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Burlesques
Burlesques

Chapter XXXIX · Chapter 39

Chapter 39 of Burlesques is here in full — 22 sentences across 5 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/4 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
THE BATTLE OF THE FORTS.
On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said about Cholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.
Three francs for the window,” said the monarch; and the muffins of course spoiled!” and he sat down to breakfast very peevishly.
Ah, King Louis Philippe, that shot cost thee more than a window-pane--more than a plate of muffins--it cost thee a fair kingdom and fifty millions of tax-payers.
The shot had been fired from Fort Potato.
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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.

Burlesques

Chapter XXXIX · Chapter 39

Chapter 39 of Burlesques is here in full — 22 sentences across 5 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/4 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
THE BATTLE OF THE FORTS.
Line 2
On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said aboutCholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.
Line 3
Three francs for the window,” said the monarch; “and the muffins of course spoiled!” and he sat down to breakfast very peevishly.
Line 4
Ah, King Louis Philippe, that shot cost thee more than a window-pane--more than a plate of muffins--it cost thee a fair kingdom and fifty millions of tax-payers.
Line 5
The shot had been fired from Fort Potato.

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.

Same adjective US /seɪm/

Identical; not different.

From this reading “On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said about “Cholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.”

All words in this reading · 98

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.

1884

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

From this reading On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said about “Cholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.

26th

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

From this reading On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said about “Cholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.

a

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

From this reading On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said about “Cholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.

about

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

From this reading On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said about “Cholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.

Ah

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

From this reading Ah, King Louis Philippe, that shot cost thee more than a window-pane--more than a plate of muffins--it cost thee a fair kingdom and fifty millions of tax-payers.

an

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

From this reading On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said about “Cholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.

and

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

From this reading On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said about “Cholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.

as

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

From this reading On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said about “Cholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.

at

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

From this reading On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said about “Cholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.

ball

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

From this reading On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said about “Cholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.

BATTLE

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

From this reading THE BATTLE OF THE FORTS.

be

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

From this reading On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said about “Cholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.

been

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

From this reading The shot had been fired from Fort Potato.

Bonaparte

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

From this reading On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said about “Cholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.

breakfast

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

From this reading On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said about “Cholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.

came

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

From this reading On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said about “Cholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.

Camp

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

From this reading On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said about “Cholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.

Chicken-pox

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

From this reading On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said about “Cholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.

Cholera

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

From this reading On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said about “Cholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.

coming

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

From this reading On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said about “Cholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.

cost

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

From this reading Ah, King Louis Philippe, that shot cost thee more than a window-pane--more than a plate of muffins--it cost thee a fair kingdom and fifty millions of tax-payers.

course

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

From this reading “Three francs for the window,” said the monarch; “and the muffins of course spoiled!” and he sat down to breakfast very peevishly.

de

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

From this reading On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said about “Cholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.

Debats

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

From this reading On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said about “Cholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.

down

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

From this reading “Three francs for the window,” said the monarch; “and the muffins of course spoiled!” and he sat down to breakfast very peevishly.

eighty-four-pound

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

From this reading On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said about “Cholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.

fair

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

From this reading Ah, King Louis Philippe, that shot cost thee more than a window-pane--more than a plate of muffins--it cost thee a fair kingdom and fifty millions of tax-payers.

faithful

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

From this reading On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said about “Cholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.

fifty

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

From this reading Ah, King Louis Philippe, that shot cost thee more than a window-pane--more than a plate of muffins--it cost thee a fair kingdom and fifty millions of tax-payers.

fired

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

From this reading The shot had been fired from Fort Potato.

for

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

From this reading “Three francs for the window,” said the monarch; “and the muffins of course spoiled!” and he sat down to breakfast very peevishly.

Fort

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

From this reading The shot had been fired from Fort Potato.

FORTS

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

From this reading THE BATTLE OF THE FORTS.

francs

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

From this reading “Three francs for the window,” said the monarch; “and the muffins of course spoiled!” and he sat down to breakfast very peevishly.

from

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

From this reading The shot had been fired from Fort Potato.

gun

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

From this reading On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said about “Cholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.

had

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

From this reading The shot had been fired from Fort Potato.

he

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

From this reading “Three francs for the window,” said the monarch; “and the muffins of course spoiled!” and he sat down to breakfast very peevishly.

head

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

From this reading On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said about “Cholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.

hear

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

From this reading On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said about “Cholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.

Henri

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

From this reading On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said about “Cholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.

his

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

From this reading On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said about “Cholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.

in

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

From this reading On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said about “Cholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.

instant

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

From this reading On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said about “Cholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.

it

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

From this reading Ah, King Louis Philippe, that shot cost thee more than a window-pane--more than a plate of muffins--it cost thee a fair kingdom and fifty millions of tax-payers.

journal

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

From this reading On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said about “Cholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.

King

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

From this reading Ah, King Louis Philippe, that shot cost thee more than a window-pane--more than a plate of muffins--it cost thee a fair kingdom and fifty millions of tax-payers.

kingdom

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

From this reading Ah, King Louis Philippe, that shot cost thee more than a window-pane--more than a plate of muffins--it cost thee a fair kingdom and fifty millions of tax-payers.

Louis

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

From this reading On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said about “Cholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.

