Nature had combined in him the features of a degenerate pope and the torpor of a crocodile, and to these had added a voice of unconscionable harshness.
In this passage, the character's appearance and demeanor are described as a combination of negative traits. He is depicted as having the qualities of a corrupt religious leader, a degenerate pope, and also possessing the sluggishness or lethargy of a crocodile. These descriptions suggest a sense of decay, corruption, and sluggishness in his physical and perhaps moral state.
The author further emphasizes this negative portrayal by highlighting the harshness of his voice, which is described as "unconscionable harshness." This detail reinforces the idea of a menacing or unsettling presence, portraying the character as someone who embodies decay and discomfort on multiple levels—physically, morally, and vocally.
