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Brother Copas
Brother Copas

Chapter IV · Chapter 4

Chapter 4 of Brother Copas is here in full — 222 sentences across 45 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for Brother Copas
Context Illustration Reading 1/44 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
BROTHER COPAS ON RELIGIOUS DIFFERENCE.
"Ah, good evening, Mr. Simeon!"
In the British Isles--search them all over--you will discover no more agreeable institution of its kind than the Venables Free Library, Merchester; which, by the way, you are on no account to confuse with the Free Public Library attached to the Shire Hall.
In the latter you may study the newspapers with all the latest financial, police and betting news, or borrow all the newest novels--even this novel which I am writing, should the Library Sub-Committee of the Town Council (an austerely moral body) allow it to pass.
In the Venables Library the books are mostly mellowed by age, even when naughtiest (it contains a whole roomful of Restoration Plays, an unmatched collection), and no newspapers are admitted, unless you count the monthly and quarterly reviews, of which _The Hibbert Journal_ is the newest-fangled.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Brother Copas

Chapter IV · Chapter 4

Chapter 4 of Brother Copas is here in full — 222 sentences across 45 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/44 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
BROTHER COPAS ON RELIGIOUS DIFFERENCE.
Line 2
"Ah, good evening, Mr. Simeon!"
Line 3
In the British Isles--search them all over--you will discover no more agreeable institution of its kind than the Venables Free Library, Merchester; which, by the way, you are on no account to confuse with the Free Public Library attached to the Shire Hall.
Line 4
In the latter you may study the newspapers with all the latest financial, police and betting news, or borrow all the newest novels--even this novel which I am writing, should the Library Sub-Committee of the Town Council (an austerely moral body) allow it to pass.
Line 5
In the Venables Library the books are mostly mellowed by age, even when naughtiest (it contains a whole roomful of Restoration Plays, an unmatched collection), and no newspapers are admitted, unless you count the monthly and quarterly reviews, of which _The Hibbert Journal_ is the newest-fangled.

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.

austerely adverb US /ˌɔːˈstɪrli/

in an austere fashion

From this reading “In the latter you may study the newspapers with all the latest financial, police and betting news, or borrow all the newest novels--even this novel which I am writing, should the Library Sub-Committee of the Town Council (an austerely moral body) allow it to pass.”

confuse verb US /kənˈfjuːz/

mistake one thing for another

From this reading “In the British Isles--search them all over--you will discover no more agreeable institution of its kind than the Venables Free Library, Merchester; which, by the way, you are on no account to confuse with the Free Public Library attached to the Shire Hall.”

mellowed adjective US /ˈmeloʊd/

having a full and pleasing flavor through proper aging

From this reading “In the Venables Library the books are mostly mellowed by age, even when naughtiest (it contains a whole roomful of Restoration Plays, an unmatched collection), and no newspapers are admitted, unless you count the monthly and quarterly reviews, of which _The Hibbert Journal_ is the newest-fangled.”

quarterly adjective US /ˈkwɔːrtərli/

of or relating to or consisting of a quarter

From this reading “In the Venables Library the books are mostly mellowed by age, even when naughtiest (it contains a whole roomful of Restoration Plays, an unmatched collection), and no newspapers are admitted, unless you count the monthly and quarterly reviews, of which _The Hibbert Journal_ is the newest-fangled.”

reviews noun US /riˈvjuːz/

plural of “review” — a new appraisal or evaluation

From this reading “In the Venables Library the books are mostly mellowed by age, even when naughtiest (it contains a whole roomful of Restoration Plays, an unmatched collection), and no newspapers are admitted, unless you count the monthly and quarterly reviews, of which _The Hibbert Journal_ is the newest-fangled.”

roomful noun US /ˈruːmfʊl/

the quantity a room will hold

From this reading “In the Venables Library the books are mostly mellowed by age, even when naughtiest (it contains a whole roomful of Restoration Plays, an unmatched collection), and no newspapers are admitted, unless you count the monthly and quarterly reviews, of which _The Hibbert Journal_ is the newest-fangled.”

