used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Amherstburg was at that time one of the loveliest spots that ever issued from the will of a beneficent and gorgeous nature, and were the world-disgusted wanderer to have selected a home in which to lose all memory of conventional and artificial forms, his choice would assuredly have fallen here.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading Amherstburg was at that time one of the loveliest spots that ever issued from the will of a beneficent and gorgeous nature, and were the world-disgusted wanderer to have selected a home in which to lose all memory of conventional and artificial forms, his choice would assuredly have fallen here.
North American republic containing 50 states - 48 conterminous states in North America plus Alaska in northwest North America and the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean; achieved independence in 1776
From this reading Few places in America, or in the world, could, at the period embraced by our narrative, have offered more delightful associations than that which we have selected for an opening scene.
Amherstburg
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Amherstburg was at that time one of the loveliest spots that ever issued from the will of a beneficent and gorgeous nature, and were the world-disgusted wanderer to have selected a home in which to lose all memory of conventional and artificial forms, his choice would assuredly have fallen here.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Few places in America, or in the world, could, at the period embraced by our narrative, have offered more delightful associations than that which we have selected for an opening scene.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Amherstburg was at that time one of the loveliest spots that ever issued from the will of a beneficent and gorgeous nature, and were the world-disgusted wanderer to have selected a home in which to lose all memory of conventional and artificial forms, his choice would assuredly have fallen here.
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading And insensible, indeed, to the beautiful realities of the sweet wild solitude that reigned around, must that man have been, who could have gazed unmoved from the banks of the Erie, on the placid lake beneath his feet, mirroring the bright starred heavens on its unbroken surface, or throwing into full relief the snow-white sail and dark hull of some stately war-ship, becalmed in the offing, and only waiting the rising of the capricious breeze, to waft her onward on her _then_ peaceful mission of dispatch.
artificialadjectiveUS /ˌɑːrtəˈfɪʃəl/
contrived by art rather than nature
From this reading Amherstburg was at that time one of the loveliest spots that ever issued from the will of a beneficent and gorgeous nature, and were the world-disgusted wanderer to have selected a home in which to lose all memory of conventional and artificial forms, his choice would assuredly have fallen here.
associationsnounUS /əˌsoʊsiˈeɪʃənz/
plural of “association” — a formal organization of people or groups of people
From this reading Few places in America, or in the world, could, at the period embraced by our narrative, have offered more delightful associations than that which we have selected for an opening scene.
assuredlyadverbUS /əˈʃʊrədli/
without a doubt
From this reading Amherstburg was at that time one of the loveliest spots that ever issued from the will of a beneficent and gorgeous nature, and were the world-disgusted wanderer to have selected a home in which to lose all memory of conventional and artificial forms, his choice would assuredly have fallen here.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading At the northern extremity of the small town which bears its name situated at the head of Lake Erie, stands, or rather stood--for the fortifications then existing were subsequently destroyed--the small fortress of Malden.
English botanist who accompanied Captain Cook on his first voyage to the Pacific Ocean (1743-1820)
From this reading And insensible, indeed, to the beautiful realities of the sweet wild solitude that reigned around, must that man have been, who could have gazed unmoved from the banks of the Erie, on the placid lake beneath his feet, mirroring the bright starred heavens on its unbroken surface, or throwing into full relief the snow-white sail and dark hull of some stately war-ship, becalmed in the offing, and only waiting the rising of the capricious breeze, to waft her onward on her _then_ peaceful mission of dispatch.
bearsnounUS /berz/
plural of “bear” — massive plantigrade carnivorous or omnivorous mammals with long shaggy coats and strong claws
From this reading At the northern extremity of the small town which bears its name situated at the head of Lake Erie, stands, or rather stood--for the fortifications then existing were subsequently destroyed--the small fortress of Malden.
delighting the senses or exciting intellectual or emotional admiration
From this reading And insensible, indeed, to the beautiful realities of the sweet wild solitude that reigned around, must that man have been, who could have gazed unmoved from the banks of the Erie, on the placid lake beneath his feet, mirroring the bright starred heavens on its unbroken surface, or throwing into full relief the snow-white sail and dark hull of some stately war-ship, becalmed in the offing, and only waiting the rising of the capricious breeze, to waft her onward on her _then_ peaceful mission of dispatch.
becalmedadjectiveUS /bɪˈkɑːmd/
rendered motionless for lack of wind
From this reading And insensible, indeed, to the beautiful realities of the sweet wild solitude that reigned around, must that man have been, who could have gazed unmoved from the banks of the Erie, on the placid lake beneath his feet, mirroring the bright starred heavens on its unbroken surface, or throwing into full relief the snow-white sail and dark hull of some stately war-ship, becalmed in the offing, and only waiting the rising of the capricious breeze, to waft her onward on her _then_ peaceful mission of dispatch.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading And insensible, indeed, to the beautiful realities of the sweet wild solitude that reigned around, must that man have been, who could have gazed unmoved from the banks of the Erie, on the placid lake beneath his feet, mirroring the bright starred heavens on its unbroken surface, or throwing into full relief the snow-white sail and dark hull of some stately war-ship, becalmed in the offing, and only waiting the rising of the capricious breeze, to waft her onward on her _then_ peaceful mission of dispatch.
Directly under; in or to a lower position than.
