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Leila or, the Siege of Granada, Book I.
Leila or, the Siege of Granada, Book I.

Chapter I · Chapter 1

Chapter 1 of Leila or, the Siege of Granada, Book I. is here in full — 49 sentences across 10 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for Leila or, the Siege of Granada, Book I.
Context Illustration Reading 1/9 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
THE ENCHANTER AND THE WARRIOR.
It was the summer of the year 1491, and the armies of Ferdinand and Isabel invested the city of Granada.
The night was not far advanced; and the moon, which broke through the transparent air of Andalusia, shone calmly over the immense and murmuring encampment of the Spanish foe, and touched with a hazy light the snow- capped summits of the Sierra Nevada, contrasting the verdure and luxuriance which no devastation of man could utterly sweep from the beautiful vale below.
In the streets of the Moorish city many a group still lingered.
Some, as if unconscious of the beleaguering war without, were listening in quiet indolence to the strings of the Moorish lute, or the lively tale of an Arabian improrvisatore; others were conversing with such eager and animated gestures, as no ordinary excitement could wring from the stately calm habitual to every oriental people.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Leila or, the Siege of Granada, Book I.

Chapter I · Chapter 1

Chapter 1 of Leila or, the Siege of Granada, Book I. is here in full — 49 sentences across 10 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/9 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
THE ENCHANTER AND THE WARRIOR.
/ðə enˈtʃæntər ənd ðə ˈwɔːriər/
Line 2
It was the summer of the year 1491, and the armies of Ferdinand and Isabel invested the city of Granada.
Line 3
The night was not far advanced; and the moon, which broke through the transparent air of Andalusia, shone calmly over the immense and murmuring encampment of the Spanish foe, and touched with a hazy light the snow- capped summits of the Sierra Nevada, contrasting the verdure and luxuriance which no devastation of man could utterly sweep from the beautiful vale below.
Line 4
In the streets of the Moorish city many a group still lingered.
/ɪn ðə striːts ʌv ðə ˈmʊrɪʃ ˈsɪti ˈmeni ə ɡruːp stɪl ˈlɪŋɡərd/
Line 5
Some, as if unconscious of the beleaguering war without, were listening in quiet indolence to the strings of the Moorish lute, or the lively tale of an Arabian improrvisatore; others were conversing with such eager and animated gestures, as no ordinary excitement could wring from the stately calm habitual to every oriental people.

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.

Andalusia noun US /ˌændəˈluːʒə/

a region in southern Spain on the Atlantic and the Mediterranean; formerly a center of Moorish civilization

From this reading “The night was not far advanced; and the moon, which broke through the transparent air of Andalusia, shone calmly over the immense and murmuring encampment of the Spanish foe, and touched with a hazy light the snow- capped summits of the Sierra Nevada, contrasting the verdure and luxuriance which no devastation of man could utterly sweep from the beautiful vale below.”

beleaguering noun US /bɪˈliːɡərɪŋ/

the action of an armed force that surrounds a fortified place and isolates it while continuing to attack

From this reading “Some, as if unconscious of the beleaguering war without, were listening in quiet indolence to the strings of the Moorish lute, or the lively tale of an Arabian improrvisatore; others were conversing with such eager and animated gestures, as no ordinary excitement could wring from the stately calm habitual to every oriental people.”

capped adjective US /kæpt/

used especially of front teeth having (artificial) crowns

From this reading “The night was not far advanced; and the moon, which broke through the transparent air of Andalusia, shone calmly over the immense and murmuring encampment of the Spanish foe, and touched with a hazy light the snow- capped summits of the Sierra Nevada, contrasting the verdure and luxuriance which no devastation of man could utterly sweep from the beautiful vale below.”

contrasting adjective US /kənˈtræstɪŋ/

strikingly different; tending to contrast

From this reading “The night was not far advanced; and the moon, which broke through the transparent air of Andalusia, shone calmly over the immense and murmuring encampment of the Spanish foe, and touched with a hazy light the snow- capped summits of the Sierra Nevada, contrasting the verdure and luxuriance which no devastation of man could utterly sweep from the beautiful vale below.”

devastation noun US /ˌdevəˈsteɪʃən/

the state of being decayed or destroyed

From this reading “The night was not far advanced; and the moon, which broke through the transparent air of Andalusia, shone calmly over the immense and murmuring encampment of the Spanish foe, and touched with a hazy light the snow- capped summits of the Sierra Nevada, contrasting the verdure and luxuriance which no devastation of man could utterly sweep from the beautiful vale below.”

enchanter noun US /enˈtʃæntər/

a sorcerer or magician

From this reading “THE ENCHANTER AND THE WARRIOR.”

