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His Excellency [Son Exc. Eugène Rougon]
His Excellency [Son Exc. Eugène Rougon]

Chapter II

Chapter 2 of His Excellency [Son Exc. Eugène Rougon] is here in full — 416 sentences across 84 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for His Excellency [Son Exc. Eugène Rougon]
Context Illustration Reading 1/83 · 5 lines
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'The Emperor,' continued the speaker with fresh vigour, 'having become the arbiter of Europe, was about to sign that noble peace which, bringing together the productive forces of the different nations, is as much an alliance of peoples as of monarchs,[2] when God was pleased to crown his happiness as well as his glory.
Is it not allowable to think that, at that moment, he foresaw many fair and prosperous years while gazing upon that cradle where slumbers, though now but an infant, the heir who is destined to carry on his great policy?'
This, too, was thought very pretty.
Such a hope might be justifiably entertained, so the deputies said, as they nodded their heads approvingly.
The report, however, was now beginning to seem a trifle long, and several members looked solemn again.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

His Excellency [Son Exc. Eugène Rougon]

Chapter II

Chapter 2 of His Excellency [Son Exc. Eugène Rougon] is here in full — 416 sentences across 84 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/83 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
'The Emperor,' continued the speaker with fresh vigour, 'having become the arbiter of Europe, was about to sign that noble peace which, bringing together the productive forces of the different nations, is as much an alliance of peoples as of monarchs,[2] when God was pleased to crown his happiness as well as his glory.
Line 2
Is it not allowable to think that, at that moment, he foresaw many fair and prosperous years while gazing upon that cradle where slumbers, though now but an infant, the heir who is destined to carry on his great policy?'
Line 3
This, too, was thought very pretty.
/ðɪs tuː wɑːz θɔːt ˈveri ˈprɪti/
Line 4
Such a hope might be justifiably entertained, so the deputies said, as they nodded their heads approvingly.
/sʌtʃ ə hoʊp maɪt biː ˈdʒʌstəfaɪəbli ˌentərˈteɪnd soʊ ðə ˈdepjətiz sed æz ðeɪ ˈnɑːdəd ðer hedz əˈpruːvɪŋli/
Line 5
The report, however, was now beginning to seem a trifle long, and several members looked solemn again.
/ðə riˈpɔːrt ˌhaʊˈevər wɑːz naʊ bɪˈɡɪnɪŋ tuː siːm ə ˈtraɪfəl lɔːŋ ənd ˈsevrəl ˈmembərz lʊkt ˈsɑːləm əˈɡen/

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.

allowable adjective US /əˈlaʊəbəl/

deductible according to the tax laws

From this reading “Is it not allowable to think that, at that moment, he foresaw many fair and prosperous years while gazing upon that cradle where slumbers, though now but an infant, the heir who is destined to carry on his great policy?'”

approvingly adverb US /əˈpruːvɪŋli/

in an approving manner

From this reading “Such a hope might be justifiably entertained, so the deputies said, as they nodded their heads approvingly.”

arbiter noun US /ˈɑːrbɪtər/

someone with the power to settle matters at will

From this reading “'The Emperor,' continued the speaker with fresh vigour, 'having become the arbiter of Europe, was about to sign that noble peace which, bringing together the productive forces of the different nations, is as much an alliance of peoples as of monarchs,[2] when God was pleased to crown his happiness as well as his glory.”

deputies noun US /ˈdepjətiz/

plural of “deputy” — someone authorized to exercise the powers of sheriff in emergencies

From this reading “Such a hope might be justifiably entertained, so the deputies said, as they nodded their heads approvingly.”

foresaw verb US /ˌfɔːrˈsɔː/

inflected form of “foresee” — realize beforehand

From this reading “Is it not allowable to think that, at that moment, he foresaw many fair and prosperous years while gazing upon that cradle where slumbers, though now but an infant, the heir who is destined to carry on his great policy?'”

justifiably adverb US /ˈdʒʌstəfaɪəbli/

with good reason

From this reading “Such a hope might be justifiably entertained, so the deputies said, as they nodded their heads approvingly.”

