Complete classic literature • Five-line readings • Clear US narration
VELMORA ACADEMY
Academy of Archival Languages & Memory Studies
Menu Close
Leila or, the Siege of Granada, Complete
Leila or, the Siege of Granada, Complete

Chapter XVI · Chapter 16

Chapter 16 of Leila or, the Siege of Granada, Complete is here in full — 61 sentences across 13 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for Leila or, the Siege of Granada, Complete
Context Illustration Reading 1/12 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
In their different directions the rival kings were equally successful.
Salobrena, but lately conquered by the Christians, was thrown into a commotion by the first glimpse of Boabdil’s banners; the populace rose, beat back their Christian guards, and opened the gates to the last of their race of kings.
The garrison alone, to which the Spaniards retreated, resisted Boabdil’s arms; and, defended by, impregnable walls, promised an obstinate and bloody siege.
Meanwhile, Ferdinand had no sooner entered Cordova than his extensive scheme of confiscation and holy persecution commenced.
Not only did more than five hundred Jews perish in the dark and secret gripe of the Grand Inquisitor, but several hundred of the wealthiest Christian families, in whose blood was detected the hereditary Jewish taint, were thrown into prison; and such as were most fortunate purchased life by the sacrifice of half their treasures.
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.

Leila or, the Siege of Granada, Complete

Chapter XVI · Chapter 16

Chapter 16 of Leila or, the Siege of Granada, Complete is here in full — 61 sentences across 13 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/12 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
In their different directions the rival kings were equally successful.
/ɪn ðer ˈdɪfərənt dərˈekʃənz ðə ˈraɪvəl kɪŋz wɜːr ˈiːkwəli səkˈsesfəl/
Line 2
Salobrena, but lately conquered by the Christians, was thrown into a commotion by the first glimpse of Boabdil’s banners; the populace rose, beat back their Christian guards, and opened the gates to the last of their race of kings.
Line 3
The garrison alone, to which the Spaniards retreated, resisted Boabdil’s arms; and, defended by, impregnable walls, promised an obstinate and bloody siege.
Line 4
Meanwhile, Ferdinand had no sooner entered Cordova than his extensive scheme of confiscation and holy persecution commenced.
/ˈmiːnwaɪl ˈfɜːrdɪnænd hæd noʊ ˈsuːnər ˈentərd ˌkɔːrˈdoʊvə ðæn hɪz ɪkˈstensɪv skiːm ʌv ˌkɑːnfəˈskeɪʃən ənd ˈhoʊli ˌpɜːrsəˈkjuːʃən kəˈmenst/
Line 5
Not only did more than five hundred Jews perish in the dark and secret gripe of the Grand Inquisitor, but several hundred of the wealthiest Christian families, in whose blood was detected the hereditary Jewish taint, were thrown into prison; and such as were most fortunate purchased life by the sacrifice of half their treasures.
/nɑːt ˈoʊnli dɪd mɔːr ðæn faɪv ˈhʌndrəd dʒuːz ˈperɪʃ ɪn ðə dɑːrk ənd ˈsiː.krət ɡraɪp ʌv ðə ɡrænd ˌɪnˈkwɪzətər bʌt ˈsevrəl ˈhʌndrəd ʌv ðə ˈwelθiəst ˈkrɪstʃən ˈfæməliz ɪn huːz blʌd wɑːz dɪˈtektəd ðə hərˈedəteri ˈdʒuːɪʃ teɪnt wɜːr θroʊn ˈɪntuː ˈprɪzən ənd sʌtʃ æz wɜːr moʊst ˈfɔːrtʃənət ˈpɜːrtʃəst laɪf baɪ ðə ˈsækrəfaɪs ʌv hæf ðer ˈtreʒərz/

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.

confiscation noun US /ˌkɑːnfəˈskeɪʃən/

seizure by the government

From this reading “Meanwhile, Ferdinand had no sooner entered Cordova than his extensive scheme of confiscation and holy persecution commenced.”