Granada noun US /ɡrəˈnɑːdə/

a city in southeastern Spain that was the capital of the Moorish kingdom until it was captured by Ferdinand and Isabella in 1492

From this reading “It was the summer of the year 1491, and the armies of Ferdinand and Isabel invested the city of Granada.”

Sierra noun US /siˈerə/

a range of mountains (usually with jagged peaks and irregular outline)

From this reading “The night was not far advanced; and the moon, which broke through the transparent air of Andalusia, shone calmly over the immense and murmuring encampment of the Spanish foe, and touched with a hazy light the snow- capped summits of the Sierra Nevada, contrasting the verdure and luxuriance which no devastation of man could utterly sweep from the beautiful vale below.”

All words in this reading · 100

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.

1491

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

From this reading It was the summer of the year 1491, and the armies of Ferdinand and Isabel invested the city of Granada.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading The night was not far advanced; and the moon, which broke through the transparent air of Andalusia, shone calmly over the immense and murmuring encampment of the Spanish foe, and touched with a hazy light the snow- capped summits of the Sierra Nevada, contrasting the verdure and luxuriance which no devastation of man could utterly sweep from the beautiful vale below.

advancedadjectiveUS /ədˈvænst/

farther along in physical or mental development

From this reading The night was not far advanced; and the moon, which broke through the transparent air of Andalusia, shone calmly over the immense and murmuring encampment of the Spanish foe, and touched with a hazy light the snow- capped summits of the Sierra Nevada, contrasting the verdure and luxuriance which no devastation of man could utterly sweep from the beautiful vale below.

airnounUS /er/

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading The night was not far advanced; and the moon, which broke through the transparent air of Andalusia, shone calmly over the immense and murmuring encampment of the Spanish foe, and touched with a hazy light the snow- capped summits of the Sierra Nevada, contrasting the verdure and luxuriance which no devastation of man could utterly sweep from the beautiful vale below.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading Some, as if unconscious of the beleaguering war without, were listening in quiet indolence to the strings of the Moorish lute, or the lively tale of an Arabian improrvisatore; others were conversing with such eager and animated gestures, as no ordinary excitement could wring from the stately calm habitual to every oriental people.

ANDconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading THE ENCHANTER AND THE WARRIOR.

AndalusianounUS /ˌændəˈluːʒə/

a region in southern Spain on the Atlantic and the Mediterranean; formerly a center of Moorish civilization

From this reading The night was not far advanced; and the moon, which broke through the transparent air of Andalusia, shone calmly over the immense and murmuring encampment of the Spanish foe, and touched with a hazy light the snow- capped summits of the Sierra Nevada, contrasting the verdure and luxuriance which no devastation of man could utterly sweep from the beautiful vale below.

animatedadjectiveUS /ˈænəmeɪtɪd/

having life or vigor or spirit

From this reading Some, as if unconscious of the beleaguering war without, were listening in quiet indolence to the strings of the Moorish lute, or the lively tale of an Arabian improrvisatore; others were conversing with such eager and animated gestures, as no ordinary excitement could wring from the stately calm habitual to every oriental people.

ArabiannounUS /əˈreɪbiən/

a member of a Semitic people originally from the Arabian peninsula and surrounding territories who speaks Arabic and who inhabits much of the Middle East and northern Africa

From this reading Some, as if unconscious of the beleaguering war without, were listening in quiet indolence to the strings of the Moorish lute, or the lively tale of an Arabian improrvisatore; others were conversing with such eager and animated gestures, as no ordinary excitement could wring from the stately calm habitual to every oriental people.

armiesnounUS /ˈɑːrmiz/

plural of “army” — a permanent organization of the military land forces of a nation or state

From this reading It was the summer of the year 1491, and the armies of Ferdinand and Isabel invested the city of Granada.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading Some, as if unconscious of the beleaguering war without, were listening in quiet indolence to the strings of the Moorish lute, or the lively tale of an Arabian improrvisatore; others were conversing with such eager and animated gestures, as no ordinary excitement could wring from the stately calm habitual to every oriental people.

beautifuladjectiveUS /ˈbjuːtəfəl/

delighting the senses or exciting intellectual or emotional admiration

From this reading The night was not far advanced; and the moon, which broke through the transparent air of Andalusia, shone calmly over the immense and murmuring encampment of the Spanish foe, and touched with a hazy light the snow- capped summits of the Sierra Nevada, contrasting the verdure and luxuriance which no devastation of man could utterly sweep from the beautiful vale below.

beleagueringnounUS /bɪˈliːɡərɪŋ/

the action of an armed force that surrounds a fortified place and isolates it while continuing to attack

From this reading Some, as if unconscious of the beleaguering war without, were listening in quiet indolence to the strings of the Moorish lute, or the lively tale of an Arabian improrvisatore; others were conversing with such eager and animated gestures, as no ordinary excitement could wring from the stately calm habitual to every oriental people.

