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Henry Esmond
Henry Esmond

Chapter XXXIX · A Great Scheme, And Who Balked It

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Context Illustration Reading 1/15 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.
What crowds would have pressed forward, and subscribed their names and protested their loyalty, when the danger was over!
What a number of Whigs, now high in place and creatures of the all-powerful minister, scorned Mr. Walpole then!
If ever a match was gained by the manliness and decision of a few at a moment of danger; if ever one was lost by the treachery and imbecility of those that had the cards in their hands, and might have played them, it was in that momentous game which was enacted in the next three days, and of which the noblest crown in the world was the stake.
From the conduct of my Lord Bolingbroke, those who were interested in the scheme we had in hand, saw pretty well that he was not to be trusted.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Henry Esmond

Chapter XXXIX · A Great Scheme, And Who Balked It

Reading 1/15 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.
Line 2
What crowds would have pressed forward, and subscribed their names and protested their loyalty, when the danger was over!
Line 3
What a number of Whigs, now high in place and creatures of the all-powerful minister, scorned Mr. Walpole then!
Line 4
If ever a match was gained by the manliness and decision of a few at a moment of danger; if ever one was lost by the treachery and imbecility of those that had the cards in their hands, and might have played them, it was in that momentous game which was enacted in the next three days, and of which the noblest crown in the world was the stake.
Line 5
From the conduct of my Lord Bolingbroke, those who were interested in the scheme we had in hand, saw pretty well that he was not to be trusted.

Learner Dictionary

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, audio, and collocations from this reading.

Again noun US /again/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.”

Been auxiliary verb US /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.”

Come noun US /come/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.”

Ever noun US /ever/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.”

Forward noun US /forward/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “What crowds would have pressed forward, and subscribed their names and protested their loyalty, when the danger was over!”

Great noun US /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.”

Hand noun US /hand/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “From the conduct of my Lord Bolingbroke, those who were interested in the scheme we had in hand, saw pretty well that he was not to be trusted.”

Hands plural noun US /hændz/

members of a ship’s crew

From this reading “If ever a match was gained by the manliness and decision of a few at a moment of danger; if ever one was lost by the treachery and imbecility of those that had the cards in their hands, and might have played them, it was in that momentous game which was enacted in the next three days, and of which the noblest crown in the world was the stake.”

Have auxiliary verb US /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading “As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.”

Might modal verb US /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading “If ever a match was gained by the manliness and decision of a few at a moment of danger; if ever one was lost by the treachery and imbecility of those that had the cards in their hands, and might have played them, it was in that momentous game which was enacted in the next three days, and of which the noblest crown in the world was the stake.”

Next noun US /next/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “If ever a match was gained by the manliness and decision of a few at a moment of danger; if ever one was lost by the treachery and imbecility of those that had the cards in their hands, and might have played them, it was in that momentous game which was enacted in the next three days, and of which the noblest crown in the world was the stake.”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “If ever a match was gained by the manliness and decision of a few at a moment of danger; if ever one was lost by the treachery and imbecility of those that had the cards in their hands, and might have played them, it was in that momentous game which was enacted in the next three days, and of which the noblest crown in the world was the stake.”

Open verb US /ˈoʊ.pən/

To move from a closed position.

From this reading “As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.”

Over preposition US /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading “What crowds would have pressed forward, and subscribed their names and protested their loyalty, when the danger was over!”

Secret noun US /ˈsiː.krət/

Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.

From this reading “As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.”

Soon noun US /soon/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.”

Those determiner US /ðoʊz/

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading “If ever a match was gained by the manliness and decision of a few at a moment of danger; if ever one was lost by the treachery and imbecility of those that had the cards in their hands, and might have played them, it was in that momentous game which was enacted in the next three days, and of which the noblest crown in the world was the stake.”

