adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading But, between that prologue of blood, and the political drama which ensues,--between the fading interest, as it were, of a dream, and the more busy, actual, and continuous excitements of sterner life,--this may be the most fitting time to place before the reader a short and rapid outline of the state and circumstances of that city in which the principal scenes of this story are laid;--an outline necessary, perhaps, to many, for a full comprehension of the motives of the actors, and the vicissitudes of the plot.
actorsnounUS /ˈæktərz/
plural of “actor” — a theatrical performer
From this reading But, between that prologue of blood, and the political drama which ensues,--between the fading interest, as it were, of a dream, and the more busy, actual, and continuous excitements of sterner life,--this may be the most fitting time to place before the reader a short and rapid outline of the state and circumstances of that city in which the principal scenes of this story are laid;--an outline necessary, perhaps, to many, for a full comprehension of the motives of the actors, and the vicissitudes of the plot.
actualadjectiveUS /ˈæktʃəwəl/
presently existing in fact and not merely potential or possible
From this reading But, between that prologue of blood, and the political drama which ensues,--between the fading interest, as it were, of a dream, and the more busy, actual, and continuous excitements of sterner life,--this may be the most fitting time to place before the reader a short and rapid outline of the state and circumstances of that city in which the principal scenes of this story are laid;--an outline necessary, perhaps, to many, for a full comprehension of the motives of the actors, and the vicissitudes of the plot.
alladjectiveUS /ɔːl/
(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 Despite the miscellaneous and mongrel tribes that had forced their settlements in the City of the Caesars, the Roman population retained an inordinate notion of their own supremacy over the rest of the world; and, degenerated from the iron virtues of the Republic, possessed all the insolent and unruly turbulence which characterised the Plebs of the ancient Forum.
almostadverbUS /ˈɔːlmoʊst/
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading Years had passed away, and the death of the Roman boy, amidst more noble and less excusable slaughter, was soon forgotten,--forgotten almost by the parents of the slain, in the growing fame and fortunes of their eldest son,--forgotten and forgiven never by that son himself.
amidstprepositionUS /əˈmɪdst/
in the middle of; surrounded by
From this reading Years had passed away, and the death of the Roman boy, amidst more noble and less excusable slaughter, was soon forgotten,--forgotten almost by the parents of the slain, in the growing fame and fortunes of their eldest son,--forgotten and forgiven never by that son himself.
AmongstprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋst/
surrounded by; in the company of
From this reading Amongst a ferocious, yet not a brave populace, the nobles supported themselves less as sagacious tyrants than as relentless banditti.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading But, between that prologue of blood, and the political drama which ensues,--between the fading interest, as it were, of a dream, and the more busy, actual, and continuous excitements of sterner life,--this may be the most fitting time to place before the reader a short and rapid outline of the state and circumstances of that city in which the principal scenes of this story are laid;--an outline necessary, perhaps, to many, for a full comprehension of the motives of the actors, and the vicissitudes of the plot.
ancientadjectiveUS /ˈeɪn.ʃənt/
Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.
From this reading Despite the miscellaneous and mongrel tribes that had forced their settlements in the City of the Caesars, the Roman population retained an inordinate notion of their own supremacy over the rest of the world; and, degenerated from the iron virtues of the Republic, possessed all the insolent and unruly turbulence which characterised the Plebs of the ancient Forum.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Years had passed away, and the death of the Roman boy, amidst more noble and less excusable slaughter, was soon forgotten,--forgotten almost by the parents of the slain, in the growing fame and fortunes of their eldest son,--forgotten and forgiven never by that son himself.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading But, between that prologue of blood, and the political drama which ensues,--between the fading interest, as it were, of a dream, and the more busy, actual, and continuous excitements of sterner life,--this may be the most fitting time to place before the reader a short and rapid outline of the state and circumstances of that city in which the principal scenes of this story are laid;--an outline necessary, perhaps, to many, for a full comprehension of the motives of the actors, and the vicissitudes of the plot.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading But, between that prologue of blood, and the political drama which ensues,--between the fading interest, as it were, of a dream, and the more busy, actual, and continuous excitements of sterner life,--this may be the most fitting time to place before the reader a short and rapid outline of the state and circumstances of that city in which the principal scenes of this story are laid;--an outline necessary, perhaps, to many, for a full comprehension of the motives of the actors, and the vicissitudes of the plot.
awayadverbUS /əˈweɪ/
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Years had passed away, and the death of the Roman boy, amidst more noble and less excusable slaughter, was soon forgotten,--forgotten almost by the parents of the slain, in the growing fame and fortunes of their eldest son,--forgotten and forgiven never by that son himself.
banditti
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Amongst a ferocious, yet not a brave populace, the nobles supported themselves less as sagacious tyrants than as relentless banditti.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading But, between that prologue of blood, and the political drama which ensues,--between the fading interest, as it were, of a dream, and the more busy, actual, and continuous excitements of sterner life,--this may be the most fitting time to place before the reader a short and rapid outline of the state and circumstances of that city in which the principal scenes of this story are laid;--an outline necessary, perhaps, to many, for a full comprehension of the motives of the actors, and the vicissitudes of the plot.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading But, between that prologue of blood, and the political drama which ensues,--between the fading interest, as it were, of a dream, and the more busy, actual, and continuous excitements of sterner life,--this may be the most fitting time to place before the reader a short and rapid outline of the state and circumstances of that city in which the principal scenes of this story are laid;--an outline necessary, perhaps, to many, for a full comprehension of the motives of the actors, and the vicissitudes of the plot.
betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading But, between that prologue of blood, and the political drama which ensues,--between the fading interest, as it were, of a dream, and the more busy, actual, and continuous excitements of sterner life,--this may be the most fitting time to place before the reader a short and rapid outline of the state and circumstances of that city in which the principal scenes of this story are laid;--an outline necessary, perhaps, to many, for a full comprehension of the motives of the actors, and the vicissitudes of the plot.
bloodnounUS /blʌd/
The red fluid that circulates in the heart and blood vessels.