From this reading And insensible, indeed, to the beautiful realities of the sweet wild solitude that reigned around, must that man have been, who could have gazed unmoved from the banks of the Erie, on the placid lake beneath his feet, mirroring the bright starred heavens on its unbroken surface, or throwing into full relief the snow-white sail and dark hull of some stately war-ship, becalmed in the offing, and only waiting the rising of the capricious breeze, to waft her onward on her _then_ peaceful mission of dispatch.
beneficentadjectiveUS /ˌbenəˈfɪʃənt/
doing or producing good
From this reading Amherstburg was at that time one of the loveliest spots that ever issued from the will of a beneficent and gorgeous nature, and were the world-disgusted wanderer to have selected a home in which to lose all memory of conventional and artificial forms, his choice would assuredly have fallen here.
the act of breaking something
From this reading Lost indeed to all perception of the natural must he have been, who could have listened, without a feeling of voluptuous melancholy, to the plaintive notes of the whip-poor-will, breaking on the silence of night, and harmonising with the general stillness of the scene.
a slight wind (usually refreshing)
From this reading And insensible, indeed, to the beautiful realities of the sweet wild solitude that reigned around, must that man have been, who could have gazed unmoved from the banks of the Erie, on the placid lake beneath his feet, mirroring the bright starred heavens on its unbroken surface, or throwing into full relief the snow-white sail and dark hull of some stately war-ship, becalmed in the offing, and only waiting the rising of the capricious breeze, to waft her onward on her _then_ peaceful mission of dispatch.
emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts
From this reading And insensible, indeed, to the beautiful realities of the sweet wild solitude that reigned around, must that man have been, who could have gazed unmoved from the banks of the Erie, on the placid lake beneath his feet, mirroring the bright starred heavens on its unbroken surface, or throwing into full relief the snow-white sail and dark hull of some stately war-ship, becalmed in the offing, and only waiting the rising of the capricious breeze, to waft her onward on her _then_ peaceful mission of dispatch.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Few places in America, or in the world, could, at the period embraced by our narrative, have offered more delightful associations than that which we have selected for an opening scene.
capriciousadjectiveUS /kəˈprɪʃəs/
changeable
From this reading And insensible, indeed, to the beautiful realities of the sweet wild solitude that reigned around, must that man have been, who could have gazed unmoved from the banks of the Erie, on the placid lake beneath his feet, mirroring the bright starred heavens on its unbroken surface, or throwing into full relief the snow-white sail and dark hull of some stately war-ship, becalmed in the offing, and only waiting the rising of the capricious breeze, to waft her onward on her _then_ peaceful mission of dispatch.
the person or thing chosen or selected
From this reading Amherstburg was at that time one of the loveliest spots that ever issued from the will of a beneficent and gorgeous nature, and were the world-disgusted wanderer to have selected a home in which to lose all memory of conventional and artificial forms, his choice would assuredly have fallen here.
conventionaladjectiveUS /kənˈvenʃənəl/
following accepted customs and proprieties
From this reading Amherstburg was at that time one of the loveliest spots that ever issued from the will of a beneficent and gorgeous nature, and were the world-disgusted wanderer to have selected a home in which to lose all memory of conventional and artificial forms, his choice would assuredly have fallen here.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Few places in America, or in the world, could, at the period embraced by our narrative, have offered more delightful associations than that which we have selected for an opening scene.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading And insensible, indeed, to the beautiful realities of the sweet wild solitude that reigned around, must that man have been, who could have gazed unmoved from the banks of the Erie, on the placid lake beneath his feet, mirroring the bright starred heavens on its unbroken surface, or throwing into full relief the snow-white sail and dark hull of some stately war-ship, becalmed in the offing, and only waiting the rising of the capricious breeze, to waft her onward on her _then_ peaceful mission of dispatch.
greatly pleasing or entertaining
From this reading Few places in America, or in the world, could, at the period embraced by our narrative, have offered more delightful associations than that which we have selected for an opening scene.
spoiled or ruined or demolished
From this reading At the northern extremity of the small town which bears its name situated at the head of Lake Erie, stands, or rather stood--for the fortifications then existing were subsequently destroyed--the small fortress of Malden.
dispatchverbUS /dɪˈspætʃ/
send away towards a designated goal
From this reading And insensible, indeed, to the beautiful realities of the sweet wild solitude that reigned around, must that man have been, who could have gazed unmoved from the banks of the Erie, on the placid lake beneath his feet, mirroring the bright starred heavens on its unbroken surface, or throwing into full relief the snow-white sail and dark hull of some stately war-ship, becalmed in the offing, and only waiting the rising of the capricious breeze, to waft her onward on her _then_ peaceful mission of dispatch.
embracedverbUS /emˈbreɪst/
past form of “embrace” — include in scope; include as part of something broader; have as one's sphere or territory
From this reading Few places in America, or in the world, could, at the period embraced by our narrative, have offered more delightful associations than that which we have selected for an opening scene.
ErienounUS /ˈɪri/
a member of an Iroquoian people formerly living on the south shore of Lake Erie in northern Ohio and northwest Pennsylvania and western New York
From this reading At the northern extremity of the small town which bears its name situated at the head of Lake Erie, stands, or rather stood--for the fortifications then existing were subsequently destroyed--the small fortress of Malden.
at any time
From this reading Amherstburg was at that time one of the loveliest spots that ever issued from the will of a beneficent and gorgeous nature, and were the world-disgusted wanderer to have selected a home in which to lose all memory of conventional and artificial forms, his choice would assuredly have fallen here.
existingadjectiveUS /ɪɡˈzɪstɪŋ/
presently existing
From this reading At the northern extremity of the small town which bears its name situated at the head of Lake Erie, stands, or rather stood--for the fortifications then existing were subsequently destroyed--the small fortress of Malden.
extremitynounUS /ekˈstreməti/
an external body part that projects from the body
From this reading At the northern extremity of the small town which bears its name situated at the head of Lake Erie, stands, or rather stood--for the fortifications then existing were subsequently destroyed--the small fortress of Malden.
having dropped by the force of gravity
From this reading Amherstburg was at that time one of the loveliest spots that ever issued from the will of a beneficent and gorgeous nature, and were the world-disgusted wanderer to have selected a home in which to lose all memory of conventional and artificial forms, his choice would assuredly have fallen here.
the experiencing of affective and emotional states
From this reading Lost indeed to all perception of the natural must he have been, who could have listened, without a feeling of voluptuous melancholy, to the plaintive notes of the whip-poor-will, breaking on the silence of night, and harmonising with the general stillness of the scene.
plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading And insensible, indeed, to the beautiful realities of the sweet wild solitude that reigned around, must that man have been, who could have gazed unmoved from the banks of the Erie, on the placid lake beneath his feet, mirroring the bright starred heavens on its unbroken surface, or throwing into full relief the snow-white sail and dark hull of some stately war-ship, becalmed in the offing, and only waiting the rising of the capricious breeze, to waft her onward on her _then_ peaceful mission of dispatch.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading Few places in America, or in the world, could, at the period embraced by our narrative, have offered more delightful associations than that which we have selected for an opening scene.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading At the northern extremity of the small town which bears its name situated at the head of Lake Erie, stands, or rather stood--for the fortifications then existing were subsequently destroyed--the small fortress of Malden.
plural of “form” — the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something
From this reading Amherstburg was at that time one of the loveliest spots that ever issued from the will of a beneficent and gorgeous nature, and were the world-disgusted wanderer to have selected a home in which to lose all memory of conventional and artificial forms, his choice would assuredly have fallen here.
fortificationsnounUS /ˌfɔːrtəfəˈkeɪʃənz/
plural of “fortification” — defensive structure consisting of walls or mounds built around a stronghold to strengthen it
From this reading At the northern extremity of the small town which bears its name situated at the head of Lake Erie, stands, or rather stood--for the fortifications then existing were subsequently destroyed--the small fortress of Malden.
fortressnounUS /ˈfɔːrtrəs/
a fortified defensive structure
From this reading At the northern extremity of the small town which bears its name situated at the head of Lake Erie, stands, or rather stood--for the fortifications then existing were subsequently destroyed--the small fortress of Malden.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Amherstburg was at that time one of the loveliest spots that ever issued from the will of a beneficent and gorgeous nature, and were the world-disgusted wanderer to have selected a home in which to lose all memory of conventional and artificial forms, his choice would assuredly have fallen here.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading And insensible, indeed, to the beautiful realities of the sweet wild solitude that reigned around, must that man have been, who could have gazed unmoved from the banks of the Erie, on the placid lake beneath his feet, mirroring the bright starred heavens on its unbroken surface, or throwing into full relief the snow-white sail and dark hull of some stately war-ship, becalmed in the offing, and only waiting the rising of the capricious breeze, to waft her onward on her _then_ peaceful mission of dispatch.
past form of “gaze” — look at with fixed eyes
From this reading And insensible, indeed, to the beautiful realities of the sweet wild solitude that reigned around, must that man have been, who could have gazed unmoved from the banks of the Erie, on the placid lake beneath his feet, mirroring the bright starred heavens on its unbroken surface, or throwing into full relief the snow-white sail and dark hull of some stately war-ship, becalmed in the offing, and only waiting the rising of the capricious breeze, to waft her onward on her _then_ peaceful mission of dispatch.
applying to all or most members of a category or group
From this reading Lost indeed to all perception of the natural must he have been, who could have listened, without a feeling of voluptuous melancholy, to the plaintive notes of the whip-poor-will, breaking on the silence of night, and harmonising with the general stillness of the scene.
gorgeousadjectiveUS /ˈɡɔːrdʒəs/
dazzlingly beautiful
From this reading Amherstburg was at that time one of the loveliest spots that ever issued from the will of a beneficent and gorgeous nature, and were the world-disgusted wanderer to have selected a home in which to lose all memory of conventional and artificial forms, his choice would assuredly have fallen here.
harmonising
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lost indeed to all perception of the natural must he have been, who could have listened, without a feeling of voluptuous melancholy, to the plaintive notes of the whip-poor-will, breaking on the silence of night, and harmonising with the general stillness of the scene.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Few places in America, or in the world, could, at the period embraced by our narrative, have offered more delightful associations than that which we have selected for an opening scene.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Lost indeed to all perception of the natural must he have been, who could have listened, without a feeling of voluptuous melancholy, to the plaintive notes of the whip-poor-will, breaking on the silence of night, and harmonising with the general stillness of the scene.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading At the northern extremity of the small town which bears its name situated at the head of Lake Erie, stands, or rather stood--for the fortifications then existing were subsequently destroyed--the small fortress of Malden.
the apparent surface of the imaginary sphere on which celestial bodies appear to be projected
From this reading And insensible, indeed, to the beautiful realities of the sweet wild solitude that reigned around, must that man have been, who could have gazed unmoved from the banks of the Erie, on the placid lake beneath his feet, mirroring the bright starred heavens on its unbroken surface, or throwing into full relief the snow-white sail and dark hull of some stately war-ship, becalmed in the offing, and only waiting the rising of the capricious breeze, to waft her onward on her _then_ peaceful mission of dispatch.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading And insensible, indeed, to the beautiful realities of the sweet wild solitude that reigned around, must that man have been, who could have gazed unmoved from the banks of the Erie, on the placid lake beneath his feet, mirroring the bright starred heavens on its unbroken surface, or throwing into full relief the snow-white sail and dark hull of some stately war-ship, becalmed in the offing, and only waiting the rising of the capricious breeze, to waft her onward on her _then_ peaceful mission of dispatch.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading Amherstburg was at that time one of the loveliest spots that ever issued from the will of a beneficent and gorgeous nature, and were the world-disgusted wanderer to have selected a home in which to lose all memory of conventional and artificial forms, his choice would assuredly have fallen here.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Amherstburg was at that time one of the loveliest spots that ever issued from the will of a beneficent and gorgeous nature, and were the world-disgusted wanderer to have selected a home in which to lose all memory of conventional and artificial forms, his choice would assuredly have fallen here.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading Amherstburg was at that time one of the loveliest spots that ever issued from the will of a beneficent and gorgeous nature, and were the world-disgusted wanderer to have selected a home in which to lose all memory of conventional and artificial forms, his choice would assuredly have fallen here.
hullnounUS /hʌl/
dry outer covering of a fruit or seed or nut
From this reading And insensible, indeed, to the beautiful realities of the sweet wild solitude that reigned around, must that man have been, who could have gazed unmoved from the banks of the Erie, on the placid lake beneath his feet, mirroring the bright starred heavens on its unbroken surface, or throwing into full relief the snow-white sail and dark hull of some stately war-ship, becalmed in the offing, and only waiting the rising of the capricious breeze, to waft her onward on her _then_ peaceful mission of dispatch.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Few places in America, or in the world, could, at the period embraced by our narrative, have offered more delightful associations than that which we have selected for an opening scene.
