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Essays of Travel
Essays of Travel

Chapter IV · Chapter 4

Chapter 4 of Essays of Travel is here in full — 129 sentences across 26 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

By Robert Louis Stevenson • Curated US English Learning Edition
Cover illustration for Essays of Travel
Context Illustration Reading 1/25 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
‘Ah!’ said he slowly, ‘the drink!
You see, that’s just my trouble.’
He spoke with a simplicity that was touching, looking at me at the same time with something strange and timid in his eye, half-ashamed, half-sorry, like a good child who knows he should be beaten.
You would have said he recognised a destiny to which he was born, and accepted the consequences mildly.
Like the merchant Abudah, he was at the same time fleeing from his destiny and carrying it along with him, the whole at an expense of six guineas.
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Speed 0.75x
AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Essays of Travel

Chapter IV · Chapter 4

Chapter 4 of Essays of Travel is here in full — 129 sentences across 26 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/25 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
‘Ah!’ said he slowly, ‘the drink!
Line 2
You see, that’s just my trouble.’
Line 3
He spoke with a simplicity that was touching, looking at me at the same time with something strange and timid in his eye, half-ashamed, half-sorry, like a good child who knows he should be beaten.
Line 4
You would have said he recognised a destiny to which he was born, and accepted the consequences mildly.
Line 5
Like the merchant Abudah, he was at the same time fleeing from his destiny and carrying it along with him, the whole at an expense of six guineas.

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.

Merchant noun US /ˈmɜːr.tʃənt/

A person or company involved in wholesale trade, especially with foreign countries.

From this reading “Like the merchant Abudah, he was at the same time fleeing from his destiny and carrying it along with him, the whole at an expense of six guineas.”

Velmora curated lexicon
Same adjective US /seɪm/

Identical; not different.

From this reading “He spoke with a simplicity that was touching, looking at me at the same time with something strange and timid in his eye, half-ashamed, half-sorry, like a good child who knows he should be beaten.”

Velmora curated lexicon

All words in this reading · 65

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.

a

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

From this reading He spoke with a simplicity that was touching, looking at me at the same time with something strange and timid in his eye, half-ashamed, half-sorry, like a good child who knows he should be beaten.

Pending verification
Abudah

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

From this reading Like the merchant Abudah, he was at the same time fleeing from his destiny and carrying it along with him, the whole at an expense of six guineas.

Pending verification
accepted

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

From this reading You would have said he recognised a destiny to which he was born, and accepted the consequences mildly.

Pending verification
Ah

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

From this reading ‘Ah!’ said he slowly, ‘the drink!

Pending verification
along

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

From this reading Like the merchant Abudah, he was at the same time fleeing from his destiny and carrying it along with him, the whole at an expense of six guineas.

Pending verification
an

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

From this reading Like the merchant Abudah, he was at the same time fleeing from his destiny and carrying it along with him, the whole at an expense of six guineas.

Pending verification
and

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

From this reading He spoke with a simplicity that was touching, looking at me at the same time with something strange and timid in his eye, half-ashamed, half-sorry, like a good child who knows he should be beaten.

Pending verification
at

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

From this reading He spoke with a simplicity that was touching, looking at me at the same time with something strange and timid in his eye, half-ashamed, half-sorry, like a good child who knows he should be beaten.

Pending verification
be

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

From this reading He spoke with a simplicity that was touching, looking at me at the same time with something strange and timid in his eye, half-ashamed, half-sorry, like a good child who knows he should be beaten.

Pending verification
beaten

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

From this reading He spoke with a simplicity that was touching, looking at me at the same time with something strange and timid in his eye, half-ashamed, half-sorry, like a good child who knows he should be beaten.

Pending verification
born

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

From this reading You would have said he recognised a destiny to which he was born, and accepted the consequences mildly.

Pending verification
carrying

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

From this reading Like the merchant Abudah, he was at the same time fleeing from his destiny and carrying it along with him, the whole at an expense of six guineas.

Pending verification
child

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

From this reading He spoke with a simplicity that was touching, looking at me at the same time with something strange and timid in his eye, half-ashamed, half-sorry, like a good child who knows he should be beaten.

Pending verification
consequences

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

From this reading You would have said he recognised a destiny to which he was born, and accepted the consequences mildly.

Pending verification
destiny

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

From this reading You would have said he recognised a destiny to which he was born, and accepted the consequences mildly.

Pending verification
drink

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

From this reading ‘Ah!’ said he slowly, ‘the drink!