From this reading But, between that prologue of blood, and the political drama which ensues,--between the fading interest, as it were, of a dream, and the more busy, actual, and continuous excitements of sterner life,--this may be the most fitting time to place before the reader a short and rapid outline of the state and circumstances of that city in which the principal scenes of this story are laid;--an outline necessary, perhaps, to many, for a full comprehension of the motives of the actors, and the vicissitudes of the plot.
boynounUS /bɔɪ/
a youthful male person
From this reading Years had passed away, and the death of the Roman boy, amidst more noble and less excusable slaughter, was soon forgotten,--forgotten almost by the parents of the slain, in the growing fame and fortunes of their eldest son,--forgotten and forgiven never by that son himself.
braveadjectiveUS /breɪv/
possessing or displaying courage; able to face and deal with danger or fear without flinching
From this reading Amongst a ferocious, yet not a brave populace, the nobles supported themselves less as sagacious tyrants than as relentless banditti.
busyadjectiveUS /ˈbɪzi/
actively or fully engaged or occupied
From this reading But, between that prologue of blood, and the political drama which ensues,--between the fading interest, as it were, of a dream, and the more busy, actual, and continuous excitements of sterner life,--this may be the most fitting time to place before the reader a short and rapid outline of the state and circumstances of that city in which the principal scenes of this story are laid;--an outline necessary, perhaps, to many, for a full comprehension of the motives of the actors, and the vicissitudes of the plot.
ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But, between that prologue of blood, and the political drama which ensues,--between the fading interest, as it were, of a dream, and the more busy, actual, and continuous excitements of sterner life,--this may be the most fitting time to place before the reader a short and rapid outline of the state and circumstances of that city in which the principal scenes of this story are laid;--an outline necessary, perhaps, to many, for a full comprehension of the motives of the actors, and the vicissitudes of the plot.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Years had passed away, and the death of the Roman boy, amidst more noble and less excusable slaughter, was soon forgotten,--forgotten almost by the parents of the slain, in the growing fame and fortunes of their eldest son,--forgotten and forgiven never by that son himself.
CaesarsnounUS /ˈsiːzərz/
plural of “caesar” — conqueror of Gaul and master of Italy (100-44 BC)
From this reading Despite the miscellaneous and mongrel tribes that had forced their settlements in the City of the Caesars, the Roman population retained an inordinate notion of their own supremacy over the rest of the world; and, degenerated from the iron virtues of the Republic, possessed all the insolent and unruly turbulence which characterised the Plebs of the ancient Forum.
characterised
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Despite the miscellaneous and mongrel tribes that had forced their settlements in the City of the Caesars, the Roman population retained an inordinate notion of their own supremacy over the rest of the world; and, degenerated from the iron virtues of the Republic, possessed all the insolent and unruly turbulence which characterised the Plebs of the ancient Forum.
circumstancesnounUS /ˈsɜːrkəmstænsəz/
your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)
From this reading But, between that prologue of blood, and the political drama which ensues,--between the fading interest, as it were, of a dream, and the more busy, actual, and continuous excitements of sterner life,--this may be the most fitting time to place before the reader a short and rapid outline of the state and circumstances of that city in which the principal scenes of this story are laid;--an outline necessary, perhaps, to many, for a full comprehension of the motives of the actors, and the vicissitudes of the plot.
citynounUS /ˈsɪti/
a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts
From this reading But, between that prologue of blood, and the political drama which ensues,--between the fading interest, as it were, of a dream, and the more busy, actual, and continuous excitements of sterner life,--this may be the most fitting time to place before the reader a short and rapid outline of the state and circumstances of that city in which the principal scenes of this story are laid;--an outline necessary, perhaps, to many, for a full comprehension of the motives of the actors, and the vicissitudes of the plot.
comprehensionnounUS /ˌkɑːmpriˈhenʃən/
an ability to understand the meaning or importance of something (or the knowledge acquired as a result)
From this reading But, between that prologue of blood, and the political drama which ensues,--between the fading interest, as it were, of a dream, and the more busy, actual, and continuous excitements of sterner life,--this may be the most fitting time to place before the reader a short and rapid outline of the state and circumstances of that city in which the principal scenes of this story are laid;--an outline necessary, perhaps, to many, for a full comprehension of the motives of the actors, and the vicissitudes of the plot.
continuousadjectiveUS /kənˈtɪnjuːəs/
continuing in time or space without interruption
From this reading But, between that prologue of blood, and the political drama which ensues,--between the fading interest, as it were, of a dream, and the more busy, actual, and continuous excitements of sterner life,--this may be the most fitting time to place before the reader a short and rapid outline of the state and circumstances of that city in which the principal scenes of this story are laid;--an outline necessary, perhaps, to many, for a full comprehension of the motives of the actors, and the vicissitudes of the plot.
deathnounUS /deθ/
the event of dying or departure from life
From this reading Years had passed away, and the death of the Roman boy, amidst more noble and less excusable slaughter, was soon forgotten,--forgotten almost by the parents of the slain, in the growing fame and fortunes of their eldest son,--forgotten and forgiven never by that son himself.
degeneratedverbUS /dɪˈdʒenəreɪtɪd/
past form of “degenerate” — grow worse
From this reading Despite the miscellaneous and mongrel tribes that had forced their settlements in the City of the Caesars, the Roman population retained an inordinate notion of their own supremacy over the rest of the world; and, degenerated from the iron virtues of the Republic, possessed all the insolent and unruly turbulence which characterised the Plebs of the ancient Forum.
DespiteprepositionUS /dɪˈspaɪt/
although something is true; in spite of
From this reading Despite the miscellaneous and mongrel tribes that had forced their settlements in the City of the Caesars, the Roman population retained an inordinate notion of their own supremacy over the rest of the world; and, degenerated from the iron virtues of the Republic, possessed all the insolent and unruly turbulence which characterised the Plebs of the ancient Forum.