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading And insensible, indeed, to the beautiful realities of the sweet wild solitude that reigned around, must that man have been, who could have gazed unmoved from the banks of the Erie, on the placid lake beneath his feet, mirroring the bright starred heavens on its unbroken surface, or throwing into full relief the snow-white sail and dark hull of some stately war-ship, becalmed in the offing, and only waiting the rising of the capricious breeze, to waft her onward on her _then_ peaceful mission of dispatch.
insensibleadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈsensəbəl/
incapable of physical sensation
From this reading And insensible, indeed, to the beautiful realities of the sweet wild solitude that reigned around, must that man have been, who could have gazed unmoved from the banks of the Erie, on the placid lake beneath his feet, mirroring the bright starred heavens on its unbroken surface, or throwing into full relief the snow-white sail and dark hull of some stately war-ship, becalmed in the offing, and only waiting the rising of the capricious breeze, to waft her onward on her _then_ peaceful mission of dispatch.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading And insensible, indeed, to the beautiful realities of the sweet wild solitude that reigned around, must that man have been, who could have gazed unmoved from the banks of the Erie, on the placid lake beneath his feet, mirroring the bright starred heavens on its unbroken surface, or throwing into full relief the snow-white sail and dark hull of some stately war-ship, becalmed in the offing, and only waiting the rising of the capricious breeze, to waft her onward on her _then_ peaceful mission of dispatch.
issuedverbUS /ˈɪʃuːd/
past form of “issue” — prepare and issue for public distribution or sale
From this reading Amherstburg was at that time one of the loveliest spots that ever issued from the will of a beneficent and gorgeous nature, and were the world-disgusted wanderer to have selected a home in which to lose all memory of conventional and artificial forms, his choice would assuredly have fallen here.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading At the northern extremity of the small town which bears its name situated at the head of Lake Erie, stands, or rather stood--for the fortifications then existing were subsequently destroyed--the small fortress of Malden.
a body of (usually fresh) water surrounded by land
From this reading At the northern extremity of the small town which bears its name situated at the head of Lake Erie, stands, or rather stood--for the fortifications then existing were subsequently destroyed--the small fortress of Malden.
past form of “listen” — hear with intention
From this reading Lost indeed to all perception of the natural must he have been, who could have listened, without a feeling of voluptuous melancholy, to the plaintive notes of the whip-poor-will, breaking on the silence of night, and harmonising with the general stillness of the scene.
fail to keep or to maintain; cease to have, either physically or in an abstract sense
From this reading Amherstburg was at that time one of the loveliest spots that ever issued from the will of a beneficent and gorgeous nature, and were the world-disgusted wanderer to have selected a home in which to lose all memory of conventional and artificial forms, his choice would assuredly have fallen here.
no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered
From this reading Lost indeed to all perception of the natural must he have been, who could have listened, without a feeling of voluptuous melancholy, to the plaintive notes of the whip-poor-will, breaking on the silence of night, and harmonising with the general stillness of the scene.
loveliest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Amherstburg was at that time one of the loveliest spots that ever issued from the will of a beneficent and gorgeous nature, and were the world-disgusted wanderer to have selected a home in which to lose all memory of conventional and artificial forms, his choice would assuredly have fallen here.
Malden
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the northern extremity of the small town which bears its name situated at the head of Lake Erie, stands, or rather stood--for the fortifications then existing were subsequently destroyed--the small fortress of Malden.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading And insensible, indeed, to the beautiful realities of the sweet wild solitude that reigned around, must that man have been, who could have gazed unmoved from the banks of the Erie, on the placid lake beneath his feet, mirroring the bright starred heavens on its unbroken surface, or throwing into full relief the snow-white sail and dark hull of some stately war-ship, becalmed in the offing, and only waiting the rising of the capricious breeze, to waft her onward on her _then_ peaceful mission of dispatch.
a feeling of thoughtful sadness
From this reading Lost indeed to all perception of the natural must he have been, who could have listened, without a feeling of voluptuous melancholy, to the plaintive notes of the whip-poor-will, breaking on the silence of night, and harmonising with the general stillness of the scene.
The faculty by which the mind stores and remembers information and knowledge.
From this reading Amherstburg was at that time one of the loveliest spots that ever issued from the will of a beneficent and gorgeous nature, and were the world-disgusted wanderer to have selected a home in which to lose all memory of conventional and artificial forms, his choice would assuredly have fallen here.
mirroringverbUS /ˈmɪrərɪŋ/
-ing form of “mirror” — reflect as if in a mirror
From this reading And insensible, indeed, to the beautiful realities of the sweet wild solitude that reigned around, must that man have been, who could have gazed unmoved from the banks of the Erie, on the placid lake beneath his feet, mirroring the bright starred heavens on its unbroken surface, or throwing into full relief the snow-white sail and dark hull of some stately war-ship, becalmed in the offing, and only waiting the rising of the capricious breeze, to waft her onward on her _then_ peaceful mission of dispatch.