Pending verification
expense

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

From this reading Like the merchant Abudah, he was at the same time fleeing from his destiny and carrying it along with him, the whole at an expense of six guineas.

Pending verification
eye

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

From this reading He spoke with a simplicity that was touching, looking at me at the same time with something strange and timid in his eye, half-ashamed, half-sorry, like a good child who knows he should be beaten.

Pending verification
fleeing

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

From this reading Like the merchant Abudah, he was at the same time fleeing from his destiny and carrying it along with him, the whole at an expense of six guineas.

Pending verification
from

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

From this reading Like the merchant Abudah, he was at the same time fleeing from his destiny and carrying it along with him, the whole at an expense of six guineas.

Pending verification
good

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

From this reading He spoke with a simplicity that was touching, looking at me at the same time with something strange and timid in his eye, half-ashamed, half-sorry, like a good child who knows he should be beaten.

Pending verification
guineas

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

From this reading Like the merchant Abudah, he was at the same time fleeing from his destiny and carrying it along with him, the whole at an expense of six guineas.

Pending verification
half-ashamed

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

From this reading He spoke with a simplicity that was touching, looking at me at the same time with something strange and timid in his eye, half-ashamed, half-sorry, like a good child who knows he should be beaten.

Pending verification
half-sorry

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

From this reading He spoke with a simplicity that was touching, looking at me at the same time with something strange and timid in his eye, half-ashamed, half-sorry, like a good child who knows he should be beaten.

Pending verification
have

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

From this reading You would have said he recognised a destiny to which he was born, and accepted the consequences mildly.

Pending verification
he

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

From this reading ‘Ah!’ said he slowly, ‘the drink!

Pending verification
him

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

From this reading Like the merchant Abudah, he was at the same time fleeing from his destiny and carrying it along with him, the whole at an expense of six guineas.

Pending verification
his

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

From this reading He spoke with a simplicity that was touching, looking at me at the same time with something strange and timid in his eye, half-ashamed, half-sorry, like a good child who knows he should be beaten.

Pending verification
in

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

From this reading He spoke with a simplicity that was touching, looking at me at the same time with something strange and timid in his eye, half-ashamed, half-sorry, like a good child who knows he should be beaten.

Pending verification
it

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

From this reading Like the merchant Abudah, he was at the same time fleeing from his destiny and carrying it along with him, the whole at an expense of six guineas.

Pending verification
just

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

From this reading You see, that’s just my trouble.’

Pending verification
knows

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

From this reading He spoke with a simplicity that was touching, looking at me at the same time with something strange and timid in his eye, half-ashamed, half-sorry, like a good child who knows he should be beaten.

Pending verification
like

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

From this reading He spoke with a simplicity that was touching, looking at me at the same time with something strange and timid in his eye, half-ashamed, half-sorry, like a good child who knows he should be beaten.

Pending verification
looking

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

From this reading He spoke with a simplicity that was touching, looking at me at the same time with something strange and timid in his eye, half-ashamed, half-sorry, like a good child who knows he should be beaten.

Pending verification
me

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

From this reading He spoke with a simplicity that was touching, looking at me at the same time with something strange and timid in his eye, half-ashamed, half-sorry, like a good child who knows he should be beaten.

Pending verification
merchantnounUS /ˈmɜːr.tʃənt/

A person or company involved in wholesale trade, especially with foreign countries.

From this reading Like the merchant Abudah, he was at the same time fleeing from his destiny and carrying it along with him, the whole at an expense of six guineas.

Velmora curated lexicon
mildly

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

From this reading You would have said he recognised a destiny to which he was born, and accepted the consequences mildly.

Pending verification
my

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

From this reading You see, that’s just my trouble.’

Pending verification
of

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

From this reading Like the merchant Abudah, he was at the same time fleeing from his destiny and carrying it along with him, the whole at an expense of six guineas.

Pending verification
recognised

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

From this reading You would have said he recognised a destiny to which he was born, and accepted the consequences mildly.

Pending verification
said

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

From this reading ‘Ah!’ said he slowly, ‘the drink!

Pending verification
sameadjectiveUS /seɪm/

Identical; not different.

From this reading He spoke with a simplicity that was touching, looking at me at the same time with something strange and timid in his eye, half-ashamed, half-sorry, like a good child who knows he should be beaten.

Velmora curated lexicon
see

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

From this reading You see, that’s just my trouble.’