monarchs noun US /ˈmɑːnɑːrks/

plural of “monarch” — a nation's ruler or head of state usually by hereditary right

From this reading “'The Emperor,' continued the speaker with fresh vigour, 'having become the arbiter of Europe, was about to sign that noble peace which, bringing together the productive forces of the different nations, is as much an alliance of peoples as of monarchs,[2] when God was pleased to crown his happiness as well as his glory.”

productive adjective US /prəˈdʌktɪv/

producing or capable of producing (especially abundantly)

From this reading “'The Emperor,' continued the speaker with fresh vigour, 'having become the arbiter of Europe, was about to sign that noble peace which, bringing together the productive forces of the different nations, is as much an alliance of peoples as of monarchs,[2] when God was pleased to crown his happiness as well as his glory.”

Word partnerships in these lines

English keeps certain words together, and knowing the pair is worth more than knowing each word alone. Every partnership below was counted across our whole published library, and earns its place by appearing far more often than two unrelated words of the same frequency would.

Shown as this reading writes them, with the form the library counts, what kind of pairing it is, and how often it occurs.

different nations adjective + noun counted as “different nation”

In this reading “'The Emperor,' continued the speaker with fresh vigour, 'having become the arbiter of Europe, was about to sign that noble peace which, bringing together the productive forces of the different nations, is as much an alliance of peoples as of monarchs,[2] when God was pleased to crown his happiness as well as his glory.”

several members adjective + noun counted as “several member”

In this reading “The report, however, was now beginning to seem a trifle long, and several members looked solemn again.”

carry on verb + particle

direct the course of; manage or control

In this reading “Is it not allowable to think that, at that moment, he foresaw many fair and prosperous years while gazing upon that cradle where slumbers, though now but an infant, the heir who is destined to carry on his great policy?'”

All words in this reading · 103

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

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

2

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

From this reading 'The Emperor,' continued the speaker with fresh vigour, 'having become the arbiter of Europe, was about to sign that noble peace which, bringing together the productive forces of the different nations, is as much an alliance of peoples as of monarchs,[2] when God was pleased to crown his happiness as well as his glory.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading Such a hope might be justifiably entertained, so the deputies said, as they nodded their heads approvingly.

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading 'The Emperor,' continued the speaker with fresh vigour, 'having become the arbiter of Europe, was about to sign that noble peace which, bringing together the productive forces of the different nations, is as much an alliance of peoples as of monarchs,[2] when God was pleased to crown his happiness as well as his glory.

againadverbUS /əˈɡen/

anew

From this reading The report, however, was now beginning to seem a trifle long, and several members looked solemn again.

alliancenounUS /əˈlaɪəns/

the state of being allied or confederated

From this reading 'The Emperor,' continued the speaker with fresh vigour, 'having become the arbiter of Europe, was about to sign that noble peace which, bringing together the productive forces of the different nations, is as much an alliance of peoples as of monarchs,[2] when God was pleased to crown his happiness as well as his glory.

allowableadjectiveUS /əˈlaʊəbəl/

deductible according to the tax laws

From this reading Is it not allowable to think that, at that moment, he foresaw many fair and prosperous years while gazing upon that cradle where slumbers, though now but an infant, the heir who is destined to carry on his great policy?'

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading 'The Emperor,' continued the speaker with fresh vigour, 'having become the arbiter of Europe, was about to sign that noble peace which, bringing together the productive forces of the different nations, is as much an alliance of peoples as of monarchs,[2] when God was pleased to crown his happiness as well as his glory.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading Is it not allowable to think that, at that moment, he foresaw many fair and prosperous years while gazing upon that cradle where slumbers, though now but an infant, the heir who is destined to carry on his great policy?'

approvinglyadverbUS /əˈpruːvɪŋli/

in an approving manner

From this reading Such a hope might be justifiably entertained, so the deputies said, as they nodded their heads approvingly.