an organization of missionaries in a foreign land sent to carry on religious work
From this reading And insensible, indeed, to the beautiful realities of the sweet wild solitude that reigned around, must that man have been, who could have gazed unmoved from the banks of the Erie, on the placid lake beneath his feet, mirroring the bright starred heavens on its unbroken surface, or throwing into full relief the snow-white sail and dark hull of some stately war-ship, becalmed in the offing, and only waiting the rising of the capricious breeze, to waft her onward on her _then_ peaceful mission of dispatch.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Few places in America, or in the world, could, at the period embraced by our narrative, have offered more delightful associations than that which we have selected for an opening scene.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading And insensible, indeed, to the beautiful realities of the sweet wild solitude that reigned around, must that man have been, who could have gazed unmoved from the banks of the Erie, on the placid lake beneath his feet, mirroring the bright starred heavens on its unbroken surface, or throwing into full relief the snow-white sail and dark hull of some stately war-ship, becalmed in the offing, and only waiting the rising of the capricious breeze, to waft her onward on her _then_ peaceful mission of dispatch.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading At the northern extremity of the small town which bears its name situated at the head of Lake Erie, stands, or rather stood--for the fortifications then existing were subsequently destroyed--the small fortress of Malden.
narrativenounUS /ˈnærətɪv/
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 Few places in America, or in the world, could, at the period embraced by our narrative, have offered more delightful associations than that which we have selected for an opening scene.
in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature
From this reading Lost indeed to all perception of the natural must he have been, who could have listened, without a feeling of voluptuous melancholy, to the plaintive notes of the whip-poor-will, breaking on the silence of night, and harmonising with the general stillness of the scene.
the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading Amherstburg was at that time one of the loveliest spots that ever issued from the will of a beneficent and gorgeous nature, and were the world-disgusted wanderer to have selected a home in which to lose all memory of conventional and artificial forms, his choice would assuredly have fallen here.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading Lost indeed to all perception of the natural must he have been, who could have listened, without a feeling of voluptuous melancholy, to the plaintive notes of the whip-poor-will, breaking on the silence of night, and harmonising with the general stillness of the scene.
in or characteristic of a region of the United States north of (approximately) the Mason-Dixon line
From this reading At the northern extremity of the small town which bears its name situated at the head of Lake Erie, stands, or rather stood--for the fortifications then existing were subsequently destroyed--the small fortress of Malden.
plural of “note” — a brief written record
From this reading Lost indeed to all perception of the natural must he have been, who could have listened, without a feeling of voluptuous melancholy, to the plaintive notes of the whip-poor-will, breaking on the silence of night, and harmonising with the general stillness of the scene.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading At the northern extremity of the small town which bears its name situated at the head of Lake Erie, stands, or rather stood--for the fortifications then existing were subsequently destroyed--the small fortress of Malden.
past form of “offer” — make available or accessible, provide or furnish
From this reading Few places in America, or in the world, could, at the period embraced by our narrative, have offered more delightful associations than that which we have selected for an opening scene.
offingnounUS /ˈɔːfɪŋ/
the near or foreseeable future
From this reading And insensible, indeed, to the beautiful realities of the sweet wild solitude that reigned around, must that man have been, who could have gazed unmoved from the banks of the Erie, on the placid lake beneath his feet, mirroring the bright starred heavens on its unbroken surface, or throwing into full relief the snow-white sail and dark hull of some stately war-ship, becalmed in the offing, and only waiting the rising of the capricious breeze, to waft her onward on her _then_ peaceful mission of dispatch.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading And insensible, indeed, to the beautiful realities of the sweet wild solitude that reigned around, must that man have been, who could have gazed unmoved from the banks of the Erie, on the placid lake beneath his feet, mirroring the bright starred heavens on its unbroken surface, or throwing into full relief the snow-white sail and dark hull of some stately war-ship, becalmed in the offing, and only waiting the rising of the capricious breeze, to waft her onward on her _then_ peaceful mission of dispatch.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Amherstburg was at that time one of the loveliest spots that ever issued from the will of a beneficent and gorgeous nature, and were the world-disgusted wanderer to have selected a home in which to lose all memory of conventional and artificial forms, his choice would assuredly have fallen here.
and nothing more
From this reading And insensible, indeed, to the beautiful realities of the sweet wild solitude that reigned around, must that man have been, who could have gazed unmoved from the banks of the Erie, on the placid lake beneath his feet, mirroring the bright starred heavens on its unbroken surface, or throwing into full relief the snow-white sail and dark hull of some stately war-ship, becalmed in the offing, and only waiting the rising of the capricious breeze, to waft her onward on her _then_ peaceful mission of dispatch.
onwardadverbUS /ˈɔːnwərd/
forward in time or order or degree
From this reading And insensible, indeed, to the beautiful realities of the sweet wild solitude that reigned around, must that man have been, who could have gazed unmoved from the banks of the Erie, on the placid lake beneath his feet, mirroring the bright starred heavens on its unbroken surface, or throwing into full relief the snow-white sail and dark hull of some stately war-ship, becalmed in the offing, and only waiting the rising of the capricious breeze, to waft her onward on her _then_ peaceful mission of dispatch.
an open or empty space in or between things
From this reading Few places in America, or in the world, could, at the period embraced by our narrative, have offered more delightful associations than that which we have selected for an opening scene.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading At the northern extremity of the small town which bears its name situated at the head of Lake Erie, stands, or rather stood--for the fortifications then existing were subsequently destroyed--the small fortress of Malden.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading Few places in America, or in the world, could, at the period embraced by our narrative, have offered more delightful associations than that which we have selected for an opening scene.
peacefuladjectiveUS /ˈpiːsfəl/
not disturbed by strife or turmoil or war
From this reading And insensible, indeed, to the beautiful realities of the sweet wild solitude that reigned around, must that man have been, who could have gazed unmoved from the banks of the Erie, on the placid lake beneath his feet, mirroring the bright starred heavens on its unbroken surface, or throwing into full relief the snow-white sail and dark hull of some stately war-ship, becalmed in the offing, and only waiting the rising of the capricious breeze, to waft her onward on her _then_ peaceful mission of dispatch.
perceptionnounUS /pərˈsepʃən/
the representation of what is perceived; basic component in the formation of a concept
From this reading Lost indeed to all perception of the natural must he have been, who could have listened, without a feeling of voluptuous melancholy, to the plaintive notes of the whip-poor-will, breaking on the silence of night, and harmonising with the general stillness of the scene.
