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Cynthia's Revels
Cynthia's Revels

Chapter I · Chapter 1

Chapter 1 of Cynthia's Revels is here in full — 399 sentences across 80 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/79 · 5 lines
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With An Introduction By Prof. Felix E. Schelling THE greatest of English dramatists except Shakespeare, the first literary dictator and poet-laureate, a writer of verse, prose, satire, and criticism who most potently of all the men of his time affected the subsequent course of English letters: such was Ben Jonson, and as such his strong personality assumes an interest to us almost unparalleled, at least in his age.
Ben Jonson came of the stock that was centuries after to give to the world Thomas Carlyle; for Jonson's grandfather was of Annandale, over the Solway, whence he migrated to England.
Jonson's father lost his estate under Queen Mary, "having been cast into prison and forfeited."
He entered the church, but died a month before his illustrious son was born, leaving his widow and child in poverty.
Jonson's birthplace was Westminster, and the time of his birth early in 1573.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Cynthia's Revels

Chapter I · Chapter 1

Chapter 1 of Cynthia's Revels is here in full — 399 sentences across 80 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/79 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
With An Introduction By Prof. Felix E. Schelling THE greatest of English dramatists except Shakespeare, the first literary dictator and poet-laureate, a writer of verse, prose, satire, and criticism who most potently of all the men of his time affected the subsequent course of English letters: such was Ben Jonson, and as such his strong personality assumes an interest to us almost unparalleled, at least in his age.
Line 2
Ben Jonson came of the stock that was centuries after to give to the world Thomas Carlyle; for Jonson's grandfather was of Annandale, over the Solway, whence he migrated to England.
Line 3
Jonson's father lost his estate under Queen Mary, "having been cast into prison and forfeited."
Line 4
He entered the church, but died a month before his illustrious son was born, leaving his widow and child in poverty.
/hiː ˈentərd ðə tʃɜːrtʃ bʌt daɪd ə mʌnθ bɪˈfɔːr hɪz ˌɪˈlʌstriəs sʌn wɑːz bɔːrn ˈliːvɪŋ hɪz ˈwɪdoʊ ənd tʃaɪld ɪn ˈpɑːvərti/
Line 5
Jonson's birthplace was Westminster, and the time of his birth early in 1573.

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.

assumes verb US /əˈsuːmz/

third-person singular of “assume” — take to be the case or to be true; accept without verification or proof

From this reading “With An Introduction By Prof. Felix E. Schelling THE greatest of English dramatists except Shakespeare, the first literary dictator and poet-laureate, a writer of verse, prose, satire, and criticism who most potently of all the men of his time affected the subsequent course of English letters: such was Ben Jonson, and as such his strong personality assumes an interest to us almost unparalleled, at least in his age.”

birthplace noun US /ˈbɜːrθpleɪs/

the place where someone was born

From this reading “Jonson's birthplace was Westminster, and the time of his birth early in 1573.”

dictator noun US /dɪkˈteɪtər/

a speaker who dictates to a secretary or a recording machine

From this reading “With An Introduction By Prof. Felix E. Schelling THE greatest of English dramatists except Shakespeare, the first literary dictator and poet-laureate, a writer of verse, prose, satire, and criticism who most potently of all the men of his time affected the subsequent course of English letters: such was Ben Jonson, and as such his strong personality assumes an interest to us almost unparalleled, at least in his age.”

forfeited adjective US /ˈfɔːrfɪtɪd/

surrendered as a penalty

From this reading “Jonson's father lost his estate under Queen Mary, "having been cast into prison and forfeited."”

Jonson noun US /ˈdʒɑːnsən/

English dramatist and poet who was the first real poet laureate of England (1572-1637)

From this reading “With An Introduction By Prof. Felix E. Schelling THE greatest of English dramatists except Shakespeare, the first literary dictator and poet-laureate, a writer of verse, prose, satire, and criticism who most potently of all the men of his time affected the subsequent course of English letters: such was Ben Jonson, and as such his strong personality assumes an interest to us almost unparalleled, at least in his age.”

migrated verb US /ˈmaɪɡreɪtɪd/

past form of “migrate” — move from one country or region to another and settle there

From this reading “Ben Jonson came of the stock that was centuries after to give to the world Thomas Carlyle; for Jonson's grandfather was of Annandale, over the Solway, whence he migrated to England.”

satire noun US /ˈsætaɪər/

witty language used to convey insults or scorn

From this reading “With An Introduction By Prof. Felix E. Schelling THE greatest of English dramatists except Shakespeare, the first literary dictator and poet-laureate, a writer of verse, prose, satire, and criticism who most potently of all the men of his time affected the subsequent course of English letters: such was Ben Jonson, and as such his strong personality assumes an interest to us almost unparalleled, at least in his age.”

unparalleled adjective US /ənˈperəleld/

radically distinctive and without equal

From this reading “With An Introduction By Prof. Felix E. Schelling THE greatest of English dramatists except Shakespeare, the first literary dictator and poet-laureate, a writer of verse, prose, satire, and criticism who most potently of all the men of his time affected the subsequent course of English letters: such was Ben Jonson, and as such his strong personality assumes an interest to us almost unparalleled, at least in his age.”