Treachery noun US /ˈtrɛtʃəri/

betrayal of trust

From this reading “If ever a match was gained by the manliness and decision of a few at a moment of danger; if ever one was lost by the treachery and imbecility of those that had the cards in their hands, and might have played them, it was in that momentous game which was enacted in the next three days, and of which the noblest crown in the world was the stake.”

Under preposition US /ˈʌndər/

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading “As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.”

Well noun US /well/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “From the conduct of my Lord Bolingbroke, those who were interested in the scheme we had in hand, saw pretty well that he was not to be trusted.”

Would modal verb US /wʊd/

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

From this reading “As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.”

All words in this reading · 125

Every word is available to listen to. 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 As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.

againnounUS /again/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.

all-powerful

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

From this reading What a number of Whigs, now high in place and creatures of the all-powerful minister, scorned Mr. Walpole then!

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.

application

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

From this reading As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.

AsconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading If ever a match was gained by the manliness and decision of a few at a moment of danger; if ever one was lost by the treachery and imbecility of those that had the cards in their hands, and might have played them, it was in that momentous game which was enacted in the next three days, and of which the noblest crown in the world was the stake.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading From the conduct of my Lord Bolingbroke, those who were interested in the scheme we had in hand, saw pretty well that he was not to be trusted.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.

Bolingbroke

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

From this reading From the conduct of my Lord Bolingbroke, those who were interested in the scheme we had in hand, saw pretty well that he was not to be trusted.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading If ever a match was gained by the manliness and decision of a few at a moment of danger; if ever one was lost by the treachery and imbecility of those that had the cards in their hands, and might have played them, it was in that momentous game which was enacted in the next three days, and of which the noblest crown in the world was the stake.

cards

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

From this reading If ever a match was gained by the manliness and decision of a few at a moment of danger; if ever one was lost by the treachery and imbecility of those that had the cards in their hands, and might have played them, it was in that momentous game which was enacted in the next three days, and of which the noblest crown in the world was the stake.

cause

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

From this reading As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.

characters

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

From this reading As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.

comenounUS /come/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.

conduct

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

From this reading From the conduct of my Lord Bolingbroke, those who were interested in the scheme we had in hand, saw pretty well that he was not to be trusted.

conspiracy

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

From this reading As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.

cool

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

From this reading As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.

creatures

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

From this reading What a number of Whigs, now high in place and creatures of the all-powerful minister, scorned Mr. Walpole then!

crowds

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

From this reading What crowds would have pressed forward, and subscribed their names and protested their loyalty, when the danger was over!

crown

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

From this reading If ever a match was gained by the manliness and decision of a few at a moment of danger; if ever one was lost by the treachery and imbecility of those that had the cards in their hands, and might have played them, it was in that momentous game which was enacted in the next three days, and of which the noblest crown in the world was the stake.

danger

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

From this reading What crowds would have pressed forward, and subscribed their names and protested their loyalty, when the danger was over!

days

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

From this reading If ever a match was gained by the manliness and decision of a few at a moment of danger; if ever one was lost by the treachery and imbecility of those that had the cards in their hands, and might have played them, it was in that momentous game which was enacted in the next three days, and of which the noblest crown in the world was the stake.

decision

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

From this reading If ever a match was gained by the manliness and decision of a few at a moment of danger; if ever one was lost by the treachery and imbecility of those that had the cards in their hands, and might have played them, it was in that momentous game which was enacted in the next three days, and of which the noblest crown in the world was the stake.

disappear

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

From this reading As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.

enacted

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

From this reading If ever a match was gained by the manliness and decision of a few at a moment of danger; if ever one was lost by the treachery and imbecility of those that had the cards in their hands, and might have played them, it was in that momentous game which was enacted in the next three days, and of which the noblest crown in the world was the stake.

enough

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

From this reading As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.

evernounUS /ever/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.

favouring

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

From this reading As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.

few

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

From this reading If ever a match was gained by the manliness and decision of a few at a moment of danger; if ever one was lost by the treachery and imbecility of those that had the cards in their hands, and might have played them, it was in that momentous game which was enacted in the next three days, and of which the noblest crown in the world was the stake.

fire

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

From this reading As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.

forwardnounUS /forward/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading What crowds would have pressed forward, and subscribed their names and protested their loyalty, when the danger was over!

FromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading From the conduct of my Lord Bolingbroke, those who were interested in the scheme we had in hand, saw pretty well that he was not to be trusted.

gained

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

From this reading If ever a match was gained by the manliness and decision of a few at a moment of danger; if ever one was lost by the treachery and imbecility of those that had the cards in their hands, and might have played them, it was in that momentous game which was enacted in the next three days, and of which the noblest crown in the world was the stake.

game

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

From this reading If ever a match was gained by the manliness and decision of a few at a moment of danger; if ever one was lost by the treachery and imbecility of those that had the cards in their hands, and might have played them, it was in that momentous game which was enacted in the next three days, and of which the noblest crown in the world was the stake.

greatnounUS /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.

hand

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

From this reading From the conduct of my Lord Bolingbroke, those who were interested in the scheme we had in hand, saw pretty well that he was not to be trusted.

handsplural nounUS /hændz/

members of a ship’s crew

From this reading If ever a match was gained by the manliness and decision of a few at a moment of danger; if ever one was lost by the treachery and imbecility of those that had the cards in their hands, and might have played them, it was in that momentous game which was enacted in the next three days, and of which the noblest crown in the world was the stake.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading From the conduct of my Lord Bolingbroke, those who were interested in the scheme we had in hand, saw pretty well that he was not to be trusted.

high

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

From this reading As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.

hundred

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

From this reading As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.

IfconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading If ever a match was gained by the manliness and decision of a few at a moment of danger; if ever one was lost by the treachery and imbecility of those that had the cards in their hands, and might have played them, it was in that momentous game which was enacted in the next three days, and of which the noblest crown in the world was the stake.

imbecility

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

From this reading If ever a match was gained by the manliness and decision of a few at a moment of danger; if ever one was lost by the treachery and imbecility of those that had the cards in their hands, and might have played them, it was in that momentous game which was enacted in the next three days, and of which the noblest crown in the world was the stake.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.

ink

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

From this reading As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.

interested

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

From this reading From the conduct of my Lord Bolingbroke, those who were interested in the scheme we had in hand, saw pretty well that he was not to be trusted.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.

laid

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

From this reading As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.

leave

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

From this reading As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.

lists

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

From this reading As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.

Lord

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

From this reading From the conduct of my Lord Bolingbroke, those who were interested in the scheme we had in hand, saw pretty well that he was not to be trusted.

lost

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

From this reading If ever a match was gained by the manliness and decision of a few at a moment of danger; if ever one was lost by the treachery and imbecility of those that had the cards in their hands, and might have played them, it was in that momentous game which was enacted in the next three days, and of which the noblest crown in the world was the stake.

loyalty

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

From this reading What crowds would have pressed forward, and subscribed their names and protested their loyalty, when the danger was over!

manliness

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

From this reading If ever a match was gained by the manliness and decision of a few at a moment of danger; if ever one was lost by the treachery and imbecility of those that had the cards in their hands, and might have played them, it was in that momentous game which was enacted in the next three days, and of which the noblest crown in the world was the stake.

match

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

From this reading If ever a match was gained by the manliness and decision of a few at a moment of danger; if ever one was lost by the treachery and imbecility of those that had the cards in their hands, and might have played them, it was in that momentous game which was enacted in the next three days, and of which the noblest crown in the world was the stake.

men

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

From this reading As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.

mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading If ever a match was gained by the manliness and decision of a few at a moment of danger; if ever one was lost by the treachery and imbecility of those that had the cards in their hands, and might have played them, it was in that momentous game which was enacted in the next three days, and of which the noblest crown in the world was the stake.