an amount of time
From this reading Few places in America, or in the world, could, at the period embraced by our narrative, have offered more delightful associations than that which we have selected for an opening scene.
plural of “place” — a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading Few places in America, or in the world, could, at the period embraced by our narrative, have offered more delightful associations than that which we have selected for an opening scene.
placidadjectiveUS /ˈplæsəd/
(of a body of water) free from disturbance by heavy waves
From this reading And insensible, indeed, to the beautiful realities of the sweet wild solitude that reigned around, must that man have been, who could have gazed unmoved from the banks of the Erie, on the placid lake beneath his feet, mirroring the bright starred heavens on its unbroken surface, or throwing into full relief the snow-white sail and dark hull of some stately war-ship, becalmed in the offing, and only waiting the rising of the capricious breeze, to waft her onward on her _then_ peaceful mission of dispatch.
plaintiveadjectiveUS /ˈpleɪntɪv/
expressing sorrow
From this reading Lost indeed to all perception of the natural must he have been, who could have listened, without a feeling of voluptuous melancholy, to the plaintive notes of the whip-poor-will, breaking on the silence of night, and harmonising with the general stillness of the scene.
on the contrary
From this reading At the northern extremity of the small town which bears its name situated at the head of Lake Erie, stands, or rather stood--for the fortifications then existing were subsequently destroyed--the small fortress of Malden.
realitiesnounUS /ˌriːˈælətiːz/
plural of “reality” — all of your experiences that determine how things appear to you
From this reading And insensible, indeed, to the beautiful realities of the sweet wild solitude that reigned around, must that man have been, who could have gazed unmoved from the banks of the Erie, on the placid lake beneath his feet, mirroring the bright starred heavens on its unbroken surface, or throwing into full relief the snow-white sail and dark hull of some stately war-ship, becalmed in the offing, and only waiting the rising of the capricious breeze, to waft her onward on her _then_ peaceful mission of dispatch.
reignedverbUS /reɪnd/
past form of “reign” — have sovereign power
From this reading And insensible, indeed, to the beautiful realities of the sweet wild solitude that reigned around, must that man have been, who could have gazed unmoved from the banks of the Erie, on the placid lake beneath his feet, mirroring the bright starred heavens on its unbroken surface, or throwing into full relief the snow-white sail and dark hull of some stately war-ship, becalmed in the offing, and only waiting the rising of the capricious breeze, to waft her onward on her _then_ peaceful mission of dispatch.
the feeling that comes when something burdensome is removed or reduced
From this reading And insensible, indeed, to the beautiful realities of the sweet wild solitude that reigned around, must that man have been, who could have gazed unmoved from the banks of the Erie, on the placid lake beneath his feet, mirroring the bright starred heavens on its unbroken surface, or throwing into full relief the snow-white sail and dark hull of some stately war-ship, becalmed in the offing, and only waiting the rising of the capricious breeze, to waft her onward on her _then_ peaceful mission of dispatch.
advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status
From this reading And insensible, indeed, to the beautiful realities of the sweet wild solitude that reigned around, must that man have been, who could have gazed unmoved from the banks of the Erie, on the placid lake beneath his feet, mirroring the bright starred heavens on its unbroken surface, or throwing into full relief the snow-white sail and dark hull of some stately war-ship, becalmed in the offing, and only waiting the rising of the capricious breeze, to waft her onward on her _then_ peaceful mission of dispatch.
traverse or travel on (a body of water)
From this reading And insensible, indeed, to the beautiful realities of the sweet wild solitude that reigned around, must that man have been, who could have gazed unmoved from the banks of the Erie, on the placid lake beneath his feet, mirroring the bright starred heavens on its unbroken surface, or throwing into full relief the snow-white sail and dark hull of some stately war-ship, becalmed in the offing, and only waiting the rising of the capricious breeze, to waft her onward on her _then_ peaceful mission of dispatch.
the place where some action occurs
From this reading Few places in America, or in the world, could, at the period embraced by our narrative, have offered more delightful associations than that which we have selected for an opening scene.
selectedadjectiveUS /səˈlektɪd/
chosen in preference to another
From this reading Few places in America, or in the world, could, at the period embraced by our narrative, have offered more delightful associations than that which we have selected for an opening scene.
Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.
From this reading Lost indeed to all perception of the natural must he have been, who could have listened, without a feeling of voluptuous melancholy, to the plaintive notes of the whip-poor-will, breaking on the silence of night, and harmonising with the general stillness of the scene.
situatedadjectiveUS /ˈsɪtʃuːeɪtɪd/
situated in a particular spot or position
From this reading At the northern extremity of the small town which bears its name situated at the head of Lake Erie, stands, or rather stood--for the fortifications then existing were subsequently destroyed--the small fortress of Malden.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading At the northern extremity of the small town which bears its name situated at the head of Lake Erie, stands, or rather stood--for the fortifications then existing were subsequently destroyed--the small fortress of Malden.
snow-whiteadjective
of the white color of snow
From this reading And insensible, indeed, to the beautiful realities of the sweet wild solitude that reigned around, must that man have been, who could have gazed unmoved from the banks of the Erie, on the placid lake beneath his feet, mirroring the bright starred heavens on its unbroken surface, or throwing into full relief the snow-white sail and dark hull of some stately war-ship, becalmed in the offing, and only waiting the rising of the capricious breeze, to waft her onward on her _then_ peaceful mission of dispatch.
solitudenounUS /ˈsɑːlətuːd/
a state of social isolation
From this reading And insensible, indeed, to the beautiful realities of the sweet wild solitude that reigned around, must that man have been, who could have gazed unmoved from the banks of the Erie, on the placid lake beneath his feet, mirroring the bright starred heavens on its unbroken surface, or throwing into full relief the snow-white sail and dark hull of some stately war-ship, becalmed in the offing, and only waiting the rising of the capricious breeze, to waft her onward on her _then_ peaceful mission of dispatch.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading And insensible, indeed, to the beautiful realities of the sweet wild solitude that reigned around, must that man have been, who could have gazed unmoved from the banks of the Erie, on the placid lake beneath his feet, mirroring the bright starred heavens on its unbroken surface, or throwing into full relief the snow-white sail and dark hull of some stately war-ship, becalmed in the offing, and only waiting the rising of the capricious breeze, to waft her onward on her _then_ peaceful mission of dispatch.