Pending verification
should

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

From this reading He spoke with a simplicity that was touching, looking at me at the same time with something strange and timid in his eye, half-ashamed, half-sorry, like a good child who knows he should be beaten.

Pending verification
simplicity

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

From this reading He spoke with a simplicity that was touching, looking at me at the same time with something strange and timid in his eye, half-ashamed, half-sorry, like a good child who knows he should be beaten.

Pending verification
six

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

From this reading Like the merchant Abudah, he was at the same time fleeing from his destiny and carrying it along with him, the whole at an expense of six guineas.

Pending verification
slowly

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

From this reading ‘Ah!’ said he slowly, ‘the drink!

Pending verification
something

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

From this reading He spoke with a simplicity that was touching, looking at me at the same time with something strange and timid in his eye, half-ashamed, half-sorry, like a good child who knows he should be beaten.

Pending verification
spoke

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

From this reading He spoke with a simplicity that was touching, looking at me at the same time with something strange and timid in his eye, half-ashamed, half-sorry, like a good child who knows he should be beaten.

Pending verification
strange

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

From this reading He spoke with a simplicity that was touching, looking at me at the same time with something strange and timid in his eye, half-ashamed, half-sorry, like a good child who knows he should be beaten.

Pending verification
that

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

From this reading He spoke with a simplicity that was touching, looking at me at the same time with something strange and timid in his eye, half-ashamed, half-sorry, like a good child who knows he should be beaten.

Pending verification
that's

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

From this reading You see, that’s just my trouble.’

Pending verification
the

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

From this reading ‘Ah!’ said he slowly, ‘the drink!

Pending verification
time

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

From this reading He spoke with a simplicity that was touching, looking at me at the same time with something strange and timid in his eye, half-ashamed, half-sorry, like a good child who knows he should be beaten.

Pending verification
timid

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

From this reading He spoke with a simplicity that was touching, looking at me at the same time with something strange and timid in his eye, half-ashamed, half-sorry, like a good child who knows he should be beaten.

Pending verification
to

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

From this reading You would have said he recognised a destiny to which he was born, and accepted the consequences mildly.

Pending verification
touching

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

From this reading He spoke with a simplicity that was touching, looking at me at the same time with something strange and timid in his eye, half-ashamed, half-sorry, like a good child who knows he should be beaten.

Pending verification
trouble

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

From this reading You see, that’s just my trouble.’

Pending verification
was

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

From this reading He spoke with a simplicity that was touching, looking at me at the same time with something strange and timid in his eye, half-ashamed, half-sorry, like a good child who knows he should be beaten.

Pending verification
which

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

From this reading You would have said he recognised a destiny to which he was born, and accepted the consequences mildly.

Pending verification
who

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

From this reading He spoke with a simplicity that was touching, looking at me at the same time with something strange and timid in his eye, half-ashamed, half-sorry, like a good child who knows he should be beaten.

Pending verification
whole

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

From this reading Like the merchant Abudah, he was at the same time fleeing from his destiny and carrying it along with him, the whole at an expense of six guineas.

Pending verification
with

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

From this reading He spoke with a simplicity that was touching, looking at me at the same time with something strange and timid in his eye, half-ashamed, half-sorry, like a good child who knows he should be beaten.

Pending verification
would

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

From this reading You would have said he recognised a destiny to which he was born, and accepted the consequences mildly.

Pending verification
You

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

From this reading You see, that’s just my trouble.’

Pending verification

Chapter 4 of Essays of Travel by Robert Louis Stevenson holds 129 sentences, grouped into 26 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 4 of Essays of Travel contain?

Chapter 4 holds 129 sentences of Essays of Travel, unabridged, divided into 26 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 4 of Essays of Travel by Robert Louis Stevenson exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 129 sentences, grouped into 26 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 4 of Essays of Travel?

Work through the 26 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 26 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 4 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 4 can be played aloud in United States English.

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

Questions about reading Essays of Travel

Common questions about reading Essays of Travel by Robert Louis Stevenson on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Essays of Travel?

Yes. All 2493 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #627 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Essays of Travel is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #627, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Essays of Travel take to read?

About 207 minutes of reading across 499 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Essays of Travel section by section

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

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 19 chapters of Essays of Travel 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 Essays of Travel

Words and structures a reader meets early in Essays of Travel, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Amateur
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Essays of Travel; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Emigrant
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Essays of Travel; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Clyde
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Essays of Travel; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Sandy
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Essays of Travel; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.