massing (of troops); gathering
good; excellent; fine; nice; pleasant; agreeable
earth; ground; the solid earth; the (vast) land
to shake; to swing; to sway; to shock
several people; a few people
shortish; rather short; somewhat short
unmistakable; unquestionable; certain; evident
movement (of one's body); moving about; stirring; acting freely; doing as one pleases
with a pat; with a tap; with a pop; with a crack; casually (throw); carelessly
to lead; to spearhead (a group); to command (troops)
Ming dynasty (of China; 1368-1644)
everyday life; daily life
as was expected; just as one thought; sure enough; really; actually; ever
to all be in attendance (at a meeting, etc.); to all gather together
something or other; this and that; one thing this, another thing that; blah blah blah
use of seductive techniques to attain one's ends (usu. of women)
to one's heart's content; as much as one wants; as hard as one can; resolution; decisiveness; determination
to be shy; to be bashful; to feel awkward; to feel embarrassed
ceramics; pottery and porcelain
smoothly; with a slipping or sliding motion
oneself; oneself; for oneself; personally
terrible; terrifying; dreadful; astonishing; astounding; staggering
one's heart; the mind; inner feelings; inmost thoughts; true motives
shout; cry; outcry; yell; shriek; scream
empty; void; vain; fruitless; lifeless
to be wrapped up (e.g. in a blanket); to cover oneself
to cuddle; to comfort; to rock; to soothe; to dandle; to humor
to sound shrill (of a voice); to sound high-pitched and excited; to get excited; to become restless; to be thrown too high; to come in high
to twist; to turn; to writhe (e.g. in pain); to twist around; to turn in one's seat
(outward) appearance; (proper) format (e.g. of an essay); form; appearances; decency; lip-service
to keep up (appearances); to put up (a good front); to smooth over (a mistake, fault, etc.); to gloss over; to mend; to repair
admirable; commendable; praiseworthy; laudable; brave; heroic
as if ...; as if to say ...; as though ...
in the end; finally; after all; ultimately
pure; innocent; naive; unspoilt; pure-hearted; ingenuous
visit (to someone affected by illness or misfortune); call; letter of inquiry; letter of sympathy; dealing (a hit); striking (a blow)
gracefully; affectedly; mincingly
calm; peace; serenity; composure; equanimity; presence of mind