Cordova noun US /ˌkɔːrˈdoʊvə/

Spanish explorer who discovered Yucatan (1475-1526)

From this reading “Meanwhile, Ferdinand had no sooner entered Cordova than his extensive scheme of confiscation and holy persecution commenced.”

gripe noun US /ɡraɪp/

informal terms for objecting

From this reading “Not only did more than five hundred Jews perish in the dark and secret gripe of the Grand Inquisitor, but several hundred of the wealthiest Christian families, in whose blood was detected the hereditary Jewish taint, were thrown into prison; and such as were most fortunate purchased life by the sacrifice of half their treasures.”

impregnable adjective US /ˌɪmˈpreɡnəbəl/

immune to attack; incapable of being tampered with

From this reading “The garrison alone, to which the Spaniards retreated, resisted Boabdil’s arms; and, defended by, impregnable walls, promised an obstinate and bloody siege.”

Inquisitor noun US /ˌɪnˈkwɪzətər/

a questioner who is excessively harsh

From this reading “Not only did more than five hundred Jews perish in the dark and secret gripe of the Grand Inquisitor, but several hundred of the wealthiest Christian families, in whose blood was detected the hereditary Jewish taint, were thrown into prison; and such as were most fortunate purchased life by the sacrifice of half their treasures.”

Jewish adjective US /ˈdʒuːɪʃ/

of or relating to Jews or their culture or religion

From this reading “Not only did more than five hundred Jews perish in the dark and secret gripe of the Grand Inquisitor, but several hundred of the wealthiest Christian families, in whose blood was detected the hereditary Jewish taint, were thrown into prison; and such as were most fortunate purchased life by the sacrifice of half their treasures.”

taint noun US /teɪnt/

the state of being contaminated

From this reading “Not only did more than five hundred Jews perish in the dark and secret gripe of the Grand Inquisitor, but several hundred of the wealthiest Christian families, in whose blood was detected the hereditary Jewish taint, were thrown into prison; and such as were most fortunate purchased life by the sacrifice of half their treasures.”

wealthiest adjective US /ˈwelθiəst/

superlative of “wealthy” — having an abundant supply of money or possessions of value

From this reading “Not only did more than five hundred Jews perish in the dark and secret gripe of the Grand Inquisitor, but several hundred of the wealthiest Christian families, in whose blood was detected the hereditary Jewish taint, were thrown into prison; and such as were most fortunate purchased life by the sacrifice of half their treasures.”

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.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading Salobrena, but lately conquered by the Christians, was thrown into a commotion by the first glimpse of Boabdil’s banners; the populace rose, beat back their Christian guards, and opened the gates to the last of their race of kings.

aloneadjectiveUS /əˈloʊn/

Having no one else present.

From this reading The garrison alone, to which the Spaniards retreated, resisted Boabdil’s arms; and, defended by, impregnable walls, promised an obstinate and bloody siege.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading The garrison alone, to which the Spaniards retreated, resisted Boabdil’s arms; and, defended by, impregnable walls, promised an obstinate and bloody siege.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading Salobrena, but lately conquered by the Christians, was thrown into a commotion by the first glimpse of Boabdil’s banners; the populace rose, beat back their Christian guards, and opened the gates to the last of their race of kings.

armsnounUS /ɑːrmz/

weapons considered collectively

From this reading The garrison alone, to which the Spaniards retreated, resisted Boabdil’s arms; and, defended by, impregnable walls, promised an obstinate and bloody siege.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading Not only did more than five hundred Jews perish in the dark and secret gripe of the Grand Inquisitor, but several hundred of the wealthiest Christian families, in whose blood was detected the hereditary Jewish taint, were thrown into prison; and such as were most fortunate purchased life by the sacrifice of half their treasures.

backadverbUS /bæk/

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading Salobrena, but lately conquered by the Christians, was thrown into a commotion by the first glimpse of Boabdil’s banners; the populace rose, beat back their Christian guards, and opened the gates to the last of their race of kings.

bannersnounUS /ˈbænərz/

plural of “banner” — long strip of cloth or paper used for decoration or advertising

From this reading Salobrena, but lately conquered by the Christians, was thrown into a commotion by the first glimpse of Boabdil’s banners; the populace rose, beat back their Christian guards, and opened the gates to the last of their race of kings.

beatverbUS /biːt/

come out better in a competition, race, or conflict

From this reading Salobrena, but lately conquered by the Christians, was thrown into a commotion by the first glimpse of Boabdil’s banners; the populace rose, beat back their Christian guards, and opened the gates to the last of their race of kings.

bloodnounUS /blʌd/

The red fluid that circulates in the heart and blood vessels.

