I have not yet been able to see it by daylight.

When the calèche stopped, the driver jumped down and held out his hand to assist me to alight. Again I could not but notice his prodigious strength. His hand actually seemed like a steel vice that could have crushed mine if he had chosen. Then he took out my traps, and placed them on the ground beside me as I stood close to a great door, old and studded with large iron nails, and set in a projecting doorway of massive stone. I could see even in the dim light that the stone was massively carved, but that the carving had been much worn by time and weather. As I stood, the driver jumped again into his seat and shook the reins; the horses started forward, and trap and all disappeared down one of the dark openings.

Tradução Integral em Português

5 de maio. - Devo ter dormido, pois com certeza, se estivesse plenamente desperto, teria notado a aproximação de um lugar tão notável. Na penumbra, o pátio parecia de tamanho considerável, e, como dele partiam vários caminhos escuros sob grandes arcos redondos, talvez parecesse maior do que de fato é. Ainda não pude vê-lo à luz do dia.

Quando a calèche parou, o cocheiro saltou e estendeu-me a mão para ajudar-me a descer. De novo não pude deixar de notar sua força prodigiosa. Sua mão parecia mesmo um torno de aço, capaz de esmagar a minha se ele o quisesse. Depois tirou minha bagagem e a pôs no chão a meu lado, enquanto eu estava junto a uma grande porta, antiga e cravejada de largas tachas de ferro, encaixada num portal saliente de pedra maciça. Mesmo à luz débil, eu podia ver que a pedra fora entalhada com vigor, mas que o entalhe estava muito desgastado pelo tempo e pela intempérie. Enquanto eu ali estava, o cocheiro tornou a saltar para o assento e sacudiu as rédeas; os cavalos arrancaram, e carro e tudo sumiram por uma das aberturas escuras.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Fiquei ali parado, em silêncio, porque não sabia o que fazer. Não havia sino nem aldrava. Minha voz dificilmente atravessaria aquelas paredes escuras e as aberturas das janelas. A espera parecia não ter fim, e dúvidas e medos tomaram conta da minha mente. A que tipo de lugar eu tinha vindo? Que tipo de gente morava ali? Que aventura sombria eu tinha começado? Será que isso fazia parte normal do trabalho de um auxiliar de advogado, enviado para explicar a um estrangeiro a compra de uma propriedade em Londres? Auxiliar de advogado! Mina não ia gostar disso. Eu já não era mais apenas um auxiliar. Pouco antes de sair de Londres, eu tinha ficado sabendo que passei no meu exame. Agora eu era um advogado completo. Esfreguei os olhos e me belisquei para ver se estava acordado. Tudo parecia um pesadelo terrível, e pensei que talvez fosse acordar em casa, com a luz da manhã nas janelas. Mas o beliscão doeu, e meus olhos não mentiam. Eu estava realmente acordado, e estava nos Cárpatos. Tudo o que eu podia fazer era esperar a manhã com paciência.

Original English Version

I stood in silence where I was, for I did not know what to do. Of bell or knocker there was no sign; through these frowning walls and dark window openings it was not likely that my voice could penetrate. The time I waited seemed endless, and I felt doubts and fears crowding upon me. What sort of place had I come to, and among what kind of people? What sort of grim adventure was it on which I had embarked? Was this a customary incident in the life of a solicitor’s clerk sent out to explain the purchase of a London estate to a foreigner? Solicitor’s clerk! Mina would not like that. Solicitor - for just before leaving London I got word that my examination was successful; and I am now a full-blown solicitor! I began to rub my eyes and pinch myself to see if I were awake. It all seemed like a horrible nightmare to me, and I expected that I should suddenly awake, and find myself at home, with the dawn struggling in through the windows, as I had now and again felt in the morning after a day of overwork. But my flesh answered the pinching test, and my eyes were not to be deceived. I was indeed awake and among the Carpathians. All I could do now was to be patient, and to wait the coming of the morning.

Tradução Integral em Português

Fiquei em silêncio onde estava, pois não sabia o que fazer. De campainha ou aldrava não havia sinal; através daquelas paredes carrancudas e escuras aberturas de janela não era provável que minha voz penetrasse. O tempo que esperei pareceu interminável, e senti dúvidas e temores acumularem-se sobre mim. A que espécie de lugar eu viera, e entre que tipo de gente? Em que sombria aventura eu me embarcara? Seria este um incidente corriqueiro na vida de um amanuense de advogado enviado a explicar a compra de uma propriedade em Londres a um estrangeiro? Amanuense de advogado! A Mina não gostaria disso. Advogado - pois, pouco antes de deixar Londres, recebi a notícia de que meu exame fora bem-sucedido; e agora sou advogado formado e feito! Comecei a esfregar os olhos e a beliscar-me para ver se estava acordado. Tudo aquilo me parecia um pesadelo horrível, e eu esperava despertar de súbito e encontrar-me em casa, com a aurora abrindo caminho pelas janelas, como já sentira de manhã, vez ou outra, depois de um dia de trabalho excessivo. Mas minha carne respondeu à prova do beliscão, e meus olhos não se deixavam enganar. Estava, de fato, desperto e em meio aos Cárpatos. Tudo o que me restava agora era ter paciência e aguardar a vinda da manhã.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Assim que tive esse pensamento, ouvi passos pesados vindo de trás da grande porta. Pelas frestas, vi uma luz se aproximando. Depois ouvi correntes chacoalhando e ferrolhos pesados sendo puxados. Uma chave girou com um som áspero e raspado, como se não fosse usada havia muito tempo, e a grande porta se abriu.

Lá dentro estava um homem alto e idoso. Ele era barbeado, exceto por um longo bigode branco. Vestia-se todo de preto, sem nenhuma cor. Segurava um velho lampião de prata. A chama queimava sem proteção, criando sombras longas no ar por causa da porta aberta. O velho fez um gesto educado para que eu entrasse. Ele falava um inglês excelente, com um sotaque estranho.

"Seja bem-vindo à minha casa! Entre livremente e por sua própria vontade!" Ele não se moveu para me receber, mas ficou parado como uma estátua. Assim que dei um passo para dentro, ele se moveu rapidamente e estendeu a mão. Apertou minha mão com tanta força que doeu. Sua mão estava fria como gelo, mais parecida com a de um morto do que com a de um vivo. Ele disse de novo.

Original English Version

Just as I had come to this conclusion I heard a heavy step approaching behind the great door, and saw through the chinks the gleam of a coming light. Then there was the sound of rattling chains and the clanking of massive bolts drawn back. A key was turned with the loud grating noise of long disuse, and the great door swung back.

Within, stood a tall old man, clean shaven save for a long white moustache, and clad in black from head to foot, without a single speck of colour about him anywhere. He held in his hand an antique silver lamp, in which the flame burned without chimney or globe of any kind, throwing long quivering shadows as it flickered in the draught of the open door. The old man motioned me in with his right hand with a courtly gesture, saying in excellent English, but with a strange intonation: -

“Welcome to my house! Enter freely and of your own will!” He made no motion of stepping to meet me, but stood like a statue, as though his gesture of welcome had fixed him into stone. The instant, however, that I had stepped over the threshold, he moved impulsively forward, and holding out his hand grasped mine with a strength which made me wince, an effect which was not lessened by the fact that it seemed as cold as ice - more like the hand of a dead than a living man. Again he said: -

Tradução Integral em Português

Justo quando cheguei a essa conclusão, ouvi um passo pesado aproximar-se por trás da grande porta e vi, pelas frestas, o clarão de uma luz que vinha. Depois houve o ruído de correntes a chocalhar e o retinir de maciços ferrolhos sendo puxados. Uma chave girou com o alto rangido áspero de longo desuso, e a grande porta abriu-se para trás.

Lá dentro estava um homem alto e idoso, de rosto bem barbeado à exceção de um longo bigode branco, e vestido de preto da cabeça aos pés, sem uma única pincelada de cor em parte alguma. Segurava na mão uma antiga lâmpada de prata, cuja chama ardia sem chaminé nem globo de qualquer tipo, lançando longas sombras trêmulas ao bruxulear na corrente de ar da porta aberta. O velho fez-me sinal de entrar com a mão direita, num gesto cortês, dizendo num inglês excelente, mas com uma estranha entonação: -

"Bem-vindo à minha casa! Entre livremente e por sua própria vontade!" Não fez menção de vir ao meu encontro, mas ficou como uma estátua, como se seu gesto de boas-vindas o houvesse fixado em pedra. No instante, porém, em que transpus a soleira, ele avançou impulsivamente e, estendendo a mão, apertou a minha com uma força que me fez estremecer - efeito não abrandado pelo fato de que ela parecia fria como gelo, mais como a mão de um morto que a de um vivo. Tornou a dizer: -

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

"Seja bem-vindo à minha casa. Entre livremente. Saia em segurança; e deixe um pouco da felicidade que traz com você!" O aperto de mão era muito parecido com a força do cocheiro. Eu não tinha visto o rosto do cocheiro. Por um instante, imaginei se o cocheiro e aquele homem eram a mesma pessoa. Para ter certeza, perguntei.

"Count Drácula?" Ele fez uma reverência educada ao responder.

"Eu sou Drácula. Seja bem-vindo, Sr. Harker, à minha casa. Entre; o ar da noite está frio, e o senhor precisa comer e descansar." Enquanto falava, ele colocou o lampião num suporte na parede, saiu e pegou minhas malas. Carregou-as para dentro antes que eu pudesse impedi-lo. Eu protestei, mas ele insistiu.

"Não, senhor, o senhor é meu convidado. É tarde, e meus criados não estão disponíveis. Deixe que eu mesmo cuide do senhor." Ele insistiu em carregar minhas malas pelo corredor, subindo uma grande escada em espiral, e por outro corredor. Nossos passos faziam sons altos no chão de pedra. No final, ele abriu uma porta pesada. Fiquei feliz ao ver um quarto bem iluminado, com uma mesa posta para a ceia e uma grande fogueira acesa com lenha fresca.

Original English Version

“Welcome to my house. Come freely. Go safely; and leave something of the happiness you bring!” The strength of the handshake was so much akin to that which I had noticed in the driver, whose face I had not seen, that for a moment I doubted if it were not the same person to whom I was speaking; so to make sure, I said interrogatively: -

“Count Dracula?” He bowed in a courtly way as he replied: -

“I am Dracula; and I bid you welcome, Mr. Harker, to my house. Come in; the night air is chill, and you must need to eat and rest.” As he was speaking, he put the lamp on a bracket on the wall, and stepping out, took my luggage; he had carried it in before I could forestall him. I protested but he insisted: -

“Nay, sir, you are my guest. It is late, and my people are not available. Let me see to your comfort myself.” He insisted on carrying my traps along the passage, and then up a great winding stair, and along another great passage, on whose stone floor our steps rang heavily. At the end of this he threw open a heavy door, and I rejoiced to see within a well-lit room in which a table was spread for supper, and on whose mighty hearth a great fire of logs, freshly replenished, flamed and flared.

Tradução Integral em Português

"Bem-vindo à minha casa. Venha livremente. Vá em segurança; e deixe algo da felicidade que traz!" A força do aperto de mão era tão semelhante à que eu notara no cocheiro, cujo rosto eu não vira, que por um momento duvidei se não seria a mesma pessoa com quem eu falava; assim, para certificar-me, disse em tom interrogativo: -

"Conde Drácula?" Ele curvou-se de maneira cortês ao responder: -

"Sou Drácula; e dou-lhe as boas-vindas, Sr. Harker, à minha casa. Entre; o ar da noite está frio, e o senhor há de precisar comer e descansar." Enquanto falava, pôs a lâmpada sobre um suporte na parede e, saindo, pegou minha bagagem; carregou-a para dentro antes que eu pudesse antecipar-me. Protestei, mas ele insistiu: -

"Não, senhor, o senhor é meu hóspede. É tarde, e minha gente não está disponível. Permita que eu mesmo cuide de seu conforto." Fez questão de carregar minha bagagem pelo corredor, e depois por uma grande escada em caracol, e por outro grande corredor, em cujo piso de pedra nossos passos ressoavam pesadamente. No fim deste, escancarou uma porta pesada, e alegrei-me ao ver lá dentro um aposento bem iluminado, no qual uma mesa estava posta para a ceia, e em cuja poderosa lareira um grande fogo de lenha, recém-reabastecido, ardia e crepitava.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

O Count parou, colocou minhas malas no chão, fechou a porta e atravessou o quarto. Abriu outra porta que dava para um pequeno cômodo octogonal, com apenas um lampião e sem janelas. Passando por ali, abriu mais uma porta e fez um gesto para que eu entrasse. Foi uma visão bem-vinda: um grande quarto, bem iluminado e quente, com outra fogueira, também alimentada havia pouco tempo. O fogo fazia um rugido oco subindo pela larga chaminé. O Count deixou minha bagagem lá dentro e se retirou, dizendo antes de fechar a porta:

"Depois da viagem, o senhor vai querer se refrescar e trocar de roupa. Espero que encontre tudo que precisa. Quando estiver pronto, venha para o outro quarto, onde a ceia o espera."

A luz, o calor e as boas-vindas educadas do Count pareceram afastar minhas dúvidas e meus medos. Então voltei a me sentir normal, e percebi que estava com muita fome. Por isso, troquei de roupa rapidamente e fui para o outro quarto.

Original English Version

The Count halted, putting down my bags, closed the door, and crossing the room, opened another door, which led into a small octagonal room lit by a single lamp, and seemingly without a window of any sort. Passing through this, he opened another door, and motioned me to enter. It was a welcome sight; for here was a great bedroom well lighted and warmed with another log fire - also added to but lately, for the top logs were fresh - which sent a hollow roar up the wide chimney. The Count himself left my luggage inside and withdrew, saying, before he closed the door: -

“You will need, after your journey, to refresh yourself by making your toilet. I trust you will find all you wish. When you are ready, come into the other room, where you will find your supper prepared.”

The light and warmth and the Count’s courteous welcome seemed to have dissipated all my doubts and fears. Having then reached my normal state, I discovered that I was half famished with hunger; so making a hasty toilet, I went into the other room.

Tradução Integral em Português

O Conde deteve-se, pousou minhas malas, fechou a porta e, atravessando o aposento, abriu outra porta, que dava para uma pequena sala octogonal iluminada por uma única lâmpada e, ao que parecia, sem janela de espécie alguma. Passando por ela, abriu outra porta e fez-me sinal de entrar. Foi um espetáculo bem-vindo, pois ali havia um grande quarto bem iluminado e aquecido por outro fogo de lenha - também alimentado havia pouco, pois as achas de cima estavam frescas - que enviava um rugido cavo pela larga chaminé acima. O próprio Conde deixou minha bagagem lá dentro e retirou-se, dizendo, antes de fechar a porta: -

"O senhor precisará, depois da viagem, refazer-se fazendo sua toalete. Confio em que encontrará tudo o que desejar. Quando estiver pronto, venha ao outro aposento, onde encontrará sua ceia preparada."

A luz, o calor e as boas-vindas corteses do Conde pareciam ter dissipado todas as minhas dúvidas e temores. Recobrado então meu estado normal, descobri que estava meio esfaimado de fome; assim, fazendo às pressas a toalete, passei ao outro aposento.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Vi que a ceia já estava servida. Meu anfitrião estava de pé de um lado da grande lareira, encostado na pedra, e fez um gesto elegante em direção à mesa antes de dizer:

"Por favor, sente-se e coma à vontade. Espero que me desculpe por não me juntar ao senhor. Eu já jantei, e não como ceia."

Entreguei a ele a carta lacrada que o Sr. Hawkins tinha confiado a mim. Ele a abriu e leu com seriedade. Depois sorriu gentilmente e a devolveu para que eu também pudesse lê-la. Uma parte dela, em especial, me deixou muito feliz.

"Lamento que um ataque de gota, do qual sofro com frequência, torne impossível para mim viajar por algum tempo. Mas tenho o prazer de dizer que posso enviar um substituto à altura, um homem em quem confio completamente. Ele é jovem, cheio de energia e talentoso à sua maneira, além de muito leal. É quieto e cuidadoso, e cresceu até a idade adulta ao meu serviço. Ele estará pronto para ajudá-lo sempre que precisar, durante sua estadia, e seguirá as instruções do senhor em todos os assuntos."

Original English Version

I found supper already laid out. My host, who stood on one side of the great fireplace, leaning against the stonework, made a graceful wave of his hand to the table, and said: -

“I pray you, be seated and sup how you please. You will, I trust, excuse me that I do not join you; but I have dined already, and I do not sup.”

I handed to him the sealed letter which Mr. Hawkins had entrusted to me. He opened it and read it gravely; then, with a charming smile, he handed it to me to read. One passage of it, at least, gave me a thrill of pleasure.

“I must regret that an attack of gout, from which malady I am a constant sufferer, forbids absolutely any travelling on my part for some time to come; but I am happy to say I can send a sufficient substitute, one in whom I have every possible confidence. He is a young man, full of energy and talent in his own way, and of a very faithful disposition. He is discreet and silent, and has grown into manhood in my service. He shall be ready to attend on you when you will during his stay, and shall take your instructions in all matters.”

Tradução Integral em Português

Encontrei a ceia já servida. Meu anfitrião, que estava de um lado da grande lareira, recostado à cantaria, fez um gracioso aceno de mão em direção à mesa e disse: -

"Peço-lhe que se sente e ceie como lhe aprouver. Há de perdoar-me, espero, que eu não o acompanhe; mas já jantei, e não ceio."

Entreguei-lhe a carta lacrada que o Sr. Hawkins me confiara. Ele a abriu e a leu com gravidade; depois, com um sorriso encantador, entregou-ma para que eu a lesse. Ao menos uma passagem dela deu-me um frêmito de prazer.

"Lamento que um ataque de gota, mal de que sou constante padecente, me proíba em absoluto qualquer viagem de minha parte por algum tempo; mas apraz-me dizer que posso enviar um substituto à altura, alguém em quem deposito toda a confiança possível. É um jovem, cheio de energia e talento à sua maneira, e de índole muito leal. É discreto e reservado, e amadureceu a meu serviço. Estará à disposição para atendê-lo quando o senhor quiser durante sua permanência, e receberá suas instruções em todos os assuntos."

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

O Count se aproximou e tirou a tampa de um prato. Logo comecei a comer um excelente frango assado. Isso, junto com um pouco de queijo, uma salada e uma garrafa de Tokay envelhecido, do qual bebi duas taças, formou minha ceia. Enquanto eu comia, o Count me fez muitas perguntas sobre minha viagem, e fui contando tudo aos poucos.

Àquela altura eu já tinha terminado a ceia, e, a pedido do meu anfitrião, aproximei uma cadeira do fogo e comecei a fumar um charuto que ele me ofereceu. Ele se desculpou por não fumar. Isso me deu a chance de observá-lo, e percebi que o rosto dele era muito incomum.

Original English Version

The Count himself came forward and took off the cover of a dish, and I fell to at once on an excellent roast chicken. This, with some cheese and a salad and a bottle of old Tokay, of which I had two glasses, was my supper. During the time I was eating it the Count asked me many questions as to my journey, and I told him by degrees all I had experienced.

By this time I had finished my supper, and by my host’s desire had drawn up a chair by the fire and begun to smoke a cigar which he offered me, at the same time excusing himself that he did not smoke. I had now an opportunity of observing him, and found him of a very marked physiognomy.

Tradução Integral em Português

O próprio Conde adiantou-se e retirou a tampa de uma travessa, e eu ataquei sem demora um excelente frango assado. Isto, com um pouco de queijo, uma salada e uma garrafa de velho Tokay, do qual tomei duas taças, foi minha ceia. Durante o tempo em que comia, o Conde fez-me muitas perguntas sobre minha viagem, e fui contando-lhe aos poucos tudo o que experimentara.

A essa altura eu terminara minha ceia e, a pedido do meu anfitrião, puxara uma cadeira para junto do fogo e começara a fumar um charuto que ele me ofereceu, desculpando-se ao mesmo tempo por não fumar. Tinha agora oportunidade de observá-lo, e achei-o de fisionomia muito acentuada.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

O rosto dele era forte, muito forte, com formato de águia, com um nariz fino e alto no meio e narinas estranhamente curvas. Tinha uma testa alta e arredondada, e o cabelo era ralo nas têmporas, mas grosso no resto. As sobrancelhas eram muito grossas e quase se encontravam por cima do nariz, e os cabelos grossos pareciam se encaracolar sozinhos. Sob o bigode espesso, a boca parecia fixa e um tanto cruel, com dentes brancos e afiados que saíam por cima dos lábios. Os lábios eram de um vermelho intenso, o que mostrava uma energia surpreendente para um homem da idade dele. As orelhas eram pálidas e bem pontudas na parte de cima, o queixo era largo e forte, e as bochechas eram firmes, mas finas. No geral, ele parecia extremamente pálido.

Original English Version

His face was a strong - a very strong - aquiline, with high bridge of the thin nose and peculiarly arched nostrils; with lofty domed forehead, and hair growing scantily round the temples but profusely elsewhere. His eyebrows were very massive, almost meeting over the nose, and with bushy hair that seemed to curl in its own profusion. The mouth, so far as I could see it under the heavy moustache, was fixed and rather cruel-looking, with peculiarly sharp white teeth; these protruded over the lips, whose remarkable ruddiness showed astonishing vitality in a man of his years. For the rest, his ears were pale, and at the tops extremely pointed; the chin was broad and strong, and the cheeks firm though thin. The general effect was one of extraordinary pallor.

Tradução Integral em Português

Seu rosto era de forte - de fortíssimo - perfil aquilino, com a alta cana do nariz fino e narinas de curva peculiar; testa alta e abaulada, e cabelos ralos junto às têmporas, mas fartos no resto. As sobrancelhas eram muito espessas, quase se encontrando sobre o nariz, com pelos hirsutos que pareciam encaracolar-se pela própria profusão. A boca, tanto quanto pude vê-la sob o bigode cerrado, era rígida e de aspecto antes cruel, com dentes brancos peculiarmente afiados; estes se projetavam sobre os lábios, cuja notável rubidez revelava uma vitalidade espantosa num homem de sua idade. Quanto ao mais, as orelhas eram pálidas e, no alto, extremamente pontudas; o queixo era largo e forte, e as faces firmes, embora magras. O efeito geral era de uma palidez extraordinária.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Antes disso, eu só tinha visto o dorso das mãos dele à luz do fogo, apoiadas nos joelhos, e pareciam brancas e finas. Mas quando as vi de perto, percebi que na verdade eram ásperas, largas, com dedos curtos e grossos. Estranhamente, havia pelos no meio de cada palma. As unhas dele eram longas, finas e afiadas. Quando o Count se inclinou sobre mim e suas mãos me tocaram, não consegui evitar um arrepio. Pode ter sido o hálito ruim dele, mas de repente senti enjoo e não consegui esconder. O Count percebeu e deu um passo para trás. Com um sorriso duro que mostrava ainda mais os dentes grandes do que antes, sentou-se de novo do seu lado da lareira. Ficamos calados por um tempo. Então olhei para a janela e vi a primeira luz fraca do amanhecer. Tudo parecia estranhamente parado, mas então ouvi, como se viesse do vale lá embaixo, o uivo de muitos lobos. Os olhos do Count brilharam, e ele disse:

Original English Version

Hitherto I had noticed the backs of his hands as they lay on his knees in the firelight, and they had seemed rather white and fine; but seeing them now close to me, I could not but notice that they were rather coarse - broad, with squat fingers. Strange to say, there were hairs in the centre of the palm. The nails were long and fine, and cut to a sharp point. As the Count leaned over me and his hands touched me, I could not repress a shudder. It may have been that his breath was rank, but a horrible feeling of nausea came over me, which, do what I would, I could not conceal. The Count, evidently noticing it, drew back; and with a grim sort of smile, which showed more than he had yet done his protuberant teeth, sat himself down again on his own side of the fireplace. We were both silent for a while; and as I looked towards the window I saw the first dim streak of the coming dawn. There seemed a strange stillness over everything; but as I listened I heard as if from down below in the valley the howling of many wolves. The Count’s eyes gleamed, and he said: -

Tradução Integral em Português

Até então eu notara o dorso de suas mãos, pousadas sobre os joelhos à luz do fogo, e elas me haviam parecido antes brancas e finas; mas, vendo-as agora de perto, não pude deixar de notar que eram antes grosseiras - largas, de dedos atarracados. Coisa estranha de dizer, havia pelos no centro da palma. As unhas eram longas e finas, cortadas em ponta aguda. Quando o Conde se inclinou sobre mim e suas mãos me tocaram, não consegui reprimir um arrepio. Pode ter sido que seu hálito fosse fétido, mas apoderou-se de mim uma horrível sensação de náusea, que, por mais que eu tentasse, não consegui ocultar. O Conde, notando-a evidentemente, recuou; e, com uma espécie de sorriso sombrio, que mostrou mais do que fizera até ali seus dentes salientes, tornou a sentar-se do seu lado da lareira. Ficamos ambos calados por um tempo; e, ao olhar para a janela, vi o primeiro traço débil da aurora que vinha. Parecia haver uma estranha quietude sobre tudo; mas, ao aguçar o ouvido, ouvi, como que lá de baixo, no vale, o uivar de muitos lobos. Os olhos do Conde faiscaram, e ele disse: -

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

"Escute-os - os filhos da noite. Que música eles fazem!" Vendo, acho eu, uma expressão estranha no meu rosto, ele acrescentou:

"Ah, senhor, vocês, gente da cidade, não conseguem entender o que um caçador sente." Depois ele se levantou e disse:

"Mas o senhor deve estar cansado. Seu quarto está pronto, e amanhã pode dormir até a hora que quiser. Eu preciso ficar fora até a tarde, então durma bem e tenha bons sonhos!" Com uma reverência educada, ele mesmo abriu a porta do cômodo de oito lados, e eu fui para o meu quarto…

Estou cheio de espanto. Tenho dúvidas e estou com medo. Penso em coisas estranhas que nem ouso contar a mim mesmo. Que Deus me proteja, nem que seja pelo bem daqueles que amo!

7 de maio - É de manhã cedo outra vez, mas descansei e aproveitei bem as últimas vinte e quatro horas. Dormi até tarde e acordei sozinho. Depois de me vestir, fui até o quarto onde tínhamos comido e encontrei um café da manhã frio já servido. O café ficava quente na cafeteira sobre a lareira. Havia um cartão na mesa que dizia:

Original English Version

“Listen to them - the children of the night. What music they make!” Seeing, I suppose, some expression in my face strange to him, he added: -

“Ah, sir, you dwellers in the city cannot enter into the feelings of the hunter.” Then he rose and said: -

“But you must be tired. Your bedroom is all ready, and tomorrow you shall sleep as late as you will. I have to be away till the afternoon; so sleep well and dream well!” With a courteous bow, he opened for me himself the door to the octagonal room, and I entered my bedroom. …

I am all in a sea of wonders. I doubt; I fear; I think strange things, which I dare not confess to my own soul. God keep me, if only for the sake of those dear to me!

7 May. - It is again early morning, but I have rested and enjoyed the last twenty-four hours. I slept till late in the day, and awoke of my own accord. When I had dressed myself I went into the room where we had supped, and found a cold breakfast laid out, with coffee kept hot by the pot being placed on the hearth. There was a card on the table, on which was written: -

Tradução Integral em Português

"Ouça-os - os filhos da noite. Que música fazem!" Vendo, suponho, alguma expressão em meu rosto que lhe era estranha, acrescentou: -

"Ah, senhor, os senhores, moradores da cidade, não podem penetrar nos sentimentos do caçador." Depois ergueu-se e disse: -

"Mas o senhor deve estar cansado. Seu quarto está todo pronto, e amanhã dormirá até a hora que quiser. Tenho de ficar ausente até a tarde; portanto, durma bem e sonhe bem!" Com uma cortês reverência, ele mesmo abriu-me a porta da sala octogonal, e entrei em meu quarto. …

Estou num verdadeiro mar de assombros. Duvido; temo; penso coisas estranhas, que não me atrevo a confessar à minha própria alma. Que Deus me guarde, quando não seja senão pelo bem daqueles que me são caros!

7 de maio. - É de novo de manhã cedo, mas descansei e aproveitei as últimas vinte e quatro horas. Dormi até tarde do dia e acordei por conta própria. Depois de vestir-me, fui ao aposento onde havíamos ceado e encontrei um desjejum frio posto, com o café mantido quente por estar o bule colocado sobre o borralho. Havia um cartão sobre a mesa, no qual estava escrito: -

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

"Precisei sair por um tempo. Não me espere. - D." Comi uma refeição completa e gostei muito. Quando terminei, procurei um sino para chamar os criados, mas não encontrei nenhum. A casa tem algumas coisas estranhamente ausentes, mesmo estando cheia de grande riqueza. A louça é de ouro e muito refinada. As cortinas, as capas das cadeiras, as capas do sofá e as cortinas da minha cama são feitas de tecido caro. Têm centenas de anos, mas ainda estão em excelente estado. Vi coisas parecidas em Hampton Court, mas lá estavam gastas e danificadas. Ainda assim, não há um espelho em nenhum cômodo. Não há sequer um vidrinho na minha mesa, então precisei pegar o pequeno espelho de barbear da minha mala antes de conseguir me barbear ou pentear o cabelo. Não vi nenhum criado, e não ouvi nada perto do castelo além do uivo dos lobos. Depois que terminei minha refeição - não sei se devo chamá-la de café da manhã ou de almoço, já que era entre cinco e seis horas - procurei algo para ler. Eu não queria andar pelo castelo antes de perguntar ao Count. Não havia nada no quarto: nenhum livro, nenhum jornal, nem mesmo papel e caneta. Então abri outra porta e encontrei uma espécie de biblioteca. A porta em frente à minha estava trancada.

Original English Version

“I have to be absent for a while. Do not wait for me. - D.” I set to and enjoyed a hearty meal. When I had done, I looked for a bell, so that I might let the servants know I had finished; but I could not find one. There are certainly odd deficiencies in the house, considering the extraordinary evidences of wealth which are round me. The table service is of gold, and so beautifully wrought that it must be of immense value. The curtains and upholstery of the chairs and sofas and the hangings of my bed are of the costliest and most beautiful fabrics, and must have been of fabulous value when they were made, for they are centuries old, though in excellent order. I saw something like them in Hampton Court, but there they were worn and frayed and moth-eaten. But still in none of the rooms is there a mirror. There is not even a toilet glass on my table, and I had to get the little shaving glass from my bag before I could either shave or brush my hair. I have not yet seen a servant anywhere, or heard a sound near the castle except the howling of wolves. Some time after I had finished my meal - I do not know whether to call it breakfast or dinner, for it was between five and six o’clock when I had it - I looked about for something to read, for I did not like to go about the castle until I had asked the Count’s permission. There was absolutely nothing in the room, book, newspaper, or even writing materials; so I opened another door in the room and found a sort of library. The door opposite mine I tried, but found it locked.

Tradução Integral em Português

"Tenho de ausentar-me por um tempo. Não me espere. - D." Pus-me à mesa e desfrutei de uma refeição farta. Quando terminei, procurei uma campainha, para poder avisar aos criados que acabara; mas não consegui encontrar nenhuma. Há, por certo, deficiências curiosas nesta casa, considerando os extraordinários indícios de riqueza que me cercam. O serviço de mesa é de ouro, e tão lindamente lavrado que deve ser de imenso valor. As cortinas e o estofamento das cadeiras e sofás, e as colgaduras da minha cama, são dos tecidos mais custosos e belos, e devem ter tido valor fabuloso quando foram feitos, pois têm séculos, ainda que em excelente estado. Vi algo parecido em Hampton Court, mas lá estavam gastos, esgarçados e comidos de traça. Ainda assim, em nenhum dos aposentos há um espelho. Não há sequer um espelho de toalete sobre a minha mesa, e tive de pegar o espelhinho de barbear na minha mala antes de poder barbear-me ou pentear-me. Ainda não vi criado algum em parte alguma, nem ouvi som algum perto do castelo, exceto o uivar dos lobos. Algum tempo depois de terminar a refeição - não sei se a chamo de desjejum ou de jantar, pois eram entre cinco e seis horas quando a tomei - procurei algo para ler, pois não quis perambular pelo castelo antes de pedir a permissão do Conde. Não havia absolutamente nada no aposento, livro, jornal, nem mesmo material de escrita; assim, abri outra porta do aposento e encontrei uma espécie de biblioteca. A porta em frente à minha, tentei-a, mas achei-a trancada.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Fiquei muito feliz ao encontrar muitos livros em inglês na biblioteca, prateleiras inteiras deles, além de revistas e jornais encadernados. Numa mesa no meio do cômodo havia revistas e jornais em inglês, mas nenhum era recente. Os livros eram sobre vários assuntos: história, geografia, política, economia, botânica, geologia, direito. Todos eles falavam sobre Inglaterra e a vida inglesa. Também encontrei livros de referência, como o Londres Directory, os livros "Red" e "Blue", o Whitaker's Almanac, as listas do Exército e da Marinha, e a Law List, o que me deixou contente.

Enquanto eu olhava os livros, a porta se abriu e o Count entrou. Ele me cumprimentou calorosamente e disse que esperava que eu tivesse dormido bem. Depois disse:

Original English Version

In the library I found, to my great delight, a vast number of English books, whole shelves full of them, and bound volumes of magazines and newspapers. A table in the centre was littered with English magazines and newspapers, though none of them were of very recent date. The books were of the most varied kind - history, geography, politics, political economy, botany, geology, law - all relating to England and English life and customs and manners. There were even such books of reference as the London Directory, the “Red” and “Blue” books, Whitaker’s Almanac, the Army and Navy Lists, and - it somehow gladdened my heart to see it - the Law List.

Whilst I was looking at the books, the door opened, and the Count entered. He saluted me in a hearty way, and hoped that I had had a good night’s rest. Then he went on: -

Tradução Integral em Português

Na biblioteca encontrei, para meu grande deleite, um vasto número de livros ingleses, prateleiras inteiras cheias deles, e volumes encadernados de revistas e jornais. Uma mesa ao centro estava atulhada de revistas e jornais ingleses, embora nenhum de data muito recente. Os livros eram do gênero mais variado - história, geografia, política, economia política, botânica, geologia, direito - todos referentes à Inglaterra e à vida, aos costumes e aos hábitos ingleses. Havia até obras de referência como o London Directory, os livros "Vermelho" e "Azul", o Whitaker's Almanac, as Listas do Exército e da Marinha, e - de algum modo alegrou-me o coração vê-la - a Lista dos Advogados.

Enquanto eu olhava os livros, a porta abriu-se, e o Conde entrou. Saudou-me de modo cordial e disse esperar que eu tivesse tido uma boa noite de descanso. Depois prosseguiu: -

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

"Fico feliz que tenha encontrado este cômodo. Há muita coisa aqui que vai lhe interessar. Estes livros têm sido bons amigos para mim. Por anos, desde que decidi ir para Londres, eles me deram muitas horas de prazer. Através deles, cheguei a conhecer a grande Inglaterra de vocês. Conhecer Inglaterra é amar Inglaterra. Quero caminhar pelas ruas cheias de gente de Londres, estar na cidade agitada, compartilhar sua vida, suas mudanças e sua morte. Mas infelizmente, só conheço o idioma de vocês através dos livros. Espero que o senhor, meu amigo, possa me ajudar a aprender a falá-lo."

"Mas, Count," eu disse, "o senhor conhece e fala inglês muito bem!" Ele fez uma reverência séria.

"Agradeço, meu amigo, pela sua opinião tão gentil, mas ainda estou longe do caminho que quero percorrer. Conheço a gramática e as palavras, mas não sei como falá-las."

Original English Version

“I am glad you found your way in here, for I am sure there is much that will interest you. These companions” - and he laid his hand on some of the books - “have been good friends to me, and for some years past, ever since I had the idea of going to London, have given me many, many hours of pleasure. Through them I have come to know your great England; and to know her is to love her. I long to go through the crowded streets of your mighty London, to be in the midst of the whirl and rush of humanity, to share its life, its change, its death, and all that makes it what it is. But alas! as yet I only know your tongue through books. To you, my friend, I look that I know it to speak.”

“But, Count,” I said, “you know and speak English thoroughly!” He bowed gravely.

“I thank you, my friend, for your all too-flattering estimate, but yet I fear that I am but a little way on the road I would travel. True, I know the grammar and the words, but yet I know not how to speak them.”

Tradução Integral em Português

"Alegra-me que tenha encontrado o caminho até aqui, pois estou certo de que há muito que lhe interessará. Estes companheiros" - e pousou a mão sobre alguns dos livros - "têm sido bons amigos para mim, e, de alguns anos para cá, desde que tive a ideia de ir a Londres, deram-me muitas, muitas horas de prazer. Por meio deles vim a conhecer a sua grande Inglaterra; e conhecê-la é amá-la. Anseio por percorrer as ruas apinhadas da sua poderosa Londres, por estar em meio ao turbilhão e à correria da humanidade, por partilhar de sua vida, sua mudança, sua morte, e tudo o que a faz ser o que é. Mas, ai de mim! por ora só conheço a sua língua através dos livros. É ao senhor, meu amigo, que me volto para conhecê-la de modo a falá-la."

"Mas, Conde," disse eu, "o senhor conhece e fala inglês perfeitamente!" Ele curvou-se com gravidade.

"Agradeço-lhe, meu amigo, por sua avaliação demasiado lisonjeira, mas ainda temo estar apenas um pouco adiantado no caminho que gostaria de percorrer. É verdade, conheço a gramática e as palavras, mas ainda não sei como pronunciá-las."

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

"De fato," eu disse, "o senhor fala muito bem."

Original English Version

“Indeed,” I said, “you speak excellently.”

Tradução Integral em Português

"De fato," disse eu, "o senhor fala excelentemente."

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

"Não é bem assim," ele respondeu. "Se eu me movesse e falasse na sua Londres, todo mundo veria que sou um estrangeiro. Isso não é suficiente para mim. Aqui eu sou nobre; sou boiardo; o povo comum me conhece, e eu sou o senhor. Mas um estrangeiro em terra estranha não é ninguém. As pessoas não o conhecem, e se não o conhecem, não se importam com ele. Fico feliz quando sou como todo mundo, para que ninguém pare para me encarar ou ria, dizendo: 'Ha, ha! um estrangeiro!' Fui senhor por tanto tempo que quero continuar sendo senhor, ou pelo menos não ser governado por mais ninguém. O senhor não veio apenas como agente do meu amigo Peter Hawkins, de Exeter, para me contar sobre minha nova propriedade em Londres. Espero que fique comigo por um tempo, para que eu possa aprender com o senhor a falar inglês. E quero que me diga sempre que eu cometer até o menor erro. Lamento ter ficado fora por tanto tempo hoje, mas sei que o senhor vai perdoar um homem com tantos assuntos importantes para cuidar."

Original English Version

“Not so,” he answered. “Well, I know that, did I move and speak in your London, none there are who would not know me for a stranger. That is not enough for me. Here I am noble; I am boyar; the common people know me, and I am master. But a stranger in a strange land, he is no one; men know him not - and to know not is to care not for. I am content if I am like the rest, so that no man stops if he see me, or pause in his speaking if he hear my words, ‘Ha, ha! a stranger!’ I have been so long master that I would be master still - or at least that none other should be master of me. You come to me not alone as agent of my friend Peter Hawkins, of Exeter, to tell me all about my new estate in London. You shall, I trust, rest here with me awhile, so that by our talking I may learn the English intonation; and I would that you tell me when I make error, even of the smallest, in my speaking. I am sorry that I had to be away so long today; but you will, I know, forgive one who has so many important affairs in hand.”

Tradução Integral em Português

"Não é assim," respondeu ele. "Ora, bem sei que, se eu me movesse e falasse na sua Londres, não haveria ali quem não me reconhecesse por forasteiro. Isso não me basta. Aqui sou nobre; sou boiardo; a gente comum me conhece, e sou senhor. Mas um estrangeiro em terra estranha não é ninguém; os homens não o conhecem - e não conhecer é não se importar. Contento-me em ser como os demais, de modo que nenhum homem se detenha ao me ver, ou faça pausa em sua fala ao ouvir minhas palavras: 'Ah, ah! um forasteiro!' Há tanto tempo sou senhor que senhor quero continuar a ser - ou ao menos que nenhum outro seja senhor de mim. O senhor vem a mim não só como agente do meu amigo Peter Hawkins, de Exeter, para contar-me tudo sobre minha nova propriedade em Londres. Há de, espero, permanecer aqui comigo por algum tempo, para que, com nossas conversas, eu aprenda a entonação inglesa; e desejaria que o senhor me dissesse quando eu cometer erro, ainda que o menor, em minha fala. Lamento ter tido de ausentar-me tanto hoje; mas o senhor, bem sei, perdoará quem tem tantos assuntos importantes em mãos."

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

"Sim, com certeza," e acrescentou:

"O senhor pode ir a qualquer lugar que quiser no castelo, exceto onde as portas estiverem trancadas. Claro que o senhor não vai querer ir lá. Há um motivo para tudo ser como é. Se pudesse ver com meus olhos e saber o que eu sei, talvez entendesse melhor." Eu disse que tinha certeza disso, e então ele continuou:

"Estamos na Transilvânia, e a Transilvânia não é a Inglaterra. Nossos costumes não são os costumes de vocês, e o senhor vai ver muitas coisas estranhas. Aliás, pelo que já me contou sobre suas experiências, o senhor já sabe algo sobre coisas estranhas."

Original English Version

Of course I said all I could about being willing, and asked if I might come into that room when I chose. He answered: “Yes, certainly,” and added: -

“You may go anywhere you wish in the castle, except where the doors are locked, where of course you will not wish to go. There is reason that all things are as they are, and did you see with my eyes and know with my knowledge, you would perhaps better understand.” I said I was sure of this, and then he went on: -

“We are in Transylvania; and Transylvania is not England. Our ways are not your ways, and there shall be to you many strange things. Nay, from what you have told me of your experiences already, you know something of what strange things there may be.”

Tradução Integral em Português

É claro que disse tudo o que pude sobre minha boa vontade, e perguntei se podia entrar naquele aposento quando quisesse. Ele respondeu: "Sim, certamente," e acrescentou: -

"O senhor pode ir aonde quiser no castelo, exceto onde as portas estão trancadas, aonde, é claro, não desejará ir. Há razão para que todas as coisas sejam como são, e, se o senhor visse com meus olhos e soubesse com meu saber, talvez compreendesse melhor." Disse-lhe que estava certo disso, e então ele prosseguiu: -

"Estamos na Transilvânia; e a Transilvânia não é a Inglaterra. Nossos modos não são os seus modos, e haverá para o senhor muitas coisas estranhas. Aliás, pelo que já me contou de suas experiências, o senhor já sabe algo das coisas estranhas que pode haver."

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Isso deu início a uma longa conversa. Estava claro que ele queria conversar, mesmo que fosse só pelo prazer de falar. Fiz muitas perguntas sobre coisas que já tinham acontecido comigo ou que eu tinha visto. Às vezes ele evitava o assunto ou mudava de conversa fingindo não entender. Mas na maior parte do tempo respondia com muita franqueza. Com o passar do tempo, fui ficando mais corajoso e perguntei sobre algumas coisas estranhas da noite anterior, como o motivo de o cocheiro ter ido até os lugares onde tinha visto as chamas azuis. Ele explicou que muitas pessoas acreditam que uma chama azul aparece sobre um tesouro enterrado numa certa noite do ano - a noite anterior, na verdade, quando se acredita que os espíritos maus têm poder livre. "Não há muita dúvida de que havia um tesouro escondido na região que o senhor atravessou ontem à noite," ele disse. "Aquela terra foi disputada por séculos entre valáquios, saxões e turcos. Quase nenhuma parte desta região deixou de ser encharcada com o sangue de homens, sejam patriotas ou invasores. Antigamente havia batalhas duras, quando austríacos e húngaros vinham em grande número, e os patriotas saíam para enfrentá-los - homens, mulheres, idosos e até crianças. Eles esperavam nas rochas acima dos desfiladeiros para poder destruir o inimigo com avalanches provocadas. Quando o invasor vencia, encontrava muito pouco, porque tudo o que havia ali tinha sido escondido em segurança na terra amiga."

Original English Version

This led to much conversation; and as it was evident that he wanted to talk, if only for talking’s sake, I asked him many questions regarding things that had already happened to me or come within my notice. Sometimes he sheered off the subject, or turned the conversation by pretending not to understand; but generally he answered all I asked most frankly. Then as time went on, and I had got somewhat bolder, I asked him of some of the strange things of the preceding night, as, for instance, why the coachman went to the places where he had seen the blue flames. He then explained to me that it was commonly believed that on a certain night of the year - last night, in fact, when all evil spirits are supposed to have unchecked sway - a blue flame is seen over any place where treasure has been concealed. “That treasure has been hidden,” he went on, “in the region through which you came last night, there can be but little doubt; for it was the ground fought over for centuries by the Wallachian, the Saxon, and the Turk. Why, there is hardly a foot of soil in all this region that has not been enriched by the blood of men, patriots or invaders. In old days there were stirring times, when the Austrian and the Hungarian came up in hordes, and the patriots went out to meet them - men and women, the aged and the children too - and waited their coming on the rocks above the passes, that they might sweep destruction on them with their artificial avalanches. When the invader was triumphant he found but little, for whatever there was had been sheltered in the friendly soil.”

Tradução Integral em Português

Isso levou a muita conversa; e, como era evidente que ele queria falar, quando não fosse senão pelo prazer de falar, fiz-lhe muitas perguntas sobre coisas que já me haviam acontecido ou chegado à minha atenção. Às vezes desviava do assunto, ou mudava a conversa fingindo não entender; mas em geral respondia a tudo o que eu perguntava com a maior franqueza. Então, com o passar do tempo, e tendo eu ficado um tanto mais ousado, perguntei-lhe sobre algumas das coisas estranhas da noite anterior, como, por exemplo, por que o cocheiro ia aos lugares onde vira as chamas azuis. Ele então me explicou que se acreditava comumente que, numa certa noite do ano - a noite passada, aliás, quando se supõe que todos os espíritos malignos têm domínio sem freios - uma chama azul se vê sobre qualquer lugar onde tesouro tenha sido ocultado. "Que tesouro foi escondido," prosseguiu, "na região por onde o senhor passou na noite passada, pouca dúvida pode haver; pois foi terreno disputado por séculos pelo valáquio, pelo saxão e pelo turco. Ora, mal há um palmo de solo em toda esta região que não tenha sido enriquecido pelo sangue de homens, patriotas ou invasores. Nos velhos tempos havia dias agitados, quando o austríaco e o húngaro subiam em hordas, e os patriotas saíam a enfrentá-los - homens e mulheres, os velhos e também as crianças - e aguardavam a sua vinda nos rochedos acima dos passos, para lançar sobre eles a destruição com suas avalanches artificiais. Quando o invasor triunfava, pouco encontrava, pois o que quer que houvesse fora abrigado no solo amigo."

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

"Mas como," eu disse, "pode ter ficado escondido por tanto tempo, se há um sinal claro para quem se dá ao trabalho de procurar?" O Count sorriu. Os lábios dele se retraíram sobre as gengivas, e os dentes longos e afiados apareceram de um jeito estranho. Ele respondeu:

"Porque o camponês de vocês é, na verdade, um covarde e um tolo! Essas chamas aparecem apenas numa noite, e naquela noite nenhum homem deste país vai sair de casa se puder evitar. E mesmo que saísse, não saberia o que fazer. O camponês que visse o lugar nem saberia onde procurar à luz do dia, mesmo para seu próprio trabalho. E ouso dizer que até o senhor não conseguiria encontrar aqueles lugares de novo."

"O senhor tem razão," eu disse. "Eu não sei mais do que um morto sobre onde procurá-los." Depois passamos a falar de outras coisas.

Original English Version

“But how,” said I, “can it have remained so long undiscovered, when there is a sure index to it if men will but take the trouble to look?” The Count smiled, and as his lips ran back over his gums, the long, sharp, canine teeth showed out strangely; he answered: -

“Because your peasant is at heart a coward and a fool! Those flames only appear on one night; and on that night no man of this land will, if he can help it, stir without his doors. And, dear sir, even if he did he would not know what to do. Why, even the peasant that you tell me of who marked the place of the flame would not know where to look in daylight even for his own work. Even you would not, I dare be sworn, be able to find these places again?”

“There you are right,” I said. “I know no more than the dead where even to look for them.” Then we drifted into other matters.

Tradução Integral em Português

"Mas como," disse eu, "pode ter permanecido tanto tempo por descobrir, se há um índice seguro para ele, bastando que os homens se deem ao trabalho de procurar?" O Conde sorriu, e, ao correrem-lhe os lábios para trás sobre as gengivas, os longos e afiados dentes caninos mostraram-se estranhamente; ele respondeu: -

"Porque o seu camponês é, no fundo, um covarde e um tolo! Essas chamas só aparecem numa noite; e nessa noite nenhum homem desta terra, se puder evitá-lo, sairá de suas portas. E, caro senhor, ainda que saísse, não saberia o que fazer. Ora, mesmo o camponês de que o senhor me fala, que marcou o lugar da chama, não saberia onde procurar à luz do dia, nem mesmo pelo seu próprio serviço. Nem o senhor, ouso jurar, seria capaz de encontrar de novo esses lugares?"

"Nisso o senhor tem razão," disse eu. "Não saberia mais que os mortos onde sequer procurá-los." Então derivamos para outros assuntos.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

"Venha," ele disse por fim. "Fale-me sobre Londres e a casa que encontrou para mim." Pedi desculpas e peguei os papéis na minha mala. Enquanto os organizava, ouvi barulho de louça no quarto ao lado. Vi que a mesa tinha sido tirada e o lampião estava aceso, porque já estava escuro. Os lampiões também estavam acesos na biblioteca. O Count estava deitado no sofá, lendo um Bradshaw's Guide em inglês. Quando entrei, ele limpou a mesa e olhamos os planos e os papéis juntos. Ele se interessava por tudo e fazia muitas perguntas. Já tinha estudado antes e sabia mais do que eu. Quando falei isso, ele respondeu:

"Bem, meu amigo, não é necessário? Quando eu for para lá, estarei sozinho. Meu amigo Harker Jonathan - não, desculpe, estou usando o costume do meu país - meu amigo Jonathan Harker não estará lá para me ajudar. Ele estará em Exeter, a quilômetros de distância, trabalhando em documentos legais com meu outro amigo, Peter Hawkins. Pois é!"

Original English Version

“Come,” he said at last, “tell me of London and of the house which you have procured for me.” With an apology for my remissness, I went into my own room to get the papers from my bag. Whilst I was placing them in order I heard a rattling of china and silver in the next room, and as I passed through, noticed that the table had been cleared and the lamp lit, for it was by this time deep into the dark. The lamps were also lit in the study or library, and I found the Count lying on the sofa, reading, of all things in the world, an English Bradshaw’s Guide. When I came in he cleared the books and papers from the table; and with him I went into plans and deeds and figures of all sorts. He was interested in everything, and asked me a myriad questions about the place and its surroundings. He clearly had studied beforehand all he could get on the subject of the neighbourhood, for he evidently at the end knew very much more than I did. When I remarked this, he answered: -

“Well, but, my friend, is it not needful that I should? When I go there I shall be all alone, and my friend Harker Jonathan - nay, pardon me, I fall into my country’s habit of putting your patronymic first - my friend Jonathan Harker will not be by my side to correct and aid me. He will be in Exeter, miles away, probably working at papers of the law with my other friend, Peter Hawkins. So!”

Tradução Integral em Português

"Venha," disse ele por fim, "fale-me de Londres e da casa que arranjou para mim." Com um pedido de desculpas por minha negligência, fui ao meu próprio quarto buscar os papéis na mala. Enquanto os punha em ordem, ouvi um tinir de porcelana e prata no aposento ao lado e, ao passar por ele, notei que a mesa fora desguarnecida e a lâmpada acesa, pois já era então noite fechada. As lâmpadas também estavam acesas no gabinete ou biblioteca, e encontrei o Conde deitado no sofá, lendo, de todas as coisas do mundo, um Guia Bradshaw inglês. Quando entrei, ele retirou os livros e papéis da mesa; e com ele entrei em plantas, escrituras e cifras de toda sorte. Interessava-se por tudo, e fez-me uma miríade de perguntas sobre o lugar e seus arredores. Evidentemente estudara de antemão tudo o que pudera obter sobre a vizinhança, pois ao fim sabia muito mais do que eu. Quando observei isso, ele respondeu: -

"Ora, mas, meu amigo, não é necessário que o faça? Quando eu for para lá, estarei totalmente sozinho, e meu amigo Harker Jonathan - não, perdão, caio no hábito do meu país de pôr primeiro o patronímico - meu amigo Jonathan Harker não estará ao meu lado para corrigir-me e auxiliar-me. Ele estará em Exeter, a milhas de distância, provavelmente trabalhando em papéis da lei com meu outro amigo, Peter Hawkins. Pois é!"

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Discutimos em detalhes a compra da propriedade em Purfleet. Contei a ele os fatos, consegui sua assinatura nos papéis e escrevi uma carta para o Sr. Hawkins. Depois ele perguntou como eu tinha encontrado um lugar tão adequado. Li minhas anotações para ele.

"Em Purfleet, numa rua secundária, encontrei exatamente o tipo de lugar que parecia necessário, com uma placa quebrada dizendo que o local estava à venda. Ele é cercado por um muro alto de pedra antiga. O muro não é consertado há muitos anos. Os portões fechados são feitos de carvalho e ferro pesados e antigos, e estão muito cobertos de ferrugem.

Original English Version

We went thoroughly into the business of the purchase of the estate at Purfleet. When I had told him the facts and got his signature to the necessary papers, and had written a letter with them ready to post to Mr. Hawkins, he began to ask me how I had come across so suitable a place. I read to him the notes which I had made at the time, and which I inscribe here: -

“At Purfleet, on a byroad, I came across just such a place as seemed to be required, and where was displayed a dilapidated notice that the place was for sale. It is surrounded by a high wall, of ancient structure, built of heavy stones, and has not been repaired for a large number of years. The closed gates are of heavy old oak and iron, all eaten with rust.

Tradução Integral em Português

Entramos a fundo no negócio da compra da propriedade em Purfleet. Depois de expor-lhe os fatos e obter sua assinatura nos papéis necessários, e de ter escrito uma carta com eles, pronta para remeter ao Sr. Hawkins, ele começou a perguntar-me como eu topara com lugar tão adequado. Li-lhe as anotações que fizera na ocasião, e que aqui transcrevo: -

"Em Purfleet, numa estrada secundária, deparei justamente com o tipo de lugar que parecia requerido, onde se via um aviso arruinado de que a propriedade estava à venda. É cercada por um muro alto, de estrutura antiga, feito de pedras pesadas, e não recebe reparos há grande número de anos. Os portões fechados são de carvalho velho e pesado, e de ferro, todos corroídos de ferrugem.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

"A propriedade se chama Carfax, talvez a partir do antigo nome Quatre Face, porque a casa tem quatro lados que correspondem às quatro direções. Tem cerca de vinte acres, todos cercados pelo forte muro de pedra que mencionei. Há muitas árvores, que deixam partes do terreno escuras e tristes. Também há um lago ou pequena lagoa funda e escura, alimentada por nascentes, já que a água é limpa e escoa num riacho de bom tamanho. A casa é muito grande e parece vir de várias épocas, talvez até da Idade Média. Uma parte é feita de pedra muito grossa, com apenas algumas janelas bem no alto, protegidas por barras de ferro. Parece parte de uma fortaleza, e fica perto de uma antiga capela ou igreja. Não consegui entrar porque não tinha a chave da porta da casa, mas tirei fotos dela de vários pontos com minha kodak. A casa foi ampliada ao longo do tempo, mas de um jeito desigual e misturado, então só posso imaginar quanto terreno ela cobre. Deve ser bem grande. Há apenas algumas casas por perto. Uma delas é uma casa muito grande que recentemente foi transformada num hospício particular. No entanto, não é possível vê-la a partir do terreno."

Original English Version

“The estate is called Carfax, no doubt a corruption of the old Quatre Face, as the house is four-sided, agreeing with the cardinal points of the compass. It contains in all some twenty acres, quite surrounded by the solid stone wall above mentioned. There are many trees on it, which make it in places gloomy, and there is a deep, dark-looking pond or small lake, evidently fed by some springs, as the water is clear and flows away in a fair-sized stream. The house is very large and of all periods back, I should say, to medieval times, for one part is of stone immensely thick, with only a few windows high up and heavily barred with iron. It looks like part of a keep, and is close to an old chapel or church. I could not enter it, as I had not the key of the door leading to it from the house, but I have taken with my kodak views of it from various points. The house has been added to, but in a very straggling way, and I can only guess at the amount of ground it covers, which must be very great. There are but few houses close at hand, one being a very large house only recently added to and formed into a private lunatic asylum. It is not, however, visible from the grounds.”

Tradução Integral em Português

"A propriedade chama-se Carfax, sem dúvida corruptela do antigo Quatre Face, pois a casa é de quatro lados, correspondentes aos pontos cardeais. Contém ao todo umas vinte acres, inteiramente cercadas pelo sólido muro de pedra acima mencionado. Há nela muitas árvores, que a tornam sombria em certos pontos, e há um tanque ou pequeno lago fundo e de aspecto escuro, evidentemente alimentado por algumas nascentes, pois a água é clara e escoa num regato de bom tamanho. A casa é muito grande e de todos os períodos, remontando, eu diria, aos tempos medievais, pois uma parte é de pedra imensamente espessa, com apenas algumas janelas no alto, fortemente gradeadas de ferro. Parece parte de uma torre de menagem, e fica próxima a uma velha capela ou igreja. Não pude entrar nela, pois não tinha a chave da porta que a ela conduz a partir da casa, mas tirei com meu kodak vistas dela de vários pontos. A casa recebeu acréscimos, mas de modo muito desordenado, e só posso conjecturar a extensão de terreno que cobre, a qual deve ser muito grande. Há pouquíssimas casas por perto, sendo uma delas uma casa muito grande, há pouco ampliada e transformada em manicômio particular. Não é, contudo, visível dos jardins."

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Quando terminei, ele disse:

"Fico feliz que seja antiga e grande. Venho de uma família antiga; uma casa nova me mataria. Uma casa não pode ficar confortável em um dia, e poucos dias não fazem um século. Também estou feliz por haver uma capela antiga. Nós, nobres da Transilvânia, não gostamos que nossos ossos fiquem entre mortos comuns. Não busco alegria, nem sol forte, nem águas brilhantes que agradam aos jovens. Já não sou jovem; meu coração está triste depois de anos de luto. As paredes do meu castelo estão quebradas; há muitas sombras; o vento sopra frio pelas partes destruídas. Eu amo a sombra e quero ficar sozinho com meus pensamentos." De alguma forma, suas palavras e sua expressão não combinavam; seu sorriso parecia maligno e sombrio.

Original English Version

When I had finished, he said: -

“I am glad that it is old and big. I myself am of an old family, and to live in a new house would kill me. A house cannot be made habitable in a day; and, after all, how few days go to make up a century. I rejoice also that there is a chapel of old times. We Transylvanian nobles love not to think that our bones may lie amongst the common dead. I seek not gaiety nor mirth, not the bright voluptuousness of much sunshine and sparkling waters which please the young and gay. I am no longer young; and my heart, through weary years of mourning over the dead, is not attuned to mirth. Moreover, the walls of my castle are broken; the shadows are many, and the wind breathes cold through the broken battlements and casements. I love the shade and the shadow, and would be alone with my thoughts when I may.” Somehow his words and his look did not seem to accord, or else it was that his cast of face made his smile look malignant and saturnine.

Tradução Integral em Português

Quando terminei, ele disse: -

"Alegra-me que seja antiga e grande. Eu mesmo sou de uma antiga família, e viver numa casa nova me mataria. Uma casa não se torna habitável num dia; e, afinal, quão poucos dias compõem um século. Regozijo-me também por haver uma capela dos tempos antigos. Nós, nobres da Transilvânia, não gostamos de pensar que nossos ossos possam jazer entre os mortos comuns. Não busco alegria nem folguedo, não a viva volúpia de muito sol e águas cintilantes que agradam aos jovens e alegres. Já não sou jovem; e meu coração, por longos anos cansados de pranto sobre os mortos, não está afinado ao júbilo. Ademais, as paredes do meu castelo estão quebradas; as sombras são muitas, e o vento sopra frio pelas ameias e caixilhos partidos. Amo a sombra e a penumbra, e quero estar a sós com meus pensamentos quando posso." De algum modo, suas palavras e seu olhar não pareciam concordar, ou talvez fosse que o feitio de seu rosto fizesse seu sorriso parecer maligno e saturnino.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Logo depois ele me deixou, com uma desculpa, e pediu que eu juntasse todos os meus papéis. Ficou fora por um tempo, e comecei a olhar os livros ao meu redor. Um deles era um atlas, aberto na página da Inglaterra, como se aquela página fosse usada com frequência. Nela vi pequenos círculos marcados em certos lugares. Um ficava perto de Londres, do lado leste, claramente onde ficava sua nova propriedade. Os outros dois eram Exeter e Whitby, na costa de Yorkshire.

Original English Version

Presently, with an excuse, he left me, asking me to put all my papers together. He was some little time away, and I began to look at some of the books around me. One was an atlas, which I found opened naturally at England, as if that map had been much used. On looking at it I found in certain places little rings marked, and on examining these I noticed that one was near London on the east side, manifestly where his new estate was situated; the other two were Exeter, and Whitby on the Yorkshire coast.

Tradução Integral em Português

Pouco depois, com uma desculpa, deixou-me, pedindo-me que juntasse todos os meus papéis. Ficou algum tempo ausente, e comecei a olhar alguns dos livros à minha volta. Um era um atlas, que encontrei aberto naturalmente na Inglaterra, como se aquele mapa tivesse sido muito usado. Ao examiná-lo, achei em certos lugares pequenos círculos marcados e, ao examiná-los, notei que um ficava perto de Londres, do lado leste, manifestamente onde se situava sua nova propriedade; os outros dois eram Exeter e Whitby, na costa de Yorkshire.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Já fazia quase uma hora quando o Count voltou. "Aha!" disse ele. "Ainda com os livros? Ótimo, mas o senhor não deve trabalhar o tempo todo. Venha, sua ceia está pronta." Ele segurou meu braço, e fomos para o quarto ao lado, onde encontrei uma ceia excelente. O Count se desculpou de novo por já ter comido fora. Mas ficou sentado conversando enquanto eu comia. Depois da ceia, fumei, e o Count ficou comigo, fazendo perguntas por horas. Senti que já estava muito tarde, mas não disse nada porque queria agradá-lo. Eu não estava com sono depois do longo sono do dia anterior. Mas senti frio quando o amanhecer chegou, como a virada da maré. Dizem que as pessoas perto da morte costumam morrer ao amanhecer ou na virada da maré. Qualquer um que já tenha estado cansado pode acreditar nisso. De repente, ouvimos um galo cantar bem alto. Count Drácula deu um pulo e disse:

Original English Version

It was the better part of an hour when the Count returned. “Aha!” he said; “still at your books? Good! But you must not work always. Come; I am informed that your supper is ready.” He took my arm, and we went into the next room, where I found an excellent supper ready on the table. The Count again excused himself, as he had dined out on his being away from home. But he sat as on the previous night, and chatted whilst I ate. After supper I smoked, as on the last evening, and the Count stayed with me, chatting and asking questions on every conceivable subject, hour after hour. I felt that it was getting very late indeed, but I did not say anything, for I felt under obligation to meet my host’s wishes in every way. I was not sleepy, as the long sleep yesterday had fortified me; but I could not help experiencing that chill which comes over one at the coming of the dawn, which is like, in its way, the turn of the tide. They say that people who are near death die generally at the change to the dawn or at the turn of the tide; anyone who has when tired, and tied as it were to his post, experienced this change in the atmosphere can well believe it. All at once we heard the crow of a cock coming up with preternatural shrillness through the clear morning air; Count Dracula, jumping to his feet, said: -

Tradução Integral em Português

Passara-se a maior parte de uma hora quando o Conde voltou. "Ah, ah!" disse ele; "ainda com seus livros? Ótimo! Mas o senhor não deve trabalhar sempre. Venha; informaram-me que sua ceia está pronta." Tomou-me pelo braço, e passamos ao aposento ao lado, onde encontrei uma excelente ceia pronta sobre a mesa. O Conde tornou a desculpar-se, pois jantara fora por estar ausente de casa. Mas sentou-se como na noite anterior, e conversou enquanto eu comia. Após a ceia, fumei, como na última noite, e o Conde ficou comigo, conversando e fazendo perguntas sobre todo assunto concebível, hora após hora. Sentia que já se fazia bem tarde, mas nada disse, pois me sentia obrigado a atender aos desejos do meu anfitrião em tudo. Não estava com sono, pois o longo sono do dia anterior me fortalecera; mas não pude deixar de experimentar aquele frio que nos toma à aproximação da aurora, e que é, à sua maneira, como a virada da maré. Dizem que as pessoas que estão perto da morte morrem geralmente na mudança para a aurora ou na virada da maré; quem quer que, cansado e como que atado ao seu posto, tenha experimentado essa mudança na atmosfera bem pode acreditá-lo. De repente ouvimos o canto de um galo subir com sobrenatural agudeza pelo ar límpido da manhã; o Conde Drácula, pondo-se de pé num salto, disse: -

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

"Ora, a manhã chegou de novo! Fui descuidado ao deixar o senhor acordado por tanto tempo. O senhor precisa tornar sua conversa sobre a minha querida nova terra, a Inglaterra, menos interessante, para que eu não esqueça como o tempo passa rápido," e, com uma reverência educada, ele se retirou rapidamente.

Fui para o meu quarto e abri as cortinas, mas havia pouco para ver. Minha janela dava para o pátio, e eu só conseguia ver o céu cinza e morno ficando mais claro. Então fechei as cortinas de novo e escrevi sobre este dia.

Original English Version

“Why, there is the morning again! How remiss I am to let you stay up so long. You must make your conversation regarding my dear new country of England less interesting, so that I may not forget how time flies by us,” and, with a courtly bow, he quickly left me.

I went into my own room and drew the curtains, but there was little to notice; my window opened into the courtyard, all I could see was the warm grey of quickening sky. So I pulled the curtains again, and have written of this day.

Tradução Integral em Português

"Ora, aí está a manhã de novo! Que descuidado sou em deixá-lo velar por tanto tempo. O senhor precisa tornar sua conversa sobre a minha querida nova terra da Inglaterra menos interessante, para que eu não me esqueça de como o tempo voa por nós," e, com uma cortês reverência, deixou-me depressa.

Fui ao meu próprio quarto e corri as cortinas, mas havia pouco a notar; minha janela dava para o pátio, e tudo o que eu podia ver era o cinza morno do céu que despertava. Assim, tornei a fechar as cortinas e escrevi sobre este dia.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

8 de maio - Comecei a temer que estivesse escrevendo detalhes demais neste caderno. Mas agora fico feliz por ter escrito com tanto detalhe desde o início, porque há algo tão estranho neste lugar e em tudo que existe nele que me sinto incomodado. Eu gostaria de estar em segurança, longe daqui, ou de nunca ter vindo. Talvez essa vida estranha durante a noite esteja me afetando, mas isso não é o pior. Se houvesse alguém com quem conversar, eu suportaria melhor, mas não há ninguém. Só posso falar com o Count, e ele! Temo que eu seja a única alma viva aqui. Deixe-me me ater aos fatos simples, tanto quanto possível. Isso vai me ajudar a manter a calma, e não posso deixar minha imaginação correr solta. Se isso acontecer, estarei perdido. Deixe-me primeiro dizer claramente onde estou, ou onde pareço estar.

Original English Version

8 May. - I began to fear as I wrote in this book that I was getting too diffuse; but now I am glad that I went into detail from the first, for there is something so strange about this place and all in it that I cannot but feel uneasy. I wish I were safe out of it, or that I had never come. It may be that this strange night-existence is telling on me; but would that that were all! If there were anyone to talk to I could bear it, but there is no one. I have only the Count to speak with, and he! - I fear I am myself the only living soul within the place. Let me be prosaic so far as facts can be; it will help me to bear up, and imagination must not run riot with me. If it does I am lost. Let me say at once how I stand - or seem to.

Tradução Integral em Português

8 de maio. - Comecei a temer, ao escrever neste caderno, que estivesse ficando difuso demais; mas agora me alegro por ter entrado em detalhes desde o início, pois há algo tão estranho neste lugar e em tudo o que nele há que não posso deixar de sentir-me inquieto. Quisera estar são e salvo fora daqui, ou nunca ter vindo. Pode ser que esta estranha existência noturna esteja afetando-me; mas quem dera fosse só isso! Se houvesse alguém com quem falar, eu poderia suportá-lo, mas não há ninguém. Só tenho o Conde com quem falar, e ele! - temo ser eu próprio a única alma viva dentro deste lugar. Deixe-me ser prosaico até onde os fatos o permitam; isso me ajudará a resistir, e a imaginação não deve desvairar comigo. Se o fizer, estou perdido. Deixe-me dizer de uma vez como estou - ou pareço estar.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Dormi apenas algumas horas e depois me levantei porque não conseguia dormir mais. Tinha pendurado meu espelho de barbear perto da janela e estava começando a me barbear. De repente, senti uma mão no ombro e ouvi o Count dizer: "Bom dia." Levei um susto porque não o tinha visto, mesmo o espelho mostrando todo o quarto atrás de mim. Ao me assustar, me cortei de leve, mas não percebi na hora. Depois de responder a ele, olhei de novo para o espelho para ver o meu erro. Desta vez não havia como estar enganado, porque o Count estava parado bem perto, atrás de mim, e eu conseguia vê-lo por cima do meu ombro. Mas não havia nenhum reflexo dele no espelho. Todo o quarto atrás de mim estava ali, mas nenhum homem além de mim mesmo. Isso me assustou profundamente. Piorou ainda mais o desconforto que sempre sinto perto do Count. Então vi que meu corte tinha sangrado um pouco, e o sangue escorria pelo meu queixo. Larguei a navalha e me virei um pouco para procurar algo que estancasse o sangramento. Quando o Count viu meu rosto, seus olhos brilharam com uma raiva terrível, e ele de repente avançou a mão para o meu pescoço. Me afastei, e a mão dele tocou o cordão de contas que segurava o crucifixo. Na mesma hora ele mudou. Sua raiva sumiu tão rápido que mal dava para acreditar que tinha existido.

Original English Version

I only slept a few hours when I went to bed, and feeling that I could not sleep any more, got up. I had hung my shaving glass by the window, and was just beginning to shave. Suddenly I felt a hand on my shoulder, and heard the Count’s voice saying to me, “Good morning.” I started, for it amazed me that I had not seen him, since the reflection of the glass covered the whole room behind me. In starting I had cut myself slightly, but did not notice it at the moment. Having answered the Count’s salutation, I turned to the glass again to see how I had been mistaken. This time there could be no error, for the man was close to me, and I could see him over my shoulder. But there was no reflection of him in the mirror! The whole room behind me was displayed; but there was no sign of a man in it, except myself. This was startling, and, coming on the top of so many strange things, was beginning to increase that vague feeling of uneasiness which I always have when the Count is near; but at the instant I saw that the cut had bled a little, and the blood was trickling over my chin. I laid down the razor, turning as I did so half round to look for some sticking plaster. When the Count saw my face, his eyes blazed with a sort of demoniac fury, and he suddenly made a grab at my throat. I drew away, and his hand touched the string of beads which held the crucifix. It made an instant change in him, for the fury passed so quickly that I could hardly believe that it was ever there.

Tradução Integral em Português

Dormi apenas algumas horas depois de me deitar e, sentindo que não conseguiria dormir mais, levantei-me. Pendurara meu espelho de barbear junto à janela e estava justamente começando a barbear-me. De repente senti uma mão em meu ombro e ouvi a voz do Conde a dizer-me: "Bom dia." Sobressaltei-me, pois me espantou não o ter visto, uma vez que o reflexo do espelho abrangia todo o aposento atrás de mim. No sobressalto, cortara-me de leve, mas não o notei no momento. Tendo respondido à saudação do Conde, tornei a voltar-me para o espelho a fim de ver como me enganara. Desta vez não podia haver engano, pois o homem estava perto de mim, e eu podia vê-lo por sobre o meu ombro. Mas não havia reflexo dele no espelho! Todo o aposento atrás de mim se exibia; mas nele não havia sinal de homem algum, exceto eu. Isto era assombroso e, vindo por cima de tantas coisas estranhas, começava a aumentar aquela vaga sensação de inquietação que sempre tenho quando o Conde está perto; mas, no instante, vi que o corte sangrara um pouco, e o sangue escorria-me pelo queixo. Larguei a navalha, voltando-me ao fazê-lo meio de lado, à procura de algum esparadrapo. Quando o Conde viu meu rosto, seus olhos flamejaram com uma espécie de fúria demoníaca, e ele de súbito deu um bote em minha garganta. Recuei, e sua mão tocou o cordão de contas que sustinha o crucifixo. Isso operou nele uma mudança instantânea, pois a fúria passou tão depressa que mal pude crer que alguma vez ali estivera.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

"Tenha cuidado," ele disse. "Cuidado ao se cortar. É mais perigoso do que o senhor imagina, neste país." Depois pegou o espelho de barbear e disse: "E esta é a coisa miserável que causou o problema. É um brinquedo sujo da vaidade humana. Fora com ele!" Abriu a janela pesada com um puxão forte e jogou o espelho para fora. Ele se espatifou em mil pedaços nas pedras lá embaixo, no pátio. Depois saiu sem dizer mais nada. Isso é muito irritante, porque não sei como vou me barbear, a não ser que use a tampa do meu relógio ou o fundo da vasilha de barbear, que felizmente é de metal.

Original English Version

“Take care,” he said, “take care how you cut yourself. It is more dangerous than you think in this country.” Then seizing the shaving glass, he went on: “And this is the wretched thing that has done the mischief. It is a foul bauble of man’s vanity. Away with it!” and opening the heavy window with one wrench of his terrible hand, he flung out the glass, which was shattered into a thousand pieces on the stones of the courtyard far below. Then he withdrew without a word. It is very annoying, for I do not see how I am to shave, unless in my watch-case or the bottom of the shaving-pot, which is fortunately of metal.

Tradução Integral em Português

"Cuidado," disse ele, "cuidado com esses cortes que faz em si mesmo. É mais perigoso do que o senhor pensa neste país." Então, agarrando o espelho de barbear, prosseguiu: "E esta é a coisa desgraçada que fez o estrago. É um bugiganga imundo da vaidade humana. Fora com ele!" e, abrindo a pesada janela com um só golpe de sua mão terrível, atirou fora o espelho, que se espatifou em mil pedaços nas pedras do pátio lá embaixo. Depois retirou-se sem uma palavra. É muito aborrecido, pois não vejo como hei de barbear-me, a não ser na tampa do relógio ou no fundo da bacia de barbear, que felizmente é de metal.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Quando fui até a sala de jantar, o café da manhã estava pronto, mas não consegui encontrar o Count em lugar nenhum, então comi sozinho. É estranho que eu ainda não o tenha visto comer ou beber nada. Ele deve ser um homem muito fora do comum. Depois do café da manhã, explorei um pouco o castelo. Saí pelas escadas e encontrei um cômodo voltado para o sul. A vista era maravilhosa, e tive uma boa chance de observá-la. O castelo fica bem na beira de um penhasco terrível. Uma pedra jogada da janela cairia trezentos metros sem tocar em nada. Até onde eu conseguia ver, havia um mar de copas de árvores verdes, com fendas profundas de vez em quando, onde ficavam os desfiladeiros. Aqui e ali, eu via linhas prateadas, onde os rios serpenteavam pelas florestas em vales profundos.

Mas eu não estava com vontade de descrever belezas. Depois de ver a vista, explorei mais um pouco. Havia portas por toda parte, e todas estavam trancadas e com ferrolhos. Em lugar nenhum, exceto pelas janelas nas paredes do castelo, havia alguma saída.

Original English Version

When I went into the dining-room, breakfast was prepared; but I could not find the Count anywhere. So I breakfasted alone. It is strange that as yet I have not seen the Count eat or drink. He must be a very peculiar man! After breakfast I did a little exploring in the castle. I went out on the stairs, and found a room looking towards the South. The view was magnificent, and from where I stood there was every opportunity of seeing it. The castle is on the very edge of a terrible precipice. A stone falling from the window would fall a thousand feet without touching anything! As far as the eye can reach is a sea of green tree tops, with occasionally a deep rift where there is a chasm. Here and there are silver threads where the rivers wind in deep gorges through the forests.

But I am not in heart to describe beauty, for when I had seen the view I explored further; doors, doors, doors everywhere, and all locked and bolted. In no place save from the windows in the castle walls is there an available exit.

Tradução Integral em Português

Quando entrei na sala de jantar, o desjejum estava preparado; mas não consegui encontrar o Conde em parte alguma. Assim, tomei o desjejum sozinho. É estranho que até agora eu não tenha visto o Conde comer ou beber. Deve ser um homem muito peculiar! Após o desjejum, explorei um pouco o castelo. Saí para as escadas e encontrei um aposento voltado para o sul. A vista era magnífica e, de onde eu estava, havia toda oportunidade de contemplá-la. O castelo fica na beirada exata de um precipício terrível. Uma pedra que caísse da janela cairia trezentos metros sem tocar em nada! Até onde a vista alcança há um mar de copas verdes, com ocasionalmente uma fenda profunda onde há um abismo. Aqui e ali há fios de prata onde os rios serpenteiam por gargantas profundas através das florestas.

Mas não estou com ânimo para descrever belezas, pois, depois de ver a vista, explorei mais; portas, portas, portas por toda parte, e todas trancadas e aferrolhadas. Em nenhum lugar, salvo pelas janelas nas paredes do castelo, há uma saída disponível.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

O castelo é realmente uma prisão, e eu sou um prisioneiro!

Original English Version

The castle is a veritable prison, and I am a prisoner!

Tradução Integral em Português

O castelo é uma verdadeira prisão, e eu sou um prisioneiro!

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Chapter III

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Quando descobri que eu era um prisioneiro, fui tomado por um sentimento selvagem. Corri escada acima e escada abaixo, tentando abrir cada porta e olhando por cada janela que eu conseguia encontrar. Depois de um tempo, o fato de que eu estava impotente superou todos os meus outros sentimentos. Olhando para trás, depois de algumas horas, acho que devo ter ficado louco por um tempo, porque me comportei como um rato numa armadilha. Mas assim que aceitei que não podia fazer nada, sentei-me em silêncio, com mais calma do que jamais fiz qualquer coisa, e comecei a pensar no que deveria fazer. Ainda estou pensando, e ainda não cheguei a uma resposta clara. De uma coisa tenho certeza: não adianta dizer ao Conde o que penso. Ele sabe que estou trancado aqui, e como foi ele mesmo quem fez isso, e tem seus próprios motivos, ele só me enganaria se eu confiasse totalmente nele. Pelo que posso perceber, meu único plano é guardar meus pensamentos e medos só para mim e manter os olhos abertos. Sei que ou estou me enganando por medo, como uma criança, ou estou em perigo muito grave. Se isso for verdade, vou precisar de toda a minha inteligência para superar essa situação.

Original English Version

When I found that I was a prisoner a sort of wild feeling came over me. I rushed up and down the stairs, trying every door and peering out of every window I could find; but after a little the conviction of my helplessness overpowered all other feelings. When I look back after a few hours I think I must have been mad for the time, for I behaved much as a rat does in a trap. When, however, the conviction had come to me that I was helpless I sat down quietly - as quietly as I have ever done anything in my life - and began to think over what was best to be done. I am thinking still, and as yet have come to no definite conclusion. Of one thing only am I certain; that it is no use making my ideas known to the Count. He knows well that I am imprisoned; and as he has done it himself, and has doubtless his own motives for it, he would only deceive me if I trusted him fully with the facts. So far as I can see, my only plan will be to keep my knowledge and my fears to myself, and my eyes open. I am, I know, either being deceived, like a baby, by my own fears, or else I am in desperate straits; and if the latter be so, I need, and shall need, all my brains to get through.