arbiternounUS /ˈɑːrbɪtər/

someone with the power to settle matters at will

From this reading 'The Emperor,' continued the speaker with fresh vigour, 'having become the arbiter of Europe, was about to sign that noble peace which, bringing together the productive forces of the different nations, is as much an alliance of peoples as of monarchs,[2] when God was pleased to crown his happiness as well as his glory.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading 'The Emperor,' continued the speaker with fresh vigour, 'having become the arbiter of Europe, was about to sign that noble peace which, bringing together the productive forces of the different nations, is as much an alliance of peoples as of monarchs,[2] when God was pleased to crown his happiness as well as his glory.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Is it not allowable to think that, at that moment, he foresaw many fair and prosperous years while gazing upon that cradle where slumbers, though now but an infant, the heir who is destined to carry on his great policy?'

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading Such a hope might be justifiably entertained, so the deputies said, as they nodded their heads approvingly.

becomeverbUS /bɪˈkʌm/

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading 'The Emperor,' continued the speaker with fresh vigour, 'having become the arbiter of Europe, was about to sign that noble peace which, bringing together the productive forces of the different nations, is as much an alliance of peoples as of monarchs,[2] when God was pleased to crown his happiness as well as his glory.

beginningnounUS /bɪˈɡɪnɪŋ/

the event consisting of the start of something

From this reading The report, however, was now beginning to seem a trifle long, and several members looked solemn again.

bringingnounUS /ˈbrɪŋɪŋ/

the act of delivering or distributing something (as goods or mail)

From this reading 'The Emperor,' continued the speaker with fresh vigour, 'having become the arbiter of Europe, was about to sign that noble peace which, bringing together the productive forces of the different nations, is as much an alliance of peoples as of monarchs,[2] when God was pleased to crown his happiness as well as his glory.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Is it not allowable to think that, at that moment, he foresaw many fair and prosperous years while gazing upon that cradle where slumbers, though now but an infant, the heir who is destined to carry on his great policy?'

carryverbUS /ˈkæri/

move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading Is it not allowable to think that, at that moment, he foresaw many fair and prosperous years while gazing upon that cradle where slumbers, though now but an infant, the heir who is destined to carry on his great policy?'

continuedadjectiveUS /kənˈtɪnjuːd/

without stop or interruption

From this reading 'The Emperor,' continued the speaker with fresh vigour, 'having become the arbiter of Europe, was about to sign that noble peace which, bringing together the productive forces of the different nations, is as much an alliance of peoples as of monarchs,[2] when God was pleased to crown his happiness as well as his glory.

cradlenounUS /ˈkreɪdəl/

a baby bed with sides and rockers

From this reading Is it not allowable to think that, at that moment, he foresaw many fair and prosperous years while gazing upon that cradle where slumbers, though now but an infant, the heir who is destined to carry on his great policy?'

crownnounUS /kraʊn/

the Crown (or the reigning monarch) as the symbol of the power and authority of a monarchy

From this reading 'The Emperor,' continued the speaker with fresh vigour, 'having become the arbiter of Europe, was about to sign that noble peace which, bringing together the productive forces of the different nations, is as much an alliance of peoples as of monarchs,[2] when God was pleased to crown his happiness as well as his glory.

deputiesnounUS /ˈdepjətiz/

plural of “deputy” — someone authorized to exercise the powers of sheriff in emergencies

From this reading Such a hope might be justifiably entertained, so the deputies said, as they nodded their heads approvingly.

destinedadjectiveUS /ˈdestɪnd/

headed or intending to head in a certain direction; often used as a combining form as in “college-bound students”

From this reading Is it not allowable to think that, at that moment, he foresaw many fair and prosperous years while gazing upon that cradle where slumbers, though now but an infant, the heir who is destined to carry on his great policy?'

differentadjectiveUS /ˈdɪfərənt/

unlike in nature or quality or form or degree

From this reading 'The Emperor,' continued the speaker with fresh vigour, 'having become the arbiter of Europe, was about to sign that noble peace which, bringing together the productive forces of the different nations, is as much an alliance of peoples as of monarchs,[2] when God was pleased to crown his happiness as well as his glory.