From this reading Not only did more than five hundred Jews perish in the dark and secret gripe of the Grand Inquisitor, but several hundred of the wealthiest Christian families, in whose blood was detected the hereditary Jewish taint, were thrown into prison; and such as were most fortunate purchased life by the sacrifice of half their treasures.

bloodyadjectiveUS /ˈblʌdi/

having or covered with or accompanied by blood

From this reading The garrison alone, to which the Spaniards retreated, resisted Boabdil’s arms; and, defended by, impregnable walls, promised an obstinate and bloody siege.

Boabdil's

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

From this reading Salobrena, but lately conquered by the Christians, was thrown into a commotion by the first glimpse of Boabdil’s banners; the populace rose, beat back their Christian guards, and opened the gates to the last of their race of kings.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Salobrena, but lately conquered by the Christians, was thrown into a commotion by the first glimpse of Boabdil’s banners; the populace rose, beat back their Christian guards, and opened the gates to the last of their race of kings.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Salobrena, but lately conquered by the Christians, was thrown into a commotion by the first glimpse of Boabdil’s banners; the populace rose, beat back their Christian guards, and opened the gates to the last of their race of kings.

ChristianadjectiveUS /ˈkrɪstʃən/

relating to or characteristic of Christianity

From this reading Salobrena, but lately conquered by the Christians, was thrown into a commotion by the first glimpse of Boabdil’s banners; the populace rose, beat back their Christian guards, and opened the gates to the last of their race of kings.

ChristiansnounUS /ˈkrɪstʃənz/

plural of “christian” — a religious person who believes Jesus is the Christ and who is a member of a Christian denomination

From this reading Salobrena, but lately conquered by the Christians, was thrown into a commotion by the first glimpse of Boabdil’s banners; the populace rose, beat back their Christian guards, and opened the gates to the last of their race of kings.

commencedverbUS /kəˈmenst/

past form of “commence” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading Meanwhile, Ferdinand had no sooner entered Cordova than his extensive scheme of confiscation and holy persecution commenced.

commotionnounUS /kəˈmoʊʃən/

a disorderly outburst or tumult

From this reading Salobrena, but lately conquered by the Christians, was thrown into a commotion by the first glimpse of Boabdil’s banners; the populace rose, beat back their Christian guards, and opened the gates to the last of their race of kings.

confiscationnounUS /ˌkɑːnfəˈskeɪʃən/

seizure by the government

From this reading Meanwhile, Ferdinand had no sooner entered Cordova than his extensive scheme of confiscation and holy persecution commenced.

conqueredverbUS /ˈkɑːŋkərd/

past form of “conquer” — bring under control by force or authority

From this reading Salobrena, but lately conquered by the Christians, was thrown into a commotion by the first glimpse of Boabdil’s banners; the populace rose, beat back their Christian guards, and opened the gates to the last of their race of kings.

CordovanounUS /ˌkɔːrˈdoʊvə/

Spanish explorer who discovered Yucatan (1475-1526)

From this reading Meanwhile, Ferdinand had no sooner entered Cordova than his extensive scheme of confiscation and holy persecution commenced.

darknounUS /dɑːrk/

absence of light or illumination

From this reading Not only did more than five hundred Jews perish in the dark and secret gripe of the Grand Inquisitor, but several hundred of the wealthiest Christian families, in whose blood was detected the hereditary Jewish taint, were thrown into prison; and such as were most fortunate purchased life by the sacrifice of half their treasures.

defendedverbUS /dɪˈfendəd/

past form of “defend” — argue or speak in defense of

From this reading The garrison alone, to which the Spaniards retreated, resisted Boabdil’s arms; and, defended by, impregnable walls, promised an obstinate and bloody siege.

detectedadjectiveUS /dɪˈtektəd/

perceived or discerned

From this reading Not only did more than five hundred Jews perish in the dark and secret gripe of the Grand Inquisitor, but several hundred of the wealthiest Christian families, in whose blood was detected the hereditary Jewish taint, were thrown into prison; and such as were most fortunate purchased life by the sacrifice of half their treasures.

didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading Not only did more than five hundred Jews perish in the dark and secret gripe of the Grand Inquisitor, but several hundred of the wealthiest Christian families, in whose blood was detected the hereditary Jewish taint, were thrown into prison; and such as were most fortunate purchased life by the sacrifice of half their treasures.

differentadjectiveUS /ˈdɪfərənt/

unlike in nature or quality or form or degree

From this reading In their different directions the rival kings were equally successful.

directionsnounUS /dərˈekʃənz/

plural of “direction” — a line leading to a place or point

From this reading In their different directions the rival kings were equally successful.

enteredverbUS /ˈentərd/

past form of “enter” — to come or go into

From this reading Meanwhile, Ferdinand had no sooner entered Cordova than his extensive scheme of confiscation and holy persecution commenced.

equallyadverbUS /ˈiːkwəli/

to the same degree (often followed by “as”)

From this reading In their different directions the rival kings were equally successful.

extensiveadjectiveUS /ɪkˈstensɪv/

large in spatial extent or range or scope or quantity

From this reading Meanwhile, Ferdinand had no sooner entered Cordova than his extensive scheme of confiscation and holy persecution commenced.

familiesnounUS /ˈfæməliz/

plural of “family” — a social unit living together

From this reading Not only did more than five hundred Jews perish in the dark and secret gripe of the Grand Inquisitor, but several hundred of the wealthiest Christian families, in whose blood was detected the hereditary Jewish taint, were thrown into prison; and such as were most fortunate purchased life by the sacrifice of half their treasures.

FerdinandnounUS /ˈfɜːrdɪnænd/

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

From this reading Meanwhile, Ferdinand had no sooner entered Cordova than his extensive scheme of confiscation and holy persecution commenced.

firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Salobrena, but lately conquered by the Christians, was thrown into a commotion by the first glimpse of Boabdil’s banners; the populace rose, beat back their Christian guards, and opened the gates to the last of their race of kings.

fivenounUS /faɪv/

the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one

From this reading Not only did more than five hundred Jews perish in the dark and secret gripe of the Grand Inquisitor, but several hundred of the wealthiest Christian families, in whose blood was detected the hereditary Jewish taint, were thrown into prison; and such as were most fortunate purchased life by the sacrifice of half their treasures.

fortunateadjectiveUS /ˈfɔːrtʃənət/

having unexpected good fortune

From this reading Not only did more than five hundred Jews perish in the dark and secret gripe of the Grand Inquisitor, but several hundred of the wealthiest Christian families, in whose blood was detected the hereditary Jewish taint, were thrown into prison; and such as were most fortunate purchased life by the sacrifice of half their treasures.

garrisonnounUS /ˈɡærɪsən/

a fortified military post where troops are stationed

From this reading The garrison alone, to which the Spaniards retreated, resisted Boabdil’s arms; and, defended by, impregnable walls, promised an obstinate and bloody siege.

gatesnounUS /ɡeɪts/

United States computer entrepreneur whose software company made him the youngest multi-billionaire in the history of the United States (born in 1955)

From this reading Salobrena, but lately conquered by the Christians, was thrown into a commotion by the first glimpse of Boabdil’s banners; the populace rose, beat back their Christian guards, and opened the gates to the last of their race of kings.

glimpsenounUS /ɡlɪmps/

a quick look

From this reading Salobrena, but lately conquered by the Christians, was thrown into a commotion by the first glimpse of Boabdil’s banners; the populace rose, beat back their Christian guards, and opened the gates to the last of their race of kings.

GrandadjectiveUS /ɡrænd/

of behavior that is impressive and ambitious in scale or scope

From this reading Not only did more than five hundred Jews perish in the dark and secret gripe of the Grand Inquisitor, but several hundred of the wealthiest Christian families, in whose blood was detected the hereditary Jewish taint, were thrown into prison; and such as were most fortunate purchased life by the sacrifice of half their treasures.

gripenounUS /ɡraɪp/

informal terms for objecting

From this reading Not only did more than five hundred Jews perish in the dark and secret gripe of the Grand Inquisitor, but several hundred of the wealthiest Christian families, in whose blood was detected the hereditary Jewish taint, were thrown into prison; and such as were most fortunate purchased life by the sacrifice of half their treasures.