All words in this reading · 103

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.

1573

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

From this reading Jonson's birthplace was Westminster, and the time of his birth early in 1573.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading With An Introduction By Prof. Felix E. Schelling THE greatest of English dramatists except Shakespeare, the first literary dictator and poet-laureate, a writer of verse, prose, satire, and criticism who most potently of all the men of his time affected the subsequent course of English letters: such was Ben Jonson, and as such his strong personality assumes an interest to us almost unparalleled, at least in his age.

affectedadjectiveUS /əˈfektɪd/

acted upon; influenced

From this reading With An Introduction By Prof. Felix E. Schelling THE greatest of English dramatists except Shakespeare, the first literary dictator and poet-laureate, a writer of verse, prose, satire, and criticism who most potently of all the men of his time affected the subsequent course of English letters: such was Ben Jonson, and as such his strong personality assumes an interest to us almost unparalleled, at least in his age.

afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading Ben Jonson came of the stock that was centuries after to give to the world Thomas Carlyle; for Jonson's grandfather was of Annandale, over the Solway, whence he migrated to England.

agenounUS /eɪdʒ/

how long something has existed

From this reading With An Introduction By Prof. Felix E. Schelling THE greatest of English dramatists except Shakespeare, the first literary dictator and poet-laureate, a writer of verse, prose, satire, and criticism who most potently of all the men of his time affected the subsequent course of English letters: such was Ben Jonson, and as such his strong personality assumes an interest to us almost unparalleled, at least in his age.

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 With An Introduction By Prof. Felix E. Schelling THE greatest of English dramatists except Shakespeare, the first literary dictator and poet-laureate, a writer of verse, prose, satire, and criticism who most potently of all the men of his time affected the subsequent course of English letters: such was Ben Jonson, and as such his strong personality assumes an interest to us almost unparalleled, at least in his age.

almostadverbUS /ˈɔːlmoʊst/

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading With An Introduction By Prof. Felix E. Schelling THE greatest of English dramatists except Shakespeare, the first literary dictator and poet-laureate, a writer of verse, prose, satire, and criticism who most potently of all the men of his time affected the subsequent course of English letters: such was Ben Jonson, and as such his strong personality assumes an interest to us almost unparalleled, at least in his age.

AndeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading With An Introduction By Prof. Felix E. Schelling THE greatest of English dramatists except Shakespeare, the first literary dictator and poet-laureate, a writer of verse, prose, satire, and criticism who most potently of all the men of his time affected the subsequent course of English letters: such was Ben Jonson, and as such his strong personality assumes an interest to us almost unparalleled, at least in his age.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading With An Introduction By Prof. Felix E. Schelling THE greatest of English dramatists except Shakespeare, the first literary dictator and poet-laureate, a writer of verse, prose, satire, and criticism who most potently of all the men of his time affected the subsequent course of English letters: such was Ben Jonson, and as such his strong personality assumes an interest to us almost unparalleled, at least in his age.

Annandale

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

From this reading Ben Jonson came of the stock that was centuries after to give to the world Thomas Carlyle; for Jonson's grandfather was of Annandale, over the Solway, whence he migrated to England.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading With An Introduction By Prof. Felix E. Schelling THE greatest of English dramatists except Shakespeare, the first literary dictator and poet-laureate, a writer of verse, prose, satire, and criticism who most potently of all the men of his time affected the subsequent course of English letters: such was Ben Jonson, and as such his strong personality assumes an interest to us almost unparalleled, at least in his age.

assumesverbUS /əˈsuːmz/

third-person singular of “assume” — take to be the case or to be true; accept without verification or proof

From this reading With An Introduction By Prof. Felix E. Schelling THE greatest of English dramatists except Shakespeare, the first literary dictator and poet-laureate, a writer of verse, prose, satire, and criticism who most potently of all the men of his time affected the subsequent course of English letters: such was Ben Jonson, and as such his strong personality assumes an interest to us almost unparalleled, at least in his age.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading With An Introduction By Prof. Felix E. Schelling THE greatest of English dramatists except Shakespeare, the first literary dictator and poet-laureate, a writer of verse, prose, satire, and criticism who most potently of all the men of his time affected the subsequent course of English letters: such was Ben Jonson, and as such his strong personality assumes an interest to us almost unparalleled, at least in his age.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Jonson's father lost his estate under Queen Mary, "having been cast into prison and forfeited."

beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading He entered the church, but died a month before his illustrious son was born, leaving his widow and child in poverty.