DislikenounUS /dɪˈslaɪk/
an inclination to withhold approval from some person or group
From this reading Those Who Dislike to Understand What They Read.
dramanounUS /ˈdrɑːmə/
a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage
From this reading But, between that prologue of blood, and the political drama which ensues,--between the fading interest, as it were, of a dream, and the more busy, actual, and continuous excitements of sterner life,--this may be the most fitting time to place before the reader a short and rapid outline of the state and circumstances of that city in which the principal scenes of this story are laid;--an outline necessary, perhaps, to many, for a full comprehension of the motives of the actors, and the vicissitudes of the plot.
dreamnounUS /driːm/
A series of thoughts, images, or emotions during sleep.
From this reading But, between that prologue of blood, and the political drama which ensues,--between the fading interest, as it were, of a dream, and the more busy, actual, and continuous excitements of sterner life,--this may be the most fitting time to place before the reader a short and rapid outline of the state and circumstances of that city in which the principal scenes of this story are laid;--an outline necessary, perhaps, to many, for a full comprehension of the motives of the actors, and the vicissitudes of the plot.
eldestadjectiveUS /ˈeldəst/
first in order of birth
From this reading Years had passed away, and the death of the Roman boy, amidst more noble and less excusable slaughter, was soon forgotten,--forgotten almost by the parents of the slain, in the growing fame and fortunes of their eldest son,--forgotten and forgiven never by that son himself.
ensuesverbUS /ɪnˈsuːz/
third-person singular of “ensue” — issue or terminate (in a specified way, state, etc.); end
From this reading But, between that prologue of blood, and the political drama which ensues,--between the fading interest, as it were, of a dream, and the more busy, actual, and continuous excitements of sterner life,--this may be the most fitting time to place before the reader a short and rapid outline of the state and circumstances of that city in which the principal scenes of this story are laid;--an outline necessary, perhaps, to many, for a full comprehension of the motives of the actors, and the vicissitudes of the plot.
excitements
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But, between that prologue of blood, and the political drama which ensues,--between the fading interest, as it were, of a dream, and the more busy, actual, and continuous excitements of sterner life,--this may be the most fitting time to place before the reader a short and rapid outline of the state and circumstances of that city in which the principal scenes of this story are laid;--an outline necessary, perhaps, to many, for a full comprehension of the motives of the actors, and the vicissitudes of the plot.
excusableadjectiveUS /ɪksˈkjuːzəbəl/
capable of being overlooked
From this reading Years had passed away, and the death of the Roman boy, amidst more noble and less excusable slaughter, was soon forgotten,--forgotten almost by the parents of the slain, in the growing fame and fortunes of their eldest son,--forgotten and forgiven never by that son himself.
fadingnounUS /ˈfeɪdɪŋ/
weakening in force or intensity
From this reading But, between that prologue of blood, and the political drama which ensues,--between the fading interest, as it were, of a dream, and the more busy, actual, and continuous excitements of sterner life,--this may be the most fitting time to place before the reader a short and rapid outline of the state and circumstances of that city in which the principal scenes of this story are laid;--an outline necessary, perhaps, to many, for a full comprehension of the motives of the actors, and the vicissitudes of the plot.
famenounUS /feɪm/
the state or quality of being widely honored and acclaimed
From this reading Years had passed away, and the death of the Roman boy, amidst more noble and less excusable slaughter, was soon forgotten,--forgotten almost by the parents of the slain, in the growing fame and fortunes of their eldest son,--forgotten and forgiven never by that son himself.
ferociousadjectiveUS /fərˈoʊʃəs/
marked by extreme and violent energy
From this reading Amongst a ferocious, yet not a brave populace, the nobles supported themselves less as sagacious tyrants than as relentless banditti.
fittingadjectiveUS /ˈfɪtɪŋ/
in harmony with the spirit of particular persons or occasion
From this reading But, between that prologue of blood, and the political drama which ensues,--between the fading interest, as it were, of a dream, and the more busy, actual, and continuous excitements of sterner life,--this may be the most fitting time to place before the reader a short and rapid outline of the state and circumstances of that city in which the principal scenes of this story are laid;--an outline necessary, perhaps, to many, for a full comprehension of the motives of the actors, and the vicissitudes of the plot.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading But, between that prologue of blood, and the political drama which ensues,--between the fading interest, as it were, of a dream, and the more busy, actual, and continuous excitements of sterner life,--this may be the most fitting time to place before the reader a short and rapid outline of the state and circumstances of that city in which the principal scenes of this story are laid;--an outline necessary, perhaps, to many, for a full comprehension of the motives of the actors, and the vicissitudes of the plot.
forcedadjectiveUS /fɔːrst/
produced by or subjected to forcing
From this reading Despite the miscellaneous and mongrel tribes that had forced their settlements in the City of the Caesars, the Roman population retained an inordinate notion of their own supremacy over the rest of the world; and, degenerated from the iron virtues of the Republic, possessed all the insolent and unruly turbulence which characterised the Plebs of the ancient Forum.
forgivenverbUS /fərˈɡɪvən/
inflected form of “forgive” — stop blaming or grant forgiveness
From this reading Years had passed away, and the death of the Roman boy, amidst more noble and less excusable slaughter, was soon forgotten,--forgotten almost by the parents of the slain, in the growing fame and fortunes of their eldest son,--forgotten and forgiven never by that son himself.
forgottenadjectiveUS /fərˈɡɑːt.n̩/
Not remembered; lapsed from memory.
From this reading Years had passed away, and the death of the Roman boy, amidst more noble and less excusable slaughter, was soon forgotten,--forgotten almost by the parents of the slain, in the growing fame and fortunes of their eldest son,--forgotten and forgiven never by that son himself.
fortunesnounUS /ˈfɔːrtʃənz/
plural of “fortune” — an unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that causes an event to result one way rather than another
From this reading Years had passed away, and the death of the Roman boy, amidst more noble and less excusable slaughter, was soon forgotten,--forgotten almost by the parents of the slain, in the growing fame and fortunes of their eldest son,--forgotten and forgiven never by that son himself.