guardsnounUS /ɡɑːrdz/

plural of “guard” — a person who keeps watch over something or someone

From this reading Salobrena, but lately conquered by the Christians, was thrown into a commotion by the first glimpse of Boabdil’s banners; the populace rose, beat back their Christian guards, and opened the gates to the last of their race of kings.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading Meanwhile, Ferdinand had no sooner entered Cordova than his extensive scheme of confiscation and holy persecution commenced.

halfadjectiveUS /hæf/

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading Not only did more than five hundred Jews perish in the dark and secret gripe of the Grand Inquisitor, but several hundred of the wealthiest Christian families, in whose blood was detected the hereditary Jewish taint, were thrown into prison; and such as were most fortunate purchased life by the sacrifice of half their treasures.

hereditaryadjectiveUS /hərˈedəteri/

occurring among members of a family usually by heredity

From this reading Not only did more than five hundred Jews perish in the dark and secret gripe of the Grand Inquisitor, but several hundred of the wealthiest Christian families, in whose blood was detected the hereditary Jewish taint, were thrown into prison; and such as were most fortunate purchased life by the sacrifice of half their treasures.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading Meanwhile, Ferdinand had no sooner entered Cordova than his extensive scheme of confiscation and holy persecution commenced.

holynounUS /ˈhoʊli/

a sacred place of pilgrimage

From this reading Meanwhile, Ferdinand had no sooner entered Cordova than his extensive scheme of confiscation and holy persecution commenced.

hundrednounUS /ˈhʌndrəd/

ten 10s

From this reading Not only did more than five hundred Jews perish in the dark and secret gripe of the Grand Inquisitor, but several hundred of the wealthiest Christian families, in whose blood was detected the hereditary Jewish taint, were thrown into prison; and such as were most fortunate purchased life by the sacrifice of half their treasures.

impregnableadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpreɡnəbəl/

immune to attack; incapable of being tampered with

From this reading The garrison alone, to which the Spaniards retreated, resisted Boabdil’s arms; and, defended by, impregnable walls, promised an obstinate and bloody siege.

InprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading In their different directions the rival kings were equally successful.

InquisitornounUS /ˌɪnˈkwɪzətər/

a questioner who is excessively harsh

From this reading Not only did more than five hundred Jews perish in the dark and secret gripe of the Grand Inquisitor, but several hundred of the wealthiest Christian families, in whose blood was detected the hereditary Jewish taint, were thrown into prison; and such as were most fortunate purchased life by the sacrifice of half their treasures.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Salobrena, but lately conquered by the Christians, was thrown into a commotion by the first glimpse of Boabdil’s banners; the populace rose, beat back their Christian guards, and opened the gates to the last of their race of kings.

JewishadjectiveUS /ˈdʒuːɪʃ/

of or relating to Jews or their culture or religion

From this reading Not only did more than five hundred Jews perish in the dark and secret gripe of the Grand Inquisitor, but several hundred of the wealthiest Christian families, in whose blood was detected the hereditary Jewish taint, were thrown into prison; and such as were most fortunate purchased life by the sacrifice of half their treasures.

JewsnounUS /dʒuːz/

plural of “jew” — a person belonging to the worldwide group claiming descent from Jacob (or converted to it) and connected by cultural or religious ties

From this reading Not only did more than five hundred Jews perish in the dark and secret gripe of the Grand Inquisitor, but several hundred of the wealthiest Christian families, in whose blood was detected the hereditary Jewish taint, were thrown into prison; and such as were most fortunate purchased life by the sacrifice of half their treasures.

kingsnounUS /kɪŋz/

plural of “king” — a male sovereign; ruler of a kingdom

From this reading In their different directions the rival kings were equally successful.

lastadjectiveUS /læst/

immediately past

From this reading Salobrena, but lately conquered by the Christians, was thrown into a commotion by the first glimpse of Boabdil’s banners; the populace rose, beat back their Christian guards, and opened the gates to the last of their race of kings.

latelyadverbUS /ˈleɪtli/

in the recent past

From this reading Salobrena, but lately conquered by the Christians, was thrown into a commotion by the first glimpse of Boabdil’s banners; the populace rose, beat back their Christian guards, and opened the gates to the last of their race of kings.

lifenounUS /laɪf/

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading Not only did more than five hundred Jews perish in the dark and secret gripe of the Grand Inquisitor, but several hundred of the wealthiest Christian families, in whose blood was detected the hereditary Jewish taint, were thrown into prison; and such as were most fortunate purchased life by the sacrifice of half their treasures.

