Learn English through classic literature • Five-line readings • Clear US narration
VELMORA ACADEMY
Academy of Archival Languages & Memory Studies
Menu Close
Amelia — Volume 1
Amelia — Volume 1

Chapter II · Chapter 2

Chapter 2 of Amelia — Volume 1 is here in full — 514 sentences across 103 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for Amelia — Volume 1
Context Illustration Reading 1/102 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
Chapter i.
_Containing the exordium, &c._ The various accidents which befel a very worthy couple after their uniting in the state of matrimony will be the subject of the following history.
The distresses which they waded through were some of them so exquisite, and the incidents which produced these so extraordinary, that they seemed to require not only the utmost malice, but the utmost invention, which superstition hath ever attributed to Fortune: though whether any such being interfered in the case, or, indeed, whether there be any such being in the universe, is a matter which I by no means presume to determine in the affirmative.
To speak a bold truth, I am, after much mature deliberation, inclined to suspect that the public voice hath, in all ages, done much injustice to Fortune, and hath convicted her of many facts in which she had not the least concern.
I question much whether we may not, by natural means, account for the success of knaves, the calamities of fools, with all the miseries in which men of sense sometimes involve themselves, by quitting the directions of Prudence, and following the blind guidance of a predominant passion; in short, for all the ordinary phenomena which are imputed to Fortune; whom, perhaps, men accuse with no less absurdity in life, than a bad player complains of ill luck at the game of chess.
0:00 / 0:00
Speed 0.75x
AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Amelia — Volume 1

Chapter II · Chapter 2

Chapter 2 of Amelia — Volume 1 is here in full — 514 sentences across 103 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/102 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
Chapter i.
/ˈtʃæptər aɪ/
Line 2
_Containing the exordium, &c._ The various accidents which befel a very worthy couple after their uniting in the state of matrimony will be the subject of the following history.
Line 3
The distresses which they waded through were some of them so exquisite, and the incidents which produced these so extraordinary, that they seemed to require not only the utmost malice, but the utmost invention, which superstition hath ever attributed to Fortune: though whether any such being interfered in the case, or, indeed, whether there be any such being in the universe, is a matter which I by no means presume to determine in the affirmative.
/ðə dɪˈstresɪz wɪtʃ ðeɪ ˈweɪdɪd θruː wɜːr sʌm ʌv ðem soʊ ˈekskwəzət ənd ðə ˈɪnsədənts wɪtʃ prəˈduːst ðiːz soʊ ˌekstrəˈɔːrdəneri ðæt ðeɪ siːmd tuː ˌriːˈkwaɪər nɑːt ˈoʊnli ðə ˈʌtmoʊst ˈmæləs bʌt ðə ˈʌtmoʊst ˌɪnˈvenʃən wɪtʃ ˌsuːpərˈstɪʃən hæθ ˈevər əˈtrɪbjətɪd tuː ˈfɔːrtʃən ðoʊ ˈweðər ˈeni sʌtʃ ˈbiːɪŋ ˌɪntərˈfɪrd ɪn ðə keɪs ɔːr ˌɪnˈdiːd ˈweðər ðer biː ˈeni sʌtʃ ˈbiːɪŋ ɪn ðə ˈjuːnəvɜːrs ɪz ə ˈmætər wɪtʃ aɪ baɪ noʊ miːnz prɪˈzuːm tuː dəˈtɜːrmən ɪn ðə əˈfɜːrmətɪv/
Line 4
To speak a bold truth, I am, after much mature deliberation, inclined to suspect that the public voice hath, in all ages, done much injustice to Fortune, and hath convicted her of many facts in which she had not the least concern.
/tuː spiːk ə boʊld truːθ aɪ æm ˈæftər mʌtʃ məˈtʃʊr dɪˌlɪbərˈeɪʃən ˌɪnˈklaɪnd tuː səˈspekt ðæt ðə ˈpʌblɪk vɔɪs hæθ ɪn ɔːl ˈeɪdʒəz dʌn mʌtʃ ˌɪnˈdʒʌstɪs tuː ˈfɔːrtʃən ənd hæθ kənˈvɪktəd hɜːr ʌv ˈmeni fækts ɪn wɪtʃ ʃiː hæd nɑːt ðə liːst kənˈsɜːrn/
Line 5
I question much whether we may not, by natural means, account for the success of knaves, the calamities of fools, with all the miseries in which men of sense sometimes involve themselves, by quitting the directions of Prudence, and following the blind guidance of a predominant passion; in short, for all the ordinary phenomena which are imputed to Fortune; whom, perhaps, men accuse with no less absurdity in life, than a bad player complains of ill luck at the game of chess.
/aɪ ˈkwestʃən mʌtʃ ˈweðər wiː meɪ nɑːt baɪ ˈnætʃərəl miːnz əˈkaʊnt fɔːr ðə səkˈses ʌv neɪvz ðə kəˈlæmətiz ʌv fuːlz wɪð ɔːl ðə ˈmɪzəriz ɪn wɪtʃ men ʌv sens səmˈtaɪmz ˌɪnˈvɑːlv ðemˈselvz baɪ ˈkwɪtɪŋ ðə dərˈekʃənz ʌv ˈpruːdəns ənd ˈfɑːloʊɪŋ ðə blaɪnd ˈɡaɪdəns ʌv ə prɪˈdɑːmənənt ˈpæʃən ɪn ʃɔːrt fɔːr ɔːl ðə ˈɔːrdəneri fəˈnɑːmənə wɪtʃ ɑːr ˌɪmˈpjuːtɪd tuː ˈfɔːrtʃən huːm pərˈhæps men əˈkjuːz wɪð noʊ les əbˈsɜːrdəti ɪn laɪf ðæn ə bæd ˈpleɪər kəmˈpleɪnz ʌv ɪl lʌk æt ðə ɡeɪm ʌv tʃes/

Learner Dictionary

These definitions explain words found in the current reading and keep every example grounded in its original sentence.

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, and audio.

calamities noun US /kəˈlæmətiz/

plural of “calamity” — an event resulting in great loss and misfortune

From this reading “I question much whether we may not, by natural means, account for the success of knaves, the calamities of fools, with all the miseries in which men of sense sometimes involve themselves, by quitting the directions of Prudence, and following the blind guidance of a predominant passion; in short, for all the ordinary phenomena which are imputed to Fortune; whom, perhaps, men accuse with no less absurdity in life, than a bad player complains of ill luck at the game of chess.”

complains verb US /kəmˈpleɪnz/

third-person singular of “complain” — express complaints, discontent, displeasure, or unhappiness

From this reading “I question much whether we may not, by natural means, account for the success of knaves, the calamities of fools, with all the miseries in which men of sense sometimes involve themselves, by quitting the directions of Prudence, and following the blind guidance of a predominant passion; in short, for all the ordinary phenomena which are imputed to Fortune; whom, perhaps, men accuse with no less absurdity in life, than a bad player complains of ill luck at the game of chess.”

distresses noun US /dɪˈstresɪz/

plural of “distress” — psychological suffering

From this reading “The distresses which they waded through were some of them so exquisite, and the incidents which produced these so extraordinary, that they seemed to require not only the utmost malice, but the utmost invention, which superstition hath ever attributed to Fortune: though whether any such being interfered in the case, or, indeed, whether there be any such being in the universe, is a matter which I by no means presume to determine in the affirmative.”

