sarcophagi among the ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians, limestone coffins or tombs, often inscribed and elaborately ornamented.
sedulously persistently and steadily; diligently.
Siren Isle (Gr. and Rom. mythology) home of any of several sea nymphs, represented as part bird and part woman, who lure sailors to their death on rocky coasts by seductive singing.
Spartan like or characteristic of the Spartans, who were famous for being warlike, brave, stoical, severe, frugal, and highly disciplined.
stylographic a fountain pen having a pierced, conical point (rather than a nib) through which the ink flows.
trenchant keen; penetrating; incisive.
ubiquitous present, or seeming to be present, everywhere at the same time; omnipresent.
valetudinarian one who thinks constantly and anxiously about one's own health.
vicissitudes difficulties that are likely to occur.
vitrines a glass-paneled cabinet or glass display case for art objects, curios, etc.
