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Eben Holden: A Tale of the North Country
Eben Holden: A Tale of the North Country

Chapter XVI · Chapter 16

Chapter 16 of Eben Holden: A Tale of the North Country is here in full — 117 sentences across 24 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for Eben Holden: A Tale of the North Country
Context Illustration Reading 1/23 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
I ought to say that I have had and shall have to chronicle herein much that would seem to indicate a mighty conceit of myself.
Unfortunately the little word 'I' throws a big shadow in this history.
It looms up all too frequently in every page for the sign of a modest man.
But, indeed, I cannot help it, for he was the only observer of all there is to tell.
Now there is much, for example, in the very marrow of my history--things that never would have happened, things that never would have been said, but for my fame as a scholar.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Eben Holden: A Tale of the North Country

Chapter XVI · Chapter 16

Chapter 16 of Eben Holden: A Tale of the North Country is here in full — 117 sentences across 24 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/23 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
I ought to say that I have had and shall have to chronicle herein much that would seem to indicate a mighty conceit of myself.
/aɪ ɔːt tuː seɪ ðæt aɪ hæv hæd ənd ʃæl hæv tuː ˈkrɑː.nɪ.kəl hɪˈrɪn mʌtʃ ðæt wʊd siːm tuː ˈɪndəkeɪt ə ˈmaɪti kənˈsiːt ʌv ˌmaɪˈself/
Line 2
Unfortunately the little word 'I' throws a big shadow in this history.
/ənˈfɔːrtʃənətli ðə ˈlɪtəl wɜːrd aɪ θroʊz ə bɪɡ ˈʃæd.oʊ ɪn ðɪs ˈhɪstəri/
Line 3
It looms up all too frequently in every page for the sign of a modest man.
/ɪt luːmz ʌp ɔːl tuː ˈfriːkwəntli ɪn ˈevəri peɪdʒ fɔːr ðə saɪn ʌv ə ˈmɑːdəst mæn/
Line 4
But, indeed, I cannot help it, for he was the only observer of all there is to tell.
Line 5
Now there is much, for example, in the very marrow of my history--things that never would have happened, things that never would have been said, but for my fame as a scholar.

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.

chronicle noun US /ˈkrɑː.nɪ.kəl/

A detailed written record of historical events in order. (Sử ký, biên niên sử lịch sử.)

From this reading “I ought to say that I have had and shall have to chronicle herein much that would seem to indicate a mighty conceit of myself.”

conceit noun US /kənˈsiːt/

feelings of excessive pride

From this reading “I ought to say that I have had and shall have to chronicle herein much that would seem to indicate a mighty conceit of myself.”

herein adverb US /hɪˈrɪn/

in this place or thing or document

From this reading “I ought to say that I have had and shall have to chronicle herein much that would seem to indicate a mighty conceit of myself.”

indicate verb US /ˈɪndəkeɪt/

be a signal for or a symptom of

From this reading “I ought to say that I have had and shall have to chronicle herein much that would seem to indicate a mighty conceit of myself.”

looms noun US /luːmz/

plural of “loom” — a textile machine for weaving yarn into a textile

From this reading “It looms up all too frequently in every page for the sign of a modest man.”

marrow noun US /ˈmeroʊ/

the fatty network of connective tissue that fills the cavities of bones

From this reading “Now there is much, for example, in the very marrow of my history--things that never would have happened, things that never would have been said, but for my fame as a scholar.”

observer noun US /əbˈzɜːrvər/

a person who becomes aware (of things or events) through the senses

From this reading “But, indeed, I cannot help it, for he was the only observer of all there is to tell.”

throws noun US /θroʊz/

plural of “throw” — the act of throwing (propelling something with a rapid movement of the arm and wrist)

From this reading “Unfortunately the little word 'I' throws a big shadow in this history.”

All words in this reading · 66

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

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

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading I ought to say that I have had and shall have to chronicle herein much that would seem to indicate a mighty conceit of myself.

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 It looms up all too frequently in every page for the sign of a modest man.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading I ought to say that I have had and shall have to chronicle herein much that would seem to indicate a mighty conceit of myself.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading Now there is much, for example, in the very marrow of my history--things that never would have happened, things that never would have been said, but for my fame as a scholar.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Now there is much, for example, in the very marrow of my history--things that never would have happened, things that never would have been said, but for my fame as a scholar.

bigadjectiveUS /bɪɡ/

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Unfortunately the little word 'I' throws a big shadow in this history.

ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But, indeed, I cannot help it, for he was the only observer of all there is to tell.

cannot

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

From this reading But, indeed, I cannot help it, for he was the only observer of all there is to tell.

chroniclenounUS /ˈkrɑː.nɪ.kəl/

A detailed written record of historical events in order. (Sử ký, biên niên sử lịch sử.)