imputed verb US /ˌɪmˈpjuːtɪd/

past form of “impute” — attribute or credit to

From this reading “I question much whether we may not, by natural means, account for the success of knaves, the calamities of fools, with all the miseries in which men of sense sometimes involve themselves, by quitting the directions of Prudence, and following the blind guidance of a predominant passion; in short, for all the ordinary phenomena which are imputed to Fortune; whom, perhaps, men accuse with no less absurdity in life, than a bad player complains of ill luck at the game of chess.”

knaves noun US /neɪvz/

plural of “knave” — a deceitful and unreliable scoundrel

From this reading “I question much whether we may not, by natural means, account for the success of knaves, the calamities of fools, with all the miseries in which men of sense sometimes involve themselves, by quitting the directions of Prudence, and following the blind guidance of a predominant passion; in short, for all the ordinary phenomena which are imputed to Fortune; whom, perhaps, men accuse with no less absurdity in life, than a bad player complains of ill luck at the game of chess.”

predominant adjective US /prɪˈdɑːmənənt/

most frequent or common

From this reading “I question much whether we may not, by natural means, account for the success of knaves, the calamities of fools, with all the miseries in which men of sense sometimes involve themselves, by quitting the directions of Prudence, and following the blind guidance of a predominant passion; in short, for all the ordinary phenomena which are imputed to Fortune; whom, perhaps, men accuse with no less absurdity in life, than a bad player complains of ill luck at the game of chess.”

uniting noun US /juːˈnaɪtɪŋ/

the combination of two or more commercial companies

From this reading “_Containing the exordium, &c._ The various accidents which befel a very worthy couple after their uniting in the state of matrimony will be the subject of the following history.”

waded verb US /ˈweɪdɪd/

past form of “wade” — walk (through relatively shallow water)

From this reading “The distresses which they waded through were some of them so exquisite, and the incidents which produced these so extraordinary, that they seemed to require not only the utmost malice, but the utmost invention, which superstition hath ever attributed to Fortune: though whether any such being interfered in the case, or, indeed, whether there be any such being in the universe, is a matter which I by no means presume to determine in the affirmative.”

All words in this reading · 141

Every word in these five lines is listed here, and every one of them can be played on its own.

Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

adeterminerUS /ə/

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading _Containing the exordium, &c._ The various accidents which befel a very worthy couple after their uniting in the state of matrimony will be the subject of the following history.

absurditynounUS /əbˈsɜːrdəti/

a message whose content is at variance with reason

From this reading I question much whether we may not, by natural means, account for the success of knaves, the calamities of fools, with all the miseries in which men of sense sometimes involve themselves, by quitting the directions of Prudence, and following the blind guidance of a predominant passion; in short, for all the ordinary phenomena which are imputed to Fortune; whom, perhaps, men accuse with no less absurdity in life, than a bad player complains of ill luck at the game of chess.

accidentsnounUS /ˈæksədənts/

plural of “accident” — an unfortunate mishap; especially one causing damage or injury

From this reading _Containing the exordium, &c._ The various accidents which befel a very worthy couple after their uniting in the state of matrimony will be the subject of the following history.

accountnounUS /əˈkaʊnt/

a record or narrative description of past events

From this reading I question much whether we may not, by natural means, account for the success of knaves, the calamities of fools, with all the miseries in which men of sense sometimes involve themselves, by quitting the directions of Prudence, and following the blind guidance of a predominant passion; in short, for all the ordinary phenomena which are imputed to Fortune; whom, perhaps, men accuse with no less absurdity in life, than a bad player complains of ill luck at the game of chess.

accuseverbUS /əˈkjuːz/

bring an accusation against; level a charge against

From this reading I question much whether we may not, by natural means, account for the success of knaves, the calamities of fools, with all the miseries in which men of sense sometimes involve themselves, by quitting the directions of Prudence, and following the blind guidance of a predominant passion; in short, for all the ordinary phenomena which are imputed to Fortune; whom, perhaps, men accuse with no less absurdity in life, than a bad player complains of ill luck at the game of chess.

affirmativeadjectiveUS /əˈfɜːrmətɪv/

affirming or giving assent

From this reading The distresses which they waded through were some of them so exquisite, and the incidents which produced these so extraordinary, that they seemed to require not only the utmost malice, but the utmost invention, which superstition hath ever attributed to Fortune: though whether any such being interfered in the case, or, indeed, whether there be any such being in the universe, is a matter which I by no means presume to determine in the affirmative.

afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading _Containing the exordium, &c._ The various accidents which befel a very worthy couple after their uniting in the state of matrimony will be the subject of the following history.

agesnounUS /ˈeɪdʒəz/

plural of “age” — how long something has existed

From this reading To speak a bold truth, I am, after much mature deliberation, inclined to suspect that the public voice hath, in all ages, done much injustice to Fortune, and hath convicted her of many facts in which she had not the least concern.

alladjectiveUS /ɔːl/

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading To speak a bold truth, I am, after much mature deliberation, inclined to suspect that the public voice hath, in all ages, done much injustice to Fortune, and hath convicted her of many facts in which she had not the least concern.

amauxiliary verbUS /æm/

the form of “be” used with “I”

From this reading To speak a bold truth, I am, after much mature deliberation, inclined to suspect that the public voice hath, in all ages, done much injustice to Fortune, and hath convicted her of many facts in which she had not the least concern.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading The distresses which they waded through were some of them so exquisite, and the incidents which produced these so extraordinary, that they seemed to require not only the utmost malice, but the utmost invention, which superstition hath ever attributed to Fortune: though whether any such being interfered in the case, or, indeed, whether there be any such being in the universe, is a matter which I by no means presume to determine in the affirmative.

anyadjectiveUS /ˈeni/

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading The distresses which they waded through were some of them so exquisite, and the incidents which produced these so extraordinary, that they seemed to require not only the utmost malice, but the utmost invention, which superstition hath ever attributed to Fortune: though whether any such being interfered in the case, or, indeed, whether there be any such being in the universe, is a matter which I by no means presume to determine in the affirmative.

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading I question much whether we may not, by natural means, account for the success of knaves, the calamities of fools, with all the miseries in which men of sense sometimes involve themselves, by quitting the directions of Prudence, and following the blind guidance of a predominant passion; in short, for all the ordinary phenomena which are imputed to Fortune; whom, perhaps, men accuse with no less absurdity in life, than a bad player complains of ill luck at the game of chess.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading I question much whether we may not, by natural means, account for the success of knaves, the calamities of fools, with all the miseries in which men of sense sometimes involve themselves, by quitting the directions of Prudence, and following the blind guidance of a predominant passion; in short, for all the ordinary phenomena which are imputed to Fortune; whom, perhaps, men accuse with no less absurdity in life, than a bad player complains of ill luck at the game of chess.

attributedverbUS /əˈtrɪbjətɪd/

past form of “attribute” — attribute or credit to

From this reading The distresses which they waded through were some of them so exquisite, and the incidents which produced these so extraordinary, that they seemed to require not only the utmost malice, but the utmost invention, which superstition hath ever attributed to Fortune: though whether any such being interfered in the case, or, indeed, whether there be any such being in the universe, is a matter which I by no means presume to determine in the affirmative.

