adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading His black velvet pelisse contrasting strongly with his white hair and beard, he looked a mysterious Indian potentate to whom occult Nature was a familiar, and the stars oracular friends.
ampleadjectiveUS /ˈæmpəl/
more than enough in size or scope or capacity
From this reading THE RING RETURNS The Prince, at the announcement of Mirza, took position near the centre of the room where the light was ample.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading His black velvet pelisse contrasting strongly with his white hair and beard, he looked a mysterious Indian potentate to whom occult Nature was a familiar, and the stars oracular friends.
announcementnounUS /əˈnaʊnsmənt/
a formal public statement
From this reading THE RING RETURNS The Prince, at the announcement of Mirza, took position near the centre of the room where the light was ample.
armnounUS /ɑːrm/
a human limb; technically the part of the superior limb between the shoulder and the elbow but commonly used to refer to the whole superior limb
From this reading He carried a dagger in his belt, and to further signify confidence in the Prince, the flat steel cap forming his headgear was swinging loosely from his left arm; or he might have intended to help his friend to a more ready recognition by presenting himself bareheaded.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Mirza's cheeks were scarcely so sun and sand stained as when we first beheld him in conduct of the caravan to Mecca; in other respects he was unchanged.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading THE RING RETURNS The Prince, at the announcement of Mirza, took position near the centre of the room where the light was ample.
attirenounUS /əˈtaɪər/
clothing of a distinctive style or for a particular occasion
From this reading His attire, like the lord Mahommed's at the reception on the landing, was of chain mail very light and flexible.
bareheadedadjective
having the head uncovered
From this reading He carried a dagger in his belt, and to further signify confidence in the Prince, the flat steel cap forming his headgear was swinging loosely from his left arm; or he might have intended to help his friend to a more ready recognition by presenting himself bareheaded.
beardnounUS /bɪrd/
the hair growing on the lower part of a man's face
From this reading His black velvet pelisse contrasting strongly with his white hair and beard, he looked a mysterious Indian potentate to whom occult Nature was a familiar, and the stars oracular friends.
beheldverbUS /biˈheld/
inflected form of “behold” — see with attention
From this reading Mirza's cheeks were scarcely so sun and sand stained as when we first beheld him in conduct of the caravan to Mecca; in other respects he was unchanged.
beltnounUS /belt/
endless loop of flexible material between two rotating shafts or pulleys
From this reading He carried a dagger in his belt, and to further signify confidence in the Prince, the flat steel cap forming his headgear was swinging loosely from his left arm; or he might have intended to help his friend to a more ready recognition by presenting himself bareheaded.
blackadjectiveUS /blæk/
being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light
From this reading His black velvet pelisse contrasting strongly with his white hair and beard, he looked a mysterious Indian potentate to whom occult Nature was a familiar, and the stars oracular friends.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading He carried a dagger in his belt, and to further signify confidence in the Prince, the flat steel cap forming his headgear was swinging loosely from his left arm; or he might have intended to help his friend to a more ready recognition by presenting himself bareheaded.
capnounUS /kæp/
a tight-fitting headdress
From this reading He carried a dagger in his belt, and to further signify confidence in the Prince, the flat steel cap forming his headgear was swinging loosely from his left arm; or he might have intended to help his friend to a more ready recognition by presenting himself bareheaded.
caravannounUS /ˈkærəvæn/
a procession (of wagons or mules or camels) traveling together in single file
From this reading Mirza's cheeks were scarcely so sun and sand stained as when we first beheld him in conduct of the caravan to Mecca; in other respects he was unchanged.
carriedverbUS /ˈkærid/
inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body
From this reading He carried a dagger in his belt, and to further signify confidence in the Prince, the flat steel cap forming his headgear was swinging loosely from his left arm; or he might have intended to help his friend to a more ready recognition by presenting himself bareheaded.
centrenounUS /ˈsentər/
a low-lying region in central France
From this reading THE RING RETURNS The Prince, at the announcement of Mirza, took position near the centre of the room where the light was ample.
chainnounUS /tʃeɪn/
a series of things depending on each other as if linked together
From this reading His attire, like the lord Mahommed's at the reception on the landing, was of chain mail very light and flexible.
cheeksnounUS /tʃiːks/
plural of “cheek” — either side of the face below the eyes
From this reading Mirza's cheeks were scarcely so sun and sand stained as when we first beheld him in conduct of the caravan to Mecca; in other respects he was unchanged.