MeanwhileadverbUS /ˈmiːnwaɪl/

at the same time but in another place

From this reading Meanwhile, Ferdinand had no sooner entered Cordova than his extensive scheme of confiscation and holy persecution commenced.

moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading Not only did more than five hundred Jews perish in the dark and secret gripe of the Grand Inquisitor, but several hundred of the wealthiest Christian families, in whose blood was detected the hereditary Jewish taint, were thrown into prison; and such as were most fortunate purchased life by the sacrifice of half their treasures.

mostadverbUS /moʊst/

used to form the superlative

From this reading Not only did more than five hundred Jews perish in the dark and secret gripe of the Grand Inquisitor, but several hundred of the wealthiest Christian families, in whose blood was detected the hereditary Jewish taint, were thrown into prison; and such as were most fortunate purchased life by the sacrifice of half their treasures.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading Meanwhile, Ferdinand had no sooner entered Cordova than his extensive scheme of confiscation and holy persecution commenced.

NotadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Not only did more than five hundred Jews perish in the dark and secret gripe of the Grand Inquisitor, but several hundred of the wealthiest Christian families, in whose blood was detected the hereditary Jewish taint, were thrown into prison; and such as were most fortunate purchased life by the sacrifice of half their treasures.

obstinateadjectiveUS /ˈɑːbstənət/

tenaciously unwilling or marked by tenacious unwillingness to yield

From this reading The garrison alone, to which the Spaniards retreated, resisted Boabdil’s arms; and, defended by, impregnable walls, promised an obstinate and bloody siege.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Salobrena, but lately conquered by the Christians, was thrown into a commotion by the first glimpse of Boabdil’s banners; the populace rose, beat back their Christian guards, and opened the gates to the last of their race of kings.

onlyadverbUS /ˈoʊnli/

and nothing more

From this reading Not only did more than five hundred Jews perish in the dark and secret gripe of the Grand Inquisitor, but several hundred of the wealthiest Christian families, in whose blood was detected the hereditary Jewish taint, were thrown into prison; and such as were most fortunate purchased life by the sacrifice of half their treasures.

openedadjectiveUS /ˈoʊpənd/

used of mouth or eyes

From this reading Salobrena, but lately conquered by the Christians, was thrown into a commotion by the first glimpse of Boabdil’s banners; the populace rose, beat back their Christian guards, and opened the gates to the last of their race of kings.

perishverbUS /ˈperɪʃ/

pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life

From this reading Not only did more than five hundred Jews perish in the dark and secret gripe of the Grand Inquisitor, but several hundred of the wealthiest Christian families, in whose blood was detected the hereditary Jewish taint, were thrown into prison; and such as were most fortunate purchased life by the sacrifice of half their treasures.

persecutionnounUS /ˌpɜːrsəˈkjuːʃən/

the act of persecuting (especially on the basis of race or religion)

From this reading Meanwhile, Ferdinand had no sooner entered Cordova than his extensive scheme of confiscation and holy persecution commenced.

populacenounUS /ˈpɑːpjələs/

people in general considered as a whole

From this reading Salobrena, but lately conquered by the Christians, was thrown into a commotion by the first glimpse of Boabdil’s banners; the populace rose, beat back their Christian guards, and opened the gates to the last of their race of kings.

prisonnounUS /ˈprɪzən/

a correctional institution where persons are confined while on trial or for punishment

From this reading Not only did more than five hundred Jews perish in the dark and secret gripe of the Grand Inquisitor, but several hundred of the wealthiest Christian families, in whose blood was detected the hereditary Jewish taint, were thrown into prison; and such as were most fortunate purchased life by the sacrifice of half their treasures.