badadjectiveUS /bæd/

having undesirable or negative qualities

From this reading I question much whether we may not, by natural means, account for the success of knaves, the calamities of fools, with all the miseries in which men of sense sometimes involve themselves, by quitting the directions of Prudence, and following the blind guidance of a predominant passion; in short, for all the ordinary phenomena which are imputed to Fortune; whom, perhaps, men accuse with no less absurdity in life, than a bad player complains of ill luck at the game of chess.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading _Containing the exordium, &c._ The various accidents which befel a very worthy couple after their uniting in the state of matrimony will be the subject of the following history.

befel

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading _Containing the exordium, &c._ The various accidents which befel a very worthy couple after their uniting in the state of matrimony will be the subject of the following history.

beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading The distresses which they waded through were some of them so exquisite, and the incidents which produced these so extraordinary, that they seemed to require not only the utmost malice, but the utmost invention, which superstition hath ever attributed to Fortune: though whether any such being interfered in the case, or, indeed, whether there be any such being in the universe, is a matter which I by no means presume to determine in the affirmative.

blindnounUS /blaɪnd/

people who have severe visual impairments, considered as a group

From this reading I question much whether we may not, by natural means, account for the success of knaves, the calamities of fools, with all the miseries in which men of sense sometimes involve themselves, by quitting the directions of Prudence, and following the blind guidance of a predominant passion; in short, for all the ordinary phenomena which are imputed to Fortune; whom, perhaps, men accuse with no less absurdity in life, than a bad player complains of ill luck at the game of chess.

boldadjectiveUS /boʊld/

fearless and daring

From this reading To speak a bold truth, I am, after much mature deliberation, inclined to suspect that the public voice hath, in all ages, done much injustice to Fortune, and hath convicted her of many facts in which she had not the least concern.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The distresses which they waded through were some of them so exquisite, and the incidents which produced these so extraordinary, that they seemed to require not only the utmost malice, but the utmost invention, which superstition hath ever attributed to Fortune: though whether any such being interfered in the case, or, indeed, whether there be any such being in the universe, is a matter which I by no means presume to determine in the affirmative.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The distresses which they waded through were some of them so exquisite, and the incidents which produced these so extraordinary, that they seemed to require not only the utmost malice, but the utmost invention, which superstition hath ever attributed to Fortune: though whether any such being interfered in the case, or, indeed, whether there be any such being in the universe, is a matter which I by no means presume to determine in the affirmative.

cnounUS /siː/

a degree on the centigrade scale of temperature

From this reading _Containing the exordium, &c._ The various accidents which befel a very worthy couple after their uniting in the state of matrimony will be the subject of the following history.

calamitiesnounUS /kəˈlæmətiz/

plural of “calamity” — an event resulting in great loss and misfortune

From this reading I question much whether we may not, by natural means, account for the success of knaves, the calamities of fools, with all the miseries in which men of sense sometimes involve themselves, by quitting the directions of Prudence, and following the blind guidance of a predominant passion; in short, for all the ordinary phenomena which are imputed to Fortune; whom, perhaps, men accuse with no less absurdity in life, than a bad player complains of ill luck at the game of chess.

casenounUS /keɪs/

an occurrence of something

From this reading The distresses which they waded through were some of them so exquisite, and the incidents which produced these so extraordinary, that they seemed to require not only the utmost malice, but the utmost invention, which superstition hath ever attributed to Fortune: though whether any such being interfered in the case, or, indeed, whether there be any such being in the universe, is a matter which I by no means presume to determine in the affirmative.

ChapternounUS /ˈtʃæptər/

a subdivision of a written work; usually numbered and titled

From this reading Chapter i.

chessnounUS /tʃes/

weedy annual native to Europe but widely distributed as a weed especially in wheat

From this reading I question much whether we may not, by natural means, account for the success of knaves, the calamities of fools, with all the miseries in which men of sense sometimes involve themselves, by quitting the directions of Prudence, and following the blind guidance of a predominant passion; in short, for all the ordinary phenomena which are imputed to Fortune; whom, perhaps, men accuse with no less absurdity in life, than a bad player complains of ill luck at the game of chess.

complainsverbUS /kəmˈpleɪnz/

third-person singular of “complain” — express complaints, discontent, displeasure, or unhappiness

From this reading I question much whether we may not, by natural means, account for the success of knaves, the calamities of fools, with all the miseries in which men of sense sometimes involve themselves, by quitting the directions of Prudence, and following the blind guidance of a predominant passion; in short, for all the ordinary phenomena which are imputed to Fortune; whom, perhaps, men accuse with no less absurdity in life, than a bad player complains of ill luck at the game of chess.

concernnounUS /kənˈsɜːrn/

something that interests you because it is important or affects you

From this reading To speak a bold truth, I am, after much mature deliberation, inclined to suspect that the public voice hath, in all ages, done much injustice to Fortune, and hath convicted her of many facts in which she had not the least concern.

ContainingverbUS /kənˈteɪnɪŋ/

-ing form of “contain” — include or contain; have as a component

From this reading _Containing the exordium, &c._ The various accidents which befel a very worthy couple after their uniting in the state of matrimony will be the subject of the following history.

convictedverbUS /kənˈvɪktəd/

past form of “convict” — find or declare guilty

From this reading To speak a bold truth, I am, after much mature deliberation, inclined to suspect that the public voice hath, in all ages, done much injustice to Fortune, and hath convicted her of many facts in which she had not the least concern.

couplenounUS /ˈkʌpəl/

a pair who associate with one another

From this reading _Containing the exordium, &c._ The various accidents which befel a very worthy couple after their uniting in the state of matrimony will be the subject of the following history.

deliberationnounUS /dɪˌlɪbərˈeɪʃən/

(usually plural) discussion of all sides of a question

From this reading To speak a bold truth, I am, after much mature deliberation, inclined to suspect that the public voice hath, in all ages, done much injustice to Fortune, and hath convicted her of many facts in which she had not the least concern.

determineverbUS /dəˈtɜːrmən/

establish after a calculation, investigation, experiment, survey, or study

From this reading The distresses which they waded through were some of them so exquisite, and the incidents which produced these so extraordinary, that they seemed to require not only the utmost malice, but the utmost invention, which superstition hath ever attributed to Fortune: though whether any such being interfered in the case, or, indeed, whether there be any such being in the universe, is a matter which I by no means presume to determine in the affirmative.

directionsnounUS /dərˈekʃənz/

plural of “direction” — a line leading to a place or point

From this reading I question much whether we may not, by natural means, account for the success of knaves, the calamities of fools, with all the miseries in which men of sense sometimes involve themselves, by quitting the directions of Prudence, and following the blind guidance of a predominant passion; in short, for all the ordinary phenomena which are imputed to Fortune; whom, perhaps, men accuse with no less absurdity in life, than a bad player complains of ill luck at the game of chess.

distressesnounUS /dɪˈstresɪz/

plural of “distress” — psychological suffering

From this reading The distresses which they waded through were some of them so exquisite, and the incidents which produced these so extraordinary, that they seemed to require not only the utmost malice, but the utmost invention, which superstition hath ever attributed to Fortune: though whether any such being interfered in the case, or, indeed, whether there be any such being in the universe, is a matter which I by no means presume to determine in the affirmative.

doneadjectiveUS /dʌn/

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading To speak a bold truth, I am, after much mature deliberation, inclined to suspect that the public voice hath, in all ages, done much injustice to Fortune, and hath convicted her of many facts in which she had not the least concern.