Tradução Integral em Português

Quando constatei que era prisioneiro, apoderou-se de mim uma espécie de sentimento desvairado. Subi e desci as escadas correndo, experimentando cada porta e espreitando por cada janela que encontrava; mas, ao cabo de pouco, a convicção de meu desamparo sobrepujou todos os outros sentimentos. Quando olho para trás, depois de algumas horas, creio que devo ter estado louco por aquele tempo, pois me comportei muito como um rato numa ratoeira. Quando, porém, chegara-me a convicção de que estava desamparado, sentei-me em silêncio - tão em silêncio quanto jamais fiz coisa alguma na vida - e pus-me a pensar no que seria melhor fazer. Ainda estou pensando, e até agora não cheguei a nenhuma conclusão definitiva. De uma só coisa estou certo: de que não adianta dar a conhecer minhas ideias ao Conde. Ele sabe bem que estou aprisionado; e, como ele mesmo o fez, e tem sem dúvida seus próprios motivos para isso, só me enganaria se eu lhe confiasse plenamente os fatos. Pelo que posso ver, meu único plano será guardar comigo o que sei e o que temo, e manter os olhos abertos. Estou, bem sei, ou sendo enganado como um bebê pelos meus próprios temores, ou em apuros desesperados; e, se for este o caso, precisarei, e hei de precisar, de todo o meu juízo para me safar.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Eu mal tinha chegado a essa decisão quando ouvi a grande porta lá embaixo se fechar, e soube que o Conde tinha voltado. Ele não entrou na biblioteca de imediato, então fui com cuidado até o meu quarto e o encontrei arrumando a cama. Isso era estranho, mas só confirmou o que eu já suspeitava: não há criados na casa. Mais tarde, eu o vi pela fresta perto das dobradiças da porta, pondo a mesa na sala de jantar, e isso me convenceu ainda mais. Se ele mesmo faz todas essas tarefas simples, então com certeza não há mais ninguém aqui para fazê-las. Isso me assustou, porque se não há mais ninguém no castelo, então o próprio Conde deve ter conduzido a carruagem que me trouxe até aqui. É um pensamento terrível. Se for assim, o que significa o fato de ele conseguir controlar os lobos apenas levantando a mão em silêncio? Por que as pessoas em Bistritz e na carruagem estavam tão preocupadas comigo? O que significavam o crucifixo, o alho, a rosa selvagem e a tramazeira? Bendita seja aquela boa mulher que pendurou o crucifixo no meu pescoço, pois ele me conforta e me dá forças sempre que o toco. É estranho que uma coisa que me ensinaram a rejeitar, e a considerar idolatria, agora me ajude, quando estou sozinho e aflito. Será que há algo no próprio objeto, ou é apenas uma lembrança física de carinho e conforto? Um dia talvez eu precise pensar nisso. Por enquanto, preciso descobrir tudo o que puder sobre o Conde Drácula, porque isso pode me ajudar a entender a situação. Esta noite, talvez ele fale sobre si mesmo, se eu conduzir a conversa nessa direção. Mas preciso ter muito cuidado para não despertar suas suspeitas.

Original English Version

I had hardly come to this conclusion when I heard the great door below shut, and knew that the Count had returned. He did not come at once into the library, so I went cautiously to my own room and found him making the bed. This was odd, but only confirmed what I had all along thought - that there were no servants in the house. When later I saw him through the chink of the hinges of the door laying the table in the dining-room, I was assured of it; for if he does himself all these menial offices, surely it is proof that there is no one else to do them. This gave me a fright, for if there is no one else in the castle, it must have been the Count himself who was the driver of the coach that brought me here. This is a terrible thought; for if so, what does it mean that he could control the wolves, as he did, by only holding up his hand in silence. How was it that all the people at Bistritz and on the coach had some terrible fear for me? What meant the giving of the crucifix, of the garlic, of the wild rose, of the mountain ash? Bless that good, good woman who hung the crucifix round my neck! for it is a comfort and a strength to me whenever I touch it. It is odd that a thing which I have been taught to regard with disfavour and as idolatrous should in a time of loneliness and trouble be of help. Is it that there is something in the essence of the thing itself, or that it is a medium, a tangible help, in conveying memories of sympathy and comfort? Some time, if it may be, I must examine this matter and try to make up my mind about it. In the meantime I must find out all I can about Count Dracula, as it may help me to understand. Tonight he may talk of himself, if I turn the conversation that way. I must be very careful, however, not to awake his suspicion.

Tradução Integral em Português

Mal chegara a essa conclusão quando ouvi a grande porta lá embaixo fechar-se, e soube que o Conde regressara. Não veio logo à biblioteca, de modo que fui com cautela ao meu próprio quarto e o encontrei fazendo a cama. Isto era esquisito, mas apenas confirmava o que eu sempre pensara - que não havia criados na casa. Quando, mais tarde, o vi pela fresta das dobradiças da porta pondo a mesa na sala de jantar, tive certeza disso; pois, se ele mesmo faz todos esses ofícios servis, por certo é prova de que não há mais ninguém para fazê-los. Isso me deu um susto, pois, se não há mais ninguém no castelo, deve ter sido o próprio Conde o cocheiro da diligência que me trouxe até aqui. É um pensamento terrível; pois, se assim é, que significa que ele pudesse dominar os lobos, como fez, apenas erguendo a mão em silêncio? Como foi que toda a gente em Bistritz e na diligência tinha por mim algum medo terrível? Que significava a oferta do crucifixo, do alho, da rosa silvestre, da tramazeira? Bendita seja aquela boa, boa mulher que me pendurou o crucifixo ao pescoço! pois é um consolo e uma força para mim sempre que o toco. É estranho que uma coisa que fui ensinado a olhar com reprovação e como idólatra venha, em tempo de solidão e de aflição, a ser de auxílio. Será que há algo na essência da própria coisa, ou será ela um meio, um auxílio tangível, para transmitir lembranças de simpatia e conforto? Algum dia, se for possível, hei de examinar esta questão e tentar formar minha opinião a respeito. Por ora, devo descobrir tudo o que puder sobre o Conde Drácula, pois isso pode ajudar-me a compreender. Esta noite talvez ele fale de si mesmo, se eu conduzir a conversa nessa direção. Devo, contudo, ter muito cuidado para não despertar sua suspeita.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Meia-noite. - Tive uma longa conversa com o Conde. Fiz algumas perguntas sobre a história da Transilvânia, e ele ficou muito interessado. Quando falava sobre acontecimentos e pessoas, especialmente batalhas, falava como se ele mesmo tivesse estado lá. Mais tarde ele explicou isso dizendo que, para um boiardo, o orgulho de sua família e de seu nome é o seu próprio orgulho, a glória deles é a sua glória, e o destino deles é o seu destino. Sempre que falava de sua casa, ele dizia "nós", quase como um rei. Eu gostaria de poder escrever exatamente tudo o que ele disse, porque foi profundamente interessante para mim. Parecia conter toda a história do país. Ele foi ficando animado enquanto falava, andando pelo quarto, puxando o grande bigode branco e apertando as coisas como se pudesse esmagá-las. Uma coisa que ele disse vou registrar da forma mais fiel possível, porque conta a história de seu povo à sua própria maneira: -

Original English Version

Midnight. - I have had a long talk with the Count. I asked him a few questions on Transylvania history, and he warmed up to the subject wonderfully. In his speaking of things and people, and especially of battles, he spoke as if he had been present at them all. This he afterwards explained by saying that to a boyar the pride of his house and name is his own pride, that their glory is his glory, that their fate is his fate. Whenever he spoke of his house he always said “we,” and spoke almost in the plural, like a king speaking. I wish I could put down all he said exactly as he said it, for to me it was most fascinating. It seemed to have in it a whole history of the country. He grew excited as he spoke, and walked about the room pulling his great white moustache and grasping anything on which he laid his hands as though he would crush it by main strength. One thing he said which I shall put down as nearly as I can; for it tells in its way the story of his race: -

Tradução Integral em Português

Meia-noite. - Tive uma longa conversa com o Conde. Fiz-lhe algumas perguntas sobre a história da Transilvânia, e ele se entusiasmou com o assunto maravilhosamente. Ao falar de coisas e pessoas, e sobretudo de batalhas, falava como se houvesse estado presente a todas elas. Isto explicou depois dizendo que, para um boiardo, o orgulho de sua casa e de seu nome é o próprio orgulho, que a glória deles é a sua glória, que o destino deles é o seu destino. Sempre que falava de sua casa, dizia sempre "nós", e falava quase no plural, como um rei ao falar. Quisera eu poder registrar tudo o que ele disse exatamente como o disse, pois para mim foi de todo fascinante. Parecia conter em si uma história inteira do país. Excitou-se ao falar, e andava pelo aposento puxando o grande bigode branco e agarrando tudo em que punha as mãos, como se fosse esmagá-lo à pura força. Uma coisa ele disse que registrarei tão fielmente quanto puder; pois conta, à sua maneira, a história de sua raça: -

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

"Nós, os Szekelys, temos o direito de sermos orgulhosos. Em nosso sangue corre o sangue de muitos povos corajosos que lutaram como leões pelo poder. Aqui, na mistura das raças europeias, a tribo ugriana trouxe da Islândia o espírito de luta que Thor e Odin lhes deram. Seus Berserkers mostraram esse espírito nas costas da Europa, da Ásia e da África. As pessoas pensavam que os próprios lobisomens tinham chegado. Aqui, eles também encontraram os hunos. A fúria guerreira dos hunos havia varrido a terra como uma chama viva. Os moribundos acreditavam que em suas veias corria o sangue de velhas feiticeiras que, expulsas da Cítia, se uniram a demônios no deserto. Tolos! Que demônio ou feiticeira já foi tão grande quanto Attila, cujo sangue corre nestas veias?" Ele ergueu os braços. "Será surpresa que fôssemos um povo conquistador? Que fôssemos orgulhosos? Quando os magiares, os lombardos, os avaros, os búlgaros ou os turcos lançavam milhares de guerreiros contra nossas fronteiras, nós os fazíamos recuar. Será estranho que, quando Arpad e suas legiões atravessaram a terra natal húngara, ele nos encontrasse aqui, na fronteira? Que foi ali que se completou o Honfoglalas? Quando a onda húngara avançou para o leste, os Szekelys foram reconhecidos como parentes pelos magiares vitoriosos. Por séculos, guardamos a fronteira das terras turcas. Como dizem os turcos, ‘a água dorme, mas o inimigo nunca dorme.’ Quem mais do que nós recebeu com alegria a ‘espada de sangue’ ou correu para o estandarte do rei? Quando foi reparada aquela grande vergonha da minha nação? A vergonha de Cassova, quando as bandeiras dos valáquios e dos magiares caíram sob o Crescente? Quem, senão alguém do meu próprio povo, como voivoda, atravessou o Danúbio e venceu os turcos em seu próprio território? Esse sim foi um Drácula de verdade! Que pena que seu próprio irmão indigno tenha vendido seu povo aos turcos e trazido a escravidão! Não foi esse Drácula que inspirou outro de sua linhagem a levar suas forças além do grande rio, para as terras turcas, vezes e mais vezes? Mesmo derrotado, ele voltava, sozinho, vindo do campo de batalha ensanguentado, porque sabia que só ele poderia triunfar. Diziam que ele só pensava em si mesmo. Bah! De que servem camponeses sem um líder? Onde termina a guerra sem uma mente e um coração para conduzi-la? De novo, depois da batalha de Mohács, quando nos livramos do jugo húngaro, nós, do sangue Drácula, estávamos entre os líderes. Nosso espírito não aceitava que não fôssemos livres. Ah, jovem senhor, os Szekelys - e os Drácula como seu sangue, sua mente e sua espada - podem se orgulhar de uma história que famílias recentes como os Habsburgos e os Romanov jamais poderão alcançar. Os dias de guerra acabaram. O sangue é precioso demais nestes tempos de paz desonrosa. As glórias dos grandes povos são como um conto que já foi contado."

Original English Version

“We Szekelys have a right to be proud, for in our veins flows the blood of many brave races who fought as the lion fights, for lordship. Here, in the whirlpool of European races, the Ugric tribe bore down from Iceland the fighting spirit which Thor and Wodin gave them, which their Berserkers displayed to such fell intent on the seaboards of Europe, ay, and of Asia and Africa too, till the peoples thought that the werewolves themselves had come. Here, too, when they came, they found the Huns, whose warlike fury had swept the earth like a living flame, till the dying peoples held that in their veins ran the blood of those old witches, who, expelled from Scythia had mated with the devils in the desert. Fools, fools! What devil or what witch was ever so great as Attila, whose blood is in these veins?” He held up his arms. “Is it a wonder that we were a conquering race; that we were proud; that when the Magyar, the Lombard, the Avar, the Bulgar, or the Turk poured his thousands on our frontiers, we drove them back? Is it strange that when Arpad and his legions swept through the Hungarian fatherland he found us here when he reached the frontier; that the Honfoglalas was completed there? And when the Hungarian flood swept eastward, the Szekelys were claimed as kindred by the victorious Magyars, and to us for centuries was trusted the guarding of the frontier of Turkey-land; ay, and more than that, endless duty of the frontier guard, for, as the Turks say, ‘water sleeps, and enemy is sleepless.’ Who more gladly than we throughout the Four Nations received the ‘bloody sword,’ or at its warlike call flocked quicker to the standard of the King? When was redeemed that great shame of my nation, the shame of Cassova, when the flags of the Wallach and the Magyar went down beneath the Crescent? Who was it but one of my own race who as Voivode crossed the Danube and beat the Turk on his own ground? This was a Dracula indeed! Woe was it that his own unworthy brother, when he had fallen, sold his people to the Turk and brought the shame of slavery on them! Was it not this Dracula, indeed, who inspired that other of his race who in a later age again and again brought his forces over the great river into Turkey-land; who, when he was beaten back, came again, and again, and again, though he had to come alone from the bloody field where his troops were being slaughtered, since he knew that he alone could ultimately triumph! They said that he thought only of himself. Bah! what good are peasants without a leader? Where ends the war without a brain and heart to conduct it? Again, when, after the battle of Mohács, we threw off the Hungarian yoke, we of the Dracula blood were amongst their leaders, for our spirit would not brook that we were not free. Ah, young sir, the Szekelys - and the Dracula as their heart’s blood, their brains, and their swords - can boast a record that mushroom growths like the Hapsburgs and the Romanovs can never reach. The warlike days are over. Blood is too precious a thing in these days of dishonourable peace; and the glories of the great races are as a tale that is told.”

Tradução Integral em Português

"Nós, sículos, temos o direito de ser orgulhosos, pois em nossas veias corre o sangue de muitas raças valentes que lutaram como luta o leão, pela soberania. Aqui, no redemoinho das raças europeias, a tribo úgrica trouxe da Islândia o espírito guerreiro que Thor e Wodin lhes deram, o qual seus berserkers exibiram com tão funesto intento nos litorais da Europa, sim, e também da Ásia e da África, até que os povos julgaram que os próprios lobisomens haviam chegado. Aqui também, quando chegaram, encontraram os hunos, cuja fúria guerreira varrera a terra como uma chama viva, até que os povos moribundos sustentaram que em suas veias corria o sangue daquelas velhas bruxas que, expulsas da Cítia, se haviam acasalado com os demônios no deserto. Tolos, tolos! Que demônio ou que bruxa foi jamais tão grande quanto Átila, cujo sangue está nestas veias?" Ergueu os braços. "É de admirar que fôssemos uma raça conquistadora; que fôssemos orgulhosos; que, quando o magiar, o lombardo, o ávaro, o búlgaro ou o turco despejava seus milhares em nossas fronteiras, nós os repelíssemos? É estranho que, quando Árpád e suas legiões varreram a pátria húngara, ele nos encontrasse aqui ao chegar à fronteira; que ali se completasse a Honfoglalás? E quando a maré húngara se lançou para leste, os sículos foram reclamados como parentes pelos vitoriosos magiares, e a nós, por séculos, foi confiada a guarda da fronteira da terra turca; sim, e mais que isso, o dever sem fim da guarda de fronteira, pois, como dizem os turcos, 'a água dorme, e o inimigo não dorme'. Quem, entre as Quatro Nações, recebeu com mais alegria do que nós a 'espada sangrenta', ou, ao seu chamado belicoso, acorreu mais depressa ao estandarte do Rei? Quando foi resgatada aquela grande vergonha da minha nação, a vergonha de Cassova, quando as bandeiras do valáquio e do magiar tombaram sob o Crescente? Quem foi senão um da minha própria raça que, como voivoda, cruzou o Danúbio e venceu o turco em seu próprio terreno? Este era um Drácula de verdade! Mísero foi que seu próprio irmão indigno, depois que ele caíra, vendesse seu povo ao turco e lhe trouxesse a vergonha da escravidão! Não foi este Drácula, sim, quem inspirou aquele outro de sua raça que, numa era posterior, uma vez após outra levou suas forças por sobre o grande rio até a terra turca; que, quando repelido, voltava de novo, e de novo, e de novo, ainda que tivesse de vir sozinho do campo ensanguentado onde suas tropas eram trucidadas, pois sabia que só ele poderia, ao fim, triunfar? Diziam que ele só pensava em si mesmo. Bah! de que servem camponeses sem um chefe? Onde termina a guerra sem um cérebro e um coração para conduzi-la? De novo, quando, depois da batalha de Mohács, sacudimos o jugo húngaro, nós, do sangue Drácula, estávamos entre seus líderes, pois nosso espírito não suportaria não sermos livres. Ah, jovem senhor, os sículos - e o Drácula como sangue de seu coração, seu cérebro e suas espadas - podem gabar-se de um passado que crescimentos de cogumelo como os Habsburgos e os Romanov jamais alcançarão. Os dias belicosos acabaram. O sangue é coisa preciosa demais nestes dias de paz desonrosa; e as glórias das grandes raças são como uma história que se conta."

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

A essa altura já era quase manhã, e fomos dormir. (Registro aqui que este diário está ficando parecido com o começo das "Mil e Uma Noites", porque tudo precisa parar ao cantar do galo - ou como o fantasma do pai de Hamlet.)

12 de maio. - Deixe-me começar pelos fatos: fatos simples, comprovados por livros e números, e fora de dúvida. Não devo misturá-los com experiências que dependem apenas da minha visão ou da minha memória. Ontem à noite, quando o Conde saiu do quarto, ele me fez perguntas sobre leis e sobre certos tipos de negócios. Eu tinha passado o dia cansado sobre os livros, e para manter a mente ocupada, revisei algumas das perguntas que me haviam feito nos exames em Lincoln’s Inn. O Conde perguntava de forma bem organizada, então vou escrever as perguntas dele em ordem, porque esse conhecimento pode me ser útil mais tarde.

Original English Version

It was by this time close on morning, and we went to bed. (Mem., this diary seems horribly like the beginning of the “Arabian Nights,” for everything has to break off at cockcrow - or like the ghost of Hamlet’s father.)

12 May. - Let me begin with facts - bare, meagre facts, verified by books and figures, and of which there can be no doubt. I must not confuse them with experiences which will have to rest on my own observation, or my memory of them. Last evening when the Count came from his room he began by asking me questions on legal matters and on the doing of certain kinds of business. I had spent the day wearily over books, and, simply to keep my mind occupied, went over some of the matters I had been examined in at Lincoln’s Inn. There was a certain method in the Count’s inquiries, so I shall try to put them down in sequence; the knowledge may somehow or some time be useful to me.

Tradução Integral em Português

Já era então perto da manhã, e fomos deitar-nos. (Lembrete: este diário parece horrivelmente com o começo das "Mil e Uma Noites", pois tudo tem de interromper-se ao cantar do galo - ou como o fantasma do pai de Hamlet.)

12 de maio. - Deixe-me começar pelos fatos - fatos nus, escassos, verificados por livros e cifras, e sobre os quais não pode haver dúvida. Não devo confundi-los com experiências que terão de assentar em minha própria observação, ou na minha memória delas. Ontem à noite, quando o Conde saiu de seu aposento, começou fazendo-me perguntas sobre questões jurídicas e sobre a condução de certos tipos de negócio. Eu passara o dia fatigado sobre livros e, apenas para manter a mente ocupada, repassara alguns dos assuntos em que fora examinado em Lincoln's Inn. Havia certo método nas indagações do Conde, de modo que tentarei registrá-las em sequência; o conhecimento pode, de algum modo ou em algum momento, ser-me útil.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Primeiro, ele perguntou se um homem na Inglaterra podia ter dois advogados ou mais. Eu disse que podia ter uma dúzia, se quisesse, mas que não seria sensato ter mais de um advogado cuidando do mesmo negócio, porque só um pode agir de cada vez, e trocar poderia prejudicar seus interesses. Ele pareceu entender perfeitamente, e então perguntou se haveria alguma dificuldade prática em ter um homem cuidando dos bancos e outro cuidando dos embarques, caso fosse preciso ajuda local em um lugar longe da casa do advogado responsável pelos bancos. Pedi que ele explicasse melhor, para eu não induzi-lo a erro. Então ele disse:

Original English Version

First, he asked if a man in England might have two solicitors or more. I told him he might have a dozen if he wished, but that it would not be wise to have more than one solicitor engaged in one transaction, as only one could act at a time, and that to change would be certain to militate against his interest. He seemed thoroughly to understand, and went on to ask if there would be any practical difficulty in having one man to attend, say, to banking, and another to look after shipping, in case local help were needed in a place far from the home of the banking solicitor. I asked him to explain more fully, so that I might not by any chance mislead him, so he said: -

Tradução Integral em Português

Primeiro, perguntou se um homem na Inglaterra podia ter dois procuradores ou mais. Disse-lhe que podia ter uma dúzia, se quisesse, mas que não seria sensato ter mais de um procurador atuando numa mesma transação, pois só um podia agir de cada vez, e que trocar seria certo prejuízo aos seus interesses. Pareceu compreender perfeitamente, e passou a perguntar se haveria alguma dificuldade prática em ter um homem para cuidar, digamos, de operações bancárias, e outro para cuidar de embarques, caso fosse necessário auxílio local num lugar distante da sede do procurador dos bancos. Pedi-lhe que explicasse mais plenamente, para que eu não o induzisse a erro por acaso, e então ele disse: -

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

"Deixe-me dar um exemplo. Nosso amigo, seu e meu, o Sr. Peter Hawkins, que mora à sombra da bela catedral de Exeter, bem longe de Londres, compra para mim, por meio de você, minha propriedade em Londres. Muito bem! Agora deixe-me ser franco, para que você não estranhe eu ter contratado alguém tão longe de Londres em vez de alguém que morasse lá: meu motivo foi que nenhum interesse local devia ser servido, exceto o meu próprio desejo. Alguém que morasse em Londres poderia ter um interesse próprio, ou um amigo a favorecer, então fui procurar meu agente bem longe. O trabalho dele deve servir apenas ao meu interesse. Agora, suponha que eu, que tenho muitos negócios, queira enviar mercadorias, digamos, para Newcastle, ou Durham, ou Harwich, ou Dover. Não seria mais fácil enviá-las a alguém nesses portos?" Respondi que, certamente, seria mais fácil, mas que nós, advogados, temos um sistema de ajuda mútua, de modo que o trabalho local pode ser feito localmente, por instrução de qualquer advogado. Assim, o cliente, tratando apenas com um homem, pode ter seus desejos realizados sem trabalho extra.

Original English Version

“I shall illustrate. Your friend and mine, Mr. Peter Hawkins, from under the shadow of your beautiful cathedral at Exeter, which is far from London, buys for me through your good self my place at London. Good! Now here let me say frankly, lest you should think it strange that I have sought the services of one so far off from London instead of someone resident there, that my motive was that no local interest might be served save my wish only; and as one of London residence might, perhaps, have some purpose of himself or friend to serve, I went thus afield to seek my agent, whose labours should be only to my interest. Now, suppose I, who have much of affairs, wish to ship goods, say, to Newcastle, or Durham, or Harwich, or Dover, might it not be that it could with more ease be done by consigning to one in these ports?” I answered that certainly it would be most easy, but that we solicitors had a system of agency one for the other, so that local work could be done locally on instruction from any solicitor, so that the client, simply placing himself in the hands of one man, could have his wishes carried out by him without further trouble.

Tradução Integral em Português

"Vou ilustrar. O seu amigo e meu, o Sr. Peter Hawkins, à sombra da sua bela catedral em Exeter, que fica longe de Londres, compra para mim, por seu intermédio, minha propriedade em Londres. Ótimo! Agora, deixe-me dizer com franqueza, para que não ache estranho que eu tenha buscado os serviços de alguém tão distante de Londres em vez de alguém residente lá, que meu motivo foi o de que nenhum interesse local fosse servido, senão apenas o meu desejo; e, como alguém residente em Londres pudesse, talvez, ter algum propósito próprio ou de amigo a servir, fui assim buscar longe o meu agente, cujos labores só ao meu interesse devessem servir. Ora, suponha que eu, que tenho muitos negócios, deseje embarcar mercadorias, digamos, para Newcastle, ou Durham, ou Harwich, ou Dover: não poderia ser que isso se fizesse com mais facilidade consignando a alguém nesses portos?" Respondi que certamente seria facílimo, mas que nós, procuradores, tínhamos um sistema de representação de uns pelos outros, de modo que o trabalho local podia ser feito localmente por instrução de qualquer procurador, e assim o cliente, pondo-se simplesmente nas mãos de um só homem, podia ter seus desejos executados por ele sem mais incômodo.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

"Mas," disse ele, "eu mesmo poderia escolher e dirigir isso. Não é verdade?"

"Claro," respondi, "e homens de negócios costumam fazer isso, porque não querem que uma única pessoa saiba de tudo sobre seus assuntos."

"Muito bem!" disse ele. Depois perguntou sobre a forma de enviar mercadorias, os formulários que precisam ser preenchidos, e muitos outros problemas que poderiam surgir, mas que podiam ser evitados com cuidado. Expliquei tudo o melhor que pude, e ele saiu com a impressão de que teria sido um excelente advogado, porque pensava em tudo e conseguia prever cada dificuldade. Para um homem que nunca tinha estado no país, e que não parecia fazer muitos negócios, seu conhecimento e sua perspicácia eram surpreendentes. Quando ele terminou de perguntar tudo o que queria, e eu verifiquei tudo o que pude nos livros, ele se levantou de repente e disse:

Original English Version

“But,” said he, “I could be at liberty to direct myself. Is it not so?”

“Of course,” I replied; and “such is often done by men of business, who do not like the whole of their affairs to be known by any one person.”

“Good!” he said, and then went on to ask about the means of making consignments and the forms to be gone through, and of all sorts of difficulties which might arise, but by forethought could be guarded against. I explained all these things to him to the best of my ability, and he certainly left me under the impression that he would have made a wonderful solicitor, for there was nothing that he did not think of or foresee. For a man who was never in the country, and who did not evidently do much in the way of business, his knowledge and acumen were wonderful. When he had satisfied himself on these points of which he had spoken, and I had verified all as well as I could by the books available, he suddenly stood up and said: -

Tradução Integral em Português

"Mas," disse ele, "eu poderia ter a liberdade de dirigir-me a mim mesmo. Não é assim?"

"Naturalmente," respondi; "e tal coisa é feita amiúde por homens de negócios que não gostam que a totalidade de seus assuntos seja conhecida por uma só pessoa."

"Ótimo!" disse ele, e então passou a perguntar sobre os meios de fazer consignações e as formalidades a cumprir, e sobre toda sorte de dificuldades que pudessem surgir, mas que, com previdência, se pudessem prevenir. Expliquei-lhe todas essas coisas o melhor que pude, e ele por certo me deixou com a impressão de que teria dado um procurador admirável, pois não havia nada em que não pensasse ou que não previsse. Para um homem que jamais estivera no país, e que evidentemente não se ocupava muito de negócios, seu conhecimento e sua argúcia eram admiráveis. Quando se satisfez a respeito desses pontos de que falara, e depois de eu ter verificado tudo o melhor que pude com os livros disponíveis, ele de súbito se pôs de pé e disse: -

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

"Você escreveu, desde sua primeira carta, para nosso amigo o Sr. Peter Hawkins, ou para mais alguém?" Respondi, com certa amargura, que não tinha escrito, e que até agora não tinha tido nenhuma chance de mandar cartas para ninguém.

"Então escreva agora, meu jovem amigo," disse ele, pondo uma mão pesada no meu ombro. "Escreva para nosso amigo e para quem mais quiser, e diga, se preferir, que vai ficar comigo até daqui a um mês."

"O senhor quer que eu fique aqui tanto tempo assim?" perguntei, porque o pensamento me deixou gelado por dentro.

"Quero muito isso. Não, não vou aceitar uma recusa. Quando seu patrão, ou empregador, providenciou que alguém viesse no lugar dele, ficou entendido que apenas as minhas necessidades seriam consideradas. Eu não fui injusto. Não é verdade?"

Original English Version

“Have you written since your first letter to our friend Mr. Peter Hawkins, or to any other?” It was with some bitterness in my heart that I answered that I had not, that as yet I had not seen any opportunity of sending letters to anybody.

“Then write now, my young friend,” he said, laying a heavy hand on my shoulder: “write to our friend and to any other; and say, if it will please you, that you shall stay with me until a month from now.”

“Do you wish me to stay so long?” I asked, for my heart grew cold at the thought.

“I desire it much; nay, I will take no refusal. When your master, employer, what you will, engaged that someone should come on his behalf, it was understood that my needs only were to be consulted. I have not stinted. Is it not so?”

Tradução Integral em Português

"O senhor escreveu, desde sua primeira carta, ao nosso amigo Sr. Peter Hawkins, ou a algum outro?" Foi com certa amargura no coração que respondi que não, que até então não vira oportunidade de enviar cartas a ninguém.

"Então escreva agora, meu jovem amigo," disse ele, pousando uma mão pesada em meu ombro: "escreva ao nosso amigo e a quem mais quiser; e diga, se lhe aprouver, que ficará comigo até daqui a um mês."

"O senhor deseja que eu fique tanto tempo?" perguntei, pois o coração me gelou ao pensar nisso.

"Desejo-o muito; aliás, não aceitarei recusa. Quando seu patrão, empregador, chame-o como quiser, contratou que alguém viesse em seu nome, ficou entendido que apenas às minhas necessidades se atenderia. Não tenho sido parco. Não é assim?"

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

O que eu podia fazer, senão aceitar? Era o interesse do Sr. Hawkins, não o meu, e eu precisava pensar nele, não em mim mesmo. Além disso, enquanto o Conde Drácula falava, havia algo em seus olhos e em seu jeito que me lembrava que eu era um prisioneiro, e mesmo que eu quisesse outra coisa, não tinha escolha. O Conde viu sua vitória na minha reverência e no meu rosto preocupado, e imediatamente começou a usar isso a seu favor, com seu jeito suave e imparável.

Original English Version

What could I do but bow acceptance? It was Mr. Hawkins’s interest, not mine, and I had to think of him, not myself; and besides, while Count Dracula was speaking, there was that in his eyes and in his bearing which made me remember that I was a prisoner, and that if I wished it I could have no choice. The Count saw his victory in my bow, and his mastery in the trouble of my face, for he began at once to use them, but in his own smooth, resistless way: -

Tradução Integral em Português

Que podia eu fazer senão inclinar-me em aceitação? Era o interesse do Sr. Hawkins, não o meu, e eu tinha de pensar nele, não em mim; e, além disso, enquanto o Conde Drácula falava, havia em seus olhos e em seu porte algo que me fazia lembrar que eu era prisioneiro, e que, ainda que o quisesse, não me caberia escolha. O Conde viu sua vitória em minha inclinação, e seu domínio na perturbação de meu rosto, pois começou logo a usá-los, mas à sua própria maneira suave e irresistível: -

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

"Por favor, meu bom jovem amigo, não escreva nada além de negócios em suas cartas. Seus amigos certamente vão ficar felizes em saber que o senhor está bem e que espera voltar para casa, para eles. Não é verdade?" Enquanto falava, ele me deu três folhas de papel de carta e três envelopes. Eram de um papel estrangeiro muito fino. Olhei para eles, depois para ele, e vi seu sorriso calmo e seus dentes afiados sobre o lábio inferior vermelho. Entendi, sem que ele precisasse dizer, que eu deveria ter cuidado com o que escrevia, porque ele poderia ler. Então decidi escrever, por enquanto, apenas bilhetes formais, mas escrever uma carta longa e secreta para o Sr. Hawkins, e outra para Mina, porque com ela eu podia usar taquigrafia, o que confundiria o Conde, caso ele a visse. Depois de escrever minhas duas cartas, sentei-me em silêncio e li um livro, enquanto o Conde escrevia vários bilhetes e os conferia com alguns livros na sua mesa. Depois ele pegou minhas duas cartas e as colocou junto com as suas, e guardou seus materiais de escrita. Assim que a porta se fechou atrás dele, eu me inclinei e olhei para as cartas, que estavam viradas para baixo, sobre a mesa. Não me senti culpado, porque, na minha situação, achava que devia me proteger de todas as formas possíveis.

Original English Version

“I pray you, my good young friend, that you will not discourse of things other than business in your letters. It will doubtless please your friends to know that you are well, and that you look forward to getting home to them. Is it not so?” As he spoke he handed me three sheets of notepaper and three envelopes. They were all of the thinnest foreign post, and looking at them, then at him, and noticing his quiet smile, with the sharp, canine teeth lying over the red underlip, I understood as well as if he had spoken that I should be careful what I wrote, for he would be able to read it. So I determined to write only formal notes now, but to write fully to Mr. Hawkins in secret, and also to Mina, for to her I could write in shorthand, which would puzzle the Count, if he did see it. When I had written my two letters I sat quiet, reading a book whilst the Count wrote several notes, referring as he wrote them to some books on his table. Then he took up my two and placed them with his own, and put by his writing materials, after which, the instant the door had closed behind him, I leaned over and looked at the letters, which were face down on the table. I felt no compunction in doing so, for under the circumstances I felt that I should protect myself in every way I could.

Tradução Integral em Português

"Rogo-lhe, meu bom jovem amigo, que não discorra de coisas outras que não os negócios em suas cartas. Sem dúvida agradará a seus amigos saber que o senhor está bem, e que anseia por voltar para junto deles. Não é assim?" Enquanto falava, entregou-me três folhas de papel de carta e três envelopes. Eram todos do mais fino papel estrangeiro de correspondência e, olhando-os, depois olhando-o, e notando seu sorriso calmo, com os afiados dentes caninos pousados sobre o lábio inferior vermelho, compreendi tão bem como se ele o tivesse dito que eu deveria cuidar do que escrevia, pois ele seria capaz de lê-lo. Assim, resolvi escrever agora apenas bilhetes formais, mas escrever com detalhes ao Sr. Hawkins em segredo, e também à Mina, pois a ela eu podia escrever em taquigrafia, o que confundiria o Conde, caso ele a visse. Depois de escrever minhas duas cartas, fiquei quieto, lendo um livro, enquanto o Conde escrevia vários bilhetes, consultando ao escrevê-los alguns livros sobre sua mesa. Depois pegou os meus dois e os pôs com os seus próprios, e guardou seu material de escrita; após o que, no instante em que a porta se fechou atrás dele, inclinei-me e olhei as cartas, que estavam viradas para baixo sobre a mesa. Não senti escrúpulo algum em fazê-lo, pois, nas circunstâncias, senti que devia proteger-me de todas as formas que pudesse.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Uma carta era endereçada a Samuel F. Billington, No. 7, The Crescent, Whitby; outra ao Herr Leutner, em Varna; a terceira à Coutts & Co., em Londres; e a quarta aos Senhores Klopstock & Billreuth, banqueiros, em Budapeste. A segunda e a quarta não estavam lacradas. Eu estava prestes a olhá-las quando vi a maçaneta da porta se mexer. Rapidamente voltei a me sentar, tive apenas tempo suficiente para colocar as cartas de volta como estavam e voltar a ler antes que o Conde entrasse, segurando outra carta na mão. Ele pegou as cartas da mesa, selou-as com cuidado, e então se virou para mim e disse:

"Espero que me perdoe, mas tenho muito trabalho particular para fazer esta noite. Confio que o senhor vai encontrar tudo como deseja." Na porta, ele se virou, e depois de uma pequena pausa, disse:

Original English Version

One of the letters was directed to Samuel F. Billington, No. 7, The Crescent, Whitby, another to Herr Leutner, Varna; the third was to Coutts & Co., London, and the fourth to Herren Klopstock & Billreuth, bankers, Budapest. The second and fourth were unsealed. I was just about to look at them when I saw the door-handle move. I sank back in my seat, having just had time to replace the letters as they had been and to resume my book before the Count, holding still another letter in his hand, entered the room. He took up the letters on the table and stamped them carefully, and then turning to me, said: -

“I trust you will forgive me, but I have much work to do in private this evening. You will, I hope, find all things as you wish.” At the door he turned, and after a moment’s pause said: -

Tradução Integral em Português

Uma das cartas era endereçada a Samuel F. Billington, No. 7, The Crescent, Whitby, outra a Herr Leutner, Varna; a terceira era para Coutts & Co., Londres, e a quarta para os Herren Klopstock & Billreuth, banqueiros, Budapeste. A segunda e a quarta estavam abertas. Eu estava justamente prestes a examiná-las quando vi a maçaneta da porta mover-se. Recostei-me em meu assento, tendo tido tempo apenas de recolocar as cartas como estavam e de retomar meu livro antes que o Conde, ainda segurando outra carta na mão, entrasse no aposento. Ele pegou as cartas sobre a mesa e as selou cuidadosamente, e então, voltando-se para mim, disse: -

"Confio em que me perdoará, mas tenho muito trabalho a fazer em particular esta noite. O senhor há de, espero, encontrar tudo a seu gosto." À porta, voltou-se e, após uma breve pausa, disse: -

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

"Deixe-me aconselhá-lo, meu caro jovem amigo - não, deixe-me avisá-lo com toda a seriedade. Se sair destes aposentos, não durma em nenhum outro lugar do castelo. Ele é antigo, guarda muitas lembranças, e há sonhos ruins para quem dorme sem cuidado. Fique avisado! Se o sono vier sobre o senhor, agora ou mais tarde, corra de volta para o seu quarto ou para estes aposentos, onde estará seguro. Mas, se não tiver cuidado," ele terminou de um jeito horrível, fazendo um gesto com as mãos como se estivesse lavando-as. Eu o entendi muito bem. Minha única dúvida era se algum sonho poderia ser pior do que a escuridão estranha e terrível, e o mistério que parecia se fechar ao meu redor.

Mais tarde. - Concordo com o que escrevi antes, mas agora não tenho mais dúvidas. Não terei medo de dormir em qualquer lugar longe dele. Coloquei o crucifixo acima da minha cama. Acho que ele pode manter meu sono mais livre de sonhos ruins, e vou deixá-lo ali.

Original English Version

“Let me advise you, my dear young friend - nay, let me warn you with all seriousness, that should you leave these rooms you will not by any chance go to sleep in any other part of the castle. It is old, and has many memories, and there are bad dreams for those who sleep unwisely. Be warned! Should sleep now or ever overcome you, or be like to do, then haste to your own chamber or to these rooms, for your rest will then be safe. But if you be not careful in this respect, then” - He finished his speech in a gruesome way, for he motioned with his hands as if he were washing them. I quite understood; my only doubt was as to whether any dream could be more terrible than the unnatural, horrible net of gloom and mystery which seemed closing around me.

Later. - I endorse the last words written, but this time there is no doubt in question. I shall not fear to sleep in any place where he is not. I have placed the crucifix over the head of my bed - I imagine that my rest is thus freer from dreams; and there it shall remain.

Tradução Integral em Português

"Permita que eu o aconselhe, meu caro jovem amigo - não, permita que eu o advirta com toda a seriedade, de que, caso deixe estes aposentos, não vá por acaso alguma dormir em qualquer outra parte do castelo. Ele é antigo, e tem muitas memórias, e há maus sonhos para os que dormem sem prudência. Fique advertido! Se o sono agora ou algum dia o vencer, ou estiver a ponto de fazê-lo, então corra ao seu próprio quarto ou a estes aposentos, pois assim seu descanso estará seguro. Mas, se não for cuidadoso neste ponto, então" - Concluiu sua fala de um modo macabro, pois gesticulou com as mãos como se as lavasse. Compreendi perfeitamente; minha única dúvida era se algum sonho poderia ser mais terrível do que a rede antinatural e horrível de trevas e mistério que parecia fechar-se ao meu redor.

Mais tarde. - Subscrevo as últimas palavras que escrevi, mas desta vez não há dúvida em questão. Não temerei dormir em lugar algum onde ele não esteja. Coloquei o crucifixo à cabeceira da minha cama - imagino que assim meu descanso fica mais livre de sonhos; e ali há de permanecer.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Quando ele me deixou, fui para o meu quarto. Depois de um tempo, quando não ouvi mais nenhum som, saí e subi as escadas de pedra até um lugar de onde eu podia olhar para o sul. A vista aberta me deu uma sensação de liberdade, mesmo que eu não pudesse alcançá-la, ao contrário da escuridão estreita do pátio. Olhando para fora, senti que estava mesmo preso, e quis um sopro de ar fresco, mesmo que fosse ar da noite. Estou começando a sentir o efeito dessa vida noturna. Ela está destruindo meus nervos. Assusto-me com a minha própria sombra e encho minha mente de pensamentos horríveis. Deus sabe que há razão para o meu medo terrível neste lugar amaldiçoado! Olhei para aquela bela paisagem, coberta por uma suave luz amarela de lua, quase tão clara quanto o dia. Na luz suave, as colinas distantes pareciam se dissolver, e os vales e ravinas eram de um negro profundo. A própria beleza me animou; senti paz e conforto a cada respiração. Enquanto eu me debruçava na janela, meu olhar captou algo se movendo um andar abaixo de mim, um pouco à minha esquerda, onde eu imaginava que ficavam as janelas do próprio quarto do Conde. A janela onde eu estava era alta e funda, com grades de pedra, e embora desgastada pelo tempo, ainda estava inteira; mas era claro que fazia muitos anos que não havia vidro ali. Recuei atrás da pedra e observei com cuidado.

Original English Version

When he left me I went to my room. After a little while, not hearing any sound, I came out and went up the stone stair to where I could look out towards the South. There was some sense of freedom in the vast expanse, inaccessible though it was to me, as compared with the narrow darkness of the courtyard. Looking out on this, I felt that I was indeed in prison, and I seemed to want a breath of fresh air, though it were of the night. I am beginning to feel this nocturnal existence tell on me. It is destroying my nerve. I start at my own shadow, and am full of all sorts of horrible imaginings. God knows that there is ground for my terrible fear in this accursed place! I looked out over the beautiful expanse, bathed in soft yellow moonlight till it was almost as light as day. In the soft light the distant hills became melted, and the shadows in the valleys and gorges of velvety blackness. The mere beauty seemed to cheer me; there was peace and comfort in every breath I drew. As I leaned from the window my eye was caught by something moving a storey below me, and somewhat to my left, where I imagined, from the order of the rooms, that the windows of the Count’s own room would look out. The window at which I stood was tall and deep, stone-mullioned, and though weatherworn, was still complete; but it was evidently many a day since the case had been there. I drew back behind the stonework, and looked carefully out.

Tradução Integral em Português

Quando ele me deixou, fui ao meu quarto. Passado um pouco, não ouvindo som algum, saí e subi a escada de pedra até onde podia olhar para o sul. Havia certa sensação de liberdade na vasta extensão, ainda que inacessível para mim, em comparação com a estreita escuridão do pátio. Olhando para ela, senti que estava de fato numa prisão, e pareci ansiar por um sopro de ar fresco, ainda que fosse o da noite. Começo a sentir esta existência noturna afetar-me. Está destruindo meus nervos. Sobressalto-me com minha própria sombra, e estou cheio de toda sorte de imaginações horríveis. Deus sabe que há fundamento para o meu terrível medo neste lugar maldito! Olhei para a bela extensão, banhada em suave luar amarelo até ficar quase tão clara quanto o dia. Sob a luz suave, as colinas distantes fundiam-se, e as sombras nos vales e gargantas eram de uma negrura aveludada. A mera beleza pareceu animar-me; havia paz e conforto em cada respiração que eu tomava. Enquanto me debruçava da janela, meu olho foi atraído por algo que se movia um andar abaixo de mim, e um tanto à minha esquerda, onde eu imaginava, pela ordem dos aposentos, que dariam as janelas do próprio quarto do Conde. A janela em que eu estava era alta e funda, de cantaria com mainéis, e, embora desgastada pela intempérie, ainda estava completa; mas evidentemente fazia muitos dias que a caixilharia ali não se achava. Recuei para trás da cantaria e olhei com cuidado para fora.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Vi a cabeça do Conde saindo pela janela. Não vi seu rosto, mas o reconheci pelo pescoço e pelo movimento das costas e dos braços. Não podia confundir as mãos, que eu já tinha estudado tantas vezes. No começo, senti curiosidade e até um pouco de diversão, porque um prisioneiro pode se interessar e se divertir com coisas muito pequenas. Mas meus sentimentos logo se transformaram em nojo e medo quando vi o homem inteiro sair devagar pela janela e começar a descer, rastejando pela parede do castelo, sobre aquele precipício terrível, de rosto para baixo, com a capa se espalhando ao seu redor como enormes asas. No começo, não consegui acreditar no que via. Pensei que fosse apenas a luz da lua, ou alguma sombra estranha, mas continuei observando, e não era truque nenhum. Vi seus dedos das mãos e dos pés se agarrando às pontas das pedras, gastas pelos anos, usando cada saliência e cada aspereza para descer rapidamente, exatamente como um lagarto na parede.

Original English Version

What I saw was the Count’s head coming out from the window. I did not see the face, but I knew the man by the neck and the movement of his back and arms. In any case I could not mistake the hands which I had had so many opportunities of studying. I was at first interested and somewhat amused, for it is wonderful how small a matter will interest and amuse a man when he is a prisoner. But my very feelings changed to repulsion and terror when I saw the whole man slowly emerge from the window and begin to crawl down the castle wall over that dreadful abyss, face down with his cloak spreading out around him like great wings. At first I could not believe my eyes. I thought it was some trick of the moonlight, some weird effect of shadow; but I kept looking, and it could be no delusion. I saw the fingers and toes grasp the corners of the stones, worn clear of the mortar by the stress of years, and by thus using every projection and inequality move downwards with considerable speed, just as a lizard moves along a wall.

Tradução Integral em Português

O que vi foi a cabeça do Conde surgindo da janela. Não vi o rosto, mas reconheci o homem pelo pescoço e pelo movimento das costas e dos braços. Em todo caso, não poderia confundir as mãos, que eu tivera tantas oportunidades de estudar. A princípio fiquei interessado e um tanto divertido, pois é espantoso quão pequena coisa interessa e diverte um homem quando ele é prisioneiro. Mas meus próprios sentimentos mudaram para repulsa e terror quando vi o homem inteiro emergir lentamente da janela e começar a rastejar pela parede do castelo, por sobre aquele abismo pavoroso, de bruços, com o manto espalhando-se em torno dele como grandes asas. A princípio não pude crer em meus olhos. Pensei ser algum truque do luar, algum estranho efeito de sombra; mas continuei a olhar, e não podia ser ilusão. Vi os dedos das mãos e dos pés agarrarem os cantos das pedras, despidos de argamassa pelo desgaste dos anos, e, valendo-se assim de cada saliência e desigualdade, mover-se para baixo com considerável rapidez, tal como se move um lagarto por uma parede.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Que tipo de homem é esse, ou que tipo de criatura tem aparência de homem? Sinto o terror deste lugar horrível tomando conta de mim. Estou com medo, um medo profundo, e não há como escapar. Estou cercado por horrores que nem ouso pensar….

Original English Version

What manner of man is this, or what manner of creature is it in the semblance of man? I feel the dread of this horrible place overpowering me; I am in fear - in awful fear - and there is no escape for me; I am encompassed about with terrors that I dare not think of. …

Tradução Integral em Português

Que espécie de homem é este, ou que espécie de criatura é esta na aparência de homem? Sinto o pavor deste lugar horrível sobrepujar-me; estou com medo - com um medo terrível - e não há escapatória para mim; estou cercado de terrores em que não me atrevo a pensar. …

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

15 de maio. Vi o Conde sair de novo, do seu jeito de lagarto. Ele desceu de lado, cerca de trinta metros, e bem mais para a esquerda. Desapareceu num buraco ou numa janela. Quando a cabeça dele sumiu, me debrucei para ver melhor, mas não consegui - estava longe demais. Eu sabia que ele tinha saído do castelo, então pensei que poderia explorar mais do que antes tinha ousado. Voltei para o quarto, peguei uma lamparina, e tentei abrir todas as portas. Estavam todas trancadas, como eu esperava, e as fechaduras eram bem novas. Mas desci as escadas de pedra até o salão onde entrei pela primeira vez. Descobri que conseguia puxar os ferrolhos para trás e desprender as correntes grandes com facilidade. Mas a porta estava trancada, e a chave tinha sumido! A chave devia estar no quarto do Conde. Preciso ficar de olho para ver se a porta dele fica destrancada, para pegar a chave e fugir. Examinei as diferentes escadas e corredores e tentei as portas. Um ou dois quartos pequenos perto do salão estavam abertos, mas não havia nada para ver, só móveis velhos, empoeirados e comidos por traças. Por fim, encontrei uma porta no alto de uma escada. Parecia trancada, mas se moveu um pouco quando empurrei. Tentei com mais força e vi que não estava realmente trancada. A porta era pesada e se apoiava no chão porque as dobradiças tinham caído. Essa era uma chance que talvez eu não tivesse de novo, então empurrei com força e a abri. Agora eu estava numa parte do castelo mais à direita, e um andar abaixo dos aposentos que eu já conhecia. Pelas janelas, dava para ver que os quartos ficavam ao longo do lado sul do castelo. O quarto do fundo tinha janelas voltadas para o oeste e para o sul. Nos dois lados havia um grande precipício. O castelo tinha sido construído na ponta de uma grande rocha, então três lados eram impossíveis de atacar. Grandes janelas foram colocadas onde flechas ou armas não podiam alcançar, para que houvesse luz e conforto. Para o oeste havia um grande vale, e depois, bem longe, montanhas rochosas e altas, de picos afiados, com a rocha coberta de tramazeira e espinheiros. Essa era a parte do castelo onde as damas viviam antigamente, porque os móveis pareciam mais confortáveis do que qualquer coisa que eu já tinha visto. As janelas não tinham cortinas, e a luz amarela da lua entrava pelos vidros em losango. Eu conseguia até ver as cores, e a luz da lua suavizava a poeira grossa e escondia os estragos do tempo e das traças. Minha lamparina parecia pouco brilhante à luz da lua, mas fiquei feliz por tê-la comigo. Havia uma solidão terrível naquele lugar, que gelava meu coração e me fazia tremer. Ainda assim, era melhor do que viver nos aposentos que eu odiava por causa do Conde. Depois de tentar me acalmar, senti uma quietude suave tomar conta de mim. Aqui estou eu, sentado a uma pequena mesa de carvalho, onde talvez uma bela dama tenha se sentado, há muito tempo, para escrever uma carta de amor, corando bastante. Estou escrevendo meu diário em taquigrafia, tudo o que aconteceu desde a última vez que o fechei. É algo bem moderno para o século dezenove. E, no entanto, a menos que eu esteja enganado, os séculos antigos têm poderes que a "modernidade" não consegue destruir.

Original English Version

15 May. - Once more have I seen the Count go out in his lizard fashion. He moved downwards in a sidelong way, some hundred feet down, and a good deal to the left. He vanished into some hole or window. When his head had disappeared, I leaned out to try and see more, but without avail - the distance was too great to allow a proper angle of sight. I knew he had left the castle now, and thought to use the opportunity to explore more than I had dared to do as yet. I went back to the room, and taking a lamp, tried all the doors. They were all locked, as I had expected, and the locks were comparatively new; but I went down the stone stairs to the hall where I had entered originally. I found I could pull back the bolts easily enough and unhook the great chains; but the door was locked, and the key was gone! That key must be in the Count’s room; I must watch should his door be unlocked, so that I may get it and escape. I went on to make a thorough examination of the various stairs and passages, and to try the doors that opened from them. One or two small rooms near the hall were open, but there was nothing to see in them except old furniture, dusty with age and moth-eaten. At last, however, I found one door at the top of the stairway which, though it seemed to be locked, gave a little under pressure. I tried it harder, and found that it was not really locked, but that the resistance came from the fact that the hinges had fallen somewhat, and the heavy door rested on the floor. Here was an opportunity which I might not have again, so I exerted myself, and with many efforts forced it back so that I could enter. I was now in a wing of the castle further to the right than the rooms I knew and a storey lower down. From the windows I could see that the suite of rooms lay along to the south of the castle, the windows of the end room looking out both west and south. On the latter side, as well as to the former, there was a great precipice. The castle was built on the corner of a great rock, so that on three sides it was quite impregnable, and great windows were placed here where sling, or bow, or culverin could not reach, and consequently light and comfort, impossible to a position which had to be guarded, were secured. To the west was a great valley, and then, rising far away, great jagged mountain fastnesses, rising peak on peak, the sheer rock studded with mountain ash and thorn, whose roots clung in cracks and crevices and crannies of the stone. This was evidently the portion of the castle occupied by the ladies in bygone days, for the furniture had more air of comfort than any I had seen. The windows were curtainless, and the yellow moonlight, flooding in through the diamond panes, enabled one to see even colours, whilst it softened the wealth of dust which lay over all and disguised in some measure the ravages of time and the moth. My lamp seemed to be of little effect in the brilliant moonlight, but I was glad to have it with me, for there was a dread loneliness in the place which chilled my heart and made my nerves tremble. Still, it was better than living alone in the rooms which I had come to hate from the presence of the Count, and after trying a little to school my nerves, I found a soft quietude come over me. Here I am, sitting at a little oak table where in old times possibly some fair lady sat to pen, with much thought and many blushes, her ill-spelt love-letter, and writing in my diary in shorthand all that has happened since I closed it last. It is nineteenth century up-to-date with a vengeance. And yet, unless my senses deceive me, the old centuries had, and have, powers of their own which mere “modernity” cannot kill.

Tradução Integral em Português

15 de maio. - Mais uma vez vi o Conde sair à sua maneira de lagarto. Moveu-se para baixo de modo oblíquo, uns trinta metros abaixo, e bem para a esquerda. Sumiu por algum buraco ou janela. Quando sua cabeça desaparecera, debrucei-me para tentar ver mais, mas em vão - a distância era grande demais para permitir um ângulo de visão adequado. Sabia que ele deixara o castelo agora, e pensei em aproveitar a ocasião para explorar mais do que ousara fazer até então. Voltei ao aposento e, pegando uma lâmpada, experimentei todas as portas. Estavam todas trancadas, como eu esperava, e as fechaduras eram comparativamente novas; mas desci a escada de pedra até o saguão por onde entrara originalmente. Achei que podia puxar os ferrolhos com bastante facilidade e desprender as grandes correntes; mas a porta estava trancada, e a chave sumira! Essa chave deve estar no quarto do Conde; devo vigiar caso a porta dele esteja destrancada, para que eu possa apanhá-la e fugir. Prossegui numa completa vistoria das várias escadas e passagens, e a experimentar as portas que delas se abriam. Um ou dois pequenos aposentos perto do saguão estavam abertos, mas nada havia neles para ver, exceto móveis velhos, empoeirados de tanta idade e comidos de traça. Por fim, contudo, encontrei uma porta no alto da escadaria que, embora parecesse trancada, cedeu um pouco à pressão. Forcei-a com mais vigor, e verifiquei que não estava realmente trancada, mas que a resistência vinha do fato de que as dobradiças haviam baixado um tanto, e a porta pesada apoiava-se no chão. Aqui estava uma oportunidade que talvez eu não tivesse de novo, de modo que me esforcei e, com muitos empenhos, empurrei-a para trás a ponto de poder entrar. Estava agora numa ala do castelo mais à direita do que os aposentos que eu conhecia, e um andar abaixo. Das janelas eu podia ver que a série de aposentos se estendia ao longo do lado sul do castelo, dando as janelas do aposento da ponta tanto para oeste quanto para sul. Deste último lado, tal como do primeiro, havia um grande precipício. O castelo fora construído no canto de um grande rochedo, de modo que em três lados era de todo inexpugnável, e grandes janelas foram ali colocadas onde funda, arco ou colubrina não pudessem alcançar, e, por conseguinte, luz e conforto, impossíveis a uma posição que tivesse de ser defendida, ficavam assegurados. A oeste havia um grande vale, e depois, erguendo-se ao longe, grandes redutos montanhosos recortados, subindo pico sobre pico, a rocha nua salpicada de tramazeira e espinheiro, cujas raízes se agarravam em fendas, gretas e frestas da pedra. Esta era evidentemente a porção do castelo ocupada pelas damas em tempos idos, pois os móveis tinham mais ar de conforto do que quaisquer que eu vira. As janelas estavam sem cortinas, e o luar amarelo, inundando pelas vidraças em losango, permitia ver até as cores, ao mesmo tempo que suavizava a fartura de pó que jazia sobre tudo e disfarçava em certa medida os estragos do tempo e da traça. Minha lâmpada parecia de pouco efeito no luar brilhante, mas alegrava-me tê-la comigo, pois havia no lugar uma solidão pavorosa que me gelava o coração e fazia meus nervos tremerem. Ainda assim, era melhor do que viver sozinho nos aposentos que eu passara a odiar pela presença do Conde e, depois de tentar um pouco disciplinar meus nervos, senti uma suave quietude tomar-me. Eis-me aqui, sentado a uma mesinha de carvalho onde outrora possivelmente alguma bela dama se sentava para redigir, com muito pensamento e muitos rubores, sua carta de amor mal escrita, e escrevendo em meu diário, em taquigrafia, tudo o que aconteceu desde que o fechei da última vez. É o século dezenove atualizado com toda a força. E, no entanto, a menos que meus sentidos me enganem, os velhos séculos tinham, e têm, poderes próprios que a mera "modernidade" não pode matar.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Mais tarde: manhã de 16 de maio. - Que Deus me mantenha são, porque é tudo o que me resta. A segurança se foi. Enquanto eu viver aqui, só posso esperar não enlouquecer, se é que já não estou louco. Se estou são, então é realmente terrível pensar que, entre todas as coisas más deste lugar odioso, o Conde é a que menos me assusta. Ele é o único a quem posso recorrer buscando segurança, e apenas enquanto eu servir aos propósitos dele. Deus grande, Deus misericordioso, deixe-me manter a calma, porque é assim que a loucura começa. Estou começando a entender algumas coisas que antes me confundiam. Até agora, eu nunca tinha entendido completamente o que Shakespeare quis dizer quando fez Hamlet dizer: -

"Minhas tábuas! Rápido, minhas tábuas! É certo que eu escreva isto," etc.

porque agora sinto como se minha própria mente estivesse se quebrando, ou como se estivesse chegando o choque que vai destruí-la, e recorro ao meu diário em busca de conforto. Escrever as coisas com cuidado talvez me ajude a me acalmar.

Original English Version

Later: the Morning of 16 May. - God preserve my sanity, for to this I am reduced. Safety and the assurance of safety are things of the past. Whilst I live on here there is but one thing to hope for, that I may not go mad, if, indeed, I be not mad already. If I be sane, then surely it is maddening to think that of all the foul things that lurk in this hateful place the Count is the least dreadful to me; that to him alone I can look for safety, even though this be only whilst I can serve his purpose. Great God! merciful God! Let me be calm, for out of that way lies madness indeed. I begin to get new lights on certain things which have puzzled me. Up to now I never quite knew what Shakespeare meant when he made Hamlet say: -

“My tablets! quick, my tablets! ’Tis meet that I put it down,” etc.,

for now, feeling as though my own brain were unhinged or as if the shock had come which must end in its undoing, I turn to my diary for repose. The habit of entering accurately must help to soothe me.

Tradução Integral em Português

Mais tarde: a manhã de 16 de maio. - Que Deus preserve minha sanidade, pois a isto estou reduzido. A segurança e a certeza da segurança são coisas do passado. Enquanto eu viver aqui, há apenas uma coisa a esperar: que eu não enlouqueça, se é que já não estou louco. Se estou são, então por certo é enlouquecedor pensar que, de todas as coisas imundas que espreitam neste lugar odioso, o Conde é para mim a menos pavorosa; que só nele posso buscar segurança, ainda que apenas enquanto eu possa servir ao seu propósito. Grande Deus! Deus misericordioso! Deixe-me estar calmo, pois por aquele caminho jaz a loucura de fato. Começo a receber novas luzes sobre certas coisas que me intrigavam. Até agora nunca soube bem o que Shakespeare quis dizer quando fez Hamlet dizer: -

"Minhas tábuas! depressa, minhas tábuas! Convém que eu o registre," etc.,

pois agora, sentindo como se meu próprio cérebro estivesse desconjuntado, ou como se tivesse chegado o choque que há de terminar em sua ruína, volto-me para meu diário em busca de repouso. O hábito de anotar com exatidão deve ajudar a acalmar-me.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

O estranho aviso do Conde me assustou naquele momento, e me assusta ainda mais agora. Quando penso nisso, sei que, no futuro, ele terá um poder terrível sobre mim. Terei medo até de duvidar do que ele disser!

Original English Version

The Count’s mysterious warning frightened me at the time; it frightens me more now when I think of it, for in future he has a fearful hold upon me. I shall fear to doubt what he may say!

Tradução Integral em Português

O misterioso aviso do Conde assustou-me na hora; assusta-me mais agora, quando penso nele, pois doravante ele tem sobre mim um domínio pavoroso. Hei de temer duvidar do que quer que ele diga!

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Depois de escrever no meu diário e guardar o livro e a caneta no bolso, senti sono. Pensei no aviso do Conde, mas quase gostei da ideia de desobedecê-lo. O sono tinha tomado conta de mim, e com ele veio aquele humor teimoso que o sono costuma trazer. A luz suave da lua me deixou calmo, e a vista ampla me deu uma sensação de liberdade. Decidi não voltar, naquela noite, para os quartos escuros e assombrados. Em vez disso, dormiria ali, onde damas de outros tempos tinham se sentado, cantado e vivido vidas gentis, enquanto sofriam pelos homens que estavam longe, em guerras cruéis. Puxei um grande sofá do canto para poder me deitar e olhar para a bela vista a leste e ao sul. Não me importei com a poeira. Acomodei-me para dormir. Acho que devo ter adormecido. Espero que sim, mas tenho medo, porque tudo o que aconteceu depois pareceu completamente real. Foi tão real que agora, com o sol claro da manhã, mal consigo acreditar que tenha sido apenas um sonho.

Original English Version

When I had written in my diary and had fortunately replaced the book and pen in my pocket I felt sleepy. The Count’s warning came into my mind, but I took a pleasure in disobeying it. The sense of sleep was upon me, and with it the obstinacy which sleep brings as outrider. The soft moonlight soothed, and the wide expanse without gave a sense of freedom which refreshed me. I determined not to return tonight to the gloom-haunted rooms, but to sleep here, where, of old, ladies had sat and sung and lived sweet lives whilst their gentle breasts were sad for their menfolk away in the midst of remorseless wars. I drew a great couch out of its place near the corner, so that as I lay, I could look at the lovely view to east and south, and unthinking of and uncaring for the dust, composed myself for sleep. I suppose I must have fallen asleep; I hope so, but I fear, for all that followed was startlingly real - so real that now sitting here in the broad, full sunlight of the morning, I cannot in the least believe that it was all sleep.

Tradução Integral em Português

Depois de escrever em meu diário e de ter felizmente recolocado o caderno e a caneta no bolso, senti sono. O aviso do Conde veio-me à mente, mas tive prazer em desobedecê-lo. A sensação de sono estava sobre mim, e com ela a obstinação que o sono traz como batedor. O suave luar acalmava, e a vasta extensão lá fora dava uma sensação de liberdade que me revigorava. Resolvi não voltar esta noite aos aposentos assombrados pela penumbra, mas dormir aqui, onde, outrora, damas se sentavam e cantavam e viviam doces vidas, enquanto seus ternos peitos se entristeciam pelos seus homens ausentes em meio a guerras impiedosas. Puxei um grande divã de seu lugar perto do canto, de modo que, deitado, pudesse contemplar a bela vista a leste e ao sul e, sem pensar no pó nem me importar com ele, dispus-me para dormir. Suponho que devo ter adormecido; espero que sim, mas temo, pois tudo o que se seguiu foi assustadoramente real - tão real que agora, sentado aqui à plena e ampla luz do sol da manhã, não posso de modo algum crer que fosse tudo sonho.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Eu não estava sozinho. O quarto estava igual a quando eu tinha entrado nele. À luz forte da lua, eu conseguia ver minhas próprias pegadas no chão, onde tinha mexido na poeira. Três mulheres jovens estavam paradas à minha frente, à luz da lua. Pareciam damas, pelas roupas e pelos modos. Na hora, pensei que devia estar sonhando, porque, embora a lua estivesse atrás delas, elas não projetavam nenhuma sombra. Elas se aproximaram e me olharam por um tempo, depois cochicharam entre si. Duas eram morenas, com narizes afiados como o do Conde, e grandes olhos escuros que pareciam quase vermelhos sob a pálida luz amarela da lua. A terceira era muito clara, com longos cabelos ondulados e dourados, e olhos como safiras claras. De alguma forma, o rosto dela parecia familiar, e isso me deu um medo estranho, mas eu não conseguia lembrar por quê. As três tinham dentes brancos e brilhantes, que reluziam como pérolas contra os lábios vermelhos. Havia algo nelas que me deixava inquieto, e ao mesmo tempo eu queria que elas me beijassem. É errado escrever isto, porque Mina pode um dia ler e se magoar, mas é verdade. Elas cochicharam, depois as três riram - uma risada clara e musical, mas dura, como se nunca pudesse ter saído de lábios humanos. Soava como o som agudo e doce de um copo de cristal quando tocado por uma mão habilidosa. A moça clara sacudiu a cabeça de um jeito brincalhão, e as outras duas a incentivaram. Uma disse: -

Original English Version

I was not alone. The room was the same, unchanged in any way since I came into it; I could see along the floor, in the brilliant moonlight, my own footsteps marked where I had disturbed the long accumulation of dust. In the moonlight opposite me were three young women, ladies by their dress and manner. I thought at the time that I must be dreaming when I saw them, for, though the moonlight was behind them, they threw no shadow on the floor. They came close to me, and looked at me for some time, and then whispered together. Two were dark, and had high aquiline noses, like the Count, and great dark, piercing eyes that seemed to be almost red when contrasted with the pale yellow moon. The other was fair, as fair as can be, with great wavy masses of golden hair and eyes like pale sapphires. I seemed somehow to know her face, and to know it in connection with some dreamy fear, but I could not recollect at the moment how or where. All three had brilliant white teeth that shone like pearls against the ruby of their voluptuous lips. There was something about them that made me uneasy, some longing and at the same time some deadly fear. I felt in my heart a wicked, burning desire that they would kiss me with those red lips. It is not good to note this down, lest some day it should meet Mina’s eyes and cause her pain; but it is the truth. They whispered together, and then they all three laughed - such a silvery, musical laugh, but as hard as though the sound never could have come through the softness of human lips. It was like the intolerable, tingling sweetness of water-glasses when played on by a cunning hand. The fair girl shook her head coquettishly, and the other two urged her on. One said: -

Tradução Integral em Português

Não estava sozinho. O aposento era o mesmo, em nada alterado desde que nele entrara; eu podia ver ao longo do chão, ao luar brilhante, minhas próprias pegadas marcadas onde perturbara a longa acumulação de pó. Ao luar, à minha frente, havia três jovens mulheres, damas pelo traje e pelos modos. Pensei na hora que devia estar sonhando ao vê-las, pois, embora o luar estivesse por trás delas, não lançavam sombra alguma sobre o chão. Aproximaram-se de mim e me olharam por algum tempo, e depois cochicharam entre si. Duas eram morenas e tinham altos narizes aquilinos, como o Conde, e grandes olhos escuros e penetrantes que pareciam quase vermelhos em contraste com a pálida lua amarela. A outra era clara, tão clara quanto possível, com grandes massas ondulantes de cabelos dourados e olhos como pálidas safiras. Pareceu-me de algum modo conhecer o rosto dela, e conhecê-lo em ligação com algum medo de sonho, mas não consegui recordar no momento como ou onde. Todas as três tinham dentes de um branco brilhante, que reluziam como pérolas contra o rubi de seus lábios voluptuosos. Havia nelas algo que me deixava inquieto, algum anseio e, ao mesmo tempo, algum medo mortal. Senti em meu coração um desejo perverso e ardente de que me beijassem com aqueles lábios vermelhos. Não é bom anotar isto, para que algum dia não venha aos olhos da Mina e lhe cause dor; mas é a verdade. Cochicharam entre si, e depois riram as três - um riso tão argentino, tão musical, mas tão duro como se o som jamais pudesse ter vindo pela suavidade de lábios humanos. Era como a doçura insuportável e formigante de taças de vidro tocadas por uma mão hábil. A moça clara sacudiu a cabeça com coquetismo, e as outras duas a instigaram. Uma disse: -

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

"Vá em frente! Você é a primeira, e nós vamos seguir; o direito de começar é seu." A outra acrescentou: -

"Ele é jovem e forte; há beijos para todas nós." Fiquei parado e olhei por baixo dos cílios, numa espera dolorosa e deliciosa ao mesmo tempo. A moça clara se aproximou e se debruçou sobre mim, até eu poder sentir sua respiração. Era doce, doce como mel, e mandava pelo meu corpo o mesmo arrepio que sua voz. Mas, sob a doçura, havia algo amargo e repugnante, como o cheiro de sangue.

Original English Version

“Go on! You are first, and we shall follow; yours is the right to begin.” The other added: -

“He is young and strong; there are kisses for us all.” I lay quiet, looking out under my eyelashes in an agony of delightful anticipation. The fair girl advanced and bent over me till I could feel the movement of her breath upon me. Sweet it was in one sense, honey-sweet, and sent the same tingling through the nerves as her voice, but with a bitter underlying the sweet, a bitter offensiveness, as one smells in blood.

Tradução Integral em Português

"Vá em frente! Você é a primeira, e nós seguiremos; a você cabe o direito de começar." A outra acrescentou: -

"Ele é jovem e forte; há beijos para todas nós." Fiquei imóvel, espreitando por baixo dos cílios numa agonia de deliciosa expectativa. A moça clara avançou e curvou-se sobre mim até que pude sentir o movimento de seu hálito sobre mim. Era doce, num sentido, doce como mel, e enviava pelos nervos o mesmo formigamento de sua voz, mas com um amargor subjacente à doçura, um amargor ofensivo, como o que se cheira no sangue.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Tive medo de abrir os olhos, mas olhei por baixo deles. A moça se ajoelhou e se inclinou sobre mim, olhando com prazer. Havia nela algo abertamente sensual, que ao mesmo tempo me excitava e me enojava. Enquanto curvava o pescoço, ela lambeu os lábios como um animal. À luz da lua, dava para ver o brilho úmido nos lábios vermelhos e na língua, enquanto ela tocava os dentes brancos e afiados. A cabeça dela foi descendo, cada vez mais, até que seus lábios ficaram abaixo da minha boca e do meu queixo, como se quisesse fixar-se na minha garganta. Então ela parou. Eu conseguia ouvir a língua dela se movendo sobre os dentes e os lábios, e sentia sua respiração quente no meu pescoço. Minha garganta começou a formigar, como se uma mão que fazia cócegas estivesse chegando cada vez mais perto. Senti o toque suave e trêmulo dos lábios dela sobre a pele sensível da minha garganta, e a ponta dura de dois dentes afiados, apenas tocando e esperando ali. Fechei os olhos, num prazer estranho e sonhador, e esperei, com o coração batendo forte.

Original English Version

I was afraid to raise my eyelids, but looked out and saw perfectly under the lashes. The girl went on her knees, and bent over me, simply gloating. There was a deliberate voluptuousness which was both thrilling and repulsive, and as she arched her neck she actually licked her lips like an animal, till I could see in the moonlight the moisture shining on the scarlet lips and on the red tongue as it lapped the white sharp teeth. Lower and lower went her head as the lips went below the range of my mouth and chin and seemed about to fasten on my throat. Then she paused, and I could hear the churning sound of her tongue as it licked her teeth and lips, and could feel the hot breath on my neck. Then the skin of my throat began to tingle as one’s flesh does when the hand that is to tickle it approaches nearer - nearer. I could feel the soft, shivering touch of the lips on the super-sensitive skin of my throat, and the hard dents of two sharp teeth, just touching and pausing there. I closed my eyes in a languorous ecstasy and waited - waited with beating heart.

Tradução Integral em Português

Tinha medo de erguer as pálpebras, mas espreitava e via perfeitamente por baixo dos cílios. A moça pôs-se de joelhos e curvou-se sobre mim, simplesmente deleitando-se. Havia uma voluptuosidade deliberada que era ao mesmo tempo excitante e repulsiva, e, ao arquear o pescoço, ela chegou mesmo a lamber os lábios como um animal, até que pude ver ao luar a umidade brilhando nos lábios escarlates e na língua vermelha ao lamber os brancos e afiados dentes. Cada vez mais baixo descia sua cabeça, à medida que os lábios passavam abaixo do alcance de minha boca e de meu queixo e pareciam prestes a fixar-se em minha garganta. Então ela fez uma pausa, e eu podia ouvir o som de agitação de sua língua ao lamber os dentes e os lábios, e podia sentir o hálito quente em meu pescoço. Então a pele de minha garganta começou a formigar, como a carne da gente formiga quando a mão que vai fazer cócegas se aproxima cada vez mais - cada vez mais. Pude sentir o toque suave e trêmulo dos lábios na pele hipersensível de minha garganta, e as duras marcas de dois dentes afiados, apenas tocando e ali se detendo. Fechei os olhos numa lânguida êxtase e esperei - esperei de coração aos saltos.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Naquele momento, outro sentimento passou por mim como um raio. Eu soube que o Conde estava ali, cheio de fúria. Quando abri os olhos, vi sua mão forte agarrar o pescoço fino da bela mulher e puxá-la para trás com grande força. Os olhos azuis dela mudaram de fúria, os dentes brancos se cerraram, e as faces pálidas ficaram vermelhas. Mas o Conde era muito mais terrível. Eu nunca tinha imaginado uma raiva assim, nem nos demônios. Os olhos dele ardiam. A luz vermelha neles parecia fogo do inferno. Seu rosto estava pálido como a morte, e as linhas duras pareciam arame esticado. As sobrancelhas grossas, sobre o nariz, pareciam uma barra de metal em brasa. Ele moveu o braço e jogou a mulher longe de si, depois fez um gesto para as outras recuarem, o mesmo gesto de comando que eu já tinha visto ele usar com os lobos. Numa voz baixa, quase um sussurro, mas que enchia o quarto inteiro, ele disse:

Original English Version

But at that instant, another sensation swept through me as quick as lightning. I was conscious of the presence of the Count, and of his being as if lapped in a storm of fury. As my eyes opened involuntarily I saw his strong hand grasp the slender neck of the fair woman and with giant’s power draw it back, the blue eyes transformed with fury, the white teeth champing with rage, and the fair cheeks blazing red with passion. But the Count! Never did I imagine such wrath and fury, even to the demons of the pit. His eyes were positively blazing. The red light in them was lurid, as if the flames of hellfire blazed behind them. His face was deathly pale, and the lines of it were hard like drawn wires; the thick eyebrows that met over the nose now seemed like a heaving bar of white-hot metal. With a fierce sweep of his arm, he hurled the woman from him, and then motioned to the others, as though he were beating them back; it was the same imperious gesture that I had seen used to the wolves. In a voice which, though low and almost in a whisper seemed to cut through the air and then ring round the room he said: -

Tradução Integral em Português

Mas naquele instante outra sensação varreu-me, rápida como um relâmpago. Tomei consciência da presença do Conde, e de que seu ser estava como que envolto numa tempestade de fúria. Ao abrirem-se meus olhos involuntariamente, vi sua mão forte agarrar o pescoço esbelto da mulher clara e, com força de gigante, puxá-lo para trás, os olhos azuis transfigurados de fúria, os dentes brancos rangendo de raiva, e as faces claras a arder de vermelho de paixão. Mas o Conde! Nunca imaginei tal ira e tal fúria, nem mesmo nos demônios do abismo. Seus olhos flamejavam positivamente. A luz vermelha neles era lívida, como se as chamas do fogo do inferno ardessem por trás deles. Seu rosto estava mortalmente pálido, e as suas linhas eram duras como arames retesados; as espessas sobrancelhas que se encontravam sobre o nariz pareciam agora uma barra ondulante de metal em brasa. Com um feroz golpe do braço, arremessou a mulher para longe de si, e depois fez sinal às outras, como se as afastasse a golpes; era o mesmo gesto imperioso que eu vira usar com os lobos. Numa voz que, embora baixa e quase num sussurro, parecia cortar o ar e depois ressoar por todo o aposento, ele disse: -

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

"Como ousam tocar nele, qualquer uma de vocês? Como ousam sequer olhar para ele, quando eu proibi isso? Para trás, eu disse! Este homem me pertence! Cuidado com o que fizerem para interferir com ele, ou terão de lidar comigo." A bela moça riu de um jeito rude e provocador, e respondeu:

"Você mesmo nunca amou; você nunca ama!" Então as outras mulheres se juntaram a ela, e uma risada tão fria e sem coração encheu o quarto que quase me fez desmaiar. Soava como demônios se divertindo. O Conde olhou com atenção para o meu rosto, depois se virou e disse, num sussurro suave:

"Sim, eu também posso amar. Vocês mesmas sabem disso, do passado. Não é verdade? Agora eu prometo a vocês que, quando eu terminar com ele, poderão beijá-lo como quiserem. Agora vão! Vão! Preciso acordá-lo, porque há trabalho a fazer."

Original English Version

“How dare you touch him, any of you? How dare you cast eyes on him when I had forbidden it? Back, I tell you all! This man belongs to me! Beware how you meddle with him, or you’ll have to deal with me.” The fair girl, with a laugh of ribald coquetry, turned to answer him: -

“You yourself never loved; you never love!” On this the other women joined, and such a mirthless, hard, soulless laughter rang through the room that it almost made me faint to hear; it seemed like the pleasure of fiends. Then the Count turned, after looking at my face attentively, and said in a soft whisper: -

“Yes, I too can love; you yourselves can tell it from the past. Is it not so? Well, now I promise you that when I am done with him you shall kiss him at your will. Now go! go! I must awaken him, for there is work to be done.”

Tradução Integral em Português

"Como ousam tocá-lo, qualquer uma de vocês? Como ousam lançar os olhos sobre ele, quando eu o havia proibido? Para trás, digo a todas! Este homem me pertence! Cuidado com o que fazem com ele, ou terão de se haver comigo." A moça clara, com um riso de coquetismo escandaloso, voltou-se para responder-lhe: -

"Você mesmo nunca amou; você nunca ama!" A isto as outras mulheres se uniram, e um riso tão sem alegria, tão duro, tão desalmado ressoou pelo aposento que quase me fez desfalecer ao ouvi-lo; parecia o prazer de demônios. Então o Conde voltou-se, depois de fitar-me atentamente o rosto, e disse num suave sussurro: -

"Sim, eu também posso amar; vocês mesmas o podem atestar pelo passado. Não é assim? Pois bem, agora prometo a vocês que, quando eu tiver terminado com ele, poderão beijá-lo à vontade. Agora vão! vão! Preciso despertá-lo, pois há trabalho a fazer."