promisedverbUS /ˈprɑːməst/

past form of “promise” — make a promise or commitment

From this reading The garrison alone, to which the Spaniards retreated, resisted Boabdil’s arms; and, defended by, impregnable walls, promised an obstinate and bloody siege.

purchasedverbUS /ˈpɜːrtʃəst/

past form of “purchase” — obtain by purchase; acquire by means of a financial transaction

From this reading Not only did more than five hundred Jews perish in the dark and secret gripe of the Grand Inquisitor, but several hundred of the wealthiest Christian families, in whose blood was detected the hereditary Jewish taint, were thrown into prison; and such as were most fortunate purchased life by the sacrifice of half their treasures.

racenounUS /reɪs/

any competition

From this reading Salobrena, but lately conquered by the Christians, was thrown into a commotion by the first glimpse of Boabdil’s banners; the populace rose, beat back their Christian guards, and opened the gates to the last of their race of kings.

resistedverbUS /rɪˈzɪstɪd/

past form of “resist” — elude, especially in a baffling way

From this reading The garrison alone, to which the Spaniards retreated, resisted Boabdil’s arms; and, defended by, impregnable walls, promised an obstinate and bloody siege.

retreatednounUS /riˈtriːtəd/

people who have retreated

From this reading The garrison alone, to which the Spaniards retreated, resisted Boabdil’s arms; and, defended by, impregnable walls, promised an obstinate and bloody siege.

rivalverbUS /ˈraɪvəl/

be equal to in quality or ability

From this reading In their different directions the rival kings were equally successful.

rosenounUS /roʊz/

any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses

From this reading Salobrena, but lately conquered by the Christians, was thrown into a commotion by the first glimpse of Boabdil’s banners; the populace rose, beat back their Christian guards, and opened the gates to the last of their race of kings.

sacrificenounUS /ˈsækrəfaɪs/

the act of losing or surrendering something as a penalty for a mistake or fault or failure to perform etc.

From this reading Not only did more than five hundred Jews perish in the dark and secret gripe of the Grand Inquisitor, but several hundred of the wealthiest Christian families, in whose blood was detected the hereditary Jewish taint, were thrown into prison; and such as were most fortunate purchased life by the sacrifice of half their treasures.

Salobrena

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

From this reading Salobrena, but lately conquered by the Christians, was thrown into a commotion by the first glimpse of Boabdil’s banners; the populace rose, beat back their Christian guards, and opened the gates to the last of their race of kings.

schemenounUS /skiːm/

an elaborate and systematic plan of action

From this reading Meanwhile, Ferdinand had no sooner entered Cordova than his extensive scheme of confiscation and holy persecution commenced.

secretnounUS /ˈsiː.krət/

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

From this reading Not only did more than five hundred Jews perish in the dark and secret gripe of the Grand Inquisitor, but several hundred of the wealthiest Christian families, in whose blood was detected the hereditary Jewish taint, were thrown into prison; and such as were most fortunate purchased life by the sacrifice of half their treasures.

severaladjectiveUS /ˈsevrəl/

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

From this reading Not only did more than five hundred Jews perish in the dark and secret gripe of the Grand Inquisitor, but several hundred of the wealthiest Christian families, in whose blood was detected the hereditary Jewish taint, were thrown into prison; and such as were most fortunate purchased life by the sacrifice of half their treasures.

siegenounUS /siːdʒ/

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

From this reading The garrison alone, to which the Spaniards retreated, resisted Boabdil’s arms; and, defended by, impregnable walls, promised an obstinate and bloody siege.

sooneradverbUS /ˈsuːnər/

comparatives of “soon” or “early”

From this reading Meanwhile, Ferdinand had no sooner entered Cordova than his extensive scheme of confiscation and holy persecution commenced.

SpaniardsnounUS /ˈspænjərdz/

plural of “spaniard” — a native or inhabitant of Spain

From this reading The garrison alone, to which the Spaniards retreated, resisted Boabdil’s arms; and, defended by, impregnable walls, promised an obstinate and bloody siege.

successfuladjectiveUS /səkˈsesfəl/

having succeeded or being marked by a favorable outcome

From this reading In their different directions the rival kings were equally successful.