belowprepositionUS /bɪˈloʊ/

at or to a lower level than something

From this reading The night was not far advanced; and the moon, which broke through the transparent air of Andalusia, shone calmly over the immense and murmuring encampment of the Spanish foe, and touched with a hazy light the snow- capped summits of the Sierra Nevada, contrasting the verdure and luxuriance which no devastation of man could utterly sweep from the beautiful vale below.

brokeadjectiveUS /broʊk/

lacking funds

From this reading The night was not far advanced; and the moon, which broke through the transparent air of Andalusia, shone calmly over the immense and murmuring encampment of the Spanish foe, and touched with a hazy light the snow- capped summits of the Sierra Nevada, contrasting the verdure and luxuriance which no devastation of man could utterly sweep from the beautiful vale below.

calmverbUS /kɑːm/

make calm or still

From this reading Some, as if unconscious of the beleaguering war without, were listening in quiet indolence to the strings of the Moorish lute, or the lively tale of an Arabian improrvisatore; others were conversing with such eager and animated gestures, as no ordinary excitement could wring from the stately calm habitual to every oriental people.

calmlyadverbUS /ˈkɑːmli/

with self-possession (especially in times of stress)

From this reading The night was not far advanced; and the moon, which broke through the transparent air of Andalusia, shone calmly over the immense and murmuring encampment of the Spanish foe, and touched with a hazy light the snow- capped summits of the Sierra Nevada, contrasting the verdure and luxuriance which no devastation of man could utterly sweep from the beautiful vale below.

cappedadjectiveUS /kæpt/

used especially of front teeth having (artificial) crowns

From this reading The night was not far advanced; and the moon, which broke through the transparent air of Andalusia, shone calmly over the immense and murmuring encampment of the Spanish foe, and touched with a hazy light the snow- capped summits of the Sierra Nevada, contrasting the verdure and luxuriance which no devastation of man could utterly sweep from the beautiful vale below.

citynounUS /ˈsɪti/

a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading It was the summer of the year 1491, and the armies of Ferdinand and Isabel invested the city of Granada.

contrastingadjectiveUS /kənˈtræstɪŋ/

strikingly different; tending to contrast

From this reading The night was not far advanced; and the moon, which broke through the transparent air of Andalusia, shone calmly over the immense and murmuring encampment of the Spanish foe, and touched with a hazy light the snow- capped summits of the Sierra Nevada, contrasting the verdure and luxuriance which no devastation of man could utterly sweep from the beautiful vale below.

conversingverbUS /kənˈvɜːrsɪŋ/

-ing form of “converse” — carry on a conversation

From this reading Some, as if unconscious of the beleaguering war without, were listening in quiet indolence to the strings of the Moorish lute, or the lively tale of an Arabian improrvisatore; others were conversing with such eager and animated gestures, as no ordinary excitement could wring from the stately calm habitual to every oriental people.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

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

From this reading The night was not far advanced; and the moon, which broke through the transparent air of Andalusia, shone calmly over the immense and murmuring encampment of the Spanish foe, and touched with a hazy light the snow- capped summits of the Sierra Nevada, contrasting the verdure and luxuriance which no devastation of man could utterly sweep from the beautiful vale below.

devastationnounUS /ˌdevəˈsteɪʃən/

the state of being decayed or destroyed

From this reading The night was not far advanced; and the moon, which broke through the transparent air of Andalusia, shone calmly over the immense and murmuring encampment of the Spanish foe, and touched with a hazy light the snow- capped summits of the Sierra Nevada, contrasting the verdure and luxuriance which no devastation of man could utterly sweep from the beautiful vale below.

eageradjectiveUS /ˈiːɡər/

having or showing keen interest or intense desire or impatient expectancy

From this reading Some, as if unconscious of the beleaguering war without, were listening in quiet indolence to the strings of the Moorish lute, or the lively tale of an Arabian improrvisatore; others were conversing with such eager and animated gestures, as no ordinary excitement could wring from the stately calm habitual to every oriental people.

encampmentnounUS /ɪnˈkæmpmɪnt/

a site where people on holiday can pitch a tent

From this reading The night was not far advanced; and the moon, which broke through the transparent air of Andalusia, shone calmly over the immense and murmuring encampment of the Spanish foe, and touched with a hazy light the snow- capped summits of the Sierra Nevada, contrasting the verdure and luxuriance which no devastation of man could utterly sweep from the beautiful vale below.