conductverbUS /ˈkɑːndəkt/
direct the course of; manage or control
From this reading Mirza's cheeks were scarcely so sun and sand stained as when we first beheld him in conduct of the caravan to Mecca; in other respects he was unchanged.
confidencenounUS /ˈkɑːnfədəns/
freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities
From this reading He carried a dagger in his belt, and to further signify confidence in the Prince, the flat steel cap forming his headgear was swinging loosely from his left arm; or he might have intended to help his friend to a more ready recognition by presenting himself bareheaded.
contrastingadjectiveUS /kənˈtræstɪŋ/
strikingly different; tending to contrast
From this reading His black velvet pelisse contrasting strongly with his white hair and beard, he looked a mysterious Indian potentate to whom occult Nature was a familiar, and the stars oracular friends.
daggernounUS /ˈdæɡ.ər/
A short knife with a pointed and edged blade, used as a stealth weapon.
From this reading He carried a dagger in his belt, and to further signify confidence in the Prince, the flat steel cap forming his headgear was swinging loosely from his left arm; or he might have intended to help his friend to a more ready recognition by presenting himself bareheaded.
familiaradjectiveUS /fəˈmɪljər/
well known or easily recognized
From this reading His black velvet pelisse contrasting strongly with his white hair and beard, he looked a mysterious Indian potentate to whom occult Nature was a familiar, and the stars oracular friends.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading Mirza's cheeks were scarcely so sun and sand stained as when we first beheld him in conduct of the caravan to Mecca; in other respects he was unchanged.
flatadjectiveUS /flæt/
having a surface without slope, tilt in which no part is higher or lower than another
From this reading He carried a dagger in his belt, and to further signify confidence in the Prince, the flat steel cap forming his headgear was swinging loosely from his left arm; or he might have intended to help his friend to a more ready recognition by presenting himself bareheaded.
flexibleadjectiveUS /ˈfleksəbəl/
capable of being changed
From this reading His attire, like the lord Mahommed's at the reception on the landing, was of chain mail very light and flexible.
formingverbUS /ˈfɔːrmɪŋ/
-ing form of “form” — create (as an entity)
From this reading He carried a dagger in his belt, and to further signify confidence in the Prince, the flat steel cap forming his headgear was swinging loosely from his left arm; or he might have intended to help his friend to a more ready recognition by presenting himself bareheaded.
friendnounUS /frend/
a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading He carried a dagger in his belt, and to further signify confidence in the Prince, the flat steel cap forming his headgear was swinging loosely from his left arm; or he might have intended to help his friend to a more ready recognition by presenting himself bareheaded.
friendsnounUS /frendz/
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading His black velvet pelisse contrasting strongly with his white hair and beard, he looked a mysterious Indian potentate to whom occult Nature was a familiar, and the stars oracular friends.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading He carried a dagger in his belt, and to further signify confidence in the Prince, the flat steel cap forming his headgear was swinging loosely from his left arm; or he might have intended to help his friend to a more ready recognition by presenting himself bareheaded.
furtheradverbUS /ˈfɜːrðər/
to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)
From this reading He carried a dagger in his belt, and to further signify confidence in the Prince, the flat steel cap forming his headgear was swinging loosely from his left arm; or he might have intended to help his friend to a more ready recognition by presenting himself bareheaded.
hairnounUS /her/
a covering for the body (or parts of it) consisting of a dense growth of threadlike structures (as on the human head); helps to prevent heat loss
From this reading His black velvet pelisse contrasting strongly with his white hair and beard, he looked a mysterious Indian potentate to whom occult Nature was a familiar, and the stars oracular friends.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading He carried a dagger in his belt, and to further signify confidence in the Prince, the flat steel cap forming his headgear was swinging loosely from his left arm; or he might have intended to help his friend to a more ready recognition by presenting himself bareheaded.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading His black velvet pelisse contrasting strongly with his white hair and beard, he looked a mysterious Indian potentate to whom occult Nature was a familiar, and the stars oracular friends.
headgearnounUS /ˈhedɡɪr/
clothing for the head
From this reading He carried a dagger in his belt, and to further signify confidence in the Prince, the flat steel cap forming his headgear was swinging loosely from his left arm; or he might have intended to help his friend to a more ready recognition by presenting himself bareheaded.
helpverbUS /help/
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading He carried a dagger in his belt, and to further signify confidence in the Prince, the flat steel cap forming his headgear was swinging loosely from his left arm; or he might have intended to help his friend to a more ready recognition by presenting himself bareheaded.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Mirza's cheeks were scarcely so sun and sand stained as when we first beheld him in conduct of the caravan to Mecca; in other respects he was unchanged.
himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading He carried a dagger in his belt, and to further signify confidence in the Prince, the flat steel cap forming his headgear was swinging loosely from his left arm; or he might have intended to help his friend to a more ready recognition by presenting himself bareheaded.
HisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading His black velvet pelisse contrasting strongly with his white hair and beard, he looked a mysterious Indian potentate to whom occult Nature was a familiar, and the stars oracular friends.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Mirza's cheeks were scarcely so sun and sand stained as when we first beheld him in conduct of the caravan to Mecca; in other respects he was unchanged.
IndianadjectiveUS /ˈɪndiən/
of or relating to or characteristic of India or the East Indies or their peoples or languages or cultures
From this reading His black velvet pelisse contrasting strongly with his white hair and beard, he looked a mysterious Indian potentate to whom occult Nature was a familiar, and the stars oracular friends.
intendedadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈtendɪd/
resulting from one's intentions
From this reading He carried a dagger in his belt, and to further signify confidence in the Prince, the flat steel cap forming his headgear was swinging loosely from his left arm; or he might have intended to help his friend to a more ready recognition by presenting himself bareheaded.
landingnounUS /ˈlændɪŋ/
an intermediate platform in a staircase
From this reading His attire, like the lord Mahommed's at the reception on the landing, was of chain mail very light and flexible.
leftnounUS /left/
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading He carried a dagger in his belt, and to further signify confidence in the Prince, the flat steel cap forming his headgear was swinging loosely from his left arm; or he might have intended to help his friend to a more ready recognition by presenting himself bareheaded.
lightadjectiveUS /laɪt/
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading THE RING RETURNS The Prince, at the announcement of Mirza, took position near the centre of the room where the light was ample.
likeverbUS /laɪk/
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading His attire, like the lord Mahommed's at the reception on the landing, was of chain mail very light and flexible.
lookedverbUS /lʊkt/
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading His black velvet pelisse contrasting strongly with his white hair and beard, he looked a mysterious Indian potentate to whom occult Nature was a familiar, and the stars oracular friends.
looselyadverbUS /ˈluːsli/
in a relaxed manner; not rigid
From this reading He carried a dagger in his belt, and to further signify confidence in the Prince, the flat steel cap forming his headgear was swinging loosely from his left arm; or he might have intended to help his friend to a more ready recognition by presenting himself bareheaded.
lordnounUS /lɔːrd/
terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God
From this reading His attire, like the lord Mahommed's at the reception on the landing, was of chain mail very light and flexible.
Mahommed's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His attire, like the lord Mahommed's at the reception on the landing, was of chain mail very light and flexible.
mailnounUS /meɪl/
the bags of letters and packages that are transported by the postal service
From this reading His attire, like the lord Mahommed's at the reception on the landing, was of chain mail very light and flexible.
MeccanounUS /ˈmekə/
joint capital (with Riyadh) of Saudi Arabia; located in western Saudi Arabia; as the birthplace of Muhammad it is the holiest city of Islam
From this reading Mirza's cheeks were scarcely so sun and sand stained as when we first beheld him in conduct of the caravan to Mecca; in other respects he was unchanged.
mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading He carried a dagger in his belt, and to further signify confidence in the Prince, the flat steel cap forming his headgear was swinging loosely from his left arm; or he might have intended to help his friend to a more ready recognition by presenting himself bareheaded.
Mirza
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE RING RETURNS The Prince, at the announcement of Mirza, took position near the centre of the room where the light was ample.
Mirza's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mirza's cheeks were scarcely so sun and sand stained as when we first beheld him in conduct of the caravan to Mecca; in other respects he was unchanged.
moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading He carried a dagger in his belt, and to further signify confidence in the Prince, the flat steel cap forming his headgear was swinging loosely from his left arm; or he might have intended to help his friend to a more ready recognition by presenting himself bareheaded.
mysteriousadjectiveUS /mɪˈstɪriəs/
of an obscure nature
From this reading His black velvet pelisse contrasting strongly with his white hair and beard, he looked a mysterious Indian potentate to whom occult Nature was a familiar, and the stars oracular friends.