Shire noun US /ʃaɪr/

a former administrative district of England; equivalent to a county

From this reading “In the British Isles--search them all over--you will discover no more agreeable institution of its kind than the Venables Free Library, Merchester; which, by the way, you are on no account to confuse with the Free Public Library attached to the Shire Hall.”

unmatched adjective US /ənˈmætʃt/

of the remaining member of a pair

From this reading “In the Venables Library the books are mostly mellowed by age, even when naughtiest (it contains a whole roomful of Restoration Plays, an unmatched collection), and no newspapers are admitted, unless you count the monthly and quarterly reviews, of which _The Hibbert Journal_ is the newest-fangled.”

All words in this reading · 100

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 In the Venables Library the books are mostly mellowed by age, even when naughtiest (it contains a whole roomful of Restoration Plays, an unmatched collection), and no newspapers are admitted, unless you count the monthly and quarterly reviews, of which _The Hibbert Journal_ is the newest-fangled.

accountnounUS /əˈkaʊnt/

a record or narrative description of past events

From this reading In the British Isles--search them all over--you will discover no more agreeable institution of its kind than the Venables Free Library, Merchester; which, by the way, you are on no account to confuse with the Free Public Library attached to the Shire Hall.

admittedverbUS /ədˈmɪtɪd/

inflected form of “admit” — declare to be true or admit the existence or reality or truth of

From this reading In the Venables Library the books are mostly mellowed by age, even when naughtiest (it contains a whole roomful of Restoration Plays, an unmatched collection), and no newspapers are admitted, unless you count the monthly and quarterly reviews, of which _The Hibbert Journal_ is the newest-fangled.

agenounUS /eɪdʒ/

how long something has existed

From this reading In the Venables Library the books are mostly mellowed by age, even when naughtiest (it contains a whole roomful of Restoration Plays, an unmatched collection), and no newspapers are admitted, unless you count the monthly and quarterly reviews, of which _The Hibbert Journal_ is the newest-fangled.

agreeableadjectiveUS /əˈɡriːəbəl/

conforming to your own liking or feelings or nature

From this reading In the British Isles--search them all over--you will discover no more agreeable institution of its kind than the Venables Free Library, Merchester; which, by the way, you are on no account to confuse with the Free Public Library attached to the Shire Hall.

Ah

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

From this reading "Ah, good evening, Mr. Simeon!"

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 In the British Isles--search them all over--you will discover no more agreeable institution of its kind than the Venables Free Library, Merchester; which, by the way, you are on no account to confuse with the Free Public Library attached to the Shire Hall.

allowverbUS /əˈlaʊ/

make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen

From this reading In the latter you may study the newspapers with all the latest financial, police and betting news, or borrow all the newest novels--even this novel which I am writing, should the Library Sub-Committee of the Town Council (an austerely moral body) allow it to pass.

amauxiliary verbUS /æm/

the form of “be” used with “I”

From this reading In the latter you may study the newspapers with all the latest financial, police and betting news, or borrow all the newest novels--even this novel which I am writing, should the Library Sub-Committee of the Town Council (an austerely moral body) allow it to pass.

andeterminerUS /æn/

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading In the latter you may study the newspapers with all the latest financial, police and betting news, or borrow all the newest novels--even this novel which I am writing, should the Library Sub-Committee of the Town Council (an austerely moral body) allow it to pass.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading In the latter you may study the newspapers with all the latest financial, police and betting news, or borrow all the newest novels--even this novel which I am writing, should the Library Sub-Committee of the Town Council (an austerely moral body) allow it to pass.