ENCHANTERnounUS /enˈtʃæntər/

a sorcerer or magician

From this reading THE ENCHANTER AND THE WARRIOR.

everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading Some, as if unconscious of the beleaguering war without, were listening in quiet indolence to the strings of the Moorish lute, or the lively tale of an Arabian improrvisatore; others were conversing with such eager and animated gestures, as no ordinary excitement could wring from the stately calm habitual to every oriental people.

excitementnounUS /ɪkˈsaɪtmənt/

the feeling of lively and cheerful joy

From this reading Some, as if unconscious of the beleaguering war without, were listening in quiet indolence to the strings of the Moorish lute, or the lively tale of an Arabian improrvisatore; others were conversing with such eager and animated gestures, as no ordinary excitement could wring from the stately calm habitual to every oriental people.

faradverbUS /fɑːr/

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading The night was not far advanced; and the moon, which broke through the transparent air of Andalusia, shone calmly over the immense and murmuring encampment of the Spanish foe, and touched with a hazy light the snow- capped summits of the Sierra Nevada, contrasting the verdure and luxuriance which no devastation of man could utterly sweep from the beautiful vale below.

FerdinandnounUS /ˈfɜːrdɪnænd/

the king of Castile and Aragon who ruled jointly with his wife Isabella

From this reading It was the summer of the year 1491, and the armies of Ferdinand and Isabel invested the city of Granada.

foenounUS /foʊ/

an armed adversary (especially a member of an opposing military force)

From this reading The night was not far advanced; and the moon, which broke through the transparent air of Andalusia, shone calmly over the immense and murmuring encampment of the Spanish foe, and touched with a hazy light the snow- capped summits of the Sierra Nevada, contrasting the verdure and luxuriance which no devastation of man could utterly sweep from the beautiful vale below.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The night was not far advanced; and the moon, which broke through the transparent air of Andalusia, shone calmly over the immense and murmuring encampment of the Spanish foe, and touched with a hazy light the snow- capped summits of the Sierra Nevada, contrasting the verdure and luxuriance which no devastation of man could utterly sweep from the beautiful vale below.

gesturesnounUS /ˈdʒestʃərz/

plural of “gesture” — motion of hands or body to emphasize or help to express a thought or feeling

From this reading Some, as if unconscious of the beleaguering war without, were listening in quiet indolence to the strings of the Moorish lute, or the lively tale of an Arabian improrvisatore; others were conversing with such eager and animated gestures, as no ordinary excitement could wring from the stately calm habitual to every oriental people.

GranadanounUS /ɡrəˈnɑːdə/

a city in southeastern Spain that was the capital of the Moorish kingdom until it was captured by Ferdinand and Isabella in 1492

From this reading It was the summer of the year 1491, and the armies of Ferdinand and Isabel invested the city of Granada.

groupnounUS /ɡruːp/

any number of entities (members) considered as a unit

From this reading In the streets of the Moorish city many a group still lingered.

habitualadjectiveUS /həˈbɪtʃuːəl/

commonly used or practiced; usual

From this reading Some, as if unconscious of the beleaguering war without, were listening in quiet indolence to the strings of the Moorish lute, or the lively tale of an Arabian improrvisatore; others were conversing with such eager and animated gestures, as no ordinary excitement could wring from the stately calm habitual to every oriental people.

hazyadjectiveUS /ˈheɪzi/

filled or abounding with fog or mist

From this reading The night was not far advanced; and the moon, which broke through the transparent air of Andalusia, shone calmly over the immense and murmuring encampment of the Spanish foe, and touched with a hazy light the snow- capped summits of the Sierra Nevada, contrasting the verdure and luxuriance which no devastation of man could utterly sweep from the beautiful vale below.

ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Some, as if unconscious of the beleaguering war without, were listening in quiet indolence to the strings of the Moorish lute, or the lively tale of an Arabian improrvisatore; others were conversing with such eager and animated gestures, as no ordinary excitement could wring from the stately calm habitual to every oriental people.

immenseadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈmens/

unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope

From this reading The night was not far advanced; and the moon, which broke through the transparent air of Andalusia, shone calmly over the immense and murmuring encampment of the Spanish foe, and touched with a hazy light the snow- capped summits of the Sierra Nevada, contrasting the verdure and luxuriance which no devastation of man could utterly sweep from the beautiful vale below.

improrvisatore

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

From this reading Some, as if unconscious of the beleaguering war without, were listening in quiet indolence to the strings of the Moorish lute, or the lively tale of an Arabian improrvisatore; others were conversing with such eager and animated gestures, as no ordinary excitement could wring from the stately calm habitual to every oriental people.

InprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading In the streets of the Moorish city many a group still lingered.

indolencenoun

inactivity resulting from a dislike of work

From this reading Some, as if unconscious of the beleaguering war without, were listening in quiet indolence to the strings of the Moorish lute, or the lively tale of an Arabian improrvisatore; others were conversing with such eager and animated gestures, as no ordinary excitement could wring from the stately calm habitual to every oriental people.

investedverbUS /ˌɪnˈvestəd/

past form of “invest” — make an investment

From this reading It was the summer of the year 1491, and the armies of Ferdinand and Isabel invested the city of Granada.