Majesty

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

From this reading On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said about “Cholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.

might

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

From this reading On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said about “Cholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.

millions

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

From this reading Ah, King Louis Philippe, that shot cost thee more than a window-pane--more than a plate of muffins--it cost thee a fair kingdom and fifty millions of tax-payers.

monarch

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

From this reading “Three francs for the window,” said the monarch; “and the muffins of course spoiled!” and he sat down to breakfast very peevishly.

Monsieur

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

From this reading On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said about “Cholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.

Montalivet

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

From this reading On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said about “Cholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.

Morbus

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

From this reading On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said about “Cholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.

more

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

From this reading Ah, King Louis Philippe, that shot cost thee more than a window-pane--more than a plate of muffins--it cost thee a fair kingdom and fifty millions of tax-payers.

morning

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

From this reading On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said about “Cholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.

muffins

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

From this reading On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said about “Cholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.

newspaper

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

From this reading On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said about “Cholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.

October

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

From this reading On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said about “Cholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.

OF

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

From this reading THE BATTLE OF THE FORTS.

off

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

From this reading On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said about “Cholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.

On

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

From this reading On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said about “Cholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.

peevishly

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

From this reading “Three francs for the window,” said the monarch; “and the muffins of course spoiled!” and he sat down to breakfast very peevishly.

Philippe

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

From this reading On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said about “Cholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.

plate

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

From this reading On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said about “Cholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.

Potato

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

From this reading The shot had been fired from Fort Potato.

Pretender

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

From this reading On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said about “Cholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.

raging

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

From this reading On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said about “Cholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.

reading

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

From this reading On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said about “Cholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.

report

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

From this reading On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said about “Cholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.

said

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

From this reading On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said about “Cholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.

sameadjectiveUS /seɪm/

Identical; not different.

From this reading On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said about “Cholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.

sat

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

From this reading “Three francs for the window,” said the monarch; “and the muffins of course spoiled!” and he sat down to breakfast very peevishly.

shot

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

From this reading Ah, King Louis Philippe, that shot cost thee more than a window-pane--more than a plate of muffins--it cost thee a fair kingdom and fifty millions of tax-payers.

spoiled

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

From this reading “Three francs for the window,” said the monarch; “and the muffins of course spoiled!” and he sat down to breakfast very peevishly.

surprise

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

From this reading On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said about “Cholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.

tax-payers

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

From this reading Ah, King Louis Philippe, that shot cost thee more than a window-pane--more than a plate of muffins--it cost thee a fair kingdom and fifty millions of tax-payers.

than

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

From this reading Ah, King Louis Philippe, that shot cost thee more than a window-pane--more than a plate of muffins--it cost thee a fair kingdom and fifty millions of tax-payers.

that

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

From this reading On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said about “Cholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.

THE

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

From this reading THE BATTLE OF THE FORTS.

thee

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

From this reading Ah, King Louis Philippe, that shot cost thee more than a window-pane--more than a plate of muffins--it cost thee a fair kingdom and fifty millions of tax-payers.

Three

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

From this reading “Three francs for the window,” said the monarch; “and the muffins of course spoiled!” and he sat down to breakfast very peevishly.

through

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

From this reading On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said about “Cholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.

to

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

From this reading On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said about “Cholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.

took

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

From this reading On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said about “Cholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.

Traitor

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

From this reading On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said about “Cholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.

true

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

From this reading On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said about “Cholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.

very

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

From this reading “Three francs for the window,” said the monarch; “and the muffins of course spoiled!” and he sat down to breakfast very peevishly.

was

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

From this reading On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said about “Cholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.

what

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

From this reading On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said about “Cholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.

whiz

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

From this reading On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said about “Cholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.

who

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

From this reading On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said about “Cholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.

window

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

From this reading On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said about “Cholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.

window-pane

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

From this reading Ah, King Louis Philippe, that shot cost thee more than a window-pane--more than a plate of muffins--it cost thee a fair kingdom and fifty millions of tax-payers.

wishing

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

From this reading On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said about “Cholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.

with

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

From this reading On the morning of the 26th October, 1884, as his Majesty Louis Philippe was at breakfast reading the Debats newspaper, and wishing that what the journal said about “Cholera Morbus in the Camp of the Pretender Henri,”--“Chicken-pox raging in the Forts of the Traitor Bonaparte,”--might be true, what was his surprise to hear the report of a gun; and at the same instant--whiz! came an eighty-four-pound ball through the window and took off the head of the faithful Monsieur de Montalivet, who was coming in with a plate of muffins.

Chapter 39 of Burlesques by William Makepeace Thackeray holds 22 sentences, grouped into 5 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 39 of Burlesques contain?

Chapter 39 holds 22 sentences of Burlesques, unabridged, divided into 5 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 39 of Burlesques by William Makepeace Thackeray exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 22 sentences, grouped into 5 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 39 of Burlesques?

Work through the 5 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 5 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 39 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 39 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 Burlesques

Common questions about reading Burlesques by William Makepeace Thackeray on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Burlesques?

Yes. All 6457 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #2675 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Burlesques is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #2675, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Burlesques take to read?

About 538 minutes of reading across 1292 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Burlesques section by section

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

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 40 chapters of Burlesques 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 Burlesques

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

Button's
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Burlesques; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Those
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Burlesques; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Frequent
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Burlesques; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Dismal
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Burlesques; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.