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

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

From this reading In the British Isles--search them all over--you will discover no more agreeable institution of its kind than the Venables Free Library, Merchester; which, by the way, you are on no account to confuse with the Free Public Library attached to the Shire Hall.

attachedadjectiveUS /əˈtætʃt/

being joined in close association

From this reading In the British Isles--search them all over--you will discover no more agreeable institution of its kind than the Venables Free Library, Merchester; which, by the way, you are on no account to confuse with the Free Public Library attached to the Shire Hall.

austerelyadverbUS /ˌɔːˈstɪrli/

in an austere fashion

From this reading In the latter you may study the newspapers with all the latest financial, police and betting news, or borrow all the newest novels--even this novel which I am writing, should the Library Sub-Committee of the Town Council (an austerely moral body) allow it to pass.

bettingadjectiveUS /ˈbetɪŋ/

preoccupied with the pursuit of pleasure and especially games of chance

From this reading In the latter you may study the newspapers with all the latest financial, police and betting news, or borrow all the newest novels--even this novel which I am writing, should the Library Sub-Committee of the Town Council (an austerely moral body) allow it to pass.

bodynounUS /ˈbɑːdi/

the entire physical structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being)

From this reading In the latter you may study the newspapers with all the latest financial, police and betting news, or borrow all the newest novels--even this novel which I am writing, should the Library Sub-Committee of the Town Council (an austerely moral body) allow it to pass.

booksnounUS /bʊks/

Bound written or printed works.

From this reading In the Venables Library the books are mostly mellowed by age, even when naughtiest (it contains a whole roomful of Restoration Plays, an unmatched collection), and no newspapers are admitted, unless you count the monthly and quarterly reviews, of which _The Hibbert Journal_ is the newest-fangled.

borrowverbUS /ˈbɑːroʊ/

get temporarily

From this reading In the latter you may study the newspapers with all the latest financial, police and betting news, or borrow all the newest novels--even this novel which I am writing, should the Library Sub-Committee of the Town Council (an austerely moral body) allow it to pass.

BritishnounUS /ˈbrɪtɪʃ/

the people of Great Britain

From this reading In the British Isles--search them all over--you will discover no more agreeable institution of its kind than the Venables Free Library, Merchester; which, by the way, you are on no account to confuse with the Free Public Library attached to the Shire Hall.

BROTHERnounUS /ˈbrʌðər/

a male with the same parents as someone else

From this reading BROTHER COPAS ON RELIGIOUS DIFFERENCE.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading In the British Isles--search them all over--you will discover no more agreeable institution of its kind than the Venables Free Library, Merchester; which, by the way, you are on no account to confuse with the Free Public Library attached to the Shire Hall.

collectionnounUS /kəˈlekʃən/

several things grouped together or considered as a whole

From this reading In the Venables Library the books are mostly mellowed by age, even when naughtiest (it contains a whole roomful of Restoration Plays, an unmatched collection), and no newspapers are admitted, unless you count the monthly and quarterly reviews, of which _The Hibbert Journal_ is the newest-fangled.

confuseverbUS /kənˈfjuːz/

mistake one thing for another

From this reading In the British Isles--search them all over--you will discover no more agreeable institution of its kind than the Venables Free Library, Merchester; which, by the way, you are on no account to confuse with the Free Public Library attached to the Shire Hall.

containsverbUS /kənˈteɪnz/

third-person singular of “contain” — include or contain; have as a component

From this reading In the Venables Library the books are mostly mellowed by age, even when naughtiest (it contains a whole roomful of Restoration Plays, an unmatched collection), and no newspapers are admitted, unless you count the monthly and quarterly reviews, of which _The Hibbert Journal_ is the newest-fangled.

COPAS

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

From this reading BROTHER COPAS ON RELIGIOUS DIFFERENCE.

CouncilnounUS /ˈkaʊnsəl/

a body serving in an administrative capacity

From this reading In the latter you may study the newspapers with all the latest financial, police and betting news, or borrow all the newest novels--even this novel which I am writing, should the Library Sub-Committee of the Town Council (an austerely moral body) allow it to pass.

countverbUS /kaʊnt/

determine the number or amount of

From this reading In the Venables Library the books are mostly mellowed by age, even when naughtiest (it contains a whole roomful of Restoration Plays, an unmatched collection), and no newspapers are admitted, unless you count the monthly and quarterly reviews, of which _The Hibbert Journal_ is the newest-fangled.