Isabel

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

From this reading It was the summer of the year 1491, and the armies of Ferdinand and Isabel invested the city of Granada.

ItpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was the summer of the year 1491, and the armies of Ferdinand and Isabel invested the city of Granada.

lightadjectiveUS /laɪt/

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading The night was not far advanced; and the moon, which broke through the transparent air of Andalusia, shone calmly over the immense and murmuring encampment of the Spanish foe, and touched with a hazy light the snow- capped summits of the Sierra Nevada, contrasting the verdure and luxuriance which no devastation of man could utterly sweep from the beautiful vale below.

lingeredverbUS /ˈlɪŋɡərd/

past form of “linger” — remain present although waning or gradually dying

From this reading In the streets of the Moorish city many a group still lingered.

listeningnounUS /ˈlɪsənɪŋ/

the act of hearing attentively

From this reading Some, as if unconscious of the beleaguering war without, were listening in quiet indolence to the strings of the Moorish lute, or the lively tale of an Arabian improrvisatore; others were conversing with such eager and animated gestures, as no ordinary excitement could wring from the stately calm habitual to every oriental people.

livelyadjectiveUS /ˈlaɪvli/

full of life and energy

From this reading Some, as if unconscious of the beleaguering war without, were listening in quiet indolence to the strings of the Moorish lute, or the lively tale of an Arabian improrvisatore; others were conversing with such eager and animated gestures, as no ordinary excitement could wring from the stately calm habitual to every oriental people.

lutenounUS /luːt/

a substance for packing a joint or coating a porous surface to make it impervious to gas or liquid

From this reading Some, as if unconscious of the beleaguering war without, were listening in quiet indolence to the strings of the Moorish lute, or the lively tale of an Arabian improrvisatore; others were conversing with such eager and animated gestures, as no ordinary excitement could wring from the stately calm habitual to every oriental people.

luxuriancenoun

the property of being lush and abundant and a pleasure to the senses

From this reading The night was not far advanced; and the moon, which broke through the transparent air of Andalusia, shone calmly over the immense and murmuring encampment of the Spanish foe, and touched with a hazy light the snow- capped summits of the Sierra Nevada, contrasting the verdure and luxuriance which no devastation of man could utterly sweep from the beautiful vale below.

mannounUS /mæn/

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

From this reading The night was not far advanced; and the moon, which broke through the transparent air of Andalusia, shone calmly over the immense and murmuring encampment of the Spanish foe, and touched with a hazy light the snow- capped summits of the Sierra Nevada, contrasting the verdure and luxuriance which no devastation of man could utterly sweep from the beautiful vale below.

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 In the streets of the Moorish city many a group still lingered.

moonnounUS /muːn/

the natural satellite of the Earth

From this reading The night was not far advanced; and the moon, which broke through the transparent air of Andalusia, shone calmly over the immense and murmuring encampment of the Spanish foe, and touched with a hazy light the snow- capped summits of the Sierra Nevada, contrasting the verdure and luxuriance which no devastation of man could utterly sweep from the beautiful vale below.

MoorishnounUS /ˈmʊrɪʃ/

a style of architecture common in Spain from the 13th to 16th centuries; characterized by horseshoe-shaped arches

From this reading In the streets of the Moorish city many a group still lingered.

murmuringnounUS /ˈmɜːrmərɪŋ/

a low continuous indistinct sound; often accompanied by movement of the lips without the production of articulate speech

From this reading The night was not far advanced; and the moon, which broke through the transparent air of Andalusia, shone calmly over the immense and murmuring encampment of the Spanish foe, and touched with a hazy light the snow- capped summits of the Sierra Nevada, contrasting the verdure and luxuriance which no devastation of man could utterly sweep from the beautiful vale below.

NevadanounUS /nəˈvɑːdə/

a state in the western United States

From this reading The night was not far advanced; and the moon, which broke through the transparent air of Andalusia, shone calmly over the immense and murmuring encampment of the Spanish foe, and touched with a hazy light the snow- capped summits of the Sierra Nevada, contrasting the verdure and luxuriance which no devastation of man could utterly sweep from the beautiful vale below.