spotsnounUS /spɑːts/
spots before the eyes caused by opaque cell fragments in the vitreous humor and lens
From this reading Amherstburg was at that time one of the loveliest spots that ever issued from the will of a beneficent and gorgeous nature, and were the world-disgusted wanderer to have selected a home in which to lose all memory of conventional and artificial forms, his choice would assuredly have fallen here.
plural of “stand” — a support or foundation
From this reading At the northern extremity of the small town which bears its name situated at the head of Lake Erie, stands, or rather stood--for the fortifications then existing were subsequently destroyed--the small fortress of Malden.
starredadjectiveUS /stɑːrd/
marked with an asterisk
From this reading And insensible, indeed, to the beautiful realities of the sweet wild solitude that reigned around, must that man have been, who could have gazed unmoved from the banks of the Erie, on the placid lake beneath his feet, mirroring the bright starred heavens on its unbroken surface, or throwing into full relief the snow-white sail and dark hull of some stately war-ship, becalmed in the offing, and only waiting the rising of the capricious breeze, to waft her onward on her _then_ peaceful mission of dispatch.
statelyadjectiveUS /ˈsteɪtli/
impressive in appearance
From this reading And insensible, indeed, to the beautiful realities of the sweet wild solitude that reigned around, must that man have been, who could have gazed unmoved from the banks of the Erie, on the placid lake beneath his feet, mirroring the bright starred heavens on its unbroken surface, or throwing into full relief the snow-white sail and dark hull of some stately war-ship, becalmed in the offing, and only waiting the rising of the capricious breeze, to waft her onward on her _then_ peaceful mission of dispatch.
stillnessnounUS /ˈstɪlnəs/
(poetic) tranquil silence
From this reading Lost indeed to all perception of the natural must he have been, who could have listened, without a feeling of voluptuous melancholy, to the plaintive notes of the whip-poor-will, breaking on the silence of night, and harmonising with the general stillness of the scene.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading At the northern extremity of the small town which bears its name situated at the head of Lake Erie, stands, or rather stood--for the fortifications then existing were subsequently destroyed--the small fortress of Malden.
subsequentlyadverbUS /ˈsʌbsəkwəntli/
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading At the northern extremity of the small town which bears its name situated at the head of Lake Erie, stands, or rather stood--for the fortifications then existing were subsequently destroyed--the small fortress of Malden.
the outer boundary of an artifact or a material layer constituting or resembling such a boundary
From this reading And insensible, indeed, to the beautiful realities of the sweet wild solitude that reigned around, must that man have been, who could have gazed unmoved from the banks of the Erie, on the placid lake beneath his feet, mirroring the bright starred heavens on its unbroken surface, or throwing into full relief the snow-white sail and dark hull of some stately war-ship, becalmed in the offing, and only waiting the rising of the capricious breeze, to waft her onward on her _then_ peaceful mission of dispatch.
having or denoting the characteristic taste of sugar
From this reading And insensible, indeed, to the beautiful realities of the sweet wild solitude that reigned around, must that man have been, who could have gazed unmoved from the banks of the Erie, on the placid lake beneath his feet, mirroring the bright starred heavens on its unbroken surface, or throwing into full relief the snow-white sail and dark hull of some stately war-ship, becalmed in the offing, and only waiting the rising of the capricious breeze, to waft her onward on her _then_ peaceful mission of dispatch.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Few places in America, or in the world, could, at the period embraced by our narrative, have offered more delightful associations than that which we have selected for an opening scene.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Few places in America, or in the world, could, at the period embraced by our narrative, have offered more delightful associations than that which we have selected for an opening scene.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading At the northern extremity of the small town which bears its name situated at the head of Lake Erie, stands, or rather stood--for the fortifications then existing were subsequently destroyed--the small fortress of Malden.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading At the northern extremity of the small town which bears its name situated at the head of Lake Erie, stands, or rather stood--for the fortifications then existing were subsequently destroyed--the small fortress of Malden.
-ing form of “throw” — propel through the air
From this reading And insensible, indeed, to the beautiful realities of the sweet wild solitude that reigned around, must that man have been, who could have gazed unmoved from the banks of the Erie, on the placid lake beneath his feet, mirroring the bright starred heavens on its unbroken surface, or throwing into full relief the snow-white sail and dark hull of some stately war-ship, becalmed in the offing, and only waiting the rising of the capricious breeze, to waft her onward on her _then_ peaceful mission of dispatch.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading Amherstburg was at that time one of the loveliest spots that ever issued from the will of a beneficent and gorgeous nature, and were the world-disgusted wanderer to have selected a home in which to lose all memory of conventional and artificial forms, his choice would assuredly have fallen here.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Amherstburg was at that time one of the loveliest spots that ever issued from the will of a beneficent and gorgeous nature, and were the world-disgusted wanderer to have selected a home in which to lose all memory of conventional and artificial forms, his choice would assuredly have fallen here.
an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city
From this reading At the northern extremity of the small town which bears its name situated at the head of Lake Erie, stands, or rather stood--for the fortifications then existing were subsequently destroyed--the small fortress of Malden.
unbrokenadjectiveUS /ənˈbroʊkən/
marked by continuous or uninterrupted extension in space or time or sequence
From this reading And insensible, indeed, to the beautiful realities of the sweet wild solitude that reigned around, must that man have been, who could have gazed unmoved from the banks of the Erie, on the placid lake beneath his feet, mirroring the bright starred heavens on its unbroken surface, or throwing into full relief the snow-white sail and dark hull of some stately war-ship, becalmed in the offing, and only waiting the rising of the capricious breeze, to waft her onward on her _then_ peaceful mission of dispatch.