NaturenounUS /ˈneɪtʃər/
the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading His black velvet pelisse contrasting strongly with his white hair and beard, he looked a mysterious Indian potentate to whom occult Nature was a familiar, and the stars oracular friends.
nearadverbUS /nɪr/
near in time or place or relationship
From this reading THE RING RETURNS The Prince, at the announcement of Mirza, took position near the centre of the room where the light was ample.
occultverbUS /əˈkʌlt/
cause an eclipse of (a celestial body) by intervention
From this reading His black velvet pelisse contrasting strongly with his white hair and beard, he looked a mysterious Indian potentate to whom occult Nature was a familiar, and the stars oracular friends.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE RING RETURNS The Prince, at the announcement of Mirza, took position near the centre of the room where the light was ample.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading His attire, like the lord Mahommed's at the reception on the landing, was of chain mail very light and flexible.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading He carried a dagger in his belt, and to further signify confidence in the Prince, the flat steel cap forming his headgear was swinging loosely from his left arm; or he might have intended to help his friend to a more ready recognition by presenting himself bareheaded.
oracularadjective
of or relating to an oracle
From this reading His black velvet pelisse contrasting strongly with his white hair and beard, he looked a mysterious Indian potentate to whom occult Nature was a familiar, and the stars oracular friends.
otheradjectiveUS /ˈʌðər/
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading Mirza's cheeks were scarcely so sun and sand stained as when we first beheld him in conduct of the caravan to Mecca; in other respects he was unchanged.
pelissenoun
a sleeveless cape that is lined or trimmed with fur
From this reading His black velvet pelisse contrasting strongly with his white hair and beard, he looked a mysterious Indian potentate to whom occult Nature was a familiar, and the stars oracular friends.
positionnounUS /pəˈzɪʃən/
the particular portion of space occupied by something
From this reading THE RING RETURNS The Prince, at the announcement of Mirza, took position near the centre of the room where the light was ample.
potentatenounUS /ˈpoʊtənteɪt/
a ruler who is unconstrained by law
From this reading His black velvet pelisse contrasting strongly with his white hair and beard, he looked a mysterious Indian potentate to whom occult Nature was a familiar, and the stars oracular friends.
presentingverbUS /prɪˈzentɪŋ/
-ing form of “present” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading He carried a dagger in his belt, and to further signify confidence in the Prince, the flat steel cap forming his headgear was swinging loosely from his left arm; or he might have intended to help his friend to a more ready recognition by presenting himself bareheaded.
PrincenounUS /prɪns/
a male member of a royal family other than the sovereign (especially the son of a sovereign)
From this reading THE RING RETURNS The Prince, at the announcement of Mirza, took position near the centre of the room where the light was ample.
readyadjectiveUS /ˈredi/
completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress
From this reading He carried a dagger in his belt, and to further signify confidence in the Prince, the flat steel cap forming his headgear was swinging loosely from his left arm; or he might have intended to help his friend to a more ready recognition by presenting himself bareheaded.
receptionnounUS /rɪˈsepʃən/
the manner in which something is greeted
From this reading His attire, like the lord Mahommed's at the reception on the landing, was of chain mail very light and flexible.
recognitionnounUS /ˌrekəɡˈnɪʃən/
the state or quality of being recognized or acknowledged
From this reading He carried a dagger in his belt, and to further signify confidence in the Prince, the flat steel cap forming his headgear was swinging loosely from his left arm; or he might have intended to help his friend to a more ready recognition by presenting himself bareheaded.
respectsnounUS /rɪˈspekts/
(often used with “pay”) a formal expression of esteem
From this reading Mirza's cheeks were scarcely so sun and sand stained as when we first beheld him in conduct of the caravan to Mecca; in other respects he was unchanged.
RETURNSnounUS /rɪˈtɜːrnz/
plural of “return” — document giving the tax collector information about the taxpayer's tax liability
From this reading THE RING RETURNS The Prince, at the announcement of Mirza, took position near the centre of the room where the light was ample.
RINGverbUS /rɪŋ/
sound loudly and sonorously
From this reading THE RING RETURNS The Prince, at the announcement of Mirza, took position near the centre of the room where the light was ample.
roomnounUS /ruːm/
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading THE RING RETURNS The Prince, at the announcement of Mirza, took position near the centre of the room where the light was ample.
sandnounUS /sænd/
a loose material consisting of grains of rock or coral
From this reading Mirza's cheeks were scarcely so sun and sand stained as when we first beheld him in conduct of the caravan to Mecca; in other respects he was unchanged.
scarcelyadverbUS /ˈskersli/
only a very short time before
From this reading Mirza's cheeks were scarcely so sun and sand stained as when we first beheld him in conduct of the caravan to Mecca; in other respects he was unchanged.