everadverbUS /ˈevər/

at any time

From this reading The distresses which they waded through were some of them so exquisite, and the incidents which produced these so extraordinary, that they seemed to require not only the utmost malice, but the utmost invention, which superstition hath ever attributed to Fortune: though whether any such being interfered in the case, or, indeed, whether there be any such being in the universe, is a matter which I by no means presume to determine in the affirmative.

exordiumnoun

(rhetoric) the introductory section of an oration or discourse

From this reading _Containing the exordium, &c._ The various accidents which befel a very worthy couple after their uniting in the state of matrimony will be the subject of the following history.

exquisiteadjectiveUS /ˈekskwəzət/

intense or sharp

From this reading The distresses which they waded through were some of them so exquisite, and the incidents which produced these so extraordinary, that they seemed to require not only the utmost malice, but the utmost invention, which superstition hath ever attributed to Fortune: though whether any such being interfered in the case, or, indeed, whether there be any such being in the universe, is a matter which I by no means presume to determine in the affirmative.

extraordinaryadjectiveUS /ˌekstrəˈɔːrdəneri/

beyond what is ordinary or usual; highly unusual or exceptional or remarkable

From this reading The distresses which they waded through were some of them so exquisite, and the incidents which produced these so extraordinary, that they seemed to require not only the utmost malice, but the utmost invention, which superstition hath ever attributed to Fortune: though whether any such being interfered in the case, or, indeed, whether there be any such being in the universe, is a matter which I by no means presume to determine in the affirmative.

factsnounUS /fækts/

plural of “fact” — a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading To speak a bold truth, I am, after much mature deliberation, inclined to suspect that the public voice hath, in all ages, done much injustice to Fortune, and hath convicted her of many facts in which she had not the least concern.

followingadjectiveUS /ˈfɑːloʊɪŋ/

about to be mentioned or specified

From this reading _Containing the exordium, &c._ The various accidents which befel a very worthy couple after their uniting in the state of matrimony will be the subject of the following history.

foolsnounUS /fuːlz/

plural of “fool” — a person who lacks good judgment

From this reading I question much whether we may not, by natural means, account for the success of knaves, the calamities of fools, with all the miseries in which men of sense sometimes involve themselves, by quitting the directions of Prudence, and following the blind guidance of a predominant passion; in short, for all the ordinary phenomena which are imputed to Fortune; whom, perhaps, men accuse with no less absurdity in life, than a bad player complains of ill luck at the game of chess.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading I question much whether we may not, by natural means, account for the success of knaves, the calamities of fools, with all the miseries in which men of sense sometimes involve themselves, by quitting the directions of Prudence, and following the blind guidance of a predominant passion; in short, for all the ordinary phenomena which are imputed to Fortune; whom, perhaps, men accuse with no less absurdity in life, than a bad player complains of ill luck at the game of chess.

FortunenounUS /ˈfɔːrtʃən/

an unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that causes an event to result one way rather than another

From this reading The distresses which they waded through were some of them so exquisite, and the incidents which produced these so extraordinary, that they seemed to require not only the utmost malice, but the utmost invention, which superstition hath ever attributed to Fortune: though whether any such being interfered in the case, or, indeed, whether there be any such being in the universe, is a matter which I by no means presume to determine in the affirmative.

gamenounUS /ɡeɪm/

a contest with rules to determine a winner

From this reading I question much whether we may not, by natural means, account for the success of knaves, the calamities of fools, with all the miseries in which men of sense sometimes involve themselves, by quitting the directions of Prudence, and following the blind guidance of a predominant passion; in short, for all the ordinary phenomena which are imputed to Fortune; whom, perhaps, men accuse with no less absurdity in life, than a bad player complains of ill luck at the game of chess.

guidancenounUS /ˈɡaɪdəns/

something that provides direction or advice as to a decision or course of action

From this reading I question much whether we may not, by natural means, account for the success of knaves, the calamities of fools, with all the miseries in which men of sense sometimes involve themselves, by quitting the directions of Prudence, and following the blind guidance of a predominant passion; in short, for all the ordinary phenomena which are imputed to Fortune; whom, perhaps, men accuse with no less absurdity in life, than a bad player complains of ill luck at the game of chess.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading To speak a bold truth, I am, after much mature deliberation, inclined to suspect that the public voice hath, in all ages, done much injustice to Fortune, and hath convicted her of many facts in which she had not the least concern.

hathauxiliary verbUS /hæθ/

an old form of “has”

From this reading The distresses which they waded through were some of them so exquisite, and the incidents which produced these so extraordinary, that they seemed to require not only the utmost malice, but the utmost invention, which superstition hath ever attributed to Fortune: though whether any such being interfered in the case, or, indeed, whether there be any such being in the universe, is a matter which I by no means presume to determine in the affirmative.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading To speak a bold truth, I am, after much mature deliberation, inclined to suspect that the public voice hath, in all ages, done much injustice to Fortune, and hath convicted her of many facts in which she had not the least concern.

historynounUS /ˈhɪstəri/

the aggregate of past events

From this reading _Containing the exordium, &c._ The various accidents which befel a very worthy couple after their uniting in the state of matrimony will be the subject of the following history.

ipronounUS /aɪ/

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading Chapter i.

illadjectiveUS /ɪl/

affected by an impairment of normal physical or mental function

From this reading I question much whether we may not, by natural means, account for the success of knaves, the calamities of fools, with all the miseries in which men of sense sometimes involve themselves, by quitting the directions of Prudence, and following the blind guidance of a predominant passion; in short, for all the ordinary phenomena which are imputed to Fortune; whom, perhaps, men accuse with no less absurdity in life, than a bad player complains of ill luck at the game of chess.

imputedverbUS /ˌɪmˈpjuːtɪd/

past form of “impute” — attribute or credit to

From this reading I question much whether we may not, by natural means, account for the success of knaves, the calamities of fools, with all the miseries in which men of sense sometimes involve themselves, by quitting the directions of Prudence, and following the blind guidance of a predominant passion; in short, for all the ordinary phenomena which are imputed to Fortune; whom, perhaps, men accuse with no less absurdity in life, than a bad player complains of ill luck at the game of chess.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading _Containing the exordium, &c._ The various accidents which befel a very worthy couple after their uniting in the state of matrimony will be the subject of the following history.

incidentsnounUS /ˈɪnsədənts/

plural of “incident” — a single distinct event

From this reading The distresses which they waded through were some of them so exquisite, and the incidents which produced these so extraordinary, that they seemed to require not only the utmost malice, but the utmost invention, which superstition hath ever attributed to Fortune: though whether any such being interfered in the case, or, indeed, whether there be any such being in the universe, is a matter which I by no means presume to determine in the affirmative.

inclinedadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈklaɪnd/

(often followed by “to”) having a preference, disposition, or tendency

From this reading To speak a bold truth, I am, after much mature deliberation, inclined to suspect that the public voice hath, in all ages, done much injustice to Fortune, and hath convicted her of many facts in which she had not the least concern.

indeedadverbUS /ˌɪnˈdiːd/

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading The distresses which they waded through were some of them so exquisite, and the incidents which produced these so extraordinary, that they seemed to require not only the utmost malice, but the utmost invention, which superstition hath ever attributed to Fortune: though whether any such being interfered in the case, or, indeed, whether there be any such being in the universe, is a matter which I by no means presume to determine in the affirmative.

injusticenounUS /ˌɪnˈdʒʌstɪs/

an unjust act

From this reading To speak a bold truth, I am, after much mature deliberation, inclined to suspect that the public voice hath, in all ages, done much injustice to Fortune, and hath convicted her of many facts in which she had not the least concern.