BennounUS /ben/

a mountain or tall hill

From this reading With An Introduction By Prof. Felix E. Schelling THE greatest of English dramatists except Shakespeare, the first literary dictator and poet-laureate, a writer of verse, prose, satire, and criticism who most potently of all the men of his time affected the subsequent course of English letters: such was Ben Jonson, and as such his strong personality assumes an interest to us almost unparalleled, at least in his age.

birthnounUS /bɜːrθ/

the time when something begins (especially life)

From this reading Jonson's birthplace was Westminster, and the time of his birth early in 1573.

birthplacenounUS /ˈbɜːrθpleɪs/

the place where someone was born

From this reading Jonson's birthplace was Westminster, and the time of his birth early in 1573.

bornadjectiveUS /bɔːrn/

brought into existence

From this reading He entered the church, but died a month before his illustrious son was born, leaving his widow and child in poverty.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading He entered the church, but died a month before his illustrious son was born, leaving his widow and child in poverty.

ByprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading With An Introduction By Prof. Felix E. Schelling THE greatest of English dramatists except Shakespeare, the first literary dictator and poet-laureate, a writer of verse, prose, satire, and criticism who most potently of all the men of his time affected the subsequent course of English letters: such was Ben Jonson, and as such his strong personality assumes an interest to us almost unparalleled, at least in his age.

cameverbUS /keɪm/

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Ben Jonson came of the stock that was centuries after to give to the world Thomas Carlyle; for Jonson's grandfather was of Annandale, over the Solway, whence he migrated to England.

CarlylenounUS /ˈkɑːrlaɪl/

Scottish historian who wrote about the French Revolution (1795-1881)

From this reading Ben Jonson came of the stock that was centuries after to give to the world Thomas Carlyle; for Jonson's grandfather was of Annandale, over the Solway, whence he migrated to England.

castverbUS /kæst/

put or send forth

From this reading Jonson's father lost his estate under Queen Mary, "having been cast into prison and forfeited."

centuriesnounUS /ˈsentʃəriz/

plural of “century” — a period of 100 years

From this reading Ben Jonson came of the stock that was centuries after to give to the world Thomas Carlyle; for Jonson's grandfather was of Annandale, over the Solway, whence he migrated to England.

childnounUS /tʃaɪld/

a young person of either sex

From this reading He entered the church, but died a month before his illustrious son was born, leaving his widow and child in poverty.

churchnounUS /tʃɜːrtʃ/

one of the groups of Christians who have their own beliefs and forms of worship

From this reading He entered the church, but died a month before his illustrious son was born, leaving his widow and child in poverty.

coursenounUS /kɔːrs/

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading With An Introduction By Prof. Felix E. Schelling THE greatest of English dramatists except Shakespeare, the first literary dictator and poet-laureate, a writer of verse, prose, satire, and criticism who most potently of all the men of his time affected the subsequent course of English letters: such was Ben Jonson, and as such his strong personality assumes an interest to us almost unparalleled, at least in his age.

criticismnounUS /ˈkrɪtɪsɪzəm/

disapproval expressed by pointing out faults or shortcomings

From this reading With An Introduction By Prof. Felix E. Schelling THE greatest of English dramatists except Shakespeare, the first literary dictator and poet-laureate, a writer of verse, prose, satire, and criticism who most potently of all the men of his time affected the subsequent course of English letters: such was Ben Jonson, and as such his strong personality assumes an interest to us almost unparalleled, at least in his age.

dictatornounUS /dɪkˈteɪtər/

a speaker who dictates to a secretary or a recording machine

From this reading With An Introduction By Prof. Felix E. Schelling THE greatest of English dramatists except Shakespeare, the first literary dictator and poet-laureate, a writer of verse, prose, satire, and criticism who most potently of all the men of his time affected the subsequent course of English letters: such was Ben Jonson, and as such his strong personality assumes an interest to us almost unparalleled, at least in his age.

diedverbUS /daɪd/

past form of “die” — pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life

From this reading He entered the church, but died a month before his illustrious son was born, leaving his widow and child in poverty.

dramatists

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

From this reading With An Introduction By Prof. Felix E. Schelling THE greatest of English dramatists except Shakespeare, the first literary dictator and poet-laureate, a writer of verse, prose, satire, and criticism who most potently of all the men of his time affected the subsequent course of English letters: such was Ben Jonson, and as such his strong personality assumes an interest to us almost unparalleled, at least in his age.