unmovedadjectiveUS /ənˈmuːvd/
emotionally unmoved
From this reading And insensible, indeed, to the beautiful realities of the sweet wild solitude that reigned around, must that man have been, who could have gazed unmoved from the banks of the Erie, on the placid lake beneath his feet, mirroring the bright starred heavens on its unbroken surface, or throwing into full relief the snow-white sail and dark hull of some stately war-ship, becalmed in the offing, and only waiting the rising of the capricious breeze, to waft her onward on her _then_ peaceful mission of dispatch.
voluptuousadjectiveUS /vəˈlʌptʃəwəs/
having strong sexual appeal
From this reading Lost indeed to all perception of the natural must he have been, who could have listened, without a feeling of voluptuous melancholy, to the plaintive notes of the whip-poor-will, breaking on the silence of night, and harmonising with the general stillness of the scene.
waftverbUS /wɑːft/
be driven or carried along, as by the air
From this reading And insensible, indeed, to the beautiful realities of the sweet wild solitude that reigned around, must that man have been, who could have gazed unmoved from the banks of the Erie, on the placid lake beneath his feet, mirroring the bright starred heavens on its unbroken surface, or throwing into full relief the snow-white sail and dark hull of some stately war-ship, becalmed in the offing, and only waiting the rising of the capricious breeze, to waft her onward on her _then_ peaceful mission of dispatch.
the act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something)
From this reading And insensible, indeed, to the beautiful realities of the sweet wild solitude that reigned around, must that man have been, who could have gazed unmoved from the banks of the Erie, on the placid lake beneath his feet, mirroring the bright starred heavens on its unbroken surface, or throwing into full relief the snow-white sail and dark hull of some stately war-ship, becalmed in the offing, and only waiting the rising of the capricious breeze, to waft her onward on her _then_ peaceful mission of dispatch.
wanderernounUS /ˈwɑːndərər/
someone who leads a wandering unsettled life
From this reading Amherstburg was at that time one of the loveliest spots that ever issued from the will of a beneficent and gorgeous nature, and were the world-disgusted wanderer to have selected a home in which to lose all memory of conventional and artificial forms, his choice would assuredly have fallen here.
war-ship
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And insensible, indeed, to the beautiful realities of the sweet wild solitude that reigned around, must that man have been, who could have gazed unmoved from the banks of the Erie, on the placid lake beneath his feet, mirroring the bright starred heavens on its unbroken surface, or throwing into full relief the snow-white sail and dark hull of some stately war-ship, becalmed in the offing, and only waiting the rising of the capricious breeze, to waft her onward on her _then_ peaceful mission of dispatch.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Amherstburg was at that time one of the loveliest spots that ever issued from the will of a beneficent and gorgeous nature, and were the world-disgusted wanderer to have selected a home in which to lose all memory of conventional and artificial forms, his choice would assuredly have fallen here.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading Few places in America, or in the world, could, at the period embraced by our narrative, have offered more delightful associations than that which we have selected for an opening scene.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading At the northern extremity of the small town which bears its name situated at the head of Lake Erie, stands, or rather stood--for the fortifications then existing were subsequently destroyed--the small fortress of Malden.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading At the northern extremity of the small town which bears its name situated at the head of Lake Erie, stands, or rather stood--for the fortifications then existing were subsequently destroyed--the small fortress of Malden.
whip-poor-will
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lost indeed to all perception of the natural must he have been, who could have listened, without a feeling of voluptuous melancholy, to the plaintive notes of the whip-poor-will, breaking on the silence of night, and harmonising with the general stillness of the scene.
which person or people
From this reading And insensible, indeed, to the beautiful realities of the sweet wild solitude that reigned around, must that man have been, who could have gazed unmoved from the banks of the Erie, on the placid lake beneath his feet, mirroring the bright starred heavens on its unbroken surface, or throwing into full relief the snow-white sail and dark hull of some stately war-ship, becalmed in the offing, and only waiting the rising of the capricious breeze, to waft her onward on her _then_ peaceful mission of dispatch.
marked by extreme lack of restraint or control
From this reading And insensible, indeed, to the beautiful realities of the sweet wild solitude that reigned around, must that man have been, who could have gazed unmoved from the banks of the Erie, on the placid lake beneath his feet, mirroring the bright starred heavens on its unbroken surface, or throwing into full relief the snow-white sail and dark hull of some stately war-ship, becalmed in the offing, and only waiting the rising of the capricious breeze, to waft her onward on her _then_ peaceful mission of dispatch.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading Amherstburg was at that time one of the loveliest spots that ever issued from the will of a beneficent and gorgeous nature, and were the world-disgusted wanderer to have selected a home in which to lose all memory of conventional and artificial forms, his choice would assuredly have fallen here.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Lost indeed to all perception of the natural must he have been, who could have listened, without a feeling of voluptuous melancholy, to the plaintive notes of the whip-poor-will, breaking on the silence of night, and harmonising with the general stillness of the scene.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading Lost indeed to all perception of the natural must he have been, who could have listened, without a feeling of voluptuous melancholy, to the plaintive notes of the whip-poor-will, breaking on the silence of night, and harmonising with the general stillness of the scene.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading Few places in America, or in the world, could, at the period embraced by our narrative, have offered more delightful associations than that which we have selected for an opening scene.
world-disgusted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Amherstburg was at that time one of the loveliest spots that ever issued from the will of a beneficent and gorgeous nature, and were the world-disgusted wanderer to have selected a home in which to lose all memory of conventional and artificial forms, his choice would assuredly have fallen here.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Amherstburg was at that time one of the loveliest spots that ever issued from the will of a beneficent and gorgeous nature, and were the world-disgusted wanderer to have selected a home in which to lose all memory of conventional and artificial forms, his choice would assuredly have fallen here.