minister

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

From this reading What a number of Whigs, now high in place and creatures of the all-powerful minister, scorned Mr. Walpole then!

moment

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

From this reading If ever a match was gained by the manliness and decision of a few at a moment of danger; if ever one was lost by the treachery and imbecility of those that had the cards in their hands, and might have played them, it was in that momentous game which was enacted in the next three days, and of which the noblest crown in the world was the stake.

momentous

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

From this reading If ever a match was gained by the manliness and decision of a few at a moment of danger; if ever one was lost by the treachery and imbecility of those that had the cards in their hands, and might have played them, it was in that momentous game which was enacted in the next three days, and of which the noblest crown in the world was the stake.

Mr

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

From this reading What a number of Whigs, now high in place and creatures of the all-powerful minister, scorned Mr. Walpole then!

mydeterminerUS /maɪ/

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading From the conduct of my Lord Bolingbroke, those who were interested in the scheme we had in hand, saw pretty well that he was not to be trusted.

names

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

From this reading As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.

nextnounUS /next/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading If ever a match was gained by the manliness and decision of a few at a moment of danger; if ever one was lost by the treachery and imbecility of those that had the cards in their hands, and might have played them, it was in that momentous game which was enacted in the next three days, and of which the noblest crown in the world was the stake.

noblest

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

From this reading If ever a match was gained by the manliness and decision of a few at a moment of danger; if ever one was lost by the treachery and imbecility of those that had the cards in their hands, and might have played them, it was in that momentous game which was enacted in the next three days, and of which the noblest crown in the world was the stake.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading From the conduct of my Lord Bolingbroke, those who were interested in the scheme we had in hand, saw pretty well that he was not to be trusted.

now

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

From this reading What a number of Whigs, now high in place and creatures of the all-powerful minister, scorned Mr. Walpole then!

number

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

From this reading What a number of Whigs, now high in place and creatures of the all-powerful minister, scorned Mr. Walpole then!

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading If ever a match was gained by the manliness and decision of a few at a moment of danger; if ever one was lost by the treachery and imbecility of those that had the cards in their hands, and might have played them, it was in that momentous game which was enacted in the next three days, and of which the noblest crown in the world was the stake.

openverbUS /ˈoʊ.pən/

To move from a closed position.

From this reading As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.

ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.

out

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

From this reading As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.

overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading What crowds would have pressed forward, and subscribed their names and protested their loyalty, when the danger was over!

paper

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

From this reading As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.

place

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

From this reading What a number of Whigs, now high in place and creatures of the all-powerful minister, scorned Mr. Walpole then!

played

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

From this reading If ever a match was gained by the manliness and decision of a few at a moment of danger; if ever one was lost by the treachery and imbecility of those that had the cards in their hands, and might have played them, it was in that momentous game which was enacted in the next three days, and of which the noblest crown in the world was the stake.

pressed

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

From this reading What crowds would have pressed forward, and subscribed their names and protested their loyalty, when the danger was over!

pretty

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

From this reading From the conduct of my Lord Bolingbroke, those who were interested in the scheme we had in hand, saw pretty well that he was not to be trusted.

prince's

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

From this reading As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.

private

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

From this reading As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.

protested

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

From this reading What crowds would have pressed forward, and subscribed their names and protested their loyalty, when the danger was over!

repute

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

From this reading As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.

roll

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

From this reading As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.

saw

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

From this reading From the conduct of my Lord Bolingbroke, those who were interested in the scheme we had in hand, saw pretty well that he was not to be trusted.

scheme

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

From this reading From the conduct of my Lord Bolingbroke, those who were interested in the scheme we had in hand, saw pretty well that he was not to be trusted.

scorned

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

From this reading What a number of Whigs, now high in place and creatures of the all-powerful minister, scorned Mr. Walpole then!

secretnounUS /ˈsiː.krət/

Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.