EmperornounUS /ˈempərər/

the male ruler of an empire

From this reading 'The Emperor,' continued the speaker with fresh vigour, 'having become the arbiter of Europe, was about to sign that noble peace which, bringing together the productive forces of the different nations, is as much an alliance of peoples as of monarchs,[2] when God was pleased to crown his happiness as well as his glory.

entertainedadjectiveUS /ˌentərˈteɪnd/

pleasantly occupied

From this reading Such a hope might be justifiably entertained, so the deputies said, as they nodded their heads approvingly.

EuropenounUS /ˈjʊrəp/

the 2nd smallest continent (actually a vast peninsula of Eurasia); the British use “Europe” to refer to all of the continent except the British Isles

From this reading 'The Emperor,' continued the speaker with fresh vigour, 'having become the arbiter of Europe, was about to sign that noble peace which, bringing together the productive forces of the different nations, is as much an alliance of peoples as of monarchs,[2] when God was pleased to crown his happiness as well as his glory.

fairadjectiveUS /fer/

free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception; conforming with established standards or rules

From this reading Is it not allowable to think that, at that moment, he foresaw many fair and prosperous years while gazing upon that cradle where slumbers, though now but an infant, the heir who is destined to carry on his great policy?'

forcesnounUS /ˈfɔːrsɪz/

plural of “force” — a powerful effect or influence

From this reading 'The Emperor,' continued the speaker with fresh vigour, 'having become the arbiter of Europe, was about to sign that noble peace which, bringing together the productive forces of the different nations, is as much an alliance of peoples as of monarchs,[2] when God was pleased to crown his happiness as well as his glory.

foresawverbUS /ˌfɔːrˈsɔː/

inflected form of “foresee” — realize beforehand

From this reading Is it not allowable to think that, at that moment, he foresaw many fair and prosperous years while gazing upon that cradle where slumbers, though now but an infant, the heir who is destined to carry on his great policy?'

freshadjectiveUS /freʃ/

recently made, produced, or harvested

From this reading 'The Emperor,' continued the speaker with fresh vigour, 'having become the arbiter of Europe, was about to sign that noble peace which, bringing together the productive forces of the different nations, is as much an alliance of peoples as of monarchs,[2] when God was pleased to crown his happiness as well as his glory.

gazingverbUS /ˈɡeɪzɪŋ/

-ing form of “gaze” — look at with fixed eyes

From this reading Is it not allowable to think that, at that moment, he foresaw many fair and prosperous years while gazing upon that cradle where slumbers, though now but an infant, the heir who is destined to carry on his great policy?'

glorynounUS /ˈɡlɔːri/

a state of high honor

From this reading 'The Emperor,' continued the speaker with fresh vigour, 'having become the arbiter of Europe, was about to sign that noble peace which, bringing together the productive forces of the different nations, is as much an alliance of peoples as of monarchs,[2] when God was pleased to crown his happiness as well as his glory.

GodnounUS /ɡɑːd/

the supernatural being conceived as the perfect and omnipotent and omniscient originator and ruler of the universe; the object of worship in monotheistic religions

From this reading 'The Emperor,' continued the speaker with fresh vigour, 'having become the arbiter of Europe, was about to sign that noble peace which, bringing together the productive forces of the different nations, is as much an alliance of peoples as of monarchs,[2] when God was pleased to crown his happiness as well as his glory.

greatadjectiveUS /ɡreɪt/

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading Is it not allowable to think that, at that moment, he foresaw many fair and prosperous years while gazing upon that cradle where slumbers, though now but an infant, the heir who is destined to carry on his great policy?'

happinessnounUS /ˈhæpinəs/

state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy

From this reading 'The Emperor,' continued the speaker with fresh vigour, 'having become the arbiter of Europe, was about to sign that noble peace which, bringing together the productive forces of the different nations, is as much an alliance of peoples as of monarchs,[2] when God was pleased to crown his happiness as well as his glory.

havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading 'The Emperor,' continued the speaker with fresh vigour, 'having become the arbiter of Europe, was about to sign that noble peace which, bringing together the productive forces of the different nations, is as much an alliance of peoples as of monarchs,[2] when God was pleased to crown his happiness as well as his glory.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading Is it not allowable to think that, at that moment, he foresaw many fair and prosperous years while gazing upon that cradle where slumbers, though now but an infant, the heir who is destined to carry on his great policy?'

headsnounUS /hedz/

plural of “head” — the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading Such a hope might be justifiably entertained, so the deputies said, as they nodded their heads approvingly.

heirnounUS /er/

A person legally or magically entitled to the property or rank of another on that person's death.

