Complete classic literature • Five-line readings • Clear US narration
VELMORA ACADEMY
Academy of Archival Languages & Memory Studies
Menu Close
Ivanhoe: A Romance
Ivanhoe: A Romance

Chapter XXXVIII

Cover illustration for Ivanhoe: A Romance
Context Illustration Reading 1/31 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
I found them winding of Marcello’s corpse.
And there was such a solemn melody, ’Twixt doleful songs, tears, and sad elegies,— Such as old grandames, watching by the dead, Are wont to outwear the night with.
OLD PLAY The mode of entering the great tower of Coningsburgh Castle is very peculiar, and partakes of the rude simplicity of the early times in which it was erected.
A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.
The access to the upper apartments in the tower which consist in all of four stories, is given by stairs which are carried up through the external buttresses.
0:00 / 0:00
Speed 0.75x
AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Ivanhoe: A Romance

Chapter XXXVIII

Reading 1/31 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
I found them winding of Marcello’s corpse.
Line 2
And there was such a solemn melody, ’Twixt doleful songs, tears, and sad elegies,— Such as old grandames, watching by the dead, Are wont to outwear the night with.
Line 3
OLD PLAY The mode of entering the great tower of Coningsburgh Castle is very peculiar, and partakes of the rude simplicity of the early times in which it was erected.
Line 4
A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.
Line 5
The access to the upper apartments in the tower which consist in all of four stories, is given by stairs which are carried up through the external buttresses.

Learner Dictionary

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

Being auxiliary verb US /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading “A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.”

Could modal verb US /kʊd/

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading “A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.”

Dead noun US /dead/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “And there was such a solemn melody, ’Twixt doleful songs, tears, and sad elegies,— Such as old grandames, watching by the dead, Are wont to outwear the night with.”

Found noun US /found/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “I found them winding of Marcello’s corpse.”

Great noun US /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “OLD PLAY The mode of entering the great tower of Coningsburgh Castle is very peculiar, and partakes of the rude simplicity of the early times in which it was erected.”

Have auxiliary verb US /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading “A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.”

Least noun US /least/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.”

May modal verb US /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading “A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.”

Neither determiner US /ˈniːðər/

not one and not the other of two

From this reading “A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.”

Save preposition US /seɪv/

except for; apart from

From this reading “A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.”

Since preposition US /sɪns/

from a time in the past until now

From this reading “A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.”

Still noun US /still/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.”

Third noun US /third/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.”

Through noun US /ˈthrough/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “The access to the upper apartments in the tower which consist in all of four stories, is given by stairs which are carried up through the external buttresses.”

Within preposition US /wɪˈðɪn/

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading “A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.”

All words in this reading · 118

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 And there was such a solemn melody, ’Twixt doleful songs, tears, and sad elegies,— Such as old grandames, watching by the dead, Are wont to outwear the night with.

access

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

From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.

adventurous

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

From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.

air

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

From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.

all

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

From this reading The access to the upper apartments in the tower which consist in all of four stories, is given by stairs which are carried up through the external buttresses.

almost

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

From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.

AndconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading And there was such a solemn melody, ’Twixt doleful songs, tears, and sad elegies,— Such as old grandames, watching by the dead, Are wont to outwear the night with.

antiquary

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

From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.

apartments

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

From this reading The access to the upper apartments in the tower which consist in all of four stories, is given by stairs which are carried up through the external buttresses.

Areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

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

From this reading And there was such a solemn melody, ’Twixt doleful songs, tears, and sad elegies,— Such as old grandames, watching by the dead, Are wont to outwear the night with.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading And there was such a solemn melody, ’Twixt doleful songs, tears, and sad elegies,— Such as old grandames, watching by the dead, Are wont to outwear the night with.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.

beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.

building

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

From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.

buttresses

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

From this reading The access to the upper apartments in the tower which consist in all of four stories, is given by stairs which are carried up through the external buttresses.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading And there was such a solemn melody, ’Twixt doleful songs, tears, and sad elegies,— Such as old grandames, watching by the dead, Are wont to outwear the night with.

carried

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

From this reading The access to the upper apartments in the tower which consist in all of four stories, is given by stairs which are carried up through the external buttresses.

Castle

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

From this reading OLD PLAY The mode of entering the great tower of Coningsburgh Castle is very peculiar, and partakes of the rude simplicity of the early times in which it was erected.

communicated

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

From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.