EnounUS /iː/

a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for normal reproduction; an important antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals in the body

From this reading With An Introduction By Prof. Felix E. Schelling THE greatest of English dramatists except Shakespeare, the first literary dictator and poet-laureate, a writer of verse, prose, satire, and criticism who most potently of all the men of his time affected the subsequent course of English letters: such was Ben Jonson, and as such his strong personality assumes an interest to us almost unparalleled, at least in his age.

earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading Jonson's birthplace was Westminster, and the time of his birth early in 1573.

EnglandnounUS /ˈɪŋɡlənd/

a division of the United Kingdom

From this reading Ben Jonson came of the stock that was centuries after to give to the world Thomas Carlyle; for Jonson's grandfather was of Annandale, over the Solway, whence he migrated to England.

EnglishnounUS /ˈɪŋɡlɪʃ/

an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries

From this reading With An Introduction By Prof. Felix E. Schelling THE greatest of English dramatists except Shakespeare, the first literary dictator and poet-laureate, a writer of verse, prose, satire, and criticism who most potently of all the men of his time affected the subsequent course of English letters: such was Ben Jonson, and as such his strong personality assumes an interest to us almost unparalleled, at least in his age.

enteredverbUS /ˈentərd/

past form of “enter” — to come or go into

From this reading He entered the church, but died a month before his illustrious son was born, leaving his widow and child in poverty.

estatenounUS /ɪˈsteɪt/

everything you own; all of your assets (whether real property or personal property) and liabilities

From this reading Jonson's father lost his estate under Queen Mary, "having been cast into prison and forfeited."

exceptprepositionUS /ɪkˈsept/

apart from; not including

From this reading With An Introduction By Prof. Felix E. Schelling THE greatest of English dramatists except Shakespeare, the first literary dictator and poet-laureate, a writer of verse, prose, satire, and criticism who most potently of all the men of his time affected the subsequent course of English letters: such was Ben Jonson, and as such his strong personality assumes an interest to us almost unparalleled, at least in his age.

fathernounUS /ˈfɑːðər/

a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading Jonson's father lost his estate under Queen Mary, "having been cast into prison and forfeited."

Felix

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

From this reading With An Introduction By Prof. Felix E. Schelling THE greatest of English dramatists except Shakespeare, the first literary dictator and poet-laureate, a writer of verse, prose, satire, and criticism who most potently of all the men of his time affected the subsequent course of English letters: such was Ben Jonson, and as such his strong personality assumes an interest to us almost unparalleled, at least in his age.

firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading With An Introduction By Prof. Felix E. Schelling THE greatest of English dramatists except Shakespeare, the first literary dictator and poet-laureate, a writer of verse, prose, satire, and criticism who most potently of all the men of his time affected the subsequent course of English letters: such was Ben Jonson, and as such his strong personality assumes an interest to us almost unparalleled, at least in his age.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Ben Jonson came of the stock that was centuries after to give to the world Thomas Carlyle; for Jonson's grandfather was of Annandale, over the Solway, whence he migrated to England.

forfeitedadjectiveUS /ˈfɔːrfɪtɪd/

surrendered as a penalty

From this reading Jonson's father lost his estate under Queen Mary, "having been cast into prison and forfeited."

giveverbUS /ɡɪv/

cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading Ben Jonson came of the stock that was centuries after to give to the world Thomas Carlyle; for Jonson's grandfather was of Annandale, over the Solway, whence he migrated to England.

grandfathernounUS /ˈɡrændfɑːðər/

the father of your father or mother

From this reading Ben Jonson came of the stock that was centuries after to give to the world Thomas Carlyle; for Jonson's grandfather was of Annandale, over the Solway, whence he migrated to England.

greatestadjectiveUS /ˈɡreɪtəst/

highest in quality

From this reading With An Introduction By Prof. Felix E. Schelling THE greatest of English dramatists except Shakespeare, the first literary dictator and poet-laureate, a writer of verse, prose, satire, and criticism who most potently of all the men of his time affected the subsequent course of English letters: such was Ben Jonson, and as such his strong personality assumes an interest to us almost unparalleled, at least in his age.

havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading Jonson's father lost his estate under Queen Mary, "having been cast into prison and forfeited."

hepronounUS /hiː/

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Ben Jonson came of the stock that was centuries after to give to the world Thomas Carlyle; for Jonson's grandfather was of Annandale, over the Solway, whence he migrated to England.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading With An Introduction By Prof. Felix E. Schelling THE greatest of English dramatists except Shakespeare, the first literary dictator and poet-laureate, a writer of verse, prose, satire, and criticism who most potently of all the men of his time affected the subsequent course of English letters: such was Ben Jonson, and as such his strong personality assumes an interest to us almost unparalleled, at least in his age.

illustriousadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈlʌstriəs/

widely known and esteemed

From this reading He entered the church, but died a month before his illustrious son was born, leaving his widow and child in poverty.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading With An Introduction By Prof. Felix E. Schelling THE greatest of English dramatists except Shakespeare, the first literary dictator and poet-laureate, a writer of verse, prose, satire, and criticism who most potently of all the men of his time affected the subsequent course of English letters: such was Ben Jonson, and as such his strong personality assumes an interest to us almost unparalleled, at least in his age.

interestnounUS /ˈɪntrəst/

a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading With An Introduction By Prof. Felix E. Schelling THE greatest of English dramatists except Shakespeare, the first literary dictator and poet-laureate, a writer of verse, prose, satire, and criticism who most potently of all the men of his time affected the subsequent course of English letters: such was Ben Jonson, and as such his strong personality assumes an interest to us almost unparalleled, at least in his age.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Jonson's father lost his estate under Queen Mary, "having been cast into prison and forfeited."

IntroductionnounUS /ˌɪntrəˈdʌkʃən/

the act of beginning something new

From this reading With An Introduction By Prof. Felix E. Schelling THE greatest of English dramatists except Shakespeare, the first literary dictator and poet-laureate, a writer of verse, prose, satire, and criticism who most potently of all the men of his time affected the subsequent course of English letters: such was Ben Jonson, and as such his strong personality assumes an interest to us almost unparalleled, at least in his age.

JonsonnounUS /ˈdʒɑːnsən/

English dramatist and poet who was the first real poet laureate of England (1572-1637)

From this reading With An Introduction By Prof. Felix E. Schelling THE greatest of English dramatists except Shakespeare, the first literary dictator and poet-laureate, a writer of verse, prose, satire, and criticism who most potently of all the men of his time affected the subsequent course of English letters: such was Ben Jonson, and as such his strong personality assumes an interest to us almost unparalleled, at least in his age.

Jonson's

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

From this reading Ben Jonson came of the stock that was centuries after to give to the world Thomas Carlyle; for Jonson's grandfather was of Annandale, over the Solway, whence he migrated to England.

leastadjectiveUS /liːst/

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

From this reading With An Introduction By Prof. Felix E. Schelling THE greatest of English dramatists except Shakespeare, the first literary dictator and poet-laureate, a writer of verse, prose, satire, and criticism who most potently of all the men of his time affected the subsequent course of English letters: such was Ben Jonson, and as such his strong personality assumes an interest to us almost unparalleled, at least in his age.

leavingnounUS /ˈliːvɪŋ/

the act of departing

From this reading He entered the church, but died a month before his illustrious son was born, leaving his widow and child in poverty.

lettersnounUS /ˈletərz/

the literary culture

From this reading With An Introduction By Prof. Felix E. Schelling THE greatest of English dramatists except Shakespeare, the first literary dictator and poet-laureate, a writer of verse, prose, satire, and criticism who most potently of all the men of his time affected the subsequent course of English letters: such was Ben Jonson, and as such his strong personality assumes an interest to us almost unparalleled, at least in his age.

literaryadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəreri/

of or relating to or characteristic of literature

From this reading With An Introduction By Prof. Felix E. Schelling THE greatest of English dramatists except Shakespeare, the first literary dictator and poet-laureate, a writer of verse, prose, satire, and criticism who most potently of all the men of his time affected the subsequent course of English letters: such was Ben Jonson, and as such his strong personality assumes an interest to us almost unparalleled, at least in his age.

lostadjectiveUS /lɔːst/

no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered

From this reading Jonson's father lost his estate under Queen Mary, "having been cast into prison and forfeited."