From this reading Is it not allowable to think that, at that moment, he foresaw many fair and prosperous years while gazing upon that cradle where slumbers, though now but an infant, the heir who is destined to carry on his great policy?'

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading 'The Emperor,' continued the speaker with fresh vigour, 'having become the arbiter of Europe, was about to sign that noble peace which, bringing together the productive forces of the different nations, is as much an alliance of peoples as of monarchs,[2] when God was pleased to crown his happiness as well as his glory.

hopenounUS /hoʊp/

a specific instance of feeling hopeful

From this reading Such a hope might be justifiably entertained, so the deputies said, as they nodded their heads approvingly.

howeveradverbUS /ˌhaʊˈevər/

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading The report, however, was now beginning to seem a trifle long, and several members looked solemn again.

infantnounUS /ˈɪnfənt/

a very young child (birth to 1 year) who has not yet begun to walk or talk

From this reading Is it not allowable to think that, at that moment, he foresaw many fair and prosperous years while gazing upon that cradle where slumbers, though now but an infant, the heir who is destined to carry on his great policy?'

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading 'The Emperor,' continued the speaker with fresh vigour, 'having become the arbiter of Europe, was about to sign that noble peace which, bringing together the productive forces of the different nations, is as much an alliance of peoples as of monarchs,[2] when God was pleased to crown his happiness as well as his glory.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Is it not allowable to think that, at that moment, he foresaw many fair and prosperous years while gazing upon that cradle where slumbers, though now but an infant, the heir who is destined to carry on his great policy?'

justifiablyadverbUS /ˈdʒʌstəfaɪəbli/

with good reason

From this reading Such a hope might be justifiably entertained, so the deputies said, as they nodded their heads approvingly.

longadjectiveUS /lɔːŋ/

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading The report, however, was now beginning to seem a trifle long, and several members looked solemn again.

lookedverbUS /lʊkt/

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading The report, however, was now beginning to seem a trifle long, and several members looked solemn again.

manyadjectiveUS /ˈmeni/

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading Is it not allowable to think that, at that moment, he foresaw many fair and prosperous years while gazing upon that cradle where slumbers, though now but an infant, the heir who is destined to carry on his great policy?'

membersnounUS /ˈmembərz/

plural of “member” — one of the persons who compose a social group (especially individuals who have joined and participate in a group organization)

From this reading The report, however, was now beginning to seem a trifle long, and several members looked solemn again.

mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Such a hope might be justifiably entertained, so the deputies said, as they nodded their heads approvingly.

momentnounUS /ˈmoʊmənt/

a particular point in time

From this reading Is it not allowable to think that, at that moment, he foresaw many fair and prosperous years while gazing upon that cradle where slumbers, though now but an infant, the heir who is destined to carry on his great policy?'

monarchsnounUS /ˈmɑːnɑːrks/

plural of “monarch” — a nation's ruler or head of state usually by hereditary right

From this reading 'The Emperor,' continued the speaker with fresh vigour, 'having become the arbiter of Europe, was about to sign that noble peace which, bringing together the productive forces of the different nations, is as much an alliance of peoples as of monarchs,[2] when God was pleased to crown his happiness as well as his glory.

muchadverbUS /mʌtʃ/

to a great degree or extent

From this reading 'The Emperor,' continued the speaker with fresh vigour, 'having become the arbiter of Europe, was about to sign that noble peace which, bringing together the productive forces of the different nations, is as much an alliance of peoples as of monarchs,[2] when God was pleased to crown his happiness as well as his glory.