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

"Não vamos ter nada esta noite?" disse uma delas, com uma risada baixa, apontando para o saco que ele tinha jogado no chão. O saco se mexia, como se houvesse algo vivo dentro dele. Ele fez que sim com a cabeça, em resposta. Uma das mulheres correu para a frente e o abriu. Se meus ouvidos não me enganaram, ouvi um gemido e um choro fraco, como o de uma criança sendo sufocada. As mulheres se reuniram ao redor, e eu fiquei tomado de horror. Mas, quando olhei de novo, elas tinham sumido, e o saco terrível também. Não havia porta perto delas, e não poderiam ter passado por mim sem que eu as visse. Elas simplesmente pareceram se dissolver na luz da lua e sair pela janela, porque por um instante consegui ver suas formas indistintas lá fora, antes de desaparecerem.

Então o horror me dominou, e eu perdi os sentidos.

Original English Version

“Are we to have nothing tonight?” said one of them, with a low laugh, as she pointed to the bag which he had thrown upon the floor, and which moved as though there were some living thing within it. For answer he nodded his head. One of the women jumped forward and opened it. If my ears did not deceive me there was a gasp and a low wail, as of a half-smothered child. The women closed round, whilst I was aghast with horror; but as I looked they disappeared, and with them the dreadful bag. There was no door near them, and they could not have passed me without my noticing. They simply seemed to fade into the rays of the moonlight and pass out through the window, for I could see outside the dim, shadowy forms for a moment before they entirely faded away.

Then the horror overcame me, and I sank down unconscious.

Tradução Integral em Português

"Não teremos nada esta noite?" disse uma delas, com um riso baixo, apontando para o saco que ele atirara ao chão, e que se movia como se houvesse dentro dele alguma coisa viva. Por resposta, ele acenou com a cabeça. Uma das mulheres saltou à frente e o abriu. Se meus ouvidos não me enganaram, houve um arquejo e um gemido baixo, como de uma criança meio sufocada. As mulheres cerraram-se em volta, enquanto eu me consternava de horror; mas, enquanto eu olhava, elas desapareceram, e com elas o pavoroso saco. Não havia porta perto delas, e não poderiam ter passado por mim sem que eu notasse. Simplesmente pareceram esvair-se nos raios do luar e passar pela janela, pois pude ver do lado de fora as formas indistintas e sombrias por um momento antes que se desvanecessem por completo.

Então o horror me venceu, e afundei, desfalecido.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Chapter IV

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Acordei na minha própria cama. Se eu não sonhei, o Conde deve ter me carregado até aqui. Tentei ter certeza, mas não consegui. Alguns pequenos detalhes estavam diferentes: minhas roupas estavam dobradas, meu relógio não estava dando corda (eu sempre dou corda nele antes de dormir), e outras coisas. Mas isso não prova nada. Talvez minha mente não estivesse normal. Preciso procurar provas. Uma coisa é boa: se o Conde me carregou e me despiu, ele estava com pressa. Meus bolsos ainda estão cheios. Tenho certeza de que este diário seria um mistério para ele, e ele o teria levado. Agora este quarto, embora me assuste, parece seguro. Nada é mais terrível do que aquelas mulheres que estavam esperando para beber meu sangue.

Original English Version

I awoke in my own bed. If it be that I had not dreamt, the Count must have carried me here. I tried to satisfy myself on the subject, but could not arrive at any unquestionable result. To be sure, there were certain small evidences, such as that my clothes were folded and laid by in a manner which was not my habit. My watch was still unwound, and I am rigorously accustomed to wind it the last thing before going to bed, and many such details. But these things are no proof, for they may have been evidences that my mind was not as usual, and, from some cause or another, I had certainly been much upset. I must watch for proof. Of one thing I am glad: if it was that the Count carried me here and undressed me, he must have been hurried in his task, for my pockets are intact. I am sure this diary would have been a mystery to him which he would not have brooked. He would have taken or destroyed it. As I look round this room, although it has been to me so full of fear, it is now a sort of sanctuary, for nothing can be more dreadful than those awful women, who were - who are - waiting to suck my blood.

Tradução Integral em Português

Acordei em minha própria cama. Se é que não sonhei, o Conde deve ter-me carregado para cá. Tentei convencer-me a respeito, mas não cheguei a resultado algum incontestável. É certo que havia certos pequenos indícios, como o de que minhas roupas estavam dobradas e postas de lado de um modo que não é meu hábito. Meu relógio continuava sem corda, e tenho o rigoroso costume de dar-lhe corda por último antes de deitar-me, e muitos detalhes desse gênero. Mas essas coisas não são prova, pois podem ter sido indícios de que minha mente não estava como de costume e de que, por um motivo ou outro, eu por certo estivera muito perturbado. Devo ficar atento à procura de provas. De uma coisa me alegro: se foi o Conde que me carregou para cá e me despiu, deve ter tido pressa na tarefa, pois meus bolsos estão intactos. Tenho certeza de que este diário teria sido para ele um mistério que ele não teria tolerado. Tê-lo-ia tomado ou destruído. Ao olhar em volta deste quarto, embora ele me tenha sido tão cheio de medo, é agora uma espécie de santuário, pois nada pode ser mais pavoroso do que aquelas mulheres terríveis, que estavam - que estão - à espera de sugar meu sangue.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

18 de maio. Fui olhar aquele quarto de novo, à luz do dia, porque preciso saber a verdade. Quando cheguei à porta no topo da escada, encontrei-a fechada. Ela tinha sido forçada com tanta força contra o batente que parte da madeira quebrou. A fechadura não estava trancada, mas a porta está presa por dentro. Temo que não tenha sido um sonho, e devo agir com base nisso.

Original English Version

18 May. - I have been down to look at that room again in daylight, for I must know the truth. When I got to the doorway at the top of the stairs I found it closed. It had been so forcibly driven against the jamb that part of the woodwork was splintered. I could see that the bolt of the lock had not been shot, but the door is fastened from the inside. I fear it was no dream, and must act on this surmise.

Tradução Integral em Português

18 de maio. - Desci para olhar aquele aposento de novo à luz do dia, pois preciso saber a verdade. Quando cheguei à porta no alto da escada, achei-a fechada. Fora empurrada com tal força contra o batente que parte da madeira se lascara. Pude ver que o ferrolho da fechadura não fora corrido, mas a porta está trancada por dentro. Temo que não tenha sido sonho, e devo agir a partir dessa suposição.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

19 de maio. Estou realmente preso. Ontem à noite o Conde me pediu, com palavras muito suaves, para escrever três cartas. Uma deveria dizer que meu trabalho aqui estava quase terminado e que eu voltaria para casa em poucos dias. Outra deveria dizer que eu partiria na manhã seguinte. A terceira deveria dizer que eu já tinha deixado o castelo e chegado a Bistritz. Eu quis recusar, mas sabia que seria loucura enfrentá-lo abertamente, já que estou completamente em seu poder. Se eu recusasse, ele ficaria desconfiado e com raiva. Ele sabe que eu sei demais, e que eu não devo continuar vivo se me tornar um perigo para ele. Minha única esperança é atrasar as coisas até ter uma chance de fugir. Vi em seus olhos a mesma raiva crescente que eu tinha visto quando ele jogou aquela bela mulher para longe. Ele me disse que o serviço de correio era ruim e incerto, e que escrever as cartas agora tranquilizaria meus amigos. Também prometeu, com muita firmeza, que cancelaria as cartas posteriores e as guardaria em Bistritz até a data certa, caso eu ficasse mais tempo. Contrariá-lo só criaria mais desconfiança. Então fingi concordar e perguntei que datas eu deveria usar. Ele pensou por um momento e depois disse:

Original English Version

19 May. - I am surely in the toils. Last night the Count asked me in the suavest tones to write three letters, one saying that my work here was nearly done, and that I should start for home within a few days, another that I was starting on the next morning from the time of the letter, and the third that I had left the castle and arrived at Bistritz. I would fain have rebelled, but felt that in the present state of things it would be madness to quarrel openly with the Count whilst I am so absolutely in his power; and to refuse would be to excite his suspicion and to arouse his anger. He knows that I know too much, and that I must not live, lest I be dangerous to him; my only chance is to prolong my opportunities. Something may occur which will give me a chance to escape. I saw in his eyes something of that gathering wrath which was manifest when he hurled that fair woman from him. He explained to me that posts were few and uncertain, and that my writing now would ensure ease of mind to my friends; and he assured me with so much impressiveness that he would countermand the later letters, which would be held over at Bistritz until due time in case chance would admit of my prolonging my stay, that to oppose him would have been to create new suspicion. I therefore pretended to fall in with his views, and asked him what dates I should put on the letters. He calculated a minute, and then said: -

Tradução Integral em Português

19 de maio. - Estou por certo na armadilha. Ontem à noite o Conde pediu-me, nos tons mais suaves, que eu escrevesse três cartas: uma dizendo que meu trabalho aqui estava quase concluído e que eu partiria para casa dentro de poucos dias; outra, que eu partia na manhã seguinte à data da carta; e a terceira, que eu deixara o castelo e chegara a Bistritz. Bem quisera rebelar-me, mas senti que, no atual estado das coisas, seria loucura brigar abertamente com o Conde enquanto estou tão absolutamente em seu poder; e recusar seria despertar-lhe a suspeita e provocar-lhe a ira. Ele sabe que sei demais, e que não devo viver, para que não lhe seja perigoso; minha única chance é prolongar minhas oportunidades. Algo pode ocorrer que me dê ocasião de fugir. Vi em seus olhos algo daquela ira acumulada que se manifestou quando arremessou aquela mulher clara para longe de si. Explicou-me que os correios eram poucos e incertos, e que meu escrever agora asseguraria tranquilidade de espírito aos meus amigos; e assegurou-me com tanta ênfase que contramandaria as cartas posteriores, as quais ficariam retidas em Bistritz até a devida ocasião, caso o acaso permitisse que eu prolongasse minha estada, que opor-me teria sido criar nova suspeita. Fingi, portanto, aderir às suas ideias, e perguntei-lhe que datas eu deveria pôr nas cartas. Ele calculou por um minuto, e então disse: -

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

"A primeira deve ser 12 de junho, a segunda 19 de junho, e a terceira 29 de junho."

Agora sei quanto tempo de vida ainda tenho. Que Deus me ajude!

28 de maio. - Pode haver um jeito de escapar, ou ao menos uma chance de mandar notícias para casa. Um grupo de Szgany chegou ao castelo e está acampado no pátio. Esses Szgany são ciganos; já escrevi sobre eles no meu livro. Eles são encontrados principalmente nesta parte do mundo, embora sejam parentes dos ciganos de todo lugar. Há milhares deles na Hungria e em Transilvânia, e vivem quase à margem da lei. Em geral, servem a algum grande nobre ou boiardo e usam o nome dele. São corajosos e não têm religião, apenas superstição. Falam somente suas próprias formas da língua romani.

Vou escrever algumas cartas para casa e tentar que sejam postadas. Já falei com eles pela minha janela para fazer contato. Eles tiraram os chapéus e fizeram reverências, e fizeram muitos sinais, mas eu não conseguia entendê-los, assim como não conseguia entender suas palavras…

Original English Version

“The first should be June 12, the second June 19, and the third June 29.”

I know now the span of my life. God help me!

28 May. - There is a chance of escape, or at any rate of being able to send word home. A band of Szgany have come to the castle, and are encamped in the courtyard. These Szgany are gipsies; I have notes of them in my book. They are peculiar to this part of the world, though allied to the ordinary gipsies all the world over. There are thousands of them in Hungary and Transylvania, who are almost outside all law. They attach themselves as a rule to some great noble or boyar, and call themselves by his name. They are fearless and without religion, save superstition, and they talk only their own varieties of the Romany tongue.

I shall write some letters home, and shall try to get them to have them posted. I have already spoken them through my window to begin acquaintanceship. They took their hats off and made obeisance and many signs, which, however, I could not understand any more than I could their spoken language. …

Tradução Integral em Português

"A primeira deve ser 12 de junho, a segunda, 19 de junho, e a terceira, 29 de junho."

Agora conheço a duração da minha vida. Deus me ajude!

28 de maio. - Há uma chance de fuga, ou ao menos de conseguir mandar notícia para casa. Um bando de sgani chegou ao castelo e está acampado no pátio. Esses sgani são ciganos; tenho notas sobre eles em meu caderno. São peculiares a esta parte do mundo, embora aparentados com os ciganos comuns do mundo inteiro. Há milhares deles na Hungria e na Transilvânia, que estão quase à margem de toda lei. Ligam-se, via de regra, a algum grande nobre ou boiardo, e chamam-se pelo nome dele. São destemidos e sem religião, salvo a superstição, e falam apenas suas próprias variedades da língua romani.

Escreverei algumas cartas para casa e tentarei conseguir que as ponham no correio. Já lhes falei pela minha janela para começar a travar conhecimento. Tiraram os chapéus, fizeram reverências e muitos sinais, que, contudo, não consegui compreender mais do que compreendia sua língua falada. …

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Já escrevi as cartas. A de Mina está em taquigrafia, e só peço ao Sr. Hawkins que fale com ela sobre isso. Expliquei minha situação a ela, mas não os horrores que só posso imaginar. Isso a chocaria e a assustaria terrivelmente se eu contasse tudo. Se as cartas não chegarem até eles, então o Conde ainda não saberá meu segredo, nem o quanto eu entendo…

Entreguei as cartas. Joguei-as pelas grades da minha janela junto com uma moeda de ouro, e usei gestos para pedir que fossem postadas. O homem que as pegou apertou-as contra o peito, fez uma reverência e as colocou dentro do boné. Não pude fazer mais nada. Voltei em silêncio ao escritório e comecei a ler. Como o Conde não entrou, aproveitei para escrever aqui…

O Conde chegou. Sentou-se ao meu lado e disse, com sua voz mais suave, enquanto abria duas cartas: -

Original English Version

I have written the letters. Mina’s is in shorthand, and I simply ask Mr. Hawkins to communicate with her. To her I have explained my situation, but without the horrors which I may only surmise. It would shock and frighten her to death were I to expose my heart to her. Should the letters not carry, then the Count shall not yet know my secret or the extent of my knowledge. …

I have given the letters; I threw them through the bars of my window with a gold piece, and made what signs I could to have them posted. The man who took them pressed them to his heart and bowed, and then put them in his cap. I could do no more. I stole back to the study, and began to read. As the Count did not come in, I have written here. …

The Count has come. He sat down beside me, and said in his smoothest voice as he opened two letters: -

Tradução Integral em Português

Escrevi as cartas. A da Mina está em taquigrafia, e simplesmente peço ao Sr. Hawkins que se comunique com ela. A ela expliquei minha situação, mas sem os horrores que só posso conjecturar. Chocá-la-ia e amedrontá-la-ia de morte se eu lhe expusesse o coração. Caso as cartas não cheguem, então o Conde ainda não conhecerá meu segredo nem a extensão do que sei. …

Entreguei as cartas; atirei-as pelas grades da minha janela com uma moeda de ouro, e fiz os sinais que pude para que fossem postadas. O homem que as pegou apertou-as contra o coração e curvou-se, e depois as pôs no gorro. Nada mais pude fazer. Esgueirei-me de volta ao gabinete e comecei a ler. Como o Conde não entrou, escrevi aqui. …

O Conde chegou. Sentou-se a meu lado e disse, na sua voz mais suave, ao abrir duas cartas: -

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

"Os sgani deram-me estas. Não sei de onde vêm, mas hei de cuidar delas. Veja!" - decerto a olhou - "uma é sua, para meu amigo Peter Hawkins; a outra" - abriu o envelope, deu com os símbolos estranhos, e o rosto se lhe fez sombrio, os olhos flamejando malévolos - "a outra é uma coisa vil, um ultraje à amizade e à hospitalidade! Não está assinada. Pois bem! então não pode importar-nos." Calmamente queimou carta e envelope na chama da lâmpada. Depois prosseguiu: -

"A carta para Hawkins - essa eu vou enviar, claro, já que é sua. Suas cartas são sagradas para mim. Perdoe-me, meu amigo, por ter aberto o lacre sem saber o que era. Você não vai fechá-la de novo?" Ele estendeu a carta para mim e, com uma reverência educada, me deu um envelope limpo. Só me restou endereçá-la de novo e devolvê-la a ele em silêncio. Quando ele saiu do quarto, ouvi a chave girar suavemente. Um minuto depois tentei abrir a porta, e estava trancada.

Original English Version

“The Szgany has given me these, of which, though I know not whence they come, I shall, of course, take care. See!” - he must have looked at it - “one is from you, and to my friend Peter Hawkins; the other” - here he caught sight of the strange symbols as he opened the envelope, and the dark look came into his face, and his eyes blazed wickedly - “the other is a vile thing, an outrage upon friendship and hospitality! It is not signed. Well! so it cannot matter to us.” And he calmly held letter and envelope in the flame of the lamp till they were consumed. Then he went on: -

“The letter to Hawkins - that I shall, of course, send on, since it is yours. Your letters are sacred to me. Your pardon, my friend, that unknowingly I did break the seal. Will you not cover it again?” He held out the letter to me, and with a courteous bow handed me a clean envelope. I could only redirect it and hand it to him in silence. When he went out of the room I could hear the key turn softly. A minute later I went over and tried it, and the door was locked.

Tradução Integral em Português

"Os sgani deram-me estas, das quais, embora eu não saiba de onde vêm, hei de, é claro, cuidar. Veja!" - decerto a olhou - "uma é sua, e para meu amigo Peter Hawkins; a outra" - aqui deu com os símbolos estranhos ao abrir o envelope, e o olhar sombrio veio-lhe ao rosto, e seus olhos flamejaram malévolos - "a outra é uma coisa vil, um ultraje à amizade e à hospitalidade! Não está assinada. Pois bem! então não pode importar-nos." E calmamente segurou carta e envelope na chama da lâmpada até que se consumissem. Depois prosseguiu: -

"A carta para Hawkins - essa, é claro, encaminharei, pois é sua. Suas cartas são sagradas para mim. Perdão, meu amigo, por eu ter, sem saber, rompido o lacre. Não quer selá-la de novo?" Estendeu-me a carta e, com uma cortês reverência, entregou-me um envelope limpo. Só me foi possível reendereçá-la e passá-la a ele em silêncio. Quando saiu do aposento, pude ouvir a chave girar suavemente. Um minuto depois, fui até lá e experimentei-a, e a porta estava trancada.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Uma ou duas horas depois, o Conde entrou quietamente no quarto e me acordou, porque eu tinha adormecido no sofá. Ele estava muito educado e alegre. Vendo que eu tinha dormido, disse: -

"Então, meu amigo, você está cansado? Vá para a cama. Esse é o melhor descanso. Talvez eu não tenha o prazer de conversar esta noite, porque tenho muito trabalho; mas espero que você durma bem." Fui para o meu quarto, deitei-me e, estranhamente, dormi sem sonhar. O desespero tem seus próprios momentos de calma.

31 de maio. Esta manhã, quando acordei, planejei pegar papel e envelopes da minha bolsa e guardá-los no bolso. Assim eu poderia escrever se tivesse a chance. Mas de novo houve uma surpresa, e de novo um choque!

Todo pedaço de papel tinha sumido, e com ele todas as minhas anotações sobre trens e viagens, minha carta de crédito, na verdade tudo o que poderia me ajudar se eu algum dia saísse do castelo. Sentei-me e pensei por um tempo. Então uma ideia me ocorreu, e revistei minha maleta e o guarda-roupa onde eu tinha colocado minhas roupas.

Original English Version

When, an hour or two after, the Count came quietly into the room, his coming awakened me, for I had gone to sleep on the sofa. He was very courteous and very cheery in his manner, and seeing that I had been sleeping, he said: -

“So, my friend, you are tired? Get to bed. There is the surest rest. I may not have the pleasure to talk tonight, since there are many labours to me; but you will sleep, I pray.” I passed to my room and went to bed, and, strange to say, slept without dreaming. Despair has its own calms.

31 May. - This morning when I woke I thought I would provide myself with some paper and envelopes from my bag and keep them in my pocket, so that I might write in case I should get an opportunity, but again a surprise, again a shock!

Every scrap of paper was gone, and with it all my notes, my memoranda, relating to railways and travel, my letter of credit, in fact all that might be useful to me were I once outside the castle. I sat and pondered awhile, and then some thought occurred to me, and I made search of my portmanteau and in the wardrobe where I had placed my clothes.

Tradução Integral em Português

Quando, uma hora ou duas depois, o Conde entrou de mansinho no aposento, sua chegada me despertou, pois eu adormecera no sofá. Estava muito cortês e muito jovial em seus modos e, vendo que eu estivera dormindo, disse: -

"Então, meu amigo, está cansado? Vá para a cama. Ali está o descanso mais seguro. Talvez eu não tenha o prazer de conversar esta noite, pois há muitos labores para mim; mas o senhor dormirá, rogo." Passei ao meu quarto e fui deitar-me e, coisa estranha de dizer, dormi sem sonhar. O desespero tem suas próprias calmarias.

31 de maio. - Esta manhã, ao acordar, pensei em me munir de algum papel e envelopes da minha mala e guardá-los no bolso, para poder escrever caso surgisse uma oportunidade; mas de novo uma surpresa, de novo um choque!

Cada pedacinho de papel sumira, e com ele todas as minhas notas, meus memorandos relativos a ferrovias e viagens, minha carta de crédito - enfim, tudo o que me pudesse ser útil se eu me achasse uma vez fora do castelo. Fiquei sentado a ponderar um pouco, e então algum pensamento me ocorreu, e revistei minha maleta e o guarda-roupa onde eu pusera minhas roupas.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

O terno que eu tinha usado na viagem também tinha sumido, assim como meu sobretudo e minha manta. Não consegui encontrar nenhum sinal deles em lugar nenhum. Isso parecia ser um novo plano maldoso.

17 de junho. Esta manhã sentei na beira da cama, tentando pensar. Então ouvi o estalo de chicotes e o som de cascos de cavalos no caminho rochoso além do pátio. Corri até a janela, animado, e vi duas grandes carroças entrarem no pátio, cada uma puxada por oito cavalos fortes. Na frente de cada dupla havia um eslovaco, usando um chapéu largo, um cinto pesado com pregos, uma pele de carneiro suja e botas altas. Também carregavam varas longas. Corri até a porta, esperando descer e me juntar a eles pelo salão principal, porque pensei que aquele caminho pudesse estar aberto. Mas houve outro choque: minha porta estava trancada por fora.

Original English Version

The suit in which I had travelled was gone, and also my overcoat and rug; I could find no trace of them anywhere. This looked like some new scheme of villainy. …

17 June. - This morning, as I was sitting on the edge of my bed cudgelling my brains, I heard without a cracking of whips and pounding and scraping of horses’ feet up the rocky path beyond the courtyard. With joy I hurried to the window, and saw drive into the yard two great leiter-wagons, each drawn by eight sturdy horses, and at the head of each pair a Slovak, with his wide hat, great nail-studded belt, dirty sheepskin, and high boots. They had also their long staves in hand. I ran to the door, intending to descend and try and join them through the main hall, as I thought that way might be opened for them. Again a shock: my door was fastened on the outside.

Tradução Integral em Português

O terno com que eu viajara sumira, e também meu sobretudo e minha manta; não pude achar deles vestígio em parte alguma. Isto parecia algum novo esquema de vilania. …

17 de junho. - Esta manhã, enquanto eu estava sentado à beira da cama a quebrar a cabeça, ouvi lá fora um estalar de chicotes e um bater e raspar de patas de cavalo subindo o caminho pedregoso além do pátio. Cheio de alegria, corri à janela e vi entrar no pátio duas grandes leiter-wagon, cada qual puxada por oito cavalos robustos, e à frente de cada parelha um eslovaco, com seu chapéu largo, seu grande cinto cravejado de tachas, sua pele de carneiro suja e suas botas altas. Traziam também seus longos bastões na mão. Corri à porta, com a intenção de descer e tentar juntar-me a eles pelo saguão principal, pois pensei que aquele caminho pudesse estar aberto para eles. De novo um choque: minha porta estava trancada por fora.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Corri até a janela e gritei para eles. Olharam para mim, mas, tolamente, só apontaram. Então o chefe dos Szgany apareceu. Ele os viu apontando para minha janela, disse algo, e eles riram. Depois disso, nada do que eu fiz os fez mudar de ideia, nem meus gritos tristes nem meus pedidos desesperados. Eles simplesmente se viraram e foram embora. As carroças traziam grandes caixas quadradas com alças de corda grossa. Estavam claramente vazias, porque os eslovacos conseguiam movê-las com facilidade, e elas faziam um som oco quando manuseadas com força. Quando todas foram descarregadas e empilhadas em um grande monte no canto do pátio, os Szgany deram algum dinheiro aos eslovacos. Os eslovacos cuspiram nele para dar sorte, depois caminharam preguiçosamente até seus cavalos. Logo ouvi o estalo dos chicotes desaparecer ao longe.

Original English Version

Then I ran to the window and cried to them. They looked up at me stupidly and pointed, but just then the “hetman” of the Szgany came out, and seeing them pointing to my window, said something, at which they laughed. Henceforth no effort of mine, no piteous cry or agonised entreaty, would make them even look at me. They resolutely turned away. The leiter-wagons contained great, square boxes, with handles of thick rope; these were evidently empty by the ease with which the Slovaks handled them, and by their resonance as they were roughly moved. When they were all unloaded and packed in a great heap in one corner of the yard, the Slovaks were given some money by the Szgany, and spitting on it for luck, lazily went each to his horse’s head. Shortly afterwards, I heard the cracking of their whips die away in the distance.

Tradução Integral em Português

Corri então à janela e gritei para eles. Olharam para mim estupidamente e apontaram, mas justo então saiu o "hetman" dos sgani e, vendo-os apontar para minha janela, disse algo, ao que eles riram. Daí por diante, nenhum esforço meu, nenhum grito lastimoso ou súplica angustiada os faria sequer olhar para mim. Resolutamente viraram as costas. As leiter-wagon continham grandes caixas quadradas, com alças de corda grossa; estavam evidentemente vazias, pela facilidade com que os eslovacos as manejavam e pela ressonância ao serem rudemente movidas. Depois de todas descarregadas e empilhadas num grande monte a um canto do pátio, os eslovacos receberam algum dinheiro dos sgani e, cuspindo nele para dar sorte, foram cada qual, sem pressa, para a cabeça de seu cavalo. Pouco depois, ouvi o estalar de seus chicotes esmorecer ao longe.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

24 de junho, antes do amanhecer. Ontem à noite o Conde me deixou cedo e se trancou em seu próprio quarto. Assim que criei coragem, subi a escada em espiral e olhei pela janela do lado sul. Eu queria vigiar o Conde, porque alguma coisa está acontecendo. Os Szgany estão em algum lugar do castelo, fazendo algum tipo de trabalho. Eu sei disso porque, de vez em quando, ouço um som abafado e distante, como o de uma picareta e uma pá. Seja o que for, deve fazer parte de algum crime cruel.

Depois de menos de meia hora na janela, vi o Conde sair escalando pela parede. Ele usava as roupas que eu tinha usado na minha viagem. Também carregava aquela sacola terrível que as mulheres tinham levado. Ele quer que as pessoas pensem que sou eu quem está nas cidades, postando cartas. Assim, vão me culpar pelo mal que ele faz.

Original English Version

24 June, before morning. - Last night the Count left me early, and locked himself into his own room. As soon as I dared I ran up the winding stair, and looked out of the window, which opened south. I thought I would watch for the Count, for there is something going on. The Szgany are quartered somewhere in the castle and are doing work of some kind. I know it, for now and then I hear a faraway muffled sound as of mattock and spade, and, whatever it is, it must be the end of some ruthless villainy.

I had been at the window somewhat less than half an hour, when I saw something coming out of the Count’s window. I drew back and watched carefully, and saw the whole man emerge. It was a new shock to me to find that he had on the suit of clothes which I had worn whilst travelling here, and slung over his shoulder the terrible bag which I had seen the women take away. There could be no doubt as to his quest, and in my garb, too! This, then, is his new scheme of evil: that he will allow others to see me, as they think, so that he may both leave evidence that I have been seen in the towns or villages posting my own letters, and that any wickedness which he may do shall by the local people be attributed to me.

Tradução Integral em Português

24 de junho, antes de amanhecer. - Ontem à noite o Conde deixou-me cedo e trancou-se em seu próprio quarto. Assim que ousei, subi correndo a escada em caracol e olhei pela janela que dava para o sul. Pensei em ficar de espreita pelo Conde, pois há algo em curso. Os sgani estão aquartelados em algum lugar do castelo e fazem trabalho de algum tipo. Sei-o, pois de quando em quando ouço um som abafado e distante, como de picareta e pá, e, seja o que for, deve ser o desfecho de alguma vilania impiedosa.

Eu estava à janela havia algo menos de meia hora quando vi algo saindo da janela do Conde. Recuei e observei com cuidado, e vi o homem inteiro emergir. Foi um novo choque para mim descobrir que ele trajava o terno que eu usara ao viajar para cá, e trazia a tiracolo o terrível saco que eu vira as mulheres levarem. Não podia haver dúvida quanto à sua busca, e ainda por cima na minha roupa! Este, então, é seu novo esquema de maldade: permitir que outros me vejam, como pensam, para que ele deixe prova de que fui visto nas cidades ou aldeias postando minhas próprias cartas, e para que qualquer perversidade que ele faça seja, pela gente local, atribuída a mim.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Fico com raiva ao pensar que isso pode acontecer enquanto estou trancado aqui, um verdadeiro prisioneiro, sem sequer a proteção da lei que até um criminoso tem direito.

Pensei em vigiar até o Conde voltar, e fiquei sentado teimosamente na janela por muito tempo. Então percebi pequenos pontos estranhos flutuando ao luar. Pareciam pequenos grãos de poeira, e giravam e se juntavam em pequenos aglomerados. Observá-los me acalmou, e uma sensação de paz tomou conta de mim. Recostei-me na abertura da janela de um jeito mais confortável, para aproveitar melhor aquele jogo leve no ar.

Original English Version

It makes me rage to think that this can go on, and whilst I am shut up here, a veritable prisoner, but without that protection of the law which is even a criminal’s right and consolation.

I thought I would watch for the Count’s return, and for a long time sat doggedly at the window. Then I began to notice that there were some quaint little specks floating in the rays of the moonlight. They were like the tiniest grains of dust, and they whirled round and gathered in clusters in a nebulous sort of way. I watched them with a sense of soothing, and a sort of calm stole over me. I leaned back in the embrasure in a more comfortable position, so that I could enjoy more fully the aerial gambolling.

Tradução Integral em Português

Enfurece-me pensar que isto possa prosseguir, e enquanto estou aqui trancado, um verdadeiro prisioneiro, mas sem aquela proteção da lei que é até direito e consolo de um criminoso.

Pensei em ficar de espreita pela volta do Conde e, por muito tempo, sentei-me obstinado à janela. Então comecei a notar que havia uns pontinhos curiosos flutuando nos raios do luar. Eram como os mais minúsculos grãos de pó, e rodopiavam e se juntavam em cachos, de um modo nebuloso. Observei-os com uma sensação de aconchego, e uma espécie de calma tomou-me. Recostei-me no vão da janela numa posição mais cômoda, para poder desfrutar mais plenamente das cabriolas aéreas.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Algo me fez levantar de repente. Ouvi um uivo baixo e triste de cães, bem lá embaixo no vale, escondido de mim. O som ficou mais alto aos meus ouvidos, e a poeira ao luar parecia mudar de forma enquanto se movia. Senti como se algum instinto dentro de mim estivesse despertando. Minha alma parecia lutar, e meus sentimentos quase esquecidos tentavam responder ao chamado. Eu estava sendo hipnotizado. A poeira dançava cada vez mais rápido. Os raios de luar pareciam tremer ao passarem por mim rumo à escuridão além. As formas ficavam cada vez mais claras, até parecerem fantasmas pálidos. Então acordei de vez, corri gritando e voltei para o meu quarto. Lá, sem luar e com o lampião aceso e forte, me senti mais seguro.

Depois de umas duas horas, ouvi movimento no quarto do Conde. Foi como um grito agudo, interrompido rapidamente. Depois veio o silêncio, um silêncio profundo e terrível, que me assustou. Com o coração disparado, tentei a porta, mas estava trancado em minha prisão e não podia fazer nada. Sentei-me e chorei.

Original English Version

Something made me start up, a low, piteous howling of dogs somewhere far below in the valley, which was hidden from my sight. Louder it seemed to ring in my ears, and the floating motes of dust to take new shapes to the sound as they danced in the moonlight. I felt myself struggling to awake to some call of my instincts; nay, my very soul was struggling, and my half-remembered sensibilities were striving to answer the call. I was becoming hypnotised! Quicker and quicker danced the dust; the moonbeams seemed to quiver as they went by me into the mass of gloom beyond. More and more they gathered till they seemed to take dim phantom shapes. And then I started, broad awake and in full possession of my senses, and ran screaming from the place. The phantom shapes, which were becoming gradually materialised from the moonbeams, were those of the three ghostly women to whom I was doomed. I fled, and felt somewhat safer in my own room, where there was no moonlight and where the lamp was burning brightly.

When a couple of hours had passed I heard something stirring in the Count’s room, something like a sharp wail quickly suppressed; and then there was silence, deep, awful silence, which chilled me. With a beating heart, I tried the door; but I was locked in my prison, and could do nothing. I sat down and simply cried.

Tradução Integral em Português

Algo me fez sobressaltar-me e pôr-me de pé: um uivar baixo e lastimoso de cães, em algum lugar bem abaixo, no vale, que estava oculto à minha vista. Mais alto parecia ressoar-me nos ouvidos, e as motas de pó flutuantes pareciam tomar novas formas ao som, enquanto dançavam ao luar. Senti-me lutando para despertar para algum chamado de meus instintos; aliás, minha própria alma lutava, e minhas sensibilidades meio lembradas esforçavam-se por responder ao chamado. Eu estava sendo hipnotizado! Mais e mais depressa dançava o pó; os raios de lua pareciam tremular ao passarem por mim para dentro da massa de trevas além. Cada vez mais se juntavam, até que pareceram tomar formas de fantasma indistintas. E então sobressaltei-me, de todo desperto e em pleno domínio de meus sentidos, e saí correndo e gritando do lugar. As formas de fantasma, que iam gradualmente se materializando a partir dos raios de lua, eram as das três mulheres espectrais a quem eu estava condenado. Fugi, e senti-me algo mais seguro em meu próprio quarto, onde não havia luar e onde a lâmpada ardia com brilho.

Passadas umas duas horas, ouvi algo se mexer no quarto do Conde, algo como um gemido agudo prontamente sufocado; e depois houve silêncio, um silêncio fundo, pavoroso, que me gelou. De coração aos saltos, experimentei a porta; mas eu estava trancado em minha prisão e nada podia fazer. Sentei-me e simplesmente chorei.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Enquanto eu estava sentado ali, ouvi um grito vindo do pátio lá fora, o grito desesperado de uma mulher. Corri até a janela, abri-a e olhei para fora, pelas grades. Havia uma mulher ali, com o cabelo desgrenhado, com as mãos sobre o coração como se tivesse corrido e sentisse dor. Ela se apoiava num canto do portão. Quando viu meu rosto na janela, correu para frente e gritou em voz ameaçadora:

"Monstro, devolva meu filho!"

Ela caiu de joelhos e ergueu as mãos. Com uma voz que partiu meu coração, gritou as mesmas palavras de novo. Depois puxou os próprios cabelos e bateu no peito, mostrando um sofrimento selvagem. Por fim, jogou-se para frente, e embora eu não pudesse vê-la, ouvi suas mãos nuas batendo na porta.

Lá em cima, provavelmente da torre, ouvi o Conde chamar em seu sussurro áspero e metálico. Os lobos pareceram responder a ele de longe. Poucos minutos depois, uma matilha invadiu o pátio pela entrada larga, como água rompendo uma represa.

Original English Version

As I sat I heard a sound in the courtyard without - the agonised cry of a woman. I rushed to the window, and throwing it up, peered out between the bars. There, indeed, was a woman with dishevelled hair, holding her hands over her heart as one distressed with running. She was leaning against a corner of the gateway. When she saw my face at the window she threw herself forward, and shouted in a voice laden with menace: -

“Monster, give me my child!”

She threw herself on her knees, and raising up her hands, cried the same words in tones which wrung my heart. Then she tore her hair and beat her breast, and abandoned herself to all the violences of extravagant emotion. Finally, she threw herself forward, and, though I could not see her, I could hear the beating of her naked hands against the door.

Somewhere high overhead, probably on the tower, I heard the voice of the Count calling in his harsh, metallic whisper. His call seemed to be answered from far and wide by the howling of wolves. Before many minutes had passed a pack of them poured, like a pent-up dam when liberated, through the wide entrance into the courtyard.

Tradução Integral em Português

Enquanto eu estava sentado, ouvi um som no pátio lá fora - o grito angustiado de uma mulher. Precipitei-me à janela e, abrindo-a de golpe, espreitei por entre as grades. Ali, de fato, estava uma mulher de cabelos desgrenhados, com as mãos sobre o coração, como alguém aflito de tanto correr. Estava recostada a um canto do portão. Quando viu meu rosto à janela, atirou-se para a frente e bradou, numa voz carregada de ameaça: -

"Monstro, devolva-me meu filho!"

Atirou-se de joelhos e, erguendo as mãos, bradou as mesmas palavras em tons que me apertaram o coração. Depois arrancou os cabelos e bateu no peito, e entregou-se a todas as violências de uma emoção desmedida. Por fim, atirou-se para a frente e, embora eu não pudesse vê-la, pude ouvir o bater de suas mãos nuas contra a porta.

Em algum lugar bem no alto, provavelmente na torre, ouvi a voz do Conde a chamar em seu áspero sussurro metálico. Seu chamado pareceu ser respondido de perto e de longe pelo uivar dos lobos. Antes que se passassem muitos minutos, uma matilha deles despejou-se, como uma represa contida ao ser liberada, pela larga entrada, para dentro do pátio.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

A mulher não deu mais nenhum grito, e os lobos uivaram só por um curto momento. Logo foram embora, um por um, lambendo os lábios.

Eu não conseguia sentir pena dela, porque agora eu sabia o que tinha acontecido com o filho dela, e ela estava melhor morta.

O que devo fazer? O que posso fazer? Como posso escapar dessa coisa terrível feita de noite, escuridão e medo?

25 de junho, de manhã. - Ninguém sabe, até sofrer durante a noite, quão doce e querida a manhã pode ser. Esta manhã, quando o sol subiu alto o bastante para tocar o topo do grande portão em frente à minha janela, pareceu-me que a pomba da arca tinha pousado ali. Meu medo se desfez como neblina sob a luz quente. Preciso agir agora, enquanto ainda tenho a coragem que a luz do dia me dá. Ontem à noite, uma das minhas cartas, com data futura, foi enviada. Foi a primeira das cartas tristes que vão apagar todo vestígio da minha vida na terra.

Original English Version

There was no cry from the woman, and the howling of the wolves was but short. Before long they streamed away singly, licking their lips.

I could not pity her, for I knew now what had become of her child, and she was better dead.

What shall I doá what can I do? How can I escape from this dreadful thing of night and gloom and fear?

25 June, morning. - No man knows till he has suffered from the night how sweet and how dear to his heart and eye the morning can be. When the sun grew so high this morning that it struck the top of the great gateway opposite my window, the high spot which it touched seemed to me as if the dove from the ark had lighted there. My fear fell from me as if it had been a vaporous garment which dissolved in the warmth. I must take action of some sort whilst the courage of the day is upon me. Last night one of my postdated letters went to post, the first of that fatal series which is to blot out the very traces of my existence from the earth.

Tradução Integral em Português

Não houve grito da mulher, e o uivar dos lobos foi apenas breve. Em pouco escoaram-se um a um, lambendo os beiços.

Não pude ter pena dela, pois eu sabia agora o que fora feito de seu filho, e ela estava melhor morta.

Que farei? que posso fazer? Como escapar desta coisa pavorosa de noite, de trevas e de medo?

25 de junho, manhã. - Nenhum homem sabe, enquanto não sofreu pela noite, quão doce e quão cara ao coração e ao olho pode ser a manhã. Quando o sol subiu tão alto esta manhã que bateu no topo do grande portão em frente à minha janela, o ponto elevado que ele tocou pareceu-me como se ali a pomba da arca tivesse pousado. Meu medo caiu de mim como se fosse uma veste vaporosa que se dissolvesse no calor. Devo tomar alguma providência enquanto a coragem do dia está sobre mim. Ontem à noite uma de minhas cartas pós-datadas foi ao correio, a primeira daquela série fatal que há de apagar da terra os próprios vestígios da minha existência.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Não quero pensar nisso. Preciso agir!

Sempre foi à noite que fui ameaçado ou estive em perigo. Ainda não vi o Conde à luz do dia. Será possível que ele durma quando os outros estão acordados, e fique acordado quando eles dormem? Se eu ao menos pudesse entrar no quarto dele! Mas não há como. A porta está sempre trancada, e não consigo entrar.

Sim, há um jeito, se alguém ousar tentar. Se o corpo dele saiu por um caminho, por que não outro corpo também? Eu o vi sair rastejando pela janela dele. Por que eu não poderia copiá-lo e entrar pela janela também? É uma chance desesperada, mas minha necessidade é ainda maior. Vou arriscar. Na pior das hipóteses, só pode ser a morte. E a morte de um homem não é como a de um bezerro. Talvez a vida depois da morte ainda esteja aberta para mim. Que Deus me ajude nessa tarefa! Adeus, Mina, se eu falhar; adeus, meu amigo fiel e segundo pai; adeus a todos, e por último, Mina!

Original English Version

Let me not think of it. Action!

It has always been at nighttime that I have been molested or threatened, or in some way in danger or in fear. I have not yet seen the Count in the daylight. Can it be that he sleeps when others wake, that he may be awake whilst they sleep? If I could only get into his room! But there is no possible way. The door is always locked, no way for me.

Yes, there is a way, if one dares to take it. Where his body has gone why may not another body go? I have seen him myself crawl from his window. Why should not I imitate him, and go in by his window? The chances are desperate, but my need is more desperate still. I shall risk it. At the worst it can only be death; and a man’s death is not a calf’s, and the dreaded Hereafter may still be open to me. God help me in my task! Goodbye, Mina, if I fail; goodbye, my faithful friend and second father; goodbye, all, and last of all Mina!

Tradução Integral em Português

Não devo pensar nisso. Ação!

Foi sempre à noite que fui molestado ou ameaçado, ou de algum modo posto em perigo ou em medo. Ainda não vi o Conde à luz do dia. Será que ele dorme quando os outros velam, para poder estar desperto quando eles dormem? Se eu ao menos conseguisse entrar em seu quarto! Mas não há meio possível. A porta está sempre trancada, não há saída para mim.

Sim, há um meio, se alguém ousar tomá-lo. Onde o corpo dele foi, por que não pode ir outro corpo? Eu próprio o vi rastejar de sua janela. Por que não haveria eu de imitá-lo e entrar pela janela dele? As chances são desesperadas, mas minha necessidade é mais desesperada ainda. Vou arriscar. No pior dos casos, só pode ser a morte; e a morte de um homem não é a de um bezerro, e o temido Além ainda pode estar aberto para mim. Deus me ajude em minha tarefa! Adeus, Mina, se eu falhar; adeus, meu fiel amigo e segundo pai; adeus a todos, e por último de todos, Mina!

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Mais tarde, no mesmo dia. - Fiz a tentativa e, com a ajuda de Deus, voltei em segurança para este quarto. Preciso escrever tudo em ordem. Enquanto ainda tinha coragem, fui direto até a janela do lado sul e saí para a estreita saliência de pedra que contorna o prédio. As pedras eram grandes e ásperas, e a argamassa entre elas tinha se desfeito. Tirei as botas e segui com cuidado. Olhei para baixo uma vez, para que a profundidade terrível não me chocasse depois, mas, a partir daí, mantive os olhos longe dali. Eu sabia a direção e a distância até a janela do Conde, e fui me movendo até ela o melhor que pude. Não senti tontura, talvez porque estivesse muito agitado. Logo estava de pé no parapeito, tentando levantar o caixilho. Fiquei muito nervoso quando me abaixei e deslizei pela janela, com os pés primeiro. Depois procurei pelo Conde, mas, para minha surpresa e alegria, encontrei o quarto vazio. Havia apenas alguns objetos estranhos que pareciam nunca ter sido usados. Os móveis eram parecidos com os dos quartos do lado sul, e estavam cobertos de poeira. Procurei a chave, mas não estava na fechadura, e não consegui encontrá-la em lugar nenhum. A única coisa que encontrei foi uma grande pilha de ouro num canto, com moedas romanas, britânicas, austríacas, húngaras, gregas e turcas, todas cobertas de poeira, como se estivessem enterradas havia muito tempo. Nenhuma das moedas que vi tinha menos de trezentos anos. Também havia correntes e ornamentos, alguns com joias, mas todos velhos e manchados.

Original English Version

Same day, later. - I have made the effort, and God, helping me, have come safely back to this room. I must put down every detail in order. I went whilst my courage was fresh straight to the window on the south side, and at once got outside on the narrow ledge of stone which runs around the building on this side. The stones are big and roughly cut, and the mortar has by process of time been washed away between them. I took off my boots, and ventured out on the desperate way. I looked down once, so as to make sure that a sudden glimpse of the awful depth would not overcome me, but after that kept my eyes away from it. I knew pretty well the direction and distance of the Count’s window, and made for it as well as I could, having regard to the opportunities available. I did not feel dizzy - I suppose I was too excited - and the time seemed ridiculously short till I found myself standing on the windowsill and trying to raise up the sash. I was filled with agitation, however, when I bent down and slid feet foremost in through the window. Then I looked around for the Count, but, with surprise and gladness, made a discovery. The room was empty! It was barely furnished with odd things, which seemed to have never been used; the furniture was something the same style as that in the south rooms, and was covered with dust. I looked for the key, but it was not in the lock, and I could not find it anywhere. The only thing I found was a great heap of gold in one corner - gold of all kinds, Roman, and British, and Austrian, and Hungarian, and Greek and Turkish money, covered with a film of dust, as though it had lain long in the ground. None of it that I noticed was less than three hundred years old. There were also chains and ornaments, some jewelled, but all of them old and stained.

Tradução Integral em Português

No mesmo dia, mais tarde. - Fiz a tentativa e, com a ajuda de Deus, voltei em segurança a este quarto. Devo anotar cada detalhe em ordem. Fui, enquanto minha coragem estava fresca, direto à janela do lado sul, e logo saí para a estreita saliência de pedra que contorna o edifício deste lado. As pedras são grandes e toscamente talhadas, e a argamassa foi, com o processo do tempo, lavada de entre elas. Tirei as botas e aventurei-me pelo caminho desesperado. Olhei para baixo uma vez, para certificar-me de que um súbito relance da pavorosa profundidade não me sobrepujaria, mas depois disso mantive os olhos afastados dela. Conhecia razoavelmente bem a direção e a distância da janela do Conde, e rumei para ela o melhor que pude, atento às oportunidades disponíveis. Não senti vertigem - suponho que estivesse excitado demais - e o tempo pareceu ridiculamente curto até que me achei de pé no peitoril da janela, tentando erguer a guilhotina. Enchi-me de agitação, contudo, ao curvar-me e deslizar para dentro, pés à frente, pela janela. Então procurei o Conde em volta, mas, com surpresa e alegria, fiz uma descoberta. O aposento estava vazio! Estava mal mobiliado, com coisas avulsas que pareciam nunca ter sido usadas; os móveis eram mais ou menos do mesmo estilo dos aposentos do sul, e estavam cobertos de pó. Procurei a chave, mas não estava na fechadura, e não a encontrei em parte alguma. A única coisa que encontrei foi um grande monte de ouro a um canto - ouro de toda espécie: dinheiro romano, e britânico, e austríaco, e húngaro, e grego e turco, coberto por uma película de pó, como se longamente jazesse no chão. Nada dele que eu notasse tinha menos de trezentos anos. Havia também correntes e ornamentos, alguns com pedras, mas todos velhos e manchados.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Em um canto do quarto havia uma porta pesada. Tentei abri-la, porque não conseguia encontrar a chave do quarto nem a da porta externa, que era o que eu realmente procurava. Se eu não procurasse mais longe, todo o meu esforço teria sido em vão. A porta estava aberta e levava, por uma passagem de pedra, a uma escada em caracol que descia bastante íngreme. Desci com cuidado, porque a escada era escura, e apenas pequenas aberturas nas paredes grossas deixavam entrar luz. No final havia uma passagem escura, como um túnel, de onde vinha um cheiro morto e enjoativo, o cheiro de terra velha recém-cavada. Enquanto eu caminhava por ali, o cheiro ficava mais forte. Por fim, empurrei uma porta pesada que estava entreaberta, e me vi numa antiga capela em ruínas, que claramente tinha sido usada como cemitério. O teto estava quebrado, e em dois lugares havia degraus que desciam até criptas. O chão tinha sido cavado recentemente, e a terra fora colocada em grandes caixas de madeira, claramente as mesmas trazidas pelos eslovacos. Não havia ninguém ali, e procurei outra saída, mas não havia nenhuma. Então examinei cada parte do lugar para não deixar nada passar. Cheguei até a entrar nas criptas, embora estivesse apavorado até a alma. Entrei em duas delas e vi apenas pedaços quebrados de caixões velhos e montes de poeira. Na terceira, porém, fiz uma descoberta.

Original English Version

At one corner of the room was a heavy door. I tried it, for, since I could not find the key of the room or the key of the outer door, which was the main object of my search, I must make further examination, or all my efforts would be in vain. It was open, and led through a stone passage to a circular stairway, which went steeply down. I descended, minding carefully where I went, for the stairs were dark, being only lit by loopholes in the heavy masonry. At the bottom there was a dark, tunnel-like passage, through which came a deathly, sickly odour, the odour of old earth newly turned. As I went through the passage the smell grew closer and heavier. At last I pulled open a heavy door which stood ajar, and found myself in an old, ruined chapel, which had evidently been used as a graveyard. The roof was broken, and in two places were steps leading to vaults, but the ground had recently been dug over, and the earth placed in great wooden boxes, manifestly those which had been brought by the Slovaks. There was nobody about, and I made search for any further outlet, but there was none. Then I went over every inch of the ground, so as not to lose a chance. I went down even into the vaults, where the dim light struggled, although to do so was a dread to my very soul. Into two of these I went, but saw nothing except fragments of old coffins and piles of dust; in the third, however, I made a discovery.

Tradução Integral em Português

A um canto do aposento havia uma porta pesada. Experimentei-a, pois, já que não conseguira achar a chave do quarto nem a da porta externa - que era o principal objeto de minha busca - eu tinha de fazer mais exame, ou todos os meus esforços seriam em vão. Estava aberta, e conduzia por uma passagem de pedra a uma escada circular que descia a pique. Desci, cuidando bem por onde ia, pois os degraus eram escuros, iluminados apenas por seteiras na pesada alvenaria. No fundo havia uma passagem escura, em forma de túnel, pela qual vinha um odor mortiço e enfermiço, o odor de terra velha recém-revolvida. À medida que eu avançava pela passagem, o cheiro tornava-se mais próximo e mais pesado. Por fim, abri, puxando, uma porta pesada que estava entreaberta, e vi-me numa velha capela em ruínas, que evidentemente fora usada como cemitério. O teto estava quebrado, e em dois lugares havia degraus que levavam a criptas, mas o chão fora recentemente revolvido, e a terra colocada em grandes caixas de madeira, manifestamente aquelas que os eslovacos haviam trazido. Não havia ninguém por ali, e procurei por alguma saída adicional, mas não havia nenhuma. Então percorri cada palmo do chão, para não perder uma chance. Desci mesmo às criptas, onde a luz débil se debatia, embora fazê-lo fosse um pavor para a minha própria alma. A duas delas desci, mas nada vi exceto fragmentos de velhos caixões e montes de pó; na terceira, contudo, fiz uma descoberta.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Lá, em uma das grandes caixas - havia cinquenta ao todo - sobre um monte de terra recém-cavada, estava o Conde! Ele estava morto ou dormindo; eu não sabia dizer. Seus olhos estavam abertos e duros como pedra, mas sem o vidrado da morte. Suas bochechas tinham o calor da vida, apesar da palidez. Seus lábios estavam vermelhos como sempre. Mas não havia movimento, nem pulso, nem respiração, nem batimento cardíaco. Debrucei-me sobre ele e tentei encontrar algum sinal de vida, mas em vão. Ele não podia estar ali havia muito tempo, porque o cheiro de terra teria sumido em poucas horas. Ao lado da caixa estava a tampa, com furos aqui e ali. Pensei que ele pudesse estar com as chaves, mas quando procurei, vi seus olhos mortos. Mesmo mortos, mostravam tanto ódio, embora ele não tivesse consciência de mim nem da minha presença, que fugi daquele lugar. Saí do quarto do Conde pela janela e subi de novo, rastejando pela parede do castelo. De volta ao meu quarto, joguei-me na cama, ofegante, e tentei pensar.

Original English Version

There, in one of the great boxes, of which there were fifty in all, on a pile of newly dug earth, lay the Count! He was either dead or asleep, I could not say which - for the eyes were open and stony, but without the glassiness of death - and the cheeks had the warmth of life through all their pallor; the lips were as red as ever. But there was no sign of movement, no pulse, no breath, no beating of the heart. I bent over him, and tried to find any sign of life, but in vain. He could not have lain there long, for the earthy smell would have passed away in a few hours. By the side of the box was its cover, pierced with holes here and there. I thought he might have the keys on him, but when I went to search I saw the dead eyes, and in them, dead though they were, such a look of hate, though unconscious of me or my presence, that I fled from the place, and leaving the Count’s room by the window, crawled again up the castle wall. Regaining my room, I threw myself panting upon the bed and tried to think. …

Tradução Integral em Português

Ali, numa das grandes caixas, das quais havia cinquenta ao todo, sobre um monte de terra recém-cavada, jazia o Conde! Estava morto ou dormindo, eu não saberia dizer qual - pois os olhos estavam abertos e pétreos, mas sem a vidraçosidade da morte - e as faces tinham o calor da vida através de toda a sua palidez; os lábios estavam tão vermelhos como sempre. Mas não havia sinal de movimento, nem pulso, nem respiração, nem batida do coração. Curvei-me sobre ele e tentei achar algum sinal de vida, mas em vão. Ele não podia ter jazido ali por muito tempo, pois o cheiro de terra teria passado em poucas horas. Ao lado da caixa estava sua tampa, perfurada de furos aqui e ali. Pensei que ele pudesse ter as chaves consigo, mas, quando fui revistá-lo, vi os olhos mortos e, neles, mortos embora estivessem, tal olhar de ódio, ainda que inconsciente de mim ou da minha presença, que fugi do lugar e, deixando o quarto do Conde pela janela, rastejei de novo parede acima do castelo. Ao reganhar meu quarto, atirei-me ofegante sobre a cama e tentei pensar. …

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

29 de junho. - Hoje é a data da minha última carta, e o Conde provou que ela foi enviada de verdade. De novo o vi deixar o castelo pela mesma janela, usando minhas roupas. Enquanto ele descia a parede como um lagarto, desejei ter uma arma de fogo ou alguma outra arma mortal para poder destruí-lo. Mas temo que nenhuma arma feita apenas por mãos humanas possa feri-lo. Não ousei esperar por seu retorno, porque tinha medo de ver aquelas irmãs estranhas de novo. Voltei para a biblioteca e li ali até adormecer.

Acordei quando o Conde olhou para mim com o rosto mais frio que um homem poderia ter, e disse:

Original English Version

29 June. - Today is the date of my last letter, and the Count has taken steps to prove that it was genuine, for again I saw him leave the castle by the same window, and in my clothes. As he went down the wall, lizard fashion, I wished I had a gun or some lethal weapon, that I might destroy him; but I fear that no weapon wrought alone by man’s hand would have any effect on him. I dared not wait to see him return, for I feared to see those weird sisters. I came back to the library, and read there till I fell asleep.

I was awakened by the Count, who looked at me as grimly as a man can look as he said: -

Tradução Integral em Português

29 de junho. - Hoje é a data da minha última carta, e o Conde tomou providências para provar que era genuína, pois de novo o vi deixar o castelo pela mesma janela, e com minhas roupas. Enquanto descia a parede, à maneira de lagarto, desejei ter uma arma de fogo ou algum instrumento letal, para poder destruí-lo; mas temo que nenhuma arma forjada apenas pela mão do homem tivesse qualquer efeito sobre ele. Não ousei esperar para vê-lo voltar, pois temia ver aquelas irmãs sinistras. Voltei à biblioteca e li ali até adormecer.

Fui despertado pelo Conde, que me olhou tão sombriamente quanto um homem pode olhar ao dizer: -

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

"Amanhã, meu amigo, precisamos nos despedir. Você vai voltar para sua bela Inglaterra, e eu vou cuidar de um trabalho que talvez termine de um jeito que nunca mais nos veremos. Sua carta para casa já foi enviada. Amanhã eu não estarei aqui, mas tudo estará pronto para sua viagem. Pela manhã os Szgany virão, e eles também têm trabalho a fazer aqui. Alguns eslovacos também virão. Depois que eles forem embora, minha carruagem vai levá-lo até o Borgo Pass, onde você vai encontrar a diligência de Bucovina para Bistritz. Mas espero ver você de novo no Castelo Drácula." Eu não confiava nele, e decidi testar se ele era sincero. Sincero! Quase parece errado usar essa palavra para um monstro assim, mas perguntei diretamente:

"Por que eu não posso ir esta noite?"

"Porque, caro senhor, meu cocheiro e meus cavalos estão fora, em uma missão."

Original English Version

“Tomorrow, my friend, we must part. You return to your beautiful England, I to some work which may have such an end that we may never meet. Your letter home has been despatched; tomorrow I shall not be here, but all shall be ready for your journey. In the morning come the Szgany, who have some labours of their own here, and also come some Slovaks. When they have gone, my carriage shall come for you, and shall bear you to the Borgo Pass to meet the diligence from Bukovina to Bistritz. But I am in hopes that I shall see more of you at Castle Dracula.” I suspected him, and determined to test his sincerity. Sincerity! It seems like a profanation of the word to write it in connection with such a monster, so asked him point-blank: -

“Why may I not go tonight?”

“Because, dear sir, my coachman and horses are away on a mission.”

Tradução Integral em Português

"Amanhã, meu amigo, devemos separar-nos. O senhor volta à sua bela Inglaterra, eu a algum trabalho que pode ter tal fim que talvez nunca mais nos encontremos. Sua carta para casa já foi despachada; amanhã não estarei aqui, mas tudo estará pronto para sua viagem. De manhã vêm os sgani, que têm aqui alguns labores próprios, e vêm também alguns eslovacos. Quando tiverem partido, minha carruagem virá buscá-lo e o levará ao Passo de Borgo para encontrar a diligência de Bucovina a Bistritz. Mas tenho esperança de vê-lo mais vezes no Castelo Drácula." Suspeitei dele e resolvi pôr à prova sua sinceridade. Sinceridade! Parece uma profanação da palavra escrevê-la em relação a tal monstro; por isso perguntei-lhe à queima-roupa: -

"Por que não posso partir esta noite?"

"Porque, caro senhor, meu cocheiro e meus cavalos estão fora, numa missão."

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

"Mas eu iria a pé com prazer. Quero partir agora mesmo." Ele sorriu. Foi um sorriso suave, macio e maligno, e eu soube que havia algum truque por trás dele. Ele disse:

"E a sua bagagem?"

"Não me importo com ela. Posso mandar buscá-la outra hora."

O Conde se levantou e falou com uma polidez tão doce, que parecia tão real, que esfreguei os olhos.

"Vocês, ingleses, têm um ditado que é muito querido para mim: ‘Bem-vindo o que chega; que se apresse o hóspede que parte.’ Venha comigo, meu jovem e querido amigo. Você não vai esperar em minha casa contra sua vontade, nem por uma hora sequer, embora eu esteja triste em vê-lo partir e triste que deseje isso tão de repente. Venha!" Com séria dignidade, ele caminhou à minha frente com o lampião, descendo a escada e seguindo pelo corredor. De repente, parou.

"Escute!"

Muitos lobos uivaram bem perto. Era quase como se o som tivesse começado quando ele levantou a mão. Depois de uma breve pausa, ele seguiu até a porta, puxou os ferrolhos pesados, soltou as correntes grossas e começou a abri-la.

Original English Version

“But I would walk with pleasure. I want to get away at once.” He smiled, such a soft, smooth, diabolical smile that I knew there was some trick behind his smoothness. He said: -

“And your baggage?”

“I do not care about it. I can send for it some other time.”

The Count stood up, and said, with a sweet courtesy which made me rub my eyes, it seemed so real: -

“You English have a saying which is close to my heart, for its spirit is that which rules our boyars: ‘Welcome the coming; speed the parting guest.’ Come with me, my dear young friend. Not an hour shall you wait in my house against your will, though sad am I at your going, and that you so suddenly desire it. Come!” With a stately gravity, he, with the lamp, preceded me down the stairs and along the hall. Suddenly he stopped.

“Hark!”

Close at hand came the howling of many wolves. It was almost as if the sound sprang up at the rising of his hand, just as the music of a great orchestra seems to leap under the bâton of the conductor. After a pause of a moment, he proceeded, in his stately way, to the door, drew back the ponderous bolts, unhooked the heavy chains, and began to draw it open.

Tradução Integral em Português

"Mas eu iria a pé com prazer. Quero partir imediatamente." Ele sorriu, um sorriso tão suave, tão macio, tão diabólico, que soube haver algum ardil por trás de sua macieza. Disse: -

"E sua bagagem?"

"Não me importo com ela. Posso mandar buscá-la outra hora."

O Conde levantou-se e disse, com uma doce cortesia que me fez esfregar os olhos, de tão real que parecia: -

"Vocês, ingleses, têm um dito que me é caro, pois seu espírito é o que rege nossos boiardos: 'Acolhe quem chega; apressa o hóspede que parte.' Venha comigo, meu caro jovem amigo. Nem uma hora esperará o senhor em minha casa contra sua vontade, embora eu me entristeça com sua partida, e por o senhor tão de súbito desejá-la. Venha!" Com uma majestosa gravidade, ele, com a lâmpada, precedeu-me escada abaixo e ao longo do saguão. De súbito parou.

"Escute!"

Bem perto veio o uivar de muitos lobos. Foi quase como se o som brotasse ao erguer-se de sua mão, tal como a música de uma grande orquestra parece saltar sob a batuta do regente. Após uma pausa de um momento, prosseguiu, à sua maneira majestosa, até a porta, puxou os pesados ferrolhos, desprendeu as correntes maciças e começou a abri-la.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Para minha grande surpresa, vi que ela estava destrancada. Olhei ao redor com cuidado, mas não consegui ver nenhuma chave.

Enquanto a porta se abria, os uivos lá fora ficavam mais altos e mais furiosos. Suas mandíbulas vermelhas, dentes afiados e patas ásperas apareciam enquanto pulavam na direção da abertura. Foi então que percebi que era inútil enfrentar o Conde naquele momento. Com ajudantes assim, eu não podia fazer nada. Mas a porta continuava se abrindo devagar, e só o corpo do Conde ocupava o vão. De repente pensei que aquele poderia ser o momento da minha morte. Ele poderia me entregar aos lobos, e eu mesmo teria pedido por isso. O pensamento era muito cruel, até mesmo para o Conde. Como última chance, gritei:

"Feche a porta; vou esperar até de manhã!" Cobri o rosto com as mãos para esconder minhas lágrimas amargas de decepção. Com um movimento forte do braço, o Conde bateu a porta com força, e os ferrolhos pesados bateram e ecoaram pelo corredor ao voltarem para o lugar.

Original English Version

To my intense astonishment I saw that it was unlocked. Suspiciously, I looked all round, but could see no key of any kind.

As the door began to open, the howling of the wolves without grew louder and angrier; their red jaws, with champing teeth, and their blunt-clawed feet as they leaped, came in through the opening door. I knew then that to struggle at the moment against the Count was useless. With such allies as these at his command, I could do nothing. But still the door continued slowly to open, and only the Count’s body stood in the gap. Suddenly it struck me that this might be the moment and means of my doom; I was to be given to the wolves, and at my own instigation. There was a diabolical wickedness in the idea great enough for the Count, and as a last chance I cried out: -

“Shut the door; I shall wait till morning!” and covered my face with my hands to hide my tears of bitter disappointment. With one sweep of his powerful arm, the Count threw the door shut, and the great bolts clanged and echoed through the hall as they shot back into their places.

Tradução Integral em Português

Para meu intenso assombro, vi que estava destrancada. Desconfiado, olhei em toda a volta, mas não consegui ver chave de espécie alguma.

À medida que a porta começava a abrir-se, o uivar dos lobos lá fora crescia mais alto e mais raivoso; suas fauces vermelhas, de dentes rangentes, e suas patas de garras rombas ao saltarem entravam pela porta que se abria. Soube então que lutar naquele momento contra o Conde era inútil. Com aliados como aqueles ao seu comando, nada eu podia fazer. Mas ainda assim a porta continuava a abrir-se lentamente, e apenas o corpo do Conde ficava na brecha. De súbito ocorreu-me que este podia ser o momento e o meio da minha perdição; eu seria entregue aos lobos, e por minha própria instigação. Havia na ideia uma perversidade diabólica bastante grande para o Conde e, como última chance, bradei: -

"Feche a porta; esperarei até de manhã!" e cobri o rosto com as mãos para esconder minhas lágrimas de amarga decepção. Com um só golpe de seu braço poderoso, o Conde fechou a porta com estrondo, e os grandes ferrolhos ressoaram e ecoaram pelo saguão ao voltarem a seus lugares.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Em silêncio, voltamos para a biblioteca, e depois de um minuto ou dois voltei para o meu próprio quarto. A última coisa que vi de Count Drácula foi ele mandando um beijo com a mão, com uma luz vermelha de triunfo nos olhos e um sorriso do qual até Judas, no inferno, teria orgulho.

Quando eu estava no meu quarto, prestes a me deitar, achei que ouvi sussurros na porta. Fui até ela em silêncio e escutei. Não estava enganado: era a voz do Conde.

"Para trás, para trás, para o seu lugar! Ainda não chegou a sua hora. Esperem! Tenham paciência! Esta noite é minha. A noite de amanhã é de vocês!" Então ouvi uma risada baixa e doce, e, com raiva, abri a porta. Vi as três mulheres terríveis do lado de fora, lambendo os lábios. Quando me viram, todas riram de um jeito horrível e saíram correndo.

Original English Version

In silence we returned to the library, and after a minute or two I went to my own room. The last I saw of Count Dracula was his kissing his hand to me; with a red light of triumph in his eyes, and with a smile that Judas in hell might be proud of.

When I was in my room and about to lie down, I thought I heard a whispering at my door. I went to it softly and listened. Unless my ears deceived me, I heard the voice of the Count: -

“Back, back, to your own place! Your time is not yet come. Wait! Have patience! Tonight is mine. Tomorrow night is yours!” There was a low, sweet ripple of laughter, and in a rage I threw open the door, and saw without the three terrible women licking their lips. As I appeared they all joined in a horrible laugh, and ran away.

Tradução Integral em Português

Em silêncio voltamos à biblioteca e, após um minuto ou dois, fui para o meu próprio quarto. A última coisa que vi do Conde Drácula foi ele soprando-me um beijo, com uma luz vermelha de triunfo nos olhos e com um sorriso de que Judas no inferno poderia orgulhar-se.

Quando eu estava em meu quarto e a ponto de me deitar, pareceu-me ouvir um sussurro à minha porta. Fui até ela de mansinho e escutei. A menos que meus ouvidos me enganassem, ouvi a voz do Conde: -

"Para trás, para trás, ao seu próprio lugar! Sua hora ainda não chegou. Esperem! Tenham paciência! Esta noite é minha. A noite de amanhã é de vocês!" Houve um marulho baixo e doce de riso, e, numa fúria, escancarei a porta e vi lá fora as três terríveis mulheres lambendo os beiços. Quando apareci, todas se uniram num riso horrível e saíram correndo.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Voltei para o meu quarto e caí de joelhos. Será que o fim está mesmo tão perto? Amanhã! Amanhã! Senhor, ajude-me e àqueles que eu amo!

30 de junho, de manhã. - Estas podem ser as últimas palavras que eu escreva neste diário. Dormi até pouco antes do amanhecer. Quando acordei, ajoelhei-me, porque tinha decidido que, se a Morte viesse, deveria me encontrar pronto.

Por fim, senti o ar mudar e soube que a manhã tinha chegado. Depois ouvi o canto bem-vindo de um galo, e soube que estava seguro. Com o coração cheio de alegria, abri a porta e corri até o corredor. Eu tinha visto que a porta estava destrancada, e agora a fuga era possível. Com as mãos tremendo de emoção, tirei as correntes e puxei os ferrolhos pesados.

Mas a porta não se mexia. O desespero tomou conta de mim. Puxei e puxei, e sacudi a porta até que, mesmo pesada como era, ela chacoalhasse no batente. Pude ver que a tranca ainda estava fechada. A porta tinha sido trancada depois que eu deixei o Conde.

Original English Version

I came back to my room and threw myself on my knees. It is then so near the end? Tomorrow! tomorrow! Lord, help me, and those to whom I am dear!

30 June, morning. - These may be the last words I ever write in this diary. I slept till just before the dawn, and when I woke threw myself on my knees, for I determined that if Death came he should find me ready.

At last I felt that subtle change in the air, and knew that the morning had come. Then came the welcome cockcrow, and I felt that I was safe. With a glad heart, I opened my door and ran down to the hall. I had seen that the door was unlocked, and now escape was before me. With hands that trembled with eagerness, I unhooked the chains and drew back the massive bolts.

But the door would not move. Despair seized me. I pulled, and pulled, at the door, and shook it till, massive as it was, it rattled in its casement. I could see the bolt shot. It had been locked after I left the Count.

Tradução Integral em Português

Voltei ao meu quarto e atirei-me de joelhos. Está, então, tão perto o fim? Amanhã! amanhã! Senhor, ajuda-me, e àqueles que me são caros!

30 de junho, manhã. - Estas podem ser as últimas palavras que jamais escrevo neste diário. Dormi até pouco antes da aurora e, ao acordar, atirei-me de joelhos, pois resolvi que, se a Morte viesse, havia de encontrar-me pronto.

Por fim senti aquela sutil mudança no ar e soube que a manhã chegara. Então veio o bem-vindo canto do galo, e senti que estava a salvo. De coração alegre, abri a porta e desci correndo ao saguão. Vira que a porta estava destrancada, e agora a fuga estava diante de mim. Com mãos que tremiam de ânsia, desprendi as correntes e puxei os maciços ferrolhos.

Mas a porta não se movia. O desespero apoderou-se de mim. Puxei e puxei a porta, e sacudi-a até que, maciça como era, ela chocalhou no batente. Pude ver o ferrolho corrido. Fora trancada depois que deixei o Conde.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Então fui tomado por um desejo selvagem de conseguir aquela chave a qualquer custo, e decidi na hora escalar a parede de novo e chegar ao quarto do Conde. Ele poderia me matar, mas a morte agora parecia a escolha melhor. Sem parar, corri até a janela do lado leste e desci pela parede, como antes, até o quarto do Conde. Estava vazio, como eu esperava. Não consegui ver nenhuma chave em lugar nenhum, mas a pilha de ouro ainda estava lá. Passei pela porta do canto e desci a escada em espiral, depois segui pela passagem escura até a antiga capela. Agora eu sabia onde encontrar o monstro que procurava.

Original English Version

Then a wild desire took me to obtain that key at any risk, and I determined then and there to scale the wall again and gain the Count’s room. He might kill me, but death now seemed the happier choice of evils. Without a pause I rushed up to the east window, and scrambled down the wall, as before, into the Count’s room. It was empty, but that was as I expected. I could not see a key anywhere, but the heap of gold remained. I went through the door in the corner and down the winding stair and along the dark passage to the old chapel. I knew now well enough where to find the monster I sought.

Tradução Integral em Português

Então um desejo desvairado tomou-me de obter aquela chave a qualquer risco, e resolvi ali mesmo escalar de novo a parede e alcançar o quarto do Conde. Ele poderia matar-me, mas a morte parecia agora a mais feliz escolha entre os males. Sem pausa, precipitei-me à janela leste e escorreguei parede abaixo, como antes, para dentro do quarto do Conde. Estava vazio, mas isso era como eu esperava. Não consegui ver chave alguma em parte alguma, mas o monte de ouro permanecia. Passei pela porta no canto, desci a escada em caracol e segui pela passagem escura até a velha capela. Sabia agora muito bem onde encontrar o monstro que buscava.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

A grande caixa estava no mesmo lugar, perto da parede, mas a tampa estava colocada sobre ela, sem estar pregada, com os pregos prontos ao lado. Eu sabia que precisava chegar ao corpo para conseguir a chave, então levantei a tampa e a encostei na parede. Foi então que vi algo que me encheu de horror. O Conde estava deitado ali, mas parecia parcialmente jovem de novo. Seu cabelo branco e o bigode tinham mudado para um cinza-ferro escuro. Suas bochechas estavam mais cheias, e a pele pálida parecia vermelha por baixo. Sua boca estava mais vermelha do que nunca, com sangue fresco nos lábios, escorrendo pelos cantos da boca e descendo pelo queixo e pelo pescoço. Até seus olhos profundos e ardentes pareciam afundados em carne inchada, com pálpebras e bolsas inchadas por baixo. Parecia que toda aquela criatura horrível estava recheada de sangue. Ele estava deitado como uma sanguessuga imunda, esgotada por tudo o que tinha sugado. Estremeci quando me abaixei para tocá-lo, e cada parte de mim odiava aquele contato. Mas eu precisava procurar, ou estaria perdido. Naquela noite, meu próprio corpo poderia ser devorado por aquelas três mulheres horríveis. Apalpei-o todo, mas não consegui encontrar a chave. Então parei e olhei para o Conde. Um sorriso zombeteiro em seu rosto inchado quase me deixou louco. Aquele era o ser que eu estava ajudando a levar para Londres, onde ele poderia, por séculos, alimentar-se do sangue de tantas pessoas e criar cada vez mais meio-demônios para caçar os indefesos. O pensamento quase me enlouqueceu. Um desejo terrível me tomou, de destruir aquele monstro. Não havia nenhuma arma por perto, mas peguei uma pá que os trabalhadores tinham usado e a ergui bem alto. Golpeei aquele rosto odiado com o gume voltado para baixo. Mas, ao fazer isso, a cabeça dele virou, e seus olhos me encararam com um olhar terrível. Congelei, e a pá virou na minha mão, fazendo apenas um corte profundo acima de sua testa. A pá caiu da minha mão sobre a caixa, e quando a puxei de volta, a lâmina prendeu na borda da tampa. A tampa caiu e fechou de novo, escondendo aquela coisa horrível da minha vista. A última coisa que vi foi o rosto inchado, manchado de sangue e fixo num sorriso cruel que combinaria com o inferno mais profundo.

Original English Version

The great box was in the same place, close against the wall, but the lid was laid on it, not fastened down, but with the nails ready in their places to be hammered home. I knew I must reach the body for the key, so I raised the lid, and laid it back against the wall; and then I saw something which filled my very soul with horror. There lay the Count, but looking as if his youth had been half renewed, for the white hair and moustache were changed to dark iron-grey; the cheeks were fuller, and the white skin seemed ruby-red underneath; the mouth was redder than ever, for on the lips were gouts of fresh blood, which trickled from the corners of the mouth and ran over the chin and neck. Even the deep, burning eyes seemed set amongst swollen flesh, for the lids and pouches underneath were bloated. It seemed as if the whole awful creature were simply gorged with blood. He lay like a filthy leech, exhausted with his repletion. I shuddered as I bent over to touch him, and every sense in me revolted at the contact; but I had to search, or I was lost. The coming night might see my own body a banquet in a similar way to those horrid three. I felt all over the body, but no sign could I find of the key. Then I stopped and looked at the Count. There was a mocking smile on the bloated face which seemed to drive me mad. This was the being I was helping to transfer to London, where, perhaps, for centuries to come he might, amongst its teeming millions, satiate his lust for blood, and create a new and ever-widening circle of semi-demons to batten on the helpless. The very thought drove me mad. A terrible desire came upon me to rid the world of such a monster. There was no lethal weapon at hand, but I seized a shovel which the workmen had been using to fill the cases, and lifting it high, struck, with the edge downward, at the hateful face. But as I did so the head turned, and the eyes fell full upon me, with all their blaze of basilisk horror. The sight seemed to paralyse me, and the shovel turned in my hand and glanced from the face, merely making a deep gash above the forehead. The shovel fell from my hand across the box, and as I pulled it away the flange of the blade caught the edge of the lid which fell over again, and hid the horrid thing from my sight. The last glimpse I had was of the bloated face, bloodstained and fixed with a grin of malice which would have held its own in the nethermost hell.

Tradução Integral em Português

A grande caixa estava no mesmo lugar, encostada à parede, mas a tampa estava pousada sobre ela, não pregada, com os pregos, porém, já em seus lugares, prontos para serem cravados. Sabia que precisava alcançar o corpo para pegar a chave; então ergui a tampa e encostei-a à parede; e então vi algo que me encheu a própria alma de horror. Ali jazia o Conde, mas com aparência de quem tivesse a mocidade meio renovada, pois os cabelos e o bigode brancos estavam mudados num cinza-ferro escuro; as faces estavam mais cheias, e a pele branca parecia rubro-rubi por baixo; a boca estava mais vermelha que nunca, pois nos lábios havia gotas de sangue fresco, que escorriam dos cantos da boca e corriam pelo queixo e pelo pescoço. Até os olhos fundos e ardentes pareciam cravados em meio a carne inchada, pois as pálpebras e as bolsas por baixo estavam intumescidas. Parecia que a criatura pavorosa inteira estava simplesmente empanturrada de sangue. Jazia como uma sanguessuga imunda, exausta de sua repleção. Estremeci ao curvar-me para tocá-lo, e cada sentido em mim se revoltava ao contato; mas eu tinha de revistar, ou estaria perdido. A noite vindoura poderia ver meu próprio corpo num banquete semelhante ao daquelas três horríveis. Apalpei o corpo todo, mas nenhum sinal da chave pude encontrar. Então parei e olhei para o Conde. Havia um sorriso zombeteiro no rosto intumescido que pareceu enlouquecer-me. Este era o ser que eu ajudava a transferir para Londres, onde, talvez, por séculos vindouros, ele pudesse, entre seus milhões apinhados, saciar sua sede de sangue e criar um novo e sempre crescente círculo de semidemônios para se cevar nos indefesos. O simples pensamento enlouqueceu-me. Um desejo terrível tomou-me de livrar o mundo de tal monstro. Não havia à mão arma letal alguma, mas agarrei uma pá que os operários vinham usando para encher as caixas e, erguendo-a bem alto, golpeei, com o gume para baixo, o rosto odioso. Mas, ao fazê-lo, a cabeça girou, e os olhos caíram em cheio sobre mim, com toda a sua chama de horror de basilisco. A visão pareceu paralisar-me, e a pá virou em minha mão e resvalou do rosto, fazendo apenas um talho profundo acima da testa. A pá caiu-me da mão sobre a caixa e, quando a puxei, a aba da lâmina prendeu-se à beira da tampa, que tornou a cair, ocultando a coisa horrível de minha vista. O último relance que tive foi do rosto intumescido, manchado de sangue e fixo num esgar de malícia que se sustentaria no mais fundo dos infernos.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Fiquei pensando no meu próximo passo, mas minha mente parecia em chamas, e esperei num desespero crescente. Então ouvi, ao longe, uma canção cigana cantada por vozes alegres que se aproximavam. Sob o canto vinham o rolar de rodas pesadas e o estalo de chicotes. Os Szgany e os eslovacos de quem o Conde tinha falado estavam chegando. Com um último olhar ao redor, e para a caixa que guardava aquele corpo cruel, corri daquele lugar e cheguei ao quarto do Conde. Minha ideia era sair correndo quando a porta fosse aberta. Escutei com atenção e ouvi, lá embaixo, a chave girando na grande fechadura e a porta pesada se fechando. Devia haver outra entrada, ou alguém tinha a chave de uma das portas trancadas. Depois ouvi muitos passos se movendo por uma passagem e sumindo ao longe, com um eco ressoante. Virei-me para correr de volta na direção da cripta, onde talvez encontrasse a nova entrada. Mas então pareceu vir uma forte rajada de vento, e a porta da escada em espiral bateu com força, fazendo poeira voar do topo. Quando corri para abri-la, vi que não se mexia. Eu era prisioneiro de novo, e a desgraça se fechava sobre mim.