ForumnounUS /ˈfɔːrəm/
a public meeting or assembly for open discussion
From this reading Despite the miscellaneous and mongrel tribes that had forced their settlements in the City of the Caesars, the Roman population retained an inordinate notion of their own supremacy over the rest of the world; and, degenerated from the iron virtues of the Republic, possessed all the insolent and unruly turbulence which characterised the Plebs of the ancient Forum.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Despite the miscellaneous and mongrel tribes that had forced their settlements in the City of the Caesars, the Roman population retained an inordinate notion of their own supremacy over the rest of the world; and, degenerated from the iron virtues of the Republic, possessed all the insolent and unruly turbulence which characterised the Plebs of the ancient Forum.
fulladjectiveUS /fʊl/
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading But, between that prologue of blood, and the political drama which ensues,--between the fading interest, as it were, of a dream, and the more busy, actual, and continuous excitements of sterner life,--this may be the most fitting time to place before the reader a short and rapid outline of the state and circumstances of that city in which the principal scenes of this story are laid;--an outline necessary, perhaps, to many, for a full comprehension of the motives of the actors, and the vicissitudes of the plot.
growingnounUS /ˈɡroʊɪŋ/
(biology) the process of an individual organism growing organically; a purely biological unfolding of events involved in an organism changing gradually from a simple to a more complex level
From this reading Years had passed away, and the death of the Roman boy, amidst more noble and less excusable slaughter, was soon forgotten,--forgotten almost by the parents of the slain, in the growing fame and fortunes of their eldest son,--forgotten and forgiven never by that son himself.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Years had passed away, and the death of the Roman boy, amidst more noble and less excusable slaughter, was soon forgotten,--forgotten almost by the parents of the slain, in the growing fame and fortunes of their eldest son,--forgotten and forgiven never by that son himself.
himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Years had passed away, and the death of the Roman boy, amidst more noble and less excusable slaughter, was soon forgotten,--forgotten almost by the parents of the slain, in the growing fame and fortunes of their eldest son,--forgotten and forgiven never by that son himself.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Years had passed away, and the death of the Roman boy, amidst more noble and less excusable slaughter, was soon forgotten,--forgotten almost by the parents of the slain, in the growing fame and fortunes of their eldest son,--forgotten and forgiven never by that son himself.
inordinateadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈnɔːrdənɪt/
beyond normal limits
From this reading Despite the miscellaneous and mongrel tribes that had forced their settlements in the City of the Caesars, the Roman population retained an inordinate notion of their own supremacy over the rest of the world; and, degenerated from the iron virtues of the Republic, possessed all the insolent and unruly turbulence which characterised the Plebs of the ancient Forum.
insolentadjectiveUS /ˈɪnsələnt/
marked by casual disrespect
From this reading Despite the miscellaneous and mongrel tribes that had forced their settlements in the City of the Caesars, the Roman population retained an inordinate notion of their own supremacy over the rest of the world; and, degenerated from the iron virtues of the Republic, possessed all the insolent and unruly turbulence which characterised the Plebs of the ancient Forum.
interestnounUS /ˈɪntrəst/
a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
From this reading But, between that prologue of blood, and the political drama which ensues,--between the fading interest, as it were, of a dream, and the more busy, actual, and continuous excitements of sterner life,--this may be the most fitting time to place before the reader a short and rapid outline of the state and circumstances of that city in which the principal scenes of this story are laid;--an outline necessary, perhaps, to many, for a full comprehension of the motives of the actors, and the vicissitudes of the plot.
ironnounUS /ˈaɪərn/
a heavy ductile magnetic metallic element; is silver-white in pure form but readily rusts; used in construction and tools and armament; plays a role in the transport of oxygen by the blood
From this reading Despite the miscellaneous and mongrel tribes that had forced their settlements in the City of the Caesars, the Roman population retained an inordinate notion of their own supremacy over the rest of the world; and, degenerated from the iron virtues of the Republic, possessed all the insolent and unruly turbulence which characterised the Plebs of the ancient Forum.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading But, between that prologue of blood, and the political drama which ensues,--between the fading interest, as it were, of a dream, and the more busy, actual, and continuous excitements of sterner life,--this may be the most fitting time to place before the reader a short and rapid outline of the state and circumstances of that city in which the principal scenes of this story are laid;--an outline necessary, perhaps, to many, for a full comprehension of the motives of the actors, and the vicissitudes of the plot.
laidadjectiveUS /leɪd/
set down according to a plan
From this reading But, between that prologue of blood, and the political drama which ensues,--between the fading interest, as it were, of a dream, and the more busy, actual, and continuous excitements of sterner life,--this may be the most fitting time to place before the reader a short and rapid outline of the state and circumstances of that city in which the principal scenes of this story are laid;--an outline necessary, perhaps, to many, for a full comprehension of the motives of the actors, and the vicissitudes of the plot.
lessadverbUS /les/
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading Years had passed away, and the death of the Roman boy, amidst more noble and less excusable slaughter, was soon forgotten,--forgotten almost by the parents of the slain, in the growing fame and fortunes of their eldest son,--forgotten and forgiven never by that son himself.
lifenounUS /laɪf/
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading But, between that prologue of blood, and the political drama which ensues,--between the fading interest, as it were, of a dream, and the more busy, actual, and continuous excitements of sterner life,--this may be the most fitting time to place before the reader a short and rapid outline of the state and circumstances of that city in which the principal scenes of this story are laid;--an outline necessary, perhaps, to many, for a full comprehension of the motives of the actors, and the vicissitudes of the plot.
manyadjectiveUS /ˈmeni/
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading But, between that prologue of blood, and the political drama which ensues,--between the fading interest, as it were, of a dream, and the more busy, actual, and continuous excitements of sterner life,--this may be the most fitting time to place before the reader a short and rapid outline of the state and circumstances of that city in which the principal scenes of this story are laid;--an outline necessary, perhaps, to many, for a full comprehension of the motives of the actors, and the vicissitudes of the plot.
maymodal verbUS /meɪ/
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading But, between that prologue of blood, and the political drama which ensues,--between the fading interest, as it were, of a dream, and the more busy, actual, and continuous excitements of sterner life,--this may be the most fitting time to place before the reader a short and rapid outline of the state and circumstances of that city in which the principal scenes of this story are laid;--an outline necessary, perhaps, to many, for a full comprehension of the motives of the actors, and the vicissitudes of the plot.
