sermon
an address or speech on a religious subject
preen
clean feathers with a beak; make oneself look attractive
wheedling
gently urging someone through flattery or endearments
tormented
experiencing mental or physical pain
calumny
a false statement
heedless
showing a lack of attention or care
expensive
costing a high price
nonsense
words that have no meaning; foolish behavior
Italy
southern European country
woe
regret or sorrow
strike
hit forcibly
beamed
gave a radiant look or smile
carpenter
someone who creates or maintains wooden structures and objects
polished
shiny from being rubbed
sawdust
particles of wood created from sawing
petrified
so frightened that one cannot move
stuttering
talking with an involuntary repetition of sounds
fiery
quick-tempered; passionately angry
marionette
puppet that hangs from strings attached to its limbs that someone can manipulate to make it appear as though the puppet is moving of its own accord
limping
walking with difficulty, usually because of a leg or foot injury