From this reading As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.

soon

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

From this reading As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.

stake

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

From this reading If ever a match was gained by the manliness and decision of a few at a moment of danger; if ever one was lost by the treachery and imbecility of those that had the cards in their hands, and might have played them, it was in that momentous game which was enacted in the next three days, and of which the noblest crown in the world was the stake.

subscribed

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

From this reading What crowds would have pressed forward, and subscribed their names and protested their loyalty, when the danger was over!

sun

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

From this reading As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading What crowds would have pressed forward, and subscribed their names and protested their loyalty, when the danger was over!

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading If ever a match was gained by the manliness and decision of a few at a moment of danger; if ever one was lost by the treachery and imbecility of those that had the cards in their hands, and might have played them, it was in that momentous game which was enacted in the next three days, and of which the noblest crown in the world was the stake.

then

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

From this reading What a number of Whigs, now high in place and creatures of the all-powerful minister, scorned Mr. Walpole then!

thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading If ever a match was gained by the manliness and decision of a few at a moment of danger; if ever one was lost by the treachery and imbecility of those that had the cards in their hands, and might have played them, it was in that momentous game which was enacted in the next three days, and of which the noblest crown in the world was the stake.

three

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

From this reading If ever a match was gained by the manliness and decision of a few at a moment of danger; if ever one was lost by the treachery and imbecility of those that had the cards in their hands, and might have played them, it was in that momentous game which was enacted in the next three days, and of which the noblest crown in the world was the stake.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading From the conduct of my Lord Bolingbroke, those who were interested in the scheme we had in hand, saw pretty well that he was not to be trusted.

treacherynounUS /ˈtrɛtʃəri/

betrayal of trust

From this reading If ever a match was gained by the manliness and decision of a few at a moment of danger; if ever one was lost by the treachery and imbecility of those that had the cards in their hands, and might have played them, it was in that momentous game which was enacted in the next three days, and of which the noblest crown in the world was the stake.

trusted

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

From this reading From the conduct of my Lord Bolingbroke, those who were interested in the scheme we had in hand, saw pretty well that he was not to be trusted.

underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.

visible

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

From this reading As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.

Walpole

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

From this reading What a number of Whigs, now high in place and creatures of the all-powerful minister, scorned Mr. Walpole then!

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading What crowds would have pressed forward, and subscribed their names and protested their loyalty, when the danger was over!

wepronounUS /wiː/

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading From the conduct of my Lord Bolingbroke, those who were interested in the scheme we had in hand, saw pretty well that he was not to be trusted.

well

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

From this reading From the conduct of my Lord Bolingbroke, those who were interested in the scheme we had in hand, saw pretty well that he was not to be trusted.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.

WhatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading What crowds would have pressed forward, and subscribed their names and protested their loyalty, when the danger was over!

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading What crowds would have pressed forward, and subscribed their names and protested their loyalty, when the danger was over!

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading If ever a match was gained by the manliness and decision of a few at a moment of danger; if ever one was lost by the treachery and imbecility of those that had the cards in their hands, and might have played them, it was in that momentous game which was enacted in the next three days, and of which the noblest crown in the world was the stake.

Whigs

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

From this reading What a number of Whigs, now high in place and creatures of the all-powerful minister, scorned Mr. Walpole then!

white

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

From this reading As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading From the conduct of my Lord Bolingbroke, those who were interested in the scheme we had in hand, saw pretty well that he was not to be trusted.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.

world

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

From this reading If ever a match was gained by the manliness and decision of a few at a moment of danger; if ever one was lost by the treachery and imbecility of those that had the cards in their hands, and might have played them, it was in that momentous game which was enacted in the next three days, and of which the noblest crown in the world was the stake.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

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

From this reading As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.

writ

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

From this reading As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.

written

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

From this reading As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire, and disappear again and leave the paper white, so soon as it is cool, a hundred names of men, high in repute and favouring the prince’s cause, that were writ in our private lists, would have been visible enough on the great roll of the conspiracy, had it ever been laid open under the sun.