miscellaneousadjectiveUS /ˌmɪsəˈleɪniəs/
consisting of a haphazard assortment of different kinds
From this reading Despite the miscellaneous and mongrel tribes that had forced their settlements in the City of the Caesars, the Roman population retained an inordinate notion of their own supremacy over the rest of the world; and, degenerated from the iron virtues of the Republic, possessed all the insolent and unruly turbulence which characterised the Plebs of the ancient Forum.
mongrelnoun
derogatory term for a variation that is not genuine; something irregular or inferior or of dubious origin
From this reading Despite the miscellaneous and mongrel tribes that had forced their settlements in the City of the Caesars, the Roman population retained an inordinate notion of their own supremacy over the rest of the world; and, degenerated from the iron virtues of the Republic, possessed all the insolent and unruly turbulence which characterised the Plebs of the ancient Forum.
moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Years had passed away, and the death of the Roman boy, amidst more noble and less excusable slaughter, was soon forgotten,--forgotten almost by the parents of the slain, in the growing fame and fortunes of their eldest son,--forgotten and forgiven never by that son himself.
mostadverbUS /moʊst/
used to form the superlative
From this reading But, between that prologue of blood, and the political drama which ensues,--between the fading interest, as it were, of a dream, and the more busy, actual, and continuous excitements of sterner life,--this may be the most fitting time to place before the reader a short and rapid outline of the state and circumstances of that city in which the principal scenes of this story are laid;--an outline necessary, perhaps, to many, for a full comprehension of the motives of the actors, and the vicissitudes of the plot.
motivesnounUS /ˈmoʊtɪvz/
plural of “motive” — the psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal; the reason for the action; that which gives purpose and direction to behavior
From this reading But, between that prologue of blood, and the political drama which ensues,--between the fading interest, as it were, of a dream, and the more busy, actual, and continuous excitements of sterner life,--this may be the most fitting time to place before the reader a short and rapid outline of the state and circumstances of that city in which the principal scenes of this story are laid;--an outline necessary, perhaps, to many, for a full comprehension of the motives of the actors, and the vicissitudes of the plot.
necessaryadjectiveUS /ˈnesəseri/
absolutely essential
From this reading But, between that prologue of blood, and the political drama which ensues,--between the fading interest, as it were, of a dream, and the more busy, actual, and continuous excitements of sterner life,--this may be the most fitting time to place before the reader a short and rapid outline of the state and circumstances of that city in which the principal scenes of this story are laid;--an outline necessary, perhaps, to many, for a full comprehension of the motives of the actors, and the vicissitudes of the plot.
neveradverbUS /ˈnevər/
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading Years had passed away, and the death of the Roman boy, amidst more noble and less excusable slaughter, was soon forgotten,--forgotten almost by the parents of the slain, in the growing fame and fortunes of their eldest son,--forgotten and forgiven never by that son himself.
nobleadjectiveUS /ˈnoʊbəl/
impressive in appearance
From this reading Years had passed away, and the death of the Roman boy, amidst more noble and less excusable slaughter, was soon forgotten,--forgotten almost by the parents of the slain, in the growing fame and fortunes of their eldest son,--forgotten and forgiven never by that son himself.
noblesnounUS /ˈnoʊbəlz/
plural of “noble” — a titled peer of the realm
From this reading Amongst a ferocious, yet not a brave populace, the nobles supported themselves less as sagacious tyrants than as relentless banditti.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Amongst a ferocious, yet not a brave populace, the nobles supported themselves less as sagacious tyrants than as relentless banditti.
notionnounUS /ˈnoʊʃən/
a vague idea in which some confidence is placed
From this reading Despite the miscellaneous and mongrel tribes that had forced their settlements in the City of the Caesars, the Roman population retained an inordinate notion of their own supremacy over the rest of the world; and, degenerated from the iron virtues of the Republic, possessed all the insolent and unruly turbulence which characterised the Plebs of the ancient Forum.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Years had passed away, and the death of the Roman boy, amidst more noble and less excusable slaughter, was soon forgotten,--forgotten almost by the parents of the slain, in the growing fame and fortunes of their eldest son,--forgotten and forgiven never by that son himself.
outlinenounUS /ˈaʊtlaɪn/
the line that appears to bound an object
From this reading But, between that prologue of blood, and the political drama which ensues,--between the fading interest, as it were, of a dream, and the more busy, actual, and continuous excitements of sterner life,--this may be the most fitting time to place before the reader a short and rapid outline of the state and circumstances of that city in which the principal scenes of this story are laid;--an outline necessary, perhaps, to many, for a full comprehension of the motives of the actors, and the vicissitudes of the plot.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Despite the miscellaneous and mongrel tribes that had forced their settlements in the City of the Caesars, the Roman population retained an inordinate notion of their own supremacy over the rest of the world; and, degenerated from the iron virtues of the Republic, possessed all the insolent and unruly turbulence which characterised the Plebs of the ancient Forum.
ownverbUS /oʊn/
have ownership or possession of
From this reading Despite the miscellaneous and mongrel tribes that had forced their settlements in the City of the Caesars, the Roman population retained an inordinate notion of their own supremacy over the rest of the world; and, degenerated from the iron virtues of the Republic, possessed all the insolent and unruly turbulence which characterised the Plebs of the ancient Forum.
parentsnounUS /ˈperənts/
plural of “parent” — a father or mother; one who begets or one who gives birth to or nurtures and raises a child; a relative who plays the role of guardian
From this reading Years had passed away, and the death of the Roman boy, amidst more noble and less excusable slaughter, was soon forgotten,--forgotten almost by the parents of the slain, in the growing fame and fortunes of their eldest son,--forgotten and forgiven never by that son himself.
passedverbUS /pæst/
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading Years had passed away, and the death of the Roman boy, amidst more noble and less excusable slaughter, was soon forgotten,--forgotten almost by the parents of the slain, in the growing fame and fortunes of their eldest son,--forgotten and forgiven never by that son himself.
perhapsadverbUS /pərˈhæps/
by chance
From this reading But, between that prologue of blood, and the political drama which ensues,--between the fading interest, as it were, of a dream, and the more busy, actual, and continuous excitements of sterner life,--this may be the most fitting time to place before the reader a short and rapid outline of the state and circumstances of that city in which the principal scenes of this story are laid;--an outline necessary, perhaps, to many, for a full comprehension of the motives of the actors, and the vicissitudes of the plot.
placenounUS /pleɪs/
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading But, between that prologue of blood, and the political drama which ensues,--between the fading interest, as it were, of a dream, and the more busy, actual, and continuous excitements of sterner life,--this may be the most fitting time to place before the reader a short and rapid outline of the state and circumstances of that city in which the principal scenes of this story are laid;--an outline necessary, perhaps, to many, for a full comprehension of the motives of the actors, and the vicissitudes of the plot.