Original English Version

I thought and thought what should be my next move, but my brain seemed on fire, and I waited with a despairing feeling growing over me. As I waited I heard in the distance a gipsy song sung by merry voices coming closer, and through their song the rolling of heavy wheels and the cracking of whips; the Szgany and the Slovaks of whom the Count had spoken were coming. With a last look around and at the box which contained the vile body, I ran from the place and gained the Count’s room, determined to rush out at the moment the door should be opened. With strained ears, I listened, and heard downstairs the grinding of the key in the great lock and the falling back of the heavy door. There must have been some other means of entry, or someone had a key for one of the locked doors. Then there came the sound of many feet tramping and dying away in some passage which sent up a clanging echo. I turned to run down again towards the vault, where I might find the new entrance; but at the moment there seemed to come a violent puff of wind, and the door to the winding stair blew to with a shock that set the dust from the lintels flying. When I ran to push it open, I found that it was hopelessly fast. I was again a prisoner, and the net of doom was closing round me more closely.

Tradução Integral em Português

Pensei e pensei em qual deveria ser meu próximo passo, mas meu cérebro parecia em fogo, e esperei com uma sensação de desespero crescendo sobre mim. Enquanto esperava, ouvi ao longe uma canção cigana cantada por vozes alegres, que se aproximava, e, através de sua canção, o rolar de rodas pesadas e o estalar de chicotes; os sgani e os eslovacos de quem o Conde falara estavam chegando. Com um último olhar em volta e para a caixa que continha o corpo vil, saí correndo do lugar e alcancei o quarto do Conde, decidido a precipitar-me para fora no momento em que a porta se abrisse. Com ouvidos aguçados, escutei e ouvi lá embaixo o girar da chave na grande fechadura e o abrir-se da porta pesada. Deve ter havido algum outro meio de entrada, ou alguém tinha uma chave de uma das portas trancadas. Então veio o som de muitos pés a pisar e a esmorecer por alguma passagem que devolvia um eco retumbante. Voltei-me para descer de novo em direção à cripta, onde eu poderia achar a nova entrada; mas, no momento, pareceu vir uma violenta rajada de vento, e a porta da escada em caracol fechou-se com um baque que fez voar o pó dos vergais. Quando corri para empurrá-la e abri-la, achei-a irremediavelmente presa. Eu era de novo um prisioneiro, e a rede da perdição fechava-se mais estreitamente ao meu redor.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Enquanto escrevo, ouço muitos passos lá embaixo, na passagem, e o barulho pesado de cargas sendo colocadas no chão. Sem dúvida são as caixas com a terra dentro. Também ouço marteladas. Estão pregando a caixa. Agora consigo ouvir os passos pesados se movendo de novo pelo corredor, com muitos outros passos ociosos atrás.

A porta está fechada, e as correntes chacoalham. A chave gira na fechadura, e depois ouço ela sendo retirada. Outra porta se abre e se fecha, e ouço o rangido de uma fechadura e de um ferrolho.

Escutem! No pátio e pela estrada rochosa, ouço o rolar de rodas pesadas, o estalo dos chicotes e o canto dos Szgany, cada vez mais distante.

Estou sozinho no castelo com aquelas mulheres terríveis. Que nojo! Mina é uma mulher, e não há nada em comum entre elas. Elas são demônios vindos do abismo!

Original English Version

As I write there is in the passage below a sound of many tramping feet and the crash of weights being set down heavily, doubtless the boxes, with their freight of earth. There is a sound of hammering; it is the box being nailed down. Now I can hear the heavy feet tramping again along the hall, with many other idle feet coming behind them.

The door is shut, and the chains rattle; there is a grinding of the key in the lock; I can hear the key withdraw: then another door opens and shuts; I hear the creaking of lock and bolt.

Hark! in the courtyard and down the rocky way the roll of heavy wheels, the crack of whips, and the chorus of the Szgany as they pass into the distance.

I am alone in the castle with those awful women. Faugh! Mina is a woman, and there is nought in common. They are devils of the Pit!

Tradução Integral em Português

Enquanto escrevo, há na passagem lá embaixo um som de muitos pés a pisar e o baque de pesos sendo pousados pesadamente, sem dúvida as caixas, com sua carga de terra. Há um som de marteladas; é a caixa sendo pregada. Agora posso ouvir os pés pesados a pisar de novo pelo saguão, com muitos outros pés ociosos vindo atrás deles.

A porta está fechada, e as correntes chocalham; há um girar da chave na fechadura; posso ouvir a chave retirar-se: então outra porta abre e fecha; ouço o ranger de fechadura e ferrolho.

Escutem! no pátio e pelo caminho pedregoso, o rolar de rodas pesadas, o estalar de chicotes e o coro dos sgani ao passarem ao longe.

Estou sozinho no castelo com aquelas mulheres pavorosas. Argh! A Mina é uma mulher, e nada há de comum. Elas são demônios do Abismo!

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Não vou ficar sozinho com elas. Vou tentar escalar a parede do castelo mais alto do que antes. Vou levar um pouco de ouro comigo, caso precise depois. Talvez eu ainda consiga achar uma saída para este lugar horrível.

E depois, direto para casa! Vou pegar o trem mais rápido e mais próximo! Vou deixar para trás este lugar amaldiçoado e esta terra amaldiçoada, onde o diabo e seus filhos ainda caminham pela terra!

Ao menos a misericórdia de Deus é melhor que a delas. O penhasco é íngreme e alto. Em seu sopé, um homem pode dormir como homem. Adeus a todos! Mina!

Original English Version

I shall not remain alone with them; I shall try to scale the castle wall farther than I have yet attempted. I shall take some of the gold with me, lest I want it later. I may find a way from this dreadful place.

And then away for home! away to the quickest and nearest train! away from this cursed spot, from this cursed land, where the devil and his children still walk with earthly feet!

At least God’s mercy is better than that of these monsters, and the precipice is steep and high. At its foot a man may sleep - as a man. Goodbye, all! Mina!

Tradução Integral em Português

Não permanecerei sozinho com elas; tentarei escalar a parede do castelo mais longe do que ainda ousei. Levarei comigo um pouco do ouro, para o caso de precisar dele mais tarde. Talvez encontre um caminho para fora deste lugar pavoroso.

E depois, rumo a casa! rumo ao trem mais rápido e mais próximo! para longe deste ponto maldito, desta terra maldita, onde o diabo e seus filhos ainda caminham com pés terrenos!

Ao menos a misericórdia de Deus é melhor que a destes monstros, e o precipício é íngreme e alto. Ao seu pé, um homem pode dormir - como homem. Adeus a todos! Mina!

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Chapter V

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Carta de Srta. Mina Murray para Srta. Lucy Westenra.

9 de maio.

Minha querida Lucy.

Original English Version

Letter from Miss Mina Murray to Miss Lucy Westenra.

“9 May.

“My dearest Lucy -

Tradução Integral em Português

Carta da Srta. Mina Murray à Srta. Lucy Westenra.

"9 de maio.

"Minha queridíssima Lucy -

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Desculpe por não escrever há tanto tempo, mas eu tive trabalho demais. Ser professora assistente pode ser difícil. Eu queria poder estar com você à beira-mar, onde poderíamos conversar livremente e sonhar juntas. Tenho trabalhado muito ultimamente porque quero acompanhar os estudos de Jonathan. Também tenho praticado bastante taquigrafia. Quando nos casarmos, espero poder ajudar Jonathan. Se eu conseguir escrever taquigrafia bem o suficiente, posso anotar o que ele diz e depois datilografar para ele. Também estou praticando datilografia bastante. Ele e eu às vezes escrevemos cartas em taquigrafia, e ele está mantendo um diário em taquigrafia das viagens dele pelo exterior. Quando eu estiver com você, também vou manter um diário assim. Não quero dizer um daqueles diários pequenos com só duas páginas por semana. Quero dizer um diário no qual eu possa escrever sempre que quiser. Não acho que vá interessar muito as outras pessoas, mas não é para elas. Posso mostrar para Jonathan um dia, se houver algo que valha a pena compartilhar, mas é realmente só prática. Eu quero fazer o que as jornalistas fazem: fazer perguntas, escrever descrições e lembrar conversas. Disseram-me que, com prática, a pessoa consegue lembrar tudo o que acontece e tudo o que ouve em um dia. Vamos ver. Eu conto meus planos quando nos encontrarmos. Acabei de receber um bilhete rápido de Jonathan, da Transilvânia. Ele está bem e vai voltar em cerca de uma semana. Estou ansiosa para ouvir todas as novidades dele. Deve ser maravilhoso ver países estranhos. Eu me pergunto se Jonathan e eu algum dia os veremos juntos. O sino das dez horas está tocando. Adeus.

Original English Version

“Forgive my long delay in writing, but I have been simply overwhelmed with work. The life of an assistant schoolmistress is sometimes trying. I am longing to be with you, and by the sea, where we can talk together freely and build our castles in the air. I have been working very hard lately, because I want to keep up with Jonathan’s studies, and I have been practising shorthand very assiduously. When we are married I shall be able to be useful to Jonathan, and if I can stenograph well enough I can take down what he wants to say in this way and write it out for him on the typewriter, at which also I am practising very hard. He and I sometimes write letters in shorthand, and he is keeping a stenographic journal of his travels abroad. When I am with you I shall keep a diary in the same way. I don’t mean one of those two-pages-to-the-week-with-Sunday-squeezed-in-a-corner diaries, but a sort of journal which I can write in whenever I feel inclined. I do not suppose there will be much of interest to other people; but it is not intended for them. I may show it to Jonathan some day if there is in it anything worth sharing, but it is really an exercise book. I shall try to do what I see lady journalists do: interviewing and writing descriptions and trying to remember conversations. I am told that, with a little practice, one can remember all that goes on or that one hears said during a day. However, we shall see. I will tell you of my little plans when we meet. I have just had a few hurried lines from Jonathan from Transylvania. He is well, and will be returning in about a week. I am longing to hear all his news. It must be so nice to see strange countries. I wonder if we - I mean Jonathan and I - shall ever see them together. There is the ten o’clock bell ringing. Goodbye.

Tradução Integral em Português

"Perdoa a minha longa demora em escrever, mas tenho estado simplesmente assoberbada de trabalho. A vida de uma professora-assistente às vezes é penosa. Anseio por estar contigo, e à beira-mar, onde possamos conversar livremente e construir nossos castelos no ar. Tenho trabalhado muito ultimamente, porque quero acompanhar os estudos do Jonathan, e tenho praticado taquigrafia com muito afinco. Quando estivermos casados, poderei ser útil ao Jonathan e, se eu estenografar bem o bastante, poderei anotar assim o que ele quiser dizer e passá-lo a limpo para ele na máquina de escrever, na qual também pratico com muito empenho. Ele e eu às vezes escrevemos cartas em taquigrafia, e ele está mantendo um diário estenográfico de suas viagens ao exterior. Quando estiver contigo, manterei um diário do mesmo modo. Não quero dizer um daqueles diários de duas-páginas-por-semana-com-o-domingo-espremido-num-canto, mas uma espécie de jornal em que eu possa escrever sempre que me der na veneta. Não suponho que haja nele muito de interesse para outras pessoas; mas não é destinado a elas. Talvez eu o mostre ao Jonathan algum dia, se houver nele algo que valha a pena partilhar, mas é, na verdade, um caderno de exercícios. Vou tentar fazer o que vejo as moças jornalistas fazerem: entrevistar, escrever descrições e tentar lembrar-me de conversas. Dizem-me que, com um pouco de prática, é possível recordar tudo o que se passa ou se ouve dizer durante um dia. Enfim, veremos. Contar-te-ei os meus pequenos planos quando nos encontrarmos. Acabo de receber umas linhas apressadas do Jonathan, da Transilvânia. Ele está bem, e voltará dentro de uma semana mais ou menos. Anseio por saber todas as suas novidades. Deve ser tão bom ver países estranhos. Pergunto-me se nós - quero dizer, o Jonathan e eu - algum dia os veremos juntos. Lá está o sino das dez tocando. Adeus.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Com carinho, Mina.

Me conte todas as suas novidades quando escrever. Você não me conta nada há muito tempo. Estou ouvindo rumores, especialmente sobre um homem alto e bonito, de cabelo cacheado???

Carta de Lucy Westenra para Mina Murray.

17, Chatham Street, quarta-feira.

Minha querida Mina.

Original English Version

“Your loving “Mina.

“Tell me all the news when you write. You have not told me anything for a long time. I hear rumours, and especially of a tall, handsome, curly-haired man???”

Letter, Lucy Westenra to Mina Murray.

“17, Chatham Street, “Wednesday.

“My dearest Mina -

Tradução Integral em Português

"Tua amiga que muito te quer, "Mina.

"Conta-me todas as novidades quando escreveres. Faz muito tempo que não me contas nada. Ouço boatos, e especialmente de um homem alto, bonito, de cabelos cacheados???"

Carta de Lucy Westenra a Mina Murray.

"17, Chatham Street, "Quarta-feira.

"Minha queridíssima Mina -

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Tenho que dizer que você é injusta ao me chamar de má correspondente. Já escrevi para você duas vezes desde que nos separamos, e a sua última carta foi só a segunda. Além disso, eu não tenho nada para contar. Não há realmente nada interessante por aqui. A cidade está agradável agora, e nós vamos com frequência a galerias de arte e damos passeios a pé e a cavalo no parque. Sobre o homem alto, de cabelo cacheado, acho que você está falando daquele que estava comigo no último Pop. Alguém claramente andou espalhando fofoca. Esse era o Sr. Holmwood. Ele vem nos visitar com frequência, e ele e a mamãe se dão muito bem porque têm muito assunto para conversar. Há algum tempo conhecemos um homem que seria perfeito para você, se você já não estivesse noiva de Jonathan. Ele é um ótimo partido: bonito, rico e de boa família. Ele é médico e muito inteligente. Imagine só! Ele tem apenas vinte e nove anos e é o responsável por um enorme hospício. O Sr. Holmwood o apresentou para mim. Ele veio nos visitar, e agora vem sempre. Acho que ele é um dos homens mais determinados que já vi, e mesmo assim é muito calmo. Ele parece completamente inabalável. Consigo imaginar o grande poder que ele deve ter sobre os pacientes dele. Ele tem um hábito estranho de olhar bem nos olhos da pessoa, como se estivesse tentando ler os pensamentos dela. Ele faz isso comigo com muita frequência, mas eu me gabo de achar que ele tem dificuldade em me entender. Sei disso porque me olho no espelho. Você já tentou ler o seu próprio rosto? Eu tento, e posso te dizer que é um estudo muito interessante, embora seja mais difícil do que você imagina. Ele diz que eu sou um estudo mental curioso para ele, e eu, humildemente, acho que sou mesmo. Como você sabe, eu não ligo o suficiente para roupas para descrever as novas modas. Roupa é um saco. Isso é gíria de novo, mas tudo bem; o Arthur fala assim todo dia. Bem, agora já falei tudo. Mina, desde que éramos crianças contamos uma para a outra todos os nossos segredos; dormimos e comemos juntas, rimos e choramos juntas. Agora eu já disse, mas quero dizer mais. Ah, Mina, você não consegue adivinhar? Eu o amo. Estou corando enquanto escrevo, porque, embora eu ache que ele me ama, ele ainda não disse isso em palavras. Mas ah, Mina, eu o amo; eu o amo; eu o amo! Isso é um alívio. Eu queria estar com você, querida, sentadas perto do fogo, nos arrumando para dormir, como fazíamos antes, e eu tentaria te contar exatamente o que sinto. Nem sei como estou escrevendo isso, mesmo para você. Tenho medo de parar, porque senão eu rasgaria a carta, e eu não quero parar, porque quero te contar tudo. Escreva para mim assim que puder, e me diga o que você acha. Mina, preciso parar. Boa noite. Reze por mim, e Mina, reze pela minha felicidade.

Original English Version

“I must say you tax me very unfairly with being a bad correspondent. I wrote to you twice since we parted, and your last letter was only your second. Besides, I have nothing to tell you. There is really nothing to interest you. Town is very pleasant just now, and we go a good deal to picture-galleries and for walks and rides in the park. As to the tall, curly-haired man, I suppose it was the one who was with me at the last Pop. Someone has evidently been telling tales. That was Mr. Holmwood. He often comes to see us, and he and mamma get on very well together; they have so many things to talk about in common. We met some time ago a man that would just do for you, if you were not already engaged to Jonathan. He is an excellent parti, being handsome, well off, and of good birth. He is a doctor and really clever. Just fancy! He is only nine-and-twenty, and he has an immense lunatic asylum all under his own care. Mr. Holmwood introduced him to me, and he called here to see us, and often comes now. I think he is one of the most resolute men I ever saw, and yet the most calm. He seems absolutely imperturbable. I can fancy what a wonderful power he must have over his patients. He has a curious habit of looking one straight in the face, as if trying to read one’s thoughts. He tries this on very much with me, but I flatter myself he has got a tough nut to crack. I know that from my glass. Do you ever try to read your own face? I do, and I can tell you it is not a bad study, and gives you more trouble than you can well fancy if you have never tried it. He says that I afford him a curious psychological study, and I humbly think I do. I do not, as you know, take sufficient interest in dress to be able to describe the new fashions. Dress is a bore. That is slang again, but never mind; Arthur says that every day. There, it is all out. Mina, we have told all our secrets to each other since we were children; we have slept together and eaten together, and laughed and cried together; and now, though I have spoken, I would like to speak more. Oh, Mina, couldn’t you guess? I love him. I am blushing as I write, for although I think he loves me, he has not told me so in words. But oh, Mina, I love him; I love him; I love him! There, that does me good. I wish I were with you, dear, sitting by the fire undressing, as we used to sit; and I would try to tell you what I feel. I do not know how I am writing this even to you. I am afraid to stop, or I should tear up the letter, and I don’t want to stop, for I do so want to tell you all. Let me hear from you at once, and tell me all that you think about it. Mina, I must stop. Good night. Bless me in your prayers; and, Mina, pray for my happiness.

Tradução Integral em Português

"Devo dizer que me acusas muito injustamente de ser má correspondente. Escrevi-te duas vezes desde que nos separamos, e a tua última carta foi só a tua segunda. Além disso, não tenho nada a te contar. Não há realmente nada que te possa interessar. A cidade está muito agradável neste momento, e vamos bastante a galerias de pintura e a passeios a pé e a cavalo pelo parque. Quanto ao homem alto de cabelos cacheados, suponho que fosse aquele que estava comigo no último Pop. Evidentemente andaram fazendo fofoca. Era o Sr. Holmwood. Vem ver-nos com frequência, e ele e a mamãe se dão muito bem; têm tantos assuntos em comum. Conhecemos, há algum tempo, um homem que seria perfeito para ti, se já não estivesses comprometida com o Jonathan. É um excelente partido, sendo bonito, abastado e de boa família. É médico e realmente inteligente. Imagina só! Tem apenas vinte e nove anos, e um imenso manicômio inteiramente sob seus cuidados. O Sr. Holmwood apresentou-mo, e ele veio aqui ver-nos, e agora vem com frequência. Acho-o um dos homens mais resolutos que já vi, e ao mesmo tempo o mais calmo. Parece absolutamente imperturbável. Posso imaginar que poder maravilhoso ele deve ter sobre seus pacientes. Tem o curioso hábito de olhar a gente bem no rosto, como que tentando ler-lhe os pensamentos. Isso ele muito tenta comigo, mas me gabo de ser-lhe osso duro de roer. Sei-o pelo meu espelho. Alguma vez tentas ler o teu próprio rosto? Eu tento, e posso te dizer que não é mau estudo, e dá mais trabalho do que possas imaginar, se nunca o tentaste. Ele diz que lhe ofereço um curioso estudo psicológico, e humildemente creio que sim. Não tenho, como sabes, interesse suficiente por vestidos para poder descrever as novas modas. Vestido é um tédio. Isso é gíria de novo, mas não faz mal; o Arthur diz isso todo dia. Pronto, saiu tudo. Mina, contamos todos os nossos segredos uma à outra desde crianças; dormimos juntas e comemos juntas, e rimos e choramos juntas; e agora, embora eu tenha falado, gostaria de falar mais. Ah, Mina, não conseguirias adivinhar? Eu o amo. Estou corando enquanto escrevo, pois, embora eu ache que ele me ama, não mo disse por palavras. Mas ah, Mina, eu o amo; eu o amo; eu o amo! Pronto, isso me faz bem. Quisera estar contigo, querida, sentada junto à lareira, tirando a roupa, como costumávamos sentar; e tentaria dizer-te o que sinto. Nem sei como estou escrevendo isto, mesmo a ti. Tenho medo de parar, ou rasgaria a carta, e não quero parar, pois quero tanto contar-te tudo. Escreve-me imediatamente, e conta-me tudo o que pensas a respeito. Mina, tenho de parar. Boa noite. Abençoa-me em tuas orações; e, Mina, reza pela minha felicidade.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Lucy.

P.S. - Não preciso dizer que isso é segredo. Boa noite de novo.

L.

Carta de Lucy Westenra para Mina Murray.

24 de maio.

Minha querida Mina -

"Obrigada de novo pela sua carta tão querida. Foi bom conversar com você e ter o seu apoio.

Original English Version

“Lucy.

“P.S. - I need not tell you this is a secret. Good night again.

“L.”

Letter, Lucy Westenra to Mina Murray.

“24 May.

“My dearest Mina -

“Thanks, and thanks, and thanks again for your sweet letter. It was so nice to be able to tell you and to have your sympathy.

Tradução Integral em Português

"Lucy.

"P.S. - Nem preciso dizer que isto é segredo. Boa noite de novo.

"L."

Carta de Lucy Westenra a Mina Murray.

"24 de maio.

"Minha queridíssima Mina -

"Obrigada, e obrigada, e obrigada de novo pela tua doce carta. Foi tão bom poder contar-te e ter a tua compreensão.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

"Minha querida, quando chove, despenca. Os ditados antigos são verdadeiros. Vou fazer vinte anos em setembro, mas nunca tinha recebido um pedido de casamento de verdade até hoje. Hoje recebi três! Só imagine! Três pedidos em um dia! Não é terrível? Sinto muita pena de dois desses pobres homens. Ah, Mina, estou tão feliz que nem sei o que fazer. E três pedidos! Mas por favor não conte para as outras garotas. Elas ficariam com ideias malucas e achariam que estão sendo injustiçadas se não receberem pelo menos seis pedidos no primeiro dia em casa. Algumas garotas são tão vaidosas! Você e eu, Mina querida, que estamos noivas e logo seremos senhoras casadas, podemos ficar acima dessa vaidade. Bem, preciso te contar sobre os três, mas mantenha segredo de todo mundo, menos do Jonathan. Você vai contar para ele porque eu contaria para o Arthur se estivesse no seu lugar. Uma mulher deve contar tudo para o marido, você não acha? Preciso ser justa. Os homens gostam que as esposas sejam tão justas quanto eles; as mulheres nem sempre são tão justas quanto deveriam ser. Bem, minha querida, o primeiro chegou pouco antes do almoço. Já te contei sobre ele, o Dr. John Seward, que trabalha no hospício. Ele tem um queixo forte e uma testa bonita. Parecia calmo por fora, mas estava nervoso. Ele tinha se preparado bem e lembrava de tudo. Mas quase sentou em cima da cartola de seda dele, o que homens tranquilos normalmente não fazem. Depois, para parecer relaxado, ele ficou brincando com um bisturi de um jeito que quase me fez gritar. Ele falou comigo de um jeito muito direto. Me contou o quanto eu significava para ele, mesmo me conhecendo há pouco tempo, e como a vida dele seria comigo ao lado dele, para ajudá-lo e animá-lo. Ele ia dizer como ficaria infeliz se eu não gostasse dele, mas quando me viu chorar, disse que era um bruto e não ia aumentar o meu sofrimento. Então ele parou e perguntou se eu poderia vir a amá-lo com o tempo. Quando balancei a cabeça dizendo que não, as mãos dele tremeram. Depois, com um pouco de hesitação, ele perguntou se eu já amava outra pessoa. Ele foi muito gentil sobre isso. Disse que não queria forçar meu segredo, só queria saber, porque se o coração de uma mulher está livre, um homem pode ter esperança. Então, Mina, senti que precisava dizer a ele que havia alguém. Só contei isso. Depois ele se levantou, com um ar forte e sério, segurou minhas duas mãos e disse que esperava que eu fosse feliz. Disse que, se um dia eu precisasse de um amigo, poderia contar com ele. Ah, Mina querida, não consigo evitar chorar. Por favor, desculpe essa carta bagunçada. Receber um pedido de casamento é bom, mas não é nada feliz ver um pobre rapaz que te ama de verdade ir embora de coração partido. Você sabe que, não importa o que ele diga agora, você está saindo da vida dele para sempre. Minha querida, preciso parar agora. Sinto-me tão triste, mesmo estando tão feliz.

Original English Version

“My dear, it never rains but it pours. How true the old proverbs are. Here am I, who shall be twenty in September, and yet I never had a proposal till today, not a real proposal, and today I have had three. Just fancy! Three proposals in one day! Isn’t it awful! I feel sorry, really and truly sorry, for two of the poor fellows. Oh, Mina, I am so happy that I don’t know what to do with myself. And three proposals! But, for goodness’ sake, don’t tell any of the girls, or they would be getting all sorts of extravagant ideas and imagining themselves injured and slighted if in their very first day at home they did not get six at least. Some girls are so vain! You and I, Mina dear, who are engaged and are going to settle down soon soberly into old married women, can despise vanity. Well, I must tell you about the three, but you must keep it a secret, dear, from everyone, except, of course, Jonathan. You will tell him, because I would, if I were in your place, certainly tell Arthur. A woman ought to tell her husband everything - don’t you think so, dear? - and I must be fair. Men like women, certainly their wives, to be quite as fair as they are; and women, I am afraid, are not always quite as fair as they should be. Well, my dear, number One came just before lunch. I told you of him, Dr. John Seward, the lunatic-asylum man, with the strong jaw and the good forehead. He was very cool outwardly, but was nervous all the same. He had evidently been schooling himself as to all sorts of little things, and remembered them; but he almost managed to sit down on his silk hat, which men don’t generally do when they are cool, and then when he wanted to appear at ease he kept playing with a lancet in a way that made me nearly scream. He spoke to me, Mina, very straightforwardly. He told me how dear I was to him, though he had known me so little, and what his life would be with me to help and cheer him. He was going to tell me how unhappy he would be if I did not care for him, but when he saw me cry he said that he was a brute and would not add to my present trouble. Then he broke off and asked if I could love him in time; and when I shook my head his hands trembled, and then with some hesitation he asked me if I cared already for anyone else. He put it very nicely, saying that he did not want to wring my confidence from me, but only to know, because if a woman’s heart was free a man might have hope. And then, Mina, I felt a sort of duty to tell him that there was someone. I only told him that much, and then he stood up, and he looked very strong and very grave as he took both my hands in his and said he hoped I would be happy, and that if I ever wanted a friend I must count him one of my best. Oh, Mina dear, I can’t help crying: and you must excuse this letter being all blotted. Being proposed to is all very nice and all that sort of thing, but it isn’t at all a happy thing when you have to see a poor fellow, whom you know loves you honestly, going away and looking all brokenhearted, and to know that, no matter what he may say at the moment, you are passing quite out of his life. My dear, I must stop here at present, I feel so miserable, though I am so happy.

Tradução Integral em Português

"Minha querida, desgraça pouca é bobagem. Como são verdadeiros os velhos provérbios. Aqui estou eu, que farei vinte anos em setembro, e no entanto nunca recebera um pedido de casamento até hoje, não um pedido de verdade, e hoje recebi três. Imagina só! Três pedidos num único dia! Não é horrível! Tenho pena, real e sinceramente pena, de dois dos pobres rapazes. Ah, Mina, estou tão feliz que não sei o que fazer comigo mesma. E três pedidos! Mas, pelo amor de Deus, não contes a nenhuma das moças, ou elas ficariam com toda sorte de ideias extravagantes e se imaginariam prejudicadas e desprezadas se, logo no primeiro dia em casa, não recebessem ao menos seis. Certas moças são tão vaidosas! Tu e eu, Mina querida, que estamos comprometidas e em breve vamos assentar-nos sobriamente como velhas casadas, podemos desprezar a vaidade. Bem, tenho de te contar sobre os três, mas deves guardar segredo, querida, de todos, exceto, é claro, do Jonathan. Tu lhe contarás, porque eu, em teu lugar, certamente contaria ao Arthur. Uma mulher deve contar tudo ao marido - não achas, querida? - e devo ser justa. Os homens gostam que as mulheres, sobretudo as esposas, sejam tão francas quanto eles; e as mulheres, receio, nem sempre são tão francas quanto deveriam. Bem, minha querida, o número Um chegou pouco antes do almoço. Já te falei dele, o Dr. John Seward, o homem do manicômio, o do queixo forte e da bela testa. Estava muito frio por fora, mas nervoso mesmo assim. Evidentemente treinara-se em toda sorte de pequenas coisas, e delas se lembrava; mas quase conseguiu sentar-se sobre a própria cartola de seda, o que os homens em geral não fazem quando estão frios, e depois, quando quis parecer à vontade, ficou brincando com um bisturi de um jeito que quase me fez gritar. Falou-me, Mina, muito francamente. Contou-me quão cara eu lhe era, embora me conhecesse tão pouco, e o que seria a sua vida se me tivesse a seu lado para ajudá-lo e alegrá-lo. Ia dizer-me quão infeliz seria se eu não me importasse com ele, mas, ao ver-me chorar, disse que era um bruto e que não acrescentaria nada à minha aflição presente. Então parou e perguntou se eu poderia amá-lo com o tempo; e, quando sacudi a cabeça, suas mãos tremeram, e então, com certa hesitação, perguntou-me se eu já me importava com algum outro. Pôs a questão com muita delicadeza, dizendo que não queria arrancar-me a confidência, mas apenas saber, pois, se o coração de uma mulher estivesse livre, um homem poderia ter esperança. E então, Mina, senti uma espécie de dever de dizer-lhe que havia alguém. Só lhe contei isso, e então ele se levantou, e parecia muito forte e muito grave ao tomar minhas duas mãos nas suas, e disse esperar que eu fosse feliz, e que, se eu algum dia quisesse um amigo, o contasse entre os melhores. Ah, Mina querida, não posso deixar de chorar: e hás de desculpar esta carta toda borrada. Ser pedida em casamento é muito bom e tudo o mais, mas não é nada agradável quando se tem de ver um pobre rapaz, que a gente sabe amar-nos honestamente, ir-se embora com ar de coração partido, e saber que, não importa o que ele diga no momento, a gente sai completamente da vida dele. Minha querida, tenho de parar aqui por ora, sinto-me tão desgraçada, embora esteja tão feliz.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Noite.

Original English Version

“Evening.

Tradução Integral em Português

"Noite.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Glossary: New Words (1/3)

Priority words from the simplified reading and post-nominal letters found in this book. Post-nominals are abbreviations placed after a person's name to identify honours, professional memberships, academic titles or qualifications. Each entry shows up to six real uses; Back to B1 opens the exact simplified sentence, while Back to Original opens the exact paragraph in Original English.

actual /ˈæktʃuəl/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: real; efectiva; verdadeiro

Simple English: Existing in reality rather than being imagined or theoretical.

Example: The actual results of the experiment surprised the entire research team greatly.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. But when I saw them close to me, I noticed that they were actually rough, broad, and had short, thick fingers. Go to

airy /ˈeri/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: arejado; leve; displicente

Simple English: With plenty of fresh air; also light and not serious.

Example: The new office is bright and airy.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I leaned back in the window opening in a more comfortable way, so I could enjoy their airy play more fully. Go to

almanac /ˈɔːlmənæk/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: almanaque

Simple English: A yearly book listing dates, facts and predictions.

Example: He kept an old almanac beside his desk.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I also found reference books like the London Directory, the “Red” and “Blue” books, Whitaker’s Almanac, the Army and Navy Lists, and the Law List, which made me happy. Go to

Original English Version

1. There were even such books of reference as the London Directory, the “Red” and “Blue” books, Whitaker’s Almanac, the Army and Navy Lists, and - it somehow gladdened my heart to see it - the Law List. Go to

angrier /ˈæŋɡriər/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: mais zangado; mais furioso

Simple English: More angry than before.

Example: The noise made him angrier.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. As the door opened, the howling outside grew louder and angrier. Go to

Original English Version

1. As the door began to open, the howling of the wolves without grew louder and angrier; their red jaws, with champing teeth, and their blunt-clawed feet as they leaped, came in through the opening door. Go to

anxiously /ˈæŋkʃəsli/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: ansiosamente; preocupadamente

Simple English: In a worried and nervous way.

Example: She waited anxiously for the news.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. I am anxiously expecting you. Go to

apron /ˈeɪprən/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: avental

Simple English: A piece of cloth worn over the front of the clothes to keep them clean.

Example: Aunt Em wore an apron while she cooked.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. When I got near the door, I saw a friendly old woman in peasant clothes: a white undergarment with a long double apron (front and back) made of colored fabric that fit very tightly. Go to

Original English Version

1. I was evidently expected, for when I got near the door I faced a cheery-looking elderly woman in the usual peasant dress - white undergarment with long double apron, front, and back, of coloured stuff fitting almost too tight for modesty. Go to

arched /ɑːrtʃt/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: arqueado; em arco; abobadado

Simple English: Curved in the shape of an arch.

Example: They walked under an arched doorway.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. Soon we were hemmed in with trees, which in places arched right over the roadway till we passed as through a tunnel; and again great frowning rocks guarded us boldly on either side. Go to

2. His face was a strong - a very strong - aquiline, with high bridge of the thin nose and peculiarly arched nostrils; with lofty domed forehead, and hair growing scantily round the temples but profusely elsewhere. Go to

3. There was a deliberate voluptuousness which was both thrilling and repulsive, and as she arched her neck she actually licked her lips like an animal, till I could see in the moonlight the moisture shining on the scarlet lips and on the red tongue as it lapped the white sharp teeth. Go to

arches /ˈɑːrtʃɪz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: arcos; arcadas

Simple English: Curved parts of a building that hold up a wall or bridge.

Example: Shops were built under the stone arches.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. In the darkness, the courtyard seemed very large, and since several dark paths led from it under big round arches, it may have seemed bigger than it really was. Go to

Original English Version

1. In the gloom the courtyard looked of considerable size, and as several dark ways led from it under great round arches, it perhaps seemed bigger than it really is. Go to

archway /ˈɑːrtʃweɪ/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: arcada; passagem em arco

Simple English: A curved opening in a wall that you can walk through.

Example: They waited under the stone archway.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I will never forget my last view of the inn yard and the many strange figures there, all crossing themselves under the wide archway. Go to

Original English Version

1. I shall never forget the last glimpse which I had of the innyard and its crowd of picturesque figures, all crossing themselves, as they stood round the wide archway, with its background of rich foliage of oleander and orange trees in green tubs clustered in the centre of the yard. Go to

arouse /əˈraʊz/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: despertar; suscitar; provocar

Simple English: To wake someone, or to cause a feeling or reaction.

Example: His late arrival did not arouse any suspicion.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. But I must be very careful not to arouse his suspicion. Go to

Original English Version

1. I would fain have rebelled, but felt that in the present state of things it would be madness to quarrel openly with the Count whilst I am so absolutely in his power; and to refuse would be to excite his suspicion and to arouse his anger. Go to

arpad /ˈɑːrpæd/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Árpád

Simple English: a historical Hungarian chieftain who led his people to the Hungarian homeland

Example: Is it strange that when Arpad and his legions swept through the Hungarian fatherland, he found us here at the frontier?

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Is it strange that when Arpad and his legions swept through the Hungarian fatherland, he found us here at the frontier? Go to

Original English Version

1. Is it strange that when Arpad and his legions swept through the Hungarian fatherland he found us here when he reached the frontier; that the Honfoglalas was completed there? Go to

artificial /ˌɑːrtɪˈfɪʃəl/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: artificial; sintética

Simple English: Made by humans rather than occurring naturally in nature.

Example: Many artificial ingredients can be found in processed foods today.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. They waited on the rocks above the passes so they could destroy the enemy with artificial avalanches. Go to

atmospheres /ˈætməsfɪrz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: atmosferas

Simple English: Surrounding layers of gas or units equal to standard atmospheric pressure.

Example: The chamber was designed to withstand fifty atmospheres of pressure.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. It seemed the mountains separated two atmospheres, and we were now in the thunderous one. Go to

Original English Version

1. It seemed as though the mountain range had separated two atmospheres, and that now we had got into the thunderous one. Go to

Attempt /əˈtɛmpt/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: tentativa; tente; tentar

Simple English: To make an effort to achieve something difficult or challenging.

Example: She decided to attempt the difficult puzzle despite its complexity.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Later the same day. - I made the attempt, and with God’s help I came safely back to this room. Go to

attila /əˈtɪlə/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Átila

Simple English: Attila the Hun, a famous 5th-century warlord

Example: I am going among the Szekelys, who say they come from Attila and the Huns.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I am going among the Szekelys, who say they come from Attila and the Huns. Go to

2. What devil or witch was ever as great as Attila, whose blood is in these veins?” He held up his arms. Go to

Original English Version

1. I am going among the latter, who claim to be descended from Attila and the Huns. Go to

2. What devil or what witch was ever so great as Attila, whose blood is in these veins?” He held up his arms. Go to

avalanches /ˈævəlæntʃɪz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: avalanches

Simple English: Large falls of snow down a mountain.

Example: Avalanches close the pass every winter.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. They waited on the rocks above the passes so they could destroy the enemy with artificial avalanches. Go to

Original English Version

1. In old days there were stirring times, when the Austrian and the Hungarian came up in hordes, and the patriots went out to meet them - men and women, the aged and the children too - and waited their coming on the rocks above the passes, that they might sweep destruction on them with their artificial avalanches. Go to

avar /ˈeɪvɑːr/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: ávaro; membro do povo ávaro

Simple English: A member of one of the historical Eurasian peoples known as the Avars.

Example: The Avar was one of several peoples that attacked the frontier.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. When the Magyar, the Lombard, the Avar, the Bulgar, or the Turk poured thousands on our frontiers, we drove them back. Go to

Original English Version

1. “Is it a wonder that we were a conquering race; that we were proud; that when the Magyar, the Lombard, the Avar, the Bulgar, or the Turk poured his thousands on our frontiers, we drove them back? Go to

awakened /əˈweɪkənd/ (7 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: despertado; acordado; reavivado

Simple English: Woken from sleep, or made conscious of a feeling or danger.

Example: The colonists were suddenly awakened by the dog's barking.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. When, an hour or two after, the Count came quietly into the room, his coming awakened me, for I had gone to sleep on the sofa. Go to

2. I was awakened by the Count, who looked at me as grimly as a man can look as he said: - Go to

axes /ˈæksɪz/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: machados; eixos

Simple English: Tools with a blade for cutting wood; also the plural of axis.

Example: Two axes hung on the wall of the woodshed.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The Slovaks carried long staves with axes on the end. Go to

bah /bɑː/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Bah!; Ora!

Simple English: A word used to show that you do not respect something.

Example: Bah, that is only an old story.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Bah! Go to

Original English Version

1. Bah! what good are peasants without a leader? Go to

bandits /ˈbændɪts/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: bandidos; salteadores

Simple English: Armed robbers or outlaws, especially members of gangs.

Example: The travelers feared that bandits might be hiding near the road.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. They wore high boots, had long black hair and thick black moustaches, and looked like old bandits from the East. Go to

battlements /ˈbætəlmənts/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: ameias

Simple English: The top wall of a castle, with gaps for shooting.

Example: Guards walked along the battlements.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. It had tall black windows with no light in them, and broken battlements that made a jagged line against the moonlit sky. Go to

Original English Version

1. Suddenly, I became conscious of the fact that the driver was in the act of pulling up the horses in the courtyard of a vast ruined castle, from whose tall black windows came no ray of light, and whose broken battlements showed a jagged line against the moonlit sky. Go to

2. Moreover, the walls of my castle are broken; the shadows are many, and the wind breathes cold through the broken battlements and casements. Go to

bearer /ˈbɛrər/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: criado pessoal; carregador

Simple English: A servant who carries things and waits on someone.

Example: His bearer carried the bags to the room.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Some people sitting on the bench outside the door - which they call a “word-bearer” - came to listen, then looked at me with pity. Go to

Original English Version

1. They were evidently talking of me, for every now and then they looked at me, and some of the people who were sitting on the bench outside the door - which they call by a name meaning “word-bearer” - came and listened, and then looked at me, most of them pityingly. Go to

beech /biːtʃ/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: faia

Simple English: A large tree with smooth grey bark and small nuts.

Example: They rested under a great beech.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The dark trees - oak, beech, and pine - blended into one dim mass, though in the valleys the dark firs still stood out against late snow. Go to

Original English Version

1. As the evening fell it began to get very cold, and the growing twilight seemed to merge into one dark mistiness the gloom of the trees, oak, beech, and pine, though in the valleys which ran deep between the spurs of the hills, as we ascended through the Pass, the dark firs stood out here and there against the background of late-lying snow. Go to

bends /bɛndz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: curvas

Simple English: Places where a road or river turns.

Example: The road has many sharp bends.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The road wound through these hills of the Mittel Land and often disappeared around bends or behind pine woods that ran down the hillsides like flames. Go to

berserkers /bərˈsɜːrkərz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: berserkers; guerreiros nórdicos enfurecidos

Simple English: Fierce Norse warriors traditionally said to fight in a wild fury.

Example: The saga tells of berserkers who feared no enemy.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Their Berserkers showed this spirit on the coasts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Go to

Original English Version

1. Here, in the whirlpool of European races, the Ugric tribe bore down from Iceland the fighting spirit which Thor and Wodin gave them, which their Berserkers displayed to such fell intent on the seaboards of Europe, ay, and of Asia and Africa too, till the peoples thought that the werewolves themselves had come. Go to

besieged /bɪˈsiːdʒd/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: sitiado; cercado

Simple English: surrounded and attacked, or overwhelmed by demands

Example: The besieged town held out for another week.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. At the start of the seventeenth century, the town was besieged for three weeks, and 13,000 people died. Go to

billington /ˈbɪlɪŋtən/ (15 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Billington

Simple English: a character's surname mentioned as an addressee of a letter

Example: A letter was addressed to Billington, No. 7, The Crescent, Whitby.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. One letter was addressed to Samuel F. Billington, No. Go to

Original English Version

1. One of the letters was directed to Samuel F. Billington, No. Go to

billreuth /ˈbɪlrɔɪt/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Billreuth

Simple English: part of the name of a banking firm mentioned in the story

Example: A letter was sent to Herren Klopstock & Billreuth, bankers, Budapest.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. 7, The Crescent, Whitby; another to Herr Leutner, Varna; the third to Coutts & Co., London; and the fourth to Herren Klopstock & Billreuth, bankers, Budapest. Go to

Original English Version

1. 7, The Crescent, Whitby, another to Herr Leutner, Varna; the third was to Coutts & Co., London, and the fourth to Herren Klopstock & Billreuth, bankers, Budapest. Go to

birches /ˈbɜːrtʃɪz/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: bétulas

Simple English: Trees with smooth white bark and thin branches.

Example: White birches grew beside the stream.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I saw many new things, such as hayricks in trees and beautiful weeping birches with white trunks shining like silver through the green leaves. Go to

bistritz /ˈbɪstrɪts/ (23 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Bistritz

Simple English: the name of a town in Transylvania, Romania

Example: Bistritz.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Bistritz. Go to

2. I could not find a map or book that showed the exact place of Castle Dracula, but I did learn that Bistritz, the post town named by Count Dracula, is well known. Go to

3. We reached Bistritz in the dark twilight. Go to

4. There are many strange things to record, and I do not want anyone to think I ate too much before leaving Bistritz, so I will write down my dinner exactly. Go to

5. Why were the people at Bistritz and on the coach so afraid for me? Go to

6. The third should say I had left the castle and reached Bistritz. Go to

Original English Version

1. Bistritz. - Left Munich at 8:35 p.m., on 1st May, arriving at Vienna early next morning; should have arrived at 6:46, but train was an hour late. Go to

2. I was not able to light on any map or work giving the exact locality of the Castle Dracula, as there are no maps of this country as yet to compare with our own Ordnance Survey maps; but I found that Bistritz, the post town named by Count Dracula, is a fairly well-known place. Go to

3. It was on the dark side of twilight when we got to Bistritz, which is a very interesting old place. Go to

4. There are many odd things to put down, and, lest who reads them may fancy that I dined too well before I left Bistritz, let me put down my dinner exactly. Go to

5. One by one several of the passengers offered me gifts, which they pressed upon me with an earnestness which would take no denial; these were certainly of an odd and varied kind, but each was given in simple good faith, with a kindly word, and a blessing, and that strange mixture of fear-meaning movements which I had seen outside the hotel at Bistritz - the sign of the cross and the guard against the evil eye. Go to

6. How was it that all the people at Bistritz and on the coach had some terrible fear for me? Go to

bitterness /ˈbɪtərnəs/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: amargura; rancor

Simple English: A feeling of deep anger about unfair treatment.

Example: He spoke of the war with bitterness.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “Have you written, since your first letter, to our friend Mr. Peter Hawkins, or to anyone else?” I answered with some bitterness that I had not, and that so far I had found no chance to send letters to anyone. Go to

Original English Version

1. “Have you written since your first letter to our friend Mr. Peter Hawkins, or to any other?” It was with some bitterness in my heart that I answered that I had not, that as yet I had not seen any opportunity of sending letters to anybody. Go to

blackness /ˈblæknəs/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: negrume; escuridão

Simple English: Complete darkness, or the quality of being black.

Example: The blackness of the night hid the path.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I expected to see lamps in the blackness, but all was dark. Go to

Original English Version

1. Each moment I expected to see the glare of lamps through the blackness; but all was dark. Go to

2. In the soft light the distant hills became melted, and the shadows in the valleys and gorges of velvety blackness. Go to

blazed /bleɪzd/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: ardeu; brilhou intensamente

Simple English: Burned or shone very brightly and strongly.

Example: Torches blazed while the weapons flashed.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. His eyes blazed. Go to

Original English Version

1. When the Count saw my face, his eyes blazed with a sort of demoniac fury, and he suddenly made a grab at my throat. Go to

2. The red light in them was lurid, as if the flames of hellfire blazed behind them. Go to

3. See!” - he must have looked at it - “one is from you, and to my friend Peter Hawkins; the other” - here he caught sight of the strange symbols as he opened the envelope, and the dark look came into his face, and his eyes blazed wickedly - “the other is a vile thing, an outrage upon friendship and hospitality! Go to

blazing /ˈbleɪzɪŋ/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: flamejante; ardente; em chamas

Simple English: Burning strongly, or shining very brightly.

Example: We sat around the blazing campfire until midnight.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. See!” - he must have looked at it - “one is from you, to my friend Peter Hawkins; the other” - he opened the envelope, saw the strange symbols, and his face went dark, his eyes blazing wickedly - “the other is a vile thing, an insult to friendship and hospitality! Go to

Original English Version

1. As my eyes opened involuntarily I saw his strong hand grasp the slender neck of the fair woman and with giant’s power draw it back, the blue eyes transformed with fury, the white teeth champing with rage, and the fair cheeks blazing red with passion. Go to

2. His eyes were positively blazing. Go to

bled /blɛd/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: sangrou

Simple English: Lost blood from the body.

Example: His hand bled where the rope had cut it.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Then I saw that my cut had bled a little, and blood was running down my chin. Go to

Original English Version

1. This was startling, and, coming on the top of so many strange things, was beginning to increase that vague feeling of uneasiness which I always have when the Count is near; but at the instant I saw that the cut had bled a little, and the blood was trickling over my chin. Go to

bloated /ˈbloʊtɪd/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: inchado; estufado

Simple English: Swollen or enlarged, often with fluid, gas, or excess tissue.

Example: His eyes were surrounded by bloated lids.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Even his deep, burning eyes seemed to sit in swollen flesh, with bloated lids and bags underneath. Go to

Original English Version

1. Even the deep, burning eyes seemed set amongst swollen flesh, for the lids and pouches underneath were bloated. Go to

2. There was a mocking smile on the bloated face which seemed to drive me mad. Go to

3. The last glimpse I had was of the bloated face, bloodstained and fixed with a grin of malice which would have held its own in the nethermost hell. Go to

bloodstained /ˈblʌdsteɪnd/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: manchado de sangue

Simple English: Marked or covered with blood.

Example: He stared at the bloodstained sword.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. The last glimpse I had was of the bloated face, bloodstained and fixed with a grin of malice which would have held its own in the nethermost hell. Go to

blushes /ˈblʌʃɪz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: rubores; fica avermelhado

Simple English: redness in the face from emotion, or turns red in this way

Example: Her blushes revealed her embarrassment.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Here I am, sitting at a little oak table where a beautiful lady might have sat long ago to write a love letter with many blushes. Go to

Original English Version

1. Here I am, sitting at a little oak table where in old times possibly some fair lady sat to pen, with much thought and many blushes, her ill-spelt love-letter, and writing in my diary in shorthand all that has happened since I closed it last. Go to

blushing /ˈblʌʃɪŋ/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: corando; ruborizando-se

Simple English: Turning red in the face from shame or shyness.

Example: She thanked him, blushing to the ears.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I am blushing as I write, because although I think he loves me, he has not said it in words. Go to

Original English Version

1. I am blushing as I write, for although I think he loves me, he has not told me so in words. Go to

boldly /ˈboʊldli/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: corajosamente; com ousadia

Simple English: In a brave and confident way.

Example: She walked boldly up to the door and knocked.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. At other times, great dark rocks stood boldly on each side. Go to

Original English Version

1. Soon we were hemmed in with trees, which in places arched right over the roadway till we passed as through a tunnel; and again great frowning rocks guarded us boldly on either side. Go to

bolted /ˈboʊltɪd/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: disparou; trancou com ferrolho; engoliu depressa

Simple English: Fastened with a sliding metal bar.

Example: They bolted the door and put out the light.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. There were doors everywhere, and all were locked and bolted. Go to

2. The lock had not been bolted, but the door is fastened from the inside. Go to

Original English Version

1. But I am not in heart to describe beauty, for when I had seen the view I explored further; doors, doors, doors everywhere, and all locked and bolted. Go to

bolting /ˈboʊltɪŋ/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: fugindo de repente; disparando

Simple English: Running away suddenly, or fastening a door with a bolt.

Example: The horse went bolting down the lane.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I wanted to jump from the calèche and run, while they reared and fought wildly, so the driver had to use all his strength to stop them from bolting. Go to

Original English Version

1. Then, far off in the distance, from the mountains on each side of us began a louder and a sharper howling - that of wolves - which affected both the horses and myself in the same way - for I was minded to jump from the calèche and run, whilst they reared again and plunged madly, so that the driver had to use all his great strength to keep them from bolting. Go to

borgo /ˈbɔːrɡoʊ/ (22 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Borgo

Simple English: the Borgo Pass is a mountain pass mentioned in Dracula, leading into the region of Bukovina.

Example: The Borgo Pass leads from it into Bukovina.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. It lies near the frontier, because the Borgo Pass leads from it into Bukovina, and it has had a troubled history. Go to

2. At Borgo Pass, my carriage will wait for you and take you to me. Go to

3. I did not know why we were in such a hurry, but the driver clearly wanted to reach Borgo Prund quickly. Go to

4. We were entering the Borgo Pass. Go to

5. After they have gone, my carriage will take you to the Borgo Pass, where you will meet the diligence from Bukovina to Bistritz. Go to

Original English Version

1. Being practically on the frontier - for the Borgo Pass leads from it into Bukovina - it has had a very stormy existence, and it certainly shows marks of it. Go to

2. At the Borgo Pass my carriage will await you and will bring you to me. Go to

3. I could not understand then what the haste meant, but the driver was evidently bent on losing no time in reaching Borgo Prund. Go to

4. Then the mountains seemed to come nearer to us on each side and to frown down upon us; we were entering on the Borgo Pass. Go to

5. When they have gone, my carriage shall come for you, and shall bear you to the Borgo Pass to meet the diligence from Bukovina to Bistritz. Go to

botany /ˈbɒtəni/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: botânica

Simple English: The scientific study of plants.

Example: Her lessons included French and botany.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The books were about many subjects: history, geography, politics, economics, botany, geology, law. Go to

Original English Version

1. The books were of the most varied kind - history, geography, politics, political economy, botany, geology, law - all relating to England and English life and customs and manners. Go to

bowed /boʊd/ (26 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: vergou; curvou-se; inclinou-se

Simple English: Bent forward or downward.

Example: The long grass bowed before the wind.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. She bowed and said, “The Herr Englishman?” I said, “Yes, Jonathan Harker.” She smiled and gave a message to an old man in a white shirt who followed her to the door. Go to

2. “Count Dracula?” He bowed politely as he replied. Go to

3. “But, Count,” I said, “you know and speak English very well!” He bowed seriously. Go to

4. They took off their hats and bowed, and made many signs, but I could not understand them, just as I could not understand their words…. Go to

5. The man who took them pressed them to his heart, bowed, and put them in his cap. Go to

Original English Version

1. When I came close she bowed and said, “The Herr Englishman?” “Yes,” I said, “Jonathan Harker.” She smiled, and gave some message to an elderly man in white shirtsleeves, who had followed her to the door. Go to

2. “Count Dracula?” He bowed in a courtly way as he replied: - Go to

3. “But, Count,” I said, “you know and speak English thoroughly!” He bowed gravely. Go to

4. The man who took them pressed them to his heart and bowed, and then put them in his cap. Go to

boyar /ˈbɔɪɑːr/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: boiardo; nobre eslavo

Simple English: A member of the highest rank of the old Russian or Eastern European nobility.

Example: He declared that he was a boyar and master of the estate.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Here I am noble; I am boyar; the common people know me, and I am master. Go to

2. He later explained this by saying that for a boyar, the pride of his family and name is his own pride, their glory is his glory, and their fate is his fate. Go to

3. As a rule, they serve some great noble or boyar and take his name. Go to

Original English Version

1. Here I am noble; I am boyar; the common people know me, and I am master. Go to

2. This he afterwards explained by saying that to a boyar the pride of his house and name is his own pride, that their glory is his glory, that their fate is his fate. Go to

3. They attach themselves as a rule to some great noble or boyar, and call themselves by his name. Go to

bradshaw's /ˈbrædʃɔːz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Guia Bradshaw

Simple English: Bradshaw's Guide was a famous published railway timetable in Britain.

Example: The Count was lying on the sofa reading an English Bradshaw's Guide.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The Count was lying on the sofa reading an English Bradshaw’s Guide. Go to

Original English Version

1. The lamps were also lit in the study or library, and I found the Count lying on the sofa, reading, of all things in the world, an English Bradshaw’s Guide. Go to

braver /ˈbreɪvər/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: mais corajoso; mais valente

Simple English: More brave than someone or something else.

Example: The Lion wished he were braver.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. As time passed and I became braver, I asked him about some strange things from the night before, such as why the coachman went to the places where he had seen the blue flames. Go to

brightly /ˈbraɪtli/ (7 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: intensamente; com brilho

Simple English: In a way that gives a lot of light.

Example: The sun shone brightly all morning.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. I fled, and felt somewhat safer in my own room, where there was no moonlight and where the lamp was burning brightly. Go to

brute /bruːt/ (9 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: bruto; besta; animal irracional

Simple English: An animal, or a rough cruel person who behaves like one.

Example: Do not call the poor dog a brute just because it is big.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He was going to say how unhappy he would be if I did not care for him, but when he saw me cry, he said he was a brute and would not add to my trouble. Go to

Original English Version

1. He was going to tell me how unhappy he would be if I did not care for him, but when he saw me cry he said that he was a brute and would not add to my present trouble. Go to

bukovina /ˌbuːkoʊˈviːnə/ (16 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Bucovina

Simple English: a historical region in Eastern Europe

Example: I found that the place he named is in the far east of the country, on the borders of Transylvania, Moldavia, and Bukovina, among the Carpathian mountains.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I found that the place he named is in the far east of the country, on the borders of Transylvania, Moldavia, and Bukovina, among the Carpathian mountains. Go to

2. It lies near the frontier, because the Borgo Pass leads from it into Bukovina, and it has had a troubled history. Go to

3. At three tomorrow, the coach will leave for Bukovina, and a place is kept for you. Go to

4. He will come on to Bukovina and return tomorrow or the next day.' Go to

5. and the stranger answered, “That is why, I suppose, you wanted him to go on to Bukovina. Go to

6. Then the driver cracked his whip and called to his horses, and they sped away toward Bukovina. Go to

Original English Version

1. I find that the district he named is in the extreme east of the country, just on the borders of three states, Transylvania, Moldavia and Bukovina, in the midst of the Carpathian mountains; one of the wildest and least known portions of Europe. Go to

2. Being practically on the frontier - for the Borgo Pass leads from it into Bukovina - it has had a very stormy existence, and it certainly shows marks of it. Go to

3. At three tomorrow the diligence will start for Bukovina; a place on it is kept for you. Go to

4. He will now come on to Bukovina, and return tomorrow or the next day; better the next day.” Whilst he was speaking the horses began to neigh and snort and plunge wildly, so that the driver had to hold them up. Go to

5. “That is why, I suppose, you wished him to go on to Bukovina. Go to

6. Then the driver cracked his whip and called to his horses, and off they swept on their way to Bukovina. Go to

bulgar /ˈbʌlɡər/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: búlgaro

Simple English: A member of the historical Bulgar people.

Example: The Bulgar armies once advanced toward the frontier.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. When the Magyar, the Lombard, the Avar, the Bulgar, or the Turk poured thousands on our frontiers, we drove them back. Go to

Original English Version

1. “Is it a wonder that we were a conquering race; that we were proud; that when the Magyar, the Lombard, the Avar, the Bulgar, or the Turk poured his thousands on our frontiers, we drove them back? Go to

burger's /ˈbɜːrɡərz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Bürger

Simple English: the surname of a German poet who wrote the poem 'Lenore'

Example: One of my companions whispered a line from Burger's poem "Lenore."

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. One of my companions whispered to another a line from Burger’s “Lenore”: - Go to

Original English Version

1. One of my companions whispered to another the line from Burger’s “Lenore”: - Go to

bushy /ˈbʊʃi/ (7 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: espesso; cerrado; hirsuto

Simple English: Growing thickly, said of hair or plants.

Example: He had a bushy grey moustache.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. His eyebrows were very massive, almost meeting over the nose, and with bushy hair that seemed to curl in its own profusion. Go to

calf's /kæfs/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: do bezerro

Simple English: The possessive form of calf, showing that something belongs to a young cow or similar animal.

Example: The boy caught hold of the calf's tail.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. And a man’s death is not a calf’s. Go to

Original English Version

1. At the worst it can only be death; and a man’s death is not a calf’s, and the dreaded Hereafter may still be open to me. Go to

calmed /kɑːmd/ (7 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: acalmou; acalmado; serenou

Simple English: Made someone or something quiet and peaceful again.

Example: A cup of tea and a warm blanket calmed the frightened child.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. If I had known the language, or rather the languages, of my fellow passengers, I might not have calmed down so easily. Go to

2. Watching them calmed me, and a quiet feeling came over me. Go to

calèche /kəˈlɛʃ/ (13 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: carruagem leve

Simple English: A light horse-drawn carriage, usually with a folding roof.

Example: A calèche drawn by four horses stopped beside the coach.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Then, with screams from the peasants and everyone crossing themselves, a calèche with four horses drove up behind us, overtook us, and stopped beside the coach. Go to

2. “Give me the Herr’s luggage,” said the driver, and at once my bags were taken out and put in the calèche. Go to

3. I wanted to jump from the calèche and run, while they reared and fought wildly, so the driver had to use all his strength to stop them from bolting. Go to

4. I shouted and struck the side of the calèche, hoping the noise would scare the wolves on that side and give him a way to get to the trap. Go to

5. When I could see again, the driver was climbing into the calèche, and the wolves had gone. Go to

6. When the calèche stopped, the driver jumped down and held out his hand to help me get out. Go to

Original English Version

1. Then, amongst a chorus of screams from the peasants and a universal crossing of themselves, a calèche, with four horses, drove up behind us, overtook us, and drew up beside the coach. Go to

2. “Give me the Herr’s luggage,” said the driver; and with exceeding alacrity my bags were handed out and put in the calèche. Go to

3. Then I descended from the side of the coach, as the calèche was close alongside, the driver helping me with a hand which caught my arm in a grip of steel; his strength must have been prodigious. Go to

4. Then, far off in the distance, from the mountains on each side of us began a louder and a sharper howling - that of wolves - which affected both the horses and myself in the same way - for I was minded to jump from the calèche and run, whilst they reared again and plunged madly, so that the driver had to use all his great strength to keep them from bolting. Go to

5. I shouted and beat the side of the calèche, hoping by the noise to scare the wolves from that side, so as to give him a chance of reaching the trap. Go to

6. When I could see again the driver was climbing into the calèche, and the wolves had disappeared. Go to

cancel (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: cancelar; anular

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He also promised, very strongly, that he would cancel the later letters and keep them at Bistritz until the proper time, in case I stayed longer. Go to

canine /ˈkeɪnaɪn/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: canino

Simple English: Relating to dogs or resembling a dog; also a pointed tooth.

Example: The Count's long canine teeth showed when he smiled.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. “But how,” said I, “can it have remained so long undiscovered, when there is a sure index to it if men will but take the trouble to look?” The Count smiled, and as his lips ran back over his gums, the long, sharp, canine teeth showed out strangely; he answered: - Go to

2. They were all of the thinnest foreign post, and looking at them, then at him, and noticing his quiet smile, with the sharp, canine teeth lying over the red underlip, I understood as well as if he had spoken that I should be careful what I wrote, for he would be able to read it. Go to

carelessly /ˈkɛrləsli/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: descuidadamente; sem prestar atenção

Simple English: Without paying enough attention.

Example: He carelessly left the door open all night.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. It is old, and it holds many memories, and there are bad dreams for those who sleep carelessly. Go to

carfax /ˈkɑːrfæks/ (48 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Carfax

Simple English: the name of an old estate in the story

Example: "The estate is called Carfax, perhaps from the old name Quatre Face."

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “The estate is called Carfax, perhaps from the old name Quatre Face, because the house has four sides that match the four directions. Go to

Original English Version

1. “The estate is called Carfax, no doubt a corruption of the old Quatre Face, as the house is four-sided, agreeing with the cardinal points of the compass. Go to

carpathian /kɑːrˈpeɪθiən/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: cárpato

Simple English: relating to the Carpathian mountain range in Central/Eastern Europe

Example: I found that the place he named is in the far east of the country, on the borders of Transylvania, Moldavia, and Bukovina, among the Carpathian mountains.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I found that the place he named is in the far east of the country, on the borders of Transylvania, Moldavia, and Bukovina, among the Carpathian mountains. Go to

2. I also read that every kind of superstition in the world seems to gather in the Carpathian mountains, as if they were the center of a strange whirlpool of ideas. Go to

3. Beyond the green hills of the Mittel Land rose great forest-covered slopes leading up to the high Carpathian mountains. Go to

Original English Version

1. I find that the district he named is in the extreme east of the country, just on the borders of three states, Transylvania, Moldavia and Bukovina, in the midst of the Carpathian mountains; one of the wildest and least known portions of Europe. Go to

carpathians /kɑːrˈpeɪθiənz/ (14 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Cárpatos

Simple English: the Carpathian mountain range in Central/Eastern Europe

Example: He said it was “paprika hendl,” a national dish found anywhere in the Carpathians.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He said it was “paprika hendl,” a national dish found anywhere in the Carpathians. Go to

2. My friend, welcome to the Carpathians. Go to

3. This was unusual, because roads in the Carpathians were often left in poor condition on purpose. Go to

4. I was really awake, and I was in the Carpathians. Go to

Original English Version

1. I had for dinner, or rather supper, a chicken done up some way with red pepper, which was very good but thirsty. (Mem., get recipe for Mina.) I asked the waiter, and he said it was called “paprika hendl,” and that, as it was a national dish, I should be able to get it anywhere along the Carpathians. Go to

2. I read that every known superstition in the world is gathered into the horseshoe of the Carpathians, as if it were the centre of some sort of imaginative whirlpool; if so my stay may be very interesting. (Mem., I must ask the Count all about them.) Go to

3. “My Friend. - Welcome to the Carpathians. Go to

4. In this respect it is different from the general run of roads in the Carpathians, for it is an old tradition that they are not to be kept in too good order. Go to

5. Beyond the green swelling hills of the Mittel Land rose mighty slopes of forest up to the lofty steeps of the Carpathians themselves. Go to

6. Sometimes, as the road was cut through the pine woods that seemed in the darkness to be closing down upon us, great masses of greyness, which here and there bestrewed the trees, produced a peculiarly weird and solemn effect, which carried on the thoughts and grim fancies engendered earlier in the evening, when the falling sunset threw into strange relief the ghostlike clouds which amongst the Carpathians seem to wind ceaselessly through the valleys. Go to

cassova /kəˈsoʊvə/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Cassova

Simple English: an old name for Kosovo

Example: The shame of Cassova, when the flags of the Wallach and the Magyar fell under the Crescent?

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The shame of Cassova, when the flags of the Wallach and the Magyar fell under the Crescent? Go to

Original English Version

1. When was redeemed that great shame of my nation, the shame of Cassova, when the flags of the Wallach and the Magyar went down beneath the Crescent? Go to

cast /kæst/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: elenco; fundido; convertido

Simple English: All actors and actresses appearing in a movie or play.

Example: The cast of the play includes many talented performers from around town.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. At the time I thought I must be dreaming, because although the moon was behind them, they cast no shadows. Go to

castles /ˈkæsəlz/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: castelos

Simple English: Large strong buildings with thick walls, built for defence.

Example: There are two old castles on the river.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. At times we saw small towns or castles on steep hills, like pictures in old prayer books. Go to

Original English Version

1. Sometimes we saw little towns or castles on the top of steep hills such as we see in old missals; sometimes we ran by rivers and streams which seemed from the wide stony margin on each side of them to be subject to great floods. Go to

2. I am longing to be with you, and by the sea, where we can talk together freely and build our castles in the air. Go to

cat's /kæts/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: do gato; da gata

Simple English: Belonging to a cat.

Example: The cat's bowl was empty again.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I ate what they called “robber steak” - pieces of bacon, onion, and beef, seasoned with red pepper, put on sticks, and roasted over the fire in the simple way of the London cat’s meat. Go to

Original English Version

1. I dined on what they called “robber steak” - bits of bacon, onion, and beef, seasoned with red pepper, and strung on sticks and roasted over the fire, in the simple style of the London cat’s meat! Go to

chatham /ˈtʃætəm/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Chatham

Simple English: the name of a street mentioned in the story

Example: 17, Chatham Street, Wednesday.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. 17, Chatham Street, Wednesday. Go to

Original English Version

1. “17, Chatham Street, “Wednesday. Go to

chatted /tʃætɪd/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: conversaram; bateram papo

Simple English: Talked in a friendly, easy way.

Example: They chatted together while they walked.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. But he sat and chatted while I ate. Go to

Original English Version

1. But he sat as on the previous night, and chatted whilst I ate. Go to

cheered /tʃɪrd/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: aplaudiu; animou-se

Simple English: shouted in approval or became happier and more hopeful

Example: The colonists cheered when Harding named their new home.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The beauty itself cheered me; I felt peace and comfort with every breath. Go to

chilled /tʃɪld/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: gelado; enregelado; resfriado

Simple English: Made cold, or made to feel cold and uncomfortable.

Example: The damp air chilled us long before the sun went down.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. There was a terrible loneliness in the place that chilled my heart and made me shake. Go to

Original English Version

1. My lamp seemed to be of little effect in the brilliant moonlight, but I was glad to have it with me, for there was a dread loneliness in the place which chilled my heart and made my nerves tremble. Go to

2. When a couple of hours had passed I heard something stirring in the Count’s room, something like a sharp wail quickly suppressed; and then there was silence, deep, awful silence, which chilled me. Go to

churchman /ˈtʃɜːrtʃmən/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: homem da Igreja; clérigo

Simple English: A man who works for a church.

Example: He greeted them as one churchman to another.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. As an English Churchman, I had been taught to think such things were partly wrong, but it also seemed rude to refuse an old lady who meant so well. Go to

Original English Version

1. I did not know what to do, for, as an English Churchman, I have been taught to regard such things as in some measure idolatrous, and yet it seemed so ungracious to refuse an old lady meaning so well and in such a state of mind. Go to

clanged /klæŋd/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: ressoou com estrondo metálico; bateu com estrépito

Simple English: Made a loud, ringing metallic sound.

Example: The heavy door clanged shut behind him.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. With one strong sweep of his arm, the Count slammed the door shut, and the heavy bolts clanged and echoed through the hall as they shot back into place. Go to

Original English Version

1. With one sweep of his powerful arm, the Count threw the door shut, and the great bolts clanged and echoed through the hall as they shot back into their places. Go to

cleft /kleft/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: fenda; rachadura

Simple English: A narrow split or opening in a rock or other surface.

Example: They sheltered in a cleft between the rocks.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Through the darkness I saw a patch of grey light ahead, as if there was a cleft in the hills. Go to

Original English Version

1. Then through the darkness I could see a sort of patch of grey light ahead of us, as though there were a cleft in the hills. Go to

clenched /klɛntʃt/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: cerrou

Simple English: Closed the teeth or the hands very tightly.

Example: He clenched his hands and said nothing.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Her blue eyes changed with fury, her white teeth clenched, and her pale cheeks turned red. Go to

clerk's /klɜːrks/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: do escriturário; do atendente

Simple English: The possessive form of “clerk,” showing that something belongs to an office or shop worker.

Example: The clerk's careful record settled the dispute.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Was this a normal part of a solicitor’s clerk’s job, sent to explain the purchase of a London estate to a foreigner? Go to

clumsy /ˈklʌmzi/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: desajeitado; grosseiro; malfeito

Simple English: Done or made without skill or care.

Example: It was a clumsy trick, and no one believed it.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The women were pretty from a distance, but looked clumsy around the waist when seen close up. Go to

Original English Version

1. The women looked pretty, except when you got near them, but they were very clumsy about the waist. Go to

clung /klʌŋ/ (9 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: agarrava-se; apegava-se

Simple English: Held onto something very tightly.

Example: The child clung to her father's hand.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. To the west was a great valley, and then, rising far away, great jagged mountain fastnesses, rising peak on peak, the sheer rock studded with mountain ash and thorn, whose roots clung in cracks and crevices and crannies of the stone. Go to

coachman /ˈkoʊtʃmən/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: cocheiro

Simple English: A man who drives a carriage pulled by horses.

Example: The coachman waited outside the hotel.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I called to the coachman to come, because it seemed our only chance was to break through the ring and help him reach us. Go to

2. As time passed and I became braver, I asked him about some strange things from the night before, such as why the coachman went to the places where he had seen the blue flames. Go to

3. “Because, dear sir, my coachman and horses are away on a mission.” Go to

Original English Version

1. I called to the coachman to come, for it seemed to me that our only chance was to try to break out through the ring and to aid his approach. Go to

2. Then as time went on, and I had got somewhat bolder, I asked him of some of the strange things of the preceding night, as, for instance, why the coachman went to the places where he had seen the blue flames. Go to

3. “Because, dear sir, my coachman and horses are away on a mission.” Go to

coasts /koʊsts/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: litorais; costas

Simple English: Areas of land beside the sea.

Example: He had traded along several distant coasts.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Their Berserkers showed this spirit on the coasts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Go to

cockcrow /ˈkɑːkkroʊ/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: cantar do galo; madrugada

Simple English: The very early morning when cocks call.

Example: They set out at first cockcrow.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. By this time it was almost morning, and we went to bed. (I note that this diary seems terribly like the beginning of the “Arabian Nights,” because everything has to stop at cockcrow - or like the ghost of Hamlet’s father.) Go to

Original English Version

1. It was by this time close on morning, and we went to bed. (Mem., this diary seems horribly like the beginning of the “Arabian Nights,” for everything has to break off at cockcrow - or like the ghost of Hamlet’s father.) Go to

2. Then came the welcome cockcrow, and I felt that I was safe. Go to

coffins /ˈkɔːfɪnz/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: caixões

Simple English: Long boxes in which dead bodies are buried or cremated.

Example: She described how her relatives had looked in their coffins.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I entered two of them and saw only broken pieces of old coffins and piles of dust. Go to

Original English Version

1. Into two of these I went, but saw nothing except fragments of old coffins and piles of dust; in the third, however, I made a discovery. Go to

coldest /ˈkoʊldɪst/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: mais frio; o mais frio

Simple English: The superlative form of cold, meaning having the least warmth or emotion.

Example: She answered in the coldest voice he had ever heard.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I woke up when the Count looked at me with the coldest face a man could have and said: Go to

comforts /ˈkʌmfərts/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: comodidades; conforto

Simple English: Things that make life easy and pleasant.

Example: He missed the small comforts of his own kitchen.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Bless that good woman who hung the crucifix around my neck, for it comforts and strengthens me whenever I touch it. Go to

command /kəˈmænd/ (11 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: comando; comandar; ordem

Simple English: A specific instruction for a computer to execute a task.

Example: You need to enter the right command to run the program successfully.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I do not know how he got there, but I heard his voice shouting with strong command, and when I looked toward it, I saw him standing in the road. Go to

2. He swept his arm and threw the woman away from him, then motioned the others back, with the same commanding gesture I had seen him use to the wolves. Go to

conduct /kənˈdʌkt/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: conduta; conduzir; realizar

Simple English: To direct musicians with hand movements during a performance.

Example: The conductor raised his baton, signaling the orchestra to begin playing.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Where ends war without a brain and heart to conduct it? Go to

conquering /ˈkɑːŋkərɪŋ/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: conquistador; conquistando

Simple English: Winning by force, or taking control of a place.

Example: The conquering army entered the city.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “Is it a wonder that we were a conquering race? Go to

Original English Version

1. “Is it a wonder that we were a conquering race; that we were proud; that when the Magyar, the Lombard, the Avar, the Bulgar, or the Turk poured his thousands on our frontiers, we drove them back? Go to

contrasted /kənˈtræstɪd/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: contrastou; contraposto

Simple English: Showed a clear difference when compared with something else.

Example: His calm manner contrasted with the panic around him.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. Two were dark, and had high aquiline noses, like the Count, and great dark, piercing eyes that seemed to be almost red when contrasted with the pale yellow moon. Go to

convinced /kənˈvɪnst/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: convencido; convenceu; convicto

Simple English: Having a strong belief in something.

Example: He is convinced that he will win the competition next week.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Later I saw him through the crack by the door hinges laying the table in the dining-room, and this convinced me even more. Go to

count's /kaʊnts/ (83 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: do conde

Simple English: Belonging to or associated with a count, a European nobleman.

Example: The count's courteous welcome eased the traveler's fears.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The light, the warmth, and the Count’s polite welcome seemed to remove my doubts and fears. Go to

2. The Count’s eyes shone, and he said: Go to

3. As I leaned from the window, my eye caught something moving one floor below me, a little to my left, where I thought the windows of the Count’s own room must be. Go to

4. I saw the Count’s head coming out of the window. Go to

5. The key must be in the Count’s room. Go to

6. The Count’s strange warning frightened me then, and it frightens me even more now. Go to

Original English Version

1. The light and warmth and the Count’s courteous welcome seemed to have dissipated all my doubts and fears. Go to

2. The Count’s eyes gleamed, and he said: - Go to

3. Some time after I had finished my meal - I do not know whether to call it breakfast or dinner, for it was between five and six o’clock when I had it - I looked about for something to read, for I did not like to go about the castle until I had asked the Count’s permission. Go to

4. Suddenly I felt a hand on my shoulder, and heard the Count’s voice saying to me, “Good morning.” I started, for it amazed me that I had not seen him, since the reflection of the glass covered the whole room behind me. Go to

5. Having answered the Count’s salutation, I turned to the glass again to see how I had been mistaken. Go to

6. There was a certain method in the Count’s inquiries, so I shall try to put them down in sequence; the knowledge may somehow or some time be useful to me. Go to

coutts /kuːts/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Coutts (banco britânico)

Simple English: the name of a real historic London bank, 'Coutts & Co.'

Example: The third letter was to Coutts & Co., London.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. 7, The Crescent, Whitby; another to Herr Leutner, Varna; the third to Coutts & Co., London; and the fourth to Herren Klopstock & Billreuth, bankers, Budapest. Go to

Original English Version

1. 7, The Crescent, Whitby, another to Herr Leutner, Varna; the third was to Coutts & Co., London, and the fourth to Herren Klopstock & Billreuth, bankers, Budapest. Go to

crawled /krɔːld/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: engatinhou; rastejou

Simple English: Moved slowly on the hands and knees, or close to the ground.

Example: She crawled across the floor to her bed.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I left the Count’s room by the window and crawled again up the castle wall. Go to

Original English Version

1. I thought he might have the keys on him, but when I went to search I saw the dead eyes, and in them, dead though they were, such a look of hate, though unconscious of me or my presence, that I fled from the place, and leaving the Count’s room by the window, crawled again up the castle wall. Go to

creak /kriːk/ (7 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: rangido

Simple English: A long high noise made by something old that moves.

Example: The creak of the gate woke the dog.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Another door opens and closes, and I hear the creak of a lock and bolt. Go to

creaking /ˈkriːkɪŋ/ (15 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: rangente; que chia

Simple English: Making a long high noise when it moves.

Example: We climbed the creaking wooden stairs.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. The door is shut, and the chains rattle; there is a grinding of the key in the lock; I can hear the key withdraw: then another door opens and shuts; I hear the creaking of lock and bolt. Go to

credit /ˈkrɛdɪt/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: crédito; mérito

Simple English: The ability to obtain goods or funds based on trust, allowing deferred payment.

Example: With a good credit score, you can get better loan rates.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Every piece of paper was gone, and with it all my notes about trains and travel, my letter of credit, in fact everything that would help me if I ever got outside the castle. Go to

crucifix /ˈkruːsəfɪks/ (37 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: crucifixo

Simple English: A cross bearing an image of Jesus Christ.

Example: She held a crucifix tightly against her chest.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. She then stood up, dried her eyes, and took a crucifix from her neck and offered it to me. Go to

2. I am writing this while I wait for the coach, which is late, and the crucifix is still around my neck. Go to

3. I do not know if it is the old lady’s fear, the stories of this place, or the crucifix itself, but I do not feel as calm as usual. Go to

4. I pulled away, and his hand touched the string of beads that held the crucifix. Go to

5. What was the meaning of the crucifix, the garlic, the wild rose, and the mountain ash? Go to

6. Bless that good woman who hung the crucifix around my neck, for it comforts and strengthens me whenever I touch it. Go to

Original English Version

1. She then rose and dried her eyes, and taking a crucifix from her neck offered it to me. Go to

2. I am writing up this part of the diary whilst I am waiting for the coach, which is, of course, late; and the crucifix is still round my neck. Go to

3. Whether it is the old lady’s fear, or the many ghostly traditions of this place, or the crucifix itself, I do not know, but I am not feeling nearly as easy in my mind as usual. Go to

4. I drew away, and his hand touched the string of beads which held the crucifix. Go to

5. What meant the giving of the crucifix, of the garlic, of the wild rose, of the mountain ash? Go to

6. Bless that good, good woman who hung the crucifix round my neck! for it is a comfort and a strength to me whenever I touch it. Go to

cszeks /tʃɛks/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: tchecos

Simple English: the people of the Czech nation, seen wearing bright clothes on a journey

Example: We passed Cszeks and Slovaks in bright clothes, but I noticed that goitre was very common.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. We passed Cszeks and Slovaks in bright clothes, but I noticed that goitre was very common. Go to

2. It usually carried groups of peasants coming home, Cszeks in white sheepskins and Slovaks in colored ones. Go to

Original English Version

1. Here and there we passed Cszeks and Slovaks, all in picturesque attire, but I noticed that goitre was painfully prevalent. Go to

2. On this were sure to be seated quite a group of homecoming peasants, the Cszeks with their white, and the Slovaks with their coloured, sheepskins, the latter carrying lance-fashion their long staves, with axe at end. Go to

cunning /ˈkʌnɪŋ/ (15 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: astuto; astúcia

Simple English: Skilled at achieving aims through cleverness or deception, or such clever skill itself.