DIFFERENCEnounUS /ˈdɪfərəns/

the quality of being unlike or dissimilar

From this reading BROTHER COPAS ON RELIGIOUS DIFFERENCE.

discoververbUS /dɪˈskʌvər/

discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of

From this reading In the British Isles--search them all over--you will discover no more agreeable institution of its kind than the Venables Free Library, Merchester; which, by the way, you are on no account to confuse with the Free Public Library attached to the Shire Hall.

evenadjectiveUS /ˈiːvɪn/

divisible by two

From this reading In the latter you may study the newspapers with all the latest financial, police and betting news, or borrow all the newest novels--even this novel which I am writing, should the Library Sub-Committee of the Town Council (an austerely moral body) allow it to pass.

eveningnounUS /ˈiːvnɪŋ/

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading "Ah, good evening, Mr. Simeon!"

financialadjectiveUS /fəˈnænʃəl/

involving financial matters

From this reading In the latter you may study the newspapers with all the latest financial, police and betting news, or borrow all the newest novels--even this novel which I am writing, should the Library Sub-Committee of the Town Council (an austerely moral body) allow it to pass.

FreeverbUS /friː/

grant freedom to; free from confinement

From this reading In the British Isles--search them all over--you will discover no more agreeable institution of its kind than the Venables Free Library, Merchester; which, by the way, you are on no account to confuse with the Free Public Library attached to the Shire Hall.

goodadjectiveUS /ɡʊd/

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading "Ah, good evening, Mr. Simeon!"

HallnounUS /hɔːl/

an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open

From this reading In the British Isles--search them all over--you will discover no more agreeable institution of its kind than the Venables Free Library, Merchester; which, by the way, you are on no account to confuse with the Free Public Library attached to the Shire Hall.

Hibbert

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

From this reading In the Venables Library the books are mostly mellowed by age, even when naughtiest (it contains a whole roomful of Restoration Plays, an unmatched collection), and no newspapers are admitted, unless you count the monthly and quarterly reviews, of which _The Hibbert Journal_ is the newest-fangled.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

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

From this reading In the latter you may study the newspapers with all the latest financial, police and betting news, or borrow all the newest novels--even this novel which I am writing, should the Library Sub-Committee of the Town Council (an austerely moral body) allow it to pass.

InprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading In the British Isles--search them all over--you will discover no more agreeable institution of its kind than the Venables Free Library, Merchester; which, by the way, you are on no account to confuse with the Free Public Library attached to the Shire Hall.

institutionnounUS /ˌɪnstɪˈtuːʃən/

an organization founded and united for a specific purpose

From this reading In the British Isles--search them all over--you will discover no more agreeable institution of its kind than the Venables Free Library, Merchester; which, by the way, you are on no account to confuse with the Free Public Library attached to the Shire Hall.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading In the Venables Library the books are mostly mellowed by age, even when naughtiest (it contains a whole roomful of Restoration Plays, an unmatched collection), and no newspapers are admitted, unless you count the monthly and quarterly reviews, of which _The Hibbert Journal_ is the newest-fangled.

IslesnounUS /aɪlz/

plural of “isle” — a small island

From this reading In the British Isles--search them all over--you will discover no more agreeable institution of its kind than the Venables Free Library, Merchester; which, by the way, you are on no account to confuse with the Free Public Library attached to the Shire Hall.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading In the latter you may study the newspapers with all the latest financial, police and betting news, or borrow all the newest novels--even this novel which I am writing, should the Library Sub-Committee of the Town Council (an austerely moral body) allow it to pass.

itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading In the British Isles--search them all over--you will discover no more agreeable institution of its kind than the Venables Free Library, Merchester; which, by the way, you are on no account to confuse with the Free Public Library attached to the Shire Hall.