Plebs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Despite the miscellaneous and mongrel tribes that had forced their settlements in the City of the Caesars, the Roman population retained an inordinate notion of their own supremacy over the rest of the world; and, degenerated from the iron virtues of the Republic, possessed all the insolent and unruly turbulence which characterised the Plebs of the ancient Forum.
plotnounUS /plɑːt/
a secret scheme to do something (especially something underhand or illegal)
From this reading But, between that prologue of blood, and the political drama which ensues,--between the fading interest, as it were, of a dream, and the more busy, actual, and continuous excitements of sterner life,--this may be the most fitting time to place before the reader a short and rapid outline of the state and circumstances of that city in which the principal scenes of this story are laid;--an outline necessary, perhaps, to many, for a full comprehension of the motives of the actors, and the vicissitudes of the plot.
politicaladjectiveUS /pəˈlɪtəkəl/
involving or characteristic of politics or parties or politicians
From this reading But, between that prologue of blood, and the political drama which ensues,--between the fading interest, as it were, of a dream, and the more busy, actual, and continuous excitements of sterner life,--this may be the most fitting time to place before the reader a short and rapid outline of the state and circumstances of that city in which the principal scenes of this story are laid;--an outline necessary, perhaps, to many, for a full comprehension of the motives of the actors, and the vicissitudes of the plot.
populacenounUS /ˈpɑːpjələs/
people in general considered as a whole
From this reading Amongst a ferocious, yet not a brave populace, the nobles supported themselves less as sagacious tyrants than as relentless banditti.
populationnounUS /ˌpɑːpjəˈleɪʃən/
the people who inhabit a territory or state
From this reading Despite the miscellaneous and mongrel tribes that had forced their settlements in the City of the Caesars, the Roman population retained an inordinate notion of their own supremacy over the rest of the world; and, degenerated from the iron virtues of the Republic, possessed all the insolent and unruly turbulence which characterised the Plebs of the ancient Forum.
possessedadjectiveUS /pəˈzest/
influenced or controlled by a powerful force such as a strong emotion
From this reading Despite the miscellaneous and mongrel tribes that had forced their settlements in the City of the Caesars, the Roman population retained an inordinate notion of their own supremacy over the rest of the world; and, degenerated from the iron virtues of the Republic, possessed all the insolent and unruly turbulence which characterised the Plebs of the ancient Forum.
principalnounUS /ˈprɪnsəpəl/
the original amount of a debt on which interest is calculated
From this reading But, between that prologue of blood, and the political drama which ensues,--between the fading interest, as it were, of a dream, and the more busy, actual, and continuous excitements of sterner life,--this may be the most fitting time to place before the reader a short and rapid outline of the state and circumstances of that city in which the principal scenes of this story are laid;--an outline necessary, perhaps, to many, for a full comprehension of the motives of the actors, and the vicissitudes of the plot.
prologuenounUS /ˈproʊlɑːɡ/
an introduction to a play
From this reading But, between that prologue of blood, and the political drama which ensues,--between the fading interest, as it were, of a dream, and the more busy, actual, and continuous excitements of sterner life,--this may be the most fitting time to place before the reader a short and rapid outline of the state and circumstances of that city in which the principal scenes of this story are laid;--an outline necessary, perhaps, to many, for a full comprehension of the motives of the actors, and the vicissitudes of the plot.
rapidadjectiveUS /ˈræpəd/
done or occurring in a brief period of time
From this reading But, between that prologue of blood, and the political drama which ensues,--between the fading interest, as it were, of a dream, and the more busy, actual, and continuous excitements of sterner life,--this may be the most fitting time to place before the reader a short and rapid outline of the state and circumstances of that city in which the principal scenes of this story are laid;--an outline necessary, perhaps, to many, for a full comprehension of the motives of the actors, and the vicissitudes of the plot.
ReadverbUS /red/
interpret something that is written or printed
From this reading Those Who Dislike to Understand What They Read.
readernounUS /ˈriːdər/
a person who enjoys reading
From this reading But, between that prologue of blood, and the political drama which ensues,--between the fading interest, as it were, of a dream, and the more busy, actual, and continuous excitements of sterner life,--this may be the most fitting time to place before the reader a short and rapid outline of the state and circumstances of that city in which the principal scenes of this story are laid;--an outline necessary, perhaps, to many, for a full comprehension of the motives of the actors, and the vicissitudes of the plot.
relentlessadjectiveUS /rɪˈlentlɪs/
not to be placated or appeased or moved by entreaty
From this reading Amongst a ferocious, yet not a brave populace, the nobles supported themselves less as sagacious tyrants than as relentless banditti.
RepublicnounUS /riˈpʌblək/
a political system in which the supreme power lies in a body of citizens who can elect people to represent them
From this reading Despite the miscellaneous and mongrel tribes that had forced their settlements in the City of the Caesars, the Roman population retained an inordinate notion of their own supremacy over the rest of the world; and, degenerated from the iron virtues of the Republic, possessed all the insolent and unruly turbulence which characterised the Plebs of the ancient Forum.
restverbUS /rest/
not move; be in a resting position
From this reading Despite the miscellaneous and mongrel tribes that had forced their settlements in the City of the Caesars, the Roman population retained an inordinate notion of their own supremacy over the rest of the world; and, degenerated from the iron virtues of the Republic, possessed all the insolent and unruly turbulence which characterised the Plebs of the ancient Forum.
retainedadjectiveUS /rɪˈteɪnd/
continued in your keeping or use or memory
From this reading Despite the miscellaneous and mongrel tribes that had forced their settlements in the City of the Caesars, the Roman population retained an inordinate notion of their own supremacy over the rest of the world; and, degenerated from the iron virtues of the Republic, possessed all the insolent and unruly turbulence which characterised the Plebs of the ancient Forum.