nightnounUS /naɪt/

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading The night was not far advanced; and the moon, which broke through the transparent air of Andalusia, shone calmly over the immense and murmuring encampment of the Spanish foe, and touched with a hazy light the snow- capped summits of the Sierra Nevada, contrasting the verdure and luxuriance which no devastation of man could utterly sweep from the beautiful vale below.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading The night was not far advanced; and the moon, which broke through the transparent air of Andalusia, shone calmly over the immense and murmuring encampment of the Spanish foe, and touched with a hazy light the snow- capped summits of the Sierra Nevada, contrasting the verdure and luxuriance which no devastation of man could utterly sweep from the beautiful vale below.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The night was not far advanced; and the moon, which broke through the transparent air of Andalusia, shone calmly over the immense and murmuring encampment of the Spanish foe, and touched with a hazy light the snow- capped summits of the Sierra Nevada, contrasting the verdure and luxuriance which no devastation of man could utterly sweep from the beautiful vale below.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading It was the summer of the year 1491, and the armies of Ferdinand and Isabel invested the city of Granada.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Some, as if unconscious of the beleaguering war without, were listening in quiet indolence to the strings of the Moorish lute, or the lively tale of an Arabian improrvisatore; others were conversing with such eager and animated gestures, as no ordinary excitement could wring from the stately calm habitual to every oriental people.

ordinarynounUS /ˈɔːrdəneri/

a judge of a probate court

From this reading Some, as if unconscious of the beleaguering war without, were listening in quiet indolence to the strings of the Moorish lute, or the lively tale of an Arabian improrvisatore; others were conversing with such eager and animated gestures, as no ordinary excitement could wring from the stately calm habitual to every oriental people.

orientaladjectiveUS /ˌɔːriˈentəl/

denoting or characteristic of countries of the Far East

From this reading Some, as if unconscious of the beleaguering war without, were listening in quiet indolence to the strings of the Moorish lute, or the lively tale of an Arabian improrvisatore; others were conversing with such eager and animated gestures, as no ordinary excitement could wring from the stately calm habitual to every oriental people.

others

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

From this reading Some, as if unconscious of the beleaguering war without, were listening in quiet indolence to the strings of the Moorish lute, or the lively tale of an Arabian improrvisatore; others were conversing with such eager and animated gestures, as no ordinary excitement could wring from the stately calm habitual to every oriental people.

overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading The night was not far advanced; and the moon, which broke through the transparent air of Andalusia, shone calmly over the immense and murmuring encampment of the Spanish foe, and touched with a hazy light the snow- capped summits of the Sierra Nevada, contrasting the verdure and luxuriance which no devastation of man could utterly sweep from the beautiful vale below.

peoplenounUS /ˈpiːpəl/

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading Some, as if unconscious of the beleaguering war without, were listening in quiet indolence to the strings of the Moorish lute, or the lively tale of an Arabian improrvisatore; others were conversing with such eager and animated gestures, as no ordinary excitement could wring from the stately calm habitual to every oriental people.

quietadjectiveUS /ˈkwaɪət/

characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity

From this reading Some, as if unconscious of the beleaguering war without, were listening in quiet indolence to the strings of the Moorish lute, or the lively tale of an Arabian improrvisatore; others were conversing with such eager and animated gestures, as no ordinary excitement could wring from the stately calm habitual to every oriental people.

shoneverbUS /ʃoʊn/

inflected form of “shine” — be bright by reflecting or casting light

From this reading The night was not far advanced; and the moon, which broke through the transparent air of Andalusia, shone calmly over the immense and murmuring encampment of the Spanish foe, and touched with a hazy light the snow- capped summits of the Sierra Nevada, contrasting the verdure and luxuriance which no devastation of man could utterly sweep from the beautiful vale below.

SierranounUS /siˈerə/

a range of mountains (usually with jagged peaks and irregular outline)

From this reading The night was not far advanced; and the moon, which broke through the transparent air of Andalusia, shone calmly over the immense and murmuring encampment of the Spanish foe, and touched with a hazy light the snow- capped summits of the Sierra Nevada, contrasting the verdure and luxuriance which no devastation of man could utterly sweep from the beautiful vale below.

snownounUS /snoʊ/

precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals

From this reading The night was not far advanced; and the moon, which broke through the transparent air of Andalusia, shone calmly over the immense and murmuring encampment of the Spanish foe, and touched with a hazy light the snow- capped summits of the Sierra Nevada, contrasting the verdure and luxuriance which no devastation of man could utterly sweep from the beautiful vale below.

SomeadjectiveUS /sʌm/

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading Some, as if unconscious of the beleaguering war without, were listening in quiet indolence to the strings of the Moorish lute, or the lively tale of an Arabian improrvisatore; others were conversing with such eager and animated gestures, as no ordinary excitement could wring from the stately calm habitual to every oriental people.