JournalnounUS /ˈdʒɜːrnəl/

a daily written record of (usually personal) experiences and observations

From this reading In the Venables Library the books are mostly mellowed by age, even when naughtiest (it contains a whole roomful of Restoration Plays, an unmatched collection), and no newspapers are admitted, unless you count the monthly and quarterly reviews, of which _The Hibbert Journal_ is the newest-fangled.

kindadjectiveUS /kaɪnd/

having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior

From this reading In the British Isles--search them all over--you will discover no more agreeable institution of its kind than the Venables Free Library, Merchester; which, by the way, you are on no account to confuse with the Free Public Library attached to the Shire Hall.

latestadjectiveUS /ˈleɪtəst/

up to the immediate present; most recent or most up-to-date

From this reading In the latter you may study the newspapers with all the latest financial, police and betting news, or borrow all the newest novels--even this novel which I am writing, should the Library Sub-Committee of the Town Council (an austerely moral body) allow it to pass.

latteradjectiveUS /ˈlætər/

referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)

From this reading In the latter you may study the newspapers with all the latest financial, police and betting news, or borrow all the newest novels--even this novel which I am writing, should the Library Sub-Committee of the Town Council (an austerely moral body) allow it to pass.

LibrarynounUS /ˈlaɪbreriː/

a room where books are kept

From this reading In the British Isles--search them all over--you will discover no more agreeable institution of its kind than the Venables Free Library, Merchester; which, by the way, you are on no account to confuse with the Free Public Library attached to the Shire Hall.

maymodal verbUS /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading In the latter you may study the newspapers with all the latest financial, police and betting news, or borrow all the newest novels--even this novel which I am writing, should the Library Sub-Committee of the Town Council (an austerely moral body) allow it to pass.

mellowedadjectiveUS /ˈmeloʊd/

having a full and pleasing flavor through proper aging

From this reading In the Venables Library the books are mostly mellowed by age, even when naughtiest (it contains a whole roomful of Restoration Plays, an unmatched collection), and no newspapers are admitted, unless you count the monthly and quarterly reviews, of which _The Hibbert Journal_ is the newest-fangled.

Merchester

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

From this reading In the British Isles--search them all over--you will discover no more agreeable institution of its kind than the Venables Free Library, Merchester; which, by the way, you are on no account to confuse with the Free Public Library attached to the Shire Hall.

monthlynounUS /ˈmʌnθli/

a periodical that is published every month (or 12 issues per year)

From this reading In the Venables Library the books are mostly mellowed by age, even when naughtiest (it contains a whole roomful of Restoration Plays, an unmatched collection), and no newspapers are admitted, unless you count the monthly and quarterly reviews, of which _The Hibbert Journal_ is the newest-fangled.

moraladjectiveUS /ˈmɔːrəl/

concerned with principles of right and wrong or conforming to standards of behavior and character based on those principles

From this reading In the latter you may study the newspapers with all the latest financial, police and betting news, or borrow all the newest novels--even this novel which I am writing, should the Library Sub-Committee of the Town Council (an austerely moral body) allow it to pass.

moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading In the British Isles--search them all over--you will discover no more agreeable institution of its kind than the Venables Free Library, Merchester; which, by the way, you are on no account to confuse with the Free Public Library attached to the Shire Hall.

mostlyadverbUS /ˈmoʊstli/

in large part; mainly or chiefly

From this reading In the Venables Library the books are mostly mellowed by age, even when naughtiest (it contains a whole roomful of Restoration Plays, an unmatched collection), and no newspapers are admitted, unless you count the monthly and quarterly reviews, of which _The Hibbert Journal_ is the newest-fangled.

MrnounUS /ˈmɪstər/

a form of address for a man

From this reading "Ah, good evening, Mr. Simeon!"

naughtiest

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

From this reading In the Venables Library the books are mostly mellowed by age, even when naughtiest (it contains a whole roomful of Restoration Plays, an unmatched collection), and no newspapers are admitted, unless you count the monthly and quarterly reviews, of which _The Hibbert Journal_ is the newest-fangled.

newestadjectiveUS /ˈnuːəst/

superlative of “new” — not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading In the latter you may study the newspapers with all the latest financial, police and betting news, or borrow all the newest novels--even this novel which I am writing, should the Library Sub-Committee of the Town Council (an austerely moral body) allow it to pass.