RomanadjectiveUS /ˈroʊmən/
relating to or characteristic of people of Rome
From this reading Years had passed away, and the death of the Roman boy, amidst more noble and less excusable slaughter, was soon forgotten,--forgotten almost by the parents of the slain, in the growing fame and fortunes of their eldest son,--forgotten and forgiven never by that son himself.
sagaciousadjective
acutely insightful and wise
From this reading Amongst a ferocious, yet not a brave populace, the nobles supported themselves less as sagacious tyrants than as relentless banditti.
scenesnounUS /siːnz/
plural of “scene” — the place where some action occurs
From this reading But, between that prologue of blood, and the political drama which ensues,--between the fading interest, as it were, of a dream, and the more busy, actual, and continuous excitements of sterner life,--this may be the most fitting time to place before the reader a short and rapid outline of the state and circumstances of that city in which the principal scenes of this story are laid;--an outline necessary, perhaps, to many, for a full comprehension of the motives of the actors, and the vicissitudes of the plot.
settlementsnounUS /ˈsetəlmənts/
plural of “settlement” — a body of people who settle far from home but maintain ties with their homeland; inhabitants remain nationals of their home state but are not literally under the home state's system of government
From this reading Despite the miscellaneous and mongrel tribes that had forced their settlements in the City of the Caesars, the Roman population retained an inordinate notion of their own supremacy over the rest of the world; and, degenerated from the iron virtues of the Republic, possessed all the insolent and unruly turbulence which characterised the Plebs of the ancient Forum.
shortadjectiveUS /ʃɔːrt/
primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration
From this reading But, between that prologue of blood, and the political drama which ensues,--between the fading interest, as it were, of a dream, and the more busy, actual, and continuous excitements of sterner life,--this may be the most fitting time to place before the reader a short and rapid outline of the state and circumstances of that city in which the principal scenes of this story are laid;--an outline necessary, perhaps, to many, for a full comprehension of the motives of the actors, and the vicissitudes of the plot.
slainnounUS /sleɪn/
people who have been slain (as in battle)
From this reading Years had passed away, and the death of the Roman boy, amidst more noble and less excusable slaughter, was soon forgotten,--forgotten almost by the parents of the slain, in the growing fame and fortunes of their eldest son,--forgotten and forgiven never by that son himself.
slaughternounUS /ˈslɔːtər/
the killing of animals (as for food)
From this reading Years had passed away, and the death of the Roman boy, amidst more noble and less excusable slaughter, was soon forgotten,--forgotten almost by the parents of the slain, in the growing fame and fortunes of their eldest son,--forgotten and forgiven never by that son himself.
sonnounUS /sʌn/
a male human offspring
From this reading Years had passed away, and the death of the Roman boy, amidst more noble and less excusable slaughter, was soon forgotten,--forgotten almost by the parents of the slain, in the growing fame and fortunes of their eldest son,--forgotten and forgiven never by that son himself.
soonadverbUS /suːn/
in the near future
From this reading Years had passed away, and the death of the Roman boy, amidst more noble and less excusable slaughter, was soon forgotten,--forgotten almost by the parents of the slain, in the growing fame and fortunes of their eldest son,--forgotten and forgiven never by that son himself.
statenounUS /steɪt/
the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation
From this reading But, between that prologue of blood, and the political drama which ensues,--between the fading interest, as it were, of a dream, and the more busy, actual, and continuous excitements of sterner life,--this may be the most fitting time to place before the reader a short and rapid outline of the state and circumstances of that city in which the principal scenes of this story are laid;--an outline necessary, perhaps, to many, for a full comprehension of the motives of the actors, and the vicissitudes of the plot.
sterneradjectiveUS /ˈstɜːrnər/
comparative of “stern” — of a stern or strict bearing or demeanor; forbidding in aspect
From this reading But, between that prologue of blood, and the political drama which ensues,--between the fading interest, as it were, of a dream, and the more busy, actual, and continuous excitements of sterner life,--this may be the most fitting time to place before the reader a short and rapid outline of the state and circumstances of that city in which the principal scenes of this story are laid;--an outline necessary, perhaps, to many, for a full comprehension of the motives of the actors, and the vicissitudes of the plot.
storynounUS /ˈstɔːri/
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 But, between that prologue of blood, and the political drama which ensues,--between the fading interest, as it were, of a dream, and the more busy, actual, and continuous excitements of sterner life,--this may be the most fitting time to place before the reader a short and rapid outline of the state and circumstances of that city in which the principal scenes of this story are laid;--an outline necessary, perhaps, to many, for a full comprehension of the motives of the actors, and the vicissitudes of the plot.
supportedadjectiveUS /səˈpɔːrtɪd/
sustained or maintained by aid (as distinct from physical support)
From this reading Amongst a ferocious, yet not a brave populace, the nobles supported themselves less as sagacious tyrants than as relentless banditti.
supremacynounUS /səˈpreməsi/
power to dominate or defeat
From this reading Despite the miscellaneous and mongrel tribes that had forced their settlements in the City of the Caesars, the Roman population retained an inordinate notion of their own supremacy over the rest of the world; and, degenerated from the iron virtues of the Republic, possessed all the insolent and unruly turbulence which characterised the Plebs of the ancient Forum.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Amongst a ferocious, yet not a brave populace, the nobles supported themselves less as sagacious tyrants than as relentless banditti.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Years had passed away, and the death of the Roman boy, amidst more noble and less excusable slaughter, was soon forgotten,--forgotten almost by the parents of the slain, in the growing fame and fortunes of their eldest son,--forgotten and forgiven never by that son himself.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Years had passed away, and the death of the Roman boy, amidst more noble and less excusable slaughter, was soon forgotten,--forgotten almost by the parents of the slain, in the growing fame and fortunes of their eldest son,--forgotten and forgiven never by that son himself.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Years had passed away, and the death of the Roman boy, amidst more noble and less excusable slaughter, was soon forgotten,--forgotten almost by the parents of the slain, in the growing fame and fortunes of their eldest son,--forgotten and forgiven never by that son himself.
themselvespronounUS /ðemˈselvz/
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading Amongst a ferocious, yet not a brave populace, the nobles supported themselves less as sagacious tyrants than as relentless banditti.
TheypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Those Who Dislike to Understand What They Read.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading But, between that prologue of blood, and the political drama which ensues,--between the fading interest, as it were, of a dream, and the more busy, actual, and continuous excitements of sterner life,--this may be the most fitting time to place before the reader a short and rapid outline of the state and circumstances of that city in which the principal scenes of this story are laid;--an outline necessary, perhaps, to many, for a full comprehension of the motives of the actors, and the vicissitudes of the plot.
ThosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading Those Who Dislike to Understand What They Read.
timenounUS /taɪm/
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading But, between that prologue of blood, and the political drama which ensues,--between the fading interest, as it were, of a dream, and the more busy, actual, and continuous excitements of sterner life,--this may be the most fitting time to place before the reader a short and rapid outline of the state and circumstances of that city in which the principal scenes of this story are laid;--an outline necessary, perhaps, to many, for a full comprehension of the motives of the actors, and the vicissitudes of the plot.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Those Who Dislike to Understand What They Read.
tribesnounUS /traɪbz/
plural of “tribe” — a social division of (usually preliterate) people
From this reading Despite the miscellaneous and mongrel tribes that had forced their settlements in the City of the Caesars, the Roman population retained an inordinate notion of their own supremacy over the rest of the world; and, degenerated from the iron virtues of the Republic, possessed all the insolent and unruly turbulence which characterised the Plebs of the ancient Forum.
turbulencenounUS /ˈtɜːrbjələns/
unstable flow of a liquid or gas
From this reading Despite the miscellaneous and mongrel tribes that had forced their settlements in the City of the Caesars, the Roman population retained an inordinate notion of their own supremacy over the rest of the world; and, degenerated from the iron virtues of the Republic, possessed all the insolent and unruly turbulence which characterised the Plebs of the ancient Forum.
tyrantsnounUS /ˈtaɪrənts/
plural of “tyrant” — a cruel and oppressive dictator
From this reading Amongst a ferocious, yet not a brave populace, the nobles supported themselves less as sagacious tyrants than as relentless banditti.
UnderstandverbUS /ˌʌndərˈstænd/
know and comprehend the nature or meaning of
From this reading Those Who Dislike to Understand What They Read.
unrulyadjectiveUS /ənˈruːli/
noisy and lacking in restraint or discipline
From this reading Despite the miscellaneous and mongrel tribes that had forced their settlements in the City of the Caesars, the Roman population retained an inordinate notion of their own supremacy over the rest of the world; and, degenerated from the iron virtues of the Republic, possessed all the insolent and unruly turbulence which characterised the Plebs of the ancient Forum.
vicissitudesnounUS /vɪˈsɪsɪtuːdz/
plural of “vicissitude” — a variation in circumstances or fortune at different times in your life or in the development of something
From this reading But, between that prologue of blood, and the political drama which ensues,--between the fading interest, as it were, of a dream, and the more busy, actual, and continuous excitements of sterner life,--this may be the most fitting time to place before the reader a short and rapid outline of the state and circumstances of that city in which the principal scenes of this story are laid;--an outline necessary, perhaps, to many, for a full comprehension of the motives of the actors, and the vicissitudes of the plot.
virtuesnounUS /ˈvɜːrtʃuːz/
plural of “virtue” — the quality of doing what is right and avoiding what is wrong
From this reading Despite the miscellaneous and mongrel tribes that had forced their settlements in the City of the Caesars, the Roman population retained an inordinate notion of their own supremacy over the rest of the world; and, degenerated from the iron virtues of the Republic, possessed all the insolent and unruly turbulence which characterised the Plebs of the ancient Forum.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Years had passed away, and the death of the Roman boy, amidst more noble and less excusable slaughter, was soon forgotten,--forgotten almost by the parents of the slain, in the growing fame and fortunes of their eldest son,--forgotten and forgiven never by that son himself.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading But, between that prologue of blood, and the political drama which ensues,--between the fading interest, as it were, of a dream, and the more busy, actual, and continuous excitements of sterner life,--this may be the most fitting time to place before the reader a short and rapid outline of the state and circumstances of that city in which the principal scenes of this story are laid;--an outline necessary, perhaps, to many, for a full comprehension of the motives of the actors, and the vicissitudes of the plot.
WhatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Those Who Dislike to Understand What They Read.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading But, between that prologue of blood, and the political drama which ensues,--between the fading interest, as it were, of a dream, and the more busy, actual, and continuous excitements of sterner life,--this may be the most fitting time to place before the reader a short and rapid outline of the state and circumstances of that city in which the principal scenes of this story are laid;--an outline necessary, perhaps, to many, for a full comprehension of the motives of the actors, and the vicissitudes of the plot.
WhopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading Those Who Dislike to Understand What They Read.
worldnounUS /wɜːrld/
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading Despite the miscellaneous and mongrel tribes that had forced their settlements in the City of the Caesars, the Roman population retained an inordinate notion of their own supremacy over the rest of the world; and, degenerated from the iron virtues of the Republic, possessed all the insolent and unruly turbulence which characterised the Plebs of the ancient Forum.
YearsnounUS /jɪrz/
a late time of life
From this reading Years had passed away, and the death of the Roman boy, amidst more noble and less excusable slaughter, was soon forgotten,--forgotten almost by the parents of the slain, in the growing fame and fortunes of their eldest son,--forgotten and forgiven never by that son himself.
yetconjunctionUS /jet/
but in spite of that
From this reading Amongst a ferocious, yet not a brave populace, the nobles supported themselves less as sagacious tyrants than as relentless banditti.