Coningsburgh

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

From this reading OLD PLAY The mode of entering the great tower of Coningsburgh Castle is very peculiar, and partakes of the rude simplicity of the early times in which it was erected.

consist

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

From this reading The access to the upper apartments in the tower which consist in all of four stories, is given by stairs which are carried up through the external buttresses.

corpse

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

From this reading I found them winding of Marcello’s corpse.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.

deadnounUS /dead/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading And there was such a solemn melody, ’Twixt doleful songs, tears, and sad elegies,— Such as old grandames, watching by the dead, Are wont to outwear the night with.

deep

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

From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.

doleful

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

From this reading And there was such a solemn melody, ’Twixt doleful songs, tears, and sad elegies,— Such as old grandames, watching by the dead, Are wont to outwear the night with.

dungeons

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

From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.

early

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

From this reading OLD PLAY The mode of entering the great tower of Coningsburgh Castle is very peculiar, and partakes of the rude simplicity of the early times in which it was erected.

elegies

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

From this reading And there was such a solemn melody, ’Twixt doleful songs, tears, and sad elegies,— Such as old grandames, watching by the dead, Are wont to outwear the night with.

entering

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

From this reading OLD PLAY The mode of entering the great tower of Coningsburgh Castle is very peculiar, and partakes of the rude simplicity of the early times in which it was erected.

erected

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

From this reading OLD PLAY The mode of entering the great tower of Coningsburgh Castle is very peculiar, and partakes of the rude simplicity of the early times in which it was erected.

external

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

From this reading The access to the upper apartments in the tower which consist in all of four stories, is given by stairs which are carried up through the external buttresses.

few

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

From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.

flight

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

From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.

foundnounUS /found/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading I found them winding of Marcello’s corpse.

four

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

From this reading The access to the upper apartments in the tower which consist in all of four stories, is given by stairs which are carried up through the external buttresses.

gain

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

From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.

given

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

From this reading The access to the upper apartments in the tower which consist in all of four stories, is given by stairs which are carried up through the external buttresses.

grandames

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

From this reading And there was such a solemn melody, ’Twixt doleful songs, tears, and sad elegies,— Such as old grandames, watching by the dead, Are wont to outwear the night with.

greatnounUS /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading OLD PLAY The mode of entering the great tower of Coningsburgh Castle is very peculiar, and partakes of the rude simplicity of the early times in which it was erected.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.

hole

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

From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

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

From this reading I found them winding of Marcello’s corpse.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading OLD PLAY The mode of entering the great tower of Coningsburgh Castle is very peculiar, and partakes of the rude simplicity of the early times in which it was erected.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading OLD PLAY The mode of entering the great tower of Coningsburgh Castle is very peculiar, and partakes of the rude simplicity of the early times in which it was erected.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading OLD PLAY The mode of entering the great tower of Coningsburgh Castle is very peculiar, and partakes of the rude simplicity of the early times in which it was erected.

ladder

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

From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.

leads

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

From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.

leastnounUS /least/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.

light

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

From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.

low

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

From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.

lower

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

From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.

main

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

From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.

Marcello's

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

From this reading I found them winding of Marcello’s corpse.

maymodal verbUS /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.

melody

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

From this reading And there was such a solemn melody, ’Twixt doleful songs, tears, and sad elegies,— Such as old grandames, watching by the dead, Are wont to outwear the night with.

mode

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

From this reading OLD PLAY The mode of entering the great tower of Coningsburgh Castle is very peculiar, and partakes of the rude simplicity of the early times in which it was erected.

narrow

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

From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.

neitherdeterminerUS /ˈniːðər/

not one and not the other of two

From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.

night

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

From this reading And there was such a solemn melody, ’Twixt doleful songs, tears, and sad elegies,— Such as old grandames, watching by the dead, Are wont to outwear the night with.

norconjunctionUS /nɔːr/

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading I found them winding of Marcello’s corpse.

old

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

From this reading And there was such a solemn melody, ’Twixt doleful songs, tears, and sad elegies,— Such as old grandames, watching by the dead, Are wont to outwear the night with.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.

outwear

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

From this reading And there was such a solemn melody, ’Twixt doleful songs, tears, and sad elegies,— Such as old grandames, watching by the dead, Are wont to outwear the night with.

partakes

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

From this reading OLD PLAY The mode of entering the great tower of Coningsburgh Castle is very peculiar, and partakes of the rude simplicity of the early times in which it was erected.

peculiar

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

From this reading OLD PLAY The mode of entering the great tower of Coningsburgh Castle is very peculiar, and partakes of the rude simplicity of the early times in which it was erected.