MarynounUS /ˈmeri/

the mother of Jesus; Christians refer to her as the Virgin Mary; she is especially honored by Roman Catholics

From this reading Jonson's father lost his estate under Queen Mary, "having been cast into prison and forfeited."

mennounUS /men/

the force of workers available

From this reading With An Introduction By Prof. Felix E. Schelling THE greatest of English dramatists except Shakespeare, the first literary dictator and poet-laureate, a writer of verse, prose, satire, and criticism who most potently of all the men of his time affected the subsequent course of English letters: such was Ben Jonson, and as such his strong personality assumes an interest to us almost unparalleled, at least in his age.

migratedverbUS /ˈmaɪɡreɪtɪd/

past form of “migrate” — move from one country or region to another and settle there

From this reading Ben Jonson came of the stock that was centuries after to give to the world Thomas Carlyle; for Jonson's grandfather was of Annandale, over the Solway, whence he migrated to England.

monthnounUS /mʌnθ/

one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year

From this reading He entered the church, but died a month before his illustrious son was born, leaving his widow and child in poverty.

mostadverbUS /moʊst/

used to form the superlative

From this reading With An Introduction By Prof. Felix E. Schelling THE greatest of English dramatists except Shakespeare, the first literary dictator and poet-laureate, a writer of verse, prose, satire, and criticism who most potently of all the men of his time affected the subsequent course of English letters: such was Ben Jonson, and as such his strong personality assumes an interest to us almost unparalleled, at least in his age.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading With An Introduction By Prof. Felix E. Schelling THE greatest of English dramatists except Shakespeare, the first literary dictator and poet-laureate, a writer of verse, prose, satire, and criticism who most potently of all the men of his time affected the subsequent course of English letters: such was Ben Jonson, and as such his strong personality assumes an interest to us almost unparalleled, at least in his age.

overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading Ben Jonson came of the stock that was centuries after to give to the world Thomas Carlyle; for Jonson's grandfather was of Annandale, over the Solway, whence he migrated to England.

personalitynounUS /ˌpɜːrsəˈnælɪti/

the complex of all the attributes--behavioral, temperamental, emotional and mental--that characterize a unique individual

From this reading With An Introduction By Prof. Felix E. Schelling THE greatest of English dramatists except Shakespeare, the first literary dictator and poet-laureate, a writer of verse, prose, satire, and criticism who most potently of all the men of his time affected the subsequent course of English letters: such was Ben Jonson, and as such his strong personality assumes an interest to us almost unparalleled, at least in his age.

poet-laureate

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

From this reading With An Introduction By Prof. Felix E. Schelling THE greatest of English dramatists except Shakespeare, the first literary dictator and poet-laureate, a writer of verse, prose, satire, and criticism who most potently of all the men of his time affected the subsequent course of English letters: such was Ben Jonson, and as such his strong personality assumes an interest to us almost unparalleled, at least in his age.

potentlyadverb

in a manner having a powerful influence

From this reading With An Introduction By Prof. Felix E. Schelling THE greatest of English dramatists except Shakespeare, the first literary dictator and poet-laureate, a writer of verse, prose, satire, and criticism who most potently of all the men of his time affected the subsequent course of English letters: such was Ben Jonson, and as such his strong personality assumes an interest to us almost unparalleled, at least in his age.

povertynounUS /ˈpɑːvərti/

the state of having little or no money and few or no material possessions

From this reading He entered the church, but died a month before his illustrious son was born, leaving his widow and child in poverty.

prisonnounUS /ˈprɪzən/

a correctional institution where persons are confined while on trial or for punishment

From this reading Jonson's father lost his estate under Queen Mary, "having been cast into prison and forfeited."

Profnoun

someone who is a member of the faculty at a college or university

From this reading With An Introduction By Prof. Felix E. Schelling THE greatest of English dramatists except Shakespeare, the first literary dictator and poet-laureate, a writer of verse, prose, satire, and criticism who most potently of all the men of his time affected the subsequent course of English letters: such was Ben Jonson, and as such his strong personality assumes an interest to us almost unparalleled, at least in his age.

prosenounUS /proʊz/

ordinary writing as distinguished from verse

From this reading With An Introduction By Prof. Felix E. Schelling THE greatest of English dramatists except Shakespeare, the first literary dictator and poet-laureate, a writer of verse, prose, satire, and criticism who most potently of all the men of his time affected the subsequent course of English letters: such was Ben Jonson, and as such his strong personality assumes an interest to us almost unparalleled, at least in his age.

QueennounUS /kwiːn/

the only fertile female in a colony of social insects such as bees and ants and termites; its function is to lay eggs

From this reading Jonson's father lost his estate under Queen Mary, "having been cast into prison and forfeited."

satirenounUS /ˈsætaɪər/

witty language used to convey insults or scorn

From this reading With An Introduction By Prof. Felix E. Schelling THE greatest of English dramatists except Shakespeare, the first literary dictator and poet-laureate, a writer of verse, prose, satire, and criticism who most potently of all the men of his time affected the subsequent course of English letters: such was Ben Jonson, and as such his strong personality assumes an interest to us almost unparalleled, at least in his age.