nationsnounUS /ˈneɪʃənz/

plural of “nation” — a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading 'The Emperor,' continued the speaker with fresh vigour, 'having become the arbiter of Europe, was about to sign that noble peace which, bringing together the productive forces of the different nations, is as much an alliance of peoples as of monarchs,[2] when God was pleased to crown his happiness as well as his glory.

nobleadjectiveUS /ˈnoʊbəl/

impressive in appearance

From this reading 'The Emperor,' continued the speaker with fresh vigour, 'having become the arbiter of Europe, was about to sign that noble peace which, bringing together the productive forces of the different nations, is as much an alliance of peoples as of monarchs,[2] when God was pleased to crown his happiness as well as his glory.

noddedverbUS /ˈnɑːdəd/

inflected form of “nod” — express or signify by nodding

From this reading Such a hope might be justifiably entertained, so the deputies said, as they nodded their heads approvingly.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Is it not allowable to think that, at that moment, he foresaw many fair and prosperous years while gazing upon that cradle where slumbers, though now but an infant, the heir who is destined to carry on his great policy?'

nowadverbUS /naʊ/

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

From this reading Is it not allowable to think that, at that moment, he foresaw many fair and prosperous years while gazing upon that cradle where slumbers, though now but an infant, the heir who is destined to carry on his great policy?'

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading 'The Emperor,' continued the speaker with fresh vigour, 'having become the arbiter of Europe, was about to sign that noble peace which, bringing together the productive forces of the different nations, is as much an alliance of peoples as of monarchs,[2] when God was pleased to crown his happiness as well as his glory.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Is it not allowable to think that, at that moment, he foresaw many fair and prosperous years while gazing upon that cradle where slumbers, though now but an infant, the heir who is destined to carry on his great policy?'

peacenounUS /piːs/

the state prevailing during the absence of war

From this reading 'The Emperor,' continued the speaker with fresh vigour, 'having become the arbiter of Europe, was about to sign that noble peace which, bringing together the productive forces of the different nations, is as much an alliance of peoples as of monarchs,[2] when God was pleased to crown his happiness as well as his glory.

peoplesnounUS /ˈpiːpəlz/

the human beings of a particular nation or community or ethnic group

From this reading 'The Emperor,' continued the speaker with fresh vigour, 'having become the arbiter of Europe, was about to sign that noble peace which, bringing together the productive forces of the different nations, is as much an alliance of peoples as of monarchs,[2] when God was pleased to crown his happiness as well as his glory.

pleasedadjectiveUS /pliːzd/

experiencing or manifesting pleasure

From this reading 'The Emperor,' continued the speaker with fresh vigour, 'having become the arbiter of Europe, was about to sign that noble peace which, bringing together the productive forces of the different nations, is as much an alliance of peoples as of monarchs,[2] when God was pleased to crown his happiness as well as his glory.

policynounUS /ˈpɑːləsi/

a plan of action adopted by an individual or social group

From this reading Is it not allowable to think that, at that moment, he foresaw many fair and prosperous years while gazing upon that cradle where slumbers, though now but an infant, the heir who is destined to carry on his great policy?'

prettyadjectiveUS /ˈprɪti/

pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing

From this reading This, too, was thought very pretty.

productiveadjectiveUS /prəˈdʌktɪv/

producing or capable of producing (especially abundantly)

From this reading 'The Emperor,' continued the speaker with fresh vigour, 'having become the arbiter of Europe, was about to sign that noble peace which, bringing together the productive forces of the different nations, is as much an alliance of peoples as of monarchs,[2] when God was pleased to crown his happiness as well as his glory.

prosperousadjectiveUS /ˈprɑːspərəs/

in fortunate circumstances financially; moderately rich

From this reading Is it not allowable to think that, at that moment, he foresaw many fair and prosperous years while gazing upon that cradle where slumbers, though now but an infant, the heir who is destined to carry on his great policy?'

reportverbUS /riˈpɔːrt/

to give an account or representation of in words

From this reading The report, however, was now beginning to seem a trifle long, and several members looked solemn again.

saidadjectiveUS /sed/

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading Such a hope might be justifiably entertained, so the deputies said, as they nodded their heads approvingly.