PLAY

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

From this reading OLD PLAY The mode of entering the great tower of Coningsburgh Castle is very peculiar, and partakes of the rude simplicity of the early times in which it was erected.

portal

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

From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.

precipitous

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

From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.

receive

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

From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.

rude

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

From this reading OLD PLAY The mode of entering the great tower of Coningsburgh Castle is very peculiar, and partakes of the rude simplicity of the early times in which it was erected.

sad

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

From this reading And there was such a solemn melody, ’Twixt doleful songs, tears, and sad elegies,— Such as old grandames, watching by the dead, Are wont to outwear the night with.

saveprepositionUS /seɪv/

except for; apart from

From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.

seem

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

From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.

side

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

From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.

simplicity

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

From this reading OLD PLAY The mode of entering the great tower of Coningsburgh Castle is very peculiar, and partakes of the rude simplicity of the early times in which it was erected.

sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/

from a time in the past until now

From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.

small

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

From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.

solemn

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

From this reading And there was such a solemn melody, ’Twixt doleful songs, tears, and sad elegies,— Such as old grandames, watching by the dead, Are wont to outwear the night with.

songs

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

From this reading And there was such a solemn melody, ’Twixt doleful songs, tears, and sad elegies,— Such as old grandames, watching by the dead, Are wont to outwear the night with.

south

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

From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.

square

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

From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.

stair

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

From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.

stairs

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

From this reading The access to the upper apartments in the tower which consist in all of four stories, is given by stairs which are carried up through the external buttresses.

steps

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

From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.

stillnounUS /still/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.

stories

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

From this reading The access to the upper apartments in the tower which consist in all of four stories, is given by stairs which are carried up through the external buttresses.

story

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

From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading And there was such a solemn melody, ’Twixt doleful songs, tears, and sad elegies,— Such as old grandames, watching by the dead, Are wont to outwear the night with.

tears

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

From this reading And there was such a solemn melody, ’Twixt doleful songs, tears, and sad elegies,— Such as old grandames, watching by the dead, Are wont to outwear the night with.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading And there was such a solemn melody, ’Twixt doleful songs, tears, and sad elegies,— Such as old grandames, watching by the dead, Are wont to outwear the night with.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading I found them winding of Marcello’s corpse.

there

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

From this reading And there was such a solemn melody, ’Twixt doleful songs, tears, and sad elegies,— Such as old grandames, watching by the dead, Are wont to outwear the night with.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.

thickness

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

From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.

thirdnounUS /third/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.

throughnounUS /ˈthrough/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading The access to the upper apartments in the tower which consist in all of four stories, is given by stairs which are carried up through the external buttresses.

times

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

From this reading OLD PLAY The mode of entering the great tower of Coningsburgh Castle is very peculiar, and partakes of the rude simplicity of the early times in which it was erected.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading And there was such a solemn melody, ’Twixt doleful songs, tears, and sad elegies,— Such as old grandames, watching by the dead, Are wont to outwear the night with.

tower

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

From this reading OLD PLAY The mode of entering the great tower of Coningsburgh Castle is very peculiar, and partakes of the rude simplicity of the early times in which it was erected.

Twixt

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

From this reading And there was such a solemn melody, ’Twixt doleful songs, tears, and sad elegies,— Such as old grandames, watching by the dead, Are wont to outwear the night with.

two

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

From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.

up

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

From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.

upper

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

From this reading The access to the upper apartments in the tower which consist in all of four stories, is given by stairs which are carried up through the external buttresses.

vaults

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

From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.

very

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

From this reading OLD PLAY The mode of entering the great tower of Coningsburgh Castle is very peculiar, and partakes of the rude simplicity of the early times in which it was erected.

wall

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

From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading And there was such a solemn melody, ’Twixt doleful songs, tears, and sad elegies,— Such as old grandames, watching by the dead, Are wont to outwear the night with.

watching

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

From this reading And there was such a solemn melody, ’Twixt doleful songs, tears, and sad elegies,— Such as old grandames, watching by the dead, Are wont to outwear the night with.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading OLD PLAY The mode of entering the great tower of Coningsburgh Castle is very peculiar, and partakes of the rude simplicity of the early times in which it was erected.

winding

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

From this reading I found them winding of Marcello’s corpse.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading And there was such a solemn melody, ’Twixt doleful songs, tears, and sad elegies,— Such as old grandames, watching by the dead, Are wont to outwear the night with.

withinprepositionUS /wɪˈðɪn/

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.

wont

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

From this reading And there was such a solemn melody, ’Twixt doleful songs, tears, and sad elegies,— Such as old grandames, watching by the dead, Are wont to outwear the night with.

years

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

From this reading A flight of steps, so deep and narrow as to be almost precipitous, leads up to a low portal in the south side of the tower, by which the adventurous antiquary may still, or at least could a few years since, gain access to a small stair within the thickness of the main wall of the tower, which leads up to the third story of the building,—the two lower being dungeons or vaults, which neither receive air nor light, save by a square hole in the third story, with which they seem to have communicated by a ladder.