Example: The cunning thief invented a convincing excuse.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. It was like the intolerable, tingling sweetness of water-glasses when played on by a cunning hand. Go to

curved /kɜːrvd/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: curvo; curva

Simple English: Having a shape that is rounded rather than straight.

Example: The curved path led us through the beautiful forest.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Soon trees closed in around us, and in some places they curved right over the road so that we passed through a tunnel. Go to

2. His face was strong, very strong, and shaped like an eagle’s, with a high bridge on his thin nose and strangely curved nostrils. Go to

danube /ˈdænjuːb/ (20 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Danúbio

Simple English: a major river in Central and Eastern Europe

Example: The Austrian creatures went running across the Danube.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The great bridges over the Danube led us into a land shaped by Turkish rule. Go to

2. Who but one of my own race, as Voivode, crossed the Danube and beat the Turk on his own ground? Go to

Original English Version

1. The impression I had was that we were leaving the West and entering the East; the most western of splendid bridges over the Danube, which is here of noble width and depth, took us among the traditions of Turkish rule. Go to

2. Who was it but one of my own race who as Voivode crossed the Danube and beat the Turk on his own ground? Go to

dares /dɛrz/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: ousa; se atreve

Simple English: Is brave enough to do something.

Example: Nobody dares to enter that dark house.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Yes, there is a way, if one dares to try it. Go to

Original English Version

1. Yes, there is a way, if one dares to take it. Go to

dearest /ˈdɪrɪst/ (27 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: querido; caríssimo; mais caro

Simple English: Most loved; also most expensive.

Example: My dearest wish is to see the sea again before I grow old.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. My dearest Lucy. Go to

2. My dearest Mina. Go to

3. My dearest Mina - Go to

Original English Version

1. “My dearest Lucy - Go to

2. “My dearest Mina - Go to

3. “My dearest Mina - Go to

deathly /ˈdeθli/ (7 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: cadavérico; mortal

Simple English: Like death, especially very pale or very still.

Example: Her face was deathly white.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. His face was deathly pale, and its hard lines looked like drawn wire. Go to

Original English Version

1. His face was deathly pale, and the lines of it were hard like drawn wires; the thick eyebrows that met over the nose now seemed like a heaving bar of white-hot metal. Go to

2. At the bottom there was a dark, tunnel-like passage, through which came a deathly, sickly odour, the odour of old earth newly turned. Go to

deceive /dɪˈsiːv/ (13 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: enganar; iludir

Simple English: To make someone believe something that is not true.

Example: He would never deceive a friend.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He knows I am locked in here, and since he did it himself and has his own reasons, he would only deceive me if I trusted him fully. Go to

2. If my ears did not deceive me, I heard a gasp and a soft cry, like a child being smothered. Go to

Original English Version

1. You cannot deceive me, my friend; I know too much, and my horses are swift.” As he spoke he smiled, and the lamplight fell on a hard-looking mouth, with very red lips and sharp-looking teeth, as white as ivory. Go to

2. He knows well that I am imprisoned; and as he has done it himself, and has doubtless his own motives for it, he would only deceive me if I trusted him fully with the facts. Go to

3. And yet, unless my senses deceive me, the old centuries had, and have, powers of their own which mere “modernity” cannot kill. Go to

4. If my ears did not deceive me there was a gasp and a low wail, as of a half-smothered child. Go to

deceiving /dɪˈsiːvɪŋ/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: enganando; iludindo

Simple English: Making someone believe something that is not true.

Example: He was deceiving them about his real name.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. This frightened me, but it only lasted a moment, so I thought my eyes were deceiving me in the dark. Go to

delight (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: prazer; alegria; encanto

Simple English: great pleasure or to please someone

Example: The children laughed with delight.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I closed my eyes in a strange, dreamy delight and waited, with my heart beating hard. Go to

2. I hurried to the window in delight and saw two large leiter-wagons drive into the yard, each pulled by eight strong horses. Go to

denn /dɛn/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: pois, porque

Simple English: (German) a word meaning 'for' or 'because'

Example: Denn die Todten reiten schnell means For the dead travel fast.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “Denn die Todten reiten schnell” means “For the dead travel fast.” Go to

Original English Version

1. “Denn die Todten reiten schnell” - (“For the dead travel fast.”) Go to

depth /dɛpθ/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: profundidade; aprofundada; detalhada

Simple English: Quality that makes artwork appear three-dimensional.

Example: The depth in the painting gives it a realistic feel.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I looked down once, so the terrible depth would not shock me later, but after that I kept my eyes away from it. Go to

desert /dɪˈzɜːrt/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: deserto; desertar; sobremesa

Simple English: A dry area with little rain.

Example: The Sahara is a desert.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Dying people believed that in their veins ran the blood of old witches who, after being expelled from Scythia, mated with devils in the desert. Go to

despairing /dɪˈspɛrɪŋ/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: desesperado; de desespero

Simple English: Having lost all hope.

Example: She gave one despairing cry and sat down.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. I thought and thought what should be my next move, but my brain seemed on fire, and I waited with a despairing feeling growing over me. Go to

desperate /ˈdɛspərət/ (8 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: desesperado

Simple English: Being in a dangerous situation and acting without care.

Example: In a desperate attempt, he jumped into the water to save her.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. After that, nothing I did would move them, not even my sad cries or desperate pleas. Go to

2. While I sat there, I heard a cry from the courtyard outside, the desperate cry of a woman. Go to

3. It is a desperate chance, but my need is even greater. Go to

dined /daɪnd/ (8 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: jantou

Simple English: Ate the main meal of the day.

Example: They dined together every Friday for years.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. There are many odd things to put down, and, lest who reads them may fancy that I dined too well before I left Bistritz, let me put down my dinner exactly. Go to

2. I dined on what they called “robber steak” - bits of bacon, onion, and beef, seasoned with red pepper, and strung on sticks and roasted over the fire, in the simple style of the London cat’s meat! Go to

3. You will, I trust, excuse me that I do not join you; but I have dined already, and I do not sup.” Go to

4. The Count again excused himself, as he had dined out on his being away from home. Go to

disarray /ˌdɪsəˈreɪ/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: desordem

Simple English: An untidy or confused state.

Example: The room was left in complete disarray.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. A woman was there, with her hair in disarray, holding her hands over her heart as if she had been running and was in pain. Go to

dishonourable /dɪsˈɒnərəbəl/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: desonroso

Simple English: British spelling of “dishonorable,” meaning shameful or lacking honor.

Example: He would not gain a dishonourable advantage.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Blood is too precious in these days of dishonourable peace. Go to

Original English Version

1. Blood is too precious a thing in these days of dishonourable peace; and the glories of the great races are as a tale that is told.” Go to

disobeying /ˌdɪsəˈbeɪɪŋ/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: desobedecendo

Simple English: Refusing or failing to do what a rule or person commands.

Example: She felt guilty for silently disobeying her parents.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I thought of the Count’s warning, but I almost enjoyed disobeying it. Go to

Original English Version

1. The Count’s warning came into my mind, but I took a pleasure in disobeying it. Go to

dizzy /ˈdɪzi/ (9 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: tonto; zonzo

Simple English: Feeling that everything around you is turning.

Example: The fall made him look a little dizzy.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I did not feel dizzy, perhaps because I was too excited. Go to

Original English Version

1. I did not feel dizzy - I suppose I was too excited - and the time seemed ridiculously short till I found myself standing on the windowsill and trying to raise up the sash. Go to

doubted /ˈdaʊtɪd/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: duvidou

Simple English: Was not sure that something was true.

Example: Nobody doubted his honest words.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. Go safely; and leave something of the happiness you bring!” The strength of the handshake was so much akin to that which I had noticed in the driver, whose face I had not seen, that for a moment I doubted if it were not the same person to whom I was speaking; so to make sure, I said interrogatively: - Go to

doubtless /ˈdaʊtləs/ (17 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: sem dúvida; provavelmente

Simple English: Used to say that something is certainly or very probably true.

Example: He will doubtless return before nightfall.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. They are doubtless the boxes with their earth inside. Go to

Original English Version

1. He knows well that I am imprisoned; and as he has done it himself, and has doubtless his own motives for it, he would only deceive me if I trusted him fully with the facts. Go to

2. It will doubtless please your friends to know that you are well, and that you look forward to getting home to them. Go to

3. As I write there is in the passage below a sound of many tramping feet and the crash of weights being set down heavily, doubtless the boxes, with their freight of earth. Go to

downwards /ˈdaʊnwərdz/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: para baixo

Simple English: Toward a lower place, level, or position.

Example: He moved downwards along the wall.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. I saw the fingers and toes grasp the corners of the stones, worn clear of the mortar by the stress of years, and by thus using every projection and inequality move downwards with considerable speed, just as a lizard moves along a wall. Go to

2. He moved downwards in a sidelong way, some hundred feet down, and a good deal to the left. Go to

Dozen /ˈdʌzən/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: dúzia; dezenas; doze

Simple English: A group of twelve items or units together.

Example: I bought a dozen eggs for the cake I am baking.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I told him he could have a dozen if he wanted, but it would not be wise to have more than one solicitor working on one deal, because only one can act at a time, and changing could hurt his interests. Go to

dracula /ˈdrækjʊlə/ (60 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Drácula

Simple English: the name of the vampire count in the story

Example: I could not find a book that showed the exact place of Castle Dracula.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I could not find a map or book that showed the exact place of Castle Dracula, but I did learn that Bistritz, the post town named by Count Dracula, is well known. Go to

2. Count Dracula told me to go to the Golden Krone Hotel. Go to

3. Your friend, Dracula. Go to

4. When I asked if he knew Count Dracula or could tell me about his castle, both he and his wife crossed themselves and said they knew nothing. Go to

5. “Count Dracula?” He bowed politely as he replied. Go to

6. “I am Dracula. Go to

Original English Version

1. I was not able to light on any map or work giving the exact locality of the Castle Dracula, as there are no maps of this country as yet to compare with our own Ordnance Survey maps; but I found that Bistritz, the post town named by Count Dracula, is a fairly well-known place. Go to

2. Count Dracula had directed me to go to the Golden Krone Hotel, which I found, to my great delight, to be thoroughly old-fashioned, for of course I wanted to see all I could of the ways of the country. Go to

3. “Your friend, “Dracula.” Go to

4. When I asked him if he knew Count Dracula, and could tell me anything of his castle, both he and his wife crossed themselves, and, saying that they knew nothing at all, simply refused to speak further. Go to

5. “Count Dracula?” He bowed in a courtly way as he replied: - Go to

6. “I am Dracula; and I bid you welcome, Mr. Harker, to my house. Go to

draught /drɑːft/ (9 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: corrente de ar

Simple English: A current of cool air moving through a room or enclosed space.

Example: A cold draught came through the open door.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. He held in his hand an antique silver lamp, in which the flame burned without chimney or globe of any kind, throwing long quivering shadows as it flickered in the draught of the open door. Go to

dreaded /ˈdrɛdɪd/ (9 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: temeu; temido

Simple English: Felt great fear or anxiety about something; as an adjective, greatly feared.

Example: She almost dreaded his visits.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. At the worst it can only be death; and a man’s death is not a calf’s, and the dreaded Hereafter may still be open to me. Go to

dreamy /ˈdriːmi/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: sonhador; de quem sonha acordado

Simple English: Sounding or looking as if you are dreaming.

Example: She had a dreamy look on her face.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I closed my eyes in a strange, dreamy delight and waited, with my heart beating hard. Go to

Original English Version

1. I seemed somehow to know her face, and to know it in connection with some dreamy fear, but I could not recollect at the moment how or where. Go to

drifted /ˈdrɪftɪd/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: foi à deriva; afastou-se aos poucos

Simple English: Moved slowly along without control or plan.

Example: The small boat drifted out to sea.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. “I know no more than the dead where even to look for them.” Then we drifted into other matters. Go to

dripping /ˈdrɪpɪŋ/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: gotejando; pingando; encharcado

Simple English: Falling in drops, or so wet that drops fall off.

Example: Water was dripping from the edge of the roof.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. His mouth was redder than ever, with fresh blood on his lips, dripping from the corners of his mouth and running down his chin and neck. Go to

eagerly /ˈiːɡərli/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: avidamente; com entusiasmo

Simple English: In a way that shows strong interest or excitement.

Example: She looked eagerly at the strange new sights.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. Then, as we flew along, the driver leaned forward, and on each side the passengers, craning over the edge of the coach, peered eagerly into the darkness. Go to

eagle's /ˈiːɡəlz/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: da águia

Simple English: Belonging to the eagle.

Example: The eagle's wings were strong and wide.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. His face was strong, very strong, and shaped like an eagle’s, with a high bridge on his thin nose and strangely curved nostrils. Go to

earnestness /ˈɜːnɪstnəs/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: seriedade; sinceridade

Simple English: Serious and sincere intention or feeling.

Example: The passengers pressed their gifts upon him with great earnestness.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. One by one, passengers gave me gifts, pressing them with earnestness. Go to

Original English Version

1. One by one several of the passengers offered me gifts, which they pressed upon me with an earnestness which would take no denial; these were certainly of an odd and varied kind, but each was given in simple good faith, with a kindly word, and a blessing, and that strange mixture of fear-meaning movements which I had seen outside the hotel at Bistritz - the sign of the cross and the guard against the evil eye. Go to

earthly /ˈɜːrθli/ (9 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: terreno; do mundo

Simple English: Belonging to this world and not to heaven.

Example: The book had no earthly value to him.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. And then away for home! away to the quickest and nearest train! away from this cursed spot, from this cursed land, where the devil and his children still walk with earthly feet! Go to

earthy /ˈɜːθi/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: terroso

Simple English: Resembling, smelling of, or containing soil or earth.

Example: The earthy smell showed that the body had not lain there long.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He could not have been there long because the earthy smell would have gone in a few hours. Go to

Original English Version

1. He could not have lain there long, for the earthy smell would have passed away in a few hours. Go to

eastward /ˈiːstwərd/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: para o leste; a oriente

Simple English: Towards the east.

Example: At last they turned eastward.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. When the Hungarian flood swept eastward, the Szekelys were claimed as kindred by the victorious Magyars. Go to

Original English Version

1. And when the Hungarian flood swept eastward, the Szekelys were claimed as kindred by the victorious Magyars, and to us for centuries was trusted the guarding of the frontier of Turkey-land; ay, and more than that, endless duty of the frontier guard, for, as the Turks say, ‘water sleeps, and enemy is sleepless.’ Who more gladly than we throughout the Four Nations received the ‘bloody sword,’ or at its warlike call flocked quicker to the standard of the King? Go to

echoed /ˈɛkoʊd/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: ecoou; repetiu

Simple English: Produced a reflected sound or repeated another person's words.

Example: Their footsteps echoed through the empty street.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. With one strong sweep of his arm, the Count slammed the door shut, and the heavy bolts clanged and echoed through the hall as they shot back into place. Go to

Original English Version

1. With one sweep of his powerful arm, the Count threw the door shut, and the great bolts clanged and echoed through the hall as they shot back into their places. Go to

eggplant /ˈeɡplænt/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: berinjela

Simple English: A purple-skinned vegetable with soft pale flesh.

Example: She sliced the eggplant for supper.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. At breakfast I had more paprika, some maize porridge called “mamaliga,” and stuffed eggplant called “impletata.” I wanted the recipe for that too. Go to

Original English Version

1. I had for breakfast more paprika, and a sort of porridge of maize flour which they said was “mamaliga,” and eggplant stuffed with forcemeat, a very excellent dish, which they call “impletata.” (Mem., get recipe for this also.) I had to hurry breakfast, for the train started a little before eight, or rather it ought to have done so, for after rushing to the station at 7:30 I had to sit in the carriage for more than an hour before we began to move. Go to

eleventh /ɪˈlɛvənθ/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: décima primeira

Simple English: Coming after the tenth.

Example: She lives on the eleventh floor.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. This may be true, because when the Magyars conquered the country in the eleventh century, they found the Huns already living there. Go to

Original English Version

1. This may be so, for when the Magyars conquered the country in the eleventh century they found the Huns settled in it. Go to

englishman /ˈɪŋɡlɪʃmən/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: inglês

Simple English: A man from England.

Example: An Englishman asked the way to the station.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. She bowed and said, “The Herr Englishman?” I said, “Yes, Jonathan Harker.” She smiled and gave a message to an old man in a white shirt who followed her to the door. Go to

Original English Version

1. When I came close she bowed and said, “The Herr Englishman?” “Yes,” I said, “Jonathan Harker.” She smiled, and gave some message to an elderly man in white shirtsleeves, who had followed her to the door. Go to

envelopes /ˈenvəloʊps/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: envelopes

Simple English: Paper covers used to contain letters or documents.

Example: The returned manuscripts still lay inside long envelopes.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Is that not so?” As he spoke, he gave me three sheets of notepaper and three envelopes. Go to

2. This morning when I woke, I planned to take some paper and envelopes from my bag and keep them in my pocket. Go to

Original English Version

1. Is it not so?” As he spoke he handed me three sheets of notepaper and three envelopes. Go to

2. 31 May. - This morning when I woke I thought I would provide myself with some paper and envelopes from my bag and keep them in my pocket, so that I might write in case I should get an opportunity, but again a surprise, again a shock! Go to

estate (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: propriedade; patrimônio; bens

Simple English: land, property, or all possessions of a person

Example: The family sold the estate.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Was this a normal part of a solicitor’s clerk’s job, sent to explain the purchase of a London estate to a foreigner? Go to

2. You have not come only as my friend Peter Hawkins’s agent from Exeter to tell me about my new estate in London. Go to

3. We discussed the purchase of the estate at Purfleet in detail. Go to

4. “The estate is called Carfax, perhaps from the old name Quatre Face, because the house has four sides that match the four directions. Go to

5. One was near London on the east side, clearly where his new estate was. Go to

excused /ɪkˈskjuːzd/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: desculpou; dispensou

Simple English: Forgave a fault, or allowed someone not to do something.

Example: She excused herself and left the table.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The Count again excused himself because he had eaten out. Go to

Original English Version

1. The Count again excused himself, as he had dined out on his being away from home. Go to

extreme /ɪkˈstriːm/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: extrema; radicais; exagerado

Simple English: Very high in intensity or degree of conditions.

Example: We experienced extreme temperatures this summer, leading to heat advisories everywhere.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Overall, he looked extremely pale. Go to

eyelashes /ˈaɪlæʃɪz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: cílios; pestanas

Simple English: The short hairs that grow on the edge of the eyelids.

Example: Snow settled on her eyelashes.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “He is young and strong; there are kisses for us all.” I lay still and looked out from under my eyelashes in a painful, delightful waiting. Go to

Original English Version

1. “He is young and strong; there are kisses for us all.” I lay quiet, looking out under my eyelashes in an agony of delightful anticipation. Go to

eyelids /ˈaɪlɪdz/ (9 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: pálpebras

Simple English: The pieces of skin that cover the eyes when they close.

Example: His eyelids were heavy with sleep.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I was afraid to lift my eyelids, but I looked out under them. Go to

Original English Version

1. I was afraid to raise my eyelids, but looked out and saw perfectly under the lashes. Go to

fainter /ˈfeɪntər/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: mais fraco

Simple English: less strong, clear, bright, or loud

Example: The distant howling grew fainter as they rode away.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. The keen wind still carried the howling of the dogs, though this grew fainter as we went on our way. Go to

faraway /ˌfɑːrəˈweɪ/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: distante; longínquo; absorto

Simple English: Very distant; also describing a look that shows the mind is elsewhere.

Example: She spoke of faraway countries she had never seen.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. I know it, for now and then I hear a faraway muffled sound as of mattock and spade, and, whatever it is, it must be the end of some ruthless villainy. Go to

farmhouse /ˈfɑːrmhaʊs/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: casa de fazenda; sede da fazenda

Simple English: The main house on a farm, where the family lives.

Example: Dorothy knocked at the door of the farmhouse.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Then a dog began to howl somewhere in a farmhouse far down the road. Go to

Original English Version

1. Then a dog began to howl somewhere in a farmhouse far down the road - a long, agonised wailing, as if from fear. Go to

farmhouses /ˈfɑːrmhaʊzɪz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: casas de fazenda

Simple English: The main houses on farms.

Example: Most farmhouses there are round with a dome.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Before us lay green hills with forests and woods, and now and then steep hills with trees or farmhouses on top. Go to

Original English Version

1. Before us lay a green sloping land full of forests and woods, with here and there steep hills, crowned with clumps of trees or with farmhouses, the blank gable end to the road. Go to

fashions /ˈfæʃənz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: modas; estilos

Simple English: Popular or changing styles of dress, behavior, or commerce.

Example: The newest Paris fashions had just arrived.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. As you know, I do not care enough about clothes to describe the new fashions. Go to

Original English Version

1. I do not, as you know, take sufficient interest in dress to be able to describe the new fashions. Go to

fasten /ˈfæsən/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: prender; amarrar; atar

Simple English: To join or fix two things firmly together.

Example: Please fasten the gate before you leave.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Her head moved lower and lower until her lips were below my mouth and chin, as if she meant to fasten on my throat. Go to

Original English Version

1. Lower and lower went her head as the lips went below the range of my mouth and chin and seemed about to fasten on my throat. Go to

fastened /ˈfæsənd/ (15 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: prenderam; fixaram

Simple English: Joined or fixed one thing firmly to another.

Example: They fastened his head onto his tin body.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The lock had not been bolted, but the door is fastened from the inside. Go to

2. The big box was in the same place, close to the wall, but the lid was on it, not fastened down, with the nails ready beside it. Go to

Original English Version

1. I could see that the bolt of the lock had not been shot, but the door is fastened from the inside. Go to

2. Again a shock: my door was fastened on the outside. Go to

3. The great box was in the same place, close against the wall, but the lid was laid on it, not fastened down, but with the nails ready in their places to be hammered home. Go to

fatherland /ˈfɑːðəlænd/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: pátria

Simple English: The country where a person or their ancestors were born, viewed with patriotic feeling.

Example: He wondered whether he would ever see his fatherland again.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Is it strange that when Arpad and his legions swept through the Hungarian fatherland, he found us here at the frontier? Go to

Original English Version

1. Is it strange that when Arpad and his legions swept through the Hungarian fatherland he found us here when he reached the frontier; that the Honfoglalas was completed there? Go to

firelight /ˈfaɪərlaɪt/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: luz da fogueira; clarão do fogo

Simple English: The light given out by a fire.

Example: They read by firelight because the lamp had failed.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Before this, I had only seen the backs of his hands in the firelight, resting on his knees, and they had seemed white and fine. Go to

Original English Version

1. Hitherto I had noticed the backs of his hands as they lay on his knees in the firelight, and they had seemed rather white and fine; but seeing them now close to me, I could not but notice that they were rather coarse - broad, with squat fingers. Go to

firs /fɜːrz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: abetos

Simple English: evergreen trees with needle-like leaves and upright cones

Example: Two tall firs stood beside the garden gate.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The dark trees - oak, beech, and pine - blended into one dim mass, though in the valleys the dark firs still stood out against late snow. Go to

Original English Version

1. As the evening fell it began to get very cold, and the growing twilight seemed to merge into one dark mistiness the gloom of the trees, oak, beech, and pine, though in the valleys which ran deep between the spurs of the hills, as we ascended through the Pass, the dark firs stood out here and there against the background of late-lying snow. Go to

flashed /flæʃt/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: lampejaram; refletiram

Simple English: Shone with a sudden bright light.

Example: The mirror flashed in the morning sun.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. When the Count saw my face, his eyes flashed with terrible anger, and he suddenly reached for my throat. Go to

2. At that moment, another feeling flashed through me. Go to

flatter /ˈflætər/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: mais plano

Simple English: More level, with fewer hills.

Example: The land grows flatter near the sea.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He does this to me very often, but I flatter myself he has found me hard to understand. Go to

Original English Version

1. He tries this on very much with me, but I flatter myself he has got a tough nut to crack. Go to

flicker /ˈflɪkər/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: tremulação

Simple English: A small, unsteady light or a very brief sign of something.

Example: A flicker of light passed across the wall.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Once, something strange happened: when he stood between me and the flame, he did not block it, and I could still see its ghostly flicker. Go to

Original English Version

1. Once there appeared a strange optical effect: when he stood between me and the flame he did not obstruct it, for I could see its ghostly flicker all the same. Go to

flickering /ˈflɪkərɪŋ/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: tremeluzente; bruxuleante

Simple English: Burning or shining in an unsteady way.

Example: A flickering candle stood on the table.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Only the flickering rays of our own lamps showed steam from the horses. Go to

Original English Version

1. The only light was the flickering rays of our own lamps, in which the steam from our hard-driven horses rose in a white cloud. Go to

2. Suddenly, away on our left, I saw a faint flickering blue flame. Go to

float /floʊt/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: flutuar; flutuador; bóia

Simple English: To move slowly on water or in the air.

Example: The boat began to float gently on the calm lake.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Then I noticed small, strange specks floating in the moonlight. Go to

flocked /flɑːkt/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: acorreu em bando

Simple English: Went somewhere in a large group.

Example: The people flocked to see the strange machine.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. As the Turks say, ‘water sleeps, and enemy is sleepless.’ Who more gladly than we received the ‘bloody sword’ or flocked to the King’s standard? Go to

Original English Version

1. And when the Hungarian flood swept eastward, the Szekelys were claimed as kindred by the victorious Magyars, and to us for centuries was trusted the guarding of the frontier of Turkey-land; ay, and more than that, endless duty of the frontier guard, for, as the Turks say, ‘water sleeps, and enemy is sleepless.’ Who more gladly than we throughout the Four Nations received the ‘bloody sword,’ or at its warlike call flocked quicker to the standard of the King? Go to

fooling /ˈfuːlɪŋ/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: brincadeira; enganando; palhaçada

Simple English: Behaving in a silly way, or deceiving someone.

Example: Stop fooling and finish your homework.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I know that either I am fooling myself through fear like a child, or I am in very serious danger. Go to

foolishly /ˈfuːlɪʃli/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: tolamente

Simple English: In a way that shows no good sense.

Example: He foolishly spent all his money in one day.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. They looked up at me, but foolishly only pointed. Go to

footprints /ˈfʊtprɪnts/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: pegadas

Simple English: Marks left on the ground by feet.

Example: We followed his footprints in the snow.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. In the bright moonlight, I could see my own footprints on the floor where I had disturbed the dust. Go to

forbade /fərˈbæd/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: proibia

Simple English: Said that something must not be done.

Example: The rules forbade shouting in the hall.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. How dare you even look at him when I forbade it? Go to

foreigner /ˈfɔːrənər/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: estrangeiro

Simple English: A person from another country.

Example: A foreigner asked for help in the street.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Was this a normal part of a solicitor’s clerk’s job, sent to explain the purchase of a London estate to a foreigner? Go to

Original English Version

1. Was this a customary incident in the life of a solicitor’s clerk sent out to explain the purchase of a London estate to a foreigner? Go to

foresee /fɔːrˈsiː/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: prever

Simple English: to know or expect something before it happens

Example: A careful lawyer can foresee many difficulties.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I explained everything as well as I could, and he left me with the feeling that he would have made a wonderful solicitor, because he thought of everything and could foresee every difficulty. Go to

Original English Version

1. I explained all these things to him to the best of my ability, and he certainly left me under the impression that he would have made a wonderful solicitor, for there was nothing that he did not think of or foresee. Go to

former /ˈfɔːrmər/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: antigo; ex; anterior

Simple English: Referring to the first of two mentioned people or things.

Example: The former president gave a speech at the ceremony yesterday.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Looking back, I saw the steam from the coach horses in the lamplight, and the faces of my former companions, crossing themselves. Go to

freer /ˈfriːər/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: mais livre

Simple English: More free than before or than someone else.

Example: Life at sea felt freer to him.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I think it may keep my sleep freer from dreams, and I will leave it there. Go to

Original English Version

1. I have placed the crucifix over the head of my bed - I imagine that my rest is thus freer from dreams; and there it shall remain. Go to

freshen /ˈfreʃən/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: refrescar; renovar

Simple English: To make or become fresher, cleaner, or more energetic.

Example: He washed and changed his clothes to freshen himself.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “After your journey, you will want to freshen up and change your clothes. Go to

frighten /ˈfraɪtən/ (16 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: assustar; amedrontar

Simple English: To make someone feel afraid.

Example: It was very easy to frighten them.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. It would shock and frighten her terribly if I told her everything. Go to

Original English Version

1. It would shock and frighten her to death were I to expose my heart to her. Go to

frightens /ˈfraɪtənz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: assusta; amedronta

Simple English: Makes someone feel afraid.

Example: Thunder frightens my little brother more than lightning does.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The Count’s strange warning frightened me then, and it frightens me even more now. Go to

Original English Version

1. The Count’s mysterious warning frightened me at the time; it frightens me more now when I think of it, for in future he has a fearful hold upon me. Go to

frontiers /frʌnˈtɪrz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: fronteiras

Simple English: Borders between countries or the outer limits of settled or known land.

Example: They drove the invaders back from their frontiers.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. When the Magyar, the Lombard, the Avar, the Bulgar, or the Turk poured thousands on our frontiers, we drove them back. Go to

Original English Version

1. “Is it a wonder that we were a conquering race; that we were proud; that when the Magyar, the Lombard, the Avar, the Bulgar, or the Turk poured his thousands on our frontiers, we drove them back? Go to

frowned /fraʊnd/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: franziu o cenho

Simple English: Moved the eyebrows down to show anger or worry.

Example: The teacher frowned at the noisy class.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Then the mountains came closer and frowned down on us. Go to

frowning /ˈfraʊnɪŋ/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: franzindo o cenho

Simple English: Showing anger or worry with the eyebrows down.

Example: He read the bill, frowning at the price.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. Soon we were hemmed in with trees, which in places arched right over the roadway till we passed as through a tunnel; and again great frowning rocks guarded us boldly on either side. Go to

2. Of bell or knocker there was no sign; through these frowning walls and dark window openings it was not likely that my voice could penetrate. Go to

froze /froʊz/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: congelou; ficou paralisado

Simple English: Turned to ice, or suddenly stopped moving out of fear.

Example: The lake froze over during the cold week.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I froze, and the shovel turned in my hand and only made a deep cut above his forehead. Go to

gasp /ɡæsp/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: arquejo; suspiro de espanto

Simple English: A quick loud breath taken in surprise.

Example: A gasp went through the room.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. If my ears did not deceive me, I heard a gasp and a soft cry, like a child being smothered. Go to

Original English Version

1. If my ears did not deceive me there was a gasp and a low wail, as of a half-smothered child. Go to

ghostly /ˈɡoʊstli/ (10 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: fantasmagórico; espectral

Simple English: Looking or sounding like a ghost; pale and unclear.

Example: A ghostly light moved slowly across the empty field.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Once, something strange happened: when he stood between me and the flame, he did not block it, and I could still see its ghostly flicker. Go to

Original English Version

1. Whether it is the old lady’s fear, or the many ghostly traditions of this place, or the crucifix itself, I do not know, but I am not feeling nearly as easy in my mind as usual. Go to

2. I soon lost sight and recollection of ghostly fears in the beauty of the scene as we drove along, although had I known the language, or rather languages, which my fellow-passengers were speaking, I might not have been able to throw them off so easily. Go to

3. Once there appeared a strange optical effect: when he stood between me and the flame he did not obstruct it, for I could see its ghostly flicker all the same. Go to

4. The phantom shapes, which were becoming gradually materialised from the moonbeams, were those of the three ghostly women to whom I was doomed. Go to

gipsy /ˈdʒɪpsi/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: cigano

Simple English: A traveller who moves from place to place.

Example: A gipsy once camped near Puddleby.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Then I heard, far away, a gipsy song sung by cheerful voices coming closer. Go to

Original English Version

1. As I waited I heard in the distance a gipsy song sung by merry voices coming closer, and through their song the rolling of heavy wheels and the cracking of whips; the Szgany and the Slovaks of whom the Count had spoken were coming. Go to

gladness /ˈɡlædnəs/ (9 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: contentamento; júbilo

Simple English: The feeling of being pleased and happy.

Example: There was real gladness in his voice.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The passengers drew back with a sigh of gladness that mocked my disappointment. Go to

Original English Version

1. The passengers drew back with a sigh of gladness, which seemed to mock my own disappointment. Go to

2. Then I looked around for the Count, but, with surprise and gladness, made a discovery. Go to

glassiness /ˈɡlæsinəs/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: aspecto vidrado; olhar vidrado

Simple English: The quality of looking smooth, fixed, dull, or glass-like.

Example: His eyes were stony but lacked the glassiness of death.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. His eyes were open and stony, but without the glassiness of death. Go to

Original English Version

1. He was either dead or asleep, I could not say which - for the eyes were open and stony, but without the glassiness of death - and the cheeks had the warmth of life through all their pallor; the lips were as red as ever. Go to

gleam /ɡliːm/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: brilho; lampejo

Simple English: A small or brief flash of light, or a slight sign of a feeling.

Example: They saw the white gleam of falling water.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I saw only the gleam of very bright eyes, which looked red in the lamplight, as he turned to us. Go to

Original English Version

1. Here and there seemed mighty rifts in the mountains, through which, as the sun began to sink, we saw now and again the white gleam of falling water. Go to

2. I could only see the gleam of a pair of very bright eyes, which seemed red in the lamplight, as he turned to us. Go to

3. Just as I had come to this conclusion I heard a heavy step approaching behind the great door, and saw through the chinks the gleam of a coming light. Go to

gloom /ɡluːm/ (18 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: escuridão; tristeza

Simple English: Darkness or a feeling of sadness and hopelessness.

Example: The empty house was filled with gloom.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Then for a while there were no blue flames, and we went on through the gloom, with wolves howling all around us as if they were following in a moving circle. Go to

Original English Version

1. As the evening fell it began to get very cold, and the growing twilight seemed to merge into one dark mistiness the gloom of the trees, oak, beech, and pine, though in the valleys which ran deep between the spurs of the hills, as we ascended through the Pass, the dark firs stood out here and there against the background of late-lying snow. Go to

2. The sound was taken up by another dog, and then another and another, till, borne on the wind which now sighed softly through the Pass, a wild howling began, which seemed to come from all over the country, as far as the imagination could grasp it through the gloom of the night. Go to

3. Then for a time there were no blue flames, and we sped onwards through the gloom, with the howling of the wolves around us, as though they were following in a moving circle. Go to

4. In the gloom the courtyard looked of considerable size, and as several dark ways led from it under great round arches, it perhaps seemed bigger than it really is. Go to

5. I quite understood; my only doubt was as to whether any dream could be more terrible than the unnatural, horrible net of gloom and mystery which seemed closing around me. Go to

6. I determined not to return tonight to the gloom-haunted rooms, but to sleep here, where, of old, ladies had sat and sung and lived sweet lives whilst their gentle breasts were sad for their menfolk away in the midst of remorseless wars. Go to

glories /ˈɡlɔːriz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: glórias; esplendores

Simple English: Great achievements, honors, or things of magnificent beauty.

Example: The old soldier spoke of past glories.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The glories of the great races are like a tale that is told.” Go to

Original English Version

1. Blood is too precious a thing in these days of dishonourable peace; and the glories of the great races are as a tale that is told.” Go to

glowed /ɡloʊd/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: brilhou; resplandecia

Simple English: Gave out a steady light or showed strong warmth or emotion.

Example: The coals glowed red in the grate.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The snowy mountain top still held the sunset light and glowed a soft cool pink. Go to

goitre /ˈɡɔɪtər/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: bócio; papo

Simple English: A swelling in the neck caused by illness.

Example: Goitre was common in those valleys.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. We passed Cszeks and Slovaks in bright clothes, but I noticed that goitre was very common. Go to

Original English Version

1. Here and there we passed Cszeks and Slovaks, all in picturesque attire, but I noticed that goitre was painfully prevalent. Go to

gout /ɡaʊt/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: jorro; baforada

Simple English: A painful illness that swells the joints, especially the toes.

Example: The old sailor limped because of his gout.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “I am sorry that an attack of gout, which I often suffer from, makes it impossible for me to travel for some time. Go to

Original English Version

1. “I must regret that an attack of gout, from which malady I am a constant sufferer, forbids absolutely any travelling on my part for some time to come; but I am happy to say I can send a sufficient substitute, one in whom I have every possible confidence. Go to

graceful /ˈɡreɪsfəl/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: gracioso; elegante; airoso

Simple English: Moving or shaped in a smooth and attractive way.

Example: The dancer made one graceful turn and stopped.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. My host stood on one side of the large fireplace, leaning against the stone, and he made a graceful gesture toward the table before saying: Go to

Original English Version

1. My host, who stood on one side of the great fireplace, leaning against the stonework, made a graceful wave of his hand to the table, and said: - Go to

grieving /ˈɡriːvɪŋ/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: de luto; sofrendo a perda

Simple English: Feeling great sadness, especially after a death.

Example: The grieving family asked for privacy.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Instead, I would sleep here, where ladies in old times had sat and sung and lived gentle lives while grieving for the men away in cruel wars. Go to

grimly /ˈɡrɪmli/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: sombriamente; com ar severo

Simple English: In a serious, determined way that shows no cheerfulness.

Example: He nodded grimly and picked up the shovel.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. I was awakened by the Count, who looked at me as grimly as a man can look as he said: - Go to

grinds /ɡraɪndz/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: mói; tritura; oprime

Simple English: Crushes into small pieces or wears someone down severely.

Example: The mill grinds everything before it to pieces.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The key grinds in the lock, and then I hear it being pulled out. Go to

gripped /ɡrɪpt/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: agarrou; tomou conta de

Simple English: Held very tightly, or took hold of someone's attention or feelings.

Example: She gripped the rail as the boat rolled.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Then I got down from the coach beside it, and the driver helped me with a hand that gripped my arm like steel. Go to

gripping /ˈɡrɪpɪŋ/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: agarrando; empolgante

Simple English: Holding tightly; also holding the attention completely.

Example: It was a gripping story from the first page.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He grew excited as he spoke, walking around the room, pulling his great white moustache, and gripping things as if he could crush them. Go to

2. I saw his fingers and toes gripping the corners of the stones, worn smooth by years, and using every ledge and rough place to move quickly downward, just like a lizard on a wall. Go to

growths /ɡroʊθs/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: crescimentos, formações

Simple English: Things that have grown, such as plants or new tissue.

Example: Strange growths covered the rocks.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Ah, young sir, the Szekelys - and the Dracula as their heart’s blood, brains, and swords - can boast a record that mushroom growths like the Hapsburgs and Romanovs can never reach. Go to

Original English Version

1. Ah, young sir, the Szekelys - and the Dracula as their heart’s blood, their brains, and their swords - can boast a record that mushroom growths like the Hapsburgs and the Romanovs can never reach. Go to

gums /ɡʌmz/ (14 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: gengivas

Simple English: The firm pink tissue in the mouth that surrounds and supports the teeth.

Example: A few sharp teeth remained among his empty gums.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. His lips pulled back over his gums, and his long, sharp teeth showed strangely. Go to

Original English Version

1. “But how,” said I, “can it have remained so long undiscovered, when there is a sure index to it if men will but take the trouble to look?” The Count smiled, and as his lips ran back over his gums, the long, sharp, canine teeth showed out strangely; he answered: - Go to

gust /ɡʌst/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: rajada de vento; ímpeto

Simple English: A sudden strong rush of wind.

Example: A gust took his hat straight off his head.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. But then a strong gust of wind seemed to come, and the door to the winding stair slammed shut with a shock that sent dust flying from the top. Go to

gypsies /ˈdʒɪpsiz/ (17 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: ciganos

Simple English: Travelling people who move from place to place.

Example: Gypsies camped in the field last night.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. These Szgany are gypsies; I have written about them in my book. Go to

2. They are found mainly in this part of the world, though they are related to the gypsies everywhere else. Go to

hamlet's /ˈhæmlɪts/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: de Hamlet

Simple English: possessive of Hamlet, the Shakespearean prince known for his indecision

Example: Harmon is of Hamlet's opinion, that it may be better to bear the ills we have.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. By this time it was almost morning, and we went to bed. (I note that this diary seems terribly like the beginning of the “Arabian Nights,” because everything has to stop at cockcrow - or like the ghost of Hamlet’s father.) Go to

Original English Version

1. It was by this time close on morning, and we went to bed. (Mem., this diary seems horribly like the beginning of the “Arabian Nights,” for everything has to break off at cockcrow - or like the ghost of Hamlet’s father.) Go to

hammering /ˈhæmərɪŋ/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: martelando

Simple English: Hitting something hard and repeatedly.

Example: His heart was hammering in his chest.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I hear hammering too. Go to

Original English Version

1. There is a sound of hammering; it is the box being nailed down. Go to

handshake /ˈhændʃeɪk/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: aperto de mão

Simple English: The act of taking and shaking another person's hand.

Example: He gave a firm handshake at the door.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Go safely; and leave something of the happiness you bring!” The handshake felt very similar to the driver’s strength. Go to

Original English Version

1. Go safely; and leave something of the happiness you bring!” The strength of the handshake was so much akin to that which I had noticed in the driver, whose face I had not seen, that for a moment I doubted if it were not the same person to whom I was speaking; so to make sure, I said interrogatively: - Go to

hangings /ˈhæŋɪŋz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: tapeçarias; reposteiros

Simple English: Pieces of cloth hung on walls for decoration.

Example: Heavy hangings kept the draught out of the hall.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The curtains, chair covers, sofa covers, and my bed hangings are made of costly cloth. Go to

Original English Version

1. The curtains and upholstery of the chairs and sofas and the hangings of my bed are of the costliest and most beautiful fabrics, and must have been of fabulous value when they were made, for they are centuries old, though in excellent order. Go to

hapsburgs /ˈhæpsbɜːrɡz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Habsburgos

Simple English: a powerful European royal family that ruled for centuries

Example: The Szekelys can boast a record that mushroom growths like the Hapsburgs can never reach.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Ah, young sir, the Szekelys - and the Dracula as their heart’s blood, brains, and swords - can boast a record that mushroom growths like the Hapsburgs and Romanovs can never reach. Go to

Original English Version

1. Ah, young sir, the Szekelys - and the Dracula as their heart’s blood, their brains, and their swords - can boast a record that mushroom growths like the Hapsburgs and the Romanovs can never reach. Go to

Glossary: New Words (2/3)

hark /hɑːrk/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: escute!; ouça!

Simple English: An old-fashioned command telling someone to listen carefully.

Example: Hark! Someone is coming toward the door.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “Hark!” Go to

Original English Version

1. “Hark!” Go to

2. Hark! in the courtyard and down the rocky way the roll of heavy wheels, the crack of whips, and the chorus of the Szgany as they pass into the distance. Go to

harker /ˈhɑːrkər/ (228 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Harker

Simple English: the surname of Jonathan Harker, the main character, a young English lawyer

Example: I said, "Yes, Jonathan Harker."

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. She bowed and said, “The Herr Englishman?” I said, “Yes, Jonathan Harker.” She smiled and gave a message to an old man in a white shirt who followed her to the door. Go to

2. Welcome, Mr. Harker, to my house. Go to

3. My friend Harker Jonathan - no, excuse me, I use my country’s habit - my friend Jonathan Harker will not be there to help me. Go to

Original English Version

1. When I came close she bowed and said, “The Herr Englishman?” “Yes,” I said, “Jonathan Harker.” She smiled, and gave some message to an elderly man in white shirtsleeves, who had followed her to the door. Go to

2. “I am Dracula; and I bid you welcome, Mr. Harker, to my house. Go to

3. When I go there I shall be all alone, and my friend Harker Jonathan - nay, pardon me, I fall into my country’s habit of putting your patronymic first - my friend Jonathan Harker will not be by my side to correct and aid me. Go to

harker's /ˈhɑːrkərz/ (99 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: de Harker

Simple English: belonging to Jonathan Harker, used as the title of his written journal

Example: Jonathan Harker's Journal.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Jonathan Harker’s Journal. Go to

Original English Version

1. Jonathan Harker’s Journal. Go to

harwich /ˈhærɪtʃ/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Harwich

Simple English: an English port town, mentioned as a shipping destination

Example: Suppose I wish to ship goods to Newcastle, or Durham, or Harwich, or Dover.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Now, suppose I, who have many affairs, wish to ship goods, say, to Newcastle, or Durham, or Harwich, or Dover. Go to

Original English Version

1. Now, suppose I, who have much of affairs, wish to ship goods, say, to Newcastle, or Durham, or Harwich, or Dover, might it not be that it could with more ease be done by consigning to one in these ports?” I answered that certainly it would be most easy, but that we solicitors had a system of agency one for the other, so that local work could be done locally on instruction from any solicitor, so that the client, simply placing himself in the hands of one man, could have his wishes carried out by him without further trouble. Go to

haste /heɪst/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: pressa; urgência

Simple English: Great speed in doing something, often too much.

Example: In his haste he left the letter behind.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. The road was rugged, but still we seemed to fly over it with a feverish haste. Go to

2. I could not understand then what the haste meant, but the driver was evidently bent on losing no time in reaching Borgo Prund. Go to

3. Sometimes the hills were so steep that, despite our driver’s haste, the horses could only go slowly. Go to

4. Should sleep now or ever overcome you, or be like to do, then haste to your own chamber or to these rooms, for your rest will then be safe. Go to

hawkins's /ˈhɔːkɪnzɪz/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: de Hawkins

Simple English: belonging to Peter Hawkins, a lawyer character who employed Jonathan Harker

Example: You have come as my friend Peter Hawkins's agent from Exeter.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. You have not come only as my friend Peter Hawkins’s agent from Exeter to tell me about my new estate in London. Go to

2. It was Mr. Hawkins’s interest, not mine, and I had to think of him, not myself. Go to

Original English Version

1. It was Mr. Hawkins’s interest, not mine, and I had to think of him, not myself; and besides, while Count Dracula was speaking, there was that in his eyes and in his bearing which made me remember that I was a prisoner, and that if I wished it I could have no choice. Go to

hayricks /ˈheɪrɪks/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: medas de feno

Simple English: Large stacks of hay, usually built outdoors.

Example: From the road he saw hayricks raised among the trees.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I saw many new things, such as hayricks in trees and beautiful weeping birches with white trunks shining like silver through the green leaves. Go to

Original English Version

1. There were many things new to me: for instance, hayricks in the trees, and here and there very beautiful masses of weeping birch, their white stems shining like silver through the delicate green of the leaves. Go to

heart's /hɑːrts/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: do coração

Simple English: Belonging to the heart, or to your deepest feelings.

Example: He wanted his heart's peace above all.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Ah, young sir, the Szekelys - and the Dracula as their heart’s blood, brains, and swords - can boast a record that mushroom growths like the Hapsburgs and Romanovs can never reach. Go to

Original English Version

1. Ah, young sir, the Szekelys - and the Dracula as their heart’s blood, their brains, and their swords - can boast a record that mushroom growths like the Hapsburgs and the Romanovs can never reach. Go to

hearth /hɑːrθ/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: lareira; lar

Simple English: The floor of a fireplace, or the home itself.

Example: The cat slept in front of the warm hearth.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The coffee was kept hot by the pot on the hearth. Go to

Original English Version

1. At the end of this he threw open a heavy door, and I rejoiced to see within a well-lit room in which a table was spread for supper, and on whose mighty hearth a great fire of logs, freshly replenished, flamed and flared. Go to

2. When I had dressed myself I went into the room where we had supped, and found a cold breakfast laid out, with coffee kept hot by the pot being placed on the hearth. Go to

heartless /ˈhɑːrtləs/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: desalmado; sem coração

Simple English: Showing no pity or kindness at all.

Example: It was heartless to leave the dog out in that cold.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “You yourself never loved; you never love!” Then the other women joined in, and such cold, heartless laughter filled the room that it almost made me faint. Go to

hellfire /ˈhɛlˌfaɪər/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: fogo do inferno; fogo infernal

Simple English: The fire of hell, especially as an image of punishment or terrifying heat.

Example: The animal's eyes seemed to glow with hellfire.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The red light in them looked like hellfire. Go to

Original English Version

1. The red light in them was lurid, as if the flames of hellfire blazed behind them. Go to

helpers /ˈhɛlpərz/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: ajudantes; auxiliares

Simple English: People who help someone else.

Example: The farmer paid his helpers at sunset.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. With such helpers, I could do nothing. Go to

helplessly /ˈhɛlpləsli/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: desamparadamente; sem saber o que fazer

Simple English: In a way that shows you cannot do anything.

Example: They watched helplessly as the boat sank.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The horses jumped and reared, and looked around helplessly with their eyes rolling in a painful way. Go to

Original English Version

1. The horses jumped about and reared, and looked helplessly round with eyes that rolled in a way painful to see; but the living ring of terror encompassed them on every side; and they had perforce to remain within it. Go to

hendl /ˈhɛndəl/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: frango; frango com páprica

Simple English: A German- or Yiddish-derived culinary word for chicken, here in the Carpathian dish paprika hendl.

Example: The waiter recommended paprika hendl as a local dish.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He said it was “paprika hendl,” a national dish found anywhere in the Carpathians. Go to

Original English Version

1. I had for dinner, or rather supper, a chicken done up some way with red pepper, which was very good but thirsty. (Mem., get recipe for Mina.) I asked the waiter, and he said it was called “paprika hendl,” and that, as it was a national dish, I should be able to get it anywhere along the Carpathians. Go to

herr /hɛr/ (12 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: senhor

Simple English: a German title used before a man's name, equivalent to Mr.

Example: Herr Petermann answered the question in the German journal.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. She bowed and said, “The Herr Englishman?” I said, “Yes, Jonathan Harker.” She smiled and gave a message to an old man in a white shirt who followed her to the door. Go to

2. Oh, young Herr, must you go?” She was so excited that she seemed to forget the German she knew and mixed it with another language I did not know. Go to

3. The Herr is not expected. Go to

4. “The English Herr was in a hurry,” Go to

5. “The night is cold, mein Herr. Go to

6. 7, The Crescent, Whitby; another to Herr Leutner, Varna; the third to Coutts & Co., London; and the fourth to Herren Klopstock & Billreuth, bankers, Budapest. Go to

Original English Version

1. When I came close she bowed and said, “The Herr Englishman?” “Yes,” I said, “Jonathan Harker.” She smiled, and gave some message to an elderly man in white shirtsleeves, who had followed her to the door. Go to

2. Oh! young Herr, must you go?” She was in such an excited state that she seemed to have lost her grip of what German she knew, and mixed it all up with some other language which I did not know at all. Go to

3. The Herr is not expected after all. Go to

4. “The English Herr was in a hurry,” to which the stranger replied: - Go to

5. “The night is chill, mein Herr, and my master the Count bade me take all care of you. Go to

6. 7, The Crescent, Whitby, another to Herr Leutner, Varna; the third was to Coutts & Co., London, and the fourth to Herren Klopstock & Billreuth, bankers, Budapest. Go to

herr's /hɛrz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: do senhor

Simple English: the possessive form of the German title Herr, meaning belonging to the gentleman

Example: The driver asked for the Herr's luggage.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “Give me the Herr’s luggage,” said the driver, and at once my bags were taken out and put in the calèche. Go to

Original English Version

1. “Give me the Herr’s luggage,” said the driver; and with exceeding alacrity my bags were handed out and put in the calèche. Go to

herren /ˈhɛrən/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Herren

Simple English: a German word meaning 'Mr.' or 'gentlemen', used here as part of a banking firm's name

Example: Another letter went to Herren Klopstock & Billreuth, bankers, Budapest.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. 7, The Crescent, Whitby; another to Herr Leutner, Varna; the third to Coutts & Co., London; and the fourth to Herren Klopstock & Billreuth, bankers, Budapest. Go to

Original English Version

1. 7, The Crescent, Whitby, another to Herr Leutner, Varna; the third was to Coutts & Co., London, and the fourth to Herren Klopstock & Billreuth, bankers, Budapest. Go to

hetman /ˈhɛtmən/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: atamã; chefe militar

Simple English: a chief or military leader, especially among Cossacks or related eastern European groups

Example: The hetman came out to speak for the group.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Then the hetman of the Szgany came out. Go to

Original English Version

1. They looked up at me stupidly and pointed, but just then the “hetman” of the Szgany came out, and seeing them pointing to my window, said something, at which they laughed. Go to

hillsides /ˈhɪlsaɪdz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: encostas

Simple English: The sloping sides of hills.

Example: Sheep grazed on the green hillsides.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The road wound through these hills of the Mittel Land and often disappeared around bends or behind pine woods that ran down the hillsides like flames. Go to

Original English Version

1. In and out amongst these green hills of what they call here the “Mittel Land” ran the road, losing itself as it swept round the grassy curve, or was shut out by the straggling ends of pine woods, which here and there ran down the hillsides like tongues of flame. Go to

hinges /ˈhɪndʒɪz/ (8 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: dobradiças

Simple English: Metal parts that join two pieces and let them move.

Example: The hinges of his jaw had rusted.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Later I saw him through the crack by the door hinges laying the table in the dining-room, and this convinced me even more. Go to

2. The door was heavy and rested on the floor because the hinges had fallen. Go to

Original English Version

1. When later I saw him through the chink of the hinges of the door laying the table in the dining-room, I was assured of it; for if he does himself all these menial offices, surely it is proof that there is no one else to do them. Go to

2. I tried it harder, and found that it was not really locked, but that the resistance came from the fact that the hinges had fallen somewhat, and the heavy door rested on the floor. Go to

hollow /ˈhɒloʊ/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: oco; oca; ocos

Simple English: Having an empty space inside or within something.

Example: The tree trunk is hollow, providing a home for small animals.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The fire made a hollow roar up the wide chimney. Go to

2. They were clearly empty, because the Slovaks could move them easily, and they made a hollow sound when handled roughly. Go to

holmwood /ˈhoʊmwʊd/ (36 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Holmwood

Simple English: a surname, belonging to the character Arthur Holmwood

Example: Holmwood.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. That was Mr. Holmwood. Go to

2. Mr. Holmwood introduced him to me. Go to

Original English Version

1. That was Mr. Holmwood. Go to

2. Mr. Holmwood introduced him to me, and he called here to see us, and often comes now. Go to

honfoglalas /[ˈhoɱfoɡlɒlaːʃ]/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Conquista Húngara

Simple English: The Hungarian name for the Magyar conquest and settlement of the Carpathian Basin.

Example: The speaker said that the Honfoglalas was completed at the frontier.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. That the Honfoglalas was completed there? Go to

Original English Version

1. Is it strange that when Arpad and his legions swept through the Hungarian fatherland he found us here when he reached the frontier; that the Honfoglalas was completed there? Go to

horribly /ˈhɔːrəbli/ (10 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: horrivelmente; terrivelmente

Simple English: In a very unpleasant or frightening way.

Example: The wind howled horribly around her.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. When they saw me, they all laughed horribly and ran away. Go to

Original English Version

1. It was by this time close on morning, and we went to bed. (Mem., this diary seems horribly like the beginning of the “Arabian Nights,” for everything has to break off at cockcrow - or like the ghost of Hamlet’s father.) Go to

hospadars /ˌhɒspəˈdɑːrz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: hospodares; príncipes governantes

Simple English: historical rulers or governors of Wallachia and Moldavia

Example: The Hospadars feared that repairing the defenses would provoke war.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Long ago, the Hospadars would not repair them, because they feared the Turk might think they were preparing for war. Go to

Original English Version

1. Of old the Hospadars would not repair them, lest the Turk should think that they were preparing to bring in foreign troops, and so hasten the war which was always really at loading point. Go to

host's /hoʊsts/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: do anfitrião

Simple English: Belonging to the person who receives guests.

Example: We waited in our host's study.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. By then I had finished supper, and at my host’s request I moved a chair beside the fire and began to smoke a cigar he offered me. Go to

Original English Version

1. By this time I had finished my supper, and by my host’s desire had drawn up a chair by the fire and begun to smoke a cigar which he offered me, at the same time excusing himself that he did not smoke. Go to

2. I felt that it was getting very late indeed, but I did not say anything, for I felt under obligation to meet my host’s wishes in every way. Go to

howl /haʊl/ (17 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: uivo; lamúria

Simple English: A long loud cry, like that of a wolf or a dog.

Example: A howl came out of the dark forest.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Then a dog began to howl somewhere in a farmhouse far down the road. Go to

2. At the first howl, the horses began to pull and rear, but the driver spoke gently to them, and they quieted down. Go to

3. Suddenly the wolves began to howl as if the moonlight had affected them in some strange way. Go to

Original English Version

1. Then a dog began to howl somewhere in a farmhouse far down the road - a long, agonised wailing, as if from fear. Go to

2. At the first howl the horses began to strain and rear, but the driver spoke to them soothingly, and they quieted down, but shivered and sweated as though after a runaway from sudden fright. Go to

3. All at once the wolves began to howl as though the moonlight had had some peculiar effect on them. Go to

howled /haʊld/ (9 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: uivou

Simple English: Made a long, loud crying sound.

Example: The wind howled around the little house.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. A dog howled under my window all night, and that may have been part of the reason. Go to

2. They were far more terrible in their silent watchfulness than when they howled. Go to

3. The woman gave no cry, and the wolves howled only for a short time. Go to

4. Many wolves howled very near by. Go to

Original English Version

1. They were a hundred times more terrible in the grim silence which held them than even when they howled. Go to

howling /ˈhaʊlɪŋ/ (45 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: uivos; berreiro

Simple English: Long loud crying sounds.

Example: The howling of the dogs woke the village.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Another dog answered, then another, and another, until the wind, which now sighed softly through the Pass, carried a wild howling from all over the country, as far as I could imagine in the darkness. Go to

2. The sharp wind still carried the howling of the dogs, though it grew weaker as we went on. Go to

3. I did not know what to do, especially as the howling of the wolves came closer. Go to

4. Then for a while there were no blue flames, and we went on through the gloom, with wolves howling all around us as if they were following in a moving circle. Go to

5. I could not see why, because the wolves had stopped howling completely. Go to

6. Everything seemed strangely still, but then I heard, as if from the valley below, the howling of many wolves. Go to

Original English Version

1. There was a dog howling all night under my window, which may have had something to do with it; or it may have been the paprika, for I had to drink up all the water in my carafe, and was still thirsty. Go to

2. The sound was taken up by another dog, and then another and another, till, borne on the wind which now sighed softly through the Pass, a wild howling began, which seemed to come from all over the country, as far as the imagination could grasp it through the gloom of the night. Go to

3. Then, far off in the distance, from the mountains on each side of us began a louder and a sharper howling - that of wolves - which affected both the horses and myself in the same way - for I was minded to jump from the calèche and run, whilst they reared again and plunged madly, so that the driver had to use all his great strength to keep them from bolting. Go to

4. The keen wind still carried the howling of the dogs, though this grew fainter as we went on our way. Go to

5. I did not know what to do, the less as the howling of the wolves grew closer; but while I wondered the driver suddenly appeared again, and without a word took his seat, and we resumed our journey. Go to

6. Then for a time there were no blue flames, and we sped onwards through the gloom, with the howling of the wolves around us, as though they were following in a moving circle. Go to

howls /haʊlz/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: uivos; uiva; berros

Simple English: Long loud cries made by animals or by people in pain; also to make that cry.

Example: The howls of the wind kept us awake all night.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Then, far away, louder and sharper howls came from the mountains on both sides of us. Go to

humbly /ˈhʌmbli/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: humildemente; com modéstia

Simple English: In a modest way, without pride.

Example: The Lion spoke humbly about his courage.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He says I give him a curious mental study, and I humbly think I do. Go to

Original English Version

1. He says that I afford him a curious psychological study, and I humbly think I do. Go to

huns /hʌnz/ (7 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: hunos; alemães, em uso pejorativo histórico

Simple English: Members of the ancient Huns, or Germans described by a historical wartime slur.

Example: The chronicle claimed that the Huns had once lived in the region.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I am going among the Szekelys, who say they come from Attila and the Huns. Go to

2. This may be true, because when the Magyars conquered the country in the eleventh century, they found the Huns already living there. Go to

3. Here, they also found the Huns. Go to

4. The Huns’ warlike fury had swept the earth like a living flame. Go to

Original English Version

1. I am going among the latter, who claim to be descended from Attila and the Huns. Go to

2. This may be so, for when the Magyars conquered the country in the eleventh century they found the Huns settled in it. Go to

3. Here, too, when they came, they found the Huns, whose warlike fury had swept the earth like a living flame, till the dying peoples held that in their veins ran the blood of those old witches, who, expelled from Scythia had mated with the devils in the desert. Go to

hurried /ˈhɜːrid/ (23 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: correram; foram depressa

Simple English: Moved or went quickly.

Example: The mice hurried away through the grass.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I hurried to the window in delight and saw two large leiter-wagons drive into the yard, each pulled by eight strong horses. Go to

Original English Version

1. Of one thing I am glad: if it was that the Count carried me here and undressed me, he must have been hurried in his task, for my pockets are intact. Go to

2. With joy I hurried to the window, and saw drive into the yard two great leiter-wagons, each drawn by eight sturdy horses, and at the head of each pair a Slovak, with his wide hat, great nail-studded belt, dirty sheepskin, and high boots. Go to

3. I have just had a few hurried lines from Jonathan from Transylvania. Go to

hypnotised /ˈhɪpnətaɪz/ (7 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: hipnotizou; hipnotizado

Simple English: British past-tense or participle form meaning put into a hypnotic state.

Example: The listeners were almost hypnotised.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I was being hypnotised. Go to

Original English Version

1. I was becoming hypnotised! Go to

hysterical /hɪˈsterɪkəl/ (7 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: histérico

Simple English: Unable to control extreme fear, grief, excitement, or laughter.

Example: The red-faced man helped the hysterical women put on life jackets.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. Just before I was leaving, the old lady came up to my room and said in a very hysterical way: Go to

idolatry /aɪˈdɒlətri/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: idolatria

Simple English: The worship of idols, or extreme admiration for a person or thing.

Example: She had been taught to dislike the practice as idolatry.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. It is strange that a thing I was taught to dislike and think of as idolatry should help me now, when I am lonely and troubled. Go to

imagination (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: imaginação; criatividade; fantasia

Simple English: the ability to create ideas in the mind

Example: Children use imagination when they play.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. That will help me stay calm, and I must not let my imagination run wild. Go to

impletata /ˌɪmpleˈtɑːtə/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: berinjela recheada

Simple English: a Romanian dish of stuffed eggplant, mentioned as something the narrator ate for breakfast

Example: I also had stuffed eggplant called "impletata," and wanted the recipe.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. At breakfast I had more paprika, some maize porridge called “mamaliga,” and stuffed eggplant called “impletata.” I wanted the recipe for that too. Go to

Original English Version

1. I had for breakfast more paprika, and a sort of porridge of maize flour which they said was “mamaliga,” and eggplant stuffed with forcemeat, a very excellent dish, which they call “impletata.” (Mem., get recipe for this also.) I had to hurry breakfast, for the train started a little before eight, or rather it ought to have done so, for after rushing to the station at 7:30 I had to sit in the carriage for more than an hour before we began to move. Go to

insist /ɪnˈsɪst/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: insistir

Simple English: To urgently demand something or action to occur.

Example: She will insist on meeting with the manager today about her concerns.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I protested, but he insisted. Go to

2. Let me take care of you myself.” He insisted on carrying my bags along the passage, up a big winding stair, and along another passage. Go to

inspire /ɪnˈspaɪər/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: inspirar

Simple English: To cause something to be created by giving ideas.

Example: The author wanted to inspire young readers with her adventurous stories.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Was it not this Dracula who inspired another of his race to bring his forces over the great river into Turkey-land again and again? Go to

invader /ɪnˈveɪdər/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: invasor

Simple English: A person who enters a country by force to attack it.

Example: No invader had ever ruined the island before.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. When the invader won, he found very little, because whatever was there had been safely hidden in the friendly earth.” Go to

Original English Version

1. When the invader was triumphant he found but little, for whatever there was had been sheltered in the friendly soil.” Go to

invaders /ɪnˈveɪdərz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: invasores

Simple English: People who enter a place by force.

Example: No one could face the invaders and their weapons.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Hardly any part of this region has not been soaked with the blood of men, whether patriots or invaders. Go to

Original English Version

1. Why, there is hardly a foot of soil in all this region that has not been enriched by the blood of men, patriots or invaders. Go to

isten /ˈɪʃtɛn/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Deus

Simple English: the Hungarian word for "God"

Example: "Isten szek!" - "God's seat!" - he said, and crossed himself with respect.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Isten szek!” - “God’s seat!” - he said, and crossed himself with respect. Go to

Original English Version

1. Isten szek!” - “God’s seat!” - and he crossed himself reverently. Go to

jagged /ˈdʒæɡɪd/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: pontiagudo; irregular; recortado

Simple English: Having rough, sharp, uneven edges or points.

Example: Jagged rocks surrounded the narrow bay.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. It had tall black windows with no light in them, and broken battlements that made a jagged line against the moonlit sky. Go to

Original English Version

1. The Castle. - The grey of the morning has passed, and the sun is high over the distant horizon, which seems jagged, whether with trees or hills I know not, for it is so far off that big things and little are mixed. Go to

2. Right and left of us they towered, with the afternoon sun falling full upon them and bringing out all the glorious colours of this beautiful range, deep blue and purple in the shadows of the peaks, green and brown where grass and rock mingled, and an endless perspective of jagged rock and pointed crags, till these were themselves lost in the distance, where the snowy peaks rose grandly. Go to

3. I could not see any cause for it, for the howling of the wolves had ceased altogether; but just then the moon, sailing through the black clouds, appeared behind the jagged crest of a beetling, pine-clad rock, and by its light I saw around us a ring of wolves, with white teeth and lolling red tongues, with long, sinewy limbs and shaggy hair. Go to

4. Suddenly, I became conscious of the fact that the driver was in the act of pulling up the horses in the courtyard of a vast ruined castle, from whose tall black windows came no ray of light, and whose broken battlements showed a jagged line against the moonlit sky. Go to

5. To the west was a great valley, and then, rising far away, great jagged mountain fastnesses, rising peak on peak, the sheer rock studded with mountain ash and thorn, whose roots clung in cracks and crevices and crannies of the stone. Go to

jonathan's /dʒəˈnæθənz/ (37 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: de Jonathan

Simple English: belonging to a character named Jonathan, referring to his footsteps

Example: Jonathan's footsteps then died from the door.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I have been working very hard lately because I want to keep up with Jonathan’s studies. Go to

Original English Version

1. I have been working very hard lately, because I want to keep up with Jonathan’s studies, and I have been practising shorthand very assiduously. Go to

judas /ˈdʒuːdəs/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Judas

Simple English: the biblical disciple who betrayed Jesus, used here as an example of a great villain

Example: One of the worst villains on earth since Judas.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The last thing I saw of Count Dracula was him kissing his hand to me, with a red light of triumph in his eyes and a smile that even Judas in hell might have been proud of. Go to

Original English Version

1. The last I saw of Count Dracula was his kissing his hand to me; with a red light of triumph in his eyes, and with a smile that Judas in hell might be proud of. Go to

jug /dʒʌɡ/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: jarro; bilha

Simple English: A container with a handle for holding water.

Example: She filled the jug at the well.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. It may also have been the paprika, because I drank all the water in my glass jug and was still thirsty. Go to

kindred /ˈkɪndrɪd/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: afim; semelhante; aparentado

Simple English: Similar in nature, or related by family.

Example: The two painters shared a kindred love of bright color.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. When the Hungarian flood swept eastward, the Szekelys were claimed as kindred by the victorious Magyars. Go to

Original English Version

1. And when the Hungarian flood swept eastward, the Szekelys were claimed as kindred by the victorious Magyars, and to us for centuries was trusted the guarding of the frontier of Turkey-land; ay, and more than that, endless duty of the frontier guard, for, as the Turks say, ‘water sleeps, and enemy is sleepless.’ Who more gladly than we throughout the Four Nations received the ‘bloody sword,’ or at its warlike call flocked quicker to the standard of the King? Go to

klausenburgh /ˈklaʊzənbɜːrɡ/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Klausenburg (Cluj)

Simple English: an alternate spelling of Klausenburg, a city the traveler reaches by train.

Example: We left in good time and reached Klausenburgh after dark.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. We left in good time and reached Klausenburgh after dark. Go to

Original English Version

1. We left in pretty good time, and came after nightfall to Klausenburgh. Go to

klopstock /ˈklɒpstɒk/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Klopstock

Simple English: part of the name of a banking company mentioned in the story.

Example: Billington, No. 7, The Crescent, Whitby; another to Herr Leutner, Varna; the third to Coutts & Co., London; and the fourth to Herren Klopstock & Billreuth, bankers, Budapest.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. 7, The Crescent, Whitby; another to Herr Leutner, Varna; the third to Coutts & Co., London; and the fourth to Herren Klopstock & Billreuth, bankers, Budapest. Go to

Original English Version

1. 7, The Crescent, Whitby, another to Herr Leutner, Varna; the third was to Coutts & Co., London, and the fourth to Herren Klopstock & Billreuth, bankers, Budapest. Go to

kneeling /ˈniːlɪŋ/ (10 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: ajoelhados

Simple English: Resting on the knees on the ground.

Example: The camels were kneeling beside the road.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. Here and there was a peasant man or woman kneeling before a shrine, who did not even turn round as we approached, but seemed in the self-surrender of devotion to have neither eyes nor ears for the outer world. Go to

knelt /nɛlt/ (18 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: ajoelhou-se

Simple English: Went down so that the knees were on the ground.

Example: She knelt beside the little dog and held it.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Now and then a peasant, man or woman, knelt before a shrine and did not even turn to look at us, as if deep prayer had shut out the world. Go to

2. The girl knelt down and bent over me, staring with pleasure. Go to

3. When I woke, I knelt down, because I had decided that if Death came, he should find me ready. Go to

knocker /ˈnɑːkər/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: aldrava; batente de porta

Simple English: A metal fitting on a door, used for knocking to announce a visitor.

Example: She lifted the brass knocker and let it fall twice.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. There was no bell or knocker. Go to

Original English Version

1. Of bell or knocker there was no sign; through these frowning walls and dark window openings it was not likely that my voice could penetrate. Go to

kodak /ˈkoʊdæk/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: câmera fotográfica (Kodak)

Simple English: a small camera used for taking photographs.

Example: I could not go inside because I did not have the key for the door from the house, but I took pictures of it from several places with my kodak.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I could not go inside because I did not have the key for the door from the house, but I took pictures of it from several places with my kodak. Go to

Original English Version

1. I could not enter it, as I had not the key of the door leading to it from the house, but I have taken with my kodak views of it from various points. Go to

krone /ˈkroʊnə/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Krone (Coroa)

Simple English: part of the name 'Golden Krone Hotel'; 'krone' means 'crown' in German/Danish.

Example: Count Dracula told me to go to the Golden Krone Hotel.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Count Dracula told me to go to the Golden Krone Hotel. Go to

Original English Version

1. Count Dracula had directed me to go to the Golden Krone Hotel, which I found, to my great delight, to be thoroughly old-fashioned, for of course I wanted to see all I could of the ways of the country. Go to

lady's /ˈleɪdiz/ (8 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: da senhora

Simple English: Belonging to a woman of high rank or good manners.

Example: The lady's gloves were left on the seat.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I do not know if it is the old lady’s fear, the stories of this place, or the crucifix itself, but I do not feel as calm as usual. Go to

Original English Version

1. Whether it is the old lady’s fear, or the many ghostly traditions of this place, or the crucifix itself, I do not know, but I am not feeling nearly as easy in my mind as usual. Go to

lain /leɪn/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: jazido; estado deitado

Simple English: Been in a flat, resting position.

Example: The house had lain on that spot for hours.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. The only thing I found was a great heap of gold in one corner - gold of all kinds, Roman, and British, and Austrian, and Hungarian, and Greek and Turkish money, covered with a film of dust, as though it had lain long in the ground. Go to

2. He could not have lain there long, for the earthy smell would have passed away in a few hours. Go to

lamplight /ˈlæmplaɪt/ (7 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: luz do candeeiro

Simple English: The light that comes from a lamp.

Example: They read by weak lamplight.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I saw only the gleam of very bright eyes, which looked red in the lamplight, as he turned to us. Go to

2. You cannot fool me, my friend; I know too much, and my horses are swift.” As he spoke, he smiled, and the lamplight fell on a hard mouth with very red lips and sharp teeth, white as ivory. Go to

3. Looking back, I saw the steam from the coach horses in the lamplight, and the faces of my former companions, crossing themselves. Go to

Original English Version

1. I could only see the gleam of a pair of very bright eyes, which seemed red in the lamplight, as he turned to us. Go to

2. You cannot deceive me, my friend; I know too much, and my horses are swift.” As he spoke he smiled, and the lamplight fell on a hard-looking mouth, with very red lips and sharp-looking teeth, as white as ivory. Go to

lancet /ˈlænsɪt/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: lanceta (instrumento cirúrgico)

Simple English: A small sharp surgical knife with a pointed blade.

Example: Sir!" He took a lancet from his pocket and moved toward Ahab's arm.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Then, to look relaxed, he played with a lancet in a way that almost made me scream. Go to

Original English Version

1. He had evidently been schooling himself as to all sorts of little things, and remembered them; but he almost managed to sit down on his silk hat, which men don’t generally do when they are cool, and then when he wanted to appear at ease he kept playing with a lancet in a way that made me nearly scream. Go to

landlady /ˈlændleɪdi/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: senhoria; dona da pensão

Simple English: A woman who rents rooms or a house to other people.

Example: The landlady asked for the rent on Friday.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I saw him talking with the landlady. Go to

Original English Version

1. When I got on the coach the driver had not taken his seat, and I saw him talking with the landlady. Go to

lazily /ˈleɪzɪli/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: preguiçosamente

Simple English: In a slow way, without effort.

Example: The cat stretched lazily in the sun.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The Slovaks spat on it for luck, then lazily walked to their horses. Go to

Original English Version

1. When they were all unloaded and packed in a great heap in one corner of the yard, the Slovaks were given some money by the Szgany, and spitting on it for luck, lazily went each to his horse’s head. Go to

lean /liːn/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: magra; enxuta; inclinar

Simple English: To bend from straight position to rest against support.

Example: You can lean against the wall while waiting for the bus.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. My host stood on one side of the large fireplace, leaning against the stone, and he made a graceful gesture toward the table before saying: Go to

leaned /liːnd/ (24 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: apoiou; encostou

Simple English: Rested part of the body against something for support.

Example: Dorothy leaned her chin upon her hand.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. As we flew, the driver leaned forward, and passengers peered into the darkness. Go to

2. When the Count leaned over me and his hands touched me, I could not stop myself from shuddering. Go to

3. As soon as the door closed behind him, I leaned over and looked at the letters, which were face down on the table. Go to

4. As I leaned from the window, my eye caught something moving one floor below me, a little to my left, where I thought the windows of the Count’s own room must be. Go to

5. When his head was gone, I leaned out to see more, but I couldn’t - it was too far away. Go to

6. I leaned back in the window opening in a more comfortable way, so I could enjoy their airy play more fully. Go to

Original English Version

1. Then, as we flew along, the driver leaned forward, and on each side the passengers, craning over the edge of the coach, peered eagerly into the darkness. Go to

2. As the Count leaned over me and his hands touched me, I could not repress a shudder. Go to

3. Then he took up my two and placed them with his own, and put by his writing materials, after which, the instant the door had closed behind him, I leaned over and looked at the letters, which were face down on the table. Go to

4. As I leaned from the window my eye was caught by something moving a storey below me, and somewhat to my left, where I imagined, from the order of the rooms, that the windows of the Count’s own room would look out. Go to

5. When his head had disappeared, I leaned out to try and see more, but without avail - the distance was too great to allow a proper angle of sight. Go to

6. I leaned back in the embrasure in a more comfortable position, so that I could enjoy more fully the aerial gambolling. Go to

ledge /lɛdʒ/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: saliência; borda de rocha

Simple English: A narrow flat part that sticks out from a wall or cliff.

Example: A bird built its nest on the stone ledge.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I saw his fingers and toes gripping the corners of the stones, worn smooth by years, and using every ledge and rough place to move quickly downward, just like a lizard on a wall. Go to

2. While I was still brave, I went straight to the window on the south side and climbed out onto the narrow stone ledge that runs around the building. Go to

Original English Version

1. I went whilst my courage was fresh straight to the window on the south side, and at once got outside on the narrow ledge of stone which runs around the building on this side. Go to

leech /liːtʃ/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: sanguessuga; explorador

Simple English: A person who lives off the money of others.

Example: They called the moneylender an old leech.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He lay like a filthy leech, worn out by all he had taken. Go to

Original English Version

1. He lay like a filthy leech, exhausted with his repletion. Go to

legions /ˈlidʒənz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: legiões

Simple English: Large military forces or very large numbers of people.

Example: Arpad and his legions crossed the frontier.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Is it strange that when Arpad and his legions swept through the Hungarian fatherland, he found us here at the frontier? Go to

Original English Version

1. Is it strange that when Arpad and his legions swept through the Hungarian fatherland he found us here when he reached the frontier; that the Honfoglalas was completed there? Go to

leiter /ˈlaɪtər ˌwæɡən/ (11 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: carroça de varais; carroça camponesa

Simple English: A long-framed Central European peasant cart used on rough roads.

Example: They passed a leiter-wagon on the road.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Sometimes we passed a leiter-wagon, the usual peasant cart, with its long frame made for rough roads. Go to

2. I hurried to the window in delight and saw two large leiter-wagons drive into the yard, each pulled by eight strong horses. Go to

3. The leiter-wagons held large square boxes with thick rope handles. Go to

Original English Version

1. Now and again we passed a leiter-wagon - the ordinary peasant’s cart - with its long, snakelike vertebra, calculated to suit the inequalities of the road. Go to

2. With joy I hurried to the window, and saw drive into the yard two great leiter-wagons, each drawn by eight sturdy horses, and at the head of each pair a Slovak, with his wide hat, great nail-studded belt, dirty sheepskin, and high boots. Go to

3. The leiter-wagons contained great, square boxes, with handles of thick rope; these were evidently empty by the ease with which the Slovaks handled them, and by their resonance as they were roughly moved. Go to

lenore /ləˈnɔːr/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Lenore

Simple English: The title of a famous poem by Bürger, quoted by a character.

Example: A line from Burger's poem "Lenore" was whispered.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. One of my companions whispered to another a line from Burger’s “Lenore”: - Go to

Original English Version

1. One of my companions whispered to another the line from Burger’s “Lenore”: - Go to

leutner /ˈlɔɪtnər/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Leutner

Simple English: The surname of a man in Varna who received a letter.

Example: Another letter went to Herr Leutner, Varna.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. 7, The Crescent, Whitby; another to Herr Leutner, Varna; the third to Coutts & Co., London; and the fourth to Herren Klopstock & Billreuth, bankers, Budapest. Go to

Original English Version

1. 7, The Crescent, Whitby, another to Herr Leutner, Varna; the third was to Coutts & Co., London, and the fourth to Herren Klopstock & Billreuth, bankers, Budapest. Go to

licked /lɪkt/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: lambeu

Simple English: Moved the tongue over something.