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Not only did more than five hundred Jews perish in the dark and secret gripe of the Grand Inquisitor, but several hundred of the wealthiest Christian families, in whose blood was detected the hereditary Jewish taint, were thrown into prison; and such as were most fortunate purchased life by the sacrifice of half their treasures.

taintnounUS /teɪnt/

the state of being contaminated

From this reading Not only did more than five hundred Jews perish in the dark and secret gripe of the Grand Inquisitor, but several hundred of the wealthiest Christian families, in whose blood was detected the hereditary Jewish taint, were thrown into prison; and such as were most fortunate purchased life by the sacrifice of half their treasures.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Meanwhile, Ferdinand had no sooner entered Cordova than his extensive scheme of confiscation and holy persecution commenced.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading In their different directions the rival kings were equally successful.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading In their different directions the rival kings were equally successful.

thrownadjectiveUS /θroʊn/

caused to fall to the ground

From this reading Salobrena, but lately conquered by the Christians, was thrown into a commotion by the first glimpse of Boabdil’s banners; the populace rose, beat back their Christian guards, and opened the gates to the last of their race of kings.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading Salobrena, but lately conquered by the Christians, was thrown into a commotion by the first glimpse of Boabdil’s banners; the populace rose, beat back their Christian guards, and opened the gates to the last of their race of kings.

treasuresnounUS /ˈtreʒərz/

plural of “treasure” — accumulated wealth in the form of money or jewels etc.

From this reading Not only did more than five hundred Jews perish in the dark and secret gripe of the Grand Inquisitor, but several hundred of the wealthiest Christian families, in whose blood was detected the hereditary Jewish taint, were thrown into prison; and such as were most fortunate purchased life by the sacrifice of half their treasures.

wallsnounUS /wɔːlz/

plural of “wall” — an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading The garrison alone, to which the Spaniards retreated, resisted Boabdil’s arms; and, defended by, impregnable walls, promised an obstinate and bloody siege.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading Salobrena, but lately conquered by the Christians, was thrown into a commotion by the first glimpse of Boabdil’s banners; the populace rose, beat back their Christian guards, and opened the gates to the last of their race of kings.

wealthiestadjectiveUS /ˈwelθiəst/

superlative of “wealthy” — having an abundant supply of money or possessions of value

From this reading Not only did more than five hundred Jews perish in the dark and secret gripe of the Grand Inquisitor, but several hundred of the wealthiest Christian families, in whose blood was detected the hereditary Jewish taint, were thrown into prison; and such as were most fortunate purchased life by the sacrifice of half their treasures.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading In their different directions the rival kings were equally successful.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading The garrison alone, to which the Spaniards retreated, resisted Boabdil’s arms; and, defended by, impregnable walls, promised an obstinate and bloody siege.

whosedeterminerUS /huːz/

belonging to which person

From this reading Not only did more than five hundred Jews perish in the dark and secret gripe of the Grand Inquisitor, but several hundred of the wealthiest Christian families, in whose blood was detected the hereditary Jewish taint, were thrown into prison; and such as were most fortunate purchased life by the sacrifice of half their treasures.

Chapter 16 of Leila or, the Siege of Granada, Complete by Edward Bulwer Lytton, Baron Lytton holds 61 sentences, grouped into 13 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 16 of Leila or, the Siege of Granada, Complete contain?

Chapter 16 holds 61 sentences of Leila or, the Siege of Granada, Complete, unabridged, divided into 13 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 16 of Leila or, the Siege of Granada, Complete by Edward Bulwer Lytton, Baron Lytton exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 61 sentences, grouped into 13 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 16 of Leila or, the Siege of Granada, Complete?

Work through the 13 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 13 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 16 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 16 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, Complete

Common questions about reading Leila or, the Siege of Granada, Complete 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, Complete?

Yes. All 2405 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #9761 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Leila or, the Siege of Granada, Complete is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #9761, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Leila or, the Siege of Granada, Complete take to read?

About 200 minutes of reading across 481 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Leila or, the Siege of Granada, Complete section by section

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

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 26 chapters of Leila or, the Siege of Granada, Complete 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, Complete

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

Summer
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Leila or, the Siege of Granada, Complete; 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, Complete; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Ferdinand
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Leila or, the Siege of Granada, Complete; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Isabel
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Leila or, the Siege of Granada, Complete; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.