Schelling

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

From this reading With An Introduction By Prof. Felix E. Schelling THE greatest of English dramatists except Shakespeare, the first literary dictator and poet-laureate, a writer of verse, prose, satire, and criticism who most potently of all the men of his time affected the subsequent course of English letters: such was Ben Jonson, and as such his strong personality assumes an interest to us almost unparalleled, at least in his age.

ShakespearenounUS /ˈʃeɪkspiːr/

English poet and dramatist considered one of the greatest English writers (1564-1616)

From this reading With An Introduction By Prof. Felix E. Schelling THE greatest of English dramatists except Shakespeare, the first literary dictator and poet-laureate, a writer of verse, prose, satire, and criticism who most potently of all the men of his time affected the subsequent course of English letters: such was Ben Jonson, and as such his strong personality assumes an interest to us almost unparalleled, at least in his age.

Solway

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

From this reading Ben Jonson came of the stock that was centuries after to give to the world Thomas Carlyle; for Jonson's grandfather was of Annandale, over the Solway, whence he migrated to England.

sonnounUS /sʌn/

a male human offspring

From this reading He entered the church, but died a month before his illustrious son was born, leaving his widow and child in poverty.

stocknounUS /stɑːk/

the capital raised by a corporation through the issue of shares entitling holders to an ownership interest

From this reading Ben Jonson came of the stock that was centuries after to give to the world Thomas Carlyle; for Jonson's grandfather was of Annandale, over the Solway, whence he migrated to England.

strongadjectiveUS /strɔːŋ/

having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading With An Introduction By Prof. Felix E. Schelling THE greatest of English dramatists except Shakespeare, the first literary dictator and poet-laureate, a writer of verse, prose, satire, and criticism who most potently of all the men of his time affected the subsequent course of English letters: such was Ben Jonson, and as such his strong personality assumes an interest to us almost unparalleled, at least in his age.

subsequentadjectiveUS /ˈsʌbsəkwənt/

following in time or order

From this reading With An Introduction By Prof. Felix E. Schelling THE greatest of English dramatists except Shakespeare, the first literary dictator and poet-laureate, a writer of verse, prose, satire, and criticism who most potently of all the men of his time affected the subsequent course of English letters: such was Ben Jonson, and as such his strong personality assumes an interest to us almost unparalleled, at least in his age.

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading With An Introduction By Prof. Felix E. Schelling THE greatest of English dramatists except Shakespeare, the first literary dictator and poet-laureate, a writer of verse, prose, satire, and criticism who most potently of all the men of his time affected the subsequent course of English letters: such was Ben Jonson, and as such his strong personality assumes an interest to us almost unparalleled, at least in his age.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Ben Jonson came of the stock that was centuries after to give to the world Thomas Carlyle; for Jonson's grandfather was of Annandale, over the Solway, whence he migrated to England.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading With An Introduction By Prof. Felix E. Schelling THE greatest of English dramatists except Shakespeare, the first literary dictator and poet-laureate, a writer of verse, prose, satire, and criticism who most potently of all the men of his time affected the subsequent course of English letters: such was Ben Jonson, and as such his strong personality assumes an interest to us almost unparalleled, at least in his age.

ThomasnounUS /ˈtɑːməs/

United States clockmaker who introduced mass production (1785-1859)

From this reading Ben Jonson came of the stock that was centuries after to give to the world Thomas Carlyle; for Jonson's grandfather was of Annandale, over the Solway, whence he migrated to England.

timenounUS /taɪm/

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading With An Introduction By Prof. Felix E. Schelling THE greatest of English dramatists except Shakespeare, the first literary dictator and poet-laureate, a writer of verse, prose, satire, and criticism who most potently of all the men of his time affected the subsequent course of English letters: such was Ben Jonson, and as such his strong personality assumes an interest to us almost unparalleled, at least in his age.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading With An Introduction By Prof. Felix E. Schelling THE greatest of English dramatists except Shakespeare, the first literary dictator and poet-laureate, a writer of verse, prose, satire, and criticism who most potently of all the men of his time affected the subsequent course of English letters: such was Ben Jonson, and as such his strong personality assumes an interest to us almost unparalleled, at least in his age.

underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading Jonson's father lost his estate under Queen Mary, "having been cast into prison and forfeited."