newest-fangled

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

From this reading In the Venables Library the books are mostly mellowed by age, even when naughtiest (it contains a whole roomful of Restoration Plays, an unmatched collection), and no newspapers are admitted, unless you count the monthly and quarterly reviews, of which _The Hibbert Journal_ is the newest-fangled.

newsnounUS /nuːz/

information about recent and important events

From this reading In the latter you may study the newspapers with all the latest financial, police and betting news, or borrow all the newest novels--even this novel which I am writing, should the Library Sub-Committee of the Town Council (an austerely moral body) allow it to pass.

newspapersnounUS /ˈnuːzpeɪpərz/

plural of “newspaper” — a daily or weekly publication on folded sheets; contains news and articles and advertisements

From this reading In the latter you may study the newspapers with all the latest financial, police and betting news, or borrow all the newest novels--even this novel which I am writing, should the Library Sub-Committee of the Town Council (an austerely moral body) allow it to pass.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading In the British Isles--search them all over--you will discover no more agreeable institution of its kind than the Venables Free Library, Merchester; which, by the way, you are on no account to confuse with the Free Public Library attached to the Shire Hall.

novelnounUS /ˈnɑːvəl/

an extended fictional work in prose; usually in the form of a story

From this reading In the latter you may study the newspapers with all the latest financial, police and betting news, or borrow all the newest novels--even this novel which I am writing, should the Library Sub-Committee of the Town Council (an austerely moral body) allow it to pass.

novelsnounUS /ˈnɑːvəlz/

plural of “novel” — an extended fictional work in prose; usually in the form of a story

From this reading In the latter you may study the newspapers with all the latest financial, police and betting news, or borrow all the newest novels--even this novel which I am writing, should the Library Sub-Committee of the Town Council (an austerely moral body) allow it to pass.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading In the British Isles--search them all over--you will discover no more agreeable institution of its kind than the Venables Free Library, Merchester; which, by the way, you are on no account to confuse with the Free Public Library attached to the Shire Hall.

ONprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading BROTHER COPAS ON RELIGIOUS DIFFERENCE.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading In the latter you may study the newspapers with all the latest financial, police and betting news, or borrow all the newest novels--even this novel which I am writing, should the Library Sub-Committee of the Town Council (an austerely moral body) allow it to pass.

overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading In the British Isles--search them all over--you will discover no more agreeable institution of its kind than the Venables Free Library, Merchester; which, by the way, you are on no account to confuse with the Free Public Library attached to the Shire Hall.

passverbUS /pæs/

go across or through

From this reading In the latter you may study the newspapers with all the latest financial, police and betting news, or borrow all the newest novels--even this novel which I am writing, should the Library Sub-Committee of the Town Council (an austerely moral body) allow it to pass.

PlaysnounUS /pleɪz/

plural of “play” — a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage

From this reading In the Venables Library the books are mostly mellowed by age, even when naughtiest (it contains a whole roomful of Restoration Plays, an unmatched collection), and no newspapers are admitted, unless you count the monthly and quarterly reviews, of which _The Hibbert Journal_ is the newest-fangled.

policenounUS /pəˈliːs/

the force of policemen and officers

From this reading In the latter you may study the newspapers with all the latest financial, police and betting news, or borrow all the newest novels--even this novel which I am writing, should the Library Sub-Committee of the Town Council (an austerely moral body) allow it to pass.

PublicnounUS /ˈpʌblɪk/

people in general considered as a whole

From this reading In the British Isles--search them all over--you will discover no more agreeable institution of its kind than the Venables Free Library, Merchester; which, by the way, you are on no account to confuse with the Free Public Library attached to the Shire Hall.

quarterlyadjectiveUS /ˈkwɔːrtərli/

of or relating to or consisting of a quarter

From this reading In the Venables Library the books are mostly mellowed by age, even when naughtiest (it contains a whole roomful of Restoration Plays, an unmatched collection), and no newspapers are admitted, unless you count the monthly and quarterly reviews, of which _The Hibbert Journal_ is the newest-fangled.