signifyverbUS /ˈsɪɡnəfaɪ/
denote or connote
From this reading He carried a dagger in his belt, and to further signify confidence in the Prince, the flat steel cap forming his headgear was swinging loosely from his left arm; or he might have intended to help his friend to a more ready recognition by presenting himself bareheaded.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Mirza's cheeks were scarcely so sun and sand stained as when we first beheld him in conduct of the caravan to Mecca; in other respects he was unchanged.
stainedadjectiveUS /steɪnd/
marked or dyed or discolored with foreign matter
From this reading Mirza's cheeks were scarcely so sun and sand stained as when we first beheld him in conduct of the caravan to Mecca; in other respects he was unchanged.
starsnounUS /stɑːrz/
plural of “star” — (astronomy) a celestial body of hot gases that radiates energy derived from thermonuclear reactions in the interior
From this reading His black velvet pelisse contrasting strongly with his white hair and beard, he looked a mysterious Indian potentate to whom occult Nature was a familiar, and the stars oracular friends.
steelnounUS /stiːl/
an alloy of iron with small amounts of carbon; widely used in construction; mechanical properties can be varied over a wide range
From this reading He carried a dagger in his belt, and to further signify confidence in the Prince, the flat steel cap forming his headgear was swinging loosely from his left arm; or he might have intended to help his friend to a more ready recognition by presenting himself bareheaded.
stronglyadverbUS /ˈstrɔːŋli/
with strength or in a strong manner
From this reading His black velvet pelisse contrasting strongly with his white hair and beard, he looked a mysterious Indian potentate to whom occult Nature was a familiar, and the stars oracular friends.
sunnounUS /sʌn/
the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
From this reading Mirza's cheeks were scarcely so sun and sand stained as when we first beheld him in conduct of the caravan to Mecca; in other respects he was unchanged.
swingingnounUS /ˈswɪŋɪŋ/
changing location by moving back and forth
From this reading He carried a dagger in his belt, and to further signify confidence in the Prince, the flat steel cap forming his headgear was swinging loosely from his left arm; or he might have intended to help his friend to a more ready recognition by presenting himself bareheaded.
THEdeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE RING RETURNS The Prince, at the announcement of Mirza, took position near the centre of the room where the light was ample.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading His black velvet pelisse contrasting strongly with his white hair and beard, he looked a mysterious Indian potentate to whom occult Nature was a familiar, and the stars oracular friends.
tookverbUS /tʊk/
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading THE RING RETURNS The Prince, at the announcement of Mirza, took position near the centre of the room where the light was ample.
unchangedadjectiveUS /ənˈtʃeɪndʒd/
not made or become different
From this reading Mirza's cheeks were scarcely so sun and sand stained as when we first beheld him in conduct of the caravan to Mecca; in other respects he was unchanged.
velvetnounUS /ˈvelvət/
a silky densely piled fabric with a plain back
From this reading His black velvet pelisse contrasting strongly with his white hair and beard, he looked a mysterious Indian potentate to whom occult Nature was a familiar, and the stars oracular friends.
veryadjectiveUS /ˈveri/
precisely as stated
From this reading His attire, like the lord Mahommed's at the reception on the landing, was of chain mail very light and flexible.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE RING RETURNS The Prince, at the announcement of Mirza, took position near the centre of the room where the light was ample.
wepronounUS /wiː/
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading Mirza's cheeks were scarcely so sun and sand stained as when we first beheld him in conduct of the caravan to Mecca; in other respects he was unchanged.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Mirza's cheeks were scarcely so sun and sand stained as when we first beheld him in conduct of the caravan to Mecca; in other respects he was unchanged.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading Mirza's cheeks were scarcely so sun and sand stained as when we first beheld him in conduct of the caravan to Mecca; in other respects he was unchanged.
whereconjunctionUS /wer/
in or at the place that
From this reading THE RING RETURNS The Prince, at the announcement of Mirza, took position near the centre of the room where the light was ample.
whitenounUS /waɪt/
a Caucasian
From this reading His black velvet pelisse contrasting strongly with his white hair and beard, he looked a mysterious Indian potentate to whom occult Nature was a familiar, and the stars oracular friends.
whompronounUS /huːm/
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading His black velvet pelisse contrasting strongly with his white hair and beard, he looked a mysterious Indian potentate to whom occult Nature was a familiar, and the stars oracular friends.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading His black velvet pelisse contrasting strongly with his white hair and beard, he looked a mysterious Indian potentate to whom occult Nature was a familiar, and the stars oracular friends.