unparalleledadjectiveUS /ənˈperəleld/

radically distinctive and without equal

From this reading With An Introduction By Prof. Felix E. Schelling THE greatest of English dramatists except Shakespeare, the first literary dictator and poet-laureate, a writer of verse, prose, satire, and criticism who most potently of all the men of his time affected the subsequent course of English letters: such was Ben Jonson, and as such his strong personality assumes an interest to us almost unparalleled, at least in his age.

uspronounUS /ʌs/

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading With An Introduction By Prof. Felix E. Schelling THE greatest of English dramatists except Shakespeare, the first literary dictator and poet-laureate, a writer of verse, prose, satire, and criticism who most potently of all the men of his time affected the subsequent course of English letters: such was Ben Jonson, and as such his strong personality assumes an interest to us almost unparalleled, at least in his age.

versenounUS /vɜːrs/

literature in metrical form

From this reading With An Introduction By Prof. Felix E. Schelling THE greatest of English dramatists except Shakespeare, the first literary dictator and poet-laureate, a writer of verse, prose, satire, and criticism who most potently of all the men of his time affected the subsequent course of English letters: such was Ben Jonson, and as such his strong personality assumes an interest to us almost unparalleled, at least in his age.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading With An Introduction By Prof. Felix E. Schelling THE greatest of English dramatists except Shakespeare, the first literary dictator and poet-laureate, a writer of verse, prose, satire, and criticism who most potently of all the men of his time affected the subsequent course of English letters: such was Ben Jonson, and as such his strong personality assumes an interest to us almost unparalleled, at least in his age.

WestminsternounUS /ˌwestˈmɪnstər/

a borough of Greater London on the Thames; contains Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey

From this reading Jonson's birthplace was Westminster, and the time of his birth early in 1573.

whenceadverbUS /wens/

an old word meaning “from where”

From this reading Ben Jonson came of the stock that was centuries after to give to the world Thomas Carlyle; for Jonson's grandfather was of Annandale, over the Solway, whence he migrated to England.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading With An Introduction By Prof. Felix E. Schelling THE greatest of English dramatists except Shakespeare, the first literary dictator and poet-laureate, a writer of verse, prose, satire, and criticism who most potently of all the men of his time affected the subsequent course of English letters: such was Ben Jonson, and as such his strong personality assumes an interest to us almost unparalleled, at least in his age.

widownounUS /ˈwɪdoʊ/

a woman whose husband is dead especially one who has not remarried

From this reading He entered the church, but died a month before his illustrious son was born, leaving his widow and child in poverty.

WithprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading With An Introduction By Prof. Felix E. Schelling THE greatest of English dramatists except Shakespeare, the first literary dictator and poet-laureate, a writer of verse, prose, satire, and criticism who most potently of all the men of his time affected the subsequent course of English letters: such was Ben Jonson, and as such his strong personality assumes an interest to us almost unparalleled, at least in his age.

worldnounUS /wɜːrld/

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading Ben Jonson came of the stock that was centuries after to give to the world Thomas Carlyle; for Jonson's grandfather was of Annandale, over the Solway, whence he migrated to England.

writernounUS /ˈraɪtər/

writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading With An Introduction By Prof. Felix E. Schelling THE greatest of English dramatists except Shakespeare, the first literary dictator and poet-laureate, a writer of verse, prose, satire, and criticism who most potently of all the men of his time affected the subsequent course of English letters: such was Ben Jonson, and as such his strong personality assumes an interest to us almost unparalleled, at least in his age.

Chapter 1 of Cynthia's Revels by Ben Jonson holds 399 sentences, grouped into 80 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 1 of Cynthia's Revels contain?

Chapter 1 holds 399 sentences of Cynthia's Revels, unabridged, divided into 80 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 1 of Cynthia's Revels by Ben Jonson exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 399 sentences, grouped into 80 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 1 of Cynthia's Revels?

Work through the 80 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 80 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 1 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 1 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 Cynthia's Revels

Common questions about reading Cynthia's Revels by Ben Jonson on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Cynthia's Revels?

Yes. All 3982 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #3771 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Cynthia's Revels is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #3771, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Cynthia's Revels take to read?

About 331 minutes of reading across 797 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Cynthia's Revels section by section

How to work through Cynthia's Revels section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 10 chapters of Cynthia's Revels 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 Cynthia's Revels

Words and structures a reader meets early in Cynthia's Revels, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Introduction
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Cynthia's Revels; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Felix
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Cynthia's Revels; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Schelling
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Cynthia's Revels; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Greatest
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Cynthia's Revels; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.