interferedverbUS /ˌɪntərˈfɪrd/

past form of “interfere” — come between so as to be hindrance or obstacle

From this reading The distresses which they waded through were some of them so exquisite, and the incidents which produced these so extraordinary, that they seemed to require not only the utmost malice, but the utmost invention, which superstition hath ever attributed to Fortune: though whether any such being interfered in the case, or, indeed, whether there be any such being in the universe, is a matter which I by no means presume to determine in the affirmative.

inventionnounUS /ˌɪnˈvenʃən/

the creation of something in the mind

From this reading The distresses which they waded through were some of them so exquisite, and the incidents which produced these so extraordinary, that they seemed to require not only the utmost malice, but the utmost invention, which superstition hath ever attributed to Fortune: though whether any such being interfered in the case, or, indeed, whether there be any such being in the universe, is a matter which I by no means presume to determine in the affirmative.

involveverbUS /ˌɪnˈvɑːlv/

connect closely and often incriminatingly

From this reading I question much whether we may not, by natural means, account for the success of knaves, the calamities of fools, with all the miseries in which men of sense sometimes involve themselves, by quitting the directions of Prudence, and following the blind guidance of a predominant passion; in short, for all the ordinary phenomena which are imputed to Fortune; whom, perhaps, men accuse with no less absurdity in life, than a bad player complains of ill luck at the game of chess.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading The distresses which they waded through were some of them so exquisite, and the incidents which produced these so extraordinary, that they seemed to require not only the utmost malice, but the utmost invention, which superstition hath ever attributed to Fortune: though whether any such being interfered in the case, or, indeed, whether there be any such being in the universe, is a matter which I by no means presume to determine in the affirmative.

knavesnounUS /neɪvz/

plural of “knave” — a deceitful and unreliable scoundrel

From this reading I question much whether we may not, by natural means, account for the success of knaves, the calamities of fools, with all the miseries in which men of sense sometimes involve themselves, by quitting the directions of Prudence, and following the blind guidance of a predominant passion; in short, for all the ordinary phenomena which are imputed to Fortune; whom, perhaps, men accuse with no less absurdity in life, than a bad player complains of ill luck at the game of chess.

leastadjectiveUS /liːst/

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading To speak a bold truth, I am, after much mature deliberation, inclined to suspect that the public voice hath, in all ages, done much injustice to Fortune, and hath convicted her of many facts in which she had not the least concern.

lessadverbUS /les/

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading I question much whether we may not, by natural means, account for the success of knaves, the calamities of fools, with all the miseries in which men of sense sometimes involve themselves, by quitting the directions of Prudence, and following the blind guidance of a predominant passion; in short, for all the ordinary phenomena which are imputed to Fortune; whom, perhaps, men accuse with no less absurdity in life, than a bad player complains of ill luck at the game of chess.

lifenounUS /laɪf/

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading I question much whether we may not, by natural means, account for the success of knaves, the calamities of fools, with all the miseries in which men of sense sometimes involve themselves, by quitting the directions of Prudence, and following the blind guidance of a predominant passion; in short, for all the ordinary phenomena which are imputed to Fortune; whom, perhaps, men accuse with no less absurdity in life, than a bad player complains of ill luck at the game of chess.

lucknounUS /lʌk/

your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)

From this reading I question much whether we may not, by natural means, account for the success of knaves, the calamities of fools, with all the miseries in which men of sense sometimes involve themselves, by quitting the directions of Prudence, and following the blind guidance of a predominant passion; in short, for all the ordinary phenomena which are imputed to Fortune; whom, perhaps, men accuse with no less absurdity in life, than a bad player complains of ill luck at the game of chess.

malicenounUS /ˈmæləs/

feeling a need to see others suffer

From this reading The distresses which they waded through were some of them so exquisite, and the incidents which produced these so extraordinary, that they seemed to require not only the utmost malice, but the utmost invention, which superstition hath ever attributed to Fortune: though whether any such being interfered in the case, or, indeed, whether there be any such being in the universe, is a matter which I by no means presume to determine in the affirmative.

manyadjectiveUS /ˈmeni/

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading To speak a bold truth, I am, after much mature deliberation, inclined to suspect that the public voice hath, in all ages, done much injustice to Fortune, and hath convicted her of many facts in which she had not the least concern.

matrimonynounUS /ˈmætrəmoʊni/

the state of being a married couple voluntarily joined for life (or until divorce)

From this reading _Containing the exordium, &c._ The various accidents which befel a very worthy couple after their uniting in the state of matrimony will be the subject of the following history.

matternounUS /ˈmætər/

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading The distresses which they waded through were some of them so exquisite, and the incidents which produced these so extraordinary, that they seemed to require not only the utmost malice, but the utmost invention, which superstition hath ever attributed to Fortune: though whether any such being interfered in the case, or, indeed, whether there be any such being in the universe, is a matter which I by no means presume to determine in the affirmative.

matureadjectiveUS /məˈtʃʊr/

characteristic of maturity

From this reading To speak a bold truth, I am, after much mature deliberation, inclined to suspect that the public voice hath, in all ages, done much injustice to Fortune, and hath convicted her of many facts in which she had not the least concern.

maymodal verbUS /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading I question much whether we may not, by natural means, account for the success of knaves, the calamities of fools, with all the miseries in which men of sense sometimes involve themselves, by quitting the directions of Prudence, and following the blind guidance of a predominant passion; in short, for all the ordinary phenomena which are imputed to Fortune; whom, perhaps, men accuse with no less absurdity in life, than a bad player complains of ill luck at the game of chess.

meansnounUS /miːnz/

thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end

From this reading The distresses which they waded through were some of them so exquisite, and the incidents which produced these so extraordinary, that they seemed to require not only the utmost malice, but the utmost invention, which superstition hath ever attributed to Fortune: though whether any such being interfered in the case, or, indeed, whether there be any such being in the universe, is a matter which I by no means presume to determine in the affirmative.

mennounUS /men/

the force of workers available

From this reading I question much whether we may not, by natural means, account for the success of knaves, the calamities of fools, with all the miseries in which men of sense sometimes involve themselves, by quitting the directions of Prudence, and following the blind guidance of a predominant passion; in short, for all the ordinary phenomena which are imputed to Fortune; whom, perhaps, men accuse with no less absurdity in life, than a bad player complains of ill luck at the game of chess.

miseriesnounUS /ˈmɪzəriz/

plural of “misery” — a state of ill-being due to affliction or misfortune

From this reading I question much whether we may not, by natural means, account for the success of knaves, the calamities of fools, with all the miseries in which men of sense sometimes involve themselves, by quitting the directions of Prudence, and following the blind guidance of a predominant passion; in short, for all the ordinary phenomena which are imputed to Fortune; whom, perhaps, men accuse with no less absurdity in life, than a bad player complains of ill luck at the game of chess.

muchadverbUS /mʌtʃ/

to a great degree or extent

From this reading To speak a bold truth, I am, after much mature deliberation, inclined to suspect that the public voice hath, in all ages, done much injustice to Fortune, and hath convicted her of many facts in which she had not the least concern.