RELIGIOUSadjectiveUS /rɪˈlɪdʒəs/

concerned with sacred matters or religion or the church

From this reading BROTHER COPAS ON RELIGIOUS DIFFERENCE.

RestorationnounUS /ˌrestərˈeɪʃən/

the reign of Charles II in England; 1660-1685

From this reading In the Venables Library the books are mostly mellowed by age, even when naughtiest (it contains a whole roomful of Restoration Plays, an unmatched collection), and no newspapers are admitted, unless you count the monthly and quarterly reviews, of which _The Hibbert Journal_ is the newest-fangled.

reviewsnounUS /riˈvjuːz/

plural of “review” — a new appraisal or evaluation

From this reading In the Venables Library the books are mostly mellowed by age, even when naughtiest (it contains a whole roomful of Restoration Plays, an unmatched collection), and no newspapers are admitted, unless you count the monthly and quarterly reviews, of which _The Hibbert Journal_ is the newest-fangled.

roomfulnounUS /ˈruːmfʊl/

the quantity a room will hold

From this reading In the Venables Library the books are mostly mellowed by age, even when naughtiest (it contains a whole roomful of Restoration Plays, an unmatched collection), and no newspapers are admitted, unless you count the monthly and quarterly reviews, of which _The Hibbert Journal_ is the newest-fangled.

searchverbUS /sɜːrtʃ/

try to locate or discover, or try to establish the existence of

From this reading In the British Isles--search them all over--you will discover no more agreeable institution of its kind than the Venables Free Library, Merchester; which, by the way, you are on no account to confuse with the Free Public Library attached to the Shire Hall.

ShirenounUS /ʃaɪr/

a former administrative district of England; equivalent to a county

From this reading In the British Isles--search them all over--you will discover no more agreeable institution of its kind than the Venables Free Library, Merchester; which, by the way, you are on no account to confuse with the Free Public Library attached to the Shire Hall.

shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading In the latter you may study the newspapers with all the latest financial, police and betting news, or borrow all the newest novels--even this novel which I am writing, should the Library Sub-Committee of the Town Council (an austerely moral body) allow it to pass.

SimeonnounUS /ˈsɪmiən/

(Old Testament) the 2nd son of Jacob and one of the 12 patriarchs of Israel

From this reading "Ah, good evening, Mr. Simeon!"

studynounUS /ˈstʌdi/

a detailed critical inspection

From this reading In the latter you may study the newspapers with all the latest financial, police and betting news, or borrow all the newest novels--even this novel which I am writing, should the Library Sub-Committee of the Town Council (an austerely moral body) allow it to pass.

Sub-Committee

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

From this reading In the latter you may study the newspapers with all the latest financial, police and betting news, or borrow all the newest novels--even this novel which I am writing, should the Library Sub-Committee of the Town Council (an austerely moral body) allow it to pass.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading In the British Isles--search them all over--you will discover no more agreeable institution of its kind than the Venables Free Library, Merchester; which, by the way, you are on no account to confuse with the Free Public Library attached to the Shire Hall.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading In the British Isles--search them all over--you will discover no more agreeable institution of its kind than the Venables Free Library, Merchester; which, by the way, you are on no account to confuse with the Free Public Library attached to the Shire Hall.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading In the British Isles--search them all over--you will discover no more agreeable institution of its kind than the Venables Free Library, Merchester; which, by the way, you are on no account to confuse with the Free Public Library attached to the Shire Hall.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading In the latter you may study the newspapers with all the latest financial, police and betting news, or borrow all the newest novels--even this novel which I am writing, should the Library Sub-Committee of the Town Council (an austerely moral body) allow it to pass.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading In the British Isles--search them all over--you will discover no more agreeable institution of its kind than the Venables Free Library, Merchester; which, by the way, you are on no account to confuse with the Free Public Library attached to the Shire Hall.