SpanishnounUS /ˈspænɪʃ/

the Romance language spoken in most of Spain and the countries colonized by Spain

From this reading The night was not far advanced; and the moon, which broke through the transparent air of Andalusia, shone calmly over the immense and murmuring encampment of the Spanish foe, and touched with a hazy light the snow- capped summits of the Sierra Nevada, contrasting the verdure and luxuriance which no devastation of man could utterly sweep from the beautiful vale below.

statelyadjectiveUS /ˈsteɪtli/

impressive in appearance

From this reading Some, as if unconscious of the beleaguering war without, were listening in quiet indolence to the strings of the Moorish lute, or the lively tale of an Arabian improrvisatore; others were conversing with such eager and animated gestures, as no ordinary excitement could wring from the stately calm habitual to every oriental people.

stilladjectiveUS /stɪl/

not in physical motion

From this reading In the streets of the Moorish city many a group still lingered.

streetsnounUS /striːts/

plural of “street” — a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading In the streets of the Moorish city many a group still lingered.

stringsnounUS /strɪŋz/

the section of an orchestra that plays stringed instruments

From this reading Some, as if unconscious of the beleaguering war without, were listening in quiet indolence to the strings of the Moorish lute, or the lively tale of an Arabian improrvisatore; others were conversing with such eager and animated gestures, as no ordinary excitement could wring from the stately calm habitual to every oriental people.

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Some, as if unconscious of the beleaguering war without, were listening in quiet indolence to the strings of the Moorish lute, or the lively tale of an Arabian improrvisatore; others were conversing with such eager and animated gestures, as no ordinary excitement could wring from the stately calm habitual to every oriental people.

summernounUS /ˈsʌmər/

the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox

From this reading It was the summer of the year 1491, and the armies of Ferdinand and Isabel invested the city of Granada.

summitsnounUS /ˈsʌmɪts/

plural of “summit” — the highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of development

From this reading The night was not far advanced; and the moon, which broke through the transparent air of Andalusia, shone calmly over the immense and murmuring encampment of the Spanish foe, and touched with a hazy light the snow- capped summits of the Sierra Nevada, contrasting the verdure and luxuriance which no devastation of man could utterly sweep from the beautiful vale below.

sweepverbUS /swiːp/

sweep across or over

From this reading The night was not far advanced; and the moon, which broke through the transparent air of Andalusia, shone calmly over the immense and murmuring encampment of the Spanish foe, and touched with a hazy light the snow- capped summits of the Sierra Nevada, contrasting the verdure and luxuriance which no devastation of man could utterly sweep from the beautiful vale below.

talenounUS /teɪl/

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading Some, as if unconscious of the beleaguering war without, were listening in quiet indolence to the strings of the Moorish lute, or the lively tale of an Arabian improrvisatore; others were conversing with such eager and animated gestures, as no ordinary excitement could wring from the stately calm habitual to every oriental people.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading THE ENCHANTER AND THE WARRIOR.

throughprepositionUS /θruː/

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading The night was not far advanced; and the moon, which broke through the transparent air of Andalusia, shone calmly over the immense and murmuring encampment of the Spanish foe, and touched with a hazy light the snow- capped summits of the Sierra Nevada, contrasting the verdure and luxuriance which no devastation of man could utterly sweep from the beautiful vale below.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading Some, as if unconscious of the beleaguering war without, were listening in quiet indolence to the strings of the Moorish lute, or the lively tale of an Arabian improrvisatore; others were conversing with such eager and animated gestures, as no ordinary excitement could wring from the stately calm habitual to every oriental people.

touchedadjectiveUS /tʌtʃt/

having come into contact

From this reading The night was not far advanced; and the moon, which broke through the transparent air of Andalusia, shone calmly over the immense and murmuring encampment of the Spanish foe, and touched with a hazy light the snow- capped summits of the Sierra Nevada, contrasting the verdure and luxuriance which no devastation of man could utterly sweep from the beautiful vale below.

transparentadjectiveUS /trænˈsperənt/

transmitting light; able to be seen through with clarity

From this reading The night was not far advanced; and the moon, which broke through the transparent air of Andalusia, shone calmly over the immense and murmuring encampment of the Spanish foe, and touched with a hazy light the snow- capped summits of the Sierra Nevada, contrasting the verdure and luxuriance which no devastation of man could utterly sweep from the beautiful vale below.

unconsciousadjectiveUS /ˌʌnˈkɑːnʃəs/

not conscious; lacking awareness and the capacity for sensory perception as if asleep or dead

From this reading Some, as if unconscious of the beleaguering war without, were listening in quiet indolence to the strings of the Moorish lute, or the lively tale of an Arabian improrvisatore; others were conversing with such eager and animated gestures, as no ordinary excitement could wring from the stately calm habitual to every oriental people.

utterlyadverbUS /ˈʌtərli/

completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers

From this reading The night was not far advanced; and the moon, which broke through the transparent air of Andalusia, shone calmly over the immense and murmuring encampment of the Spanish foe, and touched with a hazy light the snow- capped summits of the Sierra Nevada, contrasting the verdure and luxuriance which no devastation of man could utterly sweep from the beautiful vale below.