naturaladjectiveUS /ˈnætʃərəl/

in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature

From this reading I question much whether we may not, by natural means, account for the success of knaves, the calamities of fools, with all the miseries in which men of sense sometimes involve themselves, by quitting the directions of Prudence, and following the blind guidance of a predominant passion; in short, for all the ordinary phenomena which are imputed to Fortune; whom, perhaps, men accuse with no less absurdity in life, than a bad player complains of ill luck at the game of chess.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading The distresses which they waded through were some of them so exquisite, and the incidents which produced these so extraordinary, that they seemed to require not only the utmost malice, but the utmost invention, which superstition hath ever attributed to Fortune: though whether any such being interfered in the case, or, indeed, whether there be any such being in the universe, is a matter which I by no means presume to determine in the affirmative.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The distresses which they waded through were some of them so exquisite, and the incidents which produced these so extraordinary, that they seemed to require not only the utmost malice, but the utmost invention, which superstition hath ever attributed to Fortune: though whether any such being interfered in the case, or, indeed, whether there be any such being in the universe, is a matter which I by no means presume to determine in the affirmative.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading _Containing the exordium, &c._ The various accidents which befel a very worthy couple after their uniting in the state of matrimony will be the subject of the following history.

onlyadverbUS /ˈoʊnli/

and nothing more

From this reading The distresses which they waded through were some of them so exquisite, and the incidents which produced these so extraordinary, that they seemed to require not only the utmost malice, but the utmost invention, which superstition hath ever attributed to Fortune: though whether any such being interfered in the case, or, indeed, whether there be any such being in the universe, is a matter which I by no means presume to determine in the affirmative.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The distresses which they waded through were some of them so exquisite, and the incidents which produced these so extraordinary, that they seemed to require not only the utmost malice, but the utmost invention, which superstition hath ever attributed to Fortune: though whether any such being interfered in the case, or, indeed, whether there be any such being in the universe, is a matter which I by no means presume to determine in the affirmative.

ordinarynounUS /ˈɔːrdəneri/

a judge of a probate court

From this reading I question much whether we may not, by natural means, account for the success of knaves, the calamities of fools, with all the miseries in which men of sense sometimes involve themselves, by quitting the directions of Prudence, and following the blind guidance of a predominant passion; in short, for all the ordinary phenomena which are imputed to Fortune; whom, perhaps, men accuse with no less absurdity in life, than a bad player complains of ill luck at the game of chess.

passionnounUS /ˈpæʃən/

a strong feeling or emotion

From this reading I question much whether we may not, by natural means, account for the success of knaves, the calamities of fools, with all the miseries in which men of sense sometimes involve themselves, by quitting the directions of Prudence, and following the blind guidance of a predominant passion; in short, for all the ordinary phenomena which are imputed to Fortune; whom, perhaps, men accuse with no less absurdity in life, than a bad player complains of ill luck at the game of chess.

perhapsadverbUS /pərˈhæps/

by chance

From this reading I question much whether we may not, by natural means, account for the success of knaves, the calamities of fools, with all the miseries in which men of sense sometimes involve themselves, by quitting the directions of Prudence, and following the blind guidance of a predominant passion; in short, for all the ordinary phenomena which are imputed to Fortune; whom, perhaps, men accuse with no less absurdity in life, than a bad player complains of ill luck at the game of chess.

phenomenanounUS /fəˈnɑːmənə/

plural of “phenomenon” — any state or process known through the senses rather than by intuition or reasoning

From this reading I question much whether we may not, by natural means, account for the success of knaves, the calamities of fools, with all the miseries in which men of sense sometimes involve themselves, by quitting the directions of Prudence, and following the blind guidance of a predominant passion; in short, for all the ordinary phenomena which are imputed to Fortune; whom, perhaps, men accuse with no less absurdity in life, than a bad player complains of ill luck at the game of chess.

playernounUS /ˈpleɪər/

a person who participates in or is skilled at some game

From this reading I question much whether we may not, by natural means, account for the success of knaves, the calamities of fools, with all the miseries in which men of sense sometimes involve themselves, by quitting the directions of Prudence, and following the blind guidance of a predominant passion; in short, for all the ordinary phenomena which are imputed to Fortune; whom, perhaps, men accuse with no less absurdity in life, than a bad player complains of ill luck at the game of chess.

predominantadjectiveUS /prɪˈdɑːmənənt/

most frequent or common

From this reading I question much whether we may not, by natural means, account for the success of knaves, the calamities of fools, with all the miseries in which men of sense sometimes involve themselves, by quitting the directions of Prudence, and following the blind guidance of a predominant passion; in short, for all the ordinary phenomena which are imputed to Fortune; whom, perhaps, men accuse with no less absurdity in life, than a bad player complains of ill luck at the game of chess.

presumeverbUS /prɪˈzuːm/

take to be the case or to be true; accept without verification or proof

From this reading The distresses which they waded through were some of them so exquisite, and the incidents which produced these so extraordinary, that they seemed to require not only the utmost malice, but the utmost invention, which superstition hath ever attributed to Fortune: though whether any such being interfered in the case, or, indeed, whether there be any such being in the universe, is a matter which I by no means presume to determine in the affirmative.

producedverbUS /prəˈduːst/

past form of “produce” — bring forth or yield

From this reading The distresses which they waded through were some of them so exquisite, and the incidents which produced these so extraordinary, that they seemed to require not only the utmost malice, but the utmost invention, which superstition hath ever attributed to Fortune: though whether any such being interfered in the case, or, indeed, whether there be any such being in the universe, is a matter which I by no means presume to determine in the affirmative.

PrudencenounUS /ˈpruːdəns/

discretion in practical affairs

From this reading I question much whether we may not, by natural means, account for the success of knaves, the calamities of fools, with all the miseries in which men of sense sometimes involve themselves, by quitting the directions of Prudence, and following the blind guidance of a predominant passion; in short, for all the ordinary phenomena which are imputed to Fortune; whom, perhaps, men accuse with no less absurdity in life, than a bad player complains of ill luck at the game of chess.

publicnounUS /ˈpʌblɪk/

people in general considered as a whole

From this reading To speak a bold truth, I am, after much mature deliberation, inclined to suspect that the public voice hath, in all ages, done much injustice to Fortune, and hath convicted her of many facts in which she had not the least concern.

questionverbUS /ˈkwestʃən/

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading I question much whether we may not, by natural means, account for the success of knaves, the calamities of fools, with all the miseries in which men of sense sometimes involve themselves, by quitting the directions of Prudence, and following the blind guidance of a predominant passion; in short, for all the ordinary phenomena which are imputed to Fortune; whom, perhaps, men accuse with no less absurdity in life, than a bad player complains of ill luck at the game of chess.

quittingverbUS /ˈkwɪtɪŋ/

inflected form of “quit” — put an end to a state or an activity

From this reading I question much whether we may not, by natural means, account for the success of knaves, the calamities of fools, with all the miseries in which men of sense sometimes involve themselves, by quitting the directions of Prudence, and following the blind guidance of a predominant passion; in short, for all the ordinary phenomena which are imputed to Fortune; whom, perhaps, men accuse with no less absurdity in life, than a bad player complains of ill luck at the game of chess.

requireverbUS /ˌriːˈkwaɪər/

require as useful, just, or proper

From this reading The distresses which they waded through were some of them so exquisite, and the incidents which produced these so extraordinary, that they seemed to require not only the utmost malice, but the utmost invention, which superstition hath ever attributed to Fortune: though whether any such being interfered in the case, or, indeed, whether there be any such being in the universe, is a matter which I by no means presume to determine in the affirmative.