TownnounUS /taʊn/

an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city

From this reading In the latter you may study the newspapers with all the latest financial, police and betting news, or borrow all the newest novels--even this novel which I am writing, should the Library Sub-Committee of the Town Council (an austerely moral body) allow it to pass.

unlessconjunctionUS /ənˈles/

except if; if not

From this reading In the Venables Library the books are mostly mellowed by age, even when naughtiest (it contains a whole roomful of Restoration Plays, an unmatched collection), and no newspapers are admitted, unless you count the monthly and quarterly reviews, of which _The Hibbert Journal_ is the newest-fangled.

unmatchedadjectiveUS /ənˈmætʃt/

of the remaining member of a pair

From this reading In the Venables Library the books are mostly mellowed by age, even when naughtiest (it contains a whole roomful of Restoration Plays, an unmatched collection), and no newspapers are admitted, unless you count the monthly and quarterly reviews, of which _The Hibbert Journal_ is the newest-fangled.

Venables

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

From this reading In the British Isles--search them all over--you will discover no more agreeable institution of its kind than the Venables Free Library, Merchester; which, by the way, you are on no account to confuse with the Free Public Library attached to the Shire Hall.

waynounUS /weɪ/

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading In the British Isles--search them all over--you will discover no more agreeable institution of its kind than the Venables Free Library, Merchester; which, by the way, you are on no account to confuse with the Free Public Library attached to the Shire Hall.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading In the Venables Library the books are mostly mellowed by age, even when naughtiest (it contains a whole roomful of Restoration Plays, an unmatched collection), and no newspapers are admitted, unless you count the monthly and quarterly reviews, of which _The Hibbert Journal_ is the newest-fangled.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading In the British Isles--search them all over--you will discover no more agreeable institution of its kind than the Venables Free Library, Merchester; which, by the way, you are on no account to confuse with the Free Public Library attached to the Shire Hall.

wholeadjectiveUS /hoʊl/

including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete

From this reading In the Venables Library the books are mostly mellowed by age, even when naughtiest (it contains a whole roomful of Restoration Plays, an unmatched collection), and no newspapers are admitted, unless you count the monthly and quarterly reviews, of which _The Hibbert Journal_ is the newest-fangled.

willmodal verbUS /wɪl/

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading In the British Isles--search them all over--you will discover no more agreeable institution of its kind than the Venables Free Library, Merchester; which, by the way, you are on no account to confuse with the Free Public Library attached to the Shire Hall.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading In the British Isles--search them all over--you will discover no more agreeable institution of its kind than the Venables Free Library, Merchester; which, by the way, you are on no account to confuse with the Free Public Library attached to the Shire Hall.

writingnounUS /ˈraɪtɪŋ/

the act of creating written works

From this reading In the latter you may study the newspapers with all the latest financial, police and betting news, or borrow all the newest novels--even this novel which I am writing, should the Library Sub-Committee of the Town Council (an austerely moral body) allow it to pass.

youpronounUS /juː/

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading In the British Isles--search them all over--you will discover no more agreeable institution of its kind than the Venables Free Library, Merchester; which, by the way, you are on no account to confuse with the Free Public Library attached to the Shire Hall.

Chapter 4 of Brother Copas by Arthur Quiller-Couch holds 222 sentences, grouped into 45 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the source edition, 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 4 of Brother Copas contain?

Chapter 4 holds 222 sentences of Brother Copas, unabridged, divided into 45 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 4 of Brother Copas by Arthur Quiller-Couch exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 222 sentences, grouped into 45 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 4 of Brother Copas?

Work through the 45 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 45 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 4 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 4 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 Brother Copas

Common questions about reading Brother Copas by Arthur Quiller-Couch on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Brother Copas?

Yes. All 4642 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #20979 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Brother Copas is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #20979, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Brother Copas take to read?

About 386 minutes of reading across 929 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Brother Copas section by section

How to work through Brother Copas section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 23 chapters of Brother Copas 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 Brother Copas

Words and structures a reader meets early in Brother Copas, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

College
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Brother Copas; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Noble
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Brother Copas; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Poverty
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Brother Copas; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Foreigner
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Brother Copas; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.