Example: The cat licked the milk from the bowl.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. As she bent her neck, she licked her lips like an animal. Go to

Original English Version

1. There was a deliberate voluptuousness which was both thrilling and repulsive, and as she arched her neck she actually licked her lips like an animal, till I could see in the moonlight the moisture shining on the scarlet lips and on the red tongue as it lapped the white sharp teeth. Go to

2. Then she paused, and I could hear the churning sound of her tongue as it licked her teeth and lips, and could feel the hot breath on my neck. Go to

lids /lɪdz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: tampas; pálpebras

Simple English: The covers of boxes or pots, or the skin over the eyes.

Example: The lids of the desks were carved.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Even his deep, burning eyes seemed to sit in swollen flesh, with bloated lids and bags underneath. Go to

Original English Version

1. Even the deep, burning eyes seemed set amongst swollen flesh, for the lids and pouches underneath were bloated. Go to

lincoln's /ˈlɪŋkənz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: de Lincoln

Simple English: belonging to Lincoln, here part of the name of a legal building in London

Example: The Lord Chancellor sits in Lincoln's Inn Hall.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I had spent the day tired over books, and to keep my mind busy, I reviewed some of the questions I had been examined on at Lincoln’s Inn. Go to

Original English Version

1. I had spent the day wearily over books, and, simply to keep my mind occupied, went over some of the matters I had been examined in at Lincoln’s Inn. Go to

load /loʊd/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: carga; carregar; carregamento

Simple English: To fill a space with items in an efficient way.

Example: They need to load the boxes onto the truck for delivery today.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. As I write, I hear many feet below in the passage, and the heavy crash of loads being set down. Go to

lombard /ˈlɑːmbərd/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: lombardo; de Lombard Street (bairro financeiro de Londres)

Simple English: Relating to Lombard Street, a famous street of banks in London, or to the Lombardy region of Italy.

Example: In Lombard Street in London, this young pagan would certainly have brought bankruptcy.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. When the Magyar, the Lombard, the Avar, the Bulgar, or the Turk poured thousands on our frontiers, we drove them back. Go to

Original English Version

1. “Is it a wonder that we were a conquering race; that we were proud; that when the Magyar, the Lombard, the Avar, the Bulgar, or the Turk poured his thousands on our frontiers, we drove them back? Go to

lordship /ˈlɔːrdʃɪp/ (10 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: senhorio; posição de senhor; domínio

Simple English: The position or authority of being a lord, or rule over others.

Example: But his lordship went with Bolton to the state-room, and they talked for half an hour.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. In our blood flows the blood of many brave races who fought like lions for lordship. Go to

Original English Version

1. “We Szekelys have a right to be proud, for in our veins flows the blood of many brave races who fought as the lion fights, for lordship. Go to

lunatic /ˈluːnətɪk/ (26 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: lunático; louco; insensato

Simple English: A person who behaves in a wild or foolish way.

Example: Only a lunatic would swim there in December.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. One is a very large house that has recently been changed into a private lunatic asylum. Go to

2. He is only twenty-nine, and he is in charge of a huge lunatic asylum. Go to

3. I told you about him, Dr. John Seward, who works at the lunatic asylum. Go to

Original English Version

1. There are but few houses close at hand, one being a very large house only recently added to and formed into a private lunatic asylum. Go to

2. He is only nine-and-twenty, and he has an immense lunatic asylum all under his own care. Go to

3. I told you of him, Dr. John Seward, the lunatic-asylum man, with the strong jaw and the good forehead. Go to

magyar /ˈmæɡjɑːr/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: húngaro; magiar

Simple English: A Hungarian person, or something relating to the Hungarian people or language.

Example: The Magyar rider crossed the plain.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. When the Magyar, the Lombard, the Avar, the Bulgar, or the Turk poured thousands on our frontiers, we drove them back. Go to

2. The shame of Cassova, when the flags of the Wallach and the Magyar fell under the Crescent? Go to

Original English Version

1. “Is it a wonder that we were a conquering race; that we were proud; that when the Magyar, the Lombard, the Avar, the Bulgar, or the Turk poured his thousands on our frontiers, we drove them back? Go to

2. When was redeemed that great shame of my nation, the shame of Cassova, when the flags of the Wallach and the Magyar went down beneath the Crescent? Go to

magyars /ˈmæɡjɑːrz/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: húngaros; magiares

Simple English: Members of the Hungarian people.

Example: The Magyars settled in the Carpathian Basin.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Transylvania has four main national groups: Saxons in the south, with Wallachs among them; Magyars in the west; and Szekelys in the east and north. Go to

2. This may be true, because when the Magyars conquered the country in the eleventh century, they found the Huns already living there. Go to

3. When the Hungarian flood swept eastward, the Szekelys were claimed as kindred by the victorious Magyars. Go to

Original English Version

1. In the population of Transylvania there are four distinct nationalities: Saxons in the South, and mixed with them the Wallachs, who are the descendants of the Dacians; Magyars in the West, and Szekelys in the East and North. Go to

2. This may be so, for when the Magyars conquered the country in the eleventh century they found the Huns settled in it. Go to

3. And when the Hungarian flood swept eastward, the Szekelys were claimed as kindred by the victorious Magyars, and to us for centuries was trusted the guarding of the frontier of Turkey-land; ay, and more than that, endless duty of the frontier guard, for, as the Turks say, ‘water sleeps, and enemy is sleepless.’ Who more gladly than we throughout the Four Nations received the ‘bloody sword,’ or at its warlike call flocked quicker to the standard of the King? Go to

maize /meɪz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: milho

Simple English: A tall crop plant that produces large ears of grain.

Example: A narrow path crossed the field of maize.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. At breakfast I had more paprika, some maize porridge called “mamaliga,” and stuffed eggplant called “impletata.” I wanted the recipe for that too. Go to

Original English Version

1. I had for breakfast more paprika, and a sort of porridge of maize flour which they said was “mamaliga,” and eggplant stuffed with forcemeat, a very excellent dish, which they call “impletata.” (Mem., get recipe for this also.) I had to hurry breakfast, for the train started a little before eight, or rather it ought to have done so, for after rushing to the station at 7:30 I had to sit in the carriage for more than an hour before we began to move. Go to

mamaliga /məməˈliːɡə/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: mămăligă; mingau de fubá romeno

Simple English: A Romanian dish made from boiled cornmeal.

Example: They served mamaliga with cheese.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. At breakfast I had more paprika, some maize porridge called “mamaliga,” and stuffed eggplant called “impletata.” I wanted the recipe for that too. Go to

Original English Version

1. I had for breakfast more paprika, and a sort of porridge of maize flour which they said was “mamaliga,” and eggplant stuffed with forcemeat, a very excellent dish, which they call “impletata.” (Mem., get recipe for this also.) I had to hurry breakfast, for the train started a little before eight, or rather it ought to have done so, for after rushing to the station at 7:30 I had to sit in the carriage for more than an hour before we began to move. Go to

mamma /ˈmæmə/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: mamãe

Simple English: A familiar word for mother.

Example: Mamma tucked the baby into bed.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He often comes to see us, and he and mamma get on very well because they have so much to talk about. Go to

Original English Version

1. He often comes to see us, and he and mamma get on very well together; they have so many things to talk about in common. Go to

manageable /ˈmænɪdʒəbəl/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: administrável

Simple English: Easy enough to deal with or control.

Example: The smaller class was more manageable.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. It worked amazingly well, and under his touch they became manageable again, though they still trembled. Go to

Original English Version

1. He petted and soothed them, and whispered something in their ears, as I have heard of horse-tamers doing, and with extraordinary effect, for under his caresses they became quite manageable again, though they still trembled. Go to

manhood /ˈmænhʊd/ (7 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: idade adulta; virilidade

Simple English: The state of being a grown man.

Example: He reached manhood far from home.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He is quiet and careful, and he has grown into manhood in my service. Go to

Original English Version

1. He is discreet and silent, and has grown into manhood in my service. Go to

massive /ˈmæsɪv/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: maciça; massiva; enorme

Simple English: Extremely large or heavy in size or quantity.

Example: The massive elephant walked through the forest without making a sound.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I was standing close to a huge old door, covered with large iron nails, in a doorway made of massive stone. Go to

mated /ˈmeɪtɪd/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: acasalou

Simple English: paired with another animal to produce young

Example: The birds mated in spring.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Dying people believed that in their veins ran the blood of old witches who, after being expelled from Scythia, mated with devils in the desert. Go to

Original English Version

1. Here, too, when they came, they found the Huns, whose warlike fury had swept the earth like a living flame, till the dying peoples held that in their veins ran the blood of those old witches, who, expelled from Scythia had mated with the devils in the desert. Go to

mattock /ˈmætək/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: enxadão

Simple English: a tool with a blade for digging and chopping

Example: He dug with a mattock.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I know it, because now and then I hear a far-off, dull sound like a mattock and a spade. Go to

Original English Version

1. I know it, for now and then I hear a faraway muffled sound as of mattock and spade, and, whatever it is, it must be the end of some ruthless villainy. Go to

mediasch /ˈmɛdiæʃ/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Mediasch

Simple English: the name of a wine, from the town of Mediaș in Transylvania, mentioned in the story

Example: The wine was Golden Mediasch, which gave a strange sting on my tongue, though not an unpleasant one.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The wine was Golden Mediasch, which gave a strange sting on my tongue, though not an unpleasant one. Go to

Original English Version

1. The wine was Golden Mediasch, which produces a queer sting on the tongue, which is, however, not disagreeable. Go to

mein /maɪn/ (8 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: meu; minha (em alemão)

Simple English: The German word for my before certain nouns.

Example: Mein Freund means my friend in German.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “The night is cold, mein Herr. Go to

Original English Version

1. “The night is chill, mein Herr, and my master the Count bade me take all care of you. Go to

melt /mɛlt/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: derreter; derretimento; degelo

Simple English: To turn from solid into liquid because of heat exposure.

Example: The ice will melt quickly when exposed to the warm sun.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. In the gentle light, the far hills seemed to melt away, and the valleys and ravines were deep black. Go to

merciful /ˈmɜːrsɪfəl/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: clemente; misericordioso

Simple English: Ready to forgive and not punish.

Example: The judge was merciful to the young man.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Great God, merciful God, let me stay calm, because madness is that way. Go to

Original English Version

1. Great God! merciful God! Go to

mina /ˈmiːnə/ (441 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Mina

Simple English: a woman's first name

Example: He must marry Mina and live with her in a cabin.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I will write down some notes here, so I can remember them when I tell Mina about my travels. Go to

2. If this book ever reaches Mina before I do, let it be my goodbye. Go to

3. Mina would not like that. Go to

4. So I decided to write only formal notes now, but to write a full secret letter to Mr. Hawkins and another to Mina, because I could use shorthand with her, and that would confuse the Count if he saw it. Go to

5. It is wrong to write this, because Mina may one day read it and be hurt, but it is true. Go to

6. Goodbye, Mina, if I fail; goodbye, my faithful friend and second father; goodbye, all, and last of all Mina! Go to

Original English Version

1. I had for dinner, or rather supper, a chicken done up some way with red pepper, which was very good but thirsty. (Mem., get recipe for Mina.) I asked the waiter, and he said it was called “paprika hendl,” and that, as it was a national dish, I should be able to get it anywhere along the Carpathians. Go to

2. I shall enter here some of my notes, as they may refresh my memory when I talk over my travels with Mina. Go to

3. If this book should ever reach Mina before I do, let it bring my goodbye. Go to

4. Mina would not like that. Go to

5. So I determined to write only formal notes now, but to write fully to Mr. Hawkins in secret, and also to Mina, for to her I could write in shorthand, which would puzzle the Count, if he did see it. Go to

6. Goodbye, Mina, if I fail; goodbye, my faithful friend and second father; goodbye, all, and last of all Mina! Go to

mina's /ˈmiːnəz/ (33 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: de Mina

Simple English: belonging to a woman named Mina

Example: Mina's diary is written in shorthand.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Mina’s is in shorthand, and I only ask Mr. Hawkins to talk to her about it. Go to

Original English Version

1. It is not good to note this down, lest some day it should meet Mina’s eyes and cause her pain; but it is the truth. Go to

2. Mina’s is in shorthand, and I simply ask Mr. Hawkins to communicate with her. Go to

mislead /ˌmɪsˈliːd/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: enganar; induzir em erro

Simple English: To make someone believe something that is not true.

Example: The label was designed to mislead the buyer.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I asked him to explain more fully so I would not mislead him. Go to

Original English Version

1. I asked him to explain more fully, so that I might not by any chance mislead him, so he said: - Go to

mission /ˈmɪʃən/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: missão

Simple English: A specific operation carried out in outer space.

Example: The mission aims to gather data about Jupiter's atmosphere and moons.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “Because, dear sir, my coachman and horses are away on a mission.” Go to

mittel /ˈmɪtəl/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: central

Simple English: German word meaning 'middle', part of the place name 'Mittel Land'

Example: The road wound through the hills of the Mittel Land.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The road wound through these hills of the Mittel Land and often disappeared around bends or behind pine woods that ran down the hillsides like flames. Go to

2. Beyond the green hills of the Mittel Land rose great forest-covered slopes leading up to the high Carpathian mountains. Go to

Original English Version

1. In and out amongst these green hills of what they call here the “Mittel Land” ran the road, losing itself as it swept round the grassy curve, or was shut out by the straggling ends of pine woods, which here and there ran down the hillsides like tongues of flame. Go to

2. Beyond the green swelling hills of the Mittel Land rose mighty slopes of forest up to the lofty steeps of the Carpathians themselves. Go to

moaned /moʊnd/ (7 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: gemeu; lamentou-se

Simple English: Made a long low crying sound.

Example: The wind moaned around the empty house.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. It moaned and whistled through the rocks, and the tree branches crashed together as we rushed along. Go to

Original English Version

1. Though we were in shelter, we could hear the rising wind, for it moaned and whistled through the rocks, and the branches of the trees crashed together as we swept along. Go to

mocked /mɑːkt/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: escarnecida; ridicularizada

Simple English: Laughed at someone in an unkind way.

Example: The other boys mocked his old shoes.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The passengers drew back with a sigh of gladness that mocked my disappointment. Go to

modernity /məˈdɜːrnəti/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: modernidade

Simple English: The quality or condition of being modern.

Example: The city was a symbol of modernity.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. And yet, unless I am wrong, the old centuries have powers that 'modernity’ cannot kill. Go to

Original English Version

1. And yet, unless my senses deceive me, the old centuries had, and have, powers of their own which mere “modernity” cannot kill. Go to

mohács /ˈmoʊhɑːtʃ/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Mohács

Simple English: the site of a historic battle in Hungary

Example: After the battle of Mohács, we threw off the Hungarian yoke.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Again, after the battle of Mohács, when we threw off the Hungarian yoke, we of the Dracula blood were among the leaders. Go to

Original English Version

1. Again, when, after the battle of Mohács, we threw off the Hungarian yoke, we of the Dracula blood were amongst their leaders, for our spirit would not brook that we were not free. Go to

moldavia /mɒlˈdeɪviə/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Moldávia

Simple English: a historical region in Eastern Europe

Example: The place is on the borders of Transylvania, Moldavia, and Bukovina.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I found that the place he named is in the far east of the country, on the borders of Transylvania, Moldavia, and Bukovina, among the Carpathian mountains. Go to

Original English Version

1. I find that the district he named is in the extreme east of the country, just on the borders of three states, Transylvania, Moldavia and Bukovina, in the midst of the Carpathian mountains; one of the wildest and least known portions of Europe. Go to

moonbeams /ˈmuːnbiːmz/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: raios de luar

Simple English: Narrow lines or areas of light from the moon.

Example: Moonbeams shone between the trees beside the water.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The moonbeams seemed to tremble as they moved past me into the dark beyond. Go to

Original English Version

1. Quicker and quicker danced the dust; the moonbeams seemed to quiver as they went by me into the mass of gloom beyond. Go to

2. The phantom shapes, which were becoming gradually materialised from the moonbeams, were those of the three ghostly women to whom I was doomed. Go to

moonlit /ˈmuːnlɪt/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: enluarada

Simple English: Having light from the moon.

Example: They crossed the field on a moonlit night.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. It had tall black windows with no light in them, and broken battlements that made a jagged line against the moonlit sky. Go to

Original English Version

1. Suddenly, I became conscious of the fact that the driver was in the act of pulling up the horses in the courtyard of a vast ruined castle, from whose tall black windows came no ray of light, and whose broken battlements showed a jagged line against the moonlit sky. Go to

moths /mɔːθs/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: mariposas

Simple English: Insects like butterflies that usually fly at night.

Example: Toto chased moths and butterflies.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I could even see colors, and the moonlight softened the thick dust and hid the damage of time and moths. Go to

motioned /ˈmoʊʃənd/ (23 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: fez sinal; acenou; indicou com um gesto

Simple English: Made a movement with the hand or head to tell someone something.

Example: The guard motioned us towards the side entrance.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The old man motioned me in with a polite gesture. Go to

2. Passing through, he opened another door and motioned me to enter. Go to

3. He swept his arm and threw the woman away from him, then motioned the others back, with the same commanding gesture I had seen him use to the wolves. Go to

Original English Version

1. The old man motioned me in with his right hand with a courtly gesture, saying in excellent English, but with a strange intonation: - Go to

2. Passing through this, he opened another door, and motioned me to enter. Go to

3. But if you be not careful in this respect, then” - He finished his speech in a gruesome way, for he motioned with his hands as if he were washing them. Go to

4. With a fierce sweep of his arm, he hurled the woman from him, and then motioned to the others, as though he were beating them back; it was the same imperious gesture that I had seen used to the wolves. Go to

moustache /ˈmʌstæʃ/ (12 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: bigode

Simple English: Hair that grows above a man's mouth.

Example: He curled the ends of his moustache.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He was clean-shaven except for a long white moustache. Go to

2. Under his heavy moustache, his mouth looked fixed and rather cruel, with sharp white teeth that stuck out over his lips. Go to

3. He grew excited as he spoke, walking around the room, pulling his great white moustache, and gripping things as if he could crush them. Go to

4. His white hair and moustache had changed to dark iron-grey. Go to

Original English Version

1. Within, stood a tall old man, clean shaven save for a long white moustache, and clad in black from head to foot, without a single speck of colour about him anywhere. Go to

2. The mouth, so far as I could see it under the heavy moustache, was fixed and rather cruel-looking, with peculiarly sharp white teeth; these protruded over the lips, whose remarkable ruddiness showed astonishing vitality in a man of his years. Go to

3. He grew excited as he spoke, and walked about the room pulling his great white moustache and grasping anything on which he laid his hands as though he would crush it by main strength. Go to

4. There lay the Count, but looking as if his youth had been half renewed, for the white hair and moustache were changed to dark iron-grey; the cheeks were fuller, and the white skin seemed ruby-red underneath; the mouth was redder than ever, for on the lips were gouts of fresh blood, which trickled from the corners of the mouth and ran over the chin and neck. Go to

moustaches /ˈmʌstæʃɪz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: bigodes

Simple English: The hair that grows above a man's mouth.

Example: He twisted his white moustaches.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. They wore high boots, had long black hair and thick black moustaches, and looked like old bandits from the East. Go to

Original English Version

1. They wore high boots, with their trousers tucked into them, and had long black hair and heavy black moustaches. Go to

muffled /ˈmʌfəld/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: abafada; surda

Simple English: Not clear because something covers the sound.

Example: We heard a muffled cry behind the wall.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. I know it, for now and then I hear a faraway muffled sound as of mattock and spade, and, whatever it is, it must be the end of some ruthless villainy. Go to

nailing /ˈneɪlɪŋ/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: pregando; acertando

Simple English: Fastening with nails or doing something exactly.

Example: They were nailing boards to the wall.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. They are nailing the box shut. Go to

national (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: nacional; do país; estatal

Simple English: related to a whole country

Example: The national museum is in the capital.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He said it was “paprika hendl,” a national dish found anywhere in the Carpathians. Go to

2. Transylvania has four main national groups: Saxons in the south, with Wallachs among them; Magyars in the west; and Szekelys in the east and north. Go to

nearer /ˈnɪrər/ (12 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: mais perto; mais próximo

Simple English: Closer in distance.

Example: The land grows beautiful as one comes nearer the city.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Through the cracks, I saw a light moving nearer. Go to

2. My throat began to tingle, as if a tickling hand were coming nearer and nearer. Go to

Original English Version

1. Then the mountains seemed to come nearer to us on each side and to frown down upon us; we were entering on the Borgo Pass. Go to

2. The baying of the wolves sounded nearer and nearer, as though they were closing round on us from every side. Go to

3. Then the skin of my throat began to tingle as one’s flesh does when the hand that is to tickle it approaches nearer - nearer. Go to

neigh /neɪ/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: relincho; relinchar

Simple English: The characteristic high sound made by a horse, or the act of making that sound.

Example: The horse gave a shrill neigh and pulled sideways.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. While he was speaking, the horses began to neigh and snort and plunge wildly, so the driver had to hold them. Go to

Original English Version

1. He will now come on to Bukovina, and return tomorrow or the next day; better the next day.” Whilst he was speaking the horses began to neigh and snort and plunge wildly, so that the driver had to hold them up. Go to

nightmare /ˈnaɪtmeər/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: pesadelo

Simple English: A frightening or disturbing dream.

Example: She woke up from a nightmare and felt scared and confused.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Looking back now, it feels like a horrible nightmare. Go to

2. It all felt like a terrible nightmare, and I thought I might wake up at home with morning light at the windows. Go to

nobleman /ˈnoʊbəlmən/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: nobre; fidalgo

Simple English: A man belonging to the highest class in society by birth or title.

Example: A nobleman owned every field in the valley.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I thought that knowing something about the country might help me when dealing with a nobleman from there. Go to

Original English Version

1. Having had some time at my disposal when in London, I had visited the British Museum, and made search among the books and maps in the library regarding Transylvania; it had struck me that some foreknowledge of the country could hardly fail to have some importance in dealing with a nobleman of that country. Go to

nobles /ˈnoʊbəlz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: nobres; fidalgos

Simple English: People of high rank in an old society, such as lords.

Example: The king called the nobles to his hall.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. We Transylvanian nobles don’t like our bones among common dead. Go to

Original English Version

1. We Transylvanian nobles love not to think that our bones may lie amongst the common dead. Go to

nodded /ˈnɑːdɪd/ (38 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: acenou com a cabeça

Simple English: Moved the head up and down to say yes or to greet someone.

Example: The figure nodded kindly at her.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He nodded in reply. Go to

Original English Version

1. For answer he nodded his head. Go to

noses /ˈnoʊzɪz/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: narizes

Simple English: The parts of the face used for smelling.

Example: The cold air made their noses red.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Two were dark, with sharp noses like the Count’s and large dark eyes that seemed almost red in the pale yellow moonlight. Go to

Original English Version

1. Two were dark, and had high aquiline noses, like the Count, and great dark, piercing eyes that seemed to be almost red when contrasted with the pale yellow moon. Go to

nostrils /ˈnɑːstrəlz/ (9 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: narinas

Simple English: The two openings at the end of the nose.

Example: The horse opened its nostrils wide.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. His face was strong, very strong, and shaped like an eagle’s, with a high bridge on his thin nose and strangely curved nostrils. Go to

Original English Version

1. His face was a strong - a very strong - aquiline, with high bridge of the thin nose and peculiarly arched nostrils; with lofty domed forehead, and hair growing scantily round the temples but profusely elsewhere. Go to

notepaper /ˈnoʊtpeɪpər/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: papel de carta

Simple English: Paper used for writing letters or notes.

Example: She wrote the invitation on notepaper.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Is that not so?” As he spoke, he gave me three sheets of notepaper and three envelopes. Go to

Original English Version

1. Is it not so?” As he spoke he handed me three sheets of notepaper and three envelopes. Go to

octagonal /ɑːkˈtæɡənəl/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: octogonais

Simple English: Having eight straight sides.

Example: The tea came in octagonal boxes.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He opened another door into a small octagonal room with one lamp and no windows. Go to

Original English Version

1. The Count halted, putting down my bags, closed the door, and crossing the room, opened another door, which led into a small octagonal room lit by a single lamp, and seemingly without a window of any sort. Go to

2. I have to be away till the afternoon; so sleep well and dream well!” With a courteous bow, he opened for me himself the door to the octagonal room, and I entered my bedroom. … Go to

oleander /ˌoʊliˈændər/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: espirradeira

Simple English: a flowering shrub that is poisonous if eaten

Example: Pink oleander grew by the garden wall.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Behind them stood rich green plants, with oleander and orange trees in tubs in the middle of the yard. Go to

Original English Version

1. I shall never forget the last glimpse which I had of the innyard and its crowd of picturesque figures, all crossing themselves, as they stood round the wide archway, with its background of rich foliage of oleander and orange trees in green tubs clustered in the centre of the yard. Go to

oppose /əˈpoʊz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: se opõem; opor; opomos

Simple English: To strongly disagree with and try to prevent something.

Example: Many citizens oppose the new law because they believe it is unfair.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. To oppose him would only create more suspicion. Go to

orderly /ˈɔːrdərli/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: ordenada; bem arrumada

Simple English: Neat and well arranged.

Example: The books stood in orderly rows.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The Count asked in an orderly way, so I will write his questions in order, because the knowledge may be useful to me later. Go to

ordog /ˈœrdœg/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Satanás

Simple English: a Hungarian word meaning "Satan" or "devil"

Example: Among the words was "Ordog" - Satan.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Among the words were “Ordog” - Satan, “pokol” - hell, “stregoica” - witch, “vrolok” and “vlkoslak” - both mean the same thing, one in Slovak and the other in Serbian, for something that is either a werewolf or a vampire. (Note: I must ask the Count about these beliefs.) Go to

Original English Version

1. I must say they were not cheering to me, for amongst them were “Ordog” - Satan, “pokol” - hell, “stregoica” - witch, “vrolok” and “vlkoslak” - both of which mean the same thing, one being Slovak and the other Serbian for something that is either werewolf or vampire. (Mem., I must ask the Count about these superstitions) Go to

ornaments /ˈɔːrnəmənts/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: ornamentos; enfeites; adornos

Simple English: Objects or details added to make something look more attractive.

Example: The shelf was crowded with small glass ornaments.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. There were also chains and ornaments, some with jewels, but all old and stained. Go to

Original English Version

1. There were also chains and ornaments, some jewelled, but all of them old and stained. Go to

otherwise /ˈʌðərwaɪz/ (7 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: caso contrário; senão; contrariamente

Simple English: If not, then a different result would occur.

Example: You must hurry; otherwise, you'll miss the train.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Also, while Count Dracula was speaking, there was something in his eyes and manner that reminded me I was a prisoner, and even if I wished otherwise, I had no choice. Go to

outer /ˈaʊtər/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: exterior

Simple English: Located on the outside surface or edge of something.

Example: The outer part of the house needs a fresh coat of paint.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I tried it, because I could not find the key to the room or the outer door, which was what I was really searching for. Go to

overall /ˌoʊvərˈɔːl/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: global; geral; total

Simple English: Including all parts; considering everything as a whole.

Example: Overall, the project was successful despite some initial challenges.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Overall, he looked extremely pale. Go to

overcame /ˌɑʊvərkæmɛ/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: fazer come em excesso

Simple English: to do, have, or cause come more than is suitable or necessary

Example: Wopsle’s great-aunt successfully overcame that bad habit of living, so highly desirable to be got rid of by some people.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. After a while, the fact that I was helpless overcame all my other feelings. Go to

2. Then horror overcame me, and I fell unconscious. Go to

Original English Version

1. Then the horror overcame me, and I sank down unconscious. Go to

overcoat /ˈoʊvərkoʊt/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: sobretudo; casacão

Simple English: A long warm coat worn over other clothes.

Example: He hung his overcoat behind the door.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The suit I had worn on the journey was gone, and so were my overcoat and rug. Go to

Original English Version

1. The suit in which I had travelled was gone, and also my overcoat and rug; I could find no trace of them anywhere. Go to

overtook /ˌɑʊvərtʌk/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: alcançar e ultrapassar

Simple English: to catch up with and pass someone or something

Example: “Avast, belay, when I appear, By fear they’re overtook; Nought’s left upon your bones when you Have shaken claws with Hook.”

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Then, with screams from the peasants and everyone crossing themselves, a calèche with four horses drove up behind us, overtook us, and stopped beside the coach. Go to

Original English Version

1. Then, amongst a chorus of screams from the peasants and a universal crossing of themselves, a calèche, with four horses, drove up behind us, overtook us, and drew up beside the coach. Go to

overwork /ˌoʊvərˈwɜːrk/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: excesso de trabalho

Simple English: Working too much and becoming very tired.

Example: The Doctor warned him against overwork.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. It all seemed like a horrible nightmare to me, and I expected that I should suddenly awake, and find myself at home, with the dawn struggling in through the windows, as I had now and again felt in the morning after a day of overwork. Go to

paleness /ˈpeɪlnəs/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: palidez

Simple English: The state of having very little colour in the face or skin.

Example: Her paleness worried us more than the fever itself.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. His cheeks had the warmth of life despite their paleness. Go to

panting /ˈpæntɪŋ/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: ofegante; arquejante

Simple English: Breathing quickly with short noisy breaths.

Example: The dog lay panting in the shade.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Back in my room, I threw myself on the bed, panting, and tried to think. Go to

Original English Version

1. Regaining my room, I threw myself panting upon the bed and tried to think. … Go to

paprika /pəˈpriːkə/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: páprica

Simple English: a red spice made from dried peppers

Example: He said it was “paprika hendl,” a national dish found anywhere in the.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He said it was “paprika hendl,” a national dish found anywhere in the Carpathians. Go to

2. It may also have been the paprika, because I drank all the water in my glass jug and was still thirsty. Go to

3. At breakfast I had more paprika, some maize porridge called “mamaliga,” and stuffed eggplant called “impletata.” I wanted the recipe for that too. Go to

Original English Version

1. I had for dinner, or rather supper, a chicken done up some way with red pepper, which was very good but thirsty. (Mem., get recipe for Mina.) I asked the waiter, and he said it was called “paprika hendl,” and that, as it was a national dish, I should be able to get it anywhere along the Carpathians. Go to

2. There was a dog howling all night under my window, which may have had something to do with it; or it may have been the paprika, for I had to drink up all the water in my carafe, and was still thirsty. Go to

3. I had for breakfast more paprika, and a sort of porridge of maize flour which they said was “mamaliga,” and eggplant stuffed with forcemeat, a very excellent dish, which they call “impletata.” (Mem., get recipe for this also.) I had to hurry breakfast, for the train started a little before eight, or rather it ought to have done so, for after rushing to the station at 7:30 I had to sit in the carriage for more than an hour before we began to move. Go to

parted /ˈpɑːrtɪd/ (14 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: nos separamos

Simple English: Went away from each other.

Example: We parted at the gate and never met again.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I have written to you twice since we parted, and your last letter was only your second. Go to

Original English Version

1. I wrote to you twice since we parted, and your last letter was only your second. Go to

parting /ˈpɑːrtɪŋ/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: despedida

Simple English: an act or moment of saying goodbye

Example: Their parting from the four-day friends brought tears.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “You English have a saying that is close to my heart: ‘Welcome the coming; speed the parting guest.’ Come with me, my dear young friend. Go to

Original English Version

1. “You English have a saying which is close to my heart, for its spirit is that which rules our boyars: ‘Welcome the coming; speed the parting guest.’ Come with me, my dear young friend. Go to

patiently /ˈpeɪʃəntli/ (10 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: pacientemente; com paciência

Simple English: In a calm way, without complaining while waiting.

Example: He waited patiently until morning came.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. All I could do was wait patiently for morning. Go to

paused /pɔːzd/ (27 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: fez uma pausa

Simple English: stopped briefly before continuing

Example: He paused for a moment.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. Then she paused, and I could hear the churning sound of her tongue as it licked her teeth and lips, and could feel the hot breath on my neck. Go to

paws /pɔːz/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: patas; manzorras

Simple English: The feet of animals such as cats, dogs and bears.

Example: The puppy left muddy paws all over the floor.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Their red jaws, sharp teeth, and rough paws came into view as they jumped at the opening. Go to

pear /per/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: pera; pereira

Simple English: A sweet fruit that is narrow at the top and round at the bottom.

Example: He picked a ripe pear and ate it on the way home.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Everywhere there was a sea of fruit blossom: apple, plum, pear, and cherry. Go to

Original English Version

1. There was everywhere a bewildering mass of fruit blossom - apple, plum, pear, cherry; and as we drove by I could see the green grass under the trees spangled with the fallen petals. Go to

peered /pɪrd/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: espiou; olhou para fora

Simple English: Looked carefully and with difficulty.

Example: He peered through the crack in the wall.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. As we flew, the driver leaned forward, and passengers peered into the darkness. Go to

Original English Version

1. Then, as we flew along, the driver leaned forward, and on each side the passengers, craning over the edge of the coach, peered eagerly into the darkness. Go to

2. I rushed to the window, and throwing it up, peered out between the bars. Go to

petals /ˈpɛtəlz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: pétalas

Simple English: The soft coloured parts of a flower.

Example: White petals fell onto the table.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. As we passed, I could see green grass under the trees covered with fallen petals. Go to

Original English Version

1. There was everywhere a bewildering mass of fruit blossom - apple, plum, pear, cherry; and as we drove by I could see the green grass under the trees spangled with the fallen petals. Go to

petted /ˈpɛtɪd/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: acariciou

Simple English: touched an animal or person gently and affectionately

Example: She petted the dog behind its ears.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He petted them, soothed them, and whispered in their ears, as I have heard horse-tamers do. Go to

Original English Version

1. He petted and soothed them, and whispered something in their ears, as I have heard of horse-tamers doing, and with extraordinary effect, for under his caresses they became quite manageable again, though they still trembled. Go to

petticoats /ˈpɛtɪkoʊts/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: anáguas

Simple English: skirt-like garments worn under dresses or skirts

Example: The costume had several white petticoats.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. They wore full white sleeves and often wide belts with strips hanging down like ballet costumes, though they had petticoats underneath. Go to

Original English Version

1. They had all full white sleeves of some kind or other, and most of them had big belts with a lot of strips of something fluttering from them like the dresses in a ballet, but of course there were petticoats under them. Go to

pierced /pɪrst/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: trespassou; atravessou

Simple English: Made a hole through something with a sharp point.

Example: A nail had pierced the tyre near the rim.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. By the side of the box was its cover, pierced with holes here and there. Go to

Pile /paɪl/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: pilha; monte; empilhar

Simple English: A large amount or number of similar things together.

Example: There was a pile of leaves in the yard after the fall.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The only thing I found was a large pile of gold in one corner, with Roman, British, Austrian, Hungarian, Greek, and Turkish coins, all covered with dust as if they had been buried for a long time. Go to

2. I entered two of them and saw only broken pieces of old coffins and piles of dust. Go to

3. There, in one of the great boxes - there were fifty in all - on a pile of newly dug earth, lay the Count! Go to

pinched /pɪntʃt/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: beliscou; apertou; encovado

Simple English: Squeezed between finger and thumb; also thin and drawn from hunger or cold.

Example: He pinched the candle out between two fingers.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I rubbed my eyes and pinched myself to see if I was awake. Go to

plain /pleɪn/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: planície; liso; simples

Simple English: Simple in design, without pattern or decoration.

Example: He prefers plain shirts over those with bright patterns or designs.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Let me keep to plain facts as much as I can. Go to

2. 12 May. - Let me begin with facts: plain facts, supported by books and figures, and beyond doubt. Go to

playfully /ˈpleɪfəli/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: brincalhonamente; de brincadeira

Simple English: In a way that shows you are joking.

Example: He playfully pulled his sister's hair.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The fair girl shook her head playfully, and the other two encouraged her. Go to

plunge /plʌndʒ/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: mergulho

Simple English: a sudden jump or fall into water or another deep place

Example: One plunge into the sea would end the danger.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. While he was speaking, the horses began to neigh and snort and plunge wildly, so the driver had to hold them. Go to

Original English Version

1. He will now come on to Bukovina, and return tomorrow or the next day; better the next day.” Whilst he was speaking the horses began to neigh and snort and plunge wildly, so that the driver had to hold them up. Go to

plunged /plʌndʒd/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: lançaram-se; precipitaram-se

Simple English: Moved suddenly and quickly down into something.

Example: The boy plunged into the cold river.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. Then, far off in the distance, from the mountains on each side of us began a louder and a sharper howling - that of wolves - which affected both the horses and myself in the same way - for I was minded to jump from the calèche and run, whilst they reared again and plunged madly, so that the driver had to use all his great strength to keep them from bolting. Go to

pokol /ˈpoʊkɒl/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: inferno

Simple English: a Hungarian word meaning 'hell', mentioned in a list of supernatural terms

Example: Among the words were “Ordog” - Satan, “pokol” - hell, “stregoica” - witch.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Among the words were “Ordog” - Satan, “pokol” - hell, “stregoica” - witch, “vrolok” and “vlkoslak” - both mean the same thing, one in Slovak and the other in Serbian, for something that is either a werewolf or a vampire. (Note: I must ask the Count about these beliefs.) Go to

Original English Version

1. I must say they were not cheering to me, for amongst them were “Ordog” - Satan, “pokol” - hell, “stregoica” - witch, “vrolok” and “vlkoslak” - both of which mean the same thing, one being Slovak and the other Serbian for something that is either werewolf or vampire. (Mem., I must ask the Count about these superstitions) Go to

politely /pəˈlaɪtli/ (8 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: educadamente; com cortesia

Simple English: In a way that shows good manners.

Example: I am quite well, thank you, she replied politely.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “Count Dracula?” He bowed politely as he replied. Go to

politeness /pʌlaɪtnʌs/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: cortesia

Simple English: good manners and respectful behaviour

Example: His calm politeness was not false.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The Count stood up and spoke with a sweet politeness that seemed so real I rubbed my eyes. Go to

porridge /ˈpɔːrɪdʒ/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: mingau de aveia

Simple English: A soft, hot food made by boiling oats in milk or water.

Example: Dorothy ate delicious porridge and eggs.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. At breakfast I had more paprika, some maize porridge called “mamaliga,” and stuffed eggplant called “impletata.” I wanted the recipe for that too. Go to

Original English Version

1. I had for breakfast more paprika, and a sort of porridge of maize flour which they said was “mamaliga,” and eggplant stuffed with forcemeat, a very excellent dish, which they call “impletata.” (Mem., get recipe for this also.) I had to hurry breakfast, for the train started a little before eight, or rather it ought to have done so, for after rushing to the station at 7:30 I had to sit in the carriage for more than an hour before we began to move. Go to

portmanteau /pɔːrtˈmæntoʊ/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: mala de viagem

Simple English: a large traveling bag or suitcase

Example: He packed his clothes in a portmanteau.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Then an idea came to me, and I searched my portmanteau and the wardrobe where I had put my clothes. Go to

Original English Version

1. I sat and pondered awhile, and then some thought occurred to me, and I made search of my portmanteau and in the wardrobe where I had placed my clothes. Go to

pours /pɔrz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: derrama

Simple English: causes liquid to flow from a container; it can also mean rain falls heavily

Example: She pours tea into the cup.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “My dear, it never rains but it pours. Go to

Original English Version

1. “My dear, it never rains but it pours. Go to

powdery /ˈpaʊdəri/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: pulverulento

Simple English: like fine dry powder

Example: They walked through powdery snow.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. It grew colder and colder, and fine, powdery snow began to fall. Go to

Original English Version

1. It grew colder and colder still, and fine, powdery snow began to fall, so that soon we and all around us were covered with a white blanket. Go to

practising /ˈpræktɪsɪŋ/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: praticando; ensaiando

Simple English: Doing something again and again in order to do it well.

Example: They had been practising the song for a month.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I have also been practising shorthand a great deal. Go to

2. I am practising typing very hard too. Go to

Original English Version

1. I have been working very hard lately, because I want to keep up with Jonathan’s studies, and I have been practising shorthand very assiduously. Go to

2. When we are married I shall be able to be useful to Jonathan, and if I can stenograph well enough I can take down what he wants to say in this way and write it out for him on the typewriter, at which also I am practising very hard. Go to

proposal /prəˈpoʊzəl/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: proposta

Simple English: The act of asking someone to marry formally romantically.

Example: Her proposal was a surprise that made her very happy.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I will be twenty in September, but I never had a real proposal until today. Go to

2. Three proposals in one day! Go to

3. And three proposals! Go to

4. They would get crazy ideas and think they are hurt if they don’t get at least six proposals on their first day home. Go to

propose /prəˈpoʊz/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: propor; propr

Simple English: To ask someone to marry you formally in commitment.

Example: He decided to propose during their vacation on the beach.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Being proposed to is nice, but it is not happy when you see a poor fellow who honestly loves you go away broken-hearted. Go to

protection /prəˈtɛkʃən/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: proteção; defesa

Simple English: The act of keeping people or things safe from harm.

Example: Wearing a helmet is essential for your protection while cycling.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. It makes me angry to think this can happen while I am locked up here, a real prisoner, without even the protection of the law that even a criminal has the right to. Go to

prund /ˈbɔːrgoʊ prʊnd/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Borgo Prund

Simple English: the name of a village in Transylvania mentioned in the story

Example: The driver clearly wanted to reach Borgo Prund quickly.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I did not know why we were in such a hurry, but the driver clearly wanted to reach Borgo Prund quickly. Go to

Original English Version

1. I could not understand then what the haste meant, but the driver was evidently bent on losing no time in reaching Borgo Prund. Go to

purchase /ˈpɜːrtʃəs/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: compra; comprar; adquirir

Simple English: To buy goods or services by paying money.

Example: I went to the store to purchase some groceries for dinner.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Was this a normal part of a solicitor’s clerk’s job, sent to explain the purchase of a London estate to a foreigner? Go to

2. We discussed the purchase of the estate at Purfleet in detail. Go to

purfleet /ˈpɜːr.fliːt/ (12 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Purfleet

Simple English: A town in Essex, England, where Dracula buys an estate.

Example: They discussed the estate at Purfleet.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. We discussed the purchase of the estate at Purfleet in detail. Go to

2. “At Purfleet, on a side road, I found just the kind of place that seemed needed, with a broken sign saying the place was for sale. Go to

Original English Version

1. We went thoroughly into the business of the purchase of the estate at Purfleet. Go to

2. “At Purfleet, on a byroad, I came across just such a place as seemed to be required, and where was displayed a dilapidated notice that the place was for sale. Go to

puzzled /ˈpʌzəld/ (12 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: confuso

Simple English: Unable to understand something.

Example: She looked puzzled by his question.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. I begin to get new lights on certain things which have puzzled me. Go to

quarrel /ˈkwɔːrəl/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: briga; disputa (em quarrel-some, briguento)

Simple English: An angry argument, or to argue angrily.

Example: They had a short quarrel about money and made peace the next day.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. I would fain have rebelled, but felt that in the present state of things it would be madness to quarrel openly with the Count whilst I am so absolutely in his power; and to refuse would be to excite his suspicion and to arouse his anger. Go to

quatre /katʁ bʀɑ/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Quatre Bras (batalha)

Simple English: A place in Belgium where a famous battle was fought in 1815.

Example: The grey engraving showed Quatre Bras on the wall.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “The estate is called Carfax, perhaps from the old name Quatre Face, because the house has four sides that match the four directions. Go to

Original English Version

1. “The estate is called Carfax, no doubt a corruption of the old Quatre Face, as the house is four-sided, agreeing with the cardinal points of the compass. Go to

quickest /ˈkwɪkəst/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: o mais rápido

Simple English: Faster than all the others.

Example: That is the quickest way to the port.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. And then away for home! away to the quickest and nearest train! away from this cursed spot, from this cursed land, where the devil and his children still walk with earthly feet! Go to

quieted /ˈkwaɪətɪd/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: acalmou-se; sossegou

Simple English: Became calmer or less noisy.

Example: The crowd quieted when the singer came on.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. At the first howl, the horses began to pull and rear, but the driver spoke gently to them, and they quieted down. Go to

Original English Version

1. At the first howl the horses began to strain and rear, but the driver spoke to them soothingly, and they quieted down, but shivered and sweated as though after a runaway from sudden fright. Go to

quietness /ˈkwaɪ.ətnəs/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: quietude

Simple English: the state of having little noise or activity

Example: The village returned to its usual quietness.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. After trying to calm myself, I felt a soft quietness come over me. Go to

rattle /ˈrætəl/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: chocalhar; matraquear; estrépito

Simple English: To make a series of short hard sounds, or that sound itself.

Example: The loose window began to rattle in the wind.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Then I heard chains rattle and heavy bolts slide back. Go to

2. The door is shut, and the chains rattle. Go to

Original English Version

1. The door is shut, and the chains rattle; there is a grinding of the key in the lock; I can hear the key withdraw: then another door opens and shuts; I hear the creaking of lock and bolt. Go to

rattled /ˈrætəld/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: sacudiu; fez chocalhar

Simple English: Made a series of short hard sounds; also made someone nervous.

Example: The windows rattled every time a lorry went by.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I pulled and pulled at it, and shook it until, heavy as it was, it rattled in its frame. Go to

Original English Version

1. I pulled, and pulled, at the door, and shook it till, massive as it was, it rattled in its casement. Go to

ravines /rəˈviːnz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: ravinas; barrancos

Simple English: Deep narrow valleys with steep sides.

Example: Two dry ravines cut across the plain.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Far as I could see, there was a sea of green treetops, with deep gaps now and then where there were ravines. Go to

2. In the gentle light, the far hills seemed to melt away, and the valleys and ravines were deep black. Go to

reared rɪrd (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: ergueu

Simple English: lifted or rose up into a high upright position

Example: And in that moment the sapling reared its slender length upright and the rabbit soared dancing in the air again.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I wanted to jump from the calèche and run, while they reared and fought wildly, so the driver had to use all his strength to stop them from bolting. Go to

2. The horses jumped and reared, and looked around helplessly with their eyes rolling in a painful way. Go to

Original English Version

1. Then, far off in the distance, from the mountains on each side of us began a louder and a sharper howling - that of wolves - which affected both the horses and myself in the same way - for I was minded to jump from the calèche and run, whilst they reared again and plunged madly, so that the driver had to use all his great strength to keep them from bolting. Go to

2. The horses jumped about and reared, and looked helplessly round with eyes that rolled in a way painful to see; but the living ring of terror encompassed them on every side; and they had perforce to remain within it. Go to

reassure ˌri˙əˈʃʊr (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: tranquilizar

Simple English: make someone feel less worried or afraid

Example: "Oh, I understand," Frank said to reassure her.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He told me that the mail service was poor and uncertain, and that writing the letters now would reassure my friends. Go to

reassuring /ˌriːəˈʃʊrɪŋ/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: tranquilizador; que dá confiança

Simple English: Making you feel less worried.

Example: A reassuring note was waiting on the table.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Everything felt very strange and not at all reassuring. Go to

redder /ˈredər/ (7 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: mais vermelho

Simple English: More red in colour than before.

Example: His face grew redder as he spoke.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. His mouth was redder than ever, with fresh blood on his lips, dripping from the corners of his mouth and running down his chin and neck. Go to

Original English Version

1. There lay the Count, but looking as if his youth had been half renewed, for the white hair and moustache were changed to dark iron-grey; the cheeks were fuller, and the white skin seemed ruby-red underneath; the mouth was redder than ever, for on the lips were gouts of fresh blood, which trickled from the corners of the mouth and ran over the chin and neck. Go to

redeemed rɪˈdiːmd (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: resgatou

Simple English: Saved or bought back from a bad situation.

Example: When he had squared every debt, redeemed every pledge, he would still have jingling in his pockets a princely $43.90.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. When was that great shame of my nation redeemed? Go to

Original English Version

1. When was redeemed that great shame of my nation, the shame of Cassova, when the flags of the Wallach and the Magyar went down beneath the Crescent? Go to

refreshed rɪˈfrɛʃt (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: revigorou

Simple English: Made someone feel less tired.

Example: It refreshed me a great deal, and I felt braver because no curious tentacle came after the sound of my pumping.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. The soft moonlight soothed, and the wide expanse without gave a sense of freedom which refreshed me. Go to

reins /reɪnz/ (9 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: rédeas

Simple English: Long straps used to control a horse.

Example: He held the reins in one hand.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Without a word, he snapped his reins, the horses turned, and we raced into the darkness of the Pass. Go to

2. He got back into his seat, shook the reins, and drove on at great speed. Go to

3. While I stood there, the driver jumped back onto his seat and shook the reins. Go to

Original English Version

1. Without a word he shook his reins, the horses turned, and we swept into the darkness of the Pass. Go to

2. The driver again took his seat, and shaking his reins, started off at a great pace. Go to

3. As I stood, the driver jumped again into his seat and shook the reins; the horses started forward, and trap and all disappeared down one of the dark openings. Go to

reiten /ˈraɪtn̩/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: cavalgar/viajar

Simple English: a German word meaning 'to ride', part of a quoted German saying

Example: Denn die Todten reiten schnell means 'For the dead travel fast.'

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “Denn die Todten reiten schnell” means “For the dead travel fast.” Go to

Original English Version

1. “Denn die Todten reiten schnell” - (“For the dead travel fast.”) Go to

reverently rɛvɜrʌntli (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: com reverência

Simple English: Here, the adverb describes an action done with deep respect.

Example: Isten szek!” - “God’s seat!” - and he crossed himself reverently.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. Isten szek!” - “God’s seat!” - and he crossed himself reverently. Go to

robber /ˈrɑːbər/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: ladrão; salteador

Simple English: A person who steals, especially using force or threats.

Example: The robber was recognised by his voice.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I ate what they called “robber steak” - pieces of bacon, onion, and beef, seasoned with red pepper, put on sticks, and roasted over the fire in the simple way of the London cat’s meat. Go to

Original English Version

1. I dined on what they called “robber steak” - bits of bacon, onion, and beef, seasoned with red pepper, and strung on sticks and roasted over the fire, in the simple style of the London cat’s meat! Go to

romanovs /ˈroʊmənɒfs/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Romanov

Simple English: the family name of the czars who ruled Russia for many years

Example: The Szekelys can boast a record that mushroom growths like the Romanovs can never reach.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Ah, young sir, the Szekelys - and the Dracula as their heart’s blood, brains, and swords - can boast a record that mushroom growths like the Hapsburgs and Romanovs can never reach. Go to

Original English Version

1. Ah, young sir, the Szekelys - and the Dracula as their heart’s blood, their brains, and their swords - can boast a record that mushroom growths like the Hapsburgs and the Romanovs can never reach. Go to

romany /ˈrɒməni/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: romani; língua romani

Simple English: A traditional English form of Romani, referring here to the language spoken by Roma communities.

Example: They speak only their own forms of the Romany language.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. They speak only their own forms of the Romany language. Go to

Original English Version

1. They are fearless and without religion, save superstition, and they talk only their own varieties of the Romany tongue. Go to

rooster /ˈruːstər/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: galo

Simple English: A male chicken.

Example: A rooster crowed loudly at dawn.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Then I heard the welcome crow of a rooster, and I knew I was safe. Go to

rosary /ˈroʊzəri/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: rosário

Simple English: A string of beads used for counting prayers.

Example: He counted his rosary as he walked.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. She must have seen my doubt, because she put the rosary round my neck and said, “For your mother’s sake,” then left the room. Go to

Original English Version

1. She saw, I suppose, the doubt in my face, for she put the rosary round my neck, and said, “For your mother’s sake,” and went out of the room. Go to

rougher /ˈrʌfər/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: mais acidentado; mais áspero

Simple English: More uneven and harder to walk on.

Example: The ground became rougher and more hilly.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. They looked rougher than the rest, with big hats, loose dirty-white trousers, white shirts, and very wide leather belts covered with brass nails. Go to

royale rɔɪæl (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: realeza

Simple English: In this passage, it means a royal style or title.

Example: "The Palais Royale is wonderful.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I spent the night at the Hotel Royale. Go to

Original English Version

1. Here I stopped for the night at the Hotel Royale. Go to

sanity /ˈsænəti/ (8 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: sanidade; juízo

Simple English: The state of having a healthy and reasonable mind.

Example: Long walks helped him keep his sanity.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. Later: the Morning of 16 May. - God preserve my sanity, for to this I am reduced. Go to

sapphires /ˈsæfaɪərz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: safiras

Simple English: Valuable clear blue stones.

Example: Sapphires are found in these hills.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The third was very fair, with long wavy golden hair and eyes like pale sapphires. Go to

Original English Version

1. The other was fair, as fair as can be, with great wavy masses of golden hair and eyes like pale sapphires. Go to

sash /sæʃ/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: faixa de cintura; caixilho de janela

Simple English: A wide band of cloth worn round the waist, or a sliding window frame.

Example: She wore a white dress with a red sash.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Soon I was standing on the windowsill and trying to lift the sash. Go to

Original English Version

1. I did not feel dizzy - I suppose I was too excited - and the time seemed ridiculously short till I found myself standing on the windowsill and trying to raise up the sash. Go to

saxons /\u02c8s\u00e6ks\u0259nz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: saxoes

Simple English: a Germanic people who settled England

Example: After four generations, the Normans and Anglo-Saxons had still not truly become one people.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Transylvania has four main national groups: Saxons in the south, with Wallachs among them; Magyars in the west; and Szekelys in the east and north. Go to

Original English Version

1. In the population of Transylvania there are four distinct nationalities: Saxons in the South, and mixed with them the Wallachs, who are the descendants of the Dacians; Magyars in the West, and Szekelys in the East and North. Go to

sayings /ˈseɪɪŋz/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: ditados; máximas

Simple English: Short well known sentences that give advice.

Example: My grandmother had a saying for everything.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Old sayings are true. Go to

schnell /ʃnɛl/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: rápido

Simple English: German word meaning 'fast', quoted in a line about the dead riding quickly.

Example: The old German saying warns that the dead travel schnell.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “Denn die Todten reiten schnell” means “For the dead travel fast.” Go to

Original English Version

1. “Denn die Todten reiten schnell” - (“For the dead travel fast.”) Go to

schoolmistress /ˈskuːlmɪstrəs/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: professora

Simple English: a woman who teaches in or runs a school; an older term

Example: The life of an assistant schoolmistress was sometimes difficult.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Being an assistant schoolmistress can be hard. Go to

Original English Version

1. The life of an assistant schoolmistress is sometimes trying. Go to

scraping /ˈskreɪpɪŋ/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: raspando; arrastando com atrito

Simple English: Rubbing hard against a surface, often with a rough sound.

Example: The scraping of chairs filled the hall after the talk.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. A key turned with a harsh scraping sound, as if it had not been used for a long time, and the great door swung open. Go to

Original English Version

1. 17 June. - This morning, as I was sitting on the edge of my bed cudgelling my brains, I heard without a cracking of whips and pounding and scraping of horses’ feet up the rocky path beyond the courtyard. Go to

scythia /ˈsɪθiə/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Cítia

Simple English: An ancient region in Eastern Europe linked to witches in the legend.

Example: The witches were expelled from Scythia.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Dying people believed that in their veins ran the blood of old witches who, after being expelled from Scythia, mated with devils in the desert. Go to

Original English Version

1. Here, too, when they came, they found the Huns, whose warlike fury had swept the earth like a living flame, till the dying peoples held that in their veins ran the blood of those old witches, who, expelled from Scythia had mated with the devils in the desert. Go to

seek /siːk/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: procurar; buscar; busco

Simple English: To attempt to find or obtain a particular object or information.

Example: They will seek help from experts to solve the complicated problem.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I don’t seek joy or bright sunshine and sparkling waters that please the young. Go to

Glossary: New Words (3/3)

sensitive /ˈsɛnsɪtɪv/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: sensível; confidenciais; minúsculas

Simple English: Aware of others' feelings and responsive with care emotionally.

Example: She is sensitive to how her friends feel during difficult times.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I felt the soft, trembling touch of her lips on the very sensitive skin of my throat, and the hard points of two sharp teeth, just touching and waiting there. Go to

sensual sɛnʃʌwʌl (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: sensual

Simple English: relating to physical pleasure, especially sexual pleasure

Example: Military officers destitute of military knowledge; naval officers with no idea of a ship; civil officers without a notion of affairs; brazen ecclesiastics, of the worst world worldly, with sensual eyes, loose tongues, and looser lives; all totally unfit for their several callings, all lying horribly in pretending to belong to them, but all nearly or remotely of the order of Monseigneur, and therefore foisted on all public employments from which anything was to be got; these were to be told off by the score and the score.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. There was something openly sensual in her that both excited and disgusted me. Go to

settle (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: resolver; estabelecer; assentar

Simple English: to decide, arrange, or make a home

Example: They settled the argument peacefully.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I settled down to sleep. Go to

seventeenth /ˌsevənˈtiːnθ/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: décimo sétimo

Simple English: Coming after the sixteenth in a sequence.

Example: The map was drawn in the seventeenth century.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. At the start of the seventeenth century, the town was besieged for three weeks, and 13,000 people died. Go to

Original English Version

1. At the very beginning of the seventeenth century it underwent a siege of three weeks and lost 13,000 people, the casualties of war proper being assisted by famine and disease. Go to

seward /ˈsuːərd/ (163 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Seward

Simple English: the surname of a doctor character in the story

Example: Doctor Seward wrote in his diary every night.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I told you about him, Dr. John Seward, who works at the lunatic asylum. Go to

Original English Version

1. I told you of him, Dr. John Seward, the lunatic-asylum man, with the strong jaw and the good forehead. Go to

shade /ʃeɪd/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: sombra; máscara; tonalidade

Simple English: Area blocked from sunlight, producing darkness and coolness.

Example: We sat under the tree's shade to escape the heat.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I love the shade and want to be alone with my thoughts.” Somehow his words and look did not match; his smile seemed evil and dark. Go to

shaggy /ˈʃæɡi/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: hirsuto; peludo e desgrenhado

Simple English: Covered with long, thick, untidy hair.

Example: The Lion shook his shaggy mane.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. In its light I saw a ring of wolves around us, with white teeth, red tongues hanging out, long strong legs, and shaggy fur. Go to

Original English Version

1. I could not see any cause for it, for the howling of the wolves had ceased altogether; but just then the moon, sailing through the black clouds, appeared behind the jagged crest of a beetling, pine-clad rock, and by its light I saw around us a ring of wolves, with white teeth and lolling red tongues, with long, sinewy limbs and shaggy hair. Go to

sharper /ˈʃɑːrpər/ (15 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: mais cortante; mais mordaz

Simple English: More able to cut, or more severe.

Example: His second answer was sharper than the first.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Then, far away, louder and sharper howls came from the mountains on both sides of us. Go to

Original English Version

1. Then, far off in the distance, from the mountains on each side of us began a louder and a sharper howling - that of wolves - which affected both the horses and myself in the same way - for I was minded to jump from the calèche and run, whilst they reared again and plunged madly, so that the driver had to use all his great strength to keep them from bolting. Go to

sharpness /ˈʃɑːrpnəs/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: agudeza; aspereza

Simple English: The quality of having a fine cutting edge.

Example: He tested the sharpness of the blade with his thumb.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. For a man who had never been in the country, and who did not seem to do much business, his knowledge and sharpness were amazing. Go to

shaven /ˈʃeɪvən/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: rapado; de cabeça raspada

Simple English: With the hair cut off very close to the skin.

Example: A shaven monk opened the door.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He was clean-shaven except for a long white moustache. Go to

Original English Version

1. Within, stood a tall old man, clean shaven save for a long white moustache, and clad in black from head to foot, without a single speck of colour about him anywhere. Go to

sheepskin /ˈʃiːpskɪn/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: pergaminho de pele de carneiro

Simple English: The skin of a sheep, used long ago instead of paper.

Example: The old book had pages made of sheepskin.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. At the front of each pair was a Slovak, wearing a wide hat, a heavy belt with nails, a dirty sheepskin, and high boots. Go to

Original English Version

1. With joy I hurried to the window, and saw drive into the yard two great leiter-wagons, each drawn by eight sturdy horses, and at the head of each pair a Slovak, with his wide hat, great nail-studded belt, dirty sheepskin, and high boots. Go to

sheepskins ʃˈipskˌɪn (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: peles de ovelha

Simple English: skins of sheep with the wool on

Example: It had very simple furniture: a rough wooden stool and an even rougher bed frame filled with clean straw and covered with two or three sheepskins.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. It usually carried groups of peasants coming home, Cszeks in white sheepskins and Slovaks in colored ones. Go to

Original English Version

1. On this were sure to be seated quite a group of homecoming peasants, the Cszeks with their white, and the Slovaks with their coloured, sheepskins, the latter carrying lance-fashion their long staves, with axe at end. Go to

sheltered /ˈʃeltərd/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: abrigado; protegido; acolheu

Simple English: Protected from wind, rain or danger; also gave protection to someone.

Example: They found a sheltered corner behind the wall and ate their lunch.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Even though we were sheltered, we could hear the rising wind. Go to

Original English Version

1. When the invader was triumphant he found but little, for whatever there was had been sheltered in the friendly soil.” Go to

shirtsleeves ʃˈɜrtslˌiv (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: mangas de camisa

Simple English: the sleeves of a shirt

Example: Harrison was sitting on his vine-covered veranda in his shirtsleeves and enjoying his evening pipe.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. When I came close she bowed and said, “The Herr Englishman?” “Yes,” I said, “Jonathan Harker.” She smiled, and gave some message to an elderly man in white shirtsleeves, who had followed her to the door. Go to

shivered /ˈʃɪvərd/ (7 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: estremeceu; teve um arrepio

Simple English: Shook for a moment because of cold or fear.

Example: The children shivered in the cold rain.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. At the first howl the horses began to strain and rear, but the driver spoke to them soothingly, and they quieted down, but shivered and sweated as though after a runaway from sudden fright. Go to

shivering /ˈʃɪvərɪŋ/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: tremendo de frio; tiritando

Simple English: Shaking slightly because of cold or fear.

Example: We stood shivering on the platform waiting for the late train.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. I could feel the soft, shivering touch of the lips on the super-sensitive skin of my throat, and the hard dents of two sharp teeth, just touching and pausing there. Go to

shone /ʃoʊn/ (20 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: brilhavam; reluziam

Simple English: Gave out or reflected light.

Example: The little stars shone in the sun like diamonds.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The afternoon sun shone on them and showed their rich colors: deep blue and purple in the shadows, green and brown where grass and rock met, and long lines of sharp rocks and cliffs, until the snowy peaks appeared in the distance. Go to

2. The Count’s eyes shone, and he said: Go to

3. All three had bright white teeth that shone like pearls against their red lips. Go to

Original English Version

1. All three had brilliant white teeth that shone like pearls against the ruby of their voluptuous lips. Go to

shorthand ʃɔrthænd (27 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: taquigrafia

Simple English: a fast system of writing speech

Example: He learned bookkeeping and typewriting, and he paid for shorthand lessons by dictating at night to a court reporter who needed practice.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. (Kept in shorthand.) Go to

2. So I decided to write only formal notes now, but to write a full secret letter to Mr. Hawkins and another to Mina, because I could use shorthand with her, and that would confuse the Count if he saw it. Go to

3. I am writing in my diary in shorthand everything that has happened since I closed it last. Go to

4. Mina’s is in shorthand, and I only ask Mr. Hawkins to talk to her about it. Go to

5. I have also been practising shorthand a great deal. Go to

6. If I can write shorthand well enough, I can take down what he says and type it out for him. Go to

Original English Version

1. (Kept in shorthand.) Go to

2. So I determined to write only formal notes now, but to write fully to Mr. Hawkins in secret, and also to Mina, for to her I could write in shorthand, which would puzzle the Count, if he did see it. Go to

3. Here I am, sitting at a little oak table where in old times possibly some fair lady sat to pen, with much thought and many blushes, her ill-spelt love-letter, and writing in my diary in shorthand all that has happened since I closed it last. Go to

4. Mina’s is in shorthand, and I simply ask Mr. Hawkins to communicate with her. Go to

5. I have been working very hard lately, because I want to keep up with Jonathan’s studies, and I have been practising shorthand very assiduously. Go to

6. He and I sometimes write letters in shorthand, and he is keeping a stenographic journal of his travels abroad. Go to

shot /ʃɒt/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: tiro; baleado; atirou

Simple English: Act of injecting medicine or vaccine into body.

Example: I received a flu shot to protect myself from the virus this season.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. With one strong sweep of his arm, the Count slammed the door shut, and the heavy bolts clanged and echoed through the hall as they shot back into place. Go to

shudder /ˈʃʌdər/ (20 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: estremecimento; arrepio

Simple English: To shake for a moment from cold or from fear.

Example: I shudder at the thought of it.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. As the Count leaned over me and his hands touched me, I could not repress a shudder. Go to

shuddered /ˈʃʌdərd/ (15 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: estremeceu; teve um arrepio

Simple English: Shook suddenly because of cold, fear or disgust.

Example: She shuddered when she saw the spider on the wall.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I shuddered when I bent down to touch him, and every part of me hated the contact. Go to

Original English Version

1. I shuddered as I bent over to touch him, and every sense in me revolted at the contact; but I had to search, or I was lost. Go to

shuddering ʃʌdɜrɪŋ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: tremendo

Simple English: shaking because of fear or disgust

Example: "Oh, how horrible!" said Anne, shuddering.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. When the Count leaned over me and his hands touched me, I could not stop myself from shuddering. Go to

sighed /saɪd/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: suspirou

Simple English: Let out a long, slow breath to show sadness or relief.

Example: The Scarecrow sighed and said nothing.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Another dog answered, then another, and another, until the wind, which now sighed softly through the Pass, carried a wild howling from all over the country, as far as I could imagine in the darkness. Go to

Original English Version

1. The sound was taken up by another dog, and then another and another, till, borne on the wind which now sighed softly through the Pass, a wild howling began, which seemed to come from all over the country, as far as the imagination could grasp it through the gloom of the night. Go to

silk /sɪlk/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: seda; sedas

Simple English: Smooth soft fabric made from silkworm threads.

Example: Her silk blouse had a luxurious feel and a beautiful shine under the light.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. But he almost sat on his silk hat, which cool men do not usually do. Go to

sincere /sɪnˈsɪər/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: sincero

Simple English: Genuine honest and expressing true feelings or beliefs openly.

Example: His sincere apology made her feel much better after the argument.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. But I hope I shall see more of you at Castle Dracula.” I did not trust him, and I decided to test whether he was sincere. Go to

2. Sincere! Go to

sleepiness /ˈsliːpinəs/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: sonolência

Simple English: The feeling of wanting to sleep.

Example: A heavy sleepiness came over him.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Sleepiness had taken hold of me, and with it came the stubborn mood that sleep often brings. Go to

sleepless /ˈsliːpləs/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: em claro; sem dormir

Simple English: Spent without sleeping.

Example: The four travelers passed a sleepless night.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. As the Turks say, ‘water sleeps, and enemy is sleepless.’ Who more gladly than we received the ‘bloody sword’ or flocked to the King’s standard? Go to

Original English Version

1. And when the Hungarian flood swept eastward, the Szekelys were claimed as kindred by the victorious Magyars, and to us for centuries was trusted the guarding of the frontier of Turkey-land; ay, and more than that, endless duty of the frontier guard, for, as the Turks say, ‘water sleeps, and enemy is sleepless.’ Who more gladly than we throughout the Four Nations received the ‘bloody sword,’ or at its warlike call flocked quicker to the standard of the King? Go to

slide (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: deslizar; escorregar; slide

Simple English: to move smoothly over a surface

Example: The glass began to slide off the table.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Then I heard chains rattle and heavy bolts slide back. Go to

slivovitz /ˈslɪvəˌvɪts/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: aguardente de ameixa

Simple English: a strong plum brandy traditionally made in Balkan countries

Example: There was slivovitz under the seat if he wanted it.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. There is slivovitz under the seat if you want it.” I did not drink, but it was nice to know it was there. Go to

Original English Version

1. There is a flask of slivovitz (the plum brandy of the country) underneath the seat, if you should require it.” I did not take any, but it was a comfort to know it was there all the same. Go to

slope /sloʊp/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: inclinação; declive; encosta

Simple English: Land that is higher at one end than the other end.

Example: The children loved to roll down the grassy slope on sunny days.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Beyond the green hills of the Mittel Land rose great forest-covered slopes leading up to the high Carpathian mountains. Go to

sloping /ˈsloʊpɪŋ/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: descendo; baixando no céu

Simple English: Going down at an angle.

Example: A sloping path led to the river.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. Before us lay a green sloping land full of forests and woods, with here and there steep hills, crowned with clumps of trees or with farmhouses, the blank gable end to the road. Go to

slovak /slˈoʊvæk/ (14 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: eslovaco

Simple English: a person from Slovakia or its language

Example: Among the words were “Ordog” - Satan, “pokol” - hell, “stregoica” - witch, “vrolok” and “vlkoslak” - both mean the same thing, one in Slovak and the other in Serbian, for something that is either a werewolf or a vampire.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Among the words were “Ordog” - Satan, “pokol” - hell, “stregoica” - witch, “vrolok” and “vlkoslak” - both mean the same thing, one in Slovak and the other in Serbian, for something that is either a werewolf or a vampire. (Note: I must ask the Count about these beliefs.) Go to

2. At the front of each pair was a Slovak, wearing a wide hat, a heavy belt with nails, a dirty sheepskin, and high boots. Go to

Original English Version

1. I must say they were not cheering to me, for amongst them were “Ordog” - Satan, “pokol” - hell, “stregoica” - witch, “vrolok” and “vlkoslak” - both of which mean the same thing, one being Slovak and the other Serbian for something that is either werewolf or vampire. (Mem., I must ask the Count about these superstitions) Go to

2. With joy I hurried to the window, and saw drive into the yard two great leiter-wagons, each drawn by eight sturdy horses, and at the head of each pair a Slovak, with his wide hat, great nail-studded belt, dirty sheepskin, and high boots. Go to

slovaks /slˈoʊvæks/ (30 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: eslovacos

Simple English: people from Slovakia

Example: The strangest people were the Slovaks.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The strangest people were the Slovaks. Go to

2. We passed Cszeks and Slovaks in bright clothes, but I noticed that goitre was very common. Go to

3. It usually carried groups of peasants coming home, Cszeks in white sheepskins and Slovaks in colored ones. Go to

4. The Slovaks carried long staves with axes on the end. Go to

5. They were clearly empty, because the Slovaks could move them easily, and they made a hollow sound when handled roughly. Go to

6. When they had all been unloaded and stacked in one big heap in a corner of the yard, the Szgany gave the Slovaks some money. Go to

Original English Version

1. The strangest figures we saw were the Slovaks, who were more barbarian than the rest, with their big cowboy hats, great baggy dirty-white trousers, white linen shirts, and enormous heavy leather belts, nearly a foot wide, all studded over with brass nails. Go to

2. Here and there we passed Cszeks and Slovaks, all in picturesque attire, but I noticed that goitre was painfully prevalent. Go to

3. On this were sure to be seated quite a group of homecoming peasants, the Cszeks with their white, and the Slovaks with their coloured, sheepskins, the latter carrying lance-fashion their long staves, with axe at end. Go to

4. The leiter-wagons contained great, square boxes, with handles of thick rope; these were evidently empty by the ease with which the Slovaks handled them, and by their resonance as they were roughly moved. Go to

5. When they were all unloaded and packed in a great heap in one corner of the yard, the Slovaks were given some money by the Szgany, and spitting on it for luck, lazily went each to his horse’s head. Go to

6. The roof was broken, and in two places were steps leading to vaults, but the ground had recently been dug over, and the earth placed in great wooden boxes, manifestly those which had been brought by the Slovaks. Go to

smoothest /smˈuðʌst/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: liso

Simple English: even, gentle, or make even

Example: Wilkins in his smoothest business voice.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He sat beside me and said, in his smoothest voice, as he opened two letters: - Go to

Original English Version

1. He sat down beside me, and said in his smoothest voice as he opened two letters: - Go to

smothered /ˈsmʌðərd/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: sufocado; abafado; contido

Simple English: Prevented from breathing, or covered thickly and kept hidden.

Example: She smothered a laugh behind her hand.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. If my ears did not deceive me, I heard a gasp and a soft cry, like a child being smothered. Go to

Original English Version

1. If my ears did not deceive me there was a gasp and a low wail, as of a half-smothered child. Go to

snort /snɔːrt/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: bufo; resfolego

Simple English: A loud noise made by pushing air through the nose.

Example: He answered with a snort of anger.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. While he was speaking, the horses began to neigh and snort and plunge wildly, so the driver had to hold them. Go to

Original English Version

1. He will now come on to Bukovina, and return tomorrow or the next day; better the next day.” Whilst he was speaking the horses began to neigh and snort and plunge wildly, so that the driver had to hold them up. Go to

2. At last there came a time when the driver went further afield than he had yet gone, and during his absence, the horses began to tremble worse than ever and to snort and scream with fright. Go to

snorted /snɔːrtɪd/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: bufou

Simple English: Pushed air noisily out through the nose.

Example: The bull snorted and shook its head.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. At last the driver went farther away than before, and while he was gone, the horses trembled more than ever and snorted and screamed in fear. Go to

snowy /ˈsnoʊi/ (7 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: nevados; cobertos de neve

Simple English: Covered with snow.

Example: We could see the snowy peaks from the window.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The afternoon sun shone on them and showed their rich colors: deep blue and purple in the shadows, green and brown where grass and rock met, and long lines of sharp rocks and cliffs, until the snowy peaks appeared in the distance. Go to

2. The snowy mountain top still held the sunset light and glowed a soft cool pink. Go to

Original English Version

1. Right and left of us they towered, with the afternoon sun falling full upon them and bringing out all the glorious colours of this beautiful range, deep blue and purple in the shadows of the peaks, green and brown where grass and rock mingled, and an endless perspective of jagged rock and pointed crags, till these were themselves lost in the distance, where the snowy peaks rose grandly. Go to

2. This was emphasised by the fact that the snowy mountaintop still held the sunset, and seemed to glow out with a delicate cool pink. Go to

sofas /ˈsoʊfəz/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: sofás

Simple English: Long soft seats with a back and arms, for more than one person.

Example: Two red sofas stood against the wall.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. The curtains and upholstery of the chairs and sofas and the hangings of my bed are of the costliest and most beautiful fabrics, and must have been of fabulous value when they were made, for they are centuries old, though in excellent order. Go to

softened /ˈsɔːfənd/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: suavizaram-se; enterneceram-se

Simple English: Became or made less hard, less strong or less severe.

Example: His voice softened when he saw the child was crying.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I could even see colors, and the moonlight softened the thick dust and hid the damage of time and moths. Go to

Original English Version

1. The windows were curtainless, and the yellow moonlight, flooding in through the diamond panes, enabled one to see even colours, whilst it softened the wealth of dust which lay over all and disguised in some measure the ravages of time and the moth. Go to

softness /ˈsɔːftnəs/ (7 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: maciez; suavidade; brandura

Simple English: The quality of being soft to touch, to hear or in manner.

Example: The softness of the old blanket made it everyone's favourite.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. They whispered together, and then they all three laughed - such a silvery, musical laugh, but as hard as though the sound never could have come through the softness of human lips. Go to

solemn /ˈsɑləm/ (13 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: solene

Simple English: serious and formal in manner or feeling

Example: When this ended, he began to read the hymn in long, solemn tones, like a bell ringing again and again on a ship sinking in the fog.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Pale patches on the trees made the scene strange and solemn, and my earlier uneasy thoughts returned. Go to

Original English Version

1. Sometimes, as the road was cut through the pine woods that seemed in the darkness to be closing down upon us, great masses of greyness, which here and there bestrewed the trees, produced a peculiarly weird and solemn effect, which carried on the thoughts and grim fancies engendered earlier in the evening, when the falling sunset threw into strange relief the ghostlike clouds which amongst the Carpathians seem to wind ceaselessly through the valleys. Go to

solicitor's /səˈlɪsɪtərz/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: do advogado

Simple English: belonging to a solicitor, a lawyer who gives legal advice

Example: The solicitor’s letter arrived that morning.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Was this a normal part of a solicitor’s clerk’s job, sent to explain the purchase of a London estate to a foreigner? Go to

2. Solicitor’s clerk! Go to

3. He seemed to understand completely, and then asked if there would be any practical difficulty in having one man handle banking and another handle shipping, if local help was needed in a place far from the banking solicitor’s home. Go to

Original English Version

1. Was this a customary incident in the life of a solicitor’s clerk sent out to explain the purchase of a London estate to a foreigner? Go to

2. Solicitor’s clerk! Go to

solicitors /səˈlɪsətərz/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: advogados

Simple English: legal advisers who handle clients' affairs

Example: On such an afternoon the various solicitors in the cause, some two or three of whom have inherited it from their fathers, who made a fortune by it, ought to be - as are they not? - ranged in a line, in a long matted well (but you might look in vain for truth at the bottom of it) between the registrar’s red table and the silk gowns, with bills, cross-bills, answers, rejoinders, injunctions, affidavits, issues, references to masters, masters’ reports, mountains of costly nonsense, piled before them.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. First, he asked if a man in England could have two solicitors or more. Go to

2. Could it not be easier to send them to someone in those ports?” I answered that certainly it would be easiest, but that we solicitors have a system of helping each other, so that local work can be done locally by instruction from any solicitor. Go to

Original English Version

1. First, he asked if a man in England might have two solicitors or more. Go to

2. Now, suppose I, who have much of affairs, wish to ship goods, say, to Newcastle, or Durham, or Harwich, or Dover, might it not be that it could with more ease be done by consigning to one in these ports?” I answered that certainly it would be most easy, but that we solicitors had a system of agency one for the other, so that local work could be done locally on instruction from any solicitor, so that the client, simply placing himself in the hands of one man, could have his wishes carried out by him without further trouble. Go to

soothed /suːðd/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: acalmou

Simple English: made someone feel calmer or less upset

Example: On going up to put away her best hat, Jo's first look was toward the bureau; for, in their last quarrel, Amy had soothed her feelings by turning Jo's top drawer upside down on the floor.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He petted them, soothed them, and whispered in their ears, as I have heard horse-tamers do. Go to

Original English Version

1. He petted and soothed them, and whispered something in their ears, as I have heard of horse-tamers doing, and with extraordinary effect, for under his caresses they became quite manageable again, though they still trembled. Go to

2. The soft moonlight soothed, and the wide expanse without gave a sense of freedom which refreshed me. Go to

soundly /ˈsaʊndli/ (14 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: profundamente; a sono solto

Simple English: Deeply and well, especially of sleep.

Example: The children slept soundly all night.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. Towards morning I slept and was wakened by the continuous knocking at my door, so I guess I must have been sleeping soundly then. Go to

spade /speɪd/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: pá (gastar dinheiro com a pá, às mancheias)

Simple English: A tool with a flat blade for digging.

Example: He leaned on his spade and rested.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I know it, because now and then I hear a far-off, dull sound like a mattock and a spade. Go to

Original English Version

1. I know it, for now and then I hear a faraway muffled sound as of mattock and spade, and, whatever it is, it must be the end of some ruthless villainy. Go to

spat /spæt/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: cuspiram

Simple English: Pushed liquid out of the mouth.

Example: He spat the bitter medicine onto the ground.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The Slovaks spat on it for luck, then lazily walked to their horses. Go to

specks /speks/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: pontinhos

Simple English: Very small spots or bits of something.

Example: Specks of dust danced in the sunlight.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Then I noticed small, strange specks floating in the moonlight. Go to

Original English Version

1. Then I began to notice that there were some quaint little specks floating in the rays of the moonlight. Go to

sped /sped/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: correu veloz; acelerou

Simple English: Moved very quickly, or made something move quickly.

Example: The train sped past without stopping.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Then the driver cracked his whip and called to his horses, and they sped away toward Bukovina. Go to

Original English Version

1. Then for a time there were no blue flames, and we sped onwards through the gloom, with the howling of the wolves around us, as though they were following in a moving circle. Go to

sprang /spræŋ/ (14 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: saltou; pulou

Simple English: Jumped or moved suddenly and quickly.