seemedverbUS /siːmd/

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading The distresses which they waded through were some of them so exquisite, and the incidents which produced these so extraordinary, that they seemed to require not only the utmost malice, but the utmost invention, which superstition hath ever attributed to Fortune: though whether any such being interfered in the case, or, indeed, whether there be any such being in the universe, is a matter which I by no means presume to determine in the affirmative.

sensenounUS /sens/

a general conscious awareness

From this reading I question much whether we may not, by natural means, account for the success of knaves, the calamities of fools, with all the miseries in which men of sense sometimes involve themselves, by quitting the directions of Prudence, and following the blind guidance of a predominant passion; in short, for all the ordinary phenomena which are imputed to Fortune; whom, perhaps, men accuse with no less absurdity in life, than a bad player complains of ill luck at the game of chess.

shepronounUS /ʃiː/

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading To speak a bold truth, I am, after much mature deliberation, inclined to suspect that the public voice hath, in all ages, done much injustice to Fortune, and hath convicted her of many facts in which she had not the least concern.

shortadjectiveUS /ʃɔːrt/

primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration

From this reading I question much whether we may not, by natural means, account for the success of knaves, the calamities of fools, with all the miseries in which men of sense sometimes involve themselves, by quitting the directions of Prudence, and following the blind guidance of a predominant passion; in short, for all the ordinary phenomena which are imputed to Fortune; whom, perhaps, men accuse with no less absurdity in life, than a bad player complains of ill luck at the game of chess.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The distresses which they waded through were some of them so exquisite, and the incidents which produced these so extraordinary, that they seemed to require not only the utmost malice, but the utmost invention, which superstition hath ever attributed to Fortune: though whether any such being interfered in the case, or, indeed, whether there be any such being in the universe, is a matter which I by no means presume to determine in the affirmative.

someadjectiveUS /sʌm/

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading The distresses which they waded through were some of them so exquisite, and the incidents which produced these so extraordinary, that they seemed to require not only the utmost malice, but the utmost invention, which superstition hath ever attributed to Fortune: though whether any such being interfered in the case, or, indeed, whether there be any such being in the universe, is a matter which I by no means presume to determine in the affirmative.

sometimesadverbUS /səmˈtaɪmz/

on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always

From this reading I question much whether we may not, by natural means, account for the success of knaves, the calamities of fools, with all the miseries in which men of sense sometimes involve themselves, by quitting the directions of Prudence, and following the blind guidance of a predominant passion; in short, for all the ordinary phenomena which are imputed to Fortune; whom, perhaps, men accuse with no less absurdity in life, than a bad player complains of ill luck at the game of chess.

speakverbUS /spiːk/

express in speech

From this reading To speak a bold truth, I am, after much mature deliberation, inclined to suspect that the public voice hath, in all ages, done much injustice to Fortune, and hath convicted her of many facts in which she had not the least concern.

statenounUS /steɪt/

the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading _Containing the exordium, &c._ The various accidents which befel a very worthy couple after their uniting in the state of matrimony will be the subject of the following history.

subjectnounUS /səbˈdʒekt/

the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading _Containing the exordium, &c._ The various accidents which befel a very worthy couple after their uniting in the state of matrimony will be the subject of the following history.

successnounUS /səkˈses/

an event that accomplishes its intended purpose

From this reading I question much whether we may not, by natural means, account for the success of knaves, the calamities of fools, with all the miseries in which men of sense sometimes involve themselves, by quitting the directions of Prudence, and following the blind guidance of a predominant passion; in short, for all the ordinary phenomena which are imputed to Fortune; whom, perhaps, men accuse with no less absurdity in life, than a bad player complains of ill luck at the game of chess.

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading The distresses which they waded through were some of them so exquisite, and the incidents which produced these so extraordinary, that they seemed to require not only the utmost malice, but the utmost invention, which superstition hath ever attributed to Fortune: though whether any such being interfered in the case, or, indeed, whether there be any such being in the universe, is a matter which I by no means presume to determine in the affirmative.

superstitionnounUS /ˌsuːpərˈstɪʃən/

an irrational belief arising from ignorance or fear

From this reading The distresses which they waded through were some of them so exquisite, and the incidents which produced these so extraordinary, that they seemed to require not only the utmost malice, but the utmost invention, which superstition hath ever attributed to Fortune: though whether any such being interfered in the case, or, indeed, whether there be any such being in the universe, is a matter which I by no means presume to determine in the affirmative.

suspectverbUS /səˈspekt/

imagine to be the case or true or probable

From this reading To speak a bold truth, I am, after much mature deliberation, inclined to suspect that the public voice hath, in all ages, done much injustice to Fortune, and hath convicted her of many facts in which she had not the least concern.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading I question much whether we may not, by natural means, account for the success of knaves, the calamities of fools, with all the miseries in which men of sense sometimes involve themselves, by quitting the directions of Prudence, and following the blind guidance of a predominant passion; in short, for all the ordinary phenomena which are imputed to Fortune; whom, perhaps, men accuse with no less absurdity in life, than a bad player complains of ill luck at the game of chess.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The distresses which they waded through were some of them so exquisite, and the incidents which produced these so extraordinary, that they seemed to require not only the utmost malice, but the utmost invention, which superstition hath ever attributed to Fortune: though whether any such being interfered in the case, or, indeed, whether there be any such being in the universe, is a matter which I by no means presume to determine in the affirmative.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading _Containing the exordium, &c._ The various accidents which befel a very worthy couple after their uniting in the state of matrimony will be the subject of the following history.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading _Containing the exordium, &c._ The various accidents which befel a very worthy couple after their uniting in the state of matrimony will be the subject of the following history.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The distresses which they waded through were some of them so exquisite, and the incidents which produced these so extraordinary, that they seemed to require not only the utmost malice, but the utmost invention, which superstition hath ever attributed to Fortune: though whether any such being interfered in the case, or, indeed, whether there be any such being in the universe, is a matter which I by no means presume to determine in the affirmative.

themselvespronounUS /ðemˈselvz/

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading I question much whether we may not, by natural means, account for the success of knaves, the calamities of fools, with all the miseries in which men of sense sometimes involve themselves, by quitting the directions of Prudence, and following the blind guidance of a predominant passion; in short, for all the ordinary phenomena which are imputed to Fortune; whom, perhaps, men accuse with no less absurdity in life, than a bad player complains of ill luck at the game of chess.

thereadverbUS /ðer/

in or at that place or location

From this reading The distresses which they waded through were some of them so exquisite, and the incidents which produced these so extraordinary, that they seemed to require not only the utmost malice, but the utmost invention, which superstition hath ever attributed to Fortune: though whether any such being interfered in the case, or, indeed, whether there be any such being in the universe, is a matter which I by no means presume to determine in the affirmative.

thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading The distresses which they waded through were some of them so exquisite, and the incidents which produced these so extraordinary, that they seemed to require not only the utmost malice, but the utmost invention, which superstition hath ever attributed to Fortune: though whether any such being interfered in the case, or, indeed, whether there be any such being in the universe, is a matter which I by no means presume to determine in the affirmative.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading The distresses which they waded through were some of them so exquisite, and the incidents which produced these so extraordinary, that they seemed to require not only the utmost malice, but the utmost invention, which superstition hath ever attributed to Fortune: though whether any such being interfered in the case, or, indeed, whether there be any such being in the universe, is a matter which I by no means presume to determine in the affirmative.

thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading The distresses which they waded through were some of them so exquisite, and the incidents which produced these so extraordinary, that they seemed to require not only the utmost malice, but the utmost invention, which superstition hath ever attributed to Fortune: though whether any such being interfered in the case, or, indeed, whether there be any such being in the universe, is a matter which I by no means presume to determine in the affirmative.

throughprepositionUS /θruː/

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading The distresses which they waded through were some of them so exquisite, and the incidents which produced these so extraordinary, that they seemed to require not only the utmost malice, but the utmost invention, which superstition hath ever attributed to Fortune: though whether any such being interfered in the case, or, indeed, whether there be any such being in the universe, is a matter which I by no means presume to determine in the affirmative.

toparticleUS /tuː/

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading The distresses which they waded through were some of them so exquisite, and the incidents which produced these so extraordinary, that they seemed to require not only the utmost malice, but the utmost invention, which superstition hath ever attributed to Fortune: though whether any such being interfered in the case, or, indeed, whether there be any such being in the universe, is a matter which I by no means presume to determine in the affirmative.

truthnounUS /truːθ/

a fact that has been verified

From this reading To speak a bold truth, I am, after much mature deliberation, inclined to suspect that the public voice hath, in all ages, done much injustice to Fortune, and hath convicted her of many facts in which she had not the least concern.

unitingnounUS /juːˈnaɪtɪŋ/

the combination of two or more commercial companies

From this reading _Containing the exordium, &c._ The various accidents which befel a very worthy couple after their uniting in the state of matrimony will be the subject of the following history.

universenounUS /ˈjuːnəvɜːrs/

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading The distresses which they waded through were some of them so exquisite, and the incidents which produced these so extraordinary, that they seemed to require not only the utmost malice, but the utmost invention, which superstition hath ever attributed to Fortune: though whether any such being interfered in the case, or, indeed, whether there be any such being in the universe, is a matter which I by no means presume to determine in the affirmative.

utmostadjectiveUS /ˈʌtmoʊst/

of the greatest possible degree or extent or intensity

From this reading The distresses which they waded through were some of them so exquisite, and the incidents which produced these so extraordinary, that they seemed to require not only the utmost malice, but the utmost invention, which superstition hath ever attributed to Fortune: though whether any such being interfered in the case, or, indeed, whether there be any such being in the universe, is a matter which I by no means presume to determine in the affirmative.

variousadjectiveUS /ˈveriəs/

of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity

From this reading _Containing the exordium, &c._ The various accidents which befel a very worthy couple after their uniting in the state of matrimony will be the subject of the following history.

veryadjectiveUS /ˈveri/

precisely as stated

From this reading _Containing the exordium, &c._ The various accidents which befel a very worthy couple after their uniting in the state of matrimony will be the subject of the following history.

voicenounUS /vɔɪs/

the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading To speak a bold truth, I am, after much mature deliberation, inclined to suspect that the public voice hath, in all ages, done much injustice to Fortune, and hath convicted her of many facts in which she had not the least concern.

wadedverbUS /ˈweɪdɪd/

past form of “wade” — walk (through relatively shallow water)

From this reading The distresses which they waded through were some of them so exquisite, and the incidents which produced these so extraordinary, that they seemed to require not only the utmost malice, but the utmost invention, which superstition hath ever attributed to Fortune: though whether any such being interfered in the case, or, indeed, whether there be any such being in the universe, is a matter which I by no means presume to determine in the affirmative.

wepronounUS /wiː/

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading I question much whether we may not, by natural means, account for the success of knaves, the calamities of fools, with all the miseries in which men of sense sometimes involve themselves, by quitting the directions of Prudence, and following the blind guidance of a predominant passion; in short, for all the ordinary phenomena which are imputed to Fortune; whom, perhaps, men accuse with no less absurdity in life, than a bad player complains of ill luck at the game of chess.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading The distresses which they waded through were some of them so exquisite, and the incidents which produced these so extraordinary, that they seemed to require not only the utmost malice, but the utmost invention, which superstition hath ever attributed to Fortune: though whether any such being interfered in the case, or, indeed, whether there be any such being in the universe, is a matter which I by no means presume to determine in the affirmative.

whetherconjunctionUS /ˈweðər/

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading The distresses which they waded through were some of them so exquisite, and the incidents which produced these so extraordinary, that they seemed to require not only the utmost malice, but the utmost invention, which superstition hath ever attributed to Fortune: though whether any such being interfered in the case, or, indeed, whether there be any such being in the universe, is a matter which I by no means presume to determine in the affirmative.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading _Containing the exordium, &c._ The various accidents which befel a very worthy couple after their uniting in the state of matrimony will be the subject of the following history.

whompronounUS /huːm/

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading I question much whether we may not, by natural means, account for the success of knaves, the calamities of fools, with all the miseries in which men of sense sometimes involve themselves, by quitting the directions of Prudence, and following the blind guidance of a predominant passion; in short, for all the ordinary phenomena which are imputed to Fortune; whom, perhaps, men accuse with no less absurdity in life, than a bad player complains of ill luck at the game of chess.

willmodal verbUS /wɪl/

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading _Containing the exordium, &c._ The various accidents which befel a very worthy couple after their uniting in the state of matrimony will be the subject of the following history.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading I question much whether we may not, by natural means, account for the success of knaves, the calamities of fools, with all the miseries in which men of sense sometimes involve themselves, by quitting the directions of Prudence, and following the blind guidance of a predominant passion; in short, for all the ordinary phenomena which are imputed to Fortune; whom, perhaps, men accuse with no less absurdity in life, than a bad player complains of ill luck at the game of chess.

worthyadjectiveUS /ˈwɜːr.ði/

Having or showing the qualities or abilities that merit recognition in character or magic.

From this reading _Containing the exordium, &c._ The various accidents which befel a very worthy couple after their uniting in the state of matrimony will be the subject of the following history.

Chapter 2 of Amelia — Volume 1 by Henry Fielding holds 514 sentences, grouped into 103 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the public-domain source, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 2 of Amelia — Volume 1 contain?

Chapter 2 holds 514 sentences of Amelia — Volume 1, unabridged, divided into 103 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 2 of Amelia — Volume 1 by Henry Fielding exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 514 sentences, grouped into 103 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 2 of Amelia — Volume 1?

Work through the 103 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 103 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 2 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 2 can be played aloud in United States English.

Audio covers the whole chapter: any sentence can be played, and any single word within it can be played on its own. The voice uses United States English. For a work of this period that matters, because spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation for vocabulary that has fallen out of daily use, and a learner who guesses wrong tends to keep the error. Hearing the word in its own sentence, and then alone, settles it.

Questions about reading Amelia — Volume 1

Common questions about reading Amelia — Volume 1 by Henry Fielding on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Amelia — Volume 1?

Yes. All 2180 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #6095 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Amelia — Volume 1 is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #6095, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Amelia — Volume 1 take to read?

About 181 minutes of reading across 436 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Amelia — Volume 1 section by section

How to work through Amelia — Volume 1 section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 5 chapters of Amelia — Volume 1 to begin.

  2. Read one section

    Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.

  3. Listen and tap

    Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.

Vocabulary met early in Amelia — Volume 1

Words and structures a reader meets early in Amelia — Volume 1, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Amelia
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Amelia — Volume 1; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Friend
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Amelia — Volume 1; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Oratorio
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Amelia — Volume 1; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Fielding's
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Amelia — Volume 1; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.