seemverbUS /siːm/

give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading The report, however, was now beginning to seem a trifle long, and several members looked solemn again.

severaladjectiveUS /ˈsevrəl/

(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

From this reading The report, however, was now beginning to seem a trifle long, and several members looked solemn again.

signnounUS /saɪn/

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

From this reading 'The Emperor,' continued the speaker with fresh vigour, 'having become the arbiter of Europe, was about to sign that noble peace which, bringing together the productive forces of the different nations, is as much an alliance of peoples as of monarchs,[2] when God was pleased to crown his happiness as well as his glory.

slumbers

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

From this reading Is it not allowable to think that, at that moment, he foresaw many fair and prosperous years while gazing upon that cradle where slumbers, though now but an infant, the heir who is destined to carry on his great policy?'

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Such a hope might be justifiably entertained, so the deputies said, as they nodded their heads approvingly.

solemnadjectiveUS /ˈsɑːləm/

dignified and somber in manner or character and committed to keeping promises

From this reading The report, however, was now beginning to seem a trifle long, and several members looked solemn again.

speakernounUS /ˈspiːkər/

someone who expresses in language; someone who talks (especially someone who delivers a public speech or someone especially garrulous)

From this reading 'The Emperor,' continued the speaker with fresh vigour, 'having become the arbiter of Europe, was about to sign that noble peace which, bringing together the productive forces of the different nations, is as much an alliance of peoples as of monarchs,[2] when God was pleased to crown his happiness as well as his glory.

SuchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Such a hope might be justifiably entertained, so the deputies said, as they nodded their heads approvingly.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading 'The Emperor,' continued the speaker with fresh vigour, 'having become the arbiter of Europe, was about to sign that noble peace which, bringing together the productive forces of the different nations, is as much an alliance of peoples as of monarchs,[2] when God was pleased to crown his happiness as well as his glory.

ThedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading 'The Emperor,' continued the speaker with fresh vigour, 'having become the arbiter of Europe, was about to sign that noble peace which, bringing together the productive forces of the different nations, is as much an alliance of peoples as of monarchs,[2] when God was pleased to crown his happiness as well as his glory.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Such a hope might be justifiably entertained, so the deputies said, as they nodded their heads approvingly.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Such a hope might be justifiably entertained, so the deputies said, as they nodded their heads approvingly.

thinkverbUS /θɪŋk/

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading Is it not allowable to think that, at that moment, he foresaw many fair and prosperous years while gazing upon that cradle where slumbers, though now but an infant, the heir who is destined to carry on his great policy?'

ThisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading This, too, was thought very pretty.

thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Is it not allowable to think that, at that moment, he foresaw many fair and prosperous years while gazing upon that cradle where slumbers, though now but an infant, the heir who is destined to carry on his great policy?'

thoughtnounUS /θɔːt/

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading This, too, was thought very pretty.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading 'The Emperor,' continued the speaker with fresh vigour, 'having become the arbiter of Europe, was about to sign that noble peace which, bringing together the productive forces of the different nations, is as much an alliance of peoples as of monarchs,[2] when God was pleased to crown his happiness as well as his glory.

togetheradverbUS /təˈɡeðər/

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading 'The Emperor,' continued the speaker with fresh vigour, 'having become the arbiter of Europe, was about to sign that noble peace which, bringing together the productive forces of the different nations, is as much an alliance of peoples as of monarchs,[2] when God was pleased to crown his happiness as well as his glory.

tooadverbUS /tuː/

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading This, too, was thought very pretty.

triflenounUS /ˈtraɪfəl/

a cold pudding made of layers of sponge cake spread with fruit or jelly; may be decorated with nuts, cream, or chocolate

From this reading The report, however, was now beginning to seem a trifle long, and several members looked solemn again.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Is it not allowable to think that, at that moment, he foresaw many fair and prosperous years while gazing upon that cradle where slumbers, though now but an infant, the heir who is destined to carry on his great policy?'

veryadjectiveUS /ˈveri/

precisely as stated

From this reading This, too, was thought very pretty.