From this reading I ought to say that I have had and shall have to chronicle herein much that would seem to indicate a mighty conceit of myself.

conceitnounUS /kənˈsiːt/

feelings of excessive pride

From this reading I ought to say that I have had and shall have to chronicle herein much that would seem to indicate a mighty conceit of myself.

everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading It looms up all too frequently in every page for the sign of a modest man.

examplenounUS /ɪɡˈzæmpəl/

an item of information that is typical of a class or group

From this reading Now there is much, for example, in the very marrow of my history--things that never would have happened, things that never would have been said, but for my fame as a scholar.

famenounUS /feɪm/

the state or quality of being widely honored and acclaimed

From this reading Now there is much, for example, in the very marrow of my history--things that never would have happened, things that never would have been said, but for my fame as a scholar.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading It looms up all too frequently in every page for the sign of a modest man.

frequentlyadverbUS /ˈfriːkwəntli/

many times at short intervals

From this reading It looms up all too frequently in every page for the sign of a modest man.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading I ought to say that I have had and shall have to chronicle herein much that would seem to indicate a mighty conceit of myself.

happenedverbUS /ˈhæpənd/

past form of “happen” — come to pass

From this reading Now there is much, for example, in the very marrow of my history--things that never would have happened, things that never would have been said, but for my fame as a scholar.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading I ought to say that I have had and shall have to chronicle herein much that would seem to indicate a mighty conceit of myself.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading But, indeed, I cannot help it, for he was the only observer of all there is to tell.

helpverbUS /help/

give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading But, indeed, I cannot help it, for he was the only observer of all there is to tell.

hereinadverbUS /hɪˈrɪn/

in this place or thing or document

From this reading I ought to say that I have had and shall have to chronicle herein much that would seem to indicate a mighty conceit of myself.

historynounUS /ˈhɪstəri/

the aggregate of past events

From this reading Unfortunately the little word 'I' throws a big shadow in this history.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

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

From this reading I ought to say that I have had and shall have to chronicle herein much that would seem to indicate a mighty conceit of myself.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading Unfortunately the little word 'I' throws a big shadow in this history.

indeedadverbUS /ˌɪnˈdiːd/

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading But, indeed, I cannot help it, for he was the only observer of all there is to tell.

indicateverbUS /ˈɪndəkeɪt/

be a signal for or a symptom of

From this reading I ought to say that I have had and shall have to chronicle herein much that would seem to indicate a mighty conceit of myself.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading But, indeed, I cannot help it, for he was the only observer of all there is to tell.

ItpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It looms up all too frequently in every page for the sign of a modest man.

littleadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Unfortunately the little word 'I' throws a big shadow in this history.

loomsnounUS /luːmz/

plural of “loom” — a textile machine for weaving yarn into a textile

From this reading It looms up all too frequently in every page for the sign of a modest man.

mannounUS /mæn/

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading It looms up all too frequently in every page for the sign of a modest man.

marrownounUS /ˈmeroʊ/

the fatty network of connective tissue that fills the cavities of bones

From this reading Now there is much, for example, in the very marrow of my history--things that never would have happened, things that never would have been said, but for my fame as a scholar.

mightyadjectiveUS /ˈmaɪti/

having or showing great strength or force or intensity

From this reading I ought to say that I have had and shall have to chronicle herein much that would seem to indicate a mighty conceit of myself.

modestadjectiveUS /ˈmɑːdəst/

marked by simplicity; having a humble opinion of yourself

From this reading It looms up all too frequently in every page for the sign of a modest man.

muchadverbUS /mʌtʃ/

to a great degree or extent

From this reading I ought to say that I have had and shall have to chronicle herein much that would seem to indicate a mighty conceit of myself.

mydeterminerUS /maɪ/

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading Now there is much, for example, in the very marrow of my history--things that never would have happened, things that never would have been said, but for my fame as a scholar.

myselfpronounUS /ˌmaɪˈself/

used when the speaker is also the object of the action

From this reading I ought to say that I have had and shall have to chronicle herein much that would seem to indicate a mighty conceit of myself.

neveradverbUS /ˈnevər/

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading Now there is much, for example, in the very marrow of my history--things that never would have happened, things that never would have been said, but for my fame as a scholar.