valenounUS /veɪl/

a long depression in the surface of the land that usually contains a river

From this reading The night was not far advanced; and the moon, which broke through the transparent air of Andalusia, shone calmly over the immense and murmuring encampment of the Spanish foe, and touched with a hazy light the snow- capped summits of the Sierra Nevada, contrasting the verdure and luxuriance which no devastation of man could utterly sweep from the beautiful vale below.

verdurenoun

green foliage

From this reading The night was not far advanced; and the moon, which broke through the transparent air of Andalusia, shone calmly over the immense and murmuring encampment of the Spanish foe, and touched with a hazy light the snow- capped summits of the Sierra Nevada, contrasting the verdure and luxuriance which no devastation of man could utterly sweep from the beautiful vale below.

warnounUS /wɔːr/

the waging of armed conflict against an enemy

From this reading Some, as if unconscious of the beleaguering war without, were listening in quiet indolence to the strings of the Moorish lute, or the lively tale of an Arabian improrvisatore; others were conversing with such eager and animated gestures, as no ordinary excitement could wring from the stately calm habitual to every oriental people.

WARRIORnounUS /ˈwɔːriər/

someone engaged in or experienced in warfare

From this reading THE ENCHANTER AND THE WARRIOR.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading It was the summer of the year 1491, and the armies of Ferdinand and Isabel invested the city of Granada.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading Some, as if unconscious of the beleaguering war without, were listening in quiet indolence to the strings of the Moorish lute, or the lively tale of an Arabian improrvisatore; others were conversing with such eager and animated gestures, as no ordinary excitement could wring from the stately calm habitual to every oriental people.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading The night was not far advanced; and the moon, which broke through the transparent air of Andalusia, shone calmly over the immense and murmuring encampment of the Spanish foe, and touched with a hazy light the snow- capped summits of the Sierra Nevada, contrasting the verdure and luxuriance which no devastation of man could utterly sweep from the beautiful vale below.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading The night was not far advanced; and the moon, which broke through the transparent air of Andalusia, shone calmly over the immense and murmuring encampment of the Spanish foe, and touched with a hazy light the snow- capped summits of the Sierra Nevada, contrasting the verdure and luxuriance which no devastation of man could utterly sweep from the beautiful vale below.

withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading Some, as if unconscious of the beleaguering war without, were listening in quiet indolence to the strings of the Moorish lute, or the lively tale of an Arabian improrvisatore; others were conversing with such eager and animated gestures, as no ordinary excitement could wring from the stately calm habitual to every oriental people.

wringverbUS /rɪŋ/

twist and press out of shape

From this reading Some, as if unconscious of the beleaguering war without, were listening in quiet indolence to the strings of the Moorish lute, or the lively tale of an Arabian improrvisatore; others were conversing with such eager and animated gestures, as no ordinary excitement could wring from the stately calm habitual to every oriental people.

yearnounUS /jɪr/

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading It was the summer of the year 1491, and the armies of Ferdinand and Isabel invested the city of Granada.

Chapter 1 of Leila or, the Siege of Granada, Book I. by Edward Bulwer Lytton, Baron Lytton holds 49 sentences, grouped into 10 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 1 of Leila or, the Siege of Granada, Book I. contain?

Chapter 1 holds 49 sentences of Leila or, the Siege of Granada, Book I., unabridged, divided into 10 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 1 of Leila or, the Siege of Granada, Book I. by Edward Bulwer Lytton, Baron Lytton exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 49 sentences, grouped into 10 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 1 of Leila or, the Siege of Granada, Book I.?

Work through the 10 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 10 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 1 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 1 can be played aloud in United States English.

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

Questions about reading Leila or, the Siege of Granada, Book I.

Common questions about reading Leila or, the Siege of Granada, Book I. by Edward Bulwer Lytton, Baron Lytton on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Leila or, the Siege of Granada, Book I.?

Yes. All 368 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #9756 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Leila or, the Siege of Granada, Book I. is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #9756, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Leila or, the Siege of Granada, Book I. take to read?

About 30 minutes of reading across 74 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Leila or, the Siege of Granada, Book I. section by section

How to work through Leila or, the Siege of Granada, Book I. section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 6 chapters of Leila or, the Siege of Granada, Book I. to begin.

  2. Read one section

    Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.

  3. Listen and tap

    Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.

Vocabulary met early in Leila or, the Siege of Granada, Book I.

Words and structures a reader meets early in Leila or, the Siege of Granada, Book I., each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Enchanter
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Leila or, the Siege of Granada, Book I.; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Warrior
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Leila or, the Siege of Granada, Book I.; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Summer
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Leila or, the Siege of Granada, Book I.; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Armies
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Leila or, the Siege of Granada, Book I.; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.