vigournoun

forceful exertion

From this reading 'The Emperor,' continued the speaker with fresh vigour, 'having become the arbiter of Europe, was about to sign that noble peace which, bringing together the productive forces of the different nations, is as much an alliance of peoples as of monarchs,[2] when God was pleased to crown his happiness as well as his glory.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading 'The Emperor,' continued the speaker with fresh vigour, 'having become the arbiter of Europe, was about to sign that noble peace which, bringing together the productive forces of the different nations, is as much an alliance of peoples as of monarchs,[2] when God was pleased to crown his happiness as well as his glory.

welladverbUS /wel/

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading 'The Emperor,' continued the speaker with fresh vigour, 'having become the arbiter of Europe, was about to sign that noble peace which, bringing together the productive forces of the different nations, is as much an alliance of peoples as of monarchs,[2] when God was pleased to crown his happiness as well as his glory.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading 'The Emperor,' continued the speaker with fresh vigour, 'having become the arbiter of Europe, was about to sign that noble peace which, bringing together the productive forces of the different nations, is as much an alliance of peoples as of monarchs,[2] when God was pleased to crown his happiness as well as his glory.

whereconjunctionUS /wer/

in or at the place that

From this reading Is it not allowable to think that, at that moment, he foresaw many fair and prosperous years while gazing upon that cradle where slumbers, though now but an infant, the heir who is destined to carry on his great policy?'

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading 'The Emperor,' continued the speaker with fresh vigour, 'having become the arbiter of Europe, was about to sign that noble peace which, bringing together the productive forces of the different nations, is as much an alliance of peoples as of monarchs,[2] when God was pleased to crown his happiness as well as his glory.

whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/

during the time that

From this reading Is it not allowable to think that, at that moment, he foresaw many fair and prosperous years while gazing upon that cradle where slumbers, though now but an infant, the heir who is destined to carry on his great policy?'

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading Is it not allowable to think that, at that moment, he foresaw many fair and prosperous years while gazing upon that cradle where slumbers, though now but an infant, the heir who is destined to carry on his great policy?'

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading 'The Emperor,' continued the speaker with fresh vigour, 'having become the arbiter of Europe, was about to sign that noble peace which, bringing together the productive forces of the different nations, is as much an alliance of peoples as of monarchs,[2] when God was pleased to crown his happiness as well as his glory.

yearsnounUS /jɪrz/

a late time of life

From this reading Is it not allowable to think that, at that moment, he foresaw many fair and prosperous years while gazing upon that cradle where slumbers, though now but an infant, the heir who is destined to carry on his great policy?'

Chapter 2 of His Excellency [Son Exc. Eugène Rougon] by Émile Zola holds 416 sentences, grouped into 84 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the source edition, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 2 of His Excellency [Son Exc. Eugène Rougon] contain?

Chapter 2 holds 416 sentences of His Excellency [Son Exc. Eugène Rougon], unabridged, divided into 84 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 2 of His Excellency [Son Exc. Eugène Rougon] by Émile Zola exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 416 sentences, grouped into 84 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 2 of His Excellency [Son Exc. Eugène Rougon]?

Work through the 84 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 84 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.

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Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 2 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.

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Common questions about reading His Excellency [Son Exc. Eugène Rougon] by Émile Zola on this page, its source edition and its audio.

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Yes. All 8284 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #56654 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

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Project Gutenberg eBook #56654, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

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About 600 minutes of reading across 1657 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

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How to work through His Excellency [Son Exc. Eugène Rougon] section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

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Vocabulary met early in His Excellency [Son Exc. Eugène Rougon]

Words and structures a reader meets early in His Excellency [Son Exc. Eugène Rougon], each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

London
A word that appears in the opening chapter of His Excellency [Son Exc. Eugène Rougon]; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Macmillan
A word that appears in the opening chapter of His Excellency [Son Exc. Eugène Rougon]; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Speed
A word that appears in the opening chapter of His Excellency [Son Exc. Eugène Rougon]; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Nowadays
A word that appears in the opening chapter of His Excellency [Son Exc. Eugène Rougon]; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.