Example: He sprang out of bed when the alarm rang.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. It was almost as if the sound sprang up at the rising of his hand, just as the music of a great orchestra seems to leap under the bâton of the conductor. Go to

stair /ster/ (8 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: degrau; escada

Simple English: One step in a set of steps inside a building.

Example: The bottom stair creaks whenever anyone comes home late.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Let me take care of you myself.” He insisted on carrying my bags along the passage, up a big winding stair, and along another passage. Go to

2. I went through the corner door and down the winding stair, then along the dark passage to the old chapel. Go to

3. But then a strong gust of wind seemed to come, and the door to the winding stair slammed shut with a shock that sent dust flying from the top. Go to

Original English Version

1. Let me see to your comfort myself.” He insisted on carrying my traps along the passage, and then up a great winding stair, and along another great passage, on whose stone floor our steps rang heavily. Go to

2. After a little while, not hearing any sound, I came out and went up the stone stair to where I could look out towards the South. Go to

3. As soon as I dared I ran up the winding stair, and looked out of the window, which opened south. Go to

4. I went through the door in the corner and down the winding stair and along the dark passage to the old chapel. Go to

5. I turned to run down again towards the vault, where I might find the new entrance; but at the moment there seemed to come a violent puff of wind, and the door to the winding stair blew to with a shock that set the dust from the lintels flying. Go to

stairway /ˈsterweɪ/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: escadaria; lance de escadas

Simple English: A set of steps leading from one level to another.

Example: A narrow stairway led up to the attic.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The door was open and led through a stone passage to a round stairway that went steeply down. Go to

Original English Version

1. At last, however, I found one door at the top of the stairway which, though it seemed to be locked, gave a little under pressure. Go to

2. It was open, and led through a stone passage to a circular stairway, which went steeply down. Go to

stammer /ˈstæmər/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: gaguejar; falar com hesitação

Simple English: To speak with repeated or blocked sounds because of difficulty or nervousness.

Example: The witness began to stammer under questioning.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “You are early tonight, my friend.” The man answered with a stammer: Go to

startled /ˈstɑːrtəld/ (19 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: assustada; sobressaltada

Simple English: Suddenly surprised or frightened.

Example: Aunt Em was startled by the child's laughter.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. This startled me, but as the effect was only momentary, I took it that my eyes deceived me straining through the darkness. Go to

staves /steɪvz/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: aduelas; bastões

Simple English: wooden strips used in barrels or long sticks used as weapons

Example: The sailors loaded iron hoops and barrel staves.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The Slovaks carried long staves with axes on the end. Go to

2. They also carried long staves. Go to

Original English Version

1. On this were sure to be seated quite a group of homecoming peasants, the Cszeks with their white, and the Slovaks with their coloured, sheepskins, the latter carrying lance-fashion their long staves, with axe at end. Go to

2. They had also their long staves in hand. Go to

steeply /ˈstiːpli/ (7 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: abruptamente; em forte subida

Simple English: Rising or falling at a sharp angle.

Example: The path climbed steeply to the top.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The door was open and led through a stone passage to a round stairway that went steeply down. Go to

Original English Version

1. It was open, and led through a stone passage to a circular stairway, which went steeply down. Go to

stillness /ˈstɪlnəs/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: quietude

Simple English: complete absence of movement or sound

Example: Night brought stillness to the empty house.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. There seemed a strange stillness over everything; but as I listened I heard as if from down below in the valley the howling of many wolves. Go to

stonework /ˈstoʊnˌwɜrk/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: alvenaria de pedra

Simple English: The stone parts of a building or structure, especially shaped and joined masonry.

Example: The ivy found an easy foothold on the house's rough stonework.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. My host, who stood on one side of the great fireplace, leaning against the stonework, made a graceful wave of his hand to the table, and said: - Go to

2. I drew back behind the stonework, and looked carefully out. Go to

stony /ˈstoʊni/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: pedregosas

Simple English: Covered with stones.

Example: A stony path led up to the hut.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. At other times we passed rivers and streams with wide, stony banks, showing that floods often happen there. Go to

2. His eyes were open and stony, but without the glassiness of death. Go to

Original English Version

1. Sometimes we saw little towns or castles on the top of steep hills such as we see in old missals; sometimes we ran by rivers and streams which seemed from the wide stony margin on each side of them to be subject to great floods. Go to

2. He was either dead or asleep, I could not say which - for the eyes were open and stony, but without the glassiness of death - and the cheeks had the warmth of life through all their pallor; the lips were as red as ever. Go to

stormy /ˈstɔːrmi/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: tempestuoso; agitado

Simple English: With strong wind and rain; also full of angry feeling.

Example: They crossed on a stormy night and everyone was sick.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The excitement grew; the coach rocked and swayed like a boat on a stormy sea. Go to

Original English Version

1. Being practically on the frontier - for the Borgo Pass leads from it into Bukovina - it has had a very stormy existence, and it certainly shows marks of it. Go to

2. The excitement of the passengers grew greater; the crazy coach rocked on its great leather springs, and swayed like a boat tossed on a stormy sea. Go to

straits /streɪts/ (7 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: estreitos (canal marítimo)

Simple English: Narrow passages of sea between two pieces of land.

Example: The ship passed the straits by night.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. I am, I know, either being deceived, like a baby, by my own fears, or else I am in desperate straits; and if the latter be so, I need, and shall need, all my brains to get through. Go to

strangest /ˈstreɪndʒɪst/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: o mais estranho

Simple English: The most strange of all.

Example: The strangest thing was the people who lived there.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The strangest people were the Slovaks. Go to

Original English Version

1. The strangest figures we saw were the Slovaks, who were more barbarian than the rest, with their big cowboy hats, great baggy dirty-white trousers, white linen shirts, and enormous heavy leather belts, nearly a foot wide, all studded over with brass nails. Go to

stream /striːm/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: fluxo; córrego; transmissão

Simple English: To play audio or video content directly from the internet without downloading.

Example: I usually stream my favorite playlists when I exercise to keep me motivated.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. At other times we passed rivers and streams with wide, stony banks, showing that floods often happen there. Go to

2. There is also a deep, dark pond or small lake, fed by springs, because the water is clear and runs away in a fair-sized stream. Go to

stregoica /streˈgɔɪkə/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: bruxa

Simple English: a foreign word meaning 'witch', explained directly in the text

Example: "Stregoica" - witch, among the foreign words listed.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Among the words were “Ordog” - Satan, “pokol” - hell, “stregoica” - witch, “vrolok” and “vlkoslak” - both mean the same thing, one in Slovak and the other in Serbian, for something that is either a werewolf or a vampire. (Note: I must ask the Count about these beliefs.) Go to

Original English Version

1. I must say they were not cheering to me, for amongst them were “Ordog” - Satan, “pokol” - hell, “stregoica” - witch, “vrolok” and “vlkoslak” - both of which mean the same thing, one being Slovak and the other Serbian for something that is either werewolf or vampire. (Mem., I must ask the Count about these superstitions) Go to

strengthens /ˈstrɛŋθənz/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: fortalece

Simple English: Makes someone or something stronger.

Example: His sincere praise strengthens her confidence.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Bless that good woman who hung the crucifix around my neck, for it comforts and strengthens me whenever I touch it. Go to

strike /straɪk/ (9 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Strike; greve; golpear

Simple English: To stop working to protest conditions at work.

Example: Workers may strike if their pay is too low and unfair.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Do you not know that tonight, when the clock strikes midnight, all evil things will have full power? Go to

2. At last she threw herself forward, and although I could not see her, I heard her bare hands striking the door. Go to

struggle /ˈstrʌɡəl/ (8 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: luta; lutar; esforço

Simple English: A great effort to fight back or break free.

Example: He had to struggle against the strong current to swim back to the shore.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. My soul seemed to struggle, and my half-forgotten feelings tried to answer the call. Go to

stubbornly /ˈstʌbərnli/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: teimosamente; obstinadamente

Simple English: In a way that refuses to change or to give way.

Example: The door stubbornly refused to close.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I thought I would watch for the Count to return, and I sat stubbornly at the window for a long time. Go to

superstition /ˌsuːpərˈstɪʃən/ (15 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: superstição

Simple English: A belief that certain things bring good or bad luck.

Example: It is only an old country superstition.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I also read that every kind of superstition in the world seems to gather in the Carpathian mountains, as if they were the center of a strange whirlpool of ideas. Go to

2. This shocked me because of superstition about midnight. Go to

3. They are brave and have no religion, except for superstition. Go to

Original English Version

1. I read that every known superstition in the world is gathered into the horseshoe of the Carpathians, as if it were the centre of some sort of imaginative whirlpool; if so my stay may be very interesting. (Mem., I must ask the Count all about them.) Go to

2. This gave me a sort of shock, for I suppose the general superstition about midnight was increased by my recent experiences. Go to

3. They are fearless and without religion, save superstition, and they talk only their own varieties of the Romany tongue. Go to

superstitions /ˌsuːpərˈstɪʃənz/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: superstições

Simple English: Beliefs in luck and magic, not based on reason.

Example: The village kept its old superstitions.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. I must say they were not cheering to me, for amongst them were “Ordog” - Satan, “pokol” - hell, “stregoica” - witch, “vrolok” and “vlkoslak” - both of which mean the same thing, one being Slovak and the other Serbian for something that is either werewolf or vampire. (Mem., I must ask the Count about these superstitions) Go to

surround /səˈraʊnd/ (7 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: surround; cercam; rodeiam

Simple English: To be all around something or someone on every side.

Example: The garden is surrounded by a tall stone wall for privacy.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. But the living ring of danger surrounded them on every side, and they had no choice but to stay inside it. Go to

2. It is surrounded by a high wall of old stone. Go to

3. It has about twenty acres, all surrounded by the strong stone wall I mentioned. Go to

4. I am surrounded by horrors I dare not even think about…. Go to

surrounding (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: circundante; ao redor; vizinho

Simple English: around something

Example: The surrounding area is very quiet.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The wolves sounded closer and closer, as if they were surrounding us from every side. Go to

swayed /sweɪd/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: balançou; oscilou

Simple English: Moved slowly from side to side.

Example: The house swayed and the wind wailed.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The excitement grew; the coach rocked and swayed like a boat on a stormy sea. Go to

Original English Version

1. The excitement of the passengers grew greater; the crazy coach rocked on its great leather springs, and swayed like a boat tossed on a stormy sea. Go to

sweated /ˈswɛtɪd/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: suou

Simple English: Lost water through the skin because of heat or work.

Example: He sweated as he carried the sacks.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Still, they shook and sweated as if they had run away in sudden fear. Go to

Original English Version

1. At the first howl the horses began to strain and rear, but the driver spoke to them soothingly, and they quieted down, but shivered and sweated as though after a runaway from sudden fright. Go to

sweep /swiːp/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: varrer; varredura; varra

Simple English: To clean an area by removing dirt with a broom.

Example: I sweep the patio every morning to keep it clean.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. With one strong sweep of his arm, the Count slammed the door shut, and the heavy bolts clanged and echoed through the hall as they shot back into place. Go to

sweetness /ˈswiːtnəs/ (12 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: doçura; suavidade

Simple English: The quality of tasting like sugar, or of being gentle and kind.

Example: There was a sweetness in her voice that calmed the child.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. But under the sweetness there was something bitter and disgusting, like the smell of blood. Go to

Original English Version

1. It was like the intolerable, tingling sweetness of water-glasses when played on by a cunning hand. Go to

swung /swʌŋ/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: abriu-se girando; balançou

Simple English: Moved smoothly in a curve, as a door does.

Example: The big gate swung slowly open.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. A key turned with a harsh scraping sound, as if it had not been used for a long time, and the great door swung open. Go to

Original English Version

1. A key was turned with the loud grating noise of long disuse, and the great door swung back. Go to

szek /sɛk/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: trono

Simple English: Hungarian word for 'seat,' used in 'God's seat.'

Example: Isten szek - God's seat!

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Isten szek!” - “God’s seat!” - he said, and crossed himself with respect. Go to

Original English Version

1. Isten szek!” - “God’s seat!” - and he crossed himself reverently. Go to

szekelys /ˈseɪkeɪz/ (9 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: sículos; povo székely

Simple English: Members of a Hungarian-speaking ethnic community historically based in eastern Transylvania.

Example: The account placed the Szekelys in eastern and northern Transylvania.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Transylvania has four main national groups: Saxons in the south, with Wallachs among them; Magyars in the west; and Szekelys in the east and north. Go to

2. I am going among the Szekelys, who say they come from Attila and the Huns. Go to

3. “We Szekelys have a right to be proud. Go to

4. When the Hungarian flood swept eastward, the Szekelys were claimed as kindred by the victorious Magyars. Go to

5. Ah, young sir, the Szekelys - and the Dracula as their heart’s blood, brains, and swords - can boast a record that mushroom growths like the Hapsburgs and Romanovs can never reach. Go to

Original English Version

1. In the population of Transylvania there are four distinct nationalities: Saxons in the South, and mixed with them the Wallachs, who are the descendants of the Dacians; Magyars in the West, and Szekelys in the East and North. Go to

2. “We Szekelys have a right to be proud, for in our veins flows the blood of many brave races who fought as the lion fights, for lordship. Go to

3. And when the Hungarian flood swept eastward, the Szekelys were claimed as kindred by the victorious Magyars, and to us for centuries was trusted the guarding of the frontier of Turkey-land; ay, and more than that, endless duty of the frontier guard, for, as the Turks say, ‘water sleeps, and enemy is sleepless.’ Who more gladly than we throughout the Four Nations received the ‘bloody sword,’ or at its warlike call flocked quicker to the standard of the King? Go to

4. Ah, young sir, the Szekelys - and the Dracula as their heart’s blood, their brains, and their swords - can boast a record that mushroom growths like the Hapsburgs and the Romanovs can never reach. Go to

szgany /ˈzɪɡəni/ (25 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: povo romani; ciganos

Simple English: A dated, nonstandard name used in Dracula for Romani people living near the castle.

Example: A group of Szgany camped in the castle courtyard.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. A group of Szgany has come to the castle and is camping in the courtyard. Go to

2. These Szgany are gypsies; I have written about them in my book. Go to

3. “The Szgany have given me these. Go to

4. Then the hetman of the Szgany came out. Go to

5. When they had all been unloaded and stacked in one big heap in a corner of the yard, the Szgany gave the Slovaks some money. Go to

6. The Szgany are staying somewhere in the castle and are doing some kind of work. Go to

Original English Version

1. A band of Szgany have come to the castle, and are encamped in the courtyard. Go to

2. These Szgany are gipsies; I have notes of them in my book. Go to

3. “The Szgany has given me these, of which, though I know not whence they come, I shall, of course, take care. Go to

4. They looked up at me stupidly and pointed, but just then the “hetman” of the Szgany came out, and seeing them pointing to my window, said something, at which they laughed. Go to

5. When they were all unloaded and packed in a great heap in one corner of the yard, the Slovaks were given some money by the Szgany, and spitting on it for luck, lazily went each to his horse’s head. Go to

6. The Szgany are quartered somewhere in the castle and are doing work of some kind. Go to

tableware /ˈteɪbəlwer/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: louça; utensílios de mesa

Simple English: Dishes, cutlery, and other items used for serving and eating food.

Example: The palace tableware was made of fine gold.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The tableware is gold and very fine. Go to

Tale /teɪl/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: conto; fadas; história

Simple English: True or imaginary story full of events, often exciting.

Example: She told a fascinating tale about her travels around the world.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The glories of the great races are like a tale that is told.” Go to

tamers /ˈteɪmərz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: domadores

Simple English: People who train or control wild animals.

Example: The animal tamers prepared for the show.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He petted them, soothed them, and whispered in their ears, as I have heard horse-tamers do. Go to

Original English Version

1. He petted and soothed them, and whispered something in their ears, as I have heard of horse-tamers doing, and with extraordinary effect, for under his caresses they became quite manageable again, though they still trembled. Go to

thorn /θɔːrn/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: espinho

Simple English: A sharp point growing on the stem of a plant.

Example: A thorn had gone deep into her thumb.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. To the west was a big valley, and then far away, high rocky mountains with sharp peaks, the rock covered with mountain ash and thorn. Go to

Original English Version

1. To the west was a great valley, and then, rising far away, great jagged mountain fastnesses, rising peak on peak, the sheer rock studded with mountain ash and thorn, whose roots clung in cracks and crevices and crannies of the stone. Go to

threaten /ˈθrɛtn/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: ameaçar

Simple English: To declare intention to harm if demands are unmet.

Example: They threaten to cancel the event if the conditions are not met.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. When she saw my face at the window, she rushed forward and shouted in a threatening voice: Go to

2. It has always been at night that I have been threatened or in danger. Go to

thunderous /ˈθʌndərəs/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: estrondoso; atroador

Simple English: Very loud, like thunder.

Example: The hall filled with thunderous applause.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. It seemed the mountains separated two atmospheres, and we were now in the thunderous one. Go to

Original English Version

1. It seemed as though the mountain range had separated two atmospheres, and that now we had got into the thunderous one. Go to

thus /ðʌs/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: assim; portanto; por conseguinte

Simple English: Used to introduce a conclusion based on prior information.

Example: He studied hard all year; thus, he passed the exam with high marks.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Thus the client, just dealing with one man, can have his wishes carried out without extra trouble. Go to

tickling /ˈtɪklɪŋ/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: fazendo cócegas

Simple English: Touching someone lightly so as to make them laugh.

Example: The straw kept tickling his bare feet.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. My throat began to tingle, as if a tickling hand were coming nearer and nearer. Go to

tingle /ˈtɪŋɡəl/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: formigar

Simple English: To feel a slight prickling sensation.

Example: When Kotick felt his skin tingle all over, Matkah said he was learning the “feel of the water.” She told him that those prickly feelings meant bad weather was coming, and he must swim hard to get away.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. My throat began to tingle, as if a tickling hand were coming nearer and nearer. Go to

Original English Version

1. Then the skin of my throat began to tingle as one’s flesh does when the hand that is to tickle it approaches nearer - nearer. Go to

tingling /ˈtɪŋɡlɪŋ/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: formigando

Simple English: Feeling a slight prickling sensation.

Example: Sideways leaning, we sideways darted; every ropeyarn tingling like a wire; the two tall masts buckling like Indian canes in land tornadoes.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. It was like the intolerable, tingling sweetness of water-glasses when played on by a cunning hand. Go to

2. Sweet it was in one sense, honey-sweet, and sent the same tingling through the nerves as her voice, but with a bitter underlying the sweet, a bitter offensiveness, as one smells in blood. Go to

tiniest /ˈtaɪniɪst/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: o menor de todos

Simple English: The smallest of all.

Example: Even the tiniest sound woke the sleeping dog.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. They were like the tiniest grains of dust, and they whirled round and gathered in clusters in a nebulous sort of way. Go to

todten /ˈtoːtn̩/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: os mortos

Simple English: an old German word meaning 'the dead'

Example: "Denn die Todten reiten schnell" means "For the dead travel fast."

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “Denn die Todten reiten schnell” means “For the dead travel fast.” Go to

Original English Version

1. “Denn die Todten reiten schnell” - (“For the dead travel fast.”) Go to

tokay /toʊˈkaɪ/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: vinho Tokay

Simple English: A sweet wine traditionally associated with Hungary.

Example: They served Tokay with the cheese.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. That, with some cheese, a salad, and a bottle of old Tokay, of which I drank two glasses, made my supper. Go to

Original English Version

1. This, with some cheese and a salad and a bottle of old Tokay, of which I had two glasses, was my supper. Go to

tongues /tʌŋz/ (8 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: línguas; bocas

Simple English: The soft parts inside the mouth used for speaking.

Example: The news passed by a thousand tongues.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. In its light I saw a ring of wolves around us, with white teeth, red tongues hanging out, long strong legs, and shaggy fur. Go to

Original English Version

1. In and out amongst these green hills of what they call here the “Mittel Land” ran the road, losing itself as it swept round the grassy curve, or was shut out by the straggling ends of pine woods, which here and there ran down the hillsides like tongues of flame. Go to

2. I could not see any cause for it, for the howling of the wolves had ceased altogether; but just then the moon, sailing through the black clouds, appeared behind the jagged crest of a beetling, pine-clad rock, and by its light I saw around us a ring of wolves, with white teeth and lolling red tongues, with long, sinewy limbs and shaggy hair. Go to

transylvania /ˌtrænsɪlˈveɪniə/ (30 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Transilvânia

Simple English: a region in Romania

Example: While in London, I had time to look through books and maps about Transylvania.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. While I was in London, I had time to visit the British Museum and look through books and maps about Transylvania. Go to

2. I found that the place he named is in the far east of the country, on the borders of Transylvania, Moldavia, and Bukovina, among the Carpathian mountains. Go to

3. Transylvania has four main national groups: Saxons in the south, with Wallachs among them; Magyars in the west; and Szekelys in the east and north. Go to

4. “We are in Transylvania, and Transylvania is not England. Go to

5. I asked him some questions about the history of Transylvania, and he became very interested. Go to

6. There are thousands of them in Hungary and Transylvania, and they live almost outside the law. Go to

Original English Version

1. Having had some time at my disposal when in London, I had visited the British Museum, and made search among the books and maps in the library regarding Transylvania; it had struck me that some foreknowledge of the country could hardly fail to have some importance in dealing with a nobleman of that country. Go to

2. I find that the district he named is in the extreme east of the country, just on the borders of three states, Transylvania, Moldavia and Bukovina, in the midst of the Carpathian mountains; one of the wildest and least known portions of Europe. Go to

3. In the population of Transylvania there are four distinct nationalities: Saxons in the South, and mixed with them the Wallachs, who are the descendants of the Dacians; Magyars in the West, and Szekelys in the East and North. Go to

4. “We are in Transylvania; and Transylvania is not England. Go to

5. I asked him a few questions on Transylvania history, and he warmed up to the subject wonderfully. Go to

6. There are thousands of them in Hungary and Transylvania, who are almost outside all law. Go to

transylvanian /ˌtrænsɪlˈveɪniən/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: transilvano

Simple English: A person from Transylvania; here, a Transylvanian noble.

Example: We Transylvanian nobles don’t like our bones among common dead.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. We Transylvanian nobles don’t like our bones among common dead. Go to

Original English Version

1. We Transylvanian nobles love not to think that our bones may lie amongst the common dead. Go to

treetops /ˈtriːtɑːps/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: copas das árvores

Simple English: The highest branches of trees.

Example: The wind moved the treetops above us.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Far as I could see, there was a sea of green treetops, with deep gaps now and then where there were ravines. Go to

tremble /ˈtrɛmbəl/ (12 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: tremer

Simple English: To shake slightly because of fear or cold.

Example: The Lion began to tremble.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The moonbeams seemed to tremble as they moved past me into the dark beyond. Go to

Original English Version

1. At last there came a time when the driver went further afield than he had yet gone, and during his absence, the horses began to tremble worse than ever and to snort and scream with fright. Go to

2. My lamp seemed to be of little effect in the brilliant moonlight, but I was glad to have it with me, for there was a dread loneliness in the place which chilled my heart and made my nerves tremble. Go to

trembled /ˈtrɛmbəld/ (14 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: tremeu

Simple English: Shook slightly because of fear, weakness, cold, or emotion.

Example: His voice trembled as he continued speaking.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. It worked amazingly well, and under his touch they became manageable again, though they still trembled. Go to

2. At last the driver went farther away than before, and while he was gone, the horses trembled more than ever and snorted and screamed in fear. Go to

3. When I shook my head, his hands trembled. Go to

Original English Version

1. He petted and soothed them, and whispered something in their ears, as I have heard of horse-tamers doing, and with extraordinary effect, for under his caresses they became quite manageable again, though they still trembled. Go to

2. With hands that trembled with eagerness, I unhooked the chains and drew back the massive bolts. Go to

3. Then he broke off and asked if I could love him in time; and when I shook my head his hands trembled, and then with some hesitation he asked me if I cared already for anyone else. Go to

trembling /ˈtrɛmblɪŋ/ (9 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: tremendo; tremor

Simple English: Shaking slightly or the act of shaking, often from fear or excitement.

Example: Lucy stood trembling in the hallway after the argument.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I felt the soft, trembling touch of her lips on the very sensitive skin of my throat, and the hard points of two sharp teeth, just touching and waiting there. Go to

trunks /trʌŋks/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: troncos

Simple English: The thick main stems of trees.

Example: Its legs were as long as tree trunks.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I saw many new things, such as hayricks in trees and beautiful weeping birches with white trunks shining like silver through the green leaves. Go to

tubs /tʌbz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: banheiras; tinas

Simple English: Tubs are large open containers used for bathing, washing, or holding things.

Example: The old tubs stood outside collecting rainwater.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Behind them stood rich green plants, with oleander and orange trees in tubs in the middle of the yard. Go to

Original English Version

1. I shall never forget the last glimpse which I had of the innyard and its crowd of picturesque figures, all crossing themselves, as they stood round the wide archway, with its background of rich foliage of oleander and orange trees in green tubs clustered in the centre of the yard. Go to

tunnel /ˈtʌnəl/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: túnel; encapsulamento

Simple English: Passage dug underground for vehicles, trains, or pedestrians.

Example: We drove through a long tunnel under the city.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Soon trees closed in around us, and in some places they curved right over the road so that we passed through a tunnel. Go to

2. At the bottom there was a dark passage like a tunnel, and a dead, sick smell came from it, the smell of old earth freshly dug. Go to

turk /tɜːrk/ (11 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: turco

Simple English: A person from Turkey; in older writing, often any Muslim of the Ottoman empire.

Example: The traveller shared his tent with a Turk from Smyrna.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Long ago, the Hospadars would not repair them, because they feared the Turk might think they were preparing for war. Go to

2. “That land was fought over for centuries by the Wallachian, the Saxon, and the Turk. Go to

3. When the Magyar, the Lombard, the Avar, the Bulgar, or the Turk poured thousands on our frontiers, we drove them back. Go to

4. Who but one of my own race, as Voivode, crossed the Danube and beat the Turk on his own ground? Go to

5. Woe that his own unworthy brother sold his people to the Turk and brought slavery. Go to

Original English Version

1. Of old the Hospadars would not repair them, lest the Turk should think that they were preparing to bring in foreign troops, and so hasten the war which was always really at loading point. Go to

2. “That treasure has been hidden,” he went on, “in the region through which you came last night, there can be but little doubt; for it was the ground fought over for centuries by the Wallachian, the Saxon, and the Turk. Go to

3. “Is it a wonder that we were a conquering race; that we were proud; that when the Magyar, the Lombard, the Avar, the Bulgar, or the Turk poured his thousands on our frontiers, we drove them back? Go to

4. Who was it but one of my own race who as Voivode crossed the Danube and beat the Turk on his own ground? Go to

5. Woe was it that his own unworthy brother, when he had fallen, sold his people to the Turk and brought the shame of slavery on them! Go to

typewriter /ˈtaɪpˌraɪtər/ (18 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: máquina de escrever

Simple English: A machine with keys that prints characters on paper.

Example: Martin rented a typewriter for his manuscripts.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. When we are married I shall be able to be useful to Jonathan, and if I can stenograph well enough I can take down what he wants to say in this way and write it out for him on the typewriter, at which also I am practising very hard. Go to

ugric /ˈuːɡrɪk/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: úgrico

Simple English: relating to the Ugric peoples or the Ugric branch of languages

Example: The narrator attributes a fierce tradition to an Ugric tribe.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Here, in the mix of European races, the Ugric tribe brought from Iceland the fighting spirit that Thor and Wodin gave them. Go to

Original English Version

1. Here, in the whirlpool of European races, the Ugric tribe bore down from Iceland the fighting spirit which Thor and Wodin gave them, which their Berserkers displayed to such fell intent on the seaboards of Europe, ay, and of Asia and Africa too, till the peoples thought that the werewolves themselves had come. Go to

unchecked /ˌʌnˈtʃekt/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: sem freio

Simple English: Not stopped or held back in any way.

Example: The fire spread unchecked through the dry grass.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. He then explained to me that it was commonly believed that on a certain night of the year - last night, in fact, when all evil spirits are supposed to have unchecked sway - a blue flame is seen over any place where treasure has been concealed. Go to

unconscious /ʌnˈkɒnʃəs/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: inconsciente; desmaiado; subconsciente

Simple English: Unresponsive and unaware of surroundings, usually from an injury.

Example: He was unconscious after the fall and required immediate medical attention.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Then horror overcame me, and I fell unconscious. Go to

undergarment /ʌndərgɑrmɛnt/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: peça íntima

Simple English: the thing, state, or idea meant by undergarment

Example: When I got near the door, I saw a friendly old woman in peasant clothes: a white undergarment with a long double apron (front and back) made of colored fabric that fit very tightly.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. When I got near the door, I saw a friendly old woman in peasant clothes: a white undergarment with a long double apron (front and back) made of colored fabric that fit very tightly. Go to

Original English Version

1. I was evidently expected, for when I got near the door I faced a cheery-looking elderly woman in the usual peasant dress - white undergarment with long double apron, front, and back, of coloured stuff fitting almost too tight for modesty. Go to

undressed /ʌnˈdrest/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: despido; sem curativo

Simple English: With the clothes taken off, or with no bandage on a wound.

Example: The child was undressed and put to bed.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. One thing is good: if the Count carried me and undressed me, he was in a hurry. Go to

Original English Version

1. Of one thing I am glad: if it was that the Count carried me here and undressed me, he must have been hurried in his task, for my pockets are intact. Go to

undressing /ʌnˈdresɪŋ/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: despindo-se

Simple English: Taking off one's clothes.

Example: He was slowly undressing for bed.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. I wish I were with you, dear, sitting by the fire undressing, as we used to sit; and I would try to tell you what I feel. Go to

uneasiness /ʌnɪæsɪnɛss/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: inquietação

Simple English: the thing, state, or idea meant by uneasiness

Example: As it was, he only felt a vague uneasiness, a strange mix of loss and gain.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. It made the uneasiness I always feel near the Count even worse. Go to

Original English Version

1. This was startling, and, coming on the top of so many strange things, was beginning to increase that vague feeling of uneasiness which I always have when the Count is near; but at the instant I saw that the cut had bled a little, and the blood was trickling over my chin. Go to

uneasy /ʌnˈiːzi/ (24 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: inquieto; pouco à vontade

Simple English: Feeling worried or not comfortable.

Example: The Scarecrow felt a little uneasy.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. It sounded foolish, but I still felt uneasy. Go to

2. Pale patches on the trees made the scene strange and solemn, and my earlier uneasy thoughts returned. Go to

3. But now I am glad I wrote so fully from the start, because there is something so strange about this place and everything in it that I feel uneasy. Go to

4. There was something about them that made me uneasy, and at the same time I wanted them to kiss me. Go to

Original English Version

1. 8 May. - I began to fear as I wrote in this book that I was getting too diffuse; but now I am glad that I went into detail from the first, for there is something so strange about this place and all in it that I cannot but feel uneasy. Go to

2. There was something about them that made me uneasy, some longing and at the same time some deadly fear. Go to

unhook /ʌnˈhʊk/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: desenganchar; soltar do gancho

Simple English: To remove something from a hook or fastening.

Example: Unhook the boat before the rope tightens.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I found I could easily pull back the bolts and unhook the big chains. Go to

Original English Version

1. I found I could pull back the bolts easily enough and unhook the great chains; but the door was locked, and the key was gone! Go to

unhooked /ʌnˈhʊkt/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: desenganchou; tirou do gancho

Simple English: took something off the hook it hung on

Example: I reached across the range, unhooked it, and turned away.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. After a short pause, he went on to the door, drew back the heavy bolts, unhooked the thick chains, and started to open it. Go to

Original English Version

1. After a pause of a moment, he proceeded, in his stately way, to the door, drew back the ponderous bolts, unhooked the heavy chains, and began to draw it open. Go to

2. With hands that trembled with eagerness, I unhooked the chains and drew back the massive bolts. Go to

unloaded /ʌnˈloʊdɪd/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: descarregaram

Simple English: Took goods off a vehicle or animal.

Example: They unloaded the sacks before dark.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. When they had all been unloaded and stacked in one big heap in a corner of the yard, the Szgany gave the Slovaks some money. Go to

Original English Version

1. When they were all unloaded and packed in a great heap in one corner of the yard, the Slovaks were given some money by the Szgany, and spitting on it for luck, lazily went each to his horse’s head. Go to

unshaken /ʌnˈʃeɪkən/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: inabalado; firme; sereno

Simple English: still calm and certain, not upset by anything

Example: He seems completely unshaken.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He seems completely unshaken. Go to

unstoppable /ʌnˈstɑːpəbəl/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: imparável; incontrolável

Simple English: so strong or determined that nobody can stop it

Example: He had worked all week with unstoppable energy.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The Count saw his victory in my bow and my troubled face, so he immediately began to use them in his own smooth, unstoppable way. Go to

unworthy /ʌnˈwɜːrði/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: indignas; sem valor

Simple English: Not deserving respect or a good thing.

Example: He felt unworthy of such kindness.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Woe that his own unworthy brother sold his people to the Turk and brought slavery. Go to

Original English Version

1. Woe was it that his own unworthy brother, when he had fallen, sold his people to the Turk and brought the shame of slavery on them! Go to

uphill /ˌʌpˈhɪl/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: morro acima

Simple English: Up a slope, toward a higher place.

Example: They pushed the cart uphill together.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. We kept going uphill, with only occasional short downhill parts, but mostly we were always climbing. Go to

urge /ɜːrdʒ/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: exortar; instar; impulso

Simple English: To strongly recommend or encourage someone to take action.

Example: I urge you to apply for that scholarship before the deadline.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. When it grew dark, the passengers became excited and kept speaking to the driver, urging him to go faster. Go to

varna /ˈvɑːr.nə/ (48 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Varna

Simple English: a port city in Bulgaria on the Black Sea

Example: A letter was sent to Herr Leutner, Varna.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. 7, The Crescent, Whitby; another to Herr Leutner, Varna; the third to Coutts & Co., London; and the fourth to Herren Klopstock & Billreuth, bankers, Budapest. Go to

Original English Version

1. 7, The Crescent, Whitby, another to Herr Leutner, Varna; the third was to Coutts & Co., London, and the fourth to Herren Klopstock & Billreuth, bankers, Budapest. Go to

vary /ˈvɛri/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: variar

Simple English: To change or differ according to situations, conditions, or time.

Example: The prices of food can vary depending on the season and location.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. They were odd and varied, given in good faith with a kind word, a blessing, and the sign of the cross and guard against the evil eye. Go to

vaults /vɔːlts/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: abóbadas; criptas; cofres-fortes

Simple English: Arched roofs, or strong underground rooms used to store valuable things.

Example: The bank keeps old documents in its vaults.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The roof was broken, and in two places there were steps leading down to vaults. Go to

2. I even went into the vaults, though I was frightened to my soul. Go to

Original English Version

1. The roof was broken, and in two places were steps leading to vaults, but the ground had recently been dug over, and the earth placed in great wooden boxes, manifestly those which had been brought by the Slovaks. Go to

2. I went down even into the vaults, where the dim light struggled, although to do so was a dread to my very soul. Go to

victory /ˈvɪktəri/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: vitória; triunfo

Simple English: Success achieved in war, competition, or other contest.

Example: The victory in the final race brought joy to the entire team.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The Count saw his victory in my bow and my troubled face, so he immediately began to use them in his own smooth, unstoppable way. Go to

vlkoslak /vlkoˈslak/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: lobisomem

Simple English: a Slovak word meaning either a werewolf or a vampire

Example: 'Vrolok' and 'vlkoslak' both mean the same thing, a werewolf or a vampire.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Among the words were “Ordog” - Satan, “pokol” - hell, “stregoica” - witch, “vrolok” and “vlkoslak” - both mean the same thing, one in Slovak and the other in Serbian, for something that is either a werewolf or a vampire. (Note: I must ask the Count about these beliefs.) Go to

Original English Version

1. I must say they were not cheering to me, for amongst them were “Ordog” - Satan, “pokol” - hell, “stregoica” - witch, “vrolok” and “vlkoslak” - both of which mean the same thing, one being Slovak and the other Serbian for something that is either werewolf or vampire. (Mem., I must ask the Count about these superstitions) Go to

voivode /ˈvɔɪvoʊd/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: voivoda; governador militar

Simple English: an old title for a military governor or prince in Eastern Europe

Example: One of my own race, as Voivode, crossed the Danube.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Who but one of my own race, as Voivode, crossed the Danube and beat the Turk on his own ground? Go to

Original English Version

1. Who was it but one of my own race who as Voivode crossed the Danube and beat the Turk on his own ground? Go to

vrolok /ˈvroʊlɒk/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: vampiro

Simple English: a Slovak/Serbian word meaning either a werewolf or a vampire

Example: 'Vrolok' and 'vlkoslak' both mean the same thing, a werewolf or a vampire.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Among the words were “Ordog” - Satan, “pokol” - hell, “stregoica” - witch, “vrolok” and “vlkoslak” - both mean the same thing, one in Slovak and the other in Serbian, for something that is either a werewolf or a vampire. (Note: I must ask the Count about these beliefs.) Go to

Original English Version

1. I must say they were not cheering to me, for amongst them were “Ordog” - Satan, “pokol” - hell, “stregoica” - witch, “vrolok” and “vlkoslak” - both of which mean the same thing, one being Slovak and the other Serbian for something that is either werewolf or vampire. (Mem., I must ask the Count about these superstitions) Go to

wagons /ˈwæɡənz/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: carroças; carros de carga

Simple English: Large carts pulled by animals to carry goods.

Example: Ten wagons of grain came into the town.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I hurried to the window in delight and saw two large leiter-wagons drive into the yard, each pulled by eight strong horses. Go to

2. The leiter-wagons held large square boxes with thick rope handles. Go to

Original English Version

1. With joy I hurried to the window, and saw drive into the yard two great leiter-wagons, each drawn by eight sturdy horses, and at the head of each pair a Slovak, with his wide hat, great nail-studded belt, dirty sheepskin, and high boots. Go to

2. The leiter-wagons contained great, square boxes, with handles of thick rope; these were evidently empty by the ease with which the Slovaks handled them, and by their resonance as they were roughly moved. Go to

wallach /ˈwɒlək/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Valáquio

Simple English: a member of the Wallachian people, an ethnic group from present-day Romania

Example: The shame of Cassova, when the flags of the Wallach and the Magyar fell under the Crescent?

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The shame of Cassova, when the flags of the Wallach and the Magyar fell under the Crescent? Go to

Original English Version

1. When was redeemed that great shame of my nation, the shame of Cassova, when the flags of the Wallach and the Magyar went down beneath the Crescent? Go to

wallachian /wɒˈleɪkiən/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: valáquio

Simple English: relating to Wallachia, a historical region of present-day Romania

Example: That land was fought over for centuries by the Wallachian, the Saxon, and the Turk.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “That land was fought over for centuries by the Wallachian, the Saxon, and the Turk. Go to

Original English Version

1. “That treasure has been hidden,” he went on, “in the region through which you came last night, there can be but little doubt; for it was the ground fought over for centuries by the Wallachian, the Saxon, and the Turk. Go to

wallachs /ˈwɒləks/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: valáquios

Simple English: members of the Wallachian people, an ethnic group living among the Saxons

Example: Saxons in the south, with Wallachs among them.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Transylvania has four main national groups: Saxons in the south, with Wallachs among them; Magyars in the west; and Szekelys in the east and north. Go to

Original English Version

1. In the population of Transylvania there are four distinct nationalities: Saxons in the South, and mixed with them the Wallachs, who are the descendants of the Dacians; Magyars in the West, and Szekelys in the East and North. Go to

warlike /ˈwɔːrlaɪk/ (7 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: belicoso; guerreiro

Simple English: Ready or eager to fight a war.

Example: The tribe had a warlike reputation among its neighbours.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The Huns’ warlike fury had swept the earth like a living flame. Go to

2. The warlike days are over. Go to

Original English Version

1. Here, too, when they came, they found the Huns, whose warlike fury had swept the earth like a living flame, till the dying peoples held that in their veins ran the blood of those old witches, who, expelled from Scythia had mated with the devils in the desert. Go to

2. And when the Hungarian flood swept eastward, the Szekelys were claimed as kindred by the victorious Magyars, and to us for centuries was trusted the guarding of the frontier of Turkey-land; ay, and more than that, endless duty of the frontier guard, for, as the Turks say, ‘water sleeps, and enemy is sleepless.’ Who more gladly than we throughout the Four Nations received the ‘bloody sword,’ or at its warlike call flocked quicker to the standard of the King? Go to

3. The warlike days are over. Go to

warmed /wɔːrmd/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: aqueceu

Simple English: Made someone or something less cold.

Example: The fire warmed her and made her feel less lonely.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. It was a welcome sight; for here was a great bedroom well lighted and warmed with another log fire - also added to but lately, for the top logs were fresh - which sent a hollow roar up the wide chimney. Go to

2. I asked him a few questions on Transylvania history, and he warmed up to the subject wonderfully. Go to

warmly /ˈwɔːrmli/ (13 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: calorosamente; com cordialidade

Simple English: In a friendly, kind way.

Example: Come along, said the Scarecrow warmly.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He greeted me warmly and hoped I had slept well. Go to

watchfulness /ˈwɑːtʃfəlnəs/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: vigilância; atenção constante

Simple English: The habit of watching carefully for danger.

Example: Years at sea had taught him watchfulness.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. They were far more terrible in their silent watchfulness than when they howled. Go to

wavy /ˈweɪvi/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: ondulado

Simple English: Having gentle curves like small waves.

Example: She had long wavy brown hair.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The third was very fair, with long wavy golden hair and eyes like pale sapphires. Go to

Original English Version

1. The other was fair, as fair as can be, with great wavy masses of golden hair and eyes like pale sapphires. Go to

wealth (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: riqueza; fortuna; bens

Simple English: a large amount of money or valuable things

Example: The family gained wealth through trade.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The house has some strange things missing, even though it is full of great wealth. Go to

weathered /ˈwɛðərd/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: curtido; acostumado ao tempo

Simple English: Made hard and ready by being out in all weather.

Example: His weathered face showed many summers.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The window where I stood was tall and deep, with stone bars, and although weathered by time, it was still whole; but it was clear that no case had been there for many years. Go to

weeping /ˈwiːpɪŋ/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: chorando

Simple English: Crying, with tears.

Example: She sat weeping by the fire.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I saw many new things, such as hayricks in trees and beautiful weeping birches with white trunks shining like silver through the green leaves. Go to

Original English Version

1. There were many things new to me: for instance, hayricks in the trees, and here and there very beautiful masses of weeping birch, their white stems shining like silver through the delicate green of the leaves. Go to

werewolf /ˈwɛrˌwʊlf/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: lobisomem

Simple English: in stories, a person who changes into a wolf

Example: The word means either a werewolf or a vampire.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Among the words were “Ordog” - Satan, “pokol” - hell, “stregoica” - witch, “vrolok” and “vlkoslak” - both mean the same thing, one in Slovak and the other in Serbian, for something that is either a werewolf or a vampire. (Note: I must ask the Count about these beliefs.) Go to

Original English Version

1. I must say they were not cheering to me, for amongst them were “Ordog” - Satan, “pokol” - hell, “stregoica” - witch, “vrolok” and “vlkoslak” - both of which mean the same thing, one being Slovak and the other Serbian for something that is either werewolf or vampire. (Mem., I must ask the Count about these superstitions) Go to

werewolves /ˈwɛrˌwʊlvz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: lobisomens

Simple English: people who turn into wolves in old stories

Example: People thought the werewolves themselves had come.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. People thought the werewolves themselves had come. Go to

Original English Version

1. Here, in the whirlpool of European races, the Ugric tribe bore down from Iceland the fighting spirit which Thor and Wodin gave them, which their Berserkers displayed to such fell intent on the seaboards of Europe, ay, and of Asia and Africa too, till the peoples thought that the werewolves themselves had come. Go to

westenra /wɛsˈtɛnrə/ (74 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Westenra

Simple English: the surname of a main character, Lucy

Example: Letter from Miss Mina Murray to Miss Lucy Westenra.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Letter from Miss Mina Murray to Miss Lucy Westenra. Go to

2. Letter, Lucy Westenra to Mina Murray. Go to

3. Letter, Lucy Westenra to Mina Murray. Go to

Original English Version

1. Letter from Miss Mina Murray to Miss Lucy Westenra. Go to

2. Letter, Lucy Westenra to Mina Murray. Go to

3. Letter, Lucy Westenra to Mina Murray. Go to

whips /wɪps/ (10 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: chicotes; açoita; bate energicamente

Simple English: Long thin pieces of leather used for hitting; also to hit with one.

Example: The museum has a case of old carriage whips.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Then I heard the crack of whips and the sound of horses’ feet on the rocky path beyond the courtyard. Go to

2. Soon I heard the crack of their whips fade away in the distance. Go to

3. Under the singing were the rolling of heavy wheels and the crack of whips. Go to

4. In the courtyard and down the rocky road I hear the roll of heavy wheels, the crack of whips, and the singing of the Szgany as they go farther and farther away. Go to

Original English Version

1. 17 June. - This morning, as I was sitting on the edge of my bed cudgelling my brains, I heard without a cracking of whips and pounding and scraping of horses’ feet up the rocky path beyond the courtyard. Go to

2. Shortly afterwards, I heard the cracking of their whips die away in the distance. Go to

3. As I waited I heard in the distance a gipsy song sung by merry voices coming closer, and through their song the rolling of heavy wheels and the cracking of whips; the Szgany and the Slovaks of whom the Count had spoken were coming. Go to

4. Hark! in the courtyard and down the rocky way the roll of heavy wheels, the crack of whips, and the chorus of the Szgany as they pass into the distance. Go to

whirl /wɜːrl/ (8 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: girar; rodopiar

Simple English: To turn round and round very fast.

Example: The dry leaves began to whirl in the wind.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. I long to go through the crowded streets of your mighty London, to be in the midst of the whirl and rush of humanity, to share its life, its change, its death, and all that makes it what it is. Go to

whirled /wɜːrld/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: girou; rodopiou

Simple English: Turned round and round very quickly.

Example: The dancers whirled across the floor.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. They were like the tiniest grains of dust, and they whirled round and gathered in clusters in a nebulous sort of way. Go to

whirlpool /ˈwɜːrlpuːl/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: redemoinho de água

Simple English: Water that turns round fast and pulls things down.

Example: A whirlpool formed where the two rivers met.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I also read that every kind of superstition in the world seems to gather in the Carpathian mountains, as if they were the center of a strange whirlpool of ideas. Go to

Original English Version

1. I read that every known superstition in the world is gathered into the horseshoe of the Carpathians, as if it were the centre of some sort of imaginative whirlpool; if so my stay may be very interesting. (Mem., I must ask the Count all about them.) Go to

2. Here, in the whirlpool of European races, the Ugric tribe bore down from Iceland the fighting spirit which Thor and Wodin gave them, which their Berserkers displayed to such fell intent on the seaboards of Europe, ay, and of Asia and Africa too, till the peoples thought that the werewolves themselves had come. Go to

whispered /ˈwɪspərd/ (39 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: sussurraram; cochicharam

Simple English: Spoke very quietly, so that few people could hear.

Example: They stopped and whispered among themselves.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. One of my companions whispered to another a line from Burger’s “Lenore”: - Go to

2. He petted them, soothed them, and whispered in their ears, as I have heard horse-tamers do. Go to

3. They came close and looked at me for a while, then whispered together. Go to

4. They whispered, then all three laughed - a clear, musical laugh, but hard, as if it could never have come from human lips. Go to

Original English Version

1. One of my companions whispered to another the line from Burger’s “Lenore”: - Go to

2. He petted and soothed them, and whispered something in their ears, as I have heard of horse-tamers doing, and with extraordinary effect, for under his caresses they became quite manageable again, though they still trembled. Go to

3. They came close to me, and looked at me for some time, and then whispered together. Go to

4. They whispered together, and then they all three laughed - such a silvery, musical laugh, but as hard as though the sound never could have come through the softness of human lips. Go to

whispering /ˈwɪspərɪŋ/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: sussurrando

Simple English: Speaking very softly so that few can hear.

Example: The two girls were whispering at the back.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. When I was in my room and about to lie down, I thought I heard whispering at my door. Go to

Original English Version

1. When I was in my room and about to lie down, I thought I heard a whispering at my door. Go to

whistled /ˈwɪsəld/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: assobiou

Simple English: Made a high sound by blowing through the lips.

Example: The farmer whistled and the dog came running.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. It moaned and whistled through the rocks, and the tree branches crashed together as we rushed along. Go to

Original English Version

1. Though we were in shelter, we could hear the rising wind, for it moaned and whistled through the rocks, and the branches of the trees crashed together as we swept along. Go to

whitaker's /ˈwɪtəkərz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Whitaker's

Simple English: the name of a famous British reference almanac

Example: I also found reference books like the London Directory, the “Red” and “Blue” books, Whitaker’s Almanac, the Army and Navy Lists, and the Law List.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I also found reference books like the London Directory, the “Red” and “Blue” books, Whitaker’s Almanac, the Army and Navy Lists, and the Law List, which made me happy. Go to

Original English Version

1. There were even such books of reference as the London Directory, the “Red” and “Blue” books, Whitaker’s Almanac, the Army and Navy Lists, and - it somehow gladdened my heart to see it - the Law List. Go to

whitby /ˈwɪtbi/ (84 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Whitby

Simple English: a coastal town in northeast England

Example: And about language, I am happy to speak in the tongue of my respected grandmother, Hilda of Middleham, almost like her famous namesake, blessed Saint Hilda of Whitby.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The other two were Exeter and Whitby on the Yorkshire coast. Go to

2. 7, The Crescent, Whitby; another to Herr Leutner, Varna; the third to Coutts & Co., London; and the fourth to Herren Klopstock & Billreuth, bankers, Budapest. Go to

Original English Version

1. On looking at it I found in certain places little rings marked, and on examining these I noticed that one was near London on the east side, manifestly where his new estate was situated; the other two were Exeter, and Whitby on the Yorkshire coast. Go to

2. 7, The Crescent, Whitby, another to Herr Leutner, Varna; the third was to Coutts & Co., London, and the fourth to Herren Klopstock & Billreuth, bankers, Budapest. Go to

wickedly /ˈwɪkɪdli/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: maliciosamente; com malícia

Simple English: In a way that shows bad or naughty intentions.

Example: He smiled wickedly and said nothing.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. See!” - he must have looked at it - “one is from you, to my friend Peter Hawkins; the other” - he opened the envelope, saw the strange symbols, and his face went dark, his eyes blazing wickedly - “the other is a vile thing, an insult to friendship and hospitality! Go to

Original English Version

1. See!” - he must have looked at it - “one is from you, and to my friend Peter Hawkins; the other” - here he caught sight of the strange symbols as he opened the envelope, and the dark look came into his face, and his eyes blazed wickedly - “the other is a vile thing, an outrage upon friendship and hospitality! Go to

wickedness /ˈwɪkɪdnəs/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: maldade; perversidade

Simple English: Very bad and cruel behaviour.

Example: He spoke of the wickedness of the world.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. This seemed like a new plan of wickedness. Go to

Original English Version

1. This, then, is his new scheme of evil: that he will allow others to see me, as they think, so that he may both leave evidence that I have been seen in the towns or villages posting my own letters, and that any wickedness which he may do shall by the local people be attributed to me. Go to

2. There was a diabolical wickedness in the idea great enough for the Count, and as a last chance I cried out: - Go to

wildest /ˈwaɪldɪst/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: o mais desvairado; o mais extravagante

Simple English: The most uncontrolled, or the most far from what is likely.

Example: Beyond my wildest hopes, the plan worked.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. It is one of the wildest and least known parts of Europe. Go to

Original English Version

1. I find that the district he named is in the extreme east of the country, just on the borders of three states, Transylvania, Moldavia and Bukovina, in the midst of the Carpathian mountains; one of the wildest and least known portions of Europe. Go to

wince /wɪns/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: estremecer de dor

Simple English: To make a small sudden movement because of pain.

Example: She began to wince as the doctor touched her arm.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. The instant, however, that I had stepped over the threshold, he moved impulsively forward, and holding out his hand grasped mine with a strength which made me wince, an effect which was not lessened by the fact that it seemed as cold as ice - more like the hand of a dead than a living man. Go to

windowsill /ˈwɪndoʊsɪl/ (9 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: peitoril da janela

Simple English: The flat shelf at the bottom of a window.

Example: A plant stood on the windowsill.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Soon I was standing on the windowsill and trying to lift the sash. Go to

Original English Version

1. I did not feel dizzy - I suppose I was too excited - and the time seemed ridiculously short till I found myself standing on the windowsill and trying to raise up the sash. Go to

wire /waɪər/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: fio; arame; fios

Simple English: Long, thin piece of metal that conducts electricity.

Example: The electrician used a copper wire to fix the broken circuit.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. His face was deathly pale, and its hard lines looked like drawn wire. Go to

wits /wɪts/ (7 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: juízo; inteligência; esperteza

Simple English: your ability to think quickly and cleverly

Example: The girls put their wits to work and made whatever they needed.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. If that is true, I will need all my wits to get through it. Go to

wodin /ˈwoʊdɪn/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Odin

Simple English: an alternate spelling of Woden/Odin, the chief god of Norse and Germanic mythology

Example: Thor and Wodin gave them their fighting spirit.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Here, in the mix of European races, the Ugric tribe brought from Iceland the fighting spirit that Thor and Wodin gave them. Go to

Original English Version

1. Here, in the whirlpool of European races, the Ugric tribe bore down from Iceland the fighting spirit which Thor and Wodin gave them, which their Berserkers displayed to such fell intent on the seaboards of Europe, ay, and of Asia and Africa too, till the peoples thought that the werewolves themselves had come. Go to

woe /woʊ/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: desgraça; ai de mim

Simple English: Great sadness or trouble.

Example: Woe to the town that forgets its wells.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Woe that his own unworthy brother sold his people to the Turk and brought slavery. Go to

Original English Version

1. Woe was it that his own unworthy brother, when he had fallen, sold his people to the Turk and brought the shame of slavery on them! Go to

workmen /ˈwɜrkmən/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: operários; trabalhadores

Simple English: men who do skilled physical work, especially building work

Example: The workmen found an old prison cell.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. There was no lethal weapon at hand, but I seized a shovel which the workmen had been using to fill the cases, and lifting it high, struck, with the edge downward, at the hateful face. Go to

wrench /rɛntʃ/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: torcer; arrancar com força

Simple English: to pull or twist something suddenly and very hard

Example: They could pinch, twist, and wrench to hurt him.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. Away with it!” and opening the heavy window with one wrench of his terrible hand, he flung out the glass, which was shattered into a thousand pieces on the stones of the courtyard far below. Go to

wrung /rʌŋ/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: torceu; espremeu

Simple English: Twisted wet cloth to force the water out.

Example: He wrung his shirt and hung it up.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. She threw herself on her knees, and raising up her hands, cried the same words in tones which wrung my heart. Go to

yoke /joʊk/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: junta de bois; canga

Simple English: A wooden bar joining two animals that pull together.

Example: He promised his best yoke of oxen.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Again, after the battle of Mohács, when we threw off the Hungarian yoke, we of the Dracula blood were among the leaders. Go to

Original English Version

1. Again, when, after the battle of Mohács, we threw off the Hungarian yoke, we of the Dracula blood were amongst their leaders, for our spirit would not brook that we were not free. Go to

Original Text: Rare Words (1/3)

Compact help for additional rare words found only in the original text. Each entry gives the spelling, pronunciation, common Portuguese meanings and one exact return to the source paragraph.

abreast /əˈbrɛst/ — lado a lado; no mesmo nível. Then our driver, whose wide linen drawers covered the whole front of the box-seat - “gotza” they call them - cracked his big whip over his four small horses, which ran abreast, and we set off on our journey. Return to Original English Version

abyss /əˈbɪs/ — abismo; voragem. But my very feelings changed to repulsion and terror when I saw the whole man slowly emerge from the window and begin to crawl down the castle wall over that dreadful abyss, face down with his cloak spreading out around him like great wings. Return to Original English Version

accursed /əˈkɜːrsɪd/ — maldito; amaldiçoado. God knows that there is ground for my terrible fear in this accursed place! Return to Original English Version

acquaintanceship /əˈkweɪntənsʃɪp/ — relação de conhecimento. I have already spoken them through my window to begin acquaintanceship. Return to Original English Version

acumen /əˈkjuːmən/ — perspicácia; sagacidade. For a man who was never in the country, and who did not evidently do much in the way of business, his knowledge and acumen were wonderful. Return to Original English Version

afield /əˈfiːld/ — longe; fora de casa. At last there came a time when the driver went further afield than he had yet gone, and during his absence, the horses began to tremble worse than ever and to snort and scream with fright. Return to Original English Version

aghast /əˈɡæst/ — horrorizado; estarrecido. The women closed round, whilst I was aghast with horror; but as I looked they disappeared, and with them the dreadful bag. Return to Original English Version

agitation /ˌædʒɪˈteɪʃən/ — agitação; inquietação. I was filled with agitation, however, when I bent down and slid feet foremost in through the window. Return to Original English Version

agonised /ˈæɡənaɪzd/ — angustiado; agoniado. Then a dog began to howl somewhere in a farmhouse far down the road - a long, agonised wailing, as if from fear. Return to Original English Version

ajar /əˈdʒɑːr/ — entreaberto. At last I pulled open a heavy door which stood ajar, and found myself in an old, ruined chapel, which had evidently been used as a graveyard. Return to Original English Version

alacrity /əˈlækrəti/ — presteza; prontidão. “Give me the Herr’s luggage,” said the driver; and with exceeding alacrity my bags were handed out and put in the calèche. Return to Original English Version

alight /əˈlaɪt/ — descer; pousar; em chamas. When the calèche stopped, the driver jumped down and held out his hand to assist me to alight. Return to Original English Version

amuse /əˈmjuːz/ — divertir; entreter. I was at first interested and somewhat amused, for it is wonderful how small a matter will interest and amuse a man when he is a prisoner. Return to Original English Version

approving /əˈpruːvɪŋ/ — aprovador; de aprovação. “No, no,” he said; “you must not walk here; the dogs are too fierce”; and then he added, with what he evidently meant for grim pleasantry - for he looked round to catch the approving smile of the rest - “and you may have enough of such matters before you go to sleep.” The only stop he would make was a moment’s pause to light his lamps. Return to Original English Version

aquiline /ˈækwɪlaɪn/ — aquilino; adunco. His face was a strong - a very strong - aquiline, with high bridge of the thin nose and peculiarly arched nostrils; with lofty domed forehead, and hair growing scantily round the temples but profusely elsewhere. Return to Original English Version

ascended /əˈsendɪd/ — subiu; ascendeu. As the evening fell it began to get very cold, and the growing twilight seemed to merge into one dark mistiness the gloom of the trees, oak, beech, and pine, though in the valleys which ran deep between the spurs of the hills, as we ascended through the Pass, the dark firs stood out here and there against the background of late-lying snow. Return to Original English Version

ascending /əˈsɛndɪŋ/ — subindo; ascendente. We kept on ascending, with occasional periods of quick descent, but in the main always ascending. Return to Original English Version

assiduously /əˈsɪdʒuəsli/ — assiduamente; sem parar. I have been working very hard lately, because I want to keep up with Jonathan’s studies, and I have been practising shorthand very assiduously. Return to Original English Version

astonishment /əˈstɑːnɪʃmənt/ — espanto; assombro. To my intense astonishment I saw that it was unlocked. Return to Original English Version

attentively /əˈtentɪvli/ — atentamente; com atenção. Then the Count turned, after looking at my face attentively, and said in a soft whisper: - Return to Original English Version

attire /əˈtaɪər/ — traje; vestimenta. At every station there were groups of people, sometimes crowds, and in all sorts of attire. Return to Original English Version

attuned /əˈtuːnd/ — sintonizado com. I am no longer young; and my heart, through weary years of mourning over the dead, is not attuned to mirth. Return to Original English Version

awaken /əˈweɪkən/ — despertar; acordar; reavivar. I must awaken him, for there is work to be done.” Return to Original English Version

awoke /əˈwoʊk/ — acordou; despertou. I slept till late in the day, and awoke of my own accord. Return to Original English Version

bade /beɪd/ — ordenou; pediu; despediu-se. “The night is chill, mein Herr, and my master the Count bade me take all care of you. Return to Original English Version

baggy /ˈbæɡi/ — folgado; largo e caído. The strangest figures we saw were the Slovaks, who were more barbarian than the rest, with their big cowboy hats, great baggy dirty-white trousers, white linen shirts, and enormous heavy leather belts, nearly a foot wide, all studded over with brass nails. Return to Original English Version

barbarian /bɑːrˈbɛriən/ — bárbaro; pessoa considerada incivilizada. The strangest figures we saw were the Slovaks, who were more barbarian than the rest, with their big cowboy hats, great baggy dirty-white trousers, white linen shirts, and enormous heavy leather belts, nearly a foot wide, all studded over with brass nails. Return to Original English Version

basilisk /ˈbæzəlɪsk/ — basilisco. But as I did so the head turned, and the eyes fell full upon me, with all their blaze of basilisk horror. Return to Original English Version

bathed /beɪðd/ — banhou-se; tomou banho. I looked out over the beautiful expanse, bathed in soft yellow moonlight till it was almost as light as day. Return to Original English Version

batten /ˈbætən/ — prender com sarrafos; alimentar-se às custas de. This was the being I was helping to transfer to London, where, perhaps, for centuries to come he might, amongst its teeming millions, satiate his lust for blood, and create a new and ever-widening circle of semi-demons to batten on the helpless. Return to Original English Version

bauble /ˈbɔːbəl/ — bugiganga; enfeite vistoso. It is a foul bauble of man’s vanity. Return to Original English Version

baying /ˈbeɪɪŋ/ — uivando; uivos e latidos prolongados. The baying of the wolves sounded nearer and nearer, as though they were closing round on us from every side. Return to Original English Version

beetling /ˈbiːtəlɪŋ/ — saliente; sobranceiro. I could not see any cause for it, for the howling of the wolves had ceased altogether; but just then the moon, sailing through the black clouds, appeared behind the jagged crest of a beetling, pine-clad rock, and by its light I saw around us a ring of wolves, with white teeth and lolling red tongues, with long, sinewy limbs and shaggy hair. Return to Original English Version

bestrewed /bɪˈstruːd/ — espalhado; coberto. Sometimes, as the road was cut through the pine woods that seemed in the darkness to be closing down upon us, great masses of greyness, which here and there bestrewed the trees, produced a peculiarly weird and solemn effect, which carried on the thoughts and grim fancies engendered earlier in the evening, when the falling sunset threw into strange relief the ghostlike clouds which amongst the Carpathians seem to wind ceaselessly through the valleys. Return to Original English Version

bewildering /bɪˈwɪldərɪŋ/ — desconcertante; atordoante. There was everywhere a bewildering mass of fruit blossom - apple, plum, pear, cherry; and as we drove by I could see the green grass under the trees spangled with the fallen petals. Return to Original English Version

blot /blɑːt/ — mancha; borrão. Last night one of my postdated letters went to post, the first of that fatal series which is to blot out the very traces of my existence from the earth. Return to Original English Version

blotted /ˈblɒtɪd/ — borrou; apagou. Oh, Mina dear, I can’t help crying: and you must excuse this letter being all blotted. Return to Original English Version

bolder /ˈboʊldər/ — mais ousado; mais atrevido. Then as time went on, and I had got somewhat bolder, I asked him of some of the strange things of the preceding night, as, for instance, why the coachman went to the places where he had seen the blue flames. Return to Original English Version

boyars /ˈbɔɪɑːrz/ — boiardos; nobres eslavos. “You English have a saying which is close to my heart, for its spirit is that which rules our boyars: ‘Welcome the coming; speed the parting guest.’ Come with me, my dear young friend. Return to Original English Version

breakfasted /ˈbrɛkfəstɪd/ — tomou o café da manhã. So I breakfasted alone. Return to Original English Version

breathes /briːðz/ — respira; aspira. Moreover, the walls of my castle are broken; the shadows are many, and the wind breathes cold through the broken battlements and casements. Return to Original English Version

brigands /ˈbrɪɡəndz/ — bandidos; salteadores. On the stage they would be set down at once as some old Oriental band of brigands. Return to Original English Version

brokenhearted /ˌbroʊkənˈhɑːrtɪd/ — de coração partido; desolado. Being proposed to is all very nice and all that sort of thing, but it isn’t at all a happy thing when you have to see a poor fellow, whom you know loves you honestly, going away and looking all brokenhearted, and to know that, no matter what he may say at the moment, you are passing quite out of his life. Return to Original English Version

brooked /brʊkt/ — tolerou; suportou. I am sure this diary would have been a mystery to him which he would not have brooked. Return to Original English Version

bygone /ˈbaɪɡɔːn/ — passado; de outrora. This was evidently the portion of the castle occupied by the ladies in bygone days, for the furniture had more air of comfort than any I had seen. Return to Original English Version

byroad /ˈbaɪroʊd/ — estrada secundária. “At Purfleet, on a byroad, I came across just such a place as seemed to be required, and where was displayed a dilapidated notice that the place was for sale. Return to Original English Version

bâton /bəˈtɒn/ — batuta. It was almost as if the sound sprang up at the rising of his hand, just as the music of a great orchestra seems to leap under the bâton of the conductor. Return to Original English Version

calms /kɑːmz/ — acalma; tranquiliza. Despair has its own calms. Return to Original English Version

carafe /kəˈræf/ — jarra; garrafa de mesa. There was a dog howling all night under my window, which may have had something to do with it; or it may have been the paprika, for I had to drink up all the water in my carafe, and was still thirsty. Return to Original English Version

caresses /kəˈresɪz/ — carícias. He petted and soothed them, and whispered something in their ears, as I have heard of horse-tamers doing, and with extraordinary effect, for under his caresses they became quite manageable again, though they still trembled. Return to Original English Version

casement /ˈkeɪsmənt/ — janela de batente; caixilho. I pulled, and pulled, at the door, and shook it till, massive as it was, it rattled in its casement. Return to Original English Version

casements /ˈkeɪsmənts/ — janelas de batente; caixilhos. Moreover, the walls of my castle are broken; the shadows are many, and the wind breathes cold through the broken battlements and casements. Return to Original English Version

cautiously /ˈkɔːʃəsli/ — cautelosamente. He did not come at once into the library, so I went cautiously to my own room and found him making the bed. Return to Original English Version

ceaselessly /ˈsiːsləsli/ — ininterruptamente. Sometimes, as the road was cut through the pine woods that seemed in the darkness to be closing down upon us, great masses of greyness, which here and there bestrewed the trees, produced a peculiarly weird and solemn effect, which carried on the thoughts and grim fancies engendered earlier in the evening, when the falling sunset threw into strange relief the ghostlike clouds which amongst the Carpathians seem to wind ceaselessly through the valleys. Return to Original English Version

champing /ˈtʃæmpɪŋ/ — mordendo o freio; tascando. As my eyes opened involuntarily I saw his strong hand grasp the slender neck of the fair woman and with giant’s power draw it back, the blue eyes transformed with fury, the white teeth champing with rage, and the fair cheeks blazing red with passion. Return to Original English Version

chasm /ˈkæzəm/ — abismo; fenda profunda. As far as the eye can reach is a sea of green tree tops, with occasionally a deep rift where there is a chasm. Return to Original English Version

cheery /ˈtʃɪri/ — animado; alegre. I was evidently expected, for when I got near the door I faced a cheery-looking elderly woman in the usual peasant dress - white undergarment with long double apron, front, and back, of coloured stuff fitting almost too tight for modesty. Return to Original English Version

chink /tʃɪŋk/ — chinês; termo racista ofensivo. When later I saw him through the chink of the hinges of the door laying the table in the dining-room, I was assured of it; for if he does himself all these menial offices, surely it is proof that there is no one else to do them. Return to Original English Version

chinks /tʃɪŋks/ — frestas; rachaduras estreitas. Just as I had come to this conclusion I heard a heavy step approaching behind the great door, and saw through the chinks the gleam of a coming light. Return to Original English Version

churning /ˈtʃɜːrnɪŋ/ — batendo manteiga. Then she paused, and I could hear the churning sound of her tongue as it licked her teeth and lips, and could feel the hot breath on my neck. Return to Original English Version

clanging /ˈklæŋɪŋ/ — ressoando; estrondo metálico. Then there came the sound of many feet tramping and dying away in some passage which sent up a clanging echo. Return to Original English Version

clanking /ˈklæŋkɪŋ/ — retinindo; tinindo de metal. Then there was the sound of rattling chains and the clanking of massive bolts drawn back. Return to Original English Version

clawed /klɔːd/ — arranhou; agarrou com as garras. As the door began to open, the howling of the wolves without grew louder and angrier; their red jaws, with champing teeth, and their blunt-clawed feet as they leaped, came in through the opening door. Return to Original English Version

clumps /klʌmps/ — tufos; aglomerados. Before us lay a green sloping land full of forests and woods, with here and there steep hills, crowned with clumps of trees or with farmhouses, the blank gable end to the road. Return to Original English Version

clustered /ˈklʌstərd/ — agrupado; reunido em cachos. I shall never forget the last glimpse which I had of the innyard and its crowd of picturesque figures, all crossing themselves, as they stood round the wide archway, with its background of rich foliage of oleander and orange trees in green tubs clustered in the centre of the yard. Return to Original English Version

coarse /kɔːrs/ — áspero; grosseiro. Hitherto I had noticed the backs of his hands as they lay on his knees in the firelight, and they had seemed rather white and fine; but seeing them now close to me, I could not but notice that they were rather coarse - broad, with squat fingers. Return to Original English Version

compunction /kəmˈpʌŋkʃən/ — escrúpulo; remorso. I felt no compunction in doing so, for under the circumstances I felt that I should protect myself in every way I could. Return to Original English Version

conceivable /kənˈsiːvəbəl/ — concebível. After supper I smoked, as on the last evening, and the Count stayed with me, chatting and asking questions on every conceivable subject, hour after hour. Return to Original English Version

consigning /kənˈsaɪnɪŋ/ — consignando; destinando. Now, suppose I, who have much of affairs, wish to ship goods, say, to Newcastle, or Durham, or Harwich, or Dover, might it not be that it could with more ease be done by consigning to one in these ports?” I answered that certainly it would be most easy, but that we solicitors had a system of agency one for the other, so that local work could be done locally on instruction from any solicitor, so that the client, simply placing himself in the hands of one man, could have his wishes carried out by him without further trouble. Return to Original English Version

consignments /kənˈsaɪnmənts/ — remessas; consignações. “Good!” he said, and then went on to ask about the means of making consignments and the forms to be gone through, and of all sorts of difficulties which might arise, but by forethought could be guarded against. Return to Original English Version

conveyance /kənˈveɪəns/ — veículo; transporte; escritura de transmissão. I was now myself looking out for the conveyance which was to take me to the Count. Return to Original English Version

conveying /kənˈveɪɪŋ/ — transportando; transmitindo. Is it that there is something in the essence of the thing itself, or that it is a medium, a tangible help, in conveying memories of sympathy and comfort? Return to Original English Version

coquetry /ˈkoʊkətri/ — coquetismo; atitude sedutora. Beware how you meddle with him, or you’ll have to deal with me.” The fair girl, with a laugh of ribald coquetry, turned to answer him: - Return to Original English Version

coquettishly /koʊˈketɪʃli/ — de modo coquete. The fair girl shook her head coquettishly, and the other two urged her on. Return to Original English Version

costliest /ˈkɔːstliəst/ — mais caro; mais valioso. The curtains and upholstery of the chairs and sofas and the hangings of my bed are of the costliest and most beautiful fabrics, and must have been of fabulous value when they were made, for they are centuries old, though in excellent order. Return to Original English Version

countermand /ˌkaʊntərˈmænd/ — revogar; cancelar uma ordem. He explained to me that posts were few and uncertain, and that my writing now would ensure ease of mind to my friends; and he assured me with so much impressiveness that he would countermand the later letters, which would be held over at Bistritz until due time in case chance would admit of my prolonging my stay, that to oppose him would have been to create new suspicion. Return to Original English Version

courteous /ˈkɜːrtiəs/ — cortês; educado. The light and warmth and the Count’s courteous welcome seemed to have dissipated all my doubts and fears. Return to Original English Version

courtly /ˈkɔːrtli/ — cortês; de corte. The old man motioned me in with his right hand with a courtly gesture, saying in excellent English, but with a strange intonation: - Return to Original English Version

crags /kræɡz/ — rochedos; penhascos. Right and left of us they towered, with the afternoon sun falling full upon them and bringing out all the glorious colours of this beautiful range, deep blue and purple in the shadows of the peaks, green and brown where grass and rock mingled, and an endless perspective of jagged rock and pointed crags, till these were themselves lost in the distance, where the snowy peaks rose grandly. Return to Original English Version

craning /ˈkreɪnɪŋ/ — esticando o pescoço. Then, as we flew along, the driver leaned forward, and on each side the passengers, craning over the edge of the coach, peered eagerly into the darkness. Return to Original English Version

crannies /ˈkræniz/ — fendas; frestas. To the west was a great valley, and then, rising far away, great jagged mountain fastnesses, rising peak on peak, the sheer rock studded with mountain ash and thorn, whose roots clung in cracks and crevices and crannies of the stone. Return to Original English Version

crevices /ˈkrevɪsɪz/ — fendas; frestas. To the west was a great valley, and then, rising far away, great jagged mountain fastnesses, rising peak on peak, the sheer rock studded with mountain ash and thorn, whose roots clung in cracks and crevices and crannies of the stone. Return to Original English Version

criminal's /ˈkrɪmɪnəlz/ — do criminoso. It makes me rage to think that this can go on, and whilst I am shut up here, a veritable prisoner, but without that protection of the law which is even a criminal’s right and consolation. Return to Original English Version

crowding /ˈkraʊdɪŋ/ — apinhar-se; ficar apertado. The time I waited seemed endless, and I felt doubts and fears crowding upon me. Return to Original English Version

cudgelling /ˈkʌdʒəlɪŋ/ — espancando com um porrete; espancamento. 17 June. - This morning, as I was sitting on the edge of my bed cudgelling my brains, I heard without a cracking of whips and pounding and scraping of horses’ feet up the rocky path beyond the courtyard. Return to Original English Version

culverin /ˈkʌlvərɪn/ — colubrina; canhão antigo. The castle was built on the corner of a great rock, so that on three sides it was quite impregnable, and great windows were placed here where sling, or bow, or culverin could not reach, and consequently light and comfort, impossible to a position which had to be guarded, were secured. Return to Original English Version

curtainless /ˈkɜːrtənləs/ — sem cortinas. The windows were curtainless, and the yellow moonlight, flooding in through the diamond panes, enabled one to see even colours, whilst it softened the wealth of dust which lay over all and disguised in some measure the ravages of time and the moth. Return to Original English Version

dacians /ˈdeɪʃənz/ — dácios. In the population of Transylvania there are four distinct nationalities: Saxons in the South, and mixed with them the Wallachs, who are the descendants of the Dacians; Magyars in the West, and Szekelys in the East and North. Return to Original English Version

dawdle /ˈdɔːdəl/ — demorar; enrolar. All day long we seemed to dawdle through a country which was full of beauty of every kind. Return to Original English Version

deceived /dɪˈsiːvd/ — enganado. This startled me, but as the effect was only momentary, I took it that my eyes deceived me straining through the darkness. Return to Original English Version

deficiencies /dɪˈfɪʃənsiz/ — deficiências; carências. There are certainly odd deficiencies in the house, considering the extraordinary evidences of wealth which are round me. Return to Original English Version

delusion /dɪˈluːʒən/ — ilusão. I thought it was some trick of the moonlight, some weird effect of shadow; but I kept looking, and it could be no delusion. Return to Original English Version

demoniac /dɪˈmoʊniæk/ — demoníaco. When the Count saw my face, his eyes blazed with a sort of demoniac fury, and he suddenly made a grab at my throat. Return to Original English Version

dents /dɛnts/ — amassados; mossas. I could feel the soft, shivering touch of the lips on the super-sensitive skin of my throat, and the hard dents of two sharp teeth, just touching and pausing there. Return to Original English Version

despatched /dɪˈspætʃt/ — despachou; mandou embora. Your letter home has been despatched; tomorrow I shall not be here, but all shall be ready for your journey. Return to Original English Version

diabolical /ˌdaɪəˈbɑːlɪkəl/ — diabólico. I want to get away at once.” He smiled, such a soft, smooth, diabolical smile that I knew there was some trick behind his smoothness. Return to Original English Version

diffuse /dɪˈfjuːs/ — difuso; espalhado. 8 May. - I began to fear as I wrote in this book that I was getting too diffuse; but now I am glad that I went into detail from the first, for there is something so strange about this place and all in it that I cannot but feel uneasy. Return to Original English Version

dilapidated /dɪˈlæpɪdeɪtɪd/ — dilapidado; em ruínas. “At Purfleet, on a byroad, I came across just such a place as seemed to be required, and where was displayed a dilapidated notice that the place was for sale. Return to Original English Version

disagreeable /ˌdɪsəˈɡriːəbəl/ — desagradável; incômodo. The wine was Golden Mediasch, which produces a queer sting on the tongue, which is, however, not disagreeable. Return to Original English Version

discreet /dɪˈskriːt/ — discreto; prudente. He is discreet and silent, and has grown into manhood in my service. Return to Original English Version

disfavour /dɪsˈfeɪvər/ — desfavor; desaprovação. It is odd that a thing which I have been taught to regard with disfavour and as idolatrous should in a time of loneliness and trouble be of help. Return to Original English Version

dishevelled /dɪˈʃevəld/ — desgrenhado. There, indeed, was a woman with dishevelled hair, holding her hands over her heart as one distressed with running. Return to Original English Version

disposition /ˌdɪspəˈzɪʃən/ — temperamento; índole. He is a young man, full of energy and talent in his own way, and of a very faithful disposition. Return to Original English Version

dissipated /ˈdɪsəpeɪtɪd/ — dissipado; desfeito. The light and warmth and the Count’s courteous welcome seemed to have dissipated all my doubts and fears. Return to Original English Version

disuse /dɪsˈjuːs/ — desuso. A key was turned with the loud grating noise of long disuse, and the great door swung back. Return to Original English Version

doggedly /ˈdɑːɡɪdli/ — obstinadamente; com tenacidade. I thought I would watch for the Count’s return, and for a long time sat doggedly at the window. Return to Original English Version

domed /doʊmd/ — abobadado; em forma de cúpula. His face was a strong - a very strong - aquiline, with high bridge of the thin nose and peculiarly arched nostrils; with lofty domed forehead, and hair growing scantily round the temples but profusely elsewhere. Return to Original English Version

doá /duː/ — fazer. What shall I doá what can I do? Return to Original English Version

drawers /drɔːrz/ — gavetas. Then our driver, whose wide linen drawers covered the whole front of the box-seat - “gotza” they call them - cracked his big whip over his four small horses, which ran abreast, and we set off on our journey. Return to Original English Version

dreadfully /ˈdrɛdfəli/ — terrivelmente; extremamente. I grew dreadfully afraid, and the horses shared my fear. Return to Original English Version

dreamt /drɛmt/ — sonhou; sonhado. If it be that I had not dreamt, the Count must have carried me here. Return to Original English Version

dwellers /ˈdwelərz/ — habitantes; moradores. “Ah, sir, you dwellers in the city cannot enter into the feelings of the hunter.” Then he rose and said: - Return to Original English Version

eagerness /ˈiːɡərnəs/ — ânsia; entusiasmo; avidez. With hands that trembled with eagerness, I unhooked the chains and drew back the massive bolts. Return to Original English Version

ecstasy /ˈɛkstəsi/ — êxtase. I closed my eyes in a languorous ecstasy and waited - waited with beating heart. Return to Original English Version