NowadverbUS /naʊ/

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading Now there is much, for example, in the very marrow of my history--things that never would have happened, things that never would have been said, but for my fame as a scholar.

observernounUS /əbˈzɜːrvər/

a person who becomes aware (of things or events) through the senses

From this reading But, indeed, I cannot help it, for he was the only observer of all there is to tell.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading I ought to say that I have had and shall have to chronicle herein much that would seem to indicate a mighty conceit of myself.

onlyadverbUS /ˈoʊnli/

and nothing more

From this reading But, indeed, I cannot help it, for he was the only observer of all there is to tell.

oughtmodal verbUS /ɔːt/

used with “to” to say what is right or advisable

From this reading I ought to say that I have had and shall have to chronicle herein much that would seem to indicate a mighty conceit of myself.

pagenounUS /peɪdʒ/

one side of one leaf (of a book or magazine or newspaper or letter etc.) or the written or pictorial matter it contains

From this reading It looms up all too frequently in every page for the sign of a modest man.

saidadjectiveUS /sed/

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading Now there is much, for example, in the very marrow of my history--things that never would have happened, things that never would have been said, but for my fame as a scholar.

sayverbUS /seɪ/

express in words

From this reading I ought to say that I have had and shall have to chronicle herein much that would seem to indicate a mighty conceit of myself.

scholarnounUS /ˈskɒl.ər/

A specialist in a particular branch of study; a distinguished student.

From this reading Now there is much, for example, in the very marrow of my history--things that never would have happened, things that never would have been said, but for my fame as a scholar.

seemverbUS /siːm/

give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading I ought to say that I have had and shall have to chronicle herein much that would seem to indicate a mighty conceit of myself.

shadownounUS /ˈʃæd.oʊ/

A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.

From this reading Unfortunately the little word 'I' throws a big shadow in this history.

shallmodal verbUS /ʃæl/

used with I and we for the future, or to offer and suggest

From this reading I ought to say that I have had and shall have to chronicle herein much that would seem to indicate a mighty conceit of myself.

signnounUS /saɪn/

a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)

From this reading It looms up all too frequently in every page for the sign of a modest man.

tellverbUS /tel/

express in words

From this reading But, indeed, I cannot help it, for he was the only observer of all there is to tell.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading I ought to say that I have had and shall have to chronicle herein much that would seem to indicate a mighty conceit of myself.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading Unfortunately the little word 'I' throws a big shadow in this history.

thereadverbUS /ðer/

in or at that place or location

From this reading But, indeed, I cannot help it, for he was the only observer of all there is to tell.

thingsnounUS /θɪŋz/

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading Now there is much, for example, in the very marrow of my history--things that never would have happened, things that never would have been said, but for my fame as a scholar.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading Unfortunately the little word 'I' throws a big shadow in this history.

throwsnounUS /θroʊz/

plural of “throw” — the act of throwing (propelling something with a rapid movement of the arm and wrist)

From this reading Unfortunately the little word 'I' throws a big shadow in this history.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading I ought to say that I have had and shall have to chronicle herein much that would seem to indicate a mighty conceit of myself.

tooadverbUS /tuː/

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading It looms up all too frequently in every page for the sign of a modest man.

UnfortunatelyadverbUS /ənˈfɔːrtʃənətli/

by bad luck

From this reading Unfortunately the little word 'I' throws a big shadow in this history.

upadjectiveUS /ʌp/

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading It looms up all too frequently in every page for the sign of a modest man.

veryadjectiveUS /ˈveri/

precisely as stated

From this reading Now there is much, for example, in the very marrow of my history--things that never would have happened, things that never would have been said, but for my fame as a scholar.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading But, indeed, I cannot help it, for he was the only observer of all there is to tell.

wordnounUS /wɜːrd/

a unit of language that native speakers can identify

From this reading Unfortunately the little word 'I' throws a big shadow in this history.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading I ought to say that I have had and shall have to chronicle herein much that would seem to indicate a mighty conceit of myself.

Chapter 16 of Eben Holden: A Tale of the North Country by Irving Bacheller holds 117 sentences, grouped into 24 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 16 of Eben Holden: A Tale of the North Country contain?

Chapter 16 holds 117 sentences of Eben Holden: A Tale of the North Country, unabridged, divided into 24 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 16 of Eben Holden: A Tale of the North Country by Irving Bacheller exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 117 sentences, grouped into 24 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 16 of Eben Holden: A Tale of the North Country?

Work through the 24 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 24 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 16 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 16 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 Eben Holden: A Tale of the North Country

Common questions about reading Eben Holden: A Tale of the North Country by Irving Bacheller on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Eben Holden: A Tale of the North Country?

Yes. All 5901 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #2799 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Eben Holden: A Tale of the North Country is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #2799, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Eben Holden: A Tale of the North Country take to read?

About 491 minutes of reading across 1181 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

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How to work through Eben Holden: A Tale of the North Country section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

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Vocabulary met early in Eben Holden: A Tale of the North Country

Words and structures a reader meets early in Eben Holden: A Tale of the North Country, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

People
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Eben Holden: A Tale of the North Country; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Expedition
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Eben Holden: A Tale of the North Country; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Remarkable
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Eben Holden: A Tale of the North Country; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Small
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Eben Holden: A Tale of the North Country; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.