embrasure /ɪmˈbreɪʒər/ — seteira; vão de janela. I leaned back in the embrasure in a more comfortable position, so that I could enjoy more fully the aerial gambolling. Return to Original English Version

emphasised /ˈemfəsaɪzd/ — enfatizou; destacou. This was emphasised by the fact that the snowy mountaintop still held the sunset, and seemed to glow out with a delicate cool pink. Return to Original English Version

encamped /ɪnˈkæmpt/ — acampou; acampado. A band of Szgany have come to the castle, and are encamped in the courtyard. Return to Original English Version

encompassed /ɪnˈkʌmpəst/ — abrangeu; cercou. The horses jumped about and reared, and looked helplessly round with eyes that rolled in a way painful to see; but the living ring of terror encompassed them on every side; and they had perforce to remain within it. Return to Original English Version

endlessly /ˈendləsli/ — sem parar; infinitamente. I think I must have fallen asleep and kept dreaming of the incident, for it seemed to be repeated endlessly, and now looking back, it is like a sort of awful nightmare. Return to Original English Version

engendered /ɪnˈdʒendərd/ — gerou; engendrado. Sometimes, as the road was cut through the pine woods that seemed in the darkness to be closing down upon us, great masses of greyness, which here and there bestrewed the trees, produced a peculiarly weird and solemn effect, which carried on the thoughts and grim fancies engendered earlier in the evening, when the falling sunset threw into strange relief the ghostlike clouds which amongst the Carpathians seem to wind ceaselessly through the valleys. Return to Original English Version

entreaty /ɪnˈtriːti/ — súplica; rogo. Henceforth no effort of mine, no piteous cry or agonised entreaty, would make them even look at me. Return to Original English Version

entrusted /ɪnˈtrʌstɪd/ — incumbido; confiado a. I handed to him the sealed letter which Mr. Hawkins had entrusted to me. Return to Original English Version

evidences /ˈevɪdənsɪz/ — indícios; sinais. There are certainly odd deficiencies in the house, considering the extraordinary evidences of wealth which are round me. Return to Original English Version

evils /ˈiːvəlz/ — males; desgraças. He might kill me, but death now seemed the happier choice of evils. Return to Original English Version

excellently /ˈeksələntli/ — excelentemente. “Indeed,” I said, “you speak excellently.” Return to Original English Version

excite /ɪkˈsaɪt/ — entusiasmar; excitar; provocar. I would fain have rebelled, but felt that in the present state of things it would be madness to quarrel openly with the Count whilst I am so absolutely in his power; and to refuse would be to excite his suspicion and to arouse his anger. Return to Original English Version

excusing /ɪkˈskjuːzɪŋ/ — desculpando; dispensando. By this time I had finished my supper, and by my host’s desire had drawn up a chair by the fire and begun to smoke a cigar which he offered me, at the same time excusing himself that he did not smoke. Return to Original English Version

exerted /ɪɡˈzɜːrtɪd/ — exerceu; empregou esforço. Here was an opportunity which I might not have again, so I exerted myself, and with many efforts forced it back so that I could enter. Return to Original English Version

exertions /ɪɡˈzɜːrʃənz/ — esforços. He lashed the horses unmercifully with his long whip, and with wild cries of encouragement urged them on to further exertions. Return to Original English Version

expanse /ɪkˈspæns/ — extensão; vastidão. There was some sense of freedom in the vast expanse, inaccessible though it was to me, as compared with the narrow darkness of the courtyard. Return to Original English Version

extravagant /ɪkˈstrævəɡənt/ — extravagante; esbanjador. Then she tore her hair and beat her breast, and abandoned herself to all the violences of extravagant emotion. Return to Original English Version

fain /feɪn/ — de bom grado. I would fain have rebelled, but felt that in the present state of things it would be madness to quarrel openly with the Count whilst I am so absolutely in his power; and to refuse would be to excite his suspicion and to arouse his anger. Return to Original English Version

famished /ˈfæmɪʃt/ — esfomeado. Having then reached my normal state, I discovered that I was half famished with hunger; so making a hasty toilet, I went into the other room. Return to Original English Version

fancies /ˈfænsiz/ — fantasias. Sometimes, as the road was cut through the pine woods that seemed in the darkness to be closing down upon us, great masses of greyness, which here and there bestrewed the trees, produced a peculiarly weird and solemn effect, which carried on the thoughts and grim fancies engendered earlier in the evening, when the falling sunset threw into strange relief the ghostlike clouds which amongst the Carpathians seem to wind ceaselessly through the valleys. Return to Original English Version

fastnesses /ˈfæstnəsɪz/ — redutos; fortalezas naturais. To the west was a great valley, and then, rising far away, great jagged mountain fastnesses, rising peak on peak, the sheer rock studded with mountain ash and thorn, whose roots clung in cracks and crevices and crannies of the stone. Return to Original English Version

faugh /fɔː/ — eca!; argh!. Faugh! Return to Original English Version

feverish /ˈfiːvərɪʃ/ — febril; agitado. The road was rugged, but still we seemed to fly over it with a feverish haste. Return to Original English Version

fiends /fiːndz/ — demônios. “You yourself never loved; you never love!” On this the other women joined, and such a mirthless, hard, soulless laughter rang through the room that it almost made me faint to hear; it seemed like the pleasure of fiends. Return to Original English Version

flamed /fleɪmd/ — ardeu. At the end of this he threw open a heavy door, and I rejoiced to see within a well-lit room in which a table was spread for supper, and on whose mighty hearth a great fire of logs, freshly replenished, flamed and flared. Return to Original English Version

flange /flændʒ/ — aba. The shovel fell from my hand across the box, and as I pulled it away the flange of the blade caught the edge of the lid which fell over again, and hid the horrid thing from my sight. Return to Original English Version

flared /flɛərd/ — ardeu intensamente. At the end of this he threw open a heavy door, and I rejoiced to see within a well-lit room in which a table was spread for supper, and on whose mighty hearth a great fire of logs, freshly replenished, flamed and flared. Return to Original English Version

flask /flæsk/ — frasco; cantil; garrafa térmica. There is a flask of slivovitz (the plum brandy of the country) underneath the seat, if you should require it.” I did not take any, but it was a comfort to know it was there all the same. Return to Original English Version

flattering /ˈflætərɪŋ/ — lisonjeiro; elogioso; favorecedor. “I thank you, my friend, for your all too-flattering estimate, but yet I fear that I am but a little way on the road I would travel. Return to Original English Version

flickered /ˈflɪkərd/ — tremeluziu; bruxuleou. He held in his hand an antique silver lamp, in which the flame burned without chimney or globe of any kind, throwing long quivering shadows as it flickered in the draught of the open door. Return to Original English Version

flung /flʌŋ/ — arremessou; lançou. Away with it!” and opening the heavy window with one wrench of his terrible hand, he flung out the glass, which was shattered into a thousand pieces on the stones of the courtyard far below. Return to Original English Version

fluttering /ˈflʌtərɪŋ/ — esvoaçante; que tremula. They had all full white sleeves of some kind or other, and most of them had big belts with a lot of strips of something fluttering from them like the dresses in a ballet, but of course there were petticoats under them. Return to Original English Version

foliage /ˈfoʊliɪdʒ/ — folhagem. I shall never forget the last glimpse which I had of the innyard and its crowd of picturesque figures, all crossing themselves, as they stood round the wide archway, with its background of rich foliage of oleander and orange trees in green tubs clustered in the centre of the yard. Return to Original English Version

forbids /fərˈbɪdz/ — proíbe. “I must regret that an attack of gout, from which malady I am a constant sufferer, forbids absolutely any travelling on my part for some time to come; but I am happy to say I can send a sufficient substitute, one in whom I have every possible confidence. Return to Original English Version

forcemeat /ˈfɔːrsmiːt/ — recheio de carne moída. I had for breakfast more paprika, and a sort of porridge of maize flour which they said was “mamaliga,” and eggplant stuffed with forcemeat, a very excellent dish, which they call “impletata.” (Mem., get recipe for this also.) I had to hurry breakfast, for the train started a little before eight, or rather it ought to have done so, for after rushing to the station at 7:30 I had to sit in the carriage for more than an hour before we began to move. Return to Original English Version

forcibly /ˈfɔːrsəbli/ — à força; compulsoriamente. It had been so forcibly driven against the jamb that part of the woodwork was splintered. Return to Original English Version

foreknowledge /ˈfɔːrnɑːlɪdʒ/ — presciência; saber de antemão. Having had some time at my disposal when in London, I had visited the British Museum, and made search among the books and maps in the library regarding Transylvania; it had struck me that some foreknowledge of the country could hardly fail to have some importance in dealing with a nobleman of that country. Return to Original English Version

forestall /fɔːrˈstɔːl/ — antecipar-se a; passar à frente de. Come in; the night air is chill, and you must need to eat and rest.” As he was speaking, he put the lamp on a bracket on the wall, and stepping out, took my luggage; he had carried it in before I could forestall him. Return to Original English Version

forethought /ˈfɔːrθɔːt/ — previdência. “Good!” he said, and then went on to ask about the means of making consignments and the forms to be gone through, and of all sorts of difficulties which might arise, but by forethought could be guarded against. Return to Original English Version

fortified /ˈfɔːrtɪfaɪd/ — fortificado. I was not sleepy, as the long sleep yesterday had fortified me; but I could not help experiencing that chill which comes over one at the coming of the dawn, which is like, in its way, the turn of the tide. Return to Original English Version

frayed /freɪd/ — desfiado; gasto. I saw something like them in Hampton Court, but there they were worn and frayed and moth-eaten. Return to Original English Version

fright /fraɪt/ — susto; medo. At the first howl the horses began to strain and rear, but the driver spoke to them soothingly, and they quieted down, but shivered and sweated as though after a runaway from sudden fright. Return to Original English Version

frown /fraʊn/ — carranca; cenho franzido. Then the mountains seemed to come nearer to us on each side and to frown down upon us; we were entering on the Borgo Pass. Return to Original English Version

gable /ˈɡeɪbəl/ — frontão. Before us lay a green sloping land full of forests and woods, with here and there steep hills, crowned with clumps of trees or with farmhouses, the blank gable end to the road. Return to Original English Version

gaiety /ˈɡeɪəti/ — alegria; jovialidade. I seek not gaiety nor mirth, not the bright voluptuousness of much sunshine and sparkling waters which please the young and gay. Return to Original English Version

gambolling /ˈɡæmbəlɪŋ/ — brincando; saltitando. I leaned back in the embrasure in a more comfortable position, so that I could enjoy more fully the aerial gambolling. Return to Original English Version

garb /ɡɑːrb/ — traje; vestimenta. There could be no doubt as to his quest, and in my garb, too! Return to Original English Version

gash /ɡæʃ/ — talho; corte profundo. The sight seemed to paralyse me, and the shovel turned in my hand and glanced from the face, merely making a deep gash above the forehead. Return to Original English Version

ghostlike /ˈɡoʊstlaɪk/ — fantasmagórico. Sometimes, as the road was cut through the pine woods that seemed in the darkness to be closing down upon us, great masses of greyness, which here and there bestrewed the trees, produced a peculiarly weird and solemn effect, which carried on the thoughts and grim fancies engendered earlier in the evening, when the falling sunset threw into strange relief the ghostlike clouds which amongst the Carpathians seem to wind ceaselessly through the valleys. Return to Original English Version

giant's /ˈdʒaɪənts/ — do gigante. As my eyes opened involuntarily I saw his strong hand grasp the slender neck of the fair woman and with giant’s power draw it back, the blue eyes transformed with fury, the white teeth champing with rage, and the fair cheeks blazing red with passion. Return to Original English Version

gipsies /ˈdʒɪpsiz/ — ciganos. These Szgany are gipsies; I have notes of them in my book. Return to Original English Version

gladdened /ˈɡlædənd/ — alegrou. There were even such books of reference as the London Directory, the “Red” and “Blue” books, Whitaker’s Almanac, the Army and Navy Lists, and - it somehow gladdened my heart to see it - the Law List. Return to Original English Version

glanced /ɡlænst/ — lançou um olhar; deu uma olhada. The sight seemed to paralyse me, and the shovel turned in my hand and glanced from the face, merely making a deep gash above the forehead. Return to Original English Version

glare /ɡlɛr/ — brilho ofuscante; clarão. Each moment I expected to see the glare of lamps through the blackness; but all was dark. Return to Original English Version

gleamed /ɡliːmd/ — reluziu; brilhou. The Count’s eyes gleamed, and he said: - Return to Original English Version

gleaming /ˈɡliːmɪŋ/ — brilhante; reluzente. The strange driver evidently heard the words, for he looked up with a gleaming smile. Return to Original English Version

gloating /ˈɡloʊtɪŋ/ — regozijando-se com maldade. The girl went on her knees, and bent over me, simply gloating. Return to Original English Version

gloomy /ˈɡluːmi/ — sombrio; escuro; lúgubre. There are many trees on it, which make it in places gloomy, and there is a deep, dark-looking pond or small lake, evidently fed by some springs, as the water is clear and flows away in a fair-sized stream. Return to Original English Version

gorged /ɡɔːrdʒd/ — empanturraram-se; fartaram-se. It seemed as if the whole awful creature were simply gorged with blood. Return to Original English Version

gorges /ˈɡɔːrdʒɪz/ — desfiladeiros. Here and there are silver threads where the rivers wind in deep gorges through the forests. Return to Original English Version

gotza /ˈɡɒtsə/ — calças largas. Then our driver, whose wide linen drawers covered the whole front of the box-seat - “gotza” they call them - cracked his big whip over his four small horses, which ran abreast, and we set off on our journey. Return to Original English Version

gouts /ɡaʊts/ — gotas grossas; respingos. There lay the Count, but looking as if his youth had been half renewed, for the white hair and moustache were changed to dark iron-grey; the cheeks were fuller, and the white skin seemed ruby-red underneath; the mouth was redder than ever, for on the lips were gouts of fresh blood, which trickled from the corners of the mouth and ran over the chin and neck. Return to Original English Version

grandly /ˈɡrændli/ — grandiosamente; com pompa. Right and left of us they towered, with the afternoon sun falling full upon them and bringing out all the glorious colours of this beautiful range, deep blue and purple in the shadows of the peaks, green and brown where grass and rock mingled, and an endless perspective of jagged rock and pointed crags, till these were themselves lost in the distance, where the snowy peaks rose grandly. Return to Original English Version

grasped /ɡræst/ — compreendeu. The instant, however, that I had stepped over the threshold, he moved impulsively forward, and holding out his hand grasped mine with a strength which made me wince, an effect which was not lessened by the fact that it seemed as cold as ice - more like the hand of a dead than a living man. Return to Original English Version

grasping /ˈɡræspɪŋ/ — ávidos; sempre a agarrar. He grew excited as he spoke, and walked about the room pulling his great white moustache and grasping anything on which he laid his hands as though he would crush it by main strength. Return to Original English Version

grassy /ˈɡræsi/ — gramado; coberto de capim. In and out amongst these green hills of what they call here the “Mittel Land” ran the road, losing itself as it swept round the grassy curve, or was shut out by the straggling ends of pine woods, which here and there ran down the hillsides like tongues of flame. Return to Original English Version

grating /ˈɡreɪtɪŋ/ — grade; grelha; áspero ao ouvido. A key was turned with the loud grating noise of long disuse, and the great door swung back. Return to Original English Version

gravely /ˈɡreɪvli/ — gravemente; seriamente. I therefore tried to raise her up, and said, as gravely as I could, that I thanked her, but my duty was imperative, and that I must go. Return to Original English Version

greyness /ˈɡreɪnəs/ — cor cinzenta; aspecto acinzentado. Sometimes, as the road was cut through the pine woods that seemed in the darkness to be closing down upon us, great masses of greyness, which here and there bestrewed the trees, produced a peculiarly weird and solemn effect, which carried on the thoughts and grim fancies engendered earlier in the evening, when the falling sunset threw into strange relief the ghostlike clouds which amongst the Carpathians seem to wind ceaselessly through the valleys. Return to Original English Version

gruesome /ˈɡruːsəm/ — macabro; horrendo. But if you be not careful in this respect, then” - He finished his speech in a gruesome way, for he motioned with his hands as if he were washing them. Return to Original English Version

habitable /ˈhæbɪtəbəl/ — habitável. A house cannot be made habitable in a day; and, after all, how few days go to make up a century. Return to Original English Version

hammered /ˈhæmərd/ — martelaram. The great box was in the same place, close against the wall, but the lid was laid on it, not fastened down, but with the nails ready in their places to be hammered home. Return to Original English Version

hasten /ˈheɪsən/ — apressar-se; acelerar. Of old the Hospadars would not repair them, lest the Turk should think that they were preparing to bring in foreign troops, and so hasten the war which was always really at loading point. Return to Original English Version

hasty /ˈheɪsti/ — apressado; precipitado; impulsivo. Having then reached my normal state, I discovered that I was half famished with hunger; so making a hasty toilet, I went into the other room. Return to Original English Version

hearty /ˈhɑːrti/ — caloroso; vigoroso; saudável. Do not wait for me. - D.” I set to and enjoyed a hearty meal. Return to Original English Version

heaving /ˈhiːvɪŋ/ — arfante; ondulante; erguendo com esforço. His face was deathly pale, and the lines of it were hard like drawn wires; the thick eyebrows that met over the nose now seemed like a heaving bar of white-hot metal. Return to Original English Version

helplessness /ˈhɛlpləsnəs/ — impotência; desamparo. I rushed up and down the stairs, trying every door and peering out of every window I could find; but after a little the conviction of my helplessness overpowered all other feelings. Return to Original English Version

hemmed /hɛmd/ — embainhado; com bainha feita. Soon we were hemmed in with trees, which in places arched right over the roadway till we passed as through a tunnel; and again great frowning rocks guarded us boldly on either side. Return to Original English Version

henceforth /ˌhɛnsˈfɔːrθ/ — daqui em diante; doravante. Henceforth no effort of mine, no piteous cry or agonised entreaty, would make them even look at me. Return to Original English Version

hereafter /ˌhɪrˈæftər/ — daqui em diante; no futuro. At the worst it can only be death; and a man’s death is not a calf’s, and the dreaded Hereafter may still be open to me. Return to Original English Version

hitherto /ˌhɪðərˈtuː/ — até agora; até então. Hitherto I had noticed the backs of his hands as they lay on his knees in the firelight, and they had seemed rather white and fine; but seeing them now close to me, I could not but notice that they were rather coarse - broad, with squat fingers. Return to Original English Version

hopelessly /ˈhoʊpləsli/ — desesperadamente; irremediavelmente. When I ran to push it open, I found that it was hopelessly fast. Return to Original English Version

hordes /hɔːrd/ — hordas. In old days there were stirring times, when the Austrian and the Hungarian came up in hordes, and the patriots went out to meet them - men and women, the aged and the children too - and waited their coming on the rocks above the passes, that they might sweep destruction on them with their artificial avalanches. Return to Original English Version

horrid /ˈhɒrɪd/ — horrível; detestável. The coming night might see my own body a banquet in a similar way to those horrid three. Return to Original English Version

horse's /ˈhɔːrsɪz/ — do cavalo. When they were all unloaded and packed in a great heap in one corner of the yard, the Slovaks were given some money by the Szgany, and spitting on it for luck, lazily went each to his horse’s head. Return to Original English Version

horseshoe /ˈhɔːrsʃuː/ — ferradura; em forma de ferradura. I read that every known superstition in the world is gathered into the horseshoe of the Carpathians, as if it were the centre of some sort of imaginative whirlpool; if so my stay may be very interesting. (Mem., I must ask the Count all about them.) Return to Original English Version

Original Text: Rare Words (2/3)

hurled /hɜːrld/ — arremessou; atirou com força. With a fierce sweep of his arm, he hurled the woman from him, and then motioned to the others, as though he were beating them back; it was the same imperious gesture that I had seen used to the wolves. Return to Original English Version

idolatrous /aɪˈdɒlətrəs/ — idólatra; de adoração excessiva. I did not know what to do, for, as an English Churchman, I have been taught to regard such things as in some measure idolatrous, and yet it seemed so ungracious to refuse an old lady meaning so well and in such a state of mind. Return to Original English Version

illumine /ɪˈluːmɪn/ — iluminar. He went rapidly to where the blue flame arose - it must have been very faint, for it did not seem to illumine the place around it at all - and gathering a few stones, formed them into some device. Return to Original English Version

imaginative /ɪˈmædʒɪnətɪv/ — imaginativos; de imaginação. I read that every known superstition in the world is gathered into the horseshoe of the Carpathians, as if it were the centre of some sort of imaginative whirlpool; if so my stay may be very interesting. (Mem., I must ask the Count all about them.) Return to Original English Version

imaginings /ɪˈmædʒɪnɪŋz/ — fantasias; devaneios. I start at my own shadow, and am full of all sorts of horrible imaginings. Return to Original English Version

imitate /ˈɪmɪteɪt/ — imitar. Why should not I imitate him, and go in by his window? Return to Original English Version

impalpable /ɪmˈpælpəbəl/ — impalpável; intangível. As he swept his long arms, as though brushing aside some impalpable obstacle, the wolves fell back and back further still. Return to Original English Version

imperious /ɪmˈpɪriəs/ — imperiosa; autoritária. How he came there, I know not, but I heard his voice raised in a tone of imperious command, and looking towards the sound, saw him stand in the roadway. Return to Original English Version

imperturbable /ˌɪmpərˈtɜːrbəbəl/ — imperturbável; sempre calmo. He seems absolutely imperturbable. Return to Original English Version

implored /ɪmˈplɔːrd/ — implorou; suplicado. Finally she went down on her knees and implored me not to go; at least to wait a day or two before starting. Return to Original English Version

impregnable /ɪmˈpreɡnəbəl/ — inexpugnável; inatacável. The castle was built on the corner of a great rock, so that on three sides it was quite impregnable, and great windows were placed here where sling, or bow, or culverin could not reach, and consequently light and comfort, impossible to a position which had to be guarded, were secured. Return to Original English Version

impressiveness /ɪmˈpresɪvnəs/ — imponência. He explained to me that posts were few and uncertain, and that my writing now would ensure ease of mind to my friends; and he assured me with so much impressiveness that he would countermand the later letters, which would be held over at Bistritz until due time in case chance would admit of my prolonging my stay, that to oppose him would have been to create new suspicion. Return to Original English Version

impulsively /ɪmˈpʌlsɪvli/ — impulsivamente. The instant, however, that I had stepped over the threshold, he moved impulsively forward, and holding out his hand grasped mine with a strength which made me wince, an effect which was not lessened by the fact that it seemed as cold as ice - more like the hand of a dead than a living man. Return to Original English Version

inaccessible /ˌɪnəkˈsesəbəl/ — inacessível. There was some sense of freedom in the vast expanse, inaccessible though it was to me, as compared with the narrow darkness of the courtyard. Return to Original English Version

inequalities /ˌɪnɪˈkwɑːlətiz/ — desigualdades. Now and again we passed a leiter-wagon - the ordinary peasant’s cart - with its long, snakelike vertebra, calculated to suit the inequalities of the road. Return to Original English Version

innyard /ˈɪnjɑːrd/ — pátio da hospedaria. I shall never forget the last glimpse which I had of the innyard and its crowd of picturesque figures, all crossing themselves, as they stood round the wide archway, with its background of rich foliage of oleander and orange trees in green tubs clustered in the centre of the yard. Return to Original English Version

inscribe /ɪnˈskraɪb/ — inscrever; registrar. I read to him the notes which I had made at the time, and which I inscribe here: - Return to Original English Version

instigation /ˌɪnstɪˈɡeɪʃən/ — instigação; incitação. Suddenly it struck me that this might be the moment and means of my doom; I was to be given to the wolves, and at my own instigation. Return to Original English Version

intending /ɪnˈtendɪŋ/ — pretendendo; tencionando. I ran to the door, intending to descend and try and join them through the main hall, as I thought that way might be opened for them. Return to Original English Version

interminable /ɪnˈtɜːrmɪnəbəl/ — interminável; sem fim. The time seemed interminable as we swept on our way, now in almost complete darkness, for the rolling clouds obscured the moon. Return to Original English Version

interrogatively /ˌɪntəˈrɑːɡətɪvli/ — interrogativamente; em tom de pergunta. Go safely; and leave something of the happiness you bring!” The strength of the handshake was so much akin to that which I had noticed in the driver, whose face I had not seen, that for a moment I doubted if it were not the same person to whom I was speaking; so to make sure, I said interrogatively: - Return to Original English Version

intolerable /ɪnˈtɑlərəbəl/ — intolerável. It was like the intolerable, tingling sweetness of water-glasses when played on by a cunning hand. Return to Original English Version

intonation /ˌɪntəˈneɪʃən/ — entoação; sotaque. The old man motioned me in with his right hand with a courtly gesture, saying in excellent English, but with a strange intonation: - Return to Original English Version

involuntarily /ɪnˈvɑːləntərəli/ — involuntariamente; sem querer. As my eyes opened involuntarily I saw his strong hand grasp the slender neck of the fair woman and with giant’s power draw it back, the blue eyes transformed with fury, the white teeth champing with rage, and the fair cheeks blazing red with passion. Return to Original English Version

jamb /dʒæm/ — batente. It had been so forcibly driven against the jamb that part of the woodwork was splintered. Return to Original English Version

jewelled /ˈdʒuːəld/ — adornado com joias. There were also chains and ornaments, some jewelled, but all of them old and stained. Return to Original English Version

kindhearted /ˈkaɪndˌhɑːrtɪd/ — bondoso; de bom coração. This was not very pleasant for me, just starting for an unknown place to meet an unknown man; but everyone seemed so kindhearted, and so sorrowful, and so sympathetic that I could not but be touched. Return to Original English Version

labours /ˈleɪbərz/ — trabalhos; pesquisas. Now here let me say frankly, lest you should think it strange that I have sought the services of one so far off from London instead of someone resident there, that my motive was that no local interest might be served save my wish only; and as one of London residence might, perhaps, have some purpose of himself or friend to serve, I went thus afield to seek my agent, whose labours should be only to my interest. Return to Original English Version

languorous /ˈlæŋɡərəs/ — lânguido. I closed my eyes in a languorous ecstasy and waited - waited with beating heart. Return to Original English Version

lapped /læpt/ — envoltos; enrolados. There was a deliberate voluptuousness which was both thrilling and repulsive, and as she arched her neck she actually licked her lips like an animal, till I could see in the moonlight the moisture shining on the scarlet lips and on the red tongue as it lapped the white sharp teeth. Return to Original English Version

lashed /læʃt/ — amarrou firme; açoitou; fustigou. He lashed the horses unmercifully with his long whip, and with wild cries of encouragement urged them on to further exertions. Return to Original English Version

lashes /ˈlæʃɪz/ — cílios; chicotadas; açoita. I was afraid to raise my eyelids, but looked out and saw perfectly under the lashes. Return to Original English Version

leaped /liːpt/ — saltou. As the door began to open, the howling of the wolves without grew louder and angrier; their red jaws, with champing teeth, and their blunt-clawed feet as they leaped, came in through the opening door. Return to Original English Version

lessened /ˈlesənd/ — diminuiu; atenuou-se. The instant, however, that I had stepped over the threshold, he moved impulsively forward, and holding out his hand grasped mine with a strength which made me wince, an effect which was not lessened by the fact that it seemed as cold as ice - more like the hand of a dead than a living man. Return to Original English Version

lighted /ˈlaɪtɪd/ — acesa; iluminada. It was a welcome sight; for here was a great bedroom well lighted and warmed with another log fire - also added to but lately, for the top logs were fresh - which sent a hollow roar up the wide chimney. Return to Original English Version

lintels /ˈlɪntɛls/ — verga; viga sobre uma porta. I turned to run down again towards the vault, where I might find the new entrance; but at the moment there seemed to come a violent puff of wind, and the door to the winding stair blew to with a shock that set the dust from the lintels flying. Return to Original English Version

littered /ˈlɪttərɛd/ — espalhar lixo; ninhada. A table in the centre was littered with English magazines and newspapers, though none of them were of very recent date. Return to Original English Version

lofty /ˈlɔːfti/ — elevado; altivo; grandioso. Beyond the green swelling hills of the Mittel Land rose mighty slopes of forest up to the lofty steeps of the Carpathians themselves. Return to Original English Version

lolling /ˈlɑːlɪŋ/ — recostado à toa; pendendo frouxo. I could not see any cause for it, for the howling of the wolves had ceased altogether; but just then the moon, sailing through the black clouds, appeared behind the jagged crest of a beetling, pine-clad rock, and by its light I saw around us a ring of wolves, with white teeth and lolling red tongues, with long, sinewy limbs and shaggy hair. Return to Original English Version

loopholes /ˈluːphoʊlz/ — seteiras; brechas; lacunas. I descended, minding carefully where I went, for the stairs were dark, being only lit by loopholes in the heavy masonry. Return to Original English Version

lurid /ˈlʊrɪd/ — sensacionalista; chocante. The red light in them was lurid, as if the flames of hellfire blazed behind them. Return to Original English Version

lurk /lɜːrk/ — espreitar; esconder-se à espreita. If I be sane, then surely it is maddening to think that of all the foul things that lurk in this hateful place the Count is the least dreadful to me; that to him alone I can look for safety, even though this be only whilst I can serve his purpose. Return to Original English Version

maddening /ˈmædənɪŋ/ — enlouquecedor; exasperante. If I be sane, then surely it is maddening to think that of all the foul things that lurk in this hateful place the Count is the least dreadful to me; that to him alone I can look for safety, even though this be only whilst I can serve his purpose. Return to Original English Version

madly /ˈmædli/ — loucamente; desesperadamente. Then, far off in the distance, from the mountains on each side of us began a louder and a sharper howling - that of wolves - which affected both the horses and myself in the same way - for I was minded to jump from the calèche and run, whilst they reared again and plunged madly, so that the driver had to use all his great strength to keep them from bolting. Return to Original English Version

malady /ˈmælədi/ — enfermidade; mal. “I must regret that an attack of gout, from which malady I am a constant sufferer, forbids absolutely any travelling on my part for some time to come; but I am happy to say I can send a sufficient substitute, one in whom I have every possible confidence. Return to Original English Version

malice /ˈmælɪs/ — maldade. The last glimpse I had was of the bloated face, bloodstained and fixed with a grin of malice which would have held its own in the nethermost hell. Return to Original English Version

malignant /məˈlɪɡnənt/ — malignos; maléficos. I love the shade and the shadow, and would be alone with my thoughts when I may.” Somehow his words and his look did not seem to accord, or else it was that his cast of face made his smile look malignant and saturnine. Return to Original English Version

manifestly /ˈmænɪfɛstli/ — manifestamente; claramente. On looking at it I found in certain places little rings marked, and on examining these I noticed that one was near London on the east side, manifestly where his new estate was situated; the other two were Exeter, and Whitby on the Yorkshire coast. Return to Original English Version

masonry /ˈmeɪsənri/ — alvenaria. I descended, minding carefully where I went, for the stairs were dark, being only lit by loopholes in the heavy masonry. Return to Original English Version

materialised /məˈtɪəriəlaɪzd/ — materializou-se. The phantom shapes, which were becoming gradually materialised from the moonbeams, were those of the three ghostly women to whom I was doomed. Return to Original English Version

meagre /ˈmiːɡər/ — escasso; magro; parco. 12 May. - Let me begin with facts - bare, meagre facts, verified by books and figures, and of which there can be no doubt. Return to Original English Version

meddle /ˈmedəl/ — intrometer-se; meter-se; mexer em. Beware how you meddle with him, or you’ll have to deal with me.” The fair girl, with a laugh of ribald coquetry, turned to answer him: - Return to Original English Version

mem /rɪˈmembər/ — mem (parte de remember). I had for dinner, or rather supper, a chicken done up some way with red pepper, which was very good but thirsty. (Mem., get recipe for Mina.) I asked the waiter, and he said it was called “paprika hendl,” and that, as it was a national dish, I should be able to get it anywhere along the Carpathians. Return to Original English Version

memoranda /ˌmeməˈrændə/ — memorandos; anotações. Every scrap of paper was gone, and with it all my notes, my memoranda, relating to railways and travel, my letter of credit, in fact all that might be useful to me were I once outside the castle. Return to Original English Version

menfolk /ˈmɛnfoʊk/ — homens; população masculina. I determined not to return tonight to the gloom-haunted rooms, but to sleep here, where, of old, ladies had sat and sung and lived sweet lives whilst their gentle breasts were sad for their menfolk away in the midst of remorseless wars. Return to Original English Version

menial /ˈmiːniəl/ — servil; de baixa qualificação. When later I saw him through the chink of the hinges of the door laying the table in the dining-room, I was assured of it; for if he does himself all these menial offices, surely it is proof that there is no one else to do them. Return to Original English Version

militate /ˈmɪlɪteɪt/ — militar contra; agir contra; pesar contra. I told him he might have a dozen if he wished, but that it would not be wise to have more than one solicitor engaged in one transaction, as only one could act at a time, and that to change would be certain to militate against his interest. Return to Original English Version

minding /ˈmaɪndɪŋ/ — tomando conta de; guardando. I descended, minding carefully where I went, for the stairs were dark, being only lit by loopholes in the heavy masonry. Return to Original English Version

mingled /ˈmɪŋɡəld/ — misturou-se; misturava-se. Right and left of us they towered, with the afternoon sun falling full upon them and bringing out all the glorious colours of this beautiful range, deep blue and purple in the shadows of the peaks, green and brown where grass and rock mingled, and an endless perspective of jagged rock and pointed crags, till these were themselves lost in the distance, where the snowy peaks rose grandly. Return to Original English Version

mirth /mɜːrθ/ — riso; hilaridade. I seek not gaiety nor mirth, not the bright voluptuousness of much sunshine and sparkling waters which please the young and gay. Return to Original English Version

mirthless /ˈmɜːrθləs/ — sem alegria; forçado (riso). “You yourself never loved; you never love!” On this the other women joined, and such a mirthless, hard, soulless laughter rang through the room that it almost made me faint to hear; it seemed like the pleasure of fiends. Return to Original English Version

mischief /ˈmɪstʃɪf/ — travessura; dano. It is more dangerous than you think in this country.” Then seizing the shaving glass, he went on: “And this is the wretched thing that has done the mischief. Return to Original English Version

missals /ˈmɪsəlz/ — missais. Sometimes we saw little towns or castles on the top of steep hills such as we see in old missals; sometimes we ran by rivers and streams which seemed from the wide stony margin on each side of them to be subject to great floods. Return to Original English Version

mistiness /ˈmɪstinəs/ — nebulosidade. As the evening fell it began to get very cold, and the growing twilight seemed to merge into one dark mistiness the gloom of the trees, oak, beech, and pine, though in the valleys which ran deep between the spurs of the hills, as we ascended through the Pass, the dark firs stood out here and there against the background of late-lying snow. Return to Original English Version

modesty /ˈmɑːdəsti/ — modéstia; recato. I was evidently expected, for when I got near the door I faced a cheery-looking elderly woman in the usual peasant dress - white undergarment with long double apron, front, and back, of coloured stuff fitting almost too tight for modesty. Return to Original English Version

molested /məˈlestɪd/ — importunado; atacado. It has always been at nighttime that I have been molested or threatened, or in some way in danger or in fear. Return to Original English Version

moment's /ˈmoʊmənts/ — de um momento. “No, no,” he said; “you must not walk here; the dogs are too fierce”; and then he added, with what he evidently meant for grim pleasantry - for he looked round to catch the approving smile of the rest - “and you may have enough of such matters before you go to sleep.” The only stop he would make was a moment’s pause to light his lamps. Return to Original English Version

momentary /ˈmoʊmənˌtɛri/ — momentâneo. This startled me, but as the effect was only momentary, I took it that my eyes deceived me straining through the darkness. Return to Original English Version

motes /moʊts/ — partículas minúsculas. Louder it seemed to ring in my ears, and the floating motes of dust to take new shapes to the sound as they danced in the moonlight. Return to Original English Version

mountaintop /ˈmaʊntəntɑːp/ — topo da montanha. This was emphasised by the fact that the snowy mountaintop still held the sunset, and seemed to glow out with a delicate cool pink. Return to Original English Version

mullioned /ˈmʌliənd/ — com montantes. The window at which I stood was tall and deep, stone-mullioned, and though weatherworn, was still complete; but it was evidently many a day since the case had been there. Return to Original English Version

mumbled /ˈmʌmbəld/ — balbuciou; disse entre dentes. He mumbled out that the money had been sent in a letter, and that was all he knew. Return to Original English Version

myriad /ˈmɪriəd/ — miríade; incontáveis. He was interested in everything, and asked me a myriad questions about the place and its surroundings. Return to Original English Version

nationalities /ˌnæʃəˈnælətiz/ — nacionalidades. In the population of Transylvania there are four distinct nationalities: Saxons in the South, and mixed with them the Wallachs, who are the descendants of the Dacians; Magyars in the West, and Szekelys in the East and North. Return to Original English Version

nay /neɪ/ — nï¿½o; de modo algum. “Nay, sir, you are my guest. Return to Original English Version

nebulous /ˈnebjələs/ — nebuloso; vago. They were like the tiniest grains of dust, and they whirled round and gathered in clusters in a nebulous sort of way. Return to Original English Version

needful /ˈniːdfəl/ — necessário; preciso. “Well, but, my friend, is it not needful that I should? Return to Original English Version

nethermost /ˈnɛðərmoʊst/ — mais baixo; mais profundo. The last glimpse I had was of the bloated face, bloodstained and fixed with a grin of malice which would have held its own in the nethermost hell. Return to Original English Version

nightfall /ˈnaɪtfɔːl/ — anoitecer; cair da noite. We left in pretty good time, and came after nightfall to Klausenburgh. Return to Original English Version

nighttime /ˈnaɪttaɪm/ — período noturno. It has always been at nighttime that I have been molested or threatened, or in some way in danger or in fear. Return to Original English Version

nocturnal /nɑːkˈtɜːrnəl/ — noturno. I am beginning to feel this nocturnal existence tell on me. Return to Original English Version

nought /nɔːt/ — nada; coisa nenhuma. Mina is a woman, and there is nought in common. Return to Original English Version

obeisance /oʊˈbeɪsəns/ — reverência; mesura. They took their hats off and made obeisance and many signs, which, however, I could not understand any more than I could their spoken language. … Return to Original English Version

obscured /əbˈskjʊrd/ — obscureceu; encoberto. The time seemed interminable as we swept on our way, now in almost complete darkness, for the rolling clouds obscured the moon. Return to Original English Version

obstinacy /ˈɑːbstɪnəsi/ — obstinação; teimosia. The sense of sleep was upon me, and with it the obstinacy which sleep brings as outrider. Return to Original English Version

obstruct /əbˈstrʌkt/ — bloquear. Once there appeared a strange optical effect: when he stood between me and the flame he did not obstruct it, for I could see its ghostly flicker all the same. Return to Original English Version

odour /ˈoʊdər/ — odor; cheiro. At the bottom there was a dark, tunnel-like passage, through which came a deathly, sickly odour, the odour of old earth newly turned. Return to Original English Version

offensiveness /əˈfɛnsɪvnəs/ — caráter ofensivo. Sweet it was in one sense, honey-sweet, and sent the same tingling through the nerves as her voice, but with a bitter underlying the sweet, a bitter offensiveness, as one smells in blood. Return to Original English Version

oppressive /əˈpresɪv/ — opressivo. There were dark, rolling clouds overhead, and in the air the heavy, oppressive sense of thunder. Return to Original English Version

ordnance /ˈɔːrdnəns/ — armamentos; cartografia oficial. I was not able to light on any map or work giving the exact locality of the Castle Dracula, as there are no maps of this country as yet to compare with our own Ordnance Survey maps; but I found that Bistritz, the post town named by Count Dracula, is a fairly well-known place. Return to Original English Version

outrider /ˈaʊtraɪdər/ — batedor a cavalo. The sense of sleep was upon me, and with it the obstinacy which sleep brings as outrider. Return to Original English Version

outwardly /ˈaʊtwərdli/ — exteriormente; na aparência. He was very cool outwardly, but was nervous all the same. Return to Original English Version

overpowered /ˌoʊvərˈpaʊərd/ — dominou; subjugado; sobrepujado. I rushed up and down the stairs, trying every door and peering out of every window I could find; but after a little the conviction of my helplessness overpowered all other feelings. Return to Original English Version

overpowering /ˌoʊvərˈpaʊərɪŋ/ — avassalador; irresistível. I feel the dread of this horrible place overpowering me; I am in fear - in awful fear - and there is no escape for me; I am encompassed about with terrors that I dare not think of. … Return to Original English Version

painfully /ˈpeɪnfəli/ — penosamente; com esforço. Here and there we passed Cszeks and Slovaks, all in picturesque attire, but I noticed that goitre was painfully prevalent. Return to Original English Version

pallor /ˈpælər/ — palidez. The general effect was one of extraordinary pallor. Return to Original English Version

panes /peɪnz/ — vidraças; painéis de vidro. The windows were curtainless, and the yellow moonlight, flooding in through the diamond panes, enabled one to see even colours, whilst it softened the wealth of dust which lay over all and disguised in some measure the ravages of time and the moth. Return to Original English Version

paralyse /ˈpærəlaɪz/ — paralisar; deixar estupefato. The sight seemed to paralyse me, and the shovel turned in my hand and glanced from the face, merely making a deep gash above the forehead. Return to Original English Version

paralysis /pəˈræləsɪs/ — paralisia. For myself, I felt a sort of paralysis of fear. Return to Original English Version

parti /pɑːrˈtiː/ — bom partido para casamento. He is an excellent parti, being handsome, well off, and of good birth. Return to Original English Version

patronymic /ˌpeɪtrəˈnɪmɪk/ — patronímico. When I go there I shall be all alone, and my friend Harker Jonathan - nay, pardon me, I fall into my country’s habit of putting your patronymic first - my friend Jonathan Harker will not be by my side to correct and aid me. Return to Original English Version

pausing /ˈpɔːzɪŋ/ — parando. I could feel the soft, shivering touch of the lips on the super-sensitive skin of my throat, and the hard dents of two sharp teeth, just touching and pausing there. Return to Original English Version

peasant's /ˈpezənts/ — do camponês. Now and again we passed a leiter-wagon - the ordinary peasant’s cart - with its long, snakelike vertebra, calculated to suit the inequalities of the road. Return to Original English Version

peculiarly /pɪˈkjuːljərli/ — particularmente; de modo especial. Sometimes, as the road was cut through the pine woods that seemed in the darkness to be closing down upon us, great masses of greyness, which here and there bestrewed the trees, produced a peculiarly weird and solemn effect, which carried on the thoughts and grim fancies engendered earlier in the evening, when the falling sunset threw into strange relief the ghostlike clouds which amongst the Carpathians seem to wind ceaselessly through the valleys. Return to Original English Version

peering /ˈpɪrɪŋ/ — perscrutando; espiando com atenção. I rushed up and down the stairs, trying every door and peering out of every window I could find; but after a little the conviction of my helplessness overpowered all other feelings. Return to Original English Version

pent /pent/ — confinado; represado. Before many minutes had passed a pack of them poured, like a pent-up dam when liberated, through the wide entrance into the courtyard. Return to Original English Version

perforce /pərˈfɔːrs/ — forçosamente; por obrigação. The horses jumped about and reared, and looked helplessly round with eyes that rolled in a way painful to see; but the living ring of terror encompassed them on every side; and they had perforce to remain within it. Return to Original English Version

physiognomy /ˌfɪziˈɑːɡnəmi/ — fisionomia; feições. I had now an opportunity of observing him, and found him of a very marked physiognomy. Return to Original English Version

pinching /ˈpɪnʧɪŋ/ — beliscar. But my flesh answered the pinching test, and my eyes were not to be deceived. Return to Original English Version

piteous /ˈpɪtiəs/ — lastimoso; de dar dó. Henceforth no effort of mine, no piteous cry or agonised entreaty, would make them even look at me. Return to Original English Version

pityingly /ˈpɪtiɪŋli/ — com pena. They were evidently talking of me, for every now and then they looked at me, and some of the people who were sitting on the bench outside the door - which they call by a name meaning “word-bearer” - came and listened, and then looked at me, most of them pityingly. Return to Original English Version

pleasantry /ˈplezəntri/ — gracejo; amabilidade. “No, no,” he said; “you must not walk here; the dogs are too fierce”; and then he added, with what he evidently meant for grim pleasantry - for he looked round to catch the approving smile of the rest - “and you may have enough of such matters before you go to sleep.” The only stop he would make was a moment’s pause to light his lamps. Return to Original English Version

polyglot /ˈpɑːliɡlɑːt/ — poliglota. I could hear a lot of words often repeated, queer words, for there were many nationalities in the crowd; so I quietly got my polyglot dictionary from my bag and looked them out. Return to Original English Version

pondered /ˈpɑːndərd/ — ponderou; refletiu sobre. I sat and pondered awhile, and then some thought occurred to me, and I made search of my portmanteau and in the wardrobe where I had placed my clothes. Return to Original English Version

ponderous /ˈpɑːndərəs/ — pesada; volumosa. After a pause of a moment, he proceeded, in his stately way, to the door, drew back the ponderous bolts, unhooked the heavy chains, and began to draw it open. Return to Original English Version

postdated /ˌpoʊstˈdeɪtɪd/ — pós-datado; datado para depois. Last night one of my postdated letters went to post, the first of that fatal series which is to blot out the very traces of my existence from the earth. Return to Original English Version

pouches /paʊtʃɪz/ — bolsas. Even the deep, burning eyes seemed set amongst swollen flesh, for the lids and pouches underneath were bloated. Return to Original English Version

precipice /ˈpresəpɪs/ — precipício; despenhadeiro. The castle is on the very edge of a terrible precipice. Return to Original English Version

prepossessing /ˌpriːpəˈzɛsɪŋ/ — agradável. They are very picturesque, but do not look prepossessing. Return to Original English Version

preternatural /ˌpriːtərˈnætʃərəl/ — sobrenatural; fora do comum. All at once we heard the crow of a cock coming up with preternatural shrillness through the clear morning air; Count Dracula, jumping to his feet, said: - Return to Original English Version

procured /proʊˈkjʊrd/ — obtida; conseguida. “Come,” he said at last, “tell me of London and of the house which you have procured for me.” With an apology for my remissness, I went into my own room to get the papers from my bag. Return to Original English Version

prodigious /prəˈdɪdʒəs/ — prodigioso; enorme. Then I descended from the side of the coach, as the calèche was close alongside, the driver helping me with a hand which caught my arm in a grip of steel; his strength must have been prodigious. Return to Original English Version

profanation /ˌprɑːfəˈneɪʃən/ — profanação. It seems like a profanation of the word to write it in connection with such a monster, so asked him point-blank: - Return to Original English Version

profusely /prəˈfjuːsli/ — profusamente. His face was a strong - a very strong - aquiline, with high bridge of the thin nose and peculiarly arched nostrils; with lofty domed forehead, and hair growing scantily round the temples but profusely elsewhere. Return to Original English Version

profusion /prəˈfjuːʒən/ — profusão; abundância. His eyebrows were very massive, almost meeting over the nose, and with bushy hair that seemed to curl in its own profusion. Return to Original English Version

prolong /prəˈlɔːŋ/ — prolongar. He knows that I know too much, and that I must not live, lest I be dangerous to him; my only chance is to prolong my opportunities. Return to Original English Version

prolonging /prəˈlɔːŋɪŋ/ — prolongando. He explained to me that posts were few and uncertain, and that my writing now would ensure ease of mind to my friends; and he assured me with so much impressiveness that he would countermand the later letters, which would be held over at Bistritz until due time in case chance would admit of my prolonging my stay, that to oppose him would have been to create new suspicion. Return to Original English Version

prosaic /proʊˈzeɪɪk/ — prosaico; banal. Let me be prosaic so far as facts can be; it will help me to bear up, and imagination must not run riot with me. Return to Original English Version

prosecuting /ˈprɑːsɪkjuːtɪŋ/ — processando; levando adiante. I think had there been any alternative I should have taken it, instead of prosecuting that unknown night journey. Return to Original English Version

protruded /proʊˈtruːdɪd/ — sobressaía; projetava-se. The mouth, so far as I could see it under the heavy moustache, was fixed and rather cruel-looking, with peculiarly sharp white teeth; these protruded over the lips, whose remarkable ruddiness showed astonishing vitality in a man of his years. Return to Original English Version

protuberant /proʊˈtuːbərənt/ — protuberante. The Count, evidently noticing it, drew back; and with a grim sort of smile, which showed more than he had yet done his protuberant teeth, sat himself down again on his own side of the fireplace. Return to Original English Version

proverbs /prɑvɜrbz/ — provérbios. How true the old proverbs are. Return to Original English Version

quaint /kweɪnt/ — pitoresco. Then I began to notice that there were some quaint little specks floating in the rays of the moonlight. Return to Original English Version

quartered /ˈkwɔːrtərd/ — dividido em quatro; alojado. The Szgany are quartered somewhere in the castle and are doing work of some kind. Return to Original English Version

quickening /ˈkwɪkənɪŋ/ — acelerando. I went into my own room and drew the curtains, but there was little to notice; my window opened into the courtyard, all I could see was the warm grey of quickening sky. Return to Original English Version

quietude /ˈkwaɪətuːd/ — quietude. Still, it was better than living alone in the rooms which I had come to hate from the presence of the Count, and after trying a little to school my nerves, I found a soft quietude come over me. Return to Original English Version

quiver /ˈkwɪvər/ — aljava; carcás. Quicker and quicker danced the dust; the moonbeams seemed to quiver as they went by me into the mass of gloom beyond. Return to Original English Version

quivering /ˈkwɪv.ər.ɪŋ/ — tremendo. He held in his hand an antique silver lamp, in which the flame burned without chimney or globe of any kind, throwing long quivering shadows as it flickered in the draught of the open door. Return to Original English Version

rattling /ˈrætlɪŋ/ — chacoalhante. Then there was the sound of rattling chains and the clanking of massive bolts drawn back. Return to Original English Version

ravages /ˈrævɪdʒɪz/ — estragos; devastação. The windows were curtainless, and the yellow moonlight, flooding in through the diamond panes, enabled one to see even colours, whilst it softened the wealth of dust which lay over all and disguised in some measure the ravages of time and the moth. Return to Original English Version

rebelled /rɪˈbeld/ — rebelou-se; revoltou-se. I would fain have rebelled, but felt that in the present state of things it would be madness to quarrel openly with the Count whilst I am so absolutely in his power; and to refuse would be to excite his suspicion and to arouse his anger. Return to Original English Version

recollect /ˌrekəˈlekt/ — recordar; recompor-se. I seemed somehow to know her face, and to know it in connection with some dreamy fear, but I could not recollect at the moment how or where. Return to Original English Version

recollection /ˌrekəˈlekʃən/ — recordação; lembrança. I soon lost sight and recollection of ghostly fears in the beauty of the scene as we drove along, although had I known the language, or rather languages, which my fellow-passengers were speaking, I might not have been able to throw them off so easily. Return to Original English Version

redirect ˌriːdəˈrɛkt — redirecionar. I could only redirect it and hand it to him in silence. Return to Original English Version

regaining /rɪˈɡeɪnɪŋ/ — recuperando; readquirindo. Regaining my room, I threw myself panting upon the bed and tried to think. … Return to Original English Version

rejoice rɪˈdʒɔɪs — alegrar-se. I rejoice also that there is a chapel of old times. Return to Original English Version

rejoiced rɪˈdʒɔɪst — alegrou-se. At the end of this he threw open a heavy door, and I rejoiced to see within a well-lit room in which a table was spread for supper, and on whose mighty hearth a great fire of logs, freshly replenished, flamed and flared. Return to Original English Version

remiss /rɪˈmɪs/ — negligente; relapso. How remiss I am to let you stay up so long. Return to Original English Version

remissness rɪˈmɪsnəs — descuido. “Come,” he said at last, “tell me of London and of the house which you have procured for me.” With an apology for my remissness, I went into my own room to get the papers from my bag. Return to Original English Version

remorseless /rɪˈmɔːrsləs/ — sem remorso; implacável. I determined not to return tonight to the gloom-haunted rooms, but to sleep here, where, of old, ladies had sat and sung and lived sweet lives whilst their gentle breasts were sad for their menfolk away in the midst of remorseless wars. Return to Original English Version

replenished /rɪˈplenɪʃt/ — reabastecido. At the end of this he threw open a heavy door, and I rejoiced to see within a well-lit room in which a table was spread for supper, and on whose mighty hearth a great fire of logs, freshly replenished, flamed and flared. Return to Original English Version

repletion rɪˈpliːʃən — saciedade. He lay like a filthy leech, exhausted with his repletion. Return to Original English Version

repose rɪˈpoʊz — repouso. for now, feeling as though my own brain were unhinged or as if the shock had come which must end in its undoing, I turn to my diary for repose. Return to Original English Version

repress /rɪˈpres/ — reprimir. As the Count leaned over me and his hands touched me, I could not repress a shudder. Return to Original English Version

repulsion /rɪˈpʌlʃən/ — repulsa; aversão. But my very feelings changed to repulsion and terror when I saw the whole man slowly emerge from the window and begin to crawl down the castle wall over that dreadful abyss, face down with his cloak spreading out around him like great wings. Return to Original English Version

repulsive /rɪˈpʌlsɪv/ — repulsivo; repugnante. There was a deliberate voluptuousness which was both thrilling and repulsive, and as she arched her neck she actually licked her lips like an animal, till I could see in the moonlight the moisture shining on the scarlet lips and on the red tongue as it lapped the white sharp teeth. Return to Original English Version

resistless /rɪˈzɪstləs/ — irresistível (grafia antiga). The Count saw his victory in my bow, and his mastery in the trouble of my face, for he began at once to use them, but in his own smooth, resistless way: - Return to Original English Version

resolute ˈrɛzəluːt — resoluto. I think he is one of the most resolute men I ever saw, and yet the most calm. Return to Original English Version

resolutely /ˈrɛzəluːtli/ — resolutamente; com firmeza. They resolutely turned away. Return to Original English Version

reticent /ˈretɪsənt/ — reticente; reservado. 4 May. - I found that my landlord had got a letter from the Count, directing him to secure the best place on the coach for me; but on making inquiries as to details he seemed somewhat reticent, and pretended that he could not understand my German. Return to Original English Version

revolted /rɪˈvoʊltɪd/ — revoltou-se; causou repulsa. I shuddered as I bent over to touch him, and every sense in me revolted at the contact; but I had to search, or I was lost. Return to Original English Version

ribald raɪbɑld — obsceno. Beware how you meddle with him, or you’ll have to deal with me.” The fair girl, with a laugh of ribald coquetry, turned to answer him: - Return to Original English Version

rifts /rɪfts/ — fendas; rupturas. Here and there seemed mighty rifts in the mountains, through which, as the sun began to sink, we saw now and again the white gleam of falling water. Return to Original English Version

rigorously ˈrɪgərəsli — rigorosamente. My watch was still unwound, and I am rigorously accustomed to wind it the last thing before going to bed, and many such details. Return to Original English Version

ripple /ˈrɪpəl/ — onda; frêmito que se propaga. Tomorrow night is yours!” There was a low, sweet ripple of laughter, and in a rage I threw open the door, and saw without the three terrible women licking their lips. Return to Original English Version

roadside roʊdsaɪd — estrada. By the roadside were many crosses, and as we swept by, my companions all crossed themselves. Return to Original English Version

roadway /ˈroʊdweɪ/ — leito da estrada; pista. This time, after going to the far side of the Pass, he suddenly turned down a narrow roadway which ran sharply to the right. Return to Original English Version

ruddiness ˈrʌdinəs — vermelhidão. The mouth, so far as I could see it under the heavy moustache, was fixed and rather cruel-looking, with peculiarly sharp white teeth; these protruded over the lips, whose remarkable ruddiness showed astonishing vitality in a man of his years. Return to Original English Version

salient ˈseɪljənt — saliente. It seemed to me that we were simply going over and over the same ground again; and so I took note of some salient point, and found that this was so. Return to Original English Version

salutation /ˌsæljəˈteɪʃən/ — saudação; cumprimento. Having answered the Count’s salutation, I turned to the glass again to see how I had been mistaken. Return to Original English Version

saluted /səˈluːtɪd/ — saudou; cumprimentou. He saluted me in a hearty way, and hoped that I had had a good night’s rest. Return to Original English Version

satiate /ˈseɪʃieɪt/ — satisfazer plenamente. This was the being I was helping to transfer to London, where, perhaps, for centuries to come he might, amongst its teeming millions, satiate his lust for blood, and create a new and ever-widening circle of semi-demons to batten on the helpless. Return to Original English Version

saturnine /ˈsætərnaɪn/ — soturno; sombrio. I love the shade and the shadow, and would be alone with my thoughts when I may.” Somehow his words and his look did not seem to accord, or else it was that his cast of face made his smile look malignant and saturnine. Return to Original English Version

scantily /ˈskæntɪli/ — escassamente. His face was a strong - a very strong - aquiline, with high bridge of the thin nose and peculiarly arched nostrils; with lofty domed forehead, and hair growing scantily round the temples but profusely elsewhere. Return to Original English Version

scrambled /ˈskræmbəld/ — mexidos. Without a pause I rushed up to the east window, and scrambled down the wall, as before, into the Count’s room. Return to Original English Version

seaboards /ˈsiˌbɔrd/ — litorais. Here, in the whirlpool of European races, the Ugric tribe bore down from Iceland the fighting spirit which Thor and Wodin gave them, which their Berserkers displayed to such fell intent on the seaboards of Europe, ay, and of Asia and Africa too, till the peoples thought that the werewolves themselves had come. Return to Original English Version

seizing /ˈsiːzɪŋ/ — agarrando; apoderando-se de; aproveitando. It is more dangerous than you think in this country.” Then seizing the shaving glass, he went on: “And this is the wretched thing that has done the mischief. Return to Original English Version

semblance /ˈsembləns/ — aparência; semelhança. What manner of man is this, or what manner of creature is it in the semblance of man? Return to Original English Version

sensibilities /ˌsensəˈbɪlətiz/ — sensibilidades. I felt myself struggling to awake to some call of my instincts; nay, my very soul was struggling, and my half-remembered sensibilities were striving to answer the call. Return to Original English Version

serpentine ˈsɜrpəntaɪn — serpenteante. One of my companions touched my arm as we swept round the base of a hill and opened up the lofty, snow-covered peak of a mountain, which seemed, as we wound on our serpentine way, to be right before us: - Return to Original English Version

shadowy /ˈʃædoʊi/ — sombrio; envolto em sombra. They simply seemed to fade into the rays of the moonlight and pass out through the window, for I could see outside the dim, shadowy forms for a moment before they entirely faded away. Return to Original English Version

sheered /ʃɪrd/ — desviou-se bruscamente. Sometimes he sheered off the subject, or turned the conversation by pretending not to understand; but generally he answered all I asked most frankly. Return to Original English Version

shrillness /ˈʃrɪlnəs/ — estridência. All at once we heard the crow of a cock coming up with preternatural shrillness through the clear morning air; Count Dracula, jumping to his feet, said: - Return to Original English Version

shuts ʃʌts — fecha. The door is shut, and the chains rattle; there is a grinding of the key in the lock; I can hear the key withdraw: then another door opens and shuts; I hear the creaking of lock and bolt. Return to Original English Version

sickly /ˈsɪkli/ — enjoativo; adocicado demais. At the bottom there was a dark, tunnel-like passage, through which came a deathly, sickly odour, the odour of old earth newly turned. Return to Original English Version

sidelong /ˈsaɪdlɔːŋ/ — de esguelha; de soslaio. He moved downwards in a sidelong way, some hundred feet down, and a good deal to the left. Return to Original English Version

silvery sɪlvɜri — prateado. They whispered together, and then they all three laughed - such a silvery, musical laugh, but as hard as though the sound never could have come through the softness of human lips. Return to Original English Version

sincerity sɪnsɛrʌti — sinceridade. But I am in hopes that I shall see more of you at Castle Dracula.” I suspected him, and determined to test his sincerity. Return to Original English Version

sinewy /ˈsɪnjui/ — fibroso; magro e musculoso. I could not see any cause for it, for the howling of the wolves had ceased altogether; but just then the moon, sailing through the black clouds, appeared behind the jagged crest of a beetling, pine-clad rock, and by its light I saw around us a ring of wolves, with white teeth and lolling red tongues, with long, sinewy limbs and shaggy hair. Return to Original English Version

singly /ˈsɪŋɡli/ — um a um; isoladamente. Before long they streamed away singly, licking their lips. Return to Original English Version

slighted /ˈslaɪtɪd/ — desdenhado; menosprezado. But, for goodness’ sake, don’t tell any of the girls, or they would be getting all sorts of extravagant ideas and imagining themselves injured and slighted if in their very first day at home they did not get six at least. Return to Original English Version

sling /slɪŋ/ — funda; tipoia. The castle was built on the corner of a great rock, so that on three sides it was quite impregnable, and great windows were placed here where sling, or bow, or culverin could not reach, and consequently light and comfort, impossible to a position which had to be guarded, were secured. Return to Original English Version

slung /slʌŋ/ — pendurado; lançado. It was a new shock to me to find that he had on the suit of clothes which I had worn whilst travelling here, and slung over his shoulder the terrible bag which I had seen the women take away. Return to Original English Version

smattering /ˈsmætərɪŋ/ — conhecimento superficial. I found my smattering of German very useful here; indeed, I don’t know how I should be able to get on without it. Return to Original English Version

smoothness /ˈsmuːðnəs/ — suavidade; lisura. I want to get away at once.” He smiled, such a soft, smooth, diabolical smile that I knew there was some trick behind his smoothness. Return to Original English Version

snakelike /snˈeɪklˌaɪk/ — cobra. Now and again we passed a leiter-wagon - the ordinary peasant’s cart - with its long, snakelike vertebra, calculated to suit the inequalities of the road. Return to Original English Version

snows /snoʊz/ — neves. I was told that this road is in summertime excellent, but that it had not yet been put in order after the winter snows. Return to Original English Version

soberly /ˈsoʊbərli/ — sobriamente. You and I, Mina dear, who are engaged and are going to settle down soon soberly into old married women, can despise vanity. Return to Original English Version

soothe /suːð/ — acalmar; aliviar; abrandar. The habit of entering accurately must help to soothe me. Return to Original English Version

soothing /ˈsuːðɪŋ/ — calmante. I watched them with a sense of soothing, and a sort of calm stole over me. Return to Original English Version

Original Text: Rare Words (3/3)

soothingly /ˈsuːðɪŋli/ — em tom conciliador; para acalmar. At the first howl the horses began to strain and rear, but the driver spoke to them soothingly, and they quieted down, but shivered and sweated as though after a runaway from sudden fright. Return to Original English Version

sorrowful /ˈsɒroʊfəl/ — triste. This was not very pleasant for me, just starting for an unknown place to meet an unknown man; but everyone seemed so kindhearted, and so sorrowful, and so sympathetic that I could not but be touched. Return to Original English Version

soulless /ˈsoʊlləs/ — sem alma. “You yourself never loved; you never love!” On this the other women joined, and such a mirthless, hard, soulless laughter rang through the room that it almost made me faint to hear; it seemed like the pleasure of fiends. Return to Original English Version

spangled /ˈspæŋɡəld/ — enfeitado com lantejoulas. There was everywhere a bewildering mass of fruit blossom - apple, plum, pear, cherry; and as we drove by I could see the green grass under the trees spangled with the fallen petals. Return to Original English Version

speck /spek/ — partícula; pontinho; mancha minúscula. Within, stood a tall old man, clean shaven save for a long white moustache, and clad in black from head to foot, without a single speck of colour about him anywhere. Return to Original English Version

spelt /spelt/ — soletrou (grafia britânica). Here I am, sitting at a little oak table where in old times possibly some fair lady sat to pen, with much thought and many blushes, her ill-spelt love-letter, and writing in my diary in shorthand all that has happened since I closed it last. Return to Original English Version

spitting /ˈspɪtɪŋ/ — cuspindo. When they were all unloaded and packed in a great heap in one corner of the yard, the Slovaks were given some money by the Szgany, and spitting on it for luck, lazily went each to his horse’s head. Return to Original English Version

splintered /ˈsplɪntərd/ — lascou-se; estilhaçou-se. It had been so forcibly driven against the jamb that part of the woodwork was splintered. Return to Original English Version

squat /skwɑːt/ — agachar-se; sentar-se de cócoras. Hitherto I had noticed the backs of his hands as they lay on his knees in the firelight, and they had seemed rather white and fine; but seeing them now close to me, I could not but notice that they were rather coarse - broad, with squat fingers. Return to Original English Version

stammered /ˈstæmərd/ — gaguejou. “You are early tonight, my friend.” The man stammered in reply: - Return to Original English Version

startling /ˈstɑːrtlɪŋ/ — surpreendente; assustador. This was startling, and, coming on the top of so many strange things, was beginning to increase that vague feeling of uneasiness which I always have when the Count is near; but at the instant I saw that the cut had bled a little, and the blood was trickling over my chin. Return to Original English Version

startlingly /ˈstɑːrtlɪŋli/ — de modo surpreendente. I suppose I must have fallen asleep; I hope so, but I fear, for all that followed was startlingly real - so real that now sitting here in the broad, full sunlight of the morning, I cannot in the least believe that it was all sleep. Return to Original English Version

stately /ˈsteɪtli/ — imponente; majestoso. Come!” With a stately gravity, he, with the lamp, preceded me down the stairs and along the hall. Return to Original English Version

steeps /stiːps/ — encostas íngremes; despenhadeiros. Beyond the green swelling hills of the Mittel Land rose mighty slopes of forest up to the lofty steeps of the Carpathians themselves. Return to Original English Version

stenograph /ˈstenəɡræf/ — estenografar. When we are married I shall be able to be useful to Jonathan, and if I can stenograph well enough I can take down what he wants to say in this way and write it out for him on the typewriter, at which also I am practising very hard. Return to Original English Version

stenographic /ˌstenəˈɡræfɪk/ — estenográfico. He and I sometimes write letters in shorthand, and he is keeping a stenographic journal of his travels abroad. Return to Original English Version

stinted /ˈstɪntɪd/ — economizado. I have not stinted. Return to Original English Version

straggling /ˈstræɡəlɪŋ/ — desgarradas; espalhadas em desordem. In and out amongst these green hills of what they call here the “Mittel Land” ran the road, losing itself as it swept round the grassy curve, or was shut out by the straggling ends of pine woods, which here and there ran down the hillsides like tongues of flame. Return to Original English Version

straightforwardly /ˌstreɪtˈfɔːrwərdli/ — de modo direto e franco. He spoke to me, Mina, very straightforwardly. Return to Original English Version

straining /ˈstreɪnɪŋ/ — forçando; coando. This startled me, but as the effect was only momentary, I took it that my eyes deceived me straining through the darkness. Return to Original English Version

streamed /striːmd/ — jorrou; fluiu; esvoaçou. Before long they streamed away singly, licking their lips. Return to Original English Version

strung /strʌŋ/ — pendurou; enfiou num cordão. I dined on what they called “robber steak” - bits of bacon, onion, and beef, seasoned with red pepper, and strung on sticks and roasted over the fire, in the simple style of the London cat’s meat! Return to Original English Version

studded /ˈstʌdɪd/ — cravejado; coberto. The strangest figures we saw were the Slovaks, who were more barbarian than the rest, with their big cowboy hats, great baggy dirty-white trousers, white linen shirts, and enormous heavy leather belts, nearly a foot wide, all studded over with brass nails. Return to Original English Version

stupidly /ˈstuːpɪdli/ — tolamente. They looked up at me stupidly and pointed, but just then the “hetman” of the Szgany came out, and seeing them pointing to my window, said something, at which they laughed. Return to Original English Version

sturdy /ˈstɜːrdi/ — robusto; resistente. With joy I hurried to the window, and saw drive into the yard two great leiter-wagons, each drawn by eight sturdy horses, and at the head of each pair a Slovak, with his wide hat, great nail-studded belt, dirty sheepskin, and high boots. Return to Original English Version

suavest /ˈswɑːvɪst/ — o mais elegante. Last night the Count asked me in the suavest tones to write three letters, one saying that my work here was nearly done, and that I should start for home within a few days, another that I was starting on the next morning from the time of the letter, and the third that I had left the castle and arrived at Bistritz. Return to Original English Version

sufferer /ˈsʌfərər/ — pessoa que sofre; doente crônico. “I must regret that an attack of gout, from which malady I am a constant sufferer, forbids absolutely any travelling on my part for some time to come; but I am happy to say I can send a sufficient substitute, one in whom I have every possible confidence. Return to Original English Version

summertime /ˈsʌmərtaɪm/ — verão. I was told that this road is in summertime excellent, but that it had not yet been put in order after the winter snows. Return to Original English Version

supped /sʌpt/ — ceou. When I had dressed myself I went into the room where we had supped, and found a cold breakfast laid out, with coffee kept hot by the pot being placed on the hearth. Return to Original English Version

surest /ˈʃʊrəst/ — o mais seguro; o mais certeiro. There is the surest rest. Return to Original English Version

surmise /sərˈmaɪz/ — conjecturar; supor. I fear it was no dream, and must act on this surmise. Return to Original English Version

suspiciously /səˈspɪʃəsli/ — desconfiadamente; com desconfiança. Suspiciously, I looked all round, but could see no key of any kind. Return to Original English Version

swelled /swɛld/ — inchou; encheu-se. When we started, the crowd round the inn door, which had by this time swelled to a considerable size, all made the sign of the cross and pointed two fingers towards me. Return to Original English Version

talking's /ˈtɔːkɪŋz/ — conversa. This led to much conversation; and as it was evident that he wanted to talk, if only for talking’s sake, I asked him many questions regarding things that had already happened to me or come within my notice. Return to Original English Version

teeming /ˈtiːmɪŋ/ — fervilhante; repleto de vida. This was the being I was helping to transfer to London, where, perhaps, for centuries to come he might, amongst its teeming millions, satiate his lust for blood, and create a new and ever-widening circle of semi-demons to batten on the helpless. Return to Original English Version

terrors /ˈterərz/ — terrores; pavores. I feel the dread of this horrible place overpowering me; I am in fear - in awful fear - and there is no escape for me; I am encompassed about with terrors that I dare not think of. … Return to Original English Version

thinnest /ˈθɪnɪst/ — o mais fino. They were all of the thinnest foreign post, and looking at them, then at him, and noticing his quiet smile, with the sharp, canine teeth lying over the red underlip, I understood as well as if he had spoken that I should be careful what I wrote, for he would be able to read it. Return to Original English Version

tickle /ˈtɪkəl/ — agradar; divertir. Then the skin of my throat began to tingle as one’s flesh does when the hand that is to tickle it approaches nearer - nearer. Return to Original English Version

toils /tɔɪlz/ — labuta; redes de caça; trabalha duro. 19 May. - I am surely in the toils. Return to Original English Version

towered /ˈtaʊərd/ — erguia-se; elevava-se. Right and left of us they towered, with the afternoon sun falling full upon them and bringing out all the glorious colours of this beautiful range, deep blue and purple in the shadows of the peaks, green and brown where grass and rock mingled, and an endless perspective of jagged rock and pointed crags, till these were themselves lost in the distance, where the snowy peaks rose grandly. Return to Original English Version

tramping /ˈtræmpɪŋ/ — caminhando pesadamente; batendo perna. Then there came the sound of many feet tramping and dying away in some passage which sent up a clanging echo. Return to Original English Version

trickled /ˈtrɪkəld/ — escorreu lentamente. There lay the Count, but looking as if his youth had been half renewed, for the white hair and moustache were changed to dark iron-grey; the cheeks were fuller, and the white skin seemed ruby-red underneath; the mouth was redder than ever, for on the lips were gouts of fresh blood, which trickled from the corners of the mouth and ran over the chin and neck. Return to Original English Version

trickling /ˈtrɪkəlɪŋ/ — escorrendo em fio; gotejando. This was startling, and, coming on the top of so many strange things, was beginning to increase that vague feeling of uneasiness which I always have when the Count is near; but at the instant I saw that the cut had bled a little, and the blood was trickling over my chin. Return to Original English Version

triumphant /traɪˈʌmfənt/ — triunfante. When the invader was triumphant he found but little, for whatever there was had been sheltered in the friendly soil.” Return to Original English Version

uncanny /ʌnˈkæni/ — estranho; sobrenatural; insólito. This was all so strange and uncanny that a dreadful fear came upon me, and I was afraid to speak or move. Return to Original English Version

uncaring /ənˈkɛrɪŋ/ — indiferente. I drew a great couch out of its place near the corner, so that as I lay, I could look at the lovely view to east and south, and unthinking of and uncaring for the dust, composed myself for sleep. Return to Original English Version

underlip /ʌndərlɪp/ — relacionado a "sob" ou "inferior". They were all of the thinnest foreign post, and looking at them, then at him, and noticing his quiet smile, with the sharp, canine teeth lying over the red underlip, I understood as well as if he had spoken that I should be careful what I wrote, for he would be able to read it. Return to Original English Version

undiscovered /ˌʌndɪˈskʌvərd/ — não descoberto. “But how,” said I, “can it have remained so long undiscovered, when there is a sure index to it if men will but take the trouble to look?” The Count smiled, and as his lips ran back over his gums, the long, sharp, canine teeth showed out strangely; he answered: - Return to Original English Version

undoing /ʌnˈduːɪŋ/ — desatando; ruína; perdição. for now, feeling as though my own brain were unhinged or as if the shock had come which must end in its undoing, I turn to my diary for repose. Return to Original English Version

unfairly /ʌnˈfɛrli/ — injustamente. “I must say you tax me very unfairly with being a bad correspondent. Return to Original English Version

ungracious /ʌnˈɡreɪʃəs/ — descortês. I did not know what to do, for, as an English Churchman, I have been taught to regard such things as in some measure idolatrous, and yet it seemed so ungracious to refuse an old lady meaning so well and in such a state of mind. Return to Original English Version

unhinged /ʌnˈhɪndʒd/ — desengonçado; (de pessoa) transtornado. for now, feeling as though my own brain were unhinged or as if the shock had come which must end in its undoing, I turn to my diary for repose. Return to Original English Version

unknowingly /ʌnˈnoʊɪŋli/ — inconscientemente; sem saber. Your pardon, my friend, that unknowingly I did break the seal. Return to Original English Version

unmercifully /ʌnˈmɜːrsɪfəli/ — sem misericórdia. He lashed the horses unmercifully with his long whip, and with wild cries of encouragement urged them on to further exertions. Return to Original English Version

unnatural /ʌnˈnætʃərəl/ — antinatural; artificial; desumano. I quite understood; my only doubt was as to whether any dream could be more terrible than the unnatural, horrible net of gloom and mystery which seemed closing around me. Return to Original English Version

unpunctual /ʌnˈpʌŋktʃuəl/ — impontual; atrasado. It seems to me that the further east you go the more unpunctual are the trains. Return to Original English Version

unquestionable /ʌnˈkwestʃənəbəl/ — inquestionável. I tried to satisfy myself on the subject, but could not arrive at any unquestionable result. Return to Original English Version

unsealed /ʌnˈsild/ — não selado; aberto. The second and fourth were unsealed. Return to Original English Version

unthinking /ʌnˈθɪŋkɪŋ/ — irrefletido; impensado; inconsciente. I drew a great couch out of its place near the corner, so that as I lay, I could look at the lovely view to east and south, and unthinking of and uncaring for the dust, composed myself for sleep. Return to Original English Version

unwisely /ʌnˈwaɪzli/ — imprudentemente. It is old, and has many memories, and there are bad dreams for those who sleep unwisely. Return to Original English Version

unwound /ʌnˈwaʊnd/ — desenrolou. My watch was still unwound, and I am rigorously accustomed to wind it the last thing before going to bed, and many such details. Return to Original English Version

upholstery /ʌpˈhoʊlstəri/ — estofamento. The curtains and upholstery of the chairs and sofas and the hangings of my bed are of the costliest and most beautiful fabrics, and must have been of fabulous value when they were made, for they are centuries old, though in excellent order. Return to Original English Version

vaporous /ˈveɪpərəs/ — vaporoso; nebuloso. My fear fell from me as if it had been a vaporous garment which dissolved in the warmth. Return to Original English Version

velvety /ˈvelvəti/ — aveludado. In the soft light the distant hills became melted, and the shadows in the valleys and gorges of velvety blackness. Return to Original English Version

ventured /ˈventʃərd/ — arriscou; atreveu-se a; aventurou-se. I took off my boots, and ventured out on the desperate way. Return to Original English Version

veritable /ˈvɛrətəbəl/ — verdadeiras; autênticas. The castle is a veritable prison, and I am a prisoner! Return to Original English Version

vertebra /ˈvɜrtəbrə/ — vértebra. Now and again we passed a leiter-wagon - the ordinary peasant’s cart - with its long, snakelike vertebra, calculated to suit the inequalities of the road. Return to Original English Version

villainy /ˈvɪləni/ — vilania; infâmia. This looked like some new scheme of villainy. … Return to Original English Version

violences /ˈvaɪələnsɪz/ — violências; arroubos violentos. Then she tore her hair and beat her breast, and abandoned herself to all the violences of extravagant emotion. Return to Original English Version

vitality /vaɪˈtæləti/ — vitalidade. The mouth, so far as I could see it under the heavy moustache, was fixed and rather cruel-looking, with peculiarly sharp white teeth; these protruded over the lips, whose remarkable ruddiness showed astonishing vitality in a man of his years. Return to Original English Version

voluptuous /vəˈlʌptʃuəs/ — voluptuoso. All three had brilliant white teeth that shone like pearls against the ruby of their voluptuous lips. Return to Original English Version

voluptuousness /vəˈlʌptʃuəsnəs/ — voluptuosidade; sensualidade. I seek not gaiety nor mirth, not the bright voluptuousness of much sunshine and sparkling waters which please the young and gay. Return to Original English Version

wail /weɪl/ — lamento; gemido. If my ears did not deceive me there was a gasp and a low wail, as of a half-smothered child. Return to Original English Version

wailing /ˈweɪlɪŋ/ — gemendo; lamentando; lamento. Then a dog began to howl somewhere in a farmhouse far down the road - a long, agonised wailing, as if from fear. Return to Original English Version

wakened /ˈweɪkənd/ — acordou; despertou. Towards morning I slept and was wakened by the continuous knocking at my door, so I guess I must have been sleeping soundly then. Return to Original English Version

wearily /ˈwɪrəli/ — cansadamente; com cansaço. I had spent the day wearily over books, and, simply to keep my mind occupied, went over some of the matters I had been examined in at Lincoln’s Inn. Return to Original English Version

weatherworn /ˈwɛðərˌwɔrn/ — gasto pelo tempo; desgastado pelas intempéries. The window at which I stood was tall and deep, stone-mullioned, and though weatherworn, was still complete; but it was evidently many a day since the case had been there. Return to Original English Version

whence /wɛns/ — de onde; donde. “The Szgany has given me these, of which, though I know not whence they come, I shall, of course, take care. Return to Original English Version

widening /ˈwaɪdənɪŋ/ — alargando; que se alarga. This was the being I was helping to transfer to London, where, perhaps, for centuries to come he might, amongst its teeming millions, satiate his lust for blood, and create a new and ever-widening circle of semi-demons to batten on the helpless. Return to Original English Version

woodwork /ˈwʊdwɜːrk/ — madeiramento; marcenaria. It had been so forcibly driven against the jamb that part of the woodwork was splintered. Return to Original English Version

wretched /ˈretʃɪd/ — miserável; desgraçado; péssimo. It is more dangerous than you think in this country.” Then seizing the shaving glass, he went on: “And this is the wretched thing that has done the mischief. Return to Original English Version

wring /rɪŋ/ — torcer; espremer. He put it very nicely, saying that he did not want to wring my confidence from me, but only to know, because if a woman’s heart was free a man might have hope. Return to Original English Version

wrought /rɔt/ — trabalhou; forjou; lavrado. The table service is of gold, and so beautifully wrought that it must be of immense value. Return to Original English Version